Studio 57 (1954–1958): Season 4, Episode 18 - Take Five - full transcript
For most of us,
music begins in the cradle.
First, a cry in the night,
and then a lullaby.
We may outgrow the lullabies,
but the need for music is always there.
With me, it's a way of life.
I gave up a good law practice for it.
If the hours aren't as regular it's
because the best music is made at night.
I'm Dick Richards.
Every musician and performer
between the Village and Harlem
knows I'n the editor of a
magazine called "Take Five",
and that I prowl from cafe to cafe
meeting the stars of today,
and trying to pick the stars of tomorrow.
Tonight the star was Dennis Day
at the Club 25.
My pick for the future: Young Jen Bradley
who'se opening at Monty's on 54.
Only a few people know
what else I do for a living.
Detective lieutenant
Pete Lanigan is one of them.
Lanigan was more than casually
interested in Jen Bradley's debut.
Expect the boys from Half Gordon
to show up for the big night?
I don't know. Why?
She's been playing around with some
bad boys. You might tell her that.
But Jen's over 21, and besides
I don't know her that good.
Goodnight, lieutenant.
There was no point in letting
on to the lieutenant
that I was just as interested
as he was in Jen.
If she was in trouble
I wanted to know about it,
because I believed there was
a great talent in Jen Bradley.
To Jen this opening was more than just her
first night club engagement in New York.
It was an opportunity that
might change her entire life,
unless something, or
somebody, got in her way.
- Halp
- Now is that any way to greet your boy?
- Where have you been?
- Around. Busy.
Oh, and I've missed you.
Oh, I've missed you.
I needed you.
I'm sorry, Jen.
But I have been on the move.
Yeah, so I've heard.
Baby...
I'm in pretty deep.
Oh Hap, why?
You promised me last time.
I know baby, and I hate myself for it.
Once we get out of
this jam, I promise.
No more cards, no gambling...
- "We."
That's why you came back,
isn't it. For money.
That's just one of the reasons.
I had to see my gal.
I'm sorry, I have no money.
No matter how I feel.
Take the car back to the rental place,
will you, I can't afford it anymore.
Look, baby, you don't understand.
Those bookies play rough.
Hap, I can't go on like this anymore.
Well how about Monty,
he'll give you an advance,
at least enough to take the heat off.
Jen, you've got to.
If you love me, you've got to.
Oh Hap, I do love you,
that's why I won't.
As long as you've got me as
a crutch, you'll never change.
But baby...
I've got to go in, Hap,
I've got an opening tonight.
That's right.
Who am I to stand in your way?
Just a no-good slob.
- I didn't say that.
- You didn't have to.
Oh, tell my creditors
to write off my debts.
And you can tell them they might
as well quit looking for me.
Hap, where are you going?
What's the difference?
You'll get back your car.
Hap?
Dennis Day's first
appearance at a New York
night club this season
guaranteed a sellout.
It was almost full when I arrived.
- Hello, Mr. Richards.
- Hello Alfred, how are things?
Fine, fine. Mr. Day made
a reservation for you.
Good, I'm starving.
Oh, hi there. Hi. I thought
you'd be over at Monty's tonight.
No, I'm going to catch the late show.
I thought I'd give Jen a chance
to get a performance under
her belt before I turned up.
You know, I understand a certain
magazine editor got her that job.
Well that's not
quite true, Alfred.
She did send me a record and I
got money to hear it, but...
Don't forget, she's Pop
Bradley's daughter.
Pop Bradley. Boy, he could play a horn.
- Music that tore your heart out.
- She sing blues?
What else do you expect Pop Bradley's
daughter to sing? Gilbert & Sullivan?
Boy, that takes me back.
He played in the first night
club I ever worked in.
That was twenty years ago.
Seems almost that long since
I've had anything to eat.
Oh! Excuse me.
Ah, now let's see...
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
the star of our show, Mr. Dennis Day.
