The Falcon in Hollywood

After three-quarters, it's Daisy by one length.

And French is second by a point...

Come on, Daisy! Come on, Daisy, baby!

That's the girl! Come on Daisy, you're doing great, Daisy!

Come on! Come on, sweetheart!

RACE COMMENTARY CONTINUES

Oh, you wonderful horse! You wonderful animal!

Come on! Atta-girl!

Atta-girl!

You bum!

-Your programme?

-My wife's.

-My error.

How is the smart money betting on the next race?

I wouldn't know about that, but I'm taking number five, I like the odds.

-Do you have a cigarette?

-Yeah.

Thanks.

-Thanks!

-Do either of you detectives happen to have a match?

Yeah.

-Oh, a wise guy, huh?

-Oh, lay off him.

-I'm Inspector McBride of headquarters.

-Is that so?

I remember seeing a report on you, and I never forget a face.

You're Tom Lawrence, the Falcon.

Yeah, the report says,

"Amateur detective, specialising in murder cases."

I'm sorry to disappoint you but I'm here on a vacation.

For the time being, no more crime detection. Especially murder cases.

Maybe you could help us out. We're looking for somebody you know,

Louie Buchanan, he jumped parole back East.

Louie was a big-time gambler, why don't you watch the 100 windows?

I had an idea you might have seen him. It seems he was mixed up with you once.

Yes, that mix-up sent him to the pen. You said you had a good memory.

I'm the one who gave the evidence.

-I'll take your word for that.

-Thank you, Inspector. If you'll excuse me...

Say, where did you get the tip on number five?

Oh, that's practically a sure thing.

Alice Cabe. I once knew a beautiful redhead by that name.

Say, he must know something. You mind if I take a flyer?

-Why ask me?

-Why?

-You're going to lend me the two bucks!

-Oh.

-Second seat, sir.

-Thank you.

-How are you, Mr Buchanan?

-Fine.

That was a pretty short 20 years, wasn't it?

Yes. I was a very good boy, they paroled me.

It's quite a jump from the penitentiary to the ponies!

Look, chum, you've been in my hair before. Don't get into it again.

-What's worrying you, Louie?

-You are, Doc.

You see too much, you think too much and you breathe too much.

-And bet too much on the wrong horses!

-You're kidding!

-You must be loaded with luck!

-Me?

Sure, you're still alive, ain't you?

I saw your last picture! Gee, you were swell!

-I'm glad you liked it!

-Sign my programme, please, Miss D'Allio.

-Oh, let me take those for you.

-Oh thank you.

-What's your name?

-Douglas.

All right, Douglas.

-There you are.

-Mine too!

Well, no more until after the race, non?

-Sure, we won't bother you again.

-That's all right, children.

-And thank you very much.

-No, thank YOU! So long, we'll be seeing you!

Goodbye!

-My glasses!

-Are these yours?

Oh, thank you!

I don't think we've met, have we?

-There always has to be a first time. I'm Tom Lawrence.

-Lawrence.

TRUMPET FANFARE

-That's my birth date, number 11!

-I beg your pardon?

-From numerology!

There are 11 letters in your name - that's the horse I picked. Everything's 11 today.

-Why don't you bet it?

-Thanks, but I have a different system. I'll stick with number five.

Your attention, ladies and gentlemen. In the next race...

Here, look at number 11. See if you don't get the right vibrations.

I'm afraid there are too many other distracting vibrations around here.

The horses are nearing the starting gate.

-I'm going to make another bet.

-You'd better hurry.

Don't worry, I'll make it!

-Do me a favour, will you?

-I'd be glad to.

D'you mind pretending you know me?

Not a bit!

Wait - you don't know me that well!

Oh.

Excuse me, Lawrence. Your name wouldn't be Peggy Callahan?

Sorry, you've made a mistake.

I should have introduced you, Inspector. This is my cousin, Gladys Lapolis from Minneapolis.

You mean it's Louie Buchanan's girlfriend?

I've a memory for faces. I've seen hers in a police bulletin.

Those police photographs would fit almost anyone you meet!

-Never mind the stall.

-Skip it.

COMMENTATOR: The horses are in the gate.

Number 5's breaking out of the gate.

Number 5.

Hey, that'd better be a good tip you gave me.

Peggy.

Then it is Peggy, huh?

-How did you know?

-Oh, it's a good Irish name, Peggy Callahan.

Seems to go with freckles and that stubborn Irish chin.

They're not freckles, that's a Californian tan.

-I have seen you in Louie's gambling place, haven't I?

-Probably.

I was a hoofer in the floor show.

You know the routine, big bright smile to make the losers happy.

Louie asked me to meet him here, but I'm not his girlfriend, and never was.

Trouble was trying to get him to believe it!

Why didn't you quit and find a job somewhere else?

-You don't know Louie!

-Don't I?

Indian Rock is going to the front...

Moonstone is third...

Indian Rock by a half-length.

Number 11, Patsy's boy!

At three-quarters, Alice Gay moving to the front. Indian Rock is second.

Turning for home, Alice Gay in front.

And here comes Patsy's Boy!

-Alice Gay and Patsy's Boy on the outside.

-What did I tell you?

Alice Gay and Patsy's boy.

Come on, Patsy's Boy!

Patsy's Boy on the outside coming off the bend.

Now what do you think of numerology?

I guess it's all right if you have a good jockey!

Why, this...this isn't my bag!

My tickets! They're gone!

There was a girl here, she must have taken the wrong purse.

-But how could she make a mistake like that?

-I don't know.

Maybe I'd better find out.

-Oh, please.

-Excuse me.

Hey, just a minute!

-Hey, want to catch that car, Mister?

-Yeah!

-Pile in!

-Who's the tomato?

-I beg your pardon? What are you chasing this dame for?

-Are you a copper?

-No, not exactly.

Oh, I get it! One of those amateur snoopers.

Those lady drivers, they'll kill you!

I agree with you! Do you mind taking it slower?

Relax, brother. When I'm not driving the cement mixer, I work in pictures. First class, number one stunt driver.

