Night Must Fall : a Play in Three Acts
Contents:
Amidst all the chaos, Hubert tries to convince Olivia to come away with him and be his wife, but she refuses. One night, Mrs Bramson reveals to Olivia that she has hundreds of pounds locked away in a safe in the middle of the living room. Olivia warns her that it is not wise to leave a safe in plain sight, but Mrs Bramson refuses to listen. Later that night, Olivia tries again to confront Dan and he tells her about his past. She tells him why she puts up with her aunt, even saying that she wished she could kill her, to which Dan replies that she probably couldn't.
The two share a brief moment of understanding. They are interrupted by Belsize, a police officer from Scotland Yard who has come to briefly question Olivia and Dan in connection with the murder. While interviewing Dan, Belsize discovers the locked hat box. He asks Dan for the key, but Dan says it is not his. As Belsize grows more persistent and suspicious, Olivia comes in and states that the hat box is hers and puts it in her room. Later that night, the servants get ready to go home. Olivia also says she is leaving to stay with friends in London.
Bramson she is too frightened to stay in the house and warns her to get out of the house too. Bramson again refuses to listen to her niece, thinking she is just being overexcited. As Dora and Mrs. Terrence prepare to leave, Dan decides to accompany them. Bramson is left alone and for the first time, the audience sees that she too is terrified.
Dan soon returns and gets Mrs. Bramson ready for bed. When she drifts off to sleep, he gets a pillow and smothers her to death, although this is not explicitly shown. Dan then opens the safe and steals the money. He prepares to burn the house down, only to be interrupted by Olivia, who has come back and discovered her aunt's dead body. She tells Dan she has figured him out.
Just then, they see the lights of a police car coming to the house. Olivia says that the police must not get in, showing that she has fallen for Dan. Belsize and some other officers arrest Dan. Dora and Mrs Terrence are also present. Olivia tries to implicate herself in the crime, but Dan will not let her, confessing that it was all his own work. Before he is dragged away, he looks in the mirror and talks to himself, proving he is in fact insane. Then he grabs Olivia and passionately kisses her.
The play ran in London for performances. Produced by Sam H. Harris and directed by Emlyn Williams, the play ran for 64 performances. Opening on October 14th , it lasted barely two months amid terrible reviews, not least for Donovan's attempt at a Welsh accent [6] [7]. Smith-Cameron as Olivia Grayne.
A film remake was directed by Karel Reisz from a script by Clive Exton , and starred Albert Finney , Susan Hampshire , and Sheila Hancock , but was not as successful as the original film. He gives it up as a bad job. DORA comes in from the kitchen. I'm not a snob, but, in case you ever call here again, I'd like to point out that though I'm employed by my aunt, I'm not quite in Dora's position. Oh, I hope not She turns away, con fused.
He moves to her. I'm going to marry her. I don't believe you. DAN after a pause: You don't like me, do you? DAN with a smile: Well, everybody else does! Your eyes are set quite wide apart, your hands are quite good I don't really know what's wrong with you. DAN looks at his outspread hands. He breaks it, and goes nearer to her. You know, I've been looking at you too. You're lonely, aren't you?
I'm sorry, it's a waste of time doing your stuff with me. I'm not the type. Crossing to the desk and turning suddenly to him Are you play ing up to Mrs. It crossed my mind for a minute. You stand a pretty poor chance there, you know. DAN after a pause, smiling: What d'you bet me? They say they've got permits to look for that silly woman who are they, I'd like to know? If there's anything I hate, it's these men who think they've got authority.
I don't think they're quite as bad as men who think they've got charm. She goes back into the sun-room. What did she mean by that? Well, it's no good her thinkin' she's got any, is it? Now, young man, what about Dora? Wait a minute Putting his hat on the table and going to her Are you sure you're com fortable like that?
Don't you think, Mrs. Bram- son, you ought to be facin' He moves her chair round till she is in the centre of the room, facing the sun-room] You're looking pale, you know. As she stares at him, putting the stub in an ashtray on the table I am sorry. Excuse rudeness Another thing, Mrs. This October weather's very treacherous.
