#comedy #crime #drama #mystery
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The End
00:00:33THE END
00:01:07Henry, please keep away from that window
00:01:09Don't take chances if you think we're in danger
00:01:12Elsa, she's going to see that man next door again
00:01:15I don't like it
00:01:17Oh, I don't worry about her
00:01:18It's all right, dear brother
00:01:20Just don't take unnecessary risks
00:01:38She's gone next door again
00:01:39I know it, I saw her
00:01:42Yes, sir
00:01:43I thought you'd like to know, that's all
00:01:49Good afternoon, Mercury
00:01:50How are you today?
00:01:51Fine, Miss Carson, thank you for asking
00:01:52Go right in
00:01:54Hello, Mr. Bernard
00:01:54Hello, Elsa
00:01:56Sit down, please
00:01:58I must have started something when I introduced you to Landis
00:02:02Why?
00:02:03What do you mean?
00:02:04Did you come over just to have tea with an old man?
00:02:07Or is someone else coming?
00:02:09I don't know
00:02:10Of course, if Jim drops in
00:02:12Oh, Jim now, is it?
00:02:14Well, Landis is a fine chap, all right
00:02:16But detectives shouldn't get married
00:02:18Not until they retire
00:02:20What do you mean?
00:02:21How about that lady who lives next door to us?
00:02:24Mrs. Stallman
00:02:25Why, you're out and I are just old friends
00:02:27So I've noticed
00:02:29Say, if you get any more crazy notions about me
00:02:32You can meet Landis in your uncle's home
00:02:33Instead of my garden
00:02:36If you knew how I've hated my uncle's house
00:02:38And now it's even worse
00:02:41I've wanted to talk to you about this, Mr. Bernard
00:02:43I don't feel that everything is right with my uncle's
00:02:45Financially?
00:02:46Oh, no, it isn't that
00:02:47It's just little things I notice
00:02:49Well, tell me some of the things, Elsa
00:02:52Well, none of them seems anything by itself
00:02:54Oh, I suppose it's natural enough
00:02:56For two elderly men
00:02:57Not to venture out of the house after dark
00:02:59Anyone might hate to sit in a lighted room
00:03:01Unless the blinds were drawn
00:03:02And anyone might be nervous of burglars
00:03:04Or fly into a rage at the mere mention of peddlers
00:03:07Well, how long have they seemed nervous?
00:03:09I noticed it about two weeks ago
00:03:11Have you any idea what makes them so nervous?
00:03:14They're rather mysteries in the neighborhood, you know
00:03:17I've wondered about Deegan
00:03:19Who's Deegan?
00:03:20He was the last man we had
00:03:21He shouted all sorts of threats when Uncle Henry discharged him
00:03:26I don't think he'd do anything really dangerous, though
00:03:29I like Deegan
00:03:30Much better, in fact, than our present man
00:03:32Good
00:03:42Good afternoon, Mr. Bernard
00:03:44Hello, Elsa
00:03:44Sit down, I'll pour you some tea
00:03:46Are you all through?
00:03:47Yep
00:03:47I have my man in jail and my work here is finished
00:03:49I'm going to town tonight
00:03:50Give my regards to all the gang at headquarters
00:03:53I surely will, sir
00:03:54But don't think for a moment you're forgotten
00:03:56The old timers all hauled you up as a shining example to me
00:04:00They call me Sherlock Junior
00:04:01Well, the old ways have certain merits
00:04:03Don't disregard them entirely
00:04:07You're not finished already
00:04:08What's the hurry?
00:04:09I was going to take you for a little drive
00:04:11It's the last chance I'll have for a while
00:04:12Don't mind me, I'll go for a stroll
00:04:14Sit down
00:04:15We have nothing to say that can't be said before you
00:04:18Oh, haven't we?
00:04:19Hello, everybody
00:04:20Having a little tea party?
00:04:21Mr. Landis, this is Mr. Blake
00:04:23How are you?
00:04:24How are you?
00:04:24Mr. Blake is my, uh, paying guest
00:04:28Calls himself a chemist
00:04:29And if making horrible stenches is any criterion
00:04:32He is
00:04:34I'll surprise you one of these days
00:04:35And make Dr. Milliken take a back seat
00:04:37I'll bet he's worried
00:04:38Mr. Blake in
00:04:39Oh, excuse me
00:04:41What is it, sir?
00:04:43Oh, excuse me, please
00:04:44I want some carbon tetrachloride
00:04:46What do you know about carbon tetrachloride?
00:04:49Oh, me one time a terror
00:04:51Oh, yeah?
00:04:52Come on out to my laboratory
00:04:53Oh, thank you very much
00:04:56Let's go, but Blake gets back
00:04:57Oh, he's not as bad as all that
00:04:59But remember, this is my last day here
00:05:01All right, run along then
00:05:02I'll be seeing you again soon, sir
00:05:03You don't have to tell me that
00:05:05Ah, what a glorious thing youth is
00:05:14Pity it's wasted on the young
00:05:16I beg your pardon, sir?
00:05:17Oh, nothing, nothing
00:05:18Aren't you going to let Mr. Blake absentee?
00:05:21What's the matter, Blake?
00:05:22Oh, nothing, is Miss Carson gone?
00:05:25That's your hated rival kidnapper
00:05:27Who is he?
00:05:29Oh, a youngster who got on the detective force
00:05:31Through a political poll
00:05:32Then upset all predictions by making good
00:05:35I should think she's better than that
00:05:37She'll inherit all her uncle's money, won't she?
00:05:39Yes, and the old misers are quite wealthy, too
00:05:44You said you'd see the way was clear for me
00:05:46And you haven't kept your bargain
00:05:48Keep a civil tongue in your head, you pup
00:05:52You better talk to her or...
00:05:54Or what?
00:05:55You'll find out
00:05:56Any more of this double crossing
00:05:58And I'll wring that scrawny old neck of yours
00:06:13Won't you please say yes, dear
00:06:16I can't now
00:06:18Oh, it's no use pretending I love my uncles
00:06:19I don't
00:06:20They wouldn't let me when my mother and father were killed
00:06:22And I first came to live with them
00:06:24But they need me, Jim
00:06:33I saw you, you rake
00:06:35Under my very nose
00:06:36Now get into the house, you baggage
00:06:38Hold on, sir
00:06:39You must be crazy
00:06:40I'll show you a load of buckshot how crazy I am
00:06:42Get out of here
00:06:43Wait, Elsa
00:06:49I'm going to marry your niece whether you like it or not
00:06:51Over my dead body
00:06:53That may be a prophecy
00:06:54What's that?
00:06:54Excitement is dangerous to a man of your age
00:07:03Thank you
00:07:04Well, I'm glad to see you home again, Mrs. Talman
00:07:06Oh, that's very nice of you to say so
00:07:08For two reasons
00:07:10Have you seen Elsa's uncles lately?
00:07:13I'm as welcome in that house as a polecat at a garden party
00:07:16I only moved here to be close to Elsa
00:07:19Oh, you're not their sister then?
00:07:21Heaven forbid
00:07:22But Elsa's mother was
00:07:24They wanted her to marry a scoundrel
00:07:26But my brother stole her right under their very noses
00:07:29They've never forgotten it
00:07:34Yes
00:07:36Mr. Landis to see Mr. Barnard
00:07:39Hello
00:07:41Pardon me
00:07:42I was next door and saw you come in here
00:07:44You're not Mr. Landis, Mrs. Talman
00:07:46So you're the young man Elsa wrote about
00:07:49What's the matter, boy?
00:07:50Elsa's uncle
00:07:51I'm not going to have her subjected to those insults
00:07:53What insults?
00:07:55What did he do?
00:07:56A couple of things that I won't stand for
00:07:57And said that I would marry her only over his dead body
00:08:01That's not a bad idea
00:08:04What have they got against me?
00:08:06Perhaps they don't like detectives
00:08:07Just what do you mean by that?
