Step into the world of classic horror with The Devil Bat (1940), a suspenseful black and white thriller starring the legendary Bela Lugosi. This eerie cult classic follows a brilliant but disturbed scientist who creates giant murderous bats to carry out his revenge against those who betrayed him.
Filled with creepy laboratories, mysterious deaths, gothic atmosphere, and unforgettable performances, The Devil Bat remains one of the most entertaining horror films of the 1940s. Fans of vintage horror, mad scientist stories, and classic monster movies will enjoy this timeless cinematic experience.
Experience the suspense and dark charm of old Hollywood horror in this unforgettable classic.
#TheDevilBat #BelaLugosi #ClassicHorror #HorrorMovie #VintageCinema #BlackAndWhiteFilm #CultClassic #OldMovies #1940sHorror #RetroHorror #MadScientist #ClassicCinema #MonsterMovie #VintageHollywood #ClassicFilm
Filled with creepy laboratories, mysterious deaths, gothic atmosphere, and unforgettable performances, The Devil Bat remains one of the most entertaining horror films of the 1940s. Fans of vintage horror, mad scientist stories, and classic monster movies will enjoy this timeless cinematic experience.
Experience the suspense and dark charm of old Hollywood horror in this unforgettable classic.
#TheDevilBat #BelaLugosi #ClassicHorror #HorrorMovie #VintageCinema #BlackAndWhiteFilm #CultClassic #OldMovies #1940sHorror #RetroHorror #MadScientist #ClassicCinema #MonsterMovie #VintageHollywood #ClassicFilm
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Short filmTranscript
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00:01:33THE END
00:02:04THE END
00:02:26THE END
00:02:26THE END
00:02:26THE END
00:02:54THE END
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00:02:55THE END
00:02:56THE END
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00:02:58THE END
00:02:59THE END
00:03:00THE END
00:03:02And now, look at you.
00:03:45And now, look at you.
00:04:02Look at you.
00:04:32Look at you.
00:05:01Look at you.
00:05:31Look at you.
00:06:11Look at you.
00:06:17Look at you.
00:06:17Look at you.
00:06:18Look at you.
00:06:19Look at you.
00:06:19Look at you.
00:07:16Look at you.
00:07:19Look at you.
00:07:20I bet Mary is going to announce her engagement to that young rascal, Don Morton.
00:07:25Tell her I'll be there.
00:07:27Goodbye.
00:07:29Well, it's all arranged.
00:07:30Well, it's all arranged.
00:08:07Good.
00:08:32Well, it's all arranged.
00:08:36Strike.
00:08:43Yes.
00:08:45You will strike.
00:08:47Don't kill.
00:08:52Doc's late.
00:08:53I wonder if he's been called out on a case.
00:08:55Perhaps I'd better phone him.
00:09:06Remember, Roy, Tommy, you're not to mention anything about this mortise for the dot
00:09:10until after your father has presented it.
00:09:12Have you worn those two lovebirds over there?
00:09:15Perhaps I'd better.
00:09:19I want to caution both of you.
00:09:21Enough to say a word about the check.
00:09:23Until you're ready to spring it on him.
00:09:24Your father will make the presentation, Mary.
00:09:26Why don't you unveil it like a statue?
00:09:29Then we could all be in on it.
00:09:30You know, I think it'd be a better idea to put it in a bottle and launch him with it.
00:09:33You must have gotten that idea out of a bottle.
00:09:37Well, the doc isn't coming.
00:09:40What?
00:09:40Oh, what a shame.
00:09:41Oh, he just got busy with his new formula and forgot all about us.
00:09:44He'd forget the formula if he knew about that $5,000 check.
00:09:48Why don't we all go up there and give it to him?
00:09:50No, no, I wouldn't do that.
00:09:51He doesn't like visits when he's experimenting.
00:09:54Well, Roy can take the check up to him.
00:09:55Sure, I'll take it.
00:09:57Shall I make the doc a speech when I give it to him?
00:10:00You won't have to, Roy.
00:10:01The check speaks for itself.
00:10:03Yeah, and says a mouthful.
00:10:04Son, tell the doc we're awfully sorry he can't be with us.
00:10:07But of course we understand how busy he is.
00:10:10All right.
00:10:18Just a minute, Roy, and I'll be with you.
00:10:25That's it, all right.
00:10:29Now what can I do for you?
00:10:31We were all sorry you couldn't be there tonight.
00:10:33Yes, yes, but you see, I'm busy.
00:10:36Something important, very important.
00:10:38Yes, of course.
00:10:39Mr. Morton and Dad had planned a little surprise for you.
00:10:42A surprise?
00:10:44It's in here.
00:10:46Well, let's see what it is.
00:10:49Five thousand dollars.
00:10:52What's this for?
00:10:54Just a little token of the firm's appreciation.
00:10:58Oh, I see.
00:11:00A bonus.
00:11:02Well, it's awfully nice of you, Father, Mr. Morton.
00:11:06Are you thanking them personally tomorrow?
00:11:09I'll tell them, doctor.
00:11:10Well, aren't you curious about my new formula?
00:11:12Yes, of course, only I didn't want to be inquisitive.
00:11:15What is it?
00:11:16A new shaving lotion.
00:11:20Smell it.
00:11:23Pretty strong, isn't it?
00:11:24No, no.
00:11:25The scent evaporates a short time after you've used it.
00:11:29Try a few drops.
00:11:33Now rub it on the tender part of your neck.
00:11:37Here.
00:11:49Soothing, isn't it?
00:11:52Yes.
00:11:53When will it be ready for the market?
00:11:55Oh, it's still in the experimental stage.
00:11:58I want to try it out on several people first.
00:12:01And see if it works.
00:12:02Well, if you'd like to send me a bottle, I'll be glad to try it for you.
00:12:05Thanks.
00:12:06Good night, doctor.
00:12:09Good-bye, Roy.
00:12:25Lovely check, isn't it, doctor?
00:12:28They are wealthy because of you.
00:12:32You made them rich, doctor.
00:12:35It was your formula.
00:12:37Tonight they gave you $5,000 and wanted you to come down to their house and thank them for it.
00:12:46That was your money they gave you.
