- 8 months ago
Lady of Burlesque (also known as The G-String Murders and in the UK, Striptease Lady) is a 1943 American musical comedy-mystery film, produced by Hunt Stromberg and directed by William A. Wellman and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Michael O'Shea.
A significant portion of the film is taken up with onstage performances, including comic bits and toned-down striptease acts. There is also a lot of backstage action not directly related to the evolving murder mystery but highlighting the characters and lifestyles of the performers and crew.
Barbara Stanwyck as Deborah Hoople, aka Dixie Daisy, corresponding to Gypsy Rose Lee's character in her own book
Michael O'Shea as Biff Brannigan, the romantic interest
J. Edward Bromberg as S.B. Foss
Iris Adrian as Gee Gee Graham, a worldly showgirl
Gloria Dickson as Dolly Baxter
Victoria Faust as Lolita La Verne
Stephanie Bachelor as The Princess Nirvena
Charles Dingle as Inspector Harrigan
George Chandler as Jake, the prop boy
Marion Martin as Alice Angel
Pete Gordon as Officer Pat Kelly (as Eddie Gordon)
Frank Fenton as Russell Rogers
Pinky Lee as Mandy, a supporting player
Frank Conroy as 'Stacchi' Stacciaro
Lew Kelly as The Hermit
Claire Carleton as Sandra
Gerald Mohr as Louie Grindero
Directed by William A. Wellman
Written by James Gunn
Produced by Hunt Stromberg
Cinematography Robert De Grasse
Edited by James E. Newcom
Music by Arthur Lange
Soundtrack:
Songs include "Take It Off the E String, Play It on the G String," by Sammy Cahn (listed as "Sammy Kahn") and Harry Akst, sung by Barbara Stanwyck.
Other songs include.
"The Broadway Melody," written by Nacio Herb Brown
"So This Is You," written by Cahn and Akst, performed by Frank Fenton (uncredited)
"Burlique Bugle," by Gene Rose
"Mama Inez," by Eliseo Grenet
"Kamarinskaia" (Russian folk tune)
"Ochi chyornye" (Russian folk tune)
"Two Guitars" (Russian folk tune)
"Temptation," Nacio Herb Brown
"Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider," by Eddie Leonard
"Paradise," by Nacio Herb Brown
"Ireland Must Be Heaven," by Fred Fisher, Howard Johnson and Joseph McCarthy
A significant portion of the film is taken up with onstage performances, including comic bits and toned-down striptease acts. There is also a lot of backstage action not directly related to the evolving murder mystery but highlighting the characters and lifestyles of the performers and crew.
Barbara Stanwyck as Deborah Hoople, aka Dixie Daisy, corresponding to Gypsy Rose Lee's character in her own book
Michael O'Shea as Biff Brannigan, the romantic interest
J. Edward Bromberg as S.B. Foss
Iris Adrian as Gee Gee Graham, a worldly showgirl
Gloria Dickson as Dolly Baxter
Victoria Faust as Lolita La Verne
Stephanie Bachelor as The Princess Nirvena
Charles Dingle as Inspector Harrigan
George Chandler as Jake, the prop boy
Marion Martin as Alice Angel
Pete Gordon as Officer Pat Kelly (as Eddie Gordon)
Frank Fenton as Russell Rogers
Pinky Lee as Mandy, a supporting player
Frank Conroy as 'Stacchi' Stacciaro
Lew Kelly as The Hermit
Claire Carleton as Sandra
Gerald Mohr as Louie Grindero
Directed by William A. Wellman
Written by James Gunn
Produced by Hunt Stromberg
Cinematography Robert De Grasse
Edited by James E. Newcom
Music by Arthur Lange
Soundtrack:
Songs include "Take It Off the E String, Play It on the G String," by Sammy Cahn (listed as "Sammy Kahn") and Harry Akst, sung by Barbara Stanwyck.
Other songs include.
"The Broadway Melody," written by Nacio Herb Brown
"So This Is You," written by Cahn and Akst, performed by Frank Fenton (uncredited)
"Burlique Bugle," by Gene Rose
"Mama Inez," by Eliseo Grenet
"Kamarinskaia" (Russian folk tune)
"Ochi chyornye" (Russian folk tune)
"Two Guitars" (Russian folk tune)
"Temptation," Nacio Herb Brown
"Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider," by Eddie Leonard
"Paradise," by Nacio Herb Brown
"Ireland Must Be Heaven," by Fred Fisher, Howard Johnson and Joseph McCarthy
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The End
00:04:29Hey, Jake, is that new doll from Columbus on yet?
00:04:31Just a minute, Brannick.
00:04:32And how about that five spot you owe me being on?
00:04:34The five spot?
00:04:35Yeah.
00:04:36Oh, you mean the Finn.
00:04:37The Finsky.
00:04:37Well, I'll tell you what I'm going to do.
00:04:39You didn't forget anything, did you?
00:04:40Oh, I may forget my lyrics.
00:04:42Oh, you better not.
00:04:43We're not at the Columbus gaiety, you know.
00:04:44Dixie, your mom.
00:04:45Your mom.
00:04:46Gigi, be a good girl.
00:04:46Gigi.
00:04:47Oh, come on.
00:04:48Be a good girl, huh?
00:04:48I'll be rooting for you.
00:04:52Help you, honey?
00:04:54I'm warning you, comic.
00:04:56Yeah, so did the copper that gave me this.
00:04:58No romance in those copper souls, Dix.
00:05:00Just because a guy goes through two red lights together.
00:05:02Quiet, Irish.
00:05:02Get upstairs and put your false face on.
00:05:04Dixie.
00:05:05Well, I just wanted to wish you luck.
00:05:07That's okay, comic, but keep it at a distance.
00:05:35Beautiful, Junior, but it's not for me.
00:06:05I do my act.
00:06:08Boys, it's a fact.
00:06:10Whenever I'm applauded, you're rewarded.
00:06:13Each time the drummer jumps, I get goose flesh big as lumps.
00:06:18I start breaking out in bums.
00:06:27Brother, I'm making my eggs and bacon, earning my pay.
00:06:31Just by shaking this wave, four shows a day.
00:06:38Time was when crime was if you stole some dough.
00:06:44Now that ain't so.
00:06:46Because if you lack attire, it's the Black Mariah.
00:06:49Mm-mm, Lady Godiva.
00:06:52I know what you're waiting for.
00:06:55I've been waiting a week.
00:06:56And I've a mind to do some more.
00:06:58I'll stick around.
00:06:58But I don't want to break the law.
00:07:01Because listen, brother, I've got a mother, old and gray.
00:07:05But she's a Lulu.
00:07:06I support her this way, four shows a day.
00:07:10How about a little supper after the show tonight?
00:07:28The only date I make with comics is with the Sunday funnies.
00:07:31That'd be all right with me.
00:07:32Sunday morning breakfast.
00:07:33Yeah, I'm sure it would be.
00:07:35Hey, you forgot to take your hand out of that one.
00:07:40Shh.
00:07:42Shh.
00:07:44Shh.
00:07:47Shh.
00:07:48Shh.
00:07:49Shh.
00:07:50Shh.
00:07:51Shh.
00:07:52Shh.
00:07:53Shh.
00:07:54Shh.
00:07:55Shh.
00:07:56Shh.
00:07:57Shh.
00:07:58Shh.
00:07:59Shh.
00:08:00You let him in the aisles.
00:08:01They'll never let her off at that stage.
00:08:02Gee, you work fast.
00:08:03Nothing to it, Mandy.
00:08:04Butterflies are usually hard to catch.
00:08:05Yeah, not when you've had practice.
00:08:06Boy, you sure have practice.
00:08:07Pretty sure there won't be no more room.
00:08:08For her, they can all move over.
00:08:09Mandy, here's some glitter to start your collection.
00:08:11Gee, thanks, Biff.
00:08:12You'd better tell them what that glitter is.
00:08:13Oh, so I don't know.
00:08:14Oh, I don't know.
00:08:15Oh, no.
00:08:16Oh, no.
00:08:17Oh, no.
00:08:18Don't know.
00:08:19Oh, no.
00:08:20Oh, no.
00:08:21Oh, no.
00:08:22Oh, no.
00:08:23Oh, no.
00:08:24Oh, no.
00:08:25Oh, no.
00:08:27Oh, no.
00:08:28Oh, no.
00:08:29Oh, no.
00:08:30Oh, no.
00:08:31Oh, no.
00:08:32Oh, no.
00:08:33Oh, no.
00:08:34Oh, no.
00:08:35Oh, no.
00:08:36Oh.
00:08:37Well, of course I know. They wear it around the waist, and they have to, well, they use it.
00:08:46Oh, you're making me so mad.
00:09:04Easy to call you, Dixon.
00:09:05Good night, darling.
00:09:06Makes me want to leave the wife.
00:09:07Come for a couple less.
00:09:08Huh?
00:09:09That worm's lucky he did run away.
00:09:10Where do I slap his face in the pickle for sweater? They'll find his jaw on Staten Island.
00:09:14Yeah?
00:09:16What?
00:09:18What did I tell you?
00:09:19With diamonds in your hair, and S.B. Force personally grooming you for stardom.
00:09:24No thanks to your first comic.
00:09:25Oh, Forcey, are they all alike? Don't you ever make a new one?
00:09:28Not with comics, only with girls.
00:09:30And only S.B. Force can do anything new with them.
00:09:33Well, I guess it's up to me. And I'm just the gal to enjoy the job.
00:09:43You really gave them the money for it.
00:09:44Nice going, Dixon.
00:09:45No, the next show in the Yale boat.
00:09:47Why is it going home dreaming, Dixon?
00:09:48Gee, if I could please the customers like that, I'd be the happiest girl in the world.
00:09:52That's what keeps me young and beautiful, Alice.
00:09:55Don't we get any congrats from the Golden Voice Goddess?
00:09:58Oh, it had its novelty appeal.
00:10:00Meow.
00:10:01Meow.
00:10:02Well, there are plenty of novelties around the old opera.
00:10:04Bravo! Bravo!
00:10:05Well, that doesn't sound like one of them.
00:10:07If that's who I think it is, save your applause for the acts that need it. Yours!
00:10:11Now, is that the way to talk when I'm handing your posies?
00:10:13Your applause is no music to my ears, Branigan. Where's that prop you swiped?
00:10:17I meant to tell you, Dixie, when you dress for our date tonight, blue is my favorite color.
00:10:21And no big hat, see that it'll get in my way.
00:10:23When I dress for a date with you, it'll be a suit of armor and brass knuckles.
00:10:27Gee, that's just a come on. She wants to make it look difficult.
00:10:32She'll change her tune.
00:10:34Honey, sugar.
00:10:37See?
00:10:38Yes, darling.
00:10:39Russell, sugar.
00:10:42What is it, Angel? I've just thought of the play.
00:10:45Yeah, the double play. Wait till Dolly catches up with you.
00:10:48How does it sound?
00:10:49Fine, high class.
00:10:50That's for us. Shall we read it together later?
00:10:54Anytime you say.
00:10:55Why don't you give it up, goddess?
00:10:57It'll take one play to get you and rustle out of burlesque. It'll take a dare.
00:11:02That settles it. We've got to have a new one.
00:11:04New what?
00:11:05Or the museum piece.
00:11:06I haven't seen one like that since the Wilkes-Barre-Regal.
00:11:09In some ways, I think it would have been better to stay on the farm.
00:11:12Mr. Foss always says that nothing's too good for SB Foss players,
00:11:15but that thing is certainly too something for me.
00:11:18Me too.
