Original subtitles

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Applause]

[Music]

Warden.

>> Glad you're here, Sheriff.

>> Came as soon as I heard your siren. Did

you find your man?

>> No, we've searched everywhere.

>> Who was it?

>> John Channing.

>> Oh, I've heard of him. He's a killer.

>> He's bad and he's smart.

>> Yeah, but I'll bet I know where he's

heading. Back to his old home at Stone

Cliff.

>> That'll be my guess, too. Any idea how

he got away?

>> The bars on his room window were sawed,

and he must have climbed down. But there

wasn't any rope. So, how'd he get over

the wall?

>> Well, he could have doubled the rope and

pulled the end free. Wonder if he had

outside help.

>> No one with any brains would help free a

killer like him.

>> I guess not, except another killer.

Well, I'm going to follow my hunch.

[Music]

Hey, did you ever see this maniac?

>> Yeah, once. Tend to one he'd be waiting

for us at the Channing House.

>> How'd he get out there ahead of us?

>> Hitchhike.

>> Who'd be dumb enough to give a nut like

that a ride?

>> Some other nut.

>> I hope whoever picks him up guess what's

coming to him? Well, I'd like to bet do

he's at the Channing House right now.

>> He'd be crazy to go there. That'd be the

first place anybody would look for him.

>> Well, if he's not crazy, how come he's

been in the asylum for 10 years? Oh,

>> I mean, he'd know we'd look for him

there the first thing.

>> Oh, sure. You would know exactly how a

lunatic's mind works.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

[Music]

I'm Sheriff Selby. This the Channing

House.

>> Yes, it has been for many years.

>> I want to see Miss Channing.

>> Miss Channing has retired. I'll take

your message.

>> I'm sorry, but this is official

business.

>> I want to see her at once.

>> Very well, sir. I'll tell her.

[Music]

Turn on the lights, Eustus. Mr. Linda's

coming down.

>> Well, I never known Miss Linda to come

down this time of night.

>> Unfortunately, these officers have no

regard for Miss Linda's comfort.

>> Excuse me, gentlemen. I brighten up

right away. I didn't know you was the

law.

[Music]

[Music]

Excuse me, gentlemen. Could I fix you

all some more sandwiches?

>> Some more sandwiches?

>> Yes. You eat them so fast. I thought

maybe you was putting you in star. I can

fix him surrender's night lunch again

after he all goes.

[Music]

>> Maybe we ought to take him back to the

asylum, too.

>> Did I hear you mention an asylum,

Sheriff?

>> Why yes, ma'am. You did. Your brother

escaped from there just a couple of

hours ago.

>> John?

>> Yes, ma'am. That's why we came to warn

you.

>> You think he came here?

>> Well, it would be the natural thing to

do. This was his home once.

>> Yes, that's true. But I'm not afraid of

John.

>> Well, you should be. He's a killer. As

shrewd and crafty as anyone they've ever

had there, they said.

>> Please. It isn't necessary for you to

tell me all that.

>> Oh, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings,

ma'am, but you must be careful. Even if

you are his sister.

>> I appreciate your warning, of course,

but what is it you want to do now? Wait

here and watch?

>> No, ma'am. We're not sure he's coming

here, so we'll have to keep hunting and

warn other houses around.

>> Yes, I suppose that is best.

>> You'll let us know if he shows up.

Should he come here, you'll know of it.

I promise.

>> Thank you, ma'am.

>> Judson, show the gentleman out.

>> Mr. Chef, here's your sandwiches.

>> Eustus, what is this about sandwiches?

>> Well, I had some sandwiches on this

plate and I ate the plate and I put it

right over here on the table and I went

to turn the light on and when I looked

around, they was gone.

They ate them. They ate them just like

that.

>> Oh, you probably just forgot to put them

on the tray.

>> Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't.

>> Well, anyway, I shan want anything more

tonight.

>> Yes.

>> Oh, uh, Judson, we were talking about

your vacation a few days ago. You may

take it starting tomorrow.

>> Tomorrow, miss.

>> Yes.

>> And you may tell all the other servants.

I've arranged to have a man named Martin

replace while you're gone. Good night,

sir.

[Music]

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

John,

I expected you earlier. My drive was

slow. Stopped too often to look for me.

>> So that's how you came here. In the arms

of the law.

>> In the rumble of the law's majesty, you

might say. That's how I came. But

they'll never take me back.

>> Of course not. You'll never have to go

back there at all. That's why I sent you

those presents.

>> Quite welcome. They were too.

I kept the rope and tied up one of the

guards in the grounds.

>> Not really.

>> Oh, but I did. and threw him high up in

the branches of a tree where they won't

find him for days.

>> That must have been fun to watch him

wrigle about in the treetop.

>> Oh, it was fun. Silly stopped. Perhaps I

shouldn't have tied the rope around his

neck.

>> Oh, I'm glad you're enjoying my

sandwiches.

>> I'm sorry. I didn't know they were

yours.

>> Oh, don't mention it. I knew you'd

arrived all right the moment my house

boy said they disappeared. Cigarette.

You do look a bit tired though.

>> Tire usually look. They only shave us

once a week.

>> They could at least trust you with an

electric razor. Then you always did

prefer edge tools. I remember.

>> I do still. I like sharp edges. There's

nothing more fascinating than a scalpel.

Cut so quickly, so silently, so deeply.

Which reminds me, I'm going to be a

doctor, a surgeon.

>> But we already have one doctor in the

family now, our precious nephew,

Lawrence.

>> Don't remember him.

