Original subtitles

The serial numbers of the stolen notes were immediately circulated throughout

Britain and through Interpol communications to police forces in every

corner of the globe.

15,000?

You're offering us 15,000 nigger for this lot?

15,000.

But there's 150,000 here.

And it's burning your fingers.

You've got a suitcase full of money you can't spend.

15,000 quid.

It's only one-tenth.

My next offer will be lower. This stuff is new, listed.

It's going to take planning to get rid of organization.

That's going to cost me money.

Then, of course, I have to make a profit to cover my risk. Profit?

Profit? But that's 1,000% profit.

And 1,000% risk.

15,000 pounds. That's my offer. Take it or leave it.

Suppose I say we leave it.

Suppose I say we take our business somewhere else, eh?

Sam, will you tell him?

Mr. Cartier is the top man in this business.

You're not going to get more than he's offering.

You might not be able to sell it at all. You better think carefully, boys. This

stuff's hot. It's very hot. You may have to hold it for a whole year before you

can pass a penny of it.

And if they're police, catch you with it. The money that Mr. Cartier will give

for you is cool to touch, cool to spend. It's still only one-tenth of what's

here. Look, I can't waste any more time. Will you shut him out, Sam?

Wait a minute.

All right, well, we'll take 20.

14,000. The price just dropped. What are you trying to... Time's money to Mr.

Cartier. He wasted his time thinking things over.

Blast you, Cartier.

Well, how do we collect?

Just leave that.

Sam will take it to Adele tonight with 14,000 in old notes.

Yeah, but how do I know? How do you know? You ought to know some things by

this time.

Tonight, then. And you'd better... You'll get your money.

The back door, you know.

Sam, we have work to do.

We have to work out a setup to pass these notes.

Yes, Mr. Carpenter.

Senor Fernando.

Buon dia, senor. Buon dia, senor. Won't you sit down?

Obrigado.

And what can I do for you, senor? I wish to open an account.

Ah, si. And how much do you wish to deposit, senor?

18,000 English pounds.

That is a large amount of money to carry about the street, eh?

Si, senor. As you say, it's a large amount of money.

It was a cash business deal.

The money has been in my safe for the past two days.

I'm very happy to make it your responsibility.

I understand.

Your name?

My name?

Senor, you wish to open an account, no?

Oh, my name, si, senor.

Eugenio Finan.

Eugenio... Finan.

Oh, the money is to be in the name of Finan Exports.

Yes, senor.

Finan...

Exports.

You say there is 18,000 pounds?

Si, senor.

Oh,

no, senor. It is that I have to get the correct forms in the other office. You

will excuse me?

The alert bank manager on discovering the serial numbers of the missing notes

immediately called Inspector Robledo of the Brazilian police, who took the

protesting Senor Fanan to police headquarters.

This is outrageous, monstrous, I warn you, Inspector, I have friends in... Sit

down, Senor Fanan.

But what have I done? You cannot arrest a man without a charge. Sit down, Senor.

You're not being arrested, you're being held for questioning. But I am an honest

citizen. All I ask is to be told why I am being held. Because I want to ask you

a few questions. Sergeant, please relay this to Interpol Division, Scotland

Yard, immediately.

Scotland Yard?

Si, senor. Please, please, sit down.

Now then, senor.

This money, where did you get it?

News of the appearance in Brazil of some of the stolen notes was immediately

relayed to Interpol Division, Scotland Yard.

Come in.

Yes, what is it? The cable, sir. Oh, thanks.

Oh.

Send me in the file of the Royal Mint robbery, June of last year.

And ask Detective Inspector Smith to come and see me at once.

Right away, sir. Now, have this relayed over the international network to all

Interpol officers.

All personnel to be re-alerted for the missing money. Yes, sir. And you better

send a copy to the Treasury.

Yes, sir.

Johnny?

Johnny? Yes, sir. Royal Mint job.

Some of those notes have turned up at last.

Now, issue a duplicate set of the numbers to all stations.

Something may come of it. Where did they turn up? What? Where? Oh, where?

Brazil. The Royal Mint, Robbie, eh? Yes. I've just had a message from the

Brazilian police. Just a moment.

Transport. Transport.

I want transport.

Some of the notes have been traced to Rio.

Transport, officer. Transport.

I want a priority booking to Rio de Janeiro in the name of Detective

Inspector Smith.

Right? Yes, sir. Thank you.

And that's it.

Well, I'll have all the necessary papers waiting for you at the airport, and the

plane leaves at 12.50. 12.50, eh?

Well, that just gives me ten minutes to pack a toothbrush.

And you better pack a gun.