00:11:19Hey!
00:11:20Look, to keep you Kewpie dolls from pining so much,
00:11:22us fellas up here are going to chip in a buck apiece on some new plumbing for you.
00:11:26How's that?
00:11:27Our hero.
00:11:28Now put the switch on low if he's backstage.
00:11:30He said he knew where we could get one.
00:11:33It's nothing, girls.
00:11:34I was just doing it for that lovely young butt of the old opera, Miss Dixie Daisy.
00:11:38Well, I'm touched.
00:11:41Mandy.
00:11:42Joey.
00:11:44Phil.
00:11:45Biff.
00:11:47Maybe Biff will pay double with his new interest.
00:11:50If you figure that way, don't forget your saloon keeper friend Louie,
00:11:53even if he doesn't work here.
00:11:54Sure, anybody that saved as much out of the rack is Louie.
00:11:56That's a poor part of this guy's stockkeep.
00:11:58Or does he?
00:12:00While you're at it, put Russell down for plenty.
00:12:02He's here so much, the guys upstairs will forget what he looks like.
00:12:05Well, someone else had better forget what he looks like, too.
00:12:09Some dames never know when a guy's fed up.
00:12:12Oh, uh, Dolly.
00:12:14We were just kidding about how much jack we could get out of upstairs for the new bric-a-brac.
00:12:19Yeah, I came in on the tail end of it.
00:12:23I'll take care of Russ since I sort of got the habit.
00:12:26Good thing you have, girlie.
00:12:28You sure couldn't hold a man unless you did pay up.
00:12:32Now stop it!
00:12:33Awww!
00:12:37Put that bracket up there!
00:12:58Awww!
00:12:59Oh, my vocal cords, my voice.
00:13:10Thank heaven, Mother.
00:13:12They're still all right.
00:13:13Mother.
00:13:14What kind of a mother would a dame like you have?
00:13:16A mother with a good right.
00:13:17No, no, no, stop him.
00:13:22There's a pocket for you, boys.
00:13:24Don't open it till Christmas.
00:13:26Ouch.
00:13:27Fight him again, Dolly.
00:13:28Take her up there.
00:13:29Take her up there.
00:13:30Take her up there.
00:13:31Take her up there.
00:13:31Take her up there.
00:13:32Quiet.
00:13:32There's a number on with it.
00:13:33Oh, you look what crawled out of the antiques.
00:13:36Hey, what are you burning in that ground?
00:13:38Bird seed?
00:13:38We ought to put those two down in the basement with the rest of the problem.
00:13:42Opera singers didn't mind it, but burlesque artistes, times have changed.
00:13:49They ain't got no manners.
00:13:50Think they're better than an honest man that works for a living and don't pose around on
00:13:54those stage.
00:13:54Excuse me.
00:13:58Hey, what'd you do to the statue of the hermit?
00:14:09Boy, were you getting dished by the gruesome twosome.
00:14:12It's gin.
00:14:13It's gin.
00:14:14You know alcohol like they use in hospitals.
00:14:16Yeah, well, I know a better place to use it.
00:14:19Get me.
00:14:24And the next time you girls pull a free-for-all, don't pull it during my act.
00:14:28You know, it's tough enough doing something artistic for those lugs out there without you
00:14:35and Dolly calling each other by your right names.
00:14:37Well, if you do, honey, drop your spangle.
00:14:39Mm-hmm.
00:14:40Mm-hmm.
00:14:41Mm.
00:14:42And it was embarrassing, believe me, but very successful.
00:14:47What hit me?
00:14:49How do you look, Miss Dixie?
00:14:50We're on.
00:14:51Coming.
00:14:52Well, girls, keep the home fires under control.
00:14:53Shall we join the customers?
00:14:54That's what we're getting paid for.
00:14:55You're gonna feel pretty silly someday when you remember acting like this.
00:14:56If I remember you that long.
00:14:57Oh, you'll remember.
00:14:58We're gonna make sensational partners.
00:14:59You sure about that?
00:15:00Oh, I mean in some of our dance routines.
00:15:01Naturally.
00:15:02There's never any doubt what a comic means.
00:15:03You better settle down to it, Dixie.
00:15:04Looks like you and I are in for a good long run here.
00:15:05I've been training for it.
00:15:06I can keep ahead of you.
00:15:07Hurry up, Miss Dixie, will you?
00:15:08You're on.
00:15:09How'd you give me that?
00:15:10Give me that.
00:15:11Give me that.
00:15:12I'm here.
00:15:13I'm here.
00:15:14I'm here.
00:15:15I'm here.
00:15:16I'm here.
00:15:17I'm here.
00:15:18I'm here.
00:15:19I'm here.
00:15:20I'm here.
00:15:21I'm here.
00:15:22I'm here.
00:15:23I'm here.
00:15:24I'm here.
00:15:25I'm here.
00:15:26I'm here.
00:15:27I'm here.
00:15:28I'm here.
00:15:29I'm here.
00:15:30I'm here.
00:15:31I'm here.
00:15:32I'm here.
00:15:33I told you the last time.
00:15:34There's no use asking you.
00:15:35This time I'll be good, please.
00:15:36I said no, I mean no.
00:15:37Hey, where are you going?
00:15:38I'm going to meet a blonde.
00:15:39A blonde?
00:15:40That blonde that works the dice in Kelly's pool room.
00:15:42Maybe you know it.
00:15:43No, I don't know.
00:15:44Hey, I want a blonde.
00:15:45You want a blonde?
00:15:46What kind of a blonde?
00:15:47Any kind.
00:15:48One like this, or one like this, or one like this.
00:15:49Just a blonde.
00:15:50Hey, how come you have all the luck with the girls?
00:15:51Because, my boy, I have something you haven't got.
00:15:53Oh, you got a magic thing there?
00:15:54See this little article?
00:15:55All I have to do is wave that little persuader onto the lady's nose.
00:15:58She gives me anything I want.
00:15:59Anything?
00:16:00Anything at all.
00:16:01Hey, sell it to me.
00:16:02Oh, my boy, that's a very valuable article.
00:16:03My price would be $1,000.
00:16:04Eh, so long.
00:16:05Hey, lady, you left your motor running.
00:16:19Don't get excited.
00:16:20You didn't start.
00:16:21I bet I could stop it.
00:16:22Hey, maybe I ought to buy that thing, huh?
00:16:23I thought you said you wanted a blonde.
00:16:24Eh, she looks like she's a blonde at heart.
00:16:26Here, here, you can't talk that way about that sweet, charming, innocent young lady.
00:16:29I was just trying to tell her to...
00:16:30Never mind what you were trying.
00:16:31Now, are you interested in purchasing this persuader or not?
00:16:33Well, it seems like an awful lot of money for such a small article.
00:16:36My boy, don't you realize the best things always come in small packages?
00:16:39Yeah, but before I spend all that money, how do I know it's going to work?
00:16:41Why, of course it'll work.
00:16:42All you have to do is have the little persuader onto the lady's nose.
00:16:44She gives you anything you want.
00:16:46Hello.
00:16:47Hello.
00:16:48Oh, there's never anybody around here where you want to...
00:16:50What is it?
00:16:51It looks like a raid.
00:16:52I'm trying to get forced.
00:16:53A raid?
00:16:54Hello, hello.
00:16:55They're red lights supposed to flash when the cops are in the lobby.
00:16:57Why isn't it working?
00:16:58That's swell, but, eh, wouldn't you make it a little cheaper?
00:17:01Well, I might sell it in the neighborhood of $500.
00:17:04Ah, that's an expensive neighborhood.
00:17:06Well, how much money have you got?
00:17:07Oh, roughly $400.
00:17:09What do you mean, roughly?
00:17:10Well, when you smooth it out, it's three bucks.
00:17:12Well, enough of this nonsense.
00:17:13Now, because I like you and because you have an honest face...
00:17:15Murder.
00:17:16...I'm going to sell you this little article for $100.
00:17:18$100.
00:17:21Remember, my boy, just pass it under her note.
00:17:24Just pass it under her note.
00:17:26Anything I ask for, anything.
00:17:28Now you've done it, they heard that hand you got way down at the police station.
00:17:30Something smells fishy around here.
00:17:31Why wasn't that light on?
00:17:32Because somebody didn't want it on.
00:17:34Look!
00:17:35Cut as clean as a whistle right here under my nose.
00:17:37And by somebody who...
00:17:38Give me your money.
00:17:39When the lights black out, make a break for the cold shoot.
00:17:42Know where it is?
00:17:43I don't hang around the same parts of this theater that you do.
00:17:45Give me a kiss.
00:17:47In the cellar next to the vacant room and cut the end of the blackout.
00:17:50Not a chance, Brannigan.
00:17:51I've been saving up for this all evening.
00:17:56Hey, wait a minute!
00:18:21Don't get excited. I'll protect you. Come on
00:18:43What's going on down there
00:18:45Okay, okay
00:18:50Come on
00:18:52Get a flathead to both your black feet
00:19:10Wait a minute. Stop it. Pull up the curtain. Stop it
00:19:14Don't fight. Excuse me. I'll fix everything
00:19:18Be calm
00:19:21Be calm
00:19:26Be calm. I beseech you
00:19:29Stop it. Stop it. Don't fight
00:19:31Be calm
00:19:32S.B. Foss has never let his actors down
00:19:37And you are not riding in the wagon
00:19:39I S.B. Foss out of my own pocket have hired limousines to take you to jail
00:19:43Three cheers for Foss I've bought
00:19:45Yes, he came just in the niche of time
00:19:49Call in!
00:19:54Well, you didn't have to
00:19:55Didn't have to what?
00:19:59Nothing. Never mind
00:20:00Nothing. Never mind
00:20:15One hour. S.B. Foss gives you his word in one hour I will have you out
00:20:19Come out
00:20:26What's going on?
00:20:27I said one hour, didn't I?
00:20:29Well, here we are
00:20:31All ready for our little snack of steaks and champagne
00:20:34Hooray!
00:20:35What else could the cops do when not one of you did anything to warrant such a, such a ignoble act like that rage?
00:20:45Right
00:20:46But, it wasn't the cops that kept the light from flashing, one right from our middle
00:20:51And it wasn't the cops that tried to strangle me, that female flatfoot was wearing gloves
00:20:55Dixie, what are you talking about?
00:20:56When the lights went out, I made for the coal chute
00:20:57I was starting down the stairs when somebody grabbed me
00:20:59Mandy, you ought to be ashamed of yourself
00:21:01Well, it wasn't me, Dixie, honest it wasn't
00:21:03Somebody grabbed me and tried to strangle me
00:21:05Those hands were long and thin and they knew what they were doing
00:21:08It was strong enough to make me black out
00:21:10Sugar, you're still blacked out
00:21:12Dixie, somebody was trying to find his way out
00:21:15Yeah, neck is a funny thing to mistake for a signpost
00:21:17Well, I've seen a lot of pink elephants in my day, honey, but never a strangler
00:21:22But somebody would want to kill you
00:21:24I don't say they wanted to kill me
00:21:27What I'm saying is that
00:21:28Somebody in that theater tried to kill somebody else
00:21:39Maybe somebody does want to get rid of somebody else around here
00:21:42Just what do you mean by that?
00:21:43I mean that three people get crowded at a table for two
00:21:46And when some people get crowded, they push
00:21:49Please, please
00:21:51Whatever we got in the old opera house, we ain't got murderers
00:21:54Right
00:21:55And this is my answer to such foolishness
00:21:59Ah, wallpaper
00:22:01You should have such wallpaper to pretty up your house
00:22:04To each and every one of my actors I give free, and without cost
00:22:09One paid and full share of my personal stock in the old opera house
00:22:13Hooray!
