It's a Wonderful World (1939) Movie Script
A big one?
Yeah. A knockout.
Where you been all day?
Overslept.
Did you get the bridegroom sobered up?
- Temporarily.
That wedding march kinda washed
you up on that Heyward job, didn't it?
I'm still head nurse.
Listen.
You ain't going to spend your youth
fishing that rubber legs out of saloons.
It is undignified.
Even for a private detective.
For a hundred bucks a week, nothing
is undignified. That's my theory.
He ain't by any chance taking
you on his honeymoon?
No. He's going to handle that himself.
I'm playing backstop.
Here. Did you read?
- Gimme.
Wise guy.
Say.
I know that tamale.
Poison ivy. What you going to do?
I have various plans.
You want some advice, partner?
- No.
Cases like that are just pure smallpox.
I like 'em.
Nothing like a Spanish dancer
to take the paint off.
I'm talking serious.
You're risking your neck trying to
put the slug on her and for what?
A hundred bucks a week. A bargain.
Okay. You're just money mad.
That's what ails you.
Look, Cap.
This time last year I was
trying to make ends meet.
By demonstrating electric
belts in a drugstore window.
No. This is better.
Willie the Pooh is my dream man.
I'll keep fishing him out of manholes
just as long as he keeps paying off.
Hello, boss.
You're wanted on the
telephone, Mr Johnson.
I have a tailored job for you, Streeter.
Tonight. Up in Harlem.
You may have to black up.
Okay, Major.
Yeah?
Guy Johnson.
Gus? Yeah. What's up?
I hate to bother you, Johnson,
but your boss is loose again.
Yeah. Pretty bad.
No. He just tumbled out the door.
Okay. I'll bring the bloodhounds.
Willie the Pooh loose again?
- How do you like that?
Married 24 hours and he's got
his snowshoes on again.
You got no idea where he went?
He didn't say a word. He just fell
out of the door and disappeared.
He only stayed about
15 minutes and left.
Was he drinking much?
- Snoozled.
Goodnight, sir.
Mike, I hear you had
trouble with Mr Heyward.
Yeah. What do you think?
He take a poke at me because I am a wop.
I say: 'Mr Heyward, I am your friend'.
But he says, 'No'.
This is his night for killing wops.
And he was going to hit me again.
But I put him in a cab.
Where did he go?
- The Fairhaven Hotel.
The Fairhaven?
- Yes.
The Fairhaven Hotel, bud.
Make it snappy.
I want to see Miss Gonzales.
Ask that snake if she's alone.
I want to see her alone see.
Yes, Mr Heyward.
[ Telephone ]
Answer it.
Answer it.
Hello.
Miss Gonzalez?
Mr Heyward wants to
know if you are alone.
Yes. She says she's alone.
- That's right.
Snappy service, boy.
Please. What are you going to do?
Please let me go.
Answer the door when he rings.
[ Buzzer ]
Go on. Open it.
Hello. Hello?
Her room. She must have
left the phone off the hook.
Hello. Hello?
Somebody is screaming.
That's a gun. Somebody is shooting.
What are you doing here?
Where did you get this gun?
- What gun?
The gun you have in your hand, you sap.
What is that?
A dime. Cut in half.
Come on. Give me a hand.
Don't bother me.
I'm looking for Dolores.
Where is that snake?
It's a murder.
Did you kill her?
- Kill who.
Snap out of it you silly chump.
I came in and everything went black.
Did he do it?
- No. He was framed.
Listen. Keep your mouth shut about this.
It's okay. I am a detective. See?
Somebody is coming.
- Is there a back way?
Through the bedroom.
The back stairs are right there.
Hey, what you doing?
Hey, what is this?
We know how upset you are, Mrs Heyward.
But if you'll just answer
a few more questions.
I'll answer anything you want.
There is nothing I am concealing.
I loved Willie.
I'll always love him.
- That's swell.
Would you say Willie was sore at Miss
Gonzales when he went to look for her?
Why shouldn't he be?
That creature was trying
to ruin his happiness.
I told him it didn't matter.
That nothing would
shake my love for him.
Pardon me, madam.
Do you intend to divorce
Heyward if he's caught?
No, no. Never.
I intend to stick to
him until the very end.
Hold it a moment, madam.
If you'll excuse me.
I don't think I can talk anymore.
- We'll be away, Mrs Heyward.
Thank you.
Serve the gentlemen carefully.
- Yes, madam.
Hello darling.
Hello baby.
Darling.
Did they ask anything too much?
- No. It went perfectly.
Have a drink?
- No.
Will you love me a bit more when
I'm a ten-million-dollar widow?
You're not a widow yet.
- They're bound to catch Willie in days.
He's sure to get the death penalty.
- I suppose so.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
- Anything go wrong?
Leave any fingerprints?
I left something else.
- What?
That half-a-dime charm of yours
I was taking to have fixed.
She got hold of it somehow
when she fell against me.
They can't trace that to me.
What about the other half of that dime?
Finish your drink, darling.
The other half is dead and buried.
Your husband's name was Ned Brown?
- Yes.
He died in Australia.
- Yes. On tour.
The doctor wrote to me from Melbourne.
You're being silly, Al.
I am, huh?
Get a load of this.
I ran across it in Variety.
'Ned Brown, the English actor'.
'Joins the cast of the Chamber Repertory
Company touring the summer theaters'.
'Mr Brown arrived from
Australia last week'.
Australia?
Al, it can't be.
I'm frightened.
What should we do?
- I don't know.
If he still has the other half of that
dime he can drag us in, can't he?
He can if we let him.
You won't let him?
- No.
Once you start after ten million
you've gotta keep going.
Oh, it's you.
- How you feeling?
No good. I can't sleep on boats.
Out of remorse?
- I get seasick.
Listen, Guy. I'm getting nervous.
Who isn't?
You must get me out of this.
You know I'm not guilty.
You can tell by looking at me.
Can't you?
You got a beautiful face but I'm
prejudiced. Now get dressed.
What for?
- A walk.
Where?
- The police.
You'll turn me over.
You said yourself, if I laid
low you'd find the guilty man.
I talked through my hat.
I can't find him.
You can't find him?
Somebody killed her and
handed me the gun in the dark.
Listen. I was breaking my neck for you
for 2 weeks and it's no-go. Understand?
You face this rap and
fight it out yourself.
You said if you found out who
the half-dime belongs to ..
I took all the chances I can.
Now look. I'll give you fifty
grand if you pull me out of this.
Are you guilty?
- No.
Stop hollering.
I'll make it a hundred grand if you
found out who did it besides me.
A hundred grand?
Put it in writing.
- Done.
Don't worry. This is legal.
I'm a lawyer on the side.
There's just one slim chance.
One hundred grand.
In fool's gold.
What's the chance?
This half-a-dime belongs to your bride.
Vivian? What are you talking about?
Vivian or a pal of hers.
You are mad. She loves me.
- Yeah. She'd love you even more.
If you burn in the chair and she gets
ten million bucks as your widow.
I tell you you're insane.
You were framed beautifully. If it works
and you get the hot seat, who wins?
Madam.
That's all I got to go on.
Now, you cuddle up.
I'm going to have another shot at it.
Don't you leave until I get the ..
Hello commodore.
Stowaways.
Shall I conk him?
- Later.
Hold your fire, Captain Kidd.
Put the bracelets on him.
Come on, Lieutenant. We only have forty
minutes before we part with Johnson.
I'm going to be sorry to lose
you as a partner, Mr Johnson.
You are a very good player.
I'll bet one spade.
- I'll double the spade.
I bet six spades.
That's the ticket, partner.
Don't let them get your goat.
Let's see. You bet a spade and ..
Striped pants here made it six spades.
I got to consider.
Do you mind?
Double six spades.
I'll pass.
- I'll pass.
I redouble.
Remember. I didn't give you much help.
That's alright. This is a psychic bid.
Lay 'em down, old lock step.
Listen. Have you gone crazy?
Six spades on that?
We're down five tricks, you dumb cluck.
Double that redouble.
I may have made a mistake.
If I thought you were
crossing me, Johnson.
Quit beefing. It's his own dough
as well as yours, ain't it?
Come on. Let's play.
If you ask me I think they're
sending the wrong guy to the chair.
No diamonds, partner.
Quit pinching them cards
and play that ace.
Keep your shirt on.
I know what I'm doing.
What are you laughing at?
A psychic bid.
Down five tricks.
We should add ten years to your
sentence for that bid, Johnson.
You'll excuse me. I'm dizzy and need to
take a short walk before you deal again.
Care to join me, Sergeant?
- I don't mind.
Always a pleasure to
walk with a gentleman.
Hurry back, psychic.
I got to get that money back.
Sorry to drag you out like this but I
got sorta nervous cooped up in there.
You'd better get used
to sitting cooped up.
I understand they actually
make prisoners live in cells.
With bars on.
Got a light?
You sure had Miller burned
up back there over that bid.
You crossed him on purpose, didn't you?
- That's right.
I won this in a raffle.
Say. I got an idea.
Suppose when we go back there again.
You make another of
those silly bids and ..
You can say it's a
psychic bid again and ..
You and I go fifty/fifty.
What do you say?
Fifty/fifty is okay with me, copper.
Go on. Get out of here.
Bert it. Go on.
Come on. Get the hat. Come on.
Go on.
Go on. Get away. Beat it.
Good for you.
I was afraid you were dead.
You'll be alright in an hour or so.
Here's some peanuts
in case you get hungry.
That's your dog?
No, no.
He is no relation whatsoever.
I was just wondering who
was playing with him.
You were?
Yeah. I were.
It's so dark here.
You can't see anything.
You can't?
No.
Well.
I've gotta go now.
Goodbye.
Keep right on going.
I didn't say anything. Honest I didn't.
- Go on. Pick them up.
Pick what up?
- Your feet, you sap.
I'm sorry.
- Go on.
Yes.
- Don't run.
Walk.
- Yes, sir.
What are you going to do with me?
- This your car?
Yes.
- Get inside.
If I give you my word of honor I won't
tell anybody a thing will you let me go?
Get inside.
Are you taking me for a ride?
- Listen.
You won't move and you keep your
traps shut or I let you have it.
I'm not afraid of you, you cheap bully.
I always thought criminals were gallant
but you have a stupid degenerate face.
Right. Here's where you get out. Go on.
Are you keeping the car?
- Yeah. For good luck.
You killed him, didn't you?
I didn't mean to say that.
You can trust me.
You'll find a phone in about an hour if
you don't break your silly neck running.
About five miles this side of Tarrytown.
I am alright. They tried to drown me.
There was five of them. Big as giants.
They was waiting in the river.
Yeah. About fifteen minutes ago.
He can't have gone far.
All I know is we was having a nice,
friendly smoke and he jumped.
No, sir.
I done my duty. I followed him.
What's all the excitement, buddy?
The cops are stopping all cars.
Someone broke out of jail or something.
Is that so?
Anybody with him?
- No. The radio says he's alone.
Well, it's a cinch he won't
get through that gang.
So long.
- So long.
Stop. Stop. Wait a minute.
Stop. Thank you.
A murderer has stolen my car.
You're back?
- I got lonely for you. Get in.
No. You let me go once.
That is not fair.
I need your company for
social reasons. Get in.
No. I won't. I won't.
No. Let me go!
Stop it. I'll have you arrested.
Set me down.
Stop this.
You hurt me.
- I'm not even trying.
Get a smile on that kisser
of yours or I'll plug you.
Oh, they are after you.
Help!
Help.
Help!
Nice work.
You set me out of here.
They'll hang you for this.
Shut up. I'm trying to figure
out a place to dump you.
Alright. Shoot me if you want
but I'm going to scream.
And I'm going to keep
screaming until I die.
What's the matter? Your squawker busted?
Don't you think it's getting
a little stuffy in here?
We're on fire, you know.
Go on. You're imagining things.
Do you want me to burn up?
Look. I don't care what you do.
I'm getting hot.
Try fanning yourself.
Get out of there.
I am full of smoke.
- Hey, your hat is on fire.
Get away from that gas tank.
My hat. Leave my hat alone.
Come on. Never met a dame yet that
wasn't a nitwit and a lunk-head.
You are bright?
- Listen stupid.
I'd have dumped you someplace and be rid
of you, but you had to burn up the car.
Well, dump me. Go on, dump me.
No. You'll get to a phone booth.
On my word of honor, I won't tell
the police if you dump me here.
You won't, huh?
- I swear it.
You'd keep the whole thing a secret?
I swear by my eyes.
- By your what?
My eyes. You don't know me, of course.
But when I swear by my eyes ..
It means you can trust me utterly.
I can, huh?
- Yes.
I'm thinking it over.
No. I can't do it.
Please. Why not?
It's deserted around here.
Something may happen to you.
I repeat, I swear by my eyes.
Stop talking like a nut and come on.
I got enough troubles.
I can't go any further.
It's too dark here. I cannot see.
Come on. You can see plenty.
So sorry.
Keep moving.
My foot.
Alright. We'll stop here. Sit down.
I am nearly dead.
I can't imagine this happening to me.
I could be in Saugerties by this time
but I have to run into a load of clams.
I might as well be frank. You're the
worst break I've had in five years.
You're no bonanza yourself.
Don't jump. It's only a cow.
I know.
There's probably a million
dicks on my trail by this time.
Dicks?
- Dicks. Coppers.
Oh, policemen?
Yeah.
That's too bad.
I am hungry.
Do you mind terribly
getting me an apple?
The stores are closed.
We happen to be in an apple orchard.
Don't you smell them?
Apples?
Come on. Climb up and get some.
I'm not very good at climbing.
- You'll learn fast.
Come on.
You climb please.
No. I'd be unhappy if you
left while I was up the tree.
There are some way up there.
Stand on my back.
I'm afraid I'll fall.
- Come on.
Hurry up.
- Hold still.
They are tame apples.
You don't have to shoot them.
Come on. Stand up on me.
Hurry up.
Take those heels out of my back.
- What?
Wait a minute.
I am going to fall.
Get some apples.
Alright. Now look.
Don't overdo this thing.
