From Hell Script - Dialogue Transcript
Transcript written by and used with the courtesey of Angela Sugden
Man
Get out of here!
Woman
You're taking all our money again.
Man
That's better.
Woman
You'll feel better when you get home.
Kate
There's one over there.
Mary
Night, Polly.
Polly
Gonna be a long night, Mary.
Mary
Too bloody long.
Annie
It's quiet isn't it? You had any luck?
Mary
Not much, love.
Man
Give you a penny for a suck.
Mary
Piss off.
Liz
Hi. Where's Kate?
Mary
Across the street.
Geordie
Miss?
Mary
Yeah?
Geordie
It's Mary isn't it?
Mary
What you want?
Geordie
Shut your hole bitch.
Mary
I know you. You're Geordie from Nichol Street.
McQueen
Do you remember me, Mary Kelly?
Mary
I'd never for get you, McQueen. Will you stop that now? Buttons are hard to come by.
McQueen
What does a whore need buttons for? I warned you and your friends. Payment was due Monday.
Mary
I'm working, ain't I? We all are.
McQueen
And I am making sure that no-one troubles you. I'm providing a service, Mary Kelly. And I expect to be paid. . . or else you will be very troubled. Now, you tell your five friends they bring me my money by tomorrow, or this friend of mine here will be your next customer.
Kate
You're bloody filthy this morning.
Martha
I bleeding stink.
Kate
What'd you get up to last night?
Martha
You don't even want to know about it.
Polly
Give us a look.
Ann
Mary. Thank God I found you. He's coming. Albert's coming today. Well, I need you to look after the baby.
Kate
Let's have a hold.
Ann
I'm so proud of her. I love her to bits.
Mary
She's the most gorgeous little girl.
Martha
Isn't she beautiful?
Ann
She's lovely, in't she?
Liz
I'll be seeing you in a bit.
Annie
Get us a jar of gin will you? You look fine Ann. Must be nice having a rich man looking after you.
Martha
She has your eyes and her father's brow. Don't you think?
Kate
Oh yeah.
Mary
She is a perfect love, but, but Ann, we're all in, in a terrible way for money. The Nichols gang. . .
Annie
They want our blood. Know what they said they're gonna do to us?
Kate
Don't start that now.
Ann
Oh what, what's she saying?
Mary
They want a pound a week from each of us.
Kate
You count yourself lucky my dear. Good an lucky that you got a wealthy man to take care of you.
Mary
We need four pound to pay 'em, so we can't spare the time.
Ann
I'll get the four pounds from Albert.
Mary
He might say no, Ann. I can't take a chance.
Ann
Oh he won't. I know he won't. He's been in France on business. He wrote, he sold a lot of his paintings. He's sure to have full pockets and feel generous.
Mary
To you perhaps, but. . .
Ann
I'll ask for meself. I'll get you the four pounds. I promise, Mary.
Officer Belt
I'm not going to hurt you, Netley. Remember me? Remember who I am? Your charge will be coming down sooner than expected. Much sooner than expected. Be a good man, Netley. Get him home quickly. Quickly and quietly. Understood? Well said, Netley. Very well said. Take them out.
Albert
What is the meaning of this? Kidney, what in God's name are you doing?
Ann
Albert! Albert!
Kidney
I want this room in pieces.
Albert
I demand an explanation.
Martha
It's Albert.
Belt
Go. Go.
Ann
Albert! Get off me. Please, no.
Belt
Go.
Kidney
Who knows?
Ann
I didn't know. I swear, I didn't. How can I tell anyone else?
Kidney
Who knows? Who knows?
Martha
I don't know, I don't know they could be. Albert must have mixed in with something terrible.
Mary
She's hungry and cold, poor thing. I've got to take her to 'em. I've got to take her to Ann's parents.
Martha
You go. Leave baby Alice with them. I'll get to work, and I'll meet you later at the Ten Bells.
Coroner
Notice something, Inspector?
Chinese Man
I pay. I already pay.
Godley
I'm not after you, Emperor. Where is he? Move it. Go on. Get up. Get up!
Abberline
Hello, darling. Sergeant. It's night.
Godley
Well spotted, Inspector Abberline. Indeed it is night. Our genius has returned to us. Thank you gentlemen. And remember, if you ever wish to escape the dreary confines of your present duties. . . this never happened. Cut along now.
Abberline
Have I lost a day?
Godley
No, Inspector. Indeed, it's only four hours since you left here. Oh, deepest apologies for the rude awakening.
Abberline
I suspect you enjoyed that.
Godley
'I must be cruel only to be kind,' as the poet said. Although, I would happily wallop you every time you chase the dragon.
Abberline
Well, I had a neaking suspicion you might interrupt.
Godley
You've seen something. What did you see?
Abberline
A petticoat saturated with blood.
Godley
You know, they used to burn men like you alive. Sometime this evening a bangtail was murdered in George Yard.
Abberline
That doesn't sound much out of the ordinary.
Godley
'Twas the way she was done, Inspector. 'Twas the way the bangtail was done that cries out for a man of your talents.
Police Surgeon
Her name was Martha Tabram. I don't know what sort of name Tabram is. It sounds foreign to me.
Abberline
This is not what I saw.
Godley
Not the woman of your dreams? Are you sure? Show him.
Police Surgeon
You show him. Why do I have to be exposed to this degradation over and over again? I've looked at the mess twice.
Godley
Before he cut her throat, he removed her livelihood as a keepsake.
