All language subtitles for Shakedown 1950

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

(grunts)

(upbeat music)

Let's go.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

- Oh, information desk.

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

- Hey, you changed your hairdo.

I like it.

- Well, thank you.

He's been trying to get a

job here as a photographer.

- Well, I'd like to see a fellow like

that get a job here.

- Well, that's funny.

I was thinking the same thing.

(indistinct chatter)

(indistinct chatter)

- I'm sorry, Mr. Ernie,

you may as well stop trying.

You see, we can't hire a photographer

who hasn't had newspaper experience.

- And I can't get

experience without being hired.

What was better?

I can't afford to stop crying.

- This is good.

Think we can use it, come with me.

(indistinct chatter)

(indistinct chatter)

- When did this come in?

- David, look at this.

- How did you get it?

- Well, I just happened to be passing by.

- Good, we can use it.

- That's what I thought.

- All right, whatever your name is,

you've just sold a picture.

- Congratulations.

- Well, thanks, Miss Bennett,

but you see the picture's not for sale.

What I want is a job.

Put me on for a week on a trial basis.

Stop me as of today

and you own this picture

because I took it on your time.

- Look, young fellow,

I'd like to see ambition,

but you can't pull that

sort of thing on the newspaper.

- No, you'll have to forgive me.

You see, I have no newspaper experience.

- We got it all figured out, haven't you?

- We could use another man.

- All right, put him on for a week.

- Thanks, Mr. Glover.

- Take Skinner out of the

doghouse and put him in.

- Well, you got your wish.

- I feel like a lad.

You know, the guy with the lamp,

Robert and the photo

shows up with the rent money

or a light lunch.

Incidentally, Miss Bennett,

what's this doghouse business?

- Oh, I was afraid you'd ask me.

It's lost and found dogs.

It's not much of a job, but

you might get some experience.

- Robert.

- I can't tell you how

much I appreciate this.

- It's only for a week, but--

- This might tone in the dark.

Who knows what it might lead to.

(dog barking)

- You the new man?

- That's right.

- Well, I'm one of the

old ones, Fred Thurman.

If there's anything you

need that you can't find,

give a shout.

- Thanks.

- I hate street accidents.

I can't stand the sight of blood.

You can tell I picked

this one with my eyes shut.

- Many pictures of pictures.

- How did it go?

- I'm not sure.

Pretty bad, huh?

- No, they're not bad, but--

- But you can't use any.

- No, but--

- I didn't think you could.

- Why did you take so many?

- It's maybe the last chance I have.

I want to make it count.

- I can understand that.

Everybody feels like that the first day,

but after a while--

- After a while, I may not be here.

I don't have any days to waste.

Could you have done it with me tonight?

- Well, yes, I'm free,

but I was just thinking

if you'd like an advance in your pay,

I think I could arrange it.

- Well, that won't be necessary.

Do you have any objection

to having done it with me?

- No, not at all.

If you can stand my cooking.

- I'll take a chance.

This is the address.

- That's very nice of you.

Thanks.

- Want some more coffee?

- Thanks.

Who's this, you landlord?

- He's nothing of the kind.

He's a dentist and a

very good one from Portland.

His picture's there because I love him

and I expect to marry him.

- When?

- Well, he practices in Portland

and I have a standing offer of

a job with a Portland Herald.

- That'll be a mistake.

A dentist should be seen twice a year.

- Not that one.

I go up to Portland to see him every week

and I can get away from the paper.

- You must take a lot

of your bridge work.

- I love it.

- Then you're gonna

work after you're married.

- Until I'm bogged down in babies.

- I don't think I'd want my wife to work.

- I don't think you've

thought about it very much.

- Yeah, I guess you're right.

You still haven't told me

when you're gonna be married.

- Well, I'm not sure,

maybe in a couple of months.

Whenever I'm ready to leave here.

Why?

- A couple of months.

That doesn't give me much time.

- I guess it's time for you to go.

- This is the kind of

living room I'd like to have.

You don't see the place I live in.

You could fit my whole

apartment into your bedroom.

Blink those long lashes of yours,

you knock over a tripod.

Ellen, can you be honest with me?

- Of course, why not?

- You invited me here, didn't I?

Why?

- I don't know, Jack.

I suppose I felt sorry for you.

- Ellen, nobody has ever

been as nice to me as you have.

You're spoiling me for

the rest of the world.

- You'll give them all.

- Incidentally, that's a

very bad habit you have.

Leaving your latch key

out of the dorm, then.

- I think you'd better go.

- Good night, Ellen.

- Good night. - That guy's flaking with the undertaker.

- Stay with him for a while,

the romance might be interesting.

(car engine rumbling)

- Bill!

Bill!

- The door's jammed, I can't get out!

- What's your name?

- Help me with sinking in the mud!

- What's your name?

- Joe Darling, pull me out for you!

- Sink your head out the window, Joe.

- I can't get through without help.

You'll have to pull me.

- All right, now reach your arms out

and look up towards the sky.

- Bill, help me with me.

- Thanks, Joe.

- Hey, where you going?

I'm drowned!

- I'm drowned!

- Come in trouble down

there, see if you can help him.

I'm gonna call an ambulance.

Daily record.

- With really a beautiful piece of

newspaper photography.

- It was luck, I just

happened to be passing by.

- It was more than luck.

- What do you mean?

- It was lucky you

were around at the time,

but just being there

doesn't get the shot.

- Oh, don't undersell luck.

Just pray that it holds up.

