Original subtitles

[music playing]

They're all ready.

Thank you.

This is for you, gentlemen.

MAN ON RADIO: Gentlemen of the Post Office Inspector's

Service, I want to congratulate you for your fine work

in moving the gold reserves of the United States

to the inland cities.

It was a big job, and you handled

it with your usual efficiency.

I'm sorry I can't greet each one of you personally,

so I'm taking this method of expressing my appreciation

and conveying the thanks of the people of the United States.

Well, there's nothing I can add to what has already

been said by the president.

And now I suppose you're anxious to get back to your posts,

so I won't keep you.

Gentlemen.

Off to Millstown, hey, Davis?

Taking the night plane, sir.

Good luck.

Thanks.

[plane engine]

Millstown calling Wilson in 55.

I'm out on the field.

Ceiling's about 500, visibility poor.

There's patches of fog drifting around.

Can you see the beacon?

Can't see the beacon, can't see anything up here.

It's pretty black.

Just left the beam and are coming over.

We should be over you in about two minutes.

[child crying]

[harmonica]

No, don't go away please.

I just know something's going to happen.

Oh, we fly through these fogs all the time.

Can't I get you a cup of tea or something?

Well, you might get me an aspirin.

Cut the cards, Miss Connie.

Cut the cards.

Relax, Debbie-- relax.

Cut the cards just once, Miss Connie.

I got to find out is we going to get down out of here.

[baby crying]

Thank you.

I knowed it.

I just knowed something was going to happen.

Any more news?

Not yet.

Do you think there's any danger?

No, they come down through this stuff all the time.

There's a man out there in the field

leading them in right now.

Coffee?

No, no.

I'd better go outside.

OK.

Now you're right over the middle of the field heading east.

Make a left turn.

Can they see up there?

Can't see the field.

They're still up too high.

But that's dangerous!

He'll be in right on schedule.

All right, Wilson.

Make another left turn, and you'll

be heading west along the north side of the field.

Go out in the valley about two miles and come in.

OK.

Order me some ham and eggs.

Can we get through to the airport,

or will we have to go to another field?

We'll get in, all right.

Are they nervous back there?

That youngster crying back there doesn't help.

Tell them it's all in a day's work.

Is anything wrong?

No.

Are you nervous?

No, I'm all right.

I wish we could do something to keep that child quiet.

She's going to make everyone nervous.

I'd know what to do if I were in the theater.

Theater?

I'm Connie Larrimore.

I've heard that name somewhere.

Never mind.

It isn't important.

It may be important.

Forgive my ignorance, Miss Larrimore, but just

what do you do in the theater?

Well, I sing.

You sing?

Good, go ahead and sing.

What, here?

Certainly!

It may ease things up a bit.

They're awfully nervous back there.

That's and idea.

Go on.

Hey son, come here a minute.

Now sing as though you're passing the time away,

you know?

You certainly can play the thing, can't you?

Yeah, I sure can.

How would you like to sit right down here and play

so that everyone can hear you?

Sure!

Ready?

Play something that she can sing.

All right.

[harmonica]

Know that one?

No.

That's all right, go ahead.

[SINGING] Here we are together flying high way up in heaven,

you and I. We'll be coming down to earth someday,

but in the meantime let's be gay.

Let's have bluebirds on all our wallpaper

decorating our dreams.

Shy little rosebuds on the chinaware, murmurs

of love from the Frigidaire.

Let's have coppers with clover all over [inaudible].

We'll have showers-- lots of showers-- that's certain.

So let's paint a rainbow on the shower curtain.

We're down to 2,000.

This stuff is pretty thick.

How are you doing?

We're all right.

Hey, what's going on back there?

Connie Larrimore's keeping them quiet with a song.

Hey, get this.

We have music with our landing.

Listen!

What's the idea?

Passengers are jittery, and there's a singing star up

there crooning them to sleep.

Singing star?

Did you say a singing star?

Yeah.

That's Connie Larrimore!

Listen-- Miss Larrimore is doing a song number

for them up there in the plane.

-Is that so? -Yeah?

How do you know?

I just heard it from Jeffrey on the field.

The passengers were frightened.

She's got them all quieted down.

That makes a heroine of her, doesn't it?

You're learning American ways very fast, Mr. Benez.

Publicity is publicity in any language, gentlemen.

Nightclub star faces death with song on her lips.

Where's that [inaudible]?

And remember, she's under contract with me.

She's going to sing tonight at The Golden Eagle at 11:00.

Miss Gilling's on the wire.

I've got a story for you.

JOURNALIST: Connie Larrimore, the nightclub gal--

the great, gorgeous, glamorous heartbreaker--

is singing to the passengers to keep them quiet.

She just averted a near panic.

You're OK now.

Take it easy and straight down.

Well, here we go.

[SINGING]That I heard in a dream.

We made it.

Am I glad!

Thanks very much, Miss Larrimore.

Oh, what I need is a good cup of coffee.

Miss Larrimore--

[chatter]

All right, gentlemen.

JOURNALIST: Thank you, Miss Larrimore.

