No Man's Woman (1955) - full transcript

Subtitles: Lu?s Filipe Bernardes

Oh, Wayne, the paper's blowing
off the Ren?.

No harm done. Just a question of
protecting it from sun and dust.

How could I get along without
you, Wayne?

How can I ever repay you?

That's all, darling, Remember Harlow
expects me at six.

Oh, can't we forget about Harlow?

He says it's important.

I have to show him some
consideration, don't I, darling?

After all, he is my husband.

- Harlow.
- Hm?



Does your wife drive a yellow
convertible?

- It used to be my convertible.
- She's here, right on time.

Quite a stunning woman, too.

Are you sure you don't
want her back?

I don't want her back.
I'd like to have the convertible.

It's a good car.

Is that her?

Yes, er, Dad...
You two stay in the study.

Keep your fingers crossed.
I'll yell, if I need you.

Come in, Carolyn.

It was sweet of you to invite me.

Well, what have you been
up to these days, Harlow?

Working.

- Care for a martini?
- I'd love one.



I've been reading about you
in the newspapers lately.

About me?

About the Carolyn Grant Art Studio.

One columnist in particular seems to be
giving you quite a lot of free publicity.

- Writes for the Daily Chronicle.
- It's Wayne Vincent.

Yes, the studio really owes a lot
to Mr. Vincent.

And not just from his plugs
in his column either.

You might call him a silent partner.

Do you employ him?

In a way, yes.

As you know, art critics don't
make much money...

so on the side, for a small fee,

Mr. Vincent helps me select the right
paintings for the right prices.

Carolyn, I'll get to the point.

No doubt you're wondering why
I asked you here.

Naturally.

I want a divorce.

Harlow, I seem to recall a certain day
almost two years ago...

when you and I agreed that our...

...temperaments just wouldn't make
for a happy marriage.

At that time I suggested
divorce myself.

You were the one who wanted this
arrangement for living separately.

It seemed simpler that way.

Besides, I never dreamed I'd want
to marry again.

Sounds like you're in love.

Can you think of any reason
why I shouldn't be?

Yes, I can think of one reason.

What's that?

You're already married.

That's why I'm asking you
to divorce me.

But Harlow, I'm quite happy with
our present arrangement.

You know, I've been reading
the papers too.

Your company seems to be
expanding by the day.

Now why should I agree to
a set alimony...

...when under the present arrangement
my own income expands with yours?

We're not living together.

Yet I pay the bills as if we were
man and wife.

We are a man and wife.
Perhaps you're lonely, darling.

Perhaps you'd like me to move
back with you again.

Perish the thought.

The only way you can perish
that thought is to pay for it.

I am paying for it!

And you'll continue to pay for it
on the first of every month.

Carolyn, when a man pays
for his freedom...

...he'd like to enjoy that freedom.

But Harlow, the courts don't allow
two parties to just agree on a divorce.

- It's done all the time.
- Well, it won't be done this time.

I have no intention of sueing you.

You'd look pretty silly in court,
Harlow darling,

trying to tell the court you'd
like a divorce...

...just so you can marry somebody else.

Suppose I offer you the same percentage
in the future...

...that you're getting now.

But that doesn't make sense, dear.

Why should I even bother with a divorce
if I can't better my present arrangement?

How much better do you want it?

Same percentage plus $200,000
cash settlement.

Two hundred th...

Where whould I get that?
I'd have to sell half the firm.

Why don't you sell your father's
half? He's getting old.

It's time the old buzzard
retired anyhow.

Why, you!

That's the most expensive martini
you ever threw away, Harlow.

It just cost you another
hundred thousand.

Harlow, losing your temper
won't help any.

Is this the young lady who changed
your mind about marriage?

Yes, Louise Nelson. I'm sorry I didn't
meet her before I met you.

But you didn't, darling.

She's cute, Harlow.

I'm surprised you don't think
she's worth enough...

...to warrant offering me a
reasonable settlement.

I did offer you a reasonable settlement.

Carolyn, if you'll accept his offer,
I'll add my check to it.

- Thirty thousand.
- Thirty thousand dollars.

That's not a settlement, Pop,
that's a tip.

Harlow, things could be a lot worse.

Suppose you had to live under
the same roof with her.

I might wind up killing her.

Don't say that. Don't even think it.

You can't blame him for thinking it.
Any way you look at it...

...the woman's a witch.

And no matter how you spell it.

- Good morning, Miss Allen.
- Hi, Otto.

I forgot my key again this morning.
Will you let me in, please?

Oh, sure thing.

You don't have to worry about your
key as long as I've got mine.

I guess in the future I'd better wear it
on a chain around my neck,

- There you are, Miss Allen.
- Thank you.

Carolyn, it's me.

What in the world are you doing
here this morning? This is your day off.

I was anxious to see what you
brought back from the auction.

They're on the divan.

Oh, it's lovely!
Who did it?

Young chap just out of Art school.

Mr. Vincent heard about him on his
last trip to San Francisco.

We got if for seventy-five. Mr. Vincent
thinks we can sell it for three hundred.

Carolyn, it's an Albert Ren?.

Uh-huh, for only five hundred.

It must be worth a thousand.

Listen to what art critic Wayne Vincent
writes about us today.

"Your columnist has just learned
that the Carolyn Grant studio...

out Beverly Hills way will next week show
a collection of Albert Ren? originals,

which should create quite a stir
among art lovers.

One painting, a seascape
of realistic tone and color,

...is rumored to be one of Ren?'s best.

We shall be eager to study
this fine painting...

...which Ren? has so aptly called
'Gray Sea at Dawn'."

