Peeper (1975) Movie Script
1
[ Piano In Distance: Ballad ]
[ Vehicles Passing ]
[ Siren Wailing In Distance ]
[ Imitating Humphrey Bogart ]
Twentieth Century-Fox
presents...
a Robert Chartoff-Irwin Winkler
production.
Michael Caine and Natalie Wood
in Peeper.
A Peter Hyams film.
Costarring Kitty Winn,
Michael Constantine,
Thayer David,
Timothy Agoglia Carey,
Liam Dunn and Don Calfa.
Production designer:
Albert Brenner.
Film Editor:
James Mitchell.
Music by Richard Clements.
Director of Photography:
Earl Rath, A.S.C.
Screenplay by W.D. Richter.
Based on the novel Deadfall
by Keith Laumer.
Produced by Irwin Winkler
and Robert Chartoff.
Directed by Peter Hyams.
Here's looking at you.
[ Continues ]
[ Ends ]
[ Narrator, British Accent ]
I suppose I should tell you
how it all began.
Except I'm not sure
I know exactly when that was.
My name is Tucker.
I'm a private investigator,
or "peeper" as they like
to call it here.
They have a lot of strange words
for things in America,
and none of them
are in plain English.
I came to Los Angeles
right after the war.
I guess, like everybody else,
I was looking for success
and glamour...
and Betty Grable.
As it turned out,
Betty Grable had
an unlisted telephone number.
So do success and glamour.
I opened a small office
around the corner
from Hollywood Boulevard.
The rent was cheap enough,
and I figured...
if Betty Grable ever trips
on her way to a big premiere,
I could run around the corner
and help her.
You never can tell, you know.
Thoroughbreds have weak ankles.
So that's where I was
that night.
It was after midnight,
there was nothing good
on the radio,
and I couldn't get my heart
into doing my bookkeeping.
I kept on trying
to get the numbers
on the adding machine to lie...
and tell me I wasn't broke.
The adding machine
kept telling me the truth,
which is that the robbers
make more money than the cops.
I read in the paper
the other day...
where President Truman said
this country is in the middle
of a postwar boom.
I've kept my windows open,
and I still haven't
been able to hear it.
I've also kept
my door unlocked--
for prosperity to walk right in.
Maybe that's
where it all started.
I should've locked my door.
[ Foreign Accent ]
You maybe looking
for somebody, tough guy?
[ Chortling ]
Good-bye, tough guy.
[ Tucker Narrating ] You're
in your office late at night,
minding your own business,
and someone races
down the hall like that--
You get curious.
Judging by the sound,
it was either a guy
or a 200-pound lady.
My hunch was it was a guy.
You have to go
with your instincts.
I saw George Raft
do this in a movie once.
[ Coin Clatters ]
I don't know exactly
what it proves,
except, if you add up
all the times I've done it,
I'm out about a dollar.
I don't like the light!
You're right.
It doesn't do you justice.
I'm Lou Anglich.
Oh, charming.
Don't worry. I didn't
read none of that.
[ Laughing ]
You must have
a lot of dough--
the front you put up.
It's my cleaning lady's day off.
These are the ones
I like.
I like 'em too.
How'd you find me?
I was passing by.
Oh, really? I have a rather
restricted clientele.
Oh, I get it.
The widows' and orphans' friend.
But a guy which maybe he
ain't had all the breaks--
You throw him out
on his tailbone.
You know something?
You're not an American.
I can tell.
You talk funny.
You think so?
Hey, take a look at this.
That's my little Anya.
My kid, see?
I don't see her
for 29 years. 1918.
[ Footsteps Echoing In Hallway ]
I tell you a secret.
Sit tight.
[ Footsteps Continue ]
[ Doorknob Rattling ]
All right.
Now I tell you.
I come into my own lately.
Yes, that's very nice,
but I couldn't
help noticing...
that some people were trying
to get into my office--
Listen to me!
I put my kid
in an orphanage
29 years ago.
It was a nice place--
trees, flowers,
other kids to play with.
I-I had to go away on business.
You get the picture?
When you came back,
she was gone.
And you are holding my shirt.
Oh.
Thank you.
Only two years later,
they give her away
to some stranger.
She was adopted, you mean.
Adopted?
The place is a pawnshop!
I got ahold of this mug
that worked there.
He charged me $75.
In 1918, that's a million!
Anyhow, he told me
she was took by a guy
named Conroy.
Where's this Conroy now?
Beats me. At the old address,
nobody knows him.
I checked the first day
I got in town.
What do you mean,
got in town?
I've been in Tampa, Florida.
I left L.A. 12 years ago.
I only been back
a couple days.
You mean you haven't
looked for your daughter
since 1918?
I been busy!
Anyhow, listen to me.
It was down in Tampa
that I come into my own--
in the Sunshine State.
You're holding
my shirt again.
Oh. So, listen.
I come back to give Anya
her fair share.
You are playing games with me.
I got another picture.
I can't see in this light.
Well, it's supposed
to be the guy-- Conroy.
It was taken
when Anya disappeared.
This picture was taken
in the spring of 1918
in Los Angeles--
the Wilshire area,
probably in Hancock Park.
It was probably
taken around 3:00
on an April afternoon,
because the light
hits from the right.
The number on the front-- 547,
odd-- means that the house is
on the north side of the street.
So, if it's still there,
she'll be easy to find.
[ Laughing ]
You are a smart guy.
Who have you shown this to?
Lately, I mean.
Only the people in the house
where Conroy used to live.
But you drew a blank.
Yeah.
Well, 29 years is a long time.
This contact
at the orphanage--
Would he have a name?
What's the matter with you?
Everybody's got a name.
So let's hear it.
Oh, Jaster-- A.P. Jaster.
But he changed jobs.
He moved on.
[ Siren Wailing In Distance ]
Why don't you tell me...
exactly what is bothering
you, Mr. Anglich?
I'm being hunted--
by three guys who make a habit
of killing people for a living.
- Torpedoes.
- Yes! In a black Buick
with a big dent on the hood.
I left a little unfinished
business in Tampa.
That's why I got
to find Anya now, fast.
Before it's too late.
Yes. I went to this office
that Jaster has.
The orphanage told me--
Just a minute.
You know where Jaster is?
Nobody was there
except the torpedoes.
They tracked me down.
I skipped town.
That's how come
I'm hiding in here.
- I'll take your case.
- [ Laughing ]
Tucker!
[ Loud Kiss ]
I knew you was
an all right guy.
So did I.
You go see Jaster. I'll see
if I can dig up some facts
on Conroy with that photo.
Maybe it'll be nothing.
Believe me, it sometimes is.
Here. How can I reach you?
Uh, I ain't settled yet.
I'll call in.
Hey. Here's my number.
Oh, uh, Tucker.
Uh, you know, uh, when Anya
was a little girl,
she always loved, uh, dogs.
Really?
I will remember that.
Hey.
Don't get yourself killed.
Oh. Right.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
A guy falls into your office
at that time of night...
in that much of a hurry,
you can believe
a lot of what he says.
You have to have time to lie.
Anglich seemed to be
running out of time.
The house wasn't anywhere
near where I said it would be.
It was in Beverly Hills.
Who can tell
from a little photograph?
If the daughter, Anya,
was in there,
she was doing a lot better
than Anglich.
I walked in the front door
trying to look like I knew
where I was going.
The guy polishing the brass
was convinced,
so I started to believe it.
[ Exotic Birds Calling ]
How did you get in here?
Uh, the front door
was open.
Was it?
Close it on your way out then.
Is the lady of the house
at home?
I'm afraid Mrs. Prendergast
isn't seeing anyone just now.
I was hoping to speak
to a member of the family.
You are.
Leslie C. Tucker.
Franklin W. Prendergast.
Husband?
Brother-in-law.
Just who are you, Mr. Tucker?
I drove over
from the Examiner...
hoping to check out
a few things,
Mr. Prendergast.
What sort of things, may I ask?
Well, that photo for a start.
Oh, this is Harvey Prendergast--
my brother. Deceased.
I think you'd better tell me
just exactly what you want.
I, uh-- I have no patience.
Can I sit down?
Must you?
I suppose you'd
like a drink, Mr. Tucker.
I seldom indulge,
especially on such
a beautiful morning.
Same here.
Now then, you were
going to tell me...
about how you came by
the photograph, Mr. Tucker.
Uh, no--
No, I wasn't.
I stopped by to ask you
about an old photo,
Mr. Prendergast.
I expect to be given
the fast gate.
Instead, here we are
settling down so that
you can pump me.
For a man in my position,
that's enough
to make me curious.
Just what the hell
is your position, sir?
My having the photo bothers you.
You being bothered bothers me.
And the fact that I haven't
been thrown out of here sooner
bothers me even more.
If it'll make you happy, I will.
Nice birdie.
Gypaetus barbatus,
Mr. Tucker.
Usually he's found
in the mountains
of southern Europe or Asia.
He loves the heat.
Because of his habit
of gorging himself
to repletion...
on carrion and garbage,
he's often considered
the most repulsive
bird of prey.
- Very unfair.
- But he's very smart.
He uses his keen eyesight
to stay at great heights...
until circumstances
are healthy for him
to risk descent.
Otherwise, he keeps his nose
out of other people's
business.
Beg your pardon.
I was just seeing
to the vulture, sir.
I, uh, think
I've talked enough
for this morning.
Now I'm going
to say good-bye.
Before I tell you where
I got the picture of Harvey?
All right,
where did you get it?
Why do you want to know?
- Good day.
- Maybe I should
ask your niece.
Are you sure I even have one?
I'm late for an appointment.
Trevor will have
to dispense with you.
Trevor?
The door is this way.
You look familiar.
We all look alike.
I was in the Philippines.
Maybe we bumped
into each other.
Where were you in 1944?
Beverly Hills.
Smart.
I'm waiting to see
Miss Prendergast.
Which one?
You mean
I have a choice?
I don't think either has
any time for you today,
so I will show you out.
You've forgotten your birdseed.
I will see if the young ladies
want you thrown out on your ass!
[ Tucker Narrating ] I didn't
wait for the Japanese Imperial
Army to bring back its verdict.
I decided to take a look
around the place on my own.
To tell you the truth,
I was hoping...
to run into that brunette
in the silk robe.
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
Now Franklin W. Prendergast
was another matter.
I never trust guys with polish
on their fingernails.
They're trying to convince
themselves they're cleaner
than they really are.
It was hot. You know,
rich people never sweat.
That's always struck me funny.
They're the ones who can
afford a lot of shirts.
[ Snarling ]
Good old Robbie.
Good boy.
Nice doggy.
Walking around these grounds
unescorted can be dangerous.
I'm sorry. I didn't
see any signs.
You train him yourself?
Army trained him.
Special Forces School-- Benning.
But he flunked.
He broke his tooth,
and it broke Ellen's heart.
She wanted him to fight
in the Pacific.
He didn't miss much.
You sound like you were there.
Are you a war hero?
Ellen your sister?
Of course.
What's your business here?
My name's Tucker.
I wanna talk to Ellen.
Ellen isn't awake just yet.
She walks around naked
in her sleep then?
Pardon me, Mr. Tucker?
What about
your mother then?
Mother doesn't receive callers.
Is Miss Ellen getting up
for lunch then?
You use the word "then"
too often, Tucker.
And you mustn't be impertinent.
It's so tedious.
See? I knew she was up.
If you wander inside,
she'll probably rape you.
There's no rush.
Let's have a little stroll
around the garden and a chat.
You're capable of doing both
at the same time, are you?
I'll give it a try.
I can't imagine
what we'd talk about.
Morning.
Milkman.
Is that your bird?
My cat.
It's nice of you to see me
on the spur of the moment
like this.
I'm very nice.
Your dressing gown's open.
Oh. Is it?
I hope you'll forgive me
for barging in on you
like this.
But I was wandering all alone
in a strange house,
and everyone was so rude.
What's your name?
Tucker.
It'll have to do,
I suppose.
Oh, not necessarily.
I could change it if you like.
That sounds like some sort
of proposal, Mr. Tucker.
Something just dawned on me.
It just came to me
out of thin air.
How exciting.
Are you thirsty?
It's so humid in here.
Don't you think?
No.
It's only iced tea.
Don't you want to know
what's just come to me
out of thin air?
I'm breathlessly
awaiting the announcement.
It was as you moved
your head there.
I had this feeling that you
were Ellen Prendergast,
but it was only a hunch.
[ Meowing ]
Do I know you, Tucker,
or just your type?
I'll tell you a secret.
Must you?
My goodness. A concealed weapon.
It's a terrible burden
on me.
We must all bear our crosses,
mustn't we, Mr. Tucker?
[ Whispering ]
I am a private investigator.
Are you a dangerous man,
Mr. Tucker?
Only when excited.
Do you think--
Twice as fast as you do.
Do you think I might have
a small talk with your mother?
Small talk is all
you'll get from Mother.
She doesn't often have
uninvited gentlemen callers.
Not to change the subject,
but did you ever know
a man named Conroy?
That's a common name.
Conroy what?