Did you say pale? His wiles fully turned on, but not overdone in the slightest The minute I saw you just now, I said to myself, now there's a lady that's got a lot to contend with. Oh Well, I have. Nobody knows it better than me. I'm sorry Diffidently I didn't ha' ought to say that. As true as you are my witness, and nobody else Pulling herself together Now look here, about that girl DAN: Excuse me a minute Examining her throat, like a doctor Would you mind savin' something?
What d'you want me to say? There's a funny twitching in your neck when you talkvery slight, of course nerves, I expect But I hope your doctor knows all about it D'you mind if I ask what your ailments are? Hadn't you better sit down? Well, I have the most terrible palpitations. But the way you get about! It's a pretty bad thing to have, you know. D'you know that nine women out of ten in your positioned be just sittin' down givin' way? Yes, they would 1 I do know, as a matter of fact. I've known people with palpitations.
My mother, as a matter of fact With finely controlled emotion, practically in- distinguishable from the real thing, I can just remember her. She died when I was six. I know that, be cause my dad died two years before that. As a matter o' fact MRS. Oh, no, it's a daft thing MRS. It's only fancy, I suppose. As he nods simply, her sentimentality stirring Oh Have you got a son? I haven't anybody at all.
Oh But I don't like to talk too much about my mother. Putting a finger unobtru sively to his eye Makes me feel. And the same palpitations? And the same palpitations. You don't mind me talking about your health, do you? Well, d'you know, you ought to get used to letting other people do things for you. You ought to be very careful. After a pause, eyeing him as he smiles at her You're a funny boy to be a page-boy. Well, now I come to talk to you, you seem so much better class I mean, you know so much of the world DAN: I've knocked about a good bit, you know.
Never had any advantages, but I always tried to do the right thing. I think you de serve better sharply again Talking of the right thing, what about Dora? No, I can stand it. It's the way you talked about your mother. That's what it was. Shall I pack these books? DAN going to her with alacrity, taking the parcel from her: I'm passing Shepperley post office on the bike before post time to-morrow morning.
With pleasure 1 MRS. Have you got to go back? Well, no, not really I've finished on duty now I done that errand, and this is my half day. Well I don't like to impose myself MRS. In the kitchen, of course. Oh, I know MRS. There's plenty of food I Stay to lunch! Well I don't know In the kitchen somewhere. That boy's got understanding. Enough to marry Dora? You ought to learn to be a little less bitter, my dear. Never hook a man if you don't. With him and that Dora, I'm not so sure it wasn't six of one and half a dozen of the other.
I know human nature, and, mark my word, that boy's going to do big things. A scurry in the garden. They've got it in the papers! First time I ever 'eard of Shep perley being in print before hi! She races out of the front door. Running around the house shout ing like a lunatic I Sensation mad! DORA runs in from kitchen. They've got it in the papers 1 MRS. Oh, I expect it's nothink after all.
Here it is Reading "Disappeared mysteriously I should think she is. I can't find it! Oh yes It's the 'eadline in this one. Those men have done rummaging in the garden, anyway. I must go this minute and have a look at ray pampas grass. And if they've dam aged it I'll bring an action. Fancy Shepperley bein' in print. Wheel me out, and don't talk so much. I could talk me 'ead off and not talk as much as some people I could mention.
She spreads her paper on the table and finds DAN'S hat under it. She picks it up and looks at it ; DAN comes in from the kitchen with a ball of tangled string, a cigarette between his lips.
NIGHT MUST FALL A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
He is about to take the books into the kitchen, when he sees her. He crosses to her. Excuse me Taking the hat from her, cheerfully I think I'll hang it in the hall, same as if I was a visitor He does so, then takes up the books, sits on the sofa, and begins to unravel the string. It's not for me to say. As I told you before, I'm really a servant here. You're not a very ordinary servant, though, are you?
The humming gradually resolves itself into faint singing. Singing "I'm a pretty little feller. She turns her head and looks at him. The Curtain begins to fall slowly. The weather is a little duller. She has smartened up her appear ance in the interval and is wearing purple, and earrings. OLIVIA is sitting opposite her, smoking a cigarette, a pencil and pad on the table in front of her; she is pondering and writing. A portable gramophone on a small table next the desk is playing the H.
