All language subtitles for Chain-of-Evidence-1957-

Cuba Erc adolescents

Law enforcement in Los Angeles County is in the hands of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

The municipalities Santa Monica, Glendale, Pasadena, the city of Los Angeles have their own police departments.

But beyond city boundary lines the Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction.

That takes in a lot of territory.

Long stretches of beach, the famous Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Hills.

Sheriff's stations throughout the county guard the security of this large area.

The Sheriff's Honor Rancho has the lofty aim of training its inmates for a better and more useful life

when they are returned to the community after confinement.

Here the first offender gets a break.

And when it's all over perhaps society will too.

Kick it out Charlie.

Sure you're doing the right thing Steve?

Where else are you going to find a dude drancer that don't cost nothing?

You're going to be surprised how fast I can move once I get outside that gate.

You wish you were back kid, you'll miss us.

I'll miss you like a toothache. Get my stuff will you?

Coming up.

All ready for you.

Steve, how does it feel?

I'd like it a lot better if there weren't any strings.

Three years probation. What are you doing? Where are you working? Where do you live?

Once a month, every month.

It's better than sweating it out in the clink.

Say, are you going to get hitched to that little girl who's been visiting you every Sunday?

On what? I got to get on my feet first.

So long Steve. Don't forget to write.

Hey, maybe we can have a beer together when I get out.

You got a deal if you buy. Well, stay well and happy.

How can I miss? I got the whole state of California looking after me.

Andy, somebody to see you.

Hello Steve.

I'm glad to see you.

Well, Lieutenant, how's the weapon training?

Fine, glad you dropped in. Come on, sit down.

Well, for a minute I just wanted to say hello.

I got things to do and people to see.

Yeah, I can imagine. Harriet?

Yeah.

You know, she was waiting for the 14th just as impatiently as you were.

And you know something? I was too.

I finally graduated.

You look good, Steve. I guess the honor farm agreed with you.

Better than another place I might have been sent if you hadn't gone to bat for me.

I want you to know I appreciate everything.

Forget it, Steve, forget it. I knew you were a good rest.

But from now on out, no more dance hall brawls.

Don't be so quick to lower the boom.

Fowler deserved it. He should be.

Sure, he deserved it, stepping out of line with your girl.

But if everybody behaved like you, we'd be living in a jungle.

Okay.

I guess you'll be driving a truck again.

Well, if anybody will hire a jailbird.

Look, Steve, I want you to forget that word jailbird.

You'll make it.

Maximum time off for good behavior.

No black marks.

Apparently Lieutenant Doyle's faith was justified.

Steve, you're very lucky.

Think of the spot you'd be in if Fowler had died.

He had it coming.

You were granted probation because the court felt reasonably certain

you'd profit by your mistake, obey the law,

and become a useful member of society.

In other words, you'll be on trial as a citizen.

You'll make good, Mr. Hanford.

How do you feel about it, Steve?

All I want is the chance.

You've got it. But I must warn you.

Any repetition of this offense,

any violation of the terms of your probation,

will put you in front of a judge again.

And you'll suffer the full penalties of the law.

I understand.

These are your instructions.

Sign one on the bottom line and keep the other copy for yourself.

Yes.

Steve, I want you to look on me as a friend.

I'm here to help you any way I can.

Thank you, sir.

You're very kind, Mr. Hanford.

Feel free to drop in on me any time

without waiting for your regular report day.

By the way, what have you done about a job?

I spoke to my boss about it.

Where are you?

Who is your boss, Miss Owens?

Mr. Jenkins of the Golden West Freight Line.

He can always use a good driver.

Steve's going to talk to him this afternoon at 2.30.

I am?

I made the appointment.

I am. And I thought I was a free man.

Good luck, Steve.

Thanks.

You wire cutters want to know better than to try to bump the old established firms.

You'll land on your face every time.

I was doing all right until I got in a jam.

Then I lost my truck and everything.

I know. What kind of equipment do you handle?

Diesel engines or gas rigs?

I handle anything on wheels.

Yeah? When was the last time you were cleared by the safety clinic?

October. Here's my card.

You'll have to fill out an application.

I, uh, I already did.

Yeah, you've been at it long enough.

But nobody drives for this outfit

unless they've been cleared by one of the old timers.

They can tell in a minute if you're a gear jammer.

Okay with you?

If that's the rule.

Let's see. McConnell takes out in the morning for Salinas

with a 200 and a reefer.

Leave at six o'clock in the morning and be ready to roll at six.

Yes, sir. And thanks, Mr. Jaken.

Oh, you'll have to fill out a couple of these, Tom.

I know how you feel having a boss, but it won't be forever.

You know, I was just thinking,

leasing equipment I'll be no better off than working for somebody.

I'd better stick with it until I can buy the kind of rig I want.

Then I'll be on my own again.

It won't take long. Do you know what some of the drivers make?

Oh, yeah, they do swell. Great.

If you don't mind towing the line and taking orders.

I'm a fine one to talk.

I'll be taking orders from that probation guy for the next three years.

Now, Steve, what makes you exaggerate like that?

Mr. Hanford said he has no intention of interfering with your civil rights.

Civil rights? Is that what you call it when you have to report every month?

They play you like a fish on a line.

They'll come to you and look you over and then toss you back again.

I may break that line one day.

You can take it. You proved that at the farm.

I want to forget about the farm, everything that even led up to it.

It's all over, Steve. Just a bad dream.

It'll go away like a dream.

Look, honey, I got $30 to my name.

