All language subtitles for The Arnelo Affair 1947

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I'm sorry I'm late.

The lady calls me up,

I'm usually on time.

Why are you doing this to me?

If it's been a joke for

you, please stop it now.

Please let me alone.

I was crazy to ever.

I've paid for it so much, let me go.

I don't know anything

about your kind of...

I don't want to ever.

Please let me alone.

All my life I've played it smart.

It's not true anymore.

You killed her.

I asked myself how did it

happen to you, smart guy, Tony?

I asked and I know the answer, you.

Not for you, I'd never have blown my tap

when she started shooting off her mouth.

Lots of women have had lots to say to me.

When I got there and you ran out all at

once, I knew in my head you'd never be

back, but she came back

and she kept after me.

You owe me a lot, Mrs. Parkson.

I'll go to the police.

Police? Why not?

I've got a perfect

alibi. What have you got?

I can prove I...

Prove what? That you didn't murder her?

Maybe.

Can you prove that you

weren't with me, Mrs. Parkson?

Prove.

What can I prove?

Oh, Ted, you'll never let me go now.

You'll never let me go.

Why did you ever

bring him home that night?

Why did you ever bring him home?

None of this would have

happened. It couldn't have.

I was so happy that night. I

was going out again with you.

It had been so long since you wanted to.

I remember as I waited for

you, I danced with Ricky.

Life was suddenly wonderful again.

Oh, Ted, why did you ever bring him home?

I was so happy that night.

The mob didn't get it. The little coach

says, "Where have you been?"

It's been a long, long time.

Off to bed, Ricky.

Go on, darling. It's late.

I never get to go to dancing parties.

Neither does your mama often.

Now, get above the bed

and let your mama be.

Walking's my style.

Maybell, Miss Darwin and Dr. Bordigan.

They just got here.

Front room.

I'll tell them I'll be with them just as

soon as I say good night to Ricky.

You sure is something.

Thank you very much.

And so, kiddies, tune in

tomorrow to the man of iron.

Will the man of iron be

consumed in the volcano?

Will Marilyn meet her fate with him?

Well, Ricky, turn off the radio and say

good night to Mother.

Good night, darling.

You'll smear your lipstick.

Darling, I can't take you with me.

Okay.

I'll be with you.

You'll be the prettiest, Mom.

Thank you.

I'm getting spoiled tonight.

Mom?

Yes?

How many pieces of

cake make a belly ache?

Why?

I have one.

That's how many.

Maybe you better leave the radio on.

It's awfully soothing for my pain.

Ricky, you didn't have any cake tonight.

That was last night.

Oh.

Good night, Mother.

Good night, Ricky.

Hello, Anne.

Hello, Doctor.

Where?

Cinderella.

This is Dr. Avery Borden.

Have you any messages for me?

I designed it.

I made it, and I like it.

Anything else you want to know?

Is it too...

No, darling.

Times have changed since you went to your

last dance in a bustle.

I hope Ted likes it.

Thank you.

If he doesn't, he ought

to have a transfusion.

Where is the man with

the legal briefcase?

Secretary told me he's on his way.

You ought to come out with us more often.

You look very lovely.

Don't let us go to your head, darling.

When Avery says that, he's

referring to your appendix.

Ted.

Oh, hello, darling.

You came home, Ted, and he was with you.

Then I felt his eyes on me.

Warm eyes.

May I present Mr. Arnello?

This is my wife, Mrs. Parkson.

How do you do?

You have a very

beautiful wife, Mr. Parkson.

Oh, thank you.

And this is our neighbor, the eminent

dress shop industrialist,

Miss Vivian Delwin.

I have a beautiful soul.

And Dr. Borden.

No soul, no beauty. How do you do?

I hate to intrude like this.

Oh, no intrusion at all.

I speak with authority. I live upstairs.

Mr. Arnello is one of my

clients. He owns nightclubs.

How exciting.

Perhaps you could lend us one later.

Small, intimate type, no cover charge.

Oh, I hardly think

tonight's the night for that.

You see, Mr. Arnello and I have some

business to transact.

Oh, uh, and why don't you go along with

Vivian and the good doctor,

and I'll join you as

soon as we're finished.

Excuse us, please.

Uh, right this way, Mr. Arnello.

Nice place you got here.

It's my wife's taste.

Oh, she does all right.

It's one of her

hobbies, interior decorating.

Ted, that night as you

walked away and left me,

as you had so many times before,

suddenly I felt so surely that you didn't

need me anymore as a wife.

As a woman.

As I waited the long hours for you,

through my tears I

thought of many things.

And in me was a pain that

had been there a long time.

The pain of loneliness.

Well, that's entirely up

to the appellate court.

Oh, darling, you didn't go after all.

No.

I'm terribly sorry, but this matter had

to be settled tonight.

You see, we go to court in the morning,

and it means quite a lot

of money to Mr. Arnello.

Excuse me.

If you'll be my guest, we'll be just in

time for the floor show at my club

over on Chicago Avenue.

Oh, no, thank you. I think not.

After all, this is my fault.

I promise you'll find

it very interesting.

Mr. Arnello, when our

small fry gets in action here,

it's quite enough floor show for us.

Mrs. Parkson and I don't go in for

nightclubs very much.

How about that, Mrs. Parkson?

No, we don't.

Mrs. Parkson, she

doesn't say it with conviction.

If you change your mind.

Oh, thank you, but I don't think we will.

You never can tell.

I'm afraid I'll lift my hat and coat.

Oh, yes, I'll get them for you.

That's a very lovely dress, Mrs. Parkson.

Thank you.

You're a very beautiful woman.

You like glass from Venice.

Oh, come now, Mr. Arnello, really.

I mean that.

Only kids in old Venice are supposed to

say what they think,

but I always say what I think.

Vandy, you're embarrassing me.

I know.

Well, there you are.

Thank you.

Mr. Parkson, I'd like to ask you a favor.

Well, certainly, what is it?

I was wondering if I could

call on your wife for help.

My wife?

Sure.

She said her hobby

was interior decorating.

I thought she might be able to do a job

at my place and make some money at it.

