Original subtitles

J' you're not so easy I

j' to forget I

j' no you're not so easy j'

j' to forget I

j' although I've told my heart j'

I to leave your memory I

j' my heart seems to have a mind j"

j' the haunting sweetness j"

j' of your face j“

j' no it's not so easy I

J' for me to keep remembering j“

I and yet j'

j' you're not so easy I

j' to forget j'j'

gee, we sure get a genteel clientele

Hey. Get a load of that one.

- Yoo-hoo. - Boys, boys.

In polite society, we don't say “yoo-hoo.“

we say "yoo-whom."

- Nick, hi. - Hi.

- You remember Mrs. Charles. - Hi.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

What are you doing at a clambake like this?

You ain't detectiving, are you?

Thinks that we should cultivate some people

she wants to create a proper atmosphere

for Nicky Jr.

Junior? Hey, how is the little squirt?

The little squirt is fine.

He can crack any safe in town

dealer: Thirty-one and black.

Thirty-one and black. Mama, that's us.

You shouldn't have talked that way to my friends.

- They're sensitive. - I didn't mean to hurt them.

Right down to their fingerprints.

-Ah.

I've got a great idea.

- What is it? - Let's go home.

- What's at home? - You, my pipe, my slippers.

.\

Darling, give me my pipe, my slippers

and you can have my pipe and slippers.

That's sweet. But we're staying here.

Buddy Hollis and his famous clarinet.

That reedman is really whacked up tonight.

You'd be sporting a whack-job, too

if he was carrying a torch like he's carrying

for little cookie over there.

What's wrong? Boat rocking too much for you?

Or is the reedman's condition a little too tough to take?

The sensational buddy Hollis.

Sounded more like a kid with a kazoo.

And his own tune, too.

It isn't bad enough getting on the jumping juice

disappearing for days at a clip

he doesn't even know where he is when he gets back.

If you ask me, the guy has blown his top.

What do you expect after the pushing around we gave him?

Maybe you'd like to patch things up with him.

Would kinda make it convenient for you

and those other dames you've been chasing

around with lately, wouldn't it?

0h, you've been peeking.

I must have blown my top

kicking buddy over for a road-company Casanova like you.

Well, there you are. Bandstand too crowded for you?

Maybe you'd like me to bring the boys out here.

Sorry, bossman.

You mind taking the girlfriend with you?

Brings sunshine into everyone's life, doesn't he?

Stay out in that sunshine long enough,

you get a third-degree burn.

I can't stand that oily kisser of yours

too long without another drink.

- Sit down. - What do you mean?

Boys, you'd better get on there. Hurry up. Come on.

Get him up. He's not hurt. He's drunk.

Go on, get him up, get him out of here.

- He's alright. - You didn't have to hit him.

No, I should have stood there and let him

crease my scalp with that clarinet.

Man, he's beat. He couldn't lift it that high.

- What did you expect me to do? - Just what you did.

- He's through. Get him out. - Oh, no. Wait a minute.

I don't want any part of him. Get him out.

Trying to turn this boat into a fishing barge?

Relax. Phil, the band is my business.

While it's working on this boat, it's my business.

Okay, if that's the way you want it

when I finish here tonight, we'll wash up for good.

I don't like fast shuffles, Tommy.

Well, here's a card right off the top of the deck

Mitch talbin's booked a tour of dance halls for me.

Why, I can make more money with him

in 30 weeks than I could with you in 30 years.

You see, your publicity man did a good job on me.

That awful smell around here must be your gratitude.

Remind me to look that word up.

I'll be in your office later for my dough.

I need that money, Phil.

The bookies are putting the squeeze on me.

If I'm going to be left holding the bag

I'm holding everything that's in it.

And remember, nothing foolish.

Heard you was going on tour.

I've got a lot of friends in Miami.

Want me to have them look you up?

Gee, ai, I intended to pay you before I left town.

No hurry. We'll be around till closing.

I'd pay you what I owe you right now.

- I just signed up with him. - There's Mitch talbin.

Hello, Tommy. You know Tommy Drake.

I feel as though I know him intimately.

Yeah, baby's quite a fan of yours.

Well, I... I finally had it out with brant.

- Everything okay? - Yeah, yeah. It's all set.

Well, I... I gotta have some money.

Sure. Anything you want.

$12,000? That's a lot of money.

My luck's been a little sour lately, Mitch, but...

I... I... I'm good for it.

I'll sign my tour money over to you.

Yeah, I know, but trains get wrecked,

planes crash, you might drop dead.

- Well, I gotta think that over. - You'd better think fast.

Mitch, I gotta have it before closing.

Well, uh, I can think faster after I've had a drink.

- Come on, let's sit down. - But this is important, Mitch.

Baby, do you want to eat or do you want a drink

or do you want to dance?

I'm sure you wouldn't want to lose this.

0h! Thank you.

- Not at all. - Thank you very much.

You're very welcome.

Very welcome. Beautiful thing.

- Oh, Mr. Charles. Nora. - Hello.

We've been looking all over for you.

- You know Mr. Thayar of course. - Yes.

Well, we saved a place for you at our table.

It's down at the other end of the room.

We're table hopping. If you'll excuse us.

- Yes. - Good-bye.

Just the people who invited us.

You ought to remember the thayars.

He presented the museum with a million dollars

worth of antiques.

- He did? - Yes. They're very nice.

He seems especially nice for a guy carrying a gun.

- Agun? - Yes.

I felt it just now when we locked bumpers.

You know, if this rampage of respectability persists

we'll have to get you a bullet-proof girdle.

If you people think a gambler like brant

is going to turn the entire evening's proceeds

over to charity, you're being very naive.

- Well, he is. - Janet arranged it.

I don't know how she ever persuaded him to.

That doesn't take much imagination.

- Hello, Mr. Brant. - How are you?

- You know everybody. - How do you do?

We were just remarking about your generosity, Mr. Brant.

- Oh, I'm, I'm getting my cut. - I thought so.

May I have that dance now, Ms. Thayar?

Janet has just finished dancing.

- I'm sure she's tired. - I'd love to dance, Mr. Brant.

-Janefl - David, please.

Well, maybe, we'd better make this some other time.

