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  • 9 hours ago
The Chinese detective (Sidney Toler) and his No. 2 son (Sen Yung) seek villains hiding among statues of the infamous.
Transcript
00:00:12The End
00:00:42The End
00:01:01For a most brutal murder instigated by robbery, a murder whereof you, Stephen McBurney, stand convicted after a fair trial
00:01:09by jury,
00:01:10it is the judgment of this court that you are hereby sentenced to the punishment of death
00:01:15to be executed upon you at Sing Sing Prison during the week of December 9th.
00:01:21December 9th. Thanks, Judge. I won't have to do any Christmas shopping.
00:01:29And thank you, Mr. Chan, for what his honor just handed me.
00:01:33Your evidence sticks me in the death house, and I won't forget it while I'm alive.
00:01:38Come on, Mac. Threats won't help your appeal.
00:01:50Well, Charlie, you put him where he belongs.
00:01:52I hope you don't let his threats keep you awake.
00:01:55On contrary. Conviction of most dangerous public enemy.
00:01:59Bring more peaceful sleep.
00:02:10What's that shooting? McBurney, grab the deputy's gun. Shooting his way out.
00:02:13interviews say that the future is best for many people.
00:02:14A zoo.
00:02:22A zoo.
00:02:29A zoo.
00:02:40A zoo.
00:02:44You gonna stay here all night?
00:02:46Take it easy.
00:02:49Bus leading right away.
00:02:51Next stop, Chinatown.
00:02:53Come on, everybody. Step smart.
00:02:55Bus leading right away.
00:02:57Next stop, Chinatown.
00:02:58The mysterious Orion in the heart of New York.
00:03:01Shake a leg, folks.
00:03:03Step right this way, folks. Step fast,
00:03:05and you'll see Chinatown before she goes to bed.
00:03:08Let's go, Bill.
00:03:19Come on.
00:03:23You've got an awful nerve asking me to marry you in that chamber of horrors.
00:03:27What do you think marriage is, anyway?
00:03:39Where's our queen?
00:03:40Can't you read? We're closed for the night. You can't come in.
00:03:42Yeah, I know. Well, where is he?
00:03:43He's, uh, he's busy. Says he don't wanna be bothered.
00:03:49That's only a dummy, a dummy.
00:03:52Come on.
00:04:00You can't go in there.
00:04:03Watch this carefully.
00:04:05This is a difficult but brilliant move.
00:04:08You can't beat it.
00:04:21What a splendid.
00:04:23Superb.
00:04:24I was not prepared for that.
00:04:26But watch this one.
00:04:28Hey.
00:04:29Is he playing chess with that dummy, or am I crazy?
00:04:45Wait.
00:04:47That's checkmate.
00:04:49You've got me.
00:04:53Mac.
00:04:54Hello, Doc.
00:04:56What's the idea?
00:04:57Oh, a little lesson in strategy.
00:04:59I was coaching my protégé.
00:05:08So you're the works.
00:05:10A mechanical woman.
00:05:12Gentlemen, my assistant, Miss Latimer.
00:05:16I'm glad to know you, babe.
00:05:18Why, Lily, my dear.
00:05:19Don't you recognize Steve McBurney?
00:05:23He's been with us for years.
00:05:27The little boy from New York's Hell's Kitchen,
00:05:29who went out west and made good in Chicago.
00:05:32Gee, Mac.
00:05:33It's you.
00:05:34Yeah.
00:05:34And Butcher Dagan.
00:05:36He wasn't that beautiful when they fished him out of Lake Michigan
00:05:39with the 13 bullets you pumped into him.
00:05:47Hope you never double-crossed me, Doc.
00:05:50Well, Mac, I'm no fool.
00:05:51That's what I hear.
00:05:55Well, you got a great racket.
00:05:58A wax museum on top of the sweetest hideout the mob's ever had.
00:06:03In wonder the cops never bother you.
00:06:09You know, Granick, that Doc is smart.
00:06:12He makes faces behind their backs.
00:06:15You ever see the faces he makes?
00:06:16Oh, this wax stuff is okay.
00:06:18No, no.
00:06:19Before he operated on the law, he was the best facial surgeon in the country.
00:06:24A face doctor?
00:06:25Sure.
00:06:29Well, Doc, it's my turn now.
00:06:33Change this map.
00:06:35Fix it so no cop will ever know me.
00:06:37Well, that would be easy, Mac.
00:06:39But why not come back in a month when this getaway is blown over?
00:06:43Oh, no.
00:06:44You start the job now.
00:06:46Tonight.
00:06:49Lily, you better go downstairs and prepare things for an operation.
00:06:56Hey.
00:06:57What's her angle?
00:06:58She's my assistant in surgery, too.
00:07:03Follow me.
00:07:07Of course, you'll realize that you'll have to hang out here for two or three weeks after the surgery.
00:07:12Well, swell.
00:07:12I can use the rest.
00:07:20You know them, Joe?
00:07:22That was Steve McBurney.
00:07:23He just come in.
00:07:27He...
00:07:30He...
00:07:30Joe.
00:07:32I'm forgetting.
00:07:33Like...
00:07:34Steve's your pal.
00:07:35Sure.
00:07:36Didn't he knock off Butcher Dagon for framing you?
00:07:38I remember.
00:07:40That's what I call a real pal, Joe.
00:07:42No.
00:07:51So this is the Chamber of Horrors.
00:07:53Spooky joint.
00:07:54I sure hate to be found dead here.
00:08:02Is this where you operate, Doc?
00:08:03Oh, no.
00:08:04Just an exhibit in there.
00:08:11That's a genuine electric chair.
00:08:15Still in use two years ago.
00:08:17109 murders.
00:08:18Met death on it.
00:08:19Yeah.
00:08:20I had a date with his brother.
00:08:21Thanks to Charlie Chan.
00:08:23Hey, Mac.
00:08:24Get a load.
00:08:25The real thing.
00:08:26Careful.
00:08:27That's a switchboard for the museum.
00:08:28Serves as atmosphere here.
00:08:30But it's practical.
00:08:32Say, Doc.
00:08:33You're the one practical thing around here for me.
00:08:35I want the best face you ever made.
00:08:38Just so as I can walk up to Chan and say...
00:08:41Hiya, Charlie.
00:08:42Before I let him have it.
00:08:44Yeah.