- Luck's mighty important in this racket.

- But unreliable.

- After a while, you

won't have to depend on that.

You'll develop contacts who'll phone

and tip you off to things.

- Yeah, I guess you're right.

- See you later.

- So long.

- Good luck.

- Early, another good picture.

How'd you happen to get it?

- Well, I was just passing by.

- The next time you just

happened to be passing by,

I suppose you call it this,

so we can get a story to go with it

before you bring your picture in.

This morning we had

the only picture in town,

but we didn't have a story.

Early, what we're

trying to do on this paper

is to put out the best sheet we can.

We're trying to do this together.

We're not competing with each other.

Understand?

- I understand.

- Tell Thurmond to

come in, will you please?

- Thurmond!

(people chattering)

- City desk?

- Yeah.

- City desk?

Thurmond?

Yeah, he's around someplace else.

Fire?

Where?

- Yeah, I'll give him

a message right away.

- Yeah, got it.

- Anything doing early?

- Not a thing, Thurmond.

Not a thing.

- By the way, Glenn.

- Press.

- I don't care if you're the mayor.

People trapped up there and you ain't

helped us get them out.

(sirens blaring)

- Hold it!

Go ahead, jump!

- He just happened to be passing by.

Well, maybe you're right.

He's certainly lucky enough.

- He's also alert,

and he has one other

qualification for the assignment.

He's here.

- Yes, that's important.

None of the others will be back in time?

- No.

- Not a one.

- All right.

I'll come in and see me.

- Right.

- Good afternoon, Mr. Aladdin.

- No matter what you may hear,

I did not set that building on fire.

- Dave is still riding you.

You mustn't mind him.

His bark is much worse than his bite.

- Please, I wish you

wouldn't use that expression.

- Jack, you've got an assignment.

- Boston found, darling?

- No, a real assignment,

and you better hurry in and see David

before he changes his mind.

- I'll be around and see you tonight.

- No, you can't do that.

I have to go to point--

- Leave the key under the map.

- You've heard of Nick Palmer.

- Yes, sir.

- He's managed to score him out

of several well-earned prison sentences.

He's being booked today.

He'll probably regal right out.

Your job is to go down

there and get a picture of him.

- Sounds easy.

Anything in particular you

like in the way of angles, sir?

- Yes.

I'd like to see his face.

- Oh, sure, but--

- Listen, all the papers in town

will be covering the

criminal court's building

just in case, but Palmer doesn't

cooperate with photographers.

The stuff in the

morgue is five years old.

And that's only with

his hat covering his face

or the back of his head.

We'd like to get more.

- I'll get it, sir.

- Early, you don't seem to--

Never mind.

- Thank you, sir.

Early, yes, sir.

- Are you from the south?

- No, sir.

- And cut out the sir.

- Right.

- Nick didn't get here yet, did he?

- Now what are you gonna do, kid?

Take a picture?

- I'm gonna get an explosive.

- Oh, you are?

Oh, well, how about sharing it with us?

Here he comes!

- Don't try it, boy, unless Nick Palmer

gives you more cake.

- No, that's fine.

- Hello.

Isn't this Nick's car?

- I don't think I know you.

- Well, that's easily fixed.

Jack Early, the daily record.

- I was happier the way it was before.

- Is it people in general you don't like

or just me in particular?

You can't be me, you don't know me well

enough to dislike you.

Must be people in general, huh?

- Go away.

- On the other hand, you

seem to dislike me enough

for us to be old friends, Miss--

- It's Mrs.

Mrs. Nick Palmer.

Now please go away.

- Nick's wife?

Now I'm really impressed with Nick.

Nick's gonna pose for

me when he comes out.

- I changed my mind.

Don't go away.

I want to be here when you

get Nick to pose for you.

- You think he won't?

Listen, sweetheart, I

have a way of getting people

to do what I want them to.

- This is your chance.

Here he comes.

- Will you pose for me, Mr. Palmer?

- Hey, don't point that thing at me,

it might go off and hurt someone.

- He'll be a bonus for me

if I get an exclusive of you,

Mr. Palmer.

- Exclusive?

You must be new around here.

You know, Mr. Palmer, if you keep on

acting the way you do,

the public will get an

impression that you're a crook.

- What?

- If I don't get this

picture, my paper will dig up

that old one of you

covering up your face.

After all, you're a businessman.

Hiding behind your fedora like that,

who's gonna have confidence

in your perfectly

respectable enterprises?

Now why not try it my way?

Just give me a couple of seconds,

and tomorrow morning

you'll be delivered with a milk

looking like George

Washington, I promise you.

- You know, I don't know

whether you're a bright young man

or a liar.

People that lie to me aren't very bright.

- I know it.

You check me for what

appears in tomorrow's paper.

- I will.

- What about my picture?

- All right, make it fast.

- Thanks, Mr. Palmer.

That fast enough?

- You know, I like bright young men.

You know where I live?

Be there four o'clock

tomorrow and see me.

- I'll be there, Nick.

- I'll be reading the papers too.

(car engine revs)

- Did you get it?

- How did you do it?

- Hey, did he close for you?

- We're all set then.

- This does it, Ellen.

- O.P.R.E.

You want me to just for a minute?

- No.

- Your boy came through.

He got Thomas' face all right.

- Yeah, my boy came through.

I didn't know it was impossible.

- Well, I don't know.

Thomas, did he get

Palmer a photo for him?

- Well, however he managed to get it,

I think he's proved himself.

