"[symphonic music]" "[music continues]" "[music continues]" "(male narrator) Our story takes you down this shadowed path to a remote unguarded building in the English midlands." "Melbridge County Asylum." "Grimly proud of its new military wing." "Which barely suffices in this Autumn of 1918." "To house the shattered minds of the war that was to end war." "Now, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, I should warn you that even if he is your son he may not recognize you." "His memory is affected and he has trouble with his speech." "The result of shock." "He was picked up by the Germans, in a shell hole near Arras in 1917, close to death and with no means of identification." "But he returned to consciousness in a German hospital." "He could remember nothing at all of his past life." "He had no name, he had no family with whom he could correspond." "Six months ago, he was exchanged through Switzerland and sent here." "I sincerely hope he proves to be your son." "I believe that he could be cured." "With patience and care, in normal surroundings." " May we see him now?" " 'Certainly.'" "Please, Mrs. Lloyd, don't hope too much." "I've seen many disappointments." "Good morning, boys." "This is just an informal visit." "Good morning, Clayton." "Sleeping better, huh?" "Well, you just keep it up." "Well.." "Now, Tremp, what's going on?" "I thought you and I were friends." "Last time, we shook hands." "Don't you remember?" "Oh, well." "Don't bother today if you don't feel like it." "You can't discourage me." "There, you see, my boy?" "That's the spirit." "You and I will be going into town very soon." "For a glass of beer, to Melbridge Arms." "Would you like that?" "Fine." "Won't be long now." "Well, Smith." "You're looking better." "Really improved." "'Mm-hmm.'" " Don't you think so, doctor?" " Very much." "Mm-hmm." "We, uh, we have some news for you." "Interested?" "There are some people here who are very anxious to see you." "Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd." "Lloyd." "Uh..." "Loy?" "Name mean anything to you?" "Their son was reported missing in 1917." "At Arras." "Now, don't pin your hopes on it." "You may be their son, you may not." "We'll soon know." "My.." " My parents?" " There you see, my boy." "You speak well enough when you want to." "It's just a matter of confidence." "You've just got to get back your confidence." "My...father." "Doctor, dress him up a bit and take him to the reception room." "Very well." "Come along, Smith." "Lloyd..." "Lloyd." "Sit down, old man." "If...if.." "If they are your parents.." "They...would..." "take me out of here?" "That's rather a big if, old man." "Sit down." "Lloyd." "Lloyd." "Please, wait." "[indistinct chatter]" " He's not your son then?" " No." "(doctor) 'I'm sorry." "I'm sincerely sorry.'" "I told you, my boy." "Not to count on it." "[melancholic music]" "Out in this weather, Major?" "You are a one for a walk, ain't you?" "Proper old pea soup this is." "I'm alright, thank you." "Coat's very warm." "I like to walk." "Like to walk." "Proper old pea soup." "Pea super." "[intense music]" "(male #1) 'The war is over.' [men screaming]" "[dramatic music] [hooting]" "[music continues]" "[hooting]" "[people chattering] [singing]" "[band music]" "[people singing]" "Well." "Well, what is it you want?" "Oh, come on." "I haven't got all night." "Cigarettes?" "What sort?" "Why?" "You're from the asylum." "You're.." "It's alright, dear." "You take your time." "Have a nice look around, see." "I'll be back in a jiffy." "(female #1) 'You are from the asylum, aren't you?" "'" "Aren't you?" "Yes, but..." "I'm alright, really." "Well, if you have given them the slip, I wouldn't stay here." "She's gone to the phone, telling them to come for you." "[people chattering]" "[crowd singing]" "[band music]" "Could I help you?" "I thought you weren't feeling too fit, so I followed you." "You don't mind, do you?" "You look tired out." "Been walking about for hours?" "Well, how about a brandy and soda just to pull you together?" "I'm gonna have one." "Should we go to the home pub?" "It's just across the road." "It's not the Ritz, but it's where we all stay when our show's in town." "It's...you know, friendly." "Come on." "[people singing]" "[crowd cheering]" "Excuse us, please." "That was Ella." "She's our character woman." "And he's our manager." " Hello, Sam." " Hello, Paula." "He's a dear, really." " Hello, Paula." " Hello, Brett." "Have a drink and the army, too." "There, you see?" "You're amongst friends." "(male #2) 'Mind you, he was game, the gunner was.'" "Halfway through the 10th, he run into my right hook and forgot his name and address." "You don't win fights with your hands and feet." "You win them with your brains." "That's what put me to the top." "Well.." "What's it to be, my dear?" "This is on the house." "Thank you, Biffer." "Mine's a gin and French." "Can I have a brandy for my friend here?" "With pleasure, my dear." "Looks as though he could do with it." "Feeling bad?" " No, I-I." " He's just tired, that's all." "Not the flu, is it?" "Got them in the back." "Dying like flies at the hospital." "That's right, cheer him up." "Know any more funny stories?" "I was only passing a remark." "It's a free country." "Pass him the free drink." "That'll do him more good." "Well, here it is and a drop of good stuff that is." "Bring anybody back from the grave." "The grave?" "Aren't you a little ray of sunshine tonight?" " Paula." "Don't be late." " No, I won't, Sam." "Biffer, I've got to get over to the theater." "Goodbye, and thanks for the drinks." "Shall we go?" "Well, there goes a hero for you." "He's one of the men what done it." "Right." "I must get over to the theater." "I've cut it pretty close." "It doesn't seem very friendly, does it, running away like this?" "What will you do?" "Will you be alright?" " What am I to do with you?" " I'll be alright." "I'm not so sure." "Listen, how'd you like to see the show?" "You can sit in my dressing room." "See the stage." "No one will bother you." "Then, we'll have a chat, shall we?" "Just you and I." "And settle what's to be done." "Good?" "Good, come on." "(Paula) 'I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but I'm so excited about peace.'" "'I've got one eyebrow halfway up my forehead.'" "'And the other just behind my left ear.'" "Just a second." "I'll be with you." "[distant applause]" "[Paula whistling]" "[Paula singing]" "¶ Here we are" "Well?" "How do you like me?" "Or don't you?" "Good." "Now, talk to me." "Tell me all about yourself." "Why'd you give them the slip up at the hospital?" "You don't like the place?" "Surely you ought not to be there." "Come on, answer me." "Cat got your tongue?" "Make an effort." "I'm alright, really." "It's.." "...my speech." "It's just nerves." "There, you see?" "You're doing splendidly." "Yes, I wasn't so bad then, was I?" "I should say not." "You don't know what a job I have as a rule." "Oh, I can guess." "I heard you up at that shop." "And that old witch would scare anybody." "There's another thing." "I.." "...I've lost my memory." "I don't even know who I am." "You mean.." "Well, I know who you are." "You're somebody awfully nice." "What did they call you at that place?" "Smith." "It's not my real name." " What's yours?" " Paula, Paula Ridgeway." "That's not my real name, either." "Look here, Smithy." "You don't mind if I call you Smithy, eh?" "It can't be good for you up there amongst those poor souls." "You can't be happy." "And how are you ever going to get better if you're unhappy?" "Perhaps I shouldn't be very happy.." "...anywhere just now." "But, Smithy, the war's over." "Doesn't that mean anything?" "I'm just silly." "Don't take any notice." "It's the day." "It's so splendid for most of us and so sad for some." "Oh, why did it have to be foggy and wet?" "It should've been all sunshine and golden day." "Never mind, Smithy." "We've met, anyway, haven't we?" "Have you no friends?" "No parents that you can trace?" "Well, have you tried?" "Some people came to see me at the hospital but I-I wasn't their son." "I'll bet they were disappointed, weren't they?" "Yes, I-I think so." "I was, too." "I'd have liked to belong to them." "Well, Smithy, you're ruining my makeup." "But how you do chatter." "Yes, I seem to have talked rather a lot." "Oh, that's me." "I always bring people out." "Much too far, sometimes." "[knocking on door]" " 'Ridgeway.'" " Alright, thank you." "Well, I've got to go and perform now." "Smithy, look" "I'll put your chair outside, come along." "You can see the stage from here." "Sit, nobody will bother you." "And I'll be back in a couple of shakes." " You'll be alright, will you?" " Fine." "Sure?" "Your head seems awfully hot." " 'Paula." "You're on.'" " Coming." "[band music]" "¶ She is my Daisy" "¶ My bonnie Daisy" "¶ She's the sweetest sugar candy ¶" "¶ And she's very fond of Sandy" "¶ And I'm weary" "¶ For my dearie" "¶ I would rather lose my whip than lose my Daisy ¶" "¶ Oh I'm telling you" "¶ I'm in a corps that stood before the King for half a day ¶" "¶ I've the pick of all the ladies ¶" "¶ And I'm very pleased to say" "¶ They all threw kisses mixed with smiles ¶" "¶ They get me on the dot" "¶ But there's one called Daisy" "¶ She's the dearest Daisy of the lot ¶" "Oh, she's a bobby dazzler." "I spoke to her father last night, then I asked" ""Could I marry Daisy?"" ""Certainly you can", he says." ""Certainly you can." "On one condition."" ""Name it!", says I." "Says he to me, "Get married in the house and after the ceremony" ""you leave by the back door."" ""Leave by the back door?" "Why would we do that?"" "He say, "I'm telling you, you leave by the back door" ""so that the hens can get the benefit of the rice."" "[crowd laughing]" "I love her for herself alone." "She's the bonniest wee lassie in all Scotland." "As Harry would say" "¶ She is my Daisy" "¶ My bonnie Daisy" "¶ She's the sweetest sugar candy ¶" "¶ And she's very fond of Sandy" "¶ And I'm weary" "¶ For my dearie" "¶ I would rather lose my whip than lose my Daisy ¶" "¶ She is my Daisy" "¶ My bonnie Daisy" "¶ She's the sweetest sugar candy ¶" "¶ And she's very fond of Sandy" "¶ Ah ah ah ah" "¶ I would rather lose my whip than lose my Daisy ¶ [audience cheering]" "[crowd singing]" "I knew the minute I seen him, he had the flu." "Biffer, there's something I ought to tell you." " He's from the county asylum." " No." "But he's alright, really." "He would've been discharged if he had a home to go to." "You don't think they'll come after him, do you?" "Any busybody comes snooping after him" "I'll give him what I'd give the gunner." " Biffer, you're a darling." " He's a gentlemen, he is." "Liked him the minute I first clapped eyes on him." "I'm alright." "It's just my speech." "I can't remember." "Rest now, Smithy." "One mustn't talk." "I'm not like the others." "I'm not like them." "I'm alright." "Yes, Smithy, you're alright." "But I..." "I can't go back." "If I go back, I'll never come out." "I'll be like the others." "You shan't go back, Smithy." "I won't let you go back." "Rest now." "Rest, Smithy." "Just go to sleep." "[melancholic music]" "[piano music]" "Hurry down." "Supper's on the table." "The train leaves at 1:00." "I'm all packed." "I'll be back in a jiffy." "How did the show go?" "Oh, splendidly." "The last night." "Glad to get rid of us, I expect." " How did you get on?" " I.." "I talked to the chambermaid today." " Had quite a chat with her." " You did?" "Wonderful." "What about?" "The weather." "Oh, ha-ha-ha, you are coming on." "I see you're all packed." "That's a good boy." "So am I." "Our train leaves at 1:00." " Paula." " Yes, Smithy?" "You're sure I can be useful?" "Your manager isn't just taking me on because you asked him?" "Good gracious, you don't know Sam." "He's as hard as nails." "No, you can take my word for it." "The whole thing was his idea." "I can't tell you what it means, Paula." "To be someone again, to be wanted." "It's all your doing." "How you do run on." "There's no stopping once you've started." "You eat your supper." "I'll go down to mine and I'll be up again in time to fetch you for the train." "Goodbye." " The usual?" " Please, Biffer." "Sam, he's as pleased as punch." "I wish you could have heard him." " You are an angel." " That's alright, old girl." "It's given him confidence just knowing that he's wanted." "That's all he needs to get well." " There you are." " Thank you, Biffer." "Evening, Mr. W. What's it to be?" "Half and half, and rush it, will you?" "They've been watching me like hawks since I blotted me copybook Armistice Day." "Why?" "One of our loonies slipped off in the fog while I was supposed to be watching the gate." "Got clean away, uniform and all." "(Biffer) 'No." "Really?" "But you got him back, didn't you?" "'" "(Mr. W) 'Not yet, but we shall.'" " What sort of a bloke?" " It's getting late." "Tallish, dark hair, shuffles a bit." "Can't get his words out." "Always thinking something different." "(Biffer) 'He's not dangerous, I suppose?" "'" "(Mr. W) 'There's no saying with loonies." "Quiet as mice for weeks.'" "'Then suddenly, up and after you with an ax.'" "Sam, I'm going in to supper." "Are you coming?" "Just a moment, Paula." " Ella, coming?" " Coming." "[knocking on door]" "It's time, isn't it?" "Nearly 12:30." " Smithy." " I'm all ready." "Sit down a minute, will you?" "There's nothing wrong, is there?" "Smithy, I've got to talk to you." "I won't beat about the bush." "Sam won't take you." "Wo...won't take me?" "There was a man from the asylum in the bar just now." "He told everybody about your escape." "Sam feels it's too risky taking you." "I think perhaps he's right." "I think perhaps you should go back to the asylum until you're all well again, and then.." "Go back?" "It is best, Smithy." "You need care, you need doctors that understand your case." "I feel dreadful about it, but it's for your sake." "Sam wants to help, but.." "...he says I have no right to take you." "He says I'd be risking your sanity." "Your life, perhaps." "You do understand, don't you?" "You're not angry with me?" "You don't think that I've gone back on you?" "It's not that I'm afraid." "It's because I think it's right." "They were all against me, all of them." "They couldn't have made me do it if I didn't think it was right." "You do know that, Smithy, don't you?" "Tell me you understand, that you're not angry with me." "But tell me." "Let me hear you say it." "Speak to me, Smithy." "You could always speak to me." "I.." "I.." "Oh, Smithy." "Wait for me, Smithy." "Come on, Smithy." "Get your coat on." "I know I'm right." "I know it." "I'm ashamed of myself, letting them talk me out of it." "Here." "Let me help you." "We'll have to hurry." "Don't you worry, Smithy." "We can't go with the others but we'll find some quiet place where you can rest and get fit." "Here's your hat." "Take your parcels." "Come on." "We'll go by the back door." "[piano music]" "Smithy." "I've gotta see Biffer." "Go there, and don't be seen." "There's a door leading to the alley." "Wait for me outside." "I'll only be a minute." "Biffer, here's the money for my bill." "What?" "Off already?" "They want to send Smithy back to the asylum." " No." " I'm not gonna let him go." " I'm taking him to the country." " Giving up your job?" "I'll let you know when we get settled." " Will you send me my trunk?" " You bet." "Good luck." "Thanks, Biffer." "You're one in a million." " Goodbye." " Goodbye." "Good luck." "[piano music]" "[dramatic music]" "Smithy, what have you done?" "He tried to stop you?" " Yes." " Sam?" "I pushed him and he fell." "If they get you now, you're done for." " I'm no good." "Let me alone." " No." "I won't." " We...we can't leave him." " We must." "We'll think later." "Come." "But I'm no good." "I'd better go back." "[train whistling]" "That was bad luck, the stationmaster recognizing me at Melbridge." "They may have wired ahead to Canford to stop us." "Well, we won't go on to Canford." "We'll get out at Swinton Junction." "From Swinton, we'll go to the west country to Devon or Cornwall." "We'll choose some little country place, quiet and lovely." "It's the end of the world." "Lonely and lovely." "We'd be safe here, even if.." "We'll phone first, and then we'll see." "Alright, Mrs. Deventer, he can come down for a couple of hours tomorrow." " And I'll look in on Friday." " Thank you, doctor." " Goodbye." " Goodbye." " Morning, ma'am." " Good morning." "Sorry I wasn't down." " Were you wanting rooms?" " Well, that depends." " May I use your telephone?" " Certainly." "It's in there." "Thank you." "Smithy, come and sit down." "You look worn out." "He does look poorly." "The poor dear." " Is this the phone?" " 'Yes.'" "'You just picks it up, turns the handle--'" "Yes." "Thank you." "I want to make a trunk call, please." "Melbridge 4294." "What?" "Clevedon 2707." "[phone ringing]" "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello, Paula." "No, he's alright." "Come to in a jiffy." "Right as rain, barring a bump on his head." "Big as an apple, it was." "That fellow of yours must have given him what I gave the gunner" "What?" "A bump." "Biffer, don't make me laugh." "I'll go into hysterics." "What?" "Oh.." "Oh, he is an angel." "So are you." "Do you mind I rush off now and tell Smithy?" "He'll be so happy." "A thousand thanks, darling, and goodbye." "Smithy!" "Smithy, it's alright." "Isn't it wonderful?" "Sam's alright." "Now you've nothing to worry about, nothing." "Oh, Sam's being awfully decent about it." "He says it was just an