00:08:44And won't that copper be surprised?
00:08:54Tommy, do you mean to tell me you've never been surprised in your life?
00:08:58Only one occasion, Inspector.
00:09:01When honorable wife announce arrival of 13th offspring.
00:09:06Always prefer to utilize element of surprise.
00:09:10Never to be victim.
00:09:12Well, I wish I could say that.
00:09:14Haven't gotten over McBurney's little courtroom surprise yet.
00:09:18Three weeks ago yesterday.
00:09:20He must have gotten out of town or we'd have him.
00:09:23Only very foolish mouse make nest in Cat's ear.
00:09:26Hello, Pop.
00:09:28Inspector.
00:09:29Hope I'm not interrupting.
00:09:31Hello, Mary.
00:09:31Who let you in?
00:09:32That's Jimmy.
00:09:33He's our scout leader.
00:09:34Mary Bolton.
00:09:35Reporter past daily record.
00:09:37How do you do, Mr. Chan?
00:09:39Hi, Doctor.
00:09:40Inspector.
00:09:41Charlie, this is Dr. Cream of the Cream Crime Museum.
00:09:46I'm very happy to meet you, Mr. Chan.
00:09:49Oh, Inspector.
00:09:50This is Dr. Bunn.
00:09:52Von Bram.
00:09:54Herr Dr. Otto Von Bram, formerly by the Berlin Police Department.
00:09:59Today, I specialize in the psycho-criminology.
00:10:02Well, there's one cop to another, Doctor.
00:10:04What's that?
00:10:05Detective who uses microscope instead of common sense.
00:10:09Please, allow parent to make Confucius saying.
00:10:12So, Mr. Chan, you do not believe any scientific methods for apprehending criminals, eh?
00:10:18Any powder that kills flea is good powder.
00:10:22Now, can law students explain crime of playing hooky?
00:10:27Well, I didn't mean to cut classes, Pop.
00:10:29But they, Miss Bolton and Dr. Cream, came up to college with a great idea.
00:10:33Pop, you're going into radio on the Crime League broadcast from the Museum of Crime.
00:10:37This is all Dr. Cream's idea, and a swell yarn from me.
00:10:41But you confer first with chip off old chopstick.
00:10:44Well, only because I remembered where to find Jimmy when we couldn't locate you today.
00:10:47Well, you see, each week we have a famous detective who tries to unravel some old, unsolved crime.
00:10:53On tonight's broadcast, we had hoped that you and Dr. Von Bram might throw some new light on the rock
00:10:59case.
00:11:00Yeah, isn't that a swell idea?
00:11:03Let honor of advertising museum go to scientific detective.
00:11:08Tomorrow, parent depart for Honolulu.
00:11:11Tonight, same prefer good dinner to ancient crime.
00:11:15Excuse, please.
00:11:17But, Mr. Chan, this is your favorite unsolved crime.
00:11:22Do you recognize this man?
00:11:26Likeness of Joseph Rock, innocent man hanged for crime he did not commit.
00:11:31Real murderer never caught.
00:11:33This is an insult to my ability.
00:11:36Once before you made such a statement, Joe Rock was convicted on my scientific evidence.
00:11:43How dare you insinuate?
00:11:44Oh, boys, don't get violent.
00:11:46People have been arguing for years over whether Joe Rock fired that poison dart.
00:11:50Well, you could settle it tonight on my broadcast.
00:11:51Sorry, must decline.
00:11:54Oh, surely you're not afraid to cross the wits with my logic and science.
00:11:59Perhaps you leave the town because of Steve McBurney's threats, yeah?
00:12:03My pop don't run away from anybody.
00:12:05But it might look that way if you don't accept this challenge.
00:12:08What'll I tell the fellas in my class?
00:12:10Challenge?
00:12:12Dr. Cream makes same in presence of offspring's classmates?
00:12:16Yeah, and I accept it for you.
00:12:19I'm sorry you're turning us down, Mr. Chen.
00:12:22It would be an unusual experience for you.
00:12:25You most anxious for humble presence at broadcast tonight?
00:12:29It's a question of showmanship.
00:12:31I know what the public wants.
00:12:34We'll imitate woman and change mind.
00:12:37Most happy to accept unusual radio invitation.
00:12:41Splendid, Mr. Chen.
00:12:42This is news. Thank you, Mr. Chen.
00:12:44You'll be there at 8 o'clock. We go on at 8.15.
00:12:47I'll be there.
00:12:48So long.
00:12:49I'll be there, too, Pop, in case you need any help.
00:12:53Contradiction, please.
00:12:54At 8 o'clock, young legal sprout have date for lecture on old Roman law.
00:13:00No hooky.
00:13:01Okay. No hooky.
00:13:03Say, Charlie, you certainly changed your mind in a hurry.
00:13:07I'd have given odds you wouldn't go for that phony challenge.
00:13:10Correction, please.
00:13:11Challenge may solve more than rock case tonight.
00:13:15Dr. Cream, once famous surgeon, now friend of many criminals, like Steve McBurney.
00:13:23What's on your mind, Pop?
00:13:25Yeah. Come clean.
00:13:27Possible McBurney visit doctor for perfect disguise.
00:13:32Underworld once whispered his former partner, Butcher Dagon,
00:13:36Dr. Cream received same from Dr. Cream, a new face.
00:13:41Well, he wasn't wearing it when they found his body.
00:13:44Say, what are you driving at?
00:13:45Perhaps wrong man found and buried, faceless body in water three months,
00:13:51have long suspected Butcher Dagon, ruthless killer not dead but still alive,
00:13:57and hiding behind face created by Dr. Cream.
00:14:01Perhaps worthy doctor have secret purpose behind challenge tonight.
00:14:07You think Cream's coming here has something to do with McBurney?
00:14:10A trap?
00:14:12Knowledge only gained through curiosity.
00:14:15I think I'll catch your act tonight, Charlie.
00:14:17In fact, I'll go with you.
00:14:19No, please.
00:14:20Mice only play when cats supposed to be in bed.
00:14:45The mother, the son, and the music teacher,
00:14:51correctly seated at the fatal breakfast table
00:14:53that sent Joe Rourke to the gallows.
00:14:55We'll be seated that way tonight.
00:14:57My pal.
00:15:00And he sits right there.
00:15:05Hey, you.
00:15:06Don't touch that.
