The Bat Whispers (1930) Movie Script
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Read about The Bat. All about The Bat.
Get out of the way.
You won't catch The Bat.
I'll set The Bat to get somebody: You.
"Station KHB broadcasting
from the police department."
"A warning to all citizens."
"From 11pm until midnight the area in
the neighborhood of the Bell residence."
"Between 4th and 5th Streets and 2nd and
3rd will be restricted to all persons."
"And completely surrounded
and in the hands of the police."
"As they have been boldly notified by
that mysterious criminal, The Bat."
"That he intends to enter
Mr Bell's home at that hour .."
"And extract from his safe that
famous Rossmore necklace."
"Which Mr Bell recently added to
his priceless collection of jewels."
"The public is hereby warned
to keep out of this area."
"In order not to embarrass the police
who are making every effort."
"And are sure this time they'll succeed
in capturing the notorious madman .."
"Who signs himself: The Bat."
"This is station KHB broadcasting
from the police department."
- Anything doing?
- Not yet.
- All covered?
- Yes, sir.
The captain is in the house.
- Which is Bell's window?
- The lighted one, sir.
Not even a fire escape.
- Everything alright, Mr Bell?
- Quite alright, Captain.
"Radio Station KHB."
"Police evidently have succeeded
in outsmarting The Bat."
"Who failed to make good his threat
of stealing the Rossmore necklace."
"Although Mr Bell waited
for him alone as requested."
"The police on guard outside the door."
"All this seems to prove"
"that when the public
is sufficiently aroused by."
"The seriousness of criminal conditions,
the underworld element are defeated."
Mr Bell.
Mr Bell.
He doesn't answer.
Mr Bell.
Come on, boys.
Mr Bell.
Mr Bell.
Ehi, you. All of you.
Come up here.
The necklace has gone.
- The Bat.
- Give me that.
'To the police'.
'Why waste time chasing rainbows'?
'I always get what I go after'.
'Bell was easy because
his clock was fast'.
'And you boys were slow'.
'Au revoir. Leaving for the country
to give the police a rest'.
Get Detective Anderson.
We'll get this bat.
I tell you boys.
No cheap crook is going to make a
sap out of me and get away with it.
I was just standing at
the foot of the stairs.
And I looked up and saw a gleaming eye.
It winked at me.
I tell you this house is haunted.
Rubbish.
I've taken this house for the
summer and I intend to stay.
Then you can stay in it alone.
Why do you suppose
the servants just left?
I don't think the housemaid
ever had a pain in her side.
And I don't think the
cook ever had a sister.
Her sister didn't have twins.
No. They was just scared stiff.
And they ran away.
Because they saw it.
You're a fool.
Keep quiet.
I won't keep quiet.
I've worked for you for twenty years
and I have a right to speak my mind.
You haven't got a mind.
If I had one you wouldn't let me use it.
I stuck by you when you were
an anarchist and a suffragettist.
And I've seen you through socialism.
Through naturism and rheumatism.
But when it comes to spookies,
then I'm through.
Shut up.
What is it?
I saw a man at that window.
Nonsense.
- You're seeing things.
- Don't I know it?
The next time you see anything, tell me.
And scream afterwards.
If you scream first, it won't wait.
Get the Ouija board.
It's up there with the bible
on it to keep it quiet.
Get it.
You're not asking me to go
after it all alone, are you?
Now.
Keep your mind a blank.
You said I didn't have a mind.
Well, keep what you have got a blank.
I'm so scared.
My teeth are chattering.
- I can hardly hold my upper set in.
- Quiet.
Is Lizzie Allen right about this house?
Or is she wrong as usual?
- Look. It's moving.
- Shush.
G.
O.
R.
S.
K.
I.
Russian.
B.
A.
T.
Bat.
That's queer.
The paper said he's in the country.
Let's hope it's a foreign country.
What's that?
I am going to find out.
Miss Cornelia.
Can't I sleep with you tonight?
You know, it is only when
my jaw drops that I snore.
I can tie it up with a handkerchief.
Tie it up now.
What's that ladder doing
in the laundry chute?
I don't know.
Maybe that caretaker put it by there.
- Careful, careful.
- Now ain't I careful?
I don't like that caretaker.
I wouldn't have him.
Only he worked for the Flemings
and came with the lease.
The Bat.
'The Oakdale Bank was
robbed during the night'.
'And over half a million
was recorded missing'.
'The cashier Brook Bailey has
mysteriously disappeared'.
'And this is regarded by
police as significant'.
'Lieutenant Anderson of the Detective
Bureau who may be assigned to the case'.
'Is pondering over the possibility of
The Bat's connection with the robbery'.
'Courtney Fleming, the bank's
president, is travelling in Europe'.
'And has not been reached'.
'The police have spread their dragnet in
an effort to locate Bailey the cashier'.
What on earth are you doing?
I am setting a bear trap for The Bat if
he ever comes flying around here.
I've got the other end
fastened to the bed.
Let me read.
Let me have a look at the paper.
Put on your glasses.
I don't need no glasses.
My eyes are alright.
It's my arms.
They ain't long enough.
Now do you see?
Lieutenant Anderson says that
nobody has ever seen The Bat.
He might be a merchant, lawyer, a doctor.
Or even a trusted servant.
He heard me.
- Who?
- The Bat.
Who did that?
I don't know.
This house gets on my nerves.
- It won't let me sleep.
- Don't trust him.
Caretaker means servant.
- Who won't let you sleep?
- A ghost.
Listen. He's here again.
He opens windows when I'm looking.
But I can't see anything.
He slams doors.
And there is no-one there to slam them.
He rolls things down the stairs.
And there is no-one
there to make them roll.
That ain't all.
He whispers to me from behind the wall.
He's here again.
Stay here long enough .. and you'll see.
Let's go back to the city.
I will not go back.
I won't be frightened.
I'm going to get at the bottom of this.
Right. I'll send for a detective.
Detectives won't do you no good.
The whole police force won't do no good.
They can't stop ghosts.
Nobody can stop ghosts.
Did you hear what he said?
If he comes after me.
I am going to get it.
Oh dear.
I can't see a thing.
Put these on.
You don't think anybody will suspect?
No. They don't know you.
That helps.
Now hurry. We have so much to do.
A storm coming up.
Stick the electric light on.
Something is coming up.
I can feel it creeping all over me.
It's your liver.
Take a pill and go to bed.
I won't go to bed.
I'll stay right here with you.
- Hello ladies.
- Hello.
Sorry, Auntie. The train was late.
Young Mr Fleming was kind enough to
drive me from the station in his car.
The less you have to do with that nephew
of Fleming's, the better it is for you.
But why, Auntie?
I don't like him.
He leased this house to me.
A man wants to see you.
He says his name is Brook.
He's a gardener.
He looks funny to me.
Yes. I mean to tell you. I engaged
him for you at the agency today.
Well, what are you standing there for?
Show him in.
- In here?
- Of course.
Alright.
I'm sure you'll find his
references very satisfactory.
He was three years at his last place.
So you're a professional gardener?
Yes, ma'am.
Do you know anything about perennials?
Yes.
They're the ones that hold
their leaves in the winter.
Any experience with rubeola?
Oh yes.
And alopecia?
Yes. But.
They dry up if you don't water them.
What is your treatment for urticaria?
I would thin it.
You must show him to his
room in the right upper wing.
- You mean next to mine?
- No.
In the right upper wing.
Do you know young Bailey?
The missing cashier at the bank.
Yes. Slightly.
- Why?
- Nothing.
That new gardener.
I don't like his looks.
Supposing he is The Bat?
Well, I know he's not a gardener.
Because urticaria is hives.
Rubeola is measles.
And alopecia is baldness.
And knowing all this you're going
to let him stay in this house?
Until I find out why my
niece brought him here.
You're like all the rest of the women.
A good-looking fellow comes in the door
and your brains fly out the window.
'Warning'.
'Get out of this house
while there is yet time'.
'Disaster awaits all who remain here'.
I am leaving now.
Dr. Venrees to see you.
Doctor?
Lawyer, merchant, doctor.
Bat.
Sorry to trouble you, Miss van Gorder.
But circumstances surrounding
the bank robbery in Oakdale.
Made it imperative.
Who do you think robbed the bank?
The cashier.
A young chap named Bailey.
Got away with a cool half million.
And all in cash too.
Mr Fleming, the bank's president
is on his way back from Europe.
Yes.
It is on account of his
unexpected return that I call.
Now, Miss Van Gorder.
It is only natural that he would expect
you to arrange to vacate the house.
He's not the only one interested in
me vacating this property, doctor.
What do you mean?
Read that.
Thrown through that window
just before you came in.
You might fasten that window.
That is the second warning I've had.
- Of course. Then you decided to ..
- Exactly.
To remain right here.
I don't intend to leave until I have
learned the meaning of all this.
Doctor.
You didn't fasten this window.
I beg your pardon. I thought I did.
Here.
A man by the name of
Anderson wants to see you.
- You'll pardon me, doctor?
- Certainly.
Your aunt is a very determined woman.
Yes. She is.
- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.
I think the reason you came so promptly
is because I hinted that The Bat ..
May be connected with the
mysterious happenings in this house.
Exactly.
I am not sure that he is.
However.
I will tell you everything so you
can draw your own conclusions.
Splendid.
You should persuade your aunt.
To leave the house.
To isolate it.
Two miles from the next village.
Enough shrubbery around the
grounds to hide a dozen assassins.
But, doctor.
What enemies could my aunt have?
Have you no matches?
- I will get you some.
- Very kind.
Sorry to have troubled you.
But tobacco is something ..
Every doctor forbids his patients
but prescribes it for himself.
By the way.
Has your aunt a revolver?
Why, yes.
It is late.
Be sure and telephone
if something happens.
Because something serious is
liable to happen in this house ..
At any time.
Goodnight.
Young Fleming is a
spendthrift of the worst kind.
I see.
And you think he leased this house
to you without his uncle's consent?
Yes. To get the rent
money to gamble with.
Now you think he's trying to frighten
you out before his uncle's return?
Is that it?
How do you know Courtney
Fleming is in Europe?
I read it in the paper.
You shouldn't believe all you
read in the papers, dear lady.
Dr. Venrees said he had
a cablegram from him.
Did ..
Did you see it?
No.
I thought so.
I will find out who's trying to frighten
you out of this house, Miss van Gorder.
- Where do those stairs lead to?
- To the ..
Is that you, Lizzie?
There is a detective downstairs.
They heard you pounding.
It does not sound hollow here.
Brook.
When did Courtney Fleming arrange
with the architect for a secret room?
They talked in the office last summer.
When I came in, Mr Fleming stopped.
Then if there really is such a room,
it must be in the new plans.
If we could only find those plans.
Dale, you're doing an awful lot for me.
You know why.
Not now. I've got an idea.
Brook.
So you think there is a possibility
of The Bat being concerned in this?
The Bat will be concerned with anything
when half a million dollars is at stake.
Here. Wait a moment.
Come here.
I want to talk to you.
Would.
Would you mind telling me your name?
No. I wouldn't mind.
Well, what is it?
Lizzie Allen.
Lizzie Allen.
Splendid.
You like it?
And your age?
Twenty-two.
She is forty-two.
Well, I ain't the only one in
this house who's over forty.
That will do.
See that coffee and rolls are placed
in the library for Mr Anderson.
If you pardon me I
think I'll rest awhile.
Quite alright.
I've got plenty of work to do.
The caretaker will show you to your room.
He is the only servant
we have at present.
And he wouldn't stay if he wasn't crazy.
428 please.
Hello Country Club?
Is Mr Dick Fleming there?
Hello, Mr Fleming?
This is Dale van Gorder speaking.
Could you come over here?
It's very important.
The bank's money.
Yes.
Thank you.
What is the matter with you?
What is it?
Stop that. Stop it.
- What did you see?
- The Bat.
He came through my window
And flew up the stairs.
Now, stop it at once. And go to bed.
Oh. It's you, Mr Fleming.
Yes.
I rapped several times but no answer.
So I used the passkey.
Your call seemed urgent. What's wrong?
The money stolen from the bank.
I think it's in this house.
What makes you think so?
Here, wait a minute.
I want to talk to you.
Get out of here. Get out of here.
Get out of here.
- Have you seen him?
- No.
There.
- There is nobody there.
- What?
Yes. A hidden room would
show on the blueprint.
That is what I thought.
Look in that old chest in the dining
room. Uncle kept blueprints there.
Thank you. I knew you would help us.
You found them.
What if I have?
If the money is here, do you think I'm
fool enough to turn it over to you?
But it belongs to the bank.
I only want to return it.
Why should you be so
anxious to return it?
Because I want to clear Brook.
I am engaged to him.
Even my aunt mustn't know that
until we can find the stolen money.
Won't you help us?
How do I know you are telling the truth?
If you don't trust me,
there's a detective upstairs.
Give him the plans and
let's search together.
- A detective? Why is a detective here?
- People have tried to break in.
- What people?
- I don't know.
- Then the money is here.
- What are you going to do?
I am going to find that hidden room and
I don't need the help of any detective.
It's my uncle's house.
All that's in it is his.
If you leave this room with
that blueprint I'll scream.
And if you do, I'll tell them the
new gardener is Brook Bailey.
The missing cashier at the Oakdale bank.
Give me that blueprint.
Give me those blueprints.
What is it? What's the matter?
Tell me. Speak to me.
I didn't know.
It is Richard Fleming.
Somebody shot him from
the top of the stairs.
What do you mean by 'somebody'?
- Did you see anybody?
- No.
The flashlight blinded me.
- Who are you?
- The gardener.
The gardener, eh?
- One shot fired.
- I fired that shot myself last night.
