Original subtitles

- Here they come. - What happened?

- Somebody get killed? - Model on the fourth floor.

- Oh! I didn't- - Whodid it?

I hope the weatherholds out.

Ed Cornell. Single room. I madea reservation.

Oh, yes. Of course. Willyou register, please, Mr. Cornell?

Can't offeryou much excitement around here, Mr. Cornell.

- Not this timeofthe year. - I'm not lookin' formuch excitement.

Ljust wanna sleep- fora week.

Well, it's very, very quiet here.

Boy! Boy.

321.

I wanna talk to New York.

- Headquarters. - Goahead, 14.

Homicide. Goahead.

Homicide.

- It's foryou, sir. - Who is it?

Cornell.

Ed, you'reon vacation. I don't wanna see you around here foranotherweek.

Chief, I'm comin' back. I want that Lynn case.

Oh, now, Ed, look. You're knocked out. You'reoverworked. S-Stay away.

You know my record. Y- You know how many convictions I brought into that department.

I've neverlet you down. I've neverbeen wrong.

- You know I was neverwrong. - Yeah. Yeah, I know.

I worked in this department for 15 years. I neverlet you down.

Ed, yes, I know yourrecord as well as you do.

It-It's great, but you're not theonly man in thedepartment.

Have you read the papers?

- See what theysay about thedepartment? - Sure. The papers areafterus.

- Doesn't look fineon the records. - I can read too, you know.

- I'm comin' back, and you can't talk meout ofit. - Ed-

- Are we gonna- - It's my case!

- Ed, will- - It's my case!

- All right. Lfyou wanna kill- - You can't talk meout ofit.

- It's my case. - I said, ifyou wanna killyourself, okay.

- It's my case! - It's yourcase.

I don't know whyyou'resuch an eagerbeaverabout this, Cornell.

Pretty girl.

I don't like tosee a pretty girl get knocked off.

Didn't think you everlooked at one.

- Suspects? - Yeah.

The boys are talking toa coupleofthem now downstairs.

- Who's that? - Hersister, Jill Lynn.

That's Robin Ray, the actor. He took herout a fewtimes.

There's a newspaper guy, Larry Evans. He used to plug herin his column.

That's Steve Christopher, publicity man. He gave herthe big buildup.

This one-

This one's my baby.

- I didn't do it. - You'rea liar.

Why'd you do it?

I didn't kill Vicki.

- Why did you do it? - He just asked me that.

And we'll keepon asking.

We know you did it. We wanna know why.

Hello, Lieutenant.

- Anything? - Nothing yet.

Might bedifferent now that you're here, sir.

- Hello, Mac. - Hi.

All right.

- There was another guy, wasn't there? - You were jealous.

- No. - She told you about him. - You gotsore.

- Then you grabbed her, hit her, killed her! - No, no. No, no!

- Sit down. - All right. Hold it there. Give'im a cigarette.

Pretty boy.

That's better. Now let's hearthe wholestory.

- I told it all once. - Tell it again. Tell it to me.

- You wanna answerup, fella. - How'dyou meet Vicki Lynn?

Goahead, Christopher. Tell him.

Well, I'd-

I'd come from theopening night of a show...

with Larry Evans, the columnist.

We were- We werejust walking. Going nowhere.

Why do they call it a comedy? His wife hates him, loses his money. The kid steals.

- Brutal. - Just brutal.

- I hope Robin isn't waiting up forthe notices. - Robin oughta get back...

to those gypsy baron parts.

- As a light comedian, this man's nowhere. - I'll tellya one thing.

Good notices orbad, this thing's gonna run.

- Are you kidding? - This thing's gonna run. You know why?

Robin's still a big draw in this town.

He's got what impresses them: A name, publicity.

Knockin'yourown trade, aren't ya?

Maybe, but the point is, I sold him to the public...

andthey'll go andsee him.

- They like to see famous people. - Whereas, me...

sometimes I like to look at a completely new person.

- Nice. Coffee? - Nice. Coffee.

Robin Ray's been sold to the public likeanysuccessful product.

- Likea brand of coffee. - Well, who's to blame forthat?

Well, the point is, it can bedone.

You can sell 'em anything ifyou goabout it right.

Then whywaste time on a cornball like Robin Ray?

Well, that's simple. He pays me.

- My job is to- - Cream and sugar?

No, thanks. Just black. We're in mourning.

- Saw a show, huh? - In a mannerof speaking.

You're lucky. Working nights, you never get toseeanything.

Probably a frustrated actress. Are you a frustrated actress?

Nope. No talent. Noambition.

Noambition, huh? You could do betterthan this.

- You're pretty. - She's prettierthan Robin Ray.

What's wrong with this? It's myfirst job in New York.

They treat meall right. I get Saturdays and Sundays off.

And tired feet. Haven't you thought about making a stabatsomething else?

- This lad could help you. - Yourcoffee's getting cold.

Look, uh...

I'm gonna give you my address here.

Uh, this is my office.

And, ifyou're interested, I wish you'd stoparound sometime.

My card.

"Steve Christopher, public relations. "

- Public? - Strictly.

Well, thank you. I'll put it in myfile.

He means it. It's just his way of saying...

that you don't belong in a place like this.

Sure. How many guys come in and tellyou that?

You're the veryfirst... tonight.

I neverexpectedto see heragain...

but the next day she turned up at the office...

andshe was wrong about no ambition.

She was loaded with it-

right from the beginning.

That night, I took herto the Club Capri to show heroffto caf� society.

She did all right.

In fact, she was the toast ofthe table.

- Well, Edwina, Steve. - Hi, darling.

There's someone here you simply must meet-Vicki Lynn.

- Hi, Vicki. We've met. - Hi.

I'd gone on the line forsome fancy clothes forher.

Well, it didn't hurt to have Larry Evans show up...

and make like he and Vicki were old friends.

