Original subtitles

Easter Bell in the 3rd, hasn't won in two years.

That ought to be due.

Sports desk.

Dugan, what have you got lose out there?

Sherlock Jones and do me a favor,

put him on something and take him out of my hair.

Even he can cover this. Send him in.

Right.

Old man wants to see you.

Oh, all right.

What's this I hear about you not liking to cover sports?

Oh, it's not that. I just think

I'd make a good crime reporter.

Well, here's something a little different.

Make a story out of it.

- What kind? - Human interest.

Pick the prettiest girl in the line.

Why did she leave home? How is she gonna get back?

A man!

Maybe there is no man.

Invent one. A plumber, a carpenter!

Maybe there's a criminal angle back of this ad.

Something like that.

Then I'd send a reporter.

This is something even a sports writer can do.

Beat it.

That guy is just dumb enough and stubborn enough

to make a swell newshawk someday.

Say, look, I, uh-

You seem to be doing the looking.

But whatever it is, no.

Now, don't get me wrong.

I don't want to get you at all.

Try further down the line.

I'm not being fresh.

Then what are you, a strike picket?

No, a newspaperman.

I should have guessed that.

You don't look intelligent.

Oh, why be that way?

Listen, all I want is a story about you for the paper.

Why me?

Well, in spite of your disposition,

you look interesting.

What kind of a story?

For instance why are you in this line?

Simple. I need a job.

What brought you to Hollywood?

Also simple. A train.

Now be serious, will you?

I am about going to work.

If I get this, I'll give you a story.

But goodbye now.

Well, how about lunch?

And lose my spot here?

Not Casey.

You won't get the job anyhow. Come on.

Didn't you hear me say goodbye?

Oh, lady, how would you like to make two bucks?

Huh?

I'm glad you said lady. How?

What I mean is hold her place in line for about an hour

while we have lunch. One now, and one when we come back.

Okay. It's a deal.

See? It's all fixed.

Your place in line is safe

and the drugstore is just around the corner.

All right, but you're being gypped. I'm hungry.

The family said no, friends said the same.

Fiance threatened to marry the banker's daughter,

but I came out anyhow.

What for? To get in pictures?

- Sure - Just another one out of--

I know, there's thousands of them ahead of me.

They're waiting on tables, selling cosmetics,

and some of them are in that line out there.

Can't you go home?

Sure, but I won't.

Why?

How would you like to be a hardware merchant's wife

in Cedar Rapids?

I'm afraid I couldn't take that without aspirin.

How would you like to be pointed out

as the greatest girl athlete of the Corn Belt?

I couldn't go that even with aspirin.

Take a look at this.

I wanna be a woman, not a female Dizzy Dean.

"Led by the mighty Casey who scored 27 points,

Cedar Rapids girls team decisively beat Des Moines

for the state championship."

Why don't you cash in on this stuff out here?

Well, I already told you.

I want to be a girl and wear silk stockings

and high-heeled shoes without spikes.

I have to work but at least

it can be of something feminine.

Well, I don't blame you.

Thanks for a swell story.

Thanks for the lunch.

Say, that hour's up.

- We haven't had dessert yet. - We'll skip it.

Oh, waitress, a check and two ice cream cones.

Right away.

- Hiya, Peanuts. - Hiya, Jimmy?

When are you going to put my picture in the paper?

The first time you knock a home run.

Miss Casey, Peanuts.

Murphy's the last name, Casey. Glad to meet you.

Hello.

Say I didn't know Notre Dame had a girls' team.

Don't be silly. That stands for New Deal.

Foy Harris the owner here

figures we can make his drugstore famous.

He's sponsoring your team?

We'd have a real club

- if we could find a hot pitcher. - I know two or three girls

- that haven't signed up yet. - Yeah, so do I

but they're not good-looking. And Harris here

wants a team of nine Miss Americas.

The pitcher's got to throw curves and have them, too.

I'm still trying to figure out how I made the grade.

Well, glad to have met you, Casey.

Don't forget to put my picture in the paper.

Mine, too. So long, Casey.

As soon as you knock home runs.

We still got dessert.

Sorry girls, but the position's been filled.

- Oh. - I told you,

you were wasting your time.

I wonder what happened to my stand-in.

- Oh, here she is. - Never mind the other dollar.

- I got the job. - Oh, I want a story.

What's your name and where do you live?

Jane Harmon.

1220 Fountain Avenue,

Granite 3621.

- Goodbye. - Thanks.

Friend of yours?

No, but don't you see the angle?

Pinch hitter gets job.

Hundreds turned away.

I just see one angle.

She got my job thanks to you.

Oh, I'm sorry Casey.

Look, here's my card.

Call me at the office and I'll see

what I can find down there.

