All language subtitles for The Case of The Black Cat(1936)23000

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[meow]

You shouldn't have
done that, doug.
this is good night.

Aw, just a moment. Have a heart.

No. Don't you realize
it's after 2:00?

So what?

So good night.

Who's that watching us?

That's my cousin frank.

You don't have to
spy on us, frank.

Wilma: come out
and be introduced.

Doug: good evening.

Wilma: frank,
this is douglas keene.

Someone else
who wants to marry
you for your money?

That's not a bit funny.

It really doesn't
matter to me
in the least, you know.

I get my share
of the estate anyway.

Wilma always
told me you were
unpleasant.

I call that
a magnificent
understatement.

I'm so sorry, doug.

That's all right, dear.
I don't mind.

Good night.

Good night.

Who's that out there?!

Who's that? Come here!

Who's that on the stairs?

Nurse! Nurse!

Come here.

What is it now, mr. Laxter?

There's somebody
prowling in the hall.
see who it is.

You're imagining things.

I never heard a sound.

Of course not. You were asleep.

A fine nurse you are.

I might be killed
in here, and you'd
never hear it.

Mr. laxter,
you mustn't excite
yourself.

I'll excite myself
as much as I want.

Go out and see
who it is
and bring him in here.

Nurse: wilma.

Oh, hello, nurse.

Put on your slippers.

Did grandfather hear me?

He certainly did.
He wants to see you.

How is he? Is he any worse?

He's always worse.

Thank you.

Hello, darling.

I thought so. I thought so.

I'm terribly sorry
if I woke you up.

I wasn't asleep.
Don't fool yourself.

And stop
fiddling around.
you can go to bed.

It's time for your medicine.

I don't want any. Go to bed.

I never did like
that woman anyway.

Darling, how can
you sleep in such
a messy-looking bed?

And what in the name
of goodness
is all that junk?

Nothing. Just
going through
some old papers.

Where did they all come from?

They were in storage.
I had ashton bring them.

Oh, what's in here?

Nothing. Old papers.
Leave them alone!

All right, darling.
Don't snap at me.

Where have you been?

I was out with a young man.

With who?

With whom, darling. Whom.

You were out
with johnny bricker.

Wrong again.
I was out
with douglas keene.

Agh.

But, darling, he's so nice.

We're going to...

How do you know for certain

that he isn't only interested

in the money you'll get from me?

You say that
about all my friends.

[cat meows]

[meow]

[meowing continues]

Kitty, kitty, kitty,
kitty, kitty.

Here, kitty. Come, kitty.

Come on. That's it.

Nice kitty. Nice kitty.

Ha ha ha! Nice clinker.

Listen, grandfather,
something's got
to be done

about that blasted cat.

It doesn't make half
as much noise as you do
throwing things at it.

Smashing glass.

I'll poison it.
That's what I'll do.

The beastly animal
keeps me awake
every night.

Have a heart, sam.
The cat's in love.

Haven't you ever been in love?

You will not molest
clinker anymore,

and you'll pay
for that broken glass.

Now get out.

All right.
If my sanity is less
important to you

than the caretaker's cat, I'll...

Good night, darling.

Good night.

Sleep tight.

Yes.

[ringing]

Oh...

hello.

Hello. I want
some legal work done.

Iaxter. Legal work.

Yes, mr. Laxter.

I want to change
my will before morning.

But, my dear sir,
it's past 2:30.

I know what time it is!

If you charge extra
for late calls,
you can put it on the bill.

All right.

Nurse. Nurse!

What is it
this time,
mr. Laxter?

I've sent for my attorney.

I want you to go
down to the caretaker

and tell him he's on his way.

He'll have to open
the door for him.

And stop fiddling around!

I like the bed this way.

I won't be more
than a few minutes
if I can help it.

Very good, sir.

Good evening, sam...
Or good morning, rather.

Taking a little
moonlight stroll?

What are you doing
here at this time
of the morning, mr. Mason?

That's just what I want to know.

Your grandfather
phoned me and said
he wanted to see me

about something very urgent.

Is he getting worse?

I hope so.
I hate people
when they're old.

They're just a nuisance.

If ever I reach
that age,
which I doubt,

I hope someone
will have the kindness
to do away with me.

[doorbell rings]

Hello, ashton.

Well, hello, clinker.

Friendly little beast, isn't he?

I guess you'd be that way, too,

if people had been
throwing things
at you.

[chuckles]

Ashton, what is this
all about, anyway?

Don't ask me, mr. Mason.

I don't know.

I'm only
the caretaker
around here.

All I'm told is to get dressed

and open the door for you.

You're to go
right upstairs
to his room.

Ashton, I've
warned you
for the last time.

If that cat
bothers me again,
I'll kill it.

I swear I will!

I haven't had a wink of sleep.

That's too bad.

Now, is that all clear?

Certainly.
you want your will
changed

so that
your granddaughter
wilma...

Shh. Find out
if that woman's
listening at the door.

Oh!

I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?

I was just fixing
mr. Laxter's medicine.

Oh, yes.

Yes, and you got
your medicine,
and I'm glad of it.

You were eavesdropping.

I'll give it to him.

I won't take it.
Throw it out a window.

And now, as we were saying,

you want your will changed

so that your granddaughter wilma

will be cut out entirely.

That's right.
And then she'll find out

which of those fellows
hanging around her
is really on the level.

And you want
your estate to go
in equal portions

to your two grandsons,

sam laxter and frank oafley.

That's right.
and don't forget
the cat.

Oh, yes, the caretaker's cat.

Your heirs are to
continue to employ
ashton the caretaker,

and he must always
be permitted to have
the company of his cat.

That's right.

And now will you
tell me just why

you wanted all
this attended to
at this ungodly hour?

Couldn't you
have waited
until the morning?

I may not be alive
in the morning.

You look like
a pretty healthy
invalid to me.

I don't anticipate
death as the result
of ill health.

[cat yowling]

What in the name
of heaven was that?

That's only the caretaker's cat.

[cat meows]

Sam: get out of here!

[car starts]

[clunk]

Good morning, mr. Oafley.

