Original subtitles

That's great, Mr. Melton.

It isn't perfect yet, but it will be soon.

-How do you do, Mr. Blake? -Hello, Mrs. Hart.

Mr. Melton asked me to drop by for cocktails.

Yes, of course. Mr. Melton is still upstairs in his laboratory but should be down soon.

-Won't you join the other guests in the den? -Thank you.

Are any of those things dangerous, Mr. Melton?

Those are all bombs models except one.

That one's loaded.

It's more destructive than a blockbuster.

If that were to drop...

everything within a radius of 200 yards would be destroyed.

Blown to bits.

That's better.

See you later, boys.

Wait. You fellas have followed me for two weeks.

Won't you please take a rest?

-We're following that, sir, not you. -Yes, I know.

It's been safe here for two months, it will be safe a few days more.

We're here to watch--

This is Washington D.C., not enemy territory. I'm in my own home.

I'm having guests for cocktails, and I'm not going to appear before them...

trailed by two Secret Service bodyguards.

-But, sir, we're only-- -No!

It's an insult for a host to appear with bodyguards and I won't have it.

Do you think I invite my country's enemies to cocktails?

-No, sir-- -Then do your guarding from this room...

or from the street outside.

Which one of those did he say was dangerous?

That one. The one with the black cross painted on it.

Maybe we had better guard Mr. Melton from the outside.

This playing bodyguard to Melton sure bores me.

Can't afford to get bored.

Melton's an important man, that's why the President put us on this job.

I know, but you'll have to admit it's a phony detail.

Nothing ever happens.

You, where are you going?

Anywhere, mister. I've got an important date.

I'll say you have, right here.

I don't belong here. I'm just on errand for Mrs. Winters.

-Ask her, she'll tell you. -You stay here.

He's dead and the plans are missing.

Did you say Mr. Melton was dead?

Yeah. Mrs. Hart, anyone upstairs?

No one. Everybody in the house is here.

Take a look around.

Everybody go in the living room, please.

I said everybody, please.

By what authority do you come barging in here--

Plenty of authority. I carry a presidential warrant.

Yes? Yes, sir. Right away.

Yes. Yes, I understand.

All right.

Thank you. Yes.

Mr. Chan speaking.

I'm expecting son and daughter.

When they arrive, please send to office.

Thank you.

Yes?

Mr. Chan, come to my office immediately.

At once.

-Okay, Chief. -Sit down, Charlie.

George Melton, the man we've been guarding is dead.

-Melton inventor? -Yes.

His newest invention which the Navy believes would utterly destroy...

the U-boat menace...

Guard detail on duty, sir. House surrounded.

No one let out except with proper credentials.

-Is that right? -Exactly.

Melton had the only copy of his torpedo plan on him...

just before he was found dead.

Now it's missing.

Very convenient that man should die merely to allow plan to be missing.

Almost too convenient.

Suspect skillful hand of master spy Manlich, perhaps.

Now it's up to you, Charlie, to find that plan immediately.

-You're in charge of the case. -Will do humble best.

Secret Service?

Bet Pop needs my help if he wants to keep this job.

-Hello. -Hi, Pop.

Please have cab waiting for Mr. Chan.

Immediately. Thank you.

-Goodbye. -Hey, Pop.

Pop, what about our sightseeing trip?

Must be postponed for important business.

Return to hotel. Will see you soon. Maybe.

I don't get it.

Something is cooking.

Pop's on a big case.

You ought to be with him.

Sure, but where did he go?

You mean you don't know where Pop's gone? What a detective.

Well, after all, he...

I can find him. A simple deduction.

Okay, let's go.

Good evening, Mr. Chan.

Sergeant Billings...

old friend from Hawaii and United States Marines.

-Nice to see you here, Sergeant. -But not so nice.

All my old buddies in action everywhere, and I'm guarding a dead man.

May learn something of Germans and Japanese here.

All I want to know about them is what I can get looking over a rifle sight.

Most excellent viewpoint.

-Hello, Mr. Chan. -Good evening, Doctor.

Hey, you.

-This ain't it. -Ain't what?

The way out.

Oh, my goodness. I was afraid of that.

I've never seen a place like this...

