The Falcon Strikes Back

DRILLING, HAMMERS POUNDING

TICKING

SILENCE

What is it? Who is it?

-I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr Lawrence. It's time to change the ice.

-You're much too efficient!

-PHONE RINGS

-Go away and let me die in peace!

And Jerry...

-see what you can do about that fire alarm.

-Yes, sir!

Look, whoever you are, please take what you want and go home!

You'll find my wallet in my coat and the safe is behind that picture.

Please don't blow it up!

I'm not a thief and I do not want money! I want you.

This is a very pleasant surprise.

I usually see dragons.

Please forgive me. I am Mia Bruger.

I tried to come through the front, but they stopped me.

There are times when they show an appalling lack of discrimination.

Do not joke! I am in trouble! You have to find my brother!

Must we discuss your brother?

-But you do not understand! Franzel is missing for two weeks! He is mixed up with some bad men. You see...

-I know.

You're aliens. You love this country but people won't believe you.

Your brother couldn't get a job and drifted into bad company.

I only want to see him! To talk to him!

I have read in the paper how you solve mysteries when the police fail.

I know you can find him!

I know one thing I can do - take a Bromo and make you disappear.

I am desperate. You've got to help me!

Oh, now, look!

You are coming with me.

Do you mind if I wear my shoes?

-Mr Lawrence not in.

-Don't give me that routine, Jerry.

-Where is he?

-We ain't seen the Falcon for days.

He promised to give me an exclusive story on the Harrington murder case.

Just one thing would interfere - another woman.

-Not a chance. He gave up dames.

-Like I gave up breathing(!)

Excuse me. Just, er...

Well! I hope I'm not intruding.

Not at all. I'm always happy to greet the press.

You're just in time for my murder.

Would you care to write the obituary?

It would be a pleasure. I'm ready. Shoot.

Marcia, this woman tried to abduct me. Sounds silly, doesn't it?

-Doesn't it?

-Now, young lady, if you'll just...

GUNSHOT She got him!

I've seen better performances on amateur night.

Now, boss, you know what happens with dames?!

Yes, Goldie. Isn't it wonderful?

I'm beginning to think you're serious.

-Where did you last see this Franzel?

-There is a place where...

Here we go again!

There is a place where Franzel used to go, a cocktail bar...

We'll go there first. If you can make it.

I see we can.

It is that place, the 333. I have been there many times but always they say my brother is not here.

Don't worry, beautiful, I'll bring him out.

-What's yours?

-I'm looking for a friend of mine - Franzel Bruger.

-Never heard of him.

-Oh.

Get me a straight, er, tomato juice.

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

One of the idle rich. Stuck with an automobile. What a burden.

The poor unfortunate soul.

-Sleeping it off, chum?

-You might call it that.

Do you mind telling me where I am?

You, sir, are about half a mile off Highway 64.

Oh. What's that near?

-Route 14.

-Oh, well, never mind.

Can you tell me what the time is? And the day.

Well, it's about 12 o'clock.

-Correction...12.15.

-And the day is Tuesday.

Noon Tuesday. Thank you, gentlemen.

Cecil, do you realise how fortunate we are. No tyres, no gasoline.

-No nothing.

-No nothing.

SIREN WAILS

All right, get out with your hands up.

Officer, aren't you rather overdoing it? I was only doing 30...

You heard what I said.

Can't you just give me the ticket? I have to get back to town.

I'm a friend of Inspector Donovan's.

Yeah? Maybe that's why he put out a general alarm to have you picked up.

-What have I done?

-Killed a bank messenger.

-You've been misinformed.

Have I? What are these? Moth holes?

-For the last time, you'll tell me or you'll tell a jury.

-Timothy, you're making noises like a detective.

I've been sleeping peacefully in a meadow about half a mile from Highway 64, near Route 14.

-Anybody see you there?

-Possibly a cow or two.

Inspector, you can't arrest a man for wallowing in nature.

Sunrise in the open country, birds singing, bees, er, humming.

Try wallowing in this.

In war bonds, too!

Timothy, you don't really believe I'm guilty of all that?

I haven't said you were. Yet.

-But I've always wondered where your money came from.

-Yeah, he steals a lot of war bonds(!)

-What's he gonna do with them? The numbers is all on record. He can't cash 'em in!

-You sit down!

Mr Lawrence no doubt has cooked up another of his ingenious rackets and he's going to tell us all about it!

-Inspector, you try to pin everything on me.

-Six witnesses saw your car leave the scene of the crime.

Two identified your picture.

-Of course you didn't help convince them.

-I...

-No, of course not!

Suppose I prove to you I couldn't possibly have driven the car?

I was with a young lady - Marcia Brooks.

Marcia Brooks. This time, the great Falcon walked right into it.

Bring her in.

Miss Brooks.

-Miss Brooks, Lawrence said he had a date with you the time the crime was committed.

-Well, no, Inspector.

I'm sorry, Tom, but I can't lie for you.

What do you have to say to that?

-You've caught me.

-You're ready to confess?!

-Yes.

It wasn't Marcia Brooks. It was a Miss...

