Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946) Movie Script

All right, men, come aboard.
Come on, shake it up, shake it up.
Rig up forward hole number one
and two and number five aft.
The winches are under
steam, so get a move on.
Who is it?
Purser, Mr. Abbott.
Just a minute, please.
Give me them diamonds.
But I haven't...
Give me 'em!
Hurry up.
Ow!
Try anything like that again
and I'll have to hurt ya.
I didn't come here to do that.
All I want is the diamonds.
Give 'em to me.
Help, purser, help!
Police headquarters.
Yeah?
Mm-hm.
Where?
No, Dick Tracy isn't here,
but stay on the wire.
I'll call his home.
What's so important?
Harbor detail reporting murder.
Say, what goes on?
You certainly are busy, Junior.
I got things to do.
Holy smoke!
What's the matter?
Somebody left the receiver off the hook.
I detect Tess's fine hand
in that little maneuver.
Probably wanted to make sure
that you wouldn't be called out tonight.
Yeah, that's about it.
Talk of the devil.
Hello?
Yes, Tracy speaking.
What?
Yes.
Yes, Pier 30, got it.
We'll be right there.
What is it, Dick?
They've just reported a
murder on the S. S. Palomar.
She docked about an hour ago.
Get your hat, Pat.
Right.
Oh, Chief, please explain to Tess.
Tell her I'll see her later.
Okay, Dick.
A most effective entrance, my dear.
I congratulate you on your
sense of the dramatic.
Friends, if I may have your attention.
Skip it, Mr. Flintheart, Dick's gone.
Gone?
But that's impossible. I haven't said...
It was a homicide case, Tess.
Junior found the receiver
off the hook, and...
Oh, Junior!
Get back!
How 'bout it, Mr. Tracy?
Anything you want to tell us?
Later, boys.
A Deck, Mr. Tracy.
Thank you.
Is this the way everything
was when you entered?
Yes, sir.
Well, it's quite obviously
death by strangulation.
Strangulation, huh?
What about this?
Probably the victim's.
Have it checked for fingerprints.
He was undoubtedly trying to defend himself.
Did Mr. Abbott ever seem
worried or afraid of anything?
Why, no.
He was always in a good mood.
I believe he represented a custom jeweler.
So I see from these papers.
Captain Mason, you mentioned Mr. Abbott's
telling about his search for rare jewels.
Yes.
Did he ever happened to
mention any that he was
bringing with him on this trip?
Why, no.
Excuse me, sir, but Mr. Abbott
did have a package
checked in the safe.
I gave it to him shortly before we docked.
Pat, get Jules Sparkle's home address
and meet me at the car.
Okay.
You can get yourself
a few pictures now, boys.
Thanks very much, Mr. Tracy.
I called Sparkle's house and...
You called his house?
All I wanted was his address.
I wanted to surprise him.
But, Tracy, the dame who answered the phone,
I think it was Mrs. Sparkle,
said he was at his office
in the Colburn Building.
Did you say who you were?
No, you think I'm dumb?
Well, we won't go into that.
Come on, let's get going.
Well, I, oh.
I was expecting someone else.
Are you Jules Sparkle?
Yes.
I'm Dick Tracy, Homicide Squad.
Homicide Squad?
Uh-huh.
My secretary, Miss Clyde.
How do you do?
Mr. Patton.
Hello, Miss Clyde.
How do you do?
Mr. Sparkle, I've just
come from the S.S. Palomar.
You representative, Lester Abbott was found
in his state room murdered.
Abbott murdered?
Mm-hm.
I can't believe it.
It seems so impossible.
Abbott was not only a loyal
employee, he was an old friend.
How long had he worked for you?
About 15 years.
But I had known him long before that.
Oh, so sorry.
I didn't mean to intrude.
I heard voices.
I thought Mr. Abbott was here.
Another one of your employees?
Yes, our lapidary, Simon Little.
Lapidary?
A lapidary's a diamond cutter.
Sure, what else could he be?
You and your staff keep very unusual hours.
Well, tonight it was quite necessary.
We were all interested in
the arrival of some diamonds.
And I thought it would be more expedient
to meet Mr. Abbott here
rather than at the boat.
I see.
What was the value of the
diamonds he was bringing back?
The collection was insured for $300,000.
I'd like a complete list of your employees.
But, Mr. Tracy, all of my people
have been with me for years.
I trust them implicitly.
I realize that.
But whoever killed Abbott
knew about the diamonds,
knew the boat he was on,
knew his cabin number.
Therefore, it is quite possible
that someone in your firm
may have supplied the necessary information.
Very well.
Mona, will you go prepare a list please?
Certainly, I'll have it
ready for you tomorrow, Mr. Tracy.
I want it tonight.
Well, it'll take quite a while.
I can wait.
Very well.
