Hell's Half Acre (1954) - full transcript
An American woman goes to Hawaii to search for her husband, MIA since the war, but he's a fugitive from the law and involved in a private feud against his former crime syndicate partners.
Miss Lee.
Good evening, Mr. Chester.
You sure you know don't know
what this party's all about?
No, darling.
I honestly don't.
- Hi, boss.
- Good evening, Harry.
* For Lani's eyes
have told me *
Please darling don't let him
upset your evening.
To end the mystery of this
surprise party, I am your host
tonight.
My name is Roger Kong.
A very dear friend of mine
has written a song about the
Islands.
I heard it the other
night and loved it.
That is why I have arranged
this premier presentation.
It is called the
"Polynesian Rhapsody".
It is about a man's great
love for Hawaii.
Mr. Chet Chester.
Hawaii, I came.
Unwilling, a stranger to you.
Sick and weary,
bitter and tired.
All hope dissolved,
heart despairing.
But when hearing music,
I opened tear-sodden eyes.
And beauty and color
rushed to embrace me.
To warm me, to heal me,
To make me whole again.
And the murmuring waves
and tropic trade winds
Beat into my consciousness
an unceasing rhapsody of tide,
muted hollow.
When rain drops perform silver
ballet over white-skirted
sea.
What are you doing back
in the Islands?
Unfinished business.
Business? Your business ended
when Chet broke up the syndicate
four years ago.
The partnership of you, himself
and Roger Kong was over then.
He paid you both off.
Maybe I want to get
paid off again.
What does the "or" and the
question mark stand for,
Mr. Novak?
That either he leaves, so that I
can start up the syndicate,
And everything that went
with it again,
And run it all by myself
with a free hand.
Or... a hundred thousand dollars
in cash and I'll leave the
Islands.
And if he refuses?
Case history of Chest Chester.
This could get your boy locked
up for the rest of his natural
life.
And you would go right
along with him.
Yeah. But I've got
nothing to lose.
But Chet, he held
on to his dough.
He's got plenty to lose...
everything.
However, for a measly hundred
thousand, this will disappear.
Land of Aloha,
of song, of welcome.
From Pali to Kaneohe Bay.
Languorous, idyllic,
where trade winds play.
Where all races are one,
with one another and God.
Where joy is in the living.
Where paradise is now.
Island of contentment,
of tranquility.
Of full heart and
happy laughter.
You have given strength
to me who had lost it.
Restored my faith where
faith had waned.
Made strong my body,
which was all but withered.
Made harmony in my soul,
a man of me.
I love you.
I will never go.
I love you, Hawaii.
You are my life, my hope,
my faith.
With your bright and
shimmering music-filled
loveliness,
You are my golden dreams
at the rainbow's beginning.
Why did you want to
come here?
You dirty rat.
Please, darling,
let's get out of here.
No, you never get
anywhere running away.
You understand, don't you, Chet?
I had to do it to protect you.
As long as he was around,
you'd never have been safe.
Never.
His heart was so full
of hate for you.
Yeah. And blackmail.
Did you read this?
No. No, I don't want to.
I know everything about you
I want to know.
Except one thing I could
never understand.
I've never liked Novak.
Why did you ever become partners
with a man like him?
It was nineteen forty,
before the war.
I was a stupid kid.
We pulled a bank job in
Riverside, California,
Novak and I.
Cops were after us
and we had to split up.
I had the money.
Well, when things quieted down,
I looked for him,
but I couldn't find him.
I joined the Navy,
and before I knew it,
I was shipped out.
How'd you happen
to meet him again?
It was after Pearl Harbor.
I sent for him.
Well, it was better for me to
send for him, than to have him
find me.
You know how it was around
here during the war.
The town was full of people
with money, easy money,
Just asking for guys like us
to take it away from them.
So, we took our dough
and formed a syndicate.
We needed somebody in the
Islands with connections,
so we found Roger.
Novak and I supplied
the money and the brains,
Roger the connections.
Well, now that he's out
of the way,
You're the only one who
knows about my past.
I never told Roger.
Even if he knew, Roger
wouldn't hurt you.
Now listen to me, Sally.
Listen carefully and
don't argue.
That note was meant for me.
If I'd gotten it first, I'd have
done exactly the same thing.
I killed Novak.
I did it in self-defense.
He tried to blackmail me.
There was a scuffle over a gun.
No, I won't let you.
You're to do exactly what I say.
I can get away with this thing
and you can't.
Why can't I?
What would you tell the jury?
I'd tell them the truth.
And get put away for ten,
twenty years?
Not you, Sally.
But I want you to be safe,
Chet.
I'll be all right.
Now listen and do what I say.
You know that box at home
that has our safety deposit
box key in it?
- Yes.
- Would you take the key
And go to the vault in the bank
and take out $50,000 in cash?
But you'll have to wait for two
or three weeks until things cool
off.
- Two or three weeks!
- At least.
Then go to San Francisco
and see George, my lawyer.
You know the address.
I know his one abiding
passion... cash.
You give him the $50,000 and
he'll get me off clean as a
whistle.
All right, Chet. I will.
Oh, darling.
Darling, I love you so.
I've loved you ever since
that fist day.
And I remember every day since.
Aw, don't worry, darling.
I'll soon be out and things
will be good again.
You don't have to do
this for me.
I owe you too much already.
When I was burned and out of
my mind, you found me.
You brought me back,
you and these islands.
Oh Chet, what do we do now?
The same thing anybody does
when they're in trouble,
phone the police.
I love you, Hawaii.
You are my life, my hope,
my faith.
With your bright and shimmering
music-filled loveliness.
You are my golden dreams
at the rainbow's beginning.
Did you like the record?
- Very much.
- What's the matter?
You are my golden dreams
at the rainbow's beginning.
It's very strange.
I can almost swear...
You could almost swear
that what?
Golden dreams at the
rainbow's beginning.
There's an interesting
story about the composer.
He's over in Honolulu
awaiting trial for murder.
Murder?
Donna? Uh, Donna.
Wait a minute.
Donna?
Donna, what's going on?
I wish I knew.
I see you're bringing Randy back
from the dead again,
Or are you going to tell me
that old story
That you've never been able
to quite believe he is dead?
Read that inscription.
But I've told you over and over
again, you have to be wrong
about him.
He was killed at Pearl Harbor.
You received official notice
from the Navy, didn't you?
You mean the last line of
that... Polynesian Rhapsody?
Yes.
It was just a coincidence,
that's all.
I've got to find out
whether it is.
It's crazy. Can't you get it
through your head, he was
killed?
Frank, I simply have to
make sure. I must!
He must have been quite a guy.
He was. But that
isn't the point.
What is?
Calling off
our engagement?
Frank, I can't be engaged to you
if I'm still married to him.
Well, if it'll make you feel
better, we'll call Honolulu and
get a check on him.
No. No,
I'm going to Honolulu.
Well, I think
this is getting...
I'm sorry, Frank. But right now
I can't help what you think.
It's ridiculous.
- What is?
- The whole affair.
You've been
living in the past.
You're ruining your life,
destroying your future,
And the future and
the present of anybody
and everybody around you.
I've never heard you talk
like this before.
It's about time I did.
I'll get the tickets.
I'll be ready to leave
any time you say.
No, Frank.
It's better I go alone.
The Honolulu police station.
- Police station?
- Please.
Want to turn
yourself in, dear?
- I beg your pardon?
- I beg yours.
Always opening my big mouth.
Didn't you just come
in on the plane?
Yes, I did.
- You live in the Islands?
- No.
No, it's my first visit.
Oh ho ho.
A Malahihi.
- You had me fooled.
- A Mala who?
- That's a newcomer.
- Oh.
How long have you been in
the Islands?
Thirty-five years.
The name's O'Reilly.
Uh, Lida O'Reilly.
I was a school teacher
from Wisconsin.
I saved up my money and came
here for a two-week vacation.
Forgot to go back.
And now that I've told you
my life story, uh,
- maybe I could ask you
a question?
- Go ahead.
Why is it that a nice looking
young woman like you
Is making her first stop in the
Islands at the Honolulu Police
Station?
I have an appointment
to see Chief Dan.
And if you send me,
chief...
- Yes?
A Miss Williams who called you from the
mainland is here,
The one who said she was a
relative of Chet Chester.
Oh, yes. Send her in.
That'll be all, Ippy.
Oh, me come back tomorrow,
chief.
Maybe have some
hot information.
Thank you very much, chief.
Please, come in.
- Welcome to Hawaii.
- Thank you.
Please sit down.
Uh... our brief telephone
conversation last night has me
puzzled.
I was under the impression you
said it was in connection with a
man named Chet Chester.
Yes, it is.
I presume you know
Mr. Chester is in jail,
being held for murder.
Yes, I heard.
May I ask,
Mrs. Williams, uh,
What your interest is in him?
Well, I'll be brief.
Just before the war,
there was a young sailor,
His name was
Randy Williams.
He was attached to the
battleship Arizona.
This was in 1941.
On December the seventh, he was
reported killed in action.
I fail to see the connection
with Chet Chester.
I have reason to believe that
Chet Chester and Randy Williams
are the same.
Bring in the file
on Chet Chester.
Mrs. Williams, what was your
relationship to this uh...
Randy Williams?
He was my husband, and the
father of my little boy.
I wasn't aware that uh...
Thank you, Sergeant.
Look at this.
Was it a wild goose chase?
It's...
I think it is Randy.
But that mark on his face...
Didn't he have a scar like that?
No. No scar at all.
But, I think it's him.
Assuming that Chet is the man
in question,
I suppose you'd like to see him.
Yes, I would.
You can't see him today,
I'm afraid.
But I'll have him brought here
at noon tomorrow.
Can you be here then?
Yes, I'll be here.
Thank you.
Now, I've got it all
figured out.
You're one of those lady
journalists
And you're here to do a big
feature story on Hawaii.
- Wrong again.
- All right.
Then why are you here on Hawaii?
I came to see someone I...
I think I know.
Have you ever heard of a man
named Chet Chester?
Chester? Oh, sure. Sure. He
killed some no good hoodlum.
He's in prison. Are you
going there to visit him?
Yes, tomorrow with Chief Dan.
Do you know anything
else about him?
Yeah, but they're just rumors.
One rumor is that he uh, made a
pile of dough during the war
years,
And then sort of retired.
