- 4 months ago
A gentleman photographer (Robert Stephens) in Victorian England tries to trap the human spirit at the moment of death.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Call the ambulance.
00:00:30My God, this man's still alive.
00:01:00My God, this man's still alive.
00:01:30My God, this man's still alive.
00:01:59My God, this man's still alive.
00:02:29My God, this man's still alive.
00:02:59My God, this man's still alive.
00:03:29My God, this man's still alive.
00:03:31My God, this man's still alive.
00:03:35Here we are, my dear.
00:03:37Mason, this is Miss Wheatley.
00:03:39Ma'am.
00:03:41Yes, sir.
00:03:43My God, this man's still alive.
00:03:45And Miss Christina, they're here?
00:03:47In the library, sir.
00:03:49Now, I can assure you, my dear, there's absolutely nothing to be nervous about.
00:03:55They'll take to you.
00:03:57Of that I'm convinced.
00:03:59What a pity all our new family couldn't be here.
00:04:07Yes, I had to leave Elizabeth behind in Switzerland.
00:04:09She's bitterly sorry to miss the wedding, but her absence is unavoidable.
00:04:13I'm glad he's marrying again.
00:04:15I've been suggesting it for years.
00:04:17Oh, come now, you make yourself sound like an old crone.
00:04:21So he's finally decided to take the plunge.
00:04:23Oh, here they are.
00:04:25Clive, Clive, my boy.
00:04:27Welcome home.
00:04:29Hello, my darling.
00:04:31This is my son, Clive.
00:04:33Hello.
00:04:34I'm delighted to meet you.
00:04:35And my daughter, Christina.
00:04:37You'll have to nag him. He never wraps up warm in winter.
00:04:40Are you trying to tell me I'm an old man?
00:04:42And this is my adoptive son, Giles.
00:04:45Hello.
00:04:46Always the last coward in the pack.
00:04:48Some might say the joker.
00:04:51How about a drink?
00:04:52Do sit down, everybody. Don't stand on ceremony.
00:04:56The sweetest bags are in her room, sir.
00:04:58And I thought some refreshment after your journey.
00:05:00Good man.
00:05:02It's all right. I'll see to the drinks.
00:05:04Very well, sir. You go.
00:05:05Mason, I hear your sister is unwell.
00:05:07Quite poorly, sir.
00:05:08If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask.
00:05:11Thank you, sir.
00:05:13They've taken you to their hearts.
00:05:26I was naturally very anxious to make a good impression.
00:05:30And what impression did my progeny make on you?
00:05:34Christina is delightful.
00:05:36And already spoken for, I suspect.
00:05:38She and Giles.
00:05:40They seem devoted to one another.
00:05:42They'd have me believe the mere acquaintances.
00:05:47And what did you make of Clive?
00:05:49He has your sense of humor.
00:05:52He himself will be marrying shortly.
00:05:54I'm surprised he didn't suggest a double wedding.
00:05:57We'd steal his thunder and he knows it.
00:06:00I feel relaxed now.
00:06:05I hope your children feel the same.
00:06:09My children are full grown.
00:06:12They'll all be going their own separate ways before very long.
00:06:16Then I will give you children.
00:06:20Nothing would delight me more.
00:06:23Dear Esther.
00:06:29The time.
00:06:30You'll be late.
00:06:31You've said the meeting can't start without you.
00:06:33I'll not be away for more than a few hours.
00:06:35Psychical research.
00:06:37How long have you been involved in it?
00:06:39Some years now.
00:06:40And your photography?
00:06:42Early days.
00:06:44Are you as reticent with Christina about your work as you are with me?
00:06:48It is not something that would interest you particularly.
00:06:52Everything you do interests me.
00:06:54What exactly do you photograph?
00:06:58You wouldn't believe me were I to tell you.
00:07:01Try me.
00:07:03I think not.
00:07:05Darling is something wrong?
00:07:08Nothing.
00:07:10I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked.
00:07:13Very well in all fairness I ought to tell you.
00:07:16You will think it preposterous if not positively macabre.
00:07:21I can think nothing unless you explain.
00:07:24My colleagues and I...
00:07:27Sir Edward whom I've met.
00:07:29Photograph the dead.
00:07:32A smudge.
00:07:34Here.
00:07:38And another one.
00:07:41Here.
00:07:42Here.
00:07:45And finally.
00:07:47Another here.
00:07:53At first I was tempted to explain away the smudges I've shown you.
00:07:57By bad exposure.
00:07:59But Sir Hugo.
00:08:01Three different pictures.
00:08:03Taken on three different pieces of equipment by...
00:08:05Three different photographers.
00:08:06It is perplexing to say the least.
00:08:09All three slides apart from the smudge you've seen...
00:08:13Have one thing in common.
00:08:15Your president will explain.
00:08:18Sir Edward.
00:08:20Each of the subjects in the slides Sir Hugo has shown you...
00:08:24Was about to die.
00:08:26I myself took the first slide at the moment the subject died.
00:08:30Sir Hugo took the second slide.
00:08:32And also recorded a man in the process of dying.
00:08:35The third photographer has testified that he too...
00:08:39Waited until the moment of death before recording the subject.
00:08:42And each slide is characterized by that smudge.
00:08:46Your president has suggested what that smudge might be.
00:08:49I examined the slide I made.
00:08:51And the equipment I used most carefully.
00:08:54Unless the smudge was due to a faulty recording.
