I Wake Up Screaming (1941) - full transcript

Extra! Extra!
Read all about it!

Blonde model murdered! Slayer's
still at large! Read all about it!

- Hey, boy!
- Yes, sir.

Thanks.
Extra! Read all about it!

- If you know what's good for you, you'll come clean.
- When did you find the body?

- Why'd you do it?
- I didn't do it.

- You've said that before.
- All right, and I'll say it again.

- I can keep it up as long as you can.
- Listen, brother.

You don't seem to get the idea at all.
You're gonna fry for this.

- It means the hot spot.
- It does if you can

pin it on me, but I
don't think you can.



I think we can.

You're a pretty tough guy, aren't you,
with a crowd around?

- Why don't you come out in the open
so I can see you?
- Never mind that.

When did you first meet Vicky Lynn?

Say, listen, fellas. Why-Why don't you
let me make a record of it...

then you can play it over
to yourselves as often as you like.

Go ahead, Frankie,
just once more.

Pick it up when you met her for the first
time in that lunchroom on 8th Avenue.

- Okay, MacDonald. For you, I'll do it.
- Thanks.

I'd been to the fights
with a couple of friends of mine.

We'd just dropped in
for a cup of coffee, and-

- And hotcakes and coffee.
- Is that all?

No, but the rest of it
isn't on the menu.

You couldn't afford it
if it was.



- Say, you know something?
- Yes.

I'm wasting my time
being just an ordinary waitress.

Frankie, you're losing your grip.

I bet I can take that girl-inside of six
months, put her on top of the ladder.

What ladder? You've promoted everything
from prizefighters to fan dancers...

but I doubt if even you, maestro,
could make a lady out of a hash slinger.

In the right clothes, the right places with
the right people, she could get by anywhere.

It might be fun trying,
even if it didn't work.

Here she comes now, Frankie.
Pour on the charm.

How would you like to go to
the El Chico Club tomorrow night?

- This is where I came in.
- I'm not kidding.

I'll put you in a sable wrap and introduce
you to café society. What do you say?

I say you're out of your mind.

# #

Eleanor, I wish you had seen me
as Romeo. I was magnificent.

- That was a long time ago, wasn't it?
- How old are you, anyhow?

That, my dear Lady Handel, is a secret
that I keep even from my own mother.

- Ah.
- Who is that beautiful girl?

- Good evening, Mr. Christopher.
- Good evening.

I have your table for you.

I say, I'm in luck. It just happens
I know the man that's with her.

Who is he?

Frankie Christopher,
a sports promoter.

Prizefights, hockey,
ice carnivals and girls.

Mostly girls.
Excuse me.

- Wine with the dinner and coffee later.
- Very good, sir.

- Hello, Christopher.
- Hello, Ray.

Miss Lynn, I'd like you to meet
the famous actor, Robin Ray.

Actor? Really?
How do you do?

Listen, you little hash slinger, don't give me
any of that "lady" stuff, or I'll bite you.

- Am I overdoing it?
- Yes, but not bad.

Hello, Christopher.
How are things?

- How do you think?
- I think yes.

Miss Lynn, I'd like you to know
Larry Evans, the columnist.

- Larry, this is Miss Vicky Lynn.
- How do you do, Mr. Evans?

- I've read much about you.
- Indeed. Flattering, I hope.

Naturally. Most of it
appeared in your own column.

- Ouch.
- Keep it up, Vicky. Swell.

Yeah. That last line wasn't in the
script. Well, sit down, boys.

Sit down. Lynn? Lynn?
Of the Baltimore Lynns, by any chance?

No, no. My family came from Boston,
the home of the bean, you know?

Is that so? Do tell.

- May I have the next mazurka?
- Oh, I'd simply love it.

- Oh, no, you don't.
- Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

I didn't bring Miss Lynn for you two chiselers
to cut in. Come on, boys. Fight over her.

If she dances with anybody,
it's going to be with me.

Let us settle this dispute by claiming the
ancient privilege of age before beauty.

- Go scuttle yourself. I saw her first.
- You can't talk to me like that.

- Gentlemen, gentlemen.
- Beg your pardon.

Lady Handel presents
her compliments...

and would like to have Mr. Christopher
and his party have supper with her.

Why, we'd be delighted.

Well, you're in, Vicky. Just pick
up your feet and feel your way.

Come on, Vicky.

All right, boys.
Let's go.

May I present Miss Lynn
and Mr. Christopher? Lady Handel.

- How do you do, Miss Lynn?
- How do you do?

- And Mr. Christopher.
- How do you do?

- Won't you be seated?
- Thank you.

Robin, you sit here.

You haven't put a price
on yourself yet.

Well, I'll do everything I can: give you a
plug in the column every once in a while.

You might do worse than to have
your name linked with mine.

I don't see how.

Good evening, Harry.
May I please have my key?

Get that key for Miss Lynn,
and be quick about it.

Well, uh, good night, gentlemen.

It's been wonderful,
and I'm terribly grateful to you all.

- Well, can't we go up for a moment?
- Oh, I'm afraid not.

It's pretty late,
and we might disturb my sister.

- Good night.
- Good night.

- Good night.

- Good night.
- I'll be around for you first thing in the morning.

I'll be waiting for you.

- "Sister."
- I hate girls with sisters.

What are you beefing about?
Have you seen her yet?

No. Have you?

- No.
- Then we're neck and neck.

They day I find you and I are neck and
neck, I'll know I'm running down.

What's the matter with you,
gettin' so sore? She ain't nobody.

She will be, and when she is, you'll be
lucky if you're in the same neighborhood.

- What made you so sure you
could make something of her?
- That's my business: promotion.

She had looks, youth, a good figure.
What more do you want?

I'm asking the questions.

Then hurry up. I've got an
appointment at the Garden.

- Okay, MacDonald.
- Now, listen, Frankie.

There's been a murder committed, and we're
just trying to get to the bottom of things.

That's all.

- What's your name?
- Jill Lynn.

- Any initials?
- No. Just plain "Jill."

What relation are
you to the dead girl?

She was my sister.

How long have you been living
in New York?

Well, Vicky had been here
a couple of years, and after Mom died...

I came on from Chicago
to set up housekeeping with her.

Even though we shared the apartment, I saw
very little of her the last few weeks.

