Half a Sinner (1940) - full transcript

Although young and beautiful, schoolteacher Anne Gladden fears a dull future. She finally decides to take a walk on the wild side, splurging on some fashionable new clothes and setting off to find adventure. Her new confidence inspires her to flirt with complete strangers. When a gangster pays unwanted attention to her, she ditches him and flees in his car, unaware that there's a corpse in the trunk. Determined to recover his stolen vehicle and its incriminating cargo the thug begins a desperate search. The oblivious Anne, comes to the aid of a handsome young man stranded alongside the road. Romance blooms, but after the shocking discovery of a body in the trunk, the duo decide they have to return the car. The bickering lovebirds head back to the city, trailed by both the angry gangster and the cops, who suspect the young couple of murder.

[MUSIC PLAYING}

-I will not try to be good.

MS. GLADDEN: What are
you mumbling, Willie?

-Nothing.

MS. GLADDEN: I think you
mean nothing of importance,

don't you, Willie?

-Yes'm.

MS. GLADDEN: Well, please
try to be as busy as a bee

without the buzzing.

[LAUGHTER]

MS. GLADDEN: Quiet, children.



[BELL RINGS]

MS. GLADDEN: Quietly.

Take your papers quietly.

Stay where you are.

All right, children--
forward march.

-Bye.

-Bye Ms. Gladden.

-Bye.

That will do, Willie.

I don't want to keep you in
on a lovely day like this,

but I have no alternative
when you're unruly.

What made you write in this
book, "Teacher is an old maid

and I hate school?"

Because I do hate school.



-But discipline is good
for all of us, Willie.

In latter years, you'll
be grateful for education.

-Maybe.

-Why, Willie, what
makes you say that?

-Because I hate being great.

-Oh, I know it's the spring.

I feel it too.

But everybody has duties and
responsibilities, Willie,

Few of us are able live
as we'd like to live.

So you may as well learn
to make the best of things

if you can't escape them.

-Yes'm.

Can I go now?

-Yes, Willie, you may go now.

-Oh, naughty again, eh?

-Yes'm.

-Well, I've always liked
the naughty ones best.

-Why Margaret, what a
thing to say to him.

-Well, i do.

The good ones never seem to
have the necessary imagination

and initiative.

-I know, but I never imagined
you felt that way, too.

-Margaret, tell me.

Do you ever feel tempted
to kick [INAUDIBLE]?

-Every spring.

I never do, though.

Too old and too ugly.

Now if I were your age
and looked like you,

and know what I know now.

-You'll demoralize
me completely.

I've been wanting
to smash everything

and run amok all day.

-When I was 28, a man smiled
at me once in a movie.

He looked like a
mighty nice man, too.

-Really?

And what happened?

-Nothing That's just it.

-You mean, you
didn't smile back?

-Of course not.

I was much too well-brought-up.

But ever since then,
I've wished I had.

I went back there for years, but
I never had the chance again.

-Men don't smile
at me much, either.

-Well, in your case, it's
those eyeglasses you wear,

and the books you carry,
and those flat-heeled shoes.

-Well you know yourself
that I couldn't hold

on to the job a
minute without them.

-If I were your age, I
wouldn't want to hold onto it.

-But I've got to hold
onto it, Margaret.

Jobs are scarce and hard to get.

Jobs where a girl is safe.

-Well, if I had my
youth over again,

I wouldn't be so
anxious to be safe.

-Ms. Gladden?

-Oh, for me?

-Yes, Ms. Gladden.

I picked them myself.

-Oh, thank you, Cindy.

-Violets and spinach.

Both grow out of the earth.

I'm spinach.

A useful vegetable,
and full of iron.

But nobody cares
much about spinach.

I never had a chance to be a
violet, much as I'd like to be.

But you have.

-You're full of nonsense today.

Dangerous, unsettling nonsense.

What's got into you, Margaret?

-My birthday.

I'm 40.

You begin thinking
a lot of things

when you suddenly
find yourself 40.

-But How can you suddenly
find yourself going 40?

-You can.

-Oh, I'm so sorry.

I mean, congratulations.

-What for?

Thanks.

GRANNY: Anne?

-Yes, Granny?

GRANNY: It's Saturday afternoon.

How goes the mending?

-Anne, what's happened to you?

-Nothing yet, Granny.

-Where did you get this dress?

-I bought it.

Out of the money I saved up.

And I kept up just enough
to go to the Savoy for tea.

-Have you lost your wits?

-No.

But I've just realized I'm 25
and getting older every day.

Do you realize that, Granny?

I'm getting older every day.

-But we all are.

-Yes, but we don't
stop to think about it.

Life goes on, and before
we know it our time is up.

And maybe we haven't
really lived at all.

-Lived?

-Silk.

Real, sheer silk.

Lovely things.

One wearing would
probably finish them.

Not serviceable at all.

But I don't care.

-Anne!

-Ever since father died and
you came to live with me,

I've done exactly as you
said to do about everything.

I've worked hard, I've worn
good, plain, serviceable

clothes, I've borrow books
from the library to read,

and I've saved my pennies.

I'm sure that was
a wise way to live.

But I'm tired of being wise.

That's sort of
life is all anyone

wants or expects when she's old.

But I'm young.

I mean, it's the privilege
of the young to be foolish.

I'm pretty.

Do you realize that?

I'm going to have
one day of freedom

from rules and regulations.

From worry and responsibility.

Yes, and from beauty.

For this one day, I'm going
to do exactly as i please,

and darn the consequences!

You understand,
Delilah, don't you?

You've been caged up, too.

Well, what the heck,
you have a fling.

-Oh, the window's open, Anne.

-I know it.

-She's gone.

She'll never come back!
the cats will get her.

Oh, the birds will
fight with her!