My name's Billie. What alias do you travel under?

-Lawrence. Tom Lawrence from the obituary columns.

-Lawrence, huh?

Not that keyhole creeper they call the Falcon?

You're looking at him - instead of the traffic!

The Falcon! Gee whiz!

Look, do you mind pulling up somewhere? Up the next telephone pole if you like, but pull up!

And let that car get away? Not on your life!

Just hang on and shut your eyes, that's what I do on the close ones!

Thanks.

SHE WHISTLES

That'll be 3.90.

Oh. Here you are, keep the change.

Just a minute. Where are you going?

I want to see that young lady who just drove in here.

This is a motion pictures studio. No visitors allowed on the lot.

-Surely you would make an exception in this case...

-No exceptions.

I wouldn't bother you, but this is important.

Oh sure, it's always important.

-But nobody gets through here without a pass.

-Well, thanks anyway.

-You're not going to let that stop you? I thought you said you were the Falcon.

-You think I can't get in?

I can help you. This is an independent studio. They rent space to a lot of different producers.

-Say you're a technical adviser on a murder mystery.

-Thanks, but I can work this out.

-Can I give you a hand?

-Oh, thank you, sir.

-I should have stuck to playing the violin.

-This is a lovely instrument.

-Don't go away, will you?

-Don't worry, I won't.

Hey you, where do you think you're going?

I'm a musician, I work here. I have a pass.

-Where is it?

-I'll find it, I'll show it to you.

That's funny, and I had it with me last night but...

Sometimes my wife, she takes some things out and... doesn't always put them back.

WHISTLE

-Do you have to follow me?

-I told you I worked in pictures.

I can show you around this lot blindfolded.

But all I want to do is to find that girl.

-Maybe I can help. Did she murder her boyfriend?

-Just took the wrong purse.

Oh, an embezzler, huh?

Hey! Though you said you weren't sightseeing?

Look, do me a favour. See if you can find her car.

Well, I'll try.

SHOT FOLLOWED BY SCREAM

Excuse me. Are they making a picture in there?

-Sure, why?

-I thought I heard the noise of a shot and a man screaming.

So what? They're probably shooting a scene. You know, for the pictures.

Any chance of getting in?

-Wait until the light goes off and barge in.

-I see.

Must be a long scene!

OK, let's take a look.

Be quiet, see!

You must have been hearing things, mister, there's nobody here.

-But that red light was on.

-Somebody probably left it on by mistake.

DOOR CLOSES

So I walked onstage and he said, "I want you to wear a fur piece." So here I am for a fur piece.

This is the worst job I ever had!

Dance, dance, so tired of dancing I never want to see another dance floor!

-Thanks a lot.

-What for?

Oh skip it! What's the matter with you, anyway?

SHE HUMS

Yes, of course.

Well, as soon as they're ready.

No, stage five.

You didn't happen to be on stage five a few minutes ago, did you?

-Where did you come from?

-That doesn't answer my question. You just came in, didn't you?

I'm sorry, I'm terribly busy.

Mm, cute.

I'm trying to get these costumes finished, and you're not helping.

-You're not supposed to be here.

-I've been trying to get out for some time

but there doesn't seem to be anything in the hallway except girls running around in their...

-running around!

-I see what you mean!

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Pardon me.

-Come in!

Roxanne, will you look at this!

-The fitter didn't get your idea at all!

-I'll say he didn't!

Hold still now till I pin it up. Now, that ought to fix it.

-Hey! I've been looking for you!

-I've been looking for you! There has been a murder!

Yes? The next time you try... There's been a what?

-A murder. A murder?! Where?

-On that stage over there. One of the actors.

OK, but if you try to get away I know how to use this!

Well, we can't go in while the light's on.

It was left on for a good reason.

Not a bad idea, if you want a private murder!

Well, you'd better be right!

All right, where's the body?

It's right through here.

Hold it! Cut!

If it's not too much trouble, would you mind telling me what you're doing and how you got in here?

How did you get in here? This place was empty!

I'm sorry, Mr Hoffman, but this man said there was a murder here!

There was! The body was lying there!

Imbecile, idiot! How could there be? We moved in here from the stage 10 minutes ago.

Did anybody see a body in here?

Yes, there were two corpses, playing gin rummy!

He's got us mixed up with a morgue!

You made a mistake, Sahib, this is a motion picture studio!

It's entirely within the realm of expectation to see things which do not seem normal.

-He ought to know a dead body when he sees one!

-Just a minute.

He was your height and appearance, but you're not the same man. Where did you get that costume?

I'm doubling the fight scenes for Ted Myles!

And Myles left two hours ago! He finished for the day, and went home.

Mr Hoffman, what's the delay this time?

-I might as well know the worst.

-Can I help it if people come in spoiling my scenes, looking for murderers?

-How do you expect me to direct this picture?

-A murder? Where?

-Right where you are standing, but no-one believes it.

-I believe it!

I told you, somebody's trying to sabotage this picture!

Five years on Broadway, and this happens to my first picture!

Breakdowns, delays, accidents, and now murders!

Will the lines stretch out to the crack of doom?

Here I am, five days behind schedule, and he quotes Shakespeare!

-Who put this horse shoe up here?

-Why?

-What are you fussing about now? What's wrong?

-Look, it's upside down, all the luck will run out!

-We cannot change it now, it's already in some of my best scenes!

-All right, leave it!

Come on, let's get out of here.

Places, everybody! Quiet, let's go! Hold it, start reloading!

Reloading, reloading! Always reloading when I'm ready to start!

Excuse me.

I really don't think you should leave this lying around, especially since you know that horse won.

I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.

-Let's say you took the wrong purse by mistake.

-I've never seen it before.

-Peggy, I know perfectly well that...

-You are confused, aren't you?

My name isn't Peggy.

-Lorraine...

-Be right with you!

Get her!

What's wrong with you? That's Lorraine Evans.

-I'm afraid you're beginning to doubt me.

-Beginning to?!