- Which means you'd like to keep him.

Is that it?

- We'd be fooled if we did.

- Oh, I don't know, Ellen.

I just don't know.

Everything he's done

means boosted circulation, but

I don't like him.

- Maybe that's because

you don't understand him.

He's told me a little about himself.

The usual story, one

meaningless job after the other.

- He's never really had a

chance to aim at anything.

- But he's got such a

terrible driving ambition.

- But that's a virtue, isn't it?

- The feeling I get from early is that

he'd stop at nothing,

and that's not a virtue.

- All he needs is a chance,

and then he'll settle down.

You don't like him, but he's a good man,

and we can use him.

- Yeah, maybe you're right.

Don't think it over.

(footsteps)

I really will think it over.

- Ellen, are you going

to Portland this weekend?

- Well, no, I don't get busy.

- What's that?

- I have a lot of work I

want to straighten out.

(bell ringing)

- I guess that was my first frustration.

(dramatic music)

- You're not listening.

- I'm sorry.

I'm a little tired.

- No, you're not.

You're annoyed at yourself.

- I don't know what you mean.

- You canceled a dentist appointment.

- I couldn't make it this weekend.

I have too much work to do.

- And you left the key into the man.

- Hey, wait a minute.

Walk to my ground at the nearest exit.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

Hurley, what are you doing there?

- Well, there was a report that a lady

slipped in the bathtub.

- Hello?

Yes, David.

No, of course, I'm perfectly all right.

You did?

Wonderful.

(sighing)

Of course I'll tell her.

Yes.

See you Monday.

Congratulations.

- What for?

- You're on the staff.

Permanently.

- Thanks, Ellen.

- You were, David.

- I know I owe this to you.

- You've been a little bit

on since it was all your own.

- I'll always be grateful to you, Ellen.

- Jack, you need have

no feeling of gratitude

toward me or anyone else.

- My feeling for you goes a

lot deeper than gratitude.

(dramatic music)

(phone buzzing)

(phone ringing)

- 2.30 in the afternoon.

That's nice.

That's the way people should live.

- For a moment, I was

afraid you wouldn't approve.

- You like some coffee?

- Oh, thanks, Noah.

You invited me to come and see, yeah?

I thought now would be a good time.

I thought I told you four

o'clock would be a good time.

I know, but I wanted to

see you while you were still

impressed with the fact

that I made you look good,

like I said.

- All right.

We are impressed, like you said.

- It was so

flattering, my boss accused me

of being your son.

Just what do you expect to

get out of impressing me?

Well, I have a way of

just happening to pass by

at important moments and taking pictures.

At the office, they call it luck or

journalistic instinct.

I let them call it whatever they like.

What do you call it?

Planning.

- I see.

Well, just where do I

enter your planning?

- Well, I thought

sometimes there might be something

interesting happening that

you know about in advance,

and you could tip me off.

And then sometimes it'd be

favors I could do for you.

- That's what I would

call pretty good planning.

Are you interested in money?

- Fascinating.

By money and by what money can buy.

- Do you ever hear of Harry Colton?

- Who hasn't?

He's a one man crime wife.

- You've heard of him.

- Could I have some of

that coffee you offer?

- Sure.

- I'll get it.

- Now, Colton is what

I call a criminal type.

He used to be one of my collectors,

but he developed molasses fingers,

so I closed him out.

And he went off the deep end.

Now, it could be dangerous.

Might even develop into a menace.

Found to kill somebody someday.

I'd even be a policeman.

- Well, I'm a photographer.

I may be in a rut, but at

least it isn't six feet deep.

- I advise Colton to leave town,

but he didn't take my advice.

- I don't like to use

violence, even against violence.

That's where you come in.

- You'd like to see

him framed, is that it?

- I'd like to see him embarrassed.

I happen to know of a pretty big project

that Colton is

contemplating right now, a robbery.

If it comes off,

there'll be no stopping him.

If he's caught, the police

will dispose of him for me.

- What do you want me to do about it?

- You're going to take a picture of him

committing that robbery

and print it in your paper.

- Wouldn't it be simpler

just to tip off the police?

- That wouldn't be very bright.

The word would get

around if there was a tip off.

Now, if you caught him with your camera,

you'd have to do the trick

and look like an accident.

- You just happen to be passing by?

- Sure.

It'll be worth a couple of grand to me.

- A thousand now and a thousand

when the picture comes out in your paper.

- I'm in.

- Good.

Told you he was a smart boy.

I'll go get your down payment right now.

(door opens)

(dramatic music)

(door opens)

- I go for the setup.

Nick has everything I

like, including you.

- Well, if you're as

bright as Nick thinks,

you can get everything you like.

- Including you?

- That's not being bright.

- How come you married the Daily Double?

Isn't that your type?

- I don't like to be talked to this way.

- Sorry.

I'm just a growing boy.

- Well, if you want to continue growing,

keep your mind on your camera.

- Maybe I can't.

Come here.

Sit down.

Now, I want to

explain this very carefully.

This is the Grant Avenue entrance

to the Golden State Department Store.

(dramatic music)

(water running)

- Daring daylight robbery of one

of the world's largest department stores,

the three bandits made

their way to the store's vault

on the point of guns

concealed from everyone

except those at whom

the weapons were directed.

After emptying the vault of its cash,

the Balkevich was in

bills of small denomination

The three coolly ordered one of the

clerks to wrap the money in packages.

This done, they then found and gagged

several employees with

contact with them and strolled.

