- 23/05/2025
Lt Anderson investigates a series of murders committed by a killer known as The Bat, which leads him to mystery author Cornelia van Gorder, who is supposedly hiding a horde of treasure in her house.
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00:00:30This
00:00:59is The Oaks, a house in the country which I rented for the summer. As an author, I write
00:01:05tales of mystery and murder, but the things that happened in this house were far more
00:01:11fantastic than any story I've ever had published. I brought a staff of servants from my city
00:01:17apartment, and my maid Lizzy Allen, who had been with me nearly 20 years. Lizzy? Yes,
00:01:30Miss Cornelia. Is the car ready? It's at the door. Look, Miss Cornelia, them servants you
00:01:37brought from the apartment are talking about walking out on us. Really? I know they don't
00:01:44like it here, but I didn't think it was that bad. But they've been hearing things about the
00:01:49killer that the police call the Bat, and the murders that he committed here this past winter.
00:01:53Now people are saying that he's back again. Well, how can they be sure of that? Has he
00:02:00committed another crime? No, not yet, but that ain't saying that he won't. Here's something else.
00:02:06You've heard about the bats they have here. Animal bats, the kind that fly. Yes, yes. Look
00:02:13what it says in this magazine. This is a report from the state health department, and it says
00:02:17some of them bats is rabid. Well... And that ain't all. Now there's a rumor going around that it was
00:02:25the Bat himself, the killer I mean, that released the rabid bats in this neighborhood. Oh, that's
00:02:31ridiculous. Well, the housekeeper, the cook, the butler, and the upstairs maid don't think so.
00:02:38Well, I can't help what they think. If hysterical nonsense like that can scare them out of their
00:02:44good jobs, it's their loss, not mine. Come on, Lizzie, I've got to get to the bank.
00:02:49Drive directly to Zenith Bank, Warner. I'm afraid we'll have to hurry. It's near closing time.
00:03:00I'll get you there, Miss Van Gorder. Thanks again. Miss Van Gorder! How are you, Mr. Berry? How are you? I'm very well,
00:03:21thank you. You remember Lizzie Allen? Of course. Hello, Miss Allen. How do you do? So you're
00:03:26spending the summer with us. Yes, yes, I've leased the Oaks, the home of your bank president,
00:03:31John Fleming. I heard you had. I was surprised. Why? Is there something the matter with them? No,
00:03:36I was surprised because Mr. Fleming said he would never rent it. Oh? Well, I rented it from his
00:03:42nephew, Mark Fleming, who has the real estate office here. He said his uncle would be gone
00:03:46the entire summer. That's right. Mr. Fleming's in the Northwoods now with his physician, Dr.
00:03:52Wells. Oh, pardon me. Dale, I want you to meet my wife. We were married at Christmas time. That
00:03:59must have been nice. Believe me, it was. Oh, here she is. My wife, Miss Van Gorder, Miss Allen. How
00:04:05do you do? Cornelia Van Gorder. Oh, well, I've read every murder mystery you've ever written. I
00:04:13just adored that weird one, the private morgue of Dr. X, even though it gave me the shivers. Only
00:04:19scared hell out of me. Oh, well, I really mean that Miss Corny killed them off in that one. When
00:04:27you refer to my books, please don't call me Miss Corny. Pardon me, Mr. Bailey. Mr. Hines is here
00:04:33to see you. Oh, yes. Excuse me, please. Don't be strangers now. No, no, we won't. Oh, so you're a bride. Well, not quite. Not since Christmas. No, I'm sure I've seen you.
00:04:47Well, I used to be my husband's secretary here in the bank. Of course I remember. May I welcome our
00:04:56most distinguished visitor back to Zenith? Oh, that's very charming, but... Lieutenant Anderson.
00:05:03Lieutenant Anderson, of course. Chief of detectives of the Zenith Police Department. This is Miss Allen.
00:05:11Miss Allen. How do you do? Lieutenant Anderson is one of our favorite citizens. He's on the bank's
00:05:16board of directors. Not bad for a policeman. You must have made a good thing of it. Well, I saved
00:05:23my money, if that's what you mean. It's near closing time, and I've got some business in the safe deposit
00:05:28vault. Please come and see me, Mrs. Bailey. Oh, I'd love to. And you, Lieutenant. Goodbye. Goodbye. Nice to have met you. My, what a
00:05:37charming woman. She moved into the Oaks just the other day. That house is a proper setting for a
00:05:43writer of mysteries. Oh, it certainly is. Vic, what's the matter? Come in here, both of you.
00:05:59Andy, we're in trouble. Wendell Hines came in to pick up $350,000 worth of bonds that we were holding
00:06:05as collateral for a loan. They were kept in our special vault. Mr. Fleming and I are the only
00:06:11officers of the bank who have access to that vault. So? The Hines bonds are gone. That's not all. Other
00:06:19negotiable securities are missing. From what I can gather, short of a careful check, the bank has
00:06:24been looted of over a million dollars worth of securities. You'll have to notify Fleming. I wish I
00:06:31could talk to him. Unfortunately, he and Dr. Wells are deep in the woods. They can't be reached by phone.
00:06:41What is it? I thought I heard someone on the path coming from the lake. Had an idea it might be that
00:07:04guide of ours. Oh, Sam won't show up until morning. It's a 20-mile canoe trip from here to civilization.
00:07:09Five will get you ten. Sam has a message for me. I thought you told him at the bank not to bother you.
00:07:15I did, but they'll bother me. Doctor. Yes, John. What would you do for half a million? Anything short of
00:07:29murder. Why not murder? Too messy. Too great a risk? For half a million? Yes. I pinched a million from the bank.
00:07:40I'm not kidding. I embezzled it. Not that I think you wouldn't do it if you thought you could get away with it. I
00:07:51got away with it. I'm not talking about currency. I took negotiable securities that could be converted
00:07:59into cash. I have the cash. In tens, twenties, and hundreds. I'm your doctor, not your lawyer. Why tell
00:08:07me this? You'll find out why. Who's gonna take the blame for the robbery? Bailey, the cashier. They'll never
00:08:15suspect me. I like Bailey. Well, so do I. I love the guy. I gave him his first chance. He has a lovely little
00:08:23wife. Charming girl. Who's the best man? Where's the million? In my family's tomb in Zenith, in the crypt with my
00:08:33father's casket. I don't buy that, John. No? No. You forget that I had you in charge when you were a very sick
00:08:45man. When you raved in delirium. And I heard you talk about a hidden room. Now where else could you put a hidden
00:08:54room except in that mansion you built? That white elephant you call the Oaks? Look, everyone knows I have a bad
00:09:03heart. Who would doubt it if you wired the bank directors that my heart had failed? That I had fallen from a great
00:09:11height here in the woods? That I was badly smashed up? You could ship the body back for burial and instruct them not to
00:09:20open the casket due to the condition of its contents. Well, you realize, of course, that we'd have to have a body to put
00:09:28in that casket, which means that we'd have to deal with an undertaker at this end. Of course. Well, where do we get a
00:09:34body? Couldn't we provide one of our own? How about Sam? Sam, our guide? Sam weighs about as much as I do. He's practically a
00:09:46hermit. He wouldn't be missed for a long time. The local undertaker would know him. Not if we made him look as if he'd been a
00:09:55serious accident. But if Bailey's gonna take the blame, why'd he have to do this? A jury might acquit him. In that case, I'd be a
00:10:03logical suspect. I could disappear, of course, but it's safer if they think I'm dead. What if I don't go for this deal? In that case, it
00:10:20would be too bad. You mean you'd kill me? What else could I do? Now that I've told you about the million, I'd say you were shot in
00:10:33a hunting accident. Now look, Doctor, if you can find another body instead of Sam's, it's all right with me. There's half a million in it
00:10:43for you. I'll do my best. I smell smoke. So do I. What's that noise? Look, Doctor, the woods are on fire. It's coming this way. We've
00:11:01got to get out of here. Out the back way. We will. As soon as I provide that body we were talking about.
