Original subtitles

Thank you.

Yes, coach. Second compartment.

Right.

I've searched him in.

Don't we get a good game? I rather like it right here in the ground. Want to

look out for that new spin bowler? I will. This is our compartment, isn't it?

The one with the pretty girl in it? You noticed that too, did you?

Yes.

Oh, are we?

Thank you.

I guess this is the way I'm afraid.

Here

she

comes.

What the devil was that?

That wasn't a kid's catapult.

Look at that, Arthur.

Why don't we better stop the train? Oh, no, no, please don't do that.

Yes, but I... I don't think I would. It wouldn't mean a delay.

Related to Bright Hill.

One-court hotel?

Oh, I'm sorry, not a thing.

No, I'm very sorry.

Absolutely nothing.

Surely you can fix me up, Miss Parkinson.

Mr. Rawlinson.

Well, this is a surprise.

A very happy one for me. You look more like Arthur Gardner every day.

Oh, no, sir.

Why, we haven't seen you since last year. Well, I've been thinking about

you. Oh, yes, only this morning I said to myself, I wonder if Miss Parkinson's

still faithful.

So here I am to find out. Oh, you are awful.

But honestly, I don't know what I can do. We're terribly full. Sure, you can

squeeze me in somewhere.

We've got a lot of continental visitors.

We're in the spend your holiday in Britain scheme, you know.

I suppose those are two of them.

The one with the beard is a Spaniard, and the other comes from Italy.

Judging by their clothes, somebody warned them about the English summer.

Well, we've a lot to talk about, so I suppose you'll tend to this young lady

first.

Excuse me, is Dr. Lancaster in?

No, I'm afraid he isn't. He went over to the Isle of Wight by the earlier boat

and won't be returning until the morning.

Dear.

Did he by any chance leave a message for me? What name is it? Susan Lancaster.

Oh, just a moment, please.

Ah, yes, he did.

Oh, thank you.

Didn't leave anything else?

I'm sorry.

He booked a room for you when he arrived yesterday.

Number 17.

It's really only a maid's room, I'm afraid, but we're so terribly full.

Thank you. I'll go up.

Up. Your key. Thank you.

First floor. It's a side room, I'm afraid, but you can see the sea if you

lean out of the window.

Thank you.

Oh, Mr.

Rawlinson, I was hoping I could fix number 17 for you.

Oh, I don't mind which room you give me. Well, I really don't know what I can do.

You won't let me down.

After all, I have no objection to sharing.

Oh, you're terrible.

Whatever will you be saying next?

Who's the boyfriend?

I wish he really was.

That's Mr.

Rawlinson. Not the one known as the top. Yes, that's right.

I know. Carries on a private war against crime.

Yes, that's it. The papers are always writing about him.

He's got a nose for trouble.

If you let him stay here, we'll wake up in the morning with our throats cut.

Hello?

Will you get me Chelsea 6042, please?

Thank you.

Hello. Hello, Bill Merrick.

Hello, Bill. Raleigh here.

Listen, you speak Spanish, don't you?

Tell me what this means.

Go again for CrossFit competition or something?

You should have made that late call after six and got the cheap rate.

Huh?

Oh, you're serious.

Well, that's a change.

Anyway, it means number 17.

But not before midnight.

Uh-huh.

Number 17, but not before midnight.

I see. All right, Bill. Thank you so much. Let's have a noggin together

sometime. Bye.

17,

but not before midnight.

I don't know what that means.

What do you want?

Get out of here.

Get out of my room. I don't want to talk to you.

Who are you?

Man in your compartment on the train.

I know that, but what's your name?

My name is Ross.

Richard Ross.

My car.

You're the toff? Yeah.

Aren't you a friend of Anthea Mungrove's? That's right. You know

Anthea? Very well, indeed.

Well, that clears the air a bit, doesn't it? Change of mind about a cigarette?

Thank you.

That's better.

You know, you've come down to dinner. I shouldn't have had to break into your

room. I wasn't hungry.

Or is it that you don't speak Spanish poorly?

Are you aware that there are two charming guests in this hotel who are

extremely interested in Miss Susan Lancaster?

Then it's lucky I stayed upstairs.

Hmm.

No business on the train.

You weren't really surprised they turned out to be bullets, were you? No.

Tell me, Susan.

You don't mind if I call you Susan?

Anthea always said you were a fast worker, Mr. Rollison. Anthea talks too

much. By the way, she calls me Raleigh, all my friends do.

What do you want me to tell you?

I want to know why you weren't surprised that someone should take a pot shot at

you. They weren't shooting at me.

Well, were they out?

I'm afraid it was, uh...

You? Me?

Yes. You see, I think they thought you were my uncle.

Oh, I'm not as old as... Oh, I see. You mean they thought I was Dr. Langston?

Yes. You see, the original plan was that we should both travel down together.

Only at the last minute did it decide to slip off by car yesterday evening.

And as you're just about the same height...

Now then, you say that originally you and your uncle were coming down here

together? Yes.

You see, my uncle is the inventor of the Lancaster process for making the new

metal alloy Metatron.

