The Falcon's Alibi

FANFARE PLAYS

Tom, you've had success tracking down criminals. How about tracking down a winner for me?

I wish I could help you, but criminals are more predictable.

Nah, Tom, gimme just one peek.

-You wouldn't be interested.

-You're wrong. Horses are my first love.

What have you got there?

-Lady's Profile.

-Lady's Profile?

Lady's Profile? Have you got the right track?

Oooh! Yes, yes!

I have Serene Gale to win, Pleasant Surprise to win,

and Proud Nancy - it'll win too - and Lady Beautiful.

Look at the lovely animals!

And the jockeys - I just adore THAT one!

You can't bet every horse in every race!

-Why? One of them's bound to win!

-But you're betting more than you can win!

OK, I'll forget Lady Beautiful.

-You mustn't forget Lady Beautiful.

-Have you information on this race?

I wouldn't overlook Lady Beautiful.

I can see that you know something!

-I'll cut out Proud Nancy instead.

-The horses are nearing the gate.

Run down and make these bets for me.

10 each on numbers 2, 3, 5 and 7 to win.

4 on number 8...

-You have the money, haven't you?

-Yes, Mrs Peabody.

-Who do you think you're fooling?

-Joan! What a coincidence!

-It wasn't a coincidence in New York OR Havana!

-Maybe I like to follow the ponies.

And maybe you don't. If you don't stop following me, I'm going to...

Tell the law? I don't think you would.

It's funny - out of 35,000 people here, you're the only one that's annoyed by my presence.

That's where you're wrong, Metcalf - you annoy me too.

In fact, you always have.

ANNOUNCER: 'And there they go!

'Baby Boy is in front, ahead of Proud Nancy.

'Choo-Choo Rodgers is coming up fast.'

-Now, look here...

-No, no, no - the race!

-I'm sorry if I butted in.

-That's your long suit - butting in.

I don't believe I've had the pleasure. My name is Tom Lawrence.

Some people feel that Metcalf here isn't the best company in the world.

-Can I be of any assistance?

-No, thank you.

Oh.

Well, I'm sorry.

So, now you've got the Falcon trailing you...

-What?! Who did you say?!

-Tom Lawrence - the Falcon.

'Lady Beautiful and Baby Boy.

'Here they come to the finish. Baby Boy and Beautiful...

'Lady Beautiful wins!'

I didn't want to bet today.

-Yoo-hoo, young man!

-Me?

-Yes, you wonderful man, you.

You know, Lady Beautiful - I won so much money on her. How did you know she would win?

-She looked like a winner to me.

-Remarkable!

-I'm Gloria Peabody.

-How do you do? I'm Tom Lawrence.

-This is Harvey and Alex.

-How do you do?

-Glad to know you.

I'm going to place a bet. I'll go with you.

-Won't you join me?

-Thank you.

Joan, this is Mr Lawrence. He's the man that gave me Lady Beautiful.

-Miss Meredith - my secretary.

-It's a pleasure.

-Thank you. I'm happy to know you.

How can I ever repay you for giving me a winner?

I know! You must come to my birthday party tonight!

Sorry, but I'm flying to Miami tonight.

Oh, you big businessman! You could postpone it, just this once.

I'm afraid I've made my reservations.

We're going to have such a good time, and it's not every day a girl celebrates her 37th birthday.

May I be the first to congratulate you. And may I add that you don't look your age.

-Aren't you a dear!

-Oh, Mr Lawrence, you dropped this.

-Oh, thank you!

You know, you've been so nice, I'm tempted to accept your offer.

How charming!

Tonight at eight, the Barbary Bowl.

Hey, boss, we nearly didn't make it, but you know me!

I ran into Lefty Lewis. You know Lef... You wouldn't know Lefty Lewis.

Says he's on the legit. Anyway, we leave tonight at 8.14.

Sorry, but we'll have to cancel them.

OK, I'll call... Cancel them?! What do you mean?! You give me one iota why we should c...

Never mind. I get it.

# How do you fall in love?

# You meet a boy, and then you say, "Hey!"

# And then he, um...

# You just fall It just happens to happen

# That's all

# How do you meet a boy?

# You walk outside, and...

# And then he, um...

# You just fall It just happens to happen

# That's all

# Throw in some stars and moonlight

# They might enhance the scene

# There's really not an answer

# I can't say what I mean

# How do you fall in love?

# Steal a kiss, and you, um...

# And then he...

# You just fall It just happens to happen

# That's all. #

APPLAUSE

Mrs Peabody mustn't know that you came because I asked you to.