I'd rather not give you her name. It would violate a confidence.

-She hasn't got a name cos she doesn't exist!

-Oh, but she does, Inspector.

I met her in his...office.

I didn't get her name but she's an exotic little tomato, if you like the acid type.

Thanks. That's all. You can go too.

-I should imagine that eliminates me.

-Eliminates you?!

-What do you think I am?

-If you must know...

OK, so you had a date with Miss Whatshername up in some meadow.

Correction, Inspector. The young lady took me to a cocktail bar on Second Avenue.

And you had one drink and everything went black.

You're positively psychic.

I took no drinks and everything went black and blue.

-Slugged.

-That's a good one.

The mastermind gets conveniently conked over the head. He doesn't remember.

I remember the address.

How about it, Inspector?

In the interest of fair play, why don't we go to that bar and have a look?

A snipe hunt if I ever saw one.

-All right, get the squad car.

-Why, chief?

There's too much tread on the tyres and I want to wear some of it off. Do you mind?

No.

-Wait a minute...

-What is it?

How do you do? I'm Mrs Lipton. May I be of assistance?

Ask her if she can knit herself a cocktail.

-I beg your pardon?

-You must excuse us. We were just looking for something.

-How long have you been using these premises?

-Three months now, since the start of July.

-You mean there's NEVER been a cocktail bar here?

-Good heavens, no!

The premises were standing empty and we were allowed to use them.

Thanks, lady. His mistake.

No, you can't use the dash lighter.

This is an official police car. Beat it!

OK, then I won't tell you about the nail you got in your left rear tire.

Nail?!

-Where's the nail?

-Down further, down further!

I could swear this was the place, awning and everything.

I must have a touch of amnesia.

See, chief? He's trying to set up an insanity defence already.

-Hey, Grime!

-Here I am, chief, looking for a nail.

A nail?!

-Look out!

-Oh, excuse me.

It'll take three weeks to get a priority for a new boot!

Don't you think it's about time to scram?

It's just a spot of grease.

Let's go, honey.

Lawrence, come back here!

-Get going.

-The keys are gone.

Find 'em quick or I'm putting you on a bicycle beat so far in the country, you'll get orders by air mail!

Of all the flat-footed, flat-headed...

Don't anybody say anything.

All I want from you is silence and mighty little of that.

Relax, children. This is the last place the police would think of looking for us.

A criminal always returns to the scene of the crime. Cops know that.

Goldie, I'm not a criminal.

Yeah! That's right!

Would you mind letting us in on what you're going to do next?

The only lead we have is the woman who runs this place, a Mrs Lipton.

She won't be suspicious if you go in and volunteer.

What I don't go through!

You're a darling.

Don't flatter yourself. I'm interested only in the journalistic aspects of the case.

Try and find out who she is and where she lives.

All we ask are two afternoons a week at your convenience.

Just fill out this questionnaire. Sit right here.

< Oh, Mrs Lipton!

Excuse me.

Oh, isn't that beautiful? Wherever did you get it?

Mrs Daniels had it flown in. Her husband knows a senator.

Well, lucky you!

Oh, that's beautiful!

BACKGROUND CHATTER

-Did you get it?

-Yes, but...

I'd like you to meet some of the girls.

I wasn't really planning on starting today...

If you're thinking about the children at home, I'll take care of them.

I'm so proud of you.

She's the soldier in the family, on account I'm 4-F.

You stay here as long as you want to

and I'll do the fighting on the home front.

You're fortunate. Very few women have such considerate husbands.

And how I envy them.

You can bet I fixed her!

If there's anything I hate worse than a dame, it's a reporter... and she's both!

It seems the lady lives at the Pinecrest Hotel, Greenridge.

Greenridge? Why does she come way in here to do her war work?

If we can answer that, we're on the way to getting the police off our trail.

That reminds me, I gotta get some cigarettes.

Some cigarettes, please.

Will you take my luggage to my room? I'll be up later.

Mmm-hmm!

I hope you'll find everything satisfactory, Mr Hemingway.

Mmm-hmm!

-I've got Genevieve's head upstairs in a trunk.

-Yeah?

What did you do with Mildred?

I gouged her eyes out.

Oh, that's too bad. She was such a pretty little thing.

I just couldn't stand her staring at me all the time.

WHISTLE

-What's the matter, Goldie?

-Sshhh!

Looks like Dracula checked in ahead of us.

-My favourite was Pauline.

-Oh, I got tired of her.

-Her legs didn't look right so I sawed them off.

-You did?

-Would you mind putting this money in the safe for me?

-Sure, Smiley.

Look!

Would you gentlemen like to see my puppets?

Who wants to see a little dog? Woof-woof-woof...

I still don't trust that guy. He looks the criminal type to me.

Goldie, you're much too suspicious.

-There's that girl.

-What girl?

Mia Bruger, the one who took me to that cocktail bar.

Say, where have I seen you before?

-We'll discuss that later...

-Oh no, you don't!

You wouldn't happen to be the house detective?

You wouldn't happen to be wanted by the police?