Come on, out, both of you!

Meeting you has been an experience I'll never forget!

How do you like it, Mr Hoffman?

Terrible! It's too plain, too simple.

This girl has no talent, nothing.

With my camera I can only get the personality from the dress.

Do something about it.

Oh, Monsieur Lawrence!

Oh, you found it!

-All the winning tickets, too!

-Oh my darling, you are so wonderful!

Hmm. How did you know where to find me?

Oh I... I didn't. You see, I...

I had an appointment with the producer, Mr Dwyer.

He promised to star me in his picture, then cast unknowns.

He does that to me, Lili D'Allio, when he knew I wanted that part!

-A tragedy of the motion picture business!

-I'll make him wish he'd kept his promise! He's inside, non?

He's inside, yes.

All right, you two, follow me!

-Are you sure it wasn't a wax dummy? It could have been a stand-in for a corpse!

-It was a body all right!

And it didn't walk off by itself, must be around here somewhere!

This is where we get off.

Say, what are you coming down here for?

I have to start looking somewhere.

Not a bad place for a murder!

Yeah.

Disappointed?

What am I looking for? If I found anything, I'd drop dead!

We seem to have company.

I hope it isn't his ghost!

-Oh, there he is now.

-Who?

Over there! The guy with the cap.

-It's you.

-Me?

-Yeah.

Oh!

CRASH! Oh, they got me!

While looking for the bullet hole, don't step on the broken glass.

I'll bet you think I was scared back there!

I knew it was a light bulb all the time.

No sir, you can't kid me.

I know the difference between the sound of a light bulb

and a bullet when I hear one!

Excuse me.

SHE SCREAMS

-What are you yelling about?

-Him there! A body! I'll call the police.

Operator! Operator! Somebody's cut the wires!

That's a prop phone!

Oh.

-It's Ted Myles!

-It's the same body I found before. But there's something missing.

-He had a ring clutched in his hand.

-Gee, a handsome guy like that getting knocked off.

There ought to be a law!

I'll take it up at the next session. Who did you say he was?

-Ted Myles. He was married to Roxanna. You saw her, the dress designer.

-Yes, I was in her office.

-Hmm, you get around, don't you?

-Just how good an actor was he?

Actor? Playboy, you mean! Tried to break into pictures for fun.

He sure didn't need the dough! He was rolling in it.

-Which is the usual motive for murder.

-Motive for murder?!

-Yeah.

-You mean Roxanna killed him for his bankroll?

-It's been done!

That's right! I read something about them having a fight and separating!

Well, genius, what's the first move?

-Find a phone and call the police!

-And let them grab all the gravy?

-What's the matter with you solving it?

-Listen, I'm on a vacation.

-A vacation!

-Yeah.

I'm not interested in finding out who killed Myles or anyone else!

Hey, look! There she is now, destroying the evidence!

A murderess if I ever saw one!

Just to show you how wrong you are, we'll get her on the phone.

Hello, operator? Get me the Sunset Studios, would you please?

There isn't a book here, I'm sorry. You will? Thank you.

Do you always wear that hat?

Yeah, what's the matter with it?

Lady's wardrobe.

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Roxanna? This is one of the watchmen.

There's been an accident. Will you come down to the prop room basement? Yeah. Your husband. OK.

You see? A perfectly normal reaction, nothing guilty about it.

Yeah? What's she doing now? Checking to see if he paid his life insurance?

Probably figured she'd beat the rap on her good looks - nothing but men on the jury!

-Why did you call me off the set?

-Something's happened to Ted.

-Where is he?

-Basement of the prop room.

-He's dead, isn't he?

-I'm sure he is.

I don't want to look at him.

We have to be more emotional for the police, they might not understand the lack of tears.

Why should I pretend to you? You know I hated him!

I dreamed of the day I'd be rid of him, and he knew it. He knew I wanted to marry you.

I don't know how you direct this scene, but is this the right time to walk in?

-What are you trying to say?

-Nothing, but you thought I was exaggerating

-when I said someone had been murdered.

-No use covering up! You two murdered him for his bankroll!

-Don't jump to conclusions.

-That's what you said.

-I was merely suggesting the possibility.

-Don't you dare say that!

-All right, Mr Hoffman, I'll take care of him!

-You're going to jail this time!

-I'm afraid you're wrong.

I don't think you noticed, but that's the body of the actor I didn't find and who wasn't murdered!

Why, it's Myles! Hey, you're not going anywhere!

-We've got to find out about this!

-Sorry, we have a taxi waiting.

-You should have kept your meter running.

-Oh, I did!

-You did?!

You told me to wait for you, remember? Come on, hurry up! Come on!

Where to?

Chateau Marseilles.

You know, I really should congratulate myself.

I was tempted to work on the case, but I didn't let myself get involved.

You could have solved it in nothing flat. What would you have done first?

Oh, I don't know. Found out where Myles lived, probably, and then searched through his effects.

-His what?

-His apartment.

-Oh.

-But don't get me started!

Who, me? I wouldn't think of it!

-Hey, this isn't my apartment!

-It's Ted Myles's.

I thought I'd show you where he lived in case you wanted to solve the murder!

There'll be a taxicab murder if you're not careful!

OK. But it's a shame not to take a look while the clues are still hot!

-But you probably couldn't get into his apartment anyway.

-OK!

-You don't mind, do you?

-Oh no, of course not!

Yes, they just called me.

Ted Myles, shot. Murdered.

Not over an hour ago.

Isn't it terrible?

Ah! Oh, don't do that!

I'll call you right back. Oh dear, I'm so upset.

One of my tenants has been murdered in cold blood. Can you imagine that?

Ted Myles was his name. Only this morning he was around...

-I know. That's why I'm here. I'd like to check his apartment.

-Oh, no trouble. I'll get you the key.

No trouble at all. Well, you fellows sure don't waste any time!

It's a relief to know if you're going to be murdered that the police will be right here on the job!

Oh, you wanted the key, yes?

-Is that it in your hand?

-Oh!