Is my cigarette worrying you? DAN enters from the kitchen, keeping time to the music, carrying a bunch of roses, wearing overalls over flannel trousers and a brown golf jacket, and smoking. He crosses to the gramophone, still in rhythm, MRS. His hand to his forehead That's me! Leave me alone, and don't interfere. DAN makes a quick movement and puts one card on another. No, that's a spade. No such thing ; it's a club. It's got a wiggle on it. They both got wiggles on 'em. Pointing to another card This is a club. Oh yes, dear, so it is!
The ironmonger says there were two extra gallons of paraffin not paid for. And they won't be paid for either --not if I have to go to law about it. DAN sits on the left of the table, where "East Lynne" is open on the table. I'm sick of patience. DAN turns back the page and surveys what he has been reading, scratching his head. Them men's in the wood again. The men lookin' for that Mrs. DAN hums "Dames" under his breath. You don't mean to tell me they're still at it? But they've been pottering about since Dan left the Tallboys? DORA stressing a little bitterly: This 1 She holds out her left arm and lets fall from her fist the length of a soiled belt.
Yes, of course, it's mine! I missed it last week MRS. Oh yes, I thought I recognised it What nonsense I DAN looks at her, chuckling. I'm ever so disap pointed She goes into the kitchen. She'll be joining Scotland Yard next Go on, dear. Clapping his hands, to MRS. He hurries to the medicine cupboard and pours medicine into a spoon.
Dora's found a belt! I say, what a shame 1. All this sensation- mong DAN drowns her speech by deftly pouring the spoonful of medicine down her throat. He pushes her chocolate-box towards her, and strides briskly into the hall. Good for you, though, the way you are MRS. Yes, dear, DAN coming into the room, and beginning to take off his overalls]: Have you got my pills? I got them in my pocket. I got them in my pocket too. Here's your hat better put it on yourself. And here's your shawl. It isn't a shawl, it's a cape.
Well, I don't know, do I? And I carry your rug on my shoulder To the others See you later! Shutting the front door, his voice dying as the chair passes the left window. Down this way to-day A pause. What do you think of him? Grannie's white-headed boy, you mean? A bit slow on the uptake, of course. I wish he'd occasionally take that fag-end out of his mouth.
That's why he's made such a hit with her. Funny I haven't been able to manage it. In two weeks, too. I think it's clever. What do we know about him? He looks pretty honest. It's rather frightening to think what a face can hide. I sometimes catch sight of one looking at me. Careful lips, and blank eyes And then I find I'm staring at myself in the glass. Windows, with blinds, and behind them. What's behind his eyes?
After a pause, with a smile You're quite right, it is morbid. D'you think he's a thief or something? I know he is! But he's acting pretty well, because I don't know how I know He's walking about here all day, and talking a little, and smiling, and smoking cigarettes Impenetrable. What's he thinking of? Vehemently He is thinking of something! DAN enters from the front door and smiles broadly at them.
Anybody seen my lady's pills? They're in the top drawer of the desk. He salutes her, goes to the desk, and takes out the pills. Is she feeling oi: DAN on his way to the front door: She's never been on it, man! To hear her go on you'd think the only thing left is artificial respiration, And chocolates Laughing, and calling Coming! He goes, shutting the front door behind him.
No, really you have to laugh! But what youVe just seen. He's not being himself for a minute it's all put on for our benefit. D'you know, I think you're in love with him.
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I was only joking. He's common and insolent, and I dislike him intensely. What'll you 'ave for tea, scones or crumpets? What d'you think of Dan? Oh, 'e's all right. Bit of a mystery. Terrible liar, o' course. But then a lot of us are. Told me he used to 'unt to 'ounds and 'ave 'is own pack. Before 'e went up in the world and went as a page-boy, I suppose. He wouldn't try that on with us, but couldn't resist it with her. I wonder how soon the old girlll get his number? Oh, but fair play, we're talk ing about the chap as if he were the most terrible MRS. Why, what's 'e done?