Inspector Smith. Robledo.

Your office acts so quickly.

This case is 13 months old already.

It's the time things got moving.

Too bad I must disappoint you.

I'm afraid you have made the trip for nothing.

Oh, I expected that.

You expected it? Yes.

The man I'm after wouldn't pass the money himself.

Probably changed hands several times before Fernand got his hands on it. You

made the trip here just the same? Oh, yes.

Fernand is the first link in a long chain back.

A chain that I hope will eventually lead back to the money fence.

Well, there is the money.

You're still holding, Fernand, of course. Si.

It has been difficult, of course. There's no real charge, you see.

But I obeyed your instructions and I... How do you say it? Stuck out my neck.

Thank you very much.

I have not yet told him that we are satisfied he is innocent.

You see, if he knew, I could no longer hold him. Quiet.

Oh, come in, senor.

Sit down.

This is Inspector Smith.

He wishes to ask you a few questions.

He's from England.

I've answered many questions. I've told you all I know. I am an honest citizen.

I'm sure you are, Mr. Fernand.

I think you're the victim of unfortunate circumstances.

You believe this?

You will tell them they are making a mistake, they will release me?

Well, just now you claimed to be an honest citizen.

It is true. I swear it is true. Well, as such, you're free to walk out of here

just whenever you want to.

But as an honest citizen, I wonder if you'd just mind waiting a little longer

and answering a few questions from me.

It is as he says, senor. You are free to leave.

You've suffered a great deal of indignity.

Well, I'm hoping that eventually some good will come out of it. What do you

wish to know? You banked this money?

Sim, senor, I do not deny this.

How did this money come into your possession?

I have already explained this to Inspector O'Blade. I wonder if you'd

mind telling me, please.

The money came from a business deal.

What kind of deal?

I am an exporter. Just over two weeks ago, I sold 60 tons of coffee. That

money, 18,000 pounds, was the payment.

Who did you sell the coffee to?

To a representative of Gavotti Sembra, an Italian shipping firm.

They paid in cash?

Si, senor, 18,000 English pounds.

Cash for a deal that big?

At the central exchange market in the city, such cash deals are not unusual,

Inspector. Si.

The coffee, have you shipped it yet?

Yes, today after the sale.

Where till? I do not know where.

It was purchased by Gavotti Sembra and their headquarters are in Rome.

Well, it fits.

Inspector?

The fence turns the hot money into negotiable goods.

Sixty tons of coffee is worth just as much as this, and it's safer to handle.

And there are no serial numbers on coffee beans, eh?

Precisely. Senor, I have been here many, many hours.

One last question.

This man with whom you did the deal, have you done business with him before?

Him? I have not done business with her before.

A woman?

Well, there can be no doubt about that.

What was her name?

Mara. Mara Cellini.

Mara Cellini?

She's still here in Rio?

Oh, no, she's gone back to Rome.

I myself escorted her to the airport.

Well, I don't think we need detain you any longer, Mr. Fernand.

I shall have a car to take you home, senor.

Sergeant.

But my money, what about my money?

Well, I'm afraid we've got to hang on to that.

That money, according to the serial numbers, is part of a large amount that

was stolen in London.

Will I get it back?

I'm afraid not.

I'll try and get your coffee back for you, though.

Sergeant.

Senor. Thank you very much, Mr. Fernand.

Mara Cellini. A woman.

A beautiful woman.

Can you get me Ram on that phone?

Inspector Smith.

Arrivederci, senor.

Inspector Smith.

I am so glad to meet you. Will you please sit down? Thank you. A cigarette?

Thank you. I'll have one of my own, if I may. Perhaps you would prefer a drink?

Yes, thanks. I would. It is sometimes very hot in Rome.

Did you have a pleasant journey?

Not bad, not bad. Good.

Dua Pernebranca.

Pronto, senor.

Well, Inspector, I have been making some inquiries since I received your

telegram. The export manager of Cavati Sambra denies having made any purchases

of coffee in Brazil.

Denies it? Indeed, and his files back him up. There is no record in any of the

books relating to a transaction in Brazil.

Well, of course, records can be erased.

Possibly, but very unlikely.

Cavati Zambra is an old established firm. They've been trading in Roma for

many years.

What about the export manager?

Oh, he's a respectable man. He's never been in trouble of any kind.

The girl?

Marcellini. She holds an executive position in the company as the export

buyer. She's intelligent, trusted, age 28, single.

engaged to Antonio Venare, who also works for Gavocci's Umbra.

Apart from this, little else is known about Miss Cellini.

Except... she's very beautiful.

And the fact that she's bought 60 tons of coffee with stolen money.

