Manhandled (1949) - full transcript

Goodnight, Guy. And thanks
for an awfully nice evening.

Goodnight. See you tomorrow?

You haven't the slightest
chance of avoiding it.

Until tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Oh. Did I waken you, darling?

I meant to be very quiet.

Too quiet, my dear.

Such overplaying of wifely solicitude
might easily be misunderstood.

If you are hinting that
I was sneaking in ..

It doesn't matter.
Nothing matters anymore.



The time has come when
words fail to have meaning.

When only what one feels is important.

I am going to kill you, Ruth.

I have to.

No .. no!

At that point, the dream
always ends, doctor.

How often have you had
these dreams, Mr Bennet?

Five or six times.

Every night for the past week in fact.

Have you mentioned them to anyone?
To your wife in particular.

A recurrent dream in which I brutally
beat my wife with a perfume bottle ..

Is hardly a cheerful topic
for the breakfast table.

Hardly.

Are they always the same?



Always.

What is your profession, may I ask?

I am a writer.

Of the better type of fiction, I hope.

Well, isn't it entirely possible
that this dream, as you call it ..

Is merely the subconscious
development of another story plot?

I rarely if ever dwell on
the macabre, Dr Redmond.

Mr Bennet, I am going to ask
you some personal questions.

You understand of course that ..

Anything said here will be treated
in the strictest confidence.

Well, I don't know.

Miss Kramer is entirely trustworthy.

She has been with me four years.

So I should know.

Very well, doctor.

I will do my best.

But first.

How is your health?

Physically I am quite fit.

Mentally?

Mentally, I am frightened to death.

Doctor.

Do you think it possible that I might ..

Slip my cables some night and ..

Actually murder your wife?

Yes.

It is possible.

Fortunately, you've had the good sense
to take the matter in hand in time.

Now, tell me.

Are you unduly worried about anything?
- I am worried about this dream.

I suppose you would
call it a 'fear dream'.

There is no such thing as
a 'fear dream'. Mr Bennet.

There are only 'wish dreams'.

Are you telling me that
I wish to kill my wife?

Not consciously perhaps.

But your subconscious mind could
be entertaining such a thought.

Nonsense.

I love my wife.

Perhaps.

And all men kill the thing they love.

Some do it with a bitter look.

Some with a flattering word.

Or a quart-sized perfume bottle?

Less romantic but just as practical.

You reasoning is quite as bad as
your rendition of Wilde Redmond.

I resent them both.

I apologise for the poetry but
not for my reasoning, Mr Bennet.

Does your wife return your affection?

It is my honest conviction that
she hates me thoroughly.

Faithful?
- Is she?

I wouldn't know.

Perhaps you covet your wife's jewelry?

Now wouldn't I look
fine walking about ..

With a $100,000-worth of
jewelry adorning my person.

You could convert that jewelry into
cash if you happened to need money.

Do you?

Frankly, yes.

However, I can always get an
advance from my publisher.

Anything else?

Would you like to know the
color of my father's hair?

Or my favorite breakfast dish?
Kippers if that is any help.

That is all for today, thanks.

But I would like you back
again on Thursday at four.

I suppose I can manage it.

By the way, Mr Bennet.

Do you occupy a bedroom with your wife?

Now look here, doctor.
- I mention it merely as a precaution.

Sleep in the guest room if you have one.

You can make some excuse.

I grasp your point.

Yes. I think I can manage it.
- Good.

See you on Thursday.

Thank you.

I must have a talk with his wife.

Call her please, and if she isn't in ..

Leave word that it's imperative
that I see her at once.

Tonight if possible.
- Yes, sir.

I .. hope you didn't mind my little lie.

About the four years?

Well, If I'd said you'd been with me
only four weeks I'd have scared him off.

It doesn't matter.

Now look here, Merrick.

It isn't as if I am some inconsequential
pulp scribbler asking for a handout.

This is Alton Bennet speaking.

I have got to have at least
ten thousand dollars.

Is that your final answer?

But ..

Nonsense. You've plenty of time.
- But I really should get away.

You can come in for a minute.
- Fine.

Oh hello. Have a good day?

Excellent.

How about you, Bayard? Any luck?
- Not bad.

Seeing we only got there in
time for the last two races.

Guy won $180 on a horse.

Just because he liked
the arch of his neck.

That is me. Always the architect
thinking in terms of line.

Sit down, Guy.
- Thanks.

You arrived only in time
for the last two races?

Yes. We drove down to
the beach property first.

Again.

Well, we thought it best to have
another look at the building site.

It was a wonderful day
really. Wasn't it, Guy?

It certainly was.

I hope you know what
you are doing, my dear.

I know exactly what I am doing.

I am building a beach
house for my husband.

So he will have a nice
quiet place to work.

Really?

I was under the impression you were
doing it to provide my Bayard ..

With an architect's commission.

Now look here.
- Pay no attention to him, Guy.

He is showing you his better side.

After four drinks he
is really detestable.

I'll be running along
now if you don't mind.

Not at all.

And.

These.

Are beginning to look a
little frayed, aren't they.

What is the life expectancy
of a set of blueprints anyway?

I'm sorry.

Pick us up at eight, Guy. We're stopping
by the Mallorys first for cocktails.

Alright.

You were in excellent form tonight.

I am looking forward to
a most enjoyable evening.

I am sorry to disappoint
you but I am not going.

You don't expect me to stay at home?
- Oh no, my dear.

I wouldn't deprive you of an opportunity
to make a vulgar display of yourself.

Go ahead.

Deck yourself out like some
cheap little carnival biddy.

You are so obvious.

You hate my jewels because
you can't have them.

Stop encouraging Bayard.

In what way?

Well, you know I haven't the
money to build this beach place.

You have got to forget it.

Oh that.

I thought you were going to
say I had to stop seeing Guy.

Hello Kenny.

Miss.

Yes?

Thank you.

Goodnight.

Come on, kids. Let me by.

Hello, Poppet.

Do you miss me?

I love you.

7:30. Time to go to sleep.

Goodnight, darling.

[ Door knocks ]

Hello Karl.
- Hello, Kitten.

Come on in.
- Thanks.

How are you tonight?

I'm tired.

Maybe you don't feel like a show?

My feelings have nothing to do with it.

Dr Redmond wants me back at the
office at 9 o'clock for an interview.

Again?

What's the matter with
that boss of yours?

Doesn't he have a home?

He hasn't much of one, no.
His wife is still in Santa Barbara.

Why don't you take off your coat and
relax while I fix us something to eat.

Well, I won't have time to go out.

You like chow mein?

Like it? I invented it.
- Good.

Turn on the radio or play
a record or something.

Thanks.

Coffee or tea?

Oh, tea sounds swell.

[ Radio music ]

You know, a thing like this
could grow on a fellow.

Music.

Home-cooked food.

I like the smell of your hair, Kitten.

You'd better help me set the table.

