The Dark Mirror

CLOCK TICKS

-Morning, lieutenant.

-Morning.

-They're all here.

-Get me the woman who reported it first.

-The cleaning woman.

-Her husband, the janitor, is with her.

-All right, both of them.

DOOR OPENS You and your husband.

Sit down, please.

Um, what was the man's name?

-Dr Frank Peralta.

-Dr Frank Peralta. All right, what happened?

I went in this morning to clean up. It was about half past seven.

There he was, just laying there!

-You live at the same address, I believe, Mr Benson.

-Same floor.

-And you saw Dr Peralta last night?

-About ten. He was coming in, I was going out.

-Was he alone?

-No, he had a young lady with him.

-You know her?

-Never seen her. Very nice looking.

-Remember what she was wearing?

-A blue suit. Flowers in her hair.

-Gloves?

-I don't think so, but I don't remember.

-They were going up to his apartment, presumably.

-That's what I assumed.

-About ten o'clock?

-Around ten.

-Think you'd know her if you saw her again?

-Yes, we met, face to face.

-I see.

What do you know about her, Mrs Didriksen?

I live in the apartment under Dr Peralta.

About 10.35 last night, I heard this thud on the floor above my ceiling.

-How do you know the time?

-I'd just turned on the 10.30 news.

I heard footsteps on the stairs outside, so I opened my door and looked out.

-I was curious.

-Yes. I'm glad you were.

-What did you see?

-A young, pretty woman passed me and went out the door.

-From Dr Peralta's apartment?

-I suppose so.

But you didn't actually see her come out of his door?

I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

-Do you think you'd recognise her again?

-Oh, yes, I'm sure I would.

-I got a very good look, she passed under the light.

-I see.

You're Dr Peralta's secretary?

-I was.

-What do you know about his plans for last night?

He had a dinner engagement with a girl named Theresa Collins.

You didn't care for Miss Collins, I take it.

I know very little about her. But I couldn't believe Dr Peralta was in love with her.

-You mean, he thought he was?

-Sometimes he did and sometimes he didn't.

But she treated him so wickedly. She kept him in such a state.

But he was going to propose to her last night, he said.

Theresa Collins. Do you know where she lives?

No. But I can tell you where she works.

She runs a magazine stand in the lobby of the medical building

where Dr Peralta's offices are. Were.

Mrs Didriksen, you go first. Just look around, see if you see anyone you know.

In the middle years, but not a bad little number!

Keep your mind on what you're doing, will you?

HE CLICKS TO TELL LIFT TO GO

-Go out with me and I'll buy you a steak.

-Good enough for me.

-I ain't kidding.

-Neither am I.

Thank you.

When I get out of this monkey suit, I ain't such a bad looking guy.

HE CLICKS

-Now Benson, you go.

-That's the girl all right. Behind the counter.

-Sure of it?

-Pretty sure.

-Pretty sure? Won't you swear to it?

I think so. Still, there's something... I'll swear to it.

Well, I'll hope you'll remember that.

Don't you remember me?

-Sure, if you want me to.

-I remember you all right.

-Where'd she go?

-I don't know. How about in there?

-That's her.

-Behind the counter.

-You swear to it.

-Yep.

On a stack of Bibles a mile high.

Thanks. We'll be in touch later.

Looks pretty good.

-Miss Collins?

-Yes.

I'm from the police department.

-I beg your pardon.

-Good morning, Doctor.

Could you show me something in the line of lemon drops?

-How about lemon drops?

-Very good idea!

I don't know how I can thank you enough.

CASH REGISTER BELL RINGS

-I'm sorry.

-OK.

-Would you tell me how you spent last night?

-Why?

-Do you mind?

-No, but...

-From eight o'clock on.

-What's it all about?

-Begin at nine.

Will you tell me then? All right.

-I went for a walk in Jefferson Park.

-Alone?

-Yes.

-How long did that take?

-I got home about 11.30, 11.45.

-For three hours you walked alone in the park?

-Not exactly.

For two hours, I listened to the band concert.

Then I sat by the lake to listen to the singing.

Then I got chilly so I went home.

-All that time you didn't meet anyone?

-I didn't say that.

-Anyone who knows you, I mean.

-My butcher was behind me in the concert.

-Oh. What's his name?

-Mr Peterson.

-Vine and 14th, that's where his shop is.

-Uh-huh.

-Did you speak to him?

-Sure, we're old friends.

I can check, remember.

All right, check.

Anyone else?

Yes, the park policeman by the lake.

-We talked for a while.

-You know his name and number?

No, but we know each other. We've talked there before at night.

-What's he? Some kind of sweetheart?

-Not until I get his name anyway.

-The truth is...

-And a boy named Nat. He walked home with me.

Where will I find him?

He works at the value shop on 15th and Vine.

And he actually walked home with you?

-Go ask him if you don't believe me.

-I intend to.

All right, now what's this about?

Dr Frank Peralta was murdered last night.

Murdered?

Stabbed to death. Straight through the heart.

-Dawson.

-Terry!

Terry, what happened?

-Break it up, break it up!

-All right, folks, keep moving!

It's all over, lady, keep moving.

Well, what do you want?

-Hello, Franklin?

-OK, she's all right now.

Bit shaky, but OK, the doctor says.

-All right, let her go.

-Are you kidding?

Of course I'm not kidding, it's a free country, isn't it?

-But two witnesses saw her smack in the place.

-Three saw her smack away from it.

Four smacking miles away from it.

I saw them.

Three solid, tax-paying, God-fearing citizens.

Who know her and talked to her all over Jefferson Park last night.

From 9.00 until 11.35.

-Well, what do you know!

-I don't get it. Just don't get it.

-Don't make any more sense to me than Chinese music.

