The Chinese Ring (1947) Movie Script
1
(mysterious music)
(tense music)
(scatting)
(laughs) Yes sir, come right in.
Good gracious indeed.
I want to see Mr. Chan.
I'm sorry but he's busy.
But I must see him.
Tell him it is someone who needs his help.
What's the name.
No name.
No name?
No.
Take this to him.
Take this to him, yes ma'am.
I think you better go right this way, yes ma'am.
Take it to him, no name.
Right this way.
Just have a seat and I'll go and tell Mr. Chan.
Mr. Chan, there's a lady out there to see you.
- Lady?
- Yes sir.
Chinese lady.
She's a petal sharing chrysanthemum mum mum.
What name please?
No name.
She told me to give you this.
Tell the lady I will see her in a few minutes.
Yes sir, you'll see her in a few minutes.
Mr. Chan will be here right away, immediately,
maybe sooner.
[Woman] Thank you.
(ominous music)
(humming)
Pop, hey Pop!
Pop, hey Pop.
Pop.
- What?
In the den, there's a girl.
Come on.
Uh oh!
Mr. Chan, is the lady uh, is she uh,
I mean uh, is uh, hmm?
Lady...
Dead.
Um.
Call Sergeant Davidson, homicide bureau.
Tell him to come over at once.
Are you sure she's dead Pop?
Death my son, is the reckoning of heaven.
In this case, most complicated reckoning.
Hello, homicide?
Tommy Chan speaking.
Sergeant Davidson please.
Sergeant Davidson?
There's been a murder in our house.
Yeah, a Chinese princess or something.
Uh huh.
Okay.
I'll tell him you'll be right over.
(siren wails)
Hello Birmingham.
Where's Mr. Chan?
Right in there with the corpse.
Right in here.
Whoa, what am I going in here for?
Right in there.
Hello Charlie.
Sergeant.
Well this is a pale.
Murder in the house of Charlie Chan,
now I've seen everything.
Strange events permit themselves the luxury
of occurring in strange places.
Who is she?
At this point I am filled with ignorance.
But she is lady of important family.
How do you know?
This ring tell me that.
These Chinese figures mean something?
Translation long life and happiness.
But written with Chinese characters
reserved only for those of highest degree.
It means she's a princess or something?
Should not be hard to determine.
Poison dart, Chan?
Yes.
The window.
Probably a blow gun.
Correction please.
More probably European type air rifle, very powerful.
I have one such.
Come, will present thing.
(mysterious music)
See? Very simple.
Just pull spring back
almost noiseless too.
(gun pops)
Yeah, you're not kidding.
Holy catfish.
Good gracious me.
Mr. Chan.
The corpse is making a phone call.
- What?
- Yes,
I heard it myself.
I was standing up in there and then I heard some,
good gracious what am I doing in here by myself?
City desk, quick.
Hello Mack, this is Peggy.
How'd you get in here?
Now look here Bill Davidson, what are you trying to pull?
If you think for one minute...
How did you get in here?
Through the window.
How'd you know I was here?
I followed you, I'm a bloodhound.
Now will you stop that?
Now Bill, I've gotta get the story to the papers.
This is the biggest thing that's cracked in weeks.
How do you know it's a big story?
How do I know it's a big story?
Princess Mei Ling murdered in the house of Charlie Chan.
And he wants to know how I know it's a big story.
Why you're the stupidest...
Sit down.
Excuse me Charlie, but this is
more or less a private brawl.
Oh, the lady is friend of yours?
Yeah.
I'm sorry to have to introduce. Ms. Peggy Cartwright
of the Morning Herald.
This humble person agreeably honored.
And probably San Francisco's biggest nuisance.
That's not what you called me last night
when we were having dinner together.
That's got nothing to do with the police department
or the Morning Herald.
Well try to date me up again sometime, Sergeant Davidson.
Pardon please.
Would desire small information.
You see, you identified the lady as Princess Mei Ling.
How?
Yeah.
How did you know her?
If you think I'm going to help out your department
after the way you've treated me, you're crazy.
Humbly begging pardon to mention it
but would suggest ironing out countenance.
(chuckles)
It's better.
So, how?
I tried to interview her when she came from Asia
on the Shanghai Maid about two or three weeks ago.
Oh, I think I have recollection.
It was on the 22nd, I think.
I have it here.
Princess Mei Ling and Captain Kong.
Captain K.
Captain K.
Princess write this before she die.
Hey, the sooner I get down to see this guy, the better.
Yes.
Let us ride into the face of our problem.
Happen to know where live Princess, Ms. Cartwright?
Yes, she had an apartment in Chinatown.
On Grant Avenue near Benham Place.
Aha, that our second stop.
Yep, come on Charlie.
Okay.
Since when is your name Charlie?
You're not gonna cut me out of this story?
Now look honey, I don't wanna cut you out of any story.
But this is a man's job.
Just sit down and take it easy
and let's talk this thing over.
Now we're gonna go down there
and we're liable to get in a little trouble down there.
And you wouldn't want that happen to you, would you?
So if you'll just stay here until we get back.
Now wait a minute.
You're not gonna leave me
chained up here like this, are you?
I certainly am baby.
At least 'til we get a chance to look over that apartment.
You would have flashlight bulbs popping all over the place.
Keep an eye on her.
And don't let her near a telephone.
Mr. Chan.
Are you going to let that big baboon
treat a lady like this?
Uh Chinese chimpanzee,
not interfere with monkey business of big baboon.
Yes.
(playful music)
Yes?
Did anyone ever tell you that you're very good looking?
Uh oh.
Listen to that old honey and molasses.
(snickers)
Here we are.
This is the police department.
We want to see Captain Kong.
He's on deck.
This is the police department.
Where's Captain Kong's cabin?
In the passage area, to the left.
Thanks.
(knocking at door)
[Captain] Come in.
Captain Kong?
Yes.
I'm Sergeant Davidson, with the San Francisco Police.
This is Mr. Charlie Chan.
[Captain] How do you do?
I've heard of you Mr. Chan.
Flattered and overwhelmed.
[Captain] Won't you sit down?
We're investigating the murder
of a recent passenger of yours.
So?
Princess Mei Ling.
The Princess?
Murdered?
- Yeah.
I must cable her brother at once.
Question please, who is brother of princess?
He is Field Marshall Chang Shei.
Have you any idea
what the princes was doing in this country?
I imagine sight seeing.
This was her first time in America.
She was educated in Europe.
Could any of your passengers have done it?
I hardly think so.
There were just a few.
We have little accommodations.
No.
No one I could think of.
Uh huh, well can you think of anything else
that might help us Captain Kong?
I'm afraid not.
Well as a matter of record,
I'd like to have a copy of your passenger list and crew.
Certainly, that'll be easy.
I have it here.
Pardon Captain Kelso.
Thanks very much Captain Kong.
Not at all.
Begging pardon to interrupt,
but ship very heavily guarded, no?
Just natural precautions.
We're loading valuable cargo for Orient.
Oh yes, of course.
Thank you so much.
Polite old devil, isn't it?
Yes.
Mother of father once say
politeness golden key to many doors.
Well I guess our next stop is the princess' apartment.
[Charlie] Yes.
Who were they?
The police.
Isn't one of them a Chinese?
Yes, Charlie Chan, the detective.
What did they want?
You ought to know.
What do you mean?
Why did you kill her Kelso?
Kill her?
What are you talking about?
I suppose you don't know the princess has been murdered.
- Murdered?
- Yes.
Why did you do it?
You're crazy.
I don't know anything about it.
I haven't even seen the princess since yesterday afternoon.
Did you get her check?
Yes.
How much?
$250,000.
How about my share?
- Well...
- Look here Kelso.
She chartered this boat to carry airplanes.
I put her in contact with you,
told her that you had flown with her brother in China.
I planned this whole deal...
I know, I know.
You'll get your share.
Where's the money?
It's in the bank.
I'll see you at the bank in the morning.
- Alright.
- Very clever,
killing princess.
Yes, very clever killing princess, Kong.
No witnesses around
to prove the airplanes had never been delivered
or where the money went.
You're pretty clever Kong.
Goodnight.
[Kong] I'll still see you at bank at 10.
Be there.
I'll be there.
(suspenseful music)
(playful music)
(tense music)
(siren wails)
[Bill] Say what room is Princess Mei Ling's?
[Man] Next floor front, room 26.