Splendid.
Quick thinking, Miss van Gorder.
I am afraid I shall have
to arrest your niece.
You can't do that until
after the coroner's verdict.
You'll have to wait for
Dr. Venrees for that.
I see.
Let me tell you something,
Miss van Gorder.
If I find it necessary to make
an arrest, I'll make it.
I will not wait for any
coroner's verdict.
I will tell you what to do.
Take your niece over to that
chair and say nothing to her.
I will do the talking.
You would have a detective.
Now I hope you are satisfied.
What became of the rest of this?
I don't know.
- Where is the torn piece?
- I don't know.
Don't lie to me.
That torn piece showed the hidden room.
- And you shot young Fleming to get it.
- I didn't.
No?
Then, young lady.
How does it happen that the nephew
of the president of the Oakdale Bank ..
Is killed in his uncle's house the
night after the bank was robbed?
The only person present at his murder is
the girl engaged to the runaway cashier.
- Engaged? Is that true, Dale?
- It's true.
Yes.
You found the hidden room on
this piece before it was torn?
No.
- Did Fleming?
- I don't know.
Listen to me.
Whoo-ooh.
Anybody home here?
Who has done that?
Say, what kind of a joint is this?
Who are you?
Who am I?
Who do you think I am?
W.T. Jones.
Super-sleuth of Oakdale County.
Who are you?
- Did you hire this fellow?
- Yes. But over the telephone.
From the Judkin Detective Agency.
I am in charge here.
Lieutenant Detective
Anderson of the city police.
Did you look around outside?
Did I?
That's what I was doing when
somebody socked me with that planter.
Dick Fleming. Who killed him?
That is exactly the
reason I sent for you.
I get you.
Yes. Give me time, lady.
I ain't no cheap gumshoe.
Detecting crime with me is ..
A work of art.
The garage ringing. That's strange.
There can't be anybody there.
Just a moment. I will answer that.
- Hello?
- Help.
Help.
Somebody calling for help in the garage.
Hello.
Hello.
He rung off.
I'll see who it is.
You stay there.
There go the lights again.
Who is monkeying with them?
Do you hear that?
It's coming from behind that wall.
Shush.
It's stopping.
Auntie, that painting moved.
- I feel somebody looking at us.
- Where?
I don't know. I can't see them.
I can see you.
If you're not out of
this house by morning.
You will suffer terrible consequences.
Look, Auntie. The picture is
moving back into place again.
Look behind that picture.
I can't budge it.
I thought not.
Look.
The window.
The Bat.
Now, who on earth can be
ringing that doorbell?
If it's ringing,
I ain't going to answer it.
Yes she is.
With everybody hollering and bells
ringing, a detective can't do nothing.
Now. What made that do that?
Dr. Venrees.
Pardon my coming back.
But I must have left my cigarettes here.
I am so glad you returned, doctor.
A terrible thing has happened.
Young Fleming has been murdered.
- Murdered?
- Yes. Murdered.
My niece will tell you everything.
I was standing at the foot of the stairs
when young Mr Fleming started up.
What stairs?
The stairs in the living room.
Why did young Fleming come here?
I sent for him.
Why did you send for him?
You say you tore a piece
of blueprint out of his hand?
What became of it?
I was afraid to keep it.
So I hid it in one of the rolls on the
tray Lizzie took to the dining room.
I see.
May I have something to cover the body?
- Will this do?
- Thanks. Yes.
Gosh.
I'd like to get a headlock on the
guy that pulled that painting stunt.
You needn't be disturbed.
Because the detective
suspects your niece.
I will take care of that.
May I go into the next room and write
my report about young Fleming's death?
- I'll fetch you some writing materials.
- Don't trouble you.
- May I close the door?
- Of course.
Pardon me, won't you?
May I inquire just who you are?
I am Dr. Venrees.
Oh yes. Yes, of course.
Mrs Van Gorder explained about you.
My name is Anderson.
Lieutenant Detective Anderson
of the city police.
Now that we are better
acquainted, doctor, I will ..
Presume to trouble you for
that piece of blueprint.
Blueprint? What blueprint?
The little piece of paper
that you took from the tray.
You are mistaken, Anderson.
I took nothing from the tray.
Then, my dear doctor,
it's time I consulted my oculist.
Are you insinuating that I am a liar?
You can call it anything you like.
But I want that piece of paper.
Alright.
Thank you, doctor.
It's peculiar, but sometimes these
little bits of paper are very important.
Really?
A fireplace, eh?
There are dozens of
fireplaces in this house.
A hidden room. A fireplace.
You don't believe in that
hidden room bunk?
- It's in the girl's imagination.
- Yes.
Quite possible, doctor.
Still.
I wonder who is trying to frighten
the ladies out of this house.
- Have you any ideas?
- How should I know?
I wonder if you happen to be very well
acquainted with Courtney Fleming who ..
Is supposed to be abroad.
Huh?
You needn't answer that question
if it embarrasses you, doctor.
I don't know what you're driving at.
But there is a limit.
That limit stops when it
interferes with my work.
- What do you mean?
- You heard.
You try to mix me up in the bank robbery?
I do know young Fleming was killed here
tonight trying to find that hidden room.
Nobody had better try to
prevent me from locating it.
You understand that, don't you doctor?
- Your insinuations are an insult.
- Sorry.
I'll see you later, Anderson.
Any time, doctor. Any time.
Now what on earth are
you doing with that?
It's for your feet.
If you'll ever go to bed.
No answer at the garage.
Strange that detective
Anderson hasn't returned.
Maybe he's found the guy
that moved that painting.
I hope somebody finds something
around here pretty soon.
I'm tired and I cannot stand any longer.
What is it? Whatever is it?
I am scalded.
A minute ago I couldn't stand.
Now I can't sit.
Doctor.
You haven't seen Detective
Anderson, have you?
Why?
He went to grounds a time
ago to make investigations.
He hasn't returned.
- Suppose I go and look for him?
- Thank you.
Stop.
Where you are.
Look straight ahead.
Get those people out of this
house or I'll burn you alive.
Don't turn around until
you've counted ten.
Start counting now.
Now go.
She is choking.
Ain't she choking?
What is it?
The Bat.
Put up your hands.
Stop.
It's the law speaking.
Reach for the ceiling.
- He is ill. Get some water.
- No. Wait.
Don't go near him. Wait.
Wait until I .. search him.
- He ain't got nothing.
- Get a pillow.
Oh dear.
Here. Drink this.
Dale, get the whiskey.
You mean to tell me you
got booze in the house?
Yes. For emergencies.
Then that's the reason everybody
is trying to bust in here.
These doors are locked.
Who locked them?
- Who's he?
- The caretaker.
What's the matter with him?
He's coming.
He's coming after us all.
Who?
The ghost.
He said, if I can't get
you all out of here ..
He would burn me to a crisp.
- What did this ghost look like?
- Awful.
He was all in white.
Only he did not have any face.
You mean, he wore a mask?
The doors!
The lights are going out again.
He shot at me.
I quit. I am going to get out of here.
How?
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Try it again.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
- Once more.
- Listen.
Somebody is trying to get in.
Dale. I just saw Banker
Fleming on the roof.
Did you hear that
gardener call her 'Dale'?
Gardener, nothing.
He is the missing cashier
at the Oakdale bank.
I hereby arrest you for murder,
robbery and larceny.
And everything else that's
wrong around here.
Auntie, don't let him arrest Brook.
I made him impersonate a gardener ..
So we might look for the hidden
room and find the stolen money.
- I'm sure it's hidden in this house.
- Rot.
- Who would hide money in this house?
- Banker Fleming.
But he is in Europe.
Brook had to disappear to avoid arrest.
There was evidence framed against him.
- We didn't want to deceive you.
- You didn't?
Gardeners don't have
manicured fingernails.
When detective Anderson comes,
send him up to the attic.
Miss Cornelia, ain't you
going to take me with you?
You're trouble enough
on the ground floor.
You'd be a nuisance on the roof.
If I yell, you come.
- Who, me?
- Yes, you.
I want you to show me the
exact spot on the roof ..
Where you think you saw Banker Fleming.
Help me. Help.
Quiet or I'll kill you.
I want the combination of that safe.
I never saw the safe before.
I don't know the combination.
Don't lie to me.
I am not lying.
You can't get away from me.
Quiet.
Quiet. Not a word. Not a sound.
I'm going to get you.
I'm going to get you. Do you hear?
Stand still.
Until I put my hands around
your lily-white throat.
And squeeze and squeeze
until you're dead.
Who's in this room?
Who came in this room?
Get away from that safe.
Let me out of here.
Let me out of here.
You've killed him.
Somebody come and help me.
Please help.
Get me out of here.
Get me out of here.
Help. Help.
Help.
There is someone behind that fireplace.
It sounds like Dale.
Get some water quick.
Dale, what is it, darling?
Speak to me.
I wonder what he thought
The Bat was doing.
My instinct tells me we ought
to get a doctor for him.
I don't like that doctor.
One good look at him would cure anybody.
- He ain't there.
- Who ain't?
Him.
Well .. where did he go?
Maybe he wasn't there in the first place.
Say, what are you trying to do?
Trying to kid me?
No.
But we're all commencing to see things.
And when you get like that,
you got to do something.
And I am going to do it.
- Now don't tell anybody.
- Cross my heart.
You need a lot of courage.
Around this shack.
Nectar.
I am blind.
Who's running up them stairs?
It's me. There's someone
in this room besides us.
Where? Where's my matches?
I got 'em. I got 'em.
Hey.
What did you mean by
putting out that light?
What?
I put it out?
Give me back my bottle.
You say there were two of them?
And The Bat shot the other one?
It was terrible.
Look.
Who is that?
I came up the back way.
I saw your light and thought
it was Detective Anderson.
I've had no luck looking for him outside.
Doctor, there is a man
behind that fireplace.
Hold this candle.
I think we can find what is trying
to frighten me out of this house.
It was right here that I touched this.
Doctor. Hold the candle a little higher.
I can see him in that corner.
The Bat. He is coming down the stairs.
The Bat. He's coming down the stairs.
What you going to do?
Hey.
What are you shooting at?
- Where is he?
- He didn't come down here.
He must be hiding in one of the rooms
upstairs. Come on, we've got to get him.
Doctor, why did you put out that candle?
I was so startled.
It slipped out of my hand.
You deliberately put it out. I saw you.
He got away.
Thanks to Dr. Venrees.
Wait for me. Wait.
There was a man following me.
Up those stairs.
What is your game, Venrees?
What do you mean?
You know very well what I mean.
You tried to kill me downstairs.
You make a mistake, Anderson.
No, no, doctor.
You're the one who's made the mistake.
Ask why he put out the candle and let
the man flee from behind the fireplace.
I don't have to ask him.
If his accomplice,
Banker Fleming was caught ..
They could not frighten
the ladies out of this house.
Nor could they split the
bank's funds between them.
You think Fleming robbed his own bank?
I don't think.
I know he did.
Then, if we can find
Fleming you are cleared.
Frisk him.
Now we are getting somewhere.
I told you to keep out
of my affairs, Venrees.
That is my revolver.
How did he get it?
He took it out of my pocket
when he hit me over the head.
Next time you handcuff a man, doctor,
ensure you take the key from his pocket.
Open that door.
Now you get in there.
I will see you later, doctor.
Lock it.
Put the key in your pocket.
Now we'll give this hidden
room the once-over.
Shush.
Listen.
He is The Bat.
I know he is The Bat.
Well, if he ain't The Bat ..
Then he is in cahoots with him.
We found him downstairs.
He didn't know who he
was or how he got here.
When we looked for him, he blew it.
He was gone.
Hey you. Look at me.
Look at me.
You know me?
Did.
Did you try to communicate
from the garage a while ago?
Garage?
Yes.
I tried.
Have you ..
Have you ever heard
of detective Anderson?
Huh?
Think.
'Anderson' is the name.
Anders ..?
Anderson.
No.
And when you met those people
downstairs, where did you go?
Answer me.
Where did you go?
I don't know.
You .. keep him covered.
If he makes one move, shoot.
- Shoot to kill. Understand?
- I got you.
We should have discovered this easily.
Anyone could tell it was phony. No flue.
My niece said there's a secret panel.
With an entrance to the outside.
Would you mind telling me
exactly what happened?
I will try.
I was so frightened.
It seemed like a terrible nightmare.
The fireplace closed just like this.
I'm afraid your niece must have imagined
there was a secret panel there.
There may have been money in that safe
at some time but it isn't there now.
Look.
A man just crossed that
skylight carrying a satchel.
- A satchel?
- Yes.
I'll get him.
Wait.
Nobody crossed that skylight.
I wanted to get rid of that detective
and do a little detecting myself.
The man The Bat shot.
Evidently managed to remove that satchel
from that safe before The Bat attacked.
There is just one place possible
where he could have hidden it.
That hamper.
No. Behind it.
It's here.
See if it contains the bank's money.
Look out. There might be a bomb in it.
- It's the money.
- All of it?
That's it.
Now, if we find Courtney Fleming
our mystery is about ended.
It's Banker Fleming. He's dead.
It's the ghost I saw.
The wrist watch with a luminous dial.
The eye that Lizzie
saw going up the stairs.
Hey, look.
There's a fire down there.
It's the garage.
Come on. Get busy. We got to put it out.
Put that satchel back where you found it.
Not a sound if you value your lives.
The man who started that fire did
it to get you out of this room.
In a moment, he's coming back either
through the door or through the window.
He is after the money.
Now pick up your guns.
Put out the lights.
Now get back.
Back into the shadows.
When he comes, be quiet.
He's coming. Remember, he's a killer.
Hands up!
Turn on the lights.
Search him.