-CHINESE MUSIC PLAYS

-Second floor, lieutenant.

-Thanks.

-Can I come in?

-Certainly.

-Thanks.

-How are you feeling now?

-All right, thanks.

-It sticks, you know?

-It sticks?

-The alibi.

Oh, well of course, it's the truth.

-That butcher, now. He couldn't be in love with you.

-No.

The cop might, and that other guy, but not the butcher, I don't think.

-I don't think so either.

-Guys generally fall in love with you.

-Some.

-Peralta?

He was...a very dear friend.

Why did you quarrel with him? The elevator boy heard you yesterday.

It wasn't a quarrel, Rusty never liked him.

Oh. Jealous?

You think Rusty might have killed him?

-Why?

-He was in love with you too.

-For a policeman, you think a lot about love.

-I'm the romantic type.

-Thanks.

-You left-handed?

Excuse me, is this visit social or professional?

You gave the lemon drops with your right hand.

I was born left-handed.

Since then, I learnt things right-handed. I didn't like being left-handed.

The medical exam says he was stabbed right-handed.

-What am I supposed to say to that?

-I'm just waiting to see.

-If you don't mind...

-We'll break it, you know.

The alibi. It may take time, but I'll figure it yet. For dough.

I'd like you to leave, please. I'm tired and I want to go to bed.

-You and your...

-Oh, Terry!

-So that's it!

-My sister. Ruth.

Why didn't you tell me?

Excuse me.

I was going to, when the time came.

Everyone knows, there'd be no use trying to hide it.

-Not at the medical building they don't.

-No, not there.

So we could take days off when we wanted. When we didn't have another job.

-Do you make a habit of that kind of monkey business?

-All twins do now and then.

Well...

You're Terry, and you're Ruth.

-You've no idea how much this relieves me.

-That's nice.

-I thought I was losing my marbles.

-It's not easy to tell us apart.

So I see. Which one was in Jefferson Park last night?

-One of us.

-That I know. Which one is what I asked.

You or you?

No use stalling about it, I'll get it out of you one way or another.

-How?

-Look,

don't want make this tougher than it is.

So let's get it over with. Which of you did which last night?

One of us spent the evening in Jefferson Park.

The other stayed home and went to bed early.

But how can that one prove that? And that's all we will say.

Were you in Jefferson Park last night?

Are you going to answer me or not?

I'm not.

You're only making trouble for yourselves, it'll be harder.

-How?

-Because you can't get away with this, it's...

-What?

Look, will you cut out this nonsense and be sensible?

A man was murdered! One more chance.

This time let's see if we get somewhere.

Who stayed home last night?

One of us went to Jefferson Park,

-and the other...

-But what one did which, is what I'm asking.

Which one did which?

OK, I'll just have to run you both in.

-Are you allowed to play with fear like that?

-What do you mean?

Can you throw any number of people to court and ask the judge to pick?

-You'll look funny explaining that to a lawyer.

-What lawyer?

The one coming straight to the police station if we don't answer the phone tonight.

-Pretty smart, aren't you?

-Not dumb.

Well, listen. Ever heard of a charge called obstructing justice?

-Yes.

-Then will you reconsider?

Me? Or her?

Look, will you tell me one thing?

-One of us.

-Will you cut that out!

-Is there no way of telling you two apart?

-We're identical, I said.

It's all right, dear. He's not going to do anything.

-You don't think so, huh?

-No, I don't!

I know our rights, and so will the judge.

-One is the constitutional right not to say anything incriminating.

-Constitutional rights!

Now, will you please leave? Or shall I call our lawyer now?

OK, I'm a policeman, not a lawyer,

so you win. But just this round.

So don't try to escape or anything because we'll unravel this yet.

The law's never been licked by one of these Rube Goldberg defences, and it won't this time.

Bring a warrant next time. With a name on!

What, did you read up on this before you did it? Actually, I don't want to know.

I forgot to tell you, lieutenant.

There's two of them. Twins. Did you get that?

-I got that.

-Look very alike, I was told.

-Some can't even tell them apart!

-Really?

-That's how twins are.

-Yeah, thanks.

-I see you've got your eyes open.

-I try to keep on my toes if I can.

And don't think we don't appreciate it.

-Good night.

-Good night, lieutenant. Thank you.

It's no use. There isn't even a piece of thread on this handle.

-Gloves?

-Could be.

-Should be a law against the sale of gloves to murderers.

-You know what they did in the old days.

-No, ladies bruise too easily.

-Get me Judge Hill.

-Yes, sir.

Judge Hill.

Y'know, lieutenant, I was thinking.

-Yeah?

-Maybe one of these babies has a birth-mark somewhere.

So I thought it might be an idea

for me to go back and make a thorough examination of them.

Just an idea.

If the comic relief's over, here's a list of witnesses to chase.

-Have them here at 9.00 sharp tomorrow. Got it?

-Got it.

-TELEPHONE RINGS

-Hello, Judge? Judge Hill!

Lt Stevenson, Detective Bureau. I want warrants for Ruth and Theresa Collins.

That's right. Charge - suspicion of murder.

yes, sir. Both of them.

What?

I'm going to hang numbers on their backs like football players.

All right, bring her in.

-Where do you live, Collins?

-492 Kendale Avenue.

-Have you been arrested before?

-No.

Turn around.

That's her, all right. No question in the world.

Bring her in > I'd know her in a million. Came to me face to...

-Is your name Theresa Collins?

-It is.

You two girls are held on suspicion of murder.

-What have you got to say?

-Neither of us intends to say anything

-until we've talked to a lawyer.

-Well, how do you like that!

Know her in a million, eh(!)

-What do you think, Doc? Really.

-No idea, Rusty.

-It's hard to believe she could do it.

-I know she didn't!

Those guys are crazy.