Good morning, ashton.

Want anything done in town?

I'm going in
to do some errands
for mr. Laxter.

No, nothing for me, I guess.

Well, good morning, nurse.

How's the, uh, patient?

He's well enough
to be very fussy
about his breakfast.

Oh, ashton's going into town.

Is there anything you want?

I have everything
I need, thank you, sir.

I say, would you be good enough

to close
the garage doors
after me, sir?

Yeah, sure.

Thank you, sir.

Darling.

Careful, darling.
Someone may see us.

I don't care. Let them.

I'm sick and tired
of acting like a stranger
when people are around.

Listen, I came in
a minute ago,
and no one was here.

The engine
of the roadster
was running.

I looked around
and saw sam coming.

Then I turned it off.

Sam? Did he see you?

No. He was
in too much
of a temper.

Why?

He saw clinker,
and then he tripped
over the hose.

Hello, wilma! Come right in.

Hello, mr. Mason.

Won't you sit down?

We can only stay a minute.

I'm delighted
to see you, young man,
but just who are you?

I'm so sorry. I forgot.

Mr. mason,
this is douglas keene.

How do you do?

We're going to be married.

In spite of the will?

I'm tickled to death.

I don't like
girls with money.
they get too bossy.

Mr. mason, why
have I been cut out
of my grandfather's will?

My dear, I haven't
the remotest idea.

I can't understand it.

Grandfather
just called us
into the room

and bluntly said
I wouldn't get
a nickel.

He said frank
and sam would
have it all

and gave no explanations.

What were your reactions?

She told him to sit on a tack.

Then she packed her things
and moved right out.

That-a girl.
And what are your plans?

Do you like waffles?

I beg your pardon?

I'm opening
a waffle shop
quite near here.

You see, I've saved
a little money
out of my allowance,

and that way
I'll be independent.

Do you think
it's a good idea,
mr. Mason?

Well, on one condition.

What's that?

I can't approve
of any waffle shop

unless you serve
plenty of melted
butter.

Melted butter it is.

When are you going to open?

Right away.

I'll be your first customer...

That is, if you don't mind.

Mr. laxter wishes
to speak to mr. Perry mason.

It's very important.

I'm sorry.
mr. Mason is
terribly busy.

Hold the wire.
I'll see if he
can talk to you.

Listen, sister,
I've been
waiting an hour

to see perry mason.

How long is he going to be?

I'm sorry. He's terribly busy.

Mr. mason.

Mr. mason.

Unless you can give me
a 7-letter word
beginning with "x"

meaning a mongolian
lizard, I don't want
to talk to you.

But, mr. Mason, this is very...

I'll tell you
what I'll do, della.

I'll settle for
a 7-letter word
beginning with "s"

meaning "lawyer."

shyster.

Getting a bit fresh,
aren't you, della?

What do you want?

There's
a mrs. Pixley
on the telephone.

She says it's very important.

Pixley?
I don't know anyone
by the name of pixley,

and if I did,
I wouldn't talk to them
over the telephone.

She said she's
mr. Peter laxter's
housekeeper.

Oh.

Yes? This is
perry mason speaking.

Give me that phone
if that's mason.

Hello. I've just
signed my will,
mason.

Yes. I'm sending it
over to you now
by your driver.

Put it in your safe-deposit box

and keep it there
till you hear
from me.

I'll take care of it.

You work your own
crossword puzzles,
young woman.

What's that? No. No, mr. Laxter.

I'm sorry.
I wasn't talking
to you.

Yes, sir. I'll take care of it.

Give that to mr. Mason's driver.

Tell it to take it
to mr. Mason
right away.

Yes, sir.

Peter: all right. Good-bye.

When will your men
be through here?

We'll be out of here
in a couple
of hours.

You can start
selling waffles
by tonight.

Boy: extra, extra!
All about the big fire!

Millionaire dies in big blaze!

Read all about it! Extra!

Here, boy.

Thank you.
millionaire dies
in blaze!

Read all about it!

Mr. mason, would you
like to see a man
about a cat?

Ashton? Sure. Send him in.

Come in, mr. Ashton.

Good morning, ashton.
How are you?

Glad to see you.
what can I do
for you?

You can do plenty, I guess.

Sam laxter wants to
get rid of my cat,

and I want you to stop him.

You're still working
as caretaker

in the household, aren't you?

You bet your sweet life I am.

That was in the will.

But sam says
that don't include
my cat.

He says if I don't
get rid of him,
he'll poison him.

What do you want me to do?

You can help me
if you want to,
mr. Mason,

and I can pay.

I know that you big
attorneys don't work
for little apples,

but if you'll just
save clinker for me,

I'll make it worth your while.

You certainly have
plenty of money,
anyway.

Did mr. Laxter
leave that to you?

Not a dime.
just said I was
to be kept on in me job.

I've worked for him
for 20 years...

50 a month and all found.

I've saved my money, I have.

You needn't worry about a thing.

I'll send a letter to sam laxter

and throw a good scare into him.

How much is that
going to cost me?

Don't bother...

I got it, chief.

I said, how much
is that going to
cost me?

Look. It fits.

Just a minute, please.

Don't you worry
about a thing,
mr. Ashton.

Leave $2.00 outside
with the girl
as a retainer,

and I'll save your cab for you.

$2.00? Thank you.

Good-bye.

Good-bye, sir.

Hey, chief.

What's on your mind?

Monandrous.

What?

Monandrous... a 10-letter
word meaning a flower
with a single stamen.

It fits, chief. Look.

I solved that puzzle
last tuesday.

Look here, mr. Mason.

What's the matter?

Somebody's following
your caretaker.

Della, did you notice
the roll of bills
mr. Ashton was carrying?

I wonder where he got it.

Drake, did you make
those inquiries for me?

You know me, chief.

Here we are.
I got the dope
at the bank.

Just about a month
before the old boy died,

he sold all his stocks
and bonds and cashed in
for about a million bucks.

A million fish, chief,
in currency.

That's a lot of money
to have around.

I wonder what he did with it.

That's what the heirs
would like to know.

Perhaps it was burned
in the fire.