Father, if you'll take the trouble of consulting

my birth certificate, you'll find I'm of full age

and perfectly capable of making my own decisions.

- Phil. - Darling.

I don't think the blue-blooded Mr. Thayar going to like

the idea of his daughter being married to a guy like me.

Tomorrow, there won't be anything he can do about it.

You're sure you want to go through with it? Maybe, no dice.

It's going to be a natural.

I'll go down to my office, get my things, and some money.

Meet me at the companion way in ten minutes.

Rain again.

Tell Mr. Charles his breakfast is ready.

Uh-huh. Cornflakes before comics.

- But, mom. - After breakfast, Nicky.

Well, morning, son.

Hi, dad. Gee, you look keen.

Well, beautiful day, thought I'd dressed for it.

You look like a page out of "esquire."

Oh, boy! Another murder.

- It's a trap. - What?

I knew Roy shouldn't have trusted that arsenic Annie.

She's a man dressed in a woman's clothes.

- Annie's a man? - Sure. It's a dead giveaway.

A dame would never pass a mirror like that

without looking to see if her slip was showing.

Well, that's what daddy always says.

I never say dame.

I always say doll. Dish.

Well, anyway, it was a very shrewd deduction.

I want to read about that murder.

Maybe we can figure it out. Asta. Asta!

Your father's no longer interested in murders.

- Goodbye, mom. - Goodbye?

Nicky, the piano is in the living room.

Uh, couldn't he practice later?

He's going over to the thayar's this afternoon

they might ask him to play and I want him

- get. - Oh.

Asta, you stay out of this.

Come on, asta. Come on.

Shh. Come on, asta.

.\

Now, you see why I'm worried?

He's been ducking his practicing all week.

I think you're going to have to have a good spanking.

- Spanking? - Spanking.

- Very well. - Oh, no, I'm his mother.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

.\

Come here, son.

I regret that I am going to have to take

I think this is the way they do it.

Now, now, now.

That was very clever of you, Nicky.

As a reward, you'll have no radio for the rest of the week.

Your mother is absolutely right.

Go to your room.

Did you know about this glove?

- Why, Nora. - Pardon me, Mrs. Charles.

A Mr. and Mrs. Brant are here to see you.

Janet thayar. She did it.

She told me they were going to elope. Come on.

- Congratulations. - Hello, Mr. Charles.

- What a surprise. - Mrs. Charles.

If you go out and come in again, we can throw some rice at you.

Yes, we'd throw some old shoes too, but we're wearing them.

Please forgive us. We just flew in from Atlantic city and...

Well, when we read the newspapers...

Oh, the secret's out, huh?

- This calls for a celebration. - A celebration?

Mr. Charles has been saving his last bottle

of scotch for just such an occasion.

.\

0h, uh, it's in my red pajamas, dear,

in the left leg.

0h, Bertha, let's have some ice and soda.

I hope you don't mind drinking this early.

I could use a drink though I suppose

I'll just be celebrating being elected public enemy number one.

Oh, by the thayars, you mean.

- Ah, you found it. - It was in the right leg.

Mr. Charles, I think you have this all wrong.

Have you read the morning paper?

No. I... I haven't quite gotten to it yet.

But, I do know that...

Oh, I know many people heard him threaten Drake

and that made it look bad, but he was just

trying to scare him a little.

This is why we've come to ask your help.

I'm sorry, I, uh...

I'd like to discuss this matter further,

but, uh, I'm afraid it'll have to be by telephone.

Darling, Mr. Brant is wanted by the police.

Our having him here without notifying them

makes us accessories after the fact.

And I don't think you'd find the prison gray very becoming.

I'm sorry we couldn't have the drink.

- Perhaps, some other time. - It's quite alright.

Nick: I don't want to appear inhospitable.

Here, take the bottle with you.

I imagine that shot was meant for me.

- Phil, no. - A fine way to kill a bottle.

- What goes on? What happened? - Nicky, go to your room.

That's the murderer whose picture was in the paper.

Hold on to him. I'll buzz the cops.

You buzz right back to your room.

Did you pick anyone up in the last few minutes?

I haven't pick anybody up in the last ten minutes.

Be right back.

Yes, an old friend of mine went completely to pieces.

Rehearsing for the fourth.

- Did you discover anything? - Yes.

Never entertain newlyweds until you've read

there's the Charles' apartment.

We got a flash that there's a maniac running amuck up there.

- What's that? Blood? - I wish it were.

Uh, Mr. Charles and I were just trying to launch

well, there is something wrong, ain't there?

I'm afraid our son's been listening

- oh, we get that all the time. - Just a minute.

You'd be the fair-haired boys of the force

if you could bring Phil brant in, wouldn't you?

- Phil brant? - A little surprise for you.

Here you are.

Holy hollering cats. Phil brant.

That's the sweetest double-cross I've ever been handed, Charles.

The less you have to say the better off you'll be, brant.

But he didn't shoot anybody. Somebody even shot at him.

You're a witness, Mrs. Charles.

Mr. Brant may be able to fool some people

but I've seen it pulled far too often even to be amused.

Well, Mr. Charles, somebody did shoot at him.

A quaint old maneuver to divert suspicion.

Or as they say in the movies, "they went that away."

You're right, Mr. Charles, it's an oldie.

- A very old oldie. - It's a lie and he knows it.

But he's the great Nick Charles, the mastermind.

We came over here asking your help

and you've helped us.

You helped Phil right into the electric chair.

Policeman: Save it for your lawyer, lady.

Thank you, Mr. Charles. Thanks a lot.

I could've sworn that shot was on the level.

Oh, it was on the level.

- What? Well, then why did you... - Darling.

With brant around loose, there'd be other shots.

One of them might hit the Mark.

- He'll be safer in jail. - Oh.

Then you don't think he killed Drake.

Oh, that I don't know.

I suppose jail is the best place temporarily.

But suppose he's innocent and can't prove it?

Then it wouldn't be so temporary.

Nicky, the police do make mistakes.

Yes, that is a cheerful thought.

Just what I've been thinking.

Of course, if you were on the case...

Both: There would be no mistake.

Mm. You know, it's positively sadistic

the way you drive me to work.

- Well, alright, Mrs. Legree. - My Nicky.