00:15:07You'll get burnt to a crisp.
00:15:10Dr. Cream, I didn't do this.
00:15:12I wouldn't.
00:15:13It's dangerous.
00:15:14Shut up and get out of here.
00:15:15Come on, get out of here.
00:15:16Mac!
00:15:18Don't go through with this insane plan.
00:15:20It'll ruin me.
00:15:20No, it can't.
00:15:22It's all part of a gag that goes wrong.
00:15:25Crazy Willie there rigs up an electric chair.
00:15:28He puts too much heat on and someone gets hurt.
00:15:30No cop will ever believe that one.
00:15:32Well, what are you gonna do about it?
00:15:34You queer this and you're both through.
00:15:37Now, don't get excited.
00:15:38We're all in it with you.
00:15:39No choice.
00:15:40It's about time Granica down off that pole.
00:15:54You know, listening to the broadcast week after week, give me the idea.
00:16:01Von Braun, the old rock case.
00:16:05The one case Chan would go for.
00:16:08And that phony challenge got him.
00:16:11Now all we have to do is to wait for Chan to be seated comfortably.
00:16:17Then...
00:16:19Okay.
00:16:21Yeah, she's hooked up to the switchboard now.
00:16:23Just tapped 2300 volts from that high tension.
00:16:25Now it can't fail.
00:16:26Not a chance.
00:16:27Uh, if you will please excuse me.
00:16:32You can't go through with this.
00:16:33It'll ruin everything.
00:16:34This place.
00:16:35Your racket.
00:16:35What can I do?
00:16:36It may turn out the way he says.
00:16:37You know it can't.
00:16:39My throat.
00:16:39It's very dry.
00:17:05It's very dry.
00:17:06Am I too late?
00:17:06We're closed up, ma'am.
00:17:08But you said you'd let me in.
00:17:10You told me Dr. Von Braun was coming.
00:17:12Or...
00:17:13I forget.
00:17:14I thought you were Joe Rock's friend.
00:17:16I am.
00:17:17I am.
00:17:17He's my pal.
00:17:19Then...
00:17:20Give him this.
00:17:21Oh, no, no.
00:17:22I never touch those things.
00:17:24We know he needs protection tonight.
00:17:26He's in great danger.
00:17:27Yeah, that's right.
00:17:28You can't let Joe down.
00:17:32You take it to him.
00:17:36No, no.
00:17:37Not that way.
00:17:38This way.
00:17:39This way.
00:17:43Use the upstairs way.
00:17:44And then go right home.
00:17:45I understand.
00:17:49I'll make my rounds and read my clock.
00:17:58I'll make my hands.
00:18:03Oh, my littleだけ.
00:18:04Good night, eh, Frank?
00:18:10Have you an older man?
00:18:14He'll be a good one, huh?
00:18:14Good night.
00:18:16Good night.
00:18:17Good night.
00:18:19Good night.
00:18:21Good night.
00:26:27One, two, three, four.
00:26:31We're ready downtown. We go in two minutes.
00:26:40I can't help that I've got business here.
00:26:42You can't break in here like this. Come out!
00:26:44I tell you, I've got to see Dr. Cream.
00:26:46I'm Dr. Cream. What is it?
00:26:48My name is Lane, Carter Lane, representing Mrs. Rock.
00:26:50Joe Rock's wife?
00:26:52Yes. Is she here?
00:26:53Why would she come here?
00:26:55We heard about the broadcast and it must not be made.
00:26:58She doesn't want this Rock case discussed.
00:27:00Why not? What is she afraid of?
00:27:02Humiliation and rather painful memories.
00:27:04He can't stop us.
00:27:05We are within our rights, Mr. Lane.
00:27:07A suit for damages will determine that.
00:27:09Don't let him scare you.
00:27:11He's afraid of what Dr. Von Braum and Mr. Chan have turned up.
00:27:14What do you mean?
00:27:15It is imperative the broadcast is made.
00:27:18One clue I did not understand tonight, she's clear.
00:27:22I will tell everything about your rock.
00:27:26Sensations.
00:27:27To the radio, I will tell the police where to find the real murderer.
00:27:30That's why Mr. Lane is here, to prevent you from telling.
00:27:34You know you're very beautiful, but you're just a little crazy.
00:27:37Stand by, everybody.
00:27:39Now, take your places, please.
00:27:41Now, we are seated, as the family was gathered, at the fatal breakfast table.
00:27:44Mary, you sit down there.
00:27:47Lily, you sit there.
00:27:50Mr. Chan?
00:27:51Uh, I sit here.
00:27:53Mr. Chan sits here.
00:27:59Dr. Kramer, is this correct?
00:28:01Little Otto wants a seat of honor, too?
00:28:04Truth speak from any chair.
00:28:13We're on now. Quiet, please.
00:28:17Crime is always punished.
00:28:20Good evening, folks.
00:28:21This is Tom Agnew bringing you the Crime League,
00:28:24through the courtesy of the Murphy Arms Company.
00:28:26We are gathered for our 13th weekly broadcast
00:28:28in Dr. Cream's extraordinary Museum of Crime,
00:28:31an educational institution.
00:28:35Hey, there he is now.
00:28:37All right.
00:28:38Tell him exactly what I told you.
00:28:42Hey, what are you doing in here?
00:28:44Hello, Willie. Don't you know me?
00:28:46I'm the new warden.
00:28:48Oh, I'm sorry, warden.
00:28:50For a second, I didn't place you.
00:28:51Uh-huh.
00:28:52Oh, by the way, do you believe in capital punishment?
00:28:55You mean killing murderers?
00:28:56Uh-huh.
00:28:56Sure.
00:28:57Fine, fine.
00:28:59Would you be willing to serve the state in executing a criminal?
00:29:02Would I?
00:29:02You're bad.
00:29:03Good.
00:29:03Then I hereby appoint you chief executioner of this prison.
00:29:08You mean I can hang the Reno kid and guillotine the Blue Beater Palace?
00:29:11Sure, sure.
00:29:11But first you gotta begin with an electrocution.
00:29:13I'll do my duty.
00:29:14You know how to work this thing?
00:29:16Yeah.
00:29:16When you get a signal, you push out.
00:29:18Well, never mind the signal.
00:29:19You see that clock?
00:29:22At 8.20, at exactly 8.20,
00:29:24I want you to throw that switch and electrocute that man.
