All language subtitles for The Case Of The Curious Bride (1935) - English

Hey.

You ever feel like strangling your wife?

You know, reading about this lawyer guy Perry
Mason sort of encourages the idea in me.

Yeah, having him to defend you, you'd
probably get a medal instead of a hanging.

Sure, just like this hatchet killer
getting himself a jury of all women.

Look at that.

From what they say, 12 women
ain't too many for him to handle.

Hang me, I'm as
guilty as this innocent child.

Women weep as defense
lawyer makes final plea for client.

Hey, give me 4 of those
rags and keep yourself the change.

Perry Mason wins brilliant battle of wits.

Hey Toots, where's my picture?
I stood right next to Perry.

Even as you and I.

Boy, did we put that
trial over, they're raving about us.

Look Perry.

But on the other hand Wilbur, I contend
that the 4 I've selected will lend...

themselves more aptly
to the Bordeaux treatment.

But Perry, taking into consideration,
in this species of crustacean...

the tail folds under the body, not over.

Objection sustained.

Joe, we've decided upon
these 4 antagonistic anthropods.

- Could we conclude some purchase agreement?
- What is it?

He means he wants to buy them chump.

- Good evening Mr. Mason.
- Evening Clancy.

Make it snappy Clancy, the papers say
we're a genius, take a look at that.

Why, thanks.

Oh, pard me Mr. Mason,
a lady was looking for you.

- Good, not carrying a gun or a hatchet.
- Send all dames to me, that's my department.

- That's a dead issue.
- Then who?

Hello Slug.

Great speech Perry, big
success, you certainly put it over.

Thanks, thanks. Gangway, Ok boss...

- What is that?
- An epicure's dream Luigi.

I bought them myself, I selected them myself
and now I'm going to cook them myself.

- Thanks,
- A noble experiment Luigi.

- I'm sorry we're in conference.
- I'm still going to China.

Just lead me to a skillet my learned friend.

Si, signore.

- Hurray for Mr. Mason,
- Mr, Mason, my congratulations.

Have you read about your
big success, Mr. Mason?

No, I never read criminal
news, come on Toots.

Joe, this one is on
my bill if there's room enough.

Hello, signore Mason, buona sera, come esta?

- Bella, Bella, permit me.
- Seguro, excuse me.

Pierre, we are going
to try a noble experiment,

- Si?
- Crab a la Bordeaux.

Benisimo.

- I want to find a white wine, a Bordeaux 21.
- Bellissimo.

We'll mince the crab like lobster thermidor.
Add cheese Pierre, a grated Parmesan.

- No Gruyere tonight.
- No Gruyere tonight? That's tyrannical.

But that's your stomach, not mine.
Good thing you brought the coroner with you.

- Pierre, you'll be wanting my recipe.
- That's right, that's right.

Señor Mason, there's a
lady waiting at the bar.

- If she's at the bar must be for you Toots.
- I'm too busy for that.

No señor, she said she wants to see you.

All right Tony, we'll have
the lady later with a cognac.

- But she say it is very important.
- So is the cognac Tony.

I'll take care of that.
He's got cooking on his mind.

Si señor.

Gentlemen, tonight we make history.
Tonight we startle the entire cooking world.

Our experiment will rank with
those of Albert of the rich.

Hello Perry.

What are you doing?
Whipping up a little fudge?

Rhoda. If I'd known it was you I
wouldn't have kept you waiting a minute.

No, I know.

Why, is only been a few years now since you
were supposed to meet me at a certain bar.

Oh, 5 years as I reckon time. Luigi.

- Bars were against the law then.
- So you wouldn't be seen in one?

Right. Wilbur, you watch
the crabs, Toots, you watch Wilbur.

Rhoda, it's great seeing you again.
You haven't changed a bit.

- You like women a lot, don't you Perry?
- They're nice.

Would you do something for one
even if you were never going to see her?

I would, if she were pretty.
Anything but my recipe for onion soup.

I never told you that, did I? No.

Good, I was afraid I might have.

- When I was younger I was pretty impulsive.
- Yes, I know.

This girl's husband was too.

He disappeared 4 years ago and then,
a short time afterward, he died suddenly.

Died, eh?

Well, at least she was told that he was dead.

That's something you'd think
she'd check up on pretty carefully.

- Just one of those things Perry.
- And now she's married again?

No.

That is, she wants
to get married again but...

somebody told her that she had to prove
definitely that her first husband is dead.

- You don't want me, you want the coroner.
- Are you going to help the poor kid Perry?

It's just that she's curious
about her legal standing.

Just curious, eh? Just a curious bride?

All right, call her that if it
makes it more intriguing to you.

I am mainly intrigued with the
idea of having another drink.

Have one Perry, maybe it'll make you
more sympathetic to my sad story.

You have one too, then maybe you
can make your sad story a little better.

- Waiter. 2 more, just like the last.
- Si, señor.

Won't you help her a little? For me Perry?

When you put it like that, I've got to.

Tell your curious bride to call
at my office for an appointment.

Oh but...

Second hand information
is always unsatisfactory.

What's her name?

Her name, if you have to know,
is, is Helen, Helen Crocker.

Right, where does she live?

If she won't come to see me I may
have to drop in on her, on my way to China.

- 1496 East Sycamore.
- 1496 East Sycamore.

- That must be a nice residence district.
- Yes.

If it weren't underwater.

The bay drowns out East
Sycamore Street to the 800 block.

Mr. Mason, I'm sorry but for your
experiment my only Bordeaux is a 1918.

Use Chablis 21.

What difference does it make Perry,
what her name is or where she lives?

This girl is a friend of mine and she's in
trouble, you can give me the information.

Drink your drink Rhoda, you're getting
terribly upset over this friend of yours.

Well, I wish I could make you
realize what a bad spot she's in.

- Been married long?
- You mean, my friend?

I mean you sweetheart.

You still know everything, don't you Perry?

Well, I know that when a woman fingers
her wedding ring like you're doing...

that she hasn't had it on long.

- No Chablis 21.
- No Chablis 21?

Then I'll have to take a look
in your wine cellar Luigi.

I'll be back in less than 5 years this time.

In the meantime perhaps you can think of your
friend's identity and her correct address.

I'm getting interested in our curious bride.

Come on Luigi.

Chablis '21.

Bravo, señor Mason knows Luigi's
wine cellar better than Luigi, eh?

I going to watch you from now on.

Hurry up, Luigi, I'm hungry.

I'm sorry Rhoda...

Is that you Rhoda?

- Carl, are you awake?
- Yes, I couldn't sleep.

I, I'm sorry.

How's your headache, dear?

I, I thought the air clear
up but it's worse now.

- And my legs ache from walking so far.
- That's too bad.

- You were gone a long time.
- I, I have a sharp pain here.

Carl...

would you mind if I slept in the other room
tonight? I'm afraid that I'll keep you awake.

- If you'd rather.
- I think it's better.

There. Now you go to
sleep, you need your rest.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Excusi, telephone for señor coroner.

- I will connect.
- Sorry boys.

Yes, this is the coroner.

I will, over my dead bodies.

But I can't help you look all afternoon,
I'm in an important meeting of the...

International Committee
for the Elimination of Starvation.

All right.

But I want you gentlemen to remember
one statement made in my official capacity.

I'll be seeing you.

Well Wilbur, what is the latest
error of my astute Grand Jury friends?

Some geek by the name of Gregory
Moxley, sounds like a toothpaste...

was laid gently to rest 4 years
ago at Meadowbrook Cemetery.

Say, that's mighty nice country up there.

You get a marvelous view
of the mountains and ocean.

Some lunatic thinks he
saw Moxley on the Street...

and Grand Jury wants me
to look in the coffin.

