Original subtitles

- Subtitles - Luís Filipe Bernardes

McCain!

What do you think I'm running, a monthly magazine?

I'm locking up the second edition in 17 minutes! Where's that Thorndyke story?

There ain't no story!

I phoned in everything I could get the minute the flash came into headquarters.

Mrs. Reginald Thorndyke, of the New York, Newport and Miami Thorndykes,

gets clipped for a $50.000 bracelet on the way to celebrate New Year's Eve...

...with the Van Stuyvesants also of New York, Newport and Miami!

- There'd better be a story! - But it only happened an hour ago.

Capt. Gaynor of the Detective Bureau is up there now trying to get a lead.

If you're depending on Gaynor to write your story for you,

you'd better get plenty smart the next 15 minutes or I'm going to write one for you.

To the cashier.

Okay, but what you'll get will be a lot of imagination.

Now that you've given me a detailed description...

...of your bracelet, Mrs. Thorndyke, will you please continue?

But must we continue this inquisition, Captain Gaynor?

I feel very bad for having ruined my friends' New Year's Eve...

and I've told you everything I know.

If I may say so, Madame has forgotten one little incident that occurred.

- Incident? - The encounter with the other car, sir.

Oh, that. What bearing could that have?

What happened, Martin?

Practically nothing, sir, but... under the circumstances, I...

In traffic on Park Avenue, a car bumped us from behind, but no damage at all.

The gentleman was very decent. He got out of his car to apologize.

Do you recall what he looked like?

No. But the idea that he might have taken my bracelet is preposterous.

Yes, of course.

Was he rather tall, broad-shouldered, nice smile, white teeth, dark hair, blue eyes?

Why, yes, I think so.

Was he wearing a sprig of purple flowers in his lapel?

A flower with an unusual scent?

Why, yes, dear. I remember now.

About the flower, I mean.

But I couldn't place the fragrance.

Heliotrope, perhaps?

That's it! Heliotrope!

Thank you, very much, Mrs. Thorndyke, you've been very helpful.

As a matter of fact, you've given me a clue which may lead me to your bracelet.

Will, I get it back?

The Department will do everything possible to recover it.

Good night, Mrs. Thorndyke, good night, sir.

Sorry this happened to spoil your New Year's Eve.

That's all right, sir, I'll find my way, thank you.

- You may go, Martin. - Thank you, sir.

Don't feel badly about it, my dear. After all, it was insured.

Heliotrope.

What on earth has heliotrope to do with it?

Gee, I thought we'd never get out of that traffic downtown.

The way you're driving, I'll feel a lot better when we get uptown.

What's the matter with you?

You're as shaky as a pitcher with the bases loaded and Babe Ruth at bat.

That was a soft touch.

When did you ever know me to be jittery over a touch?

Hey, Stubby, stop at Tony's, huh?

Hey, Eddie, mind if I drop you here?

Don't bother about me, I'll pick up a cab.

- Swell, I'll see you later. - Well, good luck, Harry.

I'll need it. My knees are knocking together like castanets.

- Happy New Year, Ed. - Thanks, same to you.

Good evening, Mr. Melton.

Hiya, Tony, Happy New Year.

Thanks, same to you.

Your heliotropes, Mr. Melton.

I got a fresh shipment today, just for you.

Oh, that's great.

I feel better already.

Mr. Melton, you never wear any other flower.

- No. - This heliotrope, she's magic?

It is to me, Tony.

When I get a whiff of it, it gives me a lift.

Just like a shot in the arm. I feel like nothing can happen to me.

- Sort of a good-luck charm. - I'll take a hunk of that too.

We need fresh luck tonight like we never needed it before.

Hey, look, Stubby, why don't you take tonight off?

It's still New Year's Eve. Go on out and have some fun, huh?

- But you... - Never mind about me now. I'll get a taxi.

You don't think I'd let you go through this alone, boss.

- The big spot in your life. - Yeah, yeah.

No, sure! Come on!

You're sure she's all right, Miss Clark? I mean...

- Oh, of course she's all right. - Thank you.

- Here we are. - Thank you.

Flo.

Flo.

Are you all right?

I'm all right now, I guess.

I don't know what to say.

I feel like a heel.

It's as if I let you take the rap alone.

Forget it.

Having a kid's something every woman's got to do on her own.

I'm so glad you came.

I was getting the heebie-jeebies but good.

I feel like going up on the roof and yelling.

I forgot. The nurse said no excitement.

But how does a guy keep from being excited when he's just had a baby?

I could stand a little excitement.

What a way to spend New Year's Eve.

In bed.

Don't you worry, honey.

As far as we're concerned, the calendar's stopped.

Our Christmas and New Year's will come when you get out of here in about two weeks.

Two weeks?

I guess I'm a little old-fashioned, but...

...I believe a father is entitled to one look at his daughter and not under glass.

Don't be frightened, she won't hurt you.

Don't you want to hold her?

Put this hand under here... and this hand under here.

Darling.

Happy New Year.

That's what I call starting the New Year off right.

Look at her, Flo.

You'd better give her back to the nurse, she might catch cold or something.

Good night, honey.

Well, don't stand there like a goof.

Say something.

Flo.

Do you feel different about it? Now, I mean, that she's here?

- Sure, I guess so. - See, I told you it would.

Gosh, I'm the happiest guy on earth.

You'd better be. The whole thing was your idea from the beginning.

Oh, to be able to stand the sight of myself in the mirror again.

To put on an evening gown and do things.

To take a drink without having to worry whether it'll make anybody dizzy but me.

Oh, I almost forgot.

I have a surprise for you.

Holy cow! Where did you get it?

Oh, I picked it up from a party named Thorndyke.

- Terrific. How much is it worth? - Oh, we'll do all right with it.

