The Las Vegas Story

'This is Clark County, Nevada.

'Folks who live here think it's bigger than Texas, but it ain't.

'Excepting for folks round here, nobody knows Clark County, Nevada.

'but you say Las Vegas anywhere and folks pick up their ears.

'The lucky ones can remember picking up some money,

'or dropping some, along with last year's wife.

'But you can't say Las Vegas without including Clark County.

'They go together like whisky and soda,

'win and lose, Linda and Dave,

'but I'm getting ahead of myself.

'My name's Happy.

'This is me here at the piano in the Last Chance.

'I've been working here for years.

'It's not the best place in Vegas, but it's a long way from the worst.

'Oh, yes, this Linda I mentioned.

'She used to sing here, too. Stood right alongside me.

'And Dave? Well, he was a sergeant out at the air base.

'He'd come down here every chance he got.

'He always sat there, listening to her sing.

'What they did when she wasn't singing, I never asked.

'My business is just sitting here pounding on the old 88.

'But this is a sudden town and something sudden must've happened to them.

'I never did get it straight.

'But I think of them when I play a certain song.'

HE PLAYS "I Get Along Without You"

-What are you doing? Counting telegraph poles?

-Cactus.

-The porter woke me with your wire.

-He found me.

They don't need me in LA till next week.

Fine. Let's go to Palm Springs.

Let's celebrate. We'll be in Las Vegas soon.

So, we'll drink a toast and toss the bottle out.

No, we'll get off and toss the bottle back on with a note:

"Mr and Mrs Rollins have divorced LA for a holiday in Las Vegas."

-Short and to the point.

-I could make it shorter.

I've always been curious, what have you got against Vegas?

-I just don't like the place.

-Not good enough.

I'd say you're afraid of going back and running into yourself.

Maybe.

I may meet a total stranger.

Linda, I know you pretty well, but one part is missing. I think it's Vegas.

You like running risks, don't you?

With a woman like you, a man always runs a risk.

Thank you, sir.

WHISTLE BLOWS

But we're moving out! Send my luggage back here.

-Cab, sir?

-Yes, please.

-Which hotel?

-The Fabulous.

-Excellent choice. Excuse me,

-didn't you used to sing in Vegas?

-I used to sing all over.

I never forget a face.

That man obviously has no eye for figures!

We have more luggage at the station, would you see to it?

-Yes. Is the penthouse OK?

-We'll cope(!) Who do I see to establish credit?

-Mr Martin.

-Mr Martin, I'm Lloyd Rollins.

We're here for a short stay and would like to establish credit.

-Of course. Any specific amount?

-Up to 100,000.

-That's specific enough.

-You can check on me at Chase National.

Rollins Bond and Mortgage, New York.

-Will in the morning be OK?

-We'll squeeze by till then.

-The casino's open all night?

-We never close.

-Excellent.

-Let's go and freshen up, shall we?

-Would you put these away?

No, darling. Your pretty things should be seen, not imprisoned!

Single, sir? Anything with a bed in it! A wide one!

Here you go. Thanks.

Don't fall in love with the view, Linda. Let's get rolling.

Wear your necklace. I want to burst in like a million dollars!

-I thought 100,000 was your limit?

-No ceiling on you, darling.

Shouldn't you limit your gambling? 100,000 is a high rub.

-It's OK, I'll win.

-Don't confuse me with Lady Luck.

-I've been here before, you know.

-Well, I'm not worried.

-I still have my rabbit's foot.

-Be sure you wash it behind the ears!

SLOT MACHINES CLINK

Ah, music to my ears!

That's what everyone says until they get 'em chopped off!

Mr and Mrs Rollins, this is Mr Drucker, our MD.

Mrs Rollins has told me there's no such thing as luck.

-It's the one thing we can't furnish.

-My husband thinks he's loaded.

-All I can say is, don't bet against me!

-I never gamble.

That's nine. Six is the winning number.

Six.

Isn't this better than the Pullman? What'd you get there?

-Eight hours sleep!

-Spit?

-No thanks.

Come on six! Lose, seven. Seven away.

New shooter coming up.

Got a lucky pair?

-Coming up, win or lose. Place the bet.

-Come on seven!

Winner, seven. Pay on line. Line win.

Thank you.

CRAP GAME CONTINUES >

-Come on!

-Eight is the winning number.

-Eight!

Eight.

-Car three.

-'Go ahead.'

-I'm at The Fabulous.

I saw the sheriff's car on Fremount. Send someone to tell him he's in a red zone!

-What do you know, Maddy?

-Somebody blew into town.

-This is a windy town.

-This doll used to sing at The Last Chance.

-What about her?

-The penthouse suite. If a man answers, hang up.

You talk too much!

-Lieutenant, if you want the cigarette girl, I fired her.

-Good, she was bad for my throat.

-What else is up?

-Usual thing, bobby-soxers in the belfry.

That wedding chapel tempts people to get married!

-Take care of it, will you?

-OK. Wonder who bought that necklace.

High roller next to her. He's her husband.

If you like the view, take care of the kids and come back on your own time.

