Original subtitles

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[thunder rumbling]

Grandfather.

Cousin Eustace has just arrived.

So the Federie clan is gathering again.

To watch me die. Ha ha.

Cousin Eustace's already here.

Pensioner Mittie fluttering around.

Ain't often is a bill on their way.

- It's a shame. - Yes.

When you hate to see your own son come home.

It is a shame.

- Now, I didn't mean... - Yes, I know.

My heart misses one beat and its split second silence

reaches them all and brings them running.

I'll tell them to go home. I'll tell them it's false alarm.

- As false as they are. - Don't worry, grandfather.

I'll send them packing, right away.

No, it's different this time. I sent for them.

I've something to say to each one of them.

And I'll say it even if it kills me.

But you've got to take it easy, grandfather.

Dr. Jay said you must be quiet and let me be boss.

You've bossed me ever since you could talk.

Yes, and I'm probably the only person who ever has.

Promise to do what I say or I'll have to spank.

Yes, ma'am, I'll be a good little boy from now on.

Now, that's better.

[piano music]

That's Eustace.

You go out there and exert your authority on him now.

He knows I always hated his tinkling.

I'll stop him.

You tell him it's too early to begin practicing

'funeral marches.'

Eustace.

Eustace, stop that.

Eustace!

Please, have the goodness not to disturb my mood.

Your mood is disturbing grandfather.

Then, I certainly should see him at once.

No. He won't be able to see anyone for several days.

- I must see him. - Do you want to see him alive?

- Quite preferably. - Then stop playing.

Well, I'm going to see him and see him immediately.

He sent for me to discuss a matter of vital importance.

The only thing of importance to Mr. Federie is he sees no one.

For years he has put me off. For years, do you hear?

Now, he wants to talk. He has sent for me.

- Are you gonna let me or not? - I am not.

I'll wait.

[orchestral music]

- This telegram just came, sir. - Oh, thanks, Grondal.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Well, I see we are all here again. How is he?

- You mustn't disturb him now. - You here?

Well, someone capable has to take charge.

Wish I were as capable as you of irritating the old chap.

He'd pay me to stay away.

I don't imagine he'll find spending a moment with me fatal.

I've as much right to see him as you. More, really.

The two of would certainly prove fatal.

- You don't know his condition. - Then, he needs me.

Always a thoughtful son and husband.

- Adolphe, please. - March, please.

March! Isobel!

(Isobel) 'What is it? What's the matter?'

- What did you do to him? - He was unconscious.

- That's what you say. - Oh, shut up, Mittie.

- Well, what happened really? - He was on the floor, out cold!

You insisted on walking into this mess.

- Shut up. - It's no time to argue.

Phone Dr. Jay quickly, somebody. He might be dying.

[thunder rumbling]

[screaming]

Driver.

Driver, couldn't you drive little more slowly?

You said it was a matter of life and death.

You certainly seem to have decided on death.

[screams]

Driver, can't you hear me?

- Oh! - Look out!

What's the idea of stabbing me with that parasol.

Hand my things. I'll swim the rest of the way.

There you are, help yourself.

Why don't you try that again, maybe you'll kill yourself.

How about my fare?

You are lucky if I don't sue you, young man.

[dog barking]

[continues barking]

[thunder rumbling]

I suppose you're the nurse Dr. Jay sent?

Yes, I'm Miss Keate.

I hope Conrad's barking didn't frighten you.

No, I frightened him. He was making all the rumpus.

He's really a very good guardian.

Fine, now all you need is someone to guard your guardian.

Grondal, this is Miss Keate, the nurse.

How do you do, Grondal?

Apoplectic stroke.

You could put a leg-iron, but he must be kept warm.

And that's all we can do for him at present.

I'm leaving some adrenaline for you

in case his heart starts acting up.

The rest of the treatment is nearly routine, Miss Keate.

I think this young lady and I can handle the situation.

Yes, I think so too.

- Well, goodnight. - Goodnight.

- Oh, Dr. Jay? - Yes?

[doorbell buzzing]

- Hello, Grondal. - Good evening, sir.

I'm not trying to drown, but my car was leaking like a sieve.

It is a bit nasty out, Mr. Lonergan?

(March) 'You're sure there is no immediate danger?'

Quite sure, March.

Oh, Ross.

- It was good of you to come. - It's always good seeing you.

- Where is Adolphe? - He's upstairs, dressing.

- I've to see him right away. - But why, Ross?

Well, I can't tell you now. Maybe later.

[thunder rumbling]

[knock on the door]

Come in.

- Oh. Hello, Ross. - You know what I'm here for.

Yes, yes, I-I came home to settle up everything with you.

- You see... - Quit stalling.

When we loaned you money, you were desperate.

You swore you'd pay it, that was six months ago.

Now, we are desperate and I'm here to collect.

Well, now don't get excited.

Father's illness upset my plans.

Your plans? What about our plans?

We are facing bankruptcy because of you.

Well, I assure you just as soon as I can...

We can't wait!

I'm afraid you'll have to, young man.

I don't care how you get it, but you've got to get that money.

Well, uh, you stay here for the night.

You can use my things, they're in the closet there.

And the first thing in the morning.

Alright, Adolphe.

[orchestral music]

[music continues]

- Ahem. - Oh!

Oh, I didn't hear you come in, Grondal.

Not very pretty is it?