00:22:14Thank you!
00:22:15Thank you!
00:22:16Thank you!
00:22:17Thank you!
00:22:18Thank you!
00:22:19Come on up, everybody!
00:22:20That's great!
00:22:21Come on!
00:22:22We should have a radio on your side of the walls
00:22:23Yes, that's right
00:22:24Now we are one for all, and all for the old opera
00:22:27But camping and cocktails are riding our lives
00:22:32We shall ride
00:22:34Remember, easy, a dozen
00:22:36Should it?
00:22:37Was it?
00:22:38Which is where we fall
00:22:44So, Sir Galahad finally got here
00:22:47Got a bad temper, Songbird
00:22:48Why don't you come down and get me? I called you, didn't I?
00:22:51I don't go near jails, I don't go near cops, you know that
00:22:54But a cell crawling with floozies is all right for me
00:22:57I can be booked like a common tramp, can't I?
00:23:00You might have liked it if your boyfriend had serenaded you
00:23:02Might have worked up a quartet with your cell buddies
00:23:05Big Louie the Grin
00:23:07Turns gray when he sees a cop like a gunsel
00:23:09You shouldn't have plugged that cop with...
00:23:10Get your coat!
00:23:11Get your coat!
00:23:23You won't get too lonesome for us, will you?
00:23:34Let's break it up
00:23:41Needed that, didn't you?
00:23:43Don't worry, the cops haven't got anything on you yet
00:23:46When they do, they'll catch up on a lot of things
00:23:48Won't they, Louie?
00:23:49I don't know, will they?
00:23:58This is more like it
00:24:00Do you mind, Curly?
00:24:01Not at all
00:24:02Thank you
00:24:03See that? He gets it quicker than you do
00:24:05We belong together
00:24:06Champagne cocktail, please
00:24:07In a flasso, Garçon, too
00:24:09Linguist
00:24:10No, French
00:24:11I see you've been here before
00:24:13Oh, beer's a lot better for you
00:24:14Always got your best interest at heart, that's me
00:24:16And I left upstairs to come down here with you
00:24:18Steak, champagne
00:24:19Yeah, but things upstairs were getting sudden and violent
00:24:23Yeah
00:24:24They've been that way all evening
00:24:27Biff, I wonder...
00:24:28Don't forget that stuff, will you?
00:24:30Oh, I get it
00:24:32You're just pulling this act to make me feel protective
00:24:34Don't you ever figure on anybody telling the truth?
00:24:36Not burlesque dames
00:24:37They're used to wriggling out of things
00:24:40Did you get that one?
00:24:45Dixie, tell me something
00:24:46Uh-uh
00:24:47You tell me
00:24:48Who'd want to close the old opera?
00:24:50More important, who'd be after me?
00:24:52Well, Dixie, I guess I'll have to confess
00:24:54It was just me taking a natural advantage of the dark
00:24:57Oh, no
00:24:58That's not where you'd grab me
00:25:01Go ahead, make a mystery out of it
00:25:03Take a mystery out of it
00:25:05But didn't you say before they were probably after somebody else?
00:25:08Yeah, I know, but...
00:25:10Oh, let's get out of here and get some fresh air
00:25:12I want to think this thing out
00:25:14If you'll promise to think something else over first
00:25:17Or on that track again
00:25:19Dixie, I don't get it
00:25:20I've always gotten along before
00:25:21Is it the set of my shoulders you don't like?
00:25:23The look of my eyes?
00:25:24No
00:25:26No, your shoulders aren't bad
00:25:28Your eyes are a pretty color
00:25:30But...
00:25:31I guess what I need with you is a good four-leaf clover
00:25:33Uh-huh
00:25:34No, you need more than that, Branigan
00:25:37You're a comic
00:25:38What is the matter with comics?
00:25:40I went into show business when I was seven years old
00:25:43Two days later, the first comic I ever met
00:25:44Stole my piggy bank on a railroad station in Portland
00:25:47When I was eleven, the comics were looking at my ankles
00:25:50When I was fourteen, they were... just looking
00:25:54When I was twenty, I'd been stuck with enough lunch checks to paper a three-story house
00:25:58Now, they're shiftless, dame-chasing, ambitionless
00:26:00I've got it, you're ambitious
00:26:03Maybe I'd like to get away from comics
00:26:06Maybe I'd like to be in a 440 show and have Sunday nights off
00:26:10You'll do it too, Dixie
00:26:12You don't mean that
00:26:13I can see it right now
00:26:15Your name up there
00:26:17What's your real name, honey?
00:26:18Uh-huh
00:26:20Deborah Hoople
00:26:21Deborah Ho...
00:26:24You think...
00:26:25Yeah, maybe just Dixie
00:26:26Dixie Daisy in Broadway's latest hit
00:26:28You know what I'm gonna do opening night?
00:26:29Uh-uh
00:26:30By the whole first row, just for me
00:26:33Sounds nice, Branigan
00:26:34You'll see
00:26:35Won't take long either
00:26:37Come on, let's get out of here
00:26:40Yep
00:26:45Hey
00:26:47Uh-uh
00:26:49That's why I ordered beer
00:26:51I said it was to your interest
00:26:57Comics
00:26:59Thank you
00:27:02450, sir
00:27:07For when I'm not around
00:27:09To protect my best interest
00:27:10Oh, here's your change, mister
00:27:12Keep it
00:27:13Oh, here's your change, mister
00:27:14Keep it
00:27:15Keep it
00:27:16A little silence from the golden tonsils will be appreciated
00:27:17If the cops had heard her last night that he used her for a siren
00:27:31We ought to all have to put up with jealousy
00:27:32You look in this window once more and you'll get a bottle over there
00:27:34Those jock suey hustlers don't stop talking
00:27:35Why don't you dress someplace else?
00:27:36It's my dressing room
00:27:37And it's their porch
00:27:38They're probably a darn sight hotter than that
00:27:39Boy, are they hot tonight?
00:27:40A couple of sailors fell right out of their boxes
00:27:41What's that work of art?
00:27:42Laurel leaves for the party tonight
00:27:43We're gonna have a regular unveiling
00:27:44Like when you unveil
00:27:45Statues of generals and horse of mother
00:27:46Or if you don't have a hold of them
00:27:47They only come in front
00:27:48You don't have to put up with jealousy
00:27:49You look in this window once more and you'll get a bottle over there
00:27:51Those jock suey hustlers don't stop talking
00:27:52Why don't you dress someplace else?
00:27:53It's my dressing room
00:27:54And it's their porch
00:27:55They're probably a darn sight hotter than that
00:27:56Boy, are they hot tonight
00:27:57A couple of sailors fell right out of their boxes
00:27:58What's that work of art?
00:27:59Laurel leaves for the party tonight
00:28:00We're gonna have a regular unveiling
00:28:01Like when you unveil
00:28:03Statues of generals and horse of mother
00:28:05And horse of mother
00:28:06All the way
00:28:07Like when you unveil
00:28:08US
00:28:09We're gonna have a regular unveiling
00:28:10Like when you unveil
00:28:12Statues of generals
00:28:13General, then I wouldn't think.
00:28:16Maybe that'll teach you to mind your own business.
00:28:22Not that it matters to you, Danes,
00:28:24but someone had to teach them that a lady's entitled to privacy.
00:28:27You'll get plenty of privacy if that waiter's hurt.
00:28:29They have laws for people like you.
00:28:30Oh, yeah? Who gave you a cue?
00:28:32Stick to your own business, and I'll stick to mine.
00:28:34Stick to my own business? That's a laugh.
00:28:36I've stood for your knives in the back to keep a little peace around here, but I'm through.
00:28:39If you're not jumping on us, you're knocking out waiters
00:28:40who wouldn't look at you if you were rolled in batter and french fries.
00:28:43And I'm through letting the Corn Belt Upstart get pushed ahead of me.
00:28:46Where does everybody get the idea you're so hot?
00:28:48Maybe the customers get the idea.
00:28:49You can have these customers. I'm getting out of this grindhouse.
00:28:53Are you decent?
00:28:54Oh, I wish he wouldn't say that. It sounds so cheap.
00:28:58Mowie, let me help you.
00:29:00Oh, it's hot!
00:29:04Give it all to Bo Brummel!
00:29:06Hey, is that good, that Bo business?
00:29:09It ain't hot, is it?
00:29:11What do you mean, hot?
00:29:12This, I think of this pal of mine I used to work with in the old days.
00:29:15When we got legitimate, he took up plumbing.
00:29:17And what do you know?
00:29:18He gives me it wholesale.
00:29:20And what's more, I saved you plenty by installing it personally.
00:29:24Just look at that.
00:29:25Just look at that.
00:29:25Oh, that's gorgeous.
00:29:26Why, it's got class enough for the Queen of Sheba.
00:29:30Now, you'd really have something if you had a whole suit to match.
00:29:33Sweet.
00:29:34Come on, come on, everybody down for the conger.
00:29:36You play with that thing later.
00:29:37Come on, everybody.
00:29:37Hey, you're okay.
00:29:38What's the matter with Sammy?
00:29:40Sounds like it's wild-a-file.
00:29:42Probably slow because we didn't ask them for the party.
00:29:44Probably won't even have a party with Mother's darling throwing bottle grenades at the food supply.
00:29:48I'll try and smooth things over while you girls hand out the allure.
00:29:56Hey, Jakes.
00:29:57Yeah?
00:29:57I'm worried.
00:30:02What about her?
00:30:03Look, it was a break for us to come on here, so okay.
00:30:06But Columbus was never like this.
00:30:08Lillie's ready to slit your throat, dollies up in the air.
00:30:10Since when couldn't I take care of myself?
00:30:12Yeah, I know, but...
00:30:22We almost got him that time.
00:30:27See what I mean?
00:30:33Ever find a stage gang that didn't eavesdrop?
00:30:36Go on, get down there.
00:30:36Now, is that a sight?
00:30:57I ask you.
00:30:58Hold it.
00:30:59If they could get moonlight on that stage,
00:31:05Force would be a millionaire tomorrow.
00:31:07Where are you off to, Miss Venus?
00:31:09I'm on a peace mission.
00:31:11If you hear any screams, tell Force to hire a new woman.
00:31:14Uh-uh.
00:31:15You won't lose any arguments.
00:31:17Not looking like that.
00:31:18You won't have time.
00:31:21You know, if this were real lasso,
00:31:23I'd drag you up here like a calf in a western.
00:31:25Only no calf ever had a hide as pretty as that.
00:31:30What would you do when you got me?
00:31:32You've had a little trouble putting the brand on so far.
00:31:36Ah, that's so far.
00:31:38After a sight like that,
00:31:40my Irish ancestors would rise up in their graves
00:31:42if Branigan missed the bus.
00:31:44I hate to disturb your ancestors.
00:31:45Well, what sense, friends?
00:31:56I'll show you soon what sense.
00:31:57And if you want to start something...
00:31:59Hey, Bear!
00:32:00The girl's dance level's nearly finished.
00:32:02You better get ready.
00:32:03Oh, now, wait a minute, boys.
00:32:04I'm carrying a white flag.
00:32:06You Chinese fight too darn well
00:32:07for us to want to mix with you.
00:32:09Come here.
00:32:10Let me take a look at that.
00:32:12That isn't a way to take care of it.
00:32:15You go back.
00:32:21We have nothing to do with you.
00:32:22Yeah, we'll have something to do with this.
00:32:24Here.
00:32:25Uh, no dinners?
