Doctors Don't Tell (1941) - full transcript

We'll have to hurry.

It was a nasty accident, son.

But your sister

will be all right.

Has the doctor...

No.

Dr. Watkins hasn't

arrived yet,

and Dr. Grant's

still operating.

But you've gotta do something.

There's nothing

I can do, Mr. Wayne.

There isn't a surgeon available.

I'm sorry.

Doctor.

Dr. Sawyer, you brought

my sister in,

can't you do something for her?

I'd like to, young fella,

but I'm only an intern.

I'm not allowed to operate.

What's the trouble?

Well, she's lost

quite a bit of blood.

Internal hemorrhagic shock.

Automobile accident.

We've sent for a donor

for transfusion.

Why don't you wait quietly

until Dr. Grant's free?

Quietly?

Could you if your sister was...

Look, couldn't I just

say hello to her,

just so she knows I'm around

to sorta look after her.

Come on, son.

Hi, sis.

No heart stimulation

from the adrenaline?

Hey, Diana,

you gotta snap out of this.

Doctor, we've located

a group-3 donor.

But it'll take him 30

minutes to get here.

Thirty minutes?

All right.

The blood donor's coming.

But not soon enough.

I saw your face.

You can do something.

You're really a doctor,

aren't you?

I will be tomorrow.

At least that's what

my certificate will say.

Then you've gotta save her.

She's all I've got.

Nurse.

Yes, Doctor.

Don't take a chance, Ralph.

I'm operating.

You heard me.

You can't, Ralph.

But tomorrow you'll be...

You don't measure

humanity by 24 hours.

Don't stand there.

Get the patient ready.

Yes, Doctor.

Son, I pushed stretchers

around here

before you knew a scalpel

from a Boy Scout's knife.

Don't do it.

This girl's hemorrhaging

to death.

Yes, I know,

but a good looking girl

doesn't make you a surgeon.

Well, neither will my

name on a certificate.

Hurry up with that, will you?

I hope we're not too late.

Is it the first one

you ever smoked, too?

No, thanks.

She's coming to.

I kept her under very lightly.

Okay, Tom, you can stop

concentrating now.

Gee, Doc.

Gee.

Didn't sew any sponges

in, did you?

How do you feel, all right?

Much better now.

What you need

is some black coffee, son.

I'm okay.

Just my feet feel

like soft butter.

Black coffee for you.

Come on, Ralph.

Hey, what's going on here?

Who needs that coffee now?

Hamburgers and coffee, Doc?

Yep. Kid will take

his back.

Me too.

How is she, doctor?

I think she is

gonna be all right.

I hope so.

I hope so too, for your sake.

Gee whiz, Doctor,

will you get in any trouble?

No, he just broke

the unbreakable hospital rule.

Performing an operation on someone

without the authority to do so.

They'd probably decorate him and

mount him in the hall of fame.

Then we won't need those offices

in the professional building

or the rich patients

on Park Avenue.

He won't. I will.

Gee, I'm sorry, Doc.

Skip it.

We started out together, Frank.

I hope we'll finish that way.

All right, fella, we will.

Hey, Bob,

these are practically

fillet mignons.

How come?

Because I'm a happy guy,

that's how come.

With all the new taxes

coming up,

you're lucky I didn't wave

the hamburger

at the bun.

Did you say coffee?

That's right.

Sis will be so grateful to

you, fellas.

She'll treat you

to a real blowout

at the Gaucho Club if she...

I mean, when she gets better.

That's more like it.

She sings there and I...

I sort of work there, too.

Not bad.

They're a swell spot.

Ralph!

Excuse me.

Tommy, this is

Dr. Peter Piper.

Howdy.

Did you...

No, I didn't pick those

packled peppers...

Drat. I can't

even say it.

And everybody asks me that.

They're looking all over

for you, Ralph...

Duff's tearing his hair out.

What does our esteemed

superintendent want,

as if I didn't know?

Dr. Grant found out

you operated.

Here it comes, pal.

Two years' internship

shot to blazes.

Do you mean you really

used those knives

and the things and the stuff?

Yep.

I thought you said

he was a doctor.

His mother wanted him to be

and really thinks he will be.

But, you see,

he's allergic to anything

pertaining to medicine.

I'm sure glad you operated

on sis instead of him.

That's all right with me, son.

I started on the charity

case in pre-med

and when I came to,

they'd taken out

my appendix instead.

Well, speaking of operations,

I think I'd better go back

and face old Ether Elmer.

Hey, give me a jig

of straight milk, quick.

Dr. Sawyer, report

to Superintendent Duff.

Dr. Sawyer, report

to Superintendent Duff.

Dr. Sawyer, report

to Superintendent Duff.

- All right, all right.

- Hurry.

Sawyer, I'll take

the responsibility

of depriving the world

of your medical genius.

Yes, sir.

I'm going to withhold your

certificate of internship

at this afternoon's exercises.

Yes, sir.

If anything happens

to that girl,

you'll never get it.

You understand?

Yes, sir.

Haven't you got anything

to say but "Yes, sir"?

Yes, sir.