Better look in the coffin Wilbur.
We'll finish our coffee at the morgue.

No, now listen, I don't want
to be inhospitable boys...

Oh no Wilbur, you wouldn't deny us
this midnight rendezvous with death.

Kind of a smelly place, now I warn you...

Cafe Royale...

is the loving invention of a man of
emotional depth and courageous imagination.

- It adds a finishing touch to a fine dinner.
- Amen.

Wilbur.

Do you want yours through your strainer?

Come on, come on, what's the dope?

Gregory Moxley, died 4 years ago, pneumonia.

Burial from funeral parlors
of Malivinsky and O'Darrell.

- Height, 5'11.
- Weight, 189.

Which one, Malivinsky or o'Darrell?

Get a can opener son, we'll see whether
this Moxley died of pneumonia or a wild hare.

I shouldn't wonder if
you're due for a surprise Wilbur.

Surprise, in my business? Never.
Nothing but deadly monotony.

Well gentlemen, we might as well get started.

Wish I going to China with you Perry.

Well, if you were a blonde and you
could take shorthand, you would be.

Get 3 slabs ready, I'm bringing friends.

- This is one case I'm curious about.
- My honor gentlemen, ex-officious.

Step lively, my good men.

Oh, I say old thing, you're becoming
slightly green beneath the gills.

Me?

Well, I'll be.

Gentlemen...

In all my experience as a coroner I, I...

Step up please.

Look at this.

I always wondered what
they did with those things.

My grandmother had one of those
back in 1860 in front of her cigar store.

Good old Moxley.

He gave his 6 feet of
land back to the Indians.

What a yarn, what a yarn.

White man saved from the grave by
noble redskin, where's the phone?

This is a headline story.

Spudsy?

There are certain
elements of time and event...

in this nutty night that might be
fitted together, if a man had time.

- For instance.
- Four years.

Husband supposed to be dead.

Rhoda.

I once fought a guy in Fresno, 8
rounds, who had a sister called Rhoda.

This Rhoda hasn't got a
brother but she had a husband.

Oh, it's too bad I'm on a vacation.

Because Spudsy, I'm as
curious as a June bride.

Well, well. You make
a very lovely figure Spudsy...

stripped down to your
bike togs to squeeze an orange.

- Where's Ping?
- Chinese new year's, he's celebrating too.

Think you need a little ice.

I guess we better fill it up
the rest of the way with gin.

No hurry though, he won't be up for hours.

My orders. I told him
he needed a little shuteye.

- Oh, you told him.
- Yeah.

Wake up darling, all aboard for China.
Don't you hear the call of the Orient?

There are a thousand Chinese
gongs clanging in my head.

- Here, drink this.
- Oh, I couldn't.

My mouth tastes like the whole Chinese
army marched through it last night.

Possibly that explains the
beaded bag on your highboy.

- Haven't you looked through that bag yet?
- No, but I'm going to.

- Number 3489261.
- The girl, you mean?

- No, I mean the .25 colt automatic.
- Right.

Looks like you knew
she was going to meet you.

Oh sure, that's why she got that very potent
drug from a prescription by a Dr. Millbank.

- She's got...
- $34.24.

One lipstick, one compact,
one lace handkerchief, one telegram.

That proves you were awfully drunk, otherwise,
you wouldn't have remembered so well.

If I could only remember who the girl was.

- You remember me, don't you?
- Oh, yes, you're Della Street.

Right, so you needn't lie to me, just tell me
how long it'll postpone that trip to China.

Not a moment.

I gave her a chance last night to come clean.

So did whoever sent this telegram.

- Await your final answer.
- At 5 o'clock today extreme limit.

What a memory, who tore off the signature?

That's something I can't remember
because I didn't know, I wish I did.

You got an awfully faraway look in
your eye Perry, and it isn't China, either.

You're wrong Della.

My heart throbs only with the passionate
desire to eat shark fins and bird's-nest soup.

I know, but first you're going
to clear up our little mystery.

You know that as well as I do, so you
might as well get started working.

- I don't want to work, I need a vacation.
- You need a cold shower.

Anybody think that I was
the secretary and you were the boss.

- Well, maybe I am.
- Eh?

China will still be there, they're
not going to move the Great Wall.

- Mr. Mason?
- Yes?

You wanted me to remind you
not to forget to take your clothes off.

Thank you, miss Street.

- After you doctor.
- Thank you.

- Where's the patient please?
- Just a minute.

Spuds.

Mr. Drake, Dr. Millbank.

How are you?

You'll let me see the patient
as soon as possible of course.

Sit down and shut up or
you'll be the patient.

Hi Della.

- Where's Perry?
- In the shower.

I've got the doctor in there.

Too late to do any harm, he's recovering.

- Hey, Toots.
- Yes?

- Is the doctor here?
- Yes, I got him in there.

All right, let's operate.

Good morning doctor,
nice of you to come right over.

I was led to believe I
was to attend a patient here.

Nice of you to believe that doctor, sit down.

You're getting all the important
remarks down in shorthand, aren't you?

I will, if any turn up.

Doctor, don't let the feminine adoration
of the younger set make a sap out of you.

Might I ask who it is that's trying
to make a sap of me at the moment?

I'm Perry Mason.

If you weren't already a sap, you
wouldn't give poison to your lady friends.

Your advice would be a lot more important
if I knew what you were talking about.

And if you did.

I am talking about Rhoda Montaine.
Let's both talk about her now.

Well, since I don't intend to
discuss her, I might as well leave.

You'll stay and I'll talk.

Then maybe we'll let you talk.

Just what do you want with me?
You seem to know everything already.

If you like miss Montaine well enough...

to send her out armed to
the teeth with instruments of death...

you ought to like her well
enough to explain yourself.

The medicine was just
a hypnotic to produce sleep.

- Permanent sleep?
- No, I tell you it isn't a poison.

The gun is.

Rhoda was in trouble and needed protection.

She hasn't got the gun now, she's
only got you for protection and me.

You tell me where Rhoda is and
I'll tell you how we get her out of this.

I haven't anything to say.

Did it interfere with
your friendship for Rhoda...

when she married
Carl Montaine, the millionaire's son?

I don't know why I should
discuss this matter with strangers.

I'm her attorney.

Do you know who sent that telegram?

I haven't anything to say.

- Where's my breakfast?
- On the way.

How about you, doctor?

I?

It's a cinch to be
very tasty, Spudsy cooked it.

- Oh, I guess I'll have some.
- Fine, we're having fowl, I believe.

- I've never had that before, for breakfast.
- Doctor, how do you like your goose cooked?

But this is very irregular sir.

But I received this
message on a business matter.

Tres important and so stupidly
I lose the address of the sender.

Please, you could discover it up for me?

- You are Mr. Montaine?
- Oh, oui.

Well, I'll see what I can do for you sir.

Monsieur Montaine. I have for you ze office.

Merci.

Hello? Is this you Della?
What have you found out for me, eh?

There was a marriage license issued last week
in the name of Carl Montaine of Pasadena.

The girl was Rhoda Moxley, a widow.

Widow Moxley, the coffin man, eh?

Listen my chickadee, get in touch with
the gas and water company and...

see if any connection
had been made for the husband.

I want the address, no?

No, and in case you're
interested, your accent is lousy.

Here it is sir.

The name of the sender
Mr. Montaine is Gregory Moxley.

Moxley?

- Yes, that I know.
- Yes, that we know.

- But the address...?
- 316 Norwalk.

- There you are, sir.
- Ah, merci.

Merci.

I'll still make that boat to China.

Yeah, but how?
It looks like a Chinese puzzle.

That's because you got
such a pure mind Spudsy.

Our girlfriend Rhoda thought
she was a widow for 4 years.