She'll starve.

-Perhaps.

But it will be worth it
to her to be free again.

-Watch the hack.

I'll be back in a minute.

-All alone?

Hasn't your mother told you it
isn't safe for a pretty girl

like you?

-Won't be safe for you if
my brother finds you here.

-Oh, I can take care of myself.

Don't worry about me.

-I won't.

-Waiting for your brother, eh?

Is that the best you can do?

-You'll see in a minute.

He's six feet two and he
has a very quick temper.

-Oh, that's too bad.

I'd hate to hurt
him on your account.

Say, you're kind of a
cute trick, you know?

-I'll call a police
officer if you

don't go away and
leave me alone.

-Go ahead, call one.

Rough one, eh?

Playing hard to get.

That's OK by me.

You'll soon melt.

They all do.

-Hey!

-I told you not to come here.

Every cop in town
knows you by sight.

And as soon as
they find that body

they're sure to start
looking for you.

-Ain't found the
body yet, have they?

-So what?

-Hey.

Some dame just stole our hack.

-What, with the stiff in it?
-What?

What does he mean
with the stiff in it?

-Well, we didn't have a
chance to dump him, Chief.

-You mean to tell
me you rubbed him

out and left his
body in the car?

-That was a hot car. we
stole it for the job.

-And it's parked right
in front of this door.

-Well, we were going to throw
the guy in the river the minute

we plugged him,
but we saw a couple

of suspicious guys looking,
so we just drove on.

-Yeah.

And then we saw another spot
and some kids breezed by.

-And we decided we'd
wait until tonight.

-I see.

So you bring him here?

-Eh, you don't have to worry.

He's all covered up in the back.

-Covered up with what?

-With an overcoat.

Ain't he?

-What overcoat?

-Your overcoat.

-My over-

-Now wait a minute.

Now wait a minute Chief.

I forgot.

As I was going out the door,
I grabbed your overcoat

by mistake and, well, I
didn't think until afterwards.

-So you covered him
up with my overcoat,

with my name in the label,
and it's still over him?

Is that the setup?

-I guess it is, Chief.

-Red, I don't know how
long you want to live,

but I know how long
you're going to live

if you don't get that coat.

Just ten hours.

-Yeah, but look, Chief-

-Grab Handsome's hack
and follow that dame.

No rough stuff, just watch
your chance and get that coat.

-But how do I know
where she's went?

-You'd better find out, Red.

And Red?

Don't come back
without the coat.

-Calling all cars, calling
the highway patrol.

Watch for stolen car.

It's a Stevens' night.

M8 12124.

M for Mary, 8 12124.

M for Mary, 812124.

Looks like a gang
job boys, Be careful.

They're dangerous.

-Smokey Joe disappeared.

The big shot car snatcher.

-I don't need no formal
introduction to Smokey.

As a matter of fact,
I was just sittin'

here thinking about him.

Figure he snatched that big
limousine that was reported

stolen this afternoon.

-I didn't hear anything about
a limousine being snatched.

What time was it missed?

-Am I aimin' to get
information from you,

or are you aimin' to
get information from me?

Which is working for who?

-Snuffy, which side are you on?

Are you a stool pigeon or not?

-If you ain't willing to live
up to our gentleman's agreement,

that's all right with me.

I can sell my information
someplace else.

-What information?

You hold out on
me, and I'll lock

you up for obstructing
an officer.

The car was missed
about two o'clock.

-Smokey didn't leave
Snickey's till 2:30.

Saw him there myself.

Just walked out casual-like
and ain't been seen since.

-Then I guess Slick Kopesco's
gang got him after all, then.

-Yeah, that's what
his dame thinks.

She's going crazy.

Says Smokey was on
his way to meet her

and nothing would have
kept him from keeping

the date unless
he was rubbed out.

-Did you hail me?

-Why, why yes I, I did.

-Did you want something?

-Well, yes I- I must have.

I mean, I did, of course.

Otherwise, why would
I have stopped you?

-Exactly.

-My car, you see, it--

-What's wrong with it?

-Oh, heaven only knows.

The ignition, or the carburetor.

Or maybe the battery's run down.

There might be water
in the gasoline.

-You know anything about cars?

-Not a thing.

-Oh.

I suppose you've got a
chauffeur to look after this.

-Oh, of course.

And he's such a
good mechanic too.

But unfortunately,
this is his day off.

-That's too bad.

-Yes, isn't it?

-Well, I can't get
the darn thing to go.

Would you mind giving me a
lift to the nearest garage?

-Oh no, I couldn't.

I mean, I can't daren't.

Really this car, you see, I-

-Well, it's courtesy
of the road, you know.

It's done every day.

it's quite proper.

It doesn't mean a thing.

-Oh, well, I suppose
I may as well.

Jump in.

-Marvelous luck, your
coming along just then.

-Had you been waiting long?

-Years and years.

You often go out alone like
this on the chauffeur's day off?

-No.

In fact, I've never
done it before.

-It's a pretty big car for
you to handle, isn't it?

-Oh, I find I can
manage well enough.

Though of course, I've only
driven small cars before.

You see, this isn't really mine.

-Your brother's?

-Yes.

-I'm alone in the world.

-Are you?

So am I, really.

-But I thought you
just said that--

-Oh, not my real brother.

Someone who helped me once
in a very critical situation.

Helped me unwittingly, too.

That was the
wonderful part of it.

Isn't this the garage
we're coming to?

I'll be leaving you here?

-No, that is-- I mean, yes,
but that is, it is a garage,

but you just can't
go up and abandon me.

I simply won't let you go.

-No?

-No.

That is, not until I
find out whether or not

they can help me.

-Oh, very well.

You make inquiries,
and I'll wait.

-Promise?

-Promise.

