- 7/9/2025
The Mark of the Whistler, aka The Marked Man, is a 1944 American mystery film noir based on the radio drama The Whistler. Directed by William Castle, the production features Richard Dix, Porter Hall and Janis Carter. It is the second of Columbia Pictures' eight "Whistler" films produced in the 1940s, all but the last starring Dix.
Plot: A drifter claims the money in an old bank account by impersonating someone else with the same name. Soon he finds himself the target of a man who turns out to be the son of the old partner of the impersonated man's father, who caused his partner to do time in prison.
Plot: A drifter claims the money in an old bank account by impersonating someone else with the same name. Soon he finds himself the target of a man who turns out to be the son of the old partner of the impersonated man's father, who caused his partner to do time in prison.
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The End
00:00:30The End
00:01:00I am the Whistler, and I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows.
00:01:18Tonight I am keeping a strange rendezvous.
00:01:22This man is a human derelict, broke, discouraged, unable to hold a job because of ill health.
00:01:30His name is Lee Selfridge Nugent.
00:01:34I knew him in better days, when he possessed money, power, influence.
00:01:41But fate decreed that those material things should slip away, and that I, the Whistler, should find him tonight, alone in a strange city on this park bench.
00:01:51What can the future hold for a man like this?
00:01:54What can the future hold for a man like this?
00:02:24Ironic, isn't it?
00:02:32These people all have money in the bank waiting for them.
00:02:35Yet for some reason they do not come to claim it.
00:02:41Coincidence, that's all it is.
00:02:43You're not the Lee Nugent they're looking for.
00:02:46You are Lee Selfridge Nugent.
00:02:48Your mother's name was Mary, not Stella.
00:02:52Forget about it.
00:03:03Desperation prompts this man to think that he can compromise with his conscience.
00:03:08We shall see how he fares.
00:03:10L'oeilس Mugent.
00:03:22L'oeilس Mugent.
00:03:24L'oeil, L'oeil, L'oeil.
00:03:27L'oeil, L'oeil.
00:03:27It's a great game, isn't it?
00:03:55No, it's awful. Wish I could get in there. I'd show them.
00:03:59I'll bet you would. You watch them play every day?
00:04:02Sure, except on the days when I have to go to the clinic.
00:04:09Gee, thanks. Herman!
00:04:14That's Herman. That is a good throw.
00:04:17Thanks. You know something?
00:04:19At the clinic yesterday, a lady from Australia told me that maybe next year I could walk.
00:04:24And after that, maybe if I exercised right, I could even play ball.
00:04:28Say, wouldn't that be something? I'll say.
00:04:30Say, where'd the kids play ball before the building was torn down?
00:04:33What building?
00:04:35Wasn't there a building on this lot?
00:04:37No. It's always been just a lot.
00:04:40Oh. Well, goodbye, son. You're gonna be a great ball player someday.
00:04:46Thanks.
00:04:47Come on, Herman. Give him another fast one. Come on!
00:04:53Good morning.
00:04:55If you're looking for a vacancy, there ain't any. If you're selling something, I won't buy it.
00:04:58And if you're begging, you can just run along. There's plenty of work for those that want it.
00:05:01I'm wondering about that vacant lot. How long ago was that building torn down that was on it?
00:05:05It wasn't torn down. It burned down.
00:05:07Burned down, huh? How long ago was that?
00:05:09Oh, long before I moved in this block, and I've lived here for 20 years.
00:05:12So you ain't one of them carnival fellas that's planning on putting one of them noisy merry-go-rounds on that lot, are you?
00:05:17I warn you, I won't stand for it. I had the police on the last one that tried it.
00:05:20I don't want to assure you, I'm not interested in putting a merry-go-round on that lot.
00:05:25But I am considering for a shooting gallery.
00:05:39Nice dog you got here.
00:05:41Yeah. Mike's a swell guy. Intelligent, too.
00:05:44Yeah, hello, Mike.
00:05:45You know, he knows quicker than we do when our number comes on the alarm bell.
00:05:49Then he beats the men to his place on the hooking ladder.
00:05:52Yeah.
00:05:53Hiya, Mike. Any big fires lately?
00:05:55No. Been kind of dull lately.
00:05:58Last big one was that Acme warehouse bar about a year ago.
00:06:02Tell me you had a big one, a real big one down here some time ago.
00:06:06Reed Street, apartment building. That's probably before your time.
00:06:09Oh, no. I remember it just like it was yesterday.
00:06:12Yeah?
00:06:13Seven people died in that fire.
00:06:15Seven?
00:06:16Yeah. Three of them missed the net when they jumped from the sixth floor.
00:06:18Awful mess.
00:06:20Reed Street. That used to be a fashionable neighborhood.
00:06:23Not tenements like it is now.
00:06:25Oh, well, you know. Time changes neighborhoods.
00:06:28How long ago was that, exactly?
00:06:30I never forget a big one.
00:06:32That was October. Early October, 1912.
00:06:35How long ago was that, huh?
00:06:36Yep.
00:06:37I was sitting right here in front of the old firehouse.
00:06:39Just as I am now, reading the political news when the alarm came in.
00:06:44That was the year that, uh, Woodrow Wilson, Bill Taft, and Teddy Roosevelt were all having a battle royal for president.
00:06:51The Democratic jackass outrun Taft's elephant in Teddy's bull moose, and Wilson was elected.
00:06:57Doggoneest political fight you ever saw.
00:07:00Reckon you don't remember much about that campaign, do you?
00:07:031912? I was just a boy at the time.
00:07:07Uh, twelve years old, to be exact.
00:07:10Yeah, I was just twelve years old.
00:07:19That's the file of the daily register for October 1912.
00:07:22I hope it helps you.
00:07:23I hope so.
00:07:40I hope so.
00:07:41I hope so.
00:08:28Did you find what you wanted?
00:08:29Exactly what I wanted.
00:08:37I hardly think I can help you locate Lee Nugent.
00:08:39Our records show he was placed in a private home six months after the death of his mother and sister.
00:08:44Have you the name and address of the people who gave him a home?
00:08:47Yes, I do.
00:08:48Mr. and Mrs. Henry Carlson.
00:08:50They lived at 11816 Runnymede Street.