You'd better have a lemon drop. Good for the nerves.

-BUZZER

-'Send them in.'

-Please go in.

I won't say a word against her. I can say that now.

I know her too well...

We're sorry, Rusty.

-Dr Elliot, Mr District Attorney.

-Thanks for coming over.

-Not at all.

-Sit down, please.

I don't think this'll take very long, Rusty.

You told Lt Stevenson you saw Dr Peralta and the magazine-stand girl

talking and apparently arguing,

on the day Dr Peralta was killed.

-Is that right?

-Yes, sir.

-Can you say which girl that was?

-No, sir.

-You're sure of that?

I didn't know there were two of them.

Quite a coincidence, Doctor.

Quite.

Scott Elliott, psychologist. BA, MD and PhD.

Author of Twins - A Clinical Study,

Mental Traits of Identical Twins, Twins and Siblings.

All published by the State University Press.

-Your own field.

-I have devoted some time and study to the subject.

-Did you know they were twins in this case?

-No.

One at a time, twins look just like singletons.

Is there any foundation for the old popular belief

that twins are usually penalised in some way,

physically or psychically?

No, that's a superstition.

Well, that clears that up.

Lt Stevenson says you spoke to Dr Peralta that morning.

Would you tell me what was said?

He asked if I'd ever come across a case of split personality.

-Go on.

-Of course I told him I had.

He asked if there was any danger in such a case.

He used the word "danger"?

Yes. Or if I thought all that was exaggerated.

-To which you replied?

-I told him I couldn't say.

I couldn't answer with a generality when he had something specific in mind.

The he said something...

Yes, "I battled with her this morning and I'm seeing her tonight.

"It's important." Then we separated.

Seeing whom tonight?

-Miss Collins, I supposed.

-Which one?

I have no idea.

Can you say now which girl was behind the counter that morning?

No.

That's all. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,

-for helping us out here.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Take the girls outside for a moment.

-You see?

-You're letting them get away with it?

-What else can I do?

You haven't a witness that can tell one girl from the other. It wouldn't have a chance in court.

I couldn't even get an indictment from the grand jury. They'd want to know which one, too.

-One of them murdered him!

-Tell me which one, I'll put her on the chair.

I have just as much concern for the proper operation as the law as you.

-But if you have no more evidence than you've shown me, it would be a waste of time to take it to court.

-OK.

Let's have them back.

Come in.

One of you women is a murderess. You have killed a man in cold blood.

The other is an accomplice.

But the law upholds your refusal to give any testimony.

It also forbids the indiscriminate prosecution of more than one person.

This protection now enables you

to become parties to an outrageous miscarriage of justice.

I have no words adequate to express my contempt for both of you. Get out.

We're free?

You're free.

Goodbye, Lieutenant.

Au revoir, Miss Collins.

DOOR CLOSES

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS

RINGING

Remember me?

Of course, Lieutenant. Come on in.

Ah.

-HE TURNS MUSIC OFF

-Sorry.

-I don't mind ordinary music. The wonderful stuff bores me.

-That's snobbish.

-This is an ordinary place.

-Where are the gimmicks?

-Gimmicks?

-Don't you treat people with tinker toys?

-They're at the university.

-What about that office at the medical building?

-Just a place to keep case histories.

-Would you have a drink?

-No, thanks.

-Sit down.

Thank you.

Ever given any thought to this twin case?

I supposed you'd given that one up.

No. Not me. Not me personally. This is all my own time.

You don't look ambitious!

It's not ambition. I don't like a perfect crime, not even in books.

I don't like to think things are organised that way.

Yes, I've thought about it.

I rather like those girls. One of them seemed nice.

You don't know which one?

No, I'm afraid not. I never had a chance to talk to them together.

-You think you'd know if you did?

-I imagine so.

-You couldn't tell that day in the DA's office, could you?

-No.

You see, the whole thing just burns me to a crisp.

-Why? How do you know somebody else didn't do it?

-I don't. Meantime, I'll go with the twins.

One of them could knock that guy off on Main with 50 witnesses and we still couldn't hang it on her?

I guess not.

I could be in that room myself and see her plant that knife,

and I couldn't make it stick unless I grabbed her and held on till I had her in solitary? I can't bear it.

-I can't.

-So?

So, first, tell me this, you're a twin expert.

-Do you know anything about those dames that would give me a chance to begin to work?

-Oh, sure.

-What?

-The crime.

-The crime?

-You don't suppose anyone could commit a murder, do you?

You'll have to be very patient with me.

Just what do you mean by that?

Character. Not even nature can duplicate character, even in twins.

I interviewed twins once so alike their dogs get mixed up about them.

Living 1,000 miles apart, they both got toothaches in the same tooth and each had that tooth pulled out.

-Do you know why they were living that far apart?

-Why?

One was lecturing at a big eastern university and the other was serving a stretch another way.

-Different characters.

-I see.

I should say, if you're right about these girls,

one could and one couldn't commit murder. That's all there is to it.

Yes, that's all there is to it.

Constitutional rights.

Oh, well. Another thing - do you often interview twins?

Often.

But not for the police.

What about the one you liked?

What about it?

Suppose she's innocent?

There's no reason to believe she's in danger if that's what you mean.

Living with a killer?

It's not my business, that kind of thing.

If one of them kills with a knife,

isn't there a chance she'd kill her sister if she got nervous about her?

I'll never ask the name.

I swear, on anything you say. Some day you call me with the answer, I'll be satisfied.

-Why?

-I've told you - because then I'll know there's no such thing as a perfect crime. The system worked.

You still can't beat a square rap.

Social regularity, eh?

If that's your name for it.

Well, it's out of the question, the whole idea.

There's no reason to assume I can be of help to her.

Besides, I didn't say I was in love with her! Simply said I liked her.

