A fine piece of property. With a little work and attention ..
Too bad to see it go for a song, sir.
Too bad for Hugh Dawltry, I say.
Yes. The Gymkhana Club.
Not at all my, dear Reginald. Not at all. It's this way you see.
But Simpson, old fellow. I told you I did not see.
But my dear Reginald, you must see. - But how can I see when I don't see?
That is just the point. If you did, you could.
But I told you I didn't, old fellow.
Anyone about? - Hello, Wey-Smith.
We're going to be officially rid of that bounder Dawltry at last.
The poor devil will be only a memory soon.
And a jolly bad one.
He should have been expelled from the club long ago.
Rules, my dear Everard. Rules.
This country is a stickler for rules. - And honour, old fellow.
Without it none of us could live in this beastly climate, what?
Stuffy in here, eh?
Hey there.
Punkah-wallah.
That's better. - What's the difference?
It doesn't cool off this climate to keep it moving.
A Scotch and soda might.
How about it? - Yes.
A Scotch and soda. - Twice.
Seen the evening paper?
Same as yesterdays, isn't it? - All except the shipping news.
What's new about that?
Nobody but cooks, tourists and missionaries ..
Would be foolish enough to stick their heads into this furnace.
Well, I'd hardly call Hugh Dawltry a missionary.
Dawltry? - That's the gentleman.
There is his name on the next boat's passenger list.
Coming back to Khota?
He wouldn't have the crust.
I can't believe that is true.
He had crust enough to say this place is an old ladies' home.
And to say it right to our faces.
Why didn't he keep out of it then?
He did, most of the time.
He seemed to like the homes of the younger ladies much better.
A man who won't respect the moral code down here doesn't belong.
There's no law against stealing other men's wives if they want to be stolen.
But you don't have to associate with the thief.
He made that plain enough before he cleared out.
It deserves a drink. This unexpected homecoming.
I wonder what he came back for.
That plantation of his probably.
A stubborn fellow, Dawltry. He needs good discipline.
You are quite right, Wey-Smith.
No woman is safe here if we tolerate rotters like Dawltry.
Cheerio. - Cheers to you.
Cheerio.
Yes, sir?
Ah, steward.
The young lady who sits at this table.
She ..
Seems to be dining rather late this evening, huh?
I'm sorry, sir.
But Miss Crosby had dinner served in her state room.
Oh.
Well, in that event I will ..
I will just have some coffee. - Yes, sir.
And .. on deck.
Yes, sir.
Will you have breakfast here sir, or at your own table?
I'll answer that one in the morning. - Yes, sir.
You know, for a very proper English lighter.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
A person would think that one flame would be enough for you.
Without annoying every lady you see.
Even make them dine in stuffy cabins to avoid you.
I'm going to make you apologise.
If I ever meet the charming lady.
In the meantime I think I'll drown you in a tall brandy and soda.
For being so rude.
No.
Leave the bottle.
Why didn't you take me out?
So we'd lose the rubber my dear.
False chivalry.
It's too confounded hot for bridge.
Absurd, you know. - And too hot to argue about it.
Is it your first trip out here?
No. But it is my last.
The tropics is no place for a white man.
Unless he has no place else to go.
Well, bridge helps.
Playing solitaire is a lonely game.
Out here.
Cyril, you ought to stick to rummy or hearts or something like that.
I'm sorry, my dear. I didn't deal the cards, you know.
Alright, I don't want to play the game.
There you are.
Thank you, sir. I hope you've had a pleasant voyage.
Thank you.
We've docked, sir.
I fear Reggie, this is as plain as a London fog.
I know my dear Simpson. I know.
But I can't see through it.
And if it wasn't so plain you could. I know you could.
But that is just why I can't, old fellow.
A beastly climate, sir. Khota is the hottest port we make.
Perhaps I shan't mind it.
Goodbye, sir. Thank you again.
Goodbye, good luck.
You will find it gets rather damp.
Won't you join me?
If you're not careful you'll fall out of that funny thing and break your neck.
And you'll be drowned. So why not take this umbrella and save both our lives?
I can't take an umbrella from someone whom I never expect to see again.
Most people do just that. It's an international custom.
So. Our introduction.
I wonder how Adam met Eve.
It was probably raining. - Not much harder than this surely?
Now see here.
Anyone can see you're a stranger here.
And since you have a corner on transportation ..
Where may I take you?
You may drop me at number 17 Khota Road East.
17 ..?