And now he owns the Hawaiian
Retreat and has a nice home
on Waikiki Beach.
My information was correct,
wasn't it?
You have reservations
on tonight's plane.
- Yes, I'm going to the
mainland.
- Why?
To help Chet
get out of prison.
Off the mainland?
I'm sorry, Roger,
I can't tell you anymore.
Maybe you can tell me who that
woman is that arrived in
Honolulu.
- What woman?
- Quit pretending, Sally.
You know who I am talking about.
That Williams dame.
Sorry, Roger.
But I don't know who you mean.
Sally, I warn you...
don't lie to me.
I... I get it now.
You're taking his money out,
aren't you?
You're hauling it out of
the Islands for him.
Every cent he's got.
All his loot.
- Loot?
- Yeah, loot.
The dough that I
helped him make.
The stuff the syndicate took in.
He sent for her, didn't he?
He's turning it
over to the two of you.
You're wrong, Roger.
He turned everything over to me.
Thanks.
Now I know.
You're in a position to lay
your hands on all his money.
That's right.
Where is it?
He's not going to cut me
out this time.
Out of what?
He paid you off a long time ago,
the same as Novak.
And what's left?
A fortune.
He's enjoying it alone.
Using it to make himself
important and good.
Good... how?
By giving a few lousy
dollars to a bunch of slobs.
Why do they need his help?
You're hateful when you
talk like this.
Those poor people need
everything they...
They need nothing.
They're used to the gutter.
- Let them stay in it.
- You're one of them.
Most of them are our people.
I take it back.
You aren't one of them.
You're not good enough.
Who is it that
you wish to see?
Oh. Miss Sally Lee.
- Do you work here?
- Why, yes. I work here.
Is Miss Lee in?
Oh, she's not expected
'til much later.
What is it you wish
to see her about?
It's business,
a private matter.
Perhaps I can wait inside.
I wouldn't mind waiting.
No. That is... uh...
It'll be much
too long to wait.
Nobody home?
No! Nobody home!
Oh, you have someone waiting?
Yes, that's right.
Good bye.
Did you see that man?
He seemed rather odd.
Oh, a lot of creeps on the
island just like anywhere else.
- You'll get used to it.
- I suppose so.
Have you got any plans tomorrow,
Other than your noon time
appointment with Chief Dan?
- No.
- Oh, good.
Then while you're on the island,
I'll be your guide,
Or your chaperone,
if you like.
I like. Make plans.
* Stars are falling
from the skies *
* They're falling
for my Lani *
* Falling stars are
in her eyes *
* For they adore my Lani
* Although she makes
me cry and cry
* Although her lips
may scold me *
* I know she'll love me
by and by *
* For Lani's eyes
have told me *
Calm down. Calm down.
You make me feel like a mother,
helping her one and only to be a
bride.
What's the matter,
Mrs. O?
Haven't you ever
been a mother?
Me? No.
And for a very
good reason.
I've never been
married or... or anything.
I wonder if he'll know me?
Maybe it isn't even him.
Well, if it is,
I wonder how it'll seem?
Didn't Chief Dan tell you to be
at his office by noon?
- Yes.
- Then we'd better
get a move on.
I wonder how it'll seem,
seeing him again...
Talking to him.
Fill it up.
Come on, Jamie, break down.
Why the nice little
automobile ride?
Where are we going?
Up to Chief Dan's office.
Oh, is he going to make an
honorary police captain out of
me
For killing a hoodlum
like Novak?
You're pretty sure you're going
to beat this rap, aren't
you?
- Sure, I'm sure.
Car 568.
Yes, sir. Yes, chief.
Yes, sir. Right away.
What's up?
- We have to make a stop.
- Where?
Hey, what is this?
What are we doing here?
Sorry, Chet. You'll have to
identify a body as next of kin.
I have no kin.
Well, you're the
closest thing to it.
Those are the regulations.
- Four-oh-four?
- Yeah, that's right.
What's the matter, Jamie?
Afraid I'll jump in one
of those boxes?
Go ahead.
Who did it?
We don't know, Chet.
What do you mean,
you don't know?
- We're working on it.
- You're working on it? You...
Please, Mr. Chester, just
make your identification.
OK, I'll do it.
- Name.
- Sally Lee.
- Age?
- Late twenties.
Relationship?
Just... say a friend.
That do it for you?
Come on, Chet.
I've got more important
work to do.
Sorry, Jamie.
I was saying, are there
any instructions or...
That won't be necessary now.
A girl by the name of Sally Lee
has been murdered.
Chet Chester was taken to the
morgue to identify her body.
No!
After he identified her, Chester
broke away from his guard.
He... he escaped?
No. I... I wouldn't
call it that.
I think he intends to find
Sally Lee's killer.
Is there anything I can...
Chief Dan, when was...
when did it happen?
Some time
yesterday afternoon.
I went to visit
Sally Lee yesterday.
At the house?
The place on Waikiki Beach?
- Yes.
- Did you see her?
No. The man...
he said he worked there...
He told me she wasn't home.
Man?
There were no servants there.
What time of day was this?
About two or three o'clock.
Can you describe this man?
Well, he... he was...
um...
- Was he Chinese?
- Well, Oriental.
It's difficult for me to...
What you're trying to say is to
you, all Orientals look alike.
Well, I could even be
wrong about that.
He might be a...
mixture of nationalities.
But, I don't think so.
I know this. If I saw him again,
I'd know him.
Good. Then for your sake,
I suggest you, uh,
stay around your hotel.
If he's the murderer,
he knows you're the one
witness who can identify him.
As for Chet,
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks.
So, you didn't see him at all?
No, I didn't.
Back to the hotel?
Where would a man wanted
by the police hide out?
I imagine he'd head for
Hell's Half Acre.
Why? Who are you
looking for this time?
The same. Chet Chester.
He's out of jail. He escaped.
Uh-hmm.
What was that place you said?
Hell's Half Acre?
What is that?
Oh, it's a shabby tenement
district that Honolulu's
not very proud of.
Wouldn't the police guess he's
there and go in after him?
Oh, they might, but
they wouldn't get him.
There are three hundred ways
into Hell's Half Acre
And four hundred ways out
that they know of.
Are there any
young women in there?
Yes. Taxi dancers, cheap,
painted, disillusioned little
ladies.
Some of them live there and work
in the nearby dance halls.
Maybe if the people down there
thought I was a taxi dancer,
I could ask questions.
And maybe word would
get to Chet Chester
that I wanted to see him.
Get me a job down there.
Honey, you're crazy.
If you knew what it was like,
you wouldn't even ask me.
You should see the creeps that
crawl around those dance halls.
And they don't go there
just to dance.
But it might be my last
chance to see him.
If he gets off the island,
I'll never find him.
Don't you see, I've got to
do it. Help me, please.
Is this Hell's Half Acre?
Yeah. It's all in
behind these stores.
You even walk like a lady.
Give it a little more swing
and sway, like this.
Yep. That is better.
Well, this is it.
All right, honey?
Change your mind?
Want to get out of here?
No. No, I'll stay.
- Hey, George?
- Yeah?
Uh, this is Donna.
Friend of mine.
She's new here.
She needs a job.
Why?
Why do you think, you
ignorant knucklehead?
Because she's broke.
What do you expect,
a character reference?
All right, sister.
It's four bits a dance.
We'll split it with you.
Turn in your tickets
at the end of the night.
And oh uh... whatever you
make on the side...
Tips that is, is all yours.
OK honey, better join the
ladies in waiting.
And remember...
What's the matter? They just
fish you out of the deep freeze
or something?
Hey, I'm talking to you!
Well, the fifty cents is
for the dance.
If you want snappy dialogue,
it'll cost you extra.
Ho ho. That's good.
Psst!
Tubby? Tubby!
I told you stay in hotel
and watch her.
Why you think I buy you suit
and everything?
Her go from hotel.
I saw. I now know
where she go.
- Very interesting place.
- Where?
Uh, such information
has great value, no?
- Paradise Ballroom.
- She's here in the Acre?
She taxi dance girl now.
Are you sure she
relative of Chester?
Positive. She tell
Chief Dan. I heard.
That means Chester is here.
No wonder he broke loose.
She come here to meet him.
Ippy, you want to make
big pay?
I mean big, big pay?
Ippy always happy with money.
Find Chet Chester.
The order is still
that you're to find
Chet Chester tonight.
Shall we start with
Hell's Half Acre?
You'd better. And make it
a thorough raid.
Bust it wide open
if you have to,
inch by inch, but find him!
Let's go, men.
Do you know a man by the
name of Chet Chester?
Sure. He's big man in Islands.
I've heard of him.
Lately?
I read the paper like
anybody else. Don't you?
I'd like to meet
up with him.
Huh! So do the police.
But no talk now, just dance.
Oh, Mr. Kong, what are you
doing down in this neighborhood?
Slumming.
Well, if you care to dance we
have a new girl tonight.
Yes, I know.
Looking for Chet?
You are, aren't you?
Yes, I am.
Do you know him?
He's a good friend of mine.
What were you doing in
Miss Lee's house?
Same thing you were.
Looking for her.
I had a message for her
from Chet.
You told me you were
working there.
Delivering a personal
message is work.
You know, I should call
the police.
Go ahead. But they can't
lead you to Chet.
I can.
- Does he know I'm here?
- Yeah.
And he wants you to
take me to him?
Well, sure.
That's right.
You're related to him.
You are, aren't you?
What's all the running
and the noise?
That's the grapevine.
There's a raid on.
They're warning everybody.
Come on in here.
It's me. Ippy.
Me know you're there,
Mr. Chester.
Police coming.
Me help you.
You know everything,
don't you, Ippy?
- You see, I a friend of you.
- How did you know where I was?
Oh, big secret.
Ippy know all.
Works for anybody
that'll pay him.
I wish to discuss
that part with you.
Pay?
I am businessman.
If I don't tell you police
coming, they take you.
Ippy gets nothing.
But there is someone who
will give big pay if I tell
where you are.
- Who?
- Tubby Otis.
One hundred dollars if I find
you, but for two hundred,
me no find you.
You better collect the hundred
and I'll be waiting for him.
Maybe he'll tell me who
he's working for.
You no pay?
Not for anything you've
told me so far.
- Any sign of Chester up there?
- No, sarge.
Ippy have
other information.
Relative of Mr. Chester
in Honolulu.