00:12:50Like a bone tossed to a faithful soul.
00:13:11You should be very grateful, doctor.
00:13:15Very grateful.
00:13:17They are rich and happy, thanks to you.
00:13:20And what have you got, doctor?
00:13:47Good night, you have work to do.
00:13:53It's time you were on your way.
00:14:33Very fruitful.
00:14:33Mary, we're married.
00:14:34It's a good time, if our family is here to announce our engagement.
00:14:37Look, Don.
00:14:39I've loved you a long time.
00:14:40Since we were kids.
00:14:42But I'm afraid it's been more like a sister.
00:14:45Well, I... I had no idea you felt that way.
00:15:08Nothing's happened to Roy.
00:15:14Roy!
00:15:16I'd better call Dr. Carruthers.
00:15:17Oh, please, hurry.
00:15:22There's nothing I can do.
00:15:24You mean he's dead?
00:15:25Yes, I'd better call the coroner.
00:15:27You think it's murder?
00:15:28I don't know. I never saw anything like it before.
00:15:33The jugular vein is severed.
00:15:41I'm dead.
00:15:42Happy to see you.
00:15:43Happy to see you.
00:15:46Happy to see you.
00:15:48Happy to see you.
00:15:49Happy to see you, Mr. Carruthers.
00:16:05Nobody yet, but it's still early.
00:16:07This came in from Heathville. It's a mystery killing.
00:16:09Old Martin Heath's son.
00:16:11Who's Martin Heath?
00:16:12Who's Martin Heath?
00:16:13Say, have you ever had a date with a girl?
00:16:16A girl?
00:16:17Oh, yes, a girl. I believe I did take a girl out once.
00:16:20Well, did she smell sweet?
00:16:23Of course she smells sweet. Most girls do.
00:16:25Well, that's because of Martin Heath Cosmetics Limited.
00:16:28They make all that goo that the women put on their faces
00:16:30so they won't have to wash them with soap and water.
00:16:33I get it. A big man, huh?
00:16:34Yes, and a big advertising account.
00:16:37Grab yourself a photographer and get along over there to Heathville.
00:16:40The coroner's holding an inquest.
00:16:42Find out who really killed old man Heath's son.
00:16:45Okay, McGinney, I'm on my way.
00:17:01Chief Wilkins?
00:17:02Yeah?
00:17:03I'm Johnny Layton of the Chicago Register.
00:17:05Glad to see you.
00:17:06And this is my cameraman, One Shot McGuire.
00:17:09Hi, Chief.
00:17:10Howdy.
00:17:10Say, we're down here to cover that Heath murder,
00:17:12but we didn't get much information at the coroner's inquest.
00:17:15I thought maybe you might be able to help us.
00:17:17Well, I'm always glad to cooperate with the newspapers,
00:17:21providing they cooperate with me.
00:17:22That's the policy of our paper.
00:17:24Well, to tell you the truth,
00:17:26I haven't got very far with this thing myself.
00:17:29Oh, here's something that might interest you.
00:17:31It's a picture of the victim's wounds.
00:17:35You'll be able to see it better with this glass.
00:17:39Are these scratches on the neck and shoulders?
00:17:42Yes, but we can't determine the source.
00:17:46They're too deep for fingernails,
00:17:48too shallow to have been made by life.
00:17:51They're more like claws.
00:17:53That sort of bears out Dr. Crothers' theory
00:17:55at the inquest of a wild animal.
00:17:58Have there been any circuses around here lately?
00:18:01No.
00:18:02Heard of any animal escaping from a zoo?
00:18:04No.
00:18:05Couldn't have been one of those African leopard men.
00:18:07They use steel claws.
00:18:09This isn't Africa.
00:18:11Okay, Chief, I'm just trying to help.
00:18:13Chief, are you sure there's no clue
00:18:15you're holding back while investigating?
00:18:18Well,
00:18:19since you're going to work with me on this case,
00:18:22there is a clue.
00:18:23And a very weird one.
00:18:26The autopsy surgeon says
00:18:28that such wounds could have been made
00:18:30by the beak and talons of a bird.
00:18:32A bird?
00:18:34Why, there aren't any birds around here
00:18:35big enough to attack a man.
00:18:37How about an eagle?
00:18:38We know it wasn't a bird.
00:18:40How do you know that?
00:18:41Because we found several hairs
00:18:42on the shoulder of Heath's coat.
00:18:45Ah, chauché la femme.
00:18:47They're not human hairs.
00:18:49What kind are they?
00:18:51Well, it may sound silly,
00:18:52but the laboratory test shows
00:18:54that they were from a mouse.
00:18:56Well, who ever heard of a mouse
00:18:57big enough to kill a man?
00:19:01Say, a bat has hair like a mouse.
00:19:04Well, the only bats around here
00:19:05are no bigger than sparrows.
00:19:07There was a peculiar odor
00:19:09about the wounds.
00:19:10But they were so faint and elusive
00:19:13that the police chemists
00:19:14have been unable to identify it.
00:19:16Then it does give us something
00:19:17to work on.
00:19:18Well, the scent was a clue.
00:19:20It's been destroyed
00:19:20by evaporation.
00:19:25Say, uh, chief,
00:19:26do you mind if I do a little
00:19:27sleuthing around on my own account?
00:19:29Certainly not.
00:19:29Go ahead.
00:19:30If I can help you any, why, uh...
00:19:32You can.
00:19:33Miss Heath seems to be the nearest
00:19:34to an eyewitness of the crime.
00:19:36I'd like to have a talk with her.
00:19:37Can you arrange it?
00:19:38I think I can.
00:19:40Well, Dr. Crothers refused
00:19:41to let her speak to us.
00:19:42We tried that this morning
00:19:42at the inquest.
00:19:43Well, don't you worry
00:19:44about Dr. Crothers.
00:19:46He's one of the finest men
00:19:47in Heathville.
00:19:48He just thought you'd add
00:19:49to Mary's grief
00:19:50so you could get
00:19:51sensational newspaper stories.
00:19:53I'll arrange an interview.
00:19:55Thanks, Chief.
00:19:55I'll, uh, keep in touch with you.
