BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CENSORS
80-82 WARDOUR ST. W.I.
This is to Certify
has been Passed for PublicExhibition to Adult Audiences.
British International Pictures Ltd
presents
BLACKMAIL
From the play
by
CharlesBennett
Directed and Adapted
by
ALFRED HITCHCOCK
Dialogue by |
Photography by |
Art Director |
Assistant Director |
Film editor | |
Musical score by
Campbell & Conelly
Compiled and Arranged by
Hubert Bath and Harry Stafford
British International
Symphony Orchestra
Conductor
John Reynders
Recorded by the R. C. A. Photophone system
A
BRITISH
INTERNATIONAL
PICTURE
made and recorded at
Elstree, London
Distributed by
Wardour Films Ltd
| Cast | ||
Alice White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Anny Ondra | |
Mrs. White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Sara Allgood | |
Mr. White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Charles Paton | |
Detective Frank Webber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
John Longden | |
Tracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Donald Calthrop | |
The Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Cyril Ritchard | |
The Landlady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Hannah Jones | |
The Chief Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Harvey Braban | |
The Detective Sergeant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Ex-Det. Sergt Bishop | |
| (Late C.I.D Scotland Yard) | ||
Metrolopolitan Police.
New Scotland Yard,
S.W.I.
proceed at once to 6
NEW
SCOTLAND YARD
METROPOLITAN POLICE
PRISONERS
IDENTIFICATION PARADES
An accused person in Police custody whom it is proposed to put with other persons for identification is to be informed:—
(1) That he or she will be placed among a number of persons as far as possible of similar age, height, general appearance and class of life as himself or herself, and no intimation as to the identity of the accused will be given to the witnesses.
(2) That he or she has a right to stand in any position in the ranks and to object to any of the persons selected or the arrangements made; any such objection should be made to the officer conducting the identification.
(3) That he or she is entitled and may if desired have a Solicitor or any friend present at the identification, but it must be distinctly understood that such a person may not in any way interfere by action or words with the proceedings.
BAIL
CHARGE ROOM
| Division A | CHARGE SHEET |
| occupation | offence | officer in charge |
| Labourer | Stealing the sum of one hundred pounds in notes also one gold ... |
CELLS
Detective Frank Webber
Well, we finished earlier than either of us expected.
The Chief Inspector
Are you going anywhere?
Frank
I don't think so.
Frank
So the next time, I changed to another tailor, but I found out he was no better than the first. I bought some pretty expensive trousers and you
should've seen the mess he made of it. I told him I wouldn't pay for the thing. The trouble is he got my material!
Chief Inspector
Well, that was stupid. Wish I could
have been there to see it.
Chief Inspector
Good evening, Miss White. How are you?
Alice White
I'm all right, thanks.
Chief Inspector
I haven't seen you for a long time.
Have you come to take Frank for a walk?
Alice
Yes.
Chief Inspector
That's right.
Chief Inspector
Well, I must push along. Good night.
Alice
Good night.
Chief Inspector
Good night, Frank.
Frank
Well dear.
Alice
I've been waiting here half an hour for you.
Frank
Good night, John.
John
Good night, Frank!
Porter
Sorry sir. Full up here. More room upstairs.
Frank
Aaaahh.
Porter
I think I told you there was more room upstairs!
Sorry sir. Full up here. More room up—Hey!
Alice
Frank! I've lost one of my gloves! I think I left it at the other table!
Frank
Is this it?
Alice
Yes, Frank.
Frank
Thought so. There's a hole in two fingers. Would you like a pair of nail scissors for Christmas?
Alice
Funny, aren't you?
Frank
Oh Miss! Miss!
Alice
There's no good being impatient; you have to wait your turn.
Frank
What's the matter with you today? Got out of bed the wrong side?
Alice
I don't like waiting around for you.
Frank
Oh, don't you?
Oh, Miss!
Do you expect the entire machinery of Scotland Yard to be held up for you?
Alice
You and your Scotland Yard. If it weren't for Hand or Wallace, nobody would have ever heard of it!
Frank
Funny, aren't you?
Frank
Anyways, what's the hurry? We're only going to the pictures. We've got all evening.
Alice
Well, I don't think I want to go to the pictures.
Frank
Oh, and why not?
Alice
I've seen everything worth seeing.
Frank
You haven't seen Finger Prints. I'd like to see that. Still, it's about Scotland Yard. Might be amusing. They might get all the details wrong.
Alice
I don't see why. I did hear they got a real criminal to direct it. So as to be on the safe side.
