Hunter (1984–1991): Season 6, Episode 16 - Lullaby - full transcript
When a woman is murdered in a manner similar to murders committed in the England, a diplomat informs the L.A.P.D. and an inspector arrives. Their investigation leads them to a high ranking British official but their evidence is ci...
Tonight on "Hunter."
"Brahms' Lullaby."
The killer apparently
placed it in her hand
after he murdered her.
You don't think he sort
of sat here and listened
to it after she was dead, do ya?
Looks that way.
The popular British press refers
to this monster as
The Lullaby Killer.
The victim is an English girl
by the name of Cherry Stevens.
She was a hooker.
The young woman's
neck was broken.
More than likely from a rapid
downward movement from behind.
If he finds another British
prostitute, he will kill again.
Look, this guy's out there.
Let's get him.
Looking for a little
action tonight?
I'm talking about
real excitement,
the best time of your life.
Hi, I'm Angela.
If you want thrills,
forget about her.
I would have had him if you
kept your big nose out of it.
Oh, get outta my face, you cow.
Hey, come on, love.
Give a girl a fighting chance.
You're from
Liverpool, aren't you?
That's right.
Me and the Beatles.
Let me guess, you
must be from London.
I can see you're a man
that's used to the best.
Come on, love,
you won't regret it.
All right.
Get in.
What's your name?
Cherry.
Why are we stopping here?
I thought I'd buy
you a little present.
That's very nice of you,
but it's not really necessary.
But I'd like to.
I'll be right back.
That's right, "Brahms' Lullaby."
It's one of our
most popular items.
We have some in
larger sizes, if you like?
The small one will be fine.
Excuse me a moment.
Charlie, what are
you doing here?
I was driving into the
office, when I heard the call.
What do we got?
Well, the victim
is and English girl
by the name of Cherry Stevens.
Somebody broke her neck.
The landlady who found
her said that she's a hooker.
Charlie, take a look at this.
We found it in the
palm of her hand.
Lid was open.
"Brahm's Lullaby."
We think whoever killed
the girl placed it in her hand
after he killed her.
What?
You mean, he
put it there and sat
and listened to it
after she was dead?
Possibly.
Sounds like some kind of ritual.
Sergeant Hunter.
We got a lady outside, says
she's a friend of the victims.
Yes, ma'am?
Cherry.
Oh god, no.
I'd like to see Captain
Devane, please.
Is he expecting you, sir?
Yes, would you tell him that
Lord Fraser, British consulate,
is here?
Are you certain
that she didn't own
the music box in the photograph?
I've never seen it
at her apartment.
Well, mind you, she
could have bought it.
I don't know
everything she owns.
Now, what about kinky customers?
She have any of those?
We've all had our share.
No, but, Cherry was
one of the smart ones.
She was very careful.
If she even sensed that
a john was a little bent,
well, she'd back off.
You and Cherry spent a lot
of time together, didn't you?
That's right.
There's a bunch of us British
girls working the streets.
Being away from home,
we like to stick together.
OK, according to
your last booking sheet,
your address is in
the Silver Lake District.
Is that still true?
Yeah, that's my address.
Thanks very much.
Paul, do me a favor, take
Ms. Sanders back to her car,
would ya?
Thanks, Margie,
we'll be in touch.
Hunter.
McCall.
This is Lord Fraser, the British
consul here in Los Angeles.
Sergeants McCall and Hunter.
Lord Fraser, how are you?
Sergeant.
Sergeant.
Hello.
One of Lord Fraser's
assistants this morning
showed him the report on
the Cherry Stevens murder.
He seems to think that
there's a good possibility
the killer may be from England.
Is that right?
Over the past five years,
25 young prostitutes
have been murdered
in the United Kingdom.
Their necks were broken
in exactly the same way
as described in
the report I received.
That's why I came in.
Now, Lord Fraser,
in all these homicides
there was a music box found
playing "Brahms' Lullaby?"
Yes.
The popular British
press refers to this monster
as The Lullaby Killer.
Representative
from Scotland Yard
will be here in the morning.
We really appreciate
Scotland Yard
sending someone over so quickly.
I'd like to go to
the crime scene.
I thought we'd stop
by the hotel first.
Give you a chance
to get cleaned up
Crime scene, please?
OK, if that's what you want.
Commander four king, have,
uh, Sergeants McCall and Hunter
meet me at the Cherry
Stevens crime scene, please.
Hunter, McCall.
This is inspector Foster.
Inspector, these
are our investigators,
Sergeants Hunter and McCall.
Inspector, how are you?
How do you do?
Well, where would
you like to start?
The victim was found lying
on this bed on her back?
That's right.
There was no sexual assault,
no identifiable fingerprints,
nothing in the apartment
was missing or disturbed.
She was adamant
about coming here first.
And the music box?
Oh, yes.
Here you go.
Each of our victims had a
different type of music box
in her right hand, But it
always played the same tune,
"Brahms' Lullaby."
You know, you're
certainly welcome
to our medical examiner's
preliminary report,
if you'd like.
The young man's neck
was broken, more than
likely from a rapid
downward snap from behind.
Well, what do you might,
make of all this then, Inspector?
It's been five weeks
since he struck in England.
I don't know why, but
he's here in Los Angeles.
Somehow, he ran
across a British girl
who was a prostitute,
which means it's not over.
If he finds another British
prostitute, he will kill again.
Hello?
Yes, is this Margie?
Yes.
A friend gave me your number.
I'm on town for a few
weeks and looking
for a little entertainment.
So you're British.
Yes, I think it would be
quite pleasant to spend
some time with
someone from home.
Can we get together?
I don't see why not.
Find Margie?
Margie hasn't lived
at her Silver Lake
address in more
than five months.
Check Hollywood Boulevard?
Yep, sure did.
No one's seen her today.
Well, it doesn't surprise me.
Didn't trust us very
much, you know?
I thought we were going
to have a good time?
I consider photographing
a woman as beautiful
as you a wonderful time.
Whatever turns you on.
Now, let's see you
a little bit more sexy.
How's that?
Yes, that's nice.
That's nice.
That's very nice.
Wet your lips, darling.
That's good.
Put your head
back a little more.