That's what I call starting the New Year right.

Boss, boss! For the love of Mike, is it all over?

Are we... I mean, are you... a father or not?

- The sweetest kid you ever saw. - Oh!

- What kind? - A girl.

Oh... oh...

Oh, well, that's better than nothing.

Here... here, I've been saving it for you.

A corona corona! Congratulations!

Why, thanks, Stubby.

Hey, Stubby! Here, here, Stubby!

It's all right, it's all right, it's all right.

Keep calm, keep calm.

Wait a minute, Stubby. Are you sure you're all right, now? You want me to drive?

Hello, Harry.

Why, Tommy, Happy New Year, glad to see you.

- Thanks, same to you. - Happiest New Year of my life.

What are you doing around here? You're off your beat, aren't you?

- Working on a case. - On New Year's Eve?

You know, that's the trouble with you, Tommy. All work and no play. That's bad.

Come on, Stubb.

Are you going my way, can I drop you some place?

I got a squad car around the corner, but I don't mind sitting in the lap of luxury.

- Thanks. - Wait a minute, Tommy, I almost forgot.

A Corona Corona.

And not half good enough for the occasion.

You mean it happened?

I'm the father of a 7-pound baby girl. A knockout, golden hair, blue eyes.

You a father.

Well, aren't you going to congratulate me?

- Certainly. Congratulations, Harry. - Thanks, Tommy.

Just a minute, Harry.

Oh, Tommy, why?

A lady by the name of Thorndyke was tagged for a diamond and ruby bracelet tonight.

I'm surprised at you.

Frisking me like a cheap dip. You should know better than that.

Yeah, I should.

Then you wouldn't know anything about Mrs. Thorndyke's bracelet, eh, Harry?

I don't even know Mrs. Thorndyke, Tommy.

But I've heard of Mrs. Astor and her pet horse.

But the Thorndykes have a faint memory of a faint whiff of heliotrope...

...just before they were clipped.

That's why I thought of you right away.

Well, thank you very much, Tommy.

That good luck charm of yours seems to be doing all right.

- Still believe in it? - Believe in it?

It's batting 1000% after tonight.

Funny the way things happen.

Remember the day...

...you and I were at Alderman Clancey's annual clambake for the neighbourhood?

How old were you then? About ten, wasn't it?

I remember. We were eleven.

I was looking over the cliff down at the lake.

That little mug Mickey Greer slipped up behind you and gave you a push.

Yeah.

You gave him the licking of his life.

You know, Tommy?

Halfway down that cliff I made a grab at something.

When I came to, I had a double fistful of this.

It saved my life.

Been my good-luck charm ever since.

Well, you can push anything too far, even good luck.

Personally, I hope it never will.

- Thanks, Tommy. - That's all right.

I'll get out here, Stubby.

Yes, Capt. Gaynor.

- Well, good night, Tommy. - Good night, Harry.

Oh, by the way.

Here's something for you to read on the way home.

Oh, thanks. Well, Happy New Year again.

- Have a cigar, Stubby? - Yeah, sure.

It's a Corona Corona.

Well, welcome home, Diana, if you don't like the place, we'll move.

Harry, you nut, this must have cost you a fortune.

So what? It's only money.

People think you're crazy celebrating Christmas almost a month late.

Now look, who are you gonna believe, a silly calendar or me?

Here you are, young lady.

This beats me. No kid in the world ever had a layout like this.

You certainly thought of everything, Mr. Melton.

Well, when they showed me the catalogue, I told them to send it.

The whole catalogue?

Certainly.

Well, I couldn't take a chance on forgetting anything, could I?

Well, go on.

Hey, you, scram. You're in a young lady's private boudoir.

Oh, yeah, sure. I get it.

No. Get the...

Well, what do you say, Joe College?

Not bad for a mother, huh?

If that's what motherhood does for people, I'll take sale.

You can have it.

Oh, boy, have I got a yen to slip into an evening gown and do a little slumming.

Any time you say.

Thanks.

I'll keep your application on file.

I've got a yen too.

To get back to work.

Oh, things didn't go so good without me, huh?

Things didn't go, period.

It will all be different from here in.

Harry sure gets a bang out of that baby.

- He's a changed guy since New Year's. - What do you mean, changed?

I don't know, he's just different.

Don't worry. I'll have his mind back on business in no time.

Sure.

Well, Daddy, did you croon her to sleep?

Sleeping like a top. Maybe I should have been a crooner.

Oh, honey, isn't it a little soon for that business?

Your first day out of the hospital?

Oh, can't we start forgetting I was ever in the hospital?

All I've heard for the last three weeks...

...were a bunch of sourpusses telling me what not to do.

Oh, come on, honey, this is a celebration.

Don't mind me if you guys want to be alone.

What's the matter with you?

You got a face like six-thirty.

I was just saying good night to Diana...

...and all of a sudden I seemed to see her grown up.

I was trying to tell her that her father was nothing but a...

...high-powered crook.

It was just like having somebody sock you right there.

Oh, you need a drink. Here.

Thanks, honey.

Well, here's to us.

All three of us.

Ain't you people got no manners?

What do you think this is, a steam shovel?

I oughta run you in.

What do you suppose is going on over there?

Ixnay, ixnay, get nonchalant.

I suppose you was never taken with an emergency.

If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I'd never believe it.

Harry Melton.

You remember Capt. Gaynor, Stubby?

Yeah, I remember.

Okay, Stubby, you can bring up the curtain.

All right, folks, beat it. This is where you came in.

So this is the Melton heiress, huh?

Diana, meet Capt. Gaynor.

Oh, don't waste that personality.

He's allergic to women.

Not at your age, Diana.

Look, boss, I'll just keep pushing around, huh?

- Not too far, now. - Yeah, sure.