That's no dream.

We were figuring on getting married.

I haven't changed my mind, have you?

You don't care about my record?

I was part of it, wasn't I?

Oh, darling, you don't know how much I missed you.

And you think it was easy for me?

Well, I've got to go, darling. I've got to set my alarm for five.

Oh, eat and run, hmm?

The least you can do is help me clear the table and dry the dishes.

If I stick around here, I won't want to do either.

Well, it seemed funny to be rolling again.

Wish me luck.

For both of us.

So long until Friday.

Now, promise me you'll be careful.

I'm always careful, you know that.

I'll match my safety record with any driver on the line.

And I'll match everything about you with anybody, anywhere.

I don't deserve you.

I know it, but somebody has to look after you.

Goodbye, dear.

Goodbye, darling.

Rostam?

Fowler.

You know we had a long time to get in for this, don't you?

Now, look, Fowler, I've had it. I don't want any more trouble with you.

I'll make sure you won't forget this time, boy.

Harriet Owens is here, Andy.

Oh, fine. I've been expecting her.

Send Miss Owens in, Fred.

Are you going to tell her?

Well, I don't know yet.

Hello, Harriet. Nice to see you.

Lieutenant, Steve was supposed to go to work today.

I got him a job with my company, but he didn't show up.

Well, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I got him a job with my company, but he didn't show up.

I'm worried.

Well, suppose you come over here and sit down.

We'll talk about it from the beginning.

Thanks, Mike.

Now, the first thing you'd better tell us is the name and phone number of your company.

Golden West Freight Lines.

It's Mesa 3-2265.

Now, what time was Steve supposed to show up?

Six this morning. He was making a test run to the Lienus.

I went to his rooming house and his bed wasn't slept in.

Did you see him last night, Harriet?

Yes, we had dinner together in my apartment.

What time did he leave?

It was early. Probably 8.30, quarter of nine.

Was he going to stop off anyplace before going home?

No, he was going straight home and getting some sleep.

He had this early call.

What could have happened, Lieutenant?

I don't know. You got any idea?

I don't know what to think.

Harriet, do you know how much money he was carrying?

Yes, he happened to mention it. Thirty dollars.

Harriet, I want you to think very carefully.

Did Steve plan to see anybody?

I'm sure he would have told me. I'm sure he was going straight home.

Was he all right?

Well, of course he felt bad about serving time and having to start all over.

You know how he feels about working for somebody.

He'd much rather be his own boss.

You're telling me there's a rugged individual, lest if I ever saw one.

But he was going through with it. You know we have plans to be married.

Yes, I know.

Yes?

The car is here from Lincoln Heights, Lieutenant.

Thanks. Mike?

Yeah.

Now, Harriet, you know I have a personal interest in Steve.

We'll find him.

I appreciate that, Lieutenant. If only he's all right.

You go on back to the office and keep busy.

We'll call you the moment we have any news.

Thanks. Thanks for everything.

Bye.

Bye.

All right, Mike.

Come on, Jake.

The boss wants to talk to you.

I don't know nothing, honest.

I don't know a thing more than I did last night.

This is the guy. Gives the name of Jake Haberman.

Haberman.

Sit down.

All right, Jake, where did you find the wallet?

There it goes again.

I told him over and over.

And I'll tell you.

I found it in the alley between them two houses

on South Fortnay Street.

Oh, come on now, Jake. It wasn't just lying there.

Finish it.

Now, don't rush me, Captain, will you?

The more you rush me, the less I recollect.

Remember that.

I'll try to.

In fact, I found the wallet in his pocket.

He was dead.

How do you know?

How do I know?

He didn't move.

First, I think he's dead drunk.

So I feel him. And his eyes cold.

So I know he's dead.

Did you kill him?

Me? Oh, no.

No, no, I never killed no one.

I rolled and shoe him, but I didn't kill him.

I think he's telling the truth.

My call, Steve would have to do is raise his fist and he'd came in.

Listen, Jake, when you approached the spot,

did you scare anybody away or see anybody running?

Nope. So help me. I didn't see no one.

It was just this guy laying there dead.

There's something funny about it, Jake.

We sent a car to the spot and couldn't find a trace of him.

You didn't?

No.

Then it must have been a body snatcher.

That's all I got to say. But I didn't do it.

I was just looking out for him, see?

Looking out for him.

What are you talking about?

I find him laying there, see?

With this wallet on him.

So I take it before somebody steals it.

You scared me. I didn't hear your car.

I was just getting ready to close,

but I guess one more won't make any difference.

What strikes you fancy?

I don't know. I'm hungry.

Well, when in doubt, take ham and eggs

with some fried potatoes and onions to go with it, huh?

Okay.

I don't recollect ever seeing you around here before.

You a stranger in these parts?

Yeah, I guess so.

Where am I?

You're in Saugus, California.

Hey, what's the matter with you?

Don't you feel so good?

How did you hurt your head?

My head?

I don't know.

So are you in some kind of a jam?

Huh?

Are you in trouble with the cops or something?

No. What makes you think I'm in trouble?

Well, boy, you've sure been in some kind of a fracas,

that's for sure.

Do you have a scrap of your wife?

I don't have a wife.

With your girlfriend?

I haven't got a girl.

Oh. Well.

Let's have some music on the house.

Hey, there's nothing like a little music

if you're a fellow up, huh?

You made it tell me you haven't any idea

where you're going or where you came from.

Well, remember, I can't sing.

Well, don't let it throw you.