I'm supposed to be

a doctor, sir.

That's what I've been

studying for.

To alleviate pain and suffering

and save human lives

when it's in my power to do so.

I knew as much yesterday

that I know today.

But my certificate,

which I may not get,

says that I can operate

today or tomorrow

or next week but not yesterday.

I wanna live by humanity,

not slips of paper.

I'd do it again if the

opportunity called for it.

Good day, sir.

Goodbye.

Ralph.

Yes, sir.

I hope she does get well.

Our profession could use

more like you.

But why did you have

to pick the last day

of your internship.

I didn't.

You mean, you?

Yes, sir.

You gentlemen have

a good grounding

in medical theory and practice.

But the knowledge

you've gained here

is only half the

equipment you'll need

in the battle

which confronts you.

You'll go out

into a hostile world

that gives no sustaining

funds to young doctors.

You'll get patients, yes.

Most of them will have no money.

But if you have backbone

and will power, you'll keep on.

The mother whose child lies

choking in its crib

will call you day and night.

The husband whose wife lies

writhing in childbirth

will turn to you helplessly.

People will expect you

to do miracles.

And because you're a doctor,

you're supposed to do it

faithfully and cheerfully.

When you do perform them,

you'll become that final thing

for which we've all

worked and hoped,

a good doctor.

Good luck, gentlemen.

Wonder where

Ralph is. I don't know.

Hey, you look sick,

Hey, I am a doctor!

Been looking all over

for you, chum.

Yeah. How'd it go?

Doc gave his usual

long winded speech.

How is she?

I wish I knew.

Chief of staff is inside now.

Why the long pan?

When the great

Doctor Sawyer operates,

he can't miss.

You may call at the office

for your certificate,

Dr. Sawyer.

It was a good job for an intern.

Thank you,

Dr. Watkins.

Tie your shoe lace.

After you, Doctor.

No, after you, Doctor.

Please don't let her

talk too much,

she's still weak.

A beautiful girl like that

shouldn't have to talk.

Before you say "Hello, Diana,"

can I say thanks?

There's an old saying that

if you save a person's life,

it belongs to you, in a way.

I mean...

Wait a minute.

If you're gonna start giving

away things like that,

you gotta let old Doc

Blake get in a bit.

This is Doctor...

He just told you.

Funny duck.

All wool, winter and summer.

What's the matter?

Butterflies.

They're blue velvet with gold.

Hey, take it easy, lad.

She's supposed to be

the patient.

I was just thinking about

the color scheme

for our new office.

You know, it's a lucky thing

you met us down here.

The next time you call

on Blake and Sawyer,

that well known team

of medical geniuses,

we'll be on Park Avenue,

knee deep in

rich hypochondriacs.

And if the old sisters come

in without a temperature,

we'll hold their hands

until they run one.

Yes, sir, beautiful lady,

next stop, Park Avenue.

Here's Nelly.

Our table!

Boy, now we can go to work.

Yeah, on who?

Where's her spot in the sun?

Right in there.

In the operating room.

Careful, she bruises

like a debutante.

Not a bad idea.

More space for patients

in a bare room.

We've only been here a few days.

I know, I know.

This old gal's been

in more offices

of young squirts like

you than the postman.

Cheer up, Nelly.

I'll come for you after

the first of the month.

Come on, handsome.

Cheery soul.

Yeah.

I bet he laughs himself

to sleep every night.

Well, we can always put the

B on Ma if we get too hungry.

A visitor.

Joe, why you're bringing

pills to these jerks, why?

Because they're friends

of mine, understand?

Friends of yours.

Ain't nobody got no friends,

not human friends.

Only one kind of friend to have,

that's this right here.

Put that gun away, you dope.

Pretty and shiny,

and you can depend on it.

If the copper sees you,

he'll put something

pretty and shiny

around your wrists.

And you can depend on that.

Give it to me.

No, I'll put it away, Joe.

Honest, I will.

I'll keep it ready.Okay.

You stay glued to that

seat till I get back.

Hey, I was gonna get

an apple, Joe.

Thanks.

Charge it to Doctors Blake,

Sawyer and Piper.

They owe me $20 already.

Hello, Joe.

Hi, Joe.

Hello, quacks.

We haven't even quacked yet.

You will. Just take it

slow and easy.

Frank's the anxious one.

I keep telling him it's better

to pass guys going up the ladder

than to kick 'em in

the face sliding down.

Patient?

Just a gift from Joe Grant.

Everything the rising

medico needs

from aspirin to zinc.

We couldn't accept that, Joe.

We have accepted.

Thank you.

Well, that's swell of you, Joe.

I hope we can return

the favor some time.

Maybe you can.

Well, so long, pals.

So long.

So long, Joe.

It's all right,

you can come in now.

It wasn't a patient.

The telephone ring?

I hope.

Nah, it's the ringing

in our ears.

They say it happens to you just

before you starve to death.

Hey, it is the phone.

Where am I going?

Offices of Doctors Blake,

Sawyer and Piper.

What?

The doctors are very busy.

It's urgent.

Just a moment, please.

