Original subtitles

Hello, Tom!

- Any new customers? - Yeah!... 5 last night...

3 suicides, and the other 2 we don't know what happened.

OK, I'll take a hinge at 'em.

I can't recognise this guy... What hit 'im?

Subway train... He jumped off the 42nd St station last night.

Oh yes...

Mr Blum?

Yes, we have a report on your case...

We've located your wife in Philadelphia.

She's in a hotel over there.

I'm sorry, I can't mention names over the phone.

You'd better come down here and we'll give you the details.

All right... goodbye.

Have you had any news from my Clarence yet?

- Who's handling your case? - Mr Conlin.

If you just step in there, I think you'll find Mr Conlin.

This is Miss Topsie Gordon and her press-agent, Mr Engels.

Where did you locate Miss Gordon?

Found her hidin' out on a farm, up near Albany.

Miss Gordon, you have caused considerable time and expense, looking for you...

Why did you disappear?

It was a publicity stunt!

A scheme my press-agent invented... to get my name and picture in the papers.

I'm opening in a play on Broadway, called 'The Blue Moon'.

If we could've kept her hidden for another week...

...she would've landed on the front page of every paper in the country.

This department is up to its neck...

...trying to be of service to people who need us badly.

And you waste the time of my men for a cheap stunt like this!

I ought to throw you both in jail!

Please don't... We were only trying...

Trying to fool a lot of people including the police department.

I'll forget it this time... Get out!

When did you say she disappeared, Mr Newberry?

Night before last.

She was your housekeeper, you said?

Yes, Miss Wilson had been with me for nearly 6 months.

Sort of looking after things for me.

- You're a bachelor? - Yes

Did she cop anything?

I mean did she take anything with her?

No... she was not the kind of a woman who would steal.

She was a good Christian woman...

Went to church every Sunday morning...

...and prayer meetings on Wednesday nights.

You said you had some news for me, Captain?

Yes, I think I have.

At the same time, I hope I haven't.

That's why I brought you out here.

I don't believe your wife is in any condition to be of much help to us now.

That body was take out of the East river, this morning.

Is that your daughter?

We found your wife at this address.

We've had a talk with her, and she's willing to come back.

I think you'd better go see her.

No... I can't!

I can't do it!

After all the trouble we've had to find her...

You won't even go and talk to her?

No... I'm afraid!

Afraid of your wife?

No! Afraid of myself!

Afraid I might kill the guy who took her away from me.

The dirty rat!

Give me that address!

She's of medium height, about 36 years of age...

...auburn-haired and brown eyes.

That's right.

What were your relations with this woman?

She was my housekeeper.

Is that all?

You don't think for a moment that I'd have improper relations with my...

She was a good Christian woman, went to church regularly.

These photographs are ALL of the same woman.

This is the 4th time she's pulled this stunt.

So I suggest you forget all about Miss Wilson.

But I was very fond of her.

I don't understand.

No, of course you don't... This is simply her form of racket.

She finds herself a nice lonesome bachelor...

...such as you are...

...and moves in under the respectable title of housekeeper.

I've no wish to pry into your personal relations with this woman.

That's none of my business.

I'm simply telling you, when she grows tired of one man, she disappears...

...and finds herself another.

- But she was a... - Yes I know...

"She was a good Christian woman."

Hey! Where do you think you're going?!

Lookin' for 2 blondes on a white horse!

- Wait a minute, you can't go in there! - I'll bet you a dollar six bits!

Hiya, Skipper!

- Detective Butch Saunders, eh? - In the flesh!

Can you imagine, that dizzy dame out there didn't know who I was!

- Do you want an apology? - No, that's alright, Captain.

Let it pass!

How's the kindergarten getting along?

Kindergarten?

We're doing alright.

The trouble with this joint is... you're all too soft around this bureau.

You waste a lot of time lookin' for runaway guys

...and when you find 'em, you act like they was doin' you a favour.

You're up against hoodlums and gorillas, just like we are in the Robbery Detail...

You ought to shoot and slug and ask questions later.

Yes, I understand you're pretty good at that sort of thing.

Me? I'm the best guy in the Robbery Detail!

When they send me after anybody, I bring 'em in...

I got 5 notches on my gun and plenty more on my knuckles...

Congratulations! And get your feet of my desk!

Where do you think you are? At home?

They told me I'm supposed to come over and see you...

What have you got... A tough pick-up or somethin'?

I'm always willing to oblige!

Thanks, that's splendid.

Make it snappy... I gotta get back to the department...

...to handle a couple of cases over there.

You've got to get over to WHAT department?

Robbery Detail.

No... THIS is your department!

- Whadda you mean... I've been... - Transferred, yes!

You now belong to the "kindergarten".

You don't seem very enthusiastic.

Who's been double-crossin' me?

I think it was a fellow by the name of Butch Saunders.

Have you any idea why you've been transferred?

Sure! Those monkeys over there are afraid of me...

They know I've got too much on the ball!

I'll tell you why, Saunders...

You're a good hard-boiled, two-fisted cop.

- That's right! - But you're bull-headed and you're stupid.

You know all about knocking a man's teeth out...

...and dragging him down and throwing him into the jug...

..but you don't know anything about using your brains!

I've got the best record for arrest in the department!

More arrests than anybody IN the department...

Unnecessary arrests, many of them...

Our business is to protect, not persecute the public.

Anybody ever tell you that?

Yes... paragraph 3, "Instructions for Detectives."

Oh, you've read the book! That's splendid.