00:29:31Yes, sir.
00:29:32Okay.
00:29:44Sorry to see you go, pal.
00:29:49And now Dr. Otto von Brohm, the famous criminologist, and Charlie Chan...
00:29:53will attempt to prove the innocence or guilt of Joe Rock.
00:29:57We were seated at the breakfast table June the 9th, 1929, as demonstrated in court.
00:30:03It was a happy family gathering.
00:30:05Gentlemen, this sitting is incorrect.
00:30:07I should sit there in that chair.
00:30:09No, no, doctor.
00:30:10But I insist.
00:30:11As you please, doctor, every bird seek its own tree.
00:30:15Never tree the bird.
00:30:18Excuse.
00:30:20Stop him, quick.
00:30:26Who turned the lights off?
00:30:28Something burning behind Dr. von Brahm's chair.
00:30:32Stand by, folks.
00:30:33The storm seems to have taken the light off our mystery.
00:30:35I tell you, there's a fire.
00:30:36Yes, I see it.
00:30:43Doctor!
00:30:44Doctor von Brahm!
00:30:46What is it, doctor?
00:30:52He's fainted.
00:30:53Gentlemen, carry him over here, please.
00:31:03Right here.
00:31:18Well, he's dead.
00:31:20There's a wire connected to that chair.
00:31:22That's what caused the flash.
00:31:23The doctor was electrocuted.
00:31:25Contradiction, please.
00:31:28Wire to chair previously severed by wire cutters.
00:31:32Doctor von Brahm, not electrocuted.
00:31:36Heart failure, perhaps.
00:31:37I'm not doctor.
00:31:39You make diagnosis?
00:31:40Well, no, I don't.
00:31:41I've been too shocked to examine the body.
00:31:44Excuse me.
00:31:45Because of an unfortunate accident,
00:31:47the Crime League broadcast will be discontinued at once.
00:31:49Oh, Tom, no.
00:31:50I'm now returning you to our main studios
00:31:51where you will hear a musical program.
00:31:53You're an awful reporter.
00:31:54Tell them what happened.
00:31:56It's a great story, Tom.
00:31:57No, Mary, no.
00:32:03Criminologist was murdered.
00:32:05Murdered?
00:32:05You're crazy.
00:32:07But how?
00:32:08Observe small puncture on back of neck.
00:32:11I see.
00:32:12Note peculiar discoloration.
00:32:15Can be caused by Tonga.
00:32:17Poison used by Dayak headhunters of Borneo.
00:32:23Found on doctor's coat collar close to wound.
00:32:27Small bamboo dart projected by blowgun.
00:32:31Served as poison carrier.
00:32:33What do you mean, Mr. Chan?
00:32:34Lethal dart was propelled by sharp breath towards dead man
00:32:39during seconds of darkness.
00:32:41By one of us.
00:32:42It's the only logical explanation.
00:32:44But the wound's on the back of his neck.
00:32:46Dart aimed at face.
00:32:48But doctor, attracted by electrical display behind chair,
00:32:52turned head, was struck here.
00:32:56Well, whoever has a blowgun can certainly save us all
00:32:59a lot of trouble by giving himself up now.
00:33:02The Dayak blowgun.
00:33:03The museum has one.
00:33:05May I examine, please?
00:33:06Why, certainly.
00:33:07This way.
00:33:14Here we are.
00:33:18It hasn't been touched.
00:33:22Killer used similar tube-like implement.
00:33:25You going to search everybody for something as big as that?
00:33:28No.
00:33:30So big.
00:33:54You knew chair designed to electrocute occupant.
00:33:57You're still crazy.
00:33:59Observe wire cutters.
00:34:00That figured in the wild and auto murder.
00:34:02It was used by the killer.
00:34:04This young woman used same to sever lethal cable.
00:34:07You're all wrong.
00:34:09Injured finger produced by act of untwisting wire,
00:34:12which held implement to shelf.
00:34:17Received identical wound just now, doing same.
00:34:20It's a mighty impressive deduction, Mr. Chan.
00:34:23But you couldn't sell it to a jury.
00:34:24I'm not ready for jury.
00:34:27I'm not ready for jury.
00:34:28Please.
00:34:30Can explain presence here instead of on chair when light returned?
00:34:34Why, of course.
00:34:35I got up to see what caused the flash.
00:34:37Nobody else bothered to.
00:34:39Mind you, I'm not making any accusations.
00:34:41But in the darkness, Mr. Lane seemed to lean past me toward Dr. Von Brom.
00:34:45That's right.
00:34:46The killer had to lean forward to take aim.
00:34:48Oh, now, you couldn't mean me by any chance, could you?
00:34:55That looks like a toothpick.
00:34:56Please.
00:34:57Do not touch possible evidence.
00:35:00Mr. Chan!
00:35:01Mr. Chan!
00:35:05There's someone inside!
00:35:14Step out, please.
00:35:16Don't shoot, Pop.
00:35:20Will police explain presence of one dummy inside another dummy?
00:35:24Well, I couldn't stay away.
00:35:26And I didn't want to bother you.
00:35:28So I got into this fella to watch.
00:35:30Why, Aunt Chessman, did Offspring make use of own eyes?
00:35:34You bet I did.
00:35:35What you see?
00:35:36Well, nothing suspicious.
00:35:37That toothpick, it's gone.
00:35:42A valuable clue lost because offspring imitate dummy.
00:35:46One of us took it when all eyes were on the chess player.
00:35:48Hollow toothpick made from goose quill possible blowgun.
00:35:52Let's search everybody.
00:35:54No use.
00:35:54Small object easily destroyed.
00:35:56Well, all you have to do now is find out who uses that kind of toothpick.
00:36:00Let's preserve any possible fingerprints where the toothpick was discovered.
00:36:03I'll cover it.
00:36:07There's your quill toothpick.
00:36:09Gee, Pop.
00:36:10Number two son must have been shoplifting at Automatt.
00:36:14We got nothing broadcast to do.
00:36:16We better be going.
00:36:18Contradiction, please.
00:36:19No one may leave without permission of police.
00:36:22But I've got to phone my city desk.
00:36:24Must wait.
00:36:25Suggest all gather in office of Dr. Cream.
00:36:28Uh, this way, please.
00:36:41Do not recall presence of woman in black at murder of Broadway Butterfly?
00:36:48Why, I've never seen her before.
