All language subtitles for The Westland Case (1937)

[music]

[music and bell]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[laughter]

>> No.

I don't know.

I don't know what to do.

The papers say

I don't

I don't

I don't want to die.

>> Supper time and still no Charlie

Frizell.

Here he comes.

I give Charlie Frizell plenty business

in my time.

>> Yes, but will he take my case?

>> You just show him that note. That's all

a mouthpiece like Frizell needs.

>> And I don't mind telling you, Frizell,

that I'm glad somebody's trying to help

Westland.

>> You think he didn't do it?

>> Unfortunately, what I think doesn't

matter.

But there's something about that fellow

Westland makes me feel uh

Well, I hope you can help.

>> Thanks. With your cooperation, I think I

can.

>> Come in, Westland.

>> Know Mr. Breezy?

>> No, but I feel I should.

Conners told me a lot about you.

Wait outside, doll.

>> Yeah.

Good guy, Conner, when he isn't packing

a rod. The boys will miss you.

>> He says you can get me a reprieve

if anyone can.

>> If anyone can is right.

>> Well, maybe this will help.

Sit down, Westland.

>> Thank you.

I don't know who killed your wife, but I

know you didn't.

I don't want to take a rap for what I

was doing in the building that night, or

I would have alibied you before.

If you can protect me, I'll tell the DA

what I know.

See Joe Petro on 90 South Halsted.

Ask for him G.

Alibi witnesses are okay when you're

building a defense, but uh

>> You guilty, Westland?

>> No, Breezy.

I didn't kill my wife.

>> Then what about the dame as the papers

mentioned? Who was she?

>> Emily Lou Martin. We were to marry as

soon as my wife divorced me.

>> I remember.

The prosecution called her motive number

one.

>> Will you handle my case?

>> Trying to free a man who's six days from

a hearse isn't a case, Westland, and

Houdini's dead.

>> And unless you can help me, in six days

I'll be dead

for a murder I didn't commit.

>> So, why'd you wait until now to have

Conner send for me?

>> Because that note didn't come until

yesterday.

Look, Breezy.

If you don't believe I'm innocent,

what hope can I have of

>> No, no, keep your shirt on, Westland.

Keep your shirt on.

I'm no different from anybody else that

read about the trial.

I think a guy that's in love with

another Jane is a likely bird to bump

off his frau.

Especially when she left him all she

had.

>> It was only 30,000.

>> 30,000?

Only 30,000?

Think that's peanuts to a $3 a day

jeweler to me?

That's all I charge to save your neck.

>> I'll give you 50 if you can.

>> Sure.

I was going to say that's what it

amounted to with expenses.

Now speaking of wills,

you're leaving all your money to the

Martin girl.

>> All but 10,000.

>> Yes, I remember. That goes to your

butler, Simmons.

>> That's right.

>> Uh-huh.

Oh, well. How about that movie the

prosecution made reenacting the

discovery of Mrs. Westland's body? Have

you got a print of that?

>> My former attorneys have.

But aren't you familiar with the details

of my case?

>> Oh, I am, but Crane isn't.

>> Crane?

Who is he?

>> A detective from New York. At least he

says he's a detective.

I think he's a magician.

>> Is he that good?

>> No, that bad. You can't keep him on the

job or out of your hair.

>> And what's more, gentlemen,

from the rock-covered coast of

California to the sun-kissed shore of

Maine, there is no other, no other

scientific crime detector who can

perform this little trick.

>> It ain't no trick, it's a miracle. Tell

him how you do it, Mr. Crane.

>> I should be delighted, Mr. Williams.

Super-sensitized developer of the

olfactory nerves.

>> Huh?

>> He means he's got a strong smeller.

>> And unless those olfactory nerves

deceive me,

you you are you only one with bourbon in

his glass?

>> You win. It's yours.

>> Wonderful.

>> Say, pal, did you solve the Slauson

House murder with your nose?

>> Partially. Only partially. What else did

you use?

>> The testimony of five eyewitnesses and

the man's confession helped to do it.

>> [music]

>> I think that will conclude the

performance for the day. I feel slightly

indisposed.

>> Hello, Crane. See you

on the wagon.

>> I'm glad one of us can see.

Let's have a drink. We're celebrating.

>> Celebrating what?

>> The solution of the Westland murder.

>> What do you know about it?

>> You were in every bar in town today

looking for it.

Let's have 30 or 40,000 double scotches

and give him the check.

What have they got except a piece of the

Westland will?

>> I got a bit of evidence that changes the

whole complexion of this case.

>> Doesn't take much to improve a dead

file. What is it?

It's for being quiet so long.

>> This little bit of paper.

>> What did you find out in the warden's

wastebasket?

>> Crane, if we can find the man who wrote

this note

>> You'd have the murderer of Westland's

wife.

>> Can't guarantee that.

But it may prove that Westland is not

the man.

>> Later, everyone.

Warden, this is Mr.

>> Meet Bill Crane.

>> Oh, yes.

>> All right. Hope you can help Bracy prove

he's right about Westland.

>> Well, we'll do the best we can. This is

my pal, Doc Williams. Everybody here?

>> I'm going for Westland now. Your people

are waiting in there, Bracy. If you want

anything else

>> Uh, thanks, Warden.

Come on, everyone.

>> Same here.

I'm Bill Crane, and this is Doc

Williams. Fraser tells me we're gathered

here for a little game of who done it.

I'll bet you're the perfect secretary.

Oh, I never read the newspaper accounts

of murder trials, but my barber told me

he thought you were guilty.

>> Feel icy, huh?

>> You?

You're the bookkeeper.

>> I've kept the books for Bolton,

Westland, and Woodbury for 11 years, and

well

>> Oh, I'm sure of that.

Doc.

Not now.

>> Doc, you can't do that.

>> And you?

>> Now, Crane.

And let me introduce these people and

save a lot of time.

>> Oh, let me guess.

>> But you're questioning like a lot of

suspects. They're Westland's friends,

here to help him.

>> I'll give them a chance to help them as

soon as they all get here.

Who's missing?

One of Westland's business partners, I

guess.

How did you know?