We'll, uh, work without the police.

Policeman: Nothing new, folks, nothing new. Get going.

- Hey, mack. How about it? - Sorry.

We only got your photograph this afternoon

with the rest of the news fellas.

Ain't nobody gettin' on or off that boat

without a pass from the inspector.

Well, have you boys decided what kind of gun

ballistics is a little bit puzzled,

but they'll figure it out.

- Hey, you, got a pass? - A pass? I

since when does a peaceful citizen need a pass

to stroll along the waterfront?

There'll be a letter in the "morning times" about this.

Got to get him a couple of sandwiches.

Kind of gave me an appetite, too.

Cold out there tonight, huh?

Naturally, whenever there's a job

involving some slight inconvenience,

such as risking pneumonia

oh, and a couple of hams on white to go out.

.\

Uh, a couple of hams on white to go out, please.

Uh, no piccalilli.

Thirty cents.

Sandy, I wish your chowder was as thick as the fog.

Man 1: Hey, you.

- Get out of the boat. - Who are you?

Get out of my boat. That's who I am.

Look, how'd you like to make yourself a quick $5?

I just want you to row me out to that gambling ship.

- $25. - Get into the boat.

For $25, I'll give you the boat.

I can't see my eyes before me.

Can't you see the rings in my ears?

Oh, it's you, Callahan.

Did that come out of you, cahahan?

You'll be answering questions instead of asking them

if you can't explain what the anchor's

doing up out of the water.

I'll see about it right away.

Lay off there a ways till I call you.

Hey, Callahan, that ain't an anchor out of the water.

It's a dinghy. Now, how did that dinghy get there?

Well, not very neat of the inspector, was it?

Well, what's the excitement, boy, huh?

It's just a razorblade.

Oh, no.

.\

- Who's that? - Callahan: It's me, bright eyes.

Who were you expecting? Admiral halsey?

- What are you doing down there? - Walking up.

You know any other way of getting on this ship?

Here are your sandwiches.

.\

- Well, you brought it. - How? By mental telepathy?

You put it on the box when you told me

to go down and look at the anchor.

- What anchor? - What, the anchor that...

Look, cahahan, you're past the retiring age.

Now, why don't you put in for your pension?

If you're insinuating that I gave you that sandwich...

Captain kidd with the rings in his ears?

Callahan, if you didn't bring me this sandwich

What is it, fella? Smell something interesting?

"It's a reminder that I love you. Fran."

"Unfaithfully, Joan."

"To Tommy, you dog,

but I can't help it. Alice."

.\

"Under the stars, introduced by Tommy Drake and orchestra."

"Piccolo's part." Hm.

"Received of Tommy Drake the sum

of $12,000 in full payment of all debts."

"Ai amboy."

Well, the fine itchy-fingered hand of Mr. Amboy.

I'll take that piece of music.

If you're afraid of my bursting into song

it'd be a little difficult with the piccolo part.

I said, I'd take that piece of music.

Go little easy with that knife, brother.

Just one word from me and that dog of mine

will tear you to pieces.

Give me it before I let air in your kidneys.

I'm afraid these old kidneys wouldn't take

there you are. Get it, asta.

Come here, drop it. Drop it.

Hold! Callahan! Get a hold of him.

- Callahan, there he is. - Alright, you!

I'll report it to shore.

Do you always feel so light-hearted about murder?

With Drake, that bullet was an improvement.

- Solid. - Who are you?

We got a pass from the inspector.

We had to get our instruments.

Let's go, fellows. We're packing.

You know, the constitution says a gate's got a right

well, we ain't so lively without our tools.

Do you know anyone besides brant

who might have been interested in knocking Drake off?

Try the phone book. You may find a couple names on every page.

- Solid. - Ha-ha!

Wait a minute. He was shot, remember?

What were you doing in brant's office last night?

Yeah, you dropped one of those blades.

Every man who uses a Reed, uses a blade.

I ain't the only reedman in the band.

Hey, that whacked-up buddy Hollis

was in brant's office last night.

He was just trying to get his job back.

- Did brant fire him? - Drake fired him.

They had a battle over a dame.

He ain't gonna knock nobody off over a dame.

Where can I find this whacked-up character?

Oh, he's been bouncing around from place to place lately.

You'll probably dig him in one of the jam joints.

Dig him in one of thejam joints.

Where the boys go after closing and really ride.

A rooty-toots and bobbysoxer's verboten.

Well, I, uh, I don't wear Bobby socks,

but would you say I was a “rooty-toot?"

But, I guess I can ace you in.

Nick: Well, considering the resemblance between

this blade and the one in brant's office...

I think you'd better.

- Shall we go? - Go?

- Oh.

Oh, the dust don't start rising

he means those jams don't get started

come on, get going, you fellas.

You can't stay here all night.

Okay, cossack.

- Yeah, sure. - Deuce-a-bells.

Asta, where did you put that piccolo part?

Where did you put it? No, no, no, where is it?

Hey, you planning to spend the night?

No, I... I was just looking for my instrument.

Is it one of them big bass tuba things?

Yes. Yeah, that's it.

Hm. Oh, yes, thanks.

If that was any bigger, it'd bite you.

.\

Come in. Well, you're early.

I was getting on kind of a nervous kick,

just sitting around there waiting.

- Darling, this is mister, uh... - Clarence krause.

Affectionately known at local 802

how do you do, Mr. Clinker?

Well, the first spot we hit is Mitch talbin, big-band booker.

Boy, they really flick the whiskers at his bakes.

I, uh, brought along the old licorice stick.

Of course, if the reedman's already riding, I'm nowheres.

Uh, Mrs. Charles always wears her mouth

no, no, no, no, no. Look.

Is strictly off the cob.

Takes his Beethoven and his brahms straight.

You know what I mean?

.\

- We don't want to intrude. - Get in.

- Well, I'll be seeing you. - Get in.

I've been waiting for you to come home, Nick.

I thought you were still noseying around out on the boat.

No, I didn't care so much for the passenger list.

Look, Nick, I've been with the cops all day.

They think maybe I had something to do with Drake's killing

because the guy owed me some dough.

That's silly.

If a guy owes you money and you kill him,

he can't pay you.