Well, I don't think she'd be interested,

but why don't you ask her?

I will.

When I'm all set.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, and thank you

very much for driving me out.

Well.

And your auditor will have the figures in

my office in the morning.

Thank you.

Good night.

Good night.

Well, how'd you like to find yourself

doing a job for that character?

Darling, I'm terribly

sorry about tonight.

But after all, it may be just as well

because I've got to be in court first

thing in the morning.

It's all right.

Are you coming in?

Yes.

What's his trouble?

Who?

That man.

Oh, usual thing for that sort of person.

He's in tax

difficulties with the government.

Why?

I just wondered.

I thought to myself, beautiful, was I?

But you, Ted, no longer said it to me.

Got a problem?

Yep.

Big one? Little one?

Big.

Your papa's getting mad every minute.

Ricky.

Ricky, haven't you gone yet?

He's got a problem.

I got dishes.

All right, mister.

What's it this morning?

All right, speak up.

Maybelle, tell Mr. Parks

and Ricky he'll be right out.

Well, now, what's the problem?

Well?

I need 25 cents.

That's a great deal of money.

Yep.

Why do you need it?

I can't tell you.

That is a problem.

25 cents and no questions asked?

Yep.

Can't go to school without it?

Nope.

Well, run along and tell your father I

said to give you 25

cents and no questions asked.

Thanks, Mom.

I get a date.

You what?

Here's God.

As I picked it up, Ted, my

heart began to beat so strangely.

I remembered his look, his words.

Why should I remember?

I was a happily married woman.

Happily married.

Hello.

Good morning, Mrs. Parkson.

Who is this?

Tony Arnello.

How are you?

I'm fine.

I was really serious

about your helping me.

How about talking it

over at my place today?

Oh, Mr. Arnello, I don't even know that I...

Why not come over at two

o'clock and make up your mind?

Oh, no, I couldn't really.

All right. Take it over.

I'll call you again.

Goodbye.

Go over to his place at two o'clock.

No, it was impossible.

But his voice stayed in my mind.

Are you thinking of

using it as a house dress?

Or are you going to

let it out for me, Belle?

It is attractive, isn't it?

Yeah, just the thing for the boudoir.

When I think how I

slaved over that dress...

Salvation Army could do business here.

I bought them at your shop.

Well, that was before I

lost my amateur standing.

Well, what happened last

night, as if I didn't know?

Be of good cheer, darling.

Maybe the lawyer's building will burn

down someday, and Ted

will have to take you out.

Oh, Vivian, please.

Forgive me.

I'm the repulsive type

before I've had my morning coffee.

Come on.

You know, Anne, just give

me a plate of bacon and eggs,

a full pocketbook, a chinchilla coat, and

a man, and I'm happy.

I'm such a simple girl.

How about some more coffee?

Roger.

Who's Roger?

I still don't understand why you can't

come downtown with me.

Why, there's so much to do.

Mabel has her hands full with the

cleaning and Ricky and his problems.

Ricky just borrowed 25

cents to take a girl out.

Well, a wolf at nine.

Say, speaking of wolves, who was that

character howling around here last night?

Barnello or something like that.

I know him.

Well, whatever it is, he certainly has a

pair of radar eyes, don't you think so?

I hadn't noticed.

Mm, I gotta get out of here.

Thanks for the calories.

Vivian.

I think I will go with you now.

Perhaps I do need some new clothes.

Well, you change your mind faster than a

ballet dancer with the itch.

Hurry, Connie.

Tie it up before my customer

gets too old to carry it out.

Bow knot, slip knot, hangman's knot.

I don't care.

Just tie it.

There you are, Anne.

Now, I hope you'll wear this where

someone will see you.

Miss Weill, did you see Mrs. Parkson?

She just left.

Well, maybe I ought to

put zippers on these boxes.

Yes, suddenly I couldn't

stand Vivian's chatter anymore.

Air. I wanted to be out.

Walk.

Yes, I just wanted to walk.

Walk fast against the wind.

The wind was cold and I...

Then...

Well, I had walked further than I thought.

Chicago Avenue.

Yes, why not look at that place it is?

Curious, that's all. I was just curious.

I found myself getting closer and closer.

I'd go in, telling them my

working form is out of question.

I'd look him straight in the face,

straighten his eyes.

Taxi! Taxi!

Taxi!

I came home so angry with myself.

I was behaving like a child.

Miss Parkson?

Yes.

There was a phone called by him.

Called?

Mr. Parkson.

Thank you.

As I stood there,

phoning, I thought to myself,

"Well, that ends your

foolishness, Mrs. Parkson.

You'll never see the man

again, never talk to him again.

That ends it."

Rick, you have a good lunch?

Yes.

All he want is any more eggs.

He says he talked it

over with the chicken.

Hello, this is Mrs. Parkson.

Oh yes, Mrs. Parkson.

Now the message for you.

Mr. Parkson left for court.

He asked me to tell you that he won't be

home for dinner tonight.

Thank you.

Yes?

Mrs. Parkson?

There was nothing wrong with your idea.

You saw?

I saw you leave by jet propulsion.

What was wrong? The

service of the floorshow.

I'm sorry, Mr. Arnello.

I just changed my mind.

Why not get a chance to

make up your mind first?

I need your help. You want to give it?

I'm not sure that I can--

That you can help me? I'll take that chance.

Why not tomorrow, say, two o'clock?

I'll think about it.

I promise you, you'll

find it very interesting.

Goodbye, Mrs. Parkson.

Tomorrow, two o'clock.

Goodbye.

Two o'clock.

I thought, why not?

Why not act maturely and

meet the man and talk to him?

What harm could there

possibly be in talking to him?

He said, I find it very interesting.

And it was interesting that next day.

That's the way I want

the colors at my place.

The way he saw them.

Bright and burning.

The way they never

really are, but should be.

You amaze me.

Hello, Mr. Arnillo.

That's what I mean.

I've come here since I was a kid.

Why?

I like what's beautiful.

I think that's it.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Well, I guess that's all you'll need.

I think if you wait in the rubs, you'll

get a better price later on.

No, I'm the one who's amazed.