Miss Bennett, please.

Hello, Ellen? This

your old friend Aladdin?

I've been rubbing that lamp again.

I just happened to pass by the Golden

State this afternoon, getting a few shots

of the afternoon shoppers.

Now, wait a minute.

Relax.

I'll bring them right

over to your office.

Department store each day.

The culprits were hasty in the case of

Walter Poole of Oakland, California,

floor manager for the Golden State.

Poole struggled free of his bonds soon

after the robbers left and gave chase,

only to lose them in the

crowds outside the entrance.

There are no fingerprints to aid the

police in hunting the bandits,

but some of the currency taken was

enlarged in nominations.

The insurance company, when

contacted by this commentator,

asked me to announce that a reward of

$5,000 will be paid for information

leading to the capture of the bandits.

In all, preliminary guesses put the total

loss in the neighborhood of $200,000.

This theft takes its place in San

Francisco Crime Annals

is one of the most...

♪ (dramatic music)

- You are Aladdin,

this is really remarkable.

- I didn't get the faces.

- I think that would be too much to ask

unless you had known about it in advance.

- Yeah.

- I asked David to give

you a byline on this picture

and he's agreed.

When the paper hits the

streets, Jack, you'll be famous.

- I'll introduce only

the best cold creams.

(footsteps)

- I don't think I'll be able

to keep our date for dinner.

- Well, I'll be

working late tonight anyhow.

- I'm sorry, Ellen.

- That's all right, I understand.

(door opens)

(door closes)

(door closes)

(footsteps)

- Yeah, this could make

a lot of trouble for us.

But it ain't.

- You're right, now

explain to me why it ain't.

- I'll explain

nothing, I'll show you why.

- Let's pour in this one

too, that's your idea, fun.

I guess you don't know

much about photography.

As long as I have a negative,

I can make as many of those as I want.

- Okay, you wanna sell

it to me, is that it?

- Wrong again, the

negative's not for sale.

It's kind of a life insurance policy,

if you know what I mean.

If anything happens to me,

the negative goes to my newspaper

and of course the cops, understand?

- Okay, that's your protection for me,

now what's my protection from you?

- You buy your protection from me.

- I know that, how much?

- $25,000.

- Too much.

- Not for a man that

picked up such a big bargain

at a department store today.

- How do I know your honest?

Maybe you'll turn in the negative

after I give you the doe.

- Why would I do that?

They just make me exchange the $25,000

for a gold medal and a pat on the back.

- Give it to them, Roy.

Some money, the money.

- Count it carefully, if you make a

mistake, I'll be back.

- Look, in small

bills, how do you carry it?

- Put them here.

- Aren't you worried you

might lose it on the way home?

- No, I'm not afraid.

If I lose it, I'll just have

to come back here for more.

Well, I'll say goodbye

now, I don't like to overstay

my welcome.

- Wait a minute.

- You know, there's nothing in our deal

that says I can't do this.

(dramatic music) (dramatic music)

(wind blowing)

- Look, Mark, I want

to do a little shopping.

Shirts, thighs, shoes, a suit or two.

- See this suit?

Two pair of pants, my wife hates it.

But then again, she hates

everything, especially me.

All day long, I wheeled a

float around bucking traffic

and what does she do?

Place can ask.

- Tell me more.

- What did you say?

Hey!

(whistling)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

- My butler let you in?

- Now the old crow down stairs, I gave

her a couple of bucks.

Sure smells in here.

- There's nothing before you got here.

- You're not very neat, Harry.

- This is what you took, you

can afford a vacuum cleaner.

We checked them all.

It's not here.

- Of course it's not here.

As far as you're concerned,

that negative's buried in Fort Knox.

- Well, it was a try.

Never get the brass ring

and let you reach for it.

- You're a philosopher.

- Flag it?

- Now I suggest you bait it.

- Answer me one thing,

how'd you happen to

get that picture of us?

- I don't just happen to do anything.

- You mean you were tipped off?

- Of course.

- Well, there are ways of

finding out who tipped you often.

- One way of finding out is to ask me.

- What?

- Ask me.

- All right, ho.

- Nick Palmer.

- Palmer?

- I don't know if you

boys will run along.

I have a little house cleaning to do.

I'm moving tomorrow and I have to pack.

- There, making a

moving in with Nick Palmer.

- I wouldn't advise him.

He's not safe company anymore.

Anybody that puts the finger on me

is living out borrowed time.

- I'm not interested in the

next future or lack of it.

Oh, well, I call him.

You know, I think you owe me something

for that information.

- Yeah, how much?

- Well, let's say,

let's see even so that.

- Save it.

Take good care of that negative.

(dramatic music)

- Well, say, there's something I'd like

to talk to you about.

- Anytime for him, any time at all.

- Oh, what about right now?

- Anytime of now, that is.

You wanna see me?

- Oh, yes, early.

- Yeah.

- You know, I've just

figured out that your income

is probably larger than your salary.

What do you mean?

- Well, that robbery

exclusive, paid to your bonus.

- $25.

- Thanks.

- Thanks a lot.

This is going toward a new car.

- I might as well tell

you I hired you reluctantly.

I didn't like you.

- And now?

- I like your work.

You're good for the paper.

You're getting to be an

important man around here.

- Well, thanks again.

- As I was saying, I

didn't want to hire you.

It was Ellen who talked me into it.

- Then I'll thank her.

- Ellen's a wonderful girl.

- Yes, I know.

Not only that she's one

of the most capable people

around here, but as a

person, she's very fine.