Sir William
Gentlemen, we are indeed fortunate today, to be able to observe an entirely new approach to the treatment of insanity. Oh, Dr. Ferral, I was just saying to my colleagues, we're here in the hope that you'll permit us to observe this new treatment of yours.
Dr. Ferral
I wasn't expecting such distinguished visitors, Sir William. But you're all welcome, of course. I'm ready to begin right now in fact.
Sir William
Who is your patient?
Dr. Ferral
Ann Crook. An unfortunate, Sir William, who's hysterical and violent. And has severe delusions of persecution.
Sir William
Poor girl, er, do please proceed Dr. Ferral. Gentlemen. We have one tap above, and one into the left lobe. And, one on the right, and this unlucky patient's dementia will no longer take a violent form. Thanks to this simple procedure, we can now permanently alleviate the poor girl's suffering.
Mary
God forgive me. What could I do? I had to leave the baby with Ann's parents.
Annie
Rich man. Thought he was gonna take care of Ann. Knew that was too bloody good to be true.
Kate
They're gonna kill us. They're gonna kill every one of us.
Liz
Who is this Albert then anyway? Who is he?
Polly
Oh for God's sake! Who cares about Albert and Ann's troubles? What are we gonna do? We can't stay clear of the Nichols boys for ever.
Liz
You know they say they held poor Martha down, and watched her bleed until she passed out. Then they cut her throat.
Mary
McQueen is mad. He enjoys hurting women, that's what I think.
Polly
That's insane that they want four pound. How're we gonna get four pound?
Kate
Not with my old cunny. I'd be lucky to get four-pence.
Barkeeper
Oy, oy, oy. Behave yourselves, or bugger off.
Liz
Yeah, and you can bugger off 'anorl.
Kate
We work girls. We work the streets harder than ever, right? Right?
Polly
All right. We can do it here, but hurry up. The bobbies are tracking us tonight.
Man
All right. Gotta get the old man hard first, haven't I?
Polly
Give it here. I'll put it in meself.
Man
Oh, oh, that's nice. Is that in?
Polly
Of course it is. Come on.
Man
No it's not. You got it stuck between your bleedin' legs.
Polly
No I haven't. Come on. Get a move on.
Man
I knows it when I feels it.
McQueen
That's mine, Polly. That's my money. I could pop your eye out. The customers wouldn't mind. They don't mind if a whore can see.
Police Officer
Ere, what's that you got there?
McQueen
What've I got 'ere? What have I got here, Constable? Only a little thing. Only a little thing to you, but a great thing to me.
Police Officer
Move! Or I'll bash that smart mouth.
McQueen
You're a dead woman.
Liz
Ah, lovey. He won't bother you again tonight.
Annie
Yeah, that's right, look. One for the Nichols, yeah? And one for me.
Liz
Aah, come here. Come here. Ssshh. Hey, we'll work the streets together. I'll keep my eye on you love, eh?
Polly
Oh, you pig! You disgusting pig!
Liz
Yeah, I'm a pig. I'm what's wrong with the world. Be on your own then.
Polly
Oh! No!
Liz
You don't want the company of a pig! What the fuck are you looking at?
Ripper
Thirsty?
Polly
That was the thing that was in my dream. What's it called again?
Ripper
Cleopatra's needle.
Polly
Cleopatra. She was a beauty wasn't she?
Ripper
It was carved fifteen hundred years before the son of God was born. Six men died to bring it here, from Egypt.
Police Officer
May the good Lord have mercy.
Old Man
She was like that when I found her. All murdered.
Woman
What kind of monster did this?
Godley
The boys have made their rounds of the taverns and the delightful domiciles that make up this charming little street. Will it surprise you to learn that nobody heard a sound?
Abberline
Her throat was cut, but there's no arterial spray on the wall. She was killed somewhere else. It rained last night, didn't it?
Godley
Hu-hu.
Abberline
She's dry. She was brought here in a carriage or something. Her throat must have been cut in the carriage. I imagine they stopped it just over there.
Godley
They? There's more than one then?
Abberline
Most definitely.
Godley
This was all in your vision? Jesus! So, definitely more than one person. It has to be a message from the Nichols boys. Am I right? What the hell? That's grapes, isn't it? What the hell would a bangtail be doing with grapes? I'd like to give them an answer.
Abberline
What are you talking about?
Godley
The Nichols boys. I would welcome the opportunity to give them an answer to their bloody message.
Abberline
There is most definitely a message here. You're right about that.
Godley
What am I wrong about?
Abberline
Martha Tabram was raped, tortured and killed. That's cruel. But I've seen that sort of cruelty in the East End before. This is methodical. The butchery is irrational, yet, meticulous and deliberate. Altogether a different breed of killer. As soon as possible, I'd like to know what he took.
Police Surgeon
What? What do you mean 'what he took'?
Abberline
Didn't you notice?
Police Surgeon
What?
Abberline
He's taken at least one of her organs.
Police Surgeon
Oh, no.
Abberline
I want every vetinarian, butcher, furrier in the district interviewed.
Withers
Furrier, what did he do, sir? Skin her?
Godley
Pipe down, Withers. When the Inspector is talking, you are listening, do you understand?
Withers
Yes, sergeant.
Abberline
He disembowled her. After he cut her throat, stabbed her in the chest. . . cut open her stomach, and er, took out her intestines. At least one of her organs was removed. I'm waiting for the police surgeon's report for more details.