Let me try something.
Yes.
That's that's splendid.
I think you're just perfect.
So you're interested in more
than photography after all?
That's right.
I am.
The landlady came to collect
the rent and found the body.
She says she didn't see anyone
entering or leaving the place
last night.
OK, check with the neighbors
and see if they saw anything.
These girls think it can
never happen to them.
Margie and Cherry were friends.
I don't think this is
just a coincidence here.
He must have found
Cherry's address book.
It that's true, then
there's a man out there
who's got a list of a
lot of British prostitutes
all over LA.
I'm so sorry I couldn't
meet you in my office.
I had to put in a
appearance here.
That's quite all
right, Lord Fraser.
This is Inspector Foster
from Scotland Yard.
Ah, yes.
The home office told
me you were coming.
I suppose you know this
monster struck again last night?
Yes, I know.
Are you convinced it's
the same man from home?
Absolutely.
Lord Fraser, the list.
Yes, in my office.
Frankly, I don't know
what good it'll do you.
Hundreds of
British tourists flood
into Southern California
this time of the year.
That's why we need it quickly.
Yes, I'll get it for you.
He didn't have
to cross the ocean
to kill British prostitutes.
I think he came here on
business and ran into his victims
by chance.
That makes sense.
But there are still more
than 400 names on that list.
Ah, there you are, Andrew.
That's Lord Rutherford,
an old family friend.
This gathering is in his honor.
Tony.
I'd like you to meet
Sergeant Hunter
of the Los Angeles
police department.
Lord Rutherford, how are you?
And Inspector Foster
from Scotland Yard.
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to interrupt.
No, they're here regarding
that nasty business
I told you about.
Oh yes, do you really
think that monster is here?
Well, it's a possibility.
I'm a great admirer of
your work, Lord Rutherford.
Please, call me Tony.
Tony came in from
Singapore a few weeks ago.
He's here to update
his latest book,
"Brits Around the World."
Wonderful photographs.
I highly recommend it.
Lord Fraser, the list?
Yes, of course.
Tony.
Pleasure.
Nice meeting you all.
The killer attacks sporadically
with no particular plan.
He's gone for as long as five
or six weeks without attacking.
We think he's unable
to control his moods,
but when certain
stimuli are present,
he gets the urge to kill
even when it's unsafe for him
to do so.
Thanks, Inspector Foster.
Any questions?
Hunter.
McCarthy, Rude,
you've got the list
of the British nationals
that are in Los Angeles.
I know it's a big job but
they gotta be checked out.
Hardy, Ames, there's a lot
of stores in the area that carry
the type of music box we
found at the scene of the crime.
Check them out.
I assume vice is
checking out the streets.
Yeah, they are, but they're
not having a lot of luck.
These gals don't want to
talk to the cops, you know?
Well, explain to
them that two of them
have already died
at this man's hands.
Come on, push them.
Now, look, this guy's out there.
Let's get him.
Good shot.
I love it.
Do move this way, just a touch.
Wonderful.
Oh, very nice.
Wonderful.
Excuse me.
I didn't mean to interrupt your
shot, but by some small chance,
are you Lord Anthony Rutherford?
By some small chance, I am.
Do you mind stepping back?
Yes, of course.
Thank you.
You know, this is
indeed and honor.
I'm a very big fan of yours.
I've got your book back home.
Really?
Name's Avery Thompson.
As you can see, I'm a bit of an
amateur photographer myself.
I say, you wouldn't
happen to have a moment
to take a look at some
of my work, would you?
I've got a few samples
back at the room.
Perhaps some other time?
Yes, I'd like that very much.
Um, you see, I'm doing
some business here,
and I'll be at the
hotel Excalibur
for the next few days.
So possibly, if
you get the chance,
you could ring me up there?
I'm sorry, but I'm
rather busy on this trip.
Oh yes, of course.
I understand.
Good day, Mr. Thompson.
Good day, Lord Rutherford.
Oh, Sergeant Hunter, I've got
the name of some of the stores
that sell the music boxes
from Sergeant Hardy.
I thought we could
check them out together.
Fabulous idea.
Good, let's go.
Right after lunch.
I'm really not very hungry.
I don't know how
they do it in London,
but a good detective
here in Los Angeles
needs an awfully good lunch.
I know it's bizarre, but I
feel guilty just stopping
to look sometimes
knowing he's still out there.
He's still out there
all right, Susannah.
What scares me is he
could be on a plane tomorrow
with none the wiser.
You seem quite
obsessed by this guy.
Why don't you just relax
and enjoy your lunch, OK?
Thanks.
There was a young detect friend
of mine named Laura Magruder.
Our vise people
put her on the Soho
beat dressed as a prostitute.
I suppose you do the
same kind of thing here.
Sure, as a decoy.
Quite routine.
Something went wrong.
Her backup officer lost
contact with her on his wireless.
We found her body in
a gutter behind a pub.
She was a very nice girl.
She wasn't found
in a hotel room?
No.
We came to the conclusion
that after she identified herself
as an officer, the man
panicked, ripped out her wireless,
kidnapped her.
The music box was still
playing when we found her.
I can understand your
feelings, Susannah, but please,
don't let this get in the
way of you doing your job.
It won't.
Good.
Hi, are you Bob?
That's right, honey.
You Candice?
Uhhuh.
Well, climb on in, darling.
I'm sorry I'm late.
A man never minds waiting
for a beautiful woman.
You're cute.
How'd you get my number?
A gentleman named
Hansen in Austin, Texas.
Hansen?
I don't remember him.
Oh, he remembers you.
He says you're the best
thing that ever happened to LA.
My place or yours?
I thought you'd never ask.
You bloody fool.
Why don't you learn to drive?
You're English.
I don't think this is
going to work out.
Finding who sold
him that music box is
like looking for a
needle in a haystack.
It's all part of the
job thought, isn't it?
Rick, this is Candice Walker.
She has something for
you on the lullaby case.
Susannah.
Go ahead, Miss Walker.
That English man who's
been killing those girls,
I think he tried to get his
hooks into me last night.
I look for Brits living
in foreign countries
and I take photographs of them.
That's what I do.
The more interesting and
exotic they are, the better.
