Deadly Duo (1962) - full transcript

Well, Mr. Fletcher.

Hello, Pres.

Interested in seeing how

the other half of league of
professions survives?

You know, we usually make
appointments, even down here.

I don't like to crowd my clients.

Oh, well, if I've selected
an inconvenient time...

Oh, no, come in.

It's just I don't make it a
practice to keep them waiting.

Not even the honorable
Thorne Fletcher.

You didn't keep me waiting,
Pres, I just got here.



I'm very rigid
about my office hours.

The fact is, I finished
a case yesterday.

Got the defendant
to settle out of court.

We did a little celebrating.

Well, congratulations.

Sit down.

Thank you.

How are you doing, Pres?

Can't complain.

Can't complain at all,
doing all right.

Good.

Of course, it takes up time to
build up confidence in a new area.

Uh-huh.

Mind if I call my service?



Go right ahead.

Actually, it's just a question

of getting the right
cases from now on.

Yeah.

This is Preston Morgan.

May I have my calls?

Yes.

Uh-huh.

Oh, yes.

Oh, fine, thank you.

Cut the comedy, Pres.

I know you were in that court.

I don't think you'd waste your
time to come here and gloat.

What's on your mind?

One of my clients is looking for
a very particular young attorney

to perform a very
particular assignment.

I think you're the man
to do the job.

I don't need any
handouts, Mr. Fletcher.

Now, if you'll excuse me,
I'll get to my mail,

'til my appointments get here.

Pres, I know you've been working
night court for the past few months,

and I know it doesn't pay
enough to take care of you,

much less your bills, your rent,

the payment on your secretarial
and answering services...

they're all past due.

What, have you had me tailed?

Now, look, Pres, we're attorneys.

We know how to find
these things out.

You don't have to prove
yourself to me, Pres.

I wouldn't be here if I didn't
think you were capable.

Now, will you forget
your pride and listen to me?

Why come to me?

What's wrong with all
the gray-flannelled,

glorified law clerks
in your esteemed firm?

Once you hear the proposition,
you'll know why,

but I'm not at liberty
to discuss it with you.

Did you ever hear of
a Mrs. Lenora Spence?

Of Spence Industries?

The same.

I don't get it.

Why would the lady tycoon
want to see me?

Just listen to what
she has to say.

It will only take
a couple of hours.

And no matter what you decide,

you'll be well compensated
for your time.

Well?

For clients who pay by the hour...

I shave.

No, absolutely not.

The contracts read
delivery on the fifth,

and if delivery is not made,

we will demand full
penalty for each day lost.

Harris, get me
the Beesnip account.

Prepare a balance sheet
of the last month,

and have it on my desk
first thing in the morning.

Send Mr. Fletcher
and the other man in.

Mrs. Spence.

Morning, Fletcher.

Is this the young man?

Attorney Preston Morgan.

Good morning,
Mrs. Spence.

Please be seated.

How much does he know?

Nothing.

I've left everything to you.

Mr. Fletcher's told me
about the unfortunate affair

with your former law partner,
Tucker Whistler.

But I'd like to hear your version,
simply as you can state it.

Well, there's not much to tell.

Tucker Whistler had a reputation
almost as big as Mr. Fletcher's.

When I graduated from law school,

and he offered me a junior partnership,
I naturally jumped at it.

Then the crime commission
hearings brought out

that Tuck Whistler was the mouthpiece
for the syndicate on the coast.

We all read about this
in the papers.

The part that's
hard to believe is...

his junior partner was the most
surprised person in California.

How do you explain this innocence?

I guess a person's first
instinct is to trust a friend,

especially one who gave him
his first big break.

After all, a graduate from law
school doesn't exactly expect

a junior partnership right away.

And you sort of
put on mental blinders.

See only what you want to see.

I'll say this, Lenora.

If the lawyer's committee
hadn't been convinced,

this young man would have
disbarred along with his partner.

He wouldn't be here today.

I believe you.

I accept Mr. Morgan.

Mrs. Spence, since I'm the one
to be commissioned,

I think your acceptance of me

is contingent upon my
acceptance of your assignment.

No cigar, Thorne.

Yes?

All right.

Tomorrow.

11:00?

No, 11:30
will be better.

Hold all my calls.

I like you, young man.

Now, with your permission,
I'd like to tell you my story.

May I ask one thing?

Yes.

Why me?

Why would you,
Mrs. Lenora Spence,

want an impoverished, almost
desperate attorney at law?

Because an impoverished,
almost desperate attorney

is the only one who would
accept the assignment

which I have to offer.

Now, may I proceed?

Please.

You have heard of the death of
my son while driving his sports car.

It was a month ago tomorrow.

Robert.

I had always hoped
that eventually,

after he had his fling,
he would settle down, come home.

Take his rightful place as
the head of Spence Industries.

The job he was born to fill.

But unfortunately, my son
was always susceptible

to a certain kind of women.

Like the one he married?

I don't know how she did it.

Before I could intervene,
she tricked Robert into marrying her.

Maybe they were in love.

Impossible.

What would Robert have in common
with a dancer, a nightclub dancer?

From what I read in the
newspaper gossip columns,

your son seemed to have
a preference

for that kind of
female companionship.

Mr. Morgan, you will
find me very democratic

and open to discussion
in all things.

But as far as my son is concerned,
that is a domain entirely apart.

Now, I want my grandson.

I want to bring him up.

I want to train to fill his
father's rightful place

as head of Spence Industries.

Where is this grandson?

Robert lived in Acapulco.

The mother and child remain there.

Has any effort been made
to contact the mother?

No, not yet.

Well, why do you need me?

I'm sure she'd jump at the
chance to bring her son here.

I don't think a nightclub dancer
would have the proper influence

on the education that
I intend to give this child.

But she is the mother
of your grandchild.

You can't change that fact.

We can forget it.

But why me, then?

Can't Mr. Fletcher get in touch
with the young mother?