00:08:57I too needed to assure myself that nothing could happen to prevent an accurate recording.
00:09:01Your president and I then worked closely with the third photographer.
00:09:05Examining the equipment he used.
00:09:07Questioning him about everything he did.
00:09:08Circumstances were perfect.
00:09:11Nothing technical could have gone wrong.
00:09:14The three of us were therefore obliged to conclude one thing and one thing only.
00:09:19I myself prepared the plates and designed and developed the impediment used in the recordings.
00:09:23And I am satisfied it was used properly.
00:09:28Gentlemen, what you have seen, what we have recorded,
00:09:31is the soul at the moment it departs the body.
00:09:34At death.
00:09:44You don't really believe that, Father.
00:09:46You can't photograph the soul, given it exists.
00:09:49What were those smudges? Thumbprints, I suppose.
00:09:52Probably.
00:09:53I've always taught you to keep an open mind, but little did I know you'd turn out to be such a skeptic.
00:09:56I'm cautious, that's all.
00:09:58Wary about claims made by researchers into so-called psychic phenomena.
00:10:02When do you return to Switzerland?
00:10:05Elizabeth is expecting me in a fortnight's time.
00:10:08You've chosen wisely.
00:10:10She'll make you a fine wife.
00:10:12And you and Anna, you're ideally suited.
00:10:14Good evening, sir.
00:10:19Oh, Mason, about your sister.
00:10:21I don't want you worrying about money, so refer the doctor to me.
00:10:25That's very kind of you, sir. Thank you again.
00:10:27Tell Miss Wheatley I'm home.
00:10:29Very well, sir.
00:10:31Father, you're generous to a fault.
00:10:33We Cunningham's have our obligations.
00:10:35For 500 years now, we have enjoyed enormous privileges.
00:10:40Privilege means power, and we must never abuse that power.
00:10:44We're in the midst of change, and we must ensure that change is for the best.
00:10:49How do we do that?
00:10:50By peopling the parish with successive little Cunninghams
00:10:53to ferret out the mischief-makers and bring about social reforms?
00:10:56And why not?
00:10:58I'm sure you and Elizabeth will have no objection to making your contribution.
00:11:01I suppose your father will approve of our engagement.
00:11:03Well, of course he will.
00:11:06But I think you'd better say nothing until after he and Anna are married.
00:11:22Look at him. He's behaving just like a schoolboy.
00:11:26Only your father would think of a day on the river in March.
00:11:29Here we are.
00:11:34Stay like that now.
00:11:38Like this?
00:11:39Fine.
00:11:41Now, get ready.
00:11:46Well, don't take all day. It's freezing.
00:11:49Now...
00:11:51Move!
00:12:03Come on!
00:12:05Come on!
00:12:11All right?
00:12:13Excellent!
00:12:15Excellent!
00:12:16Excellent!
00:12:17I'm not very good at that am I thank you let's hope it works a second time it
00:12:36will where are Clive and Anna they're over there looking behind that tree are
00:12:42you ready father stay just where you are like this that's fine now after three one two three
00:13:12the pole's stuck Clive mind that branch
00:13:24Clive Anna I can't swim
00:13:33god no I can't see them the water's as black as night
00:14:03it's Anna we've had to call off the search she must have been swept over the weir
00:14:33what are you doing why are you working so late I've been developing the pictures I took when
00:14:43you mean of Clive of Clive and Anna oh you can't why not it's the only memento I have I must see
00:14:55them again I must see them now turn down the light will you
00:15:25the smudge what is it it moved you saw it for yourself it bore a marked similarity to this
00:15:45smudge here and here and this one here what on earth is it the Psychical Research Society maintains
00:15:54there are photographs of the soul departing the body and that's what you've recorded on your moving
00:16:02pictures but that's what we saw just now no but then what what we saw was moving towards Clive you
00:16:07said yourself it moved yes what's the smudge trying to warn Clive of danger did Clive see it did he know
00:16:16he was about to die I must find out how can you it's impossible I have to take another photograph of
00:16:22what it was a widely held belief that a dead man retains the indelible image of death that's
00:16:28superstition possibly I have to photograph Clive now after all this time after two weeks not a
00:16:41pleasant task but one I cannot neglect but even if that belief turns out to be true what do you hope
00:16:49to achieve I've got to determine the true nature of what we've just seen on that sheet and on those
00:16:53slides by photographing the remains of your dead son I can't imagine I've got to know if Clive knew he
00:16:58was about to die I shall go out of my mind if I don't know and you expect me to help you I beg you Giles
00:17:19light the flash when I tell you
00:17:28now
00:17:36nothing
00:17:42not a mark may I turn the light up now if you like
00:17:52it's all right my boy you needn't pretend afraid I don't understand you don't approve of what I'm
00:18:00doing do you it would worry Christina you've told her you must never tell her ever of course not may I
00:18:10speak frankly sir you're exhausting yourself on experiments that can prove nothing except harmful
00:18:16so you presume to know what it is I'm looking for by some chance your cameras recorded a strange
00:18:22manifestation well neither of us know what it is don't we my researches into psychic phenomena show me
00:18:30that in Greek mythology they referred to the spirit of death they called it the asphyx it manifests itself
00:18:39only in times of danger having existed in eternal agony it seeks out the dying or the
00:18:45damned for only by possessing those about to die is at last released from unspeakable torment
00:18:51don't you see the smudge we saw the shadow it disappeared the second Clive hit the water
00:18:57presumably possessing it well why doesn't it appear in the new photograph possibly because it was absorbed
00:19:03instantly and vanished instantly so it manifests itself only briefly I should have photographed
00:19:09Clive's body the moment we recovered it from the water please stop what you're doing now this
00:19:17isn't science you've no right to experiment with this it the spirit of death the asphyx possessed my only
00:19:27son sought him out and in him found release and you say I have no right so you invoke your inconsolable
00:19:35grief as justification for a series of pointless and dangerous they are not pointless I will not
00:19:41have you call my work pointless I'm sorry I spoke out of turn now it's I who should be sorry
00:19:49I didn't mean to shout
00:20:01Sir Edward Barrett
00:20:03my dear Barrett! you will have heard
00:20:05heard what? a step back into the dark ages
00:20:07at times you're so imprecise
00:20:09a public execution
00:20:15a hanging?
