The Falcon Takes Over

-Never mind, bud, I'm just waiting for someone.

-Yes, sir. Would you mind pulling ahead a little?

-OK.

-Hey, d'you know anything about that dive in there?

-No.

I just saw you talking to the doorman.

I'm talking to you but I don't know you.

What I mean is, I only went into the place once...buddy.

-Did you ever know of a girl named Velma in there?

-Brother, if she's your girl, I don't want to know her.

I just asked you a civil question.

All right. So I never met a girl by that name.

She worked in the place that used to be here five years ago. I ain't seen her for five years.

Five years is a long time.

Yeah, it is.

She promised to wait for me, and she is, someplace.

You don't know Velma.

No. No, I don't know Velma.

And it'll be healthier for the both of us if we never meet.

Just a moment, sir. Club rules - evening clothes only... Sorry, sir, you can't go in there.

< WOMAN SINGS: # The first time I saw you

# I knew at a glance

# I was meant to be yours

# Yours alone

# As I stood before you

# My heart seemed to dance... #

-Looking for somebody?

-Yeah. Velma, does she work here?

Velma? There's no Velma around here.

< # ..As I look in your eyes I am thrilled... #

-I'm sorry, but we d...

-Where's the boss's office? Maybe he can tell me.

-Sorry, the doorman should've explained. We don't admit...

-Where's the boss's office?

-Back there.

But you won't be able see Mr Montgomery.

WOMEN SCREAM

TWO GUNSHOTS

-No, you don't...!

-Get going, pal!

Yes, sir.

-I want to get out alive, but did you eliminate some competition back there?

-What makes you think so?

Skip it. I ain't curious.

-You'll live longer.

-I guess I'd better drop you now. I got a date.

-You wouldn't want it with an angel, would you?

-No, sir.

-Then keep on driving.

-Yes, sir.

All right, break it up, break it up! Come on.

-Allow me.

-Oh, thanks.

The great Falcon! Haven't seen you in half a dozen murders. What're you doing here?

-Just what I was going to ask you.

-I ain't nightclubbing.

-Mind if I join you?

-I certainly would!

-Thanks.

-Reg, check everybody in the place.

-Why, chief?

There's been a murder committed. I'd like to find out something about it. Do you mind(?)

-Not at all, chief.

-Thought you gave up amateur detecting and dames since you got engaged.

-My fiancee's out of town. I have time.

-Why, Homer Bilkie! I didn't think you'd show!

-You don't know Homer(!)

-Madam, I think you must be mistaken. My name is, er, Dittenfriss.

-Fingerprints?

-They're checking on it downtown.

-What d'you say, Doc?

-Broken neck.

-What?

-He's right.

-You mean he wasn't shot?

-I'd say he was held by the shoulders and shaken so hard his neck was broken.

-You can't do that!

-You can argue that with the corpse. Good day, gentlemen.

-Cheerio.

-I got all the dope, boss.

-OK, give.

-I get it from the bartender.

-A palooka comes in, asks for a dame, Velma. They ask him to go - he ain't dressed proper. Know what?

-What?

-He throws the head waiter across the room.

-Starts back here...

-Dames scream...

-Manager hears it.

-Goes to the door, sees the guy...

-Runs back to the desk...

-For a Rosco. Takes aim.

-Fires.

-Twice.

-Like you can see, he missed.

-Too bad.

"Will the police apprehend the killer? Tune in tomorrow at 6.50"(!)

-Go on, gimme the rest of it!

-The killer goes to work, lams in double time, hops in a car and powders.

-He must've had an accomplice waiting in that car.

-Oh, that's a great deduction...(!)

PHONE RINGS Get that.

-..I might even say brilliant.

-..Grimes talkin'... OK.

Fingerprint bureau for you.

O'Hara.

Yeah.

OK, put out a general radio alarm for him.

Fingerprints check with a Moose Malloy. Doing a 20-year stretch for manslaughter.

-Broke out last week still owing the state 15 years.

-How ungracious of him.

Ex-wrestler, 6'5", 265lb without his necktie. Just a cute little fella(!)

Go on, boys, turn that crowd loose. We'll pick this mug up in an hour.

I'll have your badge for this, flatfoot! I'll tell O'Hara!

Break it up! Break it up!

Well, if it isn't Jonathan G Locke, the mastermind stooge.

-Oh, you, I should've known you'd be behind this miscarriage of injustice. I'll sue you!

-Shut up.

-What is it?

-This mug drove the getaway car.

-Yeah?

-He's off his beat!

-It's him. The doorman saw him.

-"Moose Malloy must've had an accomplice"(?)

-Will you guys quit clowning?

If I was an accomplice, would I drive back into your arms?

I was out front waiting for the Falcon.

This man mountain comes over and says something about a dame.

I don't know him from nothing. So he goes... Oh. He did it, huh?

-No, this guy got tired, so we told him to take a nap(!) Go ahead.

-The mountain runs out, jumps in the car.

-He grabs me - I'm in a bear trap - and he says, "Get going!"

-Did he have a rod?

-He didn't flash one.

-So you obeyed an unarmed stranger?

-I obeyed what had me by the neck.