I'm going to fall.
I think you broke my leg.
Come on. Let's get back under cover.
Would you mind letting me have one?
Thanks.
Have you killed a number of people?
Not yet.
If you care to talk about your crimes.
I mean, if it would help you
any I'd be glad to listen.
Listen, stupid. I committed a few crimes
here and there but I am no criminal.
It's all in the point of view, isn't it.
I don't know. I suppose I might
as well unveil. I am a detective.
Excuse me.
A detective?
Really?
Yeah. Really.
I'd never have thought it.
It just happens I'm booked for a murder.
You are?
- Yes.
That man who jumped
off the train with you.
You were taking him to jail?
- No. He was taking me to jail.
For being a detective?
- That's right.
I never knew they took
detectives to jail.
Just the good ones, they do.
Come on now.
Wouldn't it be easier and
friendlier to tell me the truth?
Look. That is the truth.
I'm a detective.
My client is going to burn for
a crime he didn't commit.
They sent me up because I was hiding him
while I was trying to break the case.
I jumped off the train because I found
a hot clue on how to break the case.
To go on to Saugerties
and wait for a dame.
I love bedtime stories.
I'm going to dump you somewhere
as soon as I can find a car.
I swear by my eyes ..
- Shut up.
I'm taking a nap.
I will too if you don't mind.
You feel like turning in?
- Yes. I can hardly keep awake.
A pretty bracelet you got.
Yes, isn't it.
- Let's see it.
No. Stop. Stop.
I don't want to have to pop you.
You can't do that.
You pop off any time you want to now.
Don't toss around too much.
How dare you suggest I ..
- Listen.
Don't get any false ideas about this.
This is as inconvenient for me as it is
for you. As a matter of fact it's worse.
You are the most loathsome
human being I've ever met.
The same to you.
I might as well warn
you I'm a light sleeper.
Trouble with ..
I must have overslept.
Come on. We gotta get going.
When did this happen?
- Oh, hours ago.
It was all very simple.
The key was in your pocket.
You sent for the cops?
You're not at your brightest
in the morning, Mr Johnson.
I wouldn't be waiting around
here if I had, would I?
You'll find breakfast laid
out in the sun parlor.
No grapefruit?
- Ah, it won't happen again.
Off the back porch, huh?
- You are a detective.
Do you like your rolls heated?
- Yeah.
You got quite a write-up, Mr Johnson.
Is that true about you having
been an All-American left hand?
Yeah.
I wish I had believed you last night
about you being a detective.
Can you imagine that?
'200 cops on motorcycles'.
It would have been a great feather
in my cap as a psychologist.
Of course, it was obvious
you weren't a real criminal.
Although you might have been a forger.
I am on page three.
Three.
Not as much as about you of course.
But pretty good.
What .. is that you?
- That's me.
It's an awful picture, isn't it.
That is the silliest hat.
You know, I always fill up on
hot-dogs before a banquet.
Particularly, a poetry banquet.
That is who we happened to meet.
Edwina, huh?
Don't look so impressed.
I'll just think you are
a celebrity hunter.
You are a poetess?
I don't know. I guess some
people are just born unlucky.
What do you mean?
- Nothing. Nothing.
Nothing.
Have you read any of my things?
No. I never have seen any of them.
Too manly for poetry?
Yeah. That's it.
I wrote a poem last night
while you were sleeping.
You did?
Just keep it.
- It's about us. Sort of.
About you and me and the dawn.
I'll bet the roads are
crawling with coppers.
'The night will be here
when we are gone'.
'Though we are gone,
the stars will be here'.
'And other throats will
sing in the dawn'.
'It's a wonderful world, my dear'.
I don't get it.
It just means that when
you and I are dead ..
Others will continue to enjoy the
beauty of life just as we do.
Well, 200 cops on motorcycles
ain't my idea of beauty.
Lady, nice to have met you.
I'm not leaving.
- But I am.
Your breakfast.
- I don't have time.
Wait a minute. I know.
You have to get to Socrates to
make that woman confess.
Who talked about Socrates?
You did. Last night.
- Someone should muzzle me.
Please don't blame yourself.
People always tell me things.
Look.
Listen. I like dames. Honest.
I don't have time to play now. Give me
your phone number and I'll call you ..
When I have more leisure time.
No. My mind is made up. You need me.
Need you? I need you as
much as I need a giraffe.
I got one chance in a thousand without
some silly dame gumming things up.
With all the cops in the country after
me I got to hide out until it gets dark.
Shall I chase him away?
- No. I can use him.
Hey, bud. I want to see you a minute.
I wouldn't trust him if I were you.
If there is one thing in the
world I know, it's kids.
You used to be one, didn't you.
Hiya, soldier. How's the battle?
- How do you do, sir.
Catching any Indians?
- I'm not looking for Indians.
I am looking for mushrooms.
With a notebook and pencil?
Now, son. I'm not going to beat
around the bush with you.
Can you keep a secret?
I solemnly swear never to
reveal what I'm about to hear.
That's our rule.
That's very good.
I will trust you.
You won't regret it, sir.
Alright. My name Armand Applegate
and this is Miss Hortense Dooley.
Pleased to meet you I'm sure.
I am Stanley Cavendish.
What?
Shake, Stanley.
Listen carefully.
Miss Doolittle and I are eloping.
You know what that means?
- Oh yes.
Like Romeo and Juliet.
Do you suppose you can find us a place
to hide while her ogre of a father ..
Cools off?
Come with me.
- Where, for instance?
The old mill. You can hide in the
tower and I'll be the lookout.
You'll like it.
It is haunted.
- Lead on, soldier.
What did I tell you?
That's a kid for you.
Up for romance and adventure.
They live in a world all of their own.
A better world than ours any day.
I remember when I was a kid we dug
up a skull from a deserted graveyard.
Hey, lay off that kid.
He was signalling
for help with a mirror.
He is fighting me.
Cut it out you stool pigeon.
- Tie him up and gag him.
Gag him quick or they'll be a
thousand of them here in a minute.
Shut that mouth of yours, bud.
He has our pictures in his hat.
- How did he catch on?
I've lectured to them.
I know all their secrets.
There, wise guy. Yell through that.
Stanley Cavendish, huh?
Herman Plodka.
Boys, keep going. Keep going.
Remember. No bush is too
small for concealment.
There they come. Millions of them.
A whole army.
Where do we run?
- Get up that tree.
Look for depressions in the ground.
Big enough to conceal a human form.
Watch your step, boys.
Watch your step?
Learn to handle yourselves on
broken and uneven ground.
Carry on through that orchard.
Cross to the right.
And pivot to the crossroads bridge.
Looking for somebody?
Yes.
Well, the Bengal Lancer
is ready for manoeuvres.
I got to get used to these things.
Everything seems to poke me in the face.
Come on.
What about them?
- They'll keep for a few hours.
Won't he catch cold?
- No. Come on.
I got to get used to these.
You know it's a hundred
miles to Socrates.
I know.
It's on the other side of the river.
We'll have to get to the ferry.
Alright. Now relax.
Don't pant like a rabbit.
What is it?
Police.
- Where?
He's waving.
- Who?
The policeman.
- I can't see with these glasses.
Have your kids dug up anything yet?
No, sir.
No, sir. We have hopes. High hopes.
Call us up if you find anything.
Immediately, sir.
Immediately.
That was wonderful.
You're the bravest man I ever saw.
No kidding. Look. Do me a favor.
Jump in the lake?
No. I got to get a telegram to
Cap Streeter. Empire State building.
My partner.
- I can telephone.
No. The wires will be tapped.
Isn't that thrilling?
Will you do it for me or won't you?
- Yes. Certainly.
Let's see now.
Darling.
Huh?
Oh, you are dictating.
Yeah.
Darling.
Am wearing electric belt you gave me.
Mother says I can go to
the theater with you.
Sign it: Gerty Saw.
Got that?
Gerty Saw?
Saw Gerty.
Oh.
Do you think he'll know
that means Saugerties?
Sure. He's a mastermind. Scram.
- Uhuh.
You gave me your word of honor.
- I didn't swear by my eyes.
For your own sake. You know what
happens if one of these cops spots us?
He'll shoot right and left.
You'll get plugged.
No difference.
Of course it makes a difference.
Did you ever see anyone with a bullet
in their head and brains leaking out?
You're so sweet to worry
about me like that.
But please don't.
If anything happens the publicity
will help my poems enormously.
Look what it did for Lord Byron.
I should have stayed on the train.
No. I disagree.
You're needed in Saugerties.
Come on, junior. Pick 'em up.
Anybody following us?
I'll go back and take a look.
The coast is clear.
When does the ferryboat leave?
I don't know. It's on the blackboard.
I can't see.
'On the hour'.
We've got 35 minutes.
Suppose you tell me all the clues.
You know, so I can start
working on it in my own mind.
"Special bulletin from
the Radio News Bureau."
"The automobile of missing
poetess Edwina Corday."
"Has just been found on a deserted road
beyond Yonkers. Burned to a crisp."
"Police are redoubling their efforts
to find the vanished authoress."
"Who leapt into fame with
her memorable lyric .."
"This night will be here
when we are gone."
"When we are gone these
stars will be here."
"And other throats will
sing in the dawn."
"It's a wonderful world, my dear."
"We now return you to the dulcet strains
of the famous Pigeon Club orchestra."
That poem got around pretty quick.
I have never told a
lie before in my life.
I swear by my eyes.
You must believe me.
I can't bear it if you think of me
as just a common ordinary liar.
Don't make a scene. People are watching.
Send the telegram to Cap Streeter.
Like a good girl. Go on.
Use the phone there.
Ask for Western Union. Go on.
No. Not until you forgive me.
- I forgive you.
You know, you are very sweet.
Hey.
There he is.
It would be dreadful if
we'd missed each other.
Thank you so much for taking me across.
- Always ready to oblige a lady.
If there is anything in it.
10-1 it's a phony pitch, Lieutenant.
Johnson is too smart to
let a hick cop grab him.
I never saw a manhunt yet
that made sense, Sergeant.
Maybe this guy ain't Johnson at all but
it won't hurt to take a gander at him.
There's one of those camp masters.
I understand they're combing the
whole country with those kids.
Maybe he has some news.
You are policemen, aren't you?
- Yeah.
I am so glad. I am Edwina Corday.
Wait, sister. You're not kidding?
- Not at all.
That's her alright.
I got her picture only last week.
At the Spanish rally.
I remember you very well.
What's the idea?
We thought you were kidnapped.
Give us the story.
- I wasn't kidnapped at all.
I was eloping.
Holy Pete. Where is the guy?
Right here.
We ran away yesterday and got married.
We wanted to keep it all secret. But ..
We've caused so much trouble.
I'd like you to print that
I'm really safe and sound.
And very happy.
Armand.
- Armand whom?
Applegate. An English actor.
He's perfectly adorable.
Darling.
Darling, I told them everything.
It's much better that way.
It's no fun playing hare and
hounds on our honeymoon.
English actor?
What plays you been in, sir?
Mostly Shakespeare.
- Hamlet?
Hamlet. Richard 111, Macbeth, Romeo.
All of them.
Glad you're alright, Miss Corday.
- Thank you so much.
Come on. We got to make the ferry.
Wait a minute. You don't run across
a romance like this every day.
A poetess and an actor.
You two hold it a minute.
We'll get some pictures.
No, please. We haven't time.
Arms around each other.
Lieutenant, in here please.
Koretz, over here.
How long have you known each other?
It was love at first sight.
As it should be.
Would you mind removing your glasses,
Applegate? I get a highlight.
That's it. Just hold it. One more.
Get your arm up on her. Friendly like.
Where you going for your honeymoon?
I'd rather not tell.
I say old boy. You.
I've had a bit of an accident.
Lost my wallet.
I wonder if you would trust
me with two pounds.
He means ten bucks.
- Sure.
Enough to get us to our hideaway.
Glad to help out two lovebirds.
Come on or we miss the ferry.
I'm so glad our friends won't
be worrying anymore.
Where do I return the money?
Send it to Sergeant Fred Koretz at
12th Precinct. That will reach me.
You coming or do we go alone?
- We're coming.
Things are breaking too hot
to pass up any chances.
Goodbye, folks.
- Goodbye.
It's been a pleasure.
By the way, I have a little girl at
home that collects autographs.
Do you mind?
- Yes, certainly.
Just put 'To Natalie'.
- Yes.
Could I have Mr Appleby's also?
- Yes, certainly.
Do you mind some fancy writing on this?
- Not at all. Write anything you want.
Thank you.
- Goodbye.
Good luck.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Of all the ..
Of all the lunk-head tricks.
Please don't be angry.
They were about to question you.
So what?
- I had to say something quick.
Why didn't you say I was your
brother or something normal?
They will check.
We have to get out of here.
See what you've done?
You declare yourself as an accessory.
They check up and it all comes out.
You get two years for aiding a fugitive.
I am glad. It's unfair to have all
the fun and none of the danger.
Don't you see?
We're together now as real partners.
Isn't it wonderful?
I used to know a fighter like you once.
Bugsy McCoy.
- Yes?
Yes. He was slap-happy.
Excuse me, folks.
Anything I can do for you?
Any place you want to go?
- That's marvelous.
I fooled you a bit, Mr Wilson.
He's not my brother. He's my husband.
We were eloping.
I heard everything.
I heard what you told the police.
He has a boat.
- The Minotaur.
Named after the biggest oil
freighter in the orient.
Used to be a pearl
fisher in the south seas.
I was almost eaten up by cannibals once.
Sharks bit this leg off.
It takes you any place you
want to go for the cost of gas.
I always like company.
You'll take us to Saugerties?
- Sure. Get you there before dawn.
Want to start now?
- Yeah.
All aboard.
Right round this way.
Major, if you're concealing any facts
you are foolishly involving yourself.
Because we're going to get Johnson
with or without your assistance.
How long do you think it
will take to run him down?
Three days at the most.
- We'll have him by tomorrow night.
This time I guarantee it personally.
With the net we've spread,
a flea couldn't get through.
That's right, Captain.
You just leave the whole thing to us.