Thank you, boys.

Miss Larrimore.

Coffee for everybody.

Where's Billy?

Oh, there you are. [inaudible].

How did you feel up in the fog, Miss Larrimore.

Were you frightened?

Confidentially, I was scared to death.

But this youngster wasn't.

He played his harmonica like a hero.

Excellent idea for a new number.

Sing in the fog.

Do you want a job with me, young man?

You got an amateur program, too?

No.

I'll put you on with Miss Larrimore and pay you.

Sure, sure!

You hear that, gentlemen?

They'll do the same number they did in the plane.

In the Eagle Club tonight at 11 o'clock.

Gee, Bill, it's swell to have to have you here.

How do you feel?

Great.

What are you doing down here?

Came to meet you.

What, after all these years? Sure!

Wait a minute.

I'll take mine.

-Thank you, sir. -You're welcome.

Let's get in here and have some coffee.

All right, come on.

Do you know what?

I was the only one up there in that plane that wasn't scared.

Is that so?

That's right.

CONNIE: I think the men who pilot these planes are simply

marvellous.

How do they even see where they're

going in that awful fog?

Well, it's like going blind.

Two coffees, please.

CONNIE: I left it flat.

JOURNALIST: How long are you going to stay?

CONNIE: Well that depends on how well they like me here.

JOURNALIST: Oh, they'll like you.

Charlie, I'm beginning to get this brotherly devotion.

Do you blame me?

No, but what is she doing with Benez?

She's going to sing at his club.

-That's too bad. -Why?

What's the matter with him?

The place is all right, but that Benez fellow--

Mm-hm.

Pardon me, gentlemen.

Oh, uh-- oh, not at all.

Where did I leave the--

Hello.

Hello.

Seems to me all homely.

Don't I know you?

Well, I know a fellow who used to know you.

He used to talk about you all the time.

He couldn't get his lessons in the classroom,

because he was watching you.

And one time on a picnic, a grass snake

got in the lunch basket and scared you.

And that was the only time he ever kissed you.

Charlie Davis!

Hi ya, Connie.

I wouldn't have known you.

You've changed, Bill.

I didn't have any trouble picking you up.

Well how long has it been, about seven years?

Something like that.

Gee, we did have a lot of fun, didn't we?

Remember old Grumpy who had the penny candy store?

Is he still around?

Uh-huh.

Well tell me about everybody and everything.

I guess everything's changed.

Not so much, except the 6:10 comes in on time.

And the kids we knew are all grown

up, except Jerry Phillips.

He died.

Oh.

And Mary Johnson's married.

Mary Johnson married?

Oh, no!

Outside of that, the town's still

the same-- wind, rain, fog.

I recognize the fog.

Is he with you?

Oh sure.

You remember him-- my brother, Bill.

We've met.

Oh yes, of course.

I knew your face was familiar.

Miss Larrimore-- Inspector Davis.

Inspector?

Police?

No, post office.

It's been a long time since we played that.

Top of the morning, gentlemen.

Well, welcome home, Bill.

I see you made the front page.

Who, me?

Since when is my name Connie Larrimore?

MAN: Oh, I mean down there.

BILL: Oh, that.

Well, it went off pretty smooth.

About $20,000 or $30,000 short.

Who did that?

BILL: Nobody.

The gold bullion was so soft it rubbed off on the canvas sacks

in transit.

Oh, go on!

[knocking]

They have to burn the sacks to reclaim it.

I'm Mr. Ritter.

Oh yes, will you see Mr. Davis, please?

You can come in now.

Sit down, Mr. Ritter.

Thank you.

I'm Inspector Davis.

What is your trouble?

Inspector Davis, I've lost all my money.

I've been to lawyers, and I've been to the police.

But they tell me they can't do anything,

because I haven't any proof.

Post office department is my last hope.

And how did you lose your money?

The wife and I worked for 40 years and saved $20,000.

One day a man told me about a gold mine.

And he took all my money for stock.

Did you have any correspondence with this man?

I mean, did you receive anything through the mail from him?

No.

They always came to my house.

That's too bad.

Mr. Ritter, I'd like to help you.

But I don't see how that's possible.

You see, we only handle things that come through the mail.

I sent a check through the mail.

Was it registered?

MR. RITTER: Yes.

Have you got the registration receipt?

Yes, I-- I think so.

Yes, here it is.

Mm-hm, that's fine.

Now we have something to work with.

You come along with me, Mr. Ritter.

Right this way, through this door.

They sent this through the mail,

and they said it would straighten my nose.

I've been wearing this thing for six weeks.

All I got's a red nose.

They're a bunch of crooks.

Will you take care of Mr. Ritter?

Have one of the clerks get all the details for me.

[muffled shouting]

-What's that? -I don't know.

Something must have happened to that guy out there.

He's got a gadget.

Just what is this?

It's supposed to make you taller, an inch or more.

And all it did for me was to sprain my neck

and crack a couple of ribs.

Did you buy this through the mail?

Sure, I answered an advertisement.