With a review like that you should
sell it for more than a thousand.

Sixteen hundred.

I thought it might be Dick.

I told him he could pick me up
any time after nine.

I'm anxious to meet him, Betty.

Where's he taking you,
to the beach?

Newport, he bought a new boat.

And you bought a yachting cap
for a dollar ninety-eight.

Does it look so cheap?

Well, honey, I'm afraid you just
wouldn't create any fashion news...

...on the Yacht Club veranda.

Dick's not taking me to any Yacht Club.

He keeps his boat right where
he works, at Bailey's Boat Yard.

He says it's not much of a boat.

What difference does it make
if it's only a rowboat?

He's still the man in your life
and you should dress for him.

Why don't you run upstairs and see
if you can't find something.

Try that outfit I was supposed to wear
at the Pacific Yacht Club party.

It's more your size than mine, anyhow.

Oh, Carolyn, you're an angel.

If Dick shows up while I'm changing,
will you keep him entertained for me?

I'll try my best.

- Carolyn.
- Take your time, dear, I'll get it.

Come in.

Oh, hello.

I'm Dick Sawyer. Betty said I could
pick her up any time after nine.

Come in and make yourself comfortable.
She'll be down in a few minutes.

I'm Carolyn Grant.
Won't you sit down?

Glad to meet you, Mrs. Grant.

The name's Carolyn. Can I get you
something to drink?

Oh, uh... nothing, thanks.

Uh... Betty tells me you bought
a new boat.

What kind of a yacht is it,
sail or power?

Well, uh, in the first place you can
hardly call it a yacht.

The guy I bought it from
is a fisherman.

It's a thirty-footer. Needs work,
but the engine is in good shape.

Does it have a cabin?

Um... sure. A couple of bunks,
head, galley.

In fact, as soon as my rent's up,
I'll start living aboard.

What does your prospective wife think
about living aboard a boat?

Betty doesn't go for it at all.

We'll spend our honeymoon
cruising around the island, but...

after that we'll just be using
the boat on weekends.

Betty wants to find a little
house someplace.

So marriage strands the sailor
on the beach.

Well, I'm not the first sailor
to get himself beached.

Betty's a wonderful girl.
I'm happy for you both.

Let's talk about the boat some more.

Uh, is there any chance you might take
a lonely girl for a sail someday?

Sure. Why don't you drive down
the harbor with Betty sometime?

With Betty? I'd feel like
an intruder.

There's an old-old saying, you know,
two's company and three's a crowd.

Maybe when I'm going down
to Laguna one day...

I could stop by Newport for
a few minutes...

...just to look the boat over.

- Oh, sure.
- Captain Sawyer.

Wow! Say...

The way you're decked on you should be going
aboard Mr. Van-Astro-bilt's ninety-foot yacht.

Wait till you see the tub
I'm taking you to.

He calls it a tub and names it
Betty II after me.

I ought to give you your diamond
ring back.

Good, I'll turn it in on a new anchor.

It is your new anchor.

Looks like you're hooked, sailor.

You bet he is.

Thanks, Carolyn, for everything.

See you tomorrow.

Bye, and have fun, you two.

Bye-bye.

Come on in, honey.
Be with you in a minute.

Been thinking about where
you'd like to have lunch.

I guess any place is fine, dear.

Tell me, what did your attorney
have to say?

Nothing we don't know already.

Carolyn's price for divorce is blackmail.

Robbery, call it whatever you like.

It's legal when a woman
calls it alimony.

- What about you divorcing her?
- No grounds.

The best solution so far
has come from Dad.

What was that?

He's offered to pay Carolyn's
price himself.

Three hundred thousand dollars?

- How could he?
- By following Carolyn's suggestion.

Selling his interest in the company.

Oh, Harlow, that company's been
his whole life.

You couldn't accept a sacrifice like that
from him. I know I couldn't.

Thanks, honey. I was hoping
you'd say that.

We'll think of something. I don't know
what, but something.

I'm going to see her attorney
this afternoon.

- Good morning, Bess.
- Hi.

Well, I'll be on my way.
The studio's all yours.

I left a well-stocked refrigerator
and grocery cabinet.

You won't even have to go out
to the market.

- You want me to stay here?
- Well, of course!

Have you forgotten this is my day to scout
paintings with Mr. Vincent in Laguna?

Oh, no! I thought you were going
next week.

Must I really stay?

What do you mean, you can't?

Well, I told Dick I'd drive to Newport
this afternoon when I finished work.

Well, I guess I'll just have
to stay in myself, I...

I was expecting some people in
to look at the Ren? paintings.

I just can't put a closed sign
on the door.

Of course not.

And if I don't get to that Laguna
exhibit, I...

Oh, Betty, couldn't you possibly
postpone your date with Dick?

I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

But after all you did lead me to believe
you could take over for me.

I know. I will.

- I'll make it up to you.
- Thanks.

- Mind if I put in a call to Newport?
- Of course not, don't be silly.

And tell Dick I'm very sorry for
the misunderstanding.

Oh, I'm late. I'm supposed to pick up
Mr. Vincent at nine.

If he calls, tell him I'm on
my way over.

And thanks a million.

Well, that's sure tough, hon, but what
can we do about it?

You gotta work, you gotta work.

What do you mean take some
other gal out?

Oh, I might take the boat out for
a few hours, maybe fish a little.

But if I go, I'll go alone.

What's that?

Sure... sure I love you.

Smack.

Bye, hon.

- Thanks for the use of the phone.
- Don't mention it.

- Hi, Mr. Vincent.
- Good morning, Betty.

Isn't your boss on the job yet?

