The Falcon in Danger

TANNOY: 'Attention, please. Flight 65 from Washington arriving.

'Attention, please. Flight 65 from Washington arriving.'

Why doesn't he switch on his landing lights? Look at that.

They're missing the field. They're crash-landing.

Start her up.

'Emergency, clear the field, emergency, clear the field.'

THEY ALL GASP

SIRENS WAIL

Let's get over there.

SIRENS WAIL

Oh, please take me with you! My father's on that plane.

I'm sorry, so are a lot of other people.

TYRES SCREECH

Nobody aboard. Well, how do you like that?

It ain't so, it couldn't happen.

Get outside, have this crate surrounded. Come with me.

Automatic control, that's how she came in on the beam.

How about the log? No entry since the last stop. Any signs of violence?

No. Maybe it was gremlins. I've been reading and...

Bates! Not a word about this to anybody until we get a line on it. We'll search this plane.

Seven, red.

What number shall I bet on now, honey?

I'd say 19, yes, definitely 19.

Place your bets. I'll take 22. No more bets. You wanted to know.

19, red, 19 the winner. You see?

Place your bets. Thanks, partner, I'm sorry you're not having better luck. Maybe the wheel's crooked.

Here, people don't just say what they think unless they don't mean it.

I'll change all that. I'm a missionary from Texas.

TANNOY: 'Ladies and gentlemen, sorry, folks - briefing.'

Put your chips out of sight, please. Game's closed.

EXCITED CHATTER

What's it all about? It's a raid. A police raid!

A police raid, my name in the papers, what'll I do? Leave.

Sorry, dear, I can't be caught here. But, Jimsy...

'Your attention, please.'

Just remain calm, it's a little visit from the police. Enjoy yourselves, drinks are on the house.

We're from headquarters. Sorry, sir, this is a private club. Members only.

We want to have a talk with the Falcon, Tom Lawrence.

The posse's on your trail, let's get out of here! Try this caviar.

Evening, Lawrence. Hello, Timothy. It's a mistake, he promised he'd keep out of jams.

Permit me. Inspector Donovan, Miss Bonnie Caldwell.

One of the first families in Texas. Glad to know you, Sheriff.

I'm a police inspector. I want to talk to you.

My future husband is not to have any secrets from me. Congratulations.

Who did the proposing? Well, I happened to save her father's life.

A Texan never forgets. The least I can do is marry the gentleman! Care for a drink? A beer, thanks.

Waiter? Two champagne cocktails and a beer.

Yes, sir. Look at this.

Plane lands without... Without pilot or passengers.

Stanley H Palmer is missing. A plane load of people missing?

Not quite. Most passengers were accounted for - they were left stranded at the last stopover.

Somebody rustled that plane? Yes.

While they're out stretching, the plane takes off, they don't know who's on it. So we come in.

They radio the airport, the airport... Sorry, chief.

Later, they count noses and three men are missing - the pilot, Palmer and his assistant, Fairchild.

So they figure they're on the plane. But when the plane lands, it's empty.

They're not on board. Weird, ain't it?

Extraordinary. Well, why come to me?

Read down further. "Are the police baffled by gremlins?"

You must have your usual ingenious theory?

Could be some armed men sneak on the plane, force the pilot to take off,

they rob Palmer and Fairchild, make them jump, set automatic control...

And the hold-up men have parachutes. I know it sounds cock-eyed.

Intriguing, though. But not for you.

You promised you'd give up crime and all other girls. You heard the lady.

OK, OK, I really can't blame you, I guess.

Just another one of those headaches. Goodbye, Sheriff.

Sorry to break up your little picnic.

Why should I, a settled responsible citizen, want to do his job for him?

We'll never make a go of it if you keep rushing off on adventures.

I should say not. Well, come pick some more numbers.

Will you excuse me for a minute? I have to get some cigarettes.

Excuse me, will you?

May I be of assistance? Yes. I'm looking for Mr Lawrence, the Falcon.

Oh. Do you know him?

Not really. I telephoned and was told he was here. Do you know him?

Oh, yes. We're inseparable. What did you want with him?

I'm sorry. I must see him alone.

If you know... I'd better introduce myself.

I'm Tom Lawrence. Mr Lawrence. You must help me.

