Original subtitles

Get back on the curb you... you idiot.

I'm sorry. I didn't see the...

You'd be a whole lot sorrier if I hadn't seen you.

Next time you want a cab, just whistle or flap your arms or something.

Don't try to stop it with your head.

Cab, huh?

Okay, hop in.

Just my luck. A drunk on the loose.

Mister, taxi.

It's my head, I...

Say, you're hurt.

What happened?

I don't know. I guess that...

Gee, I take that back about calling you a drunk.

You were slugged.

- Slugged? - Yeah.

You know, crowned.

Beaned.

Beaned.

- You come with me. - No, I'm alright.

Oh sure, sure. You're fine.

- Take it easy. - Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Just relax, mister.

It's only a short haul to the hospital.

No...

Wait, I have some money.

So why do you keep looking through your pockets?

To find out what's in them.

That's what I get for asking foolish questions.

- Where are we? - Ocean View Road.

That doesn't seem to mean anything to me.

- What city are we in? - You don't even know what city?

Wait until the Chamber of Commerce hears about this.

I don't know where I am or who I am or...

I don't even know what I look like.

You don't even remember your own face?

No.

Everything happens to me.

Well...

as faces go, it's not bad.

You seem to have eyes, ears, nose, mouth. All in pretty good shape.

In fact...

you're not bad looking.

- Thanks. - Here...

Take a look for yourself.

No...

Whoever he is, he's a stranger.

If only I knew how I got this cut.

Hey, if you can't remember that far back,

I think I know what's the matter with you.

There's a name for it. Well...

People get lost. They forget who they are...

It's called "Am" something. "Am".

Well, they'll know at the hospital.

OH, no please, not the hospital. Just keep driving.

Well, that's alright. I've got my meter going.

Oh, I seem to have $18.00.

That's good for 90 miles of driving

or 360 minutes waiting time, but that would leave you broke.

Harry and I are no gold diggers.

Harry?

I call my cab Harry.

Five more payments and he's all mine.

Where are we going?

Harry and I are now going

to pull to the curb and find out just who you are.

Hey, that's not much of a cut to cause all that damage.

Look, maybe this is something.

DR, huh?

Or it could be RD. It's a start anyway.

- Is your name Ralph? - No.

Let's go through all the R's, huh?

Richard, Robert, Raymond, Roy...

Doesn't anything ring a bell with you?

No, I'm sorry.

The first thing I remember is a street sign.

Ocean View Road and Arch Street.

Well, that's where I nearly dented one of Harry's fenders on you.

Do you remember anything else? Now think...

Well, there's this stuff.

- Cigarettes. Crown tips. - Crown tips.

- Is this the kind you smoke? - I don't know.

Two theater ticket stubs.

Match cover and 18 dollars.

The Imperial Theater? Does that mean anything to you? Think hard.

- You remember what you saw there? - No.

Robert, I bet you're the first man whoever saw

Barbara Borden in the fourth row and doesn't remember.

- Who's Barbara Borden? - Oh, let it go.

Matches from the Blue Room at the Regency Hotel.

Maybe you took her there to dance.

Who?

- The girl you took to the theater. - No.

Say...

you suppose I'm married?

Most men don't need a crack on the head to forget that.

Driving a cab seems to have made you a cynic.

Oh, Don't go blame it on Harry.

It happened some time ago when I was on the stage.

Oh, you were an actress, eh?

Thanks, that was the original idea, but...

I wound up little Patty Mitchell fourth from the end in a floor show.

You like driving a cab better?

Why not? I'm in the fresh air,

I'm my own boss and at least there's a thick

pane of glass between me and the drunks.

This isn't helping you any.

Shall we go back to the R's?

No, no. We didn't get anywhere with them.

And you won't go to the hospital, Please?

I'm not sick. It's just that...

Then there's only one other place you can go.

Maybe I shouldn't mention it,

but if you're on the level they can help you.

- Who? - The cops.

The police, I mean.

Yes, I guess you're right.

Hey mister, you forgot your hat.

Wait a minute. I wasn't trying to give you the brush-off.

Oh, I know, but I can't impose on you any further.

Oh, don't be a chump.

Look, 'll take you to the nearest police station.

And if they can't help...

we can always advertise you in Lost and Found.

Alright.

Get your evening paper. Read all about it.

Big Murder. Robert Dilling shot it the way to go home.

Read all about it.

Get your paper here. Big murder. Robert Dilling shot.

Get your paper, buy a paper, mister.

Read about the big murder in Ocean View.

Ocean View?

"Famous stage producer slain at...

Ocean View estate."

That's where I picked you up.

That seems to explain why I was there.

Well, it doesn't prove anything.

But when I came to...

there was blood and...

It could have come from the cut on your head.

Does the name "Robert Dilling" mean anything?

Robert Dilling?

I've got it.

The initials in your hat. R. D.

I must be mixed up in it somehow.

Well, I guess this is as far as we go together.

Wait. I've gone this far. I might as well see it through.

But you don't know who I am any more than I do.

At least I know you're not Robert Dilling.

But suppose...

suppose I was his murderer.

You're not a murderer. You're not the type.

I wish I was as sure of that as you are.

I'll take my chances.

Get in the cab.

Commerce Building? Yes, sir. Have you there in a jiffy.

"Robbery as the motive was indicated by the fact

that no money was found in the pockets of

the dead theatrical producer.

"He'd earlier drawn $500.00 from the box office."

"The search for the suspected killer

is narrowed down to the man seen entering.

Dilling's home around 11:30 P. M."

"He is described as tall, between 30 and 35...

and wearing a dark pinstripe suit."

Those aren't polka dots you're wearing.

For an innocent man, you have on the wrong clothes.

- Patty. - Now what's the matter?

I must have missed a pocket.

Just $500.00.

The hottest 500 bucks in this state.

Oh say, listen, Mister D. R. Or mister R. D.,

unless you want to change those pinstripes for prison stripes,

you better get out of town.

But the only way I can find out about myself

is to stay right here.

I guess maybe you're right.

But I do have to get out of this suit.

