THE VAMPIRES by Louis FeuiIIade
1st episode THE SEVERED HEAD
As every morning when he was not away on some perilous investigation,
Philippe Guérande, dynamic reporter of Le Mondial,
One of the capital's biggest daily newspapers,
arrived in the editorial offioe.
My file on the ''Vampires'' has been stolen!
Mazamette!
You're the thief!
The Vampires Investigations, Reports, Documents
Call the police!
Sir, if you do not pay by return of post for the four months of nursing you owe me,
I will send Adolphe round.
The nurse, Madame Poupard.
The money I understand, but why the file? Why?
Now, Mr Guérande, it is between us for evermore!
Mr Guérande, the boss wants you.
DECAPITATED BODY OF INSPECTOR DURTAL OF THE SURETÉ,
IN CHARGE OF VAMPIRE INVESTIGATION,
FOUND IN MARSH NEAR SAINT-CLÉMENT-SUR-CHER.
HEAD STILL MISSING. INFORMATION AGENCY.
You're going to get over there... And this is for expenses.
Madame Guérande, Philippe's mother.
I remember that your father had a childhood friend
who lived in a chateau near Saint-CIément-sur-Cher.
Doctor Léon Nox
In Sologne, at the Chateau de la Chesnaye, Doctor Nox...
CONCERNING VAMPIRES Le Mondial's investigation oontinues.
Our readers will be intrigued to learn that our coIIeague PhiIippe Guérande
is in Sologne to continue his fascinating report on Vampires,
in the very pIace where the decapitated body
of the unfortunate Inspector Durtal was discovered.
HAVE DECIDED TO PURCHASE YOUR LA CHESNAYE ESTATE.
ARRIVING TODAY. MARGARET SIMPSON.
REMEMBERING FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND MY FATHER,
WILL BE HONOURED TO PRESENT MYSELF AT YOUR HOME
TODAY LATE AFTERNOON.
YOURS SINCERELY, PHILIPPE GUÉRANDE, REPORTER AT LE MONDIAL.
Mistress Simpson, the fabulousIy wealthy American who wishes to buy the chateau.
MeanwhiIe, Philippe has gone to the magistrate in Saint-Clément-sur-Cher.
Philippe Guérande Editor at le Mondial
Turned away by the magistrate, Philippe is driven to the home of Doctor Nox.
Mrs Simpson hands to Doctor Nox a bill of exchange
for payment for the Chateau de La Chesnaye.
My young friend, I know nothing of the Vampires,
only that everyone fears them.
After dinner, Philippe told Mrs Simpson of the exploits of the sinister band of ''Vampires''.
Mrs Simpson's jewels were famous. She kept them with her always.
Suddenly overcome with tiredness, Mrs Simpson went to her room.
Philippe, who had not touched the Doctor's liqueurs,
could not manage to get to sleep.
Abandon your investigations, or misfortune is yours! The Vampires.
The bedroom door was looked. How could the mysterious note have reached him?
Midnight...
The following morning.
Mrs Simpson's cigarette case!
Stop thief!
My money, my jeweIs, everything has disappeared!
The thief gave himseIf away by running away. I'll take care of this.
But, contrary to what Doctor Nox was hoping, Philippe had not run away.
He told the magistrate of the night's events.
Wait in this small lounge. A few urgent matters to see to, then I am yours.
Inspector Durtal's head!
Dead! And Doctor Nox has disappeared!
The true Doctor Nox, whose identity I had assumed, was murdered by me.
Never cross me. I am the Grand Vampire!
End of ''THE SEVERED HEAD''