Well, if you'll pardon my saying it, you

don't look like the type who could run a

business alone.

>> Quiet.

Where is he?

>> Mr. Bolton's on the way. He stopped for

Miss Martin.

>> Oh, that's the girl he did it for.

>> Not so fast.

I uh

I thought we were all here to help prove

that Mr. Westland was innocent.

>> Oh, kind of like him a little bit

yourself, don't you?

>> And this Martin,

and this Mr. Bolton, and this Bill

Crane.

>> How do you do?

>> How do you do?

>> I hope we're not late.

>> Oh, you're not late. What are a few

minutes when a man's life is at stake?

Say, doc.

>> Yeah?

>> Remind me to speak to the warden about

this. Must have a lifter cleaning out

this office. They don't worry about the

date.

Two.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

The ninth.

Let me have a pencil, doc.

Doomsday.

12:00 2:00

a.m.

>> Oh, Bob.

>> Hello, Lou.

>> Are you all right?

>> Yes, yes, I'm all right. But, it must

have been awful for you all these weeks.

>> They wouldn't let me see you.

>> No, I know.

But, there is a chance now.

So,

keep it up.

Off guard that time.

>> Mr. Weston? This is Bill Crane.

>> How do you do? You see, Miss Martin and

I

>> I know.

There aren't many visitors in the death

house. I guess you know her voice all

right.

>> Huh?

>> Frazier tells me someone called you

tonight.

>> Oh, yes. Yes,

someone imitated Miss Martin's voice and

called to say that my wife was abusing

her.

>> That's why you went to see your wife the

night she was

>> Yes.

>> And you didn't call her.

>> No, no, she didn't. I realized later it

couldn't have been Miss Martin. The

person who such bad English.

>> Well, crazy, the floor is yours.

>> Stand by the curtains, Williams, please.

Sit down, everybody.

>> Please.

>> Perhaps I'd better explain that the

picture you are going to see was made by

the prosecution in order to prove that

no one but Westland could have murdered

his wife. The point being

that the door was locked and her key was

found on the table.

The scene that you're about to witness

is the discovery of Mrs. Westland's

body.

All of which has been admitted by the

defense.

All right, Williams, if you please.

>> Don't anybody take a pot shot at me

while it's dark in here. We're seeing a

movie, not writing one.

>> [laughter]

>> You'll have to shoot it, Williams.

>> At 9:30 on the morning of April 26th,

1937, June Day, Mrs. Westland's maid

tried to gain access to the apartment.

She rang the bell. Failing to get any

response, she rushed to Mr. Wayne, the

manager, who immediately called his

friend, Detective Strong, and later

joined by the janitor, hastened to

investigate.

>> Has anyone got a key to this joint?

>> Nobody but Mr. and Mrs. Westland. They

had a special lock put on. The door

couldn't be opened or locked inside or

out without one of their keys.

>> What's the trouble here?

>> What's going on?

>> Mrs. Westland doesn't answer and we have

no key to investigate.

>> Well, but I had an appointment with her.

>> Well, the elevator boy says she hasn't

left.

>> Well, there must be something wrong.

Break the door down.

>> Go ahead, I'll be responsible.

>> Shall I Shall I call Dr. Morris?

>> No, call the coroner.

>> Shall I call Mr. Westland?

>> I'd rather tell him myself.

>> Did someone say he had the only key

beside Mrs. Westland's?

>> Yes, he had the only other one.

>> Is this Mrs. Westland's key?

>> Yes, that's it.

>> Well, in that case, I better have a look

around.

And if all the doors and windows are

locked,

things are going to look bad for Mr.

Westland.

>> Palmer did find every door and window

locked. This, together with the fact

that the only other key to the apartment

was still in Mr. Westland's possession

at the time of his arrest, constituted

the chief evidence pointing to the guilt

of Robert Westland in the murder of his

wife.

>> And to add to this super epic, the

prosecution proved that Mrs. Westland

was killed with an obsolete Webley

pistol.

Mr. Westland had one, but it had been

missing since the murder.

>> Very lovely, charming. Couldn't they

have produced somebody who saw him shoot

his wife?

>> No.

But the Shadows who live next door swore

out they heard a shot at 12:10.

>> I suppose you testified you left about

12:30.

>> No, 12:40.

>> That's great.

You sure got a lot to work on.

So, I guess we'll take the case.

>> Right, Chief.

>> Provided, of course, you folks like to

play games.

>> Now, what are you talking about?

>> Playing detective. After all, everyone

in this room knows more about this case

than I do.

>> I hope so.

>> Well, if there's anything I can do,

>> you can tell us about that Webley pistol

of yours. Just like Westland's, wasn't

it?

>> Yes, but the police checked it against

the bullet that killed Mrs. Westland.

>> And the bullets didn't match. I just

thought you might be able to help us

find the missing pistol. Only because

you know what Webley's look like, of

course.

Miss Martin,

you might be able to help us find the

person who imitated your voice on the

telephone.

After all, she must have known you

pretty well to have fooled Mr. Westland.

>> Why look at me.

>> Why indeed.

>> Yes, why

>> Quiet.

>> By the way, did you know the elevator

boy testified that he heard the

Westlands quarreling that night?

>> Elevator boys always do.

>> And don't forget Simmons, the butler. He

was in Westland's will for 10 grand.

>> That's right, and he knew where Bob kept

the missing pistol. Make a note of that,

Doc.

>> Right, Chief.

>> Here's a note for you all to think

about. You're all Mr. Westland's

friends.

You'll have to dig up a motive for the

murder of his wife. Was Mrs. Westland

murdered to get rid of her, or to get

rid of Westland?

One of you might have the answer to that

one.

>> Meaning one of us murdered Mr.

Westland's wife?

>> Of course that's what he means.

But I'm not going to stay to hear it.

We're all friends of Mr. Westland's.

Friends, do you hear?

>> Why I worked for his father before him.

I love him, as we all do.

>> You love him?

>> Now Amos,

listen to me.

Mr. Crane doesn't suspect any of you.

He simply thinks that

>> He has nothing to think with. He's a

fool.

Do you hear me, young man? You're a

fool.

>> Oh.

>> Think you got something there, Bob?