Saunders... I'm going to give you a chance to learn a little discipline here.

I'm going to give you a chance to use your brains.

And if you don't learn, I'll transfer you right down the line...

And you'll probably end up as a night-watchman somewhere.

What am I supposed to say... thanks?

It might be better if you didn't say anything...

For once in your life!

If we're going to work together, let's get a few things straight...

We're not dealing with mugs and gorillas altogether in this department.

We very seldom make an arrest.

We don't have to.

Our business is to find people who for some reason have lost themselves.

You restore them to their friends and their families and their jobs.

And that doesn't require strong-arm methods.

That requires brains.

So you'll probably do some of your best work, sitting in a chair, thinking.

That's great...

Desk-job, eh?

You know... I work very closely with the men that are assigned to me...

And I like to feel that we're all friends.

So, how about you, Butch?

- That's jake with me! - Good!

Another thing... I AM the head of this department.

I don't always tell all I know...

So, until YOU're the head man here...

...I make ALL the decisions.

Got that?

That's alright, Captain... It won't take me long.

What won't take you long?

To become head man here.

How many 'R's in 'MURDER'?

2.

Yeah, that's right... 2.

We've got a new boy in school...

This is Detective Butch Saunders.

Just been transferred to this department.

So, get your eyes open, Butch... see what you can pick up around here.

You're to familiarise yourself with the files and the current cases...

Maybe I'll assign you to a district in a few days...

- You look after him, will you Joe? - OK, Chief.

- Are you a Homicide man? - No... Robbery.

The guy you're replacing was a Rape man. He was no good on this stuff.

Too much of a one-track mind.

Yeah, I always hate to see Homicide and Rape men come in here.

Loughel came over from Assault, but he got over it.

He's our jigsaw puzzle expert.

We have to do jigsaw puzzles, too?

Well sometimes we get an unidentified body so badly cut up...

...it's a puzzle to put 'em together again.

I had a beautiful case this morning...

Come here...

Take a hinge of that!

You'd never think that was a human body, would you?

All chopped up, and stuck in a suitcase.

But I put her together. Ain't it a honey?

We identified her with the gold fillings in her teeth.

If you ever get one like that, hang on to her teeth!

I still think it might be Gwendolyn.

Has SHE got a mole on her chin?

Gwendolyn Harris...

Hank's been lookin' for her for 6 months.

She disappeared the night after her wedding.

She might have had that mole removed by electricity.

Electricity would've left a scar anyway... She's a blonde, ain't she?

- That don't mean anything, does it? - Oh, go away!

I'm workin' on a case now... Maybe you can be of some use to me...

Look... see this guy... He left home a couple of days ago...

Said he was goin' on a business trip... But he didn't.

His wife and kids are taking it pretty hard.

We haven't given it to the papers yet, because Captain Webb has got a hunch on tis one.

He thinks the guy's right here in town... With a lady friend.

I get it... Works on hunches, does he?

Well, I found he's got a little blonde, up town. I'm goin' up to see her now.

I got an idea the guy is right up there, doin' a hide-out.

You mean Caesar Paul, the boy-violinist?

Yes. And we demand that he be found immediately.

Can you imagine?! Symphony Hall was sold out for tonight.

Now we have to return the money.

How old did you say he was?

12... a baby!

He knows nothing at all about the world.

We've brought him up so carefully.

The little fool!

He becomes more ungrateful every day.

Ungrateful for what?

Ungrateful for all we've done for him!

We've made him the greatest violinist in the world.

Why, he's played before kings...

...and now he runs away and treats us like this.

Is this description of him correct?

- Yes. - I'll send out a general alarm.

Calling all cars...

Missing person...

Caesar Paul... boy-violinist...

age 12...

Height, 5 ft... weight 90-100lbs...

Dark curly hair...

Hey you!...

We're lookin' for a guy named Kingman. What apartment is he in?

- I don't know. - Don't give me that!

Just go easy! Easy? You guys runnin'a school for pansies?

Kingman's in this joint and I'm gonna find him.

Wait a minute Butch... You ain't raidin' no speakeasy!

Where's this guy's apartment?

- You mean the big tall fellow? - We mean that guy right there!

- I don't know! - You Squarehead, I'll bust you...

Wait, I tell you...

Apartment 21... Sometime he come there.

21 eh? Why didn't you say so?! Go get a cab, Joe, I'll handle this.

No, Burton, don't go!...

Don't be silly, dear... No one knows who I am here.

Who is it?

Come on Kingman, open up!

Hurry, Burton!

Come on... hurry up!

Are you gonna open up?

What do you mean by breaking into my apartment?! How dare you!

- I'll call the police! - I'll save you the trouble. Now where's Kingman?

- I'm sure I don't know. - Oh, yes you do!

Come on, where's the boyfriend? Come on... Where did he go?

I tell you I don't know.. And get your dirty hands off me!

So you got him out, did you?

Well, you're not as dumb as you look!

Say, young fellow.. What right have you to annoy this woman?

She and a guy named Kingman have been playin' house...

...and I'm gonna find him. - You're gonna pay for that door!

Sure, I'm gonna pay the War Debt too...

...but first I'm gonna find the Airedale that was in this room.

I won't stand for this kind of treatment from anyone...

- I'm going to move! - Please, Miss Crane!

- You're goin' bye-bye! - What do you mean?

I'm taking you down to the Department.

- You mean you're arresting me?! - No... we're goin' out canoeing!

I won't go... I don't have to! I've done nothing!

Button up your mug. You're goin' places!