I'll take it, junior.

Dr. Blake speaking.

Well, there are

a few patients waiting.

Somewhere.

But if it's not urgent,

I think we might be

able to come down.

I'll check with my colleague.

Hi, colleague. Hi, colleague.

Hurry up, there are

40,000 doctors

in Manhattan alone.

All right, we'll be right there.

Come in.

Did you call

for a doctor, madam.

There, Seymour, I told you

I'd call the doctor if you

didn't eat your cereal.

Your case, Doctor.

And now ladies and gentlemen,

Diana and Tommy Wayne.

Who will tell you

all about Lily and Billy.

Billy who?

♪ Billy the chili kid

♪ His career began at Coney

♪ Selling burgers and bologna

♪ For Tony Mahoney

♪ But Mahoney was a phoney

and he lost his stand at Coney

♪ Leaving Billy with a nickel

and a dollar and a pickle

♪ To his name

♪ What a shame

♪ Then he met a senorita

♪ He said

"Howdy-doo, bonita"

♪ She said "Call me Lily"

♪ That was enough for Billy

♪ He said "How about a merger?"

And he really had to urge her

♪ He repeated "Yo quiero"

Till she gave him her dinero

♪ On the line

But Lily made him sign

♪ And Lily

♪ Showed him how to make chili

♪ From the recipe

♪ Of a guy who ran a diner down in Philly

♪ Now Lily

♪ Shills the chili for Billy

♪ She yodels "Carne,

Con carne!

♪ "It's hot Come on and get it"

♪ If you wander down to Coney

♪ For a burger or bologna

♪ Go to Lily

Here's to her.

Yeah.

May the three of us

never mean a crowd.

♪ And no matter what you order

First you'll get a glass of water

♪ Then a mess of beans and chili

and you'll eat until you're silly

♪ Down at Billy's

♪ But you'll pay the bill too

Tell them who you pay it to.

♪ Lily ♪

I certainly liked that, Diana.

Like it? I'm going home

to small all

my phonograph records.

Well, shall we stand here and

grow tall or shall we dance?

Shall we?

Hey, wait a minute.

Who operated on this

young lady anyway?

Okay, look.

I'll tell you

what we'll do, boys.

We'll time it.

Five minutes for each of you.

All right, come on.

Ralph, your shoe lace.

I suppose if you gave your

brother a quarter, he'd go away.

Keep the quarter,

and we'll go away.

Lovely, isn't it?

Very.

Up there I mean.

In all those twinkling little

lights in that building,

look at the one

on the top floor.

So bright it's like a beacon.

It is a beacon.

It's Dr. Watkins' office.

That old medico hasn't

even got time to sleep.

Well, I can sleep

all day if I want to.

I've just got to get

to the top, Di.

I've got to.

You will, Frank.

Because I want you to.

You're three minutes

and thirty seconds

over time, colleague.

Now you mind the baby.

Come on, patient.

If I can only get that job

at the medical examiner's...

They pay chicken feed.

Chickens lay eggs.

After this bread, scrambled eggs

would be mighty tasty.

Well, anyway,

we still got Nelly.

We had Nelly.

Papa didn't forget you.

You shouldn't ought

to do that to Nelly.

She don't like salami.

Wise guy.

Look, you fellows may be content

to dry up down here.

But I can't take it.

I'm afraid to answer

the phone because

it might be some creditor.

And now I've gotta keep quiet

while that guy makes cracks.

It's getting me down.

Well, I'm...

Well, I'm glad to give the

whole thing up if you will,

and Ma doesn't find out.

No.

I wish you guys

would make up your mind.

I told you I'd take care of it.

Scram.

Come on, handsome.

Thanks, Joe, but we can't accept

anything more from you.

No, we're doing pretty well now.

We'll be able

to pay you back soon.

Sure you will.

Am I worrying?

Say, that wasn't a bad number

I met down here last time.

She go with the lease?

No. With them.

I get it.

That's Tommy.

He gets awful lonesome,

Just a big kid.

Likes noise too.

Lot of laughs.

Well, glad I dropped by.

I just wanted to make sure

my pals are doing all right.

So long.

So long.

So long, Joe.

I don't know why you hang

around them guys, Joe.

Naturally you don't.

I'm watching things getting

tougher and tougher for them.

Keep slipping them

a buck or two now and then.

Might turn out to be

a good investment.

But what does it get you now?

I can't dope you out.

Don't dope, cat.

Goodbye.

Come in again, ladies.

What can I do for you gentlemen?

You're Mr. Cooper?

Mr. Phillip Cooper?

That's me.

Nice place you've got here.

You make a nice living

out of it, don't you?

Yes, I do.

I do all right.

Something I can get you?

No, thanks, I've got

something for you.

I'm from the Druggists'

Protective Association,

I ain't in the market

for anything.

I don't wanna sell

to you, Mr. Cooper.

I wanna protect you.

Yeah, protect you.

From what?

Fires, floods,

accidents, competition.

You know, it would be

pretty tough

if someone opened

a store across the street

from you,

wouldn't it, Mr. Cooper?