Cause of death, please?

A superficial examination reveals no cause...

except perhaps a natural one.

Please perform autopsy as soon as possible and send me report.

I'll have the boys remove the body right away.

Thank you.

-Glad to see you again, Jonesy. -All right, Charlie.

Everybody in house been searched?

Yes, but we didn't find anything. I questioned them all.

Here are their statements.

Please. Do not go upstairs.

Very well.

-Who is she? -The duchess?

Mrs. Hart, the housekeeper.

All the suspects are on this floor.

Louis and I have been searching down here for Melton's plan.

He had it on him when he came downstairs and died.

Have Lewis continue search.

Am I glad you're on this case, Charlie.

You know, we haven't worked together for ten years.

By the way, how's the wife and seven children?

Very fine. Only now have seven more.

Seven more? You mean 14?

Everything grow rapidly in Hawaii.

These two?

Guests. Paul Aranto and his sister.

They're planning to leave for California tomorrow.

No one leaves until case ended satisfactorily.

It appears Mr. Melton came here to this spot, then died.

We searched the closet but found nothing.

The nervous type there is Mrs. Winters. She came for cocktails and got hysterics.

Excuse me.

That's Louis Vega, war refugee.

Now a traveling salesman for Herrick Brothers, exporters of Smyrna.

-Young lady is Miss Aranto? -Yes.

That's Mr. Melton's baseball team. That's him right there.

There he is when he was with the college glee club.

All this and an inventor, too.

Mr. Chan, I found it. The plan.

-Melton's torpedo plan? -Yes, sir.

-Where you find this? -In the living room.

Please show me exactly where you find this.

Right in here, Mr. Chan.

Right over here, sir.

I found it in this book.

I guess I better apologize to our suspects and let them go.

No. Suspects are still suspects.

Still deserve questions. No apologies.

Why?

Dead man's actions calling urgently for explanation.

Dead man's actions?

How can man walk around after he's dead?

-Hello. -Hello.

Aren't you Iris Chan, Charlie's number two daughter?

-And you're Sergeant Billings. -That's right.

Last time I saw you, you were no bigger than that.

Now how'd you remember me?

A woman never forgets a good-looking man.

Who's your boyfriend?

He's no friend. He's my brother Tommy.

No. Looking for your father? He's inside.

See. Just plain deduction.

Deductions?

Are you kids working with Charlie like Jimmy used to?

Pop has to have us along to keep him out of trouble.

But Charlie didn't say anything about letting you in.

But couldn't we just look over situation?

Sure. I'll pass the word around you're okay...

on the outside.

Thank you.

You don't understand. It's not for myself.

I don't have to go. It's my dog.

My Pekingese. He has to be fed.

I'll attend to the dog, ma'am.

Do. And hurry, Birmingham.

Yes, ma'am.

Ain't that something? They even got a walking ration around here.

One moment, please.

You are chauffeur for Mrs. Winters?

-Yes, sir. -What you do here?

I come to bring something and got stuck. I mean, I got detained.

-What you bring? -A statue...

Wait, I'll get it for you, sir.

-This is it, sir. -Miss Liberty very lovely lady.

I think so. I made it myself as a present for Inez.

-For Miss Aranto? -Yes.

It's a going-away gift. I think it's beautiful.

What it stands for is very beautiful, also.

And you are brother...

Paul Aranto?

Brother, father, mother, guardian for many years.

And you are Peter Laska?

Yes. He has been with me for four years.

Thank you.

You, Miss Aranto...

I will speak for Miss Aranto, Peter and myself.

Excuse, please.

Would much prefer that all present speak for themselves.

You are David Blake, D.P.E.

What does that stand for, please?

Department of Political Economy.

If you read your newspapers, you'd know more about me.

I know what columnists say about you in morning paper.

"What David Blake does not know...

"about political economy would fill many books."

-I don't have to stand-- -Excuse, please.

Mrs. Hart...

you were in pantry when body of Mr. Melton was found?

Yes, sir. When I heard the scream...

I ran into the hall and saw Miss Aranto kneeling beside Mr. Melton's body.

She seemed to be searching his pocket.

-You saw no such thing. -It's a lie. Don't you dare...

Make her stop talking.