Oh, yes, I've heard about that.

It's as strong as steel and as light as aluminium, and cheaper than either.

Sounds as if it might revolutionise the defence programme. That's what my uncle

thinks.

Somehow the news has leaked out, eh? Yes.

As a result, there's half the crooks in the world who are after it. That's about

it.

What's your uncle keep this formula? Oh, he won't tell me. In case it might pull

me in, as he puts it.

Well, you are, aren't you, now? Right up to the neck.

Why come here?

Oh, it's an easy trip from Brighthaven to the Isle of Wight.

That's where Sir Charles Barton lives. As you know, he's in charge of the

almonds. Oh, yes, yes, of course.

And rather than your uncle should contact him, they've prepared to bump

him off. Last night the London houses burgled while I was out.

Nothing was taken, but everything was turned upside down. Searching for the

formula. That's what I imagined.

Then this morning a man telephoned.

My uncle was to be at the Achilles statue in Hyde Park with the formula at

12 noon today.

Or else he would be liquidated.

Hmm.

Did this man give any hint as to who he was?

Well, I asked him.

And all he said was, I am the hammer, then laughed and rang off.

Hammer? Sounds familiar.

I can't quite place it.

Never mind, your uncle's got a good start on them. All we've got to do now

is to deal with the two foreign gentlemen.

Is this your dressing gown?

But I don't understand.

Come on, time's getting short.

What's it for?

We're going to swap rooms, you and I.

Why?

Because those two daggers downstairs are proposing to spend part of their holiday

in Britain ransacking this room sometime after midnight.

It would be a nice treat for them to find me instead of you.

Isn't it?

All clear. Come on.

But why should you get yourself tied up in all this?

I don't allow people to go about taking pot shots at me.

Especially when their boss has a ridiculous name like the Hammer.

Besides, there's another reason.

Oh? What is it?

I'm very partial to the name of Suze.

Right. Good night.

She hadn't heard it was her birthday.

Even good

What's this?

It's a claw hammer, sir.

There's the boat. We're just in time. Good.

If your uncle's given the formula to Sir Charles Barton, you're right that it

would.

Hello, Uncle.

Hello, my dear. Oh, thank goodness you're safely back. I hope to be.

Oh, this is Mr. Rollison. How do you do? Come on.

Mr. Rollison's been wonderful.

I'm sure he has, my dear, if you say so.

Though I don't know how.

Rollison. That's right.

Well, you must be the Rollison.

What? What is it, sir?

Uncle! Get him in his chair.

Shall I get a doctor?

It's... It's too late.

And obviously, this bird who calls himself the Hammer inspired the attack

on Miss Lancaster. But at the moment, there's nothing definite to tie him up

with the doctor's murder.

Poison was one of our obituates.

Hypodermically injected, death would follow within a minute.

That's what I don't understand.

They must have got him in front of our very eyes and we never saw a thing.

That's what makes me think it was a hammer job.

So far, he's never made a slip.

How long has he been going?

We first started getting some dope about him nearly three years ago.

Extraordinary stories they were, too, mainly from the East End.

They made him out to be a sort of Robin Hood. You know, only robbed the big-time

crooks and gave most of the proceeds to the poor.

Oh, yes.

But in all that time, Never a hint of violence.

So on that basis, he didn't worry you too much?

He didn't give us any sleepless nights.

Until six months ago, when everything changed.

Changed? How do you mean?

He turned violent.

He's had a hand in every major form of crime lately.

Burglary, blackmail, even kidnapping.

And in each case, somebody's got hurt, and badly hurt, too.

He ended up last month with a murder.

A wretched night watchman at some jeweler's.

Doesn't make sense, does it? Swollen head. They all get it.

Think they can tackle anything.

Now he seems to be having a cut at getting state secrets and selling them

to, well, unfriendly powers.

Perhaps it'll be his downfall.

What I meant was, I don't get the sudden switch from no violence technique to

figure stuff.

Psychologically, it just isn't on.

Always the theorist, weren't you, Raleigh? The fact remains that your

Robin Hood has now become a murderer.

It's our job to get him.

All right, what's the next move?

You go and play cricket.

But look here, Gricey, I'm well and truly in on this. Am I, Roddy?

Since the Brighthaven police have called us in, I'm very grateful to what you've

told us so far, but I'd prefer it if you'd leave things as they are for the

moment. What about Miss Lancaster? You're giving her police protection.

Oh, we'll keep an eye on her. Good Lord, man, that's not good enough.

She's in terrible danger. How?

Listen.

Sir Charles Barton stated that during their discussion, Dr. Lancaster made no

mention of the actual formula.

Nor did he hand a copy of it to Sir Charles.

Don't you see that until that formula's found, Susan Lancaster's life isn't

worth a penny?

Oh, I wouldn't say that. They're bound to have another crack at her or the

house. Good. We have a chance of colouring them.

Great Scott, man. Is that all you ever think about?

It's my job, Ronnie.

All right.

Then it'll happen to be my job to look after Susan.

Raleigh, thank goodness it's you. What's the trouble?

They broke in again last night.