Mr. Little, you may
leave now, if you like.
Thank you.
Pardon me.
Would you rather I'd stay, Mr. Sparkle?
It won't be necessary.
I can tell Mr. Tracy anything else
he might want to know about
Mr. Abbott and the diamonds.
Yes, sir.
Pat.
Yeah?
Do you mind running down
to the car for those papers?
Papers?
Yeah, you know, those sketches I made
of Abbott's state room.
Oh, those papers.
Sure, I'll get them for you right away.
Good night, Mr. Sparkle.
Good night, Simon.
Oh, thank you.
Good night.
Good evening, sir.
Good evening, Rudolph.
You're very late, Mr. Little.
Yes, much later than I expected.
Is Mr. Priceless here?
No, he telephoned to say that
he was unavoidably detained
and couldn't come tonight.
Detained?
Purposely detained, leaving
me to take the consequences.
Mr. Little, Cueball is here.
Here?
Where is he?
Downstairs, sir.
Oh, I see.
Very well, Rudolph.
I'll have some more work for you next week.
Thank you, sir.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
Cueball?
Cueball?
Hello, Simon.
Why you, you fool!
You big, stupid, blundering fool!
Shut up!
You killed him!
You murdered Abbott.
Why did you kill him?
Why, why?
'Cause he was gonna plug me.
Now look, you and Priceless
told me to meet you here
to collect my 10 grand.
Okay.
I got the diamonds, where's my dough?
Keep the diamonds.
Go to the chair with them.
I won't touch them.
Oh, yes you will.
There's blood on those stones.
Nobody but you and me
knows how it got there.
Why did I have to get mixed
up in a thing like this?
The police can't blame me.
Priceless came to me, I didn't go to him.
He needed me.
He needed me to re-cut the stones
so they wouldn't be recognized.
That's it.
It was just a business deal.
I didn't know they'd be stolen diamonds,
or that there'd be a murder.
You rat!
You're in this up to your
ears just as much as I am.
No, I, there must be something I can do.
There's something you're gonna to do.
And that's pay me off.
I'm staying right here 'til I get my dough.
Yeah, come to think of it, this joint
would make a nice little hideout.
Oh, no, you can't stay here.
Who's gonna to stop me?
Oh, please, Cueball.
The police, Dick Tracy.
Dick Tracy?
What about Tracy?
Well, he's on the case, checking every one
of Mr. Sparkle's employees.
He might even come here.
Yeah.
Yeah, you're right.
Okay, I'll blow.
But I'll get in touch with you
or Priceless tomorrow for my 10 grand.
Now get me outta here.
Oh, yes, gladly, anything.
Only just get out.
Here, this way.
This leads through the
storage room to the street.
Don't forget, pal.
You better get the dough,
'cause one more killing
ain't gonna make much difference.
Don't bother.
Thanks for bringing me home,
Mr. Tracy, and good night.
Good night, Miss Clyde.
- Oh, beg your pardon.
- Pardon me.
Evening paper here.
Get your late news here.
Paper!
Evening paper!
Evening paper, latest news.
Paper here!
Evening paper!
Get the late news.
Paper here.
Evening paper, late news.
Paper here.
Evening paper.
Paper here, late news.
Paper here, late news.
Paper, paper, sir?
Late news.
Paper here.
Paper.
Paper here, late news.
Evening paper, latest news.
Paper, late news.
Sorry, the shop's closed.
I don't want to see the shop.
I want to take a look at
that note you picked up.
Note?
I'm from police headquarters.
Oh, yes, come in.
I'm Percival Priceless, dealer in...
The note, if you please.
Oh yes, the note.
I haven't read it myself, yet.
I'll read it to you.
Sorry I wasn't able to keep appointment.
Will drop by tomorrow.
M. C.
I'm afraid it's not as
romantic as it sounds.
One of my customer, uh, Miss Mona Clyde,
asked me to be on the lookout for some,
some candlesticks.
I located some this morning and called her.
She said she'd be in this evening.
These are the ones, excuse me.
Beautiful, aren't they?
At least 100 years old.
If you were expecting Miss Clyde,
why didn't you let her in?
Well, she should have been
here at least two hours ago.
I'd given her up.
But you were still here.
Yes, in my office going over some accounts.
I thought I heard a noise out here
and came out to investigate.
That's when I saw the paper under the door.
She must have thought it was too late.
Oh, I see.
Mind if I go in here?
No, not at all, please do.
Thank you very much, Mr. Priceless.
Not at all.
If you don't mind, I'd rather like to know
why my place has suddenly become
of such interest to the police?
Oh, it's just a routine check up.
Sorry to have bothered you.
Good night.
Good night.
Waiter, waiter!
Give me another drink, will ya?
Quiet, you, you'll get it.
Hey, bud.
