The Night Runner (1957) - full transcript
A mental patient with a violent past is released from the institution, against the advice of his doctors, and sent back to his old neighborhood. Realizing that he can't handle the pressures of big-city life, and not wanting to commit the kinds of crimes that got him put away in the first place, he hops a bus heading out of the city and winds up in a small coastal town. Taking a room in a small motel, he falls for the daughter of the motel's owner, and everything seems to be going well for him, until the girl's father starts to get suspicious about his past.
- 16 new admissions today.
A total of 37 new patients in two weeks.
We have accommodations for six.
Next case, please, Ms. Lowell.
- "Patient eligible for
release, Roy Turner.
File number 2811.
Age 27.
Occupation, draftsman.
American citizen.
Single. No immediate family.
Committed to the institution 18 months ago
by court order following
an act of extreme violence.
Diagnosis, schizophrenia with regression
to primitive emotionality.
Patient responded favorably to treatment
and was interviewed for a
release on October 4th last
at a staff conference held
by Dr. Emmett Rayburn."
- Patient appeared rational,
intelligent, optimistic.
Release recommended.
- "Physical examination, October 3rd.
Dr. Harold Fisher."
- Patient found to be in good condition.
No physical impairments whatsoever.
Release recommended.
- "Recommendation
of patient psychiatrist
Dr. Neil Crawford."
- "Report of patient
psychiatrist, Roy Turner, 2811.
Although patient has
responded well to treatment,
he is still considered
a disturbed personality,
not yet completely cured.
Release is not recommended at this time."
- May I ask you, Doctor,
when is a mental patient completely cured?
- Only 18 months ago, Dr. Royce.
Roy Turner tried to kill
a stranger in the street.
- He was "I then.
- He may still be ill.
Overworked, unfair treatment on his job
and a negative family background
once drove Roy Turner
beyond his limit, Doctor.
Oh, we've brought him back, but how far?
I'm not sure.
- When will you be sure?
We're never sure.
Every time we open the
door in a case like this,
we're taking a chance.
We'll take less of a
chance with Roy Turner
if I can have another six months.
- Dr. Crawford, each patient
needs so many square feet
in the hospital ward.
So much linen, so much food,
so many hours of a doctor's time.
Roy Turner has had all we
can afford to give him.
How many patients do
you think a psychiatrist
like yourself should
handle here, Dr. Crawford?
- 50, 55 Perhaps.
- How many are you handling?
- 185.
- Oh.
Should we keep Roy Turner
here, Doctor, and make it 186?
How much will that help Turner
or your other patients?
- Recommendation of patient
psychiatrist, Roy Turner, 2811.
Release is recommended.
- Roy?
Wait up, I'll walk to the bus with you.
Well, how do you feel?
- A little nervous.
- Diagnosis, normal.
What are your plans, Roy?
- Well, I'm gonna get
a job as soon as I can.
I'm going to Los Angeles.
They need draftsman there
in the aircraft factories.
I know I can find something.
- Sure you will.
You've got a lot of talent.
Roy, if a deep sea diver
comes up all at once,
he gets the bends.
To prevent that they pop him
into a decompression chamber for awhile
so that the return to what
he was used to was gradual.
Now, you may need the same treatment.
The pressure is different out there.
There's emotional stress
and strain, lots of it.
It can twist you until you snap, Roy.
It happened once, it can happen again.
Watch your step, huh?
All aboard.
- Start off slowly, Roy.
Don't let tension mount in you.
When you feel trouble coming, back off.
You won't be a coward, you know that now.
All aboard.
- Remember, no stress, no strength.
Make it your slogan, okay?
Will you drop me a line, a postcard?
So long, Roy.
- Thanks, Doc.
Thanks for everything.
- Would you like to fill out a card?
Your name, please.
Just be seated, we'll call you.
Mr. Reynolds, you're next.
Yes it is, thank you.
Mr. Turner, please.
Mr. Turner?
- I believe you're being called.
- Hello, have a seat.
I'll take that.
What's your address, Mr. Turner?
- Oh, well I haven't got an address.
I just came into Los Angeles today.
- I see.
Where were you last employed, Mr. Turner?
- The International Design Corporation.
- How long ago was that?
- It was two years ago.
- And your reason for leaving?
Your reason for leaving?
- Hey, look out you crazy fool!
- Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Please stop it!
You all right, honey?
I'm all right now.
That guy must be out of his mind.
- 10 minutes, folks.
Watch your step getting out, please.
- Where?
- Inside,
first door to your left.
Thanks!
Beats
the smog, doesn't it?
- Does the weather stay
like this pretty much?
- Every day during the winter.
No rain, no fog, no smog.
Also, no people.
Hey, would you mind handing
me that wrench on the fender?
- Sure.
Thanks.
Goin' all the way up the coast?
- I'm not sure.
I thought maybe I'd find
a little place around
here with some sunshine.
- Been sick?
-Yes, I...
- A lot of folks head out this way
when they're lookin' for a rest.
What hit you, one of those virus bugs?
I said what hit...
Hey!
Hey, you all right?
You're white as a sheet, boy.
You want some water?
- No, it's all right.
I haven't been feeling so well.
- Lunch!
It's our first, watch out
for the questions.
- We're fresh out of
breast of pheasant, Sir,
so you get a melted cheese sandwich.
Hello.
- Hi.
- Are you a father?
- No.
- Too bad.
You're nice looking.
- Down, girl.
See?
She's eating for three.
- I can't help it, I'll
get you another one.
I'm starved.
- Always.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Okay, let's go folks!
- Is there a nice place
to stay around here?
- Well, there's a motel about a quarter
of a mile up the road.
The Seaside Cottages.
Are you thinking of
doing your resting here?
- Well, that's an idea.
Oh, well, thanks.
Thanks for everything.
I enjoyed talking to you.
Goodbye.
- So long.
- What are you staring at?
-Hm?
- Nothing.
- What happened, your car break down?
- No.
Where are you heading?
- Goin' that way.
Goin' far?
- Is there any law against it if I am?
- No, not if you're not hitchhiking.
And may I see some identification, please?
- Sure.
- Thank you, Mr. Turner.
Goodbye.
- Have you got a vacancy?
- Where'd you park your car?
- Well, I don't have a car.
I came on the bus.
- $6 a day, $35 a week.
Pay in advance.
- Okay.
- Okay, what?
Okay for a week.
- All right.
Sign up inside.
Can you sign this, please?
This your first visit to
this part of the country?
- No, I was here once before at a job.
- A salesman, Mr. Turner?
- No.
- Sort of a game with me,
guessing people's occupation.
Mechanic?
Office worker?
- How many guesses do
you get in your game?
That'll be 35 out of 40.
Susan, number three ready?
Just needs
towels, I'll get them.
- I'm a draftsman.
- Susan?
- Coming, coming.
You need towels again.
I found three with holes the size
of a cantaloupe before I got to these.
Hello.
- How do you do?
- Mr. Turner?
May I present Ms. Susan
Mayes, my daughter.
- How do you do, Mr. Turner?
May I show you to your cottage?
- I was staring.
Oh, thanks.
Oh, oh, don't mind Dad.
Mother always used to say
he was a grumbler in the off season.
- Oh, we'll get along all right.
- Hello, Ms. Susan.
- Hello, Vernon.
Oh, Vernon's the handyman.
Just whistle for him if
anything won't open, close,
go on or off, or stop or start.
- Well, that is a handyman.
Boy, I'm glad I stopped here.
I didn't even know I was going to until,
until about a minute
before the bus pulled out.
You're impulsive.
Yeah, I guess so.
I once got off a ship in Havana
after the gang plank was there
because I couldn't stand the
color of the smoke stacks.
- If I ever got on a ship, Mr. Turner,
that was going in or out
of Havana or anyplace else,
I wouldn't get off if the smoke stacks
were painted like peppermint sticks.
- A little tired of the same scenery, huh?
- No, a little anxious to see more.
- Well, you can get anxious
in a Hawaii or Havana or Rio.
One place is just like the next?