Sir Charles
I see. Well, one thing's for certain, an Englishman didn't do it. Maybe one of these, Red Indians, wandered into Whitechapel and indulged his natural inclinations.
Abberline
With all due respect, sir, I believe this was done by someone with at least a working knowledge of dissection. Either an educated man, such as a doctor. . .
Sir Charles
An educated man? That's preposterous. No well-bred man would do this. Probably a tradesman, or a butcher.
Abberline
A tradesman is a possibility, sir. But, there's a strong indication against it. There was a sprig of grapes found under her body.
Sir Charles
What are you driving at?
Abberline
No one, in Whitechapel, no matter what their trade, could afford grapes. Obviously, they were given to her by the killer. And it follows that he must be someone with money.
Sir Charles
What about the Jews? A Jew butcher? Or a Jew tailor might have money. There are plenty of them in Whitechapel.
Abberline
Well, sir, for the state of public safety in general, I'd like to be careful about spreading the rumours that it might be a Jew.
Sir Charles
Inspector, I know your reputation for making brilliant guesses that turn out to be right. Someone told me you claim to dream the answers. Frankly, it doesn't matter to me what your methods are. But be certain you don't proceed without proof. Is that clear?
Abberline
Of course, sir.
Sir Charles
Personally I don't care. The fewer pinch-pricks on the streets, the better. But the sooner you find this butcher or tailor. . . the sooner we can all celebrate your promotion. Keep me informed.
Man 1
Every cellar, every stable. We'll find him out.
Man 2
It's the bleeding Jews. Let's kill them.
Victoria
I have wonderful news.
Abberline
Tell me.
Victoria
Surely you of all people, can guess.
Abberline
I don't want to guess with you.
Victoria
Dr. Marbury says. . .
Abberline
Dr.Marbury says?
Victoria
Dr. Marbury, says I'm going to have your child.
Godley
Aye, to die, and go we know not where. To lie in cold obstruction and rot.
Abberline
A simple 'rest in peace' would suffice.
Godley
Yes, sir.
Vicar
In the midst of life we are in death, of whom may we seek for succour but of Thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased? Yet O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty.
Abberline
Good afternoon, ladies. I'm Inspector Abberline. This is Sergeant Godley. We're investigating the murders of Polly Nichols and Martha Tabram.
Gosley
Yes, we understand that they were both friends of you, ladies. Close friends. We were rather hoping you'd be able to help us out.
Liz
Don't know nothing.
Annie
Me neither.
Kate
Why are you bothering us? You ought to be bothering McQueen.
Abberline
Is eh the boss of Nichol Street?
Mary
He's only the heart and soul of the gang. Isn't it your job to be knowing that small detail?
Abberline
And what makes you think McQueen did this to your friends then?
Kate
Can't prove nothing by me.
Abberline
You're Mary Kelly. Is that right?
Mary
That's right.
Abberline
Well, Mary Kelly, unless one of you is willing to testify against McQueen, I can't do nothing.
Mary
Surely, Inspector, a strong handsome man like you, you could do anything you put your brilliant mind to. I'm a coward and a weakling. I can't help meself. What's your excuse? Why are you so bloody useless?
Kate
Come on Mary. That won't help us.
Annie
Is that you?
Mary
Before my mother died, back in Ireland.
Annie
Is that when you came here?
Mary
Yeah, when I was eight.
Annie
When things was good.
Mary
We were starving, but we were starving in fresh air.
Annie
I was thinking, we ain't never gonna earn enough to satisfy the Nichols boys, and feed our own mouths. You said, right, you said those men, yeah, the one's who took her rich artist man and took her as well. Well you said they was clean-shaven, and their clothes was neat.
Mary
Yeah, right.
Annie
Well they weren't no criminals then. I mean they weren't the likes of the Nichols boys. They was unusual. Perhaps even official.
Kate
What are you getting at, Annie?
Annie
Maybe we could go to the papers, get paid for the story, you know? 'Where's Ann Crook?' That sort of thing. I mean, the papers are always desperate for things bad about the government. And it's a mystery to boot.
Kate
That's not a bad plan. What do you think, Mary?
Mary
I'm thinking we should talk to that Inspector, the one at Polly's funeral.
Annie
Fuck me, no!
Mary
If we go to the papers they might hurt Ann even worse. They might do something to her baby.
Kate
What? Worse than what'll happen to her in Whitechapel when she sprouts teats?
Mary
I don't know for sure. But, I think we're better off talking to that Inspector.
Kate
Lord, you are young after all.
Landlord
Four bitches. That's what I thought. You only paid for one bloody person.
Mary
They're my guests.
Landlord
Guests. Well, let me welcome your guests. Go on! Get out! Go on! Get out! Come on, get out of here you bloody whores. Go on! When you have four pence you can come back with your ladies in waiting, Your Grace.
Liz
Oh shut up!
Annie
Ow! Back to work then.
Kate
Yeah, well, let's try and stay together, yeah?
Annie
No, we can't stay together. You know that.
Mary
Then stay good and clear of Nichols Street.
Kate
Come on.
Liz
All right, Annie?
Annie
Bloody bastard.
Liz
How's your head?
Annie
Very funny.
Netley
Boo! I didn't frighten you did I? I've been looking for you. I've been looking all over for you.
Annie
You've been looking for me?
Netley
Not for me. On behalf of my gentleman. A very fine gentleman. He sent me to find you.
Annie
Your gentleman sent you to find me? Oh, get off! I might be unfortunate, but I'm not a blithering idiot.
