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I wish you weren't doing this, Blackie.

Christmas trees ain't lucky.

That's the trouble with you, Runt. No sentiment.

Sentiment my eye!

Every time I glim onto these trees, it reminds me of old days in Kansas City

when safecracking was my career.

We gave that up a long time ago.

If I ever catch you cracking another safe...

I know, I know, you're gonna crack me right over the head.

Right.

But you don't understand, Blackie. Honest, you don't.

You see, I had a girl once.

A great, big beautiful blonde.

She had a carload of oomph.

Oh, boy, was she happening! Right in the groove!

Always cooking on the front burner.

With perfume? Oh, yeah, that was Macy.

You see, every time I pulled a job, she'd take the swag and blow it

on all the glad rags and tinsel on Fifth Avenue.

And she used to say to me,

"I feel just like a Christmas tree."

So what?

So what? So, I did time in eight penitentiaries

just so that she could be the best dressed Christmas tree in the underworld.

I'm telling you, Blackie, it ain't lucky.

And besides, boss,

I don't feel good about the thing we're going to do tonight.

Doing a good turn makes you feel fine for the whole year, Runt.

Say, we better hurry, or we'll be late at the theater.

I'll get it, Blackie. Okay.

- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas!

# Jingle bells, jingle bells

Merry Christmas, Blackie. Thank you.

Oh, say, I'm glad I caught you before you got out tonight.

That's a wonderful thing you're doing for the boys at the prison.

I heard all about it. Any girls in the show?

Oh, lots of them. The whole cast and chorus.

Why don't you come along, Arthur? There's plenty of room in the bus.

Oh, I'd love to, but, you know,

Christmas Eve, I've got so much to do.

Can't you save one for me?

You've got so much to do, maybe you better save one for me.

Always kidding.

Well, here's a few from me to you and I hope you like them.

Boy, they look pretty. I've got a special present for you, Runt.

For me? Oh, thanks, Mr. Manleder.

A box of matches.

Oh. Ow!

What's the matter? Don't be alarmed, sir.

It's really nothing. Just a dislocation of the jaw.

Dislocation? You better get Dr. Martin. Yeah.

No, sir. It's all right. You leave it to me now, sir.

Are you ready, sir?

Oh, that's fine. Thanks very much.

That's terrible, Arthur.

Oh, no. Nothing at all, sir. I'd be lost without it.

Well, Merry Christmas, happy Noel.

Goodbye, goodbye.

# Jingle bells, Jingle bells #

Come on, Runt. Here we go.

Hello, Pop. All set?

I think so. The acts are all made up, and they're waiting for you, Mr. Blackie.

Roggi McKay's got them all rounded up.

Good. Tell the driver to bring the bus around to the door. We're loading at once.

Okay, Blackie. Merry Christmas, Pop.

Well, thanks.

Hello, kids. Hello, Roggi.

Hello.

I know you've all given three shows and are pretty tired,

and it isn't much fun going 45 miles to give another one.

But being in prison Christmas Eve isn't any fun either.

So, let's go up there and fudge just like it was opening night for us.

What do you say? That's right.

The bus is outside. Come on. Let's go.

Roggi, it's Christmas Eve. I wanna be with him.

Don't you see? I've got to be with him.

Now, Eve, you better hit the hay.

She's been keyed up all day.

What's all this about, Roggi?

Her brother, Joe Trilby, used to be in my act.

He is doing a 15-year stretch in prison.

So, what's wrong with her going along?

Oh, she's visited twice this month.

It's against the regulations.

I've got to see him.

He's desperate. You've got to help me.

I've got to go up there tonight and talk to him.

But, Eve...

Her brother was double-crossed

by a couple of small-time thieves.

He's been up there two years brooding on how to get his hands on them.

Yeah. Your arithmetic gets pretty screwy

when you're using a cell wall for a slate.

Oh, please. Please, let me go along.

Now, Eve...

They'll never recognize her in that crowd. Come on, we'll take a chance.

But, Blackie... Come on.

Never recognize her.

Quiet, folks, quiet, please!

Now, probably many of you are visiting prison for the first time.

It's needless to tell you what our little show is going to mean

to these men up there.

I know. I've spent many holidays up there myself.

It's the sort of Christmas present they'll appreciate.

So, let's put on a good show for them.

Wake up, come on.

Are you comfortable, you girls?

We sure are.

Can I get anybody anything?

Inspector Farraday. I might have known.

It's that Christmas tree. I told you.

It's just like shooting pool with a time bomb.

Merry Christmas, Blackie.

Thank you, Inspector. Same to you and Mr. Mathews.

Don't tell me you wasted all that city gas just to wish me a merry Christmas.

No, we're trying to save a few gallons.

We're bound for your show at the prison tonight,

and we thought we'd thumb a ride.

Oh, quite a coincidence.

Of all the cars on the street to pick this one.

That's a compliment, Blackie. We'd rather ride with you.

Well, we're so crowded, even some of the men are standing.

But if you don't mind...

Not at all.

Back to the station.

After you.

Stay right where you are. Where are your manners, Runt?

Back.

I think I owe you an explanation, Blackie.

This isn't my idea, you know.

Sure.

The department heard you hadn't seen the show

at the Castle this week, and didn't want you to miss it.

Oh, no. After all, Blackie, I've...

Boston Blackie goes to prison and he isn't under wraps.

That's a paradox, Mr. Farraday.

So the Inspector is assigned to exercise his eagle eye.

The department isn't as soft as I am.

They didn't want anything to happen

while you're visiting your old alma mater.

They consider you an old alumnus up there.