00:08:54But this information is of little value.
00:08:56Lee ran away from home, the Carlson home, in 1915, and hasn't been heard of since.
00:09:02Mr. and Mrs. Carlson died some years ago.
00:09:05I see.
00:09:06About Lee's father, have you any information regarding him?
00:09:10Only that he and Mrs. Nugent were separated and an effort was made to find them in 1912,
00:09:15when the boy became a ward of this society.
00:09:18There is a notation here that he was reported to be somewhere in South America at the time.
00:09:24I'm sorry, I can't give you any more information.
00:09:26Well, you've been very kind.
00:09:28Thank you very much.
00:09:29You're quite welcome.
00:09:30You want something, brother?
00:09:31Depends on how much for a gambler you are.
00:09:32I never gamble.
00:09:33If it's a suit you want, I can sell it to you.
00:09:34You want something, brother?
00:09:37Depends on how much for a gambler you are.
00:09:39I never gamble.
00:09:44If it's the suit you want, I can sell it to you cheap.
00:09:45But for cash?
00:09:46Well, I haven't any cash at the moment.
00:09:47Then come back the moment you have it.
00:09:48Well, that won't do.
00:09:49I have to have a suit in order to get the cash.
00:09:50If it is, I'll buy money.
00:09:51I can sell it to you.
00:09:52But if it is a suit.
00:09:53The suit you want, I can sell it to you cheap.
00:09:54But for cash.
00:09:55Depends on how much of a gambler you are.
00:09:57I never gamble.
00:09:58If it's a suit you want, I can sell it to you cheap.
00:10:00But for cash...
00:10:01Well, I haven't any cash at the moment.
00:10:03Then come back the moment you have it.
00:10:04Well, that won't do.
00:10:05I have to have a suit in order to get the cash.
00:10:07Let me show you something.
00:10:08If it ain't cash, I don't want to look at it.
00:10:10Yeah, but look this over.
00:10:11This is good for cash.
00:10:12Maybe a lot of it.
00:10:13All I see is a piece of old newspaper.
00:10:15And for that, you get no suit in this door.
00:10:16Now, do me a favor and go away.
00:10:17Okay, if you're not interested in making 100% profit
00:10:19on a very small investment, I'll find somebody who is.
00:10:21Wait a minute, brother.
00:10:23Did you say 100%?
00:10:25Yes.
00:10:26On how small an investment?
00:10:29The price of a suit and enough money for food and lodging
00:10:31and a cheap hotel until I can claim a dormant account
00:10:34that's waiting for me at the Standard Savings Bank.
00:10:36Here, look.
00:10:37There's my name on the list in their advertisement.
00:10:40You can't lose.
00:10:41How do I know you were Lee Nugent?
00:10:44The government says I am.
00:10:46Here's my Social Security card.
00:10:48See?
00:10:49The whole gamble amounts to about $60.
00:10:51$20 for the suit and the balance for expenses
00:10:54until I claim the account.
00:10:56Oh.
00:10:57What if there ain't $60 in the account?
00:10:59Oh, but there's sure to be.
00:11:00It says right there that every account's over $100.
00:11:02Come on, give me a suit and $40 in cash
00:11:04and I'll get a cheap hotel room.
00:11:06Oh, no.
00:11:07You take no $40 of mine.
00:11:09If I'm going into this thing, I've got to protect my investment.
00:11:11In a hotel, I might not find you when you get the money,
00:11:13if you get it.
00:11:14I got an apartment upstairs.
00:11:16You'll move in with me.
00:11:17Then if you don't get the money, you give me back my suit.
00:11:19And all I'm out is the food you eat while you're here.
00:11:21That's my final proposition.
00:11:23Take it or leave it, brother.
00:11:24You're a shrewd trader, but it's a deal.
00:11:35You going somewhere?
00:11:36Yeah, mail a letter.
00:11:38I'll go with you.
00:11:39Oh, yeah, that's a good idea.
00:11:41You can keep an eye on your suit.
00:11:43I haven't any money for a poachy stamp.
00:11:46Well, you can get me a package of cigarettes too, huh?
00:11:48I'll be with you in a minute.
00:12:06Okay, brother, I'm ready.
00:12:21Good morning, Mr. Sorsby.
00:12:22Good morning.
00:12:23You got a letter for me?
00:12:24No, there's one here for a man named Lee Nugent in Caraview.
00:12:28Do you know him?
00:12:29Yeah, he's staying with me for a while.
00:12:31I'll see that he gets it.
00:12:32Oh, okay.
00:12:36A letter came for you.
00:12:54Put it on the table in the living room.
00:12:56I'll get it later.
00:12:57Listen, brother.
00:12:58How come you get mail at my place and I only met you yesterday?
00:13:01Well, it could be that I told some friends of mine
00:13:03that I'd be stopping here with you.
00:13:04What friends?
00:13:05You ain't talked to nobody since we made our deal.
00:13:08Oh, that was before I met you.
00:13:09Before you...
00:13:10Sure, I knew that we'd shake a deal.
00:13:12You got a reputation in the neighborhood, you know,
00:13:14of always being willing to spend a dollar in order to make two.
00:13:16Yeah?
00:13:17Yeah.
00:13:18Well, get this straight, Nugent.
00:13:19I don't trust you and I'm protecting my investment.
00:13:21When you walk out of here with that suit of mine to go to the bank,
00:13:23I'm going right along with it.
00:13:25Good idea.
00:13:26Let all three go.
00:13:27You, me, and the suit.
00:13:28Only when we get to the bank, I'll have to ask you to wait outside.
00:13:30You're, uh...
00:13:31You're not exactly the prepossessing type, you know.
00:13:35Well, this is as far as you go.
00:13:38Oh, why can't I wait just outside the bank?
00:13:40Hey, listen.
00:13:41It's going to be tough enough for me to convince them that I'm Lee Nugent
00:13:43without you hanging on to spoil everything.
00:13:44But I can identify you.
00:13:45I'm a legitimate businessman.
00:13:46You're staying at my apartment.
00:13:47If I go in with you, it'll help your claim.
00:13:48Now, play it my way if you want to double your money back.
00:13:49Let's go.
00:13:50Let's go.
00:13:51Let's go.
00:13:52Let's go.