accident." "(female #2) 'An accident?" "'" "Oh, it's a friend of ours who had a bad fall." "We were terribly worried about him, but it's alright." "And we would like to stay." "'That is, if you can have us?" "'" "Well, I've got a nice double front." "Sun comes in all day." "Just the thing for your husband after the flu." "Oh, well, uh.." "He's not my husband." "Not yet, I mean." "We're just sort of engaged." "'Oh, well, I've got two nice rooms adjoining' with hot and cold and a view of the lake." "If you'd like to come up." "Oh, Smithy, isn't it wonderful?" "Isn't it wonderful, Smithy?" "I'm so thankful." "I was terribly worried." "Now, all you have to do is to get well and you will get well, won't you?" "In this lovely place?" "Say it." "Let me hear you say it." " I will." " That's the spirit." "I had to tell her we were engaged." "You don't mind, do you?" "(female #2) 'I thought you was behind me.'" "Don't you want to see the rooms?" "I'm sorry." "Yes, of course." "We're just coming." "Come on, Smithy." "[serene music]" "[music continues]" "If I were you, I'd open it." "Oh, Smithy!" "You are a fraud." "I'm simply dying of curiosity." "It's from Liverpool." "From that newspaper." "I say!" "So it is." "Liverpool Mercury, managing editor, Samuel C. Henson." "Must be about that article you sent them." "Yes." "Yes, I suppose it could be." "Well, for pity's sakes, Smithy, open it." " It's a check." " I don't believe it." " Let me look." " It's a small check." "But it's a check." "Oh, Smithy, how wonderful!" "Oh!" "Aren't you terribly happy?" "Yes, I am." "Means an awful lot." "Smithy, I'm proud of you." "You didn't know you had an author on your hands, did you?" "Yes, I did." "I knew you were good." "I'm really not a bit surprised." " You think I can sell another?" " Another, another and another." "Lots of 'em." "Smithy, I wonder if you were a writer before.." "...before the war." " Yes, I wonder that too." " Aren't you terribly curious?" "About the past, I mean." "Well, I'd like to know." "But the present's looking up." "Suppose, it all came back to you, suddenly." "And it was awfully grand with all sorts of wonderful people." "Oh, I wouldn't mind a bit." "You might even be married, Smithy." "Who knows?" "Nah." "Nonsense." " Well, how can you be so sure?" " Well, because.." "Paula, I wonder if I could make a living of writing." " Of course, you could." " Make a regular income." "Be independent." "Why not?" "And I'm getting quite good at typewriting." "Paula.." "It's a lot of nerve that.." "I'm..." "I've fallen in love with you." "No, you haven't." "You're just being a little gentleman." "No." "I'm nothing of the sort." "I'm asking you to marry me." "On a check for two guineas." "Smithy, don't ask me, please." "I might take you up on it, I'm just that shameless." "Paula." "I've run after you from the beginning, you know I have." "I've not let you out of my sight since I saw you in that shop." " Never do it, Paula." " What?" "Never leave me out of your sight." "Never again." "Smithy, you do mean it, do you?" "You do want it?" "Really?" "More than anything else in the world." "My life began with you." "I can't imagine the future without you." "Oh, I better say yes quickly, before you change your mind." "It's yes, darling." "Oh!" "Oh!" "Oh!" "Now, now, I can relax!" "Hmm, I'm hungry." " Smithy." " What is it?" "But, darling, you proposed to me, and I've accepted you." "What's wrong?" "What's wrong?" "Smithy, do I always have to take the initiative?" "You're supposed to kiss me, darling." " Oh, my.." " Ah." "[serene music]" "[choir singing]" "[singing continues]" "[singing continues]" "[upbeat music]" " 'Goodbye.'" " Goodbye, Doc." "Goodbye." "I'm so happy for you!" "Bye-bye, God bless you both." "(Smith) Thanks, Vicar." "Thanks, Doctor." "Thanks again for all your kindness." " Yes." "Take this." " 'Oh, doctor, no.'" "That's alright, keep it for the christening." "[laughter]" "Goodbye." "Goodbye, goodbye." "[serene music]" "[gate creaking]" "I must oil that hinge." "[Paula chuckling]" "(Smith) Wait." " I must cut that back." " Oh, no, darling." "It's so pretty." "Home." "(Paula) Home." "[music continue]" "[whistling]" "[whistling continues]" "Shh!" " Paula." " Today, is it, sir?" " I think so." " Have you got the medicine?" "Three days ago." "Pretty trying, this business." "Well, I know how you're feeling, sir." "Been through it meself." " Did your wife suffer much?" " Gah!" "Nothin' to speak of." "But me...crickey!" "Got neuralgia, have you?" " I don't think so." " Lucky." "I had it something cruel with our second." "What they call synthetic pain." " Do they?" " That's the scientific name." "I said I'd never face it again, but, well, you know how it is." "Here I am with four and more bad news on the way." "Well, good luck to you, sir." "[serene music]" "[mellow music] [music continues]" "It's alright, Smith." "She's out of danger now." "It's been a hard fight, but she's made it." "And you have a son." "Come on, pull yourself together." "She's alright." "Nothing in the world would worry you now." "It's a boy." "That's what you wanted." "And eight pounds of him too." "Don't you want to see him?" "After all that trouble?" "Of course, you do." "[baby crying]" "(Smith) 'Morning." "I've dropped in to register a new subject.'" "'Name of child?" "'" "We're calling him John, after me." "My wife thinks he's the image of me." " But I don't see it." " Really?" " Date?" " Oh, he has her eyes." "Blue." "And when he smiles, he's just like my wife." "Except for the teeth." "Yes, well, you can't expect everything all at once." "And what did you say the date was?" "November the sixth." " Don't you want his weight?" " No, thank you." "Eight pounds, three and a half ounces." "He has gained an ounce a day, since." "It's remarkable." "Father's profession?" "Writer." "In a small way, of course." "Writer and parent." "Parent in a big way." " That'll be all." " Oh." "Yes, thank you." "But you're gonna form only a very inadequate picture of him from what I've given you." "I'll have to struggle along." "I'll bring him in, in person, one of these days." " Do that." " Then you can see for yourself." " I get a receipt?" " You do." "Thank you very much." "Thank you." "I'll bring him in." "Do that." "[gate opening] [soft music]" "Hey, nurse!" "Here you are." "I don't think, I forgot a thing." " Is he asleep?" " Well, if he was, he isn't now." "Yeah." "Wait, wait, wait." " Did I wake him?" " No." "I brought him a present." "Will he like it?" "Will he know it's a cat?" " Smithy." " Yes?" " Come here." " What?" "No, here." "I'm Mrs. Smith." "Do you remember me?" "What's so wonderful about that fellow?" "He just eats and sleeps." "Much of the time he's not even friendly." "Never occurred to you to buy me a present." "Never." " Oh, Smithy." " Oh, they're not very much." "Oh, I adore them, darling!" "They're just the color of your eyes." "You're an awfully nice color scheme, darling." "And your hair is like a bright new penny." " 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith here?" "'" " It must be the vicar." " Hello, vicar." "Come in." " Good morning." "Alright for the vicar to come in?" "Good heavens." "How you doing, Mrs. Smith?" "How are you?" "Very well." "Thank you, vicar." " And how is the heir?" " Take a look." "Little young fellow." "He's quite a size, isn't he?" "Ha." "Bigger and stronger than babies twice his age." "[crying]" "I was at the post office just now." "I found Mrs. Goodbiddy in a lather of excitement." "There'd been an extraordinary event." "A telegram." " No." " How very thrilling." " Who got it?" " You did." "I?" "Probably someone congratulating you upon becoming a father." "[baby crying]" "Oh, Smithy, aren't you ever gonna tell me, what's in it?" "I-I can't believe it!" "It's fantastic!" "Oh, darling, please." "I can't stand it another second." "I-it's from Liverpool." "From the editor of The Mercury." "Oh, read it out loud." "Uh, "can you appear at Mercury office" ""ten o'clock tomorrow morning, November the 14th" ""regarding permanent position on paper." "Samuel C. Henson, Editor."" "Oh, darling!" " Oh, Smithy!" "How marvelous!" " Marvelous?" "I-it's incredible!" ""Can you appear at Mercury office ten o'clock tomorrow.."" "Tsk." "Tsk." "Goodness, you're a terrible packer." "Let me see...shirts, socks, tie.." "May I ask what you going to sleep in?" "Great Scott!" "Have I forgotten the pajamas?" "This cuff's a bit frayed but I don't suppose" "Keats was very dressy." "That's better." "All these labels." "They'll think I'm a commercial traveler." " Are you excited?" " Wildly." "Think what it means, is a start in life, a career." "I'll be able to do things for you." "Things I've always dreamed of." "I wish I could come too." "Yes, I've been thinking of that." "I