I don't know, but I feel so strongly Oh, she won't know anything. Did somebody say Dora? Has Dan said any more about marry ing you? She 'asn't brought it up again, either,. Does he talk to you at all? I've never really spent any time in 'is company, you see. What's your idea of him? Oh Moving to the centre of the room 'E's all right. Takes 'is fun where 'e finds it.
And leaves it Cracks 'imself up, you know. They stare at her. I'm sure of it. That's just it and then he's suddenly so That "mighty-lak-a-rose" thing, you mean? It's more than that. I've kept on saying to myself: No, murder's a thing we read about in the papers ; it isn't real life ; it can't touch us, After a pause, rising decisively Bring his luggage in here, will you, Mrs. Wide-eyed, she goes into the kitchen, followed by DORA.
We may never have the house to ourselves again. She runs to each window and looks out across the forest. DORA follows, lugging an old-fashioned thick leather hat-box. They look, almost afraid. DORA moves to the back of the table. A clean pair of socks. Half ticket to Shepperley Palais de Danse. Oh, it's a proper 'aunt 1 DORA: Oh, 'ere's a pocket-book. She gives the letter to MRS. Look here, this is going a bit too far you can't do this to a chap MRS. Don't be silly, dear, your wife'll do it to you 'undreds of times Sniffing the note- paper Pooh Reading, as they crane over her shoulder "Dear Baby-Face my own.
What awful writing MRS. Next time you strike Newcastle, O. Bus ticket to Thorburton, some snaps. Here's a group Look, Hubert. This wench is rather fetching. The impudence, 'er being taken in a bathing-suit I. He's not in this one, is 'e? In front of the tall man You remember the photograph of her in the Mirror?
It's awful to think she may be dead. Looks ever so sexy, doesn't she? The little Eton collar Oh, dear Wait a minute, wasn't there another one? Oh, this ; yes But it looks so extraordi nary She gives a sudden gasp. They look at her. She is staring at the box. I don't know Suppose there is some thing. They stare at her, -fascinated by her thought. The front door bangs. They are elec trified into action: He goes briskly to the table. She wants to sit in the sun now and have a bit of East Lynne. Talk about changin' your mind He sees the suitcases on the table before him, and is motionless and silent.
The oth ers dare not move. He finally breaks the situa tion, takes up "East Lynne" from the table, and walks slowly back to the front door. His manner is normal too nor mal. Could I have it back, please? It's the only one I got Handing him the pocket-book. Thank you very much. Did you see the picture of me when I was a little fellow?
It was in the inside of my wallet. Where I should be keeping my money, only any bit of money I have I always keep on me. I only keep one ten-bob note in this wal let, for emergencies Looking That's funny. The others look blankly at one another. I expect I dropped it somewhere What did you think of the letter? You got in your hand. Well, I didn't er DAN: Means well, does Lil ; but we had a row. Taking back the letter She would spy on me.
And if there's anythin' I hate, it's spyin'. I'd sooner have anythin' than a spy. He is arranging his property in his wallet. What what did you say? Bar a murderer, o' course. Talking of murder, do you know anything about Mrs. Chalfont's where abouts at the moment? DAN turns to her, and for the first time sees the hat-box. You can't pretend you've never heard of her. Chalfont's whereabouts 1 I thought she said her name was Mrs. I've nothin' to go on, but I think she's been. What are you looking at me for? Yes, I was, as a matter of fact.
What in God's name are you getting at? DAN smiles and shrugs his shoulders regretfully at him, and goes out through the front door. Are you sure you didn't do it, sir? I'm going out for a breath of air. He takes his hat and stick as he goes through the hall. I won't say any more. I know how silly it sounds. DORA runs into the kitchen, snivelling. The way you worked us all up! Doesn't it all go to show She hears DAN return, and looks round appre hensively.