- I have no relatives.
- She stay big hotel.
Come to Half Acre.
Taxi dance. Look for you.
I told you
I have no relations.
She say she is.
She at dance hall...
Donna Williams.
Williams?
I show. You see her soon
as policeman go away.
She gone!
Dance hall closed!
- Ippy, you're a liar.
- No, I no lie.
Well, if you're not, find her
and let me know where she is.
Then you'll get your
two hundred dollars.
She relative?
Look, I've got no relatives.
Say it again and I'll wring
that withered neck of yours.
Poor Mr. Chester.
No relatives.
Fatso!
Hey, Tubby.
Wake up!
You were in pretty bad
shape last night.
Go on! You've slept long enough!
Where is he?
The man who...
I was drugged!
There wasn't any man.
Tubby here found you outside the
Paradise Ballroom and he brought
you here.
It's a good thing he did.
Anything could have happened
to you.
Anything? Is this...
your place?
If you mean am I married
to that, yeah.
- Go wash your face!
- Yeah.
You know it's
already past noon?
You really got loaded
last night, girl.
Well, how could I
drinking coffee?
Please, give me my clothes now.
Sure. Here you are.
- Where is she?
- Bedroom.
Did you find Chester yet?
I didn't see Ippy
anymore last night.
Ippy. Stay away from that guy.
I never did trust him.
Use your other men.
We must find Chester
before the cops do.
Hi.
Don't leave her
alone in there.
Don't worry.
The window's locked.
Besides she's getting dressed.
She isn't about to
go anyplace.
- Where's Fatso?
- A little errand.
- Your idea?
- Yeah.
Beautiful girl.
- When are we going to cut out?
- Soon.
You keep saying that, but...
She might be the answer...
Unless she's a liar.
She is a liar.
Chet has no relatives.
You know that.
I don't know that
and neither do you.
Now be nice!
Now why don't you be nice?
Then I won't hurt you.
I won't hurt you at all.
And the police department just announced
That Chet Chester
is still at large.
Last night's raid on Hell's
Half Acre netted nothing.
They suspect that he is...
That's a nice girl.
That's it.
You know something?
You're pretty.
Yeah, very pretty.
Now...
now you can't scream any more.
Can't even talk.
I like you.
You even breathe pretty.
Here. Drink this. It'll help.
How'd you get in that
guy's room anyway?
I wish I knew.
I was drugged... or...
Randy?
Picture coming in clear now?
Very clear.
It's all right.
I brought you here.
Oh, I see.
- Well?
- Well, what?
Aren't you going to say...
something?
Yes.
I'm not...
whoever you said.
My name is Chet Chester.
Ashamed?
- Ashamed of what?
- Your past.
- What's wrong with it?
- You tell me.
You wouldn't be interested.
- Uh, cream and sugar?
- Sugar.
No, you got the wrong boy.
Take my word for it.
Why should I?
I guess you got no
other choice.
And I imagined it
quite differently.
- What?
- Our meeting.
The way it would be
after all this time.
What'd you expect I'd do?
Run into your arms and tell you
I'm the guy you're looking
for?
Yes.
I'm sorry to
disappoint you, girl.
I'm not it.
Then why did you
bring me here?'
'Cause I can't stand
to hear a woman scream.
Thank you very much.
Well, I'm all right now.
I'd better be going.
- Yeah, but...
- What?
Well, it's not safe. It's a
pretty tough neighborhood.
I sent for a friend of mine
to take you home.
That's very thoughtful of you.
It'll be a few minutes
before he gets here, so you
might as well relax.
Look, when you get out of here,
Take my advice and
grab the first plane back
to wherever you come from,
Back to that castle
of dreams of yours.
Don't mess around other
people's dirty laundry.
Tell me about this, uh, Randy?
He must've been
quite a character
To send you half way across
the world looking for him.
Who is he?
My husband of three days.
That wouldn't be too
hard to take.
Why don't you sit down?
Where'd he come from?
- A small town in Arizona.
- Yeah?
Nice family.
Randy had a kid sister, too.
Only she's not a kid anymore.
She was married
a few weeks ago.
Good for her.
Now, shall we change
the subject?
Or is there something else?
Yes, there is.
A son, my son.
He's eleven years old.
That would...
That would...
Make him the father
of the child.
How did you know how long ago
I was married to Randy?
I didn't.
The way you talk it sounded like
it was quite a while ago.
Yes, before the war.
And he was the father.
Only he never saw
the boy... never knew.
I christened him Randy.
He looks just like... him.
Does that mean
anything to you?
No. Why should it?
He's in a military school.
He's very bright
and quite manly.
Anybody would be proud of him.
And he's...
he's crazy about sports.
He made the baseball team.
I saw him play the other day.
He got himself a homerun...
with the bases loaded.
Yeah?
Me got it for you.
Did you open it?
Oh, no. Ippy not open.
Ippy not see key inside.
You wouldn't know what
the key was for anyway.
No. Me ponder,
but me not know.
I bring number one man.
He waiting for you.
Come on.
You're going home.
Mr. Chester not poor now,
has relative.
- Chief Dan!
- Hello, Dan.
Good evening.
I can't believe it.
We've raided this place, combed
it from one end to the other,
And you were here
all the time.
You have to come with me.
I know, Dan. But do me
a favor first?
That's why I sent for you.
What is it?
Get Mrs. Williams back to her
hotel and onto a plane to the
mainland.
Before whoever killed Sally
comes back after her.
Jamison can attend to that.
My job is to take you in.
Look, Dan, I didn't escape
for my freedom.
- I wanted to get the...
- I know that.
But now you're going to have
to leave that up to us.
Give me a chance... just a
couple of hours
While you're getting
Mrs. Williams squared away.
I think I can do it.
Everybody in the Acre's
helping me.
If my lead is right, why they'll
find him and bring him to me.
Look, Dan, put me in that room
with Jamie, or a squad of cops.
I'll be under wraps, handcuffed.
When the killer comes in,
Jamie can grab him.
OK, two hours.
Thanks.
Let's hope we can get this
job finished tonight.
Too bad your job can't
be finished.
Can't it?
Here in Hawaii,
memories of times gone by
are two for a quarter.
Come on, Jamie.
- No funny stuff this time.
- All right. I'll be good.
The most important thing to
the man at the dance hall
Was to discover what your
relationship is to Chet,
isn't it?
Yes. Uh-huh.
Then, if he were to believe
that you are Chet's wife,
Chet wouldn't
even have to look for him.
He'd come voluntarily.
We could trap him.
What are you driving at?
Oh, nothing.
I was just making like a cop.
It gets to be a habit.
What are you doing?
I knew you weren't going
to leave me, Ja...
What are you doing back here?
You changed your clothes.
Why didn't Dan put you
on the plane?
Because my place is with you.
I'm your wife.
Make believe wife, that is.
Look, this is no time
to play house.
Where is Dan?
What's this all about?
I'm going to be part of your
plan to catch the man that
killed Sally Lee.
Chief Dan says that if the
murderer thinks I'm your wife,
He's more certain to come
after me than he is after you.
- You see, I saw him.
- What?
Yes. About the time
Sally Lee was killed.
Where?
At your house, on the beach.
Who was he?
What does he look like?
- He was an oriental.
- Chinese?
I think so.
I can't be certain.
What can you be certain of?
Are you sure you'd recognize
him if you saw him again?
Yes. I would.
How did you get
mixed up in this?
Tangled up with murder,
With people you've never
even heard of.
And now the police are
using you in a stakeout...
A target for somebody's
shooting practice.
Who's going to protect you?
The whole area will be
filled with detectives.
Oh, they won't even get
past the grapevine.
Look. Some already have.
And there are more to come.
They came in plain clothes.
Take a look.
Did Dan talk you into this?
It was his idea,
but I talked him into it.
How's anybody going to get
this idiotic story of yours,
About your being my
so-called wife?
What are we supposed to do,
Stand on a rooftop and
shout it to the world?
It's going to be on
the 9:00 news broadcast
And that, uh, that Mr. Ippy
is going to sell the information
to Tubby Otis.
Chief Dan arranged that, too.
Why are you doing this?
It's crazy.
I thought I'd help
as long as I'm here.
Look, I don't want your help.
I don't want it.
I don't need it.
I'm not buying it.
This time you
have no choice.
- I don't?
- No!
Because I've decided
to stick around a little longer.
I don't believe you...
that story about Chet Chester.
You're going to have to be
a little more convincing.
It's 24 minutes before 9:00.
That gives you
24 minutes.
To do what?
To tell you the life story
of Chester?
All right,
if that's what you want.
Let me see now.
It was a bed of roses
all the way.
What? You want more?
Yes.
When did you come
to the Islands?
When?
When I was a
little boy in knee pants,
And I've lived here ever since
like a happy, little beachboy.
I told you, Roger!
That's enough, Roger!
That's enough!
Dirty stupid slob!
Well, now that we're on a story
telling jag, what about your
story?
What's the difference?
- Are you ashamed?
- No!
Well, come on.
Let's hear it.
The life and loves
of Donna Williams.
- Loves?
- Yeah, make it good.
There's nothing I like better
than a good, corny love story.
Did you ever hear the one
about the little girl...
Seventeen?
Silly, wide-eyed, met a
sailor boy just before the war.
Fell crazy in love with him.
He and the girl went
everywhere together,
The beach, the show, riding the
rollercoaster, dancing.
The world was young
and so were they.
Nothing was ever
going to hurt them.
Nothing.
Corny enough for you?
Oh, you're doing fine.
Oh, wait until
you hear the rest.
They ran off to Tijuana
and got married.
They had a mad,
lovely honeymoon.
He bought her a sombrero,
And a little painted
turtle, named Ichabod.
Then, oh get this wild finish,
Just when they celebrated
their third anniversary,
The third day that is,
He went away.
- A real rat.
- No. He had to go.
His ship was sailing.
The next the girl heard
about was Pearl Harbor.
He was missing in action.
She couldn't believe it...
For a long, long time.
She had a wild idea in her head
that somehow he'd escaped,
And maybe he couldn't
come back because...
Because he was burned
out of his mind.
Is that what you mean?
What about the climax scene?
What about the boy?
Who believes his father
died a hero.
Yeah.
When you tell the story,
don't leave that out.
That's the best part.
It's not a very
happy story, is it?
All right, Ippy. Go ahead.