- You don't have to sell Ellen to me.

- I'm not trying to.

I just want to make sure

that you appreciate her

as well as I do.

- I don't know quite

how to tell you this.

After all, you are my boss.

- Speak freely?

- Well, I don't think

that what you've been saying

is really any of your business at all.

- I'll get you right.

- Thanks.

Thanks for the check.

(crowd chattering)

(singing)

- Mr. Early is here.

- Tell him we're busy.

- I told him you were

just about to have dinner,

but he said it was very important.

- All right.

- Well, let's go into dinner anyway.

Oh, you're too clever for me, darling.

(door opens)

- I like the way you people eat.

- What was so important?

- Remember I told you I wanted to make up

for not coming

through on that golden deal?

- Remember I told you

that if anything came up,

I'd call you.

- Well, something has come up.

I got a tip from the paper.

They're gunning for you.

- Gunning for me?

- They're always gunning for me.

- They're gonna close

up one of your places,

the Bay View Club.

- When is this supposed to happen?

- Starting tonight.

- Thanks, Jack.

- Well, don't you think

you ought to get down there

and get everybody on their toes?

- No, I'll just make a phone call.

Did you have your dinner?

- Well, uh...

No.

- You're perfectly welcome

to join us if you're free.

- As a matter of fact, I am.

Thank you.

(car engine starts)

(car engine starts)

- I started at the bottom,

but to follow my progress,

you'd have to dig a hole.

- You're a bright boy.

You get along.

What's the matter?

You in a hurry?

(tape rewinding) - No, but don't you think you ought to

make that phone call?

- Yeah, I think I will.

Excuse me.

- Nita, I want it.

- I hope you've

enjoyed Nick's hospitality.

- Nita, I want to talk to you.

- You have been very nice

and fairly quiet all during dinner.

I find I like you better that way.

- I've said this so many

times without meaning it.

Look, Nita, you've got to believe me.

- This is conversation.

This is the real thing.

- Look, why don't you?

Don't bother to apologize.

Just get out.

- Nita, listen to me.

- Please just go.

- You're afraid of Nick.

That's it, isn't it?

- No.

I love Nick.

You don't seem to be able to understand.

- Don't hand me that.

What can Nick mean to you?

The paradise that reached seven,

first class in the Queen

Elizabeth, Miami in the winter?

- Yes, that.

But it means much more than that to me.

And this you will never understand.

- You're afraid of him.

- Goodbye.

(dramatic music)

- I'm sorry I'm laid off.

Don't be angry.

- But you're two hours late.

- I know, and I'm very sorry.

- Why didn't you call me?

- Ellen, please.

- You look so tired, Jack.

- Go hunting.

- Get out.

You've run.

- Does that mean I have to marry you?

I refuse.

- I wouldn't marry you if

you were the last man on Earth.

Unless you ask me.

- Matrimony is a state I don't recognize.

It's not love, it's pots and pans

and a conversational

fistfight every Saturday night

where the paycheck is the purse.

Say, something's missing in here.

- From the chest?

- That's right, the dentist.

What did you do with this picture?

- I felt guilty looking at it.

- You didn't throw it away.

- No.

It's in the drawer.

- Never throw old bows away, Ellen.

Save them all and make a quilt.

- Come on, sit down.

I'll be right with you.

You must be half-sucked by now.

You haven't eaten yet, have you?

- Oh, no, no.

(dramatic music)

(coyote howling)

- Carl.

- Yeah?

- Look, Jack earlier gets here.

Tell, am I?

I've been waiting for you, Jack.

- I got your message at the paper.

At least I guess it was from you.

- Of course it was me.

Who'd you think it was?

- Oh, I couldn't be sure.

You didn't leave your name.

- Think I should have?

- I guess not.

What's it all about, Nick?

- Something important has come up.

Could be very profitable to you.

- What is it?

- This could mean real money to you.

- That's the kind I like.

- Maybe 5,000.

I've gotta leave.

Walk out with me.

I can't explain

everything to you right now,

but come to my apartment tonight.

- I may be working.

I can't be sure when I can get away.

- You live before nine, can't you?

- I think so.

- Be sure you get there before nine.

- What's so special about nine?

- I got a call.

I don't know what it's

about, but it seems important.

- All the time.

- What?

- Nothing.

- So I've got to leave at nine sharp.

- Tonight?

- Of course tonight.

I mean tonight.

Didn't you understand I

was talking about tonight?

- Yes, yes, I'll be there.

- All right.

(engine rumbling)

- Five times.

(dramatic music)

(engine rumbling)

(dramatic music)

(engine rumbling)

(gun firing)

(dramatic music)

- Wait, I never

thought early it'd be late

when it came to money.

You did a beautiful job of messing me up.

I'm afraid you better take a cast.

- Well, all right, dear.

Bye.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(gun firing)

(giggling)

- Are you trying to

tell me that it's no good?

- No, my question is, is it too good?

- Look, the police have my story.

They questioned me again this morning.

I've told it over and over again.

I had an appointment with Nick.

He never did tell me

what it was all about.

I was late.

I tried to catch him in the garage.

When I got there, the car was smoking.

A couple of seconds

later, the bomb went off.

- Composition, lighting, focus.

- All perfect.

(laughing) Listen.

You may not believe this,

but I'm allergic to bombs.

I even suspect that I'm

in the same room with one.

I can't help it.

I just have to leave.

- Funny, I feel the same way

when I'm in the room with a liar.