# What a day this has been
# What a rare mood I'm in
# Why it's almost like being in love
# There's a smile on my face
# For the whole human race
# Why it's almost like being in love
# All the music of life seems to be
# Like a bell that is ringing for me
# And from the way that I feel
# When that bell starts to peal
# I would swear I was falling,
# I could swear I was falling,
# It's almost like being in love.
# All the music of life seems to be
# Like a bell that is ringing for me
# And from the way that I feel
# When that bell starts to peal
# I would swear I was falling,
# I could swear I was falling,
# It's almost like being in love.
- Richard?
- Not now, Alfred.
I've got to talk to you, it's important.
Oh, that reminds me of a little story.
This is about a little Irishman,
who is figuring he's
not long for this world,
and of course he calls his wife
to his besides, and he says...
- Alright, what is it, Alfred?
- It's Monty.
I want you to go over there right away,
there's some trouble with Jen.
With Jen? Well thanks, Alfred.
Can I have my hat, honey?
I thought he was just dramatizing it,
but then this telegram came.
"Forgive me for what I have to do.
No other choice now. Goodbye, Hap."
Oh Jen, it doesn't necessarily
mean anything.
That's what I told her.
Oh Monty, you didn't see
his face when he left me.
Jen, your opening tonight, it isn't
just another opening, you know.
- I don't care about that.
- Not even for Pop Bradley?
If Hap does something
drastic because of me...
- Jen, you're not responsible for him.
- I love him and I let him down.
Look, it's only a vague message,
don't jump to conclusions.
I'm trying not to.
Alright, I'll try and find him.
Where does he live?
712 East 38rd Street,
it's a rooming house.
712 East 38rd.
And Jen, take it easy, please.
Dick?
Please find him.
She didn't have to say please twice.
A cab took the shortcut
through Central Park
and got me to East 38rd
in twelve minutes flat.
Sometimes even twelve minutes
can seem like a very long time.
Taxi!
Be right with you, honey.
Thanks a lot Mrs. Brad,
you've been real twelve.
Well, we was glad to have you, Myra.
Looks like my room won't
be empty long, sweetie.
By darling.
- Bye.
I got a single on this floor and
a double up, at 8 and 12 a week.
I'm looking for one of your roomers.
Hap Gordon, is he here?
Not in here he ain't. Not anymore.
My old man threw him out yesterday.
Too many people looking for that one.
Oh? What kind of people?
How do I know? Bill collectors, I guess.
He wound up owing us for two weeks.
Then I don't suppose
you know where he went.
No, and I don't want to.
Well thanks anyway.
If I was going to find Hap Gordon,
I needed more information from Jen.
So I started back for Monty's.
Jen, this is detective lieutenant
Lanigan, he wants to talk to you.
- Me?
- That's right, Miss Bradley.
We're checking in on a automobile,
licence number XOB-565,
registered to Olson's
autorentals.
According to their records,
the car was rented to you.
- Yes.
- When did you see it last?
Well, my...
A friend's been using it.
Why?
It was found by our waterfront squad.
Abandoned in a restricted area on Pier 26.
A man's hat and jacket
were on the front seat.
Identification card gives
the name Hap Gordon.
Why would he leave his hat and coat?
Do you know his handwriting,
Miss Bradley?
He left this note on the steering wheel.
It's adressed to you.
Is that his handwriting?
Better call a doctor.
Come in.
What's the matter?
He did it. He went in the river.
There now, just relax.
Dick? Where's Dick?
I'm here, Jen.
He meant it, didn't he?
Begged me for help and
I wouldn't give it to him.
It wasn't your fault.
- Wasn't it?
- Jen, listen to me.
I know how you felt about him and I
know I can't do anything about that.
But in a way... you're better off.
He was a destructive man,
with a sick mind.
I killed him.
No, he killed himself Jen.
Dick's right. The guy was sick.
You've got to put this all behind you.
Got your future to think about.
Sing?
I'll never sing now.
- Jen...
- Mr. Richards...
She's in a state of severe shock, but I'm
most concerned about her guilt feeling.
How about it Monty, can she stay here?
Sure, I'll call my wife
and have her come over.
Thanks.
The hearts of showpeople
are as big as they come.
I knew Monty would see
Jen got the best of care.
As for me, I was stumped.