Why was that?

Well, you see, I have a position
as a stenographer downtown...

and Vicky was working
on a night shift in a restaurant.

We just kept different hours.

What do you know about this
man Frankie Christopher?

Nothing, except he was the one who
first gave Vicky those grand ideas...

about becoming a celebrity.

When did this start?

The first time I knew it was serious was
the night she came home from a nightclub.

It was very late, and I
had fallen asleep on the couch.

Jill. Jill, what do you think?
I've done it. I'm a success.

- What is all this?
- You know what happened?

Lady Handel invited me
over to her table.

I met all the big shots, danced
with all the good-looking young men.

I've just got dozens
and dozens of invitations.

Invitations to do what?

I'm never going back to that
rotten old restaurant job.

What?

Why should I? Now I realize
I've been wasting my time.

I can be somebody.

Vicky, you're not serious
about giving up your job?

Of course. Why should I go on slinging
hash when I can sling other things?

Vicky Lynn, have you gone
right out of your mind?

No, I haven't. I've just come
to my senses. That's all.

Frankie Christopher thinks I have
a great career before me.

Who's Frankie Christopher?

Oh, Jill, everyone knows
Frankie Christopher.

- He's a famous sports promoter.
- What does he want you to do?

Roller-skate or go over Niagara Falls
in a barrel?

Jill, I already have an offer to pose for
a magazine cover and a cigarette ad-

Vicky, wait a minute. When Mom died, we
promised we'd look out for each other.

Don't you think you're making
a fool of yourself?

- What do you mean?
- This Frankie Christopher.

People like that, what have they got
to do with people like us?

- Jill, they're going to help me.
- In what way?

They're gonna glamorize me.

They may have started this thing
as a gag, but after taking one look...

at those million-dollar
debutantes tonight...

I realized I can give them cards in
spades and still come out on top.

Vicky, you'll never come out
on top by any shortcut.

One week, your face is on the cover of a
magazine; the next, it's in the ash can.

I know I sound stuffy. Gee,
I like a good time as well as the next.

Jill, you're terribly sweet,
but, well, we are different.

I know the things I want,
and I know how to get them.

So stop worrying about me, huh?

Okay.

What you need now is sleep. If you lose
your looks, you've lost your bankroll.

Good night.

When was the first time
you met Frankie Christopher?

It was the following morning.
I was cooking breakfast-

- Vicky, I think he's here.
- Okay. I'm putting on a dress.

- Is Miss Lynn in?
- Which Miss Lynn?

The glamour girl, or just the plain,
ordinary garden variety?

- Ohh, you're her sister.
- You're quick.

- I'm Frankie Christopher.
- That's what I was afraid of.

- May I come in?
- Sure.

Course, this is just a dump,
but if you can find a place to sit down-

Say, why all the cracks?
You don't know anything about me yet.

I don't know anything about art,
but I know what I like.

What's the idea of handing Vicky this
line about making her a big shot?

That's no line. I believe it sincerely.
After all, that's my business...

discovering talent
and trying to put it across.

Here. Take a look
at that.

Hmm. Feeding time
at the zoo.

Where are you?

I don't believe in
having my picture taken.

That's for those I'm trying to put across. I
just stay in the background, where I belong.

- Modest, aren't you?
- Not particularly.

It's just a superstition,
that's all.

- Is that Frankie?
- Yes, dear.

Hold him for me, Jill.
Don't let him get away.

You come out
and do your own holding.

- Good morning, Frankie.
- That's a nice dress you've put on.

From that moment on, life became
just one great, dizzy world for her.

She was asked everywhere. She got
offers to pose for advertisements...

model clothes, join the ice ballet,
every possible form of publicity.

She even remembered the singing lessons
Mom had paid for...

and suddenly started
to fancy herself as a chanteuse.

Frankie even managed to get her a job
singing with a name band.

Finally, one morning,
things came to a climax.

I wonder what's keeping him.
I left a message hours ago.

Why, Jill, what are you
getting so excited about?

Nothing. Except he's going
to be awfully mad.

- Don't worry. I can handle him.
- Glad you think so.

- I wouldn't be in your shoes
for all the gold in Kentucky.

- Do you think that's him?
- Uh-huh. I know his knock. Come in.

What's up?

Well, it's not exactly
going to be a wedding.

I'm sorry.
I was up all night.

Darling, something terrible
has happened. I-

I don't quite know how to tell you,
it's so embarrassing, but-

Of course I realize everything
you've done for me, but, well...

life is so uncertain
nowadays, isn't it?

- Get to the point.
- Well, I-

- I'm going away.
- Away? Where?

I couldn't help it, really I couldn't. I
just happened to run into this man, and-

Purely business, you understand.

- Where are you going?
- To Hollywood.

Hollywood?

As I said, I just happened to run into this
man, and he wanted to make a screen test.

I didn't see any harm in it,
so I said yes.

I didn't wanna tell you in case it turned
out badly. I wanted to surprise you.

But it turned out simply wonderfully,
and I've signed a long-term contract.

- When are you going?
- I leave tomorrow night.

- Congratulations.
- Oh, now, Frankie, wait a minute. I-

Look, I've always been
on the level with you, haven't I?

Why didn't you tell me?

Oh, Frankie, I know
what you're thinking.

After all, you did take me out of the
restaurant, introduce me to the right people...

and that sort of thing, but, well,
I have some brains too.

It was me
they were interested in.

Some people think I'm a very attractive
girl. You didn't create that.

- I'm no Frankenstein, you know.
- I wonder.

Come in.

Robin, Larry,
how sweet of you both to come.

- What's the matter? What happened?
- Are you all right?

- I came as soon as I got your message.
- Dear Robin, dear Larry-

Something terrible has happened.

This whole thing started me thinking
I was wrong and Vicky was right.

After all, she had ended up
with a Hollywood contract...

and I was still pounding a typewriter
and breaking my fingernails.

But that's the trouble with giving advice
nowadays. So much of it turns out wrong.

When Vicky told me she had that
Hollywood job set up behind my back, I-

Well, you could've
knocked me down with a feather.

So you knocked her down instead.
Is that it?

No, wise guy.

I did exactly what you would do.
I got cockeyed.

# #

Do you mind turning
that thing down a little?

Not at all.