The transaction is not even on record.

I'd like to see her. Of course.

If we hurry, we'll catch the office before it closes.

Mr. Delgado, if you don't mind, I'd like to go and see her alone.

Oh, of course. Thanks. Ah, the drink.

Thank you.

Salute. Salute.

I told you I was... Really?

Well, did you ever hear of knocking on doors before coming in? You must be in

the wrong office. The main office is up close.

Whom did you wish to see? I'm in the right office, Miss Cellini. I want to

see you.

I don't think I've ever met you.

Quite right, you haven't.

Well, is this some kind of... Sit down, Miss Cellini, will you? How dare you

come in here and give me orders? Get out before I call the police. I don't think

I'll call the police.

I've just come from Rio de Janeiro.

We have a mutual acquaintance, Senor Fernand.

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

In that case, you must have a very poor memory.

Sixty tons of coffee and 18,000 English pounds are not easy to forget.

There... There must be some mistake.

Your mistake, Miss Cellini.

Signor Fanam was most emphatic in his description of the beautiful

representative of Gavotti's emerald.

It was all right.

You bought the coffee from him.

The transaction wasn't shown in the books.

I want to know why.

I want to know who gave you the money.

I... I...

Tell him not!

I asked you a question, Miss Cellini.

Where did that money come from?

What does it matter? He must have found out in order to send him here.

We didn't do any harm. We just used up a little space that wouldn't have been

used anyway.

It was only a way of making a little money. Don't try to explain to him.

He wouldn't understand.

He'll report everything to Gavotti. He must be a private detective.

Space? Private detectives? Gavotti? What's all this about?

Signor Gavotti didn't send you here?

No.

Then you're not a private detective.

No.

He's lying.

He must be. Why else would he come here and ask questions?

Detective Inspector Caesar Smith.

Scotland Yard.

Interpol. Interpol?

Who? Scotland Yard.

Police.

International police?

I said we shouldn't have gone through with it. I didn't think the company

would call in the police.

And why the British police?

I think we're all talking in circles.

What's going on here?

What kind of racket are you two mixed up in?

You... You don't know?

No. But you're going to tell me.

I might be able to help you.

Tony, I think we should.

No. No, our only hope is to tell the truth.

I go abroad to buy products for Gavotti Sembra.

They use their own boats to bring the merchandise over.

Well, sometimes there is space to spare, waste space.

Tony and I, we decided to make use of that space.

In what way?

Tony arranges small deals with European firms who want to import from overseas.

He tells me what they want and I go and buy it in the name of Gavotti Sembra.

Tony and I charge for the shipping.

That is our profit.

Our only profit.

It's not much.

Not enough to make any difference to Gavotti's emperor.

But it is a lot to us.

What are you going to do now?

I don't know.

Of course, your company will have found out about this in time anyway.

Anything you can tell me, I'll try and make it as easy as I can for both of

you. I told you not to tell him.

No, Tony.

What more do you want to know?

Two things.

One, where the coffee was shipped to.

And two, who gave you the money to buy it?

You meant what you said?

You'll make it as easy as you can for us?

I'm not after you two.

Who gave you the money?

I made this deal through Marcel Imports.

They're a brokerage company in Paris.

21 rue de Fayenne.

They give us the money.

Paris, eh?

Paris.

21 rue de Fayenne.

Listen to me.

It's nothing, my dear.

Oh,

no. It's not far.

Next to the square, Mr. Marr. It's the room next to the... Marcel, import?

Monsieur? Excuse me.

He's no use, monsieur. They are there no longer.

Nothing remains.

Do you mean he can't move somewhere else? Not move, monsieur. Fini. Gone.

And a month of his spent owing. Oh, no.

You in charge of this building? Oui, monsieur, it is in my care.

When did this happen?

Two days ago, and now I prepare the office for the tenant.

Let us hope they will be more or less.

You have no idea where they went to?

If I knew, monsieur, they will not be owing the rent.

And they left nothing behind, that's what I... Nothing, monsieur.

See?

Everything gone.

Not one scrap of paper left.

Well, didn't anyone see them move?

Ah, the same question, monsieur. None see.

I think they move after office hours, late at night.

The manager, who was he?

Monsieur Marcel.

Robert Marcel.

A man.

Well, where did he live?

At the Hotel Pierre, but he's gone from there too.

They could not give me an information where to find him. Well, surely when he

rented the office, he would do some kind of documents, references or something?

Oh, oui, monsieur.

References. Very good references.

So good that I didn't bother to check.

Phony, eh?

Of course.

I did inform the police.

Oh, well, thanks anyway.

Any news, Le Prave?