Netley
It's the truth! It's the God's truth. He's seen you. He likes you. And he said tonight, only you'll do. So he said to find you, take you to Hanover Street where he's waiting for you. You're very pretty. Go on then. Get in, I'll take you there. Oh, I almost forgot. My gentleman's got you a present. You like grapes?
Annie
Yeah. Your gentleman, he must be very refined. Very refined indeed.
Netley
Get in I'll take you there.
Annie
All right.
Netley
Here we are.
Annie
I'm a lucky lady.
Netley
You are, lady.
Annie
Your gaffer, does he want anything special?
Netley
Just the usual, I expect. Now, this alley takes you to the yard. My gentleman, it's quiet there. He doesn't like disturbances.
Annie
What I wanna know, right, is a toff like him, how much is he offering?
Netley
Here, two for now.
Annie
That'll do me.
Netley
Let me see you. Right, through there.
Annie
Down there?
Netley
Yeah, straight there. Straight to the door at the end.
Annie
Ssshh.
Netley
Ssshh.
Annie
Straight down there, right?
Police Officer
You watch your mouth!
Best
Any more information? My readers want to know this stuff.
Godley
Oh, do they?
Best
Is it true, you found a piece of leather apron in her mouth?
Godley
NO, Mr Best. But if it's your fancy, I'd be delighted to stuff your mouth with a piece of leather.
Best
Come on, sergeant, give us a tidbit. Put your picture on the front page.
Woman
Do something about this. This is ridiculous.
Man
There's a bloody murderer on the loose. What about my wife?
Abberline
This is Annie.
Godley
Yes. Another of the circle of friends. Annie Chapman. Dark Annie, they called her. You still say this isn't the Nichols boys? Did the constable show you the bit of leather they found down by the water spout? Could be part of a butcher's apron. Leather apron. Dear God, we could be looking for a butcher after all.
Abberline
I saw her.
Godley
This one?
Abberline
Yeah, last night. I saw her face.
Police Officer
Don't trample over this area.
Woman
Let us see the body! Come on, let us see!
Godley
Oh, God. There's your typical Londoner, imbued with the Christian spirit of sympathy for his fellow man. Or fellow whore, in this case. He's really outdone himself this time, hasn't he?
Abberline
He not only severed the intestines, he's carefully arranged them around the neck and shoulders. I think he's taken more organs this time.
Godley
Grapes again. Why grapes?
Abberline
Only Polly and Dark Annie were given grapes. Only they were disembowelled in such a meticulous fashion. This ain't killing for profit. This is ritual.
Godley
Yeah, but why grapes?
Abberline
So they'll trust whatever he offers.
Godley
I've never fully understood that tradition.
Abberline
They're for the ferryman. The ferryman who takes the body across the river into the land of the dead. If she doesn't have the money to pay him, she'd have to wander, forever lost between the two worlds. I need to consult a doctor.
Sir Charles
Are you ill, Inspector?
Abberline
A surgeon, to be specific. The killer removed the victim's uterus and it's attachments.
Sir Charles
My God. He's out of his mind.
Abberline
That's very astute of you, sir.
Sir Charles
I don't appreciate sarcasm, Inspector.
Abberline
I'm sorry, sir. I meant nothing by it.
Sir Charles
You already have a surgeon at your disposal.
Abberline
I need a man with a strong stomach and a sober mind. The police surgeon has neither.
Sir Charles
No. Request denied.
Abberline
Why?
Sir Charles
Are you questioning my decision?
Abberline
No, sir. I simply want to know why.
Sir Charles
There's already too much nonsense and gossip in the press. You start consulting doctors, and all sorts of wild notions will be printed. No-one else is to see the bodies.
Doctor 1
It is my honour, to present this unique medical phenomenon. Until last week, Mr Joseph Merrick. . .
Doctor 2
John Merrick.
Doctor 1
I beg your pardon. Mr John Merrick, was an attraction at a sideshow. Now he's being cared for at England's leading hospital. And with your generosity we will be able to continue to do so. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr John Merrick. Turn around.
Woman
It should have been killed at birth.
Doctor
Good health.
Attendant
That will be the last one, Your Royal Highness.
Dr. Ferral
. . . a gift from God, a psychotic patient.
Abberline
Pardon me, sir. Are you Dr. Ferral?
Dr. Ferral
I am, yes.
Abberline
I'm Inspector Abberline, assigned to Whitechapel.
Doctor
Oh, my lord. You're the Ripper case. Am I right?
Abberline
Yeah.
Doctor
Jolly good. You've come to the perfect place. We've got butchers aplenty here.
Abberline
I see. Well, I could certainly use the expertise of someone like yourself to help solve this case. They tell me you're the best young surgeon in London.
Dr. Ferral
Really? I don't see how a reputable surgeon could know anything about it. This country's overrun with foreigners, Orientals. Socialists, trying to stir things up against our monarchy. That's, who you should be pursuing, don't you think?
Sir William
Excuse me. You don't belong here, do you? I'm afraid Dr. Ferral suffers from the surgeons malady.
Abberline
And what's that, sir?
Sir William
Want of feeling. He knows everything about anatomy and nothing about the soul. How may I assist you, Inspector?
Abberline
Well, forgive my ignorance, sir, but, erm, are you a surgeon?
Sir William
I was. Unfortunately I suffered a brain seizure six months ago.
Abberline
Sorry to hear that, sir.
Sir William
Yes, these days I limit myself to teaching. So you see, I'm accustomed to answering questions, Inspector.