Not me. I like my job. Chasing round in paddy wagons, picking up young squirts who want to marry(!)

I'm Lt Andrews from the Sheriff's Dept.

I hear you want to get married. Have you got your licence?

Are you really 18, Mary?

Bill, are you 21?

-Bill's being drafted in six weeks!

-Do your folks know about this?

This is between me and Mary. We didn't ask you!

-Or your folks?

-They wouldn't understand.

-Why?

-Because... Well, because...

-Because you're not 21 and Mary's not 18, isn't that it?

-If Bill's old for the draft, he's old enough to marry!

-Waiting's no good.

It'll be years till he gets back!

-Anything can happen. Another man!

-No, Bill.

There are 5,000 marrying places in Nevada, why did you pick this one?!

I'd like to give you a break, but the law says no.

-Let's go.

-Where to?

-Detention room. I'll get you a bite, then we'll call your folks.

When did you first notice this about your husband?

Notice it? He showed it to me! >

I guess he must've been like that before we were married.

When the psychiatrist moved in... Hey, you're not listening! I heard every word!

I've interrupted a conversation between you and the desert.

Is the past sneaking up on you?

Lloyd, why don't you roll your dice and let me roll my own?

I don't think you have the courage to roll your own dice.

I don't think I know what you mean.

Take a ride, find the old trunk with the memories in it and open it.

-What do you think I'll find?

-Who knows? Dancing shoes, a broken piano key, a moth?

-If it's just a moth, buy it a drink.

-Is that the way you want it, Lloyd?

Of course. Go ahead, get it out of your system.

All right...thank you.

PIANO PLAYS

HE PLAYS "I Get Along Without You"

-ECHOING VOICE

-# I get along without you very well

# Of course I do

# Except when soft rains fall

# And drip from leaves, then I recall

# The thrill of being sheltered in your arms

# Of course I do

# But I get along without you very well

# I've forgotten you, just as I should

# Of course I have

# Except to hear your name, or someone's laugh that is the same

# But I've forgotten you, just as I should

# What a guy

# What a fool am I

# To think my breaking heart could kid the moon

# What's in store?

# Should I long once more?

# No, it's best that I stick to my tune

# I get along without you very well

# Of course I do

# Except perhaps in spring

# But I should never think of spring

# For that would surely break my heart... #

Linda!

< Hey!

Linda! You weren't gonna walk out on an old pal?

Happy, I wasn't walking out on you! How are you?

Good. You look fine! Good to see you.

Wait till Mike sees you. Mike, look who I found!

-Linda! Welcome home!

-Hello, Mike.

-This calls for a drink.

-On the house?

-On the bar!

-Saw you coming, Miss Barnes.

-You're a doll, Henry.

Here's to the girls who haven't come back.

-Mike?

-Ulcer. Tell us how you got married.

Yeah, deal, deal.

-I was on Fifth Avenue talking to a horse when the bus hit me!

-Was that bus loaded!

You forgot to tell your relief man you were leaving the floor.

Sorry. An old chum just dropped in.

-You'll be around a few days, Linda?

-Sure, Mike.

She used to sing here. Mr Clayton is the owner, Linda.

-Linda?

-Mrs Rollins. How do you do?

-How do YOU do?

-She does fine!

You look like you had a fine voice.

-Coming from him that's no compliment.

-How did Mike lose The Last Chance?

He borrowed from Peter to pay Pauline. Pauline was dating Clayton. They closed him out.

Mike having to work in the place he built! That's rough!

Having to work is rough! Hunger makes strange bedfellows.

Mrs Rollins, why don't you talk to Happy over at the piano?

-Can we take a hint? The man wants music.

-Come on, Happy.

That's what I get for talking!

STARTS TO PLAY "I Get Along Without You"

When are you gonna ask me about Dave?

When the cow jumps over the moon.

Funny you should say that. You know the sign advertising the Blue Moon Restaurant?

Dang me if a real cow didn't jump over the Moon part of the sign!

All right, how is Dave?

He's healthy.

# I get along without you very well...

-You remember this?

-# Of course I do

# Except perhaps in spring

# But you should never think of spring

# For that would surely break my heart in two. #

Hello, David.

Hello, Linda.

-Same old place, same old table.

-Just like old times.

We can pretend. Which part of the old times is this?

The part where you were supposed to come back and say goodbye?

-That was a misunderstanding.

-That explains that.

It's not logical, but logic never bothered you too much.

David, I didn't come here to beef with you. I was glad to see you.

I had the same reaction, but I caught myself.

You should have stayed in the high rent district.

Does the high roller know you're out alone?

I'm not alone. A man's with me.

-Who?

-You.

-Me? You're really mixed up.

That was long ago. That guy was a chump.

He believed his girl would be there when he came back.

I believed that if two people were in love, they'd kiss and make up. You have to take a chance.

There are only so many chances, the supply runs out!

-Here we go again!

-No, once is enough!

The only thing I'm asking you is to keep out of my territory!

David, this is horrible. I've wondered about you so often.