Have you got your envelopes and correspondence with you?

Yeah, I've got them all right.

Gil, will you take care of this?

Yes sir.

Have a clerk get all the details for me.

Come on with me.

Cost me $15, and I want it back.

That's expensive necking.

I wonder, Inspector, if this-- Butch, come here a minute.

Just step right over here.

What are you going to do, Inspector?

We're not going to hurt you.

I just want to slip this over your head and see how it works.

There we are. Just take it easy.

There we are.

Now-- mm-hm.

Does that hurt you?

Not much.

Does it hurt you now?

That's enough. BILL: That's enough.

That's enough.

Now Butch, if you'll stay that way,

I'm going to have a photograph taken of you.

Inspector, may I see you just a moment?

Where are you going?

BILL: I'll be right back, Butch.

[music playing]

[SINGING] When you're through with your shower,

do you shiver, do you quiver?

Well, you're wrong.

When you're through with your shower, you should treat it,

you should heat it with a song and a hot towel.

[SINGING] Get hold of a hot towel.

Get out of your tub, and rub a dub-dub just like a hot number.

with the rhythm of the rumba.

Hot towel-- get hold of a hot towel.

Let everything fly and shake yourself dry.

Oh, how can you slumber?

With the rhythm of the rumba.

[phone ringing]

[SINGING] Hello.

Hello, Connie.

Oh hello, Charlie.

It just came.

Thank you so much.

How about having lunch with me today?

I'm getting away a little early.

Oh, I'd love to, Charlie.

But I have to go to the post office and--

What?

You're kidding.

Hey listen, so do I. I'll meet you there, and we'll have lunch

at Grumpy's.

Remember where we used to go after school?

Yeah, I'll wait for you upstairs in Bill's office.

You can't miss it.

All right, I'll meet you in an hour.

Debbie, call Mr. Benez and tell him I

can't possibly have lunch with a newspaper man.

Something very important has come up.

Yes'm.

[drone sound]

CHARLIE: Hi ya, [inaudible].

Hello Charlie.

Is Bill here?

Yeah, go on in.

What's the matter with your hair?

Oh, this?

This-- it's a light.

It's supposed to make hair grow.

Oh, I get it-- making hair where the light shines, huh?

BILL: He'll attend to it right away.

-Thank you very much. -Not at all.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

What are you doing around here?

Oh, just mailed a [inaudible] downstairs, thought I'd come up

and see you while I was here.

Learning to be a drummer?

That, young man, is supposed to improve your vision.

You beat a tattoo on your eyeballs like this, you see,

and-- there's one born every minute.

You wanted me to be a post office inspector

and waste my time with stuff like that.

Do you know there are thousands of frauds like this?

And everyone represents money taken from the people

who can least afford it.

They ought to know better.

That's not the point.

When the crooks use the mails, they make Uncle Sam

a party to their transactions.

You know, people have a lot of confidence in anything

that comes through the mail.

And it's our job to keep that confidence alive.

You know, there's something pretty comforting

about the thought that, with no more insurance

than a mere postage stamp, a man may entrust this entire life

savings or his most personal secrets

into the hands of absolute strangers.

There's a lady out here to see you.

Come in, Miss Larrimore.

Well, Inspector, is this where you play post office?

That's in Charlie's department, I think.

Right over here, madam.

Now then, what is your complaint?

I was brought into this post office under false pretenses.

Terrible, terrible!

I was promised a lunch.

A lunch!

Can you imagine that, Inspector?

Miss Larrimore, see that he keeps his promise.

All right, I'll buy your lunch.

Mm-hm, under protest.

Thank you very much, Inspector.

You're very welcome.

[knocking]

Am I in the right place?

What place are you looking for, madam?

I'd like to see the post office inspector.

I'm one of the inspectors.

Won't you come in?

Sit down, please.

My name's Mrs. Compton.

Mm-hm.

I sent for this machine.

Oh, yes.

One of those work at home gadgets, hm?

WOMAN: It makes socks.

And they promised in the advertisements

they would buy all the socks that you could make at home,

and now they won't do it.

Is that right?

How did you know that?

Mrs. Compton, there are lots of these things

sold all over the country.

Have you any envelopes to correspond?

Yes.

Do you think I can get my money back?

I don't know.

We make them keep their promises.

And if they don't, we put them out of business.

Oh Butch, just a minute.

Will you take care of Mrs. Compton, please?

Have her try to get all the details.

MRS. COMPTON: Thank you, Inspector.

BILL: You're very welcome.

Oh, that poor old lady.

Does this happen often?

Yes, this is the game you call post office.

It goes on and on.

Excuse me a moment.

Come in, Gil.

Miss, Larrimore-- Inspector Pottle.

How do you do?

You know Charlie.

Oh, hello.

Look at this.

She's been advertising all over the country for a husband.

CHARLIE: She shouldn't have any trouble.

Well, she doesn't.

But when they answer her adds, she writes them for aero fare.

She's collected over $10,000 in 14 months.

Oh yes, this is the girl you were telling me about.

Yeah, I had her arrested this morning.