00:19:57All right.
00:19:59Uh, 48J.
00:20:05Miss Heath,
00:20:06did your brother
00:20:06have any enemies
00:20:07that you know of?
00:20:08Why, no.
00:20:09Everybody in the village
00:20:10liked Roy.
00:20:11Mm-hmm.
00:20:12Well, what did he do
00:20:13at the factory?
00:20:14He had charge
00:20:15of the experimental department
00:20:16where the new products
00:20:17are developed.
00:20:18Oh, here comes Dr. Crothers.
00:20:21Hello, doctor.
00:20:22Hello, Mary.
00:20:22I took a shortcut
00:20:23from my laboratory
00:20:24through the garden hedge.
00:20:26You met Dr. Crothers
00:20:27at the inquest this morning?
00:20:28Yes.
00:20:29Mr. Layton,
00:20:30I hope you'll forgive me
00:20:31if I seemed a little abrupt.
00:20:33But I'm fond of Mary.
00:20:35And considering the ordeal
00:20:37she already went through,
00:20:38I wanted to protect her
00:20:40from dwelling
00:20:41too much of a tragedy.
00:20:42Of course.
00:20:43You were quite right.
00:20:44We're working on the case
00:20:45for the police now.
00:20:46Yes, I understand.
00:20:47Chief Wilkins phoned me.
00:20:49And if I can be of any assistance,
00:20:51just call on me.
00:20:52Thanks.
00:20:53Won't you sit down?
00:20:59Shall I serve, mademoiselle?
00:21:01No, Maxine.
00:21:01I'll do it.
00:21:03You may go now.
00:21:03Oui, mademoiselle.
00:21:09Do you take sugar,
00:21:09Mr. McGuire?
00:21:10Huh?
00:21:11Oh, no, ma'am.
00:21:12Never.
00:21:12In fact,
00:21:13I don't even take tea.
00:21:14If you'll just deal me out,
00:21:16I'll take a look around.
00:21:17I may dig up a clue.
00:21:23What do you think
00:21:24of Dr. Crothers' theory
00:21:25about a wild animal,
00:21:27Mr. Layton?
00:21:27Well, frankly,
00:21:28I don't think much of it.
00:21:30I can't say that I blame you.
00:21:33But I, as a scientist,
00:21:34take many things
00:21:35into consideration
00:21:36a layman might overlook.
00:21:38For instance,
00:21:39the jagged nature
00:21:40of the wound,
00:21:41the rapidity
00:21:42with which the murderer
00:21:43escaped,
00:21:45the scratches
00:21:46from talons or claws.
00:21:47But when an animal
00:21:48attacks a human,
00:21:49there's bound to be
00:21:50a lot of noise.
00:21:51You heard Miss Heath
00:21:52testify,
00:21:52there was no sound
00:21:53of a struggle.
00:21:54No.
00:21:55Only those awful screams.
00:21:59It's very puzzling.
00:22:00Very mystifying.
00:22:02Doctor,
00:22:03when you last saw Roy,
00:22:05did he seem worried
00:22:05or nervous
00:22:06or moody?
00:22:07No, not at all.
00:22:09On the contrary.
00:22:10He was in the best
00:22:11of spirits.
00:22:13Well, I've got to get
00:22:14back to the village
00:22:15now and follow my story.
00:22:16You'll excuse me?
00:22:17If you find it necessary
00:22:18for us to talk again,
00:22:19you may come back
00:22:20at any time.
00:22:20This evening,
00:22:21if it's all right with you,
00:22:22I'd like to spend
00:22:23some time here.
00:22:24Well, yes,
00:22:24that'll be quite all right.
00:22:26Goodbye, Miss Heath.
00:22:26Goodbye.
00:22:27Goodbye, Doctor.
00:22:31A little more chiffon,
00:22:33baby.
00:22:34I do not understand.
00:22:35Oh, you know what I mean.
00:22:37A little more your stocking.
00:22:40Like this?
00:22:42Sure, I like them.
00:22:43Who wouldn't?
00:22:44Now, hold nice and still
00:22:45because this is going to take
00:22:46a little time.
00:22:53Well, if you're going to
00:22:54shoot, shoot.
00:22:55Right away, Johnny.
00:22:56I was just trying to get the focus.
00:22:58Mm-hmm.
00:23:00I got it.
00:23:01But not bad either.
00:23:03I'll be back in a minute,
00:23:04Frenchy.
00:23:05And don't worry none
00:23:06about those werewolves
00:23:07because nothing's going to harm you
00:23:08while I'm around here.
00:23:09You make Maxine feel so calm.
00:23:12My big, brave journalist.
00:23:22This is my idea of nothing at all.
00:23:24Sitting here waiting for an animal
00:23:25to give us an argument.
00:23:28Look at that moon.
00:23:31And I had a date with Frenchy.
00:23:33Oh, stop crabbing.
00:23:34We're supposed to solve a murder.
00:23:36You, uh...
00:23:37Big, brave journalist.
00:23:38Ha, ha, ha, ha.
00:23:40Ha, ha, ha.
00:23:43This is the first time
00:23:44I've ever been invited anywhere
00:23:45and asked not to shave
00:23:47until after I get there.
00:23:48I wanted to observe
00:23:50your exact reaction
00:23:51when you tried the lotion.
00:23:52Oh, now I understand.
00:23:56I want this lotion
00:23:57to be perfect
00:23:58before turning it over
00:23:59to you to be marketed.
00:24:01Here.
00:24:04It's a little strong.
00:24:06That'll make the customers
00:24:07think they're getting
00:24:07the money's worth.
00:24:10Oh, that feels great.
00:24:12Very soothing.
00:24:13I don't think you
00:24:15ever use anything else.
00:24:16Well, we wouldn't want
00:24:17to market anything
00:24:18we wouldn't use ourselves.
00:24:21That almost smells good enough
00:24:22to be used as a cologne.
00:24:25Oh, what's the matter, Doc?
00:24:27Can't you stand your own lotion?
00:24:29I have a violent dislike
00:24:30for perfumes.
00:24:31Oh, I'm sorry.
00:24:34All right, Tommy.
00:24:35Good night, Doc.