You've been a good man. You've got a business, Ed.

Thank you, sir.

Am I hired?

What do you think?

I think I'm enjoying myself very much.

Have I spent all of your money?

I've got enough left for lunch.

Then I started to work in

an interior decorating shop.

I was all of 16 and full of great ideas.

You know, save a dollar a

week before you know it.

You have a few hundred

thousand dollars and buy the place.

Then Ted and I were married.

He was the boy next door.

I've talked more about myself today than

I have in a long, long time.

Me too.

You know, it's a funny thing.

What?

Well, everything you picked

out for me today, I liked it.

It's never been that way

for me with other women.

It's been a wonderful day.

It's gone so quickly.

Not all gone.

I told you you were

hired when I get to work.

No, it's so late. I must be getting home.

All right, Mrs. Parkson.

You can start making over Tony on Ella's

place tomorrow at 2 o'clock.

I'll be waiting for you.

Ted, as I turned away from

him, again my heart was pounding.

What was wrong with me?

The men have been a perfect gentleman.

You came home late that night, remember?

As I waited for you, I thought of all the

fun and laughter I'd had that day.

And I remembered the wonderful

times that we'd had together.

A very long time ago.

Ted?

Yes, dear?

How was the meeting?

Oh, a collective headache.

Thank you for the new compact.

Well, where'd you get that?

I found it in your

workbench a little while ago.

Well, that was supposed to be a surprise.

It's lovely.

I told you I'd amount

to something someday.

Paid in full.

Anyone who sets out to be a lawyer ought

to have his head examined.

That trial judge today,

the honorable Mr. Krakula.

Ted?

Yeah?

What would you say if I told you I was

going into the

interior decorating business?

I'd tell you to forget it.

I've got enough on my mind.

Ricky gave me quite a surprise today.

When he came home from

school, he was amazingly quiet.

I asked him if it had anything to do with

Miss Dibson, that

schoolteacher he detests.

He said no.

Then I asked him if it had anything to do

with subtraction, financial

problems, or his latest date.

He said no.

Finally I got him to talk.

This time it seems he

has a very special problem.

He's decided that he wants

three brothers and two sisters.

No less.

He says he simply won't

take no for an answer.

Don't you think it's about

time that you talk to him?

Father to son.

You know, I don't understand how people

can complicate their lives like this.

We never should have accepted this case.

[music]

At two o'clock the next

day, I kept my appointment.

You see, Mrs. Parkson, I like things in

good taste, just like you do.

But you can do better

than this for me. I know it.

[music]

I like open fireplaces.

I mean, that's because when I was a kid I

could never get warm enough.

My brothers and I used to go along the

railroad tracks looking for coal.

All the rest of your life you're cold

when you start out like that.

You look right in that chair.

Flowers in the chintz

are lilacs and roses.

You're like lilacs and roses yourself.

Comfortable.

Take somebody like me to

appreciate somebody like you.

My mama told me a long time ago it isn't

polite to sit in the

house with your coda.

[music]

Good.

I'm glad you're not talking.

You must have talked a million words to

yourself on your way here

trying to keep from coming here.

Oh, you have a sweet smile.

[music]

Smile again.

Tony wants only to bring smiles to your

pretty face, so smile again.

That's better.

So, now you feel easier, hmm?

Sure you do.

[music]

My mama used to say, "Cold grapes from a

blue ball were made by the

angels for the beautiful."

And the good.

You know,

some people think a

guy like me is no good.

No good.

You told my mama that

she'd tear your eyes out.

Yeah.

Nobody can say anything

against Tony to my mama.

I got a good mama.

Sometimes when I go home to see her, she

makes me sit by the fire like this.

She sings all the old songs to me.

Just like a kid.

She never liked any of

the others I brought over.

She'd like you.

You're what she's been telling me about.

[music]

I'd like to meet you by the someday.

Now I think it's time we

talked about changing this room.

No.

Now I think it's time you

were going home, Mrs. Parkson.

Yes.

I said home.

[music]

Tomorrow.

Two o'clock.

Don't bother with the bell.

[music]

Tomorrow.

Two o'clock.

That night I went to you again, Dad.

It took me hours to find

the words to say to you.

Well, first clear day we'll

take her out and test-hop her.

You mean you will.

Say, we better get busy

and fix that broken chair.

Okay?

Okay, Pop.

Get that in there.

It's got the wiggles.

It sure is.

First we'll drill a hole right in here.

Keep up. I'll do it.

No, here, I better do that, Rick.

You know, these drills are kind of

dangerous for small boys.

There we are.

Now we'll put a screw in there.

Tighten it up.

Keep up?

No, now wait a minute.

I better do this too, you know.

Screwdrivers are kind of

dangerous for small boys also.

Now, if we just had a little

dab of paint to cover this up,

it'd be just as good as new.

Sorry.

Ricky, Rick.

What's the matter?

Time for the carpenter to go to bed?

Yes, he's been

enjoying himself long enough.

Yeah, I guess you had enough

fun for one night, huh, pal?

Dad, what are you

going to do when I grow up?

Huh?

Oh, now, isn't that a shame?

I had no idea.

Well, someday he'll have kids of his own

and then he can have some fun.

How's everything at the office?

Oh, fine. Excuse me.

Everything's going all right?

Couldn't be better.

Then we could go away for a little while.

You know, they don't build

these things to last anymore.

But can we go away?

Oh, sure. If it's a clear day,

we can take the car and

drive up the lake, Sunday.

I don't mean that, Ted. I mean away, far

away, for a long time.

Well, we could go to

Switzerland by way of South America.

We've got to go away.

We're not together, not anymore.

You're at the office or else you're down

here trying to forget how tired you are.

Please, let's go away together, Ted.

But we are together.

Oh, I know.

I'll try to arrange to take you out more.

Take me out?

Ted, do you think it's

the dancing of people?

It's to be with you.

Talk and laugh and plan and tell you

everything that I...

Oh, Ted, please, let's go away.

I've got five or six briefs to prepare.

Very important cases.

Important? What's more important than...

Anne, I'm trying to tell you.

You're tired and so am I.

