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Shock (1946) is an American film noir psychological thriller directed by Alfred L. Werker, starring Vincent Price, Lynn Bari, and Frank Latimore.
The story follows Janet Stewart, a traumatized woman who witnesses a murder from her hotel window. When she collapses into a catatonic state, she is placed under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Richard Cross — who, unbeknownst to her, is the very man she saw commit the crime.
As Dr. Cross and his manipulative lover Elaine Jordan attempt to keep Janet silent, the film blends noir tension with psychological manipulation, showcasing Vincent Price in one of his early villainous roles before his rise as a horror icon.

Film Details
Year: 1946
Genre: Film Noir / Psychological Thriller
Director: Alfred L. Werker
Screenplay: Eugene Ling; story by Albert DeMond
Produced by: Aubrey Schenck
Starring: Vincent Price, Lynn Bari, Frank Latimore, Anabel Shaw
Cinematography: Joseph MacDonald
Edited by: Harmon Jones
Music: David Raksin
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 1, 1946
Runtime: 70 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

#Shock1946 #VincentPrice #FilmNoir #PsychologicalThriller #AlfredLWerker #20thCenturyFox #ClassicHollywood #1940sCinema
Transcript
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00:04:36Paul?
00:04:47Paul?
00:04:48Paul!
00:05:12Hello. This is Mrs. Stewart. Did my husband come in? No, thank you.
00:05:31I'm sorry.
00:05:57You followed me, Margaret. You've been spying on me.
00:06:00I have. I've been watching you for months, making a fool of yourself.
00:06:04I don't think so.
00:06:06Bringing her here.
00:06:07Elaine was just about to leave.
00:06:09I didn't interrupt too soon?
00:06:11Perhaps it's just as well things worked out like this, Margaret.
00:06:15I've decided to ask you for a divorce.
00:06:17A divorce?
00:06:19Well?
00:06:20Why should I divorce you?
00:06:22Oh, please, Margaret, let's be sensible.
00:06:24Whatever we had for one another is gone.
00:06:25We've been afraid to admit it before, but it's true.
00:06:28Elaine and I...
00:06:31Well, I love her.
00:06:32You never loved anyone but yourself.
00:06:33Please, Margaret.
00:06:34I was good enough for you once, but now you want someone younger.
00:06:37It's not that way at all.
00:06:38It's just that I...
00:06:39I can't go on with you any longer.
00:06:41All right, Richard.
00:06:42You can have your divorce.
00:06:44You're right.
00:06:45We are strangers.
00:06:46But I have some pride, and no one's going to think you've cast me off like that.
00:06:50You want your precious Elaine, and you can have her.
00:06:52But people are going to know the truth.
00:06:53I'll stop right in by telling the room clerk you've been entertaining your girlfriend in our apartment.
00:06:57Then I'll call the newspapers.
00:07:00Careful, cautious Richard.
00:07:01Destroying everything he is for the sake of a cheap people.
00:07:04Get away from that phone, Margaret.
00:07:05You asked for it, and you're going to get it.
00:07:06Leave that phone alone, Margaret.
00:07:07I'll enjoy telling your friend...
00:07:08Leave that phone alone.
00:07:09All right, I've been up to you.
00:07:10I hate you.
00:07:39Good morning.
00:07:40Good morning, sir.
00:07:40I'm Lieutenant Stewart.
00:07:41Oh, yes, Lieutenant.
00:07:42We've been expecting you.
00:07:43Your wife's certainly going to be glad to see you, sir.
00:07:45Mr. Blake, this is Lieutenant Stewart.
00:07:47Mr. Blake's our manager.
00:07:48Lieutenant, you really had us worried.
00:07:50I'm glad you finally got here.
00:07:51For a while, I wasn't sure we'd make it.
00:07:53The weatherman threw the book at us.
00:07:54Well, you're in for a real welcome.
00:07:56816C, boys.
00:07:57Oh, that's all right.
00:07:58I'd kind of like to surprise you.
00:07:59Very well, sir.
00:08:00Thanks.
00:08:27Janet.
00:08:34Darling, what's the matter?
00:08:39Janet.
00:08:39Janet, it's me.
00:08:41It's Paul.
00:08:54Janet!
00:09:03Hello?
00:09:04Hello, operator.
00:09:05This is Lieutenant Stewart calling.
00:09:06Can you send the house doctor to 816C right away?
00:09:08It's very urgent.
00:09:18Well?
00:09:26What is it?
00:09:28What's wrong with her, doctor?
00:09:30I'm not sure.
00:09:32I think she's suffering from some sort of shock.
00:09:36I'll be frank with you, Lieutenant.
00:09:37This is a little outside my line.
00:09:40But there must be something you can do for her.
00:09:42We ought to call in a nerve specialist, a psychiatrist.
00:09:46Can you suggest one?
00:09:48There's a very good man in the hotel, Dr. Cross.
00:09:51If we're lucky, we might find him in.
00:09:54This is Dr. Blair.
00:09:56Will you see if Dr. Cross is in for me?
00:09:58Thanks.
00:10:01Cross has had a lot of experience with this sort of thing.
00:10:04I'm all right for a broken arm or an old-fashioned hangover.
00:10:07But when it comes to the mind, well...
00:10:11Hello, Dr. Cross.
00:10:12This is Blair in the hotel.
00:10:14How are you?
00:10:16See, I've run into something that's right up your alley.
00:10:19One of the guests here has had some sort of shock.
00:10:23No, I...
00:10:24I don't know what caused it.
00:10:26Oh, would you?
00:10:27Well, that's mighty nice of you.
00:10:29Thanks, doctor.
00:10:32816C.
00:10:34He'll be right with us.
00:10:36She was so alive when I saw her last.
00:10:39I can't quite believe this.
00:10:42Better snap out of it, Lieutenant.
00:10:43I don't want another patient.
00:10:45Dr. Cross is one of the best men in this part of the country.
00:10:48I'm very happy that he's going to have a look at it.
00:10:51I don't get it.
00:10:53What could have brought it on?
00:10:54I wish I could tell you.
00:10:56The mind's a strange instrument.
00:10:57What affects me may not bother you in the slightest.