00:20:17when? tomorrow
00:20:19in the market square
00:20:23is there nothing you can do to prevent it?
00:20:25nothing
00:20:27with all due ceremony
00:20:29the authorities will intone a prayer
00:20:31ritualistically snap a man's neck
00:20:33and then leave him hanging there lifeless at the end of a rope
00:20:35I dare hardly believe it there hasn't been a public execution for years
00:20:41who ordered it?
00:20:43judge hall
00:20:45as an example he says necessitated
00:20:47by the appalling increase in crimes of violence
00:20:51oh the reform movement has pleaded for clemency
00:20:53deaf ears
00:20:57Hugo
00:20:59I want you to record it
00:21:01I mean
00:21:05photograph it
00:21:07photograph a hang
00:21:09so that the whole Barbara spectacle is put on record
00:21:13well
00:21:19this is not the first time we have campaigned together and I'll always do everything I can to help bring about reforms but
00:21:25I see little point in photographing
00:21:31if we're to succeed in our efforts to reform
00:21:33then we must show people the revolting acts that are carried out in their name
00:21:39Hugo please don't fail us now
00:21:43please don't fail us now
00:21:48all right
00:21:52I'll do it
00:22:01get right back
00:22:03come here
00:22:05get right back
00:22:07get back
00:22:09get back
00:22:11get back
00:22:13jointly
00:22:14stopping
00:22:15legalized murder
00:22:31it has been your last wish that no prayer be said
00:22:34but it is nonetheless in your interest that I beseech the almighty to have mercy upon your unrepentant soul
00:22:40such persons as stood convicted of notorious sin were put to open penance and punished in this world
00:22:50that their souls might be saved in the day of the Lord
00:22:54and that others admonished by their example might be the more afraid to offend
00:23:00who are not afraid to offend
00:23:02uh-uh
00:23:10oh
00:23:12oh
00:23:14oh
00:23:16oh
00:23:18oh
00:23:19oh
00:23:20oh
00:23:21oh
00:23:22oh
00:23:23oh
00:23:24oh
00:23:30oh
00:23:32oh
00:23:34oh
00:23:36oh
00:23:39oh
00:23:39oh
00:23:40Ah, you have the slides. I've just this minute finished drying them. Thank you.
00:24:02These will be most useful to the movement. Both slides and moving images.
00:24:09Moving images? I don't understand. I mentioned before I've invented a device
00:24:16whereby I can record moving objects. Then we must show both sets of images. No the
00:24:23moving pictures I wish to keep for my own private purposes. And what are they?
00:24:29I'm afraid I cannot tell you. Oh come now Hugo. We have no secrets. We must share
00:24:35what knowledge we glean from our researches. You've made some new discovery.
00:24:41Possibly. But it is not something I wish to discuss. You've other theories I can tell.
00:24:47About what though? The apparition at the hanging. Have you recorded that in movement?
00:24:55I've told you I don't want to say anything to anybody. Until you're absolutely certain of course.
00:25:00Perhaps. But you go. That is all.
00:25:25I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry
00:25:55you do nothing by halves do you? no sign of the asphyx. so what do you conclude? it manifests
00:26:21itself but for an instant and then it's gone. now let's compare it with the
00:26:26moving pictures.
00:26:34good grief
00:26:37I tell you it saw me. the hanged man's asphyx saw me and stopped. you saw for
00:26:56yourself. it seemed to be struggling. I couldn't possibly have seen you unless
00:27:03it's possessed of some unearthly intelligence. then what explanation have
00:27:07you? it seems more likely it was halted by some kind of barrier. such as? well the
00:27:13man didn't want to die obviously so perhaps he was generating some kind of
00:27:16resistance. well if not resistance then... resistance could have been generated yes
00:27:19but not by a dying man. oh then by whom? not by whom. by what? the Times report speaks of
00:27:30some strange light. well they're right. it was my strange light. on the film I've
00:27:35just shown you the asphyx halted but at the precise time I was using my light
00:27:39booster.
00:27:42I don't follow. if I'm able to record the asphyx because of the fluid with which I
00:27:47sensitize my photographic material then why shouldn't the light my booster
00:27:53generates determine the asphyx movements? how is the light generated? it's a
00:27:58phosphide compound. when I press the trigger it releases accurately measured
00:28:04droplets of water onto these crystals generating a brilliant beam of... blinding blue light.
00:28:10so your curiosity is getting the better of you after all.