I've worked for ten

years to get where we are,

and I just can't simply

walk out in the middle of it,

leave all these litigations.

You won't go away.

Well, now...

What's the use of talking about it if

you're going to be irrational?

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

And then, Ted, I was going to him.

There's no other way to say it.

I was going to him.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

Mr. Arnilla?

Mr. Arnilla?

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

Who are you?

I said, who are you?

Two o'clock. That was the

time, wasn't it? Two o'clock?

Well, wasn't it?

He thought he'd arrange it so

cleverly I wouldn't be here.

No, you're wrong.

Wrong about what? Tell me.

Look, I'm not a pickup. I'm Claire

Lorison. Talk to me.

It was a mistake. A

mistake finding you here?

Please let me go. What

did you come here for?

Soft lights and music and the big

romance? Well, it's not that.

It's take what he wants and a slap in the

mouth when he's through with you.

Or was it a cheap thrill?

Don't kid yourself. It

costs plenty with Tony Arnilla.

Shut up!

Don't go, ghost! Don't you!

(GASPS)

Oh, Ted.

Ted, can I begin to tell

you how I felt at that moment?

All that I had done and almost done

filled me with such horror.

Such shame.

But I told myself at last it was over.

As he tried to reach me again and again,

I tried to put into words what I felt.

The final sort of words that even a Tony

Arnilla could understand.

Mommy, I found it!

Mommy, did you hear me? I found it!

What, dear?

A birthday present for me, Belle.

What is it?

A dog. A genuine champion dog.

It says he's faithful, kind, and a true

servant of the people.

Sounds like a politician.

Some present homo.

What talked to your father about it?

When maybe I was busy, I could sort of

personally take care of him.

That sounds generous.

Yeah.

Mom, dogs are also good for saving small

children from fires and disaster.

Darling, I told you we'd

talk to your father about it.

Okay.

Mom.

Yes, dear?

I've decided something.

What?

You're beautiful.

Thank you.

How's your homework?

Spelling confuses me.

What, for instance?

Well, take something simple.

Oh, that's perfect for me.

Why is C-A-T cat? Why isn't it fish?

Well, because a cat is a

cat and a fish is a fish.

Well, what if a cat eats a fish?

Oh, Ricky.

Ring, ring, ring. All the time.

Where's my secretary?

Miss Blodgett?

Miss Poxel?

Yes.

He said to go in and tell you

you just got to talk to him.

I am not at home.

Sounds crazy, man.

Mabel, I just told you what to tell me.

Darling, please do it.

All right, all right. I'll tell it.

Call it all afternoon.

Who's crazy mad, darling?

No one that matters, darling.

No one that matters at all.

Yes, it was over 10.

For the first time in all those miserable

days, I was happy again.

It was ended.

No, thank you, Mabel. Once and after.

Say, where's our Mr. Freud this morning?

He'll be late for work.

Here I am.

Oh, hi, pal.

Uh-oh.

We have a problem.

Anything you want to tell us, darling?

I had a dream.

Everybody has dreams.

Yeah, but not like this one.

Well, we might as well get

it over with. What happened?

I dreamt I was in a place where

everything was made out of ice cream.

Chocolate and tooty foody.

Well, that's a pretty swell dream, pal.

And all the rivers were chocolate syrup

and the lakes pineapple.

Well, that's a beautiful dream.

Oh, you haven't got a problem.

I haven't finished.

Oh, I beg your pardon. There's more?

Yes, sir.

I dreamt about all this ice cream and

chocolate syrup, but I couldn't eat it.

My mouth was all sewed up.

Sowed up?

Ricky.

Dan, do you think I should be sacralized?

Maybe you need a mouthful of mush.

I'm going to have to go.

Police baffled by access.

My paper, son.

He says Murray says Murray says.

Say, who wrote that?

See Tchaikovsky?

Uh-uh, Tim Panhelli.

Stop it.

Darling, what's the trouble?

I have a splitting headache.

I'm sorry.

Can I get you something?

No, I'll be all right.

How about if Mabel

brings you some more coffee?

No, I'm fine.

Murder is murder like killing.

Ricky, don't bother your mother.

Yes, murder means taking

away another person's life.

Like gangsters?

Really, there must be

something else we can talk about.

Your mother's right, Ricky.

Murder is hardly a fit subject for a

conversation at the breakfast table.

You see, murder means to take away

another person's right to live.

There's no greater crime than that.

Well, then why do people do it?

Well, because some people just have

darkness and evil inside of them.

Sometimes they're born that way, and

sometimes it comes on

them like a disease,

because someone else has

been unfair or cruel to them.

And then sometimes it's there for reasons

that we don't quite understand, as yet.

In all grown-up people?

No, of course not.

Not in all grown-ups.

Not in me, Bill.

That's my boy.

No, not your mother or your father, your

grandmother, your aunt Tilly.

You forget about murder and

get busy with that mush there.

I gotta get to the office.

Goodbye, Hal. Have a good day.

Goodbye, darling.

Take it easy today.

You've been doing too much.

Bye, Dan.

Bye.

Ted, after you'd gone and I picked up

that paper, I told myself it was a joke.

Some terrible joke that

Tony Arnella was playing on me.

I'd see him talk to

him, but it isn't a joke.

It's true. He's here next to me, and

he'll never let me go.

Now, Ted, never.

Oh, Ted, why didn't you

ever bring him home that night?

Why did you ever bring him home?

There's only one way out of this, Mrs.

Parkson, and you know what that is?

My compact, why?

I saw a way to make sure you'd be back.

I came here to tell you that I'm not

afraid of anything you might do.

No. Listen, nobody's ever seen me with

it. You hear me? Nobody.

So I'm in the clear.

But if you decide to talk, even Parkson

couldn't take what I could say about you.

I've done nothing. My

husband would never believe it.

Maybe not. The words would be in the

newspapers just the same, and your best

friends would believe.

And so would the senior

partners of his precious law firm.

Yes. He's been working hard for them for,

what is it, ten years?

He's about ready to

cash in. That's big stuff.

Would you spoil that, Mrs. Parkson?

You wouldn't dare. Everything you said

about me would connect you.

Well, if the police would believe that.

