Original subtitles

You want one?

Oh references.

Oh sure.

I'll be glad to give you some references.

Let's see.

You can call Senator Hugh Oglethorpe.

No, no, no.

You better not.

I beat you.

We played golf yesterday.

You can call Sid Dreyfus.

Mm -hmm.

That's Judge Sidney Dreyfus.

Yes, State Supreme Court.

Oh, that reminds me.

I'm supposed to have dinner with him tonight.

Pardon me while I make a note of that, will you?

I have Judge Dreyfus.

Bill Curtis.

The law firm of Curtis Arthontitis.

Just a minute, Mr.

Shane.

Just a minute, please.

I broke my...

How embarrassing.

I broke my pencil.

All right, I have another.

Well, don't try to pole vault with it.

You got Curtis, hmm?

Yes, Mr.

William Curtis.

He's in the Belfonte building.

And let's see, then there's...

Put down Winfield Brown, sanitary engineer, South Main Street.

And if you want any more, Richard Mangan.

I'm sure these references will be ample, Mr.

Shane.

Please come tomorrow morning at 10 o 'clock.

Oh, I expect to be busy on a very important case tomorrow.

I've got to come over now.

I can be there in a few minutes.

No, you mustn't.

Mrs.

Murdock would be furious.

Please wait until tomorrow.

We'll expect you tomorrow at 10.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Mrs. Murdock

Sure, Dad.

10 o 'clock.

Mr. Shane

Good morning, Mrs.

Murdock.

I'm afraid you've made a mistake.

I'm not Mrs.

Murdock.

Oh, dear.

I'm, uh, I'm Mrs.

Davis, Mrs.

Murdock's secretary.

Ah, for a minute I didn't think you were going to remember.

You're early.

I'll tell Mrs.

Murdock you're here.

What is it now?

Mr.

Shane is here to see you.

You know me, but I don't want to see anyone until I finish my breakfast.

I'll have him wait in my office.

Oh, very well.

Show him in.

Hurry up!

You can go in now.

Thanks.

When I say ten o 'clock, I don't mean nine -fifty or nine -fifty -nine,

I mean ten o 'clock.

Well, Mrs.

Burdock, you know what the book says about the early bird.

No worms yet.

Hey, can't tell what you'll have left finding an old barn like this.

Oh, but...

Oh, you're not quite what I expected, Mr.

Shane.

Oh, what did you expect?

Top hat, striped trousers, and cutaway?

Hardly.

Something fat and egg -spotted,

with dirty fingernails chewing on a filthy cigar butt,

and with its hat on its head.

Heh.

How'd you happen to call me?

You were selected for the scientific method of using a pin on the classified

section of the phone book.

Oh, and I got stuck, huh?

I hope I shan't be.

What's on your mind?

When my husband died, he left me a valuable collection of old coins,

the rarest of which was a brasher doubloon.

A what?

A brasher doubloon.

It doesn't mean anything to me.

Here.

This is a brasher doubloon.

It's an old American gold coin about the size of a twenty -dollar gold piece.

Ordinarily, a copy is worth several thousand dollars,

but mine happens to be particularly valuable because the designer,

a man called Brasher,

put his initials on the left wing of the eagle instead of the right.

That's very interesting.

What about it?

According to you, I called me up yesterday, said he had a mate to mine.

Wanted to sell it to me.

That rows my suspicions.

I've been through my collection.

The doubloon was gone.

It was stolen.

But it didn't work out under its own power.

Why didn't you call the police?

Because it was stolen by one of my own family.

Oh, how chummy.

Who?

My daughter -in -law.

I have an idiot for a son.

About a year ago, a nightclub entertainer, appropriately named Linda Conquest,

married him for my money.

They came to live here.

Apparently, I didn't support them according to her expectations.

She left last week without saying goodbye or letting us know where she could be

reached.

The reason is obvious.

You think she took it, huh?

I don't think.

I know.

Well, what's worrying you most?

Do you want to get the...

Want you to call it back, or do you want to get your son unhooked?

No.

I'm hiring you to get the doubloon back and to arrange a divorce without cost

to me.

Suppose she didn't take it?

I expect you to prove that she did, and I'm asking no questions.

Well, when are you going to charge me?

Well, a dame like this, Lindy, you know,

she probably won't settle for less than 50 ,000.

And, you see, if I should keep her from making a bite like that on you,

I think it's worth about 10%.

$5 ,000?

You're crazy.

Oh, no, I'm just smart.

Well, I'll cut it in half.

I don't want a chattel mortgage on you.

Just a few days of your time.

You drive an awfully hard bargain.

Now, wait, I'll tell you what I'll do.

Make it $1 ,000, 500 cash.

Now, that's the lowest I can go.

How do I know you're worth that much money?

Well, you checked my references, didn't you?

I tried to.

Murrow, make out a check to this young bandit for $500.

The only one of your references I could contact was the Mr.

Wingfield Brown.

And for your information, he is not a sanitary engineer.

He isn't?

No, he's a plumber.

Why that rat, he lied to me.

Lied to you.

Say, if your son is around, I'd like to have a- Yes,

he knows nothing about this.

I thought he might know where his wife is.

Well, he doesn't.

He doesn't even know the doubloon has been stolen.

Well, OK.

Your deal and the cards are gonna only play what you give me.