I'll sue you for that door... Do you understand? I'll sue you for that door... You'll have to pay!

Here you are, chief...

The guy took a powder, but I brought the girlfriend.

Will you please keep your hands off me!

So you ran out on me, did you?

Just a minute...

Young woman... Do you know this gentleman?

No, I never met him before in my life.

This is the most insulting thing that's ever happened to me.

Why have you brought this girl here?

You want to find Kingman, don't you?

She knows where he is.

Here's his pyjamas. Found 'em in her apartment

This is Mr Kingman right here.

Never mind, Alice... I've confessed everything... I had to.

We'll straighten everything out. You had no right to annoy this young lady.

I'm very sorry this happened.

And I think, Saunders, that you owe the lady an apology.

Apology?!

- Me?! - Certainly... you brought her here against her will.

That was quite unnecessary. Mr Kingman was missing, not the girl.

Well... I'm sorry, Babe...

I'll take you home in a taxi.

Not while I'm conscious!

- May I go now? - Certainly.

Thank you, Captain.

May I go too?

I think you'd better wait.

Goodbye, Burton.

Goodbye, Alice.

You know, Mr Kingman... we still have your case to settle.

Very kind of you to come in with Mr Musik and explain your disappearance.

Well, I had no idea it would cause so much trouble.

I must have been mad to have done such a thing.

Unfortunately there are those who love you very much.

If I should report this incident, it shouldn't do my department any good...

...and it might ruin the happiness of your wife and children.

I know a lot about human weaknesses, Mr Kingman.

But it's not my business to blame you or condone what you've done.

My business was to find you.

Now we've got to find some means of restoring you to your family

without them knowing the truth.

That's very considerate of you...

I'd like to keep the truth from my family, if it's humanly possible.

There's a little town called Alandale, about 60 miles from here...

You buy a ticket to that town.

I'll see that the Alandale police pick you up as an amnesia case.

Then I'll notify your wife.

And you'll be sent home...

as a man who has temporarily lost his bearings through overwork.

Your family will be so glad to see you... they won't ask any questions...

...and you can go back to being a model husband again.

Well that's the most human thing I've ever had happen to me.

I won't forget your kindness to me.

No... I'm trying to be kind to your wife and children.

Well, Skipper... we sure solved that one in a hurry, didn't we?

Yes, for only one day in the department, you're making quite a showing.

Thanks!

If there was any chance of doing a thing the wrong way...

...and you overlooked it... it was because the day's too short and you were cramped for time.

You're getting nearer that nightwatchman's job quicker than I thought....

Did you drop that cigarette on the floor?

Pick it up and put it in the basket.

Missing Persons Bureau... Detective Hank Slade speaking.

What was his name?

Godfrey! That'll be fine. When did he disappear?

Yesterday afternoon?

Would you mind giving me a description of him?

Black hair...

Brown eyes...

A little blue sweater...

Black curly tail...

What you want is the dog pound!

Curly tail!

Have you ever found any trace of Gwendolyn Harris?

No, neither has anyone else.

I don't know... There's a new unidentified body at the morgue.

You might check up on it.

I think I'll get my family and move over to the morgue.

You never can tell...

One of these days you may find her, just like that!

When I do, I'll break her neck... just like that!

Scram!

- Who, ME? - I'll call my gang!

I just dropped in to sort of talk things over.

This is MY place!

You get outta here!

Say, it's a good hideout, too.

I'll bet you a dollar 6 bits nobody could find either one of us here.

- You hiding out, too? - Yeah... but don't you tell anybody!

Say... whatta you got there?

- They look fine... where'd you get 'em? - The gang.

- Can I buy you a drink? - Alright, thanks.

How long have you been up here?

Ten days.

Aren't you tired of it?

No... it's marvellous!

When night comes, I go down and join the fellas...

And we have LOTS of fun!

You do, eh? Doing what?

Stealing and fighting.

Fighting? Let's see... You got a good left?

I licked two of the gang, last night.

You don't want to go around using your fists...

Wanna learn to use your brains, like I do.

I'd rather be a big-shot.

You're a big-shot already, aren't you?

I got 2 more guys to lick first.

Caesar Paul's a big-shot.

That's you, isn't it?

- That was her husband. - Whose husband?

- Gwendolyn Harris. - Are you STILL looking for that dame?

I'd give my right eye to find her.

You couldn't find a Chinaman in Shanghai!

Well, here he is...

Well, well, young man... How are you?

I'm alright, I guess.

Where's you pick him up, Butch? Over near 10th Ave, hiding out on a roof.

Why'd you run away?

I got tired of practising every day.

And I hate to play at concerts, too!

You should be glad to play before all those people.

- You are a genius! - I don't wanna be a genius!

I want to be like other kids.

I never have any fun.

"I've always got to be dressed-up!"

Pretty nice to be dressed-up.

And play a violin, like you.

I hate it! My mother and father make me practice all day.

I never get to play baseball, or roller-skate. Like other kids.

- That's why I ran away! - I see!

Captain Webb, I'm so glad you found him! Oh, my poor darling! My dear little Caesar!

Where have you been... What have you done to...

Oh, you're dirty! Look at your clothes!

You've got to play with the symphony tomorrow... And you haven't practiced for 10 days!

I won't play any more!

Don't tell me what you won't do! We've got contracts!

- Why don't you leave him alone for a while? - What do YOU know about music?

Never mind the music... Why don't you give the kid a break?

Let him be a boy... Let him play with boys. Let him have some fun, once in a while!

You're driving the kid away.