00:11:32Oh, my goodness, dear. Missy! Is that you? Yes, Miss Cornelia. There's a storm coming up and it's gonna be a snorter. The wind nearly blew the
00:11:43door off its hinges. Well, that noise blew my game higher than a kite. I think I've lost some of the cars. Oh, I'll get them for you. Oh, I see you
00:11:50found the paper. Drat that paper boy. Scootin' by on his bicycle. Just chucked it into a couple bushes and let it go at that. For land's sake, Mr. Vic Bailey's been
00:12:04arrested. Oh? Victor Bailey, Vice President and cashier of the Zenith Bank, was arraigned before United States Commissioner Alvin Fielding,
00:12:17charged with the embezzlement of over a million dollars. I can't believe Vic Bailey had anything to do with that robbery. Oh, well, I see our landlord is home again.
00:12:30Landlord? Mr. Fleming. Oh. Dr. Malcolm Wells is back in town with the body of John Fleming, President of the Zenith Bank, who was killed in a forest fire.
00:12:41Mr. Fleming will be laid to rest in his family's tomb on Friday. And I hope he stays there. Oh, why shouldn't he? Well, this is his house. And ever since he died, some funny things have happened here. For instance? The housekeeper, the cook, and the butler said that they heard strange noises at night. And the upstairs maid swore that she met a man without a face coming up the back stairs.
00:13:10Oh, so that's why they quit and left me to run this place without a staff. They didn't tell you, Miss Corny, but the truth is they were scared to stay. But you're still here, Lizzie. Haven't you seen anything? No. No, and even if I had, I ain't afraid of ghosts. They're afraid of me. Honest, Miss Corny, a spiritualist told me once that ghosts was allergic to me.
00:13:40But, but this bat feller they keep talking about in the paper, I, I guess he'd be different. No, I don't think you'd have the same effect on him. Oh, dear. What are they trying to do, drive people away from this part of the country? Why, what does it say about the bats?
00:14:02Specialty seems to be killing women. My goodness, two of them in one night. All his victims died the same way, like their throats had been ripped open with steel claws. That's a charming little caper. I'll have to try it sometime. In a book.
00:14:33That ain't nothing, just something bumping against the house.
00:14:41That's just the wind banging a door. Pay no attention to it. Listen to this. One of his victims who lived for a moment after she was found described the bat as a man without a face. Honest, Miss Corny, I think that woman must have been exaggerating.
00:15:03There's just that heavy tapestry at the top of the stairs. I know, I know, I've heard it before on a windy night. That sounds as if there was someone on the stairs. I know there isn't, at least there shouldn't be. There ain't. There's just the noise as you hear in any old house on a windy night. It says here that the bat never leaves no fingerprints.
00:15:31That's understandable. Having no face, he probably has no fingers either.
00:15:38Lizzie!
00:15:45That, I suppose, is the cat dropping its dentures.
00:15:49No, no, I don't think so. But I think it's something that should be looked into.
00:16:01Now who chucked him down here?
00:16:04The wind, I hope.
00:16:06There must be a window open up there.
00:16:09No, Lizzie!
00:16:11Let him lay. Let him sleep it off. I hope the power lines don't go down and put the lights out.
00:16:19Now we'll check the windows in the living room and draw the curtains and then we'll go to bed.
00:16:24Yes, ma'am.
00:16:31I won't be a minute.
00:16:40Cardi!
00:16:42What?
00:16:44What's the matter?
00:16:46I went to get the paper.
00:16:48I turned the latch off. I forgot to turn it on again. He's out there. He was coming in.
00:16:57He might have got you.
00:16:59Oh, but he didn't and he's still out there, thanks to you. Now you hurry now and we'll call the police.
00:17:05No, no. I won't leave you, Miss Corny.
00:17:08Are you okay?
00:17:10Yes, ma'am. I'm okay.
00:17:14Okay.
00:17:15Okay.
00:17:25Operator?
00:17:27Give me the police department, please.
00:17:29Zenith Police Department.
00:17:31This is Cornelia Van Gorder. I'm living at the Oaks.
00:17:34We know about that, Miss Van Gorder.
00:17:36Just a moment ago, a man tried to force his way into this house.
00:17:41You're not alone there, are you? What about your servants?
00:17:44Well, I have none except my chauffeur and he's away. He won't be back until the morning.
00:17:49Now, there's only two of us here tonight and we're going to lock ourselves in my room.
00:17:53Now, if any of your men see anything, will you have them call me?
00:17:59I'll send officers over there right away.
00:18:01Well, thank you very much.
00:18:03Come on, Lizzie. We're going to sleep in my room.
00:18:14Well, nothing can get at us in this room now.
00:18:19I think this door seems good and solid.
00:18:22Like the door to a tomb.
00:18:34I think that couch will be comfortable. There's some extra bedding, you know.
00:18:39Yes, ma'am.
00:18:40Let's see now.
00:18:52Oh, uh-huh. No bolt. Well, that's not so good.
00:19:06What's that?
00:19:08What's that?
00:19:10That, my good woman, is a booby trap.
00:19:13If anybody tries to open this transom, this will be knocked off and we'll hear it fall.
00:19:38Oh, fiddlesticks.
00:19:41I forgot my night things, my robe, my gown and my slippers.
00:19:45I'll go get them now.
00:19:47Wait a minute, Lizzie.
00:19:49I'll go with you.
00:19:51Now, don't you bother, Miss Cornelia. My room's just down the hall.
00:19:55Lizzie, I told you not to do that.
00:19:57I'll go get them now.
00:19:59Wait a minute, Lizzie.
00:20:01I'll go with you.
00:20:03Now, don't you bother, Miss Cornelia. My room's just down the hall.
00:20:06Lizzie, I told you not to do that.
00:20:08Wait a minute.
00:20:10It's all right. I'll only be a second.
00:20:14Get in here. Get in here.
00:20:27Yes?
00:20:28Miss Van Gorder?
00:20:29Yes.