Yes, sir, you're gonna hear

a lot about our association.

And we're doing you a big favor.

As a chartered member,

your dues will only be

twenty five dollars a month.

Just sign that application,

Mr. Cooper and...

We'll say good day.

Get out or I'll call the police.

You heard him.

Sign the paper. Put that away, Barney.

But, Joe, I was just

trying to...

Now get out.

Come on, brains.

That guy hadn't...

Shut up.

Ralph must have got that job.

I hope so, poor guy,

huffing it around

all over stuffy bureaucrats.

Your shoes look good.

Well, I think I'll

mosey on down to Di's

and sing "Happy birthday"

under a window

and hope she thinks

I'm Western Union.

I bet Seymour won't

eat his cereal again.

Hello? It's for you.

Dr. Blake speaking.

3431, Front street.

Up three flights,

turn to the left, first door.

Yes, sir, I have it.

I'll be right there.

Must be on the level.

A guy knew my name.

I'm sure glad

he didn't ask for me.

Here's your bag.

Meet you and Ralph

down at Di's later.

I'll tell Ralph, but I gotta go

to a baby lecture with Ma.

Okay.

Yeah, the tetanus serum may

kick back and produce a fever.

Take it easy.

I shouldn't be out in public

much anyhow right now.

That's a bullet wound, Joe.

I have to make a police report.

Bullet wound?

He got hurt changing a tire.

This evens up for the

few bucks you owe me.

Thanks.

Can't take it.

You're not gonna be

a sucker all your life.

Who wants a statue

erected to them

after they're dead?

I gotta make

the police report, Joe.

Lots of guys

get hurt changing tires,

it happens everyday.

Take my word for it,

it's not a gunshot wound.

I studied medicine myself once.

I know.

This 200 bucks will

not only help

clear up a lot of bills

but I'm thinking of your girl.

I dropped in at The

Gaucho Club last night.

Just to keep my fingers

on the pulse of things.

Well, she's sort of

looking forward

to that birthday party tonight.

Maybe I shouldn't have

done it, but I

sent over a little trinket

just a few minutes ago.

No name.

But she'll know

who didn't forget her.

Yes, sir.

Girls like that want a lot

of attention these days.

And from where I sit...

She's worth it.

Is this a happy birthday?

That's very good looking.

Just like the sender.

Ralph, I once said that

when anyone saves a life,

it belongs to him.

Remember?

I certainly do.

I felt that way a long time

and I couldn't say anything.

I've been wanting

to talk to you too, Diana,

but I haven't felt I really

should until tonight.

Can I have that life back?

Frank's a...

Frank's a great guy.

The best.

Don't compliment the

waiter, he'll expect a tip.

Thanks, darling, for this.

Yeah.

And here's your tip.

My first kiss.

You would have to be a witness.

Yeah, I would.

What happened?

Prosperity has stolen

out of the night

and struck us without warning.

One shot of the needle

and we're rich.

Pour it on, boys.

Hey, who got the needle?

You or the patient?

Quiet, sawbones.

Tomorrow we pay the landlord,

get the X-ray machine,

lift Nelly's face...

Quiet, plutocrat.

Dr. Sawyer can pay

his own way now.

He's working for

the medical examiner.

Great!

Say, it's been a lucky

day for all of us.

Yeah.

Well, here's still

to the three of us.

I'm in the medicine business.

You don't need guns

to sell my merchandise.

Relax a minute,

will you, Chapman?

I got a couple of things

I wanna talk to you about.

One is, I've organized the

Druggists' Protective Association.

That's how Barney got shot.

A lot of these druggists

know I work for you.

A lot of them are paying

dues to my association.

It wouldn't pay

for you to squawk

because the Chapman

chemical company

would be involved.

So, if you're smart,

you'll just sit back

and take your cut.

Why, that's blackmail.

Yep.

And another thing.

The doctor who fixed Barney

up is a friend of mine.

Maybe you can give him some

of our compensation stuff.

All right, but if they

pick Barney up,

he never worked for me.

That's fine, Walter.

Mind if I use your phone?

Yeah, Joe.

Whenever you guys

need a doctor down there,

call Frank Blake.

I got the name, Frank Blake.

I better go over myself.

My wife just parted my hair

with a baseball bat.

Hello.

Sorry, Dr. Blake's busy.

Hello.

Dr. Blake can't see you

until tomorrow at ten.

I'll make the appointment.

I'm awfully sorry to keep you

waiting so long, Miss Wayne.

That's all right.

Maybe for the second show

we'll get Frankenstein.

Just put it down there.

Slug Grogan.

You're next.

Sorry, Slug.

He's still fighting me hard.

I goes into me crouch.

And the first thing I know...

Nine, ten.

I thought it was the gong.

So long, Doc.

So long.

How long does this go on?

The beauty contest, I mean.

I thought scavenger

hunts were passe.

And you used to talk about

a Park Avenue practice.

We're doing all right.

That's what's important.

Darling, they're

frightening looking.

Even Peter's ma won't let him

come to the office anymore.

We're eating caviar now

instead of beans.

Is that bad?