00:24:37Goodbye, Tommy.
00:24:38Come here.
00:25:29What's that?
00:25:30Where?
00:25:31Over there.
00:25:32Something's moving.
00:25:38Come on out of there, whoever you are.
00:25:45What are you doing out here, Miss Heave?
00:25:47I thought you might want some company.
00:25:49Shall we sit down?
00:25:51You know, you shouldn't be wandering around the garden at night.
00:25:54After what's happened.
00:25:56Neither should you.
00:25:57Well, but it's part of my job.
00:25:59Mine too.
00:26:00Roy was my brother.
00:26:05Be careful, I think it's Tommy.
00:26:11Hello, Tommy.
00:26:12Hello, Tommy.
00:26:13Hello, Tommy.
00:26:14What's up, sis?
00:26:15Mr. Layton wanted to stay in the garden for a while, so I joined him.
00:26:18Don't tell me you're waiting for that animal Dr. Carruthers mentioned.
00:26:22So you don't believe it either?
00:26:23I certainly do not. It's ridiculous.
00:26:26Somebody or something killed your brother.
00:26:29And I suppose you're working on the theory
00:26:31that the murderer always returns to the scene of the crime.
00:26:35Perhaps I am.
00:26:36Well, not for me.
00:26:39If you take my advice, Mary,
00:26:40you'll leave these gentlemen to their vigil and go to bed.
00:26:43That's what I'm going to do.
00:26:44Good night.
00:26:45Good night, Tommy.
00:26:52I don't think your brother likes my being here.
00:26:55Oh, you mustn't mind, Tommy.
00:26:56We're all terribly upset.
00:26:57I know.
00:27:06Help!
00:27:08Tommy!
00:27:09Come on.
00:27:11Help!
00:27:15Help!
00:27:17Help!
00:27:19Help!
00:27:20Help!
00:27:21Help!
00:27:21Help!
00:27:24Help!
00:27:30Help!
00:27:45But I'm telling you, McGetty, it was a bat.
00:27:47I saw it kill Tommy Heave.
00:27:49Listen, Johnny, I want you and One Shot to come on home
00:27:52or I'll fire both of you.
00:27:54I'm not coming home and neither is One Shot.
00:27:56I'm keeping him here to get a picture of the Devil Bat.
00:27:59Say, that'll look great in the headlines.
00:28:00Devil Bat strikes again.
00:28:04Listen, don't tell me it had horns.
00:28:06Maybe I'd better send a wagon with the steel bars
00:28:09and the strong boys with the straight jackets.
00:28:12Look, Joe, have I ever lied to you?
00:28:15Plenty of times.
00:28:16Well, I'm not lying this time.
00:28:18If it ever got out that I cooked up a fake story about a Devil Bat,
00:28:21I wouldn't be able to get a job on a Country Weekly.
00:28:23Print the story, Joe.
00:28:25So help me, it's on the level.
00:28:27All right, I'll print it.
00:28:29But I won't believe it.
00:28:30Not until One Shot gets me a picture of that Devil Bat in action.
00:28:34Don't worry, he'll get it.
00:28:35Goodbye.
00:28:37You, my friend, are going to get a shot of the Devil Bat in action.
00:28:40Who, me?
00:28:41How?
00:28:42Have you noticed there's a taxidermist shop in the village?
00:28:46Well, you wouldn't suggest that I go out and stuff a bird, would you?
00:28:49One Shot?
00:28:50To think that you'd even hint that I would suggest you have the village taxidermist build you a nice big
00:28:54bat for pictorial purposes.
00:28:56Besides, a bat isn't a bird, it's a mammal.
00:28:59Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?
00:29:01Where is this bird's stuff in the emporium?
00:29:05Oh, down on Cottage Grove Avenue.
00:29:36THE END
00:30:17Now here's the idea Frenchie
00:30:19You hang on to the bat
00:30:20Till I get my camera set up
00:30:21And when I raise my hand
00:30:23You give the bat a good shove
00:30:25And it'll swing out just like it's flying
00:30:27Then I can get a swell picture from a boss
00:30:29Get it?
00:30:29It's weak
00:30:30I am wise, no?
00:30:32No
00:30:32But hang on to the bat
00:30:34Until I raise my hand
00:30:35Huh?
00:31:08Shari, are you hurt?
00:31:10Say, what's the idea of breaking up my devil bat?
00:31:13I'm going to make you pay for that
00:31:14And I'm going to take you to jail until you explain this
00:31:17Come on
00:31:17You can't do this to me
00:31:19I'm doing it
00:31:21I was just conducting a little experiment
00:31:23Trying to find out how the devil bat does his killing
00:31:26I'm sure McGuire didn't intend doing anything wrong
00:31:29He's just a little overzealous about his work
00:31:32Well, with the town in an uproar
00:31:34And everybody terror-stricken wondering whether he's going to be the next victim
00:31:38I don't want any more trouble stirred up
00:31:41Even with an artificial bat
00:31:42You'd better get back to the hotel
00:31:44I want to talk to the chief alone
00:31:46Is it all right, chief?
00:31:48Yeah, but be careful in the future
00:31:53Ever smell anything like this before?
00:32:00Well, yes
00:32:01That's the same stuff that's been on every one of the devil bat's victims
00:32:04Where'd you get it?
00:32:06Found it in Don Morton's bathroom
00:32:09Find out where Morton got it?
00:32:11No, I didn't want to arouse suspicion by asking questions
00:32:14Till after it's been analyzed
00:32:15Do you think it has any connection with the murders?
00:32:18That's the way it strikes me
00:32:19But I, uh, I can't figure out how
00:32:22I'll get the police cameras on it right away
00:32:25I'll snoop around and see if I can find out where Morton got it
00:32:28Well, it probably came from down at the Heath cosmetic plant
00:32:32I've been working on the theory of a disgruntled factory employee
00:32:35Committing the crimes
00:32:37It's certainly more than coincidental
00:32:39That all the victims have been members of the Heath and Morton families
00:32:43Yeah
00:32:44Looks like a plot to wipe them all out
00:32:47I, uh, wish the rest of them would leave town
00:32:49Until this crime is solved
00:32:52You're worried about Mary, aren't you?