Why, she left here at least
a half hour ago.

- Left, for where?
- For your place.

She thought you'd be waiting
for her.

Oh, there seems to be a bit
of a mix-up.

Do you mind telling me why she thought
I'd be waiting for her?

Well, for the Laguna exhibit.

- But that's next week.
- That's what I thought myself.

Oh, I hope you're right.
Are you sure?

Of course. As a matter of fact,
I should be flying to San Francisco.

If something unexpected hadn't turned
up, I'd be on the plane right now.

Must have slipped Carolyn's mind.

I guess she got mixed up
on her dates.

Oh, I think she'll realize that
when she finds I'm not there.

If she left half an hour ago, she should
be back in a few minutes.

Will you wait for her, Mr. Vincent?

She's expecting some people in
to see the new paintings.

- I'll wait.
- Thanks a lot.

Bye, Mr. Vincent.

Just tell Carolyn I went to Newport
after all.

She'll understand.

Hello!

Where can I find Mr. Sawyer?

Dick? He's on his boat, Betty II.

Dick, someone to see you.

Thank you.

- Hello, there.
- Hi, skipper.

- Mind if I inspect your ship?
- Glad to see you, Mrs. Grant.

The name is Carolyn, unless you're
mad at me.

- Mad, why should I be mad?
- Because I made Betty work today.

Well, work's work.

I was passing on my way to Laguna...

...and thought maybe you'd show
me your new boat.

Sure thing. You might find it kind of
messy, I wasn't expecting visitors.

- All looks very neat to me.
- Like me to show you around?

- Do you mind?
- Not at all.

The engine's a Grayson
Marine Master.

I'd much rather have one of those new baby
diesels, but beggars can't be choosers.

All this special equipment
came with it.

Automatic pilot, ship-to-shore phone.

Even the new pump in the
live bait tank.

- What are those long poles?
- Outriggers.

They keep your lines from
falling from your troll.

Troll? I guess I'm pretty stupid, Dick,
I don't know what that means either.

Well, you run your fish lines out
over the end of the poles,

swing the poles out to each side
of the boat...

...and then throttle down to slow speed
and keep chugging along till you catch fish.

I hear there's a big run of albacore
outside the harbor right now.

I'm going out to see if I
can't catch a few.

Oh, I'm sorry that I'm keeping
you from fishing.

I'm in no hurry.

Anybody going with you?

Well, um, Betty was.

Until I was mean enough to
make her work.

Would I be even meaner if I replaced
Betty on this fishing jaunt?

How long do you expect to be out?

Oh, a few hours, I guess.

Mind if I go along?

Well, uh...

Not if you don't mind getting
salt spray all over your clothes.

There's quite a chop on the
channel today.

I don't mind. Not if you teach me
how to catch albacore.

- When do we start?
- It's as easy as this.

Thanks, Dick.

You're welcome.

You know what I've been
thinking, Dick?

What's that?

That I'm guilty of a complete breech
of the arting etiquette.

Why didn't I bring a bottle
of champagne?

It's customary, isn't it,
with a new yacht?

Well, uh, a new yacht maybe,

but with a tub like this you just
bring along a can of beer.

I didn't even bring that.

How are we going to toast
the new boat?

Well, if you want to toast, there's a bottle
of bourbon in my first-aid locker.

I keep it there in case
a snake bites.

Help yourself. You'll also find
ice and glasses.

Just scout around below.

Be right back, Captain.

- Find everything you need down there?
- Everything but the ice.

Oh, it's in the locker under the
galley sink, I'll get it for you.

Oh, is it safe your you to leave without
anybody steering the boat?

Somebody is steering the boat,
Iron Mike.

Now don't look so puzzled.
Iron Mike is an automatic pilot.

He'll hold the course as well
as any helmsman.

Amazing. How far can this mechanical
captain take us?

Well, we either hit something
or run out of gas.

How do you like the boat so far?

I like everything about it, Dick.

I especially like Iron Mike.

Virginia.

Hi, Betty.

Thought I might be able to catch Dick
before he went out fishing,

- When did he leave?
- They left an hour ago.

Dick and a lady.

Did they say when they'd be back?

No, they didn't say.

Thanks, Virginia.

I'll park it, lady.

About how long do you think
you'll be?

Only a couple of minutes, we're picking
someone up. Can I just leave it here?

That'll be fine, Miss.

I'll bring him right out, Louise.

Dad.

We've been looking all over
town for you.

- How did you happen to look here?
- We got tired touring all the bars.

We started to phone.
Louise is outside.

She's been pretty worried.

I've been pretty worried myself.

Let's be sensible, boy.

You can't solve your problem
with that stuff.

Then how can I solve my problem?
You tell me.

- Yes, sir, what'll it be?
- No, thank you, we're leaving.

I'd hate to have Louise see
you like this.

But you've kept her waiting
long enough.

You said it, Dad.
I have kept her waiting long enough.

Oh, let's face it. Carolyn isn't going
to give me a divorce.

We all know it.

Can I ask a girl like Louise
to wait forever?

You know I can't.

The sooner she gets out
of my life, the better.

For her, I mean.

Did you see Carolyn's attorney?

Why do you think I'm sitting
on this bar stool?

Was Carolyn there too?

No, out of town.

Maybe it's a good thing she
wasn't there.

I might have kicked her teeth in.

What did her attorney say?

Same thing.

Divorce on Carolyn's terms
or no divorce at all.

First thing in the morning I'm going
to hire private detectives...

...to watch her day and night.

We'll get something on that woman.

Even if we have to frame
it ourselves.

Now finish your drink and let's go.