No. I guess not.

Hey, you forgot to say hello.

Hello, Darling.

Well, here we are,

the three of us again.

I guess maybe

I should have knocked.

No, no, no. I wouldn't know how to

kiss my girl without you around,

but I can try if you wanna

pass on through.

Yeah. I had a call

to make anyway.

If that's a trial, we don't

have to call Ralph back.

Hats off.

None of these guys are going anyplace.

So take a good look.

- That's him.

- Which one?

The one with his arm

in the sling.

Gimme your telephone.

Hey, you! Get back in line.

Nobody told you to move.

Just let me at a telephone.

That's all I want

is a telephone.

Hello.

Don't get excited, Barney.

We'll take care of everything.

Just keep your mouth shut.

What do you say, Frank?

No. It's perjury.

Why?

You don't know

if it was a gunshot wound.

There were powder burns

on his coat.

Barney was arrested,

not his coat.

Those scars could have been

acid burns of some kind.

Yeah. That's all

you'd have to tell him.

Acid burns.

Your appointments

are piling up, Dr. Blake.

I'll call you when I'm ready.

You're doing a nice

business here, Frank.

My friends wouldn't think

of goin' to anybody else.

It wouldn't be much

of a strain on your gratitude

if you said a few kind words

to the district attorney.

Would it?

What if I don't?

The district attorney

isn't fun to forgetful M.D.s

who don't report gunshot wounds.

I treated Barney Millen

at a flat on Front street

on July 20th, for what

I think were acid burns.

See Doc, the first time

you needle me

and this time you spring me.

Next time, I'll throttle you.

Sure, Doc.

Anytime you say.

I told you, you'd like Barney.

He's a lot of laughs.

"Doctor springs gunman.

"District's attorney releases Barney

Millen on protection racket charge.

"Dr. Frank Blake's testimony

frees gangster.

"Alleges bullet wound

was acid burn."

But how did Frank

ever get mixed up

in a thing like that?

And where is he?

I dunno.

Well, I'm not worried.

The guy my sister's gonna marry

wouldn't do anything wrong.

I'm afraid, you're

a little ahead of time.

That's Frank.

Yeah, the postman always rings twice.

Back to your crib, baby brother.

I think I can manage.

Frank. What's the matter?

Nothing. Why?

Hello, boys.

Your face is so drawn.

Frank.

I've been so worried.

The district attorney's office,

this business

in the evening papers.

Well, it was just

a routine matter.

I treated a man for acid burns,

and they wanted to know if it

mightn't have been a gunshot wound.

I gave them my opinion.

And they freed the man.

Yeah, they let him go.

That's all there was to it.

I told sis everything was okay,

but you can't

argue with a woman.

What's it like at headquarters?

Did they ask you where you

were the night of January 16th?

And who the lady was,

you were with?

I hope it was me.

What are you driving at?

And why the third degree?

I've already been through one.

I said it was acid burns.

Did you think I'd lie?

Please don't.

All right then. Forget it.

I'm sorry, Di.

I'm a little jumpy. I...

I guess, I'm tired.

You've been working too hard

and with all this on your mind.

She's right, Frank.

Look, Diana.

How about some coffee?

That's a swell idea.

It'll only take a minute.

And I'll make some toast.

Look who's going

to make the toast.

What's tough about that?

All you do is burn the bread

and then scrape it off.

Cigarette? No thanks.

I've been smoking too much lately.

Anything stirring down

at the office?

Just the usual run of stuff.

One of our patients left

his finger prints on Nelly.

I'd think we'd better have

a battalion expert

check them over.

Why do you say that?

No reason.

Except that I've been

wanting to talk to you

for quite some time, Frank

about our clientele.

But they've been keeping me

pretty busy down

at the medical examiner's.

They may not be fancy but they do come

in, don't they?

Yeah. But how?

I don't know.

Someone says something

to someone else about us.

The word passes along,

you know how it is.

And then, we get

a gunshot wound.

All right.

It wasn't acid burns.

You know I lied.

It was a friend of Grant's

Joe's been sending

all our business.

Yeah, I figured that.

What could I do, Ralph.

We had no practice,

the bills were piling up.

I couldn't take Diana anywhere.

I was getting fed up.

The going was tough but...

Frank, it's your business

but I'd go to the D.A.

and tell him the truth.

That would mean my license.

If they found out

about it, it'll be worse.

I'll take that chance.

As you say, it's my business.

Okay.

Listen, Frank.

They're keeping me

pretty much on the hop downtown,

and I'm not at

the office much anyway.

You mean that you're trying

to ease around to saying

that you want to call it quits.

Yeah.

Okay. If that's the way

you feel about it.

I'm sorry but that

is the way I feel.

Say goodbye to Diana

for me, will you?

Coffee for the three of us.

Tom's too young.

Where is Ralph?

He had to leave. He asked me

to say goodbye for him.

Goodbye?

I mean, goodnight.

That's better.

Hey, sis.

Hey, sis,

call up the fire department.

Ask 'em to pick up a couple

of loaves of bread on the way.

Careful. Don't scratch

the furniture.