00:32:27No more dinners, ever.
00:32:28No.
00:32:29Oh, now, look.
00:32:29We have to put up with enough of that dame
00:32:31without her starving us out in the bargain.
00:32:33She was born with an axe in her mouth.
00:32:35She ought to be put out of her misery like a mad dog.
00:32:38Come on.
00:32:39Tell me you'll bring us our dinners
00:32:41and I'll smoothie the divorce
00:32:41into giving you some passes.
00:32:45Things getting a little bit difficult for you, Piff?
00:32:49Yeah, Mandy.
00:32:50You know how it is.
00:32:51Sometimes these things take time.
00:32:53They sure do.
00:32:55You've got to plan it out.
00:32:56Sometimes you finagle them this way
00:32:58and other times you finagle them that way.
00:33:00That's why I like sweet dumb girls like Alice.
00:33:03No finagling.
00:33:04We bring the dinners.
00:33:05Thanks, the spirit.
00:33:06Don't spare the ice until that's better.
00:33:07See you later.
00:33:08Wait, wait, wait a minute.
00:33:11Ginseng root.
00:33:12You eat it, makes you live a long time.
00:33:15Thanks.
00:33:16Thanks a lot.
00:33:21So he slips you one of those never-die things, huh?
00:33:24Yes, Mr. Brannigan.
00:33:25It's a charm to ward off the evil spirit.
00:33:39Piff, what's the matter?
00:33:41That was my ancestors rising up in their graves.
00:33:43How about that guy?
00:33:50How'd you make out with the waiters, Dixie?
00:33:52Yeah, did we put on the feed bag?
00:33:53Yeah.
00:33:54And what's that?
00:33:54I don't know.
00:33:55A waiter gave it to me.
00:33:56Hey!
00:33:57Dixie's got a new boyfriend.
00:33:59You eat it and live a long time.
00:34:01Ceiling wax.
00:34:02Oh, I'm sorry, girls.
00:34:05Well, everything's hunky-dory now.
00:34:08Oh, uh, Jake has a few surprises he wants to put in for the unveiling.
00:34:12So you better clear out early for the finale.
00:34:14This place has as much privacy as a hot dog stand.
00:34:17Look, it's shaped like a man.
00:34:19Ugh, it's disgusting.
00:34:21Not so much like a man.
00:34:23More like a skeleton hanging from the gallows.
00:34:26Want to trade it in, Dixie?
00:34:27Ah, you can have the fool thing.
00:34:31The same charming gathering.
00:34:35Hello.
00:34:38Well, look what the pixies brought in out of the rain.
00:34:41The same old familiar faces.
00:34:45And some new arrivals.
00:34:49Who are you?
00:34:51I'm Dixie Daisy.
00:34:52This is Gigi Graham.
00:34:54Who are you?
00:34:55Oh, I am the Princess Nervina, star of this theater.
00:35:00I have been in the hospital for the last two weeks.
00:35:04Dislocated vertebrae.
00:35:08Maybe she took a little trip to Toledo, for old time's sake.
00:35:12I have never worked in, how you say, to Toledo.
00:35:16Don't give me that accent business.
00:35:18You know how to say it when I first knew you.
00:35:20Toledo.
00:35:21I don't go to Toledo.
00:35:23Only tramps work in Toledo.
00:35:25Well, they get around.
00:35:27No.
00:35:29I should have danced before royalty.
00:35:33Instead, the princess throws pearls to swine.
00:35:39Are you snooty?
00:35:40We're on again, beautiful.
00:35:42Hello, Black Iron.
00:35:43It wasn't bad luck.
00:35:44I'd let her have it.
00:35:45Who was that overexposed debutante?
00:35:47A dame will think she's four times sharper than she is.
00:35:49If there's one thing I hate, it's a phony.
00:35:51I should have danced before royalty.
00:35:57Instead, the princess throws pearls to swine.
00:36:03I had a black cat like that once, only there wasn't so much of it.
00:36:06Well, I wouldn't be too hard on her.
00:36:08She's bad luck to some people, not so bad to others.
00:36:10If anyone else drops in, then I should be.
00:36:12Tell them I'm on stage.
00:36:13The court is now in order.
00:36:15Make one a little discipline.
00:36:16Leave us half order and leave us half quiet.
00:36:18Bring the princess before the...
00:36:19I startled you?
00:36:21Lately, sister.
00:36:21I've been startled by experts.
00:36:23Tell me, while I have been gone, has this Lulita, has she said anything about me?
00:36:28Don't know.
00:36:29You were a smash surprise to me.
00:36:31It is only that some people talk too much.
00:36:34And this Lulita talks a lot too much.
00:36:38Not to me.
00:36:39Ask the others in the dressing room.
00:36:41I dress alone, downstairs.
00:36:44I'd rather leave in a big sty than with those women.
00:36:48What are you doing, Jake?
00:36:49Moving up the whole prop room?
00:36:50I gotta do my surprises upright, Dixie.
00:36:55Still clumsy, eh?
00:36:59Yes.
00:37:00I am back.
00:37:02Just visiting, I hope.
00:37:04Staying, Mr. Prop Man.
00:37:06The court finds you guilty of being drunk and finds you five hours.
00:37:09Here's a ten dollar bill.
00:37:11Ten dollar bill.
00:37:12I haven't got any change.
00:37:13Go out and get drunk again.
00:37:15Court is now ready to receive the trial.
00:37:17The most case of Miss Peaches Wilson.
00:37:18Miss Peaches Wilson!
00:37:21Come on, what are you waiting for?
00:37:22You're on.
00:37:23I'm sorry, Sammy.
00:37:24Oh, hello, Excellency.
00:37:27The V.
00:37:29What is Dot?
00:37:31Dot?
00:37:32She does what you do.
00:37:45I like it better.
00:37:46You two can trade notes at that wing ding they're throwing tonight.
00:37:49Do you think I would go?
00:37:51I, the princess?
00:37:53Free drinks, heinous.
00:37:54Hollywood.
00:37:55Hollywood.
00:37:56I might come.
00:37:58Now I want to see Mr. Foss.
00:38:00Is he here?
00:38:01Right in the same old rat's nest.
00:38:03Want me to tell him you're back?
00:38:04Tell him to come to my dressing room.
00:38:07Now.
00:38:09Want to get a cigar?
00:38:12I'll be back right away.
00:38:15Come, come, Miss Peaches.
00:38:16We want the truth.
00:38:17The what?
00:38:17The truth.
00:38:18Oh, that old thing.
00:38:19Will you over up before me?
00:38:20I don't know.
00:38:21What time do you get up?
00:38:22Now, Miss Peaches, the facts of the case are clear to me.
00:38:25Do you plead guilty or not guilty?
00:38:28Don't you think that's a rather personal question?
00:38:30Oh, you'll have to tell him.
00:38:31Why?
00:38:32Why?
00:38:32Why?
00:38:33Because according to the Constitution of the bylaw,
00:38:35State of Coma, 663 Upper 7, Carl Rated 4,
00:38:38leading for South Mississippi at all points where
00:38:40it's distinctly said, you know,
00:38:42I hold you in contempt.
00:38:47I don't like you either.
00:38:48I don't like you either.
00:38:49Well, I don't like you either either, either either.
00:38:54Enough of that.
00:38:55Who's the carpenter with a hammer?
00:38:56How dare you refer to me as a carpenter.
00:38:58I am justice.
00:38:59Yeah?
00:39:00Well, I'm justice, too.
00:39:01Justice who?
00:39:02Justice as good as you are.
00:39:08What for?
00:39:09I'm not thirsty.
00:39:11Hey, Louie.
00:39:12You know something?
00:39:14Them girls is lucky they know a couple like us.
00:39:16I bring in defensive gadget, you roll the kegs.
00:39:19We're running this party.
00:39:21Yeah.
00:39:21Where are you going?
00:39:23Back in to get the rest of the beer.
00:39:25That's all you're going to get.
00:39:27I told Charlie to take it easy on the free drinks from my pals.
00:39:30Sure, Louie.
00:39:31Sure.
00:39:36Step aside, it's all dark and withered.
00:39:38Some gentlemen are passing.
00:39:39All my sacrifices, Alfred, are but keys to open the gates of heaven
00:39:52and let me be with you.
00:39:55I'll bat him in the aisles with that one.
00:39:57I feel it.
00:39:59Here.
00:40:03Coming, Sammy.
00:40:06Some people don't learn easy, songbird.
00:40:08Now, don't do it, Louie.
00:40:09You've got to take a lot of lessons before this time.
00:40:12Now, don't do it, Louie.
00:40:16Wyatt.
00:40:17Just kidding.
00:40:18You're terrific, Louie.
00:40:22Now it's so rough and tough as big shot Louie the Grin.
00:40:25When he's back, women are pushing guys around.
00:40:33Come on and give me heat
00:40:35Because I don't like my music, please.
00:40:37I want to feel my impulse beat
00:40:40Take it off the E string
00:40:41Play it on the G string
00:40:42If this gives you a thrill
00:40:45It's happening much against my will
00:40:47And only cause I caught a chill
00:40:49Take it off the E string
00:40:51Play it on the G string
00:40:52What goes a lot
00:40:54Goes when I do my act
00:40:57Or if it's a place
00:40:59Whenever I'm applauded
00:41:01You're rewarded
00:41:02Each time I get
00:41:04Or jumps
00:41:04Let's get it
00:41:05Take it off
00:41:06Take it off
00:41:07Take it off
00:41:07I start breakin'
00:41:08Pound it
00:41:09Bumps
00:41:09Brother, I'm makin' my eggs
00:41:11And makin'
00:41:12Earnin' my pay
00:41:13Just by shakin' this way
00:41:16Four shows a day
00:41:17Take it off
00:41:19I'll come on
00:41:20And don't know
00:41:21But I'll come on
00:41:22And don't know
00:41:23I'll come on
00:41:24I'll come on
00:41:25But I'll come on
00:41:26And don't know
00:41:27I'll come on
00:41:28You're gonna go
00:41:28And don't know
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00:43:59Jake must trust you comics as far as he can throw the prop room.
00:44:16What's up now?
00:44:17Oh, that ceiling wax from the box the waiter gave me.
00:44:19He's got it on the catch of the door.
00:44:21Sometimes I think you don't have the right respect for your fellow workers.
00:44:24Maybe I ought to try Louis' masterful touch on you.
00:44:26Good thing the goddess didn't hear that.
00:44:29Hey, Sammy!
00:44:33Hey, Sammy, the primadonna isn't up here.
00:44:35Oh, what the deuce.
00:44:37She can't miss this number. It's the finale.
00:44:39Look, Stahl, you have to stand on your heads out there to keep looking.
00:44:43Stahl, that day causes more trouble around here than a forest fire.
00:44:49What do you mean she isn't here? Have you looked?
00:44:51Yeah.
00:44:52Look out, Jake's seal's there.
00:44:53Oh, I know.
00:44:53If I was...
00:44:54Look.
00:44:56Look, around her neck.
00:45:01That's her G-string.
00:45:03It ain't there for an ornament either.
00:45:08Force.
00:45:09I gotta get force.
00:45:12Best, get the police quick.
00:45:13Press and roll evenly from side to side with a firm touch.
00:45:33Without making a detailed examination, I'd say they were the same.
00:45:36Now, the first finger of the right hand...
00:45:37It's the finger I pressed against the wax.
00:45:39I was...
00:45:40Hey, you're holding up the parade.
00:45:41And what a parade.
00:45:42The only thing missing is the elephant.
00:45:43Is that another limb of the law?