00:36:51Why, she's alive.
00:36:55Can explain presence here?
00:36:58I must have fallen asleep.
00:37:01Are visiting hours over?
00:37:04Have been here long?
00:37:06I don't remember.
00:37:08You witnessed events leading up to murder?
00:37:11Murder?
00:37:12I heard nothing.
00:37:14A man has been killed.
00:37:16Oh, yes.
00:37:18But that was long ago.
00:37:21Ten years ago.
00:37:22How could I forget?
00:37:24I still wear black for him.
00:37:26He was killed.
00:37:29Murdered.
00:37:30Please.
00:37:31Would mind joining others in office?
00:37:45Mrs. Rock.
00:37:47Mrs. Jorock?
00:37:48Are you sure?
00:37:49Well, I ought to be. She's a client of mine.
00:37:51How long has she been here?
00:37:52We don't know.
00:37:53Gee, Dr. Von Brum sent her husband to...
00:37:55Betsy, have...
00:37:55Wait a minute.
00:37:56Police calls come first.
00:37:57Okay, Pop?
00:37:59Well, did you find a blow gun on her?
00:38:02Man murdered tonight was Dr. Von Brum.
00:38:06Careful, Mr. Chan. She's easily upset.
00:38:08Police headquarters?
00:38:08I want to report a murder.
00:38:11I'll connect you with the homicide bureau.
00:38:13Is Jimmy Chan calling the cops?
00:38:17Homicide bureau.
00:38:18Lieutenant Leslie speaking.
00:38:21Yeah, yeah.
00:38:22Mm-hmm.
00:38:24Von Brum.
00:38:25Somebody got him with a poison dart.
00:38:27Shot from a quill toothpick.
00:38:29What'll I tell the kid?
00:38:32Tell him the cops are coming.
00:38:34We'll be right over, Mr. Chan.
00:38:37Don't let anybody leave the building and don't touch anything.
00:38:40You don't have to tell me, Lieutenant.
00:38:42I've handled a case before.
00:38:44Okay.
00:38:45They're on their way.
00:38:46Good.
00:38:47Everyone remain here and possible clues at scene of crime...
00:38:51will not be disturbed.
00:38:52You mean it's easier to keep an eye on us this way?
00:38:54Please, Doctor.
00:38:55Desire to see electric switchboard.
00:38:58Oh, certainly.
00:38:58I was just going to suggest that.
00:39:00You wait here with other witnesses.
00:39:02Okay, Pop.
00:39:03I get it.
00:39:04These suspects won't get away from me.
00:39:07Suspicion is only toy of fools.
00:39:10Come.
00:39:15Oh, I... I didn't mean...
00:39:17I hope I haven't offended anybody.
00:39:20Well, that's all right.
00:39:21We all know that one of us is a murderer.
00:39:24Sure.
00:39:24No.
00:39:26Say.
00:39:27I'm not so sure about that.
00:39:30Pop!
00:39:31Oh, Pop!
00:39:34Oh, Pop!
00:39:34Oh, Pop!
00:39:36I forgot to tell you.
00:39:37There's somebody else in this museum.
00:39:39He disappeared into a cell.
00:39:40I saw him when I came in.
00:39:43Say, Pop.
00:39:44Don't you feel well?
00:39:47Don't you know a wax dummy when you see one?
00:39:53Say.
00:39:54You're not supposed to be out here.
00:39:55Get back in the office.
00:39:56Who's telling me?
00:39:59All right.
00:40:12What did you do with that gun?
00:40:13You mind your own business.
00:40:15Let me handle this.
00:40:16Look, will you please go home?
00:40:17No.
00:40:18Agin's here.
00:40:19I'm gonna settle with him, too.
00:40:21Agin?
00:40:21How do you know?
00:40:22Never mind.
00:40:23But I know.
00:40:28I know.
00:40:29You people have no right to sneak away.
00:40:31Well, I thought the body ought to be covered.
00:40:33It looked like you were going through his pockets when I came in.
00:40:36No, no.
00:40:36I was just arranging the sheet.
00:40:38Get back in the office.
00:40:40Please.
00:40:41Okay.
00:40:42Mr. Chan.
00:41:07Boo!
00:41:08Don't do that.
00:41:10Oh, Jimmy.
00:41:11I'm so sorry.
00:41:12What are you doing here?
00:41:14Believe it or not, I'm looking for a telephone.
00:41:17Oh.
00:41:21Most odd that owner of museum cannot explain wedding of electricity with chair reserved for humble self.
00:41:29I assure you, I don't know how it happened.
00:41:33Say, Pop.
00:41:34Please, why you not remain with others?
00:41:36Well, there's something I forgot to tell you.
00:41:39I saw...
00:41:46Willie.
00:41:48Gentlemen, I pronounce this man dead.
00:41:50Please remove the body for autopsy.
00:41:53My night watchman, perfectly harmless.
00:41:56It's the swellest execution I ever made.
00:41:59Even the lights run out.
00:42:02You through a switch?
00:42:04Sure.
00:42:04The warden himself.
00:42:05He came right in here and he made me an executioner.
00:42:09Please.
00:42:09Description of warden.
00:42:10There isn't any one.
00:42:12He imagines all this.
00:42:14That's what he thinks.
00:42:17Can't recall warden?
00:42:19Sure.
00:42:20About so high and dark and smooth face and...
00:42:25Hmm.
00:42:25Looked like an evil choir boy.
00:42:27Just imagination.
00:42:29Pop, I've got a theory.
00:42:30Quiet, please.
00:42:32Tell me exactly what you do.
00:42:35At 8.20, just like the warden told me, I pushed the switch and electrocuted red Maddox.
00:42:43Where is warden now?
00:42:46I don't know.
00:42:47He went out that way.
00:42:49There is no warden.
00:42:54May I examine Rome, please?
00:42:57Yes, certainly.
00:43:02Pop, listen.
00:43:03Like busy mosquito, offspring keep chasing parents.
00:43:07Why?
00:43:08Well, there's something I've got to tell you.
00:43:09None of those people in there are guilty.
00:43:11There's another man in this building.
00:43:13You see him?
00:43:14Yeah.
00:43:15He disappeared into that cell.
00:43:16And then when I looked, he wasn't there.
00:43:22I swear he came in here.
00:43:24This gentleman you observed?