A gun ain't the only way of killing people. How did HE get it?

Broken neck.

Didn't I tell you?

Yeah. Now tell me where you took him.

Why, I...

-I-I just drove him around till he said he'd get out.

-Where?

-About 10 blocks over. The subway.

Oh, you just let him out, did you? Just like that? Did he give you a tip?

-He told me to keep my trap shut so he wouldn't have to shut it.

-So you were going to meet Goldy, here -

-nobody else, Mr...Dittenfriss?

-It seems pretty routine, O'Hara. I'd do better at a movie. C'mon, Goldy.

-Huh?

-Sure, go ahead. With your puss, the boys can pick you up any time I want you.

-Wise guy!

-Camera-shy, Goldy?

-Yeah, me and my neck want to be in-mag-neto.

-Are you Gay Lawrence, "the Falcon"?

-Guilty.

-You're interested in this?

-It's coincidence that I was here.

-Didn't you say that before you broke the Gordon murder ring?

-This time it's true, boys. O'Hara's on his own.

-What a break for crime!

Why did you lie to O'Hara?

-Well, I didn't, I tell you.

-Goldy...! Where did you really take the killer?

17 Washington Avenue, over in Brooklyn.

-Near a graveyard so he wouldn't have to carry the bodies too far.

-You even wanted to keep it from me.

-Why?

-The Moose said he'd mangle me. And he's strictly the mangling type.

-This could get you into trouble with O'Hara.

-Not the kinda trouble I'd get in with the Moose.

Anyways, we're in the brokerage business, remember? You swore off dames and crimes.

This case seems especially interesting.

I should know better.

-Where are we going?

-17 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn.

OK.

-Wait a minute! That's where I took...

-Exactly.

-But you can't do this!

-We can if we're quick enough.

-The guy ain't human! He's a mountain.

-So, like Mohammed, we go to the mountain.

Is that the house?

-That's where I took him.

-Stay here and keep the engine running.

-And be prepared for a quick start.

-I don't even have to prepare!

Better take this with you.

DOOR CLICKS

DOOR THUDS

Hiya, Herman!

# For he's a jolly good fellow For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fe-ellow...

# And so say all of us! #

Happy birthday, Herman.

This ain't my birthday.

How are you, Herman, anyway?

-My name ain't Herman.

-You can't fool me. You mean to say you're not Herman K Dittenfriss,

who is giving a party in this very establishment,

71 Washington Avenue?

You got your numbers twisted, buddy. This is 17 Washington Avenue.

You're in the wrong place, Herman. Come on!

# For he's a jolly good fellow For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fe-ellow

# And so say all of us!

# And so say all of us!

# For he's a jolly good fellow For he's a jolly good fellow

# For he's a jolly good fellow and so say all of us... #

No, no, stop!

-I didn't do nothing, Moose!

-It's me!

-Let's get outta here, quick!

-He's gone.

-Maybe he forgot his hat.

-Wait here. I'm going in to investigate.

I should've become a fireman like my old lady wanted me to.

..He'll kill me! You gotta protect me, do something.

I've always taken care of you. You've had your money every week, as I promised.

I didn't know Moose would bust outta stir! He'll kill me if he finds out.

-Tell me what the Moose said.

-He wants to know what happened to Velma.

-He's coming back for information. And he says he'll strangle me if he don't get it.

-We'll take care of him.

When he comes back, tell him he can get the information he wants about her if he goes to...

Yeah.

Yeah...

DOOR BUZZER

-Mrs Jessie Florian?

-What d'you want?

I want to ask you some questions. I'm an investigator.

-Just a moment.

-Cops, huh?

Well, you ain't got nothing on me, so come on in.

Well? What do you want?

-A girl named Velma.

-Velma?

Yes, I...

I thought I'd try and trace her for her folks. Here.

You ain't no copper. No copper flashes a ten-spot. What's the gag, mister?

-I only said I was an investigator.

-Private creep, huh?

Where's her folks at?

What difference does that make?

Huh!

OK, all cops is the same.

OK, handsome, when I like a guy the ceiling's the limit.

Here. You'll find a picture of all the girls that worked at the club.

-Pick her out.

-What club?

Mike's. Didn't you know my husband Mike Florian ran a club?

-Where the Club 13 is now.

-Which one of these is Velma?

Didn't her folks give you a picture of her so's you'd know her?

No, they didn't.

Try to put something over on me, you dirty snoop!

Get out of here before I bust your skull!

Sit down.

You're not dealing with a simple-minded lug like Moose Malloy.

BOTTLE THUDS ON FLOOR What do you know about him?

He killed a man tonight.

Then the cops are after him? They'll get him, maybe?

Maybe. Right now, what about Velma?

I don't know.

-She's dead, I think.

-When did she die?

-I don't know. Ain't telling you anything more.

Now get out of here. Get outta here, you dirty snoop!

Very well, but I'll be back.

Get out! I'll kill you if you come back!

-You'd better think it over.

-GET OUT!

Now you won't get your deposit back.

I ain't curious about anything appertaining to the case, but what kept you back there?

Charming old lady named Jessie Florian.