- Women are all alike.
- For Pete's sake, what difference does that make?

You've got to have them.
They're standard equipment.

Can you imagine her walking out on me
after all that I've done for her? Me!

You've done for her?
What have you done for her?

Well, I took her around to all the bright
spots. I let her be seen with me everywhere.

- It made her seem important.
- Why, you parboiled old ham.

You don't think anybody thought there
was anything between you two, do you?

If it hadn't been for my column, people
would've thought she was your trained nurse.

Why, you ink-stinking
word slinger.

I was famous when they were changing
your pants 20 times a day.

What's the use of bickering? We've all
gotten it. We may as well admit it.

- Surely you got some fun out of it.
- That's where you're wrong.

All I got was a handshake,
a smile and a promise.

I had to sit around with that sourpuss sister
of hers waiting for Vicky to come home.

- You're kidding.
- On the level. Night after night.

Didn't you even get a souvenir?

Well, I... got this.

She gave it to me once
when she had an appointment.

She told me to go up
to her apartment and wait.

I waited,
and she came in with you.

I'll be darned.
There's another for the scrapbook.

I wonder if there could've been somebody
else in her life all the time.

Well, if there was,
he must've been a locksmith.

Was there anyone in her life
before this Frankie Christopher?

On your last visit to New York,
for instance, about a year ago?

Any little incident that you can
remember may be of enormous help.

She was working in the restaurant then
and working pretty hard.

She didn't have much time
for running around, and-

Now that you mention it, I-I do
remember a queer thing that happened.

I didn't think much of it
at the time, but, well...

I was sitting in the place one night, waiting
for her to finish so we could go home...

when-

- I'll be with you in a minute, sis.
- Okay.

Vicky?

You seem to have an admirer. There was some
guy looking through the window at you...

like the wolf looked
at the three little pigs.

I'm used to that.
With that plate-glass window...

I've got about as much privacy
as a lingerie mannequin.

It doesn't mean a thing.

That's the one.

- Gives me the creeps.
- You'll have to get used to that.

We've got more wolves in New York
than they have in Siberia.

I saw him several times
after that.

He never said anything, never accosted
us or bothered us in any way...

but he frightened me.

There was something strange
about him, the way he'd look at her...

the way he'd turn up
in the most unexpected places.

Perhaps if you could find that man,
you'd find the murderer.

Mysterious stranger, huh?

Young lady, you'll have to do better than that.
Me and my partner weren't born yesterday.

- Why are you trying to protect
Frankie Christopher?
- I'm not trying to protect him.

I just don't believe he did it.

Was there ever anything between you
and this Frankie Christopher?

- What are you saying?
- You were in love with him, weren't you?

- That's a lie!
- You were in love with him,
and he didn't give you a tumble...

so you put your sister
out of the way.

Let me out of here! You have no
right to talk to me like that.

- Who do you think you are?
- I'm a poor, underpaid detective
trying to get at the facts.

Well, I demand
to see somebody in authority!

- I wanna see the head man around here!
- Get Cornell.

- We don't wanna get tough with
you unless we have to.
- I told you I didn't do it.

Inspector, you're wanted inside.

All right, boys.
Keep him warm. I'll be right back.

- Here you are.
- Thanks.

All right, young lady.
Here's the head man.

That's him!
That's the man!

- What's this?
- She's crazy. She said she
saw a mysterious stranger...

peeking through the window
of the joint where her sister worked.

- Now she says it's Ed.
- What about it, Ed?
Do you peek through windows?

Sure. When it happens to be my district.
That's my job, Miss Lynn, to look at people.

I admit he looks
as if he'd do anything...

but at the time of the murder,
he happened to be in Albany with me.

Frankie Christopher took you and your sister
out for a ride the evening before the murder.

What happened on that ride?

There's nothing important about that.
Vicky was just imagining things.

- Like you?
- I'm not imagining anything! I did see you!

All right. I'm a Peeping Tom.
Now, about the ride-

- Well, it's really so silly. I hate to-
- Come on. Let's have it.

Christopher just told me all about it,
so you'd better not withhold anything.

Well, it was the night before
Vicky was to leave for Hollywood.

Frankie came by to pick us up
and take us for a ride.

We were driving along,
not thinking much of anything, when-

# #

We'll be sorry
to see you go, Vicky.

- No, you won't. You'll be glad.
- What?

You'll be glad to get rid of me.

- Jill's in love with you. Haven't you noticed?
- Vicky, don't be silly.

I'm not silly.
I've known it a long time.

She's tried to cover it up,
but I've known.

You're crazy. Nothing like that's
ever entered my head.

I know.
It's much deeper than that.

That's why it's so dangerous.
Anything might happen.

Let's go back now, shall we?

Now, she said to Christopher,
"You'll be glad to get rid of me."

- Is that it, word for word?
- Yes. But she didn't mean anything like that!

What she meant we'll never know.
It's what she said that counts.

Now tell us how
and when you found the body.

Well, it was about 5:30
in the afternoon.

I'd gotten away early
from the office.

Even as I came out of the elevator,
I had a feeling something was wrong.

I don't know quite how to explain it, but there
was music coming from the apartment, and-

##

- Vicky!
- I just came in, just this second.

Is she?

Jill, you don't think
I did it, do you?

You don't, do you?

# #

I'm not quite clear
on what happened after that.

The next thing I knew,
the room was filled with police.

Thank you very much, Miss Lynn.
You've been most helpful.

- I give up.
- Say, you fellas give up too easy.

How 'bout playing
a couple games of gin rummy?

Exactly what did Vicky mean when she
said, "You'll be glad to get rid of me"?

- Where did you get that?
- Never mind where I got it. What did she mean?

- I don't know.
- I'll tell you what she meant.

She knew you resented
her running out on you.

When you left those two fellas at
the bar, you started to get drunk.

You drank all that night and the next day.
Your mind became more and more inflamed...

until you were mad
with jealousy and hurt pride.

I say you went up there
and killed her in cold blood.

- That's not true!
- It is true!

I got a good mind
to kill you myself right now!

Take it easy, Ed? Take it easy.

That's all for today,
Frankie. Sorry to bother you.

How 'bout a couple
of tickets for the rodeo?

You don't need any seats
for the rodeo.