And you can't just look at a person and tell a thing like that!

She may have been killing people for years!

All I said was that she was...very pleasant, very nice and it's...

it's not easy to believe that...

KNOCKING

Oh! Mr Lemondrops!

-That couldn't be anyone but Terry.

-Hi, Doc, glad to see you.

-You too.

-Here.

-Thanks.

-Still chomping on that candy!

I've told you, I don't chomp!

I wear 'em down.

-Well, no wonder I never got it.

-Didn't you really?

-No.

Obviously, you were both wonderful.

-I'd almost forgotten there was such a thing as kidding.

-Things not been so good?

-No.

-You saw the papers - those pictures? We're celebrities now.

-No work, you mean?

-One look at our face and fttt!

-They don't forget.

-That's a little rough.

-You can't blame 'em. You saw what the DA said.

-I wish you wouldn't say things like that.

-He must've read the papers!

-I know, but...

-Maybe my idea... That is the reason why I'm here...

-..may be of use to you as well as me.

-How do you mean?

I'd like to add you two to my collection. Of twins!

I'm the twin student, remember?

I'd like to add you two to it. I'd pay you, of course.

-It'd only be an hour a day.

-We did that once when we were kids.

Then you know what it is. Verbal, psychological, standard stuff.

-Are you quite sure you're not doing this for the police?

-I was doing this before I ever met a policeman.

I was doing it long before I laid eyes on either of you.

It's been my main preoccupation for years. I'll be doing it when you're married with twins of your own!

Which you're very likely to have, you know.

-What is your purpose in this?

-To learn as much as possible about the subject.

-To further my knowledge of identical twins.

-And you'd pay us?

25 a week, apiece.

That's the customary allowance.

I'd expect you to come to the laboratory three times a week,

separately, for not more than two hours on each visit.

-What do you think?

-I don't think we're interested. I don't like the idea of being a guinea pig.

-I don't want to press you if you're afraid.

-We have nothing to be afraid of! Nothing but snoopers.

Well, in that case, there's nothing more to be said.

I'm sorry if I've given that impression and I apologise.

-I'm sorry, too.

-I think we should do it.

I don't think Dr Elliott's a snooper and we could use the money.

You don't mind being asked a lot of...personal questions?

Why should I? Or why should you? If it's for a good purpose.

I think we should do it. There's no reason to fear it because we do need the money and...

we've always liked Dr Elliott, both of us.

Then let's leave it. Talk it over and call me.

I hope you can see things Terry's way. If not, I'll understand.

-Goodbye, now.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye. I hope I'll be seeing you both soon.

-Goodbye. We'll call you.

Please do.

What's the matter with you?

Do you think that was very wise?

-Why? What are you afraid of?

-I'm not afraid, it's...

-Don't lie.

-You are afraid, you're more afraid every day. Why?

-You know well why.

-You think I killed him! Admit it.

-But I don't! You know I don't!

-Why are you so frightened?

-If they knew who was in his apartment that night you know what it would mean.

-He proposed and I said yes.

-Why should I kill him?

-I know that, dear. I know you didn't do it.

I am willing to do anything to keep them from knowing you were in his apartment that night.

That's why I'm frightened. Please believe me!

Is there anything about yourself you're afraid for him to learn?

Of course not!

Well, then stop worrying.

There's no need for it.

And besides, he's very attractive.

Very good-looking. I like him.

You don't think we could fool you?

No, not any more, Terry.

-I even had you spotted at the magazine stand.

-How do you mean?

I know some of the time it was you and sometimes Ruth.

What was the difference?

I don't know. I'm not sure yet.

-Which one did you like the best?

-Oh, you.

Really?

Sit over here, would you?

Why?

Why what?

Why do you say you like me best?

That's always the answer during office hours.

What's this one?

These are pictures of ink blots. The kind you probably made yourself when you were a child.

-Blobs of ink on the paper.

-What's it for?

It's another way of examining personality.

I'll hand them to you one by one. You have to tell me what you see.

What it looks like to you.

Quickly?

If you see it quickly, sure.

-As soon as you make something out of it, you tell me. Ready?

-Hm.

-Now face that way, please.

What does it look like to you?

It might be a mask.

-The black holes for eyes, heavy eyebrows and pursed lips give it a fixed expression.

-Anything else?

-May I turn it?

-Any way you wish.

This looks like the face of a white lamb with a black nose.

It's got a mark on its forehead. It looks like a moth.

Beneath its paws are two men, face-down with arms outstretched.

It looks symbolic. The lamb looks innocent but has men under its paws.

Symbolic of what?

The lamb's death?

-I wonder if you're as cool as you pretend.

-I'm not.

-I don't think so.

Outside the office I'm Robert Taylor with jet propulsion.

What do you see in this one?

What does it look like to you?

These are two men, back to back,

but they don't seem to be aware of each other.

Now it's changing into the face of a man with a moustache.

This is a woman dancing with a puppet.

Now you see the puppet reaching but she cares not to see her.

He's trying to reach and do some harm.

May I have a cigarette, please?

By the way, why'd you leave Nebraska, Ruth?

We'd lived on a farm for a year and the farmer's wife wanted to adopt me.

She couldn't have children. They could only afford to adopt one of us.

-Why did they pick you?

-Oh, it just happened, I suppose.

No particular reason. Terry was very upset when she heard about it.

So we decided to pull out, that's all.

What do you see in this one?

These are two people in costume.

They're dancing around a maypole.

-They're bending over as they've just wound up the ribbons.

-That's it.

Anything else? Turn it if you wish.

Oh.

These are two skaters, like in the ice show.

They're leaning with one foot high in the air and their arms extended.

-Er, how did Terry find out?

-Hm? Oh, the farmer, I think.