Thanks.
This is it.
It's open.
Aha.
Afraid too late.
Opportunity has flown on rapid wings.
Yeah, somebody beat us to it.
Perhaps overlooked something important.
What's that?
Traveler's checks, Exchange Specie Bank of Peiping.
Several thousand dollars.
(Peggy groans)
Peggy!
Peggy?
Peggy.
Peggy, come on kid, what's the matter?
Peggy?
[Peggy] Did you get him?
Get who?
The man, the man that was ransacking the desk.
What'd the guy look like?
He was masked.
There's our murderer.
Can you tell me what he looked like?
He had on an overcoat and a black hat.
Oh swell.
Hey, how'd you get outta Chan's house?
(laughs) I asked Tommy for a cigarette
and he didn't have any.
So he went out to get one.
And...
Afraid unfortunate number two son
not chip off ancient block.
How'd you get into this apartment?
I found the key in the princess' purse.
(chuckles) Seems Ms. Cartwright inevitable decoration
to scene.
Yeah and with probably an antique too.
Oh yes, excellent rosewood.
Many centuries old.
Oh Mr. Chan I'm awfully sorry,
but I had to get this story.
I'll have the chair fixed and put it on my swindle sheet.
(laughing)
Say get this thing off of me.
I've been wearing it long enough.
What happened to you in there?
Well they knocked me out.
[Bill] Somebody knocked you out.
That bag fell on your head.
[Peggy] What a detective.
Uh pardon please,
but gun does not belong with innocent face.
Gimme that gun sister, this is the police.
Police?
What is name please?
Lillie Mae Wong.
She's the maid to the princess.
I saw her at the boat when they arrived.
What time princess leave here?
About eight o'clock tonight.
What has happened to her?
How you know something's happened?
I don't know, but you are police.
Something must have happened.
Your mistress is dead.
Murdered.
What do you know about it?
I don't know anything.
Nobody knows anything.
Who visited apartment?
She had no visitors.
She made appointments downtown in some office.
Aha, nobody ever came here?
No, no one except...
Except who?
- Except a boy.
- What boy?
A boy who lives in the basement.
Yeah?
(suspenseful music)
Well.
This the boy?
Yes.
Look sonny, we wanna talk to you.
Boy cannot speak, he is dumb.
You mean princess was friendly with him?
Yes, he is from Northern China, her province.
He could understand what she said.
How about you Chan?
No, not familiar with dialect, I'm Cantonese.
Aha, he saw visitor.
Yeah, so what, he can't tell us about him.
He saw the man in the alley.
There was a car in the alley.
It was a big car.
Fine, what does that mean?
It was a blue car.
Alright, so he wore a black hat and drove a blue car.
So what?
- Just a moment
please, Sergeant.
Hey wait a minute, what goes on here?
Well I'm going on to headquarters, make a report
and have this place covered.
We'll see you later, please.
Please Mr. Policeman, please.
Lillie Mae very frightened to stay here all alone.
Don't worry sister, there'll be an officer
stationed right outside your door.
But don't try to leave this apartment
'til you get an official okay from the police.
- Yes sir.
- You coming Peggy?
Yeah, do you mind dropping me off?
You're sure you're alright?
Certainly.
Of course I'm a little dizzy.
Yeah, you're telling me.
Look here Bill Davidson, I didn't care for that last
crack.
(thoughtful music)
(phone rings)
Hello?
Yes.
Yes, second son of little wisdom.
Gee Pop get a hold of this.
Lee Ching who belongs to my fraternity,
took me down to see his grandfather,
the head of the Hip Sing Tong.
I am patiently waiting for load.
Wait 'til you hear it!
The princess came over here to buy airplanes
for her brother's army in the Orient.
Ah, information valuable.
Good mark for number two son.
Now perhaps can forgive for letting
girl newspaper man escape.
Yes.
Very well, goodbye.
Mr. Chan, I got the big job waiting.
Good.
Desire to go downtown to Exchange Specie Bank
on Market Street.
Yes sir, we are practically there.
As soon as I saw the news
of the murder in the morning papers
I decided to communicate with the police.
I want to thank you for saving me that trouble, Mr. Chan.
Oh yes.
Police already aware of bank connection
with princess money affairs.
I'm not referring to those traveler's checks.
There's a much more important matter.
When she arrived here she carried with her
a draft on the home bank in China for a million dollars.
And what's highly significant,
she's cashed almost the entire amount.
First a cashier's check for $100,000,
then odd amounts almost daily.
Until she's only I think around $37,000 left.
Aha.
Happen to know to whom first check was drawn?
Yes it was cashed by a Captain Kelso,
who identified himself as the San Francisco representative
of the Kelso Aviation Company of Los Angeles.
I've kept things in my private file,
owing to the peculiar nature of the account.
Oh yes, here's the Kelso check here.
Yes.
Captain Kelso.
Captain K.
Offices in Brunsonbidding, on Broad Street.
Yes, I understand it is.
And these are the various acknowledgements
signed by the princess in Chinese of course
for the other amounts she's withdrawn.
Yes.
Tell me, you happen to have original draft
presented by princess?
Oh yes, here it is.
It also bears her signature in Chinese.
I've taken these out of the records of the bank
in the expectation of turning them over to the police.
Oh yes, of course.
We'll see that they get to proper party.
Do not know with whom princess was dealing?
Nothing she ever said would indicate
that she was engaged in negotiations of any sort.
But, I could guess the princess was hardly sight seeing.
(both laughing)
Perhaps this Captain Kelso can give you some information.
Yes, perhaps.
You will of course see that those papers
are returned to the bank?
Oh yes.
Yes, we will do.
Thank you so much.
Oh not at all.
(thoughtful music)
(ominous music)
Anything to report officer?
No Mr. Chan, everything's been quiet as a mouse.
Aha.
Strange.
Maid go out?
No, she hasn't left the apartment.
Mr. Chan.
Mr. Chan!
(starting tone)
(whimpering)
Go tell officer call Sergeant Davidson.
Yes sir, I sure will.
And if you don't mind, I think I'll keep on going.
'Cause I think I left something in the car.
Yes.
Best place for a man with uneasy stomach.
You said it.
Oh oh, officer, in there the maid she uh,
Mr. Chan wants you.
Yes, Mr. Chan?
You right, maid not go out.
(suspenseful music)
Her death was probably instantaneous.
She went just as fast as our friend the princess.
And by the same route.
Yes, I think so.
You think that's the way it came in, Chan?
Oh yes, only other entrance to apartment.
Well let's go up on the roof.
Was there already.
Any trace of anyone?
No, nothing except footsteps of little Chinese boy.
Well let's see if he's around.
He live in basement.
This is the screwiest case I've ever been on.
I'm up against a stone wall.
You know many times in past, Charlie Chan
find himself in the exact same locality.
Um, well let's go look the kid up.
Yes.
(suspenseful music)
Must be this door.
Hey Chan, you think the little guy's
double crossed us all,
maybe he framed the princess and then framed this.
Hardly think so.
Yeah, well I got a hunch that little guy can talk.
I think that dumb stuff's just a gag.
Sergeant.
Yeah?
Uh oh.
Well looks like the kid did it.
Think so?
Well there's your air rifle.
Would've been easy for him to hide outside your window.
He knocked off the princess and the maid,
now he's blown.
But he is friend of princess.
Well he probably moved in here so he could watch her.
Let us start at commencement.
First princess come here to buy airplanes.
Fighter planes must be smuggled out of country.
Diplomatic reasons.
Sure, to be shipped on the Shanghai Maid.
Could be so.
Well let's go down and search it.
Good idea but you go down.
Personally Chan pursue other line of investigation.
Yeah?
Yeah.
Have keen desire to see Captain Kelso.
Your name please.
Charlie Chan.
Just a moment sir.
- Chan?
- Yes sir.
Oh.
Well send him in in just a moment.
I'll buzz you.
Yes sir.
You may go in now please.
Thank you so much.
[Captain] Oh, how do you do Mr. Chan?
Well this is quite an honor.
(speaking in foreign language) Captain.
I knew you'd get around to me sooner or later.
(chuckling)
Won't you sit down?
Thank you.
I've been anticipating an interview
ever since I read that the princess had been murdered.
Ah contradiction please.
Anticipate we trace check from princess.
Well you see, I've been engaged in
some rather delicate negotiations with the princess.
Assume negotiating sale of airplanes.