Then she thought she'd become a bride again.

- She did, eh?
- She did.

That's what her first husband had
been playing dead and waiting for.

Now he's turned up and is
putting on the pressure.

- Excuse moi.
- It is nothing Spudsy, rien.

Oh sorry Spudsy,
I'll have to handle this alone.

We only want to give Moxley
such a scare he'll hide himself in a coffin.

Come in.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

I'm here to take charge of things for Rhoda.

- You remember Rhoda?
- Do I?

Remembered her 4 years after you died.

- Oh, so I'm a dead one, am I?
- I wouldn't say that exactly.

Not to a man smart enough to
pull that trick with a wooden Indian.

Oh, you know all about the wooden
Indian, eh? You think that's all right?

Oh, I think it's too bad
you had to wait 4 years to collect.

Well, even a smart fella
makes a little mistake, sometimes.

- You made a big mistake Moxley.
- You're going pretty good yourself buddy.

I ain't Moxley.

If you want to see the
mastermind Moxley, he's in there.

Oh. Thanks.

- You wouldn't be Moxley, would you?
- Not if I could help it.

There's Moxley.

There you are.

That's what happens
to them when they get too smart.

You better take a good look at him.

- Dead, eh?
- That's a great discovery.

Just give us your name so we can
make sure that you get full credit.

Keep away from that phone.

Put that gun away, you might break something.

That you, Perry?

- Well, bless my soul.
- Hello Wilbur.

Well, you boys are as inaccurate as usual.

- He's not a crook.
- He's a cook.

And one of the greatest in the world.

Makes scrambled eggs
taste like peach Melba shortcake.

Hello? Hello?

Let me speak to miss
Street please, this is Mr. Mason.

- Hey, he ain't Perry Mason.?
- Oh, ain't he?

You just finding out?
Don't you ever read your blue book?

Hello Della...

What's new at the gas station?

Both gas and water connections were
made in the name of Carl W. Montaine...

at 2309 Hawthorne Avenue.

- Got it?
- Right.

- Thank you my good woman.
- You're quite welcome my good man.

Well, it's a mighty nice little murder Perry.

Wilbur, I wish I were going to
read about it in a Chinese newspaper.

Who are you working for, the dead
man or the dame that bumped him off?

What happened?

All I know is what I see on the floor.

Mr. Moxley, you won't change places
with any wooden Indian this time.

Any details on how he joined your tribe?

Oh, some.

First the police knew was when people
across the way in the apartment house...

reported last night about 2:30 that someone
over here was trying to disturb the peace.

That's a nice conservative way of putting it.

Somebody made quite a mess of this apartment.

Certainly made a mess of Mr. Moxley.
Hit him on the head with a poker...

stabbed him in the back.
Gosh, that's enough to kill any man.

- Any fingerprints?
- Can't even find the knife.

And you say a woman did it?

Well, a couple across the way said that...

just before the glass
crashed they heard a woman's voice.

- Hello chief.
- Hello Frank.

- Hello Frank.
- Hi boss.

- Hi Joe.
- Hello Wilbur, you got it all figured out?

- Oh, as usual.
- Hello Joe.

- I thought you'd gone to China.
- You wouldn't think Joe, you hope.

I hope you found Mr. Mason standing
over the corpse with a smoking revolver.

He just got here but he knows plenty chief.

He ought to be chief of
detectives instead of you Lucas.

- He knows what he's talking about.
- What are you doing here anyway Mason?

Oh, just a little social call,
the coroner sent for me.

Oh, yes, yes. I want to consult you
about a recipe for icebox cookies.

He didn't talk about no cookies, he talked
about Moxley and a dame named Rhoda.

And some racket that
Moxley was working on her.

Who's Rhoda?

You wouldn't want to
know Joe, it'd get you all mixed up.

We found some keys
that don't belong these doors...

on the floor near the body
and they'll tell us who this Rhoda was.

Anyway, that tells me one
thing the police knew and I didn't.

But just one thing.

Mason phoned chief and
wrote something on a slip of paper.

- Well Mason, what was it?
- Well, I'll tell you Joe.

Just a little music for my exit march.
Well, goodbye boys.

As the coroner says, I'll be seeing you.

- Nice friends you got Wilbur.
- Even you Joe, would like his cooking.

I might if he did it in China.
Let me see those keys.

2309 Hawthorne Avenue
and don't spare the horses.

Ok boss.

I guess you didn't have
much trouble handling Moxley.

- No Spudsy, even you could've handled him.
- Did you put him in his place?

Somebody else had already done a very
excellent job of putting Moxley in his place.

Yeah.

Oh sorry, I'm looking for Rhoda Montaine.

- She's isn't here.
- You don't think so?

- I know she isn't.
- Who are you?

- I'm her husband, that's all.
- You're one of her husbands, that's all.

I know how upset you must be.
I'll answer all phone calls for you.

Yeap.

No, no, this is the Doc Wallabar saloon.

We eat guys with names like that.

Who was that?

That was Joe Lucas,
chief of police detectives.

They're catching up with us, in case
you don't know we're Perry Mason.

Sit down Montaine,
your, your legs are giving way.

What do the police want? What do you want?

I'm trying to help Rhoda, where is she?

I wish I could tell you Mr. Mason.
She acted rather strangely all day.

And a little while ago an
express-man came for her trunk.

- Then she took a light bag and left.
- An express-man, eh?

Light bag? What did she say?

Just that going away was the only
way to save me from scandal.

- What scandal?
- I, I, I don't know.

You must know something or
is it too cold in here for you?

Anybody be a little shaky if...

- his wife walked out like that.
- And the police were about to walk in?

What they want?

Why does everyone know
about this except me? It isn't fair.

Maybe knowing all
about it will calm your nerves.

A little after 2 o'clock this morning,

your wife's former husband,
Gregory Moxley was murdered,

Rhoda wouldn't do it, she didn't.

The police found some keys beside the body.

That screaming phone means
they've traced them to your wife.

- My father could get me out of this.
- Not with all the Montaine millions.

He could get it
hushed up but I can't tell him.

There's never been
anything like this in our family.

I don't know what he'd do to me.

It's terrible Mr. Mason, what can I do?

The best thing for you to
do at any time is nothing.

- But probably even that is asking too much.
- Scandal will ruin me and my father too.

They're going to question you.
Don't talk, not a word.

- But I can't conceal facts.
- Say nothing and plenty of it.

A husband can't testify against
his wife in a criminal proceeding.

Oh, but they'll make me talk.

I'm sorry to see that Rhoda
developed such a taste for hummingbirds.

Hello, hello?

Calling all cars. Attention, all cars.

Check all airports for
woman suspect in Moxley murder.

Suspect named Rhoda Montaine.
Description as follows...

Why the airport?
Are you going to fly to China?

Step on it Spudsy, my
friend Lucas will put a tail on us.

Easiest way to get rid of them is by
stopping, I haven't mopped up a cop since 31.

Airport, that's where Mason is heading.

How you know you'll find her at the airport?

She expressed her trunk
and is carrying a light bag.

That means she's traveling fast and high.

Well, this crate is going to
take off itself any minute.

If she gets off on a plane it will means
she's running away and that'll hang her.

Streetcar blocked him.

All aboard please, plane taking
off in two minutes. All aboard.

Want me to hold him off?
I know a little jujitsu.

They can't arrest her if they don't find her.

You stay near the ticket window.

Frances darling, it was all a horrible
mistake, that woman was my sister.

I know what happened.
Come on darling, we're going to be married.

Get in a phone booth as quickly
as you can, I'll be right with you.

Spudsy...

- Can I have a box of matches?
- Here you are.

Thanks.

Get down on the floor.