He never liked her for some reason.

-Was he cranky?

-I got along fine with him, but Terry for some reason...

What do you see in this one?

These are two old ladies sitting back to back in an open street car.

They seem frightened, they've got...

They're holding onto their arms with their chairs and their feet are tucked under their seats.

And this is a drum majorette with a bearskin hat.

She's very straight and graceful, light-footed,

and she's got her knee high in the air.

Thank you very much.

DOOR OPENS >

Hello!

It's about time!

Sorry I'm late.

-What'd you do, go through town?

-No.

-Scott and I just got talking.

-Talking?

After that stuff. Who do you suppose thought that one up?

-Talking about what?

-Oh, just gabbing.

Chicago, movies, when we were kids.

Not about us?

Mostly about himself. He was awfully funny about when he went to school.

-He must have been.

-He was, really!

Once he drops that office act, he's a lot of fun. We used to be around the cigar stand, remember?

Is that his line, down Memory Lane?

-It wasn't a line. He just wanted to talk.

-Nothing romantic?

-I'm afraid not.

-Dear me, you sound disappointed!

-No!

Not falling for him, are you?

Sometimes it seems as if that were all you thought about! Of course not.

Just don't want to see you do anything foolish.

-Yes, Mama.

-I'm not convinced yet he's being strictly on the level.

I don't know, of course.

Oh, I can't believe it.

Well, perhaps not. But if I were you, I'd be a little careful.

Not too friendly. Yes.

If only we weren't so...

I know. It's not very pleasant.

As long as we are we'll have to be on our guard with everybody.

Particularly him.

Well, it's something I hadn't figured on.

I'm not asking questions.

All I can do is stand here, a broken-down old policeman and wait for what you want to tell me.

-You know the blood test?

-Hm.

I made other tests to check and cross check.

In the ink blot tests, about 80% of people who study the blots see the same illusions and figures.

What the other 20% see in the same blots reflecting the patterns of their minds

is illuminating and accurate.

In this case there doesn't seem to be room for doubt about one thing.

-What?

-One of our young ladies is insane.

Very clever, very intelligent, but insane.

This one's called a free association test.

It's so simple even I understand it.

-If this is to see which of us is the smarter, I can save you time. It's Terry.

-Is that official?

I'm older seven minutes older than she is but that isn't how it feels.

All our lives, she's been the oldest, always helping me.

Sit over there, please.

And like a mother, because we've been orphaned since we were ten.

I wish you'd get out of your head that this is a contest.

-I'm interested in absolute, not comparative results.

-Yes, Professor.

-You know something?

-What?

-I'm a very pleased man today.

-Good!

-Which I haven't been for almost a week.

-No?

-Because you haven't seemed happy.

-I'm sorry.

I was afraid I'd offended you.

-Oh, no!

-I didn't mean to, I assure you.

There's something else. I was worried about something else.

-And it's all right now?

-Yes, it's OK now.

-Good. That's how it should be.

Well, back to cold science.

I'll give you some words, one at a time.

When you hear the word,

answer with the first word that comes into your mind.

Answer as quickly as you can. That's the important part of it.

-You ready?

-Mm-hm.

Table.

Chair.

Ready? Dark.

Night.

Moon.

Beams.

Knife.

Scissors.

White.

Black.

Mirror.

Death.

King.

Queen.

Blossom.

Flower.

River.

Lake.

-But how could you have said it?

-It just popped out.

I don't understand all this fuss. What possible harm can it do?

None. None whatever.

I don't give two cents for that fellow's games.

I can do that stuff 24 hours a day, and be admitted every time.

He doesn't frighten me.

It's you I'm worried about.

But why?

Because it shows your mind's still on that thing.

When he said "mirror" and you said "death", that proved it!

It may not mean a thing to him, but it does to me!

It's a dead giveaway that I had something to do with it!

Terry, please!

I've told you... Why do you...?

Why DO you keep saying a thing like that?

-Forget it.

-But you've no right, even to think.

-Why do you take sleeping pills every night?

-I can't sleep without them.

Why can't you?

My nerves are still bad, and I haven't gotten over everything yet.

-Is that all?

-What other reason could there be?

Not your conscience, perhaps?

My conscience about what?

Perhaps you're sorry you didn't tell the police all you know.

Maybe that's what's troubling you.

Maybe you're thinking you should.

That's ridiculous. Such a thought never entered my head.

Because if you are, there's the phone, right there.

Stop it. You're talking nonsense.

-Am I?

-Of course you are.

-I hope so.

Because if you ever suspected me,

I don't know what I'd do.

I really don't.

Table.

Chair.

Moon.

Stars.

King.

Queen.

-Death.

-Mirror.

Girl.

Woman.

Black.

White.

Rose.

Thorn.

I have an idea you aren't very impressed with any of this.

Then why do you think I'm here?

Just humouring the old professor?

-That all?

-Or nothing else to do.

Hadn't it occurred to you that I might like seeing you?

It hadn't, to tell the truth.

-Don't you like to see me?

-If you knew how anxious I was for you to get here, you wouldn't have to ask.

-Honest?

-Very honest.

Then maybe we can see each other outside the office.

We will, I'm sure.

-Would you like to?

-Very much.

-All right, when?

-Soon.

-But not until we've finished with these tests.

-What's that got to do with it?

It's hard enough to keep my mind on science. Don't make it more difficult.

All right, but the first night after.

-It's a date.

-The very next night. Remember.

-I'll remember, Terry.

-Good night.

I was really crazy about that boy.

But Terry couldn't stand him. Said he wasn't on the level.

-How d'you find out?

-He dated her one night and she told me.

-Terry's turned in, I guess.

-Erm...

How many men have you been crazy about?

That was just kids' stuff. We were about 16.

All this autobiography I'm giving you. Is this for science too?