Yes.
It's quite natural she should come to me.
Her brother Chang Shei was one of the best friends
I ever had.
Yes, of course.
Do you know Captain, that princess
have withdrawn large sums of money
from Exchange Specie Bank of Peiping,
of which no trace found?
No.
She was supposed to make a second payment to me
at the end of the week.
Ah.
Have no idea who might have planned murder?
Well that's hard to say.
However you know the cause of Chang Sei has many enemies.
Have you any clues to work on?
Well, before she died, princess scribble on pad
on my desk, Captain K.
Captain K?
Yes, could possible be Captain Kelso.
- Well I...
- Cannot tell me
why she write your name, no?
No.
Only wish I could.
I'm positively bewildered.
Yes, Chan too.
I don't have to tell you Mr. Chan,
this situation is distinctly embarrassing.
I've made a great many commitments.
And to put it bluntly, I'm left holding the bag.
Oh very sorry, but unless Charlie Chan
have exceedingly good fortune,
may find self in very same predicament.
Thank you so much.
Yeah, I'm glad to be of help.
Yes.
Just a minute Ms. Cartwright, he's on the telephone.
Really?
Anyone I know?
Now tell them it's for Charlie Chan,
it's very important.
Now tell 'em we want it right away.
Now never mind, that's all.
I'll talk to you later.
What important information does Mr. Chan want?
Why do you keep busting into my office
like you own the joint?
Well look here Bill Davidson, don't get tough with me.
I might know more than you think I know.
I've been tailing Charlie all day
and I think you'd give him some protection.
That man's in danger.
Listen Peggy, are you holding out on me?
Do you know something that I don't know?
That wouldn't take much brains.
Why you little vixen.
Take that.
Take that!
Oh so you wanna play do you?
Come here.
Now tell me, what information did Mr. Chan want?
That you'll never know sweetheart.
Sit down.
- Why Bill Davidson,
don't you walk out on me.
(suspenseful music)
(doorbell buzzes)
Hiya Birmingham.
Good evening Sergeant.
Sergeant, did you find out
who was popping them Chinese ladies off with the pop gun?
Not yet.
But if I were you I'd watch my step.
You're next on the list.
They think you know too much.
Not me.
I'm wearing a bullet proof vest.
(clangs)
Hear that?
(laughing)
- Not necessary
for Birmingham to tap skull to prove head is empty.
That's right Mr., hmm?
(men laughing)
Oh I got the report from Los Angeles
on the Kelso Aviation Company.
It's a phony.
Aha, we progress.
Come in.
Must thank number two son for this information.
He was the one to find out that princess buy planes.
The address was an old hangar in Burbank.
Hasn't been used for years.
Very strange.
Representative of company
supposed to be in big business deal with princess.
Much money involved.
Yeah.
There are too many questions that don't have any answers.
Why should the princess be murdered?
What was the motive?
What'd she do with all that dough?
Why'd she come here to see you and who followed her?
Why should the maid be killed?
Hmm, many questions arise.
All in good time we get answers.
[Bill] Yeah, what happened to that little Chinese boy?
I'd like to get my hands on him.
I'd make him talk.
No trace, sir?
Not a sign.
We've been through Chinatown with a fine tooth comb.
We've watched the railroad stations,
the bus stations, the air terminal.
The little guy's vanished.
Well, not gonna hide forever.
We've got the best men in the department
out to trace him.
You know that little guy's the answer to a lot.
Hmm, do not be too certain.
Many time in the past it has happened
Charlie Chan horsely bucking up incorrect tree.
Yeah.
Well I'm gonna shove off and get a little shut eye.
I'll call you if anything happens.
Good.
Please to do that.
(dogs barking)
Mr. Chan, watch them dogs.
They'll chew you into a mess of ya-ki-mai.
Do not worry,
am number one student in school of discretion.
Ah, Mr. Chan.
The boss is waiting for you.
And these dogs, they don't gonna hurt you either.
How loud it thunder, how little it rain.
See.
(doorbell buzzes)
Ah, Mr. Chan.
(speaking in foreign language)
Why Mr. Chan!
I hope my dogs didn't scare you.
They've been getting out of hand lately.
Oh not at all.
Excellent guardians of master's domain.
Do come and sit down.
Thank you.
Scotch or a bourbon?
Well neither if you please.
Oh.
Well I've been rather hoping to see you again Mr. Chan.
I'm interested in your investigations.
Oh thank you so much.
Mr. Armstrong, how many times you actually meet princess?
Oh two or three times, no more.
I see.
Do you think it possible
that person who draw money out of bank
might not actually have been princess,
might have been impersonator?
Why I hardly think so.
I'm sure I would've detected an imposter.
Oh yes, you certain.
Quite certain.
What makes you think there's a possibility
the bank's been imposed upon?
Well very apprehensive signatures forgeries.
Why that's impossible.
I'm certain I would've detected it.
I know the Chinese language, I can read it and write it.
I couldn't be fooled.
(laughs) Well just want to discuss matter, get opinion.
I see.
(phone rings)
Oh pardon me just a moment.
Of course.
Hello?
Oh yes, Mr. Allen.
Yes I want quite a nice headstone.
Oh?
Well we'll look them over together.
Thank you very much, goodbye.
I've just buried one of my dogs in the local pet cemetery.
He got vicious, bit the gardener
and I had to dispose of him.
Oh, he also large dog?
Yes, I always keep two of three of them.
I have more faith in my dogs
than I have in any other guardian.
Yes, I understand.
Well must be going.
Time presses on heels.
Well if I can be of any further help,
don't hesitate to call on me.
Thank you so much.
I hope you're successful in solving this case.
Well thank you so much, Mr. Armstrong.
Well you know sometimes think successful detective,
one upon whom luck shows smiling countenance.
(both laughing)
Good day sir.
Good day Mr. Chan.
(suspenseful music)
(doorbell buzzes)
Where's your master?
In library.
Go call him.
(speaking in foreign language)
Okay Mr. Armstrong, sit down.
What's the meaning of this?
Sit down.
Armstrong, we'd like to know what happened
to the balance of the princess' money.
Why she drew it all out.
Kelso here got some of it.
Sure I did.
But only a little.
Where's the rest of it.
All I know is she drew it out.
We're gonna take you down to the boat.
Perhaps after a little while on the water
you will come forward with just a little more information.
This is ridiculous.
Charlie Chan has seen all the papers in the case.
You can check with him if you don't believe me.
That reminds me, I would like to have a talk
with Mr. Chan.
Suppose you call him up.
Ask him to come out here.
I won't do anything of the kind.
Call him up.
The number's Major 4782.
(phone rings) (scatting)
Hello, Mr. Chan's residence.
Commence with the conversation.
Uh no sir, Mr. Chan's in conference.
He's in conference with the Chief of Police,
the District Attorney, the Mayor and Governor
and I think the Secretary of State.
(laughing)
Conference over.
The man with the dog.
Humorous dialogue, not very humorous.
- Uh uh?
- Uh uh.
Charlie Chan speaking.
Yes Mr. Armstrong.
I will be there at once.
Car at door immediately.
Oh Mr. Chan, you ain't going back with them dogs?
Men who ride on tiger cannot dismount.
He can't?
- Car.
- Car.
Hello Sherlock.
Any news from Chan?
No, I guess he's got nothing to report.
So we're waiting for things to develop.
(phone rings)
Hello.
Hello Chan.
I was wondering when I was gonna hear from you.
Sergeant, maybe we emerge in shining garments of success.
No, you mean it?
I...
Well that's fine.
Am going to home of Mr. Armstrong now.
Much may be revealed by the unsuspecting.
Meet me there.
Sure, alright.
Goodbye.
Something's up.
What is it?
Oh nothing at all.
Just one of the boys checking in.
Nothing that would interest you.
Now look Bill, when are you gonna stop
being stubborn and let me in on this story.
You'll get the story when I crack it.
No, I guess that's all for tonight.
Why don't ya drop around in the morning?
Okay.
Are you coming?
No.
I think I'll stick around awhile.
Couple of reports coming in from the pawn shop detail.
Alright.
Well, see you in the morning.
Yeah, don't make it too early.
Mr. Chan, Mr. Chan be careful of them dogs.
Do not have fear.
Dogs will recognize friend.
Yeah, but Mr. Chan me and them dogs
ain't been properly introduced.
So if it's all the same to you,
I'll wait right out here.