- It's Ippy.
Ippy.
- Invite him in.
- He can't see you here.
Shut up.
I'll handle it.
Mr. Kong!
What are you...
Do you want to broadcast
my name all over the Acre?
What you doing here,
Mr. Kong?
Who told you to come here?
Have news. Good news.
Who are you working for?
Tubby. And you.
Ippy big friend of you.
What's the news?
Well, ordinarily it cost lot
of money, but not to you.
- It's free.
- Free information?
Chet Chester has
Donna Williams with him.
Where?
They in court four balcony, room 47.
- She his wife.
- Is this a police trap?
Are you working for the cops?
They sent you here,
didn't they?
No. Ippy good friend of you.
Nobody send. Me saw.
Girl wife of him.
Me telling truth.
Ippy go now, please!
You're not going anywhere.
You puny, double-crossing
little creep!
Me telling truth.
Me go! Please!
Mrs. Chet Chester who flew in
From the mainland has
disappeared from her hotel.
It is reliably reported that
she has made contact
With her fugitive husband, who
yesterday escaped the police.
Mrs. Chester is believed to be
in hiding with Chet Chester
this very moment.
However...
He was telling the truth.
Maybe for the first time,
and he died for it.
Shut up!
So she is his wife.
What about it?
What's the difference now?
The difference is she's right
here in the Acre.
She's made herself
a fugitive just like him.
She's right here within reach.
- Well, what do you want to do?
- It's your fault!
What are you trying to do?
You've got two murders
on your hands already.
Do you want to make it three?
A million dollars.
It's all gone now.
But it's a lot worse.
Now it's my neck.
We must get her.
She and Chet both,
before the cops do.
Why doesn't Ippy come out?
- There may be another door.
- Well, let's...
Let's go and break
in right now.
No, no. Wait.
Still can't see a thing.
Use the back door
just the same.
If this works, he...
Or they ought to be
along any minute.
- What time is it?
- 9:07.
I hope the police are ready.
Sorry you got into
this now, aren't you?
It was a trap!
Dirty rat!
Thanks anyway for giving
the stake out a trial, Dan.
All we caught was Tubby Otis.
What about his wife?
She got away along with somebody
who was with her.
And Ippy's in the emergency
hospital, half-dead, broken
neck.
Where's Mrs. Williams?
There are no planes leaving for
the Mainland until the morning.
She needed protection
for the night,
So I thought it best that
she stay at your
beach house.
Alone?
So, I... I practically blew
my cork worrying about you.
I didn't know whether to get
ready for a funeral or wedding.
A lot of good I did him.
He's on his way back to prison.
Is it the end of the line
for him?
I guess so.
You feel pretty bad, don't you?
- Rotten.
- Because of her?
Yeah.
- She must be in love with you.
- Oh, that's crazy.
She's got some silly romantic
idea that I'm somebody else.
Chet, it should be obvious
even to a blind man that
Donna's not just going away
and forget you,
Whatever your name is.
Then someone has to
make her do it.
Calling car one.
This is car one. Come in.
Chief, Ippy died
at the hospital.
Oh. Then you weren't able
to get him to talk.
No. Only a couple of
mumbled words.
It was all garbled up.
Sounded something like
Konrog... Rog...
Something like that.
Thank you.
Kong... Rog...
Are you trying to say
Roger Kong?
Turn left at the next street!
Chet, quit kidding with me.
Now, do what I tell you.
Take the next left.
You're being very foolish.
Just how far do you
think you'll get?
By the time you get
to a telephone,
I'll be as far as
I want to go.
- Now stop the car.
- No, Chet!
Yes, chief?
Get me the Hawaiian Retreat.
Yes, sir.
Hawaiian Retreat.
Go ahead, chief.
Is Roger Kong there?
Yes, sir. Mr. Kong has
been here quite some time,
Since 7:30.
Thank you.
A call just came in,
either from the chief
or someone in his office.
Did you tell him that we had
been here ever since 7:30?
- Sure I did.
- That's good.
- What was that?
- It worked.
At least we have an alibi
just in case somebody
Thought they recognized us
running out of the Acre.
- I thought you were...
- Behind bars?
What are you writing?
Your memoirs?
- No. Just a letter.
- Fine.
I've been writing too, a new
finish to that story of yours.
You see, the little girl
comes to the Islands.
She thinks her sailor boy
is still alive.
She even thinks she sees him.
She's wrong.
All wrong.
Her sailor boy is dead.
Nothing... and no one
will bring him back.
Now let the dead rest!
Stop walking on a grave.
Fine writing.
And while you're at it, why not
finish the letter for me?
It's to our son.
You didn't fool me.
Maybe for a few minutes
in the beginning.
But that's all.
What do you want me to do?
Tell him the truth?
Tell him his father
didn't die a hero?
Wasn't a hero at all?
A deserter, a thief, a cheat?
A man who will probably rot out
the rest of his life in prison.
Is that what you want
me to tell him?
No, his father's dead.
He died the day Chet Chester
started to live,
And Chet Chester will
stay here in the Islands.
In the paradise he found?
The paradise he stole.
Now the story's really finished.
Close the book and put it away.
Never was a very good
book anyway.
It wasn't even worth
your plane fare.
I still wish there was...
some solution, some way.
Donna, what ever happened
to that turtle?
That Ichabod?
I let him swim in the
fishpond one day.
He disappeared.
I think he hid under one of
the water lilies.
There were so many lilies,
I couldn't find him.
Then you come out
from under yours.
Randy, I think you're under
the impression
I've been living in an ivory
tower all these years.
I haven't.
- Is he good to you?
- Very.
Then you get back there
and marry him.
It'll be your first marriage.
You know, three days doesn't
make a marriage.
- Our boy does.
- Then give him a break.
Give him a father
he can be proud of.
Give him a man in the house that
he can look up to and respect.
Don't smother him with memories
of a man that doesn't exist.
It's too late to count
our regrets.
Wait.
I'd like to kiss you goodbye.
You were wrong.
It was worth the plane fare.
- Get the waiter.
- I told you you've had enough.
No, one more.
Just one more.
I'm celebrating.
- A fish wife no more.
- Quiet down.
Oh, my poor slob of a husband.
Bang, bang, bang.
I'll bet he has more holes
in him than a sieve.
Knock it off.
Dead! With a million bullet
holes in him.
Hello, Harry.
Chet! What are you doing here?
Somebody will see you!
- The police just called.
- No, that was me.
I was just checking up to see if
Roger had used the old perfect
alibi routine.
I was sure he would.
- Come on and dance with me.
- All right.
No more drinking, or you won't
be able to get out of that
chair.
- The place is emptying out.
- It must be closing time.
Why don't you go pay the check?
I'll go powder my nose.
Waiter?
Hey, what is this?
Hey, let me out of here!
What's the idea?
- Waiting for your check?
- Yes, I am.
Chet! What are you doing here?
The police will spot you!
I've got to get going.
Running out on an old friend?
And I always thought you were
one of my best friends.
Sure, I am.
You and Sally and I...
Went a lot of places
over the years.
- Didn't we, Roger?
- Yeah. Yeah, a lot of places.
But... so what?
You always said if there was any
favor I wanted, you'd do it.
Sure. Go ahead. Name it.
What is it you want?
Tell me about those people who
were killed tonight in Hell's
Half Acre.
What makes you think I
know anything about it?
I haven't been anywhere
near the Acre.
I've been right here
ever since...
Ever since seven thirty.
I know.
Yeah. That's right.
And I can prove it.
You forget.
I invented the alibi.
So that makes you the only one
who knows about it.
Now sit down
and be a good boy.
Harry, bring that pen
I asked you for.
I have something here in the
nature of a legal document.
It only needs my signature
for a punch line.
What is it?
What are you talking about?
To Randy Williams, Junior,
I leave all my real and
personal property.
You make it sound like your
last will and testament.
Ah, you're a real smart boy,
Roger.
That's exactly that it is.
The documents and cash
to be found
In my vault at the First
National Bank of Honolulu.
That's what you wanted to know,
isn't it, Roger?
I don't know what you're
talking about.
Sally had to die because she
wouldn't tell you where it
was.
You're crazy! I never...
You killed her!
You wanted to see me rot in jail
Just so you could get your
hands on my money.
Here, I'll help you.
This is the key to my vault...
The key you didn't even
need because it's the same vault
we had when we were partners.
And you still have authorization
to go into it at any time.
So you see? The money
wasn't hidden after all.
Yet you killed.
Three people had to die
While you were trying
to find it.
Sally stumbled and fell.
It was an accident.
What about Ippy's broken neck?
Was that an accident?
I've got an errand for you.
The favor I wanted you to do
as an old friend.
Deliver that to Donna
Williams at my house.
Don't forget your gun, Roger.
You forget I still have the
authorization at the
bank.
That'll be stopped
in the morning.
You won't stop anything.
You won't tell anybody about
Sally or the key or anything
else.
In front of witnesses?
Well?
You won't get far.
- He got away?
- Not quite.
He's waiting for me outside.
Five-one-nine-one-one.
Hello, Dan?
I'm glad you're back.
I'm sorry, Dan. I had to.
Now wait a minute.
Now listen, Dan.
Listen, this is important.
Have some of your men
move into the area,
Surrounding the Retreat
right away.
The Hawaiian Retreat.
Make sure they're unnoticed.
Now when they hear a shot,
and they nail the guy
Who fired it, they'll have the
murderer of Sally and Ippy.
And Dan, just in case you
have trouble proving he murdered
Sally and Ippy,
You may be able to charge him
with another murder.
Whose?
Mine.
Chet, don't be a fool!
Chet! Chet!
Harry, fix me a nightcap,
will you?
- The usual?
- Yeah.
I always said you mixed the best
drinks in the Islands, Harry.
What was that?
- Chief!
- Good afternoon.
I see you're ready to leave.
I understand you have
everything arranged.
Yes, I have.
Well, I was in the neighborhood
so I thought I'd stop by for a
farewell aloha.
That's very kind of you.
Your call is ready from the mainland.
Excuse me.
- Oh, Mrs. Williams?
- Yes?
Eh, by any chance are you going
to speak to your uh... little
boy?
- Yes, I am.
- Well, good.
Then why don't you tell him that
the original Navy records were
correct?
His father... his father
died at Pearl Harbor.
Thank you, chief.
Thank you very much.
Hello, Frank?