Della, take a letter.

Mr. sam laxter.

Dear sir, my client,
mr. Charles ashton,

has consulted me
regarding his cat, clinker.

I know you, perry mason.

You're trying
to break this will.

What's the meaning
of this letter
to my client?

It's all very simple,
mr. Shuster.

I want my client
to keep his cat.

Don't let him
bluff you with the cat.

He's trying to break the will.

You were hired to...

Calm yourself, mr. Shuster.

I drew the will.
I have no possible interest
in trying to break it.

Don't you represent
my cousin wilma,

who was cut out of the will?

I do not. I represent the cat.

Didn't you tell me
that wilma was
behind all this?

Sure, she is.
don't let mason
fool you.

You're a very clever
man, mr. Mason,
but...

But you're
much cleverer,
counselor.

I know.

Mr. laxter, you know,
I'm sort of sorry

you retained mr. Shyster...

Mr. shuster.
forgive me.
you see...

Let's get down
to brass tacks,
mr. Mason.

Here is what
my client is
prepared to do.

He'll guarantee
not to molest
the cat

on one condition.

And what is that?

I want a waiver
from wilma laxter

guaranteeing
not to contest
the will.

I told you I don't
represent wilma.

Shuster: very well, then.
No waiver, no cat.

I advise you, mr. Laxter,
to leave the cat out,

or you'll be
left out in the cold.

There. What did I tell you?

He's trying to
break the will.
he's representing wilma.

But you won't succeed.
You're bluffing.

Good day, counselor.
Good day, mr. Laxter.

I'm awfully busy.
you'll forgive me,
won't you?

[della laughs]

I think we should have
charged a larger fee

for representing that cat.

Della, I think you're right,

but don't be so mercenary.

[telephone rings]

You just sit back
and watch the fur fly.

Yes? Speaking.

Where are you, drake?

Fine. I'll be right over.

Where are you off to now?

Waffles and melted butter.

So then I get
on the trail of devoe,
the nurse, see,

and I find out where she's at.

Here's the address here.

Then I mosey around at the bank.

Yes?

You were right, chief.
ashton got
a safety-deposit box there.

He rented it about a month ago,

just before the old man dies.

A couple of days
after he rents it,

he comes back
and wants to rent
the adjoining box

for his half brother,

a guy named watson clammert.

I didn't know he had one.

He has. He's at
the general hospital.

They tell me at the hospital

ashton,
his half brother,
paid all his expenses.

Drake, you know,
there are times
when I almost think

you're not as dumb as you look.

Now I can give you
a little time, mr. Mason.
my customers are leaving.

Sit down, wilma.

You better make it
snappy, mr. Mason.

I may have to make
more waffles any minute.

And they're very tasty, too.

Is there going to be
some trouble about the will?

It all depends on the cat.

On clinker?

Yeah. Your cousin sam
wants to poison it.
nice boy.

Oh, darling, come here.

Glad to see you, keene.

Hiya.

Doug, this is paul drake,

investigator
for mr. Mason.
douglas keene.

How are you?

That's right. Douglas keene.

Got the dope
on him, too.
here it is right here.

Douglas keene...
unemployed architect.
works in a filling station.

Who is this man?
What is all this?

It's all right, darling.
I told you.

He's a sort of investigator.

I don't care to be investigated.

Why do you always
gum up the works?

But, chief,
you told me
to get a line...

Let's call on nurse devoe.

Pay the check.

Louise devoe?

That sounds more like
a chorus girl
than a nurse.

What are you
going to tell her,
chief?

She's the one
who's going to tell...
I hope.

[doorbell rings]

Who's there?

[doorbell rings]

Is that you, frank?

Good afternoon, miss devoe.

May we come in a moment?

What do you want, mr. Mason?

Just a little information.

This is
my assistant,
paul drake.

Expecting someone, aren't you?

No.

Mason: then why
did you say,
"is that you, frank,"

when I rang?

That would be
frank oafley,
wouldn't it?

Suppose you tell me
what you want to know,
mr. Mason.

I have an engagement.
oh, uh, make yourself
at home, mr...

whatever your name is.

I'd like to know
how that fire started.

Have you any idea?

No. Have you?

Come on, devoe.
Quit the stalling.

You know plenty,
and if you're
a smart dame...

Take it easy, drake.

I understand from sam laxter...

Has sam been saying
things against me?

If he has, he's a liar.

Do you want to know
something about
sam laxter?

Well, I would like
a little information.

If you want to know
what I think,

he knows a great deal
more about the fire
than he'll admit.

I think he had
something to do with it.

Why?

There was something
very funny going on
in the garage.

I went down
to get something
for my patient.

The garage was empty,
but the engine of sam's
car was running.

When was this?

The day before the fire.

After a while,
sam came in
and drove away.

There was a rubber tube
connected to his exhaust

that led directly
to the furnace.

That's all very interesting.

Have you told anyone about this?

No. I...

You may as well
tell the truth,
miss devoe.

Well, yes. I... i did tell frank.

And what did he say?

He told me to keep quiet,

said I'd get
into trouble telling
things like that.

But if sam wants to send you

and this detective
of yours
to snoop around,

if he wants to imply
I had anything to do...

I'm not representing sam.

I'm the attorney
for the cat, clinker.

Sam wanted to poison it.
Do you know why?

Sam didn't like cats or old men.

Said that they should all
be put out of their misery.

I see.

Devoe: anything else
you want to know,
mr. Mason?

Not just now, miss devoe.

You've been a great help.
Thanks very much.

Come on, drake.

The insurance companies
found everything
in order.

They paid up. Now, why...

Insurance companies,
my dear mr. Burger,

have one thing in common

with district attorneys...

They don't always
know everything.

[intercom buzzes]

Burger: hello. Dr. jacobs?

Yes, have him come right in.

Evening, mr. Burger.
Sorry I'm late.

I came over as quick as I could.

Hello, perry. What gives out?

Burger: sit down, doctor.
mason wants to
ask you something

about gasoline vapors.

This is the problem, doctor.

A man has been
burned to death
by a fire,

but I have reason
to believe that he was
murdered by exhaust fumes

before the fire started.