Here. Put these things away will you.

What gives with you?

Meet any interesting crackpots today?

Our clients are not crackpots.

They are mental cases.
- Okay. Mental cases.

How many wives with guilty
consciences did you interview?

None.

Today was "husband's
guilty conscience" day.

There was one in particular
that was out of the ordinary.

Yeah?

Yes. He dreams every night that he beats
his wife to death with a perfume bottle.

I suppose that means he's suffering from
suppressed hatred of his mother-in-law.

Or something.

Dr Redmond seems to think that he
has his wife's jewels on his mind.

His subconscious mind, that is.

They are worth a
hundred thousand dollars.

That's why I return
to the office tonight.

The doctor wants so have a
talk with his client's wife.

Can't you put something on
a little less nerve-shattering?

Sure.

Anything new in the
detective business today?

A fellow came in to see me about
framing his wife for a divorce action.

You couldn't be such a heel.

Why not? It is a legitimate racket.

Racket is right.

The next thing you know you'll be
stealing pennies from blind old ladies.

The blind old ladies I know
don't have any pennies.

You should have stayed
on the police force.

At least you were in good company.

But there is no future in it.

When you're 43 you make Sergeant.

You make $318 a month.

Uhuh.

That isn't money.

Well, I guess you are old enough
to know what you are doing.

Sure I know what I am doing, Kitten.

I am after fancy dough.

I'll show you what I mean when I get
paid off for a job I did last month.

That reminds me, honey.
I almost forgot something.

Will you give me five minutes?

Yes. But not any longer.

The things will be ready then.
- Word of honor, Kitten.

Five minutes.

Papers.

Get your papers.

Paper, mister?

Paper. Paper.

Latest edition. Paper.

Paper.

Night edition. Paper.

Open up, Charlie.

Make impressions of these quickly.

[ Police radio: ]

"Car 12R. Out to City Hall."

"Car 14. What is your location now?"

I'll be back for the dupes later.

"Car 135T. Can you handle the call?"

"Car 43. Out to the station."

"Car 135T. Amsterdam and 63rd."

"Traffic accident."

Papers.

Papers.

Get your paper here. Paper.

Paper. Yes, sir.

How am I doing, Kitten? Hold you up?

Just in time. The chow mein is ready.

I'll have to hurry you or I'll be late.

Why Karl, how nice.

What is the matter?

Don't you like me?

It isn't that, Karl.

I just want to make sure.

I couldn't stand to be
wrong a second time.

Sure, Kitten.

I understand.

It's just nine now.
I had better step on it.

Want me to stick around?

You'd better not. I will be pretty late.

Thanks for walking over with me.

The pleasure is all mine, Kitten.

You'd better come with me, Guy. I've
never met this doctor Redmond before.

Alright.

Doctor Redmond:
"Good. See you on Thursday".

Thank you, Miss Kramer. You may go.

And ..

Put the Bennet folder
back in the files please.

Yes, sir.

Well, Mrs Bennet.
What do you make of it?

The whole thing is too
ridiculous for words.

Alton just ate something that disagreed
with him and passed a bad night or two.

I do the same thing occasionally.

And do you dream of murdering
your husband, Mrs Bennet?

Oh, often.

Even when I am not asleep.

No, Dr Redmond, I am
not afraid of my husband.

There is nothing wrong with
him a good night's sleep ..

And a royalty check won't cure.

Believe me.

Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Mrs Bennett.

Well, what is it all about if
I'm not being to too personal?

It seems that my husband is
troubled by a recurrent dream ..

In which he beats my brains
out with a perfume bottle.

You don't mean it?

At least that's what this Dr Redmond
or whatever his name is, says.

Frightening, isn't it.

I've heard of such things but
this is the first time I have ..

You don't think there is any truth
in what that man says, do you?

How would I know?

Does he have any explanation for
this dream your husband is having?

Yes. Something about
Alton wanting my jewels.

You mean they are real?

They're insured for a hundred thousand.

A hundred thousand?

Well, what do you know.

And all the time I thought they
were five and dime glitter.

Just to make the lady look pretty.

You make me feel like a corpse already.

I am sorry. I didn't mean to.

Well, I have a feeling I am going
to drink much too much tonight.

[ Laughter ]

Shut up.

Quiet.

[ Bell ]

[ Police radio: ]

"Car 61A .. 390."

A nice haul, eh Charlie?

Well?

What do you say, Charlie?

Well.

For these little ones,
I'll give 1,100 dollars.

But what about the other pieces?

I you are smart you'll dump
them in the nearest ash-can.

What is the matter with you, Charlie?
You gone crazy?

Just playing it safe, kid.

There is a murder rap
hanging over this junk.

What do you mean?
- That's right.

Murder.

Over at the Crayford Arms.

Yeah.

A load of fancy rocks is missing.

I heard it on a police call.
They'll have a list of everything.

You got nothing to worry about, Charlie.

I didn't murder anyone for this ice.

I ain't saying you did.

I'm just saying this junk is hot.

They are specially designed pieces.

And they're registered with an insurance
company. You can bet on that.

Get rid of them. That's my advice.

Stop playing me for a dope
and give me the $1,100.

Play it smart like I said. Fast.

You are not talking to a cluck, Charlie.

You're talking to a guy
who knows all the angles.

I got everything all planned out.

Very, very carefully.

Morning, Kitten.
- Morning, Karl.

Work late last night?
- Not very.

See you later.

Oh, Kitten.

I almost forgot.

Here is your money.

And thanks.

But you only borrowed five.

Interest, baby.

Buy yourself a present.

You know, you're not half the
heel you pretend to be, Karl.

And you have only known me six weeks.

Wait.

Well, the extra five will make a
payment on a coat I've been buying.

You can have it back anytime you want.

I won't need it. I'm loaded.

That client I was telling you
about paid off this morning.

And it is burning a hole in my pocket.

You'll find a way to spend it.
- That's what I'm afraid of.

Oh, Kitten.

Have you got a bank account?

Yes. Yes I have some savings.

Then do me a favor, baby.

Put this away for me and
dole it out as I need it.

There is a grand here.

A thousand dollars?

Are you sure?
- Of course I am sure.

If I hold on to it I'm liable to go on
a binge and blow it all at once.

You keep it for me.

Well.

Okay.

I'll deposit it during my lunch hour.

Swell.

Goodbye, Kitten.
- Goodbye.

It's as I say. If you stop using the car
long enough I can get the brakes fixed.

What do people do, stand
around and wait for a murder?

I am sure all these people ..

Dawson, Homicide.

They've been waiting for you.
- Yeah, I know.

I grabbed a couple of hours sleep last
night. I won't let it happen again.

Fayle. Homicide Bureau.

Photos.

Alright. Stand back, folks.

Dawson, Homicide.

Don't fool around with that.
Let's go upstairs for the bedroom stuff.

Hey, Hal. Come on.