Oh I'm sorry, but I'm just so upset, I don't know half what I'm doing.

-Really?

-Yes. Have you got any clues yet?

I'm safe in saying that headquarters expects to make an arrest within 24 hours.

I won't spread it around! No, sir!

Where is his apartment?

Oh, sorry! I forgot to tell you, didn't I?

Apartment B, right down the hall.

Thank you.

Oh dear, Ted Myles murdered! What will Miss Scott think about that?

I hope she didn't have her radio on...

Won't you get into trouble, passing yourself off as a copper?

I didn't, he merely took it for granted.

Serves him right for jumping to conclusions!

-Say...

-What's the matter? You're not losing your nerve, are you?

No, of course not.

It's like stepping over his grave or something.

Oh, I used to feel that way. You did? Yeah. You'll get over it.

-I will?

-Yes, it will take a few years, but you'll get over it.

-A few years?!

-Mm-hm.

Oh, I wish we hadn't come in here.

Seeing his things around kind of gets you.

He probably stood here this morning trying to pick out the right necktie.

And worrying about tragic things like a broken shoelace.

Oh, well.

What's to be will be I suppose. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen, there's no two ways about it.

I'm a fatalist myself.

You just can't figure these things.

-Billie...

-Yeah?

We may want to get back in here.

-Do you know any place we can have a duplicate key made?

-Over on Melrose.

Be a good girl, there's the key.

-Get back as soon as you can.

-I'm on my way back already!

-Fine.

"Agrees to sell 25% interest in a motion picture entitled Magic Melody

"for the purchase price of 50,000, signed Martin S Dwyer."

DOOR BELL BUZZES

-Oh!

-Why did you ring? You knew Ted Myles was dead.

Yes, I know.

I thought I heard someone talking in here.

Who is it this time? Peggy Callahan or the actress Lorraine Evans?

I'm sorry about that. Really I am.

I took that other purse by mistake.

-I couldn't admit at the studio that I knew you!

-Why not?

I'm using another name in pictures.

If they find out who I am and where I'm from, it'll spoil my chance for a career!

That doesn't explain why you came to this apartment.

I heard about Ted and, well, there was a photograph I'd given him.

I was afraid the police reporters would find it and try to make something important of it.

But it really wasn't important?

He was a good friend, that's all!

He helped me break away from Louie, then when I came out here he talked Mr Dwyer into making a test of me.

Of course, you know Ted Myles put up part of the money for that picture?

Why, no.

-No, I didn't.

-Just like old Irish colleens.

Pretty hair, pretty eyes, and a touch of Irish blarney.

Very thoughtful of you to explain everything so clearly.

How do I know you're not covering up because of the murder?

-Mr Lawrence!

-Stay where you are!

-I wanted your friend Louie to think he'd hit me.

-Did you see him?

-No, but it was Louie, wasn't it?

-I... I don't know.

I must compliment you on the way you manoeuvred me in front of that window. Perfect target.

You must speak to Louie about that. I can't see how he missed.

I didn't know he was out there.

-Hiya, folks.

-Well, well, quite a coincidence.

-We were just talking about you.

-Yeah, I know.

You're slipping, aren't you?

What, this? Oh, don't be silly, chum.

I intended to miss you. That was just a reminder.

Like the one you gave Myles?

I didn't kill Myles. Not that he didn't have it coming to him.

I told him I didn't like anyone fooling around with my girl.

That goes double for you, chum.

What do you mean, your girl?

Who do you think you are, watching every move I make,

calling me five times a day telling me what I can do?

I'm no working for you any more, so leave me alone.

It's OK, baby. I'm the patient type.

You'll be back as soon as you get this Hollywood bug out of your head.

-PHONE RINGS

-Hold it.

The manager knows I'm here.

Yeah.

OK, answer it. But be careful what you say.

-Hello?

-Hello, this is the manager speaking.

-I have two gentlemen here who claim they're detectives.

-Keep them out of here.

They're impostors.

No, you can't go in.

Now if you'd care to wait here, I'll check with the police.

-We're the police. Take us to that apartment.

-You heard him.

Yes, sir.

I'm sorry you have to leave. There's really no hurry.

Louie, do me a favour - stay away from the studio.

What are you worried about? They'll never finish that picture.

-I don't think we'd better be found here either.

-No. I'll get my things.

-Oh, my picture!

-Hurry!

-There he is.

-Well, Lawrence...

-Lieutenant McBride, isn't it?

-Inspector McBride.

-What are you doing, impersonating an officer?

-That was the manager's mistake. I just didn't deny it.

-Is there a law against that?

-If there isn't, we'll make one.

I wouldn't be surprised if you murdered Ted Myles. You just can't trust a living soul.

-Do you mind if we look around?

-Not at all.

Thanks very much.

-I've got it!

-You've got what?

-Uh-oh!

-Come on, let's have it.

-It's a key, isn't it?

-Yes. And if it fits that door, you'd better start thinking up a lot of pretty answers.

-It fits.

-What's happened? What do you know about this murder?

-Not a thing.

-Are you going to let them take the credit? You found the body.

-He did what?

-Look, go and pour yourself a drink.

-But I don't drink.

-Then just look at it.

-Oh...

Well, what about this body?

Yes, I was at the studio but it was quite accidental.

So, you were at the studio when a murder's committed? You find a body and don't even call the police!

-Oh, I can explain that, inspector.

-Hey, look - a bullet hole!

-A bullet hole?

-Yeah! Right there.

-How did this happen?

-Oh, I didn't tell you, did I?

Louie Buchanan took a shot at me. You should have got here earlier. He was here when you phoned.

Now we are getting somewhere. A guy takes a shot at you,

a guy we've been trying to locate for two weeks, and you're in here having a cosy little chat with him.

-Who killed Myles?

-I'll take care of this, Higgins.

-OK, Mack. Er...Chief.

Lawrence, you're going to show me where you found that body. You too.

I hope I'm not causing you any trouble.

There's only one thing troubles me - the wrong people are always getting murdered.

Come on. Here you are, Shorty.

