Original subtitles

This is my boss,

Jonathan hart, a self-made millionaire.

He's quite a guy.

This is Mrs. H. She's gorgeous.

She's one lady who knows how to take care of herself.

By the way, my name is Max.

I take care of both of them,

which ain't easy, 'cause when they met...

It was murder.

[♪♪]

[Piano playing]

[Trumpet playing]

[Barks]

[Music continues]

Sound all right?

Wonderful! How are you, Russell?

For an insurance salesman, I'm still a superb hot piano player.

I can certainly see that. What are you guys up to?

- They're perpetrating the St. Louis blues. - Mm-hmm.

I'll give it to you straight.

The occupational Hazzard jazzband needs a trumpet

for the next two weekends.

I'm practicing to get my lips back.

I've never complained.

Where's your regular trumpet player?

He had to fly to Philly, a fire chief's convention.

We're playing at a place called Sasha's.

Any of the old faces from the band?

The only familiar face from Jonathan's days

is the trombone.

Larry fields, the stockbroker.

Oh, I remember him.

Yeah. Now we've got a psychiatrist on drums...

That'll get rid of his aggressions.

And a TV star on clarinet.

Really? Who's that?

Steve Allen.

Hey! I see him all the time.

He's very funny. You know, the meeting of minds.

With all them great intellectuals.

[Russell] When it comes to his clarinet, he's very serious.

He sits in with us whenever he's in town.

Great. I'll open some beers.

Come on over here. None for me, Max.

I'm on the wagon.

I have been for three months.

- Oh? - I saw a doctor.

- Did you? - [Jonathan] Everything all right?

Yeah. I'm just one of those guys who, after two drinks,

Mr. Hyde comes out.

Well, that's great you're doing that.

And I've got a lady who's helping me stay on the wagon.

Oh, Russell, sounds like someone's going to save you from bachelorhood.

Her name's Victoria Wilder, and she is a beauty.

She sings with us now and then.

Victoria Wilder?

Isn't there a Victoria Wilder who's an heiress to something or other?

[Russell] You got it. Five and dime stores.

But ever since college, all Victoria's been into

is bessie Smith and Billie holliday.

And you're going to love her.

Hey, I've got an idea.

Why don't I take a cassette machine

and tape you guys tomorrow.

A recording session, huh?

I love you so much.

These past few months have been the happiest ever for me.

Mmm, darling, I love you, too.

Very much.

Well, I've asked you to marry me.

Now, why don't you just say yes.

It's not that simple, Russell.

Why not?

Give me a little time.

Maybe there's a way

it can work out.

Work what out?

You leave it to me, darling.

Now, why don't you go catch a swim?

I'll watch you from the window.

All right.

[Door opens]

[Door closes]

[Knock on door]

Come in.

I've ordered your car for 8:00,

miss Victoria.

Thank you, Anita.

Do you think it's wise, Victoria...

His being here all the time?

He stays at a hotel.

He sleeps here.

Don't you see? I love him.

Victoria...

You're so lovely.

He'll only hurt you.

He's kind.

It's the money he wants.

It's what they all want.

If I were like you and could have my pick,

I would search the world,

and I'd be very, very sure.

You don't love him, do you?

I do.

You'd give up this, the estate,

the house, car, chauffeur, clothes,

everything, to run off with him?

I can't just break it off.

Of course you can.

It's for your own good. He can handle it.

Be a good girl, for both our sakes.

Break it off.

[Playing jazz]

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

While the blood returns to our lips, we'll take a little rest.

Then we'll be back to play another set for you. Thanks.

[Applause]

Bravo! Bravo!

I think I got the whole thing.

Hey, Jonathan, I think you hit a high c, man.

I know, but I was trying to play it in b flat.

[All laughing]

- Where's Victoria? - She'll be here for the second set.

- You know, that's a beautiful instrument. - Oh, thanks.

Oh, yeah. That's a selmer. That's over 50 years old.

As a matter of fact, uh, Russell gave it to me.

- I was playing this old horn and he said, "try this." - Ahh.

Yeah, I switched from trumpet to piano about 20 years ago.

And it was just sitting around gathering dust

and it's a great horn, I wanted to see it taken care of and played.

Oh, there's Victoria.

Why don't you ask her to come on over.