You seem have strange desire to silent tongues of all present.

Which one of you first discover body?

- I did. -No, I was the one--

Actually, I discovered the body.

Anyone else wish to nominate self as discoverer of body?

I better put this away before it hurts somebody else.

Excuse me. I better scram out of here before I scram out of my skin.

Your full name is

Louis Phillip Vega.

-And I'm not interested in yours. -You might be interested.

This gentleman is Mr. Charlie Chan.

You were where when Mr. Melton come downstairs?

In the den. Nice alibi?

When alibi pushed at me, always suspect motive in woodpile.

Mrs. Winters...

when Miss Aranto scream, you ran out into hall?

Not at first. I couldn't move. I was simply putrefied.

Excuse, please.

I do not believe you mean "putrefied.”

My dear man, I know what I mean.

I'll be a popeyed polliwog.

So will I.

My goodness, I'll be no such thing.

Charlie, the picture in the hall.

Curiosity now so small...

have but very few questions more to ask.

Why ask any questions at all then?

Mr. Melton died a natural death.

I heard one of your men say it.

Whatever was missing from his pockets has been found.

Then you've frightened my sister for nothing.

I'm not staying around just to satisfy your curiosity.

Excuse. Detective without curiosity...

is like glass eye at key hole. No good.

Will now show you where valuable missing document...

strangely reappeared.

Experiment will prove much.

Mr. Lewis, please.

Will you take book from bookcase?

Thank you. You may return same.

Mr. Vega, you will assist the experiment?

No.

Mr. Aranto?

What do you wish me to do?

Merely take book from bookcase.

Thank you.

Mrs. Winters?

I really don't see a sense to this game.

Not when my Pekingese is...

Merely please take book from bookcase.

Very well.

Life Among The Ubangis.

Are you interested in that type of woman, Mr. Chan?

Not at all.

Valuable document placed in right side of bookcase.

Mr. Lewis choose book from right side of bookcase.

You also choose book from right side.

But, Mrs. Winters...

After all, I am left-handed.

Exactly.

So you choose book from left side of bookcase.

What of it?

Ninety-nine times out of hundred...

right- or left-handed person...

turn instinctively toward controlling side.

George Melton was left-handed.

Mr. Melton was left-handed. But how do you know?

Same way Mr. Jones find out.

There's a picture of the Yale baseball team in the hall. Mr. Melton's in it.

The picture's inscribed with Mr. Melton's nickname. "Portside."

Even Chinese detective know...

port side ball player is left-handed.

But what has this to do with the paper found in the book?

Very strange.

Mr. Melton place valuable document in bookcase.

Stranger still...

left-handed George Melton...

place document in right side of bookcase.

And even stranger yet...

that dead man lying in hall able to reach bookcase at all.

Never knew dead man to carry things so far.

Plan a very dangerous weapon.

Follow directions here...

and dangerous weapon...

about as dangerous as unloaded toy pistol.

Document is very poor forgery.

-Go on. What are you waiting for? -But we're not supposed to.

Pop's in there on a case. Are you a detective or a dud?

Someone's in here. We better stay out.

Yeah?

-Iris, what are you pushing me for? -I'm surrounded.

I got someone wearing a mask. Come on, give me a hand, Iris.

Seems as though Chan family about to have second reunion.

-Let me loose. -You can't get away.

Let me loose!

I see double, perhaps.

If that's me, I don't look so good.

I want you should remain upstairs.

Yes, sir.

That is order.

Yes, sir.

You can explain presence here?

Mr. Chan, what is they saying?

All Chinese to me. Upstairs come on.

Excuse, please, but Sputtering Fire Cracker...

and Black Sheep are noisiest members of Chan family.

Excuse.

You will go to hotel please, and remain there.

Just a minute, Mr. Chan.

They could carry off this so-called important document, couldn't they?

I don't get it.

He's trying to pin something on us. And it's no bouquet.

Excuse, please. Mr. Vega is quite right.

You will go to pantry and remain there till called.

And wash face.

Children go through life with same tact as tornado.

We can leave when you find whatever is missing?

Just as soon as genuine Melton document is found...

-and his murderer. -Murderer?

People in Washington don't go about murdering.