Still, I hadto admit that Vicki had what it takes.

- Tell us all the gossip. - Why, you can read it tomorrow in my column, Edwina.

I know. He's afraid to repeat it in mixed company.

You'redoing great.

You sure? Every once in a while, I havean impulse...

to get upand clearthe table.

Fight it.

- Oh, Robin Ray. - Mr. Ray, hello.

- How do you do? Hello, Steve. - Hello, Robin.

- Oh, hello, darling. - Hello, my dear.

Well, Robin, obviouslyyou're here forone reason. Miss Lynn, may I present...

Robin Ray, starof stage, screen and toothpaste endorsements.

- Hello. - How do you do?

He looks even youngerin person.

You know, Steve, I could grow veryfond ofthis girl.

- While you're growing, how aboutstanding still fora picture? - Wonderful.

I don't know ifl wasjealous ofRobin.

Maybe I was already thinking ofVicki as my property.

Anyway, I didn't like his moving in like that.

So, I took care ofthe situation by moving Vicki out.

I asked herto dance. Robin wasn't happy...

but at that moment I wasn't concerned about Robin.

I had plans for Vicki...

things I wanted to discuss with her.

I didn't want Robin panting down ournecks while we talked.

- You'd betterbe thinking oftaking me home. - Hello.

- It's almost midnight. - Hi.

Say, midnight's neverbeen a reason to go home.

RememberCinderella?

This is all wonderful, but the ball's almost over...

and tomorrow I'll be back clearing those tables.

You're wrong, Vicki. The ball is just beginning.

Yourpicture in the paperwith Robin, plugs in Larry's column-

you'reon yourway.

And with me promoting you, well, you can be the town's top model...

tostart with, and from there-

Well, we'll see when you get there.

- Then last night wasn't just- - Agag?

Maybe it was... then. But promotion's my business, Vicki...

and I know you can make it.

Oh, it'll be hard work, but it's yours-

ifyou want it.

Of course I want it, Steve.

You said last night you had noambition.

Last night, I didn't have you.

Then it's a deal? Let's drink to it.

Oh.

- Nothing forme. - A brandy, please.

Now, then, I want you to repeat afterme.

- I, Vicki Lynn... - I, Vicki Lynn...

- dosolemnlyswear... - dosolemnlyswear...

to wearthe clothes, say the things, go to the places...

and be the girl that Steve Christopherorders.

End of oath.

That Steve Christopherorders. End of oath.

She was so nervous, shestarted to get up when Robin camealong.

- Oh, Steve. - No, no, no.

The price tag coming out ofthe glove. That was the great touch.

Oh, stop teasing her. She was wonderful.

- Thanks. - Of courseshe was.

Harry, can I have my key?

- It's right there. - Give the lady herkey, Harry.

Thanks.

Well, Vick, brace yourself and get ready.

Tomorrow we launch the promotional campaign ofthe century.

Get used toseeing yourname in the paper.

I'll make it a habit in the column.

I feel like Vicki Lynn, Incorporated.

Well, meet the new stockholder.

Who let you into this corporation?

- I did. - Mm-hmm.

She could doa lot worse than have hername tied up with mine.

- I don'tsee how. - We'll take that upat the board meeting now.

- Oh. - Ah. - Sorry.

Well, I wish I could ask you up, but-

But Cinderella has a cruel stepmother?

No. Cinderella has a sister-

sound asleep.

Well, good night, and thanks foreverything.

I'll bearound first thing in the morning, Vick.

I'll be waiting.

Sister? I hate girls with sisters.

- But, in hercase, you'll makean exception. - Mm.

But, still, it could be worse. Some girls have husbands, I hear.

And I know where you heard it- from theirhusbands.

Hey, how'd you like to give me back my magazine?

Sure, Harry.

- You had to get rough with the kid. - I didn't get rough.

Ljust didn't like him.

Let's sayyou werequick-tempered- the way a killer'd be.

When his girl threw him over.

Ah-ah, that temper'll get you into trouble, Christopher.

- Then try talking sense. - That's what you're here for.

What made you sosure you could makeanything out ofVicki Lynn?

Look, promotion's my business.

She had looks. She was young. She had a good figure. What moredo you want?

- I want the truth. - You're hearing it.

Give it to me again and give it to me straight.

I'm checking everything yousay.

- Has anyonedoneany talking? - Yeah, the lieutenant.

- Vicki Lynn was yoursister? - Uh-huh.

How long have you lived in New York?

A littleovertwo years.

- And yoursister? - Ten months.

She came here from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania...

after Mom died...

to live with me.

I wanted tosee moreofher, but I didn't.

- Whywas that? - Oh, she-

Well, you see, I work days.

I'm a publicstenographer at the Wilton Hotel on 44th Street.

I work days, and Vicki worked nights at the cafeteria.

We just kept different hours. That's all.

What do you know about Steve Christopher?

Well, not much...

except that he was theone that gave herall those big ideas...

about being a celebrity.

Oh, I know that was his business, but just thesame-

Whendidthis start?

Well, the first I knew about it was one night...

when I'd brought a lot ofwork home from theoffice.

It got very late, and I guess I must've fallen asleep.

Vicki?

- Uh-huh. - What time is it?

Oh, I don't know. It must be late.

How's the job? Guys still peeking through the window at you?

Theyweren't peeking tonight, honey.

- Theywerestaring. - Well, I don't blame them.

Hey! Wha- What is this?

- You like it? - Well, sure. I love it...

but I must bedreaming.

- What happened? - Everything.

Compliments ofthe house.

I've been waltzing at the Club Capri...

and I had my picture taken with an actor, Robin Ray...

and Larry Evans, the columnist, sat right at ourtable.

And, Jill, I'm gonna bea model!

- Oh, honey, you must bedreaming. - No, it's all true...

and I'm never going back to that dirty ol'jobat the cafeteria.