All you need's a couple more bulls in
here, and you can have one of your own.

The assistant D.A. wants to see
Christopher in his office right away.

There you are, Frankie. You see?
He probably wants to apologize.

Thanks.

- What's the idea of riding him so hard?
- I don't know.

I've had 15 years' experience
in this racket.

If that isn't the look of a guilty man,
I'll take the rap myself.

- Here he comes.
- What's the dope, Frankie?

- Give us a break, will ya?
- What'd he say?

- Sorry, boys. No statement.
- Allow me.

- What's the idea?
- I hear Ed Cornell is taking charge
of the investigation.

- That's right.
- Brother, when that guy says
you're cooked, you're cooked.

He hasn't lost a conviction
in his entire career.

Here. Pin the crepe
on Cornell. His career is dead.

Mr. Christopher, I'm terribly sorry if
you've been caused any inconvenience.

- I hope none of our men were too rough with you.
- No, no. Not at all.

They've been
perfect little gentlemen.

The fact is, somebody has made a terrible
mistake. I was just explaining...

to Miss Lynn here that it seemed so
logical that you were the guilty one.

- Doesn't it now?
- No. I think we know the identity of the killer.

- Who is it?
- A boy by the name of Harry Williams-

switchboard operator
at the apartment house.

- Do you mind if I go now?
- Not in the least, Miss Lynn.

Sorry to have troubled you.

- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.

What makes you think
Williams did it?

We just got a call from one of our men. Williams
has been missing since 5:30 last night.

He's probably hiding out
somewhere, scared and shaky.

- But don't worry. We'll find him.
- Well, you'd better be quick about it...

because if I find him first, you're gonna
have another murder on your hands.

Jill!

Jill, can't we be friends?

This is a nice time
to be thinking about that.

I'm sorry you told that story
about the car.

I couldn't help it. Besides,
it didn't mean anything anyway.

Vicky didn't know what she was saying.
You know that, don't you?

Sure.
May I take you home?

No, thanks. I don't want any more
reminders around than are necessary.

Well, it's the first time I ever had
a bad dream with my eyes open.

- What do you want?
- Someday, you're gonna talk in your sleep...

and when that day comes,
I wanna be around.

It's no use, Cornell.
I'm not the type.

- Have you got a warrant?
- No. This is strictly my own idea.

- I'm working on my own time.
- Then get out of here.
I don't like rats in my bedroom.

Now, wait. You don't seem
to realize I'm doing you a favor.

I'm keeping you posted
on the progress of this case.

For instance, I found this cigarette
butt crushed out in her clothes closet.

There was also an evening slipper
that had been stepped on...

as if somebody
had waited there, hiding.

- Do you often smoke in clothes closets?
- Not since I was a kid.

It happens to be your brand.

According to the latest statistics,
10 million people smoke that brand...

including the army and navy.

- Maybe it was a mass murder.
- I know it doesn't mean much by itself...

but every little bit counts.

When I get all my evidence together,
I'm gonna have you tied up...

like a pig in a slaughterhouse.

Perhaps they're
keeping it from you...

but they told me at headquarters
that they think Harry Williams did it.

- I think they're wrong.
- Oh, I see.

They believe Williams did it,
but you're the holdout.

- You're the bright boy. Is that it?
- Maybe.

You know, you're like something
out of a museum.

You oughta have a magnifying glass and
one of those trick hats with earflaps.

Why don't you look in that box?

- Collar buttons.
- That's right.

Say, you're wonderful. You know, I think
I'll carry you around just for laughs.

I don't mind the kidding.

You're a pretty cocky fellow, Frankie.
You've had your own way for a long time.

- First with Vicky Lynn and now with her sister.
- Get out of here.

Find Harry Williams. That's your job. And
if I ever catch you around here again...

they'll have to
pick you up with a sieve.

Hello, Harry.

- Hello, Miss Lynn.
- I thought you'd gone away.

I just went over to Brooklyn
to see my parents.

I didn't realize it would cause such a
fuss. I explained everything to the cops.

- Oh. I thought... Well, you shouldn't
have thought that, Miss Lynn.

You know I wouldn't
do a thing like that, don't you?

Yes.

- I'm moving. I've come for Vicky's things.
- Yes. I know.

The superintendent told me
you were coming.

I have everything here,
all packed and ready to go.

- But who packed them?
- I did.

Well, you shouldn't have done that.
You should've gotten permission.

I wanted to help.
I thought it might be of some help.

Well, as long as you've done it, thanks
very much. Will you help me carry them?

Hello?

Just a minute. It's Mr. Christopher.
He wants to speak to you.

Tell him I'm not in;
I've gone away.

- She's not in. She's gone away.
- Where has she gone?

He wants to know
where you've gone.

Just tell him
there's no forwarding address.

Sorry.
There's no forwarding address.

- Was the funeral nice?
- It was very quiet.
There wasn't anybody there except me.

- I wanted to come.
- Why didn't you?

I didn't think it was my place.

- Good-bye, Miss Lynn.
- Thanks, Harry, for helping with the bags.

I don't want your money.

Now, give me those reports on Robin Ray
and Larry Evans in the Lynn case.

Yes, sir.

- Good morning, Chief.
- What do you want?

- Nothing much.
- Then get out of here and get to work.

You're falling down on this case,
Cornell. You haven't got a thing so far.

- I got my suspicions.
- Suspicions? What good
are suspicions without proof?

Now that Harry Williams is out of the
running, we're no further along than we were.

I'll get something out
of him; just give me time.

- I thought you said Williams didn't do it.
- I'm not talking about Williams.

- I'm talking about Frankie Christopher.
- Christopher. Christopher!

All you talk about is Christopher.
What about some of the others?

That ham actor Robin Ray or Larry Evans,
the newspaper columnist? Let's sweat him.

Better leave the newspaperman alone
till you get something solid.

- He might give you a bad notice.
- All right. Call in the actor.

- He couldn't kill mice.
- Did I ask for your opinion?

Bring in the actor now!

All right. I think
you're wasting your time.

- Do you mind if I bring in Frankie Christopher too?
- What do you want him for?

- Have you got anything new?
- No. I just like to have him around.

- Hello, Robin.
- Oh, hello, Christopher.

- What are you doing down here?
- They asked me to come along.