Prayed it'd be like old times if we met again.

You've got all you wanted. Whatever you're in Vegas for, find it and get out.

I have to live in this town!

-Hi, Dave.

-Hiya.

-Is the sheriff in?

-He caught a fish.

I didn't know you were going to Lake Mead. Neither did this fish!

Otherwise, he'd have skedaddled!

Caught a prime trout. Don't know whether to mount him or eat him!

I don't know, but it gives me an idea. I'd like to go fishing.

-Shouldn't you change clothes first?

-Thanks. I'll see you Thursday.

Hey, wait a minute! A whole week to fish? I can't spare you that long.

I've got to get out of town and I have the time coming to me.

Sorry to sound like a sheriff, but El Dorado week, I need every man.

OK, then pull me off the Strip.

Nobody knows that Strip like you do.

Outside of myself.

-This is something personal.

-A woman?

-Yeah.

-A married one?

-You're right again.

I'm never wrong. I can read character or hit a bullseye at 50 paces.

Dave, I'm not even looking at you, but I can tell from here...

..you're not going fishing.

You didn't stop in at the casino on your way back.

-You didn't need me to carry your losses.

-That sounds like a bitter woman.

Did the lid of that trunk fall on your pretty fingers?

Lloyd, let's get out of here!

I've a better idea. Let's sleep till noon and see how both our worlds look.

-Hello.

-I wonder if you'd do me a favour.

-Name it.

-Find yourself another pool.

-What's wrong with this one?

-There's a sea monster in it!

-I hadn't noticed.

-It's the first thing you've missed. Are you a licensed Peeping Tom?

If I've offended you by admiring you, I apologise.

-I know I've been staring.

-Is that your business? Staring?

No, jewellery is my business. Pieces like your necklace.

The name's Tom Hubler. I have references.

I've never been asked for references, but I could get them.

I'd say you already have plenty.

Jump back in the pool. Here's my husband.

Lloyd, this is Mr Hubler. He has references.

-Hello.

-You're a lucky man.

-He admires my necklace.

-Naturally.

-You don't see such pieces often.

I'll just check on that sea monster.

They ought to drain that pool. It's crawling.

Lloyd, why don't you tell me what's really going on?

I'm having fun, darling. Why don't you?

It's more than that. Mr Martin has limited your credit to 10,000.

His attitude could start a run on the Bank of England!

Lloyd, if there's something serious behind your gambling I'd like to help.

-Those are brave words.

-I'm a brave girl.

As a kid I'd run the fellas off the block!

I won't ask if they finally caught up with you.

It's nice to be married to so much bravery.

If things get tough I may have to tap it.

-PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

It's long distance, Lloyd. Boston.

I don't want to speak to them.

-I'm sorry, Mr Rollins isn't available.

-Hang up, Linda.

Thank you. I'll tell him.

-A man said to tell you Monty's dead.

-Monty? I don't place him.

Didn't he send that telegram you got?

Whoever Monty was, he committed suicide.

-The fool.

-Then he DID sign the telegram.

Don't worry about my business associates, living or dead.

It's not your concern. And don't read my mail.

I'll see you downstairs.

-Hello, darling.

-Lloyd, my necklace is missing!

I took it and forgot to tell you.

-Why?

-Too many admirers. I thought it'd be safer in the hotel vault.

-Well, hello.

-I see they drained the pool(!)

-Mr Rollins, I want to make amends.

-How do you propose doing that?

-By dancing with your wife.

-Oh, fine.

-Mr Rollins?

-Hello.

Mr Hubler, my wife accepts. Dance with him, Linda.

I have business with Mr Drucker.

I said, dance.

Sit down.

-Will you have a drink?

-No, thank you.

-You gave this to Mr Martin?

-Yes, how much credit will you give me?

-None.

It's worth 150,000. Don't take my word. I have an insurance appraisal up in my room.

I don't care. You asked for 100,000 credit.

We've already advanced you 10,000. If I knew then what I know now...

Well, your wife makes a good impression,

but it has run out, and so has your welcome.

You imply that I'm leaving. Do you intend to force me?

-Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

-It won't, Mr Drucker.

-Don't look surprised. This place is on my beat.

-Nice of you to look me up(!)

Let's keep it official. Your husband's a tramp and Drucker wants him out.

I thought if I told you, we could get it over painless.

Why don't you tell him yourself?

You'd say, "Your wife married the wrong man, she kissed me off, so get out of town!"

Why stop with one kiss? Why not the full story?!

Oh, that's all over now.

I'm not so sure. IS it over, Linda?

Isn't that what you came back here to find out?!

What a beautiful picture - moonlight and my wife with a stranger(!)

-An old friend.

-Ah, the desert gives up its secrets.

Lloyd, Lt Andrews of the sheriff's office. My husband.

I'm a wizard at guessing names. Joe? In songs it's always Joe.

-I can see you riding off, with the girl you left crying, "Goodbye, Joe!"

-Lloyd!

You put it all together, Rollins, all except the tears!

Your wife doesn't cry easy and she didn't wait to say goodbye.