-Is she outside? -Yes.

Would you send her in, please?

Hm.

Why she's beautiful!

GIL: Take her in.

Doesn't this bring back memory?

Hm, lovely one.

Now I know what I missed all the time I was away.

Does that include me?

Yes, you're mixed up with it someplace.

Could you make it more definite?

I'll classify you after the sodas.

There you are-- two chocolate sodas.

Used to take one soda with two straws in it, remember?

Grumpy, you haven't changed a bit in all these years.

Neither have you-- except, uh, well maybe

you put on a little weight.

She's lost 1,000 freckles, too.

Will you two stop picking on me?

Here's a present for you.

I know you like it.

You always did.

Grumpy!

Jellybeans!

This is the nicest present I've had in years.

Come here.

Now what's all that about?

Because you're a cute old boy.

You'll get me into trouble putting that lip [inaudible]

all over my face.

What about me?

I bought the sodas.

We only give favors for jellybeans.

Grumpy-- $2.00 worth of jellybeans.

[laughing]

[music playing]

[SINGING] Here we are together, flying high.

We're up in heaven, you and I. We'll be

coming down to earth someday.

But in the meantime, let's be gay.

Let's have bluebirds on all our wallpaper

decorating our dreams.

Shy little rosebuds on the chinaware, murmurs

of love from the Frigidaire.

Let's have coppers with clover all over--

There's a kind of quality to it, isn't there?

Think so?

I was talking about Connie.

Yes, you usually are.

You're not going overboard for that cafe singer, are you?

Don't you like her?

Oh, she's all right, but--

There aren't any buts.

She's great.

[SINGING] Decorating our dreams.

[applause]

Hello, Inspector. [inaudible]?

Good evening.

Won't you sit with us for a few minutes?

Do you mind?

No, go right ahead.

My I order something for you?

Just coffee, please?

Dont' you drink?

Yes, coffee.

She's smarter than you are.

I knew you'd see her good points.

CHARLIE: Oh, waiter?

Fresh coffee, please.

Good evening.

-Good evening. -Evening.

Are you being taken care of all right?

Fine.

And the food?

Excellent.

Then everything's all right?

Everything.

Everything but me.

What's that all about?

Bill made a crack last night at the airport.

Benez was standing right behind him.

And it still goes.

Send for Connie.

Get her away from that table?

What's wrong?

That damn fool takes up all her time.

It's not good for business.

Nothing personal in it, of course.

I have a telegram for you, Mr. Benez.

Perhaps I don't know English.

Read it.

Maybe it's a tip on a horse.

In yesterday's newspaper, you will

find only yesterday's races.

I'll get a paper, and we'll find out.

Don't look now, but I think bad news is on your right.

I'll take it.

Oh, nothing doing.

When I give a party, I give.

Can't start you in circulation again.

Where did you get that?

That?

I have some respect for the aged, my girl.

That's the grandpappy of all $10 bills.

He collects them.

It's a hobby.

Collects them?

Old bills?

BILL: Sure.

He's in charge of all the money that's taken out of circulation

at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Think of all the things that's bought--

relief for the sick, food for the hungry, jewels

for the lovely.

Mm-hm, bu tit's too old to be out this late.

Will it spend?

Sure.

Here.

Oh no, not if it belongs in your collection.

Don't worry.

In about two days it'll come back to me at the bank.

We'll give it the last fling before the graveyard.

Tell me, do you bury them with full military honors?

They don't bury them.

They go back to Washington.

About three million of the old boys are going back this week.

You mean you personally take them to Washington

and turn them in?

No, I only escort them to the post office.

From then on, they're Bill's headache.

A postage stamp is the best insurance in the world.

Right, Bill?

Right.

Only we don't talk so much about it.

My favorite melody, and my favorite girl-- shall we merge?

It's an idea.

If you get lonely, you can cut in.

Thanks.

Just try and cut in.

I don't think your brother cares so much for me.

Bill's suspicious of everything that

hasn't a postage stamp on it.

Remember the last time I held you in my arms?

Let me see.

I think I was 12, and you were 14.

I was 15.

I just started to shave.

We did have a lot of fun, didn't we?

Remember the picnics at Echo Lake?

I remember the ants.

The day I fell in the spring.

Let's do it again, just you and me.

Well I'll consider a picnic, but the springs are out.

What was that page again?

Page [inaudible].

Senate approves new tax plan.

Yeah, that's the daily dozen.

Get a load of this.

Nightclub owner mysteriously slain-- Fred Cummings, 40 years

old, owner of The Jack O'Lantern nightclub

was found dead in his office from a bullet

wound early this morning.

Maybe this is what it means.

Alfred Carter, known to have financed many nightclubs,

was questioned by the police and later released.

Carter.

MAN: What's that got to do with you?

I owe Carter $50,000, and I'm two months behind.

That's a delicate way of telling me.

So what?

If you can't pay, you can't.

BENEZ: He paid.

Don't get that "home, James" look on your face.

We've just started.

Pardon, Miss Larrimore.

Mr. Benez would like to see you in this office.