I think we've successfully raised this genius without your help thus far, young man!

Come on darling we'll go home to a nice bath and some nice clean clothes.

Now look what you did!

Believe me... if I'd known they were like that, I'd've left the kid on the roof!

Excuse me please... I want to see Detective Butch Saunders.

It's awfully personal.

- If it's personal, it can wait. - Oh, but it can't wait.

I haven't seen him in a long time, and I want to surprise him.

You know how it is when you haven't seen somebody in a long time.

- Alright... I'll tell him you're here. - Oh no! That would spoil everything!

- Come on now, please! - Alright, he's in there.

Oh Butchy-wootchy!

Oh Butchy-wootchy!

Certainly, Inspector, I'll be down in 5 minutes. About that other matter... wait a minute...

Will you get out. Can't you see this is important?

hello, flatfoot!

I'm in again.

Why don't you break out with the hives, and scratch yourself to death.

Let me get outta here! What for? I just caught up with you.

Yeah, and I'm sick of you catching up with me.

- What do you think this is? - I think it's pay-day!

Listen Belle, why don't you give me an even shake?

I'm gonna be an important guy around here, if you'll let me alone.

What'd I ever do to you? You married me.

I sure didn't know what I was doin', THAT night. You don't want ME!

And I certainly haven't got any yen for you... Why don't you give me a break?

Every time I give you a break, you tell me how broke you are.

Listen Belle, why don't you and me get a nice quiet annulment or somethin'?

- You know, call the whole thing off! - Nothing doing! Come across!

If you don't lay off of me, I'm gonna punch your ears off!

Oh no, you're not!

You wouldn't want me to start a scandal around here, would you?

Or have you jugged for non-support?

Mightn't be so good for your job, you're such an important guy around here.

Come on, Butch, be nice.

- Well, how much do you want? - How much have you got?

- Are you sure you can spare this? - Certainly, darling!

Haven't you had any news from my Clara, yet?

I'm sorry, Mrs Gilchrist, we haven't heard a thing.

- Joe, you haven't heard anything about... - No, Sir.

I'll telephone, as soon as we do hear.

You'll keep looking, won't you?

- Certainly. - Thank you.

- I found her Clara this morning. - You did? Where?

In jail, over in Brooklyn. They pinched her last night for lifting a guy's wallet.

I didn't think you'd want to tell the old girl.

Is this the morgue?

This is Detective Hank Slade...

You got a stiff down there by the name of Gwendolyn Harris?

Gwendolyn Harris... female.

Let me know if she turns up.

Goodbye, darling. See you soon!

Listen, you!... You let that dame in here again, and I'll...

- I want to speak to you a minute. - What?

- I said I'd like to speak to you a minute. - Have you spoken to this young lady?

She's so busy, and I've been waiting here an awfully long time.

- You mean I'll do? - It doesn't make any difference who...

...as long as it's some one who can help me.

OK, Beautiful, you're a cinch!

Come on in.

This is Theodore Arno, Captain...

We located Mr Arno in Galverston, Texas...

He was running a small candy shop there.

Sit down, Mr Arno.

You may go, Tony... I want to speak to Mr Arno alone.

Well, Mr Arno... taken us over a year to find you.

This is one case I can't figure out.

Your wife tells me you were married for 10 years.

Happy and contented, and good income.

In fact I understand your wife was a very lovely woman.

Very devoted to you.

That's just the trouble Sir, she was TOO devoted.

I wouldn't call that trouble.

This is a little embarrassing to explain... But, I'll try...

You see Sir, my wife is 15 years younger than I am.

She's youthful... vivacious.

We married 10 years ago, but...

She never seemed to realise that our honeymoon was over.

I was an accountant

It was hard work, long hours.

In justice to both of us I left my wife. It seemed to be the only solution.

Yes, I think I understand.

What can I do? If I return home, the same thing is bound to happen again.

No... you go back to your wife and have a talk with her.

Tell her... explain... that you've both grown up.

Tell her you still love her...

...but that she must settle down to a quiet normal married life.

Under those conditions you'd be satisfied to remain at home.

She must face the facts.

A honeymoon can't last forever!

I'll try it.

I'll go back to her and have a talk.

Good... I shall be glad to hear from you.

Thank you very much.

Goodbye.

Captain Webb!

This is Mrs Roberts.

She and her husband are up from Baltimore...

They had a little fight in the hotel last night. ...and the guy walked.

I've known husbands to quarrel with their wives and not turn up for 2 or 3 days!

- Did your husband drink much? - No... He's very sensitive...

He had 2 attacks of amnesia.. always talks about going on a ship.

I've been watching the docks all day. I'm afraid that's what he's done.

I must find him. I never should have let him out of my sight.

This is serious. Have you been married long?

- No. - Bride and groom, eh?

Have you a photograph of your husband that might help us identify him?

- Is that the best one you have? - That's all I have here.

That's a false moustache... He's clean-shaven.

That might be a picture of anybody.

We couldn't do much with that.

Just give Detective Saunders the details of how your husband was dressed...

...and any marks of identification, and we'll run a circular without any picture.

Come and see me when you're through.

- What's your full name? - Norma Roberts.

What did your husband have on?

His clothes are gone, I don't know... He usually wears tweeds.

How about his eyes?

- Grey - Hair?

Dark... A little grey at the temples, except when he dyes it.

- Height? - About 6ft.

Weight?

About 185 I guess.

How about his teeth?

Fair... Gold filling on this one.

Any marks or scars... Tattoo marks?

- I don't think so. - Vaccination?