That wouldn't make any difference.

There are thousands of women.

Sure. All the same.

Then let me go.

That's changed.

Whether you want to or not.

Why?

Why? Why? I don't know. I don't care.

I look at you and all the rest are

nothing. You're with me, and you'll be with me.

No, I'm not.

Ted, I want to tell you.

No, Ian. It's my time to do the telling.

I've been thinking about it for the last

few days, and I just haven't been able to

find the right words.

Maybe that's what's the matter.

I haven't said, "I love you, Anne." As

much as in the beginning.

No more.

I wake up in the morning and I see you

lying there, and it's good.

And during the day, I know that you're

with Ricky in our home.

And that's good, too.

Then at night when I

come home from the office.

No matter how tired I am, when you give

me that funny little smile of yours

before you say, "Hello,"

it doesn't make any

difference what's happened that day.

Everything is all right again.

I haven't said these things to you for a

long time because I took it

for granted that you knew.

I suppose you're

wondering why I'm seeing them now.

It's because of the other night when you

asked if we couldn't go away together.

And I got angry with you because I

thought you were trying to

take me away from my work.

I've thought about it ever since.

And I realize how wrong I was in speaking

to you the way I did.

100 litigations, 100,000 with every

verdict on the books in my favor.

What would it add up to

if you weren't with me?

If you weren't happy?

And so, darling, whenever you want to go

away, that's all I have to say.

Except this.

If you hadn't come to the office today, I

was coming home to tell you these things.

Because this is the day when we should

say the things that are in our hearts.

You've been so upset

you haven't remembered.

This is our 12th wedding anniversary.

I love you 12 times as much.

My darling. Well, darling, we're here.

Where are we?

All dancing, music, fun.

Where do you see?

Come on.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Come on, darling. It's a surprise.

Why then, oh, why can't I?

What's the matter, Ann? You

allergic to female crooners?

Personally, someday I'd

like to dissect a shantube.

Well, I love the sound of popping corks.

Oh, my part, I think

champagne is rather vulgar.

- Watch me get good and

vulgar. - Good, please.

This is indeed a pleasure, Mrs. Parkson.

How nice to see you again.

Oh, the man with the four alarm eyes.

- Hello, Arnelo. - Do you mind?

Of course not.

Now, wait here, quick, a stomach pump.

The boss won't drink his own soda powder.

A little too early for

me. Please, go ahead, drink.

How much has he lost?

No more credit.

Hold it, hold it, everybody.

On occasion such as

this, the toast is in order.

And I'm just the boy

who can give it on order.

- On occasion? - Hasn't someone told you?

This is the twelfth wedding

anniversary of the lovebirds.

Then I will drink.

Hurry, waiter, this can't keep.

I drink to the

cashball, to Arn and to Dave.

They do not have another

anniversary with my face be red.

Is it that bad?

That is the man I

loosely call my husband.

- May I make a toast?

- This I want to hear.

I'd like to say that someday soon I hope

to have the same good

fortune as Mr. Parkson.

- Ann, aren't you going to drink to that

charming toast? - I did.

- What the hell? This is

an honor. - Since when?

- Can I talk to you? - Why not?

I'm sure none of you will want to miss

meeting my very old friend, Sam Leonard

of the Homicide Squad.

A detective!

Did I murder someone again last night?

- Darn Ann Ebenezer. - I tried to see you this afternoon.

Are you the detective type or the

hard-boiled slap-and-maround type?

- I hope. - It depends.

Did you know a girl named Clara Louris?

The actress that was murdered?

Yes, the actress was

murdered. Did you know her?

I knew her.

Did you?

Don't look at me like that.

She only came into my shop.

- She was a very pretty girl, wasn't she?

- Not when I saw her.

Oh, tell us the details, was she?

Will you be quiet? My vocal cord.

Why do you ask me about it, Sam?

Oh, darling. I've missed you.

Your name was found in a

card among her effects.

- Is that all? - With you, that's enough.

I'm in business, Sam. Lots of those

theatrical people

come in here, all kinds.

Do you remember seeing her here?

No, Sam.

All right.

Wait a minute. Have a drink.

Oh, yes, of course.

- No, thanks. - That isn't polite.

This is Mr. and Mrs.

Parkson's wedding anniversary.

Sure.

Is it all over?

- Is what all over? - A third degree.

Pardon me. May I borrow your rubber hose

in a piece of lead

pipe to liquidate my wife?

I, for one, think all this uproar about

one murder seems rather sardonic.

Did you pronounce that sardonic?

Yes.

A short while ago, millions of helpless

little people were being

murdered all over the world.

Some of their murderers, by behaving like

nice, defeated little people,

are walking about Scott

Free this very minute.

And here, one girl is killed, and from

what I read, the town's

being turned upside down.

That is a joke, isn't it?

Yeah, and what's

everyone so excited about?

If you don't mind,

I'd like to answer that.

Go ahead.

If we've learned anything

in these last few years,

it's that the harm done one person

anywhere in the world is

done to each of us individually.

Well, a humanitarian in plain clothes.

To our dearest, darling, avenging, homicide squad,

and to a beautiful crime. What's the matter? Wrong music?

Crime is not funny to me, mister,

and I won't drink to it even when

somebody else is buying the drink.

Well, Mr. and Mrs.

Parkinson have the same idea.

I think one of the reasons for the

increase in crime is that

too many people think

it's funny to break the law.

Don't you think there's a little of what

you might call larceny in

everybody, Mr. Parkinson?

Here, here.

No, I think that's a false assumption,

and a very convenient

one for the lawbreaker.

You see, if he can

perpetuate that bit of fiction,

he can always excuse himself by saying,

"There but for the grace of God go you."

You don't sound like

a very forgiving man.

I'm afraid I'm not.

How do you like that?

I make a toast and

everybody gets burned up.

Oh, somebody please

refill my fire extinguisher.

I'm going to say

something, Mr. Parkinson.

This probably isn't

the place to say it, but

I get a little tired of

hearing people talk like you do.

Really? What's the trouble?

Talk about pulling the law

and handing out punishment.

It's easy enough to talk about when it

isn't happening to you.