Now, look, don't you stop to talk to anybody.

- What do you think of her? - A knockout.

And what a little toughie. She gets a hold of my two fingers...

...and I can lift her up in the air just like that.

And she's only six weeks old.

What are you raising, a female Jack Dempsey?

Oh, not her.

Kids, though, should really be raised in the country.

You know, fresh air, sunshine, milk, eggs.

You sound like a book on the care and feeding of children.

You know, Tommy, I've figured it out.

When she's six, shell start to school.

Before you know it, it'll be college.

Dates and that sort of thing.

And bang, she'll be married.

Have children of her own.

I'll be a grandfather.

Another generation gone just like that.

So, I figure that I'm going to spend all the time I can with her...

...while I'm still the important man in her life.

I suppose, as usual, you broke up that Thorndyke bracelet...

...and peddled the stones individually.

No fences for you, eh, Harry?

- What do you think? - I think you're a swell guy.

You just got off on the wrong foot and had a lot of luck.

You'll make a mistake. They all do.

Still the optimist, eh, Tommy?

Hello, Flo.

Where's Harry this afternoon?

Same place he is every afternoon.

Out in the park... with the baby.

Oh. Well, I can wait.

Go ahead, play something.

I don't feel like playing.

- I'm worried. - You're worried?

Do you know where Harry and I spent the morning?

In a couple of real-estate offices, looking at pictures of farms in New England.

- You're kidding! - Not at all.

He's on the level about this fresh air and sunshine stuff.

He hasn't worked since he made that Thorndyke touch.

He went into a tailspin when Diana was born.

He forgets that people in our business have to keep working.

Too bad.

- Top guy in his line too. - You talk as if he was all washed up.

You're gonna look awful funny in overalls.

Flo, I've been doing a bit of thinking lately.

I didn't want to mention it so soon, but it's gotta come out sooner or later.

I've been looking around for another connection.

You mean you'd pull out on Harry?

Looks like he's pulling out on me. He's too busy being a father.

A fellow has to look out for himself.

I'll let you in on a little secret.

I have a partner in mind.

We've worked together before.

- Who? - You.

Other people don't tear up their lives...

...and throw them away just because they have kids.

They go on living just like they did before.

Not our kind of people.

There was a time when we both could take chances.

But not now. Suppose I took a fall.

Suppose I got jammed up and couldn't beat a rap.

Suppose I had to do a stretch.

You talking about a fall.

You sound as if you were losing your nerve.

Okay, let's turn them face up. So I am losing my nerve.

Up to now, I'm clean.

No record, no rap. I'm stepping out that way...

...before Gaynor or anyone else can collect that ten-grand reward.

- But, Harry...

That's why I'm going to make this Cartwright job my last touch.

- But, Harry... - You heard me, I'm through!

That's that.

Okay. You're the captain.

Up to now I thought you were just playing around about that farm idea.

I was never more serious in my life.

Well.

So long, bright lights.

So long, Park Avenue.

Move over, bossy.

Here we come.

I knew you'd go for it when we talked it out.

For the first time in our lives we'll have a chance to be alone with each other.

You, and me, and Diana.

I can hardly wait.

Neither can I, honey.

I'll be the happiest guy on earth.

Go to bed. You'll have me counting sheep all night.

Why, Mrs. Melton.

This is just about the middle of the night for you, isn't it?

I'm practicing farm hours.

Come in.

Well, don't say I didn't warn you...

...about Harry's being on the level with that new-mown hay idea.

Like some coffee?

No, thanks.

- I'll take a whiskey and soda. - Coming up.

Here you are.

Well, here's to all the little cows and chickens.

Don't forget the goats.

What gave you the idea we'd make such a great team?

Why, we're a natural. We fit together like caviar and champagne.

We've got everything.

Maybe you're right.

But you're sure there isn't a hidden trace of farmer in you?

Not a chance.

I majored in geology myself.

My interest in life is picking rare rocks along the Gold Coast.

The invitation's a phoney, but the envelope's the real McCoy.

I sent Stubby all the way to Great Neck to mail that envelope.

If anybody questions us, we can show them the post mark and we're there legitimately.

These are for the switch.

An exact duplicate of the famous Cartwright necklace.

I bet the old lady couldn't pick out the real one from the phoney.

They're the best money can buy.

200 bucks.

I'll just clip this chain and this will be all set.

You'd better practice getting that out from under your coat a couple of times.

I can do it in my sleep.

Here you are, honey.

Now, time yourselves so that you get there about a half an hour after me.

Then no one will suspect us being together.

And remember.

This has got to be the perfect touch. No mistakes and no slips.

Oh, don't worry.

You'd better get smart.

Hang on to the dough you get from this job like I'm going to.

Maybe I'll buy the farm next door.

Give him the coat, Stubby.

Hello? Gaynor speaking.

This is Eddy Smith,

Melton left 15 minutes ago for the Cartwright reception.

Flo and I are leaving right now.

Thanks.

Yes, I'm all set.

I'll take care of everything.

Police work would be a pleasure...

...if they didn't have to do business with stool pigeons and double-crossers.

You boys keep undercover.

Don't try to stop Melton when he comes home.

I'm having you stick around outside his apartment house just in case.

Where are you gonna be?

I'll be sticking around inside.

- How do you do, Mrs. Cartwright? - Mrs. Forbes, Mr. Forbes.

- You know my daughter, Pamela. - How do you do, my dear?

Shall we show the younger generation how to dance?

I'd love to.

Oh, I beg your pardon!

Oh, my necklace.

That's all right.

I hope it hasn't been damaged.

- Oh, it's just a broken link in the chain. - I'm so glad.

I'm afraid it was all my fault. I'm awfully sorry.

It's quite all right.

How did everything go?

Just as we planned.