I've suspected as much for years.

>> Young lady,

you and I,

this plastic beauty,

and my bloodhound are all going to have

dinner over at Joe Petro's Palace

Gardens.

>> But that's a dive.

>> Sure, but we're going to make old Joe

tell us who MG is.

>> MG?

>> He sent Mr. Westland an alibi note.

>> Why take Miss Martin to a place like

that?

>> I think both these young ladies may be

very useful. If they can't charm it out

of him,

Doc has other methods.

>> You said it, Chief.

>> As for the rest of you,

there are five more nights till

doomsday. Remember that.

You forget it.

My hat, Doc.

All right, ladies.

>> [music]

>> I had a feeling that something terrible

was going to happen.

>> Don't worry. Just remember when we meet

Petro to turn it on.

Or

>> [music]

[music]

>> Martinis?

>> Yeah.

It's martinis.

>> Six.

Anything else?

>> Yeah, a large portion of the proprietor.

>> And Joe here?

>> It's Graham.

>> [music]

>> Anything the matter, gentlemen?

>> Are you Mr. Petro?

>> I am.

>> We're looking for a friend of yours.

>> Oh, every night this place is filled

with my friends. Which one?

>> MG.

>> Oh, you mean Manny Graham?

>> Oh,

well, don't you think you can sign for

me? It means everything.

>> Manny's a hard fellow to find. How do I

know you ain't G-man?

>> Oh,

>> [laughter]

>> they're all right.

>> You You sure?

>> I'm positive.

>> Well, I tell you what. You stick around.

We got a good food. Manny will be here

for dinner tonight. He'll see you. Maybe

he'll talk to you, and maybe he won't.

But if he don't, I will.

>> [laughter]

>> As well. Give us a chance to relax.

>> Sure. I'll tell him you're here.

Everything will be hunky-dory.

>> Thank you.

>> Well, you did all right.

>> Great whiskey and a little port.

>> [music]

>> Peter.

>> Do you think that's Grant?

>> It certainly [music] could be. He and

his whole army are headed his way.

>> [screaming]

>> By that dirty yellow

>> Look out, you want to get mowed down?

Better get the girls out of here.

>> Well, please now, don't get excited,

please.

>> Who was it?

>> His name was Manny Grant.

>> Ah.

>> You take one of these, fix you right up.

>> You bungled the whole thing.

>> I know, Ed.

The shot that sank Manny Grant left us

behind the eight ball.

>> I'm late,

but I've been busy. You asked me to help

Robert. I have been.

>> What have you got, Sprague?

>> I can't tell you now, but it's vital. It

may save the boy's life.

>> There isn't much time left, Amos.

If there's anything that you can

>> to be sure.

But tomorrow, I'll tell you everything.

>> You didn't have to drive all the way out

here to tell us that.

>> Relax, will you?

>> I don't trust phones. I had to tell

Robert there is hope.

>> Can't you tell us anything further than

that?

>> Only this. It involves millions.

Millions, do you hear?

>> That's a lot of dough.

Break it up.

Your shuttle, Mrs. Westlin, lived next

to you.

>> Yes, and Dr. Shuttle if you don't mind.

>> I don't mind if your patience don't.

>> Speaking of patience, Crane, mine's

about exhausting. A man comes here with

evidence and

>> Evidence that might save Bob's life if

you hadn't let poor guy shoot Manny

Grant.

I admit it was careless of me to let him

splatter Manny around.

Darling,

that must have been terrible for you.

There's the right guy.

Four days from the grave and he's

worrying about the gout.

>> He's a fool.

>> Worth carrying the torch for though,

huh?

Well, doctor,

>> Well, maybe I better explain. April

>> doc.

>> Well, all this is very embarrassing. I

>> It's all right, doctor. You had to

testify against me.

>> Yes, but I should have remembered that I

didn't set our clock ahead until we went

to bed.

>> What's that?

>> Suddenly I remember that on April 25th,

Chicago changes from Central Standard

Time to Daylight Saving Time. That night

all clocks are supposed to be turned

ahead. Shuttle didn't turn his ahead

until he retired.

>> Then it was 10:00 after 1:00 when you

heard that shot. And you left Mrs.

Westlin at 12:40.

>> Approximately. It was just 1:00 when I

got home.

>> Oh, Bob, that proves you didn't do it.

But you knew that all the time, didn't

you, Miss Martin?

>> Of course.

Just what do you mean by that?

>> Ladies, please. There are gentlemen

present.

Now, the fact that uh

Dr. Shuttle heard the shot at 1:10 is

only important if we can prove that

Westlin left when he says he did.

>> That's where Manny Grant would have come

in handy.

>> On your horse, doc.

We're going to find out about this

locked door business. How the murderer

got out of Mrs. Westlin's apartment.

I almost forgot.

Today is the 6th.

>> Hey, uh

don't you think we ought to take along

that perfect secretary, Miss Brentino?

>> What for?

>> Well, she take dictation.

>> You can follow me. She doesn't take it,

she gives it.

>> Really, gentlemen, don't you think this

is all pretty hopeless?

Personally, I believe with the jury that

Westland shot his wife and locked the

door himself.

If you don't mind my saying so.

>> We don't mind cuz we ain't listening.

>> You're not?

>> We can't afford to. We're being paid to

prove Westland's innocence.

>> If you're not going to be any help,

we'll go up to Mrs. Westland's apartment

and have a look.

>> Oh, well, I'm I'm sorry, gentlemen, but

I don't think Miss Hogan would like

that.

>> Miss Hogan?

>> Isn't the Westland apartment privately

owned? It is.

>> But I rented it.

>> You rent

>> A private apartment and he rented it.

>> But, gentlemen, I thought

>> Yeah, with what? Tell the lady we're on

the way up.

>> And we'll deal with you later.

>> Get Miss Hogan.

Dear oh dear.

Hello, Agatha.

Uh some of Mr. Westland's lawyers want

to come up and look at the apartment.

Uh

Well, I'm sorry, but slip on something.

But they're in a hurry.

Oh, well, suit yourself, but open the

door, they'll be right up.

>> I'm beginning to feel like one of the

hall room boys or the house dick.