- What's it made of? - I couldn't say, ma'am.

I only know that Mr. Federie is very fond of it.

He likes to keep it where he can always see it.

- If you please. - Well, I merely picked it up.

- Mr. Dimuck wishes to see you. - Mr. Dimuck? Who is he?

My name is Dimuck.

I'm Mr. Federie's legal advisor.

- Miss, uh.. - Keate.

Miss Keate.

- How is our patient? - Oh, about the same I think.

Uh, could I talk to him?

Oh, no, he is quite insensible. He can neither see nor hear.

Well, I trust he'll show some improvement by morning.

- Yes, sir. - Miss Keate.

As soon as Mr. Federie is able to speak, will you call me?

I'm remaining here for that express purpose.

You see, he asked me to come about an urgent business matter.

- Don't forget. - Oh, no, I won't.

[thunder rumbling]

Oh, Miss Keate?

How's grandfather?

I'm afraid there hasn't been any change in his condition.

If he shows signs of being able to talk, I wish you'd call me.

I believe he'll want to see me before anyone else.

Why, of course, I will, child.

Thank you. I'm going to bed now. Is there anything you want?

Oh, that's awfully good of you.

I wonder.

Could you have some hot water put in that?

Certainly. I'll have Grondal keep the fire going in kitchen.

- Goodnight. - Thank you. Goodnight.

Miss Keate, how is my father's condition?

Well, he is still unconscious.

- Will he be able to speak soon? - It's possible.

In case he does, call me first

before you call anyone else. You understand?

I shall do as the doctor thinks best.

I think you'll find it best to do as I say.

[dog barking]

I suppose that means 12'o clock and all is well.

It probably means somebody passed too close

to the house to suit Conrad.

Poor dog.

Probably trying to say he'd like first to see Mr. Federie.

Don't forget. As soon as he is conscious.

[thunder rumbling]

- Miss Keate. - Yes.

- I'm Mr. Federie's niece. - Yes.

It's important that I speak with him as soon...

I know. What I'll need is a page boy when he recovers.

Now, do you mind if I get on with my work? Goodnight.

- Well, I.. - Goodnight.

[thunder rumbling]

- Nurse, I say... - I'll say.

I want to see my uncle, father, grandfather, client

the instant he awakes.

I'll put you on the waiting list.

[thunder rumbling]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[thunder rumbling]

[music continues]

[thunder rumbling]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[thunder rumbling]

[gunshot]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[screaming]

[bell ringing]

What is it, nurse?

What is it, Miss Keate? What's the matter?

- What's all the excitement? - Adolphe, he's dead.

- Adolphe. - N-n-no, Miss Federie.

- What happened? - It's Adolphe.

- Adolphe? - Killed.

- Who shot him? - We don't know.

- 'Someone send for doctor.' - 'No, it's too late.'

Better send for the police, but don't disturb anything.

- Murdered? - He didn't die by his own hand.

Grondal, telephone for the police.

Mr. Eustace, you'd better wait until morning.

It's obvious it's the case for the authorities.

- Send for the police at once. - Yes, sir.

Isobel, Isobel doesn't know.

Someone must tell her.

I'll go.

Well, I guess there's nothing to do now but wait for the police.

[thunder rumbling]

- Did grandfather die? - Didn't Miss March tell you?

March? No, I haven't seen her.

I just heard a noise and someone screaming.

I knew what it was, I didn't see how I could help

so I didn't come down right away.

Did grandfather die?

But you don't understand. Someone died.

It wasn't grandfather.

'It was Adolphe. He was shot to death.'

[thunder rumbling]

[thunder rumbling]

Davis, take the men and look over the ground.

Come on, Murph.

Muldoon, why didn't you go with Davis?

I wanna be sure nothing happens to you, O'Leary.

How about you, Jackson?

I wanna get in out of the rain too.

Lt. O'Leary, police headquarters.

Come right in.

[thunder rumbling]

A pretty good shot. Killed instantly.

Jackson said these people are their rooms.

You can all go to your rooms until Mr. O'Leary sends for you.

Where are you going?

- You told me to go to my room. - Oh.

What's that?

Muldoon, you stay here and see that nobody touches anything.

You're out of the rain now.

- What's this? Another one? - No, sir.

Uh, that's Mr. Federie, he's a very sick man.

I thought I told you to go to your room.

- Be quiet, he's a sick man. - Oh.

Come on, Jackson.

Don't ask me to do it. I can't, I won't, I'm afraid to.

You got to do it, March, father may die any minute.

Yes, I know. Right or wrong.

- Then, you will do, tonight? - I suppose, I'll have to.

I won't forget you, March.

Hey, you!

'Where are you going?'

[dog barking]

(Davis) 'Come on, Frank, she went this way.'

(Davis) 'She went this way.'

[coughs]

- Where's she? Where'd she go? - What're you talking about?

Did somebody just come through the door?

It doesn't look like it.

I guess she's right around the house.

'Come on, Frank.'

(O'Leary) 'Sarah Keate.'

(Miss Keate) 'Well, Mr. O'Leary.'

Like old times.

How nice of you to get me off to a good start.

One look at you gives me a feeling of superiority.

- Same old Sarah. - This a crime, O'Leary.

It's a crime to bring your pal into this sort of atmosphere.

It's going to ruin that lovely disposition of his.

Why is it that every time we have a murder she turns up?

Mr. Jackson.