And next time get one without so many pockets.

It's 3-2 on the batter and the bases are loaded...

Doogan's pitched himself into a tight spot.

There's the pitch...

It's heading for the left field wall.

Mayberry is running back...

he's running back...

It looks like a home run.

Baseball. Baseball, every night baseball.

Listen to the news once, improve your mind.

Gosh, the bases were loaded and that

might have been a home run. And now will never know.

I suppose your mind doesn't need improving.

What good is my education if I don't know what the score is?

Please, we're in an awful hurry.

Don't argue, they are in a hurry.

Now, don't touch that radio.

Another mysterious figure in the Dilling case is...

Dave Rennick, former chauffeur of the theatrical producer.

Rennick was discharged recently after a quarrel.

He lived with an aunt at 27 Meridian Avenue.

He disappeared immediately after the murder.

He is described as being. 6 feet in high...

Dave Rennick... D.R.

Murder.

That's a cheerful way to improve my mind.

Alright, a chauffeur knocks off his boss. Well, that's his problem.

Every time she hears about anybody getting murder,

she wonders if it's in one of our suits.

Please, may I have that hat?

- Don't you want a new one? - OH, yes, of course he does.

- Alright, let's see the size. - Ah, excuse me,

- Size 7-1/4. - I'd like a turned-down brim. Grey.

You heard him. Bring back a grey hat.

He sure must like that old hat.

Oh, yes, we always take very good care of it.

It's a family heirloom, used to be my mother's.

Your mother's?

Thanks. That looks about right.

Yes, that's fine. I'll take the suit and the hat.

- How much will that be? - $47.50.

Now if it was up to me to catch that Dave Rennick, I'd...

A hundred dollars.

Haven't you got anything smaller?

- Well, give rather a check out. - No, no, this will be fine.

Now, as I was saying, if it was up to me I'd concentrate on Dilling's chauffeur.

I'm looking for the driver of that cab.

Oh, there you are.

What's the matter with you, young lady? You must be in love or something.

You left the keys in and the motor running.

Thanks, officer.

- Harry and I certainly appreciate that. - Next time be more careful.

That goes for you too, Harry. Good night.

- Here's your change. - Thank you.

Wait a minute. You forgot your old suit.

Or maybe you want me to turn it over to the police.

The police?

Sure, we give them all our old clothes.

They distribute them in charity.

Well, charity begins at home. We'll take this one.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Well, I guess that settles that.

The D. R. In my hat stands for Dave Rennick.

If you turn it around, it stands for Richard Dilling.

But he's dead, I'm not. Or am I?

You certainly don't look like a chauffeur.

Neither do you.

I see what you mean.

OH, why don't you get out of town while you have a chance?

Hundreds of people could identify Dilling's chauffeur.

No...

As soon as I can get rid of this old suit...

I'm going out to Rennick's place.

If I turn out to be Rennick, I'm going back to the police.

Well, now I for everything.

I wanted to help you because I thought you were in trouble.

And now you are going or give yourself up.

For now you just can forget about me.

Look Patty, you've been very helpful...

but the more I can forget about this rather safer you'd be.

Our ride isn't over yet

and if I live through it, I'll have my head examine later.

- You too. - Hop in.

- Not a brass button in sight. - Guess I'm lucky.

Lucky, huh?

That's how you got that cut on the head.

You were hit by a horseshoe.

This is, 27.

If whoever opens this door doesn't recognize me, I'm not Dave Rennick.

And what if they do recognize you?

You say you never saw me before.

There's nobody home.

- Not that I mention, she even saw me. - We've got to make her see you.

Stand over here.

Otherwise, we never find out whether you're Rennick or not.

Look, I told you there's nobody home.

And when I say there's nobody home, I mean there's a...

and nobody home as a rule.

- What do I have to do or that? - Where can I find Dave Rennick?

- Ah, you tell me. - Then, could we see his room?

Well, I guess there's no harm in just looking.

- She didn't recognize you. - I'm not Dave Rennick.

Score one for our side.

I've only worked in this place for 2 days,

and for a guy I've never seen..

That Rennick has sure given me a lot of trouble.

No score for our side.

- I still could be Rennick. - In here.

Gee, if this room was up another flight, I'd feel like a 2nd story man.

- 2nd story woman. - Yeah.

Hey, quite a collection.

Recognize any of the samples?

Looks do Mr. Rennick covered quite a lot of ground.

I could question his taste though.

Or your own.

You'd better wait until you find out the show whether he's you or not.

That's right. That's what we came here for, isn't it?

No initials in it.

Uh oh, it fits.

Well, well if it isn't Inspector Brenner.

Do I have to find you crawling out from another man

every time I'm map on a case?

Get out of my way.

But Bill, my paper wants a story on the missing chauffeur, David Rennick.

This time they can wait until they get the facts from me.

I will not have you interfering with the police.

- Impeding... - Ah, no, no, no.

Bill, don't go losing your temper

in front of the press just two weeks before election.

Who's losing whose temper?

Better now, let's go see what cooks.

There's nobody home.

I don't care whether there's anybody home or not.

Don't go slamming doors in my face.

Inspector Brenner, Police Dept.

Where's the landlady, Rennick's aunt?

Well, there's nobody home, and they wont be...

Who's that?

Oh, no, no. Nobody. The cat I guess.

You must be an animal trainer.

I never could train my cat to shut drawers.

- Well, if it isn't Mr and Mrs. Cat. - Stay out of this, Mel.

What are you two doing here?

Come on, speak up. I'm Inspector Brenner, Police Department.

What's your name?

- Clarence Smith, - And who are you?

Why I'm Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Clarence Smith.

Oh, darling...

Oh, it's alright, darling, we can tell them.

After all we can't keep our honeymoon a secret from everyone.

We've only been married for a few hours.

Congratulations.

Ask them why they're wasting good time here.

Ignore him, he's only a reporter.

Eh, why are you wasting good time here?

Oh, why to get a story of course.

You see, Clarence is a reporter too.

What do you know?

She says it like she's glad. You'll be sorry.

All right, all right, cut the cracks.