Yeah. Listen, order me a ginger ale, will you?

Sure.

- I'll wait here. - Okay.

Hi.

Hey, come on out front.

I want you to meet a couple of special people.

Russell... We've got to talk.

Hey, why the sad face, baby?

I've been thinking about us.

Yeah? Well, darling, what about us?

If we got married, there are certain sacrifices

that I would have to make.

Sacrifices?

Wait a minute. I love you. You love me.

Now, what's the matter?

Everything was all right this afternoon. What happened?

Please don't make it any harder than it already is.

Wait a minute.

We're not talking about some casual affair here.

It's not you and me any longer, Russell.

I don't know how to make it any clearer than that.

I'll leave this with you.

Give me a ginger ale.

[Grunts]

How are you? Good to see you.

Uh, on second thought, uh, make that a bourbon.

A double.

Jonathan hart.

Hello. Jonathan, would you light me, please?

That's a very attractive case.

Is that all you find attractive?

Uh, this is my wife Jennifer.

Oh.

[Sighs]

Are you taping tonight?

Oh, uh, I... Yes. I'm trying to.

I would love a copy.

You would?

Mm-hmm.

Sure.

Thank you.

Where is Russell?

He's over there.

Well, that's odd.

He told us he'd been on the wagon for the past couple of months.

I think I'll check him out. Excuse me.

Gentlemen, we're not being paid

to sit around and socialize all night.

Are you kidding? I'm not being paid at all.

That's all right. Come on, guys.

[Plays "call to post"]

Post time.

Hey, Russell. Russell, we came here to play.

What do you say you put the drink down.

I'll have this one to go.

And now let's have a big round of applause

for the prettiest member of our group,

Victoria Wilder.

[Cheering]

Thank you.

We're going to try a real old one.

It's one that Ethel waters used to sing.

It's called "go back where you stayed last night."

[Playing jazz song]

♪ Go back where you stayed last night ♪

♪ get away from my door ♪

♪ another baby's my regular now ♪

♪ I don't want you no more ♪

♪ in another candy shop ♪

♪ go and buy your lollipop ♪

♪ be on a hop ♪

♪ papa, 'cause I'm sure through with you ♪

♪ I've been a big chump long enough ♪

♪ from now on I'm gonna be mean ♪

♪ so find another station ♪

♪ to get your supply of gasoline ♪

♪ and when the back of your collar is showing ♪

♪ then I know doggone well you are going ♪

♪ back where you stayed last night ♪

♪ I don't want you no more ♪

♪ Now when the door is slammed in your face ♪

♪ it just means no more parking place ♪

♪ go back where you stayed last night ♪

♪ I don't want you no more ♪

[Audience cheering]

Thank you.

[Bangs piano keys]

Oh... [Chuckles]

Sorry, folks, looks like we just lost, uh, half our rhythm section.

[Rimshot]

So, uh, we'll be back in a few minutes.

- I'll look after him. - I think the problem is Victoria.

Why don't you let me talk to Russell.

Okay. Will you put my horn in the case.

- Sure. - Thanks

Russell.

Get out.

Leave me alone.

Hey, you'd better switch to black coffee

or we're going to call it a night and take you home.

Who does she think she is?

I'll kill her. I swear, I'll kill her!

You're not gonna kill anybody. Give me the glass.

Maybe you didn't mind when she dumped you

but she's not doing it to me.

Look, Russell. That's the booze talking.

Frankly, you're better off without her.

Get out.

What happened to Russell?

I don't know.

Larry went back to cool him off.

Russell?

What?

Oh!

You know, Larry's right.

I am better off without you.

Let's leave him out of this.

Get away from me.

Tonight was all my fault.

Why I said what I said...

Listen to me, Russell.

I never should have sung that song.

I should have realized.

Oh, I should have realized.

Russell?

Hey, Russell's mad as hell. He threatened to kill Victoria.

- What? - Yeah.

Threatened to kill her?

Come on, darling, we better get some coffee into him and drive him home.

- Come on, Russell. - Russell.

Let's try to put humpty dumpty back together again.

Here's a little coffee.

♪ And when the door is slammed ♪

You'll make sense of it in the morning.

Here you go. Have a sip. Go on.

He's been on the wagon a couple of months,

has a few belts and, uh, really lost it.