dare wait, he might change his mind." "Darling, you're not worrying about me, are you?" "I'll be alright." "I feel absolutely sure of myself." "I know." "I shan't worry." "It's just.." "Our first parting." " When'll you be back?" " Tomorrow night." "I'll be in on the eight o'clock train." " Where will you stay?" " I hadn't thought." "The Great Northern isn't bad." "About the best of the cheap hotels, it's near the station." " Got your key?" " Yes." "[car honking]" "That must be the vicar." "I must run." "Good bye, darling." "[instrumental music]" "[baby crying]" "Good bye, young fella." "Hannah, take very good care of my little family." " Indeed, I will, sir." " Goodbye, darling." " See you tomorrow night." " Tomorrow night." "Good luck, Smithy." "[vehicles honking]" "Can you tell me, where's The Mercury office?" "The Liverpool Mercury." "Second on the left, sir." "Off George Street." " Thanks." " Taxi, sir?" "Looks like rain." "No, thanks." "I'll take a chance." "'Paper!" "Get your paper!" "Paper, sir?" "'" "'Read The Liverpool Mercury!" "'" "'Election results!" "Paper, ma'am?" "Paper, sir?" "'" "'Read The Liverpool Mercury!" "Election results!" "Paper, sir?" "'" "Paper, sir?" "Paper." "Paper, ma'am?" "This George Street?" "I'm looking for The Mercury office." "Right across the street, sir." "On the corner." "Oh, thanks." "Paper!" "Paper, sir?" "[car honking] [tires screeching]" "Look out!" "[people screaming] [crashing]" "[indistinct chattering]" "[dramatic music]" "'Call an ambulance.'" "[drum beats]" "[intense music]" "'He'll be alright.'" "'He's coming around now.'" "'Feeling better?" "'" "'Oh!" "You've got an unholy bump there.'" "'Looks worse than it is, though.'" "'You're lucky, I'd say.'" "Do you feel any pain?" "Oh!" "My headache's a bit.." "It'd be funny if it didn't." "Quite a wallop." "My shoes." "Well, a good blacking is all they need." "What on earth.." "This...this is all wrong." "I've no business to be in civvies." "What should you be in?" "In uniform, of course." "I'm on active service." "Where the devil am I, anyway?" "You're in Liverpool." "Liverpool?" "'You've had a nasty shock.'" "'You better go somewhere and rest for a while.'" "'Try not to think about anything.'" "Is this the party who had the accident?" " Yes, officer." " It's not my fault, officer." "He slipped in the mud." "Right in front of me." "Is that the right of it?" " That's the truth, guvnor." " I think so." "What cabby says is correct, officer." "I saw the accident from my window, there." "Can I have your name, please, sir?" "Rainier." "Charles Rainier." "Rainier." "Profession, sir?" "Captain of the Wessex Regiment." "Address, please." "The trenches, Arras." "Beg your pardon, sir?" "Random Hall, North Random Surrey." "Thank you, sir." "You don't wish to lodge a complaint, sir?" "No, thank you." "No, I'm sure whatever happened was my fault." "Alright." "Thanks, Mr. Rainier." "Thanks, guvnor." "Sure you feel strong enough to walk?" "'A little dizzy still, but I'll manage it.'" "Quite a bump." "Apart from that, what do I owe you?" " 'Oh, nevermind that.'" " Oh, thank you." " Thanks." " It's alright, sir." " 'Here's your hat.'" " Oh, yes." "Sure you don't want me to call a cab?" "No, thanks." "The air will brace me up." "Umm...by the way.." "...would you mind telling me, what day is this?" "'This is Thursday.'" "Thursday, yes." "But the date?" "November the 14th." "November the 14th, 1920." "Thanks." "[intense music]" "[Charles thinking] 1920, three years gone." "Three years." "France, I remember distinctly." "Menson was killed, young Davis." "But after that?" "What after that?" "Liverpool?" "What am I doing here?" "Where have I been?" "Better go home." "Yes." "May clear things up." "Better go home." "[engine hooting]" "[intense music]" "Mr. Sheldon, I'm sorry to wake you but there's a gentleman here, asking for you." "He says he's Mr. Charles." "Charles." "I'm sorry, Mr. Sheldon, that's what he says." "[door opening]" "The butler says, he'll come straight down, sir." "Step inside." "Take a seat, sir." "You'll excuse me taking precautions, sir." " It being late and all." " It's quite alright." "Umm...is Miss Bridget at home, do you know?" "Yes, sir." "The whole family's at home." "Really?" "Everything's alright up at the house, I hope?" "Haven't you heard, sir?" "Old Mr. Rainier died Sunday." "The funeral was today, sir." "Was he a relative of yours, sir?" "He was my father." "I'm sorry, sir." "Don't feel very much like eating." "I must say, I think it's most peculiar." "Three years of complete silence, he suddenly comes back from the grave, with this cock-and-bull story." "And at the very moment when the will is to be read." "Very convenient if you ask me." "You talk as if my brother were a fraud." "And who is to say he isn't?" "You seem to forget that Sheldon's seen him." "Yes, in the dark." "Sheldon was probably half asleep." "Isn't this argument rather a waste of time?" "We shall see him for ourselves in a moment and with all respect to Lydia, I think we should be able to recognize our own brother." "Morning, everybody." " Morning, mother." " Morning, darling." " Where's Uncle Charles?" " Shh." "He's not down yet." "Besides, we're not all deaf, dear." "I'm sorry." "I'm just dying to see him." "It's all so romantic." "Like one of the thrillers in the book store." "Back from the dead or the disappearing uncle." "Yes, of three years in darkest amnesia." "Three years?" "Think of it." "Where do you suppose he's been all that time?" "'That's just what I've been asking.'" "'In jail, for all we know.'" "Did Truslove say positively that the will was written ten years ago?" "Yes, yes, and I gather the estate is divided equally between all of us." "With the exception of the two business interests which naturally fall to me." "Naturally." "And this house, which goes to Charles." "To Charles?" "But why on earth, should Charles get the house?" "That gives him more than Chet, the eldest son." " Good morning, Uncle George." " Hi, Kitty." "Morning, everybody." "I see, you've heard the news." "[chattering]" "'Plenty for all and plenty more.'" "'When up-to-date methods are used in the handling' 'of our various interests.'" "In fact, without being unduly optimistic" "I think I may say" "Sausages, by Jove!" "If the whole matter's gonna be treated as a joke." "Sit down, Chet." "It's no joke to me." "That is, supposing, it really is Charles who's suddenly turned up like a..." "like a.." "Like a bad penny?" "Hello, my dear fellow." "How are you?" "Hello, Chet." "How are you?" "Delighted to see you, my dear, Charles." " Welcome home, darling!" " Hello, darling." " Charles, this is Jolly." " Hi, dear." "Charles, dear." "How nice to see you." "Oh, you haven't met Henry yet, have you?" "Oh, new brother-in-law, how do you do?" " Congratulations." " Thank you very much." " You remember Lydia?" " How are you?" "'How are you?" "Hello, old chap.'" "And I'm Kitty." "Jill had to take me when she took Daddy." "Now, please, sit down." "All of you." "I'm afraid, I'm upsetting your breakfast." "Here's a chair, next to mine." "What can I get you?" "You go on with your breakfast and I'll forage for myself." "'We're all absolutely delighted to see you back.'" "'Have to kill the fatted calf, what?" "'" "I'll just settle for a couple of George's sausages." "If he's left any." " 'Plenty." "I'm on a diet.' - 'By Jove, he's kidding.'" "(Julian) 'They sound absolutely deafening.'" "(Chet) 'By the way, my dear fellow.'" "'Truslove's reading the will this morning.'" "'It's 10 years old, so you won't be done out of your share'" "'Which includes the house, I understand.'" "Well, I'm sure you're all waiting for some sort of explanation." "I really haven't got one." "That's what loss of memory does for you." "Sheldon's told you all I know." "I was in Liverpool yesterday morning." "Why or how, I have no idea." "I'd been knocked down by a taxi and came to in a chemist's shop." "Before that, I can't remember a thing." "Since a shell hole in France, and that was three years ago." "Those three years are a complete blank to me." "I don't know what I've done, where I've been." "I found a little money in my pocket and this key." "The key to your house?" "Ah." "If I knew that, I'd know where I belonged." "You belong here, Uncle Charles." "Yes?" "Yes, of course." "This house." "Well, I hope you'll all still think of it as home." "And come whenever you like and stay as long as you care to." "Now or any time." "I shall come." "Often." "I'm terribly glad you're my uncle." "Thank you, Kitty." "[clinking of cutlery]" "Oh, George, so you are leaving?" "Yeah, Charles." "Take care, old chap, won't you?" "Excuse my left hand." "Hello, Uncle Charles." "I've come to say good bye." " Hello, Kitty." "You off, Julian?" " Yes." "Don't think