Come off okay, huh?

It came off perfect.

Here it goes. Right in the First National Bank.

Any further orders, Mr. Melton?

Hey, do you recognize that guy?

Yes, sir. Morrison. Jewel Squad dick from headquarters.

Funny he should be passing right now.

That's funny too. No lights in the apartment.

We gave Flo and Eddie plenty of time to beat us home.

Well, maybe I'm just a little nervous tonight, my last job and all.

Pull down the street and wait. I may be going out again.

Yes, sir.

Any visitors tonight, Henry?

No, sir, nobody.

Oh, that is, a gentleman asked for you about an hour ago.

Who?

Don't know, I never saw him before.

Oh.

- Good night. - Good night, sir.

Oh, I'm... sorry, Miss Clark.

I forgot the key.

Hello, Harry.

Oh, hello, Tommy.

Miss Clark didn't tell me I had a visitor.

No, I asked her not to mention it.

I wanted it to be a surprise.

Oh, always glad to see you. Can I pour you a drink?

No, Thanks.

I might say I dropped in to see the baby, but I didn't.

Oh, man.

Quite a gimmick.

What did you do, swallow that Cartwright necklace?

What do you think?

You look as if you expected to find it in my hat.

Harry, you're a very smart fellow.

I'm just beginning to realize how smart I'm not.

Well, good night.

Tommy.

Wait a minute.

I think I'll go with you.

I've got a sudden yen for a little...

...clean fresh air.

Stubby.

Who knew I was bringing home the Cartwright necklace?

Why, nobody.

Only Flo and Eddie, me and you.

Wrong.

Tommy Gaynor knew about it.

He knew about a lot of things he shouldn't have known about.

Oh, boss, you talk like a goof. I ain't got over the shock of seeing you and him...

...come out of that apartment together.

Stop at the next drugstore, will you? I want to make a phone call.

What are you jittery about, it's airtight?

I suppose you're all calm and confident.

The nurse told you when you called that Harry had gone out with Capt. Gaynor.

Gone out for about 20 years.

Don't be so sure.

He has fooled Tommy with his smart mouthpiece for years.

Well, answer it.

Sure, sure, why not?

Hello?

Yeah, this is Eddie Smith.

Oh, it's you, Capt. Gaynor.

Is everything all right?

Perfect.

You got him with the stuff on him?

Yeah.

Well, that's great.

Well, congratulations, Captain.

Good night. I'll be seeing you later, of course.

Yeah.

What a cinch. He walked right into it.

Gaynor got him with the necklace right on him.

Am I glad that's over.

What I need is a drink.

All we both need is a drink, to celebrate.

To christen the new team of Eddie Smith and Flo Melton!

Oh, Deauville, Paris, the Riviera! The big time!

There are a lot of places we can go on that 10,000 we're going to collect.

♫ How are you gonna keep them ♫ ♫ Down on a farm ♫

♫ After they've seen Paree ♫

Me on a farm, can you picture that, Eddie?

Oh. darling, you'd be terrific, you're just the type.

Say, what do you do on a farm?

At night, I mean, after it gets dark?

Oh, well, you...

- You put your head under your wing. - You what?

Yes, that's right, you put your head under your wing.

That is, you do if you're a good little chicken.

And then you go to sleep.

Yes, but supposing I don't want to be a good little chicken.

Well, if you're going to be a bad little chicken, then you...

You get in the neck, like this.

And after that if you just won't behave, you... you get it again.

Like this.

Go on, honey. Play some more, play some more.

Harry!

Didn't know you had company, Eddie.

I had the boy let me in with a passkey, I hope you don't mind.

No... I don't mind. Why should I?

Keep on playing, honey.

You know, I've always liked the smell of those cigarettes that you smoke, Eddie.

Turkish, aren't they?

Yeah.

Don't throw it away. Enjoy it.

After you finish that one, you're going to quit smoking.

What do you mean?

You just won't have any use for cigarettes.

Keep on playing, honey.

And I almost forgot.

I had company too.

When I got home, I found Tommy Gaynor waiting for me.

You know. We were kids together.

Nice guy, Tommy. Smart.

He seemed to know about the Cartwright job.

Seemed to have figured out that I'd be the one to come home with the necklace on me.

I wonder how he knew.

You don't think I'd stool, do you, Harry?

Of course not. You and I are pals.

Smoking them kind of fast, aren't you, Eddie?

You know, it's a funny thing about Tommy.

He knew about the gimmick in my hat.

Seemed a little disappointed, though, when he didn't find anything.

He nearly had me, but I outsmarted him.

Eddie.

Are you sure that that college education of yours hasn't made you too smart?

Harry, I'll square it.

She gave me a line! I fell for it!

Why, you yellow rat!

Now, now, that's not nice, calling one another names.

Hey, you're burning your fingers, aren't you?

- Harry, I'll square it, I swear... - No, I'll square it!

I'm trying to remember.

You're the mother of my kid.

If I ever see you again,

or if you ever try to see her,

I'll kill you.

That was crazy.

I should never have given it to him.

He wasn't worth it, I just saw red for a minute.

He had it coming.

Hurry up with that suitcase.

We got time. Flo won't squawk.

You know she couldn't stand questions.

She don't have to squawk. A dead guy squawks for himself.

Just wish our bankroll wasn't so short.

The Cartwright necklace should take care of that.

Yeah, well, maybe.

Boss, South America is a great idea.

They tell me the dames down there wear stones as big as the Rock Candy Mountains.

Anywhere's a great idea, anywhere.

Pardon me, Mr. Melton.

Where do you want to pack this?

Pack?

I'm just beginning to understand how far I lost my head.

- I feel like I'm coming out of a fog. - We can take her with us.

A guy on the lam with a baby in his arms. You're crazy.

It would be rather difficult.