00:11:00The workings of the mind depend on so many things inside as well as outside.
00:11:05You can't make hard and fast rules.
00:11:07Well, I suppose it is plausible that she hasn't been feeling well.
00:11:11Worrying about me, not knowing whether I was dead or alive.
00:11:14Then coming here and not finding me.
00:11:18That'll be Dr. Cross.
00:11:23Good morning, doctor.
00:11:24Good morning.
00:11:24I appreciate your promise.
00:11:26Not at all.
00:11:27The sooner you get to a case of shock, the better.
00:11:30This is Lieutenant Stewart.
00:11:32Dr. Cross.
00:11:33How do you do, Lieutenant?
00:11:34Thanks for coming, doctor.
00:11:35My wife is in the bedroom.
00:11:40She doesn't know me.
00:11:42She doesn't seem to know anything.
00:11:45Were you here when it happened?
00:11:47I just got in a few minutes ago.
00:11:49When I opened the door, she was sitting on the divan.
00:11:51Her eyes were wide open.
00:11:52She was staring at nothing.
00:11:56Did you notice anything peculiar about her actions when you saw her last?
00:12:00I've been a prisoner of war for two years.
00:12:02I've just come home.
00:12:03Oh, I see.
00:12:04She's had a rugged time of it, all right.
00:12:06First thinking I was dead.
00:12:08Then hearing from me.
00:12:10On top of all that, my plane was 12 hours late.
00:12:13Would you say that she was a nervous, imaginative girl?
00:12:16No, sir.
00:12:17I've known her all my life.
00:12:18We came from the same small town in Michigan.
00:12:20Went to school together.
00:12:23Well, she's just a nice kid.
00:12:26What's wrong with her, doctor?
00:12:28She's had a nervous collapse.
00:12:29Went into shock.
00:12:34Where did you find her?
00:12:36In the living room.
00:12:37In the living room?
00:12:42You said she was sitting on the divan.
00:12:44Yes, right here.
00:12:46I see.
00:12:47What do you think it would have cost her, doctor?
00:12:50Well, that's difficult to say.
00:12:59You have no idea how long she might have been sitting there.
00:13:02No.
00:13:03Oh, the clerk did say she phoned down about one in the morning.
00:13:06Between 1 and 8.30.
00:13:08What difference does that make, doctor?
00:13:10The important thing is, what can you do for her?
00:13:13It's hard for a doctor to make promises.
00:13:15We can only do our best.
00:13:17Are you living permanently at the hotel?
00:13:19No.
00:13:19As a matter of fact, we've got to clear out by noon.
00:13:21Oh, I see.
00:13:23But then I'd better take her to my place.
00:13:25She's going to need someone with her night and day.
00:13:28Dr. Cross has a private sanatorium just out of town.
00:13:32I see.
00:13:33Believe me, lieutenant, it's best for her.
00:13:35But there must be a hospital here in San Francisco.
00:13:37I'd like to be near her.
00:13:39Of course.
00:13:40But I'm at my place every day.
00:13:42It's in the country, and she'll get plenty of fresh air and quiet.
00:13:45If I were you, lieutenant, I'd listen to Dr. Cross.
00:13:50Okay.
00:13:51You men know best.
00:13:53Just get her well again.
00:13:54I was getting ready to leave when you called.
00:13:57I'll take Mrs. Stewart up with me now.
00:14:05Hello, this is Dr. Cross.
00:14:07Will you get in my office, please?
00:14:08I'm going along with her, doctor.
00:14:10I'd rather you wait at lieutenant until I've been able to give her a thorough examination.
00:14:14It's quite possible your presence may excite her and do her more harm than good.
00:14:18It's just that I...
00:14:19It's been so long since I've seen her.
00:14:21And why don't you drive up with me tomorrow?
00:14:24Miss Jordan, will you call the hospital and tell Miss Hatfield to have a room ready for a new patient?
00:14:30We'll be there shortly.
00:14:32Yes, that's right.
00:14:34You pick us up at the hotel.
00:14:36Right.
00:14:40You'd better pack a bag for your wife, lieutenant.
00:14:43Thanks, doctor.
00:14:50I'm from Dr. Cross's office.
00:14:52We were to pick up a patient.
00:14:53Oh, yes.
00:14:54They're on their way down now.
00:15:02Your car's waiting, doctor.
00:15:04This is Miss Jordan from my office, lieutenant Stewart.
00:15:07How do you do, lieutenant?
00:15:08Mrs. Stewart has had a nervous collapse.
00:15:11What a shame.
00:15:12Don't you worry, lieutenant.
00:15:14We'll soon have her well again.
00:15:17You'll call for me in the morning, right?
00:15:18Yes, I'll pick you up at 11.30.
00:15:44Put her to bed and have Dr. Stevens give her an injection of scopolamine.
00:15:48Yes, doctor.
00:15:55Miss Hatfield.
00:15:56Good morning, doctor.
00:15:57Your patient is coming in at the ambulance entrance.
00:15:59You have a room ready?
00:16:01Yes, I have, sir.
00:16:10Good morning, sir.
00:16:11Good morning, doctor.
00:16:12How is she?
00:16:13Quite relaxed, sir.
00:16:15What's her trouble?
00:16:16Amnesia shock.
00:16:18She's had her injection.
00:16:20Yes, sir.
00:16:21She's ready to talk now.
00:16:24That'll be all.
00:16:25Yes, sir.
00:16:40I'm Dr. Cross, Mrs. Stewart.
00:16:43I am your friend.
00:16:45I'm here to help you.
00:16:48I want you to think.
00:16:51You're going to remember things now.
00:16:55You went to meet your husband at the Belmont Arms.
00:16:59Do you remember that?
00:17:02You were worried about Paul.
00:17:05He didn't arrive on time.
00:17:08You were too nervous to sleep.
00:17:12Did you walk out on the balcony?
00:17:17Yes.
00:17:20I walked out on the balcony.
00:17:22See, you can remember.
00:17:25Now, what did you see from the balcony?
00:17:30They...
00:17:30They were...
00:17:33quarreling.
00:17:35You heard them distinctly?
00:17:38I...
00:17:39Did you hear them distinctly?
00:17:44He's...
00:17:45trying to...
