Original subtitles

He was strangled at around 1 a.m. with a thin strand of wire,

according to the assistant coroner.

Are you the manager of this motel?

An owner. Had it 12 years, nothing like this ever happened around here before.

May I have your name, please?

Harris. Dick Harris.

Do you fellas have to swarm all over my place like this?

Ruined business.

The man's been murdered here, Mr. Harris.

What time did you discover the body?

Seven o'clock this morning.

Mr. Horner was an early riser like me.

He usually dropped in for coffee around 6.30.

He didn't show up today, so I got him patient,

knocked on the door, nobody answered, and I came in.

You found the body on the floor?

Not in his place, Lieutenant. In here.

This isn't Mr. Horner's apartment.

Mr. Horner lives next door, number eight.

Who has this one?

A fellow named Johnson. Henry Johnson.

You know where Johnson is? Have you seen him today?

No. Is he going to work?

He ain't working. He lost his job.

Then you have no idea where he is.

He's on the lam, if you ask me.

How long has he lived here?

A couple of months.

What does he look like?

Oh, he's medium height, brown hair, brown eyes.

Kind of good-looking.

Weighs about 160.

Nervous type, you know what I mean?

Nervous wreck.

How old is he?

Oh, about 28.

Mike, send out an APB on Johnson.

Check RNIs, see if there's anything on him.

Right.

Now then, Mr. Harris, when you failed to find Horner next door,

how did you happen to look in here?

Because Mr. Horner and Johnson were good friends.

At least they used to be.

Spent their evenings together.

I thought maybe Johnson would know where Mr. Horner might be.

So I came in here.

Found him there on the floor.

When was the last time you saw Johnson?

Oh, I guess about seven o'clock last night.

Why did you say Horner and Johnson used to be good friends?

Because they'd been arguing for a couple of weeks.

I heard them going at it again last night.

Couldn't have been Mr. Horner who started.

It just wasn't his nature to argue with anybody.

But Johnson now, he seems sore at the whole world.

Do you have any idea what they were quarreling about?

I can't likely say.

I wasn't eavesdropping, see.

I just heard Henry bellowing.

Couldn't have been Mr. Horner's fault.

He was one of the sweetest little guys in the world.

You find Henry Johnson and you got your murderer.

I'm positive.

Maybe.

Well, thanks, Mr. Harris. That's all.

I may want to talk to you later on.

Anytime, Lieutenant.

I really like poor Mr. Horner.

Do anything I can to see Johnson brought the justice.

This will ruin everything I built up here.

Everything.

11M, 169, roger.

Okay, Cliff, thanks.

Nothing on Henry Johnson in our N.I.

Sounds like an alias anyway.

Well, maybe it could be, Mike.

Maybe we'll know more when they check the prints.

Oh, Lieutenant.

I just want to ask you.

Do you think there's any chance

one of Johnson should come back here?

Well, I don't think that's very likely, Mr. Harris.

But if he does, just call us, okay?

I'll do better than that.

I'll hold him for you.

Cool head and steady neck.

That's me.

That'll be fine, Mr. Harris.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Don't mention it.

We'll get him.

Cool head and steady nerves.

Yeah, if he ever sees Johnson again,

he won't need the telephone.

We'll be able to hear him yell

clear in our office.

I've got to get away, Mary.

I didn't kill him.

I swear it.

I believe you, Henry.

I know you couldn't kill anyone.

The others won't.

Everything's stacked against me.

How did it happen?

Well, Horner and I were arguing.

I went into the kitchen to fix him a drink.

When I came back, he was lying there dead.

I ran.

I walked the streets the rest of the night.

Why did you run away?

You didn't do it.

I told you, I got scared.

The neighbors must have heard us arguing.

I wouldn't have had a chance.

But why?

What were you fighting about?

Henry, was it the old trouble again

where you're gambling?

After all you promised.

I didn't want to do it, Mary.

Horner insisted.

Before I knew it, I...

What are you going to do now?

Try to clear myself.

Find the man who murdered Horner.

But you can't, not by yourself.

Henry, please, give yourself up.

I can't.

There's nothing to fear if you're innocent.

They'd never believe me.

You're the only one I can trust.

Will you do one thing for me?

Sure. What?

I want you to see Dr. Green.

Explain everything.

Do what he suggests.

I'll see him.

I don't promise I'll do as he suggests.

Let me go with you, Henry.

No.

I've got to work this out alone.

We agreed on that.

Have you any money?

Got enough to get by for a while.

Henry, I've got to see you again today.

I want to know what Dr. Green said.

Please.

All right.

I'll meet you back here at 2 o'clock.

I'll be waiting.

Don't discuss this with anybody.

About meeting me, I mean.

You know I wouldn't.

I love you.

Yes, sir?

That looks just like him.

That's Henry Johnson, all right.

Well, we've got something to go on, anyway.

Thanks, Ted.

In the tower, Lieutenant.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you later.

In the tower, Lieutenant.

I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Harris,

particularly since we've got nothing on Henry Johnson

in our Bureau of Records and Identification.

Don't mention it, Lieutenant.

We'll catch him all right, won't we?

Pretty near wrecked my business, didn't he?

Anything else?

No, that's all.

Thanks, Mr. Harris, for coming down.