I'm going to go get some music.

I'm going to go get some music.

I'm going to go get some music.

I'm going to go get some music.

I'm going to go get some music.

Well, don't let it throw you.

My husband, he's dead now.

He used to black out like that every time he had too much wine.

I've got to remember my name.

So what's the difference?

Say, you know something?

You remind me of my first big love, Eddie Thornton.

I'm going to call you Eddie the second. How's that?

Eddie Thornton.

Say, do you ever think you might have some identification

in your wallet?

My wallet, sure.

I haven't got a wallet.

No money. I can't pay you.

That's okay, Eddie.

Looks like everything's going to be on the house.

But who cares?

Yep.

You're about the same build as my husband.

Boy, that Harry was quite a man when he was alive.

Why don't you eat that pie?

I guess I'm full up.

Okay, big boy.

Say, how'd you like to have a show and get yourself cleaned up?

Maybe I can find you some fresh things.

You just sit tight. I'll be right back.

Oh, I just want to make the room look presentable.

I won't be a sec.

I haven't got around to getting rid of Harry's stuff yet.

He's not a man all that way. You know what I mean?

I don't know why I feel that way.

Boy, he was a pan of nice drunkard sober.

Hey, what you say out there, Eddie boy?

You miss me?

I'll be right back.

Chisler.

Yes. Yes, that's right. I'll wait.

Nothing new, Andy. I've been to the morgue again, checked the hospitals.

Now, what was the time of his arrival?

4 a.m.

You sure about that, are you?

I see.

No, that's all. Thanks for the information.

Another idea that went out the window.

See you later, Mike. I'm going out for a while.

He gave every indication of wanting the job, Lieutenant.

Maybe he got cold feet at the last minute.

No, he didn't run out on the job.

I'll leave you two alone.

Thanks, Mr. Jenkins.

Lieutenant, you've got the news for me.

Yes, Harriet, I have.

After Steve left your place last night, he ran into some trouble.

Trouble? Was he hurt? Where is he?

That's what we're trying to find out.

We've sent out an all-points bullet and there's been nothing.

What was it?

Steve was attacked and we know it wasn't robbery.

Now, either Steve lost his temper and got in a fight over...

We couldn't have. He promised.

Or it was an unprovoked assault.

Carl Fowler.

That's what I thought.

But when we checked with the produce company he drives for,

we found out he didn't get into Los Angeles until 4 a.m.

And we know Steve was attacked shortly after he left your place.

Now, Harriet, can you think of anybody else who might have a grudge against Steve?

No. People like him.

Yes, I know. I'm one of them.

Well, if you leave in a little while, I'll give it a good tune-up.

Operator, timing, plugs, that ought to keep you going.

All right, go ahead.

Eddie's going to give it a tune-up, Jim.

I'll get a bite over at the highway house and come back.

Sure as heck, I'll drive you over.

Ah, it's not necessary.

The walk will do me good.

Hey, uh, Eddie's all right. I like him.

He's a nice boy and a good mechanic.

If he wasn't, I wouldn't have given him a place to sleep.

Uh, how's his memory?

Anything coming back to him?

No, still mixed up.

I'm sure it's amnesia.

Well, how come he don't forget about motors?

Listen, he can fix them blindfolded.

Well, the way I understand it, they only black out on certain things.

Otherwise, they're perfectly normal.

You know something?

That's just what my wife says.

Believe me, he sure is handy around the house.

Have you, uh, told him you ought to see a doctor?

Yeah, he was awful upset.

But I didn't try to press it.

You see, uh, he's trying to work it out himself.

When's your regular man coming back?

This afternoon.

He's got me worried.

You see, uh, I really can't use the both of them.

Tell you what.

I'll take you to a regular man.

I'll put Eddie to work over at my place.

Maybe I can persuade him to see a doctor.

That's the solution, all right.

And you've really been kind.

Oh, forget it.

Besides, there's plenty of work around there

and two cars to take care of.

I'd better grab that fight now.

Okay, Mr. Ramsey, thanks.

It'll take a little while, Eddie.

I hope that'll be enough.

You're more than generous.

Always.

You know I'd do anything for you.

I know, darling.

About the money, darling.

I know it must be a painful summer.

But I'm sure it'll be worth it.

I'm sure it'll be worth it.

I'm sure it'll be worth it.

I'm sure it'll be worth it.

I know it must be a painful subject,

but I'm afraid there's going to be trouble.

You mean Mort's threatening to cut down?

No, but he's becoming a little curious

about why I'm using so much.

Someday he may ask for an explanation.

You've got the answers.

Clothes, doctor.

My health is splendid and Morton knows it.

Anyway, suppose he checks with my doctor.

Don't tell me Mort would stoop as low as that.

You know, darling, I hate being poor.

It's not easy to sell office equipment.

Everyone's got it and it never wears out.

You suppose Mort could find a spot for me

in that importing business of his?

You'd take it, too.

Maybe I ought to try my luck someplace else.

I've got good friends in San Francisco.

No, I won't let you go.

I couldn't stand it without you.

Darling, I'm only really belong to me.

Someday.

I'll see to that.

That sounds like Morton.

I thought you said he was away for the day.

He said he had an appointment in Claremont.

Well, you know, just relax, Bob.

You've been invited here often enough.

Sit tight, about the one yeti. Be right with you.

Well, Bob.

Hi, Mort.

So you're the pilot of that snappy sport job, huh?

Hi, honey.

Glad to see you.

Thanks. Just stopped by to show it off.