I seem to be
their favorite customer.

You know, it's perfectly ridiculous.
I had nothing to do with this.

I just came down to be obliging.

How do they go about these things?
What do they do to you?

Oh, nothing much. It's sorta like
playing handball, only you're the ball.

Say, you should've
worn overalls.

- I'm afraid you're gonna get
that suit all messed up.
- Are you serious?

- What do you think?
- This way, boys.

Follow me.

- No lights?
- You're lucky.

Go ahead. You're an actor.
Pretend you're going to your execution.

Sit right over here, fellas.

##

##

##

Let me out!
Let me out of here!

Take him up to my office.

There was something so young,
so fresh, so full of life...

about Vicky that the very sight of her
gave me new hope.

She made me feel that
perhaps I might succeed again...

in both my life
and my profession.

But when I told her that, she just laughed
at me. She told me I was a has-been.

She said she was going places
and didn't want to hitch her wagon...

to a-a falling star.

I even arranged for a screen test
for both of us.

A director I knew said
he would give us a chance.

But when the day came,
she went down there alone.

They decided
they didn't need me.

Well, I couldn't stand that.
I went down there and started a row.

A few days later, when she sent
for Christopher and Evans and me...

I pretended to them
that I knew nothing about it.

I pretended to myself
that I didn't care.

But I-I didn't kill her!

- Where were you on the day of the murder?
- I was in the sanitarium...

on East 77th Street.

I go there occasionally when things
get tough, and they take care of me.

- You can verify that if you like by calling the doctor.
- Check up on that.

I've already checked.
He was there, all right.

So there goes another one
of your suspects.

- Is that all for today, gentlemen?
- For today.

Hello, Frankie. I see they're still
lettin' you out of here.

- I come and go as I please.
They made me a trustee.
- Cornell must be slipping.

According to my calendar,
you should be in the death house by now.

Uh-oh.

- Well, if it isn't Operator 13.
- The nails for your coffin.

- Hi, Inspector.
- How about giving me a lift uptown, Frankie?

Sure. Always glad to oblige a ghoul.
Right this way.

# #

- You can drop me at 58th and Madison.
I live on the corner.
- Okay.

I'm sorry to have to ask you to do this,
but I'm a little short on cash lately.

You see, I've spent so much of my own dough
trying to build up this case against you.

Well, if there's anything
you need, just let me know.

I imagine they'll make it right with me when
I bring in the material for your trial.

They usually do in these cases. I nick a guy
on my own time and send him up to the chair.

- Then I get back pay.
- Must be a great life.

Like a garbageman,
only with people.

I got practically
all the evidence I need now.

I could arrest you today, for that matter,
but you might get some smart mouthpiece...

and get off with life
instead of the chair.

I won't be satisfied
until I'm sure it's the chair.

You're a gay dog, Cornell. You make
me feel as if I'm driving a hearse.

I know your type. I've seen hundreds
of 'em. I don't scare you enough...

to make you commit suicide,
but I worry you just the same.

And when the day comes,
they all act different.

Some scream. A few faint.

Some light a cigarette
and try a wisecrack...

but it sticks in their throats,
especially when they're hung.

All right, Dracula. Get your
rotten corpse out of that seat.

- Thanks.
- Not at all.

It won't be long now.
Just a day or two.

Good evening, Miss Lynn.

- What do you want?
- I just wanna ask you a few questions.

You've asked enough questions already.
Now, go away.

Now, don't be like that,
Miss Lynn.

You wanna find the man
who killed your sister, don't you?

- Of course.
- Maybe I can help you.

Maybe you can help me.
It's simply a matter of justice.

Nice little place you got here.

The garden of hope.
Do you believe in hope, Miss Lynn?

Naturally. What's the good
of living without hope?

It can be done.

Miss Lynn, I got a hunch you know more
than you're telling me.

- Especially about Frankie Christopher.
- That's not true.

I've told you everything I know.
What more could there be?

If I knew,
I wouldn't be asking, would I?

Now, listen. I know what you're going
through. But justice is justice.

That guy is a sham,
and he played your sister for a sucker.

When she tried to run out on him,
he let her have it.

I don't believe that.

- You're in love with him, aren't you?
- No, I'm not!

Yes, you are.

Your sister knew it,
and I know it.

You're in love with him and trying to
cover up his tracks, but it won't work.

I'll get him,
with your help or without it.

I've never been wrong yet.
That man's guilty.

If you know what's good for you,
you'll play along with me.

- Get out of here!
- You keep telling yourself
he's innocent, don't you?

But you're not certain.
That's what's driving you crazy.

If you were certain, you wouldn't
be holding out on me, would you?

Get out of here!

All right, Miss Lynn.

But think it over.

Get me Mr. Frank Christopher.
Columbus 46738.

- Say, you look all right.
- Thanks.

- Where are we going?
- Well, first of all, we're going to the fights.

Frankie, do you really
think we should?

Why not? I've got nothing
to be ashamed of.

- I know, but-
- Don't worry.

I'll take you in the gallery
where the real fans go.

Look at that boy go!

Attaboy, Lloyd!
Give it to 'im!

Give him your left!
Let 'im have your left!

Give it to him again!

- Was that good?
- Was it? It wasn't bad!

He looks so little.
I don't know which is which.

I own a piece of the boy
in the green pants.

Take it easy!
Take your time!

He's a great little kid.
I raised him from a pup.

- Take it easy!
- Did you ever bring Vicky here?

Nope.
She wasn't interested.

Go after him! Don't stand there
as if you're being milked!

Go after his stomach, you lug!

His stomach!

- Who was hit?
- Uh, the one in the green pants.

- What's he doing?
- Taking it easy on the floor.

- Five, six-
- Foul! Foul!

Well, anyway, he was
a great little fighter.

- I thought he was fine.
- It was that clumsy referee.

He's nearsighted.
We only keep him on out of charity.

- Hello, Frankie. How are ya?
- Hello, Gus. How's business?

- Ah, so-so.
- I love this neighborhood.

I was brought up here.

I even miss the "L."
It used to sound like thunder.

- Did you ever bring Vicky down here?
- No. Vicky liked the nightclubs.

I've never been
in a New York nightclub.

- What?
- No.

See, I've never known a man
who had the cover charge.

Lady, we're going to
fix that right now.