You want me to learn him some etiquette? I'll clip him in the kisser!

Goldie, the perfect guest reports any discourtesy to the management and HE loses his job.

OK. But just the same, I'm keeping my eyes open.

We ain't gonna get no place with him on our tail.

He's not gonna be there very long, Goldie.

I got some money to put in the safe. Smiley's box office r...

What's the matter, Brannigan?

I've been robbed.

-What do you want?

-Got a hot tip for you.

-What?

-You've been robbed. Take a gander at that over there.

I knew it!

Give me back that envelope, you crook!

I don't know what you're talking about.

I saw you pick my pocket. You're going to the manager's office.

-You're making a mistake.

-Yeah?

-I'm sure you'll find your new suite much more pleasant, Mr Steffen.

-Thank you.

The other one was so dark, it depressed me.

Forward, Albert.

-Didn't fool me with that phoney accent!

-What is it?

This crook tried to rob me!

-That's libel and defamation of character. I'll report this to the police.

-No, I will.

-Stole Mr Dugan's receipts.

-Who are you?

-A notorious pickpocket.

I knew it the minute he checked into the hotel.

Come on, let's have it.

-Well, what do you want?

-Justice, that's all, justice.

Goldie Locke from headquarters here on vacation. What's the difficulty?

This man is a thief. Mr Brannigan caught him.

The situation is quite the opposite.

This man is pretending the money is stolen so he can make off with it himself.

I'll fix that. I'll frisk him.

-Hey, you're searching the wrong guy...

-Quiet!

Here you are, lady, just as I thought.

You know who he is? Little Joe!

-ME?!

-Yeah, been working the hotel racket coast to coast for years,

having the customers take the rap.

-Why, you little...

-Mr Brannigan?

-I think I'll sue this hotel for damages.

-Oh, it's all a mistake, I'm sure.

If this gets into the newspapers, I'll be discharged.

Please, won't you reconsider?

I never could refuse a beautiful lady in distress.

Oh, thank you! Brannigan, you're fired!

If it weren't for the bad publicity, I'd turn you over to the authorities.

I quit! This isn't a hotel, it's a madhouse!

-I'm terribly sorry about this, Mr...

-Hemingway.

-That's quite all right, Miss...

-Gregory. Gwynne Gregory.

What a pretty name!

This unfortunately leaves you without a detective.

I don't know where I can get another one.

What's the matter with Mr Locke?

Yeah? ME, a detective?!

I mean, I'm here on pleasure.

Can't you combine the two? The pay is good and you'll still enjoy yourself.

I don't wanna enjoy myself.

Good, then you're ready to start immediately.

I feel so much safer with Mr Locke protecting us.

-Some deal!

-I hope there's some way I can make up for the trouble you've had.

That shouldn't be too difficult.

As soon as I've got my business affairs settled, we'll look into it.

Well, now...

Mr Locke, you can start right away. The pay's 35 a week and your room and board.

I've got a room and I'm not hungry.

-I can stand just so many...

-There she is.

-Do you see what I see?

-Fascinating type, isn't she?

Not her - HIM! That character in white.

It is not safe to talk here about the bonds.

-It appears we've walked into something.

-You can say that again!

-I will call you if I need you.

-Yes, sir.

What was it he said he was gonna do to you when you had him sent up the river?

Oh yeah - cut your ears off with a dull knife!

If I remember rightly, it was OUR ears.

Hello, Rickey Davis.

The names is Jones, Albert Jones.

When did they parole you, Mr Jones?

Very interesting - a male nurse with a two-time loser's degree.

I'm on the level. Why don't you lay off?

Oh, Rickey, you're labouring, pressing...

You're also wanted by the cops.

-You're hotter than a two dollar pistol.

-Well informed.

It makes thing clearer for me now that you're in the picture.

I told you I was on the up.

No doubt, but it'd be much more convincing if you didn't pack this gun where it showed.

That's for Mr Steffen's protection.

-He's a rich refugee and...

-You're looking out for his interests.

-Sure.

Somebody's gotta steer 'em.

How democratic(!)

-You don't believe me?

-No, but keep up the good work.

By the way, who's that young lady that just left?

How should I know? Just one of the guests.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

Mia, my dear, imagine stumbling upon you and here of all places!

-I beg your pardon?

-You do not know this gentleman?

Of course we know we know each other. We've been very close.

A little vixen - always up to some prank!

-Maybe I'm intruding?

-Only in spots and the mountain air ought to fix that up.

-Excuse me.

-Excuse me.

I dislike scenes, don't you?

Who are you?

Franzel's friend. Don't you recall my bedroom,

that extremely temporary 333 Club and the bond robbery?

As a rule, men use the same old approach.

-At least yours is unusual.

-I'd say yours is even more unusual. Remember?

I don't know what you're talking about.

-You have me mixed up with someone else.

-You're mixed up with a lot of not very nice people.

-If you don't stop, I'll call the police.

-I hardly think you will.

-I'll keep on asking questions until I get an answer.

-Are you?

Certainly. And don't imagine that you can swim out on me like that

because I shall get my water wings and come right after you.