Darling, can you get my trumpet? It's on that shelf back there.

- Oh, sure. - Come on.

Come on. Try a little coffee.

Jonathan.

Looks like a blow to the head.

Jonathan, you've got to talk to her for me.

I can't talk to her, Russell.

She's dead.

Dead?

Oh. Excuse me.

I'm miss Wilder's secretary.

Where is she?

I'm afraid there's been a terrible accident.

What happened?

Oh, my lord.

Victoria.

I'll call lieutenant grey.

[Rotary telephone dialing]

[Jonathan] Lieutenant grey, please.

[Jennifer] Russell!

Jonathan?

Too dark to tell which way he went.

What are you going to tell lieutenant grey?

The truth.

He left in a hurry.

[Lt. Grey] Now, let me go over this again.

So far, we eliminated Mr. Allen

and Dr. Bargy.

They were both out front

when miss Wilder was killed.

Now, miss boyer...

You've examined this purse.

To your knowledge, nothing else was taken

but the cigarette case?

Correct. Only the gold case Russell Robinson gave her.

Miss Wilder have any enemies that you might think of?

No, sir.

Well, thank you. That will be all.

Do you have transportation to get home?

Yes. Miss Wilder's car and driver followed me here.

Very good. Thank you for coming.

Mr. Fields, you're a stockbroker by profession.

Yeah.

- And you play trombone with the band. - That's right.

[Lt. Grey] You've known Russell a long time?

[Fields] Mm-hmm.

What can you tell me about him?

Well, I don't want it to look like I'm out for Russell's hide, or anything but, uh...

He threatened Victoria.

Are you sure about that?

Yeah. I heard him.

Are you willing to sign a deposition to that fact?

Sure.

Thank you very much, Mr. Fields.

We'll keep in touch.

I appreciate all your help.

Jonathan, I wish I can buy your theory

that Russell ran out of the club because he was upset.

Do you have any idea what the murder weapon was, lieutenant?

From the looks of it, I'd say it was a blunt instrument.

But we'll wait for the autopsy report.

What do you two know about the late miss Wilder?

Only that, uh,

Russell was very much in love with her.

I've never seen him more happy until they had some sort of argument.

Don't you think it seems funny that, uh,

this guy fields is incriminating Russell?

How does he fit in the picture, besides being in the band?

Well, you see, Larry was going with Victoria before Russell.

In fact, he introduced the two of them.

Lieutenant, I sat in with Russell

in a lot of college bands.

I've known him for a long time.

Believe me, he's not a killer.

If I was to convince him to give himself up, would it help?

Of course it would help.

But you've got to understand the man was drunk, threatened to kill her,

and when he heard the word police, he split.

Look, I'll do a little more checking on Larry fields,

and if you hear from Russell...

Yeah, I, uh... I know your number.

And if we do get him to come in,

you'll, uh, give him a little help?

- We'll do our best. - Okay.

First thing in the morning we'll check his last address.

- [Lt. Grey] Okay. - Thanks, herschel.

Okay.

You're the only one that's left to handle

the estate of the Wilders?

There is no one else.

Victoria was the last of the Wilders.

I'm afraid I'm all she had.

You and Victoria were very close, weren't you?

Hardly.

She was, um...

Well, not the easiest person to deal with.

But I guess I was up to the task.

Quite frankly, she was spoiled

and i... I didn't much care for her.

Do you think she loved Russell?

Victoria and men, it's a mystery.

Do you know where we could find Russell?

Like most of her gentlemen,

he just turned up here one morning and stayed.

He did have an apartment, but I would have no idea where.

Miss boyer,

do you think that someone could have profited financially

from miss Wilder's death?

I'll be blunt, Mr. Hart.

Victoria went through everything that her grandfather left.

In order to pay her creditors, this house will have to be sold.

I see.

Oh, uh, excuse me. I'll get our coffee.

Thank you.

If we're gonna locate Russell before the police do,

we'd better do better than we're doing here.

But all we have to go on is that cigarette case.

Yeah. That had an inscription on it from Russell.

It said, "to v from r."

If Russell still has it on him,

it'll certainly link him up with the murder.

You know, if a store sold a fine gold cigarette case like that,

personally inscribed,

there should be a receipt for it.

Either for the inscription or for... or for the purchase.