Very smart.

I tried to tell them Drake paid off.

That I even signed a receipt that was written

but they couldn't find that receipt.

I sent the shiv over to see why.

I know you've got that receipt, Nick.

I want the cops to get it.

I want you to tell them where you found it.

You should have done that right away.

Yes, I, uh, I intended to.

- Is that the spot? - Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

- Man after my own heart. - After my heart, you mean.

And probably get it too, if I don't dig up that receipt.

- Dig it up? - Yes.

Well, I thought you said...

Well, it got us out of the cab, didn't it?

They might not have believed that I didn't have it.

- Oh, Nicky. - Ah, don't worry, darling.

We're on no spot that a solution of the crime won't get us off.

Penthouse, you know.

These talbin jams are the tops.

But, it's like I told you,

strictly for gates and gut-busters.

Hey, I'll tell you what.

- You're a slush pump man. - Come again?

And you? You're a canary.

- Strictly from Memphis. - “Canary?"

Well, I could say you pluck a hot harp.

Mr. Charles doesn't find that receipt,

- Mitch-boy! - Clinker.

- I see you brought the pipe. - Ah, ready to light.

Oh, I want you to meet a couple of friends of mine.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

Second hottest.

Do you play an instrument, too?

No, I'm a mud hen, a bird, a canary.

- A canary? - Strictly from Tennessee.

Oh, talbin had Drake and the band booked for a big tour.

Yeah, poor Tommy didn't leave enough money

even asked me to square a $12,000 marker

well, I hope you kissed your

oh, no, that money never left the station.

I always figured him for a bad risk.

- New talent, darling? - Oh, this is baby.

How do you do?

Remember, when you dropped your necklace?

Oh, yes.

Oh, why aren't you wearing the necklace, baby?

You're wearing the earrings.

It's at the jeweler's, darling, having the clasp fixed.

Well, let's get going. They're starting to roll.

Oh, yeah. Come on in.

- Nemo! - Clinkersville.

Put it in the deck. Shuffle it up and shuffle it up.

- Friendship. - And bop me.

Come on. Live a little, Ziggy.

Live a little, man.

My body needs lifting. Lay it on me, man.

Lay it on me.

I love it. Love it.

.\

Okay, you can save it.

Tommy Drake won't stay dead on me.

From out of nowhere, his broken-down

theme song comes back to haunt me.

- Sounds rather catchy. - Oh, tune in, man.

I'm talking about that broken down "under the stars" jazz.

- “Under the stars?" - Yeah.

And the piccolo part, yet.

Piccolo part, what about it? You got it?

Relax, man. Relax, it's been cremated.

Ooh, dig that music.

Should have sent you a little sooner.

I'm sorry, I don't feel it yet.

That ain't it yet. I don't feel it.

Yeah. Now I'm getting it. That's more like it.

Come on, you foul thing, you start mixing, let's flip it now.

Get it, get it.

Clinker, is he here?

- Who? - The Reed.

Oh, no, he ain't here yet. But it's still early.

Hey, come on, get with it.

They'll think you're a couple of squares.

That don't sound like the old Hollis juice.

J' you're not so easy I

j' to forget I

that's Fran. Fran page.

Unless I got my photographs mixed,

she had a little fire left over for Mr. Drake, too.

And then he gave her the Fuller.

- The brush. The brush. - Oh.

J' my heart if

well, invite her over to the bar and have a drink.

Okay, order me a double bourbon

and better make it the same for Fran.

Oh, she can always give it to me.

- Clinker. - Well, hi-Dee-Dee!

Long time no.

Hey, we really rode it high at that shuffle

of yours the other night, didn't we?

- Yeah, it was a wonderful jam. - Join us for a drink.

I'm afraid I'll have to take a rain check.

I'm with the Nick Charles department tonight.

- Nick Charles, the detective? - Yeah.

I don't care for anything.

I thought you told us he was a pump man.

Oh, well, I didn't want you to think I was loading up

yourjams with a bunch of squares.

They were the squarest couple of hipsters I've ever seen.

What are they doing in a trap like this?

They're looking for the Reed. He's disappeared.

- Really? - Yeah.

Why, darling, I thought that's what

you came here to see Fran about.

Hm? Oh, no. No, no.

I came to see her about a job

I can get her in Havana.

Hey, Fran.

Ah, I just caught you. Still the same old Fran.

Still plugging the Reed's tune, too.

That's the least I can do for him, isn't it?

I've been looking all over for him.

What do you want, lessons?

Oh, no. Why don't you stay off it, Fran?

You know I've always been in his corner.

Sorry. I got the jumps.

Hey, you need some laughs.

Come on out and meet a couple of friends of mine.

No, I don't feel like meeting anyone.

Uh, may we come in?

Oh, Fran, this is Mr. and Mrs. Nick Charles.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

Well, you're, uh, you're very jivey.

Mr. Charles is a bit of a schmo.

You might be able to help us

somebody's been giving you a bum steer.

I don't know anything about Hollis.

Why don't you ask me if I killed Tommy Drake?

You probably had good reason to.

Look, your three minutes are up and this line is busy.

So hang up the phone and get out.

- Get them out of here. - Just going.

Oh, get lost, you offbeat, rinky-dink.

I don't believe there is any such person

reported him seen in Chicago,

Denver, palm beach and Hollywood.

But all at the same time.

Oh, darling, how could he be

in all those places at the same time?

Of Mr. Amboy's.

Asta, get in your own bed.

Now you stay there, asta.

Oh, this wonderful, wonderful bed.

I'm going to sleep for 20 years.

When you get up, don't wake me.

Nicky! What are you doing up, darling?

I heard your voices.

I hardly ever get to see you.

Who's going to ride me to school in the morning?

- Your mother. - Your father.

We'll both ride you to school.

Now, you kiss this fiend good night,

come on. Up you go.

- Ah! Alley... - Oop!

Go on, you too, you night owl.

Here we go.

The piggyback express to sleepy town.

How about a story, dad?

No story for you tonight.

You've got to get some sleep.

But your stories always put me to sleep.

Hmm. Well, alright, but just a short one.

Now let's see, uh... oh, yes.

Once upon a time, there was an outlaw

now, one... well...

