FORMULA FOR A MURDER
Trinity Church, go ahead.
No Father Peter Farlow's conference is already over.
Both the Catholic and Episcopal priests have left.
You're welcome.
Park Street Church.
No, Father Peter Farlow isn't in his study.
He's leaving for Baltimore.
He said he'd to stop by his parish before leaving Boston.
You're welcome.
I must kill a man.
That's a terrible thought! Monstrous!
- I must do it, it's been decided. - No!
There's no reason on earth that justifies murder!
Pray with me, brother, ask for forgiveness and you'll be helped.
My Lord, listen to my prayer.
I repent my sins with all my heart.
My Lord, I repent my sins, with all my heart.
Take pity on me.
Forgive me for wanting to kill one of my brothers of the cloth.
Free your soul of this enormous weight.
- Confess his name. - It's you, priest!
- You know which books you want? - Leave it up to Mr. Morris.
He knows what I like.
Keep leaving it up to Mr. Morris and he'll end up selling you his bookshop.
That's a thought. I really will buy it one day.
Books are dangerous, they teach you to talk about things you know nothing about.
A phrase by Rousseau.
How could you say it if you hadn't read it?
We're late.
If Craig notices he'll get upset.
All he thinks about are the competitions and keeping me in shape.
He's getting more demanding every day, have you noticed?
He wants you to win.
Doesn't he know I'm only doing it so as not to disappoint him.
It keeps him motivated with his work at the sports club.
Not just with me.
Are you sure that's the reason?
- What do you mean? - No, nothing.
It's just that I can't help seeing him as a rival.
Okay, parry and on guard.
Good.
Keep your guard UP-
Now you attack.
Stretch your arm out and move in with your shoulder.
Like that. Now, on guard.
Come on.
Parry and thrust, like that.
Very good, try again.
You're great. On guard.
Now parry and thrust, but be careful.
Very good. Again .
You got me! Very good.
You're good.
After New York you'll win at the Olympics, you'll see.
- Congratulations. - Thanks.
Let's work on your archery. Give me the foil.
- Tomorrow you'll change opponent. - Okay.
Doctor Sernich, has Joanna's special medicine arrived?
No.
All done, we can go.
An almost perfect bulls eye.
You're great.
- You're sure to win in New York. - Especially if you only coach me...
- and forget about the others. - You're entitled to a few privileges.
This sports centre is all your work. You financed it with your money.
I did it to prove that being paralyzed doesn't mean giving up on life...
and I'm not going to stop here.
I'm donating a large part of my inheritance to a clinic for paraplegics.
I'll also convince those who are paralyzed in spirit...
the ones who have lost all hope, to never give up on life.
- It can't be easy for you. - Nothing is easy for me.
My life has been an uphill struggle since the accident.
It will be less tiring when you have a devoted husband to help you.
I'm not looking for compassion.
The help I'm offering you is out of love.
I still feel scared.
Unprepared.
It's time to go.
I guess I'll see you tomorrow.
You can count on it.
- What time are you coming? - Before you realise you're waiting.
Time for the javelin.
Try keeping your arm further back.
See? You can still improve if you listen to me.
Joanna.
Joanna?
- Yes, Ruth, you said something? - Nothing important.
Go ahead, I'm listening. What is it?
I've asked the maid and gardener to come while we're at the sports centre.
So you won't see them around the house so much, are you happy?
Sorry, but I don't feel like talking about it now.
Perhaps you don't feel like talking to me.
Mr. Foster called this morning.
He said he needs some clarification about the accounts.
You have to call him back...
and fix an appointment with him and the later.
He came to the sports centre earlier, everything's been agreed.
We're in perfect agreement.
It's strange you didn't see him.
I was always there, I didn't move.
Go on then!
Go, go, go!
Very good, Freddie, you're still number one.
Try with your arm further back.
See? You can still improve if you listen to me.
Just move your arm further back.
What's on your mind today?
You seem hostile, distant.
Why don't you talk to me if something's bothering you?