And they usually have the name of the purchaser

with his address on it.

Are there many stores like that?

Well, we can always do what the phone company suggests,

let our fingers do the walking.

Yes, Mr. Yuld, we've already called Tiffany's and Van cleef's.

You see, we're starting at the a's, and now we're down to the y's.

Thank you.

[Whispering] He's checking his custom orders for the initials.

"Yuld" rhymes with "mulled."

Shh.

You do?

Oh, that's wonderful, Mr. Mulled... yuld.

Uh, what's his name?

Robinson.

And the address?

Park century east luxury apartment hotel.

Well, he's registered and his clothes are in his room.

We'll set up a stakeout until he gets in.

Thanks for your help, we'll take it from here.

You'll go as easy as you can on him, will you, herschel?

Don't worry about it.

We're not going to open up fire on him.

When he comes in, we'll just take him into custody.

- Yeah. - All right?

By the way, does he carry a gun?

Not to my knowledge.

Just a mild-mannered insurance salesman who plays the piano.

Hey, Russell!

Russell!

[Siren wailing]

[Chatter on police radio]

Get out of the car, Russell.

You're under arrest for murder.

- You okay, Russell? - Yeah.

Why did you run from the club that night?

The truth.

I found her cigarette case in my pocket.

In your pocket?

I swear I don't know how it got there.

I was scared and I ran. Wouldn't you?

[Lt. Grey] You got an alibi for all this?

[Sighs] Victoria was in the room.

I blacked out. When I...

Came to, you were there...

She was dead.

I believe you didn't do it, Russell.

Oh, yeah, you just hang around with the police for the fun of it.

Running isn't going to help.

Well, it is when you don't have any answers.

Now, let's go.

You have the right to remain silent.

If you don't have a lawyer, we'll get you one.

He's not guilty.

I know.

But unless we come up with some answers he can't,

it'll be an open-and-shut case for a jury.

[Blowing]

You know, I got him arrested.

No, you didn't.

You only tried to help him.

I called the county jail this morning,

and he won't see me.

There's a dent in this horn.

There is?

It's a blood stain.

Where?

Right there.

Well, lieutenant grey

did say that Victoria was killed by a blunt instrument.

No pun intended.

You know, this trumpet was on a shelf

when Victoria and Russell were alone.

You mean, you could've been carrying the murder weapon around with you?

While the police were fine-combing the club?

Well, I didn't know anything about it,

I hadn't picked up the horn for a week.

[Gasps]

Larry put that case into the room.

And he was awfully fast to accuse Russell.

But he's not our man because he was sitting with us

when Victoria was murdered.

We're his alibi.

Oh, boy.

With friends like us, Russell hardly needs any enemies.

We not only lead the police to him,

but we provide them with the murder weapon.

You know what I can't believe?

Is that Russell loved this trumpet as much as I do.

And drunk or sober,

I can't believe that he would use it as a murder weapon.

I don't think that would stand up in a court of law, darling.

Well, we put him in jail,

and we're going to get him out.

We'll take him back to the scene of the crime

and, uh, see if that can refresh his memory.

Jonathan, this better be good.

The captain, he likes to keep his murder suspects in jail.

We appreciate it very much, herschel.

Just trust us, okay.

Russell...

I want you to think very carefully.

You left the piano after Victoria sang her first song.

You came back here. You argued.

Right.

Do you think you could have killed her with this trumpet?

No!

I loved her. I wanted to marry her.

Besides, I never even saw that trumpet in here.

Larry fields said he put it on this shelf.

He told me so.

Then somebody must have moved it.

Maybe somebody was in here at the time.

Somebody who would use it to kill Victoria.

I didn't see anyone else.

I played her number, I came in here.

Larry told me to try and forget her.

Then?

My head was spinning, I...

Hey, we argued the first time, not the second.

The first time you came back here,

you were sober.

The second time, you were drunk.

Now, do you remember anything then?

Try to think back.

Uh... She wasn't mad.

She said she'd made a mistake.

She put her hand to my face.

I blacked out.

Whoever was in here,

could've been hiding back here.

They could've overheard the argument,

heard them patching it up,

and then killed her with the trumpet.

The body was here.

The blow was to the back of her head.

She didn't see the assailant. And he was out cold.

So what you're saying is the murder weapon was the trumpet.