Is little Randy with you?
Good.
Hello, sweetheart.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Yes, darling.
Mommy's coming home.
Good evening, Mr. Chester.
You sure you know don't know
what this party's all about?
No, darling.
I honestly don't.
- Hi, boss.
- Good evening, Harry.
* For Lani's eyes
have told me *
Please darling don't let him
upset your evening.
To end the mystery of this
surprise party, I am your host
tonight.
My name is Roger Kong.
A very dear friend of mine
has written a song about the
Islands.
I heard it the other
night and loved it.
That is why I have arranged
this premier presentation.
It is called the
"Polynesian Rhapsody".
It is about a man's great
love for Hawaii.
Mr. Chet Chester.
Hawaii, I came.
Unwilling, a stranger to you.
Sick and weary,
bitter and tired.
All hope dissolved,
heart despairing.
But when hearing music,
I opened tear-sodden eyes.
And beauty and color
rushed to embrace me.
To warm me, to heal me,
To make me whole again.
And the murmuring waves
and tropic trade winds
Beat into my consciousness
an unceasing rhapsody of tide,
muted hollow.
When rain drops perform silver
ballet over white-skirted
sea.
What are you doing back
in the Islands?
Unfinished business.
Business? Your business ended
when Chet broke up the syndicate
four years ago.
The partnership of you, himself
and Roger Kong was over then.
He paid you both off.
Maybe I want to get
paid off again.
What does the "or" and the
question mark stand for,
Mr. Novak?
That either he leaves, so that I
can start up the syndicate,
And everything that went
with it again,
And run it all by myself
with a free hand.
Or... a hundred thousand dollars
in cash and I'll leave the
Islands.
And if he refuses?
Case history of Chest Chester.
This could get your boy locked
up for the rest of his natural
life.
And you would go right
along with him.
Yeah. But I've got
nothing to lose.
But Chet, he held
on to his dough.
He's got plenty to lose...
everything.
However, for a measly hundred
thousand, this will disappear.
Land of Aloha,
of song, of welcome.
From Pali to Kaneohe Bay.
Languorous, idyllic,
where trade winds play.
Where all races are one,
with one another and God.
Where joy is in the living.
Where paradise is now.
Island of contentment,
of tranquility.
Of full heart and
happy laughter.
You have given strength
to me who had lost it.
Restored my faith where
faith had waned.
Made strong my body,
which was all but withered.
Made harmony in my soul,
a man of me.
I love you.
I will never go.
I love you, Hawaii.
You are my life, my hope,
my faith.
With your bright and
shimmering music-filled
loveliness,
You are my golden dreams
at the rainbow's beginning.
Why did you want to
come here?
You dirty rat.
Please, darling,
let's get out of here.
No, you never get
anywhere running away.
You understand, don't you, Chet?
I had to do it to protect you.
As long as he was around,
you'd never have been safe.
Never.
His heart was so full
of hate for you.
Yeah. And blackmail.
Did you read this?
No. No, I don't want to.
I know everything about you
I want to know.
Except one thing I could
never understand.
I've never liked Novak.
Why did you ever become partners
with a man like him?
It was nineteen forty,
before the war.
I was a stupid kid.
We pulled a bank job in
Riverside, California,
Novak and I.
Cops were after us
and we had to split up.
I had the money.
Well, when things quieted down,
I looked for him,
but I couldn't find him.
I joined the Navy,
and before I knew it,
I was shipped out.
How'd you happen
to meet him again?
It was after Pearl Harbor.
I sent for him.
Well, it was better for me to
send for him, than to have him
find me.
You know how it was around
here during the war.
The town was full of people
with money, easy money,
Just asking for guys like us
to take it away from them.
So, we took our dough
and formed a syndicate.
We needed somebody in the
Islands with connections,
so we found Roger.
Novak and I supplied
the money and the brains,
Roger the connections.
Well, now that he's out
of the way,
You're the only one who
knows about my past.
I never told Roger.
Even if he knew, Roger
wouldn't hurt you.
Now listen to me, Sally.
Listen carefully and
don't argue.
That note was meant for me.
If I'd gotten it first, I'd have
done exactly the same thing.
I killed Novak.
I did it in self-defense.
He tried to blackmail me.
There was a scuffle over a gun.
No, I won't let you.
You're to do exactly what I say.
I can get away with this thing
and you can't.
Why can't I?
What would you tell the jury?
I'd tell them the truth.
And get put away for ten,
twenty years?
Not you, Sally.
But I want you to be safe,
Chet.
I'll be all right.
Now listen and do what I say.
You know that box at home
that has our safety deposit
box key in it?
- Yes.
- Would you take the key
And go to the vault in the bank
and take out $50,000 in cash?
But you'll have to wait for two
or three weeks until things cool
off.
- Two or three weeks!
- At least.
Then go to San Francisco
and see George, my lawyer.
You know the address.
I know his one abiding
passion... cash.
You give him the $50,000 and
he'll get me off clean as a
whistle.
All right, Chet. I will.
Oh, darling.
Darling, I love you so.
I've loved you ever since
that fist day.
And I remember every day since.
Aw, don't worry, darling.
I'll soon be out and things
will be good again.
You don't have to do
this for me.
I owe you too much already.
When I was burned and out of
my mind, you found me.
You brought me back,
you and these islands.
Oh Chet, what do we do now?
The same thing anybody does
when they're in trouble,
phone the police.
I love you, Hawaii.
You are my life, my hope,
my faith.
With your bright and shimmering
music-filled loveliness.
You are my golden dreams
at the rainbow's beginning.
Did you like the record?
- Very much.
- What's the matter?
You are my golden dreams
at the rainbow's beginning.
It's very strange.
I can almost swear...
You could almost swear
that what?
Golden dreams at the
rainbow's beginning.
There's an interesting
story about the composer.
He's over in Honolulu
awaiting trial for murder.
Murder?
Donna? Uh, Donna.
Wait a minute.
Donna?
Donna, what's going on?
I wish I knew.
I see you're bringing Randy back
from the dead again,
Or are you going to tell me
that old story
That you've never been able
to quite believe he is dead?
Read that inscription.
But I've told you over and over
again, you have to be wrong
about him.
He was killed at Pearl Harbor.
You received official notice
from the Navy, didn't you?
You mean the last line of
that... Polynesian Rhapsody?
Yes.
It was just a coincidence,
that's all.
I've got to find out
whether it is.
It's crazy. Can't you get it
through your head, he was
killed?
Frank, I simply have to
make sure. I must!
He must have been quite a guy.
He was. But that
isn't the point.
What is?
Calling off
our engagement?
Frank, I can't be engaged to you
if I'm still married to him.
Well, if it'll make you feel
better, we'll call Honolulu and
get a check on him.
No. No,
I'm going to Honolulu.
Well, I think
this is getting...
I'm sorry, Frank. But right now
I can't help what you think.
It's ridiculous.
- What is?
- The whole affair.
You've been
living in the past.
You're ruining your life,
destroying your future,
And the future and
the present of anybody
and everybody around you.
I've never heard you talk
like this before.
It's about time I did.
I'll get the tickets.
I'll be ready to leave
any time you say.
No, Frank.
It's better I go alone.
The Honolulu police station.
- Police station?
- Please.
Want to turn
yourself in, dear?
- I beg your pardon?
- I beg yours.
Always opening my big mouth.
Didn't you just come
in on the plane?
Yes, I did.
- You live in the Islands?
- No.
No, it's my first visit.
Oh ho ho.
A Malahihi.
- You had me fooled.
- A Mala who?
- That's a newcomer.
- Oh.
How long have you been in
the Islands?
Thirty-five years.
The name's O'Reilly.
Uh, Lida O'Reilly.
I was a school teacher
from Wisconsin.
I saved up my money and came
here for a two-week vacation.
Forgot to go back.
And now that I've told you
my life story, uh,
- maybe I could ask you
a question?
- Go ahead.
Why is it that a nice looking
young woman like you
Is making her first stop in the
Islands at the Honolulu Police
Station?
I have an appointment
to see Chief Dan.
And if you send me,
chief...
- Yes?
A Miss Williams who called you from the
mainland is here,
The one who said she was a
relative of Chet Chester.
Oh, yes. Send her in.
That'll be all, Ippy.
Oh, me come back tomorrow,
chief.
Maybe have some
hot information.
Thank you very much, chief.
Please, come in.
- Welcome to Hawaii.
- Thank you.
Please sit down.
Uh... our brief telephone
conversation last night has me
puzzled.
I was under the impression you
said it was in connection with a
man named Chet Chester.
Yes, it is.
I presume you know
Mr. Chester is in jail,
being held for murder.
Yes, I heard.
May I ask,
Mrs. Williams, uh,
What your interest is in him?
Well, I'll be brief.
Just before the war,
there was a young sailor,
His name was
Randy Williams.
He was attached to the
battleship Arizona.
This was in 1941.
On December the seventh, he was
reported killed in action.
I fail to see the connection
with Chet Chester.
I have reason to believe that
Chet Chester and Randy Williams
are the same.
Bring in the file
on Chet Chester.
Mrs. Williams, what was your
relationship to this uh...
Randy Williams?
He was my husband, and the
father of my little boy.
I wasn't aware that uh...
Thank you, Sergeant.
Look at this.
Was it a wild goose chase?
It's...
I think it is Randy.
But that mark on his face...
Didn't he have a scar like that?
No. No scar at all.
But, I think it's him.
Assuming that Chet is the man
in question,
I suppose you'd like to see him.
Yes, I would.
You can't see him today,
I'm afraid.
But I'll have him brought here
at noon tomorrow.
Can you be here then?
Yes, I'll be here.
Thank you.
Now, I've got it all
figured out.
You're one of those lady
journalists
And you're here to do a big
feature story on Hawaii.
- Wrong again.
- All right.
Then why are you here on Hawaii?
I came to see someone I...
I think I know.
Have you ever heard of a man
named Chet Chester?
Chester? Oh, sure. Sure. He
killed some no good hoodlum.
He's in prison. Are you
going there to visit him?
Yes, tomorrow with Chief Dan.
Do you know anything
else about him?
Yeah, but they're just rumors.
One rumor is that he uh, made a
pile of dough during the war
years,
And then sort of retired.
And now he owns the Hawaiian
Retreat and has a nice home
on Waikiki Beach.
My information was correct,
wasn't it?