Could an autopsy determine that?

Yes, provided
the remains
are available.

How about it,
mr. District attorney?

Do I get the order
to examine the body?

But wouldn't there be
a trace of the poisoning
element in any event,

if the man perished in a fire?

There certainly would.

Then what do we gain?

That's not
the whole story,
doctor.

What I want to know is this:

could you determine
by examination

if the man was dead
before the fire
started?

Yes.

Would the blisters
produced by the fire

on the body of the dead man

differ from those
on the body of a man
burned to death?

Show me
the blisters,
and I'll tell you.

Ok. You win.

Here's the milk you wanted.

All right. Put it
down somewhere.
I'm busy.

Looking for something?

I'll ring if I need you again.

If you're looking
for the kolisdorf
diamonds,

you're wasting your time.

Your cousin frank's
been over this room
a dozen times

with a comb.

[telephone ringing]

Mr. samuel laxter's residence.

Let me speak to ashton
the caretaker, please.

Just a moment.

Someone for ashton.

All right. You may go.

Won't you come in and sit down?

Thanks.

Shh.

Hello, ashton?
This is perry mason.

Yes, mr. Mason.

No, sir. No one
ain't poisoned
him yet.

He's right here now.

You needn't worry
anymore, ashton.

Sam laxter won't have time
to molest your cat.

No. He'll be too busy
answering the district
attorney's questions.

Hold on.
wait a minute,
mr. Mason.

I don't want
this thing
to go too far.

Who lives here now?

Sam laxter,
frank oafley,
and 3 servants.

Hurry up with those keys.

Right.

Let me have a flashlight.

Put that light on over there.

Ok.

There it is.
she said it was
a roadster, chief.

Look. Something's
been clamped down
on this.

Open that up.

There.

Well, burger?
have I still
brought you out

on a wild-goose chase?

We'll go
and question him
right away.

Oafley: who's there?

Who's that by the garage?

Mason: hello, mr. Oafley.
delightful evening,
isn't it?

Yes.

Mason: this is district
attorney burger.
my assistant drake.

How do you do?

Oafley. Frank oafley.

That's correct.
hope we haven't
alarmed you.

No. I just couldn't
figure who it was
prowling around.

You seem to have
scratched
your hands

rather badly.

Yes. This confounded
rosebush is right
in my way.

Rather an odd time
to be gardening...
or were you just digging?

As a matter of fact,
mr. Mason, I was
digging for treasure.

Treasure? Really?
the kolisdorf diamonds,
no doubt.

Yes.

What?

Old man laxter
fell for some diamonds.

Since the fire,
there hasn't been
a sign of them.

What made you think
they were out here?

A telegram I received
about a half an hour ago.

Here it is.

Who sent this?

Oafley:
you know as much
about it as I do.

Did you find them?

No, but we certainly looked

everyplace else for them.

Mr. oafley, I'd like to ask

you and your
cousin a few
questions.

All right.
let's go
in the house.

Brandon,
what are you
doing there?

Has mr. Laxter come in yet?

Not yet, sir.

Let me know when he does.

In the meantime,

bring us
some highballs,
will you?

Very good, sir.

Mason: you'd better
put some iodine
on those scratches.

These? Oh, they're nothing.

We gardeners get used to that.

Mr. oafley,
did miss devoe
inform you

of her suspicions
about the exhaust fumes?

Exhaust fumes? Miss devoe?

I wouldn't be
too innocent
if I were you, mr. Oafley.

Better tell me
all that you know.

Mr. laxter, what happened, sir?

It's all right.
Don't be alarmed.

I just had
a little smash-up.
nothing serious.

The district attorney
and perry mason are here
to see you, sir.

The d.a.? What for?

We're trying
to determine, mr. Laxter,

if you know
who murdered
your grandfather.

I suggest, mr. Burger,
that you quiz mr. Laxter
at once.

Call wilma.
I want to speak
with her.

Right.

[doorbell rings]

Never mind. I'll answer.

You better take
those drinks
into the library.

Mr. laxter looks
as though
he needs one.

Hello, counselor. Come in.

What are you doing here?

Roller-skating. Boo.

Where's sam?
where's my client?
what's going on here?

[whistles]

Step right this way, counselor.

Calm yourself.

I'll do all the talking.

They've exhumed the body.

They're trying to frame you.

I'll take care of everything.

What have you
been trying to do
with my client?

What's happened to you?

Has he been
trying to give you
the third degree?

This is not
the middle ages,
you know.

You can't torture
your witnesses.

Calm yourself, mr. Shuster.

I saw everything.
I was hiding
behind a tombstone.

I saw them exhume the body.

Ok, chief.

Hello, wilma.
This is perry mason speaking.

Hello, mr. Mason.
I'm so glad you called.

I've been trying
to reach you everywhere.

I can't talk
very well here.
I have some customers.

But something terrible
has happened.

Can you please come over?

Yes, gladly.

Thank you, mr. Mason.

I'll see you later.

Why don't you question
mr. Mason's client,
the caretaker?

Why bother mr. Laxter?

Burger: oh, shut up.

What's all this
about kolisdorf diamonds
and cats

and the missing million dollars?

It is a bit confusing, isn't it?

Why don't you send for ashton?

Mr. laxter's
been ringing for him,
but he doesn't answer.

Mason: he's usually
somewhere in the basement.

Let's go find him.
Come on, drake.

Drake: yeah.

[knocks on door]

[knocks louder]

Ashton. Dead.

Look at those tracks.

Right over the poor man's face.

Say, that's very interesting.

You see any cats around here?

Probably jumped out again.

Where are you off to now?

You'll have plenty
to do until I come back.

I've a sudden desire
to consume some waffles.

Waffles?

Yeah. Waffles.

[knock on door]

Hello, wilma. Sorry I'm late.

Oh, I'm so glad
you're here, mr. Mason.

You said you
were in trouble.
what is it?

Mason: great caesar's
ghost, what is this?

Wilma: that's clinker.

Clinker?

Well, how did he get here?

Douglas keene brought him.