I've learned several things about the Melton family during the past few days.

Yeah. Yeah, I guess you have.

What a break for someone who had nothing to do with it.

Boss, we're looking forward to something too, any minute.

I gotta think.

We don't count.

Not now.

I got it!

Yeah, that's it. The perfect setup.

Gee, for a minute you had me scared.

When I see that look on your face, I know you're gonna pull one out of a hat.

I remember the first time she ever did that.

Go on down and pull the car up the door, will you?

- Sure - Never mind the bag.

You mean South America is out? Have you got another angle?

Yeah, the big angle.

It takes care of everything.

Hello, Harry!

Hiya, Tommy.

You're the last guy I expected to find ringing my doorbell.

I ain't butting in on anything, am I?

No, I was trying to study a little bit. Come on in.

Thanks.

What's on your mind, Harry?

Tommy.

Remember how smart I used to be?

How I used to figure out everything in advance?

No slips, nothing.

Now and then an angle pops up that...

...you just can't figure out in advance.

A guy loses his head.

Specially if he sees the one thing that's meant anything to him in his life...

...crawling out on him like a snake.

With another snake.

Like I always said, Tommy.

When a guy goes for a ride, he's a sucker.

I just killed one of the snakes with that.

- Eddie? - I wanted you to be the first to know.

I suppose you're wondering why I didn't blow.

I did go nuts for a minute.

I thought of South America, Europe.

But I'm still smart enough, Tommy, to know that I can't beat a murder rap.

I suppose bringing in a murderer wouldn't mean ten cents to you, would it?

What are you driving at?

A bargain.

'Heliotrope Harry' Melton is worth $10,000 in cash from the insurance company.

The dough is yours, Tommy, if we can make a deal.

You know I don't take that kind of business.

I've got a hunch you'll make this deal.

Because...

Well...

I don't figure in it.

Tommy.

You've seen my kid.

You know what I think of it.

I realize now that...

She had two strikes on her when she came to bat in my league.

I made a bad mistake.

A guy like me don't rate a kid.

But, she's here.

And she is mine.

I'd kinda like to do something to...

...square things with her.

This is the deal I want to make, Tommy.

You get the 10.000 reward.

You get your law degree.

And you get my kid.

That ain't a bad deal, Tommy.

You think I'd take money for a thing like that?

But you gotta, Tommy. It's not for yourself.

It's the only thing I've got to give her.

It's like leaving her a will.

You know what you're letting yourself in for, Harry?

Yeah.

It'll be worth it.

I'll be thinking of you.

Giving her everything I wanted to give her.

Tommy, I don't want her to know what kind of a guy her old man was.

Okay, Harry.

It's a deal.

I figured you'd go for it.

Rien ne va plus.

Rien ne va plus.

Numéro treize.

It's my number! I won! I won!

Oh, give it to me, give it to me!

I'm sorry for the interruption, Mr. Gaynor.

But I'm glad we decided this was a matter to be heard in chambers.

Please proceed.

Diana Melton has been in the sole custody of your petitioner...

...for a period three years,

during which time, the petitioner has come to love and consider her as his own child.

Therefore, your petitioner, the aforementioned Thomas Gaynor,

prays the honorable court to approve legal adoption...

...of the said minor child Diana Melton, by the said Thomas Gaynor.

Mr. Gaynor.

I am fully acquainted with your worthiness as a citizen,

but as an ex-police officer and as a member of the bar,

I am also conversant with the circumstances surrounding the birth,

the parentage of this child.

As a lawyer, you understand that the Court is governed by public policy,

which does not sanction the adoption of a child by an unmarried petitioner.

For that reason, and none other,

I regret that the Court cannot grant your petition.

Oh, Mother, you've done everything so beautifully.

Well darling, New Year's Eve and a birthday combined always call for a special event.

And that's for the orchestra.

And this just about makes everything complete.

Isn't that Paul Rutherford heading this way with that certain look in he eye?

Good evening, Mrs. Gaynor.

Good evening, Paul, so glad to see you.

- Good evening, Your Honor. - Good evening, Lieutenant.

Good evening, Diana... er, Miss Gaynor.

Good evening... Mr. Rutherford.

Well we seem to have exhausted that.

It is a nice evening, isn't it?

Yes, it's a wonderful weather for January.

Oh, I almost forgot. Happy New Year.

- Thank you, Paul, same to you. - Happy New Year to you.

Thomas, can I speak to you for a minute?

Of course, dear. What about?

Why... about the weather.

Oh.

Oh, you'll pardon us?

Oh, you poor darling. Don't you recognize love in bloom?

Love?

Diana?

Why, she's only a child!

You know, for a Supreme Court Justice,

you've certainly overlooked a great deal of evidence.

Come on.

Why, Paul, you look so worried.

I am worried. Do we have to dance?

- I thought you wanted to. - Oh, I did, but... not very much.

I mean, can't we walk somewhere?

Walk? Where?

Ah, that's the thing. Fresh air.

Why, Paul, this is January, and I'm wearing a tissue-paper dress.

Well, I had to get you away from everybody and I won't keep you long if you...

I mean... that is, I...

I hope I keep you forever.

Paul are you sure you feel all right?

Of course I don't feel all right. I've never felt worse in my life.

Look, Diana, I know we're both young, but then you gotta start some time.

I've been trying to get up nerve to say this for months.

I believe that when two people love each other,

they ought to get started right away.

Not wait until they get older before they do anything,

because what's the sense in wasting time, I mean...

Oh, I'm all mixed up.

I had it all written out too.

Guess I should have brought the paper.

- Oh, but Paul, I... - Don't. What I mean is...

I love you, Diana.

We Rutherfords are like that. I want you to marry me right away.

Oh...

Goodness, I thought you were never going to ask me.