I should call you uncle anymore." "You're not really my uncle, you know?" " Forward minx." "Goodbye." " Goodbye." "Let's meet again sometime, somewhere." "Eh?" " Goodbye, young woman." " Goodbye." "Let's sit down, shall we?" "Come on." "Mother will be hours yet." "She's always late." "Can I have a puff of that cigarette?" "You think you should?" "All the girls at Kerwood smoke as soon as they're in sixth." "You don't mind, do you?" "Why should I?" "Charles, aren't you going to be terribly lonely all by yourself in this big house?" "Perhaps." "Why?" "Only, when people are lonely, they rather apt to marry the first woman who comes along, and it doesn't do, you know?" " It doesn't, eh?" " Never." "Not once, in all your years of experience?" "I shall be 18 in three years." " I'll keep you in mind." " Will you?" "I know you're laughing at me but please don't do anything rash in the meantime." "Because, well...because I do like you awfully from the very first moment." "Is this leap year by any chance?" "I don't know and I don't care." "I've said it and I mean it." "Well, I'll have to think it over." "Anyway, don't you think that I might come here in the holidays and sort of take care of you?" " What would mother say?" " Jill?" "Oh, she wouldn't mind." "She loves to get rid of me." "Anyway, you'll write to me, won't you?" " 'Kitty'" " Will you?" "Alright." "If you want me to." "Here I am." "Waiting." "Oh, goodbye, Charles." "Goodbye, Sheldon." " I've simply got to fly." " Goodbye, my dear." "Lovely to see you." "Come along, Kitty." " Goodbye." "Goodbye, Kitty." " Goodbye, Uncle Charles." "Thanks for asking me to come and visit you on the holidays." "[piano music]" "[soft music]" "Will you be dining at home, sir?" " Yes, I suppose so." " Alone, sir?" "Well, there's no one else, is there?" "I thought you might like to ask the vicar or Dr. Hampstead." "Oh, I don't think so, Sheldon." "Thank you." "I'm afraid you were very lonely in this great house." "May one ask, sir, have you any plans for the future?" "No." "I might go back to Cambridge." "I never got my degree." "I might take a fling at writing." "I always wanted to." "Do you remember?" "I wonder.." "I wonder what he would have liked me to do?" "I think he always wanted you to carry on at Rainier's where he left off, sir?" "Well, but Mr. Chetwynd's head of Rainier's now." "Yes." "Now, sir, but.." "Well, we shall see." "[chuckles]" "In any case, I'm not a business man." " Have you ever tried, sir?" " 'No.'" "I wonder what I was doing in Liverpool?" "Dear Uncle Charles.." "Or Dear Charles?" "What do you think?" "He's not really my uncle, you know." "But I have intentions." ""Dear Charles, so you've left Cambridge" ""and gone into the business." ""What a shame!" "I know you hated to leave your books" ""and that quiet corner of the river" ""where Rupert Brooke used to dream." ""Mother says you're simply wizard at it." ""We're all going to be rich again." ""Write to me soon." ""Soon." ""I keep all your letters." "'"Sentimental little college girl.'" "'"Dear Uncle Charles..'" "'"Dear Charles.'" "'"I've graduated with honors.'" "'"I'm sending you my photograph in cap and gown.'" "'"Will you put me on the desk in your study?" "'" "'"And-and, please, look at me sometimes.'" "'"Dear Charles..'" "'"My dear Charles.'" "'"Just to remind you that I'm growing up.'" "'"I've lots of beaus.'" "'"I do hope you're jealous.'" "'"By the way, I saw your picture in the paper.'" "'"I was impressed.'" "'"Industrial prince of England.'" "'Mr." "Charles Rainier."'" "Hello, nuisance." " My word!" " Do you like it?" "My dear, you look adorable." "Well, adore me." "I can bear it." "Haven't I seen that hat before?" " It's not a bad hat, is it?" " It's a lovely hat." "Oh, now wouldn't it be a lovely lunch." "Now, my dear, I cannot possibly afford the time." " Now, come on, come on." " You can." "Ms Hanson says so." "She says it'll do you good to get out of this stuffy office for an hour or two." "Or two?" " Miss Hanson?" " 'Yes, Mr. Rainier.'" "Owing to lamentable weakness of character" "I'm having lunch at the Savoy." "With your approval, I understand." " 'I thoroughly approve.'" " You do?" "'I do, Mr. Rainier.'" "Uh, will you get me a copy of the Brown-Severing prospectus" " while I'm out?" " 'Yes, I will.'" "And have I any appointments for 2 o'clock?" " 'Yes.'" " Can you postpone them?" " 'Yes, I can.'" " Thanks." "Alright, young woman, I can give you precisely one hour and a half from door to door." "Oh, no, Miss Hanson said two hours." "Thank you." " Cigarette?" " Please." "You're being very charming today." "You haven't looked at your watch once." " That reminds me.." " Oh, no, Charles, please." " Can't you relax for an hour?" " An hour?" "It's just on three." "You used to say that you hated business." " Did I?" " You know you did." "You were just going to whip things into shape and then get out quickly." "Well, that was the original idea." "To save the family and be off before they needed more saving." "But in that slow and careful way of yours?" "I began to look into things, yes." "And I found that Rainier's kept other families going too." "Little families in little homes." "Thousands of them, all over England." "I see." "Uncle Atlas, eh?" "Don't you ever want to get out and have fun?" "Well, Kitty, the last time.." "(male #1) 'It's that woman you sent me, Lady Maxton.'" "'One of the most interesting cases I've had' 'since I have been in private practice.'" "'Well, goodbye.'" "Goodbye, Lola, and don't forget that you are dining with me on Thursday." "Hmm?" "Bye." "[soft music]" "What is it?" "I beg your pardon." "It's nothing." "It was just, for a moment that voice" " Was familiar?" " Not that exactly." "But it seemed to remind me of something." "Something that I didn't have time to get a grip on." "That happens to me sometimes." "Sort of whispered memory that can't be caught before it fades away." " From those lost years?" " Perhaps." "Now, what were you saying?" "That you should take a holiday." "You've got money enough, heaven knows." "Money, yes but not the time." "Oh, nonsense." "You could make the time." " How old are you?" " None of your business." "You're awfully nice looking, Charles." "Thank you." "Clever, interesting.." " Oh, it's not fair." " Why?" "Because you spoil me for other men, that's why." "Kitty?" "It's no secret, is it?" "I've always been mad about you." "Even as a school girl." "It might be fun if you love me now." "We're a lot alike, you know." "We laugh at the same things." "We have marvelous times together." "I sometimes wonder why you don't." "In my slow and careful way I've wondered sometimes too." "Why don't you?" "Just to be curious." " I hadn't said that I don't." " Oh, no." " Would it be too incredible?" " It would be fantastic." " Then it is fantastic." " But I don't believe it." "I don't believe that you mean it." "That you go on meaning it." "I shall wake up and find it isn't real at all." " It's just a dream." " No." "You do want me?" "I'm not just a school girl to you?" "Darling, you're very sweet and dear to me." "I'm building a great hope on you." "I don't believe any of it." "I shall come to the office tomorrow and find you've forgotten all about it." "I'll have Miss Hanson remind me." "Ah, Charles, darling, it's too wonderful." "Take me out of here." "Take me somewhere and kiss me." "[soft music]" "[intercom buzzing]" "Yes?" "(Hanson) 'Mr." "Rainier, my I bring in--'" "Oh, yes, Miss Hanson." "I'm sorry." "Bring it in, please." "[footsteps approaching]" "I've scribbled a note here." "Will you take care of it?" "And this?" "Is the Ray-Novaille prospectus ready yet?" "They promised it for 4 o'clock." "I'll send it in as soon as it arrives." "Huh." "You saw this offer from Howard and William." "Yes, Mr. Rainier." "You worked for Howard and Williams once, I believe." "They're driving a hard bargain." " Do you think they're bluffing?" " I think not." "I used to know Mr. Williams pretty well." "I was his secretary." "Yes, I remember he was quite annoyed when you came to me." "Called me a pirate." "Oh, that was not fair." " It was really all my doing." " Indeed." "I'd heard that Miss Lindy was leaving you and I made up my mind to apply for the position." "May I ask why?" "A few weeks ago, I'd come across a picture of you in a magazine." "Underneath it said, "Industrial prince of England."" " What do you mean?" " I was impressed." "I decided then and there I must leave Howard and Williams." " To better myself." " I'm sincerely glad you did." "You make things a great deal easier for me." "What's all this?" "Oh, that's the report on that firm in the Midlands." " The Melbridge Cable Company." " Uh-huh." "Oh, yes, my brother thinks this will be a very valuable subsidiary." "I have a large file." "Photographs