Evidently, few present who have forgotten rules.

Surely, you don't think any of us here are guilty?

Difficulty now would be to find someone present...

who could not be guilty.

Mr. Lewis, please.

Have coroner sent by special messenger.

Yes, sir, as soon as possible.

You return to headquarters, give Mr. Slate full report of case up to now.

Okay, Mr. Chan.

Always someone about to stick fly in ointment.

This time I am unlucky man with three flies.

If you're stuck, I'll help you out.

You are like business end of waterspout...

always running off at mouth.

Every time he looks at me...

he makes me feel as futile as a traveling salesman...

with nothing but egg cartons.

But he's awful handy when there's a murderer on the loose.

Murderer on the loose?

Right in this very house.

So let's investigate while Pop's upstairs.

I wonder where she's going.

Look out, Pop!

Splendid instrument for playing and fancy cutting up.

That's what I thought. So I took it when he wasn't looking.

-He? -Peter.

I don't trust anyone with a thing like that.

And I don't trust the people he works for, either.

You do not trust Arantos?

I won't say anything more.

My gosh, a detective don't read while people sneak up behind him with a knife.

In mirror, I see everything goes on behind back.

You are very smart boy.

Trouble with modern children...

they do not smart in right place.

-Did Confucius say that, Pop? -No. I say that.

Very strange woman, Mrs. Hart.

Yeah, Pop. She strictly icky.

Right off the carbon. Way off the beat.

Could possibly speak English?

He means she's a slick chick gone to sea, Pop.

She got bats in her head and bees in her bustle.

Language sound very strange to elderly ears.

Sure, Pop. But we're hip cats of the younger generation.

You're Confucius and I'm Confucius Junior.

Confucius Junior.

Please, go.

Going somewhere, pal?

Just out for some fresh air.

Try to get out of here and you'll get some fresh air right through your stomach.

No thanks.

I don't care for that sort of air conditioning.

Inside.

You were not supposed to touch picture.

We never touched it, Pop.

-Heck no. -No, sir.

No?

When you search Melton, did you find any keys?

No.

Put picture back.

-I don't get it. -Neither do I.

I'm confused, too.

Mr. Chan?

Fella tried to slip out of here a few minutes ago.

-Tall man or short man? -He was a good size.

It wasn't Peter or Blake.

And Aranto can't walk. It must have been Vega.

They insist on murder. So I think I'll mix me up a little certain dip.

Some of this.

Some of this.

And some of this.

I hope I don't see things after I get through drinking this concoction.

Mr. Chan, I just saw the murderer.

-Where? -Right in there. Right under my nose.

I saw him when he poked his gun out through that curtain.

-No one there. -Check living room.

You were told to remain in hall.

We were upstairs looking for clues, Pop.

Looking for clues upstairs while murderer downstairs...

shooting at honorable parent.

Gosh, did they kill you, Pop? No, I mean, did they hurt you?

You stay here, you might have seen murderer.

But you also might get shot.

Very glad you disobey orders and go upstairs.

You're not scared, are you?

Good gracious, no.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Of course, not.

-I'm scared stiff. -Same here.

Come on.

What now?

Can we hang around here awhile, Pop?

Yeah. Be very quiet.

They're all in there.

No one saw anyone leave the living room.

They don't know anything. Didn't even hear a shot.

Never mind.

Our problem now of ladies' linen.

That's a real clue.

Want me to get the women in to find out who owns it?

-Already know. -Miss Aranto?

-I'll get her. -No.

Miss Aranto does not smoke.

Does Mrs. Hart or Mrs. Winters smoke?

No. Neither one of them can stand the smell of tobacco.

Person who leave linen behind drape...

very heavy smoker.

There's Vega, Peter, Blake, several heavy smokers.

If I'd ask your father to let me go home, would he let me?

-What you want to go home for? - I forgot something.

-What'd you forget? - I forgot to stay there.

It was a good idea.

Mr. Chan, if I have to stay here all night...

with all those men, I really should have a nightgown.

Good gracious. Did I say that?

I'm afraid so.

The things I do say.

You will excuse, please.

I'm very busy. Have murderer to catch.

Of course. You're a detective.

Hope so, yes.