Gosh, three of them.
So you're the one who hit me over the
head and locked me in the garage, eh?
Take off his mask.
It was a long chase, Mister Bat.
But we have got you red-handed.
- Where does this lead to?
- To the laundry I think.
Let's get to it.
You stay here in case he comes back.
Come on.
Wait. It will take the two of us here.
Here. Take this.
Listen.
There's something wrong in there.
- It's locked.
- Well, break it down.
I've caught him. I've caught him!
I've got him. I've got him.
I've caught The Bat.
Get a rope.
Come. Bring a rope. Bring a rope.
Do something.
Get a rope.
Get a rope. Get a rope.
I caught The Bat.
I caught him. I caught him.
Get a rope.
Come on. Tie him up.
I got The Bat. I got him in my room.
Take off that mask.
Detective Anderson.
I'm Anderson.
He stole my papers, locked me in
the garage and impersonated me.
What I want to know is, how did you get
the dope from headquarters on this case?
The way I get everything.
With my brains.
I've got the greatest
brain that ever existed.
Stick 'em up!
Get back there you.
Hey you. I said put up your hands.
Did you hear me?
- Stick 'em up.
- Why should I?
I removed the cartridges from
that gun not ten minutes ago.
Alright, boys. Tie him to that tree.
Get him in there.
Auntie, how did you
ever think to say that?
I was telling my first lie in an
otherwise blameless life.
You think you've got me, eh?
Let me tell you this.
There never was a jail built
strong enough to hold The Bat.
And after I've paid my respects
to your cheap lock-up.
I shall return.
At night.
The Bat always flies at night.
And always in a straight line.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Don't do that.
We're not through yet.
Keep your seats everyone.
Don't put out that sign.
Pull back that curtain.
Turn on the lights.
Where is The Bat?
Coming. Coming.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I'm here to appeal to you on behalf
of a very dear friend of mine.
The Bat.
If people really discover his
identity he is heartbroken.
He goes around for days killing people
without any enjoyment for his work.
Now, you dear people.
You have found him out.
You have torn the mask from his face.
And he really feels quite badly about it.
So, in order to keep The Bat
happy and contented.
I want you all to promise me that you
won't divulge his identity to anyone.
Let him try to fool your friends
as he hopes he has fooled you.
And in return for your
consideration in this matter.
He promises not to haunt your homes.
Steal your money.
Or frighten your little children.
Is it a bargain?
Thank you.
Now, ladies and gentlemen. Before I
conclude may I be permitted to say ..
The Bat simply pursues his murderous
calling for your entertainment.
And underneath his horrible exterior he
really is not such a bad fellow at all.
And.
I ought to know.
Thank you.
Who did that?
I don't know.
This house gets on my nerves.
- It won't let me sleep.
- Don't trust him.
Caretaker means servant.
- Who won't let you sleep?
- A ghost.
Listen. He's here again.
He opens windows when I'm looking.
But I can't see anything.
He slams doors.
And there is no-one there to slam them.
He rolls things down the stairs.
And there is no-one
there to make them roll.
That ain't all.
He whispers to me from behind the wall.
He's here again.
Stay here long enough .. and you'll see.
Let's go back to the city.
I will not go back.
I won't be frightened.
I'm going to get at the bottom of this.
Right. I'll send for a detective.
Detectives won't do you no good.
The whole police force won't do no good.
They can't stop ghosts.
Nobody can stop ghosts.
Did you hear what he said?
If he comes after me.
I am going to get it.
Oh dear.
I can't see a thing.
Put these on.
You don't think anybody will suspect?
No. They don't know you.
That helps.
Now hurry. We have so much to do.
A storm coming up.
Stick the electric light on.
Something is coming up.
I can feel it creeping all over me.
It's your liver.
Take a pill and go to bed.
I won't go to bed.
I'll stay right here with you.
- Hello ladies.
- Hello.
Sorry, Auntie. The train was late.
Young Mr Fleming was kind enough to
drive me from the station in his car.
The less you have to do with that nephew
of Fleming's, the better it is for you.
But why, Auntie?
I don't like him.
He leased this house to me.
A man wants to see you.
He says his name is Brook.
He's a gardener.
He looks funny to me.
Yes. I mean to tell you. I engaged
him for you at the agency today.
Well, what are you standing there for?
Show him in.
- In here?
- Of course.
Alright.
I'm sure you'll find his
references very satisfactory.
He was three years at his last place.
So you're a professional gardener?
Yes, ma'am.
Do you know anything about perennials?
Yes.
They're the ones that hold
their leaves in the winter.
Any experience with rubeola?
Oh yes.
And alopecia?
Yes. But.
They dry up if you don't water them.
What is your treatment for urticaria?
I would thin it.
You must show him to his
room in the right upper wing.
- You mean next to mine?
- No.
In the right upper wing.
Do you know young Bailey?
The missing cashier at the bank.
Yes. Slightly.
- Why?
- Nothing.
That new gardener.
I don't like his looks.
Supposing he is The Bat?
Well, I know he's not a gardener.
Because urticaria is hives.
Rubeola is measles.
And alopecia is baldness.
And knowing all this you're going
to let him stay in this house?
Until I find out why my
niece brought him here.
You're like all the rest of the women.
A good-looking fellow comes in the door
and your brains fly out the window.
'Warning'.
'Get out of this house
while there is yet time'.
'Disaster awaits all who remain here'.
I am leaving now.
Dr. Venrees to see you.
Doctor?
Lawyer, merchant, doctor.
Bat.
Sorry to trouble you, Miss van Gorder.
But circumstances surrounding
the bank robbery in Oakdale.
Made it imperative.
Who do you think robbed the bank?
The cashier.
A young chap named Bailey.
Got away with a cool half million.
And all in cash too.
Mr Fleming, the bank's president
is on his way back from Europe.
Yes.
It is on account of his
unexpected return that I call.
Now, Miss Van Gorder.
It is only natural that he would expect
you to arrange to vacate the house.
He's not the only one interested in
me vacating this property, doctor.
What do you mean?
Read that.
Thrown through that window
just before you came in.
You might fasten that window.
That is the second warning I've had.
- Of course. Then you decided to ..
- Exactly.
To remain right here.
I don't intend to leave until I have
learned the meaning of all this.
Doctor.
You didn't fasten this window.
I beg your pardon. I thought I did.
Here.
A man by the name of
Anderson wants to see you.
- You'll pardon me, doctor?
- Certainly.
Your aunt is a very determined woman.
Yes. She is.
- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.
I think the reason you came so promptly
is because I hinted that The Bat ..
May be connected with the
mysterious happenings in this house.
Exactly.
I am not sure that he is.
However.
I will tell you everything so you
can draw your own conclusions.
Splendid.
You should persuade your aunt.
To leave the house.
To isolate it.
Two miles from the next village.
Enough shrubbery around the
grounds to hide a dozen assassins.
But, doctor.
What enemies could my aunt have?
Have you no matches?
- I will get you some.
- Very kind.
Sorry to have troubled you.
But tobacco is something ..
Every doctor forbids his patients
but prescribes it for himself.
By the way.
Has your aunt a revolver?
Why, yes.
It is late.
Be sure and telephone
if something happens.
Because something serious is
liable to happen in this house ..
At any time.
Goodnight.
Young Fleming is a
spendthrift of the worst kind.
I see.
And you think he leased this house
to you without his uncle's consent?
Yes. To get the rent
money to gamble with.
Now you think he's trying to frighten
you out before his uncle's return?
Is that it?
How do you know Courtney
Fleming is in Europe?
I read it in the paper.
You shouldn't believe all you
read in the papers, dear lady.
Dr. Venrees said he had
a cablegram from him.
Did ..
Did you see it?
No.
I thought so.
I will find out who's trying to frighten
you out of this house, Miss van Gorder.
- Where do those stairs lead to?
- To the ..
Is that you, Lizzie?
There is a detective downstairs.
They heard you pounding.
It does not sound hollow here.
Brook.
When did Courtney Fleming arrange
with the architect for a secret room?
They talked in the office last summer.
When I came in, Mr Fleming stopped.
Then if there really is such a room,
it must be in the new plans.
If we could only find those plans.
Dale, you're doing an awful lot for me.
You know why.
Not now. I've got an idea.
Brook.
So you think there is a possibility
of The Bat being concerned in this?
The Bat will be concerned with anything
when half a million dollars is at stake.
Here. Wait a moment.
Come here.
I want to talk to you.
Would.
Would you mind telling me your name?
No. I wouldn't mind.
Well, what is it?
Lizzie Allen.
Lizzie Allen.
Splendid.
You like it?
And your age?
Twenty-two.
She is forty-two.
Well, I ain't the only one in
this house who's over forty.
That will do.
See that coffee and rolls are placed
in the library for Mr Anderson.
If you pardon me I
think I'll rest awhile.
Quite alright.
I've got plenty of work to do.
The caretaker will show you to your room.
He is the only servant
we have at present.
And he wouldn't stay if he wasn't crazy.
428 please.
Hello Country Club?
Is Mr Dick Fleming there?
Hello, Mr Fleming?
This is Dale van Gorder speaking.
Could you come over here?
It's very important.
The bank's money.
Yes.
Thank you.
What is the matter with you?
What is it?
Stop that. Stop it.
- What did you see?
- The Bat.
He came through my window
And flew up the stairs.
Now, stop it at once. And go to bed.
Oh. It's you, Mr Fleming.
Yes.
I rapped several times but no answer.
So I used the passkey.
Your call seemed urgent. What's wrong?
The money stolen from the bank.
I think it's in this house.
What makes you think so?
Here, wait a minute.
I want to talk to you.
Get out of here. Get out of here.
Get out of here.
- Have you seen him?
- No.
There.
- There is nobody there.
- What?
Yes. A hidden room would
show on the blueprint.
That is what I thought.
Look in that old chest in the dining
room. Uncle kept blueprints there.
Thank you. I knew you would help us.
You found them.
What if I have?
If the money is here, do you think I'm
fool enough to turn it over to you?
But it belongs to the bank.
I only want to return it.
Why should you be so
anxious to return it?
Because I want to clear Brook.
I am engaged to him.
Even my aunt mustn't know that
until we can find the stolen money.
Won't you help us?
How do I know you are telling the truth?
If you don't trust me,
there's a detective upstairs.
Give him the plans and
let's search together.
- A detective? Why is a detective here?
- People have tried to break in.
- What people?
- I don't know.
- Then the money is here.
- What are you going to do?
I am going to find that hidden room and
I don't need the help of any detective.
It's my uncle's house.
All that's in it is his.
If you leave this room with
that blueprint I'll scream.
And if you do, I'll tell them the
new gardener is Brook Bailey.
The missing cashier at the Oakdale bank.
Give me that blueprint.
Give me those blueprints.
What is it? What's the matter?
Tell me. Speak to me.
I didn't know.
It is Richard Fleming.
Somebody shot him from
the top of the stairs.
What do you mean by 'somebody'?
- Did you see anybody?
- No.
The flashlight blinded me.
- Who are you?
- The gardener.
The gardener, eh?
- One shot fired.
- I fired that shot myself last night.
Splendid.
Quick thinking, Miss van Gorder.
I am afraid I shall have
to arrest your niece.
You can't do that until
after the coroner's verdict.
You'll have to wait for
Dr. Venrees for that.
I see.
Let me tell you something,
Miss van Gorder.
If I find it necessary to make
an arrest, I'll make it.
I will not wait for any
coroner's verdict.
I will tell you what to do.
Take your niece over to that
chair and say nothing to her.
I will do the talking.
You would have a detective.
Now I hope you are satisfied.
What became of the rest of this?
I don't know.
- Where is the torn piece?
- I don't know.
Don't lie to me.
That torn piece showed the hidden room.
- And you shot young Fleming to get it.
- I didn't.
No?
Then, young lady.
How does it happen that the nephew
of the president of the Oakdale Bank ..
Is killed in his uncle's house the
night after the bank was robbed?
The only person present at his murder is
the girl engaged to the runaway cashier.
- Engaged? Is that true, Dale?
- It's true.
Yes.
You found the hidden room on
this piece before it was torn?
No.
- Did Fleming?
- I don't know.
Listen to me.
Whoo-ooh.
Anybody home here?
Who has done that?
Say, what kind of a joint is this?
Who are you?
Who am I?
Who do you think I am?
W.T. Jones.
Super-sleuth of Oakdale County.
Who are you?
- Did you hire this fellow?
- Yes. But over the telephone.
From the Judkin Detective Agency.
I am in charge here.
Lieutenant Detective
Anderson of the city police.
Did you look around outside?
Did I?
That's what I was doing when
somebody socked me with that planter.
Dick Fleming. Who killed him?
That is exactly the
reason I sent for you.
I get you.
Yes. Give me time, lady.
I ain't no cheap gumshoe.
Detecting crime with me is ..
A work of art.
The garage ringing. That's strange.
There can't be anybody there.
Just a moment. I will answer that.
- Hello?
- Help.
Help.
Somebody calling for help in the garage.
Hello.
Hello.
He rung off.
I'll see who it is.
You stay there.
There go the lights again.
Who is monkeying with them?
Do you hear that?
It's coming from behind that wall.
Shush.
It's stopping.
Auntie, that painting moved.
- I feel somebody looking at us.
- Where?
I don't know. I can't see them.
I can see you.
If you're not out of
this house by morning.
You will suffer terrible consequences.
Look, Auntie. The picture is
moving back into place again.
Look behind that picture.
I can't budge it.
I thought not.
Look.
The window.
The Bat.
Now, who on earth can be
ringing that doorbell?
If it's ringing,
I ain't going to answer it.
Yes she is.
