A Woman's Secret

APPLAUSE

And so, until next week

at the same time on the same station,

remember, hear Estrellita tonight

and go to sleep with love in your heart.

# Little star

# You see me sad and lonely

# Please listen to my plea

# My love is gone from me

# Gentle star

# Will he return

# And tenderly whisper

# Dearest one I love you so

# My heart is yours alone

# Come guide him back to me. #

APPLAUSE

'You have been listening

'to the songs of Estrellita.

'This is...'

Hello.

Hello.

The show was great tonight, Susan.

No-one would ever guess

the new introduction would really be a commercial.

Sure. My having to knock myself out later

rushing through Estrellita to finish on time

doesn't matter, just as l...

Oh, what difference does it make?

Hungry? Mollie's been waiting up.

No, I'm not hungry.

I was just asking.

There's something I want to talk over with you,

only I don't mean talk over.

I mean tell you.

There's been something on your mind

since you got back from New Orleans.

I'm glad you feel like talking about it.

It may help you.

I don't want any help,

and I don't intend to talk it over.

It's just something I've decided to tell you,

and I'm going to tell you.

I'm tired...

Tired of everything and everybody,

and I'm through. I'm through for good.

I'm glad you've decided to take a rest.

You've been working too hard.

We can go away someplace.

You're the biggest fool I ever met.

You don't know what I'm talking about.

Get some sleep, Susan. You're very tired.

What makes you think you know everything?

I don't think I know everything.

Just because you and Mr Luke Jordan...

Is that what's bothering you?

I don't mean anything to Luke Jordan,

and there's no reason why I should.

He doesn't owe me a thing.

But I do, don't I?

You made me what I am, didn't you?

I don't think you did.

I'd have been Estrellita

or something much greater

if I'd never met you.

I'm sure you would.

Suppose you did make me Estrellita.

Suppose tomorrow morning

there wasn't any Estrellita.

Suppose I decided to do something by myself.

Suppose I...

Stop it, Susan!

DOOR SLAMS

Susan.

Susan.

GUNSHOT

Miss Susan!

< Miss Susan!

Come in, Mollie.

I thought I heard a shot.

Why, what happened?

A gun.

Did Miss Caldwell try to...?

This is Miss Washburn.

Can I speak to Dr Ferris? Please.

Shouldn't we try to do something, Miss Marian?

I'll take care of everything.

Yes, Miss Marian.

Hello. Dr Ferris, this is Marian Washburn.

There's...

Miss Caldwell has just been shot.

Can you come right up?

We're on the 18th floor, you know.

No, I won't touch a thing. I promise.

Thank you.

The doctor will be up in a couple of minutes.

But how did it happen? How could...

Have the doctor come up as soon as he gets here.

Yes, Miss Marian.

Well?

Well, she's still alive.

We have to get her to a hospital at once.

El Dorado 59098.

What happened?

This is an emergency,

and I'll have to make an official report.

It's my duty.

Hello. This is Dr Ferris.

Send an ambulance to 880 Park Avenue.

Right away.

Miss Washburn's apartment. Thank you.

Isn't there something you could do right away?

I'm not sure that even at the hospital...

The bullet is very close to her heart.

This is Miss Washburn.

Will you please get me police headquarters?

DOORBELL RINGS

I'm Lieutenant Benson.

Miss Washburn.

What's happened?

There's been a shooting. I did it.

You'll find her in her room upstairs.

There's a doctor with her.

Take a look.

Right.

Right after she came home from her broadcast...

Who?

Miss Caldwell. Estrellita, the radio singer.

Susan Caldwell is her real name.

Tonight we started...

I've got to warn and advise you.

Anything you say can be held against you.

I have nothing to conceal.

Right after it happens, you can't shut them up.

Three days later, they get a lawyer,

and you can't get a word out of them.

Doc says she's got to get to the hospital.

Matter of life and death. Probably death.

OK. I'll have to take you to the police station.

I'm ready.

I just have to get my coat.

All right.

Only about that coat -

sometimes they got a bathroom

where they go for the coat.

DOORBELL RINGS

And they get an idea

about poison or a razor, maybe.

Mind if I go with you?

Not at all.

Hello, Inspector.

Miss Washburn?

Yes. I'm Miss Washburn.

Mollie, will you get my coat, please?

I'm Inspector Fowler.

What's the dope, Harry?

She was just going to tell me.

Said she shot a woman. Name of Caldwell.

The doctor's up there with her.

She's breathing, but it looks pretty serious.

As long as you're here,

I'll go up and give Fitz a hand.

Right.

Am I under arrest?

At the police station you'll be booked,

probably on a charge of felonious assault.