Yeah, what'll it be?
Filthy Flora still own this joint?
Yeah.
I wanna see her.
Stop pressing that buzzer.
I heard ya the first time.
I ain't deef.
Can't even count my money in peace.
A lady's got no privacy in this joint.
Oh!
I'm coming, I'm coming.
Take your time, I'm coming.
Shut up, you!
You've been playing that
same song for an hour.
He wants me to.
I don't care what he wants.
Play it again, play it again!
Play it again?
Oh, of course, he'll play it again.
Lovely number, ain't it, dearie?
Well, play it.
Hello, Cathy.
Hiya, Flora.
Why, Cueball.
How are ya, Flora?
Fine, give me a drink Max.
Okay.
I thought they put you away for 10 years.
They did.
10 years, time sure flies, don't it?
Not where I was, it don't.
That'll cost ya.
Same old Flora.
What do you want of me?
I want a place to live.
You ain't the only one, dearie.
Things have changed since you went away.
Why, I've got a waiting list for everything
in the joint, even the closets.
I gotta have a place, Flora.
I gotta have a place.
I thought you just got out of jail.
How'd you get in trouble so soon?
I ain't in any trouble.
I just want a place where
I can meet somebody.
Well, there's a room I
reserve for special customers.
I'll pay ya for it.
Pay ya good.
Ha, you're darn right you'll pay me good.
Come on.
Drink up, girls.
Drink up.
Go on in, Cueball.
Get that chair out of the way.
Lift it up.
Where does that lead to?
To a little room.
That's where I kept Fang-Face
Martin hidden for weeks
when the cops were looking for him.
Thanks, Flora.
It looks perfect.
And since we're such good friends, dearie,
I'm gonna make ya a
special rate for this room.
500 bucks a night.
500 bucks?
Why, you dirty old bag, I ought to...
Never mind the compliments.
Payable in advance.
Flora, you know I can't pay
that kind of dough, not now.
I just got out.
Yeah, you just got out.
And you just got off a boat
too, didn't ya, dearie?
300 grand.
Why that dirty, cheap, double crossing...
I thought you had something to do with it.
Yeah, I thought you could afford 500 bucks.
You'll get your dough, Flora.
And so will I.
They ain't gonna collect 300 grand
and pay me off with peanuts.
Hi, Doc.
Hello, Dick.
Abbott?
Mm-hm.
Find anything that will help us, Doc?
Not yet.
Ooh.
What happened to you?
I don't know.
You don't know?
Well, you see, I was standing in front
of Simon Little's place and boom!
Something hit me.
And the next thing I know, I'm lying there
on the street with a cop standing over me,
trying to arrest me for vagrancy.
Vagrancy?
Yeah!
And I argued with the guy for 20 minutes.
You sure is wasn't Simon Little who hit you?
Oh, no.
Not unless he dropped a basket of bricks,
and that's what it felt like.
Say, Dick, let's take a look at this.
It might be important to us.
I hope so.
I found it embedded in Abbott's neck,
right over the carotid gland.
There you are.
Looks like a piece of leather.
That's right.
I'd say that Abbott was
strangled with a leather belt
or strap of some kind.
I think you're right, Doc.
At least now we've got something to work on.
Yeah.
Say, do ya need me anymore tonight?
No, that's all, thanks.
Good, now I can go home and
get to bed early for a change.
And, uh, you can put the
silent one to bed early, too.
Pat?
Yeah?
Do you know an antique dealer by the name
of Percival Priceless?
No, has he something to do this case?
Yes, I think so.
Do you know anything about antiques?
Well, a little.
I know a old gal singer.
She works up at Spider's Web.
She's about five foot...
No, no, no.
That's not what I mean.
Oh.
Well, that's all we can do tonight.
Yeah, I guess so.
See you in the morning.
Right.
Say, I wonder if Vitamin Flintheart
knows anything about antiques?
Well, he ought to.
He's old enough.
Have him come in and see me tomorrow.
I'll have a little job for him.
Okay.
Good night, Doc.
Good night.
Night, Pat.
Night.
Higby, bring that Victorian vase, please.
Do you mean this one, sir?
Yes.
Oh, very good.
This is a very rare piece.
I believe Mr. Priceless found it
in an old New England farm house.
Perhaps this is the
one you had in mind, sir.
No, no, no, I'm afraid not.
Not only is it's authenticity questionable,
but it lacks that purity of line,
which is so essential to my requirements.
Just precisely what are
your requirements, sir?
I've shown you several examples.
I am furnishing my mausoleum.
It is essential that every line
be in the purest Grecian harmony.
I could not enjoy my perennial
solitude in the knowledge
that there was something
imperfect in my surroundings.
Excuse me.
Ah, good afternoon, Miss Clyde.
Good afternoon.
We have your, uh,
candlesticks in the office.