- No, places are the
way they make you feel.
See, I'm here right now
because the fellow runs the garage next
to the bus stop was nice
to me, and his wife.
- Oh, oh, Amy.
Honestly, Amy acts as though
she invented pregnancy.
- Yeah, I know.
We hadn't even met and she
wanted to know if I was a father.
- Are you?
- No, I'm not even spoken for.
Oh.
This is a little smaller
than the other cottages.
It has the best view of the ocean.
It's warm enough to sunbathe
in the middle of the day.
How's the water?
- Oh, freezing.
- Oh, thanks for showing me to my room.
- Oh, you're welcome.
I heard you say you were going
to be with us for a week.
- Well, maybe a little longer.
I'm resting up.
- Oh, well, if you need anything,
there's always someone in the office.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
The sand is softer.
Am I disturbing you?
- Huh uh.
I don't allow myself to be temperamental.
I'm not good enough yet.
- Well, do you mind if I take a look?
- Help yourself.
It's very good.
- Not really.
I'm having an awful lot
of trouble with my sky.
The blue won't come alive.
- Well, what are you using?
- Ultramarine and Cobalt.
- I think a little
Prussian Blue might help.
Oh, do you paint?
- No, no, I don't paint, but I used to.
I couldn't get the sun, the
sky or the sea to come alive.
Oh.
- That is good.
- I hope so.
I want to enter it in the
fall show in Santa Barbara.
I didn't even get by the
preliminary judging last year
or the year before for that matter.
- You really stay with
something, don't you?
- Oh, I'd keep painting
even if there wasn't a show.
- Well, that's enough for awhile.
- Well, don't stop because of me.
- I need a rest, unless
you'd rather be alone?
- Oh, no.
Would you like a cigarette?
- Uh huh.
- Oh, it's nice here, isn't it?
It's my favorite spot.
I used to do my daydreaming
here when I was a little girl.
I was Florence Nightingale
laying cool hands on fevered brows.
Dirty little hands, I'm afraid.
What did you daydream about?
- I didn't, I was too busy with my hobby.
- Oh? What was that?
- Well, my father had a store
near the Atlantic Ocean,
and I kept birds on the roof.
What kind?
- Seagulls, cranes, sandpipers.
Of course, I couldn't
keep the big birds captive
but they came around in
time for dinner all right.
There was one in particular.
He was a seagull with a big
black spot on his throat.
I used to call him Bullseye.
He was magnificent in flight.
Poetic.
I fed him every day for two years.
- Why did you stop?
Why did you stop?
- Because a mean old
man shot him for sport.
- How terrible!
- Yes.
I couldn't do anything about it.
I was just a boy.
- But what about your father?
Couldn't he do something?
- My father was the mean old man.
Bullseye was bigger.
I shipped out on a freighter as a cabin boy
a few days after that.
I ran away from home.
- Did you ever go back home?
- No.
No, home ended while I was away.
My parents were killed in a car accident.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, that's all right.
Look, I'd rather hear about
the life of Susan Mayes.
Ask me 10 years from now.
- I would like to.
You know, I think the Prussian Blue
will give you just the color you want.
Is anybody home?
Be right with you.
Make yourself comfortable.
Well, thanks.
- No complaints I hope.
Oh, no.
That's very cute.
- Thank you.
- I was just wondering
if you could tell me
a good place to eat
within walking distance.
- Well, the cafe at the bus stop's
the only place within walking distance.
- Thanks.
- But my coffee's a lot better
than you'll get at the cafe.
Besides, Dad had to go
into LA at the last minute,
so there's a good dinner waiting.
- Well, how's the service?
- With a smile.
Invitation accepted?
- Sure.
- Come on.
- Oh, I wonder if I
could send one of these?
I promised a friend I'd keep in touch.
- Please.
They're all the motel, though.
That's why they're free.
I'll get things going.
Stamps are under the blotter.
- Thanks.
- I won't be two minutes.
There's a television set in the next room.
Okay.
- Hey, where is everybody?
- In here, Ed.
Hi, baby.
- Oh, Ed, put me down.
Ed, this is Roy Turner.
Ed Wallace, Roy.
- Hello, Turner.
- How do you do?
- We met earlier on the road.
- Yes, the officer considered
me a suspicious character.
Oh.
- Anybody want anything?
No thanks, we're
just about to have dinner.
- Oh?
Is your father around, Susan?
- No, he went into LA.
- You stayin' here, Turner?
- Yes.
- Gonna be around long?
- I don't know.
Why don't you sit down?
- No, not me, I sit all day.
- Roy?
- Sure.
Where are you from, Turner?
- The East.
Whereabouts?
- On the Atlantic Coast.
North or South?
- You're asking an awful
lot of questions, Ed.
- Cigarette?
- Oh, oh, no thanks.
- I'll have one.
- Oh, sorry.
You lookin' for work?
There's a shortage in
the factories up north
if you're interested.
All sorts of skilled labor.
Any specialty?
What kinda work do you do?
- Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
It fell right outta my hand.
- Thanks for the beer.
Tell your father I said hello.
See you later, Turner.
- It was a lie.
I smashed it.
- Why did you smash it?
- Well, I haven't been feeling
very well lately in the...
I've been kinda jumpy.
I guess I just haven't got it whipped yet.
- You'll Whip it.
♪ When I was young I used to wait ♪
♪ An old master and give him his plate ♪
♪ And pass the bottle and he got dry ♪
♪ And brushed away the blue tail fly ♪
♪ Jimmy, crack com, I don't care ♪
♪ Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care ♪
♪ Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care ♪
♪ My master's gone away ♪
- Amy!
♪ And when he'd ride in the afternoon ♪
♪ I'd follow after, with a hickory broom ♪
- Oh, no.
♪ The pony being rather shy ♪
Oh no!
Our poor child.
Imagine what "Rock-A-Bye
Baby's" gonna sound like to him.
- It'll sound soothing.
♪ Rock-a-bye baby on the treetop ♪
♪ When the wind blows ♪
No thanks.
Very well.
To overcome my frustration I'll eat.
What did you pack, Susan?
- Oh, everything you'd like.
Chocolate covered spaghetti,
ice cream with chopped pickles
and strawberry meatballs.
- With pistachio gravy?
- Oh, cut it out.
You're making me sick.
- It's making me hungry.
- Boy, what a day.
And you were right about your
winter weather here, Hank.
- Well, it sure hasn't hurt you any, Roy.
Roy nearly passed out
at my place a week ago.
- Oh, I just need a little rest.
- It's nice here all year round, Roy.
- You thinking of staying around, Roy?
- Well, I don't know.
I'd have to get a job.
What do you do?
- I'm a draftsman.
- Say, they're taking people
on up at Martin Engineering.
Maybe they need draftsman.
- It's only five miles from here.
- That's not very far, is it?
- Well, let's get things ready.
- Can I help you?
- No and you can't either, Susan.
- Hank, and I'll get this.
Go on, take a walk.
Talk to nature.
Anything.
Hank and I would like a few
minutes by ourselves, you know?
- I couldn't live without them.
I'll whistle when we're ready, Roy.
- Okay.
Susan.
Thanks.
- You're not supposed
to frown on the beach.
You'll get a funny sunburn.
Oh.
- What's the trouble?
- It's Martin Engineering.
- Are you really going
to look for a job there?
Well, I'd like to.
- But?
- It's the interview.
I get nervous when people ask me
a lot of questions, though.
I know it's foolish, I...
- Absolutely.
Name please.
- Uh, Roy Turner.
- Address, Mr. Turner?
- Seaside Cottages.
Six a day, 35 a week.
- Age?
- I'm 27.
- I'm 22.
Occupation, Mr. Turner?
- I'm a draftsman.
- Good, we need a draftsman.
See how nice it's going?
Where were you last employed, Mr. Turner.
- International Design Cooperation.
- How long ago was that, Sir?
- It was two years ago.
- And your reason for leaving, Mr. Turner?
I asked you a reason
for leaving, Mr. Turner.
Were you ill?
- No.