Yes. The police checked up on Marcel Imports.

Then it was just a question of owing rents. But after what you've told me,

we've done a lot more checking.

What did you find out?

We checked at the Hotel Pierre.

Monsieur Marcel paid his bills there, but left no forwarding address.

As far as the hotel knows, he had no visitors or friends.

They knew very little about him. Did you get a description?

Yes. Here it is.

And we had both the manager of the hotel and the manager of the building down

here. But they couldn't identify him from any of our photographs.

What about the banks?

Marcel Imports opened an account here in Paris over two months ago with the

Banque de Lyon.

They traded as import and export brokers.

And then suddenly, two days ago, the account was closed and the company just

disappeared. So that brokerage company was formed for one reason.

To pass on some of the stolen money and get goods in return.

Yes. The deal over, the company falls out.

Simple but clever.

What about the coffee? Did it arrive at the docks?

Yes. On the Gavotti Sembra Freighter four days ago. And was picked up by

Marcel Import Trucks. That's as far as we got.

That money came from England.

And that's where the fence is, I'll swear that.

If I'm right, the coffee will find its way back to England.

Sixty tons of coffee.

Ooh, very difficult cargo to smuggle out of the country.

What I'm worried about is why Marcel Imports didn't send that coffee direct

from Rio de Janeiro to London. Why divert it here to Paris?

Because that particular freighter of Gavotti Sembra was going only from Rio

to France.

Look, they've been shipping openly, right? Yeah. Using only incorrect names.

Now, I believe that that coffee's on its way to England now, through the normal

channels. Any chance of checking on the docks to see if a large consignment of

coffee did go out in the past two days? Oh, that was going to be our next move.

I shall put my man on it right away.

And as for you, Inspector, might I suggest a hot bath and...

A few hours sleep.

That's what I like about you, French.

You always say the right thing at the right time.

Pierre, donnez-moi Agence Maritime.

Well?

Yeah?

Just had a cable from Inspector Smith, sir. Oh? I think it must be in code,

sir. Code?

Yes, sir. He says, there's lots of coffee in Brazil. I haven't got a bean.

What does it mean, sir?

I think it means that Inspector Smith must be still on the job.

Thank you.

While Caesar Smith was sleeping, the French police at the instigation of

Interpol were continuing their search around the docks. Their quarry, 60 tons

of coffee beans.

Monsieur l'Inspecteur Smith.

Well, I got your call. What's happened?

Oh, ships manifest freight list.

Boulogne docks three days ago.

Second page.

Wednesday, April 24th. Coffee bags, SS Iliad.

Quantity, 60 ton.

Shipper, Marcel Imports. And ship to Ralph Chase and Company, Tilbury Docks,

London. It looks as if you are going back home, Inspector.

On the next flight.

Thanks, Le Pav.

Thanks very much.

Avec plaisir.

Rome, Paris, and back to where we started.

Well, what do we know about Ralph Chase and Company?

Well, nothing doesn't help.

They're a prosperous, respectable firm, and they've been in business for years.

That's all I've been meeting ever since I started this case.

Prosperous, respectable, honest citizens.

I'm beginning to wonder if I shall ever meet a crook.

When are you meeting Ralph Chase?

As soon as his office opens.

Yes, I ought to be getting along now.

Now, listen, Caesar.

You've been doing a lot of legwork in the past couple of days.

Wouldn't you like me to put somebody else on the case?

That's very kind of you, Paddy. I'm getting close.

I'll stick with it.

That's if it's all right with you, of course. Oh, so it's me to a T.

Don't you mean coffee, Superintendent?

Do you mind if I look at you?

Get up there.

My name's Smith. I wonder if I can have a word with you.

Oh, police, huh? Is there somewhere quiet we can have a chat?

Yes. Uh, Jim, take over, will you? Okay.

Go to my office. Thanks.

Have a seat. Inspector Smith, wasn't it? That's right, Inspector Smith.

Interpol.

Interpol? Some of our boys in trouble.

No, it's not that, Mr. Chase.

Well, I'd appreciate it if you'd go to the point, because you sound pretty

busy. Yes, I can see that.

Loaning consignments from abroad?

Yes, yes. Any coffee amongst that lot?

Coffee? Yes, coffee. It's a fairly common commodity. You handle it, don't

you? Oh, yes. We get it in from time to time.

How do you do lately?

Inspector, what are you driving at?

I believe you handled this consignment, didn't you?

Oh, yes.

Sixty tons of coffee beans in bags marked Frenan, Brazil.

Yes. Anything wrong with that? No. There's no law against bringing coffee

into the country. Why all these questions?

