Directed by Brian G. Hutton, 1973
Based on a play by Lucille Fletcher.
Ellen Wheeler, a rich woman, is recovering from a nervous breakdown with the help of her husband and a good friend. One day, while staring out the window, she witnesses a murder. But does anybody believe her?
Sergeant Norris: [after digging in the garden] It seems this is as far as we can go sir. There's nothing here.
Appleby: [to Inspector Walker] Well, what did you expect to find down there, Sherlock Holmes? A wax dummy covered with tomato ketchup? An earthworm with a revolver? I told you, last night me being there was pure curiosity. If I came to you and told you that I was looking for a dead body in that old house, wouldn't you come to have a look?
Inspector Walker: You could have at least told us last night the reason for your curiosity. You had no business being in that house. However, under the circumstances, we are prepared to drop the trespassing charges against you.
Appleby: [sarcastic] How kind!
Sergeant Norris: We'll have a go and re-plant these trees if you'd like.
Appleby: You don't re-plant the dead Sergeant, you bury them! Now, get these dead plants out of my garden!
Ellen Wheeler: [into the phone] Inspector Walker? Why didn't you come? Yes... I know. I have something to tell... Yes... I'm leaving in a few minutes. Inspector... there are two dead bodies in that old building. A man and a woman sitting side by side with their throats... cut. Yes, I know... but you must believe me this time. Won't you inspect that house just once more? Well... then send someone else over...
[Ellen gasps as a loud click is heard and then a dial tone. She hangs up the phone]
Ellen Wheeler: [breaking character; sinister tone] Heh, I always thought you would say that.
[Appleby enters applauding]
Appleby: Bravo. Bravo! Superb! Superb performance. Well... that's it then. Your plan complete in every last detail. Pity you also had to include my Burhams.
Ellen Wheeler: Sorry about that.
Appleby:How nicely you've done the house. Did you know this was three rooms when I was a child? Beautiful, quite beautiful. I do love Indian art. Erotic, violent... your inspiration for this whole scheme, I assume. So charming. Oh... will you be away long?
Ellen Wheeler: At the moment, that seems to depend on... you Mr. Appleby.
Appleby: Oh, Mrs. Wheeler... Inspector Walker wouldn't believe me either. But I do admire you. How many 'abandoned wives,' or cuckholds for that matter, would have had your courage to pull off what you did? I myself, did nothing.
Ellen Wheeler: It's a great favour to ask you, but since you are so fond of this house...
Appleby: Yes?
Ellen Wheeler: Would it be possible for you to take care of it while I'm away?
Appleby: [flattered] Well... I don't know what to say.
Ellen Wheeler: The garden too of course. Here are the keys.
Appleby: [takes the keys] It will be a pleasure. I'll see that nothing is disturbed.
Ellen Wheeler: Thank you, Mr. Appleby.
Appleby: No... thank you, Mrs. Wheeler.
Synopsis