Why are you and your friends trying to frame me?

Who drove my car away from that bank robbery?

Next question -

whatever led you to get mixed up with a rodent like Rickey Davis?

SHE SCREAMS

I'll take charge, I'm the house detective.

This girl's just been killed.

-What, drownded?

-Yes, with a bullet.

I was standing right over there, I didn't hear any shots.

Goldie, they're still using silencers.

Hey, boss, let's take it on the lam.

Not you, Goldie, you're the house detective.

What did I ever do to deserve this?

The shot must have been fired from one of the rooms overlooking the pool.

Has anyone left here in the past 15 minutes?

No, sir, the show's still going on.

You search the rooms on this side, I'll start at the further end.

Ohhhhh!

And now, my precious Fatima, your dance is over!

I have already killed three wives.

YOU shall be the fourth!

Please, Ahmed, spare me, I beg of you! Spare me!

Your prayers will avail you nothing!

You leave her alone!

-Get out, you'll spoil everything.

-You bloodthirsty murderer!

LAUGHTER

-CRASH!

-Ohhhh!

APPLAUSE

Yuk-yuk-yuk! The show will now continue! Yuk-yuk-yuk!

-Rickey, I'm desperate.

-Forget it.

-Somebody'll find out.

-You're in no spot to beef, remember that.

I'm terribly sorry, I thought you were alone.

I was just paying some bills for Mr Steffen.

-I usually pay mine at the desk.

-It was a misunderstanding over the book-keeping.

Mine was just a social call. I'll be back later.

-I'm leaving anyway.

-In that case...

Thanks. I'll tell Mr Steffen what you told me.

What can I do for you?

I didn't find you quite so businesslike the last time I was here.

But then it's a manager's prerogative to change her mind.

I'm very busy, if you will forgive me.

Not too busy to learn something about one of your guests, the gentleman who was just here.

-He has a very interesting background.

-I don't pry into my guests' private lives.

My mistake.

What an interesting view.

On a clear day, I imagine you could see the diving board from here.

You'll have to excuse me. I have an appointment with myself at the bar.

Oh, by the way, there's a bit of gossip running around the hotel.

It seems one of the guests has been murdered.

You'll forgive the intrusion.

No-one leaves here until after the coroner's inquest! RUSTLING

-Go see what that is.

-Me?

You're the house detective, ain't ya?

Yeah, but that ain't in the house.

Go on.

Oh, so it's you. What are you pussyfooting around here for?

-Just looking for clues.

-Yeah? Do you ever get a good look at yourself?

You're the suspiciousest character I ever seen.

I ought to arrest you for impersonating a human being.

What do you know about this murder?

-I can solve the whole thing for you.

-You can?

-Yes.

-He did it!

-What?!

Look here, you get back to your puppets.

All of you get back to your rooms!

None of you leave the grounds.

Mind if I join the party?

-How did you get here?

-I knitted myself a plane and flew in.

-Who are you?

-Marcia Brooks, Chronicle.

-Would you care to make a statement?

-Well, sure!

Tell your paper I'll make an arrest in 24 hours.

-The fiend that committed this murder will...

-..pay for his crime with his life.

-Right.

-I'll cable it right in.

Goldie, where's the Falcon? What's he got to do with this?

Couldn't you go on home and let us alone?

Where did you get this? In a box of popcorn?

-I'm the new house detective.

-Crime takes a holiday!

I've got to see you.

No, that'll be too late.

I can't help it, it's important.

Where?

All right, I'll meet you there in ten minutes.

I didn't know you were the rugged outdoor type.

You don't mind if I have a little privacy, do you?

Not if I can share it with you.

You shouldn't lose your temper. It doesn't become a beautiful woman.

-Can I quote you on that?

-Marcia, this is a pleasant surprise!

-You mean an invasion!

-Forgive me, I don't believe you two have met.

Miss Gregory, may I present my niece from Wappinger Falls, Marcia Brooks?

-I'm delighted.

-Then you're one up on me.

May I?

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm afraid I've broken the catch.

-I'll have it repaired.

-You needn't bother...

-Oh, I insist.

Miss Brooks is just leaving, she can take it to the jeweller's.

-Don't look now but your dream girl's pulling a sneak.

-I know. So are you.

-What's she got that I haven't got?

-Information about the case.

Take this and check the fingerprints.

-She's suspect number one.

-How do I know you're not throwing me another curve?

-Would I even...

-Yes, I don't know one good reason why I should trust you.

I do.

Now run along and let me know what you find out.

Action, darling!

Why are you following me?

You've picked a very lengthy subject.

Thousands of books have been written about the matter,

but I'll attempt to explain it briefly.

You have a strange and irresistible attraction for me.

You're a very charming liar, aren't you?

I'm no match for you, my dear.

Since you seem to know all about me, what about yourself? Who are you?

I'm a man who's done many things.

I've been a soldier, gambler, war correspondent.

I have no rheumatism, no patience and no money.

For further information, apply to the police.

Well, how do you earn a living?

By engaging in dangerous enterprises.

I'm not a dangerous enterprise. Why pick on me?