- What was the trouble, Mr. Turner?
A personal problem?
- Yes.
- Do you still have your
personal problem, Mr. Turner?
- I don't think so.
- Fine, Mr. Turner.
Now, would you mind demonstrating
your ability as a draftsman, Sir?
I'm confused, Mr. Turner.
It looks like a carrot and two hair pins.
What is it?
- Well, it's two hairpins and a carrot.
Oh!
- Come and get it.
- Hungry?
- Yes, I'm starving.
- Come on.
- Thank you.
I had a wonderful time.
- Oh, me too.
- I don't know which was more fun,
listening to Amy at lunch at the beach,
or listening to Amy at
the drive in at dinner.
She's crazy.
I haven't had as much fun in a long time.
- I don't know if I ever did.
- Well, I'd better let you go in now.
You wanna be rested for your
attack on Martin Engineering.
We're going to get that job, Roy.
Did you get the job?
- Just about.
I gotta call in at five o'clock.
Someone else
is being considered?
- Three someone else's,
but I got 'em all licked on background,
education and experience.
- Oh, smart man.
- Oh!
- Feel that good?
- No, I feel better.
- Careful, you'll explode.
- Not a chance.
No stress, no strain.
Hey, what about a celebration
tonight after five o'clock?
- It'll have to be a late date.
I promised
Amy I'd drive her to LA.
She's going to have dinner with the folks.
Hank's got to work.
I'll be back by nine.
- I'll be waiting.
- Hello, Dad.
Susan, I can't find
anything around here anymore.
Where did you put last
month's bank statement?
- Bottom drawer underneath the checkbook.
-Hm?
Oh.
Susan, you haven't checked
the statement with the stubs.
Oh, I forgot.
I'll do it first thing in the morning.
I'm late now, Dad.
- Late for what?
Where are you going?
I'm taking Amy into LA.
- Oh.
- Where were you all afternoon?
- I drove Roy to Martin Engineering.
- What for?
- He applied for a job there.
That's a surprise.
- Roy is nice, Dad.
- All young men are nice
to girls at your age.
Just what do you know about him?
- I think I'm in love with him.
- Oh, Susan, you don't make sense.
Well, this Turner's a stranger.
No, he isn't.
We've spent a lot of time together.
- Sure you have, a whole week.
Oh now, look, honey,
people don't fall in love that fast.
Who is this Turner?
Where is he from?
Who are his people?
- I don't know.
- And yet you say you're in love with him.
- I said I think I'm in love with him.
Susan.
- Dad, I know what I'm doing.
I'm not a little girl anymore.
- Well, then for heaven's sake,
don't behave like that.
- Dad!
You didn't give me the
money for the towels
you want me to pick up.
I'll need $20.
Oh, now look at that.
Oh, Dad.
- Here's the $20.
Susan?
Honey, I'm sorry we argued.
- Me too.
- Oh, Susan?
Here.
Bye Amy a cocktail.
- Thanks, Dad.
Bye.
- Goodbye, hun.
Good luck, Roy.
- Have fun.
- How are ya?
- Hi, Loren.
Swap ya even.
- Thanks, Don.
- How do you do?
- Good afternoon.
- Do you have a nice quiet cottage
for rent off the highway?
- All of our cottages are off the highway.
- Well, that's something.
Silence is golden, you know?
- Yes, I know.
Now, if you'll sign right there, please.
Oh, that's $6 a night, $35 a week.
- I'll just need it for one night.
- Thank you.
Vernon?
Vernon?
The handyman will show you to your room.
- Thank you.
- Easy, Roy.
You're gonna wear out my garage.
- If I get that job,
I'll buy you another one.
- You'll get it.
Amy dreamed it was won last night.
That's good luck according
to her dream book.
- Is that for swans or people?
Hey, look, do you think that
five to five is too soon?
- Go ahead.
Maybe their clock is fast.
- Yeah.
Hello.
May I speak to Mr. Rodman
in the Personnel Department, please?
Hello, Mr. Rodman?
This is Roy Turner,
the fellow that spoke to
you about the job today.
I do?
Oh, thank you, Sir.
Oh, yes, Sir.
Monday morning, eight o'clock.
Right, Sir.
Thank you.
- Amy dreamed good, huh?
- Perfect.
- Congratulations.
- Same to you.
You're the one that put me on the job.
- Okay, congratulations to both of us.
When do we celebrate?
- Tonight when the girls get back.
- That's nine o'clock.
Why don't we get a headstart?
Drinks and dinner on me?
- Well, I'd like to clean
up before Susan gets back.
- Don't worry, I'll get
you back at the motel
in plenty of time to slick up.
Closed for business on
account of Roy Turner.
Are you sure you two aren't
gonna wanna celebrate privately?
- What, spoil a party for, Amy?
Not a chance.
See you in about an hour.
- I'm with you.
- Oh, Mr. Mayes, I locked myself out.
Could I have a pass key?
- That's $17.50 rebate, Mr. Turner,
for the half a week left in your room.
- You want me to leave?
- The sooner the better.
- But why?
- You know I've never trusted you
since the day you got here, Turner.
No car, no job, no nothing.
But that didn't matter
'til you took up with Susan,
and who and what you were
and where you came from became important.
- What do you know about me?
- Everything.
Let me set you straight.
I didn't raise Susan for 22 years
to have her snatched up by
some shiftless no-account.
- I have a job.
- On false pretenses.
Or does the Martin
Engineering Company know
that you're sick up here?
Does Susan know?
- I'm not sick.
I'm better.
They said I was better.
- For how long?
No thanks, Turner.
I don't want you around here.
Now, why don't you just clear out
and avoid the embarrassment
of explaining to Susan
and to the Martin Engineering Company
that there's nothing really
wrong with a lunatic.
Take your stuff.
Get out.
That's the end of the line.
Sheriff, you got a
prisoner there and we want him.
Not while I'm the law.
Hold it boys, close those shutters there.
I'm gonna let you loose so
you can help us fight 'em off.
But you're still under arrest.
Thanks, Sheriff.
Mind those
horses on the wagon,
are you gonna-
- Hello?
- I'm sorry, but we
haven't got any vacancies.
- At this time of the year?
- Well, it's the plumbing,
we have no hot water.
- Oh, that's too bad.
- Come on Stanley, let's
try the next place.
- Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Stampede, stampede!
Stampede!
- Would you mind turning
down that noise in there?
Help!
Somebody!
- Oh, help!
In here.
In here, on the floor.
- He's dead.
Operator, give me the police.
- Then after you screamed, Ms. Dodd,
you ran out on the porch, is that correct?
- Yes.
- I saw him outside and I called to him.
- What brought you out of
your cottage, Mr. Turner?
Ms. Dodd's scream?
- That's right, yes.
- What were you doing at the time?
- Well, I was shaving.
- I see.
Did you hear anything unusual earlier?
A disturbance of any sort?
- No, no.
- Did you hear a car pull up or leave?
- Not that I remember.
- I did.
I heard a car leave.
- When was that?
- Well, I don't remember the exact time,
but it was a little while
before I came up here.
- About how long before?
Five or 10 minutes?
- Yes, something like that.
- Did you hear the car?
- Hm.
No, I don't think so.
- How 'bout you?
- I was at the cafe.
- That's right, I checked.
Where can
you be reached Ms. Dodd,
in case we need you later?
I live in
Sacramento, 2800 Barnett Place.
Mr. Turner?
- Well, I'm living here right now.
- Oh, are you employed around here?
- Well, starting Monday
at Martin Engineering.
- I see.
Thank you, Mr. Turner.
That's all.
- Susan is going to stay
with us for a few days, Roy.
- I'll drop 'round and see you tomorrow.
- I better be by myself a few days.
Thanks.
- Excuse me.
You finished
your prints yet, McDermott?
- All through, Captain.
I couldn't do
better myself, Mr. Turner.
You're just about a
professional gardener now.
- Yeah, with blisters than everything.
Oh, Vernon, you wanna
get that top soil now?
- Sure thing.
- Hello, Turner.
- Hiya.