-Is she alive?

-Very much.

Pull over to the kerb, driver, I want to buy a newspaper.

Paper! Paper!

Thank you.

"Gay Lawrence, sometimes known as the Falcon, amateur sleuth,

"seen leaving Club 13 with his associate Jonathan "Goldy" Locke."

That does it! Now I only have to find my pallbearers. Or maybe the Moose'll carry my coffin by himself.

-Don't worry, Malloy's not looking for you.

-He didn't look for Club 13's manager, and where's HE?

-Where are we going?

-Home.

They ain't got our address in there, have they?

-But we are listed in the phone book.

-I'm going to take an ocean voyage!

Goldy...

-Good evening, gentlemen.

-Hello.

-Good evening, Jerry.

-Sir.

-Any messages?

-Yes, a very pretty young lady called here twice to see you, sir.

-I suppose you asked her to stay?

-No, sir, I told her to go away.

-What?

-And that your fiancee was a female bullfighter from Mexico City... named Lupe.

-Really?

-And who told you to say that?

-Your fiancee.

-Oh.

-That's fine.

-Thank you, sir.

-You don't think a pane of glass is going to stop him, do you?

-No, but it will give me a running start.

PHONE RINGS

-That must be the young lady. Answer it, Goldy.

-That's all we need, is some cookie to complicate things.

Listen, lady...!

What? Who?

-Guy named Marius.

-Who's he?

-How should I know?

Hello?

Yes.

Yes, I'm available.

All right, I'll be right over. Goodbye.

-What gives? Who was that guy?

-Lindsey W Marriot.

-Never heard of him.

-Nor have I.

-What does he want? What are you going to use that gun for?

-He wants a private detective.

-All private detectives carry guns.

-You ain't no private dick!

-I am tonight.

-Now where are you going?

-To see Mr Marriot.

-Are you crazy? What's this about?

-I don't know, but I have a vague feeling

it ties in with Moose Malloy. Take it easy Goldy. Sit down and relax.

People who have the ability to relax live longer.

-Well, there he goes.

-I don't get it. Why don't we put the pinch on him now, chief?

-In my dumb way, I've got kind of a cute idea. You don't mind, do you?

-No, course not.

-Thanks.

Ow! Take it easy will you? Those cords are so tight, you could play a harp solo on 'em.

Yes, a lovely instrument.

-DOOR BUZZER

-Excuse me, sir.

Oh.

-This is the first time in my life I was ever glad to see a copper.

-We-ell, it's just a living.

-Take a powder, you.

-A what?

-Beat it!

-Of course.

-..Can I do something for you fellas?

-Yeah. Why don't you tell us where your car is?

The last time I seen it, it was parked out in front of the villa.

You're a nice guy, Goldy.

-Getting to like me?

-You're a nice guy, but you're in trouble.

-Look, O'Hara,

-you ain't accusing me of being in cahoots with that murderer?!

-Certainly not, nothing like that.

All we want to know is how come we find Moose Malloy's fingerprints all over a car abandoned in Canossi?

-How could I know that?

-Maybe because it was your car.

-We've got enough on you to send you up for a hundred years.

-Might even make it life.

-Unless you play ball.

-State your proposition.

-Now we're getting somewhere. We happen to know

your boss is getting mixed up in this murder. We want to know where he goes and what he does.

-You're on the wrong floor, mister! The rats is in the basement.

-Oh, no, Goldy! I know you better than that.

Look, this case ain't as simple as it seems. If it ain't handled right,

it's liable to land you and me and your boss right in the middle of the East River in a concrete nightgown.

-So?

-So all I want you to do is to accept this little token of my esteem

-and consider yourself my special confidential deputy.

-It's still a stoolpigeon where I come from.

OK, take a choice - sing or Sing Sing.

Listen, O'Hara, you can't scare me, see? I know the law. You can't pin nothing on me

-till you prove corpus delicious.

-You got 24 hours to choose.

-You'd let him get away with it like that?!

-Yeah.

-You don't mind, do you(?)

-No, of course not, chief.

I'm not at liberty to divulge too many details about this case.

Sufficient for you to know that the job is simple, I'll pay you well, and the risk is small.

-You'd better let me be the judge of that.

-Very well. I'm meeting some men tonight to pay them some money.

-I'd like to have someone with me. Do you carry a gun?

-Yes, but I seldom shoot anybody. Is it blackmail?

-I'm not in the habit of giving grounds for blackmail.

-It happens to the nicest people.

I'm meeting these men in a lonely place. I'm not much of a hero.

-Do they know you?

-I'm not sure. I'm acting for a friend. It's a large amount of money.

-What for?

-I told you I wasn't at liberty to go into that!

I think you'd better get someone else.

-I don't like your manner.

-I can't say that I'm particularly intrigued by yours either. Good night.

Just a moment. I'll tell you all you need to know.

A lady friend and I were held up on our way home from a nightclub.

My loss was negligible but my friend's jewels were taken.

-Have you ever heard of the Fue Tsui Jade?

-Vaguely, yes. Practically priceless.

The stolen necklace is worth perhaps 90,000 but it'd be hard to dispose of,

so the thieves are selling it back to her through me. I'm warned not to call the police or the deal is off.