00:08:09Well, nothing
00:08:09But they won't even speak to me and I'm retired
00:08:13I've decided not to leave tonight
00:08:26Henry
00:08:27There's a man sneaking about the garden
00:08:29What did you tell me about keeping away from the window?
00:08:33What are you trying to do?
00:08:34Make a target of yourself?
00:08:35But whom are you afraid of, Henry?
00:08:39You'll know soon enough if you're not more careful
00:09:00Hello?
00:09:01Hello?
00:09:03Who is it?
00:09:04Who else is?
00:09:05Please come over
00:09:06Something terrible has happened
00:09:08I'll be over as soon as I get rest
00:09:14Oh, please, Mr. Bernard
00:09:15Tell me what to do
00:09:16There, there, now, dear
00:09:17Keep cool
00:09:18Now tell me what's happened
00:09:19Uncle Henry
00:09:22In there
00:09:29Oh, no, no
00:09:30I can't go in there again
00:09:55Hello, doctor
00:09:57Henry Carson is in there in the library
00:09:58Stabbed in the back
00:09:59Great Scott
00:10:01Murder
00:10:15Good
00:10:16Well, this is the one time I didn't expect to see you
00:10:18As if you'd stepped out of a bandbox
00:10:20Did you think I'd be wearing an old flannel night shirt?
00:10:29There, there, it was a dreadful shock, wasn't it?
00:10:37Come in and stay at the door, Jim
00:10:40Well, I'm glad you're on this case, young fellow
00:10:42Thanks
00:10:43The body's in the library
00:10:44There's Foot who first found it
00:10:46Tell Mr. Landis all you know, will you, Foot?
00:10:48Unless you'd rather look in the library first
00:10:49Anything you suggest
00:10:50I suppose you'll take charge
00:10:51Oh, no
00:10:52I'm on the shelf
00:10:53But I'll help you if you want me to
00:10:55Thanks
00:10:57What do you know about it?
00:10:58I woke about two o'clock, sir
00:11:00It was very warm
00:11:01So I got up and opened the window
00:11:04I saw the light from the library shining on the lawn
00:11:06So I came downstairs
00:11:07I thought Mr. Henry was asleep
00:11:09I shook him very gently
00:11:12But he wasn't asleep
00:11:14So I called Miss Elsa
00:11:19Elsa, were you awake when the butler rapped on your door?
00:11:22Yes
00:11:23I mean, no
00:11:24I don't think so
00:11:28Did you hear anything unusual before he rapped?
00:11:32No, I didn't
00:11:35I see
00:11:36And now may I be permitted to suggest
00:11:38That Mrs. Tallman take Miss Carson up to her room?
00:11:41Well, you don't have to
00:11:42I was going to do it anyway
00:11:44On your way, young lady
00:11:48Oh, Uncle Charles
00:11:49Don't come down
00:11:50Please
00:11:51Why not?
00:11:53What's the matter?
00:11:56We hope to break it to you gently, Charles
00:11:58But you'll have to know it sooner or later
00:12:00What is it?
00:12:01Why don't you tell me?
00:12:03It's
00:12:04It's Uncle Henry
00:12:05He's dead
00:12:08Dead?
00:12:10Henry
00:12:12I knew it
00:12:14My poor brother
00:12:17I'll go next
00:12:24Do you think the stab in the back was the cause of death?
00:12:27Naturally
00:12:28But this was done with a fine instrument
00:12:30Which accounts for so little superficial bleeding
00:12:34There was none
00:12:36The edges of the cut in his shirt and undershirt were bloodstained
00:12:40Yet if the instrument reached the heart
00:12:43There would be blood on it when it was withdrawn
00:12:45If it reached the heart
00:12:48Young man
00:12:50I'm short of sleep
00:12:52Good night
00:12:54If it reached the heart
00:13:01Seems annoyed, doesn't it?
00:13:03Well, actually
00:13:03First you doubt the wound as the cause of death
00:13:06Then you talk about it having reached the heart
00:13:08That's right
00:13:10So I think I'll be saying good night too
00:13:12Now listen
00:13:13I don't want to bother you if you're not interested
00:13:15But I'd be mighty grateful for your advice and assistance
00:13:18Will you help?
00:13:20Well, if you put it that way, I'll do what I can
00:13:22Okay
00:13:23Would you prefer to work independently?
00:13:25Or shall we compare notes as we go along?
00:13:27Well, we make notes as we go along
00:13:29And then draw our own conclusions
00:13:30Swap
00:13:31Now, if you don't mind
00:13:32I'll start with this room
00:13:35All right then, fella
00:13:36Go ahead, I'll follow you
00:13:49Evidently the murderer didn't come in by the window
00:13:51Well, there's no sign of a struggle
00:13:53Carson was stabbed without warning
00:13:54As he sat at his desk
00:13:55Not moved to that position afterwards
00:13:57I'm with you on that
00:14:05Hey, look here a minute
00:14:08How do you suppose that blood got there?
00:14:10Did you expect to find it?
00:14:12No, just noticed it
00:14:13What do you make of it?
00:14:15I don't make anything of it
00:14:16Unless someone cut himself accidentally
00:14:18Carson's wound never bled like that
00:14:20Look, there's a little mark here
00:14:22Too, in line with these spots
00:14:24But a sharp point scratched the shellac
00:14:27That's interesting
00:14:28Someone dropped a sharp instrument here
00:14:31That had blood on it
00:14:32And the blood dripped a little
00:14:35Well, for the present
00:14:36That explanation ought to serve
00:14:40But where's the weapon?
00:14:42I haven't seen a sign of any possible weapon
00:14:45Blood stained or not
00:14:46What's that on the little table by the sofa?
00:14:55An empty scabbard
00:14:59Doesn't look as though it would fit the weapon that inflicted the wound
00:15:01Possibly not
00:15:02And that's interesting too
00:15:04But where's the weapon that belongs to it?
00:15:06Might be worth finding out
00:15:07Well, we'll look into that tomorrow
00:15:10Meanwhile, is there anything more you want to do tonight?
00:15:13I don't want to keep you up
00:15:14But I'd like to sleep on this
00:15:16With as much information as I can get
00:15:17You know more about the household
00:15:19Than you were here first
00:15:20All right, come over to my house
00:15:21And I'll give you 15 minutes
00:15:43I've only got to know Elsa through her aunt, Mrs. Talman
00:15:46Well, that about covers everyone
00:15:47Well, except Peter Blake, my lodger
00:15:50What has he to do with it?
00:15:51Oh, probably nothing
00:15:53But he's had his eye on Elsa for some time
00:15:55And he knows she'll inherit her uncle's fortune
00:15:57Well, as far as that goes
00:15:58I could be suspected myself
00:15:59Or Mrs. Talman
00:16:00You remember what she said
00:16:02Well, now there's something else
00:16:04Elsa was very agitated, of course
00:16:06But wouldn't let me send for the police
00:16:07Which struck me as, well, unusual
00:16:10She naturally wants to have the murderer punished
00:16:12Yes, you think so
00:16:14And yet when I suggested that she send for her aunt
00:16:16She stammered a very poor excuse
00:16:19But you did send for her
00:16:20Oh, yes
00:16:20Now, don't misunderstand me
00:16:22I don't for a moment suspect either one of these two women
00:16:25But there's something peculiar at the back of Elsa's attitude
00:16:28She's fond of her aunt, isn't she?
00:16:30Oh, devoted to her
00:16:31Well, I guess that's all
00:16:34Well, let me show you what I found
00:16:40I found it beneath the dead man's hand
00:16:47Interesting
00:16:48What else?
00:16:54A dead mouse
00:16:56That's interesting, too
00:16:57It's prima facie evidence against the housemaid
00:17:00But it's not just the kind of evidence we're looking for, isn't it?
00:17:03Maybe not
00:17:04Who knows?