When I call you, you'll be stepping on your beard.

Well, I've got to beat it now.

- I'm sorry you missed out. - I can see that.

Better change your mind and call me at the post,

Jimmy Jones.

Oh, Mr. Jones.

Put that in your story, too.

Did you want to see me, Mr. Brophy?

Yes, and I want to talk to you.

I want to ask you one simple question.

Did you write that?

Sure. What's wrong with it?

Foy Harris is getting up a team of nine Miss Americas.

Did you have to add that he was a former gambling baron

- of the Middle West? - Well, facts are facts.

He's the only big shot racketeer I ever heard of.

He wasn't sharp before he could learn to play golf.

He now owns one of the best drugstores in this town.

That's a legitimate business.

Well, how do you know he's legitimate?

I don't and I don't care.

That's a police worry.

But he buys advertising space in this paper

and he won't if we knock him. That's my worry.

Oh, I see. If they advertise, don't write about them,

- is that it? - No. If you can prove

that he's in a crooked racket now, that's today's news.

Your stuff about him is two years old.

Maybe I can.

He's got Danny Mashio to manage his team.

Who's he? Public enemy number seven?

No. A big league ballplayer

who saw more dough in rackets than in baseball.

I'll see what I can dig up for you.

You better take that flat-headed

photographer of yours. Go out to Sunset Fields

and square this thing with Harris.

Now stop playing G-man and get out of here.

- How do they look to you, Foy? - Not a bad-looking bunch.

The funny part of it is that most of them can play ball.

That pitcher is a pretty good-looking prospect.

Dotty.

Give it here.

Nice going, kid.

You had plenty on that last one.

Hello, sugar. What do you think of them?

Better than the old bunch we had on the Blues.

They'll do a lot of winning

unless we have to play the Yankees.

Put another pitcher in and give that Casey kid a turn at bat.

I want Foy to see her hit.

Okay.

- How is she acting? - Same as usual.

You know what Sue knows could give us an awful headache.

It could but it won't.

You mean buy her off?

Did you ever hear of me buying anybody off?

You don't need any batting practice, Casey.

Throw 'em to the rest of us.

Patty!

Come on, Pete.

Hello, Jimmy, glad to see you.

How are you, Mashio? What's your team look like?

Help yourself to an eyeful.

I think they look great.

Don't know how they play

but Foy wanted them picked like a chorus.

Foy Harris, this is Jimmy Jones,

one of the ace reporters on the Post.

- Glad to know you, Jimmy. - How do you do, Mr. Harris.

Nice of you to cover this for us.

I remember your name in the headlines as a football player.

Seems to me the papers know how to spell your name, too.

Well, I've been trying to make them forget me.

I think you've arranged that now.

I'm giving a little feed over at the store

for the girls after practice. Glad to have you join us.

Thanks. In the meantime I'll look the team over

and see if I can pick up a story.

Well that girl catching over there is Sue Collins.

Used to be captain of my old team, the Blues.

She can give you the dope on the others.

Thanks. I'll see you later.

- Come on, Pete. - I'm coming. I'm coming.

I thought you said he was dumb.

Then why ask him to stick around?

A little soft soap washes out a lot of trouble.

Say, uh, I'm Jimmy Jones of the Post.

Harris said you'd give me a little dope on the team.

Well, first, who are your pitchers?

Well, um...

Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you signaled for the ball.

Oh, that's Ann Casey.

She's one of our pitchers.

Yeah, I felt that she must be.

I'll talk to her first.

Hello, Sharpshooter. Still growing strikes?

If the plate's big enough I get 'em over.

Pete, get a picture. Mark it,

"Ann Casey all-around girl athlete of Cedar Rapids,

now pitching for the New Deal Drug Company."

Hey, Casey!

Take it in action just as she throws.

Well how about just letting her hold it?

I saw her bean you.

Got it.

Now get some of the other kids.

Mind if I stand behind you and umpire?

Help yourself.

I can't think of a job you'd fit better.

Next time, don't start to cross the street

until the signal changes.

Doggone, I wish I knew the telephone number

of that truck that hit me.

Better call it.

That's all today, kids!

Change your clothes and meet at the store!

I'll wait and drive you over.

You cost me one job.

- This time I can help you. - How?

- Publicity. - Can't use it.

Oh, wait a minute, Casey. Be a good sport

and give me a chance to square myself, will you?

All right, I'll tell you how you can.

- How? - Stay away from me.

You're a jinx.

Bad news?

It might be.

Keep a rod in your pocket.

Friend of ours broke jail.

Oh, Jimmy, I busted my camera, twice.

Harris just tore up a telegram.

I want every piece he dropped, understand?

- Every piece. - Well, why?

Listen, I just got a bawling out from Brophy

that burned my ears, so I looked Harris up.