Well, what did you find out from your new deputy sheriff?

Lawton made this guess from Harris' description.

Harris says it's a perfect likeness of Henry Johnson.

Landlords can remember like elephants when the rent isn't paid up.

Harris tells me that Horner was retired, Mike.

Lived on a small income, which he stretched like a rubber band.

Had no friends or relatives, as far as Harris knows.

Just took up with the people he met in the motel.

Apparently took up once too often.

Yeah.

I'll see what I can run down on Johnson, Mike.

In the meantime, you find out what you can about Horner.

Okay, Andy.

I've got the Johnson file right here, Lieutenant.

I was sorry to hear about Henry's trouble.

Too bad.

Can you tell me anything about him?

Why, yes, we liked him here.

He's a nice boy, almost brilliant.

But like lots of young men with a scientific turn of mind, a little mixed up.

When did he leave your employ, Mr. McCleary?

24th.

That's six weeks ago tomorrow.

Did he give any reason?

We let him go, Lieutenant, along with a few others.

Not for inefficiency, you understand.

He was a good, conscientious worker.

But we're a fairly new plant and, well, we just had to make a cut in personnel.

Then he wasn't here very long.

Only a few months.

I knew his father, Randolph Johnson.

Used to work for him in the old days in Seattle.

Was his father an engineer?

Oh, yes, a well-known electronics man.

He was working for the government at the time he died.

Heart attack, ten months ago.

Brilliant mind. Great loss.

Did Henry Johnson have any friends?

Have you met any of them?

Well, I know he was interested in a girl.

Would you know her name by any chance?

No, I, uh...

Yes, June, what is it?

I'm sorry to interrupt, Mr. McCleary, but you asked me to bring these at once.

They're ready for your signature.

That's quite all right.

June, the lieutenant here would like to know the name of the young lady

who used to go with Henry Johnson.

Would you know it?

I don't believe I know her name, but I believe she's the librarian

where Mr. Johnson used to get his reference books.

Where would that be?

On Santa Monica, just west of Beverly Glen.

Thank you very much.

Mr. McCleary, there's something that puzzled me.

Now, I gather from what you say you put Johnson on

because you were a friend of his father's, yet you let him go.

Now, was there any reason, anything that you should tell me?

Yes, I suppose there is something I should tell you.

Henry was very fond of gambling.

He'd organize card and dice games.

Used to demoralize the employees.

I warned him once or twice.

He was a very good man.

He was a very good man.

I had no choice but to let him go.

I felt very badly about it. I still do.

If he gets out of this all right, and I'm sure he will,

I'll be glad to give him another chance.

But you said he was a good man, almost brilliant.

They don't come any better.

Mr. McCleary, just what do you make here?

Electronic units.

Of course, some of our work is secret, and I'm not free to discuss it.

That is, not without official permission.

I understand.

Are you free to tell me what goes on in the office?

Are you free to tell me what Johnson's last assignment was?

Yes, he was working on a radar landing device for aircraft

designed to help airplanes land in fog and darkness.

Mr. McCleary, do you use colored wires like these?

Oh, yes, indeed.

Now, do they all have the numbered disks on them?

Yes, for identification.

Why would Henry Johnson take them home with him?

Well, some of the boys take home remnants to use around the house.

Sergeant, oh, hard jobs, repairing the television set and so forth.

I've owned this shop for 13 years, Sergeant.

And I've got another one in Belfour.

Long ago, I had hopes of starting a chain of them, but didn't make it.

Just couldn't put my hands on enough capital.

Look, what's all this got to do with Horner?

Well, Fred was once interested in my shop.

When?

Oh, about a year ago.

He raised enough money to go into partnership with me.

And did he?

Well, we got as far as drawing up the papers.

He had his check all made out, but backed out at the last minute.

Why?

I guess he just couldn't part with that check.

Oh, and did you keep seeing him after that?

Sure, he came in quite often whenever I had a special.

He wasn't the type to take chances.

So I've heard.

He had many good qualities, and everybody in the neighborhood liked him.

Including myself.

I see.

Well, thanks a lot, Mr. Diggins.

You're welcome.

One drink a day.

That's all, Sergeant.

Mr. Horner'd come in about 6 o'clock, have a bourbon of water,

sit around a while, then go home.

He was always alone, but friendly, you know?

Can you think of anybody who might have had it in for him?

No, I can't. He was a very nice guy.

But I'd give a pretty penny to find out who didn't.

Go on, mister.

Thanks.

Now, you have nothing to gain by protecting him, Mr. Rican.

On the contrary, if you keep his whereabouts a secret,

you'll be seriously involved as an accessory.

Accessory to what, Henry? He hasn't done anything.

Then why don't you tell me where he is?

Because I don't know, Lieutenant, and that's the truth.

I believe you.

How long have you two been going together?

Over two years. We've been engaged nearly a year.

Any reason for the long engagement?

Oh?

Well, we decided we'd wait until we'd saved up enough money

to buy a little house and other things.

Henry's that way. He hates to run up bills.

The truth is, Miss Rican,

Henry wasn't very steady. Is that right?

What do you mean?

Henry was a specialist in his line, a good man,

as far as I've been able to determine.

But he couldn't hold a job. Some firms wouldn't hire him.