Where we start from this?

Are you sure you're not Dilling's chauffeur, Dave Rennick?

No, are you?

Not on a 100%, until I check with the picture.

But you'll pass from his description.

Say, that will bake a wonderful story, wouldn't Clarence?

Can you imagine?

"Special Correspondent Mistaken for Murderer."

What paper are you on?

The Dayton Chronicle.

Got here awfully fast from Dayton, didn't you?

Don't be stupid, stupid.

We're here on our honeymoon, remember?

I warned you to keep out of this.

Oh, let me dial a hand here, Bill. I'll expose this phony for you.

So, you're on the Dayton Chronicle, eh?

You heard us.

How's good old Jack Morris, the city editor?

We never heard of good old Jack Morris.

So, maybe you'll tell me who is city editor in the Dayton Chronicle?

Joseph B. Madsen.

Well...

she has the name right, but I wish Clarence would speak for himself just once.

Well, so much for exposing phonies.

Now, let's go to the Dilling's and try your talents over there.

Well, I guess we can run along home then. Good night.

Ah, just a minute...

Being a newspaper man,

you won't mind going along with us so we can write

the second half of your story for you.

- But we have to pick up Harry. - Well, Harry will just have to wait.

I want you to see where Dilling was murdered.

You may have an idea that could help us.

Fine.

I was going to ask if I could go along and

look the place over.

It might help to clear up a few things, dear.

Nice having your husband on the case, Mrs. Jones.

The name is Smith.

And nice to have met you Mr. Heel. I mean, Haley.

Now Smith, you've seen Dilling's living room. This is the study...

You've got all the facts as far as we know them.

Got a clear picture for your paper now?

Well...

yes and no. I...

Nothing like sitting on the fence when you're not sure of yourself, eh Smith?

I've been trying to get a clear picture of the murder.

Perhaps if someone were to lie down on the spot where Dilling's body was found.

Oh, that's a good idea.

- Haley... - Oh, no.

- You're just about Dilling's size. - Now wait a minute.

Oh, so you don't want to cooperate with the police department?

This is a dirty trick.

McCord, send a note to the Chief. Haley refuses to...

- Alright, alright, I'll do it. - That's a good little boy.

How'd it happen, Smith? Like This? Bang.

- Like that? - No, your feet over here.

Don't tell me where his feet were.

I saw the body before you did, as usual.

After looking at him, I think the murderer kill the wrong man.

- OH, no, no, don't say that. - Lie down.

Well?

Well, uh...

I believe you said the killer had mud on his shoes.

And that from the position of his footprints, he...

staggered toward for door as if he was drunk.

- Or injured. - Oh yes, or injured.

- May I get up now? - No, you look good that way.

Yet why did he go toward the door when the window was wide open?

Yeah, I never thought of that.

Wait a minute...

- Here's something. - I'll take that, Smith. May be evidence.

Aha, this ought to be handled with asbestos.

Signed "Babs".

Love letter to Dilling.

L'Amour, L'Amour. That's what this case needed, love interest.

No, you're suppose to be dead.

Love can't ever interest you. Lie down.

And be quiet, remember your rigor mortis.

Look Brenner, it seems to me that Smith or whatever his name is supposed to be...

knew right where to look for that letter or they planted there to avert suspicion.

Suspicion of what?

Murder my friend, murder, What do you think I'm doing this swan dive for?

I tell you I know my rights.

But I'm in the middle of packing.

Besides, I told you and the police everything I know.

And I refuse to be interrogated further.

- I'm only Mr. Dilling's butler. - I know you're Dilling's butler.

That's why I got you down here. Now take it easy.

- He moved. - So, that's not your boss.

I know what you're doing. You're giving me the 3rd degree.

The works, you called, well, I won't stand for it.

Good, let him relieve me down here.

Stop shaking. All I want you to do is point out Dave Rennick.

How can I when he's not here?

You need any more proof, Inspector.

Well...

That's, that's what you call negative proof.

You're not Dave Rennick.

And maybe he's not Clarence Smith either.

Oh, stay where you are, We're not through with you yet.

Well, I'm getting all twisted out of shape.

On you it might be an improvement.

Ah, Brenner.

Now you told McCord here that you heard

Dilling having an argument with some man

in the living room around midnight, is that right?

Yes, sir.

But you didn't hear the shot that killed him?

No, sir.

You could hear people talking,

but you couldn't hear a gun go off?

Do you expect me to believe that?

Well, eh...

You could try, sir.

Why didn't you hear the gun go off?

I sleep with the covers over me.

Ah, And were the covers over your head when you heard the argument?

No, sir. I was just going to my room.

I heard their voices when I went through the hall to get to the stairs.

Mr. Dilling was very angry, he shouted:

Do you think you can make me pay off with that kind of proof?"

Keep going...

Wonder by whose examining this witness? Me or a committee?

Sorry.

All right then, what did the other man say, the killer?

He said, "You ain't heard the half of it yet,".

The for a few seconds he was quiet.

Finally the other man...

the killer no doubt, said...

And much...

he seated in a calm, deadly voice.

- Come on, come on, what did he say? - He said...

" You keep this up...

and someone is going to pump a couple of slugs."

- And now I know he meant it. - What else did he say?

That all I heard,

- because then... - Because then you went upstairs

to bed and slept like a little babe.

With the covers over your little head.

Smith, say those words.

- What words? - The warning the killer gave Dilling.

You keep this up and someone is going to pump a couple of slugs in you.

Is that the voice of the man you heard talking to Dilling?

Don't really know, sir.

It might've been.

There, what'd I tell you.

Then again, it might not.

You can go now, Judson.

- May I finish me packing? - No, stay downstairs.

Now, don't you think it's time you stopped heckling my husband?

It must be getting late. We'll be going now if you don't mind.

Lost interest in the case Mr. Smith, or do you always run out on scoops?

- Oh, no but... - But darling, our honeymoon.

I'm very sorry Mrs. Smith, but at this stage of a murder case...

we have to trace every suspicion. Even Haley's.

Hey, Brenner. Look at this.