>> But then I haven't seen any of the

younger generation for a long time, of

course.

>> Almost 10 years. It must have been quite

boring for you up there.

>> There were certain compensations.

No end of amusing people, but even they

got tiresome. And the worst of it, or

you'll never guess. What?

>> I had to act crazy so they put me in a

padded cell where I could get a little

peace.

>> I can't imagine you acting crazy. You

were always so dignified. But you can be

your own real self now. First, get

shaved.

>> There's a razor in there.

>> Grandfathers.

>> Splendid. He always kept an edge on.

[Music]

Oh, stop it, Mr. Poe.

>> By the way, our nephew Walter has taken

his grandfather's place. He only stays

sober long enough to borrow money from

me to get tight on again.

>> I could make him quit drinking. and our

other nephew, Horus. Too smart to live

outside a jail.

>> Pity I can't meet all those charming

people.

>> Oh, but you can. That's why I brought

you here.

[Music]

>> You mean you're going to let them see

me? Send me back there?

>> No, you don't understand. I hate them

all. I know they'd like to see me dead

just to get my money. So, I'm planning

to test them with your help. It'll be

more fun than you've ever had before.

They'll never dream who you are.

>> Who am I supposed to be?

>> Old Judson is going away. And you're the

new butler.

>> I a butler.

>> They're all coming here as house guests.

And then, well, I've already intimated

that I may leave all my money to my

secretary, Mary.

>> Do they believe that?

>> I built it up beautifully, sent her on a

trip east, given her all the money she

wanted for her clothes and everything.

>> Oh, but you have such a wonderful sense

of humor, Linda. They still might think

it a joke. Then I'll fool them. I'll

really leave Mary my money.

>> Why don't you leave me the money?

>> Don't worry. I won't forget you.

>> You did for 10 years.

>> But they will hate that girl, won't

they? Maybe even try to kill her.

>> Oh, quite possible. But nothing must

really happen to her. You and I'll be

watching them all the time.

>> Yes. Yes. I noticed that all our little

secret hiding places and passageways

were just as I'd left them.

>> Yes, as I said, we'll be watching them

and play with them like

>> like I did with Old Lady Grimes.

>> Yes, only this time you mustn't get

caught. We'll have to do things more

cleverly.

>> Yes, more cleverly. But I wouldn't have

been caught then if I hadn't got

excited. It was that that's what is it?

The storm that nightling. It drove me

wild. It almost I don't know what I'm

doing.

Get back in there, John Channing, and

shave yourself.

[Music]

>> Where's Judson?

>> I'm Martin, sir. Judson's on vacation.

>> Well, so are we. invited down for the

weekend by Miss Channing.

>> I wouldn't know about that, sir. Miss

Channing has driven to the depot to meet

Miss Winfield.

>> Miss Winfield?

>> Miss Winfield is Miss Channing's

secretary. She's just returning from a

trip east.

>> Yes, we know that. A 6 months trip on my

aunt's money.

>> Miss Channing, your aunt. I didn't know

you were at Channing, sir.

>> Yes, I'm Horus Channing.

>> And I'm Mrs. Channing. So, let's go in.

>> Hatty, take these bags into the house.

We'll arrange their disposition later

on.

the impulence of the man. Dispose of our

bags as if he felt we were imposters.

>> Probably Aunt Linda's instructions were

to insult us. I wonder why she asked us

down here anyhow.

[Applause]

It's Walder and Rita. Uhoh. They've got

a new car. They must have hit Andy

again.

>> Dear Aunt Linda never gives us anything.

>> I'm Martin, sir, the new butler. You, I

presume, are Mr. and Mrs. Walter

Channing.

>> That's right. Just down time to spend

the weekend with the old lady.

>> Yes, sir. Go right in. You'll find

Scotch and Soda in the library, sir.

>> Fine. Now, that's the way I like to be

welcomed.

>> Look in the window. Horrison is still

>> Oh, so they sneak down here ahead of us.

I suppose they've already put the bite

on out Linda for plenty. Mr. Horris has

just arrived, sir. Miss Channing will be

home shortly.

>> Oh, thank you, Martin. Well, that's a

relief. At least they haven't had a

chance to get to it yet.

>> Did you get the way that butler formed

all over them? I bet he had instructions

about that, too.

>> Well, Rita, what a pleasant surprise.

>> How are you, Harris?

>> Well, Walter, I didn't know the old bus

could make it way out here. Why don't

you take another peek? That little job

is the last one sold before car sales

were frozen.

Did aunt Linda buy that for you, too?

>> Oh, no. I won this at bank night. And

what's it to you if she did?

>> Being sarcastic isn't going to help

matters any. We have a common enemy to

face.

>> What do you mean a common enemy?

>> Stell means Mary Winfield. Aunt Linda's

gone down to the station to meet her.

>> Oh, so that's why we were invited. I

suppose we're going to be told formally

that she's going to get all of Linda's

dough.

>> Well, she won't get away with it. We'll

get a lawyer and have Andler declared

incompetent, won't we, Horus? Ah,

>> we can't do that now. For once, I agree

with Walter. We mustn't resort to the

law until we have to.

>> It's so seldom my dear brother agrees

with me. I think that calls for a little

drink.

>> I thought it was about time.

>> Pardon me, please.

Your rooms have been assigned. If you

care to get settled now,

>> well, I guess we might as well before

Miss Winfield arrives and takes over.

We'll have to take her over somehow.

Well, we'll all be poppers for the rest

of our lives.

>> Oh,

excuse.

>> But how many I cooked dinner for?