17 Khota Road East?
Good.
The rain has stopped.
Do you think we need the umbrella any longer?
Oh, the sun is just as bad.
You know when this country gets tired of parboiling you ..
It begins baking you.
Until you are done to a crisp.
What a charming future.
Of course, I take it for granted that you are going to be here for some time.
You are taking a lot for granted, aren't you?
Well.
This is it.
I will .. help you in.
Rickshaw.
He ..
Said for us to go right in and make ourselves at home.
Here we are.
The servant seems to know you, Mr Dawltry.
Oh yes, yes. I am a frequent visitor here.
Where is everybody, do you suppose?
Well, there only three places in this town where they could be.
The bar of the club.
The card room of the club.
Or the swimming pool of the club.
You say they were expecting you? - I cabled them of course.
Well, delivering the cable in Khota is quite another matter.
Sometimes we get our Christmas greetings by Easter.
You are an optimist.
Well, trying to be.
There goes your limousine.
Oh yes, yes. I .. I sent it away.
Well, how do you expect to get home?
I walk.
My bungalow is ..
Very close.
Won't you sit down?
Isn't that a lovely skin?
Yes, it is.
I'll see if I can't dig up something to drink.
Doesn't George look funny.
Your brother was an intern when that was taken.
They all look funny until practising medicine makes them look worse.
Is that why you are still a bachelor, Dr Muir?
That and my pocketbook.
George is lucky.
I couldn't find a girl who'd wait until I made a success and then send for her.
Doctor Muir.
Hello everybody.
I say, these native women have babies at the most unexpected times and places.
Well, where is the bride?
Isn't she with you?
An emergency call came to the hospital just as I left.
So I sent Ali to the dock in the car to meet her.
She should be here now. The car is outside.
Ali .. Ali.
Ali, where are you?
What are you doing out here? - Nothing, sahib.
Did you go to the boat as I told you? - Yes, sahib. I go now.
You've been at the gin again?
No, sahib. Been at boat. Not see nobody.
Don't lie to me you sneaking, heathen rat.
George, don't.
I will not tolerate drunken servants.
Everybody has got to keep his place in this country.
What will Phil think if nobody is at the boat to meet her?
The poor girl is probably standing at the dock now.
Come on, some of you.
I'll get the hats.
But my dear Jimmy, it was a leopard.
No, my dear Reggie. It was an elephant. - I say it was a leopard.
An elephant. - Leopard.
Elephant.
Rene, you can drive faster than this.
She is driving quite fast enough for me.
The boat must be in alright. - Dawltry is home.
What about Dawltry?
You're so busy with the old hospital you don't even hear any news.
News? What news?
Dawltry is coming back today.
On the same boat with Philippa?
They can't deliver a passenger like him to women.
An outrage. Men like Dawltry shouldn't be at large.
Cigarette?
I prefer Turkish.
He looks like such a well-behaved little lighter.
I can hardly believe all the gossip about him.
Perhaps I was talking about ..
Myself.
Must you prove it?
I had no chance aboard the boat.
And you consider Dr March's house a more suitable place?
This isn't Dr March's house.
I don't understand.
I lied to you.
This is my house.
And just why did you bring me here?
To get acquainted.
You were such a stranger aboard the boat.
I'm still a stranger.
I hope you won't be after dinner.
My houseboy is really a very excellent cook.
And I suppose his mater is an excellent entertainer?
That depends upon the audience.
The audience is leaving. Without any sign of applause.
And does this also ring down the curtain on some future engagement?
I am afraid so.
Since I came here to end one.
By marrying Dr George March.
You are going to marry .. him?
Yes.
I'll see you along of course. - No thank you.
I've had enough of guides.
It is the next plantation.
Thank you.
Just a neighbourly step.
You know, my dear.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Really I don't know yet, Mrs Wey-Smith.
Don't you know?
Where are we going, George? - Going?
Going where?
On your honeymoon, doctor.
We are beyond such juvenile customs as that.
Aren't we, dear?
You see, Philippa was a nurse.
At St Mary's when I was house surgeon there.
Oh, I see.
We've more important things than honeymoons to think of.
Haven't we? We've a lot to talk over, eh Phil?
And the bungalow has been all done over.
Dressed up in your honour.
New curtains and ..
You did get new curtains, didn't you Rene?
Yes, George.
New curtains and twin beds.
Hmm. Yes.
[ Door knocks ]
Who is it, Khan?