-But I don't want to run the risk of a double-cross.

-How did you know about me?

-Your exploits have been rather well publicised.

-Thank you.

-You ready?

-Yes, ready.

-Rather a deserted bit of country, isn't it?

-We're almost there.

-You seem to know your way pretty well.

-Their instructions were very explicit.

Restful spot(!)

They're waiting for this over in that churchyard.

-Coming?

-You'd better go alone, I think.

I think so too.

Just a moment. Better leave your gun here. They said to be unarmed.

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT >

Oh!

I'm holding a ten-shot automatic and I can shoot!

Eight-shot.

Stay where you are! R-Reach for the sky or I'll let you have it.

You'd better use both hands.

You all right?

Nobody ever got killed by a blank cartridge.

-You mean it's full of blanks?

-I should know - I loaded it.

You ARE a good shot.

-And lovely, too.

-I didn't shoot him! I never shot anybody in my life.

-I don't even have a gun.

-You could've thrown the gun away.

-But you didn't.

-Oh, no, Mr Lawrence.

-Who are you?

-I guess I'd better tell you.

-Yes, I think you'd better.

-Well, you see, I'm a... I'm a newspaper reporter.

-What paper?

Well, none at the moment. But if I can crack this Malloy case, I could get a job on any paper in town.

You see, I come from, well, Morgan, Minnesota, but I got a degree in journalism.

What are you doing here?

-Following you.

-How do you know me?

-I've heard about you, and your picture was in tonight's paper.

-I tried to see you at your apartment but your boy wouldn't let me...

-So you're the very pretty girl?

-What?

Oh, I'm sorry, just go on with your story.

I decided the best way to crack this case was to follow the smartest man involved in it. So I did.

-You believe me, don't you?

-I like you, which is much more important.

What did you put in your pocket?

-Just a business card.

-Look, I'm in this too.

-I'll take care of you. Have you got a car?

-Sort of one.

-All right, let's go downtown and confess. Come on.

-Confess?

-Yup.

-So you just happened to be driving by and heard the shots?

-That's right.

-Which gives you a pretty nice witness.

-Never had a nicer.

-Thank you, Mr Lawrence.

-Am I in the way(?) Since when were you bodyguard for a playboy?

-I just had a hunch.

-Mind if I have one?

-Help yourself.

I'll tell you my hunch. There's something fishy about the whole story. Jade necklaces, bodyguards,

-pretty dames who just happen to drive by cemeteries as murder takes place.

-Michael!

Yeah, and I got another hunch!

You two can find better ways to stay out of trouble than poking your noses in police affairs. Now get out

-and stay out of my hair.

-Which...?

-Which hair, OK, I know, I know!

-Well, that's that.

-This isn't the brush-off, is it?

-Not socially, I hope. Just professionally.

-Don't tell me you're quitting cos that snide old copper...

-Why should I go on?

-I thought we might...

-Well, anyway, you have helped. I've got something to go on.

-What?

-The jade necklace. I'll go to every jeweller in town till I trace it.

-Oh, forget it. I can get you a job.

I get my own jobs. Goodbye.

I tell you what, I'll make a bargain with you.

-If you get any dope on that necklace, I'll follow through on the case.

-You will?

-It's a promise.

-Don't wait to track it down before you call me.

-I won't! It's wonderful of you to do this for me.

ENGINE BACKFIRES

It's just practising to be a tank!

-I might've known you'd run into a dame. Dames and trouble - they go together with you.

-I'm lucky.

-Lucky? Suppose she tracks down that necklace!

-She won't. There isn't a necklace. Just relax, Goldy,

-and tell Jerry to get me a cup of coffee.

-I'm relaxed so long as you keep us away from Moose Malloy.

-Mr Lawrence will be very angry to hear about this.

-I warn you, madam,

female bullfighters are a particularly dangerous species of femininity.

-Will you please tell Mr Lawrence I'm here?

-I'll handle this, Jerry. Take a powder.

-You mean "beat it"?

-Yeah.

-Yes, lady?

-Is Mr Lawrence in?

-He's on a round-the-world trip. He'll be back tomorr... I mean, next August.

-I'm Anne Riordan.

-Oh, OK.

-Sit down.

-Thank you.

Look, sister, I don't know what your racket is, but his racket is the bond business

and my racket is trying to keep him in it. Now, the boss is a pushover for a pretty face.

He'll string you along and drop you like an old shoe. Why don't you...?

-Good morning, Anne.

-Hello.

-Thanks for the build-up, Goldy.

-I've got good news.

-Fine, tell me about it.

Well, I found out the jade necklace belongs to Diana Kenyon.

-You mean to say there really is a jade necklace?

-Of course there's a jade necklace! You... Oh, I see.

-You thought it was a wild goose chase.

-And who's the goose?

-You can't back out. You promised.

-I admit it.

-Which is no surprise to me.

-..What about this Diana Kenyon?

-Well, she's a big shot in cafe society, one of the most famous beauties, and...

-A beauty, you say?

-He's wondering why he don't know her.

-And it IS worth 90,000 and...