We'll arrange formal introduction later.
Oh well that's alright.
Hmm?
I wouldn't go in there with all them dogs
for all the tea in China.
Good gracious me.
(doorbell buzzes)
That'll be our friend Chan.
Alright Chan.
Well.
Very interesting situation.
Our pardon Mr. Chan.
We were not sure that you would accept our invitation.
Oh, disagree.
On the contrary, very grateful.
You know a little too much to suit us, Mr. Chan.
You've been a little too clever.
Oh when with compliments.
I think we should all go down to my boat.
It may be easier to convince Mr. Armstrong down there.
And you, Mr. Chan, may give us access
to the store of information that you have gathered.
We're wasting time.
Let us go.
Come on, come on.
[Woman] You're requesting Macon in DMV
on frequency six, repeat and identify.
[Woman] 113 clear.
[Woman] 50B, Sunset and Main.
Ahem.
What are you doing here?
You can't put anything over on me, Bill Davidson.
You and your phone calls.
You get outta this car.
Try and put me out.
Oh.
Hey, what are you trying to do, wreck the car?
[Kelso] Alright Kong, let's go.
Uh oh, this don't look kosher to me.
Come on Birmingham.
Let's get going.
(suspenseful music)
Door's open.
Something wrong here.
Chan!
Chan?
Chan.
What's that?
Nothing, nothing at all.
Where'd you find it?
Right down there.
Palace Hotel.
Hello, this is the police department.
I don't know what the number is,
but I want the Palace Hotel.
(phone rings)
Hello?
Yes, Sergeant Davidson.
Room 461?
It was occupied by Captain Kong of the Shanghai Maid.
He checked out this afternoon.
Boat sails at midnight.
Alright, thank you.
Key belonged to the captain of the boat
the princess arrived on.
Maybe that's our answer.
Hello Ryan?
Davidson.
Send a couple of squads down to the Shangai Maid,
pier 56.
I'll be there ahead of ya.
Right.
Come on Peggy, let's get going.
Okay, get out.
Good gracious me.
(phone rings)
Hello.
Yes Birmingham.
What?
I'm down here by myself.
Mr. Chan has made his departure to parts unknown.
But he had a date to meet Davidson at Armstrong's.
He left the house alright.
But I don't think it was on his own accord.
Absolutely.
You better hurry up and come down here to pier 56.
'Cause I'm dubious about handing this thing alone.
Okay, goodbye.
Hello, goodbye.
Sorry for the slight inconvenience, gentlemen.
But necessity knows no law.
Mr. Armstrong, you'll be given an opportunity
of explaining what happened to the rest of that money.
And Mr. Chan, when we're, oh about 100 miles out to sea,
you'll be given an opportunity
to swim back to San Francisco.
Not very funny.
Where's Captain Kong?
Up on bridge.
Listen kid, you wait here.
I'm gonna find out what this is all about.
Now look Bill, I wanna...
Wait here.
Sergeant Davidson.
Hi.
Captain Kong.
You recognize that key?
Naturally.
It is to a room I had at the Palace Hotel.
Where did you find it?
In the home of the manager of the Specie Bank.
Oh, that was where I dropped it.
You called on Armstrong?
Yes, this afternoon.
Our firm does a great deal of business through his bank.
I went there to have some papers signed.
Uh huh.
There seems to have been a little trouble over there.
Trouble?
Yeah, the front door was open, the house was empty
and the dogs were dead.
So, what time were you there?
About a half hour ago.
Oh, let me see.
I was there about five o'clock.
Mr. Armstrong signed some bills of lading,
we had a bourbon and soda and I left.
Oh.
You consider the fact that my key was found there
might be important, Mr. Policeman?
I was supposed to have met Mr. Chan there.
Both Chan and Armstrong have disappeared.
I'm afraid I can be of no assistance to you.
Yeah.
Well I'll take this.
I may need it.
Where is he?
Way down shore, just right over here.
There's he is.
And if we're looking, Mr. Chan is still in there.
Come on.
I'm right behind ya.
[Charlie] Oh, hurry, hurry.
Pop!
Gimme a hand Birmingham, let's get 'em loose.
I sure will.
It's Captain Kelso!
Bill, Bill Davidson, it's Capt.
Bill, Bill Davidson.
Bill!
Bill Davidson!
Bill!
Thank you so much.
Oh nothing at all Mr. Chan.
Now to get out of here.
Mr. Chan is probably out on a private investigation
of his own.
Yeah, well I hope you're right.
But this time I'm not so sure.
Let go of me.
Get your hands off me.
Let me out of the janitor, help!
Bill, Bill!
(gunfire pops)
Okay boys, get this guy.
Take him.
Hey, Peggy, who's that guy?
That's Captain Kelso, Chan called on him this afternoon.
Kelso huh?
Well maybe you can answer some questions.
Mack, Charlie, take the both of 'em
into the Captain's cabin.
You go up on the bridge and tell the officer
the police are in charge.
Where'd you run into him?
He was coming up from the hatch.
He grabbed me as soon as he saw me.
Well, we'll start there.
Come on boys, I wanna go through this tug
with a fine tooth comb.
Flannigan, you go forward.
Allen, you take that side of the ship.
Chan!
What happened to you?
We kidnapped.
- Kidnapped?
- Yes, from my own home.
Well if we can't make the murder charge stick,
we got 'em there.
Oh you have got them?
Yep, Kelso and Kong.
They almost had me fooled for awhile.
Arrived in knick of time, Sergeant.
Much later and Charlie Chan destined for very long swim.
Yeah, well with a little luck
we got enough on him to send him to San Quentin for life.
You know Confucius say.
"Luck happy chain of foolish accidents."
Come on.
They're in Kong's cabin.
Yes.
There's our murderer.
And we got enough on the other guy to hang him too.
Kelso and Kong I arrest you
for the murder of Princess Mei Ling
and her maid Lillie Mae Wong.
- Now wait.
- You're crazy.
Interfering with regret, but this not so.
Captain Kelso and Captain Kong not murderer of princess.
What?
Again, regretfully interfering, here is murderer.
Why that's preposterous.
Examiners in bank for several days
discover misappropriation of funds.
Also on my tip,
discover systematic manipulation of money of princess.
Mr. Armstrong very clever man, gentlemen.
As soon as he find out that Captain Kelso and Captain Kong
were swindling princess,
he make plan to steal rest of money.
Princess only one who can testify
that Captain Kelso have not yet received all of money
so Mr. Armstrong killed her,
feeling sure crime would be pinned on Captain Kelso.
Then, with mask on, Mr. Armstrong stole necessary papers,
later forged from apartment of princess
where he was disturbed by, where Ms. Cartwright?
Five'll get you 10 she's phoning her paper.
(laughs) No bet, sure thing.
Yeah, that's it Mack.
Phone you the rest of it as soon as I get it.
Okay.
Bye.
While he was at apartment, he was seen
by Chinese boy.
This very dangerous, so he came back after him,
where in turn was disturbed by maid.
He killed maid and carried off Chinese boy,
who was later strangled.
Oh no, the little guy's not dead too?
Again, regretfully contradicting.
But Mr. Armstrong tell me that he buried body
of vicious dog in pet cemetery.
That's right, I did.
I opened grave early this evening.
Box contained body of Chinese boy.
Your story of vicious dog clever fabrication,
Mr. Armstrong.
Only happen, all your dogs vicious.
(chuckles)
There you are Sergeant.
(punch thuds) (Bill exclaims)
(punch thuds) (Armstrong exclaims)
Alright, get 'em outta here.
Say, why are you arresting Armstrong?
Because he murdered the princess,
her maid and the little Chinese boy.
Holy catfish.
I just called the paper and
said that Kong and Kelso did it.
They'll have an extra out on the street any minute now.
Yeah, well that's your tough luck.
(laughing)
You know a woman not made for heavy thinking.
But should always decorate scene like blossom of plum.
Well Pop, I guess that winds that up.
It's a good thing I found out about those airplanes.
That tipped the whole thing off.
Yeah, well I uncovered that phony airplane factory
in Los Angeles.
That gave us our first lead.
And if I hadn't followed you to boat...
Look here, if I hadn't bumped into Kelso,
you'd all be out to sea by now.
You know a very funny thing,
but seems somehow Charlie Chan never find out anything.
(all chuckling)
However, man who ride on merry go round all the time
sooner or later must catch brass ring.