Doctor sahib Muir.
Come in, Doc.
Come in.
Hello. Can I .. lend a hand?
Well you might hold a leg.
Cut.
Bite.
I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Not at all, Doc.
My hospitality is a byword in Khota.
So was your unexpected homecoming.
You're a bit late for a welcoming committee, Doc.
I'm just acting as post-boy.
Your club box was full of mail so I brought it up.
Thanks.
We can't get away from the London Times, can we.
My guess is, this is about as close as you intend to get to London.
For a while, by the look of things.
What's the use of continuing in this place with ..
Every door closed against you?
Ah, forget it, Doc.
Alright little laddie? What do you say?
Now let that be a lesson to you.
Hereafter don't you get too friendly with Johnny crocodile.
On your way.
Will you have one, Doc?
No. Too soon after luncheon.
Well, sit down and watch me then.
Wagering at my capacity is the latest indoor sport at the Gymkhana Club.
Now I'm again a member in good standing.
You must have a very good reason to stay on here in the face of everything.
Perhaps I have.
A very good one.
Another scandal like that ..
That last one.
Might prove serious.
The Doris Drayton divorce case is still news.
The men here are very down on you, Dawltry.
Are you? - Huh?
No.
Confound it.
An old bachelor or like me can afford to be neutral.
And anyway.
You remind me too much of myself.
Yourself?
I mean.
The self I would have liked to have been at your age if I'd had your courage.
And your technique.
You cad.
George.
Sorry.
I thought you were asleep.
Confound that chair always being in the middle of the room. I don't know ..
Every night the same thing happens.
You should wear a tail light also.
What do you mean? What is funny about bumping my shin?
Go and look at yourself.
If there were beer bars in Khota at this time of the night, I'd say you're tight.
My reflector. And I looked everywhere for it before I left the hospital.
But it's a wonder I didn't forget my head.
Why what happened?
A sacrococcygeal tumour.
You don't tell me.
It sounds like a new case of lockjaw.
Please, no. This is no joke.
Just imagine. Finding a sacrococcygeal tumour right here in Khota.
Just imagine it.
Well I've never really looked for one very hard.
They are very rare. You don't bump into them everywhere.
They are as rare as spondylosis deformans.
I haven't seen one for ..
Yes, five years.
You remember.
You were nursing at St Mary's back home.
But you must remember your first surgical case.
I gave the anaesthetic.
But this is much worse than that was.
This is .. look, Phil.
It's affected all these vertebrae.
But I want to show you.
It's affected all these vertebrae down to the coccyx bone.
Stop, you're hurting me. - Not there?
Everywhere.
What's the matter, Phil? Don't you feel well?
Perhaps I've a patient right here at home and I've been too busy to notice.
A doctor's family usually does come last, doesn't it.
Let me see your tongue. - Oh please, I'm alright.
Go to bed.
I hope so.
You should have seen that tumour. It was a beauty.
I wouldn't have missed finding it for ten club dances.
[ Gargling sounds ]
As tired as a horse.
But it was worth it.
A case like that puts fire into a man.
It seems to go out before you get home.
What you need is a change. Something to occupy your mind.
How would you like to nurse this case?
Hmm? And work together as we used to.
We'll talk about it tomorrow.
I'm never going back to it, George. Never.
Not for a moment.
I came out here to be a wife.
Not a nurse.
[ Snoring noises ]
How flushed your face is. - It must be excitement.
Excitement? - Who wouldn't be excited?
Another dinner at the Gymkhana Club with the same old Nikko to take me.
And the same fussy old people to dance with.
I think I'll create a diversion and go like this.
Rene!
Ouch!
It's a bore and you know it.
You are too young to be bored.
Married people aren't the only ones to suffer that way.
And you're much too young to be cynical.
Huh.
What are you grinning at?
I was just thinking how frightfully funny it would be ..
If you didn't really care for George at all.
If secretly you thought he had turned out to be an awful sinker.
Sinker? - Yes, you know. Blob.
It might be funny if we didn't have to spend the rest of our lives together.
I imagine you're the kind who would take a marriage contract awfully seriously.
I suppose George is alright as husbands go.
But if I were married, I'd want my husband with me always.
You rarely see him unless you go to the hospital ..
And sit in that smelly waiting room full of native patients.
Nope. I'm sorry.
George is my brother but he is not my type for a husband.
Rene March, what have you been reading?
You would be surprised.
Phil.