Why was that?

I don't know. Don't you?

That's an expensive engagement ring you're wearing, Miss Rican.

How did you get it?

Henry bought it for me.

Gambling winnings, Miss Rican?

Why didn't you tell me about it instead of doing all that sparring?

Henry bought the ring after a winning streak at Roulette.

Gambling's a disease with him. He's sick with it.

Like other people, they're sick with alcohol or dope.

And that's the reason you didn't get married.

I didn't know it at first.

I risk a little money now and then, but I didn't think anything of that.

Then one day I realized it was a fever.

A fever that had grown and grown until it was out of control.

I tried to stop him, but he laughed at me.

He'd say, you've got to gamble your breakfast money,

or where's the excitement?

Something seemed to drive him. He simply couldn't help himself.

Go on, Miss Rican.

Well, he got in trouble everywhere he went.

He was unemployed for months.

Finally he called on his father's friend, Mr. McCleary.

It was the same old story.

After he'd lost out there, he wound up in Gardena,

then in some illegal places here in L.A.

He tried everything to cure him, but nothing seemed to do any good.

All right, Miss Rican.

If he gets in touch with you, you try and persuade him to give himself up.

Every hour he's away counts against him.

Goodbye. Thanks for your help.

Goodbye.

Now, what can I do for you, sir?

Sheriff's office. Sergeant Duncan.

I'm investigating the murder of Fred Horner.

I'd appreciate anything you can tell me about him.

Well, I didn't know him very well.

I've only been here a short time.

I'm a fellow of the new assistant manager.

I see. I understand Mr. Horner used to have his car serviced here.

That's right.

Terrible thing, wasn't it?

Mm-hmm.

Sergeant, do you ever notice how people look like their cars?

Look like their cars?

Yeah. Take a teenager, for example.

Usually drives a jalopy as sloppy as he is.

On the other hand, your white-collar executive always has a car that's kept up.

Spick and span. Gets a new one every year or two.

Now, artists. Always broke.

Run around a little foreign jobs.

You know, put gas in with an eyedropper.

Run all week.

And what did Mr. Horner drive?

Mm, 42 coupe that still had its original paint on it.

His seat covers don't have a spot on them.

It was like his car, see? Neat and clean. Oh, nothing fancy.

But he wasn't the type of guy to throw good money away dialing it up.

I see what you mean.

Boy, you never know, do you?

Who'd have thought when poor Mr. Horner drove in that day, he'd never drive out again?

Oh, excuse me.

Sure. Thanks.

Looked like their cars.

Miller's garage. Avelos speak.

Oh, hello, Mrs. Richardson.

Okay, we'll tow it right in for you.

Let me have that address again.

Right away, Mrs. Richardson.

Dr. Green, I've got to talk to you.

All right, Henry. Come on in.

Thank you.

I've seen the papers.

I'm sorry you're in this trouble.

That's why I didn't want to wait for you in your outer office.

I remembered you always came in the back way after lunch.

Sit down. Tell me all about it.

There's nothing to tell you. Except I didn't do it.

You believe me, don't you?

Yes, I believe you, Henry.

Because I understand you.

But you disappointed me greatly.

This thing never would have happened if you hadn't stopped coming here.

I slipped back.

I was ashamed.

I told you before we started that it would take time and patience, effort.

If you faltered occasionally, it was only to be expected.

It isn't hopeless.

I can be cured even after this?

Even after this.

I was fighting hard.

I was doing all right, too, for a while.

Until Horner.

I didn't have the strength to resist the temptation.

The papers say that you quarreled after a card game.

Oh, the papers. The papers. They got me tried and convicted and executed by now.

We did quarrel. But we didn't come to blows.

And I didn't kill him.

Henry, I'm going to help you.

But you must do as I say.

And what's that?

I want you to give yourself up at once.

I'll go with you to the authorities.

I can't. I'd never be able to prove my innocence.

Henry, you've got to trust me.

No.

This time I'm afraid.

I'll get you something to relax you.

Slow. Will you get me the sheriff's office, please?

Tickets to San Francisco, please.

Well.

Hey, Johnson, stop!

Union Station.

May I use your phone, please?

Certainly. What happened, officer?

Yes.

Wilson?

Oh, he hopped a cab, huh?

Where?

Did you get the license number?

W84753.

Okay, Wilson.

Notify all cars.

Johnson just got in a cab at Sunset in La Cienega, proceeding west on Sunset.

W84753.

He'll be picked up in a few minutes unless he ditches the cab.

Now, go on, Doctor.

You were telling me about this unusual sickness of his.

It's not so unusual, Lieutenant.

I've handled other cases like it.

At any rate, it's a first for me.

Basically, it's a story of frustration.

Johnson's mother died when he was very young.

His father had to bring him up.

He neglected the boy.

Devoted too much time to his work, I suppose.

Randolph Johnson was a hard, implacable man.

Rigid, self-disciplined, a perfectionist.

Impatient and tolerant.

He demanded too much.

The boy tried to make good, but nothing he did was right.

You know the pattern, he matured with a deep feeling of inferiority.

So he compensated by gambling.

Exactly.

He wanted to demonstrate to his father that he could make his own way.

Didn't he know that he would lose eventually?