What's the matter, Captain?
Do you feel sick?
Lieutenant Miller.
Sir?
Are you or are you not
looking for Mr Guy Johnson?
What do you mean?
- Answer me.
I haven't been to bed for 48 hours.
We've been on his trail for
two days without sleeping.
You have?
Yes. So help me.
Like bloodhounds.
Bloodhounds.
Take a look at that picture.
Is that Guy Johnson or isn't it?
Suffering Moses.
'Sergeant Koretz loaned the groom ten
dollars and gave him his blessing'.
'Wishing him happiness
in his new hideaway'.
I didn't say that.
- You gave Johnson ten dollars?
He was wearing them pants.
'The newlyweds obliged the police
by giving them their autographs'.
You got his autograph.
Congratulations.
I thought he was a celebrity.
On account of his pants wasn't pressed
and he was wearing them glasses.
Who is this woman?
A poetess.
- Shut up.
I can't talk to you.
It's a waste of time.
Captain, we want one more chance.
I'll get him if I choke myself.
- You'll get him?
You couldn't find him if
he was riding on a float.
Captain, I'll be in my office if
I can be of any further service.
If you worry about the ten bucks ..
- Get out before I kick you out.
Follow those two. Stick with them.
Thanks, Captain.
- Go away from me.
Guy.
- Yeah?
Aren't you going to sleep?
- No.
Has Gimpy come back yet?
- Nah.
You ought to get some sleep.
- I ain't sleepy.
There's no use fretting.
It would do no good to go ashore now.
It won't be Wednesday before morning.
You can get an early start.
All refreshed.
I'm sure half-a-dime hasn't
been murdered yet.
I just feel it.
Won't you please stop worrying?
- Thanks.
What is the matter?
- Nothing.
You sound like General Wolfe
before the heights of Quebec.
Why don't you come out here?
It's very pretty.
It is, isn't it.
The night was dressed in silver ribbon.
With the big summer moon in her hair.
Mind if I come in?
No. Not at all.
You cold?
No. I am just comfortable.
Tell me, what will you do in Saugerties?
I mean, your first steps.
Get a job as an actor.
You are a little sunburned.
It's very becoming.
- Thank you.
Does it hurt any?
No.
Better put some vinegar on it.
I don't know.
I like it better without dressing.
Like what better?
- I don't know.
Salad, I guess.
I've been so busy I
haven't even noticed it.
You're very pretty.
Really?
Do you mind?
- No.
Not if it calms you.
- Say when.
None for me please.
Why not? It's good for you.
- I don't drink.
Come on. Just a little.
It helps to break the ice.
No, really. I never drink.
You don't?
No.
Scruples, huh?
Sort of.
You just write poetry?
That is all.
I want you to realize one thing though.
When a lady attaches herself to man
for two days like a porous plaster ..
He has a right to come to
a certain minor conclusion.
Even if he isn't a detective.
Well, I am dreadfully sorry
about your minor conclusion.
Look.
Could you not just think
of me as if I were ..
Sherlock Holmes?
Okay.
Have it your way.
You're Sherlock Holmes.
Here is your pipe.
"Special bulletin from
the Radio News Bureau."
"Willie Heyward, awaiting execution
for the murder of Dolores Gonzales."
"Attempted suicide in the death
cell at Sing Sing tonight."
What?
- Shush.
"Heyward swallowed
some sleeping tablets."
"Prompt medical attention saved him
from cheating the electric chair."
"We now return you to the
music of the Pigeon Club."
That is awful. If he should kill himself
before you prove his innocence.
Yeah.
That's the kind of breaks I always get.
I start swallowing spoons next.
Whatever happens, you've done your best.
Sure.
You'll have nothing to
reproach yourself with.
I won't, eh?
If that goon kicks off before I break
this case I'm out a hundred grand.
That's me. Whenever I get near any dough
someone drops a butterfly net on me.
You mean to say that all you
think of is getting paid for this?
That's all.
I'm in this thing for the
dough and nothing else.
I'm gambling fifty years in the
Pen against a hundred grand.
You can stop yelling. I understand now.
Perfectly.
I certainly was wrong to
think you were different.
Different from what?
I'm pretty disappointed
to find you just ..
Ordinary and greedy.
You're pretty disappointing
yourself, if you ask me.
I thought there was
something fine in you.
Something daring and poetical
under that oafishness.
Lady, you're full of prunes.
You're just the average
New York woman-chaser.
The kind who whistles to
girls on street corners.
I chase you now?
Who has no belief in anything
beyond his own greedy desires.
Cut out the mush, will you.
People who believe in love and
high adventure are mushy?
You talk about love.
You won't even drink with me.
What are you going to do?
- Go for a swim.
And if you try to follow me,
so help me I'll drown you.
Follow you?
I follow you?
- Yes.
You follow me around like a tattoo mark.
- I follow ..?
Your company palls a little, Mr Johnson.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Do you mind giving me my things?
I am cold.
Alright. Don't take off.
You'll get them.
There.
Goodbye, screwball.
Okay, hide.
And stay hid.
Hey, come back here.
Come back.
Hey, come back.
Is there anybody home?
You are Cyril Hemingway, aren't you?
Madam Chambers.
Cyril, I'm so glad you decided to come.
I recognised him instantly, Mrs Dalton.
I'm doing an item for the New York Times
on Madam Chambers work in the theater.
So sweet of you.
One of her actors is down with the flu.
It's a small part.
I'm sure you'll get up on it by tonight.
It's a southern Lieutenant.
Me Hemingway is southern himself.
Virginia, isn't it, Cyril?
- Nah. Alabama.
That's perfect.
Will you read for me for a few minutes?
Madam, I'd be delighted
to read for y'all.
Perfect. Perfect.
Poor Mr Isaacs couldn't quite master the
accent of a gentleman from Mississippi.
Alabama.
- Oh, Alabama.
There are only a few sides
but they are vital to the play.
If you excuse me a moment I'll go and
choose the photos for my article.
So sweet of you.
- Thank you.
I'll see you later, Cyril.
Do sit down Mr Hemingway.
I will cue you.
The scene is in the wine cellar.
And you're the new
Lieutenant from Louisiana.
Alabama.
There you are.
Did you pass?
- Dressing room Number 3.
This way.
That's wonderful.
Please don't worry about me.
Nobody will recognise me.
I want to apologise.
About last night? Please don't.
It was all my fault. You see.
When you like someone very much you want
them to be even better than they are.
You are quite good enough.
I wasn't apologising for last night.
Oh?
You were pretty silly.
Well, I am sorry.
No. What I wanted to beg your pardon for
was figuring you were like other dames.
How is that?
- Dumb.
I don't know.
Lots of times I thought to myself ..
This just can't be. That all dames
are dumb and all men ain't.
That's the way it seemed to me.
Until you came along.
Thanks.
You sort-of changed my whole
philosophy about women.
I don't know.
I figured they ended up at the neck.
You sort-of begin there.
I'm a mastermind, huh?
- Yeah.
Yeah. Sort-of a wizard.
Well, I've only just begun.
I'll get a list of the entire case
and interview every one of them.
Marriages and divorces and all that.
I'm sure we can get a lead on
half-a-dime by this afternoon.
Okay, but I got to get
this part under my belt.
Can you act at all?
Like a streak.
From one wizard to another.
I was.
I was.
I was a locomotive engineer
on the Louisiana ..
Louisiana, midland.
Three wrecks on my division.
Hello Flash Gordon.
Where is Mingo?
Cap, I'm glad to see you.
More than I can say for you.
Come on in, partner. Rest your brains.
Thanks.
Been reading the papers lately?
- No. Too busy.
A lot of people are looking for you.
Don't you care?
I heard. Anybody trail you up here?
I don't know.
I come in circles like a hop toad.
You know, it's smart of you
to figure out this address.
It shows real intellect.
Alright, sleuth. Let's have it.
You didn't jump off a train, slug a cop,
and run away just to be an actor.
No, sir. That was secondary.
The DA will throw the book at you.
Every charge on the calendar.
I figure fifteen years minimum.
Alright. I'm waiting, wise guy.
- Just don't give me any argument.
I'm sitting on the train going to
jail and minding my own business.
Suddenly, something
comes to my attention.
Very interesting so far.
You remember the half dime I
found in the dead girl's room?
I recall it.
I always had the theory that the
half dime was a whole dime.
So I figured it was a sort-of love
charm between two sweeties once.
Here's what I found on the train.
I figured half-a-dime has
a job here as an actor.
I decided as follows: One.
That half-a-dime decided to blackmail
his former wife, now madam Heyward.
Two. Madam Heyward was going to rub
him out or get someone to do it for her.
Three. I should be here when it's done.
Just who is this blister
you call half-a-dime?
That's what we have to find out.
Well, partner.
In all my 25 years as a detective ..
I never saw a daffier
piece of head work.
I got just one suggestion.
I say this seriously.
I call the cops and claim you're insane.
Then you put on a crazy act.
You don't know your name.
You don't know where you are.
You see things climbing on the walls.
We get a couple of quacks on our side.
And have you put away in some loony bin.
With luck, you're out in a few years.
[ Door knocks ]
That's probably the cops now.
Listen. I am serious.
Throw a fit.
Open up.
Madam Chambers has called
a rehearsal for your scene.
You're wanted on stage in costume.
Okay. Be there in five minutes.
I guess this is my costume.
You know the name of
the leading hotel here?
The Seneca House. Why?
Alright. Call it up.
Ask if there is a Miss Vivian Heyward
registered or expected there.
If she isn't, I'm willing
to take your suggestion.
Get me the Seneca House please.
If she's there she'll use her own name.
She won't chance doing anything phony.
Seneca House?
Have you got a Mrs Vivian
Heyward stopping there?
Oh? I see.
When is she expected?
For dinner, huh?
I see. No.
No. I'll call later.
You buy.
Say. Maybe we'd better
look up this half-a-dime.
Got any ideas?
Check the cast one by one until
we find the blackmailer.
Before they get to him?
- Sure. Corpses won't do us any good.
If we get him alive it breaks our case.
I'll call up the major. He's waiting
at the Ram's Club for a bulletin.
Long distance? I want to reverse
the charges on this call.
This is Captain Streeter.
Get me Major Willoughby at the
Ram's Club New York City.
I will hold the wire.
Hello Major. Listen.
I just found Guy Johnson.
I can't talk for long.
Yeah.
Yeah.
He is working as an actor in ..
Captain Flagg, stop the blood.
Come and help me.
Come in closer. Oh, captain.
Hold my arm. Come on. Kneel down.
Captain Flagg.
Stop the blood.
Stop the blood.
You stay here until the
curtain rings down. See?
That is all, boys.
Now, we're going to
try our sound effects.
Alright. Sound effects.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Hold it there. Hold it.
Do y'all have much
shooting in this play?
Nothing but.
It's the noisiest backstage
since Ben Hur.
Hello.
What is the matter?
What's the matter?
- I've something to tell you.
Come on. Hurry up. What is it?
I've done something awful, Guy.
- Like what? What?
I think I've killed somebody.
Yeah?
- Honest.
Who?
A policeman.
Take it easy. Go on.
I had to.
He was calling headquarters.
- What did you kill him with?
I don't know.
A crowbar or some funny-looking thing.
I didn't notice.
You hit him on the head?
- Yes.
You're sure he is dead?
He seems to have stopped breathing.
Take it easy now.
- I hit him on the head.
I put it back in his mouth.
But I don't think that was necessary.
He fell cold.
Come on now. Straighten up.
Please.
I'm alright.
When I heard tell the
police he'd found you.
Something went crazy in my head
and I didn't know what I was doing.
Guy.
Keep your head. Where is the body?
- In your dressing room under a cloth.
In my dressing room? That's great.
I didn't put him there. He was in there.
- He was in there?
In my room?
- Yes.
He was telephoning in your room.
Was he a short man? A bald man?
Bald in a suit.
- You know him?
Answer me.
Well, what? What?
Was he calling a major?
Yes. A major.
Major somebody. I don't remember.
Guy, don't be angry with me.
Please. I'm hardly
holding myself together.
I know I did wrong.
But I did it for you.
You did it for me?
- Yes.
What's the matter?
- You beaned Cap Streeter, lunk-head.
Cap Streeter?
- He just arrived to help me.
I can't bear it.
- You can't bear it? Come on.
Where is he?
- There.
Where?
- There.
Oh my. He's gone.
You said you'd tied him up.
- I did.
Come on, you goon.
Where did you put him?
Right there under that cloth.
Still warm. They were cut.
Someone found him.
So he's alive.
- Shut up.
He must be. Tell me he's
alive from the clues.
They wouldn't cut ropes off a dead body.
I'm going to faint.
- Do whatever you want to.
Where do you suppose he went?
- How should I know?
But the cops are going to find him.
What did you gag him with?
My scarf.
The one with your initials on it?
It was the only one I had.
Get out!
Get out. Go on, beat it.
Please, Guy. You must let me help you.
There's little more you can do at the
moment. You've put the finger on me.
I suggest you retire on your laurels.
No. You are being unfair.
- Unfair.
If it gets to New York that Cap Streeter
was found with your scarf in his kisser.
I don't know.
I've had some bad breaks in my time but
I've never run into bad news like you.
Guy, only a little while ago you said ..
I said? Well, I take it back.
I was right the first time.
I never knew a dame that wasn't dumb
from the neck up and I still don't.
All I want from you now is
for you to leave me alone.
You blew a whistle. If I'm right this
place will crawl with cops in hours.
It's a thousand-to-one shot. I'll fight
the whole thing out and do it alone.
No, Guy.
May I?
Thank you.
Where's the car?
- I parked near your dressing room.
Have you talked to him?
- Why waste time talking?
He said he'd take
a million on the phone.
He won't need it tomorrow.
- Good luck.
Please look where you are going.
- I beg your pardon.
This has been a very
wonderful experience.
Please watch where you're going.
- I am terribly sorry.
You ring up the curtain in five minutes.
What do we do here?
- Sit tight.
Hadn't I better wait outside?
- Four men is enough.
Has Lupton Peabody come in yet?