There is your sweet Papa now. - He mustn't come in here.
Rene. Where is everybody?
In here. - But you can't come in.
It's about these place-cards for Rene's birthday dinner.
He pokes his fingers into everything.
George is a doctor, my dear.
Rene, do you hear me?
Get into your dress before he pokes himself into here.
What is it, George?
Well, is this some joke?
What are you talking about? - These place-cards.
Dawltry's name is among them.
You mean Hugh Dawltry?
Well there can't be more than one Dawltry in Khota, I hope.
Didn't you make these out?
Why ..
Of course but ..
You can't be serious about it?
But from the fuss you are making it must be terribly serious.
I think it's going to be thrilling.
You don't mean to say that you sent him an invitation to your birthday dinner?
Why shouldn't we?
Now please, Phil. You haven't been here long enough to know about Dawltry.
But I can't understand such an oversight on Rene's part.
Surely she has heard.
But Rene didn't send out all the invitations.
I helped her.
You sent it? - I'm quite sure I did.
He's our next-door neighbour.
But he's strictly taboo.
You forget Phil's still a stranger here.
She hasn't even met the gentleman.
And she's not going to be placed in a position where she has to.
But he's probably the most interesting man in town.
They say Doris Drayton followed him all over the orient.
After she left her husband. - You're not going to meet him either.
Stop growling, you old bear.
Who wants to meet him anyway?
What is that awful smell?
Huh? Oh, antiseptic.
A new case of malaria broke out.
What is it?
Memsahib is here, Memsahib.
Here is Nikki. I must run.
I hope Dawltry gets gloriously drunk and makes love to every woman in the place.
Including me.
Rene!
Now look here, Phil. Something has to be done.
Why worry about something that can't be undone?
It's Rene.
She's just at the impressionable age.
And I suppose this notorious Dawltry person is just at the dangerous age?
You don't understand Phil, or you wouldn't try to shield her.
Shield Rene?
You don't suppose I believe for a moment that you sent that invitation?
Of course I did.
But if the poor man knows how hospitable you feel about him ..
He probably won't accept anyway.
No.
Perhaps you are right.
Perhaps you had better dress for dinner before it's too late.
Suppose he does come?
But I thought we just decided he wouldn't.
Yes. Alright.
Now, let me see.
Telephone, Dr March.
The hospital, I suppose.
It was the Duke's brother.
But you are wrong, old Eddie. It was his cousin.
But, my dear fellow. I assure you it was the Duke's brother.
You can take it here, Dr March. It's the hospital.
Get me a whisky and soda.
Very mild.
Yes?
Dr March speaking.
Yes. Yes. I'm listening.
I'm sure I detect whisky in that.
Oh, Miss Wey-Smith.
Just a little bit to the right.
I shall still be in the picture?
Of course.
Good heavens.
What is it? - Dawltry.
With the usual liquid cargo aboard.
It will sink him one of these days.
Mr Dawltry, isn't it?
Good evening.
Miss March.
You're ultra-fashionable, aren't you, Mr Dawltry.
Not too late to wish you a happy birthday I hope.
We had .. we had about given you up.
I can hardly blame you.
Everyone in Khota has done that.
Quiet, please.
Oh.
Well I am holding up a picture.
So sorry.
Look at me please.
Everybody smile.
Now very still.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
That's very good.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen.
The first dance and it's a tango.
Don't you love it, Mr Dawltry?
Come on Rene old dear. My dance.
Shall we dance this?
Well.
Really, I ..
You must smash that plate.
I am afraid.
Of what?
But nobody moved, sir.
It's too bad you missed the picture.
Yes. The hospital, you know. - Yes, you doctors.
You're such busy creatures.
Shall we dance?
I'd be delighted, Mrs Wey-Smith. But I don't tango.
I will teach you, George.
It's quite simple.
Come, I'll show you the new step. This is the new one.
And this is what gets exciting.
You rather dance it as a straight tango. Then we go ..
You are bored, aren't you.
On the contrary.
Have a cigarette?
Your brand on that side.
No thanks.
There won't be time.
You.
Enjoy Khota society then?
I thought you might for a change.
Am I living down to my repudiation?
I never believe all I hear.
So you invited me here to find out, huh?
I doubt if you're half as bad as they see you are.
Oh yes?
In my bungalow you had me at a disadvantage.
You were unprotected then.
And now that I am married?
Please.
I thought I wouldn't entirely disappoint you.
Since I am here on parade.