Like talk to typhoon.

You remain here. Keep sharp eye on Paul Aranto.

Come.

Mrs. Hart.

Household keys, please.

Key here for everything?

-For every lock in the house. -Thank you.

That got it, Pop.

Key turn in lock but nothing happen.

Put picture back.

Time for a messenger from coroner to arrive.

I'll check on that.

You know, Mr. Chan...

No. You stay here.

Pop, let him come. This joint is lonesome.

Joint? Confucius Junior.

Coming out?

No.

That Melton fella sure knew his stuff, Pop.

This is what made the Japs fleet not so fleet.

I'm searching for evidence, not amusement.

Okay, Pop.

That did it.

What's matter?

That make you unable to talk?

Talk? Mr. Chan, I'm so scared I can hardly gulp.

Perhaps, should try same on Mrs. Winters.

Move now.

It's got me again.

Now move.

Photo-electric cell behind eyes of head.

When someone pass in front, make contact. Therefore, head moves. See?

Fox hole. That's just what I need.

Did not expect visitor to trap in here.

Seems about time...

to drop conversation.

Hey, Pop!

Throw nothing more. Unknown is...

What you do here?

I missed the first rung and came down in one step.

Come.

Good gracious me.

-Are you all right? -I don't know.

I thought I heard some shooting going on in here.

Come.

Can explain presence here?

No gun on him, Pop. But where's the hat and coat?

Someone tried to eliminate me in workshop. Was you?

Me? I heard shots and was headed this way...

but someone hit me.

Explanation too perfect to be true.

Downstairs please.

These murder things going on.

David, what happened? We heard shots.

Please no talk now. Everyone in living room.

Mr. Vega?

What is it?

Merely wish to assure myself you are among those present.

All seem to be present except Mr. Aranto.

Here I am, Mr. Chan.

I was hungry and left for a sandwich.

-When you go? -Just now.

Excuse, please. You carry gun?

I don't need one.

If I don't like someone, I run over them.

Man who never leave wheelchair...

should never wear out shoe leather?

I told you to watch Mr. Aranto.

I thought I had him anchored to this.

Some detective.

Quiet.

From the coroner's office. I think this is what you wanted.

You miss all excitement.

For second time, I am target for tonight.

Someone else took a shot at you?

Do not like so much personal attention.

Someone leave this room tonight to try to kill me and number three son.

I'm guilty of a crime because I get a sandwich?

If man places self in way of finger of suspicions...

must not be surprised if he receive poke in the eye.

You suspect me?

Suspicion like rain, fall upon just and unjust.

You protect yourself with umbrella of innocence.

But at moment...

I'm afraid your umbrella have big leak.

Remain here.

Mr. Chan, I'm sure is woozy.

-Will require your assistance. -Gladly, sir, if I can stay awake.

You will wake up perhaps quite suddenly. Here.

Stand by closet door. You two remain by stairs quickly.

Everyone step into hallway, please.

Intend to show you how Mr. Melton was killed.

-This is murder trap. -The closet, a murder trap?

I've been cleaning that closet for years.

-If you're saying that I... -One moment, please.

Mr. Melton descend stairs this afternoon.

He come to closet and open door.

He stand with feet upon metal threshold...

and reach hand for electric chain.

He pull same.

And he is dead.

Murdered.

Murdered? But how?

Electrocution.

How shocking.

Murderer aware many people who die by electricity...

leave no marks upon body to indicate cause of death.

But if the coroner couldn't diagnose electrocution, how could you?

Tacks in heal of shoe conduct electricity.

Photograph show tiny burns...

upon feet of murdered man.

But you turned on the light and nothing happened to you.

One moment, please.

Birmingham, will you please turn light off in closet?

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Now, Mr. Vega...

will you kindly turn light on in closet?

Please turn on light, Mr. Vega.

But I...

Conduct your own experiments.

Remember, murderer wish to kill only one man:

Mr. Melton.

Excuse.

Now, Birmingham, you take rod.

When I tell you to pull, pull.

Yes, sir.

So murderer controlled deadly electricity...

from this switch in living room.

Switch itself harmless...

but panel of switch strangely loose at top.