I've read about all the cases you've solved and I... I'm sorry, I'm Nancy Palmer.

Won't you sit down? Thank you.

Perhaps you read of my father's disappearance. The mystery plane.

It isn't a mystery any longer. I received this.

Ransom note.

That's why I'm here, although I'm a stranger. No longer a stranger.

BONNIE: Good evening!

My, what a charming cigarette girl you make.

This is Miss Palmer, whose father disappeared on that plane. Plane?

Then it was your father who... Oh, I'm sorry. Why didn't you tell me?

She's trying to persuade me to take on the case. A frightful thing, losing anybody so close.

But I promised you... Tom, how could you be so selfish?

If you don't help her, I'll never speak to you again. You're very kind.

Let's get to the airport. I'll look at the plane. I'll get my wrap.

Here, this way. Shouldn't we wait?

No. Bonnie isn't the diplomatic type. Last time she offered to help, I landed up in jail.

Beg pardon, madam. Something I can do for you? Yes, I wish you'd...

Cash these in for me, please. With pleasure.

Beat it, I've got work to do.

And you'll do it without my fiance. He isn't here. Now scramoose!

Excuse me. Where I come from, it's ladies first.

So!

Hello, darling.

Oh, I can explain... Start by explaining to me.

Inspector, I'm responsible. I asked him to help.

Oh, yeah. You're Miss Palmer.

All right, what have we dumb cops overlooked? I'm not sure yet.

Was the cabin just like this? Yeah, except some stuff we picked up.

Excuse me. Don't mind me, I'm just from City Hall. Go ahead.

It's all we've got to go on. Don't touch - there might be fingerprints.

Oh, how silly of me. I'm sorry.

This stuff doesn't look like much. Butterfingers.

How about the luggage? Go to HQ if you want to look at that.

I'll take a look at the luggage compartment.

Thanks. I'll go with you. Oh, no, I shan't be a minute.

Oh, Mr Lawrence! Don't you worry, honey. You'll get your father back. He's very clever. I'm sure he is.

Mr Lawrence.

Well, can't be we've met. I most certainly would have remembered you.

I followed you here. I found this note.

Why is it every beautiful girl I meet is in distress and has a note?

Beautiful? You mean Nancy. I'm Iris Fairchild.

Oh, the other one. Fairchild... The big shot's aide.

I'm his niece. I see.

Suppose you tell me how you came by this. It was in Nancy's mailbox.

I wanted to spare her feelings. You must have known about the first note.

Explain why you brought this to me. My uncle's involved.

I have a right to see how things are handled. Perhaps so. Go on.

Uncle Wally was carrying almost $100,000 in securities for Mr Palmer.

The kidnappers were probably tipped off. What makes you think that?

Nancy's fiance works in her father's office. He knew all about it.

It isn't easy to court the boss's daughter on his salary. I see.

Exactly who is this suspicious fiance? The name is Bonnie.

I'm supposed to be somebody's fiancee. This is Miss Fairchild.

Another of Mr Palmer's daughters, no doubt. Darling...

Wait a minute. YOU asked me to help.

I'm just trying to please you. I'll do anything you say.

All right. You promised you'd come horseback riding with me in the park.

I'll expect you there tomorrow.

You know perfectly well I'm frightened to death of horses.

I don't know how to ride. You can learn, starting tomorrow morning.

Why, Iris, darling! Hello, Nancy. I wasn't going to show you this, but...

Why, I should be delighted to take you girls home.

Where'd he get that other dame? I think he takes them out of his hat.

DOORBELL CHIMES

DOOR OPENS

Good evening, Miss Iris, Nancy. Any more news of Mr Palmer?

Nothing yet, Thomas. Nancy, darling, what gives? Why the disappearing act?

Mr Lawrence, this is my fiance, Mr Gibson. How do you do?

He's consented to help. I appreciate it. Believe me. I believe you.

This is terrible. Have you heard anything new?

Well, I... Only this. Miss Palmer got these this evening.

Thomas told me. At least we know your father's all right.

They want $25,000 before noon tomorrow.

25,000?! You'll get that from the board. Do they say where to deliver?

I suggest we discuss it tomorrow. You two get a good night's sleep.

Are you going my way, Gibson? I'll share a cab. I'll get my hat.

I'm very grateful for all your trouble. It's a pleasure.