-Take this slower.

-Well,

-she runs around with this Marriot, but plays the field, if you get what I mean.

-Oh, that's interesting.

-It would be, to you.

-I wonder how we can meet her.

I arranged it. I'm to interview her about her necklace - for an article, she thinks. In half an hour, in fact.

That's quick work. Let's go.

Oh, Goldy, what are you doing this afternoon?

-Nothin'. And I don't like the way you're asking me.

-Here, this may give you some laughs.

-It don't read funny to me.

-I want you to call on Mr Amthor.

-At four o'clock sharp.

-What for?

-Get your fortune told. Let me know how you come out.

-What?

DOOR BUZZER

-I'm Anne Riordan.

-Will you come in, please?

-Thank you.

I'll tell Miss Kenyon you're here.

Oh...!

Oh, good morning, Miss Kenyon.

I really wasn't expecting...

-I hope you don't mind my having brought a friend.

-Not at all.

As a matter of fact, I've always had a secret ambition to meet Mr Gay Lawrence.

-Oh, you know the Falcon?

-Only from hearsay, but it was very intriguing gossip. Have you become a reporter?

I must confess I used this innocent little girl to get an interview.

-You're interested in the necklace too?

-Much more interested in its owner.

-Strange we haven't met before.

-It'd be stranger still if we don't meet again.

-It can probably be arranged.

-AHEM! I don't want to change the subject, but...

-Oh, yes, of course.

-You're not leaving?!

..Oh, I really must.

You see, I almost forgot my cue.

..It was lovely meeting you.

-Charming girl.

-She was alone in the city, and I befriended her.

I suppose you know about Mr Marriot?

-Yes, what really happened?

-He just drew a blank.

-Poor fellow.

-Know much about him?

-I think he had some pretty shady connections.

-Didn't that bother you?

I'm not in a habit of checking on people's past...

..particularly when they rumba well.

-Evidently, he was double-crossed. Do you think he had any connection with the hold-up gang?

-Possibly.

-Could you give me a description of the men?

-No, it all happened too fast.

-Why you so interested in Marriot?

-I'm not, really.

But I have a suspicion he was connected with a gentleman named Moose Malloy.

-I'm anxious to find out what that connection was.

-Moose Malloy?

Sounds grotesque. Do we have to talk about it any more?

No.

-It's beginning to bore me too.

-You aren't really a detective, are you?

-I just took this job, and I ought to finish it.

-If it's the necklace, you're really working for me.

-Only if you want me.

-I think I do.

Oh, may I offer you a drink?

-Never before sundown.

-And after that?

After that, the deluge.

-What about tonight?

-Fine. Shall we make it the Swan Club at ten?

That's an excellent idea.

Well...

-Sorry I kept you waiting, dear.

-I like the way I was eased out(!)

-You should've stayed to protect me.

-I didn't hear you yell for help.

-Don't jump at conclusions.

-Before you argue the point,

-you'd better remove the lipstick.

-Oh.

It's purely circumstantial evidence. It doesn't prove a thing.

If your life depended on it, you'd be a dead duck.

Well? What did you find out?

-I mean about the case.

-About the case? Practically nothing...yet.

-By the way, are you jealous?

-You're positively psychic(!)

Psychic? That reminds me - I wonder what's happening to Goldy.

-Go ahead, follow him.

-Why, chief?

Cos I've got a gold badge, you've got a silver badge and I want to follow him. You don't mind, do you?

No, of course not, chief.

-Do you have an appointment with The Great Amthor?

-You mean the swami?

-He is not a swami, my friend. The Great Amthor is...

-Yeah, I know.

The Great Amthor is great.

You were to be here at four?

-Yeah, how did you know?

-The Great Amthor knows all. He's expecting you.

You will come with me.

-Go ahead, I'll follow you.

-You are to go in alone.

Hey, Mahatma!

CURTAIN THUDS ON WOOD

Come in, please.

Sit down, please.

Why are you here in place of your friend?

What friend?

My appointment was with Mr Moose Malloy personally.

I cannot deliver the message he seeks to anyone else.

Wait here.

(Idiot! You let in the wrong man! Show him out quickly!)

Gotta get out of here!

Excuse me.

Moose!

-It's you again, huh?

-I didn't do nothing, Moose. I wasn't trying to follow you, honest.

-I was only getting my fortune told.

-Sure, sure(!)

THUDS AND SCUFFLES

GUNSHOTS

Open up! Open in the name of the law! Open up that door!

-GUNSHOTS Quiet, everybody, in the name of the law!

-Stay where you are!

-So we ain't got nothing on you, huh?

-Yeah, we gotta prove corpus delicious.

-I'm sitting in the chair to get my fortune told, the Moose walks in...

-Take him to headquarters.

-Pleasure!

Wait, you can't pin this on me!

All right, Goldy, for the last time, why'd you knock off them swamis?

I'm sitting in the chair to get my fortune told, the Moose comes...

-How'd you know he would be there?

-You arranged the meeting, right?

-Think I'd be within a mile of the joint if I thought the Moose would be there?

-Then why go?

-The Falcon gave me a card! "Get your fortune told."