Say, what's Linda look like?

Have you got a picture of her?

No.

She's blonde, pretty, I suppose, and of course, kind of way.

Well, that helps a lot.

That narrows the field down to a quarter of a million.

Oh, stop waving that thing at me.

Mind you, keep your mouth shut about this.

If Leslie gets to hear it, I shall know who told him.

There's your check.

Thank you.

Oh, uh, I almost forgot.

What's the name of the coin dealer that phoned you?

Washburn.

He lies for Washburn, I believe.

Lies for Washburn.

Well, guess I can't make any more money around here.

Ashley, you can't.

So long, Toots.

Toots.

All right, take it easy.

Don't let that old sea cow get you down.

You mustn't talk about it like that.

She's very good to me.

Oh, yeah, I can believe that.

I suppose that flood of salt water is tears of gratitude, huh?

Please go.

Yeah, well, in a minute.

But first, do you know any of Linda's friends,

anybody who might know where she is?

Only a Lois Morny, an old school friend of hers.

She knows Lois Morny, huh?

I can't tell you any more without specific instructions from Mrs.

Murdock.

Well, an early bird will get fatter on here.

Bye -bye.

Who is that?

I can't tell you, Mr.

Murdock.

You're going to tell me.

I said, who is he?

He's Mr.

Shane, a detective.

What was he doing here?

Your mother hired him.

I don't know why.

She told me not to tell you.

If you tell her I did, shut up.

I won't tell her.

Washburn's going to the stands.

Who's calling, please?

I'm calling for Michael Shane of Shane Incorporated.

Just a minute.

Yes?

Mr.

Shane, calling you.

Oh, uh, Mr.

Washburn.

Yes, I'll put Mr.

Shane right on.

Ready on phone form, Mr.

Shane.

Oh, hello, Mr.

Washburn.

Mr.

Washburn.

I understand that you deal in old coins.

Of course I'm interested in old coins.

That's my business.

Mmm, good.

I think that I have an item that might interest you.

Could I come right over?

Well, it's lunchtime now, then I have an appointment.

I'll be back about three o 'clock.

Three o 'clock, huh?

Okay, I'll be there.

Well, business is really picking up when the worm comes to the early bird.

Why did my mother hire you?

Your mama told me not to talk to you, so you just go play in your own sandbox.

You're going to tell me.

Oh, dear.

Please excuse what is about to happen.

I'm not kidding, Shane.

Now, Leslie.

Now, you want to be more careful with these things.

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

You know, I'm beginning to dislike you.

You better get going.

Hello, sweetheart.

Hello, Mr.

Shane.

Union depot.

Yes, sir.

What do you want?

Here.

Is Mrs.

Morney in?

She not home.

Hey, wait a minute.

How do you know if you don't ask her?

She already told me.

Look, wait.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

This is the dog I'm supposed to be aware of.

I can't get into it.

Well, what do you want?

Oh, I'd like to ask you a question.

wife a few questions if you don't mind that's a good one he thinks you're Alex

oh you mean you aren't what's on your mind let's see it he's a snooper Lou will

you put matadori pen please he's awfully cute any I mean the dog oh won't you

sit down mr.

Shane yeah sure thanks you know you can't be much of a detective or you'd know

Lou Venter oh I was just being diplomatic nice have a drink no thanks I never

touch it before six oh then sometime after six sometime maybe yeah maybe say I

understand that you know a girl named Linda conquest do I who said so a worm's

mother you know what she is somebody drowned in the pool a week or so ago we

didn't look to see who it was now look now finding there is just a matter of

time but you could be an awful lot of help to me if you wanted to maybe you

could make me want to if there weren't so many people around well you mean to

say we're not alone all right wise guy on your way now it's a very funny thing

but sometimes I have a little head noises you know it sounds just like voices I

said get out I heard it again right there oh don't don't one hand did you see

that I guess there's no use my sticking around here any longer not as long as

you have another.

a woman on your mind now well bye bye bye oh don't forget some time after six

some time yeah.

You're all wet.

Look, I'm getting off sick of this.

What's the idea of tailing me, huh?

Take it easy, Shane.

Take it easy.

Here's my card.

All right, get confidential.

What's on your mind?

I wanted to find out if you were smart enough to be worth talking to.

Look, I'm very smart.

It'd be a shame not to talk to me, but you're gonna make it fast.

I think our interests are the same.

What makes you say that?

I saw Leslie Murdock come out of your office.

Oh, you working for his wife?

Maybe.

Wanna talk?

Well, all right.

Where'll you be in about an hour or so?

At that address.

Here's the key.

You can let yourself in if I'm not there.

All right.

I'll see you later.

A brash of doubloon is a very rare piece, young man.

I'd hardly have one.

Then again, you might.

One that was stolen from Mrs.

Murdock.

Was Mrs.

Murdock's coin stolen?

Mm -hmm.

Yeah, the one you bought.

Now, see here...

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

It's okay.

Any reputable dealer would do the same thing.

Buy it cheap, return it to its owner at a fair profit.

What's wrong about that?

How much will your client pay?

$1 ,000.

You probably paid about $500.

That'll give you a very neat turnover.

You're a smart young man.

Come back at 11 in the morning with the money.

The coin may or may not be here, but if I'm satisfied with your behavior,

I'll arrange matters.