Of course, if Miss Caldwell should die,

the charge is homicide.

You'll be allowed

to make three calls from the station house.

The officer in charge or myself

will make them for you.

One will be to your lawyer.

You can decide now on the other two.

I don't want a lawyer.

Miss Washburn.

We better be getting along.

You're the doctor.

No. The inspector.

That's not funny.

It never is when there's been a shooting.

If the Lord wanted a bullet in you,

you'd have been born with one.

You're sure you don't want to call your lawyer?

No. Just the one call.

I always turn philosophical about this time of night.

Lieutenant, how do you decide

whether people are telling the truth or not?

Simple, the way I look at it.

The minute anybody's arrested,

he's a liar unless he's pleading guilty.

Well, she's pleading guilty.

Give me the phone.

Yeah.

PIANO PLAYS

Come, come, now, Mr Jordan.

You don't mean you can't identify the passage?

I can identify it,

but I've decided to wait.

Every time I identify anything right away,

Mr Harris and Mr Pierson here say

that's what they were about to identify.

You have no idea what that music is,

have you? Gentlemen?

That's exactly what I was going to say.

No idea.

Me, too.

That's better.

It's from act one of Wagner's Die Walkure.

It's the orchestral passage

in the middle section of Sigmund's Love Song.

Correct.

APPLAUSE How do you do it?

I don't know. Genius, would you say?

I might not, but you would.

Just to throw people off the track, perhaps.

Tonight our board of experts has held our losses

to two snap-a-lens cameras

and two Medalgo projectors.

Next week, in addition to our regular experts,

Mr Harris and Mr Pierson,

we will again have the privilege

of having as our guest Mr Luke Jordan,

celebrated composer, concert pianist, wit,

and, er, all-around gadfly.

What's the matter, Tommy?

You're to call this number, Mr Jordan.

Very important, they said.

It's a police station -

the Manhattan East precinct.

What have I done now?

Here, here.

It's not going to get you anyplace at all

to carry on like this.

You can't see Miss Washburn, and that's that.

What's the idea of telling me where she is

and not letting me see her?

If you weren't out of your mind, I'd lock you up.

That's an idea. Lock me up.

You're way off base, smarty-pants.

There's a whole different tier

and a whole different wing

for the women prisoners.

Here!

OK.

Give him his number, Charlie.

Port Washington 8721.

Hello. Matthews?

I'd like to speak to Mr Matthews, please.

I don't care whether he's retired.

This is Luke Jordan.

I've got to talk to Mr Matthews.

Never mind your orders.

Wake him up. He'll talk to me.

I've got to talk to Mr Matthews!

They hung up.

What do you know.

You don't seem to be in charge of everything tonight, do you?

Where can I get a cab?

On the street, very likely.

We used to have a collection in here,

all ready for passengers,

but it got in the way of business.

I warn you, Mr Jordan,

I'll be compelled to send for the police.

Mr Matthews is not to be disturbed.

There were to be no exceptions.

There's already been an exception.

I'm it.

Mr Jordan, sir, I'm an old man,

but I intend to do my best to prevent you...

It's all right, Harold.

I'm coming down.

I'm sorry to disturb you, like this, Brook,

but it's terribly important.

It better be.

You can go to bed now, Harold.

Thank you, Mr Matthews.

What's this all about, Luke?

I wish I could tell you some other way,

but I can't.

Susan was shot tonight.

Susan was... What's that?

I went to the police station,

but I couldn't find out much.

They've locked up Marian.

She says she tried to kill Susan.

I called you right away,

but that birdbrain butler...

Never mind. What about Susan?

She's not... She's not dead?

No. But there's no telling.

Nobody's allowed to see her.

Well, help yourself.

Marian's being very stubborn.

Says she doesn't want a lawyer.

That's why I came here.

You'll be her lawyer.

Tomorrow you'll let the district attorney know

you're handling the case.

I see no reason to be involved with Susan.

When a man asks a woman to marry him,

that gets him involved with what happens to her.

No?

Susan let me know

the day after she got back from New Orleans

that she decided not to marry me.

I know about that.

I can't figure it out

any more than you can,

but you're one of the best lawyers in New York,

and you're going to represent Marian.

While Mother was alive,

it was impossible for me to marry Susan.

And I'm beginning to think

she wouldn't have married me

even if Mother hadn't...

It's completely out of the question

for me to get mixed up in this matter.

You'll be mixed up in it,

but you have a choice

as to whether you want to be Marian's lawyer -

which is natural enough,

your being a friend of hers and Susan's -

or summoned by the prosecution as a witness.

I still can't believe it.

They always seemed to be such close friends.