-He must've had a clue the Moose was coming.

-What was it?

-Why don't you ask the Falcon?

-We're asking you.

-I'm sitting in the chair to...

"Have my fortune told!" Yeah, I know.

All right, Dan.

Take him down to the DA, boys. Book him as being an accessory before the fact, after the fact,

-aiding and abetting homicide and compounding a felony. Get him out of here.

-Wait a minute, you gorillas!

Just a minute, boys.

Maybe we've been misjudging Goldy.

I think he wants to co-operate with us. Don't you, Goldy?

Sure, Mike.

Meet my new special, confidential deputy.

Welcome to the force, chum.

Hey! Take it easy, will you? My neck ain't never going to be the same.

-It appears that your vertebrae is at least an inch longer today, sir.

-Yeah, it's stretched to the limit.

-One more twist from the Moose and it'll bust.

-Might be wiser to return to the hoosegow, sir.

-So!

-Spying again? How much d'you know?

-I saw the badge in your pocket. Need more be said, sir?

-Listen,

-one crack to the boss, and I'll show you how the Moose...!

-Not interested, sir.

-DOOR SHUTS >

-It's wiser to be, shall we say, uninformed.

-You ain't kidding.

-Hello, Goldy. Back already?

-Yeah. D'you know any more swamis?

-Not offhand. What happened?

-I ran into the Moose, and grew another inch.

-Malloy was there?!

He just dropped in to strangle the swami and his assistant. Then he had to leave. Had a date with a giraffe.

-How did he miss you?

-He was working on me when O'Hara showed.

-O'Hara? How did he get wise?

-I dunno,

-but I wasn't mad at him for butting in.

-Put your coat on. We're going for a ride, Goldy.

-More trouble?

-No, thanks. I'll sit this one out.

-I just thought you'd be safer with us.

-Malloy might find out where you live.

-..My things!

-May I go along?

-Yes, I'll drop you off at police headquarters.

See if you can get a look at the records of the Malloy case. Note down anything important. ..Goldy!

Something tells me this ain't going to be no joyride.

Pump what information you can out of Bates. Don't let O'Hara see you.

-Right.

-Meet at my apartment tonight.

-AFTER you leave Miss Kenyon?

-No, this is strictly business.

-Liar!

A lovely woman is even lovelier when she's angry.

-An ugly man gets uglier. Where to? That dame's apartment?

-No, Jessie Florian's.

-So long, boss!

-The end of a beautiful friendship.

-Goldy, we've no time to lose!

-You said it! I've got 30 years to go.

-I don't want to lose 'em all at once.

-Come on, don't argue.

-I gotta get cigarettes...

Inspector O'Hara's office.

-Bates speaking.

-Hey, Bates, this is Goldy Locke.

But don't mention my name. The boss just sent a dame up there to get some dope on Moose Malloy.

-Yeah? That's very interesting.

-Look, Bates, me and the Falcon are going down to old lady Florian's.

17 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn. Bates, you've gotta get O'Hara down there in a hurry.

-If I run into Moose, he'll turn me inside out like a two-bit umbrella in a cyclone.

-I'll call him now,

give him all the dope.

-Dirt on Malloy?

-What's your slant on the case, lady?

-I want a feature story for my paper.

-Well, here's the Moose's record.

He was in for manslaughter when he escaped. I and my colleague O'Hara figured that the Moose took the rap

-for a big-timer named Burnett.

-Who's Burnett?

-Laird Burnett, the nightclub owner. Smooth guy. Been around ages.

-Nobody can pin nothing on him.

-You questioned him?

-Sure. He had all the right answers.

-Thank you, Mr Bates!

-I'm sure I'll be able to get a story out of that.

-That's OK, lady. Always glad to help a good-looking babe.

-Aren't you cute?

-Cuter than you think, sister.

-Want to see my baby pictures?

-Not at night - I scare too easy.

GRIMES!

I heard you. I'LL look at your baby pictures.

That dame that just left - get on the trail and don't lose her. Chief, I got a new angle on the Falcon.

-Wait here. If the Moose comes, just whistle.

-Hey, boss...

-I wouldn't be able to whistle.

-Then come along.

-Looks like she's retired for the night.

-Good. Let's go!

-No, tomorrow might be too late.

-Not for me!

-Come on!

Careless old girl, leaving her door open.

Maybe she's expecting somebody.

-Someone she wasn't expecting has been here and gone.

-I don't care if he's been here,

-I just hope he's gone!

-Sh!

-THUD

-(Careful, Goldy!)

-(I kicked a bottle of something.

-Well, move it out of the way.

-OK.)

Give me some light.

Bloody heavy.

-I wonder what she's got wrapped up in here.

-Take a look.

Easy, Goldy.

Like I told you, there goes two of them 30 years.

Broken neck, just like Montgomery's.

-Why should he want to knock off an old dame like that?

-She wouldn't give him information she had.

-Why wouldn't she spill it?

-She was obviously protecting somebody.

-Oh.

-When we find that out, Goldy, we'll crack this case wide open.

-Also maybe our necks.

Whoever she was covering for instructed her to send Malloy to Amthor's.