of the works." " Do you care to see it?" " Please, yes." "Bring me the Melbridge Cable Company report, Sheila." "Yes, Miss Hanson." "[phone ringing]" "Hello?" "Yes, I did, Mr. Manders." "Can you make it 4:30 this afternoon?" "That will be splendid." "He's very busy." "Thank you." " Market reports?" " Oh, in ten minutes." "And thanks for the flowers, they're lovely." "I thought you'd like them." "Thank you, Sheila." "Their equipment's up to date." "And they seem to have plenty of space." "It does seem worth investigating." "I'll get my brother to run down." " I'm taking a long holiday." " Are you?" "At once?" "In about a month or so." "Why, I think that's a very good idea." "Well, I may be gone a year." "If things can be arranged." "A year?" "If it's humanly possible." "I..." "I'm being married, Miss Hanson." "You're the first to hear my news." "I'm afraid it'll mean a lot of extra work for you." "Putting things in order so that I can get away." " It's Miss Chilcet I suppose." " Yes, it's Kitty." " Was it so obvious?" " Oh, not at all." " She's a very charming girl." " Yes, I fully agree." "I hope you won't take it into your head to follow my example, Miss Hanson." "I don't know what I should do without you." "I had been married, Mr. Rainier." "You may remember I told you when I took the position." "Oh, yes, to be sure." "It slipped my memory." " You had a child, I believe." " Yes, a little boy." " He died." " Oh, yes, I remember." "I'm sorry." "You'll see that Mr. Chetwynd gets this, will you?" "And I'll-I'll let him have the file later." "[phone ringing]" "Hello?" "Yes." "Yes, he's here." " Miss Chilcet." " Oh!" "'Hello." "Ha-ha.'" "Oh, definitely." "'Well, you want me to confirm it in writing?" "'" "'Absurd young person.'" "'What's that?" "'" "'No, Kitty, of course not.'" " Paula, don't." " John, let me tell him." " That you're his wife?" " Yes." "You can risk it if you wish." " I hope you won't." " But what do I risk...now?" "What do you want of him, Paula?" "His name, his protection?" "[sighs]" "I want him as he was." "I want his love." "Paula, two years ago you walked into his office." "If the sight of you did nothing to restore his memory." "What can words do?" "When you came to me at Melbridge shortly after he disappeared" "I told you, I was sure he hadn't deserted you knowingly." "I told you a door in his mind had opened but another had closed." "I warned you that even that if-if you found him that chances were that he wouldn't recognize you." " You gave me a hope." " There's always that hope." "But the impetus must come from within." "It can't be forced on him from outside." "You can tell him the truth and claim your legal rights." "But what is going to be his attitude when a strange woman appears and suddenly claims to be his wife." "He'd resent me." "He'd accept me." "He'd pity me, but he'd resent me." "I can only offer you that frail hope that some day the miracle will happen and he'll come back to you." "Not as Charles Rainier." "But as, what was it you used to call him?" " Smithy." " As Smithy." "With all his emotion for you as warm an intact as it was on the day he left you." "That's not much help to me, John, is it?" "I'm real." "These tears are real." "My jealousy is real." "And my need of him." "Paula, I wish I could help you." "[sobbing] [sighs]" "What will you do?" "I don't know." "I'll have to think it out." "You go to your dinner." "I, uh.." "I'll call it off if you'll dine with me." "No, don't do that." "Dear John." "Always firm, but kind." "Thank you for the hope." "It is rather nice of me." "Seeing that it robs me of mine." "Oh." "Goodnight, John." "Uh, the law is quite clear on that point, Mrs. Smith." "If it is proved for a period not less than seven years no news of a person has been received by those who would naturally hear of him if he were alive." "Then he may be legally presumed dead." "You wish me to take the necessary steps." "Please." "Now, to complete the particulars did you prosecute a search?" "Yes, we investigated accidents that had occurred on that day." " Without result?" " Yes." "Then, I became seriously ill." "I was ill for many months." "My baby died." "As soon as I could get about, I made some effort to return to the stage, but without success." "I worked as a waitress, a sales woman." "I studied stenography at night school." "Spent every penny I could spare trying to trace my husband." "Thought he might have been taken to a hospital." "Uh, perhaps an asylum." "But years passed, and I found no trace of him." "'Are you employed at present?" "'" "Yes, for the last two years" "I've worked as private secretary." "'To whom?" "'" "To Mr. Charles Rainier." "I have studied your petition, Mrs. Smith and the affidavits attached." "In regards to the evidence presented" "I have entered the decree to the effect 'that the man known as John Smith' 'shall be presumed to be dead.'" "'And your marriage to him consequently dissolved.'" "Hello, you two, I wish you'd remember you're getting married on Wednesday." "That odd little Mr. Beddoes has been waiting in the chapel for ages." "How dreadful of me." "I forgot." "He wants us to choose hymns for the wedding." "We'll go straight down." "Back in a few minutes." "What's for tea?" "Muffins, old boy." "Terrific!" "[laughing] [pipe organ music]" "That's nice." "I forget the words." "¶ The voice That breathed o'er Eden ¶" "¶ That earliest wedding day" "Yes, I remember now." "Then, there's another lovely one." "Nearly always used." "This, perhaps." ""O Perfect Love."" "Yes, that's it." "I like that." "Don't you, Charles?" "What is it, Kitty?" "I'm sorry, darling." "I must have been dreaming." "It's alright, Charles." "I'm glad it happened." " It's better." " Better?" "What has happened?" "I've been uncertain." "Almost from the beginning." "Now, I'm sure." "It's no use, is it?" "I've always known it." "Really" "I was grasping selfishly at my own happiness." "Because you could make me perfectly happy." "If I were selfish enough not to care or.." "...stupid enough not to know." "To know what?" "That I'm not the one." "Let's be honest about it." "I was letting things drift." "But I never really believed in my own luck." "Charles, you looked at me just now as if I were a stranger." "An intrusive stranger." "Trying to take the place of someone else." "Someone else?" "Oh, I know it sounds absurd, but let me say it." "Sometimes.." "...especially when we've been closest." "I've had a curious feeling that I remind you of someone else." "Someone you once knew." "Don't leave me, Kitty." "I need you." "I'm trying to make a life." "With someone you love as you'll never love me." "I am nearly the one, Charles." "So nearly that I shall always be proud of it." "But...nearly isn't enough for a lifetime." "It would be too hard to.." "I've left it rather late, haven't I?" "I'm sorry." "I think I'll travel." "Mother's going to Luxor, I believe." "I'll go with her." " Kitty." " It's alright, Charles." "I asked for it and I'll get over it." "One does, you know." "I shan't go in any tragic mood but.." "...looking to see what fun I can find." "I usually can." "You'll probably hear that.." "...I've married some nice man." "I-I don't know what to say." "You don't have to say anything." "Because I am so nearly the one.." "...and because I love you more than anyone" "I shall ever marry." "Will you kiss me goodbye?" "[melodious music]" "Well, we can't keep this up indefinitely." "Where in the devil is he?" "No normal man walks out of a big concern without saying a word to a solitary soul." "Everything was arranged for his trip." "Could he have gone abroad?" "Well, he would have let us know." "Oh, confound that girl!" "What the deuce could have happened?" "One minute they were picking hymns for the wedding and the" " Mr. Chetwynd?" " What is it now?" "I'm sorry, sir." "It seems to be important." "Stourton of the Lytham Liberal League." "Alright, I'll see him." "You talk to Sheldon." "Sheldon, when did you say you last saw Mr. Rainier?" "It was close to dinner time, miss." "About an hour after Miss Kitty left." "Mr. Charles asked me to put some things into a bag for him." "I don't know quite why, miss, but I.." "...sort of think that he may have gone to Liverpool." " To Liverpool?" " Yes, miss." "It was from Liverpool he came that night.." "...that he came back from the dead, as you might say." "Sheldon, please try to tell me everything you can remember about that night in 1920." "What did he tell you about what had happened to him?" "Well, miss, it was a wet night." "In November, it was." "He'd been knocked down by a taxi and carried into a chemist's shop in Liverpool." "[door knocking]" "Come in." "Miss Hanson." "Please forgive me for coming." "We were all so anxious." "You're not well." "I should