Of course, but that didn't stop him.

He and his father quarreled violently about it.

One day, Randolph Johnson died of a heart attack.

Henry became conscience-stricken.

Now he gambled even more heavily, seeking escape.

And being fired from one job after another didn't help.

That's right.

He became reconciled to a life of failure and eventual suicide.

When I took over the case, we were making good progress until he got mixed up with Horner.

But you feel Johnson did not murder him?

I'd almost stake my reputation on it.

While Henry is a sick young man, he never had homicidal tendencies.

All of his hatred is turned against himself.

Thank you, doctor.

Thank you for coming in. I appreciate it.

Not at all. Good day, Lata.

Good day.

Who's your visitor?

Johnson's psychiatrist.

Better off if he hired himself a good mouthpiece.

What do you mean?

Horner left a bank account of nearly $100,000.

What? $100,000?

Cool green lettuce. I wish I knew how he did it.

Hmm. I'd think he'd allowed himself a little more luxury than a second-rate motel.

Well, these guys are hard to figure, Andy.

But I can figure Johnson.

The bank called a little while ago.

Said Henry walked in there and cashed two checks for $500 each.

Horner's personal checks.

It adds up, doesn't it?

Henry nicked him for one G and was well on his way to the second one when it happened.

Maybe, uh, cards were a little too slow, huh?

From Horner's apartment.

Score sheets.

Pokers, chips.

And a makin'.

Hmm. He kept tab of every penny.

He had to write pretty fast the way he was slipping through his fingers.

Did you find any fingerprints in Horner's place?

Johnson's all over the place, just as if he'd ransacked it.

Any others?

A few. They're being checked.

Maybe we'll get another lead.

I doubt if another lead would mean anything.

We found these colored wires.

In Horner's room?

In his desk drawer, just like the ones that were used to carrot him.

RINGING

Doyle speaking.

Yes, Rick?

I see. Where are you?

Okay, Rick, I've got it. We'll be right over.

Come on, Mike. It looks like we struck pay dirt.

No doubt in my mind, Andy. She's expecting someone.

Okay, Rick, you go in and have some coffee. We'll wait here.

Sorry I'm late, Mary.

I don't mind, darling. Just so you're all right.

I'm always all right when I'm with you.

Deputy Sheriff, Johnson, you're under arrest.

It's no use, Johnson. Don't got any ideas.

You turned me in.

Henry, I wouldn't do that.

Take him away.

Come on, Johnson.

I'm sorry, Mary.

We'll have to go through it once more, Johnson.

Okay.

You said you fixed Horner's television set.

Yeah.

That's why we found your wires in his room?

I left them in case it went on the blink again.

They come in handy for all sorts of repair jobs.

The night of the murder.

How long were you in the kitchen fixing the drink?

It couldn't have been longer than 10 minutes.

I suppose it's hard to believe, but Horner was strangled during that time.

And not by me.

You gave up gambling for a while.

Why did you go back to it?

Oh, Mary and I decided on a trial separation.

We wanted to see if I couldn't overcome this thing before we went ahead with our plans.

I did all right for a while.

I avoided anything that might lead to dice, cards.

I needed some diversion.

I became friendly with Horner next door.

One night, I brought over a deck of cards and some chips.

I told him to put them away and he wouldn't listen.

A friendly game, he said.

What harm can it do?

That'll be a killjoy, Henry.

A few hands of poker never hurt anyone.

Will you forget it, Fred?

Oh, come on. A tenth of a cent of chip, all right?

I'm not in, Fred.

What about a movie? You want to go to a movie?

50 cents a piece, time limit.

That ought to keep us going all night.

Nothing wild but the players.

Look, Fred, I'm not supposed to play cards.

It's like some people are not supposed to drink or smoke.

I used to gamble a great deal.

I couldn't leave it alone.

Well, now I'm trying to quit.

Do you understand what I'm talking about?

What is this, a gag?

It's the truth, Fred.

Look, Henry, I'm not out for blood, just a friendly game to pass the time.

That's all.

Hey, maybe you think the stakes are too low, huh?

It isn't the stakes, Fred.

Well, who do you think you're kidding?

Now, look, I haven't worked all my life for nothing.

I've saved up a little bit.

I'll prove it to you.

Here.

I don't show this to everyone, but you're a nice boy.

You're a nice boy, Henry, and I like you.

You never tried getting my money.

You couldn't anyway.

Here, take again.

I'm not interested, Fred.

Now, come on, come on, I insist.

You know, everybody thinks I'm stingy.

Well, how many people do you know have a nest egg like that?

That's right.

Close to 100,000 bucks.

Look, I'll tell you my secret.

Worked steady for 30 years or more.

Averaged $100 a week or better.

Never married.

Managed to live on less than a third of my salary.

The rest went right into the bank.

Never put away less than $3,500 a year.

Of course, I could have done better if I'd tried harder.

But a fellow has to have a little fun out of life, hey, boy?

Oh, you're right, Fred.

Well, what do you say, quarter percent of a point?

You know it, it won't break me.

Now, what do you say?

I'd heard of stories like this.

Old ladies stuffing thousands of dollars into mattresses.

Living in broken down tenements.

Dying without ever touching a cent.

This was real about Horner.

And I resented him for it.