This sounds serious.

And I thought you invited me because of my irresistible charm!

-Joan and Mr Lawrence seem to be enjoying themselves.

-They're doing well for strangers.

It don't take the Falcon long to get acquainted with a gorgeous bir... um, pretty girl.

Did you say...the Falcon?

Yes, in the flesh.

Last year, after I started working for Mrs Peabody,

-a valuable bracelet disappeared.

-And she collected the insurance money from Metcalf's company.

Yes. He's been trailing me ever since. Sometimes I think I'll...

-That's just his way of doing his job.

-But that isn't all.

A few days ago, I took her pearls to the jeweller's to have them copied.

-Without consulting her?

-Yes. I know it was stupid of me,

but I was helpless and had to protect myself.

Just how much are these pearls worth?

They're insured for 100,000.

-But...when I took them to the...

-I think I know the rest.

The jeweller told you they were fakes.

-Yes!

-And to protect yourself, you've got to find the real ones.

-You must help me.

-Anyone in their right mind would say that you took them yourself.

But... who said I was in my right mind?

Come on, let's join the others.

Don't forget the chopped egg and onions, just like...

-How did you like that last number?

-Very nice. Will you join us?

-Later. I'm going to speak to Lola.

-Bring her along. Lola was the girl who sang.

-I'll see you all later.

There you two are!

-Look who arrived - the Baron and Baroness. Mr Lawrence.

-How do you do?

Nina, this gentleman is the Falcon.

You're very young to be so famous.

You're very kind. Thank you for a delightful evening. If you'll excuse me, I...

You can't go yet! The party isn't over.

I'm having Louis serve a snack in my room. First, we'll visit Nick the Night Owl.

Night owl...? Who wants to go to a zoo at this time of night?

It's a radio station, upstairs on the roof.

Nick plays records for people who call in. It's loads of fun!

-Louis, where were we?

-Where were we...? Caviar with chopped egg and onions...

-That's fine! Don't fail me!

-Parfait, Madame!

That's French!

'This is your nocturnal playmate - Nick the Night Owl,

'broadcasting from the top of the Barbary Towers.

'Station KGR.

'Now, for Terry and Ruth, we give you Gene Krupa, an old tom-tom man,

'playing I Wake Up In The Morning.'

DRUM INTRO

MUSIC STOPS

SMASH!

You!

What are you doing in here?! No!

Put down that knife!

-What took you so long, honey?

-Alex called another rehearsal.

-He's calling a lot of rehearsals.

-Please don't start that again. He's my boss, I've got to...

I'm your husband.

Please be patient. We won't have to keep our marriage a secret much longer.

Not after you become a star...?

Well, I don't want you to be a star.

Not if it means I'm gonna lose you.

Lose me? You haven't a chance.

So, THIS is what goes on in all-night radio stations! Nick, you rascal!

-Perhaps we'd better knock before coming in!

-Gloria and Joan! This is a pleasant surprise.

Nick, this is Tom Lawrence and his friend Goldie.

Miss Carpenter, Mr Lawrence.

-What are you celebrating tonight?

-It's my birthday, darling!

Hold everything! This is an occasion!

Boys and girls, this is Nick again! We interrupt this programme to give you a special flash.

It's birthday time in the Owl's Nest.

One of my favourite people is celebrating her 21st birthday tonight!

-Nick, I'm 37!

-37...?! Believe me, folks, she looks 19!

SHE GIGGLES And that is the girlish laughter of Gloria Peabody!

-Say hello to your public.

-What shall I...?

-That's fine! What would you like me to play for you?

-Tell them.

-Well...

-And for Gloria, who grows younger each birthday, what could be more appropriate

than the King Cole Trio, singing their own arrangement of Heavenly?

-Mr Lawrence, how do you like our setup?

-Very interesting.

I think it's crazy!

-You've got to be crazy to do this!

-We're going to my apartment. Too bad you can't join us.

The Baron and Baroness were meant to meet us here.

Joan, see if they stopped off at our apartments. And check if Louis is ready for us.

I'll go with you. ..Goldie, you'd better keep Mrs Peabody company.

Thanks(!) Mighty white of you.

Well, anybody want to rumba?

There's never a dull moment with Mrs Peabody.

-You should see us when things are REALLY booming!

