The Black Castle Page #2

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Now that's too bad.

It could very well be for you, sir.

I've seen strange things happen

when the count was antagonized.

Perhaps it would be wise for you to turn back.

Turn back?

I wouldn't think of it.

Oh, the count might possibly overlook

my winging his friend, but he'd never

forgive my turning down his invitation.

Very well, sir.

We leave for the Black Castle

in the morning.

You'll pardon my saying so, sir,

but you do have a faculty

for getting into things.

Question is,

can you always get out?

[Carriage Approaching]

[Driver Shouting Commands]

[Barking]

[Barking Continues]

Follow me, sir.

Would you wait here, sir.

I'll announce you

[Man Screams]

[Yelps, Groans]

Doctor, you're an expert

on medical science.

Isn't it true that the ancient Romans

were pain worshippers?

Oh, yes, Herr Count.

They even held

endurance contests.

It was a mark of distinction

to suffer in... silence.

[Yelps, Groans]

[Strained]

Oh, no.!

Do you hear that, Stieken?

[Whimpers]

I'm not an ancient Roman!

Herr Count,

Mr. Beckett is here.

Well, bring him in.

This should

amuse him too.

Oh! You idiot!

You call yourself a doctor?

And you

[Yelps]

You call yourself a man?

[Wheezes]

You might at least

have warned us, Karl.

Warned you? Of what,

that he could outduel both of you?

But he's an Englishman.

Have you forgotten so soon?

Karl's new bride has turned his mind

to more tender thoughts,

hasn't she, Karl?

Count von Bruno?

I'm Richard Beckett.

I am honored, sir.

I want you to know how much

I appreciate your invitation, Herr Count.

That will be all,

Herr Count?

Yes, you can go.

I understand you have met

my friends Counts, uh, Stieken

and von Melcher?

Yes, briefly.

They found they had to leave

rather unexpectedly.

[Door Closes]

I had no opportunity

to thank you gentlemen

for the excellent sport we had.

It broke the monotony

of a very boring journey.

Well, good. That calls for drinks,

doesn't it, Stieken?

I understand you've never hunted

in the Black Forest.

Unfortunately not,

but I'm looking forward

to something new and exciting.

Well, I hope you find

what you want here.

[Burton]

I'm sure I shall.

You've had a tiring journey,

Mr. Beckett. Sit down.

I, uh

I've planned this hunt for a long time.

Have you ever killed a leopard?

A leopard?

In the Black Forest?

Oh, he's a stranger here too, like yourself.

I, uh, imported him from Africa

just for this occasion.

And his trip to the Black Forest

can end only with his death

hardly the proper treatment

for a visitor, Karl.

Do you mean there's an African leopard

roaming around loose in these woods?

Oh, no, no. He's quite safe...

at the moment.

And, uh, quite hungry, no doubt.

Of course, you've hunted

in Africa, Mr. Beckett.

No. As a matter of fact, I haven't.

Tell me more about this leopard.

It intrigues me. Could I possibly see it?

Perhaps... after dinner

when the smell of food

is strong on us.

[Heavy Door Bangs]

[Von Bruno]

Show Mr. Beckett and his man to their rooms,

Gargon. They'll want to freshen up.

My other guests

will be arriving shortly.

- Anything wrong, man?

- Oh, don't mind Gargon.

He's, uh, suffered an experience

which makes him rather suspicious

of strangers, particularly Englishmen.

Gargon, the trunk.

I think you made a mistake bringing

the Englishman here, Karl.

It would have been a bigger mistake

to refuse the emperor's request.

That alone would have

aroused his suspicion.

No, Mr. Beckett

will serve his purpose.

There are guards and servants everywhere.

You will have to be very careful, sir.

Didn't like the way

Gargon looked at me.

Could he have recognized you?

It's possible,

but I don't remember him.

But then, I never had any actual

contact with von Bruno's followers

when my men routed them.

May I ask

what you intend to do, sir?

I wish I knew.

There's a dungeon under the castle.

I'm going to get down there somehow.

If Sterling and Brown are alive,

they may be imprisoned there.

And if they're

Dead?

They could be buried there.

I may find something

that belonged to them.

I wish I could help you, sir,

but I'm afraid I wouldn't know

what to look for.

Frankly, neither do I.

[Knocking Quietly]

[Shuffling Footsteps

Departing]

[Woman]

Are you looking for something?

Uh, y-yes. I, uh I am. I

I'm afraid this'll sound rather silly,

but, uh, I was looking for the count.

I seemed to have got lost.

The count?

Yes, I know, but it's the truth.

I was diverted by this cupboard.

Ever since I was a small boy,

cupboards have fascinated me.

I can't resist them. The

you know, the mystery of the unknown,

"keep out, don't touch"

that sort of thing.

That could prove

a very dangerous compulsion.

Yes, I suppose so.

But we learn a great deal about people

from their possessions, don't we?

Do we?

You must be the Englishman.

I'm Richard Beckett,

at your service.

I'm the Countess Elga von Bruno.

I had no idea the count

had such a beautiful daughter.

I happen to be his wife.

Oh, forgive me. I'm sorry.

Sorry?

Well, I

I seem to have got lost again.

Then come with me.

I'll show you the way to the count,

if that's where

you were going.

Thank you, Countess.

Hmm.

[Roaring]

[Growling]

[Growling, Roaring]

He knows we're here.

He's hungry for company.

[Continues Growling Low]

Well?

Please, Karl, must I go on?

My wife doesn't share

my love of sport.

But she will eventually,

won't you, my darling?

You call it sport to starve a poor beast

and release him to be killed?

What chance has he?

What chance?

[Roars]

You'll have your answer

when you see him.

You do want to see him, don't you?

[Gasps]

Yes. Yes, of course, Karl.

[Growling Continues]

[Roars]

There, Beckett.

Have you ever seen

a more magnificent creature?

Look at him.

Can you imagine what those fangs

could do to a man

how those claws

could rip flesh from bone?

Do you still think a battle with him

would be one-sided, my dear?

[Yells, Laughs]

[Chuckles]

[Yells]

You'd like to fight him yourself,

wouldn't you, Gargon?

Ah!

Can you picture such a struggle

an unarmed man against a king of the jungle?

[Growling Continues]

It's quite an idea, isn't it, Beckett?

I'm afraid I ate too much dinner

to appreciate the picture.

Perhaps the countess

could show me the way back?

Very well.

Remember, it was your idea

to come down here.

You may take Mr. Beckett back, Elga.

Perhaps your company will be

ample reward for his... gallantry.

Gargon and I will stay awhile.

Gargon.

[Breathing Heavily]

[Roaring Continues]

[Gargon Yells]

I want to thank you.

Thank me? What for?

For letting him think

you were afraid.

Oh. Well, it didn't fool him.

You heard what he said.

It was still very thoughtful of you.

Tell me.

Why did he force you

to come along?

Because he knows

I can't stand brutality.

He knows how I feel

about all his activities.

You see,

I wasn't brought up this way.

My father was a teacher,

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