Look, you heard what the officer said.
You ought to stay downstairs.

Why does everybody hear about
these things before we do?

Well, is this strictly an
invitational affair?

Or can anybody horn in?

Where is Wilson?
- Here, Lieutenant.

I was just locking the service door
to keep anybody from leaving.

Are you sure everybody is here?
We don't want to overlook anyone, do we.

You are Alton Bennet I take it?

You take it correctly.

I am Lieutenant Dawson. Homicide Bureau.

That does not excuse your bad manners.

Kindly take off your
hat and stop shouting.

Sorry.

Lieutenant.

The Coroner is here and the ambulance.

Okay.

Would you mind taking
us upstairs Mr Bennet?

Alright.

Henry.

Could you get me another cup of coffee.
- Yes, sir.

Come along, Coroner.

In there.

Sit here, Sergeant.
Keep that mob outside.

It's about time you were
getting on the job, Dawson.

It's him alright.

No. Not you again.

It so happens that my company
holds a policy on the lady's jewels.

Okay, Cooper. If there is a stick
pin missing, you will be notified ..

Through the proper channels.
Now beat it. Your slip is showing.

Okay fellows, get to work.

See if you can establish the time.

A hundred thousand
dollar policy, Lieutenant.

And the jewels are missing.

That perfume bottle was
undoubtedly the lethal weapon.

And I've a hunch you will find
some interesting prints on it.

Thanks for the apple.

What time was your wife's
body discovered, Mr Bennet?

About 07:30 this morning.

By you?
- No. By the maid.

Who was the first to notice
that the jewels were missing?

The maid.

I was too .. too shocked
to notice anything.

Who else was in the house at the time?
- The butler. Henry.

Ask them both to come here.

Was your wife wearing
her jewelry last night?

Yes.
- You sure?

Of course I'm sure.

Remember the exact number of pieces?

Quiet, Cooper.

Did you sleep in this room
last night, Mr Bennet?

No. Neither bed has been used
as you can see for yourself.

Well, where did you sleep?

In the guest room down the hall.

Did you see your wife come in?

No.

Did you hear her come in?

No.

I was sleeping too soundly.

When was the last time you saw your
wife wearing her jewels, Mr Bennet?

I think it was about 08:30 when they
left the house, wasn't it Christine?

Yes, sir.

Who do you mean "they"?

My wife and a Mr Guy Bayard.

A friend of the family?

Not exactly.

He is an architect who my wife has
engaged to design a beach house.

I see.

Where can he be reached?

I think he has some office in the
Stope Studios in Chatham Place.

Are you in the habit of sleeping
the guest room, Mr Bennet?

No. I usually share this
room with my wife.

What made you decide to sleep
in the guest room last night?

I ..

I haven't been sleeping too well lately.

You may as well know the truth.

You will dig it out sooner or later.

I slept in the guest room
because I was afraid.

Afraid of what?

Of myself.

I have been having
horrible nightmares lately.

Terrible dreams in which
I murder my wife.

With a perfume bottle?

Yes.

That's why I knew before I went
in there what I would find.

Ruth in a crumpled heap on the floor.

And beside her head the perfume bottle.

It was horrible.

Worse even that the dreams.

That is why I went to Dr Redmond.

Those dreams were driving me crazy.

I was afraid of losing my mind or of
doing her some harm during my sleep.

Thank heaven I know it wasn't me.

How do you know?

I wasn't able to sleep.

I asked Henry to bring
me the sleeping tablets.

Two would ordinarily be sufficient
but I was desperate for relief.

I took four.

Anybody witness it?

Henry.

Yes, sir. I cautioned him about taking
so many but he took them just the same.

Any of those tablets left?

Yes, sir. I put the
bottle in the cabinet.

Get it.

I'd day she has been dead
about six hours, Lieutenant.

Which would place the time
of the slaying around ..

Two-thirty.

There will be an inquest
of course, Mr Bennet.

Naturally.

There is not much to go on.

Some prints on the perfume bottle not
Mrs Bennet's. We'll check them downtown.

You will probably find they are mine.

When I went in there this
morning I picked it up.

Looked at it.

I started to put it on
the dressing table.

In my nervousness it hit the edge of
the table and slipped from grasp.

Wait outside.

"When necessary take one for relief."

"Take two .."

In this dream of yours, Mr Bennet.

Did you have any particular
reason for murdering your wife?

Jealousy, or jewels?
You know what I mean?

None that I could ever recall.

That's why I went to Dr Redmond.
I thought he might help me.

In other words you wanted to ensure your
tale of the dream was put on the record.

I don't like the insinuation, Mr Dawson.

I went to Dr Redmond,
a psychiatrist, for help.

Not as you seem to imply,
to establish an alibi.

In a murder case, Mr Bennet.

Anybody that crossed your
wife's path is a suspect.

I may want to talk to you again.

You mean, I am not under arrest?

Not yet.

But until the tablets have been analysed
I wouldn't leave town if I were you.

Get Bennet's prints.
Check them at headquarters.

Yes, sir.

Cover the maid's and the butler too.

What you got to say, Lieutenant?
- Is Bennet guilty?

Your guess is as good as mine.

What's the name of the
boyfriend she was out with?

Guy Bayard. An architect.

What is Bennet's alibi?

Overdose of sleeping tablets.

You guys want an angle?
- Yeah, sure.

This is a dilly.

Bennet claims he dreamed he murdered
his wife every night last week.

So he went to a psychiatrist
to find out what it meant.

Oh boy. What a story.

Hey, boss.

Do you think that maybe I'll have
time to get the brakes fixed now?

Take care of him.
- Sure, Lieutenant.

That says 'Private'.

About time, Lieutenant. The Doc doesn't
feel so hot. I just broke the bad news.

That is very kind of you, Mr Cooper.

I don't know what I
would do without you.

This is Lieutenant Dawson, Homicide.

Dr Redmond.

I cannot believe it.
It is too fantastic.

And yet I had a feeling
this was going to happen.

That is why I called Mrs Bennet here.

To put her on her guard.

Sergeant Fayle. Homicide too.

About that dream of
Bennet's, doctor Redmond.

Did you keep a transcript of it?

Yes. In my files.

But I may as well tell you
that the transcript is missing.

Who has access to your
files besides yourself?

My secretary, Miss Kramer.

Where is she?

I sent her home. She had a bad headache.

I wasn't feeling too well either so I
cancelled my appointments to let her go.

Where does she live, doctor?

On Green Street, just off Broome.

414 I think.

How long has she been gone?

Nearly half an hour.

Did that have anything to do with
cancelling your engagements?

Yes, it did.

I had a little accident last night.

That's what I'd like to hear
about, Doc. Last night.

Where were you between midnight
and say .. 4am this morning?

At home in bed.

Can you prove it?

It would be more difficult for
you to prove that I wasn't.

When Bennet told you his dream, doctor.