This must be the Hogan hangup. Push it

on the tab.

>> You're always tired.

>> You rented the apartment, huh?

>> You must have come to the wrong

apartment. There's three girls in 411.

>> Uh

sorry to uh bother you, sister, but this

is the final investigation of the

Westman case.

>> Haven't they burned that guy yet?

>> No, no, no, no. You see, we

we have come to look through the

apartment.

>> Yeah, come in.

>> [laughter]

>> Well, have a look around.

>> As I always say, not a bad life for

policemen.

>> Lovely, eh?

>> Very.

>> I wonder if I can get through there.

>> I don't know. Santa Claus does it.

>> Funny, aren't you? Handsome.

>> Ha ha, you're all right, baby.

>> The lady is lovely. But we're supposed

to be working.

>> I can stop anytime.

Is there any other door to this place

except that one?

>> Yeah, there's an opening in the kitchen.

Packages, but only a monkey could get

through it.

>> Doc, have a look in the bedroom and see

if anybody could get out of there.

>> Right.

>> Better go with him and make sure I don't

fall down no rat holes.

>> The lady is lovely, but we're supposed

to be working.

>> I go for a girl like that.

You always know where you stand.

>> Sure do. Got to sleep with one eye open

to keep from getting your throat cut.

>> Look,

do you think a girl, maybe Brentina,

crossed up Westland?

>> I don't know. She's been Woodbury's

secretary ever since the murder.

She could have gotten in and swiped

Westland's gun if she was in cahoots

with the butler.

That's the next bird we got to see,

Simmons, Westland's butler.

>> Oh, does Sprague, the bookkeeper, know

anything? Or is he just kicking the hay?

>> Find out tomorrow.

Any luck?

>> No.

>> I'll be seeing you, sweetheart.

>> Not in this life, I hope.

>> [laughter]

>> Is there anything I can do for you, Mr.

>> Frazier.

Charlie to you.

>> Oh, I've just seen you around.

>> That dame must have read your mind.

>> Oh, I get around.

>> I hope she didn't read mine.

>> Can I drop you boys anywhere?

>> Nah, I want to walk and think.

>> Nah, let's just walk.

>> Is he still with us?

>> He ain't far behind.

This is where we did it, and this is

Westland's apartment.

>> Uh, what is it?

>> Are you Simmons?

>> I am.

>> I'm Detective Crane. Mr. Frazier sent us

up here.

>> come in.

>> We uh just wanted to ask a couple

questions, Simmons.

>> Nice flat.

>> Yeah, not bad.

>> Uh, we're interested in Mr. Westland's

gun. Where does he keep it?

>> Uh, in the drawer of that cabinet, sir.

>> When did you last see it?

>> On the afternoon of the murder, sir.

>> Did you tell the police?

>> Well, I um

>> It's all right, he's not a copper. He's

trying to help you, boss.

>> No, I didn't, sir. I thought it would

hurt Mr. Westland's case.

>> Well, it sure wouldn't help it any.

And you stayed in the apartment the rest

of that day and evening?

>> Yes, sir. Mr. Westland had dinner alone.

When Mr. Woodbury came from here

>> Was Woodbury here?

>> Only just for a moment, sir.

>> Think hard, Powell. Was Woodbury ever in

this room alone?

>> I don't think so, sir.

I guess he was.

I'd gone to bed and I heard Mr. Westland

come out into the kitchen. But you don't

think they did

>> No, no, no, just checking up.

They didn't quarrel, did they?

>> Oh, no, sir. They were the best of

friends. They'd served together in the

Great War.

>> Mhm.

Was there any way anybody could have

gotten into this joint and swiped Mr.

Westland's gun?

>> Well, I don't see how, sir.

>> Anybody have a key except the boss?

>> Nobody. Oh, uh, except Miss Martin.

>> Mhm?

>> She drop in to rest when she'd been

shopping.

>> Oh. Was Westland's pin still here?

>> No, sir. From his club. He played squash

every day at 11:00.

>> Squash?

>> Squash.

>> And you stayed here?

>> Until 11:30 when Mr. Bolston telephoned

me to bring some things to the jail for

Mr. Westland.

>> But Woodbury knew the Webley was in that

cabinet.

>> But I don't think

>> Neither do we. But don't mention our

little visit to Mr. Woodbury.

>> Oh, not a word, sir.

>> Hey.

>> Mhm?

>> Woodbury looks hot.

>> And we're getting warmer.

>> Don't break out in a heat rash yet.

Remember that Simmons gets 10 grand from

Westland's will.

Catch on?

>> Mhm.

>> A friend waiting for us?

>> Nope, I think he gave us up.

>> Taxi?

>> Not tonight, Joseph.

>> DUCK!

>> YOU ALL RIGHT?

>> YEAH. I THOUGHT THEY CUT THAT STUFF OUT

in this town.

>> Ah, the amateurs. The mob never misses.

>> Taxi!

>> You win. That's one way to promote

business.

>> Where to?

>> Any good saloon.

>> Make it the first one you come to.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Morning.

>> Oh, Mr. Sprague. Well, your voice

sounded different. Funny thing, I just

thinking about your boss. Everybody

thinks he's guilty.

>> He isn't. And today I'm going to prove

that he isn't. You? Yes, me. Amos

Sprague. Do you see that headline?

No, of course you can't. But tomorrow my

name's going to be there as big as life.

You remember.

Tomorrow's paper.

Amos Sprague FOUND NOT GUILTY.

>> MR. SPRAGUE, WHAT'S HAPPENED?

>> DARLING, I WISH I COULD HELP.

>> Nothing seems to help.

Look, Frazer. If you know they've quit

me, why don't you say so?

>> Take it easy, Weston. They haven't quit

you. They're probably on a hot lead.

>> Yes, and cooling it off with a drink.

>> Well, that's encouraging. While poor Bob

here

>> Oh, thank heavens you've come.

>> You think I wouldn't?

>> Now, where have you been and what have

you found out?

>> Well, I found out our client here is

innocent, which is something even though

we can't prove it yet.

Where is that Sprague?

>> Search me. Said that he's going to be

here this morning.