With everybody hollering and bells
ringing, a detective can't do nothing.
Now. What made that do that?
Dr. Venrees.
Pardon my coming back.
But I must have left my cigarettes here.
I am so glad you returned, doctor.
A terrible thing has happened.
Young Fleming has been murdered.
- Murdered?
- Yes. Murdered.
My niece will tell you everything.
I was standing at the foot of the stairs
when young Mr Fleming started up.
What stairs?
The stairs in the living room.
Why did young Fleming come here?
I sent for him.
Why did you send for him?
You say you tore a piece
of blueprint out of his hand?
What became of it?
I was afraid to keep it.
So I hid it in one of the rolls on the
tray Lizzie took to the dining room.
I see.
May I have something to cover the body?
- Will this do?
- Thanks. Yes.
Gosh.
I'd like to get a headlock on the
guy that pulled that painting stunt.
You needn't be disturbed.
Because the detective
suspects your niece.
I will take care of that.
May I go into the next room and write
my report about young Fleming's death?
- I'll fetch you some writing materials.
- Don't trouble you.
- May I close the door?
- Of course.
Pardon me, won't you?
May I inquire just who you are?
I am Dr. Venrees.
Oh yes. Yes, of course.
Mrs Van Gorder explained about you.
My name is Anderson.
Lieutenant Detective Anderson
of the city police.
Now that we are better
acquainted, doctor, I will ..
Presume to trouble you for
that piece of blueprint.
Blueprint? What blueprint?
The little piece of paper
that you took from the tray.
You are mistaken, Anderson.
I took nothing from the tray.
Then, my dear doctor,
it's time I consulted my oculist.
Are you insinuating that I am a liar?
You can call it anything you like.
But I want that piece of paper.
Alright.
Thank you, doctor.
It's peculiar, but sometimes these
little bits of paper are very important.
Really?
A fireplace, eh?
There are dozens of
fireplaces in this house.
A hidden room. A fireplace.
You don't believe in that
hidden room bunk?
- It's in the girl's imagination.
- Yes.
Quite possible, doctor.
Still.
I wonder who is trying to frighten
the ladies out of this house.
- Have you any ideas?
- How should I know?
I wonder if you happen to be very well
acquainted with Courtney Fleming who ..
Is supposed to be abroad.
Huh?
You needn't answer that question
if it embarrasses you, doctor.
I don't know what you're driving at.
But there is a limit.
That limit stops when it
interferes with my work.
- What do you mean?
- You heard.
You try to mix me up in the bank robbery?
I do know young Fleming was killed here
tonight trying to find that hidden room.
Nobody had better try to
prevent me from locating it.
You understand that, don't you doctor?
- Your insinuations are an insult.
- Sorry.
I'll see you later, Anderson.
Any time, doctor. Any time.
Now what on earth are
you doing with that?
It's for your feet.
If you'll ever go to bed.
No answer at the garage.
Strange that detective
Anderson hasn't returned.
Maybe he's found the guy
that moved that painting.
I hope somebody finds something
around here pretty soon.
I'm tired and I cannot stand any longer.
What is it? Whatever is it?
I am scalded.
A minute ago I couldn't stand.
Now I can't sit.
Doctor.
You haven't seen Detective
Anderson, have you?
Why?
He went to grounds a time
ago to make investigations.
He hasn't returned.
- Suppose I go and look for him?
- Thank you.
Stop.
Where you are.
Look straight ahead.
Get those people out of this
house or I'll burn you alive.
Don't turn around until
you've counted ten.
Start counting now.
Now go.
She is choking.
Ain't she choking?
What is it?
The Bat.
Put up your hands.
Stop.
It's the law speaking.
Reach for the ceiling.
- He is ill. Get some water.
- No. Wait.
Don't go near him. Wait.
Wait until I .. search him.
- He ain't got nothing.
- Get a pillow.
Oh dear.
Here. Drink this.
Dale, get the whiskey.
You mean to tell me you
got booze in the house?
Yes. For emergencies.
Then that's the reason everybody
is trying to bust in here.
These doors are locked.
Who locked them?
- Who's he?
- The caretaker.
What's the matter with him?
He's coming.
He's coming after us all.
Who?
The ghost.
He said, if I can't get
you all out of here ..
He would burn me to a crisp.
- What did this ghost look like?
- Awful.
He was all in white.
Only he did not have any face.
You mean, he wore a mask?
The doors!
The lights are going out again.
He shot at me.
I quit. I am going to get out of here.
How?
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Try it again.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
- Once more.
- Listen.
Somebody is trying to get in.
Dale. I just saw Banker
Fleming on the roof.
Did you hear that
gardener call her 'Dale'?
Gardener, nothing.
He is the missing cashier
at the Oakdale bank.
I hereby arrest you for murder,
robbery and larceny.
And everything else that's
wrong around here.
Auntie, don't let him arrest Brook.
I made him impersonate a gardener ..
So we might look for the hidden
room and find the stolen money.
- I'm sure it's hidden in this house.
- Rot.
- Who would hide money in this house?
- Banker Fleming.
But he is in Europe.
Brook had to disappear to avoid arrest.
There was evidence framed against him.
- We didn't want to deceive you.
- You didn't?
Gardeners don't have
manicured fingernails.
When detective Anderson comes,
send him up to the attic.
Miss Cornelia, ain't you
going to take me with you?
You're trouble enough
on the ground floor.
You'd be a nuisance on the roof.
If I yell, you come.
- Who, me?
- Yes, you.
I want you to show me the
exact spot on the roof ..
Where you think you saw Banker Fleming.
Help me. Help.
Quiet or I'll kill you.
I want the combination of that safe.
I never saw the safe before.
I don't know the combination.
Don't lie to me.
I am not lying.
You can't get away from me.
Quiet.
Quiet. Not a word. Not a sound.
I'm going to get you.
I'm going to get you. Do you hear?
Stand still.
Until I put my hands around
your lily-white throat.
And squeeze and squeeze
until you're dead.
Who's in this room?
Who came in this room?
Get away from that safe.
Let me out of here.
Let me out of here.
You've killed him.
Somebody come and help me.
Please help.
Get me out of here.
Get me out of here.
Help. Help.
Help.
There is someone behind that fireplace.
It sounds like Dale.
Get some water quick.
Dale, what is it, darling?
Speak to me.
I wonder what he thought
The Bat was doing.
My instinct tells me we ought
to get a doctor for him.
I don't like that doctor.
One good look at him would cure anybody.
- He ain't there.
- Who ain't?
Him.
Well .. where did he go?
Maybe he wasn't there in the first place.
Say, what are you trying to do?
Trying to kid me?
No.
But we're all commencing to see things.
And when you get like that,
you got to do something.
And I am going to do it.
- Now don't tell anybody.
- Cross my heart.
You need a lot of courage.
Around this shack.
Nectar.
I am blind.
Who's running up them stairs?
It's me. There's someone
in this room besides us.
Where? Where's my matches?
I got 'em. I got 'em.
Hey.
What did you mean by
putting out that light?
What?
I put it out?
Give me back my bottle.
You say there were two of them?
And The Bat shot the other one?
It was terrible.
Look.
Who is that?
I came up the back way.
I saw your light and thought
it was Detective Anderson.
I've had no luck looking for him outside.
Doctor, there is a man
behind that fireplace.
Hold this candle.
I think we can find what is trying
to frighten me out of this house.
It was right here that I touched this.
Doctor. Hold the candle a little higher.
I can see him in that corner.
The Bat. He is coming down the stairs.
The Bat. He's coming down the stairs.
What you going to do?
Hey.
What are you shooting at?
- Where is he?
- He didn't come down here.
He must be hiding in one of the rooms
upstairs. Come on, we've got to get him.
Doctor, why did you put out that candle?
I was so startled.
It slipped out of my hand.
You deliberately put it out. I saw you.
He got away.
Thanks to Dr. Venrees.
Wait for me. Wait.
There was a man following me.
Up those stairs.
What is your game, Venrees?
What do you mean?
You know very well what I mean.
You tried to kill me downstairs.
You make a mistake, Anderson.
No, no, doctor.
You're the one who's made the mistake.
Ask why he put out the candle and let
the man flee from behind the fireplace.
I don't have to ask him.
If his accomplice,
Banker Fleming was caught ..
They could not frighten
the ladies out of this house.
Nor could they split the
bank's funds between them.
You think Fleming robbed his own bank?
I don't think.
I know he did.
Then, if we can find
Fleming you are cleared.
Frisk him.
Now we are getting somewhere.
I told you to keep out
of my affairs, Venrees.
That is my revolver.
How did he get it?
He took it out of my pocket
when he hit me over the head.
Next time you handcuff a man, doctor,
ensure you take the key from his pocket.
Open that door.
Now you get in there.
I will see you later, doctor.
Lock it.
Put the key in your pocket.
Now we'll give this hidden
room the once-over.
Shush.
Listen.
He is The Bat.
I know he is The Bat.
Well, if he ain't The Bat ..
Then he is in cahoots with him.
We found him downstairs.
He didn't know who he
was or how he got here.
When we looked for him, he blew it.
He was gone.
Hey you. Look at me.
Look at me.
You know me?
Did.
Did you try to communicate
from the garage a while ago?
Garage?
Yes.
I tried.
Have you ..
Have you ever heard
of detective Anderson?
Huh?
Think.
'Anderson' is the name.
Anders ..?
Anderson.
No.
And when you met those people
downstairs, where did you go?
Answer me.
Where did you go?
I don't know.
You .. keep him covered.
If he makes one move, shoot.
- Shoot to kill. Understand?
- I got you.
We should have discovered this easily.
Anyone could tell it was phony. No flue.
My niece said there's a secret panel.
With an entrance to the outside.
Would you mind telling me
exactly what happened?
I will try.
I was so frightened.
It seemed like a terrible nightmare.
The fireplace closed just like this.
I'm afraid your niece must have imagined
there was a secret panel there.
There may have been money in that safe
at some time but it isn't there now.
Look.
A man just crossed that
skylight carrying a satchel.
- A satchel?
- Yes.
I'll get him.
Wait.
Nobody crossed that skylight.
I wanted to get rid of that detective
and do a little detecting myself.
The man The Bat shot.
Evidently managed to remove that satchel
from that safe before The Bat attacked.
There is just one place possible
where he could have hidden it.
That hamper.
No. Behind it.
It's here.
See if it contains the bank's money.
Look out. There might be a bomb in it.
- It's the money.
- All of it?
That's it.
Now, if we find Courtney Fleming
our mystery is about ended.
It's Banker Fleming. He's dead.
It's the ghost I saw.
The wrist watch with a luminous dial.
The eye that Lizzie
saw going up the stairs.
Hey, look.
There's a fire down there.
It's the garage.
Come on. Get busy. We got to put it out.
Put that satchel back where you found it.
Not a sound if you value your lives.
The man who started that fire did
it to get you out of this room.
In a moment, he's coming back either
through the door or through the window.
He is after the money.
Now pick up your guns.
Put out the lights.
Now get back.
Back into the shadows.
When he comes, be quiet.
He's coming. Remember, he's a killer.
Hands up!
Turn on the lights.
Search him.
Gosh, three of them.
So you're the one who hit me over the
head and locked me in the garage, eh?
Take off his mask.
It was a long chase, Mister Bat.
But we have got you red-handed.
- Where does this lead to?
- To the laundry I think.
Let's get to it.
You stay here in case he comes back.
Come on.
Wait. It will take the two of us here.
Here. Take this.
Listen.
There's something wrong in there.
- It's locked.
- Well, break it down.
I've caught him. I've caught him!
I've got him. I've got him.
I've caught The Bat.
Get a rope.
Come. Bring a rope. Bring a rope.
Do something.
Get a rope.
Get a rope. Get a rope.
I caught The Bat.
I caught him. I caught him.
Get a rope.
Come on. Tie him up.
I got The Bat. I got him in my room.
Take off that mask.
Detective Anderson.
I'm Anderson.
He stole my papers, locked me in
the garage and impersonated me.
What I want to know is, how did you get
the dope from headquarters on this case?
The way I get everything.
With my brains.
I've got the greatest
brain that ever existed.
Stick 'em up!
Get back there you.
Hey you. I said put up your hands.
Did you hear me?
- Stick 'em up.
- Why should I?
I removed the cartridges from
that gun not ten minutes ago.
Alright, boys. Tie him to that tree.
Get him in there.
Auntie, how did you
ever think to say that?
I was telling my first lie in an
otherwise blameless life.
You think you've got me, eh?
Let me tell you this.
There never was a jail built
strong enough to hold The Bat.
And after I've paid my respects
to your cheap lock-up.
I shall return.
At night.
The Bat always flies at night.
And always in a straight line.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Don't do that.
We're not through yet.
Keep your seats everyone.
Don't put out that sign.
Pull back that curtain.
Turn on the lights.
Where is The Bat?
Coming. Coming.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I'm here to appeal to you on behalf
of a very dear friend of mine.
The Bat.
If people really discover his
identity he is heartbroken.
He goes around for days killing people
without any enjoyment for his work.
Now, you dear people.
You have found him out.
You have torn the mask from his face.
And he really feels quite badly about it.
So, in order to keep The Bat
happy and contented.
I want you all to promise me that you
won't divulge his identity to anyone.
Let him try to fool your friends
as he hopes he has fooled you.
And in return for your
consideration in this matter.
He promises not to haunt your homes.
Steal your money.
Or frighten your little children.
Is it a bargain?
Thank you.
Now, ladies and gentlemen. Before I
conclude may I be permitted to say ..
The Bat simply pursues his murderous
calling for your entertainment.
And underneath his horrible exterior he
really is not such a bad fellow at all.
And.
I ought to know.
Thank you.