That's exactly what I'm saying, lieutenant.

That the murder weapon is the trumpet.

All right, look, his preliminary hearing is set for next month.

Jonathan, give me the trumpet.

Maybe there's a fingerprint on it

that you haven't rubbed off yet.

The next time I play that thing,

I hope you're playing piano.

I hope so.

Let's go.

Oh, do you want to hear that tape I made of the band?

Yeah, sure. Put it on.

♪ Go back where you stayed last night ♪

We don't sound too bad, do we?

No, not bad at all.

You know, when I realized I couldn't be Louis Armstrong,

I took a daytime job.

I'm glad you did.

Yeah?

[Laughs]

[Knock on door] [Jennifer] Hello.

[Woman] Oh, do come in.

Mr. and Mrs. Hart, please come in.

I'm Mrs. Essen of beach view real estate.

- Oh, how do you do? - How do you do?

I have to ask you one question.

It's for the office, not for me.

Are you looking at the house

because you saw the ad in the paper,

or did you just happen to drive by

and see the for sale sign?

Well, actually, Mrs. Essen,

we're looking for Anita boyer.

Oh, how nice.

Then she recommended you look at the house?

Oh, I don't mind sharing a commission with her.

The market is soft, as we say at the office,

and a sale is a sale.

Well, actually, we're not interested

in seeing this house at all.

Oh, I know, the price is 2 million.

But when I tell you the price is negotiable, you will be interested.

If Ronnie and Nancy came down a half a million in price,

anybody will.

Actually, uh, we are interested in seeing the house, Mrs. Essen.

We... we are.

It's just that we expected to see Anita boyer.

Then please, sign the register.

Go ahead, darling. Sign.

The stairway is on the left.

Any questions, I'll be right here.

Excuse me, I have to phone my office.

Mmm. Oh, look at the hardwood floors, darling.

- Parquet. - Butter.

Darling, why are we house hunting?

Well, I was hoping to find something that would prove

that Russell and Victoria are still in love with each other.

Oh.

[Sighs] Let's see what's in here.

Well, this is funny.

[Jonathan] What?

She has duplicates in every outfit.

Well, maybe she liked the styles.

In different sizes?

What do you mean?

Well, look at this.

You saw Victoria, she's about my size.

That's for a small woman.

Well, the only other woman in the house is Anita.

Well, she's small.

Well, why would they keep their clothes in the same closet?

Beats me.

And one arabian gentleman is interested

in the house because it faces east.

Mr. and Mrs. Hart were here?

They're upstairs now.

In this house?

Looking through the bedroom?

Get out, you idiot!

Well, they used your name.

And don't you dare speak to me in that tone.

You're fired. Get out.

I'm not accustomed to being spoken to

in that manner by a secretary.

Me? A secretary? Oh, don't make me laugh.

Get out. Get out.

Strangers trekking through my house.

[Shudders] It gives me the willies.

Don't be curious, Mrs. Hart.

I'll let you dress up since you seem to be so interested in the wardrobe.

As prospective home buyers, do you think we're entitled to a free phone call?

Who you gonna call?

Lieutenant grey.

Anita boyer led us to believe

that she was not too fond of her late employer.

Lieutenant grey, please.

You don't share a closet with somebody you don't like.

Hmm.

Hello, lieutenant? It's Jonathan hart.

Yeah, Jonathan?

Lieutenant, what did you get on Anita boyer,

Victoria Wilder's secretary?

Got? Eh, nothing. I questioned her and I let her go.

Run a check on her for me, will you, please.

Let me know what you find out.

Well, what am I looking for?

I don't know.

Yeah, thanks, herschel. I appreciate it.

I'll talk to you.

He'll call us at home. Come on, let's go.

- Jonathan! - Don't touch him!

Not just yet.

What are you talking about? He's hurt.

He'll come around.

Don't worry. I want him to.

I just need a little time to get you ready.

Ready for what?

You and Mr. Hart are going to make

a very attractive couple, Victoria.

I'm Jennifer, not Victoria.

You will be whoever I tell you to be,

or your husband will never wake up.

Sorry, lieutenant. All I get from the Wilder house

is an answering service.

And you're sure the harts went there?

Yeah. They should have been here an hour ago.

Maybe they got caught up in freeway traffic.

Maybe.