That's right! Class of '30.

Even made Phi Beta Kappa with my grades in the sawmill.

You were pretty good with a saw.

I fooled you, Inspector.

I waited for my diploma.

My freshman year was pretty tough.

The sophomore and junior semesters rolled around rather quickly.

I decided to wait for graduation.

So I got my sheepskin and you got a promotion.

That gives you the right to look for motive

at everything I do for the rest of my life.

Oh...

You know, Farraday, every morning when I shave,

I expect to find you in my tube of soap.

When I come to something hard in the turkey stuffing tomorrow,

I'll look for your head.

Well, merry Christmas, Warden. I'm back.

It's the way we like to have you back, Blackie.

There are hundreds of men in the big hall waiting to see you.

Fine. Here's the troupe.

Howdy, Warden. Inspector.

I see you had a police escort.

Correction, chaperone.

These are the boys on the Welfare Committee.

They'll try to make you all comfortable.

Joe, show them to the stage.

Right this way.

One. One.

Two. Two.

Three. Three.

Four. Four.

Five. Five.

Six. Six.

Seven. Seven.

Eight. Eight.

21. 21.

22. 22.

Hello, Joe, how are you?

Long time, no see.

Yeah, yeah, it is.

Say, I met Harry Purvis, and he said...

Well, he said he's got 40 weeks on the Orpheum circuit

as soon as you... Anytime you...

Anytime I'm ready, is that what he said?

Yeah, yeah. That's what he said.

Well, the act will be pretty corny in 13 years, three months and four days.

Yeah, it would.

Well, so long, Joe.

23. 23.

Hello, Frank, merry Christmas.

Well, thank you, Blackie.

I guess you know your way around here?

Yes, a little bit.

Say, you're Joe Trilby, aren't you?

What about it?

You look like a pretty sane sort of a guy.

So what? Nothing.

You just look like a guy who knows what time it is.

That sister of yours is a nice kid.

I wouldn't make it any tougher on her.

Thanks for the advice, buddy.

Warden, that girl in the brown fur coat looks familiar.

Say, that's Joe Trilby's sister.

Costume fooled me.

She's been up here twice this month already.

Trilby's sister?

You don't think Blackie's got some smart notion?

The girl's part of the show. They couldn't very well leave her behind.

Blackie knows your regulations about visitors, doesn't he?

Yes, but how does he know this is her third visit in a month?

He knows more than a crystal ball.

We'll be starting in a minute, Blackie.

I'm ready, Warden.

Blackie, you saved my life once.

I'm talking to you now as a friend.

Uh-huh. "Beware the Greeks bearing gifts."

All right, have it your way. But that con you were just talking to...

You ought to have better sense than to sneak his sister in here.

His sister? Yes.

You're a melodramatic copper, Farraday.

What do you do? Write for the True Detective magazines?

Very funny.

But remember, if anything happens,

a guy could get 20 years. Yeah.

Hey, Blackie. The Warden wants you on the stage.

And now for the master of ceremonies,

your good friend, Boston Blackie.

Thank you very much, men.

You've made me feel so much at home, I think I'll stay for supper.

You know, I was going to do a little trick for you tonight.

I was going to produce a live rabbit.

But someone sent my coat out to be pressed, and look what happened.

It's time for introductions tonight, men.

I want to introduce Dolly Walker and her dancing girls.

Give them a big hand.

I'm sorry about before, Roggi.

Ah, forget about it, it wasn't anything at all.

A fellow gets a funny meanness when he sees people come in

and knows they're going out the same night.

I know how you feel. It's kind of tough.

How do they treat you here, Joe?

They are all right if you behave.

I'm the dramatic coach. That gives me some liberty.

I've even got an office.

Oh, you're getting up in the world, huh?

Yeah.

When I was in Vaudeville, my office used to be on the curb at 47th and Broadway.

Now I got a laboratory.

Yeah?

How'd you like to see it, Roggi?

Oh, that would be interesting. Sure, where is it?

Fine. Right in here.

Say, this ain't bad, not bad at all.

Oh, and I've got privileges, too. Yeah?

I don't even have to go to my cell at night.

Some nights, I sleep right here.

All the comforts of Park Avenue.

This is better than some of those cheap hotels we slept in.

Joe! You like that mattress so much,

I'm gonna let you try it tonight.

You can't get away with this.

All right, Roggi. Get ready for bed.

Sorry, Roggi.

I got a lot of unfinished business

to take care of on the outside.

Just take it easy.

You'll have breakfast at 5:00 am.

You ain't getting away with this.

Hey, Joe!

Now, men, most Vaudeville performers need an introduction,

but the next act is a clown that the whole world knows and loves.

The one and only Roggi McKay.

Roggi, you're on!

What?

Joe, you must be mad!

Roggi McKay!

Roggi, you've been announced.

Keep your mouth shut and don't try to stop me.

Go on, Roggi, and give them your best.

What were you doing? Looking for a room with a view of the golf course?

You know, this is like going home week.

You know something, Blackie, I kind of get a yen for this old joint.

Oh, one of the boys was telling me they could use me on third base again.

I used to pick up that old horse hide and just whip it on that foul line...

Roggi's knocking them cold tonight.

20. 20.

It was nice having you.

21. 21.

Thank you.

22. 22.

Thank you very much.

23. 23.

Just a minute.

I just wanted to take the liberty of telling you

that I thought you were terrific, Mr. McKay.

It was wonderful having you here.

The boys got a great bang out of you,

and I might add I hope you come back soon.

Thanks.

You've given us a great Christmas Eve, Blackie.

It's a great pleasure, Warden. Goodbye, Frank.