have let you know where I was." "I intended to." "I'm sorry." "I hate to bother you but something important came up." "How did you know I was in Liverpool?" "Something Sheldon said." " I made inquiries." " Sheldon, yes." "Won't you sit down, Miss Hanson?" "You say some important business induced you to follow me?" "Yes, Sir Edward Lake, Member of Parliament from West Lytham, died on Monday morning." "There will be a bi-election." "This morning, a committee of the West Lytham" "Liberal Association, unanimously decided to support your candidacy should you consent to stand in the Liberal interest." "Did Sheldon tell you of my.." "...my experience here about 12 years ago?" "Yes, Mr. Rainier." "I came back here at that time.." "...hoping to stumble on the trail of my past but I failed then.." "...and I've failed now." " Nothing helped you?" " Nothing." "Why should I feel a sense of loss so acute that" "That it's spoiling your life?" "No, I'm not being honest with myself." "My life's not complete, and I've hurt others." "I don't know why I bore you with my affairs." "You feel that perhaps you lived in Liverpool?" " It seems possible." " But not certain." "You mean, I might have been visiting the city?" "Well, Liverpool's a big port." "I might have come in on some ship." "That's strange." "That hadn't occurred to me." "Or by train." "You might have come in from a nearby town.." "...or from the country." " Perhaps on business." " Perhaps." "'In that case, maybe you stayed at some hotel.'" "I know Liverpool." "I've been up here often." "Do you know in what direction you were walking when the accident happened?" "Yes, I checked that." "I was walking down Mason Street toward the square." "'It was wet.'" "Well, there are two hotels north of Mason Street." "There's the Old Olympic and the Great Northern." "It's quite a distance from the Olympic." "So, if it was wet, the chances are you were coming from the Great Northern." "Presuming I stayed at a hotel at all.." "...under what name was I registered?" "There's just one chance to find out." "If you were at a hotel, you walked out leaving unclaimed luggage." "Would they keep it so long?" " It's worth investigating." " Yes." "I'm glad you came, Miss Hanson." "You've given me fresh hope." "You must come with me." "We'll start with the Great Northern." "Will you be kind enough to tell the manager this suitcase is of no interest to me.." "...and I'm sorry to have troubled him." ""John Smith."" "Highly unimaginative incognito." "What could be more anonymous than these poor rags?" "Nothing seemed familiar to you?" "No." "There's a finality about that most unrewarding find." "Like a door slammed and bolted." "Now I shall learn to accept myself for what I am." "A psychological defective." "As Kitty saw me." "As you must see me." "You must keep my secret, Miss Hanson." "Will you send a telegram to the West Lytham" "Liberal Association telling them" "I'll receive the Committee tomorrow morning?" "Yes, Mr. Rainier." "There's an express to London at 8:15." "I'll make reservations." "[bell tolling]" "[indistinct chattering]" "Congratulations, Mr. Rainier." "Famous victory." "The Prime Minister's delighted." "Our new member for West Lytham." " Oh, yes, congratulations." " Thank you." "It's good to have you with us, sir." "Thank you." " Party is honored, Mr. Rainier." " Thank you, sir." " Mr. Rainier, congratulations." " Thank you very much." "Miss Hanson." "My compliments, Mr. Rainier." "A great triumph." "Thank you, sir." "Thank you." " Well." " Have I kept you waiting?" "I was delayed." "Nice of you to come down for my debut." " Was I satisfactory?" " Oh, very." "Waiter, some tea, please." "What would you like?" "Cake?" "Sandwiches?" " Bring an assortment." " Thank you." "By the way, I haven't really thanked you for your help in the campaign." "I don't know what I should have done without you." "I thoroughly enjoyed it." "Politics interest me." "Do they?" "I'm...glad of that." "You're staring at me, you know." "Oh, I'm sorry." "It struck me, your hair is bright red in the sunshine." "Was that all?" "And you were looking so intense." "Oh, everyone has these feelings of having lived through certain moments before." "You mean, you have the feeling that you've known me before?" "I had, for a moment." "As a matter of fact, I felt it quite strongly the first day you came into my office." " You didn't show it." " No?" " Is that why you engaged me?" " Perhaps." "But it was also your air of quiet efficiency." "Forgive me but.." "...is there any possibility that you might marry again?" "Not the slightest." "I'm asking you because I have a proposal to make." "I need your help in my parliamentary life." " Social secretary?" " Well, not exactly." "You know.." "...it seemed quite a reasonable idea when it came to me." "But now, I'm rather losing my nerve." "Why?" "Is it so startling?" "It may sound outrageous to you, but it's not a sudden impulse." "I've thought it over very carefully." "You and I are in the same boat, Miss Hanson." "We're both ghost-ridden." "That sounds a bit dramatic but I think it expresses it." "We're prisoners of our past." "Yes." "What if we were to pool our loneliness.." "...and give each other what little we have to give." "Support, friendship?" "I'm proposing marriage, Miss Hanson." "Or should I call it a merger?" "You know, I'm good at mergers." "A Member of Parliament should have a wife, Margaret." "So I'm told on all sides, "He needs a clever hostess."" "You have exceptional gifts." "Would it interest you to have a wider field for them?" "You need have no fear that I would make any emotional demands upon you." "I have only sincere friendship to offer." "I won't ask any more from you." " I" " Please." "Don't answer at once." "Think it over." "It's completely a selfish proposal." "But I can't have you giving me notice, you know." "I'd be lost without you." "Miss Hanson ...Margaret." " Have I hurt you?" " I don't know." "This comes of boasting that I never cry." "You will think about it." "I'll call you tomorrow." "No, I can't wait so long." "Tonight, about 9:00?" "I hope the answer will be yes." "Ah, here's the tea." "Oh, it wasn't a very flattering proposal, really." "Rather, a suggestion for a merger." "He used that very expression." " Pretty cold-blooded, isn't it?" " Well, it's honest." "I'm sorry." "Sorry for myself." "John." " I want you to be happy, Paula." " It may work out." "He might even fall in love with me." "Would that be so very extraordinary?" "It would be very extraordinary if he didn't." "But the situation is very extraordinary." "It seems rather hard what I'm going to say but.." "...if you marry him, keep to his terms." "I suppose you're right." "'And you love him?" "'" "Yes." "You're going to be hurt, Paula." "[telephone ringing]" "John, don't be against it." "Hello?" "Yes, Mr. Rainier." "Charles, you're early." "'It's yes, Charles.' [opera music]" "Isn't that Mrs. Rainier, who gives those political dinners?" "Lady Rainier." "He was in the birthday honors." "They say he'll be in the Cabinet." "Oh." "[music continues]" "Pity there's no son to inherit the title." "Such a wonderful couple." "I hear he's devoted to her." "[music continues]" "[instrumental music]" "Well, it's really amazing." "She's got him to dance." "She's got him to smile too." "That woman's a marvel." "Goodnight, Sheldon, and thank you." "You managed everything beautifully." " Thank you, milady." " Thank you, Sheldon." "Goodnight, Mr. Charles." "Well, you certainly mellowed the old gentleman." "He was positively purring when I put him into the car." "Yes, I think he really enjoyed himself." " I know, I did." " Oh, nonsense." "Good heavens!" "It's nearly 3 o'clock." "And you have two committees tomorrow." " Today." " Yes, that's true." "It's nearly morning." "The morning of May the 25th." "'Does that suggest something to you?" "'" "It's the anniversary of our wedding." "'Our third anniversary.'" "Will you wait just a moment?" "You don't look the least bit tired." "All my gratitude goes with this, Margaret." "I owe you more than I can put into words." "Oh!" "It's too beautiful, really." "You spoil me." "The emerald is said to have belonged to the Empress Marie Louise." "Really?" "That's thrilling." "Will you put it on for me?" "There." "How do you like it?" "Do you know...you're a very beautiful woman?" "Thank you." "I rather hoped you thought that." "Margaret.." "...are you happy?" " Why do you ask?" " A twinge of conscience." "If I hadn't interfered in your life" "I should have never been Lady Rainier entertained the Prime Minister, worn a queen's emerald." "Is it enough?" " Perhaps not." " Is there anyone else?" "No." "Charles, why are you asking me?" "Because if there were.." "I've often wanted to say this.." "...I wouldn't