Will you step this way, please?
Surely.
Higby, take care of the
gentleman, will you please?
Oh, yes, Mr. Priceless.
Now then.
Uh, perhaps we have
something else you'll find.
You were saying?
That perhaps we have something
else you'll find appealing.
Ooh, yes, yes.
Oh, well, by George!
Now, now, that's interesting.
What is?
That vase up there.
Unless my eyes are playing me tricks,
it's a rare and beautiful example
of early Grecian workmanship.
I say, that's a good looking suit you have.
Who's your tailor?
My tailor?
He has a little shop that's
just around the corner.
It's little, but it's awfully...
Who has?
My tailor.
That has nothing to do
with antiques, has it?
No.
How your mind wanders.
Here, fetch down the vase, man!
Fetch it down.
There's only one other like it in existence.
It belongs to my old friend Lady Casserole
up on Norton on Tyne, Woodslow's
Hollow, Oakfield by Sea
in Southeastern Nottinghamshire,
in merry old England.
Fetch it down, fella, fetch it down.
Yes, sir, yes, sir.
You don't seem very pleased to see me.
Oh, of course I am, but why?
Why did you have to come here last night?
Dick Tracy was at Sparkle's office,
and I wanted to warn you.
Fine warning you gave me.
You led Tracy right to my door.
He came here?
Yes, he followed you.
You should have know he would.
Did he find out anything?
I'm not sure.
I don't think so.
Well, then stop worrying.
We've got other troubles.
Cueball won't give up the diamonds
until he gets his 10,000.
And Simon Little wants
to pull out of the deal.
Simon wants to pull out?
Excellent, excellent!
Why, that's hardly something
to worry about, my dear.
We split only two ways now.
But who'll cut the stones for us?
Oh, I have other contacts.
How life continually disappoints us.
This is not the invaluable
object I presumed,
but a mediocre copy.
Are you sure, sir?
Quite positive!
Return it the obscurity it deserves.
Yes, sir.
I am a recognized antiquary, fully capable
of differentiating between
the inspired original
and a clumsy counterfeit.
Good afternoon, Miss Clyde.
Good afternoon.
And I'll have the candlesticks delivered.
Oh, thank you very much.
Then suddenly, a very,
very exciting thing happened.
Just as I was trying to overhear
what they were saying in there,
the door opened and Miss Clyde came out.
With the candlesticks?
No, no, Priceless said
he would send them to her.
Then the wench left.
Hm?
Yes sir.
Steve, get hold of Patton and tell him
I want to see him right away.
Right, Chief.
Thanks, Vitamin.
You've been a big help.
Oh, it was nothing, old boy, nothing.
Ah, I made a little purchase
while there, a garter.
A garter?
Mm-hm.
It has quite a history, old boy.
Hm, quite a history.
Oh, what a pity.
Why do the young have all the youth?
Shoelaces, pencils, chewing gum!
Shoelaces, pencil, chewing gum.
Shoelaces, mister?
No thank you.
But listen, I got, uh...
I told you, I don't want anything.
Will you please get out of my way?
But I got razor blades, too.
Needles, cue ball, chewing gum.
What did you say?
Cueball, he'll be waiting for you
tonight at the Dripping Dagger.
What time, when?
Now.
Right away, in Flora's private office.
Bless you, sir.
A dollar!
Come on, Pat, let's go.
I'm going in, Pat.
You cover the back way.
Stop anyone who tries to get out.
Right in that office up there.
Thanks.
All right, quit stalling.
Let's have the dough.
Well, you see, Cueball...
Don't try to hold out on me.
The price has gone up.
But Cueball, we...
It's doubled.
I want 20 grand.
It's little enough for getting
300,000 bucks worth of ice.
I got you dirty chiselers where I want ya.
Now you're gonna pay.
Hello, Flora.
Why, Mr. Tracy.
I ain't seen you for a long time.
That's because you've been such a good girl.
Sit down, Flora.
I ain't done nothing wrong, dearie.
Honest, I ain't.
Relax.
This is purely a social call.
Oh, ha, ha.
That's nice.
Yes, yes, I know you've
asked for more money.
But all I could raise was $5,000.
Before I give it to you, I
want to see the diamonds.
You're not getting those stones,
not for a measly five grand, you ain't.
Who's out there?
Shut up!
So, you dirty stoolie.
You called the cops on me?
No, what do ya mean?
Don't play dumb, you know Tracy's here.
Tracy?
No, I didn't call the detectives!
They ain't gonna help you!
No, no wait a minute, Cueball!
Cueball, I'll give ya the money.
Cueball!
Here, I'll give ya the money.
Take the money!
Cueball!
Open up in there!
You all right, Pat?
Yeah.
It's a lucky thing forme
I got hit on the head.
Come on, let's go!