I haven't seen him around.
Everybody. Curtain up in 5 minutes.
Alright with your lines, Mr Hemingway?
Yes, sir. Ya'll haven't seen
Lupton Peabody, have you?
Peabody? Yes.
He's up there fixing the light.
Places everybody.
Psst.
How are you feeling?
- So-so.
I figure she'd got you by this time.
- Who?
The hatchet woman. Vivian.
The cruellest dame that ever lived.
She sits there like nothing happened.
It hasn't yet.
- What do you mean?
What do you mean, nothing happened?
I was on the brink of death.
- That? She didn't do it.
I got work for you to do.
- Who did it then?
Never mind. A friend of mine. Look.
Get hold of these three.
What are you saying? What friend?
A dame I picked up.
You mean it wasn't Vivian?
- Cap, we're wasting time.
Who was it?
- You don't know her.
Why should she conk me then?
- She was helping me.
Helping?
Yes. She thought you were a cop.
She was trying to save me.
They got your name?
Who?
- The cops.
Sure. I was unconscious.
How could I cover up?
Did they check up on you?
They called up the major.
Well, there goes the ballgame.
Ten to one Miller and Koretz
had the wires tapped.
What we waiting for? Let's lam.
Wait. There is a chance.
If she's out front, it is bank night.
Someone's working for her backstage.
Who?
- How do I know?
Shush.
No chance.
We don't know who'll be killed
or who does the killing.
We got half an hour to find out.
The way I see it.
We must solve a crime that ain't been
committed, and one we must prevent also.
I'm packing.
Wait a minute.
I was holding out on you.
- You got a clue?
No. But I get a hundred grand if we win.
I never saw such a case of blind greed.
Wait a minute, Cap. You're in on it.
Here it is.
I've followed half-a-dime all day.
I've got it down to three names.
This guy above you here on the platform.
His name is Lupton Peabody.
You tackle him.
Say that Vivian sent
you as a go-between.
Curtain going up.
I wish I didn't feel so dizzy.
- Come on. Snap out of it.
Stand by whenever the shooting starts.
Where is she?
You can't see her.
She's sitting in the back row.
Excuse me.
Are you Mr Peabody?
I'm your friend, half-a-dime.
You don't have to cover up for me.
Vivian is ready to listen to reason.
I have 500 grand in my pocket for you.
Hey. Mr Delmonico.
Somebody get this guy. He's crazy.
What are you doing up there?
He is bothering me.
You leave Lupton alone.
No fool like an old fool.
I beg your pardon.
- Go away. I'm busy.
I must talk to you, Mr Streeter.
- Who are you?
Edwina Corday. I'm helping Guy Johnson.
They're in there. In the the theater.
You homicidal maniac.
You're the dame he picked up.
There's no time to explain that.
They are out front.
Who is out front?
- Those. Those dicks.
Miller and Koretz?
- Yes.
They're sitting right next to me.
I nearly fainted.
Are they there?
Yeah. Big as life.
School is out then.
- Wait a minute.
I've checked on five.
And run out of names.
There's still a few more.
More what?
- Guys who use Dressing Room 7.
That's a clue? Room 7?
Ask each man if he dresses in Number 7.
If he does, hang on.
You found out half-a-dime
dresses in room 7?
That is wonderful.
Watch the stage.
Anybody down?
- They're sitting and chewing the rag.
There must be something I can do.
- Alright. You can.
Go to your seat and watch the cops.
We can't trust her. They'll pinch her.
- Who cares?
We're wasting our brains.
We ain't through as long
as half-a-dime is alive.
Hey buddy.
- What is it?
Are you using Room 7?
- I was meant to but I dressed at home.
I'd like to talk to you.
- Don't do that. I go on in a minute.
You can answer a few questions.
Bad luck to talk to strangers
before a performance.
Listen.
- Please.
This is my scene.
I'll see you later if it's important.
We go on a little party.
- Alright.
I used to be a locomotive engineer
on the Louisiana Midland.
Just three wrecks on my run last year.
Yes, sir. This war is a relief to me.
Now, if I only had a
pretty little engine.
Captain Flagg.
Captain Flagg, stop the blood.
Captain Flagg, stop the blood.
We need a doctor. This kid is shot.
Call an ambulance.
Get out there and say
something to the audience.
Ladies and gentlemen, there
is nothing to be alarmed about.
If there is a doctor present, will
he kindly step backstage please.
Bud. Bud, can you hear me?
Look. Try and talk for just a minute.
Come on.
Come on, who did it?
Who did it, bud?
- I don't know.
Please keep off the stage.
There has been an accident.
To one side everybody. Stand back.
We are police. Is this the body?
I'm Lieutenant Miller.
This is Sergeant Koretz.
You can do more about this than I can.
The man is dead.
I can't see how it happened. Somebody
put a real bullet in one gun by mistake.
Two bullets.
Keep everybody here, Koretz.
Close the doors and line up the cast.
And everyone who was
backstage when this happened.
I waited for his lines. I thought
he'd dried up. Then he caught on.
Is that so?
- Yes, sir.
Who are you?
My name is Hemingway, sir.
How did you know he was wounded?
I don't really know, sir.
Except I thought I heard
the poor fellow moan.
How awful.
The audience is leaving.
What am I going to do?
Who is the boss here?
- I am.
Lieutenant. Here he is. We've found him.
Who is that?
- I don't know. Someone slugged him.
It's Cap Streeter. Sure. Look at him.
Wake up. Where did you find him?
Maybe that sandbag fell on him.
He was lying underneath it.
Come on. Wake up.
Come on, Cap. Relax.
Stop playing possum. Come out of it.
Where is he?
- Who?
I don't know. Somebody socked me.
- The second time today.
I don't what you're up to but
you'd better anchor him.
Get me a drink. A double scotch.
Okay. What do you know about
the murder? The dead actor.
The dead actor?
- Yes. The dead actor.
Quit stalling.
- They got him?
Jumping Judas.
That's why they socked me.
What do you mean?
- Nothing.
Where is Guy Johnson?
- Playing ball makes it easier.
Where's Johnson?
- I don't know.
I don't even know my name. Where am I?
Where am I? There's something climbing.
On the walls. Take him away.
Take him away.
Guy.
It was half-a-dime.
Somebody killed him
as you said they would.
What will you do?
- Pack.
Are you running away?
- That's right.
Where?
- I'll send a postcard.
I won't let you run away.
Don't you see? You were right.
She had him killed.
- So what?
You can't quit now.
Let go of me.
They haven't caught you yet.
- Keep hollering. They will.
You said you'd play until the finish.
Play it while the ball is still rolling.
Let go.
I'll sock you for keeps.
- Sock me but listen.
I've no chance. The guy's dead.
Anybody can run away. Not you.
You're better than that.
You're the kind who keeps fighting
when all the flags are down.
That's why I don't care
what you say to me.
Because I know you inside.
I've a chance to make Canada.
I'll take it right now.
No.
- Lay off.
You can still win. You're in the right.
Guy, I once wrote something
that was meant only for you.
'He could not waiver or retreat'.
'But laughed beneath the blows'.
'In the desert of defeat his
heart bloomed like a rose'.
Okay. You asked for it.
Mr Hemingway. Thank heaven I found you.
Poor Mrs Johnson.
This must be terrible for you.
Mr Hemingway, they want you on
the stage. Those awful policemen.
He was taking Ned Brown's place
and so happy for his chance.
Whose place?
- Do go on the stage.
They're questioning all of us.
- Who took Ned Brown's place?
The boy who was killed.
Such a sweet lad.
Poor Georgie.
- Another actor had the part before?
Yes. Ned Brown.
He was taken ill with the flu.
I rushed Georgie into the part
and I'll never forgive myself.
Where is he?
The guy who would be in Georgie's shoes.
- Ned Brown?
He's at Valatti's tourist camp.
- What cabin?
Number 3.
Valatti's tourist camp. Cabin number 3?
- Yes.
Poor Mrs Johnson. I know how you feel.
Sit down here.
I'll send you my smelling salts.
Hurry on stage, Mr Hemingway.
They're waiting.
Come on.
Well, well. Look who's here.
- Come on, Johnson.
It isn't much further.
Just like something
off a Christmas tree.
Attaboy. You made it perfect.
Frisk him, Sergeant. Up with your mitts.
I'll have this back if you don't mind.
Where were you?
- I got hit on the head.
Come no, Cap. Change partners.
Johnson, my boy.
You're going on a little honeymoon.
In a nice shiny car. Step on it.
Did you see him?
- I got beaned, I tell you.
I stood there and someone
conked me a second time.
Lieutenant. I've something to tell you.
You must listen.
Anything you say will
be used against you.
It's the chance of your life.
To solve the Gonzales murder, the murder
of the actor and to stop a third murder.
What are you raving about?
- Vivian.
Vivian Heyward. She is here.
She had Dolores killed and now this one.
He says that again.
Why do you think I jumped off the train?
Give me a chance to prove what I say.
You can prove all you
want before the judge.
A guy has been murdered.
That's not our beat.
- Another man will be killed.
Johnson, quit stalling or ..
- Wait a minute. Listen.
Keep your hands off me, you
pudding-headed bloodhounds.
Both of you.
A guy is going to be murdered.
And you're running from it like
two poodles chasing a stick.
I owed you that one anyway.
Come on, get up. On your feet. Get up.
You sure can hit 'em, Sergeant.
Shut up or I'll let you have one too.
Go ahead and sock me.
Everybody else has.
Alright. Get in here. Get in.
Inside.
This ain't your car, lady.
- You're the police?
You got him.
I was terrified he'd get away.
Try any more tricks, Miss Corday,
and it's five years in the coop for you.
Tricks? Don't be absurd.
I've worked on this case for you.
For the police.
Don't start the car until I say.
Guy Johnson is a murderer.
- Yeah?
Shut up, you nitwit.
That ain't no way to play crazy.
- He's a murderer I tell you.
He killed Dolores Gonzales.
She was my friend. My dearest friend.
He killed her because he found
Mr Heyward in her room.
He framed Heyward for revenge.
Who are you talking about?
- Johnson. Guy Johnson.
I can prove it all.
You double-crossing bumblehead.
Get out of this car.
Wait, Streeter. What are you saying?
He jumped from the train because there
was someone who knew about his crime.
That poor actor he murdered tonight.
Johnson murdered him?
- Yes.
I pretended I loved him and
that I was helping him.
Shut up.
She's as crazy as a bedbug.
- I have the evidence.
The letters he wrote Dolores.
They're at Valatti's tourist camp.
Cabin Number 3.
He was going there when you caught him.
That dead actor had them.
- This lady is a goon.
Guy Johnson never killed nobody.
Come on, take us to New York.
He hit me and tried to murder me
too when he saw I knew it all.
Madam, you're telling the truth?
- Every word. So help me.
I swear by my eyes.
If you knew me better you would know
it means something sacred to me.
I swear by my eyes
Guy Johnson is a murderer.
What you got to say, Johnson?
You dirty snake.
You thought I loved you.
You thought I was a silly little
fool to be used and thrown away.
What is this? What's going on?
- He pretends he does not know.
He was in on it. On both murders.
So help me, I'm going nuts.
I'm going nuts I say.
Keep your trap shut.
They'll never believe her.
They'll believe the letters in Cabin 3
and the threats you put on paper.
And they'll believe his diary.
Which diary do you refer to, madam?
The poor dead actor's diary that
he kept on Guy Johnson's crime.
He showed it to me.
It's in the cupboard behind the ginger
ale bottles. I swear by my eyes.
Where is the tourist camp?
Four miles. Straight down the road.
Turn right at the gas station.
She's making a fool of you, Miller.
- I'll be the judge of that.
I know about you, Johnson.
In case you're right ..
Four miles straight ahead?
- Yes. Hurry.
Keep him covered. He's a desperate man.
I got him covered, madam.
I'll keep an eye on him, Sergeant.
You go and get the diary.
Don't you guys try any monkey business.
We ought to have stopped
for a search warrant.
Shush.
What's the matter?
- They're in there.
Who is in where?
- Better have your gun ready.
What for?
- Shush.
They'll hear you.
What is going on?
I was just telling him. They're inside.
- Who is inside?
The murderers of Dolores Gonzales
and that actor tonight.
Answer me yes or no. Is there a diary
in there or ain't there no diary?
There's something much better.
- What?
The murderess of Dolores Gonzales.
That's enough. Come on back to the car.
Come on, Mata Hari.
They are inside. Surround the house.
There they are. Trying to escape.
What goes on here?
That's half-a-dime in the
kimono and bare feet.
Let me go.
- Shut up.
What's the meaning of this?
I doubt it's any of your business.
This man is crazy. Off his nut.
Raving. We're taking him to hospital.
Look out. He has a rod.
Look out, Guy.
Wait.
You couldn't hit a barn door.
Lieutenant, there is something
fishy going on around here.
Grab the fellow. I'll get the girl.
I got him.
Get up. Get up.
Lieutenant, here is your man.
Vivian Heyward.
What have you to say, madam?
So you won't talk, huh?
She's not only mixed up in two murders.
She is a bigamist.
I hope I didn't hurt her.
Come on out of it.
Lieutenant, please forgive me for
swearing by my eyes but I had to do it.
I knew something awful
would happen to me.
It was a matter of life or death.
I'll have that.
- Oh yes.
Guard the prisoners, Sergeant.
All of them.
I want to examine this fellow.
What are doing with a gag in
your mouth and your shoes off?
I want to talk to you.
Nobody move until we
unravel this mystery.
Great work, pal.
Don't you 'pal' me.
No man hits me and gets away with it.
I hate to change my mind all the time
but I'll take back what I said before.
You are a wizard, baby.
I swear by my eyes.
Oh, you do?
Darling, I am so sorry.
I didn't mean it.
That is alright, darling. I deserved it.
Listen, Johnson. Ned Brown
says this woman is his wife.
That she's trying to kill him.
And that she framed Heyward.
What light can you throw on this matter?
Well, all I can say is I
just thought of a poem.
Roses are red. Violets are blue.
I get a hundred grand for this.
