Rope (1948) Movie Script(Man Screaming)Open it.Don't.- We've got to see if -- I know.But not just yet.Let's stay this way for a minute.Phillip, we don't have too much time.It's the darkness that's got you down.Nobody feels really safe in the dark.Nobody who's ever a child, that is.I'll open these, alright?There. That's much better.What a lovely evening.Pity we couldn't have done it withthe curtains open in the bright sunlight.Well...We can't have everything, can we?We did do it in daytime.Alright now, Phillip?- Yes.- Good.You better put those away in mychequebook drawer behind the box.Now...It's a museum piece now.We really should preserve it for posterity,except, it's such good crystaland I'd hate to break up the set.Out of this,David Kentley had his last drink.It should have been ginger ale,or even beer.It was out of character for Davidto drink anything as corrupt as whiskey.Out of characterfor him to be murdered, too.Yes, wasn't it? Good Americansusually die young on the battlefield.Well, the Davids of this worldmerely occupy space,which is why he wasthe perfect victim for the perfect murder.'Course,he was a Harvard undergraduate.That might make it justifiable homicide.He's dead and we've killed him.But he's still here.In less than eight hourshe'll be resting at the bottom of a lake.Meanwhile, he's here.- What are you doing?- It's not locked.All the better. It's more dangerous.And the lock's too old. It won't work.I wish it would.

I wish we had him out of here.I wish it were somebody else.It's a trifle late for that, don't you think?Whom would you have preferred,Kenneth?I don't know,I suppose anyone was as good...or as bad as any other.You, perhaps. You frighten me.You always have,from that very first day in prep school.Part of your charm, I suppose.I'm only kidding, Brandon.I obviously can't take it as well as you,so I'm turning on you a little.- That's rather foolish, isn't it?- Yes, very.May I have a drink now?By all means. This is an occasion.It calls for champagne.- Champagne?- I put some in the icebox.- When did you put it there?- Just before David arrived.- You knew it would work.- Of course.You know I never did anythingunless I did it perfectly.I've always wishedfor more artistic talent.Well, murder can be an art too.The power to kill can be justas satisfying as the power to create.Phillip, do you realise we've actuallydone it, exactly as we planned?And not a single thing has gone wrong.It was perfect.- Yes.- An immaculate murder!We've killed for the sake of dangerand for the sake of killing.We're alive, truly and wonderfully alive.Champagne can't equal us,or the occasion.I'll take it, though.You aren't frightened any more, are you?Neither of us can have fear.That's the differencebetween us and them.They talk about committingthe perfect crime but don't do it.Nobody commits a murder just for...the experiment of committing it.Nobody except us.- You're not frightened still, are you?- No.Not even of me?- No.- That's good.You just astound me, as always.

That's even better.To David, of course.- Brandon, how did you feel?- When?During it.I don't know, really.I don't rememberfeeling very much of anything,until his body went limpand I knew it was over.- And then?- Then I felt tremendously exhilarated.H-How did you feel?Oh, I... I...- You don't think the party's a mistake?- No, it's the finishing touch to our work.It's more.It's the signature of the artists.Not having it would be like, uh...Painting the picture and not hanging it?That's not a good choice of words.It may end up too choice,thanks to the party.Oh, rot. This party will bethe most exciting ever given.- With these people?- Oh, they're a dull crew.The Kentleys couldn't be duller ifthey tried, but we did have to have them.After all,they are David's mother and father.That doesn't make themany easier to talk to.Don't worry.Janet'll be buttering them up, poor girl.She's banked everythingon hooking David.Somehow, I don't thinkshe's going to succeed.- Do you?- No, somehow I don't.Well, she can switch backto Kenneth tonight.You must admit, it was most considerateof me in view of recent events to...- Phillip?- What?- Take the other one.- What for?Never mind. Come with me.- What's this all about?- You'll see. It's brilliant.What the devil are you doing?Making our work of art a masterpiece.- Brandon, you're going too far.- Why? What do you mean?I just thought it'd be niceto have supper in here...on this.Isn't it a good idea?

Well, at least this wayno one will try to open it.I don't think you appreciate me, Phillip.I'm beginning to, Brandon.Come on, we don't have much time.Mrs Wilson will be back soon.Did you forget to borrow her key?I might've known -I didn't forget. I have her key.- Oh, good.- How are you going to explain this?- I'm not.- We've got to have some excuse.- We can't leave our guest alone.- We must have an excuse for the others.Let me think.Really, you get much too upsetmuch too easily, Phillip.We have a very simple excuseright here.What are you worrying about, Phillip?Mr Kentley's comingmainly to look at books.What could be better than having themon the dining room tablewhere the poor old mancan easily get at them.Considerate, aren't we? (Phone Ringing)Hello? Oh, of course.- You start on the books -- Who is it?Mrs Wilson.Brandon?Brandon!What the devil?Don't you have any more sense than to...What is it?- Well, go on, yank it out.- I can't.If Mrs Wilson were here,she'd yank it out for you.A stupid display like that in front ofothers will be as good as a confession.Take these and get ahold of yourself.If you'd let me keep the light on,I would have seen it.Alright! You're perfect.We have to be, Phillip.We agreed there was only one crime wecould commit, that of making a mistake.- Being weak is a mistake.- Because it's being human?Because it's being ordinary.I won't let either of us do -(Door Buzzer)You owe me $2.40 for taxis,including the tip.If it weren't for the traffic,I'd have been here a half hour ago.It's just as well.

We didn't expect you back until now.I went to five storesfor the special pt we like.But the prices! I couldn't see anyreason for throwing away good money.So, I went downtown to that littledelicatessen where Mr Cadell goes.But I tell ya, the next timewe give a party, I'm only going to -Good evening, Mrs Wilson.What, may I ask,is happening to my table?We're just moving the things in here.Well...I personallythought my table was quite lovely.Oh, it was quite lovely.But Mr Kentley is coming to lookat these old books I had in the chest.You wouldn't want the poor old manto have to get on his knees to see them?Well, I think it looks downright peculiar.- Peculiar?- Very.Particularly those candlesticks.They don't belong there at all.On the contrary, I think they suggest a...a ceremonial altar,which you can heap with the foodsfor our sacrificial feast.Hmph, heap is right.Isn't enough room for me to setthings out properly, is there, Mr Phillip?Oh, you can make it do.You two'll be the death of me.What's to be done with the books?We'll lay them outon the dining room table.A crazy idea, if you ask me.Well, I have too much to doto discuss this thoroughly, dear.I still think it's peculiar.- What on earth is the matter?- I was sure she'd notice.- Notice what?- The rope, of course.Brandon, we've got to hide it.- Why?- Why?Yes, why? It's only a piece of rope,an ordinary household article.Why hide it?It belongs in the kitchen drawer.- Mrs Wilson?- Yes?There's champagne in the icebox.- We're not giving them champagne?- We are.Oh, it's going to be that kind of party.I'd better doll up a little.