- What's this? - That's protection.

Protection.

I don't think you'd get much protection

from an old blunderbuss like that.

That's just an antique.

.\

Son, you know, I think that story

is a little too scary

for this time of night.

Well, I don't, it frightens me.

Look, I'll tell it to you the very first thing in the morning.

- How's that? Goodnight, fella. - Nick Jr.: Goodnight, pop.

Sleep tight. Goodnight, asta.

Nick!

- What are you doing? - Nick: I'm getting dressed.

I might as well get up, too.

Nick: No, you're tired. You stay in bed.

Oh, I feel fine.

All I needed was a good night's sleep.

Open the curtains and let some daylight in.

- What time is it? - Nick: 4 o'clock.

In the morning? Nick: Yep.

- Same morning? - Nick: Same morning.

Oh... what are you getting dressed for?

Uh, I'm going to run over and visit the thayars.

At 4 o' clock in the morning?

Oh, that's the best possible time to ask questions.

People aren't such artful Dodgers

at 4 o'clock in the morning.

No, you're going right back to bed.

We're in this together. I'm going with you.

If I can ever get into my shoes again.

Yes, what is it?

Mr. and Mrs. Charles to see Ms. Thayar.

Oh, I'm sorry, sir. Ms. Thayar's asleep.

It's very important. You'd better wake her.

Well, I'm afraid I can't.

Janet: John! John, what is it?

Ms. Thayar, this is rather an unusual time

to come visiting, but I've got to talk to you.

You've done enough talking already, Mr. Charles.

Janet, I tried to get in touch with you.

Mr. Charles had to do what he did.

- It was for brant's own good. - Oh, that's a neat switch.

- So now you're his benefactor. - And yours, too.

Unless you'd enjoy being a widow.

- Won't you sit down? - Well, thank you.

- Uh, Ms. Thayar, I... well... - Would you like a drink?

Well, this is my Brandy hour.

Mrs. Charles, would you like a drink?

I could stand some Sherry.

Uh, Ms. Thayar, the weapon that killed Tommy Drake

seems to have the ballistics experts rather neatly stumped.

That leads to one of two possible conclusions...

Or it was a pre-ballistics antique.

Probably very early 18th century.

Nick: Perhaps the property of some collector.

- Oh! - Dear me, I'm terribly sorry.

- Here, use this. - Quite alright.

Thank you.

Well, that's very interesting, Mr. Charles,

but not interesting enough to come

breaking down doors at this hour of the morning.

My husband is neither a gunsmith

nor an antique collector.

No, but, uh, wasn't the city museum

given a million-dollar art collection

by your father?

Oh, yes.

Yes, father gave the museum, his, uh...

Elizabethan and chippendale pieces.

His, umm...

And, oh, yes, his flemish paintings,

his Reynolds, and his Rembrandt.

Hmm, well, that was very generous of him.

Uh, your father was a collector

of many things, wasn't he?

Coral, coins, Jade, and, uh, ideally

quite an assortment of 18th-century firearms.

All the weapons my father had,

pistols or guns, went to the museum.

Just a minute, Mr. Charles.

Nick: Your father seems to have overlooked a few.

Nick: Am I to understand that the gun that

hung here was given to the museum?

I didn't give that gun to the museum.

It was my favorite.

Originally owned by an 18th-century nobleman.

He used it only once, to destroy a brigand

who had certain aspirations

toward the gentleman's daughter.

Mr. Thayar, you had that gun with you

the night Drake was murdered.

Were you perhaps intending to use it

on a brigand who had certain aspirations

but he wasn't the man who was killed.

But he and Drake were just about

the same height and build.

And in the darkness of a below-decks office,

there could have been a mistake.

True, but before Mr. Drake was killed

I was relieved of that gun

by my son-in-law.

That's a fine wedding present for you.

Throwing the whole mess right into Phil's lap.

Here, son, I want you to feel secure

for the rest of your life.

You won't have anything to worry about

until they throw the switch.

You're lying and you know it.

And you...

Yes, of course. Just a minute.

I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.

Well, do you wish to arrest me?

Mr. Thayar, I am not a policeman.

Well, if the police want my testimony,

I'm sure that'll make the police very happy.

Now if you don't mind,

I'd like to go back to bed.

Oh, uh...

Darling, Mr. Thayar would like to go to bed.

It's nice to know people still go to bed.

Mr. Charles and I used to go to bed once.

Apartment f, first bedroom to the right.

Nick: Uh-oh, driver, hold it.

I should have worn a sleeping bag.

"1-2-5 prospect terrace.

Apartment 3a." Look at that.

.\

And I'm not tucking you in bed.

I'm tying you in.

Okay, if you'll just put your blurry

blue eyes a little closer, you'll see it.

It's the impression left by the pressure of a pencil.

Oh, yes.

"125 prospect terrace.“

a phone call at 4:30 in the morning

I have a hunch our headstrong heroine

will be along soon.

- Follow that car? - Hmm, movie fan.

Thatjail doesn't look like 125 prospect terrace.

She's probably going to tip brant off

to her father's story.

Your father started threatening me

and I took the gun away from him.

I put it on a cabinet in my office.

You don't believe me, do you?

- Honey, of course I do. - You'll have to step on it.

I told you, this is against the rules.

Just a moment, please.

Honey, what'll I do about this call?

But I guess it's worth a chance.

Alright, driver. Keep right on her.

Nick: Keep going. Keep going, you're losing her.

Now, look, mister, the city shelled out over

10 million bucks to install that traffic system.

I don't think they'd have given the job

to a guy that spells "go," capital s-t-o-p.

He's right, Nick, it's spelled with a small s.

- That sounds like it. Come on. - No more jam sessions for me.

J' you're not so easy to forget j'j'

.\

Turn it off, dear, will you?

For only about three minutes.

Nick, you don't think that Janet...

Oh... how did this happen?

I thought perhaps you could tell us.

She phoned me less than a half-hour ago.

Offered to sell me some information

Nick: About an antique gun, for instance?

It's true, Phil got that gun from father.

He put it on a cabinet in his office

and never saw it again.

We followed you until you left the jail

and then we lost you, what delayed you?

The money. She wanted $2500.

I had to go to Phil's place to get it.