I was broke and deeply in debt.

Even if I stopped gambling and found a job,

how would Mary and I ever get married?

I figured I could take him.

And Horner would never miss it.

I was going to solve all my problems.

It would be the last time.

We played night after night, and I began to clean up.

You ever seen a miser lose his money?

This one became frantic trying to get it back.

He doubled the stakes, then tripled them.

It was no use.

I don't care how late it is.

I'm out another 500, and you're not quitting on me.

You're not yourself, buddy.

Quit shouting.

Neighbors will think...

I don't care what the neighbors think.

Now sit down.

How about a drink?

I'll fix you your special college, okay?

All right.

When I'm taking you for a scalping, Henry Johnson,

you're not walking out on me until we call it quits tonight.

I'm luring you to get off my neck.

Now who's shouting?

I've had enough.

I won't out.

I've lost over $1,000 already.

I don't know how much I've lost.

You don't need to remind me.

I paid off a knife.

Take it easy.

Here's your drink.

I'm all out of ice.

You got some next door?

Yeah, yeah.

I'll get it.

I never wanted to touch a car to make a bed again as long as I lived.

I'd had it.

I'd seen what it could do to people,

what it had done to me.

Horner didn't return immediately, so I became impatient.

Brad, shake a leg, will you?

When I stepped back into the living room, I saw him there,

lying on the floor.

I bent over him and saw he'd been strangled.

My first impulse was to get out, get out fast.

I became panicking.

I figured the police would find out about my gambling habits

and claim I killed him in a fight over the card game.

I had to get the evidence out of there.

The cards, the chips, the score sheets.

I kept the music going while I rushed over to Horner's place

to get rid of the gambling things.

When you decided to quit, did Horner threaten you?

No.

Did he hit you or push you, anything like that?

He was not a violent man.

He became very angry, but he didn't try to use force.

Did he ever try to welch, demand his money back?

No, never.

Oh.

He became more and more determined to win it back.

And you obliged by giving him the opportunity.

Well, what did you expect?

I didn't start this thing, Horner did.

I've told you over and over, I was trying to quit.

I wanted to quit.

What do you want from me?

Here's a report on the fingerprints in Horner's room, Andy.

Three sets, the manager's, maid's,

and one we can't identify.

Oh, just the thumb and index prints.

Have they gone to the FBI?

This morning.

They won't be able to help as much

unless they can find something in their single print file.

That mean they'd belong to a murderer, a kidnapper,

or an extortionist.

That's not very likely, I'd say.

We'll see.

Andy, sometimes I wonder about you.

Why?

How patient can you be?

Well, I don't know, Mike.

It all seems to fit.

Maybe it fits too well.

Maybe it's too easy.

It is easy.

Stop kidding yourself.

The guy's a gambling addict.

He ruins all his prospects.

Marriage, good living, everything.

All right, so he goes to a doctor.

Has a couple of treatments and quits cold.

He's got the urge again.

He gets into a sharp poker game and loses his temper.

I don't know why he was winning.

But the other guy's losing his money,

money that means everything to him.

He goes wild.

Our Mr. Johnson takes care of him

with one of those fancy wires of his.

He gets scared, decides to run.

But knowing our victim is loaded,

he goes into the victim's room to look for more cash.

He finds nothing, blows.

It's as simple as that.

Is it?

What about the third set of fingerprints?

OK, have it your way.

Johnson's in his own kitchen fixing this guy a drink.

He said himself it only took a couple of minutes.

So during that time, in walks Jack the Ripper,

commits the crime, and quietly walks out.

Is that it?

Maybe.

OK, so we've got the wrong guy.

Now what?

Yeah, now what?

Mike, what did you just say?

I said we got the wrong man.

Now what?

Yeah.

Yeah, the wrong man.

What are you talking about, Andy?

Mike, you and I are going to take a ride.

Oh, now wait a minute, Andy.

I was just leaving for the day.

I got business.

Come on, she'll wait.

Oh, sure she will.

You losing your touch?

I'll be right back, Mike.

Mind if I take a cat nap?

You mean you can sleep at a time like this?

The suspense is killing me.

I'll take it easy.

I got to go.

I got to go.

I got to go.

I got to go.

I'm sorry.

How do you do, sir?

Oh, how do you do?

Do you want a room?

No, I'm trying to locate someone for a friend of mine.

What's his name?

Well, I don't remember.

He's middle-aged and hair a little on the white side and sort of heavy.

I understand he lives here.

Let me see.

That is Mr. Bradbury, number eight.

Oh, thank you.

Yes, sir, something I can do for you.

Are you Mr. McMaster's?

No, Bradbury's the name.

Looks like you got the wrong place, mister.

Oh, I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

Oh, that's all right.

Like they say, I had to get up to answer the door anyway.

Hey, Mike.

Mike.

Oh, I was having such a nice dream.

I'd reached the last plateau and I was going for the top.

You know what the question was?

Who killed Fred Horner?

What a cinch.

All I had to say was Henry Johnson and I'm rich.

Hey, you might have gone broke, too.

I doubt it.

Now, listen, Mike.

Let's assume for a moment that Henry Johnson is innocent.

I couldn't go along with that for more than a moment.

Okay, you may be right,

but I want to remind you that everybody liked Horner.