I guess so.

You guess so? On his right or his left arm or on his leg?

- I really don't know. - You don't know?

You didn't get a very good look at this guy, did you?

Oh yes!

Jewellery?

A thin gold chain on his left wrist.

No Masonic rings or anything like that.

What did he smoke?

- Tobacco I suppose. - I know, I mean, cigars, pipe or corn silk.

Cigars.

Drink?

A little.

Does he swear?

Awful!

Well, that finishes that.

Aren't you going to do anything now?

- Sure, I'm gonna do plenty! - I mean now, this minute.

You could go to the docks with me tonight... there are ships sailing.

If I go with you... Listen Beautiful, I'll go anywhere with you!

How about having dinner with me tonight?

If you'll only go to the docks with me.

No, dinner first, docks afterwards...

I've got to talk business with the captain... Tell you what I'll do...

I'll pick you up at 7 o'clock... Whatta you say?

It's a date!

Can you imagine, my husband running away with my cook?!

We'll do everything we can to find your husband.

Never mind about him... I want my cook!

Well Captain... there's all the dope on Mrs Roberts husband...

I don't know if I ought to let you handle this. This is not in your district, you know, Butch.

Gee... I've gone this far with it.

I certainly would appreciate it if you'd let me go through with it.

- Do you think you CAN handle it? - I bet you a dollar 6 bits!

You seem to have taken a lot of interest in this case.

Well, I suppose I would too, if I was 20 years younger.

- Alright, hop to it. - Thanks, Captain.

What do you say, Beautiful...?

- Let's go in and tie on the nosebag. - I'm not hungry.

Well, maybe you're not... But I am... Come on!

- Give me a cigarette, will you? - OK, Beautiful.

- Say, do you like onions? - I'm not hungry.

I asked you if you liked onions!

I don't care.

I'm only trying to put a little hot food into you... You look tired... It'll do you good.

2 hamburgers with onions and a couple of javas!

Hey, buddy... slip us the salt, will ya?

- Say, what time is it? - It's about 12.30.

Hey, lady!... Give us the sugar, will ya?

Say, listen...

This hangin' around the docks, seein' off 2 or 3 ships...

...isn't gonna get you anything.

We've got every dock covered, and you can't be in 17 places at once.

Yes, but I can't just sit there in a hotel room.

There are 100 ways he might get away.

Got to feel I'm doing something.

Those men of yours hardly looked at the people going up the gangplank tonight.

Oh no? Well don't kid yourself!

Hey buddy... Throw us the ketchup, will ya?

Say do you ever find many people that get lost that way?

Sure, about 90% of them.

But there are some you don't find, aren't there?

Say, will you quit worryin' about that slug... You're with ME now.

Well, I got to find him.

Supposing you don't?

Listen... you don't know what he means to me.

Gee, it sure must be swell to have somebody care for you like that.

I wish it was me you were looking for.

I hope you know I appreciate all you're doing for me.

- Forget it! - I can't forget it!

I want to tell you something...

I'm gonna keep right on lookin' for this guy...

But it's one time I hope I flop!

But if I DO flop...

It'll be the first time in my life.

Sugar! Salt! Pepper! Ketchup!

Joe, this is Mr Case.

You remember Mr Case's son disappeared about 10 days ago?

Yessir... He disappeared on his way to Atlantic City.

Today Mr Case received this note, and these pigeons.

That's a hot one!

How are you gonna get a line on 'im?

I want you to tie paper instead of money to the legs of each of these pigeons.

Charter a fast plane, release the pigeons...

...take a couple of men and follow these birds by plane to the hiding place.

But Chief... I'm a guy with both feet on the ground!

The minute there's nothing under me, I get sick.

Alright, alright... never mind!

Conlin, you handle this, but step on it!

Alright, Mr Case.

Every time I get into one of those bird cages, I feel like a canary.

Say, tell me something...

- What do you live in a joint like this for? - It's all I can afford.

Besides, I won't be here long.

It's awfully late.

I don't think you better come in. That's OK, I know the house dick.

This joint looks like it's haunted.

How about havin' breakfast with me in the morning?

Say aren't you tired of seeing me day after day?

No, I'm bearing up under it pretty well!

How about you?

Well, I'm getting along alright.

But I can't expect you to make a career out of me.

Why not? I'm young and ambitious.

I'll start at the bottom and work up.

Say, listen...

When that dumbcluck of your disappeared, did he leave you any money to live on?

Not very much.

Leave you enough to pay for this rat's nest?

Nope... doesn't matter... I'll get along alright.

You will eh? What'll you use for money?

The manager will trust me. I'll send it to himwhen I get back to Baltimore.

Why don't you leave it to me?

Oh, Butch, thanks!

- But you can't do that! - Bet you a dollar 6 bits!

Leave it me and I'll fix it so the manager won't bother you any more.

- Thanks! - Oh, wait a minute!

Come here... Don't rush off!

I want to talk to you.

Say, look...

Can't you forget this guy for a while?

You know...

Let's not mix business with pleasure.

Butch... don't!

What do you say you and me go out and get plastered?

What else is there to do?

That's right, Beautiful... You're married, so am I.

We both drew blanks.

It's OK... we been separated for a year. She don't mean a thing to me.

The only reason I'm telling you this, is coz I want to be on the level with you.

Because... well... I'm nuts about you.

And I... I hoped you kinda liked me, too.

Do you?

Do you?!

Of course I do... but...

But what?

We like each other don't we?

You know how impossible it all is.