Any truth in the rumor that he is the corpse?

Y-you lay one hand on me and you'll get scolded.

Still sizzling, huh?

When I see that love light in your eyes I start sizzling.

Why do we have to keep meeting on cases?

It's just that we're being pulled together by fate.

Very cruel fate, if you ask me.

You know in that last case

I thought I detected signs of your beginning to like me.

Shows what a bad detective you are.

I wish you'd quit following me around.

Why don't you respect me, Sarah? The district attorney does.

Says, "I'm the pride of the force."

Mm-hmm, fallen pride. That can't all be you, can it?

That must be part of your detective disguise.

Do you think I'm getting heavy? A part of that's clothing.

O-oh! D-don't bother to show me.

Work a little bit off on this case.

Oh, yeah?

You run along about your business and just remember

there's nothing to worry about as long as O'Leary is here.

A complete homicide squad rolled into one.

The whole squad.

Sarah.

Oh, Sarah!

- Yes officer? - 'Come here.'

Why did you kick this slipper under the table?

I was just trying to help.

I knew that sooner or later that's where you'd end up.

Under the table.

Trying to help me, huh?

I suppose I should thank you on behalf of Miss March Federie.

Well, where does she get into this?

I imagine she's the only one around here

who could get into this comfortably.

If I admit it, it's just because your knowing it won't hurt.

Was it always plain like this? On the toe, I mean.

Looks as if something stitched there had been pulled off.

- There was a rosette. - And what might a rosette be?

Something, um, round like your nose, not quite so red.

[chuckles] Something like this, huh?

[chuckles] Well, maybe you are a detective. Oh, stick it in your buttonhole.

What possible connection could that have with the killing?

That's just what Miss Federie is going to have to explain.

This gets more and more like a fairy story.

Cinderella's slipper found by her Prince Charming.

Except you weren't built for the part.

Well, I may not be a prince, just a detective.

- Still overestimate yourself? - Well, Sarah, I don't know.

You see I found this little decoration of Miss Federie's

on the stairs, near the body of the murdered man.

Did you at anytime during the night come down the stairs

on which Adolphe Federie was murdered?

Yes.

Were you wearing this slipper?

- Yes. - And what time was that?

Just a minute, Mr. Jackson, I'll ask the questions.

And get lying answers.

You may answer his question, but not with lying answers.

I went downstairs to see how my grandfather was.

Just before the murder.

Oh, just before the murder, eh?

- Is that a lie, Mr. Jackson? - She should lie.

She is not doing herself any good by admitting

she was on the scene.

Where were you when the shot was fired?

Why? I-I was in the lower hall.

You didn't go back up the tower stairs?

No.

You were outside in the rain after the murder?

Yes, I, I knew you were on your way.

So you had to hide the gun before we got here.

No, that's not true.

You seem to think up the lying answers yourself, Mr. Jackson.

You went out so quick

you didn't even have time to change from those

flimsy slippers, did you?

Oh, I didn't, there wasn't much time.

My dog is very dangerous I didn't want him to attack you.

You see, she endangered her own life, Mr. Jackson, to save ours.

She was on the stairs before the murder

and went outside just after.

It's as plain as the nose on your face.

Now, that's a second crack about my nose.

I'd like to have you take us just where you went

from the time you left this room until we arrived.

- Gladly. - Now, we're getting somewhere.

And a little child shall lead them.

I went down the hall this way through the upstairs study.

And went through this door.

It's locked.

It wasn't locked before when I went through it.

I figured that out myself.

The key, it must be on the inside.

(Ross) 'Yes, what is it?'

Ross, what are you doing in there? Let us in.

'I can't March, there isn't any key here.'

We'll let the young man on the inside answer a few questions.

We'll have to go down and around.

Merry-go-round has started.

You've been here all evening. Now, tell me, Lonergan.

Did you see Miss March pass through your room tonight?

No.

'You're sure no one passed through here?'

No. I'm absolutely certain. See, I'm a light sleeper.

I'd have awakened immediately if anyone had come in the room.

That's all Miss March.

The butler told me you were supposed to be sharing a room

with a guy by the name of Eustace.

What were you doing in here asleep on a couch?

- Eustace snores. - Alright, Mr. Wise Guy.

Try to think of a funny answer for this one.

How long has that door been locked?

- I don't know. - You know it is locked?

Don't try to tell me it ain't now.

Ah, there you are.

Yes, and there you are.

Walking through locked doors. What's the idea?

But the door wasn't locked when I came through it.

You don't have to tell me that. I'm a detective.

Tell me where you got the key?

- The key? - Yes, the key.

The key to the lock, the lock to the door, the door to this room.

Who had it? When? Where?

Don't stand there and lie to me. Who had it?

What were you doing with your greasy paws on it?

Whose fingerprints were you trying to cover up?

Who were you trying to protect?

He's protecting the law, Jackson.

You can't third degree him. He's on our team.

The door was unlocked when I came to it.

That's all I wanted to know.

If you'd told me that, I could have given you

answer like that.

That girl sneaked around and unlocked the door.

Fast thinking, Jackson.

Good work, we'll be out of this in no time.

Oh, Muldoon, go and prepare the next witness.

Now, it's tough for O'Leary to suspect a Lonergan, but...

She didn't come through this room.

But she said she did.

Tried to cover her up and crossed her up instead.

Too bad.