I'm surprised you didn't recognise

what an odd friendship that was.

Marian's regular and genuine, and...

well, a lot of things Susan isn't.

That's all right to say, isn't it?

You did say you were through with her.

That's no reason for being so...

So realistic about Susan.

Realistic's the word for Susan, all right.

It's been quite a night, hasn't it, Luke?

Just say I've persuaded you to represent Marian.

Thanks a lot.

I'm going to get some sleep.

You better do the same.

Wait a minute. I'll let you out.

Why do you think

Marian told the police she tried to kill Susan?

Maybe because she did try to kill Susan.

Could be.

Except for one other thing.

Couldn't be. Not a chance in the world.

I'm sure you realise, Mr Matthews,

the District Attorney's office would be obliged

to oppose bail for Miss Washburn

in every possible way.

She's not going to run away.

We're apt to have a phone call

that can change this charge to homicide.

It's because we're holding her on a short affidavit

that I've consented to the presence of Mr Jordan.

I recognise your courtesy.

If it weren't for me,

you'd be applying lighted cigarettes to her feet.

Please take it easy, Luke.

Miss Washburn,

Mr Matthews says you've decided to give your version.

< That is not exactly correct.

I've advised Miss Washburn not to make any statement.

It's not in her interests.

Shall I go ahead, Mr Roberts?

Please.

Susan got back to the apartment

about the same time as usual

after her broadcast last night,

and, well...

We got into a bit of an argument.

About what?

I advise you again

you're under no obligation

to answer any of Mr Roberts' questions.

She said she was going to quit for good,

then she went to her room.

It didn't take me long to make up my mind

to tell her how things stood.

I saw no reason to take any more of her nonsense...

Susan.

Susan.

I want to talk to you.

I'm sorry if I upset you.

We can talk about it tomorrow...

We're talking about it now.

I want you to get this straight.

You're not giving up your career.

I'm not important enough

to talk about giving up my career.

I'm just tired and...

You're not going to quit.

You're not just yourself alone. You're me, too.

Marian, if it weren't for you and Luke...

That's why it's been so hard...

I'd have given up being Estrellita long ago,

gotten married maybe,

or gone back to selling perfumes at Norman's...

Everything I had or could have had went into creating you.

You're myself, the way I wanted to be.

What will happen to me if you quit?

It's my life as much as yours.

I'm not letting you give it up.

I've made up my mind. I'm really quitting.

You're not!

There's nothing else for me to do.

You're right about your life being my life.

I've never had a life of my own.

It's time I started one.

I'm warning you for the last time.

Maybe I can make you change your mind!

No!

GUNSHOT

Mollie heard the shot.

Then she came rushing in.

I called Dr Ferris, then I called the police.

Thank you very much, Miss Washburn.

You see, she was me.

I couldn't let her quit.

Very straightforward story.

Except it's complete nonsense

from beginning to end.

If I'm allowed to express an opinion,

begging your highness' pardon, Mr Roberts.

Where did you get that revolver?

It's a German Luger.

When I was in France in 1944 with Susan,

a soldier insisted upon giving it to me

as a souvenir.

That soldier had a name?

I never knew his name.

It was at a canteen.

We played gin rummy.

That was the last I saw of him.

You've been very cooperative.

As I understand it, Mr Matthews,

this is Miss Washburn's story.

It's a matter of record and general knowledge

that Miss Washburn possessed a voice

of considerable quality once.

She was becoming very successful

when she lost that voice.

Then she met Miss Caldwell,

helped her a great deal.

Miss Caldwell was ungrateful...

I didn't say that.

She just wanted to stop singing.

You wanted to stop her from stopping.

I wouldn't let her. I couldn't.

It would have been my suicide.

What are you hiding?

Why not tell the truth?

I am.

I'm going downtown now.

May I drop you anywhere, Mr Matthews?

I haven't finished talking to Miss Washburn.

Marian, won't you...

Will you stop it!

We better go, Mr Jordan.

When Matthews finishes with Washburn,

have the matron put her in her cell.

Yes, Inspector.

Take that ice off her fingers.

She didn't drop in for tea.

She's under arrest.

Inspector, mind if I ask a question?

Couldn't you sense that story wasn't on the level?

I did think it was a little pat,

but you'd be surprised how often the truth is pat.

When you've been on the police force as long as I have,

you don't get a chance to do much sensing.

I'm not talking about intuition.

I watched you as she spoke.

You were bewildered.

The person and the story just don't fit.

She did lose me at times.

Estrellita don't live her own life,

she lives Miss Washburn's, too.

Miss Washburn wanted to stop her from committing suicide,

so she shot her, not herself, but Estrellita,

because...