00:45:45Don't worry about him.
00:45:46Save your explanations for his nips.
00:45:48He enjoys hearing them.
00:45:49Miss Daisy, isn't it?
00:45:55Yes.
00:45:56I'm Inspector Harrigan.
00:45:58Sit there, please.
00:46:04Now, to repeat what I was saying, since Miss Daisy was, uh, busy downstairs,
00:46:10someone who was in the room immediately after the body was discovered
00:46:12took that G-string for reasons of his or her own.
00:46:16What G-string?
00:46:17The murder weapon, Miss Daisy.
00:46:18Well, it was her own G-string, and it was around her neck.
00:46:20We all saw it.
00:46:21All but the police.
00:46:23The G-string had disappeared by the time we arrived at the theater.
00:46:26Well, maybe it just fell off.
00:46:27How could anybody take the G-string in that crowd?
00:46:29Everybody in the theater ran in.
00:46:31We are not interested in how it was done.
00:46:33We are interested in who did it, where the weapon was put, and why it was taken.
00:46:38Well, why don't you search us and settle that part of it?
00:46:40Muscles, it looks like he might enjoy us.
00:46:42You can search me, Mr. Kelly.
00:46:45Not that I could hide anything on me.
00:46:47The lady's point is well taken.
00:46:50And a search after this time in this crowd would only cause confusion.
00:46:53It's getting a little too warm here for me.
00:46:56Well, there's been plenty of time for concealment.
00:46:59Well, if one of you could suggest why it was taken.
00:47:02Well, she always carried money on her.
00:47:06She used to hide it in the lining of her costume.
00:47:08Do you think there's a ghoul in this room?
00:47:11Since there's a murderer.
00:47:13Oh, yes, Mr. James Wong.
00:47:16Yes, I've heard of you.
00:47:17Mr. Wong?
00:47:17Hmm, that's a nasty bump.
00:47:20Nasty throw.
00:47:22Nasty enough to cause nastiness all around, eh?
00:47:26Over here.
00:47:29Hmm, I see.
00:47:31Send out a call for Louis Grandaro.
00:47:34Complete prescription of the M&A card.
00:47:35Louis Bader?
00:47:36Well, that's settled.
00:47:37Now we can go home.
00:47:38What did I tell you?
00:47:39I'm afraid, eh, that doesn't quite settle the matter.
00:47:43Doesn't he run away?
00:47:45Settle.
00:47:46Please, be seated.
00:47:51Grandaro took his car, as much cash as he had in the saloon next door,
00:47:55after receiving a call from, eh...
00:47:59Okay, so I called him.
00:48:01When we was in the racket, she did me a couple of turns.
00:48:03All I did was tell him she was dead.
00:48:04I don't care how Louis knew about anything.
00:48:05I know, Louis, they were so scared of what he was going to do
00:48:07that she was taking it out on us.
00:48:08I know he started something...
00:48:10He's got his reasons.
00:48:11He's scared of cops.
00:48:12The pen tore something loose in him, and ever since...
00:48:14He knew what they would do if they got him in again.
00:48:17He may or may not be guilty of this murder.
00:48:20He'll be examined as thoroughly as any of you when he is picked up.
00:48:24But,
00:48:25Lolita Laverne was murdered
00:48:26between the time she came upstairs after her quarrel with Grandaro
00:48:29and the finding of her body.
00:48:31Before I went up at the end of our act.
00:48:34Perhaps.
00:48:35During most of that time, the room was cleared.
00:48:37But the murderer had time to strangle Laverne,
00:48:41break Jake's seal, and replace it with one of his own.
00:48:44I know she wasn't in there when I put the seal on.
00:48:46She had been out of said something.
00:48:48Let us hope so.
00:48:51Well, do all of you still remember
00:48:52exactly nothing about your own movements
00:48:54or anyone else's?
00:48:56Oh, yes.
00:48:57Yes?
00:48:58Uh, yes, Miss Angel?
00:48:59Well, once I went to the water cooler,
00:49:02and I was all alone.
00:49:04Yes.
00:49:04Well, don't you see?
00:49:06See what?
00:49:07There was nobody with me.
00:49:09Anybody could have gone up.
00:49:12Even you, Miss Angel.
00:49:13Oh!
00:49:14Oh, excuse me.
00:49:16Well,
00:49:17it all adds up to this.
00:49:19The stagehands could wander about the theater at will.
00:49:25Candy Butcher?
00:49:26The stage manager who was angry?
00:49:29What are you getting at?
00:49:30Sure, I was sore.
00:49:32But I didn't know she was...
00:49:34Even the flyman,
00:49:35who makes no secret of his dislike of burlesque performers.
00:49:38You don't like burlesque performers either, Statue.
00:49:41Oh, they're not the easiest in the world to get along with.
00:49:44They don't like my pipe.
00:49:45Uh, Mr. Rogers.
00:49:49Yeah?
00:49:50Where were you?
00:49:51I was first down for the finale.
00:49:53Before that, I was dressing.
00:49:58Mr. Branigan, could you put that away?
00:50:00Oh, I can't do my thinking without this.
00:50:02Seems I can't do mine with it.
00:50:04Okay, I'll turn my back.
00:50:07Where were you?
00:50:09Me?
00:50:10Oh, I was up and down.
00:50:12Up and down the stairs, indeed.
00:50:14I didn't say that.
00:50:15Did you mean it?
00:50:16I didn't say I didn't.
00:50:18I was up and down.
00:50:20Where were you up and down?
00:50:22What interest did you have in Lalita Laverne?
00:50:24What is interest in Laverne?
00:50:26Goodness.
00:50:27When you were up and down the stairs.
00:50:28I wasn't up and down on the stairs.
00:50:30I was up and down on the floor.
00:50:32It's a gag.
00:50:33I'm not interested in gags.
00:50:35I'm interested in what you were up and down on.
00:50:38The stage.
00:50:39Oh, you make me so mad.
00:50:41Look, I'll explain it to you.
00:50:43First, I stand up and then she kisses me.
00:50:45And then I'm down.
00:50:46See, it starts like this.
00:50:47Oh, I'm an incubator baby.
00:50:49You're an incubator baby?
00:50:50What do you do on Mother's Day?
00:50:51I said, flowers, turn oil, stove.
00:50:53What's the matter with these two?
00:50:55They're comics.
00:50:56Stop this nonsense.
00:50:58What are you trying to tell me?
00:51:00The stage, the skit.
00:51:01Up and down.
00:51:02Look, I'll show you.
00:51:03Stop this nonsense has held up the whole investigation.
00:51:15You've driven more important things out of my mind.
00:51:17You see, where was I?
00:51:19Oh, yes, Miss Norvina.
00:51:21I am the Princess Norvina.
00:51:24And I was in my dressing room until I hear the excitement.
00:51:28Is that so?
00:51:29Well, why don't you ask her about Toledo?
00:51:32Laverne was always making cracks about Toledo.
00:51:34Making cracks, period.
00:51:36I told her I had never worked in Toledo.
00:51:39That is the truth.
00:51:41Is it not the truth, Mr. Foss?
00:51:45Isn't it?
00:51:46She never worked in my Toledo theater with Levine.
00:51:52As for cracks Laverne make, it is as this person says.
00:51:56Cracks, period.
00:51:57The cracks she make to her were enough to start a fight.
00:52:01Yeah?
00:52:02Well, I was mad enough to take a poke at her.
00:52:04And I'm mad now.
00:52:06You, uh...
00:52:07You took a poke with a nail file, our report shows.
00:52:11Why, if I grabbed at anything I could lay my hands on.
00:52:14That sounds natural.
00:52:16But a nail file?
00:52:18That could be used to kill a person, couldn't it?
00:52:21Sure.
00:52:22And if the weapon was murderous,
00:52:23the attack might be considered murderous, mightn't it?
00:52:27Wait a minute.
00:52:29You're running words around me like a brush fire.
00:52:31Not words, Miss Baxter.
00:52:32Facts.
00:52:33I'm not responsible for the facts.
00:52:36Mr. Rogers was responsible for the quarrel
00:52:38because of his interest in Miss Laverne.
00:52:39We hoped to produce a play I obtained on the legitimate stage.
00:52:43Our interest was purely professional.
00:52:46Miss Laverne threw a bottle at Mr. Wong earlier in the evening.
00:52:50You resented that.
00:52:51I was mad.
00:52:52I was plenty mad.
00:52:53Bringing on a quarrel between Miss Laverne and Miss Daisy.
00:52:56Which had been coming on for a long time.
00:52:58Put that in, too.
00:52:59She said Laverne should be put out of her misery like a mad dog.
00:53:03Is that true, Miss Daisy?
00:53:05Yeah, well, it was a figure of speech.
00:53:08An unfortunate one, seeing it was acted on so suddenly.
00:53:11Now I have something to say.
00:53:14Yes?
00:53:15We are all in the room after the body is found.
00:53:18I am next to her.
00:53:20Suddenly, she notices something on her finger.
00:53:22She turns away to wipe it off.
00:53:25It is red.
00:53:27Like the wax on the door, perhaps.
00:53:29I thought we'd get to that.
00:53:30Since you started this reunion, you made one charge after another.
00:53:33You knew it was my print on that wax when I walked into this room,
00:53:35which had been saving a little bombshell for the last spot in the bill.
00:53:38If I really had changed the wax,
00:53:39do you think I'm dumb enough to leave my print in the middle of it?
00:53:43Murderers are caught by mistakes, Miss Daisy.
00:53:45I was in the dressing room.
00:53:47I saw the wax.
00:53:47I was curious, and I touched it.
00:53:49Why did you later furtively wipe it off?
00:53:50I wiped it off, but not furtively.
00:53:53You turned away from me.
00:53:55I turn away from garbage dumps, too.
00:53:59One more thing.
00:54:01The wax that was used to reseal the door
00:54:03has been identified as coming from the box given to you by Mr. Wong.
00:54:06I gave it to Lolita.
00:54:08You knew about it?
00:54:09Everybody who was in the room knew about her.
00:54:11I thought you were regular.
00:54:12I didn't think you'd try to pull the blame on us.
00:54:14I wasn't trying to.
00:54:15She and Laverne hated each other's insides.
00:54:17Her remarks have shown that.
00:54:18There are plenty of people I don't like.
00:54:20You, for one.
00:54:20But I don't go around killing them.
00:54:22I didn't say you did.
00:54:23I merely said that you hated the Laverne girl.
00:54:26That you were the only person admittedly in the dressing room
00:54:29during the time the murder occurred.
00:54:30That the wax used to reseal the door
00:54:32came from a box given to you.
00:54:35That your fingerprint was on the wax.
00:54:37That you tried to take that wax from your finger
00:54:38without being noted.
00:54:39Stop it!
00:54:40Dixie.
00:54:40Why, you two-faced snooper?
00:54:42Wait a minute, Inspector.
00:54:44There is some mistake.
00:54:45Inspector is a big mistake.
00:54:47Mr. Browning.
00:54:47You can't think this girl did that murder.
00:54:49Why, look at her.
00:54:50Sitting there so beautiful and defenseless.
00:54:53Why, only last week she came to this theater
00:54:55and made more friends than a whole litter of kittens.
00:54:57Why, she couldn't anymore...
00:54:58Miss Daisy is very beautiful,
00:54:59but she doesn't strike me as being
00:55:01either fragile or ethereal.
00:55:03Yeah.
00:55:04Well, furthermore,
00:55:05that woman wasn't out of my sight all evening.
00:55:07That's a silly lie.
00:55:09She just said she was alone in the dressing room.