>> There will be seven. Miss Winfield and

Mr. Thorne, Miss Channing's attorney are

yet to come.

>> Martin.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Did you say Miss Channing's attorney was

coming to dinner? Yes, Mr. Peter

Thornne.

Thank you.

[Music]

>> There is something up, Walter. Aunt

Larenda's attorney's coming.

>> I got you mean Horus, but let's not

forget where there's a will, there's a

way.

>> Yes, it's just up to us to find that

way.

[Music]

It's so good to see you again, my dear.

I'll never let you be away from me so

long again.

>> I'm happy to be back, too, to be with

you.

>> Not to mention Peter Thorne, of course.

>> I admit I was glad to see him. He met me

at the landing field. You know, he said

he was coming up here over the weekend

on business.

>> I know. Business and pleasure both.

>> Only he'll be going away again pretty

soon for no one knows how long. Yes, he

told me he was going to enlist and not

wait to be called. That's why I suggest

you don't waste any time. Be happy while

you can.

>> But I don't want to be a burden to him.

You see, he was just getting started in

practice.

>> He hasn't hasn't much money. Well, don't

worry about that. I've arranged things

so you'll never have to want for

anything. You've been named my principal

heir.

>> Oh, Miss Linda, you can't do that.

>> I've done it. After all, my dear, your

father and I were once great friends.

>> Oh, I know. Oh, but all your nephews

>> and their precious wives and whatnotss,

too. Well, they'll all get exactly what

they deserve. No more, no less.

>> Oh, but Miss Linda, I

>> now not another word. And never call me

Miss Linda again. I'm certainly more of

an aunt to you than I'll ever be to any

of those featherrained idiots that are

in my home right now, just waiting to

see what they can weedle out of me.

>> Your home? Who are we right now?

[Music]

Mary, this is Martin.

>> How do you do?

>> Well, don't stand gapping all day. Have

her bags brought in.

>> Very good, ma'am. Boy, the bags.

>> Yes.

[Music]

What did you hurry?

>> Found not after chaining the come at

once.

>> What happened?

>> That flower part had nearly struck her.

[Music]

Why? It only missed by inches. If it

struck her, it could have killed her.

[Music]

[Music]

It would have killed Mary Winfield, too,

if it had struck her.

>> Why not admit it? That's what we all

want, isn't it?

>> Well, it'll be right over.

>> Yes. And I suppose he'll bring his

special nurse with him. Of course, he'll

bring Miss Stevens, as she'd say, for

Beach Promise. Well, that'll just about

complete our family gathering. And I

have a hunch it'll be a pretty

interesting weekend.

[Music]

Look like there something else in that

pot besides just flowers.

[Music]

I'm glad to report there's nothing

serious, Aunt Linda. It was just the

shock of your narrow escape that upset

you, I'd say.

>> I'd say it was Mary who escaped. Someone

tried to kill her.

>> Oh, Linda, I can't believe that.

>> You don't know the mad Channings like I

do. Anyway, there are not very many

people in this world who wouldn't break

a flower pot for a chance at a fortune.

>> You don't mean that.

>> Of course not. You surely wouldn't

accuse either Walter or Horus

>> of even hesitating at murder. No, I

wouldn't. Not where there's money

involved. That's exactly why I feel Mary

is more deserving of the channing

fortune than they.

>> Well, you couldn't have chosen a more

charming erist. The one that I'd be more

happy to welcome into our family.

>> Excuse me, doctor. I thought perhaps

Miss Channing would like some tea.

Here's

some fruit, Mr. Linda. And I hope he

find you feeling much better.

>> Thank you, Eustus.

>> You know, I don't like that pigeon. And

he don't like me neither.

>> Oh, maybe he's just hungry. Here, Mr.

Poe.

>> My dear, I'm almost sorry you came home.

I want you to be careful every moment

you're in this house. Oh, I still think

you're just nervous. It was only an

accident.

>> I hope so. Wouldn't you like to go out

and pick some flowers for me while I

talk to Lawrence?

>> Mr. Render, look like Mr. Po's got the

miseries.

[Music]

>> Uh-oh. There you go.

>> Dead.

>> Dead. What killed him?

>> It smells like bit better almond. One of

the carbalons. You mean it was poisoned?

>> Uh-oh. I bring this stuff up here

myself.

>> That's just what I was going to say. You

brought that stuff up here? Who gave it

to you? For whom was it intended?

>> Lawrence, please. I'll handle this. I

don't think you had anything to do with

this, Eustus.

>> Yes, ma'am. I know, ma'am. I didn't have

nothing to do with it except to it up

here. It was in the kitchen all fixed

for me to fetch.

>> You may go now, Eustus. But don't say a

word about this to anyone. Send Mo to me

at once.

>> Yes, Milo. He could have did that, too.

That man ain't to be trusted. I could

eat some of that fruit coming upstairs

myself.

>> You just can't trust them, Jeff.

>> Do you still think that falling flower

pot was an accident?

>> I don't know what to think now.

>> Do as I said. Be on your guard every

moment. Now go downstairs and see if any

of my dear guests are surprised to see

you alive.

>> I'm sorry, Lorenda. I never dreamed the

situation was really like this. You need

a bodyguard. Oh, that's not the answer.

I want permanent security. I want to

trap whoever is trying to murder that

girl in me. Well,

>> that's a job for the police.

>> Oh, it's my job if I want to escape the

notoriety that would come from filling

out the complaint. I want those greedy

vultures downstairs to think I'm dead,

then watch them fight over my money like

dogs over a bone.

>> How in the world do you ever expect to

make them believe that?