Good night, darling. Good night, dear. Iris. Night. Goodbye, Thomas.

A gambling club is an odd place to search for a girl like Nancy Palmer.

I promised her I wouldn't go there any more.

One should keep one's promises to one's fiancee. Definitely.

Courting your employer's daughter. It doesn't look well to be losing money. I know.

I gave up my job to go to Palmer's war plant. I mean, you're in the confidence of the firm.

You knew they were carrying a fortune in securities. Iris has been telling you things.

Nancy and I are getting married. She deserves the best. That's why I gamble.

If you think I'd put a finger on SH, you're crazy. We're pals.

Handy things, rich fathers.

All the best families have them.

Ha ha! Can't even run fast! Oh, no? Ha ha!

HORSE NEIGHS

Yah!

Don't think you can get away with this! I thought you were afraid of horses! Bonnie, please be quiet.

CHILDREN SQUABBLE

BONNIE: ..Every gal that comes along?

I don't know what'll happen after we get married!

I'm busy. What kind of a man are you, anyhow?

What makes you carry on like this?

Darling... What have you got to say for yourself?

Oh, out hunting clues on horseback?

What makes you carry on like this?

HORSE NEIGHS

Oh, help! Help!

TYRES SCREECH

Help! Her horse is running away. Do something.

Tom!

What happened, mister? What did they do?

272 N877.

Well, here's your antiques shop. 327.

Bonnie, darling, will you please go home?

No. I want to be sure you're telling me the truth.

You heard me check with the licence bureau. How do I know who it was?

I don't want you to go into danger.

You let my horse run away with me while you stood with that...Geranium.

Iris, and I've yet to see the horse you couldn't manage. Or the man, either. Come along.

Business certainly is booming.

Yoo-hoo!

Anybody here?

Reckon not.

Somebody was here.

Creepy old place, isn't it?

WATER COOLER BUBBLES

What was that? Had a frog in its throat.

DOOR CLOSES

Are you looking for anything in particular? We're just browsing.

Go right ahead.

Are you the proprietor? I can show you anything you want to see.

Do you run this place alone? Help is hard to get.

I'm extremely fond of Old Sheffield silver. Have you any?

Only a few pieces. It's very scarce right now.

Well, aren't you going to show them to us?

Sure, miss. It's in the storeroom. Pardon me.

SHE PLAYS THE GLOCKENSPIEL

Oh, look, dear, here's a lovely old relic.

It might look very well on a table just like this... Oh, perhaps you're right, dear.

Good evening. I wasn't expecting anyone this late.

We were passing and saw the shop was open.

We couldn't resist these lovely things. I'm proud of my collection.

Take this old duelling pistol.

There is quite a history connected with it.

Nice, isn't it?

It's nicer in the case. I forgot that appointment with Aunt Belinda!

She won't mind. She will! We came to get something. Don't let's rush it.

Quite right, sir. It is never fitting to mar the contemplation of beauty by hurrying. Nicely put.

The Palmers said it would be a pleasure to do business with you. He used to be a very good customer.

I understand you've had some correspondence with his family. I sent Nancy some notes.

They had to do with Kenneth Gibson. He has owed my son a considerable sum of money for some time now.

A little matter of some bets on horses.

This is all we have.

I'll take care of it, Evan. You'd better start closing up.

My son.

Notice the exquisite lines. You won't find anything to match it.

Very nice. But not quite what we're looking for.

Is there anything else you might be interested in? Yes.

A body or two. Perhaps even three. I see.

I have here a very fine Egyptian mummy.

It's an outstanding example of the fifth century BC.

I'm looking for something American, 20th century, approximately 64.

Let me see. I think I have your catalogue price.

$25,000, is that right? Correct, sir.

With such perishable goods, the price is rather high. Of course.

What guarantee of delivery can you give?

I'm afraid you'll have to stand on my reputation. I have yet to disappoint a customer.

You can always depend on getting the genuine article here.

I have been fooled only once.

It very nearly cost a man his life.

I see what you mean.

BANGING ON DOOR

Open up! Police!

BANGING ON DOOR

George, put that away. All right, Father.

I'm sure I can depend on your discretion.

Open this door! I'd do as he suggests.

Isn't this cosy? Glad to see you.