Darling, what happened to your appointment?

Nothing urgent. It can wait.

Good. And you can both join me on a shakedown cruise.

Hey, there's a wonderful new place just opened in Malibu.

It serves Armenian food out of this world.

Hell, I love it, but it doesn't love me.

Claire can go if she likes.

Oh, honey, I've got someone out in the car who needs help.

Here we go again.

What now, darling? Another of your stray cats?

Do you remember the young fellow I was telling you about,

the one who works for Jim Miller?

The boy who has amnesia.

I thought we'd let him help out around the place

until he gets back on his feet again.

Well, the shrubbery needs work, repairing to be done.

More.

Well, he can look after the cars, too.

He's a nice-looking boy, but, sweetheart,

are you sure you're doing the right thing?

Has he seen a doctor?

Well, that's just it.

He gets upset every time it's mentioned.

Sounds like he should be in the hospital.

He needs attention.

Yeah, I know, and I just want him to get used to the idea.

After he's been around a couple of days,

I think I can swing him around to see a doctor.

Well, that's sweet of you, dear, but would it be appreciated?

Mort, you don't know anything about this boy.

Well, we may as well give up.

I'm afraid this is going to be one of Morton's good deeds for today.

I think he's all right fundamentally.

All right, dear.

Bring him in and let's see how he feels about it.

Thank you, honey.

Let him use the room up over at the garage, huh?

All right.

Excuse me, Bob.

Well, that was smart.

Why in the world did you give in?

I have my reasons.

Now, there's someone else for us to worry about.

Leave it to me, will you, darling?

This may solve all our problems.

All right, inside.

What's the idea of picking me up? I didn't do anything.

Then you got nothing to worry about, feller.

I just want to ask you a few questions.

Sit down.

You know where Steve Nordstrom is?

Why should I?

I just got back into town today.

Where have you been?

On my regular run to Imperial Valley.

But you were in town on the 14th the night he was attacked.

You're wrong. I didn't check in at 4 a.m. long afterward.

How do you know it was long afterward?

It's common knowledge. Every skinner in town is talking about it.

Then you deny having attacked Nordstrom?

Look, lieutenant, I just told you. I wasn't in town, so how could I do it?

Ask Sigmund and Renzini.

I already have.

Why didn't they tell you I checked in at 4 a.m.?

How do I know you didn't get in town much earlier?

You could have been in town hours before you checked in.

Impossible. I operate on a schedule.

Fowler, didn't you say you were going to get Nordstrom the minute he was released?

You're lying.

I've got a witness who heard you say it outside the courtroom.

Okay, so I let off a little steam.

Didn't mean a thing.

I just want to know where he is. What happened to him?

Okay, I did it.

I hit him over the head with a fire hydrant.

I tossed him in my truck and carried him down to the freight yard.

And then I put him in a reefer car full of string beans.

And he's doing New York about tomorrow as if he isn't frozen.

Muzzle it, Fowler.

You're running a bluff.

You know more about this than you're letting on.

You prove it, Sheriff.

You want me to go to work now or do you want to hear it all over again?

Thanks for your cooperation.

Anytime.

I think I know what happened after all.

What?

He ran out on you, baby.

Guys like you make it tough being a public servant.

Get out.

Don't worry.

We'll find him.

Well, Eddie, this is a big improvement already.

Do you have everything you need?

Yes.

I'm going to be gone for a few hours, so...

If you get hungry, you go in the kitchen and help yourself.

All right?

Oh, would you mind opening the garage for me?

Oh, Eddie, you needn't worry.

I'm just going shopping.

I'm not going to get a doctor.

Hey, R. Angel.

Something special.

To us.

Can I depend on that?

Try me.

Bob, I want you to marry me.

Look, Angel, you know there's nothing I'd like more...

but that may remind you of the facts of life.

If you divorce Morton to marry me, why we...

I don't want you to marry a divorcee.

I want you to marry a widow.

What do you mean by that?

You know, I was right about that boy Morton brought home.

He becomes wild at every mention of the word doctor.

A little more hammering and he'll become violent.

Has Morton been after him?

Oh, in his boy scoutish sort of way.

But if I make him insist, Eddie's going to crack.

Claire, do you think he'd kill Morton?

Yes.

But if he doesn't, he will.

And the boy's got to be examined, doctor.

It isn't fair to him, aside from our own anxiety.

Oh, would you? Well, I'd be so grateful.

Good. Morton will bring him to your office in an hour.

And thank you, doctor.

Claire, what are you doing?

I just called Dr. Herndon and made an appointment...

for you to take Eddie to his office in an hour.

I'll do nothing of the sort. I'm going to cancel it.

I won't let you interfere, Morton.

If you won't take him, I will.

But Claire, you can't do that. The boy's not ready.

Besides, I gave him a word. I wouldn't force him.

You gave him your word? What about your obligation to me?

You yourself wanted him to stay.

Because I thought it was going to be for just a few days.

What are you going to do, wait until he gets out of hand...

till something happens?

Oh, Claire, you're exaggerating.

He's not going to get out of here.

It's all very well for you to talk. You're away all day.

And what about me in this lonely house with this maniac around?

He's not a maniac. This is amnesia.

Do you want to come home some day and find I've been attacked or killed?

Oh, please, Morton. I'm frightened out of my wits.

You can talk to him. He trusts you.

Oh, all right.

I just hope it isn't too much of a shock.

Thank you, darling.

Everything all right?

He's going to insist that he see a doctor.