>> There are certain drugs that will induce

suspended animation, aren't there?

>> I know. one at least. But there's no

telling how the drug would react on your

system.

>> I'll have to take that risk. What's the

antidote?

>> An introvenous injection of sugar in the

case of the drug I have in mind. But no

reputable doctor would lend himself to

such a scheme anyhow.

>> Wouldn't you? For $10,000? I'm sure

you've done far worse for less.

>> But it's dangerous. You may not come out

of it.

>> If I die, you gain by it. I've provided

for you handsomely in my will.

>> Suppose I do help you. Just how far do

you want to go? the limit. A private

funeral, of course, and my body laid

away in the family crypt.

>> Well, that's impossible. For that, I'd

have to issue a death certificate or

there'd be an autopsy. And there's also

a law and inbombing.

>> You could pay an undertaker for special

service. I imagine you've done things

like that before.

[Music]

>> You win, Linda. I'll risk it.

>> I knew you would. After all, I'm

gambling my life. You're gambling

nothing. If I live, you get $10,000 and

a lot more if I die.

[Music]

>> Oh, excuse me.

>> That's all right. I was just gone.

>> I only wanted to say that Malo is

bringing your tea.

>> Thank you.

>> What was that about $10,000?

>> I'll tell you later. Right now, I've got

to go into town for something very

important.

Come in.

>> Would you like a cup of tea, Marlo?

>> No. No, thank you.

>> Perhaps you'd like some fruit.

>> Oh, Maro does not like fruit.

>> Not the kind that Mr. Po ate to me.

>> Mr. Po,

>> can't you see what happened to him?

>> Oh, I'm so sorry. The pobert died.

>> Didn't you expect someone to die?

>> Oh, no. Please do not talk so.

>> You knew those cherries were poisoned

because someone in this very house hired

you to poison them.

>> No, no, Maro know nothing about poison.

Nobody hire Maro to do anything.

>> Was it Mr. Walter or Mr. Horus?

>> No, Maro know nothing. Nobody hire Maro.

I say

>> I could have you arrested for attempted

murder, but I'd much rather find out who

hired you. So, I'll pay you $1,000 for

his name.

>> $1,000?

>> No one will ever know. You told me.

>> I do not know the gentleman by name. I

find out later, then come back.

>> Never mind. Take out the tea. Take the

tea.

[Music]

[Music]

silly way to kill a bird, isn't it?

I mean, to do a thing like that so

quickly. No time to appreciate its

reactions at all.

>> It wasn't done for amusement, I assure

you.

>> Oh, I know that, of course. But it will

be fun watching Marlo. He has it

>> meant for it like a child in his simple

wholesome way.

>> Well, I wouldn't say he was any too

wholesome.

>> No, not like Mary Winfield.

>> Mary?

>> Yes. Why didn't you tell me about her?

>> What is there to tell?

>> She's so lovely, so delicate, so dainty.

Why? She's as helpless as

as that bird.

>> John, what are you talking about?

>> Nothing. Only she reminds me of someone.

Someone I used to know very well.

>> Mary is Jack Winfield's daughter.

>> Of course, I can see the resentments

now. You used to be quite fond of Jack

yourself.

>> Yes, we were engaged once.

We were just a couple of crazy kids.

Jack once said I was crazy just before

he went away.

>> Then years later, you sold him a lot of

worthless stuff.

I thought he was crazy to have bought

it.

But I don't think Mary's crazy.

>> She has none of the mad channing blood

in her.

>> But she's very, very interesting.

>> She fascinates me.

>> John, you mustn't say that. Nothing must

happen to her. Besides,

there are all the others to be taken

care of.

>> Yes, you're right. There's lots to be

done.

And we're going to have lots of fun,

too, Larina. Lots and lots of fun.

[Laughter]

Pardon me, miss,

but I believe Miss Linda suggested you

cut her some flowers.

>> Yes.

[Music]

You'll sit here. I'll get you the shears

and gloves. I won't for a moment.

>> Thank you.

[Music]

Oh, darling.

>> Hello, Annie.

Oh, darling. I never was so glad to see

anyone in my life.

>> What's the matter, honey? You look

frightened.

>> I am frightened. Terrible things have

been happening. Someone's trying to kill

out Linda. They tried to poison her and

just as we were coming in the door.

>> Wait a minute. Take it easy. One thing

at a time. Suppose you settle down and

tell me all about it.

>> All right, I will. Let's get out of this

house.

>> All right, honey. We'll take a walk.

>> Well, we thought of that poison is

certainly brilliant.

>> Don't look at me. I'm not that bad. No,

I beg your pardon, Harris. I suppose

poison is more like a lady's method,

like dropping flower pots on women's

heads.

>> I didn't do that.

>> Neither did I. And if you accuse me once

more, you may find a little something in

one of your highballs.

>> But honey, it's unbelievable. Doesn't

seem possible that any sane person would

make two such crude attempts either.

>> All I can say is I was there.

>> Well, I guess some people would do

almost anything for money. But I don't

want it. The nephew can have it.

>> I think that's for Miss Lorenda to say.

The best thing for you to do is to leave

at once.

>> Oh, but I can't leave her at a time like

this. For some reason, she wants to keep

those people here, too.

>> Well, I'll stay on over the weekend.

>> Oh, well, then on Monday when they go, I

know I'll be all right.

>> I'm sure you will, cuz from Monday on,

you're going to be with me.

>> Oh, darling.

>> I mean it. Why waste time?

[Music]

>> Excuse me, please. I only come to say

Miss Loreno would like to see Mr. Thorne

when and if it's convenient.