00:55:13Why we're talking about this,
00:55:14why don't you give yourself top, Bill?
00:55:16You forgot to mention
00:55:18that you told us guys this afternoon
00:55:19that you'd kill LaLita
00:55:21if she kept running around with that Louie.
00:55:24But I loved her.
00:55:25I wanted to marry her.
00:55:27I loved her too much to kill her.
00:55:29Is there something you wanted to tell me, Miss Baxter?
00:55:32No.
00:55:33Didn't you want to tell me
00:55:34it's impossible for Russell Rogers to kill Laverne?
00:55:36No, no, no.
00:55:37Impossible because he's already married?
00:55:39Married to you?
00:55:44You're surprised that I know this.
00:55:46Two years ago,
00:55:47when you were booked during a raid,
00:55:48may interest you to know,
00:55:49your record was collected.
00:55:50We didn't want to make it known
00:55:51because we knew that Foss didn't hire married couples.
00:55:53Never loved me.
00:55:55And what did you tell me?
00:55:56She wasn't crying the night
00:55:57she threatened to kill Laverne and me.
00:56:01Look at this.
00:56:03Those marks.
00:56:05She did that a week ago.
00:56:06The night I threatened to leave her.
00:56:08That isn't true.
00:56:09It's all lies.
00:56:10How long did you have to practice
00:56:11to make like such a heel?
00:56:15Please.
00:56:15This is the coroner's preliminary report.
00:56:24Lolita Laverne
00:56:25was poisoned.
00:56:28She would have died in three minutes
00:56:33if the strangler had not interfered.
00:56:35In other words,
00:56:36the murderer was so impatient
00:56:37he couldn't wait for his poison to take effect.
00:56:39Or,
00:56:40there are two murderers
00:56:42in the old opera house.
00:56:43This is my first experience with burlesque.
00:56:57It's a surprising profession.
00:57:00You will all remain within reaching distance
00:57:02until the case is settled.
00:57:03Poison.
00:57:04If we can just get out of here,
00:57:06I don't care what happens.
00:57:07Leave!
00:57:07Leave!
00:57:07I thought there was to be a party tonight.
00:57:12Are we not to have it?
00:57:14That's what I like.
00:57:16The sensitive type.
00:57:17This is one cookie
00:57:18that's not going back to that room
00:57:20until she's had a bracelet.
00:57:21Nothing either.
00:57:22I want to fix it.
00:57:23Anyway.
00:57:24Leave me to the prop room.
00:57:28I could use one too.
00:57:29Shh.
00:57:31Where are you going?
00:57:32Shh.
00:57:37Biff.
00:57:38Biff.
00:57:39What?
00:57:39The picture of Laverne's mother,
00:57:40it's gone.
00:57:42Why, that's...
00:57:43Low leaders.
00:57:43I threw it out in the roof.
00:57:44Biff.
00:57:45Listen, Dixie.
00:57:46I found this in my pocket.
00:57:47Somebody slipped it there,
00:57:48but I didn't think they'd believe that.
00:57:50They aren't believing anything.
00:57:51So I backed up towards the window.
00:57:54For once, a comic showed them brains.
00:57:56Get rid of it.
00:57:57Oh, no, Dixie.
00:57:59I couldn't do that.
00:58:00I've been thinking.
00:58:02I was a coward.
00:58:05Biff.
00:58:05This is evidence.
00:58:07Important evidence.
00:58:08This is the murder weapon.
00:58:09And they're bearing down on you.
00:58:11Do you think I could think of myself...
00:58:13I'm going to turn it in.
00:58:15But if they won't believe you.
00:58:18I'll have to take that chance, Dixie.
00:58:20When I saw you in trouble up there,
00:58:22Harrigan putting you around,
00:58:23I'd, well...
00:58:24Yes, I know.
00:58:25You stuck up for me.
00:58:27It was swell of you.
00:58:31Maybe you changed your mind about me?
00:58:34Well, now, don't rush me.
00:58:36After all, you are a comic.
00:58:40It'd be swell to think you ahead.
00:58:42Maybe you're worried.
00:58:44Well, maybe for a few minutes you...
00:58:47Biff.
00:58:51Biff.
00:58:52My goodness.
00:58:58You two certainly have strange taste in romance.
00:59:01Imagine being alone in a room
00:59:02where a woman was murdered.
00:59:04And with a man.
00:59:06We wanted you to join the party.
00:59:07Looks like we broke one up.
00:59:09I'm coming.
00:59:09But pipe this.
00:59:10The picture of Laverne's mother is gone.
00:59:12Was it there tonight?
00:59:12She never let it out of her sight.
00:59:13She carried it here and home again.
00:59:15She spoke to it, too.
00:59:17Oh, Mr. Kelly will be so excited to hear about this.
00:59:19Oh, don't angel push.
00:59:20No more push until we get some...
00:59:22Maybe we both could do with some of that.
00:59:25Uh-uh.
00:59:26Tonight I got too much on my mind for sleep.
00:59:28Good night, Dixie.
00:59:35Good night.
00:59:52What you got in your hand there, bud?
01:00:12Oh, nothing.
01:00:12I just...
01:00:13Hello.
01:00:15Don't make a move till I get down.
01:00:16Oh, man.
01:00:16What's the matter with a guy getting a little fresh air out here?
01:00:18Now, let's see what you're trying to tuck away, funny man.
01:00:21Oh, nothing.
01:00:21I was just...
01:00:22Give.
01:00:22Really.
01:00:23I just walked out...
01:00:24Give.
01:00:28Well, now, ain't that cute and pretty?
01:00:29The murder weapon.
01:00:31Or maybe you carry it for sentimental reasons.
01:00:33Why'd you kill Laverne?
01:00:34Now, ain't that just like a flat foot?
01:00:36I found it in my pocket, planted.
01:00:37That's why I was looking for you, to give it to you.
01:00:39Oh, you found it.
01:00:40You were going to give it to me.
01:00:41Out here?
01:00:42Well, it's dark, and I had a look for you.
01:00:44Oh, you had a look, did you?
01:00:45Were you looking for me down the drain pipe?
01:00:47Do I look like the kind of a guy you'd find down a drain pipe?
01:00:51Maybe I wouldn't look in such a classy spot for such a dumb flat foot as...
01:00:54The inspector's going to be plenty interested in a guy who tries to get rid of murder weapons.
01:00:58We'll just take a little ride down the headquarters.
01:01:00Oh, sure.
01:01:00We'll go down and see the inspector.
01:01:01Sure.
01:01:02That's why I was looking for you in the first place.
01:01:04Now, now, look.
01:01:04I'll explain it again.
01:01:05You see, it was dark, and I was looking for you.
01:01:07And I bent down to get a better look at the upstairs dressing room window, you see?
01:01:11My arm was hanging down by the drain pipe, and...
01:01:15What is that drain pipe doing there?
01:01:20I can confirm that, officer.
01:01:22I'm sure Mr. Branigan only wanted to do his tea.
01:01:25He was so worried about important evidence.
01:01:29Well, I'm through talking.
01:01:30Go on, you burlesque people are on such a merry-go-round, you'll have me catching grass rings.
01:01:34But this guy give you a chuckle fixer.
01:01:35He couldn't find a goldfish in a cold cream jar.
01:01:38You aren't using that drain pipe for a maypole.
01:01:40Oh, now, listen, Dixie.
01:01:41I was just...
01:01:45Oh, well.
01:01:47Maybe that little kiss was worth it.
01:01:49Good thing for you.
01:01:50It's the last little kiss you get from this working girl.
01:01:52Maybe life in the electric chair wouldn't be so bad.
01:01:55Maybe you'll get a try.
01:01:56Come on.
01:02:00Goodbye, Dixie.
01:02:03So long, comic.
01:02:05Hotel by now.
01:02:27Taxi.
01:02:39Oh, that cat.
01:02:42Oh, here's my kid.
01:02:43Oh, okay.
01:02:45Oh, what's wrong?
01:02:45Dr.
01:02:45What's wrong?
01:02:46Oh, honey.
01:02:47Oh, God.
01:02:47Oh, yeah.
01:02:48Oh, yeah.
01:02:48Oh, yeah.
01:02:49Oh, yeah.
01:02:51Maybe you already can have some happiness.
01:02:53Sally's brother-awareness?
01:02:53Oh.
01:02:56Uh-oh.
01:02:57Oh, God.
01:02:58Oh, yeah.
01:03:02Oh, yeah.
01:03:03Oh, yeah.
01:03:05Oh, yeah.
01:03:07Oh, yeah.
01:03:08Oh, yeah.
01:03:09Oh, yeah.
01:03:10THE END
01:03:40What's the matter, Dixie?
01:04:05You're not worried about that lug sitting in the cell, are you?
01:04:07Well, I was thinking how we felt when we pulled out of Columbus.
01:04:11The old opera was going to be the last rung on the ladder to the Great White Way.
01:04:15You're doing all right.
01:04:16Oh, sure, fine.
01:04:17First we run into comics, then murders.
01:04:19Now that Cossack from Canarsie is on in my spot.
01:04:22I was expecting you.
01:04:35Then maybe you were expecting my two weeks' notice.
01:04:37On second thought, no notice.
01:04:38Sue me.
01:04:39Is it so bad?
01:04:40Listen, I'm not working for burlesque to laugh.
01:04:43This little girl's got her way to make in the world.
01:04:45When you brought me here, you promised me the moon.
01:04:47Now I'm getting green cheese and not liking it.
01:04:49Why?
01:04:50I've been doing all right.
01:04:51My face hasn't fallen apart since yesterday.
01:04:53I know.
01:04:55She wants to get out of burlesque.
01:04:58She wants me to produce a show for her.
01:04:59I told her to wait.
01:05:00But she gets impatient, so...
01:05:04The family, huh?
01:05:11So that's the fire that started in Toledo.
01:05:15She went to South America and then she came back.
01:05:19Letters, cancel, checks, copies of...
01:05:24Yeah, I get it.
01:05:28Dixie.
01:05:30I don't know what to do.
01:05:35Don't worry.
01:05:36Everything's going to be all right.
01:06:00You look thoughtful, Miss Dixie.
01:06:04Thoughtful is no words, Dixie.
01:06:06I'm not surprised.
01:06:10Every day there's more and more trouble around the old opera.
01:06:14How about the old days, sir?
01:06:15Oh, we had trouble then.
01:06:17Not murders, maybe, but...
01:06:19I could tell you.
01:06:22Don't you ever look at the labels?
01:06:23After 35 years, I know what box we love, too.
01:06:28And one for Miss Dixie.
01:06:31Yeah, I suppose we are the oldest things in the theater.
01:06:36The box.
01:06:37Me.
01:06:39The hermit.
01:06:41And me.
01:06:42Another one from the old gi in row three.
01:06:47Is that a new wrinkle statue?
01:06:49In the old days, the prima donnas would get notes.
01:06:53Maybe from one of the boxers in dozens of roses.
01:06:56And after the performance was over,
01:07:00we, the company, would wait
01:07:01and see the prima donnas go out.
01:07:05And there would be crowds
01:07:06and the wealthiest men in the city
01:07:08waiting in evening clothes
01:07:11and carriages.
01:07:15I...
01:07:15I was very torn.
01:07:24Oh.
01:07:26And you lost your voice, huh?
01:07:31And so I took up smoking a pipe
01:07:34and sitting here.
01:07:37We were no better than you people
01:07:39who are saving the money.
01:07:41Well, home again after 20 years in a clink,
01:07:44framed by the villain,
01:07:45the light in the window,
01:07:46the faithful caretaker,
01:07:48and the little woman waiting.