Hello, Eddie.

How is everything?

Well, getting along. I'll put some clamps up here for the tools.

Oh, I didn't mean that.

Are things clearing up for you?

No. There's no change.

I've been thinking about you.

I thought perhaps since nothing happened by now,

we ought to get some help for you.

No, I don't need an examination. I'm not sick.

Look, I know you aren't, Eddie.

We all have lapses of memory, but I do think you ought to see a doctor.

I'll get over it. I want to work it out myself.

I told you that before you brought me here.

Dr. Herndon can speed things up for you, Eddie.

It's for your own good.

I know what's good for me. Why can't people let me alone?

Why do you have to be so stubborn?

This can't possibly harm you.

Look, Eddie, I'm your friend.

My friend? Why are you pushing me around?

I'm getting out of here.

No, Eddie, no, wait.

Take your hands off.

It's made to order. Do it now.

Don't use your gun.

I need a drink.

Never mind that. Where's your car?

Far from here. Nobody saw me.

All right, then. Go. Now I've got to call the police.

And when you went out to investigate Mrs. Ramsey,

there was no sign of Eddie?

No.

How much time had gone by, approximately?

I mean, since you sent Mr. Ramsey out to talk to him.

I don't know. Ten minutes, maybe fifteen.

Morton wanted to postpone his visit to you, Doctor.

He knew it would upset Eddie.

And I insisted, for our sake as well as Eddie's.

It was all my fault.

Don't reproach yourself, Claire.

How could anybody have known?

I should have known it was dangerous.

The boy had been resisting help ever since he got here.

Mrs. Ramsey, did you ever hear him threaten your husband?

Well, not in words exactly, but...

he could see the wild look in his eyes whenever he became annoyed.

I told Morton about it, and he said it was just my imagination.

Deputy. Hello, Lieutenant. Mike.

Hi, Erwin.

I understand they've picked up the suspect in Ventura.

Does he hear you?

He should be arriving any minute. They figured about an hour.

I think I know this man from the description in the APB.

I want to make sure. Is that Mrs. Ramsey?

Yes, sir.

Excuse me, Mrs. Ramsey.

I'm Lieutenant Doyle of the Sheriff's Department.

This is Sergeant Duncan. How do you do?

I'm Dr. Herndon. How do you do?

I'd like you to look at this picture, if you don't mind.

That's Eddie.

Are you sure?

I knew it. I knew it. He's a prisoner. He's a convict.

Mrs. Ramsey, he was on probation after serving a short term

at the honor farm for assault.

For assault?

We had a murderer in our house.

We didn't know.

She'll have to rest now, Lieutenant.

You'd better go to your room.

I'll be all right.

Come on now.

That's probably the prisoner.

Excuse me, Doctor, if we might detain Mrs. Ramsey

just a moment longer, please.

Why did you do it?

My husband was so good to you.

I didn't do anything, Mrs. Ramsey.

He liked you. He gave you every chance.

I know it. He was trying to help.

And you killed him.

Oh, how could you?

Claire, you must calm down.

That's all she can take. She'll have to rest now.

Oh, Steve.

Don't you recognize me?

I think I've seen you before. You're...

You're...

Doyle. Lieutenant Doyle of the Sheriff's Department.

Come on, Steve. Try to remember.

Steve? Is Steve my right name?

Yes. Steve Nordstrom.

Thanks, Steve. Remember all the trouble you got in?

Trouble? What do you mean?

Your fight with Fowler.

That's the thing that put you in the honor farm.

Honor farm? What are you talking about?

Let's see if this will refresh his memory.

Do you remember using this hammer?

Sure, when I put up a shelf in the garage.

When else did you use the hammer?

What do you mean?

Did you hit Mr. Ramsey with it?

No, I didn't.

You had an argument with him, didn't you?

What happened, Steve? Tell me.

I just pushed him, that's all.

I pushed him and ran out of the garage.

You didn't hit him with this?

No, I tell you, I couldn't have. He was my friend.

Steve, if you didn't hit Mr. Ramsey with the hammer,

why did you run away?

He wanted to take me to a doctor.

To help you remember? What's wrong with that, Steve?

I just didn't want to go, that's all.

I wanted to help myself.

Why is everybody pushing me around?

That checks with what Mrs. Ramsey told me.

It just doesn't add up?

All right, boys.

Take him down on booking.

What do you think, Doctor?

Is this behavior characteristic of amnesia?

Well, it's hard to say.

Amnesia has so many facets.

This opposition to being helped could be one of them.

I just won't believe he did it.

Steve isn't a murderer.

He looks pretty bad, I'm afraid.

Steve admits he held the hammer while they were arguing

and his fingerprints are the only ones on it.

But he denies hitting him and Steve isn't a liar.

I'm not really puzzled.

You know, the only motive that's been suggested

is that Steve did not want to see the doctor.

Can they bring him to trial?

Convict him if his mind's a blank?

You know he's not fooling.

That I'm sure of.

And the courts don't sentence irresponsible people.

But you know, Harriet, I'm not thoroughly convinced

that Steve is guilty.

This isn't the open and shut case the newspapers are making out.

Maybe we haven't gotten all of the facts.

Maybe we don't know everything that took place in that garage.

Oh, if only Steve's memory would come back to him.

Yeah, if only it would.

You know, Harriet, I just got an idea and you can help.

I'll do anything.

Meet me at the hospital tomorrow.

The war taught us a great deal about amnesia.

There are many physical causes for it.