00:28:15well it was you who taught me the value of an inquiring mind. so tell me what
00:28:22exactly are you up to? when I put my theories to the test I might tell you. but you must
00:28:30make me a promise not a word to Christina. oh I really think you ought to take her into
00:28:34your conscience. she'd never even begin to understand. very well if you think it's in
00:28:39her best interest to say nothing. of course you have my word. good.
00:28:47Giles find me a guinea pig.
00:28:53no wonder he's complaining. you've not fed him for two days.
00:28:56he shall have something to eat now.
00:29:06come along boy. food.
00:29:12you're going to kill him.
00:29:15I know what I'm doing.
00:29:18now let's line our little friend up.
00:29:20get him into focus.
00:29:29are you ready with the booster?
00:29:31yes.
00:29:33the second I say now
00:29:35press the trigger.
00:29:43now!
00:29:50save your booster.
00:29:52save your booster.
00:29:59the booster. turn on the booster.
00:30:02there it is.
00:30:04there's its asphyx.
00:30:06turn off the light.
00:30:08you'll be able to see it better.
00:30:15keep your booster on.
00:30:17train the light on the asphyx.
00:30:25there.
00:30:27at the left hand corner of the cage.
00:30:31now the next step.
00:30:33you've got to try to transfer the asphyx into this contention.
00:30:37do exactly as I tell you.
00:30:40now carefully.
00:30:42very carefully.
00:30:44bring the beam across towards this box.
00:30:47now.
00:30:49now try it's not easy.
00:30:51then take it slowly.
00:30:52very slowly.
00:30:53let's go.
00:30:54let's go.
00:30:55let's go.
00:30:56let's go.
00:30:57let's go.
00:30:58let's go.
00:31:00let's go.
00:31:02my left.
00:31:04left!
00:31:06an inch more.
00:31:08and another.
00:31:10there Giles.
00:31:11you're almost there.
00:31:17a fraction more.
00:31:18more. A hairspray. They won't merge. They've got to merge. One seems to be
00:31:24rejecting the other. One of the aspects seems to be the dominant one. The stronger.
00:31:29Just keep your booster on.
00:31:43There, it's working.
00:31:48Turn off your booster.
00:32:00You've got it!
00:32:04If we wanted to keep this aspix, we'd only have to transfer this container to the vault.
00:32:09The water pipe that's fed by the spring. We need only link the container to the pipe by a drip tap
00:32:15and the drips of water falling on the crystals would sustain this light forever.
00:32:19Do you realize what we've done?
00:32:21Yes.
00:32:23That guinea pig can't die.
00:32:25There's nothing in the world that can kill it now.
00:32:27Unless we release its aspix.
00:32:29Hand me that dropper.
00:32:33An antidote.
00:32:35You have every reason to smile.
00:32:39Your experiment has been a triumph.
00:32:42The little beast will be as right as rain by morning.
00:32:45Can we ensnare a human, aspix?
00:32:47Can we ensnare a human, aspix?
00:32:52We can try.
00:32:53I'll try.
00:33:15Wait here.
00:33:16Yes, sir.
00:33:27I've not eaten for two days.
00:33:30Why have you kept my food from me?
00:33:32You deserve to be punished.
00:33:34Because you can read and write.
00:33:35You've got these registered protests about conditions here, didn't you?
00:33:38You got me into trouble, didn't you?
00:33:40You think yourself better than me.
00:33:42At least I'm strong enough to work and earn a living.
00:33:47I need a doctor.
00:33:49Please.
00:33:51Get me a doctor.
00:33:53You get down on your hands and knees.
00:33:55Or there'll be no bed for you tonight.
00:34:00Sir Hugo.
00:34:02What can I do for you, sir?
00:34:10No.
00:34:13You have a fever?
00:34:16A fortnight?
00:34:17No.
00:34:19Please.
00:34:21Get me a doctor.
00:34:34This man is desperately ill.
00:34:35He is to come with me.
00:34:37But Sir Hugo, you can't possibly...
00:34:41Why has he brought that poor man here?
00:35:01Where does he come from?
00:35:04The institution from which your father took me.
00:35:06What?
00:35:11I don't understand.
00:35:12The bead house.
00:35:18The bead house?
00:35:20Yes.
00:35:22Yes, I'm a foundling on a doorstep.
00:35:24I could be...
00:35:26any...
00:35:30I'm not much for you.
00:35:34Why should that stop me loving you?
00:35:36Perhaps in time it might.
00:35:39No.
00:35:48Then let's ask your father now.
00:35:50Yes, Giles.
00:35:52But please tell me what you're experimenting with.
00:35:54I went into the laboratory.
00:35:59What?
00:36:01There was a...
00:36:03a sort of box.
00:36:04Something was in it.
00:36:05I'm sorry.
00:36:07You weren't meant to see that.
00:36:08What is it?
00:36:09You mustn't say anything.
00:36:11Giles, please, why won't you tell me?
00:36:13Your father has sworn me to secrecy.
00:36:19That's the least I owe him.
00:36:25But that man...
00:36:27Why is he here?
00:36:43No.
00:36:58So, do you agree to my proposals?
00:37:01I have no choice.
00:37:03Your hospitality has been lavish.
00:37:06The condemned man ate a hearty meal.
00:37:14What did the doctor say?
00:37:22You're an educated man.
00:37:24A civilized man.
00:37:26So you'll bury me like a gentleman?
00:37:31I'm to be grateful.
00:37:33The doctor has done his best.
00:37:35His best is not enough.