Tell me what happened.

Ashton called
this afternoon
on the phone.

He was worried about the cat.

He asked me
if I'd take care
of him for a few days.

I said all right.

How did douglas get into it?

He was here at the time,

so I gave him the key
to the house.

I still have them,
although I'm
not living there.

I told him to go over
and pick up the cat.

What time was this?

Well, doug left about 10:00.

Shortly afterwards, he called
me from the laxter house

and told me ashton wasn't there.

Matter of fact,
he said everyone was out,

and he asked me what to do.

And you told him...

I told him to wait a while,
and then if ashton didn't
come back,

I said he'd better bring
the cat here anyway.

About a quarter past 11:00,
he brought the cat here.

And then where did he go?

I don't know.

He said good night and left.

Are you sure he called you

from the laxter home?

Yes. He said he was
using the extension
in ashton's bedroom.

I've just come
from that bedroom.

Ashton has been murdered.

Murdered?

Mr. mason,
you don't think doug
could have done it.

It isn't what I think, my dear.

It's what the police
are going to think.

Where is douglas now?

I don't know.
that's why I asked
you to come here.

You see, he called
me again a little later.

He seemed terribly excited
and sort of incoherent.

He said something about a murder

and said for me not
to worry and to trust him.

Now, now, now.
Please stop crying.

You don't think
he did it, do you?

No. Neither do i.

Now, listen.
If clinker
is found here,

you're a cinch to be
dragged into this.

Come on, cat, you're
going for a ride.

Now, wilma, you
answer no questions

and tell no one
that I've been here.
do you understand?

Oh, by the way,

did you mention
the kolisdorf diamonds
to douglas?

Yes. We talked about them.

He had a theory
that ashton probably had them.

I mean, I thought
ashton had them,

but he thought miss devoe
might know more that she told.

Miss devoe?

[clinker meows]

Now, now, now, cat.
hey, come on,
clinker.

Maybe you're right.

All right, wilma.
don't you worry
about a thing.

You'll hear from me.

All right. Good-bye.

Good-bye, mr. Mason.

Come on, clinker boy, come on.

[knock on door]

Good evening, della.

Good evening, my eye.

Do you know it's nearly
2:00 in the morning?

What on earth
have you got there?

Love brings a gift.

Have you gone mad?

Did you wake me up
just to bring me
a horrible-looking cat?

This is clinker.

Keep the beast here
and see that he
doesn't get out.

But why? What kind of...

I'll tell you
at the office
in the morning.

Well, now what?

I have many things
to do, my pet.

Nighty night.

Take care of clinker.

Hello?

Oh, hello, burger.
Mason speaking.

What? You'd be surprised.
I've found plenty.

Let me speak to drake.

Paul, meet me in front
of the victory elms
apartment house

in 10 minutes. Right.

Police headquarters.

Homicide bureau. That's right.

A woman's been murdered
in apartment 7-b,

victory elms apartment house.

That's right.

[voices]

Two blues. All right. I'm in.

[door buzzer]

Wait a minute, boys.
I'll see who it is.

[yawning]

Say, fellas, how about
piping down so a guy
can get some sleep?

Oh, sorry, buddy.

I thought we were
being pretty quiet.

You must've heard
the celebration
next door.

Celebration?

Yeah. Dame next-door
got married.

Couple of the boys
witnessed
the ceremony.

What'd you do, rope
the happy bridegroom

into a poker game
on his wedding night?

[laughter]

No. We don't
even know who it is.

Guess they've calmed down now.

Listen, fellas,
keep it quiet, will you,
so I can get my sleep?

Ok, pal. Sorry we disturbed you.

It's all right.

Then I found the janitor.
He gave me the lowdown.

Told me sam laxter
and frank oafley were there.

He knows them. He saw them
go into her apartment.

So one of them killed her, huh?

Take it easy, dismal.

That isn't all.

Douglas keene was there, too.

117. That's the number, chief.

[rings bell]

What do you want?

Does douglas keene live here?

Yes, but this ain't
no time for a visit.

Now just a minute.
I'm perry mason,
his attorney.

It's very important
that I see him.

First door at the end
of the hall.

Thank you.

Look, chief. Bloodstains.

Don't touch them.

Huh.

Well.

Poor wilma.

She thought he was
such a nice guy, too.

Drake,
there's a phone
out in the hall.

Call wilma and see
if she's heard
from keene.

Right.

And don't tell her about these.

Ok, chief.

Oh. Can I help you, mister?

Yes. What time did keene leave?

I don't know. What's happened?

Did he have any visitors today?

Yes. There was
a man called here
late this evening.

What did he look like?

Gosh, mister, I don't know.

I've got 20 rooms here.
there's people coming
all the time.

Anybody else call?

Well, uh...

Come on, now. Think hard.

Yes. Miss devoe called.

Devoe?

But that was earlier.

Left word for keene to call her.

He took the message
and left at once.

Did you see keene come back?

No. I was asleep.

I see. Well, thanks.

Here's my card.
If you hear
from keene,

tell him to call
me immediately.
yes, sir.

Is mr. Keene in
a jam of some sort?

I'll say he is. You'll
probably have the police
here in 5 minutes.

But don't you tell them
I was here, understand?

Yeah. Yeah.
Ok, lady, don't worry.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

Well, what did you find out?

He was there, chief.

Is he there now?

No. He stopped in
to say good-bye.

She said he was in
some kind of a jam

and was very excited.

He wouldn't give
any explanation.

She tried to hold
him there,
but the guy ducked.

[sirens]

Not bad for burger.
here come
the police now.

We'd better
find keene
before he does.

Step on it, drake.

All right.

Hey, justice.
give me a 7-letter word
beginning with "p"

meaning obsolete tibetan coin.

Well, I've had very
little experience

in numismatics, I fear.

When will mr. Mason be back?

I have some papers
to notarize, and I...

I know.
he's on his way
over here now.

That was him on the phone
a couple of minutes ago,

and when I told him
that you were here
and couldn't wait,

he told me to hold
you here if I had
to knock you stiff.

I'll wait.

You're smart. Here he comes now.