Mr. Chase, where did you buy the coffee?

The coffee was imported from France from Master L'Import. Have you ever done

business with them before?

No, it was my first deal.

Are you acquainted with Monsieur Marcel?

My business was done over the telephone.

I've never met the gentleman, but... So you admit handling the coffee?

Oh, yes, of course.

How did you pay for it? I haven't.

As a matter of fact, I was to have sent them off a certified cheque today for 19

,000 pounds.

Here it is.

Are you sure they're no longer in business?

Yes, quite sure.

What do I do about the cheque? You hold on to it until I give you the word.

Where's the coffee now?

Well, it was delivered yesterday to the customer who ordered it. And who was

that? A man named Venner.

Sam Venner of Venner & Company.

This man Venner, do you know him personally?

No. I met him a month ago.

Then later on we closed the deal.

Then I spoke to him by phone.

And then I saw him again a week ago where I showed him the bill of lady.

Say, can you describe him?

Yes, yes, he's a man of about 5'9".

Medium, sir, I'd say. Anything else?

No. Oh, yes, he had a bandaged hand.

Said he'd cut it recently.

I see.

And where can I find this man Venner?

Well, I presume you'd find him where the coffee was delivered.

Where's that? I have the address here, actually.

Yes, here it is.

St. Mark's Lane, Carvan Garden, off the fruit market near Drury Lane. He has a

warehouse there.

Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chase.

Tell me, Inspector...

What is this all about? Well, I can't tell you right now.

I can only tell you that I'm certainly after the man who's got the coffee.

Well, if I can be of any help, please do call.

It's very kind of you. You've been a great help already.

Thanks very much, Mr. Chase.

Goodbye. Goodbye, Inspector.

Hello, Ralph.

What are you doing here?

It's 5.30. You asked me to pick you up at 5.30.

Well, darling, we're having dinner together.

Remember? Oh, yes, I remember.

We're going to have to wait a while. I'm busy.

Are we going to be long?

I don't know. Maybe an hour?

Why don't you better call Sam better?

Call Sam? Why?

Well, we promised to meet him for a drink before dinner.

Yes, I remember.

He hates to be kept waiting. It makes him nervous. Well, it's too bad.

Well, if you're busy, I'll do it.

Sam won't answer.

The police were here.

They wanted to fall, guys, so I gave them Sam.

Ralph, you've handled police before.

But not Interpol.

Sam Venner, alias Winch, alias Wiley. We've had him on the files quite a

while. You're sure it's the same man?

Fingerprints don't lie.

Anyway, take a look at the mugshot.

Yes, that's him, all right.

He looked a little different with a rope round his neck and all the breath

squeezed out of his body, but that's him.

What do you think, Superintendent?

Oh, now, I'm not so sure. Now, let's break this down.

We're interested in anybody who had anything to do with the money or the

coffee, and that includes...

Maria Cellini and Tony Venare.

But Senor Govetti did not press charges. They just lost their jobs, so they're

out. And then there's Monsieur Marcel.

Now, so far, he seems to have vanished into thin air.

But he did handle the stolen money.

And then we come to Mr. Chase.

From banks, offices, warehouses, Mr. Chase is a thoroughly trustworthy man.

Last, we have Sam Venner.

The coffee ultimately did reach Sam Venner.

And I think we ought to stay with him for the moment. Maybe you're right.

Did Venner leave any next of kin, relatives?

A daughter. Nice girl. I don't think she was mixed up in his records.

Give me her address. I'm going to see her.

Sam Venner's daughter lived in a small apartment.

Although aware of her father's business, she did not approve of it. She told

Caesar Smith her father was a weak man, but not the kind who would take his own

life.

Inspector, if my father didn't kill himself, then he was... Murdered.

Yes, we haven't overlooked that possibility.

In your father's profession, you see, murder's not all that unusual.

But who?

That's exactly what I want to find out.

Now, who did he work with? Who were his friends? What places did he used to go

to? I can't answer any of those questions.

My father never allowed me to become involved in his business affairs.

He used to say I was the only clean and decent thing in his life.

When did you last see him?

Tuesday, two days ago.

He came here on his way back from the hospital.

Hospital?

Yes, he had cut his hand rather badly and had to have it dressed.

He came here on his way back.

I see.

How did he seem?

Unusually bright and cheerful.

He bought me some flowers.

Well, I shan't bother you anymore.

Thank you for telling me all you have.

Okay, Ella, let's go.

Mr. Chase.

I told you not to come here. But Mr. Chase.