Did you see anyone go through this room after the murder?

Why, yes.

That's swell.

The girl says she went down through this room

and he says she didn't.

She says she didn't go back this way and he says she did.

If you think March killed her uncle, you're crazy.

We don't say she killed anybody.

But if you think we believe either of you, you're crazy.

- Both of you. - It all figures out this way.

The murderer came back through this room

locked the door to prevent pursuit and took the key.

[Muldoon] 'Come on, open this door.'

Come on, Jackson. Our next witness is ready.

I'll talk to you later.

Mittie, we've gotta come in there and search the place.

No, no, go away.

(Muldoon) 'Come on or I'll bust it down.'

Muldoon seems to be having trouble.

You don't seem to be having

your customary success getting into bedrooms.

Nothing works. I've tried force, reason and even threats.

Oh. I suppose you shoved a picture of yourself

under the door as a final convincer?

No, sir, she's got the crack underneath the door stacked up.

- And the keyhole too. - Oh, that's too bad.

Never threaten a woman with having to talk.

Threaten her with not being allowed to talk.

(Mittie) 'No, no, no.'

Come on out, Mittie. This is your last chance to talk.

- 'I'll be out in a minute.' - The O'Leary system.

When she comes out search the place

with your customary thoroughness.

- Yes, sir. - Come on, Jackson.

I'll tell you, Jackson.

You've got to get your witnesses in the right psychological

mental frame of mind.

I was half awake.

Wondering what Adolphe was doing up at that hour of the night.

But I didn't hear the shot, I'm sure.

You did hear Miss Keate scream. How do you account for that?

Well, maybe a shrill scream is more penetrating

through these old walls.

What did you think when you heard miss Keate scream?

Knowing my husband was up and around

a woman scream didn't surprise me very much.

You seem to dislike your husband.

Even more than most wives.

Was he cruel to you?

Cruel?

If you mean by cruelty that he thwarted every desire I had.

Denied me normal interest in activities.

Dragged me from one gambling debt to another.

Humiliated me in every possible way.

If you mean that, yes.

Yes, he was cruel. Wickedly cruel.

You may consider yourself answered, Mr. Jackson.

Go on, Mrs. Federie.

But it wasn't physical abuse. Adolphe was afraid to touch me.

Look at that. They fought last night. She and her husband.

- What do you think of that? - That'll do.

I was wondering what you were going to lie about.

- I won't forget this Mittie. - Neither will I.

Maybe if we put the pressure on her, she might talk.

You hated him. You were glad to get rid of him.

Look at her things if you want

to find the revolver that killed Adolphe Federie.

- Revolver? Did you tell her? - No.

You haven't been out of your room.

How did you know that Adolphe Federie's been shot?

I, I heard people talking in the hall, outside my room. Loud.

She said she'd kill him. Why don't you put handcuffs on her?

Oh, stop that!

Go back to your room till we send for you.

And you stay here.

Things are getting too hysterical around here.

Remind me to call up the newspapers and tell 'em

that the case is progressing satisfactory, come on.

Listen, Eustace. It's daylight. I've been here all night.

Let's get this over. I'm gettin' hungry.

- And this time tell the truth. - I repeat.

When the shot was fired, I was in this room reading.

Kind of late to be up reading.

Reading is my only vice.

Pity.

I'm asking you for the last time.

Where were you sitting, useless Federie?

My name is Eustace Federie, Mr. Detective.

I'm telling you for the last time.

I was sitting over there reading that book.

Argh!

What did you do when you left the room?

Miss Keate screamed and I rushed into the tower room...

- And fainted. - I did not. I only gasped.

- What kind of a gasp? - Jackson.

By the way, Mr. Federie.

Have you any interest in bead work and embroidery?

Bead work and embroidery?

Well, of all questions. What do you think I am?

What do you think?

I've got the rest of men here.

Come on, Eustace.

I've got 'em all in a right psychological

mental frame of mind for you.

Never in my life. Never in my life.

Never what?

- Sir. - Never mind.

Try and bear with us a few minutes, Mr. Dimuck.

I want your story of what happened last night.

Certainly, certainly. I'm a very light sleeper.

And I was awakened by the sound of the shot.

Oh, you heard the shot distinctly?

- Positively. - Hmm. Now, go on.

- Let's see. Where was I? - Bang! Bang!

That was the shot. You can go on from there.

I arose, put on my dressing gown and came downstairs.

- In your bare feet? - No, sir. In my slippers.

Try and be accurate.

Let me see. I'm downstairs now.

When I reached the tower room the others were on stairway.

What did you think of the situation?

I thought it was disturbing. Never in all my life...

How did you happen to be here last night?

Mr. Federie wrote me a note asking me to come at once.

You wouldn't have that note on you, would you?

Yes, I believe I would.

- That's all, Mr. Dimuck. - Thank you.

If you don't mind, I'll go back to my other patient.

Is someone else ailing?

He's unconscious too.

So Muldoon has got them all

in the right psychological mental frame of mind.

Nice welcome home you all gave Adolphe last night.

I hate to say it but I don't think Adolphe

was ever very welcome here.

That's all very interesting, Mr. Dimuck.

Anyone else here who got anything important

they hate to say?

This is not the time to conceal anything that might lead

to the arrest of Adolphe's murderer.

We won't conceal anything.

Adolphe was a member of our family we weren't proud of.

So you and your uncle weren't on best of terms, huh?