Special edition.
Just out now. Special edition.
Read about The Bat. All about The Bat.
Get out of the way.
You won't catch The Bat.
I'll set The Bat to get somebody: You.
"Station KHB broadcasting
from the police department."
"A warning to all citizens."
"From 11pm until midnight the area in
the neighborhood of the Bell residence."
"Between 4th and 5th Streets and 2nd and
3rd will be restricted to all persons."
"And completely surrounded
and in the hands of the police."
"As they have been boldly notified by
that mysterious criminal, The Bat."
"That he intends to enter
Mr Bell's home at that hour .."
"And extract from his safe that
famous Rossmore necklace."
"Which Mr Bell recently added to
his priceless collection of jewels."
"The public is hereby warned
to keep out of this area."
"In order not to embarrass the police
who are making every effort."
"And are sure this time they'll succeed
in capturing the notorious madman .."
"Who signs himself: The Bat."
"This is station KHB broadcasting
from the police department."
- Anything doing?
- Not yet.
- All covered?
- Yes, sir.
The captain is in the house.
- Which is Bell's window?
- The lighted one, sir.
Not even a fire escape.
- Everything alright, Mr Bell?
- Quite alright, Captain.
"Radio Station KHB."
"Police evidently have succeeded
in outsmarting The Bat."
"Who failed to make good his threat
of stealing the Rossmore necklace."
"Although Mr Bell waited
for him alone as requested."
"The police on guard outside the door."
"All this seems to prove"
"that when the public
is sufficiently aroused by."
"The seriousness of criminal conditions,
the underworld element are defeated."
Mr Bell.
Mr Bell.
He doesn't answer.
Mr Bell.
Come on, boys.
Mr Bell.
Mr Bell.
Ehi, you. All of you.
Come up here.
The necklace has gone.
- The Bat.
- Give me that.
'To the police'.
'Why waste time chasing rainbows'?
'I always get what I go after'.
'Bell was easy because
his clock was fast'.
'And you boys were slow'.
'Au revoir. Leaving for the country
to give the police a rest'.
Get Detective Anderson.
We'll get this bat.
I tell you boys.
No cheap crook is going to make a
sap out of me and get away with it.
I was just standing at
the foot of the stairs.
And I looked up and saw a gleaming eye.
It winked at me.
I tell you this house is haunted.
Rubbish.
I've taken this house for the
summer and I intend to stay.
Then you can stay in it alone.
Why do you suppose
the servants just left?
I don't think the housemaid
ever had a pain in her side.
And I don't think the
cook ever had a sister.
Her sister didn't have twins.
No. They was just scared stiff.
And they ran away.
Because they saw it.
You're a fool.
Keep quiet.
I won't keep quiet.
I've worked for you for twenty years
and I have a right to speak my mind.
You haven't got a mind.
If I had one you wouldn't let me use it.
I stuck by you when you were
an anarchist and a suffragettist.
And I've seen you through socialism.
Through naturism and rheumatism.
But when it comes to spookies,
then I'm through.
Shut up.
What is it?
I saw a man at that window.
Nonsense.
- You're seeing things.
- Don't I know it?
The next time you see anything, tell me.
And scream afterwards.
If you scream first, it won't wait.
Get the Ouija board.
It's up there with the bible
on it to keep it quiet.
Get it.
You're not asking me to go
after it all alone, are you?
Now.
Keep your mind a blank.
You said I didn't have a mind.
Well, keep what you have got a blank.
I'm so scared.
My teeth are chattering.
- I can hardly hold my upper set in.
- Quiet.
Is Lizzie Allen right about this house?
Or is she wrong as usual?
- Look. It's moving.
- Shush.
G.
O.
R.
S.
K.
I.
Russian.
B.
A.
T.
Bat.
That's queer.
The paper said he's in the country.
Let's hope it's a foreign country.
What's that?
I am going to find out.
Miss Cornelia.
Can't I sleep with you tonight?
You know, it is only when
my jaw drops that I snore.
I can tie it up with a handkerchief.
Tie it up now.
What's that ladder doing
in the laundry chute?
I don't know.
Maybe that caretaker put it by there.
- Careful, careful.
- Now ain't I careful?
I don't like that caretaker.
I wouldn't have him.
Only he worked for the Flemings
and came with the lease.
The Bat.
'The Oakdale Bank was
robbed during the night'.
'And over half a million
was recorded missing'.
'The cashier Brook Bailey has
mysteriously disappeared'.
'And this is regarded by
police as significant'.
'Lieutenant Anderson of the Detective
Bureau who may be assigned to the case'.
'Is pondering over the possibility of
The Bat's connection with the robbery'.
'Courtney Fleming, the bank's
president, is travelling in Europe'.
'And has not been reached'.
'The police have spread their dragnet in
an effort to locate Bailey the cashier'.
What on earth are you doing?
I am setting a bear trap for The Bat if
he ever comes flying around here.
I've got the other end
fastened to the bed.
Let me read.
Let me have a look at the paper.
Put on your glasses.
I don't need no glasses.
My eyes are alright.
It's my arms.
They ain't long enough.
Now do you see?
Lieutenant Anderson says that
nobody has ever seen The Bat.
He might be a merchant, lawyer, a doctor.
Or even a trusted servant.
He heard me.
- Who?
- The Bat.
Who did that?
I don't know.
This house gets on my nerves.
- It won't let me sleep.
- Don't trust him.
Caretaker means servant.
- Who won't let you sleep?
- A ghost.
Listen. He's here again.
He opens windows when I'm looking.
But I can't see anything.
He slams doors.
And there is no-one there to slam them.
He rolls things down the stairs.
And there is no-one
there to make them roll.
That ain't all.
He whispers to me from behind the wall.
He's here again.
Stay here long enough .. and you'll see.
Let's go back to the city.
I will not go back.
I won't be frightened.
I'm going to get at the bottom of this.
Right. I'll send for a detective.
Detectives won't do you no good.
The whole police force won't do no good.
They can't stop ghosts.
Nobody can stop ghosts.
Did you hear what he said?
If he comes after me.
I am going to get it.
Oh dear.
I can't see a thing.
Put these on.
You don't think anybody will suspect?
No. They don't know you.
That helps.
Now hurry. We have so much to do.
A storm coming up.
Stick the electric light on.
Something is coming up.
I can feel it creeping all over me.
It's your liver.
Take a pill and go to bed.
I won't go to bed.
I'll stay right here with you.
- Hello ladies.
- Hello.
Sorry, Auntie. The train was late.
Young Mr Fleming was kind enough to
drive me from the station in his car.
The less you have to do with that nephew
of Fleming's, the better it is for you.
But why, Auntie?
I don't like him.
He leased this house to me.
A man wants to see you.
He says his name is Brook.
He's a gardener.
He looks funny to me.
Yes. I mean to tell you. I engaged
him for you at the agency today.
Well, what are you standing there for?
Show him in.
- In here?
- Of course.
Alright.
I'm sure you'll find his
references very satisfactory.
He was three years at his last place.
So you're a professional gardener?
Yes, ma'am.
Do you know anything about perennials?
Yes.
They're the ones that hold
their leaves in the winter.
Any experience with rubeola?
Oh yes.
And alopecia?
Yes. But.
They dry up if you don't water them.
What is your treatment for urticaria?
I would thin it.
You must show him to his
room in the right upper wing.
- You mean next to mine?
- No.
In the right upper wing.
Do you know young Bailey?
The missing cashier at the bank.
Yes. Slightly.
- Why?
- Nothing.
That new gardener.
I don't like his looks.
Supposing he is The Bat?
Well, I know he's not a gardener.
Because urticaria is hives.
Rubeola is measles.
And alopecia is baldness.
And knowing all this you're going
to let him stay in this house?
Until I find out why my
niece brought him here.
You're like all the rest of the women.
A good-looking fellow comes in the door
and your brains fly out the window.
'Warning'.
'Get out of this house
while there is yet time'.
'Disaster awaits all who remain here'.
I am leaving now.
Dr. Venrees to see you.
Doctor?
Lawyer, merchant, doctor.
Bat.
Sorry to trouble you, Miss van Gorder.
But circumstances surrounding
the bank robbery in Oakdale.
Made it imperative.
Who do you think robbed the bank?
The cashier.
A young chap named Bailey.
Got away with a cool half million.
And all in cash too.
Mr Fleming, the bank's president
is on his way back from Europe.
Yes.
It is on account of his
unexpected return that I call.
Now, Miss Van Gorder.
It is only natural that he would expect
you to arrange to vacate the house.
He's not the only one interested in
me vacating this property, doctor.
What do you mean?
Read that.
Thrown through that window
just before you came in.
You might fasten that window.
That is the second warning I've had.
- Of course. Then you decided to ..
- Exactly.
To remain right here.
I don't intend to leave until I have
learned the meaning of all this.
Doctor.
You didn't fasten this window.
I beg your pardon. I thought I did.
Here.
A man by the name of
Anderson wants to see you.
- You'll pardon me, doctor?
- Certainly.
Your aunt is a very determined woman.
Yes. She is.
- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.
I think the reason you came so promptly
is because I hinted that The Bat ..
May be connected with the
mysterious happenings in this house.
Exactly.
I am not sure that he is.
However.
I will tell you everything so you
can draw your own conclusions.
Splendid.
You should persuade your aunt.
To leave the house.
To isolate it.
Two miles from the next village.
Enough shrubbery around the
grounds to hide a dozen assassins.
But, doctor.
What enemies could my aunt have?
Have you no matches?
- I will get you some.
- Very kind.
Sorry to have troubled you.
But tobacco is something ..
Every doctor forbids his patients
but prescribes it for himself.
By the way.
Has your aunt a revolver?
Why, yes.
It is late.
Be sure and telephone
if something happens.
Because something serious is
liable to happen in this house ..
At any time.
Goodnight.
Young Fleming is a
spendthrift of the worst kind.
I see.
And you think he leased this house
to you without his uncle's consent?
Yes. To get the rent
money to gamble with.
Now you think he's trying to frighten
you out before his uncle's return?
Is that it?
How do you know Courtney
Fleming is in Europe?
I read it in the paper.
You shouldn't believe all you
read in the papers, dear lady.
Dr. Venrees said he had
a cablegram from him.
Did ..
Did you see it?
No.
I thought so.
I will find out who's trying to frighten
you out of this house, Miss van Gorder.
- Where do those stairs lead to?
- To the ..
Is that you, Lizzie?
There is a detective downstairs.
They heard you pounding.
It does not sound hollow here.
Brook.
When did Courtney Fleming arrange
with the architect for a secret room?
They talked in the office last summer.
When I came in, Mr Fleming stopped.
Then if there really is such a room,
it must be in the new plans.
If we could only find those plans.
Dale, you're doing an awful lot for me.
You know why.
Not now. I've got an idea.
Brook.
So you think there is a possibility
of The Bat being concerned in this?
The Bat will be concerned with anything
when half a million dollars is at stake.
Here. Wait a moment.
Come here.
I want to talk to you.
Would.
Would you mind telling me your name?
No. I wouldn't mind.
Well, what is it?
Lizzie Allen.
Lizzie Allen.
Splendid.
You like it?
And your age?
Twenty-two.
She is forty-two.
Well, I ain't the only one in
this house who's over forty.
That will do.
See that coffee and rolls are placed
in the library for Mr Anderson.
If you pardon me I
think I'll rest awhile.
Quite alright.
I've got plenty of work to do.
The caretaker will show you to your room.
He is the only servant
we have at present.
And he wouldn't stay if he wasn't crazy.
428 please.
Hello Country Club?
Is Mr Dick Fleming there?
Hello, Mr Fleming?
This is Dale van Gorder speaking.
Could you come over here?
It's very important.
The bank's money.
Yes.
Thank you.
What is the matter with you?
What is it?
Stop that. Stop it.
- What did you see?
- The Bat.
He came through my window
And flew up the stairs.
Now, stop it at once. And go to bed.
Oh. It's you, Mr Fleming.
Yes.
I rapped several times but no answer.
So I used the passkey.
Your call seemed urgent. What's wrong?
The money stolen from the bank.
I think it's in this house.
What makes you think so?
Here, wait a minute.
I want to talk to you.
Get out of here. Get out of here.
Get out of here.
- Have you seen him?
- No.
There.
- There is nobody there.
- What?
Yes. A hidden room would
show on the blueprint.
That is what I thought.
Look in that old chest in the dining
room. Uncle kept blueprints there.
Thank you. I knew you would help us.
You found them.
What if I have?
If the money is here, do you think I'm
fool enough to turn it over to you?
But it belongs to the bank.
I only want to return it.
Why should you be so
anxious to return it?
Because I want to clear Brook.
I am engaged to him.
Even my aunt mustn't know that
until we can find the stolen money.
Won't you help us?
How do I know you are telling the truth?
If you don't trust me,
there's a detective upstairs.
Give him the plans and
let's search together.
- A detective? Why is a detective here?
- People have tried to break in.
- What people?
- I don't know.
- Then the money is here.
- What are you going to do?
I am going to find that hidden room and
I don't need the help of any detective.
It's my uncle's house.
All that's in it is his.
If you leave this room with
that blueprint I'll scream.
And if you do, I'll tell them the
new gardener is Brook Bailey.
The missing cashier at the Oakdale bank.
Give me that blueprint.
Give me those blueprints.
What is it? What's the matter?
Tell me. Speak to me.
I didn't know.
It is Richard Fleming.
Somebody shot him from
the top of the stairs.
What do you mean by 'somebody'?
- Did you see anybody?
- No.
The flashlight blinded me.
- Who are you?
- The gardener.
The gardener, eh?
- One shot fired.
- I fired that shot myself last night.