I don't want the furniture

to scratch Gwendolyn.

Where's her spot in the sun?

I'll take care of that.

Yes, Doctor.

Thank you, Doc...

It's you.

Should I come back

in 30 days or I just wait?

All right, all right.

I'm going.

Come on, handsome.

Any calls, Miss Caine?

No, Doctor.

But there's a man

waiting for you inside.

I didn't want to let him in.

But he said you were former associates.

Ralph.

Nice joint you got here.

My pals will like it too.

Only you've been

turning 'em down lately.

Been too busy to handle 'em.

Yeah? That's interesting.

Because I don't see anything

gathering outside but dust.

Look, Joe, I helped you

and you helped me.

Let's leave it at that.

I catch.

You saved a few bucks

out of the business I sent you

and now you wanna brush me off.

That's right.

I don't blame ya.

I'm not a nice guy.

Well, so long.

See you at the Ritz for tea.

Yes, Doctor.

Miss Caine, in the future, if Mr. Grant

or any of his friends call, I'm out.

Yes, sir.

Dr. Blake, the Herald supply company

called about the x-ray machine again.

Better send 'em a cheque.

For the full amount?

No, send 'em 25 on account.

And you better keep your fingers

crossed, Miss Caine,

or you might be out of a job.

You're telling me.

I get lonesome sitting

out there all day.

It was almost a pleasure

to see Mr. Grant.

Almost but not quite.

Dr. Blake's office.

Who's calling please?

Dr. Watkins, next door.

Yes, Dr. Watkins.

Dr. Blake, I wonder if you

could do a favor for me.

I'm going away on my vacation and there's

a patient of mine, I'd like to send to you.

Yes, Doctor. I think I can find

time to take care of your patient.

What is the name please?

Covington. Mrs. Covington.

She's had three husbands

and four faces.

She's a very charming woman.

Thank you so much. Goodbye.

I'm glad ol' Watkins went away.

I'd almost run out of diseases.

What's your young

physician's name?

It's Dr. Frank Blake.

Such a sympathetic name.

I don't know

if he's a good doctor.

Who cares? He's good looking.

That's for me.

Dr. Blakes office.

Dr. Blake is in consultation,

Mrs. Owens.

Of course, he won't forget

your appointment.

Two o'clock, Mrs. Rowley.

Dr. Blake's office.

I've told Dr. Blake about your

dizzy spells, Mrs. Tooksbury.

When you get to the W's,

that's me, Wayne.

Maybe if you send him a lock of my

hair, he'd remember.

I know you've been waiting

a long time but we're so busy.

Yes, Doctor.

You may go in now,

Mrs. Covington.

Thank you.

So sorry but I've just

contracted a nervous breakdown.

Is there a doctor in the house?

Hello, dear.

My! What enthusiasm.

Maybe we need Ralph around.

Have you seen him lately?

No, I haven't, Di.

I've called him several times,

but he hasn't returned my call.

I imagine he's rather busy.

He has nothing on me, that's the Mrs.

Covington in the other office.

And the Miss Diana Wayne

in the inner office.

When you break two dates in a row

with a girl, she starts thinking.

Thinking that if you

don't see her tonight,

in the future,

call the bureau of missing persons.

I'm sorry, Di.

I can't tonight.

There's a dinner

at the County Medical Society

which is rather important.

If I...

Today is important to me too.

It's sort of an anniversary.

Six months ago, Ralph saved my

life and the three of us met.

That was an occasion, wasn't it?

Well, I've taken up

a lot of time

and the your prices,

I'll never be able to balance my budget.

Just forget about tonight.

Forget nothing.

I'll tell you what,

I'll break my date,

meet you at the club for dinner.

We'll say hello to Tommy and

have a little dance. How's that?

Swell.

Just meet us there.

You could pretend it was an accident.

No, Di. Thanks.

I appreciate you thinking of me.

Frank wants to see you.

I know he does.

He's called you and...

I dunno what the trouble is

between you exactly

but you were friends so long.

We've missed you.

I've missed you.

I've missed you.

How are things

going around here?

Pretty well.

You are now looking at deputy

medical examiner, Ralph Sawyer.

Wonderful.

Is the promotion fun?

Well, I went into training

to save lives, Diana,

but last week,

I did a post mortem

that sent a man to the chair.

That wasn't much fun.

Do you have to talk

about those things?

Peter Piper.

Hello.

So you're still a doctor?

Well, Ma thinks so.

I string along down here because

Ralph's away most of the time

and nobody bothers me.

A patient almost caught me

yesterday though.

A Mrs. Coates.

But I got away.

Boys, I've gotta run along.

I'm late for rehearsal now.

Won't you change your mind

about joining us tonight?

I believe not.

I'll get it.

If you do, they'll be

wine glasses for three.

Dr. Piper speaking.

Who's calling?

Mrs. Coates.

I'm afraid Dr. Piper

won't be able to come.

He just went out.

You wanna remember this street.

This is where you got

a shoulder full of lead.

Imagine that old geezer.

Pulling a rod on me.

If I ever see him again,

I'll bat his ears down.