>> That's cute. I'm staying right here

until he shows up.

>> Am I tired.

Come on. Get up. Get up.

>> Now, look here, Frazer.

This man hasn't accomplished a thing.

He's absolutely worthless.

>> Now, cool off, Boston. Cool off.

>> I hope Sprague's got more than I have

when he gets here.

>> Yeah, and if he hasn't?

>> Well, we'll have to find the person that

made that call imitating Miss Martin's

voice.

>> If there was such a call.

>> Well, of course there was.

>> You're taking strong.

>> What's the matter? Is he passed out?

>> Overworked.

>> So, what do we owe your official visit?

>> I thought you might like to know a

fellow named Sprague was killed by a

hit-and-run driver.

>> Sprague's what?

>> You sure it was a hit-and-run driver?

>> It looks like it, except for a couple of

witnesses who saw a guy get out of the

car and run over to Sprague.

>> To make sure he was dead.

>> You think he was murdered?

>> Sure, by the same party that had our

other witness, Manny Grant, killed.

>> Yeah, try and prove it.

>> I'll prove it if you'll check on the

whereabouts of our friends here at the

time Sprague was killed.

And if somebody will please fix that

calendar. Mr. Woodberry, would you mind?

I'm really worn out.

>> Why pick on me?

>> You said you wanted to help.

Thank you.

Oh, the meeting's over. I got to find

that playmate of mine.

>> Yeah, what for?

>> To find the person that imitated Miss

Martin's voice.

>> Oh, Mr. Crane.

Who could imitate a person's voice

better than the person herself?

>> Think you got something there.

>> 104.

>> Well, hello.

>> Hello.

>> Why didn't you tell me you were coming

here?

>> Surprise.

>> Mr. Woodberry could have given you a

lift, too.

>> I had to pick up Palsy here. I'd like to

have a look at your phone wires, if you

don't mind.

>> Hello, Mom. This is Mr. Crane and Mr.

Williams, the detectives. How do you do?

>> Hello, ma'am.

>> Well, won't you come in?

>> Thanks.

I'm sorry to bother you, but I can't

help feeling that anybody who would have

called Mr. Westland and imitated your

daughter's voice would have tapped the

telephone wires.

>> Well, but why?

>> So Mr. Westland couldn't check back on

the call.

>> Tapped wires?

That sounds like detectives. But how

could anybody get in here to tap our

wires?

>> That's what we came out here to find

out.

>> Where is the telephone?

>> Right out here in the hall.

>> Let me have a look at it.

>> But the night of the murder, we sat here

all evening. The phone didn't ring once.

>> And Miss Martin didn't call Mr.

Westland.

>> She certainly did not.

Didn't you read the testimony of the

trial?

>> Yeah, but I didn't think so much of the

dialogue.

You were in your own room at the time

Mr. Westland was called.

>> Oh, yes, I was.

>> Doc, have a look at Miss Martin's room

and see if she could have been watched

from the back of the house while the

wires were being tapped.

>> Where is it?

>> Huh.

Pardon me, but I'm awful tired.

>> She could be watched all right.

>> There's a vacant lot next door to the

Y.M.C.A.

>> Have a look at that wire.

Hot diggity, that wire's been cut and

spliced.

>> Fiddlesticks. The telephone man did that

when we complained about the service. He

said someone must have cut the wire

accidentally.

>> When was it fixed?

>> Why, the day before Mrs. Westland was

found dead.

>> Nonsense. It was the very day they found

her.

>> Oh, no, Mother, that was on Monday.

>> Make up your minds.

>> Well, the man I'm thinking of came on

Sunday.

>> It was the day before that. I was here

alone.

>> There were two repairmen?

>> I suppose there must have been.

>> Hmm, the first one was a funny bird.

>> Sure, the first one cut it and the

second one fixed it. What's in there?

>> The bathroom.

>> Let's have a look.

There's no wires running here.

That's a pip.

>> Ah, come on.

>> I wish I had time.

I've seen everything I want. Let's go.

>> Well, I should think so.

Mr. Crane

Isn't there any chance of saving him?

>> Well, there's still 2 days left for

something to turn up.

>> 2 days?

>> Keep in there pitching.

By the way, did Miss Brentino know your

voice well enough to imitate it?

>> Well, she certainly heard it enough when

she was Mr. Weston's secretary.

>> I just remembered something, Dad.

>> Thanks very much. Let's go.

>> And what was it you just remembered?

>> That prohibition has been repealed.

>> Well, what are we waiting for?

Well, what was that last cab bill?

>> 11 bucks.

>> 11 bucks to solve a crime. If the guy

that dies, it ain't worth a dime.

>> Wait just a minute. This is Mrs.

Weston's apartment. What are we doing

here? I thought we wanted to find Fazee

to see if he had something new.

>> And so we do. And so we will. Ring the

bell, brother. Ring the bell.

What I tell you?

>> Hi, Pop.

>> Now, what you old?

>> Where's lovely landlady? Want to take a

shower. He wants to take a shower.

>> Drunk?

>> No, just dusty.

>> I I you see it's a complex a

complex.

>> Right, Chief.

>> Every time he sees a glass enclosed

shower, he fairly waters at the mouth.

>> Where have you been?

>> Not where have we been, but do we come

in?

>> Get them OUT OF THE HALL. THE MANAGER

WILL THINK IT'S BANK NIGHT.

>> The master's voice.

How are the tops?

I like you.

The Davenport.

Later you shower. And one more thing.

Would you get the gentleman a drink?

Ah.

Well, what's the idea?

The idea is did you find out any more

about Sprigg's death than the great

strong told you? No, I checked on

everybody. They all have alibis except

Simmons. Ah, he's all right.

Yeah? Well, he's got a police record as

a life deserter. So is Williams, but he

didn't do the murder either.

No, honest I didn't.

>> [laughter]

>> Shut up.

What about Brunton? I don't like that

dame. She's swell. Nice figure.

Those are the dames to look out for.

Those are the dames I'm always looking

out for.

Oh, thank you.

What am I, stepchildren?

You said get the gentleman a drink. Ah,

please Agatha.

Oh.

Ah.

Remember your high blood pressure, pop.