Fred.
Conroy Fred?
No. Fred Conroy.
I never heard of him.
A friend of yours,
is he, Tucker?
No.
You haven't said
why you're asking
these questions.
That's right.
I haven't.
But I haven't given you
many answers, have I?
No. You're very tight-lipped.
Do you think so? Actually,
you should talk to Mommy.
She loves to gossip.
The way I hear it,
she isn't seeing anybody.
Nonsense. Where did you
ever get that idea?
Your sister.
Mianne is overprotective.
She's a goody-goody.
Mother's like me.
We both thrive
on mysterious visitors.
Really?
Really. She'll get
a big kick out of you.
Mother? This is
a Mr. Tucker to see you.
[ Sighs ]
Mmm! Can you smell it?
[ Tucker ] Smell what?
A hint of perfume
in the air,
in a room where
a princess has slept.
[ Meows ]
I don't believe
I know you, Mr. Plucker.
Uh, Tucker, ma'am.
I'm a private investigator.
I appreciate you seeing me.
I'll leave you alone.
You two behave
while I'm gone.
I'll be brief, ma'am.
I'm trying to trace a child...
who was adopted
from an orphanage
in Los Angeles in 1918.
A little girl with brown hair.
Father's in the chips now and
wants his daughter to benefit.
Who sent you here?
Just following a lead, ma'am.
Lots of leads lead to nowhere.
- I'm a dying woman!
- Is this your daughter?
There must be
something in the picture
that I didn't notice.
Would you care to try this one?
[ Spits ]
Well, thank you
for your assistance.
That about
rounds out things nicely.
Get out! You creeping,
filthy looey!
I'm on my way, ma'am.
Which one of the girls
was adopted anyway?
Who let you up here?
Get out.
I hope Mommy wasn't rude.
Mommy was rude.
Are you walking right
out of my life, Tucker?
You'll get over me.
I'd like to make it up to you.
Perhaps if we met again,
we might discover something
we have in common.
My office is in
the Banshire Building,
and I'm in the phone book.
Do you know the Penguin Lounge?
No. I don't get out
much anymore.
It's in the phone book.
At 2:00 tomorrow?
Leave Mommy at home.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
The old lady was either
really crazy or really smart.
I didn't know which.
I learned two things. One--
She had an adopted daughter,
and she didn't want to admit it.
Two-- She liked strawberry jam.
My hunch was that one
of those two girls was Anya.
And whichever one she was,
she didn't know she was Anya,
because the old lady
never told her.
I wondered which one was Anya.
The iceberg with the Doberman
seemed straight enough.
The one who couldn't
keep her robe closed
spelled trouble.
I didn't want her
to keep her robe closed.
That was the trouble.
I went back to my office,
and, by late afternoon,
I figured out
I hadn't the faintest idea
what was going on.
[ Phone Ringing ]
Leslie Tucker, investigator.
Select your detective as you
would your lawyer or physician.
Hello. Yes, I know you.
Go ahead.
Let me have the address.
Now, what kind of trouble?
[ Line Clicks,
Dial Tone Buzzing ]
Hello?
Hello?
[ Tucker Narrating ]
It was Anglich on the phone.
He was yelling that he was
in some kind of trouble.
He always yells.
It's really very irritating.
The address he gave me
was on the other side of town.
Traffic was light,
and I made it
in about half an hour.
I see ya.
It's a little dark.
I'm growin' mushrooms.
That's why.
You the boss?
Bazooka himself.
I ain't his kid sister.
Don't tell me
you wanna play pool.
I don't wanna play pool.
You come
to the right place.
You know a guy named Anglich?
He work here?
Ask the boss.
Who wants to know?
Private cop.
Good-bye.
I'm working for Anglich.
My name is Tucker.
You're Tucker?
Yes.
You talk funny.
Really? I didn't
get a laugh all day.
Mr. Anglich
is taking a nap.
You know him long?
Not before today.
But I'm renting him space
at premium rates.
Space for what?
His body.
You make good time, Tucker.
You need a doctor?
No doctor and no cops.
Oh? Why no cops?
Because I think I scragged
one of them punks.
Oh, we are gonna
have fun, aren't we?
They hit me on the head.
They drag me in a shed.
They bounce me around
pretty good.
But one of them--
He gets too close.
I got strong hands, Tucker.
I was holding his neck.
After a while, I think
I feel something break in there.
And I kicked the shit
out of the other two mugs,
and I come here.
You keep grabbing
my shirt, Anglich.
Sorry.
Where did all this happen?
Back of a bar-- at Terry's
over on Alamitos.
I go in there once in a while
to nibble a few.
Anybody see this fight?
Nobody around.
You just walked off
and left three guys
lying around...
for the cop on the beat
to trip over.
I closed the door.
What makes you think
you can't be traced here?
I move pretty good.
You find Conroy yet?
Not yet.
You see Jaster?
I was detained!
Listen.
Here, give him some money.
You find him for me.
That guy don't do
nothing for free.
But make it fast, Tucker.
The next time I see those guys,
it's curtains.
They don't screw up
twice in a row.
Call the cops.
No cops! Tucker!
Yeah?
Wait a minute!
Listen!
One thing those mugs don't get.
I put something
in the mail for you.
What are you talkin' about?
It's for Anya.
You find her, Tucker.
You give it to her.
Suppose I don't find Anya?
If you don't find her--
If I'm not around--
[ Scoffs ]
it's yours.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
Anglich went back to his nap
in the corner pocket,
and I went to see Jaster.
I had some money,
and Jaster had some
information about Anya.
That seemed like
a fair enough exchange.
Hello.
Hello.
You're going
to six too.
Popular floor.
What are you doing here?
What are you doing here?
I asked you first.
I wanna talk
to a man named Jaster.
Popular man.
Are you working for him?
Me? No.
[ Elevator Bell Dings ]
Jaster?
Do you wanna tell me
what's going on here?
I really have no idea.
But you're tagging along
without any objections.
I'm hardly tagging along.
I was here first.
It's too easy.
What did you want
with Jaster?
What did you want
with Jaster?
I asked first.
Congratulations.
It's Tucker!
Come out of your hole, Jaster.
[ Ellen Gasps ]
[ Tucker ]
Hello.
A.P. Jaster?
A.P. Jaster.
But then you knew that.
I did not.
Who was he?
I haven't
the slightest idea.
This is all incredible.
You never met him
before, right? I bet.
Jaster called the house
late yesterday--
out of the blue--
asked me to drop by
his office and chat.
What about?
Some problem
named Anglich?
Where'd you meet Jaster?
I never even heard of Jaster
before that phone call.
And you came just like that--
an unapproachable young lady
like yourself?
Actually, I wasn't going to--
until you showed up
at the house too.
[ Man ]
What the hell happen--
I'm sorry.
Look, mister, I'm sorry.
It's none of my business.
What are you doin'
up here?
I'm looking around.
I'm looking for office space.
I have a mail-order house.
What's your name?
Sidney.
You know this guy?
You kill him?
I said, you know this guy?
I can't tell.
He's upside-down.
[ Groans ]
[ Hammer Cocks ]
Seems like we seen you
and the old Hungarian
together someplace.
You're barkin' up
the wrong tree, fellas.
You hadn't oughta hang around
with them kinda guys.
Hey, if I'm not mistaken,
didn't I just hear you
discuss a guy
by the name of Anglich?
You're mistaken, I think.
You're hungry.
You want maybe
a desk sandwich?
We're wastin' time, Rosie.
Let's squeeze this monkey.
Open up, peeper.
We got other people
to hurt today
besides yourself.
I only hope they're not
as pretty as you are, toots.
Why don't you go hurt the other
people, then come back?
Maybe by that time, I'll have
changed my mind. [ Groans ]
Hey. Hey, what's
the big bimbo to you, huh?
Tell us his address.
Come on. He's not
your father, is he?
Where's he holed up at?
We're gonna find him anyhow.
This man give us a clue
before he passed on.
The peeper likes it.
He wants to talk
about the Hungarian now.
It's gettin' late, Rosie.
Let's break his arms and legs
and stuff him in a drawer.
- What about her?
- Mmm.
[ Gunshot ]
Stay there.
Who are they?
Enemies
of a client of mine.
Anglich?
[ Gasps ]
Don't move,
or the tootsie gets it.
Rosie. Over here.
I'm not kidding.
Drop it,
or I'll put her to sleep.
Kill her,
and you're dead.
Oh, that's terrific.
It's the best
I can do.
What's goin' on?
We got a problem.
We're going down.
Get in, Rosie.
[ Vehicle Horns Honking ]
In here.
Oh, perfect.
We'll duck in here
and lay low.
Three, dear.
I could scream.
That's perfectly
true, darling.
I could also kill you.
Ticket, please.
Ticket, please.
Those guys are torpedoes.
I don't care
if they're submarines.
You still
need a ticket, pal.
I'll be back in one minute.
[ Man ]
I was walkin' down the street.
A panhandler came over to me.
He said,
"Pal, can you spare 30 cents
for a bus? I wanna go home."
I said, "All I have
is a 10-dollar bill."
He says, "I'll take a cab."
[ Audience Laughs ]
All of a sudden, five
panhandlers came over to me.
One of them
was wearin' a tuxedo.
[ Comic Continues, Indistinct ]
Is there an orchestra pit
down here?
Yeah.
How do I get there?
Through that door,
but after you buy a ticket.
One minute.
One more minute.
Rosie, it's--
Shut up.
I'm thinkin'.
If you're smart,
you'll just let me go.
I'm not part
of any of this.
Any of what?
Where's Anglich?
I don't know.
That's what I mean.
I don't even know
who Anglich is.
[ Comic ]
...I see him
with a big saw in his hand,
and he's sawing off the legs
of his kitchen stove.
I said, "What are you doin'?"
He says, "I'm makin' a new dish.
Police. Act natural.
The recipe says
to use a low flame."
[ Rim-shot ]
[ Audience Laughs ]
And then tragedy struck.
The dog ate the Avon Lady.
[ Audience Laughs ]
I have an uncle. He's half
Japanese and half Jewish--
Yamashuta Levine.
Thank heaven for heroes.
Get up, Ellen.
Excuse me.
You got a ticket?
Cor blimey!
Where are they?
They crawled away.
Crawled away?
Get in here.
Nobody sleeps when I'm on!
You saved my life.
We'll discuss my fee later.
Get her outta here.
Take her down in
the basement or something.
I'll see you tomorrow
at the Penguin Lounge
if I'm still alive.
[ Audience Applauding ]
Come on, lady.
You comin' or not?
[ Burlesque ]
[ Audience Whistling, Cheering ]
[ Continues ]
[ Cheering, Whistling Continue ]
[ Silenced Gunshots ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
I was tired, and I knew
I was over my head,
which made me more tired.
I didn't like the way Ellen
just showed up at Jaster's.
I didn't like the way
Jaster showed up at Jaster's.
I'm sure he didn't
like it either.
I did like
Ellen's perfume, though,
and the way she felt
when I picked her up.
I knew she would
get home all right.
She could take care of herself.
I didn't know if I could.
Don't do anything exciting.
I promise your heart
won't stand it.
Put my file back.
Heard from Jaster lately?
Planning to take a bite
out of that hat, or what?
Jaster was a guy to know
the angles, all right,
or thought he did.
Eh, there were some loose ends.
You heard about the bump.
What are you doing there?
I'm winding up
Jaster's affairs.
You see, we had
a little business goin'.
What's your name?
Billy Pate.
There was a memo
on the material
you developed for him.
I'll take it right now.
You'll take it right now?
Get outta there!
Hand over what you got!
Do you know a guy
named Sid?
I know a lotta people.
I'm amazed at how many
people I know.
What was your last name
again?
Pate.
Spell it.
P-A-T-E.
And let's not mouse around.
What do you want?
What do I want?
Did I ask you
to drop by here?
We're still kiddin' each other.
Let's get down on the rug.
Then let's talk about Anya.
Does that make it easier?
Jaster had some dope
on Anya, right?
Oh, I suppose.
Bullshit, you suppose.
I don't know what routine
Anglich gave you, Mr. Tucker.
But you give it to me
just the way he gave it to you,
and I'll pick out what we need.
What we need for what?
Come on. To parlay the play
into the big money.
Jaster knew Anglich.
Knew plenty on the guy.
Don't you think
maybe it's gettin'
a little too dangerous?
[ Chuckling ]
I am very smart.
But you bleed, don't you?
I'm holding
plenty of cards, guy.
Don't you ever doubt it.
You take a person like Anglich
and put him together with
a family like the Prendergasts,
and milk's gotta flow.
We sell Anglich a Dutch--
Is that the idea? Or do you
like the blackmail angle better?
I gotta figure the best route.
Take the knife away, will ya?
Come on. Be a sport.
What do you say?
Be a sport.
[ Phone Ringing ]
Answer it.
Three rings, and you're dead.
Hello.
Yes, he's right here.
Find out who it is.
Who's calling, please?
It's Lou Anglich.
Tell him
I'm making progress.
He wants to talk to you direct.
Hi, Lou.