- 'No, I hated him.' - March.

You did too, Eustace. You know you did. You all hated him.

It's a well-established fact that the world hated Adolphe.

Looks like the fellow was unanimously elected to die.

- We gotta find out who did it. - We must find the murderer.

That happens to be why I'm here, Mr. Dimuck.

Oh, that's why.

That's why we're both here.

I've listened to what everyone here has to say.

Now, you listen to what I've got to say.

We all know this house was locked up.

There was a man-killing dog on guard.

No chance of an outsider sneaking in and getting away.

What kind of runaround do you think you're giving me?

You make it tough to discover the murderer, alright

but easy to find suspects.

You say she didn't go through your room, she says she did.

'You say you didn't go back to his room and he says you did.'

'You hadn't been out of your room, but you know everything.'

'You say that your husband never hurt you physically.'

'But you've bruises from a fight you had with him.'

'You say you were reading a book'

'that turns out to be all about bead work and embroidery.'

'You're a lawyer and lawyers are accustomed to evade the truth.'

All of you, lying yourself in the direction of the hotspot.

Well, the murderer of Adolphe Federie is here.

And you're all under technical arrest.

Jackson, see that my orders are carried out.

What orders?

Everyone here is under technical arrest.

Oh!

That means you can't go outside and you can't speak to anybody

in the outside while me and O'Leary find the murderer.

Whew.

- Oh, thanks. - How are you doing, O'Leary?

When I get through with this case I'll need a nurse.

'You know a good one?'

I feel neglected, you haven't accused me yet.

Oh, I beg your pardon, Sarah.

The oversight was purely unintentional.

You know, I'm glad that you reminded me of that.

You're the one that admits being here at the time of the murder.

I was right over there, sound asleep, dead to the world.

You know like, uh..

There're only three people that can prove that you were asleep.

The sick man, the dead man and the murderer.

None of them are talking just now.

The fact that you suspect me is all the defense I need.

What's that? The map showing where the treasure was buried?

It's a chart made up by Murphy, our ballistic expert.

Proving that Adolphe was shot from the balcony.

The range of bullet indicates that he was shot from above.

- What do you say to that? - Well, just this.

Right after the shot, those curtains over there were moving.

Now, I'm positive somebody was standing there.

So what?

Well, if the murdered man was leaning over the balcony

like this.

And if he was shot from below, wouldn't the bullet have gone

in at the same angle as if he have been shot from above?

Fine, Sarah. That proves you could have shot him.

Or my patient over there.

Say.

If you were really asleep, old man Federie

could have come to without your knowing and shot Adolphe.

- Shot his own son? - It has been done.

You've got that all figured out. I'll make another contribution.

There was a green elephant.

It says on the outside of the bottle.

"The alcohol is for external use only."

Nevertheless, there was a green elephant.

It was made of some kind of a composition.

It was about five inches high. I found it right here.

Where Adolphe dropped it when he was shot.

I see.

Adolphe was trying to get away with the elephant.

The murderer didn't have time to get it after Adolphe dropped it.

It must be vitally important. Where's the bloomin' thing now?

Don't worry, I put it right back on the mantle.

Sarah, you would've made a great detective.

Never mind the insults.

Huh.

Come on, Murph.

- I've been looking for you. - What is it, Muldoon?

I was just wondering if two men was enough for on duty tonight?

- Are you afraid? - Not a Muldoon.

- Only the truth is, uh... - Now, we're gonna get truth.

Well, it's this house, Mr. O'Leary.

I got a feeling. You know how it is.

Say, I've turned around a dozen times

thinking somebody was staring at me

and nobody was there.

I'm telling you, the evil one himself is here.

I'll check up on him at headquarters

along with the rest of the suspects.

You better come along with me.

Listen, you two. I'm gonna make a deal.

I'll give you a break if you give me one.

Certainly, Mr. Jackson. I shall be...

Now, we're gettin' somewhere.

- How about you lady? - Don't bother me.

Alright. I'll remember that.

The guy that brings the murderer of Adolphe Federie in

gets a captain's badge.

And I always wanted to be a captain.

Ever since, I was a little boy, playing soldier...

I should be glad to contribute to your promotion.

Good. Ever since I've been in this house

I've been running down somethin' beside my heels.

'I know who the murderer of Adolphe Federie is.'

But to cinch it, I gotta have a confession from somebody.

How about you?

Do I understand that you want me to confess...

That's it and to return a favor

I guarantee a fair trial with all the breaks.

But my good man, I didn't do it...

I know, you were getting ready for bed

when you heard the shot and you came running down.

Everybody in the house has rehearsed the same chorus.

[coughing]

- What did you say? - I didn't say nothing.

That will be used against you.

- What do you say, Grondi? - I didn't say anything.

Alright. Don't say I didn't give you a fair chance.

Here's all the dope I could dig up on the Federies.

'Mathew died about seven years ago.'

'And the case was dropped.'

Mittie Federie is his daughter.

How she must hate the rest of the family.

[piano music]

Eustace. Eustace! Stop that crazy playing.

- You know uncle hates it. - He can't hear my playing.

And everyone else is perfectly at liberty

to go to another part of the house.

Oh!

I grew up with the Federie boys.

And I wonder I lived through it.

Jim, the eldest. That's March's father.

Was finally killed in the war.

Adolphe always has been a black sheep.