hold you to our bargain." "I haven't the right." "You're trying to get rid of me, Charles?" "You know I'd be utterly lost without you." "I'm glad to hear that, because I like my job." "A woman told me tonight that she envied me more than anyone she knew." "She envied me my husband, Charles." "Most women do." "Now, really I'm tired." "Goodnight, Charles, and thank you for the wonderful present." "'Good night, Margaret.'" "[weeping]" "Smithy!" "[knocking on the door]" "Margaret, I'm afraid I said something to hurt you." "No, Charles." "If I expressed myself clumsily.." "It's nothing, really." "It's just nerves." "I wish you would be frank with me." "Do you?" "Were those a gift?" "Yes." "I came across 'em quite by chance." "They're just cheap little beads." "But they have a value for you that this does not." "He said they were the color of my eyes." "They are, aren't they?" "Oh, Margaret." "Isn't there something morbid in burying one's heart with the dead?" "That's a strange thing for you to say." " Is it?" " You haven't even a memory." "No." "And the best of you.." "...your capacity for loving, your joy in living is buried in a little space of time you've forgotten." "It isn't quite the same thing." "Why not?" "Because in some vague way, I still have.." "Hope?" "Yes, I suppose that's it." "Have you, Charles?" "Do you feel that there really is someone?" "That someday you may find her?" "I'd rather not talk of it, Margaret." "It's-It's nothing I could put into words." "Oh, but doesn't it frighten you sometimes.." "...that the years are passing.." "...that you may sometime find that you've lost your capacity for happiness?" "You may have come so near her." "You may even have brushed by her in the street." "Yes, I've thought of that." "You might even have met her, Charles." "Met her and not known her." "It might be someone you know." "Charles...it might even be me." "Oh, Margaret." "Oh, I know I'm talking wildly." "It's after 3 o'clock and I'm tired." "Yes." "Charles, I've sometimes thought I'd like to travel." "I feel I need a change and a rest." "To travel?" "Yes, you know, I've never been out of England." "I'd like to go to Buenos Aires or Rio or somewhere colorful and distracting." "Perhaps, when the House adjourns" "Oh, I don't want to drag you away." "I'll take a maid, or a friend, perhaps." "Margaret, I-I believe you want to get away from me." "Oh, no." "It's just that it's been a strain." "I'm just a little nobody, you know." "It's been harder than I thought.." "...being the wife of Charles Rainier." "If you wish, of course." "You are a little overtired, I think." "Shall we talk about it in the morning?" "In the morning, yes." " Goodnight, Margaret." " Goodnight, Charles." "[melancholic music]" "[door shuts] [weeping]" "[train hooting]" "I think this is my compartment." "Yes, it is." "I hope Harrison has made everything smooth for you." "Thanks." "Yes, he's been very helpful." "He should be here any moment with my letter of credit." "Will you have only two days in the country?" "Yes." "My boat sails on Wednesday." "It's on your way, this place, hmm?" "No." "It's in Devon." "A quiet little country village, with a delightful old inn." " I wanted to see it again." " Oh." "I was once very happy there." "[train hooting]" " I'm glad I'm not late." " Oh." "Hello, sir." "I made you out an itinerary, Lady Rainier." "I thought you'd like to study it on the ship." " Oh, how kind of you." " Here's your letter of credit." "And some magazines." "I'll put these in the compartment." "I think you'll find everything in order." "I hope you have a wonderful trip." " Thank you." " Don't stay away too long." "If I do, blame your excellent arrangements." " Goodbye." " Goodbye." "I'll wait for you, sir." "I've a message from Mr. Chetwynd." "[whistle blowing]" "Well." " Goodbye, Charles." " Margaret." "I wish you weren't going." "I don't feel quite happy about it." "You'll let me hear from you?" " Of course." " Goodbye." "[train tooting]" "You're going to the house?" "No, to the office." "There's some trouble." "[train chugging]" "Seems strange not to talk it over with you, Margaret." "[train chugging]" "This strike, sir, it's pretty serious." "Strike?" "At the Melbridge Cable Works, the men are out of hand." "Melbridge." "Yes, yes, of course." "[people chattering]" "(man on balcony) 'It's alright, men." "We've got our terms.'" "'The strike is settled and we've won!" "' [people cheering]" "Thanks to one man, Sir Charles Rainier." "[people cheering]" "¶ For he's a jolly good fellow" "¶ For he's a jolly good fellow" "[indistinct chatter]" "First back streets we came through." "Here, let's pop in here for a whiskey and soda." "[people cheering]" "Thank you kindly, sir." "We appreciate it." "What will you have, gents?" "Two double mcwhirters and soda, please." "Two double Macs." "Right-o, sir." "Here we are, sir." "Is, uh, is that the proprietor?" "Yes, sir." "That's the Biffer." "Was, I should say." "He ain't much like that now." "That's him at the end." "He was a gentleman, the gunner was." "Not like these softies what call theirselves heavyweights today." "Why, he'd take two of them for breakfast." "[laughing]" "Well, we mustn't lose our train." "We better go." "(bartender) 'Thank you, sir.' [indistinct chattering]" "The fog is getting thicker." " Yes, beastly." " Cigarette?" " Sorry, I don't smoke." " Of course, not." "Nevermind, there's a little tobacconist just around the corner." "Well." "Packet of Barclay Blue Ribbons, please." "Yes, sir." " Thank you, sir." " Thank you." " Goodnight, sir." " Goodnight." "I thought you said you'd never been in Melbridge." "I haven't." "But you said, "There's a little tobacconist" " just around the corner."" " Uh?" "You said, "There's a little tobacconist just around the corner."" "I said that?" "That shop was off the main street." "You couldn't have seen it on your way from the station." "No." "Then, how did you know of it?" "I-I don't know, I.." "You went straight to it." "I did know, but I don't know how." "Melbridge." "What's the matter?" "Melbridge." "Are you ill, sir?" "Let me get a cab." "Oh, no, let me think." "There's something." "That-That shop.." "That-That woman.." "There's a taxi." "I'll get it." "[eerie music]" "Here you are, sir." "Where is the-the hospital?" "You mean, the old one or the new one, sir?" "The old one, I think." "It's on a hill." "Big gates, a high wall all around it." "That don't sound much like either of 'em." "You wouldn't be meaning the asylum, would you, sir?" "(Harrison) 'Look here, sir.'" "You say you came out of these gates?" "Yes, I-I'm sure of that." "There was some excitement and a great deal of noise." "Then, let's start from here." "Try and retrace your steps." "Now." "You must have gone into town." "Yes, I'd-I'd been to that shop." "Perhaps as we go, you can piece the thing together." "Yes, that's right." "That's-that's a good idea." "I-I came along this path." " You remember that?" " Yes, I think so." "There was a good deal of fog and people shouting." "And the sound of.." "Like I was trying to get away from something." "Trying to escape." "There was some danger, and I was afraid." "I was.." "There was a girl." "There was a girl." "Yes, there was a girl!" "[dramatic music]" "The mist is lifting." "Yes, it looks as if it'll be a nice day after all." "Albert, could you take the luggage to the station?" "I've lots of time." "I'd like to walk." "Right you are, ma'am." "I'll wait for you by the news stand." "You're leaving us now." "I do hope you'll come again." "Not very soon, I'm afraid." "I'm sailing for South America at 2 o'clock." "You are?" "My, I envy you." "Are you sure you prefer to walk to the station?" "Yes." "Such a pretty walk." "I used to live here, you know, years ago." "Mrs. Deventer's time." "Did you know her?" "No, not very well." "She died three years ago." "So Albert was telling me." "She was quite a character, Mrs. Deventer." "Lots of people ask after her." "There was a gentleman in here a few minutes ago asking after Mrs. Deventer and the old vicar." "Really?" "I should be going." "Goodbye, Miss Barnes and thank you." "Goodbye, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip." "Thank you." "Did you say a gentleman was asking for Mrs. Deventer?" "(Miss Barnes) 'Oh, yes, miss, and the old vicar.'" "'That's Mr. Durham, you know." "He lives at Seven Oaks.'" "'Mr." "Pauli is our vicar now.'" "Is the gentleman staying here?" "(Miss Barnes) 'Oh, no.'" "'He was looking for a cottage.'" "'Said he used to rent one here, oh, years ago.'" "'He remembered it was near the church.'" "'Was he a friend of yours, miss?" "'" "Excuse me." "[instrumental music]" "[music continues]" "[music continues]" "[music continues]" "Smithy." "Oh, Smithy!" "Oh, darling!" "Paula." "[music intensifies]"