Oh, that's fair enough.

Oh, by the way, what did she look like?

She?

Well, all right, then.

What did he look like?

Oh, you mean the party that sold me the doubloon?

Well, let me see.

He was middle -aged, heavyset, about 5 '7", weighing around 175 pounds.

He wore a blue suit, black shoes, green tie, and brown border tankerchief.

His hair was gray.

There was a mole on his nose and a long scar.

What about that hole in his right sock?

I neglected to remove it.

his shoes.

Good day Mr Shane.

Good day.

See you in the morning.

Good night.

Florence Apartments I'd like to speak to Mr George Hanson Phillips in OK.

Oh I was just you've seen your phone don't mind.

Thanks I already have.

We've lost our voices.

Miss Smithers I wish you.

Mr Shane I was under the impression you had left it's all right Mr Washburn.

It's all right, Mr.

Washburn.

He was just making a decision.

I was just about to ask your most attractive secretary out to dinner.

Not a breach of business etiquette, I hope.

Upon consideration, Mr.

Shane, I prefer to drop the matter we discussed.

Please come in, Miss Smithers, when it's convenient.

I get off at five, Mr.

Shane.

Huh?

I get off at five.

Oh, I'm afraid I won't be able to make that engagement tonight.

You can't?

No.

I'll be very busy beating myself on the head with a hammer.

I'll give you a ring sometime.

Say goodbye.

Goodbye.

I'll be thinking of you.

You ought to know you're the only dame I go for.

Yeah, me and anything and skirts.

You know, I hope that if them babes won't leave me alone, I got to be polite,

don't I?

Don't try to feed me that type of big love.

Save it for your walleye, redhead.

Shut your big trapper.

I'll stick a fist in it.

Why, you filthy...

Now, where am I running?

Oh, I thought you was Phillips.

No.

No, you see, I was just...

I'm employed by a...

Well, this car will explain everything.

Now, what was the idea going through my pocket?

I did not go there.

Oh.

Phillips wronged John?

Yeah, he's a Jew, I think.

Yeah, we'll get one once in a while.

Can't help it.

You know, after this, I'm going to make these guys give me references.

What, and have a flock empty rooms?

Well, what do you want?

Pipe down, hence you're making too much racket.

Now, I ain't going to ask you again.

The next time, I'm going to call some cops.

Go on and call him, you dirty little stone -pitching.

You heard me, Jim, that radio.

Cut out the rough house and make it sudden.

Why, you measly little rat!

Hey, where's the big eye, dear?

I'm not...

There, watch it!

Say, what do you think you are?

I'm just the manager of this dump angel face, and when I say quiet,

I mean shut up!

Say, look who's here.

You're pretty.

Who do you think you are, huh?

Well, I don't know.

Who do you think I am?

I know who you are.

You're young Lockenbar, who's come to carry me away.

Where's your white horse?

Lockenbar?

Hey, you.

Lockenbar ain't the name on this card.

What's the idea?

Well, what's so funny?

You are your funny...

I said, what's the idea?

Look, you've got much more than that to worry about.

What do you mean?

A bullet's been fired from this gun,

and the guy across the hall's been murdered.

Murdered?

Murdered?

I don't know why people want to keep on killing each other.

Well, praise when they stop you and I'll be out of a job.

Here's hints, Lieutenant.

Sit down here.

Is this your gun?

Yeah.

All right.

A bullet's been fired out of it, and Phillips, the man who lived here,

has been killed.

Now, suppose you tell us about it?

I don't know anything about it,

except I didn't shoot that gun in a couple of months.

If you didn't fire it, who did?

I don't know.

Now, look, lying isn't going to get you anywhere, Hinch.

I ain't lying.

Say, Lieutenant, do you mind if I ask him a couple of questions?

Help yourself.

Hinch, were you and your wife out of your room between 3 and 5 o 'clock?

We went out to get something to eat.

I don't know what time it was.

Now, do you remember if you left the door unlocked when you did go out?

I was pretty tight.

I don't know.

Maybe I did.

Look, let's say they went out between 3 and 5.

Suppose they left the door unlocked.

Maybe open.

While they're gone, somebody slips into the apartment, borrows the gun,

uses it to kill Phillips, and then puts it back.

That's your theory?

Yeah.

I suppose you don't like it.

It's all right, but I like mine better.

Phillips has been making passes at the blind.

She doesn't resent them, but Hinch does.

He gets himself all licked up and wants to tear Phillips apart.

Phillips doesn't want to be torn apart, so Hinch shoots him instead.

There you are.

Take him down, Spangler, and the girl, too.

I didn't fire that gun.

Nothing you can do will make me say I did.

You know, Hinch?

One of the boys just figured out something kind of cute,

claims it'll make a dummy talk.

It's done with mirrors.

Mind if we try it out on you?

Try anything you want.

Remember that yarn you told me about how you met Phillips?

Made a date to see you here, give you the key, and all the rest?

Yeah.

You mind making a record of that?

My kids are crazy about low comedy.

Oh, you don't believe me.

What do you think?

You mind telling me what you're working on?

No, sir.

I can jug you.

Yeah, sure, you can jug me, but it's customary to have some kind of grounds,

you know.

I've got plenty.