00:32:55Well, yes
00:32:56I've been urging her to leave
00:32:57But she won't go without her father
00:32:59And he insists on remaining here to help clear up the crime
00:33:02And worse than that
00:33:03Neither Heath nor Morton will let me give them a bodyguard
00:33:06I guess we'll just have to wait for something to break
00:33:08Good night, Chief
00:33:09Good night, Johnny
00:33:20Boy, if I got a picture, it'll knock my Ginty dead
00:33:22Meet the double bat
00:33:25Well, how about that wire?
00:33:27Looks as if the bat's on a flying trapeze
00:33:29Oh, but I'm not through working on it, Jeff
00:33:30See, I can touch this picture up
00:33:32So the bat'll look like he's got nothing around him
00:33:34But nothing
00:33:36Okay, Rembrandt
00:33:37You win
00:33:42This is your news commentator, Walter King
00:33:45Tonight we're broadcasting from the little village of Heathville
00:33:47Where an alleged devil bat has claimed three victims
00:33:50During the past six weeks
00:33:51You will note that I say alleged devil bat
00:33:53That, ladies and gentlemen
00:33:54Is because your correspondent has been very skeptical
00:33:57From the start as to the existence of this horrendous creature
00:34:00I have as my guest in the studio tonight
00:34:02Professor Percival Garland-Raines
00:34:04Perhaps the world's greatest authority on animal life
00:34:06I'm going to interview Professor Raines on the subject of the devil bat
00:34:09Our radio audience may draw its own conclusions
00:34:12Professor Raines
00:34:14First let me ask you, point blank
00:34:16Do you believe that any such creature as the devil bat exists?
00:34:20I do not
00:34:21He's got a nerve
00:34:23Quiet
00:34:23In the dark ages when men and women lived in caves
00:34:26There may have existed a bat of this size
00:34:29But not in this day and age
00:34:32How do you account for the fact that Mary Heath
00:34:34Whose two brothers were victims of the devil bat
00:34:36And a newspaper reporter, John Layton
00:34:39Claimed to have seen this amazing creature
00:34:41Sometimes under stress of excitement
00:34:43Our minds play tricks on us
00:34:45Hey, he's insinuating you saw the little bat that wasn't there
00:34:48Pipe down
00:34:49But how about the picture of the devil bat
00:34:52Published by Mr. Layton's paper
00:34:53I examined that picture under a powerful magnifying glass
00:34:56I denounce it as a fraud
00:35:00Whoever constructed the strange-looking monster
00:35:02Forgot to remove a label from the silk
00:35:04From the silk used on its left wing
00:35:07That label reads
00:35:08Made in Japan
00:35:17Put through a hurry call to Heathville
00:35:19I want to talk to Johnny Layton
00:35:20He's at the Heathville Hotel
00:35:25One guess who that is
00:35:26Yeah, McGinty
00:35:33Go ahead, pour it on
00:35:35So you slipped over a fake picture on me, huh?
00:35:38Well, you're fired, both of you
00:35:39And I'll see to it that you never work on another newspaper
00:35:43As long as I live
00:35:45Made in Japan
00:35:46You tell One-Shot McGuire
00:35:48He ought to be snapping photos in a booby hatch
00:35:50Both of you, come on in and get your final checks
00:35:53Oh, no
00:35:54We're not coming in to get anything
00:35:57All right, so we're fired
00:35:58But we're staying here just the same
00:36:00I saw that bat
00:36:02We're gonna stay here till we catch that bat
00:36:03And when we do, I'm gonna bring it in and stuff it down your throat
00:36:07Goodbye
00:36:11Well, we're fired
00:36:12Mm-hmm, again
00:36:16That's him calling back to apologize
00:36:18Now you give him a good scare
00:36:21No use begging us to go to work for you again, McGinty
00:36:23You fired us and we're staying fired
00:36:26Oh, oh, Mary, I thought it was somebody else
00:36:28Johnny, why did you make a joke of a tragic thing like this?
00:36:32But it wasn't intended as a joke, Mary
00:36:33I was only trying to get the news
00:36:35I suppose you call it getting the news
00:36:37When you arrange to print a picture
00:36:38That's a deliberate hoax
00:36:40That has the entire country laughing
00:36:43A grand joke, Johnny
00:36:45But somehow I can't appreciate it
00:36:47But I can explain that picture
00:36:48Don't try, Johnny
00:36:59Made in Japan
00:37:01I ought to skin you alive and nail your hide to a barn door
00:37:09Here's the chemistry part on that shaving lotion
00:37:14I see he couldn't break down one of the ingredients
00:37:16Yes, he said it must be some element with which he's not familiar
00:37:21We won't get anywhere until we identify it
00:37:25There's just one other man in this town
00:37:27That might be able to help us
00:37:29Dr. Carruthers
00:37:32Yeah, Carruthers could help us
00:37:34I found out he compounded that lotion
00:37:36Well, if you suspect Carruthers
00:37:38You're barking up the wrong tree, Johnny
00:37:41He's the last man in this town
00:37:42That would harm anyone
00:37:43Why, everybody loves him
00:37:46Maybe so
00:37:47But here's something else I dug up
00:37:51The Heath and Morton fortunes are based on a greaseless cold cream formula
00:37:54Dr. Carruthers invented
00:37:56So what?
00:37:58All the doctor got out of it was $10,000
00:38:00And the others made a fortune
00:38:03Well, it's common knowledge that he sold out for cash
00:38:05When he could have had an interest in the firm
00:38:07Just the same
00:38:08Every victim had this stuff from his laboratory on him
00:38:14Maybe you've been working too hard on this case, Johnny
00:38:18I'd like to get his reaction on the stuff
00:38:19If he denies knowing anything about it
00:38:22We'll know there's a tie-up somewhere
00:38:24I think you're bombing
00:38:25But just to show you that I'm following up every clue
00:38:28We'll talk to him
00:38:31We'll put this in another bottle
00:38:32And without telling him we know
00:38:34He compounded it
00:38:34Ask him to analyze it
00:38:36Doc, I hope we're not upsetting your work
00:38:38Barging in on you this way
00:38:39No, no, not at all
00:38:41I'm anxious to help solve these crimes
00:38:43All the victims were very dear friends of mine
00:38:47Here's a sample of the stuff
00:38:48Young Morton and the two Heath boys had on them
00:38:50When they were attacked by the devil bat
00:38:51Of course, it doesn't make sense to me
00:38:53That a bird would choose only people
00:38:56Using that particular stuff
00:38:58A bat is not a bird
00:39:00It's a mammal
00:39:01Well, anyway, our police chemists
00:39:04Couldn't break down one of the ingredients
00:39:05We thought perhaps you could
00:39:09Why?