Frank
Oh, oh, Miss! Miss!
I'll be here
on Tuesday
at 6:30. Will you?
Frank
Well, I've ordered.
Alice
I'll go to the pictures with you, if you like.
Frank
Oh, you've changed your mind.
Frank
Have you got an ashtray, Miss?
I won't ever seem to get an ashtray where I sit.
Alice
Frank, Frank, I've changed my mind again.
Frank
What about?
Alice
About going to the pictures.
Frank
You mean you don't want to go again?
Alice
No, not particularly.
Frank
Why not?
Alice
I don't know. I just don't want to. Isn't that enough?
Frank
No, it's not enough. Miss!
Alice
What are you going to do?
Frank
I'm gonna get the bill. I'm about fed up with you. If you don't want to go; I do.
Alice
Oh, alright. I'll come too.
Frank
Hi, Miss!
Alice
Oh don't lets have a row. I know I've been rather beastly today.
Frank
Miss!
Alice
Frank! I've said I'm sorry.
Frank
Here. That'll cover it.
The Artist (Mr Crewe)
Hold on. I live here.
Alice
Then you needn't come any further.
Crewe
But I said I'd see you home, and I will.
Alice
But I only just live 'round the corner.
Do you know White? The newsagent?
Crewe
Yes.
Alice
In the Kings road?
Crewe
Yes.
Alice
That's my father.
Crewe
No?
Alice
Yes!
Crewe
Then let's say, that we're neighbours.
Crewe
Have you ever seen an artist's studio?
Alice
No. I'd love to!
Crewe
Come up and see mine.
Alice
Oh, I can't now. Another time!
Crewe
Why not now?
Alice
Well, it's so late.
Crewe
Are you frightened?
Alice
No, of course not.
Crewe
Why not now?
Alice
No, really. Thanks awfully. I'd like to get me home.
Crewe
You are frightened.
Alice
I'm certainly not.
It takes more than a man to frighten me.
Crewe
That's what I thought ... at first.
Alice
What is it now?
Crewe
Not very late. Come on. What's the harm?
Alice
Oh, no harm really. Besides, I always think a girl knows instinctively when she can trust a man.
Crewe
Yes, of course you do. Do you trust me? Alice? May I call you Alice?
Alice
If you like.
Crewe
Come on.
Tracy
Oh, Mr Crewe! Before you go in, could I ..?
Crewe
Excuse me a minute.
Crewe
That chap's nothing but a sponger. Always pestering people up and down the street.
Crewe
Well, here we are. I'm right up there, top. Excuse me a minute, will you?
Crewe
I say, I'm awfully sorry, I won't be a minute. You start walking up.
Alice
That's all right.
Crewe
Oh, good evening. Sorry to disturb you. Dr Snouth, did he leave me a message?
Landlady
No, he wouldn't leave any message.
Crewe
Have you seen him before?
Landlady
Yes, the same gent who called here several times.
Crewe
I see. Thanks very much. Good-night!
Crewe
To the side of your head.
Alice
What a lovely room!
Did you do it all yourself?
Crewe
Hardly. I say, do you feel cold? I think I'll light the fire.
Alice
I say; that's good, isn't it?
Crewe
Oh that? Yes, it's a new one, just finished.
Alice
Oh!
Alice
How do you hold this?
Crewe
What? Oh, that. That's easy. I'll show you.
No, no, not like that. Let me show you.
You take this, and you hold it like that, you see. Then, you get the brush and hold it there. You try.
Alice
Like this?
Crewe
Yes.
Alice
Oh, look what I've done!
Crewe
Oh! Yes. Draw something, Alice.
Alice
Shall I?
Crewe
Yes.
Crewe
Rotten.
Nevermind, we'll finish this masterpiece together. Now you hold, hold the brush. Close your hand. Steady. There we are.
Alice
Oh, you are awful.
Wait a minute! There.
Crewe
Already a pick ahead of me.
I'll go and get those drinks.
Alice
Right you are.
Alice
I say, how would I do for one of your models?
Crewe
That's an idea. Let me see it on you.
Alice
Do you mean, put it on?
Crewe
Yes, why not?
Alice
Oh, it's so strong.
Crewe
Go on.
Alice
Oh no, I don't think so. Besides, I have to go home soon.
Crewe
I see. I'd have liked to have sketched you in it.
Alice
Would you have really?
Crewes
Yes, but perhaps you are right. It wouldn't suit you.
Alice
I bet it would.
Alice
Shall I really try it on?