What a break, chief.
What a break.

Here's the guy that married

devoe to frank oafley
last night.

No.

Yes, mr. Mason.

I performed the ceremony.

And when I read
in the papers
this morning

of this terrible
tragedy to the bride,

I thought perhaps
I could give you
some information.

You bet your sweet life you can.

Take this down, della.

What time were you
at the apartment
house?

About 10:00.

Were there
any witnesses
to the ceremony?

Yes, mr. Mason.

Two gentlemen
from the apartment
next door.

They were playing poker.
Their names were...

Never mind the names.

What time did you
leave the apartment
house?

That I can tell you
with great accuracy.

Fine.

It was exactly 10:17
when I stepped into my car.

You see,
I had a little accident...

A crumpled fender,
which I reported
to my insurance company.

Was this in front
of the apartment
house?

Yes, mr. Mason.

I was parked directly
behind another car,

and in pulling out,
I damaged my fender

and scratched the paint
off the other car.

I see.

Did you notice the other car?

Yes. It was a black touring car.

It was empty,
but I got the name
of the owner.

Now let me see.
here it is.
watson clammert.

Watson clammert?

That's aston's half brother.

Did you get the license number?

Oh, naturally, naturally.

Here it is, right here.

Della, call
the motor vehicle
department.

Find out where
the car was bought

and where it's insured.

You better hop down
to headquarters

and get
that information
I asked you about.

Right. Hurry up.

Mr. stillwell, I can't thank you

sufficiently for all
this information.

Not at all, not at all.

By the way,
I may have
to subpoena you

as a witness at the trial

of my client, mr. Douglas keene.

Will you be willing to testify?

By all means, mr. Mason.

Thank you very much.

You're welcome. Thank you.

Sam laxter,
frank oafley,
and mr. Shuster.

Better get your shower curtain.

I'll see them out
in the outer office.

Just a minute, gentlemen.

What can I do for
you, mr. Shuster?

My client tells me
you're libeling him.

You said over
the phone yesterday

that louise devoe
was accusing me

of having murdered
my grandfather.

I didn't speak to you

over the phone yesterday.

You spoke to ashton.
I listened in.

Since ashton
and miss devoe
are no longer here,

that's going to be
very difficult
to prove, isn't it?

It's a lie,
an invention of yours.

Not mine. You shared
miss devoe's suspicions,
didn't you?

And you discussed it with her.

Yes. She told me about
the two being in the garage,

but I couldn't believe it.

You want to know what I think?

I think you married her

because you each
had so much
on the other,

and you were afraid
one of you might be
called to testify.

What are you trying
to insinuate? You were
in the garage. I saw you.

Now, boys,
boys, careful.
let me do the...

What about the
kolisdorf diamonds?

I suppose you didn't
order the chauffeur

to follow ashton all the time?

You thought he had
them, didn't you?

Now, mr. Laxter, please.

And, mr. Oafley, remember,
I'm representing you...

You are not!
I'm through with you.

I'm getting another lawyer.
You're a shyster.

Mr. laxter, I'm
inclined to agree

with your cousin
in that respect.

Good-bye, counselor.

Ha ha ha!

What a break, della.
we've got them fighting
among themselves.

[telephone rings]

Yes.

Yes.

I just got the report
of the autopsy surgeon.

Listen. Ashton was killed
at approximately 10:30,
not later.

All right. Fine, paul. Yes.

At 10:30, eh?

And douglas keene
was in the house
from 10:00 to 11:00.

He certainly was.

That looks pretty
bad for keene,
doesn't it?

Mm-hmm.

What are you looking
so pleased about?

Della, I'm thinking
about the caretaker's cat.

Man: come on, mr. Burger.
What's the dope on keene?

We haven't found him yet,
but we will.

Yeah? Have you got
a case against him?

Tight as a drum.

He was seen leaving
devoe's apartment,

my men searched his rooms
and found bloodstained
clothing,

and the kid ran away.

[intercom buzzes]

Yeah?

Oh, holcomb, yes.
Send him right in.

Chief, I got something here
that'll interest you.

This is clinker,
the caretaker's cat.

Hey, hey, hey.

I checked up on
that guy mason
like you said,

and I found out that
late last night,

he took this cat
to his secretary's
apartment

and left it there with her.

Get him on the wire.
no, wait a minute.
we'll go and see him.

Reporters: where does
the cat come in?
what's mason got
to do with it?

See that that cat
is locked up
and meet me downstairs.

See you later, boys.

Reporters: now wait
a minute. Come on, guys.

Oh, do come in, gentlemen.

Wait a minute. I want
to talk to you, too.

Now listen, mason.

Splendid work, burger,
splendid work,

and let me congratulate you.

Have it all solved,
haven't you, hmm?

Where is douglas keene?

I wish I knew.
you took the words
right out of my mouth.

Mason, you're up
to your tricks again.

Della, what does
the gentleman mean?

Why did you take
that cat to her
apartment last night?

He didn't...

There's no use lying.

My men searched your
apartment this morning
after you left.

I have the cat in my office.

Where did you get
that cat, and why did you
try to hide it?

Now, just a minute, mr. Burger.

Can't a gentleman
give a lady a cat,

and a gentleman cat at that,

without being
browbeaten right here
in his own office?

I'm not trying to browbeat you...

[telephone rings]

The phone's ringing.

Do you mind if
my secretary answers?

No.

All right, della,
answer the phone.

Mr. mason's office.

Mason,
you know where
douglas keene is,

and if you don't
turn him over
by noon,

I'll have you disbarred.

Just a moment.

Mr. mason,

it's your aunt effie.

My aunt effie.
Excuse me, won't you?

Thank you.

Hello, aunt effie.

Yes.

And then I got back
and saw the papers.

I phoned wilma, and she said
I should call mr. Mason.

I am very busy
right now, dear, yes.

Yes, the district
attorney is here,

and one of his
great big detectives.
that's right.

You understand, don't you?

I get you, mr. Mason.

I'm at the corner
of 10th and alameda,
in a drugstore.

No cops in sight.

Oh, that's awful, aunt effie.

Yes, dear, of course.