Through crack in living room door...

murderer watch Mr. Melton descend stairs...

and open closet door.

He then press loose panel.

Pull.

You are in need of refreshment, Mr. Aranto?

Yes.

- I could use a drink. -This way, ladies and gentlemen.

One moment, Mr. Vega, please.

You were expecting to leave for California tomorrow with the Arantos?

Yes.

So sorry, must detain you.

Birmingham, let go.

-Stop. You're all right. -Am I?

I thought that electricity done blown out all of my fuse.

-You carry gun, Mr. Vega? -No, of course not.

Being a refugee from Europe, you know many people in Germany?

No.

You do not know someone named Manlich?

Maybe your name's Manlich.

I never heard the name before.

Your last name is really Vega?

Yes.

Could not possibly be Von Vegon?

No.

Scientific who's who...

show your picture with name Phillip Von Vegon.

You're no salesman.

You are celebrated author and electrical engineer.

Hunt for murderer nearly ended.

For goodness sakes, who is it?

Murderer now seated on divan.

That's a lie!

I thought you meant me.

You're accusing me of murder?

-You are electrical engineer. -What about it?

Murderer always choose weapon he knows best.

Pop, this guy's dead.

-But where's the gun? -Gun?

You have to have a gun to make a hole like that.

That's the second man who's been murdered.

There just ain't no future for a man in this house.

I've discovered killer of George Melton.

Now question is which one of you murder Louis Vega?

I tell you I don't know.

I don't know any more about it than these people here.

Strange facts of case...

most all concerned have been at one time in Smyrna.

Mr. Aranto, you knew Louis Vega...

or Von Vegon in Smyrna?

Yes. I've known him as Louis Vega for nearly a year.

Miss Aranto?

But I only knew him socially. I didn't know he was...

You knew him, Peter?

Vega?

No, I had nothing to do with him.

-Thank you. -Yes, sir.

Mrs. Winters, you have been to Smyrna?

Good heavens, no. But I've heard of the place.

That's where all the figs come from.

Mr. Blake, you knew Louis Vega in Smyrna.

No. That is, yes.

Yes, I knew him.

Whenever I'd call on Miss Aranto, Vega was always around and...

What I mean is, I didn't want to know him.

Mrs. Hart, maybe you've been to Smyrna, too.

Spent two months there once.

A very dull place where nothing happens except when it rains.

-And then what happens? -It rains.

Miss Aranto, will you come here, please?

-Time now to stop lying. -What do you mean by that insult?

You nearly rise from chair just then.

I haven't walked in years.

You could tell the truth. Come on, speak up!

No, Paul!

-Let her go. -So you can walk?

I must apologize for what I did.

I must apologize also.

It was my idea to prove you could walk.

My masquerade as an invalid had nothing to do with any crime.

I was in an accident some months ago.

I recovered, but kept to my wheelchair to find out...

what certain political enemies would do if I would not enter politics again.

That is the truth, Mr. Chan.

My correspondents will prove what I have said.

If you believed I killed Vega, Mr. Chan, I present you with my wheelchair.

You will need it before you find me guilty.

We shall see.

Draw curtain.

I don't see how any of them killed Vega.

No one had a gun. They were all standing in front...

and Vega was shot in the back.

-Already know where gun is. -You do?

-You know who did it? -Have strong suspicion.

But until can prove how gun fired without hand to pull trigger...

can accuse no one.

What you want?

Another key?

-One of yours? -No. I found it on the piano.

-Know what lock this key fit? -No.

You're too far ahead of me, Charlie. What do we do next?

Torpedo plan still missing. Have one more place to look.

If plan not there, will expose murderer of Vega...

and have guilty person lead me directly to missing document.

-Gee, I'm sleepy. -Me, too.

Then lie down somewhere. I'll wake you when the next corpse shows up.

Next corpse? But there's been two murders already.

And they always happen in threes.

They sure do scare easy.

Threes?

Quiet. Detective at work.

But, Pop.

You sound like outboard motor.

What happened?

Third and final attempt upon life of humble self.

Wall safe also a murder trap.

In ten minutes, will arrest murderer of Louis Vega.

Pop, nobody standing in front of Von Vegon could shoot him in the back.

Sit down, please.