He didn't come to California just for the rainy season.

Now as soon as everybody leaves, you get busy.

Aw, Jimmy I'll miss that feed.

Sure you will but it won't hurt you.

You're getting too fat, anyhow.

I'd help you but I got business at the drugstore.

Well, how are you kids getting along?

Swell.

I'd like to talk to you for a few minutes.

Now naturally, I'd like a winning team.

The thing I want most is the best-looking bunch

in the league and I think you kids

qualify on that score.

Some people put their ads on the back cover of a magazine.

I'm putting mine on a baseball diamond.

Danny Mashio here is your manager.

Sue Collins is your captain.

I think they'll treat you right.

If they don't, come to me.

That's all and thanks.

What are you looking for, four-leaf clovers?

Uh, well, something was dropped.

Yeah, I can see that.

On their head.

Yeah.

Excuse us, Jimmy. Danny and I

wanna talk to Foy about the uniforms.

Sure.

Better rub something on your arm.

I will.

What do you think of this reporter?

He seems nice.

Get better acquainted. He has ideas.

No chance. Ann Casey is the one.

Casey, huh?

Yeah, they had some kind of a battle

and he's trying to square himself.

I see and you're figuring on making a pal out of her.

Sure. Any objections?

No, I think it's a swell idea.

She seems like a good kid

and she might help us keep a string on Jones.

You know, he bothers me. He's nosy.

He's all right.

You think he might cause trouble, Foy?

No, but my old partner might.

- He's in jail. - He was in jail.

I just got a wire.

Keep your eyes open.

I wanna take a look at some of this new liquor.

Okay.

- Goodbye. - It's, uh,

gonna be kind of hard to massage your own arm.

Now I'm a graduate masseur.

Yes, I imagine you do know all the holds.

Now Casey, I told you before, don't get me wrong.

And I've told you before, I don't wanna get you at all.

I'll call you up.

Dial N-O till you're exhausted.

Did you find them all?

Sure, but I'm still hungry.

Pete, I've got a hunch about this setup.

Yeah, the last hunch you had almost got us both fired.

I'll dare you to tell them apart.

I think we'll blow now. Thanks for the feed.

Thanks in advance for whatever story appears in your paper.

Take a look at our liquor department,

the most complete stock in the city.

Sure a lot of fun up there and plenty of headaches, too.

Come on in the office a minute. I wanna have a talk with you.

Pete, wait in the car. I'll be right out.

- Cigarette? - Thanks.

Jimmy, you're a smart boy.

I'm gonna lay it on the line.

The less you say about me in your paper,

the better I'll like it.

But I do want publicity for the ball club

because I know it'll bring dollars into the store.

So whatever you forget about me and print about the girls

will be appreciated and remembered.

Harris, I'm in the sports department.

You're looking for the advertising manager

of the paper. He sells space.

No hard feelings. I just didn't want you to think

I was cheap. I'm used to paying off.

I'll give your club all the breaks it deserves and more,

but there's no payoff.

It's a pleasure to meet a fellow who keeps his hands

in his own pockets. - Thanks.

I'll be running along.

You can go out that way.

Harris, this is one wrap you won't get out of.

Stand up and take it.

Well, he got away fast.

Thanks. That was a close one.

- Who was he? - Had this face covered.

I couldn't see.

Some old friend, maybe?

I don't think so.

I suppose this means a front-page story.

Yes, I guess it might be.

Jimmy I spent all the money I had trying to develop

a legitimate business.

A story like this would wash me up.

What do you want me to do?

Forget it ever happened, give me a break?

Well, I do think you ought to call the police

for your own protection.

I've been taking care of myself for a long time now.

Well I'll just keep this as a souvenir

and I won't break the story without talking to your first.

Thanks.

When you need a favor, name it.

I'll remember that.

Cisto. Danny.

Joe Radek had the right dope in that telegram.

- Phil Boulder is in town. - How do you know?

How do I know? He was just here.

That nosy reporter kept him from burning me down.

Here, Cisto. You better try and find him.

Okay, Foy.

Boulder's a jailbreaker. Police may pick him up.

And he'd figure the only way to get even would be to talk.

That would fix us great.

Yeah, for about 25 years apiece.

- Maybe we ought to blow? - Not a chance.

I've got this deal right where I want it.

I've cut prices until every liquor dealer in town

is yelling murder.

Well the stuff didn't cost as much.

No. And the stamps didn't cost us anything.

We made 'em.

We took a chance as long as a bridge.

Now the Sunray Company wants to buy us out

and take over the whole warehouse full of liquor.

They're ready to write out a check.

Nobody's gonna block this deal, not anybody.

Too bad Boulder made a break.

He doesn't worry me.

Do you think the cops are getting ideas?