00:17:10Good morning, dear
00:17:13I wanted a moment with you alone
00:17:15Before Bernard arrives
00:17:16Let's go to the sitting room
00:17:18I'm afraid I'd well wash out this morning
00:17:20I hardly slept all night
00:17:22I know the shock must have been terrible
00:17:30Jim, I'm terribly upset
00:17:32There, there, don't worry
00:17:33We found a number of clues
00:17:39Mr. Bernard
00:17:42Just wait outside
00:17:43Well, good morning, dear
00:17:46Good morning
00:17:48Any inspirations in the night?
00:17:49No
00:17:49But I've arranged for the autopsy
00:17:51And had a look over the grounds
00:17:52I was just going to ask about this man, Deegan
00:17:57Do you think he had anything to do with last night's tragedy?
00:17:59I don't think so
00:18:02I don't know
00:18:04Of course not
00:18:05Elsa
00:18:06Were your uncles still engaged in business?
00:18:09I believe Uncle Henry wasn't away
00:18:11They seldom went out
00:18:12But Uncle Henry wrote a good many letters
00:18:14It was he who handled the details, then
00:18:15I suppose so
00:18:19But you know nothing of the nature of their business
00:18:22They never talked much of it
00:18:24Some real estate investments, I think
00:18:26You never overheard them mention an enemy?
00:18:29No, I never have
00:18:30Would it be possible for us to see your Uncle Charles for a moment?
00:18:34Oh, no, you mustn't
00:18:35Please, don't disturb him now
00:18:42You know what he meant when he said
00:18:44I knew it
00:18:47Only that he's been afraid of something for weeks
00:18:50You know of any quarrels your uncles may have had with anyone?
00:18:52Anyone at all, recently?
00:18:55Oh, don't mind me
00:18:56If I'm guilty, I'll kill myself
00:19:00Did anyone else call at the house yesterday or last night?
00:19:04Well, what was that?
00:19:06Did anyone else call yesterday or last night?
00:19:10I don't think so
00:19:12Won't you let me go now?
00:19:14Before you go
00:19:16May I ask you one more question?
00:19:18What is it?
00:19:19I just want to know whether you saw anyone
00:19:21Other than the regular household about the place
00:19:23Last night before the tragedy
00:19:26No
00:19:27I did not
00:19:39Come in, foot
00:19:45Sit down
00:19:52I have a few questions to ask you
00:19:53This is unlocked, foot
00:19:54Did you lock it last night?
00:19:56No, sir
00:19:56Miss Elsa is in the habit of doing that before she retires
00:19:59But you locked up the rest of the house
00:20:01Yes, sir
00:20:04When I retired
00:20:05The cook was reading in the kitchen
00:20:06Mr. Henry was in the library
00:20:09And Miss Elsa was in her room
00:20:10I believe
00:20:12Is there anyone else in the household?
00:20:14A housemaid
00:20:15Helen Smith
00:20:16Thanks, that's all
00:20:17Send the cook in to us
00:20:19Oh, wait
00:20:22Did you see or hear anyone last night?
00:20:24Not exactly
00:20:25What do you mean by that?
00:20:28Nothing, sir
00:20:30Okay
00:20:30Send the cook in
00:20:35A little experiment in psychology
00:20:37Foot knows that we know he's holding something back
00:20:40He'll have a good alibi
00:20:41All the better
00:20:42We'll check it and place him in the case one way or another
00:20:46Come in
00:20:51I'm afraid I don't know your name
00:20:53Miss Dubbin, sir
00:20:54Now, Miss Dubbin
00:20:56I want you to tell me what happened last night
00:20:58Sit down, please
00:21:02Well, it was after dinner
00:21:04When the dishes was washed up
00:21:06With the help of Helen Smith
00:21:07Who is always neat and helpful
00:21:09With a quiet tongue and tidy ways
00:21:12Not like that Mr. Foot
00:21:14Who thinks he owns the house
00:21:15Skip that
00:21:16Go ahead
00:21:18Mr. Foot had some silver to polish in the pantry
00:21:20So I settled down to read a book called
00:21:23Passions in the Purple
00:21:25And, sir, while I don't go much for princes or princesses in a room
00:21:29I must say
00:21:30Those two was as deserving a pair of young lovers as you could ever hope to find
00:21:36Exactly
00:21:36And after you read about them for a while
00:21:38You went to bed
00:21:40Yes, sir
00:21:41But it was quite late
00:21:43And then I had such a fright
00:21:45What frightened you?
00:21:47It was nearly midnight
00:21:49When suddenly I looked up from the book page
00:21:52As if some power outside myself had drawn my eyes to the window
00:21:56And there was a man's face
00:21:59Right up against the glass
00:22:01I nearly fell off at the chair
00:22:03Because in the book the prince has been captured
00:22:06Did you recognize the face?
00:22:08No, sir
00:22:09I was much too scared
00:22:10Did you warn Mr. Henry?
00:22:12Me warn Mr. Henry?
00:22:13With his terrible temper?
00:22:15No, sir
00:22:16But I told Mr. Foot this morning
00:22:18Quite right
00:22:19We won't detain you any longer
00:22:20You may go
00:22:26Well, that's that
00:22:27What do you make of it?
00:22:29I think I'd like to have a few more words with our friend Foot
00:22:38Foot
00:22:43We find we have a few more questions to ask you
00:22:45Yes, sir
00:22:46Have you put down any poison against rats or mice lately?
00:22:50No, sir
00:22:50I didn't know of any having been put down
00:22:53Say, by the way
00:22:54Why didn't you tell us about the face at the window last night?
00:22:59Slip my memories
00:23:01A few minutes ago I asked you whether you saw or heard anyone last night
00:23:04And you answered
00:23:05Not exactly
00:23:07Well, sir
00:23:08I told you
00:23:09That I woke up shortly before two o'clock
00:23:13I woke before that
00:23:15Around midnight, I believe
00:23:17I was awakened by voices
00:23:20A voice anyway
00:23:22Did you recognize the voice?
00:23:24Did you recall any words?
00:23:25No, sir
00:23:27But I felt sure I'd been awakened by a voice
00:23:29Did you get up?
00:23:30No, sir
00:23:32Why did the murdered man fire Deaton?
00:23:34I'm sure I don't know
00:23:35What hold did you have on Henry Carson
00:23:37To make him fire a good man without cause
00:23:39Just to make a place for you?
00:23:42Excuse me, sir
00:23:43But I don't know what you're talking about
00:23:46Did you ever hear of Foxy, Wilder?
00:23:49No, sir
00:23:51That's all
00:23:51Send in Miss Smith
00:23:58What was all that about?
00:23:59A shot in the dark that hit home
00:24:01Did you see a foot ticket?
00:24:02I certainly did
00:24:03Who's the man?
00:24:04A forger that I haven't seen for 15 years or so
00:24:06He was arrested twice
00:24:07But wiggled out of both convictions
00:24:09We have his fingerprints, though
00:24:10And I'm practically certain
00:24:12He's the sin
00:24:13The idea that he might have had a hold on Carson
00:24:16Out of past is interesting
00:24:17Yes, very interesting
00:24:24Take a seat, Miss Smith
00:24:27I know nothing about the murder of Henry Carson
00:24:30I was in bed and asleep by 10 o'clock
00:24:33Miss Smith
00:24:34Did you sweep the library this morning?
00:24:36I did not
00:24:37It was swept the day before
00:24:39Did you dust the little table by the couch?
00:24:41Of course I did
00:24:42Did you see the dagger there in its scabbard?
00:24:45Of course
00:24:45To whom does the dagger belong?
00:24:47To
00:24:49Why?
00:24:50We're asking, students
00:24:51To whom does the dagger belong?
00:24:56I haven't any idea
00:24:58Does it belong to Miss Elsa?
00:25:01If you're trying to accuse that poor innocent girl
00:25:03It does belong to Miss Elsa, eh?