You must be mad coming here after what's happened. It's okay, Mr. Chase. The cops

found Sam just as we left him. I'm sure they'll think it's suicide. We did the

job just like you said, Mr. Chase. Look, I told you and Peters to lay low for a

while. Yeah, we would have done, Mr. Chase, but something come up.

We thought you'd like to know about it. What? What's happened? It's a cop.

His name's Caesar Smith. He's been talking to Sam's daughter.

Sam's daughter?

She doesn't know a thing.

How do you know about Sam's daughter? How do you know about Smith?

He's been going around town asking questions, trying to find out who Sam's

friends were.

He was talking to Shady Blake.

Shady's girlfriend, Verda, went over to see Julie Venner, and she told her that

this cop doesn't really think it's suicide.

Shady Phonis.

We thought you might like to know, Mr. Chase.

Yes, you're right.

This cop's a lot smarter than I thought, Allison.

That cop's from Interpol.

Pick him up, tail him, and let me know where he goes.

You can rely on us, Mr. Chase.

Shall we go?

We don't open till two. You the barman here? We don't open till two.

I just want to ask you a few questions.

We don't open... Oh, cop, eh?

Trouble? Just questions.

Well, what do you want to know?

Do you know a man called Venner? Sam Venner?

Sam Venner, yes.

Does he come in here often?

Now and then.

Alone? Sometimes.

What about the other times?

Well, why don't you sit down?

Just watching you in that walking marathon's wearing me out.

You don't like walking much, do you?

Not when I can ride in a Rolls Royce.

Well, I like to walk.

When I walk, I think.

When I think, you get a roll.

Well, keep walking.

Hello? Yes?

Wally? Well, what?

He went in there a couple of minutes ago.

Do you think Freddy will talk?

Freddy knows how to keep his mouth shut.

But he means he's getting close. Too close.

Well, what do you want me to do? He'll be out in a couple of minutes.

Hey, you met Sam in the Golden Club a couple of times. Do you think he knows

that? I doubt it. He's just shooting in the dark.

We've got to move, Wally.

It's too late.

Sure, sure.

Anything you say.

I want him taken care of.

And you and Peter's better see to it. But be careful.

Remember, you'll have the whole police force on your neck.

I told you, Benner didn't have no special friends.

You said he came in here sometimes with a man. What man?

I told you, I don't know.

You don't ask questions in this business.

Well, what did the man look like?

Well, just a man. Average height, average build, I don't know. What did he

dress like?

Look, Inspector, I didn't pay that much attention.

All I ever look at is their money.

Did they have plenty of that, this man and Benner?

Now, look, you know and I know that Benner was a crook. Of course he had

plenty of money.

It's only honest blokes like me that stay poor.

Honest blokes like you.

Well, I ain't been on record for ten years, Inspector.

Oh, that's a very long time.

I'll be seeing you, Freddy.

Cops.

Well, there you are, Penny.

I've questioned dozens of people who knew Sam Venner, and not one instance

have I been able to tie him up as a money fence, even though I believe he

was. And you know, we didn't find the coffee in his warehouse.

Well, that could have been shipped before he was murdered.

You know, we haven't even got a lead as to who murdered him.

Well, maybe Brady was right. Maybe he did commit suicide.

I don't think so. Nor do you.

No, he was mixed up in his coffee deal somewhere.

I was getting just a little too close to home.

Somebody wanted him out of the way before I could question him. Oh, what

about this man Chase?

You remember, it was him who led you to Sam Venner. No, he's just an ordinary,

respectful businessman.

We've had him thoroughly investigated.

He even showed me the certified cheque he was going to send to Marcel Imports.

Well, I'll call the coroner. I'll tell him to carry on with the inquest. I had

to delay it in case you found out something.

Well, I'll tell you what I do think.

I think that Monsieur Marcel and Samuel Venner were one and the same person.

Get out of here!

Oh, forget it.

Oh, I wish I could.

Probably Wally wouldn't hear something like this.

Hello?

Yes?

Well, that's good.

Well, that's very good.

Yes.

Now, listen.

You and Peters get over here right away.

Right away.

Well, you know, Ella, there's only one way to run a business systematically.

That's to have a complete system.

Then how about paying a little attention to one of your sidelines?

You know, Ralph, you've been neglecting me lately. You've been away for weeks.

Rome, Paris. You know how busy I've been.

But I do promise you, I'll change all that.

I'll make it up to you.

I'm going to buy you a new hat.

No better.

I'm going to buy you a tiara.

A tiara made of whole, large diamonds.

You'd like that?

Well, if I didn't, I'd better see a psychiatrist.

Yeah, but diamonds can do a lot more for a girl than a psychiatrist.

When I came to, I telephoned you.

I remember the shot.