I couldn't get the agony in
Jen's face out of my mind,
but I didn't know
how to help her.
While she slept, I headed back to
Club 25, not because I was anxious to,
but I felt I had to apologize to
Dennis Day for walking out on him.
Ah, Monsieur Richards, it's so nice to see
you back again, would you like to order?
No thanks, I'm not going to
eat, I'm waiting for Mr. Day.
You did not wait so
long the last time?
Oh, Dennis, I'm sorry.
Forgive me for walking out on you.
If you think the entertainment was
lousy, just wait till you get your drink.
I'm sorry I'm still such a bad audience,
but I did like what I saw of your act.
Well thanks, Dick.
Say, what tore you away so fast?
There's a little girl opening
on the other side of town.
Her boyfriend went in the drink.
Gee, that's tough.
Who's the guy?
- Hap Gordon.
- Oh...
Why? You know him?
Yeah, he's been in here
a couple of times,
he tried to hustle me into setting him
up into the music publishing business.
Did he take you?
No, but he hooked the cigarette
girl for a couple of bucks.
Sandra?
Don't look so surprised, Dick, after
all the guy was a born fundraiser.
The only trouble was,
he was his own favorite charity.
Dennis, you're going to have to give
me another rain check on the show,
I want to have a word with Sandra.
- Oh but Dick, you...
Sandra filled me in on Hap Gordon.
The lyrics didn't change much and
they didn't sound any prettier.
He'd taken a dozen girls
as badly as he took Jen.
I asked if Hap had any friends.
Friends? Him? Who could afford him?
Well, acquintances then.
There's Ray Antony, he's at
the Swing Low in the village.
Hap once managed him.
Thanks Sandy.
An idea was beginning to form in my mind.
I got word to Pete Lanigan to meet me
in the alley behind the Swing Low.
We arrived there within
30 seconds of each other.
He had nothing new to tell me,
the harbour patrol was still
dragging for the body.
Is this why you pulled
me away from the river?
To watch a bunch of
musicians take a break?
No, I want us both to hear
what Ray Antony has to say.
He knew Gordon.
Come on upstairs.
Ray?
Well, how's my favorite magazine editor?
Just fine. You know
detective lieutenant Lanigan?
One of my best fans. He sends
bandmen here all the time.
- Hi Ray.
- Good to see you.
Ray, do you remember having a
bandmanager by the name of Hap Gordon?
Manager? That's a laugh.
He was a bandboy. You know, he took
care of the instruments and stuff.
And he couldn't hold that job
for more than a month or so.
- No? Why?
- Do you think I'm a bank?
First week on the job, he started
to borrow against his pay.
Oh, we're talking about the same boy.
I didn't mind that so much,
but then he started to borrow
from the boys in the band.
You know, borrow, forget to pay back.
I told him to pack up.
- And that was the end of it?
- Not on your life.
This guy really packed up.
Took all the instruments with him.
- Nice clean-cut kid.
- Yeah.
I eventually found everything though,
he unloaded in some pawn shop in Jersey.
Why didn't you report him?
I blow the horn, dad, not the whistle.
Say, what's the scoop on him?
Well, it looks like he's dead.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
That seems to be general consensus.
Did you ever see him again?
No, I was lucky.
Thanks, Ray. Bye.
What was that all about? A guy knocks
himself off, you conduct a national poll.
Did he knock himself off?
He left a note saying so.
You know, Pete, that's what throws me.
Hap Gordon just isnt the type.
Ask anyone who knows him. The women,
the bookies. You heard what Ray said.
Look, I don't need character
references for a dead man.
So far you don't have a dead man.
Dick, I know you're an undercover
man for the DA's office
and you're doing a good job.
But don't try to do my job.
Oh, Pete, it's not that
I'm trying to do your job,
it's just that... Well
look at it this way:
Hap Gordon was in debt to a
lot of real rough characters.
They're all looking for him,
I know, I've checked.
So he gets a brainstorm,
decides to fake his suicide,
and then blame it on
a poor innocent kid.
That way he's out from under.
Well you know how it will
go into the books, Pete,
it will go into the books as an
unrecovered body washed out to sea.