Well, we want to avoid
possible adverse publicity.

You see, I am retained as an
attorney for Spence Industries.

If I appeared in Acapulco, the
papers would put two and two together.

I want you to bring me
my grandson.

But I still don't
understand how you expect me...

Thorne, explain.

Mrs. Spence is ready to settle
$500,000 on the mother.

However, she must agree to forfeit
all right and claim to the child.

Never attempt to contact him,

and never reveal the terms
and conditions of the...

Sale.

That's what it is.

You want me to buy
your grandchild.

Well.

I'm sorry, you've got
the wrong boy.

I'm just a hardworking slob who
puts in hours at night court.

You don't need me.

You need a con man, an expert.

Someone who trades
and barters in flesh.

I do not appreciate sanctimonious
platitudes, Mr. Morgan.

As far as you are concerned,
this is an assignment.

A cold assignment.

I told you it was a job for a
somewhat desperate young man.

If you refuse, I'm sure
there are others.

What if I don't refuse?

The day you bring me my grandson,

I will give you
a check for $50,000.

$50,000.

Before her marriage to Robert,

Sabena and her twin sister
Dara were a dance team,

the Corwin Sisters.

They worked all the nightclubs.

Maybe you've seen them.

Anyway, after the act broke off,

twin sister Dara even resorted
to appearing in burlesque.

So, for all we know,

the mother of my grandchild
might be entirely pleased

with the deal I offer her.

You like, no?

Yes, very nice.

Gracias, se?or.

El cuarto de ba?o.

Uh, the bathroom.

In the country 30 minutes, and
already I speak the language.

Muy bueno, se?or.

Much?simas gracias, se?or.

I am Luis, se?or, and if I can
be of further service...

Well, as a matter of fact,
I need a car.

Does the hotel
have a rental agency?

Oh, si, se?or.

You want I get you a good car?

Just as long as it runs.

Si, se?or, I know all about
automobiles.

Maybe something else
you want, se?or?

Yes.

Do you know where
Avenida del Mar is?

Si, Avenida del Mar
is to the south,

about 15 kilometers
by car from hotel.

You'll see sign.
Good.

You got me the car.

Si, se?or, right away.

541 Avenida del Mar.

541 is where Se?ora Spence lives.

Oh, do you know her?

Oh, si, Se?ora Spence
is beautiful widow.

Her husband was great race driver.

He won last year's race
in Mexico City.

Yeah.

How about a bottle
of scotch and some ice?

Si, se?or.

I think you'll have a good
time in Acapulco, se?or.

Thanks, Luis.

Operator?

Can you get Mrs. Spence at
541 Avenida del Mar?

No, I'll wait.

Hello.

My name is Preston Morgan.

Who?

I am an attorney from Los Angeles.

May I speak to
Mrs. Sabena Spence, please?

Could you tell me
what it is about?

I am her brother-in-law,
Jay Flagg.

Well, I am afraid I have
to discuss this

with Mrs. Spence
personally.

I'm in Acapulco.

I'd be happy to meet with
her at her convenience.

I might be able to arrange it if
you could tell me what it's about.

I represent her mother-in-law,
Mrs. Lenora Spence.

Well, in that case, suppose you
drop by here 'round 4:30?

Be happy to, thank you.

Morgan...

Preston Morgan...

I don't know about the others,
but this is my idea

of a real tourist attraction.

You know, it's a nice feeling,
being a part of this family.

Family's very important.

Especially at a time like this.

I know how busy you both have
been with the club and the act.

I appreciate your
coming down here.

What do you talk like that for?

You know I'll always be
with you when you need me.

Yes, but I wish we could be
together all the time.

It's been lonely
these past years, Dara.

I missed having you around.

I know what you mean.

We've missed you too,
didn't we, Jay?

Sure, kid.

Frankly, I don't know how
we got along without you.

Thanks, brother-in-law.

Me too, me too.

You especially,
Mr. Billy Spence.

Perdoneme, se?ora.

Shall I leave the flowers here?

Oh, they're lovely, Manuel.

Yes, please.

I'll take them in the house later.

You know, Manuel?

If anybody could make money grow
on trees, you'd be the one.

Gracias, se?ora.

Flowers grow easy here.

Money, not so easy.

I thought you and Billy were
going to the beach today.

Si, se?ora, we go now.

Off you go, young man.

Be careful now.

Don't worry, se?ora,
I watch him good.

Sabena, somehow I never
thought of you as a mother.

I've got to hand it to you,
you're doing a good job.

Dara will surprise
you someday too.

Of course we haven't tried
the family roots yet.

I've managed a few surprises for
him, haven't I, Jay, darling?

Yeah, you're a scream, darling.

What's eating you?

Speaking of food,

I think it's about time for
some liquid refreshment.

And if these flowers could talk,

I think they'd say
the same thing, young lady.

That's right.

But theirs is a necessity.

After your sister's so-called
surprises, mine is too.

Come on, Dara, fix us a drink.

Can't he do anything for himself?

Well, here we are at home with
the celebrated Corwin sisters.

You know, there never has
been a duo like you two.

It's been so long, I'm afraid
we're the only ones who remember.

Dara, hurry up with
that drink, will you?

I'm dying.

Now come on, Sabena,
you know you were good.

If you hadn't married Spence
and broken up the act,

you'd be doing great in
the nightclub circuit by now.

Well, from what you say,
Dara will make it on her own.

She doesn't need my help.

Oh, Dara's doing fine.

She'll make it okay.

Why limit yourself to one beauty
when you can have two?

Right?

Yeah.

Besides, Dara always said the
act was more fun as a double,

didn't you, sweetheart?

Guess so.

You know, I always somehow
thought you'd come back to the act.

After all, being a housewife

isn't the most exciting thing
in the world, you know.

Especially after
what you and Dara had.

Robby would never let me
go back to show business.

But, I don't see how you can
just give it up, just like that.