00:39:10I compounded this myself
00:39:12It's a new shaving lotion
00:39:14I'm experimenting with
00:39:16The ingredient your chemists couldn't break down
00:39:19I discovered years ago in Tibet
00:39:22How did you happen to put it in a shaving lotion?
00:39:25Oh, the llamas use it
00:39:27In some of their religious rites
00:39:28As a perfume
00:39:29The scent is very pleasant
00:39:31And can't be imitated by competitors
00:39:33But what were Don Morton and the two Heath boys doing with this stuff?
00:39:38Oh, it is the policy of our firm
00:39:41To try out any new product before marketing it
00:39:44Well, that knocks our theory into a cocked hat
00:39:47Yeah
00:39:49We were hoping the unknown ingredient
00:39:50Might turn out to be some sort of a clue
00:39:54This isn't the kind of bottle I give it out in
00:39:57But I presume your chemist changed it when making the analysis
00:40:01Yeah
00:40:03Is there anything else I can do to help?
00:40:06Tell me, did you hear Professor Raines on the radio last night?
00:40:10Yes
00:40:11It was very interesting and very asinine
00:40:15You mean you believe there is a devil bat?
00:40:17Why not?
00:40:18You saw it, didn't you?
00:40:19Well, sure I did
00:40:19So did Mary
00:40:20Then why worry about what one scientist says?
00:40:23That one scientist got me fired
00:40:26Oh, you mean
00:40:29Your newspaper discharged you?
00:40:31That's right
00:40:33Oh, that's too bad
00:40:35Then you're believing Heath's will before the mystery is solved
00:40:40I'm afraid not
00:40:41I'm going to stay here and work with the chief
00:40:46Since you're going to stay here for a while
00:40:49I would like you to try out a bottle of the new lotion
00:40:53And tell me how you like it
00:40:55And you too, chief
00:40:56No, no, not me, doc
00:40:58If my wife ever smelled perfume on me
00:41:01She'd suspect me, sure
00:41:04Well, Mr. Layton, I understand you are not married
00:41:06All right, I'll try it in the morning when I shave
00:41:09I guess we're better be going, chief
00:41:10See you later, doc
00:41:11So long, Dr. Crothers
00:41:15Goodbye, Mr. Layton
00:41:27What's the matter?
00:41:29Does that smelly shaving lotion put you to sleep?
00:41:31Well, why'd you tell the doc you're going to use it
00:41:33If you think it's smelly?
00:41:35Oh, I don't know
00:41:35I guess I was a little ashamed of ever suspecting the old doc
00:41:39Well, I like it and I'm going to tell him so
00:41:44What time is it?
00:41:46After midnight
00:41:47Midnight?
00:41:48Oh, there ain't no use of waiting around here any longer
00:41:51This must be the bat's night off
00:42:00Did you hear that?
00:42:01Yeah
00:42:08Get that camera ready
00:42:17Look out
00:42:31You got him
00:42:32Listen, Johnny
00:42:33I'm going to cook that bird personally for McGinney
00:42:35And I'll even stuff it myself
00:42:37Ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:38Ha, ha, ha
00:42:39Ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:39Ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:39Ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:39Ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:39Ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:39Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:40Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:44Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:44Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:46Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:47Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:42:53Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
00:43:15I was still skeptical when I came to Heathville today
00:43:18to examine the body of this so-called devil bat.
00:43:22But after seeing it personally and making exhaustive research,
00:43:26I've arrived at the conclusion that the creature is the lone survivor
00:43:31of a type of giant bat which existed in great numbers
00:43:35during the early part of the Neolithic Age.
00:43:40Perhaps I should explain for the benefit of some of our listeners
00:43:43that the Neolithic Age is that period of antiquity
00:43:47commonly called the Stone Age.
00:43:52Imbecile. Bombastic ignoramus.
00:44:12I'm going to call some efficiency.
00:44:13I'm going to call.
00:44:42Sorry, McGinty, but
00:44:43One Shot and I are not interested, at your prices.
00:44:46Of course, if there was a raise of, say,
00:44:49$30.
00:44:49$30 plus a fat bonus, we might consider it.
00:44:53Your hold up, men, both of you.
00:44:55I refuse to be robbed.
00:44:57Have it your way, McGinty, have it your way.
00:44:59But we have the Bats Corpus Delecti
00:45:01and the exclusive picture.
00:45:03Of course, I've got an eyewitness story
00:45:05that two syndicates are bidding for.
00:45:08And don't forget, you gotta pay us for the time we were fired.
00:45:12That's better.
00:45:14Now you're talking, boss.
00:45:15Okay, we're working for you again.
00:45:17We'll gather up the loose ends and see you in a couple of days.
00:45:19Goodbye.
00:45:22Come in.
00:45:24Hello, Johnny.
00:45:25Well, Mary.
00:45:27Johnny, I came to tell you that I'm sorry
00:45:29I said what I did the last time we talked.
00:45:32Do you suppose...
00:45:33Well, I don't know how to say it, but...
00:45:35I do.
00:45:37Miss Heath, do you suppose that little French girl
00:45:39would apologize to me if I looked her up?
00:45:41Well, I'm positive she would.
00:45:45Well, I'm positive she would.
00:46:52You will be even greater than your unfortunate predecessor.
00:47:09Enraged, aren't you?
00:47:11Fine.
00:47:13I'm enraged also.
00:47:16Tonight, I shall call on Henry Morton and you shall strike him down.
00:47:24Henry, the lotion has turned out to be better than I had hoped.
00:47:28I want you to try it.
00:47:32Well, just leave it here, Doc, and I'll try it in the morning after shaving.