- How can I? There isn't room.
- Get down and make room.

Right now, it's the most comfortable
place in the world for you.

- There he is.
- All right, we'll park here.

Hello Enquirer, get me Toots Howard.

Tell that curious bride of yours that her
husband is very definitely dead now.

Perry, what do you mean?

- Hello?
- Hello Toots, Perry Mason.

I'm closeted in a phone
booth with Rhoda Montaine.

The little lady the state is going to try to
hang as the murderer of Gregory Moxley.

By this time Toots, you've probably
read of the killing in your rival paper.

I'm at the municipal airport up
to my neck in police detectives.

Your pretty neck is even worse off.

Hey, you're sinking pretty low.

You want me stagger over and rescue you?

If you get here soon enough,

the Enquirer can have the honor
of capturing the beautiful murderess.

Right.

You're not going to turn me over to
anybody for a crime I didn't commit.

Keep your head and your voice
low and tell me what did happen.

I don't know, I didn't even
know he was dead until now.

You were doing a nice job of
hanging yourself, running away like that.

I knew there be some kind of scandal and
I didn't want to bring my husband into it.

Keep your head.

I thought Moxley
is been dead 4 years, honestly.

I know and Moxley thought
when you married a rich kid that...

he could come back and
make himself a nice living.

But what happened?

Moxley said if he didn't have money by
2 o'clock this morning, he'd make trouble.

You couldn't get the money but
you went to his apartment anyway.

Yes, he was furious, I, I
couldn't do anything with him.

Somebody took care of him all right, who?

I don't know.

He hit me and then the lights went out.
But I didn't kill him, I swear I didn't.

I hope not.

But if we're going to keep that
District Attorney from hanging you...

we've got to do something
more than hope and swear.

- Hello?
- Hello, airport?

There's a funny-looking guy at the newsstand
reading a magazine he hasn't paid for.

- Call him to the phone, will you?
- All right.

Hey bud, you at the newsstand, telephone.

- Hello?
- Spudsy...

Toots Howard will be here any second...

I want to talk to him before
those two dicks crash down on me.

- What shall I do, the usual thing?
- Not to them.

At the moment Toots arrives,
take a good sock at your nearest neighbor.

Ok.

Perry, what we going to do?

- No matter what happens, don't talk.
- All right.

The DA will ask you a lot of questions. He'll
do everything he can to make you answer them.

- You got to promise me you'll keep quiet.
- I promise Perry.

Tell him you won't say a
word unless I'm with you.

I won't talk, how many
times do I have to say it?

Dozens and probably that won't be enough.

Wonder how much rent he pays for that place.

Maybe he's getting a reduction
on account of taking a 6 months lease.

Goodbye.

Hey, man, you gone daffy?

Hey, what's going on?

Oh, Toots.

Now get this through your head. Don't talk.

- Don't talk.
- All right, all right.

This is Toots Howard,
you'll be all right with him.

- Hello Perry.
- Toots, this is Rhoda Montaine.

Of her own free will she surrenders to you
gentlemen as representatives of the Enquirer.

- Well, that's fine Perry.
- Hold it like that please. Shoot.

Hey, what does this mean?

Means that Ms. Rhoda Montaine, of her own
free will, has surrendered to the press.

See here Mason, if you think you can
get away with this, you're crazy.

If you think I can't get away with it, just
start something and see how crazy I am.

Cut it out Fred, he's dynamite.

Young lady, you're under arrest.

Oh, not so fast brother.

Miss Rhoda Montaine
surrendered to the Enquirer...

which paper will turn
her over to the District Attorney...

as soon as we get
our exclusive story off the press.

All right, we'll accept
her from the Enquirer...

As long as we get her, we don't
care how low we have to stoop.

On the pages of the Enquirer
she'll get a square deal.

For once, we'll let the great
American public try a case.

So, that's the kind of a shyster you are.

One more crack like that, my fine flatfooted
friend and I'll tear you boys to ribbons.

Assisted only by my friend,
Mr. Spudsy Drake. Where? Spudsy.

Yeah? You want me?

- What would you do without me?
- I'll get you a nurse to hold your hand.

Am I to be permitted to talk to
the almighty District Attorney?

Ah, hello Stacey.

How long do you think you're going to
get away with hiding my client from me?

I could excuse a flatfoot like Lucas,
but our esteemed District Attorney?

Why don't you have the
Enquirer find her for you?

You and the paperboys work so well together.

The husband? Oh yes, you'll see him too.

In court sir, when I go to trial.

That will get you
nowhere, you can read, can't you?

Well, I thought you might possibly
had read some law in your day.

You did? Well, that's fine.

They'll not change the law for you, Mr. DA.

The husband can't testify against his wife
in a criminal proceeding, even you know that.

- I see.
- Montaine senior's outside.

The kid's father.

- What's he like?
- Looks like he knows his way around.

Past 60, thin straight mouth and poker face.

I've got him, look perfect,
C. Philip Montaine of Pasadena.

I'll dust him off and send him in.

- Come in Mr. Montaine.
- Thank you.

- How do you do?
- Mr. Mason.

Sit down Mr. Montaine,
I've been expecting you.

Then you hoped I'd bring my checkbook.

Naturally, since I happen to be
defending your daughter-in-law.

And naturally, you got the amount of
the check pretty well set in your mind.

Naturally.

Mr. Mason, I am
prepared to double that amount...

if you will consent to
let me decide the perfect outcome.

- Oh, sit down, Mr. Montaine.
- Thank you.

And tell me your idea of the perfect outcome.

My son married a woman whose
greatest affection was for his pocketbook.

- That was Rhoda I suppose.
- Yes, yes.

A woman whose previous life
was hardly above reproach.

Yes, they say she even
ran around with lawyers.

A woman who even after her
marriage made clandestine appointments...

with a young intern named
Millbeck and with her former husband.

I think it would be best Mr. Mason...

if my son were free from this
unfortunate marriage entanglement.

I see, then it is your intention
to find your son's marriage illegal.

In a nutshell Mr. Counselor, I shall
attempt to do that very thing, at any cost.

Even at the cost of Mrs. Montaine's life?

I've made quite a lot of
money in my time young man.

But I didn't make it by being blunt.

And I've done pretty well in my
own small way, mainly by being blunt.

I'm defending a woman
charged with murder Mr. Montaine...

and it's my idea to
defend her as well as I can.

- Then you refuse my offer?
- As bluntly as possible.

I guess I shall have to rely on
the District Attorney Mr. Mason.

I guess you will, although I can't absolutely
recommend him as a man to depend on.

It promises to be a very
interesting battle counselor.

I'll do my best to make it so Mr. Montaine.

- I hope we should meet again, soon.
- I do too sir.

- I have a friend I'd like you to meet.
- Yes?

- Wilbur Strong.
- Wilbur Strong?

- I don't think I quite place the name.
- Our coroner.

Good day sir.

Well?

I thought you said you
were going to dust him off.

- I decided to let you do that.
- I did.

Sir C. Philip Montaine of Pasadena.

Della, I'm going over
District Attorney's office.

Oh, by the way, you'd better
call the steamship company and...

tell them I won't be able
to make that boat for China.

They'll be awfully glad to know
that, the boat sailed this morning.

Wait a minute.

- You can't see the District Attorney.
- No till I open the door.

Hello Perry.

Something worrying you?

Why, I know, it's the Montaine-Moxley case.
Well, don't let it upset you or my practice.

I'll see if Lucas knows
where the young lady is.

If you're pretending
that you think Joe Lucas...

knows anything, I know
I'm getting the runaround.

This is Stacey, is Lucas there?

- Old friend named...
- Mason.

Mason, inquiring about him.

I don't know sir, I really couldn't tell you.