Then I must have passed out. Lucky for you, or they would have stayed to finish

you off. They probably thought they had done.

I locked the door, too.

Must have used a passkey.

Well, what do you think, Doctor?

Looks worse than it is. And it feels worse than it looks.

You'll live. Thanks, Doc.

That wasn't an accident, you know, Super.

Yeah, I know. It ties up with the Venner case.

Ouch, Doc.

Somewhere along the line, I got close to the real money fence.

Yes?

Nobody in the district can give any identification on the car, sir. That's

to be expected.

They're real professionals, these boys. They don't make elementary mistakes.

All right, you can go back to the yard. I'll see you later. Yes.

Well, now, Doctor, what's your verdict?

At least two days complete rest and quiet. Are you kidding?

I'm on a case.

You're lucky to be alive, Inspector.

Another inch there, I'd have been conducting a post-mortem.

Look, I feel fine. I tell you, I can go on with this case.

For goodness sake, sit down.

Well, I'll be all right in a few minutes.

My orders are complete rest.

I'll look in again tomorrow morning.

Well, you did a good job, boys.

He was tough, Mr. Chase.

Tougher than anyone I've ever tangled with. He was tough, all right.

What's the matter with your voice? I don't know. It feels like my throat's on

fire. He threw a swing at Peter's neck.

He used his hands and feet and hit us from all angles.

Did you expect the Queensby rules, Soda? Please. Mr. Chase, I've got to see a

doctor. I think he's bust my arm.

He wasn't like no ordinary guy, Mr. Chase.

He was mean.

Real mean.

Yes, okay. So the post-mortem's over. Now, we've got to move fast.

Putting Sam Venner out of the way was one thing, but a policeman... Oh, he

didn't leave any traces. Just the same. They'll be tracking down everyone in

town. They'll be after that money harder than ever. What are you going to do,

Ralph?

Remove the evidence.

All the evidence.

You mean all the coffee at the warehouse?

That's right, so they won't move a thing against us.

Well, why don't you just leave the rest of it there?

Are you kidding?

I told Smith that that coffee was in Vendor's warehouse.

Well, if it's in Vendor's, it's yours.

That warehouse is in Sam's name.

And that's where the coffee has to be found.

We gonna move it?

When? Pick me up here tonight at 10.30.

What about my arm, Mr. Chase?

Get it fixed.

I get going, both of you.

How would you like a trip aboard?

Listen,

you need rest, so I'm going to report you as unfit for duty until the doctor

says it's all right for you to go back to work again.

Paddy. Listen, Caesar, that's an order.

Oh, look, can't you be sensible? You've done some very good work on this case,

but you've got a very nasty head wound.

Now get some rest. Get completely fit again.

All right. You can order me to rest. You can tell me to give up the case, but you

can't stop me from thinking.

I'm going to lie here, and I'm going to think about all the questions I've

asked. All the people I've questioned.

Because somewhere along the line, there's a loophole. And I'm going to

think of it, see?

Well, then your rest will have accomplished a double purpose. All

right, you lie there and think about us. And if you come across anything,

telephone me. Look, Paddy, can't I go back on my... Get some sleep. Good

night. Good night, Paddy.

You know, it's about time you and I had a holiday.

Somewhere where the sun shines and where the heat won't bother us.

When, Ralph?

Oh, tonight.

Where will we go?

Spain first.

I'll be spending a few days in Barcelona and then head for the Argentine.

Oh, you better pack a case. One.

It's about time you had a new wardrobe.

What are you going to buy it with? Not that money.

Well, not all this money is stolen.

I made plenty legitimately.

Ralph, why don't we forget about the stolen money?

Forget?

132,000 pounds?

Oh, you talk like a child.

Okay, so I didn't do so good in the first transaction.

But there are ways and means of changing this.

And I've got plenty of time.

And I think better in a warmer climate.

You think plenty good enough for me, Ralph.

Now, you take care of that pretty face of yours.

And let me handle the rest.

Why in Peters? What about them?

Maybe... Maybe I'll do away with all the evidence tonight.

Got to be a link somewhere.

Something I forgot.

There must be.

Some poor devil on his way to hospital.

Hospital.

Julie Venner.

She said... Hospital.

That's it.

I'm just going to dispose of this. I'll be back before Wally gets here at 10.30.

Well, why not wait and do it all in one trip? Oh, I don't want this in sight

when the boys get here. Well, they don't know what's in it.

Well, you just can't take a chance. You never know what they will do.

They do their job well, but you never know.

Don't worry.

We'll be on our way in a couple of hours.

Who is it?

Inspector Smith.

Oh, just a second.

Sorry to bother you again, Miss Venner.