Yeah, and you'll find yourself

back in Sing Sing, wise guy.

Keep your nose clean.

Crazy fool.

I had to do it, Joe,

that guy hurt me

and I just had to hurt him back.

That's all there is to it.

Driver...

I knew him from before.

Protection racket.

Drives a black

convertible roadster.

Height 5'11".

Scar on right check.

Dark brown suit.

Brown hat.

Wanted for murder.

I tell you what,

I haven't seen Grant

since I discharged him

over a week ago.

I dunno anything about any

Druggists' Protective Association.

All right. If you hear anything.

Let us know.

Yes, sir.

Here. Get out of town

and stay out.

No. I didn't shoot

the old man.

Stupid here did.

I couldn't help it, Joe.

Honest, I couldn't.

Will you shut up.

I'm tryin' to think.

All I got on me is a

description given by a dead man.

5'11".

Scar on right cheek.

Scar on right cheek?

Suppose there wasn't

a scar on my cheek.

What are you talking about?

What if I had it taken off?

Your friend could

do that for you, Joe.

And your fingerprints downtown?

There aren't any.

I've never been picked up.

I'm gonna have an important

consultation with my doctor.

♪ Take my heart for instance

♪ For instance take my heart

♪ It's never been in love

till now

♪ And now

it wonders where to start

♪ And take my lips

for instance

♪ But please remember this

♪ They've never tasted wine

till now

♪ And now they find it

in your kiss

♪ So lovely

♪ So new

♪ So thrilling

My darling

♪ One romance for two

But I can't leave.

♪ If they should ever part

♪ Our love will

always find them

♪ If you take

♪ My heart ♪

I'm sorry, Miss Wayne

but Dr. Blake, he said...

Called away, it was an emergency.

Would I please understand.

That's just what he said.

But how did you know?

I've just been gazing

in my crystal highball.

Well, I might as well

get used to drinking alone.

Or will you join me?

No. I never drink

my own liquor.

Excuse me.

Stop stalling and say,

yes or no.

There are a thousand

coppers on my tail.

It's only a couple

of hours of work

and who's to know you did it?

You better do it, Doctor.

They are in the driver's seat.

Do I tip off the cops about that

gunshot wound or you play ball?

All right.

Here are the keys to the office.

You go on ahead.

If the cops pick you up,

get rid of them.

I'll swallow them.

For you, I'd even

have indigestion.

Doctor, I got an idea.

Whatever you do,

you'll keep a record of it, right?

Yeah. Surgical notes.

Couple of pictures

before and after.

Good. Keep them

in a safe place.

They'll be our insurance

against Grant in the future.

Yeah.

I'm sorry you missed Frank at the

club, but personally,

I'm glad you changed

your mind and came.

You changed my mind.

Ralph, I've often wondered

why you never moved uptown

even with your new job.

Well, I figure sick people

are just as important

to their families

downtown than they are uptown.

Shoelace, again.

Someday you're gonna

fall on love with a gal

and while you're taking time out

to tie that lace, you'll see her

snatched away by a smart rival.

I did.

Look, there's a light

in Frank's window,

he must have been called there.

Let's go up.

Come on, you two have

been separated too long,

it'll surprise him to see you.

All right.

I can't seem to say no to you.

Look, maybe you'd better

go on in first.

I get it. The strong

male depending

on the weaker sex

to pave the way.

Okay, I'll fix it.

Are you sure

there won't be any mark left?

Yes, I'm sure.

What's the matter?

Is anything wrong with Frank?

He, he wasn't there.

I guess the janitor left

the light on by mistake.

I didn't think

he'd be here this late

and I prescribe

a little sleep for you.

After all,

it is 1:30.

All right, you can leave now.

Help me out with this

coat, will you, pal?

The shot you gave me

made me a little woozy.

In case this ever comes up,

you don't know

anything about it, understand?

Who is it?

I want to talk to you.

It's late, Frank.

Some other time.

But, I gotta talk to you.

There's nothing to talk about.

Extra final paper!

Killer caught!

Killer caught!

Extra paper!

Read all about it!

Joe Grant held for

questioning by police!

Extra final paper!

Read all about it!

I can testify that

someone operated on Grant.

The wound hasn't

even healed yet.

What of it?

They'd call you or one of the

medical examiners hired boys,

just a biased witness.

Just before that druggist died,

he talked of a scar

on Grant's right cheek.

There isn't any scar.

There isn't a slightest doubt

that Grant had an operation

performed to get rid of that scar.

But, you said this wound

would be completely healed

by the time

we brought him to trial.

That's right.

Then, we've nothing to go on.

Not unless we can find the

quack who did the operating.

Excuse me a moment.

Hello, Frank.

How's my girl?

I haven't seen Diana.

What are you doing here?

Just wanted to talk to you.

Why did you bring

Diana up to my office

late at night, snooping around?

Why didn't you

stop in and say hello?

I don't suppose you know

anything about Grant.

No, I didn't.

But things are beginning

to clear up a little, now.

And what are you

gonna do about it?

Nothing.

But you are.