Thank you. Oh, dear...

-PHONE RINGS

-Mr Dwyer's office?

Yes, that's all been taken care of.

-Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr Dawson.

-That's all right.

-Here's the script. Your part starts on page 38.

-Thanks a lot. Bye.

Bye. Mr Dwyer's office?

He can't talk to you now. It's impossible for you to talk to him today.

-Marjorie, I must see Mr Dwyer to get an OK on these sketches.

-Sorry Lou, Mr Dwyer's in conference.

OK, I'll wait.

Mr Dwyer's office?

We've got a picture of where it happened.

If we had a picture of the murder we could all go home.

What am I to do? How can I go on?

Every scene Myles was in, every foot of film will have to be re-taken.

Somebody's trying to ruin me.

When sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions.

Tell me, Mr Dwyer, Myles must have had quite a lot of money, investments?

I let him buy an interest in the picture I'm making.

-But he came to me this morning saying he needed cash at once. The whole 50,000.

-50,000?

Myles was being threatened. He'd gambled out east and lost heavily.

He thought he was being swindled and stopped payment on the cheque. The gamblers followed him to the coast.

Sounds like our friend Louie. He owned a gambling house.

-You gave him the money?

-I didn't have it.

But I gave him a ring so he could pay the man who was threatening him.

50,000 for a sparkler?

This wasn't an ordinary ring.

The ruby was one of the sacred gems of India from the temple of Jaina.

Originally it was the eye of an ancient idol.

-I wore the ring myself as a good luck charm.

-That solves the whole case.

Louie bumped him off not realising he was ready to pay up.

Just get it down, I'll take care of the rest.

INTERCOM BUZZES

-Hello?

-"Mr Johnson to see you."

Right, tell him to wait.

Hang off, thou cat, thou burr.

Vile thing.

Shakespeare's broke loose again.

Who let this wretched black beast in here?

Haven't we had enough bad luck already?

I'm sorry, Mr Dwyer. I wanted to tell you, we've searched the lot but we can't find the murder gun.

Maybe you're looking in the wrong place. You found the body twice, didn't you?

Found it twice? Hey, what are you holding out on me?

I thought you knew that. I found Myles murdered but when I went back the body was gone.

So I hunted around until I found it again.

-Simple as that, eh?

-Yeah.

-You're coming with me. I want everybody on the set. Myles's wife, all of you.

-Did I do something wrong?

-Oh, no.

-Can't this wait until the company's through shooting?

-No, it can't.

Got me tongue tied by authority.

-Come on Lorraine, we're waiting. Hurry up.

-How do I look?

-Great. We're ready, Mr Hoffman.

-Well, it's about time.

-All right girls, places. Snap it up, let's go! Roll 'em...

Hit the playback.

Quiet. All right everybody, this is a take.

Cut!

Pardon me, Mr Dwyer.

-How did you like it?

-Acceptable.

As the illustrious bard would have it, an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpractised.

Happy in this, she is not yet so old but she may learn.

The inspector said he wanted to see you.

Quiet, please! These gentlemen want to ask you a few questions.

We're checking up on the murder. Everybody on this set's going to tell me where he was.

Why don't you ask Lili? She predicted the murder.

How about that?

Oh, if they had only listened to me.

-There were signs, strange, evil signs.

-Death warnings?

The signs of numerology controls even the planets, which hold the secret of the future.

Its laws control the universe.

We are mere mortals governed by the planets, just as the moon controls the rise and fall of the tide.

This is getting us nowhere. I have scenes to make.

-My whole company's waiting.

-You seem nervous, Mr Hoffman.

Can tell us where you were before the company moved to this stage?

I don't have to account for what I do.

I'm afraid you do, Hoffman.

-I stopped by the miniature department to see a prop I'm using in the picture.

-Can we check on that?

Dismiss the company. I am through shooting for today.

Alex, please, we're behind schedule. It's no use.

This interruption, it's too much.

-Are you letting him get away with this?

-We'll all go to Miniature.

I think that's a very good idea.

You too, please.

-Marvin...

-Yes, Mr Dwyer? Want to look at the train?

Has anybody else been in here looking at it?

Why, yes. Mr Hoffman.

Oh, yeah? What time was that?

Well, I couldn't say exactly.

-Haven't you got a clock around this joint?

-Yes, but I've been too busy to look at it.

-It looks like Hoffman's got his alibi all figured out.

-Has he?

-Gee, exciting, ain't it?

-It is, isn't it?

-Where's the foreman?

-Over there.

-Thanks.

-Can I help you?

-Yeah.

Did you make this today?

Eh, no, sir. We were turning these out.

Gee, busy around here, aren't you?

Yes, ma'am.

Heavy, aren't they?

Hey, what do you think you're doing?

-How clumsy of me. I'm sorry, I was just...

-Now what?

A cursed fatal hand that hath contrived this woeful tragedy.

How did it happen?

I picked it up, it was heavy and it slipped out of my hands, just like that.

I think you'll find that's the gun that killed Myles.

You couldn't have put it there, could you?

Sure, he dunked it in the plaster while it was gooey, then waited...

He wouldn't kill anybody. He's a detective.

That doesn't prove anything. I mean, he's an amateur.

Sorry to disappoint you, Inspector, but Hoffman tried to conceal that gun.

That's a lie. I've already proved I went to the miniature department.

But you stopped here first while the plaster was wet.

Otherwise, how did you get that plaster on your shoes?

Come to think of it, he did come in here. While I was casting the two figures.

And dropped the gun in the mould while you weren't looking.

I don't suppose there is any use denying it.

I tried to hide the gun. But I didn't kill Myles.

Alec, they can arrest you for this.

Oh, they can do what they please.

He's too willing, Inspector. I guess he's covering up for someone.

-Listen, why don't you let the chief do his own guesswork?

-My own what?

-Cuff him!

-You can't take him! The company goes on location first thing in the morning.

-You can't. My picture's only half-finished.

-That's your problem, find yourself another director.

-This is a murder case.