A calendar, so what?

So what? With today's date on it, Wednesday the 4th.

Dilling was killed last night, Tuesday.

Now, people don't tear the date off ahead of time.

AI right, do the night before and so do a lot of people.

Just the same, I'm going to look around for this page.

You stay here. McCord, take a look

through the living room see you can find that page.

We better get out of here.

It was you who made me a reporter.

I've to stay with it now.

- Wouldn't this be important, Clarence? - What, dear?

Well, the fact that all the desk drawers are open.

Wouldn't that mean something?

Yeah, he evidently took the $500 off the body and then looked for something else.

But why would a man who'd kill for $500...

waste time rummaging through a whole lot of manuscripts here?

Not a bad thought, Smith. We'll be able to use it.

Do either of you two reporters know anything about stage play royalties?

- Oh, yeah... - I do. I used to be on the stage.

You people certainly get around.

Doesn't the author usually get all the royalty?

- No. - Oh, yes, he does.

That is, unless there were two authors.

Take a look at this account book, Mrs...

Royalties on the play, "Menace".

- The two fellows write that? - Yeah, yeah.

No only one, Mark Evans.

You're a wealth of information, aren't you?

Over $800 a week, and Dilling's been chiseling him out of $400.

Found it, Inspector, it was in the living room all right.

Calendar page was stuck in this play script.

Oh, what I tell you.

Appointment with T.A. at 11:30. It's in Dilling's handwriting.

T. A? That must be the gay who was having it out with Dilling last night.

- And that sets the time too. - No, it could be A. M. As well as P. M.

I don't know, Brunner, but you act like you don't want to catch this killer.

What's the use of bringing in clues if you keep throwing them out the window.

You and your voice tests.

Do you think he'd use his own voice and convict himself?

"Keep this up and someone's going to pump a couple of slugs into you."

What's the matter with trying to identify a voice?

That's it. That's the voice.

It's the voice I heard.

There, what's I tell you. I'm sure of it.

- No, I couldn't be mistaken. - You mean him?

No, him.

Why didn't I stay a simple cop walking my beat, leading children...

across the street by the hand?

Hello.

Yeah, this is Brenner.

He paid for it with a hundred dollar bill?

Had on a pinstripe suit. Yeah...

You've got the owner of the clothing store at headquarters now?

Good.

A pin striped...

No, no. There must be some mistake. I got lots of suits.

Can the owner of the store identify this guy?

Good.

I got them here. I'll bring them right down.

But this is preposterous. I'll show that in court..

You want to go down and finish your story?

No thanks. I've got must of what I need.

Well...

I'll watch Haley's paper for further developments.

Give Brandt on the City desk.

So if you don't mind if we'll run along.

Go ride along and good wishes.

Good night, Mr. Haley.

If your editor wants to know what you've been doing all night

just tell him you've been laying down on the job.

Laying down on the job. That's a good one, Haley.

Hello, chief.

Haley.

Well, we just wrapped up the Dilling murder.

Yeah...

Brenner's just got Judson the butler under arrest.

Practically in the bag.

So the suit that was wearing clinched it, that's fine.

- Good work, Haley. - Yeah, what a yarn I'm going to write.

Dragged to the gallows wearing the very

pin stripes suit in which he shot his employer...

Wilbur Judson today pay...

Well...

There's some satisfaction in knowing I'm not Dave Rennick.

And you're not Judson the Butler either.

Yes, but those people in the clothing store

could identify me as the man in the pin stripe suit.

Which reminds me...

You better hang onto this.

Hey, you trust me with all this money?

That's the kind of a man I am, Mrs. Smith.

Besides, you're not wearing a pin striped suit.

Gee, at this rate you could keep up a nice home.

I don't know. I probably have a good home someplace.

- Patty... - Yeah?

- We're going to the Regency Hotel. - Why there?

These matches. I must have been there.

Perhaps somebody will recognize me.

And you still want me along?

You just try running out on me now.

That's the right answer, Mr. Smith.

Well, here we are.

Don't tell me this is the Regency Hotel.

No, this is the Patty Mitchell townhouse.

For the Regency, you have to give me time to get out of my working clothes.

Oh?

Come on.

- Rules? - One rule, no visitors.

Well.

Quick, pick me up.

- What? - Put me up.

Hear, put that girl down.

- You can't... - I certainly can.

She is my bride and I'm going to carry her across the threshold.

- Married? - Disappointed, Mrs. Tuttle?

I've had no warning of this, Miss Mitchell.

Either I.

And the name is Mrs. Smith.

- Home, Clarence. - Yes, dear.

Was worth a month rent to give that old goon something to think about.

Oh, you've given me something to think about too.

Well, while you're thinking I'll change.

- Hey, Patty... - Yeah?

How did you know the name of the city editor of the Dayton Chronicle?

Oh, that was no miracle.

I was in a show that play Dayton and the critics can't

so I offer them tangle with the editor.

Mrs. Clarence Smith, huh?

Is that for my benefit or for Mrs. Tuttle's?

Oh no, my own.

Of all the names you could have chosen, why do you have to pick out Clarence?

Oh, Clarence used to be an old sweetheart of mine.

Is that so?

You've been keeping things from me, Mrs. Smith.

I want to know the truth about Clarence.

Well, Clarence was a lovely fellow, really.

We were engaged for nearly a year.

When was this?

Oh...

He came into my life in the 4th grade and he went out in the 5th.

Well, here I am. The new me.

- Do I look better with my suit off? - Beautiful.

Gee, It's wonderful what a little bunny will do for a girl, isn't it?

I'd say Harry is a very lucky guy going out with you every night.

Think I don't remember ever seeing anyone prettier.

Now, that's a fine compliment

considering you can't even remember what happened two hours ago.

- Yes, that's right but... - Still it sounded wonderful.

If you keep on saying things like that...

I might even let you take me to the hamburger stand

around the corner instead of the Regency.

Come, Clarence.

Yeah, but look, is my fault that the police clear Judson?

I don't care whose fault it is, I want that story.

What I got in my staff, reporters or alibi experts?