- I'm not going.
- Why not?

I'm going to sit right here
and drink myself blotto.

- Where's your car?
- The parking lot.

- No one will steal it. I locked it.
- I'm not afraid of anyone stealing it.

I'm worried about you driving it.

- Give me your keys.
- Dad, I know what I'm doing.

Do you?

I wonder.

Sandy.

Fill it up, will you?

- Thanks, Dick, it was wonderful.
- Glad you enjoyed it.

Too bad we have to say good night.

But at least we don't have
to say goodbye.

Don't we?

There's a dinner dance at the Yacht Club
next Saturday night.

It's formal, you'll have to wear
a tuxedo.

But it'll be a grand time, Dick,
just for the two of us.

You will take me, won't you?

- How can I?
- Why not?

Well, because.

The first reason, I think you
forgot something.

You're married.

Harlow? Don't be silly, darling,
I didn't forget Harlow.

But I can't forget Betty, that's
reason number two.

Is there a third reason?

I don't own a tuxedo.

When a guy like me buys a boat...

...there just isn't any money left
for any of those yacht club waiters.

I'll buy you one. There's a men's
tailor right in my court.

Are you kidding? You think I'd let
a woman buy me a suit of clothes?

Why not, if she has the money and if
it pleases her to buy you a present?

It wouldn't please me and I don't
think it would please Betty either.

What, does she have to know?

Carolyn, let's get something straight.

I gave a ring to a gal named
Betty Allen.

I gave it to her for keeps.

Well, I'm afraid she'll give it right
back to you, darling,

when she finds you invited me on the
little rendez-vous on your boat today.

Now wait a minute, Carolyn, let's get
something else straight.

I didn't invite you on that boat today.
You invited yourself.

That's not what I'll tell Betty.

Oh? What would you tell her?

Oh, I'm sure I could invent quite
a shocking incident if I had to, darling.

You mean you'd tell her a
batch of lies?

Well, only if you forced me to.

Only if we don't have our date.

I don't seem to get this. Are you
trying to blackmail me?

Oh, that's a nasty word, darling.

I must ask you to apologize
and then you can kiss me good night.

Oh, Dick.

Betty said to give you this whenever
you and Mrs. Grant got back.

But why, Virginia?
She knew I was going fishing.

She waited till after sundown.

Maybe she thought you and Mrs. Grant were
gone a little too long for just fishing.

See you in the morning, Dick.

Just a ring.

No message.

If you want a woman's opinion,
the ring is message enough.

Now I'm really in a jam.

Look, Carolyn, will you help me
straighten this thing out with Betty?

Of course I will.

If.

If what?

If you don't forget about our
date Saturday night.

Will you pick me up about seven?

You must be kidding. How can I fix
things up with Betty if I take you out?

What's Betty gonna do on Saturday?

Oh, I'll see that she has to work
at the studio... all weekend.

Kiss me good night.

Carolyn.

You know, I spent six years
in the merchant marine.

And I ran into an awful lot of
no-good women...

...in just about every part
of the world.

But I never once ran into
one like you.

Hello.

I was worried, darling.
Where were you?

I don't suppose Betty came
back here, did she?

Yes, she was here earlier.

She seemd quite upset.
What happened between you two?

What did she tell you?

Oh, nothing, but it was obvious
that something had happened.

She dropped by to pick a few
personal things.

Said she wouldn't be back.

That she was quitting her job.

Wayne, if I can reach her,
I'd like to talk to her privately.

Why don't you run along?
It's late, I'll call you tomorrow.

She said earlier this morning...

...that there'd been a bit of a mix-up
about the Art Exhibit.

Did you really drive all the way
to Laguna or where did you go?

Wayne, I am well over 21 and you
don't happen to be my husband.

I see no reason why you should
demand to know where I went.

I wasn't demanding, I was
just wondering.

And speaking of where I was,
where were you?

I thought you had to fly to
San Francisco today for the paper.

Carolyn, I've got some bad
news for us.

I won't be flying anywhere for
the newspaper again.

They found out about us.

About us, what do you mean?

About my using my column to foster
a private enterprise.

A very serious offense in the
newspaper business.

They dismissed me, without notice.

Oh, don't worry about that, dear.

With your talent you can easily get
a column into some other paper.

And then we can just go on as before.

Why don't you try the Star Dispatch?

They sell more papers anyhow.

And if they sell more papers,
we sell more paintings.

No, you don't understand.

I won't be able to write a column
for any newspaper in the country.

For any other type of publication
for that matter.

You mean you've been blacklisted?

I'm afraid so.

This really is serious.

Without the help of your column
my sales are bound to drop.

But I can still help you buy.

Well, how much buying can I do
if my sales drop off to nothing?

We were trenched, Carolyn.

After all we have one thing
to be thankful for.

- We still have each other.
- But you have no job.

What do you expect me to do,
support you from now on?

Of course not, I can find some other
work in another line,

something not in the Art field.

Well, what else do you know
except in the Art field?

What good are you to me if you
work in some gas station?

If I need my car washed,
I can stop down at the corner.

Good night, Wayne.

I don't believe it.

I lose my job, my career, my future
in the Art business,

all for you, and now you
throw me out.

You never cared for me
at all, did you?

Let's not be silly, Wayne.

If it's love I wanted,
I'm still young enough.

I don't have to settle for
a man your age.

Oh, don't be an old fool!

I'm sorry.

Come in.

Could I speak to you alone,
Mrs. Grant?

Oh, yes, of course. Mr. Vincent
was just leaving.

Will you please be brief, it's late.

Yes, I know it's late, but...