Goodbye, Blackie.

Your fears seemed to have been slightly exaggerated, thank goodness.

Maybe, but I wouldn't trust Blackie any further than I could blow this building.

Merry Christmas, Warden. Good night.

Same to you, good night.

Happy New Year, too. Thanks.

Thought you were gonna have trouble tonight, didn't you, Farraday?

Not as long as I had my eye on you.

Well, now you can go home in peace.

You cops must have as much home life as a flag pole sitter.

What do you do? Kiss your wife every day by shortwave radio?

Don't kid yourself. I'm getting off at 125th Street.

I've got to decorate my boy's tree.

Oh, that will be very nice.

Well...

Ow!

Look, let me stand. I think I'll be more comfortable.

No, you don't.

Oh! Oh!

You'll never get away with this.

I don't care what happens now.

Nothing matters to me but getting square with the two guys who put me up there.

But the appeal, it can come through any day, Joe.

The lawyers promised.

I've been hearing that every day for two years till my stomach burns.

You're not the same.

Yeah, maybe it's the air I ain't been breathing.

Maybe it's the vitamins I ain't been eating, maybe it's the...

Speak up, Roggi.

Don't be ashamed of it.

I could do with some vitamins myself.

How about joining Eve and me for some breakfast when we get back to town?

He'll be glad to. You're coming with us, Roggi.

That will be fine.

Hey, this is where I get off. Well, thanks for the ride.

Merry Christmas, Farraday.

Yeah, thanks.

Buy your kid a little Christmas present from me, will you?

What, are you practicing?

Come on, Mathews.

Good night, Roggi.

You know, while I was dozing just now, I had a very funny dream.

Yes? Yeah.

It was just like the situation tonight,

only I was the guy in prison.

Fella brought a show up there,

and I figured out a way of escaping.

I know. You changed places with an actor.

That's right, Roggi.

How did you know?

No.

I'll wait with you while you dress,

then we'll all meet in Roggi's room.

I'm really very tired, Blackie.

Couldn't we all make it another night?

Nonsense. Scrambled eggs and coffee are just what we need.

And The Runt has a special formula.

Hey, Runt. Back to the apartment and start the kitchen working.

All right. Come on, rush. Hurry.

What's the matter? Lose your key?

Try the door, maybe it's open.

Mr. Roggi, your things are layed out, sir.

It's a tired performer that doesn't know his own dressing room, Roggi.

Hello, Bill.

I got you that new cold cream.

It'll take your makeup off in a jiffy.

You know that dream I was telling you about, Roggi?

Well, after I escaped, I realized how futile it was.

I was getting in deeper than I'd thought.

And then I had another problem.

How to get back to prison without their adding time to my stretch.

Pardon me a moment.

Is that a private bath, Bill?

Well, it's private to whoever gets there first.

Where did he go? I never saw such a man.

He came scooting out of there as if he'd been bombed.

Have you seen Miss Sanders, Pop?

Miss Sanders' gone.

She changed her clothes and went out right after you got here.

You know where she lives?

No, I don't.

There's a 24-hour laundry across the street.

They may have the address.

Thanks, Pop.

Good morning.

Miss Sanders asked me to pick up her laundry. Is it ready?

She usually calls for it herself.

Yes, I know. But we had a date for breakfast,

and she went home to get dressed.

Well, I guess it's all right.

You theatrical people certainly lead a funny life.

Date for breakfast!

That will be $2.50.

Um, $2.50?

Yeah.

Here you are.

Thank you.

Oh! Can I help you, sir?

Yes, yes. Run down to the corner and get me a couple of Coronas, will you?

Coronas? That's right.

Okay. I'll be here in the lobby.

Yes, sir.

Some laundry for Miss Sanders.

Kind of late for delivery, isn't it?

Well, she phoned from someplace.

My men are out busy celebrating tonight,

so I thought I'd deliver it myself.

And take a tip from me, buddy,

don't ever go into the 24-hour laundry racket.

I'll see that she gets it.

There are a few things in there that ought to be hung up.

Oh. Herman.

Herman!

That boy is never around.

I don't mind doing it. I don't want her to squawk.

Oh, okay.

It's Room 402.

Thanks.

Step in, copper, and throw 'em up. Way up.

I'm afraid you're not very bright, Joe.

I'm no copper. Turn on the lights.

Don't move.

You know, I'm surprised a girl like Eve could have a brother as dumb as you.

Yeah? Yeah.

Any smart con would know

that the cops would be looking for him at his sister's home.

They won't even know I've escaped until the count up tomorrow.

You thought I was a copper just now.

Well, you weren't, so that's that.

In the meantime, I've got to lead-poison a couple of rats.

You're a bigger chump than I thought, Joe.

You know, when you're in a cell, you have a chance.

But you're not satisfied. No, no.

You want to fry in the electric chair.

I got to have some clothes, Blackie.

Start undressing. What?

I mean it. I'm not stopping now.

I've been beating my brains up against those walls

a long time for this chance. I'm going through with it.

Say, listen, kid. I don't know what your rap was, but maybe I can help.

It's none of your business. Hurry up.

I want that suit and the shirt and tie. Just a minute.

It's a lot of my business.

You don't think they're going to put my bust

in the hall of fame for helping you escape, do you?

I've got a record, too, you know.

It was a long time ago, but it's still there.

That's your tough luck. Now...

Sit down and get undressed.

You're not talking me out of anything.

I'm gonna find the two guys that framed me. Tonight.

Framed you?

You know, every guy I ever met in the clink said the same thing.

I don't care whether you believe it or not.