I'll admit I've heard stories

that make less sense than that,

and yet, they're true.

Yeah.

What are you doing for lunch?

Eating.

How about lunch

at the direct expense of a taxpayer?

I'd like to show someone

Marian couldn't have done it.

I promise to eat slow.

I'll have to be honest with you.

It's not going to be hard

for Roberts to show a jury

why Miss Washburn...

He'll simply point out

she was afraid she'd lose her meal ticket.

That's a fear most people recognise

because they've got it themselves.

Marian never regarded Susan as a meal ticket.

Could be.

But a meal ticket don't have to be looked on

as a meal ticket...

To be a meal ticket.

I've known Marian for a long time.

We started out together.

I was a piano player and song plugger.

There was this place

where I played for meals and a room.

Marian used to sing there.

# Let him tarry

# Let him sink or let him swim

# He doesn't care for me

# Nor I don't care for him

# He can go and get another

# That I hope he will enjoy

# For I'm going to marry

# A far nicer boy

# He can go to

# His own mother

# And set her mind at ease

# I hear she is a cross old woman

# Very hard to please

# If slighting me and talking ill

# Is what she's always done

# Because I was courting

# Her great big ugly son

# Let him go, let him tarry

# Let him sink or let him swim

# He doesn't care for me

# Nor I don't care for him

# He can go and get another

# That I hope he will enjoy

# For I'm going to marry

# A far nicer boy! #

Eat?

That's why I was singing.

That's why I was playing.

One day you'll be singing that song on Broadway.

I'll be walking outside the theatre.

Picketing?

I won't be able to afford a ticket.

You can wait in my dressing room.

I'll let you get rid of the people after my autograph.

Make way for Miss Washburn.

Then I'll let you pinch me so I'll wake up.

Ow!

Nothing like a good rehearsal.

Got a little more time?

As long as they don't run out of coffee.

Miss?

Bring some more coffee

and keep on bringing coffee.

Marian never got to be a star,

but she would've been.

She'd been featured in some musicals.

She was a year away.

I know...

Sorry.

I know what I'm talking about.

I used to play the piano for her.

And then suddenly one night...

What happened?

I was in her dressing room...

Lie down, Marian.

What's the matter?

Try to get doc Calvin.

What happened?

Oh, Luke...

I was almost finished my number...

You're not to talk.

She suddenly lost her voice,

middle of the chorus.

I didn't really lose my voice.

It just didn't sound like her voice.

It's hard to explain.

She probably needs a nice rest.

I've got the queerest feeling, like...

Marian.

She mustn't talk.

Keep quiet.

That means you don't say a word, understand?

When you get your voice back,

you can tell me all about it.

I understand.

I'm being very silly, aren't I?

You say another word, and I'll slug you.

You're sweet.

Five will get you ten

you don't even miss tomorrow night's show.

But she did miss the next night's show.

They used an understudy a while

but finally had to close.

That's how good she was.

What was the matter?

First they thought it was just plain laryngitis.

Then they found out

it was some rare type of laryngitis

none of the doctors knew anything about.

Good coffee.

It was months before they let her use her voice.

Then, I guess a year later,

she started singing again.

Privately.

Finally she went to Paul Camilli,

her teacher's studio,

for a professional opinion.

She knew he'd give it to her straight.

Well, what about it?

What about it, Paul?

You tell me.

# I'm just a woman that loved a man

# But our house of love was built on sand

# While it lasted, ah, it was grand... #

OK, Paul.

That's the way I used to sing.

Turn it off!

There's really nothing wrong with your voice...

Except that there's just no voice.

Come on, Luke.

If you'd like to keep on working,

I could clear some time.

No, thank you.

Just a minute.

What is it, Luke?

Why did you do that?

I thought I'd feel better.

Be seeing you, Professor.

Don't take any fake grace notes.

You can still get a lot of parts.

Not the kind I want. I want to sing.

HE WHISTLES

If I can't sing the way I want to,

even the way I used to,

I don't want to sing at all.

There are other things.

Like what?

I could open a bookshop

or hat store, or...

I could get married.

You sure could.

Remind me to talk to you

about that very subject.

Are you proposing to me?

No.

HE WHISTLES

Afraid I'll accept?

Afraid you won't.

Now that we know we're both safe,

how about having dinner at my place?

After I stop at the rehearsal hall, try out some people.

Want to come along? Sure.

HE WHISTLES

LUKE: I've always wondered what would have happened

if I hadn't persuaded Marian

to drop in at that rehearsal.

There was no way of knowing what we would run into

after I tried out a lot of talent

that didn't have any.

Luke.

Luke, she's fainted.

Looks like.

Hello.