You stay right
there, and I'll
come right over.

That's right, dear.

Poor thing had a bad accident

trying to curl her hair
with a curling iron
last night

and burned herself badly.

Why, she's having hysterics.

I'll have to go over
and calm her down,

and you'd better help me.
Come on, della.

You don't mind,
do you, gentlemen?

Excuse me, and I'll
see you later.

Say, but I...

Burger's following you.

Bless his heart.
Of course he is.

You and your cat.
you'll probably
end up in jail.

A lot of interesting
people in jail,
della.

Better hurry.
they just turned
the corner.

I know it.

Hello, burger.
I thought you'd lost me
for a minute.

Just going in
to get some medicine
for my aunt effie.

Oh, say, you'd better
not double-park.

You're apt to get a ticket.

He's so good to his
relatives, mr. Burger.
you can't imagine.

Oh, mr. Mason, I...

Hello, george.
can I use your
prescription room?

Sure, perry, help yourself.

I didn't do it, mr. Mason. I...

Shh. I know. I know.

Tell me exactly what happened.

Louise devoe left a message

to your rooming
house, didn't she?

She said she had something
important to tell me.

When I got to her place,
I found her dead on the floor.

Anyone see you?

Yes. That's why I got panicky.

Did you touch the body?

No, sir.

Now, don't lie to me.

How did your suit get so bloody?

I don't know. I...

Your landlord said you
had a visitor yesterday.
who was it?

It must have been after I left.

I went home
and packed some things.

Then I got scared
they'd pin something
on me, and I beat it.

[car horn honks]

What's that?

That, my boy,
is the district
attorney,

to whom I'm going
to turn you over
in a moment.

But I didn't do it!

Wait a minute.
that's up to me
to prove.

I tell you, I...

Will you relax, please, keene?

Now take it easy.
Tell me just this...

You went to
the laxter house
to get the cat.

What time
did you leave?
about 11:00.

Were you
in ashton's room?
yes, sir.

See anyone? No one.

And you took the cat
with you, is that
it?

Yes. I took him over to wilma's.

What's clinker got
to do with this?

Clinker, my boy,
is going to save
your life.

Now just relax and take it easy.

You know perry mason?

Yes. He's in
the prescription room.

Hello, burger.

What are you doing here?

Meet my client, douglas keene.

Hello, city editor?

You want to tell
him, or shall I?

Perhaps I'd better.

Hello, city editor.
Do you want a scoop?

This is perry mason
speaking. Yes.

All right, here it goes.

While the police
and the district
attorney's office

were completely baffled
as to the laxter killings,

perry mason, noted criminal
attorney, today at noon,

surrendered douglas keene,
who will stand trial.

That's right.

You want to add anything?

No, never mind. That's all.

Douglas keene, I arrest you...

Don't be so formal, burger.
Just call him aunt effie.

Ha ha! Go on, douglas.

Burger: your honor,
the preliminary hearing
in this case

is for the purpose
of determining

whether
there are sufficient
grounds to hold over

the defendant,
douglas keene,
on the charge

of first-degree murder
of louise devoe.

However, in order
to show the motive
for that murder,

it will be necessary
for us to introduce

evidence relating to the murder

of charles ashton,
the caretaker.

Judge: any objection
on the part of the defense?

Mason: we'll make
our objections
at the proper time.

Judge: proceed with the case.

Did you find anything
at the scene of the crime?

Yes, sir.

What did you find?

It was a stout
wooden club,
broken,

and it was covered with blood.

How did the deceased
meet her death?

She had been beaten
over the head
with a club.

The skull was fractured.

Your witness.

[crowd murmuring]

Mr. oafley, you have
testified that
on the night of the 23rd,

you were digging
for some missing diamonds.

You didn't find them, did you?

I did not.

Did anyone else know
of these diamonds?

I mean, anyone outside
the immediate family?

Yes. Douglas keene
knew about them.

He told me he thought

they might
be concealed
in the crutch.

Thank you.

Your witness.

Mr. oafley, your
hands were pretty
badly scratched up

that night
you were digging,
weren't they?

Yes. There was a rosebush
nearby, a very thorny one.

How were those scratches caused?

By the thorns, of course.
You were there. You saw them.

You're sure they
weren't caused
by a cat?

Of course not.
ridiculous.
clinker wasn't there.

How did you know
clinker wasn't there?
did you look for him?

It's already been
testified that keene
took the cat away.

That is all. Oh, thank you.

Dr. jacobs, you
examined the body

taken from the grave
of peter laxter.

What were your findings?

In my opinion,
the man had been dead

for many hours
before the fire started.

You made that examination
at the request

of the district attorney,
didn't you?

Jacobs: yes, sir.

At my request, what
further examination
did you make?

I made x-rays of the hip bone.

And you found?

I found no evidence
of any broken bones.

Thank you, dr. Jacobs.
That is all.

Your honor, I ask
for an adjournment.

I've just received news
of an arrest that will
blow this case wide open.

Burger: I object to any
adjournment, your honor.

It seems necessary at this time

to remind the court
and the defense counsel

that the purpose of this
hearing has nothing
whatsoever to do

with the alleged murder
of peter laxter.

Your honor, may I request
the court to instruct

the district attorney
to stick to the facts?

If he knows them.

Are you implying...

Not a bit.

I'm merely saying
you don't know what
you're talking about.

Mr. mason, will you allow
mr. Burger to complete his
address to the court?

If it pleases the court,
but he isn't saying anything.

Any further interruption,
and I shall be compelled

to cite you
for contempt of court.

Continue, mr. Burger,
by all means.

Mr. mason has wasted
enough of the court's
time in the cross-exam...

The court's time is still
being wasted, mr. Burger.

Mr. mason.

Your honor.

In cross-examining
witnesses relative

to the death of peter laxter.

That, your honor,
is a subject
for another hearing.

The point is well-taken,
mr. Mason.

This witness of yours.
This watson clammert.

Does he have any bearing
on the specific murder
we are investigating?

Most decidedly.

I refer to the murder
of louise devoe and not
to the late peter laxter.

Exactly.