00:20:30Zenith Police Department.
00:20:32There's a police car just outside your house and the officers in it have reported that there's no sign of a prowler anywhere on the ground.
00:20:38Well, the man's inside now. He's in the hall just outside my bedroom.
00:20:43Have your men break through the kitchen door and search this place from top to bottom.
00:20:47Okay, Miss Van Gorder. Sit tight.
00:20:49I will.
00:20:50I have a gun and I know how to use it.
00:21:02Oh, relax. Relax, Lizzie.
00:21:04The police did a good job. They couldn't find anybody in here.
00:21:08But we both saw him, Miss Cornelia.
00:21:11All right. All right. So he got away.
00:21:15There are men on guard outside, so just try and get some rest.
00:21:20There's nothing can get at us here.
00:21:34Hmm.
00:21:51Ah!
00:21:53Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!
00:21:56Miss Cornelia! Miss Cornelia!
00:21:59What's the matter?
00:22:00Matt!
00:22:01Oh, nonsense. You've had a nightmare.
00:22:03Maybe I did. But there was a battery and it bit me.
00:22:07What?
00:22:08It flew in that closet.
00:22:10Oh, good gracious, Lizzie. You're right.
00:22:13Oh!
00:22:14Oh!
00:22:15Oh!
00:22:16Oh!
00:22:17Oh!
00:22:18Oh!
00:22:19Oh!
00:22:20Oh!
00:22:21Oh!
00:22:22Oh!
00:22:23Oh!
00:22:24Oh!
00:22:25Oh!
00:22:26Oh!
00:22:27Oh!
00:22:28Operator. Operator, will you get me Dr. Malcolm Wells' office keys?
00:22:32Oh!
00:22:33No, I don't know his number, and I have no phone book up here, but this is an emergency.
00:22:36Will you connect me with his office, please?
00:22:38Oh, dear. Oh, dear. I'm going to get the rabies.
00:22:40Hello?
00:22:41Hello? Dr. Wells' office?
00:22:43This is a call service. Dr. Wells is out at the moment.
00:22:46But if you'll give me your name and number, I'll try to locate him.
00:22:49Well, this is Miss Van Gorder of the Oaks.
00:22:52My maid has just been bitten by a bat that may be rabid, and she must have treatment as soon as possible.
00:22:56And I was told that Dr. Wells was the nearest physician.
00:22:58I'll try to find him for you. And if I can't, I'll send you another doctor.
00:23:02Oh, well, thank you very much.
00:23:04Oh, he's out on a case.
00:23:06Oh.
00:23:07Oh, I hope it's not a delivery. A baby. I mean, they can be terribly complicated.
00:23:11They never bothered me none.
00:23:13Oh, Lizzie, you never had a baby.
00:23:15Of course I didn't. That's why they never bothered me.
00:23:17Oh, does it hurt?
00:23:18A little.
00:23:32Mm-hmm.
00:24:02Hmm.
00:24:33Dr. Wells? Are you there, Dr. Wells?
00:24:40Are you there, Dr. Wells? This is the operator.
00:24:43Your call service is on the wire. It's an emergency.
00:24:50This is Dr. Wells.
00:24:52This is your call service, doctor.
00:24:54Oh, hello. I was just about to call you.
00:24:57Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
00:24:59This is your call service, doctor.
00:25:01Oh, hello. I was just doing an experiment. I left the receiver off.
00:25:05That's what I thought, but I kept trying.
00:25:07Miss Van Gorder at the Oaks call and said that her maid had been bitten by a bat.
00:25:11And she's afraid it might be rabbit.
00:25:13What? Oh, all right. Tell her I'll be right over there.
00:25:29Oh, my God.
00:25:59Oh, my God.
00:26:29Oh, my God.
00:26:51Who's there?
00:26:52Dr. Wells.
00:26:55Come in.
00:26:56Good evening.
00:26:58Oh, I'm so glad they found you, doctor.
00:27:00Well, I reached my office shortly after you called. How is your maid? Is she in any pain?
00:27:05No. No, she doesn't seem to be.
00:27:07Did the bat get away?
00:27:09No. I believe it's still in my bedroom.
00:27:12Good. I'll want to examine it.
00:27:14There you go, Miss Allen. Now you'll feel better.
00:27:17Doctor, have I got the rabies?
00:27:19Well, I can tell you better after I've examined the bat's brain under a microscope.
00:27:23That thing's got a brain?
00:27:25Oh, you'd be surprised.
00:27:27Well, where is it?
00:27:28I think the little darling is in that closet.
00:27:33You know, it's a pity you leased this house, Miss Van Gorder.
00:27:36Why a pity?
00:27:37Well, my dear lady, I don't want to alarm you, but...
00:27:40Oh, well, after tonight, nothing can alarm me.
00:27:43Yes, I understand. It must have been terrifying.
00:27:46So many unexplainable things have happened here.
00:27:50There's something about the place.
00:27:53Your servants must have sensed it when they walked out on you.
00:27:57An apprehension of disaster.
00:28:00Well, let's see.
00:28:04Aha! Yes.
00:28:06There he is. All right now. Take it easy.
00:28:09Nobody's going to hurt you. Quiet now. Quiet.
00:28:18He looks quite normal. Doesn't seem to be sick at all.
00:28:21Oh, ain't that nice. I've been worried about him.
00:28:25Well, you should be.
00:28:27From his appearance, I'd say that he doesn't have any infection.
00:28:32In which case, you've had a narrow escape.
00:28:37Now, you take one of those tablets I left for you, and I'll guarantee you a good night.
00:28:41And I'll drop in on you tomorrow.
00:28:43Oh, thanks for everything, Doctor.
00:28:47Now, don't worry. I can find my way out.
00:28:50I know you can, but do let me help you.
00:28:52Oh, don't forget that once I'm gone, you'll have to climb those stairs alone.
00:28:56Oh, I'm all right. I'm armed now.
00:28:59Can you shoot one of those things without shutting your eyes?
00:29:03Oh, Doctor, there are guns in every book I've ever written.
00:29:06I don't write about things I'm unfamiliar with.
00:29:09Lock the door, Lizzie.
00:29:11Good night. Yes, ma'am. Good night, Doctor.
00:29:15Accident? No. No, the wind blew him down.
00:29:18I think.
00:29:20Did you know that young Mark Fleming leased you this house without notifying his uncle?
00:29:24No. No, I didn't.
00:29:26Well, it doesn't matter now. John Fleming is dead, and Mark's his heir.
00:29:30But if John were alive, he would warn you to leave here, Miss Van Gorder.
00:29:34Really? Yes.
00:29:36It's been a tragic place for anyone who ever lived in it.
00:29:39Well, good night. Good night, Doctor.
00:29:42Who's out there?
00:29:44Nobody you need worry about, Doctor.
00:29:47That's right. Oh, good evening, Miss Van Gorder.
00:29:49Good evening, Lieutenant.
00:29:51Is somebody sick here?
00:29:53My maid was bitten by a bat.
