Guilty Hands

On a train trip, Richard Grant argues that murder can be justified in certain circumstances. He cites his long experience prosecuting and defending murder cases to justify such acts. He suggests a clever man could commit murder and evade detection.

Barbara greets Grant at the train station and reveals she has already been at the estate for a week. Her sudden presence signals a new, dangerous dynamic in the household. Grant tries to process the news while hiding his concern.

Rich asks Grant to rewrite his will, including bequests to all his former mistresses. He wants to exclude a 16-year-old girl whom Grant suspects committed suicide. The request sets up a financial motive and motive for later manipulation.

Rich explains that he intends to marry Barbara, which appalls Grant. He condemns the age gap and what he sees as Rich's indecent character. The revelation thickens the tension around the upcoming wedding.

During a dinner party, Rich announces the wedding and says it will take place in the morning. Marjorie West is dismayed, yet Rich insists he will return to her after pursuing Barbara. The announcement sets the clock ticking toward tragedy.

Two servants are posted to watch Grant's bungalow, but he creates a convincing alibi by casting a moving shadow on the curtain with a cutout mounted on a record player. He slips back into the main house unseen, maintaining the ruse. The ruse gives him confidence that his actions won't be questioned.

Rich goes to Barbara's room and attempts to force himself on her. She recoils in disgust and he leaves, revealing his predatory nature. The attack solidifies Barbara's resistance to him and the danger in their world.

Rich writes a letter to the police accusing Grant in case he is found dead. He intends to ensure Grant's guilt is a possibility even if Rich is killed. This letter becomes the key piece of the later alibi and evidence battles.

During a clap of thunder, Grant shoots Rich and places the gun in Rich's hand to stage suicide. He takes the incriminating letter and returns to his room just in time to be seen by the servants. The staged death seems airtight to the household and the onlookers.

Barbara informs Grant that she has changed her mind about the wedding, making the murder unnecessary in her eyes. Grant must adapt to the new reality where his crime is exposed yet unresolved. The mood shifts from celebration to confrontation.

Marjorie West becomes convinced that Rich was murdered. She begins to piece together Grant's false alibi and the motive for murder. The case becomes a personal contest of wits between them.

Grant returns and wrestles the incriminating clues from Marjorie. He warns her that accusing him could give him a stronger murder case against her. He offers silence in exchange for staying out of the affair.

The police arrive, and the chief—an old friend of Grant—accepts the conclusion that Rich's death was suicide. The household breathes a temporary sigh of relief as the danger seems resolved. The easy verdict, however, hides a deeper truth waiting to surface.

Just as Marjorie is about to speak out, a rigor mortis contraction in Rich's trigger finger fires the gun, fatally wounding Grant. The act destroys the supposed suicide and leaves the truth untold. Tommy is asked to take good care of Barbara, and Marjorie remains silent.