What did you say?

I've been wasting my time, Jill.

I've just found out I can besomebody.

Well, that did it. That woke me up.

Vicki, you can't beserious about giving up yourjob.

Sure I can. I was onlywaiting around forsomething betterto turn up.

Men wanna look at me- let them payforit.

Vicki Lynn, you've gone right out ofyourmind.

No. I'm using my head.

Besides, I'm not doing this all on my own. I've got a sponsor.

Lfthat means what it meant in Harrisburg, it's out.

Oh, no. Silly. Really, I've got threesponsors.

There's Robin and there's Larry and there's Steve Christopher.

Actually, it was Steve's idea.

Well, just who is this Steve Christopher?

Oh! Everybody knows who Steve is.

He's a publicity man-a promoter.

Sounds a little bit to me...

like he might be promoting himself to the head ofthe class.

Oh, that isn't it at all. This is strictly business.

Vicki, come here. Honey.

Remember, when Mom died, we promised to look out foreach other.

I don't wanna everstand in yourway oranything like that...

but don't you think this is all a littlesudden and foolish?

- Oh, whyshould I think that? - Oh, honey.

Important people like this-this Steve Christopher...

and theothers, what do theywant with people like us?

But, Jill, they're helping me.

- In what way? - They're gonna make mea glamour girl.

L- I know all this started as a gag...

but, afterthe way things went tonight, I know I can get to the top-and fast.

Oh, honey, sometimes things can happen too fast.

Yourface can be on a magazine coverone week...

and be in theash can the next.

Oh, Vicki, dear.

I know I sound stuffy. I don't mean to.

Ljust wanna makesure that you'resure.

You know, sometimes, when you getstarted on something like this...

th-there's no turning back.

I know what you mean, Jill, but I am sure.

I've got the face and the figure forit.

Stevesaid so.

There's so many things I want.

Now I know how to get them.

Okay. Well, ifit's the faceand figure that are going todo it...

we'd betterput the bankroll to bed.

- Vicki, I think that man is here. - Get it, will you?

I'mjust putting on a dress.

- Morning. You're Vicki's sister? - Vicki is mysister.

Well, I'm Steve Christopher, and, uh, you can put the weapon down.

- I'm harmless. - I wonder.

- May I come in? - Oh, by all means. Enter.

Thank you.

I'm afraid you won't find anything very elegant, but we call it home.

You know, most homes havea welcome mat.

I'll put one in when I'm sure it belongs.

- Look, ifyou're worried about Vicki- - Whyshouldn't I be?

You should see her. She's up in theair, she's quitting herjob...

and forwhat?

Forthis... just fora beginning.

Well.

Whereare you in this?

Oh, I don't believe in that formyself.

- I'm not publicizing Steve Christopher. - Mm. Modesty?

No, business.

- Ah, here's our glamour girl. - Good morning, Steve.

- Morning. - That's somedress you put on.

Oh! Look, it's me!

Mm-hmm. Andthere's more.

Larry Evans's column. Lead item.

"Vicki Lynn, a new face with that old magic. "

Three model agencies afterme. Is that right, Steve?

No, but Monday there will be. Fiveofthem, afterthis.

Steve Christopher, you'rea genius.

- Isn't he wonderful, Jill? - The final vote isn't in yet.

From that day on, Steve Christopher sawto it thatshe was seen everywhere.

First it wasjust a few ofthe smart magazines...

andthen it was nearly all ofthe magazines at one time oranother.

Afterthat, it was subway posters...

andthen billboards- she was everywhere.

Steve Christopher didn't miss a bit.

In a few months, he even had Vicki singing at the Club Capri.

Steve worked hard forher. I'll have toadmit that.

And he protected her when she needed it-

even while he was pushing herahead.

Everything that pleased her seemed to please him-

until one night about two months later.

There was an argument.

You don't have tostay ifyou don't want to, you know.

I'vealways liked fireworks. I wanna be here when they gooff.

Joe, pourmea drink, willyou, dear?

- Make it two? - No, thanks.

- Soda, Miss Lynn? - No, juststraight.

Whyshould there be fireworks? They've got nothing to beef about.

- Steve especially. - Why not let Stevedecide that when he gets here.

I don'tsee why you're taking Steve's side.

- Unless- - Unless what?

Unless, maybe you're in love with him.

- Vicki, how could you? - Ljustsaid maybe.

But, ifit is true, you oughta be happy about all this.

With meout ofthe way, you'll have him all to yourself.

- I'm going home! - You'd betterwait.

We've got company.

- Steve, darling! - Hello, Vicki.

- Oh, Larry. - Hello, Vicki.

- Hello, Jill. - Hello.

- Well, what's thedeal, Vick? - You'd bettersit down. You won't haveso farto fall.

Well, something terrible's happened.

I don't know quite how to begin.

It's ratherembarrassing.

I know you've both doneso much forme...

but, well, life's strange, isn't it?

- We're neversure what's going to happen next. - What is gonna happen next?

- I'm going away. - Where?

Well, I couldn't help it really. I didn't ask them. They came to me.

- Hollywood? - Yes, Hollywood.

You see, theywanted to give mea screen test.

I didn'tseeany harm in it, so I said yes.

I didn't want to mention it forfearit wouldn't pan out, but it did.

I was terrific! So, the next thing I knew, they had signed me up.

Mm-hmm. When are you going?

- Tomorrow night. - Congratulations.

Me too.

Well, aren't we gonna havea drink on it?

All right. Joe, give meone.

We'reall very gay, aren't we?

You'd think Ijust died orsomething.

Maybe you have.

Well, going to Hollywood isn't a crime, you know.

No, no. Of course not. I said congratulations.

Well, then we'restill friends?

Vicki, why didn't you tell meabout this?

I know what you're thinking. You gave me mystart and all that...

but it was me theywere interested in.

I've got what it takes, and you didn't invent it.