I won a bet.

They don't say, "Where am I?"

You think I fainted?

Here, let me help you.

Sit down over here and rest a bit.

My girlfriend over in handbags,

she told me this would happen -

a person not eating for weeks,

only a cup of coffee in the morning.

I just did a tap dance for Mr Archer.

Guess that did it. No strength.

He said I couldn't dance.

Trying out for the show?

I work at Norman's. Perfumes.

Luke, get a cab, please.

Don't I always?

I can't ever remember

eating two plates of soup before.

You can still change your mind

and have some milk.

No, thanks.

This is what I'd like if I had an apartment -

an imitation fireplace with a gas log.

Makes things homey.

Susie, mind if I ask you a question?

No. Go right ahead. >

What you were saying in the rehearsal hall

about not eating for weeks -

what's the idea,

a diet, an election bet?

No money.

Don't they pay you pretty well at Norman's?

Well, I think so.

It's none of your business.

Maybe she's sending money home.

No. Ever since I came to New York,

I've wanted to see this fortune teller.

- 100 a visit. - What?

So, I saved up.

How was I to know he really can't tell much

in less than three visits?

You're on your feet all day.

You go without food for weeks

to pay a fortune teller 100 a visit?

No sense going except to the best.

Since you came to New York...

where are you from?

Azusa.

Azusa, California.

Azusa?

It's a made-up word.

Different letters, they put them together.

Everything from A to Z. USA.

Azusa.

I still don't get it.

What does the USA stand for?

United States of America.

Everybody knows that.

LUKE: Ohh.

United States of America.

How did you happen to come to New York?

I thought I'd get a job in a show.

To tell you the truth,

there was a little scandal back in Azusa.

Mrs Burgell offered me money to come to New York.

Oh, a little scandal.

Tell us about it.

There wasn't much to it.

Mrs Burgell wanted to get me away

from that crazy husband of hers.

That was all, huh?

She was out of her mind -

as if I'd have anything to do

with a man twice my age.

Why, he was 36.

I thought she was joking

- when she said he'd asked for a divorce. Wouldn't you? - Well, I...

Working in a cafe,

you have regular customers

that drop in for laughs.

How was I to know

Mr Burgell would ask Mrs Burgell for a divorce?

Mr Burgell's the richest man there.

Smudge pots and pest control.

It's got to be true.

Nobody could invent that.

Smudge pots and pest control.

You're not the least bit funny.

He don't bother me.

You think you're so smart.

I bet you don't understand

there wasn't a thing

between me and Mr Burgell.

I apologise.

Apology accepted

and no offence taken, I'm sure.

Thank you very much, I'm sure.

Gladly.

I don't want to be selling perfume all my life.

Now I don't see what else.

I didn't even ask Mr Archer to listen to me sing.

If I was that wrong about my dancing...

You sing, too?

I just told you - probably awful.

Don't you know?

I thought I knew.

Nobody sees things in New York same as in Azusa.

Sing us a song.

I play the piano. I'll accompany you.

Anything popular I can play for you.

Do you know Paradise?

Paradise. >

I should have guessed. Just happens I do.

I'll take some water first.

It clears your throat, you know.

SHE GULPS

All clear?

Whenever you're ready.

Ahem.

# I'm just a woman That loved a man

# But our house of love Was built on sand

# While it lasted Ah, it was grand

# My love

# We lived and loved Our day is through

# But each night in dreams It started anew

# He comes to me Like he used to do

# My love

# And then he holds my hand

# Mm-mm mmm mm-mmm mm-mmm

# And then I understand

# Mm-mm mmm mm-mmm mm-mmm

# His eyes afire with one desire

# Then a heavenly kiss

# Could I resist?

# And then he dims the light

# Mm-mm mmm mm-mmm mm-mmm

# And then he holds me tight

# Mm-mm mm-mmm mm-mmm mm-mmm

# Each kiss, each fond caress

# Will lead the way to happiness

# He takes me to paradise. #

Thank you.

Thank you.

She happened to have one of those voices.

Of course, the range wasn't more than four or five notes,

but they were the sort

that go down your spine

and directly into your heart.

I know that's a detour,

but right from the beginning,

you might say she had A...

she had a voice with hormones.

Marian knew here was a voice

she had to do something about.

That's all it meant to her.

That's why it doesn't fit -

her caring about the money

or being jealous of Susan's success.

Maybe she was jealous of something else.

You mean jealous of me?

To tell the truth,

I think she was once or twice,

but she was wrong.

This Miss Caldwell's room?

That's right.

I'm Luke Jordan,

an old friend of Miss Caldwell's.

They told me nobody was allowed,

but I thought I'd talk to you.