00:29:55Oh? A rabid bat?
00:29:57Well, I'll know for sure when I get to my lab.
00:30:00I caught the bat.
00:30:02It happened indoors?
00:30:04In my bedroom, yes.
00:30:06How'd it get in? Well, there are many ways a bat could get in a house.
00:30:09You ought to know.
00:30:11I spotted this hole in the window the minute I got here.
00:30:14Why?
00:30:16A two-legged bat got your door open.
00:30:21Miss Van Gorder told me that she phoned headquarters at Zenith.
00:30:25Yes, I phoned twice.
00:30:27The second time was after the prowler got in the house.
00:30:30Weren't you at headquarters, Andy?
00:30:32No, but they contacted me.
00:30:34An officer came and searched the house from top to bottom, but they couldn't find the bat.
00:30:37You better have this window fixed tomorrow.
00:30:39Oh, yes, I certainly shall.
00:30:41I'd better be going. I'm due in surgery at 8 o'clock in the morning. Good night.
00:30:45Good night, Doctor.
00:30:46There'll be a man patrolling the grounds all night, Miss Van Gorder.
00:30:48Oh, thank you.
00:30:49And nobody inside, Andy?
00:30:51Why should there be?
00:30:53Well, how do you know but what the bat is hiding somewhere in the house?
00:30:57I'm quite sure he isn't in the house, Doctor.
00:31:01Not now.
00:31:04Good night.
00:31:05Good night.
00:31:15Good night.
00:31:25Hi, Andy.
00:31:26Hello, Mark.
00:31:28Well, congratulations.
00:31:31Real estate business must be picking up.
00:31:34New office, new furniture.
00:31:36New deal. How do you like it?
00:31:38It looks expensive.
00:31:40Are you squandering your inheritance?
00:31:42Oh, I haven't got it yet.
00:31:44Uncle Fleming left his entire fortune to you.
00:31:46Funny thing about that entire fortune is that we can't find it.
00:31:49No kidding.
00:31:51All Uncle John had in his bank account was a couple hundred dollars.
00:31:54And his safe deposit box was empty.
00:31:57If we don't find that missing million, mine will be empty too.
00:32:00How come?
00:32:01Well, all my savings were invested in Zenith Bank stock.
00:32:05The examiners won't certify the bank as solvent until those stolen securities are found.
00:32:10So the stockholders have voted an assessment that will wipe some of us out.
00:32:15It's a sense those securities have been converted into cash.
00:32:18And if I can't find that cash, I'm sunk.
00:32:21Well, where are you going to look for it, Andy?
00:32:24Here in Zenith.
00:32:25Your uncle wouldn't take a million on a hunting trip, would he?
00:32:30You suspect Uncle John?
00:32:32Why, Andy, he founded the Zenith Bank.
00:32:36That would be like robbing the family too.
00:32:39You think he wouldn't?
00:32:40Well, besides, Vic Bailey's fingerprints are all over the vault.
00:32:45They didn't find any of Uncle John's fingerprints.
00:32:47Because he wiped them off.
00:32:49Can the defense prove that?
00:32:51They'll try to.
00:32:53Judy Hollander, Bailey's secretary, is a defense witness.
00:32:56And they believe her testimony will have a powerful effect on the jury.
00:33:00Well, if she has a powerful effect on me, Judy's a doll.
00:33:07Here's the book you mentioned, Judy.
00:33:08Your newest one.
00:33:09Yes, it's just been published.
00:33:11You can have that copy if you wish.
00:33:12Oh, it's a first edition and you've signed it.
00:33:15Yes, of course.
00:33:16Thank you so much.
00:33:20May I serve tea now, Miss Van Gorder?
00:33:22Yes, please do, Warner.
00:33:26I see you've engaged new servants.
00:33:28Yes, of course.
00:33:29How did you persuade them to live in this house?
00:33:32Jane Patterson, my new housekeeper, knows this house better than you do, Doctor.
00:33:36She worked for John Fleming.
00:33:38And Warner was my chauffeur.
00:33:42Chauffeur turned butler?
00:33:43Yes, incredible.
00:33:45He can play any part at a moment's notice.
00:33:48Did you get a plumber, Warner?
00:33:50No, we can't get a plumber for three days, madam.
00:33:53What about that leaking pipe?
00:33:55The basement will be flooded in three days.
00:33:57The pipe is no longer leaking.
00:34:00You mean it's dried up of its own accord?
00:34:02No, not quite.
00:34:03I packed the elbow where the water was coming out.
00:34:06Packed the elbow?
00:34:08Where did you learn how to do that?
00:34:10Well, into each life a little rain must fall and a careful man learns to keep himself dry.
00:34:15Now, is there anything else that you require, Miss Van Gorder?
00:34:17No, not at the moment, Warner.
00:34:19Thank you, madam.
00:34:22Now, there's a character.
00:34:25How long did you say that he worked for you as chauffeur?
00:34:28About three months.
00:34:30Well, I hope he doesn't have a police record.
00:34:33My dear Dale, it may interest you to know that the last night of his life,
00:34:37John Fleming told me that he loved your husband like a son.
00:34:42If Fleming were alive today, he would be fighting to prove Vic's innocence.
00:34:48Could Mr. Fleming prove his own innocence?
00:34:51Miss Van Gorder, can there be any doubt about it?
00:34:55There will be when Miss Hollander testifies at Vic's trial.
00:34:58Oh?
00:35:00You know something that we haven't heard yet, Judy?
00:35:03Something I saw with my own eyes.
00:35:07She's not permitted to say what it was.
00:35:09My dear girl, I wouldn't think of asking her.
00:35:12But let's assume for a moment that Fleming did steal the million.
00:35:15Now, what would he do about it? Where is it?
00:35:18Hidden someplace where he could lay his hands on it without getting caught in the act.
00:35:22Now, if I was writing this, instead of living in the middle of it,
00:35:27I'd hide it right here in this spooky old house.
00:35:30Under a loose floorboard or up a chimney?
00:35:34If Mr. Fleming had the nerve to steal a million,
00:35:39he'd make his plans well in advance.
00:35:42I'd say he'd prepare a place to hide it.
00:35:45Possibly when this house was being built.
00:35:48Possibly when this house was being built.
00:35:52I rented this place from Mark Fleming, his nephew.
00:35:56I wonder...
00:35:58I wonder if he'd have the floor plans.
00:36:00I'll ask him.
00:36:02Yes.
00:36:03Lizzie, will you bring Mrs. Bailey the phone?
00:36:06Oh, you ask him now.
00:36:08His number is Summit...
00:36:11Summit 7537.
00:36:13Thank you, Lizzie.
00:36:15Summit 7537.
00:36:19Shh!
00:36:21Not bad, eh, Andy?
00:36:23That means new business.
00:36:26Now, you see? Somebody wants to buy a house.
00:36:30Mark Fleming speaking.
00:36:32Oh, hello, Dale.
00:36:36Well, hang on a minute, honey, while I see if I have him.