- Susan around?
- No, she's still over with Amy and Hank.
- How is she?
- Well, Amy says she's feeling better.
- You know, it's a funny thing, Turner,
in a case like this we ought
to have some lead by now,
a string of similar robberies,
some of the stolen stuff like the jewelry
that was taken and
shows up in a pawn shop,
somethin' like that but we haven't hit
on a single thing yet
that we can tie onto.
You didn't see anybody hangin' around here
a couple of days before
the murder, did you?
- No, I think I told you that.
- Yeah, I know, but
sometimes people remember
things later on.
You didn't see Mr. Mayes talking
to any strangers a day or two before?
- No.
- It was just a thought.
How do you like your new job?
- Oh, it's fine.
Draftsman, aren't ya?
- Yeah.
- Must be interesting work.
Well, tell Susan I was
askin' for her will ya?
- Sure.
- So long, Turner.
- So long.
- Thanks, Ed, but everything's
being taken care of.
- Turner?
- Mm, he's been wonderful.
- Well, we'll see you later.
- Bye, Ed.
- Welcome home.
- Hello.
- What happened to your car?
- Nothing.
But I thought something would happen
to my legs if I didn't start using them.
Hey, you haven't been idle.
- Oh, me and Vernon.
I'd draw the plans, he
does the heavy works.
- After drawing plans all day?
That's not much of a change.
- I missed you, Susan.
- I missed you.
How's everything
at Martin Engineering?
- Well, I think it's gonna be Martin
and Turner Engineering pretty soon.
Then Turner and Martin, I suppose?
- Yes, I think I'll keep 'em on.
- Amy says she misses you.
She'd like us to go out to
dinner with them tonight.
- Well, do you want to go out?
- Mm hm.
- All right, you got a date.
- Oh, I'm stuffed.
- I'm starved.
Well, sure, you forgot to
eat before dinner.
- Will there be anything else?
- Yes, I'd like-
- Just the check, please.
- It's on me tonight.
- But I brought Amy.
- No, it's on the very rich man today.
You'll be asking for a
raise on Tuesday.
- Roy?
Hm?
Where did you
get this Roy, this $5 bill?
- I don't know, why?
- It's stained.
It looks like nail polish
on it actually.
- So?
- I spilled nail polish in the cash drawer
the morning Dad was killed.
It made a splotch on the
top bill like this one.
It was a $5 bill.
- You think that's the same bill?
- Susan, lots of people have
spilled nail polish on money.
I did it once.
- I think I'll keep this, Roy.
The police might wanna check
and see if it is my nail polish on it.
- Well, how could it be?
It's 1,000 to one it
isn't the same bill, Susan.
- Susan, remember what
we said this morning?
How everything keeps reminding
you of what happened?
Maybe you should sell
the motel, Susan, soon.
- Thank you, Sir.
- Well, folks, where do we go from here?
Dinner?
- How 'bout a ride up the
coast and a nightcap someplace?
Ladies?
- Fine.
I'm with you.
- Oh, Hank, why don't you get the car?
I'll meet you out front.
Right on.
Your change, Sir.
- You can take my word for it, Ms. Mayes.
We'll get you better than the
market price, and in a hurry.
- I hope so.
- I know so.
I'll come by first thing in the morning
and pick up the inventory.
Goodbye Ms. Mayes, and
thanks for the listing.
- Goodbye, Mr. Rogers.
- Goodbye, Mr. Turner.
- Goodbye.
- The real estate man sounds optimistic.
- That's an occupational disease.
- You sound pessimistic.
- That is also an occupational disease.
We linen counters are a very solemn lot.
Fine day of rest you've had.
- That was the nicest Sunday I ever spent.
- You linen counters
are also a romantic lot.
Where were we?
- Sheets, bed, single.
- Eight, 12, 16, 17.
- 17 checks.
Sheets, bed, double.
Stationary, boxes of?
- Eight.
- Eight checks.
Desk pen set?
- Desk pen set, one only.
- One and only checks.
Folder and the registration card.
- Also one and only.
What's the matter?
- This registration card.
It's dated October the 26th,
the day Dad was killed.
- Well, that was the last day
the motel was open for business, Susan.
- I know, that's not what I mean.
Look, someone started to
register and then stopped.
- So?
- Don't you see that this someone,
this Mister and Missus
were here at the motel
the day of the murder.
- You think these people
are the ones that killed your father?
- It's possible.
Or maybe they saw something
the police ought to know about.
- Well, how could we get
in touch with these people?
- It might not be so hard.
If for some reason or other
they changed their minds
about staying here,
if they weren't the murderers,
they'd stop at the next motel
along the way, wouldn't they?
- That's right.
- The police can check the
motels up and down the highway.
See if a couple registered on the 26th.
- There must have been hundreds
of couples registered that night.
Not this time of year.
Besides, we have a piece of
handwriting for comparison.
- But it's just two words.
- That could be enough.
What are you doing with that?
- I'm gonna take it to
Ed Wallace tomorrow,
or maybe tonight.
- That's a good idea.
Mr. Turner?
- Yes, what is it, Vernon?
- Could I see you out here, please?
- Well, I'm very busy right now, Vernon.
Ms. Susan and I are busy.
But it'll only
take a minute, Mr. Turner.
It's important.
- All right, I'll be right out.
I guess I'd better go speak to him.
What is it, Vernon?
- I found this.
It's Mr. Mayes's watch, one of
the things the murderer took.
It was buried out back.
I didn't wanna upset Ms. Susan.
- When did you find it?
- Just now?
I went back to get my shovel.
We dug up some weeds out there today,
and I saw something
shining in the moonlight.
Should we call the police, Mr. Turner?
- No!
You better give me a chance
to break it to Ms. Susan.
You'd better go back to your room, Vernon,
and I'll speak to you later.
- Something wrong?
Everything's all right.
- Yes, everything's all right, Ms. Susan.
What was it?
- Oh, it wasn't anything.
He just wanted a few dollars.
- Oh.
Come back to work?
- I'm afraid I'd only make mistakes.
- Too much moon?
- Too much Susan.
The beach must be wonderful tonight.
Can we take 10?
You'll stretch it to 20.
- I know.
Do you remember the first time
we were on this beach together, Susan?
- Of course.
On the other side of these
rocks, I was painting.
We talked about daydreams.
- I said I didn't daydream.
That wasn't the truth.
I was daydreaming even then,
even while we talked about it.
- About what?
- About a life together with you.
I fell in love with you that day, Susan.
- We'd just met, Roy.
- But you fell in love too, didn't you?
- Mm hm.
- Now, if only your
father hadn't interfered.
- What made you say that, Roy?
- Well, he never really gave us a chance.
Why did he hate me, Susan?
He didn't hate you, Roy.
- Oh, he did.
And I loved you Susan.
- Roy?
- Hm?
- Why did you say that about my father?
- Well, he didn't like
me from the beginning.
And when he found out where I came from,
he wasn't gonna let me have
anything to do with you.
- Where you came from?
- Susan...
Susan, you can't show that
registration card to Ed tomorrow.
- Why not?
Why can't I show Ed the registration card?
- Well, things could have
been all right here, Susan.
Your father didn't have to interfere.
- Roy, why can't I show
Ed the registration card?
- You could have been happy here, Susan.
You could have painted on
the beach when I was working,
when I came home at night,
you'd kiss me hello.
- Why did you say that
about my father, Roy?
- We would have nice friends.
Vernon would work for us.
We'd go out sometimes with Amy and Hank.
- You don't make sense.
- But I did.
Dr. Crawford said I made sense.
That's why they let me go.
But Dr. Crawford said I had to be careful.
He said I should back away
from trouble and I did.
But I couldn't back away
from your father, Susan.
He wouldn't let me.
Your father had no right
to open that letter.
Everything was going fine until then.
Everybody liked me.
But he found out about me.
He called me a lunatic,
and he was gonna tell you
and the Martin Engineering
people and everybody,
and I couldn't allow it.
Sol had to kill him,
Susan, because I loved you.