What are ya trying to do?
Keep it up, Pat, you're gaining.
It's a good thing those socks on the head
don't make me dizzy.
Why, I can see just as good as...
Pat, look out!
Are you okay?
Certainly, It's just
another bump on the head.
No use chasing them now.
I'd better put in a general alarm.
Oh, that's fine, the radio's broken.
Stay here, I'll have to phone headquarters.
Okay.
All right, stand aside,
stand aside, let me in.
Are you hurt?
No, no.
Oh, you're new on the force, aren't you?
Yeah.
You're sure you're all right?
Well, just a little dizzy.
Dizzy, eh?
So that's it.
You're drunk.
Drunk?
No, I'm not drunk.
And stealing a police car, too.
No, no, you don't understand.
Have you got your driver's license?
No, I don't have a driver's license.
No driver's license?
No, no driver's license, you, you...
Oh, and getting tough with an officer, too.
No look, this is Dick Tracy's car.
Oh, it is, is it?
Mm-hm.
And I suppose you're going
to tell me you're Pat Patton?
No, of course not.
Then who are ya?
Pat Patton.
Pat.
Get outta the car.
No.
Are you gonna get outta the
car, of do I have to use...
Oh, no, no, not again!
Say, you haven't seen Pat Patton, have you?
He was supposed to.
Never mind, he just came in, bye.
Where have you been?
If I told you, you wouldn't believe me.
Then don't tell me.
I'll tell you anyhow.
I was over at the.
Tracy?
Yes?
I've got that report from the coroner.
The markings on Priceless throat
are identical with those found on Abbott.
Same markings, eh?
Yes.
Good, thanks.
That's the best lead we've had so far.
You mean, the same guy's responsible
for both murders?
Mm-hm.
Priceless had $2,000 in his
clothes when we found him.
He was probably at the Dripping Dagger
dickering for those diamonds.
Sure adds up.
Most likely, Filthy Flora
was hiding our mystery man
since the Abbott killing.
Which means, she ought
to know a thing or two.
Come on, we're going to have a little talk
with Filthy Flora at the Dripping Dagger.
Oh, every time I get near that joint,
I feel like I need a bottle of DDT.
Not down there, they've
got to be up here some place.
I'll find those diamonds if I
have to tear this place apart!
Oh!
Oh!
Hello, Flora.
Oh, hello.
I didn't expect ya back so soon.
No, I guess you didn't.
You thinking of going out, Flora?
Yeah.
Just going out for a walk.
I wanted a breath of fresh air.
Maybe you better put off
that walk until a little bit later.
I got something I want to talk over with ya.
You mean, about the rent, Cueball?
Oh, that can wait 'til next week.
No, it ain't the rent.
Oh, just a social call, eh?
Paying your old sidekick
Flora a friendly visit?
Sure, sure, that's it.
Just a friendly visit.
Well, that's nice of ya, dearie.
Uh, let's sit down and havea
drink for old times sake.
This one will be on the house.
Okay, Flora.
Looks like you was trying
to find something here.
Yeah, yeah, I couldn't find my scarf.
I wanted to wear it when
I went out for a walk.
You didn't happen to look
under the wash basin for it, did you?
Wash basin?
Why, what would my scarf
be doing under there?
I ain't talking about your scarf.
I'm talking about my diamonds.
They were under there Until
you got your hooks on 'em.
Now hand 'em over.
I haven't got your diamonds, Cueball.
Honest, I ain't.
Why, you lying old bag!
Now are ya gonna give them diamonds
or am I gonna have to take 'em?
Just try and take 'em!
Now, wait a minute, Flora.
Maybe we could talk this over.
There's enough there for both of us.
We could split 50/50.
She must be around, she lives here.
I'll go around to the back.
You wait here.
Right.
Percival Priceless, antique dealer,
found murdered.
And then, as night fell, the killer
struck again leaving Filthy
Flora's body cold and lifeless
in the office of her waterfront cafe
known as the Dripping Dagger.
According to Dick Tracy
in the Homicide Squad,
the markings on the throat
of each of the victims
indi, indi.
Indicates?
Thanks.
You're welcome.
Indicates that the,
that the same criminal is responsible
for each of the murders.
Aw gee, just when it's getting good.
Yeah, see who it is.
Okay, but don't read
any more 'til I get back.
Right.
Well, good morning, Butch.
Morning, Miss Trueheart.
Are you ready to go to the rodeo?
Remember, we have to leave early
if we want to get good seats.
I remember, all right.
I'll go home and get
ready and be right back.
That's a good boy.
Hello, Junior.
Hiya, Tess.
Boy, what a story they got
on Filthy Flora's murder.
Having Mr. Tracy in the business
is enough crime for one family without you
reading about it in newspapers.
Aw, gee, Tess.