Ms. Page didn't strike me as a blackmailing type.

She... said she needed the money

for somebody out of town.

Had to have it in a hurry, she...

Seemed quite upset and nervous about it.

Hollis doesn't seem to be anywhere in town.

Yes, Ms. Page stopped here several times.

- Was she alone? - Now see here.

We don't go snooping on our guests.

Their comings and goings are strictly their

own business and that applies to your Ms. Page.

She just stayed in her room and kept to herself.

Except about 10 to 2 she'd go out

and get back about 10 after 3, that's all.

Well, outside of after dinner, when she did

the same thing, only then she'd leave

about 10 of 8 and get back about 10 after 9.

That's all I know about her because we

don't go snooping on our guests.

Hm. I don't suppose you'd remember

whether she ever had any visitors?

Ain't a question of not remembering.

Just a question of not snooping on our guests.

Ain't no concern of ours if some ai amboy

and a couple of his friends come visiting her.

They were nice, polite young gentlemen.

Just went out with Ms. Page about same time.

She never called a cab and there was

never any outside.

Liked to take walks for her health.

And if you've come to fish for information,

you've come to the wrong place

because we never go snooping on our guests.

- Woman: Mr. Purdy, telephone. - Uh, oh, yes.

10 to 2,10 after 3. 10 to 8,10 after 9.

Sounds like visiting hours.

Those are visiting hours.

Hey, he latched on to something, teacher.

Are there any, uh, public institutions,

a jail, a prison, or a hospital

within 10 minutes walk of here?

Fast walking or slow walking?

But you're sure there's no Hollis there?

Nora: Unless you want to try the city pound,

the dump, or the waterworks

that just about takes care of

all the public institutions in poughkeepsie.

Hey, maybe he's in some private institution.

Clinker, you're magnificent.

We just have to walk ten minutes in various

directions till we find the right institution.

What, you've got the nose of a bloodhound.

Don't let him worry you.

The rest of your face looks fine.

Ten minutes right on the nose of the bloodhound.

And we're running out of directions.

- “Valley rest home?" - Well, let's have a look.

I'm afraid Mr. Hollis' condition

will not permit visitors.

Exactly what is his condition?

Exactly how does that concern you?

We have the right to see him.

Unless you produce him, I'll produce the police.

- Bring in nine. - Yes, sir.

Mr. Hollis has not had very many visitors.

His mind has been completely shattered by alcohol.

He just sits in his room and plays the same

melody over and over without variation.

I must ask you to be very careful with him.

He seems to be suffering from a deep-rooted guilt fixation.

Visitors have a somewhat disturbing effect on him.

Dr. Monolaw: Sometimes, an alarming effect.

Buddy, there are some friends here to see you.

- They want to talk to you. - Hiya, kingpin.

I, uh, see you got the old jute-flute.

I heard you breezing it just now.

Oh, come on, candy-boy.

Don't you recognize me?

Clinker: Remember how we used to belt it out

at those jam sessions?

Well, I just came up here to see how you feel.

Well, I thought maybe there was something you might want.

Nothing happens. The poor guy is nowhere.

Buddy, the boys at the boat have been asking about you.

- Boat? - They think you got...

A pretty rough deal from Tommy Drake.

Nurse, buddy, buddy. It's alright, buddy.

Visiting hours are over, buddy.

Isn't there any way to make him talk?

If there is, I don't know it.

Why do you think he kept staring at me that way?

Probably identified you with a Ms. Page.

She came to see him. She was very kind to him.

Do you think that perhaps if I were alone...

Much too risky. This has upset him.

I'm sorry, I will not permit it.

Well, we'll have to try something else.

Thank you, doctor. I'll be back.

You apparently have time to waste.

I'm sorry, I haven't.

I'm sorry, but I'll be back.

I think maybe he'd open up

if we kept coming around or something.

I think I'd rather figure out some "or something."

Uh, darling, I'm not very hungry.

I think I'll go back to the hotel and freshen up.

I have half of poughkeepsie on my face.

I like that corner particularly.

We'll join you as soon as we finish.

- Who gets the bone? - I do.

Dr. Monolaw: Well, we'll just send it to the laboratory.

Have we any report on the case that came in yesterday?

- Not yet. - I'm worried about that.

You're not afraid of me, are you?

We're doing an act together now.

We always feature your song.

Go on, play it.

It's my favorite tune, too.

I suddenly got a sneaking suspicion

that she wasn't going back to the hotel.

So I checked and found I was right.

She didn't, by any chance, come back here

to take a second crack at Hollis, did she?

I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Charles.

Buddy, I want you to tell me...

Fran always used to come in right on cue.

I'll, I'll breeze it again and... you try it.

Oh, go on, go on. Take it.

Uh, I... I can't. I... I have a sore throat.

I caught a cold last night.

I'll tell Fran I saw you.

I'll tell her you played the song for me.

- You don't sing with Fran. - Buddy, I'm trying to...

You never sang with Fran.

They sent you, they sent you to spy on me.

They told you to say that Fran sent you, didn't they?

Yeah, I killed Drake, now I have to kill you.

That's what I hid the gun for.

- No, nobody... don't shoot. - I have to kill you.

No, buddy, don't! No, no, don't, no!

- Darling. - I'm alright.

Take it easy, boy, take it easy.

How did he come to have a gun?

Don't you search the rooms of your patients?

This is a rest home, not a jail or an asylum.

And some hand grenades to play with.

Nick, that's the murder gun.

He confessed he killed Tommy Drake.

I think this may interest the police.

Let's go.

Nora: Yes, I'm calling New York.

We'll be home in a couple of hours.

I just want to hear my son's voice.

For a moment there, I didn't think

I'd ever hear it again.

Hollis certainly didn't look like a killer.

- Maybe he isn't. - Oh, Nick.

He admitted it, he even took a shot at me.

- Hmm, for a complete miss. - Meaning what?

Meaning that in his condition he couldn't

hit the ocean from a rowboat.

And Tommy Drake was shot right

through the middle of the heart.

Then why did he confess?

Well, cracked minds play funny tricks on you.

And, by the same token, you can play

funny tricks on cracked minds.

Now, I have a hunch that Fran page

knew exactly who the trickster was.