Well,

what did you find out?

Three things.

I'm no gentleman.

I'm more thirsty than sleepy and I'm

very sleepy.

I'll get something to pick you up.

One of the lawyers told me that when

Mrs. Westland's estate was probated,

they found a flock of stolen stocks and

bonds.

>> You supposing Boston Woodbury?

>> No, I checked.

And all those funny securities were

listed as having been bought for Mrs.

Westwin while her husband was still

handling her account.

>> Everything keeps coming back to Westwin.

>> Maybe that's cuz he's guilty, baby.

Do I hold this or do I have to part in

your mouth for you?

>> I love it.

>> Okay, you asked for it.

>> [laughter]

>> Perfect.

Now I got to stay here while I dry out.

Good night, everybody.

Water, water, water.

Wonder what it tastes like.

Hey, landlady, up.

>> Been out for hours.

>> What time is it?

>> Friday.

>> Getting late.

>> Anything else?

>> Yeah, get me a gallon of orange juice

and 30 or 40,000 aspirins.

Didn't you hear me?

>> Got you a gallon of orange juice.

>> Is that all you heard?

>> Yeah.

>> Wait a minute, LISTEN TO THIS.

THIS IS MRS. GREEN'S BOY, WILLIAM.

Broadcasting from the Wrigley Building

shower BATH, THE CORNER OF Michigan

Avenue.

WILLIAM GREEN

AND LOVELY AGATHA HOGAN, THAT LADY OF

LEISURE, ARE DUMPING JOE INTO EACH

OTHER'S

AND IS THE TRUCK COMING OR WHAT? YOU'RE

ON FIRE.

YOU HEAR ANYTHING?

>> NOTHING.

>> WELL, that's what I THOUGHT.

WOO!

>> WHAT'S THAT?

>> THAT'S MOM'S DIARY.

>> All right.

>> She spent the night.

>> For what?

>> For his ears, fella. He's no fool.

>> Oh. Give me the warden of the state

penitentiary, but quick.

>> That's for now. Is this the day for the

20,000 volts under the seat?

>> Nope, tomorrow night. But a lot of

things can happen. Hello. Warden? This

is Crane. Get a hold of Westlin right

away for me, will you please? He's right

here, Crane, trying to get you.

>> Hello, Crane. I've been trying to locate

you.

>> Don't tell me you've got something.

>> Several things. A role that could belong

to you or Look. When you got that phone

call you thought came from Emily Lou,

was there anything peculiar about the

connection?

>> Well, you mean whether it was local or

long distance?

>> Yes, and were there any funny noises?

It did? Like what?

Niagara Falls?

Listen, kid. Don't start a jailbreak,

but I think I can spring you. Goodbye.

Warden?

I love the whole world.

Even you, Aunt Mary.

And as for gorgeous here,

Oh.

My judgment's not so good this morning.

>> Your aim's all right, though.

See if you can find the door.

>> It's swell assignment for a big

detective.

Uh

Well, you notice I left Aunt Mary for

company.

>> Yeah.

>> Who did you?

>> Not Aunt Mary.

>> You're telling me? Morning,

Did he behave himself?

>> Well, he didn't find any clues.

>> Well, I can tell you who murdered Mrs.

Westlin.

>> Yes, yes. Tell me more.

>> I'll ask you more. Where is that

Newfoundlander mine?

>> William?

>> Yeah. He's checking Simmons' prison

record.

>> Why?

>> I'm about to go into what I laughingly

call action, and I'm going to need a

couple of things.

>> Well, I'll get them for you. What are

they?

>> Well, first I

>> I'll answer it.

Come in.

>> Well, I checked up on that guy Simmons'

record, and the guy is he's

Who is that?

>> That's my Aunt Mary.

>> Listen, I want you to pick me up in

front of Westlin's apartment in an hour,

but first get me a stopwatch and a deep

sea diver. Got it?

>> Yeah, yeah.

Oh, boy, has the case been too much for

him?

Oh.

>> Now we're even, and if I spring Westlin

by tomorrow night, you and I are going

to have a date without Aunt Mary.

And we won't need you, either, Pop.

>> Pop?

>> Hi, Chief.

>> How do you do?

>> Where did you have to go to contact that

deep sea diver? The bottom?

>> Here's your stopwatch.

You know, you don't look nuts.

>> Take me to the corner of LaSalle and

Adams over the Michigan Bridge the

quickest way. Get ready to go when I say

go.

You ready?

>> All ready, sir.

>> Go.

Did you really get that diver where we

can get him?

>> Yeah, he's waiting with a boat.

>> Who wouldn't for 500 bucks?

>> Hey, let me in on this, will you, Chief?

>> Relax.

>> Ain't I supposed to know anything?

>> You can fool me.

>> You said it, Chief.

Now, here we are, boss.

>> That's swell. Don't go away.

It took 27 minutes and 40 seconds. Now,

let's go back a quicker way.

>> You mean where we just came from?

>> That's right.

>> Well, there ain't no quicker way except

underground.

>> Does that cross the river?

>> Why, sure it crosses the river.

>> Then let's take it.

When I say go, go. Are you ready?

>> Yes, I'm ready.

>> Go.

That's more like it. 22 minutes and 18

seconds.

>> Yeah, look, pal. Why didn't you tell me

you wanted me to take you underground? I

could have taken you before.

>> I'm a stranger in town. Now that I've

tried the underground, I kind of like

it. Let's do it again.

>> What?

>> When I say go, go. You ready?

>> Yes, I'm ready.

>> Go.

Look,

we came this way once. If I see the

corner of LaSalle and Adams again, I'll

let you.

>> Honest, I'm getting seasick.

>> Pull over, driver. This is it.

>> This is what?

>> What I've been looking for.

You got a monkey wrench?

>> If I got a monkey wrench.

Yeah, I got one around here somewhere.

Why?

>> Will you sell it to me?

>> I don't know. I think a lot of that

wrench. It's the best one I ever had.

>> I see. How much?

>> I don't know. I might not be able to get

another one just like that for less than

five bucks.

>> Five bucks? Why, I could buy a dozen of

them for five bucks.