He didn't have an enemy in the world.

But somebody killed him.

Now, I just checked the other motel

and it looks exactly like this one.

The only difference is the name.

One is called Sunset Villa, the other Sunset Vista.

So?

Now, the body was discovered in Sunset Villa,

bungalow number seven, occupied by Johnson.

Well, listen, eh?

All right, on a hunch.

I went to the manager of the Sunset Vista

for a man who answered the general description of Horner.

Without hesitation, he sent me to bungalow number eight,

the same number as Horner's bungalow.

Now, the man who answered that door looked somewhat like Horner.

What are you driving at?

All right, both bungalows look exactly alike.

And both men occupied bungalows number eight.

Mike, something tells me that this murderer has made a mistake.

Made a mistake? What are you talking about?

They certainly did a thorough job on Horner.

Yes, but he might have wanted the other man.

Here's the rundown on Bradbury.

He owns a small chemical lab.

Has a chicken ranch near Santa Barbara.

And travels a great deal.

Been at the Sunset Vista seven days.

Does he know a lot of people in town?

He's got a lot of acquaintances in L.A.

Probably business rivals, too.

Well, what are we doing now?

Start questioning every one of them?

If the murderer killed Horner by mistake,

it can only mean he didn't know Bradbury too well.

In other words, you're assuming Horner was killed by a total stranger?

I'm assuming he went to the wrong motel

but the right bungalow, number eight.

You're forgetting one little detail.

What's that?

Horner was killed in Johnson's room, not his own, number seven.

Horner was found in Johnson's room.

Kind of blows your case, doesn't it, lieutenant?

Nope.

If I will get you ten, there's an explanation for that, too.

You got a bet, mister.

Get your money out, mister.

I only come to the city when I have to

and I never go for them big hotels.

Elevators make me nervous.

Nothing to bother me in a motel hall on one floor.

Nothing wrong with that, is it?

Oh, Mr. Bradbury, not a thing.

Now let me assure you, we ask you to come here

only as a matter of routine.

Yeah, I know you're still checking up on that murder.

Poor fellow in the other court, is that it?

That's it.

You're the one who knocked on my door yesterday, aren't you?

That's right.

I never forget a face.

I'm terrible with names, but faces, that's my strong point.

What's this got to do with me?

Not a thing, Mr. Bradbury, yet.

Let's just say you're accommodating the sheriff's office.

Oh, sure, glad to help you fellas in any way I can.

Besides, it'll give me something to talk over

with my friends and customers.

I understand you own a chemical laboratory, Mr. Bradbury.

Exactly what are its products?

Well, we make a vaccine.

It's good for most common animal diseases.

The main ingredient comes from eggs.

I got a ranch near Santa Barbara, 800 chickens.

You employ many people?

Many? Well, I guess enough.

Have to watch the overhead, you know.

Oh, you should have seen us doing that hot spell last summer,

hosing those chickens down at midnight, keeping cool.

Even so, they drop dead at the rate of ten an hour,

and at $4 a chick, that's no small loss.

Are you married, Lieutenant?

No, I'm not.

Oh, that's too bad. I was going to send you some chickens.

I've always given them away to my friends and customers.

Oh, that's very kind of you.

Fried chicken. Greek allah's my favorite dish.

You ever tried, Lieutenant?

No, I never have.

How do you travel, Mr. Bradbury?

Oh, I got a ranch wagon, custom-made, extra large,

so I can load those cases of vaccine right in them.

We've got it parked outside. Would you like to look at it?

Not at the moment, thanks.

Now, Mr. Bradbury, I want you to think very carefully

before you answer my next question.

It's important.

Well, remember, Lieutenant, no names, faces.

That's my strong point.

You've been in town one week?

Exactly one week.

All right.

Can you think of anyone you might have gotten into an argument with?

Anybody who might have given you a bad time.

Think back now.

Lieutenant, I pride myself on not having a single enemy in the world.

Live and let live, that's my motto.

Stick to my own business, let the other fellas stick to theirs.

I make friends. I don't make enemies.

Well, I believe that's all, and thanks for coming in.

I appreciate it.

Oh, whatever you say, Lieutenant.

Of course, I got plenty of time.

Didn't like to ask me some more questions.

Oh, I believe that's about everything.

Oh, by the way, Mr. Bradbury, how's business been lately?

Oh, terrific.

Say, you know, we make that vaccine for about $2 a quart,

sell it for $10 a pint.

Makes a nice profit.

Give you a rough idea, not bad, eh?

Oh, uh, Mr. Bradbury on second thought I would like to ask you some more questions.

Sit down.

Uh, how much money have you got there, approximately?

Well, about $3,000.

You always carry that much money on you?

Oh, sure.

Live big, think big.

That's my motto, show it around.

Makes people respect you, impresses people, makes business.

And boy, you sure feel more confident with a ward like this on you.

You fellas ought to try it sometime.

Love, too.

What'll we use for money?

Now, Mr. Bradbury, you've been wonderful.

I wonder if we can prevail upon your good nature to help us out a little more.

Oh, sure, anything I can do to help.

I'm getting a kick out of this.

Now, how long are you planning on staying in town?

Oh, about two or three days, and I'm gonna go down to San Diego.