I didn't see any photographs
of prostitutes in your book.
In a way, The Lullaby Killer
is responsible for my meeting
with Candice.
The idea of English
prostitutes plying their trade
in foreign lands
never occurred to me
until Lord Frazier told me
about the murders In LA.
I see.
Now, where'd you get
Candice's phone number?
A gentleman at the
Ram's Head passed it on.
Do you know who he is?
I don't remember.
I see.
Now, all you wanted
to do was to take
photographs of these
girls, is that right?
That is exactly it.
Oh, why did you use
an American accent
when you picked up the lady?
I was having a
bit of fun with her.
Is there a law against that?
There's a law against murder.
Susannah.
This is outrageous.
What's so special
about "Brahms' Lullaby?"
I won't tolerate this.
Need I remind you that I'm a
member of the House of Lords.
Susannah.
I don't care if he's the
bloody prime minister.
Let's take a little
break, shall we?
Thank you, Sergeant.
I'm sorry.
We'll be right back.
He's guilty.
We'll see about
that now, won't we?
Look, Inspector,
we have absolutely
no physical evidence
on this guy at all.
Then we'll find it.
Maybe we will, maybe we won't.
What are we supposed to do?
Look, this is an
LAPD investigation.
You're a guest here.
Let me handle it, OK?
OK.
OK?
Good.
Let's go back in
and try it again.
Come on.
Hunter, Captain wants
to see all of us right now.
Lord Fraser is
having a little problem
with our holding
Lord Rutherford.
That's putting it mildly.
You're detaining
an innocent man.
Look, I have nothing against
American police procedures,
but it seems to
me that you don't
have one shred of real evidence.
Look, Lord Fraser, we
do have good reason
to question this man.
You don't really think that Tony
Rutherford is
this Lullaby Killer?
Look, all we're doing
is questioning the man.
You have to admit, his behavior
has been a bit suspicious.
This is preposterous.
I've known this young
man and his family for years.
He's already had a great
personal tragedy in the family.
Don't put him through this.
What about the
personal tragedies
of the families of those girls?
He has nothing to do with that.
Look, he's been
extremely cooperative.
He came here without
the benefit of legal advice,
he's answered
all your questions,
but enough is enough.
Now, Sergeant Hunter, do
you have any real evidence that
even remotely links
him with these murders?
No, I don't.
Then Captain
Devane, I must insist
that you release him now.
Your Captain Devane just
mad an enormous mistake.
Under the circumstances, I
think he did the right thing.
This is wrong.
Well, what do you
expect him to do?
The man doesn't
have any warrants
in England or in this country.
Oh, that means nothing.
Oh, Susannah, you
can't take a man's rights
away because he
talks to a prostitute.
I better call The Yard and
let them know what's going on.
I'll see you later.
How are we doing
on everything else?
Nothing.
Oh, good.
Good god, Tony.
This isn't at all like you,
getting into such a mess.
Why would you even want
to photograph a prostitute?
Come now, Andrew.
I thought it would make
a wonderful highlight
for my book.
Some highlight.
Frankly, it's a disgrace
that so many young women
are coming to this country
and working as prostitutes.
Maybe if we do something
to bolster our economy,
they can ply their
trade at home.
That is not funny.
Come now, quit being
so stuffy, Andrew.
Well, it's easy for you to say.
If the British press
get hold of this,
it could be quite embarrassing.
I suppose it could.
Andrew, it was
all an unfortunate
coincidence, an
innocent adventure.
We've been friends a long time.
If I'm embarrassed
you, I am sorry.
All right.
But, Tony, you must
remember whilst you are here,
you are not just
an average tourist.
You are a member
of the House of Lords,
not some pink
haired rock singer.
Your behavior must
be beyond reproach.
Of course.
No more prostitutes, I promise.
So, uh, what are you
going to photograph next?
Something quite
innocent, I assure you.
Good.
Oh, absolutely brilliant.
More violence.
That's it.
You can do even better.
You've got 100,000
thousand adoring fans
out there waiting to tear your
clothes off versus 100,000
screaming mimis in the coliseum.
What are you doing?
More violence.
Brilliant, more of that.
Big smile.
The music, the
lights, the screaming.
Very good.
Wonderful.
This is the greatest
band in the history of time.
That's it.
There you go.
Look at them screaming.
You love it.
You love it.
More.
More.
More.
Gin with bitters.
Excuse me, old chap.
Would you mind
doing me a little favor?
The gentleman in the
bar sent you these, Miss.
He thought you might
be more comfortable if you
came in and had
a drink with him.
Well, where is he?
Over there.
He was sitting right
there a few moments ago.
Susannah, Captain
Devane just got
a phone call from
Lord Rutherford.
He wants to apologize
to you for letting
the air out of your tire.
That was right after he
threatened this department
with legal action if we
don't leave him alone.
He can't do that.
Yes, he can.
It's called harassment.
Now, look, don't you think
I want to go after this guy
as much as you do?
But we can't right now.
We've got to leave him
alone and that includes you.
This doesn't make sense.
I know that, but,
look, if you don't do it,
Captain Devane is
going to call Scotland Yard
and have you shipped
back to London.
Now, what do you want to do?
Good.
So, how was changing
your first in America?
I didn't have a jack.
Good day, sir.
Lord Rutherford,
come in, please.
Come in.
Hello, Avery.
Hello.
It was quite a surprise
hearing from you.
To tell you the truth, I thought
I thought you'd be far
too busy to take the time
to look at the work
of a rank amateur.
Don't be silly.
I'm always interested
in good photography.
Good, then I hope you
won't be too disappointed.
Of course, I'm but I'm
not nearly in your class.
I don't think I'll be
disappointed at all.
Now, watch your steps, folks.
Got a jumper this morning, huh?
Yeah.
Where are Sergeants
McCall and Hunter?
Up in this man's room, 1706.
1706, thanks.
Over here, Charlie.
So what have we got?
Victim's name is Avery Thompson.
He's a British citizen.
He left a suicide note.
As you can see here,
he claims he killed
the two girls and then
jumped out the window
because he's
afraid he'll kill again.
Captain?
Photographs of both the victims.