00:13:53Let's go.
00:13:54Let's go.
00:13:55Let's go.
00:13:56Let's go.
00:13:57Let's go.
00:13:58Let's go.
00:13:59Let's go.
00:14:00Let's go.
00:14:01Let's go.
00:14:02Let's go.
00:14:03Let's go.
00:14:04Let's go.
00:14:05Let's go.
00:14:06Let's go.
00:14:07Let's go.
00:14:08Let's go.
00:14:09Let's go.
00:14:10Let's go.
00:14:11Let's go.
00:14:12Let's go.
00:14:13Let's go.
00:14:14You'll have to double your money back.
00:14:15Okay.
00:14:16But I'll be watching that bank door every minute.
00:14:18Fill this out and take it to window number three.
00:14:22You'll receive my station behind on the cannon.
00:14:23Let's have a look.
00:14:24Let's go.
00:14:25Let's go.
00:14:28You can receive my space behind on this candid.
00:14:41I'd like to inquire about the dormant accounts you're advertising.
00:14:44Right over at that desk, sir. Mr. Simmons will take care of it.
00:14:50You take those drafts upstairs and check on those other accounts.
00:14:53I'll call you later.
00:14:54Mr. Simmons?
00:14:56Yes. May I help you?
00:14:58I think you can. I'm... I'm Lee Nugent.
00:15:03Come in, Mr. Nugent.
00:15:08Won't you sit down?
00:15:09Well, thank you.
00:15:13I presume you're here to discuss the dormant account listed in our advertisement.
00:15:16Well, that's the general idea.
00:15:18Naturally, we will require proof that you are the beneficiary named in the account.
00:15:22Mm-hmm.
00:15:23Have you any identification?
00:15:25For some. I have, uh...
00:15:27Well, I have my Social Security card and, uh...
00:15:31There's a porn ticket for a ring and, uh, a letter from a friend of mine.
00:15:36Haven't you anything more?
00:15:38We can't turn over a sum of money to you merely on the strength of a letter,
00:15:42a porn ticket, and a Social Security card.
00:15:46No.
00:15:47I...
00:15:48Have you any suggestions?
00:15:50I'll get the file on the account.
00:15:53It may take a few moments.
00:16:13Is Mr. Simmers taking care of you all right?
00:16:15Oh, yes. Everything's fine. He's going to get some papers.
00:16:18I see.
00:16:19You're not leaving, Mr. Nugent.
00:16:21Why?
00:16:22I was just curious about that siren.
00:16:25Oh, an ambulance.
00:16:26Yes, they go by the bank quite often.
00:16:28There's a hospital a few blocks up the street.
00:16:30Uh, Mr. Nugent.
00:16:31Have you anyone to vouch for you?
00:16:32Someone of standing whom you've known for some time?
00:16:33I'm afraid I haven't.
00:16:34Certainly someone must have known you over a period of years.
00:16:35Well, I can't think of anyone.
00:16:36C.I. Rafferty.
00:16:37No.
00:16:38No.
00:16:39No.
00:16:40No.
00:16:41No.
00:16:42No.
00:16:43No.
00:16:44No.
00:16:45No.
00:16:46No.
00:16:47No.
00:16:48No.
00:16:49No.
00:16:50No.
00:16:51No.
00:16:52No.
00:16:53No.
00:16:54No.
00:16:55No.
00:16:56No.
00:16:57No.
00:16:58No.
00:16:59You can't think of anyone.
00:17:00C.I. ran away from home when I was only 15.
00:17:02I didn't have much of an education.
00:17:04I'd take any jobs that came along.
00:17:06Won't you sit down?
00:17:12What kind of jobs?
00:17:13Anything to make a living.
00:17:16Harvesting in Kansas, lumbering in the Northwoods, worked in a construction gang,
00:17:20even down at the docks now and then.
00:17:22I'm what I guess you'd call, a floater.
00:17:24And a fellow's a floater.
00:17:26He, well he really hasn't got a name.
00:17:28I almost forgot what my last name was.
00:17:30People just called me Lee and let it go at that.
00:17:32I see.
00:17:34You say this letter is from a friend of yours.
00:17:36Mind if I read it?
00:17:37Oh, please do. I'm afraid it won't be of much help.
00:17:39He was a floater like myself.
00:17:41Only difference was he had a college education.
00:17:44Said he was gonna write a book sometime.
00:17:46Always packed a portable typewriter with him.
00:17:48Slim, what's the man's last name?
00:17:58Well, I don't know and tell you the truth, he never told me.
00:18:02This letter is absolutely worthless for identification.
00:18:06I was afraid it wouldn't be much help.
00:18:08You say you ran away from home when you were 15. Why?
00:18:11Were your parents cruel to you?
00:18:13Oh, I wasn't living with my parents at the time.
00:18:15I was living with some people by the name of Carlson.
00:18:18I remember they lived on Runnymede Street.
00:18:20Where were your parents?
00:18:21Well, my mother and sister were killed in the fire.
00:18:24I don't know where my dad was.
00:18:26My mother and father weren't living together.
00:18:28It seems to me as though I remember my mother said something
00:18:31about his being in South America.
00:18:34When were you born?
00:18:35Well, I can't tell you that exactly.
00:18:37I suppose my mother told me, but kids forget things.
00:18:40I was 12 years old at the time of the fire.
00:18:44When was that?
00:18:45In October, 1912.
00:18:47Where was this house of yours, you say, burned down?
00:18:51Well, it wasn't a house.
00:18:52It was an apartment building.
00:18:54295 Reed Street.
00:18:55Well, I remember it very vividly.
00:18:57I had to jump in the sixth floor.
00:18:59A thing like that sticks with a fella.
00:19:01I can readily see how it would.
00:19:04You say your younger sister died in the fire?
00:19:08Well, she wasn't younger.
00:19:10She was three years older than I am.
00:19:13And I suppose you remember her name?
00:19:15Sure.
00:19:16Sure.
00:19:17Dorothy.
00:19:18How long have you known about the existence of this file?
00:19:21Well, only since yesterday.
00:19:23It was strictly accidental.
00:19:25I happened to see your ad and I thought,
00:19:27well, isn't that queer that the bank are trying to find people to give money to?