01:07:49Did they give you a watchdog?
01:07:50Not exactly, Miss Dixie.
01:07:51If you would tell Miss Angel I'm here.
01:07:53What's this?
01:07:54Ha!
01:07:55You're behind in your literature, Irish.
01:07:57He's a 35 years old.
01:07:59You ain't whistling its literature.
01:08:00I learned more about Burlesque in five minutes
01:08:02than I did all the time that I was...
01:08:04Yeah, well, hurry it up
01:08:05and we'll send Joey on again
01:08:06and you can sit in the clink for good.
01:08:08Get a load of that gun.
01:08:09Why come you out here?
01:08:10Oh, they had to let me go.
01:08:11No evidence.
01:08:12What?
01:08:12They found Louie's car right around the corner
01:08:14from the theater
01:08:15so he didn't use that in his getaway.
01:08:17They didn't find Laverne's picture of her mother
01:08:19but they did find the frame.
01:08:20Where?
01:08:21Ah, they won't say where.
01:08:23They found Lolita's bank book in her apartment.
01:08:25Yesterday she drew 10,000 smackers out of the bank.
01:08:28Now, where did that money go to?
01:08:30Maybe down the drain pipe
01:08:31with the rest of the evidence.
01:08:33Aren't you a teeny-weeny bit glad to see me back?
01:08:35No.
01:08:39Okay.
01:08:40You'll see me in a minute.
01:08:42We're on next.
01:08:54Imagine you being here tonight, Mr. Kelly.
01:08:59Everything is happening to me tonight.
01:09:03Tonight I do my first
01:09:04speciality.
01:09:06Well, I'll be right there
01:09:08to give you my encouragement.
01:09:10Oh, thank you.
01:09:11Of course,
01:09:12now I'll have to wash my waist off my clothes.
01:09:17I took a bunch of lockers to be candy on duty.
01:09:20After all, this is an important case.
01:09:23Please, Mr. Kelly,
01:09:24please don't talk about the murder.
01:09:27It's so gruesome.
01:09:28Who do you think done it?
01:09:30Well, it could be almost anybody.
01:09:33Oh, really?
01:09:34Thank you, Mr. Kelly.
01:09:40You're your pals.
01:09:40You want to huddle on some of those big discoveries?
01:09:42Come on, get on the stairs.
01:09:43Okay.
01:09:44Okay.
01:09:57Well, well, well.
01:09:58Here I am in a strange and foreign country
01:10:00and before me stands
01:10:01this mysterious Egyptian gazeka box.
01:10:03This is the land of the Titsi fly,
01:10:05the Goona Goona bird,
01:10:06and the Can Can Girl.
01:10:07Also, those strange, mysterious love potions,
01:10:10which nowadays we call vitamin pills.
01:10:12I am what is known as an archaeologist.
01:10:14An archaeologist is a guy that digs up mummies.
01:10:16Well, the other day I dug up a mummy
01:10:18and he was a hep cat.
01:10:19How did I know he was a hep cat?
01:10:21Because he turned to me and said,
01:10:22do you dig me, Jack?
01:10:23It's a princess.
01:10:31Another...
01:10:31Around the neck again.
01:10:36Bring the curtain down.
01:10:42All right.
01:10:43Look at this.
01:10:45Where'd that box come from?
01:10:46The prop rule.
01:10:47Get in there.
01:10:48Oh, Mr. Kelly, don't leave me.
01:10:50Boss, somebody just knocked off the princess.
01:11:01When was she last seen alive?
01:11:02After her number, I guess.
01:11:04Inspector.
01:11:05Inspector, could it...
01:11:06Could it be suicide?
01:11:13It's Louie.
01:11:20Get back.
01:11:28The lighthouse.
01:11:29Come on, now.
01:11:30We need some help.
01:11:31Hey.
01:11:36Put a spot on him.
01:11:42He was hiding in the prop room.
01:11:43And he got me first.
01:11:45Any other way out of there, Shaley?
01:11:46There's another ladder over there.
01:11:47You take them from both sides.
01:11:48Coming, Bill.
01:11:49Get over there.
01:11:51You're surrounded, Louie.
01:11:52You don't.
01:11:53Come down.
01:11:54You ain't getting me back in, coppers.
01:11:59Coming up.
01:11:59I'm waiting for you.
01:12:10I didn't do it.
01:12:11I didn't kill her.
01:12:12Don't think you're going to get me for it, coppers.
01:12:14I told you to stay back.
01:12:33I told you to lay off.
01:12:37I told you you wouldn't get me.
01:12:39Guilty or not, he was afraid of a rap even before it was pinned on him.
01:13:01Well, I guess we can cross off one of our question marks.
01:13:04Or hang one more on our collection.
01:13:06Oh, don't look at me as if I were crazy.
01:13:08Put it down to women's intuition, but I'm sure feeling a chunk of it.
01:13:12Why should he kill the princess?
01:13:14If we knew all the motives and murder cases, Miss Daisy, there would be no mysteries.
01:13:18Besides, the prop room was locked.
01:13:20What's that?
01:13:21It was all right.
01:13:22If he was hiding inside, he couldn't have got out to kill the princess.
01:13:24Well, I guess we're going to have to go upstairs again.
01:13:33Round him up.
01:13:35Yes, Margo.
01:13:35Everybody up there.
01:13:37Come on.
01:13:38Hey, you.
01:13:39Upstairs.
01:13:40I...
01:13:40I...
01:13:41I...
01:13:42I...
01:13:43I...
01:13:44I...
01:13:46I...
01:13:48I...
01:13:50I...
01:13:51I...
01:13:52I...
01:13:53I...
01:13:54I...
01:13:54I...
01:13:54I...
01:13:55I...
01:13:56I...
01:13:57I...
01:13:58I...
01:13:59I...
01:14:00I...
01:14:01Why was the, uh, prop room locked?
01:14:04Had to be.
01:14:05Why, only a month ago, a certain comic walks out with a bundle of my dishes that he says is laundry.
01:14:09Laundry.
01:14:10Why, that guy never owned more than one shirt at a time in his life.
01:14:13That's a lie.
01:14:14What's a lie?
01:14:15That you stole my dishes or you got only one shirt?
01:14:18Inspector, the way I figured is...
01:14:20Go on, Jake.
01:14:21Well, last night the prop room was open.
01:14:23Some of the liquor was stored there.
01:14:24He was stored there for the party, and Louie must have run in through the basement and ducked there.
01:14:27Then we trapped him when we went in for that bracer.
01:14:30And I locked the door when we left.
01:14:32He couldn't have got out after you left?
01:14:33No, sir.
01:14:35Well, seems like we're right back where we started.
01:14:38Well, Mr. Pranagan, too bad we didn't release you after this killing.
01:14:43Miss Daisy, Mr. Rogers, Miss Baxter.
01:14:47I found it when he looked over the prop room.
01:14:52Found it, anybody here?
01:14:53You, Jake?
01:14:55I...
01:14:56I...
01:14:56Yes, I...
01:14:58Well, that's Laverne's picture of her...
01:15:00I found it.
01:15:09Honest, I found it like I did the frame.
01:15:11Just after that ruckus about the body.
01:15:13I was going to turn it in, too, but...
01:15:16It was torn, and you scared me, and I...
01:15:19No reason for you to be scared, unless you were guilty, Jake.
01:15:22You don't believe me.
01:15:26Listen, there's plenty of people been having suspicious around here lately.
01:15:29He never said nothing about knowing the princess.
01:15:32Ask him why he took her to her hotel last night, and went upstairs with her, too.
01:15:36Ask her why she followed him, why she was still sitting there when I left.
01:15:40Why did you follow the princess, Jake?
01:15:43Why, I...
01:15:44I was just trying to help...
01:15:45Yes.
01:15:46Yes, Jake?
01:15:48Nothing.
01:15:49Inspector.
01:15:51He was only trying to help me.
01:15:52Mr. Voss?
01:15:54I lied.
01:15:56The princess did work in my Toledo theater.
01:15:58We were...
01:15:59We were well acquainted.
01:16:02Blackmail, Mr. Voss?
01:16:05I see.
01:16:08Where do you come in, Jake?
01:16:10I'd been with him in Toledo.
01:16:11I knew she had him on the spot.
01:16:13I thought if I found out something, I'd make her lay off.
01:16:16Listen.
01:16:17When my wife was sick, I found the hospital money in my envelope without even asking.
01:16:23It's things like that you can't repay.
01:16:26Sometimes a person can find a way, Jake.
01:16:30Was the princess satisfied with what you were giving her?
01:16:32She kept quiet.
01:16:34She wanted a lot.
01:16:37You had every reason to wish that she were dead, didn't you?
01:16:42Inspector, I...
01:16:42Miss Baxter.
01:16:44I beg your pardon.
01:16:45Mrs. Rogers.
01:16:47Why were you following the princess last night?
01:16:50Well, I couldn't make it out.
01:16:55First Laverne and...
01:16:57Then the princess.
01:17:00I was trying to figure the connection.
01:17:02Naturally.
01:17:02Uh, Mr. Rogers, why did you go home with the princess?
01:17:07Gentlemen don't usually answer that question.
01:17:10Since when were you a gentleman?
01:17:12How long did you stay?
01:17:15I can tell you.
01:17:17I sat up long enough in that lobby chair to fall asleep.
01:17:20When I woke up, he was standing at the cigar stand buying a box of cigars.
01:17:24And a humidor to put them in.
01:17:27Cigars?
01:17:28Well, that doesn't sound very much as though he were in a murdering mood, does it?
01:17:34Do you have any cigars on you now, Mr. Rogers?
01:17:36Sure.
01:17:37Go ahead.
01:17:38Oh.
01:17:39Oh.
01:17:42Hmm, excellent brand.
01:17:45Excellent.
01:17:46My wife saves up sometimes and gives me these for a birthday present.
01:17:49You always smoke them?
01:17:50I like class.
01:17:52Hmm, that's a laugh.
01:17:53I smoked his cigars before.
01:17:55Pounded seaweed.
01:17:57Well, as a matter of fact, I...
01:17:58You've changed to something a little more expensive.
01:18:00I see.
01:18:01Why, Mr. Rogers?
01:18:04Why suddenly switch to the most extravagant cigars you can buy?
01:18:07And a whole box at a time, not the usual two or three,
01:18:10and a humidor to keep them in.
01:18:12Why, Mr. Rogers?
01:18:14Let me tell you.
01:18:16Ten thousand dollars is missing.
01:18:17Taken the murdered woman.
01:18:19Enough to buy a good many of these cigars.
01:18:21Money taken by you.
01:18:23Oh, no.
01:18:23Laverne was afraid of Louis.
01:18:25She was going to throw you over.
01:18:26But you wanted the money she had promised.
01:18:28Was that why she withdrew the ten thousand dollars?
01:18:30Yeah, yeah, that's it.
01:18:31She gave me the money.
01:18:32When?
01:18:33What time of day?
01:18:34Oh, no.
01:18:35You took that money when she was dead.
01:18:38Or dying.
01:18:40You poisoned her.
01:18:41But she was strong, tough.
01:18:43You watched her writhing and crawling toward the door.
01:18:45She was going to call for help.
01:18:46Oh, stop it.
01:18:47The princess gave me the money.
01:18:48Princess?
01:18:49Sounds like a stall to me.
01:18:50Please.
01:18:51Why, Mr. Rogers?
01:18:54Well, to produce my play.
01:18:55Okay.
01:18:55She wanted to get out of Burlesque.