I, er...

..found this in your office.

Why did you conceal it from the police?

Because you're only the frightened minnow, beautiful.

I want to catch the shark. You gonna help me?

I can't. I can't tell you why, but you've got to believe in me.

I may believe in you, but I certainly won't trust you.

I have to be getting back.

Oh!

It's all my fault.

-I should have known they'd do something...

-I'm all right.

Oh, thank goodness!

-What happened?

-I've got to get you back to the hotel.

It's no use. I...I never thought I'd go like this.

You're going to be all right, you must.

Everything's so cloudy, I...

-Don't leave me.

-No, I wont.

I think...

-Tell me one thing.

-Yes.

Who killed Mia Bruger?

You faker!

Would you care to ride the handlebar?

-I'd rather walk.

-Your wish is my command.

I've been looking all over for you.

-I think I've got an angle.

-So have I.

Note - paint is scratched but the fender remains intact,

proving it did not come in contact with a heavy object.

Obviously it hit a bicycle.

How do you know, Sherlock?

Elementary, Watson. I was on the bicycle.

-Oh, I get it - a pure case of knock-off.

-Yes.

Whoever killed Mia apparently wants me out of the way.

-Wonder who the owner is?

-I can get in there, all right.

That won't be necessary.

I see you gentlemen are admiring my car.

Yes, I've always wanted one like these.

-Been out for a ride today?

-Last night, but not today.

We do not use the car so much these days.

-Do you drive?

-That is hardly possible.

-Mr Steffen, can I have the keys to the car, please?

-Nobody can leave.

I have to go into town to get Mr Steffen's medicine.

He's right, we have to abide by the law. It will do tomorrow.

All right, Albert.

If I know my crime, that wheelchair is strictly a front.

Give him a hot foot and he'll outrun Rommel.

Maybe you're right. Rickey didn't have the keys.

I think Mr Steffen can stand some investigating.

If I'm not too personal, what are we looking for?

Bonds, Goldie. 250,000 worth of them.

If it was my pop, I'd look in the coffee pot.

CREAKING

-Is that us?

-I don't think so.

Mr Dugan, I presume.

-What are you doing here?

-Why, we were gonna... He said, er...

Say, I'm the house detective. I can go into any room I wanna.

This is highly irregular. I think explanations are in order.

Well, with everything that's going on, a man's bound to be suspicious.

-Of what?

-You see, I heard voices in here.

I knew it wasn't Mr Steffen. He don't talk good English.

Well, I guess I made a mistake. I'll be seeing you, gentlemen.

Just a moment. You've been around this hotel quite some time, haven't you?

Most of the summer. You see, I'm retired.

I was on the stage with my puppets for 30 years.

Then perhaps you can help me. Who killed that girl?

-Why don't you ask him?

-I got an airtight alibi.

Everybody has.

All I know is a lot of people around here are asking to be bumped off.

-Not me!

-What are you suggesting, Mr Dugan?

When I look at Mr Steffen squandering that money he brought over here from Europe

and those women down in the lobby flashing those diamonds

and Miss Gregory managing a hotel in a bathing suit and riding bicycles...

And nearly getting killed by a station wagon.

Waste and extravagance, high life and loose living...

Thrift, that's what they need!

Hard work and saving money.

Why, my puppets have got more sense in their head than that whole crowd.

HE LAUGHS NERVOUSLY

A pin...they're getting tougher and tougher to get.

Well, if you don't mind, I'll be leaving.

We don't mind.

-We've got to work fast and get out of here.

-Let's get out and THEN work fast!

-PAPERS RUSTLE

-Emergency passport...

..press clippings...

..guide to New York City...

..How To Learn English. That ought to interest you, Goldie.

I don't get it.

-Nothing here yet.

-Maybe he's got a secret bottom in his wheelchair.

Excuse me.

Have you gentlemen found what you were looking for?

Frankly, no.

Stay where you are!

-You call the police.

-Something happen?

See if you can find the house detective. Try down in the saloon.

Who do you think's calling? I'm the house detective.

Oh, I see. Even in America the Gestapo works!

It's nothing quite so crude, Mr Steffen.

-I'm always hounded, persecuted...

-By whom?

People want my money. Everywhere I go, I'm followed.

I don't know where to turn, who to trust.

Then I suggest you investigate that nurse of yours.

Albert? He's my very good friend.

-He has fine references.

-He ought to. He writes them himself.

What are you two doing in my room?

We figured you was mixed up in this murder.

Me? You say I'm a murderer?

Not exactly. In this country, a man is innocent until proven guilty.

Then...I do not understand.

Neither do I, but I'm beginning to.

Pardon the intrusion.

Good evening, gentlemen.

It will be if we find the man we're looking for.

Tom Lawrence, is he here?

Sorry, there's no such person registered.

He's probably using a "nom de plum".

Look, he's tall and he's dark...

He's upstairs.

-Who are you?

-A friend.

SHOES SQUEAK

From the back, he looks like he might be The Falcon.

Why not turn him around and find out, chief?

Inspector Donovan, of all people!