I'll wring Rice's neck for him. Luckily, a policeman on his rounds flashed his

torch and they bolted. You said they'd ransacked the place already.

They didn't find my uncle's privacy.

You mean the formula may have been there? No, he told me it wasn't.

But I think they think it is.

I see.

Where is the safe? In the study.

Good. Here it is.

Got a key?

That's the trouble. I was never told where he kept it. It was super exact.

Got a hairpin?

Hairpin? Yes.

Sit.

Sit? What about a meat skewer? Meat skewer? Well, there's metal things, you

know. I can get one.

Oh, it doesn't matter. That's better still. That bill pile over there.

That's it, dear.

Thanks.

What are you going to do?

Just stop him wiring you.

Anthea told me you're a first-class lockpicker, but I didn't believe her.

As I told you, Anthea talks too much.

How on earth did you learn how to do it?

Oh, I was educated in knockover.

Now I know what you get from a public school education.

Sit.

Now, hold tight.

Oh, well.

Empty.

What on earth was that for?

Making sure that the Hammer Boys see for themselves that there's nothing in that

safe.

Why don't you have a breakfast?

What? What did you have for breakfast?

A cup of coffee.

Oh, what you need is a good lunch.

Tell me, have you been to La Segal?

No. It's new, small, continental.

And food's good.

You'll enjoy it. Come on.

But now that my uncle's dead, when you realize I don't know where the formula

is, surely they'll leave me alone.

Well, according to Inspector Grice, the hammer is not only efficient, but very

determined.

If, um, if you want to turn around and look across the room... No, no, not now.

I'll tell you what you'll see.

Our old friend the Spaniard has been marching here, too.

That's why I want you to have a bodyguard. Oh, dear.

Cheer up, Susan.

I'm sorry, Molly.

I'm afraid I'm a bit of a depressing date.

Oh, don't worry. A bodyguard will soon snap you out of that. And who's to be

the bodyguard?

Well, I had thought of Anthea, but unfortunately she's in Scotland with

Jamie, so it looks as if it will have to be me.

I'm afraid you'll be awfully bored with me.

Oh, I shall share the job with Jolly. Oh, who's Jolly?

Jolly? Oh, he's my valet, cook, char, friend, and second-in-command, all

related one.

I know. Let's go round to the flat now. I'll introduce you. It isn't far.

Well,

I did want the bill. Would you like some? No, thank you.

For you, sir.

These are nice. All right.

How much? Twelve shillings, sir. Shall I have it put on your bill? Would you?

Thanks.

Listen, Raleigh, I meant what I said to you in Brighthaven.

I'm terribly grateful for all you've done for me, but I don't want to drag

you into something that doesn't concern you. My dear, all crooks and all

crockery concern me. But the hammer's dangerous.

I don't want to get you any deeper involved.

Thank you very much, sir. It

looks

as if I'm thoroughly involved already, doesn't it?

What a lovely building.

Yeah, it's good.

Don't touch that case!

Taxi waiting.

We've got this.

Come on.

Number 10, this way.

Good afternoon, miss. Good afternoon, sir. Jolly. Allow me, sir. No, no, don't

touch it.

It's a new kind of weapon.

And it's deadly.

Really, sir.

Very interesting.

Excuse me a moment, sir.

Now that's better.

Right.

Easy, does it?

That's it.

Will you bring it in for us? Certainly, sir.

All right, Susan. Let's go in, shall we?

Now, put it down there, Jolly.

Very good.

And get Inspector Grice on the phone for me, will you? Urgent.

Right. But, Raleigh, I still don't understand. I'm not going to touch that

case until Grice gets here, but I'm pretty certain there's a hypodermic

needle hidden in the bottom of it somewhere.

Then that's how my uncle was.

Yes, Susan.

And that's how you were to get it.

How am I ever going to thank you, Raleigh?

By being a good girl and doing whatever Jolly or I tell you. Promise?

I promise.

But within reason.

Oh, that makes it dreadfully dull.

Sir, would you hold the line for one moment, sir?

Yes, I see what you mean.

Inspector Grice is on the line, sir. Oh, good. I'll take it out there.

I want you two to get to know one another.

You'd better watch your P's and Q's, Jolly. Miss Lancaster's doubtful about

your intentions.

Won't you sit down?

Thank you, Johnny.

May I offer you a cigarette?

Thank you.

Allow me.

Won't you sit down, Johnny?

Oh, thank you.

You must have an exciting time working for Mr. Rolison.

Ours is a very routine existence.

Routine? I'd hardly have thought that was the way to describe life at the top.

Please don't call him that.

But that's what the papers call him.

That's how he's known to his friends in the East End, isn't it?

Mr. Rolison has certain acquaintances east of Allgate. In my opinion, through

lack of refinement, they're inclined to take advantage of his good nature. Oh, I

see.

What on earth are all those things?

Trophies, miss.

May I look?

Oh, careful, miss. It's rather dangerous.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Just a few souvenirs of our exploits together.

How very interesting. For example, here's the hobnail boot, which was

instrumental in enabling Mr. Ollison to capture the barking child murderer.