Long time no see.
Yeah? Hang on a minute,
will you?
He found Anya all by himself.
That lets you and me
out of the picture.
Tough luck, huh?
Excuse me, Lou.
That's it then.
Yeah, send me a check.
What package?
I didn't receive
any package.
It's not my birthday.
Hang on a minute, Lou.
You don't by any chance
drive a big black Buick,
do you?
Uh, they lifted my license.
I'll lift your head off
your shoulders I catch you
around this office again.
Now beat it!
[ Dial Tone Buzzing ]
[ Piano: Lounge ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
I went to the Penguin Lounge
to keep my date with Ellen.
I waited for over an hour,
and she hadn't shown up.
I got to thinking
of her perfume again.
[ Continues ]
I decided to give her
another two or three hours.
A Gibson-- big and strong.
How you doing, Tucker?
Very well, thank you.
I've been waitin' an hour
for your sister.
No, you haven't. At any rate,
she couldn't make it--
or didn't want to.
I can't recall.
I thought I'd come instead.
Disappointed?
Time will tell.
You showed my mother
a picture of a little girl.
Who was it?
I am just a fellow
groping about in the dark.
Groping for what?
A client came to me
with a problem.
I tried to help him with it.
It didn't work out,
so he sacked me.
What's it got to do
with us Prendergasts?
If I knew that,
I'd have it solved.
But if he's fired you--
I never give up.
It's the bulldog in me.
A penny for your thoughts.
Can I trust you, Tucker?
Definitely.
Tucker, I'm frightened
for Mother's safety.
Your mother can
take care of herself.
I'm serious.
Uncle Frank tried
to blackmail me.
Now just a minute.
Go back on that
and fill in the details.
He came to me and told me
he could prove I'm not
really my mother's daughter.
Oh, did he now?
He said that before
Daddy married Mother,
Mother was a singer
in some cheap dive.
And before she even
met Daddy, she had twins--
two girls out of wedlock.
Yes, that happens.
He said that Mother
never saw the babies--
had them put into an orphanage.
But Daddy found out,
insisted upon
raising them,
and he and Mother
sent Frank around
to pick them up.
And when Frank
got to the orphanage,
there was only
one little girl left,
not a matching pair.
It was Ellen.
And Frank replaced
the missing girl...
who had recently been adopted
by a family named Conroy.
Me.
And Frankie and Daddy decided
not to tell Mummy because it
would break her heart.
Yes. It's all beginning
to make sense to me now.
I don't want Mother hurt,
and I don't know
what Frank will do.
Are you listening to me?
Yes.
Will you help me?
Please.
Do what?
Frighten Frank.
Jump out of a dark corner
at him?
I mean call him up,
talk to him, intimidate him--
however you private eyes work.
Just so he realizes
that you're on my side.
I'm not sure I am on your side.
How much will it cost?
I'll send you a bill.
How much a day?
Twenty-five.
Twenty-five?
A fella could get killed.
All right.
Plus expenses.
What sort of expenses?
Oh, bandages,
aspirin, iodine.
How do you propose to start?
I'd like to think
about it for a day.
Free of charge.
Thank you.
You're very welcome.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
It was after 4:00
in the afternoon,
and I had a lot to think about.
Mianne was being
blackmailed by Frank
because she was adopted.
So she must be
Anglich's daughter.
She must be Anya.
But something didn't fit.
Anglich said he'd already
found Anya.
And Mianne didn't act like
she'd been found by Anglich.
I wondered...
where the hell was Ellen?
And while we're on the subject,
where the hell was Anglich?
[ Man ]
Hello?
Leslie Tucker?
What the hell do you want?
It's a special delivery
for Leslie Tucker.
If you touch me,
it's a federal offense.
That package?
You Tucker?
That's right. Private cop.
When was this mailed?
Two days ago. Sign here.
Two days? Special delivery?
Right here in the city?
We-We've been busy.
A man passed away
because this is late.
Oh. I'm-- I'm sorry.
[ Footsteps Approaching ]
- May I come in?
- Why the hell not?
Better late than never.
I didn't come here
to fight with you.
Things have been rough lately.
I take it you found
your own way home
from the theater last night.
I'm a big girl.
But I didn't come here
to fight with you, I said.
I'll bet you're willing
to go a few rounds though.
You outweigh me, Tucker.
I never hit a lady.
Would you be willing
to help one out?
What's in
the great big package?
Biscuits.
What can I do for you today?
Have you
got a cigarette?
No.
Can't we go in your office
and sit down and talk?
Um, it's, uh, messy.
I'm embarrassed.
You are a private detective,
aren't you?
In a small way of business.
Is there some reason
I shouldn't employ you?
- Is there some reason
you should?
- [ Sighs ]
Whatever you think I am,
whatever sort of opinion
you have of me--
We hardly know each other.
I know. That's what
I'm trying to say.
I'm notorious for striking
people the wrong way.
First impressions--
- You're a spoiled brat.
- ...are usually wrong.
But I'm keeping
me distance anyway.
I know.
I don't blame you.
But you must see
that I've come here
to ask for your help.
I need your help. Please.
- What makes my help so special?
- But you're already involved,
aren't you?
You have information.
Oh, do I?
Don't you be so sure.
I am misunderstood also.
I just look very clever.
It's the glasses.
You look...
very kind actually.
Really? That could be
the glasses too.
[ Sniffles ]
It's my Uncle Frank.
He's trying to blackmail me.
I don't know what's going on.
That makes at least
two of us.
He says that I--
I have to cooperate with him,
or he'll bring certain facts
out into the open,
drag my mother into a scandal
and-- and Mianne and--
[ Crying ]
And I'd lose everything.
Just a minute.
Hold on.
[ Crying, Sniffling ]
Exactly what is he trying
to make you do?
Loot my mother's estate--
advise my mother to give him
power of attorney.
Or he'll prove--
That my father--
That when
Harvey Wade Prendergast
married my mother--
[ Crying ]
Well, that...
she was not exactly the kind
of girl you bring home.
And Uncle Frank says that
before she met your father,
she had illegitimate twins,
that she put 'em in a home,
that your father
agreed to raise 'em
and sent Frank down there...
to pick 'em up
and sign the forms.
How do you know?
I've been doing me homework.
Keep going.
I don't know
what to think.
I don't want my mother
involved in anything ugly.
She's very frail.
But you don't want to be
left out in the cold either.
Oh, that has nothing
to do with it.
Frank is a hateful person.
How do you and Mianne get along?
All right, like sisters.
Except you're not sisters.
[ Phone Ringing ]
Leslie Tucker Investigations.
Select your detective--
He's up there.
Hello?
Hello?
We'd better continue
this conversation
elsewhere.
What's wrong?
What's bothering you, Tucker?
Who, me?
What would be bothering me?
I lead a full, fine life.
I get to go out and mingle
among the upper crust,
not to mention the lower crust.
Rich old ladies insult me.
Rich young ladies
give me the brush-off.
People I hardly know
invite me to their
private office parties...
and try to break my bones,
while perfect strangers
wander into my office...
and scatter
my meager possessions
all over the floor.
I rescue
beautiful young ladies
from the jaws of death,
and then they stand me up,
and then they try to hire me,
and then they lie to me.
Tucker.
Yes?
If you believe only
one thing in all of this,
believe I'm not lying to you.
I couldn't.
Nice. That was warm and soft.
Now come on.
Your package.
What about it?
It looks important.
You're not leaving it
behind?
Let's take the stairs.
They'll take the stairs.
Who will?
My creditors.
We'll take the elevator.
Trust me.
[ Elevator Bell Dings ]
Get in, fast.
Take this.
I'll need both hands.
What's wrong?
We've annoyed some people.
We have?
I don't feel right about this.
We should've taken the stairs.
I said we should have
taken the stairs.
Did you?
Yes.
It's a good idea.
Good afternoon.
Come on.
Afternoon.
Stop. Do you hear anything?
Are they the same two?
That's right.
Do you hear anything?
No.
So do I.
[ Footsteps ]
Ellen?
Ellen?
[ Rosie ]
Stop right there!
Watch out behind you, Rosie.
Where's the peeper at?
Right behind you.
You're bluffing.
What's in the parcel?
Biscuits.
[ Hammer Cocks ]
Hello.
I'm gonna kill you,
peeper!
- You're off to a pretty bad
start, aren't you?
- He's crazy, Tucker.
He's upset. He's had a lot
of bad breaks lately, right?
Get down on your nose, pal.
No soap.
Listen, friend, when someone
points a gun at you, you are
supposed to do what he says.
Get down on the floor.
[ Hissing ]
[ Steam Hissing ]
[ Muffled Clatter ]
Let's go.
Where are they?
I don't know.
Come on.
Did you kill him?
Are you coming or not?
[ Door Slams ]
[ Footsteps Approaching ]
[ Man Humming ]
This is easily the worst
hiding place I've ever been in.
At least it's small.
And this is the first place
they will look, because this is
the first place that I looked.
They are not half
as smart as you are.
[ Humming ]
Is Uncle Frank trying
to kill you?
Why do you say that?
He's reckless.
He's not that reckless.
Those torpedoes were
imported from Florida.
But why are they after you?
Is it because of Jaster?
It's very complicated.
Listen.
What did you tell your uncle
when he brought up
his little extortion scheme?
I was probably very stupid,
I'm afraid.
I told him to go to hell.
I told him I was glad I wasn't
related to him after all.
[ Humming Continues ]
[ Clicks Tongue ]
You seen a guy
and a tootsie
around here?
Here?
No, in Chicago.
[ Door Rattling ]
What's in here?
[ Janitor ]
Supplies.
Why, it's locked.
You alone down here?
Uh-huh.
Hey, are you lawmen?
There a back entrance
to this joint or anything?
Uh-uh.
The way in is the way out.
Who you lookin' for?
[ Sid ]
Cold-blooded killers.
Oh, there's plenty of places
here in the basement where
they could be layin' low.
Storage rooms, closets,
dark passage--
Show us.
And they got guns too?
Yeah.
But so do we, huh?
This is how I always hoped
it would be.
Being a private eye,
you know?
And it hasn't been.
No. It's always lacked
the excitement before...
and dark intrigue.
Do you know, I have done all
my work in bright sunlight...
because it never rains out here
like it does back home?
No cold, wet pavements.
No fog.
And do you know,
people out here
don't drink tea?
And, confidentially,
I don't like bloody hot dogs.
[ Whispering ]
I'll just look and see
if it's safe to go out.
I was growing accustomed
to your face, Tucker.
I look better in electric light.
[ Door Clatters ]
The coast looks clear now.
Why?
I'm really sorry,
Tucker.
Sorry?
[ Footsteps Running ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
My head hurt,
and I felt like a sucker.
I don't know
which bothered me more.
It took me until 8:00
to stand up and figure out
which were my hands...
and which were my feet.
I drove over
to the Prendergast place.
Frank was blackmailing
both girls,
telling them
they were both Anya.
Only one of them was Anya.
My hunch was that Frank
was lying to the other one.
You've got to go
with your instincts.
Anglich was dead.
I promised him
Anya would get the money,
and I was gonna keep my promise.
I don't know why.
Neither of them deserved it.
Anyway, I wasn't doing it
for them.
I was doing it for Anglich.
[ Dog Barking, Snarling ]
[ Barking Continues ]
[ Snarling ]
[ Growling ]
[ Barking ]
[ Switch Clicks ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
Nobody was home,
and the Doberman was trying
to eat the inside of the car,
so I was free to look around.
I didn't know what
I was looking for,
except I made a rule
awhile back--
Never let a lack
of knowledge
get in your way.
It seemed strange that
the old lady wasn't home.
The samurai butler
wasn't there either.
Nobody. Just a lot of doors
that looked like
they led someplace.
And most of them
turned out to be closets.
[ Switch Clicks ]
Frank's room
was at the end of the hall.
It looked like he hadn't
been there for a while,
although with rich people
you can never tell.
They always have people
cleaning up after them.
[ Bird Screeches ]
Get lost! Get lost!
I am lost.
[ Switch Clicks ]
[ Door Closes ]
Look-- Please, mister.
Please! [ Yelps ]
Ow! What the hell
are you doing here?
I beg your pardon?
I said what the hell
are you doing here?
You better turn
that question around.
I want an answer from you.
I didn't find anything.
I didn't find one thing.
Look!
[ Gasping ]
I can't breathe.
Breathe later.
[ Whimpering ]
Please.
You are very bad
at whatever it is
you're doing, friend.
Honest to God, I'm--
I'm just his lawyer
winding up his affairs.
I thought Jaster was a lawyer.
You never heard
of a lawyer's lawyer?
What the hell are you up to?
Now fast, because
I am going crazy!
Shake your head
if you think of something!
[ Choking ]
I-- I work for
Frank Prendergast, not Jaster.
I lied to you.
For Prendergast?
Now come off it!
And you're tearing
his room apart?
Right.
Never mind about "right."
I want to know why!
Oh, I can't say.
I just can't tell you, Tucker.
Privileged information.
Privileged information,
huh?