You finding the body,

not giving a satisfactory account of your relations with the dead man,

and if that's not enough, I can throw in suspicion of murder.

Sounds awful go ahead why don't you judge me get out of here I got work to do

and don't leave town we want a statement you can have them when the bank sent

me you'll get a great laugh out of that.

Say you're not going to take me down to your rotten jail.

Beautiful.

You know that is that's not.

And you know you better be careful what you do with me because he's got a he's

going to come after me.

Mr Michael Shane office oh hello sweetheart any call so Mike Shane yes Mr Shane

just a second.

Then the conquest called you said if you wanted to see her she'd be at the auto

valley club after nine o 'clock tonight Hey wait a minute did you say Linda

conquest.

At the idol valley club.

OK.

How are you?

Thank you.

Good evening, sir.

I'm looking for Linda Conquest.

Are you Mr.

Shane?

Yeah, that's right.

This way, please.

Thanks.

You're new here, aren't you?

Yeah, it's about two weeks.

What's your name?

Rudolph, sir.

I'll tell Miss Conquest you're here.

Thanks, Rudy.

Mr.

Shane's in the first booth.

Hi.

Good evening, Mr.

Shane.

Oh, are you Linda Conquest?

Why don't you sit down, please?

Holding yourself in on one of these things,

like trying to get undressed in an upper berth.

Last morning, you told me you were looking for me.

Yeah.

I didn't expect you to bounce into my lap, though.

Somebody once told me never to run away from trouble.

And I find it isn't half bad when you meet at Halfway.

You always invited out to a nightclub?

I work here.

Oh, oh.

Why were you looking for me?

Well, briefly,

your mother -in -law wants to know how much you're going to soak her to unhook

Leslie.

Well, you can tell Mrs.

Murdock I want nothing from her or her son.

Eh, what's the catch?

There isn't any.

It simply means that I want to get rid of the Murdocks as quickly as possible.

Now, is there anything else?

Oh, yeah, there is.

There's an old coin of Brasher de Bloon.

Did you ever hear of it?

Yes, what about it?

She wants you to give it back.

She thinks I stole it.

When I left the Murdock home,

I took nothing but clothes enough to keep me out of jail.

That's an awfully pretty dress that Brasher de Bloon would buy a lot of them.

You can believe me or not as you like.

It'll save you a lot of trouble if you do.

Now, is that all?

Yeah, there's just one more thing.

A man was murdered this afternoon by George Anson.

Phillips.

Oh is that supposed to mean something to me well yes he was working for you

that's absurd he told me so himself an hour before he was found dead but I

never heard of him what was he supposed to be doing for me it was a private

detective I don't know why I'd need one I suppose I'll be involved with the

police necessarily I'm the only one that has to know about it meaning if I

return the doubloon you'll say nothing yes you don't trust me well mr.

Shane I'm afraid you'll have to tell them yes Rudolph I beg your pardon this

conquest it's time for your next number thank you say I've never heard you sing

do you mind if I listen thanks hello Mike let's see hello Alec are you fine say

you haven't been out to see us in quite a while well you haven't had any good

murders now you got me worried you know whenever Shane shows up there's usually

a part oh what a horrible reputation excuse me please yeah sure Swell,

girl.

Yeah, she seems to be...

Come on, I'll buy you a drink.

Fine.

What do you have?

Give me a bourbon and plain water, will you?

Brandy for me, Dan.

I had the craziest dream last night.

Yes, I did.

I never dreamed it could be yet.

Though you were in love with me.

What do you want with Linda?

I thought the only thing you chased was clues.

Well, a wolf in me comes out now and then.

Half wolf, half bloodhound, eh?

That's right.

She's married to Leslie Murdock, you know.

Yeah, do you know him?

No, Amy got into me for a chunk of dough.

Well, his old lady's got plenty.

Yeah, but he can't get any of it.

I don't understand why Linda'd marry a heel like that.

You don't understand why who would marry a heel like who, darling?

Why, it's Mr.

Shane.

Oh, yeah?

Take him to my office.

George.

All right, Walter.

All right.

It's all over.

Just sit down and relax.

I've got the first dream for the rest of baseball bats.

What's the idea of your little playmate slugging Shane?

Well, he tried to drown Lou this afternoon, so everything's even.

Or it was until you butted in.

No, not true butting in.

Go with you in a minute.

Well, I see the slaughter has started already.

Sorry I'm late.

You're too early to suit me.

Get out and stay out.

I was under the impression your trap was open to the public.

It's not open to her rights.

I came here to see my wife.

She doesn't want to see you.

Are you going to get out or do I throw you out?

Mr.

Shane.

He's in the boss's office.

When Mrs.

Mornie and Benner came, they had a little trouble.

Benner and Alex?

Well, it was more of a round -dropping.

Benner hit Shane, the boss hit Benner, and Benner hit the floor.

Excuse me, please.

My business,

when a detective bursts into my whole wife's boyfriend in the swimming pool.

You're being very stupid, Alex.

I've already told you what happened at the house.

Yeah, what I want to know is what you haven't told me.

Come in.

What do you want?

Oh, I found this in the cocktail lounge.

Wait a minute.

Here, this belongs to you.

Why did Shane want to see you?

Did you ask him?

I did, and he told me it was none of my business.

Mrs.

Murdock sent him to arrange a divorce for Leslie.