I wonder if you'd mind passing the word around you're leaving town tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Oh, I wouldn't mind if it'll help you.

It will.

Now, you wouldn't have to go, of course.

Just create that impression.

And if I can make the proper arrangements,

I'd want you to start packing, pay your bills, and call everybody you can.

Everybody with whom you've been in contact to tell them goodbye.

Think you can do it?

Oh, sure, you know, I've never been mixed up with anything like this before.

Wait till I tell Martha.

That's my wife.

What is this, Lieutenant, a trap?

You hit it right on the head, and you're the bait.

Did you say bait?

That's right.

How are your nerves?

Oh, all right, I guess.

I never had any trouble.

Well, that's fine.

Because tonight somebody might try to kill you.

Hi, Jim.

Hi, Andy.

What's on your mind?

A horn or murder?

You know, Jim, I'm not so sure this is the open and shut case, it appears.

You mean you doubt that Janssen's guilty?

Well, it's just something I can't explain, just a hunch.

Well, Andy, I've always been willing to go along with your hunches before,

but I just can't see it.

The whole thing adds up, the gambling mania, the argument, the murder and the escape.

If he didn't do it, what did he run for?

Scared.

Well, if I'd garroted a man with a wire, I'd be scared too, Andy.

Jim, may I try something?

Lie detector test?

No, no, something more drastic.

Such as what?

I want Janssen released from jail.

That, I thought you wanted something, Rick.

Wait a minute, Andy, what's on your mind?

This bird's in here under suspicion of murder.

What makes you think I can spring him?

Well, Jim, it'll only take a few hours.

He'll be tailed, and if he's guilty, he'll give himself away.

But I'm gambling the newspaper store will flush out the man we want.

Newspaper?

You mean you want this thing printed?

It's got to be printed.

It's essential to my plan.

Now, you know, there's a third set of fingerprints that have never been identified.

And my contention is they belong to the man who murdered Horner.

All right, Andy, all right.

But remember, if this thing flops, you're going to be busted so flat,

you think you've been run over by a steamroller.

Now, you realize that, don't you?

Yes, I do, and I'm willing to take the risk.

Well, I wish I could share your optimism.

Oh, we're going to be a couple of handsome men in uniform,

you out patrolling a beat and me directing traffic.

I'll be pulling out first thing in the morning, Mr. Diggins,

but I'll remember you, because I like your work.

Thank you, Mr. Bradbury.

We do try to give everybody individual service.

What's the matter? Doesn't city life agree with you?

Too good, I'm afraid. Vacation's over, that's all.

I see. Well, I'm glad you had a good time.

That'll be three and a quarter altogether, sir.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

That's one, two, three.

Twenty-five.

Well, thank you.

Now, don't forget us.

I won't. Bye.

Bye.

How are you, Mr. Bradbury?

Oh, fine, thank you.

Fill her up?

Oh, I'd like to leave her here till tonight.

Can I get it serviced?

Sure can.

I want a complete checkup.

I want the oil change, tires, battery, everything.

The whole works.

I'm leaving for Santa Barbara in the morning.

We'll take care of it for you, Mr. Bradbury.

Want it delivered?

No, no, I'll pick it up tonight.

Oh, by the way, uh, change your 50 for me?

Uh, no, sir, I'm afraid we can't.

That's all right. I'll get it sent out of the place.

See you tonight.

We'll have it ready for you, Mr. Bradbury.

Hey, Ed.

Yeah?

Take care of this one next, will you?

Sure thing.

He's in a hurry for it.

Man, look at these extras. This baby's loaded.

So's that guy.

What's this all about today, Lieutenant?

Another inquisition?

Not this time, Henry.

Sit down.

There'll be no more questions for the moment at least

about the murder of Fred Horner.

Well, that's a switch.

You've written my whole day.

You haven't heard anything yet.

How would you feel if I told you you're a free man?

What?

Conditionally, that is.

I've made arrangements for you to release temporarily

so I can carry on an experiment which will either

prove your innocence or blast your story full of holes.

I assume you're willing to go along with me.

Go along? Sure. What do you want me to do?

I don't want you to do anything.

Just sit tight until we see what happens.

That's all?

Now, if this works out the way I expect,

you'll be off the hook altogether.

But if it backfires, you'll be right back where you started

with the possibility of having the book thrown at you.

Is that clear?

It's clear, all right.

I'm not changing anything in any event, Lieutenant.

I haven't told you any lies.

You're on your own.

Now, this is a move without precedent in this department, Henry.

And I don't mind telling you I'm sticking my neck out

clear to the city hall.

So don't let me down.

I promise you I won't do anything foolish.

If you have any doubts, you can have me follow it.

Maybe I will.

I want you to report back to me in exactly 24 hours.

You have my word for it.

Fine.

Then I'll see you at 10.30 sharp.

Right.

Oh, Henry, I'll let you in on a trade secret.

A detective must be a good judge of human nature and no character.

It would be nice if other people had that same understanding,

wouldn't it?

What do you mean?

I think you missed the boat with Mary.

Hello, Mary.

Henry.

I wanted to make sure you'd seen the paper.

Oh, I'm so glad it's all over.

Are you going to forgive me?

You don't have to ask that, darling.

I guess I cracked under the strain, that's all.