Well, good morning, Tess.
How are you?
Fine, thank you, Darling.
I was just having a little discussion
with Junior over his reading matter.
It was about the murders, Dick.
I see what you mean.
Better have this before
you leave for the rodeo.
But I gotta keep up with what's going on.
You'd do a lot better to
keep up with your schoolwork.
Aw!
Tess is right, Junior.
Say, how would you like a lifetime job
showing Junior what to read.
Why, Dick Tracy!
Proposing so early in the morning?
Why don't ya marry him
so he can stop proposing?
Just a minute, young fella.
I can speak for myself.
Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!
All right, everybody, reach for the ceiling.
Put 'em up.
What?
You heard what the man said, put 'em up.
Nobody move.
Don't try any of your tricks.
What is this?
Aw, he thinks he's Jesse James.
No, sir!
Today, I'm Buffalo Bill!
You don't have to put your hands up, Junior,
'cause you're drinking a glass of milk.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
And now I'm gonna shoot you, Dick Tracy,
'cause you're an Indian.
Butch, let me see that hat.
Save your breath, partner!
You can't talk your way out of this one.
Butch.
Don't move, redskin,
or you'll bite the dust.
Butch, will you please let me see that hat.
You just want me to take off
my hat so you can scalp me.
Butch, will you please...
Head for the hills, men!
The varmints are gonna attack!
Bam, bam!
Bang, bang, bang!
Bang, bang!
Bang, bang, bang!
Butch, I'm not an Indian.
For goodness sake's, Dick.
Why is Butch's hat
soimportant all of a sudden?
I don't want the hat.
It's that hat band I've got to see.
Hat band?
Why didn't you say so?
A lot of the kids got those bands.
They have?
Where did they get 'em?
Send away for 'em.
Here, I'll show ya.
There's advertisements in these magazines.
Let's see.
Oh, here it is.
There.
Desert City operator to Dick Tracy, box 520,
Desert City is post office address,
Rocky Mountain Penitentiary.
Rocky Mountain prison.
Know anybody up there, Chief?
Why, the warden is an old friend of mine.
Take a wire.
Yes, sir.
Listen to this.
The prisoner you referred to
was released six weeks ago
after serving 10 years.
He is Harry Lake, alias Bernie Burns,
alias Frisco Joe, alias Cueball.
Description is as follows.
Hey, I didn't read the description.
I'll take care of the description.
Broadcast Room.
You look him up in the files.
Right.
Tracy speaking.
The killer in the diamond
case has just been identified.
Broadcast this description immediately.
What are you so happy about?
Why not?
I think it's very funny.
You should be able to take it, Chief.
We've been kidded by the press before.
But they're giving the public the impression
that Cueball is in plain sight,
and we can't even see him.
Why don't they draw a picture
showing how we scour the city?
How we took the Dripping
Dagger apart board by board?
How we kept a constant
watch on that antique shop
and Mona Clyde's apartment?
No, we don't want that publicized.
Well, I can't say that I
enjoy this kind of publicity.
Why haven't you picked up Mona Clyde?
Because I believe she'll lead us
to the diamonds and the diamonds
will lead us to Cueball.
Dick, I don't care what
you do or how you do it,
but we've got to get so action.
I've got a plan that may work
if I can find the right policewoman.
Okay, find her, but let's have some action.
Right Chief.
Yes sir.
You can send in those ladies now.
Okay, girls, you may go in now.
Thanks.
It appears that the great Tracy is about
to become inundated by an
avalanche of feminine pulchritude.
Oh, I'd hardly say they were his type.
Official business, I'm sure.
Miss Roberts, you've
been with the police force
for six months, right?
Yes sir.
Well, this job calls for a veteran.
Miss Leeds, will you stay?
You other ladies may
leave, and thanks very much
for your trouble.
No trouble at all, Mr. Tracy.
Ah.
Four went in, three came out.
It is a situation which
I am compelled to remark
is replete with the most
devastating possibilities
and open to the most
provocative interpretations.
Now don't let your imagination
run away with you, Vitamin.
I still say I can always trust Dick.
Most fortunate of creatures.
The hand that made you
fair hath made you good.
If we're to be successful,
you must give the impression
of being a real blueblood, high society.
Think you can handle it?
I doubt it.
This Brooklyn accent of mine'd be a tip-off.
Don't you think you could disguise it?
Mm, I don't think so.
That sort of puts me in a spot.
I don't wish to stir the green-eyed monster
of devouring jealousy, but don't you think
it sounds suspiciously quiet in there?
Oh you!
Thank you, Miss Leeds.
It was a pleasure.
Hello, you two.
Have you been waiting long?
Quite, may we go in now?
By all means.
Thank you.
I can see that police work
might be very interesting.
Now Tess, those were policewomen.
Policewomen, huh.