I hope you're satisfied.

Vender, I'm warning you to stay away from my wife.

Now, get out.

It would be a pleasure to exceed to both of your requests.

They aren't requests.

Nice to hope you're remembering.

I told you your rotten temper would get you into trouble.

He'll take you for everything you've got.

At least he won't be taking it behind my back like he's been doing.

Alex!

Well,

it looks like my reputation for starting trouble is holding up pretty well, doesn't it ?

Doesn't it?

Say, what was the name of the man you said was murdered?

George Anson Phillips.

Why?

Well, this was in Vender's wallet.

It might interest you.

Looks to me like Vender new Phillips.

Yes, that's a fairly reasonable deduction.

You know, you'd make a pretty good detective.

What are Albus, Stone, and Christobalite?

I don't know, some kind of chemicals, I guess.

Will that help you?

Well, something might hatch out if I keep it in a warm place.

It's about time for my next number.

Oh, when do you get off?

One o 'clock.

Well, I'd like to catch up on my next number.

All right.

All right.

It's fine.

Hey, uh, all this extra service I throw in free.

You know, you're not a bad brand of trouble, Mike.

No.

I'm sorry, our friendship has to be so short.

What do you mean short?

As long as I think you have the doubloon, I have to keep an eye on you.

Then you don't believe me.

Oh, you see,

my mama told me never to trust a beautiful woman any farther than I could

throw, and I don't know how far that is now.

I hope you don't try to find out.

Good night.

Good night.

I'm.

We have a little financial matter to take care of this morning haven't we yes

Mrs Murdoch didn't you have it on the calendar Yes I did and why didn't you

remind me of it I was going to let that slip once and you'll be in a fine

kettle of fish won't you yes.

Take care of it in the usual manner.

What are you so nervous about?

Nothing, it's just that I hate.

Yes, what do you hate?

I don't see why I have to take it to him when it could be mailed just as well.

That's something over which I have no control.

All I can do is to supply the money every month.

Sorry.

You've been wonderful.

I don't know how I can ever make it up to you.

One way would be to let me finish my breakfast.

Mm -hmm.

Mrs.

Murdoch's residence.

Well, good morning, snowflake.

Prior, loose from her raw meat and put her on the phone.

Well?

It's a shame calling you.

Put him through.

Hello.

What's your good news?

Oh, hello, Mrs.

Murdoch.

Well, it was an awfully tough job,

but I finally persuaded Linda to be reasonable.

Reasonable?

How reasonable?

All she wants is her freedom.

Excellent!

How did you manage it?

By taking her on a cook's tour of the nightclubs,

dancing my legs down to the knees,

and talking myself into a case of acute laryngeal.

I have a problem with my arthritis.

Hope your health isn't completely shattered.

Never mind about my health.

There's a $200 debt in my bankroll, and I'm a set up for breach of promise.

Well, I can at least tour your financial ills.

May or may your statement will consider the matter closed.

And wait a minute.

What do you mean, closed?

What about the brash of the balloon?

I'm happy to say I have it.

I have misplaced it.

Founded my dressing gown this morning.

You misplaced it?

And you're very happy that we've found it.

Well, is that just dandy?

If they're accusing your daughter of law, stealing it,

sending me out in a wild court.

almost get me landed in jail, get me mixed up in a murder case.

Oh, you better itemize the bill.

Itemize it.

I'll item.

Oh, yeah.

Itemize you a bill you love.

She misplaced it.

So happy to have found us.

Balance...

due on...

contractual...

$500.

Expenses.

Oh, I'm gonna love this.

Let me see now.

Flowers, one orchid, core size, $10.

Make it $21.

What are you looking for?

Nothing.

All right, here I am.

I signed for a special.

Talking to yourself, huh?

I always knew you'd come to it, Mike.

Come to what?

He'd be in the left wing.

Yes.

Well, Mr.

Shane, come in.

Oh!

That's him!

That's him!

Mr. Washburn wouldn't do business with him like I said.

Well, thank you, Miss Smithers.

I'm sure you and Mr.

Spangler will excuse us.

Mr.

Shay.

Hey, uh, you haven't forgotten that little date, have you?

Hey, uh, who was the bunny that just rode out?

Was that the young lady's boss?

Somebody killed him.

Uh, that's a shame.

Who would want to do a thing a nice old guy like Washburn?

I'm curious about that myself.

This business you had with him, do you mind telling me about it?

Well, certainly, you see, I'm a numismatist, and I came out new...

I beg your pardon, a new what?

A numismatist.

A coin collector to you.

See, Washburn buys him, and I...

well, I was a little broke.

Yeah, the lady said he wouldn't do business with you.

They just thought my prices were too high.

You know, horse trading.

Sure, sure, so you come back to Victor some more.

Maybe lower your price a little, huh?

That's right.

Do you mind making a record of that, too?

Would you believe me if I showed you the coin?

believe you if you showed me the United States Mint and I'm getting just a

little annoyed at the way you turn up every time there's a murder now once more

who are you working for.

No I'm still sorry you're going to be a whole lot sorry if you don't tell me

we're not going into that routine again are we.

I'm a reasonable man I'm going to give you until I beat it.

Oh thanks.

Oh say you might tell me how Washburn was killed it was head on the head with a

blunt instrument yeah with a blunt instrument.