I saw your lights and it's most
important that I talk to you.

I'm sure you can guess why I'm here.

To try and make you see that your present
attitude isn't helping anyone, Mrs. Grant.

Not even yourself.

I'm quite able to look after
myself, thank you.

Must you take care of yourself
at the expense of three lives?

Your life, Harlow's...
and who's the third person?

Your own.

You're young, attractive,
you have talent.

Harlow's willing to make any
kind of a reasonable settlement.

I'm sure that with all that
and your own...

I'm free to take care of my own
future in my own way.

Good night.

You'll regret this, Mrs. Grant.

Am I to take that as a threat?

Take it any way you like.

Who is it?

Dick. I've got to talk to you.

It's too late. There's nothing
to talk about.

There's everything to talk about.

- Now look, honey...
- It's no use, Dick, we're finished.

Oh, so you're not even going
to give me a chance to explain.

- What's there to explain?
- Everything.

In the first place, that woman's
not worth our breaking up over.

- Apparently you thought she was.
- Oh, please, Betty that's not true.

- Isn't it?
- Listen, honey,

I was going to take the boat out
anyway today.

When Carolyn invited herself along,
I didn't have...

She didn't invite herself,
you invited her.

Where did you get that idea?

Carolyn, she called me not
two minutes ago.

And told you I invited her on the boat.

She also told me you invited her
for a weekend at the island.

Of course, invited might not
be the right word.

Honey, that woman's an out-and-out liar.
I didn't invite her anyplace.

- Do you expect me to believe that?
- Sure I do.

Are you gonna take her word against the
word of the man you're engaged to marry?

The man I was engaged to marry.

Just leave, Dick, and please
don't ever come back.

Maybe there's still a chance for you
to lure Carolyn on your boat again.

And no doubt you can.
I know Carolyn.

Yeah, but apparently you don't
know me.

If I ever get her on that boat again,
it's gonna be for one purpose only.

To shove her overboard right in
the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

I can sympathize with you, Mr. Grant
but I can't give you another drink.

Look, it's after two in the morning,
I've gotta close up.

Okay, okay.

Shall I call a cab, sir?

I'm gonna walk.

I'm able.

You won't try to drive,
will you, sir?

I can't drive.

Boy, did I get plastered tonight.

I can't say as I blame you,
Mr. Grant.

If that wife of yours is half
the louse you say she is,

it's enough to make a man want to...

You're absolutely right.

With a dull knife.

Don't do it, Mr. Grant.

No woman is worth a man going
to the gas chamber for.

I'm not so sure about that.

This one might be worth it.

Good night, Sandy.

Betty, is that you?

Oh, don't!

Don't!

Oh, don't do it!

Mrs. Grant!

Mrs. Grant!

It's Otto!

Hello, operator.

How do I get an ambulance?

Yes, it's an emergency.

If you want any more pictures, Lieutenant,
I'll have to go out to the car...

...and get some flashbulbs.

That's alright, we're covered.
That'll be it, boys.

Hello, this is Lt. Colton. Put me
through to Capt. Hostedder homicide.

Teddy, here's the score.

Full name's Carolyn Ellenson Grant.
Age 29, married...

...but she hadn't been living with
her husband for two years.

They didn't get along together.

Sure, I'll talk to the husband.

Name's Harlow Grant.

Connected with some local
chemical company.

I got his home address from the man
who found the body.

Otto Peterson, he's the janitor here.

Uh, caretaker, sir.

Oh, caretaker.

Anyhow, he also gave me the address
of a young woman named Betty Allen.

Seems she worked for Mrs. Grant in the art
business but they had a disagreement...

...and Betty Allen quit her job.

Sure, I'll talk to her. I sent Wells
to pick them both up,

the husband and the Allen girl.

Wells is just coming in.
I'll call you back.

Miss Allen, Mr. Grant, this is
Lt. Colton.

The sergeant says that she
was murdered.

So you don't think it was a burglar.

A burglar doesn't leave a handbag
with five hundred dollars in it.

To say nothing of all the jewelry on the
dresser upstairs and this art down here.

Then who do you suspect?

We were hoping that you
could help us.

I don't think I can.

How about you, Miss Allen?

I'm afraid I can't help either.

When did you last see Carolyn Grant?

About a week ago. She stopped
by my house for cocktails.

And you, Miss Allen?

Yesterday morning.

The caretaker says that you came
around here and quit your job...

...last night.

I did come here in the early evening,
but I didn't see Carolyn.

She'd gone to Laguna and she
wasn't home yet.

So I left.

As I was leaving I saw the caretaker
and I told him I was quitting.

Why were you quitting?

- To get married.
- Are you sure about that, Miss Allen?

The caretaker said you were upset.

You and Mrs. Grant didn't
quarrel, did you?

No, of course not.

We were always the best of friends.

Miss Allen, how long have you
been engaged?

About almost five months now.

Don't you have an engagement ring?

I do... but it's at the jewellers now.
I lost a small stone.

I haven't told Dick about it yet.

Hm-hmm... Mr. Grant.

Your wife died shortly after 3 a.m.

Her watch stopped, it broke when
she fell down the stairs.

I thought she...

You mean she was killed by a fall?

She was killed by a gun.

And we're going to have to ask
both you and Miss Allen...

...to prove where you were at 3 a.m.

In other words, I have to produce
a witness... for that hour?

Exactly.

Where were you, Miss Allen?

- At my apartment.
- Alone?

No, Dick was with me.

Till almost four, and then he drove
back to Newport.

He lives in Newport?

Yes, he lives on his boat at
Bailey's Boat Yard.