00:37:39It's tubercular spine.
00:37:40And the tuberculosis...
00:37:42Tell me.
00:37:44Has spread to your lungs.
00:37:51How long...
00:37:53have I got?
00:37:56A day.
00:37:57Perhaps two.
00:38:03If you've no objection, I...
00:38:05should like to go to my bed.
00:38:07Giles here will help you.
00:38:10They need no help.
00:38:12I've slept in hovels and doorways,
00:38:15but never, I confess, amidst the paraphernalia of a laboratory.
00:38:19But if that is my lot,
00:38:21who am I to question the wisdom of my maker?
00:38:26Before I go, I...
00:38:28I would like to ask one thing.
00:38:31And what is that?
00:38:33When I'm dead.
00:38:35Spare me the dissecting table.
00:38:37Bury me in the earth.
00:38:40Alive, I've been no use to man or beast.
00:38:43But dead, I may feed a few dried tubers.
00:38:48Good night.
00:39:02We have to be мире,
00:39:04to be in the heavens.
00:39:06And we've been talking about it.
00:39:08It's like...
00:39:09Oh...
00:39:10you're going to get there.
00:39:11That's not what I have to say.
00:39:12I've no clue.
00:39:13It's not what I have to say.
00:39:15Jesus, I've been his father.
00:39:17There's no mystery.
00:39:19But he's at your heart on the earth.
00:39:20It's not what I have to say.
00:39:22That's what he has to say.
00:39:24Not what I have to say.
00:39:25I don't know.
00:39:55It's trapped, Giles. Trapped.
00:40:07Release it. He's in agony.
00:40:10But first we must seal it off to prove it can be done.
00:40:23Turn your booster off.
00:40:25Turn the box towards the asphyx.
00:40:35Turn the box towards the asphyx.
00:40:47My face. My face.
00:41:00Turn the box towards the asphyx.
00:41:12Turn the box towards the asphyx.
00:41:14Remove the bandages.
00:41:26The doctor said...
00:41:28Now. This moment.
00:41:30Please father be patient. Let the doctor remove the bandages.
00:41:34Leave me child.
00:41:38Please.
00:41:44One day I will explain.
00:41:48Send Giles to me.
00:41:50Yes father.
00:41:52Yes father.
00:41:54You wanted to...
00:42:08Ugly?
00:42:10Yes but I'm not required to look at it.
00:42:24You shouldn't have removed the bandages.
00:42:26It handicaps me in my work and my work cannot wait.
00:42:28Yes.
00:42:30You mean your real work.
00:42:32The true nature of your experiments.
00:42:34So you have guessed.
00:42:36Immortality.
00:42:38Yes.
00:42:40You've seen for yourself that it is within my grasp.
00:42:42Trap a man's asphyx in that beam of light.
00:42:44And seal it off so that it has no way of escape.
00:42:46And you have immortal man.
00:42:48I can't even begin to grasp such a concept.
00:42:50Why?
00:42:52Because of the time it would take.
00:42:54The duration of a mere heartbeat.
00:42:56The blinking of an eye.
00:42:58So vast as eternity.
00:43:00Having neither beginning, nor middle, nor end.
00:43:02But why?
00:43:04Pursue immortality.
00:43:06I once told Clive.
00:43:08We are in the midst of change.
00:43:10We must ensure that change is through the good of all.
00:43:12Well, once immortal,
00:43:14one could govern the course of events perpetually.
00:43:16And with the wisdom of each successive age and civilization.
00:43:20Sir.
00:43:22You've lived a fine and honorable life.
00:43:24You have responsibilities, yes.
00:43:26But one of them requires you to know when to relinquish power.
00:43:28Giles, I need your help.
00:43:30I want you to sum up my own asphyx.
00:43:32To trap it.
00:43:34And put it in the vault next to my son.
00:43:36Think of the future.
00:43:40Imagine your grief when Christina predeceases you.
00:43:46You give me an idea.
00:43:48What?
00:43:49You love Christina, don't you?
00:43:51Yes.
00:43:53Should you approve, we'd like to marry.
00:43:55I have expected that.
00:43:57Help me to immortalize myself and I will immortalize you and Christina.
00:44:01Well, what do you say?
00:44:03Let me tempt you more.
00:44:04Think, man.
00:44:05Think of the power.
00:44:10How can you be sure that nothing will go wrong?
00:44:12For myself, I am prepared to take the risk.
00:44:16If the experiment fails and I die, then it is God's will.
00:44:20If I survive forever, then it is also God's will.
00:44:26What do you have in mind?
00:44:30Tomorrow I will show you.
00:44:43Let me explain.
00:44:45If the experiment works, you and I will seal off my asphyx in here.
00:44:48Giles, I want you to order me a lock for the door of the vaults.
00:44:52A lock for which there is no key.
00:44:54A lock that will make that door impregnable.
00:44:56A combination lock?
00:44:57Exactly.
00:44:58I must ensure that my asphyx cannot escape
00:45:01and that I must never be tempted to release it.
00:45:03The number of the lock you will write on a piece of paper and put in my desk.
00:45:07When I am immortal, I will destroy the paper.
00:45:10And should the experiment fail?
00:45:14And I die?
00:45:17Then it is here I wish to lie alongside Clive.
00:45:21In the event of my death, you will take a letter to my executors.
00:45:25You will find it in my bedroom.
00:45:28Do you understand?
00:45:29Perfectly.