-Oh, oh say, I left my car down
the road a ways, a Roadster.

License PA65.

Will you pick it up for me?

-Sure, what's wrong with it?

-Nothing.

I just want you to hold it
here for me till I come for it.

-OK, pal.

-OK.

Here are the keys.

-Can they take
care of it for you?

-Yes, but It's going to
take them a long time,

and it would be awfully
dull waiting around here.

-Yes, I suppose it would.

I know.

We could have tea.

-That's right.

We could, couldn't we?

-Of course, I know I shouldn't.

-Courtesy of the road, you know.

-You really think
that covers it?

-I'm sure of it.

-Very well, then.

Where should we go?

-Well, let me think.

-You look as if you had a really
serious question to answer.

-What?

Oh, oh tea.

Oh, well, how about the
Chester Country Club?

It's not far off.

-Surely that's only for members.

-Well, I thought you'd
probably be a member.

You-- anyway, when
they know who you are,

they won't make
any difficulties.

-Who am I?

-I don't know, but you
must be someone important.

-What makes you think that?

-Well, this car, and
the way you look.

Your manner and everything.

-Can't always trust appearances.

-No, I guess you're right,
but then, just the same,

I'll bet we get in
without any trouble.

-Well, I hope so.

Would be fun to have tea there.

-Maybe Slick's gang picked up
the car to give Smokey a ride.

I'd like to get on
the trail of that car.

Might give me a lead
to Slick's gang,

and I could round them up.

It'd mean a promotion.

-Maybe to the
metropolitan force.

It's the missing car!

I saw the license number!

-And it went right by
the police station.

Who was in it?

-I couldn't see, It
went by too fast.

But I'll get 'em!

-Hey, the speed limit is 20
miles an hour in that town.

-Was I doing more than that?

-Well, not more
than three times.

And we just passed
a police station.

-Did anyone notice us?

-I think so.

I see a cop climbing
on his motorcycle

and heading this way.

-Oh, dear.

We'll have to lose him.

-I should think so, yes.

-You don't understand.

There are reasons why it would
be awkward if we were stopped.

-Maybe I can guess one of them.

-You couldn't possibly.

I look so innocent
you- you'd never

believe I could do
anything so terrible.

-Can't seem to make
it go any faster.

What does the speedometer say?

I don't want to take
my eyes off the road.

-Well, don't.

We're doing eighty.

-Oh.

-I wish a truck
would come along.

-What?

-To delay him, I mean.

-Look here.

There's a right turn just ahead.

Now it's a bad road, and
we might just manage it.

He couldn't possibly.

-Where?

-Here.

-Is he following us?

-Yes.

No.

not now.

-What's that popping?

-A pop gun.

-You mean he's firing at us?

-He's certainly firing in
this general direction.

-Oh, dear.

That's not just for speeding.

He must know what I've done.

-I suppose you know
whatever you've done,

you've made me an
accessory after the fact.

-Have I?

Oh, dear.

I didn't mean to.

You can get out and
leave me if you like.

No one's seen you with me.

Not to identify you, I mean.

-Except the fellow
at the garage.

-Oh, that's right.

I'm so sorry.

Well, never mind.

You get out, and I'll go back
and do something about him.

-Well, no, no, no, no.

That's all right.

I can take care of myself.

As a matter of fact,
I'm in the game, too.

-What game?

-Wait till we get somewhere
where we can talk.

-Which way?

-Right.

-But we're doubling
on our tracks.

-I know.

Maybe we could
lose him that way.

-What's the matter?

-Hello, Red.

How are you?

What are you up to, Snuffy?

-Trying to keep
that car in sight.

Follow it, will you?

-Follow it?

What'll I follow it for?

-Because the car's been
snatched, that's what for.

-No.

-Yeah.

I recognize the license number.

-I see.

And I suppose the cops told you
to be on the lookout for it.

-Hey, I heard you turned
Stooley, is that right?

-That's a dirty lie.

I've been a crook all my life.

Somebody's trying to
ruin my reputation.

-Yeah?

-Now, I'm wise, I tell you.

I happened to notice
the name on the driving

license one the shaft, there.

And I happen to know the police
are looking for this car.

-Oh, dear.

I hoped you wouldn't.

Then you do know.

-Well, not everything.

Who are you working for?

-Well, the government, in a way.

-The?

Government

-Yes.

I know it's hard to believe.

-Not hard, impossible.

-What am I supposed
to think you are?

A G-woman?

-Of course not.

-I suppose you rubbed out
that guy that guy back

there as a favor
to the president.

-I don't think I
quite follow you.

-You don't, lady.

You lead them all.

-Perhaps it's indelicate
of me to mention it,

but I'm burning with
curiosity to know

who that stiff is behind us.

-Is someone following us?

No, not following us.

-We're transporting
him in comfort.

The stiff.

The body.

The dead man.

-[SCREAMS]

-Hey!

-Is that really a body?

-Well, I haven't
examined it in detail,

but there is certainly the
hand of a dead man back there.

-Oh!

-Lady, wait a minute,
wait a minute!

-But how did he get there?

-Well, that's what I
expected you to tell me.

-Well, somebody must
have put him there.

-How true.

-I mean, before I took the car.

I mean, I didn't
know he was there.

-Well I wondered
why we're driving

him all over Chester County.

-Good heavens, this is awful.

Has he been murdered?

-Well, that would be my guess.

When people die
naturally, you seldom

find them wrapped up
in the back of a car.

-We must get away from here-

-Oh, no, leave it here.

It wouldn't be wise to do that.

-No, I suppose not.

-It would be awkward
for us, wouldn't it,

if somebody noticed it while
we were having our tea.

-What are we going to do?

-Thanks for that we.

I think the best thing to
be to do would be to park it

in the garage, in the
darkest corner I can find .