However you got it, it was just about

the greatest news photo ever snapped.

Life and time are reprinting it.

Our feature syndicates got a

beautiful contract for you.

- From now on, you're

out of the snake pit.

Only special assignments.

- Mother told me

there'd be moments like this.

- Don't kid me early.

You never had a mother.

You were put together

in some machine shop.

You can think, but you can't feel.

You're stepping all over people

and climbing all over

them to get to the top.

You're no good.

You're no good at all.

- And you're green with envy, Glover.

You've got no guts.

- You don't hate me because

of any photographs I took.

You hate me because of Ellen.

You're in love with her.

You've been in love with her for years,

but you haven't gotten there enough

to come out from behind your desk.

Run away, Glover.

The truth hurts.

(phone ringing)

- David, how is he?

- Oh, he's as good as he ever was.

He'll be out in a few days.

- Did he sign the contract?

- No.

- Did you talk about it?

- Well, sort of.

I'll discuss it with

him when he gets out.

- Did you tell him what's involved?

- No, I didn't.

And I'd rather that you didn't either.

I have to be going, Ellen.

I'll see you later.

- Hello, baby.

I wondered when you'd be around.

- Oh, I came the first moment I could.

- I rubbed that lamp a

little too hard this time.

- I flew up in my kisser.

- It's a miracle you weren't killed.

How do you feel?

- Great.

Sit down.

- Jack, that palm of

pictures causing so much talk.

I spent the entire morning

turning down magazine office for you.

- I've had offers?

- At least 10.

I love being able to tell

them to go jump in the lake.

- Hey, wait a minute.

- Our publisher was terribly impressed.

- Those offers are on a level.

- He told David to sign

you to a feature contract

matching the best of the office.

- I don't want a contract.

I think I can do better

now playing the field.

- Well, there's a

little more to it than that.

They had quite a talk.

He sort of implied that

if David didn't get you,

he might as his job.

- Well, it's too bad for

David because I'm not signing.

- Jack.

- I'm not signing with anyone.

The way I figure it,

I can cash in more on

that picture if I freelance.

- But David gave you your first break.

- I earned what I got.

I don't need to feel grateful to anybody.

- Darling, it's only

the one year contract.

- I can't spare the time.

- Jack, I hate to ask

you this, but for me.

Jack, as a matter of decency.

- Decency is another

word that goes with it.

Integrity.

Look, Ellen, I've known a lot of guys

that talked about decency and integrity.

I knew a guy once, a wonderful old man,

a genius with a camera.

He used to take

pictures of trees and clouds

and children playing in

the sands at Ocean Beach.

He tried to show me the beauty he saw

in people in the world.

He was a great man,

Ellen, and there were others.

Guys with paint

brushes, guys with typewriters.

I even knew one who had a butcher shop.

And you know what?

They all starved to death.

Decency and integrity

are fancy words, Ellen,

but they never kept anybody well fed.

And I've got quite an appetite.

- Salty.

- Nita, I just wanted to

tell you how sorry I am.

- Thanks for sending all

those messages of sympathy.

- I guess I know better than

most what Nick meant to you.

I can appreciate better than

most what you meant to Nick.

- That's the nicest

speech I've had all week.

- Nita, if there's anything I can do,

money or anything.

Nick didn't exactly leave me penniless.

- I'm trying to offer

my friendship, Nita.

- He didn't leave me friendless either.

- I'm no longer with a paper.

And I find myself a big time photographer

all because of that picture of...

It was a miracle that I

happened to take a picture

of Nick at that moment.

- I read all about it in the papers.

I had an appointment

with Nick and I was late.

- I know.

- I feel like a ghoul.

I feel guilty somehow.

- There's no need for you to feel guilty.

It's not as if you were

responsible for Nick's death.

- I have several

assignments that'll take me

out of the country.

When I get back, I want...

I want you to call on me if

you need help for anything.

- All right, Jack.

If I ever need you, I'll call for help.

- Thank you.

- Goodbye, Jack.

(children laughing)

(dramatic music)

- Hello, you got her?

She's there?

Okay, hold on.

All right, fellas.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

- Good evening, Mr. Early.

- Glad to have you back.

- Thanks, sir.

It's good to be back.

- I saw you picked you to shine in.

Look, they were simply terrible.

No, I mean wonderful.

You know what I mean.

- I know what you mean, darling.

And I thank you.

(dramatic music)

- Good evening.

- Amazing.

You look wonderful.

- Thank you.

Thank you for the bracelets.

- But you're not wearing it.

- It doesn't go very well

with what I'm wearing tonight.

But it is very nice.

- And very expensive.

- Yes.

- Leader.

- Yes?

- What do I have to do

to make you understand

how I feel about your robber bank?

- I think you made yourself clear.

- Then why don't you

do something about it?

- I am?

Good evening, Mrs. Palmer.

Nice to see you.

- Oh, good evening, Mrs. Spencer.

- Mrs. Spencer.

- Good evening.

- A beautiful purse.

- Thank you.

Very few people recognize natural pearls

as quickly as you do.

- You get to know the

things you love best.

And pearls have always

been a great favorite of mine.

Oh, I want to...

Excuse me.

(dramatic music)

- Hello, early.

- Oh, hello.

- Why didn't you return my call?

- You're tired of...

- The big spread my magazine wants early.

A room by room layout of

the Worthington mansion

and coverage of the big

charity ball to be held there.

- I do a layout of a flea

party and a barley flop bus

if there's enough money in

it, but you won't pay the fare.