Now I'll payyou back every cent you spent on me.

Vicki, I'm sure Steve's not interested in that.

I'm not interested in that. That I have written off, and you too.

What I am interested in is some contracts I have hereat the club formagazines-

Whosigned these contracts, Steve?

- Well, I did, but- - Then you worry about them, darling.

Oh, brother!

Remind me not to hang around cafeterias anymore.

The things you can pick up there.

Sure I was sore, but not about the money...

oreven about the contracts I was stuck with.

It was heringratitude.

Nobody likes to be played fora sucker.

- So you killed her? - No, wise guy.

I got togetherwith Larry and Robin the next day...

and wedid what anybodywould do.

We got loaded.

I'm going. Robin, pay the man. It's yourround.

All right.

Oh! Amongst mysouvenirs.

"To Prince Charming from Cinderella. "

To Princesame thing, from guess who.

Ditto.

I don't think there was everany one man that Vicki took seriously.

Shealways used tosay that there'd be lots oftime to look around...

aftershe got whatshe wanted.

When she was working at the cafeteria...

did you everhearofher having trouble with anybody?

The boss maybe? Guys in the kitchen?

No, not that I can-

Wait a minute. There was something queerthat happened.

I didn't think much ofit at the time, but...

it was lateone night, and I was sitting in the cafeteria...

waiting forherto finish work.

It was just a few minutes beforeshe left.

- I'lljust bea minute, Sis. - Okay.

- You ready? - Oh, sure.

You've got an unknown admirer.

There was a guy out there really giving you the eye.

Oh, don't let it botheryou, honey. Everybodywindow-shops.

It doesn't mean a thing.

The next time I went there, I saw him again.

He neversaid anything, neverreally bothered us...

but-but it frightened me all thesame.

I didn't mention it to Vicki anymore. I knew she'd just laugh at me.

But there was something about him, something in the way he looked at herthat-

Perhaps ifyou could find that man, you'd find the murderer.

Mysterious stranger, huh? You'll have todo betterthan that, young lady.

Why are you trying to protect Steve Christopher?

Protect? I'm not trying to protect him oranybody. Whyshould I?

- You were in love with him, weren't you? - That's a lie.

So much in love with him, you couldn'tseestraight.

- Only hedidn't give you a tumble, isn't that right? - No.

- But you fixed all that by eliminating the competition. - No!

- Vicki seemed to think so. - Didn'tshesay, "With meout ofway...

you'll have him all to yourself"?

- Shedidn't mean it like that. - Still, that's whatshesaid.

And she is out ofthe way. You could've put herthere.

Stop it! Stop it! Nobody has the right tosay a thing like that to me.

Let me talk tosomebody else. Who's in chargeofthis case?

I'll get Cornell.

That's the way it was. Each of us got a knife-

right between theshoulderblades.

Lieutenant.

- You're wanted inside. - Okay.

All right, miss. Here's the head man.

Why that's him. That's the man.

- Hmm? - Shesays shesaw a mysterious stranger...

peeking through the window ofthe joint where hersisterworked.

Now she says it's you.

How'bout it, Ed? Do you peek through windows?

Yeah. Sure.

Lfthere's somethin' to look at.

Relax, sister. That's my district.

That's my job, peeking at people.

Yoursisterwas pretty. A lot of people might have looked at her.

- No. This is the man I saw. - All right. I'm a Peeping Tom.

Sit down. Sit down!

Here. Drink this. You'll feel better.

Steve Christopher saw yoursisterand you once...

aftershe told him she was going to Hollywood.

Whose idea was that?

Mine. Mostly.

Afterl walked out ofthe Club Capri, I waited outside.

When Steve cameout, I persuaded him to take Vicki and me fora ride.

I wanted them tosquare things off beforeshe left.

What differencedid that make to you?

What difference?

None, except I liked Steve.

I loved mysister. I understood how angry he was with Vicki.

I didn't want him todoanything that would hurt hercareer.

I knew how much it meant to her.

What happened on that ride?

- They didn't get together. - What was said?

- Nothing of any importance. - Comeon!

We-We just rodealong the parkway.

He was still very angry at her.

Nobodysaid anything at all... forabout 10 minutes.

I triedto bridge the gap.

Well, it's a nice night anyway.

I'm glad you're enjoying it. This was youridea.

All right. I madea little mistake. I'm sorry.

Yourapology's accepted. The case is closed.

Just like that, huh? Look, Steve...

toshow we'restill friends, how about driving me to theairport tomorrow?

Well, why not?

When you've been taken this far, you might as well go the wholedistance.

Oh, now, Steve, that's not fair.

Ayearfrom now, Vicki'll bea big star, and then you'll be proud ofher.

- Yeah. Hoorayfor Vicki. - Three cheers.

I know what you're thinking. You're glad to get rid of me.

I am? Why?

- AskJill. She knows. - Oh, Vicki! Don't besilly.

Let's go back now. Shall we?

Now, Vicki said to Christopher, "You'll be glad to get rid of me. "

Is that it, word forword?

Oh, bu- Sh-Shedidn't mean that.

Whatshe meant we'll neverknow, Miss Lynn.

O- Onlywhatshesaid.

H- How and when did you find the body?

It was about five-

It was about 5:30. I'd gotten home earlyfrom theoffice.

- There was radio music coming from the apartment.

Ljust came in. Just a second ag-

I was gonna take her to theairport.

Jill, youdon't think that I-

Is she-

Operator, get me the police.

Thanks very much, Miss Lynn.

You've been most helpful.

- Well, I give up. - You boys give up too easily.

We'veonly been hereall night.

What did Vicki Lynn mean when shesaid, "You'll be glad to get rid of me?"

- Where'd you get that? - What did she mean?

- Why, she- - I'll tellyou whatshe meant.

She knew you hated her forrunning out on you.