But she can't go. She's busy.

Oh, I think I'd better.

After all, he's the boss.

I'll see you later.

Say, young fellow.

How would you like a little fresh air?

Oh, not yet.

We're having a swell time, aren't we?

Yeah, swell.

Besides, Connie's coming back.

She said so.

Look, if you keep on drinking anymore coffee,

you'll be picking blue and green spots off the wall.

Want a drink?

No, thanks.

I'm having coffee downstairs.

With young Davis, eh?

Yes, why?

There are important guests here tonight who could do something

for you, and for [inaudible].

That wasn't in my contract.

Do you mind helping me a little?

No, of course not.

You know I'll do all I can.

Thanks.

Charlie Davis is an old friend of mine.

I'm very fond of him.

But why waste your affection on a clerk?

Ah, never judge the pearl by the oyster, Benez.

Charlie has $3 million.

What?

Of course it's a little old, but it's $3 million.

Where would he get such an amount?

At the Federal Reserve Bank.

He has charge of the old ladies' home for money.

Of course, he'll be a pauper again soon, but--

What are you talking about?

Charlie's shipping $3 million in worn-out bills

to Washington next week.

He'd have to be fairly important to handle a job like that.

Oh, you make fun of me.

You-- you dropped this, mister.

I didn't drop it.

I threw it!

I wish I knew where the post office

gets these confounded things.

But this is a murder case.

It doesn't make any difference what kind of a case it is.

We haven't the right to open anybody's mail.

All I need to crack this case wide open

is to get a look at that letter.

I'm sorry, we just can't do that.

Well why can't you?

Nobody can touch the mail except the person

to whom it's addressed.

I know it's tough, but that's just the way it is.

But you're obstructing justice.

I'm sorry you feel that way about it.

Why don't you have one of your men tail a carrier

and nab the letter after it's delivered?

I don't need anyone to tell me my business.

I should have known better than to expect

cooperation from you fellows.

While you're speaking of cooperation,

I think I have a case that might interest you.

No, wait a minute, lieutenant.

Gil, what about that insurance fraud case?

Tell Lieutenant Aubrey about it.

I think this is going to be a big case.

What's that?

There's a gang around here that's collected over $50,000

from the insurance companies on false property damage

and personal injury claims.

That so?

GIL: They take old cars and bang them together,

shove one over the cliff.

Then they roll in the dirt and beat each other up with clubs,

cut themselves with razor blades and rub the skin

off their arms and legs with sandpaper like this

to make it look real.

It's all here in this folder.

But they made just one little mistake-- receiving insurance

checks through the mail.

Hm.

There you are, lieutenant.

It's all yours.

That's fine.

I'll pick these people up right away.

Thanks, inspector.

Don't mention it.

And by the way, if you have any other justice that you'd

like to have obstructed, why, uh, you'll let us know,

won't you?

You win.

[music playing]

[phone ringing]

Hello, this is Inspector Davis.

Postmaster Long?

Hello, Mr. Long.

What's that?

Yes.

Yes, wait a minute.

The flood hit Yarborough 100 miles above here,

taking out the bridge and cut off the town.

Yes?

All right.

I'll come myself.

I'll leave by train in an hour.

I hope it doesn't get down here.

That's right.

I'll hop over to Yarborough and see you boys later.

I'll have a plane ready for you, Bill.

You got everything set?

Yes, I sent for some help.

Get all your stamps and money orders.

We can't do anything around here until after the flood.

Come here, postmaster.

See that building over there?

We've opened a temporary office on the second floor.

If the water gets up there, we'll move higher.

We'll keep the post office open, flood or no flood.

Get all your pouches together.

I'll take them on the plane with me.

All right, Inspector.

Come on, [inaudible].

Hope we get back before it hits Milltown.

We'll make it.

What's in here?

A couple of guinea pigs.

I told the guy he couldn't send them through the mail,

but he walked out and left them.

I don't what to do with them.

There's no return address.

Oh, the poor little things.

We can't leave them like this.

They'll starve.

What are we going to feed them?

That's right.

What are we going-- I've got it.

Guinea pigs were just born to try things out on.

I'll start with some of these ionized [inaudible] tablets.

They're good for, uh, general debility,

lassitude, and head noises.

Do you think you'd better take a chance?

Sure.

It's the scientist in me.

Come, pig.

How far are we going?

We'll ride arm in arm-- two people in an empty world.

Sounds attractive, but I have work to do tonight.

MAN ON RADIO: Attention everyone, please.

We break in at this time for an important announcement.

We are calling ahead for emergency flood conditions.

All police and firemen report to your stations immediately.

Members of the National Guard will assemble at their armories

as soon as possible.

We return you now to your local station.

Must be pretty bad.

You're National Guard, aren't you?

Yeah, I knew something would come up if we planned a picnic.

Well let's go to the armory and see how serious it is.

You've got to get back to the cafe.

Well I can call a taxi.

Why don't you take this car?

Can you drive?

Why, of course.

You take the car and drop me at the armory.