(bright music)
(mysterious music)
(tense music)
(scatting)
(laughs) Yes sir, come right in.
Good gracious indeed.
I want to see Mr. Chan.
I'm sorry but he's busy.
But I must see him.
Tell him it is someone who needs his help.
What's the name.
No name.
No name?
No.
Take this to him.
Take this to him, yes ma'am.
I think you better go right this way, yes ma'am.
Take it to him, no name.
Right this way.
Just have a seat and I'll go and tell Mr. Chan.
Mr. Chan, there's a lady out there to see you.
- Lady?
- Yes sir.
Chinese lady.
She's a petal sharing chrysanthemum mum mum.
What name please?
No name.
She told me to give you this.
Tell the lady I will see her in a few minutes.
Yes sir, you'll see her in a few minutes.
Mr. Chan will be here right away, immediately,
maybe sooner.
[Woman] Thank you.
(ominous music)
(humming)
Pop, hey Pop!
Pop, hey Pop.
Pop.
- What?
In the den, there's a girl.
Come on.
Uh oh!
Mr. Chan, is the lady uh, is she uh,
I mean uh, is uh, hmm?
Lady...
Dead.
Um.
Call Sergeant Davidson, homicide bureau.
Tell him to come over at once.
Are you sure she's dead Pop?
Death my son, is the reckoning of heaven.
In this case, most complicated reckoning.
Hello, homicide?
Tommy Chan speaking.
Sergeant Davidson please.
Sergeant Davidson?
There's been a murder in our house.
Yeah, a Chinese princess or something.
Uh huh.
Okay.
I'll tell him you'll be right over.
(siren wails)
Hello Birmingham.
Where's Mr. Chan?
Right in there with the corpse.
Right in here.
Whoa, what am I going in here for?
Right in there.
Hello Charlie.
Sergeant.
Well this is a pale.
Murder in the house of Charlie Chan,
now I've seen everything.
Strange events permit themselves the luxury
of occurring in strange places.
Who is she?
At this point I am filled with ignorance.
But she is lady of important family.
How do you know?
This ring tell me that.
These Chinese figures mean something?
Translation long life and happiness.
But written with Chinese characters
reserved only for those of highest degree.
It means she's a princess or something?
Should not be hard to determine.
Poison dart, Chan?
Yes.
The window.
Probably a blow gun.
Correction please.
More probably European type air rifle, very powerful.
I have one such.
Come, will present thing.
(mysterious music)
See? Very simple.
Just pull spring back
almost noiseless too.
(gun pops)
Yeah, you're not kidding.
Holy catfish.
Good gracious me.
Mr. Chan.
The corpse is making a phone call.
- What?
- Yes,
I heard it myself.
I was standing up in there and then I heard some,
good gracious what am I doing in here by myself?
City desk, quick.
Hello Mack, this is Peggy.
How'd you get in here?
Now look here Bill Davidson, what are you trying to pull?
If you think for one minute...
How did you get in here?
Through the window.
How'd you know I was here?
I followed you, I'm a bloodhound.
Now will you stop that?
Now Bill, I've gotta get the story to the papers.
This is the biggest thing that's cracked in weeks.
How do you know it's a big story?
How do I know it's a big story?
Princess Mei Ling murdered in the house of Charlie Chan.
And he wants to know how I know it's a big story.
Why you're the stupidest...
Sit down.
Excuse me Charlie, but this is
more or less a private brawl.
Oh, the lady is friend of yours?
Yeah.
I'm sorry to have to introduce. Ms. Peggy Cartwright
of the Morning Herald.
This humble person agreeably honored.
And probably San Francisco's biggest nuisance.
That's not what you called me last night
when we were having dinner together.
That's got nothing to do with the police department
or the Morning Herald.
Well try to date me up again sometime, Sergeant Davidson.
Pardon please.
Would desire small information.
You see, you identified the lady as Princess Mei Ling.
How?
Yeah.
How did you know her?
If you think I'm going to help out your department
after the way you've treated me, you're crazy.
Humbly begging pardon to mention it
but would suggest ironing out countenance.
(chuckles)
It's better.
So, how?
I tried to interview her when she came from Asia
on the Shanghai Maid about two or three weeks ago.
Oh, I think I have recollection.
It was on the 22nd, I think.
I have it here.
Princess Mei Ling and Captain Kong.
Captain K.
Captain K.
Princess write this before she die.
Hey, the sooner I get down to see this guy, the better.
Yes.
Let us ride into the face of our problem.
Happen to know where live Princess, Ms. Cartwright?
Yes, she had an apartment in Chinatown.
On Grant Avenue near Benham Place.
Aha, that our second stop.
Yep, come on Charlie.
Okay.
Since when is your name Charlie?
You're not gonna cut me out of this story?
Now look honey, I don't wanna cut you out of any story.
But this is a man's job.
Just sit down and take it easy
and let's talk this thing over.
Now we're gonna go down there
and we're liable to get in a little trouble down there.
And you wouldn't want that happen to you, would you?
So if you'll just stay here until we get back.
Now wait a minute.
You're not gonna leave me
chained up here like this, are you?
I certainly am baby.
At least 'til we get a chance to look over that apartment.
You would have flashlight bulbs popping all over the place.
Keep an eye on her.
And don't let her near a telephone.
Mr. Chan.
Are you going to let that big baboon
treat a lady like this?
Uh Chinese chimpanzee,
not interfere with monkey business of big baboon.
Yes.
(playful music)
Yes?
Did anyone ever tell you that you're very good looking?
Uh oh.
Listen to that old honey and molasses.
(snickers)
Here we are.
This is the police department.
We want to see Captain Kong.
He's on deck.
This is the police department.
Where's Captain Kong's cabin?
In the passage area, to the left.
Thanks.
(knocking at door)
[Captain] Come in.
Captain Kong?
Yes.
I'm Sergeant Davidson, with the San Francisco Police.
This is Mr. Charlie Chan.
[Captain] How do you do?
I've heard of you Mr. Chan.
Flattered and overwhelmed.
[Captain] Won't you sit down?
We're investigating the murder
of a recent passenger of yours.
So?
Princess Mei Ling.
The Princess?
Murdered?
- Yeah.
I must cable her brother at once.
Question please, who is brother of princess?
He is Field Marshall Chang Shei.
Have you any idea
what the princes was doing in this country?
I imagine sight seeing.
This was her first time in America.
She was educated in Europe.
Could any of your passengers have done it?
I hardly think so.
There were just a few.
We have little accommodations.
No.
No one I could think of.
Uh huh, well can you think of anything else
that might help us Captain Kong?
I'm afraid not.
Well as a matter of record,
I'd like to have a copy of your passenger list and crew.
Certainly, that'll be easy.
I have it here.
Pardon Captain Kelso.
Thanks very much Captain Kong.
Not at all.
Begging pardon to interrupt,
but ship very heavily guarded, no?
Just natural precautions.
We're loading valuable cargo for Orient.
Oh yes, of course.
Thank you so much.
Polite old devil, isn't it?
Yes.
Mother of father once say
politeness golden key to many doors.
Well I guess our next stop is the princess' apartment.
[Charlie] Yes.
Who were they?
The police.
Isn't one of them a Chinese?
Yes, Charlie Chan, the detective.
What did they want?
You ought to know.
What do you mean?
Why did you kill her Kelso?
Kill her?
What are you talking about?
I suppose you don't know the princess has been murdered.
- Murdered?
- Yes.
Why did you do it?
You're crazy.
I don't know anything about it.
I haven't even seen the princess since yesterday afternoon.
Did you get her check?
Yes.
How much?
$250,000.
How about my share?
- Well...
- Look here Kelso.
She chartered this boat to carry airplanes.
I put her in contact with you,
told her that you had flown with her brother in China.
I planned this whole deal...
I know, I know.
You'll get your share.
Where's the money?
It's in the bank.
I'll see you at the bank in the morning.
- Alright.
- Very clever,
killing princess.
Yes, very clever killing princess, Kong.
No witnesses around
to prove the airplanes had never been delivered
or where the money went.
You're pretty clever Kong.
Goodnight.
[Kong] I'll still see you at bank at 10.
Be there.
I'll be there.
(suspenseful music)
(playful music)
(tense music)
(siren wails)
[Bill] Say what room is Princess Mei Ling's?
[Man] Next floor front, room 26.
Thanks.
This is it.