I have to kill you now
for the same reason,
because you know what I did.
- No!
No, no!
Operator, get me the police.
Police?
Let me have Sergeant Wallace.
Wallace?
This is Roy Turner.
I killed Loren Mayes.
Please, come and get me quickly.
A total of 37 new patients in two weeks.
We have accommodations for six.
Next case, please, Ms. Lowell.
- "Patient eligible for
release, Roy Turner.
File number 2811.
Age 27.
Occupation, draftsman.
American citizen.
Single. No immediate family.
Committed to the institution 18 months ago
by court order following
an act of extreme violence.
Diagnosis, schizophrenia with regression
to primitive emotionality.
Patient responded favorably to treatment
and was interviewed for a
release on October 4th last
at a staff conference held
by Dr. Emmett Rayburn."
- Patient appeared rational,
intelligent, optimistic.
Release recommended.
- "Physical examination, October 3rd.
Dr. Harold Fisher."
- Patient found to be in good condition.
No physical impairments whatsoever.
Release recommended.
- "Recommendation
of patient psychiatrist
Dr. Neil Crawford."
- "Report of patient
psychiatrist, Roy Turner, 2811.
Although patient has
responded well to treatment,
he is still considered
a disturbed personality,
not yet completely cured.
Release is not recommended at this time."
- May I ask you, Doctor,
when is a mental patient completely cured?
- Only 18 months ago, Dr. Royce.
Roy Turner tried to kill
a stranger in the street.
- He was "I then.
- He may still be ill.
Overworked, unfair treatment on his job
and a negative family background
once drove Roy Turner
beyond his limit, Doctor.
Oh, we've brought him back, but how far?
I'm not sure.
- When will you be sure?
We're never sure.
Every time we open the
door in a case like this,
we're taking a chance.
We'll take less of a
chance with Roy Turner
if I can have another six months.
- Dr. Crawford, each patient
needs so many square feet
in the hospital ward.
So much linen, so much food,
so many hours of a doctor's time.
Roy Turner has had all we
can afford to give him.
How many patients do
you think a psychiatrist
like yourself should
handle here, Dr. Crawford?
- 50, 55 Perhaps.
- How many are you handling?
- 185.
- Oh.
Should we keep Roy Turner
here, Doctor, and make it 186?
How much will that help Turner
or your other patients?
- Recommendation of patient
psychiatrist, Roy Turner, 2811.
Release is recommended.
- Roy?
Wait up, I'll walk to the bus with you.
Well, how do you feel?
- A little nervous.
- Diagnosis, normal.
What are your plans, Roy?
- Well, I'm gonna get
a job as soon as I can.
I'm going to Los Angeles.
They need draftsman there
in the aircraft factories.
I know I can find something.
- Sure you will.
You've got a lot of talent.
Roy, if a deep sea diver
comes up all at once,
he gets the bends.
To prevent that they pop him
into a decompression chamber for awhile
so that the return to what
he was used to was gradual.
Now, you may need the same treatment.
The pressure is different out there.
There's emotional stress
and strain, lots of it.
It can twist you until you snap, Roy.
It happened once, it can happen again.
Watch your step, huh?
All aboard.
- Start off slowly, Roy.
Don't let tension mount in you.
When you feel trouble coming, back off.
You won't be a coward, you know that now.
All aboard.
- Remember, no stress, no strength.
Make it your slogan, okay?
Will you drop me a line, a postcard?
So long, Roy.
- Thanks, Doc.
Thanks for everything.
- Would you like to fill out a card?
Your name, please.
Just be seated, we'll call you.
Mr. Reynolds, you're next.
Yes it is, thank you.
Mr. Turner, please.
Mr. Turner?
- I believe you're being called.
- Hello, have a seat.
I'll take that.
What's your address, Mr. Turner?
- Oh, well I haven't got an address.
I just came into Los Angeles today.
- I see.
Where were you last employed, Mr. Turner?
- The International Design Corporation.
- How long ago was that?
- It was two years ago.
- And your reason for leaving?
Your reason for leaving?
- Hey, look out you crazy fool!
- Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Please stop it!
You all right, honey?
I'm all right now.
That guy must be out of his mind.
- 10 minutes, folks.
Watch your step getting out, please.
- Where?
- Inside,
first door to your left.
Thanks!
Beats
the smog, doesn't it?
- Does the weather stay
like this pretty much?
- Every day during the winter.
No rain, no fog, no smog.
Also, no people.
Hey, would you mind handing
me that wrench on the fender?
- Sure.
Thanks.
Goin' all the way up the coast?
- I'm not sure.
I thought maybe I'd find
a little place around
here with some sunshine.
- Been sick?
-Yes, I...
- A lot of folks head out this way
when they're lookin' for a rest.
What hit you, one of those virus bugs?
I said what hit...
Hey!
Hey, you all right?
You're white as a sheet, boy.
You want some water?
- No, it's all right.
I haven't been feeling so well.
- Lunch!
It's our first, watch out
for the questions.
- We're fresh out of
breast of pheasant, Sir,
so you get a melted cheese sandwich.
Hello.
- Hi.
- Are you a father?
- No.
- Too bad.
You're nice looking.
- Down, girl.
See?
She's eating for three.
- I can't help it, I'll
get you another one.
I'm starved.
- Always.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Okay, let's go folks!
- Is there a nice place
to stay around here?
- Well, there's a motel about a quarter
of a mile up the road.
The Seaside Cottages.
Are you thinking of
doing your resting here?
- Well, that's an idea.
Oh, well, thanks.
Thanks for everything.
I enjoyed talking to you.
Goodbye.
- So long.
- What are you staring at?
-Hm?
- Nothing.
- What happened, your car break down?
- No.
Where are you heading?
- Goin' that way.
Goin' far?
- Is there any law against it if I am?
- No, not if you're not hitchhiking.
And may I see some identification, please?
- Sure.
- Thank you, Mr. Turner.
Goodbye.
- Have you got a vacancy?
- Where'd you park your car?
- Well, I don't have a car.
I came on the bus.
- $6 a day, $35 a week.
Pay in advance.
- Okay.
- Okay, what?
Okay for a week.
- All right.
Sign up inside.
Can you sign this, please?
This your first visit to
this part of the country?
- No, I was here once before at a job.
- A salesman, Mr. Turner?
- No.
- Sort of a game with me,
guessing people's occupation.
Mechanic?
Office worker?
- How many guesses do
you get in your game?
That'll be 35 out of 40.
Susan, number three ready?
Just needs
towels, I'll get them.
- I'm a draftsman.
- Susan?
- Coming, coming.
You need towels again.
I found three with holes the size
of a cantaloupe before I got to these.
Hello.
- How do you do?
- Mr. Turner?
May I present Ms. Susan
Mayes, my daughter.
- How do you do, Mr. Turner?
May I show you to your cottage?
- I was staring.
Oh, thanks.
Oh, oh, don't mind Dad.
Mother always used to say
he was a grumbler in the off season.
- Oh, we'll get along all right.
- Hello, Ms. Susan.
- Hello, Vernon.
Oh, Vernon's the handyman.
Just whistle for him if
anything won't open, close,
go on or off, or stop or start.
- Well, that is a handyman.
Boy, I'm glad I stopped here.
I didn't even know I was going to until,
until about a minute
before the bus pulled out.
You're impulsive.
Yeah, I guess so.
I once got off a ship in Havana
after the gang plank was there
because I couldn't stand the
color of the smoke stacks.
- If I ever got on a ship, Mr. Turner,
that was going in or out
of Havana or anyplace else,
I wouldn't get off if the smoke stacks
were painted like peppermint sticks.
- A little tired of the same scenery, huh?
- No, a little anxious to see more.
- Well, you can get anxious
in a Hawaii or Havana or Rio.
One place is just like the next?
- No, places are the
way they make you feel.
See, I'm here right now
because the fellow runs the garage next
to the bus stop was nice
to me, and his wife.
- Oh, oh, Amy.
Honestly, Amy acts as though
she invented pregnancy.
- Yeah, I know.