A man is confronted by jeopardy on all side.
I was looking for one capable
of impersonating a society girl.
Did you find her?
Well, no.
She's got to be just right or my whole plan
will blow sky high.
You're not being very
flattering, Mr. Tracy.
Huh?
A gentleman would at least
say that I look the part.
Of course you do.
You're not getting any ideas, are you?
Oh, but I'm sure that I could
play the part for you, Dick.
No, absolutely no, it's too dangerous.
Pardon the intrusion, old fellow,
but I must say that Miss Trueheart
embodies the quintessence
of social grace.
Oh Dick, you've got to let me do it.
But I'm afraid the whole thing...
Tut tut!
I will school the little
lady in social deportment.
First, the correct walk.
But, of all the vital graces,
that of making a good first impression
is the most important.
Ah, how do you do?
How do you do?
I am so happy to see you,
I'm happy to see you, too.
I've heard so much about you.
Oh, you have?
I'm sure you're one of the most charming
and scintillating men I've ever met.
Oh, that's nice.
I wish I could say the same.
Say, is Vitamin gonna play your society gal?
None of your ribaldry, sir.
You are speaking of the man I love.
No Pat, Vitamin isn't, I am, right Dick?
Right.
Now these pieces are rather unusual.
No, I'm sorry, Mr. Sparkle.
I'm afraid these won't do, either.
I hope you haven't found
me too hard to please,
but I do want something individual.
I flew in from Bermuda to
have this necklace made up,
and, well, I want it for a special occasion.
Oh, I see.
Perhaps this is what you have in mind.
No, I'm afraid not.
Well, Miss Belmont, you can't find diamonds
such as you want overnight.
And even if I could locate them,
they would be very expensive.
Well, what good is father's
money if I can't spend it?
Very well, Miss Belmont.
We'll try to help you spend it.
I'll contact the other dealers immediately.
Possibly they may have
something you'll like.
I appreciate it
very much, Mr. Sparkle.
Glad to do it.
Would you mind giving
your address to Miss Clyde
so that I can get in touch with you later?
Of course not.
Suite 412, Carlton Arms.
Thank you, Miss Belmont.
You'll hear from.
You've been very kind, Mr. Sparkle.
Oh, and you too, Miss Clyde.
Thanks so very much, both of you, goodbye.
Good day.
Choosy, isn't she?
She can afford to be.
I think I'll run upstairs
and see what Emil Camber
has in his private collection.
And you might ask Simon
Little if he has any ideas.
Yes sir.
About time you two got here.
You bring the dough?
Cueball...
Let me handle this.
Simon tells me you expect 20,000 now.
He tells you right.
$20,000, you haven't
got a brain in your head,
you big ox!
I don't like that kind of talk.
Don't make him angry.
Oh, he'll listen and like it.
If you wanted the 20,000 so much,
why did you kill Priceless?
He was the only one who could pay it to you.
I had to kill him.
I kill anyone that gets in my way.
You get in your own way.
Now every cop in the, is looking for you.
You not only messed up
everything for yourself
but for us, too!
I told you I don't like that kind of talk!
Oh, shut up!
Go ahead, kill me!
Kill Simon, then you
won't get a dime, nothing.
Nothing but the chair, perhaps.
Don't talk like that or I'll...
Oh, getting scared, huh?
The police are closing in,
and you're getting scared.
Ah, they won't catch me.
I'll get away.
Ain't caught me yet, have they?
I'll take that 20 grand and blow...
Get this through your
skull, there is no 20 grand!
Nothing like it!
There isn't even 10,000 now.
Nothing but what Simon
and I can dig up for you.
I've got $1700 in the bank.
And I've got 2400.
That's 4100 you can have
for the diamonds, Cueball.
4100, that's all.
4100 bucks for these rocks.
Yes, I've got a chance
to get 'em off our hands
for about 7,000.
Then we're all be cleared,
there'll be no evidence.
There's a rich heiress, she'll buy them.
But she knows they're stolen
and that's all she'll pay.
Nobody else'll touch them!
If you two are double crossing me.
Double crossing you
after you killed Priceless?
Keep your diamonds, you can
go to your grave with them.
Come on, let's get out of
here, I've heard enough.
Now wait a minute.
I ain't gonna be left holding the bag.
Gimme the dough, gimme the 4100 bucks.
Well, you have got some brains after all.
Come on, you cracks, give me the dough.
You'll get it tonight, later.
Yeah, well you ain't getting
these rocks until I do.
Okay, wait here.
I'll wait.
Come on.
I never thought you'd get away with it.
I didn't either, but that's
what makes life interesting,
Simon, taking chances.
Hello, Carlton Arms?
I'd like to talk to Miss Belmont, please.
If that's Mona, Tess, don't be nervous.
Who's nervous?
Hello?