Really? And here is the catapult, used by the poisoner Diney Herbert.

He used to fire poisoned darts.

Right, Gracie, then you come straight round, will you?

Of course I see the case is all right. What do you take me for?

Yes, I know it's a valuable clue.

All right, then. Hurry up. Goodbye.

And this is the actual opera hat that Mr. Rolison was wearing when Plugger

Bantock... All right, Jolly. All right. You're not a guide at the festival.

Don't you take any notice of his spiel. In any case, he's a devil for

exaggeration. On the contrary, he described your life as routine.

Everything's competitiveness.

Now, listen. Rice is coming straight around.

He seemed quite excited. He thinks this briefcase may really get us somewhere.

Let's see him inside.

All right, she'll be all right now. Come along with me.

Now, first, what's your name?

I've seen you before somewhere.

She's the cigarette girl from Cigar.

Right.

That's interesting.

Now, I want the truth.

Your job was to create a diversion while the Spaniard lived in here to recover

the briefcase, wasn't it?

We'll have to talk sooner or later, you know.

The police will be here any moment. If you come clean with me, I may be able to

help you.

So, have a look through this, will you?

Who'd you get your orders from?

Spaniard?

The Hammer?

There's no trace of a name or anything interesting.

Except this.

That didn't come from Woolworths. That's what I thought.

Payment for a nice bit of screaming, eh?

Inspector Grice and Sergeant Barrow, sir.

Hello, Grice. Afternoon, Barrow.

We've got a few surprises for you. In addition to the famous briefcase...

You've got an unconscious thug in the kitchen and a dumb woman in here.

Where the dickens did you get that?

Huh? Why, do you recognize it? I certainly do.

It's Lady Hallet's.

She had all her jewelry stolen a month ago.

Well, perhaps the girlfriend here could tell you where she got it. No need.

I know.

This is a hammer job.

Pretty ingenious.

Plunge a cable on the handle to a spring, which in turn operates the

hypodermic.

How on earth do you get on to it, Raleigh?

By what you girls call intuition.

What Raleigh calls sheer good luck.

Anyway, Gricey, when this thing's finished as Exhibit A, I'd like it for

my black museum.

Before it becomes Exhibit A, we've got to bring its owner to trial.

Think your blokes will get anything from it?

It's a mass production job.

The fingerprints we got may do us some good, but I doubt it. But the Spaniards

and the girls, surely you can get them to talk.

Naturally, we'll try, but so far anyone who's had anything to do with the hammer

seems more afraid of him than of prison.

Yes, quite.

We've got to face it.

We're no nearer finding his identity than we were before.

We've got a hunch he's not going to let up much in his efforts to get that

formula. And that means you must keep very wide awake, Miss Lancaster.

Jolly and I are not letting her out of our sight until the hammer's in the

back. It'll mainly fall on your shoulders, Jolly. Really, sir?

Yes, because I want Mr. Rolison to help me.

Oh, an amateur.

What will the Chief Constable say?

Listen, Raleigh, there's only one real chance.

All our original information tied up the hammer with the East End. But the East

Enders have camped down tight. My fellows can't get a word out of them.

Now, you have a wonderful reputation down there.

I want you to have a crack at getting on the trail.

Well, this is where our friend Bert Ebert comes in, isn't it, Jolly?

I'm afraid so, sir.

You know, Jolly's a snob.

He doesn't approve of my being on drinking terms with anybody. He used to

all get pumped.

But believe me, you're a persona grata. There's no better clearinghouse for

information than the Red Lion down by the docks.

Yes, how are you?

Hello,

how are you?

Hello, mate.

Better have it about when you only... Oh, just a chat. How are you, Flatty?

Strike me, it's Mr. R.

Mr. R, I love to see you. Hello, Emily, how are you? Oh, I'm fine.

Well, it's nice to know I'm not forgotten.

I'll have a long time before you'll be forgotten down here, Mr. Horn.

Bert won't half be glad to see you. Well, is he in the gym? Yeah, I'll tell

him you're here. Now, let's bring it on in together, shall we? I hope you do.

Come on, come on, Jim. Keep that ruddy left hand going.

A minute to go. Put the heat on.

Oh, Bill, what do you think you are, a flipping grasshopper? Here, Bert.

I'm busy.

Forty seconds to go. Bash into it, boys.

There's someone here for you. Tell him to go away.

Oh, it's him. Don't kiss him. I'm not going until I've had a pint of four X's,

Bert. Blind old Riley, Mr. R. Hello, Bert. Nice to see you. Where have you

been all this time? Wandering about, you know. But not down here. That's what I

told Mr.

R. Well, I'm here now, and with a good thirst.

Provided you haven't forgotten how to keep ear. Come in the parlor and I'll

show you.

Any news, Jolly?

I'm afraid not, Miss.

It wasn't Mr. Wollison. No, Miss, wrong number. A somewhat alcoholic gentleman

inquiring if we were the box office of the Windmill Theatre.

Jolly, I can't stand this waiting about much longer.

Shall I make you a cup of tea, Miss? Okay.