Four o 'clock you've got six hours OK.

Mr Washburn was such a nice boss no no Miss Smithers you can call me.

Nice going.

It's that.

The old line is still eating her own meat if you brought me out of my statement

with you you can give it to me you know you'd be a real pretty girl if you stop

boycott and beauty policy did you ever have a boyfriend.

Now, really, Mr.

Shane?

You thought I'd ask you.

Oh, dear.

What's the matter?

What you looking for?

My notebook, I...

Oh.

I was, uh...

Say, if you haven't remembered, tell her I'm out here, will you?

Oh, so long.

Can't you hear the bell?

Sorry, Mr.

Shane.

Mr.

Shane is here to see you.

Well, send him in.

Send him in.

We'll take care of the other things later.

You can go in.

Hey.

Don't let her get you down.

She had an unfortunate experience with one.

She chucked to her.

She never fully recovered.

Anybody I know?

No.

You brought your bill, I presume?

Well, I haven't made it out yet.

Say, do you mind if I take a look on him?

Not at all.

What's the matter?

You act as though it might bite you.

It just seems funny for this gadget to be worth so much.

Gadgets, indeed, are only five of them in existence.

Do you happen to know who owns the rest?

I don't know.

Washburn, the coin dealer, could probably tell you.

He seems to know where they are.

I'm afraid Washburn can't tell me.

Why not?

He's dead.

Dead?

Yeah, he got himself murdered.

Oh, that reminds me.

The police want to know who I'm working for.

The police?

What business is it about?

Well, they think it'd help clear up the murders of Washburn and one other guy.

Talk sense.

What you're working for me got to do with it.

I happen to be around.

They think I know something.

You've made a nice mess of things.

I'm afraid I've got to tell them.

Why do you have to tell them, Shane?

Oh, snooping again.

Get out of here.

Why do you have to tell the police?

Because I like them.

Because I think I can help them clear up a couple of murders.

I said get out of here.

Don't be stupid, mother.

You don't want the police in your hair.

Say, Leslie,

why does the idea of the police asking you a couple of questions send you into

such a dither?

Because the matter for which you are hired is none of their affair.

Oh,

I'm afraid they'll disagree with you when they find out that both Washburn and

Phillips were interested in the brasher de bloom.

Mother's coin had nothing to do with any murders.

What do you know about it?

Everything.

I took it.

You?

Well, I owed more, Neil.

of money in his pressing me.

I gave it to him as collateral to keep him quiet.

When I found out you'd hired Shane, I...

I got him to give it back to me.

So...

you took it?

Well, yes, I didn't think that...

You didn't think that it would cost me fifteen hundred dollars and let me cross

it up with the police?

Get out of here!

And you!

Oh, I...

Tell the police what you like, but get out!

Yeah, get out.

I'll mail you a statement.

You won't get another bloody cent out of me!

If I don't, I'll let Linda sink it in up to the hills!

Now, here is a mold made of Alberstone.

Alberstone is used by all dental technicians because it has a very fine grain

and retains the minutest detail.

As the name implies, it is a stone.

What is Christobalite?

Christobalite is also used for making molds.

We have some very fine examples right here.

Christobalite is also a stone.

It can stand a great deal of heat without the slightest distortion.

It's all according to how you want to use it.

Listen, wait, wait.

What is it used for?

Oh, for making gold inlays.

Well, that's all I want to know.

Tomorrow I am a dentist.

Not that fast.

The dental profession is highly exacting.

You can't be a dentist overnight.

It requires years of study and practice.

Did you ever see this before?

Why, yes.

I filled this order out for a Mr.

Venter about two weeks ago.

Is he a dentist?

Well, I don't know about that,

but he's given me several orders in the last few weeks.

Say, if you're interested in pursuing your dental studies,

I'd be very glad to help you out.

I'll give you my home address and telephone number,

and you get in touch with me at your earliest convenience.

I'm sure you'll be very interested in a very smart move you make.

He'd have never made a dentist.

Mike, you're two hours late.

Oh, yes?

Wait for what?

You're going to tell me who you're working for, remember?

Oh, yes, right.

So how's the food down at your jail?

Meaning you ain't going to tell me?

I'm your guest.

Well, it won't be necessary this time.

Hensch confessed to Philip's murder, and it was over the girl, like I told you.

What'd you do?

Use that new third -degree method one of your guys thought up?

In the mirror?

Yeah.

We made him look at his own personal he got so fed up, he was glad to talk.

That'd be inhuman.

Oh, Mike, is that nice?

Say, what about Washburn?

Accidental death.

Weak heart, had a stroke, and hit his head.

You know, I'd still like to know why Philip's wanted to see me.

I don't think Philip's wanted to see you about anything.

Of course, that's my personal opinion.

Oh, hello.

Hello.

Oh, if you're busy, Mr.

Sheehan.

Oh, darling, busy.

Why, a man's never too busy to see his fiance.

Oh, by the way, dear, at the end of those flat feet,

you will see Lieutenant Breeze.

Lieutenant, I want you to meet Miss Hope, my intended.

Well, I'm glad to meet you, Miss Hope.

Hey, you're a sly one.

Knowing Mike as well as I do, he never peeped a word about his getting hitched.

Maybe he isn't used to the idea.

It takes a little time, you know.