Well, now, this looks like
this could be our boy, huh?
Yeah, well, maybe.
Everything seems pretty
convenient, doesn't it?
What's that supposed to mean?
Well, I mean, just that.
Everything seems to be
conveniently here for us.
I know, sir, but I
think it's a mistake.
Yes, I understand, but yes, sir.
Even if Thompson
hadn't committed suicide,
this stuff would have sent
him straight to the gas chamber.
This is the kind of evidence
the DA just dreams about.
What did your
people find on Avery?
He wasn't anywhere
near the vicinity
of most of the
murders in England.
All right, so we have
a copycat killer here.
The Yard thinks so.
They feel the real
suspect is still in England.
What about you, Susannah?
I think Rutherford did it.
If he wanted to
throw us off the trail,
he couldn't have found
a better way of doing it.
She's right.
Now, wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
We've got these
two crimes solved.
We've got all this evidence.
I think this sounds just
a little circumstantial.
He's got away with 25 murders
in England and two here.
I'm telling you,
Rutherford's our man.
Look, Susannah, we're not
saying that he's not the guy.
Everything does
point to him, but we
don't have anything
to go on right now.
And besides,
considering who he is,
he is pretty well insulated.
I've been called back to London.
Susannah?
Oh, thank you both
for coming down.
I want to apologize
for my behavior.
Oh, listen, that's
not necessary.
Susannah, you do
great police work.
We appreciate that.
Thank you.
So what are you going
to do after you get back?
Well, as long as Rutherford's
here, there's nothing I can do.
You both know I'm right
about him, don't you?
Look, we'll stay on him.
Good.
Oh, there's something
you can do for me.
One day Rutherford's
going to take a bad step,
if it's in England,
I'll be there waiting.
But if you two happen to
catch him before he leaves
The States, would you
have him autograph this?
I'd like to give it to
my Chief Inspector
so he'll know what a fool he is.
Sure.
Oh, and if you're ever in
London, we'll do the town.
Good.
Have a good trip.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Bye bye.
I'm Susannah Foster, room 756.
I think you've been
preparing my bill.
I've changed my mind.
I've decided to
stay one more day.
Thank you.
I'm really quite busy.
Too busy to get at the truth?
And what does that
mean, young lady?
A couple of days ago in
Captain Devane's office,
you mentioned
something about a tragedy
in Lord Rutherford's family.
What was that about?
That's really none of
your business, Inspector.
I'm afraid it is.
You must understand, I'm
going to continue this investigation
into Lord Rutherford
no matter what it takes.
Yes, you'd do
that, wouldn't you?
Don't you realize there
are lives at stake here?
Please, Lord Fraser, help me.
Tell me what happened.
Tony's father killed himself.
The boy was only 11 at the time.
Even you can realize it
was quite painful for him.
Why did he commit suicide?
I'd rather not say.
Tony's father was my friend.
It was painful for me too.
I have to know.
Please?
Tony's father
discovered that Lady
Rutherford was having an affair.
In anger, he killed her.
Then he took his own life.
Now, I remember.
The papers were full of stories
about it when I was a child.
Yes, those trashy tabloids
made a scandal out of it.
She supposedly had a
number of affairs, didn't she?
The newspapers
described her as a prostitute.
Was she?
Lady Rutherford was
a lost, lonely woman.
She was not a prostitute.
Maybe her son thought she was.
Planning a little trip, are we?
No, just looking
at these pictures.
I tell ya, whatever
else Tony Rutherford
is, he sure does know
how to use a camera.
Not a bad life, huh?
Is there some way to figure
out if the pictures that we found
in Avery's room where
actually taken with one of his
cameras as opposed
to Rutherford's?
Well, not unless you have
an obvious camera flaw,
it's impossible.
So frustrating.
There has to be some
way to connect this man.
Hey, didn't Lord Fraser
say that Rutherford
came into LA from Singapore?
That's right.
What was the date?
Good evening, Lord Rutherford.
I have nothing to say to you.
I don't blame you.
I feel quite badly about
the way you've been treated.
Do you?
Yes, I do.
You know we found the
man who killed those girls?
Yes.
Lord Fraser told me
the man took his own life.
Yes.
Look, I just came
by to apologize.
My behavior was extreme.
I'm sorry.
I was just trying to do my job.
I understand.
So you're off to
London today, eh?
Actually, I've decided
to stay until tomorrow.
I came all the way
to Los Angeles.
I'm not going to go home
without at least one good night
out on the town.
I don't blame you.
Los Angeles is
an exciting place.
The only problem is I don't
know my way around very well.
I was wondering, if
you're free tonight,
maybe we could have
dinner and some drinks?
I don't know anyone
interesting in the city.
It would be nice to spend some
time with someone from home.
We could talk about your work.
Unless you're busy, of course.
Actually, I am free tonight.
Might be rather pleasant.
That's wonderful.
I could be ready by 8:00.
Why not?
Hey, look at this.
Read out from the
computer at Interpol.
While our friend was
photographing in Singapore,
a young British
prostitute was killed.
Don't tell me, a broken neck
and a music box in her right hand?
"Brahms' Lullaby."
Hey I used got a
call from Lord Fraser.
He had the strangest
conversation
with Susannah Foster.
What do you mean?
She should be long gone by now.
No, no.
I called her hotel.
She hasn't checked out yet.
Good evening.
Come in.
You look quite lovely
Thank you.
I was thinking maybe
you'd like to photograph me.
After all, I am a
Brit in a foreign land.
Perhaps after dinner.
I ordered some champagne.
Maybe we could have a
drink and order dinner in?
That way we can really
get to know each other.
Shall we have a toast?
Why not?
To your late mother,
god rest her soul.
Oh, you think you're
very clever, don't you?
I have a feeling she
liked to play this for you.
What do you know
about my mother?
She was very lonely.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Please.
Stop it.
She must have been
a very exciting woman.
Get away from me.
She loved you very much.
She was a tramp!
Oh, come on now,
be nice to your mother.
I love you.
You're wrong!
You have to die, mother.
You have to die.
No!
It'll be over soon.
Let her go, Rutherford!
No!
No.
Don't you understand?
She killed my father.
She's a whore.