>> Well, it's about very convenient right

now, but I'll be right along. It's just

about some papers, honey. It won't take

me very long. And don't you worry.

You'll be safe here with Eustace.

>> All right, darling.

>> Now, I got to be his pies and pigeons.

[Music]

What's the matter with you?

>> The ghost?

>> I just saw a ghost wretch for you out

the dead folks private room.

>> I don't see anything reaching.

>> I reckon you ain't got supernatural eyes

like me. But I saw plenty. This sh place

is full of ghost. There's a ghost that

eat my sandwich. And I know it was a

ghost that wretched for you.

>> That's a lot of nonsense. Go on, open

the door and I'll prove it to you.

>> Oh no, not me.

>> Go on, open the door. Go on.

[Music]

Come on

>> now. Show me your ghosty.

>> You see, it's just your imagination.

>> No, man. May not be no ghost here. Nah,

bro.

>> Forget that. Come on, shut the door.

[Music]

See, I told you he was there.

[Music]

>> Here are the papers that Mr. Rutherford

sent you.

>> Oh, you keep them, Peter. And this one,

too. It contains certain instructions to

be followed immediately if something

serious should happen to me.

>> If something serious should happen to

you.

>> That's right. But don't worry. Just go

out and join Mary. Look after her for

me. I don't want anything to happen to

her.

Run along like a good boy, wouldn't you?

>> Oh, good evening, doctor.

Well, did you get everything?

>> Everything

>> good.

>> And I've made all the other necessary

arrangements, too. Even with the

undertaker.

>> Then the only thing left to decide is

when and where I'll be revived.

>> It won't be safe to wait too long. You

know, the antidote must be administered

within a reasonable length of time to be

effective.

>> You could give it just after the

services, just before the caskets

closed.

>> It won't be safe to wait much longer.

I'm sure.

>> When I awaken, I'll be in the tomb of my

ancestors. Yes. You'll be in the vault

by the time you recover.

>> Perfect. You know, it gives me a thrill

to know I'm going to die tonight.

>> Sorry to be late, but Aunt Larenda

detained me.

>> How is she?

>> Will the poison really get her?

>> Poison? How'd you know about that?

>> Oh, Miss Winfield was kind enough to

tell us. So, she didn't explain just how

and by whom it was given. If you're

insinuating that Miss Winfield had

anything to do with that, you'll

apologize right now.

>> I was only thinking who'd gained most by

Linda's death.

>> Was one of her attorneys? She might have

learned through you.

>> I don't even know the details of Miss

Channing's will myself. I didn't draw it

up. But you do have a copy of it now. I

happen to know.

>> Oh, please let's not talk about it.

Money doesn't mean anything compared to

Miss Lorenda's life.

>> Dr. Channing. Doctor. Doctor,

Miss Channing's dying.

Dying. I think I better take me a little

vacation.

[Music]

[Music]

She's dead and one of you is to blame.

I'm going to find out who poisoned her

and see that they're punished. I'm going

to tell the police.

>> Why don't you do that little thing? Why

don't you keep quiet?

>> You don't know what you're talking

about, Miss Winfield. Poison had nothing

to do with Lorenda's death. The only

poison I know of was in the fruit that

killed the raven. Linda never touched

that. As you saw, she died of a heart

ailment from which she's been suffering

for years. I know that, and I'll swear

to it when I sign the death certificate.

>> I'm glad to hear you say that, doctor.

>> I'm sorry I was so hasty.

Look, honey, you're tired. Why don't you

go in and lie down a while, get some

rest, do you good,

>> what's the matter,

>> it's just that you shouldn't have come

in here, ma'am. You mustn't stay here

another minute.

>> Oh, you're just nervous over Miss

Lorenda's death. Yes, sit down. Well,

it's not only that, ma'am. But there's

so much hate and evil in this house

already. And now with Miss Lorenda dead

and them saying here to get the money,

I'm afraid for you, ma'am. I'm afraid.

>> Oh, you've been listening to Eustace and

his ghost story. He's here.

[Music]

Hattie. Hattie. What's the matter?

Hattie.

Dr. Channing.

[Music]

[Music]

Everything worked out as arranged.

Matthews, come over as soon as you can.

>> Dr. Channing, Patty's fainted.

>> I'll have a look at her.

[Music]

What happened to your head? Boy, I just

bumped it on the door looking through a

keyhole. I suppose

>> why it's dark. Haddie's gone.

I can't understand it. She was lying

right here when I left in a dead faint.

>> Well, maybe Walder can explain. He had

his eye on something.

>> I don't know where Hattie is.

>> Pardon me, sir.

[Music]

>> I can explain about Hattie. She was

quite dunning, so I gave her permission

to go home to her mother's for a few

days.

>> She could have at least waited for Aunt

Linda's services.

>> Well, you never can tell about service.

She's all right now, anyhow.

>> Oh, yes, sir. Hat is quite all right

now, I'm sure.

[Music]

We brought nothing into this world, and

it is certain we can carry nothing out.

The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

[Music]

Now, if you'll all step into the

library, I have something to tell you.

>> Why not? The spirits in there are just

as good as those here.

[Music]

Better go get a cup of coffee, Matthews.

We won't be ready for some little time

yet.

Where is it?

Call me out of the library within 10

minutes of the latest.

[Music]

>> Please understand that I'm merely

carrying out Miss Tanning's orders. The

envelope she left me contain definite

instructions. No, you don't have to

alibi for her. We all know the old dame

was a crackpot.