I can hardly realize it myself.

Well, I can see you're too good for him.

Oh, Mike's all right, but he's a terrible wolf with the ladies.

Hey, Mike.

Well...

Good luck to you anyhow.

Well, I mean, so long.

So long.

Now will you be good enough to tell...

Oh, peeping Tom, huh?

Yeah, looking for a cigar.

Here, got it?

What are you looking for?

See, Breeze let himself in here with a pasty while I was doing it.

I was afraid he was up to one of his old tricks.

Tricks?

Yeah, like planting a dictaphone around.

He's trying to find out who I'm working for.

Boy, I had to really talk fast when you popped in.

Oh, you did all right.

Re -christened me and ruined my reputation in a matter of split seconds.

Well, I like that.

How does your being engaged to me ruin your reputation?

Well, you forget I'm still married.

Ah, say, what did you come in here for?

I was curious about that dental supply bill I gave you.

Oh, I can tell you how to make a gold inlay.

Oh, what about Santa?

Well, he's on the calendar for tomorrow.

Linda, I killed him.

Merle, what's the matter?

What are you talking about?

You've got all of you, son.

It's my gun.

I killed him with it.

You killed who?

I came here because I didn't know where else to go.

Well, you came to the right place, Merle.

Now, suppose you tell us all about it.

Was it Leslie?

No, why should I kill him?

I never liked him, but I didn't have any reason to kill him.

But you did have reason to kill this other one, hmm?

Yes.

The way he looked at me, he just sat there in a chair and stared at me.

I couldn't stand it.

No, no, no.

Take it easy.

We've got to try and be calm.

Figure this thing out.

That's better.

Now, tell me.

Was it Venter?

Yes.

Venter.

Surprised, aren't you, Linda?

Didn't know about Mrs.

Murdoch sending him money every month, did you?

You didn't know that I had to take it to him.

Is that what's in this envelope?

Yes.

Yeah, but Merle, what's the idea of carrying a gun?

I was afraid of it.

Why did Mrs.

Murdoch send him money?

I can't tell you that.

How long has this been going on?

Eight years.

I should have killed him a long time ago.

I've talked of it every time I went there.

I never had the courage until today.

I think I went sort of crazy.

I couldn't hear anything.

I didn't even hear when the gun went off.

All I could see was his eyes staring at me.

I couldn't hear anything.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.

You know, she hasn't killed anybody.

At least not with this gun.

Hasn't even been fired.

Then what's it all about?

Look, you take Merle over to your apartment.

I'll try and join you as soon as possible.

Where are you going?

I'm going over to the vendor to see what I can find out.

Thanks.

I'm going to the vendor to see what I can find out.

I'm going to the vendor to see what I can find out.

I'm not going in and stop pushing me you weren't so formal this afternoon when

you let yourself in with the key sure I had you followed you're being very

stupid we're just good friends that's all and I'm staying here while you make a

scene listen sweetheart you're not leaving we're going to settle this once and

for all even if we have to wait here all night for better Alex instead why did

you do it why did you do it why you trying to blame me for something that you

did you probably found out he was giving you the air so you don't shut up.

Hello I am I forgot to pull the rip going.

Just go right ahead as though nothing happened don't let me interrupt you what

are you doing here.

Now that is a question that.

The cops are going to be asking you you better have a good answer for it.

We have nothing to do with it that is in the way I heard it.

I listen Shane you're involved in this as much as we are only there two of us.

How much do you want to keep your mouth shut.

Do you mind if I let you know about that after I've consulted my lawyer.

OK, Mike, I gave you your chance.

All right, come on, Shane.

I'm anxious to hear all about it.

You better take a look in there.

Yeah, sight unseen.

I'll let you out and somebody's dead.

Isn't it about time Mr.

Shane got here?

He'll be here any minute.

That's probably him now.

I had to see you, Linda.

When I told you I was through with you, I meant it.

Linda, please, I love you.

Oh, stop.

Mother won't interfere with us anymore.

I've left her house.

Look, let's get out of here.

Go away some place tonight.

There isn't anything you could say or do that would change my mind.

There's someone else, isn't there?

No.

You're lying.

I followed you last night.

You've fallen for that sheer good pair.

You're just as rotten as he is.

Get out.

I'll get out when I'm ready.

I wouldn't be surprised if you were in there right now.

What are you doing here?

Nothing, nothing.

If you're looking for Mr.

Shane, you'll find him at Mr.

Venters' house.

Venters?

Have you got Venters' form open?

Yes, in my bag.

Hurry, please.

Hurry.

Come on.

All right.

Bring it up.

Come on.

Bring it up.

You're all right.

Do I see what you're doing?

Here we go.

Here you go.

Here you go.

Here you go.

Here you go.

Good job.

Here you go.

I was out of them all the time, Chief.

Got here before they could make a getaway.

Show's what you can do when you stay on the job.

Yeah.

So long.

Following me around shoe makes you look smart.

The trick is to know who to follow.

Hey.

You're not a very smart liar though, what do you mean?

I happen to know that that coin dealer Washburn didn't die of a heart attack He

was shot You win Mike.

I gave you a bum steer so I could check up on you that confession of Haunches

was all a lot of bunk too.