You thought about her all that night and the next day...

untilyou wereso jealous you couldn'tstand it...

and then you went up to herapartment, but not to take herto theairport.

You went up thereand killed her.

- That's not true! - It is true!

I oughta killyou myself.

Pretty boy.

Hold it.

Lieutenant, the chiefwants tosee Christopher in his office right away.

Take him with you.

You're ridin' him pretty hard, aren't ya, Ed?

- I haven'tstarted. - But why?

I've been in this game 15 years...

and that's a guilty man.

He was found with her-

with the body.

What do you want?

Come in.

Good morning, Mr. Christopher.

- I'm afraid weowe you an apology. - Thanks.

- Sit down, please. - Hello, Jill.

The fact is, somebody's made an unfortunate mistake.

I've just been telling Miss Lynn here that itseemed so logical...

- you were the guilty one. - It did?

- What, uh, seems logical now? - Sit down.

- Well, now we think we know the identity ofthe killer. - Oh?

A kid by the name of Harry Williams.

Switchboard boy at theapartment house.

We've just discovered he's been missing since 5:30 yesterday afternoon.

It's only a question ofhours before we pick him up.

Well, that's a relief. Did you hearthat, Jill?

Yes. Do you mind ifl go now?

- I'm not feeling too well. - Not in the least, Miss Lynn.

I'm sorry to have troubled you.

Before you go, Christopher. I hope you haven't been too inconvenienced.

No, no. No, not at all.

Jill! Jill, look, don't be like that.

We've both been through thesamesiege. Shouldn't that make us friends?

- L-I don't know. - Jill.

I'm sorryyou had to tell 'em about that ride.

I'm afraid it didn't sound too good.

L- I couldn't help it. They got it out of me.

- Vicki didn't know whatshe was saying. - Yes, I know that.

I tried to tell them.

Jill, can I take you home?

No. I'd rathernot. I don't want any reminders around...

fora while.

What do you want?

One ofthese times, you're gonna talk. You're gonna talk in yoursleep.

When that time comes, I wanna bearound.

You got a warrant?

- Uh-uh. I'm doin' this on my own time. - Then get out on yourown time.

Get out.

You don'tseem to realize I'm doin'you a favor.

I'm keepin'you posted on the progress ofthe case.

Forinstance...

I found a cigarette butt in Vicki's clothes closet.

There was an evening slipper in there, too, with a crushed heel.

Somebodywaited in there. Do you smoke in clothes closets?

No, I don'tsmoke in clothes closets.

That's good. That's very good-

except it happened to be yourbrand.

Mineand 10 million more.

Maybe it was a mass murder.

I know it doesn't mean much by itself...

but when I put all my evidence together...

I'll have you strapped in that chairso tight you'll scream.

Maybe I oughta keep you posted on this case.

They told medown at headquarters they know it was Harry Williams.

- I think they're wrong. - Everybody outta step but you, is that it?

I've nevermadea mistake.

"To Steve. Thanks foreverything. "

Everything?

Well, Stevie...

you want herall foryourself, huh?

First herand now hersistermaybe, huh?

I'll bet when you werea kid, you wrotedirtywords on fences.

- Don't try that again. - I won't.

I don't want a hairout of place.

I want you spick-and-span forthe chair.

- Get out! - Stevie-boy, relax.

In the long run, it's not muscles that count.

It's brains.

Bring in those reports.

Come in! Bring in those reports...

on Robin Ray and Larry Evans in the Lynn case.

- You wanna see me, Chief? - Not forlong.

You're falling on yourface, Cornell.

Now that Harry Williams is out ofthe running, you're back where you started. Nothin'.

I wouldn'tsay that. Got mysuspicions.

Well, that's just dandy. I'll have the D.A.'s office makea noteofit.

What do you mean, suspicions? I thought you said Williams cleared himself.

Mm. I'm not talkin' about Williams.

- I'm talkin' about Steve Christopher. - Christopher?

Christopher? All I hear from you is Christopher.

What aboutsomeoftheothers? This ham actorhereor Larry Evans.

Let's sweat him a little.

You'd betterleave Evans alone untilyou getsomething definiteon him.

He might give you a bad notice.

- All right, bring in theactor. - He couldn't kill fleas.

Did I ask youropinion? I want him brought down here this afternoon.

All right, but you're wastin'yourtime.

- You mind ifl bring in Steve Christophertoo? - May I ask why?

Nospecial reason. Ljust like to have him around.

Uh, please.

- Relax. Be like me. - Thanks.

You got nothin' to worry about ifyou don't let the bulls push you around.

That way, they respect you. Now, take me. I tell 'em off.

- They don't pull nothin' on me. - Grubby.

- Yes, sir. - We're through with you. Beat it.

Yes, sir.

- Robin! - Well, what are you doing here?

Oh, I'm theirfavorite guest.

I think they'd like to make it permanent.

Of course, the whole thing is perfectly ridiculous.

I had nothing todo with it. I only came here to beobliging.

Tell me, Steve. How do they goabout these things? What do they do to you?

Robin, it'd spoil the fun ifl told you.

Look. Look. Slow down. Take it easy.

- You're not on trial here. - Of course not.

- I hope. - All right. This way.

Afteryou.

Sit down overthere.

Steve, what happens now?

I don't know. This is new to me.

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

You can't do this! Let me get out ofhere!

Let me get out-

Bring 'em up to my office.

I couldn't help it. I couldn'tstand watching herlooking soalive...

and knowing she was dead.

It wasn't fairtodo that to Vicki.

When I first met her, I went along with that publicity buildup.

She was just another good-looking girl, but...

something happened.

I fell in love with her.

Then one day I told her, butshe laughed.

She thought it was a joke...

but I still felt thesame way about her, even afterthat.

On theday Vicki was murdered, in theafternoon, where were you?

- I'm notsure. - You had to besomeplace-

home, out fora walk, Vicki Lynn's apartment.