-My sympathy!

-If you want me to help you, I'll have to know some things.

-About Mrs Peabody?

That would help too, but I'd like to know more about Mr Beaumont

-and the mysterious Baron and Baroness.

-You don't suspect Mr Beaumont - he's an old friend.

-And the Baron and Baroness?

-Mrs Peabody met them in Europe.

They seem to be all right.

It's open.

-Louis must be ready.

-Looks like it.

-Everything seems to be here. You'd better call Mrs Peabody.

-Right.

SHE SCREAMS

Mr Lawrence! Come quickly!

It's Louis.

Is he...dead?

Yeah.

Murdered, evidently.

Knifed.

Mr Lawrence... the pearls have been stolen.

Relax, Miss Meredith, you've just told me they are worthless.

Give me the police department, please.

-He was dead when you came into the room...?

-Yes.

-Hold it, for a picture.

It's frightful. Five robberies in six months in this hotel.

-And now this!

-Did Mrs Peabody look to see if anything else was missing?

-I didn't think to ask her.

-I'll check the files. Probably committed by the same person.

-An employee of this hotel?

-Possibly.

I want a list of those on duty and off.

This one went through his heart. Death was instantaneous.

-He used this to open the dresser. An amateur, probably.

-What makes you think so?

A professional would have his own tools.

You may go now. Do not move from the hotel without notifying the police.

And in no event has anyone to leave the city.

What a catastrophe! You poor darling. The shock you must have had.

-I'd like to ask you more questions.

-I was with Miss Meredith when she found the body.

-I've been with her all evening.

-Look, we want to give you every consideration possible,

-but I have to demand co-operation and no interference.

-He's a nosy amateur, if you ask me.

Nobody asked you.

-I forgot to mention, Mrs Peabody has retained me to help recover her pearls.

-What?!

-I did?!

-I didn't have a chance to mention it, but I did hire him.

-OK, the fact some jewels are missing is secondary.

-The important thing here is a murder's been committed.

-Naturally.

-However, we all agree the crimes were committed by the same man.

-Who said it was committed by a man?!

I'll handle this, Metcalf.

I'd like to talk to you, Miss Meredith - alone.

This is great. Stuck here, and me with a date in Miami with a gorgeous tomay-to!

-Tomato!

-Tomay-to, tomato - she's a dame, ain't she?

You've no sense of adventure.

A beautiful girl in trouble, missing pearls, murder...

-Ow! Not so hard!

-Sorry, boss.

-You know...

-I know what you're gonna say. "There's more to this than meets the eye."

-You're right!

-There's enough trouble in this world without looking for it.

If you leave a window open, it's liable to climb right in your lap.

-I've got a few hunches already.

-Tell me.

-There are two unrelated factors.

-Come on, boss, speak English!

-Boss! Boss, where are you?

-Over here.

It must have been fired from a helicopter.

Hey, do you want them to do it again?!

-Pull down the shades.

-Them shades ain't bullet-proof.

We ought to change rooms.

Maybe even cities.

'Now for Bill White and his friends, Tommy and Ralph, we're gonna play Jimmy Dorsey's recording

'of Beat Me Daddy, Six To The Bar. It should be EIGHT to the bar,

'but Jimmy's agent probably got the other two bars!'

-This is like lining up a target - I feel like a bull's-eye.

-He wasn't trying to hit the bull's-eye.

He was celebrating the 4th of July...?!

Anyone could hit us at 15 feet. Somebody's trying to frighten us.

He did a good job on me. Who do you think it was?

I don't know, but I have an idea it was someone who is familiar with the layout of the hotel.

-Otherwise, he wouldn't have disappeared so quickly.

-Someone who lives or works here?

-You're covering a lot of people.

-This is as good as a fingerprint - it will only fit one gun.

I'm for getting out of here.

-After receiving an invitation like this?

-If this is an invitation, it's an invitation to a funeral!

Let's stay and see whose funeral.

That's a cute trinket. I'd like it for a paperweight.

Hold it for me, will you?

This is heavy enough to sink a battleship.

-I'd say...um, 12 carats?

-Um, 11.

-All pure, unadulterated glass.

-You don't say!

-Stage jewellery.

-So this is the way to great detective work?!

-Good morning!

I can assure you, my interest was entirely professional.

-I hoped you'd find time to help me.

-I am! A good criminologist never overlooks anything.

-So I see!