Organic deficiencies, injuries, wounds.

There's always a strong emotional reason underneath.

Then it wasn't just the blust he got the night he was attacked.

Oh, no. There's more than a damaged body.

There's a troubled mind. Here we are.

He, uh...

He wants to forget the things he can't accept.

You mean something that's unpleasant or painful?

Exactly.

Any theories?

Not yet.

Lieutenant Doyle? What is it now?

Steve, darling, don't you know me?

Yes, I...

I think so.

I'm Harriet.

Harriet?

Yes.

I'm Harriet.

Harriet?

Harriet?

Do you remember our last date?

We had dinner together.

Where?

At my place.

Oh, Steve, please think it must come back to you.

At your place? When?

The night you went away.

When you got into trouble.

I don't remember any trouble.

Oh, Steve, you do. You must.

You were attacked, don't you remember?

No. No, I don't know what you're talking about.

What do you all want with me? I'm doing everything I can.

Steve, we just want to help you.

We want you to get well.

I wish people would let me along.

That's enough, Miss Owen. I think you'd better go now.

I'll be back in a minute.

Well, that's that. I guess he doesn't want anybody to help.

Well, he doesn't want to stir up painful memories.

Why does he want to forget me?

Do you think I hurt him?

Well, not necessarily.

Memory's like a filing cabinet,

and you're in one compartment he doesn't want to open.

But now, don't worry. We'll bring him out of it.

Harriet, you've done everything you can.

You're already late for your office.

I'd rather stay.

We'll call you if there's anything you can do.

Goodbye, Miss Owen.

Keep your chin up, then.

You know, Doc, there's something puzzling about this case.

What's that?

Ramsey was killed by blows on the back of the head.

Well, so I understand.

Now, I might concede the man, like Steve,

would lose his temper and hit someone with a weapon,

but never when his back was turned.

Or do people change when they're suffering from amnesia?

No, definitely not.

Amnesia is like hypnosis or sleepwalking.

The subject will not do anything against his moral principles.

Oh, excuse me. Are you Polly?

I don't know your last name.

It's Gunther. I only use it for signing checks.

What can I do for you, mister?

I'm Lieutenant Doyle of the Sheriff's Department.

You called the office, said you had some information

about the Ramsey case.

Yeah, I thought it was my duty.

Say, the papers have sure been full of this thing, haven't they?

How about a cup of coffee?

Well, I, uh...

Come on, Lieutenant. Sit down.

Make yourself comfortable.

Thanks. Thanks very much.

You know, that guy was sitting right where you are.

Big as life.

The joint's empty, and I'm all alone with a murderer.

Well, tell me something.

Did it ever occur to you that he had amnesia?

Well, sure, when he didn't even know his own name.

I'm the one that started calling him Eddie Thornton.

Is that so? What day did he come in here?

Wasn't day, it was night.

It was exactly two weeks before it happened.

Let's see, two weeks ago before it.

That would be the 15th.

How was his behavior in general?

Well, at first he behaved like a perfect gentleman.

A beat-up one, mind you, but still a gentleman.

But when it came to settling up, he called me,

sits right there where you are, and tells me he's flat broke.

Me, big-hearted dope.

I let it go.

Did you by any chance suggest he ought to see a doctor?

No, I don't think so.

But you know, I really felt sorry for that guy until he...

Until what?

Well, he started making passes.

He did. I'm surprised.

Hey, what do you mean?

I happen to know he has a girlfriend in L.A.

He has?

Oh, brother, could that boy lie?

Hey, what are you going to do to him?

Give him the full treatment?

Well, I don't know.

There's the little formality of a trial first.

Oh, yeah.

Thank you, Paula. You've been very helpful. Bye.

Don't mention it.

Oh, lieutenants, I was, um,

thinking of coming into town next Saturday night.

You know, just for kicks.

I was wondering, you know, any good shows or restaurants?

Well, you know, right off hand,

I can't think of another place that can compare to this.

Goodbye, Paula.

Well, now, say, lieutenant, uh...

Oh, another chiseler.

And when I read all that hollow-billoo in the paper,

I just couldn't believe it.

Poor Mr. Ramsey. I saw the two of them drive away.

Who would have dreamed a thing like that could have happened?

Why, the car was right over there when Eddie fixed it.

Now, Mr. Miller, did Steve, or Eddie, as you know him,

show any hostility toward Mr. Ramsey?

Did he seem to resent him in any way?

Well, just the opposite.

They got along fine. Eddie liked to work for them.

Now, this is important, Mr. Miller.

When you suggested that Eddie ought to see the doctor,

did he threaten you?

No, sir. He got excited all right, but he didn't threaten me.

All he said was, uh, what for?

I'm not crazy. That's all he said.

Then he didn't push you or swing at you?

He never laid a hand on me.

He wasn't that kind of a man.

He was quiet and kept to himself.

You know, I just can't understand it.

I'll be glad to help in any way I can. Please sit down.

Well, thank you. May I smoke?

Oh, of course.

I realize what a terrible strain you've been under.

It's been a nightmare, but one has to go on.

That's right, Mrs. Ramsey.

I suppose you're making plans.

Well, obviously, I can't go on living here.

I've decided to sell the house, everything, and move.

I don't know just where.

I imagine it'll take quite a while to wind things up, won't it?

I understand your husband had other interests

besides his importing business,

and that the estate will run close to a million dollars.

I don't know, Lieutenant.

Not that Morton ever kept anything from me,

but I've no head for business.

The bank's taking care of everything.