00:36:39It's Dale Bailey, all excited.
00:36:41Miss Van Gorder wants to know if I have the floor plans of the Oaks.
00:36:45Now, what would she want with the floor plans?
00:36:48Well, she suggested to me that your uncle might have hidden the bank loot there.
00:36:52Are the plans here?
00:36:55Somewhere in the house itself.
00:36:59Wait a minute, there is a place where Uncle Johnny might have kept those blueprints.
00:37:03What place?
00:37:04Well, I heard him talk about it a good many years ago.
00:37:06I can't be sure of the exact location.
00:37:10Anyway, I don't think the old boy had the guts to steal a million.
00:37:13But if I find those plans, I'll let you know, Andy.
00:37:16Hello, Dale.
00:37:17Look, honey, I haven't seen those plans since I was a kid.
00:37:20But I'll come over tonight, maybe we can find them.
00:37:23Thank you, Mark. We'll expect you.
00:37:27He seems to think they're here in the house somewhere.
00:37:30He's coming over tonight.
00:37:31Well, that's good.
00:37:33Dale and Judy are my houseguests for the weekend.
00:37:35Would you like to have dinner with us tonight?
00:37:38Oh, no, thank you. I couldn't. I still have a few calls to make.
00:37:41You know, if Judy's testimony is going to clear Vic Bailey,
00:37:45and implicate John Fleming,
00:37:47others may get the idea that there's buried treasure in this house.
00:37:50Don't even mention your testimony until you're actually on the stand.
00:37:54Oh, I won't.
00:37:55That's a smart girl, Judy.
00:37:57And a very lovely girl.
00:37:58Well, good afternoon, ladies.
00:38:00Goodbye, Dr. Miller.
00:38:01Come on, girls, let's go.
00:38:15Let's go.
00:38:46So many unusual things have happened to you this summer.
00:38:50Tell them why I think about it.
00:38:53The more I realize, I should be putting them down on paper.
00:38:58Weren't you your husband's secretary, Dale?
00:39:01Yes, I was.
00:39:02Do you take shorthand?
00:39:03Mm-hmm.
00:39:05Well, my dear, if you'd like to have your mind occupied,
00:39:09I want you to work with me while I write the story
00:39:12of this fantastic criminal,
00:39:16the Bat.
00:40:06Wonderful day.
00:40:09It's really nice.
00:40:12It's a good dinner, isn't it?
00:40:13As usual.
00:40:14Wonderful.
00:40:16Oh, what a lovely piece of silver.
00:40:19It's an original, isn't it?
00:40:21Yes, they still use them in England for the day breakfasts.
00:40:25See?
00:40:27It's a cup of water and a box of donuts.
00:40:29You should keep us hungry.
00:40:30Sausages and your scrambled eggs.
00:40:33Interesting.
00:40:34Very useful.
00:40:35Really nice.
00:40:42That clock hasn't struck the hour in the last ten years,
00:40:50if I'm to believe what Mark Fleming told me.
00:40:53Why is it angled away from the wall like that?
00:40:55I don't know.
00:40:56Somebody must have moved it.
00:40:58Lizzie, very likely when she was dusting.
00:41:00Wait a minute.
00:41:02Did you know there's a door in this panel?
00:41:04No, no, I didn't.
00:41:05Oh, my gracious, so there is.
00:41:08Maybe it opens to a secret passage.
00:41:10Well, certainly to a secret passage.
00:41:12Who knows, girls, who might be about to stumble on that missing minion.
00:41:16Oh, this is wonderful.
00:41:17There's a panel, there's a panel.
00:41:18There must be some gimmick to it.
00:41:20There always is.
00:41:21Yes, it moves, it moves, it moves.
00:41:35Calling car 11.
00:41:37Calling car 11.
00:41:40Proceed to the Oaks and Zena's township immediately.
00:41:43A homicide has been reported.
00:41:47Okay.
00:41:49Proceeding to the Oaks.
00:41:51Notify the county coroner, Dr. Warehouse.
00:41:53Tell him to come to the Oaks at once.
00:42:05Horrible.
00:42:07His throat has been torn by some creature with his fangs or claws.
00:42:12That's his sign.
00:42:14We found it on the others he killed.
00:42:17I'd hoped those reports that he was up to his old tricks again were pure imagination,
00:42:21but apparently they're based on fact.
00:42:25He's come back.
00:42:27Back to the scene of his kills.
00:42:31Yes, that's who I mean.
00:42:33That's who did this.
00:42:36The bat.
00:42:38Who found Mark?
00:42:39We all did.
00:42:41And it's Dale and Judy and I.
00:42:43Lizzie was in the dining room.
00:42:45This is my new housekeeper, Jane Patterson.
00:42:48You know, she worked for John Fleming.
00:42:50I know her.
00:42:51Where were you, Mrs. Patterson?
00:42:53In the kitchen, cleaning up.
00:42:55I cooked the dinner tonight.
00:42:58Did you know that the secret closet was here?
00:43:01No.
00:43:02It was behind the grandfather's clock.
00:43:04Well, it was I who found it, really.
00:43:06I noticed the clock had been moved and the door wasn't quite closed.
00:43:11I'll get it.
00:43:26Who is it?
00:43:35Mark Fleming.
00:43:37As coroner, you saw the same wounds on the others.
00:43:41How long has he been dead?
00:43:42Oh, I'd say about a half an hour.
00:43:45You believe it was the bat?
00:43:47That's a bat's trademark.
00:43:49Perhaps he's still in the house.
00:43:52That's possible.
00:43:57Why should he be?
00:43:59Because he's looking for something, and like you, he believes it's here.
00:44:02Well, he's a persistent killer.
00:44:04I would advise you to get out of this house as quickly as possible.
00:44:07Notwithstanding our expert police protection.
00:44:11Have you called the morgue?
00:44:12They're on their way here.
00:44:13Oh, good. I want to examine the body before they get here.
00:44:17May we take it into another room?
00:44:18Yes, to the sunroom in the back.
00:44:20Thank you. Give me a hand.
00:44:21Excuse me.
00:44:33Oh, Warner, where have you been?
00:44:36Well, Madam, it was...
00:44:38Has there been an accident?
00:44:40There's been a murder.
00:44:43Mark Fleming, the young man from whom I leased this place, was killed here tonight.
00:44:48They know who did it?
00:44:49Well, they believe it was the bat.
00:44:51I'm sorry I had to use the front door, Miss Van Gorder.
00:44:54I forgot my keys, and I rang the bell at the kitchen door.
00:44:57There was no response.
00:44:58Oh, this is Warner, Lieutenant. He's my butler.
00:45:01He was my chauffeur.
00:45:03Why did you promote him?
00:45:04Well, it's very difficult to find a butler.
00:45:06They don't like service in the country.
00:45:09Have you been a butler before?
00:45:11I've served in many capacities, sir, but this was my night off, and I forgot my keys.
00:45:15I heard that part.
00:45:17What time did you leave the house tonight?