Look, this time, I got another lead.

Even the police don't know about this one.

It's a guy named Harry.

Good evening.

Good evening.

- Hello, how are you tonight? - Very well, thank you.

Well, well look where we find the lovebirds.

I didn't know they let vulture in here.

I ought to resent that but to show you how bighearted I am

I'm going to lecture you on the latest.

Judson didn't kill Dilling.

Don't you know the only time a butler have ever kill anyone is in a book.

- He never read a book. - Tell you something else...

- Ever hear of a guy called Harry? - Harry?

Harry is a taxicab.

He's four big brown wheels and the most

beautiful sparkly shiny eye you ever saw.

Ah, who do you think you're kidding?

There's an item.

Barbara Borden and Steve Maitland.

That's the Barbara Borden starring in "Menace" at the Imperial Theater.

You know her from Dayton too?

I don't recall...

And not much you don't. C'mon, fix it so I can get an interview with her.

Dilling isn't even cold and she's stepping out with Maitland.

I tell you I never saw her before.

I don't care what you tell to that snooper

but don't try to tell me you weren't closer to

Barbara Borden than 4th Row Orchestra...

I don't remember being even that close to her.

Step. Hiya, Step.

Step, old pal. Step right up to the bar.

Step, old pal.

- What's the Step? - Well, a step is a bunch of...

They come in flights.

Look, here you are.

Must have been a broken step.

I'm sorry old man, you must have the wrong party.

Come on, Patty.

Poor old Step. Doesn't even know his own name.

Boy, must be intoxicated.

Good evening sir, madame.

- A table for two? - Yes, please.

You remember me, don't you?

Oh, yes, of course sir.

There, you see.

I have a little wager with the lady that you wouldn't remember my name.

- Go ahead, tell her. - Why yes, let me think...

Yes. Mr. Jones, no?

- There you see? You lose. - This way please.

He plucked that from out of the air just the same as you did.

Step. Step, darling.

Oh, where on earth did you disappear to?

- Oh, I, I had some important business. - But you didn't even let me know.

- I just couldn't get to a telephone. - You kept me waiting for hours.

I'm awful sorry. Those men actually wouldn't let me go.

Oh, you're too popular.

- I'm beginning to find that out. - When you find out what?

You're not going to run away again?

- Hey, If I'm not intruding, I... - But you are, my dear.

Oh, of course, you two haven't met, have you?

- Miss Mitchell meet, uh... - Delighted.

I'm sure you must have heard about me from Step.

Well, I...

Well now that we're all together,

- what would you like to do? - Oh, like to try dry Martini first.

I've a lot to ask you.

Oh, I hope you won't mind, Miss Nichols, isn't it?

Unfinished business, you know.

My table is for two.

Step, I didn't come here to be...

Look Patty, I hate doing this to you, but she may be my wife or something.

Perhaps you'd better let me play this hand out. Wait for me in the lobby.

- And just who is Miss Mitchell? - Oh well, umm...

Oh, Patty, she's just a close friend.

- Just how close? - Oh, not that close.

Oh, good evening, I mean, uh...

A table for two.

How cozy.

I got so lonesome waiting for my date.

You don't mind if I have a drink with you?

Of course not.

As a matter of fact, Step and I were just talking about you.

Step says you and he are friends.

- You're awfully pretty for just a friend. - Oh, thank you.

And you're very pretty too for just a...

- I didn't get your name. - Oh, didn't Step tell you?

It's a Martini.

I know a drink by that name,

but I think I'll just have a Manhattan until we get better acquaintance.

- The same. - The same as who, sir?

I'll just have straight bourbon.

Yes, sir.

When you didn't show up last night I was afraid...

Oh, that's all right, you can talk in front of Miss Mitchell.

She knows everything.

She does?

Well all right, I was afraid you might have been mixed up in that Dilling affair.

- What made you think that? - What else could I think?

Well, it all depend on how you were affected.

- Now if you were his wife... - Did you just happen to meet him

to meet him in the theater lobby last night?

- Meet who? - OH, Dilling, of course.

Step, darling you aren't listening.

Yes, he is. Go right ahead.

Well, you seem to be having quite a violent argument with him.

You saw me arguing with him?

Well of course, when I came out of the lounge after the second act.

Oh, but that's silly.

You and I have arguments all the time, dear and we're still friends.

Oh, men are so exasperating sometimes.

Honestly, you really have to be married to one of them to find out.

Oh, have you married one?

No, have you?

I mean, any particular one?

Several. And they were all particular.

Well then as man to man, or rather as woman to woman...

what would you say to Step here as a husband?

Well...

I think he'd make a delightful husband.

Wish you girls would stop talking about me as though you were window shopping.

For the way you got rid of me last

night, I rather imagined you had a date with Dilling for the show.

Oh, no, of course not.

But just because two men were talking together is no sign they were arguing.

Aren't you even going to say hello, Step?

Oh yes, certainly. I didn't see you.

Oh, let me introduce, umm...

But I'm sure the author of a hit play like Menace needs no introduction.

I'm Helen Carter.

- How do you do? - Quite a coincidence.

Step and I should have seen the play last night, isn't it Mr. Evans?

Oh Miss Mitchell, may I present Mr. Evans?

- Mr. Evan, Miss Mitchel. - Delighted.

I'm terribly sorry, Step always mumbles the names. I didn't quite get it.

- Evans, Mark Evans. - Oh, that's better. Thank you.

- Ah, won't you join us? - Thanks, I will.

Well, the same old Step. Always with the most charming company.

Even at college.

You know, Step, I really had that cold stare

coming for the way I behaved to you the other day.

Oh, forget it.

I have.

It was nice of you to recognize me...

even if Step did give me the cold shoulder.

How did you know me?

The play writer is always more important than the actors to me.

Why thank you.

- Shall we talk about it while we dance? - I'd love to.

- Do you mind if we...? - No, go right ahead.

Miss Mitchell and I have a lot to talk over.

Hey, wait a minute.

Before you go into a huddle with yourself, remember I'm here too.