How come you told me
you worked for Jaster?
I couldn't trust you.
You couldn't trust me?
Listen, friend, you're under
every rock that I turn over
around here!
Have you any idea
where Anglich is right now?
Uh, beats me.
I'll bet it does.
Honest.
And the Prendergasts--
Where are they right now?
Privileged in--
Frank is taking a boat
down to Mexico or Brazil--
someplace
with his bird-watchers.
And the girls?
Went with him, I guess.
Both of them?
Yeah, I guess.
But it was dark.
I was in the bushes.
You mean they're gonna leave
the old lady behind here?
No, no. As a matter of fact,
they took her, too,
in a wheelchair.
Now that I could see.
Get up.
You're coming with me.
Where?
I ain't goin' nowhere.
Come on.
Where are you takin' me?
What is this?
I'm a member of the California
Bar Association!
Did you ever hear of
the Mann Act?
I don't find
anything funny
about kidnapping.
You crossed the line now,
far as I'm concerned.
[ Engine Cranks ]
What is this anyway?
Will you shut up please?
[ Chuckles ]
Nice car.
You're doing all right.
- [ Barking ]
- [ Gasping ]
That's not my car.
My father was a mailman.
He got nearly bit to death once!
Will you shut up?
[ Whimpering ]
[ Barking Continues ]
[ Tires Screeching ]
[ Tires Screeching ]
Hey, Tucker.
Listen to me.
You let me alone,
and you can have
this whole thing to yourself.
All right?
Thanks.
I'll remember that.
[ Shouts ]
Oh, I wish I could
tell you the truth.
You will.
When does the boat leave?
Tonight.
I know. When?
I don't know!
You know everything.
It's a cruise ship.
Leaves in maybe an hour
from the Wilmington pier.
[ Shouts ]
Which berth?
Oh, Berth 154.
154. The butler drove 'em.
[ Tires Screeching ]
[ Horns Honking ]
[ Clicking ]
What's that?
Gun.
Why?
To shoot with.
Oh.
Don't try nothin' serious,
unless you wanna be
an angel, Dick Tracy.
[ Honking Continues ]
Now you keep your eyes
peeled on that road
for my friend.
What's he driving?
None of your business.
No, the-- The reason I ask is
that I think he's in the car
right behind us.
[ Horn Honks ]
[ Engine Revving ]
[ Silenced Gunshots ]
[ Honking ]
I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'm gonna have
to steal your car.
So please, just get out!
[ Murmurs ]
Excuse me.
[ People Chattering ]
[ Ship Horn Blowing ]
[ Mariachi ]
[ Continues ]
Excuse me.
Yes, sir.
Are all these people
bird-watchers?
Are they what, sir?
Bird-watchers-- people
who look at birds-- sailing
in a group charter together.
Oh, no,
not everyone, sir.
Oh, thank you.
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
[ Continues ]
- Take your bag for you, sir?
- It's all right.
I'll carry my own--
I want my case back.
Which one is mine?
It's this one, sir.
Are you sure?
Yes, sir.
Just one second.
Porter, this is my bag.
No, miss, it's his.
This one is yours.
Steward! This is my bag.
There's been a mix-up,
and the porter won't admit it.
- Is that your suitcase, sir?
- Yes it is.
- Make him open it and be sure.
- Do you have any objections?
Yes, I bloody well do.
I don't like strangers
looking at my personal items.
Open the one on the cart.
See?
Excuse me.
Beg your pardon.
Hello? Sid?
[ Muffled Knock ]
Sid?
It's R--
It's Rosie, Sid.
You okay?
[ Muffled Knocking ]
All right, now, well--
Roll way back.
I'm gonna blow
the lock off.
Do you hear me?
Roll way back.
[ Muffled Knock ]
You got the room?
[ Knocking ]
Okay.
[ Mariachi Continues ]
Excuse me.
Yes, sir. The baggage
is stored below, sir.
Right. Could you tell me where
the Prendergast party is?
Prendergast?
Prendergast.
It's, uh, not my money.
It's in your pocket.
They're up on "M" deck.
There's an awful lot
of staterooms up on "M" deck.
[ Chimes ]
[ Man On Speaker ]
All ashore that's going ashore.
All ashore that's going ashore.
[ Stammering ]
You see, we were coming
along the free--
I jumped right out
of the car to get here.
Are you all right?
Now you just rest yourself.
[ Tapping ]
Take it easy.
You want to--
[ Handset Clatters ]
[ Chuckles, Stammers ]
I know-- I know
it looks strange,
me just turning up
like this and all.
But you see,
I wasn't lying
to you before...
when I told you
I was working
for the Prendergasts.
Huh?
I'm on a retainer.
I do odd jobs for the family.
What's in
the suitcase?
Odd jobs?
Mmm. You see, Frank--
Frank asked me
to tail you,
when you started
nosin' around
askin' questions--
Billy, I think
I'm gonna murder you.
[ Whimpering ]
[ Stammering ]
Well, come on, Tucker.
Oh, don't get upset. It's just
that you never help me,
but you get in my way.
Now, I could strangle you
or stab you.
Take your choice.
Well, you can't just
snuff me out in here.
Be reasonable.
I think that strangling
is nicer.
Don't you?
I'll talk.
[ Chuckles ]
I'll tell you
just what's goin' on.
It's--
It's Frank and Ellen.
He's got her draining
her mother's estate.
He's blackmailing her.
And I'm reinvesting
the funds...
for Frank and Ellen
in South America.
An odd job?
Yeah.
Frank and Ellen
or Frank and Mianne?
Oh, Ellen--
Frank and Ellen.
Honest.
Oh, hon--
Oh, my God!
Look!
That's a cheap trick, Billy!
[ Mariachi Continues ]
Excuse me, sir.
But have you, by any chance,
encountered an Englishman...
carrying a small tan suitcase?
[ Ship Horn Blowing ]
[ Woman ]
Yes? What is it, please?
[ Disguising Voice ]
Ship-to-shore telegram,
ma'am.
May I join you?
How did you find us?
It wasn't easy.
And it's going to get harder.
Well, what a nice place
you have here.
You're on thin ice,
Mr. Tucker.
Yes, and I can hear it cracking.
Tucker, would you like
a drink?
- You look an absolute mess.
- You look unusually pretty
tonight.
Big ocean liners have
that effect on some women.
What's in the funny suitcase?
Funny clothes.
Billy Pate filled me in...
on the gory details
of your little South American
investment fund.
When was this, may I ask?
Just five minutes ago,
so it's fresh news.
I bumped into him in the lounge.
On this ship?
Billy Pate?
Now, don't tell me.
You didn't know
he was on this ship?
I didn't know
he was on this ship.
Frank?
No. Where is
the little rat?
By now, who knows?
Got ya.
What is wrong with Mummy?
Nothing.
She's under medication.
There are few agonies which
exceed that of seasickness,
Mr. Tucker.
Where did you see Billy
exactly, Tucker?
I forget.
Don't get cute.
It'll clash with your face.
It's nice and peaceful in here.
Don't get comfortable, Tucker.
You were just leaving.
- Frank? Throw him out.
- I wouldn't touch him.
Wake your mother up.
I wouldn't want her to miss
the best part of the trip.
I can't. She's drugged.
Make your point, Tucker.
Drugged? What have we here?
A little of the "old lady
in the wheelchair"
kidnapping trick?
Blimey. I hate this job.
Why is she here?
Is Tucker out of his depth?
In over his head?
When a trained crime fighter
has spent as long on a case
as I have on this one...
and has as many facts
in his head--
It's just that
she shouldn't be here.
But she is.
I have it!
I have done it again.
Tucker has such
a boyish enthusiasm.
Don't you think, Uncle Frank?
Now don't let this come
as a shock to you, Ellen.
Stop me if I'm wrong.
Frank, you did see Anya.
You told her where
she came from,
and you tried to blackmail her.
Exactly like
I told you he did.
[ Scratching ]
Shh. Shh.
Frank, lock that door.
Does it still matter?
It must, right?
Put a call to Tampa, Florida.
Is that possible
from this tub, or what?
It's not a private party.
It's a place of business.
Look, tootsie,
I haven't got all year.
[ Orchestra: Ballroom ]
[ Chattering ]
[ Woman ]
Where are they going?
[ Orchestra Stops ]
[ Plates, Silverware Crashing ]
Tucker's in there.
What's Pate doing here?
[ Crashing, Rattling ]
Ellen!
I think it's time
we had a little talk.
[ Crashing Continues ]
Oh, please sit down,
ladies and gentlemen.
Everything is all right.
Please be seated.
Everything's fine.
[ Resumes ]
What on earth is going on?
My name is Leslie Tucker.
I'm a confidential agent.
And this man
is my prisoner.
Are you sure?
Ask him.
He's ready to talk.
Put him down.
Please, Mr. Plucker.
That's, uh, Tucker
with a "T", ma'am.
What in God's name are you doing
aboard this ship, Margaret?
Just a wealthy
old lady on holiday.
Any objections?
Excuse me, Mrs. Prendergast.
Have you seen this man
here before?
I certainly have.
Mrs. Prendergast,
my apologies for
this unpleasantness.
Forgotten.
These people are joining
Mrs. Pennypacker and me.
Can you seat them?
Yes.
How many?
Uh, two, please.
This is Adele Pennypacker.
Adele, this is
my brother-in-law,
Frank Prendergast.
How do you do?
How do you do?
- And this is Mr. Plucker.
- Leslie Tucker
with a "T", ma'am.
How do you do?
Oh, what a pretty name.
And this is
my dear friend Billy Pate.
- Oh, and this is
my daughter Ellen.
- Your daughter? How lovely.
What are you doing here, Mother?
Billy, tell Frank
and my favorite daughter...
how they've been
magnificently bamboozled.
You know, I always had
a feeling that Billy
held the key to this.
I sense you're a fellow
with something
to contribute here.
Pardon me for interrupting.
[ Margaret ]
That's quite all right, sir.
Mr. Tucker is
a private eye.
Oh, my goodness.
[ Tucker ]
I've done it again.
Frank did see Anya
and tried to blackmail her--
I know-- Exactly like
you said he did.
But you got it
in the wrong order.
First, he saw the real Anya.
When she wouldn't play ball,
he saw the other girl.
- Unless I'm very much mistaken.
- Because a bluff might work.
- Then--
- Thank you, Billy.
I can handle this.
Frank gave you the same pitch,
but only after he saw Mianne.
And you fell for it.
I know you think you're Anya,
but you're not.
[ Adele ]
Who is Anya?
[ Tucker ] Mianne, of course.
Who is Mianne?
[ Margaret ]
My other daughter.
You see, Adele,
the minute Ellen
and funny Frank...
enlisted Billy's aid
to embezzle my money--
I must object.
Be quiet, Frank.
Billy, bless his heart,
came directly to me.
And he's been
my double agent
ever since.
You, Pate, are a worm.
The rest is history.
Excuse me,
Mrs., uh, Prendergast,
but at the risk of causing
even more confusion here,
I was hired to do a job
by a man who wanted
to make certain...
that a young lady received
a very substantial inheritance.
Now that young lady--
turned out to be
your daughter-- is Mianne.
So, what I'd like to do,
if you don't mind,
is to give you the money...
so that you can give it
to her when she wakes up.
Well, Billy will handle
any and all transference
of funds.
An odd job.
Blimey, I hate this job.
[ Wind Howling ]
[ Waves Crashing ]
[ Grunts ]
[ Grunts ]
[ Loud Splash ]
Hello.
Milkman.
Hello.
You noticed I keep
getting knocked about
whenever you're around?
You said you liked excitement.
I remember that distinctly.
Really?
Oh, yes.
"Dark intrigue"--
Those were your exact words.
You tried to drown me
a few minutes ago. I didn't
find that so intriguing.
Don't be so
melodramatic, Tucker.
It was a lifeboat, wasn't it?
Give me that suitcase.
Tucker?
What the hell
are you grinning at?
You.
What is it about me that
you dislike so, Tucker?
Well, for the sake
of brevity--
You are bad, and I am good.
It is said
that opposites attract.
They say that.
They do, do they?
Yes.
Give me that suitcase.
[ Laughs ]
Never hit a man with glasses!
You're apt to put out an eye.
I want that money, Tucker.
You'll only squander it.
Mianne doesn't need it.
And you don't deserve it.
I never said I did.
You tried to kill your sister.
She's not my sister, Tucker.
You know that. You proved it.
Look, this boat doesn't dock
anywhere for a whole week.
Let's not make
some rash decision
we'll both regret later.
I have already made my decision.
Wonderful. You'll get
a merit badge.
I am tired. And I'm gonna
get myself a drink.
I'll maybe even
get myself two drinks.
I'm not sure.
That's a good idea.
You'll have to pay
for mine though.
I think I'm penniless now.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
So, Anglich got his wish.
Mianne, who was already rich,
got her money.
Frank got seasick.
And I got to spend
a few days on a ship...
with a lady who was way
out of my league.
I told you I didn't know
when it all began.
I also don't know
when it all ends.
You never do, do you?