But I want you.
..s-d..
Yeah. A knockout.
Where you been all day?
Overslept.
Did you get the bridegroom sobered up?
- Temporarily.
That wedding march kinda washed
you up on that Heyward job, didn't it?
I'm still head nurse.
Listen.
You ain't going to spend your youth
fishing that rubber legs out of saloons.
It is undignified.
Even for a private detective.
For a hundred bucks a week, nothing
is undignified. That's my theory.
He ain't by any chance taking
you on his honeymoon?
No. He's going to handle that himself.
I'm playing backstop.
Here. Did you read?
- Gimme.
Wise guy.
Say.
I know that tamale.
Poison ivy. What you going to do?
I have various plans.
You want some advice, partner?
- No.
Cases like that are just pure smallpox.
I like 'em.
Nothing like a Spanish dancer
to take the paint off.
I'm talking serious.
You're risking your neck trying to
put the slug on her and for what?
A hundred bucks a week. A bargain.
Okay. You're just money mad.
That's what ails you.
Look, Cap.
This time last year I was
trying to make ends meet.
By demonstrating electric
belts in a drugstore window.
No. This is better.
Willie the Pooh is my dream man.
I'll keep fishing him out of manholes
just as long as he keeps paying off.
Hello, boss.
You're wanted on the
telephone, Mr Johnson.
I have a tailored job for you, Streeter.
Tonight. Up in Harlem.
You may have to black up.
Okay, Major.
Yeah?
Guy Johnson.
Gus? Yeah. What's up?
I hate to bother you, Johnson,
but your boss is loose again.
Yeah. Pretty bad.
No. He just tumbled out the door.
Okay. I'll bring the bloodhounds.
Willie the Pooh loose again?
- How do you like that?
Married 24 hours and he's got
his snowshoes on again.
You got no idea where he went?
He didn't say a word. He just fell
out of the door and disappeared.
He only stayed about
15 minutes and left.
Was he drinking much?
- Snoozled.
Goodnight, sir.
Mike, I hear you had
trouble with Mr Heyward.
Yeah. What do you think?
He take a poke at me because I am a wop.
I say: 'Mr Heyward, I am your friend'.
But he says, 'No'.
This is his night for killing wops.
And he was going to hit me again.
But I put him in a cab.
Where did he go?
- The Fairhaven Hotel.
The Fairhaven?
- Yes.
The Fairhaven Hotel, bud.
Make it snappy.
I want to see Miss Gonzales.
Ask that snake if she's alone.
I want to see her alone see.
Yes, Mr Heyward.
[ Telephone ]
Answer it.
Answer it.
Hello.
Miss Gonzalez?
Mr Heyward wants to
know if you are alone.
Yes. She says she's alone.
- That's right.
Snappy service, boy.
Please. What are you going to do?
Please let me go.
Answer the door when he rings.
[ Buzzer ]
Go on. Open it.
Hello. Hello?
Her room. She must have
left the phone off the hook.
Hello. Hello?
Somebody is screaming.
That's a gun. Somebody is shooting.
What are you doing here?
Where did you get this gun?
- What gun?
The gun you have in your hand, you sap.
What is that?
A dime. Cut in half.
Come on. Give me a hand.
Don't bother me.
I'm looking for Dolores.
Where is that snake?
It's a murder.
Did you kill her?
- Kill who.
Snap out of it you silly chump.
I came in and everything went black.
Did he do it?
- No. He was framed.
Listen. Keep your mouth shut about this.
It's okay. I am a detective. See?
Somebody is coming.
- Is there a back way?
Through the bedroom.
The back stairs are right there.
Hey, what you doing?
Hey, what is this?
We know how upset you are, Mrs Heyward.
But if you'll just answer
a few more questions.
I'll answer anything you want.
There is nothing I am concealing.
I loved Willie.
I'll always love him.
- That's swell.
Would you say Willie was sore at Miss
Gonzales when he went to look for her?
Why shouldn't he be?
That creature was trying
to ruin his happiness.
I told him it didn't matter.
That nothing would
shake my love for him.
Pardon me, madam.
Do you intend to divorce
Heyward if he's caught?
No, no. Never.
I intend to stick to
him until the very end.
Hold it a moment, madam.
If you'll excuse me.
I don't think I can talk anymore.
- We'll be away, Mrs Heyward.
Thank you.
Serve the gentlemen carefully.
- Yes, madam.
Hello darling.
Hello baby.
Darling.
Did they ask anything too much?
- No. It went perfectly.
Have a drink?
- No.
Will you love me a bit more when
I'm a ten-million-dollar widow?
You're not a widow yet.
- They're bound to catch Willie in days.
He's sure to get the death penalty.
- I suppose so.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
- Anything go wrong?
Leave any fingerprints?
I left something else.
- What?
That half-a-dime charm of yours
I was taking to have fixed.
She got hold of it somehow
when she fell against me.
They can't trace that to me.
What about the other half of that dime?
Finish your drink, darling.
The other half is dead and buried.
Your husband's name was Ned Brown?
- Yes.
He died in Australia.
- Yes. On tour.
The doctor wrote to me from Melbourne.
You're being silly, Al.
I am, huh?
Get a load of this.
I ran across it in Variety.
'Ned Brown, the English actor'.
'Joins the cast of the Chamber Repertory
Company touring the summer theaters'.
'Mr Brown arrived from
Australia last week'.
Australia?
Al, it can't be.
I'm frightened.
What should we do?
- I don't know.
If he still has the other half of that
dime he can drag us in, can't he?
He can if we let him.
You won't let him?
- No.
Once you start after ten million
you've gotta keep going.
Oh, it's you.
- How you feeling?
No good. I can't sleep on boats.
Out of remorse?
- I get seasick.
Listen, Guy. I'm getting nervous.
Who isn't?
You must get me out of this.
You know I'm not guilty.
You can tell by looking at me.
Can't you?
You got a beautiful face but I'm
prejudiced. Now get dressed.
What for?
- A walk.
Where?
- The police.
You'll turn me over.
You said yourself, if I laid
low you'd find the guilty man.
I talked through my hat.
I can't find him.
You can't find him?
Somebody killed her and
handed me the gun in the dark.
Listen. I was breaking my neck for you
for 2 weeks and it's no-go. Understand?
You face this rap and
fight it out yourself.
You said if you found out who
the half-dime belongs to ..
I took all the chances I can.
Now look. I'll give you fifty
grand if you pull me out of this.
Are you guilty?
- No.
Stop hollering.
I'll make it a hundred grand if you
found out who did it besides me.
A hundred grand?
Put it in writing.
- Done.
Don't worry. This is legal.
I'm a lawyer on the side.
There's just one slim chance.
One hundred grand.
In fool's gold.
What's the chance?
This half-a-dime belongs to your bride.
Vivian? What are you talking about?
Vivian or a pal of hers.
You are mad. She loves me.
- Yeah. She'd love you even more.
If you burn in the chair and she gets
ten million bucks as your widow.
I tell you you're insane.
You were framed beautifully. If it works
and you get the hot seat, who wins?
Madam.
That's all I got to go on.
Now, you cuddle up.
I'm going to have another shot at it.
Don't you leave until I get the ..
Hello commodore.
Stowaways.
Shall I conk him?
- Later.
Hold your fire, Captain Kidd.
Put the bracelets on him.
Come on, Lieutenant. We only have forty
minutes before we part with Johnson.
I'm going to be sorry to lose
you as a partner, Mr Johnson.
You are a very good player.
I'll bet one spade.
- I'll double the spade.
I bet six spades.
That's the ticket, partner.
Don't let them get your goat.
Let's see. You bet a spade and ..
Striped pants here made it six spades.
I got to consider.
Do you mind?
Double six spades.
I'll pass.
- I'll pass.
I redouble.
Remember. I didn't give you much help.
That's alright. This is a psychic bid.
Lay 'em down, old lock step.
Listen. Have you gone crazy?
Six spades on that?
We're down five tricks, you dumb cluck.
Double that redouble.
I may have made a mistake.
If I thought you were
crossing me, Johnson.
Quit beefing. It's his own dough
as well as yours, ain't it?
Come on. Let's play.
If you ask me I think they're
sending the wrong guy to the chair.
No diamonds, partner.
Quit pinching them cards
and play that ace.
Keep your shirt on.
I know what I'm doing.
What are you laughing at?
A psychic bid.
Down five tricks.
We should add ten years to your
sentence for that bid, Johnson.
You'll excuse me. I'm dizzy and need to
take a short walk before you deal again.
Care to join me, Sergeant?
- I don't mind.
Always a pleasure to
walk with a gentleman.
Hurry back, psychic.
I got to get that money back.
Sorry to drag you out like this but I
got sorta nervous cooped up in there.
You'd better get used
to sitting cooped up.
I understand they actually
make prisoners live in cells.
With bars on.
Got a light?
You sure had Miller burned
up back there over that bid.
You crossed him on purpose, didn't you?
- That's right.
I won this in a raffle.
Say. I got an idea.
Suppose when we go back there again.
You make another of
those silly bids and ..
You can say it's a
psychic bid again and ..
You and I go fifty/fifty.
What do you say?
Fifty/fifty is okay with me, copper.
Go on. Get out of here.
Bert it. Go on.
Come on. Get the hat. Come on.
Go on.
Go on. Get away. Beat it.
Good for you.
I was afraid you were dead.
You'll be alright in an hour or so.
Here's some peanuts
in case you get hungry.
That's your dog?
No, no.
He is no relation whatsoever.
I was just wondering who
was playing with him.
You were?
Yeah. I were.
It's so dark here.
You can't see anything.
You can't?
No.
Well.
I've gotta go now.
Goodbye.
Keep right on going.
I didn't say anything. Honest I didn't.
- Go on. Pick them up.
Pick what up?
- Your feet, you sap.
I'm sorry.
- Go on.
Yes.
- Don't run.
Walk.
- Yes, sir.
What are you going to do with me?
- This your car?
Yes.
- Get inside.
If I give you my word of honor I won't
tell anybody a thing will you let me go?
Get inside.
Are you taking me for a ride?
- Listen.
You won't move and you keep your
traps shut or I let you have it.
I'm not afraid of you, you cheap bully.
I always thought criminals were gallant
but you have a stupid degenerate face.
Right. Here's where you get out. Go on.
Are you keeping the car?
- Yeah. For good luck.
You killed him, didn't you?
I didn't mean to say that.
You can trust me.
You'll find a phone in about an hour if
you don't break your silly neck running.
About five miles this side of Tarrytown.
I am alright. They tried to drown me.
There was five of them. Big as giants.
They was waiting in the river.
Yeah. About fifteen minutes ago.
He can't have gone far.
All I know is we was having a nice,
friendly smoke and he jumped.
No, sir.
I done my duty. I followed him.
What's all the excitement, buddy?
The cops are stopping all cars.
Someone broke out of jail or something.
Is that so?
Anybody with him?
- No. The radio says he's alone.
Well, it's a cinch he won't
get through that gang.
So long.
- So long.
Stop. Stop. Wait a minute.
Stop. Thank you.
A murderer has stolen my car.
You're back?
- I got lonely for you. Get in.
No. You let me go once.
That is not fair.
I need your company for
social reasons. Get in.
No. I won't. I won't.
No. Let me go!
Stop it. I'll have you arrested.
Set me down.
Stop this.
You hurt me.
- I'm not even trying.
Get a smile on that kisser
of yours or I'll plug you.
Oh, they are after you.
Help!
Help.
Help!
Nice work.
You set me out of here.
They'll hang you for this.
Shut up. I'm trying to figure
out a place to dump you.
Alright. Shoot me if you want
but I'm going to scream.
And I'm going to keep
screaming until I die.
What's the matter? Your squawker busted?
Don't you think it's getting
a little stuffy in here?
We're on fire, you know.
Go on. You're imagining things.
Do you want me to burn up?
Look. I don't care what you do.
I'm getting hot.
Try fanning yourself.
Get out of there.
I am full of smoke.
- Hey, your hat is on fire.
Get away from that gas tank.
My hat. Leave my hat alone.
Come on. Never met a dame yet that
wasn't a nitwit and a lunk-head.
You are bright?
- Listen stupid.
I'd have dumped you someplace and be rid
of you, but you had to burn up the car.
Well, dump me. Go on, dump me.
No. You'll get to a phone booth.
On my word of honor, I won't tell
the police if you dump me here.
You won't, huh?
- I swear it.
You'd keep the whole thing a secret?
I swear by my eyes.
- By your what?
My eyes. You don't know me, of course.
But when I swear by my eyes ..
It means you can trust me utterly.
I can, huh?
- Yes.
I'm thinking it over.
No. I can't do it.
Please. Why not?
It's deserted around here.
Something may happen to you.
I repeat, I swear by my eyes.
Stop talking like a nut and come on.
I got enough troubles.
I can't go any further.
It's too dark here. I cannot see.
Come on. You can see plenty.
So sorry.
Keep moving.
My foot.
Alright. We'll stop here. Sit down.
I am nearly dead.
I can't imagine this happening to me.
I could be in Saugerties by this time
but I have to run into a load of clams.
I might as well be frank. You're the
worst break I've had in five years.
You're no bonanza yourself.
Don't jump. It's only a cow.
I know.
There's probably a million
dicks on my trail by this time.
Dicks?
- Dicks. Coppers.
Oh, policemen?
Yeah.
That's too bad.
I am hungry.
Do you mind terribly
getting me an apple?
The stores are closed.
We happen to be in an apple orchard.
Don't you smell them?
Apples?
Come on. Climb up and get some.
I'm not very good at climbing.
- You'll learn fast.
Come on.
You climb please.
No. I'd be unhappy if you
left while I was up the tree.
There are some way up there.
Stand on my back.
I'm afraid I'll fall.
- Come on.
Hurry up.
- Hold still.
They are tame apples.
You don't have to shoot them.
Come on. Stand up on me.
Hurry up.
Take those heels out of my back.
- What?
Wait a minute.
I am going to fall.
Get some apples.
Alright. Now look.
Don't overdo this thing.
I'm going to fall.