Jolly, do you play cards? Not of late, Miss, but I was considered an expert at

pontoon in the First World War. Is there a canasta set in the house? Oh, yes,

Miss. Mr. Wollison plays frequently.

Here we are miss good jolly, I'm gonna teach you to play for money Lucky

You're right, but there's nothing like the old four X's.

That's right Bert keeps it a treat. I'm glad you like it. Mr. R Now suppose you

tell us what it is you're after How do you know I'm after anything?

I know you you always want something you do Yes, but well, I'll do anything. I

came to help. You know that I know Who you after?

Well, I've been hearing quite a bit recently by the chap called the Hammer.

The Hammer?

What do you want to know about him for?

Because he's a thief and a murderer.

Don't talk soft.

The Hammer ain't no murderer, is he, Flatty? Of course he ain't.

But I can prove it to you.

I still wouldn't believe you. You've got it all wrong, Mr. R.

The Hammer's the best loved man in this district, and rightly so.

What about the barking job when the night watchman was hit over the head and

croaked? That wasn't the hammer.

Are you sure? Of course I am.

He may have knocked off a bit of stuff at his time, but he gives most of what

he gets away.

He's never done violence to anyone.

That's right.

How long has he been working?

A couple of years.

Does he know the police think of a murderer and are all set to get him? He

never croaked no one.

Then someone's trying very hard to prove that he did.

I'd like to wring that twister's neck.

We'll have to find him first.

In the meantime, your hammer's in real danger.

We'll have to find him first.

That's better.

I want to see him.

You're not going to give a tip to the Dix?

That's very right. All right.

I've always trusted you.

I'll see if I can fix it.

But you can't go in them clothes.

You're the gent from Mr. Everett?

That's right.

Follow me.

The gent from Mr. Ebert. You take him now.

Fine, please.

Mr. Rollison. Thank you, Janet.

I'm sure Mr. Rollison's quite trustworthy.

You didn't wait.

Come in.

You'll find that chair quite pleasant.

Thank you.

You'll see I believe in comfort even in the East End.

Yes.

Drink? Thanks.

Soda?

Yes, here.

I'm sorry I was so difficult to find.

And that you had to change your clothes.

I'm sure you understand.

Perfectly.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Bird ever say why I wanted to see you?

You gave me to understand that you wanted to convince yourself whether I

was a murderer or not.

Quite right.

I take it that you admit to being called a hammer.

Certainly.

You also realize that I'm helping the police over Dr. Lancaster's murder. So I

gathered. I always imagined that his formula would cause trouble.

How did you know about the formula? My dear Mr. Wallace, I have spies

everywhere.

There are other murders on which the hammer has left his mark.

That has always annoyed me. It seems so melodramatic to leave messages signed

with a hammer. You may find it more than annoying.

The police are convinced that you did them.

Are you convinced too?

I don't know.

Supposing I didn't, what is the explanation?

It means that someone is trying to pin the jobs on you.

In short, there are two hammers.

And not only one.

She'll have a bit of a job to convince the police of that.

Think of your warnings, Mr. Robinson.

I've not been unaware of what's been going on.

And I've a pretty shrewd idea who my enemy is.

Don't worry.

I'll deal with him.

Who is it?

I'm afraid I can't tell you that.

At least not just now.

It wouldn't be ethical.

Honor among thieves, you know.

And I am a thief.

You're a strange man.

All this business about giving the proceeds to charity. I wouldn't say to

charity. I merely try to put right some of the more wretched injustices in the

world.

You know, you've got me licked.

I don't know what to make.

Does that matter, Mr. Rawlinson?

So long as we trust one another.

Jim, the police are here.

There are more at the back. We're trapped, Jim. Yes, we're trapped. And by

the friend of Mr. Rollinson who came here to warn that I was wanted for

murder. I haven't trapped you. Well, if I'm to be hanged for murder, I may as

well... No, Jim! You fool!

Keep behind that door.

You stay here.

Leave this to me.

The back of the house is covered. Yes. Come on, upstairs.

Mr. Rawlinson.

Why, Sergeant Parrot, fancy seeing you here.

Yeah, but this is the Hammer's hideout.

It was.

It was?

Yes, I made sure I'd find him here, but unfortunately he's been forced to move.

I've been trying to get some sense out of that girl upstairs.

Janet Lind, the householder? Yes, that's right. She doesn't seem to know much

about you, except... There's a lodger here. A lodger passed under the name of

Linnet. She's probably hiding him.

We've got to search the house. If you take my tip, Barry, you'll move about

outside. You can't have gone far.

I assure you that to search the house is a sheer waste of time. May I ask what's

going on?

I'm Detective Sergeant Barrow from New Scotland Yard.

I have a search warrant.

There's no need to break down doors to execute.

We knocked and rang, but got no answer. You would have done if you'd had a

little more patience.

I must warn you, we intend to search the house.

Very well, we'll start upstairs.

But first I must ask you to wipe your boots.

They're so big, they carry a lot of dirt.

How did you know the hammer lived here, Mr. Robinson?

Probably the same little bird that told you.

Not a sign of him. There must be.

I didn't really think it'd be so easy to catch the hammer. Well, you had him in

your district long enough.