-How did you pick up our trail?

-It was simple. The phone rang, I picked up the receiver and there it was.

-A mysterious call.

-We tried to trace it.

-But I hung up.

Why, you broken-down stool pigeon! He's a quisling.

I saw this picture in the paper and knew he was the Falcon.

Lawrence, you're under arrest on suspicion of armed robbery AND resisting an officer.

And murder.

Yeah, I heard there was a killing up here.

I knew you'd be mixed up in it.

On the contrary, the girl killed was Mia Bruger,

-the one who framed me.

-Isn't that a coincidence?

You use her for an alibi and she gets conveniently bumped off.

We'll straighten that out at headquarters. Cuff him.

I'll be glad to oblige, Inspector, but you've overlooked a slight technicality.

This hotel is out of your jurisdiction.

-Say it ain't true, chief.

-We'll settle this right now.

Hey, clerk, is this hotel outside the city limits?

Oh yes, sir, you're in Greenridge now.

"Just over the line from the city's mad clamour,

"come to Pinecrest and restore youthful glamour."

In his case, we can't guarantee results.

Goldie, throw these men out.

Not me!

Where's the sheriff?

-He's probably moose hunting. It's open season.

-Come on!

Inspector, I'd wear a red coat if I were you.

Ha ha ha ha!

Marcia, darling! I've missed you. Where have you been?

Oh, Bermuda, Biarritz, the Riviera...

-AND the fingerprint department.

-Fingerprint department?

-Yes, we...

-Sshhh!

-You mean you actually found something?

-Surprise, surprise!

The police almost gave up...

But you had the persistence of a jealous woman.

We discovered that your dream girl's left thumbprint belongs to a lady called The Duchess.

-And not royalty?

-Underworld royalty.

Three years in Tehachapi - that's for stolen goods -

a summer in the Joliet Women's Prison - that's for obtaining money under false pretences -

the fall season on Welfare Island for erasing numbers from bonds.

Bonds...

If I walked in just in time to save you, believe me, I'm sorry!

Aren't you jumping to conclusions?

Miss Gregory seems too young and attractive to have a police record.

-They do wonders with facelifts these days.

-Don't look now, Marcia, but your claws are showing.

What conceit! I'm a news reporter, remember?

You'll soon have your story. I'm gonna phone Jerry.

Your houseboy? I'll bite. Why?

Not too big a bite. I want to use him for bait.

Sure, boss, I can skip classes tomorrow.

OK, I got it.

All the trimmings, eh?

Boss man want me talkee all the time like thisee?

Oh, OK. The pidgin English is out.

You'd better take this, Miss Gregory. It's the Chinese Trade Commission in New York.

Hello?

Oh, yes, sir.

He's here for a rest, travelling incognito. We will call him Mr Wong.

Nothing too pretentious, just fill the suite with flowers

and remember, no fuss, everything very quiet.

I'm sure you'll find everything just as it was ordered.

Rather!

-If there's anything else you'd like, Your Excellency...

-Please, just Mr Wong.

-I'm sorry, Mr Wong.

-Not at all.

Jerry certainly knows how to pour it on.

I think I know where he learned the technique.

-I do hope you'll be comfortable here.

-I'm sure I will.

Please take one.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Will there be anything else you'd want, Your Excellenc...

I mean Mr Wong.

You might send up a magnum of Krug, vintage '28 and a spot of caviar.

Certainly, Mr Wong, and thank you, Mr Wong.

-WHISPERS:

-How am I doing?

Dynamite. Keep it up.

Where is he?

He's over there playing chess.

White to play and mate in two moves.

I can't see it.

If you move the bishop.

Of course! How stupid of me!

Permit me to introduce myself. I'm Mr Wong.

Yes, I've heard about your arrival. I'm Bruno Steffen.

I see that you too are a student of the game.

In a way. I have competed in a few international tournaments.

Wonderful! Would you do me the honour?

It's a privilege, sir.

You are right, Mr Steffen. This is a magnificent country,

but we foreigners must use great caution, especially in making investments.

Now you're saying something! They try to sell you Brooklyn Bridge.

Yes? How much are they asking?

Check.

-Will you be needing me, Mr Steffen?

-Not now. You may leave us, Albert.

I'm always afraid I don't know how to safeguard my money,

but today I made a decision.

The only wise thing to buy is bonds, good, solid bonds.

-You mean war bonds?

-Yes.

-Guard your queen.

They are definitely the best and it's our duty.

If more men had your spirit, the war would soon be over.

-When I go back to New York...

-Why wait?

-You can buy them right here.

-Really?

-Yes.

Only this morning, I was speaking to the manager.

She gave me the idea and I'm going to invest a large sum.

Hmm, I'll talk to her.

You're helping a great cause, Mr Wong.

Your people and mine are fighting a common enemy.

In my little way, I am happy to do what I can for the effort.

100,000 is a lot of money, Mr Wong.

-It might not be much to you...

-It's a mere drop in the proverbial bucket.

But it's a good start.

-Shall it be cash or cheque?

-It really doesn't make much difference.