We only serve champagneat Mr Cadell's on very high occasions.Matter of fact, he and I once hada glass together on my birthday.Tonight, Mrs Wilson, you'll havean opportunity to renew that romance.May I? Mr Cadell's coming.Oh, my. Oh, Mr Cadell is terribly nice.- Rupert's coming?- Yes, I thought I told you.No, you didn't.Some people say he's a little peculiar,but I always thi...Well, you might let me finish.I thought you liked Rupert.- I do.- Well, then?Of all the people on this Earth, RupertCadell is the one man likely to suspect.He's the one man who might appreciatethis from our angle, the artistic one.- That's what's exciting.- I'm glad it excites you. It frightens me.I suggest you keep your voice down.It would have been too easywith the others, Phillip, and too dull.As for Rupert,I once thought of inviting him to join us.- Why didn't you? The more the merrier.- He hasn't the nerve.Oh, intellectually,he could've come along. He's brilliant.But he's a little too fastidious.He could've invented and admiredbut he never could have acted.That's where we're superior.We have courage. Rupert doesn't.Mr Cadell got a bad leg in the war for hiscourage. You've got your sleeve in the celery.(Door Buzzer)They're here. Are we ready?As ready as we'll ever be.Don't you be so busyat that piano that you don't eat.You're getting too thin.And don't you let them gobble upthat pt before you have any.Let's hope it's a success. Oh, my tray.Take it in the kitchen.I'll answer the door.There wouldn't be this last minutehustle bustle if you'd kept my table...Now the fun begins.- Hello, come in.(Kenneth) - How are you, Brandon?- Fine. Just put your hat there.- Thank you.lt's been quite a while.Yes, that's why l sounded so stupidon the phone. Surprised, l guess.

- Hello, Kenneth. Good to see you.- You too.- Been up to much lately?- Oh, nothing to speak of. You?Trying to get ready for exams. I haveto start cramming before everyone else.- Am I the first?- You are.Why is it I'm always too earlyat parties?Probably because you're always on time.Mrs Wilson, champagne.Oh.It... It isn't someone's birthday, is it?Don't look so worried, Kenneth.It's really almost the opposite.The opposite?Phillip's bidding the world a temporaryfarewell. I'm driving him to Connecticut.Oh. Where are you going?To Brandon's mother's placefor a few weeks.- I'm to be locked up.- What?To make sure he practicessix hours a day.- I've finally wrangled a debut for him.- Town Hall, at that.That's wonderful.I hope you knock 'em dead.Thank you.Mmm. Most decorative.Think so?- Hey.- What is it?- I feel pretty honoured.- Oh, why?Well, it looks likea pretty small farewell party.Well, we're really killing two birdswith one stone.The party's also for Mr Kentley.- David's father?- Yes.Oh. Is... David going to be here?- Of course.- Who else is coming?No one you don't know,if that's what's bothering you.- The Kentleys, Janet Walker -- Janet?Yes. I thought you'd be glad to see her.Won't you be?Brandon, Janet and I are all washed up.- Didn't you know?- I'm sorry, I didn't.Well, you knew, Phillip?Oh, I'd heard vague rumours, but I neverpay attention to that sort of thing.I wish you had. (Door Buzzer)

- Why?- Well, Janet and David are -(Janet) Hello, Mrs Wilson.- May I?- Help yourself.Cheer up. I have a feeling your chanceswith the lady are better than you think.- What do you mean?(Brandon) - Janet.Hello, ducks. Angel!Be careful of my hair. It took hours.- You smell dreamy. What is it?- That swill you gave me last Christmas.- I knew I had good taste.- You do. You look lovely.I won't by the time it's all paid for.Was that funny?I never know when I'm being funny.Whenever I try to be,I lay the bomb of all time.- Phillip, sweet.- Hello.What's this rumourI hear about you and Town Hall?I bet you're going to play a foul trickon all of us and become...horribly famous.I believe you've met.- Hello, Ken.- Hello, Jan.That was fascinating, wasn't it?I seem to have run down.What would you sayto some champagne?'Hello, champagne.'You see what I meanabout trying to be funny?- How've you been, Ken?- Dine, thanks.- How's the new job?- What are you doing?Writing that same dreary columnon how to keep the body beautiful.- Dor whom this time?- An untidy little magazine called Allure.Thanks, chum.- Oh, isn't that painting new?(Brandon) - Yes it is. Do you like it?- Well, what is it?- New Young American Primitive.I have a new young American sister.She's threeand her stuff is really primitive.(Laughing)(Janet quietly) - You dirty dog.(Brandon quietly) - Why?- Didn't I notice another one in the foyer?I don't think so. Which?This.- I could really strangle you, Brandon.

- What have I done now?At times, your sense of humouris a little too malicious, chum.What are you chattering about?- Why did you invite Kenneth?- Well, why not?You know perfectly well why not.We called it quits ages ago and I'mpractically engaged to his best friend.- David?- Yes, David.Which makes everythingjust ginger-peachy.I'm terribly sorry, but it is difficulttrying to keep up with your romances.After me came Kenneth,and now it's David.Why the switchfrom Kenneth to David, anyway?- Obviously, I think he's nicer.- Well, he's certainly richer.That's a new low even for you, chum.(Kenneth) - Gave me a 'D' in conduct.(Phillip) - How's your drink doing?How many years has it been since I said,'Oh, it tickles'? And don't you tell me.- I hear Rupert's coming.- He was invited, but you never know.- I hope he does. How is he?- Who is he?Rupert Cadellwas our housemaster in prep school.Housemaster for you three little dears?Dour little dears.He tried valiantly to teach David, too.Rupert's a publisher now, isn't he?Successful? Maybe he can give me a job.Rupert only publishes books he likes,usually philosophy.Oh. Small print, big words, no sales.- Right.- Rupert's extremely radical.Do you know that he selectshis books on the assumption thatpeople not only can readbut actually can think.- Curious fellow, but I like him.- You always did.Golly, those bull sessions youand Rupert used to have in school.Brandon would sit up till all hoursat the master's feet.Brandon at someone's feet!Who is this Rupert?- He used to tell you the weirdest things.- Really? What sort of things?I suppose Kenneth means Rupert'simpatience with social conventions.Dor example, he thinks murderis a crime for most men, but -