Abberline
Well, sir. Could you tell me what sort of a knife this would be?
Sir William
I think you mean to draw a Liston knife. It's named for Liston who was a surgeon in the Crimean War. Because there was no anaesthetic on the battlefield he had to carry out his amputations very quickly. Er, do you, by any chance, have the police surgeon's report available?
Abberline
Yes, I do, sir.
Sir William
May I?
Abberline
You must keep this confidential.
Sir William
Of course.
Abberline
There you go, sir.
Sir William
Thank you. Hmm. Yes. Wouldn't someone have heard their screams?
Abberline
Not if he cut their throats first.
Sir William
Yes. Then how can you be sure they wouldn't react to seeing the Liston knife?
Abberline
Grapes. He offers them grapes first.
Sir William
Ah.
Abberline
Grapes are very tempting.
Sir William
Yes, of course. They'd gobble them up, wouldn't they?
Abberline
And he might offer them a drink to ease them down. A drink laced with laudanum.
Sir William
How do you know that?
Abberline
I found a sprig of grapes on both victims bodies. And I smelled the laudanum on their lips.
Sir William
Laudanum is a derivative of opium. Apart from doctors and addicts not many would recognise it. How long have you chased the dragon, Inspector? Well, these should help with the headaches. And, erm, opium leeches minerals out of the body, so I've also given you a tonic. That'll help to restore your appetite.
Abberline
Thank you very much, sir. I'm a fool.
Sir William
Oh, I don't think you're a fool. Far from it.
Abberline
I ought to have known, sir, that you're physician ordinary to the Royal Family.
Sir William
Well, yes, it's certainly an honour, but then it's an honour bestowed on many doctors. Now, about our friend here. I can tell you this much, he cut their throats from left to right. Therefore, he's right-handed. Excuse me. He had to slice through four layers of tissue, and up to an inch of subcutaneous fat. After that, he entered the abdominal cavity, so he would've had to use more than just merely the Liston knife. Perhaps he was carrying a portable amputation kit similar to this. What do you think?
Abberline
Is it possible, sir, that the killer is an educated man? Perhaps someone who studied medicine, but who is not, in fact, a surgeon himself?
Sir William
The intestines are simple enough, but, er, the uterus? The liver especially, very hard to locate, unless you know what you're doing. And he was working quickly in the dark. I had held out hope that this, this, monster was a veterinarian, or a furrier, ar an especially well-educated butcher. No, I must admit, if I were you, I'd look for someone with a thorough knowledge of human anatomy. Damn him.
Woman
Want me to suck it? I can suck the Thames dry. Don't be frightened, dearie.
Queen Victoria
How far advanced is our grandson's malady?
Sir William
Er, no lesions have appeared, ma'am. There is some neural damage, a slight trembling of the right hand, but I'm hopeful, more than hopeful, that treatment will arrest the disease.
Queen Victoria
He seems, to us, to be suffering greatly in his mind. Is the disease affecting his emotions?
Sir William
Yes, well of course, his mood is depressed because of, the news of the diagnosis. But that should improve as he regains his strength.
Queen Victoria
You are a true physician, Sir William. In all ways, you attend to the health of our empire. We are grateful.
Sir William
Thank you, ma'am.
Abberline
If this is the beginning of a five-pointed star.
Withers
Like the bloody Jewish star.
Godley
Withers! The Inspector is talking, which means you are what?
Withers
I'm listening, sir.
Godley
Yes.
Abberline
This area, would form a likely point. I want double shifts, within these streets until further notice. And don't only worry about Jews and butchers. You stop anyone suspicious, including well-dressed gentlemen. And by the way, Withers, the Star of David has six points.
Godley
Right, once more into the breach dear friends. Dismissed.
Ripper
Why have you called me here?
Netley
It's just. It's just, you say three more have to be killed. I can't take it, sir. It's everywhere. It's in all the papers. I'm just a simple chap, sir. I'm not a great man like you. I just don't know where I am at, anymore.
Ripper
There, there, Netley. I shall tell you where we are. We are in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A radiant abyss, where men meet themselves.
Netley
I don't understand that. I don't understand, sir.
Ripper
Hell, Netley. We're in Hell.
Mary
Let me go! Get your hands off me!
Godley
Sorry about that, Inspector. She's madly in love with me, although she hides it well.
Abberline
You said McQueen killed your two friends. So what you doing here?
Mary
Oh, I see. Women are butchered right and left in your district and you can't do piss about it, and I'm the fool?
Abberline
We're watching them. Can't arrest them without evidence, so we watch them. What else can we do?
Mary
I'll testiry. If you keep meself and me friends alive. I'll testify.
Abberline
To what, precisely?
Mary
That McQueen said he'd cut me unless I pay him a pound a week.
Abberline
No.
Mary
What do you mean, no? You asked me to testify. Are you worried I'll let you down? I won't. I promise I won't.
Abberline
You testify against McQueen, maybe he goes in for a year or two. But his boys, they'll take their revenge on you and your friends. I can't let you do it.
Woman
It's your round this time!
Mary
I confess, I have an appetite. One day, I'll be a great big, round woman with a skinny little man for a husband.
Abberline
And a dozen plump children, I imagine.
Mary
Do you think that's funny? An unfortunate like me being a decent mother?
Abberline
No. No, I didn't mean that. I didn't mean that at all. You'll be a wonderful mother someday, Mary. Honest, I can see it. I see you in a little cottage, by the sea, surrounded by children. I can see it, Mary, clear as day. I really do have visions, you know.