And Charles, his twin brother

was also his twin at troublemaking.

The last heard of him, he was serving a term

for manslaughter in South America.

Let's check back and see who was in that house

on the night of the murder.

There was Dimuck the lawyer, Grondal.

Eustace, Kema the cook

young Lonergan.

March, Sarah.

[chuckling]

Mittie, Isobel.

And Adolphe.

- Adolphe was the victim. - Oh!

'Old man, Federie.'

Old man Federie is supposed to have a lot of jack.

But I can't trace it outside of March's checkin' account.

He must've hid it under the mattress.

Well, he's certainly sleeping away a lot of interest.

Say, if old Federie has a fortunate hidden in the house

it would explain a lot of things.

Yeah, for instance

why my friend Mittie is hanging around there?

And for instance, what young Lonergan wants?

With the Lonergan construction company

on the verge of bankruptcy.

What I can't figure out is why should March

try to give us a song and dance? What's she doing?

I wish I knew.

I've done the most terrible thing.

Oh, don't be silly, darling.

You couldn't do anything wrong if you tried.

Listen, Ross, I think I know who killed Adolphe.

Don't say that, March. Somebody might here you.

If I could only tell you but I can't.

Why din't you tell the police the truth?

I did, I did.

Darling, I saw you go through my room. I wasn't quite asleep.

I was worried about grandfather.

You came back after the shot was fired.

No, I didn't. That was someone else.

Ross, you've got to believe me.

You know, that's quite extraordinary.

The commotion apparently hasn't affected him.

In your opinion, doctor, could he possibly have revived

sufficiently to have fired a revolver?

Oh, improbable to say the least.

Not that Richard Federie would have any scruples

against protecting his life and property.

- Good morning, doctor. - Oh, good morning, my dear.

- Good morning, Miss Keate. - Good morning.

- Is grandfather any better? - Yes, dear.

- You needn't worry about him. - Oh, I'm so glad.

You should have all consideration for yourself.

You need rest. Go on upstairs to bed.

No! Oh, no. Not upstairs alone.

No, no, but you need rest, child.

Why don't you come on over here and lie down on my couch, hmm?

There.

Now, then.

You think you'll feel better if you could take a little nap?

Watch that young lady or you'll have two patients on your hands.

- Yes, doctor. - I must be off.

I'm operating in half hour.

Oh, uh, if anything more happens, call me.

Anything more happens, I won't be able to call.

Look at this, O'Leary. Here's some real dope.

(O'Leary) 'Well, well. Laughing Water.'

Grondal, the butler, with a nice little police record.

Hmm.

Now, we're getting someplace, Jackson.

Davis, check the DA's records of this case.

Aldon, look up the files for details.

- Check. - You go and help him.

[phone ringing]

Hello? O'Leary?

- The Bulletin. - The Bulletin, huh?

Hello?

Oh, yes, we're progressing very satisfactory on this case.

I promise an arrest within 24 hours.

What do you mean? Of course, it will be the guilty person.

[intense music]

[music continues]

[gasps]

Shh.

I overheard Mr. O'Leary talking to you.

I took it last night to save it for Mr. Federie.

Ever since, I've had it, I've, I've felt eyes on me.

It's evil. Dangerous. I, I'm afraid.

Mr. O'Leary should take charge of it.

Give it to him.

Be careful.

[intense music]

[music continues]

- Sure. We're all set. - We got him dead to rights.

- Motive and everything. - That's right, O'Leary...

For Pete's sake, one at a time. Jackson.

Grondal and Adolphe. They tangled years ago.

Grondal served a six-month rap for attackin' him.

Yeah, but the evidence shows that Adolphe got...

Shut up. I'm telling the story. Adolphe was the aggressor.

You think Grondal's been nursing a grudge all these years, huh?

It's as plain as the nose on your face. Plainer.

Hey, lay off my nose, will ya?

Maybe you're right.

Motive, hatred, opportunity. Perfect.

- Alibi, none. - That's it. In one word.

Boys, it works out elegant. Grondal had to run the house.

He'd be protecting the old man Federie.

There's nobody he'd rather see out of the way than Adolphe.

- Sure. Murdered with pleasure. - Come on, get the handcuffs.

We're dealing with a dangerous criminal.

[phone ringing]

I hope that's the DA tryin' to find out how we're doing.

Hello?

Oh, hello, Sarah.

Look at the love lighten his eyes.

Uh, Sarah, you don't mean it.

Why, that's impossible.

What's the matter, O'Leary? Did she finally say yes?

Boys..

Grondal has just been murdered.

- What? - Murdered?

Strangled with a violin string.

Now, we gotta start all over again.

From the bottom.

You mean we gotta work up to the bottom.

(Miss Keate) 'It's ghastly, isn't it?'

'I felt unseen eyes on me the minute'

I hid the elephant in that violin case.

The riddle of the fiddle.

That's a poor joke under any circumstances.

It wasn't a joke. Two murders and I'm on the spot.

Already, I'm getting the riff from my pals on the papers.

This second crime is liable to ruin me.

It'd make a nice romantic ruin.

This would've been over if you had hung on to that elephant.

Do your own detecting. I'm gonna stick to nursing.

Oh, Sarah, you wouldn't turn me down, now, would you?

Why, every clue I've gotten so far, I've gotten from you.

Blarney always wins. I almost forgot.

These are from the bag that Mittie Federie's working on.