Come on, Baby, don't be that way!

- Can't you forget that other junkie for a while? - I'm sorry, Butch, it's no use.

You might as well go!

Well, that's a fine how 've ya bin!

So listen, Beautiful... how about kissin' me goodnight?

Alright.

- Hi ya Chief... - Butch, come here a minute...

Do you know whose picture that is?

Sure... It's Norma Roberts.

Alias Norma Williams.

- What? - What was her husband's name?

Therme Roberts.

She murdered him in Chicago, 10 days ago.

- That's impossible... She couldn't do that! - She DID do that!

What are you going to do about this?

I don't know...

- I don't get this at all! - I'm afraid you'll have to pick her up.

- You like to make arrests... Here's your chance. - Captain, do me one favour, will you...

- Ask Chicago for the whole story on this. - You still don't believe it, eh?

Well, I don't know...

Who IS the guy she's lookin' for if it isn't Tom Roberts?

Probably an accomplice or a boyfriend, or nobody at all.

Turn this over to the homicide squad... Let them worry about that.

Butch 'll show you where this girl is.

Alright, I'll send a couple of men with him.

Well... get going!

That's too bad, madam. When did your husband leave you?

3 days ago.

The last thing he said to me before he disappeared, was...

If I hung any more of the baby's diapers on the radiator, he'd leave me.

And now he's done it!

Would you put an ad in the paper... Tell him I won't do it any more!

If he'll just come home!

"No diapers on the radiator".

You got the keys to this room?

- Yes, but... - Never mind! Open it up!

- I hope you won't disturb any of the other guests. - Open it up!

Well, come on out!

What did you do it for?!

I didn't, Butch... I can explain it, honest I can!

But don't let them take me! Don't let them take me!

Alright, I'll be back.

- Well, she's not in there. - Let's go.

The only thing we can do is stick around and wait till she comes back.

No, you won't have to do that...

Go back and send out your alarm...

I'll stick around and see if I can't get a lie on her.

You'll do this as quietly as possible, won't you?

There won't be any trouble in your hotel at all.

Well, come on!

Well, Butch...

What's the matter with you?

You seem a little ragged.

Ever had a dame make a sucker outta you?

Not lately!

Believe me, I'll get that dame!

I'll get her if it's the last thing that I ever do!

I've looked at 150 suspects in the last 12 hours...

...in every precinct in this town...

I've seen all the screwy dames I ever want to see...

...except the right one, Norma Williams...

And when I catch up with that double-crossing two-timing punk...

Where? Brooklyn Pier 3..

Tell them to hold everything just as it is... I'll be right over.

Well, Butch... That may be your answer.

They just found some women's clothing on a dock... Pier 3.

A hat and a coat and a handbag, with Norma Williams card in it.

You mean she's jumped in the river?!

Just possible.

Let's just take a run over there.

Where's the watchman that found this stuff?

Tom. come here!

When did you find this clothing?

This morning, right here on the dock.

- See a woman on the dock last night? - No sir.

She could have come out, when I was at the other end.

It's Norma Williams alright.

I recognise the hat and the bag.

- Sure? - Absolutely.

I'll get the dredging company to drag the river.

Bring this stuff along.

What is it, Joe?

Remember that Fritz Erdmann who said his wife walked out on him?

- The nightwatchman at the slaughterhouse? - That's the guy!

Last night I went down to the slaughterhouse to have a look around.

They got a big machine down there, to grind up all the bones to make fertilizer.

I found this piece of comb and wedding ring...

I thought you might like to have a look.

That solves the disappearance of Mrs Erdmann.

Better take this stuff over to Homicide Squad, Joe.

Tell them where they can pick up Fritz Erdmann for the murder of his wife.

Well, Butch... You look as though you're thinking!

Wait a minute, I AM thinkin'!

- Well, what? - Norma Williams...

- Have you found her? - No.

Well, maybe the tide carried the body out.

They say a body comes to the surface in 9 days... Is that right, Captain?

Usually.

Well, this one won't.

- What makes you think it won't? - That dame's too smart to jump in the river.

- I got a hunch it's a phony! - Yes, I've been thinking the same thing.

I'm checking every means of her leaving the city.

She'll overplay her hand, if we give her time.

She's not so far away, and if you let me do what I want to do... I'll find her.

- What do you want to do? - I want to borrow a body from the morgue.

A body... What for? A funeral.

One they're gonna bury anyway.

Then I want to plant something in the morning papers.

Now, if she's around town, she's gonna be reading the papers very carefully.

Dis you ever see a woman who could stay away from her own funeral?

Come on, Captain... give me an order on the morgue!

Butch, I think you're beginning to use your head!

Come in the office, I'll give you the order.

That's a swell idea!

I couldn't have thought of a better one myself!

- Is everything ready down there? - All set... See you at the funeral parlour.

Be on time... The performance starts at 2 o'clock.

Oh Butchy-wootchy!

Oh, how's my darling?!

Unwrap yourself, you octopus!

Butchy-wootchy!

How did you get in here? Through the door.

- I'll throw you out on your bustle! - Oh no you're not!

- Who's gonna stop me? - You know how I'll stop you...

And I don't mean maybe.

That bankroll you gave me was nothing but paper rolled up in $10 to make it look big.

You can't get away with that!

I gave you all I had. That's all you gonna get. Now get outta here!

I'll go when I get my allowance.

Thank you darling!

Did she show up yet?

No... she's late.

Late for her own funeral!

- Look at that bunch of morons! - Sure...

This kind of thing always draws the flies.