Crewe
Yes, will you?
Alice
All right.
Alice
Do you think it will be big enough for me?
Crewe
What?
Alice
I said, do you think it'll be big enough for me?
Crewe
Yes, I think so.
Alice
Go on, play something.
Crewe
Wait a minute, how does that thing go?
Crewe
I know.
Crewe
Crewe
And that's a song about you, my dear.
Alice
You haven't said how you like it.
Crewe
Marvellous.
Alice
I can't do it up.
Crewe
Wait a minute. Where is all this trouble?
Crewe
I can't do it all up.
Alice
Nevermind.
How do I look?
Crewe
Well—
Now wait a minute. It isn't quite right.
Put your hands there. That's right.
Alice
I'd better go.
Crewe
I see.
Crewe
I've got it.
Alice
Please give it to me.
Crewe
All right, come on out. Come on.
Alice
Please.
Crewe
Come on out of it.
Crewe
There it is.
Crewe
Don't be silly, Alice. Don't be silly.
Alice
No! Let me go! Let me go! Let me go!
Let me go! No! No!
Let me go!
Interrogator
Who did you say it was?
Landlady
Mr Crewe.
Interrogator
Mr Who?
Landlady
No, Crewe I tell you! It's horrible!
Interrogator
All right. Don't you worry. I'll send round right away. What number did you say? Seven? Or Eleven?
Landlady
31.
Interrogator
31?
Landlady
What?
Interrogator
31?
Landlady
No, no. 31.
Chief Inspector
Ah, good. Just take a look around, will you?
Frank
Right you are, sir.
Mrs. White
Alice? Wake up. And you won't think I have been to sleep all night.
Mrs. White
What do you think, there's been a murder last night, around the corner. They tell me the police are round there now.
Neighbour
We'll all be murdered in our beds soon, I'm sure we will, because I don't think the police are what they were.
Neighbour
Good morning, Alice. Heard about the murder?
Alice
Yes, I've heard.
Do you remember Frank's telephone number dear?
Mr. White
No, but here, you'll find it in the book.
Neighbour
I mean, some murders are so different to others.
Neighbour
Pushed his lady friend under the water when they was having a bath.
What was his name? You'd remember.
I think that was ever so beastly.
It gave me the shivers.
After I read about it, I didn't dare have a bath for a month.
And for weeks after that I only used to have a rinse-down.
What was his name? You'd remember. Smith, wasn't it?
Mr. White
What's wrong, Alice? You don't look very chipper this morning.
Neighbour
You do look a bit peeky, I must say.
Mrs. White
Dad, Alice, breakfast.
Neighbour
Good morning, Mr. White.
Mr. White
Good morning, sir, good morning.
Neighbor
Breakfast?
I got no blood in the face, after what happened last night. And under our very noses. Mind you, I don't thing myself it's altogether the police's fault. What I mean is they had to wink at some things. I mean, it's one thing to buy chocolate out of hours, but quite it's quite another to stick a knife into a gentleman. I must say I feel the same way about that too. A good, clean, honest whacker to be hit with a brick is one thing... There's something British about that. But knives? Nah, no, 'tis not right. I must say that's what I think and that's what I feel. Whatever the provocation, I could never use a knife! Now, mind you a knife is a difficult thing to handle... a knife... a knife... knife... your knife.
Mr. White
Alice, cut us a bit of bread, will you?
Neighbour
Knife... with a knife... knife... knife!.. come up here with a knife... I mean in Chelsea, you musn't use a KNIFE!
Mr. White
Dear, you ought to be more careful! Might have cut somebody with that.
Mr. White
Customer.
Customer
No news of the murder yet?
Alice
No, not yet.
Customer
Thank you. Good-morning.
Neighbour
Well, I must be going. I can't stand here gossiping all day like some people. Chatter, chatter, chatter... give them a chance to go on about other people's business, and they'll take it.
Mr. White
What's the matter, Alice? Had another row with Frank?
Mr. White
Another customer, Alice.
Frank
Good morning, Alice.
Mr. White
Dear, it's Frank. Hello, Frank.
Mr. White
I say, have you heard about our murder?
Frank
Yes. They put me on it.
Mr. White
Have they? That's good isn't it? Well, I hope you get him, Frank!
Neighbour
If they do, that will mean motion, won't it? You reckon you'll get him soon?
Frank
Well, uh, I don't know.
Frank
Well, I came in here to phone.
Mr. White
That's all right.
Frank
Alice, come here a minute, will you?