I've been expecting you, Timothy. What are you doing here?

There's no law against a couple furnishing their future home.

Have you anything else, Mr Morley? Yes, indeed. Pardon me.

Is it to do with the ransom payment?

A nursemaid saw the pay-off and a distinguished horseman who sounds like the Falcon.

She flatters me. Here is something that might interest you, Mr Falcon.

A very fine antique clock.

That's rather nice. It's lovely. How much is it?

$72. $72? If that's too expensive... I ought to arrest the lot of you.

Old man Palmer just got home - alive.

Alive? At his house? Headquarters want you to get right up there.

That merchandise wasn't as perishable as you thought.

This should have perished years ago.

I tell you I'm all right. This is a lot of silly nonsense.

You'd think I was on my deathbed.

Dad! You've had a shock, more than you realise.

More than I realise? I lost ten years of my life.

All the more reason to get things done. I've gotta call the plant.

Dad... Everything's all right, sir.

I built that business and not by trusting it to the likes of you.

DOG GROWLS

- The police, Mr Palmer. - About time.

Quiet, Prince.

Can't this wait? He's been through a great deal.

That's why they're here. This is my friend, Mr Lawrence.

He's helped us solve the kidnapping. It's not solved yet.

He's back. But we don't know who kidnapped him.

Quit talking across me! Would you mind telling us what happened?

There isn't much to it but it happened pretty fast.

Fairchild and I didn't bother to get off at the last stop and just before we were due to start,

it was late and Wally and I were up to our ears in paperwork, that darn red tape.

You'll send verification of contract back to Washington. First thing, SH.

Aren't you going to get out and stretch? Is there time? Sure.

What do you say? I'd like it fine.

Inside, quick.

What is this, some kind of a joke? Look, bub,

the government's got an interest in this, you know.

The Civil Aeronautics Board will hear about this.

Sure. You tell 'em, Mr Fairchild.

'They knew us all right, but I couldn't peg them.

'They forced the pilot to take off. We'd been flying ten minutes

'when they forced us to hand over our money and valuables.'

He tried to put us in a spin. I set the automatic control.

Briefcase...

Where's the key to this thing?

OK...

'I thought that was the end of it.

'But one of them threw a parachute in my lap,

'and says, "Pop, that's yours."'

What do I do? You oughta know. You make them for the government.

Wait a minute, boys. I'm not young. I don't know how to make a jump.

Would you rather crack up in a wild plane?

I think your daughter would pay to get you back.

Just count ten, Pop, and pull the ranger.

PLANE'S ENGINES ROAR

'You know, it wasn't bad.

'I went sailing down, all of 5,000 feet.'

Let me have a cigar, will you?

What about the kidnappers? They took me to some farmhouse.

They didn't watch me very close, and that's where they made their mistake.

I'm not as old and decrepit as I look.

Heaven knows what happened to poor Fairchild and that pilot.

They must have knocked them off. No... Don't you worry, child.

You'll be just the same to me as Nancy. I'll give you every...

You'll give me BACK everything. Wally told me.

Forcing him to the wall and offering him that miserable job.

I never want to see you again as long as I live! Iris, darling.

Golly!

I'd say 10,000 a year was high wages for that job.

That's enough. I'll have to ask you all to leave.

You too, Nancy.

What's with you and Morley? Timothy, you have such a suspicious nature!

Howdy, Sheriff! Did you see Mr Palmer? What did he say?

Did you hear about the ransom notes...?

Dear me, I've done it again. I get so mad at myself when I do that.

Just buying antiques(!) I knew that nursemaid's story was on the level.

Better have him picked up right away. Who, Sheriff? Morley, you dope!

Don't start that "Sheriff" stuff! Sorry, chief.

And it's against the law to withhold information from the police.

I'm so sorry, honey. It's all right. CAR ENGINE STARTS

Morley's bound to think I set the police on him.

Papa wants to see you.

I'll see you later, dear.

Both of you.

After you.

KNOCKING AT DOOR Who is it?

Falcon.

Come in, Falcon. I'm very glad to see you.

I appreciate your coming. Not at all. We couldn't resist your invitation.

Georgie, put down that gun, I told you to be nice to them.

You told me to bring them, Pop. Sit down here.

It's no doubt obvious to you that I did not kidnap Mr Palmer.