You.
You think that?
Is there any other reason that would make you invite me here as your guest?
No.
No. You were right in the first place.
Phil .. where are you?
Here I am, George.
Are you in the habit of dancing with ladies that you've never met?
Only when the lady is my hostess.
Oh, Sorry, Dawltry.
This is my wife. Mrs March.
It's a pleasure.
Now that we really know each other ..
Come along, Phil. - Goodnight, Mr Dawltry.
I hope you won't think me rude.
Tearing myself away like this without even one dance with your sister.
I hope you'll excuse me, George.
I would never excuse you if you did dance with my sister.
Well, in that event I can go home with a perfectly clear conscience.
Oh, Mr Dawltry.
So that is where you've been hiding.
We all wondered what had become of you.
I would hardly call it hiding, Mrs Wey-Smith.
I should.
With such divine music.
Do you tango, Mr Dawltry?
No. - I know you do.
After having just seen you with our hostess.
Come with me and I will show you ..
I could dance like this forever.
With you.
My husband is so jealous.
Oh yes, I can understand that.
George, I have .. - What is it?
I have my new shoes on.
What?
Did I step all over them?
Well, there may be one tiny spot you've missed.
Well, let's chuck it.
No, George.
No. I insist on finishing it.
Doctor March says I'm like a feather.
I am so light on my feet.
Who's feet?
[ Loud drumming ]
Will that be all, Sahib?
Yes. Goodnight, Khan.
Did you open another bottle of brandy and leave some ice?
Yes, I have. And your bed also is very cool now.
No use trying to sleep with those drums going.
What is that?
A funeral or a wedding? - No, Sahib.
It's a love feast to the Goddess Kronos.
All our young men take brides at this time.
It lasts one, two ..
Three, four days.
Long enough for most marriages.
Yes, Sahib.
I've got to get up.
I've got a lot to do today.
Phil?
You're up so early.
Phil.
Rene.
What on earth do you want?
Have you seen Phil? - She went out riding.
She said she couldn't sleep all night. Needed some fresh air.
Why didn't she tell me? - She told me to tell you.
I can't understand Phil these last few weeks.
She acts as though she's contracting a fever.
Mrs Wey-Smith says it's ..
The heat.
Well, that's cooled me off a bit. - Cooled you off?
I said a bit.
The only thing that will cool me off is a drink at the bar.
I'll have a Stinger with you too. - Alright.
Wey-Smith.
Everard.
Duckworth.
Some new game?
No.
Just killing off a few pests.
Here.
March.
What?
I beg your pardon.
Granted.
Have a drink.
I've better things to do than to hang around drinking.
Until then, doctor .. your health.
I preserve mine with plenty of brandy.
Brandy and ..
Early morning rides.
Nothing like horseback riding to pep you up, George.
It gives you a new lease on life.
You should follow my example.
Is that you, Phil?
Hello George.
Rene.
Where have you been?
Just riding.
What are you doing here?
Waiting for Phil. We are going to have luncheon together.
The club is no place for a young girl alone.
How cross you are. Where do you want me to wait, in the pool?
Not in here at any rate.
Under the circumstances.
Thought I forgot something.
The telephone, Miss March.
Hurry it up, will you? I'll wait at the car.
But I have my horse. - Alright. Hurry up and get right home.
Alright, Hello?
Hello, Nikko.
No, I haven't forgotten. Goodbye.
Where did you ride this morning?
I didn't see you.
Lonely men take lonely paths.
Do you always ride alone?
Sometimes the horse goes with me.
Silly.
I love riding.
But ..
Why does everyone start out at the crack of dawn?
You know what they say about the early-bird.
I suppose the lazy ones only catch the heat.
And a scolding from their big brothers for going out in it.
George isn't my keeper.
I belong to no-one but myself.
The safest possible companionship for very young ladies.
But it isn't much fun.
Belonging to oneself.
Don't you try to vamp me young woman.
I could, easily.
Well.
If this keeps on I shall either have to turn you over my knee or run for home.
In the first place, I'd scream.
In the second, I'd run after you.
I've been dying to see your bungalow anyway.
You wouldn't like it.
Orgies. Terrible goings on.
I wouldn't be a bit frightened.
Even of being alone with you.
In my bungalow? - Uhuh.
Wouldn't it be thrilling?
I think there is something wonderful about a secret shared by two people.
It certainly gives the rest of the community something to talk about.
Must you treat me like a child?
I hope not.