Don't you ever get a yen
to go back in the business?

Oh, I used to.

But after five years,
I wouldn't even try.

Why not?

All you need is a little
rehearsal, right, Dara?

I suppose so, if she wants to.

If she wants to?

What do you mean,
"If she wants to"?

Of course she wants to!

I didn't say that, Jay.

I've got it, I've got it.

It's a natural.

Why didn't I think of it before?

We'll open our own nightclub,
right here in Acapulco.

The greatest spot
on the continent.

We'll build a nightclub that
will outshine them all.

We'll keep it all in the family.

Run our own little business,
and everybody will be happy.

Now, how does that sound?

That sounds like a good idea.

Could you?

Why not?
What's to keep us from it?

Money.

Money.

Oh, that reminds me.

You got a telephone call
this afternoon

from a Mr. Preston Morgan,
an attorney from Los Angeles.

He represents
Mrs. Lenora Spence.

Really?

I wonder what she wants.

Did he say anything?

Only that he'd stop by
at 4:30 today.

I think you're going to
find yourself looking at

a nice big hunk of cash.

I don't think so.

Why not?
She's loaded.

She never gave us anything before.

When she heard we were married,
she cut Robby off without a cent.

Why should she
give me anything now?

Well, maybe she doesn't
feel that way anymore,

because of the accident.

Besides, Sabena, you were pretty
smart to have that baby, you know.

What do you mean?

Well, all the old lady's got
is a lot of corporations,

but you've got her only real,
live, flesh and blood

grandchild, and that's it.

That's right.

That's the end of the line
for the Spence family.

And anyway, with all the money
she gives to charity,

why not to her own grandchild?

I suppose she could.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Wonderful?

It would be the greatest.

You loan me the cash, we open up
the club, and we're in business.

Oh, you wouldn't have to loan
me all of it, just a small part of it.

And I can go to any bank
and get the balance

just on the reputation
of the Corwin sisters.

I tell you, Sabena, you don't
know what we got here.

I can just see it now.

The Corwin Sisters, back together
for the first time in five years.

Now, wait a minute, Jay.

I'm afraid you misunderstood.

I didn't say I'd go
back to the act.

Now, don't get worried.

You'll be great.

Dara will get you back in trim.

I'm not going back to the act.

I know how you feel, kid.

You're a little scared,
a little nervous.

Stop it and listen to me.

I'm not scared
and I'm not nervous,

and I have no intention
of going back to the act.

All right, tell me... why not?

Because I don't want to have any
part of that life ever again.

I'm sorry.

You're a lot of help.

Here he is.

Mr. Morgan?
Yes.

Won't you come right in?

Thank you.

You're Sabena Spence?

No, I'm her twin sister, Dara.

And I'm the lucky
husband, Jay Flagg.

Oh, yes, we spoke earlier.

Sabena will be out in a minute,

but in the meantime, if my
husband will fix us a drink,

I'll entertain you.

Oh, I wouldn't go that far.

Excuse me, I'll make a drink.

I'm a professional entertainer,
but my husband's insanely jealous.

Isn't that sweet?

Is this your first trip to
Acapulco, Mr. Morgan?

As a matter of fact,

it's my first trip out of the
state of California in three years.

You stay in one place
all the time?

Well, my offices are
in Los Angeles.

Don't you like to travel?

It's just that I never seem
to find time to get away.

Maybe what you need
is an incentive.

Acapulco can be lots of fun.

Well, I understand the weather's
pretty perfect down here.

Perfect.

Salute.
Salute.

Salute.

What sort of settlement
does Lenora have in mind?

Settlement?

She didn't send you down here
just for us to get acquainted.

If you don't mind, I'll wait
and talk to your sister.

Doesn't matter.

I'll find out from Sabena anyway.

Find out what?

Well, here we are.

Sabena, this is
Mr. Preston Morgan.

Mr. Morgan.

Mr. Morgan,
this is Sabena Spence.

How do you do?

How do you do?

You want a drink, Sabena?

No, thanks.

I'm very anxious to hear what
Mr. Morgan has to say.

Amazing isn't it?

What?

How two girls can
look so much alike.

Except for the hair, of course.

It has to seen to be believed.

Yes, it does.

Would you mind if we talked
about this somewhere alone?

You want us to...

Oh, no, no.

Shall we talk on the patio?

Fine, thank you.

How do you like that?

With all her talk about family.

How come she wouldn't
want us to listen?

I'll tell you why.

Because you are very stupid.

Look who's calling who stupid.

What was the idea of
bringing up a settlement?

Well, that's what he came here
to talk about, wasn't it?

Is your name Sabena Spence?

I'll tell you one thing,
if it were,

I wouldn't have to worry
about working in strip joints

to pay off your bills.

Whose bills?

Your bills, sweetheart,
your bills.

And where did I get those bills?

Oh, boy, that's what
I'd like to know.

You'd like to know, huh?

Well, I'll give you a clue.

Trying to keep a club open
with a flop star attraction

can be very expensive, sweetheart.

I told you I was no stripper.

You were so right.

Well, what's the idea of
bringing up the Corwin Sisters?

That's different, it's a dance
act, and it includes Sabena.

Without Sabena, you are nothing.

Well, then, if you're so smart,

how come you had to
go into bankruptcy?

I told you, you were very stupid.

Gee, if I thought you meant that...

Don't doubt it
for a minute, sweetheart.

I do mean it.

Now, get over there and listen.

This is ridiculous.

Ridiculous?

A half-million dollars
any way you want it?

Cash, security,
assured income, trust funds.

Yes, and that's why this is
the most inhuman contract

I've ever heard of.

She may be a very wealthy women,

but there's one thing her money
can't buy, and that's my son.

Daddy, daddy, daddy!

That's not your daddy.

Well, if I were going to be a daddy,
I wouldn't mind being yours.

Billy!

Se?ora, excuse me, please.