If we should have to talk to him,
Miss Allen,

I promise not to disclose the secret
of your missing engagement ring.

So you're going to trust us
with his full name.

- What is it?
- Dick Sawyer.

Richard Sawyer.

I'm Wayne Vincent, I...

I've been a friend of Mrs. Grant's
for some time.

This is quite a shock.

I stopped by to see if she'd
have breakfast with me...

...and I saw the police cars outside.
The caretaker told me what had happened.

When was the last time you
saw Mrs. Grant?

- Last night.
- Where?

- Right here in this room.
- What time, Mr. Vincent?

Well, it was past twelve, because
I didn't get home until after one.

Did Mrs. Grant seem nervous,
worried, upset about anything?

- Yes, she seemed quite upset.
- Upset about what?

Well, I don't know... unless...

Unless?

A young woman came calling on
Mrs. Grant just as I was leaving.

Do you know who she was?

Yes. Carolyn pointed her out
to me one night in a cafe.

Her name is Louise Nelson.

She told me that Harlow Grant
and Louise were keeping company.

And where can we find Louise Nelson?

914, Longwood Avenue.

All right, Sergeant.

Lieutenant's upstairs.

We'll talk to you in a few minutes,
Miss Nelson.

Find anything?

I wish I could.
Did you find that Nelson girl?

Yeah, she's downtairs.

And guess why she came calling
on Carolyn Grant last night?

It seems that Louise Nelson and Harlow
Grant had been wanting to get married.

But Mrs. Grant wouldn't go
for the divorce,

except on her terms.

- What terms.
- Half of Grant's income,

plus three hundred thousand
dollars cash.

- And he couldn't pay it?
- He wouldn't if he could.

Let's talk to her.

Miss Nelson.

I understand you came here last night to
ask Mrs. Grant to divorce your husband.

- Well, yes...
- What time did you leave?

Well, I don't remember the exact
time, it was after midnight.

She put me out almost as soon
as I came in.

Were you angry?

That woman would make anyone
angry, Lieutenant.

She was greedy and vicious.

Miss Nelson, do you own any
kind of pistol, revolver, automatic?

No, why do you ask?

How about you, own any firearms?

Well, yes. As a matter of fact
I have a small collection of handguns.

Early dueling pieces, derringers,
things like that.

Anything modern, cartridge gun?

Foreign makes, early automatics.

Mr. Grant, did you come here
yourself last night?

No.

I was in a place called
The King's Tavern.

Getting myself plastered.

Did a good job of it.

Meaning that you stayed
till closing time.

And until I woke up in my car
in the parking lot.

About five o'clock this morning.

Well, Mr. Grant, I'll have to ask you
to come along with me.

Where?

King's Tavern.

It'll be alright, Louise.

I can use this.
Thanks a lot, Sandy.

Alright, Mr. Grant, my pleasure.

Mr. Grant says he left after
you closed up.

After that he went out to
the parking lot...

...and fell asleep in his car until five
in the morning.

Can you verify that?

Well, I can verify he left here
a little after two.

As for the parking lot, how
would I know?

I leave right after I lock up.

How about the parking attendant?

Oh, he goes home as soon
as we close.

Look, Lieutenant, I was in no condition
to drive when I left here last night.

So I went out in the car and
slept it off.

But nobody saw you between the
hours of two and five.

What kind of a mood was he in?

Happy drunk, sleepy drunk,
fighting drunk, what?

Well, I guess you'd call it
a bitter drunk.

Seems this wife of his, this...
Carolyn Grant...

she wouldn't give him a divorce.

Now wait a minute.

How do you know that?

You spent half the night bending
my ear about it, Mr. Grant.

Boy, I must have been drunk.
I don't remember it.

Do you by any chance remember driving
over to Carolyn Grant's studio at 3 a.m.?

I told you before.

I didn't drive anywhere last night.

Where did he say he was going
after he left?

He didn't say. All he said was...

Said what?

I guess he was kidding.

Kidding about what?

About getting rid of his wife.

With a dull knife.

Sandy... I might have said it, but...

- I didn't mean it.
- I know that, Mr. Grant.

What else did he say?

Well...

When... when I told him no woman was worth
a man going to the gas chamber for, he...

He said, I'm not so sure.
Maybe this one is worth it.

Was his wife killed with
a dull knife?

With a gun.

Let's go down and take a look
at your collection, Mr. Grant.

I may want to show it to a friend
of mine downtown.

He's quite a collector himself.

Works for the Police Department.

Bureau of Ballistics.

Hm-hmm, that's fine.

Well, call me again.
Yeah...

Well, what's the report
from ballistics?

Carolyn Grant was killed with
a .25 caliber automatic,

German make, pocket Mauser,
fires a special cartridge.

Very few of them in the country.

Sounds sort of like a collector's item.

I never owned a gun like that
in my life.

You could be telling the truth.
How do we know?

We haven't found the murder
weapon yet.

Do you still intend to hold me?

Yes, for further questioning.

You had a motive.

You can't prove where you were
at the time the crime...

Homicide, Hostedder.

Who?

Say that again.

Yeah.

We'll be over at the D.A.'s office
in a few minutes, thanks.

Well how do you like it?

Somebody out there in the anteroom wants
to confess to the Carolyn Grant murder.

- Louise Nelson?
- No.

Someone we never even thought of.

His father.

That's ridiculous!
He didn't do it!

- How do you know?
- He couldn't.

You're released, Mr. Grant.

We can't hold you for a crime
that somebody else admits to.

- Alright, Sergeant.
- Come on, Grant.

Wait a minute.
Do you really believe that?