You still haven't explained why you've invaded the privacy of my house.

Your lodger's a notorious character called the Hammer, Miss Venn. The who?

The Hammer.

Oh, yes, I've heard of him. He's done a great deal of good around here. I'm

extremely glad he got away.

There's more good in him than... than... than all the police force put together.

All the same, miss, I wouldn't recite sentiments like those about wanted men.

When did this man Linnet first come?

About two years ago. And he's the best lodger I've ever had.

In what way was he so good?

He paid well and promptly. He kept himself to himself and he was no trouble

at all. And now, because of your stupid interfering, I've lost him and I've got

a broken front door.

Well, there's not a trace.

I hope that means you'll be going. It does.

But I must ask you, Mr. Linnet, and you, Mr. Robertson, to come along with me to

Scotland Yard and see Inspector Grice.

I can hardly wait.

And you've nothing further to add to your statement, Miss Lynn?

Nothing. Very well.

All right, then.

The officer will type it out for your signature as soon as possible, and then

Sergeant Barrow will drive you home in a car.

Thank you.

Good night.

Good night.

This way, Miss.

Now, look, Ricey, I've got a bone to pick with you. I might say the same

thing to you.

How the dickens do you come to be in that house?

I've got my own sources of information on the East End, and I'm not discussing

them. What I want to know is how the heck did Barrow turn out there?

Well, you tipped off late this afternoon.

Oh? By who?

A fellow called Benson, who owns a cigar club.

Cigar, again?

But, I see, couldn't you wait until you'd seen me?

It was too urgent.

Besides, what's it matter?

I know that you've made me appear a heel to all my friends on the East End. Well,

I'm sorry about that, Raleigh, but it seemed a chance of catching the hammer.

You're barking up the wrong tree.

I don't believe that Linnet is the man you want.

But Linnet's the hammer, isn't he? Yes, but not the hammer you're after.

Are you suggesting there are two hammers?

Yes, I believe I am.

Oh, really, Raleigh? Now you are letting your imagination run away with you.

I told you originally, the idea of a Robin Hood at one moment and a brutal

murderer the next just doesn't make sense.

And now I'm more convinced than ever.

My dear Raleigh, what you need is a large whiskey and soda, a long, long

sleep, and...

Change of clothes.

Yes, and then I suppose you think I'll wake up in my right mind.

I'm sure of it.

Well, that's more than you, will you, great big flat-footed policeman?

Just a minute, you.

I beg your pardon, sir. With the largest concern and a very hot bar.

Miss Susan's asleep, sir.

I've got you, monsieur. And there's a gentleman waiting to see you in the

sitting room, sir. Who is it? He wouldn't give his name, sir. He insisted

on waiting however late you were, sir.

Well, I suppose I'd better see him.

What are all those matches doing in the kitchen?

Miss Susan has been teaching me canasta, sir. We were playing for matches.

And you weren't.

I'm afraid so, sir.

You're the sort of shark who tosses a baby double a quits for its bottle.

We'd like some coffee, Johnny.

We don't want to be disturbed.

Very good, sir.

Well, I wanted to prove that I'm quite convinced of your integrity, Robertson.

Thanks.

What's rather more important is that I should be convinced of yours.

Cigarette? No, thanks.

Why have you really come here?

We hadn't finished our conversation when I, um, had to leave.

Oh, yes.

How did you get out of that room?

All I needed was a little time.

You provided it for me.

How's Janet?

They haven't detained her, thank goodness.

She's been my one worry.

Have you discovered how the police found your hideout? Yes, through Benson of the

Cigar Club.

Oh, so Benson's the man. That's it.

That's what I came here to tell you.

Thank you, Charlie.

Black or white?

Black, please.

Thanks.

McGlinnett, I gave you time this evening.

So far, I have not told the police that we've actually met.

You must understand I'm on the right side of the law.

I fully understand.

You do realize I've only your word for it, that you're not responsible for

these hammer murders.

You'll find all the proof you want in Benson's safe at the cigar club.

You can have it.

When I've finished him.

Don't be a fool.

You won't get away with murder.

I'm not a fool.

But it seemed to me that giving you this information was the best way of repaying

the debt I owe you.

Please don't think I can be frightened by the threat of any penalty for what I

shall do.

Lenny, don't ask for trouble.

What you want to do is just fade out.

War?

A warning.

You're already at war with the police. You've admitted it.

I help the police.

Let's call it an armed truce.

Well, listen.

Over 200 people in the East End receive financial assistance from me.

Assistance they can't do without.

Do you and the police realize that?

If you want details, ask Janet.

She handles that side of it entirely.

They think of her as an angel of mercy.

And so she is.

She's fiercely loyal to me.

And it's her loyalty that makes the East End loyal to me, to a man.

Pretty obvious she thinks the world of you, too.

I must go.

No, Leonard, by coming here, you put me on the spot.

In what way?

You put on me the onus of deciding whether to let you go again or give you

up. I thought you said this was to be a truce.

That's right.

An armed truce.

I hope you agree we're all square.

Good night.

He holding, Jolly?