>> Louis is probably very attached to his

wrench. You know, they're funny that

way. They grow on you.

>> Now, look. Take the monkey wrench and

throw it in the river.

>> Now, wait a minute. Let me get this

straight.

You want to give me five bucks to throw

my monkey wrench in the river?

>> Don't take you long to catch on.

>> Throw it in the river and be sure it

goes in.

>> Maybe I'm nuts, but would you mind

telling me why?

>> Because right here there's a nice big

opening in that symphony of steel mesh.

>> So, what?

>> So, that's where I would have thrown out

the monkey wrench if we'd have been

speeding through here.

>> Yeah, which we ain't.

>> So, go ahead and throw it.

How will get you, diver? Fish it out

again, huh?

If you boys don't mind, we can get

started now.

>> Look, Bill. I know money's no object to

a guy what can't spend it after midnight

tomorrow, but

>> I've told you 19 times I'm paying 500

bucks to get that wrench back.

>> And here I stand loaded with news that

might help Westland.

>> Yeah, what?

>> Well,

you wouldn't like it. It makes sense.

>> Tell it.

>> Well, when I goes to get Father Neptune,

I calls for Zee so he won't think we

died.

>> And?

>> And he's wormed some hot information out

of Simmons, the butler.

>> Now, the night before he got his,

Sprague, the bookkeeper, was up to see

him.

>> So, what?

>> While he was there, he phoned Woodbury

and made an appointment to see him the

next morning.

>> Which he was on his way to keep when he

got bumped off.

>> Right. Did Woodbury say why he thought

Sprague wanted to see him?

>> Yeah, he said he thought it was on

business.

>> So, do I.

>> There he comes.

>> Here's your wrench.

>> That's fine. Now, I want you to go down

again.

>> Yeah, what this time?

Screwdriver?

>> No, it's another little object about the

same size as the wrench.

>> Oh, I guess, huh?

Well,

animal, vegetable, or mineral?

>> It's metal, but I'd rather you found it

without my saying any more.

>> And it ain't that pile of junk I brought

up?

>> No, it ain't.

>> Say, you wasn't looking after something

like that, was you?

>> Mammy, that's it, huh?

Great Mother Methuselah, how did you

know that was down there?

>> Pure deduction, my dear doctor. When did

you find this?

>> Shucks, I found that the first time I

went down.

You said a monkey wrench.

Say, couldn't you let me keep that to

give him a little boy to play with?

>> Huh?

>> But what's the idea of going to Peoria

the day before Westland?

>> Don't get excited. I'm going for

Westland.

>> What does this mean?

>> It's the answer to 50 or 60,000 wires I

sent out to armament firms.

>> But what's the idea? If Westland's going

to kill his wife

>> I'll know that as soon as Williams digs

up some bullets to fit Westland's gun.

>> But how?

>> Easy. Major Lee, the ballistics expert,

will put the bullets in Westland's gun

and shoot.

>> Now, wait a minute. Haven't you heard?

Westland's gun is missing.

>> Not any more. I found it this afternoon

in the Chicago River.

>> You found it?

Congratulations. Now, Westland's sure to

croak.

>> Why?

>> I spent part of the day going through

his accounts. Westland has enough stolen

bonds in his name to float a government

loan.

>> He has, huh?

I'll bet Paul Sprague knew about it.

That's bad. The Western still didn't

kill his wife.

>> Then who did?

>> Warden.

>> I'll tell you when I get back from

Peoria.

>> Does a Mr. Hatmire know Mr. Crane?

>> How are you?

>> Mr. Washington tells me that a P.T.

Brown of St. Louis bought a Webley

pistol from you.

>> Yes, he bought two Lugers and an

old-style Colt at the same time. He's a

collector.

>> Would you recognize this picture?

>> Oh, I'm sure I could.

>> Is that one of these?

>> Yes, that's the man.

>> You sure?

>> Positive.

>> Was this Mr. Brown particular about

buying a Webley?

>> Well, he insisted on making sure of its

accuracy, so I got some bullets and took

him out to the target range.

>> Well, can I see the target range?

>> Yes, right this way, Mr. Crane.

>> Thanks.

What's back of those targets?

>> Earth. Earth and clay.

>> Do you remove the bullets after you

shoot them into the bank?

>> Well, we haven't for a couple of years.

>> Have any other wartime Webleys been

fired into there?

>> No, they're pretty rare in America. In

fact, the one we sold Brown was the only

one we had.

>> Could you get those Webley bullets out

for me?

>> I think so. You see, they were jacketed

bullets. We don't use many of them.

But, we'd have to dig away about 6 ft of

bank. Take a man half a day digging the

bank and screening the lead.

>> Are you Mr. Crane?

>> Yeah.

>> I have a telegram for you.

Any answer, sir?

>> You better wait.

I'd hire them to dig for the bullets.

And I'd give $100 for every bullet they

found. Give me a blank.

>> And Brown fired it six times.

>> Hmm, business hasn't been so good.

>> I could do a little digging myself.

Have everybody, including murder, in

warden's office at 9:00 p.m. Crane,

including the murderer.

>> At 9:00 p.m.

It's 18 minutes to 12:00 now.

And no Crane.

>> Where is he, Mr. Crane?

>> Well, I'd like to know.

>> Why are you waiting out here?

Maybe I'm waiting to kiss that great big

detective hello.

>> Now, listen, at a time like this

>> Don't do anything to disconcert me.

In 17 and a half minutes it'll be

midnight and 2 minutes after that

>> 17 and a half minutes.

Did I ever tell you what happened to me

in 17 and a half minutes?

>> Save it for true story.

>> Oh, I knew you'd come.

>> Reception committee?

>> Crane, where have you been? The state's

attorney's waiting.

>> You're state attorney, Ross?

>> That's right.

>> I'm a major.

>> Major.

>> The governor's agreed to accept Mr.

Ross's recommendation on a reprieve.

>> If you get me the real murderer.

>> That's easy. The murderer is in this

room.

>> Did you know that the accounts of

Westland's clients are loaded with phony

bonds?

>> We learned it today, Lieutenant.

>> So, that proves he's innocent, huh?

>> Well, it helped me. Now, let's

reconstruct it.