Because I don't want to have to spank you.
Whoo, what a fierce ogre.
Well, I really am.
But I don't spend my leisure eating up baby sisters.
You little mug.
Oh you, you're the most annoying person.
Suppose your brother walked in here?
And heard you call the notorious Hugh Dawltry by his first name?
But he won't. He's going away.
George is? - Yes.
He sails this evening to take a special patient to the hospital in Colombo.
Well.
I'll have to send him some flowers to wish him Bon Voyage.
A nice basket of fruit.
What kind does George like best?
I wish you would forget George.
I intend to. - So do I.
And also stay out as late as I wish while he's gone.
You'll find that a rather boring privilege with no place to go.
Oh yeah?
No, you are wrong. - I'm right.
It was in the spring of 1864.
65.
64.
65.
Nice to hear that piano again. - Hello George.
You look much better.
I was afraid you were coming down with a fever.
But not with those sparkling eyes.
You look quite your old self today. - Do I, George?
It's nice to hear you say that.
You know, I'm worried about Rene.
You always have to worry about something.
You lunch with her?
Why, no. I haven't seen Rene since early this morning.
Then she lied to me.
About what? - About everything.
Do you know what she did this morning?
She's been riding with Dawltry.
But that is impossible. I .. - Why is it impossible?
Well ..
Well, I mean it is absurd.
Rene is just a child.
She's eighteen. That's a woman in the tropics.
George.
The heat is bad enough on married women. But on young girls it is dynamite.
It makes them man-crazy. - Really, George.
I know what I'm talking about. It's a pathological fact.
Has it another long name or do you just call it a heatwave?
Now please, Phil. This is no laughing matter.
And it means danger with men like Dawltry around.
Really George, you are precious.
I'm not wrong though.
You tell Rene to pack her bags because I'm taking her to Colombo with me.
And by the way. I forgot to tell you.
Our weekend trip to the mountains is off.
Business before pleasure, my dear.
Then you are going to Colombo instead?
I see.
And you are taking Rene with you?
Yes. So I can keep my eye on her.
[ Door knocks ]
For me? - Yes, Memsahib.
Was that Rene?
No. Just the mail.
For me, isn't it?
No, George.
George.
What is it?
I wish you'd come and help me pack.
I can't find a thing. - Alright, George. But ..
Do you think taking Rene with you is exactly wise?
You know, I'll be here alone.
Better alone than with her on your hands.
She is too much of a responsibility.
I'm not going to ask you to play detective.
Where are my socks and my clean shirts? I can't find a one.
Are you coming, Phil? - Yes, George. I'm coming.
Well.
See? I did find a place to go after all.
Rather childish I should say.
I'm old enough to know that when a man like you ..
Says 'no' to a woman, he really means 'yes'.
And besides, I like your style.
So I see.
And I like your bungalow.
But I couldn't find an orgy any place.
Now that's nice.
Now that you have seen everything.
Oh, but I haven't.
Not everything.
What's in here?
That is where I sleep. - Ooh.
How thrilling.
I've never found sleep so thrilling.
Except in Khota.
I don't believe you're half as bored as you always pretend.
No?
Just careful.
I am.
Very careful.
No, shall I call you a rickshaw or will you walk home?
But I'm not ready to go home yet.
Now I know how you fascinate all the women.
You make them think you don't want them When you really do all the time.
Or ..
Are you afraid of me?
Oh, Mr Dawltry.
Oh, where are we going?
What are you going to do?
You mustn't take me there.
Where else, my sweet?
Let me go. I'll scream. Let me go!
Let me go, let me go.
I'll scream, let me go. Let me go.
Well, for a woman with experience in such matters.
I am disappointed.
I think I am too.
Well.
Good afternoon, Mr Dawltry.
I had a nice time.
So, my suspicions were right.
This is where you've been.
But I haven't. Really. I just dropped by from the club.
You've not been at the club for hours. I looked for you every place.
Hmm.
Well.
I hope we haven't made an old maid of her.
But ..
What were you doing in Dawltry's bungalow?
Nothing.
That is, I ..
I came to borrow a phonograph record.
You go home and pack because you are coming with me to Colombo.
Now, hurry.
Yes, George.
Well.
Been waiting long?
Dawltry.
My sister was just here. - You don't tell me.
Well, now I am sorry I wasn't home.
Lucky for you, you weren't.
Unlucky, I should say.
This has gone far enough, Dawltry.