How much time do you want?

Until 10:00 tomorrow morning.

I'll have the suspect
brought here by plane.

Court now in session.

Proceed with the case.

Mason: the witness I'm
about to call, your honor,
can be very helpful.

You see, he actually
killed louise devoe.

Call watson clammert.

Watson clammert.

[crowd murmuring]

[judge pounds gavel]

Raise your right hand.

Do you solemnly swear
to tell the truth,

the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth?

I do.

Your honor, before
questioning the witness,

who has been considered
dead for several months,

I think it will be helpful
if I went back to the night

of the fire in which he was
supposed to have perished

and explain the chain
of events which brought us
to this hearing.

Mason: mr. Laxter was not
the invalid that he seemed.

His hip had healed well enough
to enable him to walk.

Mr. laxter knew that
one or more of his
dear relatives...

He didn't know which...
was attempting
to asphyxiate him.

He knew, moreover,
that they were planning

to destroy the evidence
by burning the house down.

With the aid of ashton,
he substituted in the bed

the body of a dead vagrant
named watson clammert.

The vagrant had been
dead for 24 hours.

The body had been
claimed by ashton,

who had established
himself as the dead man's
half brother.

While peter laxter's
room was being filled
with poisonous fumes,

laxter, aided
by ashton, escaped.

Prior to his supposed
death, peter laxter
sold stocks and bonds

valued over a million dollars.

This money was placed
in a safe-deposit box

under the name
of watson clammert.

The kolisdorf diamonds
were hidden in
the caretaker's crutch.

He then remained
in hiding under the name
of watson clammert.

Now, we know that
on the night of the 23rd,

douglas keene went
to the laxter residence
to get the cat

and that ashton
was not in the house.

Keene left after 11:00
with the cat.

Ashton's death
occurred at 10:30.

Where was ashton?

Ashton arrived
at louise devoe's
apartment house.

He was seen going in
by peter laxter, who was
hidden in the shadow.

Frank oafley and louise devoe
had just been married.

Whether it was a love match
or whether they married

so they could not testify
against each other
is immaterial.

They got rid of the justice
as quickly as they could

because they had
an appointment with ashton.

They were convinced
the diamonds were
concealed in his crutch.

Stillwell came out,
got into his car,

and had the little
accident of which
we've already heard.

Meanwhile, up in
louise devoe's apartment...

I knew it all along.

The two of you... you fixed
that thing down there
in the garage

so the gas would go
upstairs and poison
mr. Laxter.

Ha ha ha!
didn't think I knew
that, did you?

And another thing. You think
that I've got the diamonds
in here, don't you?

Well, they... hey...

That, your honor,
occurred at 10:30.

The question now arises,
how did the body of ashton
get back to his own room?

That was quite simple.

The apartment was
on the second floor.

Oafley, a powerful man,
picked up the body
of ashton,

lifted it out of the window,
and carried it down the fire
escape and into his car.

He drove immediately
back to the house,

where ashton's body was
lowered onto his own bed,

which was directly
under the window.

But where did the muddy cat
tracks on the counterpane
and body come from?

Clinker had been
taken away by keene.

Oafley, knowing that
keene had been there,

found a strange cat
and made the tracks himself.

In doing so,
he was badly scratched.

And he sent himself
a telegram to furnish
an alibi.

As he was miles away
at the time the murder
was committed,

he considered
himself quite safe.

Now in the meantime...

[knock on door]

Louise devoe was nervously
waiting for the return
of her killer groom.

She heard a knock.
putting the diamonds quickly
into the desk drawer,

she opened the door
and was horrified
by the appearance

of the man that she
and oafley thought
they had killed.

Iaxter wanted to know
what they had done
with the caretaker.

Seeing the broken crutch,
he demanded the diamonds.

Devoe backed to the desk
drawer to get a gun.
laxter saw the jewels.

As louise devoe took
the gun from the drawer,

laxter, in self-defense,
struck her with the
caretaker's crutch.

Panic-stricken
at what he had done,

laxter pocketed the diamonds
and hurried away.

Is that right, mr. Laxter?

Yes, sir.

That's just how it happened.

We now come to my client,
douglas keene, and his
bloodstained suit.

Some minutes after
peter laxter's
hasty departure,

a visitor arrived
for miss devoe.

He knocked, and getting
no answer, tried the door,
which was unlocked.

The visitor was sam laxter,
who had walked from his
attorney's office

to have a little talk
with miss devoe.

You remember she had
been trying to put
the blame on him,

and he wanted to put
a stop to it.

While he was in the apartment,

douglas keene
knocked on the door.

Sam quickly hid in a closet.

Keene came into the room.

He saw the body, and his
first impulse was to call
the police immediately.

He decided he didn't want
to be mixed up in this
thing, and he hurried away.

Sam came out of hiding.
he, too, was afraid that he'd
be accused of this murder,

and now he knew exactly
where to throw the blame
and probably make it stick.

He rushed
out of the apartment...

jumped into the truck,
which ashton had left there,

and drove to douglas keene's
rooming house.

He cut himself with a knife
and put blood all over
one of keene's suits.

He had to find some
alibi for those cuts,

so on his way home,
he deliberately drove
into a fireplug,

smashed the truck up a bit,
broke the glass, and had
a good alibi for his cuts.

Your honor, I move
for a dismissal

of the charges against
the defendant, douglas keene.

I request that frank oafley
be held for the murder
of charles ashton.

For the death of louise devoe,

peter laxter will plead
self-defense, and I will
defend him.

Motion granted.

Case of the people
vs. Douglas keene
is dismissed.

Court is adjourned.

Thanks, mr. Mason.

Nice going, perry.

Don't I get any syrup?

Oh, I'm sorry, della.

Service? Service, please.

And I'll bet
in a couple
of years,

we'll have a chain
of waffle shops.

Wonderful business, love.

Or so I'm told.

Just what are you
trying to do, mr. Mason?

Do?

Are you tickling my ankle?

Why, della...

well, you certainly are.

Do you think that...

[clinker meows]

Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!

I'm so sorry.

I thought it was you.

No, but it's a very good idea.

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