The hoods will write him off.
Alright. If we don't find him
in a day or two, we'll call ??
Then it will be too late.
Because if I'm right,
he had a plan for getting
out of town tonight.
Maybe you are right,
but when can I do about it?
You saw Jen Bradley tonight, Pete.
Maybe there isn't any law
against what he's done to her,
but unless we can convince her that
she's not responsible for his death,
what's her life going to be like, Pete?
No bed of roses, I'll grant you that.
Well then isn't it worth
asking around a little?
Alright, I will.
But you do some asking too.
Right now I've got to
get back to the river.
Yeah, but...
The only fact that we have
is that car on the pier.
Okay, and thanks, Pete.
Hey Dick, you must like it around here.
Oh, I was just talking to Lanigan.
Hey fellows, I think I have it
worked out now, listen to this.
- Ray, honey.
- Yes, Myra?
Boss says, where is the music?
I get it.
Fellows, we'd better get in there.
Ray?
Ray, that girl Myra, did she
work here when Hap was around?
- Yeah.
- Did they pal around together?
I don't know. He usually
preferred them a little younger.
But if you're going to ask her, you'd
better do it now. She's quitting tonight.
Quitting?
No. No, I won't.
And Ray, if she says anything,
don't tell her why I was here.
- Okay.
- Okay, thanks.
I checked the after hours spots
for the kind of characters
who'd know if a guy
was going to s kip town.
They didn't know Hap Gordon
or they hadn't seen him.
I visited at least ten places and
phoned a dozen more. No luck.
So I stopped back at Monty's
to make sure Jen was alright.
- She's sleeping like a baby.
- Great.
I sent my wife home. We think
it's a good idea if we take Jen
home with us in the morning.
Till she gets back on her feet.
It is a good idea, Monty.
- Any more news from the river?
- No, nothing so far.
Jen! Jen!
No, Jen.
Don't do it, Jen.
Don't.
Jen, don't do it.
I've killed him...
I killed him...
I knew that if Hap Gordon wasn't
found, Jen would try it again.
The next time it might work.
And I had nothing going
for me but a slight hunch.
Hotel Paxman on West 45th.
The Paxman was the kind of place where
the night clerk will come up with anything,
from a bottle after hours to
the room numer of a guest.
I got the plane tickets to Havana.
You sure about jobs there?
Of course I'm sure.
I know a guy.
Hap, we are going to get married,
I mean, it won't be like last time, huh?
I said we would, didn't I?
Leaving town, Gordon?
You must have the wrong room,
my name is Lou Walsh.
Yeah? Well I don't believe you.
Until I do, you're not going anywhere.
Not until the girl who's half our of her
mind knows that you're alive and breathing,
and knows you for what you are.
Now come on, Gordon.
Hap, don't!
Get something to tie him with.
Get it or I'll kill him.
No you won't.
You won't kill anybody.
Because that would hurt Hap Gordon.
And that's the last thing
in the world you want, isn't it?
Anything that might hurt Hap Gordon.
Don't make me do it, 'cause I will.
I'll do it.
Then go ahead and do it.
Look, why don't you give me a break, huh?
I was only trying to make a clean start.
How about Jen, how about
her getting a clean start?
- I was going to send for her...
- Get out of here!
Jen, I was coming back, I swear I was.
I was just trying to raise a little cash.
- With Myra?
- He's lying, baby.
I wasn't really going with her, I was just
taking her to the airport, that's all!
Baby, you got to believe me.
You know how I feel about you.
Yes I do.
Now get out.
- Baby...
- Now!
Lanigan's waiting for you outside, Gordon.
# I got a right to sing the blues
# I got a right to moan and sigh
# I got a right to sit and cry
# Down around the river
# I know the deep blue sea
# will soon be calling me
# It must be love,
say what you choose
# I got a right to sing the blues.
Clubs close for the night
and the crowds go home.
But the music goes on.
You can hear the echo of it
in a passing milk truck,
or your own steps
on the deserted street.
And Jen Bradley's voice
is a part of it now,
it's in her blood, like I said,
it's in all of us, who was born there.