That's why she was murdered.

Hmm, I see.

All you have to do to prove your innocence

is confess your guilt.

Yes, yes, I'm calling New York.

Hello? Oh, hello, Mrs. Charles.

I... I just came up to talk to your husband.

Oh, no, no, I can't talk to him on the phone.

- I'll wait. - May I talk to her, please?

Bertha? Oh, yeah, she's here.

Hi, mom, when are you coming home?

I'm afraid we won't be able to have dinner with you again.

Yes, you can stay up until 9:30.

We'll come in and kiss you when we get home.

Tell Bertha we'll be home in a few hours.

Okay, I'll tell her as soon as she comes in. Bye.

As soon as she... Nicky?

Come on, mammy, we don't want to

nothing, Janet's waiting at the apartment.

She wants to talk to you.

Well, it's all set, the hound can ride

with us, in the baggage car.

Do you always have to ride in the baggage car

- Two spades. - Two no trump.

With a hand like this I should have

a finger bowl, I pass.

- Three no trump. - I pass.

Clinker: He needs glasses.

Or he has something in his eye.

What is it, boy? A cinder?

Here, let me see.

- Hold still. - Say, let me see that.

Why, that's the same...

Of course, I remember the lace perfectly.

- Where did you get this? - Eve's fifth Avenue, I think.

I mean, is it yours?

Nick, I only steal cocktail napkins.

No, it's Janet's.

When she spilled that drink last night,

yes, I had that bag.

This is exactly like the handkerchief

that was lying beside Fran page's body.

I thought it was odd that miss Janet

got there after we did.

And then burst in without knocking.

.\

Janet's home alone with Nicky.

- What do you mean, alone? - I thought I didn't hear right.

Nicky said Bertha was out. Nick, Janet got rid of her.

She said that Bertha was there.

Why would she lie to me unless...

Nick, you know how she hates us.

She blames us for everything.

This may be her way of...

.\

How long before we get to New York?

- Oh, an hour, at least. - Hour?

- Yeah. - Oh, now.

Nobody's gonna hurt a little kid.

No, that's right, mommy.

No one would hurt a little boy.

Only a few more minutes.

How could you leave him alone with a strange woman?

But I thought she was your friend.

She only wanted me to go down to the druggist

to get her some headache tablets.

I wouldn't have gone only

I couldn't refuse her, could I?

Why couldn't you refuse her?

Darling, how could she know?

- Oh, I'm sorry. - Clinker: Gee, Mr. Charles.

Not a sign of him, I've been all over the neighborhood.

The elevator boy remembered taking him down

and that thayar chick told him to tell

Bertha they'd be back in a little while.

Two hours is quite a little while.

Yeah, we'll get on it right away.

Yes, right away.

Made you some fresh coffee.

- Thank you, Bertha. - None for me.

Oh, you'd better have some, darling.

It'll calm your nerves.

Nicky, check with the police again.

Darling, I've checked five times.

They're tearing up the town.

If anything pops, they'll call us.

- Nick Jr.: Hey, mom, pop. - Nicky, darling.

- I've been pinched. - Where'd you find them, Kramer?

Nabbed them coming out of the capitol theatre.

Darling, would you take Nicky to his room, please?

Come, dear.

Ms. Thayar, I'm afraid I'm going to have to be blunt.

- Just exactly what's the idea? - I'll be glad to tell you.

If you'll just give me a chance to catch my breath.

- Well, thank you very much. - It's a pleasure.

- Well? - While Bertha was out.

They insisted upon waiting for you.

One of them kept playing with a knife.

Oh, yes?

The other kept eyeing little Nicky

and repeating how tough it would be on you

if anything ever happened to the youngster.

I got worried, so, I

took him into the bedroom and pretended

to put him to bed and I took him out

I'm very grateful to you for that.

But I can't understand it making such a fuss.

Well, perhaps this will explain.

That's what I came to see you about.

Yes, I did get to Fran's apartment before you.

She was dead when I got there.

I was going to remove the knife

and then I remembered about fingerprints

so I took out my handkerchief.

So I got up and ran

and I was afraid of being seen

and I started down the back staircase and...

Suddenly, I remembered the handkerchief.

I rushed back to get it and found you there.

I don't know why I didn't tell you about it.

Oh, that's the truth. Please believe me.

.\

- Why are your eyes open? - I'm counting sheep.

Hm. I'll bet they're black ones, like amboy and his pals.

Are you sure her murder was tied up with Drake's?

If she intended to pin the Drake murder on Hollis

why should anyone have wanted to kill her?

Totally unresponsible for his acts.

No, she was obviously going to pin it

and that someone else did away with her.

Then with Hollis in his present condition

this someone else probably feels pretty safe.

But suppose Hollis regained his senses?

All you'd have to do is perform

the impression that Hollis is cured

and ready to talk is all we'd need.

The killer would undoubtedly try to get him

before he had a chance to talk.

That might be our chance to get the killer.

Mammy, I think we're going to

reopen the 3.3. Fortune.

.\

Yeah. You and I, and the police department.

- Albert. My table. - Mr. Brant.

I didn't know you'd be here tonight.

The only table I have left is...

Darling, it's a wonderful crowd.

But, Nick, what worries me...

Table three, Mr. Brant. Is that alright?

- That's okay. - George, table 3 for Mr. Brant.

They promised they'd come, Phil, and if they do,

I want them at our table.

What's all this finger business about?

I'm having the most likely candidates

seated where I can watch them squirm.

I hope it goes as smoothly as you expect.

If anything should happen to poor Hollis.

I've taken every precaution.

Sergeant, your slip is showing.

Oh, thanks, Nick. There's the inspector.

- Everything alright, Nick? - Alright.

Now all we have to do is sit quiet

and keep our fingers crossed.

I have so many fingers crossed now,

I can't lift my drink.

Uh-oh, some shiny eyes in the jungle.

- Albert. - Mr. Talbin.

- Our reservations. - Of course, Mr. Talbin.

Just a moment, please.

- Table four, Mr. Talbin. - Thank you.

- George, table four. - George: Yes, Mr. Talbin.

Well, my old friend slush pump.

- How'd you do? - Mr. Talbin.

Do you attend all the openings?