Not a chance.

What's her condition?

She's been shot.

I know that.

So, that's her condition.

Thanks(!)

There's no-one allowed to hang around here.

The waiting room is down the hall.

There's another friend of hers there.

Cup of tea, officer?

OK. A cup of tea.

That's the worst thing about these jobs.

Chief, that room marked "waiting room",

is that the waiting room?

I beg your pardon.

I'm Luke Jordan.

They told me a friend of Miss Caldwell's was here.

Do you know her?

What about it?

I thought I knew everyone she knew.

Seems you don't know them all.

They told you anything about her condition?

I'm waiting to see the doctor myself,

and if anything should happen to her,

I'll make it my personal business

to stay in New York until they send that...

Miss Marian Washburn to the electric chair.

What makes you so sure she did it?

Are you crazy?

Don't you read the papers?

She confessed, didn't she?

Do you know Miss Washburn?

I met her in France same time I met Susan.

Couple of weeks ago, Susan was at the Third Army reunion,

and I saw her again.

So you're the soldier she met at the canteen.

Any objections?

The guy that goes around

giving away Lugers as souvenirs.

I liberated that Luger.

I gave it to her. That's my business.

You're getting all worked up

for no reason at all, Mr...

What did you say your name was?

Lee Crenshaw,

and I don't aim to tell you that more than once.

What have you got against Marian?

Isn't shooting Susan enough?

I hope they hang her.

I got a notion, Mr Crenshaw,

that before you leave New York,

I'm going to poke you in the nose.

Any time.

Any time.

A little less noise, please. >

This is a hospital. >

Yeah. I'm sorry, Nurse.

I'll be seeing you, Mr Crenshaw.

Any time.

Any time.

RADIO: 'On 49th Street

'between 8th and 9th Avenues.'

Not on your day off.

A cop don't have a day off.

Well, his wife ought to.

Got your shoes off, hmm?

Hmm. I kind of had an idea...

Let's have it.

Why aren't we going to the movies tonight?

A Mr Luke Jordan wants to see me.

Maybe you'd like to invite him for dinner.

It's about Estrellita, the one on the radio.

Nearly got herself killed last night.

I read the papers.

Even though my husband knows all the secrets,

I can still read the papers.

Got it all solved?

Mm-hmm. It's your Mr Luke Jordan.

Really?

Why?

Well, it couldn't be Marian Washburn.

Why not?

Jim.

Oh, I forgot.

She confessed, didn't she?

That automatically eliminates her

according to those detective stories, doesn't it?

What makes you think it wasn't the butler?

They didn't have a butler.

Hmm. Bright girl.

DOORBELL RINGS

That's the doorbell.

I know it's the doorbell.

'Calling all cars.

'Calling all cars.'

I'm Luke Jordan.

Come in. I'm Mrs Fowler.

< Hello, Jordan.

Sorry to break in on a quiet afternoon.

When I called the inspector's office,

they told me...

That's quite all right.

This is simply an extra office,

but with all the comforts of home.

He can't walk around headquarters in stocking feet.

Mrs Fowler doesn't realise

that crime goes on 24 hours a day.

That's what my mother told me about marriage,

only I found it wasn't so.

Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

Oh, about Mr Lee Crenshaw...

How did you know about Lee Crenshaw?

Why do you think

there's a policeman outside her door?

Anybody inquiring, we check.

Born in a little place

about 60 miles from New Orleans,

Lafitte Parish.

Had an excellent war record.

Been working in a sporting goods shop.

The inspector found that out

just on his day off without leaving home.

Carrier pigeon.

By the way, you're staying for dinner if you like.

I'd like very much,

but I'm going to keep on talking

until we stumble on something

that will clear it up.

I've known a long time

detective work was stumbling.

How come you to catch on?

Start in where you left off at lunch.

At lunch?

We had lunch together.

He told me how he and Miss Washburn met Estrellita.

Oh, he did, did he?

All I know is that when you got home

you ran out of small talk awfully quick.

Probably didn't even have lunch.

Nothing except how hot it was downtown

and...

how hot it was downtown.

Go ahead, Jordan.

Yeah.

Well, I've never known anybody

work harder than Marian did

trying to make a star out of Susan.

She had to have all the ambition

for both of them.

Susan was willing.

It wasn't hard taking the notion

she'd be successful and famous,

but she never tied it to anything she had to do.

That's how I became involved

more than I might have.

Susan - Estrellita, that is,

she fell in love with you, is that it?

No, no.

Susan never fell in love with anybody...

except Susan.

What I meant was that from the beginning

Susan had to be...

she had to be courted.

You had to remind her

that she was going to be a great star.