Of course, those notes are no longer of interest to you.

Unfortunately, they're extremely valuable to me.

And to the police. Frankly, yes.

I never dreamed Mr Palmer was kidnapped. I was shocked.

Young Gibson seemed shocked, too. No doubt. He's a fine lad.

But just like so many others, he's forced to search for some other means

of augmenting his income - I've been there myself.

Mr Morley, you can trust me to hold those notes

until I'm satisfied you have no connection with the case.

Shall we go, darling? My pleasure!

I'm sorry, but I can't let you leave, unless you have changed your mind

about those notes. Let me give it to 'im, Papa. Patience, Georgie.

I'll take them now. You surely don't imagine I'd carry them on me?

It's the combination of you AND the notes.

They mean nothing unless you are with them to testify.

It's up to you, which is, er, shall we say...liquidated.

I see.

Very well. You win.

They're in her handbag. Get them, Georgie.

One more step and I'll forget that I'm a lady. Give me that purse.

You leave me be! Take your hands off me! Leave me alone!

Well, how do you like that! Looks like the guy doesn't know there's a dim-out.

There must be some mistake. They are not here.

..walking along and everything's OK, then the lights...

HUBBUB FROM OUTSIDE

I'm afraid my patience is at an end.

KNOCKING AT DOOR Who is it? Open up, quick!

There's a crowd of people outside, looking up here.

Wonder what's the matter with them. Probably just a couple of drunks.

I didn't think you'd hide behind my apron strings like that! Sshh!

Nothing to be alarmed about. Stop making me nervous!

Wait a minute. Look at that! THEY ALL TALK EXCITEDLY

Warden, this light suddenly came on.

It's up to you. It's you or those notes.

I'm sorry. I must have left them in another suit. My tweeds, I think.

Papa, let me handle this. No shooting, with a crowd outside.

BANGING AT DOOR Open up. Police!

Watch it. Open up or we'll break it down!

Break it down anyway! BANGING CONTINUES

Put that sign out. Don't you know any better? What? Your neon sign!

How terribly stupid of us.

Of course, warden. We are more than anxious to co-operate.

That's the guy! There's an alarm out for you!

I wouldn't do that, sonny.

That wouldn't be smart.

You're in enough trouble... GUNSHOTS

Somebody get an ambulance, quick!

Now, if you two leave me... I can't be responsible, Mr Lawrence.

Please! Yes, you listen to him! I'll drop by this evening and change the dressing.

Thank you, Doctor. Bye. Bye.

Where do you think you're going?

I don't want a bridegroom shot full of holes.

I've got to find out who's behind this. Simple. Ken Gibson.

With Nancy's father out of the way, he could marry into all that money.

Darling, you could be a detective, in spite of yourself. It's all over.

Police have caught Morley. They can't hold him very long.

I've got to clear this up, or you will have a husband full of holes.

This is Mr Lawrence. Is Miss Palmer there?

She's dining out, sir... Yes... She's with Mr Gibson.

They're working at the salvage depot on 25th Street. Thank you.

Scram! Don't you talk to me like that! Nurse!

Now, Bonnie, will you please...? You'll catch your death of cold!

Did you want something?

Yes, will you please...?

Will you please call Mr Lawrence a taxi? Of course.

I've changed my mind. I think a little fresh air will do you good.

Lawrence, old boy! We heard you'd been shot. I phoned this morning.

You know Miss Caldwell. Yes. How are you?

You remember Mr Gibson? Hello. Howdy. How's your luck been lately?

Ooh, all right, I guess.

Let me give you a hand with that. Thanks...

So this is where you turn corkscrews into battleships? That's right.

Dad donates the premises. Well, if it keeps Ken out of mischief...

You admit you're in debt to Morley? Yes, a little.

Why would I want to harm Nancy's father? We went through that.

Sometimes it's what one's forced to do.

Hey, what's this?

Where did this come from? This junk was collected all over the city!

DOOR SLAMS Nice to see you all working!

Dad, what are you doing? The doctor said... Sneaked out on him.

Dad, this is Miss Caldwell. How do you do?

Evening, Mr Palmer. Hello, Ken. You remember Mr Lawrence? Sure.

Say, what are you doing out of bed? Trying to trace this at the moment.

A lock. What about it? This part was found on the plane.