00:17:47stop her.
00:17:50He's...
00:17:51going to...
00:17:53hit her.
00:17:55He's...
00:17:57hitting her head.
00:17:59He's...
00:18:01killing her.
00:18:03Who?
00:18:04Who's hurting the woman?
00:18:08That...
00:18:09man.
00:18:12He's her...
00:18:13husband.
00:18:17He's...
00:18:17killing her.
00:18:32Well?
00:18:33She knows, Elaine.
00:18:34She remembers.
00:18:36Her room was opposite my apartment.
00:18:38She walked out on the balcony.
00:18:39She heard everything.
00:18:49Yes?
00:18:51Can you come now, doctor?
00:18:52They're having trouble with Mr. Edwards again.
00:18:54Yes.
00:18:56Yes.
00:18:57Yes.
00:19:06of...
00:19:07her room.
00:19:13He's...
00:19:20He's...
00:19:26That's right.
00:19:28That's right.
00:19:28I didn't think you'd ever get here.
00:19:36I love you.
00:19:46You've got a headache. I can tell from your eyes.
00:19:50Yes, it's bursting.
00:20:00You did it?
00:20:02Yes.
00:20:04Yes, I did it.
00:20:06It was horrible, Elaine.
00:20:08I had the porter take the trunk down.
00:20:12I told the hotel manager I was joining my...
00:20:16wife in Carmel for a few days...
00:20:19to ship the trunk to my lodge.
00:20:22No one knew she was in town last night?
00:20:24No, she came up the back way.
00:20:26She wanted to surprise us, remember?
00:20:31You're not sorry.
00:20:35Are you?
00:20:36I wish I'd called the police.
00:20:39I lost my head. I didn't mean to kill her.
00:20:41There was no premeditation.
00:20:43But now I've concealed her body.
00:20:46I've shipped the trunk to my lodge.
00:20:47Well, you know as well as I do, there's only one answer for that.
00:20:51I shouldn't have listened to you, Elaine.
00:20:53Think, darling.
00:20:54What would have happened if you'd called the police?
00:20:56Manslaughter means 20 years.
00:20:58What would that have done to you, to us?
00:21:00I don't know.
00:21:00Would you have wanted it that way?
00:21:03No, no one knows.
00:21:05We're safe.
00:21:06You're forgetting Janet Stewart, aren't you?
00:21:07She knows. What if she talks?
00:21:09I haven't forgotten her.
00:21:11She can't tell what she's seen as long as she's in this condition, can she?
00:21:14The shock will wear off in a couple of weeks at the most.
00:21:16It'll wear off if you let it, Dick.
00:21:19Elaine, I'm a doctor.
00:21:21She'll talk only if you let her.
00:21:24You mean too much to me.
00:21:26It's the only way out, Dick.
00:21:28It's the one and only way out for us.
00:21:30If I don't know, Elaine, I've got to think.
00:21:53Good morning, Mrs. Penny.
00:21:54Good morning, Doctor.
00:21:55You're looking very well today.
00:21:56Thank you, Doctor.
00:21:57Good morning, Doctor.
00:21:58Morning, Miss Hatfield.
00:21:59This is Lieutenant Stewart.
00:22:00Miss Hatfield's our head nurse.
00:22:01How do you do, Lieutenant?
00:22:02Is Miss Jordan with Mrs. Stewart?
00:22:04Yes, she is, Doctor.
00:22:11Good morning, Lieutenant.
00:22:16Janet.
00:22:19Darling, it's me.
00:22:22It's Paul.
00:22:26I'm home, dear.
00:22:33She's worse.
00:22:34Not really.
00:22:35She was restless and we gave her a sedative.
00:22:38You've got to be patient, Lieutenant.
00:22:40It's going to take time.
00:22:42And you must try to stop thinking of your wife as she was.
00:22:45You see, when you were reported killed, she had a terrible time adjusting herself, but she did.
00:22:52Then when the news came that you were alive and on your way home, it was hard for her subconscious
00:22:58to accept that because the first adjustment had been so difficult.
00:23:01Then, of course, when your plane was late, she thought she'd been tricked, that you'd never sent that wire.
00:23:08Don't try and let me off easily, Doctor.
00:23:10Give it to me straight.
00:23:11Tell me, can you help her?
00:23:16That's a very difficult question to answer.
00:23:18Sit down, Lieutenant.
00:23:21The mind is a delicate, fragile thing.
00:23:25It's almost as intangible as, as faith.
00:23:29And that's what you're going to need.
00:23:31A lot of faith in yourself and in your wife and in me.
00:23:35Please don't think I haven't faith in you, Doctor, because I have.
00:23:40But yesterday, after you left with Janet, I, I needed someone to talk to.
00:23:44Of course.
00:23:46So I went to the army hospital and I talked with some of the doctors.
00:23:49I told them Janet was in your care.
00:23:51They said that I couldn't find a better man.
00:23:55But, well, you know how it is.
00:23:57I figured that maybe two minds might be better than one.
00:24:00And I asked if another opinion mightn't help.
00:24:03Well, that's perfectly understandable.
00:24:05If you want a consultant, by all means, bring one in.
00:24:08Thanks.
00:24:10They recommended Dr. Franklin Harvey.
00:24:12Harvey?
00:24:14Well, I studied under him.
00:24:16He's probably the best man in his field.
00:24:18Well, that's swell, Doctor.
00:24:20I was a little embarrassed.
00:24:21I didn't want you to think that...
00:24:22Not at all.
00:24:23I'll phone Dr. Harvey and have him out here.
00:24:25Good.
00:24:27Well, I might as well go back to town.
00:24:29If it's all right, I'll run out again tomorrow.
00:24:32For Mrs. Stewart's sake, I'm going to have to ask you to observe our regular visiting days.
00:24:36Sundays and Thursdays.
00:24:37I'll phone Dr. Harvey and try to have him out here Thursday so that you can talk with him then.
00:24:42Okay, we'll make it Thursday.
00:24:44Oh, I thought you'd like to know, Lieutenant. She's resting quite easily now.
00:24:48Thanks.
00:24:49Goodbye, Doctor.
00:24:50Miss Jordan.
00:24:51Goodbye.