00:25:06I haven't the faintest idea
00:25:09That's all, Miss Smith
00:25:09Here we go
00:25:17Well, you found out what you wanted to know
00:25:19Now look here
00:25:20You don't imagine that
00:25:21I imagine nothing
00:25:22There's a lot of things I want to know
00:25:30Hello
00:25:30Hello, what's up?
00:25:34Who?
00:25:35Henry Carson
00:25:36He was a friend of yours, I believe
00:25:39Well, I just knew him
00:25:40Oh, sir
00:25:42What are you, uh, doing here, Mr. Blake?
00:25:46Oh, uh, just experimenting
00:25:53You have a lot of poison gas, I see
00:25:55Why, yes
00:25:57Oh, no, not exactly
00:25:59But say, Mr. Landis
00:26:01I wouldn't think of killing old Carson
00:26:02Oh, of course not
00:26:03He'll be ready in a few minutes
00:26:04Why, I'm coming out to lunch
00:26:06I, I have an engagement
00:26:07Going far?
00:26:09Oh, no, just around here
00:26:22Hello
00:26:22Well, you've just missed lunch
00:26:24What's the bag for?
00:26:25Uncle Charles insisted I come to stay with you
00:26:28Well, wonders never cease
00:26:30Well, you're welcome, my dear
00:26:32Take any room you like upstairs
00:26:33And make yourself at home
00:26:35Are you acting as convoys?
00:26:37Well, no, we just met outside
00:26:38Landis wanted to call on you
00:26:39So I came to take care of them
00:26:41Well, a lot of help you'd be
00:26:42Step into the drawing room
00:26:44Chong
00:26:45Take Miss Elsa's bag upstairs
00:26:48We'll just see what they want
00:26:52Sit down
00:26:58You want to talk to me
00:27:01Did I or did I not kill Henry Carson?
00:27:04That'll do for a start
00:27:05Well, what do you think, you're a detective?
00:27:08You'd be surprised at the number of charming looking women
00:27:11That permit themselves the luxury of murder
00:27:13You know, I'm beginning to like you
00:27:15But you haven't answered my question
00:27:17I'm not going to, young man
00:27:19Find out for yourself
00:27:21I'll admit I once shot a man
00:27:23But it was a very poor shot
00:27:24And I was terribly ashamed of it
00:27:26Carson's death was no great grief to you, was it?
00:27:29No
00:27:30I'm a good hater
00:27:32As anyone who is unkind to Elsa will find out
00:27:34Have you been in touch with the Carson house lately?
00:27:37Let's see
00:27:38We talked it over last night
00:27:41But we couldn't imagine who might have done it
00:27:44I mean, were you in touch with the Carson house, Mrs. Tallman?
00:27:48Why, I haven't seen Aunt Marion for days
00:27:51But you talked to her
00:27:54After we found Uncle Henry
00:27:56Aunt Marion came over you
00:27:58Don't be silly, child
00:27:59You telephoned me last night about 10 o'clock
00:28:02And asked me to come over
00:28:05Why didn't you tell us that, Elsa?
00:28:07What has telephoning my aunt to do with the murder?
00:28:09It might have a lot to do with it
00:28:11Did you go?
00:28:12No
00:28:13I knew that a row with her uncle
00:28:15Would just make matters worse for her
00:28:17Was it because of the incident
00:28:18Between your Uncle Henry and me?
00:28:20Yes, he was much worse after you left
00:28:23Now you mustn't let our visit upset either
00:28:25Oh, certainly not
00:28:26But on the other hand, Mrs. Tallman
00:28:27I must ask you not to attempt to leave town
00:28:29I have no intentions of leaving town
00:28:32You'll find it very hard to arrest me
00:28:34While Chong is still with me
00:28:37Good afternoon, gentlemen
00:28:49I'll inform Mr. Carson that you're here, sir
00:28:56Say, Foote seems like cocky
00:28:57Did you notice the change?
00:29:06What's the matter?
00:29:07Never going to speak to me again?
00:29:08Look here, young fellow
00:29:10What is the idea of that last crack to Mr. Stout?
00:29:12Too bad if it turns out to be her
00:29:16You go chase yourself
00:29:20Well, gentlemen
00:29:21Here I am
00:29:25Be seated, gentlemen
00:29:38It's very kind of you to give us this interview
00:29:41We have no definite clue as yet
00:29:43So we've been forced to come to you for help
00:29:45I'm afraid there's little help
00:29:47But I can afford you
00:29:50You see
00:29:52My brother was a good man
00:29:54But he had a violent temper
00:29:56Which made him many enemies
00:29:58Cause for your nervousness of late
00:30:00Figure
00:30:01Sneaking about the grounds
00:30:02Yeah
00:30:03And at what time?
00:30:05I was reading
00:30:06In my room
00:30:07Late night
00:30:09When I put out the light
00:30:10And when I put out the light
00:30:10And opened the window
00:30:11The figure
00:30:13There by the hedge
00:30:14Did you describe the man at all?
00:30:16No, it was too dark
00:30:19Did you hear anything last night?
00:30:21I was very tired
00:30:22And I didn't wake up until Foote called me
00:30:24I'm sorry I can be of so little assistance
00:30:26But I'm hearing of yourself lately, haven't you?
00:30:29You said something about being the next to go
00:30:32Yes
00:30:33I regretted those words the moment I had spoken to them
00:30:36I had to frighten Elsa more than she'd been frightened already
00:30:40By the tragic fate of another
00:30:44Mr. Carson
00:30:46What do you know about Foote, your buckler?
00:30:49Why, almost nothing
00:30:52My brother hired him, I think
00:30:53Because of a letter that he wrote asking for a position
00:30:57Foote is a friend out of the past
00:31:02Yes
00:31:03I suppose so, Mr. Bernard
00:31:06I felt that sometimes he presumed upon it a little
00:31:14Mr. Carson
00:31:16I have one more question to ask
00:31:18We found no trace of the weapon yet
00:31:20Which the house?
00:31:21Of course, gentlemen
00:31:23Search whatever you will
00:31:26Search wherever you will
00:31:26Search wherever you will
00:31:37No use looking in there
00:31:38If it were hidden among her clothes
00:31:40She'd have found it herself
00:31:55Curious?
00:31:57Look at it.
00:31:58What about it?
00:32:00Why, look at it.
00:32:00Elsa never wore a dress like that in her life.
00:32:02Well, maybe it belonged to her mother.
00:32:04Take a good look, will you, Landis?
00:32:06This dress has been worn recently.
00:32:08Look, the bottom of the skirt is muddy.
00:32:09The mud isn't quite dry, see?
00:32:11See, you're right.
00:32:13There's another odd thing.
00:32:15Look at that cuff.
00:32:17Singed.
00:32:18Quite recent, too.
00:32:20Elsa must have been doing some cooking.
00:32:22Yes, and put her whole arm in the stove.
00:32:24Look at the length of that skirt.
00:32:26And another thing that's too big for her.
00:32:28Looks more like a dress Mrs. Tallman might wear.
00:32:30I believe it would fit her.
00:32:32I'm going to have a look at that stove.
00:32:34Meet you downstairs.
00:32:57Excuse me, John.
00:32:58Oh, no, no, no.
00:33:14I thought Foote was here.
00:33:25Foote.
00:33:27Do you remember anything more about the voice that awakens you earlier in the evening?
00:33:31I really don't remember anything more than I told you, sir.
00:33:35Well, do me a favor and try hard to remember now, will you?
00:33:38I'll try, sir.
00:33:44It's no good, sir.
00:33:46I really can't remember, and I don't want to lie about it.
00:33:49All right, keep on trying.
00:33:51I'll do that with pleasure, sir.
00:33:59No, I can't say that I noticed anything peculiar about the library chandelier.
00:34:03Well, I did.
00:34:04When we were waiting in there for Charles Carson, I happened to look up at it.
00:34:08One of the gas jets was fully open and parallel with the pipe.
00:34:11Great Scott, man. We would have smelled it.
00:34:13Oh, no, we wouldn't.