Cops never did bother me.

It's that reporter you said was dumb.

- Well, I heard he was. - And I hope you're right,

because he took Phil's gun.

Said he wanted to keep it as a souvenir.

Maybe that's all he wants with it.

And maybe it isn't.

Lieutenant Flannagan?

Yeah, come in.

I'm Jimmy Jones of the Post.

- What's on your mind? - Lieutenant,

I've got clues on something I think is worth cracking.

Well, why'd you come to me?

Well, my boss once said you were the luckiest detective

in this town, also the dumbest.

But that I was even dumber.

So, between us maybe we're thickheaded enough

to put this over.

All right, son, shoot.

There are two sets of fingerprints on this gun,

mine, and the others belong to a man

who tried to commit a murder.

I saw it happen but didn't get a look at his face.

Who did he try to kill?

This stays under the hat?

- Sure. - Foy Harris.

I figured the case was bigger than the story

of an attempted shooting.

- Anything else? - Yes.

Harris got a wire that worried him.

He tore it up and threw it away.

I pieced it together but it's in code.

I haven't broken it down yet but when I do

I'll let you know what's in it.

Well, If this bird's prints are registered anywhere

in the United States, we'll peg him.

Then I'll let you know who he is.

Fine. Can I work along with you?

- You bet. - Thanks.

And have Milligan take your prints on the way out

so we can tell which ones are his.

And Jimmy, keep on being dumb.

I'm supposed to be stupid, but I'm still

the youngest lieutenant on this force.

I'll do that.

This is certainly one tough code.

It isn't the Bacon alphabet and it isn't the Null type.

I've tried every known system to solve it

and it just won't break down.

Well, maybe it ain't in English.

No, of course it's in English.

Not as good as Phil used to make for you.

No, but we're doing all right with them.

Foy, why don't you get out now?

You could cash in for a roll.

Why, that stuff's just plain dynamite.

It's counterfeit.

Don't start that again.

I want another year before I sell out.

Burn those bad ones.

I'll get it.

Hello. Branford Apartments.

Miss Collins? I call.

Sue, come here.

- What is it? - It's Phil Boulder.

I recognized his voice.

I'm not here. You talk to him.

- He's in jail. - Not now. Here, take it.

This is Miss Collins. Who's calling?

This is Phil Boulder, Sue. I got to see you tonight.

10:00 tonight, Glendale station.

All right, Phil.

The platform of the Glendale station.

10:00 tonight.

Don't let anybody know you're coming.

Not even Foy.

I don't wanna meet him.

You aren't going to. I am.

But, Foy, you shouldn't. He's...

Sore, I know.

He thinks he's been gypped.

I can straighten him out.

Anyway, I do owe him a little something.

- Don't take a chance, Foy. - I've got to.

But I don't want you here alone, though.

He might cross us and come to this place.

Who could you drop in on for the evening?

Casey. We've got tomorrow's game to talk about.

Do that.

All right, I'll change.

- Be careful. -Don't worry about me.

I'll meet you at the store about ll:00.

All right.

How are you, Casey?

Well, how did you find out where I live?

Oh, newspapermen know everything.

Some of them think they do.

Well, aren't you gonna invite me in?

No. My apartment wasn't designed to entertain company.

Then we'll go out. Like chop suey?

- Hate it. - All right. Spaghetti, then?

I have a game tomorrow.

That's what I came to talk about.

What about it?

I have here the Amazons' lineup.

I watched those girls play all last season.

I know what they can hit and what they can't hit.

I thought that information might be useful.

Well, all right.

Come on, get your hat on. I'll have you back in an hour.

I won't be a minute.

Hello, Sue.

Oh, I didn't know you were going out.

I just dropped by to talk over tomorrow's game.

That's just what we're going to do.

- Why don't you come along? - Oh, I don't wanna butt in.

Then you and I will stay here. Good night, Jimmy.

Did you hear that? Now will you go?

All right.

Baby Ruth, center field,

- batted 508 last year. - Wow.

- I've heard about her. - I don't doubt it.

She's the best girl batter I ever saw.

But she has one weakness, a knee-high curve.

Keep it there, she'll knock the cover off the ball.

That's swell of you, Jimmy.

It'll help a lot.

It looks terrible, but it probably tastes good.

Your fortune? Will read your palm

or you may draw a card for 25 cents.

- Yes, I'd like one. - We'll all take one.

- That's all right. - Thank you.

"You seldom let your real feeling show."

Maybe she likes me, then.

"Your talents are not appreciated."

That's exactly what I told my boss.

- Did he agree? - Sure.

He said, "What talents?" Read yours.

I don't like mine.

Well, let's have it anyhow.

You are in grave danger.

Perhaps you can avoid it.