Now you go ahead and order, and
I'll follow you in a minute.

-All right.

-Hey you.

You won't leave me, will you?

-Of course not.

We'll see this thing
through together.

-Lovely.

I knew you'd stand by me.

-Folks sure got swell
hangouts these days.

-Yeah.

You stay here.

I'll look around.

-Hey, buddy.

Any place a guy can use
a phone around here?

-Round at the garage.

Just follow this path.

-Thank you

-Hey, buddy.

Where's the telephone?

-It'll be all right
here, won't it?

I'm stopping just long
enough to have tea.

-Yes, I guess
it'll be all right.

-I'm locking it up
because well, I've

got something pretty
important in it.

-Yes, sir, it'll be all right.

-Is there a telephone here?

-Right up in front.

-Thank you.

-Hello.

Give me the police
station, please.

Well, naturally the nearest one.

MOBSTER: [INAUDIBLE].

Been trailing that dame ever
since she snatched the bus.

No, I ain't had a
chance to get it.

Because, she picked
up some guy and they

left it alone up until now.

-Now it's here in the garage
at the Chester Country Club.

MOBSTER: No, no not a chance.

There's lugs all over the place.

they're watching the guy's cars.

-Yeah, it's still here.

Look, Slick, I could shoot this
place up and probably get away

with it, but you
said no rough stuff.

OK, OK.

Just as you say, Slick.

MOBSTER: Yeah.

I'll wait here till
handsome shows up.

-Your pal is around at the
garage using the phone.

-I want to use it, too.

Ain't you got one here?

-Yes, bit I ain't supposed
to allow anybody to use it.

-This once won't matter.

It's important.

I'm connected with the
police, and I want to report.

-Very well.

-Give me the police
station in Ferndale.

-That you, Kelly?

Snuffy?

Hey.

I've picked up those
parties you lost and trailed

then to the Chester
Country Club.

-I'll be right over.

-I hope there's not
going to be any trouble.

-Not for you or me, son.

If we mind our own business
and keep our mouths shut.

-Tea for two?

Hot, toasted muffins?

Honey and raspberry jam.

Is that right, miss?

-It looks heavenly.

-Will your sign for it, miss?

-Oh-

-You can pay if you'd rather.

It's just the same, miss.

-I'd much rather.

It uh, it makes my
father furious to get

slips for afternoon tea.

He thinks it spoils my dinner.

-I guess he does.

-How much?

Oh- Well.

-Oh, thank you, miss.

Thank you very much, miss.

-Did I see you paying?

-I didn't know what name
to sign to the slip that

wouldn't have got us thrown out.

Anyway, it wasn't very much.

Worth it just to be here.

-You're a strange sort of crook.

-Well, I haven't been a
crook very long, you see.

-How long?

-Well, just since today.

Oh, I suppose I an
a crook, even if I

never intended to need the car.

-I'm afraid there's
no way to prove that

to the satisfaction
of the court.

-I know, I suppose there isn't.

-And then there's that passenger
in the rear to explain.

Unfortunately, he can't
speak for himself.

-But I told you, he must have
been there when I took the car.

I just never looked back.

-Nor forward,
either, apparently.

-I wish you'd let me explain
just how it all happened.

Will you?

-I certainly will.

Considering the mess we're
in, I think I ought to know.

-Well.

-That car still here?

-In there.

But you ain't supposed
to know me, see?

Red Egan is in there, too.

He's one of Slick Kopesco's
gang and they're dynamite!

-What's he up to?

-I ain't found out yet,
but I'll keep trying.

-OK.

Take care of yourself.

-I will.

-So you see, i practically
had to take the car.

-I see.

Well, no wonder you
had me guessing.

-What did you mean when you said
you were in the game yourself?

Are you a crook, too?

-Well, yes, but I
wouldn't have told you,

only I thought that maybe--

-Oh, of course.

Well, I'm awfully glad you did.

I can't tell you how
it's relieved my mind.

-Relieved your mind?

-Well, yes.

I mean, anyone else,
no matter how nice

or how willing to
help, mightn't have

been able to get me
out of this mess.

But being a crook yourself-

-Of course.

-I-- I suppose this is just
the daily grind to you.

-One of my duller days.

-I suppose you think
nothing of getting rid

of stolen cars and bodies?

-Nothing at all.

Nothing at all.

-Oh.

-I'm looking for a stolen car.

-What kind of a car?

-Big limousine.

That looks like it over there.

-See you later.

-Locked, eh?
-Yeah.

Said he had something
important in it.

-[INAUDIBLE] maybe.

He was alone, you say?

-That's right.

-What kind of a
looking fellow was he?

-Just ordinary, I guess.

-You can't describe him, eh?

-Well, no, I didn't pay
much attention to him.

-Well, I'll wait here
and see for me self.

-Where are we going now?

-We have to to pick up the car.

We;ll have to keep driving
around till it gets

dark enough to get rid of that-

-Oh, I know, don't say it.

I don't want to think about it.

I just have to try and
forget that he- it-

-Did you notice that fella?

-Yes.

-Ever seen him before?

-No.

-Well, he's been following you.

And I rather think
he can tell us

a thing or two about
our silent passenger.

-He didn't seem to notice us
when he passed us just now.

-He just didn't want us
to spot him, that's all.

-Oh, dear.

-Suppose somebody's
noticed something?

-No, I locked the car.

-Of course.

-Oh.

-What is it?

-It's a cop sitting
on the running board.

-What do we do?

Has he seen us?

-No.

Not yet.

Now, just follow my lead.

Head up.

-Afternoon, officer.

Anything wrong about that car?

-And what would
be wrong with it?

-Oh, I just wondered.

We happened to notice a
fellow who was driving it,

and we thought there was
something distinctly fishy

about him.