I think you broke my leg.
Come on. Let's get back under cover.
Would you mind letting me have one?
Thanks.
Have you killed a number of people?
Not yet.
If you care to talk about your crimes.
I mean, if it would help you
any I'd be glad to listen.
Listen, stupid. I committed a few crimes
here and there but I am no criminal.
It's all in the point of view, isn't it.
I don't know. I suppose I might
as well unveil. I am a detective.
Excuse me.
A detective?
Really?
Yeah. Really.
I'd never have thought it.
It just happens I'm booked for a murder.
You are?
- Yes.
That man who jumped
off the train with you.
You were taking him to jail?
- No. He was taking me to jail.
For being a detective?
- That's right.
I never knew they took
detectives to jail.
Just the good ones, they do.
Come on now.
Wouldn't it be easier and
friendlier to tell me the truth?
Look. That is the truth.
I'm a detective.
My client is going to burn for
a crime he didn't commit.
They sent me up because I was hiding him
while I was trying to break the case.
I jumped off the train because I found
a hot clue on how to break the case.
To go on to Saugerties
and wait for a dame.
I love bedtime stories.
I'm going to dump you somewhere
as soon as I can find a car.
I swear by my eyes ..
- Shut up.
I'm taking a nap.
I will too if you don't mind.
You feel like turning in?
- Yes. I can hardly keep awake.
A pretty bracelet you got.
Yes, isn't it.
- Let's see it.
No. Stop. Stop.
I don't want to have to pop you.
You can't do that.
You pop off any time you want to now.
Don't toss around too much.
How dare you suggest I ..
- Listen.
Don't get any false ideas about this.
This is as inconvenient for me as it is
for you. As a matter of fact it's worse.
You are the most loathsome
human being I've ever met.
The same to you.
I might as well warn
you I'm a light sleeper.
Trouble with ..
I must have overslept.
Come on. We gotta get going.
When did this happen?
- Oh, hours ago.
It was all very simple.
The key was in your pocket.
You sent for the cops?
You're not at your brightest
in the morning, Mr Johnson.
I wouldn't be waiting around
here if I had, would I?
You'll find breakfast laid
out in the sun parlor.
No grapefruit?
- Ah, it won't happen again.
Off the back porch, huh?
- You are a detective.
Do you like your rolls heated?
- Yeah.
You got quite a write-up, Mr Johnson.
Is that true about you having
been an All-American left hand?
Yeah.
I wish I had believed you last night
about you being a detective.
Can you imagine that?
'200 cops on motorcycles'.
It would have been a great feather
in my cap as a psychologist.
Of course, it was obvious
you weren't a real criminal.
Although you might have been a forger.
I am on page three.
Three.
Not as much as about you of course.
But pretty good.
What .. is that you?
- That's me.
It's an awful picture, isn't it.
That is the silliest hat.
You know, I always fill up on
hot-dogs before a banquet.
Particularly, a poetry banquet.
That is who we happened to meet.
Edwina, huh?
Don't look so impressed.
I'll just think you are
a celebrity hunter.
You are a poetess?
I don't know. I guess some
people are just born unlucky.
What do you mean?
- Nothing. Nothing.
Nothing.
Have you read any of my things?
No. I never have seen any of them.
Too manly for poetry?
Yeah. That's it.
I wrote a poem last night
while you were sleeping.
You did?
Just keep it.
- It's about us. Sort of.
About you and me and the dawn.
I'll bet the roads are
crawling with coppers.
'The night will be here
when we are gone'.
'Though we are gone,
the stars will be here'.
'And other throats will
sing in the dawn'.
'It's a wonderful world, my dear'.
I don't get it.
It just means that when
you and I are dead ..
Others will continue to enjoy the
beauty of life just as we do.
Well, 200 cops on motorcycles
ain't my idea of beauty.
Lady, nice to have met you.
I'm not leaving.
- But I am.
Your breakfast.
- I don't have time.
Wait a minute. I know.
You have to get to Socrates to
make that woman confess.
Who talked about Socrates?
You did. Last night.
- Someone should muzzle me.
Please don't blame yourself.
People always tell me things.
Look.
Listen. I like dames. Honest.
I don't have time to play now. Give me
your phone number and I'll call you ..
When I have more leisure time.
No. My mind is made up. You need me.
Need you? I need you as
much as I need a giraffe.
I got one chance in a thousand without
some silly dame gumming things up.
With all the cops in the country after
me I got to hide out until it gets dark.
Shall I chase him away?
- No. I can use him.
Hey, bud. I want to see you a minute.
I wouldn't trust him if I were you.
If there is one thing in the
world I know, it's kids.
You used to be one, didn't you.
Hiya, soldier. How's the battle?
- How do you do, sir.
Catching any Indians?
- I'm not looking for Indians.
I am looking for mushrooms.
With a notebook and pencil?
Now, son. I'm not going to beat
around the bush with you.
Can you keep a secret?
I solemnly swear never to
reveal what I'm about to hear.
That's our rule.
That's very good.
I will trust you.
You won't regret it, sir.
Alright. My name Armand Applegate
and this is Miss Hortense Dooley.
Pleased to meet you I'm sure.
I am Stanley Cavendish.
What?
Shake, Stanley.
Listen carefully.
Miss Doolittle and I are eloping.
You know what that means?
- Oh yes.
Like Romeo and Juliet.
Do you suppose you can find us a place
to hide while her ogre of a father ..
Cools off?
Come with me.
- Where, for instance?
The old mill. You can hide in the
tower and I'll be the lookout.
You'll like it.
It is haunted.
- Lead on, soldier.
What did I tell you?
That's a kid for you.
Up for romance and adventure.
They live in a world all of their own.
A better world than ours any day.
I remember when I was a kid we dug
up a skull from a deserted graveyard.
Hey, lay off that kid.
He was signalling
for help with a mirror.
He is fighting me.
Cut it out you stool pigeon.
- Tie him up and gag him.
Gag him quick or they'll be a
thousand of them here in a minute.
Shut that mouth of yours, bud.
He has our pictures in his hat.
- How did he catch on?
I've lectured to them.
I know all their secrets.
There, wise guy. Yell through that.
Stanley Cavendish, huh?
Herman Plodka.
Boys, keep going. Keep going.
Remember. No bush is too
small for concealment.
There they come. Millions of them.
A whole army.
Where do we run?
- Get up that tree.
Look for depressions in the ground.
Big enough to conceal a human form.
Watch your step, boys.
Watch your step?
Learn to handle yourselves on
broken and uneven ground.
Carry on through that orchard.
Cross to the right.
And pivot to the crossroads bridge.
Looking for somebody?
Yes.
Well, the Bengal Lancer
is ready for manoeuvres.
I got to get used to these things.
Everything seems to poke me in the face.
Come on.
What about them?
- They'll keep for a few hours.
Won't he catch cold?
- No. Come on.
I got to get used to these.
You know it's a hundred
miles to Socrates.
I know.
It's on the other side of the river.
We'll have to get to the ferry.
Alright. Now relax.
Don't pant like a rabbit.
What is it?
Police.
- Where?
He's waving.
- Who?
The policeman.
- I can't see with these glasses.
Have your kids dug up anything yet?
No, sir.
No, sir. We have hopes. High hopes.
Call us up if you find anything.
Immediately, sir.
Immediately.
That was wonderful.
You're the bravest man I ever saw.
No kidding. Look. Do me a favor.
Jump in the lake?
No. I got to get a telegram to
Cap Streeter. Empire State building.
My partner.
- I can telephone.
No. The wires will be tapped.
Isn't that thrilling?
Will you do it for me or won't you?
- Yes. Certainly.
Let's see now.
Darling.
Huh?
Oh, you are dictating.
Yeah.
Darling.
Am wearing electric belt you gave me.
Mother says I can go to
the theater with you.
Sign it: Gerty Saw.
Got that?
Gerty Saw?
Saw Gerty.
Oh.
Do you think he'll know
that means Saugerties?
Sure. He's a mastermind. Scram.
- Uhuh.
You gave me your word of honor.
- I didn't swear by my eyes.
For your own sake. You know what
happens if one of these cops spots us?
He'll shoot right and left.
You'll get plugged.
No difference.
Of course it makes a difference.
Did you ever see anyone with a bullet
in their head and brains leaking out?
You're so sweet to worry
about me like that.
But please don't.
If anything happens the publicity
will help my poems enormously.
Look what it did for Lord Byron.
I should have stayed on the train.
No. I disagree.
You're needed in Saugerties.
Come on, junior. Pick 'em up.
Anybody following us?
I'll go back and take a look.
The coast is clear.
When does the ferryboat leave?
I don't know. It's on the blackboard.
I can't see.
'On the hour'.
We've got 35 minutes.
Suppose you tell me all the clues.
You know, so I can start
working on it in my own mind.
"Special bulletin from
the Radio News Bureau."
"The automobile of missing
poetess Edwina Corday."
"Has just been found on a deserted road
beyond Yonkers. Burned to a crisp."
"Police are redoubling their efforts
to find the vanished authoress."
"Who leapt into fame with
her memorable lyric .."
"This night will be here
when we are gone."
"When we are gone these
stars will be here."
"And other throats will
sing in the dawn."
"It's a wonderful world, my dear."
"We now return you to the dulcet strains
of the famous Pigeon Club orchestra."
That poem got around pretty quick.
I have never told a
lie before in my life.
I swear by my eyes.
You must believe me.
I can't bear it if you think of me
as just a common ordinary liar.
Don't make a scene. People are watching.
Send the telegram to Cap Streeter.
Like a good girl. Go on.
Use the phone there.
Ask for Western Union. Go on.
No. Not until you forgive me.
- I forgive you.
You know, you are very sweet.
Hey.
There he is.
It would be dreadful if
we'd missed each other.
Thank you so much for taking me across.
- Always ready to oblige a lady.
If there is anything in it.
10-1 it's a phony pitch, Lieutenant.
Johnson is too smart to
let a hick cop grab him.
I never saw a manhunt yet
that made sense, Sergeant.
Maybe this guy ain't Johnson at all but
it won't hurt to take a gander at him.
There's one of those camp masters.
I understand they're combing the
whole country with those kids.
Maybe he has some news.
You are policemen, aren't you?
- Yeah.
I am so glad. I am Edwina Corday.
Wait, sister. You're not kidding?
- Not at all.
That's her alright.
I got her picture only last week.
At the Spanish rally.
I remember you very well.
What's the idea?
We thought you were kidnapped.
Give us the story.
- I wasn't kidnapped at all.
I was eloping.
Holy Pete. Where is the guy?
Right here.
We ran away yesterday and got married.
We wanted to keep it all secret. But ..
We've caused so much trouble.
I'd like you to print that
I'm really safe and sound.
And very happy.
Armand.
- Armand whom?
Applegate. An English actor.
He's perfectly adorable.
Darling.
Darling, I told them everything.
It's much better that way.
It's no fun playing hare and
hounds on our honeymoon.
English actor?
What plays you been in, sir?
Mostly Shakespeare.
- Hamlet?
Hamlet. Richard 111, Macbeth, Romeo.
All of them.
Glad you're alright, Miss Corday.
- Thank you so much.
Come on. We got to make the ferry.
Wait a minute. You don't run across
a romance like this every day.
A poetess and an actor.
You two hold it a minute.
We'll get some pictures.
No, please. We haven't time.
Arms around each other.
Lieutenant, in here please.
Koretz, over here.
How long have you known each other?
It was love at first sight.
As it should be.
Would you mind removing your glasses,
Applegate? I get a highlight.
That's it. Just hold it. One more.
Get your arm up on her. Friendly like.
Where you going for your honeymoon?
I'd rather not tell.
I say old boy. You.
I've had a bit of an accident.
Lost my wallet.
I wonder if you would trust
me with two pounds.
He means ten bucks.
- Sure.
Enough to get us to our hideaway.
Glad to help out two lovebirds.
Come on or we miss the ferry.
I'm so glad our friends won't
be worrying anymore.
Where do I return the money?
Send it to Sergeant Fred Koretz at
12th Precinct. That will reach me.
You coming or do we go alone?
- We're coming.
Things are breaking too hot
to pass up any chances.
Goodbye, folks.
- Goodbye.
It's been a pleasure.
By the way, I have a little girl at
home that collects autographs.
Do you mind?
- Yes, certainly.
Just put 'To Natalie'.
- Yes.
Could I have Mr Appleby's also?
- Yes, certainly.
Do you mind some fancy writing on this?
- Not at all. Write anything you want.
Thank you.
- Goodbye.
Good luck.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Of all the ..
Of all the lunk-head tricks.
Please don't be angry.
They were about to question you.
So what?
- I had to say something quick.
Why didn't you say I was your
brother or something normal?
They will check.
We have to get out of here.
See what you've done?
You declare yourself as an accessory.
They check up and it all comes out.
You get two years for aiding a fugitive.
I am glad. It's unfair to have all
the fun and none of the danger.
Don't you see?
We're together now as real partners.
Isn't it wonderful?
I used to know a fighter like you once.
Bugsy McCoy.
- Yes?
Yes. He was slap-happy.
Excuse me, folks.
Anything I can do for you?
Any place you want to go?
- That's marvelous.
I fooled you a bit, Mr Wilson.
He's not my brother. He's my husband.
We were eloping.
I heard everything.
I heard what you told the police.
He has a boat.
- The Minotaur.
Named after the biggest oil
freighter in the orient.
Used to be a pearl
fisher in the south seas.
I was almost eaten up by cannibals once.
Sharks bit this leg off.
It takes you any place you
want to go for the cost of gas.
I always like company.
You'll take us to Saugerties?
- Sure. Get you there before dawn.
Want to start now?
- Yeah.
All aboard.
Right round this way.
Major, if you're concealing any facts
you are foolishly involving yourself.
Because we're going to get Johnson
with or without your assistance.
How long do you think it
will take to run him down?
Three days at the most.
- We'll have him by tomorrow night.
This time I guarantee it personally.
With the net we've spread,
a flea couldn't get through.
That's right, Captain.
You just leave the whole thing to us.
What's the matter, Captain?