It's a better funeral than Clara could've got any other way.

Clara who?

Don't you know who you've got in that box?

Sure... some stiff they sent up from the morgue.

You remember Mrs Gilchrist...

The little old lady that was always coming in, looking for her daughter.

Well, Clara's her daughter.

- No kidding? - Sure!

She died in a hop joint the other night.

We couldn't turn her body over to the old lady She'd 've found what her daughter was doin'.

So we're giving her a funeral anyway.

I get it.

This funeral was set for 2 o'clock.

It's after 3 now. What are you going to do?

- I don't know. - Can't we go ahead with it?

Looks like you'll have to. Wait a minute... Where's your telephone?

There's one in the back room there.

How's business these days?

Has the Depression bothered you much?

Hello, Captain Webb? It's Butch.

Well, I guess I'm licked.

No, she didn't come.

Alright, Chief, I'm comin in.

Can you imagine, spending 200 bucks on a funeral, and the dame don't show up?!

Well, what are you going to do about it? I can't wait any longer.

Well, there's nothing much to do about it, but go ahead with it.

Come on, you!

Sit down!

You dirty little double-crosser!

- No I'm not! I can explain everything! - Shut up!

Everything you told me was a pack of lies!

And I fell for 'em, because I was nuts about you.

I'd've given you anything in the world... You know that don't you?

Yeah, I know.

That night we were together, another one of your lies...

Putting your arms around me, telling me that you loved me!

And next day you let me risk my job to save you...

And you left me holding the bag, playing me for a sucker...

What's your racket? Come on, talk!

I haven't got a racket, Butch. I meant everything I said to you.

Don't give me that!

You found out I was wanted for a murder I didn't commit.

I didn't want you to turn me in while there was still a chance of proving it...

...so I ran away. Won't you believe me?

- Why should I believe you? - Sit down here, I want to tell you this.

- I've wanted to tell you for a long time. - Well, come on... Let's have it!

You'd better make it good!

I worked for Therme Roberts. He was investment broker in Chicago.

- I was his private secretary. - So what?

I discovered, quite by accident that Roberts had a twin brother.

Exact likeness as himself and was being kept out of the way.

I went to his house one day to take dictation... . ..and I saw him for the first time.

He kept twisting his mouth and blinking his eyes...

...then I knew why Roberts kept him in his room.

He was an idiot... a foolish, gibbering idiot.

Daffy, eh? Why didn't Roberts put him in the bug-house?

He was ashamed of it. He wanted to keep it a secret.

Alright... go on.

Well, one day, I was called into Roberts private office.

I saw what I thought was Roberts, sitting there at the desk...

I was talking to him, then suddenly I realised I was talking to a dead man.

Somebody had left a gun beside him.

I picked up the gun, and while I was holding it, the police came in.

Of course, I was confused, and dazed, and they arrested me.

Then I looked more closely at the body and I realised it wasn't Mr Roberts at all...

But his insane brother, dressed in Mr Robert's clothes...

...and Therme Roberts was gone. They kept me in jail for 3 days.

And all the time I was convinced that Roberts had killed his own brother...

..and put him in his place to keep from being arrested.

Because I knew he was wanted on charges of embezzlement.

Did you tell all this to the police? Yes, of course, but they wouldn't believe me.

They didn't even know Roberts had a brother.

Well, one day they released me in the custody of the attorneys of the firm...

...to be questioned about books and transactions of the business.

And I got away from them. And I started out to find Therme Roberts.

He's the only man in the world that can save me. So you do understand, don't you?

- Why tell me Therme Roberts was your husband? - So I could ask you help me find him!

If I'd told you the truth then, you'd've sent me right back to Chicago.

Have you been smokin' hop?

Listen Butch, I know it sounds impossible, but it's the truth.

If you're lookin' for Roberts, why hang around here today?

To find Roberts. Thought he might've read of my funeral.

Been watching from the drugstore across the street all day.

And then my curiosity got the better of me.

I wanted to see what I looked like in a coffin.

You do believe me, don't you, Butch?

Nope.

- You're givin' it to me again! - Honestly, I'm not!

Well, I still think you're playin' me for a sucker. But I'm gonna find out!

Come on!

Look! See that man?

- What about him? - That's Therme Roberts!

Wait a minute... Where are you going?

That's Therme Roberts, and I'm not going to let him get away!

Follow that cab!

Come on Buster, step on it!

Listen, you stay here... if that's Roberts, he's liable to start shooting.

- Be careful, will you Butch! - Never mind me, it's you I'm worried about!

- Can I trust you to stay and wait for me? - Sure!

- Be on the level with me, just for once will ya? - Of course! - You hold the cab.

Wait a minute, I want to see you...

Go on, get back in there!

What's the matter? You in a hurry?

What is this? Who are you? What do you want?

- You ought to know. - I'm awfully sorry, but i don't.

Well you will, as soon as I get you down to Headquarters.

"Headquarters"?

There must be some mistake.

- Who are you looking for? - I'm looking for a guy named Therme Roberts.

Well, I'm awfully sorry, but my name is not Therme Roberts.

How do I know that?

Why don't you go through my personal belongings? Perhaps that'll convince you.

- You ever been to Chicago? - Yes. Several times.

How long since?

I think the last time was in 1923.

Well, why did you run away from me? You saw me chase you didn't you?

I've been receiving threatening letters from a gang.

It's been after me because I have a little money.

I was packing my things... I wanted to change my room on that account.

Well, somebody's lyin'.

And I'm gonna find out who it is, and you're goin' with me.