You have reservations
on tonight's plane.
- Yes, I'm going to the
mainland.
- Why?
To help Chet
get out of prison.
Off the mainland?
I'm sorry, Roger,
I can't tell you anymore.
Maybe you can tell me who that
woman is that arrived in
Honolulu.
- What woman?
- Quit pretending, Sally.
You know who I am talking about.
That Williams dame.
Sorry, Roger.
But I don't know who you mean.
Sally, I warn you...
don't lie to me.
I... I get it now.
You're taking his money out,
aren't you?
You're hauling it out of
the Islands for him.
Every cent he's got.
All his loot.
- Loot?
- Yeah, loot.
The dough that I
helped him make.
The stuff the syndicate took in.
He sent for her, didn't he?
He's turning it
over to the two of you.
You're wrong, Roger.
He turned everything over to me.
Thanks.
Now I know.
You're in a position to lay
your hands on all his money.
That's right.
Where is it?
He's not going to cut me
out this time.
Out of what?
He paid you off a long time ago,
the same as Novak.
And what's left?
A fortune.
He's enjoying it alone.
Using it to make himself
important and good.
Good... how?
By giving a few lousy
dollars to a bunch of slobs.
Why do they need his help?
You're hateful when you
talk like this.
Those poor people need
everything they...
They need nothing.
They're used to the gutter.
- Let them stay in it.
- You're one of them.
Most of them are our people.
I take it back.
You aren't one of them.
You're not good enough.
Who is it that
you wish to see?
Oh. Miss Sally Lee.
- Do you work here?
- Why, yes. I work here.
Is Miss Lee in?
Oh, she's not expected
'til much later.
What is it you wish
to see her about?
It's business,
a private matter.
Perhaps I can wait inside.
I wouldn't mind waiting.
No. That is... uh...
It'll be much
too long to wait.
Nobody home?
No! Nobody home!
Oh, you have someone waiting?
Yes, that's right.
Good bye.
Did you see that man?
He seemed rather odd.
Oh, a lot of creeps on the
island just like anywhere else.
- You'll get used to it.
- I suppose so.
Have you got any plans tomorrow,
Other than your noon time
appointment with Chief Dan?
- No.
- Oh, good.
Then while you're on the island,
I'll be your guide,
Or your chaperone,
if you like.
I like. Make plans.
* Stars are falling
from the skies *
* They're falling
for my Lani *
* Falling stars are
in her eyes *
* For they adore my Lani
* Although she makes
me cry and cry
* Although her lips
may scold me *
* I know she'll love me
by and by *
* For Lani's eyes
have told me *
Calm down. Calm down.
You make me feel like a mother,
helping her one and only to be a
bride.
What's the matter,
Mrs. O?
Haven't you ever
been a mother?
Me? No.
And for a very
good reason.
I've never been
married or... or anything.
I wonder if he'll know me?
Maybe it isn't even him.
Well, if it is,
I wonder how it'll seem?
Didn't Chief Dan tell you to be
at his office by noon?
- Yes.
- Then we'd better
get a move on.
I wonder how it'll seem,
seeing him again...
Talking to him.
Fill it up.
Come on, Jamie, break down.
Why the nice little
automobile ride?
Where are we going?
Up to Chief Dan's office.
Oh, is he going to make an
honorary police captain out of
me
For killing a hoodlum
like Novak?
You're pretty sure you're going
to beat this rap, aren't
you?
- Sure, I'm sure.
Car 568.
Yes, sir. Yes, chief.
Yes, sir. Right away.
What's up?
- We have to make a stop.
- Where?
Hey, what is this?
What are we doing here?
Sorry, Chet. You'll have to
identify a body as next of kin.
I have no kin.
Well, you're the
closest thing to it.
Those are the regulations.
- Four-oh-four?
- Yeah, that's right.
What's the matter, Jamie?
Afraid I'll jump in one
of those boxes?
Go ahead.
Who did it?
We don't know, Chet.
What do you mean,
you don't know?
- We're working on it.
- You're working on it? You...
Please, Mr. Chester, just
make your identification.
OK, I'll do it.
- Name.
- Sally Lee.
- Age?
- Late twenties.
Relationship?
Just... say a friend.
That do it for you?
Come on, Chet.
I've got more important
work to do.
Sorry, Jamie.
I was saying, are there
any instructions or...
That won't be necessary now.
A girl by the name of Sally Lee
has been murdered.
Chet Chester was taken to the
morgue to identify her body.
No!
After he identified her, Chester
broke away from his guard.
He... he escaped?
No. I... I wouldn't
call it that.
I think he intends to find
Sally Lee's killer.
Is there anything I can...
Chief Dan, when was...
when did it happen?
Some time
yesterday afternoon.
I went to visit
Sally Lee yesterday.
At the house?
The place on Waikiki Beach?
- Yes.
- Did you see her?
No. The man...
he said he worked there...
He told me she wasn't home.
Man?
There were no servants there.
What time of day was this?
About two or three o'clock.
Can you describe this man?
Well, he... he was...
um...
- Was he Chinese?
- Well, Oriental.
It's difficult for me to...
What you're trying to say is to
you, all Orientals look alike.
Well, I could even be
wrong about that.
He might be a...
mixture of nationalities.
But, I don't think so.
I know this. If I saw him again,
I'd know him.
Good. Then for your sake,
I suggest you, uh,
stay around your hotel.
If he's the murderer,
he knows you're the one
witness who can identify him.
As for Chet,
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks.
So, you didn't see him at all?
No, I didn't.
Back to the hotel?
Where would a man wanted
by the police hide out?
I imagine he'd head for
Hell's Half Acre.
Why? Who are you
looking for this time?
The same. Chet Chester.
He's out of jail. He escaped.
Uh-hmm.
What was that place you said?
Hell's Half Acre?
What is that?
Oh, it's a shabby tenement
district that Honolulu's
not very proud of.
Wouldn't the police guess he's
there and go in after him?
Oh, they might, but
they wouldn't get him.
There are three hundred ways
into Hell's Half Acre
And four hundred ways out
that they know of.
Are there any
young women in there?
Yes. Taxi dancers, cheap,
painted, disillusioned little
ladies.
Some of them live there and work
in the nearby dance halls.
Maybe if the people down there
thought I was a taxi dancer,
I could ask questions.
And maybe word would
get to Chet Chester
that I wanted to see him.
Get me a job down there.
Honey, you're crazy.
If you knew what it was like,
you wouldn't even ask me.
You should see the creeps that
crawl around those dance halls.
And they don't go there
just to dance.
But it might be my last
chance to see him.
If he gets off the island,
I'll never find him.
Don't you see, I've got to
do it. Help me, please.
Is this Hell's Half Acre?
Yeah. It's all in
behind these stores.
You even walk like a lady.
Give it a little more swing
and sway, like this.
Yep. That is better.
Well, this is it.
All right, honey?
Change your mind?
Want to get out of here?
No. No, I'll stay.
- Hey, George?
- Yeah?
Uh, this is Donna.
Friend of mine.
She's new here.
She needs a job.
Why?
Why do you think, you
ignorant knucklehead?
Because she's broke.
What do you expect,
a character reference?
All right, sister.
It's four bits a dance.
We'll split it with you.
Turn in your tickets
at the end of the night.
And oh uh... whatever you
make on the side...
Tips that is, is all yours.
OK honey, better join the
ladies in waiting.
And remember...
What's the matter? They just
fish you out of the deep freeze
or something?
Hey, I'm talking to you!
Well, the fifty cents is
for the dance.
If you want snappy dialogue,
it'll cost you extra.
Ho ho. That's good.
Psst!
Tubby? Tubby!
I told you stay in hotel
and watch her.
Why you think I buy you suit
and everything?
Her go from hotel.
I saw. I now know
where she go.
- Very interesting place.
- Where?
Uh, such information
has great value, no?
- Paradise Ballroom.
- She's here in the Acre?
She taxi dance girl now.
Are you sure she
relative of Chester?
Positive. She tell
Chief Dan. I heard.
That means Chester is here.
No wonder he broke loose.
She come here to meet him.
Ippy, you want to make
big pay?
I mean big, big pay?
Ippy always happy with money.
Find Chet Chester.
The order is still
that you're to find
Chet Chester tonight.
Shall we start with
Hell's Half Acre?
You'd better. And make it
a thorough raid.
Bust it wide open
if you have to,
inch by inch, but find him!
Let's go, men.
Do you know a man by the
name of Chet Chester?
Sure. He's big man in Islands.
I've heard of him.
Lately?
I read the paper like
anybody else. Don't you?
I'd like to meet
up with him.
Huh! So do the police.
But no talk now, just dance.
Oh, Mr. Kong, what are you
doing down in this neighborhood?
Slumming.
Well, if you care to dance we
have a new girl tonight.
Yes, I know.
Looking for Chet?
You are, aren't you?
Yes, I am.
Do you know him?
He's a good friend of mine.
What were you doing in
Miss Lee's house?
Same thing you were.
Looking for her.
I had a message for her
from Chet.
You told me you were
working there.
Delivering a personal
message is work.
You know, I should call
the police.
Go ahead. But they can't
lead you to Chet.
I can.
- Does he know I'm here?
- Yeah.
And he wants you to
take me to him?
Well, sure.
That's right.
You're related to him.
You are, aren't you?
What's all the running
and the noise?
That's the grapevine.
There's a raid on.
They're warning everybody.
Come on in here.
It's me. Ippy.
Me know you're there,
Mr. Chester.
Police coming.
Me help you.
You know everything,
don't you, Ippy?
- You see, I a friend of you.
- How did you know where I was?
Oh, big secret.
Ippy know all.
Works for anybody
that'll pay him.
I wish to discuss
that part with you.
Pay?
I am businessman.
If I don't tell you police
coming, they take you.
Ippy gets nothing.
But there is someone who
will give big pay if I tell
where you are.
- Who?
- Tubby Otis.
One hundred dollars if I find
you, but for two hundred,
me no find you.
You better collect the hundred
and I'll be waiting for him.
Maybe he'll tell me who
he's working for.
You no pay?
Not for anything you've
told me so far.
- Any sign of Chester up there?
- No, sarge.
Ippy have
other information.
Relative of Mr. Chester
in Honolulu.
- I have no relatives.
- She stay big hotel.
Come to Half Acre.
Taxi dance. Look for you.