If this is my last visit to the Blue Room, I want to make it count.

Let's step, Step.

Your old school friend certainly works fast.

It doesn't bother me very much.

Are you glad she isn't Mrs. Step?

For more reasons than one.

You know, if only I knew if Step was a name or a nickname.

Either way you're suppose to answer to it.

What's going on over there?

- Why you... - Mr. Maitland...

Take it easy. Please, please.

- You are alright? - Sure, I'm alright.

- What started this? - I don't know. We were dancing and...

Come back to the table and finish your drink.

No, If you don't mind I think I'll go to my room.

Call me later, will you Step?

Looks like your friend Evans got knock on his vanity.

There must be more to this than just a sock in the chin.

Patty, go back to the table and stand by, uh?

What are you going to do, stick your chin out?

It may be the only way to find out who's swinging at it. Come on.

Oh, Step...

- Won't you come in? - Thanks.

I'm sorry if I broke up your party.

Oh, Maitland should apologize not you.

You know, he's been giving me trouble,

ever since I tried to keep him out of the show.

- Are you alright? - Sure, I'm all right, I'm fine.

Forget about it, Step.

It sounds funny to hear you call me Step again.

But don't tell me they call you Theodore now.

Theodore?

No...

just Ted.

It's strange the way people get nicknames.

Know you fits.

You certainly played beautiful football.

I remember when Larry Tenny tagged you "high stepper" in the college paper.

And...

I've been know as...

Step ever since.

- It sounds like a chorus girl. - That's funny.

I never heard you complain.

I'd forgotten. It's so long ago.

Well, won't you sit down for a minute, Step?

I mean Ted.

- Have a cigarette? - Thanks.

It must have been quite a shock for you when Larry Tenny died.

Oh, naturally.

It's odd how he went.

Well, you can imagine how I felt when I got back to the apartment.

And found that he'd taken those pills.

- I did all I could. - Oh, of course you did.

- Just what do you mean, Step? - Oh, nothing.

Nothing at all.

- Will you have a drink? - No thanks.

I guess the last time you saw Larry was when you dropped in at the apartment.

Uh, that's right.

You know...

that was the last picture he had taken.

- Did you ever get one? - No.

Hey, what are you doing?

Don't you know Larry Tenny's face when you see it?

Oh yes, of course, I...

I was just looking at this other fellow.

- Who is he? - Oh, you wouldn't know him.

Tell me Step...

you didn't come to town to see Dilling by any chance?

No, why?

Just a coincidence.

I read where the police found the initials.

T. A. On Dilling desk calendar.

It bothered me because you're the only T. A. I knew.

T. A.

And, there's something about that case that bothers me too.

Why should Dilling be reading a play by Larry Tenny?

Where did you hear that?

They found a play in Dilling's study.

Two O'clock Courage.

And author was Lawrence Tenny.

I never heard of Larry writing a play.

- Did you? - No.

You know, it's ridiculous some of the angles these policemen dig up.

Well, it's been nice seeing you.

You know, I didn't realize it was getting so late.

But, I'm going to the country tomorrow and

naturally, want to get an early start.

I'll phone you and we'll get together.

And make it soon.

Oh, Mark...

Oh, I was just saying good night.

Depend on Step Allison for perfect timing.

Allison?

Now don't go acting like Maitland slugging people.

Don't worry about a thing.

Theodore Allison bestows his blessing.

Theodore Allison, hmm?

You were gone so long, I should have had my meter going.

Come on, we have some work to do.

Oh, are we running to or from?

Oh, I almost forgot.

I want you to meet Theodore Allison.

Allison huh?

- For how long? - The rest of my life, I hope.

You mean you know who you are?, for keeps.

How did you find out?

I open a door and was told to close it.

How do you do, Mr. Allison?

I'm very glad to meet you.

- Ted to you. - Ted, huh?

You know I like that better than I do Clarence.

Yeah, chief.

I'm working on that Barbara Borden angle right now.

What about that hot lead on Harry?

Harry?

Harry no, that didn't pan out.

Have you been drinking again?

Look chief, my lips haven't touched a glass all day.

No, I'm not drinking through a straw

but I could certainly stand a stimulant right now.

Well, I'm going to give you something that will stimulate you.

I just had a flash from headquarters that Brenner pick-up Dave Rennick.

Brenner did that?

Well, I misjudged the guy.

Well, that settles that.

There isn't a Theodore or Ted Allison in this whole phone book.

I'm not in this directory either.

Say...

Did it ever occur to you that maybe you didn't live in this city at all?

But I must have been stopping someplace.

I guess we'll just have to call every hotel until we find out where.

Got a nice little cage for you at the City Jail, Rennick.

What? For being Dilling's chauffeur?

Why don't you save that for the right guy.

See you're still smoking Dilling's cigarettes.

So I took a few cartons.

That's all you'll ever pin on me.

Why don't you tackle that ham actor, Maitland?

Trying to pass the buck already?

I'm not passing a buck.

Find out what he was arguing with Dilling about

the night before he was killed.

That's your own list of suspects. All set up nice and neat, haven't you?

You just put the arm on Maitland and see what he says.

Here.

- Hello? - Hotel Riley?

You not have a Theodore Allison registered there?

You don't? You're quite sure?

Thank you.

No luck.

Allison, I've dialed to many of these hotels

my finger worn down to the 2nd knuckle.

Hello? Regency Hotel?

You have a Mr. Theodore Allison registered there?

Hello?

You have? What room is he in?

Room number 312?

Thank you, thank you very much.

You are in room 312, the Regency Hotel.

- At the Regency? - Yes.

- But we just came from there. - I know.

Come on. I'm going to pay myself a visit.

You get back to your apartment and wait for me.

Who are you? What are you doing here?

- I'm Haley from The Courier. - A reporter?

Yeah, can you give me a statement on the Dilling...?

Get out of here.

You've got a nerve break-in into my apartment.

Don't put on an act for me, Barbara.

Shut up.

- Don't tell me to shut up. - Steve, this fool is a reporter.

Yeah, and I've scars to prove it.

Yeah sure, the last how the play write.