00:34:15The cook tells me that Henry Carson had had a scrap with the gas company,
00:34:18and it was shut off all over the house.
00:34:20She uses a coal stove. That's how I found out about it.
00:34:22Well, what harm could it do then if it were open?
00:34:26When I went in to speak to Foote, it was closed again.
00:34:30But who would have touched it?
00:34:33It was Foote in there long enough to have turned it off.
00:34:35Oh, quiet.
00:34:37What on earth has that got to do with the case?
00:34:38You don't see the connection?
00:34:39Well, frankly, I don't.
00:34:42Well, possibly not.
00:34:43It was just a crazy idea I had about Blake.
00:34:47I don't take much stock in this effect of humility of yours, young fellow.
00:34:51Come on now, watch the connection.
00:34:54We'll see.
00:34:56Oh, the facts out of the cook that the man at the window looked like a foreigner.
00:35:00Wore a cap, had gray or blue eyes, an unshaven face, and a black mustache.
00:35:07A complete description.
00:35:08Either she was lying in the first place or she's made it all up.
00:35:11No, she didn't know she knew it.
00:35:13And we'll have no difficulty in finding it.
00:35:15Want me to do it?
00:35:16I'd be glad if you would.
00:35:20Now, before I leave, I think I'll pay Mr. Blake another little visit.
00:35:32Look here, what do you want to know all this for?
00:35:34You prefer not to answer?
00:35:36No, I don't mind.
00:35:37I was only joking.
00:35:39The fact is I'm working on a new infallible gas disinfectant in rooms where people have had
00:35:42contagious diseases.
00:35:44You have a number of gas containers here.
00:35:46What are they?
00:35:47Well, there's natural gas.
00:35:49There's...
00:35:49And in those carboys?
00:35:51Ether, ammonia, and chloroform.
00:35:56Is this the company that supplies you, Barr Chemical Company?
00:35:59Yes.
00:36:05Anyone come in here?
00:36:07Well, there was Chong, you know.
00:36:09But wait, that fellow, Foot, from over at Carson's was in here one day.
00:36:12What did he want?
00:36:13Well, I promised Elsa a good cleaning fluid for her gloves, and she sent Foot over for it.
00:36:19That was three days ago.
00:36:21What time did you go to bed last night?
00:36:24Oh, about 20 minutes after 11, I think.
00:36:27You didn't go out?
00:36:29No, of course not.
00:36:30You're lying, you know.
00:36:32Well, what makes you think so?
00:36:33What time did you go out?
00:36:38Oh, about 10.30, I guess.
00:36:40No harm in going out for a breath of air.
00:36:42Where'd you go?
00:36:44Look here, you haven't any right to come here trying to third degree me.
00:36:47You don't care to answer?
00:36:48No, I don't.
00:36:49Very well.
00:36:50Well, wait a minute.
00:36:51What are you going to do about it?
00:36:52Nothing for the moment.
00:36:53But when you get ready to tell me what you were doing on the night of the murder,
00:36:57let me know.
00:37:08Good morning, good morning.
00:37:09You're an early bird.
00:37:11Where haven't you been to bed?
00:37:12You realize this is the third day now and we're just about where we started?
00:37:16Oh, I wouldn't say that.
00:37:17Well, I'm anxious to hear what you found out yesterday.
00:37:20Good, sit down then.
00:37:21Oh, by the way, I checked on Deegan.
00:37:24The people who employ him were giving a party that night
00:37:26and he was on duty until four in the morning.
00:37:28So that eliminates him.
00:37:29Well, I had better luck.
00:37:31I expect to produce the face at the window today.
00:37:34How?
00:37:35Through Briggs, the man Henry Carson was writing to.
00:37:38He's their real estate agent and none too honest, I fear.
00:37:42I found out through Briggs that the Carson's own a number of tenements
00:37:45that he bought for them under an assumed name.
00:37:48He also admitted that there have been a number of fires in those buildings lately.
00:37:53Obviously, Sapphire Park.
00:37:54Are the buildings heavily insured?
00:37:56Yes, but that doesn't seem to be the angle.
00:37:58In fact, Henry Carson told Briggs to take steps to stop the fires.
00:38:02Briggs engaged a private detective, but the fires didn't stop.
00:38:05There was an attempt at firing one of the buildings on the very night Carson was murdered.
00:38:09What time?
00:38:10Oh, a little before midnight.
00:38:12Well, then the same man couldn't have killed Henry Carson.
00:38:14Well, he'd have had time, only it wasn't a man.
00:38:17A woman?
00:38:19The private detective described her as being tall, dress of some dark material, small hat and a veil.
00:38:25She moved with a free swinging stride, like a woman who'd been used to an outdoor life.
00:38:32But that's extraordinary.
00:38:34The description fits Mrs. Tallman.
00:38:43I knew you'd say that.
00:38:46I asked Charles Carson if he had any clue to the firebuck.
00:38:51He's got someone in the back of his mind, but he wouldn't say.
00:38:54Though he hinted that the firebuck and the murderer might be the same person.
00:38:58Do you think Mrs. Tallman couldn't have done it?
00:39:01That dress in Elsa's room.
00:39:03Well?
00:39:05If she had just escaped arrest and thought somebody was following her,
00:39:10and instead of making for her own home, she made for the Carsons,
00:39:13Henry Carson admitted her and swore at her for disturbing him.
00:39:17His voice, or hers, woke foot.
00:39:20In the heat of the moment, she picked up the dagger, stabbed Carson, then hurried to the hall.
00:39:25Now, let's say that by that time, Elsa had come out into the upper hall,
00:39:29so Mrs. Tallman pulled herself together, went upstairs to the girl,
00:39:33and borrowed another dress to go home in, leaving hers with the cinched cuff.
00:39:38So you figured that you put two and two together, eh?
00:39:40His attitude?
00:39:41Yes, but it wouldn't explain the face at the kitchen window,
00:39:44which is an exemption of one of Carson's and our tenants,
00:39:48a man who lost his wife and child in one of the fires.
00:39:52Let's go see foot.
00:39:56Good morning, Doctor.
00:39:57Yes, and I was here very late last night.
00:40:00Carson's in pretty bad shape.
00:40:02Now, what's the matter with those servants?
00:40:04I've rung three times.
00:40:06Oh, good morning, Doctor.
00:40:10Takes you a long time to answer that bell.
00:40:13It isn't my job to open the doors first.
00:40:15Will you send foot to us, please, Miss Smith?
00:40:17Yes, sir.
00:40:19Will you wait in the library?
00:40:45Yes, sir.
00:40:48Mr. Landis, what's the matter?
00:40:50Foote isn't here, sir.
00:40:51What?
00:40:52The fact is, Mr. Carson, Foote has been injured.
00:40:55Why? How could it be?
00:40:57He had no business leaving the house at this hour of the day.
00:40:59He was dead.
00:41:01Dead?
00:41:03Foote?
00:41:04Oh, nonsense.
00:41:05Now, don't get excited, Mr. Carson.
00:41:08Foote was killed last night.
00:41:10Murdered?
00:41:11Was he killed here?
00:41:13Mr. Landis, was he killed here?
00:41:15That's right.
00:41:17What does it mean?
00:41:33Look here, Landis.
00:41:35What do you make of this?
00:41:37Looks as if some very muddy article was dragged across the sill.
00:41:43See that out there?
00:41:44Yes.
00:41:46Flower bed is covered with footprints that have been carefully trodden out.
00:41:56Did you look at...
00:41:58Oh, the praises of...
00:42:00Your eyes are better than mine, young fella.
00:42:03He must have dropped his dagger in the mud.
00:42:06Or buried it after the first murder and dug it up again for this one.
00:42:09Another murder, all right.
00:42:11Exactly.
00:42:12He's been dead probably seven or eight hours.
00:42:15He died instantly.
00:42:16Or very nearly so.
00:42:18The wounds are very similar.
00:42:20And were probably made with the same instrument with which Henry Carson was stabbed.