He goes to the table slowly and looks at the two suitcases. Would you mind please givin' me a hand with the tidyin' up? Taking up the suitcases And carryin' the other one? Going into the kitchen, fol lowed by MRS. He looks at her, his eyes narrowed. Studying her, he takes from a pocket of his jacket a formidable-looking clasp-knife, un clasps it, and tests the blade casually with his fingers.
Did you do it? He whittles at the stick. You wouldn't be bad-lookin' without them glasses. It doesn't interest me very much what I look like. Don't you believe it Surveying the shavings in the hearth Teh! Clumsy Looking round, and seeing a newspaper lying on the table Ah He crosses to the table. Smiling, with the suspicion of a mock-bow Ex cuse me He unfolds the newspaper on the table and begins to whittle the stick over it.
You're very conceited, aren't you? And you are acting all the time, aren't you? DAN staring at her, as if astonished: Leaning over the table, on both arms Look at the way I can look you in the eyes. It's a very blank look, though, isn't it? You are acting, aren't you? DAN after a pause, in a whisper, almost joy fully: And what are you like when you stop acting?
I dunno, it's so long since I stopped.
And if paralysis pops up, let me know. Articles needing additional references from August All articles needing additional references Commons category link is on Wikidata. Between the hall and the right window, an occasional table. Though I never seem to get 'old of what 'e's thinking, somehow MRS. I was only joking.
But when you're alone? Then I act more than ever I do. Sitting in the chair, facing her Just for a change Why can't you take a bit of an interest in some other body but me? I'm not interested in you. Only you don't talk. That's bound to make peo ple wonder. I can talk a lot sometimes. A drop o' drink makes a power o' difference to me. Chuckling You'd be surprised Ah He returns to his work. I wonder if I would DAN: I think I can diagnose you all right.
You haven't any feelings She has struck home. But you live in a world of your own A world of your own imagination. I don't understand so very well, not bein' so very liter-er-airy. You follow me perfectly well. He shrugs his shoulders, laughs, and goes on whittling. D'you still think there's been a bit o' dirty work?
I don't know what to think now. DAN intent on his work, his back to the audi ence: What on earth do you mean? Yes, I suppose I am. Oh, I don't know. Because nothing much has ever hap pened to me, and it's a dull day, and it's the depths of the country I don't know A piercing scream from the bottom of the garden. Danny 1 The clatter of footsteps in the garden. DORA runs in from the hall, breathless and terrified. There's something sticking out. DAN rises slowly, his back to the audience. Horror grows in her face. The blare of music. The lights dim out. The music fades away.
OLIVIA is seated above the table snipping long cuttings from news papers and pasting them into a ledger. A knock at the front door. If it's them police again, I'll bash their helmets in with this. If it lands me three months, I will. They're from Scotland Yard, and they don't wear helmets. Then they're going to get 'urt. Going into the hall I can tell by their looks what they think. And they better not think it, neither. And what do they think? They think it's me. I know they think it's me. She goes into the hall and opens the front door. Coming back into the room It's a civilian for a change.
I say, this is all getting pretty terrible, isn't it? There's one word for it ; it's terrible. Forty-eight hours since they found 'er.
They'll never get J im now. There was another charabanc load just after two o'clock. All standin' round the rubbish-'eap eatin' sandwiches. Sensation, that's what it is. Would you like some food, Hubert? They're still looking for the 'ead. Mangled, she was, mangled Did you see your name in the Express, sir? I er did catch a glimpse of it, yes. Little did you think, sir, when you was digging that pit for my rubbish, eh?
I have to sit in my kitchen and think about it. Then why don't you leave? How can I leave, with the whole village waitin' on me to tell 'em the latest? Going towards the kitchen I 'eard 'er 'ead must have been off at one stroke. She wasn't interfered with, though. How they all love it. How's the old lady bearing up in the old invalid chair, eh? She's bursting out of it with health. And loving it more than anybody. This is my latest job a press-cutting book.
There was a picture of her in the Chronicle yesterday; she bought twenty-six copies.
Night Must Fall : a Play in Three Acts by Emlyn Williams
Shell get to be lieve she did it herself in the end Is she in? She's gone over to Breakerly to inter view a local paper. The lad pushing the go-cart? He's the devoted son all right, isn't he? I don't talk to him much. Going to the left window I wonder if they'll ever nab him? What do you mean?