Do you think I'd be that

much of a sucker

to help and convict

Grant and ruin myself at the same time?

Not a chance.

Listen, Frank...

I just want you to know

that nothing's changed

between Diana

and me, understand?

Yeah. All right,

then leave it at that.

The district attorney's office

has been combing the city

for Dr. Frank Blake,

rumored to have

been involved with Joe Grant

in the cold blooded murder of the

druggist, Philip Cooper.

The state feels

that Dr. Blake's testimony

would result in a quick conviction

of Grant. The chamber of...

Frank, I didn't know it

was you who sent for me.

What are you doing down here?

Never mind that. I want you

to do something for me.

Sure. Anything.

Frank...

Are you mixed up

in this Grant business?

I mean, the way

the paper's hinted?

Tell me, how's Di?

She's all right,

considering everything.

She's been upset

and jumpy most of the time.

It all came so suddenly,

the shooting and the

police and everything.

Give these to Ralph.

You don't have to explain

anything, he'll know.

And if Di asks

anything about me,

tell her I said "Hello" and then

everything's going to be all right?

Okay.

Diana...

I still don't think

you should be here.

I'd rather stay.

You might hear from Frank.

I've already heard from him.

He's in town,

but he's all right.

And I say to you,

that this trial

is no monument to justice.

Never before, has a

charge been brought on

such slender evidence.

A certain distinguishing

mark on the defendant's face

was altered by surgery

prior to his arrest.

Are you sure

it was surgery, Doctor?

Possibly you mean

police surgery?

A rubber hose

in a precinct basement.

May I get something

from my briefcase?

I have some photographs here

which prove conclusively that surgery

was performed on the defendant.

They were taken before

and after the operation.

That's not so good.

Blake sent those

pictures down here.

Quiet. Let's see how far

Sawyer will go with it.

Perhaps Dr. Sawyer

will tell the court

where these

photographs came from.

From whom did you

get these pictures?

You will answer

the question, Dr. Sawyer.

I'm sorry, but I can't

answer that question.

In that case, strike

Dr. Sawyer's testimony

regarding the photographs

from the record.

I don't like this.

If Blake ever shows up

and identifies those pictures,

you're talking to a ghost.

Look, send Pete to me.

Got a little errand

I want him to do.

Yeah? Besides which,

Joe told me to tell you

that Blake's trying

to hurt him and you too.

Well, nobody's going

to hurt my pal, Joe.

Not me, neither.

The case of the people

versus Joseph Grant

accused of murder

seems to be bogging down.

Dr. Sawyer of the

medical examiner's office,

introduced photographs

and evidence

to establish the claim of the state.

But on cross examination,

refused to tell where

the pictures came from.

I quote the district attorney,

"It is hard for me,

as district attorney of this county,

"to believe that a member

of the medical profession..."

Which room is the

Joe Grant trial?

Part three, first

turn to the right.

Thanks.

Mama, I got it.

Mama, I got.

No! Can you tell me

where were the...

I gotta have a candy bar.

Now that counsel have concluded

presentation of testimony,

the court has

taken under advisement

the defendant's motion

for dismissal

on the grounds

of insufficient evidence.

As a rule...

The court's filled.

I do not favor directed verdicts,

but in this particular instance,

I must apart from the custom.

I assume that this intrusion means

something of interest to this case.

I'm Dr. Frank Blake.

I believe Your Honor was

about to order dismissal.

If Dr. Blake has any pertinent

evidence to offer, we will listen.

This case is not yet closed.

Have Dr. Blake

take the stand.

Excuse me, sir.

Could you see better

if I took off my hat?

No! Quiet, court's in session.

If you can't be

quiet, leave the room.

Raise your right hand.

You solemnly swear

to tell the truth,

the whole truth and nothing

but the truth so, help you God.

I do. Sit down.

Will you state your name,

occupation and reason

for being here, please.

Frank Blake, I'm a physician.

I performed minor surgery

on the defendant's face

immediately after the shooting

of Mr. Cooper, the Druggist.

Proof of which is in Dr. Sawyer's

profession at the council table.

What are waiting

here for, buddy?

Pal of mine at the Grant trial.

Trial's just over but

don't park here too long.

Will they bring Frank this way?

I think so.

Frank,

I just wanted to say thanks.

Is that all?

That's all.

Someday, you might

lose that shoe entirely.

Here's to you.

Here's to you.

Here's to him.

Hello. I'm sorry

I'm late

but I've been dodging

a patient all day.

Dr. Piper,

somebody's calling you on the phone,

it sounds like a patient.

No, please.

The why did you

leave this number?

Well, I was expecting

a call from Ma.

Maybe you better take

a doctor with you.

Come on, we'll all go.

Heck, I can't.

I'm a working man.

Don't rush, man.

I don't feel so good.

Hey!

If you don't pull

yourself together,

I'll have to give you ether.

And I'll take it.

Gladly.

Mr. Jones?

Yes? I am Mr. Jones.

Did you send for a doctor?

Yes, I hope you're in time.

Well, where's the patient?

The mother's in there.

Follow me.

There she is.

But you're too late.