-Oh, quite definitely.

-Yes.

-You saw him, then?

-Well, yes, he was just
ahead of us as we drove in.

-You don't know where he
is now, I suppose, sir?

-Well, as a matter
of fact, I do.

I can point him out
to you if you like.

-I'd like that very much.

-Well, you find our
car, will you, Anne?

And get it started?

-I'll meet you at the door.

Come along officer.

-He's a tough-looking customer.

It's a lucky thing you're armed.

I wouldn't want any
part of him, myself.

-Don't worry about me, sir.

-I'll bet not.

-With that kind, I shoot first,
and ask questions afterwards.

-Yeah, that might be the
best for all concerned.

Oh, there he is.

-You sure that's the man?

-Well just look at hm.

What's he doing in
a place like this?

Would you say he had any
legitimate business here?

-I'll soon find out.

-Hey, you!

I want you!

-All right, go!

-Put 'em up!

Reach!

Bluffing, huh?

-And don't try any
tricks if you don't want

a doctor working on
what I leave intact.

-You'll hear about this
when I see my mouthpiece.

I'm an innocent man.

-Innocent of what?

-Innocent of what I've
done-- I mean, I'm innocent.

-You're wanted for stealing
Mr. Cameron's limousine.

-Who, me?

-If you didn't steal it,
what are you doing with it?

-What am I doing with it?

Why, have I got it?

-You left it back
there in the garage.

-Ah, you're crazy, I left
my car out at the gate.

-At the gate, huh?

-Yes.

-What do you call yourself?

-Red Egan.

-Well, Red Egan, come along.

-I'll soon find out about that.

You get along to the gates.

And don't try any tricks.

Because I'm going to
be right behind you.

-We made it.

I know I shouldn't be
enjoying this, but I am.

-It's all right when you
get a lucky break like that.

You wouldn't be feeling so
happy if we'd been caught.

-I know.

-So let's not rejoice to soon.

Were not out of this yet.

-Is that your car?

-You won't believe me.

Ask the old guy
that sitting in it.

-Say you, do you know this man?

-Sure, I know him.

He's a pal of mine.

What's he done?

-I'm told he stole a limousine.

Big black one?

License M8 12124?

-Yeah, what about it?

-Went shooting out that
way about five minutes ago.

-What?

Which way?

-Hey.

Come back here you big lug,
and take these things off.

What do you think I am?

-That young fellow and
that girl told me that-

Hey!

They were the ones in the car.

-If I get my hands
on them, I'll-

-He couldn't get his
hands on an elephant.

-Listen.

you wait here for handsome.

Tell him I'll phone
him when I find

out where I can connect with hm.

-OK.

-It's like a terrible
yet exciting kind of tag.

-Plays for pretty high stakes.

-I think for the time
being, you better

keep your mind on your driving.

-Oh, that officer couldn't
possibly overtake us now.

We had too big a start.

-Get going.

Our friendly officer
has struck our trail.

-Oh, dear.

What a nuisance he is.

-He's gaining.

-I can't go any faster.
-Well zig zag.

He's going to to shoot!

-[INAUDIBLE].

Follow that limousine!

-Keep going.

I think we've ducked him again.

-Hooray!

-Why is it making
that funny noise?

-Sounds to me as if
we're running out of gas.

Luck's still with us.

There's a gas station
down the hill.

-We can make that easily.

-I'll give it a shove
and we can coast down.

-Need any help?

-No, you just steer.

-Are the brakes off?

-No.

-Well, put them off.

Oh, put them on again!

-You have to come and push, too.

We can manage, I think.

-Look!

No wonder the gad ran out.

That awful cop put a
bullet in our tank.

Now we'll have to abandon it.

No use to get gas now.

The tank won't hold it.

-I believe it would if we could
get a cork to fir that hole.

-A cork?

-Well, come on.

We're wasting time.

And don't push from there.

If it goes back,
it'll go over you.

-Oh, I never thought of that.

-Now push!

There we go.

All right, hop in.

-Howdy, Miss.

Good old friend.

What'll you have?

Gas, air or water?

-Gas.

-All right.

-How many gallons you want?

-Oh, fill her up.
-Fill her up.

Right up to the top?

-Right up to the top.

-Yes, sir.

-Oh, but we'll
need a cork first.

-Huh?

A cork?

-Yes, you see, we got
a hole in the tank.

We backed into a fence
with fancy spikes on it.

-Oh, reckless driving.

Heh heh.

By George, you young
fellas always in a hurry.

-Yeah.

-Well, sir, by jingo.

Looks exactly like
a bullet hole to me.

-A bullet hole?

What absolute nonsense.

Why.

What do you mean?

-What's the matter, lady?

Can't you take a joke?

Heh heh.

You don't look much
like gangsters to me.

No sir!

You look more like honeymooners.

I don't expect to
find machine guns

or dead bodies in
your car, now do I.

-No.

-Certainly not.

So you want a cork, do you?

-If you don't mind.

-I'll get you one.

M812124.

Eight one two, one two, four.

Eight one two, one two four.

M eight one two, one two, four.

Hello, hello operator?

Give me a policeman.

-Do you think he
suspects anything?

-I don't know.

-Huh?

I want a policeman.

Hello?

hello there.

Say, what's the matter,
all you policemen deaf?

Say look here.

I think I've got a hold of
them gangsters in that car

you warned us about
Yes, that car.

Number M9- 8- um, eight,
nine, um, gosh darn it!

Um, oh shucks.

Well, hold on, I'll
get another look at it.

Now look here, young fella,
don't you pull no gun on me.

-Now tell me, what's the idea
of trying to call the Police

-Well, I'll tell you why.

We got a warning
over the telephone

to watch out for a car
at all gas stations.