>> You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

>> Why don't you show a little shame?

Easing in here and jipping us out of a

fortune. Be quiet, Walter.

>> No one knows what's to be done with

Linda's fortune yet.

>> That's right. But unless I miss my

guess, this record would tell us

everything. She made it herself.

I, Lorinda Louise Channing, on this

sixth day of April, being of sound mind

and memory, do hereby give, deise, and

bequeeved to my devoted secretary Mary

Winfield one half of all my property,

both real and personal. To my nephew,

Dr. Lawrence Channing for special

services rendered in my lifetime, 1/4 of

all my property. To Walter Channing and

Horus Channing, $1 each.

to my faithful servant Eustace.

My photograph

framed.

I pause here hoping only to be able to

hear from wherever I may be. Walters and

Horus's comments on my will.

>> Well, I hope she knows what I'm

thinking. The old buzzard. Well, that

only accounts for threequarters of the

estate. Anyhow,

>> should probably figure the lawyer would

get the balance. You should know, deary,

after three trips to Reno,

>> as to the balance of my estate, I have

converted that into cash and bonds and

hidden it within this house, and I give

it in its entirety to whichever one of

you, beloved ones, shall find it.

Now to resume.

You will find a clue to the treasures

location in an envelope in my casket. So

may the best hunter win.

Pardon my laughter, but knowing how

selfish and unprincipled you all are, it

amuses me immensely to think how you,

the last of the mad Channings, are going

to lie and cheat and fight each other,

even to the point of murder.

Goodbye, my dears.

I gave a sealed envelope containing the

clue to the undertaker. I also have a

copy of the legal will in case any of

you would like to see it.

>> Not I. Thanks. Our aunt Linda has a

delicious sense of humor.

>> She predicted murder.

>> Well, here's one way we can outsmart

her. Now, listen. We'll all work

together from now on and share what we

find equally.

>> For once in your life, you've said

something sensible.

Come in.

>> Mr. Matthews would like to see Dr.

Channing,

>> I'll be right there.

>> Wait a minute. Where are you going?

>> You heard it. It's probably about some

details of the funeral arrangements. Mr.

Matthews is the undertaker.

>> Don't go south with that treasure clue.

Lock it.

[Music]

If I die, you gain by it. I've provided

handsomely for you in my will.

Lawrence, what are you doing?

>> Never mind.

>> You haven't given her the injection.

There's no more of her prepared.

>> You've killed her.

>> Good riddance. Come on, let's get out of

here.

[Music]

>> What are you stalling about? Trying to

put something over? No, I'm not. There's

a key to your treasure hunt.

>> Well, this is just a blank piece of

paper.

>> So, I see.

>> You must have made a quick switch.

>> No, I didn't. Nurse Stevens was with me

when I took that out of the casket.

Weren't you, Elellanena?

>> I was with Dr. Channing every second.

That doesn't mean anything. You're

always with him. And you wouldn't pass

up a fortune either, just for one little

lie.

>> If that's the way you feel, you can

search me. And if you find I've hidden

anything, I'll give you all of my share.

>> Dr. Channing, the casket's being placed

in the vault.

>> Thank you.

>> That casket must be searched thoroughly.

>> Since you don't trust me any longer,

we'll let Mr. Matthews do it. Come on,

we'll go on to the vault.

>> You sure there are no papers in there?

I'm positive, sir. There never was

anything but the envelope Mr. Thorne

gave me to put in.

[Music]

>> What are we waiting for? We haven't any

clue. Where do we start?

>> Well, why not ask Martin? Maybe

Solarinda hanging around some special

part of the house.

>> We forgot that Martin's been here but a

short length of time.

>> It's funny you'd think of that, but then

maybe you did before you took that clue.

>> Sure. Oh, then you would have known

there was no one to tip us off and you'd

have been certain to have the whole

thing yourself. But I haven't got the

clues I tell you. I swear I haven't.

>> How about you, nurse?

>> Yes. Do you want to swear you never saw

any clue?

>> I only want to get out of here. And I'm

going to take me home.

>> Sure.

>> I'll be glad to get away from these

snarling mongrels myself.

>> Then get out and stay out. If I catch

either one of you stooping around old,

>> you'll get a crack on the head

>> like you did from that door the night

you thought Mary was alone in her room

[Music]

because Help somebody.

>> What's the matter?

>> The ghost.

>> Have you gone crazy?

>> The ghost got anni isolated by the neck.

Hell.

[Music]

>> She's dead. She's been choked to death.

Why would anyone want to kill her?

>> Maybe somebody thought she had the clue.

>> It's one thing they can't accuse us of.

We were all together.

>> If I didn't have flat feet, I could get

myself a nice quiet job. No.

[Music]

Help.

[Applause]

[Music]

Somebody help. Help. Help.

[Music]

[Music]

>> He's with me again. He's with me again.

>> What are you yelling about? Who's with

you? The man in a long cloak that took

the nice lady.

>> Did you actually see a man in a cloak?

>> Yes, I saw him upstairs and I saw him

down here.

>> Oh, what you saw must have come out of a

bottle. Whoever it was must have killed

Miss Stevens. I'm going to phone the

sheriff's office.

Hello,

operator.

[Music]

[Applause]

It's dead. The star must have put it out

of commission.

>> Well, write a message. Eustsus can take

it.

>> Who? Me?

>> You heard Mr. Thawn say the phone was

dead.

>> Yes. So is the pigeon and Miss Loren and

the little nice lady. I reckon you'll be

me next if I have to go with the sheriff

alone.

>> You're going whether you like it or not.