00:45:18Oh, about 6.30. I had dinner at Wiley's Roadhouse.
00:45:22Can you prove where you spent the rest of the evening?
00:45:25I can try.
00:45:26Try hard.
00:45:28And don't leave the house. I'll get to you later.
00:45:30Very good, sir.
00:45:31I shall be in my room, Miss Van Gorder, if you need me.
00:45:35Yes, Warner.
00:45:39Surely you don't think he's...
00:45:41Warner and I have met before.
00:45:44I can't recall where or when.
00:45:48But I will.
00:45:54There'll be a crew here shortly from headquarters,
00:45:56dusting for fingerprints, taking photographs.
00:45:58But in the meantime,
00:46:00Mrs. Patterson, you aren't leaving the house tonight, are you?
00:46:03No, Lieutenant.
00:46:04Doctor, I'll talk to you in the morning.
00:46:06Good night.
00:46:07Good night, sir. Good night, Miss Van Gorder.
00:46:10Dale,
00:46:12I was with Mark Fleming this afternoon when you talked to him about the floor plans of this house.
00:46:16I heard him tell you he was coming here tonight.
00:46:18Dale called him at my request.
00:46:21She told me he was coming.
00:46:24Who else heard her tell you that?
00:46:26Judy.
00:46:28Lizzie.
00:46:29And that nice Dr. Wells.
00:46:32Dr. Wells?
00:46:37There are a few killers who kill for the fun of it.
00:46:40The bat very likely is a mental case,
00:46:41and I'm convinced that his crimes are motivated by his mania for personal gain.
00:46:46There's a million dollars at large,
00:46:48and he's going to keep on hunting for it until he lays his hands on it.
00:46:52Now, these young ladies are staying here tonight?
00:46:54Yes, they're my houseguests.
00:46:56Well, when my crew arrives, we'll be busy for a while,
00:46:59so I'd suggest that you...
00:47:00That we go to our rooms? That's a very good idea.
00:47:02Come on, girls.
00:47:07What about a police guard for this house tonight, Lieutenant?
00:47:10You've got one.
00:47:12I'm going to cover this place tonight from the attic to the basement.
00:47:15If the bat makes another call, I'll have a little surprise for him.
00:47:20Who, uh...
00:47:22Who is he?
00:47:23Have you any idea?
00:47:27He could be anybody.
00:47:28So far, there are clues to his identity,
00:47:30but nothing we could take before a jury.
00:47:34I'm afraid we must look higher than the criminal world.
00:47:37He may be a merchant, lawyer, doctor, scientist.
00:47:41One of the pillars of his community.
00:47:45Ladies, lock your doors tonight.
00:47:47Stay behind me.
00:47:48I promise you, you'll be safe.
00:47:50Good night.
00:47:51Good night, Lieutenant.
00:47:52Good night.
00:47:56Good night.
00:48:27Poor Mark.
00:48:28Yeah, it's a pity.
00:48:30So young.
00:48:32Well, Doctor, do you agree it was the bat?
00:48:35In my report, I shall say the death was caused by the same technique used in the other killings.
00:48:40A paralyzing blow to the throat,
00:48:42followed by severe lacerations of the jugular,
00:48:45resulting in excessive hemorrhage.
00:48:48In a layman's language, he didn't know what hit him.
00:48:51Oh, he knew.
00:48:52But he didn't have time to think about it.
00:49:03You staying here tonight, Andy?
00:49:05Well, until I check the doors and windows,
00:49:07but I'll be back bright and early in the morning.
00:49:11Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night
00:49:14stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
00:49:18A lot of people are due for a shock when I close this case.
00:49:22Yes, I'm sure they are.
00:49:24Good night, Andy. Don't get hurt.
00:49:28Good night, Doctor.
00:49:29Good night, Andy. Don't get hurt.
00:49:32Good night, Doctor.
00:49:48You know I think we'd better let you get some sleep.
00:49:50Oh, Lizzy and I share this room for mutual protection.
00:49:53You know one night, a storm blew the wires down,
00:49:56put the lights out and I went out the next day
00:49:58half a dozen of these things you better take one with you Dale oh thank you are
00:50:04you sure there's nothing else you need no right sure we'll be all right
00:50:08yeah look anything bothers you you just sing out and two strong women will come
00:50:13to your rescue oh nothing will bother us not with Andy on the job
00:50:19don't worry everything will be all right good night
00:50:28I don't think I'll sleep tonight me neither all I can see is poor Mark
00:50:54Fleming staring at us I thought that when people died their eyes closed is in
00:51:01sleep don't think about it I'll bet you're thinking about it no I was
00:51:08thinking of my poor husband sleeping in jail tonight Oh Judy I love him so much
00:51:24Oh
00:51:54Oh
00:52:24you
00:52:54Oh
00:53:24Oh
00:53:54Oh
00:54:24what's that noise oh I don't know I kind of fell half asleep for a moment I
00:54:41thought it was something from a dream it's somewhere in the house yes on the
00:54:45floor above not directly over us probably a room overlooking the driveway
00:54:54Oh
00:55:17should we call miss Van Gorder she'll hear it how can she help it here
00:55:23besides we don't want her to think we're a couple of hysterical women I'm about
00:55:27to become I had it for one night Dale you're not going out in that hall I want
00:55:32to know what's happening up there but lieutenant Anderson said if we stayed
00:55:35behind our locked doors we'd be safe Vic isn't safe locked up in that jail
00:55:39suppose that stolen money is in this house Mark Fleming seemed to think it
00:55:42was maybe that's what somebody's looking for don't you hear that awful
00:55:53noise up there just got to stay awake the house phone and the outside phone
00:56:01wires have been cut and we can't get help where's that policeman oh I don't
00:56:05know something must have happened to him now go on get on your robe Oh Dale
00:56:10please don't go up there I've got to think what it could mean to Vic now you
00:56:13stay here oh no if you go I go
00:56:18Oh
00:56:36you stay here no no I won't let you go up there alone here I'm gonna see what
00:56:41it is oh please let me go with you now wait
00:57:11you
00:57:41Oh
00:57:43Oh
00:58:06give it to me I'll look at
00:58:13Oh, baby.
00:58:15Oh, baby.
00:58:17Oh, baby.
00:58:31Judy.
00:58:39The bat.
00:58:41Yes, the bat.
00:58:43He caught her at the head of the stairs.
00:58:45We saw him rushing down the stairs
00:58:47as we came out of the room.
00:58:49I hurled that after him.
00:58:51I hit him, I believe.
00:58:53I'm going to cover this place
00:58:55from attic to basement, you said.
00:58:57Well, what were you covering when that poor child was murdered?
00:58:59Where were you?
00:59:01I saw a man outside in the grounds.
00:59:03I went out there and hunted him.
00:59:05I heard him in among the trees
00:59:07and so I followed the sound of him
00:59:09as far as the brook down near the back road.
00:59:11And then I lost her.
00:59:13I'd rather give my own life
00:59:15than have this happen to Judy.