.\

If Hollis has really come out of the fog

and is half as good as he used to be,

I think he's going to surprise you.

Stunning jewelry. Those earrings.

The earrings are higher up.

Oh, the charm boys.

Table for four. Ai amboy.

Yes, Mr. Amboy.

Table two, Mr. Amboy. Henry, table two.

This way, please.

- Good evening, Mrs. Amboy. - Good evening.

Amboy, how did you enjoy your trip to poughkeepsie?

I loaned Fran page the dough to send Hollis up there.

He's okay now, so I'm here to collect.

Someday I'm going to take lessons from

you on how to get blood out of a stone.

I just have my boys break it up into little pieces.

Remind me not to turn my back on that little group tonight.

Nick, that Mrs. Amboy, the necklace she's wearing.

But it matches Mrs. Talbin's earrings.

Let's have champagne tonight, ai.

I don't feel like dancing, Mitch,

how much would a trinket like that cost?

- Why, darling. - $12,000?

The value is unimportant. It's the thought.

The thought happens to be that $12,000 is just about

the amount that Drake owed Mr. Amboy.

Well, bossman, everything looks set.

The doc says the joint's having

a kind of a restorative effect on the Reed.

He's even got him convinced that he's never been away.

That all the murder biz was strictly a bad dream.

He'll look good up there, too.

Well, prettier the bait the better the catch.

That's an old saying I just made up.

- Oh. Look, bossman... - Uh-oh.

Fishes number five and six are beginning to nibble.

- Five. - I beg your pardon?

- Oh, good evening. - Good evening.

I was using my influence to try to get you a good table.

I didn't think you people could be

we couldn't very well offend Mr. Brant.

After all, he's a member of the family now.

Uh, we'll see you later.

Uh, Mr. Thayar, I ran across your gun

at the valley rest home in poughkeepsie.

The inspector insisted that I leave it with him.

He, uh, he had some strange notion that

since brant is a member of your family now

he's trying to shield you.

The inspector is famous for his little jokes.

Hey, bossman, I, uh, I hate to bring this up, but...

I don't know about sitting next to the Reed.

Suppose somebody takes a shot at him and misses.

Would you rather he were hit?

Oh, no, no, no, but if you miss one thing,

well, you're bound to hit another.

And I thought, instead of being up

I could, kind of, play, uh... off-stage?

Why don't you bring your instrument to the table?

Unless our murderer makes a cushion shot.

Oh, that's what I like. Sympathy.

Nick, if you saw something you knew

wasn't there, what would you do?

I'd go back to poughkeepsie with Dr. Monolaw.

And you saw a blank space

where you knew something should be?

I see that all the time. What is it?

Mrs. Amboy's necklace. She isn't wearing it anymore.

Sorry, but that's the way it's got to be.

No, she isn't.

And Mrs. Talbin is wearing it.

Hmm, it matches her earrings perfectly.

What do you get out of it?

A sudden urge to merge with the talbins.

Mitchell: I am sending Johnson down to rio

to close the deal, I think, he'll be a sensation.

They've never seen anything like him in this country.

This is not really my racket, I have to give her

one whirl around the party to keep the franchise.

Yes, I know what you mean.

Oh, I wanted to ask you to stay and have a

drink with us, but those tables for two

are hardly big enough to hold one.

Have a drink with us when you finish dancing.

Waiter.

- Nora: It's a wonderful opening. - Yes, isn't it?

Well, think Hollis will ever be

able to take Drake's place?

Yes, I know how you folks feel about him.

After all, it was really you who

cleared up his debt, wasn't it?

I, uh, told you I didn't let him have the money.

Nick: What difference? $12,000

or a necklace probably worth more.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Didn't you just redeem the necklace?

Well, Mrs. Talbin's been wearing that

in that case, somebody had better tell

Mrs. Amboy she's lost hers.

In the powder room.

- What? - I gave it to amboy that night.

I didn't want anything to happen to Tommy Drake.

And I, nearly threw a $100,000 tour

in that guy's lap.

Uh, that tour would have meant

a lot of money to you, too, wouldn't it?

But you wouldn't advance him the $12,000?

Even though you knew amboy was

preparing a cement kimono for him?

I told you he was a bad risk.

.\

Will soon make it all very clear.

Male announcer: Now, ladies and gentlemen, buddy Hollis

buddy's gonna make an announcement that's

going to throw a little bombshell

into the Tommy Drake murder case.

If the party gets rough, duck.

I'm practically under the table now...

But not the way I'd like to be.

Well, buddy, I guess this is it.

Time for that little bombshell.

Buddy, tell everyone how Tommy Drake was murdered.

Tell them how the murderer took advantage

of your condition and planted a gun on you

and then worked on you, until he had

you convinced that you'd killed Drake.

And how, with murder on your conscience,

you went completely to pieces.

Tell them why Fran page was murdered.

How she came to visit you several times

and gradually pieced things together

tell them about the someone who went to her apartment.

To try to keep her quiet and couldn't.

And how he turned on her phonograph, loud.

So that her screams couldn't be heard

as he plunged his knife into her.

You told me who he is. You told the police.

Now tell all these people who he is.

Tell them, tell them.

Come on, buddy. Tell them.

Never mind, buddy. I'll tell them.

It's true about Fran. I killed her. I had to.

And I killed Tommy Drake. I didn't intend to.

I wanted to keep him away from Phyllis.

I went to reason with him and when I saw

that gun on the cabinet, I... I...

I don't think you do.

Everything would have been alright

if you hadn't meddled into it.

Well, this is the last time you're going to meddle...

Phyllis: Keep away, all of you.

You knew about Tommy and me all along.

Weren't you clever?

That's why you wouldn't lend him the money that night.

You wanted amboy to kill him.

But I crossed you up by paying

amboy off with my necklace.

I... I couldn't let him take you away from me.

First, I thought Phil brant did it.

That's why I took a shot at him at

but you did it, you did it!

Who shot Tommy Drake.

Well, I guess you did.

And to think you did it all

with your own little hatchet.

- Hm. - I'm proud of you, darling.

Thank you, angel.

Now, Nick Charles, is going to retire.

You through with crime?

- No, I'm going to bed. - That reminds me.