00:25:27Mrs. Stewart.
00:25:31Mrs. Stewart.
00:25:35You're going out on that balcony again, Mrs. Stewart.
00:25:40You're looking into the other apartment.
00:25:43You're listening to the argument.
00:25:46Do you remember what happened to the woman?
00:25:50He's hitting her.
00:25:52He's hitting her with the candlestick.
00:25:54And now he's hitting you.
00:25:57Hitting you with the candlestick.
00:25:59Hitting your head again and again.
00:26:04The candlestick is killing you.
00:26:06Soon you won't be able to remember anything.
00:26:10You can't hear the sound now.
00:26:14You can't hear anything.
00:26:17You can't hear.
00:26:21You can't remember.
00:26:24You can't remember.
00:26:27You can't remember.
00:26:31Edward's condition is deteriorating rapidly.
00:26:35If this continues, we will have to take steps to put him in a more suitable institution.
00:26:42She's exhausted.
00:26:44You haven't got far to go.
00:26:47Lane, do you think you could manage it here alone for the weekend?
00:26:50Certainly. Why?
00:26:52The trunk should be there tomorrow.
00:26:56I've been wondering.
00:26:57There are no servants at the lodge.
00:27:00What will happen when the trunk is delivered and there's no one to receive it?
00:27:02Nothing. They'll just leave it on the back porch.
00:27:05When are you leaving?
00:27:07Tomorrow.
00:27:09Dr. Harvey's due here this afternoon.
00:27:12Harvey? Coming here for what?
00:27:14Stewart requested a consultation.
00:27:16You're not going to let him examine her?
00:27:18Of course. How would it have looked if I'd said no?
00:27:20But he might discover something.
00:27:22He has no reason to be suspicious.
00:27:23You can't risk it. I won't let you.
00:27:25I know what I'm doing, Elaine.
00:27:27Darling, you're not thinking clearly.
00:27:29I've never seen things so clearly before in my whole life.
00:27:52You'll send me a report on her spinal test?
00:27:54Yes, Dr. Harvey.
00:27:56And the other specimens?
00:27:57Yes.
00:28:04You know, Richard, I'm not sure I completely agree this was all brought on by her husband's late arrival.
00:28:10That was a contributing circumstance.
00:28:13I feel there may have been something else.
00:28:16That's always possible, of course.
00:28:18But I found no evidence of it.
00:28:21Just speculation.
00:28:25Will you have a cigar, sir?
00:28:26Yes, thank you.
00:28:29Let's continue the present treatment and see how she comes along.
00:28:32Yes.
00:28:34I noticed, Richard, you've been giving her sedatives.
00:28:37Yes, I have.
00:28:39She's been pretty difficult at times.
00:28:43I'd go easy on them.
00:28:45If she's under sedation, there's no way of knowing when she comes back to normal.
00:28:48No, I'd plan to take her off them within the next 24 hours.
00:28:51Fine.
00:28:52By the way, how's Margaret?
00:28:55I'm joining her at the lodge.
00:28:57Give her my regards when you see her.
00:28:58I will, thank you, sir.
00:29:00Well, I'd better talk with the young man.
00:29:02Sometimes I wonder which are more difficult, patients or their families.
00:29:19Hiya, beautiful.
00:29:21Ah, what a night.
00:29:24You don't happen to know a blonde who'd like to relax with me, do you?
00:29:27That's what I thought you'd say.
00:29:29Coffee?
00:29:29Please.
00:29:31That poor Edward Z. Storm don't do him any good.
00:29:33He kept ducking into his closet and slamming the door after him.
00:29:36Finally had to lock it.
00:29:39How's your patient?
00:29:40All right, I guess.
00:29:42I was talking with her husband.
00:29:43It's kind of tough coming home and finding a wife in that condition.
00:29:47Yes.
00:29:49Can't figure Dr. Cross's treatment.
00:29:52Why keep the poor guy from seeing his wife?
00:29:55I think it would've helped snap her out of it if she saw more of him.
00:29:57Dr. Cross doesn't want to get her excited.
00:29:59After all, the attack was brought on by worry over him.
00:30:03Yeah.
00:30:03Yeah.
00:30:05That was close.
00:30:06That was close.
00:30:29That was close.
00:30:45The End
00:31:10The End
00:31:41It's time to turn in
00:31:42So you better tuck your patient in bed and get a good night's sleep
00:31:44Yes, I should be up there now
00:31:46Tell me, is it true that doctors get a night off once in a while?
00:31:49If you had a night off, you wouldn't know what to do with it
00:31:52Wouldn't I?
00:31:55Wouldn't I?