Yes, of course.

Mrs. Ramsey, you have quite a large home here.

Didn't you keep servants?

Well, yes, but we always seem to get ones

that were careless or inefficient.

I see. And who takes care of the grounds?

We used to have a gardener, but after Eddie came,

my husband told him he wouldn't be needed anymore.

Would you mind giving me the gardener's name?

Well, not at all.

His name is Philippe Rodriguez.

Philippe...

Rodriguez.

He lives in Recita.

Recita.

Fine, thank you.

Why do you ask, Lieutenant?

Nordstrom insists he's innocent.

And we must consider the possibility

that after he ran away,

someone else killed your husband.

Now, the gardener being angry at Mr. Ramsey

would have a motive.

Oh, I see what you mean, but

surely Eddie's fingerprints were the only ones

on the weapon.

Yes, that's true, but the fingerprints on the handle

were smudged, like a man wearing a glove.

Maybe like a gardener's.

I don't see how Philippe could have done it.

He wasn't here that day.

Anyway, Eddie had garden gloves.

But you said it was 10 or 15 minutes

before you went to the garage to find your husband.

The gardener could have done it.

Well, I really don't think so.

Well, Mrs. Ramsey, I never rule anything out

until I've made a thorough investigation.

Well, that's all for now.

And thank you very much.

Don't mention it, Lieutenant.

All I want is to see the murderer brought to justice.

He will be.

Good day, Mrs. Ramsey.

Now, Philippe, you know about the Ramsey case.

Ah, it's a terrible thing, all right.

Me, I always liked Mr. Ramsey.

Were you there that day?

It was Tuesday the 29th.

Oh, when I caught up a few days before

Mrs. Ramsey, she said not to come there.

Was it Mrs. Ramsey who told you or Mr. Ramsey?

Oh, Mrs. Ramsey,

she's the one who always look after the house.

Did she tell you she hired a new man?

Well, it was something like,

she say, she'll make other arrangements, you see.

Now, were you upset about losing your job?

Oh, no, no.

I'm not upset.

I'm just a little upset.

Oh, no, no.

I'm glad to get out of it.

Always when I caught up about work,

she say come. Then she get word to me,

she say, don't come. Change like that all the time.

She's off, and she's on.

Off and on.

But it's okay with me. I was rather not like the water.

I see.

Now, were were you at 10 a.m. on Tuesday?

At Mrs. Willard Henderson's in Northridge.

Now, Philippe,

do you happen to know why Mrs. Ramsey

change her mind all the time about your working there?

She's a woman.

Only she is more of a woman

than other women.

Thanks, Philippe.

There you are.

So Doyle came back.

This I don't like.

It was just a routine.

He didn't learn anything of them use.

I don't think Nordstrom did it, don't they?

They don't suspect anyone else.

How could they? There were only his fingerprints.

When you're with me, Claire, I'm all right.

I know, darling. But we can't take any chances.

This will have to be our last meeting

until it's all over.

All over?

Until I've given my testimony, until I'm free to leave town.

And then we'll go to Europe and

have a wonderful life together.

Maybe I ought to go ahead and find a spot for us.

Oh, stop it, Bob. I told you everything's going to be all right.

But you said we couldn't see each other.

So you want to run out on me?

And you say you love me.

I proved it, didn't I?

Well, then be patient, darling.

Don't lose your nerve.

We'll have everything we want.

And we'll be together always.

Steve, I am almost convinced now you're innocent.

Well, then why don't you let me go?

I want to prove it, then find the guilty one.

I want you to think carefully and hard, Steve.

Did you see anyone on the premises that day

besides Mr. or Mrs. Ramsey?

I'm beating my brains out.

I'm getting no place.

Every time I try to straighten things out,

I think of Harriet.

That girl who was here.

I'm sure I know her.

I know you, too.

Oh, I'm all mixed up, Doc.

Sometimes I think I...

I'm one of them all, somebody, but it wasn't Mr. Ramsey.

That I know.

Well, I think maybe we can help you, Steve.

I'm going to give you something

that'll make you drowsy, but you'll be able to answer a question.

Maybe we can find out what happened to you.

You mean you think I'll be able to remember?

I hope so. Pull up your sleeve, will you?

Oh, yeah, sure.

Just take a minute.

Okay.

What is this, Doc?

I don't know if I told you.

Lieutenant, would you mind pulling down that blind?

That's all there is to it.

If you don't mind, I'll listen.

Anything he says can't be used against him.

Well, how am I doing?

All right.

I think you'd better lie down, though.

Now, Steve,

I want you to count backward

from 50, slowly.

50, 49...

Really?

50...

49...

48...

47...

47...

46...

45...

45...

What's your name?

Steve...

Nodstrom.

You got a job, Steve?

Yes.

Who's your employer?

I don't work for anybody.

My own boss,

my own Rick.

Do you have a girlfriend?

Yes.

What's her name?

Harriet Owens.

Do you like her?

I'm going to marry her.

I...

I went to a dance...

with a lot of people.

Go on. What happened at the dance?

Nothing happened.

Nothing happened.

Nothing happened.

If something did happen, Steve, now what was it?

Nothing...

Nothing...

That's all we can do today.

It's another flight.

He can't face it yet.

Next time we'll have to try something more drastic.

Such as what?

Shock, perhaps.

Electric or emotional.

I don't know.

I think I know what to do.

Doctor?

Steve?

Any improvement today?

Sometimes I think it's coming back to me.

And suddenly it's gone.

Please.