Yeah, you see I Breathe talking The devil you say the devil you say Yeah,

I'll be down pretty quick Well,

it's just like I figured vendor killed Phillips and Washburn and then bumped

himself off Hey What makes you think that?

The ballistic report shows the gun we found here killed all three men that

doesn't prove that Vanna committed suicide No,

his fingerprints were on that gun All right,

the killer could have wiped his own fingerprints off the gun and put banners on

killer.

What killer?

What are you talking about steady?

I'll handle everything from here on Okay Hello Who wants to talk to him?

Oh, Lieutenant Breeze, this is Miss Hope.

Oh, Miss Hope.

Oh, in just a minute, it's your fiancee, hm?

Hello, sweetheart.

Oh, Mike, I've been trying to get you.

Darling,

it was so thoughtful of you to think of calling your little sweetie pie.

You know I told you I'm never too busy for you.

What's that?

But what's wrong?

Something happened to Merle?

Mike!

Mike!

Not got cold,

but there's nothing wrong with him that a long rest in one of our deluxe rooms

won't cure.

You know him?

Yeah, his name's Leslie Murdock.

You give him the mirror treatment, and you might get a lot of information.

Yeah?

Mike!

Mike!

Mike!

Hello!

Mike, are you all right?

Oh, hello, sweetheart.

Sure, I'm all right.

Oh, thank goodness.

I called to tell you Leslie is on his way over, and he...

Oh, he just dropped in.

Yeah, he had a little headache.

Look, I'll be along right away, and be sure and keep Merle there.

Bye -bye.

You see, Leslie, Phillips,

and Venter were making counterfeits of a brash of doubloon to sell to coin

dealers and collectors like Washburn.

What I want to know is who killed Venter?

Everybody started to double -cross everybody else.

Phillips was afraid he might get bumped off,

so he mailed me one of the counterfeits.

What I want to know is who killed Venter?

Oh, you want to know who killed Venter?

Yeah.

Well, maybe Leslie can tell you.

He tried to bump me off because he knew I was wise to the counterfeiting

racket.

Did you kill him?

Well, that's all right.

He'll think plenty later.

Meanwhile, all the information we need is right here.

All right, let's see it.

No, no.

First, you call your office.

Tell them to pick up Mrs.

Murdock, and then you and I will take a little ride.

Come on.

Hello, Linda.

Meeting with Hope.

Murr, this is Lieutenant Breeze.

It's true, wasn't it?

You find him.

dead didn't you.

You've come to arrest me.

It's all right.

I've expected it for a long time ever since.

Ever since I killed Leslie's father say what's this all along with what is this

about Mr Murdoch I was a secretary.

Most of the time he was very nice when he was drinking he was horrible.

Came to the office that way one day.

It was awful.

I went out of my head like I did when I killed Mr Ventra.

I didn't know what I'd done until Mrs Murdoch told me she came in right after

it happened what did she tell you.

That pushed him out of the window this thing's getting through your story over

the minute here take a look at that photograph.

That's the building where I pushed Mr Murdoch out of a window now look at this

one is that Mr Murdoch yes.

And that.

It was her.

She did it.

It wasn't me.

No, it wasn't you.

And what's more, you didn't kill Venter.

That's an idea.

You can get out of your head right now.

Hey, what are these pictures?

That's a picture of the Lansing building taken during a decoration day parade

about eight years ago.

And this is an enlargement of the window of Murdock's office.

Looks like the dame is pushing him out the window.

She is.

Well, it's Mrs.

Murdock.

His wife?

Why would she want to push him out of a window?

Well,

she happened to come into the office when Merle was having trouble with him.

And a little later on, when he was looking at the parade, she pushed him out.

You see, she collected a good deal of insurance at his death.

And all the time I thought she was being so good to me.

Paying out all that money to Mr.

Venter.

Paying Venter money?

What is this?

Well, I'll tell you.

You see, you know that Venter was a camera fiend.

He happened to be taking pictures of the parade that day from the building

across the street.

By accident,

he got this snapshot of the murder and he's been shaken down old Lady Murdock

ever since.

Blackmail, huh?

Well, that makes about every crime in the book.

And I still don't know who killed Venter.

That's why, Lieutenant, I'm surprised.

It's also very simple.

Oh, is it?

Now, look.

When Leslie married Linda, his mother cut off his allowance.

So he fell for Venter's scheme of counterfeiting the doubloons.

When things got too hot, Leslie tried to pull out of the racket.

Venter threatened to expose his mother as a murderous.

So Leslie killed him.

Hello?

Yes, just a moment.

It's for you, Lieutenant.

Hello.

What?

The devil, you say.

The devil, you say.

What kind of a steak?

All right, stick around there.

Who was the matter?

Your client is dead.

Mrs.

Murdock?

Yep.

Choked to death on a T -bone steak.

Well, Mural will be home on the farm tomorrow.

She certainly was tickled pink at the prospect of seeing her folks.

Yeah, wasn't she?

She was very grateful to you, Mike.

Oh, that wasn't anything.

Say, how long are you going to be in Reno?

Just six weeks.

Ah, that's swell.

I'll give you a ring the moment you get back to town.

You will?

I may hold you to that.

Hold me to what?

I have a first -class witness in Lieutenant Breeze that you're going to marry

me.

Driver, Union Depot, please.

Hey, wait a minute.

You can't do that to me.

Or can she?