-They didn't think he'd leave Amthor's alive but he did.

-And how!

I still can't seem to fit Marriot into this case, though.

-Would you mind trying to fit him in at home?

-You stay where you are. I'm just going to nose around a bit.

-And leave me alone?

-You're perfectly safe. Malloy won't come back. Just sit tight.

SOFT WOLF-WHISTLE

LOUD CLICK >

SLOW FOOTSTEPS

HINGE CREAKS

DOOR CREAKS QUIETLY

TREAD AUDIBLE

(Goldy, is that you?)

(It's me, O'Hara.)

(I got your message.)

What goes on here?

What, again?!

Hey, look, can't I have just one murder

without finding you laying around with the body? Can't I? Can't I?

-Moose! I didn't know, Moose! I wasn't following you...!

-Snap out of it, will you?! It's me, O'Hara!

-You got a nerve, sneaking up on a guy!

-How did I know what I was going to find here? Where's the Falcon?

-He ain't around?

-He ain't never around when I get on the scene!

CAR STARTS >

-Where's he going?

-I don't know.

-Start talking, and talk fast or I'll tell you where you're going!

Go ahead! Put cuffs on me! A stretch in the clink will be like the Ritz after what I've been through!

I accept your resignation. Come on.

-Come, Jerry, I'll need you. ..Hello.

-Hello. What's the hurry?

-I've a lot to do. I'll explain later.

Here's something to look at while you're waiting.

RADIO: Special bulletin. Police in five boroughs are on the lookout for a Gay Lawrence, alias the Falcon,

wanted by the Homicide Bureau for questioning in connection with the murder of Mrs Jessie Florian...

-How long do you think it'll take O'Hara to find you?

-He'll think I'm much too smart to come home.

-So this is Velma!

-Gorgeous, isn't she?

-In a vulgar sort of way.

-I'm talking about her beautiful figure.

-Did you study the face?

-I haven't got around to that yet.

Mmm!

LONG WHISTLE

What'd you find out at police HQ?

-Oh, nothing much, except they think Malloy took the rap for a man he worked for, Laird Burnett.

-Burnett?

-Are you sure?

-Of course. Runs the Swan Club.

-I've got an idea.

KNOCK AT DOOR Open up. Police!

Wow!

-Hello.

-A real champion - he keeps the challenger waiting.

-I'm sorry, darling, I couldn't get away.

-Did you try very hard?

-Does it show?

-A little.

-Well, that makes matters even. She'd be glad to hear that.

-Let's talk about you.

-Why, Mr Lawrence!

-It think it's only fair to warn you I'm sought by the police.

-How exciting.

-And you can help me clear myself.

-I'd love to. Now I've found you, I'd hate to lose you.

Naturally. By the way, do you know Burnett, the owner of this club?

-I'm their star customer.

-I'd like to meet him. Can you introduce me?

-Why?

I think he can tell me something about Moose Malloy.

-Burnett? I don't understand how...

-Just don't try to solve it, darling. Leave it to me. Now, let's meet him.

All right.

-Check your hat, sir?

-Er, no, thanks, sister.

Come in.

-Hello, Laird.

-Hello, Miss Kenyon.

-Glad you dropped back. How's everything?

-No complaints.

-I just wanted you to meet a friend of mine. Mr Lawrence - Mr Burnett.

-How do you do?

-Ah, the Falcon.

-Any friend of Miss Kenyon's is always welcome.

-Thanks very much. What a delightful place.

-Has to be -

-I entertain delightful people.

-I must admit I had a purpose in meeting you, Mr Burnett.

-Yes?

I wondered if you had a means of getting in touch with Moose Malloy.

Malloy? Why should I?

He worked for you once, didn't he?

-Lots of people have, Mr Lawrence, but I'm not responsible for their actions.

-You misunderstand me.

I didn't mean to infer that you are in any way involved with Malloy.

I just thought he might seek your protection.

-If he were foolish enough to do that, naturally, I'd have to inform the police.

-Naturally.

Malloy seems to be very anxious to find this young lady.

If he thought we knew anything about her, we could probably trap him.

Just what is your interest in this case, Mr Lawrence?

-I'm trying to track down a valuable necklace for Miss Kenyon.

-That's right.

-Sorry,

-I'm afraid I can't help you.

-Let me see that.

-You know, I've seen this girl somewhere before.

-You have?

-I'm sure of it. The Green Mill.

-The what?

-A little roadhouse on the Old Post Road. She's dancing in the floorshow there.

-Are you positive?

-Quite. I wondered why such a beautiful girl could waste herself in that isolated spot.

-Hiding out.

Of course!

-Let's take a drive there. My car's out front.

-That's an excellent idea.

-Oh, Goodbye, Mr Burnett.

-Goodbye, Mr Lawrence.

-So long, Laird. Don't let the Moose get you.

-Be careful yourself.

DANCE NUMBER ENDS

-(Quick, it's one of O'Hara's men.)

-What'll we do?

-Get someone to start a fight.

-What?

-Go on, don't argue.

Get someone to start a fight.

-Sock somebody, Louis.

-What?

-Start a fight.