Did you get the feeling that he
was interested in his wife's jewels?

He considered them vulgar.

At least in bad taste.

Was Mrs Bennet wearing her jewelry
when she came here last night?

Will you close your trap
about those jewels.

When we find the murderer,
we'll find the jewels.

And vice-versa maybe.
- Quiet.

How did you get that bump on your head?

After my interview with
Mrs Bennet I went for a walk.

And crossing Gramercy
Park I slipped and ..

Struck my head.

Speaking of Mrs Bennet. Was she alone?

No. She was with a Mr Bayard.

Well, where was he while you
were talking with Mrs Bennet?

In here.

Could he have heard anything
that was said between you two?

I am not sure. The door was closed.

Go in there and say a few words
in a conversational tone.

Just the way you were
talking to Mrs Bennet.

And close the door after you.

Sit in the same chair too please.

No. All kidding aside, Cooper.

Who tipped you off?

Like I told you, Bill.
I had your desk wired.

If I ever find a leak in my office
somebody is going to lose their job.

Don't look at me.

Don't get you ulcers in an uproar, Bill.

The desk clerk at the Crayford
Arms is a pal of mine.

He tipped me off the moment
the call went through.

I advise you not to
antagonise your husband.

I am afraid you don't realize
how serious his condition is.

Do you hear me?

We heard you alright. Every word.

Okay, Doc. That takes care of you.

For a while.

Now, about this secretary of yours.

How long has she worked for you?
- Four weeks.

What kind of references did she have?

Excellent.
- Still got them?

I think so.

Yes.

Here they are.

You know anything about her family?

No. Nothing.

She came from Los Angeles.

Funny you would hire a strange girl.

That you didn't know and ..

And give her access to the
secrets of those files ..

Without thoroughly checking
on her references first.

What are you driving at?

They are forged.

All signed by the same hand.
- I don't believe it.

Whether you believe
it or not it is true.

You're not going to bother
Miss Kramer are you?

Why not?

Good heavens, man. Surely you
know who killed Ruth Bennet?

No.

Who?
- Why, her husband.

Did you hear that, Coop?

The Doc here said ..

Where is that guy?

Well, what are you standing
there for? Let's go.

Paper. Read all about it.

Paper. Paper.

Read all about it.

[ Police siren ]

See what I mean?
We're just lucky. That's all.

How about this?

Talk to him. He is the driver.

What you putting the guy on me for?

You can't fool around
with taxicab companies.

They'll screw you. They'll
screw the city. Believe me.

Here I am, standing here and
minding my own business.

And these cops come along.
I ain't mad at anybody.

Believe me, I'm not. Now what
am I going to do about the boss?

This is the third time
this week I got hit.

I'm sure I'll never get
paid. I know that.

2B.

Hey .. C3.

[ Door knocks ]

I'm the gut they'll call on the carpet.

They don't blame you.

Thank you.

Wasn't that Cooper?

Now look here, Cooper ..

I beg your pardon.
- Won't you come in?

Thanks.

Miss Kramer, may I present my
colleague and bosom companion.

Lieutenant Dawson of Homicide.
Lieutenant - Miss Kramer.

Pleased to meet you, Miss Kramer.
- How do you do.

Sergeant Fayle. Homicide too.

You will have to excuse the place.
This is cleaning day.

Won't you sit down?
- Thanks.

Dr Redmond said he sent you
home with a bad headache.

I am glad it is better.

Yes. I ..

Feel much better since
I had a cup of coffee.

And very good coffee too, I might add.

I suppose chum here
has told you the news?

I was shocked to hear about Miss Bennet.
She was a beautiful woman.

How long have you ..
- You can skip the preliminaries.

Miss Kramer already gave
me the pertinent facts.

Such as age, birthplace, favorite sport.

Likes Gershwin and
that she is not married.

I will do the questioning
for the police department.

You just stick to your
insurance investigating.

Thank you, Mr Cooper.

Who had access to those files besides
you and Dr Redmond, Miss Kramer?

No-one.

What time did you get home last night?

About .. ten.

Were you the last one
to leave the office?

Dr Redmond and I left together.

You came from Los Angeles
didn't you, Miss Kramer?

That is right.

Who did you work for out there?

Oh.

Several different people.

Firms.
- I see.

Why did you come here?

Well, I ..

I got tired of California.
I wanted a change. That's all.

Everyone needs a change once in a while.
You might try it yourself sometime.

Just what do you want
to know, Mr Dawson?

Just one thing, Miss Kramer.

When you came here to look for a job.

Yes?

Were you running away from something?

No.

Then why did you have
to forge references?

Forged?

Yeah, junior.

You got a bad habit of
running off too soon.

You ought to learn to stick around.

Well, Miss Kramer?

Get out, Mr Dawson.

You too Mr Cooper.

Okay.

But those references
were forged, Miss Kramer.

And crudely at that.

I was hoping you would explain
without forcing my hand.

I don't want to book you on suspicion
of murder unless you make me.

But there is nothing to explain. I ..

I had to leave California in a
hurry and I needed a job and I ..

I couldn't get one without
references so I had some made up.

How did you get the job with
Dr Redmond, Miss Kramer?

Through a friend of mine who
lives right here in this building.

What is your friend's name?
- Benson.

Karl Benson.

He lives right down in the
second floor front: 2A.

Thanks. Thanks a lot, Miss Kramer.

Come on, Sergeant.

I'm sorry. I wish that there was ..
- There isn't.

See you again sometime. I hope.

Well .. do you still think
she makes good coffee?

I thought her explanation for those
references made pretty good sense.

Don't let those sultry eyes
of hers throw you, son.

She hasn't told half of
what she knows yet.

We might as well check with
her friend while we are here.

Wait downstairs.

Do you think I would have time ..

No. I guess not.

Are you Karl Benson?

Yeah.

I am Lieutenant Dawson. Homicide.

This is Joe Cooper.
Investigator for Underwrites Casualty.

Glad to know you, Lieutenant.

You too, Cooper.
- How are you?

Sit down. Grab a chair. Here.

Thanks.

Do you mind if I finish shaving?

Go ahead.

What can I do for you
fellows, if anything?

Do you know the Kramer girl upstairs?

Sure.

A nice kid.

Not too bright, maybe.
But a very sweet personality.

Why?

Know anything about her background?

Not much. She moved in
here about six weeks ago.

Did you ever hear her say
anything about serving time?

Nah. She is straight.

What is the matter?

Nothing. I was just thinking about
some water. What do you use for a ..

Oh, I got it.

Here. Let me fill it up for you.

No, never mind. I don't
like that faucet water.

You writing a bond or
something on her, Cooper?

No. I am working on the Bennet case.
Maybe you heard about it.

Oh yeah. I just read about it in the
paper. The Bennet dame got knocked off.

Yeah, that's right.
- I get it.

Your company holds the
policy on the missing ice?

Yeah.

Say, in case you didn't know
it this thing is blocked up.