So that's the reason you told me not to come up.

- The only reason I came here... - Get out of here.

- Cut it out, cut it out. - Just a minute, Maitland.

Where were you?

Look, I can tell you all about...

Keep quiet Haley or you're going to land on the floor again.

You know this man?

Yeah, he's Dilling's chauffeur. So you finally caught him.

He tells me that you were with Dilling the night before he was murdered.

- He's crazy. - And that you threatened to kill him.

- That's a lie. - Why, you cheap clown.

Why don't you tell him the truth?

I got it, Bill.

Came to me like a flash and it all adds up.

Maitland killed Dilling.

And you want to know the motive?

Those love letters signed Babs.

Barbara Borden.

What letters?

Were you writing love letters to Dilling?

- Why you torment... - It's fantastic, Steve.

They're just trying to get you to say something.

What was that she told you, Maitland?

I don't see why you shouldn't know.

Miss Borden told me that Dilling was bothering her.

I warned him that he better stop it.

Ah? Then you were there.

- The night before he was killed, yes. - Why you lied about it?

Because I did threaten him.

When I heard he was dead, well...

Well, I knew how bad would look, that's the truth.

Yeah, you better come down to headquarters with me.

Nut you can't arrest Steve just because he was there the night before.

You want the man that was with him when he's killed.

And I think I know who it is.

Then you'd better start thinking out loud.

Alright.

The night Dilling was killed, he...

came backstage after the 2nd act.

He was swearing about somebody name...

Allison.

He said he was coming over here to the Regency to pick him up.

If I could dream up a yarn like that, lady, I'd do it for a living.

Hey, where do you think you're going, Haley?

I got to call my paper.

- Okay, but no tricks. - Tricks? Brenner...

Hello, operator?

Have you get a Mr. Allison stopping at the hotel?

You have? What room is he in?

312? Thanks.

Well I tell you that's all I know about it.

If you only check on this man Allison.

Allison?

Maybe she's got something there, Inspector.

That name Allison hook-up with the initials on the calendar.

Appointment with T. A.

Dear Ted,

Thanks for all the interest you've taken in Larry's play...

Two O'clock Courage.

I know that if my son were alive he would be...

very grateful to you for helping in the way you have.

I empower you to act for me in all matters.

With sincere appreciation, Mrs. Elizabeth Tenny.

So, Mr. Clarence Smith and Mr. Allison are one and the same.

That's all I wanted to know, Buddy.

Wait a minute, Haley.

I make go. I've got to make the final edition with this.

Not if I can help it.

Swept that door.

Watch these, McCord, I'm going upstairs. Come on.

Horizontal again, huh?

I get my bridgework's loosen-up and you make cracks.

Who fired those shots?

What shots?

Light bulb broke when the lamp fell over.

Too bad, I thought you were shot. Incidentally, what are you doing here?

Trying to catch a murderer for you, that's what.

Pulling a fast one again, that's what you're doing. Sneaking out, you...

Murderer, where, who?

The guy you think is Smith is Ted Allison.

Allison?

Why you finger it, why don't hang on to him?

Hang on to him?

You're lucky if I don't sue the Police Department for a new set of choppers.

Oh, hang-on.

You ever try to hold out a tiger by the tail.

Things are stacking up alright. I know I'm Ted Allison...

I know I've been stopping at the Regency Hotel.

But this letter from Mrs. Tenny,

I've got to find out where this fits in.

Hold it.

You never know when Mrs. Tuttle

going to let the curiosity get the better of her.

If she has to listen, just let her think everything is soft lights and music.

The manhunt in the Dilling murder case was renewed tonight,

as police sought Theodore Allison,

alias Clarence Smith,

the original wearer of the now famous pin striped suit.

He's describe as been 6 feet in height...

black hair and blue eyes...

Oh, you've got to get out of here, get out of town.

I couldn't run fast enough or far enough.

Patty, if I'm innocent I've got to clear myself.

I've got to get "Two O'clock Courage".

But you can't wait that long.

Oh, I mean the play, the manuscript.

- Well, is there anything I can do? - Yes, wait for me.

Wait for you?

Certainly use some of that Two O'clock courage right now.

- What do you want? - Search the whole place.

But you can't break into my house like this.

Where's Patricia Mitchell?

They're upstairs.

- Police. Don't tell them anything. - Where are you going?

Dilling's house.

- What are you doing in here? - So it's Mrs. Smith, huh?

This is a very good picture of you, Miss Patricia Mitchell.

You were with Allison when he bought that new suit.

The owner of the clothing store identified you.

- Where's your friend Allison? - Allison?

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

You will before I'm through with you.

"Two O'clock Courage," a play by Lawrence Tenny.

Keep this up, and someone's going to pump a couple of slugs into you.

When a producer gets himself a hit...

every second-rate writer in town tries to prove it's his.

He wants a free ride.

What could be simpler than shouting plagiarism?

This is worse than plagiarism, you took the whole script.

Line for line, this is Larry Tenny's play.

What authority have you to question me about any play?

I'm acting for Larry Tenny's estate.

And...

tomorrow I'll have to advise his mother to bring suit.

You haven't got a chance.

Will let the courts decide that.

Okay, Allison...

you win.

Here's $500 on account...

and I want a receipt.

I'll be right back.

- What are you doing here? - My name's Allison.

Allison, huh? Come on.

No, wait a minute, I've got to find Brenner.

You'll find him alright.

Well, where'd you get these hundred dollar bills?

- Well I... - Allison gave them to you.

If you know so much, why you keep asking me.

Accessory to murder will get you ten years and up in this State, you know.

Haley, what does a charge of false arrest get you?

I don't know I never was arrested falsely.

- You got to rack-up this... - Where you get him?

- Dilling's House. - Put the cuffs on him.

Wait a minute, Brennan,

- I know who killed Dilling. - You bet you do.

And you're going to put it in writing.

Main force 300, give me the chief.

You wore that pin stripes suit

and you where the one that went home with Dilling.

- True but I... - Hello chief, Haley.

Hold everything, the Dilling murder.