No, no. This is personal.

The more I know about you, the more I want to know.

I want to know everything about you that's possible to know.

Apparently, you will.

-Good night.

-Er...

Do you think when all this business is over I can ask you out for dinner

or just to talk - in a purely personal way.

You think you'll still want to?

-That's what I'm looking forward to. Do you mind?

-No, I like it.

You're a wonder.

Good night.

It's all right, I'm not asleep.

Don't turn on the light.

I'll undress in the bathroom.

-Are you taking a sleeping pill tonight?

-I don't think so.

I slept all right, last night.

-I think you'd better take two.

-Two? What on earth for?

Maybe you won't be so troubled in your sleep.

You mean I talk?

-Talk, cry, you scare me half to death sometimes.

-Good heavens!

Dreaming, I suppose.

-No?

-You don't remember what you dreamed?

I don't remember even dreaming recently.

You don't remember my waking you when you were sobbing?

-No.

-Or what you said to me?

No, what did I say?

Such big, deep sobs.

As if you were seeing something so dreadful you couldn't bear to face it. You don't remember?

I don't remember anything about it at all.

But I thought you wakened.

No.

Pretty harrowing for a few minutes.

I can't imagine what it was to frighten me so.

-Has it happened before?

-A few times.

One night you were rather gay for a change.

Seems to have been something about Scott.

Oh, dear.

-You think quite a lot of him, don't you?

-I do like him, but...

-Does he like you?

-Oh, some, I imagine.

Ever say anything?

You know, nothing serious.

Just casual things.

-Ever kiss you?

-Uh-uh.

He may be just trying to pump you.

I don't think so.

-Don't you want to know what seemed to be frightening you?

-I don't know.

You've talked about it before in your sleep.

You were worried...

about one of us being...crazy.

The old saying - one of a twin is likely to be abnormal.

But that's not true. That's superstition.

You heard Scott tell the district attorney that.

-I know.

-That's an old wives' tale.

We've heard it for years, but it's not true.

Didn't you hear Scott say it wasn't?

Yes, I heard him.

Oh.

This is so awful.

It frightens me.

The whole idea of talking and dreaming and sobbing,

and remembering nothing about it.

Well, it can't be very pleasant.

But it's not really so important.

Just bad dreams.

I know.

Such a thought.

What's this one?

Blood pressure, Terry. And pulse.

You mean a lie detector?

-That's an easy name for it. Do you mind?

-Why should I?

-What do you want me to talk about?

-I'll let you know when we're ready.

-How much more of this stuff have we got?

-Winding up this week.

-Friday afternoon and that's that.

-The whole thing?

The work's complete.

-Then Saturday night's the night.

-Night?

-Don't say you've forgotten.

-Oh sure.

-Remember.

-That's right.

-Well?

Oh, I'm afraid I did forget, I'm sorry.

You mean you can't make it?

Any other night, but...

What a man. And me thinking you were living for that night.

It's inexcusable, but we finished sooner than I expected.

-Who's my rival?

-You had no rival, you know that.

Is that always the answer?

Your memory's too good.

Come on, let's get on with this now. We'll straighten that out later.

Oh, no. Let's have the machine.

All I want you to do is answer a few simple questions.

It's all over, the whole thing?

-Ask me anything you wish.

-Er...

Does that go for Ruth, too?

For that, you'd better ask her.

Yes, yes of course.

Well, I hope so, anyway.

You've both been through an ordeal.

If you come out of it OK, that's wonderful.

What are you going to ask me?

You were telling me about when you lived in Ohio. Remember?

-Anything else interesting about that time?

-No, offhand.

Ruth was telling me about a boy she went with that you didn't care for.

-Freddie Eckland?

-Yes, I think that was the name.

Indeed.

Why, what did she say?

She said you told her he wasn't on the level.

-And proved it.

-Was she complaining?

No. She was grateful - you know how she depends on you.

She was rambling along about how you've always looked after her.

-Did she say I had him first?

-No.

-I don't believe she did.

-That's the truth.

I met him first then introduced him to her.

He didn't care for her.

Then he started going round with her,

not even gleaning for one second it was me he was interested in.

Terry...

-Terry!

-Hm?

-What is it, dear?

-That light again.

Wake up, dear.

-You're dreaming again.

-No, it wasn't a dream!

-Didn't you see it?

-There wasn't anything to see. You're dreaming.

I wasn't asleep!

The whole room lighted up. I saw everything in a great flash!

Now you're all right.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

But I was sure I saw it.

I was sure of it.

It doesn't matter.

It really doesn't.

But what is it? What do you think it is?

Something's happening to me and I don't know what it is!

You're just imagining things.

Your nerves are playing tricks on you.

I'm so scared.

I'm so scared, I don't know what to do.

It's nothing, really.

RUTH WHIMPERS

Just remember I'm with you.

And I'm always going to be with you.

No matter what happens.

So that's all there is to it.

Yes, that's all there is, I'm afraid.

I didn't promise you a great deal more, remember.

All I can say positively is Ruth didn't do it.

-She isn't capable of that sort of thing.

-It does narrow it down though.

Terry's a paranoiac. They have no more conscience than a two-year-old.

A paranoiac's capable of anything.

That's something, but not much.

You can't run loonies in till they've done something.

If you can't commit them, you have to wait till someone's set on fire.

-Unfortunately.

-Tough on Ruth.

You're gonna tell her, aren't you?

I suppose so, but it's not going to be easy.

Apparently she hasn't the ghost of a suspicion.

What about that double alibi?

She could be tricked. Terry could trick her.

Well...

Much obliged, anyway, Doc.

Sorry I couldn't have been more help, Lieutenant. Good night.

You gonna see Ruth again soon?

-I expect to.