You look worried, lieutenant.

I am, Max.

Jonathan asked me to run a check on Anita boyer.

The FBI has a set of her fingerprints.

You mean she's got a criminal record

- with prints on file? - No, Max.

The FBI has a set of her prints on file

because ten years ago, she worked at a hospital,

a psychiatric hospital.

Better Anita worked at the hospital than being a patient there.

And hospital records show

that her main duties was to take care of one wealthy patient,

Victoria Wilder.

And that's where they first met apparently.

And now Victoria's dead.

I've got the address of the Wilder house

written down in the kitchen.

[Lt. Grey] You read my mind.

Max, does Jonathan carry a gun?

No. Why?

Because according to police records,

Anita boyer has a permit for one.

Let's move it.

Where's my wife?

I told you to be patient.

You men are all alike.

Never give a girl time to get dressed.

[Jonathan] Dressed?

Are we going someplace?

No. Dressed for at home.

It's just the two of you.

Oh, I might poke my head in now and then.

Ah, she should be ready.

And Mr. Hart...

Do exactly what she tells you to do,

or I'll kill you both.

I understand.

We're heading upstairs.

I'll be right behind you.

[Sighs]

[Door opens]

Ah. Doesn't miss Victoria look lovely?

Yes, she does.

[Anita] What man can resist her?

You do find her alluring, don't you?

Yes, I do.

You're just like all the others,

Russell and Larry...

So many more.

You told me all about the affairs,

didn't you, miss Victoria?

Anita, I'm not Victoria.

Dressing me up in her clothes doesn't make me her.

Victoria's dead.

[Scoffs] Victoria can't be dead.

I am Victoria.

Put the gun down, Anita.

Don't tell me what to do.

I am the Victoria Wilder.

And I had to kill Anita.

She defied my orders.

I permitted her all the lovers she wanted,

all the handsome young men

who would never love someone like me.

And when she fell in love with Russell

and threatened to leave you,

you killed her.

Yes.

So when Victoria went to sober Russell up

to tell him she loved him,

you were hiding in the dressing room.

You hit her over the head with Jonathan's trumpet.

And then you planted the cigarette case in Russell's pocket,

so they thought that he would be the murderer.

Victoria...

There's lovely lingerie in the bureau.

I think this man might work out very well, Victoria.

Ah, very good, Victoria.

Slip into something comfortable.

- There you go. - Oh, boy.

He is handsome.

[Dog barking]

We're in luck.

Lieutenant grey and Max.

Really? Well, they must know we're here.

Our car's outside.

[Lt. Grey] "Car tape, play loud."

Let's go.

What was that about?

Hopefully, in a moment you'll hear.

What are they up to?

[Music playing on car stereo] ♪ ...Another station ♪

♪ to get your supply of gasoline ♪

♪ and when the back of your collar is showing... ♪

[Anita] Stop it!

Anita, stop it.

♪ ...where you stayed last night ♪

Stop it!

Stop that!

Anita!

Anita! Anita.

I didn't! Anita.

Anita killed Victoria?

No, that's the other way around.

Book this woman and get her to a doctor.

Help me, Max.

Hey, look at this.

We were lucky.

We could've been the late show.

[Trumpet playing]

Wonderful.

- Oh, thanks, darling. - Mm-hmm.

- You know something? - What?

- I love you. - Aww.

- I really do. - Mmm.

- [Groans] - What?

Oh, are your lips sensitive?

- Very sore. - Sore from practicing?

- Yeah. - Well...

It's a wonder wives can put up

with jazz musicians that their lips are so sensitive.

Well, it can be done.

- Oh? - Yeah.

Artie Shaw was put up with by eight wives.

- Eight? - Mm-hmm.

Well, it's obvious that jazz and marriage doesn't mix.

Well, Artie Shaw was an exception.

Who else?

- Charlie barnett... - Uh-huh?

Six wives.

Really?

Amazing.

Well, I'm awfully glad that you're a musician...

By hobby,

and an executive by profession.

Ah. You mean like, uh, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr.?

Exactly.

Seven wives.

Really?

- J. Paul getty... - Yeah?

- Five. - Huh.

- Jonathan... - Hmm?

Do you know you're so romantic?

No, but if you hum a few bars for me,

I'll try to play it for you in b-flat.