Number nine, eight, um, well,
I don't remember the number,

but I know it's your car!

And I'm not going
to protect you.

Gosh darn it, why should I?

Don't know you,
never heard of you,

never seen you
before in my life.

I'm a law-abiding citizen
and I'm going to do my duty.

-That's right.

But if you're not able
to call the police,

they can't blame you can they?

-But who- who's not able?

Why god damn you--

-Sit down and relax.

-Oh, gosh darn.

Hey, don't hog tie me.

You'll have the law
on you for this.

Help!

Help!

Hey, officer!

Police!

Gosh darn it, I-I
I'm going to get

a hold of the governor of
the state of Pennsylvania.

You certainly going
to pay for this!

-I had to stop for
gasoline madame.

-Rank negligence,
that's what it is.

Deceived me before we started.

You know I don't like sitting
in this smelly gas station

while you fill the tank.

-I'm sorry, madam.

I'll be as quick as I can.

-You'd better be.

-Sorry, but I'll see
you're released soon.

You can console yourself
with the reflection

that you're a martyr to duty.

-[MUMBLING].

-What?

And shut up!

-Hello!

Anyone about?

-Hello, looking for something?

-You don't run
this place, do you?

-No no, I promised to keep an
eye on it till he gets back.

-So where'd he go?

-Well he went down
that way, he said,

to look at a car
that's in trouble.

he's only been gone
a couple of minutes.

You can probably catch
him if you hurry.

-Well, maybe I'd better do that.

My madam doesn't like waiting.

-No.

-He went this way, you say?

-That way.

You'll see him somewhere
around the next turn.

-Thank you very much.
Thank you.

-I beg your pardon,
but your chauffeur

had gone to look for the
man that runs this place,

and I thought maybe
while you're waiting,

you might like a cup of tea.

-Tea, hm?

Idea's good?

The tea probably terrible.

Still it's something to do.

-There we are.

Oh, I'll see if the lady
that with me won't join us.

She's probably bored
with waiting, too.

Pardon me, just a moment.

-Yes, do.

Come and have tea
with this lady.

there's nobody to
wait on you, so

you'll have to find it yourself.

Now be charming, and keep
her interested, understand?

-I think so.

But where's the little man?

-I'll explain later.

What

-Fun.

I love things that happen
unexpectedly like this,

don't you?

-When they're pleasant.

-Well, the tea may
not be pleasant,

but at least we can
make it ourselves.

That's a comfort.

And I'm pretty
good at making tea.

-Well, that's something.

-Wouldn't it be fun
to own this place

and meet all the strange people
who stop here day after day?

-Most of them would be very
ordinary and blasted dull.

-I suppose so.

But some would be interesting.

One could speculate on
where they were going

and that their relationships
were to one another.

I always do that in
buses and trains.

Don't you?

-Yes.

But I thought it was
my own private game.

I didn't know
anybody else did it.

-I should think all
lonely people do it.

I mean, people who's
lives aren't very full,

and who haven't any interesting
affairs of their own

to think of.

-Isn't your life very full?

It should be.

Mine was when I was young
and pretty like you.

-Sugar?

-Thanks.

-Maybe you don't think
I was young and pretty.

You ought to have seen
me before the war.

And please don't say what war.

-I wouldn't be so rude.

-No, I suppose not.

-Didn't you find him?

-No, I walked all
over the place.

I couldn't find any sign
of a car in trouble.

-Well that's funny,
Well, anyway, I

took the liberty of filling
both cars while you were gone.

-Oh, did you?

-Yes, and your mistress,
she's anxious to get going.

She had some tea
but she's restless.

-Thanks sir.

How much did you put in it?

The car, I mean?

-Twenty gallons.

You can leave the money
on the counter inside.

-All ready, madam.

-So soon?

You've been quick, Mason.

You'll telephone
and come and see me?

-I will.

-And bring this
young man with you.

He has a reckless look
that intrigues me.

I always had a weakness
for dangerous men.

-Thanks, if that's a compliment.

-Of course it's a compliment.

I wouldn't have come in here
at all if I hadn't thought

you were going to give me
knockout drops and rob me.

But I'm not sorry I came.

Goodbye.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye.

-Just a minute.

-Is that where
the little man is?

-I hope so.

Come on.

No use tempting providence
by hanging around here.

-Stop that fool [INAUDIBLE].

-What does this mean?

What the devil do you think
you're doing firing at me,

you blasted fool?

Do you want to give
me a heart attack?

Come back, you blundering
cop, where are you?

-What are you're
doing in that car?

Why shouldn't I be in it?

It's mine.

-According to information
received by us,

this car belongs to Mr. Lawrence
Cameron and it was stolen.

-What's that?

Are you choosing accusing
me of stealing my own car?

-Are you Mr. Cameron?

-Do I look like Mr. Cameron,
you blithering idiot?

-I never saw Mr. Cameron.

All I know is this-- he part
reported the loss of his car,

and the last time
I saw it, there

was a young fellow
and a girl in it.

Where are they now?

-Perhaps you think
i murdered them.

-Maybe you did.

-Oh!

And maybe you switched cars with
them to throw me off the scent.

-Oh!

-There's that young fella and
the girl at the gas station.

They have a car quite like this.

-How clever of to
think of that, Mason.

But they're care was
a Steven's Knight.

-The car that was stolen
what's the Stevens Knight.

-Then why did you stop me?

This car isn't a
Stevens Knight, is it?

-Um, no-

-Don't dither.

Haven't you got the license
number of this stolen car?

-I have.

M eight one two, one two four.

-Well, then, does that number
look anything like mine?

-It's identical.

-What?

-That's why he sent me
on that wild goose chase.

He wanted to switch the license
plates while I was gone.

And that's why he gave
you the tea, madam.