00:42:24Yeah, just a minute.
00:42:26Where are you going?
00:42:27Let me go.
00:42:27Keep your hands off me, Jim Brooks.
00:42:29What do you mean poking your nose into other people's business?
00:42:32Asking me where I'm going and...
00:42:33Stop that noise!
00:42:34You want Mr. Carson down here again?
00:42:36Well, I'm not going to stay in this house to be murdered, too.
00:42:39Go back to the kitchen.
00:42:40If you try to leave this house before I give you permission, I'll put you in jail.
00:42:54Helen Smith is gone and there's only the cook.
00:42:56So I had to come back.
00:42:57Yes, dear.
00:42:58We'll let her go home.
00:42:59I've questioned both of them and they can't throw any light on the case.
00:43:03Now, I want you to trust me, young sir.
00:43:06I...
00:43:07I do trust you, Mr. Bernard.
00:43:08Then I want you to tell me how you knew that your aunt came here at a late hour the
00:43:12night your uncle died.
00:43:17I can't.
00:43:18You'll tell Jim and he already suspects Aunt Miriam.
00:43:21She told me so.
00:43:22Now, my dear, you've asked me to help you, but you won't help me.
00:43:25I want to prove a record is clear, but I can't do it unless I know everything.
00:43:31I suppose I ought to trust you.
00:43:33I know you wouldn't say that, just find out.
00:43:35No, no, I wouldn't.
00:43:38All right.
00:43:40I got up to get a drink of water and I heard the library door close and looked downstairs.
00:43:45What time is it?
00:43:46A little after one in the morning.
00:43:48What did you see?
00:43:50It seems so treacherous.
00:43:52I saw my aunt.
00:43:54Was there a light down?
00:43:55It was a dim night light.
00:43:56But I called out Aunt Miriam.
00:43:58Yes, what did you say?
00:44:00She didn't say anything.
00:44:01She put her fingers to her lips.
00:44:03Then she waved me a kiss and hurried out the front door.
00:44:06What sort of clothes was she wearing?
00:44:09Something dark.
00:44:10A dark brown or green dress and a small hat.
00:44:13Could you see her face?
00:44:14Not clearly.
00:44:15There was very little light and her face was in shadow.
00:44:17Could it have been the figure of the housemaid?
00:44:20I suppose it might.
00:44:22Oh, no, it couldn't.
00:44:24Aunt Miriam waved a kiss to me.
00:44:25Helen would never do that.
00:44:26Could it have been the cook?
00:44:28No.
00:44:30Oh, Mr. Bernard, do you suppose it wasn't my aunt after all?
00:44:33She didn't speak.
00:44:35And one might have the presence of mind when you called out Aunt Miriam to play the part of your
00:44:39aunt.
00:44:39I hope you're right.
00:44:41I couldn't believe Aunt Miriam would do anything so horrible.
00:44:44Neither could I.
00:44:46But in the meantime, don't say anything about her to anyone, especially Mrs. Tolman.
00:44:50And don't worry.
00:44:52You are a comfort and a darling.
00:44:59I want you to promise me that she won't arrest Mrs. Tolman for two or three days.
00:45:03I'll call her to hunt if you like.
00:45:05All right, sir. I'll take a chance in your judgment.
00:45:07What are we doing here?
00:45:09I'm going to have another look at that dress.
00:45:17Gone.
00:45:18Gone?
00:45:19I'll have a chat with Elsa about it.
00:45:31There's your man, sir.
00:45:36Is this the man you saw at the window?
00:45:38It's the very man, sir.
00:45:41We have a few questions to ask you. Come in here.
00:45:52Sit down.
00:46:02Honest gentleman.
00:46:03I don't know nothing about it.
00:46:04Don't worry about that now. Sit down.
00:46:07We haven't accused you of anything yet, you know.
00:46:11Now, you tell us your story in your own way.
00:46:16Well, it was like this.
00:46:19A month ago, I was a contented man with a wife and a baby.
00:46:24He was as pretty a kid as...
00:46:27Well, I'd been working one night and I was getting home late.
00:46:31I saw a lot of people running towards my street, so I ran too.
00:46:52But my wife and kid...
00:46:53They're in fire.
00:46:54Everybody's out.
00:46:56My wife and kid up. Are they safe?
00:46:59There was a woman and kid, but they took them to the hospital.
00:47:04to the hospital.
00:47:15Excuse me, gentlemen.
00:47:17I ain't been the same since that night.
00:47:22Well,
00:47:23I rushed over to the hospital,
00:47:27and there was Alice and little Bill
00:47:29lying in a bed together
00:47:32with a sheet pulled over their faces.
00:47:35So you set out to find the owner of the building?
00:47:38That's it, sir.
00:47:40All I was asking was the price of a tombstone,
00:47:42like Alice had wanted, that's all.
00:47:44But Briggs, he wouldn't tell me.
00:47:46So a friend of mine in the fire department,
00:47:49he made him stole the names of the owners and their address.
00:47:53So you came out here?
00:47:55That's right, sir.
00:47:56But I couldn't get here till late
00:47:58because I got mixed up finding the place.
00:48:01Must have been about half past eleven by the time I got here.
00:48:06What did you do after you got to the house?
00:48:09Well, I looked in the back window.
00:48:12There was a woman there sitting and reading.
00:48:14Well, she let out a yell, so I ducked.
00:48:17You mean you went home?
00:48:18No, sir. I wanted my rights.
00:48:21I came round this window here,
00:48:23but all of a sudden the lights upstairs went out.
00:48:25So I ducked,
00:48:26scared somebody might look down and see me.
00:48:28That's just what happened.
00:48:30You were seen.
00:48:31I'll come clean.
00:48:33Sir, help me. I'm telling the truth.
00:48:36After a while I crept back and looked under the shade.
00:48:40At this desk here there was an old man looking over some papers.
00:48:44Did you rap on the window?
00:48:46Not me, sir. I wasn't looking for trouble.
00:48:48I just walked along the house to see what kind of a car they had.
00:48:53To see if they was rich.
00:48:55The garage was empty, sir.
00:48:57So I went home.
00:48:59Is that all?
00:49:01I guess that's all.
00:49:03But I didn't murder the old man.
00:49:06You better tell us everything, Bill.
00:49:09Oh, what's the use?
00:49:10You wouldn't believe me.
00:49:13Why don't you try?
00:49:19Well...
00:49:19It was like this, sir.
00:49:22The garage was all dark inside.
00:49:24But I carry a torch and just as I took it out,
00:49:27something hissed at me from the back of the garage.
00:49:31Hissed at you?
00:49:32Yes, sir. I'll swear to it.
00:49:34It scared me so bad that I ducked again.
00:49:37Then how did you know there was no car there?
00:49:39Well, after a while I came back and I fleshed on the torch and...
00:49:43and that time I saw it.
00:49:44Well, what was it?
00:49:46I said you wouldn't believe me,
00:49:47but I'll take my oath it was a snake,
00:49:49wiggling away toward the back.
00:49:51You sure it wasn't a long red herring?
00:49:53I'll take my oath it was a snake.
00:49:56So you went home?
00:49:57Yes, sir. I went straight home as fast as I could.
00:50:00You're never near this place before.
00:50:01Well, I never found out the address till the day before. How could I come?
00:50:04You came again?
00:50:05I never did, sir. I never came near that place again.
00:50:07You came here last night. Prepped him.
00:50:09Stabbed another man at that desk just as you stabbed Henry Carson.
00:50:12Oh, I didn't, sir. I didn't. I swear, I didn't.
00:50:14Where were you last night at the midnight?
00:50:16I was in a picture show.
00:50:18Anybody with you to prove it?
00:50:19No, sir. I went alone.
00:50:22I'm going to send this fellow home now,
00:50:23but don't lose track of him for a few days.
00:50:29All right, Val. You can go home now.
00:50:32Home?
00:50:33I'm going to see what I can do about raising the price of that tombstone.