She has to die.
She has to die.
No.
No.
It's all right.
It's OK now.
It's going to be all right.
It's all over.
It's all over.
Now, it's over.
"Brahms' Lullaby."
The killer apparently
placed it in her hand
after he murdered her.
You don't think he sort
of sat here and listened
to it after she was dead, do ya?
Looks that way.
The popular British press refers
to this monster as
The Lullaby Killer.
The victim is an English girl
by the name of Cherry Stevens.
She was a hooker.
The young woman's
neck was broken.
More than likely from a rapid
downward movement from behind.
If he finds another British
prostitute, he will kill again.
Look, this guy's out there.
Let's get him.
Looking for a little
action tonight?
I'm talking about
real excitement,
the best time of your life.
Hi, I'm Angela.
If you want thrills,
forget about her.
I would have had him if you
kept your big nose out of it.
Oh, get outta my face, you cow.
Hey, come on, love.
Give a girl a fighting chance.
You're from
Liverpool, aren't you?
That's right.
Me and the Beatles.
Let me guess, you
must be from London.
I can see you're a man
that's used to the best.
Come on, love,
you won't regret it.
All right.
Get in.
What's your name?
Cherry.
Why are we stopping here?
I thought I'd buy
you a little present.
That's very nice of you,
but it's not really necessary.
But I'd like to.
I'll be right back.
That's right, "Brahms' Lullaby."
It's one of our
most popular items.
We have some in
larger sizes, if you like?
The small one will be fine.
Excuse me a moment.
Charlie, what are
you doing here?
I was driving into the
office, when I heard the call.
What do we got?
Well, the victim
is and English girl
by the name of Cherry Stevens.
Somebody broke her neck.
The landlady who found
her said that she's a hooker.
Charlie, take a look at this.
We found it in the
palm of her hand.
Lid was open.
"Brahm's Lullaby."
We think whoever killed
the girl placed it in her hand
after he killed her.
What?
You mean, he
put it there and sat
and listened to it
after she was dead?
Possibly.
Sounds like some kind of ritual.
Sergeant Hunter.
We got a lady outside, says
she's a friend of the victims.
Yes, ma'am?
Cherry.
Oh god, no.
I'd like to see Captain
Devane, please.
Is he expecting you, sir?
Yes, would you tell him that
Lord Fraser, British consulate,
is here?
Are you certain
that she didn't own
the music box in the photograph?
I've never seen it
at her apartment.
Well, mind you, she
could have bought it.
I don't know
everything she owns.
Now, what about kinky customers?
She have any of those?
We've all had our share.
No, but, Cherry was
one of the smart ones.
She was very careful.
If she even sensed that
a john was a little bent,
well, she'd back off.
You and Cherry spent a lot
of time together, didn't you?
That's right.
There's a bunch of us British
girls working the streets.
Being away from home,
we like to stick together.
OK, according to
your last booking sheet,
your address is in
the Silver Lake District.
Is that still true?
Yeah, that's my address.
Thanks very much.
Paul, do me a favor, take
Ms. Sanders back to her car,
would ya?
Thanks, Margie,
we'll be in touch.
Hunter.
McCall.
This is Lord Fraser, the British
consul here in Los Angeles.
Sergeants McCall and Hunter.
Lord Fraser, how are you?
Sergeant.
Sergeant.
Hello.
One of Lord Fraser's
assistants this morning
showed him the report on
the Cherry Stevens murder.
He seems to think that
there's a good possibility
the killer may be from England.
Is that right?
Over the past five years,
25 young prostitutes
have been murdered
in the United Kingdom.
Their necks were broken
in exactly the same way
as described in
the report I received.
That's why I came in.
Now, Lord Fraser,
in all these homicides
there was a music box found
playing "Brahms' Lullaby?"
Yes.
The popular British
press refers to this monster
as The Lullaby Killer.
Representative
from Scotland Yard
will be here in the morning.
We really appreciate
Scotland Yard
sending someone over so quickly.
I'd like to go to
the crime scene.
I thought we'd stop
by the hotel first.
Give you a chance
to get cleaned up
Crime scene, please?
OK, if that's what you want.
Commander four king, have,
uh, Sergeants McCall and Hunter
meet me at the Cherry
Stevens crime scene, please.
Hunter, McCall.
This is inspector Foster.
Inspector, these
are our investigators,
Sergeants Hunter and McCall.
Inspector, how are you?
How do you do?
Well, where would
you like to start?
The victim was found lying
on this bed on her back?
That's right.
There was no sexual assault,
no identifiable fingerprints,
nothing in the apartment
was missing or disturbed.
She was adamant
about coming here first.
And the music box?
Oh, yes.
Here you go.
Each of our victims had a
different type of music box
in her right hand, But it
always played the same tune,
"Brahms' Lullaby."
You know, you're
certainly welcome
to our medical examiner's
preliminary report,
if you'd like.
The young man's neck
was broken, more than
likely from a rapid
downward snap from behind.
Well, what do you might,
make of all this then, Inspector?
It's been five weeks
since he struck in England.
I don't know why, but
he's here in Los Angeles.
Somehow, he ran
across a British girl
who was a prostitute,
which means it's not over.
If he finds another British
prostitute, he will kill again.
Hello?
Yes, is this Margie?
Yes.
A friend gave me your number.
I'm on town for a few
weeks and looking
for a little entertainment.
So you're British.
Yes, I think it would be
quite pleasant to spend
some time with
someone from home.
Can we get together?
I don't see why not.
Find Margie?
Margie hasn't lived
at her Silver Lake
address in more
than five months.
Check Hollywood Boulevard?
Yep, sure did.
No one's seen her today.
Well, it doesn't surprise me.
Didn't trust us very
much, you know?
I thought we were going
to have a good time?
I consider photographing
a woman as beautiful
as you a wonderful time.
Whatever turns you on.
Now, let's see you
a little bit more sexy.
How's that?
Yes, that's nice.
That's nice.
That's very nice.
Wet your lips, darling.
That's good.
Put your head
back a little more.
Let me try something.
Yes.
That's that's splendid.
I think you're just perfect.
So you're interested in more
than photography after all?
That's right.
I am.