I told you
I have no relations.
She say she is.
She at dance hall...
Donna Williams.
Williams?
I show. You see her soon
as policeman go away.
She gone!
Dance hall closed!
- Ippy, you're a liar.
- No, I no lie.
Well, if you're not, find her
and let me know where she is.
Then you'll get your
two hundred dollars.
She relative?
Look, I've got no relatives.
Say it again and I'll wring
that withered neck of yours.
Poor Mr. Chester.
No relatives.
Fatso!
Hey, Tubby.
Wake up!
You were in pretty bad
shape last night.
Go on! You've slept long enough!
Where is he?
The man who...
I was drugged!
There wasn't any man.
Tubby here found you outside the
Paradise Ballroom and he brought
you here.
It's a good thing he did.
Anything could have happened
to you.
Anything? Is this...
your place?
If you mean am I married
to that, yeah.
- Go wash your face!
- Yeah.
You know it's
already past noon?
You really got loaded
last night, girl.
Well, how could I
drinking coffee?
Please, give me my clothes now.
Sure. Here you are.
- Where is she?
- Bedroom.
Did you find Chester yet?
I didn't see Ippy
anymore last night.
Ippy. Stay away from that guy.
I never did trust him.
Use your other men.
We must find Chester
before the cops do.
Hi.
Don't leave her
alone in there.
Don't worry.
The window's locked.
Besides she's getting dressed.
She isn't about to
go anyplace.
- Where's Fatso?
- A little errand.
- Your idea?
- Yeah.
Beautiful girl.
- When are we going to cut out?
- Soon.
You keep saying that, but...
She might be the answer...
Unless she's a liar.
She is a liar.
Chet has no relatives.
You know that.
I don't know that
and neither do you.
Now be nice!
Now why don't you be nice?
Then I won't hurt you.
I won't hurt you at all.
And the police department just announced
That Chet Chester
is still at large.
Last night's raid on Hell's
Half Acre netted nothing.
They suspect that he is...
That's a nice girl.
That's it.
You know something?
You're pretty.
Yeah, very pretty.
Now...
now you can't scream any more.
Can't even talk.
I like you.
You even breathe pretty.
Here. Drink this. It'll help.
How'd you get in that
guy's room anyway?
I wish I knew.
I was drugged... or...
Randy?
Picture coming in clear now?
Very clear.
It's all right.
I brought you here.
Oh, I see.
- Well?
- Well, what?
Aren't you going to say...
something?
Yes.
I'm not...
whoever you said.
My name is Chet Chester.
Ashamed?
- Ashamed of what?
- Your past.
- What's wrong with it?
- You tell me.
You wouldn't be interested.
- Uh, cream and sugar?
- Sugar.
No, you got the wrong boy.
Take my word for it.
Why should I?
I guess you got no
other choice.
And I imagined it
quite differently.
- What?
- Our meeting.
The way it would be
after all this time.
What'd you expect I'd do?
Run into your arms and tell you
I'm the guy you're looking
for?
Yes.
I'm sorry to
disappoint you, girl.
I'm not it.
Then why did you
bring me here?'
'Cause I can't stand
to hear a woman scream.
Thank you very much.
Well, I'm all right now.
I'd better be going.
- Yeah, but...
- What?
Well, it's not safe. It's a
pretty tough neighborhood.
I sent for a friend of mine
to take you home.
That's very thoughtful of you.
It'll be a few minutes
before he gets here, so you
might as well relax.
Look, when you get out of here,
Take my advice and
grab the first plane back
to wherever you come from,
Back to that castle
of dreams of yours.
Don't mess around other
people's dirty laundry.
Tell me about this, uh, Randy?
He must've been
quite a character
To send you half way across
the world looking for him.
Who is he?
My husband of three days.
That wouldn't be too
hard to take.
Why don't you sit down?
Where'd he come from?
- A small town in Arizona.
- Yeah?
Nice family.
Randy had a kid sister, too.
Only she's not a kid anymore.
She was married
a few weeks ago.
Good for her.
Now, shall we change
the subject?
Or is there something else?
Yes, there is.
A son, my son.
He's eleven years old.
That would...
That would...
Make him the father
of the child.
How did you know how long ago
I was married to Randy?
I didn't.
The way you talk it sounded like
it was quite a while ago.
Yes, before the war.
And he was the father.
Only he never saw
the boy... never knew.
I christened him Randy.
He looks just like... him.
Does that mean
anything to you?
No. Why should it?
He's in a military school.
He's very bright
and quite manly.
Anybody would be proud of him.
And he's...
he's crazy about sports.
He made the baseball team.
I saw him play the other day.
He got himself a homerun...
with the bases loaded.
Yeah?
Me got it for you.
Did you open it?
Oh, no. Ippy not open.
Ippy not see key inside.
You wouldn't know what
the key was for anyway.
No. Me ponder,
but me not know.
I bring number one man.
He waiting for you.
Come on.
You're going home.
Mr. Chester not poor now,
has relative.
- Chief Dan!
- Hello, Dan.
Good evening.
I can't believe it.
We've raided this place, combed
it from one end to the other,
And you were here
all the time.
You have to come with me.
I know, Dan. But do me
a favor first?
That's why I sent for you.
What is it?
Get Mrs. Williams back to her
hotel and onto a plane to the
mainland.
Before whoever killed Sally
comes back after her.
Jamison can attend to that.
My job is to take you in.
Look, Dan, I didn't escape
for my freedom.
- I wanted to get the...
- I know that.
But now you're going to have
to leave that up to us.
Give me a chance... just a
couple of hours
While you're getting
Mrs. Williams squared away.
I think I can do it.
Everybody in the Acre's
helping me.
If my lead is right, why they'll
find him and bring him to me.
Look, Dan, put me in that room
with Jamie, or a squad of cops.
I'll be under wraps, handcuffed.
When the killer comes in,
Jamie can grab him.
OK, two hours.
Thanks.
Let's hope we can get this
job finished tonight.
Too bad your job can't
be finished.
Can't it?
Here in Hawaii,
memories of times gone by
are two for a quarter.
Come on, Jamie.
- No funny stuff this time.
- All right. I'll be good.
The most important thing to
the man at the dance hall
Was to discover what your
relationship is to Chet,
isn't it?
Yes. Uh-huh.
Then, if he were to believe
that you are Chet's wife,
Chet wouldn't
even have to look for him.
He'd come voluntarily.
We could trap him.
What are you driving at?
Oh, nothing.
I was just making like a cop.
It gets to be a habit.
What are you doing?
I knew you weren't going
to leave me, Ja...
What are you doing back here?
You changed your clothes.
Why didn't Dan put you
on the plane?
Because my place is with you.
I'm your wife.
Make believe wife, that is.
Look, this is no time
to play house.
Where is Dan?
What's this all about?
I'm going to be part of your
plan to catch the man that
killed Sally Lee.
Chief Dan says that if the
murderer thinks I'm your wife,
He's more certain to come
after me than he is after you.
- You see, I saw him.
- What?
Yes. About the time
Sally Lee was killed.
Where?
At your house, on the beach.
Who was he?
What does he look like?
- He was an oriental.
- Chinese?
I think so.
I can't be certain.
What can you be certain of?
Are you sure you'd recognize
him if you saw him again?
Yes. I would.
How did you get
mixed up in this?
Tangled up with murder,
With people you've never
even heard of.
And now the police are
using you in a stakeout...
A target for somebody's
shooting practice.
Who's going to protect you?
The whole area will be
filled with detectives.
Oh, they won't even get
past the grapevine.
Look. Some already have.
And there are more to come.
They came in plain clothes.
Take a look.
Did Dan talk you into this?
It was his idea,
but I talked him into it.
How's anybody going to get
this idiotic story of yours,
About your being my
so-called wife?
What are we supposed to do,
Stand on a rooftop and
shout it to the world?
It's going to be on
the 9:00 news broadcast
And that, uh, that Mr. Ippy
is going to sell the information
to Tubby Otis.
Chief Dan arranged that, too.
Why are you doing this?
It's crazy.
I thought I'd help
as long as I'm here.
Look, I don't want your help.
I don't want it.
I don't need it.
I'm not buying it.
This time you
have no choice.
- I don't?
- No!
Because I've decided
to stick around a little longer.
I don't believe you...
that story about Chet Chester.
You're going to have to be
a little more convincing.
It's 24 minutes before 9:00.
That gives you
24 minutes.
To do what?
To tell you the life story
of Chester?
All right,
if that's what you want.
Let me see now.
It was a bed of roses
all the way.
What? You want more?
Yes.
When did you come
to the Islands?
When?
When I was a
little boy in knee pants,
And I've lived here ever since
like a happy, little beachboy.
I told you, Roger!
That's enough, Roger!
That's enough!
Dirty stupid slob!
Well, now that we're on a story
telling jag, what about your
story?
What's the difference?
- Are you ashamed?
- No!
Well, come on.
Let's hear it.
The life and loves
of Donna Williams.
- Loves?
- Yeah, make it good.
There's nothing I like better
than a good, corny love story.
Did you ever hear the one
about the little girl...
Seventeen?
Silly, wide-eyed, met a
sailor boy just before the war.
Fell crazy in love with him.
He and the girl went
everywhere together,
The beach, the show, riding the
rollercoaster, dancing.
The world was young
and so were they.
Nothing was ever
going to hurt them.
Nothing.
Corny enough for you?
Oh, you're doing fine.
Oh, wait until
you hear the rest.
They ran off to Tijuana
and got married.
They had a mad,
lovely honeymoon.
He bought her a sombrero,
And a little painted
turtle, named Ichabod.
Then, oh get this wild finish,
Just when they celebrated
their third anniversary,
The third day that is,
He went away.
- A real rat.
- No. He had to go.
His ship was sailing.
The next the girl heard
about was Pearl Harbor.
He was missing in action.
She couldn't believe it...
For a long, long time.
She had a wild idea in her head
that somehow he'd escaped,
And maybe he couldn't
come back because...
Because he was burned
out of his mind.
Is that what you mean?
What about the climax scene?
What about the boy?
Who believes his father
died a hero.
Yeah.
When you tell the story,
don't leave that out.
That's the best part.
It's not a very
happy story, is it?
All right, Ippy. Go ahead.
- It's Ippy.
Ippy.
- Invite him in.
- He can't see you here.
Shut up.
I'll handle it.