Let go.

He's the guy that slugged me.

You hit me with a club.

Break it up.

Take him out.

Outside.

You settle down, Steve.

We'll take care of him.

It was Fowler.

He dropped me on my first day of probation.

I wanted to tear him apart, kill him.

But he threw the book at me.

He slugged me and blacked out.

There was another reason you couldn't kill him.

You didn't want it on your conscience.

No, wait a minute, Doc. I wasn't afraid of him.

I know that.

You did the right thing, but somehow you were ashamed of it.

Just like you were ashamed of that fight at the dance.

Your arrest, term at the honor farm.

See, these are the things that your pride erased from your memory.

So that's what it was.

Yeah.

It's all falling into place.

Harriet,

the dinner that night,

the thing with Fowler,

getting a job,

and you.

How much do you think you can remember, Steve?

Everything, I guess.

All right, to ask a few questions, Doc?

I don't see why not.

Let's get it over with. I want to get out of here. I want to see Harriet.

All right, I'm going back to something I asked you yesterday.

The day of the murder.

Did you see anyone else on the premises besides Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey?

No, I didn't see anybody.

I went to work in the garage right after breakfast.

Did you wear gloves?

No. You're sure about that?

Yeah. Now then, did you see anybody

at any time around the place?

Did they have visitors?

Not during the daytime. I turned in early every night.

I wouldn't know about any callers.

Hey, wait a minute.

A fellow was there the day Mr. Ramsey brought me to the house.

What kind of a fellow?

Good looking, well built, about 35.

Know his name?

No, I just saw him in the living room.

He was wearing a suit and a coat.

He had one of those fancy sports cars imported.

Do you know the make of the car?

Yeah, a Croydon with all the trimmings.

Brand new, fresh out of the showroom.

I'll check with the dealers. See you later.

This is it.

I'll knock on the door. I want you out of sight.

Why?

Just got a hunch.

Who is it?

Sheriff in the apartment.

Just a minute.

Mr. Bradfield?

That's right.

I'm Lieutenant Doyle. I'd like to talk to you.

Come in.

Thank you.

What can I do for you, Lieutenant?

We're talking to some of the Ramsey's friends.

I understand you're one of them.

That's right.

Terrible thing.

Drake, Lieutenant?

No, no, you go right ahead.

How long have you known the Ramseys, Mr. Bradfield?

About five years.

Morton and I belong to the same country club, Belle Reve.

Played a couple of games of golf and then he asked me to go to the house.

Did you happen to be at the house the day of the murder?

What do you ask that?

I thought as long as you were an old friend of the family's, you might have dropped in afterwards.

Just to see if there's anything you could do.

No, you see, as a matter of fact, I didn't even know about it until it broke in the papers.

I saw it at the office.

You're in the office equipment business, aren't you?

That's right.

You seem to know quite a lot about me, Lieutenant.

That's my job.

You're doing rather well as a salesman, aren't you, Mr. Bradfield?

Fair enough.

That sports car you're driving is rather expensive.

I have to impress the customers, you know how it is.

I understand you paid cash.

Yeah. I had a little luck with the stock market.

Mr. Bradfield, what are your relations with Mrs. Ramsey?

Wait a minute, Lieutenant.

Just what do you mean by that?

I'm just asking you a question.

Well, I resent it and I resent the implication.

Morton and I were very good friends.

I'm sorry.

When was the last time you saw Mrs. Ramsey?

Now look here, Lieutenant.

Day of the funeral.

Have you seen her or talked to her since then?

No.

I did ask her to call on me if there's anything I could do, but...

Well, there's not much you can do in these things.

That's right.

Did you ever have an argument with Mr. Ramsey?

Of course not.

Morton and I were the best of friends. We were very close.

Matter of fact, I can't think of anyone who ever had an argument with him.

He was a fine man.

Yes, that's what everybody says.

Now then, Mr. Bradfield, I want you to tell me exactly where you were at the time of the murder.

Why don't you answer the phone?

Hello?

Hello, Bob. Look, I'm in a booth.

I think I'm being watched.

There's a car cruising past the house.

Maybe it's a man.

I think I'm being watched. I saw a car cruising past the house.

Maybe it's a good idea that you do leave town.

Bob?

Bob? Is anything wrong?

Bob?

Hello, Lieutenant Doyle speaking.

Let me have the dispatcher.

Hello, Frank?

That car is following Mrs. Ramsey.

Have them pick her up.

Right.

Right.

All right, boys.

I'll tell you what a meal. Harriet was out of this world. I enjoyed every bite.

Believe me, it was wonderful.

Don't forget, now I'm expecting an invitation to that wedding.

Of course, Lieutenant. What's your number?

It's plateau 8, 7, 6, 5, 1, extension 2218.

Well, there's nothing wrong with his memory.

Hey, you're almost good enough to be on the sheriff's department.

By the way, I did a little snooping for you kids.

There's a wedding chapel over on Olympic that might strike your fancy.

It's got all the trimmings. There's music, there's photos, flowers, and quite reasonable.

I've got their card if you'd like to call them.

It's right here in this...

That's funny. I...

I didn't leave it at the office.

That's the darndest thing I ever saw. I know I had that card this afternoon.

Well, I give up. I guess I misplaced it.

But I'll get you another one. Well, good-bye, you two.

Excuse me, Lieutenant. Just a hunch.

Is this what you're looking for?

Yeah. Yeah, that's it. Thanks.

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. That's art.

Oh, say, I forgot to congr...