Maybe if she had, you wouldn't be here.

If you're looking for trouble with me, forget it.

You've got your share already!

-Lloyd, we've got to go.

-First thing tomorrow.

Tell you what, go and powder your nose, we'll go to The Last Chance.

I may as well meet your other old friends and see the scene of your innocent youth.

-Mr Rollins?

-Oh, it's you again.

-What now?

-I'm with the company insuring your wife's necklace. My job is to watch it.

-I didn't see it around tonight.

-I resent the implication.

-I'm just following my instructions.

-All right, relax!

-It's in the hotel vault.

-No hard feelings.

-No reason for Mrs Rollins to know about your company's interest?

-None.

-Thanks. Join us later for a drink and bring your OWN girl!

-Hello, Mrs Rollins.

-There you are, darling.

-Have a good time.

The Last Chance, please.

I can see almost anything could have happened here and probably did.

Where's the baggage room? The one with the trunk in it?

In there. That's Happy at the piano.

-What's missing?

-Your sense of humour.

-I find little here to laugh at.

-'Evening, Mrs Rollins.

Lloyd, this is Mr Clayton, the owner.

-I have heard your wife sing.

-That's one of the things I've missed.

-May I buy you a drink?

-Thank you. Linda?

-I'll say hello to Happy.

I'll take the drink. I can always talk to the piano player later!

You asked for it and here it is - the monkey song!

Hi, Linda.

Gather round, everybody.

This is a story... about a monkey and a king.

King Rebop...

..and his dream...

..down in the jungle.

He dreams about flowers.

He dreams about a bird.

PLAYS LITTLE TUNE No, not that one.

PLAYS A TRILL That's a prettier bird!

Also dreams about a monkey.

He dreams this monkey can play the drums.

That's a different monkey!

The reason the king has this dream? He's broke.

He needs dough.

And there's a missionary.

# Well, a monkey heard swing down a Hoola-Hoola

# And he got bit, he got bit by the beat of it, the hop

# It pulled the hip bones back and he really went into his dance!

# Siga-de oodi-acki-backi!

# Rebop said, "You stop. You ain't exactly on the back beat

# "Look at my feet!" And then he shuffled up a rhythm

# But the monkey's going with him. In a minute, they were balling the jack in the sand

# So the monkey made a coconut tom tom

# Found an old drum that belong to the voodoos

# By the middle of the week, every native was speaking about the monkey and his medicine band

# He was beating licks with his sticks to a record by the Bix

# Till his rhythm was the talk of all the Congo

# He had a gnu playing the kazoo

# And a jug man rounded out the combo

# One day a missionary with umbrella and canary

# Came riding on a donkey through the jungle

# King Rebop shouted, "Hey, stop, Pop! I know a way we can make a bundle!"

# So we told the missionary with umbrella and canary

# About the monkey and the way he played drums

# But he had, indeed, he had a little bit of bad luck

# And he'd like to sell the monkey to frank funds

# "OK," said the man with umbrella in his hand

# "If a deal is a coin too hoil.

# "I'll see what you got. I'll pay you a lot

# "If you promise not to boil me in oil, oil, oil, oil!"

# The man he went with the king down in Hoola-Hoola

# To see if they'd be a hit and make a buck on it

# But the monkey the king kept raving about didn't know nothing at all!

# It was just another monkey

# King Rebop then woke up, found out he'd been a-dreaming

# And was upset cos the little missionary with the Bible and canary

# Said, "Gee, that must've been some party you had, so long, boy!" That's all! #

-Mrs Rollins, I'd like a word.

-Sorry, I'm busy.

I have to ask you where your necklace is.

-Ask my husband.

-I did. He said it was in the hotel vault.

-There.

-Your husband's a liar.

Hello, Linda. Told you my luck would change!

-Lloyd, I want to talk to you.

-Now is no time for talk.

Maybe you'd better run along. You said yourself you were no Lady Luck.

Come on, dice, you be my lucky lady!

-How much did Clayton give my husband on the necklace?

-10,000.

-I see you didn't take my advice. Occasionally, I'm right.

-I'm in no mood for your bragging.

-Come on! Come on!

-< 11 is a winner.

-Ha-ha!

Come out into the night air and cool off.

Monkey see, monkey do.

-'Car Three? Car Three?'

-Car Three. Go ahead.

'The parents of that girl are here. What'll we do?'

Car Three. I'm on my way in.

You might find this very interesting.

-They're in the chief's office, Dave.

-Do you have the release papers?

I'm Lt Andrews. Are these your folks, Mary?

Well, did you all talk it over?

-We know what's best for Mary.

-Dad, you don't! Bill and I do!

Don't, Mary.

-If you have anything to say, Bill, now's the time.

-I already said my piece. Nobody listens.

-You know Bill is being drafted in six weeks.

-He gets in the army and Mary will forget him.

-Anyway, waiting will do them good.

-Sometimes, waiting's not good.

I'm only saying this because they may have a long wait.

-I want you to understand that as well as they do.

-Sign the papers. We have a long drive home.