- We're offering you our top rates.

- The top's too low.

A pearl's expensive.

- What?

- Don't worry.

- The Worthingtons are one

of the most important families

in the country.

At that ball will be a concentration

of the wealthiest

families in the country.

- Yeah, I know, great context.

- I mean wealthy in a way you don't know.

By just the jewelry

that'll be worn that night

will represent millions of dollars.

- That's wealthy in a way I don't know.

- And you can arrange a

schedule of the suit yourself

so long as the layout of

the house is done in time

to run it with the coverage of the ball.

The Worthingtons will

be very cooperative.

- Any other photographers?

- Exclusive coverage by Jack Early.

- All right.

Wonderful, wonderful.

(dramatic music)

(phone ringing)

- All right, Chuck.

- Well, look who's here.

- Yeah, he's changed.

- Hello, Glorra.

- Well, Mr. Early.

- I see you're still wearing that mask.

- Would you like me to

tell you why I'm still here?

- Not particularly,

maybe some other time.

Where's Ellen?

- She's away for the weekend.

I believe she met in Portland.

- Portland?

- Yes, Portland.

Nice place, nice people.

- But she'll be back Monday.

- She'll be back Monday, but I'm afraid--

- Bye, Glorra.

(people chattering)

- Mr. Early, I'm sorry I can't show you

the rest of the house myself.

I hadn't expected you today.

- Oh, I guess I

shouldn't have come on Sunday.

I can come back tomorrow.

- Perhaps one of the servants can show

you through the house.

- That would be fine.

Oh, Mrs. Worthington, if

it's all right with you,

I'd like to wander around alone

and sort of get the feel of the place.

- That sounds very sensible.

I'll tell everyone you're to

have free run of the house.

- Thank you.

- Will you excuse me?

- Of course.

(somber music)

(car engine rumbling)

- Ellen.

I've been trying to reach you.

I wanted to see you long before this,

but I've been so pissed.

Forgive me?

- Jack, I'm very tired.

- Please, Ellen.

- Trains always tire me, and

I haven't eaten since noon.

- Have dinner with me, Ellen.

- No, I think I'll just

take what I can find here

and throw right in a bin.

- Please, Ellen.

I must talk to you.

It's a matter of life or death.

(somber music) - It's been so long

since we've seen each other.

I've missed you, Ellen.

- I didn't miss you at all.

What was this life or death matter

you wanted to speak to me about?

- I just wanted to talk to you, Ellen.

It's been so long.

I've missed you enormously, Ellen.

I found Europe as empty as a paper bag.

Nothing but cafes, cathedrals, hotels,

and people selling each

other their crown jewels.

Well, I guess you're tired.

Maybe we ought to save

this for some other time.

- As long as you're here,

there are a few things I'd like to say.

I...

I spent the weekend in Portland.

- Yes, I know.

How is your dentist?

- It's all over.

It has been for some time.

I just went up there to

make it official and clean.

Do you remember my telling you

that David would lose his job

if you didn't sign that contract?

- Yes, but he didn't lose it.

He's still there.

- He told the publisher if

you remained on the paper,

he'd quit anyway.

He said that people like you were bad

for the whole profession of journalism.

Our publisher agreed with him.

David said you were a

ruthless opportunist,

with no feeling for anyone but yourself.

He said that you would

inevitably get into trouble

you couldn't get out of and that

you'd probably drag a lot of people down with you.

- What are you trying to tell me,

that Glover doesn't like me?

I knew that the first day I met him.

- I'm trying to tell

you that David is right.

I'm telling you in the slight hope that

you might listen to

him and think about it.

- I don't believe in that kind of thing.

- David makes a lot of sense, Jack.

You do well to listen to him.

- Sure he makes sense.

He's trying to poison

your mind against me

because he's in love with you.

- Oh Jack, you'd better go.

- I might as well.

- And Jack, please

don't come here anymore.

- You'll change your mind.

We've been too close.

- Precisely.

(dramatic music)

- What do you want?

- The world on a

platter, the Italian Riviera,

gin rummy at a baller of point.

In other words, money.

- Yeah, you better what

you're gonna get from us, beat it.

- Take it easy, Harry.

This time I'm giving, not taking.

Pay attention to me and

the first thing you know,

you can throw away your gun.

(gun clicks)

- Exhibit A, the wording in the state.

Bedrooms, grounds, the works.

Exhibit B, floor plan of the ballroom

showing the

disposition of the armed guards.

- I know who went for

this and you know it.

- Exhibit C, six

especially engraved invitations.

They'll roll out the red carpet for you

and your boys, Harry,

and you can use it to

wrap up the million dollars

worth of jewelry that'll

come staggering in under.

- I thought that would interest you.

Incidentally, there's a

wall safe in that panel

in the library if you have time for it.

- Okay, I'm interested.

What's the deal on this?

- Well, since I'm only planning it and

you're carrying it out,

I won't be greedy, let's

say 25% for you and your boys.

- You think we're worth it?

- Go on, get out of here

before I throw you out.

- I think I can persuade

you to change your mind.

- You changed the

deal, I'll change my mind.

- What do you mean, change the deal?

- Make it 50-50 instead of 75-25.

- All right, 50-50.

- What about that one?

- We won't be needing this one now.

I've got some more groundwork to do.

Study those pictures very carefully.

I'll check with you later.

- This looks like a pushover, Harry.

Everything's laid down laps.