Do you feel sick?
Lieutenant Miller.
Sir?
Are you or are you not
looking for Mr Guy Johnson?
What do you mean?
- Answer me.
I haven't been to bed for 48 hours.
We've been on his trail for
two days without sleeping.
You have?
Yes. So help me.
Like bloodhounds.
Bloodhounds.
Take a look at that picture.
Is that Guy Johnson or isn't it?
Suffering Moses.
'Sergeant Koretz loaned the groom ten
dollars and gave him his blessing'.
'Wishing him happiness
in his new hideaway'.
I didn't say that.
- You gave Johnson ten dollars?
He was wearing them pants.
'The newlyweds obliged the police
by giving them their autographs'.
You got his autograph.
Congratulations.
I thought he was a celebrity.
On account of his pants wasn't pressed
and he was wearing them glasses.
Who is this woman?
A poetess.
- Shut up.
I can't talk to you.
It's a waste of time.
Captain, we want one more chance.
I'll get him if I choke myself.
- You'll get him?
You couldn't find him if
he was riding on a float.
Captain, I'll be in my office if
I can be of any further service.
If you worry about the ten bucks ..
- Get out before I kick you out.
Follow those two. Stick with them.
Thanks, Captain.
- Go away from me.
Guy.
- Yeah?
Aren't you going to sleep?
- No.
Has Gimpy come back yet?
- Nah.
You ought to get some sleep.
- I ain't sleepy.
There's no use fretting.
It would do no good to go ashore now.
It won't be Wednesday before morning.
You can get an early start.
All refreshed.
I'm sure half-a-dime hasn't
been murdered yet.
I just feel it.
Won't you please stop worrying?
- Thanks.
What is the matter?
- Nothing.
You sound like General Wolfe
before the heights of Quebec.
Why don't you come out here?
It's very pretty.
It is, isn't it.
The night was dressed in silver ribbon.
With the big summer moon in her hair.
Mind if I come in?
No. Not at all.
You cold?
No. I am just comfortable.
Tell me, what will you do in Saugerties?
I mean, your first steps.
Get a job as an actor.
You are a little sunburned.
It's very becoming.
- Thank you.
Does it hurt any?
No.
Better put some vinegar on it.
I don't know.
I like it better without dressing.
Like what better?
- I don't know.
Salad, I guess.
I've been so busy I
haven't even noticed it.
You're very pretty.
Really?
Do you mind?
- No.
Not if it calms you.
- Say when.
None for me please.
Why not? It's good for you.
- I don't drink.
Come on. Just a little.
It helps to break the ice.
No, really. I never drink.
You don't?
No.
Scruples, huh?
Sort of.
You just write poetry?
That is all.
I want you to realize one thing though.
When a lady attaches herself to man
for two days like a porous plaster ..
He has a right to come to
a certain minor conclusion.
Even if he isn't a detective.
Well, I am dreadfully sorry
about your minor conclusion.
Look.
Could you not just think
of me as if I were ..
Sherlock Holmes?
Okay.
Have it your way.
You're Sherlock Holmes.
Here is your pipe.
"Special bulletin from
the Radio News Bureau."
"Willie Heyward, awaiting execution
for the murder of Dolores Gonzales."
"Attempted suicide in the death
cell at Sing Sing tonight."
What?
- Shush.
"Heyward swallowed
some sleeping tablets."
"Prompt medical attention saved him
from cheating the electric chair."
"We now return you to the
music of the Pigeon Club."
That is awful. If he should kill himself
before you prove his innocence.
Yeah.
That's the kind of breaks I always get.
I start swallowing spoons next.
Whatever happens, you've done your best.
Sure.
You'll have nothing to
reproach yourself with.
I won't, eh?
If that goon kicks off before I break
this case I'm out a hundred grand.
That's me. Whenever I get near any dough
someone drops a butterfly net on me.
You mean to say that all you
think of is getting paid for this?
That's all.
I'm in this thing for the
dough and nothing else.
I'm gambling fifty years in the
Pen against a hundred grand.
You can stop yelling. I understand now.
Perfectly.
I certainly was wrong to
think you were different.
Different from what?
I'm pretty disappointed
to find you just ..
Ordinary and greedy.
You're pretty disappointing
yourself, if you ask me.
I thought there was
something fine in you.
Something daring and poetical
under that oafishness.
Lady, you're full of prunes.
You're just the average
New York woman-chaser.
The kind who whistles to
girls on street corners.
I chase you now?
Who has no belief in anything
beyond his own greedy desires.
Cut out the mush, will you.
People who believe in love and
high adventure are mushy?
You talk about love.
You won't even drink with me.
What are you going to do?
- Go for a swim.
And if you try to follow me,
so help me I'll drown you.
Follow you?
I follow you?
- Yes.
You follow me around like a tattoo mark.
- I follow ..?
Your company palls a little, Mr Johnson.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Do you mind giving me my things?
I am cold.
Alright. Don't take off.
You'll get them.
There.
Goodbye, screwball.
Okay, hide.
And stay hid.
Hey, come back here.
Come back.
Hey, come back.
Is there anybody home?
You are Cyril Hemingway, aren't you?
Madam Chambers.
Cyril, I'm so glad you decided to come.
I recognised him instantly, Mrs Dalton.
I'm doing an item for the New York Times
on Madam Chambers work in the theater.
So sweet of you.
One of her actors is down with the flu.
It's a small part.
I'm sure you'll get up on it by tonight.
It's a southern Lieutenant.
Me Hemingway is southern himself.
Virginia, isn't it, Cyril?
- Nah. Alabama.
That's perfect.
Will you read for me for a few minutes?
Madam, I'd be delighted
to read for y'all.
Perfect. Perfect.
Poor Mr Isaacs couldn't quite master the
accent of a gentleman from Mississippi.
Alabama.
- Oh, Alabama.
There are only a few sides
but they are vital to the play.
If you excuse me a moment I'll go and
choose the photos for my article.
So sweet of you.
- Thank you.
I'll see you later, Cyril.
Do sit down Mr Hemingway.
I will cue you.
The scene is in the wine cellar.
And you're the new
Lieutenant from Louisiana.
Alabama.
There you are.
Did you pass?
- Dressing room Number 3.
This way.
That's wonderful.
Please don't worry about me.
Nobody will recognise me.
I want to apologise.
About last night? Please don't.
It was all my fault. You see.
When you like someone very much you want
them to be even better than they are.
You are quite good enough.
I wasn't apologising for last night.
Oh?
You were pretty silly.
Well, I am sorry.
No. What I wanted to beg your pardon for
was figuring you were like other dames.
How is that?
- Dumb.
I don't know.
Lots of times I thought to myself ..
This just can't be. That all dames
are dumb and all men ain't.
That's the way it seemed to me.
Until you came along.
Thanks.
You sort-of changed my whole
philosophy about women.
I don't know.
I figured they ended up at the neck.
You sort-of begin there.
I'm a mastermind, huh?
- Yeah.
Yeah. Sort-of a wizard.
Well, I've only just begun.
I'll get a list of the entire case
and interview every one of them.
Marriages and divorces and all that.
I'm sure we can get a lead on
half-a-dime by this afternoon.
Okay, but I got to get
this part under my belt.
Can you act at all?
Like a streak.
From one wizard to another.
I was.
I was.
I was a locomotive engineer
on the Louisiana ..
Louisiana, midland.
Three wrecks on my division.
Hello Flash Gordon.
Where is Mingo?
Cap, I'm glad to see you.
More than I can say for you.
Come on in, partner. Rest your brains.
Thanks.
Been reading the papers lately?
- No. Too busy.
A lot of people are looking for you.
Don't you care?
I heard. Anybody trail you up here?
I don't know.
I come in circles like a hop toad.
You know, it's smart of you
to figure out this address.
It shows real intellect.
Alright, sleuth. Let's have it.
You didn't jump off a train, slug a cop,
and run away just to be an actor.
No, sir. That was secondary.
The DA will throw the book at you.
Every charge on the calendar.
I figure fifteen years minimum.
Alright. I'm waiting, wise guy.
- Just don't give me any argument.
I'm sitting on the train going to
jail and minding my own business.
Suddenly, something
comes to my attention.
Very interesting so far.
You remember the half dime I
found in the dead girl's room?
I recall it.
I always had the theory that the
half dime was a whole dime.
So I figured it was a sort-of love
charm between two sweeties once.
Here's what I found on the train.
I figured half-a-dime has
a job here as an actor.
I decided as follows: One.
That half-a-dime decided to blackmail
his former wife, now madam Heyward.
Two. Madam Heyward was going to rub
him out or get someone to do it for her.
Three. I should be here when it's done.
Just who is this blister
you call half-a-dime?
That's what we have to find out.
Well, partner.
In all my 25 years as a detective ..
I never saw a daffier
piece of head work.
I got just one suggestion.
I say this seriously.
I call the cops and claim you're insane.
Then you put on a crazy act.
You don't know your name.
You don't know where you are.
You see things climbing on the walls.
We get a couple of quacks on our side.
And have you put away in some loony bin.
With luck, you're out in a few years.
[ Door knocks ]
That's probably the cops now.
Listen. I am serious.
Throw a fit.
Open up.
Madam Chambers has called
a rehearsal for your scene.
You're wanted on stage in costume.
Okay. Be there in five minutes.
I guess this is my costume.
You know the name of
the leading hotel here?
The Seneca House. Why?
Alright. Call it up.
Ask if there is a Miss Vivian Heyward
registered or expected there.
If she isn't, I'm willing
to take your suggestion.
Get me the Seneca House please.
If she's there she'll use her own name.
She won't chance doing anything phony.
Seneca House?
Have you got a Mrs Vivian
Heyward stopping there?
Oh? I see.
When is she expected?
For dinner, huh?
I see. No.
No. I'll call later.
You buy.
Say. Maybe we'd better
look up this half-a-dime.
Got any ideas?
Check the cast one by one until
we find the blackmailer.
Before they get to him?
- Sure. Corpses won't do us any good.
If we get him alive it breaks our case.
I'll call up the major. He's waiting
at the Ram's Club for a bulletin.
Long distance? I want to reverse
the charges on this call.
This is Captain Streeter.
Get me Major Willoughby at the
Ram's Club New York City.
I will hold the wire.
Hello Major. Listen.
I just found Guy Johnson.
I can't talk for long.
Yeah.
Yeah.
He is working as an actor in ..
Captain Flagg, stop the blood.
Come and help me.
Come in closer. Oh, captain.
Hold my arm. Come on. Kneel down.
Captain Flagg.
Stop the blood.
Stop the blood.
You stay here until the
curtain rings down. See?
That is all, boys.
Now, we're going to
try our sound effects.
Alright. Sound effects.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Hold it there. Hold it.
Do y'all have much
shooting in this play?
Nothing but.
It's the noisiest backstage
since Ben Hur.
Hello.
What is the matter?
What's the matter?
- I've something to tell you.
Come on. Hurry up. What is it?
I've done something awful, Guy.
- Like what? What?
I think I've killed somebody.
Yeah?
- Honest.
Who?
A policeman.
Take it easy. Go on.
I had to.
He was calling headquarters.
- What did you kill him with?
I don't know.
A crowbar or some funny-looking thing.
I didn't notice.
You hit him on the head?
- Yes.
You're sure he is dead?
He seems to have stopped breathing.
Take it easy now.
- I hit him on the head.
I put it back in his mouth.
But I don't think that was necessary.
He fell cold.
Come on now. Straighten up.
Please.
I'm alright.
When I heard tell the
police he'd found you.
Something went crazy in my head
and I didn't know what I was doing.
Guy.
Keep your head. Where is the body?
- In your dressing room under a cloth.
In my dressing room? That's great.
I didn't put him there. He was in there.
- He was in there?
In my room?
- Yes.
He was telephoning in your room.
Was he a short man? A bald man?
Bald in a suit.
- You know him?
Answer me.
Well, what? What?
Was he calling a major?
Yes. A major.
Major somebody. I don't remember.
Guy, don't be angry with me.
Please. I'm hardly
holding myself together.
I know I did wrong.
But I did it for you.
You did it for me?
- Yes.
What's the matter?
- You beaned Cap Streeter, lunk-head.
Cap Streeter?
- He just arrived to help me.
I can't bear it.
- You can't bear it? Come on.
Where is he?
- There.
Where?
- There.
Oh my. He's gone.
You said you'd tied him up.
- I did.
Come on, you goon.
Where did you put him?
Right there under that cloth.
Still warm. They were cut.
Someone found him.
So he's alive.
- Shut up.
He must be. Tell me he's
alive from the clues.
They wouldn't cut ropes off a dead body.
I'm going to faint.
- Do whatever you want to.
Where do you suppose he went?
- How should I know?
But the cops are going to find him.
What did you gag him with?
My scarf.
The one with your initials on it?
It was the only one I had.
Get out!
Get out. Go on, beat it.
Please, Guy. You must let me help you.
There's little more you can do at the
moment. You've put the finger on me.
I suggest you retire on your laurels.
No. You are being unfair.
- Unfair.
If it gets to New York that Cap Streeter
was found with your scarf in his kisser.
I don't know.
I've had some bad breaks in my time but
I've never run into bad news like you.
Guy, only a little while ago you said ..
I said? Well, I take it back.
I was right the first time.
I never knew a dame that wasn't dumb
from the neck up and I still don't.
All I want from you now is
for you to leave me alone.
You blew a whistle. If I'm right this
place will crawl with cops in hours.
It's a thousand-to-one shot. I'll fight
the whole thing out and do it alone.
No, Guy.
May I?
Thank you.
Where's the car?
- I parked near your dressing room.
Have you talked to him?
- Why waste time talking?
He said he'd take
a million on the phone.
He won't need it tomorrow.
- Good luck.
Please look where you are going.
- I beg your pardon.
This has been a very
wonderful experience.
Please watch where you're going.
- I am terribly sorry.
You ring up the curtain in five minutes.
What do we do here?
- Sit tight.
Hadn't I better wait outside?
- Four men is enough.
Has Lupton Peabody come in yet?
I haven't seen him around.