Then you'll be able to get the things we

need for the picnic tomorrow.

Picnic?

You're optimistic, aren't you?

Listen, we're going to have that picnic if we

have to pull out on a raft.

Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this program

for a special announcement from the mayor.

Because of the flood waters which were spread

over a wide area in this vicinity,

all legionnaires are requested to report to

their different legion halls.

All members of the Citizen Safety Council.

All men holding honorary commissions in the police

and sheriff's departments, report to the City Hall

and the Sheriff's office.

We'd better get out of here.

Ladies and gentlemen, there's no danger here.

Please, keep your seats.

There's no cause for alarm.

What's going on, Max?

Everybody's leaving.

You better get up there and do something.

MAN: The management wishes you to enjoy the remainder

of our evening's entertainment.

That's a swell idea.

[piano]

CONNIE: [SINGING] How dry I am.

How dry I am.

Oh, the water is wet, but it isn't here yet.

How dry I am.

[inaudible] Take a look at me.

Oh say, can you see how dry I am?

[inaudible]

Did all your carriers get out this morning, Postmaster?

Yes.

And the railway post office is running right on schedule.

They'll start, but they won't get very far.

I just flew in from there.

Better call and order auxiliary carriers.

Send some of your men down to the river

to get all the small boats that you can.

I'll do that right away.

And Gene, get the War Department on the teletype.

Ask them to assign four planes to this office

to remove the mail.

Tell them this airport here will be in the water

before in four or five hours.

This is Dr. Doyle of the Health Office.

And this is Inspector Davis, doctor.

How do you do, doctor?

Inspector, you know this sudden rise of flood waters

has put us in a dangerous position.

I've ordered vaccines, serum, and medical supplies

for the emergency.

But now I understand the flood water's

raising so fast the trains may not be able to get through.

If the trains can't get through, we'll use airplanes.

If we can't do it with airplanes, we'll use boats.

Your vaccines and supplies will be here, so don't you worry.

The mails are open, and they're going to remain open.

I think it's swell of you to want to help.

Why not?

After all, it's my hometown too.

Well, I'll see you later.

Bye.

Will you listen just a moment, please.

We need two classes of workers-- one

to go into the field, and one to stay here at the station.

Now then, make your choice.

The field workers will go right down that corridor

and report to Miss Wilson in room 439.

The hospital workers will step up here to my left.

And what is your name, please?

Ethel Jackson.

And yours?

Connie Larrimore.

Quiet, we're on the air.

Police are now appropriating speedboats and equipping them

with radials to take the place of a regular automobile which,

excepting a few spots in the south, are useless.

All means of communication have been washed out

except this station, which is now

operating on our own emergency generator system.

Station KWZZ sends greetings to the outside world

from a marooned city.

And we now go to turn over the facilities of this station

to summon the flood survivors so that they may send

messages to their friends, and relatives,

and other parts of the town.

And what is your name, please?

Uh, my name is Mrs. John Meed.

And to whom do you wish to speak?

I'd like to speak to my son Joseph in Dallas, Texas.

Your son, Joseph Meed, in Dallas, Texas.

Calling Joseph Meed in Dallas, Texas-- Joseph

Meed in Dallas, Texas.

If anyone hears this message that knows Joseph,

will they please relay it to him?

Dallas, Texas-- all right, Mrs. Meed.

Right up close to the microphone here.

I'm all right.

The flood is very bad.

We lost our house, and-- and father-- father is missing.

I can't do it.

[inaudible]

Hello, son.

What's your name?

Billy Arnold.

Billy Arnold?

And who do you want to talk to? -My ma.

Your ma?

And where is she?

Washington DC.

Washington DC-- let's see what we can do here?

Little Billy Arnold here is calling

his mother in Washington DC.

Billy Arnold is calling Mrs. Arnold in Washington DC.

Come on, son.

Talk right into it.

See ma, Daddy's in the hospital.

He got hurt helping some people out of the water.

I think he wants you to come back.

He needs you awful bad.

Let me talk.

I got Alice here.

Wait a minute.

Come on, [inaudible].

All right, go right ahead now.

Hello, Aunt Louise.

I got my party dress wet, but I saved Buster.

Can you hear me?

MAN: You're wasting time trying to call him.

When Carver says 24 hours, he means 24 hours.

We've got to do something.

I'm trying to tell you what to do.

But how should I know Connie gave me the right information.

She was only kidding when she told me about that money.

Well she may have been kidding, but she had the right dope.

I just checked up on it.

That Davis kid bundles up all that old money

and sends it by registered mail.

There's $3 million going out tomorrow afternoon.

He leaves the bank for the post office at 1:00,

and then goes down to the post office at 3:00.

We've got two cracks at it.

I don't like taking such a chance!

Tomorrow's the best time to do it-- while the flood is on.

For $3 million it's worth it.

Were you able to see who did it?

No.

How many men were there?

Three.

What kind of a car were they driving?

A grey sedan.

A grey sedan-- bandits believed escaping south on Highway 14.

Held up a United States mail truck, killed the driver,

and escaped with $3 million in cash.