Maybe it's the one thing
we really can't live without.
music begins in the cradle.
First, a cry in the night,
and then a lullaby.
We may outgrow the lullabies,
but the need for music is always there.
With me, it's a way of life.
I gave up a good law practice for it.
If the hours aren't as regular it's
because the best music is made at night.
I'm Dick Richards.
Every musician and performer
between the Village and Harlem
knows I'n the editor of a
magazine called "Take Five",
and that I prowl from cafe to cafe
meeting the stars of today,
and trying to pick the stars of tomorrow.
Tonight the star was Dennis Day
at the Club 25.
My pick for the future: Young Jen Bradley
who'se opening at Monty's on 54.
Only a few people know
what else I do for a living.
Detective lieutenant
Pete Lanigan is one of them.
Lanigan was more than casually
interested in Jen Bradley's debut.
Expect the boys from Half Gordon
to show up for the big night?
I don't know. Why?
She's been playing around with some
bad boys. You might tell her that.
But Jen's over 21, and besides
I don't know her that good.
Goodnight, lieutenant.
There was no point in letting
on to the lieutenant
that I was just as interested
as he was in Jen.
If she was in trouble
I wanted to know about it,
because I believed there was
a great talent in Jen Bradley.
To Jen this opening was more than just her
first night club engagement in New York.
It was an opportunity that
might change her entire life,
unless something, or
somebody, got in her way.
- Halp
- Now is that any way to greet your boy?
- Where have you been?
- Around. Busy.
Oh, and I've missed you.
Oh, I've missed you.
I needed you.
I'm sorry, Jen.
But I have been on the move.
Yeah, so I've heard.
Baby...
I'm in pretty deep.
Oh Hap, why?
You promised me last time.
I know baby, and I hate myself for it.
Once we get out of
this jam, I promise.
No more cards, no gambling...
- "We."
That's why you came back,
isn't it. For money.
That's just one of the reasons.
I had to see my gal.
I'm sorry, I have no money.
No matter how I feel.
Take the car back to the rental place,
will you, I can't afford it anymore.
Look, baby, you don't understand.
Those bookies play rough.
Hap, I can't go on like this anymore.
Well how about Monty,
he'll give you an advance,
at least enough to take the heat off.
Jen, you've got to.
If you love me, you've got to.
Oh Hap, I do love you,
that's why I won't.
As long as you've got me as
a crutch, you'll never change.
But baby...
I've got to go in, Hap,
I've got an opening tonight.
That's right.
Who am I to stand in your way?
Just a no-good slob.
- I didn't say that.
- You didn't have to.
Oh, tell my creditors
to write off my debts.
And you can tell them they might
as well quit looking for me.
Hap, where are you going?
What's the difference?
You'll get back your car.
Hap?
Dennis Day's first
appearance at a New York
night club this season
guaranteed a sellout.
It was almost full when I arrived.
- Hello, Mr. Richards.
- Hello Alfred, how are things?
Fine, fine. Mr. Day made
a reservation for you.
Good, I'm starving.
Oh, hi there. Hi. I thought
you'd be over at Monty's tonight.
No, I'm going to catch the late show.
I thought I'd give Jen a chance
to get a performance under
her belt before I turned up.
You know, I understand a certain
magazine editor got her that job.
Well that's not
quite true, Alfred.
She did send me a record and I
got money to hear it, but...
Don't forget, she's Pop
Bradley's daughter.
Pop Bradley. Boy, he could play a horn.
- Music that tore your heart out.
- She sing blues?
What else do you expect Pop Bradley's
daughter to sing? Gilbert & Sullivan?
Boy, that takes me back.
He played in the first night
club I ever worked in.
That was twenty years ago.
Seems almost that long since
I've had anything to eat.
Oh! Excuse me.
Ah, now let's see...
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
the star of our show, Mr. Dennis Day.