I drive a car for them and they go into a building.

I didn't know they were sticking up a jeweler.

When the shooting started, they got away, was that it?

Yeah, that was the score.

I'm left at the wheel of the car.

I didn't know enough to run.

And they drop me cold, not even a penny for the lawyers.

I see. So now you're going to put your sister in your place

while they throw the key away on her.

I doesn't matter to me what happens.

You're looking at that jerk they sent 15 years up the river.

15 years to rot and to stink and to brood.

And you can do a lot of brooding 24 hours a day.

I told you, that's throwing the key away on Eve.

They can't do nothing to her.

She'll be better off anyway after I'm out of the way.

Now, Joe, listen to sense... Sit down.

I'm playing Santa Claus tonight, Blackie.

I've got a barrelful of present for two nice little boys.

They asked for it and they're gonna get it.

So, don't try and stop me.

It won't do no good.

Say, mister?

Yeah?

A couple of my own shirts.

You can save me a trip in the morning.

I'll pick them up tomorrow.

Thanks.

Hey, mister.

They didn't have any Coronas. Here's your money.

Keep it. Here, keep these, too.

Thanks.

Hey, Henry. Hmm?

I can't figure that guy out that just left.

He's the laundry man.

Yeah? Yeah.

Well, he gave me a buck and these. Yeah?

They're very pretty.

Those are my shirts!

Your shirts? Yeah.

Don't take it so hard, Henry.

I've had them refuse mine, too.

Yeah...

Blackie!

Joe?

Yeah.

Joe, and with my clothes.

Huh. This would be a fine time for the house detective to come in.

Well, if Joe couldn't find any clothes here, I guess I can't either.

I'll get the clerk.

No, there's no time for that now.

There are a couple of killings on the stove, and me without a sarong.

Well, can't be choosy now.

I can't tell you how sorry I am, Blackie,

getting you involved in this horrible mess.

"Involved" is putting it mildly.

I didn't know what to do. I...

I had to have time to think.

Have you any idea who the fellas are that Joe's gunning for?

One's named Duke Banton, the other...

The other I've only heard of as Steve something or other.

Duke Banton, huh?

I never saw either of them in my life.

That's where I've been the last hour.

I looked all over. I...

I wanted to warn them.

We've got to get Joe back to prison before he does any damage.

You're the first one who's ever offered to help.

Save that till later.

Come on, Eve, that's the wrong overture.

That's better.

I'd better use the fire escape.

Lady, could you loan a guy a dollar?

With this outfit on, I'm afraid I'll have to pay the cab fare in advance.

Thanks.

Oh, boy, am I glad you came.

I've been cooking eggs all night long.

Never mind that now. Get me some clothes.

Hey, Blackie,

you ain't been drinking have you? Oh!

Or have I?

Get my blue suit, Runt.

I don't get it, Blackie. I don't get it.

It's 5:00 in the morning. Don't you want to get some sleep?

I've got a date with a guy that's going to commit murder.

Huh?

I said I've got a date with a guy that's going to commit murder.

Yeah, that's what I thought I heard you say.

Come on, snap into it, will you?

Come on, Runt, on your feet.

Oh, I'm sorry, Blackie. I guess I fell asleep.

You know, everybody knows you got to hit the hay sometimes and...

Will you try to stay awake long enough to get Jumbo Madigan on the phone?

Jumbo Madigan? Yeah.

Hey, Blackie, you don't mean the guy that handles hot jewelry?

Now look, Blackie...

Will you tell him I want to know where I can find Duke Banton?

Duke Banton. Come on, snap into it.

No, no, no. Sit down, Runt. You fall asleep too easily on your feet.

Come in, gentlemen. Come in.

I was just getting ready for a little ride in the country.

Can I give you another lift?

I think you've given us a long enough ride already for one day.

Oh, Mr. Farraday, how about a little coffee? You look groggy.

And you look positively dopey.

I realized what I was coming up to cope with, Blackie,

so I just had a shot of thyroid. It'll be working in a minute.

I can wait.

Oh, the way you said that makes me feel you would like to get rid of us.

Have it your own way.

I'm coming right to the point, Blackie.

The department just got a flash that Joe Trilby got out last night.

No! Yes.

And he even rode into town with us.

Why, that couldn't be, Inspector. You were on the bus.

All right, I won't rate the Academy Award

for the best detective role of the year,

but that's beside the issue.

The fact is an escape took place.

That's high-geared melodrama, Farraday.

Should rate four stars in the newspapers.

Isn't it funny that all this happened when you suddenly decided to give a show

for the poor, suffering inmates up at the prison?

Now, wait a minute, I took that show up there...

Go on, talk, Blackie. Maybe I'll learn something from what you don't tell me.

All right, Inspector. You've got me. I'll come clean.

A fellow can't help falling in love with a pretty dancer, can he?

And if he wants to marry the girl,

he's got to make an impression on her, doesn't he?

Mmm. So what does he do?

He engineers a prison break.

Christmas Eve seems to be an innocent enough occasion, so he...

You know what happened after that, Farraday.

You see, Chief, just like I told you.

Seems to be one little hole in your story.

Why did you come back here and wait for us to call on you?

Now, that's where you're wrong, Farraday.

I was just getting dressed. Hmm.

You see, Eve and I have reservations on the Limited.

Leaves at 6:30 tonight.

Little gray home in the West stuff, you know.

And now, it's just too late.

And that's exactly what didn't happen, but just what I wanted to know.

Thanks, we'll be going.

You're making a mistake, Chief.

That sounds like the McCoy to me.

Remind me to tell you about the birds and the bees and the stork sometime.