00:45:30How do you propose to summon your asphyx?
00:45:39What form of death have I chosen?
00:45:43You speak with great confidence.
00:45:48I have spent much time praying for guidance.
00:45:56But what method?
00:46:00I am so tired.
00:46:01How on earth did you get here?
00:46:31What's the matter?
00:46:38What's the matter?
00:46:47You stay there.
00:46:52All right, all right.
00:46:59Come on.
00:47:01I'd better let you out.
00:47:06I've got a small lever in the side of the chair so that I may increase the current while you operate the beam.
00:47:21I must allow the voltage time to build otherwise you will not have time to contain my aspects.
00:47:36Is that clear?
00:47:51Off with you.
00:48:06Now take the straps and fasten them.
00:48:24Across my thighs and across my chest.
00:48:31Let's go.
00:48:46Father?
00:48:50Father, are you asleep?
00:48:57You are very quiet, Giles.
00:49:07I'm afraid.
00:49:08Of what?
00:49:09There is nothing to fear.
00:49:12I don't think I can go through with this.
00:49:16You have spoken of a debt you owe me.
00:49:19If you mean what you say, just do as I ask.
00:49:24But if you were to...
00:49:25There is no turning back.
00:49:26There you are.
00:49:27As tightly as possible.
00:49:36Are you ready with the booster?
00:49:41Yes.
00:49:42There are enough crystals?
00:49:43I've allowed for the widest possible margin of error.
00:50:02Switch on.
00:50:11Switch on.
00:50:13Switch.
00:50:17Switch.
00:50:21Switch.
00:50:24Switch.
00:50:32Switch.
00:50:35Asís.
00:50:41The other booster!
00:51:11Father!
00:51:14But God said don't stop him! Come here!
00:51:17Child!
00:51:19Come here!
00:51:21My father!
00:51:23What are you doing to him?
00:51:25You must help him!
00:51:28Listen. Every second is right.
00:51:31So just do as I tell you.
00:51:33Put your hand on this tree.
00:51:36Whatever happens, don't let go.
00:51:41Is it all right?
00:51:43Yes, I think so.
00:51:46Now, you're going to swing your light on its pivot.
00:51:49By doing so, you govern its movements.
00:51:53Slowly.
00:51:55Slowly.
00:51:57Swing your light towards me.
00:52:00Towards this light.
00:52:02I've got to absorb your being into mine. Do you understand?
00:52:16I've got it.
00:52:21You've got it.
00:52:25You can let go now.
00:52:30Don't touch!
00:52:41Father.
00:52:43He's going to be all right.
00:52:45Father, it's me.
00:52:48It's Christina.
00:52:55He saved his life.
00:52:57Giles?
00:52:58Giles?
00:52:59Giles?
00:53:00Giles?
00:53:01That thing in the box?
00:53:03He'll sleep until morning.
00:53:04In two or three days he'll be fine.
00:53:07We were conducting an experiment with electricity.
00:53:08It got out of hand.
00:53:09You're not telling me the truth.
00:53:13Very well.
00:53:14Very well.
00:53:15Come with me.
00:53:16What, will you leave him?
00:53:17What, will you leave him?
00:53:21I'm not telling you the truth.
00:53:22You're not telling me the truth.
00:53:25Very well.
00:53:26Come with me.
00:53:27What, will you leave him?
00:53:28I promised your father that whatever happened I'd tell you nothing about his work.
00:53:46But Giles, he nearly died.
00:53:48You owe it to me to explain now.
00:53:54Help me with this.
00:53:58If I tell you,
00:54:05you must promise to forget everything I've said.
00:54:10I can make no such promise.
00:54:14Unless you explain why...
00:54:15Just do as I say.
00:54:17Take the other hand.
00:54:28Ugh!
00:54:44Oh, my dream, let the two hate him.
00:55:14Oh, my dream.
00:55:44By ensuring a constant but regulated flow of water falling into little drops under the crystals,
00:55:53your father's asphyx will be ensnared for eternity.
00:56:06Then, whatever happens, he cannot die.
00:56:14Never.
00:56:15He's now immortal.
00:56:20How can I believe you?
00:56:24If she hadn't arrived when she did, you might have died.
00:56:27That the experiment might need two pairs of hands was an oversight that could have proved fatal.
00:56:33So I had to tell her.
00:56:36And of course she doesn't believe you.
00:56:38Why should she?
00:56:40Then we must convince her, Giles.
00:56:42I've just taken your father to the station.
00:56:51He's gone to London with Barrett to give a lecture to the Psychical Research Society.
00:56:59Oh.
00:57:00When will you be back?
00:57:01Later tonight.
00:57:02Then we have an evening together.
00:57:06You seem upset.
00:57:07No, Giles.
00:57:09You're not telling me the truth, Christina.
00:57:23There's nothing I'd hide from you.
00:57:25Christina, my darling.
00:57:30If something is causing you anxiety, you mustn't hesitate to tell me.
00:57:38Very well.
00:57:42I'm afraid for my father.
00:57:46Afraid?
00:57:49Why?
00:57:51Because he's immortal?
00:57:52Yes.
00:57:53Because it's wrong.
00:57:54Your father believes his experiments are only for the best.
00:57:57How can they be?
00:57:59He should realize that none of us was ever meant to be immortal.
00:58:02We're all of us merely creatures of God, not God.
00:58:08There is so much he can achieve by being immortal for you, for me.
00:58:11How?