We hadn't even met and she
wanted to know if I was a father.
- Are you?
- No, I'm not even spoken for.
Oh.
This is a little smaller
than the other cottages.
It has the best view of the ocean.
It's warm enough to sunbathe
in the middle of the day.
How's the water?
- Oh, freezing.
- Oh, thanks for showing me to my room.
- Oh, you're welcome.
I heard you say you were going
to be with us for a week.
- Well, maybe a little longer.
I'm resting up.
- Oh, well, if you need anything,
there's always someone in the office.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
The sand is softer.
Am I disturbing you?
- Huh uh.
I don't allow myself to be temperamental.
I'm not good enough yet.
- Well, do you mind if I take a look?
- Help yourself.
It's very good.
- Not really.
I'm having an awful lot
of trouble with my sky.
The blue won't come alive.
- Well, what are you using?
- Ultramarine and Cobalt.
- I think a little
Prussian Blue might help.
Oh, do you paint?
- No, no, I don't paint, but I used to.
I couldn't get the sun, the
sky or the sea to come alive.
Oh.
- That is good.
- I hope so.
I want to enter it in the
fall show in Santa Barbara.
I didn't even get by the
preliminary judging last year
or the year before for that matter.
- You really stay with
something, don't you?
- Oh, I'd keep painting
even if there wasn't a show.
- Well, that's enough for awhile.
- Well, don't stop because of me.
- I need a rest, unless
you'd rather be alone?
- Oh, no.
Would you like a cigarette?
- Uh huh.
- Oh, it's nice here, isn't it?
It's my favorite spot.
I used to do my daydreaming
here when I was a little girl.
I was Florence Nightingale
laying cool hands on fevered brows.
Dirty little hands, I'm afraid.
What did you daydream about?
- I didn't, I was too busy with my hobby.
- Oh? What was that?
- Well, my father had a store
near the Atlantic Ocean,
and I kept birds on the roof.
What kind?
- Seagulls, cranes, sandpipers.
Of course, I couldn't
keep the big birds captive
but they came around in
time for dinner all right.
There was one in particular.
He was a seagull with a big
black spot on his throat.
I used to call him Bullseye.
He was magnificent in flight.
Poetic.
I fed him every day for two years.
- Why did you stop?
Why did you stop?
- Because a mean old
man shot him for sport.
- How terrible!
- Yes.
I couldn't do anything about it.
I was just a boy.
- But what about your father?
Couldn't he do something?
- My father was the mean old man.
Bullseye was bigger.
I shipped out on a freighter as a cabin boy
a few days after that.
I ran away from home.
- Did you ever go back home?
- No.
No, home ended while I was away.
My parents were killed in a car accident.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, that's all right.
Look, I'd rather hear about
the life of Susan Mayes.
Ask me 10 years from now.
- I would like to.
You know, I think the Prussian Blue
will give you just the color you want.
Is anybody home?
Be right with you.
Make yourself comfortable.
Well, thanks.
- No complaints I hope.
Oh, no.
That's very cute.
- Thank you.
- I was just wondering
if you could tell me
a good place to eat
within walking distance.
- Well, the cafe at the bus stop's
the only place within walking distance.
- Thanks.
- But my coffee's a lot better
than you'll get at the cafe.
Besides, Dad had to go
into LA at the last minute,
so there's a good dinner waiting.
- Well, how's the service?
- With a smile.
Invitation accepted?
- Sure.
- Come on.
- Oh, I wonder if I
could send one of these?
I promised a friend I'd keep in touch.
- Please.
They're all the motel, though.
That's why they're free.
I'll get things going.
Stamps are under the blotter.
- Thanks.
- I won't be two minutes.
There's a television set in the next room.
Okay.
- Hey, where is everybody?
- In here, Ed.
Hi, baby.
- Oh, Ed, put me down.
Ed, this is Roy Turner.
Ed Wallace, Roy.
- Hello, Turner.
- How do you do?
- We met earlier on the road.
- Yes, the officer considered
me a suspicious character.
Oh.
- Anybody want anything?
No thanks, we're
just about to have dinner.
- Oh?
Is your father around, Susan?
- No, he went into LA.
- You stayin' here, Turner?
- Yes.
- Gonna be around long?
- I don't know.
Why don't you sit down?
- No, not me, I sit all day.
- Roy?
- Sure.
Where are you from, Turner?
- The East.
Whereabouts?
- On the Atlantic Coast.
North or South?
- You're asking an awful
lot of questions, Ed.
- Cigarette?
- Oh, oh, no thanks.
- I'll have one.
- Oh, sorry.
You lookin' for work?
There's a shortage in
the factories up north
if you're interested.
All sorts of skilled labor.
Any specialty?
What kinda work do you do?
- Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
It fell right outta my hand.
- Thanks for the beer.
Tell your father I said hello.
See you later, Turner.
- It was a lie.
I smashed it.
- Why did you smash it?
- Well, I haven't been feeling
very well lately in the...
I've been kinda jumpy.
I guess I just haven't got it whipped yet.
- You'll Whip it.
♪ When I was young I used to wait ♪
♪ An old master and give him his plate ♪
♪ And pass the bottle and he got dry ♪
♪ And brushed away the blue tail fly ♪
♪ Jimmy, crack com, I don't care ♪
♪ Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care ♪
♪ Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care ♪
♪ My master's gone away ♪
- Amy!
♪ And when he'd ride in the afternoon ♪
♪ I'd follow after, with a hickory broom ♪
- Oh, no.
♪ The pony being rather shy ♪
Oh no!
Our poor child.
Imagine what "Rock-A-Bye
Baby's" gonna sound like to him.
- It'll sound soothing.
♪ Rock-a-bye baby on the treetop ♪
♪ When the wind blows ♪
No thanks.
Very well.
To overcome my frustration I'll eat.
What did you pack, Susan?
- Oh, everything you'd like.
Chocolate covered spaghetti,
ice cream with chopped pickles
and strawberry meatballs.
- With pistachio gravy?
- Oh, cut it out.
You're making me sick.
- It's making me hungry.
- Boy, what a day.
And you were right about your
winter weather here, Hank.
- Well, it sure hasn't hurt you any, Roy.
Roy nearly passed out
at my place a week ago.
- Oh, I just need a little rest.
- It's nice here all year round, Roy.
- You thinking of staying around, Roy?
- Well, I don't know.
I'd have to get a job.
What do you do?
- I'm a draftsman.
- Say, they're taking people
on up at Martin Engineering.
Maybe they need draftsman.
- It's only five miles from here.
- That's not very far, is it?
- Well, let's get things ready.
- Can I help you?
- No and you can't either, Susan.
- Hank, and I'll get this.
Go on, take a walk.
Talk to nature.
Anything.
Hank and I would like a few
minutes by ourselves, you know?
- I couldn't live without them.
I'll whistle when we're ready, Roy.
- Okay.
Susan.
Thanks.
- You're not supposed
to frown on the beach.
You'll get a funny sunburn.
Oh.
- What's the trouble?
- It's Martin Engineering.
- Are you really going
to look for a job there?
Well, I'd like to.
- But?
- It's the interview.
I get nervous when people ask me
a lot of questions, though.
I know it's foolish, I...
- Absolutely.
Name please.
- Uh, Roy Turner.
- Address, Mr. Turner?
- Seaside Cottages.
Six a day, 35 a week.
- Age?
- I'm 27.
- I'm 22.
Occupation, Mr. Turner?
- I'm a draftsman.
- Good, we need a draftsman.
See how nice it's going?
Where were you last employed, Mr. Turner.
- International Design Cooperation.
- How long ago was that, Sir?
- It was two years ago.
- And your reason for leaving, Mr. Turner?
I asked you a reason
for leaving, Mr. Turner.
Were you ill?
- No.
- What was the trouble, Mr. Turner?
A personal problem?
- Yes.
- Do you still have your
personal problem, Mr. Turner?
- I don't think so.
- Fine, Mr. Turner.
Now, would you mind demonstrating
your ability as a draftsman, Sir?