Well, this will go into the files with a lot of other heartbreaks.

They could have walked across the street and been married.

All it needs is your signature.

Where do I sign?

Under where it says, "I wouldn't give a couple of kids a break."

Let's go, Linda.

Oh, we've been HERE before!

I'm renting it from Fogarty, same as you did, only I can't sing for my rent!

Hasn't changed a bit, has it?

Nope, not a bit.

Neither have you.

You left the icebox door open.

Help yourself to a beer, unless you're used to champagne.

I'm not, but I'll ignore the crack.

Get me a glass, too, in your honour. You know where they are.

-My, aren't we fancy? Who cleans up for you?

-Nobody in particular.

-Everybody pitches in.

-Everyone?

-We don't do much housework, but we have laughs!

-I'll bet.

Everything looks just the same.

Houses don't change, Linda. Only people.

You know, you sure do some funny things, David.

Like leaving the icebox door open?

No, like making plans for those kids tonight.

Wish I thought you didn't frame it just for my benefit.

That sounds like you, only I have a sentimental side.

Turn it over and what have you got? A hothead.

I accept your apology.

-That puts all the pieces back together.

-No, there's still something missing.

-What?

-..I don't know.

-It's us.

-Have you really changed, Dave?

Do people change that much?

Help yourself.

Thanks, I could use it.

-Have you still got that necklace?

-Sure. Did you want to have another look at it?

No, but I want you to look at it again, real hard.

If there's not more meat than 10,000 on that, I'll eat it!

You've already eaten it, Mr Rollins. I'd advise a diet. Your luck's out.

It might change if I could have another go!

-Does he have to keep walloping that thing?!

-Call it a night, Happy.

We both know that necklace is worth more than 10,000.

I admitted that when I loaned you the money on it.

But, personally, I'd rather have my dough back.

I've been waiting for your generous streak to show, Clayton.

-You gotta advance me more.

-Here's the takings. >

Look, Rollins, for 10,000 you can have your necklace back.

I won't give you more and you won't redeem it for less.

No shortcuts.

I'm not so sure about that!

We're buttoned up in here, Fogarty. Close the doors when you go out.

I have to be getting back.

Yeah.

I left some lipstick on the glass.

What do you want me to do? Put it up on the mantle?

Or drink out of it some dark night and smash it in the fire?

Whatever you do, it'll be sudden and violent.

-Please don't spoil it. It's been so nice.

-And brief.

Here we go again! You brought it round to reality.

You couldn't sit still long enough to see daylight!

I'm fed up sitting still and that daylight goes on my bill with the nights!

-It's tough to forget.

-Do you want to forget tonight?

-I didn't say that.

-What ARE you saying?

Just this. When Rollins hocks you, you'll look funny in the pawnbroker's window!

-Where do you draw the line on second-hand goods?

-I don't.

-Well, I do! Call me a cab.

-It'll be a pleasure!

-Car Three.

-'Go ahead.'

I'm at my house. Will you send a cab over?

'Want plasma, too? You've been gone so long.'

Just do it! I'm on my way in.

Car Five? Come in, Car Five.

-Car Nine, stand by.

-'Car Five, in.'

-'Car Nine, standing by.'

Car Five, tell them the medical examiner is on his way.

Car Nine, go and pick up the coroner. Take him to The Last Chance.

-What about The Last Chance?

-Somebody killed the owner.

Clayton?

-When did you get the call?

-Just now, as you walked in.

-Are you going off duty, Dave?

-Not now.

-Hi, Dave.

-What do we know and what's missing?

This is what killed him, that's for sure.

-It's also used on lemons. Any seeds on it?

-No.

No seeds, no prints. The janitor found the body at 4.10.

-You didn't touch it?

-No sirree. I took one look and yelled!

Mr Fogarty ran in and threw water in my face.

-Take Mike's statement.

-I got it, Dave.

-Did he tell you he opened the safe?

-No, he didn't.

He did. His hat is over by the safe.

-What were you looking for?

-The necklace Rollins gave Clayton.

It wasn't there. No necklace on the body, Dave.

The guy who killed him took the necklace.

Look, I know I have every reason to wish Clayton dead,

-but you're backing the wrong number.

-OK, pick another number.

Linda's husband. I walked in on a beef they were having about more money on the necklace.

Why don't you ask Happy?

I was home sleeping, Dave, when this horrible tragedy occurred.

That's my story. But what do you want to know?

-What was the beef between Clayton and Rollins?

-Rollins wanted him to up the ante on that necklace.

-Can't say I blame him.

-Was he sore enough to kill?

You don't have to be sore at Clayton to kill him.

Somebody might do it as a public service,

but being mad at him would make it easier.

They sent me out, so I don't know how mad he got.

Get a signed statement from all these monkeys.

How did you make out, Doc?

Fellow's been dead for about an hour.

Sometime close to four, I'd say.

-Get me a report quickly.

-Sure, but there ain't much to add.

Clean plug. He's dead, you can see yourself.

-Dave? Can I say something?

-Sure, go ahead.

Don't hang it on Linda's old man until you're sure.