- A privilege for the few.- Yes.It's alright, Mrs Wilson,I'll answer the door.- Mr Kentley. So glad you could come.- Thank you, Brandon.Mrs Kentley isn't well, so I tookthe liberty of bringing my sister-in-law,Mrs Atwater, who's staying with us.- Delighted to have you.- Delighted to come, dear boy.I've been in New York two weeks.Alice has been ill almost the whole time.Henry is forever cataloging his library.Oh, no, Anita. Occasionally,I even read one of my books.But I'm on a visit.This is just my second party.- I suppose it's only fair -- Let me take your things.- I'm sorry to hear Mrs Kentley's so ill.- Oh, it's just a cold.Colds can be very dangerousthis time of the year.I hope Mrs Kentley's stayingin bed with lots of fruit juice.- She is, thank you.- Well, that'll do the trick.Colds dangerous, in this heat?I don't understand that at all.Exactly two years agothis summer I had one myself.I was down for three weeks.The doctors -Excuse me. This way, Mrs Atwater.(Janet) ...particularly at parties.(Kenneth) This is over my head.David! (Glass Crunching)(Brandon)Uh, no, you've made a mistake.This is Kenneth Lawrence.(Mrs Atwater) Oh, l'm so sorry.(Henry) That's alright, Anita.Kenneth is often mistaken for Davideven by people who aren't nearsighted.We haven't had much opportunity toobserve the resemblance lately, my boy.- Haven't been studying, have you?- I've been trying to, sir.Oh, dear.The resemblance is only physical.I believe you both know Miss Walker.Janet, my dear.I finished working out your horoscopejust before we came.- Oh, tell.- The stars are very kind.They indicate a marriage very soon.to a tall, fair-haired young manwith a very lovely father.

- Oh, Anita, I told you that a week ago.- Oh, well, I suppose you did.- But the stars confirm it.- Wonderful.(Brandon) Mrs Atwater,may l present Mr Phillip Morgan?- How do you do?- Oh, you've hurt your hand.- Oh, it's nothing, just a little cut.- What happened?Nothing. The glass was crackedand it broke. That's all.- May I get you some champagne?- Oh, I should adore some.Daddy used to have a glassevery morning at eleven.But of course, Henry doesn't like it.Mr Kentley, may I get you some?I'd prefer a little Scotchwith a lot of water, if you don't mind.Is David here?I expected him to come with you.He called and saidthat he'd meet us here.- Where did he call from?- Our maid spoke to him.He was at the club,studying for his examinations...In tennis.The trouble with David is, he doesn'thave to study. He's too bright.- David does alright, very much so.- Thank you.- How's Mrs Kentley?- As usual. It's a cold this time.I hope David arrives soon.She wants him to call her.David's her only child, Mr Kentley.He's my only child too,but I'm willing to let him grow up.Why don't I calland tell her he's been detained.- No, you mustn't pamper her.- David might have stopped to see her.- Mr Kentley?- May I use the phone?- Of course. It's in the bedroom.- How cosy.- Aren't you ready for another?- I will be.I am, thank you.(Henry) What a charming young man.l wish David saw more of him.(Janet) Yes. l'll go and call.Kenneth,there's too much air in your glass.- Mine's fine, thanks.- Would you mind taking this in to Janet?Sure. Why?No particular reason. I thought you'd like

to take it to her. She's in the bedroom.- Then you'd like David to walk in.- No, that'd be too much of a shock.(Atwater) - When were you born?(Phillip) - July 14.- Can you really tell my future from that?- I'm only an amateur astrologer.- I'm sure you're very good.- I do my best.I suppose you want to knowif your concert will be a success.- Yes, I do.- Let me see now.You were born on the 1 4th of July.You're Cancer, the crab.You're a moon child.You're very much influencedby the moon. May I see your hand?You don't remember the hourof your birth, by any chance?No.Good fingers, strong, artistic.What about the concert?These hands will bring you great fame.(Henry) Well, l consider myselfa very fortunate man today.- l'm on hand for the grand opening.(Brandon) - Of what?- Of your collection, so to speak.- Oh yes, of course.(Atwater)Are you going to play? How lovely.(Janet) - Your wife sends her love.(Henry) - David wasn't there?No. He'll probably be herein a minute, though.- Your touch has improved, Phillip.- Rupert!I... I was beginning to thinkyou weren't going to show.You know me better than that.Mrs Atwater,may I present Mr Rupert Cadell.- Delighted.- Thank you.- Mr Kentley.- How do you do, Mr Kentley?Rupert Cadell,the housemaster at Somerville?- I used to be.- You must have taught my son, David.- You flatter me. How do you do?- Hello, chum.- Oh, Miss Walker.- How'd you know?- Brandon spoke of you.- Did he do me justice?Do you deserve justice? Well!Well, little Kenneth Lawrence,how you've grown.

- Hello, er...- Kenneth, school's out. You can say it.Rupert, you're the same as ever.It's awfully good to see you again.- Why?- Uh, well...Don't mind me.Very pleased to see you again.And that bears a curiousresemblance to champagne.- It is.- Very good champagne.- What's the occasion?- I told you on the phone.It began as a little party for Mr Kentleyso he could look over the first editions.Then it turned out Phillipand I were going to the country -Yes, you told me that too, Brandon.- Did I?- Yeah.Well, I thought I'd make itsort of a farewell for Phillip.- Therefore, champagne.- Yes.- I see.- Well, it's true.You always did stutterwhen you were excited.Well, I-I guess I'm always excitedwhen I give a party.- Really?- Mr Cadell.Oh, Mrs Wilson.Well, what have we here?(Whispering)I got that special pt you like.(Whispering) - I don't like it anymore.- Oh, no!No, I'm just teasing, just teasing.- You're awful.- Thank you. Thank you.You'd better get along with the carving.The rest of the things'll be herein two shakes.Oh, Mr Brandon, I found it.I haven't the least notionwhat it was she lost.Wonderful Mrs Wilson.I may marry her.It looks heavenly.I hope David gets here soon.- Yes, where is David?- I haven't the faintest idea.But he's so late,Mr Kentley's getting annoyed.- And you?- Me? I'm hungry?Brandon, exactly what is this?- A cassone I got in Italy.

- No, I mean why are we eating off it?Oh, I've turnedthe dining room into a library.Trust you to find a new usefor a chest.One was always turning up in thebedtime stories he told in prep school."The Mistletoe Bough,"that was your favourite tale, wasn't it?- What was that one about?- I don't quite remember how it started.- It was about a lovely, young girl -- She was a bride-to-be.On her wedding day,she playfully hid herself in a chest.- Yes, that's right.- Unfortunately, it had a spring lock.Difty years later,they found her skeleton.- I don't think I'll get that playful.- Would you all please help yourselves?Talking of skeletons, have you seenthat new thing at the Strand?- Yes, I adored it.- Did you? Good.I didn't like the new girl much.Definitely Scorpio.No, I didn't like her either,but her clothes were fabulous.- Simply divine!- Absolute heaven!- I must see it.- I have a passion for James Mason.- Is he good?- Absolutely terrific.So attractively sinister!Taurus, the bull, you know.- Very obstinate.- Really?But I have a confession to make.Do you know, I think I like Masonas much as Errol Dlynn?- I'll take Cary Grant, myself.- Oh, so will I.Capricorn, the goat. He leaps, divine!- So much "oomph."- Yes.- Absolutely.- He was thrilling with Bergman.What was it called?"Something of the something."No, that's the other one.This was just plain "Something."You know, it was sort of, you know.It was right on the tip of my tongue.Mine too. It was just plain"Something" I'm sure. I adored it.- And Bergman!- She's the Virgo type!- Like all these, you know.