[ Piano In Distance: Ballad ]
[ Vehicles Passing ]
[ Siren Wailing In Distance ]
[ Imitating Humphrey Bogart ]
Twentieth Century-Fox
presents...
a Robert Chartoff-Irwin Winkler
production.
Michael Caine and Natalie Wood
in Peeper.
A Peter Hyams film.
Costarring Kitty Winn,
Michael Constantine,
Thayer David,
Timothy Agoglia Carey,
Liam Dunn and Don Calfa.
Production designer:
Albert Brenner.
Film Editor:
James Mitchell.
Music by Richard Clements.
Director of Photography:
Earl Rath, A.S.C.
Screenplay by W.D. Richter.
Based on the novel Deadfall
by Keith Laumer.
Produced by Irwin Winkler
and Robert Chartoff.
Directed by Peter Hyams.
Here's looking at you.
[ Continues ]
[ Ends ]
[ Narrator, British Accent ]
I suppose I should tell you
how it all began.
Except I'm not sure
I know exactly when that was.
My name is Tucker.
I'm a private investigator,
or "peeper" as they like
to call it here.
They have a lot of strange words
for things in America,
and none of them
are in plain English.
I came to Los Angeles
right after the war.
I guess, like everybody else,
I was looking for success
and glamour...
and Betty Grable.
As it turned out,
Betty Grable had
an unlisted telephone number.
So do success and glamour.
I opened a small office
around the corner
from Hollywood Boulevard.
The rent was cheap enough,
and I figured...
if Betty Grable ever trips
on her way to a big premiere,
I could run around the corner
and help her.
You never can tell, you know.
Thoroughbreds have weak ankles.
So that's where I was
that night.
It was after midnight,
there was nothing good
on the radio,
and I couldn't get my heart
into doing my bookkeeping.
I kept on trying
to get the numbers
on the adding machine to lie...
and tell me I wasn't broke.
The adding machine
kept telling me the truth,
which is that the robbers
make more money than the cops.
I read in the paper
the other day...
where President Truman said
this country is in the middle
of a postwar boom.
I've kept my windows open,
and I still haven't
been able to hear it.
I've also kept
my door unlocked--
for prosperity to walk right in.
Maybe that's
where it all started.
I should've locked my door.
[ Foreign Accent ]
You maybe looking
for somebody, tough guy?
[ Chortling ]
Good-bye, tough guy.
[ Tucker Narrating ] You're
in your office late at night,
minding your own business,
and someone races
down the hall like that--
You get curious.
Judging by the sound,
it was either a guy
or a 200-pound lady.
My hunch was it was a guy.
You have to go
with your instincts.
I saw George Raft
do this in a movie once.
[ Coin Clatters ]
I don't know exactly
what it proves,
except, if you add up
all the times I've done it,
I'm out about a dollar.
I don't like the light!
You're right.
It doesn't do you justice.
I'm Lou Anglich.
Oh, charming.
Don't worry. I didn't
read none of that.
[ Laughing ]
You must have
a lot of dough--
the front you put up.
It's my cleaning lady's day off.
These are the ones
I like.
I like 'em too.
How'd you find me?
I was passing by.
Oh, really? I have a rather
restricted clientele.
Oh, I get it.
The widows' and orphans' friend.
But a guy which maybe he
ain't had all the breaks--
You throw him out
on his tailbone.
You know something?
You're not an American.
I can tell.
You talk funny.
You think so?
Hey, take a look at this.
That's my little Anya.
My kid, see?
I don't see her
for 29 years. 1918.
[ Footsteps Echoing In Hallway ]
I tell you a secret.
Sit tight.
[ Footsteps Continue ]
[ Doorknob Rattling ]
All right.
Now I tell you.
I come into my own lately.
Yes, that's very nice,
but I couldn't
help noticing...
that some people were trying
to get into my office--
Listen to me!
I put my kid
in an orphanage
29 years ago.
It was a nice place--
trees, flowers,
other kids to play with.
I-I had to go away on business.
You get the picture?
When you came back,
she was gone.
And you are holding my shirt.
Oh.
Thank you.
Only two years later,
they give her away
to some stranger.
She was adopted, you mean.
Adopted?
The place is a pawnshop!
I got ahold of this mug
that worked there.
He charged me $75.
In 1918, that's a million!
Anyhow, he told me
she was took by a guy
named Conroy.
Where's this Conroy now?
Beats me. At the old address,
nobody knows him.
I checked the first day
I got in town.
What do you mean,
got in town?
I've been in Tampa, Florida.
I left L.A. 12 years ago.
I only been back
a couple days.
You mean you haven't
looked for your daughter
since 1918?
I been busy!
Anyhow, listen to me.
It was down in Tampa
that I come into my own--
in the Sunshine State.
You're holding
my shirt again.
Oh. So, listen.
I come back to give Anya
her fair share.
You are playing games with me.
I got another picture.
I can't see in this light.
Well, it's supposed
to be the guy-- Conroy.
It was taken
when Anya disappeared.
This picture was taken
in the spring of 1918
in Los Angeles--
the Wilshire area,
probably in Hancock Park.
It was probably
taken around 3:00
on an April afternoon,
because the light
hits from the right.
The number on the front-- 547,
odd-- means that the house is
on the north side of the street.
So, if it's still there,
she'll be easy to find.
[ Laughing ]
You are a smart guy.
Who have you shown this to?
Lately, I mean.
Only the people in the house
where Conroy used to live.
But you drew a blank.
Yeah.
Well, 29 years is a long time.
This contact
at the orphanage--
Would he have a name?
What's the matter with you?
Everybody's got a name.
So let's hear it.
Oh, Jaster-- A.P. Jaster.
But he changed jobs.
He moved on.
[ Siren Wailing In Distance ]
Why don't you tell me...
exactly what is bothering
you, Mr. Anglich?
I'm being hunted--
by three guys who make a habit
of killing people for a living.
- Torpedoes.
- Yes! In a black Buick
with a big dent on the hood.
I left a little unfinished
business in Tampa.
That's why I got
to find Anya now, fast.
Before it's too late.
Yes. I went to this office
that Jaster has.
The orphanage told me--
Just a minute.
You know where Jaster is?
Nobody was there
except the torpedoes.
They tracked me down.
I skipped town.
That's how come
I'm hiding in here.
- I'll take your case.
- [ Laughing ]
Tucker!
[ Loud Kiss ]
I knew you was
an all right guy.
So did I.
You go see Jaster. I'll see
if I can dig up some facts
on Conroy with that photo.
Maybe it'll be nothing.
Believe me, it sometimes is.
Here. How can I reach you?
Uh, I ain't settled yet.
I'll call in.
Hey. Here's my number.
Oh, uh, Tucker.
Uh, you know, uh, when Anya
was a little girl,
she always loved, uh, dogs.
Really?
I will remember that.
Hey.
Don't get yourself killed.
Oh. Right.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
A guy falls into your office
at that time of night...
in that much of a hurry,
you can believe
a lot of what he says.
You have to have time to lie.
Anglich seemed to be
running out of time.
The house wasn't anywhere
near where I said it would be.
It was in Beverly Hills.
Who can tell
from a little photograph?
If the daughter, Anya,
was in there,
she was doing a lot better
than Anglich.
I walked in the front door
trying to look like I knew
where I was going.
The guy polishing the brass
was convinced,
so I started to believe it.
[ Exotic Birds Calling ]
How did you get in here?
Uh, the front door
was open.
Was it?
Close it on your way out then.
Is the lady of the house
at home?
I'm afraid Mrs. Prendergast
isn't seeing anyone just now.
I was hoping to speak
to a member of the family.
You are.
Leslie C. Tucker.
Franklin W. Prendergast.
Husband?
Brother-in-law.
Just who are you, Mr. Tucker?
I drove over
from the Examiner...
hoping to check out
a few things,
Mr. Prendergast.
What sort of things, may I ask?
Well, that photo for a start.
Oh, this is Harvey Prendergast--
my brother. Deceased.
I think you'd better tell me
just exactly what you want.
I, uh-- I have no patience.
Can I sit down?
Must you?
I suppose you'd
like a drink, Mr. Tucker.
I seldom indulge,
especially on such
a beautiful morning.
Same here.
Now then, you were
going to tell me...
about how you came by
the photograph, Mr. Tucker.
Uh, no--
No, I wasn't.
I stopped by to ask you
about an old photo,
Mr. Prendergast.
I expect to be given
the fast gate.
Instead, here we are
settling down so that
you can pump me.
For a man in my position,
that's enough
to make me curious.
Just what the hell
is your position, sir?
My having the photo bothers you.
You being bothered bothers me.
And the fact that I haven't
been thrown out of here sooner
bothers me even more.
If it'll make you happy, I will.
Nice birdie.
Gypaetus barbatus,
Mr. Tucker.
Usually he's found
in the mountains
of southern Europe or Asia.
He loves the heat.
Because of his habit
of gorging himself
to repletion...
on carrion and garbage,
he's often considered
the most repulsive
bird of prey.
- Very unfair.
- But he's very smart.
He uses his keen eyesight
to stay at great heights...
until circumstances
are healthy for him
to risk descent.
Otherwise, he keeps his nose
out of other people's
business.
Beg your pardon.
I was just seeing
to the vulture, sir.
I, uh, think
I've talked enough
for this morning.
Now I'm going
to say good-bye.
Before I tell you where
I got the picture of Harvey?
All right,
where did you get it?
Why do you want to know?
- Good day.
- Maybe I should
ask your niece.
Are you sure I even have one?
I'm late for an appointment.
Trevor will have
to dispense with you.
Trevor?
The door is this way.
You look familiar.
We all look alike.
I was in the Philippines.
Maybe we bumped
into each other.
Where were you in 1944?
Beverly Hills.
Smart.
I'm waiting to see
Miss Prendergast.
Which one?
You mean
I have a choice?
I don't think either has
any time for you today,
so I will show you out.
You've forgotten your birdseed.
I will see if the young ladies
want you thrown out on your ass!
[ Tucker Narrating ] I didn't
wait for the Japanese Imperial
Army to bring back its verdict.
I decided to take a look
around the place on my own.
To tell you the truth,
I was hoping...
to run into that brunette
in the silk robe.
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
Now Franklin W. Prendergast
was another matter.
I never trust guys with polish
on their fingernails.
They're trying to convince
themselves they're cleaner
than they really are.
It was hot. You know,
rich people never sweat.
That's always struck me funny.
They're the ones who can
afford a lot of shirts.
[ Snarling ]
Good old Robbie.
Good boy.
Nice doggy.
Walking around these grounds
unescorted can be dangerous.
I'm sorry. I didn't
see any signs.
You train him yourself?
Army trained him.
Special Forces School-- Benning.
But he flunked.
He broke his tooth,
and it broke Ellen's heart.
She wanted him to fight
in the Pacific.
He didn't miss much.
You sound like you were there.
Are you a war hero?
Ellen your sister?
Of course.
What's your business here?
My name's Tucker.
I wanna talk to Ellen.
Ellen isn't awake just yet.
She walks around naked
in her sleep then?
Pardon me, Mr. Tucker?
What about
your mother then?
Mother doesn't receive callers.
Is Miss Ellen getting up
for lunch then?
You use the word "then"
too often, Tucker.
And you mustn't be impertinent.
It's so tedious.
See? I knew she was up.
If you wander inside,
she'll probably rape you.
There's no rush.
Let's have a little stroll
around the garden and a chat.
You're capable of doing both
at the same time, are you?
I'll give it a try.
I can't imagine
what we'd talk about.
Morning.
Milkman.
Is that your bird?
My cat.
It's nice of you to see me
on the spur of the moment
like this.
I'm very nice.
Your dressing gown's open.
Oh. Is it?
I hope you'll forgive me
for barging in on you
like this.
But I was wandering all alone
in a strange house,
and everyone was so rude.
What's your name?
Tucker.
It'll have to do,
I suppose.
Oh, not necessarily.
I could change it if you like.
That sounds like some sort
of proposal, Mr. Tucker.
Something just dawned on me.
It just came to me
out of thin air.
How exciting.
Are you thirsty?
It's so humid in here.
Don't you think?
No.
It's only iced tea.
Don't you want to know
what's just come to me
out of thin air?
I'm breathlessly
awaiting the announcement.
It was as you moved
your head there.
I had this feeling that you
were Ellen Prendergast,
but it was only a hunch.
[ Meowing ]
Do I know you, Tucker,
or just your type?
I'll tell you a secret.
Must you?
My goodness. A concealed weapon.
It's a terrible burden
on me.
We must all bear our crosses,
mustn't we, Mr. Tucker?
[ Whispering ]
I am a private investigator.
Are you a dangerous man,
Mr. Tucker?
Only when excited.
Do you think--
Twice as fast as you do.
Do you think I might have
a small talk with your mother?
Small talk is all
you'll get from Mother.
She doesn't often have
uninvited gentlemen callers.
Not to change the subject,
but did you ever know
a man named Conroy?
That's a common name.
Conroy what?
Fred.
Conroy Fred?
No. Fred Conroy.