Splendid.
Quick thinking, Miss van Gorder.
I am afraid I shall have
to arrest your niece.
You can't do that until
after the coroner's verdict.
You'll have to wait for
Dr. Venrees for that.
I see.
Let me tell you something,
Miss van Gorder.
If I find it necessary to make
an arrest, I'll make it.
I will not wait for any
coroner's verdict.
I will tell you what to do.
Take your niece over to that
chair and say nothing to her.
I will do the talking.
You would have a detective.
Now I hope you are satisfied.
What became of the rest of this?
I don't know.
- Where is the torn piece?
- I don't know.
Don't lie to me.
That torn piece showed the hidden room.
- And you shot young Fleming to get it.
- I didn't.
No?
Then, young lady.
How does it happen that the nephew
of the president of the Oakdale Bank ..
Is killed in his uncle's house the
night after the bank was robbed?
The only person present at his murder is
the girl engaged to the runaway cashier.
- Engaged? Is that true, Dale?
- It's true.
Yes.
You found the hidden room on
this piece before it was torn?
No.
- Did Fleming?
- I don't know.
Listen to me.
Whoo-ooh.
Anybody home here?
Who has done that?
Say, what kind of a joint is this?
Who are you?
Who am I?
Who do you think I am?
W.T. Jones.
Super-sleuth of Oakdale County.
Who are you?
- Did you hire this fellow?
- Yes. But over the telephone.
From the Judkin Detective Agency.
I am in charge here.
Lieutenant Detective
Anderson of the city police.
Did you look around outside?
Did I?
That's what I was doing when
somebody socked me with that planter.
Dick Fleming. Who killed him?
That is exactly the
reason I sent for you.
I get you.
Yes. Give me time, lady.
I ain't no cheap gumshoe.
Detecting crime with me is ..
A work of art.
The garage ringing. That's strange.
There can't be anybody there.
Just a moment. I will answer that.
- Hello?
- Help.
Help.
Somebody calling for help in the garage.
Hello.
Hello.
He rung off.
I'll see who it is.
You stay there.
There go the lights again.
Who is monkeying with them?
Do you hear that?
It's coming from behind that wall.
Shush.
It's stopping.
Auntie, that painting moved.
- I feel somebody looking at us.
- Where?
I don't know. I can't see them.
I can see you.
If you're not out of
this house by morning.
You will suffer terrible consequences.
Look, Auntie. The picture is
moving back into place again.
Look behind that picture.
I can't budge it.
I thought not.
Look.
The window.
The Bat.
Now, who on earth can be
ringing that doorbell?
If it's ringing,
I ain't going to answer it.
Yes she is.
With everybody hollering and bells
ringing, a detective can't do nothing.
Now. What made that do that?
Dr. Venrees.
Pardon my coming back.
But I must have left my cigarettes here.
I am so glad you returned, doctor.
A terrible thing has happened.
Young Fleming has been murdered.
- Murdered?
- Yes. Murdered.
My niece will tell you everything.
I was standing at the foot of the stairs
when young Mr Fleming started up.
What stairs?
The stairs in the living room.
Why did young Fleming come here?
I sent for him.
Why did you send for him?
You say you tore a piece
of blueprint out of his hand?
What became of it?
I was afraid to keep it.
So I hid it in one of the rolls on the
tray Lizzie took to the dining room.
I see.
May I have something to cover the body?
- Will this do?
- Thanks. Yes.
Gosh.
I'd like to get a headlock on the
guy that pulled that painting stunt.
You needn't be disturbed.
Because the detective
suspects your niece.
I will take care of that.
May I go into the next room and write
my report about young Fleming's death?
- I'll fetch you some writing materials.
- Don't trouble you.
- May I close the door?
- Of course.
Pardon me, won't you?
May I inquire just who you are?
I am Dr. Venrees.
Oh yes. Yes, of course.
Mrs Van Gorder explained about you.
My name is Anderson.
Lieutenant Detective Anderson
of the city police.
Now that we are better
acquainted, doctor, I will ..
Presume to trouble you for
that piece of blueprint.
Blueprint? What blueprint?
The little piece of paper
that you took from the tray.
You are mistaken, Anderson.
I took nothing from the tray.
Then, my dear doctor,
it's time I consulted my oculist.
Are you insinuating that I am a liar?
You can call it anything you like.
But I want that piece of paper.
Alright.
Thank you, doctor.
It's peculiar, but sometimes these
little bits of paper are very important.
Really?
A fireplace, eh?
There are dozens of
fireplaces in this house.
A hidden room. A fireplace.
You don't believe in that
hidden room bunk?
- It's in the girl's imagination.
- Yes.
Quite possible, doctor.
Still.
I wonder who is trying to frighten
the ladies out of this house.
- Have you any ideas?
- How should I know?
I wonder if you happen to be very well
acquainted with Courtney Fleming who ..
Is supposed to be abroad.
Huh?
You needn't answer that question
if it embarrasses you, doctor.
I don't know what you're driving at.
But there is a limit.
That limit stops when it
interferes with my work.
- What do you mean?
- You heard.
You try to mix me up in the bank robbery?
I do know young Fleming was killed here
tonight trying to find that hidden room.
Nobody had better try to
prevent me from locating it.
You understand that, don't you doctor?
- Your insinuations are an insult.
- Sorry.
I'll see you later, Anderson.
Any time, doctor. Any time.
Now what on earth are
you doing with that?
It's for your feet.
If you'll ever go to bed.
No answer at the garage.
Strange that detective
Anderson hasn't returned.
Maybe he's found the guy
that moved that painting.
I hope somebody finds something
around here pretty soon.
I'm tired and I cannot stand any longer.
What is it? Whatever is it?
I am scalded.
A minute ago I couldn't stand.
Now I can't sit.
Doctor.
You haven't seen Detective
Anderson, have you?
Why?
He went to grounds a time
ago to make investigations.
He hasn't returned.
- Suppose I go and look for him?
- Thank you.
Stop.
Where you are.
Look straight ahead.
Get those people out of this
house or I'll burn you alive.
Don't turn around until
you've counted ten.
Start counting now.
Now go.
She is choking.
Ain't she choking?
What is it?
The Bat.
Put up your hands.
Stop.
It's the law speaking.
Reach for the ceiling.
- He is ill. Get some water.
- No. Wait.
Don't go near him. Wait.
Wait until I .. search him.
- He ain't got nothing.
- Get a pillow.
Oh dear.
Here. Drink this.
Dale, get the whiskey.
You mean to tell me you
got booze in the house?
Yes. For emergencies.
Then that's the reason everybody
is trying to bust in here.
These doors are locked.
Who locked them?
- Who's he?
- The caretaker.
What's the matter with him?
He's coming.
He's coming after us all.
Who?
The ghost.
He said, if I can't get
you all out of here ..
He would burn me to a crisp.
- What did this ghost look like?
- Awful.
He was all in white.
Only he did not have any face.
You mean, he wore a mask?
The doors!
The lights are going out again.
He shot at me.
I quit. I am going to get out of here.
How?
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Try it again.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
- Once more.
- Listen.
Somebody is trying to get in.
Dale. I just saw Banker
Fleming on the roof.
Did you hear that
gardener call her 'Dale'?
Gardener, nothing.
He is the missing cashier
at the Oakdale bank.
I hereby arrest you for murder,
robbery and larceny.
And everything else that's
wrong around here.
Auntie, don't let him arrest Brook.
I made him impersonate a gardener ..
So we might look for the hidden
room and find the stolen money.
- I'm sure it's hidden in this house.
- Rot.
- Who would hide money in this house?
- Banker Fleming.
But he is in Europe.
Brook had to disappear to avoid arrest.
There was evidence framed against him.
- We didn't want to deceive you.
- You didn't?
Gardeners don't have
manicured fingernails.
When detective Anderson comes,
send him up to the attic.
Miss Cornelia, ain't you
going to take me with you?
You're trouble enough
on the ground floor.
You'd be a nuisance on the roof.
If I yell, you come.
- Who, me?
- Yes, you.
I want you to show me the
exact spot on the roof ..
Where you think you saw Banker Fleming.
Help me. Help.
Quiet or I'll kill you.
I want the combination of that safe.
I never saw the safe before.
I don't know the combination.
Don't lie to me.
I am not lying.
You can't get away from me.
Quiet.
Quiet. Not a word. Not a sound.
I'm going to get you.
I'm going to get you. Do you hear?
Stand still.
Until I put my hands around
your lily-white throat.
And squeeze and squeeze
until you're dead.
Who's in this room?
Who came in this room?
Get away from that safe.
Let me out of here.
Let me out of here.
You've killed him.
Somebody come and help me.
Please help.
Get me out of here.
Get me out of here.
Help. Help.
Help.
There is someone behind that fireplace.
It sounds like Dale.
Get some water quick.
Dale, what is it, darling?
Speak to me.
I wonder what he thought
The Bat was doing.
My instinct tells me we ought
to get a doctor for him.
I don't like that doctor.
One good look at him would cure anybody.
- He ain't there.
- Who ain't?
Him.
Well .. where did he go?
Maybe he wasn't there in the first place.
Say, what are you trying to do?
Trying to kid me?
No.
But we're all commencing to see things.
And when you get like that,
you got to do something.
And I am going to do it.
- Now don't tell anybody.
- Cross my heart.
You need a lot of courage.
Around this shack.
Nectar.
I am blind.
Who's running up them stairs?
It's me. There's someone
in this room besides us.
Where? Where's my matches?
I got 'em. I got 'em.
Hey.
What did you mean by
putting out that light?
What?
I put it out?
Give me back my bottle.
You say there were two of them?
And The Bat shot the other one?
It was terrible.
Look.
Who is that?
I came up the back way.
I saw your light and thought
it was Detective Anderson.
I've had no luck looking for him outside.
Doctor, there is a man
behind that fireplace.
Hold this candle.
I think we can find what is trying
to frighten me out of this house.
It was right here that I touched this.
Doctor. Hold the candle a little higher.
I can see him in that corner.
The Bat. He is coming down the stairs.
The Bat. He's coming down the stairs.
What you going to do?
Hey.
What are you shooting at?
- Where is he?
- He didn't come down here.
He must be hiding in one of the rooms
upstairs. Come on, we've got to get him.
Doctor, why did you put out that candle?
I was so startled.
It slipped out of my hand.
You deliberately put it out. I saw you.
He got away.
Thanks to Dr. Venrees.
Wait for me. Wait.
There was a man following me.
Up those stairs.
What is your game, Venrees?
What do you mean?
You know very well what I mean.
You tried to kill me downstairs.
You make a mistake, Anderson.
No, no, doctor.
You're the one who's made the mistake.
Ask why he put out the candle and let
the man flee from behind the fireplace.
I don't have to ask him.
If his accomplice,
Banker Fleming was caught ..
They could not frighten
the ladies out of this house.
Nor could they split the
bank's funds between them.
You think Fleming robbed his own bank?
I don't think.
I know he did.
Then, if we can find
Fleming you are cleared.
Frisk him.
Now we are getting somewhere.
I told you to keep out
of my affairs, Venrees.
That is my revolver.
How did he get it?
He took it out of my pocket
when he hit me over the head.
Next time you handcuff a man, doctor,
ensure you take the key from his pocket.
Open that door.
Now you get in there.
I will see you later, doctor.
Lock it.
Put the key in your pocket.
Now we'll give this hidden
room the once-over.
Shush.
Listen.
He is The Bat.
I know he is The Bat.
Well, if he ain't The Bat ..
Then he is in cahoots with him.
We found him downstairs.
He didn't know who he
was or how he got here.
When we looked for him, he blew it.
He was gone.
Hey you. Look at me.
Look at me.
You know me?
Did.
Did you try to communicate
from the garage a while ago?
Garage?
Yes.
I tried.
Have you ..
Have you ever heard
of detective Anderson?
Huh?
Think.
'Anderson' is the name.
Anders ..?
Anderson.
No.
And when you met those people
downstairs, where did you go?
Answer me.
Where did you go?
I don't know.
You .. keep him covered.
If he makes one move, shoot.
- Shoot to kill. Understand?
- I got you.
We should have discovered this easily.
Anyone could tell it was phony. No flue.
My niece said there's a secret panel.
With an entrance to the outside.
Would you mind telling me
exactly what happened?
I will try.
I was so frightened.
It seemed like a terrible nightmare.
The fireplace closed just like this.
I'm afraid your niece must have imagined
there was a secret panel there.
There may have been money in that safe
at some time but it isn't there now.
Look.
A man just crossed that
skylight carrying a satchel.
- A satchel?
- Yes.
I'll get him.
Wait.
Nobody crossed that skylight.
I wanted to get rid of that detective
and do a little detecting myself.
The man The Bat shot.
Evidently managed to remove that satchel
from that safe before The Bat attacked.
There is just one place possible
where he could have hidden it.
That hamper.
No. Behind it.
It's here.
See if it contains the bank's money.
Look out. There might be a bomb in it.
- It's the money.
- All of it?
That's it.
Now, if we find Courtney Fleming
our mystery is about ended.
It's Banker Fleming. He's dead.
It's the ghost I saw.
The wrist watch with a luminous dial.
The eye that Lizzie
saw going up the stairs.
Hey, look.
There's a fire down there.
It's the garage.
Come on. Get busy. We got to put it out.
Put that satchel back where you found it.
Not a sound if you value your lives.
The man who started that fire did
it to get you out of this room.
In a moment, he's coming back either
through the door or through the window.
He is after the money.
Now pick up your guns.
Put out the lights.
Now get back.
Back into the shadows.
When he comes, be quiet.
He's coming. Remember, he's a killer.
Hands up!
Turn on the lights.
Search him.