00:58:13You want us to stay together for as long as we can?
00:58:15Nothing would make me happier.
00:58:18Then let him immortalize us both.
00:58:23Christina?
00:58:26Are you afraid of facing everlasting life with me?
00:58:31If only I could believe.
00:58:36Truly believe it was possible.
00:58:39Your father is a brave and brilliant man.
00:58:42He will prove to you that immortality is possible.
00:58:45Giles, how?
00:58:46Tomorrow I will show you.
00:58:48You must tell me now.
00:58:50Tomorrow?
00:58:51It's time for dinner.
00:58:53It's time for dinner.
00:58:54It's time for dinner.
00:58:55It's time for dinner.
00:59:00Good morning.
00:59:10good morning
00:59:28his bed's not been slept in. he's all right. tell me where he is. come with me
00:59:35why did you lie when you said he'd gone to London? there's nothing to fear
00:59:40I am afraid. don't you understand? your father and I will put your mind at rest.
00:59:50why the secrecy?
00:59:54fetch me a glass of water will you?
01:00:08fetch me a glass of water will you?
01:00:10I'll put the lamp down.
01:00:36take this. slowly. slowly.
01:00:48your father's quite safe.
01:01:06this coffin was airtight. he's been shut in it all night and he survived.
01:01:11what further proof do you need?
01:01:32rose tell jenkins i am not at home to call.
01:01:35sir.
01:01:42well christina have you decided?
01:01:46i'm still uncertain.
01:01:52giles has told me that you would like to marry.
01:01:55that is so.
01:01:56well then you have my blessing.
01:02:00father thank you.
01:02:03have you decided when you would like to marry?
01:02:06at once?
01:02:07we have your father's permission but there are conditions.
01:02:11what?
01:02:12conditions.
01:02:13you have had plenty of time to think about it and you know there is nothing to fear.
01:02:16you must allow me to immortalize you.
01:02:21but i am afraid.
01:02:24unless you overcome your fears there will be no marriage.
01:02:27how can you?
01:02:29how can you?
01:02:30you!
01:02:30christina!
01:02:32please leave us.
01:02:34i wish to talk to your father.
01:02:35i'll not allow you to force her into anything.
01:02:48she is so obdurate.
01:02:52she's every right to be.
01:02:54i was too.
01:02:58i've told sir edward the master's not at home miss christina but he insists on seeing you.
01:03:02so i've shown him for the study.
01:03:04but i...
01:03:06all right jenkins.
01:03:07yes miss christina.
01:03:12ah my dear christina.
01:03:14do you know when your father is returning?
01:03:17i'm afraid i don't.
01:03:20i see.
01:03:22then please tell him i shall call again tomorrow.
01:03:24no please don't go.
01:03:26i'd like to talk to you.
01:03:28i can make her.
01:03:32and i will.
01:03:35let me talk to her again.
01:03:37very well.
01:03:40allay her fears if you can.
01:03:42my dear you must tell me what it is specifically that upsets you.
01:03:48explain to me the precise nature of his work.
01:03:52he's been able not only to
01:03:54but he's also...
01:04:02christina.
01:04:07i'd like to talk to you.
01:04:08giles i can explain.
01:04:11giles i want to know what it is that sir hugo is doing that so upsets his daughter.
01:04:15i'm sorry i can't tell you.
01:04:20i urge you explain.
01:04:23is it something to do with the moving images he told me about?
01:04:26of the hanged man?
01:04:27and what is he recorded?
01:04:29what does it show him?
01:04:31what has he discovered?
01:04:37for the sake of everyone i must know what his work entails.
01:04:41its ramifications.
01:04:43if sir hugo has made a breakthrough then...
01:04:44i have.
01:04:46but i do not wish you to know what it is.
01:04:48you have no right to pry.
01:04:50how dare you insinuate yourself into my household.
01:04:53hugo i'd hope.
01:04:53hope to what exactly?
01:04:54concern yourself with my work when it's none of your business?
01:04:58i called to ask you if you chair a special seminar
01:05:01and to tell you about a very exciting new research project.
01:05:03i have projects of my own.
01:05:07and they have nothing to do with you.
01:05:10now.
01:05:11if you will excuse us.
01:05:13jayton!
01:05:15sir edward is leaving.
01:05:31what did you tell him?
01:05:32nothing father.
01:05:33i always thought i had my own daughter's trust.
01:05:35her absolute trust.
01:05:37no one must know anything of my work.
01:05:40do you understand?
01:05:41i only said that you were making yourself tired.
01:05:44i am not tired.
01:05:45merely impatient.
01:05:48have you made up your mind?
01:05:51she's in no condition to decide anything now.
01:05:53ever since clive died and my beloved anna
01:05:57i've wanted only to ensure that the cunningham line should be continued.
01:06:02but if it has come to nothing...
01:06:03do not question me.
01:06:05i want you to marry giles.
01:06:06i want you to have children.
01:06:07i will immortalize you all.
01:06:09but cunningham shall survive forever.
01:06:14having lost clive your brother i must never lose you.
01:06:17then i will do whatever makes you happy.
01:06:23christina my dear you must try to understand if you can.
01:06:27what compels me?
01:06:28i want you to marry me.
01:06:29i do father.
01:06:30i do father.
01:06:31Oh for sure.
01:06:33if.
01:06:34i can't see you anymore.
01:06:35i can't see you anymore.
01:06:37and i will be still alone.