Everybody. Curtain up in 5 minutes.
Alright with your lines, Mr Hemingway?
Yes, sir. Ya'll haven't seen
Lupton Peabody, have you?
Peabody? Yes.
He's up there fixing the light.
Places everybody.
Psst.
How are you feeling?
- So-so.
I figure she'd got you by this time.
- Who?
The hatchet woman. Vivian.
The cruellest dame that ever lived.
She sits there like nothing happened.
It hasn't yet.
- What do you mean?
What do you mean, nothing happened?
I was on the brink of death.
- That? She didn't do it.
I got work for you to do.
- Who did it then?
Never mind. A friend of mine. Look.
Get hold of these three.
What are you saying? What friend?
A dame I picked up.
You mean it wasn't Vivian?
- Cap, we're wasting time.
Who was it?
- You don't know her.
Why should she conk me then?
- She was helping me.
Helping?
Yes. She thought you were a cop.
She was trying to save me.
They got your name?
Who?
- The cops.
Sure. I was unconscious.
How could I cover up?
Did they check up on you?
They called up the major.
Well, there goes the ballgame.
Ten to one Miller and Koretz
had the wires tapped.
What we waiting for? Let's lam.
Wait. There is a chance.
If she's out front, it is bank night.
Someone's working for her backstage.
Who?
- How do I know?
Shush.
No chance.
We don't know who'll be killed
or who does the killing.
We got half an hour to find out.
The way I see it.
We must solve a crime that ain't been
committed, and one we must prevent also.
I'm packing.
Wait a minute.
I was holding out on you.
- You got a clue?
No. But I get a hundred grand if we win.
I never saw such a case of blind greed.
Wait a minute, Cap. You're in on it.
Here it is.
I've followed half-a-dime all day.
I've got it down to three names.
This guy above you here on the platform.
His name is Lupton Peabody.
You tackle him.
Say that Vivian sent
you as a go-between.
Curtain going up.
I wish I didn't feel so dizzy.
- Come on. Snap out of it.
Stand by whenever the shooting starts.
Where is she?
You can't see her.
She's sitting in the back row.
Excuse me.
Are you Mr Peabody?
I'm your friend, half-a-dime.
You don't have to cover up for me.
Vivian is ready to listen to reason.
I have 500 grand in my pocket for you.
Hey. Mr Delmonico.
Somebody get this guy. He's crazy.
What are you doing up there?
He is bothering me.
You leave Lupton alone.
No fool like an old fool.
I beg your pardon.
- Go away. I'm busy.
I must talk to you, Mr Streeter.
- Who are you?
Edwina Corday. I'm helping Guy Johnson.
They're in there. In the the theater.
You homicidal maniac.
You're the dame he picked up.
There's no time to explain that.
They are out front.
Who is out front?
- Those. Those dicks.
Miller and Koretz?
- Yes.
They're sitting right next to me.
I nearly fainted.
Are they there?
Yeah. Big as life.
School is out then.
- Wait a minute.
I've checked on five.
And run out of names.
There's still a few more.
More what?
- Guys who use Dressing Room 7.
That's a clue? Room 7?
Ask each man if he dresses in Number 7.
If he does, hang on.
You found out half-a-dime
dresses in room 7?
That is wonderful.
Watch the stage.
Anybody down?
- They're sitting and chewing the rag.
There must be something I can do.
- Alright. You can.
Go to your seat and watch the cops.
We can't trust her. They'll pinch her.
- Who cares?
We're wasting our brains.
We ain't through as long
as half-a-dime is alive.
Hey buddy.
- What is it?
Are you using Room 7?
- I was meant to but I dressed at home.
I'd like to talk to you.
- Don't do that. I go on in a minute.
You can answer a few questions.
Bad luck to talk to strangers
before a performance.
Listen.
- Please.
This is my scene.
I'll see you later if it's important.
We go on a little party.
- Alright.
I used to be a locomotive engineer
on the Louisiana Midland.
Just three wrecks on my run last year.
Yes, sir. This war is a relief to me.
Now, if I only had a
pretty little engine.
Captain Flagg.
Captain Flagg, stop the blood.
Captain Flagg, stop the blood.
We need a doctor. This kid is shot.
Call an ambulance.
Get out there and say
something to the audience.
Ladies and gentlemen, there
is nothing to be alarmed about.
If there is a doctor present, will
he kindly step backstage please.
Bud. Bud, can you hear me?
Look. Try and talk for just a minute.
Come on.
Come on, who did it?
Who did it, bud?
- I don't know.
Please keep off the stage.
There has been an accident.
To one side everybody. Stand back.
We are police. Is this the body?
I'm Lieutenant Miller.
This is Sergeant Koretz.
You can do more about this than I can.
The man is dead.
I can't see how it happened. Somebody
put a real bullet in one gun by mistake.
Two bullets.
Keep everybody here, Koretz.
Close the doors and line up the cast.
And everyone who was
backstage when this happened.
I waited for his lines. I thought
he'd dried up. Then he caught on.
Is that so?
- Yes, sir.
Who are you?
My name is Hemingway, sir.
How did you know he was wounded?
I don't really know, sir.
Except I thought I heard
the poor fellow moan.
How awful.
The audience is leaving.
What am I going to do?
Who is the boss here?
- I am.
Lieutenant. Here he is. We've found him.
Who is that?
- I don't know. Someone slugged him.
It's Cap Streeter. Sure. Look at him.
Wake up. Where did you find him?
Maybe that sandbag fell on him.
He was lying underneath it.
Come on. Wake up.
Come on, Cap. Relax.
Stop playing possum. Come out of it.
Where is he?
- Who?
I don't know. Somebody socked me.
- The second time today.
I don't what you're up to but
you'd better anchor him.
Get me a drink. A double scotch.
Okay. What do you know about
the murder? The dead actor.
The dead actor?
- Yes. The dead actor.
Quit stalling.
- They got him?
Jumping Judas.
That's why they socked me.
What do you mean?
- Nothing.
Where is Guy Johnson?
- Playing ball makes it easier.
Where's Johnson?
- I don't know.
I don't even know my name. Where am I?
Where am I? There's something climbing.
On the walls. Take him away.
Take him away.
Guy.
It was half-a-dime.
Somebody killed him
as you said they would.
What will you do?
- Pack.
Are you running away?
- That's right.
Where?
- I'll send a postcard.
I won't let you run away.
Don't you see? You were right.
She had him killed.
- So what?
You can't quit now.
Let go of me.
They haven't caught you yet.
- Keep hollering. They will.
You said you'd play until the finish.
Play it while the ball is still rolling.
Let go.
I'll sock you for keeps.
- Sock me but listen.
I've no chance. The guy's dead.
Anybody can run away. Not you.
You're better than that.
You're the kind who keeps fighting
when all the flags are down.
That's why I don't care
what you say to me.
Because I know you inside.
I've a chance to make Canada.
I'll take it right now.
No.
- Lay off.
You can still win. You're in the right.
Guy, I once wrote something
that was meant only for you.
'He could not waiver or retreat'.
'But laughed beneath the blows'.
'In the desert of defeat his
heart bloomed like a rose'.
Okay. You asked for it.
Mr Hemingway. Thank heaven I found you.
Poor Mrs Johnson.
This must be terrible for you.
Mr Hemingway, they want you on
the stage. Those awful policemen.
He was taking Ned Brown's place
and so happy for his chance.
Whose place?
- Do go on the stage.
They're questioning all of us.
- Who took Ned Brown's place?
The boy who was killed.
Such a sweet lad.
Poor Georgie.
- Another actor had the part before?
Yes. Ned Brown.
He was taken ill with the flu.
I rushed Georgie into the part
and I'll never forgive myself.
Where is he?
The guy who would be in Georgie's shoes.
- Ned Brown?
He's at Valatti's tourist camp.
- What cabin?
Number 3.
Valatti's tourist camp. Cabin number 3?
- Yes.
Poor Mrs Johnson. I know how you feel.
Sit down here.
I'll send you my smelling salts.
Hurry on stage, Mr Hemingway.
They're waiting.
Come on.
Well, well. Look who's here.
- Come on, Johnson.
It isn't much further.
Just like something
off a Christmas tree.
Attaboy. You made it perfect.
Frisk him, Sergeant. Up with your mitts.
I'll have this back if you don't mind.
Where were you?
- I got hit on the head.
Come no, Cap. Change partners.
Johnson, my boy.
You're going on a little honeymoon.
In a nice shiny car. Step on it.
Did you see him?
- I got beaned, I tell you.
I stood there and someone
conked me a second time.
Lieutenant. I've something to tell you.
You must listen.
Anything you say will
be used against you.
It's the chance of your life.
To solve the Gonzales murder, the murder
of the actor and to stop a third murder.
What are you raving about?
- Vivian.
Vivian Heyward. She is here.
She had Dolores killed and now this one.
He says that again.
Why do you think I jumped off the train?
Give me a chance to prove what I say.
You can prove all you
want before the judge.
A guy has been murdered.
That's not our beat.
- Another man will be killed.
Johnson, quit stalling or ..
- Wait a minute. Listen.
Keep your hands off me, you
pudding-headed bloodhounds.
Both of you.
A guy is going to be murdered.
And you're running from it like
two poodles chasing a stick.
I owed you that one anyway.
Come on, get up. On your feet. Get up.
You sure can hit 'em, Sergeant.
Shut up or I'll let you have one too.
Go ahead and sock me.
Everybody else has.
Alright. Get in here. Get in.
Inside.
This ain't your car, lady.
- You're the police?
You got him.
I was terrified he'd get away.
Try any more tricks, Miss Corday,
and it's five years in the coop for you.
Tricks? Don't be absurd.
I've worked on this case for you.
For the police.
Don't start the car until I say.
Guy Johnson is a murderer.
- Yeah?
Shut up, you nitwit.
That ain't no way to play crazy.
- He's a murderer I tell you.
He killed Dolores Gonzales.
She was my friend. My dearest friend.
He killed her because he found
Mr Heyward in her room.
He framed Heyward for revenge.
Who are you talking about?
- Johnson. Guy Johnson.
I can prove it all.
You double-crossing bumblehead.
Get out of this car.
Wait, Streeter. What are you saying?
He jumped from the train because there
was someone who knew about his crime.
That poor actor he murdered tonight.
Johnson murdered him?
- Yes.
I pretended I loved him and
that I was helping him.
Shut up.
She's as crazy as a bedbug.
- I have the evidence.
The letters he wrote Dolores.
They're at Valatti's tourist camp.
Cabin Number 3.
He was going there when you caught him.
That dead actor had them.
- This lady is a goon.
Guy Johnson never killed nobody.
Come on, take us to New York.
He hit me and tried to murder me
too when he saw I knew it all.
Madam, you're telling the truth?
- Every word. So help me.
I swear by my eyes.
If you knew me better you would know
it means something sacred to me.
I swear by my eyes
Guy Johnson is a murderer.
What you got to say, Johnson?
You dirty snake.
You thought I loved you.
You thought I was a silly little
fool to be used and thrown away.
What is this? What's going on?
- He pretends he does not know.
He was in on it. On both murders.
So help me, I'm going nuts.
I'm going nuts I say.
Keep your trap shut.
They'll never believe her.
They'll believe the letters in Cabin 3
and the threats you put on paper.
And they'll believe his diary.
Which diary do you refer to, madam?
The poor dead actor's diary that
he kept on Guy Johnson's crime.
He showed it to me.
It's in the cupboard behind the ginger
ale bottles. I swear by my eyes.
Where is the tourist camp?
Four miles. Straight down the road.
Turn right at the gas station.
She's making a fool of you, Miller.
- I'll be the judge of that.
I know about you, Johnson.
In case you're right ..
Four miles straight ahead?
- Yes. Hurry.
Keep him covered. He's a desperate man.
I got him covered, madam.
I'll keep an eye on him, Sergeant.
You go and get the diary.
Don't you guys try any monkey business.
We ought to have stopped
for a search warrant.
Shush.
What's the matter?
- They're in there.
Who is in where?
- Better have your gun ready.
What for?
- Shush.
They'll hear you.
What is going on?
I was just telling him. They're inside.
- Who is inside?
The murderers of Dolores Gonzales
and that actor tonight.
Answer me yes or no. Is there a diary
in there or ain't there no diary?
There's something much better.
- What?
The murderess of Dolores Gonzales.
That's enough. Come on back to the car.
Come on, Mata Hari.
They are inside. Surround the house.
There they are. Trying to escape.
What goes on here?
That's half-a-dime in the
kimono and bare feet.
Let me go.
- Shut up.
What's the meaning of this?
I doubt it's any of your business.
This man is crazy. Off his nut.
Raving. We're taking him to hospital.
Look out. He has a rod.
Look out, Guy.
Wait.
You couldn't hit a barn door.
Lieutenant, there is something
fishy going on around here.
Grab the fellow. I'll get the girl.
I got him.
Get up. Get up.
Lieutenant, here is your man.
Vivian Heyward.
What have you to say, madam?
So you won't talk, huh?
She's not only mixed up in two murders.
She is a bigamist.
I hope I didn't hurt her.
Come on out of it.
Lieutenant, please forgive me for
swearing by my eyes but I had to do it.
I knew something awful
would happen to me.
It was a matter of life or death.
I'll have that.
- Oh yes.
Guard the prisoners, Sergeant.
All of them.
I want to examine this fellow.
What are doing with a gag in
your mouth and your shoes off?
I want to talk to you.
Nobody move until we
unravel this mystery.
Great work, pal.
Don't you 'pal' me.
No man hits me and gets away with it.
I hate to change my mind all the time
but I'll take back what I said before.
You are a wizard, baby.
I swear by my eyes.
Oh, you do?
Darling, I am so sorry.
I didn't mean it.
That is alright, darling. I deserved it.
Listen, Johnson. Ned Brown
says this woman is his wife.
That she's trying to kill him.
And that she framed Heyward.
What light can you throw on this matter?
Well, all I can say is I
just thought of a poem.
Roses are red. Violets are blue.
I get a hundred grand for this.
But I want you.
..s-d..