It makes a lot of difference to the police.

DOOR OPENS

What do you mean, breaking in on me like this?

Take it easy, Duchess, we got you.

There's been a mistake, Mr Wong, I'll straighten it out in a moment.

From where I'm sitting, it'll take years.

If you're nice to the press, I can soften the blow.

-Sing, it's the easy way out.

-Mind showing us those bonds?

Bonds? There's no bonds here, they haven't arrived yet.

Will you please explain yourself?

It's simple. This cigarette case revealed an interesting history.

It gave away all your exploits.

You can't get out of it. Fingerprints don't lie.

This isn't my cigarette case.

Ringing for help won't do you any good.

It's hard to believe anyone so charming could be involved in anything so unpatriotic.

Pity. I had plans for us.

Never mind. I'll take care of the romantic angle.

You rang for me, miss?

Have you ever seen this case before?

-On numerous occasions.

-Where?

The lost and found, of course. Is it yours?

-Is it hers?

-No, but sometimes when we admire a mislaid article,

we use it until the owner comes along.

But we don't make a habit of it.

Well, looks like apologies are in order.

Leave the door open, Mr Argyle.

Our guests are checking out.

Between the two of us, beautiful, I still don't trust you.

Just be sure you don't get burnt when the fireworks start.

Sorry, boss, I ran up a tough bill.

-It was a good try, Jerry.

-You didn't have to eat caviar!

I wonder what I would do if I were the great Falcon now.

Nothing. You'd stand here and look at the lovely surprise that just walked in.

-Welcome back, Mrs Lipton.

-Thank you, Argyle.

-Has there been any mail?

-One moment, I'll see.

Good evening.

-I don't believe we've met...

-Oh, but we have.

Don't you remember that cocktail bar?

I beg your pardon, the volunteer knitters.

Oh yes, you're the young man who came in...

Who blundered into the wrong place, if it WAS the wrong place.

-Not a thing, Mrs Lipton.

-Oh well, never mind.

-May I have my key, please?

-Oh, of course.

Why, that's my case!

And that settles my case. Very neat job, Duchess.

-Mr Locke?

-Yeah?

-Would you mind taking this lady into custody?

I'd be glad to help you.

Eggersjayalkinfaykeesappers!

This time we brought our technicalities with us.

You won't need them. The whole case is solved.

This woman is The Duchess, alias Mrs Geraldine Lipton.

-Alias etc, etc.

-You'll find the stolen bonds in that briefcase.

-The man's out of his mind.

-That's putting it mildly. Come on.

Look, Inspector, I'll do anything you ask me to.

I'll even hang The Falcon myself to save the state money.

But do me a favour, will you? Look in that briefcase.

Well, it's against my better judgement...

Ohhh!

I'll get permission to throw the switch when you're condemned.

Inspector, you must remember this woman. She was in...

It's no use, Marcia, I'm afraid they've got me this time.

My apologies, madam.

-I'm quite ready to sign a full confession.

-You got some trick up your sleeve?

-Don't worry, chief, I'll watch him.

-Come on.

Have you people bought tickets for my show tonight?

-The proceeds go to charity.

-No, we're gonna have a show of our own.

You'll be sorry!

I will, will I? Bring them along in your car.

We're watching The Falcon exclusive.

I beg your pardon, I'm Mr Wong.

Give Mr Wong a bong and bring him along.

Well, maybe I can put on my show in peace.

Timothy, you couldn't possibly have stumbled in at a worse time.

Catching Mrs Lipton with the bonds is the only way to clear myself.

-What's all the build-up?

-Just give me 15 minutes...

He ain't THAT crazy!

Timothy, you don't actually believe I'm guilty.

Maybe not, but you know more about this than you've told

and that's called aiding and abetting a criminal.

I can't explain now, there's no time.

For a guy headed for the lock-up, you certainly are in a hurry.

We must be out of gas.

I'm surprised at you. The Falcon, resorting to such a petty larceny trick,

you can't get away with that key routine again. Give 'em here!

Stop the car!

Keep your eye on him.

He'll never find them alone. Why not go and help him?

-And have pull a getaway?

-How can I drive the car without keys?

How you doing, chief?

-I thought I told you to watch The Falcon.

-How can he get away without any keys?

ENGINE STARTS

I still say it can't be done.

I'd advise you to be reasonable, Miss Gregory.

We can't afford to have enemies in our business.

I had a feeling you weren't a real bond representative.

War bonds? Rickey, I won't stand for this.

-You'll stand for it and like it.

-When they find out who you are, you'll be blamed anyway.

-You might just as well cut yourself in.

-She won't be any trouble.

You've got a lot to learn about me.

I know you well enough to be sure you won't get in our way.

The old man might think it was funny if you didn't show up

so we're going through with the deal and you're gonna be there.

I'll be watching outside.

All right, Miss Gregory.

We're proud of you, Mr Steffen.

Proud? You have no idea what a relief this is.

Idle money is such a curse.

I hope you'll forgive me for rushing you,

but I must return to New York.

I will go down to the hotel safe and get my money now.

-I'll go with you.