I'll tell Rene the next time I see her. - There will be no next time.
And if I ever see you even talking to her ..
You are going to have another patient.
If you don't stop your talk about me.
That is if you are contortionist enough to patch your own rather boring face.
Now get out.
And stay out of my affairs until they concern you.
If they ever do, Dawltry.
I'm coming back here with a gun.
Rene, can't you hurry?
We have plenty of time. - But my patient is aboard.
She is there, doctor March.
I'll ask the Captain to hold the boat.
What on earth is the matter now?
The patient died.
And we're not sailing?
There is no use now.
But you couldn't help it, dear.
Every doctor must lose some patients. - You don't understand, Rene.
This one had sacrococcygeal tumour.
I would have been photographed with it.
All the medical journals would have mentioned my name.
Come, George.
Perhaps you'll find another disease with a much longer name, right here at home.
Angry?
I should be, shouldn't I?
Ah, but she's such a kissable little girl.
You know I think you are rather nice.
Almost too nice for all the things they say about you.
Do you know what I think?
No. Tell me.
Shall I?
Well.
Perhaps not.
Now.
Those drums.
They've been going incessantly for the past two nights.
It is a native feast to Kronos.
She is their goddess of love.
Some hideous idol, I suppose.
No. This goddess was rather human.
A virtuous lady who sneaked off to earth for one night.
To taste sin.
Was she forgiven?
She found love.
For only one night?
That's where she ceased to be human.
And what happened to this very modern goddess of love?
After her one night.
She went back to her spirit world.
A childish sort of legend, isn't it.
Yes.
No woman could go back after that.
Philippa.
Hugh.
Oh please, Hugh. - Philippa.
Do you love me? - Yes, I am afraid I do.
And I love you.
Do you? - Believe me.
Oh, I want to believe you.
Even though I shouldn't.
You mean ..
My dear.
Sometimes, even reputations have false faces.
Wasn't Doris Drayton a misunderstood wife also?
Not only misunderstood.
But misguided.
By her trust in a certain man?
By her appraisal of that man's feelings for her.
Surely you weren't one of those innocent correspondents?
Not from any virtuous inclination on my part.
I simply never wanted Doris Drayton. Not even for a moment.
But she spent the night in your bungalow.
The third night of her honeymoon.
On the strength of her own convictions.
And I suppose your strength of will ..
Was not enough to convince the newspapers and the court differently.
In the face of appearances.
Besides.
Doris didn't want vindication.
She wanted a divorce.
I was only her tool to get it.
And after that night, what happened?
Well her father and I went on a glorious jag.
Her father? - Finished up in China.
There weren't two drunker men in the orient.
A bit maudlin, wasn't it.
You call that .. maudlin?
Don't you?
I think it's the nicest ending to a story I ever heard.
There could be a much nicer ending to ours.
A boat sails tomorrow at dawn.
For Singapore and the Far East.
I'm going to let you write the last chapter of ours.
If it ends without one.
I will understand.
I wonder where Phil is.
In bed probably at this hour. And that's where you go, young lady.
Goodnight, you crosspatch. - Goodnight.
And don't wake Phil.
Well, where is Phil?
Probably at the club.
Where else could she be in this town?
Do you suppose I should call the club?
What's that you have there?
Nothing.
Will you please go to bed and stop worrying about Phil and me.
That's a letter.
What is?
That piece of paper you hide. - George ..
And it's from that rotter, Dawltry.
I see it all now.
You had a date with him. That's why you didn't want to go to Colombo.
Don't be silly. - Let me see it.
Let me see it. - George, stop.
Don't take it from me. - Give it to me. Let me have it.
It's all a mistake. I'm sure it is, George.
Please. Please don't go.
It's not true.
Now this doesn't concern you at all. This is entirely my business.
Please, George.
It's between me and my wife.
[ Drumming sounds ]
Philippa.
Do you notice how differently those drums sound?
There's a certain music in them, isn't there.
Philippa. - Yes, dear?
I want to talk to you.
Please, not now.
Much wiser now than later.
Are you afraid I'll be sorry?
Yes, I am.
Like all the others. - Don't, dear.
I want to forget all that.
But you don't want to be forgotten.
As they were.
But you couldn't if you loved me.
I do now.
But there's always a chance that it won't last with a man like me.
I've never known anything deeper than a conquest.
This has suddenly turned out to be something else.
But if we love each other, what else is there?
For you, nothing.
But dear .. - Philippa.