This, right here in that bowl.

I believe Iris brought in that particular batch. Iris?

Good evening, everybody. Mr Palmer, could I see you a minute? Of course.

I thought you were in the morgue. No. Sorry, Timothy.

Mr Palmer, it's a long shot, but would you recognise these mugs?

Number one, Mr Morley. I couldn't tell much, Inspector,

but he's not one of them. This fella? He's got a record a mile long.

No, I don't recognise him either...

Why are you sneaking away from the police?

I want to talk to someone.

Donovan has a gift for stifling a conversation.

Tail those two. Don't let them out of your sight.

Come on! Get going!

Did that frighten you? Of course. I don't love Buck Thompson,

but at least he brings me wild flowers and not bullets.

Darling, I promise you, as soon as this is over...

Oh-oh. Don't tell me, we're being followed. Oh...!

I need your help... You take this Nasturtium out while I search her apartment.

Or why don't I take her out? Sshh. The name is Iris.

She's not who I'm interested in. It's her uncle, Wally Fairchild.

He was on that plane with Palmer. His body hasn't been found yet.

Now, you stay out of sight.

BUZZER

Miss Fairchild. Hello. I was hoping you'd be in. I was just leaving.

I shan't keep you long.

We're doing all we can to find your uncle. Do you want to help? Of course.

Well?

This turned up in a salvage depot. Really?

Am I supposed to guess what it is? No, I know it's part of a padlock.

You're supposed to tell me where it came from.

I'm late now.

What's all the hurry? I'm going roller-skating. Yes, roller-skating.

Didn't worry long about your uncle.

This is exercise, not recreation.

I could do with some exercise. Mind if I join you? It's a public rink.

Why are you suddenly so interested in me?

Beautiful and mysterious women always interest me. Mysterious? And unpredictable.

For instance, pitching into the Palmers. Anyone would do the same.

I thought Nancy was your best friend.

We were practically raised together. Nancy's had everything. I've always played second fiddle.

That goes for Ken Gibson too, doesn't it? Yes.

I met him three years ago. We were practically engaged. What was that?

I met him three years ago. We were practically engaged.

Then along comes Nancy with her furs...

You're better off without him.

A girl as lovely as you are is bound to meet someone more suited to her.

Like you, for instance. You could do worse!

TANNOY: 'Clear the floor, please, for Crack The Whip.

'Clear the floor, please.'

Game? Game?

That did it.

Why didn't you hang on?

Bates. Don't you think you're overdoing your shadowing a bit?

What happened to the Texas number? You went in with her, and came out with this one.

That's why you were so interested.

LAUGHTER

Sorry.

Bates, that's the Fairchild girl.

Dangerous character. She's carrying a gun. That's against the law.

Hey, you!

What are you doing? Let's see your purse.

For what? Don't give me that. You're under arrest.

Take your hands off me. That isn't mine.

I'll let you go when you explain why you're...

Hey! That's my gun.

LAUGHTER

Any luck?

Look, I've searched high, I've searched low.

There's no money, briefcase, or parachute. I think this is a trick.

You've got to get out of here. She's on her way.

If you want to make dates with your lady friends, just say so. I shan't be a minute.

Here. You sneak out as soon as I get in. Oh, all right.

I admire your nerve, coming back here. I could have you arrested.

But you wouldn't. Wouldn't I?

I told you I'd call the police and I mean it.

Now leave me alone and get out.

Now will you get out of here?

What are they? They seem to be the missing securities.

How did they get in here? You should be able to tell me.

I told you they'd be here, Chief.

Timothy! You've saved me a trip to headquarters. I was just going to bring these in to you.

No doubt. What have you got there?

Palmer's securities.

Where did you find them? In that vase.

We saw your sugar pie breezing out. Well?

I never saw them before. Aren't these the securities? I don't know.

Suppose you haven't seen your uncle, either? No.

Swell lay-out. It lives up to that 10,000 a year. There's a Romney here and a Bouche.

You and your night schools. So these just hid themselves, did they?

Got to hand it to you, Falcon, you had the right dope. Very generous of you. As it happens, I was wrong.

I've come to know this lady rather well and she's completely blameless.

Everyone knows her uncle was Palmer's stooge.

They hired these men to swipe the plane, snatch Palmer...