- No. - Where were you?

- I don't know. - I do.

He was visiting a nightclub cigarette girl...

in herapartment.

I felt foolish aftershe turned medown.

- I was trying to prove to myself- - Wedon't need any details.

You can go now.

Thanks.

You'restill it, pretty boy.

- Is that all fortoday? - That's all.

Fortoday.

- How'bout a statement? - Nostatement. Please, please, fellows. Let me go.

Hey, Steve, with Robin cleared, wheredoes this leave you?

Ask Cornell. He knows everything.

Tough lad to haveon yourtail.

- He's neverbeen wrong, theysay. - He's neverbeen wrong, hesays.

- Say, Lieutenant- - Not now.

Harry! What are you doing here?

Well, I thought I'd have this done before you got here.

I'm back working.

But I- Put that down!

Ooh, you got me wrong, Miss Lynn.

Ljust went overtosee myfolks in Newark fora coupleof days.

I didn't know it was gonna causesuch a stir...

- and I explained everything to the cops. - But I-I thought.

You shouldn't have thought a thing like that.

You don't think I'd do that, do you?

Well, do you?

No, Harry. I don't.

Thesuperintendent told me you were coming back to get yoursister's things...

and I thought I'd have'em packed forya.

You shouldn't havedone that- not without permission.

I thought it might help. I didn't think you'd wanna do it alone.

Well, it's all right, as long as it's done.

Willyou help me get these things down into the cab?

Oh, sure.

Just a second, Miss Lynn.

Hello? Huh? Yeah.

All right. I was busysomeplace else.

It's Mr. Christopherforyou.

Tell him that I'm not in, that I've goneaway.

She's goneaway.

Mm. He wants to know where you've gone.

Say there's no forwarding address.

There's no forwarding address.

Boy, was hesore. Hesays he's been ringing for 15 minutes!

Taxi.

- Was the funeral nice? - It was very quiet.

- I wanted to come. - Well, why didn't you, Harry?

- I didn't think it was my place. - Harry, thedoll.

Don'tstepon it.

Harry.

Oh.

Good-bye, Miss Lynn.

Harry, thanks forhelping me with the bags and everything.

I don't want yourmoney.

- What do you want? - Afew questions.

You'veasked enough questions already.

You wanna find the man who killed yoursister, don't you?

- Of course I do. - Maybe I can help you.

Maybe we can help each other. We'reafterthesame thing.

Nice place.

You can tell a lot about people by theirbooks.

Good book.

- That Vicki's? - Yes.

It's too bad she can't talk.

She was there.

You know...

I think you know a lot more than you're telling-

especially about Steve Christopher.

That's not true. I've told you everything I know.

- What more can there be? - Lfl knew that, I wouldn't be here.

I know what you're going through...

but that guy played yoursisterfora sucker.

When she tried to run out on him, he let herhave it.

- I don't believe that. - You're in love with him.

- No! - Yes, you are. I know it, and yoursisterknew it.

You're in love with him, and you're trying to coverup forhim.

It won't work. I'll get him with orwithout yourhelp.

I'll get him! He's guilty!

And you'd better play along with me.

- Get out! Get out! - You keep telling yourselfhe's innocent.

But you're not certain, and that's what's drivin'you crazy.

You look up in his face. He puts his hands on you, and you like that.

But you think maybe they're the hands that killed Vicki.

- I haven't even seen him. - I'd keep it that way ifl were you.

Because I'm gonna haunt both ofyou... likea guilty conscience.

Steve Christopher, please.

Hello? Steve, this isJill Lynn.

Look, are you free tonight? I've got tosee you.

Oh, good. 8:00.

Oh, that's right. You don't.

It's 333 East 29th.

Good. I'll be ready.

What are you thinking about?

I was remembering the last time in here...

when Vicki made herbig announcement.

And I rememberthe first time...

when she came home from here full ofbig plans.

- Steve. - What?

What is it, Jill?

Were you... in love with her?

With Vicki? No.

Cornell seems to think so. He- He came by tosee me.

Cornell thinks something else too.

He's wrong... on both counts.

- You believe that, Jill? - I want to.

Look.

Jill, I-I know it looks bad forme with Williams in the clear...

but... Ijust have toask you to trust me.

As for Vicki, I-

I know I tried to rush hertoo fast...

intosomething that... she wasn't readyfor.

But as forbeing in love with her-

Look, Jill, when a man loves a woman...

hedoesn't wanna plasterherface on every billboard in town.

He wants to keep her to himself... forhimself.

Steve, I can tellyou now why I called you.

There's something in theapartment...

something ofVicki's that- that I want you to have.

Steve, I was going through someofVicki's things...

and I-I happened to comeacross this.

Hmm. "Bon voyage, Vicki. Afterthe wayyou behaved last night...

the sooneryou're out ofthe way, the better. "

That's thedayshe was leaving.

I sent heran orchid to wearon the plane and this with it.

I know what you meant by it, but I don't think anyone else would.

Why didn't you turn this in?

First I had to besureabout you, Steve, and now I am.

- Jill, I- - I'd like to keep that.

Easy.

Now, pretty boy, let's try theseon forsize, huh?

Put those hands up there. Put'em up there!

That was niceofyou to put it in writing.

You were holdin' out on me, weren't you?

Mona Lisa type.

This is real nice, Stevie boy-

you and me bein' alone like this.

- I've been lookin' forward to it. - You're crazy, Cornell.

- You're tryin' to railroad me. - Stevie, you bought the ticket.

- I'm just holdin' it foryou. - Anybody could've written that.

Anybody didn't. You did.

I found these in yourapartment.

Exhibit"A"- a pairofbrass knucks.

- You neverfound- - Stevie-boy.

Vicki was hit behind the earwith a weapon about thesizeof a fist, only much harder.

- Remember? - It's a frame! You planted those-

That's what they all say.