It's open.
Aha.
Afraid too late.
Opportunity has flown on rapid wings.
Yeah, somebody beat us to it.
Perhaps overlooked something important.
What's that?
Traveler's checks, Exchange Specie Bank of Peiping.
Several thousand dollars.
(Peggy groans)
Peggy!
Peggy?
Peggy.
Peggy, come on kid, what's the matter?
Peggy?
[Peggy] Did you get him?
Get who?
The man, the man that was ransacking the desk.
What'd the guy look like?
He was masked.
There's our murderer.
Can you tell me what he looked like?
He had on an overcoat and a black hat.
Oh swell.
Hey, how'd you get outta Chan's house?
(laughs) I asked Tommy for a cigarette
and he didn't have any.
So he went out to get one.
And...
Afraid unfortunate number two son
not chip off ancient block.
How'd you get into this apartment?
I found the key in the princess' purse.
(chuckles) Seems Ms. Cartwright inevitable decoration
to scene.
Yeah and with probably an antique too.
Oh yes, excellent rosewood.
Many centuries old.
Oh Mr. Chan I'm awfully sorry,
but I had to get this story.
I'll have the chair fixed and put it on my swindle sheet.
(laughing)
Say get this thing off of me.
I've been wearing it long enough.
What happened to you in there?
Well they knocked me out.
[Bill] Somebody knocked you out.
That bag fell on your head.
[Peggy] What a detective.
Uh pardon please,
but gun does not belong with innocent face.
Gimme that gun sister, this is the police.
Police?
What is name please?
Lillie Mae Wong.
She's the maid to the princess.
I saw her at the boat when they arrived.
What time princess leave here?
About eight o'clock tonight.
What has happened to her?
How you know something's happened?
I don't know, but you are police.
Something must have happened.
Your mistress is dead.
Murdered.
What do you know about it?
I don't know anything.
Nobody knows anything.
Who visited apartment?
She had no visitors.
She made appointments downtown in some office.
Aha, nobody ever came here?
No, no one except...
Except who?
- Except a boy.
- What boy?
A boy who lives in the basement.
Yeah?
(suspenseful music)
Well.
This the boy?
Yes.
Look sonny, we wanna talk to you.
Boy cannot speak, he is dumb.
You mean princess was friendly with him?
Yes, he is from Northern China, her province.
He could understand what she said.
How about you Chan?
No, not familiar with dialect, I'm Cantonese.
Aha, he saw visitor.
Yeah, so what, he can't tell us about him.
He saw the man in the alley.
There was a car in the alley.
It was a big car.
Fine, what does that mean?
It was a blue car.
Alright, so he wore a black hat and drove a blue car.
So what?
- Just a moment
please, Sergeant.
Hey wait a minute, what goes on here?
Well I'm going on to headquarters, make a report
and have this place covered.
We'll see you later, please.
Please Mr. Policeman, please.
Lillie Mae very frightened to stay here all alone.
Don't worry sister, there'll be an officer
stationed right outside your door.
But don't try to leave this apartment
'til you get an official okay from the police.
- Yes sir.
- You coming Peggy?
Yeah, do you mind dropping me off?
You're sure you're alright?
Certainly.
Of course I'm a little dizzy.
Yeah, you're telling me.
Look here Bill Davidson, I didn't care for that last
crack.
(thoughtful music)
(phone rings)
Hello?
Yes.
Yes, second son of little wisdom.
Gee Pop get a hold of this.
Lee Ching who belongs to my fraternity,
took me down to see his grandfather,
the head of the Hip Sing Tong.
I am patiently waiting for load.
Wait 'til you hear it!
The princess came over here to buy airplanes
for her brother's army in the Orient.
Ah, information valuable.
Good mark for number two son.
Now perhaps can forgive for letting
girl newspaper man escape.
Yes.
Very well, goodbye.
Mr. Chan, I got the big job waiting.
Good.
Desire to go downtown to Exchange Specie Bank
on Market Street.
Yes sir, we are practically there.
As soon as I saw the news
of the murder in the morning papers
I decided to communicate with the police.
I want to thank you for saving me that trouble, Mr. Chan.
Oh yes.
Police already aware of bank connection
with princess money affairs.
I'm not referring to those traveler's checks.
There's a much more important matter.
When she arrived here she carried with her
a draft on the home bank in China for a million dollars.
And what's highly significant,
she's cashed almost the entire amount.
First a cashier's check for $100,000,
then odd amounts almost daily.
Until she's only I think around $37,000 left.
Aha.
Happen to know to whom first check was drawn?
Yes it was cashed by a Captain Kelso,
who identified himself as the San Francisco representative
of the Kelso Aviation Company of Los Angeles.
I've kept things in my private file,
owing to the peculiar nature of the account.
Oh yes, here's the Kelso check here.
Yes.
Captain Kelso.
Captain K.
Offices in Brunsonbidding, on Broad Street.
Yes, I understand it is.
And these are the various acknowledgements
signed by the princess in Chinese of course
for the other amounts she's withdrawn.
Yes.
Tell me, you happen to have original draft
presented by princess?
Oh yes, here it is.
It also bears her signature in Chinese.
I've taken these out of the records of the bank
in the expectation of turning them over to the police.
Oh yes, of course.
We'll see that they get to proper party.
Do not know with whom princess was dealing?
Nothing she ever said would indicate
that she was engaged in negotiations of any sort.
But, I could guess the princess was hardly sight seeing.
(both laughing)
Perhaps this Captain Kelso can give you some information.
Yes, perhaps.
You will of course see that those papers
are returned to the bank?
Oh yes.
Yes, we will do.
Thank you so much.
Oh not at all.
(thoughtful music)
(ominous music)
Anything to report officer?
No Mr. Chan, everything's been quiet as a mouse.
Aha.
Strange.
Maid go out?
No, she hasn't left the apartment.
Mr. Chan.
Mr. Chan!
(starting tone)
(whimpering)
Go tell officer call Sergeant Davidson.
Yes sir, I sure will.
And if you don't mind, I think I'll keep on going.
'Cause I think I left something in the car.
Yes.
Best place for a man with uneasy stomach.
You said it.
Oh oh, officer, in there the maid she uh,
Mr. Chan wants you.
Yes, Mr. Chan?
You right, maid not go out.
(suspenseful music)
Her death was probably instantaneous.
She went just as fast as our friend the princess.
And by the same route.
Yes, I think so.
You think that's the way it came in, Chan?
Oh yes, only other entrance to apartment.
Well let's go up on the roof.
Was there already.
Any trace of anyone?
No, nothing except footsteps of little Chinese boy.
Well let's see if he's around.
He live in basement.
This is the screwiest case I've ever been on.
I'm up against a stone wall.
You know many times in past, Charlie Chan
find himself in the exact same locality.
Um, well let's go look the kid up.
Yes.
(suspenseful music)
Must be this door.
Hey Chan, you think the little guy's
double crossed us all,
maybe he framed the princess and then framed this.
Hardly think so.
Yeah, well I got a hunch that little guy can talk.
I think that dumb stuff's just a gag.
Sergeant.
Yeah?
Uh oh.
Well looks like the kid did it.
Think so?
Well there's your air rifle.
Would've been easy for him to hide outside your window.
He knocked off the princess and the maid,
now he's blown.
But he is friend of princess.
Well he probably moved in here so he could watch her.
Let us start at commencement.
First princess come here to buy airplanes.
Fighter planes must be smuggled out of country.
Diplomatic reasons.
Sure, to be shipped on the Shanghai Maid.
Could be so.
Well let's go down and search it.
Good idea but you go down.
Personally Chan pursue other line of investigation.
Yeah?
Yeah.
Have keen desire to see Captain Kelso.
Your name please.
Charlie Chan.
Just a moment sir.
- Chan?
- Yes sir.
Oh.
Well send him in in just a moment.
I'll buzz you.
Yes sir.
You may go in now please.
Thank you so much.
[Captain] Oh, how do you do Mr. Chan?
Well this is quite an honor.
(speaking in foreign language) Captain.
I knew you'd get around to me sooner or later.
(chuckling)
Won't you sit down?
Thank you.
I've been anticipating an interview
ever since I read that the princess had been murdered.
Ah contradiction please.
Anticipate we trace check from princess.
Well you see, I've been engaged in
some rather delicate negotiations with the princess.
Assume negotiating sale of airplanes.
Yes.