You mean...

Hello, Harry. I've been looking for you.

Hiya, Joe.

Well, I shouldn't be hard to find.

I've been living in the same apartment for 18 years.

Oh, the warden didn't make a mistake...

...when he made you a trustee and put you in charge of the flower garden.

You made the outside of this rock pile look like a flower show.

We got a waiting list. Guys wanting to spend the summer in here.

Hey, Joe, did you hear about the first prize that I won...

...for the best roses at the State Fair? That is, the warden did.

Yeah, awarded five times already.

Say, what do you call this purple stuff?

Oh, that's heliotropes. Specialty of mine.

Well, you can drop your clippers and come inside. You've got a visitor.

Visitor? I wasn't expecting anybody.

I can tell them you're in conference.

Don't bother, I'm not that hard to get.

All right, let's go.

- Number 3652. - Yeah!

Twenty minutes.

Don't you guys ever give a bonus to the steady customers?

I've been coming up here for 18 years.

Okay, 21 minutes.

Hello, Stubby.

I wasn't expecting you again till the end of the month.

- Anything wrong? - No, no, no, there's nothing wrong, boss.

I, uh...

I left you some smokes, and books and things at the office.

You didn't come up here for that.

You've got something on your mind.

Well, I don't know how you'll take this, boss.

Oh, come on, come on.

Well...

Diana...

...is kinda engaged to get married.

What?

To who?

You don't think I'm just gonna let her marry some goof, do you?

I dug into the guy. I don't turn up nothing on him.

Except maybe he plays polo.

That's cow pasture pool on horseback.

- Stubby, how do you know? - I seen it played once.

No, no, no, Stubby. How do you know she's going to get married?

Well, it's in all the papers.

Headline stuff.

Look.

You read it, will you?

Don't see it so well through the screen.

"Society is a-flutter with the announcement of the engagement..."

"...of the junior league favorite Diana Gaynor."

"daughter of New York State Supreme Court Justice and Mrs. Thomas Gaynor,"

"to Paul Rutherford III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rutherford II."

Rutherford?

Now, boss, if you figure the guy is out of line, I'll...

Rutherford?

Yeah, that's a straight moniker, I looked it up.

Stubby!

That's like getting married to the United States Treasury.

Oh, gee, boss, I'm so glad you ain't sore, he's an awful nice kid.

Are you sure?

You wouldn't know he was rich.

- All right, huh? - Yeah.

Uncle Sam thinks so too. He's a pilot in the Air Force.

How about Diana? Is she happy about it?

I've never seen anything like it.

That love and happiness stuff just bubbling over.

Calibra.

Tell him I'll see him in my chambers tomorrow at 11.

Well, he mentioned it was a personal matter.

And urgent, sir.

- Very well, show him in, Johnson. - Yes, sir.

I know you're aversion to discussing legal matters at home, Judge.

But this is a delicate situation.

Oh, forgive me, my client, Mrs. Melton.

I believe you know each other.

Hello, Tommy.

Oh, I didn't know how well.

I haven't seen or heard from Mrs. Melton in 18 years.

What do you want, Calibra?

Mrs. Melton has retained me to regain the custody of her child.

Imagine my consternation when I learned...

...that she was the mother of your adopted daughter Diana.

My legally adopted daughter.

Oh, yes, of course.

I went back and searched the record.

Legally, but without my client's consent.

I would never have consented.

Mrs. Melton contends that she was forcibly separated from her daughter...

...under threats made against her by her husband, a murderer.

Who has since been convicted and is now serving a life sentence.

The circumstances are remotely true, but the facts are far different.

A mere technicality, Judge.

Tommy, you don't know how I've suffered.

Not knowing where she was all these years.

When I read...

...the announcement of your daughter's engagement in a Buenos Aires paper,

the name Diana...

...stabbed me to the heart.

Then I wired Mr. Calibra.

Not daring to hope...

Well... when he cabled back...

...that Diana was really my daughter,

naturally, I... I took the first boat home.

Naturally.

Your client had opportunity to object at the time of the adoption.

I was fully prepared to prove her an unfit mother then...

...and I stand ready to prove it now.

So, if you'll excuse me.

I'm writing an opinion.

I would regret very much to bring an action at law to regain the custody of the child.

I assure you I can defeat any attempt made to take Diana away from me.

Perhaps.

A costly victory, Judge.

Have you thought of that?

Whether my client wins or loses,

the affect upon the innocent young lady will be the same.

I'm thinking of the newspapers, the whole ugly story.

The sensation when it is learned that Diana Gaynor...

...is really the daughter of a convicted thief.

And murderer.

And then there's your own impeccable career,

founded upon the reward money you received for the arrest of Diana's father.

You know how the newspapers twist things.

The public misinterpret even the loftiest motives.

Even an exclusive family like the Rutherfords must read the newspapers.

Tommy, don't make me do it.

I pointed out to my client...

...certain advantages to be gained by settling out of court.

I'm even willing to advise her to abandon her legal rights.

To crush the feeling of mother in her.

In return for what?

A pittance.

$50,000 settlement.

And a thousand or two a month.

For life.

- You trollop. - Judge!

Well, I'm acquainted with your career as filthy legal vulture. But blackmail!

Judge, your emotions are upsetting your balance.

You're right. Now get out before I throw you out!

3541.

Right there.

So Flo and her shyster tell me there's a grand in it for me...

if I sign an affidavit saying that the reason Flo left the baby...

...and lammed out of the country, was because you tried to knock her off.

I'm supposed to swear she never knew nothing about you being in the racket.

And that's why you wanted to kill her, 'cause she found out.

- Is it a laugh? - Yeah, it's a laugh.

I played dummy. I got the whole setup.

Flo figures she's got a lock on Tommy Gaynor...