The landlady came to collect
the rent and found the body.
She says she didn't see anyone
entering or leaving the place
last night.
OK, check with the neighbors
and see if they saw anything.
These girls think it can
never happen to them.
Margie and Cherry were friends.
I don't think this is
just a coincidence here.
He must have found
Cherry's address book.
It that's true, then
there's a man out there
who's got a list of a
lot of British prostitutes
all over LA.
I'm so sorry I couldn't
meet you in my office.
I had to put in a
appearance here.
That's quite all
right, Lord Fraser.
This is Inspector Foster
from Scotland Yard.
Ah, yes.
The home office told
me you were coming.
I suppose you know this
monster struck again last night?
Yes, I know.
Are you convinced it's
the same man from home?
Absolutely.
Lord Fraser, the list.
Yes, in my office.
Frankly, I don't know
what good it'll do you.
Hundreds of
British tourists flood
into Southern California
this time of the year.
That's why we need it quickly.
Yes, I'll get it for you.
He didn't have
to cross the ocean
to kill British prostitutes.
I think he came here on
business and ran into his victims
by chance.
That makes sense.
But there are still more
than 400 names on that list.
Ah, there you are, Andrew.
That's Lord Rutherford,
an old family friend.
This gathering is in his honor.
Tony.
I'd like you to meet
Sergeant Hunter
of the Los Angeles
police department.
Lord Rutherford, how are you?
And Inspector Foster
from Scotland Yard.
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to interrupt.
No, they're here regarding
that nasty business
I told you about.
Oh yes, do you really
think that monster is here?
Well, it's a possibility.
I'm a great admirer of
your work, Lord Rutherford.
Please, call me Tony.
Tony came in from
Singapore a few weeks ago.
He's here to update
his latest book,
"Brits Around the World."
Wonderful photographs.
I highly recommend it.
Lord Fraser, the list?
Yes, of course.
Tony.
Pleasure.
Nice meeting you all.
The killer attacks sporadically
with no particular plan.
He's gone for as long as five
or six weeks without attacking.
We think he's unable
to control his moods,
but when certain
stimuli are present,
he gets the urge to kill
even when it's unsafe for him
to do so.
Thanks, Inspector Foster.
Any questions?
Hunter.
McCarthy, Rude,
you've got the list
of the British nationals
that are in Los Angeles.
I know it's a big job but
they gotta be checked out.
Hardy, Ames, there's a lot
of stores in the area that carry
the type of music box we
found at the scene of the crime.
Check them out.
I assume vice is
checking out the streets.
Yeah, they are, but they're
not having a lot of luck.
These gals don't want to
talk to the cops, you know?
Well, explain to
them that two of them
have already died
at this man's hands.
Come on, push them.
Now, look, this guy's out there.
Let's get him.
Good shot.
I love it.
Do move this way, just a touch.
Wonderful.
Oh, very nice.
Wonderful.
Excuse me.
I didn't mean to interrupt your
shot, but by some small chance,
are you Lord Anthony Rutherford?
By some small chance, I am.
Do you mind stepping back?
Yes, of course.
Thank you.
You know, this is
indeed and honor.
I'm a very big fan of yours.
I've got your book back home.
Really?
Name's Avery Thompson.
As you can see, I'm a bit of an
amateur photographer myself.
I say, you wouldn't
happen to have a moment
to take a look at some
of my work, would you?
I've got a few samples
back at the room.
Perhaps some other time?
Yes, I'd like that very much.
Um, you see, I'm doing
some business here,
and I'll be at the
hotel Excalibur
for the next few days.
So possibly, if
you get the chance,
you could ring me up there?
I'm sorry, but I'm
rather busy on this trip.
Oh yes, of course.
I understand.
Good day, Mr. Thompson.
Good day, Lord Rutherford.
Oh, Sergeant Hunter, I've got
the name of some of the stores
that sell the music boxes
from Sergeant Hardy.
I thought we could
check them out together.
Fabulous idea.
Good, let's go.
Right after lunch.
I'm really not very hungry.
I don't know how
they do it in London,
but a good detective
here in Los Angeles
needs an awfully good lunch.
I know it's bizarre, but I
feel guilty just stopping
to look sometimes
knowing he's still out there.
He's still out there
all right, Susannah.
What scares me is he
could be on a plane tomorrow
with none the wiser.
You seem quite
obsessed by this guy.
Why don't you just relax
and enjoy your lunch, OK?
Thanks.
There was a young detect friend
of mine named Laura Magruder.
Our vise people
put her on the Soho
beat dressed as a prostitute.
I suppose you do the
same kind of thing here.
Sure, as a decoy.
Quite routine.
Something went wrong.
Her backup officer lost
contact with her on his wireless.
We found her body in
a gutter behind a pub.
She was a very nice girl.
She wasn't found
in a hotel room?
No.
We came to the conclusion
that after she identified herself
as an officer, the man
panicked, ripped out her wireless,
kidnapped her.
The music box was still
playing when we found her.
I can understand your
feelings, Susannah, but please,
don't let this get in the
way of you doing your job.
It won't.
Good.
Hi, are you Bob?
That's right, honey.
You Candice?
Uhhuh.
Well, climb on in, darling.
I'm sorry I'm late.
A man never minds waiting
for a beautiful woman.
You're cute.
How'd you get my number?
A gentleman named
Hansen in Austin, Texas.
Hansen?
I don't remember him.
Oh, he remembers you.
He says you're the best
thing that ever happened to LA.
My place or yours?
I thought you'd never ask.
You bloody fool.
Why don't you learn to drive?
You're English.
I don't think this is
going to work out.
Finding who sold
him that music box is
like looking for a
needle in a haystack.
It's all part of the
job thought, isn't it?
Rick, this is Candice Walker.
She has something for
you on the lullaby case.
Susannah.
Go ahead, Miss Walker.
That English man who's
been killing those girls,
I think he tried to get his
hooks into me last night.
I look for Brits living
in foreign countries
and I take photographs of them.
That's what I do.
The more interesting and
exotic they are, the better.
I didn't see any photographs
of prostitutes in your book.
In a way, The Lullaby Killer
is responsible for my meeting
with Candice.