00:19:32Then I saw my mother's name and mine.
00:19:35You were very fortunate.
00:19:37You mean I get the money?
00:19:39Not yet.
00:19:41Naturally, the bank will have to conduct an investigation.
00:19:44Naturally, but how soon do I get it?
00:19:47You'll be notified within five days.
00:19:49I take it this is your correct mailing address?
00:19:52Yes, that's correct.
00:19:54How much money is there in the account?
00:19:56I'm not permitted to disclose the amount until the investigation is completed.
00:20:00Well, that doesn't tell me very much, does it?
00:20:02Not much.
00:20:03You'll just have to be patient.
00:20:05Good day, Mr. Nugent.
00:20:07Good day.
00:20:13You get all fixed up, sir?
00:20:15Yes, thank you.
00:20:16Do you own one of those dormant accounts?
00:20:18Yes, what about it?
00:20:19Oh, nothing.
00:20:20I'm just curious to know why anybody would leave money laying in a bank for 20 years without claiming it.
00:20:25Well, I'm curious about that, too.
00:20:44Did you get it?
00:20:45Did they give you the money?
00:20:46Not yet.
00:20:47They want five days to investigate.
00:20:48Did you say five days?
00:20:49Oh, don't worry.
00:20:50I'll get it.
00:20:51I gave them all the right answers.
00:20:52Maybe so, but I've got to board you for five days.
00:20:54Don't forget it goes on your bill.
00:21:00Hello, Mr. Sorsby.
00:21:01Hmm?
00:21:02Quite a stack of mail this morning.
00:21:03Bills mostly.
00:21:04First of the month.
00:21:05Mr. Nugent.
00:21:06Mr. Nugent.
00:21:07Mr. Nugent.
00:21:08Mr. Nugent.
00:21:11Ah, it's here.
00:21:12The letter from the bank came.
00:21:13Open it and see how much you get after I get mine.
00:21:17How much?
00:21:18How much?
00:21:19It doesn't say.
00:21:20It doesn't say.
00:21:21They want me to call it the bank.
00:21:22It doesn't say.
00:21:23They want me to call it the bank.
00:21:24It doesn't say.
00:21:25They want me to call it the bank again.
00:21:26Probably to ask me some more questions.
00:21:27Ah.
00:21:28What?
00:21:29Mm-hmm.
00:21:30Ah, it looks good.
00:21:32Look.
00:21:33By the way, Mr. Nugent.
00:21:34Mr. Nugent.
00:21:35Mr. Nugent.
00:21:36Mr. Nugent.
00:21:37It's here.
00:21:38The letter from the bank came.
00:21:39Open it and see how much you get after I get mine.
00:21:41How much?
00:21:42It doesn't say.
00:21:48They want me to call at the bank again,
00:21:49probably to ask me some more questions.
00:21:51Ah.
00:22:01Oh, it's you.
00:22:03Naturally.
00:22:08Well, this is your observation post.
00:22:11Yeah.
00:22:11And don't forget, I'm a very observant guy.
00:22:13I'll be in on the payoff.
00:22:26Good morning.
00:22:28I see you came back.
00:22:32Morning.
00:22:34Oh, Mr. Nugent, come right in.
00:22:35You didn't lose any time getting here, did you?
00:22:43Do you know any reason why I should lose time?
00:22:45No reason at all.
00:22:47Do you wish to leave the money in the bank or take it out?
00:22:52It's okay?
00:22:54Yes.
00:22:55The bank has decided that the money is rightfully yours.
00:22:58How much?
00:23:00$29,010, including improved interest.
00:23:04I presume you'll want to open a checking account?
00:23:08I'll take it with me.
00:23:10Very well, I'll have a check.
00:23:11I want it in cash.
00:23:13All right, if you insist.
00:23:15I'll get the money.
00:23:16It'll take a few moments.
00:23:19Don't go away.
00:23:20I'll get the money.
00:23:50What did he mean when he told you not to go away?
00:24:14Will he come back with the money or a detective?
00:24:16Everybody in the place seems to be staring at you, waiting.
00:24:21It's still not too late to change your mind.
00:24:37Well, Mr. Nugent, I guess this is a big day in your life.
00:24:39Everybody in the place is talking about it.
00:24:41Really?
00:24:42Yes, sir.
00:24:52This, uh, this is our standard release.
00:24:55Um, you seem nervous.
00:24:58Well, I am a little.
00:25:00$29,000 is a lot of money to a fellow that's broke.
00:25:02$29,000 is a lot of money, period.
00:25:05Sign here, please.
00:25:10The real Lee Nugent had no middle name.
00:25:13Is it too late?
00:25:14Did Mr. Simmons see you make your first mistake?
00:25:16I've blotted it.
00:25:18So I see.
00:25:20Perhaps you'd better use another blank.
00:25:29There you are.
00:25:31There you are, Mr. Nugent.
00:25:33Uh, you'll find, uh, $28,000 bills and the balance in smaller denominations.
00:25:40Better count it.
00:25:41I trust you.
00:25:43Oh, uh, take my advice and put most of that money in a safe place as quickly as possible.
00:25:48I will.
00:25:49Thank you, Mr. Simmons, and good day.
00:25:50Good day.
00:26:00Bye, Mr. Nugent, and good luck.
00:26:02That's our man.
00:26:03Hold it, Mr. Nugent.
00:26:04We want a picture.
00:26:04Oh!
00:26:11Don't be so bashful.
00:26:12Give us a big smile.
00:26:13Hey, give me that.
00:26:14Come on, give me that.
00:26:14Oh, no, you don't.
00:26:15Beat it.
00:26:16Okay, what's the idea you're taking my picture?
00:26:17Because you're Lee Nugent.
00:26:18You've just come into a big fortune.
00:26:19That's news, and I want a story.
00:26:21I'm Pat Henley of the Daily Register.
00:26:23How does it feel to be so rich?
00:26:25Well.
00:26:26Okay, so I'll print my own story.
00:26:28Rags to riches with pictures.
00:26:30Read all about yourself in the afternoon edition.
00:26:34I saw you duck behind your hat.
00:26:36Were you trying to shake me?
00:26:37Oh, don't be silly.
00:26:37I was trying to get rid of that girl reporter and her photographer.