- Nice going, Casey. - Thanks.

The kid's got a lot on the ball.

Any way you look at it.

Tore my mitt on the wire when I went after that high foul.

I'll get you a new one.

- Foy. - Yeah?

I couldn't find my gray tweed coat

and my blue slacks this morning.

You mislaid them.

No. They were there last night.

Maybe the woman who cleans up copped them.

She hadn't been in the place.

Foy, there's an article in the paper today.

The way it read I thought maybe--

Sometimes it's better if you just don't think.

Out.

You're up, Sue.

Go out there and get a safe one.

B-b-ball one.

Strike one.

You seem to have what it takes to play this game.

- I've played a lot of it. - I can see that.

Since you're going to be the drawing card with this team

I wanna make it worth your while.

There's a part-time cashier's job open at the store.

You work from 10:00 to 1:00 and 6:00 to 11:00.

You start tomorrow.

Naturally it means more dough.

Oh, thanks.

I'm also going to appoint you captain of the team

for publicity reasons.

But Sue's captain.

- I don't want to-- - Sue's quitting.

Her health's bad and she won't admit it.

I want her to go away on a trip,

so don't you worry about that.

- B-b-b-b-b-- - She swung at it like a gate,

- you dope. - B-b-b-b-batter out.

You're out.

Come on, next ba-b-batter.

Never mind, kid.

I didn't have my eye on the ball.

I was watching you and Foy.

He told me you were quitting. Said your health's bad.

I'm awfully sorry.

Did he say that?

Yes, and that you ought to take a trip.

Maybe I should.

B-b-b--uh, strike one!

Out!

Come on, Sue, Murder's row is up this inning.

Baby Ruth bats third.

You know, Danny, I think you were right about Sue.

- Yes? - Yeah.

She could give us an awful headache.

S-s-s-strike two.

Save.

Sue's fumble beat Casey out of her 10th strikeout.

Hey, Jimmy, don't you think you ought to at least

call up the office?

Oh, the ball one.

Here's your chance to break up the ball game, Baby.

Well, if she keeps throwing them to me knee-high,

I'll do it.

All right...

What's wrong, Sue?

Just rattled, I guess.

Well, forget it.

We'll take care of the next three.

All right, kid, bare down.

I'll hold anything you throw.

That's the stuff.

Two on base and Baby Ruth up.

There goes your ball game.

Don't worry about Baby Ruth.

I told them how to pitch to her.

She's a sucker for a knee-high curve.

One b-ball.

She can't be, I stopped her halfway to third base.

She's out.

Never mind, kid. We'll get those two back

when we come up.

Hmm, maybe you forgot to tell Baby Ruth

she wasn't supposed to hit a knee-high ball.

Oh, shut up.

This ball game isn't over yet.

Out.

We haven't lost this ball game yet.

- What happened? - Nothing much.

I got identification on our friend from the boxcar.

Yeah? Who was it?

Phil Boulder from the Middle West.

He was suspected of counterfeiting

and burned his place down

to hide the evidence when they raided it.

So, they sent him up for arson.

Was he hooked up with Harris?

Boys back there think they were partners.

Well, then you can grab him.

On what charge?

Well, did you hear from the coroner?

No. Did you get a line on that wire yet?

Not yet.

Fine, no hurry.

You and I are both dumb, so we work slow.

- B-b-b-b-- - Batter up

Batter up

Try whistling, Sluggy.

It'll come out easier.

- K-k-k-k-k-- - Keep quiet, I know.

Okay. Louise

S-strike one.

Come on, Louise

Save.

Come on, Casey. Bring her in.

Come on, Casey.

Hey, you may not be interested,

but Casey's up with Peanuts on first.

Watch Casey hit. She's terrific.

Looks pretty good.

Can't say I blame you.

There goes your ball game, four to three.

Hey, I wish you'd hurry up

and solve this case, whatever it is.

- Why? - Well, on account

of I think we'll both be fired

if you don't.

Thanks for the ball game, Casey.

Nice game, both of you. How about dinner, Casey?

Sue, you're invited, too, if you're free.

Thanks, but I have a date.

I'll meet you at the front gate.

I haven't said I'd go.

You haven't said you wouldn't.

Come on, step on it.

Hello.

Had your dinner?

No.

I wanna talk to you.

I hear I'm going on a trip.

Oh, Casey told you, eh?

I didn't get a chance at the game.

Listen, kid, I've trusted you

with my neck for the last two years.

You're about the only person I can trust.

Then why get rid of me?

I'm not getting rid of you.

There's something I want picked up back home

that I don't dare let anyone else carry.

I can't go myself, so it's up to you.

I started that story about your health

just to avoid suspicion.

I'm sorry, Foy.

Oh, that's all right.