- Oh, I think she's lovely.I once went to the movies.I saw Mary Pickford.I was mad about her!Didn't you love her?Well, the Virgo type, like all of these.- What did you see her in?- I don't quite recall."The Something Something."Or was it just plain "Something"?Something rather like that.I don't believe you ever went.If I were you, I'd go easyon the pt, dear - calories.Phillip,would you mind helping Mrs Atwater?I'd be glad to. Sit down, Mrs Atwater.I'll bring it to you.Thank you so much, dear boy.I must apologise for David.I can't think what's keeping him.He's only in town for the weekendand David is very popular.- Here, let me help. White or dark?- A little of both on this for Mrs Atwater.- What about you?- I don't eat it.How queer! I never heard of anyonewho didn't eat chicken.Did you, Brandon? Oh, you probably did.- Why don't you eat it, Phillip?- I just don't.There must be a reason.Dreud says there's a reasonfor everything, even me.There's no reason, Janet.As I remember,you have a very funny reason.- Doesn't he, Brandon?- Yes.- I knew there had to be one. What is it?- It's nothing too much.(Rupert) - lt's fascinating.(Janet) - Come on, Brandon, please.Well, it happened aboutthree years ago in Connecticut.Mother has a place there, you know.We were going to have chickenso we walked over to the farm.It was a lovelySunday morning in late Spring.Across the valley,the church bells were ringing.In the yard, Phillip was doing likewiseto the necks of two or three chickens.Oh, dear!It was a task he usuallyperformed very competently.But on this particular morning, his touchwas, perhaps, a trifle too delicate.

because one of the subjectsfor our dinner table suddenly rebelled.- Like Lazarus, he rose -- That's a lie!(Phillip) That's not true.l never strangled a chicken in my life!(Brandon) - Now look here, Phillip -(Phillip) l never strangled a chicken,and you know it.(Janet Laughing) Forgive me,but it just seemed very funny,you two being so intenseabout an old, dead chicken.(Brandon) Sorry.We were ridiculous and very rude.l apologise for both of us and the story.Well!- Is it all over?- I'm afraid so, Rupert.Oh, what a pity.In a moment, you might have strangledeach other instead of a chicken.(Atwater) - Mr Cadell, really.- But a man's honour was at stake.And personally, I think a chickenis as good a reason for murderas a blonde, a mattress full of dollar bills,or any of the customary,unimaginative reasons.Now, you don't really approveof murder, Rupert, if I may.You may, and I do.Think of the problems it would solve -unemployment, poverty,standing in line for theatre tickets.I must say,I've had a perfectly dreadful timegetting tickets for that new musical,what's it called?- You know.- "Something" with what's-her-name?My dear Mrs Atwater,careful application of the trigger fingerand a pair of seats in the first rowis yours for the shooting.And have you had any difficulty gettinginto our velvet rope restaurants?- Drightful!- A very simple matter.A flick of the knife, madam,and if you'll kindly step this way -Oh, no, step over the head waiter's body.Thank you, and here's your table.(Janet laughing)Rupert, you're the end.(Kenneth) There's a hotel clerkl could cheerfully flick a knife at.Oh, no, sorry. Knives may notbe used on hotel employees.They are in the

"death by slow torture" category,along with bird lovers,small children and tap-dancers.Landlords, of course, are another matter.You seeking an apartment?Call on our Miss Sash Weightof the blunt instrument department.What a divine idea!If it suits your purpose, merely...- But we'd all be murdering each other.- Oh no. Oh no.After all, murder is, or should be, an art.Not one of the seven lively, perhaps,but an art, nevertheless.As such, the privilege ofcommitting it should be reservedfor those few whoare really superior individuals.And the victims - inferior beingswhose lives are unimportant anyway.(Rupert) Obviously.Now mind you,l don't hold with the extremistswho feel there should be open seasonfor murder all year round.No, personally, I would prefer to have..."Cut a Throat Week."Or "Strangulation Day."Probably a symptomof approaching senility,but I must confess I really don'tappreciate this morbid humour.- The humour was unintentional.- You're not serious about these theories.(Brandon) - Of course he is.- You're both pulling my leg.No. Why do you think that?The notion that murder is an artwhich superior beings should practice -(Rupert) in season!- Now I know you're not serious.(Rupert) - l'm a very serious fellow.Then may I ask who is to decideif a human being is inferior,and is thereforea suitable victim for murder?- The privileged few who commit it.- And just who might they be?Oh, myself, Phillip...possibly Rupert.(Rupert) l'm sorry, Kenneth, you're out.- Gentlemen, I'm serious.- And so are we, Mr Kentley.The few are those men of suchintellectual and cultural superioritythat they're abovethe traditional moral concepts.Good and evil, right and wrong wereinvented for the ordinary average man,the inferior man, because he needs them.

So you agree with Nietzscheand his theory of the superman.- Yes, I do.- So did Hitler.Hitler was a paranoid savage.His supermen, all fascist supermenwere brainless murderers.I'd hang any who were left.But then, you see,I'd hang them first for being stupid.I'd hang all incompetents and fools.There are far too many in the world.Then hang me. I must be stupid, becauseI don't know if you're serious or not.In any case,I'd rather not hear any more of your,forgive me, contempt, for humanity,and for the standards of a worldthat I believe is civilised.- Civilised?- Yes.Perhaps what is called"Civilisation" is hypocrisy.Well, l'm sure Rupert, fortunately,has the intelligence and imagination -(Kentley) Please, Brandon,we've had had just about enough.Phillip, where did you put those booksyou set out for Mr Kentley?- I'd like to see them myself, if I may.(Phillip) - They're in the dining room.Mr Kentley, wouldn't youlike to see the books now?I apologise, sir.Again, I'm afraidI let myself get carried away.Oh, that's quite alright, my boy.I think it's a good collection,the first editions, I mean.Yes, I'd like to see them.May I use the telephone first?I'd like to talk to my wife.She may have some word of David.(Phillip) - Of course, it's this way.(Atwater) - Oh, dear, oh, dear -- Uh, Brandon?- Yes.You were pushing your point rather hard.You aren't planning to do away witha few inferiors, by any chance?- I'm a creature of whim. Who knows?- I see.(Janet)l think he's definitely Scorpio.Uh, Mrs Atwater,wouldn't you like to see the books?Oh, I'd love it.Do you know, when I was a girl,I used to read quite a bit.Oh, we all do strange things