This is Blythe Belmont speaking.
This is Mona Clyde.
I've come across some very
unusual diamonds, Miss Belmont.
The owner is a very prominent man
who is financially embarrassed.
He insists the sale be
as secretive as possible,
so I took the liberty
of making an appointment
with him at my apartment tonight in an hour.
In an hour?
Very well, what's the address, please?
Second floor, apartment 12.
I've got it, yes, I'll see you in an hour.
Come on, Pat, we'll go right over there.
Hey, wait a minute.
Don't you wanna know where you're going?
That's Mona's address, we know it by heart.
Oh, you do, huh?
Don't leave until the last minute, Tess,
just in case she calls again.
If there are any changes in plans,
call headquarters immediately.
Right.
See you in an hour.
Yes, dear.
This is one date that I
know that you'll keep.
But I tell you, Miss Clyde, I don't like it.
What if something should go wrong?
What can go wrong?
Now go ahead, get your 1700, here's my 2400.
That $1700 is all the
money I have in the world.
You're the weakest, most sniveling excuse
for a human being I've ever seen.
You've no right...
No right!
We pay 4100 for diamonds we
can sell for over 100,000
and you say I've no right!
Now get your money and stop crying!
All right.
But I've always been so
careful with my money.
I didn't even trust the banks.
And now.
And now you're going to be a rich man.
I hope you're right.
I'll go over to my apartment
and meet the Belmont woman.
Here, take the money downstairs
and get the diamonds from Cueball.
Now don't forget, you're the financially
embarrassed gentleman who owns the diamonds.
Try to act like one when
you get up to my place.
Cueball?
Cueball?
Good evening, would
you get me a cab, please?
Yes, Miss Belmont.
Taxi!
Where to?
Uh, 319 East Fourth Street.
319 East Fourth Street, driver.
Come in.
But how could I have the diamonds?
When I got to my workshop,
Cueball wasn't there.
He's gone.
You're lying.
I'm not!
I looked everywhere.
I waited.
And what about Miss Belmont?
Where's she?
She isn't here yet.
Oh, you're the one who's lying.
There never was such a person.
You've tried to trick me
so you can get the diamonds for yourself.
You're insane.
What about my call to Miss Belmont?
How do I really know
who you were talking to?
Oh, no.
You can't fool me.
I'm going.
Mr. Tracy.
Hello, Mr. Little.
Well, where's Miss Belmont?
I don't know who you're talking about.
Miss Clyde, I was at Miss
Belmont's suite this afternoon
when you made the appointment with her.
Now where is she?
I don't know.
She left her hotel more than 10 minutes ago.
Did you give her instructions
to meet you somewhere else?
No, I didn't.
I haven't spoken to her
since this afternoon.
Pat.
Yeah?
Check with headquarters
and see if they've heard from Tess.
Right.
This isn't where I told you to take me.
You want the diamonds, don't you?
Where's Mona Clyde?
Plans have been changed.
She's meeting you here, come on.
Upstairs.
But, you know what the instructions were.
Miss Belmont was supposed to meet us here.
Just a minute.
Do you have an extension?
Why yes, in the bedroom.
All right.
Answer that, play it straight, no tricks.
Hello?
Yes.
Simon Little?
Just a moment.
Hello?
Mr. Little?
Oh, yes, Rudolph.
Cueball is here.
What?
He has a girl with him.
He's back there?
There seems to be something wrong.
That was Cueball and he's got Tess, come on.
- Right.
- Thank you, Rudolph.
Get those two down to headquarters.
Right, Mr. Tracy.
All right, get your coat on, lady.
I tell you, I refuse to discuss the diamonds
unless Miss Clyde is here.
That's too bad, sister.
Double-crossing Clyde
dame ain't gonna be here.
Then I'm leaving.
What's the matter?
Ain't I good enough for
ya to do business with?
I got the diamonds.
Mona Clyde hasn't.
Now give me the dough.
Don't be silly.
I wouldn't carry that
much money around with me.
Stop stalling.
You want the diamonds, don't ya?
Well, there they are.
I told you, I haven't...
Don't give me that.
You was ready to give Mona Clyde cash.
No, I was just going
to look at the diamonds.
You're lying.
You got the dough right here in your purse.
No, you're wrong, I tell you.
Dick Tracy.
So that's it.
This is a plant.
Why you!
Pat, take care of Tess.
Okay.
Well, Dick.
It's a little late for the celebration,
but you're gonna have your party anyhow.
And this time, the phone is
going to stay off the hook.
This time, I'm inclined to agree with you.
And this time, Dick Tracy,
I shall deliver my oration
without interruption.
Ha!
Friends, Romans, countrymen,
He's hit!
Will crime never cease?
Dick?
Sorry, honey.
Save me some cake.
Oh, no, not again!