00:47:40Smells good, doesn't it?
00:47:42Yes, but isn't it too strong?
00:47:44No, no, no. Evaporation quickly tones it down just to the right scent.
00:47:50Rub a few drops on your face.
00:47:52Well, I'd rather wait until after I shave.
00:47:55Then my skin will be more tender and receptive to a lotion.
00:47:59Well, just a little here.
00:48:02The texture of the skin there is always very delicate.
00:48:09I'll give you a few drops in your hand.
00:48:21I hope you're right about that scent evaporating quickly.
00:48:25I smell the high heavens.
00:48:28Perhaps that will be the secret of its success.
00:48:32Well, you can never tell what's going to happen in this business.
00:48:35You can believe me, Henry.
00:48:37You don't have to worry.
00:48:39Yes, I can believe that, Doc.
00:48:41All of your formulas have been highly successful.
00:48:45I've been going over the report to the company's annual earnings.
00:48:49A net profit of over a million dollars.
00:48:52Not bad, eh?
00:48:54When you remember what we built on.
00:48:58A mere $10,000 for your formula.
00:49:02You shouldn't have demanded all cash, Doc.
00:49:05You should have ridden along with us.
00:49:07Then you'd be rich, too.
00:49:09But then you've had a lot of fun in your laboratory.
00:49:12With your experiments.
00:49:15Dreaming up something new.
00:49:17You're a dreamer, Doc.
00:49:20Too much money is bad for dreamers.
00:49:23So you try to pay me in flattery,
00:49:25telling me that I'm a dreamer.
00:49:30Well, I do dream.
00:49:33Dreams that you could never guess.
00:49:37Your nerves are afraid, Doc.
00:49:39Now calm down.
00:49:40Get a grip on yourself.
00:49:42You've been working too hard on your formula.
00:49:44Formula?
00:49:46That's the child's play for a great scientist.
00:49:50Your brain is too feeble to conceive what I have accomplished.
00:49:56In the realm of science.
00:49:58Doc.
00:49:59You've made some great scientific discovery.
00:50:02What is it?
00:50:04When you'll find out, Henley,
00:50:06it'll be too late for you.
00:50:09Come, come, Doc.
00:50:10You can't pretend to control a man's destiny.
00:50:15I've already proved it.
00:50:18Three times.
00:50:27I'm sorry.
00:50:31Perhaps you're right, Henley, about my working too hard.
00:50:36I guess I'm a little tired.
00:50:38I'd better go home and get some rest.
00:50:40Sure.
00:50:41A night's sleep will do you good.
00:50:43Good night, Doc.
00:50:46Goodbye, Henley.
00:51:06I want you to call Chief of Police Wilkins to come to your house immediately.
00:51:10It's very important.
00:51:12Don't let him leave until I get there.
00:51:14What happened?
00:51:16I have a clue to all those murders.
00:51:19It may peter out.
00:51:20But if half what I suspect is true,
00:51:22it's the most diabolical plot that a madman ever concocted.
00:51:27What is it?
00:51:31Talk about the absent-minded professor. I forgot my hat.
00:51:35Henry, what is it?
00:51:38I'll tell you all about it when I get there.
00:51:39I hope I didn't intrude on a private conversation.
00:51:43No, nothing important.
00:52:36What is it?
00:52:39I hope I didn't do this to you and I couldn't understand it.
00:52:39Ah!
00:52:41Ah!
00:52:50Ah!
00:52:52Ah!
00:52:53Ah!
00:53:11I hope Henry was right about having a clue.
00:53:14But why didn't he explain more about it when he phoned?
00:53:18When I insisted, he changed his tone as if he'd been interrupted.
00:53:22I was afraid that he might be overheard.
00:53:29What is that squeaky sound?
00:53:31Oh, just some night noise.
00:53:33Help!
00:54:07I might be tired of him, Mr.
00:54:16THE END
00:54:39I feel much better, Mr. Heath, since you asked us to stay in your home until this new devil bat
00:54:43has been killed.
00:54:44I've been worried about Mary.
00:54:45What reason have you to believe that Mary is in danger?
00:54:49Only this.
00:54:51I'm convinced that someone is using the bat to wipe out the entire Heath and Morton families.
00:54:55As a scientist, I assure you, the thought of a human controlling a bat is fantastic.
00:55:00Just the same, no villager's been killed or even attacked.
00:55:04You're forgetting, aren't you, that Mr. McGuire was attacked.
00:55:07He's not a member of either family.
00:55:09Why, I'm practically a member of this family already.
00:55:11I'm going to marry Miss Heath's maid.
00:55:13Oh, really?
00:55:15Well, boys, I'll have Maxine show you to your rooms.
00:55:17I must be running along home. It's past my bedtime.
00:55:20Good night, gentlemen.
00:55:21Good night, Martin.
00:55:22Good night, doctor.
00:55:24Good bye, Mary.
00:55:27Come along.
00:55:35Maxine?
00:55:36Oui, mademoiselle.
00:55:42Did you fill my perfume bottles with something new?
00:55:44Oh, no, mademoiselle.
00:55:45I never touch your perfume.
00:55:47It's funny.
00:55:48I don't recognize it.
00:55:50Perhaps Dad filled them, as a surprise.
00:55:53He always does that with every new perfume the plant puts out.
00:55:56Is there anything else?
00:55:58No, Maxine, that's all.
00:55:59Good night.
00:56:00Good night, mademoiselle.
00:56:00Good night.
00:56:51Mary, what happened?
00:56:53It was trying to get in the window.
00:56:55A big bat.
00:56:57Oh, it was awful.
00:57:04Mary, I want you to tell me everything you did just before that bat tried to get in.
00:57:08Well, first I took a bath.
00:57:10Then I brushed my hair, and Maxine came in and turned the covers down.
00:57:15And then fastened the screen, which somehow had come unhooked.
00:57:18Yeah.
00:57:19Go ahead.
00:57:20What else?
00:57:20Well, then we talked about some new perfume that someone had put in my dressing table bottles.
00:57:25Dad, did you put any new perfume in my bottles?
00:57:28No, I didn't.
00:57:30Is that the stuff?