I never heard of him.
A friend of yours,
is he, Tucker?
No.
You haven't said
why you're asking
these questions.
That's right.
I haven't.
But I haven't given you
many answers, have I?
No. You're very tight-lipped.
Do you think so? Actually,
you should talk to Mommy.
She loves to gossip.
The way I hear it,
she isn't seeing anybody.
Nonsense. Where did you
ever get that idea?
Your sister.
Mianne is overprotective.
She's a goody-goody.
Mother's like me.
We both thrive
on mysterious visitors.
Really?
Really. She'll get
a big kick out of you.
Mother? This is
a Mr. Tucker to see you.
[ Sighs ]
Mmm! Can you smell it?
[ Tucker ] Smell what?
A hint of perfume
in the air,
in a room where
a princess has slept.
[ Meows ]
I don't believe
I know you, Mr. Plucker.
Uh, Tucker, ma'am.
I'm a private investigator.
I appreciate you seeing me.
I'll leave you alone.
You two behave
while I'm gone.
I'll be brief, ma'am.
I'm trying to trace a child...
who was adopted
from an orphanage
in Los Angeles in 1918.
A little girl with brown hair.
Father's in the chips now and
wants his daughter to benefit.
Who sent you here?
Just following a lead, ma'am.
Lots of leads lead to nowhere.
- I'm a dying woman!
- Is this your daughter?
There must be
something in the picture
that I didn't notice.
Would you care to try this one?
[ Spits ]
Well, thank you
for your assistance.
That about
rounds out things nicely.
Get out! You creeping,
filthy looey!
I'm on my way, ma'am.
Which one of the girls
was adopted anyway?
Who let you up here?
Get out.
I hope Mommy wasn't rude.
Mommy was rude.
Are you walking right
out of my life, Tucker?
You'll get over me.
I'd like to make it up to you.
Perhaps if we met again,
we might discover something
we have in common.
My office is in
the Banshire Building,
and I'm in the phone book.
Do you know the Penguin Lounge?
No. I don't get out
much anymore.
It's in the phone book.
At 2:00 tomorrow?
Leave Mommy at home.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
The old lady was either
really crazy or really smart.
I didn't know which.
I learned two things. One--
She had an adopted daughter,
and she didn't want to admit it.
Two-- She liked strawberry jam.
My hunch was that one
of those two girls was Anya.
And whichever one she was,
she didn't know she was Anya,
because the old lady
never told her.
I wondered which one was Anya.
The iceberg with the Doberman
seemed straight enough.
The one who couldn't
keep her robe closed
spelled trouble.
I didn't want her
to keep her robe closed.
That was the trouble.
I went back to my office,
and, by late afternoon,
I figured out
I hadn't the faintest idea
what was going on.
[ Phone Ringing ]
Leslie Tucker, investigator.
Select your detective as you
would your lawyer or physician.
Hello. Yes, I know you.
Go ahead.
Let me have the address.
Now, what kind of trouble?
[ Line Clicks,
Dial Tone Buzzing ]
Hello?
Hello?
[ Tucker Narrating ]
It was Anglich on the phone.
He was yelling that he was
in some kind of trouble.
He always yells.
It's really very irritating.
The address he gave me
was on the other side of town.
Traffic was light,
and I made it
in about half an hour.
I see ya.
It's a little dark.
I'm growin' mushrooms.
That's why.
You the boss?
Bazooka himself.
I ain't his kid sister.
Don't tell me
you wanna play pool.
I don't wanna play pool.
You come
to the right place.
You know a guy named Anglich?
He work here?
Ask the boss.
Who wants to know?
Private cop.
Good-bye.
I'm working for Anglich.
My name is Tucker.
You're Tucker?
Yes.
You talk funny.
Really? I didn't
get a laugh all day.
Mr. Anglich
is taking a nap.
You know him long?
Not before today.
But I'm renting him space
at premium rates.
Space for what?
His body.
You make good time, Tucker.
You need a doctor?
No doctor and no cops.
Oh? Why no cops?
Because I think I scragged
one of them punks.
Oh, we are gonna
have fun, aren't we?
They hit me on the head.
They drag me in a shed.
They bounce me around
pretty good.
But one of them--
He gets too close.
I got strong hands, Tucker.
I was holding his neck.
After a while, I think
I feel something break in there.
And I kicked the shit
out of the other two mugs,
and I come here.
You keep grabbing
my shirt, Anglich.
Sorry.
Where did all this happen?
Back of a bar-- at Terry's
over on Alamitos.
I go in there once in a while
to nibble a few.
Anybody see this fight?
Nobody around.
You just walked off
and left three guys
lying around...
for the cop on the beat
to trip over.
I closed the door.
What makes you think
you can't be traced here?
I move pretty good.
You find Conroy yet?
Not yet.
You see Jaster?
I was detained!
Listen.
Here, give him some money.
You find him for me.
That guy don't do
nothing for free.
But make it fast, Tucker.
The next time I see those guys,
it's curtains.
They don't screw up
twice in a row.
Call the cops.
No cops! Tucker!
Yeah?
Wait a minute!
Listen!
One thing those mugs don't get.
I put something
in the mail for you.
What are you talkin' about?
It's for Anya.
You find her, Tucker.
You give it to her.
Suppose I don't find Anya?
If you don't find her--
If I'm not around--
[ Scoffs ]
it's yours.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
Anglich went back to his nap
in the corner pocket,
and I went to see Jaster.
I had some money,
and Jaster had some
information about Anya.
That seemed like
a fair enough exchange.
Hello.
Hello.
You're going
to six too.
Popular floor.
What are you doing here?
What are you doing here?
I asked you first.
I wanna talk
to a man named Jaster.
Popular man.
Are you working for him?
Me? No.
[ Elevator Bell Dings ]
Jaster?
Do you wanna tell me
what's going on here?
I really have no idea.
But you're tagging along
without any objections.
I'm hardly tagging along.
I was here first.
It's too easy.
What did you want
with Jaster?
What did you want
with Jaster?
I asked first.
Congratulations.
It's Tucker!
Come out of your hole, Jaster.
[ Ellen Gasps ]
[ Tucker ]
Hello.
A.P. Jaster?
A.P. Jaster.
But then you knew that.
I did not.
Who was he?
I haven't
the slightest idea.
This is all incredible.
You never met him
before, right? I bet.
Jaster called the house
late yesterday--
out of the blue--
asked me to drop by
his office and chat.
What about?
Some problem
named Anglich?
Where'd you meet Jaster?
I never even heard of Jaster
before that phone call.
And you came just like that--
an unapproachable young lady
like yourself?
Actually, I wasn't going to--
until you showed up
at the house too.
[ Man ]
What the hell happen--
I'm sorry.
Look, mister, I'm sorry.
It's none of my business.
What are you doin'
up here?
I'm looking around.
I'm looking for office space.
I have a mail-order house.
What's your name?
Sidney.
You know this guy?
You kill him?
I said, you know this guy?
I can't tell.
He's upside-down.
[ Groans ]
[ Hammer Cocks ]
Seems like we seen you
and the old Hungarian
together someplace.
You're barkin' up
the wrong tree, fellas.
You hadn't oughta hang around
with them kinda guys.
Hey, if I'm not mistaken,
didn't I just hear you
discuss a guy
by the name of Anglich?
You're mistaken, I think.
You're hungry.
You want maybe
a desk sandwich?
We're wastin' time, Rosie.
Let's squeeze this monkey.
Open up, peeper.
We got other people
to hurt today
besides yourself.
I only hope they're not
as pretty as you are, toots.
Why don't you go hurt the other
people, then come back?
Maybe by that time, I'll have
changed my mind. [ Groans ]
Hey. Hey, what's
the big bimbo to you, huh?
Tell us his address.
Come on. He's not
your father, is he?
Where's he holed up at?
We're gonna find him anyhow.
This man give us a clue
before he passed on.
The peeper likes it.
He wants to talk
about the Hungarian now.
It's gettin' late, Rosie.
Let's break his arms and legs
and stuff him in a drawer.
- What about her?
- Mmm.
[ Gunshot ]
Stay there.
Who are they?
Enemies
of a client of mine.
Anglich?
[ Gasps ]
Don't move,
or the tootsie gets it.
Rosie. Over here.
I'm not kidding.
Drop it,
or I'll put her to sleep.
Kill her,
and you're dead.
Oh, that's terrific.
It's the best
I can do.
What's goin' on?
We got a problem.
We're going down.
Get in, Rosie.
[ Vehicle Horns Honking ]
In here.
Oh, perfect.
We'll duck in here
and lay low.
Three, dear.
I could scream.
That's perfectly
true, darling.
I could also kill you.
Ticket, please.
Ticket, please.
Those guys are torpedoes.
I don't care
if they're submarines.
You still
need a ticket, pal.
I'll be back in one minute.
[ Man ]
I was walkin' down the street.
A panhandler came over to me.
He said,
"Pal, can you spare 30 cents
for a bus? I wanna go home."
I said, "All I have
is a 10-dollar bill."
He says, "I'll take a cab."
[ Audience Laughs ]
All of a sudden, five
panhandlers came over to me.
One of them
was wearin' a tuxedo.
[ Comic Continues, Indistinct ]
Is there an orchestra pit
down here?
Yeah.
How do I get there?
Through that door,
but after you buy a ticket.
One minute.
One more minute.
Rosie, it's--
Shut up.
I'm thinkin'.
If you're smart,
you'll just let me go.
I'm not part
of any of this.
Any of what?
Where's Anglich?
I don't know.
That's what I mean.
I don't even know
who Anglich is.
[ Comic ]
...I see him
with a big saw in his hand,
and he's sawing off the legs
of his kitchen stove.
I said, "What are you doin'?"
He says, "I'm makin' a new dish.
Police. Act natural.
The recipe says
to use a low flame."
[ Rim-shot ]
[ Audience Laughs ]
And then tragedy struck.
The dog ate the Avon Lady.
[ Audience Laughs ]
I have an uncle. He's half
Japanese and half Jewish--
Yamashuta Levine.
Thank heaven for heroes.
Get up, Ellen.
Excuse me.
You got a ticket?
Cor blimey!
Where are they?
They crawled away.
Crawled away?
Get in here.
Nobody sleeps when I'm on!
You saved my life.
We'll discuss my fee later.
Get her outta here.
Take her down in
the basement or something.
I'll see you tomorrow
at the Penguin Lounge
if I'm still alive.
[ Audience Applauding ]
Come on, lady.
You comin' or not?
[ Burlesque ]
[ Audience Whistling, Cheering ]
[ Continues ]
[ Cheering, Whistling Continue ]
[ Silenced Gunshots ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
I was tired, and I knew
I was over my head,
which made me more tired.
I didn't like the way Ellen
just showed up at Jaster's.
I didn't like the way
Jaster showed up at Jaster's.
I'm sure he didn't
like it either.
I did like
Ellen's perfume, though,
and the way she felt
when I picked her up.
I knew she would
get home all right.
She could take care of herself.
I didn't know if I could.
Don't do anything exciting.
I promise your heart
won't stand it.
Put my file back.
Heard from Jaster lately?
Planning to take a bite
out of that hat, or what?
Jaster was a guy to know
the angles, all right,
or thought he did.
Eh, there were some loose ends.
You heard about the bump.
What are you doing there?
I'm winding up
Jaster's affairs.
You see, we had
a little business goin'.
What's your name?
Billy Pate.
There was a memo
on the material
you developed for him.
I'll take it right now.
You'll take it right now?
Get outta there!
Hand over what you got!
Do you know a guy
named Sid?
I know a lotta people.
I'm amazed at how many
people I know.
What was your last name
again?
Pate.
Spell it.
P-A-T-E.
And let's not mouse around.
What do you want?
What do I want?
Did I ask you
to drop by here?
We're still kiddin' each other.
Let's get down on the rug.
Then let's talk about Anya.
Does that make it easier?
Jaster had some dope
on Anya, right?
Oh, I suppose.
Bullshit, you suppose.
I don't know what routine
Anglich gave you, Mr. Tucker.
But you give it to me
just the way he gave it to you,
and I'll pick out what we need.
What we need for what?
Come on. To parlay the play
into the big money.
Jaster knew Anglich.
Knew plenty on the guy.
Don't you think
maybe it's gettin'
a little too dangerous?
[ Chuckling ]
I am very smart.
But you bleed, don't you?
I'm holding
plenty of cards, guy.
Don't you ever doubt it.
You take a person like Anglich
and put him together with
a family like the Prendergasts,
and milk's gotta flow.
We sell Anglich a Dutch--
Is that the idea? Or do you
like the blackmail angle better?
I gotta figure the best route.
Take the knife away, will ya?
Come on. Be a sport.
What do you say?
Be a sport.
[ Phone Ringing ]
Answer it.
Three rings, and you're dead.
Hello.
Yes, he's right here.
Find out who it is.
Who's calling, please?
It's Lou Anglich.
Tell him
I'm making progress.
He wants to talk to you direct.
Hi, Lou.
Long time no see.
Yeah? Hang on a minute,
will you?