00:50:39Thank you. Thank you, sir.
00:50:43Well, what do you make of it?
00:50:46Well, that was a shot in the dark that didn't strike home.
00:50:49Let's see else about that dress.
00:50:50I'm convinced that that dress was worn by the woman she mistook for her aunt.
00:50:55Do you really think it possible that it was Helen Smith or the cook?
00:50:59I didn't date to Helen Smith.
00:51:00She showed a vicious temper and as quite careless as leaving Elsa alone.
00:51:04And for a good cook, Miss Devins strikes me as being unconvincingly brainless.
00:51:10She told the truth about the man at the window.
00:51:13Yes.
00:51:14And she was the only person in the household that was up late the night that Henry Carson met his
00:51:18death.
00:51:20And so far as we know, she was alone downstairs with foot last night when he died.
00:51:33Where are you going with this?
00:51:35To the kitchen, Sarah.
00:51:37And the incinerator, I suppose.
00:51:38No, sir. Miss Elsie thought I might be able to wear it.
00:51:42Elsa!
00:51:48Did you give this dress to the cook?
00:51:51Why, yes. I found it at the bottom of Foot's trunk.
00:51:54Foot?
00:51:57Well, Foot must have planted that dress in here.
00:52:00And it would be the logical place room to hide anything else.
00:52:03While Elsa was away.
00:52:29And, you know, they can't sit down.
00:52:30But it's not a little complicated.
00:52:30When someone wants to wear it, he was blind.
00:52:34They were not.
00:52:34When someone wants to wear it, he was blind.
00:52:37They were blind, huh?
00:52:41In aiyah.
00:52:42When someone wants to wear it at the table,
00:52:49you you found it yes Elsa where you hit oh I know I shouldn't have done it but it lay
00:52:55there
00:52:55where it lay on the floor of the library foot hadn't seen it so I sent him for water
00:53:02then I ran upstairs and threw it in my wardrobe that's why you call Mr. Bernard from upstairs
00:53:06but why did you hide the dagger Elsa oh don't you understand I thought I had seen aunt Mary
00:53:11and leaving the library when I saw that dagger covered with blood then you watched it and later
00:53:17hit it in the draw you did a very foolish and dangerous thing oh it wasn't as bad as all
00:53:21that
00:53:22dear there are other clues you know I'm sorry but I'm not frightened anymore
00:53:31there's a gentleman from the chemical company wants to see you Mr. Landis oh thank you will
00:53:36you come too excuse us dear did you see Blake no I didn't what new theory is this it's not
00:53:48a theory
00:53:48I had the chemical company send out Mr. Watson here to examine Blake's laboratory what'd you find Mr.
00:53:54Watson the pressure is good in all the gas tanks except the carbon monoxide which means that most
00:54:00of the gas has been drawn off well could it have leaked out our tanks don't leak somebody
00:54:06might have left the tap open a little but if he did he'd be lying around there somewhere
00:54:10well that's all I want to know thank you I'm glad to help you if I can
00:54:16you've been holding out on me eh not on facts only theory Carson's wound didn't bleed that's why I made
00:54:23such a point
00:54:24of whether it reached the heart or not my idea was that when Henry Carson was stabbed he was already
00:54:29dead
00:54:29the autopsy showed the scarcity of oxygen in the lungs in that case the wound wouldn't bleed at all
00:54:34it didn't let's take the evidence in order first there's the mouse the little beggars never die out
00:54:40in the open unless they've been poisoned but nobody had put down any poison where's the connection
00:54:45suppose that Henry Carson had been sitting quietly at his desk and Mr. Mouse ventured into the middle of
00:54:49the room then let's suppose that death suddenly gathered both man and mouse at the same instant
00:54:55carbon monoxide suppose we see if your lodger is in well it looks like he skipped I'll broadcast his
00:55:08description we'll soon pick him up I say Landis how do you figure the gas got in the library from
00:55:16the gas
00:55:17jet and the chandelier like tap the pipe and let in the carbon monoxide from the tank that sounds
00:55:22interesting but I'm inclined to think it's all moonshine and coincidence now how that hook up with
00:55:27the stabbing of Henry Carson and the stabbing of foot and the dagger and the disappearing dress and the
00:55:32woman in the hallway were they all in the plot together we're not even sure that foot and Carson
00:55:39were stabbed with the same dagger we're sure they weren't Elsa hit it long before foot was murdered
00:55:45oh quite so that doesn't prove that both men were not stabbed with one in the same dagger
00:55:50for the love of Mike man you don't suspect Elsa I don't think Henry Carson was stabbed with the
00:55:55dagger at all it was planted there on the evidence of Elsa the dagger was covered with blood dripped on
00:56:01the floor and yet the womb did not bleed whatever blood was on the weapon came off on the clothes
00:56:08when
00:56:09it was withdrawn that's right well then we can eliminate at once both Arthur Bell and Peter Blake
00:56:14well neither of them had the intelligence to conceive such well-planned crimes well I'm not
00:56:18eliminating Blake and I'm not eliminating Mrs. Tallman all right but there's an experiment I'd like to try
00:56:26what is your experiment well it's quite simple all I ask is that you place yourself at my disposal
00:56:30tonight and possibly tomorrow okay if you still have a man watching Mrs. Tallman I want you to call
00:56:38him off and let me convey to Mrs. Tallman in a roundabout way that you've done so you agree I
00:56:45do
00:57:00hello Elsa well I think I have some good news Landis has agreed to remove the man who's watching
00:57:05Mrs. Tallman and he doesn't suspect her anymore oh may I tell her so oh I don't see why you
00:57:11shouldn't
00:57:11tell her I don't think there's any secret about it well I wouldn't be surprised if we had the real
00:57:18culprit anytime now oh it's a pleasure goodbye all right I've called off my man what next I want you
00:57:27to go back to your hotel and stay there quite open and about 11 tonight slip out creep up to
00:57:33my
00:57:33back door without letting anyone see anyone at all can you do it I think so all right then off
00:57:40it
00:57:48I'm going to impress you wait here until I come out again
00:58:18you
00:58:24you
00:58:56See, what's the idea?
00:58:59That's the experiment.
00:59:00Don't talk, not sound.
00:59:54That's safe.
00:59:54Come on.
00:59:56Are you hurt bad?
00:59:57No, just wait.
00:59:58Hurry, we must faster.
01:00:04Where the deuce are you going?
01:00:08What is all this?
01:00:09Now, this is my show, Landis.
01:00:10Bruce here is the detective working for me.
01:00:13You identify the firebug, Bruce?
01:00:14All by the dresser.
01:00:15Same height, carriage and walk.
01:00:16Uh-huh.
01:00:22Mr. Landis, I know that I've done wrong.
01:00:25Would you tell me, please, if I'm to be incarcerated tonight or permitted to sleep here?
01:00:30What do you think we're going to charge you with?
01:00:31Well, dressing as a woman, I know it's illegal, but I wanted to find the murderer of my brother.
01:00:37We're saving you the trouble.
01:00:39We're charging you with the murder of your brother and the murder of foot, setting fire to your
01:00:43tenements and the consequent death of Martha Bell's wife and child.
01:00:47Ridiculous.
01:00:48You know that I was in my room, and at what hour I put out my lights.
01:00:52Yes, I found the clockwork arrangement that put out your lights.
01:00:54Now I'm going to find the dagger with which you stabbed your victims.
01:00:58That was a smart idea of yours, planting the dagger smeared with your own blood.
01:01:02You see, I saw the first morning that you had adhesive tape on one of your fingers.
01:01:06Lies, lies, Mr. Landis.
01:01:09How long is this farce to continue?
01:01:11Until you confess.
01:01:13Come on, Landis.
01:01:13Let's find that dagger.
01:01:14I think I know where to look.
01:01:16One moment, gentlemen, please.
01:01:19I admit, I'm the firebug.
01:01:21Unfortunately, I'm the miserable victim of a pathological mania.