...and that he don't dare let her go in court.

She's spending the dough he's going to pay her already.

She's right.

- She's got him over a barrel. - Oh, boy, she must be nuts.

Tommy Gaynor is a Supreme Court Judge.

- The law's on his side, ain't it? - Yeah.

And that rat Calibra is using it to beat Tommy's brains out.

You mean she can get away with it?

She can't miss.

Okay, if that's the case, don't worry, boss.

I'm a little out of practice.

But I still know how to take care of something like this. I'll fix it.

No. I'll fix it.

I'm gonna crash out of here.

Boss!

Don't talk like that!

You scare me.

Besides, you come up for parole in a couple of weeks.

- You're a cinch to make it. - I can't wait a couple of weeks.

Nobody can stop her the way she's got to be stopped but me.

Wedding time, Harry.

Okay, Joe.

Gather up your crew. I'll check you in in five minutes.

Right.

Let's go, boys.

Hey, Harry!

Hello, Tommy.

I heard a confidential police report at 5 o'clock.

You mean you were expecting me?

I'm not surprised that you're here.

I decided I needed a little vacation.

A fellow gets in quite a rut after 18 years.

Why did you do such an insane thing?

In a few weeks you could have walked out of there a free man.

Diana's still getting married on the 10th, isn't she?

Yes.

You mean you've decided to make the payoff to to Flo and that chiseler Calibra?

I'd been hoping I could bluff them out of it.

You're kidding yourself.

- They're playing a pat hand. - I know.

There's only one other thing I can do. Tell Diana the truth.

Wait a minute, Tommy.

A long time ago we decided we wouldn't tell Diana.

That's right. But she can't go through with her marriage without knowing...

...and find out later. Think of the disgrace.

There isn't going to be any disgrace.

I'm taking care of the payoff to Flo my way.

Your way's no good!

Don't you think Diana has enough to face without another killing?

Answer it, Tommy.

- Who is it? - Diana.

Paul and I had such a wonderful time.

I had to come in and say good night.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Diana, this is Mr. Melton. One of my oldest friends.

And an old, old, friend of the family.

He's been away.

I'm so glad to know you, Mr. Melton.

I wouldn't expect you to remember me.

Last time I saw you you were just a little girl.

How little?

About... so big.

Mr. Melton, you make me blush.

That's a lovely corsage you're wearing.

Heliotrope, isn't it?

I've never seen it worn exactly like that.

Oh, that's Father.

Ever since I was a little girl, about so big,

whenever he sent me flowers, there was always a string of heliotrope in them.

He tells me it's for luck.

You wouldn't think a Supreme Court Justice could be superstitious,

would you, Mr. Melton?

Now.

The goddess of good fortune has you under her protection.

Good night, Mr. Melton.

I'll see you again soon, I hope.

Good night, Dad.

Good night, darling.

You're a great guy, Tommy.

She's just like I always saw her in my mind.

I tried to do things for her the way you would have done them.

A lot better.

You're right, Tommy.

Putting the heat on Flo and that leech is all sour.

Cops would start snooping around.

Things would get in the paper.

That would be worse than anything they could do to Diana.

Yeah.

I can see that now.

Wait a minute.

Tommy.

I've just figured out another way.

Don't worry. I won't so much as lay a hand on Flo.

I know what you're thinking.

But it'll be all right.

Nothing's going to happen to Diana.

Guess I'll be going now.

- Harry, I'm not going to let you do this! - Tommy.

I know it's your duty to call the police.

And you will.

You're that kind of a guy.

But you can't stop me, Tommy.

Nobody can.

Well...

Good night.

Oh, please! You're mussing my dress.

Well, don't forget I took this case on a contingent basis.

Contingent that you're nice to your attorney.

What you need is a nightcap.

It'll make you feel better.

I'll feel a lot better when I see Gaynor's signature at the bottom of a check.

Don't you worry.

I'll drop in and see him tomorrow.

Well, fire and fall back.

The target I'm setting up is the Rutherfords.

Gaynor comes under the heading of petty cash.

"WEAF, New York."

"A last-minute bulletin of the most exciting manhunt..."

"...New York State has experienced in years."

"At a late hour tonight, Harry Melton,"

who this afternoon effected a fantastic and breathtaking escape from the penitentiary,"

"is still at large."

"Authorities are confident that he will be recaptured within the next few hours."

"We now return you to the studio."

Harry Melton, free!

Don't be upset, I knew. I didn't want to spoil your dinner.

What a break! At a time like this!

He's probably hiding out in a swamp. Within a mile from the prison.

The cops will get them like they get them all.

Don't be so sure, he's always laughed at cops.

Well, he laughed himself into a life sentence...

he'll laugh himself right back to do the rest of it.

Yeah.

You're right.

They'll get him.

He hasn't got a chance!

For Mrs. Melton. They came while she was out.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Flowers for you.

Heliotropes.

Weeds. The guy must be a cheapskate.

But you don't understand. He sent them.

He's here. In New York.

Maybe right in this hotel.

This stuff's his trademark.

'Heliotrope Harry'.

I hope he is in this hotel.

- What are you going to do? - Call the police.

The police?

Now listen.

You're going to go on that phone and tell them that you're Mrs. Melton.

That you're nervous about your husband's escape,

and you're afraid he might try to contact you.

They'll have a police guard outside that door in ten minutes...

...and they'll stick with you till that guy's back in jail.

Yeah, that's smart.

Get me Police Headquarters.

The smell of the stuff gives me the creeps.

I figured you could use some nourishment.

Thanks.

I still feel like a heel heading this way, though.

As quick as I get clear... getting you mixed up in this.

Cut it out, will you? Where else could you have gone?

How did you make out?

I saw Tommy.

I saw Diana too.

That was worth breaking jail for in itself.