It is probably empty.
I never touch it myself.

No. There's water in it alright.
It is full right up to here.

Here. Let me pour you a real drink.

No, skip it.

How do you figure the
kid upstairs is in this?

You got her a job with
Dr Redmond, didn't you?

Yeah, that's right. I heard about
the opening and took her up.

For a slight commission.

Any idea who fixed up her references?

No. Why?

They were phony.

Phony?

How do you like that?

Say, you don't think the kid is
mixed up in the murder, do you?

Well, she had access to the files
and she knew about the dream.

She and Bennet and Redmond.

And Bayard. Don't overlook him.

Say, maybe you got something.
Maybe that's the way to lay your dough.

Straight across the board on
Bayard, the dame's boyfriend.

Look.

If I get a lead on this
case and help break it ..

Will Underwriters Casualty pay off?

To you?

Yeah, sure. I used to be on the force.

I'm in business for myself now in
a small way. Private investigations.

Ask him.

How about it?

Well, I'm in no position to
commit the company ..

But I suppose they'd pay up
to ten percent on the $100,000.

The insured value of the jewelry.

Who can laugh at ten grand?

This is where I go to work.
I'm sure glad you fellows dropped in.

Always glad to talk shop
with some of the boys.

I'll be seeing you.
- Yeah.

So long.
- So long.

So long, Cooper. Drop in.

Anytime.

[ Door knocks ]

Hello, Kitten.

I heard your vacuum.

How come you are home today?

Doctor Redmond wasn't feeling very well.

He cancelled all of his appointments
and gave me the day off.

May I come in?

You don't mind if I go on with my work?
- No.

Go right ahead.

They didn't try to push
you around, did they?

Who?
- Those Dicks.

Did they talk to you too?
- Yeah, they tried to pump me.

As if I'd put out anything.

I told them you were a straight kid.

There is nothing else you can say
under the circumstances, is there?

I wouldn't have anyway, Kitten.

Not for all the tea in China.

Thanks. That makes us even.

Because I didn't tell them you furnished
me with the forged references either.

You know what I think?

No. What?

I think the husband
bumped her off. Don't you?

I don't care whether
he did or he didn't.

I have answered all the questions
I am going to for one day, Karl.

Now will you please leave
so I can finish my work.

Sure, Kitten.

Sorry I bothered you.

You want anything from uptown?
- No thanks.

If those Dicks come around
again tell them to get lost.

I am sorry I am so grumpy.

That's okay.

Be seeing you.

Hey, Bill.

Would you like to take a look at these?
- What you got?

Photostat copies of the Bennet woman's
jewelry taken from the insurance policy.

I've had copies distributed
to all the pawn shops.

If just one piece of that
turns up we are set.

You mean to tell me a woman wore
all that junk on her at one time?

I know. It's disgusting but true.

I got Bayard inside.
Let's hear his story.

Give us an overall picture of
your movements Mr Bayard.

Form the time you left with Mrs Bennet
until say, around six in the morning.

There is no reason why I shouldn't.

I called for the Bennets around 8:20 ..

And learned from Mrs Bennet
that her husband wasn't going.

I'd gathered they had had words over it.

Anyway, we went to the
Mallorys for cocktails and ..

Mrs Bennet asked me to go along
with her to Dr Redmond's office.

She had been in gay spirits
until after we left there, but ..

Then she became moody
and wanted to drink.

Did you hear what Dr Redmond
said to Mrs Bennet?

Enough to know they were
discussing her husband.

It wasn't until after we left that she
told me about the dream business.

I might add that she
seemed rather frightened.

Well, where did you go then?

Back to the Mallorys but ..

Ruth thought it was dull and got
up a party to go nightclubbing.

We went to the Blue Heron.

Go on.

Well.

Mrs Bennet got kind-of high.

And made such a scene the
management asked us to leave.

Now look here, Bayard ..
- Just a minute.

Mr Bennet.

Go on.

I don't drive myself so I put her
in a cab and took her home.

"However, she kept arguing until she .."

"She got me worked
up to the point where .."

"Frankly, I could have
cheerfully throttled her."

"When we got to her apartment house."

"I think it was around two o'clock."

"I told the driver to
wait and took her in."

"She had a little trouble finding her
key and wouldn't let me help her."

"Finally she found it
and I opened the door."

"I put her in the elevator.
She still wanted to argue, but I .."

"I left her there and went out."

"I got in the cab and drove away."

That was the last time
I saw her, Lieutenant.

Where did you go then?
- Home.

Was Mrs Bennet wearing
these when you left?

Yes. I recognise most of them.

All except that signet ring there but ..

She would hardly be wearing that.
- Hardly.

Did anybody see you
take Mrs Bennet home?

There was a fellow in
the lobby talking to a girl.

I believe he lived there.
I have seen him several times.

He may have recognised me.
- You recall his name?

I don't believe I ever heard it.

Well, I guess that's about all.

For the time being at least.

Thanks for coming down, Bayard.
- Not at all.

He is lying about Ruth.

I have never known
her to drink to excess.

Well, you can check his story
at the Blue Heron easy enough.

I shall.

And if Guy Bayard is lying.

He shall answer to me.

Not to the police.

The more I see of him the more I
feel he is putting on a terrific act.

If I just had one bit of good evidence.

That signet ring, Bill.

Mrs Bennet wasn't wearing
it and yet it is missing.

Now.

Only three people knew
where she kept her jewelry.

Her husband, the maid and the butler.

You can toss out the last two. They go
home at night. I checked their stories.

It's airtight.
- So is Bennet's.

I had those sleeping pills analysed ..

And four of them would knock
you out like a scoopful of ether.

Unless maybe the system had become
immune from repeated doses.

According to the butler that
wasn't the case with Bennet.

Dawson.

Yes?

Yes.

Yes, dear. Of course I am busy, Stella.

Well, why don't you send Judy?

Oh. She is practising her piano.

No, don't stop her.

Let her get it over with
before I get home.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Bread? Yeah.

A pound of tomatoes.

Ground round.

Yes. I'm writing it down, Stella.

Yes. Goodbye.

Immune. Bill. Immune. You got something.

Yeah, I have.

I got a headache.
Well, goodnight, fellahs.

Goodnight, boss.
- I'm going home.

Ground round.

Bill.

Come over to the police
dispensary with me first.

I got an idea.
- It's too late for ideas.

I want to get a good night's sleep.
- It'll only take a minute. Now come on.

Yeah.

Yes, Stella.

Why sure, but ..

Ground round?

Yeah, I thought it was something round.

Sure I wrote it down Stella, but ..

Okay. Be home right away.

Look, Doc. This catalytic agent
business is all very interesting.

But if you don't mind,
forget it a minute. Now.

What we must know is this:

Could Bennet have taken anything
before he took sleeping pills ..

To counteract their effect?

That's a very interesting
point you bring up.