Billy sees a sports car outside.

That's why he thinks maybe...

Oh, it's the car
I rented at the hotel.

It's all right, Manuel.

Billy, this is
Mr. Morgan.

Mr. Morgan dropped by to see
Mommy about some business,

so you run along now with Manuel.

I'm sorry.

He seems like a wonderful
little boy.

He is a wonderful little boy,

and you can go back and tell
Mrs. Lenora Spence

that he's not for sale.

Not at any price.

I understand, but you'll excuse me

if I press this
a little bit further.

My mind is made up,
Mr. Morgan.

Well, for my satisfaction
and that of my client's,

I'd like to clarify this...

There's nothing to clarify.

She's willing to give me
$500,000 in exchange for my son.

It's as simple as that.

Mrs. Spence, your mother-in-law
heads one of the largest

industrial corporations
in the country.

That makes her
a very powerful woman.

She's in a position to make
or get anything she wants.

Are you threatening me?

No, I'm not, nor was I
commissioned to go beyond

what we've already discussed.

I want you to realize I don't
think she'll accept your decision.

Well, she'll never take
Billy away from me,

and you can tell her that.

Then think of it
from Billy's angle.

With his grandmother, there's
nothing in the world he couldn't have.

Except his mother.

If you'll excuse me, Mr. Flagg
will show you to the door.

Good day, Mrs. Spence.

Good-bye,
Mr. Morgan.

All finished,
Mr. Morgan?

That's precisely my position.

Good day.

Oh, Mr. Morgan.

I managed to overhear
your talk with my sister.

She isn't very bright when it
comes to business, is she, Jay?

No, but you are, darling.

Well, I think Old Lady Spence
is 100% right.

She ought to buy the kid and
bring him up in her own class.

You know what I mean?

It's a different world,
and that's where Billy belongs.

After all, what could
Sabena do for him?

Well, apparently your sister
doesn't feel as you do.

Well, naturally, she's still
in a state of shock.

After all,
she just lost her husband.

You give her a couple months of
living down here all by herself.

She'll be dying to
get back to some life.

Billy will just be in her way.

Now, don't get me wrong.

I'm just crazy about the kid,
you understand.

Well, you know, after all,
when you work in a nightclub, you...

Isn't that right, Jay?

You should know,
she's your sister.

That's right, I know her
better than anybody.

What are you
suggesting, Mrs. Flagg?

Why don't you have another drink?

No, thanks.

Well, I'm...

I'm just suggesting that, well,

maybe you shouldn't go back
to Los Angeles just yet.

Maybe you ought to stick
around a little longer.

What my wife is trying to say
is that your offer came

as somewhat of a shock, and your
approach wasn't the most tactful.

Now, I... we think that Sabena

shouldn't make
such a serious decision

until she's had time
to think it over.

Is that what you're trying
to say, Mrs. Flagg?

Well, kind of.

Except that it wasn't your fault.

I think you were
very tactful, Mr. Morgan.

It's just she didn't expect to hear
what you had to say, that's all.

All right.

How much time do you need?

You'll hear from us tomorrow.

I'm staying at the Hotel Encanto.

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

Well, you did
a good job... for once.

Hi, Billy.

My name's Pres.

What's the matter?

You like the car?

Yes.
Can I go for a ride?

Well, how about a ride
around the block?

Right now?

Right now.

Here we go.

Billy!

Hey, Mister.

What you do with Billy?

Are you talking to me?

You take Billy
out of car, and pronto.

Come, Billy, you're not
allowed in strange car.

I want a ride first!

Well, Billy, maybe your mother
will take you for a ride later.

I don't want to ride in her car,
I want to ride in this car!

Take you for ride later,
you come with Manuel.

No, I want a ride in this car!

Billy, you come with Manuel.

Billy, what's the matter?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Spence,
it's all my fault.

Billy asked to go for a ride,
and I didn't see any harm in it.

We're just going around the
block, but your man here says...

Se?ora tell me I no let
Billy go with no strangers.

That's right, Manuel.

I wouldn't consider Mr. Morgan
a stranger, Manuel.

After all, he has been
in the house.

It was just a misunderstanding.

I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan.

I'm sorry I aroused the family.

Another time, Billy.

Good-bye.

You shouldn't have been so
abrupt with him, Sabena.

Remember, he may turn out
to be your bread and butter.

You're wrong, Jay.

I don't want to have anything to
do with him or what he represents.

Se?ora, I'm sorry
if I caused trouble.

There's nothing to be sorry
about, Manuel.

I'm grateful that you're
so concerned about Billy.

Now, don't be so dramatic.

You make it sound as though he
were trying to steal the kid.

Well, that was his
purpose in coming here,

to take Billy away from me.

After this, I won't rest until
Mr. Morgan is out of Acapulco.

Come on, Billy.

Will you stop that
confounded pacing?

I'm trying to think of what to do.

There's only one thing you can do.

Oh, Jay, I'm not gonna tell her.

Oh, you'll tell her, all right.

You'll tell her everything,
including what a lousy stripper you are.

I can't!

Don't go getting religious on me.

Smell of that long, green
stuff makes me impatient.

Jay, darling, listen to me.

No, Dara!

Ow!
All right!

Hello, Operator.

I want Hank Gordon in Los Angeles.

Park, O, three, three, three, two.

No, I'll wait.

Does the name Whistler, Morgan
and Scott mean anything to you?

No.

Remember that lawyer
who bailed us out

when we got raided
a couple of years ago?

Oh, yeah, Whistler, he was
the syndicate's mouthpiece.

There was a lawyer named
Morgan, who was his partner.

There are lot of Morgans around,
but how many Preston Morgans?

Hello, Hank.
How are you?

Yeah.

Yeah, this is Jay.

Oh, it's great.

Look, I want you to do a little
background work for me.

Sabena, can I come in?

I want to talk to you.

Of course, come in.

Going out?