00:43:26No, it was a man.
00:43:28And there was a dummy in here with its head all bandaged up.
00:43:31Right here where I'm standing.
00:43:32And now it's gone too.
00:43:35Bandaged dummy part of exhibit?
00:43:37Oh, yes.
00:43:37It must have been changed temporarily.
00:43:40Shall we move on?
00:43:41One moment, please.
00:43:43Marks on floor indicate prison bed moved.
00:43:47There.
00:43:49A trap door.
00:43:51Oh, just a storeroom.
00:43:53If storeroom innocent will apologize.
00:43:56Lead way, please.
00:44:00Yes.
00:44:11Uh, this gentleman is my workshop.
00:44:13My studio.
00:44:14Here I create in wax the photographic likeness of famous criminals.
00:44:19My work, purely educational.
00:44:21Endorsed by schools and colleges.
00:44:22My theme is crime does not pay.
00:44:26The end of the evil trail is prison or death.
00:44:29Please.
00:44:29Please.
00:44:32Uh, sculpture was my hobby.
00:44:34It is now my profession.
00:44:35There is an artist in everyone if you look for him.
00:44:38Don't you agree with me, Mr. Chan?
00:44:41Most unusual form of art?
00:44:44Uh, I do that when I'm nervous.
00:44:47Tearing pieces of paper, you know.
00:44:49Exact duplicate of Steve McBurney's signature.
00:44:52First observed in courtroom.
00:44:55Oh, nonsense.
00:44:56I don't even know McBurney.
00:45:00Safe hop up there.
00:45:02Hey!
00:45:04A hidden room.
00:45:07Oh, boy!
00:45:09Doctor.
00:45:15Most interesting.
00:45:17This where you operate on your dummies, Dr. Cream?
00:45:19No.
00:45:20This is surgical birthplace of new faces.
00:45:22But, Mr. Channing...
00:45:23Evidence betrays museum to be hideout for hunted criminals...
00:45:26...who change faces to cheat law.
00:45:28So they could carry on the rackets.
00:45:30Pop, you've discovered a big thing.
00:45:32Now I understand why Miss Latimer cut wires to chair.
00:45:35She did not want murder to expose museum's most profitable business.
00:45:40One moment.
00:45:42You answer telephone.
00:45:46Hello?
00:45:47What is it?
00:45:48Hello.
00:45:48Give me Walker.
00:45:50Then give me the city desk.
00:45:52What?
00:45:53Who?
00:45:55Jimmy Chan.
00:45:57Uh-huh.
00:45:58You're talking to the seller.
00:46:00Oh, Pop!
00:46:02Miss Bolton.
00:46:03She dialed her office and got me.
00:46:10Telephone obviously operated upon so outside world...
00:46:14...cannot be reached.
00:46:14Then I didn't talk to the police.
00:46:16They're not coming.
00:46:18McBurney.
00:46:18He didn't tell me about that phone.
00:46:21And now they know that Von Brom died instead of you.
00:46:24Here's where I settle with Chan.
00:46:27I thought they're gone.
00:46:29That was the plan.
00:46:30But if they know that you're alive, well then they're still here.
00:46:34And they'll kill you and they'll kill me.
00:46:35Like they killed Dr. Von Brom.
00:46:37Correction, please.
00:46:39Criminologist not killed by McBurney.
00:46:41Murderer was Butcher Dagon.
00:46:43Dagon?
00:46:44How do you mean?
00:46:46Three clues spell Dagon.
00:46:49Quill toothpick, bamboo dart, and poison called Tonga.
00:46:54Get that Chinaman before he gets us.
00:46:55No.
00:46:56First we let him spot Dagon.
00:46:58Then we get them both.
00:46:59Dagon send another man to meet McBurney's bullets.
00:47:03Officially dead, Dagon vanish into new identity...
00:47:07until recognized tonight by Dr. Von Brom.
00:47:10And threat of exposure cost criminologist his life.
00:47:14Dagon kill to prevent exposure of new face.
00:47:19Dr. Cream?
00:47:21Which one Dagon?
00:47:23I tell you, I don't know.
00:47:25With a new face, he could be a woman.
00:47:27I mean posing as a woman.
00:47:28You give to Butcher Dagon living disguise.
00:47:32Dr. Cream?
00:47:32Sir?
00:47:33Doctor, you've got to tell us who Dagon is.
00:47:35Well, I'm afraid I can't help you.
00:47:37I never met Dagon.
00:47:38You're covering up.
00:47:39Mr. Chan knows what he's talking about.
00:47:40We're all in danger here with the killer loose.
00:47:42Mr. Agnew quite right.
00:47:44We'll send offspring outside a building immediately...
00:47:47to telephone police.
00:47:48Okay, Pop.
00:48:04Mr. Agnew, you will please lock front door after Son's departure.
00:48:08Very well.
00:48:09If you'll excuse me, I have something to attend to.
00:48:11Oh, no, you don't.
00:48:12Why, let me go.
00:48:14Try to make a getaway, huh?
00:48:16Now, how you make getaway to summon police?
00:48:20Oh, gee, Pop, I forgot.
00:48:22Where's the key?
00:48:23I don't know, you idiot.
00:48:26Perhaps radio control box connected by telephone to broadcast studio...
00:48:31will summon police.
00:48:32Right.
00:48:33I never thought of that.
00:48:35Edwards, put me through at the studio.
00:48:36No connection.
00:48:38They sign us off.
00:48:39Say, Pop, when I was in the lobby that...
00:48:41Please.
00:48:41Too many theories.
00:48:43Let no one leave this room.
00:48:45We'll try to fix office telephone.
00:48:57You fool.
00:48:58Don't try another double cross.
00:49:00What'd you say?
00:49:02Oh, I said it looks as though you're the boss.
00:49:05Oh.
00:49:07Didn't sound that way to me.
00:49:09Mr. Lane, why were you spying on Mr. Agnew and Mr. Chen?
00:49:13Spying?
00:49:14What's this?
00:49:16I want to know what's going on.
00:49:18You see, I came here to prevent a murder.
00:49:20Dr. Von Braun's murder.
00:49:22What?
00:49:22Who wanted to kill him?
00:49:24My client, Mrs. Rock.
00:49:25The death of her husband left her embittered.
00:49:27She believed that Von Braun persecuted Joe Rock to make his evidence stick.