00:31:56Good night, doctor
00:31:57Good night
00:32:05Well, another stormy weekend
00:32:06It is my night off
00:32:14Well, anyway, the rain will help Jane on her day off
00:32:34And now, another stormy weekend
00:32:34And now, another stormy weekend
00:32:35And now, another stormy weekend
00:32:53who's there why mr edwards you shouldn't be in here come i'll take you back
00:32:57don't i
00:33:30don't be afraid
00:33:35we won't let the storm hurt you you're coming back to your room aren't you mr edwards
00:33:43aren't you mr edwards
00:33:51that's fine come along
00:33:57take care of him frank yes doctor come along sir are you all right elaine yes
00:34:05there there mrs stewart it's all over he killed her he hit her on the head and he killed her
00:34:21edwards became very violent last night this morning we found that he had a key hidden
00:34:25away i ordered the lock on his door to be changed as for mrs stewart she's suffering
00:34:30from hallucinations she keeps insisting that she witnessed a murder which obviously
00:34:37come in
00:34:40oh hello lieutenant they told me i'd find you here
00:34:44i hope i'm not interrupting not at all it's kind of rough isn't it yeah
00:34:50she's out of her head she's got a crazy idea she saw a murder
00:34:54what am i going to do ah you're gonna sit tight she's in good hands so they keep telling me
00:34:58but
00:35:00oh she's getting worse now i'm thinking of taking her back to san francisco to a hospital there
00:35:07i uh i wouldn't do that if i were you lieutenant doctor crosses tops you know that you brought
00:35:13harvey in to consult you can't do any better than that but i can't just sit around and watch
00:35:18her get worse i've got to do something lieutenant i wouldn't try to kid you for the world so far
00:35:23we've tried to snap her out of it with quiet and rest and simple foods now there are a dozen
00:35:26other
00:35:27things we can do electric therapy insulin shock insulin shock they use that in the army on guys who
00:35:33blow their tops sure they do because it often helps but you're not going to turn it down in that
00:35:38account are you no well relax the setup here is perfect everybody's rooting for you
00:35:42now just take it easy you mean that
00:35:49okay say put in a couple of extra licks doc i'd kind of like to take her home soon
00:35:54okay lieutenant we'll do everything we possibly can for her
00:35:58all right bye doctor goodbye
00:35:59come on thank you car
00:36:01look at this mrs cross is dead
00:36:04what the body of mrs margaret cross wife of the noted psychiatrist has just been recovered from its
00:36:10resting place among the rocks at point lovis mrs cross has been missing since friday night
00:36:17garner jess haines has pronounced the death accidental
00:36:27good morning doctor you have our deepest sympathy thank you
00:36:38i'm terribly sorry doctor thank you will you come in miss june yes sir
00:36:50you're the perfect picture of a heartbroken husband am i
00:36:56i've missed you driving back there was time to think i got to thinking about you
00:37:02i asked myself is she worth what i've done well
00:37:17that was a very satisfactory answer how did things go while i was away
00:37:20well darling things are going so well i can hardly believe it what do you mean
00:37:24mr edwards got out during the storm he went into a room what he went after me
00:37:29i struggled with him she woke up and confused mr edwards with you she was thrown back into that
00:37:34night at the hotel oh elaine that undoes everything i've tried to do no stevens and
00:37:39miss hatfield heard her they're convinced she's insane now no matter what she says they'll think
00:37:43she has hallucinations i see but you don't see darling before you were trying to make her forget
00:37:50now she can talk her head off and no one will believe her if we can encourage her to talk
00:37:55convince her husband that she's insane we can keep her here as long as it suits us then have her
00:37:59committed
00:38:24darling janet darling
00:38:27darling. It's me. Wake up. I'm here, dear.
00:38:49Oh. I've waited all night for you, darling.
00:38:56What took you so long? Don't worry. I'm with you now.
00:39:01We have to be out by morning, Paul. They won't let us stay.
00:39:10Lieutenant Stewart.
00:39:16You shouldn't be in here.
00:39:20Paul. It's him.
00:39:23Who is it, dear?
00:39:25Him. He killed her. He killed his wife.
00:39:30He picked something up, Paul, and he hit her with it.
00:39:34He was arguing with her. And he killed her.
00:39:38I know. I know, dear.
00:39:40You've upset her, Lieutenant. You shouldn't have come in here.
00:39:42Come outside with me. Give her a hypodermic nurse.
00:39:45Don't leave me here. He'll kill me. Come back.
00:39:48What is it, Doctor? What's happened to her?
00:39:51Lieutenant, I'm going to be perfectly frank with you.
00:39:53What you've just heard is something I've been afraid of.
00:39:56There are times when patients emerging from amnesia suffer from delusions.
00:40:02It doesn't happen often. I'd hoped it wouldn't happen in her case.
00:40:05But you heard her yourself.
00:40:06But why?
00:40:09Well, that's hard to explain.
00:40:12But if you come with me, I think I might be able to clarify her for you.
00:40:24Hello, Mrs. Penny.
00:40:25Good day, Doctor.
00:40:27How are you feeling today?
00:40:28Just fine, Doctor. Just fine.
00:40:30That's a lovely thing you're knitting there.
00:40:32It's a shawl for one of my friends.
00:40:35Everyone here treating you well?
00:40:37Oh, yes. They're very nice to me.
00:40:39Doctor Stevens hasn't tried to kill me with that needle for a long while now.
00:40:42Neither has Miss Hatfield.
00:40:45Haven't I told you many times, Mrs. Penny, that no one here is trying to kill you?
00:40:49Oh, yes, they are. You all want to kill me.
00:40:52You're murderers, all of you.
00:40:54But I've learned. I'm too smart for you.
00:41:08What you've just heard, Lieutenant, for the second time, is the typical attitude of many of our patients towards the
00:41:15hospital staff.
00:41:16But that old lady, she seemed all right.
00:41:19Mrs. Penny is suffering from a paranoid form of dementia precox,
00:41:23characterized either by delusions of grandeur or delusions of persecution, or both.
00:41:28The patient, when confined to the hospital, almost invariably becomes convinced that the doctors and nurses who are treating him
00:41:34are really murderers intent on killing him.
00:41:37This delusion is quite common among mental cases in an institution of this sort.
00:41:42Are you trying to tell me my wife is out of her mind?
00:41:44No. Out of the mind denotes complete loss of reason.
00:41:49Mrs. Stewart hasn't reached that stage.
00:41:51But she's got the same crazy idea as the other patients.
00:41:53Right now, she's merely suffering delusions.
00:41:56However, I... I feel it's only fair to tell you, Lieutenant, that this condition can become worse.
00:42:02Our fight now is to prevent further deterioration of her mind.
00:42:07You've got to help her, Doctor.
00:42:10You've got to get her well again.
00:42:12I'll do everything I can.
00:42:14Believe me.
00:42:46Come now, Mrs. Stewart. You shouldn't be out of bed.
00:42:48Will you help me, please?
00:42:51Please, please help me.
00:42:53Get the police here, please.
00:42:55We don't need the police, Mrs. Stewart. You come along with me and everything will be okay.
00:42:57You don't understand. There's nothing the matter with me.
00:43:00I want the police. That doctor's a murderer.
00:43:03All right, you go back to bed and we'll call the police.
00:43:05Don't talk to me as if I were crazy. I'm telling you the truth.
00:43:09Orderly, now come along, Mrs. Stewart. No one is going to against you.
00:43:11No, let me go.
00:43:12It's going to be all right. Orderly!
00:43:13Let me go. No.
00:43:15I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy.
00:43:19I wish you could have been there to see her yourself.
00:43:21Yes, I heard about it this morning.
00:43:22She had the usual delusions.
00:43:24She kept insisting that you were a murderer. You know how they get.