You know how dear you are to me.
- Who is it at this hour? - I have no idea.
What do you want Father Davis?
I'd like to talk to Joanna, please.
Joanna's in the sauna. Naturally she can't see you now.
Yes, I understand.
- May I wait? - No, she's tired, I want her to rest.
Come back tomorrow.
But call first, to let us know.
- Well, who was it? - Father Davis.
What did he want?
I didn't give him the chance, I sent him away immediately.
Why?
Because he's a meddling priest, I don't like him.
You've never liked Father Peter Farlow either.
Relax.
Craig asked me to marry him.
- And what did you say? - That I need time to decide.
No, you've already decided. Don't lie to yourself.
Ruth!
What's wrong with you?
Do you want to leave me alone here?
You're my legs, and my strength.
You're the strongest out of us mo.
I'm nothing without you.
Our wonderful friendship, this house, that's so peaceful.
It was too good to last.
Nothing's going to change between us, you'll stay here with me.
Besides, I still haven't decided if I'm going to marry Craig.
I'm scared.
- I'm gambling with happiness. - Life's a gamble.
But I'm gambling on a crippled horse.
Good.
Very good.
The student has surpassed the teacher.
- What are you doing? - Forcing you to hug me.
Please, put me down. You know I won't let anyone...
I know you won't let anyone do these things...
but you'll have to allow me this and more when we're husband and wife.
- But I still haven't decided. - Well I have.
I've got it all worked out.
Come on, it's crazy, It's absurd talking about marriage.
Look at me, my legs are lifeless.
I can't even laugh or cry without pressing my diaphragm.
Like a mechanical doll that only laughs and cries on command.
Marry me, and stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Give me time to think, please.
Sorry, but you're out of time. I intend marrying you very soon.
- What does very soon mean? - Today.
My god, you're crazy.
Then let's do it tomorrow, or the day after, if you prefer.
I found out that getting married is the simplest thing in the world.
I'm starting to think you may be right.
- Joanna told me you're getting married. - Yes, tomorrow.
You know her paralysis is incurable?
Yes. A lesion on her spinal column.
There's something else you must know.
It happened when Joanna was eleven.
She fell down some stairs, trying to get away from a maniac.
A phoney priest who went around enticing and raping little girls.
Was Joanna raped?
Yes.
- Where is that maniac now? - Santa Fe, in a penitentiary.
If they haven't already released him.
Strange.
Joanna never mentioned this to me.
That's the point.
Joanna doesn't remember any of it.
They tried psychoanalysis, but they were forced to give up.
You see, blanking out the incident should help her...
Not just on a psychic level.
But memories of the incident could provoke a fatal heart attack.
If I've understood correctly, Joanna refuses to remember the trauma.
Reliving a similar violent experience, she'd die?
I'm afraid so.
There's a chance that while I'm making love to her...
Joanna could have a reaction that would put her life in danger.
- Is that what worries you? - No.
Just take it into account.
I will, doctor Sernich. I love Joanna.
Do you want me?
Yes.
I'd given up on love.
It's an emotional moment for me.
Are you scared?
Not with you.
Are you happy?
- And you? - Very.
Like I've never been before.
Joanna has arrived.
- I just had to see you. - What a lovely surprise.
Are you happy?
- And Craig? - I'd say he's even happier than me.
I see your friend hasn't abandoned you.
Good morning, dear.
You'll be joining us for breakfast, of course.
No, I just stopped by to see Joanna.
I have a million things to do.
I had no idea what it means to re-open an old house.
- I'll be back in the afternoon. - See Ruth to her car.
Already treating me like a guest.
Let's go.
The bell rings loud if people don't love you...
and the bell rings loud to signal your death.
The bell rings loud if people don't love you...
and the bell rings loud to signal your death.
The bell rings loud if people don't love you...
and the bell rings loud to signal your death.
Lady Joanna! What happened?
My love.
Doctor Sernich.
Thanks.
That sedative should suffice.
I examined her thoroughly, there's nothing to worry about.