He found Anya all by himself.
That lets you and me
out of the picture.
Tough luck, huh?
Excuse me, Lou.
That's it then.
Yeah, send me a check.
What package?
I didn't receive
any package.
It's not my birthday.
Hang on a minute, Lou.
You don't by any chance
drive a big black Buick,
do you?
Uh, they lifted my license.
I'll lift your head off
your shoulders I catch you
around this office again.
Now beat it!
[ Dial Tone Buzzing ]
[ Piano: Lounge ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
I went to the Penguin Lounge
to keep my date with Ellen.
I waited for over an hour,
and she hadn't shown up.
I got to thinking
of her perfume again.
[ Continues ]
I decided to give her
another two or three hours.
A Gibson-- big and strong.
How you doing, Tucker?
Very well, thank you.
I've been waitin' an hour
for your sister.
No, you haven't. At any rate,
she couldn't make it--
or didn't want to.
I can't recall.
I thought I'd come instead.
Disappointed?
Time will tell.
You showed my mother
a picture of a little girl.
Who was it?
I am just a fellow
groping about in the dark.
Groping for what?
A client came to me
with a problem.
I tried to help him with it.
It didn't work out,
so he sacked me.
What's it got to do
with us Prendergasts?
If I knew that,
I'd have it solved.
But if he's fired you--
I never give up.
It's the bulldog in me.
A penny for your thoughts.
Can I trust you, Tucker?
Definitely.
Tucker, I'm frightened
for Mother's safety.
Your mother can
take care of herself.
I'm serious.
Uncle Frank tried
to blackmail me.
Now just a minute.
Go back on that
and fill in the details.
He came to me and told me
he could prove I'm not
really my mother's daughter.
Oh, did he now?
He said that before
Daddy married Mother,
Mother was a singer
in some cheap dive.
And before she even
met Daddy, she had twins--
two girls out of wedlock.
Yes, that happens.
He said that Mother
never saw the babies--
had them put into an orphanage.
But Daddy found out,
insisted upon
raising them,
and he and Mother
sent Frank around
to pick them up.
And when Frank
got to the orphanage,
there was only
one little girl left,
not a matching pair.
It was Ellen.
And Frank replaced
the missing girl...
who had recently been adopted
by a family named Conroy.
Me.
And Frankie and Daddy decided
not to tell Mummy because it
would break her heart.
Yes. It's all beginning
to make sense to me now.
I don't want Mother hurt,
and I don't know
what Frank will do.
Are you listening to me?
Yes.
Will you help me?
Please.
Do what?
Frighten Frank.
Jump out of a dark corner
at him?
I mean call him up,
talk to him, intimidate him--
however you private eyes work.
Just so he realizes
that you're on my side.
I'm not sure I am on your side.
How much will it cost?
I'll send you a bill.
How much a day?
Twenty-five.
Twenty-five?
A fella could get killed.
All right.
Plus expenses.
What sort of expenses?
Oh, bandages,
aspirin, iodine.
How do you propose to start?
I'd like to think
about it for a day.
Free of charge.
Thank you.
You're very welcome.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
It was after 4:00
in the afternoon,
and I had a lot to think about.
Mianne was being
blackmailed by Frank
because she was adopted.
So she must be
Anglich's daughter.
She must be Anya.
But something didn't fit.
Anglich said he'd already
found Anya.
And Mianne didn't act like
she'd been found by Anglich.
I wondered...
where the hell was Ellen?
And while we're on the subject,
where the hell was Anglich?
[ Man ]
Hello?
Leslie Tucker?
What the hell do you want?
It's a special delivery
for Leslie Tucker.
If you touch me,
it's a federal offense.
That package?
You Tucker?
That's right. Private cop.
When was this mailed?
Two days ago. Sign here.
Two days? Special delivery?
Right here in the city?
We-We've been busy.
A man passed away
because this is late.
Oh. I'm-- I'm sorry.
[ Footsteps Approaching ]
- May I come in?
- Why the hell not?
Better late than never.
I didn't come here
to fight with you.
Things have been rough lately.
I take it you found
your own way home
from the theater last night.
I'm a big girl.
But I didn't come here
to fight with you, I said.
I'll bet you're willing
to go a few rounds though.
You outweigh me, Tucker.
I never hit a lady.
Would you be willing
to help one out?
What's in
the great big package?
Biscuits.
What can I do for you today?
Have you
got a cigarette?
No.
Can't we go in your office
and sit down and talk?
Um, it's, uh, messy.
I'm embarrassed.
You are a private detective,
aren't you?
In a small way of business.
Is there some reason
I shouldn't employ you?
- Is there some reason
you should?
- [ Sighs ]
Whatever you think I am,
whatever sort of opinion
you have of me--
We hardly know each other.
I know. That's what
I'm trying to say.
I'm notorious for striking
people the wrong way.
First impressions--
- You're a spoiled brat.
- ...are usually wrong.
But I'm keeping
me distance anyway.
I know.
I don't blame you.
But you must see
that I've come here
to ask for your help.
I need your help. Please.
- What makes my help so special?
- But you're already involved,
aren't you?
You have information.
Oh, do I?
Don't you be so sure.
I am misunderstood also.
I just look very clever.
It's the glasses.
You look...
very kind actually.
Really? That could be
the glasses too.
[ Sniffles ]
It's my Uncle Frank.
He's trying to blackmail me.
I don't know what's going on.
That makes at least
two of us.
He says that I--
I have to cooperate with him,
or he'll bring certain facts
out into the open,
drag my mother into a scandal
and-- and Mianne and--
[ Crying ]
And I'd lose everything.
Just a minute.
Hold on.
[ Crying, Sniffling ]
Exactly what is he trying
to make you do?
Loot my mother's estate--
advise my mother to give him
power of attorney.
Or he'll prove--
That my father--
That when
Harvey Wade Prendergast
married my mother--
[ Crying ]
Well, that...
she was not exactly the kind
of girl you bring home.
And Uncle Frank says that
before she met your father,
she had illegitimate twins,
that she put 'em in a home,
that your father
agreed to raise 'em
and sent Frank down there...
to pick 'em up
and sign the forms.
How do you know?
I've been doing me homework.
Keep going.
I don't know
what to think.
I don't want my mother
involved in anything ugly.
She's very frail.
But you don't want to be
left out in the cold either.
Oh, that has nothing
to do with it.
Frank is a hateful person.
How do you and Mianne get along?
All right, like sisters.
Except you're not sisters.
[ Phone Ringing ]
Leslie Tucker Investigations.
Select your detective--
He's up there.
Hello?
Hello?
We'd better continue
this conversation
elsewhere.
What's wrong?
What's bothering you, Tucker?
Who, me?
What would be bothering me?
I lead a full, fine life.
I get to go out and mingle
among the upper crust,
not to mention the lower crust.
Rich old ladies insult me.
Rich young ladies
give me the brush-off.
People I hardly know
invite me to their
private office parties...
and try to break my bones,
while perfect strangers
wander into my office...
and scatter
my meager possessions
all over the floor.
I rescue
beautiful young ladies
from the jaws of death,
and then they stand me up,
and then they try to hire me,
and then they lie to me.
Tucker.
Yes?
If you believe only
one thing in all of this,
believe I'm not lying to you.
I couldn't.
Nice. That was warm and soft.
Now come on.
Your package.
What about it?
It looks important.
You're not leaving it
behind?
Let's take the stairs.
They'll take the stairs.
Who will?
My creditors.
We'll take the elevator.
Trust me.
[ Elevator Bell Dings ]
Get in, fast.
Take this.
I'll need both hands.
What's wrong?
We've annoyed some people.
We have?
I don't feel right about this.
We should've taken the stairs.
I said we should have
taken the stairs.
Did you?
Yes.
It's a good idea.
Good afternoon.
Come on.
Afternoon.
Stop. Do you hear anything?
Are they the same two?
That's right.
Do you hear anything?
No.
So do I.
[ Footsteps ]
Ellen?
Ellen?
[ Rosie ]
Stop right there!
Watch out behind you, Rosie.
Where's the peeper at?
Right behind you.
You're bluffing.
What's in the parcel?
Biscuits.
[ Hammer Cocks ]
Hello.
I'm gonna kill you,
peeper!
- You're off to a pretty bad
start, aren't you?
- He's crazy, Tucker.
He's upset. He's had a lot
of bad breaks lately, right?
Get down on your nose, pal.
No soap.
Listen, friend, when someone
points a gun at you, you are
supposed to do what he says.
Get down on the floor.
[ Hissing ]
[ Steam Hissing ]
[ Muffled Clatter ]
Let's go.
Where are they?
I don't know.
Come on.
Did you kill him?
Are you coming or not?
[ Door Slams ]
[ Footsteps Approaching ]
[ Man Humming ]
This is easily the worst
hiding place I've ever been in.
At least it's small.
And this is the first place
they will look, because this is
the first place that I looked.
They are not half
as smart as you are.
[ Humming ]
Is Uncle Frank trying
to kill you?
Why do you say that?
He's reckless.
He's not that reckless.
Those torpedoes were
imported from Florida.
But why are they after you?
Is it because of Jaster?
It's very complicated.
Listen.
What did you tell your uncle
when he brought up
his little extortion scheme?
I was probably very stupid,
I'm afraid.
I told him to go to hell.
I told him I was glad I wasn't
related to him after all.
[ Humming Continues ]
[ Clicks Tongue ]
You seen a guy
and a tootsie
around here?
Here?
No, in Chicago.
[ Door Rattling ]
What's in here?
[ Janitor ]
Supplies.
Why, it's locked.
You alone down here?
Uh-huh.
Hey, are you lawmen?
There a back entrance
to this joint or anything?
Uh-uh.
The way in is the way out.
Who you lookin' for?
[ Sid ]
Cold-blooded killers.
Oh, there's plenty of places
here in the basement where
they could be layin' low.
Storage rooms, closets,
dark passage--
Show us.
And they got guns too?
Yeah.
But so do we, huh?
This is how I always hoped
it would be.
Being a private eye,
you know?
And it hasn't been.
No. It's always lacked
the excitement before...
and dark intrigue.
Do you know, I have done all
my work in bright sunlight...
because it never rains out here
like it does back home?
No cold, wet pavements.
No fog.
And do you know,
people out here
don't drink tea?
And, confidentially,
I don't like bloody hot dogs.
[ Whispering ]
I'll just look and see
if it's safe to go out.
I was growing accustomed
to your face, Tucker.
I look better in electric light.
[ Door Clatters ]
The coast looks clear now.
Why?
I'm really sorry,
Tucker.
Sorry?
[ Footsteps Running ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
My head hurt,
and I felt like a sucker.
I don't know
which bothered me more.
It took me until 8:00
to stand up and figure out
which were my hands...
and which were my feet.
I drove over
to the Prendergast place.
Frank was blackmailing
both girls,
telling them
they were both Anya.
Only one of them was Anya.
My hunch was that Frank
was lying to the other one.
You've got to go
with your instincts.
Anglich was dead.
I promised him
Anya would get the money,
and I was gonna keep my promise.
I don't know why.
Neither of them deserved it.
Anyway, I wasn't doing it
for them.
I was doing it for Anglich.
[ Dog Barking, Snarling ]
[ Barking Continues ]
[ Snarling ]
[ Growling ]
[ Barking ]
[ Switch Clicks ]
[ Tucker Narrating ]
Nobody was home,
and the Doberman was trying
to eat the inside of the car,
so I was free to look around.
I didn't know what
I was looking for,
except I made a rule
awhile back--
Never let a lack
of knowledge
get in your way.
It seemed strange that
the old lady wasn't home.
The samurai butler
wasn't there either.
Nobody. Just a lot of doors
that looked like
they led someplace.
And most of them
turned out to be closets.
[ Switch Clicks ]
Frank's room
was at the end of the hall.
It looked like he hadn't
been there for a while,
although with rich people
you can never tell.
They always have people
cleaning up after them.
[ Bird Screeches ]
Get lost! Get lost!
I am lost.
[ Switch Clicks ]
[ Door Closes ]
Look-- Please, mister.
Please! [ Yelps ]
Ow! What the hell
are you doing here?
I beg your pardon?
I said what the hell
are you doing here?
You better turn
that question around.
I want an answer from you.
I didn't find anything.
I didn't find one thing.
Look!
[ Gasping ]
I can't breathe.
Breathe later.
[ Whimpering ]
Please.
You are very bad
at whatever it is
you're doing, friend.
Honest to God, I'm--
I'm just his lawyer
winding up his affairs.
I thought Jaster was a lawyer.
You never heard
of a lawyer's lawyer?
What the hell are you up to?
Now fast, because
I am going crazy!
Shake your head
if you think of something!
[ Choking ]
I-- I work for
Frank Prendergast, not Jaster.
I lied to you.
For Prendergast?
Now come off it!
And you're tearing
his room apart?
Right.
Never mind about "right."
I want to know why!
Oh, I can't say.
I just can't tell you, Tucker.
Privileged information.
Privileged information,
huh?
How come you told me
you worked for Jaster?