Yes, sir.

What do you think of him?

A curiously enigmatic gentleman, if I may say so, sir. I think you are wise to

let him go. Oh, you do? Yes, sir. I also think it would be wise to call the Cigar

Club as soon as possible.

First thing tomorrow, Jolly.

Yes. We'll go together.

Good morning. I want to see Mr. Benson. Please, it's important.

I don't think he's in, sir. But Mr. Kennedy's here.

Kennedy? Yes, the bandleader.

Oh, yes.

Are you sure Mr. Benson's not here? Well, I haven't seen him, but he may be

in his office. Thank you.

Oh, excuse me.

Mr. Benson's office, please. That door, sir.

Oh, yes.

Sorry.

I don't know what the devil's this.

Sir!

Yeah, it's Benson, all right.

Murdered?

Yes, on a safe cleaned out.

Look at this.

It's that man Linnet.

He's carried out his threat.

It looks like it.

All right, Jolly, get on to Grice's cotton jar and hold the fort till he

gets here, but... Yeah?

Not a word about Linnet.

I deal with him myself.

Very good, sir.

Jolly and I have had to pop out on a little job.

Back in time to give you lunch.

Be good and stay put.

Have a bath and don't forget to wash behind the ears.

The toff.

Hello?

Yes.

Speaking.

Oh, hello, Inspector Grice.

What?

Come to Scotland Yard?

I'm afraid I'm not dressed yet.

Oh, about half an hour.

Sir, the car will be waiting.

Right, thank you very much.

Goodbye.

Well, Flatty, Emily, Bert about anywhere?

Hey, Flatty!

This is private, mister.

I know. I want to talk to Bert.

Bizarre to you.

What's the trouble, Bert?

I never thought you'd let me down like that.

You don't happen to know the truth.

Oh, yes, I do. I suppose you did what you thought was right. But you knew how

we stood with the hammer.

Burt, if it weren't for me, the hammer would be in Cannon Row Court this very

minute before the week.

That ain't no good.

We know you took the police to the hammer. Why don't you just sling your

hook? That's right, Mr. Ollison.

You'd do better to give away from this part of the world in future.

How long have you known me, Burt?

Ten years, I suppose.

Twelve. That's a long time.

That makes it worse.

You've become a policeman except for the uniform, Mr. Ollison. You don't see

things the way you used to.

Maybe the hammer's done a lot he shouldn't, according to your way of

thinking. But he's done plenty of good, too.

The fact is we don't trust you anymore, Mr. Ollison.

I've seen nothing atmosphere this time, but you'll be asking for trouble if you

come down here again.

I'm sorry.

All right, Bert, have it your own way.

Don't worry about the protection squad. I'll manage.

But I'll make a deal with you. What's that?

I shall expect a battle of four Xs to be delivered at my flat the day you realize

how wrong you are.

Where are you going now?

To see Janet Lynn.

You're crazy. Let's ask him for trouble. Oh?

Who's gonna stop me?

You! Get out!

Hardly a reward for past services, is it? You had the nerve to come here after

last night.

You fooled me then, but you won't again.

You've got to trust me. You and Lynette are in a real spot. Now, where is he?

I'm telling you nothing.

Do you know that Benson's been killed?

What? And everything points to Lynette as the murderer.

Jim never killed anyone. You've got to get in touch with him and tell him to

give himself up. If he does that, I can help him. If he doesn't, it's all up.

Will you do that?

Get out. Go on, get out!

I've done my best.

It's up to you now.

Now, listen, you fellas.

If you want a scrap, I... Flatty!

Bert sent you along?

Told him I didn't need a bodyguard.

Hello. Rollison. In more trouble?

Should have been if you hadn't turned up. These men attack you?

No, no, on the contrary, they saved my life. Bert's boys.

Oh. All right, let him go.

Not quite so popular down here as you were, eh, Mr. Robinson?

No, no, sir. So it seems.

I think I'd better give you a lift. It'll be quicker and safer.

I'm afraid this will smart a bit, sir.

Yes,

it's very sore.

So would yours be if you knocked out four front teeth with it.

We want some plaster for that, sir. I think you'll find some in my dressing

table. I'll get some.

Summoned by Scotland Yard.

Hoping I'm not in disguise.

Sorry.

Try not to be bumped off before I return.

Love, Susan.

Here we are, sir.

Oh, that's lovely.

Thank you, Charlie. Oh, and I found these in the drawer as well, sir.

Oh, heavens, I'd forgotten all about those. Just give them back to Miss

Stewart. The handkerchief looks a little soiled, sir. I'll just rinse it through

and run the iron over it. Good idea.

Will you give me Whitehall 1212, please?

Is Captain George?

Is Inspector Grice there, please?

Oh, he's not.

No, no, it doesn't matter. Just tell him Mr. Rolison called, will you? Thank you.

Mr. Rolison! Sir, come quickly!

Mrs. Jolly, I think there's some writing on this, sir.

Watch out, you're right.

There, let's have a look.

Charlie, do you know what this is?

No, sir. It's the missing formula.

What? Yes.

Very smart move of the doctor, sir.