It was an hallucination.
The reason for her passing out...
Are you sure you understood what I said?
Yes, of course.
The doll is probably the image of herself as a child.
I believe it was part of the hallucination...
rather than the violent reality she suffered in the past.
I'll be back to check up on her, don't worry.
Believe me, there's nothing to worry about.
Thanks, doctor, but there's something troubling me.
Joanna could have died today.
Dolores, you can go, my wife's asleep.
- I'll take care of her. - Okay, thanks.
- No, I'm not leaving you home alone. - I assure you I'm fine.
I'm serious, you have to go to the sports centre.
You have commitments at the club.
I'll come with you tomorrow.
The championship in New York is coming up and I need to get back into training.
- You can't train... - It's pointless you being here.
Either way, look, I have the phone here.
I'll call the maid if I need help.
They live nearby, they'll be here in a second.
It was a powerful hallucination, but it's all over.
Sorry to turn up like this, I hope I haven't disturbed you.
Come in, Father Davis.
Thank you.
I won't keep you long, I came before...
- I know, can I offer you a drink? - No, thanks, I don't have much time.
It's about your donation to the parish for the paraplegic clinic.
Of course.
I'm waiting for Father Peter to tell me when to sign the papers.
- That's why I'm here. - Please, have a seat.
Thanks.
The appointment is set for Thursday, next week.
I'll be in New York.
I'll try to get all the paperwork before you leave.
It won't be easy but I think I can do it.
How is Father Peter? I haven't seen him for a while.
I wanted him to marry us but my husband is a protestant...
- so we're having a civil wedding. - Father Peter is in Baltimore...
for a theological congress.
I don't think he'll be present for the formalities of the donation.
- Did it go as planned? - Relax, nobody saw me.
- It was still too much of a risk. - A risk we had to take.
He and Joanna were preparing the date for her formal donation.
Killing the old priest would have been pointless.
I'll get them to start work on widening the pool...
and we'll deal with him as well.
All we need to do now is get rid of Joanna.
You'll inherit it all, and we'll be happy for the rest of our lives.
When are you going to kill her?
It isn't just about killing her, don't forget that.
It must look like a completely natural death, and we know how.
You should have done it the first night.
It would have been the most convincing death.
The first time she makes love, she relives her trauma, and dies.
It will be harder to make it look like an accident now.
Quite the opposite.
I've been careful.
Very gentle, in these first few days.
As suggested by dear doctor Sernich.
But then, one of us got carried away.
Relax, no jury is going to convict me for this.
Considering my key defense witness is none other than doctor Sernich
So, when do you think you'll do it?
We leave for New York tomorrow, but when I come back I'll be alone.
- You can be sure of that. - That's better.
I can't bear the thought of you sleeping with her.
No, I want to play as well. It's my ball.
May I?
I see you need help, lady.
I'll take you some place quieter.
Leave it to me.
My glasses.
Father, please stop.
- I dropped my glasses. - Relax, I'll come back for them.
L'm here to help you.
You're very kind, but I can look after myself.
You're especially good at taking care of others...
fooling everyone with your fake paralysis.
How do you know that? Who are you?
Why did you bring me here?
I have a secret I can't tell anyone, not even my confessor.
You're keeping me a prisoner, I don't want to stay here.
Let me go home, Craig's waiting for me.
You'll never go home again.
Wake up!
That's enough, dear!
You had a nightmare. It's all over now.
Calm down, it was a nightmare, but it's over now.
Craig hold me close!
Why did you rent this car? We could have taken a taxi.
The traffic in New York is terrible, and we don't know the roads.
I know this city like the back of my hand, I used to live there.
- Don't believe me? - No.
You're right.
We'll take the ferry to Staten Island so you can meet your opponents.
If I remember the port is in Manhattan near those skyscrapers.
Then I'm going the right way.
Do you think I'm ready for the championship?
Sure! Why? Are you having doubts?
I have many, I don't know if I'll be able to concentrate.
I'm scared I'll fall apart after that nightmare.