00:49:32Tonight at her apartment, she threatened to shoot Von Braun...
00:49:34if he wouldn't exonerate her husband.
00:49:36I begged her to let me handle the matter, but...
00:49:38she lost her temper and ran out with a gun.
00:49:41That's why I came here.
00:49:44And now I'm convinced that she couldn't have killed Von Braun.
00:49:48Mrs. Rock, is this true?
00:49:51Do you know this man?
00:49:55Then he isn't your lawyer.
00:50:00She's under a very great emotional strain.
00:50:06I think Mr. Chen should know about this.
00:50:08That's your business.
00:50:11Who did that?
00:50:12Put those lights on!
00:50:13Don't move.
00:50:14There's a killer among us.
00:50:15I hope this isn't somebody's idea of a joke.
00:50:17Where's the light switch?
00:50:27Please.
00:50:28Inspector O. Matthews?
00:50:29Yes.
00:50:30Telephone field much better.
00:50:32Desire Inspector at once.
00:50:37Regret to report murder at Museum of Crime.
00:50:40Killer Butcher Dagan still in building.
00:50:43Witnesses to crime in great danger and...
00:50:47Why doesn't someone speak?
00:50:50Tom!
00:50:51Mr. Lane!
00:50:53Maybe Dagan's sneaking up on us.
00:50:57Somebody just touched me.
00:50:58I did.
00:50:59How many times do I have to ask?
00:51:01Where's the light switch?
00:51:02The corridor.
00:51:03On the right.
00:51:06Oh.
00:51:07Sorry.
00:51:13What's going on here?
00:51:15Which one of you put those lights out?
00:51:19Hey!
00:51:20Where's Dr. Green?
00:51:22I knew I had the right man.
00:51:24He got away in the dark.
00:51:25You!
00:51:26You work with him.
00:51:27You put the lights out for his getaway.
00:51:29Prove it!
00:51:30Pop!
00:51:31Pop!
00:51:32Pop!
00:51:36Pop!
00:51:40Knifed!
00:51:41Got him from the other door.
00:51:43Question, please.
00:51:49Are you no killer use other door?
00:51:52Well, Mary was outside this door and...
00:51:55No one could come in this way.
00:51:57Gee, Pop.
00:51:58It's really you.
00:52:03Oh.
00:52:04For a minute I thought that...
00:52:06Filial grief, honorable music to ancient heart.
00:52:09I get it.
00:52:10You set a trap to catch the killer.
00:52:12I'm most grateful to wax twin for deceiving same.
00:52:15But knife thrower escape in darkness.
00:52:17Oh, the knife.
00:52:19No.
00:52:19Do not touch.
00:52:22Fingerprints may have message.
00:52:24Oh.
00:52:24Dr. Cream.
00:52:25He's gone.
00:52:26Do likewise.
00:52:28Go for police.
00:52:29Each moment of delay dangerous to all here.
00:52:35I'll have a general alarm sent out for Dr. Cream.
00:52:37He's Dagan.
00:52:38I got it all figured out.
00:52:40There wasn't any Dr. Cream.
00:52:42Dagan killed him and had somebody give him Cream's face.
00:52:44He wouldn't run away if he wasn't guilty.
00:52:47Unless Dr. desired to escape offspring's theories.
00:52:51And there was something else.
00:52:53Just before the lights went out, I saw.
00:52:56Sometimes better to see and not tell.
00:52:58Dr. Von Broom proved that.
00:53:00Once more, hurry for police.
00:53:03Okay, Pop.
00:53:03I won't let you down this time.
00:53:05Please.
00:53:06Everyone assume position held before darkness came.
00:53:10All right.
00:53:13All right.
00:53:46Pop.
00:53:47Oh, Pop.
00:53:49Finally they are.
00:53:51Never say it.
00:53:52I see out.
00:53:54Pop.
00:53:57The bandaged dummy I saw.
00:53:59He's dead.
00:54:01Who is it?
00:54:03Removal of bandages necessary for identification.
00:54:10What happened?
00:54:11He's all right.
00:54:12Oh, that bandaged dummy.
00:54:14It was a man.
00:54:16He's dead.
00:54:19Face touched nothing.
00:54:21Fingerprints will prove dead man was Steve McBurney.
00:54:25Are you sure that was McBurney?
00:54:28Dagan strike again.
00:54:30Wound in dead man's back indicate mortal blow with knife.
00:54:37Say, what were those five criss-cross scars on the back of his neck?
00:54:41Fresh scars.
00:54:42Signature of Dr. Crean.
00:54:44Incisions made in facial surgery.
00:54:47To tighten and alter contour of face skin.
00:55:07Well done.
00:55:13One, two, two.
00:55:24Hey.
00:55:25Hey.
00:55:32This is all over.
00:55:38Trailer King?
00:55:39Oh, Inspector. I thought you were the killer.
00:55:43Where's your dad?
00:55:51Please, Inspector.
00:55:53Must apologize for reception committee.
00:55:56Well, that's okay, Charlie.
00:55:57When your broadcast was cut off,
00:55:58I figured I'd better come over and see what was going on.
00:56:01Oh, can you let my men in?
00:56:03The front door's locked.
00:56:04Jimmy.
00:56:06Say, we picked up Doc Cream outside.
00:56:09Is it true what he tells me about Von Braun?
00:56:11Quite true.
00:56:13Steve McBurney also murdered by Butcher Dagan.
00:56:16Dagan?
00:56:17Contrary to opinion, Butcher Dagan still alive.
00:56:21Dagan here?
00:56:23Which one is he? Have you spotted him yet?
00:56:26Killer will be identified when fingerprint expert arrive.
00:56:31That's right.
00:56:33Sure, Dagan's prints are on file.
00:56:35Oh, but he must have thought of that.
00:56:37But he could have changed them by an operation.
00:56:40Oh, you sound like Jimmy Chan.
00:56:43No, no. I wasn't trying to escape.
00:56:45I was just going out after some help.
00:56:48You certainly tried to avoid my squad car.
00:56:50Pete, call headquarters. Get homicide over here.
00:56:53Burns, get on the front door. Nobody leaves.
00:56:56Now, Cream, which one is Dagan?
00:56:59You know we can't protect a man who won't name his enemy.
00:57:02Well, perhaps the doctor doesn't consider Dagan his enemy.
00:57:05I swear I don't know him and I never did know him.