- I think Mr. Lucas is out playing golf.
- Golf? The lucky stiff.

Probably find him at the club.

- Out there yesterday, I shot a...
- You boys aren't playing golf.

You're playing hide and seek.
It's a kid's game at best Mr. DA.

Bad shot Mr. Mason.

I got a little surprise for you.
Come in, Mr. Montaine.

Carl.

Hello Rhoda.

I guess you two would like to be left alone.

Ok Paul, get it all and don't let
the newlyweds get you too excited.

Oh darling, I missed you so much,
you're all that I've got to keep me going.

Oh Carl, it's been so awful not seeing you.

I knew when I ran away
that it was going to hurt me but...

but I had to do it to keep from hurting you.

Let's not talk about how hard it
was for you to keep from hurting me.

But, but I did.

I tried every way possible
to make Moxley go away.

I suppose that's why you
sneaked down to Luigi's that night.

Yes, I wanted to consult
Perry Mason about the legal side.

And what were you
consulting Dr. Millbeck about.

The medical possibility
of a man returning to life?

- He's just an old friend.
- Just an old friend?

But you had to sneak out
of the house to meet him?

Carl, you can't mean that...

I mean that I called his apartment
the night of the murder, he wasn't there.

You two were together.

I'm your husband but I, I'm
not intimate enough with you...

Carl, you don't think that...

And I thought that you loved me.

The only thing that's kept me
going during these past awful hours was...

was the thought that you'd stand by me.

The law must take its course Rhoda.

Even if it means
scandal for the Montaine name.

Those are your father's words Carl.
They, they don't sound like you.

Well, I guess that young couple of yours won't
be speaking to each other for quite a while.

Here's that statement you
ordered if you want it now.

I guess so, we aren't proving anything here.

Only no matter how low Moxley was,
that girl killed the wrong husband.

Bah, don't be so sentimental.

Sorry, time is up, I can't
let you two have any more secrets.

- Thanks for the favor Mr. Lucas.
- Oh, that's all right.

Sit down Mrs. Montaine.

Now don't worry, I just had a
talk with the District Attorney.

Now, the people in the
apartment house next door...

claim that Moxley's doorbell was ringing
at the time that the murder was committed.

Now Mrs. Montaine...

if you were ringing Moxley's doorbell
and he didn't answer the door...

because he was busy
getting killed at the time...

it couldn't have been you that killed him.

Don't you see, that lets you out.

Yes, that must've been it I...

I rang the doorbell
and didn't get any answer.

I remember exactly now.

Well, that's fine, saying that will get us a
lot further than you just waiting for...

Perry Mason to let you talk.

Now, you just sign this statement to that
effect and everything will be all right.

You can't go in there Mr. Mason,
the District Attorney is very busy.

Not too busy to look over this
habeas corpus for my client.

- But Mr...
- A gentleman of the press.

- That makes it perjury.
- I'm sorry, but we want to see Perry Mason.

Here's something for
you to write down in your book.

The District Attorney isn't busy now.
He isn't in his office, where is he?

- I don't know.
- You're fired.

Gentlemen of the jury.

- All right Perry, let's have it.
- Gentlemen of the jury...

For I could ask for no more jurisprudent
assemblage than this astute group.

Is it not with the utmost falseness that this
building is known as the hall of justice?

That's right Perry.

I have here a document.

Known technically as a habeas corpus,
you know the meaning of that word.

The ancient Romans from
whom it sprang knew its significance...

but does our District Attorney?

It means that my client, that innocent
child victim of modern scheming...

must be delivered into my hands.

A privilege which is being denied me and her.

But is this justice served? It is not.

Not only is my client hidden from me,
the District Attorney hides from me.

Now spread that on your good sheets.

Is that all right for the
climax or could we do it better?

Very good.

- They might know the answer.
- Hello Perry.

You're getting very hard to find Mr. DA.
I have a present for you.

Oh, we have a little legal document too.
Perhaps you recognize the signature.

It's your client's.

When she signed this, she
practically signed her death warrant.

I'm sorry sir, but I don't think the
snails have had enough of vitamin D.

What about the bouillabaisse?

Well, it's very difficult to trace the diet

tendencies and ancestry
of each individual fish sir.

Very well my good man, start serving.
And you my good woman, start talking.

Oh, he's been stone deaf since birth.

Oh, I never hear anything unless
the great oracle flimsy-flamsy...

pops his potent
puss in my definite direction.

- Little more quiet please.
- Yes, right.

Go ahead Rhoda.

Moxley was so furious about my not
bringing the money that he hit me and...

and tried to choke me.

Then I broke loose and I
grabbed a poker from the fireplace.

- When he came at me again, I hit him good.
- Good?

Well, when I get you before
the jury, don't hit so enthusiastically.

- He staggered back but he didn't fall.
- That's where you ran out?

No, I started to but suddenly all
the lights went out and I realized that...

somebody else was in the apartment.

Maybe it was the wooden Indian
who came to scalp Moxley for revenge.

- You couldn't see who it was Rhoda?
- No, everything was happening at once.

There were matches being lighted by somebody
and a doorbell was ringing, frantically.

Then I heard the sound of
glass crashing in the bedroom.

And after that, the doorbell
stopped ringing and all was quiet.

- Then I ran down the steps to my car.
- You went right home?

Our plea would've been self defense.

But you smashed all that up by telling
the police that you were ringing the bell.

I can scarcely remember signing it.

All the state has to do is produce
the person who was ringing the bell.

Their finding your keys beside the
body makes you out a lovely little liar.

What difference does
it make with Carl against me.

- What did you marry him for?
- I loved him.

He was so helpless
and his father had ruined his life.

- Yes, well the state is trying to ruin yours.
- Your time is up.

We'll show them a thing or two Rhoda.

Joe?

Do you happen still to have a gentleman
named Fibo Morgan on the guest list?

- Sure, he's in cell 9.
- Well, I'd like to see him, please.

Certainly.

- Oh, what do you want now?
- Perry Mason to see you.

Too late to do me any good this time.

Hello Fibo.

How are you Mr. Mason? Come and sit down.

- You coming out to my hanging?
- I don't think I'll be able to, sorry.

Oh, that's too bad.
I wish you'd try and make it.

Fibo, that blonde cousin of yours,
is she still around and about?

Florabelle? Yeah.

You think she'd do something
for me, for what I did for her?

The only hitch is, you done too
much for her, she's quitting the racket...

and getting married to a
paperhanger, can you figure that out?

- Is her record still clean?
- Yeah.

- She's still at the Churchill hotel?
- Yeah.

Do the police know she's a relative of yours?

I never took my work into my own home.

As I remember Florabelle, she had what
it takes, she was a pretty good actress.

That girl had a great future, one
of the best in the badger game.

I think I've got a little
farewell performance for her.

Oh gee, that's swell Mr. Mason, you know I've
been feeling awful low about her marrying...

that paperhanger.

Now I can put that
rope necktie around my neck...

a-grinning knowing that Florabelle
is carrying on the family tradition.

What's this? What's this?

- I remembered that you liked snails Fibo.
- Snails. Ah gee. Well, so long Mr. Mason.

- Good evening Mr. Mason.
- Come in Spudsy, I want to talk a minute.

I got work for you tomorrow.

I'll be free until 6:30 when the Lasky
Spumoni fight goes on the air from New York.

Spudsy, Moxley's record was to
marry women and then disappear.

Lots of husbands would like to do that.

He'd wait until his widows had married again
and then he'd come back and demand money.

Oh, I know one thing,
he's not coming back this time.

And so tomorrow
Spudsy, you must go out and...

find some other woman
that Moxley was married to.

Oh, I suppose I take a spyglass,
go down to San Diego and...