in our childhood.Kenneth, why don't you switch onthe radio or play some records.Atmospheric music goes a long way.He is such a sly, little devil, isn't he?(Record) Bringing us back togetherwith sweet music.Don't let it get you.He's always doing something like this.- I'm going in the other room.- To see the books?No, to let Brandon see me.- Do you care what he thinks?- I know what he thinks.He thinks I threw you over becauseDavid has a bigger bank account.Then, why do you go?Because...Because I'm embarrassedat being here with you.Oh, Janet!Never thought I could be, did you?Honestly?No.Well, I am and I don't like it one bit.I should think you'd have the decencyto be embarrassed yourself.- Why?- Well...You threw me over, chum, remember?My, wouldn't friend Brandonlove to know that?- What's the matter?- Nothing. I'm just thinking.- What about?- Demale vanity.Well, I'm also embarrassed because...Go on.Well, you and Davidused to be such good friends.You're not now and it's my fault.- I'm such an idiot girl.- No, you're not.Then I'm certainly givinga good imitation of one.Why must I try and be so smartwith everyone but David?Don't you kid with David too?I relax with David, thanks to you.- To me?- Yes.That... That grim Sunday at Harvard,when you called it quits,David took me for a walk.My chin was about an inchfrom the ground.I just couldn't be the gay girl.I just relaxed and let everything pour out.The real, real me stuff.Did you hear that phrase?

I hear myself saying things like that...Oh, where's David?You know, I'm not very smart.Why?I never realised you were...(Sighs)Brandon and his atmospheric music.You are in love with David, aren't you?Yes.- I don't get it.- Get what?Brandon made a crack when I got here.He implied I'd have a chance with youagain because David's out of the running.Wait. You mean, before I got hereBrandon knew we had broken up?- He even knew about you and David.- What?Kenneth, he pretended to be completelyignorant when I told him. He said -What's going on here?I don't know,but I'm going to find out once and for all!- Brandon?- Yes?- May I see you for a moment?- Certainly.Why can't he keep his hands off people?Well?Just exactly what are you up to?- Up to getting you a coffee, if you like.- Let's dispense with the charm!I'd like to know why you had gallto tell Kenneth he wouldn't have toworry much longer about David and me.I don't think that's precisely what I said.It's what you impliedand I want to know why.Some women are quite charmingwhen they're angry, Janet.Unfortunately, you're not.- Cut that out, Brandon.- Well, chivalry rears its ugly head!- I don't believe David's coming.- Wait and see.I don't have to. He's never this late.He's never late at all.If something had come up,he'd have phoned.I think you deliberately arranged itso that he wouldn't come.How clever of me.I might have known you couldn'tjust give a party for Mr Kentley.You'd have to add somethingthat appealedto your warped sense of humour.I hope you've enjoyedyourself, Brandon. I haven't.(Janet) He's really impossible.

(Kenneth)You shouldn't let him upset you.Something gone wrong, Brandon?No, Janet has a talentfor being bothersome at times.However, I suppose I'd better...Uh, what did you mean,'something gone wrong'?You always plan your parties so well,it's odd to have anything go wrong.She seems to be missing David.(Rupert) As a matter of fact,l'm beginning to miss him myself.Aren't we all?- Two desserts, Mr Cadell?- One for you and one for me, my love.The others don't seem to bein the mood for ice cream.No, well, they couldall do with a little cooling off.My, it's a peculiar party,not that that surprises me.- Why not?- I could have predicted it this morning.Both of them must have got upout of the wrong side of the bed.They've been in a state all day!Mr Brandon says he's alwaysin a state when he gives a party.Dirst time I've seen it.Usually, he lets me prepareeverything my own way.But, look at this,the chicken's hardly been touched.- What was so different today?- What wasn't?Mr Brandon was in the maddest rushfor me to clean up and get the table set.And, oh, it looked so lovely!(Mrs Wilson) But whenl was whisking out to do shopping,he suddenly told me to takethe whole afternoon for it.The whole afternoon,after that mad rush in the morning.- Did he say why?- No, just a whim, l suppose.But when l came back, he and Mr Phillipwere going at it hammer and tongs.Oh. What about?Now, Mr Cadell, even if l did know,do you think l'd tell?- Well, I hope so.- Not me. l'm like the grave.Look at this mess!Just makes double the work.After I have this cleaned off,I have to clear all those books offthe dining room table,bring them here,

put them back in the chest,which is wherethey were in the first place.- Why did you serve from here, anyway?- It wasn't my idea.I had everything laid out in thedining room and it was just beautiful.(Whispering) On this thing,it doesn't have... (Dade Out)(Undiscernable)Is she still harping on her table andhow awkward it is to serve from this?It's much more convenient, you know.Because this way, people don't haveto go all the way into the dining roomto get food and comeall the way back to eat it.Seems to me they've gone in therenow for their dessert and coffee.Mrs Wilson, please serve the guests.Don't lecture them.We did get up on the wrong sideof the bed, didn't we?(Piano)- I'm in quite an embarrassing position.- How do you mean?I seem to be the only onehaving a good time.You and Mrs Atwater.What's going on, Phillip?Would you mind turning that off?- Sorry.- I don't like the light in my eyes.You know, Phillip,I get quite intrigued when people don'tanswer questions and quite curious.- Did you ask me a question?- Yes, Phillip, I asked you a question.(Sirens)Well, what was it?I asked you what is going on here.- A party.- Yes, but a rather peculiar party.What's it all about, Phillip?What's what all about? Stop playing"Crime and Punishment", Rupert.If you want to know somethingcome out with it! Otherwise -Now, now, temper, temper.- Don't stop.- I'd like a drink.Wait, I'll get it for you. Keep playing.What would you like, Scotch?(Phillip) No, brandy.(Piano Continues)You're very fondof that little tune, aren't you?You know, I wish I could comestraight out with what I want to know.Unfortunately, I don't know anything.

I merely suspect.- I said that -(Phillip) - l heard you.- This alright?(Phillip) - Thank you.(Guests Laughing)- Do you use this?- Sometimes.I thought only beginners did.- I must say -- Alright, Rupert, I'll ask you.What do you suspect?Oh, I'd forgotten. Where's David, Phillip?I don't know. Why?- Brandon knows.- Does he?- Doesn't he?- Not that I know of.- Oh, come now.- I don't. Why don't you ask Brandon?I have,but he's too busy manoeuvringthe other two points of the triangle.What for, Phillip?Just what is Brandon trying to dowith Janet and Kenneth?(Laughs)- What are you laughing at?- Nothing.What is it?What, am I so far off the track?There's nothing going on at all, Rupert.You're, uh...more than usually allergicto the truth tonight, Phillip.That's the second timeyou haven't told it.Thanks. When was the first?When you said that you'dnever strangled a chicken.You're confused.Brandon dreamt that upfor the sake of a very unfunny joke.No, he didn't. No, he didn't, Phillip.And if you'll think back carefully,you'll realise that I know he didn't.About a year ago,I was up at the farm. Remember?One morningI saw you display your handiwork.You're quite a good chicken strangler,as I recall.Well, I... I just meantthat Brandon's story wasn't true.- I didn't mean I hadn't killed chickens.- That's what you said.Well, I didn't think it was a suitable topicof conversation while we were eating.- You could have said that.- Alright, I didn't.