-That's very unfair, and I'll prove it!

Miss Carpenter probably makes 75 to 100 a week.

What's that got to do with me?

She is either a good actress or poor judge of precious stones.

She told me this was cheap costume jewellery.

-Isn't it?

-Certainly not.

This diamond is probably worth several thousand dollars.

But if someone gave Lola expensive jewellery,

-they'd want her to know its real value.

-I'm sure they would.

-You see, I HAVE been working. Shall we have breakfast?

-Hadn't you better return that?

I'll join you in a second.

This much is clear - whoever stole the real pearls substituted the duplicates.

-That seems obvious.

-And to do so, that person must have been close to Mrs Peabody.

-That puts the spotlight on me.

-And on the Baron and Baroness and on Mr Beaumont.

-You mean, you suspect them?!

-All good detectives, including Metcalf...

start by suspecting everyone. Now I've caught up with my correspondence.

Speak of the devil...

-How do you feel this morning?

-Just frightful!

-I didn't sleep a wink.

-Sorry to hear that.

-It was a shock for us all.

Yes. ..Oh, waiter! Waiter!

-I've been looking all over for you.

-I've been looking for you.

-Mail this to my Aunt Cleora, will you?

-Sure, boss, sure.

Airmail, special delivery.

Cleora... He ain't got no Aunt Cleora.

"Goldie, sealed orders."

"1. Be sure no-one follows you...

"..then go to Harvey Beaumont's room.

"2. Pick lock, and enter.

"3. Open window facing terrace."

It IS open.

"4. Place wastebasket before window.

"Start fire in it."

Hope he knows what I'm doing.

"5. Hide in the closet and observe everything that happens."

Hide in the...?

"PS Swallow this note."

This is going too far. I refuse to...

I ref... Oh...

-I don't feel like eating a thing.

-Don't starve yourself because of last night. It wasn't your fault.

-My 37th birthday - I'll never forget it.

-That's strange.

Isn't that smoke coming out of that window?

Must be a fire.

That's the fifth floor.

Looks like MY room!

-Nice work, Goldie.

-Thanks.

-How did it taste?

For your information, I'm in what is commonly known as a dilemma.

-Let me know what I'm meant to be doing.

-First, tell me what Beaumont did when he came in.

Well...

He flings open the door...

he closes it - bang!

His eyes is wild, his face a symphony of mixed commotions.

He's breathing hard...

-The next thing...

-Please, stop hamming it up!

-You want it as it was, don't you?

-We're in a hurry! Where did he go?

He shoots around the bed,

and he stops right there.

-Then?

-I thought he was crazy. With a fire burning, he got interested in literature!

-Get to the point.

-He picked up one of those books.

-Imagine a guy so dumb he's got to look up instructions on how to put out a fire.

-Which book?

-Pluto's Lives.

-Plutarch's Lives.

-Pluto, Plutarch...who cares?!

Then he grabs the water,

and the fire is out.

Hey, here I am(!)

-And here are the pearls.

-The pearls!

-Yeah, the REAL pearls!

What do ya know?!

Pardon the interruption...

-What is it?

-We found the pearls, right?

-Right.

That's what we call "mission accomplished".

-Give them back to the owner, and we go on our merry way.

-Not quite.

There's something you've overlooked.

You've forgotten that Inspector Blake has requested that we stay here

-until a certain murder's been cleared up.

-Yeah, I did.

The murderer was after these

and it's possible he'd arranged for a way to dispose of them.

Where's the most logical place to dispose of something of this value?

Well, it would be my opinion, based upon a reasonable amount of experience -

in the past, of course - that stuff of this kind would be handled by the biggest fence in town.

From your experience - in the past, of course -

-wouldn't you say that a fence is aware of a robbery before it's committed?

-Sometimes.

What are you getting at?

If we can find out who is the biggest fence in town, and dangle these in front of him,

-he may make the next move.

-You know something, boss?

I thought of a way to get that information for you.

From your friend, Lefty?

Yeah! How'd you guess?!

-One wouldn't expect to have a meeting with a fence in a place like this.

-Lefty said to be here at 11.

It's almost 11 now.

Think you could play bodyguard to these?

Sure, but you shouldn't have brought them along.

-They're safer with us.

-Safer than in the vault at the hotel?

And have the clerk broadcast our little secret of Beaumont?!

-Pardon, are you awfully busy?

-Speaking of tomatoes...