Murder gun staring at us like clock...

trying to hide face behind hands.

Spring gun. Noiseless.

-Peter Laska. -Yes.

Where were you when Melton come downstairs?

Right over there next to the bar.

From there you have excellent view of entire room.

Louis Vega kill Mr. Melton...

then come down hall and into that door.

Strange you do not see him.

Mr. Vega?

I did not notice. I don't spy on people.

Where is your gun?

You have license to carry gun in your room. Where is gun now?

It's upstairs in my room.

You did not leave same in pantry after use on me in workshop?

No, Mr. Chan, I never use it. It is not in pantry.

Four bullets fired from it quite recently.

-Where you find same? -In pantry.

Is same gun used on me in workshop.

No, Mr. Chan, I never shot anyone.

Mr. Von Vegon do shooting, but you leave it in pantry for him to use.

No, Mr. Chan, I never--

Always you are present when Von Vegon disappears.

Always you are conveniently blind and do not see him go.

That is not true. I know nothing about--

When Von Vegon is ready to confess, you kill him.

I never killed anyone!

You are wrong, Mr. Chan.

Peter Laska, I arrest you for the murder of Louis Vega.

No, you cannot arrest me when I do nothing. Mr. Aranto, protect me.

-These men are wrong. I am innocent. -Come on.

- I did nothing to anyone. -Come on.

I hurt no one!

I can't believe it.

Peter a murderer?

It's so hard to keep servants these days.

Good heavens.

For two weeks, I've tried to bribe Peter to come and work for me.

But we were all right here in this room.

I don't see how Peter could have killed Vega.

-I don't get it, either. -Will show you.

Gun used to kill Von Vegon hanging on fireplace wall.

Spring gun. Noiseless.

Hanging on top my gun now in its place.

You mean it hung on the wall even when it killed Vega?

But how could Peter have fired it?

All night long...

wrestled with titles of Von Vegon's books.

Finally, I find one I seek.

Magnetic Properties of Electricity.

-You mean a magnet fired that gun? -Exactly.

When magnet turned on, gun pull against trigger and fired itself.

I don't get it.

But, Pop, where is the magnet?

Directly in line with murder weapon.

Come, I show you.

This is electromagnet and murder weapon.

Observe.

But Peter wasn't near that table when Vega was killed.

No one was near it.

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

He stood right beside me at the piano.

Exactly. All of you were near piano...

when Vega was killed.

Therefore, piano is instrument which operates magnet.

Everyone watching Von Vegon...

so Peter Laska have plenty of opportunity to work mechanism.

Switch which operates magnet is beneath here.

My gun is hanging on hook...

in same place where murder gun hung.

Will try experiment. Please, all watch.

-Who got it this time? -That's an experiment.

When did he get in here?

And that is how Von Vegon was killed.

Good gracious.

After tonight, all the excitement I want is trying to get into...

a new girdle, if I can get one. My Pekingese.

May we go now, please, Mr. Chan?

Everyone may go now.

Thank you.

What's the meaning of this?

Meaning we have finally caught real murderer of Von Vegon.

You're insane.

Permit me to prove my sanity.

Only person seated at piano...

could have reached mechanism which operates murder gun.

Peter Laska was standing.

You were only one seated at piano.

You are working with Von Vegon.

Feeling he might confess, you killed him.

Ridiculous.

Excuse, please.

See?

Missing torpedo plan.

Final proof of guilt.

You are under arrest, Fraulein Manlich.

I trust you will accept my humble apologies.

I'm so very sorry had to pick on you...

in order to catch real criminal.

That is perfectly all right. Mr. Jones told me about it.

I was very much scared at first, but most happy to help you.

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

Also very grateful to everyone for their kind cooperation.

Mr. Chan, that Mrs. Winters, was she doing all them murders?

You know, Pop, that Mrs. Winters wasn't so dumb at all.

She was only putting on an act.

I don't get it.

Pop didn't get it?

Didn't get it?

Mrs. Winters didn't get it, either.

Hello? Is this the Manpower Commission?

This is Birmingham Brown, and I'm wide open for a defense job.

Have I got a what? An availability ticket?

Where do I get that from?

From my last employer?

Are you kidding?