Well, I think I'd feel the

same way under any circumstances.

Any circumstances?

Even if the body were in your own house?

Are you speaking of murder, Mr. Arnello?

Sure. Murder, or for

that matter, any crime.

From shoplifting to hacking up a body and

burning it in the furnace.

Well, for a nightclub party, this

certainly has turned

into a visit to the morgue.

Yes, what is this, Mr.

Arnello? Part of your floor show?

I think this is a very

interesting conversation.

I asked you a question, Mr. Parkinson.

Why don't you answer?

Oh, I will, by all means.

Where crime is concerned, with a criminal

of my own mother, I'd turn

her into the authorities.

Oh, he said it. The man said it.

Is this an anniversary

party or the criminal court?

Detective, like Mr. Leonard sits down

with you, you always

end up talking murder.

Blame the counselor, not me.

Blame the counselor.

And you're married to the character.

Would he turn in his own mother?

How about it, Mrs. Parkinson? Would he

turn in Mama for murder?

You know, Ann, just give me a plate of

bacon and eggs, a full pocketbook, a

chinchilla coat, and a man.

I seem to have said that before.

Ah, I adore eating with

invalids. That's so restful.

Come on, have some eggs.

I'm not hungry.

Well, at least you

ought to have some coffee.

What made you fall

apart like that last night?

You know, my brain may never be preserved

in alcohol, but I catch on quick.

Now, how could you get the toast that

black without burning down the house?

Why did you swoon last night?

Well, if folks are sick,

they should rest in peace.

That's quite a figure of speech.

That's quite a figure.

You know, I'm worried

about my failing appetite.

Look, darling, you're obviously in the

middle of a problem,

and a problem means a man.

And a man always brings Vivian on her

little red fire wagon.

Want to tell me about it?

I don't know what you mean.

Huh?

That's quite a tidy breakfast.

Well, I'm the last gal to heave stones,

and to coin a cliché, I don't blame you

for trying your wings a little.

My only objection is to

the bird you've picked.

Excuse me, Miss Poxen. Telephone.

I told him you was busy.

I just kept telling him.

He said tell you it was two

o'clock. It's just after nine.

It's all right. I'll answer it.

Excuse me.

Ann, I was saying canaries and hawks

don't make good playmates.

I have to answer the telephone.

So you have to answer the telephone.

Yes?

How do you feel?

What is it?

I just got a tip that detective you met

at my place will visit you today.

In case you decide to say the wrong

words, I want to tell you

something you don't know.

That letter you started to write to me

about a certain lady, about what's

happened can't be changed, about how

crazy you were to do

what you did, remember?

I got that letter, so now it's what the

police call a complete case. Proof you

were there, proof you had a motive.

I didn't mean her, it was you.

But you didn't finish the

letter. So it's too bad.

Murder never makes sense. We ask

questions sometimes,

don't make sense either.

I suppose I should be angry about all

this, but as a matter

of fact, I'm just amused.

Okay.

But even the best joke will only go so

far. Mr. Leonard, what is this all about?

Mr. Parkson, you're a lawyer and they

tell me you're pretty good.

Well?

There have been times when you've gone

into court and

haven't had much of a case.

So you just kept on talking and hoped

that other people would

keep on talking to you.

That's right.

That's the way it is with

me, I'm talking and hoping.

Well, I hope you get it.

Thanks.

Well, Mr. Parkson.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes, why?

You make things, model, workshop.

Yes. How did you know?

More straw grabbing.

I'd like to speak to Mr. Arnello, please.

Will you tell him that his attorney, Mr.

Parkson, called and I want him to call me

as soon as possible.

It's very important.

Thank you.

You collect tropical fish?

My husband does.

It's an interesting hobby.

Did your husband know Claire Lorison?

No.

Did you? No. You ought to tell your husband he's

keeping this water a little too hot.

Keeps him from having young ones.

Now, how well do you know Tony Arnello?

He's a client of my husband's.

Mrs. Parkson, where were you the day

Claire Lorison was murdered?

I don't know what day that was. I don't know what day that was. Forgotten so soon, two days ago.

Where did you go that day?

I went shopping.

With whom?

Vivian Delwin.

Until what time?

I don't remember, rather late.

Were you home for dinner?

Yes, of course.

Why must you ask me these questions?

Just grabbing its straws.

Well, thanks.

I'll be right back. Well, thanks.

All is it?

He's nine.

Mine's eight.

Well, don't forget to tell your husband

about not keeping that water too hot.

Well, I guess I'm

just a farm boy at heart.

I still like to wash up in the kitchen.

Oh, I don't mind.

I'm just a farm girl from Harlem myself.

And?

Yes, Ted.

Guess what?

I'm suspected of murder.

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure. I'm not sure. You remember that detective, the fellow

we met at Arnello's last night?

He dropped into the

office today to see me.

Why did he want you?

What'd you say?

Why did he want you?

Well, he asked a lot of questions.

He finally admitted he

was just grasping at straws.

That was his trif phrase, not mine.

Why you?

I have the slightest idea.

He mentioned something about being

interested in my reaction as to what he

said about murder last night.

But then he didn't talk about it.

You're the one he should have gone after.

After all, you're the

one who fainted, not I.

That's true.

You think I ought to hire a lawyer?

I think so. You know how Ricky

feels about law and order.

He's a chip off my block.

I'm going to my room for a minute.

Okay.

Maybell, how about a small snitch?

Looks like you didn't have your life.

Ouch.

That reminds me, you better cool off the

water in your fishbowl.

Huh?

You sure seem to know what he was talking

about, that Mr. Lemon.

I'm going to be your mother.

One, two, three, four.

Hi, coach. Touchdown.

No, not tonight, son. I've

got to talk to your mother.

Hey.

Oh, look out. Did you hurt yourself?

I'm okay.

But if we busted Mom's mirror...

No, it's all right.

Look at the pretty key Mom's got.

Somebody ask the ball, please.

I got full hands. Yes, this is Mr. Parkson.

Who?

Yes, I did call you.

I must see you right away. Tonight.

Where can you meet me?

No, I'd rather not

discuss it over the phone.