Post Office inspectors are now investigating.

MAN ON RADIO: The north side of the town is under water.

The business district is going under fast, the water climbing

at the rate of a foot an hour.

By tonight, the full force of the disaster will be felt.

How's everything going?

The delivery platform's underwater.

I'm afraid the work room will be underwater tonight.

We make a work room out of my office.

Get your northbound mail ready for the planes.

The boats will take you down to lower Rafe Avenue

and transfer you to a truck.

From there you'll go to the airport.

Inspector Richards will go with you.

Oh Bill, I went to the bank, and there

were only three people who knew that money was being shipped.

Who was it?

Freeman, head of the shipping departing--

Ralph Massey, a clerk-- and--

Well who was the third?

Your brother Charlie.

Can you come upstairs Inspector, please?

What for?

That man Ritter's up there.

Ritter?

Well, tell him to come back some other time.

Well, he said it's important.

All right, you stay here Butch and give them a hand.

Everything's got to be upstairs before this place is

underwater.

Come on, Pottle.

Hello, Inspector.

I've got something that might interest you.

BILL: Where did you get this bag?

In the car that was parked by the flood.

Where?

Near my shop.

Is it there now?

Yes, I think so.

Let's go have a look at it.

All right.

Here's a license plate.

I don't need a license plate.

Just a minute Inspector, please.

I'd better tell you something.

Look, Inspector-- $20,000.

Where'd you get this?

It was in the car with the mail bags.

$20,000?

That's just about what was stolen from you, isn't it?

Yes.

Thanks, Mr. Ritter.

If these men are caught, there's going to be a reward.

And I'll see to it that you get your share.

Come on, Gil.

Why do you keep saying it was my car.

There are thousands of cars like mine.

Not with a thing like this on the radio dial.

You found that in the hold-up car?

You knew that money was being shipped,

and your car was used in the hold-up.

Now come on, tell me about it.

I can't.

What do you mean, you can't?

Listen, Bill.

I know this puts me in an awkward position,

but there's something about it I can't tell you now.

But why?

Trust me, will you, Bill?

Give me a couple of hours to find out about this.

Do you realize what you're asking, Charlie?

This is my job.

But if you just give me a couple of hours,

I know I can find out about this.

Two hours might be too late.

Give me a break.

And then if you want to have me arrested--

Who are you covering up?

Listen, Bill-- just a couple of hours.

I won't let you down.

All right, Charlie.

You haven't let me down yet, and I know you won't this time.

You go ahead, and I'll expect you in my office in two hours.

And make sure you're there.

Thanks, Bill.

I'll be there.

He'll be here.

MAN: But it's been more than two hours already.

You'd better let us handle this.

We know how you feel, Bill, and it's not your fault.

But two hours is a long time.

He's not going to run away.

No, but somebody is.

They've already had time to get across the state line.

MAN: Why didn't you bring him in?

I tell you, he'll be here.

Well I hope so, Bill-- for your sake.

[foot steps]

Come on in.

We'll be in Butch's office if you need us, Bill.

Thanks.

I found out how my car got mixed up in this.

It s stolen from Connie.

Stolen?

Yes.

I expected something more original from you.

She doesn't know anything about the robbery.

I only know what Charlie told me.

You also knew that $3 million was going to leave

the post office for Washington.

No, I didn't.

I sat at the table with you the other night when he told you.

Who did you talk to about it?

Well, I don't remember saying anything.

You must have told someone.

Who was it?

Wait a minute, Bill.

Connie's no crook.

You don't have to talk to her like that.

Keep quiet.

I'll handle this.

You've been making cracks about Connie ever since she came.

Now let her alone.

Will you keep quiet and sit down?

I won't sit down.

If you want to find out anything,

why don't you pick on me?

You're asking questions like a stupid cop.

Sit down!

Wait a minute.

I did mention that money.

I mentioned it to Benez.

Benez?

But it wasn't important.

I-- I was just kidding.

Kidding?

$3 million stolen, a post office employee murdered, and that's

what you call kidding!

Oh, no!

So Benez pulled this job, huh?

Why no, I-- I don't see how he could.

Stop being naive.

You're in this too up to your neck.

Where is Benez now?

I don't know.

You waited until he got miles away

so you could come down here and make a grandstand play,

is that it?

Listen, I don't know anymore about this than you do,

which is apparently nothing.

That's how we start with every case-- nothing.

And so I'm going to start with you.

Well?

What do you want me to do?

Go back to your work until I call you.

And that goes for you, too.

Get away from that window.

I don't see what we're waiting for.

A boat, you fool-- a boat!

What's the matter with the boat we came in?

We need the speedboat to get away.

The longer we stay here, the worse it's going to be.

If you're in a hurry, why don't you start swimming then?

Oh, be quiet!

We'll get a speedboat and leave like gentlemen.

[harmonica]

There's a young lady out here that wants to see you,

lieutenant. -Thanks.

You're welcome.

Oh, Connie.

Well what are you doing here?

Listen, Charlie.

I think I know where Benez is.