-You finished?

-I just don't want you to undo all you've undone.

That's a big order.

-Up kinda early.

-Yeah, I'm taking the census.

Isn't that out of your line?

We just lost a prominent citizen.

-Want help finding him?

-We've found him. Murdered and robbed.

If I'm to send flowers, you better tell me who it is.

-Clayton.

-Fellow at The Last Chance? What's missing?

His killer and a diamond necklace.

-This could cost me my job.

-Why?

-I'm ordered not to let Rollins or the necklace out of my sight.

-Where was Rollins this morning?

-He gave up waiting for his wife around four.

-How do you know?

-I saw him come out of The Last Chance.

-He headed here.

-Where were you?

I was in the coffee shop waiting for you and Mrs Rollins.

-I wanted to see the fireworks.

-You'll see fireworks when you report the necklace missing.

Well, this is a most unpleasant surprise.

Have you come to say goodbye to my wife?

I've already told your wife goodbye. Thought I'd do something with some joy in it.

-Would you smooth that?

-It'd still be rough for you. Where's the necklace?

-That's MY business.

-Not now. Clayton's dead and it's missing.

-I don't understand what it has to do with me?

-You will when we get to the sheriff's office.

-But to give you a clue, the charge is murder.

-Preposterous!

And dirty! How dirty can you get?

Let's go, Rollins.

-OK, but it won't do you any good.

-Don't leave town, Linda. Your husband may need a loyal wife!

The time of death has been established at approx 4.00am.

-Remember where you were, Mr Rollins?

-I was in my room at The Fabulous.

-Mmm-hmm, with whom?

-I'm certain my wife would like to say she was with me.

Linda?

Mrs Rollins, I'm not going to ask you to testify formally,

but if there's anything at all that you can tell me...?

Mr Rollins, there is sufficient evidence to warrant your arraignment.

Capt Harris, the prisoner is remanded to your custody.

To apply for bail, have your attorney talk to me.

Mr Rollins, some days it's hard to do one's duty.

-Capt Harris?

-Yes, ma'am.

-I'd like a word in private with my husband.

-That'll be a change(!)

-Please, Lloyd!

You can use my office.

-In here. I'll wait outside.

-Naturally.

-I'm sorry if I've let you down, Lloyd.

-Think nothing of it.

-You'll come into your own making last-minute pleas!

-Don't say that!

-I don't believe you did it.

-Why didn't you say so?!

There was nothing for me to say! You've lied to me.

You never explained the telegram or Monty's suicide

or why you wanted to stop in Las Vegas.

I don't know what trouble you're in if you don't tell me.

Linda, there's a cell waiting for me, do you need more than that?!

-You don't have to stay in it. I can do that.

-What?

I've saved some money. Enough to get an attorney and raise bail.

Why didn't you tell me? You might have prevented this disaster!

There have been several disasters, Lloyd. Which one?

The one that kept you out with that cop last night.

I'm ready, Sheriff.

Mrs Rollins, may I give you a lift?

-The bus for The Fabulous is waiting.

-I feel like it ran over me!

The Fabulous, please.

Make it The Last Chance.

What's the idea? I thought this bus went straight through.

-What's wrong with The Last Chance?

-I'd rather get out.

We could go back to the sheriff's office. I like you, but you don't fool me.

I don't like you, Mr Hubler, so let's not get any ideas.

You shouldn't have come out the back door of The Last Chance around 4.00.

Let me put it straight, what are you trying to hide?

PIANO PLAYS >

Before we go in, why did you use the alley entrance this morning?

I got used to it when I worked here. Why didn't you speak at the inquest?

-Two reasons.

-What are they?

-Well, I'd say, first it was the necklace.

-And then?

-Something you can't put on expense accounts.

-Nobody understands it.

-Including me.

-I'd get my face slapped or I'd tell you.

-Don't bother!

< When you came in this morning, show me what you did.

-I walked to the casino to look for my husband.

-Hold it.

Stand right here till I tell you.

When I say go, walk across the room the same as you did.

-Is this a sobriety test?

-Similar.

-C'mon in, Linda. You're welcome.

-We're playing a game, Happy. I'm gonna walk across the room.

It lifts my heart to see you folks romping amidst the gloom of inquest!

OK, Linda, start walking.

-You flunked.

-I don't get it.

-You went around the chair.

-I was to jump over it?

-You must've jumped over Clayton's body.

Either that, or you tripped over it and fell flat on your face!

And you might have got up holding a necklace.

No?

What do you think that is?

A spot, I guess.

-You couldn't have missed him.

-Do you understand this game, Happy?

No, and nobody's enjoying it. I like the one where they pin tails on donkeys.

A game like this can be fun, IF you play fair.

-Would you take me to the hotel?

-Whatever you want.

-That isn't what YOU want, is it, Mr Hubler?

-I can wait for what I want.

Capt Harris, where's Lt Andrews?

If he takes my advice, he's fishing in the Belgian Congo!

-Matty?

-You wanted to see me, Lieutenant.

You went to my house last night. Where did you take Mrs Rollins?