Got the right guy this time.

This time, ah?

Well, Come on, come on, who is it? Barbara Borden?

- A man named Ted Allison. - What? Ted Alison?

Oh, Where did he come from?

First it's Judson, then Harry, now Ted Allison.

Look Haley...

I don't know where you buy the stuff that you drink...

but if you call me again and tell me that

the real murderer is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, I'll, I'll...

whether reporting...

Please Brenner, get this straight. I didn't kill Dilling.

I wasn't threatening him when the butler heard me.

You're so right, Chief.

Then you admit it was your voice.

Yes, but I wasn't threatening him, I just reading from a play.

What play? Where is it?

Somebody stole it.

Do you expect a jury to believe that?

Oh, but it's true.

Shut up Haley.

Shut up.

Oh, no, no. Don't mean you, Chief. I'm getting all the details. Yeah.

Try that story on the DA, but you better make some improvements.

I'd told you about this before if I remembered,

But tonight when I heard the shot

and ran into the study somebody hit me over the head.

When I came to, I was out in the street.

Then when I went back to Dilling's to get the play,

somebody shot at me and it all came back.

Take that nut out of here and lock him up.

But Brennan...

Look for yourself. The bullet grazed my head.

Evans didn't write that play. He stole it.

Dilling know that.

- That's why he held out half his royalties. - Wait a minute.

Royalties, huh? That's right.

- They did split $800. - More than that.

His reputation, exposure.

You've got to get me to Evans.

Well, that can't hurt.

Bring the girl.

Why, Step...

Did you forget something?

No, I remembered.

I must have made a bad target in the dark.

You're drunk, Allison.

You should go to your room and sleep this one off.

The police, I presume.

- That's right. - And the press.

How do you do?

Won't you come in and make yourselves at home?

- What is this? - Want to have a little talk with you.

Go ahead, Allison.

When did you learn to write plays, Evans?

- After left college? - Yes, that's right.

Pretty good for a man who flunked freshman English.

I knew enough English to write a hit play call Menace.

You didn't even rewrite it.

All you did after Larry Tenny died was to change the title.

From Two O'clock Courage to Menace.

You're very amusing, Step.

You know perfectly well that Larry never wrote a play in his life.

Why, you said so yourself.

You and I were the only two who knew he did.

Until Dilling came across a copy that Larry had mailed to him.

He held that over your head and bled you, didn't he?

With an imagination like yours...

- you ought to write a play. - Just a minute, Evans.

Dilling was getting half your royalties.

The only time an author ever gives up royalties

is over his dead body.

Or somebody else's.

Well, you see, that's easily explained.

Dilling demanded a cut to produce the play.

It was my first and I thought it was worthwhile to get it on.

- And worth killing for? - Listen Allison...

you show me some proof or get out of here?

Where is this play?

Probably where the rest of Tenny's copies went... in the fire.

Why don't you take a look?

You just had to get that last copy, didn't you?

You were hunting for it in Dilling

study when he surprised you and you killed him.

If you have charges to make against me, make them or get out of here.

All of you.

HI everybody.

We pick her in the cocktail lounge.

Everybody picks up girls in the cocktail lounge but me.

You can't drag me into this.

I'm through protecting you.

Keep quiet, will you?

I won't keep quiet.

You got me into this, and you've got to get me out.

You'll have your chance to talk.

- Get you coat, Evans. - Go get your coat.

I wouldn't let him out of my sight if I were you, Inspector.

Where can he go? I've got two men in the hall,

one downstairs and a couple on the roof.

Nobody in the cellar?

Ted?

He killed himself.

Hell, suicide.

You better wait outside, Patty.

Yeah, I guess you were right, Allison.

I could've told you so long ago, Brennan, Evans was your man.

You could've what?

Main 4300.

Obvious from the start. I've seen many of these in my times.

Give me the City Desk.

This couldn't stand being shown up.

Chief, Haley again.

- Well, this washes up the Dilling case. - Was it Ted Allison?

- No, no. Allison's in the clear. - Oh, brother...

A man can stand just so much and no more.

Alright, come on. Who is it this time?

- It better be good. - Evans is the killer.

He couldn't take it. He committed suicide.

Committed suicide?

Composing room, hold page one. We got to make it over.

Look Haley...

there's a check here for a week's pay for you...

if this is another one of your brainstorms, it'll be your last.

But if it's on the level...

we'll call it a bonus.

No question about it, Chief. Send up the photographers.

Yeah, I'll call you back.

Look...

This gun hasn't been fired.

This isn't suicide, it's murder.

Murder.

No bonus.

Haley get out to the hall with Craig.

Watch every door in the corridor.

- = You see anyone come out here? - No.

- You stay there. - We'll try the windows.

Barbara Borden.

Get an ambulance down here.

- I must warn you that anything you say... - I know...

might be used against me.

I'm going to say it anyhow.

When Evans didn't tell you that I'd shot Dilling, I...

he did the one decent thing in his life.

How did he know you shot Dilling?

He was in the library with me.

Do you want to answer one more question?

Why did you kill him?

I love Steve Maitland.

He want marry me.

Dilling said he'd show him some letters I'd written to him.

They were foolish letters, but...

Steve is a jealous man.

You better get her to a hospital, Inspector.

As soon as the doctor gets here.

What's happening? What's happening?

Oh, darling, what happened? Are you alright?

Chief it wasn't suicide at all, it was murder.

I know, I know, don't tell me, let me guess.

The pink elephant shot Snow White.

Haley, you better make up my mind while I've still got one left.

Look, here's how it stands now, it's Barbara Borden, star of "Menace".

Boy they couldn't pick a better name.

She killed Dilling.

Then she knocked off Mark Evans.

Have you been drinking again?

Now, will you get this through your thick skull.

I'm not drunk, I'm sore.

No, I haven't had one single drink.

Here, smell.

Who is Harry?

My chief wants to know who Harry is.

- We told you before, Harry's a taxicab. - Harry is a taxicab.

Harry is a taxicab.

Harry's a taxicab.

I think he fainted.

Miss Mitchell...