I got a copsaw me take these outta yourbureau.

Did hesee you put them there too?

I forgot toask him.

Stevie, you shouldn't have tried to resist arrest.

Slug me with those, Cornell...

and I'll square you off ifit takes me the rest of my life.

You're not gonna have a very long life, Stevie.

You're likea rat in a box without any holes.

But they're gonna makea hole foryou-

6- by-3, filled with quicklime-

Steve. Oh, we've got to get out ofhere right away.

Yourhands.

Do you supposesomeone heard?

They must have. These walls areso thin.

We've got to get out quickly.

- Is thereanotherway out? - Yes, upstairs. Quick. I'll show you.

Where can we go? The police will be everywhere.

- I don't know. I have to think. - You can't go home. They'll find you.

I have to figuresomeplace where noone will look forme.

- Is there- - No, listen.

There's an all-night movie down on LowerThird-the Avon.

I could stay there tonight. Maybe- Maybe I could think of some way to get out of all this.

- No, Steve. You've got to get away-out oftown. - No, no.

- You only run awaywhen you're guilty. - But iftheyfind you-

I'll worry about that later. I'm onlysorry that you're in this.

Oh, I couldn't help it when I saw you standing thereso helpless...

and that-that vulture bullying you.

- Yeah. "Vulture's" the word forhim. - Vicki called him that.

He infuriated meso much that Ijust had tostrikeout atsomething.

Was that theonly reason?

- No. - Jill.

Vicki was right about us.

- We can cross overto theotherroof. - I have to get rid ofthese.

There's a repairshop where I park the carsometimes.

There might bea hacksaw there. You take the car. The keys are in it.

- Can't we be together? - No, we can't.

- Oh, Steve. - Ourchances are betterifweseparate.

The place is at 64th Street and the river.

It closes at 11:00. Meet me thereat midnight.

- I wish there was something I could do. - Don't look so worried.

You'll have to help me cut theseoff.

Are you handywith a hacksaw?

All right, goahead. I'll follow you.

Homicide.

This is Cornell. I want an alarm sent out forJill Lynn and Steve Christopher.

They may be in his car. Check the number.

Just pick'em up! That's all!

I'll havea chargeon file when you bring 'em in.

Young lady! Young lady!

All right, all right. You're coming with us.

Where's the man? Where's Christopher?

You're too late. He's left town.

- Hiya, Lieutenant. - Where's the man?

- Shesays he left town. - He won't mind ifwe use his car.

Let's go. Get in the car. We're goin' downtown.

- Keller, takea look around. - Okay. Barr, comeon.

I guess she told the truth. He isn't here.

Let's go, huh?

- Blake. - Yes, Ed.

- Anything on Christopher? - Nothin'yet.

- You know they picked up the girl? - Yeah, they told me.

- You wanna see her? - I don't wanna seeanybody but Christopher.

I want him picked up. Lfhe tries anything, let him have it.

Okay.

Ed, you look awfully beat.

If anything comes up, we can phone you at home.

Yeah.

Yeah, do that. I'll call it a night.

Oh, good morning, Ed.

Here's thestuff onJill Lynn. I made it assaulting an officer.

We can writeourown ticket later.

Mac, you everread a book on butterflies by a guy named Fabre?

Not being a butterfly, I was neverinterested.

- Now, ifyou'lljustsign these. - This Fabre was a naturalist.

Once he got hold of a very rare female butterflyworth a thousand bucks.

He kept it in a glass box.

But what he reallywanted was the maleofthespecies.

Nobody'd everbeen able to captureone.

- You know what hedid? - Advertised.

Mm-mmm. He turned the female loose.

In 24 hours, he had the male in a net.

- You get the point? - A housedoesn't have to fall on me.

TurnJill Lynn loose, and we'll have Christopherin 24 hours.

Lfthis doesn't work, the chief'll pull the rug out from underyou.

Turn herloose!

You're the boss.

What are you trying to do, force a confession out ofme?

You've been holding out, and I want to knowwhy.

It'll be easierforyou ifyoutell the truth.

What difference does it make what I say?

- In yourmind, I'm guilty. - Are you?

- Don't tell me you have any doubts? - This seat isn't taken, baby.

Ken, please, do I have to have those lights in myface?

Jill.

Thanks.

Wait.

Quiet. Quiet, please.

Steve, I was soafraid I wouldn't find you.

I'm sure glad you did. I'veseen this picture fourtimes.

You know who killed Lady Batterslee? The butler.

Did you find out anything? Did you get anywhere?

I've been checking all afternoon. Couldn't dig upa thing.

- Well, listen. I think I may have. - What?

I'm not quitesure what it means, but I thought you might.

I found these. They're cards the floristsent me.

Theywereon flowers sent to Vicki at the cemetery.

There's six ofthem with thesame message- "Because I promised. "

"Be-Because I promised. "

"Until tomorrow. "

Jill. That's the way Larry Evans signs offhis column.

- Larry Evans? - Uh, maywe havea little bit of quiet, please?

- Someof us are trying to enjoy the picture. - Comeon.

- I wanna talk to you. - I don't mind peopledropping in.

Butsomeothertime, huh? I got a column to turn out.

- What do you know about Vicki's murder? - What I read in the papers.

- What do you know? - I know this.

You've been sending flowers every day to her grave.

Oh. So you found out about that, have you?

It's easy to explain. I promised her.

- Promised her? - Uh-huh.

Let me get a cigarette.

Just thought I'd try it.

Makea good story ifl could bring you in myself.

Swell. What do you mean you promised tosend Vicki flowers?

It was like this. On theday ofthe murder, afterl'd taken herdown to pick up-

Wait. You were with Vicki theafternoon she was murdered?

- Sure. - Why didn't you tell the police that?

You told them yourstory. Look what it got you.

Nevermind. Goon.