I'll make arrangements for you

to leave in a couple of days.

I thought you were trying to ditch me.

I couldn't stand that.

I'd do anything.

Skip it.

You go on back to the apartment.

I'll be along in about a half an hour

and we'll go someplace.

I'm gonna keep a string on that house and ask you again.

I can't prevent that.

Jimmy, Jimmy, what do you think?

I got it. I got it.

You got it? Got what?

Get your breath. What hatched under you?

Harris' telegram. It's all worked out.

It can't mean much, but it reads.

"Partner out, careful, coming your way,

will take care of girl when she arrives.

- Signed, J.R." - Who solved it?

Anna, the maid who cleans up our room.

She can't even speak English.

She's Polish.

So was the telegram.

Say, get in here. We got to find Flannagan.

If you don't mind, I'll get out first.

I'm sorry, Casey, I didn't think.

This is something hot.

Hmm, she's a little hot, too.

Hello, Jimmy.

It's all right. This is Bill O'Malley.

You can talk in front of him. What'd the telegram say?

Well, uh, it wasn't in code after all.

It was in Polish.

Look at that.

Doesn't mean an awful lot yet.

Well, it says "Partner coming your way."

That hooks them up. Can't you grab Harris now?

That'd only tip him off that we're getting close

and give him a chance to cover up.

Well, do you have to see a man murdered

before you can make an arrest?

No, but you got to make the charges stick

after you take him. We've got a lot of pieces, son,

but the edges don't quite fit.

Now, if you wanna locate something important,

find that woman with the gray tweed coat.

I'll get a report from the coroner in the morning

and telephone you at the paper.

Assignments. All passed.

Don't sit down, Jimmy, till you talk to Brophy.

I warned you.

He'll be all right when I tell him

about the story we're getting.

- Come on. - Uh-uh. I'm gonna sit right here

and I'm gonna keep my hat on.

You're gonna lose one of your sports reporters, Mr. Dugan.

I knew that yesterday and you're not kidding.

Oh. Hello, Alice.

Good morning, Mr. Brophy.

Not for you, it isn't.

Of course, it's nice of you to visit us

for a change. Where have you been?

I'm on a story that's so big, I don't dare let go.

It's about a murder or something.

- Yes, it is. - You were supposed to be

a sports reporter. I've had the society editor

covering fights, the house and garden man

in a hockey match, while you've been peeking

through keyholes looking for a murder.

Yeah? Who?

Yeah. It's for you,

the coroner's office.

Hello?

Yes, this is Jimmy Jones.

I've got the report.

Yeah, murdered.

Poisoned. And by a drug that's very rare.

Our chemist had a lot of trouble locating it.

That means you can move now.

Not yet, and I don't want even this much

of a story to break until I say the word.

All right. I'll see that it doesn't break.

What doesn't break?

Just as I told you. A murder.

Who? When? Where? Let me have it.

I'll write it myself.

Can't give it out yet.

You're drawing a salary here.

Whatever you find out belongs to this paper.

I'll decide whether to hold it back or not.

Not this time.

Get your check.

With pleasure.

Jones, when you crack the story, phone it in.

If it's good, I'll give you a bonus.

Don't let another paper beat us to the street.

They won't.

I think you'll find, Mr. Raymond,

Sunray Drug Company has a bargain.

We're satisfied. And we feel

that we're giving you a fair price

for your holdings here.

Then everybody's happy.

I hope so.

Since you're not taking possession until next week,

I'd prefer not to make a public announcement

of the sale before Monday.

That's perfectly agreeable with me,

if it meets with the approval of our council here.

That's quite all right.

- Thank you. - Thank you, sir.

Goodbye.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Where's Foy?

In his office, I guess.

Wait for me and we'll eat together.

All right.

Hello?

I have a check here for $90,000

drawn on your bank by the Sunray Drug Company.

Yes, I'll be over in a few minutes.

I'd like to have that money in cash.

Yes, I know it's quite a lot, but the check's certified.

Well, thank you.

I'll appreciate that very much.

Oh, hello.

Well, it's all arranged.

You leave Sunday.

I'd rather wait till about Wednesday.

It's got to be Sunday.

It'll only take you a couple of weeks.

I don't think I'm going at all.

Why not?

Because I've got a job here

playing ball.

Don't talk like a sap.

This is for a new outfit,

the Sunray Drug Company.

Who told you that?

- The check's right on your desk. - Well?

I'm not going, Foy. I'm staying right here.

I'll tell you, we'll both go Tuesday or Wednesday.

Let it ride that way, Foy, but I wouldn't advise you

to leave town suddenly, alone.

Come on, we're going to lunch.

- Well-- - And not here.

Our talk has to be private.

Listen, I got you over here for a good solid talk about Foy.

I'm not interested in him.