01:01:25But I know nothing about the murder of my brother or a foot.
01:01:29That woman next door, Derek.
01:01:31You murdered them both.
01:01:33You fired your buildings for the insurance.
01:01:35Then you came home that night and found your brother as you thought asleep.
01:01:38With him out of the way, you would possess his fortune as well as your own.
01:01:42You saw the letter he was writing to Briggs, and you stabbed him to put an end to him and
01:01:47his interference.
01:01:47You're mad.
01:01:48The Delta's cry awakened Foot who came down and found you in famine and attire.
01:01:52He proceeded to blackmail you.
01:01:54You lured him into the library where you stabbed him as you did your brother.
01:01:57Pray tell me, where is the weapon with which you imagine I killed my poor brother and Foot?
01:02:02It isn't in the house.
01:02:03So it must be somewhere in your course between the front door and the side door where you
01:02:07re-entered the house.
01:02:08Come on, Landis.
01:02:09We'll look the ground over again.
01:02:10Right.
01:02:11So, uh, you've got your flesh left?
01:02:13Well, we'll take Carson along.
01:02:29Look there, Landis.
01:02:31It doesn't seem strange that such a tall plant should be tied to such a short stake.
01:02:37That stake?
01:02:38That stake?
01:02:38That wouldn't help it any.
01:02:40Bruce, pull it up and let's have a look at it.
01:02:48That accounts for the mud on Foot's back.
01:02:52You win, Bernard.
01:02:55But it took you a year to do it.
01:02:58But I got you.
01:02:59In the last trap.
01:03:01Okay, Bruce.
01:03:12Cleared at last and you're foiled again, Jack Dalton.
01:03:15I'm Sammy McTarlane.
01:03:17Oh, forget it.
01:03:18I suppose you want to talk to the mastermind.
01:03:19Yes, but I wondered.
01:03:21Oh, I know what you're wondering.
01:03:23I'll just see if she's presentable.
01:03:25She's had quite a shock, you know.
01:03:26Yes, she must have had.
01:03:27You'll find Sherlock in there.
01:03:32Good morning.
01:03:33Oh, good morning.
01:03:34Oh, don't get up.
01:03:35See, now that it's all over, do you mind telling me how you happen to suspect Carson?
01:03:39Not at all.
01:03:40You took it for granted that Carson wouldn't murder his own brother and you never looked his way.
01:03:45I didn't and did.
01:03:47That's all.
01:03:48Well, that's not all by a long shot.
01:03:49But I believe congratulations are in order.
01:03:51Oh.
01:03:52But don't forget, you must congratulate me too.
01:03:55For what?
01:03:56Because I've got the man who really killed Carson.
01:03:58Blake?
01:03:59Yes, again.
01:04:01So what is this again?
01:04:02Where is the real murderer?
01:04:03I have him by the hand.
01:04:05Are you trying to kid me?
01:04:08I'm not kidding.
01:04:09You killed Henry Carson.
01:04:12I never could figure why Foots had turned back that gas jet in the library.
01:04:15It didn't make sense.
01:04:16But you were there too.
01:04:17It was easy for you to answer the library while I was talking to the cook.
01:04:20Go ahead.
01:04:21Carson's last words when he was caught implied that you had known each other before, but you
01:04:25were certainly not old friends.
01:04:26So you must have been enemies.
01:04:28You on the side of the law, he against it.
01:04:30And so far you're right.
01:04:32But not once could I get evidence to justify an arrest.
01:04:35Now what else, young fella?
01:04:37There was Arthur Bell on the hiss of the snake.
01:04:40I took another look at the Carson garage this afternoon.
01:04:43In the back wall, behind the firewood, there's a small hole recently bored leading to your
01:04:48garage.
01:04:49And there were yards of rubber tubing in the backseat of your car.
01:04:52Naturally.
01:04:54It's no dice.
01:04:59You had already opened the gas jet in the library that day you called about the fence.
01:05:04What else?
01:05:08You made sure that Henry Carson was at his desk.
01:05:10Then you connected the tube with the gas jet in the garage.
01:05:14You then went back to your own garage, connected the tube to the tank, and turned on the gas.
01:05:18That was the hiss, the scared bell.
01:05:21You let in enough gas to kill a dozen men.
01:05:23And a mouse.
01:05:25Then you drew back the tube.
01:05:26And it was the end of that writhing tube that Bell saw.
01:05:29Of course, he thought it was a snake.
01:05:31And the confessed stabbing of Henry by Charles.
01:05:34Henry Carson was as dead as that mouse when his brother stabbed him.
01:05:37An interesting bit of reasoning.
01:05:39How long have you believed it?
01:05:41I suspected it days ago.
01:05:42You were so down on my theory of gas, and so unwilling to involve Blake.
01:05:47Landers, you've done some fine reasoning.
01:05:49I never thought you'd figure it out.
01:05:51But you don't know the harm those two men have done.
01:05:53I came here to live with no idea but to trap them.
01:05:57You see, we never actually met, but they knew me as well as I knew them.
01:06:04Hello.
01:06:05Are you two still congratulating each other?
01:06:07We're pretty good.
01:06:08Well, there's someone outside who thinks so, too.
01:06:11Oh, you'll pardon me if I carry this investigation a little further.
01:06:15Won't you sit down, Mrs. Tottenham?
01:06:17Certainly.
01:06:19Well, I suppose you're very busy now.
01:06:21It's shown gone and nothing's on your hands.
01:06:22But if you have a minute, I've got something to tell you and something to ask you.
01:06:26An hour, if you like.
01:06:28Well, I thought you'd like to know that Landers has traced the murder of Henry Carson to me.
01:06:34What?
01:06:35But you didn't do it.
01:06:36Oh, of course not, but I've practically confessed it and Landers has let the matter drop.
01:06:41Well, I'll be...
01:06:43Shh.
01:06:43It's all right.
01:06:44It's all right.
01:06:45What else could I do?
01:06:47You see, I found some rubber tubing that belonged to you hidden behind the firewood in the garage.
01:06:51I parted over to hide your fingerprints and leave my own, then I hid in the back of my car.
01:06:56But will you tell me, please, in confidence, how you got that tank of carbon monoxide to asphyxiate Henry Carson
01:07:03that night?
01:07:04That's the only thing I don't understand.
01:07:06The only thing that doesn't fit.
01:07:08Do you mean to say that you confessed to such a crime to shield me?
01:07:12Well, what else could I do?
01:07:14But I didn't do it.
01:07:16What?
01:07:17Then who the heck did?
01:07:19Well, you're just in time, children.
01:07:21For what?
01:07:23You accused Mr. Bernard of killing Carson.
01:07:26Now I'm going to tell you who really came.
01:07:29Two weeks ago, I was fool enough to remark in Chong's hearing that if somebody would only murder Henry Carson,
01:07:35I'd be the happiest woman in the world.
01:07:37The morning after Henry was killed, I remembered.
01:07:39And knowing Chong's devotion to me, I accused him of it.
01:07:44He blandly admitted that he pried open a window, sneaked into your house, stole the gas from Blake's laboratory, and
01:07:50asphyxiated the old scoundrel.
01:07:52Well, I'll be...
01:07:54But he'll have to be arrested.
01:07:56Why, certainly.
01:07:57Where is he?
01:07:58On his way to China.
01:08:00Nevertheless, we'll get him.
01:08:01You were wondering where we'd spend our honeymoon.
01:08:03Well, it looks like China to me.
01:08:09You're a man, Thorben.
01:08:10A fool.
01:08:11Well, have it your own way.
01:08:13But I'll tell you what I'll do.
01:08:14I'll marry you.
01:08:15Who asked you?
01:08:16Hold your tongue.
01:08:17I'm not asking you, I'm telling you.
01:08:35I'll marry you.
01:08:36I'll marry you.
01:08:36I'll marry you.
01:08:36So, if I were.
01:08:36So, if I were to được.
Comments