Goodbye, Mr. Grant.

Do you believe him?

I doubt it.

But maybe if we give Harlow Grant
enough rope, he'll hang himself.

Let's go over to the D.A.'s office.

Oh, Harlow, there must be something
we can do to help your father.

Maybe there is.

Do you think we can get
in to Carolyn's studio?

Why not? The place is legally
yours now.

I mean, do you think the police
will let us in?

Oh, I think so.

They turned the studio upside down
and they finished about noon.

I heard the police captain
tell somebody...

...it was alright to let the caretaker
have his key back.

Drive there, will you, honey?

We'll ask the caretaker
to let us in.

Why?

Well, for one reason I want to dispose
of Carolyn's personal belongings.

For another, I think we ought to...

...pack the art stuff and get it
ready to move.

Both of those reasons are
honest enough.

They ought to be good enough
for the caretaker.

What's your real reason for wanting
to go there?

Blind hope.

I found you another box,
Mr. Grant.

Thanks, Otto, I don't think
we'll need it.

We've packed all the art goods and I'll put
Mrs. Grant's clothing in the luggage.

Otto, who else had a key to this door,
I mean, other than Mrs. Grant?

Well, me, of course...
And then there was Betty Allen.

She worked for Mrs. Grant.

But she quit her job over the weekend.
Didn't she turn in her key?

Not to me she didn't.

Well, does anybody else have a key?

Not that I know of.

What about Mrs. Grant's business partner,
didn't he have a key?

Mr. Vincent? No.

No, Mrs. Grant always let him in,
or Miss Betty Allen.

He only came around when
they were here.

- Where can I find Betty Allen now?
- Where does she live, you mean?

I don't know.

She had an apartment on the same
street with Mr. Vincent.

He used to drive her home sometimes...
before she bought a car.

Maybe I can get her address
from Mr. Vincent.

- Do you know where he lives?
- Yes.

The Las Palmas apartments, on the corner
of Highland and Holly Terrace.

Thanks, Otto. We'll call you if we
need anything further.

Always glad to be of any help.

You know, my blind hope gets
better every minute.

Honey, run up to Carolyn's room
and close the door.

- What for, dear?
- Never mind, run along.

Harlow, what on earth was that?

If you break a window,
if you shatter a pain if glass...

...in the dead of night, it makes
a noise.

Now, even if Carolyn were asleep,

that noise would awaken her
with a start.

Now, she had an extension telephone
by her bed.

Why didn't she use that phone
to call the police?

I don't know, why didn't she?

Because when that window was broken,
she was already dead.

And the person who broke
that window...

...wanted the police to believe that
that was the way they got in.

Actually she got in with a key.

- She?
- Betty Allen had a key.

What was her motive? She said she
and Carolyn parted the best of friends.

She might have been lying.

But she also had an alibi, she was with
her boyfriend at the time of the murder.

She might have been lying
about that too.

She said her boyfriend lived
on his boat in Newport.

No sense in wasting a drive if neither
of them happen to be there.

Operator, I'd like some information
on a number in Newport.

Bailey's Boat Yard.

Dick Sawyer? No, his station
wagon's not here.

I think he had to drive to town.

Do you happen to know if a
Miss Betty Allen is with him?

Betty? Oh no, she wouldn't be
with Dick, not anymore.

They broke up.

They what?
When did that happen?

Carolyn and Betty did have a fight.
Guess why?

No, no, thank you, no message.

Carolyn busted up Betty's engagement
to Dick Sawyer.

I thought this Allen girl told the police
that she and Carolyn got along fine.

She lied.

I wonder who she's covering up for,
herself or her boyfriend?

I'll ask Wayne Vincent where
she lives.

- I'll go with you.
- No, no, honey.

If Betty Allen does have a .25
automatic in her hand,

I don't want you with me.

I'll borrow your car. You run upstairs
and finish that packing.

I wish you wouldn't go alone.
Can't you call the police?

No, I've got a hunch I'll do better
if I just walk in on her.

The keys.

Hello, Grant. I was wondering how
I might contact you.

Oh? What did you want to
contact me about?

Well, as you know, I was Mrs. Grant's
business partner and...

a few of the little paintings over
at the studio...

...happen to be my own personal property
and I'd like to get them back.

You can stop by my home.
I'll give you a card with my address.

I've had all of Carolyn's art objects
wrapped and stacked for the movers.

They're going to pick them up first thing
in the morning and transfered to my home.

Here's the address, you can pick
them up any time after ten.

Now, I'd like to ask you for
an address.

The caretaker at the Art studio said that
you might help me find Betty Allen.

Oh, yes, she's at the
Fairview Court, um...

I, um...

Naturally, I always think a man's innocent
until proven guilty, but...

The last newsflash I heard
on my radio...

...said that you were still being
held as a suspect.

Yes, um... I've been released.

They're now holding my father.

You mean for... for what happened
to Carolyn?

- Well, surely they don't think...
- They may think he's guilty, I don't.

He only confessed because he thought
he might get me off the hook.

Your father confessed?

His confession won't mean a thing when
they start asking him to back it up.

You see, in the first place my father
has never shot a gun.

He doesn't even know the make
or the caliber of the murder weapon.

- Do the police know?
- From the ballistics report.

They'll ask him where he got the gun,
what the caliber was...

What he did with the gun after
he shot Carolyn.

Dad doesn't know enough about guns to
make his confession stick for even a day.

You say that Betty Allen is
at the Fairview?

Hm-hmm. It's across the street,
apartment 2-C.

Do you mind if I ask why
you're going to see Betty Allen?

You may ask.
I don't have time to answer.