I'm confused, Mr. Turner.
It looks like a carrot and two hair pins.
What is it?
- Well, it's two hairpins and a carrot.
Oh!
- Come and get it.
- Hungry?
- Yes, I'm starving.
- Come on.
- Thank you.
I had a wonderful time.
- Oh, me too.
- I don't know which was more fun,
listening to Amy at lunch at the beach,
or listening to Amy at
the drive in at dinner.
She's crazy.
I haven't had as much fun in a long time.
- I don't know if I ever did.
- Well, I'd better let you go in now.
You wanna be rested for your
attack on Martin Engineering.
We're going to get that job, Roy.
Did you get the job?
- Just about.
I gotta call in at five o'clock.
Someone else
is being considered?
- Three someone else's,
but I got 'em all licked on background,
education and experience.
- Oh, smart man.
- Oh!
- Feel that good?
- No, I feel better.
- Careful, you'll explode.
- Not a chance.
No stress, no strain.
Hey, what about a celebration
tonight after five o'clock?
- It'll have to be a late date.
I promised
Amy I'd drive her to LA.
She's going to have dinner with the folks.
Hank's got to work.
I'll be back by nine.
- I'll be waiting.
- Hello, Dad.
Susan, I can't find
anything around here anymore.
Where did you put last
month's bank statement?
- Bottom drawer underneath the checkbook.
-Hm?
Oh.
Susan, you haven't checked
the statement with the stubs.
Oh, I forgot.
I'll do it first thing in the morning.
I'm late now, Dad.
- Late for what?
Where are you going?
I'm taking Amy into LA.
- Oh.
- Where were you all afternoon?
- I drove Roy to Martin Engineering.
- What for?
- He applied for a job there.
That's a surprise.
- Roy is nice, Dad.
- All young men are nice
to girls at your age.
Just what do you know about him?
- I think I'm in love with him.
- Oh, Susan, you don't make sense.
Well, this Turner's a stranger.
No, he isn't.
We've spent a lot of time together.
- Sure you have, a whole week.
Oh now, look, honey,
people don't fall in love that fast.
Who is this Turner?
Where is he from?
Who are his people?
- I don't know.
- And yet you say you're in love with him.
- I said I think I'm in love with him.
Susan.
- Dad, I know what I'm doing.
I'm not a little girl anymore.
- Well, then for heaven's sake,
don't behave like that.
- Dad!
You didn't give me the
money for the towels
you want me to pick up.
I'll need $20.
Oh, now look at that.
Oh, Dad.
- Here's the $20.
Susan?
Honey, I'm sorry we argued.
- Me too.
- Oh, Susan?
Here.
Bye Amy a cocktail.
- Thanks, Dad.
Bye.
- Goodbye, hun.
Good luck, Roy.
- Have fun.
- How are ya?
- Hi, Loren.
Swap ya even.
- Thanks, Don.
- How do you do?
- Good afternoon.
- Do you have a nice quiet cottage
for rent off the highway?
- All of our cottages are off the highway.
- Well, that's something.
Silence is golden, you know?
- Yes, I know.
Now, if you'll sign right there, please.
Oh, that's $6 a night, $35 a week.
- I'll just need it for one night.
- Thank you.
Vernon?
Vernon?
The handyman will show you to your room.
- Thank you.
- Easy, Roy.
You're gonna wear out my garage.
- If I get that job,
I'll buy you another one.
- You'll get it.
Amy dreamed it was won last night.
That's good luck according
to her dream book.
- Is that for swans or people?
Hey, look, do you think that
five to five is too soon?
- Go ahead.
Maybe their clock is fast.
- Yeah.
Hello.
May I speak to Mr. Rodman
in the Personnel Department, please?
Hello, Mr. Rodman?
This is Roy Turner,
the fellow that spoke to
you about the job today.
I do?
Oh, thank you, Sir.
Oh, yes, Sir.
Monday morning, eight o'clock.
Right, Sir.
Thank you.
- Amy dreamed good, huh?
- Perfect.
- Congratulations.
- Same to you.
You're the one that put me on the job.
- Okay, congratulations to both of us.
When do we celebrate?
- Tonight when the girls get back.
- That's nine o'clock.
Why don't we get a headstart?
Drinks and dinner on me?
- Well, I'd like to clean
up before Susan gets back.
- Don't worry, I'll get
you back at the motel
in plenty of time to slick up.
Closed for business on
account of Roy Turner.
Are you sure you two aren't
gonna wanna celebrate privately?
- What, spoil a party for, Amy?
Not a chance.
See you in about an hour.
- I'm with you.
- Oh, Mr. Mayes, I locked myself out.
Could I have a pass key?
- That's $17.50 rebate, Mr. Turner,
for the half a week left in your room.
- You want me to leave?
- The sooner the better.
- But why?
- You know I've never trusted you
since the day you got here, Turner.
No car, no job, no nothing.
But that didn't matter
'til you took up with Susan,
and who and what you were
and where you came from became important.
- What do you know about me?
- Everything.
Let me set you straight.
I didn't raise Susan for 22 years
to have her snatched up by
some shiftless no-account.
- I have a job.
- On false pretenses.
Or does the Martin
Engineering Company know
that you're sick up here?
Does Susan know?
- I'm not sick.
I'm better.
They said I was better.
- For how long?
No thanks, Turner.
I don't want you around here.
Now, why don't you just clear out
and avoid the embarrassment
of explaining to Susan
and to the Martin Engineering Company
that there's nothing really
wrong with a lunatic.
Take your stuff.
Get out.
That's the end of the line.
Sheriff, you got a
prisoner there and we want him.
Not while I'm the law.
Hold it boys, close those shutters there.
I'm gonna let you loose so
you can help us fight 'em off.
But you're still under arrest.
Thanks, Sheriff.
Mind those
horses on the wagon,
are you gonna-
- Hello?
- I'm sorry, but we
haven't got any vacancies.
- At this time of the year?
- Well, it's the plumbing,
we have no hot water.
- Oh, that's too bad.
- Come on Stanley, let's
try the next place.
- Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Stampede, stampede!
Stampede!
- Would you mind turning
down that noise in there?
Help!
Somebody!
- Oh, help!
In here.
In here, on the floor.
- He's dead.
Operator, give me the police.
- Then after you screamed, Ms. Dodd,
you ran out on the porch, is that correct?
- Yes.
- I saw him outside and I called to him.
- What brought you out of
your cottage, Mr. Turner?
Ms. Dodd's scream?
- That's right, yes.
- What were you doing at the time?
- Well, I was shaving.
- I see.
Did you hear anything unusual earlier?
A disturbance of any sort?
- No, no.
- Did you hear a car pull up or leave?
- Not that I remember.
- I did.
I heard a car leave.
- When was that?
- Well, I don't remember the exact time,
but it was a little while
before I came up here.
- About how long before?
Five or 10 minutes?
- Yes, something like that.
- Did you hear the car?
- Hm.
No, I don't think so.
- How 'bout you?
- I was at the cafe.
- That's right, I checked.
Where can
you be reached Ms. Dodd,
in case we need you later?
I live in
Sacramento, 2800 Barnett Place.
Mr. Turner?
- Well, I'm living here right now.
- Oh, are you employed around here?
- Well, starting Monday
at Martin Engineering.
- I see.
Thank you, Mr. Turner.
That's all.
- Susan is going to stay
with us for a few days, Roy.
- I'll drop 'round and see you tomorrow.
- I better be by myself a few days.
Thanks.
- Excuse me.
You finished
your prints yet, McDermott?
- All through, Captain.
I couldn't do
better myself, Mr. Turner.
You're just about a
professional gardener now.
- Yeah, with blisters than everything.
Oh, Vernon, you wanna
get that top soil now?
- Sure thing.
- Hello, Turner.
- Hiya.
- Susan around?
- No, she's still over with Amy and Hank.
- How is she?
- Well, Amy says she's feeling better.