>> I'm going, but I won't hack it.

>> Well, I'm not going to stay up all

night. Sheriff can see me in the

morning.

>> Good night.

How about a night cap, honey?

>> Sure. What will it be? Name your poison.

>> Never mind. I'll fix it for her myself.

>> Okay, if you don't trust me.

Come on.

>> Just a little one. Help take your mind

off your worries.

>> Well, maybe just a little one.

[Music]

When you finish that, you're going to

run upstairs and get some sleep.

>> I'm not sleeping.

[Music]

>> I'm going to stay up till the sheriff

gets here.

>> I couldn't ask for better company.

[Music]

I'm kind of sleepy myself.

[Music]

Thank you.

Have mercy.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

Horus,

>> whom did you expect? Or what's more

important? Let me have that paper.

Well, I heard a bell, but I never

thought I'd get the clue delivered by

special messenger.

Or is this one of Walter's gangs?

>> Oh, no, it isn't. Walter hasn't even

been down here.

>> See, if Walter doesn't know about this,

why tell him?

>> Why tell anybody? We'll just split

50/50.

>> A smart girl. I should have married you

instead of Estelle.

[Music]

Someone's coming.

>> Quick, get to your room. We'll try this

again later.

>> Right this way, gentlemen. You two sh

[Music]

The

>> boy here says it's been a murder.

>> Yes, sir. Very unfortunate. Mr. Thorne

can give you the details. He's in the

library right this week, sir.

[Music]

>> Horn. Excuse me, sir. I'm the sheriff.

>> Something wrong here, Doc.

>> Something is wrong. The man's been

drugged. Hit some strong coffee, boy.

Butler, let's leave him. Thunder

lightning dead body shaves but don't

laugh.

[Music]

>> Yes, I fell asleep.

>> You mean somebody slipped your Mickey?

>> How do you know? Who are you?

>> Oh, excuse me, Sheriff.

Say I was knocked out.

>> Yeah,

>> and Mary must have been, too. Where is

she? We've got to find her.

>> Just a minute. Somebody told us it'd

been a killing. Now, who was killed? the

nurse we had for Miss Channing. She was

choked to death.

>> That sounds like it might be the work of

Miss Channing's crazy brother.

>> We'll talk about that later. Let's find

Mary first.

>> Hey, I seen you someplace before.

>> Very likely, sir. If you spent much time

in London,

[Music]

>> take a look around the grounds, boys.

Keep your eyes open. You don't go away.

I want to talk to you later. Yes.

[Music]

>> Oh, hold it out on me, eh?

>> No, I was going to tell you about it in

the morning.

>> Yeah, probably over the telephone after

you got the stuff and made a getaway.

This is the nurse's room. Nothing's been

touched.

The body's gone.

>> What is this? A gag?

>> No, I saw it myself. And you as the

house boy actually saw her killed.

>> All right, we'll search the house. Get

busy, Mullins.

>> I want to question the house boy.

>> All he can tell you is that it was a

ghost or a cloaked figure.

>> Yeah, the boy's absolutely off his nut.

Well, so is the guy that got out of the

asylum.

[Music]

>> I found her. Here she is in here.

>> She's been murdered.

>> All seems normal. I'll say she just had

a shot of the same stuff that you got.

She'd be all right.

>> Oh, thank goodness.

>> She's all right. Now I'm going

downstairs and I have a heart-to-he

heart talk with the rest of the folks.

You take another look around for that

nurse.

[Music]

[Music]

I wish they'd stop turning out these

lights.

[Music]

Help.

Help. Dad had help. Help. Somebody help.

Help. Somebody help.

>> Oh, ran on the lights.

>> What is it? Justice. What's wrong now?

>> Dad. Had laying on the floor dead at the

nursery. Where? Oh, who that?

>> Hatty. How'd she get there?

>> She went home.

>> I come through the door with the ice and

she's laying right here.

>> But now she ain't.

No. And she never was.

>> This is the boy who said he saw ghosts.

>> Yes. And I saw Hattie, too. Only now I

don't.

>> I'm sure you didn't, Eustace. Because

Hattie is gone, as I told you.

>> Okay, that settles Hattie. Now, I want

to ask some questions.

>> Well, I suggest we go in the library and

talk. You'll find some refreshments in

there.

>> Well, the library then. I want to test

some of those refreshments anyway.

>> Hey, Chief. Wait a minute.

>> I didn't find no body, but I found a

sword and a lot of shooting stuff. These

are just old relics. Put them down.

>> Any you people armed?

>> Oh, all I've got is my basser.

>> How about you?

>> I carry this for protection, but I have

a permit.

>> In the library, please.

[Music]

>> Uh-oh, there goes the lights.

>> Who put those lights out?

>> The storm must have blown the wires

down. Have we got any candles? Yes. So,

this house is well equipped.

>> Are we all here now?

>> Milo the cook ain't. And he ain't in the

kitchen neither.

>> Mr. Thornne and Miss Winfield haven't

come down either, but I'll get him. And

Milo, too.

>> I'll go with you. This isn't the kind of

a house for anyone to be alone in.

[Music]

>> Shucks. I nearly had it then.

>> At what, sir?

>> Where I'd seen you before and it wasn't

London either.

>> You're sure? Well, it might have been

London at that. Only I never been there.

>> Hurry up. Read it to me.

>> Turn the yellow knob to three.

Back to nine,

not to six.

[Music]

[Music]

Uh-oh. Here I am in the dark again.

>> It's Rita.

>> Where's Walter?

>> She's all right. She just faded.