Neighbour
Well, I must be going now. Goodbye, Mr. White.
Mr. White
Goodbye.
Neighbour
Now, you two!
Frank
Shhh. Be careful. What happened last night?
Frank
Why don't you tell me?
Frank
Look. Do you know where I found this?
Frank
Is there any piece of evidence that you were there? I am keeping it back at present.
For God's sake, say something!
Tracy
If you're not using the phone; may I?
I want to get on to Scotland Yard.
Frank
How say!
Tracy
I want the best cigar in the shop.
Mr. White
Certainly, sir.
Would you like to telephone while I go down?
Tracy
No thanks. I can wait.
Alice
What does he mean?
Mr. White
Very well, sir. Now, what sort of a cigar would you like, sir?
I've got, uh, I've got Henry Clay, or, uh, Corona?
Tracy
Corona.
Mr. White
Certainly, sir.
Tracy
Any news of the murder?
Mr. White
No, nothing yet. Have you heard anything?
Frank
No, no news.
Tracy
Are you... quite sure?
Frank
What the hell of a business is yours anyway?
Tracy
You know, I looked everywhere for that other glove last night. But of course you detectives are better trained at finding these things.
Mr. White
Ah, here we are sir!
Tracy
Excuse me, will you?
Tracy
Thank you. Well, they look good.
Mr. White
Well, they ought to. I've had'em for years.
Mr. White
Is it all right, sir?
Tracy
Yes, I thought the top was broken, but it's all right.
Tracy
Have you a light?
Mr. White
Yes! Here you are.
Tracy
How silly of me! Hadn't noticed it.
Mr. White
Is it all right sir?
Tracy
Oh! Of course! Sorry.
Tracy
My god! Wait, could I...
I say, would you pay for this?
Mr. White
Is this gentleman a friend of yours, Frank?
Tracy
Well, we're not exactly friends. At least, not yet. But we're going to do a little business together, aren't we Frank?
Alice
I'll look after the shop, father. You go and finish your paper.
Mr. White
What for? Oh... All right, my dear. All right.
Tracy
Rather unfortunate, that poor man who died around the corner last night.
Frank
Look here you...
Tracy
But perhaps it's rather fortunate that your little secret only came into the hands of a man like me. You know, there are some men who would make money out of a thing like that. What a chance for blackmail. Oh, oh that's awful. I couldn't do a thing like that.
Man
Good morning, Miss. Two of each there.
Tracy
By the way. You're a detective. Let me give you a tip. Don't wave important clues in telephone boxes. They've got glass doors. You know, detectives in glass houses, shouldn't wave clues.
Frank
Come on, out with it. What do you want?
Tracy
What do I want? Oh... Could really discuss that over breakfast.
Alice
Mother, this is a friend of Frank's. Mr. ... uh...
Tracy
Tracy.
Mrs. White
Pleased to meet you.
Alice
Mr. Tracy, would you like something to eat?
Tracy
Thank you.
Tracy
Lovely weather we're having.
Mr. White
Yes, splendid.
Mrs. White
Who did you say that was?
Alice
He's a very important friend of Frank's. I'll get the breakfast for me.
Mr. White
Here, I'm very rude. Won't you take my chair?
Tracy
Oh, thanks.
Policeman
Did you see, or hear, anything during the night?
Woman
No, sir.
Policeman
What time did you go to bed?
Woman
At one hour ten, sir.
Policeman
Did you write this?
Woman
Yes.
Policeman
How old would you say this man was?
Woman
I'm afraid I couldn't tell you, sir. He had his hat on.
Policeman
Did you notice anything particular about his clothes?
Woman
Well, he had a black hat, and a loose kind of collar, a tie, and that's about all I think.
Policeman
Was he dark or fair?
Woman
Well, you couldn't say he was a blond and you couldn't say he was a brunette. He was a little bit of both, you know, kind of mousey.
Policeman
Anything else?
Woman
No. Except when he spoke to you, he went like this.
Policeman
All right. Give me a record.
Policeman
Well, bring him along! Let's hear what he's got to say. Understood?
Chief Inspector
Yes sir.
Policeman
Right, then along with it.
Tracy
That'll do to go on with.
Mrs. White
How much longer is that man going to stay? Don't tell me he'll be here till dinner.
Alice
Don't make things awkward mother. It means a lot to him.
Mrs. White
Well then, I don't see why they should carry on their business in my parlour.
Alice
I'll take it.
Mrs. White
Very well. But I don't like that man. The sooner he goes the better.