It's quite natural she should come to me.
Her brother Chang Shei was one of the best friends
I ever had.
Yes, of course.
Do you know Captain, that princess
have withdrawn large sums of money
from Exchange Specie Bank of Peiping,
of which no trace found?
No.
She was supposed to make a second payment to me
at the end of the week.
Ah.
Have no idea who might have planned murder?
Well that's hard to say.
However you know the cause of Chang Sei has many enemies.
Have you any clues to work on?
Well, before she died, princess scribble on pad
on my desk, Captain K.
Captain K?
Yes, could possible be Captain Kelso.
- Well I...
- Cannot tell me
why she write your name, no?
No.
Only wish I could.
I'm positively bewildered.
Yes, Chan too.
I don't have to tell you Mr. Chan,
this situation is distinctly embarrassing.
I've made a great many commitments.
And to put it bluntly, I'm left holding the bag.
Oh very sorry, but unless Charlie Chan
have exceedingly good fortune,
may find self in very same predicament.
Thank you so much.
Yeah, I'm glad to be of help.
Yes.
Just a minute Ms. Cartwright, he's on the telephone.
Really?
Anyone I know?
Now tell them it's for Charlie Chan,
it's very important.
Now tell 'em we want it right away.
Now never mind, that's all.
I'll talk to you later.
What important information does Mr. Chan want?
Why do you keep busting into my office
like you own the joint?
Well look here Bill Davidson, don't get tough with me.
I might know more than you think I know.
I've been tailing Charlie all day
and I think you'd give him some protection.
That man's in danger.
Listen Peggy, are you holding out on me?
Do you know something that I don't know?
That wouldn't take much brains.
Why you little vixen.
Take that.
Take that!
Oh so you wanna play do you?
Come here.
Now tell me, what information did Mr. Chan want?
That you'll never know sweetheart.
Sit down.
- Why Bill Davidson,
don't you walk out on me.
(suspenseful music)
(doorbell buzzes)
Hiya Birmingham.
Good evening Sergeant.
Sergeant, did you find out
who was popping them Chinese ladies off with the pop gun?
Not yet.
But if I were you I'd watch my step.
You're next on the list.
They think you know too much.
Not me.
I'm wearing a bullet proof vest.
(clangs)
Hear that?
(laughing)
- Not necessary
for Birmingham to tap skull to prove head is empty.
That's right Mr., hmm?
(men laughing)
Oh I got the report from Los Angeles
on the Kelso Aviation Company.
It's a phony.
Aha, we progress.
Come in.
Must thank number two son for this information.
He was the one to find out that princess buy planes.
The address was an old hangar in Burbank.
Hasn't been used for years.
Very strange.
Representative of company
supposed to be in big business deal with princess.
Much money involved.
Yeah.
There are too many questions that don't have any answers.
Why should the princess be murdered?
What was the motive?
What'd she do with all that dough?
Why'd she come here to see you and who followed her?
Why should the maid be killed?
Hmm, many questions arise.
All in good time we get answers.
[Bill] Yeah, what happened to that little Chinese boy?
I'd like to get my hands on him.
I'd make him talk.
No trace, sir?
Not a sign.
We've been through Chinatown with a fine tooth comb.
We've watched the railroad stations,
the bus stations, the air terminal.
The little guy's vanished.
Well, not gonna hide forever.
We've got the best men in the department
out to trace him.
You know that little guy's the answer to a lot.
Hmm, do not be too certain.
Many time in the past it has happened
Charlie Chan horsely bucking up incorrect tree.
Yeah.
Well I'm gonna shove off and get a little shut eye.
I'll call you if anything happens.
Good.
Please to do that.
(dogs barking)
Mr. Chan, watch them dogs.
They'll chew you into a mess of ya-ki-mai.
Do not worry,
am number one student in school of discretion.
Ah, Mr. Chan.
The boss is waiting for you.
And these dogs, they don't gonna hurt you either.
How loud it thunder, how little it rain.
See.
(doorbell buzzes)
Ah, Mr. Chan.
(speaking in foreign language)
Why Mr. Chan!
I hope my dogs didn't scare you.
They've been getting out of hand lately.
Oh not at all.
Excellent guardians of master's domain.
Do come and sit down.
Thank you.
Scotch or a bourbon?
Well neither if you please.
Oh.
Well I've been rather hoping to see you again Mr. Chan.
I'm interested in your investigations.
Oh thank you so much.
Mr. Armstrong, how many times you actually meet princess?
Oh two or three times, no more.
I see.
Do you think it possible
that person who draw money out of bank
might not actually have been princess,
might have been impersonator?
Why I hardly think so.
I'm sure I would've detected an imposter.
Oh yes, you certain.
Quite certain.
What makes you think there's a possibility
the bank's been imposed upon?
Well very apprehensive signatures forgeries.
Why that's impossible.
I'm certain I would've detected it.
I know the Chinese language, I can read it and write it.
I couldn't be fooled.
(laughs) Well just want to discuss matter, get opinion.
I see.
(phone rings)
Oh pardon me just a moment.
Of course.
Hello?
Oh yes, Mr. Allen.
Yes I want quite a nice headstone.
Oh?
Well we'll look them over together.
Thank you very much, goodbye.
I've just buried one of my dogs in the local pet cemetery.
He got vicious, bit the gardener
and I had to dispose of him.
Oh, he also large dog?
Yes, I always keep two of three of them.
I have more faith in my dogs
than I have in any other guardian.
Yes, I understand.
Well must be going.
Time presses on heels.
Well if I can be of any further help,
don't hesitate to call on me.
Thank you so much.
I hope you're successful in solving this case.
Well thank you so much, Mr. Armstrong.
Well you know sometimes think successful detective,
one upon whom luck shows smiling countenance.
(both laughing)
Good day sir.
Good day Mr. Chan.
(suspenseful music)
(doorbell buzzes)
Where's your master?
In library.
Go call him.
(speaking in foreign language)
Okay Mr. Armstrong, sit down.
What's the meaning of this?
Sit down.
Armstrong, we'd like to know what happened
to the balance of the princess' money.
Why she drew it all out.
Kelso here got some of it.
Sure I did.
But only a little.
Where's the rest of it.
All I know is she drew it out.
We're gonna take you down to the boat.
Perhaps after a little while on the water
you will come forward with just a little more information.
This is ridiculous.
Charlie Chan has seen all the papers in the case.
You can check with him if you don't believe me.
That reminds me, I would like to have a talk
with Mr. Chan.
Suppose you call him up.
Ask him to come out here.
I won't do anything of the kind.
Call him up.
The number's Major 4782.
(phone rings) (scatting)
Hello, Mr. Chan's residence.
Commence with the conversation.
Uh no sir, Mr. Chan's in conference.
He's in conference with the Chief of Police,
the District Attorney, the Mayor and Governor
and I think the Secretary of State.
(laughing)
Conference over.
The man with the dog.
Humorous dialogue, not very humorous.
- Uh uh?
- Uh uh.
Charlie Chan speaking.
Yes Mr. Armstrong.
I will be there at once.
Car at door immediately.
Oh Mr. Chan, you ain't going back with them dogs?
Men who ride on tiger cannot dismount.
He can't?
- Car.
- Car.
Hello Sherlock.
Any news from Chan?
No, I guess he's got nothing to report.
So we're waiting for things to develop.
(phone rings)
Hello.
Hello Chan.
I was wondering when I was gonna hear from you.
Sergeant, maybe we emerge in shining garments of success.
No, you mean it?
I...
Well that's fine.
Am going to home of Mr. Armstrong now.
Much may be revealed by the unsuspecting.
Meet me there.
Sure, alright.
Goodbye.
Something's up.
What is it?
Oh nothing at all.
Just one of the boys checking in.
Nothing that would interest you.
Now look Bill, when are you gonna stop
being stubborn and let me in on this story.
You'll get the story when I crack it.
No, I guess that's all for tonight.
Why don't ya drop around in the morning?
Okay.
Are you coming?
No.
I think I'll stick around awhile.
Couple of reports coming in from the pawn shop detail.
Alright.
Well, see you in the morning.
Yeah, don't make it too early.
Mr. Chan, Mr. Chan be careful of them dogs.
Do not have fear.
Dogs will recognize friend.
Yeah, but Mr. Chan me and them dogs
ain't been properly introduced.
So if it's all the same to you,
I'll wait right out here.