I couldn't trust you.
You couldn't trust me?
Listen, friend, you're under
every rock that I turn over
around here!
Have you any idea
where Anglich is right now?
Uh, beats me.
I'll bet it does.
Honest.
And the Prendergasts--
Where are they right now?
Privileged in--
Frank is taking a boat
down to Mexico or Brazil--
someplace
with his bird-watchers.
And the girls?
Went with him, I guess.
Both of them?
Yeah, I guess.
But it was dark.
I was in the bushes.
You mean they're gonna leave
the old lady behind here?
No, no. As a matter of fact,
they took her, too,
in a wheelchair.
Now that I could see.
Get up.
You're coming with me.
Where?
I ain't goin' nowhere.
Come on.
Where are you takin' me?
What is this?
I'm a member of the California
Bar Association!
Did you ever hear of
the Mann Act?
I don't find
anything funny
about kidnapping.
You crossed the line now,
far as I'm concerned.
[ Engine Cranks ]
What is this anyway?
Will you shut up please?
[ Chuckles ]
Nice car.
You're doing all right.
- [ Barking ]
- [ Gasping ]
That's not my car.
My father was a mailman.
He got nearly bit to death once!
Will you shut up?
[ Whimpering ]
[ Barking Continues ]
[ Tires Screeching ]
[ Tires Screeching ]
Hey, Tucker.
Listen to me.
You let me alone,
and you can have
this whole thing to yourself.
All right?
Thanks.
I'll remember that.
[ Shouts ]
Oh, I wish I could
tell you the truth.
You will.
When does the boat leave?
Tonight.
I know. When?
I don't know!
You know everything.
It's a cruise ship.
Leaves in maybe an hour
from the Wilmington pier.
[ Shouts ]
Which berth?
Oh, Berth 154.
154. The butler drove 'em.
[ Tires Screeching ]
[ Horns Honking ]
[ Clicking ]
What's that?
Gun.
Why?
To shoot with.
Oh.
Don't try nothin' serious,
unless you wanna be
an angel, Dick Tracy.
[ Honking Continues ]
Now you keep your eyes
peeled on that road
for my friend.
What's he driving?
None of your business.
No, the-- The reason I ask is
that I think he's in the car
right behind us.
[ Horn Honks ]
[ Engine Revving ]
[ Silenced Gunshots ]
[ Honking ]
I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'm gonna have
to steal your car.
So please, just get out!
[ Murmurs ]
Excuse me.
[ People Chattering ]
[ Ship Horn Blowing ]
[ Mariachi ]
[ Continues ]
Excuse me.
Yes, sir.
Are all these people
bird-watchers?
Are they what, sir?
Bird-watchers-- people
who look at birds-- sailing
in a group charter together.
Oh, no,
not everyone, sir.
Oh, thank you.
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
[ Continues ]
- Take your bag for you, sir?
- It's all right.
I'll carry my own--
I want my case back.
Which one is mine?
It's this one, sir.
Are you sure?
Yes, sir.
Just one second.
Porter, this is my bag.
No, miss, it's his.
This one is yours.
Steward! This is my bag.
There's been a mix-up,
and the porter won't admit it.
- Is that your suitcase, sir?
- Yes it is.
- Make him open it and be sure.
- Do you have any objections?
Yes, I bloody well do.
I don't like strangers
looking at my personal items.
Open the one on the cart.
See?
Excuse me.
Beg your pardon.
Hello? Sid?
[ Muffled Knock ]
Sid?
It's R--
It's Rosie, Sid.
You okay?
[ Muffled Knocking ]
All right, now, well--
Roll way back.
I'm gonna blow
the lock off.
Do you hear me?
Roll way back.
[ Muffled Knock ]
You got the room?
[ Knocking ]
Okay.
[ Mariachi Continues ]
Excuse me.
Yes, sir. The baggage
is stored below, sir.
Right. Could you tell me where
the Prendergast party is?
Prendergast?
Prendergast.
It's, uh, not my money.
It's in your pocket.
They're up on "M" deck.
There's an awful lot
of staterooms up on "M" deck.
[ Chimes ]
[ Man On Speaker ]
All ashore that's going ashore.
All ashore that's going ashore.
[ Stammering ]
You see, we were coming
along the free--
I jumped right out
of the car to get here.
Are you all right?
Now you just rest yourself.
[ Tapping ]
Take it easy.
You want to--
[ Handset Clatters ]
[ Chuckles, Stammers ]
I know-- I know
it looks strange,
me just turning up
like this and all.
But you see,
I wasn't lying
to you before...
when I told you
I was working
for the Prendergasts.
Huh?
I'm on a retainer.
I do odd jobs for the family.
What's in
the suitcase?
Odd jobs?
Mmm. You see, Frank--
Frank asked me
to tail you,
when you started
nosin' around
askin' questions--
Billy, I think
I'm gonna murder you.
[ Whimpering ]
[ Stammering ]
Well, come on, Tucker.
Oh, don't get upset. It's just
that you never help me,
but you get in my way.
Now, I could strangle you
or stab you.
Take your choice.
Well, you can't just
snuff me out in here.
Be reasonable.
I think that strangling
is nicer.
Don't you?
I'll talk.
[ Chuckles ]
I'll tell you
just what's goin' on.
It's--
It's Frank and Ellen.
He's got her draining
her mother's estate.
He's blackmailing her.
And I'm reinvesting
the funds...
for Frank and Ellen
in South America.
An odd job?
Yeah.
Frank and Ellen
or Frank and Mianne?
Oh, Ellen--
Frank and Ellen.
Honest.
Oh, hon--
Oh, my God!
Look!
That's a cheap trick, Billy!
[ Mariachi Continues ]
Excuse me, sir.
But have you, by any chance,
encountered an Englishman...
carrying a small tan suitcase?
[ Ship Horn Blowing ]
[ Woman ]
Yes? What is it, please?
[ Disguising Voice ]
Ship-to-shore telegram,
ma'am.
May I join you?
How did you find us?
It wasn't easy.
And it's going to get harder.
Well, what a nice place
you have here.
You're on thin ice,
Mr. Tucker.
Yes, and I can hear it cracking.
Tucker, would you like
a drink?
- You look an absolute mess.
- You look unusually pretty
tonight.
Big ocean liners have
that effect on some women.
What's in the funny suitcase?
Funny clothes.
Billy Pate filled me in...
on the gory details
of your little South American
investment fund.
When was this, may I ask?
Just five minutes ago,
so it's fresh news.
I bumped into him in the lounge.
On this ship?
Billy Pate?
Now, don't tell me.
You didn't know
he was on this ship?
I didn't know
he was on this ship.
Frank?
No. Where is
the little rat?
By now, who knows?
Got ya.
What is wrong with Mummy?
Nothing.
She's under medication.
There are few agonies which
exceed that of seasickness,
Mr. Tucker.
Where did you see Billy
exactly, Tucker?
I forget.
Don't get cute.
It'll clash with your face.
It's nice and peaceful in here.
Don't get comfortable, Tucker.
You were just leaving.
- Frank? Throw him out.
- I wouldn't touch him.
Wake your mother up.
I wouldn't want her to miss
the best part of the trip.
I can't. She's drugged.
Make your point, Tucker.
Drugged? What have we here?
A little of the "old lady
in the wheelchair"
kidnapping trick?
Blimey. I hate this job.
Why is she here?
Is Tucker out of his depth?
In over his head?
When a trained crime fighter
has spent as long on a case
as I have on this one...
and has as many facts
in his head--
It's just that
she shouldn't be here.
But she is.
I have it!
I have done it again.
Tucker has such
a boyish enthusiasm.
Don't you think, Uncle Frank?
Now don't let this come
as a shock to you, Ellen.
Stop me if I'm wrong.
Frank, you did see Anya.
You told her where
she came from,
and you tried to blackmail her.
Exactly like
I told you he did.
[ Scratching ]
Shh. Shh.
Frank, lock that door.
Does it still matter?
It must, right?
Put a call to Tampa, Florida.
Is that possible
from this tub, or what?
It's not a private party.
It's a place of business.
Look, tootsie,
I haven't got all year.
[ Orchestra: Ballroom ]
[ Chattering ]
[ Woman ]
Where are they going?
[ Orchestra Stops ]
[ Plates, Silverware Crashing ]
Tucker's in there.
What's Pate doing here?
[ Crashing, Rattling ]
Ellen!
I think it's time
we had a little talk.
[ Crashing Continues ]
Oh, please sit down,
ladies and gentlemen.
Everything is all right.
Please be seated.
Everything's fine.
[ Resumes ]
What on earth is going on?
My name is Leslie Tucker.
I'm a confidential agent.
And this man
is my prisoner.
Are you sure?
Ask him.
He's ready to talk.
Put him down.
Please, Mr. Plucker.
That's, uh, Tucker
with a "T", ma'am.
What in God's name are you doing
aboard this ship, Margaret?
Just a wealthy
old lady on holiday.
Any objections?
Excuse me, Mrs. Prendergast.
Have you seen this man
here before?
I certainly have.
Mrs. Prendergast,
my apologies for
this unpleasantness.
Forgotten.
These people are joining
Mrs. Pennypacker and me.
Can you seat them?
Yes.
How many?
Uh, two, please.
This is Adele Pennypacker.
Adele, this is
my brother-in-law,
Frank Prendergast.
How do you do?
How do you do?
- And this is Mr. Plucker.
- Leslie Tucker
with a "T", ma'am.
How do you do?
Oh, what a pretty name.
And this is
my dear friend Billy Pate.
- Oh, and this is
my daughter Ellen.
- Your daughter? How lovely.
What are you doing here, Mother?
Billy, tell Frank
and my favorite daughter...
how they've been
magnificently bamboozled.
You know, I always had
a feeling that Billy
held the key to this.
I sense you're a fellow
with something
to contribute here.
Pardon me for interrupting.
[ Margaret ]
That's quite all right, sir.
Mr. Tucker is
a private eye.
Oh, my goodness.
[ Tucker ]
I've done it again.
Frank did see Anya
and tried to blackmail her--
I know-- Exactly like
you said he did.
But you got it
in the wrong order.
First, he saw the real Anya.
When she wouldn't play ball,
he saw the other girl.
- Unless I'm very much mistaken.
- Because a bluff might work.
- Then--
- Thank you, Billy.
I can handle this.
Frank gave you the same pitch,
but only after he saw Mianne.
And you fell for it.
I know you think you're Anya,
but you're not.
[ Adele ]
Who is Anya?
[ Tucker ] Mianne, of course.
Who is Mianne?
[ Margaret ]
My other daughter.
You see, Adele,
the minute Ellen
and funny Frank...
enlisted Billy's aid
to embezzle my money--
I must object.
Be quiet, Frank.
Billy, bless his heart,
came directly to me.
And he's been
my double agent
ever since.
You, Pate, are a worm.
The rest is history.
Excuse me,
Mrs., uh, Prendergast,
but at the risk of causing
even more confusion here,
I was hired to do a job
by a man who wanted
to make certain...
that a young lady received
a very substantial inheritance.
Now that young lady--
turned out to be
your daughter-- is Mianne.
So, what I'd like to do,
if you don't mind,
is to give you the money...
so that you can give it
to her when she wakes up.
Well, Billy will handle
any and all transference
of funds.
An odd job.
Blimey, I hate this job.
[ Wind Howling ]
[ Waves Crashing ]
[ Grunts ]
[ Grunts ]
[ Loud Splash ]
Hello.
Milkman.
Hello.
You noticed I keep
getting knocked about
whenever you're around?
You said you liked excitement.
I remember that distinctly.
Really?
Oh, yes.
"Dark intrigue"--
Those were your exact words.
You tried to drown me
a few minutes ago. I didn't
find that so intriguing.
Don't be so
melodramatic, Tucker.
It was a lifeboat, wasn't it?
Give me that suitcase.
Tucker?
What the hell
are you grinning at?
You.
What is it about me that
you dislike so, Tucker?
Well, for the sake
of brevity--
You are bad, and I am good.
It is said
that opposites attract.
They say that.
They do, do they?
Yes.
Give me that suitcase.
[ Laughs ]
Never hit a man with glasses!
You're apt to put out an eye.
I want that money, Tucker.
You'll only squander it.
Mianne doesn't need it.
And you don't deserve it.
I never said I did.
You tried to kill your sister.
She's not my sister, Tucker.
You know that. You proved it.
Look, this boat doesn't dock
anywhere for a whole week.
Let's not make
some rash decision
we'll both regret later.
I have already made my decision.
Wonderful. You'll get
a merit badge.
I am tired. And I'm gonna
get myself a drink.
I'll maybe even
get myself two drinks.
I'm not sure.
That's a good idea.
You'll have to pay
for mine though.
I think I'm penniless now.
[ Tucker Narrating ]
So, Anglich got his wish.
Mianne, who was already rich,
got her money.
Frank got seasick.
And I got to spend
a few days on a ship...
with a lady who was way
out of my league.
I told you I didn't know
when it all began.
I also don't know
when it all ends.
You never do, do you?