- Pegasus Club.
- Yes, sir.

- Hi, Frankie.
- Hello. How's tricks?

Not so good.
I still got that ringing in my head.

That's too bad. Here. Get yourself
a big dinner and see what happens.

- Thanks, Frankie.
- Keep punchin'.

- Who's that?
- He used to be a pretty good heavyweight...

but he's slaphappy now.

He always hears
the bell in his head.

He seemed to know you were
going to give him that money.

Always do.
I may be a has-been myself someday.

Perhaps this isn't wise, Frankie.
Are you sure we oughta be seen together?

I was never so sure
of anything in my life.

# #

Well, what do you know
about that?

Pardon me, baby, while I go out
and sink a battleship.

- Would you like to dance?
- No, thanks.

I don't feel like dancing.

Why did you suddenly
call me tonight?

It's very simple.
I was lonely...

and I thought you might
possibly be lonely too.

- Is that all?
- Of course.

You know, I'm not sure I like being just
another member of the Lonely Hearts Club.

You might do better by looking up
the advertisements.

"Bachelor, $75,000,
with two glass eyes."

The trouble with you is you pretend
you don't care about things, but you do.

You were very upset
by Vicky's death, weren't you?

Sure. If I could find
the guy who did it...

I might save the state something
on its electricity bill.

- She was a good kid.
- Did you love her?

No. Do you think
if I had loved her...

I would've tried
to exploit her the way I did?

Vicky was pretty,
gay and amusing.

She had lots to offer, and I wanted to
put her in the right place on the map.

After all, that's my business.

But when a man
really loves a woman...

he doesn't wanna plaster her face
all over the papers and magazines.

He wants to keep her to himself,
right in here.

I never thought of that.
I feel like dancing now.

# #

Scrap the stuff about the Japanese
spy with a Kodak and run this:

"What sister of what
recently murdered girl...

is stepping out
with the dead girl's boyfriend?

Dancing on the grave, I call it.

The murderer
has yet to be found."

- You dance well.
- Vicky said I was terrible.

Well, dancing-
It sort of depends.

Yes, I-I know.

How'd you like your
first New York nightclub?

Oh, it was wonderful.
Especially the dancing.

Thanks. Where would
you like to go now?

It's pretty late.
Where do you usually go?

If I told you, you'd laugh.

Go ahead.
I could use a good laugh.

- I go swimming.
- Swimming? Where?

The Lido Plunge. You see,
when I was a kid on the East Side...

it used to be the biggest
adventure of my life...

whenever I could save up
a quarter and go to the Lido.

I never got enough of it.
So, now that I'm in the chips...

I go swimming
every chance I get.

Anyway, it's healthy.

If you've got an extra quarter on you,
I'd like to go along.

- Are you kidding?
- No.

You're on.

- Hello.
- Ouch. You hurt my eyes.

- Thanks, mister.
- Madame, could I interest you in a nice cold swim?

Funny, I was just going
to ask you that.

Swell. Let's go.

Well, how do you like
the old swimming hole?

- Wet and wonderful.
- This is my idea of real luxury.

You know, if I ever
inherit a gold mine...

I'll have a swimming pool
in every room...

and you can swim in all of 'em.

Do you tell that to every girl
you bring down here?

So help me, I never
brought a girl here in my life!

- Hi, Frankie!
- Hello.

- Well, here we are.
- It's been a wonderful evening.

Thanks.
You've been swell.

Frankie, will you
come upstairs a minute?

There's something of Vicky's
I know she'd want you to have.

Sure.

It's a note you wrote to Vicky.

I found it among her things
before the police arrived.

"Dear Vicky, after what
you did last night...

the sooner
you're out of the way"-

- Did I write that?
- It's your signature.

Well, it was after
that ride together.

What she said, it-
it was so unfair to you.

I know what you meant,
but I don't think anybody else would.

Why didn't you turn this in?

I didn't know until tonight.

It was when we were dancing.

I suddenly understood the letter
and a lot of other things besides.

I'd like to have a look at
that letter, if you don't mind.

"Dear Vicky, after what
you did last night...

the sooner you're out of
the way, the better."

Nice of you to put in writin'.

All right, Murphy.
You wait in the hall.

I knew you were
holdin' somethin' back.

You're the Mona Lisa type.
I can spot 'em a mile away.

- Oh!
- Jill!

Well, here we are, Frankie.

I've looked forward to
this moment for a long time.

- You're trying to frame me.
- I don't have to frame you.

You frame yourself.
How about this little note?

Anybody might've written
a note like that. I was burned up.

Well, you're gonna have plenty of time
to cool off before I'm through with you.

I found these in your room.

Exhibit "A,"
one pair of brass knuckles.

And Vicky was hit behind the ear with a
weapon the size of a fist, only much harder.

It's a frame.
You're trying to frame me!

You planted those, you-you-

"A frame."
That's what they all say.

Murphy saw me take those knuckles
from your bureau drawer.

Jill, you don't believe
all this stuff, do you?

What does it matter
what she believes?

What does it matter
what she believes?

You're like a rat in a box
without any holes.

Well, they're gonna make a hole for you,
Mr. Handsome Harry...

6-by-3,
filled with quicklime-

You shouldn't have done that, Jill.
It makes you an accomplice.

Quick, through the kitchen.
There's a doorway leading to the hall.

Go on.
Leave the cop to me.

Quick, Officer!
He's trying to escape!

He went through the bedroom!

Sorry for being so slow, but I don't
do this sort of thing very often.

- You're going great.
- I hope the man doesn't mind our using his things.

I'll leave him
a note of apology.

- You're a great sport, Jill.
- You're not so bad yourself.

- Why did you do it?
- I don't know.

But when I saw you standing there so helpless
and that big fathead bullying you...

I just had to hit something.

Is that the only reason?

No.

I guess Vicky was right
about us, wasn't she?

Glad?

What do you think?

Frankie, we've got to get out
of this town as fast as we can.

Are you sure you wanna
go through with it?

You know, it isn't very much fun
being married to a hunted man.

I don't mind.

Besides, most married men
have a hunted look anyway.

Frank!

First thing we gotta do in the morning
is get some money.

I've got some laid away
in a safe deposit box downtown.

- There'll be watching there, won't they?
- Not this one.