- start looking up and down the coast.
- You'll get her down to the morgue.

I don't care how but
you'll get her down there.

Have her identify Moxley as her dead husband.

That makes it so
Rhoda ain't married to Moxley...

because he's already got another wife living.

Yes and it makes her
marriage to Montaine legitimate.

Under the law, a husband
can't testify against his wife.

That'll stop young
Montaine from going on the stand.

Now we're getting somewhere.

Now, you've got just 12
hours to find that woman.

It's a cinch.

You think I better start from north
to south or go from east to west?

Oh, come come Spudsy, surely you can think of
some lady friend who might've wed Mr. Moxley?

Well, I've known a lot of women in my life...

but I usually stuck with the
dames that weren't the marrying kind.

While you're in this sentimental mood...

remember a certain blonde
living at the Churchill hotel.

She might need
a lot of consoling right now...

Because her brother is
going to get his neck stretched.

Partly, but more because of her grief
over the recent tragic murder of her husband.

Boy, am I glad we thought of her?

Oh, Gregory, Gregory, to think
that after all these years...

- Oh, my darling.
- Are you ready boys?

- Just a minute, Mrs. Lawson.
- Hold it, thank you.

That's fine boys.

Mrs. Lawson, the Times
will give you 1,000 dollars...

for the exclusive story
of your marriage to Moxley.

Money can't bribe me miss.

My love for Gregory
was too great and too fine to be...

splashed all over the
front page of your yellow sheet.

What about this wooden Indian business lady?
Is that the way Moxley walked out on you?

That was poor Gregory's only complex.
He used to call our love nest his tepee.

- And me his little wigwam.
- Oh, well isn't that sad?

There you are, boys.

We're from the District
Attorney's office madam.

- What is your name?
- Mrs. Gregory Lawson sir.

This man is my husband and his
name is Lawson not Moxley.

What makes you think he's your husband?

Don't you think I know every
hair on poor Gregory's head?

I, who have been with him
through fair weather and foul?

Say, what was he, an airplane pilot?

You'll pay for that sir, blaspheming the dead.
There'll come a day when you'll be judged...

and in a higher court than you've ever seen.

- Where is your marriage license Mrs. Lawson?
- I have it right here.

A document sealed with love. Oh, Gregory.

Sonora, Mexico, eh?

I'm afraid you'll have to
come with us, Mrs. Lawson.

The District Attorney wants to talk to you.

You mean to tell me that I'm not
to have a minute along with my dead?

How do you figure Toots?

It looks to me like Perry was born
with a lot of lucky horseshoes.

Yes and he only puts one in his glove.

When he swings a fast one at a DA.

Doctor, someone wants to speak to you.

- Oh say, can I take another peek at Moxley?
- Make yourself at home Toots.

Hey Toots, who won the Lasky-Spumoni fight?

Who's that? Come out of there.

Come on, come on.
Put that light out and fight like a man.

- You wouldn't hit me, would you Spudsy?
- Perry.

Della told me you were here so I...

If it's a toothpick you want I got one.

Look.

That's funny, my kid
sister is saving them too.

She's got 273 of them,

I've only got one.
How were things at the morgue?

I stymied them.

Look.

You should've seen the faces
on the District Attorney's stooges.

Good work Spudsy.

And you should've seen
the tears streaming down her kisser.

Really, she's more of a
legitimate fake than I thought she was.

Ah, why I never get any credit?

Smell, boss. Tear gas.

I fed that blonde enough
to drown out the District Attorney.

- You're making a sissy out of me.
- I gassed myself.

Oh, this makes a nice farewell scene
here in the moonlight, doesn't it Spudsy?

- You going away boss?
- No, but you are.

- South San Francisco.
- But...

Don't cross me when
I'm in this condition Spudsy.

Tell me you want to
go down to south San Francisco and...

Investigate every resident
of this, this Fremont hotel.

All right boss, I'll go.

I didn't mean to make you cry.

South San Francisco is very dear to my heart.

One moment please.

Ok, miss Dowstry, here's your lady.

Don't let me stop your fun sister.

From the look on that pan of yours it
must've been a nice, juicy conversation.

- I've heard better.
- Confidentially...

Can you talk with your mouth full of food?

Confidentially, I
go for a bite in 15 minutes.

Can I join you?

I got a hunch we can write a swell book.

With your ears and my brains.

Well, I generally don't accept invitations
from gentlemen but I think you're pretty safe.

- ♪ I was pure and Lily-white ♪
- ♪ She was pure and Lily-white ♪

♪ Just a baby from the clover in the house
of Casanova on a dark and stormy night ♪

- ♪ I was an orphan in the storm.
- ♪ She was an orphan in the storm ♪

- ♪ But my heart was young and warm ♪
- ♪ Yes, her heart was young and warm ♪

You mean the
one in white, leading the number?

Yeah, not bad?

I traced her here all the way
from south San Francisco.

Well, she's just your type.

- ♪ Oh sisters, weep for me ♪
- ♪ boo hoo hoo ♪

- ♪ There ain't no sleep for me ♪
- ♪ boo hoo hoo ♪

♪ There ain't no peace of mind, till I find ♪

♪ That double-crossing son of
a gun of the lowest kind ♪

- ♪ The dirty dog. ♪
- ♪ They'll round him up this very night ♪

- ♪ If he doesn't do what's right ♪
- ♪ if he doesn't do what's right ♪

♪ He'll be quickly executed for the gal he
disreputed on this dark and stormy night. ♪

Been able to think up any reason
for connecting her with the case?

Sure, she and her brother.

- Her brother?
- A guy by the name of Oscar.

They phoned Moxley from the hotel
just 30 minutes before he got bumped off.

- The telephone operator gave me the tip.
- Good.

You stick with me, I've already checked on it
and I found out she married Moxley last year.

That makes Florabelle an illegitimate
wife, what could I do without you?

How late did you say we were going to work?

Too late. Besides, they're all
married to big, tough truck drivers.

The poor kids.

♪ He'll be quickly executed for the gal he
disreputed on that dark and stormy night. ♪

Can we talk to you for a minute? We're
inspectors from the telephone company.

Telephone company? I haven't
much time now, can you wait a minute?

Lady, I wish we could but the telephone
company wants an answer right away.

An answer? What's the beef?

Somebody is been slipping salted
pennies in the box for the nickels?

No, long-distance trouble.

You were in south
San Francisco the night of the 12th.

Is it a crime now
being in south San Francisco?

No, but it's a crime to try to collect
money over the telephone by threat.

That's almost as bad blackmail
as demanding money by postal card.

It looks like the telephone company
got the wrong number as usual.

Lady, there's no use denying...

that you called San Francisco
that night from the Fremont hotel.

No? Well, there's no use in
claiming we tried a shakedown.

- Who's we?
- Oh, I guess it was two other people.

I guess that just about proves
it was a man's voice putting in the call.

- And that voice was your brother's.
- Is that what the report says?

Yeah, here's the official index card, look.

Say, did you notice who that call was to?

I didn't notice before myself.

It is to Gregory Moxley,
the guy that got bumped.

A murder rap, eh? Well, that sort of
takes it out of our hands, don't it?

Wait a minute, that telephone call didn't
have anything to do with that killing.

You ain't going to get us mixed
up in any murder case lady.

- Wait a minute, listen.
- Good night.

Come on, you're due
for the hot shivers number.

- Hot shivers?
- Brother, I'm already shaking.

- Balboa Hotel and make it snappy.
- Balboa Hotel, right away.

- Taxi?
- Taxi.

Follow that cab.

- Is Mr. Pender in?
- Yes, he's upstairs.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

- Pack of specials.
- Yes sir.

- Who is it?
- It's me, open the door.