01:06:39Let's go.
01:07:09I can't!
01:07:19Please.
01:07:22Please let me use the chloroform.
01:07:25You must remain conscious while the blade descends.
01:07:28The asphyx must sense your fear.
01:07:31It will otherwise not appear.
01:07:39Your father loves you.
01:07:51And I love you.
01:07:53And you've made sure that nothing can go wrong.
01:07:57I love you.
01:08:01I love you.
01:08:03I love you.
01:08:05I love you.
01:08:07Charlie.
01:08:09I love you.
01:08:13I love you.
01:08:15I love you.
01:08:17I love you.
01:08:19as a precaution I have linked the drip taps direct to the water main by this
01:08:39rubber pipe so there shall be no danger of the water supply running out during
01:08:43the experiment Giles has the break of the guillotine and his booster lever at
01:08:48hand so that he can use both at the same time Giles then release the blade but
01:08:59very slowly give the aspects time to appear then when I have trapped it hold
01:09:06the blade
01:09:18more crystals give your life more crystals
01:09:41it's failed
01:09:48no we've got the earthquakes
01:09:58no good I can't tell you
01:10:02we must save her
01:10:04it's too late
01:10:07you've killed her
01:10:17Oh, you've killed Christina.
01:10:29I had to let her die. She couldn't have left her head.
01:10:47She couldn't have left her.
01:11:03You could not have left her.
01:11:09What are you doing?
01:11:39The number of the combination lock.
01:11:45What do you want it for?
01:11:46I want to go to the vaults.
01:11:48Why?
01:11:49We've led Christina at rest.
01:11:50There's no need to go there.
01:11:51I have every need, Giles.
01:11:52I don't understand.
01:11:53My asphyx.
01:11:54Well, it's sealed off.
01:11:55No one can get to it.
01:11:56But I must.
01:11:57To ensure that it's safe.
01:11:58I'll do that for you.
01:11:59I am going to release my asphyx.
01:12:09You no longer want immortality.
01:12:11Damned to eternal guilt, damned to eternal remorse.
01:12:14And if you release your asphyx?
01:12:16But keep the combination lock.
01:12:18It's here somewhere.
01:12:19I asked you, if you release your asphyx.
01:12:22There's nothing stopping me.
01:12:24I want only to atone.
01:12:26I want to join my children whose deaths I hold myself responsible for.
01:12:31I want to join Anna.
01:12:33We made a pact, remember?
01:12:35And now I ask you, release me from my obligation.
01:12:39You were to immortalize me.
01:12:41But can't you see that providence is not to be tampered with?
01:12:44Between us we have killed the woman we loved.
01:12:48How am I to expunge my guilt?
01:12:51That may take time.
01:12:54So I must become immortal so that time is mine.
01:12:57Besides, I must survive to carry on your work.
01:13:03Then I will keep my promise.
01:13:06If you feel impelled to carry on with the experiments, then you surely must.
01:13:11But in return you must make me one promise.
01:13:14When I have immortalized you,
01:13:17release my asphyx and let me end my life.
01:13:26Let me join my children.
01:13:41Hello.
01:13:50Hugo plans and Hugo schemes.
01:13:55I too can plan and scheme.
01:14:11I'm sorry.
01:15:27I have refined the light booster so that the trigger, once pressed, holds itself fast.
01:15:35It is then safe for me to attend to the second booster.
01:15:37I've done that.
01:15:38I've renewed the crystals.
01:15:44I've been patient.
01:15:45You must not forget your promise to me, Giles.
01:15:51Rest assured, everything will go as planned.
01:15:53Don't fail me as I failed Christina.
01:15:55The number of the combination log.
01:16:03Is it in my desk?
01:16:05I'll go and look.
01:16:06Don't worry.
01:16:08If anything should happen to me, you'll find the number written in this envelope.
01:16:11You are wise to take every precaution.
01:16:24Now I tested the block and pulley earlier, and the gas, and the oxygen.
01:16:31What?
01:16:33Once I'm in there, it may take you some time before you can hoist it up and release me.
01:16:36So if anything does go wrong, God forbid, you can turn off the gas and feed through the oxygen.
01:16:45Well, are you ready?
01:16:48And waiting.
01:17:18You're ready?
01:17:48Let's go.
01:18:18The light booster!
01:18:29It will work!
01:18:39Oxygen!
01:18:40I'll give you oxygen.
01:18:48Christina?
01:18:53I'll give you oxygen.
01:19:23Oh, my God.
01:19:44Giles!
01:19:48I've killed you.
01:19:58I've killed you, too.
01:20:01We made a pact, remember?
01:20:13You were to immortalize me.
01:20:17Between us, we killed the woman we loved.
01:20:20My ass fixed.
01:20:30My ass fixed.
01:20:31We killed the woman we loved.
01:20:36How am I to expunge my guilt?
01:20:39That may take time.
01:20:41So I must become immortal so that time is mine.
01:20:44You were to immortalize me.
01:20:47How am I to expunge my guilt?
01:20:50That may take time.
01:20:52Time.
01:20:56I only want to return.
01:20:59I must survive.
01:21:01I must be immortal so that time is mine.
01:21:04I obey god's will, my friend.
01:21:22I obey God's will, my friend, my only friend, my eternal and everlasting
01:21:40friend, my companion in immortality.
01:21:52It's a god's will, my friend, my friend, my friend, my father, my friend, my brother,
01:22:14You
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