To The Fabulous.

Is that all you wanted to know, Lieutenant?

-Yes. That does it.

-Of course, on the way to The Fabulous, I took her to The Last Chance.

-You blab about everything else, why didn't you say before?!

-You didn't ask.

-I'm asking now!

SHE HUMS A TUNE

< CLICK

If you're looking for the necklace, I just flushed it down the drain!

-Oh, do they hang women in Nevada?

-Used to, by their pretty necks.

You've certainly made a mess!

-What are you doing with this?

-I peel lemons with it!

-You may cut your fingers.

-What's all this about?!

-You were quiet earlier.

-What did I miss out, besides my opinion of you?!

What were you doing at The Last Chance this morning and just how deep are you in this with Rollins?

I know you want to put me in jail, too!

Then you can lock yourself in, too. The three of us, living happily ever after(!)

Then you wouldn't have room to double cross us!

SHOE DROPS

Now, get out of here!

-Why don't you practise at home?

-Here, I don't disturb anybody.

After last night, things are kinda slack.

Things may pick up when they find out we're running a bar, not a slaughterhouse.

-Wish I could get your piano to talk and do my work for me.

-Works for me. As for talking, it does that, too.

Right now it's telling you to take a look on the floor by that chair.

That's a real musical chair, Dave. Take a look.

-It's got a sour not on it.

-How come we overlooked this?

Point is, when Linda waltzed in here in the wee hours, she no see body.

-It was lying there.

-Who said it was?

-That insurance guy, Hubler.

-He showed Linda.

-You KNOW where it was found!

-Don't involve me.

-I was home sleeping.

-It was behind the bar!

But he must have been stabbed here.

Then dragged himself behind the bar, trying to get to...the telephone!

Fabulous Hotel! We got fooled. Nobody would know where the murder happened except the killer!

-Mrs Rollins, please.

-It had to be Hubler!

-It sure did! Hello, Linda? Now don't hang up.

-The chances I take!

-I'm trying to apologise.

-Don't bother! Someone's at the door.

-WAIT! I know who killed Clayton!

-Who?

-I'm on my way over. If you see Hubler, keep him entertained.

-BUZZER

-I heard you. Hold on.

-May I come in?

-Of course. I was just going out.

-I know where your necklace is.

-Oh?

-Somebody shipped it to LA.

I am driving down to check on it now.

-Are you going alone?

-You don't have to ask twice.

-Come on.

-I'll put a few things together. It'll only take a minute.

-Go ahead.

Hello? HELLO?! LINDA?!

I'd say that's your friend, the cop.

-You don't have to pack. You look fine.

-Dave knows about you.

Word gets around, doesn't it?

Get in, you're driving!

-Mrs Rollins' room, please. Did you see her go out?

-I did.

-Where is she?

-She stepped out on you, Dave.

-Who with, that insurance man?

-Yes.

Did Hubler check out? Yes, and he rented a car.

-Mr Hubler said he was going to LA.

-Why didn't you say?!

-Car Three to Headquarters.

-'Go ahead.'

-Gimme a clear channel. Emergency.

-All units stand by.

Have identified Hubler as killer of Clayton. Just left The Fabulous.

He's driving a 1950 Plymouth sedan, green colour, Nevada licence 28072.

Suspect may be heading for Los Angeles.

Is the sheriff at headquarters?

This is Harris. Come in and make a written report!

Suspect accompanied by Mrs Rollins, possible kidnap victim. Out.

Notify the highway patrol. We'll set up road blocks.

This is Mitch. We need roadblocks on a homicide. >

North east - junction Highway 91 at B-5.

North west - Highway 95 at Lee Canyon.

South - junction of 91 and D-3.

South east - Highway 95 at Dry Lake.

East - Highway 93 at the dam.

Turn around!

HEY! What are you doing with my car?!

Start it up.

GO ON, START IT!

Get out of there! Go and keep your mouth shut! This is MY car...!

LINDA SCREAMS

Look for 1941 Ford station wagon,

Fenders blue, California licence 5-RADIO-7911,

being driven by Thomas Hubler. Suspect killed Alan Wickler, owner of vehicle.

Proceed with caution. Man armed and dangerous.

May have kidnap victim, Mrs Lloyd Rollins.

Notify the Arizona authorities.

-Why Arizona?

-I figure with three murders, he took a boat ride over.

-Don't you?

-No, and it's two murders. Why do you think he killed Linda?

Dave...all men were created equal, except you.

-Only you thinks there's a point to him not killing her.

-I still say she's alive.

-I've a hunch where they are.

-And I say she's at the bottom of the lake!

-Is that the last word?!

-I'm entitled to it!

I'll let you play your hunch, but if you're wrong, and you ARE,

-you buy me a steak dinner, a la carte.

-Fine!

-With pie!

-Deal!

I'm going to drag that lake from top to bottom.

Gimme the airport. Toby Rin.

This hunch better be good.

Suppose all the roads were blocked and you were driving a hot car, where would you hole up?

With a dish like that, I'd probably park first!