-Tell her, no matter how hard it is.

-I will.

-The other one will pop off again before it's over.

-It's quite possible.

-It is, and watch out for yourself, too.

I don't think I figure seriously in her calculations.

She didn't mind the tests.

An opportunity to show the world her contempt for it.

That was the first tip-off I got.

I thought there was no pattern to a psychotic's calculations.

-Well...

-Don't be too modest.

All right, I'll tell her.

When?

..Tonight? Tonight, if I can.

-Good night.

-Good night.

It might help if Terry came out to spit on the sidewalk.

Then we could pick her up.

If I was that young man, I'd feel a trifle nervous.

-Why?

-Because he looks very much to me like the new Peralta to me.

-Target for the night, huh?

-Uh-huh.

The minute the doctor falls in love with the patient, he's about as useful as a papoose.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hello, Ruth?

Hello, Scott. How are you, dear?

-Are you alone?

-Yes.

Why?

I don't want Terry to know, but could I see you alone tonight?

-Of course, when?

-Any time. Whenever you say.

Could I make it around 11?

-She'll be asleep by then.

-Eleven's all right for me.

I'll come to your apartment at 11.

I'll unlock the door. You come straight up the stairs.

I understand.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

-Do you mind?

-Why no.

I couldn't be more pleased.

There's no-one I'd rather see walk in that door.

I saw your light and thought if you weren't busy...

I was just wondering what to do next.

Not that it's anything important.

-Feeling depressed?

-I guess so. Something like that.

Have you had your dinner?

How about having dinner with me tonight?

-And tomorrow night.

-I didn't mean...

-Or as many other nights as you can.

Tonight, my dear, I think we should have it with music.

CLAPPING

You sure you don't want to tell me?

What causes hallucinations?

-Hallucinations?

-Things you imagine you see or hear - what causes them?

Bad nerves.

Just nerves?

A sick mind.

May I explain something?

Please don't. I'd like to go home now.

Would you get my bag and gloves?

-We'll go out this way.

-Of course. I'll be right back.

Er, police headquarters.

Lt Stevenson, please.

Lieutenant? This is Scott Elliott.

What do you think of me in the role of a human booby trap?

So you got the picture at last?

It's possible. Will you still be there at 10.30?

I want to talk to you about something that's come up tonight

that may be more in your line.

I'll be right here, partner, from 10.30 on.

-Is she loaded again?

-Looks like it.

He's a very smart guy for a college man.

-Are you ready?

-Thanks.

Oh, come on, you can do better than that!

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

I was worried. Where did you go?

-Walk.

-With Scott?

No.

Haven't you seen him? He called about 7.00.

-Who?

-Scott.

I told you I haven't seen him.

Have you just come in?

No, I'm just going out. To dance.

I don't know whether I ought to leave you here alone.

-Don't be silly - I'm all right!

-Have you been taking your capsules?

-No.

-Why not?

-They're no good.

Maybe you don't take enough.

But be careful - don't take too many.

Look, darling...

Try not to worry so much.

No matter what happens, they can't do a thing without my consent.

And I'll never give that, believe me.

-I know, dear.

-So don't be too scared. We'll never be separated.

You and I are going to be together as long as we live.

Remember that, darling. Always.

Good night, dear.

I won't stay out too late.

Goodbye.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

I'm so glad you came.

Oh, I wondered about how you lived!

I apologise for its neatness,

-but I have no woman around to keep it messed up.

-I'll hold it.

-Something to drink?

-No, thanks.

I hope I didn't alarm you with all that urgency.

I was just puzzled you thought you needed an excuse.

I'd have come anyway, you know that. Sit here.

It wasn't an excuse. I was serious.

It's something I thought we should discuss.

-But has it got to be tonight?

-It's important. It's about Terry.

-You don't like Terry, do you?

-Of course I like her!

-But why?

-But I LOVE you.

-Why?

-Why do I love you?

-Why me and not her?

I'm very curious about that. Why did you choose me instead of her?

What was it you thought you saw in me that you didn't see in her?

How can I answer that? All I know is you're the one I fell in love with.

-What else do I have to know?

-Am I better-looking than she is?

-To me you are.

-Don't laugh!

I'm serious. I want to know what you think the difference is.

For instance, kiss me.

Do you really believe you could tell that from one of Terry's,

or my lips from hers?

I think so.

-Have you ever kissed Terry?

-No.

Then how could you know? How could you say such a thing?

I'm not sure, but I think I'd know in my heart.

-Would you really?

-I think so.

I don't believe it for a second. But I want to ask you anyway

because it's Terry they usually go for.

-She really sends them.

-That's not true.

Of course it's true. Terry's a smart one. I told you that before.

No, no, they don't go for her.

-That's what I want to talk to you about.

-I don't know what you mean.

It's not an easy thing to tell you, but I feel that I should.

Terry's, er... She's not well.

She's sick, inside.

-She needs help from you and from me if possible.

-Sick? How?

She's twisted inside.

Some incident when you were babies, I imagine, that you've both forgotten.

But there's a natural strong rivalry between sisters.

Ever since that incident, whatever it was,

it's grown more and more bitter in her and now it's... It's abnormal.

She needs care and attention.

Terry and I have never been rivals. Never. Not in the slightest.

All women are rivals fundamentally.

But it never bothers them

because they automatically discount the successes of others.

But between sisters, it's a little more serious.

The circumstances are generally about the same.

So they have fewer excuses with which to comfort themselves.

That's why sisters can hate each other with such intensity.

And as for twins, especially identical twins...

You must have some idea what agonies or jealousy are possible.

Go on...

People, men particularly, find it easy enough to like you.

By the grace of God,

you've managed to escape that poison of rivalry and jealousy.

On the surface, there's so little to choose between you.

That is, of course, a lie.