Grab her! Hold her, Bates!

I don't know anything about it!

You're a fine judge of character(!)

Now I've just got to identify these securities.

Bates, on your feet.

Hello, SH. Glad to see you back. Thanks. Glad to be back.

You got a cigarette? I think I...

Dad! Dr Bradley ordered you to stay home.

What he doesn't know won't hurt him.

I knew I shouldn't have let you work here. I marrying Ken, remember.

You don't exactly overpay him. I'm not so sure about that either.

Mr Palmer? This just came.

Looks like the government contract's going through.

That makes everything perfect.

What about Fairchild? He worked for it too.

I'm sure they'll find him.

Mr Palmer, there's some people to see you.

Bye. I'll be over tonight.

Hello, everybody! Hello, Mr Lawrence.

Mighty efficient, Mr Palmer. He wouldn't let US through.

Rules is rules.

Gus, I owe you 50c. Dad, when will you learn to carry money with you?

What's the good news? It isn't good. These turned up.

At Fairchild's apartment.

Those are my securities. Don't jump to conclusions.

The guy was a double-crosser. He wanted the whole works for himself.

That's not true. The case is closed. All except making the arrest.

Police headquarters, for Mr Palmer. They want me?

Palmer speaking.

Fairchild?

Oh...

Yes, of course. Dad, what's wrong?

What's happened to Wally?

State troopers found his body. Pilot's too.

Please, dear. I'm sorry, Iris.

SHE SOBS

I get suspect number one lined up and he turns up in a morgue.

I'd like an interview with Morley in his cell. You've just got to get him in his cell. His lawyer sprung him.

Insufficient evidence.

Can you recall the exact time you received the first ransom note?

It was about half an hour before I met you. Ten o'clock. Why, do you suppose Morley is guilty after all?

He knows more than he's told. He'd have kept the securities if he'd had them.

Now we have to count Fairchild out.

Hey, that Iris dame. Where is she?

She was over by the car.

She won't get far. Have a heart. Let her have a few minutes.

I've got my job to do. Your big Irish heart isn't going to let you torment that poor girl now.

Oh, she's probably just gone home anyway. That's where I'm going.

We'll let you know if anything develops. Going uptown? No, thanks.

SHE GASPS

Why are you here? Looking for you. How did you know?

I guessed what an unpredictable girl would do.

Find a briefcase? No. Then we may as well join forces.

You lied about that broken lock. I didn't know what Uncle Wally had done. I was trying to protect him.

Where did you find it? Right here. I was collecting scrap metal.

I recognised it when you showed it to me. I knew Morley was involved.

Unfortunately, people sometimes know too much.

I've been expecting you. I promised my boys I'd receive you properly.

I don't like to disappoint.

It's very gratifying to see such family devotion. I'm afraid you'll have to make an exception.

You should be more careful of the company you keep.

No need for that. Tell us what you know, you'll be in the clear.

I know what I read in the papers. You read it, then sent the notes?

Your first note was received at ten o'clock.

The papers came out after 11. You'll have to do better than that.

You don't realise the position you are in.

SHE SCREAMS

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT

Did you see who it was? No.

Somebody's anxious to kill you. They weren't shooting at me. It's Morley they were after.

He's gone.

I think I know where.

Very well, sir. I'll tell him.

Dad, we're playing no trumps.

Oh, there ought to be a rule against bidding it.

There's a gentleman here to see Mr Gibson. Thank you, Thomas.

Ken? I wish he'd stay put. Are we going to play bridge or aren't we?

- Did you call me, Nancy? - Somebody's here to see you.

Kindly get rid of him. Who'd know I was here?

How do I know? Will you deal the next one for me?

Of course. Will you have coffee?

No, thank you. Yes, you will. You're not going to waste it!

Can't talk here. Come upstairs.

DOORBELL CHIMES

Good evening, Miss Iris.

Where is everybody? In the card room.

Shall I announce you? No, thank you.

I'll join you in a moment.

HE LAUGHS

Hello, Iris. Iris, darling!

I hope you don't mind. Not at all, my dear. Sit down.

Take Gibson's hand. Thank you, but I don't feel up to it.

There's someone on the stairs. It's Morley.

Inspector Donovan, please.

Timothy? This is Lawrence. I'm at the Palmer home.