Very well.

My office tomorrow at two o'clock.

I'm sorry.

Is anything wrong, Ted?

No.

No, it was just a client.

I told you he ain't here.

Yeah, I'm sure he ain't.

When, when?

Every time you've called up, I've told

you he don't get here till 12.

Oh, please, lady, have a heart, will you?

I got my work to do.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Now, wait a minute, Mr. Parkson.

For the last half hour you've been

throwing the book at me,

I'm going to throw one at you.

Who are you here to represent? Tony

Arnello or yourself?

I'm representing Mr.

Arnello in a tax matter.

But apparently that representation

implicates myself and my

family in some sort of a crime.

He either has or is

suspected of having committed.

Now, I want the facts in this case. I'm

entitled to know them.

Does Tony Arnello know you're here?

For the last 30 minutes, Mr. Leonard,

you've given me nothing but double talk.

I haven't had one direct answer.

Mr. Arnello is due at

my office at two o'clock.

Now, if he's implicated in a criminal

case, I'm entitled to know about it.

Our firm is a very conservative one.

Well, thanks, George.

You were saying, Mr. Parkson?

I was saying that I want the facts in

this case, all of them.

If you haven't, any say

so, because I haven't...

Oh, yes. There's a fact for you.

It's the only one we have outside of Tony

Arnello's name written on a card.

May I?

Unusual, isn't it?

It was found next to the body.

Then the murder was a...

A murder. A murder. A murder. Then the murder was a woman?

Between a fact like that and

a conviction is a long road.

I'm traveling it.

Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry.

State's evidence.

No more questions, Mr. Parkson?

No, I...

I...

No.

No.

Miss Parkson, Rick is ready.

Miss Parkson?

It's all right.

I have a headache.

I'll get you some pills.

No.

May well you take

Rickie to his grandmother's.

Oh, Miss Parkson, I thought I was...

Please, right away.

Yes.

But I'll put on different clothes if I'm

going to take Rickie out.

It wasn't coming home.

That's what he said.

[music]

All my life everyone's been good to me.

That whole my mother

and father and the dead.

I've never known what

it's been to be hurt.

What you told me that day about your

mother and your home.

You know what it is to

have nothing in to be hurt.

Maybe that's why you're doing this to me.

I can't make up for what you didn't have.

And I'm not to blame for it either.

I almost told him today.

I went to the office.

I was going to state.

Ted, I did it because I was lonely.

He was with me so little.

He thought it was so

much but it was so little.

The crazy thing that I did,

I paid for was so many tears.

Isn't that enough Ted, all the tears?

What if he wouldn't listen to me?

What if he wouldn't believe me?

Rickie.

What if he took Rickie away from me?

I've never understood

how people could beg.

I'm begging you now.

Rickie needs me for

his sake, let me alone.

I wish...

I wish I could deal a new hand.

I mean, all the years.

I wish I could say Anne, I love you.

I'm Tony Arnello and I live back at the

tracks with my mom and my brothers.

I haven't got much.

I've got a job and I'll take care of you

the rest of my life.

Can I come over to your house and ask

your mom and father if

it's okay for you to marry me?

And you will marry me.

That's the way I want it with you. I'm not going to marry you. I'm going to marry you.

I'm going to marry you.

In the morning you come to my

place or I'll come to yours.

That's it.

[music]

Sorry I couldn't keep our

two o'clock appointment.

I got signed up.

More papers for me to sign?

Look, I can't read minds talk words.

What about my wife?

What about your wife?

She's been coming here.

You've been working too hard, mister.

I want an answer.

Mr. Parkson, you've got a

beautiful wife I saw once.

Twice.

You were there both times.

Now excuse me, I've had a tough day.

Whatever's going on between my wife and

you, I won't discuss now.

I'll take care of that later.

But murder,

she's been accused of murder.

Why do you say that?

Don't play games with me.

You know it too.

Leonard believes that she did it.

He knows who she is and

where she is in any minute now.

Arnello, my wife didn't kill that woman.

You of all people know that she didn't.

If you tell me the truth,

I swear that I'll help you.

Tell me Anne didn't kill.

I can't tell you that.

You liar.

She didn't kill.

Mr. Parkson said a million times it

doesn't change the facts.

You've been married to her for a long

time, but you don't know her at all.

You let her down.

She fell in love with me.

She killed that woman and

you and I can't change that.

Why do you think she fainted when that detective was talking to her?

Open your eyes, man. Remember?

She went out of her head.

She left her compact there.

She even wrote me a

letter saying she did it.

- A letter? - Yes, a letter.

I've got it and you can read it yourself.

She tells why she did

it and when she did it.

I'm going out of my head

trying to figure a way out for her.

I think I know it now.

I'm going out of my head trying to figure a way out for her. But you've got to go home and keep your

mouth shut or I can't help her.

If you really want to

help Anne, please go home.

I just haven't been sleeping well.

Come into the office and

let me make a thorough check.

No, it's so late. I must get home. I

don't want to worry, Ted.

If you aren't feeling well.

If I could just get some

sleep, I know I'd be all right.

All right. I'll take care

of that. Come along, please.

I'm going to go home.

I'm going to go home. I'm going to go home. I'm going to go home. I'm going to go home. I'm going to go home. I'm going to give you

these on one condition.

It will be in my office at 10 o'clock in

the morning for a thorough checkup.

You can take two of

these. I think one's enough.

There. Take it just before you go to bed.

Could I have a glass of water?

Of course.

I'm going to go home.

You married the girl, so

you thought that was settled.

That's what marriage is supposed to do to

a woman, isn't it? Settle her down.

Pretty soon it becomes a routine.

Housework, children, husband.

And she knows what day it is, and she

knows what minute it is,

because it's always the same.

Oh, the husband finds

plenty to interest him.

Making money, making

a career for himself,

meeting some cutie pie in the office who

makes him forget what time it is.

Then the little woman of the house starts

playing around with sauce for the goose.

Pretty soon she and the husband are

running in opposite directions,

meeting only to discuss alimony and how

often Papa should see the children.

Understand? Oh, brother.

Vivian, you've got to listen to me.