-Only with our thoughts. Would you care to join us?

-Oh, no, thank you.

I thought there was a lot of wonderful music going to waste.

-By all means.

-Boss, the...

-Goldie! Beauty has been known to stop 1,000 clocks!

Looks like Lefty made a mistake.

-We haven't introduced ourselves.

-Is that necessary?

-I guess not.

-Then let's leave it that way - it's more exciting.

-You like mystery and excitement?

-What makes you think you're mysterious, Mr Lawrence?

Thanks for the dance, Mr Lawrence.

Thanks for the 40-cent tour(!)

A smooth organisation you have here.

Coming from you, that's a compliment!

-Sit down.

-Thanks.

What can I do for you?

-You're misinterpreting my visit. I was just...

-Oh, come on!

Let's play like we're both grown up.

Oh! Perhaps you're under the impression I might know something about a pearl necklace...

It doesn't take a detective to see that I'm in the restaurant business.

-Why would I be interested in a necklace?

-I thought we were acting grown up.

You stick to that, and we'll get no place.

Cigarette?

Thanks.

-Thank you.

-Just for the sake of argument,

let's say I AM interested in a certain necklace.

I could tell you that the necklace, which was expected to fall into your hands, isn't going to.

Why?

-Cos it fell into my hands first.

-If I were a fence, you'd expect that news to shock me.

But it wouldn't, cos I wouldn't believe it.

Ah, one of the classics.

Are you familiar with some of the others?

Nightclub operators aren't illiterate.

Have you read Plutarch's Lives?

If you'll permit a pun, I'd say there's a few gems in it.

I must admit, you've read the right book.

Of course, a smart man like you would never carry so valuable a trinket in his pocket.

Hardly.

Well, now that you know my taste in literature, it would be nice to hear from you sometime.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

-We're in for trouble.

-Dame trouble?

-No!

-The necklace?

-Yeah.

-I told you we shouldn't have brought it!

Let's go.

You go ahead and get a cab.

Give me that box, please.

-Thanks.

-You've got 10 coming.

-Oh. Is this for sale?

-That's my supper.

-You're supper?

-I don't eat here - you think I'm crazy?!

I'll keep this, you keep the change.

Uptown.

Cab!

-Where were they going?

-He said, "Uptown."

Tail that cab!

Unwrap that for me.

I don't wanna smoke, and I ain't hungry. Let's concentrate on them.

-That's what I'm doing.

-Gee, boss, I'm sorry.

All the time I thought you were falling for that twist in the check room.

Poor kid. Works in a nightclub, and has to bring her own sandwiches!

Cruel system, I call it.

Hey, boss!

Caviar!

We ain't lost them yet.

Come on! Give it some gas!

-Driver, stop the car! Quick!

-Yes, sir.

-Can you take care of this for us?

-Certainly.

Here's something for your trouble.

Thanks!

You can always depend on Uncle Sam.

Something you boys wanted?

-Nothing at all.

-No, not a thing.

Well, goodnight.

Well, sorry, Nick - bad news.

-Bad news? What do you mean?

-They're phonies. No good.

No good?

-You're kidding. Now, look...

-You don't kid in this business.

They can't be... They've got to be real! I know where I got them.

Nick, they're cheap paste.

Phonies. Now, take them someplace else.

-But I got 'em from...

-I know where you got 'em!

From Mrs Peabody. But Beaumont had the real ones all the time.

-Beaumont?!

-Yes. I wouldn't even touch the real ones now.

There's blood on them.

That's all, Nick.

Goldie, be a good boy and bring me my robe.

Oh.

-It's you, is it?

-Yeah.

You know, you're a little bit late.

-Late?

-Yeah.

-For what?

Two minutes sooner, and you could have scrubbed my back.

-Can I help you?

-I'm looking for a match, if you don't mind.

I don't think you'll find any in there.

As long as you're so interested, Williams...

Let's see now... Here I have handkerchiefs.

Very good linen, too.

What's your game? Why did you say you were retained by Mrs Peabody?

Oh! Oh, that!

It was just conversation.

-I am trying to find her pearls for her.

-You're not making things easier for the department.

We'll arrange for a pair of seats for you and your stooge on the Florida plain.

That's very gracious of you.

-We wouldn't do this for everyone.

-I'm certain of that.

-Williams will bring your tickets later.

-Package for Mr Lawrence.

-Thanks.

Um, lend me half a dollar, will you?