Mr. Kong!
What are you...
Do you want to broadcast
my name all over the Acre?
What you doing here,
Mr. Kong?
Who told you to come here?
Have news. Good news.
Who are you working for?
Tubby. And you.
Ippy big friend of you.
What's the news?
Well, ordinarily it cost lot
of money, but not to you.
- It's free.
- Free information?
Chet Chester has
Donna Williams with him.
Where?
They in court four balcony, room 47.
- She his wife.
- Is this a police trap?
Are you working for the cops?
They sent you here,
didn't they?
No. Ippy good friend of you.
Nobody send. Me saw.
Girl wife of him.
Me telling truth.
Ippy go now, please!
You're not going anywhere.
You puny, double-crossing
little creep!
Me telling truth.
Me go! Please!
Mrs. Chet Chester who flew in
From the mainland has
disappeared from her hotel.
It is reliably reported that
she has made contact
With her fugitive husband, who
yesterday escaped the police.
Mrs. Chester is believed to be
in hiding with Chet Chester
this very moment.
However...
He was telling the truth.
Maybe for the first time,
and he died for it.
Shut up!
So she is his wife.
What about it?
What's the difference now?
The difference is she's right
here in the Acre.
She's made herself
a fugitive just like him.
She's right here within reach.
- Well, what do you want to do?
- It's your fault!
What are you trying to do?
You've got two murders
on your hands already.
Do you want to make it three?
A million dollars.
It's all gone now.
But it's a lot worse.
Now it's my neck.
We must get her.
She and Chet both,
before the cops do.
Why doesn't Ippy come out?
- There may be another door.
- Well, let's...
Let's go and break
in right now.
No, no. Wait.
Still can't see a thing.
Use the back door
just the same.
If this works, he...
Or they ought to be
along any minute.
- What time is it?
- 9:07.
I hope the police are ready.
Sorry you got into
this now, aren't you?
It was a trap!
Dirty rat!
Thanks anyway for giving
the stake out a trial, Dan.
All we caught was Tubby Otis.
What about his wife?
She got away along with somebody
who was with her.
And Ippy's in the emergency
hospital, half-dead, broken
neck.
Where's Mrs. Williams?
There are no planes leaving for
the Mainland until the morning.
She needed protection
for the night,
So I thought it best that
she stay at your
beach house.
Alone?
So, I... I practically blew
my cork worrying about you.
I didn't know whether to get
ready for a funeral or wedding.
A lot of good I did him.
He's on his way back to prison.
Is it the end of the line
for him?
I guess so.
You feel pretty bad, don't you?
- Rotten.
- Because of her?
Yeah.
- She must be in love with you.
- Oh, that's crazy.
She's got some silly romantic
idea that I'm somebody else.
Chet, it should be obvious
even to a blind man that
Donna's not just going away
and forget you,
Whatever your name is.
Then someone has to
make her do it.
Calling car one.
This is car one. Come in.
Chief, Ippy died
at the hospital.
Oh. Then you weren't able
to get him to talk.
No. Only a couple of
mumbled words.
It was all garbled up.
Sounded something like
Konrog... Rog...
Something like that.
Thank you.
Kong... Rog...
Are you trying to say
Roger Kong?
Turn left at the next street!
Chet, quit kidding with me.
Now, do what I tell you.
Take the next left.
You're being very foolish.
Just how far do you
think you'll get?
By the time you get
to a telephone,
I'll be as far as
I want to go.
- Now stop the car.
- No, Chet!
Yes, chief?
Get me the Hawaiian Retreat.
Yes, sir.
Hawaiian Retreat.
Go ahead, chief.
Is Roger Kong there?
Yes, sir. Mr. Kong has
been here quite some time,
Since 7:30.
Thank you.
A call just came in,
either from the chief
or someone in his office.
Did you tell him that we had
been here ever since 7:30?
- Sure I did.
- That's good.
- What was that?
- It worked.
At least we have an alibi
just in case somebody
Thought they recognized us
running out of the Acre.
- I thought you were...
- Behind bars?
What are you writing?
Your memoirs?
- No. Just a letter.
- Fine.
I've been writing too, a new
finish to that story of yours.
You see, the little girl
comes to the Islands.
She thinks her sailor boy
is still alive.
She even thinks she sees him.
She's wrong.
All wrong.
Her sailor boy is dead.
Nothing... and no one
will bring him back.
Now let the dead rest!
Stop walking on a grave.
Fine writing.
And while you're at it, why not
finish the letter for me?
It's to our son.
You didn't fool me.
Maybe for a few minutes
in the beginning.
But that's all.
What do you want me to do?
Tell him the truth?
Tell him his father
didn't die a hero?
Wasn't a hero at all?
A deserter, a thief, a cheat?
A man who will probably rot out
the rest of his life in prison.
Is that what you want
me to tell him?
No, his father's dead.
He died the day Chet Chester
started to live,
And Chet Chester will
stay here in the Islands.
In the paradise he found?
The paradise he stole.
Now the story's really finished.
Close the book and put it away.
Never was a very good
book anyway.
It wasn't even worth
your plane fare.
I still wish there was...
some solution, some way.
Donna, what ever happened
to that turtle?
That Ichabod?
I let him swim in the
fishpond one day.
He disappeared.
I think he hid under one of
the water lilies.
There were so many lilies,
I couldn't find him.
Then you come out
from under yours.
Randy, I think you're under
the impression
I've been living in an ivory
tower all these years.
I haven't.
- Is he good to you?
- Very.
Then you get back there
and marry him.
It'll be your first marriage.
You know, three days doesn't
make a marriage.
- Our boy does.
- Then give him a break.
Give him a father
he can be proud of.
Give him a man in the house that
he can look up to and respect.
Don't smother him with memories
of a man that doesn't exist.
It's too late to count
our regrets.
Wait.
I'd like to kiss you goodbye.
You were wrong.
It was worth the plane fare.
- Get the waiter.
- I told you you've had enough.
No, one more.
Just one more.
I'm celebrating.
- A fish wife no more.
- Quiet down.
Oh, my poor slob of a husband.
Bang, bang, bang.
I'll bet he has more holes
in him than a sieve.
Knock it off.
Dead! With a million bullet
holes in him.
Hello, Harry.
Chet! What are you doing here?
Somebody will see you!
- The police just called.
- No, that was me.
I was just checking up to see if
Roger had used the old perfect
alibi routine.
I was sure he would.
- Come on and dance with me.
- All right.
No more drinking, or you won't
be able to get out of that
chair.
- The place is emptying out.
- It must be closing time.
Why don't you go pay the check?
I'll go powder my nose.
Waiter?
Hey, what is this?
Hey, let me out of here!
What's the idea?
- Waiting for your check?
- Yes, I am.
Chet! What are you doing here?
The police will spot you!
I've got to get going.
Running out on an old friend?
And I always thought you were
one of my best friends.
Sure, I am.
You and Sally and I...
Went a lot of places
over the years.
- Didn't we, Roger?
- Yeah. Yeah, a lot of places.
But... so what?
You always said if there was any
favor I wanted, you'd do it.
Sure. Go ahead. Name it.
What is it you want?
Tell me about those people who
were killed tonight in Hell's
Half Acre.
What makes you think I
know anything about it?
I haven't been anywhere
near the Acre.
I've been right here
ever since...
Ever since seven thirty.
I know.
Yeah. That's right.
And I can prove it.
You forget.
I invented the alibi.
So that makes you the only one
who knows about it.
Now sit down
and be a good boy.
Harry, bring that pen
I asked you for.
I have something here in the
nature of a legal document.
It only needs my signature
for a punch line.
What is it?
What are you talking about?
To Randy Williams, Junior,
I leave all my real and
personal property.
You make it sound like your
last will and testament.
Ah, you're a real smart boy,
Roger.
That's exactly that it is.
The documents and cash
to be found
In my vault at the First
National Bank of Honolulu.
That's what you wanted to know,
isn't it, Roger?
I don't know what you're
talking about.
Sally had to die because she
wouldn't tell you where it
was.
You're crazy! I never...
You killed her!
You wanted to see me rot in jail
Just so you could get your
hands on my money.
Here, I'll help you.
This is the key to my vault...
The key you didn't even
need because it's the same vault
we had when we were partners.
And you still have authorization
to go into it at any time.
So you see? The money
wasn't hidden after all.
Yet you killed.
Three people had to die
While you were trying
to find it.
Sally stumbled and fell.
It was an accident.
What about Ippy's broken neck?
Was that an accident?
I've got an errand for you.
The favor I wanted you to do
as an old friend.
Deliver that to Donna
Williams at my house.
Don't forget your gun, Roger.
You forget I still have the
authorization at the
bank.
That'll be stopped
in the morning.
You won't stop anything.
You won't tell anybody about
Sally or the key or anything
else.
In front of witnesses?
Well?
You won't get far.
- He got away?
- Not quite.
He's waiting for me outside.
Five-one-nine-one-one.
Hello, Dan?
I'm glad you're back.
I'm sorry, Dan. I had to.
Now wait a minute.
Now listen, Dan.
Listen, this is important.
Have some of your men
move into the area,
Surrounding the Retreat
right away.
The Hawaiian Retreat.
Make sure they're unnoticed.
Now when they hear a shot,
and they nail the guy
Who fired it, they'll have the
murderer of Sally and Ippy.
And Dan, just in case you
have trouble proving he murdered
Sally and Ippy,
You may be able to charge him
with another murder.
Whose?
Mine.
Chet, don't be a fool!
Chet! Chet!
Harry, fix me a nightcap,
will you?
- The usual?
- Yeah.
I always said you mixed the best
drinks in the Islands, Harry.
What was that?
- Chief!
- Good afternoon.
I see you're ready to leave.
I understand you have
everything arranged.
Yes, I have.
Well, I was in the neighborhood
so I thought I'd stop by for a
farewell aloha.
That's very kind of you.
Your call is ready from the mainland.
Excuse me.
- Oh, Mrs. Williams?
- Yes?
Eh, by any chance are you going
to speak to your uh... little
boy?
- Yes, I am.
- Well, good.
Then why don't you tell him that
the original Navy records were
correct?
His father... his father
died at Pearl Harbor.
Thank you, chief.
Thank you very much.
Hello, Frank?
Is little Randy with you?
Good.
Hello, sweetheart.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Yes, darling.
Mommy's coming home.