They think that Anne killed that woman.

What?

That actress. They

think that Anne killed her.

Ted, are you crazy?

The police believe she did it.

They found Anne's compact by the body.

Do you actually believe that Anne...

Listen.

If anyone had told me a

week ago that my wife...

But tonight...

I was with the man.

I didn't kill him.

I didn't even hit him.

I just listened to him.

All I could do was

stand and listen to him.

Take it easy, Ted.

So I sold her a hat an hour

before she was found dead.

So I killed her.

I'm facing the facts.

Arnello told me that he had a

letter that Anne had written,

in which he says that...

Ted, what's the matter?

What time was Clara Lorison in your shop?

What time did you say

Clara Lorison was in your shop?

Well, I was just closing.

She made me open up for her.

What time? Tell me.

But we had dinner

together at 6 o'clock at home.

Anne, was it home? Do you hear me?

Homicide, Lieutenant Leonard.

This is Mr. Parkson.

Oh, yes.

Exactly what time was

Clara Lorison murdered?

Well, as near as those

things can be figured,

the coroner estimates it happened between

7 and 8 o'clock. Why?

Nothing at all. Thank you very much.

I love you, Anne. I love you very much.

I love you as much as I did at first.

No. I love you more.

You'll be the prettiest, Mom.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're the prettiest, Mom. Mom, I've decided something. You're beautiful.

Good night, Mom.

All right, George. Bring

him along to headquarters.

Stay with us.

Mr. Parkson!

See, Tony?

Just saved you from

having your head blown off.

Don't underestimate him.

I remember hearing your ma say it.

When the righteous man

is finally moved to fury,

it's like the hand of God.

Okay, I'll take care

of you for Christmas.

You can drop me off at the next corner.

This ride is longer than that.

You better let me out

when I want to get out.

Haven't you wondered why I let you get

away with murder this long?

Did I kill somebody?

There was nothing to connect you with the

death of Claire Lorison,

nothing at all,

until that nightclub party when your

bruised ego ran away with your tongue

and Mrs. Parkson fainted.

Then I saw the whole thing as clear as if

you'd written it out for me.

Play out your bluff.

You were doing the bluffing.

You thought Mrs. Parkson

would never talk about you,

and now she will.

Because her husband found out that she

was home the very hour

Claire Lorison was killed.

A gambler like you should know that

bluffs don't pay off in the end,

not if you can't back them up.

I'm sure there are very little in this

life, Tony, but I'm sure you're cooked.

She was just a matter of my waiting until

her husband started working on the

suspicions I gave him.

You better tell me the truth, Tony.

And cop a plea.

Otherwise you're a dead man.

What's funny?

I'm gonna spoil your ride, Sam.

I'm gonna stay alive and you know it.

Not when I get through.

Not when you what? Tell the judge?

That I got too good to stick to your

design for what you call living,

punching a time cloth, watching the

nickels, tipping my hat to the boss.

Yes or no, sir, thanks for the gold

watch, but I'm too old to hear a tick.

Surely you're not going to tell the judge

this case you got against me, Sam,

because from where I sit,

it's nothing but a bright idea.

And nothing to back it up that even a

two-bit lawyer wouldn't

blow up right in the DA's face.

Dead man, Sam?

No.

I'll be around.

But you'll go to trial.

Oh?

I've got enough on you for that.

You'll go to trial and you'll get up in

the courtroom and they'll call your

murderer and you'll know it's true.

Even if you get away with

it, you'll know it's true.

Okay, Sam.

But like I told you,

I'll still be around.

And Mrs. Parkson,

you must have wanted her a

great deal to mix her up in this.

What are you talking about?

It doesn't make any difference to you

that every time I dirty you up at the

trial, she gets it too.

You never thought about

her in the trial, did you?

No, I should you.

But she'll be there. She'll be on trial

just the same as you'll be.

I'm asking you, what

are you talking about?

A woman who was mixed up with Tony

Arnello, the murderer.

That's her ticket from now on.

What, but they call you at

the station, the preacher?

You'll throw your money around

and maybe get away with this.

But it's not the end for her. She's got

to face her neighbors and friends.

You're not a preacher. You're an old

woman with a running mouth.

Well, they won't forget and they won't

let her forget that she was part of the

dirty life of Tony Arnello.

That's the terrible thing about this.

A life of endless tears once she enters

that courtroom and

gets in the newspapers.

And all for nothing.

All because of you.

A guy that's never had a thought about

anything but himself in all his life.

It's a fitting climax to your life, Tony.

Murdering one woman and killing another.

If you're a trial of Kil'Ann Parks and

kill her normal life with

her husband and her kid.

The normal life of good people, Tony. You

wouldn't understand what that is.

Sure, it's nine to five and punching a

clock and getting old

without any easy money.

But there's other things too.

There's loving somebody and having her

love you no matter what.

Having kids by her and working and hoping

with her and getting

old with her beside you.

Still loving you no matter what.

Sure, you're right.

I'm the preacher and you're one of the

wise guys that's inherited the earth.

I don't know why I'm

talking to you about this.

You have no reason to

care anything about her.

A guy that's never cared for anything in

his life. Never loved anything.

[whistling]

Oh no! Tony!

Parkson.

Parkson.

I lied. All the way. She didn't.

[crying]

Maybell, what the?

Ted.

Avery's with her now. I came

down to talk to her and found...

I gave her some pills this afternoon. She

took too many. And she's all right.

[door opens]

Hello, darling.

Ted.

Quiet. You're not supposed to talk.

Please listen.

I know Avery was a little

too generous with those pills.

There isn't a choice.

Now don't interrupt.

Believe me, it's all right.

Oh, no, Ted. You and

Ricky, I am not wrong.

What about you?

Oh, I know. I worried about business, the

world. But what I said that day, Ann...

No, I know it's true. Nothing adds up

unless you're happy.

Unless we're really together.

He won't let us, Ted. You

don't know him. He won't let us.

I know him.

You better fix your pretty face.

See? I told you we'd

amount to something someday.

Mom. What's the

matter? You got a problem?

Okay. Good night, Mom.

Good night, Ricky.