You've been hurt.

Someone's been using my head as target practice.

I think it was the same men who killed your father.

Have you found out something?

Nothing I can present in court, but I'm near, very near.

I want your help.

Sit down.

How can I help you?

I want you to remember very carefully.

You told me that the last time you saw your father, he'd received an injury to

his hand.

Yes, he came here straight from the hospital.

Now, when was this?

I told you Tuesday.

Tuesday, that's three days ago.

Had he just received the injury?

I imagine so. The dressing was fresh.

When was the last time you saw your father before that?

Well over a month.

Had he cut his hand then?

No, he hadn't.

But it's possible that he went to the hospital on Tuesday just to get further

treatment.

That's possible, but the hospital should be able to tell him more.

Do you know which hospital it was?

Yes, the Parkside General. It's just a few blocks from here. Well, we'll phone

them.

Parkside General Hospital, please.

Parkside General Hospital, record department.

Oh, good evening. This is Detective Inspector Caesar Smith of Interpol.

I'm inquiring about a patient who's had treatment at your hospital during the

past week.

There's very little information I can give you by telephone, Inspector.

Yes, I quite realise that, but I think you'll give me this. It's only a

question of treatment.

What is the patient's name?

Venner. V-E-N-N-E.

Samuel Venner.

He was treated three days ago for a hand injury.

I want to know if this is the first treatment he's ever had.

Yes.

Can you make coffee?

Is that a hint you'd like some?

Yeah. No.

On consideration, I think I'd prefer tea.

Hello, yes?

We have a Samuel Venner on record.

Admitted to the casualty department for treatment.

A badly cut hand.

The admission was made at 2.30pm.

Yes, but when? What day?

Just as you told me, three days ago.

Tuesday, 26th of this month.

Tuesday the 26th, I see.

Tell me, was this treatment for a former injury?

No, it was the first and only treatment so far.

Thank you very much.

No, no, that's all I wanted to know, thank you.

Goodbye.

Can you be ready soon?

I wouldn't trouble. I don't think I'll have time.

What's happened?

Your father was treated for the first time last Tuesday.

Well, does that prove anything?

I met a man named Chase, Ralph Chase.

Do you know him?

No. We did a deal with your father.

Well? He gave me a very accurate description of your father.

Right down to the cut hand.

He said he first met him a month ago and he hadn't seen him for about a week.

And my father received a cut on his hand only three days ago.

Precisely. So Mr. Chase was lying.

Now I wonder why Mr. Chase was lying.

Well, I'm going to find out. Where are you going?

Chase has got an office down on the docks. Were you going alone? Yes.

You better take someone with you. It may be dangerous.

Officially, I'm on sick leave.

Mercer ordered me to rest.

Mercer? Yes, my superior.

Superintendent Mercer.

And I'm afraid he picked the wrong time.

Oh, I've got my arm fixed, Mr Chase.

Doc said it was slightly bruised, that's all. Only slightly?

You better take this case down and wait downstairs in the car with Peters. Yeah,

OK. We'll be down in a minute.

You ready?

Ralph.

Now, what are you worrying about?

You should be happy.

Everything's going smooth.

Come on.

Well what do you know?

A86-795269

Okay, let's hurry this up.

Ella, you stay in the car.

The sooner we get this over with, the better.

Come on, hurry, hurry.

Can I speak to Superintendent Mercer, please?

Julie Venner.

Hello? Miss Venner?

Superintendent Mercer here.

What's all this about Cesar Smith?

What?

Just a minute. Hold on.

Get my car round to the front at once. Yes, sir.

All right, Miss Venner. Thank you very much. We'll see to that. Like a goodbye.

Get me a police detail immediately.

Are you all right?

Won't be long now.

Just got to go to my office to get some papers.

I'm all right, Ralph. Please hurry up.

It's that cub.

I thought we'd finished him. Yeah, so did I.

Come on, let's get him.

Hey.

All right, Steve, stay where you are.

That's a good praying position.

I'm ready to beat you.

Take her away. Go down there.

Mr.

Cartier. Alias Mr.

Marcel, alias Ralph Chase.

There's your evidence all around you.

Money's in there.

Serial numbers check.

This saved my life.

That guy had to skid it.

How did you know I was here anyway?

Julie Venner.

She's a very nice girl.

The only trouble with her is she's a bit too much like you. She worries too much.

Oh, the doctor learns how you chose to rest.

Tomorrow's headlines will make me the healthiest man in the world. You think

you can make it out of here? Oh, sure. Come on. I'll take you to the doctor.

Get something to drink.

Make sure it's a hot cup of coffee, will you?