00:57:31Yes.
00:57:32Tony, this smells like...
00:57:33Wait, quiet.
00:57:35I've got a hunch that I want to follow up.
00:57:37I'll need everybody's cooperation.
00:57:38We'll do everything we can.
00:57:39Of course.
00:57:41What's Carruthers' number?
00:57:4348J.
00:57:48Operator, give me 48J, please.
00:57:53Hello, Dr. Carruthers.
00:57:54This is Johnny Layton.
00:57:56That's right.
00:57:56Something terrible has happened to Mary.
00:57:58Can you hurry over?
00:57:59I'll be right there.
00:58:01Good.
00:58:02Oh, Johnny, I'm all right.
00:58:04I don't need a doctor.
00:58:05That's where the cooperation part comes in, Mary.
00:58:06You'll have to pretend to be a nervous wreck.
00:58:08Mr. Heath, you and OneShot must help her trick Dr. Carruthers into staying here as long as you can.
00:58:12Where are you going, Johnny?
00:58:14To, uh, do a little private bat hunting.
00:58:16To, uh, do a little private bat hunting.
00:59:00The devil bat, try to get through that window.
00:59:03If she's suffering from fright, I'll give you a seraphim.
00:59:08Where's Mr. Layton?
00:59:09Well, I guess he's out in the garden hunting the devil bat.
00:59:12Layton is a very brave young man.
00:59:16Give him his heat, one of these, every half an hour.
00:59:18Oui, doctor.
00:59:19It will quieten her nerves.
00:59:20But, doc, hadn't you better stay until she's quieter?
00:59:23She'll be all right in the morning.
00:59:24Hey, doc, I don't feel so good myself.
00:59:26Would you mind taking my temperature?
00:59:28You look perfectly well, Mr. McGuire.
00:59:31Well, you ought to see my tongue.
00:59:32It looks just like a squirrel's tail.
00:59:34Look.
00:59:34Oh, come on.
00:59:35Try some colomile.
00:59:42Oh.
00:59:43All right.
01:00:01Let's try some colomile.
01:00:02Hmm.
01:00:59You may have visitors tonight.
01:01:02And it would be dangerous for me if they found you here.
01:02:19Hi, Doc.
01:02:21I hope I'm not intruding.
01:02:22No, no, not at all.
01:02:25I heard you're out, stalking the devil bat.
01:02:28Any success?
01:02:29No, but I thought maybe you might be able to help me.
01:02:32Well, I don't see how that's possible, but if you can suggest anything...
01:02:36Well, you could give me some more of that new concoction of yours, that shaving lotion.
01:02:40But how on earth could that possibly help catch the devil bat?
01:02:45I've still got a crazy idea that if I douse myself with it, it might attract the killer.
01:02:50I don't see how you can connect the two.
01:02:53But there is a bottle of the lotion on the table.
01:02:55Thanks.
01:03:16You see, Doc?
01:03:17Doc, I figured out something.
01:03:20All four of the murdered people had this lotion on them when the devil bat struck.
01:03:24Now, my plan is to sit in the garden and when the killer makes one of those power dives, I'll
01:03:29blast him.
01:03:30Layton, I'm afraid all these murders have affected your mind.
01:03:35Maybe you'd like to come along, Doc, and be an eyewitness.
01:03:39I'm sure it would be just a waste of time, but I'd be glad to watch your experiment.
01:03:45Good. I knew I could count on you to help me.
01:03:53I tell you, Layton, expecting a bat to be attracted by the scent of a lotion is all foolishness.
01:03:59I think I'd better run around.
01:04:02Ah, sit down, Doc.
01:04:04The devil bat's behind schedule tonight.
01:04:13You, uh, aren't very chummy tonight. What's the matter?
01:04:17The firearms always make me nervous.
01:04:20Oh, I thought maybe you didn't want to be sitting too close to me.
01:04:23Just in case the devil bat does show up.
01:04:26According to your theory, the killer wouldn't attack me.
01:04:30I haven't any of that lotion on me.
01:04:36You have now, Doc.
01:04:37Why did you do that?
01:04:39To make it a 50-50 proposition, Doc.
01:04:44Now sit down.
01:04:45And don't try any shenanigans.
01:04:52Not so funny when it's your own juggler vein that's in danger.
01:04:56Is it, Doc?
01:04:58I... I don't know what you're talking about.
01:05:02Maybe you made a mistake when you let that devil bat of yours out of the attic tonight.
01:05:07Don't worry about the bat killing you. I'm saving you for the hangman.
01:05:14Tell me, Doc. How did you, uh, develop a monster bat like that?
01:05:20You wouldn't understand the scientific theory.
01:05:23thinking, don't worry about the
01:06:00Hello, Chief. What are you doing out here?
01:06:02Young fellow, don't think that you're the only man working on this case.
01:06:06It was lucky I was here, too.
01:06:07Thanks. Did you kill the devil, Bat?
01:06:09No, he got away.
01:06:10Well, here's one bird that didn't get away,
01:06:12and he's the murderer we've both been looking for.
01:06:15Quick, shoot it!
01:06:24Where is it?
01:06:25It's gone.
01:06:28And so's the doctor.
01:06:30Did you get the bat?
01:06:31What happened?
01:06:32Dr. Carruthers is the murderer,
01:06:33and he's hiding somewhere. He's in the garden.
01:06:35You fellas get back to the house and guard Mary.
01:06:39Come on.
01:06:46Doctor!
01:06:47Dr. Carruthers!
01:06:51Doctor!
01:06:53Has anything happened to Johnny?
01:06:55Is he hurt?
01:06:56They took him up to my place.
01:06:57You better come along with me.
01:07:15That was Mary.
01:07:29Are you all right, Mary?
01:07:31Go help Dr. Carruthers. He's over there.
01:07:35That devil, Bat, belonged to the doctor, Mary.
01:07:38He created it to commit those murders.
01:07:43Well, it's too late to help the doc.
01:07:45I don't know.
01:07:46I don't know.
01:07:47But I know that...
01:07:55It's not God.
01:07:59No, but not God.
01:08:05You know what?
01:08:11But I don't know.
01:08:11You
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