Oh, may I please see you for
a moment, Miss Allen?

Well, I... I was expecting somebody.

All right.

I, um...

I see you haven't gotten your engagement
ring back from the jeweller's yet.

That is the story you told
the police, isn't it?

Just what are you trying to imply?

That your ring never went to
the jeweller's at all.

That you put in an envelope, gave it
to the girl at Bailey's Boat Yard,

asked her to give it to Dick Sawyer
when he returned...

...from his little fishing trip
with Carolyn.

Are there any other lies you'd care
to accuse me of, Mr. Grant?

Lots more. You said that you had
no quarrel with Carolyn.

That was the biggest lie of all.

You quarreled with her over this
fellow Dick Sawyer.

She broke up your engagement
with him.

That's why you quit your job.

That's why you killed Carolyn.

I what?

You've been caught in your own
lies and you know it.

It's about time you started
telling the truth.

- You did kill Carolyn, didn't you?
- Dick!

Take your hands off her!

Oh, Dick.

So you're both in on the murder.

Hey, honey, who is this joker?
What's he talking about?

Harlow Grant, he's her husband.

He somehow found out I lied
to the police.

Well, then why not start telling
the truth?

That's what I advised her.

I guess I was afraid to admit I lied.

Will they prosecute me for it?

Well, I don't know, honey, but...

being prosecuted for lying isn't nearly
as bad as being prosecuted for murder.

Then she admits that she
was lying.

Not for herself, for me.
She thought I'd killed Carolyn.

Oh, not really, Dick, but...

I did know you left here mad
enough to do something.

I tried to stop you.

I talked to her on the phone from
Newport a few hours ago...

...to get the whole mess straightened out.

But I can prove that I was back
in Newport before 3 a.m.

Then, if neither of you killed
Carolyn, who did?

How do we know?

Do you by chance know if any
of Carolyn's friends or enemies...

...owned a .25 automatic?

Do you mean one of those little
German guns... a Mauser?

What makes you think I meant
a Mauser?

I guess because the only automatic pistol
I ever saw happened to be a Mauser.

Wayne Vincent gave one to Carolyn
for a present.

Then Carolyn could have been killed
with her own gun.

Did she give it to anyone, loan it?

I don't think so. It was still there
yesterday when I cleaned up the desk.

- She kept it in the desk.
- In the top middle drawer.

Did you tell the police that Carolyn
owned a .25 automatic?

They didn't ask me if Carolyn owned a gun,
they only asked if I owned one,

and I don't.

Then if Carolyn were killed with
her own gun,

whoever killed her knew where
that gun was kept.

Now don't start accusing Betty. Other people
might have known where that gun was kept.

That's quite possible.

The police will be interested
in two facts.

Betty knew where the gun was,
she has a key to the studio.

I don't have a key. I did have,
but I left it there when I quit.

You left it with the caretaker?

No, I left it with Wayne Vincent.

He stayed at the studio
yesterday while...

...Carolyn was supposed to be
in Laguna.

Then Wayne Vincent had a key
last night. He had your key.

I guess so, unless he gave it
to Carolyn, or...

...to the caretaker.

Did Vincent know where Carolyn
kept the gun?

I suppose so, he used the desk
quite often.

Wayne Vincent had a key.

He also had access to the gun.

Can you think of any reason why
he might want to kill Carolyn?

Not unless she messed up his life.

Like she almost messed up ours.

Thanks for everything, thanks a lot.

- Good day, Miss Sager.
- Goodbye, Otto. See you tomorrow.

Hello.

Oh...

I didn't realize there was
anyone here, you scared me.

You scared me.

- I thought I'd locked the door.
- Oh, you did lock it.

But as Mrs. Grant's business
partner, I have a key too.

A few of these art works happen
to be my own,

...and I just dropped by to pick them up.
I'm not stealing anything, I assure you.

Nor am I stealing these. Mr. Grant
asked me to gather up his wife's things.

Why, I hope I didn't disturb you.

I'll just take a few minutes
and then I'll go.

You're not disturbing me in the least.

If you don't mind, I'll go on
with my job.

Mr. Grant's calling for me in just
a few minutes.

Hello?
Hello, operator.

Would you get me the Police Department,
please. This might be an emergency.

Hello?

Hello, would you connect me with
either Capt. Hostedder...

...or Lt. Colton right away, please?

Hello?

Yes, homicide office.

Hello?

Hello!

Hello, operator?

Operator!

Remember what I said, Mr. Grant
will be here any minute.

My car is outside. If we should meet him,
remember this will be in my pocket.

Tell him to get into the car with us,
he can drive.

If we don't meet him, you can drive.

- Where?
- I'll decide the destination.

Tell him you'll be right down.

Harlow, don't come in!

Don't!

I'll kill her if you make one move.

She's standing right where
Carolyn stood.

Do you want to see her fall down
the steps like she did?

- Drop it!
- Alright, Vincent.

Well, look what Santa Claus
brought us, exhibit A.

He took that gun out of his pocket
and hid it in one of the packing cases.

I was on the balcony, he didn't see me.

He put the gun in one of the boxes
because I was dumb enough...

...to tell him that the boxes were
being delivered to my house.

- Why?
- Because he knew that the Grant family...

...was already in hot water.

And planting the gun on the Grants
would drown them.

You fellows sure got here at
the right time.

A guardian angel must have
sent you.

Your guardian angel goes under
the name of Capt. Hostedder.

He's had us tailing you ever since
you were released.

You can follow us down
to headquarters.

Yeah, I'll be with you in a minute.

Subtitles: Lu?s Filipe Bernardes