Mary
Are you serious?
Abberline
Sergeant Godley calls 'em my intuitions. As a matter of fact, I have one about you in this case.
Mary
You have visions about me? What might those be?
Abberline
I want you to think carefully. Besides McQueen, besides these awful murders, has anything else happened to you, or perhaps one of your friends that's a bit out of the ordinary?
Godley
Ben Kidney? That's Special Branch she's describing, you know. What would Ben Kidney and Special Branch be doing in Whitechapel? Wait a minute. She's Irish-born isn't she? There's your answer. A secret Irish rebel. That's why they would be after her, right?
Abberline
They were after Ann Crook. Who was having an affair with a wealthy gentleman. A man she bore a child. . . a child that's now missing, along with it's grandparents.
Godley
Great. Drive on please, driver. You do not fuck with Special Branch. They fuck with you. I don't know what you're thinking, and I don't care to know.
Abberline
Inspector Adderley, Mr Kidney wants to see me.
Desk Officer
Mr Kidney's gone, sir. Didn't say where. Could be for the night.
Abberline
No, he said he'd be back before eleven and I should wait. Thanks.
Desk Officer
Where are you going, sir?
Abberline
He said I should wait in his office.
Desk Officer
And what floor is Mr Kidney's office on?
Abberline
I don't know what floor, you bloody idiot, because I haven't been to his fucking office yet, have I? He told me to have the desk man let me up, but I'm more than happy to stand here like a knob, because you disobeyed Ben Kidney's order.
Desk Officer
It's the second floor on the right.
Abberline
Thanks.
Godley
Free Ireland! Free Ireland!
Officer 1
Get inside, sir.
Belt
Just some gunpowder, sir, that's all. Little more than a firework.
Kidney
Anyone go in or out?
Desk Officer
Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir. There's an Inspector Adderley in your office.
Officer 2
No, there's nothing missing here.
Officer 3
The Webster dossier seems to be complete.
Belt
The bastards have been in here, sir, I can smell 'em.
Abberline
No.
Mary
Yes.
Abberline
No. Not together. Too suspicious. You wait for me, and if she's in there, you can go and visit her on your own.
Mary
I'm going with you right now, or I'm going to the newspapers. I mean it.
Doctor
There's a number of mental disorders for which it is necessary to remove the front part of the brain. Her records indicate that she was violent, threatening to do harm to herself and others.
Abberline
Does she have any relations?
Doctor
No, she's a ward of the state.
Mary
That's a lie.
Abberline
Listen to me. You're under arrest, you're here to assist my investigation. Kep your mouth shut! Is that clear?
Mary
Sorry, sir.
Abberline
Good. What else do you know about her?
Doctor
All we know is, that she was an unfortunate, who lived in the Whitechapel district.
Abberline
I'd like to ask her a few questions.
Doctor
You won't get any sense out of her.
Abberline
I'm used to that. Hello, Ann. I brought Mary Kelly. Do you remember Mary Kelly?
Mary
Ann, you know me, I'm your best friend in all the world.
Ann
Go away. Go away. Go away.
Mary
Ann, I'm gonna find baby Alice. I'm gonna take care of her.
Ann
Alice is laughing to me. Laughing to me. Laughing to me all day long.
Mary
All right, it's all right, darling.
Abberline
What about her father? Have you seen Alice's father, Ann?
Ann
He's a prince. A prince. A prince. A prince. And I'm a queen. I'm a queen. I'm a queen.
Abberline
How do you know he was a painter?
Mary
He hired us to pose as artist's models.
Abberline
And what exactly does that entail, artist's models?
Mary
We stood very still, so he could paint us. What's the matter? You think I was born a whore? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm an unfortunate, not a whore. England doesn't have whores, just a great mass of very unlucky women.
Abberline
So, Ann Crook, and the painter became lovers. Is that it?
Mary
He married her, in a lovely Catholic church. Saint Saviour's. I was a witness, as a matter of fact.
Abberline
He married her in a Catholic church?
Mary
What do you think they've done to baby Alice? Special Branch dumped her in Bishopsgate?
Abberline
Yeah, as an unknown.
Mary
Why?
Abberline
When I find out, I'll tell you.
Mary
Take me to her. You have to.
Abberline
No, not yet. I need to know more first. Look, I promise that I'll help you with baby Alice, but not yet. You've gotta trust me, Mary, at least a little bit.
Mary
I do. I do trust you.
Abberline
Good.
Mary
Do you have little ones, Insepctor?
Abberline
No. No. A year ago. . . no, two years. I'm sorry, more than two years, my wife, erm, passed away, giving birth to what I'm told was a son.
Mary
I'm sorry.
Abberline
Thanks. I want to show you some paintings on the way out, yeah?
Mary
You're gonn take me into the gallery?
Abberline
Why not? Come on.
Mary
Did you see the look on her face?
Abberline
I think she stopped breathing.
Mary
She's a fright. Look at those cold eyes. I feel like someone's walking over my grave.
Abberline
There's one more painting I want you to see. You know him, don't you?
Priest
Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder. I pronounce that they be man and wife. (Speaks in Latin). Amen.
Abberline
Sir William Gull, please.
Maid
Sir William isn't receiving visitors.
Abberline
Sir William? It's Inspector Abberline. I need to speak with you, sir.
Dr. Ferral
Sir William is ill. He can't receive any visitors. I said! You can't go in.