She'd keep complaining

she worked hard all day at Norman's...

Norman's?

She sold perfumes there.

I didn't know.

It was in the papers.

Thank you very much.

I spent every minute of her spare time with her.

Otherwise, she'd make new friends

that took up so much of her time

she wouldn't show up

for the lessons Marian had arranged.

Marian had to show her what to wear,

what to say, what not to say.

That can be pretty important,

knowing what not to say.

I'll say.

So it didn't break my heart when Marian took Susan to Paris. >

What for?

You don't need a "what for" to go to Paris.

She thought it would give her

a kind of veneer she needed.

I heard from Marian now and then,

and then I didn't hear.

Then I got a letter.

She didn't say anything about my coming to Paris,

but I thought I ought to,

as quick as I could.

I got myself a job on a tramp steamer.

They had a three-piece orchestra -

piano, piano stool, and piano player.

I was the piano player.

Au revoir, madame.

Entrez. >

Luke.

May I come in?

Oh, Luke.

I'm so glad to see you.

When did you get here?

About an hour ago.

How did you get here?

Walked.

I came soon as I got your letter

saying you were worried, to come right over.

I didn't write you

that I wanted you to come right over.

I know you didn't.

So this is Paris.

Paris, France.

Or that I was worried.

No, but you wrote me two long letters

about how beautiful

the chestnut trees were,

the Champs Elysees,

the Punch and Judy shows,

and the lights on the bridges at night,

and you never said one word about Susan,

so I knew.

Whatever it is, it can't be your fault.

Don't you realise what we've done?

What I've done?

I've changed the whole course of her life.

She would have been happy the way things were.

She might have gone home.

To Azusa?

You mustn't ever take people

and try making them something they're not,

something to suit yourself,

something you wanted to be.

Pretend they're marionettes.

Control them by wires.

Then they stop having a life of their own.

Now I'm responsible for her as long as she lives, Luke.

Well, I could argue that.

But in the meantime, what really happened?

Well...

I haven't seen her for...

it'll be six weeks tomorrow.

Did you fight?

No.

It's just that one day she met a man.

This one sold Bata shoes to the Arabs in Marrakech,

and he put ideas into her head.

For instance?

He recommended her

to the manager of a little opera company

leaving for North Africa.

She didn't believe in all this study,

so she left.

Where is she now?

Some little place in Algiers.

I got a card from her yesterday.

All the beautiful clothes I bought for her,

and they were so right,

and she left them all behind.

She took what she was wearing

and a red chiffon dress she bought herself.

That's what you mind, the red chiffon -

her following her own taste.

I think she resented me because she missed you.

I've told you Susan doesn't mean a thing to me.

You don't have to yell!

You don't hear what I'm saying unless I yell.

Correct me if I'm wrong,

you dropped everything, didn't you, and came here

because you thought she was in trouble.

All right.

I dropped everything as soon as I figured Susan was in trouble.

Let me have that card.

I'll bring her back.

I... I didn't mean to holler at you.

I hollered at you.

You did, didn't you?

Here. I imagine the sooner you go, the better.

Can't I even stay in Paris long enough

to get into a fight with a waiter?

You have the most wonderful way

of inviting a girl to dinner.

I have, haven't I?

You know something? I like Paris.

You never have trouble

finding somebody to eat with.

I have to put on my jacket and my hat.

A shoe salesman!

And I have to go to Algiers.

CONVERSATIONS IN ARABIC

CONVERSATION INAUDIBLE

Bonjour, monsieur.

Bonjour.

Oh! American mister. A table for you.

Thanks.

We got an American bar.

All kinds of cocktails.

Whiskey, scotch.

Just like Americans like.

I'll have a beer.

I'm looking for a friend.

A girl named Susan Caldwell.

Sure. Crazy American. Kills all the people.

I get her.

Oh! Luke!

Oh, Luke, I'm so glad to see you.

And I'm so glad to see you.

Red chiffon all right.

What?

Nothing.

Uh, OK.

Marian got your card.

Well, I was wondering how you got here.

What happened to the opera company?

That was the funniest thing.

After everything this fellow told me,

there wasn't any opera company.

He was a liar.

No opera company?! Well, well.

That Mr La Salle gave me the recommend to the opera company.

The same fellow that sold the shoes?

He won't be selling anything for a long time.

A couple of the others tried to talk to me, too.

I nearly broke one of their arms.

I mean, one of them, I nearly broke his arm.

What brings you here?

I didn't write Marian right away

because she'd get me right back to Paris.

I wanted a vacation.

A vacation from Paris?

That Marian, Luke. You've got no idea.

What about that Marian?

She never let me alone.