I know that, but he's interested in you.

I've scarcely even talked to him.

This is just a friendly warning.

I like you and I know him.

Casey, he's not much good.

Are you in love with him?

I was.

Maybe I still am,

but when I found out he was shipping me off

to Kansas City so he could sell out here

and get away alone, I could have killed him.

I wonder if that isn't what the wire meant.

What wire?

A wire I heard about.

What did it say?

Something about being careful

that his partner was headed this way.

Was that all?

No.

The last line was, "Will take care of girl

when she arrives."

And the signature I think was...

J.R.

That would be Joe Radek.

And he would only have one reason for meeting me.

Sue, tell me what this is all about.

Oh, you wouldn't wanna know,

but tonight I'm...

I'm getting acquainted with the police.

Eat your lunch.

Sue wants you to drive her to the police station

just as soon as the game's over.

- What's it all about? - I don't know.

That's all she told me. Wait at the gate.

She's not even going to change. The game's starting.

- I'll see you later. - Hey, Pete, find Flannagan

and get him out here right away.

Flannagan.

Hey, hey, cu-cu-cu-cu--cut it out.

Strike one.

S-s-strike two.

B-b-b-b-b-b-b--

Are you blind? That one hit the middle.

B-batter out.

Out.

That's the old speed, Casey!

They can't even see 'em.

Did you send for me, Foy?

Yes. Take this over to the field

and give it to Danny right away.

All right.

Come on, Casey.

S-strike one.

Save.

- She's hurt. - She's hurt.

Are you all right?

Sure.

Geez. What's going on now?

She's getting up.

It just knocked the wind out of me, that's all.

She's no midget.

You want somebody to run for you?

Oh, come on, Casey, hit it right out of the park.

All right?

What's up? Your boyfriend pulled Bill

and me away from a good horseshoe game.

Harris' girlfriend wants to talk to the police

right after the game. That's all I know,

- but it sounds promising. - Right.

Now maybe we'll get somewhere.

S-save.

Don't she never hit nothing but home runs?

She does all right.

Nice hit, kiddo. Only next time don't slide.

Pitchers have to be careful.

I know how to slide.

Foy sent over a new glove.

It's about time. This old one's falling apart.

Strike two.

Out.

Keep right on burning them in.

Maybe you can break the strikeout record.

The one catching is the Collins girl, isn't she?

That's right.

She doesn't seem to be worrying about anything.

All right. B-b-b-b-batter up.

Down the alley, Casey.

She couldn't hit it with a broom.

Hey, hey, hey, cu-cu--stop.

One b-ball.

B-b-ball two.

S-strike one.

Strike two.

Uh, honey, right in the groove.

That's laying them in.

Now for the big ones.

B-b-b-ball three.

Come on, Bill.

Just a minute. Stand back, girls.

Call a doctor.

I-if there's a doctor in the audience,

will you please come on the field?

Call Capt. Curtis and the coroner.

Well, can't you do something?

Let's get her out of here at least.

Not yet.

I'm a physician.

I'll take charge of those. I'm the team manager.

Lt. Flannagan, L.A. Detective Bureau.

I'll have to hold her equipment

until we find out how bad this is.

Do you think it's something serious?

Yes, it's very serious.

She's dead.

Dead?

Bill, move the body over to the clubhouse

and stay there with it till the coroner comes.

Can I be of any help?

Thanks.

I want you girls to stand by for a while.

Wait outside of the clubhouse.

I've got to phone this in.

How much can I spill?

Tell them everything you saw.

Nothing that you think.

I'd say it was heart failure due to overexertion.

I think the autopsy will verify that.

I was afraid of her health, but she wouldn't quit playing.

- I know exactly how you feel. - Is an autopsy necessary?

- I'm afraid so. - I'd like to send her

back to Missouri as soon as possible. That's her home.

Well, we can clear things up rapidly for you, I think.

Thank you.

Dave, are you sure this couldn't be something else?

Could be a lot of things.

Now, the girl had a weak heart.

But she persisted in violent exercise.

You can't make a mystery out of this, Flannagan.

Come on, boys.

- Dave. - Yes?

Make a test for the same poison

you found in the boxcar case.

Certainly, Ed, if you say so.

But I don't see how it could be administered

in the middle of a baseball game

before thousands of witnesses.

Figuring that out's my job.

I'll let you know tonight.

I'll be right in your office waiting.

Bill, take that stuff down to the coroner's office

and stick right with it until I get there.

You've gotta pick up Harris now.

We haven't got a thing on him,

unless we can prove that that girl was killed

and how it was done.

Come on.

Hey, you want us anymore?

Oh, no. You kids can all go home now.

All right. Come on, kids.

Have you told anyone else about Sue

- wanting to talk to the police? - No.