Will you step on it Doc please. You know
the butcher's ships close at 6 o'clock.

How many sleeping pills did Bennet take?
- He took four.

Yes. If he had taken two Benzedrine
tablets of 5-milligrams each.

Before taking the sleeping tablets.

The sleeping tablets wouldn't have
had any effect on him whatsoever.

Well then, Bennet is our man. The Doc
here just busted his alibi wide open.

Yes. But did you ever hear of
this stunt being pulled before?

No .. but I am sure it is possible.

You have Benzedrine tablets handy, Doc?
- Sure. We have some of them.

Then let's try it on me.
I don't mind being a guinea pig.

Where are they, Doc?
- I got them here.

But I got to make out
a prescription, you know.

Here we are.

There. Two Benzedrine.

You know Bill. This is
very, very interesting.

In my years in this dispensary I don't
recall a case like this before. Do you?

It will be very interesting if I get
home without the groceries.

Now, where are those sleeping
pills that you analysed for Bill?

I got them right here.

Yeah. Exhibit 22C.

Can I have four of them?
- Well .. okay, Bill?

Yeah. Give him anything he wants.

Alright. There you are.

Four.

Will you join me, Lieutenant?

I don't mind if I do.

If they are on the house.

But you can skip the Benzedrine.
I want to get a good night's sleep.

Now we'll see if Bennet
could have stayed awake ..

In spite of his having
had those sleeping pills.

No, if you fellows will excuse me.

I will go home and get
a good night's sleep.

What are you doing here?

Oh.

There is a pawnshop on Green Street ..

That reports picking up a
piece of the Bennet jewels.

I thought I would tell you.
- You thought!

Well, what are you
waiting for? Let's go.

Thanks, Doc. We'll let you
know how this works out.

Right.
- See you later.

It is one of Mrs Bennet's alright.

A family crest ring.

What name did she give?

Name? Let me see.

Jane Smith.

But that doesn't mean anything.

That is a popular name in a pawn shop.

Did you ever see her before?

No. But I got an idea she
lives in the neighborhood.

She was carrying a black
and white striped jacket.

And a black skirt on a cleaners' hanger.

That's an idea, son.

We'll search ever cleaning
establishment in the neighborhood.

I'll take care of this.

What is the trouble with you?

Do you feel sleepy?

No. I feel fine. I took the
Benzedrine first. Remember?

No. I am sorry but we haven't had a
black and white sports jacket lately.

Why don't you take your friend
home and let him sleep it off.

A good idea, ma'am.

Come on, father. Curfew is ringing.

Sort of a black-and-white sports outfit.

A black and white sport outfit?

Yes. I remember that.

Yes. It went out this afternoon.

A very nice young lady.
- Bill, did you hear that?

Have you got the lady's
name and address?

Let's see.

Yes. Kramer is the name.

She lives up the street in a brownstone.
Second from the corner.

What did I tell you, kid?

An inside job.

Come on.

If you don't mind I'd
like to take that slip.

It's all yours.
- Thanks.

Hey fellows, come and get him.

Take him home to bed.
Let him sleep it off.

He's going to be hopping
mad he missed his dinner.

He'll be hopping mad
he missed the Kramer girl.

I'll phone the old buzzard tomorrow.

Phil, tail him. Don't let
him out of your sight.

Sure, Sergeant.

I never knew the boss to take a drink.

I don't get it.

Come on, Lieutenant. Let's go home.

[ Door knocks ]

Hello.

Hello.

May I come in?

I guess so.

Thanks.

Are you going out?

In a moment. I am just
trying on a new coat.

It is very pretty.

Thanks.

Well?

I'd like to talk to you for a bit.

Won't you ..

Excuse me a minute.

What do you think?

She is lovely.

You know, there's a look about the eyes.
- She is my ..

Well, I was going to say she is my baby.
But she is quite a young lady now.

Three years old.
- You are very lucky.

I think I am.

Where is she now?

In California with my mother.

I am going to bring her here
as soon as I can afford to.

Well, Mr Cooper. What is it you
wanted to talk to me about?

Lots things. Including the Bennet case.

But why don't we gab over a plate
of spaghetti? I know a nice ..

Nice, quiet little Italian
place right near here?

Who doesn't?

How about it?

Alright.

Everything is alright?
- Fine. Thanks.

Say, there is a copper named
Wilson hanging round outside.

Make him a sandwich or
something with my compliments.

Si. Subito.

A cigarette?
- Thank you.

The boys at the Homicide Bureau are
really beginning to take you seriously.

What about you?

Well, I was wondering if I wasn't
taking you too seriously myself.

You said you weren't married so ..

You didn't bring me here to
ask me about that, did you.

No, not altogether. I wanted you to
straighten me out on a few things.

For instance?

This, for instance.

Did you ever see it before?

That's the ring I found in my apartment.

Where did you get it?

From the pawnbroker. He notified the
police the moment it turned up.

You mean ..

To re-coin an old bromide, it is
part of the missing Bennet loot.

Oh.

When did you find it?

This afternoon when I was
leaning my apartment.

I showed it to the landlady but she
didn't know who it belonged to.

Then I asked Karl and ..

He said it was worth
8 or 10 dollars. So ..

So?

Well, I ..

Only owed 8 dollars more on
this coat I am wearing and ..

You believe me, don't you?

Yes I believe you.
But the question is, will Dawson?

He is a tough nut to crack
once he gets his mind set.

And he has his mind set on me?

Well, he thinks you're
mixed up in it somewhere.

In Mrs Bennet's murder?

It doesn't mean a great deal.

Dawson suspects everybody
until he finds the guilty party.

Now.

Who was in the apartment today
besides you, Dawson and myself?

Karl.

Karl Benson.
The fellow I told you about.

And who else?
- Mr Bennet.

Oh? What was he doing there?

From what I gathered ..

He was checking up on his wife's
movements the night she was murdered.

Were they there before or
after you found the ring?

It was before I think.

You're sure?

Yes. I am sure.

Good.

You know, we had better be going
if we want to catch that second show.

But I told you how she got the ring.

Please, chum.

You're not going to swallow that
story about finding it in the chair?

Hello, Benson.

Hello, Lieutenant.

Don't tell me that was you who
just knocked on that door there?

Well, who did you think it was?
- I didn't think.

I just left, but quick.

How are you, Dawson?

Okay. Come on in.

Thanks.

Hiya, fellows.
- How you doing, Benson?

Fine.

Smoke?

No thanks.

What were you looking for?
Anything in particular?

No. Just snooping.

Find anything interesting?

Underwriters Casualty might just as
well fork over that 10 grand right now.

You mean you found a lead?

The dame showed me a gold signet ring.

Said she found it in the overstuffed.

What about it?

It's part of the Bennet jewelry.
I recognised it.

From the description in the papers.

Why didn't you notify us?
- I hoped to find the rest of it first.

I waited until she went to
work and then came here.