The idea of English
prostitutes plying their trade
in foreign lands
never occurred to me
until Lord Frazier told me
about the murders In LA.
I see.
Now, where'd you get
Candice's phone number?
A gentleman at the
Ram's Head passed it on.
Do you know who he is?
I don't remember.
I see.
Now, all you wanted
to do was to take
photographs of these
girls, is that right?
That is exactly it.
Oh, why did you use
an American accent
when you picked up the lady?
I was having a
bit of fun with her.
Is there a law against that?
There's a law against murder.
Susannah.
This is outrageous.
What's so special
about "Brahms' Lullaby?"
I won't tolerate this.
Need I remind you that I'm a
member of the House of Lords.
Susannah.
I don't care if he's the
bloody prime minister.
Let's take a little
break, shall we?
Thank you, Sergeant.
I'm sorry.
We'll be right back.
He's guilty.
We'll see about
that now, won't we?
Look, Inspector,
we have absolutely
no physical evidence
on this guy at all.
Then we'll find it.
Maybe we will, maybe we won't.
What are we supposed to do?
Look, this is an
LAPD investigation.
You're a guest here.
Let me handle it, OK?
OK.
OK?
Good.
Let's go back in
and try it again.
Come on.
Hunter, Captain wants
to see all of us right now.
Lord Fraser is
having a little problem
with our holding
Lord Rutherford.
That's putting it mildly.
You're detaining
an innocent man.
Look, I have nothing against
American police procedures,
but it seems to
me that you don't
have one shred of real evidence.
Look, Lord Fraser, we
do have good reason
to question this man.
You don't really think that Tony
Rutherford is
this Lullaby Killer?
Look, all we're doing
is questioning the man.
You have to admit, his behavior
has been a bit suspicious.
This is preposterous.
I've known this young
man and his family for years.
He's already had a great
personal tragedy in the family.
Don't put him through this.
What about the
personal tragedies
of the families of those girls?
He has nothing to do with that.
Look, he's been
extremely cooperative.
He came here without
the benefit of legal advice,
he's answered
all your questions,
but enough is enough.
Now, Sergeant Hunter, do
you have any real evidence that
even remotely links
him with these murders?
No, I don't.
Then Captain
Devane, I must insist
that you release him now.
Your Captain Devane just
mad an enormous mistake.
Under the circumstances, I
think he did the right thing.
This is wrong.
Well, what do you
expect him to do?
The man doesn't
have any warrants
in England or in this country.
Oh, that means nothing.
Oh, Susannah, you
can't take a man's rights
away because he
talks to a prostitute.
I better call The Yard and
let them know what's going on.
I'll see you later.
How are we doing
on everything else?
Nothing.
Oh, good.
Good god, Tony.
This isn't at all like you,
getting into such a mess.
Why would you even want
to photograph a prostitute?
Come now, Andrew.
I thought it would make
a wonderful highlight
for my book.
Some highlight.
Frankly, it's a disgrace
that so many young women
are coming to this country
and working as prostitutes.
Maybe if we do something
to bolster our economy,
they can ply their
trade at home.
That is not funny.
Come now, quit being
so stuffy, Andrew.
Well, it's easy for you to say.
If the British press
get hold of this,
it could be quite embarrassing.
I suppose it could.
Andrew, it was
all an unfortunate
coincidence, an
innocent adventure.
We've been friends a long time.
If I'm embarrassed
you, I am sorry.
All right.
But, Tony, you must
remember whilst you are here,
you are not just
an average tourist.
You are a member
of the House of Lords,
not some pink
haired rock singer.
Your behavior must
be beyond reproach.
Of course.
No more prostitutes, I promise.
So, uh, what are you
going to photograph next?
Something quite
innocent, I assure you.
Good.
Oh, absolutely brilliant.
More violence.
That's it.
You can do even better.
You've got 100,000
thousand adoring fans
out there waiting to tear your
clothes off versus 100,000
screaming mimis in the coliseum.
What are you doing?
More violence.
Brilliant, more of that.
Big smile.
The music, the
lights, the screaming.
Very good.
Wonderful.
This is the greatest
band in the history of time.
That's it.
There you go.
Look at them screaming.
You love it.
You love it.
More.
More.
More.
Gin with bitters.
Excuse me, old chap.
Would you mind
doing me a little favor?
The gentleman in the
bar sent you these, Miss.
He thought you might
be more comfortable if you
came in and had
a drink with him.
Well, where is he?
Over there.
He was sitting right
there a few moments ago.
Susannah, Captain
Devane just got
a phone call from
Lord Rutherford.
He wants to apologize
to you for letting
the air out of your tire.
That was right after he
threatened this department
with legal action if we
don't leave him alone.
He can't do that.
Yes, he can.
It's called harassment.
Now, look, don't you think
I want to go after this guy
as much as you do?
But we can't right now.
We've got to leave him
alone and that includes you.
This doesn't make sense.
I know that, but,
look, if you don't do it,
Captain Devane is
going to call Scotland Yard
and have you shipped
back to London.
Now, what do you want to do?
Good.
So, how was changing
your first in America?
I didn't have a jack.
Good day, sir.
Lord Rutherford,
come in, please.
Come in.
Hello, Avery.
Hello.
It was quite a surprise
hearing from you.
To tell you the truth, I thought
I thought you'd be far
too busy to take the time
to look at the work
of a rank amateur.
Don't be silly.
I'm always interested
in good photography.
Good, then I hope you
won't be too disappointed.
Of course, I'm but I'm
not nearly in your class.
I don't think I'll be
disappointed at all.
Now, watch your steps, folks.
Got a jumper this morning, huh?
Yeah.
Where are Sergeants
McCall and Hunter?
Up in this man's room, 1706.
1706, thanks.
Over here, Charlie.
So what have we got?
Victim's name is Avery Thompson.
He's a British citizen.
He left a suicide note.
As you can see here,
he claims he killed
the two girls and then
jumped out the window
because he's
afraid he'll kill again.
Captain?
Photographs of both the victims.
Well, now, this looks like
this could be our boy, huh?
Yeah, well, maybe.
Everything seems pretty
convenient, doesn't it?
What's that supposed to mean?