Yes, I told Mrs. Alvarez
I'd help them

with the luncheon party tomorrow.

Are you going to the party?

Mm-hmm.

I'm glad.

It'll do you good
to get out more often.

Mr. Morgan got me so upset,
I thought a hot shower might relax me.

Really wasn't his fault, you know.

Did he tell you to
try to change my mind?

You're awful jumpy, honey.

He didn't say anything.

Oh?

Except that you said no.

I don't want him
in this house again.

Tell that to Jay.

Sabena, you know
what you're doing?

500,000 is half a million dollars.

I thought you said
he didn't say anything.

Well, he didn't,
but I eavesdropped.

You haven't changed, have you?

Look, I didn't come in here
to talk about me.

Well, I hope you didn't come
here to talk about Mr. Morgan.

Honey, I can't let you do this.

You're giving up a fortune.

I'm not giving up my son, Dara.

Well, then, what are you
going to do with him?

You don't have a husband,
you don't have any money.

You think men like to marry
women with other men's children?

I don't plan on remarrying.

Well, then, that's even worse.

Then you'll have to
go back to work,

and what are you
going to do with a kid?

Boy, that old lady will get
custody of him like that,

and you won't get a cent.

It's none of your business, and
I don't want to talk about it.

Well, you're going
to talk about it.

Why don't you stop thinking
about yourself all the time?

Try thinking about
somebody else for a change.

Like you, for instance?

All right, why not?

Listen, Sabena, these past
five years have taught me

some pretty hard facts.

Sure, it was easy for you.

You landed a millionaire
and walked out on the act.

But did you ever stop to think
about what happened to me?

I needed to work in cheap,
smelly clubs

'til 2:00 in the morning trying
to build a single all by myself.

Why do you think I married Jay?

Because I loved him?

He was the only one that
didn't smell of cheap whiskey.

He's got a successful nightclub.

Jay went into bankruptcy
six weeks ago.

What?

Yeah... and you remember him
talking about that Bubbles Reed,

that stripper that
put him in the red?

Well, I'm Bubbles Reed.

You?

Yes.

But why?

I had to work night and day
to pay for my charming husband's

so-called good taste.

I'm telling you, it's been rough.

But you don't know how rough.

That's why I can't
let you do this.

I can't let you
turn down this offer.

I'll do whatever I can
for you, Dara,

but not with
Lenora Spence's money.

Half a million bucks, Sabena!

Just, just think what you can do
what that kind of money.

For you and for us, and Jay can
build another nightclub.

Stop it, Dara!

You haven't changed
at all, have you?

You're still the selfish, conniving,
"what can I get out of it" Dara.

Well, you can leave any time,
because there's nothing here for you.

Nothing at all.

Mistaken, sister dear.

You ought to know me
better than that.

I never let go of a good thing.

Oh, gracias, se?ora.

Oh, Se?or Morgan, you want a car?

Yes, I thought I'd take a drive,
see some of your beautiful Acapulco.

Oh, Se?or but it is better
if you like to take boat ride.

Boat starts from pier
and goes around little bay

to little island, then come back.

Later, when it gets dark,
you see many, many lights.

Very nice.

Very much, as you say,
full of color.

Well, you got me such a great car,

I think I'll try
the highway first.

Oh, it's very nice ride
along highway too.

I get you maps, se?or.

Uno momento.

You go home, mister,
you get out of Acapulco.

Polic?a!

Polic?a!

Polic?a, polic?a!

You all right, Se?or Morgan?

Yeah.

Come, I'll bring you to your room.

That's enough, Luis.

Thanks.

I'll be all right now.

Better you stay inside, Se?or
Morgan, and sleep the night.

You see night life ma?ana.

I think you're right.

If se?or wishes,

maybe I can get free time
tomorrow and be guide to se?or.

There's many beautiful
places to see in Acapulco.

El mercado is beautiful market.

The bull ring is...

You no like?

No, it's fine.

Then, the fishing.

School for waterskiing.

Also, beautiful places
to dance and to drink.

Luis, I'm here on business.

Si, se?or, I understand.

But one thing that se?or must see,

that's no place else
in the whole world,

high divers from cliff
at Hotel La Fonda.

Yeah, I've heard about that.

Me, I'm also high diver.

You can see me one day
after tomorrow.

I dive at big party of Se?or
and Se?ora Alvarez.

All right... if I can,
I'll try to make it.

Quien es?

I'm Lieutenant Reyes of the
Acapulco police, Se?or Morgan.

How do you do?
Have a seat.

Gracias.

Can I offer you a drink?

No, gracias.

We understand you were
attacked by Manuel L?pez.

I've come for your statement.

Yes, well, he seemed
to have been waiting for me.

When I was about to enter
the car, he jumped me.

Do you have any idea
why L?pez attacked you?

Well, I suppose he
mistook me for someone else.

I understand you are
visiting Se?ora Spence.

Yes, I've called on her
for business purposes.

I'm an attorney.

And what is the nature
of your business, se?or?

It's private,
must be kept confidential.

Your pardon, se?or.

But a matter which results in
assault in a public place

is no longer private.

I'm sorry I can't accommodate
you, Lieutenant Reyes.

But I must claim legal privileges,
to keep my interest confidential.

I see.

Se?or Morgan, would you
be good enough

to be at the police station
at 10:00 in the morning?

In the meantime, Manuel L?pez
will be kept in jail,

and we will hear
his side of the story.

Then you will be free
to decide whether or not

you will press charges
against him.

Oh, well, as far as I'm concerned,

I'll just as soon
forget the whole incident.

Well, unfortunately,
we cannot do this.

You are an American visitor,

and we must make an official
record of your statement.

Your cooperation will be
appreciated, se?or.

Buenas noches.

Another whiskey and soda, se?or?

Better make it a double bromo
this time, Luis.

I feel a giant sized
headache coming on.

Well, Mrs. Spence,
what a surprise.

Good morning.