00:59:17But I told you to stay in your rooms
00:59:19and lock your doors and stay there.
00:59:21What was she doing at the head of those stairs?
00:59:23That was my fault.
00:59:25They heard a strange noise.
00:59:27Heavy pounding in one of the rooms on the third floor.
00:59:29We all heard it.
00:59:31I wanted to see what it was.
00:59:33Judy, would you wish you wouldn't let me go out by myself?
00:59:35I made her stay on the balcony.
00:59:37What about your new butler?
00:59:39Oh, well, he's in his room, I suppose.
00:59:41Oh, Mrs. Patterson.
00:59:43Oh, yes.
00:59:45Did you know what happened here?
00:59:47No, sir, but I heard the screams.
00:59:49I went to call Warner.
00:59:51We have rooms on the same floor,
00:59:53but he wasn't in his room.
00:59:55His bed hasn't been slept in.
00:59:57If Mrs. Patterson heard the screams,
00:59:59Warner could certainly hear them.
01:00:01You're quite right, sir. I heard them.
01:00:03Oh, you did? And where were you?
01:00:05Miss Holland has been murdered.
01:00:07No.
01:00:09Oh, so you're surprised.
01:00:11Shocked.
01:00:13Well, I've seen better performances.
01:00:15I remember you now.
01:00:17Your name's not Warner.
01:00:19I've got a circular in my office
01:00:21with your picture on it.
01:00:23The Chicago police not so long ago were hunting for you
01:00:25in connection with the robbery.
01:00:27You're right again, sir, and they found me and they tried me
01:00:29and I proved my innocence and I was acquitted.
01:00:31That could have been a lucky break.
01:00:33Where were you when this child was killed?
01:00:35I told you before, sir, outside.
01:00:37What were you doing there?
01:00:39I was following you. I saw you leaving the house
01:00:41and it seemed that you were hunting someone.
01:00:43I thought you might need some help.
01:00:45Oh, yes, sir. I followed your flashlight down through the trees.
01:00:47Then it disappeared.
01:00:49And then suddenly, as I was staring out into the darkness,
01:00:51I was struck by something on the back of the head.
01:00:53The next thing I knew,
01:00:55I was lying on the ground.
01:00:57I realized I'd been knocked out.
01:00:59I wish you had been knocked out.
01:01:01But then we'd have found you with your mask still on your face.
01:01:03You were hit here in this house
01:01:05with this poker as you were rushing down those stairs
01:01:07after that child was killed.
01:01:09No, sir, you can't pin this on me. I'm not the bat.
01:01:11I've never killed. I couldn't kill.
01:01:13I won't take the rap for this.
01:01:31Well, doctor,
01:01:47we have another case for the counter-coroner.
01:01:51You see, the bat came back.
01:01:55Why did you come back, doctor?
01:01:57Well, I had an accident
01:01:59about a mile down the road.
01:02:01The right rear wheel of my car came off
01:02:03and I plunged into the ditch.
01:02:05This was the nearest house,
01:02:07so I came here to call for help.
01:02:11I thought I'd find you around, Andy.
01:02:17Physician, heal thyself.
01:02:21You must have been hit by something
01:02:23on the back of your head.
01:02:25I told you I had an accident.
01:02:27So you did, doctor.
01:02:29So you did.
01:02:31I could be wrong,
01:02:33but maybe I'm not.
01:02:37We shall see.
01:02:41My dear, let's start a new chapter.
01:02:43For days, the murders held the headlines.
01:02:47Lieutenant Anderson grilled us
01:02:49and ransacked the house
01:02:51from top to bottom.
01:02:53Warner was not placed under arrest,
01:02:55but his every move was watched.
01:02:59At night, except for a detective
01:03:01on guard in the house,
01:03:03the police and the reporters
01:03:05left us alone.
01:03:07And on one of those nights,
01:03:09without telling Lizzie or anyone else,
01:03:11I pursued a secret investigation
01:03:13of my own.
01:03:23It was in an empty room
01:03:25on the third floor
01:03:27where we kept our trunks
01:03:29and other things.
01:03:53♪♪
01:04:03♪♪
01:04:13♪♪
01:04:23♪♪
01:04:33♪♪
01:04:43♪♪
01:04:53♪♪
01:05:03♪♪
01:05:13♪♪
01:05:23♪♪
01:05:33Put them up there.
01:05:39It's a bright idea to kill me in my own lab
01:05:41and let people think that I'm the bat.
01:05:43But you had to kill me first.
01:05:45What was it to be, ambush?
01:05:47And clever as you are,
01:05:49you're not smart enough to do that.
01:05:51Nor were you smart enough to find the money,
01:05:53though you came quite close to it.
01:05:55But I know where it is.
01:05:57And when you're dead
01:05:59with that sign pinned on your chest,
01:06:01I'm going to collect it
01:06:03and live happily ever after.
01:06:05He destroyed himself.
01:06:07How true that will be.
01:06:09Goodbye, bat.
01:06:11Here's a serum that will heal you
01:06:13whether you're a rabbit or not.
01:06:15Here's a serum that will heal you
01:06:17whether you're a rabbit or not.
01:06:45♪♪
01:06:55♪♪
01:07:05♪♪
01:07:15♪♪
01:07:25♪♪
01:07:35♪♪
01:07:45♪♪
01:07:55♪♪
01:08:05Something's wrong.
01:08:07Something's wrong.
01:08:19Miss Cornelia?
01:08:29Miss Cornelia?
01:08:39Where would she be going at this time of night?
01:08:55For lamb's sake.
01:09:05Never.
01:09:11Mr. Davenport. Mr. Davenport.
01:09:15A fine thing.
01:09:17The door unbolted, the chain off,
01:09:19and you asleep on the job.
01:09:21Wait till Lieutenant Anderson hears about this.
01:09:23Come on, wake up.
01:09:25What's the matter with you?
01:09:27I don't know. I don't know.
01:09:29My head hurts. My whole body's numb.
01:09:31Here, here, take a sip of this.
01:09:33Get out of it. I'll be back in a minute.
01:09:47Hurry, will you? It's Lizzie.
01:09:51I'm terribly worried.
01:09:53I can't find Miss Cornelia anywhere,
01:09:55and something's happened to the policeman.
01:09:57I don't know what. Get Warner.
01:09:59He's in the drawing room. Tell him we need him.
01:10:07Are you all right now?
01:10:08Yeah, I'll be all right in a minute.
01:10:10I remember now.
01:10:11I took a drink of wine from that decanter there.
01:10:13Miss Van Gorder told me to help myself.
01:10:15She wouldn't put nothing in it.
01:10:17Well, somebody did.
01:10:18Somebody who knew I was on duty here.
01:10:20Then it was somebody that got Miss Van Gorder.
01:10:23I can't find her anywhere.
01:10:24Upstairs, downstairs, or in the basement.
01:10:26I told the housekeeper to get Warner.
01:10:28Ben and Anderson will want to know about this.
01:10:30Hello.