We know about the ring. It was reported
from the pawnshop where she hocked it.

Then, she is our girl alright.

Take a look at this bank book.

Miss Kramer's.

Alright. She has a bank book.
What is so strange about it?

A deposit of a $1,000 made yesterday.
That is what is so strange about it.

Where did you get that?
- In the desk there.

And you tell me she couldn't make
a payment of eight bucks on a coat?

It doesn't add up, does it.

Why, with this bankbook and the
ring we can throw the works at her.

Fix the room up, boys.
- Where you going?

To pick up the Kramer
girl of course. Come on.

Okay, boys. Load up.

I got to fix this lock.

So long.

See you later, Benson.
- Yeah.

Why don't you come along, Benson?

This is your show, you know.
- Thanks Lieutenant, but ..

I've got something to attend to first.

Okay, but you'd better hurry up.
You might miss the fun.

Don't worry. I wouldn't miss this.

Not for ten thousand bucks, I wouldn't.

I see what you mean.

So long.
- So long.

Come in and close the door, Benson.

Turn around.

So you did remember me, Doc.

I wondered if you would tie me up with
that Kramer kid and those references.

It took me a little time
but I remembered.

You can turn around now.

And you can put that gun away.
You are not going to shoot anybody.

That depends, Benson.
You know what I want.

You don't think I'd be a sap enough
to bring the junk here do you?

Then get moving and take me to it.

Put that away and sit down.

You and I are going to talk business.

I'll make you a proposition.

What makes you think I'll listen?

Because you are that kind of a guy, Doc.

Only you ain't really a Doc.
You are a phony.

And what is more.

You killed Mrs Alton Bennet.

Now, Doc.

That would only make two murders
with nothing to show for it.

Alright.

I'm willing to trade.

First, I'd like to know how you
found out about the Bennets and ..

My intentions.

It was kinda funny how it happened.

I stole Bennet's dream from your files
and started out to do the job myself.

I didn't know you had the same idea.

I was waiting for the Bennet
dame to come home ..

When I discovered that
somebody else was tailing her.

I didn't know it was you at first.

"I couldn't help noticing
that whoever it was .."

"He was watching that apartment
house the same as me."

"He came by a couple of times."

"And then when a taxi drove up
he walked down the street fast."

"Like he didn't want
to be caught there."

"He stopped by a lamppost
near the corner."

"I still didn't know it was you, Doc."

"But I figured something was up .."

"When you started hotfooting it
toward that pool hall on the corner."

"That was when it hit me that maybe
somebody else had the same idea I had."

"So I followed you."

"And holy smoke. It was you, Doc."

"Well it didn't take no great brain
to figure out what you were up to."

"So I says to myself,
take it easy, Benson."

"Let Doc do it."

"I knew you was fooling
the Bennet woman."

"You wanted to get in the easy way."

"When you got back,
there I was ready for you."

"With an armful of groceries I picked up
in an all-night delicatessen. Remember?"

"You fell for it and held
the door open for me."

"There was a couple
standing in the lobby."

"Remember the dame saying
'No' in 14 languages?"

"You were in there an awful long time."

"I didn't mind waiting because I knew
what you'd have when you came out."

"I hated to hit a guy like that."

"But I guess it didn't hurt too much."

"I looked in the languages? < briefcase
and sure enough."

"It was all there."

Why did you kill her, Doc?

Why didn't you just tie a handkerchief
over your mug and stick her up?

Afraid she would recognise you?
- Never mind about that.

Where is the jewelry?
- We'll get to that later.

First, we have an understanding.

Do we or do we not stick together?

Stick together for what?

Look. The police will keep stumbling
around until they dig up something.

Maybe on you. Maybe on me.

So?

So, we need somebody to hang this on.

We build a case against the Kramer kid.

A good case but not too solid.

I've already laid the groundwork.

At the right time ..

At the right time the police find the
stolen jewelry in Kramer's apartment.

And she takes the rap.
What do we get out of that?

We save our necks and collect ten
grand for recovering the stolen goods.

We can cash in for forty thousand.

Don't kid yourself.

No fence in town would handle this
junk with a murder rap hanging over it.

I know. I tried.

Alright. So I take it out of town.

What do you suppose I
risked my neck for?

Now hold it, Doc.

We play it my way or we don't play it.

Alright.

What is the next step?

Tonight, get me those phony references
I fixed up for the Kramer gal.

It will take more than forged
references to pin this deal on her.

I don't need them for that.
I've got the Bennet jewels. Remember?

I want those references for myself.

Now get out.

I've got important
business to attend to.

Tonight, Doc.

About nine.

Alright.

I'll be here.

At nine.

So you worked for this
Los Angeles doctor for four years?

And then he dies?

Yes.

This is an all-night affair.

I'll call my missus and have
her put the dinner in the oven.

From natural causes, I suppose?

Well come on, Miss Kramer.
What killed him?

He committed suicide.
- Oh, he committed suicide?

Are you sure he wasn't murdered?

He left a note.

He left a note but he didn't leave
anybody that could give you a reference.

Is that it?
- Dr Citron worked alone.

Well, what's the matter with his wife?
Why couldn't she give you a reference?

She didn't like me.

You and the Doc weren't
two-timing her, were you?

No.

Don't get tough, Dawson.
You'll give the department a bad name.

I never get tough. You know that.

Miss Kramer.

You deposited a thousand dollars
in your bank account yesterday.

That is right.
- Where did you get it?

I told you.
- Well, tell me again.

Karl Benson gave it to
me to deposit for him.

Well, what do you say to that, Benson?

Karl?

Well, Benson?

I appreciate the compliment, Kitten.

But I've never had a thousand
dollars at one time in my life.

Karl .. this is no joking matter.

I'm not joking, Kitten.

You've got to think up
a better one than that.

Miss Kramer.

I give you one more chance
to change your story.

Where did you get the money?

I told you.

He gave it to me yesterday morning.

He said he was afraid to keep it,
that he might spend it all at once.

Karl, you know that is the truth.

Look, fellahs.

I've known this kid only six weeks.

Now I ask you.

I am dumb, sure. But do you think I'd be
dopey enough to trust her with a $1,000?

If I had it?

Karl, you don't know what
you are doing to me.

These men think I am mixed
up in the Bennet murder.

That thousand, that money.

Please tell them you gave it to me.

I'm sorry, Kitten.

If you'd tipped me off in time I'd
have cooked up a story for you.

But hitting me cold like this.
What else can I do but tell the truth?

Why, you ..

You take over, Wilson.

A tough nut, that kid.

She can think up more
lies than a diplomat.

Did it ever occur to you she
might be telling the truth?

Oh, come on, chum. Please.

She'll break any minute now.

You going to book her?

Well, when I do I'll
want an ironclad case.

I get it.

You won't have an ironclad case until
more of the stolen jewelry turns up.

That's right.

I wish we had done a better
job on that apartment of hers.