How are you feeling?

Well, a little mangled.

I'm sorry you had to
be brought into this.

May we sit down?

Thank you.

I came here voluntarily.

I felt responsible for
Manuel's actions yesterday.

You have a real
protector in Manuel.

Yes, I know.

He was Robby's mechanic
in Mexico City,

and after the accident, why,
he stayed on with us.

Now I don't know what
I'd do without him.

Well, I certainly have no
intention of signing a complaint.

Matter of fact,
if Lieutenant Reyes

hadn't been so conscientious
about his job,

the whole thing would have
been forgotten yesterday.

That's very kind of you.

Mrs. Spence, I wonder
if you'd do me a favor.

Yes?

I'd like to talk to you once more.

If it's about Billy,
I'm afraid my mind is made up.

Your mother-in-law has an
entirely different opinion of you.

Now, if I could
give her my impression,

there might be a chance of
working something out.

All right.

Billy and I are going on
a beach picnic this afternoon.

Would you like to join us?

I'd love it.

Meet us at the house at noon.

At the house?

Is it safe?

I'll warn Manuel beforehand.

I'd like to see Lieutenant Reyes.

"American in Acapulco Fracas.

"Preston Morgan,
Los Angeles attorney,

"was attacked yesterday in the
parking lot of the Hotel Encanto."

He should have been smart
enough to avoid publicity.

Now we stand the risk of reporters

getting curious
about his business.

I'm very much worried about
this young Mr. Morgan.

You may be worried about nothing.

Well, this transaction could
mean a lot of money to him.

Well, we'll find out
as soon as we...

Hello.

Hotel Encanto?

Mr. Preston Morgan's
room, please.

Hello.

Yes, this is Preston Morgan.

Oh, hello,
Mr. Fletcher.

I'm just fine, thank you.

Mrs. Spence was just anxious to
find out how you're getting along.

Well, it's too early to tell.

It's going to take longer
than we thought, but...

Pres, what progress are you making?

I've seen her, and I'm going
to see her again today.

Anything happen that
we ought to know about?

Anything, uh, special?

No, nothing to be concerned about.

When I get something tangible,
I'll get back to you.

All right, Pres.

We'll be expecting to hear
from you as soon as possible.

Yes, sir.
Good-bye.

Not a word about the fight.

I don't like it.

He's obviously holding
something back.

Whatever went on down there

must have had something
to do with our case.

Thorne, we're going
to Acapulco ourselves.

Oh, now, Lenora, I don't think
that'll be necessary.

Don't contradict me.

Get me two reservations

on the first plane to
Acapulco tomorrow morning.

And cancel all my appointments
for the next two days.

Oh, Thorne, you know
I can't stand cigar smoke.

There, now, this is the moat,
filled with alligators

and snakes and reptiles.

That'll keep the king safe, huh?

And this is the drawbridge.

There, how's that?

Mommy, mommy,
look what we builded.

Oh, my, what a beautiful castle.

I'm afraid when the tide comes in,

you're going to have a war
on your hands.

Oh, then we'd better round up
the soldiers, Billy.

No soldiers.

This castle got muchachos.

Where are they?

We've got to be prepared.

Over there, sleeping, siesta.

You'd better wake them up.

We've got no time to lose... hurry!

He likes you.

You have a very happy,
well-adjusted boy.

He likes everybody.

Yes, but you've got
a nice way with him.

Like his daddy used to have.

Does he miss him very much?

No, I don't think so.

Robby was away most of the time.

I imagine he thinks
he's just on another trip.

Away... you mean racing?

Yes.

I used to go with him at first,
but after he had a few accidents,

I couldn't bear
to watch him anymore.

I thought that if I didn't go along,
why, that would stop him racing.

But it didn't.

Well, I guess racing
is like an addiction.

Yes, it is.

Well, what's wrong with
this picnic, anyways?

Let's have some lunch.

That's a good idea.

Yeah?

I had a hunch there was
something about that guy.

Thanks, Hank.

I'll be glad to
reciprocate it anytime.

I never saw you look so happy.

Who died?

Dara, there are times when even
your ridiculous sense of humor

sounds like a sense of humor.

I can tell.

What did he have to say?

We're going to collect
that 500 grand.

I wouldn't count on it.

Sabena can be pretty stubborn.

Who said anything about Sabena?

How are you going to do it
without her?

Wouldn't you like to collect
that money instead of Sabena?

You mean without her
agreeing to the settlement?

With Mr. Preston Morgan's help,
it might be arranged.

Now, you just keep
working on Sabena.

Leave the rest to me.

Are you sure you know
what you're doing?

Yeah, I know what I'm doing.

Happy days.

Ah, what a great picnic.

This alone has made
the trip down worthwhile.

You're on an expense
account, aren't you?

Yes, but that's nothing
compared to the fee

I would have collected if you
accepted Lenora's offer.

I'm sorry, for your sake.

Can I tell you something,
in confidence?

Mm-hmm.

I'm not sorry at all.

I think that if I had
collected that money,

you and Billy would have been on
my conscience the rest of my life.

Do you really mean that?

Some businessman, huh?

Just awful.

You know, it's too bad
Old Mrs. Spence can't meet you.

She'd sure be in for
a great surprise.

Robby wanted us to meet
and like each other.

Right after the wedding,
she cut us off entirely.

But not financially?

Oh, yes.

Why you so surprised?

Well, I naturally thought that...

That I married Robby
for his money.

It wouldn't be hard to take.

I know, that's what she thought.

I just know she'd like you.

It's all Robby ever
wanted, really.

But, now, it's too late,
and as far as I'm concerned,

I just don't care.

Well, what are you
going to do now?

Stay here in Acapulco?

I'll probably have to move
somewhere where I can work.

What about you, now that
you've almost had a fortune?

Maybe I wouldn't have gotten
to Acapulco otherwise.

I met you, and restored
my faith in us humans.