-I wish you'd stay here.

I have lots of things I'd like us to discuss.

Albert is never here when I need him.

Would you open the door, Miss Gregory?

You see how simple it is?

When we get the money, you can quit your job and take a nice, long vacation.

How did you get away from the police?

I'm sure they'll explain that to you when you get to headquarters.

You've got to get out of here.

You're not a very gracious hostess.

-You don't understand...

-And I wouldn't tell him if I were you.

There's really no reason why we should fight each other.

The profits involved are enough for all of us.

I'd like to know why you framed me, knocked me out,

used my car for the getaway in the bond robbery. There must be a reason.

An excellent reason - you helped send Rickey to prison.

And you know Rickey, the revengeful sort.

-Which also explains who drove that station wagon.

-We should have come to terms earlier.

My services come rather high.

Shall we say 5,000?

That's a lot of money.

I think I'm entitled to it for keeping the police on my trail and off yours.

Now I see what you mean about earning a living.

I assure you, I never take more than a fair percentage.

I must admit that I admire your nerve.

And I must congratulate you, Duchess, on thinking up this bond racket.

Very clever of you to choose a foreigner like Mr Steffen as the victim.

Wasn't it? It'll be years before he realises his mistake.

We were talking about 5,000.

You'll get the rest when Mr Steffen pays off.

I'm afraid he won't be paying off.

I suppose I shall have to be satisfied with this.

I was going to call the police anyway.

Rickey!

GUNSHOT

Get down!

You were close to Rickey. You'd better talk and talk fast.

Perhaps I'd better tell you.

Rickey and I were married.

He was an escaped convict and I didn't know it.

-The police caught him and sent him back.

-I can imagine the rest. He blackmailed you.

If the hotel find out I was married to a convict, they'd let me go.

That explains all but one thing.

Why did Rickey kill Mia Bruger?

Rickey didn't kill her. He told me you did.

Sorry, Duchess, murder isn't one of my specialties.

-Then who did?

-A third party's trying to end your syndicate.

Whoever killed Rickey and Mia...

-You've got to save me!

-Think. It must be one of your old enemies.

I've made plenty of enemies.

I don't know anybody here at the hotel.

-I know someone we'd better investigate.

-Who is it? You've got to stop them.

Get back to your room. Lock yourself in, we don't want you to be the next victim.

Tell me, you seem to know who it is.

-Well...

-SHE GASPS

Oh, we must be caught between floors.

-Does this elevator operate on the main power line?

-No, it's on a separate switch.

Then I'm positive who the killer is.

I suspected him ever since he sent for the police.

-You mean Mr Steffen?

-No.

It has to be someone who knows the hotel inside out.

And that leaves only Smiley Dugan.

The puppeteer? Why, he can't be. He's downstairs putting on his show now.

That's exactly it. It's a charity show with not one cent of profit going to Smiley.

There's nothing philanthropic about him.

He's a miser, picking up bits of string and saving pins.

It's a contradiction of character.

Wasn't he putting on his show the day Mia was killed?

Lesson number one in how to catch a murderer -

never accept the obvious.

Give me your hands.

Fatima, light of my eyes, morning star...

You see? You were wrong.

Seems so.

WHIRRING

Fatima, my love, favourite of favourites...

-He's not here!

-Dance! DANCE!

Perfect alibi exploded.

Fatima dances and he has plenty of time to murder anyone he dislikes.

He must be a maniac!

-He'll be coming back.

-He's more likely looking for another victim.

Mrs Lipton!

BANGING

THUDS

TELEPHONE HANDSET LIFTED Operator? Operator?

MURDER!

Now I know The Falcon's here. Keep your eye on them.

RATTLING

You shouldn't try to run away from me, Duchess.

-What do you want?

-You don't remember me, do you?

The Great Dugan? San Francisco?

Five years ago?

I had nothing to do with that. It was Rickey and Mia.

They've paid for it, haven't they?

But you were the clever one,

pulling the strings like I pull them on my puppets.

No! No!

I worked hard for that money that you stole from me.

I didn't take it!

A whole lifetime in the show business,

-one-night stands, five shows a day...

-I swear I didn't take it!

SCREAM

GUNSHOT

Sorry, Duchess.

Falcon, come back here!

Aaaaaah!

-These are the bonds, the numbers check.

-I knew I'd catch up with this dame.

Inspector, how did you do it?

Well, I...just followed you and the rest came easy.

-Step lively, Duchess.

-I'll be seeing you.

Well, where do we go from here?

Back to the city for a little rest and quiet.

Well...that's not a very good recommendation for Pinecrest.

I'd say Pinecrest has all the recommendation it needs.

You said we were leaving, "darling".

-Oh yes.

-SCREAM

SHE SPEAKS SPANISH

..Falcon.

I don't think I'm going to like this.

-Marcia, what's happened to your good neighbour policy?

-It lapsed.

Continue, dear lady.

SPANISH CONTINUES

-Not really.

-What did she say?

I don't know, but a strange instinct tells me that she needs help.

Vamos, senorita.

Gracias, senor.

There he goes again!