- Where did you find them? - In the doorjamb.

Just back of those curtains that moved after Adolphe was shot.

At that moment, I happened to glance over my shoulder.

I saw a shadowy figure dart from hall to trunk room.

- Get a picture. - Hold it.

Just a moment, please. Excuse me.

Now, Mr. Photographer.

Musician knows all.

Now, I've blown off my story.

Despite my better judgment, I followed it into the trunk room.

It was dark as pitch, I couldn't hear a sound.

Then a police whistle blew, and I dashed out.

- Suppose it was ghost you saw. - It wouldn't surprise me.

Oh, Mr. O'Leary.

I know who killed Adolphe and Grondal.

I found the key to Ross' room. It fits.

- Where do you think it was? - In Isobel's room?

Yes. Isobel's had the key all along.

I found it in her powder box. Look. It still has powder on it.

Isobel killed Adolphe.

So..

You're at it again, are you?

What is it this time?

I found the key in your powder box where you hid it.

If I ever catch you in my room, I'll make powder out of you.

- Have you seen this before? - Never.

I haven't the faintest idea how it got in to my powder box.

If this person really found it there.

If you want to ask me any more questions

you'll find me in the library.

Sarah.

I found something interesting in Mittie's lingerie.

Where?

It wasn't there when I searched before.

- You certainly get around. - There's one cartridge gone.

Mittie would not stop at one. She'd have fired them all.

You never can tell about that.

If she's capable of committing this crime

'she's capable of suffering for it.'

Unfortunately, the gun may have a been a plant.

Romance in murder mystery.

What do you think you're doing?

If you link my name with O'Leary I'll sue you for libel.

Here, hold this. Be careful of the fingerprints.

Hey, come back here. You can't get away with that.

I repeat. I told you all...

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, boys, boys, I think you've gone far enough.

Remember I gave you a break. Let us do our work.

- We need a story. - Don't hold out.

(reporter #1) 'You haven't given us a thing on the story yet.

We wanna be here in case something happens.

Now, we've got everything under control.

Nothing else is going to happen.

[screaming]

Oh! Oh! Oh!

Oh, come now. What is it you're trying to say?

- I saw Adolphe Federie. - Yes, I know, Mittie.

But you'd be a lot more help if you'd see somebody alive.

He was standing right up there.

I saw him as I can see you now.

Oh, come, come now, You're hysteric.

Let me handle this case.

The girl don't know what she's talkin' about.

But I did see him. I was going to get water.

When I reached the steps, he appeared.

I shut my eyes, oh, but I saw him. I saw him.

[barking]

Davis, you and Muldoon, take a look around the grounds.

Jackson, you come along with me.

Don't mind Mittie. She's just a show off.

What happened?

O'Leary has a new clue. It's a ghost.

Told him to wrap it in a handkerchief

and I'll hold it for him.

A man came down those stairs. Who was he?

- I hear nothing. - Fine answer to a question.

- Who are you trying to hide? - Nobody.

- Liar. Soon we'll have more. - We've got 'em all now.

The first one that tells the truth must be the murderer.

[intense music]

[music continues]

[thud]

Say, what's the big idea?

Well, you almost had some sense knocked into you.

Were you trying to be funny when you snatched that elephant?

You had your hands on that elephant again?

I just found it under the covers of Mr. Federie's bed.

Now, who could have put it there?

Well, whoever took it out of the violin case.

Sarah, you're a wonderful woman, but a bad detective.

That's one elephant that if I ever get my hands on again..

[door creaking]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

This is an outrage. What do you think we are? Criminals?

What do you think?

As a lawyer, I advise you...

As a detective, I advise you to pipe down.

[intense music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Oh.

She hasn't made an entry in over an hour.

Just about that long ago the ghost scared Mittie.

(Muldoon) 'O'Leary.'

She's not in any of the rooms, the trunk room door is locked.

(O'Leary) 'Break it down. I'll be right up.'

Right. Break it down, boys.

Break the door down.

Sarah! Sarah!

[thumping]

Don't tell me it's the marines.

Are you alright, Sarah? What's happened?

Fine time to ask that.

Couldn't ask before it happened, could I?

No time to joke.

Well, come on, I'll carry you down.

I said, this is no time to joke. Get out of my way.

Gangway. Here comes Romeo and Juliet.

Well, I sat on that trapdoor so he couldn't get up there.

No use in taking a chance of following Adolphe and Grondal.

Read these.

"Charles Federie alive."

"Recently released, prison."

"Ten years, manslaughter, gambling fight."

"Father do not be too shocked.

I will see you tonight and explain. Your son, Charles."

That's how you get even with me for little razing.

Leaving me at the mercy of a murderer.

I got the cablegram less than an hour go.

Then I dug up the telegram which must've caused Federie's stroke.

And you nearly wished a stroke on me too.

I'm sorry, Sarah. Well, we know now about the killer.

We know that his father disowned him.

He's desperate and the legal heir if no will is found.

Maybe the will's in the little green elephant.

At any rate, both Grondal and Adolphe were slain

because they had learned its secret.

Excuse me, chief, about those orders for the night.

About leaving the back door unguarded and no arrests?

Oh, yes. Yes, Jackson, of course. That's all.

Now, even you're lying.

Why, you knew all along that murderer was lookin' around.

No, honestly, Sarah.