>> What's this? Well,

>> I'll explain about this later.

>> Fix her up first. Take her in the

library.

[Music]

Hey, Sheriff. One of these guns is gone.

>> Maybe the lady can explain about that,

too.

>> Excuse me, Dr. Channing. I want to

examine you first. Your gun is missing.

>> My gun? Of course, if you think I took

it.

[Music]

Beware, Horus.

Death stands just beside you. You can

hear my voice, Horus, but you cannot see

the spirit of the dead.

>> Linda?

>> Yes, Lorinda.

You last saw her in her casket.

That should have made you very happy.

>> Turn around, Horus.

>> Listen to the thunder.

Watch for the hidden hand.

[Music]

How long before she can talk?

>> That's hard to tell.

>> I can bring her around in a hurry if you

let me get my medical kit.

>> Go ahead.

[Music]

That's right, Lawrence. It's your gun.

Take it.

[Music]

>> Brenda, you're alive

>> and as well as ever, too. Thanks to your

antidote.

>> The antidote? Yes. That's what saved

you. Of course.

>> Only you didn't give it to me.

Fortunately, I anticipated your actions

perfectly and had Martin give it to me

with your own needle. Greed made you try

to murder me.

>> I wish I had murdered you.

>> Too bad for you. You didn't.

>> You have nothing on me.

>> Just enough to have you thrown out of

the medical profession.

>> I don't think you will, Linda.

Forget you're officially dead already.

So,

>> even a rat will fight when cornered.

Well, I thought of that, too. That's why

I removed all but the two cartridges I

fired at Horus.

>> Those were blanks, but two perfect

shots. You can bet your neck on that.

>> Those were shots, I'm sure.

>> Where'd they come from?

>> Who left the room last?

[Music]

>> What's going on here,

>> Harris?

>> Two bullets right through the hut.

>> My aunt Linda just shot him. Yo, what? I

said Linda Channing just shot him with

his gun. He's crazy.

>> Well, he knows Miss Lorenda's dead. Of

>> course he knows. He signed her death

certificate himself. We all know she's

dead.

>> That's just what you think. But she's

hiding in those walls right now. As

alive as any of us, and laughing at the

way she's trapped me.

>> Just setting the stage to cop an

insanity plea, Mike. Put the cops on

him. You can take over the body, doc.

>> Oh, but you're wrong, Sheriff. I'm not

fainting insanity. What happened was

that Lorenda Channing paid me to put her

into a temporary trance. If one of you

people will let me, I'll show you

exactly what happened right now.

>> You ain't going to put me through no

trans cuz I ain't going to be here.

[Music]

The least you can do, sharp, is to open

her casket. You'll find she's not there,

then you'll know I'm telling the truth.

>> Well, let's not bother about that

tonight. If she's not in her casket now,

the chances are she won't be tomorrow.

Let's just go back to town and you can

get a little rest.

>> But I don't need any rest. And I'm not

insane. In fact, I'm the only one in

this family who isn't.

>> Sure. I know. That's exactly what your

uncle John said 10 years ago when they

first took him up there. Take him away,

boys. I'll file the charges tomorrow

myself.

>> How terrible to think it was Dr.

Channing all the time. I can't believe

it. Well, it all fits into place. Nobody

else had any reason for killing that

nurse. And as far as Harris is

concerned, he was probably about to find

the hidden treasure, so the doctor just

put him out of the way.

>> I wonder what happened to Walter and

Malow, too.

>> Oh, we'll get the whole story out of him

sooner or later. These metal cases

always open up and start bragging.

>> Mentioning that hidden money reminds me,

Sheriff, I think we've got the real clue

here. We might as well try it anyhow.

>> Oh, I wonder if we should. That money's

caused so much unhappiness already. I

know, but wouldn't it be better if we

found the money and divided it fairly?

>> I suppose so.

>> Well, I'll read the directions and you

carry them out. It says to go to the old

wheel clock over the mantle.

Turn the yellow knob to three.

Back to nine.

[Music]

Now to six.

Mary. Mary, don't touch that wheel

again. But

>> Linda?

>> Yes, the late deceased.

>> Then the doctor's not guilty. You're the

killer.

>> Oh, Linda. I can't believe that.

>> I don't like the term killer, Sheriff

Selby. I prefer executioner. You see,

all I did was rid the world of a few

abnormals.

>> Well, that may be, ma'am, but under the

law.

>> I know you've got your duty to perform.

But that's all right. I've fulfilled my

mission on this earth anyhow. Young man,

take good care of Mary.

>> Of course I will, Miss Channing, but I

>> Mary, you've got to forget all about

this. I'm sorry to have destroyed your

faith in me, but if I hadn't, you

yourself would have been destroyed.

[Music]

>> Now I remember. No wonder he looked

familiar. He's John Channing.

>> Yes, I'm John Channing.

[Music]

But you're doing me a grave injustice.

Linda deserves credit for only Malo,

Horus, and Walter. Auntie and the nurse

go on my score. They're also down there.

And do come up and see me sometime.

Visiting day is Thursday, and we always

serve tea or scotch and spiders if you

prefer.

>> The last of the mad chantings. Well, I

guess that clears everything up. So,

unless you people want me to stay, I'll

be going. Sheriff, I wonder if you'd

mind dropping us downtown.

>> Not at all. Be glad to come along.

[Music]

I'm sure he's glad the ghost isn't gone.

This house is full of nothing but quiet

and peace. I can get myself a little

rest now. I'll wind the clock and put

out the lights and I'll be through for

the night. Help

[Music]

somebody.

[Music]