-Yeah, this happens to be a murder case.

Better check on that make-up, girls.

Hey, Saunders, are we going or aren't we?

We got orders to stand by, that's all I know.

-You're getting paid, aren't you?

-Is this outfit all right?

Yeah, that's swell. Morning, Saunders.

Morning, Roxanna.

-Morning.

-Morning. I see you got my message.

It was more like a riot call, wasn't it? Do you movie people always get up this early?

They say that's where something got its name - from sunrise to sunset.

-Coffee?

-Yes, if you want me to keep awake.

I don't usually get up until around noon.

-Sugar and cream?

-Black.

This is worse than a hangover.

You're probably wondering why I called you. It's about Alec. You know, Mr Hoffman, the director.

Oh, I don't think they'll be able to hold him very long on that sort of evidence.

Well, they are holding him. At least, they did last night.

He's innocent and I want you to help him.

Means a lot to you, doesn't it?

It means a lot to Alec. I know he's hard to get along with, temperamental,

but if you'd seen the brilliant scenes he's been getting, in spite of the accidents and troubles...

If he can finish this picture, it'll start his career all over again.

Well, the only way I could help would be to find out who really killed Myles.

It might turn out to be Alec, or perhaps even a very attractive dress designer.

This coffee is excellent.

-Surely you don't think I killed him?

-It wouldn't be the first time a guilty person has appealed for help.

It's a clever move sometimes, you know, to throw off suspicion.

As a matter of fact, I'm fairly sure Hoffman is shielding someone, and you're very friendly with him.

-What's the trouble?

-It's been called off.

-What you mean, called off?

-All I know is Mr Dwyer cancelled the call.

He tried to find another director but gave up.

You mean you aren't going to finish the picture?

That's what he says. Frankly, I don't blame him, either.

I know, but...

Poor kid. I feel sorry for her.

I want to talk to Dwyer. Will you go with me?

Sure, anywhere you say.

Do you realise what it's costing me to make this picture?

Look at those figures. 50,000 over the budget and everything going wrong.

I can't understand it.

Somebody's been trying to stop me from making this picture.

I'll say this for them, they're doing a good job.

You'll never find out by stopping production. The only way is to keep the picture going.

And that would give Mr Lawrence a chance to find out who's guilty.

The best detective in the world can't help me unless he shows me how to shoot a picture without a director.

It was just an idea.

I'd better think of another one.

Past hope, past cure, past help.

I am a man whom fortune hath cruelly scratched. BUZZER

-Hello.

-Inspector McBride is coming in.

Thank you for letting me know(!)

Sorry to butt in, Dwyer, but we've got a gun of yours.

-How did you find it?

-Registration numbers.

That's the gun that killed Myles.

Oh, no, you don't. That was the gun I reported stolen two weeks ago.

Check on that.

Now, by two-headed Janus, nature hath framed strange fellows in her time.

Shakespeare. Did you ever read Shakespeare, Inspector?

-No, I read detective magazines.

-Oh.

Higgins. I want to check on a report of a stolen gun. Yeah.

Martin Dwyer. The 17th. >

-Here you are.

-Thank you.

Oh. Well, thanks.

You muffed that one, Chief. The gun was reported stolen, like he said.

Mr Dwyer?

Mr Dwyer, he's back, he's here!

-Who, the dead man?

-No, the director, Hoffman. He's out on bail.

Now we can go on with the picture.

-What you say, Mr Dwyer?

-You bet we'll go on!

Blow wind, come rack, at least we'll die with harness on our back.

-What did you say, Mr Dwyer?

-Tell those extras we're not cancelling.

Round up the crew and get those trucks to location.

Oh, and tell Johnson and two or three studio police they're going along.

-Your props drop ready?

-Right.

-Right.

Maybe we shouldn't go. This might be risking somebody else's life. What if there's another murder?

Search, seek, and know how this murder comes.

Romeo And Juliet, Act V, Scene III.

Aye, sir, let chance be on our side.

Don't wait up for us.

Pop, is this where the Hoffman company's working?

-Yeah, but you can't go in.

-Oh, stop your kiddin', Pop.

-Hold it! Cut, cut, cut, cut!

-What's the matter, sir?

Do I have to watch everything?

A fashionable estate in the summertime, and look at that heavy overcoat.

Sorry, sir. Will somebody move that fur coat? Let's go again.

-Sound reloading.

-Reloading, reloading again.

Reloading. Always reloading!

Take two minutes, gang.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

-I didn't know you were a movie fan.

-I don't see any reason why I shouldn't use my own pool.

Your pool? That's very generous, letting them come up here after being cut out of the picture.

The arrangements were already made.

It was too much bother to change them.

Are you nervous about something?

Why should I be?

You always seem to carry something interesting with you.

Winning race tickets or a card like this one.

Atlas Bail Bond Company, hmm?

I was wondering who arranged Hoffman's release.

That's very clever, Mr Lawrence.

Alec is a friend of mine. He directed me in several pictures.

What about Roxanna? I thought she was...

Alec prefers to let on that he and Roxanna are in love.

Well, actually, she's very sweet but she's not for Alec.

Hi, kids. Want a hot dog?

For breakfast? No, thanks.

-You'll excuse me.

-Oh, it's a pleasure.

Do you have to come popping in at the wrong moments? She was about to tell me something.

Yeah, well let her find her own boyfriends.

Oh, the jealous type.

-That's why you followed me.

-Nuh-uh.

I followed your boyfriends.

-Inspector.

-Yeah?

Isn't it unusual to release a suspect in a murder case? Or have you decided Hoffman isn't guilty?

Oh, he admits he hid the gun, but the DA's getting particular.

-He wants a motive.

-And that doesn't mean we think he's innocent, or anybody else round here.

-Let's have it quiet!

-All right, places, please.

Try and remember, you pick up the pistol and point camera-right as you read the line.

-Where is the pistol?

-I gave it to Lorraine.

I put it over... I put it right there in the box!

Well, where is it? Pistols don't walk!

-Find it!