Having me study French was bad enough,

but when she started talking about me studying English...

Well, a person can take just so much.

Yeah, a person certainly can.

Well, if it wasn't for you...

You'll never leave me, will you?

Even if I get to be successful. Promise?

I promise.

Marian's all alone back in Paris.

I think it would be just common decency of you to...

I'll go back to Paris if you say so

because around here, if I never eat raw sheep again, I...

Oh, Luke, I'm so glad you came.

I take it you mean that as a compliment,

so thank you.

It's funny. The minute the ship leaves New York,

every place is full of foreigners.

You don't say(?) Makes it tough, doesn't it?

Well, it's been going on for a long time.

Wait a minute.

What's the matter?

That piano player, if you'll pardon the expression.

Five will get you ten he's trying to play Estrellita.

Oh...what's that? Huh? What's Estrellita?

Oh, yeah. I forgot about you.

Maybe if you hear it played right,

you'll recognise it. Excuse me.

PIANIST STOPS PLAYING

Thank you.

# Tenderly whisper

# Dearest one, I love you so

# My heart is yours

# Alone

# Oh, lantern of night

# In the blue above

# Keep burning for me

# With the flame of love

# Till your light

# With dawn becomes

# An ember

# Tell him of my love

# Oh, gentle star

# And guide him back

# To me. #

That winds up as good a ship's concert

as I've ever heard.

Don't you agree? Sure you do.

Mother, would you excuse me a moment?

Oh, by all means, Brook.

Even onboard ship,

you know, it's a habit Brook can't get away from.

He HAS to go backstage.

I beg your pardon, Miss Washburn.

I'm not sure you remember me.

I once represented a client

who invested in a show you were in.

I had the pleasure...

Of course. You're Mr Matthews.

This is Miss Caldwell and Mr Jordan.

Mr Matthews.

How do you do?

Won't you sit down?

Chair, please.

I can't tell you

how much I enjoyed your singing just now.

Thank you.

Thank you.

They say confession's good for the soul.

I think I should confess...

Luke, are you sure?

That fact is that we've been expecting you...

hoping we could expect you.

I don't blame you for being confused.

See, we're a group of conspirators,

and you're our intended victim,

though really we'll be doing you a favour.

I had no idea you were so young, Mr Matthews -

a distinguished lawyer and scion of an old family,

well, and everything like that.

You see, Miss Caldwell's our protegee,

and we chose this boat

because we thought

if you heard Susan sing at the ship's concert...

Of course, the plot's changed a bit now.

See, I was to go to your table in a little while

and say, "Mr Matthews,

"I'm not sure that you remember me,

"but some years ago I was in a show

"that was backed by one of your clients."

Oh, dear. I can't imagine any happier auspices

under which I could have been chosen to be the...

Er, what is the word I'm looking for?

Sucker?

Oh...

Frankly, this is one ruse

I heartily approve of.

If you were one of a thousand ambitious singers

attempting to get an appointment with anybody important...

I don't think I'm as important as all that.

Your firm handles the estate

that owns Hallaway's Hillside Inn, that's all.

You'll find Susan just an artist, pure and simple.

Absolutely no eye for business.

We thought that if you liked her,

she might have a chance

to get a professional start singing there.

We do happen to represent them.

Well, the only question still open

is whose name will be in bigger lights -

Hallaway's or Estrellita's?

I'm so glad you like Susan, Mrs Matthews.

I confess I can't remember

ever meeting anybody quite like her before.

She's...well...

I hope you don't mind my saying this -

she's somewhat of a diamond in the rough,

wouldn't you say?

She's really wonderful. And she's worked so hard.

You know, even a natural voice like hers

requires hours and days

and weeks and months of simple drudgery to perfect.

Well...my son truly seems to have a real gift

for recognising theatrical talent.

You know, actually, there are already quite a few people

whom he has, well, discovered, in a sense, and helped along.

I try to encourage him in this activity.

It gives him an interest that I like...

..when it doesn't become too serious.

Susan won't be a problem of any kind.

I'll see to that.

Well, I don't see how it can hurt

tomorrow's most promising song writer - that's me -

if he were to marry an important musical comedy actress.

Do you?

Oh, I think it would be an ideal arrangement.

Mm-hmm.

It certainly would.

Thank you so very much.

I'll go to bed, Brook.

Oh, of course, Mother.

Good night.

Good night, Mrs Matthews.

Good night. See you in the morning.

Good night. Mother.

Good night.

Well, you're doing all right.

I'm glad you think so.

Next dance, Miss Caldwell?

Sure.

Do you mind?

No, not at all.

I didn't know that you intended to marry Susan.

Who said I did?

You did. Huh?