I heard it.

I got that address for you, Blackie.

What do you want me to do with these?

Uh-oh! Wait a minute.

Come here.

Seems to me I've seen these rags before.

Maybe your story wasn't as full of holes as I thought it was.

If I were a character in a movie, I'd say I can explain everything.

Blackie, you're coming down to headquarters for a visit. Maybe a very long one.

Why don't you let Mathews guard us

while you search the apartment for Joe Trilby?

And don't forget to look in my bureau drawer.

He may be under one of the handkerchiefs.

If you got a handkerchief.

Oh.

Well, there's no use putting handcuffs on a couple of Houdinis like you.

Just get over there and sit down. And no gabbing.

Come on, Blackie. Over and sit down.

I'm sorry, Blackie...

I said no conversation and I mean it.

Now sit down and be quiet.

What's the matter? Am I making you boys nervous?

Oh.

Oh, Mathews, how do you spell "Whitney"?

Hotel Whitney? Uh...

W-H-I-T-N-E-Y.

That's right.

Cut it out or I'll blister your tootsies.

I got the jitters, Sergeant. May I smoke?

Go ahead.

Have you a match?

Oh, no. You don't get me over there to tussle with me for this gun.

All right.

Here.

Thanks.

It's all I got.

There's a box on the table, would you mind?

Oh!

On the move, Mr. Mathews.

Get me out of here! Get me out of here!

Inspector!

Inspector! Help!

Hey, let me out of here! Inspector! Unlock this...

Hey, hey, hey. Ain't we going after 'em?

Don't worry. I know where they're headed.

Yeah?

The Runt tapped it out in telegraph code.

Every guy that's been in stir knows it.

Well, I learn something new every day, don't I?

Do you?

Are you sure it's the Hotel Whitney?

That's what Madigan said.

Oh, Blackie, ain't we gonna get any rest at all?

Yeah, about 10 years, uninterrupted.

Cops aren't stupid, you know.

You tapping out the address on the floor...

Oh, don't worry about them.

Yeah, there's probably a reception committee waiting for us already.

But we've got to take that chance.

Oh, that Mathews.

Say, he thinks the Morse code is something you cure with aspirin and whiskey.

Looks like we're out of luck.

Yeah, we're out of luck, all right. Come here, Runt.

Banton! You sure?

Oh, yes, that gray streak in his hair, just like Madigan said.

Joe was a little too fast for us.

Blackie, they can't tie you in on this.

Can't they?

No. I said they'll never tie you in on this.

They're not gonna pin this on you.

If anybody's gonna take the rap, it's...

Well, you remember me telling you about

they could use a good third baseman up there again? Well, I...

Whoever said you were a good third baseman?

Turn around, Duke.

I want you to get a good look at the present I brought you for Christmas.

Joe, you ought to have your eyes examined. You never know me.

Blackie.

Yes, Blackie.

I told you not to try and stop me.

Now get out of here, both of you.

You're too late, kid. Somebody beat you to the punch.

You don't know what a lucky man you are, Mr. Trilby.

What are you two guys trying to pull?

There's something in the corner, Joe. Take a look.

Yeah. Look at it. It's right down there.

See what's laying there.

Banton.

He's dead?

Well, if he ain't, somebody's gonna have to buy him a new heart.

I wanted to kill him. I wanted to blast him wide open.

Keep cool, Joe.

You want to blast someone wide open?

How about this other guy, Steve?

Steve, I... Yeah.

I wanted him to die too, but...

I'm no good at nothing. I couldn't even find him.

Who is this Steve, Joe?

He's got a dozen aliases.

Cops!

Yeah, see if aspirin and whiskey will get you out of this.

I'm not gonna run away this time.

Let them throw me into solitary for life.

I've caused you and my sister enough trouble.

It's too late, Joe. You haven't got a chance.

I'll tell them the truth.

Yeah? So what? How are you gonna explain Banton?

There isn't a D.A. in the country who'll believe you.

Get the end of that couch.

Come on, get under here. Get under!

You better hurry up, 'cause... Trilby, come on.

Open the door.

Save your knuckles, Farraday, it's open.

I apologize for running out on you.

Quite all right, Blackie, as long as your friend left your itinerary.

Oh, your friend left something, too.

Really? Yes.

He looks naked without it. Mr. Mathews.

Thanks.

You brought quite a crowd with you, Farraday.

I'm taking no chances, Blackie.

Mmm-hmm. Not very observant.

Room full of you, and you've missed the main attraction.

Right behind the chair, Mr. Farraday.

Oh-ho!

Never a dull moment.

That's Duke Banton.

That tin-horned bookie from Saratoga.

Hasn't been around for a couple of years.

Trilby blabbed and blabbed plenty about him at his trial.

Accused him of double-crossing him.

Well, now you really are in a jam, Blackie.

Is that news or propaganda?

You're too smart for murder, Blackie.

But I'm accusing you of a lot of things in connection with it,

and they all spell "felony."

With a capital F? Mmm.

We found this on the ground outside, Inspector.

Okay.

Now you've got an open-and-shut case, Inspector.

If that gun fits my hand, you have the murderer.

I'd rather trust to fingerprints.

Search the room.

Do you mind if I sit down?

Oh, no. Please do,

because you and I are gonna have a nice long talk,

and how long it'll be depends entirely on you, Blackie.

Shall I order tea?

You're not gonna rib your way out of this.

All right, wait in the hall, boys.

Right in here, Doctor. 1302.

Let him in.

Wait.

All right, Doctor, right over there.

"Over there, over there." That's all I ever hear.