I put it away
under my original name.

Frank, you're
not really a crook, are you?

Of course not. I took the name
Christopher because it's easy to spell.

- What's your real name?
- I hate to tell you.

You've got to tell me
if I'm gonna use it.

Okay. Botticelli.

Botticelli.
Mrs. Botticelli.

Why, that's not bad at all.

What are we going
to do in the meantime?

I'm going to show you how to play
hide-and-seek in the big city.

##

- Frankie?
- Yes?

How many times
do we have to see this?

Don't tell me you're getting
tired of it already?

I'm just beginning to get warmed up.

Nobody seems to be particularly
interested in it except you.

Probably waiting
for the revolution.

Put your shoes on, sister.

If I had to see that picture once more,
I think I'd rather give myself up.

I don't blame you.
Now, listen.

I want you to wait for me in the
public library until I get the money.

- Why can't I come with you?
- I think it's better that we
separate for the time being.

- You'll be safer there.
- What makes you think that's safe?

Nobody in their right mind
is ever in a public library at 9:00.

And if anything does go wrong,
you meet me here.

- Now, be careful.
- All right.

All right, young lady.
Come along with us.

- What have you done to Frankie?
- Never mind about that.

- Come along.
- You haven't hurt him, have you?

Can't you people read?

Sorry, pops.

Stick around.

Extra! Extra!
Read all about it!

Extra! Extra!
Get your paper!

Read all about it!
Extra! Extra!

Extra! Extra!
Read all about it!

Extra! Extra!
Read all about it!

Hello, Frankie.

- Carrying a gun?
- Who can tell?

It may be a gun
or it may be a pipe.

Then again,
it may be just my finger.

But you're not taking
any chances, are you?

No. I don't have to.

- What's on your mind, Frankie?
- You've taken Jill.

She hasn't got
anything to do with this.

Let her go, and I'll give myself up.

You've turned into quite
the young Lochenvar, haven't you?

Self-sacrifice
and everything.

It's no use. I don't have to
make bargains with you.

I'll get you eventually.
If not tomorrow, next week.

If not next week, next year.

Time's nothing in my life.
It is in yours.

Each minute's an eternity
to a man in your shoes.

You got the wrong steer
this time, Cornell.

They told me at headquarters
that you're a pretty sure thing.

But this time you're trying
to convict an innocent man.

That's what you say,
but you can't sell me on it.

I'll follow you into your grave.
I'll write my name on your tombstone.

You're not a cop
looking for a murderer.

You're crazy, Cornell.
You ought to be put away.

Sure. Why don't you
call a policeman?

All right, Cornell.
But I'll tell you one thing.

You're never going to convict me.
You'll have to kill me first.

I wouldn't kill anybody.

I'm too smart. Look. I don't even
carry a gun. You can frisk me.

I wouldn't touch you
with sterilized gloves.

- Here. Have a Tootsie Roll.
- Hey, read all about it!

Slayer at large!
Read all about it!

Extra! Extra! Slayer at large!
Read all about it!

- Hello, Chief.
- Hello.

Got a lead on Christopher yet?

Did you ever read
The Sex Life of the Butterfly by Faber?

- Cornell, are you crazy?
- That's funny.

That's the second time I've been asked that
question tonight. Have a Tootsie Roll.

What in blazes does The Sex Life of the
Butterfly got to do with the Lynn case?

Faber was a naturalist.

He got himself a very rare female
butterfly from Africa worth 1,000 bucks.

He kept it in a glass box
in his apartment in Paris.

But nobody had ever been able
to catch the male of the species.

One day, he let
the female out of the box...

and in a few hours,
he had 10,000 dollars' worth...

of rare African butterflies
flying around the room.

Very interesting.
Very interesting indeed!

But what's all this got to do
with the Lynn case, may I ask?

I want a release order
for the girl.

Just let her out of the box.
Nature will do the rest.

We'll have Frankie in the net
by tomorrow.

Yeah, you may be right at that.

But if you slip up
this time, Cornell...

it's curtains
to a brilliant career.

You realize that, of course?

Sure. I realize that
more than you do.

##

##

- Frankie!
- Jill, what are you doing here?

- How did you get out?
- They let me out.

Oh, they would,
so you could lead them right to me.

I wasn't a Campfire Girl for nothing.
They think I'm still in the apartment.

Yeah? Well, we're getting
out of town right now.

Wait a minute.
I found something.

These cards-They were on the flowers
that were sent to Vicky's funeral.

- Who were they from?
- I don't know.

Maybe we won't have to
leave town after all.

You wait here.

Good evening. I'm sorry to bother you,
but I'm from the Evening Ledger.

They sent me out here
on an assignment. May I come in?

Sure. Sure.
Come in.

You know, I'm glad to see anybody
that's still moving around.

Well, what can I do for you?

I've been assigned to write
a human interest story on Vicky Lynn.

I was wondering whether you could
help me. Any colorful or unusual...

little incident connected
with the funeral, for instance.

Lynn, Lynn.
Let me see.

That's the girl was murdered
up on 76th Street, isn't it?

- That's right.
- Well, I don't know much I can tell you.

Only thing-We got our orders and laid
her away the same as anybody else.

- Has anybody been out here since?
- No.

- Were there many flowers at the funeral?
- No. Just the-

Wait a minute.

Lynn, Lynn. 266.

Say, that grave's been getting flowers
every day since she died.

- Who'd they come from?
- I don't know.

Never was any signature
on the card.

Just come regular from some florist
around Times Square.

Name Carting or Keating
or something like that.

- Do you have a telephone directory?
- Sure.

Over there.
Help yourself.

I'm sorry, Miss Smith. I usually
like to oblige newspaper people...

but in this case
I'm between two fires.

Then the man who's been sending
the flowers is also from a newspaper?

Well, in a way, yes,
but he isn't a reporter.

- Does he write a column?
- Well, I can't say that, can I...

or else I'd give it away?

Thanks, Mr. Keating.
I think I get your drift.

Now, don't get me
in any trouble.

- Who is it?
- Your columnist friend.

Well, this is
a pleasant surprise.

What's the idea of breaking into my place
like this in the middle of the night?

What do you know
about the death of Vicky Lynn?

You're a fine one to ask that.
I know nothing about it.