Well, I mean, just that.
Everything seems to be
conveniently here for us.
I know, sir, but I
think it's a mistake.
Yes, I understand, but yes, sir.
Even if Thompson
hadn't committed suicide,
this stuff would have sent
him straight to the gas chamber.
This is the kind of evidence
the DA just dreams about.
What did your
people find on Avery?
He wasn't anywhere
near the vicinity
of most of the
murders in England.
All right, so we have
a copycat killer here.
The Yard thinks so.
They feel the real
suspect is still in England.
What about you, Susannah?
I think Rutherford did it.
If he wanted to
throw us off the trail,
he couldn't have found
a better way of doing it.
She's right.
Now, wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
We've got these
two crimes solved.
We've got all this evidence.
I think this sounds just
a little circumstantial.
He's got away with 25 murders
in England and two here.
I'm telling you,
Rutherford's our man.
Look, Susannah, we're not
saying that he's not the guy.
Everything does
point to him, but we
don't have anything
to go on right now.
And besides,
considering who he is,
he is pretty well insulated.
I've been called back to London.
Susannah?
Oh, thank you both
for coming down.
I want to apologize
for my behavior.
Oh, listen, that's
not necessary.
Susannah, you do
great police work.
We appreciate that.
Thank you.
So what are you going
to do after you get back?
Well, as long as Rutherford's
here, there's nothing I can do.
You both know I'm right
about him, don't you?
Look, we'll stay on him.
Good.
Oh, there's something
you can do for me.
One day Rutherford's
going to take a bad step,
if it's in England,
I'll be there waiting.
But if you two happen to
catch him before he leaves
The States, would you
have him autograph this?
I'd like to give it to
my Chief Inspector
so he'll know what a fool he is.
Sure.
Oh, and if you're ever in
London, we'll do the town.
Good.
Have a good trip.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Bye bye.
I'm Susannah Foster, room 756.
I think you've been
preparing my bill.
I've changed my mind.
I've decided to
stay one more day.
Thank you.
I'm really quite busy.
Too busy to get at the truth?
And what does that
mean, young lady?
A couple of days ago in
Captain Devane's office,
you mentioned
something about a tragedy
in Lord Rutherford's family.
What was that about?
That's really none of
your business, Inspector.
I'm afraid it is.
You must understand, I'm
going to continue this investigation
into Lord Rutherford
no matter what it takes.
Yes, you'd do
that, wouldn't you?
Don't you realize there
are lives at stake here?
Please, Lord Fraser, help me.
Tell me what happened.
Tony's father killed himself.
The boy was only 11 at the time.
Even you can realize it
was quite painful for him.
Why did he commit suicide?
I'd rather not say.
Tony's father was my friend.
It was painful for me too.
I have to know.
Please?
Tony's father
discovered that Lady
Rutherford was having an affair.
In anger, he killed her.
Then he took his own life.
Now, I remember.
The papers were full of stories
about it when I was a child.
Yes, those trashy tabloids
made a scandal out of it.
She supposedly had a
number of affairs, didn't she?
The newspapers
described her as a prostitute.
Was she?
Lady Rutherford was
a lost, lonely woman.
She was not a prostitute.
Maybe her son thought she was.
Planning a little trip, are we?
No, just looking
at these pictures.
I tell ya, whatever
else Tony Rutherford
is, he sure does know
how to use a camera.
Not a bad life, huh?
Is there some way to figure
out if the pictures that we found
in Avery's room where
actually taken with one of his
cameras as opposed
to Rutherford's?
Well, not unless you have
an obvious camera flaw,
it's impossible.
So frustrating.
There has to be some
way to connect this man.
Hey, didn't Lord Fraser
say that Rutherford
came into LA from Singapore?
That's right.
What was the date?
Good evening, Lord Rutherford.
I have nothing to say to you.
I don't blame you.
I feel quite badly about
the way you've been treated.
Do you?
Yes, I do.
You know we found the
man who killed those girls?
Yes.
Lord Fraser told me
the man took his own life.
Yes.
Look, I just came
by to apologize.
My behavior was extreme.
I'm sorry.
I was just trying to do my job.
I understand.
So you're off to
London today, eh?
Actually, I've decided
to stay until tomorrow.
I came all the way
to Los Angeles.
I'm not going to go home
without at least one good night
out on the town.
I don't blame you.
Los Angeles is
an exciting place.
The only problem is I don't
know my way around very well.
I was wondering, if
you're free tonight,
maybe we could have
dinner and some drinks?
I don't know anyone
interesting in the city.
It would be nice to spend some
time with someone from home.
We could talk about your work.
Unless you're busy, of course.
Actually, I am free tonight.
Might be rather pleasant.
That's wonderful.
I could be ready by 8:00.
Why not?
Hey, look at this.
Read out from the
computer at Interpol.
While our friend was
photographing in Singapore,
a young British
prostitute was killed.
Don't tell me, a broken neck
and a music box in her right hand?
"Brahms' Lullaby."
Hey I used got a
call from Lord Fraser.
He had the strangest
conversation
with Susannah Foster.
What do you mean?
She should be long gone by now.
No, no.
I called her hotel.
She hasn't checked out yet.
Good evening.
Come in.
You look quite lovely
Thank you.
I was thinking maybe
you'd like to photograph me.
After all, I am a
Brit in a foreign land.
Perhaps after dinner.
I ordered some champagne.
Maybe we could have a
drink and order dinner in?
That way we can really
get to know each other.
Shall we have a toast?
Why not?
To your late mother,
god rest her soul.
Oh, you think you're
very clever, don't you?
I have a feeling she
liked to play this for you.
What do you know
about my mother?
She was very lonely.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Please.
Stop it.
She must have been
a very exciting woman.
Get away from me.
She loved you very much.
She was a tramp!
Oh, come on now,
be nice to your mother.
I love you.
You're wrong!
You have to die, mother.
You have to die.
No!
It'll be over soon.
Let her go, Rutherford!
No!
No.
Don't you understand?
She killed my father.
She's a whore.
She has to die.
She has to die.
No.
No.
It's all right.
It's OK now.
It's going to be all right.
It's all over.
It's all over.
Now, it's over.