Why can't these darned fools get themselves shot at a reasonable hour?

Oh, gee, Blackie, ain't we ever gonna hit the hay?

Farraday, this isn't humane.

Listen, I haven't had any more sleep than he has.

All right, all right, and I've told you for the 250th time,

I don't know anything about anything. Mmm-hmm.

We just came up here to get a ride on the merry-go-round.

And we're getting it.

One bullet. Lodged in his left ventricle.

I should say he was shot about an hour ago.

Just when I was dreaming about a big plum pudding.

I gotta get some sleep.

Will you stop saying that?

I didn't say anything!

Oh, I'm sorry, Doc. I want a word with you.

I'm gonna leave you alone for a minute, Blackie.

But there's a window there if you want to use it.

Uh-uh, not from the 13th floor.

What's the matter, you're superstitious?

Yeah.

Runt.

Come on, Joe, get out.

Now listen, Doctor, this is important.

I want a complete report on that bullet

by the time I reach headquarters.

Tell them to rush the probe.

The what? The probe. The probe!

Oh, the probe? Okay, Doc.

Report back to headquarters.

This way, you fellas.

Yeah, that's it right there, boys.

You're looking very well, Inspector.

I live right.

Uh-huh. I know.

Got him?

Right.

Wait a minute.

All right.

We'll continue these discussions at my office.

Have McCarty bring that bag with us.

Hey, Inspector, those two guys have been glued to that couch.

Get up. Yeah, get up.

Certainly.

Did you search the clothes Banton was wearing?

No, I didn't.

Well, run downstairs, you idiot,

and head off that stretcher before they get away!

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Mathews.

You ox! Well, he tripped me!

You do it every time.

All right, gentlemen, if you're ready.

Come, Runt.

It's gone.

Marvelous deduction.

I'll attend to it myself, as usual.

To the station.

Did you just hear something back there?

You got the jitters, that's all.

You didn't hear anything, huh?

Supposing you did hear something.

It's what them docs call a post-mortem reflex.

It's kind of like rigor mortgage setting in.

Oh, it don't mean nothing.

Couple of months ago, we picked up a guy from the 47th Street Theater.

Dead as a doornail.

You'd never believe it.

Jumped right up off the floor and did a triple-time step

before we could get him to lay down.

I thought he was gonna pull the sheet over himself.

Ah, don't worry about it.

It never bothers me.

All in a day's work.

Come on, come on, come on.

Pull yourself together, old boy.

But...

We must have lost him when we hit that bump on Main Street.

Oh, but we can't make a report on this. They'll think we're loony!

Come on. We'll go find him. Come on.

Oh, dear...

I'm a sick guy.

Yeah, I know, but...

Blackie, is Joe... Not a word.

I picked her up at the Hotel Ashley, Inspector.

I'm sorry to have to put you under arrest, Miss Sanders,

but it's a mere technicality. I want to talk with you.

Thank you, Mr. Mathews.

Hello.

Don't tell him anything without a lawyer.

They can't make you.

If she needs a mouthpiece, I'll call you in.

Wait here. Come on.

Come on, miss.

Sit down.

Sit down, Runt.

Well, the old place looks just the same.

Hey, Blackie... Not a word out of you.

You mean we can't talk? No.

Charming.

Hey, that's talking, too.

Hey, cut it.

That code stuff is corny.

Yes, I think so, too.

Hello, Roggi.

Well, I understand you went to bed early last night for a change.

Yeah, but I did it the hard way.

Felt like I was sleeping in a straitjacket.

My arms aren't awake yet.

Break it up, you two. What do you want, mister?

I'm Roggi McKay. I'd like to see the Inspector.

Yeah?

Mr. McKay's here, Inspector.

Send him in.

Take him in.

What did he pass you?

That's corny, too.

Good morning, Inspector.

Your costume's right over there, McKay.

Thanks.

I need them this morning. I'm doing a benefit show at an orphanage.

Be careful, some of those kids don't offer to show you around.

I've only got about 15 minutes.

Hardly time to get back to my dressing room.

Have you got a place around here where I can change into these and makeup?

Certainly. Show him to the locker room.

Thanks. I'll be back for my clothes later on.

Bye-bye.

Am I under arrest?

What do you think?

Then I have a right to make a phone call to my lawyer.

May I use this?

No free calls. There's a payphone in the locker room.

Oh. Thank you very much.

And no funny business.

That room is wired like a concentration camp.

You know me.

Hello, Blackie. Hi.

Any trouble?

Plenty.

Give me the telegraph office.

Now, look here, Officer, I...

Quiet!

Gestapo.

Yes, Inspector.

Thanks, Inspector. So long.

So long.

Help! Help!

Boston Blackie got away in my costume!

Get him, quick!

Help!

What's the racket? That was Boston Blackie.

Where? In the clown's costume.

McKay is bound in the locker room.

Well, what are you waiting for?

You know, Chief, I was thinking that...

Let me do the thinking.

Miss Sanders, will you come here, please?

Hey, wait a minute. You can't get away with that!

Well, I'm doing it.

And don't you try to get away, too.

That's funny, these are loose enough.

You should have been able to get out yourself.

You're a great detective, Mathews.

I wish you'd tell that to Farraday.

Did you see a guy in a clown suit?

Yeah, he drove away in that cab.

Well, get after him.

Hey, what are you doing?

Let me out of here!

Let me out of here!

You wait till Inspector Farraday hears about this, Blackie!

Quiet.

Hey! Help!

Somebody get me out of here!

Let me out of here! Help!

Somebody get me out of here!

Hey, wait a minute, you can't push...