Do you see what I see? A tumbleweed going about 70 miles an hour!

-Let's go down and check the licence plate.

-OK.

-What do we do now?

-Turn him around.

There he is! Pick a dead end street and we'll corner him.

< Andrews!

-Throw the gun across the floor!

-Is the girl all right?

Dave, we're behind the trailer.

The gun is pressed against her head. Want me to pull the trigger?

Now, throw the gun out!

I said, the GUN, Andrews!

The next one is for the lady!

CREAKING >

-Are you hurt bad?

-I can't fly us out of here.

-Been waiting for you, are you OK?

-Good as new.

I was looking at that Hubler fellow. Even dead, you can tell he's no good.

I don't think murder was his business.

-You're saying it was a hobby?

-No, I figure he saw a chance to steal the necklace.

Clayton caught him in the act. It was unplanned.

I've had a lot of experience, Dave, and when a man decides to make a mistake, he keeps right on going.

Like you. You came close to railroading an innocent man.

-Should I turn in my badge?

-Don't try carrying a torch at the same time. It's too big a load.

Cops aren't licensed for it.

Any time you feel it coming on, leave your badge on my desk.

-What the name of the lawyer handling Clayton's estate?

-Schiller.

I got the money for that blasted necklace for him.

-How?

-From Rollins. Poor, misjudged devil, after all the misery we put him through!

-Rollins gave you this?

-When I turned him loose.

Saves the rigmarole of impounding jewels.

Sheriff, how long has it been since you arrested anyone for stealing?

Dave, as sheriff, I've followed my instincts for 18 years.

And I haven't been hurt yet.

Well, when you open that drawer in the morning, jump, because that cheque will bounce in your face!

-Glad the chief went home.

-Why?

-I'd like to see his face when he reads this!

-You read it.

"Massachusetts Court No: 8351D,

"charge of three counts embezzlement and two grand fraud - Lloyd Rollins.

"News you released this man, suspicion murder.

"Re-arrest and notify this department.

"Telegraphic word send. We will expedite.

-"James Fitzpatrick."

-I'll handle this myself.

-Don't blame you!

-Can I help?

-Get the chief back here. Say there are things on his desk for his attention.

-Where shall I say you'll be?

-Say I'm taking my torch for a walk.

-Business or pleasure?

-Both.

-What'll you have tonight?

-Same.

-We're finally getting rid of Rollins.

-Frankly, I don't care.

-I thought you'd be interested.

-Definitely not.

-Thanks.

-Why don't you get into some line that agrees with you?

-Does it show?

-You look like your rabbits died!

All right, here's to crime.

-Aren't you taking a lot of granted?

-I'm taking nothing for granted.

I bet 12/7, you and Rollins don't make the state line.

-Well, you've won half your bet already.

-How come?

I told Happy I'd take my old job back at The Last Chance.

-I go to work in six weeks.

-Working might not agree with you.

-I have to eat.

-Dave, I apologise.

-That's OK.

-No, it's not. Rollins is no good, nor's his cheque!

Excuse me, ma'am. But there's no need to hold you.

Wrong again. I can think of a lot of reason to hold her, but not now.

Hey, wait a minute!

Hey, Dave, I don't intend losing the best man I've got.

-Take your badge back.

-What's the matter? Aren't you man enough to do it?

-Mind taking a ride to the sheriff's office?

-Would I be coming back?

-No, sir. This is as far west as you go.

-Your next stop is Boston.

-Thought I could fix that with a winning streak. Shows how wrong you can be.

Maybe you'd like to say goodbye to your wife?

That occurred to me, too. I already did. Shall we go?

Here you are, Lieutenant. Don't let those bags out of your sight.

-Hello, Lieutenant.

-Hello, Bill, how are you?

-You look like an old veteran!

-I am! I'm an old married man, too.

-It's our anniversary.

-Anniversary?

-We've been married a week today!

What you said changed my father's mind.

-We had bridesmaids, everything!

-Good. Wish I'd been there.

Since you weren't, we thought maybe ...you'd like to kiss the bride!

-How does it feel to run the place again?

-Fine, now you're here, too.

-Hey, remember me?

-I asked him to kiss her. Remember us?

-Hi!

-Old married folks!

-I guess it'd be fair if you kissed Bill.

If I kissed Bill, there'd be nothing fair about it.

If you congratulate everyone who marries in Vegas, I'll never make a nickel!

# You touched my fingertips and my heart is aglow

What's on your mind, baby?

# You bent to kiss my lips and I can't let you go

# Maybe I should resist, I'm a fool I know

Resist me, baby!

# But, at a time like this, my resistance is low

# Your eyes have magic

# They seem to say

# Come closer, come closer, my darling, come closer

# But somehow you can't break away

# Can't you see that I want to be adored more than you'll ever know

# But I know, baby, I know

# And I'm going overboard with a capital O

# So don't be persistent, please keep your distance

# You know my resistance is low

# Your eyes have magic

# They seem to say

# Don't be persistent

# Please keep your distance, you know your resistance is low

# Low, low, low, low, low, low, low. #