00:43:26She wanted me to call the police. For a moment she became very violent.
00:43:30I had to give her a sedative.
00:43:32I think we ought to do something about her.
00:43:34I agree with you, doctor. I'll be in to see her in a few minutes.
00:43:37Thank you, sir.
00:43:43There, you see? Everything worked out just as we planned.
00:43:46Yes.
00:43:48Well, smile, darling. It's fallen right in our lap.
00:43:51You don't seem particularly pleased.
00:43:53I am. Of course I am, Elaine.
00:43:55Well, what are you going to do?
00:43:57I'm going to try to find something that will convince her that she's insane.
00:44:04You'd better get back to her now, darling. I'll be over in a few minutes.
00:44:07Right.
00:44:42You feeling any better today?
00:44:44I'm all right. There's nothing the matter with me.
00:44:48Miss Jordan tells me that you're still talking about some woman I'm supposed to have killed.
00:44:55I've asked you to stop thinking about such things, Mrs. Stewart.
00:45:00But it was your own wife.
00:45:03If I can prove to you that you couldn't have seen me kill my wife,
00:45:07would you believe that this is a delusion you've been suffering from?
00:45:12You were arguing with her about a divorce.
00:45:22If you will look at the date on this newspaper, Mrs. Stewart,
00:45:26you will see that my wife died only a week ago.
00:45:30You have been a patient here for over three weeks now.
00:45:35Three weeks?
00:45:37That's right.
00:45:39So, you see, this has all been a very vivid dream.
00:45:43You must fight these dreams, Mrs. Stewart, or they're going to become worse,
00:45:47and we don't want that to happen.
00:45:49My mind is all right.
00:45:51It's not all right, Mrs. Stewart.
00:45:53Your mind is sick and it's getting worse.
00:45:55My mind is all right.
00:45:56You wouldn't want your husband to see you in that condition, would you?
00:46:00He doesn't even want to see you when you're like this.
00:46:04You're losing your mind, Mrs. Stewart.
00:46:06No, no.
00:46:07Losing your mind.
00:46:09Oh, no.
00:46:18Thank you, Miss Hatfield.
00:46:20Dr. Cross?
00:46:21Yes?
00:46:22There's someone in your office to see you.
00:46:24Did I have an appointment?
00:46:25No, sir.
00:46:26He's from the district attorney's office of Monterey.
00:46:29Oh, yes.
00:46:58Dr. Cross?
00:46:59Yes?
00:47:01How are you?
00:47:02My name's O'Neil.
00:47:02I'm with the district attorney's office in Monterey County.
00:47:05Oh, yes.
00:47:06What can I do for you?
00:47:07It's in connection with your wife's death, Doctor.
00:47:12I thought the case had been closed.
00:47:14Something happened this week that made us consider the possibility
00:47:17that your wife didn't fall into that chasm by accident.
00:47:21I don't understand.
00:47:22A couple of days ago, someone broke into Harwood Lodge.
00:47:25Beat Mrs. Harwood into unconsciousness and made off with her valuables.
00:47:29We caught the thief day before yesterday.
00:47:36But what has that to do with Mrs. Cross's death?
00:47:38It may not have anything to do with it.
00:47:43It occurred to us that since the lodge was so close to your place,
00:47:46the man who clubbed Mrs. Harwood may have paid a visit to your wife.
00:47:50You've lived around Point Lobos for nearly ten years.
00:47:53Mrs. Cross spent much of her time there.
00:47:56She must have known those cliffs pretty well, even at night.
00:47:59Yes.
00:48:01I'd hate to think that she...
00:48:02I'm not saying it was murder, Doctor.
00:48:04I'm just checking.
00:48:06Of course.
00:48:08I'll do everything I can to help you.
00:48:10I knew you'd feel that way about it.
00:48:13Have you checked your place to see if anything was missing?
00:48:16I'm sure there isn't, or I'd have noticed it.
00:48:18If it's all right with you, Doctor,
00:48:20we'd like to have Mrs. Cross's body exhumed.
00:48:24But the coroner said...
00:48:25It was only a routine examination.
00:48:27Well, I don't know if that's necessary, Mr. O'Neil.
00:48:31You've got your man.
00:48:33All we've got is a drunken old tramp who clubbed Mrs. Harwood
00:48:36and stole her little money in jewelry.
00:48:38We can't know about Mrs. Cross unless the body's exhumed.
00:48:42But it seems almost sacrilegious.
00:48:46Hasn't she been through enough?
00:48:48Haven't I?
00:48:49I'd hoped you'd be more understanding, Doctor.
00:48:51Naturally, we'll get a court order, but it would be much simpler if you...
00:48:56If this tramp killed your wife, you want to see him punished, don't you?
00:49:00Of course.
00:49:01Then you can't conscientiously object to the exhumation.
00:49:05No.
00:49:07No, Mr. O'Neil, I can't.
00:49:09If the man is guilty, he must be punished, of course.
00:49:13Thank you, Doctor.
00:49:16You'll hear from me one way or the other within the next few days.
00:49:19Thanks.
00:49:19Thank you for your cooperation.
00:49:42Darling, I've been so worried I didn't know what had happened to you.
00:49:48Where have you been?
00:49:49The city.
00:49:50When you weren't here for dinner, I began to worry.
00:49:53What did the man from the district attorney's office want?
00:49:56They're going to exhum Margaret's body.
00:49:58You're not going to let them.
00:49:59I had nothing to say about it. They'd get a court order.
00:50:01But why are they? I don't...
00:50:02I think some prowler may have killed her.
00:50:04Prowler?
00:50:05They weren't looking for anything before.
00:50:07She slipped and fell and fractured her skull against the rocks.
00:50:11Now they may discover it wasn't the fall that killed her.
00:50:14They can't prove anything.
00:50:15No.
00:50:16Once they start asking questions, I...
00:50:19That's why I went to the city.
00:50:20I had to make sure that I hadn't overlooked anything in the apartment.
00:50:24Why didn't I report it in the first place?
00:50:26Why did I let you talk me into it?
00:50:28If it weren't for that Stuart girl,
00:50:30if they start asking questions and find her...
00:50:33Maybe they won't find her.
00:50:34We've taken care of everything else so far.