I can imagine.

What did you find out?

You sure gave law and order a kick in the pants.

You got the war right off the front page.

What about Flo?

Still at the same hotel.

That shyster Calibra is smart.

He telephones the police and gets her a bodyguard.

Duck! Duck!

Under the counter!

- Hello, Stubby. - Hi, fellas.

What did you do, lose the key to the handcuffs?

No, we're just kinda looking around.

- For what? - Oh, just a hunch.

You heard about Harry Melton crashing out.

Yeah, that guy's a sucker.

A friend of yours in the old days, wasn't he?

Yeah, but, today he's just a chump.

He must have gone stir crazy.

You know, I used to visit him up there.

You know, for old time's sake, smokes and stuff like that.

I saw him it wasn't more than a week ago.

You know, he never said a word. How's that for a pal?

We figured he'd try and get in touch with you.

Who me? Don't give me that, I'm a businessman.

This guy kills me.

Twenty years ago he was the best safe cracker in the business.

And business was a whole lot better too.

Well, we're going to stake out your place.

In case Melton should happen to show up.

It's okay by me, but he'll never show up here.

- Where do you want to hide? - Oh, we'll be around.

Help yourselves.

Hey.

What were you saying about Flo having a bodyguard?

Yeah, that's a fact.

How do you like a couple of heels like Flo and that shyster calling the cops?

Where does the bodyguard stay?

Parked right in front of her door at the hotel.

- Yeah? - They change shifts every four hours.

Nobody but Calibra can get in.

It only makes it a little tougher.

But she'll need more than a bodyguard now to stop me.

- Why don't you try going to bed? - I'm too nervous.

Maybe there'll be some news.

Maybe they got him.

There's no news on the air this time of the morning.

Come on, let's play some Russian bank.

There's nothing for you to be scared about.

I'm not scared.

It's just that I don't like the idea of his running around loose.

Oh, forget it, the law's sitting right outside the door.

- It's about time you were getting here. - How's things?

Oh, nothing stirring since I took over at midnight.

- But you can have these assignments. - Yeah.

You know the orders, nobody gets in there but her lawyer, Calibra.

Anybody else, pick 'em up.

Okay. Good night.

See you later.

- Good evening, officer. - Good evening.

Oh, I'm Mr. Calibra. I haven't seen you before, have I?

No, I just came on duty.

Is everything all right?

Everything's under control. Don't worry, sir.

I can't help but worry with my client being hounded by an escaped criminal.

For all I know, he's got me on his list.

Think nothing of it. We'll pick him up any minute now.

You know, I'm not going to forget you boys.

I think I'll just take a little peek. She may be asleep.

You missed that one.

I cant keep my mind on the game.

You must have a guilty conscience.

Harry!

Surprised?

What... there's a cop outside.

Yeah. Nice guy.

Well, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?

- You can't do this to me, you... - Never mind.

On second thought, I know him.

Enzo Calibra. Double-crosser deluxe.

One of those legal hyenas.

The sort that thrive on things that turn the stomachs of decent lawyers.

You always did have a nice taste in boyfriends.

If there's a wrong guy, you're a cinch to catch up with him.

Glad I found you both together though.

Makes it that much easier.

No!

Tough talk, wise guy!

Help me! He's got a gun!

Taxi!

Where to, lady?

- Hotel! - Which hotel?

Oh, any hotel!

Follow the cab, Stubby, don't lose it.

Here you are.

Show Mrs. Brown 509.

She registered under the name of Brown. Room 509.

Thanks, Stubby.

Heliotrope.

I want to pay my bill, please.

- Was there anything wrong with the room? - No. How much is it?

Four dollars, Mrs. Brown.

- You gave me a five here. - Never mind!

Took you long enough.

I still gotta use the elevator. Can't fly up and down.

I'm sorry, I just don't feel so good.

You don't look so good either.

- Do you want ice? - No. Get out!

- I got change. - Keep it.

Here. Get out.

Oh, I almost forgot. Special for you.

Heliotrope. Heliotrope.

So what?

Dirty murdering rat!

Didn't anyone ever tell you that booze is bad for your nerves?

The cigarette reminds me of something.

Turkish, isn't it?

You can't do this to me. I won't let you.

You think you can frighten me with those silly perfumed notes and that purple weed.

Well, I know how to take care of you.

I'll call the police.

Don't bother.

I cut the wire right after you ordered that second bottle of scotch.

What are you going to do?

Not a thing right now.

Just stand here and watch you smoke.

Harry, I'll do anything you want me to do.

Only... please don't look at me that way.

I can't stand it.

The heliotrope.

It drove me crazy. I couldn't sleep.

Too bad you never learned to like it.

It might have changed your luck.

No, you couldn't...

Not like this.

Without giving me a chance.

A dame that'd blackmail her own daughter doesn't deserve a chance.

You're burning your fingers, aren't you?

Harry, please, I'm begging you.

I'll be different!

I'll never know why you wanted us to take this train...

...instead of the earlier one as was planned.

Maybe it was because I could keep you a little longer.

Paul Rutherford! Paul Rutherford!

Oh, that's you, darling, that's you.

- Paul Rutherford, please! - Right here!

Oh, Paul.

From Father.

The most wonderful father a girl ever had.

But this doesn't look like your handwriting at all.

Well, I... guess I was a little nervous.

All aboard!

Goodbye!

All aboard!

All right, Harry. Come on.

Yeah, sure.

Hello, Stubby.

You know, I can't figure that Melton guy.

He makes a clean break. We don't even have a line on him.

Then he walks into headquarters and gives himself up.

Great guy.

- I feel kind of sorry for him. - Well, now I've seen everything.

A cop with a soft heart.

And a head to match.

- Subtitles - Luís Filipe Bernardes