Then why have you been sending flowers
to her grave every day?

Oh, so you've found out
about that, have you?

- I can explain that easily.
- Then go ahead.

- I promised her.
- Promised her?

- Yes. Mind if I smoke?
- Not at all.

- You won't need that.
- I just thought I'd try it.

It'd be a great scoop for me
if I could bring you in myself.

So you think I'm guilty too?

Yes, and so does everybody else.

What do you mean you promised
to send Vicky flowers?

Well, the day of the murder, I had driven Vicky
to the station to get her train reservations.

You mean you were with Vicky
the afternoon she was killed?

- Yes.
- Then why didn't you tell that to the police?

Because I'm not a fool.
You told the police your story.

- What'd it get you?
- Never mind that. Go on.

When we got back to the apartment,
she had forgotten her key.

She asked me if I had the one
she gave me...

and I told her
I had raffled it off.

Oh, dear,
the passkey's gone too.

I guess there's nothing to do
but sit and wait...

for the switchboard boy
to get back.

From what I've seen of that boy,
he may be gone for hours.

I'd better climb up the fire escape
and let you in myself.

Why, Larry, you'd never do
anything so gallant.

You don't know me.

- There you are, milady.
- Larry, you're so sweet.

You know, uh, now that I'm leaving,
I'm really a little unhappy about it.

Oh, forget it.

If I weren't sure
I'd be a success, I'd-

well, I'd never do
a thing like this.

I'm sure you'll be a success. You've got
a heart made out of rock candy.

- You won't forget me, will you?
- I won't for at least two weeks.

- Two weeks isn't very long, is it?
- It is for a columnist.

I'll tell you what I'll do. For the first
two weeks, I'll send you flowers every day.

It'll make a great impression
where you're going.

Oh, Larry, will you really?

- Promise?
- I promise.

A promise is a promise.

I hope it still makes an impression...
wherever she is.

- I think it smells. What did you do after that?
- I left.

Was the boy at the switchboard
when you came down?

No. No, I remember the board
was buzzing as I passed by.

Did you notice anything unusual
about the room when you went in?

Yeah, now that you mention it. There seemed to
be the smell of cigarette smoke in the air.

I thought maybe
Jill had just left or-

Jill was at the office.

Good grief. You don't think
he did it, do you?

Now, do you understand
what you have to do?

- Give me a half hour, then telephone him.
- Frankie, I'm scared.

- Don't do it, please!
- This is the only chance I have.

I've gotta take it.

Good luck, dear.

Hold still.
I'd hate to put a hole in you.

Put that gun away, Frankie.
We've got enough against you as it is.

Not until you've heard me out. I got a lead
on the real killer, but I need your help.

Sorry, Frankie.
I'm on the other side of the fence.

Okay, then. I'll make you
a sporting proposition.

You trust me for just a half an hour,
and I'll trust you.

Well, I guess a half hour
won't do any harm.

- But I'll take that just in case.
- Come on.

Hello, Harry.
This is Vicky.

Harry, this is Vicky!

Why did you do it, Harry?

Didn't you love me?

No! No!

Why did you do it?

- Come on now. Own up.
- I won't tell you.

- I won't tell you!
- You loved her, didn't you?

Go away!
Leave me alone!

You let yourself in with your passkey
and waited for her in the apartment.

When Evans came through the window
to let her in, you hid in the closet.

After he left, you came out.
You tried to grab her, and she screamed.

- You became frightened and killed her.
- I didn't know what I was doin'.

I swear. She screamed,
and I lost my head!

Sure. Sure, I understand.

- Do ya? Do ya?
- Sure.

I told a cop how it was
when he traced me to Brooklyn.

He said he understood too.

So he told me just to come back here and
keep quiet, and he'd forget all about it.

- What cop?
- Why, the big one.

- Ed Cornell?
- That's the one.

Did you hear that, Mac?

Cornell knew I was innocent
all the time.

Yes? Yes, Jill. Everything's all right.
He came through.

Oh, Frankie, I'm so glad.
I'll be right down.

Mac, I want
one more favor-

Five minutes alone with Cornell.

Okay, Frankie.
I guess you got it comin' to you.

Hello, Cornell.

I hope you don't mind
my breaking in on you like this.

Have you come
to give yourself up?

I don't have to. I just had
a long talk with Harry Williams.

That must have been
very enlightening.

Yes. Very enlightening.

I'm a sick man, Frankie.

- At your soul, Cornell.
- Maybe.

You knew Williams was the one
that killed Vicky all the time.

- Sure. I'm not dumb.
- You knew it, and yet you wanted to fry me.

- That's right.
- Why?

Why didn't you go after Williams?
He was the one that killed her.

I lost Vicky long before
Williams killed her.

You were the one who took her
away from me, not him.

Don't make me laugh!

Yeah. I guess it must
seem funny to you-

a worm like me looking up
to a woman like that.

I followed her around for months before
I got up enough courage to speak to her.

I used to hang around
the restaurant at night...

to see that she
got home all right.

Then finally,
I got a chance to help her.

It was New Year's Eve.

Two guys tried
to get fresh with her, so I stepped in.

She seemed...

really grateful and...
friendly like.

We had a cup of coffee together.

I saw her several times after that,
and it was always the same.

She took me on my own ground.

Then I started to hope that we
might get to know each other better-

that I might even get up enough courage
to ask her to... marry me someday.

I... took this apartment...

started to furnish it.

Bought the perfume she liked.

I intended to
surprise her with it.

Then you came along with your grand
plans of makin' somethin' of her!

Puttin' ideas into her head that she was a
glamour girl and all that kind of stuff!

Why didn't you leave her alone?

She started gettin'
too good for me.

I felt like a fool
with this apartment.

I could've killed you then,
Christopher.

Why didn't you?

Because I had the hook in your mouth,
and I wanted to see you suffer.

Well, it's all over now, Cornell.
You're going to be put away.

Yeah, but not where you think.

The guy who sold me
this medicine...

told me it would
cure everything.

Frankie!

Frankie, are you all right?

Yeah, I'm all right.

Come on.
Let's get outta here.

##

Robin, I-

Why, who on earth
is that beautiful girl?

Mrs. Botticelli.

- I never saw her before in my life.
- I don't know either.

They're both strangers to me.