-What was the license number on
this car before they switched?

-You can't remember,
can you Mason?

-Uh, no madam.

-Neither can I.

-Where do you claim the plates
were switched on you, ma'am?

On the turnpike five miles back.

But if you think those young
miscreants are still waiting

for you there,
you poor specimen,

you do them less than justice.

Tell my man to drive on.

-Go ahead.

The old image is Mrs.
Jefferson Breckenridge.

Isn't she a Cocker?

She's related to
half of who's who.

She's worth millions.

Her license number was T five
six three nine seven six.

-[POLICE RADIO CROSSTALK]

-What did we come in here for?

-It's safer.

-Where are we?

What place is this?

-A crib I've had my
eye on for a long time.

-A crib?

-Yeah.

It ought to be easy to crack.

The family's away, and
there's no watchman.

Now we can use it for a
hideaway for a couple of hours,

and clean out the place.

Aw, there ought
to plenty of swag.

Unless they're poor busters
and living beyond their means.

-You mean you're planning
to rob this house?

-Why not?

-Oh, I don't want to be a thief.

Not really.

-But you are already.

You stole this car, didn't you?

-Yes, but that awful man
frightened me into it.

-You're going to have
a swell time convincing

the cops of that if
they nab you with it.

-They won't.

They mustn't.

We must get it back
to its rightful owner

as soon as it's safe.

-With the corpse still in it?

-Oh, I don't know
what to do about him.

It.

-Well, we might leave
it here for the family

to find when they come back.

-That's an idea.

And an soon as we're safe,
send a mysterious message

to the police.

-It's a pity you're losing
interest in a life of crime.

You certainly get ideas.

-Where are you going?

-To do a little
belated investigating.

Now you stay where
you are for a minute.

Looks like a tough
[INAUDIBLE] gangster.

I'd say offhand.

One's bullet wound
and a peach of a shot.

He didn't bleed much.

-Don't.

-I just thought maybe
you'd like to know

the car wasn't all messed up.

There's nothing in his pockets.

But he's got an
overcoat over him

that seems to be full of
incriminating evidence.

I think I'll take it in with
us and examine it later.

-But you're not really going
to break into the house?

-Why, of course. no use
here for several hours.

We're trespassing anyway.

May as well go a step
further into a bit

of breaking and entering.

-Oh, don't.

Please don't.

-Now don't be silly.

You're cool.

I can see you shivering.

-It's fright.

-I thought you were enjoying
the thrill and danger

and excitement of
a life of crime?

-Not now it's dark.

-Well, you trust me.

I'll see you through.

-Well I suppose I'll have to.

If you go, of course,
I'll have to go, too.

I can't stay here
alone with a corpse.

Wait!

-Shh.

Don't make so much
unnecessary noise.

Now follow me.

-Suppose someone's here?

-There's no lights.

Besides, I checked up on it.

-Well suppose there's
a burglar alarm?

-I put them out of
commission a week ago

when I cased the joint.
[INAUDIBLE] over the place

that night.

-Are you going in
the front door?

-The simplest way
and the quietest.

Besides, the other door is
going to be barred from inside.

And the windows?

Well, I hate the mess
about breaking glass.

Now follow me.

It's a jolly little
place, isn't it.

-Oh, I wish I were
home with granny.

-Granny?

I haven't heard of her before.

I haven't thought
of her for hours.

-Is she a young granny,
or an old granny?

A cocktail granny or a
fireside knitting granny?

-A fireside knitting granny.

And terribly good.

-Well, well.

It's lucky for you
she can't see you now.

-It is.

Or the trustees at my school.

-Shh.

I think we'd better slip
into the back of the house.

It's hidden from
view by the trees.

And no one can see us there.

-Oh, dear, is that safe?
-Quite safe.

We can't be seen unless
someone comes snooping around,

and no one's likely to do that.

-What a heavenly kitchen.

-Not bad.

Awfully glad you like it.

Oh, we'll have a fire
going in a minute.

And we'll be beautifully snug.

-Are you sure the family's away?

-I'm certain.

Why?

-Well, nothiing's been
put away properly.

The servants of the rich
are very careless. they save

themselves as much
bother as they can.

-I hope they were
careless enough

to leave coffee and
things like that.

They have.

And biscuits and
jam and all kinds

of cans and bottled things.

Maybe they'd even left
food in the icebox.

-Well we can't use
any of those things.

That would be stealing.

-I know, we can find out
whose house this is, and leave

some money in en envelope
to pay for everything.

-Oh!

-What is it?

-Butter, eggs, cream.

-Well, why not?

-Don't you see?

I don't believe this
family's gone away at all.

-But I tell you, I'm certain.

-Well, when are they
supposed to have gone?

-Days ago.

-But these things are fresh.

They can't have
been here for days.

-At that temperature?

Of course.

-You know, I have
a creepy feeling

we're going to be unpleasantly
surprised here at any moment.

-That's nerves, my lass.

You'd better watch them.

No really successful crook
can afford to have them.

Besides, who'd
know we were here?

-Hey, handsome.

Come here.

Is that the bus up there?

-Say, it looks to me, Red.

-Come on.

-Not hot water.

Cold, if you want
to make good coffee.

-But I've got the
kettle boiling.

What am I going to use all
this nice hot water for?

-Well, you might boil
a couple of eggs.

-That's an idea.

-Know they're around
here someplace.

-Probably inside.

They must have Slick's
coat with them, too.

Smokey Joe's exactly
as we left him.

But the coat's gone.

-Should we go in and get it?

-No.

We'll have them to
bring it out to us.

Certainly we're
going in to get it.

Come on.

-You have awfully superior
manners fora a crook.

-Oh, I know.

you see, > the I'm
quite unique in my line,

and practically at the
head of my profession.