Quiet, you dope.

Wait a minute. What about these? Mathews put them on.

It's a mere technicality.

Come on.

Hey, help! Somebody get me out of here!

Can you tell me where I could find Inspector Farraday?

I'm Farraday. Come on, gang.

Merry Christmas.

# For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fellow

# Which nobody can deny

# For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fellow

# Which nobody can deny

This greeting came to you with the compliments of Boston Blackie.

And that Boston Blackie is getting away on your motorcycle, you...

Boston Blackie got away on a motorcycle. Issue a general alarm.

Hey, help!

Let me out of here!

Hey, let me out, will you? Somebody?

You're of more help to me the way you are.

Inspector?

Hey, untie me, will you?

"Guess who."

That's them.

Pull the car over, we'll head them off.

Look out for that police car.

Hold tight!

Taxi!

Where to? Headquarters?

No, 51 Park Avenue. Step on it.

You want to see your brother?

Blackie, are you sure he's all right?

Oh, he's all right, if Manleder hasn't talked his ear off him.

I'm going to keep Joe up at Arthur's

until I find the man who lead plated our friend Mr. Banton.

Then maybe Joe won't have to go back and finish his course.

Hello, Meggs.

Begging your pardon, sir, but the masquerade isn't until next Saturday.

Oh... Where's Mr. Manleder?

He's hiding in the closet, sir.

The clothes closet?

Yes, sir, he's the perfect host.

There's a friend of yours there,

and he's keeping him company.

Same old Arthur.

I go down for eight.

Blackie! You've been drafted?

No, this is a costume.

Well, I took good care of him for you.

Yeah. Rather stuffy in there, wasn't it?

Well, I kept his mind occupied.

A little gin rummy, I told him funny stories...

Incidentally, have you heard the one about the traveling saleslady?

No. Oh, it's wonderful!

It's a cold night, see what I mean. Yeah.

And the... The...

Pardon me, sir.

Oh, permit me.

Thank you very much.

You're welcome. Here's a little...

Thank...

Thanks a lot. Now it's your turn.

Not a bad fit, Arthur. Thanks.

Oh, hello, hello. Yes. Just a minute.

I got the Hack License Bureau for you.

License clerk.

Okay, I'll wait.

Nice going.

Hello, this is the contest editor of The Chronicle.

Yes.

One of our contest winners only signed his cab license number,

and we were wondering if you couldn't help us with his name.

Hmm?

Yes, just a moment. Certainly.

It's...

It's 176843.

That's right.

No, I couldn't possibly come down. I'm tied up.

But if it isn't violating any rules,

I would appreciate the information.

Yes, I'll hang on.

Arthur, pack a bag and put everything in it but the kitchen sink.

Telephone books, paperweights,

anything that'll make it heavy. Give him a hand, Joe.

Hello?

Caveroni? Steve Caveroni?

Thank you very much.

Did you ever hear of a Steve Caveroni, Runt?

No.

Must be a pal of Banton's.

Madigan would know. Come on, Eve, I'm taking you with me.

Oh, that's fine, Arthur. Thanks.

Now, you stay here, Joe. Entertain the boys, will you?

And don't let The Runt stand up.

I'll only be a minute.

It looks closed. It's Christmas, you know.

Every day is Christmas in this place.

Hello, Jumbo. Merry Christmas.

Blackie. It's been a long time.

Come in.

Farraday ought to have his fingers sandpapered.

But he never did have your combination.

Good old Blackie.

But you were smart enough to come to Jumbo

when you got on the spot, weren't you?

Yeah.

Jumbo, what do you know about Steve Caveroni?

A two-bit crook.

He's tough, but he ain't got moxie enough to shoot a clay pipe.

He had enough Moxie to kill Banton.

No, Blackie, you're wrong.

That was Joe Trilby.

Mmm-mmm. You're wrong, Jumbo.

Joe didn't come in the room until after I discovered the body.

Somebody beat him to it.

You're getting naive since you left the racket, Blackie.

How do you know Joe wasn't hiding in the hallway

and went back in just to make it look as if he hadn't done the job?

Mmm-mmm.

'Cause I found this on the floor.

Let me show you something.

I made a plate from Steve's badge.

Guy's just out of stir, can't qualify for licenses.

I get 50 bucks a piece for those.

How many of these have you sold, Jumbo?

Dozens of them.

Yeah, but Steve was on the job with Duke

when they nabbed Joe, wasn't he?

Yeah, but I tell you, Steve's not a torpedo.

Somebody else got to Duke.

Do you know where Steve hangs out?

I know the spot.

He's got a taxi stand in front of the Jane Drake theater.

He's dark, medium-sized.

He got a smile that looks like it was tattooed on his face.

But, Blackie, you're wasting your time.

Thanks, Jumbo.

That's him in the front cab. I got a good look.

Sure you know what to do?

Every detail.

I'll be right behind you.

Taxi, please.

Yes, lady.

My bag.

Where to, lady?

Hotel Whitney.

Whitney?

Yes, ma'am.

Hurry.

Okay.

Follow that cab.

Oh, how stupid of me.

My money's in my grip.

I'm sorry, you'll have to come in with me.

Oh, that's all right, lady. I can come back later.

It's a busy day for me.

Oh, I wouldn't think of it.

Anyway, the bag's too heavy for me.

You'll have to help me with it.

All right.

A single room on the top floor, please.

Top? Does it have to be the top floor?

I prefer it.

You're not thinking of...

Don't worry, I'm too busy to jump today.

Boy.

Show the lady to 1304.

Yes, sir. Give me a hand, will you?

Sure.