'Course, I thought that a stranger was hiding

but I wasn't sure until I received these.

- Why don't you arrest him? - I don't have evidence.

Besides, we haven't found him yet.

You're not gonna find me here, either.

I'm taking Mr. Federie to the hospital

as soon as I can get him ready.

Oh, Sarah. You can't fail me now.

This case is due to break wide open tonight.

That's fine. I'll read about it in the newspapers.

You're very fond of Miss March, aren't you?

Well, naturally, but she's innocent.

She's been helping her uncle to hide.

There's nothing criminal about that.

Before the law an accessory is equally guilty.

Believe me, Sarah. She needs you.

You mean, you need me.

Oh, come on. Out with it. Whatever it is, I won't do it.

Here, take this, Sarah. You know how to fire, don't you?

Never did, but guess I could learn.

- You press this, don't you... - Whoo!

Not until I tell ya. And point it at the floor.

O'Leary, do we stick around tonight?

- Yes. - That's all I wanted to know.

- That's all I wanted to know. - Don't shoot.

I take back everything I said about you.

Be-be careful, Sarah.

That's alright, Jackson, I gave it to her myself.

That's alright, Jackson, I gave it to her myself. That's a great idea, O'Leary.

That's a great idea, O'Leary.

Maybe, she'll shoot herself.

[gasps]

That'd be one case you could solve.

What time do you fix the old man up for the night?

- Oh, about 12:30. - That's as good a time as any.

Now, 12:30 instead of changing hot water bottles

or whatever you do, I want you to take that gun

point it to the floor and pull the trigger once.

A bullet hole, more or less, won't hurt the old place.

It might wake Richard Federie

and bring Charles out of his hiding place.

- And get killed myself. - Don't worry.

I've made arrangements to take care of you.

- My life is in your hands. - And am I proud.

It's probably, the biggest mistake I ever made.

Well, let's see, it's, uh, 10:30, correct?

Check.

At 12:30 one shot to the ground.

Check.

[gunshot]

[gunshots continue]

Nurse, nurse, what is it?

Oh, are you alright? What happened?

[all clamoring]

(Ross) 'Why don't you say something?'

- It was an accident. - 'Accident.'

Take your hands off me.

Let me go.

It's Charles.

Charles, Charles Federie. And we thought you were dead.

- Charles, why did you do it? - Ah, good work, Sarah.

Oh, I finally got you, huh? The twin brother.

'You look enough like Adolphe to be his ghost.'

It's my fault. He persuaded me to let him stay.

'Charles was just trying to protect grandfather.'

'He could do it best if nobody knew he was here.'

That's alright. We'll take care of him.

What I want is that little green elephant.

Ah, here we are.

Now, we're getting someplace.

- Here, Sarah, hold it. - You hold it.

Mittie, you were spying in that doorway

when Adolphe Federie was killed, weren't you?

Yes, I saw him fall. Oh, it was horrible.

But I didn't see who fired the shot.

I found the gun in your room.

I never fired a gun in my life.

You claimed to have discovered the key in Isobel's powder box.

- But I did. I did, honestly. - I believe you.

The murderer planted them both

to throw suspicion on someone else.

Federie, you have the key that unlocked the door

to that upstairs room.

Yes. Kema, the cook gave me a pass key.

What are you stalling for? Open the elephant.

Jackson.

- Right here, O'Leary. - Let me go.

Let me go. Are you insane, O'Leary?

Don't let the question embarrass you.

The answer is no, Dimuck. Bring him down, Jackson.

I protest. Release me at once. Release me at once.

What's the meaning of this? Order your men to release me.

You swore you heard the shot that killed Adolphe.

- I did. - From your room?

- Of course. - Where did you find him?

Just as you said, in his room.

That gave me the first indication of your guilt.

Miss Keate fired six shots here tonight.

None of them could be heard in your room.

But I did hear the shot that killed Adolphe.

You certainly did.

Because you fired it from that balcony.

Then you took care of Grondal

because he knew the secret of the little green elephant.

They say that an elephant never forgets.

We shall see.

Hmm, signed John Dimuck.

"This is to acknowledge and affirm that all properties

"to the amount of $875,500 held by me

"and registered in my name as the undersigned

"are really the property of Richard Federie

"and in return for the use of my name in this way

I am to receive a yearly salary."

Well, that's all that's important, right now.

You had held that money so long that you couldn't bear

to give it up, eh, Mr. Dimuck?

And if you had succeeded

in murdering Richard Federie tonight

all your troubles would be over, eh, Dimuck?

You can't prove anything.

You left your fingerprints on the old violin.

You also planted the gun and the key.

Take him away.

Oh, Jackson, don't let him get near a fiddle.

We won't even let him whistle.

Well, you all had a narrow escape.

The investigation is closed. You can go to your rooms.

[all talking]

Please, I'd appreciate it if you go quietly.

It's time we paid a little attention to my patient here.

Major O'Leary, before you go, don't forget the artillery.

I'm not going just yet.

'I got something I wanna say to you.'

Sarah, we've done alright together.

Why don't you sorta marry me and give up nursing?

If I married you, my nursing career would just be starting.

- Aw, Sarah. - No. Unhand me, villain.

I'll never be yours.

You leave my arm around your waist

or I'll arrest you for resisting an officer.

As long as you don't expect me to get my arm around your waist.

[coughing]

Why, I... did something happen?

[orchestral music]