01:10:31Yeah, this is Davenport at the Oaks.
01:10:33We've got trouble here.
01:10:35Well, for one thing, I was drugged.
01:10:37Yeah.
01:10:38But I must have been knocked out
01:10:39because a mate tells me Miss Van Gorder is missing.
01:10:43Well, you better call Anderson and let him know.
01:10:46He's not at home.
01:10:47Well, where is he?
01:10:49I don't know. What case?
01:10:52Dr. Wells.
01:10:54What else did they tell you about it?
01:10:56Oh, hurry, will you?
01:10:57We've got to find Miss Cornelia.
01:11:01Okay.
01:11:03Lieutenant Anderson is out on a case.
01:11:05Dr. Wells was found dead in a room next to his garage.
01:11:08Murdered.
01:11:10Dr. Wells?
01:11:12There's something queer about the killing of Wells,
01:11:14but headquarters won't talk about it.
01:11:16Lizzie, Warner isn't in his room.
01:11:17There's no sign of him anywhere.
01:11:19I was supposed to keep an eye on that guy.
01:11:21Where's Miss Cornelia?
01:11:22That's what I want to know.
01:11:24Wait a minute.
01:11:25Did you say that the chain and the bolt were off of the front door?
01:11:28I certainly did.
01:11:29Well, maybe Miss Van Gorder went outside.
01:11:31She never would.
01:11:33We better look.
01:11:35I can't breathe.
01:11:38There's no air.
01:11:47Miss Cornelia.
01:11:49Oh, Miss Van Gorder.
01:11:50Miss Cornelia.
01:11:51Miss Cornelia.
01:11:52Miss Van Gorder.
01:11:53Look.
01:11:54There's a light in that room on the third floor.
01:11:57Were you up there tonight?
01:11:59Well, of course I was,
01:12:00but I turned the lights out before I came downstairs.
01:12:02Then Miss Cornelia might have turned them on again.
01:12:04That's why we're going to look first.
01:12:06Come on.
01:12:24Miss Cornelia.
01:12:26Miss Cornelia.
01:12:28Miss Cornelia.
01:12:30Yes, Lizzie.
01:12:32I'm here.
01:12:37Right here.
01:12:38Come.
01:12:39Come to the mantel, please.
01:12:44Here we are, Miss Van Gorder.
01:12:45What do we do now?
01:12:46Over the mantel.
01:12:48There are five.
01:12:50Over the mantel.
01:12:52There are five panels.
01:12:54Strike it with your hand.
01:13:02Which panel did you say, Miss Van Gorder?
01:13:04Oh, I can't understand.
01:13:07Miss Van Gorder, which panel?
01:13:09We couldn't hear you.
01:13:10She said strike it.
01:13:11What difference does it make which panel?
01:13:13Strike them all.
01:13:17Look.
01:13:20Look.
01:13:32Oh, it's all right now.
01:13:35It's all right, dear.
01:13:37Lizzie's here.
01:13:45Feeling better?
01:13:46Yes, much better.
01:13:47We'll take you to your room.
01:13:48Oh, no, you won't.
01:13:49I'm quite all right.
01:13:51Oh, how blizzard it is to breathe without an effort, you know?
01:13:54No one knows how sweet the air can taste
01:13:57until someone shuts it off for a moment.
01:13:59That room is just like a box.
01:14:02When the mantelpiece closed, it seemed like
01:14:04all the air was drawn out of it.
01:14:06Look, there it goes again.
01:14:08Let it close.
01:14:09I can open it from in here.
01:14:15There's a control panel behind this blueprint.
01:14:18There's an electric motor under the trap door here.
01:14:21Once the door is open, you can keep it that way.
01:14:24I believe that the fireplace in this other room
01:14:26opens the same way.
01:14:30And it does.
01:14:32For goodness sake.
01:14:34I tried to find this, but I couldn't find it.
01:14:36Here's back of this blueprint here.
01:14:38It's quite a setup.
01:14:40Too bad we can't open that safe in the same way.
01:14:44Take an expert to crack this box or a shot of nitrile.
01:14:47Maybe that's what the bat had in mind.
01:14:49Could be. Seems he's on the prowl tonight.
01:14:52Miss Van Gorder, Warner has disappeared.
01:14:55And Dr. Wells has been murdered.
01:14:57Dr. Wells?
01:14:59Lieutenant Anderson's on that case right now.
01:15:01Well, does he know what happened here tonight?
01:15:03They got word to him. He'll be here any minute.
01:15:06What's that noise?
01:15:08Miss Van Gorder, the garage is on fire.
01:15:11Scott, look at that.
01:15:13Lizzie, put that light out in the other room.
01:15:15Now, where are you going?
01:15:17To report the fire.
01:15:18Well, you've just stayed right here.
01:15:20But, Miss Van Gorder, the garage.
01:15:21Well, let it burn. You watch the stair.
01:15:23Can't you see that fire was set to get us out of the house?
01:15:25Out of the house?
01:15:27Well, you don't know what you're talking about.
01:15:29I don't know what you're talking about.
01:15:31I don't know what you're talking about.
01:15:33I don't know what you're talking about.
01:15:35Were you talking about the...
01:15:37Yes, yes, I'm talking about the bat.
01:15:39Now that the lights are out, he'll think his trick has worked,
01:15:42and we've gone. He'll be here any minute.
01:15:44So will Lieutenant Anderson.
01:15:45I hope so, but the bat will be here first.
01:15:47And he'll kill again if we're in his way.
01:15:49We've got to be as clever as he is.
01:16:35Let's go.
01:16:37But you'll be safer downstairs.
01:17:04I'll take care of him.
01:17:06Well, the others can go, but I'm going to stay right here.
01:17:08All right, but get out of sight.
01:17:26Help!
01:17:37Let's face it, ladies, and get it over with.
01:17:40Others have seen my face before they died,
01:17:42but I'll have to deny you that pleasure.
01:17:45This would make a good scene for your book, Miss Van Gorder,
01:17:48but I'm afraid you'll never write it.
01:17:55That is Warner. I could tell.
01:18:03You misjudged me, Miss Ellen.
01:18:05Warner!
01:18:08I don't like being a murder suspect, Miss Van Gorder.
01:18:12I was headed for a plane, but halfway to the airport,
01:18:15I changed my mind and came back.
01:18:18I'm glad that I did.
01:18:33Why, it's Lieutenant Anderson.
01:18:41Yes, it's Anderson.
01:18:44He discovered the secret of the hidden room
01:18:46and was waiting to get into it and open up the safe.
01:18:51We found the money in it,
01:18:53a little over a million in tens and twenties and hundreds.
01:18:59Good old Andy.
01:19:02With all his ill-gotten gains invested in bank stock.
01:19:07It's rather a clever way to hide stolen money,
01:19:10openly open, as it were, and so respectable.
01:19:16But don't try it.
01:19:19No matter how clever you are,
01:19:22you can't hide murder.
01:19:32Well, that's it, dear.
01:19:36That's the end.
1:19:50
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