Frank
Yes, you are very clever. I can see that all right.
Mr. White
Frank? Just a minute, will you?
Mr. White
A friend of yours from the Yard said he thought you might be here.
Frank
Oh, all right.
Frank
Hello? Yes. Yes. Well, I thought you wouldn't mind if... What? Who?
Mr. White
Any news, Frank?
Frank
Alice, lock that door.
Frank
As you were saying... rather unfortunate the way that poor man round the corner died last night. On the other hand, perhaps it's fortunate. For us, that is... There's a suspicious looking man, with a criminal record, was seen hanging around the place.
Tracy
You... Look here, don't you try and pin this thing on me. That won't get you anywhere.
Frank
Also rather unfortunate, that Scotland Yard are at present looking for that man.
Alice
I say, Frank!
Frank
Just a minute, Alice.
Tracy
But there's one thing you seem to have forgotten.
Frank
Oh, and what's that?
Tracy
Before we get to any hangings, I shall have quite a lot to say. And the first thing I shall say is, that she was there too.
Frank
Oh, you will, will you? Isn't there one thing you seem to have forgotten, that our words are as good as, or perhaps a bit better ... than that of a jailbird.
Frank
But we'll face that when the time comes.
Meanwhile, we'll just sit quietly here until the squad van arrives.
That surprises you, doesn't it?
Tracy
No, that doesn't surprise me in the least.
When it comes, the surprise won't be for me.
Frank
Very well then, we are both satisfied.
Tracy
Yes, we are both satisfied.
It's my word against hers!
Alice
Frank, you... you can't do this.
Frank
Why not?
Alice
Well, because...
Frank
Now, now, don't interfere, Alice. I know what I'm doing.
Alice
You don't! You don't!
Please, Frank.
Tracy
Why can't you let her speak?
Frank
You, mind your own business. In any case, she'll speak at the right moment.
Tracy
Look here, Frank. Why can't we both of us chuck the whole thing now? I've got nothing against you, you've got nothing against me! I had some cash on me, but... I wasn't serious. Well look here, have it back now. Well can't you see, she wants to chalk it up too? And so do I you know. Look here Miss. You tell him. Tell him that he's playing with fire... and... And we'll all burn our fingers. I'm not bad really... I... Things have gone wrong lately, and one has got to live, you know. All right then. It's still my word against hers.
Frank
That's it!
Tracy
I say, it's not me you want, it's him! Ask him, why his own—
I am going to give myself up. I cannot bear the thought of that man being accused of something I have done.
Alice.
Policeman
Hello. Not very often I see you so early in the day as this.
Called to see Frank?
Alice
No. I want to see Inspector Ward.
Policeman
Then you'll have to fill out one of these forms, you know.
Alice
All right.
METROPOLITAN POLICE.
New Scotland Yard.
Name Ariel White
Business
To see Inspector Walls
Name of business Chelsea Murder
Date April 27 1929.
Policeman
Do you know something about this?
Alice
Yes.
Policeman
George, just a minute.
Take this along to inspector Walls.
George
Right you are.
Policeman
Well I suppose you're going to tell him who did it, Miss.
Alice
Yes.
George
You can come along now.
Policeman
Here you are, Miss.
Policeman
Come in, please.
Inspector Walls
Won't you sit down?
Walls
You've something to tell us about this case?
Alice
Yes.
Walls
Well? What is it?
Alice
Well, you see. I know who did it.
Frank
Is this worthwhile sir, now that everything has been cleared up?
Walls
Let's hear what she has got to say.
Alice
What I was going to say is this... I'd better say, what I have to say now... I would rather not wait... What I wanted to say is that—I was the one—
Walls
One moment, please.
Walls
Hello? Yes. Yes. Yes, hold on. Will you deal with this young lady, I shall be busy for a minute.
Frank
Yes, sir. This way, Miss, please.
Walls
Is he there now? Send him in.
Frank
Alice, whatever made you come here?
Alice
I did it.
Frank
I know.
Alice
You don't know!
He tried... No, I can't tell you.
It's too painful. I was protecting myself.
I didn't know what I was doing and then...
Frank
My dear...
Policeman
So you found him, Miss. Did she tell you who did it.
Frank
Yes.
Policeman
You'll want to look out, or you'll be losing your job my boy.
I suppose we'll soon have lady detectives up in the Yard.
And I shall be all right on the dole, won't I.
THE END
A BRITISH INTERNATIONAL PICTURE
ELSTREE · LONDON
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1930.
This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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