# What a day this has been
# What a rare mood I'm in
# Why it's almost like being in love
# There's a smile on my face
# For the whole human race
# Why it's almost like being in love
# All the music of life seems to be
# Like a bell that is ringing for me
# And from the way that I feel
# When that bell starts to peal
# I would swear I was falling,
# I could swear I was falling,
# It's almost like being in love.
# All the music of life seems to be
# Like a bell that is ringing for me
# And from the way that I feel
# When that bell starts to peal
# I would swear I was falling,
# I could swear I was falling,
# It's almost like being in love.
- Richard?
- Not now, Alfred.
I've got to talk to you, it's important.
Oh, that reminds me of a little story.
This is about a little Irishman,
who is figuring he's
not long for this world,
and of course he calls his wife
to his besides, and he says...
- Alright, what is it, Alfred?
- It's Monty.
I want you to go over there right away,
there's some trouble with Jen.
With Jen? Well thanks, Alfred.
Can I have my hat, honey?
I thought he was just dramatizing it,
but then this telegram came.
"Forgive me for what I have to do.
No other choice now. Goodbye, Hap."
Oh Jen, it doesn't necessarily
mean anything.
That's what I told her.
Oh Monty, you didn't see
his face when he left me.
Jen, your opening tonight, it isn't
just another opening, you know.
- I don't care about that.
- Not even for Pop Bradley?
If Hap does something
drastic because of me...
- Jen, you're not responsible for him.
- I love him and I let him down.
Look, it's only a vague message,
don't jump to conclusions.
I'm trying not to.
Alright, I'll try and find him.
Where does he live?
712 East 38rd Street,
it's a rooming house.
712 East 38rd.
And Jen, take it easy, please.
Dick?
Please find him.
She didn't have to say please twice.
A cab took the shortcut
through Central Park
and got me to East 38rd
in twelve minutes flat.
Sometimes even twelve minutes
can seem like a very long time.
Taxi!
Be right with you, honey.
Thanks a lot Mrs. Brad,
you've been real twelve.
Well, we was glad to have you, Myra.
Looks like my room won't
be empty long, sweetie.
By darling.
- Bye.
I got a single on this floor and
a double up, at 8 and 12 a week.
I'm looking for one of your roomers.
Hap Gordon, is he here?
Not in here he ain't. Not anymore.
My old man threw him out yesterday.
Too many people looking for that one.
Oh? What kind of people?
How do I know? Bill collectors, I guess.
He wound up owing us for two weeks.
Then I don't suppose
you know where he went.
No, and I don't want to.
Well thanks anyway.
If I was going to find Hap Gordon,
I needed more information from Jen.
So I started back for Monty's.
Jen, this is detective lieutenant
Lanigan, he wants to talk to you.
- Me?
- That's right, Miss Bradley.
We're checking in on a automobile,
licence number XOB-565,
registered to Olson's
autorentals.
According to their records,
the car was rented to you.
- Yes.
- When did you see it last?
Well, my...
A friend's been using it.
Why?
It was found by our waterfront squad.
Abandoned in a restricted area on Pier 26.
A man's hat and jacket
were on the front seat.
Identification card gives
the name Hap Gordon.
Why would he leave his hat and coat?
Do you know his handwriting,
Miss Bradley?
He left this note on the steering wheel.
It's adressed to you.
Is that his handwriting?
Better call a doctor.
Come in.
What's the matter?
He did it. He went in the river.
There now, just relax.
Dick? Where's Dick?
I'm here, Jen.
He meant it, didn't he?
Begged me for help and
I wouldn't give it to him.
It wasn't your fault.
- Wasn't it?
- Jen, listen to me.
I know how you felt about him and I
know I can't do anything about that.
But in a way... you're better off.
He was a destructive man,
with a sick mind.
I killed him.
No, he killed himself Jen.
Dick's right. The guy was sick.
You've got to put this all behind you.
Got your future to think about.
Sing?
I'll never sing now.
- Jen...
- Mr. Richards...
She's in a state of severe shock, but I'm
most concerned about her guilt feeling.
How about it Monty, can she stay here?
Sure, I'll call my wife
and have her come over.
Thanks.
The hearts of showpeople
are as big as they come.
I knew Monty would see
Jen got the best of care.
As for me, I was stumped.
I couldn't get the agony in
Jen's face out of my mind,
but I didn't know
how to help her.