-Yes, sir. Find that pistol!

Sound reloading.

Here it is.

Oh, that's fine. All right, roll 'em!

Quiet. Speed.

Action!

You see him coming in.

You're afraid.

No! No! No! Cut!

These amateurs they give me. No soul, no emotion!

-And you call yourself an actress?

-If you don't stop riding me, I'll...

That's it, that's it!

That's exactly what I want!

You hate this man. You understand? You hate him!

Now, see if you can get it right this time.

-Turn the camera.

-Quiet. Speed.

Action.

Please, stop that scene. Stop it.

WOMAN SCREAMS

Alec!

Get back, please.

-He's hurt pretty badly.

-Somebody call a doctor.

We'd better get him inside.

-It wasn't this gun. It couldn't have been! I fired it past the camera.

-Oh, yeah?

Maybe somebody took a pot-shot at him from an airplane(!)

Miss D'Allio. You wanted to stop this scene. You must have known that gun was loaded.

Of course I knew. The signs were against him.

Signs, signs!

Numerology can tell you anything. What horse to bet on, when you're going to be used as a target.

If it finds out who the killer is, let me know.

Did anyone see which way she fired that gun?

Well, that should be simple enough. Develop that film and find out.

-It's a good idea. We'll have the lab rush it through.

-Fine.

-How is he?

-Not so good.

-May I see him now?

-No, and neither can you.

He's still not out of danger. And when he is, I'm going to go in.

-I'm not having anybody in there framing alibis.

-You said it, Chief.

So just be good little girls, go sit down and enjoy your luncheon. Come on.

While you're trying to guess who to pin this on, how about that squidgy-looking Hindu actor, huh?

Who else would have grabbed that ring with the sacred ruby?

I read all about those babies in the Sunday supplement.

If the ruby was stuck in the forehead of one of those ancient idols,

he probably sneaked all the way over from India to get it back.

You know, the avenging curse of his ancestors because their temples were defiled?

Ah, just a minute. I got my own theory.

The gown designer, Roxanna.

Roxanna?

-That's what I said.

-What makes you think that?

-Oh, she had a motive. Didn't you?

Sure she did. Myles was loaded with dough and when he gave her the air she teamed up with the director.

She knew that we were getting ready to rake Hoffman over the coals

-and she wanted to give him a permanent case of lockjaw, so he couldn't talk.

-She didn't kill Myles.

But Dwyer might have.

I'm still not satisfied that gun was stolen from him.

Ah, it all boils down to a cinch. Anybody could have done it.

If the nominations are not closed, I'd like to propose a candidate.

Aren't you overlooking Miss D'Allio?

She made a number of threats when she wasn't cast in the picture.

Myles's murder might have been dictated by numerology.

If you look it up, you'll find she arranged for Hoffman's bail.

I told you I thought he was protecting someone.

-She might have thought he'd talk.

-Why don't you leave Alec alone?

-Or haven't you realised yet that you're wasting your time?

-We needn't discuss that.

We will discuss it. I warned you and I'm warning you again.

You did, didn't you? If you must know, Alec and I are going to be married.

That surprises you, doesn't it? We should have let you know, but we didn't want to hurt you.

Is that why you got him out of jail?

-Or is it because you put him there?

-Why, you, you...

-You gave him that gun to protect yourself.

-You gave him the gun?

It was put in my car by...

someone who was trying to have me blamed for the murder.

I couldn't afford to be involved, so I went to Alec. He took the gun and told me not to tell anyone.

Compounding a felony and accessory after the fact.

You'd better come along. We'll find out about this.

-Inspector, don't you think...

-No, never mind. Not now, not now.

The police are up there now, questioning everybody.

Look, I don't want the cops messing around on this.

Is this a private get-together, or can anyone join in?

Get his gun, Peggy. It's usually in his right pocket.

Toss it over there.

-That's right.

-Now, do you mind?

-Oh, sure.

-Thank you.

-We can talk on even terms now.

-Yes.

What's the handle for? Picking out your next victim?

-I didn't know there was a bullet in that gun.

-Didn't you? I thought you hated Hoffman.

-You're not that good an actress, are you?

-I despised him. Who wouldn't?

Ask anybody on this set, they were all ready to kill him.

Louie, I'm going to keep out of it and let you talk directly to the police.

-You want to get your hands on that killer, don't you?

-Yeah.

-Give me some time and I'll prove who it is.

I'm afraid that wouldn't work. You're just stalling.

-I'll tell you tomorrow. Meet you anyplace you want to.

-Yeah, with a gun in each hand.

-Oh...

-Are you going to go peacefully or would you rather...

-Take his gun, Louie.

So you are working together. You had me guessing.

He said he'd tell us who the killer was.

I'll phone Peggy tomorrow and let you know where to meet me.

Thanks, Peg. See you later.

-And that's the guy you just couldn't get rid of?

-At least he can tell us who did the shooting.

-You didn't believe that, did you?

-Of course I did.

Louie may have his faults but he'll never go back on his word.

I can't make up my mind whether you're charmingly frank or if it's that Irish blarney again.

WHISTLE

-Say, I've been looking all over for you.

-No!

-I was beginning to think I'd lost you.

-That's too much to hope for.

-I'll bet you think I just wanted to butt in.

-No, no, no, no.

I've got a surprise for you. Wait till you see what's happened at the pool.

It's beyond me.

I can't understand it.

The whole day's work ruined.

Every inch of film exposed to the light.

You were supposed to get this to the lab. What happened?

-I told you, I didn't see who did it.

-Higgins, take him in.

-What's the charge?

-Suspicion of murder, one of those crackpots.

Crippled up at home two years ago and tried to blame the studio.

Bumps himself on the noggin and claims he's been slugged.

-Very convenient, wasn't it?

-What do you mean?

You said you didn't shoot at Hoffman. That film would have given us the answer.

-I wonder if Louie read the morning papers.

-He didn't say.

Don't worry, he'll keep his word.

-Where did he tell you he'd meet us?

-The last place the police will ever think of looking for him.