We're not eating now, Phillip.What did you lie to me for?- Because I don't like to talk about -- About what? Strangling -- I can't play with that thing!(Brandon) - l want you to have them.(Kentley) - lt's extremely generousof you, Brandon. l don't -(Brandon) Please, l know you appreciatefirst editions more than l, Mr Kentley.(Kentley) - lt's very nice of you.- What's wrong?(Kentley) - You must come to dinner...- What's wrong now, Phillip?Don't you wantMr Kentley to have the books?- No. I don't care if he has them, I just -- What? What?I think it's a clumsy wayof tying them up, that's all.(Brandon) David's never hadtrouble taking care of himself.(Mr Kentley)l know but l cannot understand this.Whenever he's been detained before,he's telephoned us. lsn't that so, Janet?(Janet) Oh yes. He's alwaysbeen after me to be more punctual.(Kenneth) And well he might.You wouldn't know me these days.l'm a new woman, punctual as a clock.(Atwater)That's very unfeminine, my dear.(Kentley) Perhaps,but l prefer manners to femininity.(Atwater)Oh Henry, you sound just like Daddy.l remember once, when Davidwas still at home...(Fades Out)Take it easy, Phillip.- Rupert's onto something.- He isn't. Now, let up.- I've got to have a drink.- Enough.Take your hand off my arm!Don't you ever again tell mewhat to do and what not to do.- I don't like it, and I'm not going -- Keep your voice down.I, uh, hope I didn't upset Phillip.Uh, no, he's more likely mixing his drinks.- You seem rather upset yourself.- Do I?Yes, there's something upsettingboth of you a great deal.- Something that -(Wilson) - Excuse me, sir.There's a lady phoningfor either Mr Kentley or Mrs Atwater.- It must be Alice. I'll talk to her, Henry.

- (Kentley) Alright.Down the hall to your left, dear.- Thank you.- The first bedroom.(Janet) Mr Kentley,do you suppose David could be home?(Kentley) l don't know. l hope so.(Rupert) l hate to throw a damper,but if David was home, l think he'dbe calling instead of Mrs Kentley.- Wouldn't you say so, Brandon?(Brandon) - l wouldn't know.(Rupert) The David l rememberwas polite as well as punctual.(Janet) He hasn't changed.(Rupert) Of course,if he's not home, where could he be?(Kenneth) Don't ask me. l don't know.(Brandon)He might be at any number of places.(Rupert) - Such as?(Brandon) - The club, or Bradley's party.- Maybe he went down to Janet's.(Rupert) - Why?(Brandon) Perhaps he decidedto pick her up, after all.(Janet) l phoned my placeafter l spoke to Mrs Kentley.(Kentley) - He wasn't there?(Janet) - No. l left a message in case.(Rupert) We might have a better chanceof finding out where he is nowif we knew where he was thisafternoon. What do you think, Brandon?(Brandon) l haven't the least ideawhere he was this afternoon.(Rupert) Don't you think lt would helpif we found out where he was?(Brandon) l suppose so.(Kentley) l know he went to the clubthis afternoon to play tennis.- l know he got there.(Rupert) - Why?(Kentley) Someone phoned with amessage that David would meet us here.(Rupert) - Do you know who?(Kentley) - No.(Rupert) Obviously, David ran intosomeone at the club and changed plans.You weren't there this afternoon,were you, Kenneth?(Kenneth) No. l wish l had been.(Rupert) l don't supposeyou or Brandon were, Phillip?(Phillip) No.(Brandon) Hardly, we had our handsfull getting ready for the party.(Rupert) Oh, there was a lotto be done this afternoon?(Brandon) - You know.

(Rupert) - Yes, l see.You didn't speak to David at all today?(Brandon) No. Why do you ask?(Rupert) l thought he might have havecalled to say he'd be late or something.(Brandon) He didn't.Neither Phillip nor l have talked toDavid since we invited him to the party.(Kentley) - That's odd.(Rupert) - What do you mean?(Kentley) l thought l heard David on thephone to Phillip yesterday morning.(Phillip) Yes, you did. l'd forgotten.(Brandon) Oh? What were you talkingabout? Did he call about the party?(Phillip) Yes, he wanted to make sureabout the time. That was all.Here, I'll help you with that.Oh, thank you, Mr Cadell.That's alright, Mrs Wilson.You can put the books backwhen you come to clean in the morning.I didn't have any ideaof coming in in the morning.I'm afraid you'll have to.Just let the books go for now.Well, alright.Henry, Alice hasn't had a wordfrom David. She's frantic.- I better talk to her.- She hung up.She began to cry so badly.Oh, Henry, I'm worried.What did she say?She's called every place he might be,not once, but several times.And now, Henry, she thinkshe may have had an accident.- She wants you to call the police.(Janet) - The police?(Kentley) Oh, no, Anita,l don't think that's necessary.David's no longer a child.I'm quite sure he's alright. I -Brandon, I think I'd better go home.My wife needs me.- This isn't like David. He -- No, of course, I understand.- May I go with you, Mr Kentley?- Thank you, Janet.- I'll get your things.- Thank you.- Oh, Mr Kentley, your books.- Oh! Oh, yes.I can't tell you how sorry I am.Would you call me as soonas you hear from David?(Atwater) l'm sure the dearboy will turn up somehow.- Janet?

- Yes?This is hardly the time,but I'm very glad we had that talk.So am I, and David will be too.Good.- Well -- Kenneth, why don't you come with us?- Oh, I don't -- Please.- Thanks.- This yours, Janet?Yes, I'll just carry it. Oh, thanks.- I'll get my hat.- Oh, going with Janet?- Yes, we're all going together.- What did I predict?(Brandon) Good night, Mr Kentley.l hope Mrs Kentley feels better soon.(Kentley) Thank you.(Brandon) You will call methe moment you hear from David?(Kentley)l will. Say good night to Phillip for us.(Brandon) Mrs Atwater,thank you so much for coming.(Atwater)Thank you for letting me come.l'm so sorry we have to leave. Bye.(Brandon) Good night.(Laughs) - Oh, that's not yours.- Oh. Oh.(Kentley)l'm very sorry we had to spoil it.(Brandon) You couldn't possiblyspoil it, Mr Kentley.(Kentley) l meant by leaving so early.Good night.Be careful of those stairs, Anita.- Thank you, Mrs Wilson.- Good night, Mr Cadell.- Oh, you going too?- Yes, I must. Good night.Good night.(Rupert) May l help youwith those books, Mr Kentley?Thank you for a lovely evening.Good night. It's been charming.(Laughing)Oh, Phillip, this party reallydeserves to go down in history.Well, come on, it's over, and itcouldn't have gone more beautifully.Yes, it could, without Rupert.But he was brilliant. He helped mesay all I wanted to say to those idiots.He gave the partythe very touch I predicted.The touch of what?Prying, snooping, or just plain pumping?Do you know how busy