The fellow who did it Wonder what he's doing now. Damn clever job, you know, quietly That was a rum touch, finding that broken lip stick in the rubbish-heap You know, the fact they still have no idea where this woman's head is OLIVIA convulsively: It's a bit of a strain. I I couldn't afford it. But you could, if you married me!
Now, look here Going to her You said you'd tell me to-day. So here I am er popping the question again. There's nothing much to add, except to go over the old ground again, and say that I'm not what you'd call a terribly brainy chap, but I am straight. Though, again, I'm not the sort that gets into corners with a pipe and never opens his mouth from one blessed year's end to the other.
An all-round chap, really that's me.
Night Must Fall: a Play in Three Acts [Emlyn Williams] on www.farmersmarketmusic.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Night Must Fall: a Play in Three Acts by Emlyn Williams Centre back, a small hall; in its left side the front door of the house (throughout the play, "left" and "right".
I'm sorry, Hubert, but I can't. I've thought it over since then, and I'm afraid I can't. Nothing's changed me, Hubert. I've just, thought the matter over, that's all. He crosses towards the fireplace. Is it another man? Collecting herself What man could I possibly meet, cooped up here? DAN in the garden: He is as serene as ever, but more ani mated than before.
He is dressed the same as in the previous scene, and is smoking his usual cigarette. DAN hanging up her rug in the hall: I put your gloves away MRS. DAN sitting beside her on the sofa, full of high spirits: Oh, Danny, you are a terror! To the others He's been at me like this all the way. I must say it keeps me alive. DAN as she hands him her hat and cape: But you feel dead.
Oh, you caution I You'll be the death of me! DAN wagging his finger at her: Hang ing up her things in the hall Now what'd you like a drop of in your tea gin, whisky, liqueur, brandy, or a nice dollop of sailor's rum, eh? Just listen to him! Now don't make me laugh, dear, because there's always my heart. DAN sitting beside her again: You've lost your heart, you know you have, to the little feller that pushes your pram you know you have! Her laugh cut short It's wicked to laugh, with this this thing all round us. As she shivers Not in a draught, are you?
Laurie, me pulling your leg about you havin' done it? I think I better get the tea before I get into hot water. He goes towards the kitchen. Terence is getting the tea. DAN at the door: She don't make tea like me. I'm an old sailor, Miss Grayne.
Don't you for get that. He goes into the kitchen. I'm not interested, I'm afraid. Look here, Olivia, you're downright rude to that boy, and if there's one thing that never gets a woman anywhere, it's rudeness. What have you got against him? Surely he's got more to say for him self to-day than when I met him before?
Oh, he's been in rare spirits all day. Johnny Walker, judging by the whiff of breath I got just now. I've never heard you make a joke be fore, Hubert. Didn't realise it was one till I'd said it. It's not a joke ; it's a libel. The boy's a teetotaller. Sorry ; my mistake. Shall I wait for you in your bedroom?
I feel absolutely dead. NURSE turning at the bedroom, eagerly: Any thing new re the murder? I believe her head was cut off at one stroke. Oh, poor thing She goes into the bedroom. DAN returns from the kitchen, carrying a tray of tea and cakes. There you are, fresh as a daisy. Three lumps, as per usual, and some of the cakes you like MRS.
Thank you, dear Let me smell your breath. After smelling it Clean as a whistle. Smells of pep permints. There were some in the kitchen. So you won't stay to tea, Mr. I think I'll get off before it's dark. He opens the press-cutting ledger. Funny how the evenings draw in this time of year.
Night Must Fall : a Play in Three Acts by Emlyn Williams - Free Ebook
She goes to the right window-seat. Johnny Walker, indeed 1 Imper tinence! DAN drinking tea and scanning press-cuttings: Never you mind, dear Any more of those terrible people called? There's a defi-nite fallin 1 off in attendance to-day. Hush, don't talk like that, dear. And don't call me "mum"! Well, if I can't call you Mrs.