People trust me instinctively,
and that's a great advantage.

-Yes, I can see that.

You must have had
quite a good education.

-I served a term at Yale.

You see, I'm the black sheep
of a very distinguished family.

I know that's hard to
believe, but then, I'm

not the only crook in
the social register.

Some head big companies
on Wall Street.

-Ah!

-I'll take care of the dame!

-Aaah!

-Ow!

Ow!

Ah!

I'm burned!

Get me a doctor.

I'm burned!

-Ah!

-Anne, are you hurt?

-No, but I think they are.

-I think you're right.

This one, anyway.

-He deserved all he got.

If it hadn't been
for him, I wouldn't

be here in all this mess.

-Oh, I can't hold
that against him.

Say, he must be
pretty badly burned.

We ought to do something
about him, I suppose.

-Of course.

Melted butter.

I think if we just put this
lump on him it'll melt.

-Oh, bet on it.

Say, he'll be quite a tasty dish
when you've finished with him.

How about a little parsley?

-It's s a mercy you
hit him when you did.

Can't feel a thing.

-Say, what happened
to the other one?

I might as well put him
out of his misery, too.

-Oh, he had to leave in a hurry.

Had something to attend
to that wouldn't wait.

-I think I'll have a
look around for him.

And I'll just take
this along in case.

-Well, my high-handed
young bandits.

We meet again.

-Unfortunately for me, it seems.

-What are you doing
with that one, Miss?

-Buttering him.

He got burned.

-These accidents will happen
if people aren't careful.

I see the one in the car
out there got killed.

-Yes, but we didn't do that.

-He's in your car, you know.

Did someone leave
him there by mistake?

-I don't know how he got there.

You see, it isn't our car.

-It's registered in
the name of Cameron.

-Yes, but--

-And your name's
Cameron, isn't it?

-I might as well own up.

I'm Lawrence Cameron.

And it is my car.

-Your car?

Then you killed it.

-No, no.

The car was stolen
earlier today.

That's why I hailed you
when I recognized it.

But the body was placed
in it after it was stolen.

But how did you know
his name was Cameron.

-I guessed it might be.

You see, you didn't look to
me like ordinary thieves.

So I traced the license
number on the car

and came along here to find out.

-But why here?

-Because he lives here.

-Then you're not a crook at all.

And we didn't really
break in here.

-No.

I just seized the
opportunity to prove to you

there's nothing in
a life of crime.

I knew the servants
were away, you see,

and we had to wait
and hide someplace

until it was dark enough
to hide that body.

No, I'm not keen to
have it found in my car.

-Of course not.

The police are such
busybodies and ask

so many foolish questions.

But it that car was stolen,
where did you get it, my child?

-In the city.

It was parked near the
curb, and he frightened me,

so I jumped into
it and drove away.

-And he and his pal have
evidently been on our tracks

all day.

-Then my hunch was right.

I knew you wouldn't change
those license plates

unless you were in
serious trouble.

And there's nothing I
like so much as meddling

in other people's affairs.

Coffee I smell?

-Yes.

-Let's have it.

Then we'll bundle these
ruffians into the cork,

drive the car back to
where this child found it,

and let the clever
police discover it.

-No noise now, and no tricks.

You're coming with us, see?

Either perpendicular
or horizontal.

-You wouldn't dare to shoot
right here in a public street.

-Come on, start stepping.

-I guess we'd better.

They couldn't very well
miss at this range.

Come one, get going.

-All right, in you go.

-So you got 'em, huh?

Where are Red and Handsome?

-We ain't seen 'em.

These birds drove up in the
car and parked it out front.

They were just going to make
a break when I grabbed them.

-My coat still in the car?

-We didn't stop to look.

-It's there, all right.

-So you noticed it?

-Yes, and what was under it.

-So you noticed that too, huh?

Sit down, I'd like to have
a little talk with you.

-But suppose we
don't want to talk.

we're awfully careful
about casual acquaintances.

-Tough guy, huh?

Hard.

The kind that goes out laughing.

-I'll bet you're not.

You're the kind they have
to dope and put a hood on

or they drag him
screaming to the chair.

-Steve.

Are you sure these
two were trying

to make a getaway
when you grabbed 'em?

-Sure.

Why?

-Well, they're so
cocky, you'd think

they were expecting the Marines.

-So this is the hide
out of the gang.

-What the- who in the name of-

-Swear if you like.

You can't shock me.

I know all the worst
words in the dictionary.

Though I resist the
temptation to use them.

-Who are you, anyway?

-I'm Mrs. Jefferson
Breckenbridge.

Mother of Judge
Breckenbridge and grandmother

of the present
district attorney.

-Holy Moses.

-How did you get
in here, anyway?

-Broke the glass
on the front door.

Put my hand through
and opened it.

I suppose technically you
have a case against me.

If you feel disposed
to press it.

-Well, why did you want to get
in here, will you tell me that?

-Certainly I saw your
two henchmen force

my young friends
to come in here.

I was in the car behind,
waiting to pick them up.

Stupid of them not to make
sure they were unobserved,

with because I was free
to send my chauffeur

at once for the police.

-What?

-Figured I could easily hold you
attention till they got here.

And here they are.

-No use shooting, boys.

The house if full of
cops, and there's a cord

round the whole block.

-We've got you two
to thank for this.

-I don't know
which is the worst-

the young one or the old one.

-Get him out, Sergeant.

-I saw you following me.

I knew Mason would have no
difficulty in finding you.

-You're a holy terror, ma'am.

-With all due respect.

-Granny.

Granny, I'm home, darling.

Come and meet the man
i brought back with me.

I'm going to marry him.

-Oh!

So that's what you
went after, is it?

You and Delilah.

-Delilah?

Is she back, too?

[MUSIC PLAYING]