Why, she could have an
elephant hidden there.

What do you say if I
give it the onceover?

Say.

That's an idea.

While we keep the dame entertained here.

You give her place a thorough shakedown.

If you do the job right there's no
telling what you might turn up.

Leave it to me, Lieutenant.

You got a key?
- Sure.

I still got a skeleton I packed
when I was on the force.

Well, get going.

We'll wait here until we hear from you.

If you find anything
we'll be right over.

Right.

Have you signed those papers yet?
- What papers?

Why those. Here is a pen.

Let's see.

Right there.

Where the cross is.
- Alright.

And there.

And there.

No, not there. That is
where I sign. Right there.

Alright.

One more.

One more right there.

Thank you.

What is that?

A requisition for the brakes.

Give them to me, Benson.

Tie them up in the handkerchief
and hand them to me.

Don't be a fool, Doc.
This junk will land you in the chair.

I mean business. Hand them to me.

There you are.

Now.

Get in that closet.

Close the door.

[ Telephone ]

Even money?

[ Telephone ]

Dawson speaking.

Yes?

You did?

Good boy, Benson. I had a
feeling you'd find something.

In the overstuffed chair, huh?
Well, what do you know.

Now look, Benson.

We want the girl there when
we recover the jewelry.

We will let her go and
then stake out her place.

When she goes in we'll give her a
little time and then we'll pick her up.

You understand?

Right.

Turn the Kramer girl loose.
- Okay.

Berry, pick up your people
and we'll meet you over there.

Good evening, Miss.

We'll give her five minutes.

Hello honey.

Karl.

What are you doing here?
- Waiting for you, Kitten.

I want to talk to you.

After what happened today I don't want
anything more to do with you. Ever.

Get out!

Take it easy, Kitten.
I want to do you a favor.

I can just imagine.
- I mean it.

I know a lawyer who works angles.

If you give me that thousand you banked
for me I can get him to take your case.

Oh. So that's it.

You want your thousand dollars back.

Well, you're not going
to get it. Not now.

You told Lieutenant Dawson you
didn't give it to me. Remember?

Better give it to me, Kitten.

Uhuh.

Not if my life depended on it.

That is just it.

Your life does depend on it.

I don't see how.

I still don't understand.

Stop playing dumb, Kitten. You know what
is in that chair just as well as I do.

You?

You murdered Mrs Bennet?

You killed her.

The sparklers will be found
in your possession, Kitten.

You will have a hard
time explaining that.

Don't you come near me.

It all ties together now.

You giving me the thousand
dollars to bank for you.

Planting the ring in my apartment.

Telling me to sell it so it would be
traced back to me through the police.

You got it all figured out
haven't you, Kitten?

No.

I can't understand why
you are doing this to me.

I've never hurt you.

Somebody has to be the fall guy.

Somebody always has to be
the fall guy in a case like this.

And anyway.

The cops were already
breathing down your neck.

Take it easy, Kitten.

I don't want to get rough
with you unless I have to.

You're staying right here
until Dawson comes.

You can't get away with this, Karl.

I'll tell them things
I've never said before.

I'll tell them it was you who
forged those references for me.

How you tried to pump me for information
concerning Dr Redmond's clients.

That you knew all about Mrs Bennet's
jewelry and her husband's dream.

I'll tell them everything I know.

And when I can't tell the truth
anymore I'll start lying like you did.

I'll tell them you told me you
were going to rob Mrs Bennet.

And you offered to split the money with
me if I gave you some information.

They'll take you too, Karl!

You are right, Kitten.
I got to change my plans.

Instead of finding you here they'll
find you lying in the alley. A suicide.

You wouldn't!

If they ask me about it I'll say
you jumped out the window ..

When you learned you would be arrested.

Alright, boys. Let's go.

Coop, you cover the
fire-escape with Fayle.

You fellows come up with me.

No! Don't.

No!

Don't!

Don't!

No .. no!

No. Don't do it!

Help!

Let go of me.

Stop it you little fool.
Behave yourself.

Don't jump. Don't jump.

What did you do that for?

It's all I could to stop her. The crazy
little fool wanted to kill herself.

Let's take her downstairs.

Check.

Check.

Here. Have some more water.

Feel better now?
- Yes, thank you.

Too bad, Kitten.

I am sorry. Really sorry.

Take it easy, kid.

Is everything here?

Yeah. Everything except the
diamonds that Charlie bought.

Charlie?

Who is Charlie?
- The key-maker downstairs.

We've been watching him a long time.

This afternoon we picked him up.

Only six weeks in town
and she locates a fence.

Bravo.

Oh, no. Charlie didn't buy
them from Miss Kramer.

No?

Then who?
- Sergeant.

Get Bayard.

Mr Bayard please.

Mr Bayard.

Did you ever see this man before?

Yes. He is the same man I saw loitering
near Mrs Bennet's apartment building.

The night I brought her home.
- Thanks.

That's all.

Hey, wait a minute.
What is going on here?

Fayle.

Bring in Mr Boyd and Miss Lake.

Mr Boyd, Miss Lake. Please.

Miss Lake, Mr Boyd.

Did you ever see this man before?

Why, yes.

You showed us his picture in the line-up
of policemen dropped from the force.

Of course.

He's the man who came in the Crayford
Arms lobby with a bundle of groceries.

I am positive.

He dropped a package
and I picked it up for him.

Okay, so I was there. I was following
the Bennet dame for Doc Redmond.

That's a lie.
- It is true. I swear it.

That's right, Benson. Keep on and you
will lie yourself right into the chair.

You are under arrest.

Under arrest?

For what?

For breaking the health
and sanitation laws.

You've got a nasty habit of
sticking gum in public places.

Stop clowning, Lieutenant.

What is the charge?

Why, you poor dumb fool.

Murder.

Murder?

No.

No. I didn't kill the Bennet dame.
It was Doc Redmond who killed her.

Let me go and I can prove it.
The Doc is your man.

The Doc?

He is dead.

Jeb.

I've never known a congenital wiseguy
yet who didn't outsmart himself.

They always bear down too hard.

Now you take that ring, for instance.

The minute it showed
up I knew it was a plant.

And who else but Benson?

If you stop patting yourself on the back
for two seconds I'll tell you something.

We're going to have new brakes tomorrow.

0h yeah? Say, that's fine.

Do you think these will
hold out until tomorrow?

I had to give these up to get new ones.

You never saw so much red tape.

You mean .. now?

At this very moment this car is ..?

Shush, shush.

What they don't know won't hurt them.

Look, sweetheart.

I don't want to appear to be
inquisitive for anything like that.

But just how do you
propose to stop this buggy?

We'll worry about that
when the time comes.

How does it feel now?

I feel like I've had Novocaine.

Think you could eat something?

I know a great big Italian
restaurant on 3rd Avenue.

Uhoh. The time has come!
Start worrying.

(-sd)-