-Dime help you?

-Take a tip from the police - a small one.

You afraid this will put me in an upper bracket?

It's from my Aunt Cleora.

Aren't you gonna open it?

Of course! Why not?

Aunt Cleora is always sending me things.

Jams, cookies...

I wonder what this can be.

Oh, cigars!

-Will you have one?

-Never use them.

I won't offer you one - you haven't got a match.

Hey, have I got news? Go ahead - I'm listening.

For what?

I just asked myself a question. I said, "Have I got news?"

No.

Let's get outta here.

What's with them?!

Oh, boy! The pearls came!

-Ssssh!

-I changed my mind. I will have a cigar after all.

It's an expensive brand.

Yes. VERY expensive.

Might cost you as much as 20 years to life.

-That's a long time.

-Very. Get some clothes on.

Boss, tell him the truth.

-The truth is, no-one ever believes it.

-Let me be the judge of that.

All right.

I trapped Beaumont into revealing that he'd hidden the real pearls in his room.

I was using them to smoke out the murderer.

As you said, Inspector,

the jewels are of secondary importance. There's still a murderer at large.

Your alibi is easy to check, if ever you get some clothes on.

Where are we going?

Mr Beaumont's room, of course.

Hey! It's Beaumont!

Well? Looks like your alibi won't stand up.

An untimely death, I calls it. Take over, Williams.

Come on, Lawrence.

Ain't you overdoing it? We're in here for the night.

At a time like this, the best policy is to maintain an attitude of complete...

-insouciance.

-Does that mean putting on your tie before hitting the hay?

-Look who's here!

-Come on. The inspector wants you.

Miss Meredith, what reason did you have to want the false pearls copied?

I didn't know they were false. I wanted to protect myself in case they were stolen.

That's a stall! She took the real ones, and wanted to cover up.

Your case against her is as cut and dried as all that?! Swear out a complaint against her.

I resent being cross-examined by a man who is under suspicion as an accessory.

-Relax! Mr Burke is a jeweller...

-I can identify them at a glance.

-Excuse me.

-Oh, sorry.

Are these the pearls that Miss Meredith brought to you?

What did I do with my glasses?

Yes, I'd recognise them anywhere.

-Even to this small, unmatched pearl at the side of the clasp.

-Those are not the real pearls?

Exactly. That is the necklace Miss Meredith brought to my office.

You've been helpful. Thank you.

Glad to be of service. Goodnight.

You can clear up some things for me, if you will.

-What becomes of those?

-I think you should have those. They're just as phoney as you are.

-Lock 'em up!

-You know what they say about acting in haste.

I've got a proposition for you.

Give me 24 hours' freedom, and I'll give you the real pearls.

I told you, I'm not interested in pearls.

That's part of the deal. The pearls can be produced in five seconds, but for the murderer, I need 24 hours.

The real pearls in five seconds? What are you talking about?

Here you are. I've fulfilled the first part of my bargain.

These? The jeweller said they were paste.

Experts, even like yourself, have been known to make mistakes under pressure.

-The gentleman was handicapped without his glasses.

-Wait a minute.

I read that real pearls have a sandy feeling when you rub them across your teeth.

Phonies are smooth as satin.

These are genuine. Say, I ought to read more.

-OK, you three can have your 24 hours on one condition.

-What's that?

I wanna be there to see Metcalf's face when he finds out they're real.

-You won't be sorry.

-I have to put my trust in someone.

-Thanks.

-How do you know he won't cross you?

-Cos you're going to follow him.

-Barbary Towers.

-Yes, sir.

I don't know what to say. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be involved in a theft and a murder...

-Perhaps it was worth it!

-Start thinking - we've only got 24 hours.

-What's there to think about?

You two wait at the hotel while I pick up the real pearls at the hatchery.

-Hatchery?

-Chicken hatchery.

-But I thought...

You don't think I'd leave them where Metcalf could lay his hands on them?

-Met...!

-Certainly not. That was very wise.

On second thought, you go and pick them up.

Sure! Where are they?

Go to the chicken hatchery, Second and River.

-I'll find it.

-The watchman is a friend of mine, and he's left the door of the third pen open.

(It's full of setting hens.)

The floor is covered with straw. They're under the straw. You can't miss them.

Gee, that was clever! Nobody would think of looking in a henhouse for jewellery.

You go there now. We'll be waiting for you.

I may as well keep this cab. No, I'm through for the day.