I found a private address he wrote me in a letter

about a contract.

Here, give it to Bill.

No, I won't give it to Bill.

I'll handle this myself.

But Charlie, Bill can handle everything so much better.

We can't get him now anyway.

The phones are dead.

Well we've got to do something about it.

I don't think Benez had anything to do with it,

but your brother does.

Yeah, Bill thinks you and I are mixed up in this.

That's why we've got to straighten this out ourselves.

No, I guess you're right.

Why not see if Benez is there now?

No, you've got to stay out of this.

But why? I'm in it as much as you are.

Connie, this is no job for you.

How do you know it isn't?

I can handle him better than you can anyway.

I know him.

Well, maybe you're right.

We'll take a National Guard boat.

Here, take a look at these.

I'll see what else I can find.

All right.

Say, here's an idea.

What is it?

It's a tax receipt for an apartment house.

An apartment house?

Where?

On the other side of town.

I guess he doesn't live there.

Probably not.

But he owns the place.

He must have somewhere to hide.

He can't get out of town.

Yeah, it's not much of a lead.

It's as much as we ever had.

It may be just enough.

Let's get out of here.

I won't be long.

Wait a minute, Connie.

You're not going up there alone.

Don't be silly.

Nothing's going to happen.

Benez might not even be here.

Yeah, but what if he is?

I'd better go with you.

No, Charlie. Please!

But Connie--

Charlie, you're acting as though I

were going in a lion's den.

Now be reasonable.

I can handle him.

If you went, it would spoil everything.

He wouldn't talk with you along.

All right, but hurry.

[knocking]

BENEZ: Connie!

I've been looking all over town for you, Benez.

Why didn't you let me know where you were?

Just what are you doing down here?

Oh, I'm in an awful jam.

And so are you.

Did you know it?

Me?

Yes, it's about that mail robbery, you know?

Mail robbery?

You mean you don't know anything about it?

Certainly not.

Oh, well that's what I thought.

Will you come with me and tell that to the postal inspectors?

What have I got to do with it?

Well you see, the car that was used in the robbery

was one that i had borrowed from someone.

BENEZ: Yes?

They know that I told you about the money being shipped.

You remember.

So they think we were working together.

They think you did it.

Ridiculous!

Of course, but we've got to prove it to them.

Will you come?

Well, I'm pretty busy here.

Have you got a good, fast boat so I can get back here quickly?

Yes, I came in a National Guard speedboat.

Yeah, it's down there.

And it's got young Davis in it.

Young Davis, huh?

Bring Davis up here.

What for?

Well, I think the about will be a little too crowded.

Benez, you did do it.

Get him up here.

Hey, Davis!

Miss Larrimore wants you to come up.

We are one block wrong.

We're on the back of the [inaudible]

instead of the front.

I know it, Gil.

That's how we're going up there, the back way.

Come in, Davis.

I think this is it.

Charlie!

What happened?

Benez's men struck me.

Where's Connie? -Connie?

Did she go off with them?

[muffled shouting]

CONNIE: I'm in here!

There they go, Bill.

-Are you two all right? -Sure.

Come on, Pottle.

Hello, hello.

Calling WLPD, WLPD.

Hello, police department?

This is Davis.

We've located the mail truck bandits.

[inaudible] a couple of boats and search.

Calling police boats number 4 and 5.

Calling police boats number 4 and 5.

Go south somewhere below power plant

and try to contact Inspector Davis in police boat number 2.

We'll speed up as soon as we can.

We should have stayed where we were.

Must be around here somewhere.

That's them.

Go ahead.

[inaudible].

[siren]

What's that?

Police boat.

Turn right here.

[inaudible].

Take the wheel, Charlie.

Better get out of here before someone gets killed.

Look!

CHARLIE: If we hit the corner post,

the whole building will fall in.

Are you game?

Sure.

Duck, Connie.

[inaudible].

[squeaking]

Look, just the other day there were only two.

And I feed them some of these pills, and now look.

It's marvelous!

And I did it.

Yeah, I know.

It's the scientist in you.

I told you we were going to have that picnic.

Mm-mm, no cheating.

You know what I wished for?

No, what?

That you'd get your wish.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Oh hello, Bill.

Where are you?

Oh, that's too bad.

Well I hope you can arrange it with Washington so you

come to our wedding tomorrow.

Gee, I wish you could come up now.

We're waiting for you.

We have potato salad and chicken.

[SINGING] We'll have bluebirds on all our wallpaper

decorating our dreams.

[SINGING] Shy little rosebuds on the chinaware.

Is there anything I can do for you?

My name is Mrs. Coates, and I sent away for this machine.

BILL: One of those work at home gadgets, hm?

MRS. COATES: Have you seen them before?

Oh yes, lots of them.

CONNIE: [inaudible].

CHARLIE: [SINGING] We'll have showers.

CONNIE: [SINGING] Lots of showers.

That's certain.

CHARLIE: So let's paint a rainbow on the shower curtain--

CONNIE: And bluebirds on all our wallpaper

decorating our dreams.