I'm sorry, my dear, but it isn't.

It's the whole history of her case.

By her word as well as yours.

And the lawyer, and that family that want to adopt you but not her.

It's the same story over and again.

Whichever they met first, it was you they preferred.

I've never listened to such nonsense in all my life!

I called you tonight because I want you to talk to her about this.

I want you, as the one nearest and dearest to her,

to persuade her to go to a doctor and put herself under his care.

And if I refuse to insult her with such incredible rot?

You mustn't! It is vitally important.

And if SHE refuses?

If YOU refuse, Terry,

I'm afraid I'll have to tell who killed Frank Peralta...and why.

You can't.

You don't know.

I think I do.

Not that it matters -

there's nothing you'll ever be able to do about it.

-Whatever you guess.

-Shall I remind you anyway?

-If you wish.

Peralta was killed because the same thing happened to you again.

It was Ruth he really loved,

without really knowing she existed.

It was you he courted and finally asked to marry him.

He didn't know there were twins.

All he knew was that the girl at the counter brought him a warmth

that he missed at other times.

That's what puzzled him. That's why he asked about a split personality.

You weren't aware of all this until that night in the apartment

when he spoke of this curious difference in you from time to time.

It was Ruth he was in love with, not you.

You made sure that if you couldn't have his love, neither should Ruth.

Who else have you told this to?

I say, who else have you told this ridiculous story to?

Nobody else so far. And there'll be no need to tell it again,

if only you do as I suggest.

Go to your doctor and be guided by what he says.

I see no necessity for that. There's nothing you can do about it.

-You don't think so?

-No. I'm afraid you've just been wasting your time.

-Haven't you forgotten Ruth?

-Not at all.

You must have! She won't take this "ridiculous story" lightly.

I don't suppose so. She's been behaving so strangely lately

I wouldn't put anything past her.

But I doubt if anybody would take seriously the word of a girl

-who suffers form hallucinations.

-Wait! What do you mean by that?

-Where's Ruth now?

-Look! Are you so sure which one you've kissed?

-Of course I am.

-Look closely. Are you certain?

PHONE RINGS

Hello. ..Speaking.

Have you still got that Terry there with you?

-Could you bring her over yourself?

-DOORBELL

Just a minute.

-Who is that?

-A guy from the hospital.

I'll be with you in a minute. I've got bad news for you.

I got nervous and I decided to come and take a look for myself.

I hate to have to tell you this, but when I got in here...

WHAT?!

No...

All right, Stevenson. I'll be right over.

Ruth's dead.

She's killed herself.

Does that surprise you?

I'm terribly sorry, Doc, but I...

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Miss Collins. Sit here.

Er... May I go in?

I suppose so, if you want to. The examiner's in there.

Can you...tell me what happened?

She took some of this sleeping junk apparently.

-It was empty in the bathroom.

-She's been taking it for three months.

Miss Collins...

I hate to have to ask you questions at a time like this,

-but did she have any reason you know of?

-I'm afraid she did.

-What was it, Miss Collins?

-Her conscience.

-Oh, yeah?

-I don't...

Take your time. I'm not pressing you. I know it's a tough situation.

I'm all right. It's just... I've been under such a strain.

And now this. But she's free now, poor darling.

-I have arrived at some peace too.

-Of course you have.

Make a clean breast of it now. You'll feel better.

She killed him.

She killed him?

She said she didn't, but I know she did. I believed her at first.

I kept on believing her. But now I know she did it.

Take this down. That night, Miss Collins, what happened?

When I got home, she was already in bed, I thought asleep.

She told me not to say anything

-as she knew I knew she'd been out with him.

-You believed her?

Yes, but... There was something the matter with Terry.

She was sick inside. She was twisted.

You mean Ruth?

No, Terry. I'm Ruth!

-It was a kind of deep bitterness.

-Wait... I thought you were Terry.

-No, I'm talking about Terry. I'm Ruth.

-But didn't you...

Didn't I what?

Er, nothing. I'm just a little... Go on.

Then Scott found out about it. Something in those tests.

He told me tonight. He told me she was not right.

That she was sick inside.

Jealousy... That's why she killed him, Scott says.

Didn't know there were two of us. All he knew was...

Just a minute! What are you trying to pull?

-I'm just telling him what you told me, dear.

-Just what you told me.

-But this isn't Ruth. This is Terry!

-We've been over that once tonight.

This is ridiculous. I know her as well as I know myself. It's Terry.

-How do you know?

-How do I know? I've studied them for two months.

I have no difficulty in telling these girls apart.

Can you prove it? She says she's Ruth.

Unless you can prove different...

-Shall I go on?

-You bet. We're getting somewhere.

The tests only showed what I'd known for a long time -

that she hated me. Men find it easy to like me, but not her.

It was the same story over and over again. Whichever they met first...

I'm sorry, dear.

-You're not sore are you?

-Course not!

The reason I didn't explain was I didn't know myself until I got here.

Only then did the idea come to me and it was too late to explain.

All I can say is you aged me ten years. But I forgive you!

-Do you want to know why I got nervous?

-Why?

-Psychological reasons.

-Oh?

I got to thinking what you told me and it occurred to me

Ruth was in more danger than you.

Even a nut can figure out it's simpler to get rid of her rival

than to knock off her boyfriends.

-I take back what I said about the police.

-Thank you, Doc.

MUSIC BOX PLAYS GENTLE MELODY

Novelty department, 9.75, this week only.

MUSIC STOPS

-MUSIC STARTS AGAIN

-Oh!

-Was the mirror me?

-The reflection was...

That's what twins are - reflections of each other. Everything in reverse.

-Now would you answer one question for me?

-What?

Under the circumstances, you'll say it's impossible, but...

Why are you so much more beautiful than your sister?