Forget it, it was just a nightmare.
A bad dream.
Or a premonition.
Nobody's going to hurt you, I'm here with you.
Relax.
You can enjoy the view for twenty minutes, the time it takes to cross.
I'll get some supplies from the bar.
- Do you feel like a drink? - Yes, thanks.
I won't be long.
The bell rings loud if people don't love you...
and the bell rings loud to signal your death.
Your death!
Are you okay, lady?
There!
I don't see anyone.
Are you sure you don't need anything?
Are you feeling sick? What happened?
I don't know.
Craig, I'm scared!
Calm down.
I was so scared!
I'm here.
- We'll fly back tomorrow morning. - I let you down.
I feel like my mind is so fragile.
Like I'm in a tunnel, without the strength to go on.
That's enough, please. Let's think about something else.
About us.
- Why don't we stop off somewhere? - If you want.
I used to train around here, I went jogging.
Tired of being stuck in the car?
- Feeling better now? - Yes, much better, thanks.
Here you go. Relax, dear.
I'm sorry I had to drop out of the competition.
Forget it, it doesn't matter.
After all the effort you made, all those hours of training.
- You deserved some satisfaction. - We both did.
There's always next year. What matters is that you're okay.
I wonder what I'd do if I didn't have man like you by my side.
You're my security, my vital energy.
It was a stupid hallucination. I'll make it, Craig.
Good, that's better.
I almost forgot, I called Ruth while we were in that boutique.
She says she can't pick us up, but she'll leave the car in the car park.
- Did you mention the hallucination? - No, I did as you said.
She asked me to remind you about something you have to do for her.
Yes, she asked me to do an errand for her.
You don't have much time left if we're leaving tomorrow.
Yes, it's true.
I haven't got much time.
You said we could make love again when the championships are over.
The championships might as well be over, for me at least.
Don't you think?
You're right. I completely agree.
I don't think you'll get much sleep tonight.
You say it as though it were a threat.
It isn't a threat, Joanne.
It's a certainty.
I love you, Craig.
What's happening to you? You like sleeping with her.
It's such a turn on knowing you can kill her while you're making love.
Don't talk nonsense.
She might hear you.
She's still here. You said you'd kill her.
I'll do it.
She's a changed woman, marriage must have done her good.
I'm not waiting anymore.
Do what you have to do, or I'll do it.
We'll do it together.
The servants are leaving for the weekend.
Tomorrow.
They don't know anything about Father Davis.
They think he joined Father Peter Farlow in Baltimore.
There's no one at the parish.
Now I know why they never answered the phone.
- You know what I was thinking? - What?
That I'm lucky.
I have mo things that always give me great strength.
My faith, and your friendship.
Not to mention Craig.
What does he think about you donating half your inheritance to the parish?
It concerns him as well now.
He understands I must respect my father's wishes.
He thought I'd have a short life.
It's different to the way it turned out.
Right, he was very close to Father Peter, just like you.
But, if your father were alive today...
I'm sure he wouldn't insist that you honour his promise.
I gave my word.
Regardless, we'll still have enough to live on.
By the way, why did you suddenly decide to go to Philadelphia?
It's only for a few days, I have some things in storage for the house.
Why do you insist on living alone? There's so much room at the house.
It's better this way.
You and Craig should live alone, it will strengthen our friendship.
We'll still see each other every day.
Sometimes I think you're doing all this just to get rid of me.
What are you talking about?
When I came here from Philadelphia after my parents died, if it wasn't for you...
Philadelphia.
That city has played an important role in my life.
- First you, and then... - And then?
Remember when I showed you the list of candidates for sports instructors?
You suggested Craig because he was from Philadelphia, like you.
I thought I'd find a friend, I was hoping for a lucky encounter.
- Instead, it was the opposite. - Be patient.
In time your affection for me will bring you together...
and you'll get along, I'm sure of it.
I'm not convinced.
Only one thing is certain, you'll never get rid of me.
I think it's time. We should go home.