01:19:02I heard her kill Laverne.
01:19:06Go on.
01:19:07Well, after Louis left, they were making cracks at me.
01:19:10And I went down to the princess' room.
01:19:13She wasn't there.
01:19:14She was up with Laverne.
01:19:16I heard them talking through the ventilator.
01:19:19Lolita knew about Toledo.
01:19:20And she'd been threatening to tell Foss' wife and crab the princess' racket.
01:19:23But last night, Naveena pretended she didn't mind paying off.
01:19:26That there was enough for both of them.
01:19:28They'd drink to it.
01:19:30I heard her fill the glasses and then Lolita gagged.
01:19:34And you sat by through that?
01:19:37After a couple of minutes, I went up.
01:19:39The princess was coming down from the third floor.
01:19:42When she left the room, she must have heard someone coming up.
01:19:44The strangler.
01:19:45Ducked upstairs.
01:19:47But on the way down, I saw her open the door and look in for a minute.
01:19:51Oh, don't you see?
01:19:52That's why she had to be killed.
01:19:52She saw you, perhaps.
01:19:54Did you come up to finish her job?
01:19:56You knew about the money.
01:19:57Oh, Lolita said she had it on her, but it was gone when I took the G-string.
01:20:00I ought to scare you your teeth for planting it on me.
01:20:02Well, I had to get rid of it.
01:20:03He makes me squirt.
01:20:05He's not a very strong character.
01:20:08Why should I kill the princess?
01:20:09Dead women tell no tales, Mr. Rogers.
01:20:11Oh, no, no.
01:20:12I couldn't do it.
01:20:13Believe me, I couldn't.
01:20:15No.
01:20:16I don't believe you could.
01:20:18Will you let me go?
01:20:19No, Mr. Rogers.
01:20:20It's a very uncomfortable thing to be an accessory after the fact.
01:20:26Take Mr. Rogers down to headquarters.
01:20:29Booking.
01:20:31Ruff.
01:20:32Oprah.
01:20:34You've got me in this.
01:20:35Take your filthy hands off me.
01:20:36Steady.
01:20:37Inspector, whatever I thought, well, I take it back.
01:20:43Well, it certainly makes me feel relieved.
01:20:44Me too.
01:20:45Well, I hope not too relieved.
01:20:47We have eliminated one suspect, Louie, and one mystery, the poison.
01:20:52But the strangler...
01:20:53Well, Miss Daisy, does your woman's intuition tell you Mr. Rogers is guilty?
01:21:00No.
01:21:02I must warn you all to stay as far away from the theater as possible.
01:21:06The murderer will probably strike again.
01:21:09In fact, it might be best to close the...
01:21:12Closed it.
01:21:14There will be no show tomorrow.
01:21:23You can come to my office for your checks.
01:21:25It's all.
01:21:26Wait a minute.
01:21:48I'm, uh, I'm not exactly used to making speeches.
01:21:51It isn't my beautiful diction that gets me by in burlesque, but here goes.
01:21:55But this murderer seems to have done pretty well what he tried to do.
01:21:58Closed the old opera.
01:22:00First he pulled the raid, and when that wasn't enough, he really started putting on the pressure.
01:22:04Now it looks like he's going to get what he wants.
01:22:06And darned if I'm for letting him get away with it.
01:22:08Well, darned if I'm for sticking around to get strained over my own beadwork.
01:22:12I've left a lot of jobs in my time, but I always stuck until the last kick in the pants, if the job was worth having.
01:22:17And I'm not going to be scared out of the best job I ever had by a couple of ghosts.
01:22:21We're all stockholders, aren't we?
01:22:23We've got a right to protect our property.
01:22:25We've got a stake in seeing that the old opera keeps going.
01:22:30You know, once I thought I wanted to get out of burlesque.
01:22:35Now I'm not so sure.
01:22:39Maybe I'm not so snooty anymore.
01:22:40Maybe I just want to stick around with Gigi and Dolly.
01:22:50Fossey and Jake and Sammy and Alice and Mandy and...
01:22:56Come on.
01:23:01Who's going to be the first to chip in with me?
01:23:03Dixie, I'm with you.
01:23:05Count me in.
01:23:06I'm with you, Dixie.
01:23:07Yes.
01:23:08We'll stick and stick and stick.
01:23:11And stick.
01:23:12All right, you're all bats, but I guess I'm bats with you.
01:23:15Well, I guess I'll get dressed.
01:23:19Yeah, let's go.
01:23:26Surprising profession.
01:23:33Dixie, where are you?
01:23:34Dixie, I'm hurrying.
01:23:35I'm not scared.
01:23:35Dixie, I'm hurrying.
01:23:36I'm not scared.
01:23:45Believe me, matinees are going to feel a lot better than night shows for a while.
01:23:49Mr. Kelly said I was the bravest girl he'd ever seen.
01:23:53I'm going out with him tonight.
01:23:55And believe me, tonight's one night, I'll be glad to have a policeman beside me.
01:23:59What's the matter, Angel?
01:23:59Scared, don't joke about it.
01:24:01I still haven't decided whether I like you or not.
01:24:05Oh, go on.
01:24:07Well, I guess I'll have to get along without you tonight, Sarah Jane.
01:24:10I'll finish this at home.
01:24:13You didn't do that, Miss Stacey.
01:24:14Oh.
01:24:14I noticed nothing ever happens after I come on.
01:24:17I hear you have a little more excitement tonight.
01:24:19Yeah, a little.
01:24:20Yeah.
01:24:21So long.
01:24:21See you at the peerless.
01:24:22Okay.
01:24:23I'll be back in a minute.
01:24:24I want to get some cigarettes from the machine in the lobby.
01:24:25I'll be ready then.
01:24:26Bring me a pack, too.
01:24:29Where are you going, honey?
01:24:32Who, me?
01:24:33Well, I'm going down to the peerless bar and grill with the rest of you guys.
01:24:37For a midnight snack.
01:24:39And a whale of a time.
01:24:44You can't even scream.
01:24:45You can't even scream.
01:24:47Your throat is tight.
01:25:02Your tongue is dry.
01:25:03A few minutes, your friend said.
01:25:05You're hoping there won't be time.
01:25:09It took only a few seconds for Lolita.
01:25:13A little longer for the princess, but she wasn't half dead already.
01:25:15And now, another lovely lady, a burlesque, the loveliest of them all.
01:25:19I wanted to kill every woman on that stage.
01:25:20Close the old opera.
01:25:21She'd gone forever.
01:25:22Once it was a place of glory.
01:25:23You aren't afraid of ghosts?
01:25:24No.
01:25:25You're not afraid of ghosts?
01:25:26No.
01:25:27No.
01:25:28No.
01:25:29No.
01:25:30No.
01:25:31No.
01:25:32No.
01:25:33No.
01:25:34No.
01:25:35No.
01:25:36No.
01:25:37Dixie.
01:25:58Honey, you're all right.
01:26:03Dixie, honey.
01:26:04Diff.
01:26:05You sound like you're glad to see the face.
01:26:07I never was so glad to see a face in my life.
01:26:10What were you doing out there?
01:26:12Who, me?
01:26:13Yeah.
01:26:13Come on, sit down.
01:26:16Remember a little grandstanding that flat foot here misunderstood?
01:26:19Yeah, the maypole.
01:26:21And the reading matter I educated myself with in the clink?
01:26:24Yeah.
01:26:24Mr. Brannigan's taste in reading was unexpectedly useful.
01:26:27Very unexpectedly.
01:26:30Right in the middle of it, I found a dame's picture that looked familiar.
01:26:33Laverne's mother?
01:26:34Her mother, sure.
01:26:35But I didn't remember it till I got a flash of that torn picture and checked it upstairs afterwards.
01:26:38Then all I had to do was look at the name.
01:26:40Statiero.
01:26:41Now, everybody knows how statue or statiero here was sour on burlesque.
01:26:45Must have really thrown him off his nut when he found his own granddaughter was working here.
01:26:49Granddaughter?
01:26:50Sure.
01:26:51You never know where you'll find a relative in show business.
01:26:53But grandpappy's pride couldn't swallow us.
01:26:55You mean you figured that out all by yourself?
01:26:57Some grandstanding, huh?
01:26:59Now, the way I figure it, while he was hiding in the cellar during the raid,
01:27:02he sees you trying for the cold shoot, and he really goes bats.
01:27:05Next, he tries his little strangling act on Laverne.
01:27:07The princess catches him at it, so that makes it her turn next.
01:27:10And while I'm upstairs trying to sell this story to these two,
01:27:13I hear about Gigi being dumb enough to leave you alone so he could finish what he started.
01:27:16Why didn't you just send him an engraved invitation, honey?
01:27:20Well, that does it.
01:27:22Why, you hammond bushling Hawkshaw.
01:27:25Dixie had a hunch it was statue ever since she spotted his hands in the mailbox.
01:27:28The hands are trying to choke her to glory.
01:27:30So she framed all this.
01:27:31I've been sitting down the stairs with him, waiting for something to happen.
01:27:35What we didn't know was the statue was already in the room.
01:27:38What I didn't know was that I'd be too scared even to scream.
01:27:40But I had to try my hunch out some way.
01:27:43Nobody seemed to think a lot of my intuition.
01:27:45As I said before, burlesque is a surprising business.
01:27:49So surprising, you took a couple of burlesques to figure this out.
01:27:52Mr. Kelly, where were you?
01:27:54I was waiting.
01:27:56We, uh, I, uh, we had a, uh...
01:27:58You mean statue?
01:28:00Mm-hmm.
01:28:01Oh, the things that happen around here.
01:28:04Alice!
01:28:05Are you all right?
01:28:06Oh, of course I'm all right.
01:28:07I think I'm afraid.
01:28:08I've probably got to knock them down and switch them away.
01:28:10I didn't like one.
01:28:11I couldn't keep them away.
01:28:12Oh, that's why you don't like me.
01:28:14Hey!
01:28:16Hey!
01:28:18I thought you were the girl who didn't like comics, even from a distance.
01:28:22Well, from close, this one isn't bad.
01:28:24Say, what is this routine?
01:28:26Oh, it's the same old routine.
01:28:28But maybe with a different finish.
01:28:30I want a blonde.
01:28:32You want a blonde?
01:28:33What kind of a blonde?
01:28:33Any kind.
01:28:34One like this, or one like this, or one like this.
01:28:37You look like you're a blonde at heart.
01:28:39Maybe I feel like one.
01:28:40Hey, lady, you left your motor running.
01:28:42You started it.
01:28:43And I bet I can finish it.
01:28:47Run again?
01:28:53Run again?
01:28:55Invite the gang, Gigi.
01:28:56We're dunking donuts at a wedding breakfast.
01:28:59Ouch!
01:28:59Oh!
01:29:00Oh, Dixie!
01:29:09Look!
01:29:11Well...
01:29:11Isn't love thrilling?
01:29:18Oh, it sure is.
01:29:20Yeah.
01:29:21If only you'd speak up or do something.
01:29:24Oh, I thought that you and that fella in there, you're always...
01:29:27Oh, don't be silly.
01:29:29Never did like big fellas.
01:29:32Then...
01:29:33Then you mean that you would...
01:29:35That is, you could...
01:29:37Oh, you make me so...
01:29:43glad.
01:29:44Oh, I'm being so proud, yeah.
01:29:52So, we're so happy.
01:29:53Odd.
01:29:53And remember...
01:29:53fans.
01:29:54We did what?
01:29:54Goodbye.
01:29:54My love...
01:29:55Oh!
01:29:55Oh, my God.
01:29:56Oh!
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