he was questioning me?- About what?- Oh, what difference.You were busy in there arrangingthat other little touch of yours.- What touch?- Tying up the books that way.Oh, I thought that was wonderful.Didn't you like it?No, Brandon, I didn't like it one bit.You'll ruin everythingwith your neat little touches.Be quiet. Mrs Wilson's still here.- Determined to get drunk, aren't you?- I am drunk.And just as childish as you were beforewhen you called me a liar.- You had no business telling that story.- Why did you lie, anyway?I had to.Have you ever bothered for one minuteto understand howsomeone else might feel?I'm not sentimental,if that's what you mean.That's not what I mean,but it doesn't matter.Nothing matters,except that Mr Brandon liked the party.Mr Brandon gave the party.Mr Brandon had a delightful evening.Well, I had a rotten evening.Keep drinkingand you'll have a worse morning.At least if I have a hangover,it will be all mine.Y-You know, Phillip, I've been thinking.We deserve a real holidayafter it's all over.Where would you like to go?Of course, we should come back herefor a few days, first.Otherwise, it might look -I've been praying I'd wake upand find we hadn't done it yet.But why?I'm scared to death, Brandon.I think we're going to get caught.Oh, there's not a chance.Well, there was, but not any more.Why, we're pra - (Door Opening)Uh. Is that you, Mrs Wilson?Yes. I'll need a key to get inand clean up in the morning.That is if you're stilldriving up to the farm tonight.- Oh, we're driving up, alright.- Oh, that's good.You don't look too well,either one of you. Oh, thanks.

Of course, I could do with a rest myself,but I want both of youto come back in tip-top shape.- We will.- Well, I'm off. Enjoy yourselves.Don't forget to write.And mind your P's and Q's.Who are you calling?Only the garage.Hello? This is Mr Brandon Shaw.Would you send my car around, please?Yes, right away. Thank you.We'd... better draw the curtains.(Phone Ringing) Who's that?- Brandon, who's that?- Probably the garage man. Answer it.There hasn't been timefor him to get here.Then maybe Mrs Wilsonforgot something. Answer it.Brandon... Brandon,couldn't we pretend we're not home?With all these lights on?Answer it, Phillip.(Phone Ringing)(Ringing Continues)Who is it?- Brandon. Brandon, it's Rupert.- What?He wants to come up.He says he left his cigarette case here.- Well, let him come.- You know he's lying! He's caught on.- Shut up and get back to that phone.- I won't.- Get back to that phone.- Brandon, I can't.- You've got to.- No! He knows -Shut up!Rupert? Come on up.No, uh, course not.He's just a little tight.No, but we'll find it in no time.Right.Phillip... Phillip, listen to me.Rupert's on his way up now,and you've got to pull yourself together.Phillip, did you hear me?Come on, have another drink if you must,but get hold of yourselfand keep your mouth shut.It'll be over in five minutes.I don't know how much,if anything, Rupert knows,but I promise you he'll be out of herein five minutes, one way or the other.Phillip, for those five minutes,you've got to pull yourself together.- Brandon, Brandon -

- Now look.I'm not going to get caughtbecause of you or anyone else.No one is going to get in my way now.(Door Buzzer)Brandon, it's not loaded, is it?(Door Buzzer)(Rupert) - Sorry to bother you, Brandon.(Brandon) - lt's no bother. Come in.I knew you were leaving tonight.I didn't want to be left without my case.- Hello, Phillip.- Hello.I didn't mean to alarm you before.You didn't alarm him. I'm afraidPhillip's a little antisocial tonight.- Oh? I thought perhaps -- Any idea where you left the case?No. No, not at all.Completely unlike me to forget it, isn't it?I suppose a psychoanalyst would saythat I didn't really forget it at all.I unconsciously left itbecause I wanted to come back.But, uh...- Why should I want to come back?- Yes, why?Dor the pleasure of our companyor another drink.That's a good idea.May I have one for the road?Of course. A short one?No, I'd prefer a long one,if you don't mind.Not at all.Phillip, will you fix Rupert a drink?Now let me see,the last I remember having the casewas when I was there.I was just going to open the chestfor Mrs Wilson, when you came over.And then what?I think I, uh -Wonder where it could be.Oh, well, here it is, right where I left it.Gentlemen, I beg your pardon.I'm very sorry.I, uh -Well, may I have that drink anyway?Of course.- You really don't mind?- No. Why should we?- Well, you might be -- What?- Tired. You're sure it's alright?- He said you could have it!- Thank you.- Don't mind Phillip.- I'm afraid he's had a few too many.- Well, why not? Why not?

After all, it was a party.Well, it's very pleasant to sit herewith a good drink and good company.I'm glad.- Please don't let me be in the way.- Of what?- I know you have things to do.- What do you mean?Packing, last-minute odds and ends.You are drivingto Connecticut tonight, aren't you?- Yes, but we're all packed.- Oh, I see. All ready.All except one guest,who must be gotten rid of.Well, I'll be off as... uh...as soon as I finish my drink.There's no need to hurry, Rupert.Thank you.I, uh... would like to stay a bit.Perhaps even see you off.I always hate to leave a party,especially when the eveninghas been unusually stimulating,or strange, like this evening.What do you mean, 'strange'?Did I say 'strange,' Brandon?You often pick words for soundrather than meaning.I don't exactly know what I meant,unless I was thinking about David.- What was strange about David?- His not showing up.You don't think anythingreally did happen to him, do you?- What could have?- He could have been run over or held up.- In broad daylight?- That's right, I'd forgotten.Yes, it must have been broaddaylight when it happened.When, uh... what happened?When whatever did happen to David.Nothing, probably.Still... where is he?- What's your theory?- Mine?I was consideringJanet's for the moment.- Oh? I didn't know she had one.- Yes, you do.I couldn't help overhearing Janet.She thinks you kidnapped David, or didsomething to prevent him from coming.I'm not interested in Janet's prattle,but you always interest me, Rupert.Do you think I, uh... 'kidnapped' David?It's the sort of mischief that wouldhave appealed to you in school,for the experience,

the excitement, the danger.But it would be slightly more difficultto pull off now, though, don't you think?- Ah, you'd find a way.- How?I mean, suppose you were I.How would youget David out of the way?You're much betterat this sort of thing than I am.What would you do if you were I?Well... if I wanted to get rid of David,I'd invite him for a drinkat the club or some quiet bar.or better still, I'd invite him here.- Then no one would see us together.- That's good. And no witnesses?- Yes, that's right.- Then what?Well...Well, let me see.(Rupert)At the right time, David would arrive.l'd walk slowlyout of the room, into the hall.l'd greet him, tell him how finehe's looking and so forth,and, uh... take his hat.Then l'd bring him in here,make some small talkto put him at his ease,probably offer him a drink,- and then he'd sit down.(Brandon) - Yes?(Rupert) l'd try to make it allvery pleasant, you understand?Phillip would probably play the piano.Now, as l recall, David was quite strong.He'd have to be knocked out.So l'd move quietly behind the chairand hit him on the head with something.His body would fall forward on the floor.(Brandon)Then where would you put him?(Rupert) Well, uh...Well, let me see.Well, I think I'd get Phillipto help me carry him out of the room,down the back stairs, and thetwo of us would put him in the car.- You'd be seen.(Rupert) - What?Well, you said yourselfthat if anything did happen,it must have happened in broad daylight.Oh, that's right. I'd forgotten.I'd have to find someplaceto hide the body until dark.Yes, you would, but where, Rupert?Yes.