00:57:08Please suggest others remain here.
00:57:10You come with me.
00:57:12Mike, go in that back room and see that no one gets out of that window.
00:57:15Casey, you come with us.
00:57:22Now, what do you see just before lights go off?
00:57:25Mr. Lane, he made a funny move towards that wall.
00:57:29Then lights go off?
00:57:30Yell.
00:57:49Observe, please.
00:57:51Secret light switch concealed in door to cure your case.
00:57:54I get it.
00:57:55Lane plunged us into darkness and grabbed a knife from here.
00:57:58See? It's missing.
00:57:59Say, Charlie, if Lane is Dagan, why didn't he try a getaway?
00:58:03Killer evidently made an attempt to escape in moments of darkness,
00:58:07but met obstacle up front door, which I had previously locked.
00:58:12Then he saw McBurney and knifed him.
00:58:13Correct.
00:58:14Cream knows who Dagan is. Why won't he talk?
00:58:17Here is cruel padlock.
00:58:20Well, we'll get him with fingerprints. He can't get out of here.
00:58:23Hi!
00:58:29Come out of there.
00:58:32Please.
00:58:34We've got Dagan.
00:58:36Contradiction, please.
00:58:38Prisoner is Grenach. Bodyguard to Steve McBurney.
00:58:41Don't let Dagan get me. He killed Mac and now he wants me.
00:58:44If you're McBurney's man, you know Dagan. Where is he?
00:58:46I don't know. We were waiting for Chan to spot him.
00:58:50There! She's Dagan!
00:58:52Why, I thought he was Dagan.
00:58:55Dr. Cream's surgery not create Mrs. Rock.
00:58:59Take him out.
00:59:00You came here to kill Dr. Von Braun?
00:59:03No. Only to confront him.
00:59:05To beg him to reconsider the evidence that convicted my husband.
00:59:08He would never see me.
00:59:10Say, Pop, she doesn't sound insane.
00:59:13I had to pretend that after I guessed the way you did,
00:59:16that Dagan was here.
00:59:17I wanted to stay to avenge Joe.
00:59:21No weapon in handbag earlier.
00:59:23When the lights went out during the broadcast, I was suddenly afraid.
00:59:26So I hid the gun. I didn't want it found on me.
00:59:28But now you use Sam.
00:59:30Yes. And no jury would convict me for killing Dagan.
00:59:34He framed my husband, sent him to the gallows.
00:59:38Mock insanity not always safe alibi.
00:59:41Mrs. Rock, how did you get into this museum?
00:59:43The watchman feels sorry for me.
00:59:45He thinks I come here to talk to my husband.
00:59:49I'm sure he didn't throw the knife at Mr. Chan.
00:59:52I'm also positive.
00:59:54Say, Pop, Dagan must have McBurney's gun.
00:59:57I don't see why he doesn't shoot his way out.
01:00:00May be contemplating same, if unable to remain invisible.
01:00:04Or may strike from darkness with blowgun.
01:00:09Please, hold valuable evidence.
01:00:12Antidote for tunga, poison used on bamboo dart.
01:00:17Well, Jugel.
01:00:17From Dr. Cream's office.
01:00:20Observe.
01:00:22Duplicate.
01:00:23A blowgun used by Butcher Dagan.
01:00:25That's a toothpick from the automat.
01:00:27Yes.
01:00:28Are you trying to tell me that Von Braun was killed with a toothpick?
01:00:31No.
01:00:32Small bamboo dart containing original poison.
01:00:37Dagan blew it into the doctor's neck.
01:00:39A mere scratch is fatal.
01:00:40Oh, that's silly.
01:00:41I don't believe it.
01:00:42Go on, Pop.
01:00:43Show him.
01:00:44Son, read Perrin's thought.
01:00:52Tom Agnew.
01:00:53You fool.
01:00:54Give me that Agnew note.
01:00:55Don't waste time.
01:00:56This is quick.
01:00:57You killed Dr. Von Braun.
01:00:58Yes.
01:00:58Also Steve McBurney.
01:01:00Yes, I had to.
01:01:00You framed Joe Rock, innocent man.
01:01:02Yes, yes, but hurry.
01:01:03Give me that stuff.
01:01:04Dart only broken matchstick.
01:01:07Original needle of death still in pocket.
01:01:09Your prisoner.
01:01:10Here.
01:01:12Casey.
01:01:14Take him out.
01:01:16My boss.
01:01:18Club me with a feather.
01:01:22Mr. Chan.
01:01:24You've cleared my husband's name.
01:01:26I'm deeply grateful.
01:01:27How can I ever thank you?
01:01:29Justice like virtue brings its own reward.
01:01:34Well, Mr. Chan, you win the radio debate.
01:01:36You solved the Rock case, all right.
01:01:38Charlie, how long have you known this?
01:01:39Knowledge short.
01:01:41Suspicion long.
01:01:42I might have known.
01:01:44Any other radio man would have stayed on the air to broadcast Von Braun's murder.
01:01:48Small nose for news in radio man.
01:01:51First aroma of suspicion.
01:01:53You knew he was there all the time?
01:01:55Hiding place discovered when Mike's figure suddenly developed tell-tale scars on back of neck like Steve McBurney.
01:02:02Gee, McBurney gave you the clue to spot Dagon.
01:02:05And we might have cleared out of here and left him to a clean getaway.
01:02:08What about Dr. Cream?
01:02:10Oh, he'll get five years for lifting Mugg's maps.
01:02:15Supper?
01:02:16I've got a whale of a story to phone.
01:02:18Well, after you phone, then.
01:02:20Mr. Lane, I'm awfully sorry I suspected you.
01:02:23Oh, that's all right. Forget it. It kept me on Mary's mind.
01:02:29Hey!
01:02:32I've been watching you.
01:02:34You can't get away with museum property.
01:02:38Let that be a lesson to you.
01:02:41Yes, sir.
01:02:46Say, Pop, what was Dr. Cream doing with an antidote for blowgun poison?
01:02:50Uh, that was a bluff, Jimmy. Just a bottle of toothache painkiller.
01:02:54Boy, you sure pulled the fast one.
01:02:58I'm getting sick and tired of all these dummies around here.
01:03:00Ah!
01:03:02Ah!
01:03:04That, uh...
01:03:05Huh?
01:03:12The End
01:03:37The End
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