What you doing here?
I thought I told you not to come?

Oh, don't go haywire.
Wait till you hear what I got to say.

All right, go ahead, spill it.

Tell me the truth Oscar,
did you really kill Moxley?

Of course I didn't. Say, what's eating you?

I was on the scene but I didn't do the work.

Then what are you afraid of? Why don't
you go to the cops and square yourself?

Because they got nothing on me
and I want to keep them that way.

- Now beat it, get out of here.
- But I want to help you.

Will you please do as I say for once.
Come on, goodbye.

And keep the family trouble in the family.

- Ok, but watch your step.
- Don't worry about me.

Oh, pardon me.

Tell your partner when
he comes back I got a few...

cases of that stuff that's way ahead of
that caramel, what they sell in the stores.

I think you're in the wrong kennel brother.

Oh, I don't think so.

- Maybe it's the wrong hotel.
- I guess so.

Don't I know you?

You're from south San Francisco, ain't you?
Your name is Pender.

Say, I kind of remember you too buddy.

Come on in.

I thought your face was familiar.
Where did we meet?

Well, wasn't it in the pool room?

Oh yeah, the pool room.

Are you sure it was me?

- Maybe you're talking about my brother?
- Well, it was such a long time ago.

- Maybe it was your brother.
- That's funny.

Because I never had a brother.
And what's more, I never had a sister either.

You never had a sister.
Oh, what do you think of that?

No, no sister,
no brother. In fact, I'm an orphan.

Now ain't that sad.

The back stair, the porch, the kitchen,
the living room, hall, bedroom.

Yeah, and another night like this and
I'll be cutting paper dolls to go in that.

Pretty late for a lady still to be working.

Yes and it's late
for a lady to be still in jail.

And is late for Spudsy to
be out on a wild goose chase.

Yeah but you still have that Moxley widow.

I don't think I'll have her long.

From the way she's behaving down
at the morgue, she'll hold out all right.

She's got a lot of
what it takes, for a blonde.

She better have.

- Or else you're getting...
- Sure I know the gamble.

It's blonde on all the rest of it.

But this isn't his life at stake.

Blondes have been known to make
saps out of supposedly intelligent men.

Yes, I've heard that.
But don't start out to prove it right now.

Things are messed up badly enough right now.

- You better go home.
- Perry?

Perry my friend, Hello Della..

Well, I got some more bad news for you.

Your young doctor Millbeck
turned out to be a bell ringer.

He admitted to Lucas
it was him ringing the bell...

while Moxley was up
rehearsing his death rattle.

Well, that's fine, he certainly
fixed things up beautifully for Rhoda.

Didn't he, though? Her say was her
ringing the bell and her keys by the body..

She's a pretty spot. Well, guess
I'll have a little of your embalming fluid.

Your own private stock, hey Perry?

- You want a straight one now?
- I guess I will.

Give in a little blonde, answer the phone.

- You told me to go home.
- Never mind.

Hello, Perry Mason talking.

Oh, put the master on.

The District Attorney.

What you going to do? Keep me here all night?

You don't get to...

- Hello?
- Hello Stacey.

Sorry to keep you up so
late, worrying about me.

Well, I think we've managed
to work out something that'll keep...

you up all night,
every night until the trial.

I wouldn't mind a little
competition for a change.

Listen Mason...

you're not planning to use that woman's
identification of Moxley as her husband?

Somebody paid her to do that.
We caught her putting the money in the bank.

- That's a lie.
- Ah, sit down.

I got that money as a present.

I got an uncle in
Australia who's rolling in dough.

And you got a cousin in Saint Quentin
who's waiting to get his neck straight.

Yes, but Perry Mason doesn't deny that
it was a false identification even if you do.

Remember you're fooling
around with a murder charge here.

All right. All right.

It was a whim boys, that's all. Just a whim.

Well, that's more like it,
now you can have a cigarette.

Yes, of course we've got a confession.

I could use it to make you withdraw...

only it would deprive me of the pleasure of
beating you once, good night Mr. Mason.

For once.

Well, the blonde turned
out to be just a blonde after all.

- She gave in.
- They're really getting tough this time.

Yeah, you can go to China most any time now.

- Perry, I...
- I told you to go home.

- Spudsy, what's happened?
- I met Oscar Pender of south San Francisco.

Good, you look as
though you found out something.

I did.

I found out that Pender was in Moxley's
apartment the night Moxley got bumped.

There's a man I want.
Why didn't you bring him in?

For two good reasons.

First, I had to get my
health back before I tackled him.

And second, he was practically
surrounded with private detectives.

- You are sure they were private detectives?
- Sure, I can smell them.

He gave them the slip but not me.

- I outfoxed him.
- Get this Spudsy...

Go back out and
outfox Pender even if it kills you.

I'm going but this time I ain't going alone.

- Well, good luck this time Spudsy.
- Bring back the body.

Someone with money is
interested in finding Oscar Pender.

Someone with money asked me to
go easy on the Rhoda Montaine defense.

Della, get someone with money on the phone.

Now, take it easy.

But I've told you time
and again Perry, that's all that happened.

Then you went home?

Yes, I went home and I
put the car in the garage and I...

tried to close the doors and I couldn't.

Because the bumper of
Carl's car was sticking out.

Then I, I went upstairs and I
tried to sleep and I couldn't.

- Isn't that enough?
- I think it is.

I'm sorry to have put
you through all this again.

Oh, I don't see what
difference it makes anyway.

- I haven't got a chance.
- Yes, you have.

True they've got you,
they've got Dr. Millbeck and Florabelle.

They got almost everything, almost.

Tell me Perry, is there some hope?
What you going to do?

- I'm going to give a cocktail party.
- Oh Perry, don't joke please.

I'm not joking, it's our
only hope but it's a good one.

- You got to answer me one more question.
- All right Perry, all right.

Do you remember
in those dynamite cocktails...

I used to shake up whether I
used Martinique or Jamaican rum?

Jamaican.

Oh, a Jamaica rum dinner in the hold on.

A big party tonight, you like a big party?

- Oh, very good, big party.
- Oh, no, no. No gun please.

Oh, that thing is not loaded.

Very too familiar with gun is not loaded.

This kind of party you may need it.
Come on get along or I'll pop you.

All right, me go. Oh, dinner whole party.

Very big party tonight, Ping happy.

My friends...

since by some weird whim of fate there
has arrived here such an unassociated group,

I suppose the most appropriate toast
would be to the hope, however remote...

that some mutual benefit may come out
of the meeting of this strange assembly.

Skoal.

- Hello? Oh, just a moment, Mr. Mason?
- Oh, I think it's my busy day.

Thank you. Hello? Who?

Mr. Drake...

Della, shut off the phonograph, will you?

But I happen to be occupied.

Couldn't the matter hold over
until morning Mr. Drake?

Oh, cut it out, will you?

You know I don't like to be called Mr. Drake.

Are you positive Mr. Drake?

Sure I'm positive,
I brought him in personally.

- What would you do without me?
- Very well, bring him right up.

All right gentlemen, let's go.

My assistant Mr. Drake...

of the Petaluma Drakes has found a man he
believes to Bethe murderer of Gregory Moxley.

Then you can free Rhoda?

Better fortify yourselves
with another cocktail gentlemen.

- Yes, a good idea.
- All right, all right.

Come in Mr. Pender, we are
all looking forward to seeing you.

Well, take a good look at me and
take a good look at your friend here.

Because sometime soon
there'll only be one of us.

One more crack like that and there'll be 3
of us because I'm going to bust you in two.

Come in Mr. Pender and sit down.

Sit down gentlemen
and let's talk about your last murder.

I'm too busy thinking
about one I got coming up.