Yes, where?- Cat and mouse! Cat and mouse!- Phillip!- Which is the cat and which the mouse?- That's enough of that.- Mind your own business.- That's enough, Phillip!I told you before,mind your own business!It really isn't any of my business.I'm not his keeper.With him in this condition, thoughthere doesn't seem to bemuch point in your staying, Rupert.That is...unless you came back to find somethingbesides your cigarette case.You mean, for example,to find if you really got rid of David?- Yes, that's what I mean.- Oh, you're as romantic as Janet.I don't think for a momentthat you kidnapped David.I'll admit Janet put the notion in my head,but I never would have mentioned it,if it weren't that you seem to be carryingfear of discovery in your pocket.- What?- That's a gun, isn't it?(Laughing)That teased my suspicionsmore than anything else.And to tell you the truth,it really scares me a little.I'm terribly sorry, Rupert.I don't blame you, but... well, here.You can relax.I have to take it up to the country.There have been several burglaries,and mother's a bit on edge.- Uh, finished, Phillip?(Phillip) - Alright.(Brandon) Did you hearwhat Rupert said about the gun?He thought... Laughing)It's odd the way one can pyramidsimple facts into wild fantasies, isn't it?(Brandon) - We all do, don't we, Phillip?(Phillip) - Yeah.(Brandon) Particularly after a fewdrinks. How is yours, Rupert?(Rupert) l think l'll be running along.(Brandon) Phillip, you'll feel muchbetter once you get out in the open air.l don't think there'll be much trafficand we ought to make good time.(Rupert) lt's a lovely nightand you'll be driving up in good weather.l almost wish l were going with you.lt might be rather exciting.

Driving at night always is,but driving with you and Phillip now...might have an additionalelement of, uh... suspense.You were right, Phillip.Those books were tied clumsily.- He's got it. He's got it!- Phillip.He knows. He knows. He knows.- Alright, easy. I'll take care of it.- No, you won't.I'd just as soon kill youas kill him - Sooner.This is what you wanted,somebody else to know.Somebody else to see how brilliantyou are, just like in school.I told you he'd find out,but you had to have him here.- Now we're done for!- Shut up!You made me do itand I hate both of you. I was -(Gunshot)- Stupid babbling drunk. l'm sorry, Rupert.- It's alright.It's alright. If you really want to kill,you don't miss, not at that range.Of course he didn't want to kill you.He didn't know what he was doing, anymore than he knew what he was saying.I didn't want anyone to know this buthe's becoming an alcoholic, Rupert -Brandon,will you step over there, please?Phillip's drunk, Rupert.Surely you don't take thosenightmare ideas of his seriously?Brandon. Brandon, I'm tired.And in a way, I'm frightened, too.- But I don't want to fence anymore.- What are you going to do?I don't want to,but I'm gonna look inside that chest.- Are you crazy?- I hope so.- With all my heart I hope I'm crazy.- This has nothing to do with you.- I've got to.- Don't.- I have to look inside that chest.- Alright!Go ahead and look.I hope you like what you see.Oh, no. No!(Brandon) - Rupert -- I couldn't believe it was true.- Rupert, please -- Please what?Listen to me. Let me explain.

Explain?Do you think you can explain that?- Yes, to you, because you'll understand.- Understand?Rupert, remember the discussionwe had before with Mr Kentley?Remember we said, 'the livesof inferior beings are unimportant'?Remember we said,we've always said, you and I,that moral concepts of good and eviland right and wrongdon't hold for the intellectually superior.- Remember, Rupert?- Yes, I remember.(Brandon) That's all we've done.That's all Phillip and l have done.He and I have livedwhat you and I have talked.I knew you'd understand, because,don't you see, you have to.Brandon -Brandon, till this very moment,this world and the people in ithave always been darkand incomprehensible to me.I've tried to clear my way with logicand superior intellect.And you've thrown my own wordsright back in my face, Brandon.You were right, too. If nothing else,a man should stand by his words.But you've given my wordsa meaning that I never dreamed of!And you've tried to twist theminto a cold, logical excusefor your ugly murder!Well, they never were that, Brandon,and you can't make them that.There must have been somethingdeep inside you from the very startthat let you do this thing,but there's always beensomething deep inside methat would never let me do it,- and would never let me be a party to it.- What do you mean?I mean that tonight you've made meashamed of every concept I ever hadof superior or inferior beings.But I thank you for that shame,because now I know that we are eachof us a separate human being, Brandon,with the right to live and workand think as individuals,but with an obligationto the society we live in.By what right do you dare saythat there's a superior fewto which you belong?

By what right did you dare decidethat that boy in there was inferiorand therefore could be killed?Did you think you were God, Brandon?Is that what you thoughtwhen you choked the life out of him?Is that what you thoughtwhen you served food from his grave?I don't know what you thought,but I know what you've done.You've murdered!You've strangled a fellow human beingwho could live and loveas you never could.- And never will again.- What are you doing?It's what society's going to do. I don'tknow what that will be. I can guess.And I can help. You're going to die,Brandon, both of you!You're going to die.(Someone Running)(Woman) Was that a gun?(Man 1) Yes, there was a shot fired(Woman) Must be from the next street,(Man 2) Is someone fighting?(Man 1) We think it came from there.(Man 2) No, it was back there.(Woman 2) Did you hear that gunfire?(Man 2) Yes, they did, up there.(Woman 3) There were shots fired!(Woman 2) Yes, it came from there.(Man 2) What is it up there?(Woman 1) Must be a stickup.(Man 1) Somebody should go up there.(Man 2) I think thatsomebody better call the police.(Man 3)Did any of you hear any shots fired?(Man 2) Somebody better calla squad car. Can l use your phone?(Man 2) l'm not going up to look.There might be a mad man up there!(Indistinct ConversationFrom Street Continues)(Sirens Wailing)(Man On Street)Here comes a squad car now.They're coming.(Sirens Blaring)(Piano)