00:26:40Oh, no kidding.
00:26:41Well, why didn't you hold them here till I could get in the picture?
00:26:43After all, I'm your financial backer.
00:26:45Hey, did you get the money?
00:26:46Yeah, I got it.
00:26:47How much?
00:26:49Considerable.
00:26:49Well, how much?
00:26:53There's $100.
00:26:54I guess that squares us, huh?
00:26:55$100?
00:26:57Lee Nugent, you're an honest man.
00:26:59That's why I trusted you.
00:27:00There's never a suspicion.
00:27:03Tonight, we'll celebrate, huh?
00:27:04I know just the place to go.
00:27:06No celebration.
00:27:06Our little transaction's in it.
00:27:08It's where we split up.
00:27:09Oh, ain't you?
00:27:10Coming back to get your things?
00:27:12What things?
00:27:13Oh, that's right.
00:27:14I forgot.
00:27:14You ain't got no things.
00:27:16Well, so long.
00:27:18Goodbye.
00:27:22Yeah, I guess I kind of ruined your stock and trade, didn't I?
00:27:25And you couldn't help it, Mr. Nugent?
00:27:27How'd you know my name?
00:27:29I heard the lady called you Lee Nugent, and so did the gentleman that just left.
00:27:33That's right.
00:27:35That's right.
00:27:35I guess I'm a little bit jittery.
00:27:38Hey, are you scared of something?
00:27:40What makes you think I'm scared?
00:27:42I've been carrying this tray around the streets for a lot of years.
00:27:45I study people's faces.
00:27:47I generally know when they're scared.
00:27:49Well, this time you're wrong.
00:27:50I haven't a thing in the world to worry about.
00:27:52Not a thing.
00:27:54Wonderful feeling.
00:27:55So here.
00:27:56Here's, uh, $10 for any of the damage that I might have done.
00:28:01Gee, thanks, Mr. Nugent.
00:28:02Thanks very much.
00:28:03Hey, tell me, uh, what's the best hotel in this town?
00:28:06Why, uh, the Ramsey Arms over on Shoreham Avenue.
00:28:09Where can a guy get a couple of good suits?
00:28:11Well, you can't beat the Edwards shop on Fifth Street.
00:28:13I say thanks.
00:28:15Say, well, what's your name?
00:28:16Just plain Smith.
00:28:18Most people call me Limpy on account of my game late.
00:28:22Well, good luck, Limpy.
00:28:24Thanks, Mr. Nugent.
00:28:26I'll take this suit, too.
00:28:34That's three all together.
00:28:36Can you, uh, make the alterations
00:28:37and have them over to the hotel by five o'clock this afternoon?
00:28:40We can have one ready for you and deliver the others tomorrow.
00:28:42That's fine.
00:28:45Your name, please.
00:28:47Uh, Selfridge.
00:28:49First name or initial?
00:28:50L.
00:28:51L. Selfridge.
00:28:52Your address?
00:28:52Ramsey Arms Hotel.
00:28:54Ramsey Arms Hotel.
00:28:54Thank you very much.
00:28:57Paper.
00:28:57Daily Register.
00:28:58Paper.
00:29:00Paper.
00:29:00Get your paper here.
00:29:01Daily Register.
00:29:02Paper.
00:29:02Paper.
00:29:03Hello, Mr. Donnelly.
00:29:06Thank you, sir.
00:29:07Paper.
00:29:08Daily Register.
00:29:09Paper.
00:29:09Paper.
00:29:09Daily Register.
00:29:10Paper.
00:29:11Paper.
00:29:12Daily Register.
00:29:13Paper.
00:29:13Get your paper, madam.
00:29:15Paper.
00:29:15Paper.
00:29:17Daily Register.
00:29:17Paper, sir.
00:29:18Paper.
00:29:19I'm sorry, sir.
00:29:35Nugent's in town.
00:29:38Yeah?
00:29:39What do you know? Did you see him?
00:29:41No, not yet.
00:29:43But I will.
00:29:45There's pictures in the paper.
00:29:49Which one?
00:29:51This one, not the street peddler.
00:29:53Yeah?
00:29:54Well, what do you know?
00:29:56I know I'm going to kill him.
00:29:58Why are you going to find him?
00:30:00It says here he didn't even go back to the place he was staying after he got the money.
00:30:04I'll find him, all right.
00:30:07What would you do if you suddenly fell there to $30,000?
00:30:11Me?
00:30:13I'll get myself some small clothes, stay at the house,
00:30:17I'll get myself some small clothes, stay at the best hotels in town,
00:30:20and really have myself a time.
00:30:22That's right.
00:30:25Even you can figure that out.
00:30:47come in.
00:30:49Come in.
00:31:19Here's the wine you ordered, Mr. Selfridge.
00:31:23Where would you like it?
00:31:24Just put it down.
00:31:26And open it, will you, please?
00:31:28Yes, sir.
00:31:29I brought you an evening paper, too.
00:31:31Oh, thank you.
00:31:32There's a story in there about a lucky stiff who got 30,000 bucks
00:31:35that he didn't even know he owned until he read the ad in the paper.
00:31:39Certainly was lucky.
00:31:41Yeah.
00:31:42You're just a drifter.
00:31:44Didn't have a dime.
00:31:47Something like that should happen to me.
00:31:50Would you care to pay for the check, Mr. Selfridge, or sign it?
00:31:52No.
00:31:53I'm a pay-as-you-go man.
00:31:54Oh.
00:31:55It's all right.
00:31:56Keep the change.
00:31:57Thank you, sir.
00:31:58Thank you very much.
00:31:59Say, by the way, what's the name of a good nightclub in this town
00:32:01where the food is perfect and the entertainment isn't too bad?
00:32:05Oh, that's easy.
00:32:06The Club Royale is the spot for a man who likes the best.
00:32:08Fine.
00:32:09I'll try it.
00:32:12You're feeling pretty confident, aren't you, Lee?
00:32:14You're almost convinced that nobody will recognize you from that picture in the paper.
00:32:19Seems like a toast to doubtful security.
00:32:27Let me speak to Eddie Donnelly.
00:32:31Hello, Donnelly.
00:32:32This is Sellers, bell cabinet, Ramsey Arms.