We'll arrange formal introduction later.
Oh well that's alright.
Hmm?
I wouldn't go in there with all them dogs
for all the tea in China.
Good gracious me.
(doorbell buzzes)
That'll be our friend Chan.
Alright Chan.
Well.
Very interesting situation.
Our pardon Mr. Chan.
We were not sure that you would accept our invitation.
Oh, disagree.
On the contrary, very grateful.
You know a little too much to suit us, Mr. Chan.
You've been a little too clever.
Oh when with compliments.
I think we should all go down to my boat.
It may be easier to convince Mr. Armstrong down there.
And you, Mr. Chan, may give us access
to the store of information that you have gathered.
We're wasting time.
Let us go.
Come on, come on.
[Woman] You're requesting Macon in DMV
on frequency six, repeat and identify.
[Woman] 113 clear.
[Woman] 50B, Sunset and Main.
Ahem.
What are you doing here?
You can't put anything over on me, Bill Davidson.
You and your phone calls.
You get outta this car.
Try and put me out.
Oh.
Hey, what are you trying to do, wreck the car?
[Kelso] Alright Kong, let's go.
Uh oh, this don't look kosher to me.
Come on Birmingham.
Let's get going.
(suspenseful music)
Door's open.
Something wrong here.
Chan!
Chan?
Chan.
What's that?
Nothing, nothing at all.
Where'd you find it?
Right down there.
Palace Hotel.
Hello, this is the police department.
I don't know what the number is,
but I want the Palace Hotel.
(phone rings)
Hello?
Yes, Sergeant Davidson.
Room 461?
It was occupied by Captain Kong of the Shanghai Maid.
He checked out this afternoon.
Boat sails at midnight.
Alright, thank you.
Key belonged to the captain of the boat
the princess arrived on.
Maybe that's our answer.
Hello Ryan?
Davidson.
Send a couple of squads down to the Shangai Maid,
pier 56.
I'll be there ahead of ya.
Right.
Come on Peggy, let's get going.
Okay, get out.
Good gracious me.
(phone rings)
Hello.
Yes Birmingham.
What?
I'm down here by myself.
Mr. Chan has made his departure to parts unknown.
But he had a date to meet Davidson at Armstrong's.
He left the house alright.
But I don't think it was on his own accord.
Absolutely.
You better hurry up and come down here to pier 56.
'Cause I'm dubious about handing this thing alone.
Okay, goodbye.
Hello, goodbye.
Sorry for the slight inconvenience, gentlemen.
But necessity knows no law.
Mr. Armstrong, you'll be given an opportunity
of explaining what happened to the rest of that money.
And Mr. Chan, when we're, oh about 100 miles out to sea,
you'll be given an opportunity
to swim back to San Francisco.
Not very funny.
Where's Captain Kong?
Up on bridge.
Listen kid, you wait here.
I'm gonna find out what this is all about.
Now look Bill, I wanna...
Wait here.
Sergeant Davidson.
Hi.
Captain Kong.
You recognize that key?
Naturally.
It is to a room I had at the Palace Hotel.
Where did you find it?
In the home of the manager of the Specie Bank.
Oh, that was where I dropped it.
You called on Armstrong?
Yes, this afternoon.
Our firm does a great deal of business through his bank.
I went there to have some papers signed.
Uh huh.
There seems to have been a little trouble over there.
Trouble?
Yeah, the front door was open, the house was empty
and the dogs were dead.
So, what time were you there?
About a half hour ago.
Oh, let me see.
I was there about five o'clock.
Mr. Armstrong signed some bills of lading,
we had a bourbon and soda and I left.
Oh.
You consider the fact that my key was found there
might be important, Mr. Policeman?
I was supposed to have met Mr. Chan there.
Both Chan and Armstrong have disappeared.
I'm afraid I can be of no assistance to you.
Yeah.
Well I'll take this.
I may need it.
Where is he?
Way down shore, just right over here.
There's he is.
And if we're looking, Mr. Chan is still in there.
Come on.
I'm right behind ya.
[Charlie] Oh, hurry, hurry.
Pop!
Gimme a hand Birmingham, let's get 'em loose.
I sure will.
It's Captain Kelso!
Bill, Bill Davidson, it's Capt.
Bill, Bill Davidson.
Bill!
Bill Davidson!
Bill!
Thank you so much.
Oh nothing at all Mr. Chan.
Now to get out of here.
Mr. Chan is probably out on a private investigation
of his own.
Yeah, well I hope you're right.
But this time I'm not so sure.
Let go of me.
Get your hands off me.
Let me out of the janitor, help!
Bill, Bill!
(gunfire pops)
Okay boys, get this guy.
Take him.
Hey, Peggy, who's that guy?
That's Captain Kelso, Chan called on him this afternoon.
Kelso huh?
Well maybe you can answer some questions.
Mack, Charlie, take the both of 'em
into the Captain's cabin.
You go up on the bridge and tell the officer
the police are in charge.
Where'd you run into him?
He was coming up from the hatch.
He grabbed me as soon as he saw me.
Well, we'll start there.
Come on boys, I wanna go through this tug
with a fine tooth comb.
Flannigan, you go forward.
Allen, you take that side of the ship.
Chan!
What happened to you?
We kidnapped.
- Kidnapped?
- Yes, from my own home.
Well if we can't make the murder charge stick,
we got 'em there.
Oh you have got them?
Yep, Kelso and Kong.
They almost had me fooled for awhile.
Arrived in knick of time, Sergeant.
Much later and Charlie Chan destined for very long swim.
Yeah, well with a little luck
we got enough on him to send him to San Quentin for life.
You know Confucius say.
"Luck happy chain of foolish accidents."
Come on.
They're in Kong's cabin.
Yes.
There's our murderer.
And we got enough on the other guy to hang him too.
Kelso and Kong I arrest you
for the murder of Princess Mei Ling
and her maid Lillie Mae Wong.
- Now wait.
- You're crazy.
Interfering with regret, but this not so.
Captain Kelso and Captain Kong not murderer of princess.
What?
Again, regretfully interfering, here is murderer.
Why that's preposterous.
Examiners in bank for several days
discover misappropriation of funds.
Also on my tip,
discover systematic manipulation of money of princess.
Mr. Armstrong very clever man, gentlemen.
As soon as he find out that Captain Kelso and Captain Kong
were swindling princess,
he make plan to steal rest of money.
Princess only one who can testify
that Captain Kelso have not yet received all of money
so Mr. Armstrong killed her,
feeling sure crime would be pinned on Captain Kelso.
Then, with mask on, Mr. Armstrong stole necessary papers,
later forged from apartment of princess
where he was disturbed by, where Ms. Cartwright?
Five'll get you 10 she's phoning her paper.
(laughs) No bet, sure thing.
Yeah, that's it Mack.
Phone you the rest of it as soon as I get it.
Okay.
Bye.
While he was at apartment, he was seen
by Chinese boy.
This very dangerous, so he came back after him,
where in turn was disturbed by maid.
He killed maid and carried off Chinese boy,
who was later strangled.
Oh no, the little guy's not dead too?
Again, regretfully contradicting.
But Mr. Armstrong tell me that he buried body
of vicious dog in pet cemetery.
That's right, I did.
I opened grave early this evening.
Box contained body of Chinese boy.
Your story of vicious dog clever fabrication,
Mr. Armstrong.
Only happen, all your dogs vicious.
(chuckles)
There you are Sergeant.
(punch thuds) (Bill exclaims)
(punch thuds) (Armstrong exclaims)
Alright, get 'em outta here.
Say, why are you arresting Armstrong?
Because he murdered the princess,
her maid and the little Chinese boy.
Holy catfish.
I just called the paper and
said that Kong and Kelso did it.
They'll have an extra out on the street any minute now.
Yeah, well that's your tough luck.
(laughing)
You know a woman not made for heavy thinking.
But should always decorate scene like blossom of plum.
Well Pop, I guess that winds that up.
It's a good thing I found out about those airplanes.
That tipped the whole thing off.
Yeah, well I uncovered that phony airplane factory
in Los Angeles.
That gave us our first lead.
And if I hadn't followed you to boat...
Look here, if I hadn't bumped into Kelso,
you'd all be out to sea by now.
You know a very funny thing,
but seems somehow Charlie Chan never find out anything.
(all chuckling)
However, man who ride on merry go round all the time
sooner or later must catch brass ring.
(bright music)