It's all been worthwhile.

I wish it could have been under
different circumstances.

Maybe someday it will be?

I'd like that.

Let's go home, Mommy.

All right, Billy.

That's a good idea.

Sabena?
Mm-hmm?

You should always keep in mind,
that whatever you do,

Old Mrs. Spence
will be watching.

I think she'll fight you
for the custody of Billy.

I'm not afraid.

I know where I can find
a good lawyer.

Come on, Billy,
help us pick up things.

That's a good boy,
take your shoes.

Ah, it looks just right,
thank you.

Well!

Mrs. Flagg.

Why is a handsome man like you
drinking alone in Acapulco?

Now, you know I'm here
on business.

Business couldn't
occupy all your time.

Why don't you invite me
to sit down?

Pardon me.
Yes, please.

What would you like to drink?

That looks interesting...
any rum in it?

Some.

Psst... hey.

The same, and heavy on the rum.

Well, how can a husband let
a lovely creature like you

out of his sight?

You think I'm lovely?

You're Sabena's twin.

You're both very beautiful.

I understand you spent this
afternoon on the beach with her.

Yes, I did.

Make any headway?

None at all.

You're not very forceful.

Well, I think Sabena's
made up her mind.

Actually, I admire her for it.

A lot of things have
happened to you.

Fight with Manuel, a police
investigation, picnic at the beach.

Now you're forgetting
your mission.

Well, your certainly
keeping track of me.

Mmm, I certainly am.

After all, we have
the same interests.

Have we?

You want Sabena to sign that
contract as much as I do.

True... if she signs, I collect
a pretty good fee.

But Sabena said no,
and that's that.

Well, Jay and I had
a talk with her,

and we feel there's a possibility
she might change her mind.

I can hardly believe that,
not after what she told me on the beach.

Don't worry about her.

You let Jay and me handle it.

How much do you figure you
and Jay get out of this if she signs?

Like I said before, this deal means
as much to me as it does to you.

How long do you
think it will take?

Another day or so.

After all, it's your job
to stay on

'til all the possibilities have
been exploited, isn't it?

I'll be here.

Good.

Now, why don't you let me
show you the town?

Now, wait a minute.

You told me your husband was
insanely jealous, remember?

Don't let that bother you.

Oh, no.

Something tells me we keep
this strictly business.

You don't know
what you're missing.

Telephone, Se?or Morgan.

Oh, thanks.

Hello.

Mr. Morgan,
I have good news for you.

Sabena's changed her mind.

She's agreed to sign the papers.

Really?

Well, I'll be right over, then.

No, you'd better make it
after lunch.

Why wait 'til then?

It's pretty important.

It might be best to
get it over with.

Sabena's gone out.

She wanted to spend
the morning with Billy.

She asked that you
be here at 2:00.

I'll see you
at 2:00, then.

Now, Sabena, you just
forget everything

and concentrate on
having a good time.

I wish you and Dara would change
your minds and come along with me.

The Alvarez's parties
are always wonderful.

Besides, you haven't seen
the high divers.

No, thanks, we've already
seen them in the movies.

I think we'll stay here
and have a light lunch.

Now, don't you rush right home.

No, I won't.

But I won't be late, either.

Have fun.

Thanks, Jay.

Dara?

Dara, bring my hat, will you?

You better get ready.

Don't worry about me,
Jay, darling.

I'm gonna love this part of it.

Yeah, just don't overdue it.

I'll be back in an hour.

Right on time,
Mr. Morgan.

I'm always on time
when it comes to business.

You're familiar with the contents.

Mm-hmm.

You just sign here.

Just to satisfy my curiosity,

how did Dara get you
to change your mind?

She made me see how wrong I was.

After all, as a mother,
my first concern is for my son's future.

I couldn't deprive him of what
his grandmother could give him.

I don't suppose the half-million
had any influence in your decision?

Of course not.

I'm not thinking of myself,
I'm thinking of Billy.

Why do you look so glum?

Now you'll collect your fee.

That's right.

I can find my
own way out, Mrs. Spence.

Good-bye.

Good afternoon.

Se?or Morgan.

Ah, se?or, you missed my big,
beautiful dive.

I'm sorry, Luis.

I had some business
with Mrs. Spence.

Ah, then why were you not
at the Alvarez party?

You could have seen Se?ora
Spence and watched my beautiful dive.

You're mistaken, I just left
Mrs. Spence, she's at home.

Oh, no, se?or.

I no make mistake
on beautiful lady.

Mrs. Spence be
at Alvarez party.

She watched me dive.

Are you sure?

Seguro que si.

I should have known.

Well, what about a car?

I've arranged everything.

There's a limousine
reserved for Mrs. Spence.

Se?ora Spence?
Yes.

I've been waiting for you.

Lieutenant Reyes from the police.

Would you kindly follow me
to the airport office?

There is something important
I have to discuss with you.

Very well.

This is Mr. Fletcher.

Mr. Fletcher.
Lieutenant.

How about customs?

I'll take care of it.

Muchacho?

If you please.

Well, Mr. Morgan.

I didn't expect to see you.

What I don't understand is,

is how could you possibly
expect to get away with it?

Get away with it?

It'll be so simple for your sister
to prove her signature was forged.

Are you that anxious
to go to jail?

I should have known better than
to try and fool you, Pres.

But I can promise you, that those
documents will never be questioned.

That's right, unless you
want to go to jail.

Come on and sit down.

Only one other person
besides you and me

can call those
signatures forgeries.

Your sister.

That's right.

And she won't,
because she'll never know.

What are you talking about?

I intend to wait right
here and tell her.

Oh...

Well, we're going
to have a long time

to get very well aquatinted.

Because she isn't
coming home, ever.

You'd better
explain that, Mrs. Flagg.

Well, shortly after Sabena
leaves the Alvarez party,

there'll be a little
accident on the cliff road.

Nobody's going to
question that, either.

Your own sister?