Gosh, three of them.
So you're the one who hit me over the
head and locked me in the garage, eh?
Take off his mask.
It was a long chase, Mister Bat.
But we have got you red-handed.
- Where does this lead to?
- To the laundry I think.
Let's get to it.
You stay here in case he comes back.
Come on.
Wait. It will take the two of us here.
Here. Take this.
Listen.
There's something wrong in there.
- It's locked.
- Well, break it down.
I've caught him. I've caught him!
I've got him. I've got him.
I've caught The Bat.
Get a rope.
Come. Bring a rope. Bring a rope.
Do something.
Get a rope.
Get a rope. Get a rope.
I caught The Bat.
I caught him. I caught him.
Get a rope.
Come on. Tie him up.
I got The Bat. I got him in my room.
Take off that mask.
Detective Anderson.
I'm Anderson.
He stole my papers, locked me in
the garage and impersonated me.
What I want to know is, how did you get
the dope from headquarters on this case?
The way I get everything.
With my brains.
I've got the greatest
brain that ever existed.
Stick 'em up!
Get back there you.
Hey you. I said put up your hands.
Did you hear me?
- Stick 'em up.
- Why should I?
I removed the cartridges from
that gun not ten minutes ago.
Alright, boys. Tie him to that tree.
Get him in there.
Auntie, how did you
ever think to say that?
I was telling my first lie in an
otherwise blameless life.
You think you've got me, eh?
Let me tell you this.
There never was a jail built
strong enough to hold The Bat.
And after I've paid my respects
to your cheap lock-up.
I shall return.
At night.
The Bat always flies at night.
And always in a straight line.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Don't do that.
We're not through yet.
Keep your seats everyone.
Don't put out that sign.
Pull back that curtain.
Turn on the lights.
Where is The Bat?
Coming. Coming.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I'm here to appeal to you on behalf
of a very dear friend of mine.
The Bat.
If people really discover his
identity he is heartbroken.
He goes around for days killing people
without any enjoyment for his work.
Now, you dear people.
You have found him out.
You have torn the mask from his face.
And he really feels quite badly about it.
So, in order to keep The Bat
happy and contented.
I want you all to promise me that you
won't divulge his identity to anyone.
Let him try to fool your friends
as he hopes he has fooled you.
And in return for your
consideration in this matter.
He promises not to haunt your homes.
Steal your money.
Or frighten your little children.
Is it a bargain?
Thank you.
Now, ladies and gentlemen. Before I
conclude may I be permitted to say ..
The Bat simply pursues his murderous
calling for your entertainment.
And underneath his horrible exterior he
really is not such a bad fellow at all.
And.
I ought to know.
Thank you.
Who did that?
I don't know.
This house gets on my nerves.
- It won't let me sleep.
- Don't trust him.
Caretaker means servant.
- Who won't let you sleep?
- A ghost.
Listen. He's here again.
He opens windows when I'm looking.
But I can't see anything.
He slams doors.
And there is no-one there to slam them.
He rolls things down the stairs.
And there is no-one
there to make them roll.
That ain't all.
He whispers to me from behind the wall.
He's here again.
Stay here long enough .. and you'll see.
Let's go back to the city.
I will not go back.
I won't be frightened.
I'm going to get at the bottom of this.
Right. I'll send for a detective.
Detectives won't do you no good.
The whole police force won't do no good.
They can't stop ghosts.
Nobody can stop ghosts.
Did you hear what he said?
If he comes after me.
I am going to get it.
Oh dear.
I can't see a thing.
Put these on.
You don't think anybody will suspect?
No. They don't know you.
That helps.
Now hurry. We have so much to do.
A storm coming up.
Stick the electric light on.
Something is coming up.
I can feel it creeping all over me.
It's your liver.
Take a pill and go to bed.
I won't go to bed.
I'll stay right here with you.
- Hello ladies.
- Hello.
Sorry, Auntie. The train was late.
Young Mr Fleming was kind enough to
drive me from the station in his car.
The less you have to do with that nephew
of Fleming's, the better it is for you.
But why, Auntie?
I don't like him.
He leased this house to me.
A man wants to see you.
He says his name is Brook.
He's a gardener.
He looks funny to me.
Yes. I mean to tell you. I engaged
him for you at the agency today.
Well, what are you standing there for?
Show him in.
- In here?
- Of course.
Alright.
I'm sure you'll find his
references very satisfactory.
He was three years at his last place.
So you're a professional gardener?
Yes, ma'am.
Do you know anything about perennials?
Yes.
They're the ones that hold
their leaves in the winter.
Any experience with rubeola?
Oh yes.
And alopecia?
Yes. But.
They dry up if you don't water them.
What is your treatment for urticaria?
I would thin it.
You must show him to his
room in the right upper wing.
- You mean next to mine?
- No.
In the right upper wing.
Do you know young Bailey?
The missing cashier at the bank.
Yes. Slightly.
- Why?
- Nothing.
That new gardener.
I don't like his looks.
Supposing he is The Bat?
Well, I know he's not a gardener.
Because urticaria is hives.
Rubeola is measles.
And alopecia is baldness.
And knowing all this you're going
to let him stay in this house?
Until I find out why my
niece brought him here.
You're like all the rest of the women.
A good-looking fellow comes in the door
and your brains fly out the window.
'Warning'.
'Get out of this house
while there is yet time'.
'Disaster awaits all who remain here'.
I am leaving now.
Dr. Venrees to see you.
Doctor?
Lawyer, merchant, doctor.
Bat.
Sorry to trouble you, Miss van Gorder.
But circumstances surrounding
the bank robbery in Oakdale.
Made it imperative.
Who do you think robbed the bank?
The cashier.
A young chap named Bailey.
Got away with a cool half million.
And all in cash too.
Mr Fleming, the bank's president
is on his way back from Europe.
Yes.
It is on account of his
unexpected return that I call.
Now, Miss Van Gorder.
It is only natural that he would expect
you to arrange to vacate the house.
He's not the only one interested in
me vacating this property, doctor.
What do you mean?
Read that.
Thrown through that window
just before you came in.
You might fasten that window.
That is the second warning I've had.
- Of course. Then you decided to ..
- Exactly.
To remain right here.
I don't intend to leave until I have
learned the meaning of all this.
Doctor.
You didn't fasten this window.
I beg your pardon. I thought I did.
Here.
A man by the name of
Anderson wants to see you.
- You'll pardon me, doctor?
- Certainly.
Your aunt is a very determined woman.
Yes. She is.
- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.
I think the reason you came so promptly
is because I hinted that The Bat ..
May be connected with the
mysterious happenings in this house.
Exactly.
I am not sure that he is.
However.
I will tell you everything so you
can draw your own conclusions.
Splendid.
You should persuade your aunt.
To leave the house.
To isolate it.
Two miles from the next village.
Enough shrubbery around the
grounds to hide a dozen assassins.
But, doctor.
What enemies could my aunt have?
Have you no matches?
- I will get you some.
- Very kind.
Sorry to have troubled you.
But tobacco is something ..
Every doctor forbids his patients
but prescribes it for himself.
By the way.
Has your aunt a revolver?
Why, yes.
It is late.
Be sure and telephone
if something happens.
Because something serious is
liable to happen in this house ..
At any time.
Goodnight.
Young Fleming is a
spendthrift of the worst kind.
I see.
And you think he leased this house
to you without his uncle's consent?
Yes. To get the rent
money to gamble with.
Now you think he's trying to frighten
you out before his uncle's return?
Is that it?
How do you know Courtney
Fleming is in Europe?
I read it in the paper.
You shouldn't believe all you
read in the papers, dear lady.
Dr. Venrees said he had
a cablegram from him.
Did ..
Did you see it?
No.
I thought so.
I will find out who's trying to frighten
you out of this house, Miss van Gorder.
- Where do those stairs lead to?
- To the ..
Is that you, Lizzie?
There is a detective downstairs.
They heard you pounding.
It does not sound hollow here.
Brook.
When did Courtney Fleming arrange
with the architect for a secret room?
They talked in the office last summer.
When I came in, Mr Fleming stopped.
Then if there really is such a room,
it must be in the new plans.
If we could only find those plans.
Dale, you're doing an awful lot for me.
You know why.
Not now. I've got an idea.
Brook.
So you think there is a possibility
of The Bat being concerned in this?
The Bat will be concerned with anything
when half a million dollars is at stake.
Here. Wait a moment.
Come here.
I want to talk to you.
Would.
Would you mind telling me your name?
No. I wouldn't mind.
Well, what is it?
Lizzie Allen.
Lizzie Allen.
Splendid.
You like it?
And your age?
Twenty-two.
She is forty-two.
Well, I ain't the only one in
this house who's over forty.
That will do.
See that coffee and rolls are placed
in the library for Mr Anderson.
If you pardon me I
think I'll rest awhile.
Quite alright.
I've got plenty of work to do.
The caretaker will show you to your room.
He is the only servant
we have at present.
And he wouldn't stay if he wasn't crazy.
428 please.
Hello Country Club?
Is Mr Dick Fleming there?
Hello, Mr Fleming?
This is Dale van Gorder speaking.
Could you come over here?
It's very important.
The bank's money.
Yes.
Thank you.
What is the matter with you?
What is it?
Stop that. Stop it.
- What did you see?
- The Bat.
He came through my window
And flew up the stairs.
Now, stop it at once. And go to bed.
Oh. It's you, Mr Fleming.
Yes.
I rapped several times but no answer.
So I used the passkey.
Your call seemed urgent. What's wrong?
The money stolen from the bank.
I think it's in this house.
What makes you think so?
Here, wait a minute.
I want to talk to you.
Get out of here. Get out of here.
Get out of here.
- Have you seen him?
- No.
There.
- There is nobody there.
- What?
Yes. A hidden room would
show on the blueprint.
That is what I thought.
Look in that old chest in the dining
room. Uncle kept blueprints there.
Thank you. I knew you would help us.
You found them.
What if I have?
If the money is here, do you think I'm
fool enough to turn it over to you?
But it belongs to the bank.
I only want to return it.
Why should you be so
anxious to return it?
Because I want to clear Brook.
I am engaged to him.
Even my aunt mustn't know that
until we can find the stolen money.
Won't you help us?
How do I know you are telling the truth?
If you don't trust me,
there's a detective upstairs.
Give him the plans and
let's search together.
- A detective? Why is a detective here?
- People have tried to break in.
- What people?
- I don't know.
- Then the money is here.
- What are you going to do?
I am going to find that hidden room and
I don't need the help of any detective.
It's my uncle's house.
All that's in it is his.
If you leave this room with
that blueprint I'll scream.
And if you do, I'll tell them the
new gardener is Brook Bailey.
The missing cashier at the Oakdale bank.
Give me that blueprint.
Give me those blueprints.
What is it? What's the matter?
Tell me. Speak to me.
I didn't know.
It is Richard Fleming.
Somebody shot him from
the top of the stairs.
What do you mean by 'somebody'?
- Did you see anybody?
- No.
The flashlight blinded me.
- Who are you?
- The gardener.
The gardener, eh?
- One shot fired.
- I fired that shot myself last night.
Splendid.
Quick thinking, Miss van Gorder.
I am afraid I shall have
to arrest your niece.
You can't do that until
after the coroner's verdict.
You'll have to wait for
Dr. Venrees for that.
I see.
Let me tell you something,
Miss van Gorder.
If I find it necessary to make
an arrest, I'll make it.
I will not wait for any
coroner's verdict.
I will tell you what to do.
Take your niece over to that
chair and say nothing to her.
I will do the talking.
You would have a detective.
Now I hope you are satisfied.
What became of the rest of this?
I don't know.
- Where is the torn piece?
- I don't know.
Don't lie to me.
That torn piece showed the hidden room.
- And you shot young Fleming to get it.
- I didn't.
No?
Then, young lady.
How does it happen that the nephew
of the president of the Oakdale Bank ..
Is killed in his uncle's house the
night after the bank was robbed?
The only person present at his murder is
the girl engaged to the runaway cashier.
- Engaged? Is that true, Dale?
- It's true.
Yes.
You found the hidden room on
this piece before it was torn?
No.
- Did Fleming?
- I don't know.
Listen to me.
Whoo-ooh.
Anybody home here?
Who has done that?
Say, what kind of a joint is this?
Who are you?
Who am I?
Who do you think I am?
W.T. Jones.
Super-sleuth of Oakdale County.
Who are you?
- Did you hire this fellow?
- Yes. But over the telephone.
From the Judkin Detective Agency.
I am in charge here.
Lieutenant Detective
Anderson of the city police.
Did you look around outside?
Did I?
That's what I was doing when
somebody socked me with that planter.
Dick Fleming. Who killed him?
That is exactly the
reason I sent for you.
I get you.
Yes. Give me time, lady.
I ain't no cheap gumshoe.
Detecting crime with me is ..
A work of art.
The garage ringing. That's strange.
There can't be anybody there.
Just a moment. I will answer that.
- Hello?
- Help.
Help.
Somebody calling for help in the garage.
Hello.
Hello.
He rung off.
I'll see who it is.
You stay there.
There go the lights again.
Who is monkeying with them?
Do you hear that?
It's coming from behind that wall.
Shush.
It's stopping.
Auntie, that painting moved.
- I feel somebody looking at us.
- Where?
I don't know. I can't see them.
I can see you.
If you're not out of
this house by morning.
You will suffer terrible consequences.
Look, Auntie. The picture is
moving back into place again.
Look behind that picture.
I can't budge it.
I thought not.
Look.
The window.
The Bat.
Now, who on earth can be
ringing that doorbell?
If it's ringing,
I ain't going to answer it.
Yes she is.
With everybody hollering and bells
ringing, a detective can't do nothing.