00:32:36That party you were asking about checked in here this afternoon.
00:32:39Yes.
00:32:40Are you sure?
00:32:41Positive.
00:32:42He registered as El Selfridge.
00:32:45He's going to have dinner at the Club Royale.
00:33:19Hey, look.
00:33:20I'm not the talkative type.
00:33:21But when I get big hearted and offer to buy you a drink,
00:33:23the least you can do is look pleasant.
00:33:25But when I get big-hearted and offer to buy you a drink, the least you can do is look pleasant.
00:33:29No, I'm sorry, Tom. I was thinking about that story I wrote today.
00:33:33Oh, forget it. When you've been a reporter as long as I have,
00:33:35you'll realize it's silly to think about a story once you've turned it in.
00:33:39No, but doesn't it strike you as strange that a man who's broken out of a job
00:33:43should refuse to open up when he's had $30,000 practically thrust upon him?
00:33:46No, no, it doesn't.
00:33:48If I had $30,000 thrust upon me, I can think of plenty of people I wouldn't speak to, including you.
00:33:55That's what I like about you. You're such a cheerful character.
00:33:59Yeah. I got that way covering Night Court.
00:34:01I mean to speak to the city editor?
00:34:03Gladly trade your nightclubs for Night Court.
00:34:05No, thanks. I meet a better class of heels in Night Court.
00:34:09Be seeing you.
00:34:10Bye.
00:34:13Good evening.
00:34:14Good evening.
00:34:23How do you do, sir? May I help you?
00:34:25Does he have a table?
00:34:26For one, sir?
00:34:27Yes, I'm along.
00:34:28Right this way, please.
00:34:34How nice. Thank you.
00:34:38Never mind the menu. I want the best dinner you've got in the house.
00:34:41All the trimmings. I'll leave it to you.
00:34:43Excellent, monsieur.
00:34:45You will not regret the confidence you have placed in me.
00:34:50Hello, Mr. Nugent. Remember me? Pat Henley of the Register.
00:35:07Why, of course I remember you.
00:35:10Won't you sit down?
00:35:14You know, the garden...
00:35:15Excuse me.
00:35:17You look very different than you did this morning.
00:35:18I hardly knew you.
00:35:19A distinct improvement, I might add.
00:35:21I think so?
00:35:23Shall I order the grand dinner?
00:35:26What do, monsieur?
00:35:27Well, I don't know what I'm having.
00:35:28I've left it all to him.
00:35:29But I'd love to have you join me.
00:35:30Oh, thank you. I love surprises.
00:35:32Yes, madame.
00:35:33Two.
00:35:37You seem a little jittery about something.
00:35:39Want to tell me what's worrying you?
00:35:41Oh, I don't know.
00:35:42I guess it's just that possibly I'm not used to this sort of thing.
00:35:46Don't let a nightclub throw you.
00:35:47Let's dance.
00:35:48Music's on your check. It's a shame not to use it.
00:35:50I haven't danced in a long time.
00:35:51Good.
00:35:52Then you won't be trying any of that fancy stuff that gets a woman down.
00:36:00For a man who's out of practice, you do all right for yourself.
00:36:28Good partner helps.
00:36:30Nicely put, Mr. Nugent. Very nicely.
00:36:33He took my tip and came here all right.
00:36:36That's him, the tall fellow there until with the blonde.
00:36:43Something for your trouble.
00:36:44Thanks, Mr. Don.
00:36:47Good evening, sir.
00:36:48Are you dying alone, sir?
00:36:50Yes, ma'am.
00:36:52This way, please.
00:36:58Do you wish to order now, sir?
00:37:09No.
00:37:10Not now.
00:37:12Yes, sir.
00:37:18You are worried about something.
00:37:21Well, this time you're right.
00:37:22A friend of yours?
00:37:44Never saw him before in my life.
00:37:46Any reason that man should be sizing you up like that?
00:38:12There might be.
00:38:13Well, are you going to tell me about it?
00:38:14Do I have to ferret it out for myself?
00:38:16Maybe I'll tell you all about it sometime.
00:38:41Right now, I want you to do me a favor.
00:38:50Take this money and pay the bill.
00:38:52I'm leaving.
00:38:53Oh, isn't that kind of silly?
00:38:55If that character's really after you, we'll have somebody waiting outside.
00:38:57I'm not leaving by the front door.
00:38:59I've got a better idea.
00:39:00I'll get to a telephone call, half a dozen nice, friendly cops I'm personally acquainted with.
00:39:04No, that's no good.
00:39:06This man probably is a detective.
00:39:08So you had a reason to be camera shy.
00:39:10Yes, I did.
00:39:11I'll tell you all about that sometime.
00:39:14I suppose I won't see you again.
00:39:17Oh, yes, well.
00:39:19I'll call you at the newspaper office.
00:39:40Say, boy.
00:39:44Yes, sir.
00:39:45Is there any other way out of this place?
00:39:46Oh, no, sir.
00:39:47This is a one-way room, sir.
00:39:48That's a supply closet.
00:39:51What would happen if I gave you $10?
00:39:53Yes, sir.
00:39:54For that kind of money, it would become a two-way room.
00:39:56I'm a little rooms.
00:39:58For sure.
00:39:58I'll give you everything.
00:39:59Sorry.
00:40:00Bye.
00:40:00I'll give you some applause.
00:40:02Bye.
00:40:03Bye.
00:40:03Bye.
00:40:04Bye.
00:40:05Bye.
00:40:06Bye.
00:40:07Bye.
00:40:07Bye.
00:40:08Bye.
00:40:09Bye.
00:40:22Bye.
00:40:23Bye.
00:40:24Bye.
00:40:25I do, sir.
00:40:26Where'd the fellow go that just came in here?
00:40:27Uh, fellow?
00:40:28What, uh, what fellow?
00:40:29You know, you must be looking for the invisible man, sir.
00:40:44Supplier closet, sir.
00:40:50I said, where'd he go?
00:41:05Where'd he go?
00:41:06Uh, no viola, sir.
00:41:07The gentleman just posted $10 worth of emergency exit.
00:41:10See here?
00:41:13Look at that.
00:41:20.