Sir William
It's all right, Dr. Ferral, I don't mind company. Have Anna bring us some tea, would you please? Ah well, I wish I could tell you, Inspector, that your story was fantastical. Unhappily, I cannot. I know for a fact that the Prince has a taste in unfortunate women. And I suppose it's more than possible that, he concocted this elaborate deception, to have some privacy while he indulged in his secret life. But I know one reason I have for stating, that, Prince Edward being Jack the Ripper is just incomprehensible.
Abberline
What's that, sir?
Sir William
If you repeat what I am about to tell you, both our lives are in jeopardy. Indeed, I hope for your sake that what I am about to say will steer you clear of the very real danger you're in.
Abberline
I think I'm well past the point of safe return, sir.
Sir William
Prince Edward has syphilis. Not a pleasant state secret, but a, a vital one.
Abberline
Well, that proves it. I couldn't understand why the Price was killing Ann Crook's friends, especially so savagely, but, he's not merely killing them, he's punishing them. He wants revenge. Don't you see, sir?
Sir William
Er, no, Inspector, I don't see. I'm afraid your wild speculations about the Prince's mental state, clever though they may be, cannot overcome the physical impossibility of his committing these crimes. The disease is far enough along that, the Prince's hands tremble uncontrollably. He's very weak, and the killings of Jack the Ripper require sure hands, and considerable vigour. And have you forgotten the most telling fact? Whatever else the Prince may be, he knows little or nothing of human anatomy.
Mason
. . .to the centre of the lodge and force him to kneel for the benefit of prayer. Vouchsafe Thy name, almighty Father of the universe to this, our present convention. Who is this?
Dr. Ferral
A poor candidate in a state of darkness. He comes of his own free will, perfectly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted into the mysteries and privileges.
Mason
IN all cases of danger and distress, in whom do you put your trust?
Dr. Ferral
In God.
Mason 2
How did he find out about the unfortunate and her child?
Sir Charles
Well, he has that kind of cleverness you'll sometimes find in the middle classes. A cheap sort of intelligence, but effective nevertheless.
Mason 2
Thank God that's not something you're burdened by.
Sir Charles
Yes thank God.
Mason
Recite the solemn oath.
Dr. Ferral
Never to reveal our secrets, under no less a penalty than, my throat be cut across, my tongue be torn out by it's root, and that I be buried in sand a cable's length from shore.
Mason 2
You don't think Gull has confided in him, do you? The old fellow isn't as far gone as all that, is he?
Kidney
No. He's not that foolish.
Mason
Let the brother receive the light.
Man 1
I keep on hearing. . .
Woman
No time to scream. . .
Man 2
Another beautiful murder.
Man 3
Fear me. Jack the Ripper.
Abberline
They're rubbish. You know that?
Godley
Yes, I agree. They're rubbish. But why you persist in believing that red-head jezebel, I'll never know. Has it never occurred to you that she's the sort of woman who likes to make up stories. Particularly about men. She is, after all, a whore. She's a woman who pre. . . A rose by any other name? Is that it? Frederick, my dear chum, no one is more delighted than I am that you've decided to resume your interest in the fairer sex, but please remember, a woman like that can make a man feel whatever the hell she wants him to feel.
Abberline
Sergeant Godley.
Godley
Yes, sir?
Abberline
Arrest the Nichol Street gang.
Godley
Right away, Inspector.
Police Officer
I tried to stop them, Inspector.
Man
This arrived in this afternoon's post. 'I send you half the kidney I took from one woman preserved for you, the other piece I fried and ate. It was very nice.' We demand that something be done, and done tonight.
Godley
From Hell. Well, at least they got the address right.
Kate
It can't be. Are you sure he was the same?
Mary
I know him, Kate. I posed for him twice meself. I stood there naked as a babe, watching him paint me for hours.
Kate
And he was with Ann for what, over a year?
Mary
Nearly two.
Liz
Oh, here you are. Hello girls.
Mary
Where you been? I told you to wait for me.
Liz
I can't stay in a pub and not have a drink. It's cruel. But look who I bumped into. Remember Ada? She's from France.
Ada
Bruxelles.
Liz
Bruxelles.
Ada
Yes.
Liz
Oh, she is pretty, isn't she?
Kate
Not in public, love, not in public.
Mary
Would you be a dear, Ada, and give us a minute alone? We need to speak with Liz.
Liz
No, Ada, you stay where you are. Come on, Mary, get the drinks in.
Kate
Mary.
Abberline
You don't have to worry about Nichols Street for at least a week. I can keep 'em that long.
Mary
Well, that's something anyway. Thank you. What about baby Alice? Are you sure she's all right?
Abberline
Yeah. She's all right. We'll get her out after this is all over.
Mary
We'll get her?
Abberline
Listen, I want you and your friends off the streets until I can sort this thing out.
Mary
Off the streets for how long?
Abberline
A few days at least.
Mary
Well. You'd better throw us in jail then 'cos we have no money for food and no money for a doss.
Abberline
All right then, you take this. Buy some food, get a room, stay there. Don't tell anyone where you're going. I don't want to know. In three days, come to the Ten Bells, I'll leave a message with the Barkeep. What? It's not enough?
Mary
I wish I could show you the little village where I was born. It's so lovely there. It's by the sea, where you said you saw me. I used to think it too small to spend a life in but, now I'm not so sure.
Abberline
Don't. Don't.
Mary
What? Do you think I'm paying you back? I didn't mean it as business. I'm still a woman. They haven't taken that away from me, not yet anyways.