Well, don't. I'll phone you at the store.

- Jimmy, what's happening? - Can't explain now. Later.

You're right. Same poison.

- It's murder. - I knew it.

How?

It's here.

- Where? - In the glove.

- A pin or something. - Let me see.

Come in here, quick.

Take off your coat.

Roll up your sleeve.

There, that'll fix it.

He'll be all right.

Didn't get much and had the antidote

within 30 seconds.

- You're pretty lucky, son. - I'll say he is.

Look at this. In the glove.

A ball hitting against it did the work.

We can pick up Harris now.

You bet, if we can find him.

I'll phone the store. Casey may know.

Hello.

Oh, hello, Jimmy.

Listen, is Harris there?

No, he went out just a couple of minutes ago.

He said he was just gonna drive around.

He's gone out, didn't say where.

We'll hit the apartment.

Listen, Casey, you stay right where you are.

We've got to find Harris. If you hear where he is,

phone into Flannagan's Office.

What? Well, I'll pick you up as soon as I can.

No, no, don't do that.

This is dangerous, Sue was murdered.

- Let's go. - Dave,

call my office and tell O'Malley to cover that store.

- Sure. - Thanks.

Mae?

Yes.

Take cash for me for a few minutes.

- I'll be right back. - Sure.

Did you get those gloves switched?

Didn't have a chance. There's been a cop

sitting on that stuff every minute. And that isn't all.

That reporter and a dick have been parked

in the coroner's office for the last two hours.

Foy, things may get hot. We'd better blow.

- I think you're right. - How about our cut?

It's waiting for you in the office. Come on.

Keep it kind of quiet, fellows.

I was afraid of something like this,

so I passed the word in the store

that I was leaving for the night.

We'll get your dough.

Well, it was a swell racket while it lasted

and we didn't do so bad.

- We ain't out of it yet. - Sure we are.

The equipment's all at the bottom of the harbor,

there isn't a stamp left except on bottles.

And the only people who could talk,

well, they had weak hearts.

Is that fair?

- Sure. - Yeah, that's swell.

Everybody pick their own hideout.

We meet in six months.

You know where.

- Good luck. - So long, kid.

- Good luck, Danny. - So long, boy.

Hey you.

What do you want us for?

They'll tell you down town.

- Where's Harris? - Harris?

Why, he left half an hour ago.

All right. Get in.

Come out of there and quick.

Doing a little first class snooping, eh?

- I didn't mean to. I-- - When people see

and hear too much, things happen to them.

You wouldn't.

Sure I would.

If you don't think so, just start to yell.

That the easiest way to solve this.

There's cops outside.

They'd stop a man and they might stop one girl,

but they won't so two, particularly if one of them

- was you. - What do you mean?

You walk along with me naturally and when I get

where I'm going, you can yell your head off.

- All right. - And lady,

if you pull anything, I'll give it to you first,

if it's the last thing I ever do.

Put on that raincoat.

Nobody you want came out this way.

Bill's covering the back.

I'll see if Casey knows anything.

I'll be with Bill. You stay here.

All right.

Carry that bag.

Remember, if we're picked up,

they may think you're working with me.

Go ahead.

I don't know. I thought she went to the dressing room,

but she isn't there.

She's been gone quite awhile.

Watch your step and come on.

Steady.

So far okay.

We'll pick up a taxi around the corner.

- Got two of 'em. - Harris?

No. One of these guys says he's gone.

- Anything on him? - Ten grand.

Bill picked up Mashio and Cisto.

- No sign of Harris. - Casey's disappeared.

The office is locked. I think we'd better break in.

Anybody else pass this way that might have

- come out of that office? - Well, two girls

just now. I thought they were cutting

through the park. You said the only--

I know, I know. But what'd they look like?

One of them had on a gray coat and--

- Which way'd they go? - Up the street.

Come on.

Head them off. I'll come in

from the other side.

- Just a minute, girls. - All right, copper,

hold it right there. Unless you're bulletproof,

let's see that gun of yours on the ground.

On the ground, I said. I'm not counting up to three.

I don't know that many numbers.

Get back out wheel.

We've been looking for a taxi

and this buggy'll do just fine.

You ride with him.

I've always wanted to be a backseat driver.

- Take care of this guy. - Oh, that'd be fun.

- Are you all right? - I am now.

How about a ride out to North Hollywood tomorrow?

Well, it won't hurt to look.

You haven't got anything on me.

Oh, no.

Just two murders.

Good morning.

I'll be in town all day covering that murder trial.

If you want anything, phone me there.

Say it's too bad I'm not a railroad man.

- Why? - Then he could put on

your full name. Mrs. Casey Jones.

Don't you ever miss?

Not a target that big.

Bye, darling.