Is he in a hurry! He didn't even wait to get paid!

# Come out, come out Wherever you are

# I know, I know You're not very far

# How I wish you'd hurry

# Cos I'm inclined worry

# These arms of mine are open

# Hopin' you'll appear, my dear... #

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

We got just 24 hours, and you've got to practise your rumba.

-Not at all - I'm hungry. Besides, I think we've earned a nice supper.

-I ain't hungry.

Maybe a good dinner is what we all need.

We ought to plan to follow up a suspect or a clue or something.

-This is as good a place as you can find to do that very thing.

-You mean you're working on something?

-We didn't just come here to eat?

-On a clear day, you can see two beautiful suspects from here.

# So come out, come out, come out

# Wherever you are... #

Order for me. I'll be right back.

Oh...

This'll probably be our last meal in a long time.

..Hey, waiter, bring me the first half.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

-You really put that number over, darling.

-It was because of your help. You've taught me so much.

-This situation's driving me crazy.

-Please, Alex...

Look, honey, when are you gonna tell Nick?

-I want to, you know I do. I just don't know how.

-We can't go on like this - we love each other.

-You've got to hurt him sooner or later.

-He's been so good to me.

We can go places together. I can do so much for you.

Believe me, I want to, Alex. I don't know, it's... PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hello, Nick.

Right away? Can't it wait?

I see. I'll be right up.

He says it's important.

-Maybe this is as good a time as any.

-If I get a chance, I'll try.

Promise?

What's wrong, Nick?

I'm due on the air in a few minutes, so I've got to talk fast.

-What's wrong?

-Plenty. My contract with the sponsor's up in a few days. I told them I won't renew it.

-Are you crazy?!

-We're going out of town, both of us.

-Both of us? But...

If we don't, there's no telling what'll happen.

I can't leave now, Nick. I'm just getting somewhere.

Alex promised to feature me in a show in New York. I've worked so hard. I've got a career to think about.

I have more than a career to think about.

-What have you done?

-What I've done I did for you.

You can't treat me this way.

-You're in this too.

-In what?!

Why, every ring...

every piece of jewellery, everything you've got, I paid for.

Not with that measly salary I earn upstairs.

-You know that...

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

Lola...

Everything that's been missing around this hotel during the past year...

Well...

-the things...

-You stole them?!

That's right, Lola.

I stole them so I could buy things to make you look pretty.

You are pretty, Lola.

Awfully pretty.

I'm sorry we have to leave, but somebody's closing in on me.

I don't want any part of this! No-one asked you to do this!

-You can't involve me! You won't ruin my life!

-You're awfully pretty, Lola,

-but that won't help you when you're facing a jury.

-You wouldn't dare!

I'd dare anything where you're concerned.

Gee, I didn't realise you were in such a jam.

You know now.

What are you gonna do about it?

Well...of course, I'll go if you want me to, Nick.

That's more like it.

I haven't been a very good wife, have I?

I've been so...

so neglectful. I've been so selfish.

But, honest, way down deep, I do love you.

Lola, without you, nothing makes any sense.

Darling,

we've got to be smart.

We can't just disappear - it would look too suspicious.

I'll tell Alex that I have to go home, that Mother sent for me.

I knew I could depend on you.

-You'd better leave - you're on the air in a minute.

-Give Alex your notice, and we'll leave.

You have to hurry!

Hello! Get me the Barbary Bowl.

-CHIMING

-And again, as the clock strikes midnight,

the Night Owl comes to you from KGR

for another session of music as requested by all you sun-dodgers

in the high Sierras to the Mexican border, the Mojave to the Pacific.

Sponsored by the Hysterical Scotchman, who rather give you an automobile than sell you one.

At the request of Shirley, Bruce and Nancy at the White Bowl,

and the three boys at Clark's mortuary, here's I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night.

We sure have been busy here. I almost missed being on the air tonight by a slip.

A slip of a girl, of course, you foolish people!

MUSIC BEGINS

Here's a demand note from the Radio Clock & Watch Company

for a recording of 7 O'clock In The Morning.

What's the matter?

-Tell me. What's wrong?

-Everything's wrong.

-Nick was desperate. Something serious is going to happen.

-And you won't be here when it does.

What are we going to do?

-Where is he now?

-'And now, folks, light up a cigarette, and listen to this.

'This is for Gary Turner and his grandad in Inglewood.'