00:41:40this is an amazing turn of events isn't it lee nugent you went to infinite pains to prove that
00:42:03you were the man to whom the money belonged and now you are hunted is it by someone who may know
00:42:09of the fraud you perpetrated where to sir ramsey arms hotel
00:42:39limpy what's the idea don't ask questions tell the driver not to stop at your hotel
00:42:56keep right on going driver until i tell you to stop
00:42:58there's a woman in the car down the street watching you
00:43:25look mr nugent i was passing your hotel peddling my merchandise and i spot a couple of hard-looking
00:43:52guys as can pete the doorman if a mr selfridge had got back yet he said he hadn't i didn't think
00:43:58anything of it then these guys moved down to a doorway and they started gabbing so i eased over
00:44:02to them and from what i heard i tumbled that you were mr selfridge what'd they say about me
00:44:07well one of them was telling how you got away from him at the club royale he said he was going to get
00:44:12you anyway he had a kind of a crazy look in his eye how'd you happen to head me off
00:44:17i started watching the traffic coming from the direction of the club royale boy it was a lucky
00:44:22thing i spotted you in that cab yes it was lucky what are they after you for is there something to do
00:44:28about that money you got in the bank tell you the truth i don't know why don't you go to the cops
00:44:33because there are complications oh i didn't mean to get personal
00:44:41haven't you got any plans yes i'm getting out of town for a while do you know anything about the
00:44:50trains at this time of night oh you wouldn't stand a chance without a reservation your best bet is a
00:44:55bus there's two or three of them leaving the terminal at 8th and main around midnight
00:44:58good you say you know the doorman at the ramsey arms sure i stop and kid with him almost every
00:45:05night do you know him well enough to get in my room and get something for me i can't leave without
00:45:09it well i can get by pete all right but there's a couple other things to consider those two guys
00:45:15waiting for you on the outside and the night clerk and the elevator boy on the inside
00:45:19i know another way though oh through the service entrance good here's the key to room 412
00:45:28on the icebox the bottom of the freezing unit you'll find a tin box you'll bring it to me at
00:45:34the bus station i'll make it worth your time oh don't worry about that i'm only too glad to help
00:45:39you i haven't forgot the 10 bucks you gave me this morning you put this thing over for me and
00:45:43there'll be 50 in it for you gee 50 bucks i haven't got much time it's a quarter after 11
00:45:49i'll meet you on a bench at the bus station i'll be there mr nugent
00:45:53i'm
00:45:56i'm
00:46:06i'm
00:46:13Let's go.
00:46:43Let's go.
00:47:13Let's go.
00:47:43Let's go.
00:48:14Here's your box, Mr. Nugent.
00:48:15Good.
00:48:17Anybody see you get it?
00:48:18I don't think so.
00:48:19I didn't see anybody.
00:48:21I brought one of your hats, too.
00:48:23Got kind of crushed, but I figured you might need it.
00:48:26Swell.
00:48:26You think of everything.
00:48:28Here.
00:48:29Here's your 50.
00:48:30I hate to take this, Mr. Nugent.
00:48:32It wasn't worth it.
00:48:33Oh, yes, it was.
00:48:34Any idea what is in this box?
00:48:35Yeah.
00:48:3728,000 in cash.
00:48:39I couldn't help seeing it.
00:48:40The box flew open when I pulled it out.
00:48:43You still brought it to me?
00:48:44Why not?
00:48:45I like to think that you're my friend.
00:48:47You better be getting on your bus now.
00:48:51Say, look.
00:48:52I bought a lot of swell clothes yesterday.
00:48:54They'll be delivered tomorrow.
00:48:55My rumor ain't paid in advance.
00:48:57I want you to have them.
00:48:58You got the key.
00:48:59Go on in there tomorrow.
00:48:59Take out everything.
00:49:00I couldn't use them, Mr. Nugent.
00:49:02I found out a long time ago that if it doesn't pay,
00:49:04they'll look prosperous in my business.
00:49:05I'll take care of them for you until you get back, though.
00:49:08Look.
00:49:09If you ever need me, I got a room at 410 Poconoke Street.
00:49:14The street was named after an Indian, so they say.
00:49:17You can't forget a name like that.
00:49:19Poconoke.
00:49:22Well, I'll be going now.
00:49:24Good luck, my friend.
00:49:26Don't forget.
00:49:27410 Poconoke Street.
00:49:29Room 8.
00:49:30I won't.
00:49:48Come on, let's take a walk.
00:49:50Sir, dear.
00:49:56On your feet.
00:49:58Try these on for size.
00:50:00What's in that box?
00:50:07Money.
00:50:08I'll let you keep it on you until you get to headquarters.
00:50:11Why am I being arrested?
00:50:12I suppose you don't have the slightest idea.
00:50:14Or maybe you're trying to tell me that you're not Lee Nugent.
00:50:17I'm Lee Nugent, all right.
00:50:18The money's rightfully mine.
00:50:19Who says it isn't?
00:50:20I'm picking you up for murder.
00:50:23Murder?
00:50:24Maybe you've forgotten all about the policeman you killed in Chicago.
00:50:28So that's why you didn't claim it.
00:50:29What's that?
00:50:30Look, I'm not the man you want.
00:50:33So now you're not Lee Nugent.
00:50:34A moment ago you were.
00:50:35Well, I'm Lee Nugent, but I'm not the one you think I am.
00:50:37Yeah, come on.
00:50:37Give me the night editor, please.
00:50:54Give me the night editor, please.
00:50:54Hello, Roy.
00:51:10This is Pat Henley.
00:51:11I'm at the central bus terminal.
00:51:13A detective just picked up Lee Nugent who collected that dormant account this morning.
00:51:17Yes, I'll follow through at the police station and call you from there.
00:51:24Hey, this isn't police headquarters.
00:51:54And you're not the police.
00:51:57What's this all about?
00:51:58You'll find out.
00:52:00Inside.
00:52:01Inside.
00:52:24Sit down.
00:52:35I'm Eddie Donnelly.
00:52:37Does the name mean anything to you?
00:52:40Then I'll refresh your memory.
00:52:43Joe Nugent, your father, was my father's partner.
00:52:47Your old man turned crooked, ruined the firm, then disappeared and let my father take the
00:52:53rap for him.
00:52:54Well, you're all wrong.