00:50:36If we have to, we'll take care of her too.
00:50:38And you're not helping matters acting this way.
00:50:50If a man wanted to,
00:50:53if he had courage,
00:50:56he could get rid of her and no one would ever know.
00:51:00The doctor has an advantage.
00:51:04I could give her insulin shock treatment.
00:51:09Shock treatment's indicated in a case like hers.
00:51:12I could give her four injections.
00:51:14Then with the last one,
00:51:16an overdose.
00:51:17No one would ever know the difference.
00:51:19Then we'd be safe.
00:51:21No matter what the district attorney's office found,
00:51:23we'd be safe.
00:51:24They'd have nothing on us, Richard.
00:51:26We could get married then.
00:51:28You'd be yourself again, Richard.
00:51:30We'd find peace and quiet here, just the two of us.
00:51:33You don't think I'd do it, do you?
00:51:35Why not?
00:51:36Is her life more important than ours?
00:51:39I've had enough.
00:51:40Look, Elaine, I can't go on like this.
00:51:42Things keep piling up.
00:51:43First it was Margaret,
00:51:45then tricking that child so that she'd forget.
00:51:47then convincing her that she was insane.
00:51:50There's a limit beyond which even I can't go.
00:52:00Richard.
00:52:02Remember the first night I came here?
00:52:06Remember?
00:52:18You were alone.
00:52:21You were sitting here in front of the fireplace with a sick headache.
00:52:26The lights were out.
00:52:28You didn't hear me when I knocked, when I opened the door and you said,
00:52:31Oh, it's you, Miss Jordan.
00:52:36You called me Miss Jordan then, remember?
00:52:41I told you I had to see you about Mrs. Penny's prescription.
00:52:45You talked to me and you saw that I was tired and you asked me if I wouldn't have a
00:52:48drink.
00:52:50I hesitated and you said,
00:52:53I won't bite your head off, Miss Jordan.
00:52:56And we had a drink.
00:52:59Remember?
00:53:02We sat here for a long time and then suddenly you laughed and you said your headache was gone.
00:53:09And you asked me about my family and I told you.
00:53:13And we both laughed.
00:53:16Remember?
00:53:24Remember?
00:53:25Then you took me in your arms.
00:53:29I know you remember that.
00:53:32I won't do it, Elaine.
00:53:34I won't do it.
00:53:42Just a minute, I'm coming.
00:53:51Hello, Doctor.
00:53:53Come in.
00:53:55I hope you hadn't gone to bed.
00:53:57No.
00:53:58They told me at the hospital I'd find you here.
00:54:01I didn't expect to see you so soon, Mr. O'Neil.
00:54:04I thought you'd phone me if there were any developments.
00:54:07I had to serve the papers.
00:54:09Oh, yes?
00:54:10Coroner's inquest subpoena.
00:54:11Now it's legal.
00:54:14What did the coroner find?
00:54:17Your wife was murdered, Doctor.
00:54:22Hello?
00:54:30Are you sure?
00:54:32Yes, sir.
00:54:34Sit down, Mr. O'Neil.
00:54:39She was beaten over the head, suffered an explosive fracture.
00:54:42Death was practically instantaneous.
00:54:46This prowler you told me about, you think he did it?
00:54:49It seems so.
00:54:51He clubbed Mrs. Harwood.
00:54:53Your wife went out the same way.
00:54:55A pattern.
00:54:56Killers usually follow a pattern.
00:54:58You don't know how she was killed.
00:55:01I mean the weapon.
00:55:02She was struck with a candlestick.
00:55:04A candlestick?
00:55:06Are you sure?
00:55:07A heavy silver one.
00:55:09How can you know?
00:55:10Microscope.
00:55:11There were particles of silver in the wound.
00:55:13They told us it was a silver object.
00:55:16There were bits of wax mixed in with the silver.
00:55:18They told us it was a candlestick.
00:55:20Must have been a heavy candlestick to have done the damage.
00:55:27Just routine, Doctor.
00:55:29A criminal doesn't have much of a chance these days, does he?
00:55:33No, sir.
00:55:37By the way, do you have any silver candlesticks at the lodge?
00:55:40We might have.
00:55:42I'd like your permission to go through the house.
00:55:44The murderer may have left the candlestick behind, in which case we'll get fingerprints.
00:55:48If he got rid of the weapon, we may be able to find the mate.
00:55:51Then we'll know what to look for.
00:55:53Of course. Go right ahead.
00:55:54Thanks.
00:55:57Now, if we can find the candlestick, our troubles are over.
00:56:03By the way, when did you see Mrs. Cross last?
00:56:06Alive, I mean.
00:56:08Oh, a couple of weeks before she was killed.
00:56:11Why?
00:56:11Can you place a little more definitely?
00:56:15I think so.
00:56:17Things had been piling up around here, and I needed a change.
00:56:21So I drove down to Point Lobus on a Friday night.
00:56:24Anyone see you?
00:56:26I don't think so. Why?
00:56:28We're trying to fix the exact time of her death.
00:56:32Well, I'm not sure anyone saw me.
00:56:34I drove down there on Friday night, left there around 9.30 Saturday night.
00:56:41Well, it's not too important.
00:56:45Naturally, I want to do everything I can to help you, Mr. O'Neil.
00:56:48Well, if I think of anything, I'll get in touch with you.
00:56:52Thanks. Sorry to bother you so late.
00:56:53That's all right.
00:56:58See you at the inquest.
00:57:00Good night, Doctor.
00:57:01Good night.
00:57:30Good night, Doctor.
00:57:31Did you miss all alone?
00:57:32Full night, Doctor.
00:57:33We did the two so many others I could never do not leave.
00:57:36On our own own, we didn't leave Glassans,.
00:57:42did not leave the dollars left into the house.
00:57:46Richard, I must speak to you.
00:57:49People are talking about you and that nurse, Miss Jordan.
00:57:53How do you like my hair, Richard?
00:57:55Of course, I had a dye.
00:57:57Everyone says it makes me look years younger.
00:58:02I can give her four injections.
00:58:07Then with the last one, an overdose.
00:58:25Then we'd be safe.
00:58:26No matter what the district attorney's office found, we'd be safe.