-You want to get me fired?

-No - it'll get you a raise.

OK, Miss Kenyon.

Hurry up.

Hey you! What's the big idea, molesting this lady?

-What?

-I beg your pardon? This lady happens to be my wife.

-Oh, yeah? That's what they all say.

-You...!

WOMEN SCREAM

Come on, break it up!

-Get the car ready. I'll be right with you.

-OK.

-Can I get this quick?

-Yes, sir.

-Hold on. Give me paper and a pencil.

There's a Mr Grimes from police headquarters here. Give him this note when he disentangles himself.

Yes, sir.

-Did you get rid of him all right?

-Yes, let's get going quickly.

-..Drive out to the Old Post Road.

-Mr Grimes, here's a message for you.

-Better read it to me, sister.

-"You can catch up with me if you take the Old Post Road," signed "the Falcon".

-The Falcon?!

-Lonely highway, isn't it?

-It isn't used much any more.

It's a nice place to go for a ride.

-That's what I thought.

-Oh, so it IS a ride.

-You've guessed it.

You guessed too many things, Mr Falcon.

Check me if I guess wrong. You're Velma. You were in the swami racket with Burnett, Marriot and Amthor.

-A good living, till you looked into a crystal ball.

-Burnett would point wealthy Swan Club patrons to Amthor.

You'd be surprised how society saps fall for swami drivel.

-They bared their souls.

-And you promptly blackmailed them.

-You're amazing. And so amusing.

Shame you're too dangerous to have around.

You planned my murder once before, didn't you?

-That was Laird Burnett's idea, getting rid of you and Marriot at one time.

-Why Marriot?

He was getting weak. It'd only be a matter of time until he'd talk under pressure.

-You and Burnett are rather close, aren't you?

-Rather.

Jessie Florian knew about your past and present romance, didn't she?

And she was also being paid to forget some information she knew

about a manslaughter rap Malloy took for Burnett.

We were a little worried when you tracked Moose to her.

I don't see any cars, chief.

-Could it creep under that thick skull of yours that maybe he deliberately gave you a bum steer?.

-No, sir.

-Did it creep in yours?

-No...

-Shut up!

-You know, if we could find a road with traffic on it, maybe we could pinch somebody for speeding.

How did you know the picture was fake?

The handwriting on it matched a little note Jessie left around - unfinished.

I can't understand how such brilliance could get you into a spot like this.

-I'm always a sucker for a beautiful woman.

-You and MANkind.

Nobody will disturb us. We left the old road quite some time ago.

All right, Girdja, take the Falcon for a walk.

And come back alone.

Hello, baby.

Girdja couldn't come.

Moose!

Yeah.

So it's you and Burnett, huh?

That's my payoff for taking his rap?

Moose, listen. I wanted to come back to you but he wouldn't let me. Honest, Moose!

I saw Burnett last night, baby.

He said he didn't know where you was.

He lied! He said he'd kill me if I went back to you.

Velma.

Why did you do it, baby?

Why did you do it?

Why did you do it...?

That leaves only you to take care of now.

MOTOR >

LOUD BANG

Don't tell me you had to struggle with her, now(?) In such a romantic spot, too!

-This time they weren't blanks.

-Holy cats!

-It's a very lucky thing for me that you're a jealous woman.

I followed only out of interest in the journalistic aspects of this case, Mr Lawrence.

Hmm. Well, there's your story. You can pick any newspaper in town for your job.

I think Inspector O'Hara would like to see you.

Jeepers!

-Goodbye, Miss Kenyon. A good lawyer and your charm should get you off with 30 years.

-Yeah.

-I'll give you and your stooge a break. I'll drop the charges against you.

-Oh, thank you.

-It's OK. ..Come on, Bates, I'm going to pick up Burnett.

-Why, chief? Who said so?

-I...

I happen to head the homicide squad

-and I'd like to pinch him, if you don't mind.

-Not at all, chief.

-Thanks.

-OK, Goldy, spill it.

-I'm sitting in the chair,

going to have my fortune told, when the Moose comes...

-What's the idea?!

-OK, bring him out.

-No, you don't! I'm staying in here till the season for Moose is on!

Miss Kenyon opened it officially a few hours ago and without a licence.

-You got a call from the airport, Mr Lawrence. Your fiancee's waiting there for you.

-Oh, thanks.

Oh, Gay! Darling!

Look!

Well, that's fine!

-Now you don't need me any more.

-Oh, but I thought we might...

My dear, there are moments when one must face reality with courage and steadfast bearing -

my fiancee is waiting. I have pledged my life to her alone. You understand, my dear.

-Take your hands off me!

-Come on!

Just cos that ham Featherbush gets himself bumped off in the dressing room,

-why should hard-working girls be deprived of their livelihood?!

-Tell it to the chief.

Oh, Mr Falcon! I recognise you from your picture in the newspaper! Please help! We'll be so grateful!

-C'mon, sister!

-Are you standing by to let poor, innocent girls suffer injustice?

-Come on!

Are you?

I should say not!

-Back to his old game.

-Yeah.

Only, this time, he hit the jackpot.

Subtitles by BBC Broadcast - 2004