-Do you really think Louie'll show up?

-Of course I do.

I see what you meant about it being the last place the police would look for Louie.

It's about the last place they'd look for anyone.

-Cosy spot, though.

-It sure is.

-It looks as though we're early for the football game.

-Oh, just a few months.

-While we're waiting, perhaps you wouldn't mind telling me a thing or two.

-Sure, what is it?

-What's all this mystery about Louie Buchanan?

-There's no particular mystery.

Louie's a big gambler and he had a run of luck.

He put some of the money in Dwyer's picture and then came out here to see what was going wrong.

-Funding your picture when he wanted to keep you in that floor show?

-That's how I got into pictures.

Ted Myles came to the club back east, and talked Louie into investing in the picture.

Then I met Ted, he helped me get the part.

Oh, brother, you should have heard Louie sound off when he heard about it. You'd think that he...

MARCH PLAYS

Oh, come on.

-Taxi, mister?

-No, thank you.

Oh, I'm sorry if the radio interrupted your romantic love scene.

-What did I tell you about a taxi-cab murder?

-Look!

It's the same ring.

Is he dead?

Poisoned, by the look of it.

What did I tell you? The curse of the Maharajahs.

Two dead corpses, both with the same sacred ruby ring.

-What in blazes is going on here?

-Chief, it's mass murder.

-Only one, this time. Your friend, Louie.

-Somebody's start confessin'.

Put that away.

Cousin from Minneapolis, huh?

You can't fool me when I've seen a police photograph.

I knew you were Louie's girlfriend, and I knew you'd lead us to him.

You were all three working together, but it's the old story - crooks fall out.

-One has to get himself murdered.

-Yeah?

Take a look at this ring.

It might make you change your mind. The princes of ancient India used that method to poison their friends.

They gave them a ring, waited until they were foolish enough to wear it, and that was the end of them.

And then they put the victim's slaves to work building a new pyramid.

The poison is fused in the middle.

It's absorbed by the skin, gets into the bloodstream and the wearer mysteriously dies.

You seem to know a lot about it.

I'm taking you in, all of you. Higgins, call the wagon.

All right, come on, get on.

-Cigarette?

-Sure.

No.

-Inspector?

-No, thanks.

Get a load of this. I found it in Louie's pocket. It's a list of names.

Everybody who owed him money - Myles, Lili, Hoffman, Hedges, and three others I never heard of.

Yeah, killed Myles, shot Hoffman, and the others were next in line if they didn't pay off.

-Hang on to it. It's important.

-You don't know how important it is.

Those names have one thing in common. They were investors in Dwyer's picture.

Myles, Lili, Hoffman? Say, maybe that's right.

But the guilty man's name doesn't appear on that list. Dwyer himself.

Sure. The producer sabotages his own company, knocks off his leading man,

takes a shot at his director, so he can run himself into bankruptcy.

That's exactly what I say he was trying to do.

It's one of the oldest rackets in show business.

How many times can you sell a 25% interest?

-That's what Ted Myles owned.

-And Louie had the same amount.

Yes, and apparently Hoffman, Lili and everybody else on that list.

The picture's oversold right there, let alone any other investors.

-Dwyer couldn't afford to let it finish. He'd have had to account for the profits.

-We can check on that.

Now help, ye charming spells and periapts.

And ye choice spirits that admonish me and give me signs of future accidents.

CAR APPROACHES

In the gross and scope of my opinion, this bodes some strange eruption to our state.

-Just a minute, Dwyer. We've got some questions we'd like to ask you.

-Sit down, please.

No, thanks. Mr Lawrence thinks you sold too many shares in the picture.

Quarter shares, to at least eight investors.

Now, that doesn't quite add up.

Or should I say, it adds up to 200%?

I may be a bad businessman, but not as bad as that. I'd go bankrupt at that rate.

Which I believe is exactly what you intended doing.

Going bankrupt, as you call it, and walking off with the profits. There was only one thing wrong.

Myles and Louie Buchanan found out about it, so you had to kill them.

It was very nicely planned, too, particularly reporting that gun of yours stolen days before the murder.

-Whatever gave you that idea?

-A broken mirror.

The one you had Peggy smash. You're too superstitious to allow anything

like that to get into your first picture, unless you wanted that picture to have trouble.

I gave Hoffman a free hand, anything he wanted.

But you did everything you could to make sure the picture failed.

A cast of unknowns, a hot-tempered director.

Your Broadway successes were all dramas and yet you started in pictures with a musical.

But you were getting a good picture, and you couldn't allow that.

-I'm still not sure. If Dwyer is guilty, how did Louie get hold of this ring?

-The same way Myles did.

They demanded the return of their investments and Dwyer gave them his old standby, the ring.

But Myles didn't get a chance to wear it.

This all sounds very exciting, but my books are open.

I sold only one interest, to Myles, and that was a friendly gesture.

Louie thought there were other investors. We can find out about them.

Lili D'Allio, Hoffman, and the other names on that list.

I suggest you place Dwyer under arrest until you can find out.

I'm afraid that won't be possible.

I'll ask you not to move.

No, nobody move!

GUNSHOT

-Let's go.

-Yeah, let's get out of this shooting gallery.

-Did Dwyer go out?

-Haven't seen him.

-Don't let anybody out. Phone all the gates.

-Right.

WOMAN SCREAMS

No, there ISN'T any man in here!

Hey, slow down.

Why don't you go and look down, um, that way?

Say, do you think I'm going to find him all by myself? CLANKING

Oh, don't look now.

-I just a felt a shiver run up my spine.

-You'd better get out of here. Use that side door.

SCREAM

We've got a Chinese part lined up for you next week, Mohammed.

-Sorry, I'm set to play an Eskimo.

-OK.

This is what you call safety in numbers, no?

Lawrence, the next time you want a little vacation, let me know.

-No more murder cases.

-Not until the next time!

-This time I mean it.

If a man were shot right here, I wouldn't turn to see his body fall.

BANG

Put that away!

Sorry.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd - 2007