00:58:42Get me Lieutenant Stewart, please.
00:58:45The treatment itself consists of a series of shocks brought on by injections of insulin.
00:58:51The dosage and the degree of shock is gradually increased
00:58:54until we've reached what we feel is the limit the patient system can stand.
00:58:59Well, if you do give Janet this insulin, how certain can you be that it'll help her?
00:59:02I'm neither a miracle man nor a prophet, Lieutenant.
00:59:05If medicine were an exact science and not an art, I might be able to tell you.
00:59:11But you think there's a chance?
00:59:13Yes, I do.
00:59:17I have seen it work in the army.
00:59:22All right, Doctor. Go ahead and try it.
00:59:23Fine.
00:59:24We'll begin the treatment tomorrow morning.
00:59:29Fine.
00:59:29Fine.
00:59:38Fine.
00:59:53unevenly.
00:59:54Fine.
00:59:55Fine.
00:59:55Fine.
00:59:55Fine.
00:59:56Fine.
01:00:22We'll give her about an hour and a half.
01:00:35We'll give her about an hour and a half.
01:00:59Oh, my God.
01:01:03Oh, my God.
01:01:11Oh, my God.
01:01:14Oh, my God.
01:01:28Oh, my God.
01:01:37Oh, my God.
01:01:41Oh, my God.
01:01:45Oh, my God.
01:01:49Oh, my God.
01:01:51Oh, my God.
01:01:51Oh, my God.
01:01:53Oh, my God.
01:02:00Oh, my God.
01:02:02Oh, my God.
01:02:10Oh, my God.
01:02:13Oh, my God.
01:02:26Oh, my God.
01:02:30Oh, my God.
01:02:57Is Dr. Harvey in?
01:02:58Yes, he's in.
01:02:59Do you have an appointment?
01:03:03I'll be glad to consult with you, Doctor.
01:03:05I'm sorry to break in this way.
01:03:07But my secretary will make the appointment.
01:03:09I had to see you, Doctor. It's about my wife.
01:03:11She's been getting insulin shock treatments.
01:03:12Now, just a moment, young man.
01:03:14Oh, it's Lieutenant Stewart.
01:03:16Well, we've had some wonderful results with insulin.
01:03:19But after three treatments, she still insists
01:03:20she saw Dr. Cross murder his wife with a candlestick.
01:03:23Murder his wife?
01:03:24Yes, and she says he's trying to kill her now.
01:03:27That's a very common delusion.
01:03:28Mrs. Cross is dead.
01:03:30And Dr. Cross did live in our hotel.
01:03:32You and the Crosses were in the same hotel?
01:03:34In the Belmont Arms.
01:03:35I see.
01:03:37And when was it she said that? Yesterday?
01:03:39Yes, after the treatment.
01:03:41Hmm.
01:03:42Hmm.
01:03:46You realize it's hard to make generalizations.
01:03:49But as a rule, the patient is completely normal
01:03:52immediately after insulin shock.
01:03:54They may relapse into their hallucination
01:03:56after this lucid period.
01:03:59But for that moment, no matter how bad the case,
01:04:03the patient speaks the truth.
01:04:05You're telling me in your own way that...
01:04:08that Janet's normal.
01:04:10That she's got something on Cross,
01:04:12and he's pretending she's crazy to save his own neck.
01:04:14I'm not saying quite that, but...
01:04:16Will you read this, Doctor?
01:04:18Yes, sir.
01:04:32Get Dr. Cross at his sanatorium, please.
01:04:39It seems inconceivable.
01:04:45Hello, Dr. Cross.
01:04:46I'm sorry, Dr. Harvey.
01:04:48Dr. Cross is with Mrs. Stewart.
01:04:50No, sir, this is Dr. Stevens' day off.
01:04:52I see.
01:04:58Well, Lieutenant, I think a trip is in order.
01:05:25She's the only one who knows Richard.
01:05:28No matter what Emile says or anyone else,
01:05:31if she's out of the way, we've nothing to worry about.
01:05:39They can hint and guess all they want,
01:05:41but without her, they have nothing.
01:06:14Oh!
01:06:18Oh!
01:06:24Oh!
01:06:27I can't do it, Elaine.
01:06:29Dexterous, I've got to bring her out of it.
01:06:32No.
01:06:33No, you can't.
01:06:34Dick, you can't.
01:06:35Dexterous, Elaine, I've got to save her.
01:06:36I've got to...
01:06:37You can. I won't let you.
01:06:38We've got to go through with this.
01:06:39Don't you understand?
01:06:39I can't go through with it.
01:06:40It's her life or ours.
01:06:41No one will ever know.
01:06:42Elaine.
01:06:43Richard, listen to me.
01:06:44Let go of me.
01:06:44Richard, I love you.
01:06:45Let go of me.
01:06:47Richard!
01:06:48Richard!
01:06:52good morning.
01:07:11Good morning, Larry.
01:07:16Good morning.
01:07:17Good morning.
01:07:21Little
01:07:22Mr. Carlson.
01:07:22Where is he?
01:07:23Mr. Stewart.
01:07:23Come along.
01:07:24I may need you.
01:07:33Adrenaline.
01:07:33Quickly.
01:08:12Don't worry son, she'll come out of it in a couple of hours and you'll be able to take her
01:08:15home in two or three days.
01:08:17I'm very grateful to you doctor.
01:08:35Oh, Janet, darling.
01:08:41September 13th.
01:08:44In the case of Janet Stewart.
01:08:48I gave her insulin shock again today.
01:08:51For the fourth time.
01:08:59Can you give me a minute?
01:09:07Dr. Harvey completed the treatment successfully.
01:09:11And the case is closed.
01:09:18Dr. Harvey.
01:09:27Oh, my God.
01:09:28Here it is.
01:09:28I have to stay.
01:09:28I have to stay.
01:09:28See you.
01:09:28I have to stay tuned for months.
01:09:31Yes, sir.
01:09:32I'm, you're pretty good at that.
01:09:32For the second time, Mr. Perry.
01:09:32I have to stay tuned.
01:09:32I don't have to stay tuned for your days.
01:09:34You stand by yourself?
01:09:35I don't have to stay tuned for yourself.
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