- Yeah, there's only one

thing I don't like about it.

- Really?

- Harry, maybe I should up and do it.

I'd take a chance in that negative

he's got getting into the wrong hands,

but I can offer a newspaper man

just isn't being done this season.

Unless...

Get me the number of the bag you club.

- Come in.

- Oh, check, darling.

The pearls are beautiful.

- I was beginning to think

there's Bob within in a draw.

Listen, baby, I'm coming in

with an awful lot of money

in the next few days, so

get your passport in order.

Get Vases for Italy, England, and France.

We'll have a lot of fun together.

You can show me the real Paris.

Well, this is your hometown.

- Chateau.

- Chateau.

- I can never say it the way you do.

What's the matter, darling?

- It's been some time since Nick's death.

- Yes.

Time enough for the

police to close the case.

Time enough for everyone

to have forgotten Nick.

- I haven't forgotten him.

That's why I've waited as long as I have.

Nada, I want to marry you.

Don't say no, Nada.

Don't make up your mind tonight.

Think it over.

- I'll think it over.

I'll let you know, Jack.

- Dyson's truly.

(audience chattering)

- I'm Harry Colton.

- I know.

- Nick and me weren't friends.

- I know.

- But he was the kind of

a guy, well, regular like.

You know what I mean.

- Look, Colton, suppose you

tell me what this is all about.

- It's like I said, I

wasn't in love with Nick

and Nick wasn't in love with me.

So you can put this down as a grudge.

- I'm here to tell you who killed him.

- Go on.

- A photographer.

You know who I mean.

- Is this an idea of

yours or have you any proof?

- Proof is for lawyers.

They did it, that's all there is to it.

- Tell me something.

How do you happen to know early?

Is it because of that

whole picture in the papers?

- No, the one that wasn't in the papers.

Early got our faces that day.

Just happened to be passing by.

Came to see us and I still feel that

visit in my pocketbook.

- So that's the way it was.

But he said, oh, if I were sure I'd.

- Hey, wait a minute.

I don't want what I told

you to get you into trouble.

Now Nick was smart about these things.

- Oh, Nick, Nick.

- I still can't figure out why

he wanted to get rid of Nick.

- I can.

- Take it easy, Mrs. Farmer.

I'd like to fix it myself

because of what he did to me.

But it's gotta be done right.

- Colton, you can help me.

You know about such things.

- Well, early came to

me with a deal today.

- Will you help me?

- That's what I'm talking about.

But it'll have to be timed.

We'll have to work out

everything very carefully.

Now there's this ball at

the Worthington mansion.

Near the building, near the ballroom, is a library.

- This should be the library.

- Yes, it is.

(crowd chattering)

- Now I'd like one of the two of you

standing at the top of the staircase

about to make an entrance.

Mrs. Palmer's in the library.

Need her?

(dramatic music)

- I wanted to give you my answer, Jack.

- Need her.

(dramatic music)

- You have about 15 minutes.

- What are you talking about?

- You wouldn't understand.

It has nothing to do with

big cars and expensive jewels.

- Baby, you're crazy, I didn't.

- You didn't what?

- Baby, I love you.

There's nothing I wouldn't do for you,

nothing I haven't done for you.

- You and I are the only

ones who didn't forget Nick.

Maybe because I loved him.

And you because you killed him.

- Need her, I didn't kill Nick.

Are you out of your mind?

If you kill me, you'll be caught

and it'll be all for nothing.

I didn't kill Nick.

- Colton's men brought me,

and he'll pick me up right there

after Colton's business is finished.

- Colton?

- Yes, Colton.

Wait time, you're

right, into your own plan.

- It was Colton that killed Nick.

Don't you see, Needer?

You're being tricked, don't you see?

- Yes, I see.

- I can prove I didn't do it.

I can prove it.

- Go ahead, prove it.

- Let me make a call.

I could have something brought out here

that'll prove it wasn't me.

I can get it here in 10 minutes.

Let me call.

- All right, let's go ahead.

But don't do anything silly.

(laughing)

(phone ringing)

Oh, oh, excuse me.

(phone ringing)

Hello?

Yes, I know.

- Listen to me, this

is terribly important.

I'm at the Worthington

Estate in Burlingame.

I want you to get into a

cab and bring me that picture

that's on the mantelpiece.

You know, the dentist?

Please don't ask any questions, Ellen.

Just believe me when I tell you

it's a matter of life or death.

- I'm sorry, Jack.

We're having a

birthday party here for David.

- Please, Ellen, I've

got to have that picture.

I hid something behind it.

If you don't get into a cab and--

- Jack, you're being silly.

Don't you understand?

My days of catering

to your whims are over.

- Ellen, for the love of--

If you ever cared anything about me.

- I'm sorry, Jack, I just can't.

- Ellen!

- Well?

Well?

(screaming)

No, no!

No!

No!

No!

No!

(gun fires)

(screaming)

(gun fires)

(screaming)

(gun fires)

- Here it is, and it's a honey.

Where's that new kid, the

one who covered the ball?

- Cover?

- It's a good picture.

- Yes, sir?

- Let's hear you lead.

- Um, shortly before midnight last night

at the Worthington Charity Ball,

Jack Early, world-renowned photographer,

in a magnificent display of courage,

foiled a robbery

attempt and went to his death,

photographing his own

murder in the act as he died.

- All right, you were there.

- Thanks, Mr. Glover.

- It's a great picture.

And I'll bet for the first time,

he really just happened to be passing by.

(dramatic music)