Friend... I have positive proof of my identity right in this room.

I don't know anything about the man you're after...

..so there's no point in my going with you.

Alright, suppose I don't take you down to Headquarters...

I got a girl downstairs, says she knows you... Says you ARE Therme Roberts.

- ll you go down and meet her? - Yes... I'd be very glad to.

Well, alright, come on!

Well, where's the girl?

Well, she's supposed to be here!

I left her.

You know, this thing is a joke, don't you think it's gone far enough?

If you'll pardon my saying so, you don't seem to know WHO you're looking for.

Goodbye... I'm very glad to have met you.

Hey, wait a minute!

I still got a hunch you're Therme Roberts, and you're going to Headquarters.

Will you go nice, or must I slug you?

Do you mean to tell me you can't find Gwendolyn Harris

after 6 months of looking?

I tell you, Mr Harris, I looked everywhere.

I've searched the entire city.

Hotels, hospitals, the morgue...

YWCA...

Old ladies' homes...

Mr Harris, I tell you... I give up!

I'm only human!

Look!...

That's her!

- Who? - Gwendolyn!

Gwendolyn! Where have you been?!

- Why did you leave me. - Oh, I couldn't stand it!

You were always eating crackers in bed!

Darling, I haven't eaten a cracker in months.

- Are YOU Gwendolyn Harris? - Yeah! What are YOU gonna do about it?

I made up my mind if I ever found you, I was gonna break your neck!

- Hey! What happened to you? - Well, I thought you were having trouble...

- So I took the cab to look for a policeman. - When I'd got back, you'd gone.

Yeah? Well, what about this guy?

He says he ain't been to Chicago since 1923.

- Miss Williams... do you know this man? - Of course... That's Therme Roberts!

I don't understand... Who is this young woman?

- Why was I brought here? - You know very well who I am!

I never saw her before in my life.

Take a look at that brown hair... She used to be a blonde!

I'm Norma Williams! Does that mean anything to you?

Norma Williams?

Pardon me, will you tell me what this is all about, please?

- What IS your name? - Julian C. Forbes.

Well, it's just possible, Mr Forbes, it's a case of mistaken identity.

But we're going to ask you to cooperate... ...for the sake of justice.

Certainly.

You can of course, prove your statement.

- Why of course! - Don't you believe it, Captain Webb.

Ask him about that gold chain on his left wrist.

I don't deny that I wear a gold chain on my left wrist.

Same as thousands of other men in this country.

I have a way to settle this.

Hello, McGuire... Get Chicago on the wire, tell them to send me immediately...

...a telephoto of Therme Roberts.

I'm holding a man here in the office, waiting for it.

Sit down and make yourself comfortable, Mr Roberts.

Pardon me... Forbes.

Very sorry to annoy you further...

But we'll have all the evidence we require in a very few minutes.

Butch... can I talk to you a minute?

Go ahead.

What was the blonde that came in this morning and called you Butchy-wootchy?

Who wants to know?

The young fella outside, for one.

Is this her?

Yeah... that's her!

Butchy-wootchy!

Hey you!

- Where'd you get this? - That's my wife!

She's disappeared.

- Your what' - My wife.

- What's her name? - Belle Howard. I'm Mr Howard... Homer Howard.

- How long you been married? - 2 years and a half.

2 years and a half! That's marvellous... that's fine... that's great!

But she's always disappearing and I can never find out where she goes.

- That's wonderful! - It isn't... it's awful!

- Give me your address. - Here's my card.

Fine! I'll tell you what to do...

You go home, and by tomorrow morning, I'll have your wife in your arms!

- You will? - I certainly will!

- You really want her, don't you? - Oh yes!

Well, brother, you can have her!

And take it from me... never let her out of your sight again!

Get me?

- Thank you so much! - You're welcome!

Goodbye, Homer!

Butchy-wootchy!

Here, Butch... Let me have that.

So THIS is Therme Roberts!

Good work, Butch.

I thought so.

Alright.

I AM Therme Roberts.

This is not a particularly good picture of him!

Must have been taken when you were considerably younger.

She might have autographed it!

Charlie... Take this man over to Homicide Bureau.

- Come on! - No... don't take any chances.

Well, Chief...

We sure put that one over, didn't we?

Well, Miss Williams... That practically substantiates YOUR story.

Then I'm free?!

No... not exactly.

It'll still be necessary for you to go back to Chicago and testify.

In the meantime, I'll place you in the custody of...

I'll look after her, Captain.

- You think you can handle her? - I bet you a dollar 6 bits!

- Can't ever thank you enough, Captain! - It's alright, Miss Williams.

- Alright Butch... go ahead. - Come on Beautiful!

Butchy-wootchy!

I'm in again!

Will you excuse me for a minute?... I'll be right back!

Well, well, well, how do you do?!

- You're looking well! - Thank you!

Come right in!

Well, what can I do for you, my little buttercup?!

I want my allowance.

You want your allowance!

Well, Baby... you're gonna get your allowance!

Get me Circle 3-4376...

Hello, is that you, Homer?

Yeah, this is Homer.

Well, I found your wife.

Yes, she's had a slight accident.

No, nothing serious.

Just a few bruises.

I think you'll be able to recognise her.

Goodbye, Homer!

What happened in there?

Say, do you like onions?

What?

I said, do you like onions?

Well sure, if I've got a steak to go with 'em!

You're a cinch, Beautiful. Come on, we're goin' places!

Oh, Butchy-wootchy!

Subtitles by FatPlank for KG