Go and see who it is, will you, Charlie?

What? Who might be?

Mind you, wash this at home. It was on the cart.

It's Inspector Grice, sir.

Grice, come on in. I've got something to show you.

What on earth is it? Things are looking up.

The missing formula.

Dr. Lex, it's for me.

On the handkerchief. That's right. Mind you wash it at home, remember?

Good Lord.

All the same, I wish it were the identity of the hammer that were written

on the handkerchief.

That'd be more help than a formula. Oh, one thing at a time. Now we've got this,

Susan's out of the world at any rate.

By the way, do you want me to bring her back with you?

What are you talking about?

Well, Susan, you sent for her, didn't you? No.

Well, she... I'm not saying that you sent for her. She's been gone for hours,

I thought.

I don't...

Yes, Rolison here. Who's that?

Oh, Susan, Hank. Heaven, you're safe.

Rolly, please listen carefully.

At nine o'clock tonight, I want you to bring the birthday card and the

handkerchief, which my uncle gave me, to the window on Wimbledon Common.

You are to come alone and unarmed.

And whatever you do, Rolly, please don't tell the police.

This is the Hammer speaking, Mr. Rolison.

Kindly repeat your instructions.

I'm to bring Miss Lancaster's birthday card and handkerchief to the windmill on

Wimbledon Common at nine tonight.

I'm to come alone, unarmed, and not to tell the police.

Any deviation at all from my orders will entail the most painful consequences to

Miss Lancaster.

Hello?

He's got Miss Lancaster. Yeah.

Well, you don't jam about that handkerchief.

For Miss Lancaster's sake, it's vital. He shouldn't know we've got the formula.

Don't worry, I'll fix that.

Charlie, have you got any rice?

Rice? Yes, sir.

Good. I want you to put a good handful in the side pocket of my grey corduroy

jacket, all right?

I understand, sir.

Now, Gracie, I'll tell you what I'd like you to do.

You, Rolison? Yes.

Hand over.

Are you the Hammer? I don't answer questions. Hand over.

Only to the Hammer in person.

All right.

But any tricks and you've had it.

Hello, Susan. I trust I'm punctual. Indeed you are, Mr. Rollison.

It is most meticulous of you to insist on handing over to me personally.

On the contrary, I'm handing over to Miss Lancaster.

I have no time to waste, Mr. Rollison.

This contains a barbiturate poison, the same as killed her uncle.

Please do exactly as I tell you.

Now tie him up, Morgan.

One move from you, Mr. Rollison, and this young woman's had it.

Do you realize, Mr. Rollison, that all the time you've been searching for Dr.

Lancaster's formula, it's been in your possession?

I'm afraid the top is slipping.

Are you?

Now we're going to show you a conjuring trick.

Morgan, get me a basin of water.

You see, the clue is on the birthday card.

The bandleader?

You don't really suppose that a second-rate brain like Benson or that

futile fanatic Linnet could control an organization like the Hammers.

But why a bandleader?

Strolling around the tables, I was able to pick up quite a lot of useful

information.

I'm only letting you both into the secret because... But then you're

expecting that, aren't you?

Now I'll give you a lesson in elementary chemistry.

Now it's coming.

Where's the formula?

Well, you'll never find it, my friend.

Tell me where it is, or I'll... You'll certainly never find it if you use that.

If you don't come clean before I count three, I'll... One.

Two. Oh, no, you don't do that.

Limit! Look!

He must have been wearing a wig.

He's... Remember the briefcase.

Now we've got him stone cold.

Yes, we've got him caught.

Do you want to be hanged for murder, too? Put that thing down and come to

your senses. My evidence will settle, Kennedy.

What about Janet?

Don't you see, man? This is your one chance to get clear and stay clear.

Now, look, the police will be here any minute now, as if they followed my rice

trail. They're convinced there's only one hammer.

All right, you lay off crime from now on, and we'll let them go on digging it.

Yes, you're right.

Goodbye and good luck.

That'll be the police.

Quick, out of that window.

Raleigh, you all right? Yes, I'm fine. And Miss Lancaster? Fine, thank you.

Oh, Sergeant Perlow, I believe you were looking for, um, the hammer.

If my uncle left all his paintings to me, surely I must be a very rich woman.

You're a very lovely one.

Do you really mean that?

Oh, I do.

Excuse me, sir. Go away, Jolly. Yes, sir.

There's a gentleman asking for Miss Lancaster.

Who is it, Jolly?

It's me, darling.

Darling! Oh, I thought you were still in Persia. Oh, this is absolutely

wonderful. Rolly, this is my fiancé. Oh, why don't you whine? You'll write me.

I've come down to meet you.

Oh, it was wonderful. Come on, I want to ask you so many questions.

Now, sit down.

Now, tell me all about it.

Ah, well, sir, you never know where you are with a woman, do you?

I know where I am with that one.

Mr. Rowe, I've come to pay me debts.

Good old Bert. Come on in.

Thank you, Jolly.

Here you are, Bert.

Gentlemen, I give you a toast.

The blazes with all women. And no eel taps.

Lonnie's come out of his shell.