I'll ask Craig to take you to the airport.
Why did you take so long?
Ruth's flight was twenty minutes late.
She was rather evasive about the reason for her trip to Philadelphia.
Hold on.
Hold on tight.
Give me a kiss.
- Where are you taking me? - Near the magnolias.
- The most beautiful area of the park. - Yesterday it was the rose garden.
That was yesterday, it's different today.
- And tomorrow? - Tomorrow...
We'll think of somewhere else.
My love, I want you.
Me too.
- I forgot! - What?
Call Mary and hurry back, don't keep me waiting.
- What are you talking about? - Mary Gilbert.
I had to call her at seven but I left the phone in the bedroom.
Please call her.
Make an appointment for tomorrow, and hurry back!
Go on, hurry.
How long have you been here?
Long enough to hear the last lines of your love scene.
- All that remains is the final act. - It will be over soon.
- You can go now. - No, I'm staying till the end.
Okay, then let's go.
The time has come, Craig.
- You're very calm about this. - You as well.
Sure, there isn't the slightest risk.
Even her doctor will be surprised it happened so late.
Deep down I envy her.
What a way to die, making love.
Come, let's find somewhere for you to hide.
Perfect.
Wait a second.
- What is it? - I can't get through, it's engaged.
Try again, or bring the phone down.
Okay.
Forget about Mary Gilbert, disconnect the receiver so she can't disturb us.
Come on, go and get her.
Bring her here, and lay her on the bed.
Okay.
Mary. Hi.
Yes, I tried to call but the line was always busy.
Naturally.
We were thinking about tomorrow.
Sure.
Okay then, let's make it tomorrow.
Yes, yes...
I don't know. What time is it now?
Around this time is okay for me.
If you prefer. I'll ask Joanna.
I'm sure she'll agree.
Yes, of course. Hold on a second.
Mary wants to come over tomorrow around this time.
Sure.
Joanna approves.
Is that what's keeping you? What are you doing by the car?
Come here, you have to be my referee.
I want to take a few shots.
Haven't we wasted enough time?
I thought we were going to do something else.
Later.
I want to beat my record.
I'm feeling good tonight.
Great.
But don't misunderstand me.
I've discovered the joy of anticipation.
Waiting for something you really desire.
It makes me realise my happiness is real.
You've only just discovered that today?
Yes, today.
A day I'll never forget.
Look out for the second shot.
See? Aren't I good?
Very, Very, good.
Because I'm happy.
Out of the way!
I haven't finished.
Joanna, stop!
Wait.
Ruth wanted to kill you.
You both wanted to kill me.
To get my money.
Yes, it was like that at the start...
but it was different when I realised I couldn't hurt you...
because I loved you. Because I love you.
I really want to believe you.
- I really do! - You must believe me, please!
- Please. - No, I don't believe you.
I don't believe you.
Because, if you really did love me, it would be too horrible!
I'd kill her again, not to lose you.
Stay where you are.
I'm calling the police.
I killed her to get you.
Now you don't leave me any choice.
The bell rings loud if people don't love you...
and the bell rings loud to signal your death.
Now do you understand?
Do you like my uniform?
I put it on for you, to help you.
It's true, to help you remember.
To remember that phoney priest who raped you when you were a child.
Yes, he raped you.
Trying to escape, you fell down the stairs with your doll.
Ending up in that wheelchair for the rest of your life.
Didn't they tell you?
You know why?
Because of your heart, it wouldn't hold out.
The shock could kill you.
That's what your doctor said.
Hello?
- Is doctor Sernich home? - No, he just left.
Who's speaking?
It's Joanna, dear.
- Joanna. - Where's your dad?
He's coming to you, he was worried you were sick and all alone.
That something happened to you.
Thank you, Mary.
Doctor Sernich, you're here!
Doctor Sernich!
For the love of God!
Help me!
Just calm down.
May I? Do you need some help?
I'll take you some place quieter.
Subtitles - Anthony Baggaley _ Chain Production Ltd.