I lied to you about Doris Drayton.
I really did break up a home.
I thought I wanted her.
Then found I didn't.
I'm not going to leave another Doris Drayton behind me.
Now you are just being heroic.
And I don't want you to be.
She furnished the heroics the other time.
Took her lover so seriously.
His departure left the door open to many lovers.
As her only consolation.
She wasn't the kind who could go back either.
I'm not afraid.
If a woman can't hold a man it's her own fault.
But the risk is there.
I won't let you take it.
It's not much of a risk for happiness.
Do you think I am going to give it up because of a noble gesture?
George.
That door leads to the hall.
You can go out the back way without being seen.
I'm not leaving.
You can't let him find you here.
That's just what I am going to do.
Philippa, think what this means to you.
[ Door knocks ]
This isn't the time or the place for heroics.
That is just what I said a moment ago.
I'm not going to let you make any more noble gestures for me.
[ Door knocks ]
Dawltry, open this door and let me in.
Why, George ..
This is a surprise.
It is meant to be.
Where is my wife?
How should I know?
Don't lie to me.
I know Phil is here.
Oh.
Well, unfortunately she didn't accept that invitation.
None of your family will allow me to repay your gracious hospitality.
I feel very badly about it.
Someone dined here.
Yes.
The identity of my dinner guests ..
Is hardly any of your business.
When the guest is my wife it becomes my business.
She's here someplace.
You are right. As usual, George.
What are you doing here?
If I answer you truthfully it will force me to a very embarrassing admission.
This is no time for evasions.
Neither is it the time to ask awkward questions.
I'm in earnest, Phil.
In dead earnest.
I also was in earnest.
But Mr Dawltry.
Refused me.
Refused you? I don't understand what you mean.
You couldn't, with the opinion you have of Hugh Dawltry.
You are just trying to shield him. - Must you make a scene?
Not with you.
We will have ours at home, I suppose.
As usual.
No, Phil. There's going to be no scandal in my house.
But Dawltry is leaving Khota for good.
And so am I, George.
And I am also leaving you.
I came out here in search of love and happiness.
I found instead a machine.
A machine of cold steel.
As cold as the instruments you use ..
To probe into the bodies of unconscious patients on operating tables.
Nursing hasn't changed me from a woman.
But surgery in the tropics.
Have changed the man I came to marry.
So I turn to Hugh Dawltry for the love and affection you didn't give me.
If I didn't know that you were suffering from a ..
Pathological complaint common to the tropics ..
I should think you were neurotic.
It's just a physical heatwave.
And that cad took advantage of it.
Not of me, George. You did that.
All you wanted was a wife. Any woman would have done as well.
And some other woman can take my place from now on.
I was going away with Hugh Dawltry.
But he refused to put me in the position of Doris Drayton.
He said he loved me too much.
You swine.
Perhaps my heroics were a mistake after all.
Men have such different and peculiar definitions of love.
To a woman, there can be only one meaning.
To be loved.
Goodbye, George.
But you can't leave me like this.
You will get over it.
You may even find another sacrococcygeal tumour to comfort you.
Who knows?
What will people say?
My name? My reputation.
I am taking the boat that leaves at dawn for Singapore.
And nothing you can say or do will stop me.
Philippa.
Dawltry.
A moment ago I said you were leaving Khota.
You decided to get rid of me at last. It that it?
For good, Dawltry. And I meant it.
I am glad you did.
Because that fits in with my plans exactly.
But you may be going to quite a different place than you anticipated.
Yes?
Yes.
I'm going to kill you, Dawltry.
When they know the truth they'll all cheer me for it.
Before you do ..
Do you mind if I finish?
I have a horror of an undertaker dressing me.
I've never known one yet who can tie a bow correctly.
I'm not Sam Drayton. You can't make me the laughing stock of Khota.
And then brazen your way out of it.
The laugh is really on me, George.
For the first time in my life. I've made a fool of myself over a woman.
Because I thought she was making a fool of herself over me.
But even an attempt at fidelity on my part.
Would be better than letting a wonderful woman like Philippa.
Shrivel up and rot in this hole like the rest of you.
So, I've decided to take your wife away from you.
If you are going to shoot me, George.
Now is your last chance.
Because I am leaving to take that same boat.
For Singapore.
I'm sorry old fellow.
But you will have to find a new partner in crime.
From now on.
I'm a one-play man.
Cheerio.
[ Loud drumming ]
..r-o..