00:52:55I'm not the man you're looking for.
00:52:56You listen.
00:52:57I'll do the talking.
00:52:58My father went to jail.
00:53:01Your father left his family here and then went to another country where he lived on stolen
00:53:06money.
00:53:06I want to show you something.
00:53:10Bring him in.
00:53:15I want you to understand why I swore I'd get even.
00:53:19Why I spent years hunting your father.
00:53:21I caught up with him ten years ago in the Argentine.
00:53:26But I was just a week too late.
00:53:29He died a natural death in bed.
00:53:31This is my father.
00:53:43Take a good look at him.
00:53:45He's been like this a long time.
00:53:49He doesn't know me, nor my brother.
00:53:52He didn't even recognize my mother the day they released him.
00:53:56Going to prison for something he didn't do snapped his mind.
00:54:00My mother died six months later.
00:54:02The shock of seeing him like this killed her.
00:54:06Now you know why you're here.
00:54:08If you let me talk, I'm sure I can convince you that I'm not the man you're looking for.
00:54:13My father couldn't have been in partnership with yours.
00:54:15My father was never in business with anyone.
00:54:17His name was Dan, not Joe.
00:54:20Furthermore, he died 20 years ago.
00:54:23I impersonated the man that you've been looking for because, well, I wanted the money in that
00:54:27dormant bank account.
00:54:29I don't blame you for wanting vengeance, but vengeance on the wrong man won't do you any good.
00:54:34You're not going to let him get away with us, Eddie.
00:54:36You say you can prove a lot of things.
00:54:39But how do I know but what you're stalling for time?
00:54:41Why should I be stalling for time?
00:54:44Why do you think I went through that window at the nightclub?
00:54:46I didn't know who you were.
00:54:48I thought you were a detective.
00:54:50I thought the bank had sent you after me because they had discovered my fraud.
00:54:53Suppose I send down to your old neighborhood and bring someone up here and see if they
00:54:57can recognize you.
00:54:59Old neighbors remember faces.
00:55:01I don't mean a neighbor from where you lived when you were a kid.
00:55:05I mean a neighbor from where you lived after your old man ran away.
00:55:08What's the name of that street?
00:55:11Reed Street, 295.
00:55:13But that won't help any.
00:55:14Why, the building burned down two days after they moved in.
00:55:17So you're not the Lee Nugent I want.
00:55:20Yet you sit there and tell me the very number of the street where you lived as a kid.
00:55:24And about the fire.
00:55:25Get up.
00:55:26We're going.
00:55:56I suppose you're wondering how you're going to die.
00:56:16Maybe you think I'm going to shoot you and it'll be over all of a sudden.
00:56:21But it's not going to be like that, Nugent.
00:56:23But I've had a lot of time to think what I was going to do when I found you.
00:56:29My father might as well have died because of what your old man did to him.
00:56:35It would have been better if he had.
00:56:38But only his mind died in prison.
00:56:42And I've arranged to do as much for you.
00:56:45Or you will die all right.
00:56:48But your mind will go first.
00:56:53You turned a block too soon.
00:57:05This is Pocono.
00:57:06Back up.
00:57:07I mean, where is he?
00:57:09You are right.
00:57:18No, no, no.
00:57:48No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:58:18Mr. Nugent, what's the matter?
00:58:19They're coming for me.
00:58:21I've been hit.
00:58:21Would you help me?
00:58:23It'd be better for me if I let them get you.
00:58:25Then I'd be safe.
00:58:26What do you mean?
00:58:27I'm the man they're after, only they don't know it.
00:58:29They've been trying to find me for years.
00:58:31But they never gave a tumble to Limpy Smith, the peddler.
00:58:34You see, I'm the Lee Nugent you've been pretending to be.
00:58:38The one they really want to kill.
00:58:40You are Lee Nugent?
00:58:42Yes.
00:58:48They went in here.
00:59:18Excuse me.
00:59:39I take it the news wasn't so hot.
00:59:46Not so hot.
00:59:47We just finished talking to people at the bank.
00:59:49I told them I didn't want to prosecute you, but they wouldn't listen to me.
00:59:52You'd think it was their dough you got instead of mine.
00:59:55Maybe when I tell the judge how Eddie Donnelly wanted to kill me,
00:59:57you won't have to serve so long in prison.
01:00:00Whatever I get, I got it coming to me.
01:00:02Oh, here.
01:00:04This money's yours.
01:00:06No, no, my money's in the bank.
01:00:08What?
01:00:09Sure.
01:00:10You see, I wasn't going to be a sucker enough to let you get away with it,
01:00:13so I took it out of the box when you sent me for it.
01:00:16I hope you don't mind.
01:00:18What are you going to do with all that money now that you have it?
01:00:20Well, first, I'm going to get my leg fixed.
01:00:24And then I'm going to start a business.
01:00:26What will you be doing when I come out?
01:00:28Oh, still rotting features and covering the nightclubs, I guess.
01:00:31I'll give you a job when you get out, Mr. Nugent.
01:00:34Don't forget you spent some of my money.
01:00:36You can pay me back out of your salary.
01:00:38You might even work into a partnership.
01:00:40Sure.
01:00:41We could call the firm Nugent and Nugent.
01:00:45What a story behind the founding of that firm.
01:00:47Yes, the amazing story of how fate dealt with Lee Selfridge Nugent,
01:01:10who learned the hard way that there is no compromise with conscience.
01:01:14Now he will pay his debt to society.
01:01:18And after he has paid that debt, fate will be kinder to him.
01:01:22I know, because I am the whistler.
01:01:26I know, because we've told him, but I've only been to my husband.
01:01:29I know, because I can't find it.
01:01:30We've never been to make that commitment to myself.
01:01:31We've never been to my husband.
01:01:32I know, since I'm the one that he is the killer.
01:01:32I know, because he's always been to my husband.
01:01:33And I know.
01:01:34Well, good bet you.
01:01:34I know, because I've told him.
01:01:36I know, because I know.
01:01:37I know, ten minutes, it'll be happy even.
01:01:38No one that they don't know.
01:01:43I know.
01:01:43I know.
01:01:44It's been one of my best things.
01:01:46Oh, God.
01:01:46A Rebel ARG
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