You always come up to
the big city for your killings?

Oh, I was there when Moxley got it all right.

- Only I was just enthusiastic audience.
- At least you were enthusiastic.

You must've been to stab him so deep.

Say, everyone else is getting a drink.
Why don't I get one?

Oh, I beg your pardon. Ping.

Sorry to have neglected you.

I only went up to Moxie's to get
some money he swindled out of my sister.

- Thanks.
- That's all right.

You had a perfect motive for killing Moxley.

- Not bad buddy.
- Thank you.

Your sister phoned
Moxley from south San Francisco...

half an hour before his death and told him
that if he didn't kick through you'd kill him.

Now you didn't want to make
your sister out a liar, so you killed him.

I got a better answer.

If I had someone who understood language.

Give me a chance Mr. Pender, I'll try hard.

Well, I didn't kill Moxley.
And you know how I can prove it?

- I certainly don't.
- By Moxley's own blood.

I've some of it on my shirt
from the night of the murder.

Then I trust you haven't
changed your shirt since Mr. Pender.

Well, I went up to Moxley's.

I walked the back steps
and when I get to the back porch...

I hear a sound of glass crashed inside.

All right.

Well, that didn't seem kosher to me, so I
scrammed down the steps and hid in the dark.

That sounds kosher enough, go on.

And then I heard somebody
hot footing it down the back stairs.

And they were running so fast
they bumped right into me.

And didn't say, pardon me?

He says something worse than that,
he says, Moxley is been killed.

Did you get a good look at this man?

Well no, was dark and besides,
I wasn't worried about the murder.

I was more worried about what
my sister was going to do to me.

You seem the kind of man that would
sort of size him up as he came at you?

Well, I measure him as best I can
so I know just where about to hit him.

- Would you say he was about my size?
- Well, no.

Gentlemen, will you stand up please.

Would you say about Carl's size?

- I'm not sure.
- Perhaps the size of Mr. Montaine?

No, not so heavy and not so stiff.

Doctor, will you step forward please?

Let's all try to refresh Mr.
Pender's somewhat elastic memory.

Well, I'd say
he was about the size of this guy.

We're all about the same size.
It was dark, how do you know?

Well, I was holding him just like this
and my arm was out about like that.

And what did this man
about the doctor's size, say?

He said, let's take it on the lam.

Well, I think that eliminates you doctor.

Well, he didn't say it just the way I did.

He said we better beat it or
we'll be suspected of murder.

And what did you answer,
in your own quaint language?

Well, I told him I had already
ankled up from south San Francisco...

just to glom a big load not a coffin from
this guy that got shived in the ack-bay.

And did the gentleman
seem to understand that?

He knew what it was about all right,

Because he handed me a wad of
money and told me to beat it.

And now Mr. Pender, about your shirt.

- Size 16 1/2.
- No, I meant about the blood on it.

The blood come off the money.

Out of all the millions the Montaines have...

none of their money
would've blood on it, would it?

Certainly not Mr. Mason.

Then Carl is eliminated, too.

Yes, Mr. Lawyer...

eliminated from your facetious and
supposedly humorous insinuations.

At the risk of appearing to contradict
myself, it doesn't eliminate Carl.

It points the finger right at him.

I trust you're not as
confused as you seem sir?

No, not at all.
In fact the story starts with you.

The day you came to my office and tried to
bribe me into hanging Rhoda Montaine...

innocent or guilty,

You hung yourself
that day right out on a limb.

Really? I assure you I felt no discomfort.

You couldn't buy me so you
bought a crew of private detectives...

to find Oscar Pender here,
and get him out of the country.

To save the neck of your son.

You knew she was guilty...

because you were at the Moxley
apartment when the murder took place.

You'd like to be able to prove
that and I'd like to hear you try.

All right, all you got to do is listen.

- Sit down Mr. Montaine.
- Thank you.

When you saw your wife sneak
out the night of the murder...

you thought she was going
to a rendezvous with Dr. Millbeck.

So you followed her.

Excellent imagination counselor.

But this isn't imagination.

Rhoda unlocked the
garage doors when she left.

But she couldn't lock
them again when she returned...

because in your haste to beat her home...

you neglected to get
your car all the way into the garage.

So when she tried to close the garage
doors they caught on the bumper of your car.

Now, you followed her to Moxley's apartment.

You couldn't get in the front door
so you sneaked up the back stair.

You seem to be getting
my son and Mr. Pender confused.

No, I'm not getting either of them confused.
I'm just getting Carl straightened out.

You heard Moxley threaten your wife.
You heard her try to phone for help.

You thought of the name she'd
have to use, the name you gave her.

The sacred, precious name of Montaine.

Insane tirade.

In your excitement you
turned out all the lights.

You went in and struggled
with Moxley and you killed him.

What?

You killed him.

- Let me go, it's a frame-up, are you crazy?
- I recognize him, that's the voice.

And that's the hand, the hand that
carved the life out of Gregory Moxley.

Lights, Spudsy.

Well, I think we'll all
need another cocktail.

- I'll take a dozen.
- I could use one.

I didn't kill Moxley,
I didn't, I swear I didn't.

You're wrong about the killing.

When Rhoda came out of Luigi's
I followed her to Moxley's apartment.

Just as I got there I saw Millbeck drive up.

He ran up to the front
door and rang the bell.

I ran around the house
and up the back stairway.

I heard Moxley and Rhoda struggling
as I came in, I saw him striking her.

She backed away, found
a poker and struck him with it.

I, I fumbled about
until I found the fuse box...

and switched off the lights,
I only did it to help Rhoda.

When I came back,
Moxley was in a murderous rage.

He rushed at me, we fought.

All this time
the front door bell was ringing.

I managed to knock him down.
Almost out, it made him Wilder.

I could see he was going
to find some weapon, so...

so I reached down and picked up a chair.

I threw it and shattered the mirror.

I hit him again, he staggered
back and fell against a blade of glass.

I heard it cutting into his flesh.

He just, just seemed to hang there.

And then, then he fell.
That's what killed him.

I, I knelt down beside him, I...

I must've been out of my mind.

Before I realized what I was doing
I'd pulled the glass out of the wound.

That's how I cut my hand,
I was in a panic, I didn't know what to do.

I wrapped up my hand as best
I could and picked up my hat and...

ran out the back way again.
On the stairs I ran into Oscar Pender.

The rest happened just as you said, I gave
Pender money so he'd go away and keep quiet.

I didn't intend to accuse Rhoda.

I, I thought she'd plead self-defense
and the jury would free her.

- I thought...
- That's enough.

I believe what your son is said,
but a jury will have to be convinced.

No, put that away, bring it to
my office at 10 in the morning.

Your son's defense and Rhoda's
divorce will make quite a dent in it.

Ping, hats and coats please.

Toots, your paper gets the privilege of...

turning the Moxley murder
suspect over to the police as usual.

Thanks, I will handle it
with our usual gentility.

Oh doctor, you better
run right down to the jail.

Rhoda will be out
by the time you get there...

and her nerves may
need some medical attention.

Thank you, Mr. Mason.

Spudsy...

Put on the phonograph, there's a
record of Sibelius there that will...

- make a very good exit march.
- I hope Sibelius is a classic, I hate jazz.

- Wilbur, grease the skillet.
- Just the culinary coroner.

- How does that look to you Mr. coroner?
- Oh mate, come on, I'm starving.

Della, I think I'm going to need a vacation.

- Ever think about taking a trip to China?
- Oh, there's a great idea.

You're going as soon as this case is
finished if I have to go along to make sure.

There's another great idea.

It'll be one time you can depend on a blonde.

- Delicious.
- Nutritious.

You're so wonderful,
if only you couldn't cook.