Police Officer
Enough of that. Now, lad, at least take. . . Sorry, sir.
Liz
There, me lady. One more turn. And curtsey. And we're done. Ah, don't be modest girl. They don't care what we do. I paid for your supper, remember. Stop shaking your head at me, you slag.
Mary
Leave her alone!
Liz
She is my business, she's not yours!
Mary
Liz, just be quiet for one bloody night.
Liz
No, I fucking won't keep my voice down.
Kate
Don't go out tonight, it's not safe.
Liz
I'll just get something to sustain myself. I'll be right back.
Kate
Liz don't be so fucking stupid.
Mary
Do without for a night.
Liz
No. I want a fucking drink.
Mary
Liz.
Official
Here we are. Service records. Grenadier Guards. Lieutenant Benjamin Kidney. There. Just as I suspected.
Abberline
Before eh joined Special Branch, Ben Kidney served in the Grenadier Guards. Part of his duties included assisting a field surgeon.
Godley
Well, let me tell you something, Inspector, of which I am absolutely certain. Assisting an expert is a different thing, a very, very different thing from doing it oneself.
Abberline
Think about it. Someone's got to clean up after the Prince. And who's job is it to take care of the widow's messes?
Godley
You've turned into Othello, do you know that? Everything is a suspicion. And like that tragic Moor, all your suspicions will end up in your own demise. Heaven's sake, man. These women aren't just being silenced. They're being murdered most brutally. Why would Ben Kidney do that?
Abberline
To scare people. To keep their mind off the real point.
Godley
Which is?
Abberline
Think what's at stake for Special Branch. Prince Edward married Ann Crook, a commoner and a Catholic. Married her in a Catholic church, they had a baby, a legitimate baby, who is in fact, heir to the throne of England. All these women were there. All these women were eyewitnesses to an event, that could rip the Empire to pieces.
Kate
Once she starts drinking, she'll go all night, you know that.
Mary
She knows how dangerous it is.
Kate
She don't believe you about the Prince. She thinks you're feeding that copper candies to keep him interested.
Liz
Hello, sir.
Ripper
Is anything wrong, my dear?
Liz
No, sir, for a moment I thought you were someone else.
Ripper
Oh. Thirst?
Liz
Always parched, sir.
Ripper
Perhaps there is somewhere nearby that we might go, while ,y coachman keeps watch.
Liz
Oh yeah. Yeah. This way. Follow me. 'Ere, it's this way. Follow me. I dropped my grapes. No!
Netley
The fuck are you looking at? Shut up! Shut up! I hear someone coming, sir. Sir!
Man
All right, George.
Godley
It's one of them, isn't it? Throat's cut the same way.
Abberline
Yeah. He didn't finish.
Godley
She's no less dead for that.
Abberline
He won't be satisfied by this.
Godley
Wilkins. Fetch the ambulance. Go on, run along.
Ripper
Excuse me, miss.
Belt
You could be dead, right now. But then there would be too many bloody questions. Ignore the old man's blathering. Find a scapegoat, or next time we won't care who asks: 'Whatever happened to Inspector Abberline.'
Netley
We should hurry up, sir. It's clearing up.
Ripper
Do you have a piece of chalk, Netley?
Netley
Chalk, sir?
Man
They found another one, in Mitre Square!
Belt
Nice work, Inspector. You've encouraged him to do two in a night now.
Abberline
Get out of the fucking way, cunt. Catherine Eddowes.
Godley
There's some writing on a wall, just down the road there. You should have a look at it. 'The Jews are the men that will not be blamed for nothing.' It's hardly Shakespeare but it'll do.
Woman
I was busy with the children. . .
Police Officer
Madam, slow down, slow down.
Abberline
Make sure you get the apron as well, yeah?
Police Officer
Did you not hear a scream?
Abberline
It was written by the killer, sir.
Sir Charles
And how do you know that?
Abberline
I was here three quarters of an hour ago.
Sir Charles
This building, mostly Jews live here? Is that right?
Abberline
Yeah, that's right.
Photographer
Ready now, sir.
Sir Charles
Put that away, and get out of here immediately. Abberline?
Abberline
Yeah.
Sir Charles
Wash that off.
Abberline
What?
Sir Charles
You heard me.
Abberline
It's evidence, sir.
Sir Charles
Listen to me. In another hour, there will be about a thousand people poking about in here. If those words are seen, not a Jew in London will be safe. We'll have mayhem on the streets, so wash it off.
Abberline
That's an educated hand, sir. An educated man wrote that. Look for yourself.
Sir Charles
I don't have to look, I've seen it.
Abberline
An educated man knows how to spell 'Jews', sir. I don't know what this refers to, but I'm sure it's got nothing to do with the people who live round here.
Sir Charles
Sergeant, I want two constables to wash that off. What are you looking to him for? Wash it off!
Godley
Yes, sir.
Abberline
Half a dozen men have seen it already. . .
Godley
Wilkins.
Abberline
. . . the sergeant has copied it down. I'll remember those words for as long as I live. So all you're doing, is destroying it's value as evidence.
Sir Charles
No, all I'm doing is taking charge of an investigation that you have bungled to the point of gross inefficiency, and I've had enough. You are suspended from duty, Abberline. Inspector Abberline is suspended. All his privileges are cancelled.
Godley
Sir.
Abberline
You've not seen her then? Well, if she comes round, give her this.
Barkeeper
Long letter, eh?
Abberline
This is for your trouble. The letter's private, you understand?
Barkeeper
I understand.