Here we are.

Sorry, miss. That's it.

I don't know what's the matter with this...

I can't open it.

Here, here. Let me try.

I don't get it, lady.

What're you trying to pull on me? What's your racket?

There are a few questions I want to ask you, Caveroni.

Oh, a frame-up, eh?

Pretty quick to recognize a frame-up.

Must be a specialty of yours.

Say, you kids must be new at this.

I'm just a 20-buck-a-week hackman.

What do you want with me?

Why did you kill Duke Banton?

Why did I... Say, mister...

Why did you plug Banton?

You must be crazy.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Try the door to room 1302.

It's locked.

Say, I've hacked for a lot of queer fares in my time,

but no one's yet hired me to play cops and robbers. I gotta go.

Don't move, Caveroni.

All right, all right.

But don't point that firecracker at me.

Phone for the maid.

Hello.

Will you send a maid up, please?

Well, that'll be all right. Thank you.

She'll be here in 10 minutes.

It's all right, we can wait.

Sit down.

I should have left my meter running.

You mean to tell me there was no corpse in that wagon of yours?

That's right, Inspector.

Well, that corpse must be pretty much alive, and it couldn't have been Banton.

Somebody left in Banton's place,

and Banton must still be at the Whitney Hotel.

You officers, Mathews, come on.

Will there be anything else, miss?

No, thank you.

May I wish you a very merry Christmas.

Thank you, and I wish you the same.

Thank you.

Say, mister, you sure you got the right guy?

I'm going to make sure.

We're going next door. Come on.

Go in.

How do you like this room, Caveroni?

Take it over two a day, they're robbing you.

Is that what you came up to tell Banton?

This must be an interesting game.

I'd like to play it with you.

If you'll let me catch the matinee break, I'll be back at 4:00.

How long have you been driving a cab?

Five years.

Got a license?

Sure I got a license. Here.

What's the number on yours?

176843.

Funny. One of these with the same number was found beside the body.

All right, surround the building.

Cover all the exits around here.

Sorry to bother you again, Mr. Jones,

but we'll have to inspect that 1302 once more.

Again?

Yeah, let's have the key, please.

My brother's life is at stake, and we're not letting you go until we're sure.

All right, I'll sit down and listen.

You know any good stories?

Yeah, I'll tell you a little story.

You came in that door and surprised Banton while he was packing.

He was running out on you.

There was something you wanted, but he wouldn't listen.

He was taking a powder.

So you flared up suddenly and lost your temper.

Then you pulled your gun, and before you knew it, you'd fired.

Then you got panicky, so you threw the gun out the window.

You don't know what you're talking about.

Five will get you ten, I do, Caveroni.

Listen, somebody saw you commit that murder, someone...

You're whacky.

There was a witness, Caveroni.

A witness that saw you fire the shot that killed Banton.

I don't know nothing, I tell you!

You're doing it again, you see?

You're losing your nerve, Caveroni.

Keep him covered, Eve.

Come here.

The man who saw you commit the crime is...

Duke. That's Duke!

Sure it's Duke!

Why did you do it, Caveroni?

Why shouldn't I kill a double-crosser?

He wouldn't give me the money to get out of town.

We got worried that Joe broke out of stir.

I got a wife and kid, and I knew Joe wasn't gonna stop at nothing.

I wanted to get away with the family, see. Anywhere!

But Banton just sneered at me.

You were right. He was taking it on the lam.

He was gonna let me hold the bag the way he let Trilby hold it!

Duke made Joe drive the car.

Joe didn't even know where he was going.

We told him to wait in front of the building.

When the police started shooting,

me and The Duke ran, but Joe was stuck.

You don't think I wanted to face Joe after two years in prison!

They got the key in there.

Take that key out of there and open up, Blackie.

It'll be a pleasure, Inspector.

Don't move! Blackie!

Let me go!

One more step, and I'll drop her 13 floors.

Open up, or we're gonna bust it in!

Talk fast, I'm not kidding.

Open up!

Hold it a minute, Farraday.

Give me that gun.

Put it on the floor and kick it over here.

Open that door or we're coming through.

Don't open the door, Farraday, he's got us covered. He'll plug you.

Get going. I'll stall him.

Tell him he hasn't got a chance.

We've got the building covered from every corner.

And I've got your two pals covered from every angle.

You'll never get out alive.

If I don't, you and the girl don't either.

Blackie? Blackie, did you get it?

Okay. Don't move. Not a word.

Look out!

He went down the elevator.

Stay where you are and I'm out of here.

Stick up your hands and keep your mouth shut.

Don't move, you dumb cluck!

Get him out.

You saved my life, Inspector.

Well, maybe I was just repaying an old debt.

If that's what it was, your credit will always be good with me.

What's going on in here?

I've had enough of this for one day.

Still here, huh?

Well, if he's not out by 6:00, it'll be an extra day.

Oh!

This will definitely come back, I think. Yeah, right.

I like this one.

Here's to the best cops in the world.

You know, it'll almost be a pleasure, Inspector,

to have you escort me back to prison.

And I'll be up in a few days and bring you back again.

In your own clothes this time.

All right, here's to all of us.

A merry Christmas and a...

Here we go.

Oh, please, please, Blackie. Please let me do it.

I got the knack of it.

Thanks very much. I'm awful sorry.

Never do that again, sir, it's my personal prerogative.

Oh, is that so?

Well, I didn't even know you two were related to each other.

Well, here's a merry Christmas...

No, no, no, Arthur, Arthur. Let's not take any more chances.

I'll do the toasting.

A very merry Christmas and happy New Year to all of us.

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