There'll be another murder soon.

'Murder? How do you know?...'

The old boy's den? Yes.

DOG GROWLS

Hello, Prince. DOG GROWLS

Easy, boy. He won't make friends.

Nonsense, all dogs will.

DOG BARKS Except him.

Prince! What's the trouble? DOG KEEPS ON BARKING

Looking for something to read? Yes!

Help yourself. I wanted that one, but...

It's all right, Prince.

Thank you. Come on, Prince.

DOOR SHUTS

KNOCK ON DOOR

Nice going, Iris. Thank you.

Shakespeare never wrote this many plays.

Wally's briefcase! You knew it was here. I hoped it hadn't been destroyed.

Letters, specifications...

More specifications. Contract.

Government questionnaire of some sort.

That's odd. It's Mr Palmer's handwriting.

He seldom writes anything himself. They seem to be routine questions.

Johnson Gordon Company, owner - Stanley Harris Palmer!

Wally tried to prove that for years. What?

Johnson Gordon froze them out. My uncle never got over that.

He suspected always that Palmer had used this company to squeeze him out.

Iris, you've hit it. I see what must have happened on that plane.

Palmer remained on board, all right. But alone.

The pilot came back and stopped to speak to him.

Aren't you going to get out? No, thanks. Government questionnaire.

Back so soon, Wally? We'd better do that questionnaire.

No need for you to bother. Not having any secrets from me, are you, SH?

Course not. Just the usual red tape.

Before the government will award me that contract, they want everything.

Maybe I can help you with it. I told you I'd take care of it. I know.

Johnson Gordon Company. Owner, Stanley Harris Palmer.

You own it and used it to freeze me out.

I made it up to you! By giving me a job as a glorified office boy.

That's confidential for the government! The courts won't be interested where it came from.

I've been willing to take it from you for years. You won't stop me.

What's the matter with you? Have you lost your mind?

Wally! Stop it!

GUNSHOT

Wally?

Wally!

He forced the pilot to take off.

Some time later, Palmer quit the plane.

He had a demonstration parachute. He landed with that after he dumped the bodies.

Then he hid out with Morley, where he lost that lock. Yes.

He might have gotten away with it, were it not for Morley's greed.

He couldn't resist trying to get extra money.

Palmer tried to kill Morley tonight. Yes.

When a man like Palmer kills, he'll do almost anything to protect himself.

His first mistake was when he didn't get the key to this.

Wally wouldn't have broken open his own briefcase.

Or plant the securities in his own apartment.

You knew it was Palmer all along. It was just a guess.

I've wondered ever since he told us he'd been robbed on the plane.

He never carries any money with him.

Ken! Help me get him to that chair.

Morley?

Yeah. Came to put the bee on me for some money I owed his son.

That's what he said. I found out he was after Nancy's father.

We had a fight. I don't know what he hit me with,

but...from then on, I draw a blank.

Look after him. Lock that door after me.

PALMER: Get him, Prince.

MORLEY: Please help me!

PRINCE GROWLS Help, please!

Take him off. Help! Take him away.

Please help me!

SHE SCREAMS

Open up! Police!

Don't!

THEY ALL TALK AT ONCE

Stop it. Prince, come here.

Are you badly hurt?

Are you badly hurt? GUNSHOT

Stay with Morley.

Palmer.

I had to. He'd have killed us all.

Tom, I didn't want to tell you till now, but I'm leaving for good.

For good?

Oh. I thought it all over, and I'm sorry, darling, but I'd make a much better wife for Buck Thompson.

He sent for me.

Don't you see, this life isn't mine and no other kind is yours.

Well, I won't try to dissuade you. Your happiness is all that matters.

Goodbye, darling. Good luck, always.

Goodbye, sugar pie.

So a dame gave the great Falcon the air.

Remembering her will always help. He travels fastest who travels alone.

From now... Mr Falcon, you once said if I needed help, I could call you.

It all happened down at our school. A teacher was killed

and we girls are all under suspicion. It's worse for me - my family's away and I'm all alone.

If I don't find out what's happened, I don't know what I'll do.

Hey! There's a law against sending phoney telegrams.

"Sugar pie"!

TANNOY: 'Attention, please. Flight number 74 for Chicago now leaving at Gate 3.'