Now. What made that do that?
Dr. Venrees.
Pardon my coming back.
But I must have left my cigarettes here.
I am so glad you returned, doctor.
A terrible thing has happened.
Young Fleming has been murdered.
- Murdered?
- Yes. Murdered.
My niece will tell you everything.
I was standing at the foot of the stairs
when young Mr Fleming started up.
What stairs?
The stairs in the living room.
Why did young Fleming come here?
I sent for him.
Why did you send for him?
You say you tore a piece
of blueprint out of his hand?
What became of it?
I was afraid to keep it.
So I hid it in one of the rolls on the
tray Lizzie took to the dining room.
I see.
May I have something to cover the body?
- Will this do?
- Thanks. Yes.
Gosh.
I'd like to get a headlock on the
guy that pulled that painting stunt.
You needn't be disturbed.
Because the detective
suspects your niece.
I will take care of that.
May I go into the next room and write
my report about young Fleming's death?
- I'll fetch you some writing materials.
- Don't trouble you.
- May I close the door?
- Of course.
Pardon me, won't you?
May I inquire just who you are?
I am Dr. Venrees.
Oh yes. Yes, of course.
Mrs Van Gorder explained about you.
My name is Anderson.
Lieutenant Detective Anderson
of the city police.
Now that we are better
acquainted, doctor, I will ..
Presume to trouble you for
that piece of blueprint.
Blueprint? What blueprint?
The little piece of paper
that you took from the tray.
You are mistaken, Anderson.
I took nothing from the tray.
Then, my dear doctor,
it's time I consulted my oculist.
Are you insinuating that I am a liar?
You can call it anything you like.
But I want that piece of paper.
Alright.
Thank you, doctor.
It's peculiar, but sometimes these
little bits of paper are very important.
Really?
A fireplace, eh?
There are dozens of
fireplaces in this house.
A hidden room. A fireplace.
You don't believe in that
hidden room bunk?
- It's in the girl's imagination.
- Yes.
Quite possible, doctor.
Still.
I wonder who is trying to frighten
the ladies out of this house.
- Have you any ideas?
- How should I know?
I wonder if you happen to be very well
acquainted with Courtney Fleming who ..
Is supposed to be abroad.
Huh?
You needn't answer that question
if it embarrasses you, doctor.
I don't know what you're driving at.
But there is a limit.
That limit stops when it
interferes with my work.
- What do you mean?
- You heard.
You try to mix me up in the bank robbery?
I do know young Fleming was killed here
tonight trying to find that hidden room.
Nobody had better try to
prevent me from locating it.
You understand that, don't you doctor?
- Your insinuations are an insult.
- Sorry.
I'll see you later, Anderson.
Any time, doctor. Any time.
Now what on earth are
you doing with that?
It's for your feet.
If you'll ever go to bed.
No answer at the garage.
Strange that detective
Anderson hasn't returned.
Maybe he's found the guy
that moved that painting.
I hope somebody finds something
around here pretty soon.
I'm tired and I cannot stand any longer.
What is it? Whatever is it?
I am scalded.
A minute ago I couldn't stand.
Now I can't sit.
Doctor.
You haven't seen Detective
Anderson, have you?
Why?
He went to grounds a time
ago to make investigations.
He hasn't returned.
- Suppose I go and look for him?
- Thank you.
Stop.
Where you are.
Look straight ahead.
Get those people out of this
house or I'll burn you alive.
Don't turn around until
you've counted ten.
Start counting now.
Now go.
She is choking.
Ain't she choking?
What is it?
The Bat.
Put up your hands.
Stop.
It's the law speaking.
Reach for the ceiling.
- He is ill. Get some water.
- No. Wait.
Don't go near him. Wait.
Wait until I .. search him.
- He ain't got nothing.
- Get a pillow.
Oh dear.
Here. Drink this.
Dale, get the whiskey.
You mean to tell me you
got booze in the house?
Yes. For emergencies.
Then that's the reason everybody
is trying to bust in here.
These doors are locked.
Who locked them?
- Who's he?
- The caretaker.
What's the matter with him?
He's coming.
He's coming after us all.
Who?
The ghost.
He said, if I can't get
you all out of here ..
He would burn me to a crisp.
- What did this ghost look like?
- Awful.
He was all in white.
Only he did not have any face.
You mean, he wore a mask?
The doors!
The lights are going out again.
He shot at me.
I quit. I am going to get out of here.
How?
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Try it again.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
- Once more.
- Listen.
Somebody is trying to get in.
Dale. I just saw Banker
Fleming on the roof.
Did you hear that
gardener call her 'Dale'?
Gardener, nothing.
He is the missing cashier
at the Oakdale bank.
I hereby arrest you for murder,
robbery and larceny.
And everything else that's
wrong around here.
Auntie, don't let him arrest Brook.
I made him impersonate a gardener ..
So we might look for the hidden
room and find the stolen money.
- I'm sure it's hidden in this house.
- Rot.
- Who would hide money in this house?
- Banker Fleming.
But he is in Europe.
Brook had to disappear to avoid arrest.
There was evidence framed against him.
- We didn't want to deceive you.
- You didn't?
Gardeners don't have
manicured fingernails.
When detective Anderson comes,
send him up to the attic.
Miss Cornelia, ain't you
going to take me with you?
You're trouble enough
on the ground floor.
You'd be a nuisance on the roof.
If I yell, you come.
- Who, me?
- Yes, you.
I want you to show me the
exact spot on the roof ..
Where you think you saw Banker Fleming.
Help me. Help.
Quiet or I'll kill you.
I want the combination of that safe.
I never saw the safe before.
I don't know the combination.
Don't lie to me.
I am not lying.
You can't get away from me.
Quiet.
Quiet. Not a word. Not a sound.
I'm going to get you.
I'm going to get you. Do you hear?
Stand still.
Until I put my hands around
your lily-white throat.
And squeeze and squeeze
until you're dead.
Who's in this room?
Who came in this room?
Get away from that safe.
Let me out of here.
Let me out of here.
You've killed him.
Somebody come and help me.
Please help.
Get me out of here.
Get me out of here.
Help. Help.
Help.
There is someone behind that fireplace.
It sounds like Dale.
Get some water quick.
Dale, what is it, darling?
Speak to me.
I wonder what he thought
The Bat was doing.
My instinct tells me we ought
to get a doctor for him.
I don't like that doctor.
One good look at him would cure anybody.
- He ain't there.
- Who ain't?
Him.
Well .. where did he go?
Maybe he wasn't there in the first place.
Say, what are you trying to do?
Trying to kid me?
No.
But we're all commencing to see things.
And when you get like that,
you got to do something.
And I am going to do it.
- Now don't tell anybody.
- Cross my heart.
You need a lot of courage.
Around this shack.
Nectar.
I am blind.
Who's running up them stairs?
It's me. There's someone
in this room besides us.
Where? Where's my matches?
I got 'em. I got 'em.
Hey.
What did you mean by
putting out that light?
What?
I put it out?
Give me back my bottle.
You say there were two of them?
And The Bat shot the other one?
It was terrible.
Look.
Who is that?
I came up the back way.
I saw your light and thought
it was Detective Anderson.
I've had no luck looking for him outside.
Doctor, there is a man
behind that fireplace.
Hold this candle.
I think we can find what is trying
to frighten me out of this house.
It was right here that I touched this.
Doctor. Hold the candle a little higher.
I can see him in that corner.
The Bat. He is coming down the stairs.
The Bat. He's coming down the stairs.
What you going to do?
Hey.
What are you shooting at?
- Where is he?
- He didn't come down here.
He must be hiding in one of the rooms
upstairs. Come on, we've got to get him.
Doctor, why did you put out that candle?
I was so startled.
It slipped out of my hand.
You deliberately put it out. I saw you.
He got away.
Thanks to Dr. Venrees.
Wait for me. Wait.
There was a man following me.
Up those stairs.
What is your game, Venrees?
What do you mean?
You know very well what I mean.
You tried to kill me downstairs.
You make a mistake, Anderson.
No, no, doctor.
You're the one who's made the mistake.
Ask why he put out the candle and let
the man flee from behind the fireplace.
I don't have to ask him.
If his accomplice,
Banker Fleming was caught ..
They could not frighten
the ladies out of this house.
Nor could they split the
bank's funds between them.
You think Fleming robbed his own bank?
I don't think.
I know he did.
Then, if we can find
Fleming you are cleared.
Frisk him.
Now we are getting somewhere.
I told you to keep out
of my affairs, Venrees.
That is my revolver.
How did he get it?
He took it out of my pocket
when he hit me over the head.
Next time you handcuff a man, doctor,
ensure you take the key from his pocket.
Open that door.
Now you get in there.
I will see you later, doctor.
Lock it.
Put the key in your pocket.
Now we'll give this hidden
room the once-over.
Shush.
Listen.
He is The Bat.
I know he is The Bat.
Well, if he ain't The Bat ..
Then he is in cahoots with him.
We found him downstairs.
He didn't know who he
was or how he got here.
When we looked for him, he blew it.
He was gone.
Hey you. Look at me.
Look at me.
You know me?
Did.
Did you try to communicate
from the garage a while ago?
Garage?
Yes.
I tried.
Have you ..
Have you ever heard
of detective Anderson?
Huh?
Think.
'Anderson' is the name.
Anders ..?
Anderson.
No.
And when you met those people
downstairs, where did you go?
Answer me.
Where did you go?
I don't know.
You .. keep him covered.
If he makes one move, shoot.
- Shoot to kill. Understand?
- I got you.
We should have discovered this easily.
Anyone could tell it was phony. No flue.
My niece said there's a secret panel.
With an entrance to the outside.
Would you mind telling me
exactly what happened?
I will try.
I was so frightened.
It seemed like a terrible nightmare.
The fireplace closed just like this.
I'm afraid your niece must have imagined
there was a secret panel there.
There may have been money in that safe
at some time but it isn't there now.
Look.
A man just crossed that
skylight carrying a satchel.
- A satchel?
- Yes.
I'll get him.
Wait.
Nobody crossed that skylight.
I wanted to get rid of that detective
and do a little detecting myself.
The man The Bat shot.
Evidently managed to remove that satchel
from that safe before The Bat attacked.
There is just one place possible
where he could have hidden it.
That hamper.
No. Behind it.
It's here.
See if it contains the bank's money.
Look out. There might be a bomb in it.
- It's the money.
- All of it?
That's it.
Now, if we find Courtney Fleming
our mystery is about ended.
It's Banker Fleming. He's dead.
It's the ghost I saw.
The wrist watch with a luminous dial.
The eye that Lizzie
saw going up the stairs.
Hey, look.
There's a fire down there.
It's the garage.
Come on. Get busy. We got to put it out.
Put that satchel back where you found it.
Not a sound if you value your lives.
The man who started that fire did
it to get you out of this room.
In a moment, he's coming back either
through the door or through the window.
He is after the money.
Now pick up your guns.
Put out the lights.
Now get back.
Back into the shadows.
When he comes, be quiet.
He's coming. Remember, he's a killer.
Hands up!
Turn on the lights.
Search him.
Gosh, three of them.
So you're the one who hit me over the
head and locked me in the garage, eh?
Take off his mask.
It was a long chase, Mister Bat.
But we have got you red-handed.
- Where does this lead to?
- To the laundry I think.
Let's get to it.
You stay here in case he comes back.
Come on.
Wait. It will take the two of us here.
Here. Take this.
Listen.
There's something wrong in there.
- It's locked.
- Well, break it down.
I've caught him. I've caught him!
I've got him. I've got him.
I've caught The Bat.
Get a rope.
Come. Bring a rope. Bring a rope.
Do something.
Get a rope.
Get a rope. Get a rope.
I caught The Bat.
I caught him. I caught him.
Get a rope.
Come on. Tie him up.
I got The Bat. I got him in my room.
Take off that mask.
Detective Anderson.
I'm Anderson.
He stole my papers, locked me in
the garage and impersonated me.
What I want to know is, how did you get
the dope from headquarters on this case?
The way I get everything.
With my brains.
I've got the greatest
brain that ever existed.
Stick 'em up!
Get back there you.
Hey you. I said put up your hands.
Did you hear me?
- Stick 'em up.
- Why should I?
I removed the cartridges from
that gun not ten minutes ago.
Alright, boys. Tie him to that tree.
Get him in there.
Auntie, how did you
ever think to say that?
I was telling my first lie in an
otherwise blameless life.
You think you've got me, eh?
Let me tell you this.
There never was a jail built
strong enough to hold The Bat.
And after I've paid my respects
to your cheap lock-up.
I shall return.
At night.
The Bat always flies at night.
And always in a straight line.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Don't do that.
We're not through yet.
Keep your seats everyone.
Don't put out that sign.
Pull back that curtain.
Turn on the lights.
Where is The Bat?
Coming. Coming.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I'm here to appeal to you on behalf
of a very dear friend of mine.
The Bat.
If people really discover his
identity he is heartbroken.
He goes around for days killing people
without any enjoyment for his work.
Now, you dear people.
You have found him out.
You have torn the mask from his face.
And he really feels quite badly about it.
So, in order to keep The Bat
happy and contented.
I want you all to promise me that you
won't divulge his identity to anyone.
Let him try to fool your friends
as he hopes he has fooled you.
And in return for your
consideration in this matter.
He promises not to haunt your homes.
Steal your money.
Or frighten your little children.
Is it a bargain?
Thank you.
Now, ladies and gentlemen. Before I
conclude may I be permitted to say ..
The Bat simply pursues his murderous
calling for your entertainment.
And underneath his horrible exterior he
really is not such a bad fellow at all.
And.
I ought to know.
Thank you.