I told you how much
money meant to me,

and you need some of it
just as bad as I do.

What are you going to do?

I'm going to call the police.

Now, that's not wise
at all, Mr. Morgan.

Things have gone too far for that.

You can't stop it now.

I can make sure you
don't get away with it.

You know, with your reputation,

it would be wise for you to stay
out of this and keep quiet.

You'll get your commission,

the clients will get the kid,
and we'll get what we want.

You haven't got it yet.

Hotel La Fonda, por favor.

You shouldn't do that.

It's just a waste of time.

We'll see.

Hello.

I'd like to talk to Sabena Spence.

She's with the Alvarez party.

She's already left?

How long ago?

Thank you.

Remember, Morgan.

We have a perfect alibi,
and you don't.

When we tell the police that
you failed in every effort

to get Sabena to sign the papers,

and when Manuel testifies that
you tried to kidnap Billy,

I don't think it
will be difficult at all

to pin Sabena's death on you.

Not if she's still alive.

Good luck.

Lieutenant.

Yes, Morgan?

Can you tell me what happened?

Car went off the road.

And the driver?

No chance at all.

The car turned over,
exploded, and burned.

Who was driving?

Se?ora Sabena Spence.

This is her bag.

You don't seem surprised, se?or.

What?

How did you arrive here so quickly,
so soon after the accident?

Well, I was coming to meet her.

She had already left the party...

For what reason?

Why did you wish to see her?

It really doesn't matter now.

Well, this seems to be
perfectly in order.

There's no doubt about it, Lenora.

Billy is yours.

You did a good job for us, Pres.

I'll admit that after
the phone conversation,

we had some reservations.

As a matter of fact,
that's why we came down here.

Isn't it fortunate you got her to
sign this before the accident?

How soon can I
take the boy, Thorne?

Well, sometime today, I'd imagine.

Would your police have any
objections, Lieutenant Reyes?

Since the custody papers
are in order, none whatever.

There you are, Lenora.

Where is my grandson?

I'll get him for you.

Something bothering you, Pres?

No.

You don't seem very pleased.

Well, I guess it's
just the accident.

It was too bad.

Come here, Billy.

Come to your grandmother.

Look, I don't know whether this
is time to mention it or not but...

Mention what?

Well, the papers said
something about a settlement.

And since I'm my sister's heir...

Are you your sister's heir?

Certainly, I am.

When we were an act, we made out
wills in favor of each other.

Mr. Fletcher
will handle it.

Come, Billy, you and I
will go into the garden.

Wait, Mrs. Spence.

Something the matter?

Everything.

This whole thing is illegal.

Those papers are forgeries.

What are you saying?

I'm saying Sabena
didn't sign them.

Her sister did.

That's ridiculous.

It should not be difficult
to prove or disprove

for a handwriting expert.

Are you trying to
cut your own throat, Pres?

Or isn't $50,000 enough?

I've had enough of
the ragged edge of the law.

I can't spend the rest
of my life there.

What is he talking about?

Not even for $50,000.

I can't stand by and see
somebody get away with murder.

Can you prove these
accusations, Mr. Morgan?

I will, and I accuse you and
your wife of murdering Sabena.

Me, murder my own sister?

Oh, don't you see what
he's trying to do?

He tried everything
he could think of

to make Sabena sign those papers.

He even threatened her.

Why, he's the one with the
motive, with everything to gain.

Except for the half-million
dollars you stand to gain.

Well, I love my sister!

What you say is logical,
even plausible, se?ora.

I knew you'd believe me.

But I don't believe you, se?ora.

Fortunately, or unfortunately,
depending on your point of view,

it would have been
impossible for Se?or Morgan

to have brought about
your sister's death.

What do you mean?

Se?or Morgan was nowhere within
miles of your sister or her car

the afternoon of the accident.

Manuel?

Manuel observed Se?or Flagg

tampering with your sister's car
in the parking lot

of the Hotel La Fonda.

He's lying.

Manuel and Morgan were
in this together.

That's not true.

Se?or and Se?ora Flagg,

I hereby arrest you for
the attempted murder...

Attempted murder?

But they did.

Not quite, se?or.

Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy.

Billy.
Mommy.

Well, thank you
for the tea, se?ora,

but I must get back
to my desk now.

Lieutenant, I'm very much
obliged to you and your staff

for your efficient corporation,
and in helping me

avoid unfavorable publicity.

A pleasure, se?ora.

With the help of Manuel,
it made our work easier.

And now, I hope you all enjoy
your visit in Acapulco.

Buenas dias.

Thank you.

Isn't it ironic, Pres,

that if you hadn't made
the newspapers with your fight

with Manuel, we never would
have came down here?

And my accident
wouldn't have been staged.

It would have been a real one.

Why did you fake the accident?

Why push Sabena's car
off the road,

have her hide out,
pretending to be dead,

when all the time you knew it was
Jay that had tampered with her car?

We had to be sure it was
Dara and Jay without you.

That they and you hadn't
conspired together.

And if it weren't for my sudden
attack of acute conscience,

if I hadn't blown
the whistle on the Flaggs,

you would have yourselves.

On you too.

Well, let's not think about that.

Everything's turned out
beautifully.

I'm not only getting a grandson,
but also a daughter-in-law as well.

Oh, yes, we've had
a few hours together,

and now that I've gotten to really
know her, I've changed my mind.

Well, it's my prerogative.

I like her.

So, the only loser in
all this is Preston Morgan.

That's right.

I can't accept a contingent fee
for something I didn't do.

No, you can't, but you might
consider a partnership in my firm.

I'm always looking for
young men of integrity who are

willing to risk a murder charge
rather than be dishonest.

Do you mean that, sir?

I certainly do.

You come see me after you've
helped Sabena close the house,

and the three of you
get back to Los Angeles.

That won't take long,
will it, Sabena?

Give us a week or so?

Oh, go ahead, have your cigar.