You're starting to pack right now. You're leaving here right away.

You can't let me go alone. What about us?

There's no time to waste. Go to another hotel, and call me. I'll figure out something.

-Can't you go with me?

-We haven't time to argue.

I can't leave with you, but I can cover up for you.

You've got to go before Nick gets any ideas.

Alex, I'm scared.

-Pull yourself together, dear.

-Suppose he finds out and follows me. He's mad.

He'll be on air till 5am. You'll be on your way by then.

The police will find him before he knows where to look for you.

I'd better go, or he'll wonder where I am.

-I'll send a boy up for your things in 20 minutes.

-All right.

You weren't planning to pack tonight, were you?

What's the matter, Lola?

Did I frighten you?

'It's a privilege to present a recording by that favourite of favourites, Francis Langford,

'singing Dreaming Out Loud, from her new picture.'

Yeah, that's what everyone thinks.

Clever, isn't it?

Yes, Nick, it's...

it's very clever.

So are you, Lola.

Very clever.

You were getting ready so we could go away together, weren't you?

I wanted to get started as soon as possible.

No, Nick...

No!

What's the matter?

Don't be afraid.

Nick, please! Please!

Kiss me, Lola.

GUNSHOT

Shouldn't waste good food.

Uh-oh.

-That ain't good. Maybe we ought to tip off the boss.

-Where do you think he went?

I got a notion he's having a few words with a suspect who should be up there, singing,

but who ain't been around for 20 minutes.

She could have gone to her room.

But then again...

she might be on the roof at the radio station with the Night Owl.

We ought to warn Mr Lawrence. He doesn't know that man is trailing us.

You take KGR and I'll go to Lola's.

I'll try her dressing room first.

Come on!

'How do you like this? I got a letter from a couple of boys in jail

'with a special request. Don't go away, boys, here it is.

'Charlie Barnett and his gang, with You Slay Me.'

-Don't touch that gun! Keep your hands up!

-You're wasting time! The murderer must have gone out that door.

Stop! Save that talk for the inspector.

I've been looking everywhere for you! What goes on here?!

Oh!

I didn't do it! Just the man I want to see...

-Where's Joan?

-I sent her up to KGR.

-You have to take us to the radio station.

-No.

-The girl's in trouble.

-He won't help you now. Get into these.

-You've got to listen.

-I'm sorry.

-So am I!

'A great number from the '20s!

'And now, what have we here? The phone's been ringing all night.

'We may be slow, but we plan to get round to every request at KGR. Yes, sir!

'OK, Twilight Time with Les Brown and his orchestra.'

I wish you hadn't come up here, Joan.

I, um, was looking for Mr Lawrence. I thought he was up here.

You're such a nice girl, Joan.

I wish you hadn't done it.

I haven't done anything, Nick.

I'm awfully sorry, Joan.

About what?

I don't like to have to do this.

I haven't anything against you, Joan.

No, Nick, no!

If you hadn't come up here, you wouldn't have known my little secret.

You might as well know everything now.

I just killed Lola.

She was my wife.

She was pretty.

Awful pretty.

I killed her, I tell you.

And you won't tell.

No.

You won't tell anybody.

Please, Nick, NO!

SCREAMING

-What are you doing?!

-Don't ask me questions! Just do as I say, Joan!

Stay where you are!

All right. Come on up.

There's no doubt - the fingerprints on this will check with those on the knife that killed the waiter.

Goldie, just a minute.

I think this souvenir which was fired at us through the window

will fit Nick's gun perfectly.

-And match the bullets that killed Beaumont and Lola.

-I guess I had you a little wrong at first, but...

Let me go! Let me go! >

Leave me alone! Keep your hands off me!

You...! This is outrageous!

-Look here...

-I know all about it. Take it easy. We'll talk to you later.

Just a minute, Inspector! Hold that man. Chicken hatchery, huh?!

I want a warrant for his arrest, and the girl too.

-I have the pearls at headquarters.

-But he's the man that...

-Calm yourself.

If you had a brain, you'd have sworn out a warrant long ago...

-for THIS lady and her clique of crooks.

-Clique of crooks?

This isn't the first time she and Beaumont have swindled your insurance company.

-Mrs Peabody?!

-Yeah, you stupid fat-brain! We made a sucker out of you for years.

I don't understand. I thought we were friends.

Fine fellows don't always make fine friends.

Oh, I can't believe it.

Ha! Look - he's moulting!