I should have realized you...

Please don't say anymore.

I'm just so grateful for all this behind you.

I've already talked to Mr. McCleary.

He said to come by later.

That may mean he has something for me.

Oh, we can work this out.

We've got to.

Are you asking me or telling me?

I'm begging you.

Please, Mary.

New chapter, huh?

All right, Henry.

New chapter.

Keep your fingers crossed about this job.

You'll get it, darling.

I'll pick you up later.

We'll have dinner.

I want to stop by my place, too, for the last time.

Just long enough to pick up a few things.

Another one, Mr. Bradbury?

Oh, no, that's all.

Thank you.

Here.

There you are, sir.

Yeah, that's for you.

Well, thank you, Mr. Bradbury.

Oh, that's all right.

I'm going to miss having my nightgap around here.

Oh, you're leaving?

Well, drop in again on your next trip.

I will.

Thanks again.

I'll see you around.

I hope so.

Now, the managers of both motels are cooperating.

Each will have on the no vacancy sign.

Mac, I want you and Steve to park in front of the Sunset Villa.

Go into the manager's office.

He'll let you out the back door.

Now, you can stake out here between these two buildings,

and you can cover Bradbury's bungalow from this side.

Now, Mike, you and I will go around the corner to the Sunset Vista.

We'll park here, go into Shaw's office.

We can cover Bradbury's bungalow from this side.

Now, if and when the murderer shows up,

we'll nail him right here in a squeeze play.

Any questions?

All clear to me.

Right.

All right, you fellas get started.

All right.

OK.

Don't forget, we got a bet, Pappy.

Oh, I won't forget.

You want to make another one?

Hey, you're getting a little reckless, aren't you, Mike?

What do you got in mind?

If the killer does show up,

I've got another fence that'll be Henry Johnson.

That suits me, and I'll give you the same odds

I gave you on the other one.

A saw box says that it won't be Johnson.

Hey, wait a minute.

You're not betting on a sure thing, are you?

Keeping Ferris on Johnson's back so he can't get away?

No, I'm not.

As a matter of fact, I told Rick to relax

so Henry can get away if he wants to.

And I'm still willing to bet you.

Good.

We're in business.

Anything happen yet?

No, there's been no excitement around here yet, Lieutenant.

Well, that's fine.

I'd better call Bradbury.

I'll connect you.

Boy, he really put it on thick.

He had me fooled all night.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

He had me fooled all the way.

More people named Smith.

Hello.

Oh, Lieutenant Dord.

Yeah, I'm doing just what you told me to.

I got the two small bags packed

and I'm working on the big one now.

Huh?

Yeah, yeah, sure, I'm OK.

I'm glad you're here, though.

Yeah, yeah, I'll keep on.

Yeah, I understand.

Now, Mike, you'd better watch the parking area.

And if you see him moving fast,

I'll keep my eyes open out this way.

Mr. Shaw, may I go out that door?

Sure thing.

Come ahead.

I'll be right back.

Bradbury, look out!

Get your hand off!

You all right, Mr. Bradbury?

Yeah, I'm all right.

Boy, have I got something to talk about now.

Come on out with your hands up.

You haven't got a chance.

You're going out of here dead or alive.

The choice is up to you.

Get back a minute, I...

Johnson, this is Doyle.

Get back in the car.

Get out of here fast.

Hold your fire.

Come on, get going.

Orbella's real name is Tony Reed.

He's wanted in the East for charges that include

grand theft, kidnapping, and extortion.

We found his fingerprints in the owner's room.

They turned up in a single print file in Washington.

While he was trying to decide how to make some easy money

out here, he went to work in the gasoline station.

One look at the Bradbury roll decided the matter,

and he went to Bungalow 8 to get it.

Unfortunately for Horner, but fortunately for Bradbury,

Reed became confused between the Sunset Villa Motel

and the Sunset Vista, and killed Horner

before he realized he had the wrong man.

Then he took the body to your apartment

while you were in the kitchen fixing the drink.

Tried pinning it on me because he'd heard us arguing, huh?

Exactly. He figured he was safe as long as you were a prime suspect.

The news of your release was timed to coincide

with Bradbury's statement that he was leaving town.

So Reed decided to have another go at the roll.

And by using wires he did the last time,

frame you for both murders.

Oh, by the way, we found these in Reed's pocket.

No, you're showing them to me, Lieutenant.

I don't know one from the other.

And he'll never be able to if I have anything to say about it.

Come on, Henry, we'd better go before they close.

Will you excuse us, Lieutenant? We've got business.

She means the Licensed Bureau.

By all means, don't let me detain you.

Excuse me. Lieutenant Doyle speaking.

Yes, Rick? Oh, I see.

So many thanks. The doctor says Reed will live.

He didn't say how long, did he?

Goodbye, you two. Good luck.

Goodbye, Lieutenant. Thank you for everything.

Thank you.

Five. Five is ten.

Okay, Shylock, there you are.

The word is Sherlock. Thanks for the money.

Maybe this will teach you not to gamble.

Well, you could at least buy me a dinner with your winnings.

What are you talking about, buy you a dinner?

You're going home with me.

Bradbury has given me five chickens a week for the rest of my life.

I hope you can cook.

I'll have to learn.