While she slept, I headed back to
Club 25, not because I was anxious to,
but I felt I had to apologize to
Dennis Day for walking out on him.
Ah, Monsieur Richards, it's so nice to see
you back again, would you like to order?
No thanks, I'm not going to
eat, I'm waiting for Mr. Day.
You did not wait so
long the last time?
Oh, Dennis, I'm sorry.
Forgive me for walking out on you.
If you think the entertainment was
lousy, just wait till you get your drink.
I'm sorry I'm still such a bad audience,
but I did like what I saw of your act.
Well thanks, Dick.
Say, what tore you away so fast?
There's a little girl opening
on the other side of town.
Her boyfriend went in the drink.
Gee, that's tough.
Who's the guy?
- Hap Gordon.
- Oh...
Why? You know him?
Yeah, he's been in here
a couple of times,
he tried to hustle me into setting him
up into the music publishing business.
Did he take you?
No, but he hooked the cigarette
girl for a couple of bucks.
Sandra?
Don't look so surprised, Dick, after
all the guy was a born fundraiser.
The only trouble was,
he was his own favorite charity.
Dennis, you're going to have to give
me another rain check on the show,
I want to have a word with Sandra.
- Oh but Dick, you...
Sandra filled me in on Hap Gordon.
The lyrics didn't change much and
they didn't sound any prettier.
He'd taken a dozen girls
as badly as he took Jen.
I asked if Hap had any friends.
Friends? Him? Who could afford him?
Well, acquintances then.
There's Ray Antony, he's at
the Swing Low in the village.
Hap once managed him.
Thanks Sandy.
An idea was beginning to form in my mind.
I got word to Pete Lanigan to meet me
in the alley behind the Swing Low.
We arrived there within
30 seconds of each other.
He had nothing new to tell me,
the harbour patrol was still
dragging for the body.
Is this why you pulled
me away from the river?
To watch a bunch of
musicians take a break?
No, I want us both to hear
what Ray Antony has to say.
He knew Gordon.
Come on upstairs.
Ray?
Well, how's my favorite magazine editor?
Just fine. You know
detective lieutenant Lanigan?
One of my best fans. He sends
bandmen here all the time.
- Hi Ray.
- Good to see you.
Ray, do you remember having a
bandmanager by the name of Hap Gordon?
Manager? That's a laugh.
He was a bandboy. You know, he took
care of the instruments and stuff.
And he couldn't hold that job
for more than a month or so.
- No? Why?
- Do you think I'm a bank?
First week on the job, he started
to borrow against his pay.
Oh, we're talking about the same boy.
I didn't mind that so much,
but then he started to borrow
from the boys in the band.
You know, borrow, forget to pay back.
I told him to pack up.
- And that was the end of it?
- Not on your life.
This guy really packed up.
Took all the instruments with him.
- Nice clean-cut kid.
- Yeah.
I eventually found everything though,
he unloaded in some pawn shop in Jersey.
Why didn't you report him?
I blow the horn, dad, not the whistle.
Say, what's the scoop on him?
Well, it looks like he's dead.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
That seems to be general consensus.
Did you ever see him again?
No, I was lucky.
Thanks, Ray. Bye.
What was that all about? A guy knocks
himself off, you conduct a national poll.
Did he knock himself off?
He left a note saying so.
You know, Pete, that's what throws me.
Hap Gordon just isnt the type.
Ask anyone who knows him. The women,
the bookies. You heard what Ray said.
Look, I don't need character
references for a dead man.
So far you don't have a dead man.
Dick, I know you're an undercover
man for the DA's office
and you're doing a good job.
But don't try to do my job.
Oh, Pete, it's not that
I'm trying to do your job,
it's just that... Well
look at it this way:
Hap Gordon was in debt to a
lot of real rough characters.
They're all looking for him,
I know, I've checked.
So he gets a brainstorm,
decides to fake his suicide,
and then blame it on
a poor innocent kid.
That way he's out from under.
Well you know how it will
go into the books, Pete,
it will go into the books as an
unrecovered body washed out to sea.
The hoods will write him off.