When we got back to herplace, she found outshe'd forgotten herkey...

so we went to thedesk to pick up the passkey.

The passkeywasn't there, and neither was the kid who ran the switchboard.

I give up. We'lljust have to wait around till Harry gets back.

From what I'veseen ofthat boy, he could be gone forhours.

Tellyou what...

I'll climb up the fire escape and let you in.

Oh, Larry Evans. You'd never doanything so gallant.

Oh, no? Where is it?

Down the corridor, I think.

I'm an old fire escape man from way back.

I get most of my items that way.

We were expecting you, Your Ladyship.

Oh. Larry, you'rea doll.

You know-

Now that I'm going away, I- I reallyfeel a littlesad.

- Forget it. - Lfl didn't think I'd bea success...

I'd neverdream of doing a thing like this.

You'll make it. You've got a heart madeout of rock candy.

- You won't forget me, willyou? - Not forat least two weeks.

Two weeks isn't a very long time, do you think?

It is fora columnist.

Listen, I'll do you a favor.

Forthe first two weeks, I'll send you flowers.

It'll makea big impression out there where you're going.

Oh. That'd be terrific.

- You promise? - Promise.

I promised her. A promise is a promise.

I hope itstill makes an impression wherevershe is.

Besides, I thought it'd make a great Sunday column.

- What happened afterthat? - I left.

Was the kid back at theswitchboard when you went downstairs?

No. I rememberthe board was buzzing as I passed by.

That's odd-goneso long.

Was thereanything unusual about theapartment when you went in?

Yes, now that you mention it. There was cigarettesmoke in the bedroom.

- I thought maybeJill had just left. - Jill was still at theoffi-

Wait a minute. I-

I remembershe told me, when she went back to get Vicki's things...

there was a cigarette burning in-

Thanks, Larry.

Stand still, Mac.

Put that gun away. We got enough on you as it is.

Not tillyou hearmeout.

I've got a lineon the real killer, but I need yourhelp.

Sorry, Steve. I'm on theother sideofthe fence.

Okay, I'll make you a proposition.

Lfyou'll trust me forjust half an hour, I'll trust you.

Well, I guess half an hour won't do much harm.

But, just in case, I'll take this.

Yeah?

Hello. Harry? This is Vicki.

Why did you do it, Harry?

Didn't you love me?

Tell Vicki. Please tell Vicki.

Hello?

Tell Vicki. Please tell Vicki.

Why did you do it, Harry? Didn't you love me?

Tell Vicki. Please tell Vicki.

Tell Vicki. Why didyoudo it, Harry?

- Didn'tyou love me? - I can't!

Why did you do it, Harry? Comeon. Let's have it.

- Goaway! Goaway! Leave mealone! - You loved her, didn't you?

I won't tellyou! I won't tellyou!

You let yourselfinto herapartment with a passkey, and you waited forher.

When Larry Evans came through the window to let herin, you hid in the closet.

- After Evans left, you cameout and you tried to grab her. - No!

Shescreamed, you gotscared, and you hit herwith this!

No! I didn't know what I was doing! I swear!

When shescreamed, I gotscared.

- I didn't know! I didn't know! - Sure, sure, sure.

- I understand. - Do you? Do you?

Sure, Harry.

I told the cop how it was when he traced me to Newark.

Hesaid he understood too. Hesaid he understood how anybodywould want to kiss her.

He told me just to come back here and to keep quiet. It'd beall right.

- Hesaid he'd forget all about it. - What cop?

- Th-The big one. - Ed Cornell?

Yeah. Yeah, that's his name. You understand, don't you?

- It's all right, isn't it? - Yes, Harry. It's all right.

Comeon. Let's go.

Comeon, comeon.

Did you hearthat, Mac?

He knew I was innocent all the time.

Comeon down, Jill. He confessed.

Oh, Steve. Thank heaven.

I'll be right down.

Mac, I'm gonna ask you one more favor.

Five minutes alone with Cornell.

Okay. I guess you got it comin' to you.

But exactlyfive minutes afteryou get there...

I'll bearound.

Thanks.

You come here to give yourself up?

I don't have to.

Ljust had a talk with Harry Williams.

Yeah. It must have been very enlightening.

It was. Very.

You'rea sick man, Cornell.

- You knew all the time it was Harry Williams. - Sure. I'm not dumb.

- You knew it, and yet you wanted to hang it on me. - That's right.

Why? Why didn't you goafterhim?

He was theone who killed her.

Vicki was dead forme from the time you set eyes on her.

You're theone who really killed her.

You're theone who took her awayfrom me. Not him.

Don't make me laugh, Cornell. You neverhad a chance with her.

Yeah. I guess... it mustseem funny to you-

a worm like me looking up toa woman like that.

I used to hang around that cafeteria at night...

just to besure she got homesafe.

Sheseemed... really grateful, friendly.

We had a cupof coffee together.

I guess a cupof coffee's...

not very much to... hang yourhopes on...

but I didn't need much.

I started to hope-

hope we'd get to know each otherbetter.

I might even get up enough courage toask herto marry mesomeday.

I took this apartment andst-startedto furnish it with...

things I thoughtshe'd like.

I was gonna surprise herwith it.

Then youcame along, put big ideas in herhead.

She was a glamour girl.

Why didn't you leave heralone?

Nobody took Vicki awayfrom you, Cornell.

She hated you forthe wayyou werealways watching herand following her.

- She used to callyou "the vulture. " - No.

This is the end ofthe line, Cornell. They're gonna put you away.

I oughta killyou forwhat you'vedone.

Yeah, Stevie.

Stevie, you do that. You-You kill me, Stevie.

- I could be with herthen. I'd like that. - You're crazy.

- You do that. - You're through, Cornell!

You hearwhat hesaid?

You hear?

Now there won't beanyone to change the flowers now.

Steve.

Oh!

Comeon, Ed.

As I was saying-

Good morning, kids.