- You know, it's a funny thing, Turner,
in a case like this we ought
to have some lead by now,
a string of similar robberies,
some of the stolen stuff like the jewelry
that was taken and
shows up in a pawn shop,
somethin' like that but we haven't hit
on a single thing yet
that we can tie onto.
You didn't see anybody hangin' around here
a couple of days before
the murder, did you?
- No, I think I told you that.
- Yeah, I know, but
sometimes people remember
things later on.
You didn't see Mr. Mayes talking
to any strangers a day or two before?
- No.
- It was just a thought.
How do you like your new job?
- Oh, it's fine.
Draftsman, aren't ya?
- Yeah.
- Must be interesting work.
Well, tell Susan I was
askin' for her will ya?
- Sure.
- So long, Turner.
- So long.
- Thanks, Ed, but everything's
being taken care of.
- Turner?
- Mm, he's been wonderful.
- Well, we'll see you later.
- Bye, Ed.
- Welcome home.
- Hello.
- What happened to your car?
- Nothing.
But I thought something would happen
to my legs if I didn't start using them.
Hey, you haven't been idle.
- Oh, me and Vernon.
I'd draw the plans, he
does the heavy works.
- After drawing plans all day?
That's not much of a change.
- I missed you, Susan.
- I missed you.
How's everything
at Martin Engineering?
- Well, I think it's gonna be Martin
and Turner Engineering pretty soon.
Then Turner and Martin, I suppose?
- Yes, I think I'll keep 'em on.
- Amy says she misses you.
She'd like us to go out to
dinner with them tonight.
- Well, do you want to go out?
- Mm hm.
- All right, you got a date.
- Oh, I'm stuffed.
- I'm starved.
Well, sure, you forgot to
eat before dinner.
- Will there be anything else?
- Yes, I'd like-
- Just the check, please.
- It's on me tonight.
- But I brought Amy.
- No, it's on the very rich man today.
You'll be asking for a
raise on Tuesday.
- Roy?
Hm?
Where did you
get this Roy, this $5 bill?
- I don't know, why?
- It's stained.
It looks like nail polish
on it actually.
- So?
- I spilled nail polish in the cash drawer
the morning Dad was killed.
It made a splotch on the
top bill like this one.
It was a $5 bill.
- You think that's the same bill?
- Susan, lots of people have
spilled nail polish on money.
I did it once.
- I think I'll keep this, Roy.
The police might wanna check
and see if it is my nail polish on it.
- Well, how could it be?
It's 1,000 to one it
isn't the same bill, Susan.
- Susan, remember what
we said this morning?
How everything keeps reminding
you of what happened?
Maybe you should sell
the motel, Susan, soon.
- Thank you, Sir.
- Well, folks, where do we go from here?
Dinner?
- How 'bout a ride up the
coast and a nightcap someplace?
Ladies?
- Fine.
I'm with you.
- Oh, Hank, why don't you get the car?
I'll meet you out front.
Right on.
Your change, Sir.
- You can take my word for it, Ms. Mayes.
We'll get you better than the
market price, and in a hurry.
- I hope so.
- I know so.
I'll come by first thing in the morning
and pick up the inventory.
Goodbye Ms. Mayes, and
thanks for the listing.
- Goodbye, Mr. Rogers.
- Goodbye, Mr. Turner.
- Goodbye.
- The real estate man sounds optimistic.
- That's an occupational disease.
- You sound pessimistic.
- That is also an occupational disease.
We linen counters are a very solemn lot.
Fine day of rest you've had.
- That was the nicest Sunday I ever spent.
- You linen counters
are also a romantic lot.
Where were we?
- Sheets, bed, single.
- Eight, 12, 16, 17.
- 17 checks.
Sheets, bed, double.
Stationary, boxes of?
- Eight.
- Eight checks.
Desk pen set?
- Desk pen set, one only.
- One and only checks.
Folder and the registration card.
- Also one and only.
What's the matter?
- This registration card.
It's dated October the 26th,
the day Dad was killed.
- Well, that was the last day
the motel was open for business, Susan.
- I know, that's not what I mean.
Look, someone started to
register and then stopped.
- So?
- Don't you see that this someone,
this Mister and Missus
were here at the motel
the day of the murder.
- You think these people
are the ones that killed your father?
- It's possible.
Or maybe they saw something
the police ought to know about.
- Well, how could we get
in touch with these people?
- It might not be so hard.
If for some reason or other
they changed their minds
about staying here,
if they weren't the murderers,
they'd stop at the next motel
along the way, wouldn't they?
- That's right.
- The police can check the
motels up and down the highway.
See if a couple registered on the 26th.
- There must have been hundreds
of couples registered that night.
Not this time of year.
Besides, we have a piece of
handwriting for comparison.
- But it's just two words.
- That could be enough.
What are you doing with that?
- I'm gonna take it to
Ed Wallace tomorrow,
or maybe tonight.
- That's a good idea.
Mr. Turner?
- Yes, what is it, Vernon?
- Could I see you out here, please?
- Well, I'm very busy right now, Vernon.
Ms. Susan and I are busy.
But it'll only
take a minute, Mr. Turner.
It's important.
- All right, I'll be right out.
I guess I'd better go speak to him.
What is it, Vernon?
- I found this.
It's Mr. Mayes's watch, one of
the things the murderer took.
It was buried out back.
I didn't wanna upset Ms. Susan.
- When did you find it?
- Just now?
I went back to get my shovel.
We dug up some weeds out there today,
and I saw something
shining in the moonlight.
Should we call the police, Mr. Turner?
- No!
You better give me a chance
to break it to Ms. Susan.
You'd better go back to your room, Vernon,
and I'll speak to you later.
- Something wrong?
Everything's all right.
- Yes, everything's all right, Ms. Susan.
What was it?
- Oh, it wasn't anything.
He just wanted a few dollars.
- Oh.
Come back to work?
- I'm afraid I'd only make mistakes.
- Too much moon?
- Too much Susan.
The beach must be wonderful tonight.
Can we take 10?
You'll stretch it to 20.
- I know.
Do you remember the first time
we were on this beach together, Susan?
- Of course.
On the other side of these
rocks, I was painting.
We talked about daydreams.
- I said I didn't daydream.
That wasn't the truth.
I was daydreaming even then,
even while we talked about it.
- About what?
- About a life together with you.
I fell in love with you that day, Susan.
- We'd just met, Roy.
- But you fell in love too, didn't you?
- Mm hm.
- Now, if only your
father hadn't interfered.
- What made you say that, Roy?
- Well, he never really gave us a chance.
Why did he hate me, Susan?
He didn't hate you, Roy.
- Oh, he did.
And I loved you Susan.
- Roy?
- Hm?
- Why did you say that about my father?
- Well, he didn't like
me from the beginning.
And when he found out where I came from,
he wasn't gonna let me have
anything to do with you.
- Where you came from?
- Susan...
Susan, you can't show that
registration card to Ed tomorrow.
- Why not?
Why can't I show Ed the registration card?
- Well, things could have
been all right here, Susan.
Your father didn't have to interfere.
- Roy, why can't I show
Ed the registration card?
- You could have been happy here, Susan.
You could have painted on
the beach when I was working,
when I came home at night,
you'd kiss me hello.
- Why did you say that
about my father, Roy?
- We would have nice friends.
Vernon would work for us.
We'd go out sometimes with Amy and Hank.
- You don't make sense.
- But I did.
Dr. Crawford said I made sense.
That's why they let me go.
But Dr. Crawford said I had to be careful.
He said I should back away
from trouble and I did.
But I couldn't back away
from your father, Susan.
He wouldn't let me.
Your father had no right
to open that letter.
Everything was going fine until then.
Everybody liked me.
But he found out about me.
He called me a lunatic,
and he was gonna tell you
and the Martin Engineering
people and everybody,
and I couldn't allow it.
Sol had to kill him,
Susan, because I loved you.
I have to kill you now
for the same reason,
because you know what I did.
- No!
No, no!
Operator, get me the police.
Police?
Let me have Sergeant Wallace.
Wallace?
This is Roy Turner.
I killed Loren Mayes.
Please, come and get me quickly.