Alright. If we don't find him
in a day or two, we'll call ??
Then it will be too late.
Because if I'm right,
he had a plan for getting
out of town tonight.
Maybe you are right,
but when can I do about it?
You saw Jen Bradley tonight, Pete.
Maybe there isn't any law
against what he's done to her,
but unless we can convince her that
she's not responsible for his death,
what's her life going to be like, Pete?
No bed of roses, I'll grant you that.
Well then isn't it worth
asking around a little?
Alright, I will.
But you do some asking too.
Right now I've got to
get back to the river.
Yeah, but...
The only fact that we have
is that car on the pier.
Okay, and thanks, Pete.
Hey Dick, you must like it around here.
Oh, I was just talking to Lanigan.
Hey fellows, I think I have it
worked out now, listen to this.
- Ray, honey.
- Yes, Myra?
Boss says, where is the music?
I get it.
Fellows, we'd better get in there.
Ray?
Ray, that girl Myra, did she
work here when Hap was around?
- Yeah.
- Did they pal around together?
I don't know. He usually
preferred them a little younger.
But if you're going to ask her, you'd
better do it now. She's quitting tonight.
Quitting?
No. No, I won't.
And Ray, if she says anything,
don't tell her why I was here.
- Okay.
- Okay, thanks.
I checked the after hours spots
for the kind of characters
who'd know if a guy
was going to s kip town.
They didn't know Hap Gordon
or they hadn't seen him.
I visited at least ten places and
phoned a dozen more. No luck.
So I stopped back at Monty's
to make sure Jen was alright.
- She's sleeping like a baby.
- Great.
I sent my wife home. We think
it's a good idea if we take Jen
home with us in the morning.
Till she gets back on her feet.
It is a good idea, Monty.
- Any more news from the river?
- No, nothing so far.
Jen! Jen!
No, Jen.
Don't do it, Jen.
Don't.
Jen, don't do it.
I've killed him...
I killed him...
I knew that if Hap Gordon wasn't
found, Jen would try it again.
The next time it might work.
And I had nothing going
for me but a slight hunch.
Hotel Paxman on West 45th.
The Paxman was the kind of place where
the night clerk will come up with anything,
from a bottle after hours to
the room numer of a guest.
I got the plane tickets to Havana.
You sure about jobs there?
Of course I'm sure.
I know a guy.
Hap, we are going to get married,
I mean, it won't be like last time, huh?
I said we would, didn't I?
Leaving town, Gordon?
You must have the wrong room,
my name is Lou Walsh.
Yeah? Well I don't believe you.
Until I do, you're not going anywhere.
Not until the girl who's half our of her
mind knows that you're alive and breathing,
and knows you for what you are.
Now come on, Gordon.
Hap, don't!
Get something to tie him with.
Get it or I'll kill him.
No you won't.
You won't kill anybody.
Because that would hurt Hap Gordon.
And that's the last thing
in the world you want, isn't it?
Anything that might hurt Hap Gordon.
Don't make me do it, 'cause I will.
I'll do it.
Then go ahead and do it.
Look, why don't you give me a break, huh?
I was only trying to make a clean start.
How about Jen, how about
her getting a clean start?
- I was going to send for her...
- Get out of here!
Jen, I was coming back, I swear I was.
I was just trying to raise a little cash.
- With Myra?
- He's lying, baby.
I wasn't really going with her, I was just
taking her to the airport, that's all!
Baby, you got to believe me.
You know how I feel about you.
Yes I do.
Now get out.
- Baby...
- Now!
Lanigan's waiting for you outside, Gordon.
# I got a right to sing the blues
# I got a right to moan and sigh
# I got a right to sit and cry
# Down around the river
# I know the deep blue sea
# will soon be calling me
# It must be love,
say what you choose
# I got a right to sing the blues.
Clubs close for the night
and the crowds go home.
But the music goes on.
You can hear the echo of it
in a passing milk truck,
or your own steps
on the deserted street.
And Jen Bradley's voice
is a part of it now,
it's in her blood, like I said,
it's in all of us, who was born there.
Maybe it's the one thing
we really can't live without.