>> Remember, you've only got 16 minutes.

>> That hardly seems enough. As I see it,

Westland was lured to his wife's

apartment by a phone call he thought

came from Miss Martin. Can you prove

there was a call?

>> You've had your chance. Let him talk.

>> The police concede that he left at

12:40, but we can't prove it without

Grant.

>> And he's dead.

>> So are you from the neck up or you'd

have found out the same as Boston did,

that April 25th is the day that daylight

saving starts in Chicago. So, the

shuttle didn't hear that shot until

1:10, not 12:10.

And we know that Mrs. Westland was

killed with a Webley. And we've known

all along that it wasn't Mr. Woodbury's

as Major Lee has proven with a ballistic

test. Now, we know it wasn't Mr.

Westland's.

>> That's right. My test shows that Mr.

Westland's gun could not have killed his

wife.

>> Just a minute. Mr. Westland's gun was

missing all during the trial. When was

it found?

>> Yesterday at the bottom of the Chicago

River.

>> And how did you know it was there?

>> Westland probably gave it to him and he

put it there himself. I had to do that 5

months ago, right Major Lee?

>> As far as I can judge, it's been in the

water at least that long.

>> How did you come to find it?

>> Clever deduction the magazines call it.

>> The morning that Mrs. Westland's body

was discovered,

Mr. Bolston called Simmons the butler

and told him to come down to the jail.

Is that right, Mr. Bolston?

>> That's right.

>> 11:30, is that right, Simmons?

>> Yes, sir.

>> And while Simmons was out of the

apartment, Bolston slipped in and stole

Westland's gun.

>> That's not true.

Why would I steal my partner's gun after

his wife was dead? And how would I get

into his apartment?

>> I'll answer your second question first.

You got into the apartment with a key

given you by Emily Lou.

>> How dare you? Do you think I'd give

Robert's key to

>> Your husband?

>> Now, this is ridiculous. Do you realize

Westland's to die, every minute counts,

and you're talking about

>> I'm talking about the woman that owns

this bracelet with an inscription on the

inside that says, "To my wife from R.B."

Richard Bolston.

>> And if we are married, does that prove I

stole Robert's gun or killed his wife?

>> No, but it helps. At least it shows us

how you get into Westland's apartment.

>> Go on, Crane. You say Bolston stole

Westland's gun at 11:30?

>> That's right. And then he had an

appointment with Mr. Woodbury, his

partner, in their office at 12:00 and he

arrived at 12:02.

>> That's right.

>> That's quick work unless you drive

underground and dispose of the gun on

the way through that nice big opening in

the bridge.

>> So, that's the reason for all those

rides to LaSalle Street.

>> Right. Through trial and error, we found

the only way that takes less than half

an hour and crosses the river hidden

from view.

>> What do you make of that, Strong?

>> Sounds swell, but Mrs. Westland was

already dead.

>> Who killed her?

>> I regret very much to say that Robert

Westland's wife was murdered by his

partner.

>> Yeah. Which one?

>> Mr. Bolston.

>> That's a lie. That's not true.

>> Why did you let Crane stand play the

cheap detective?

Westland dies in a few minutes and you

stand here making ridiculous

accusations.

>> Hannah?

We're ready.

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

>> It's as simple as this. Miss Martin

didn't call Westland the night of the

murder.

>> I didn't. I didn't.

>> Sit down and keep quiet.

>> How do you know?

>> Westland said the sound over that phone

was like Niagara Falls.

>> Proving what?

>> She took the telephone in the shower

with her, called Westland and disguised

her voice. Then for fear that he might

call back, she cut the telephone wires.

>> And her mother didn't hear her?

>> She couldn't. I tried it.

Having succeeded in getting Westland to

go to his wife, she called Bolston. He

waited for Westland to leave at 12:40,

then he called Mrs. Westland and killed

her at 1:10, the time the shuttles heard

the shot. Then he stole the key and

left.

>> But I found her key on the table next

morning.

>> Sure. While you were examining Mrs.

Westland's body, Bolston slipped the key

back on the table.

>> By golly, he could have.

You've reconstructed the murder

magnificently, Crane.

>> Then you'll venture a plea? There's only

2 minutes left.

>> You say Bolston knew Westland had a

Webley and used another Webley himself

to kill Mrs. Westland?

>> And then stole Westland's to make

Westland look guilty.

>> I'm sorry. This is all circumstantial.

You can't produce the weapon you say

Bolston used, can you?

>> No, I can't. I'd hoped to do something

just as good, but my witness has trouble

with air sickness.

>> Here he is.

>> All right for the US Marines. This is

Havermeyer of the Washington Arms

Company. On April 25th, a certain P.T.

Brown bought a Webley automatic from

him. Look around, Havermeyer. Is there a

man in the room? Quick.

>> That's the man.

>> Can he produce the gun?

>> No, but I can prove it's the one that

killed Mrs. Westland.

>> Without producing it?

>> Yes. Tell him, Badgerly. Hurry up.

>> It's quite simple.

In this envelope are the bullets that

Mr. Havermeyer dug up at the target

range in Peoria. Mr. Bolston fired them

before he bought the gun. In this

envelope is the bullet that killed Mrs.

Westland. The ballistic markings on both

bullets are identical. Therefore, the

same gun killed Mrs. Westland.

>> Would Major Lee's evidence stand up in

court?

>> It always has.

>> Don't sit there like a stuffed duck.

Answer to the warden.

>> Who, me?

Yes, warden.

Just a minute, I'll call him. Mr. Ross.

>> Westland, come here.

They want you upstairs.

>> Do you mind letting us in on the motive?

>> The bond business hasn't been so good

lately, has it, Mr. Woodbury?

>> Hey? Oh, no. Not so good.

Bolston must have been buying hot bonds,

switching them for Westland's good ones,

and then when he became too involved

with his pilfering

>> He killed Mrs. Westland and tried to

hang it on her husband.

>> You can figure that out for yourself,

you and Spray.

>> And Spray, the poor guy. He knew too

much being your bookkeeper.

>> And he found out that Manny Grant was

mixed up in a phony bond deal. Maybe

Manny was going to double-cross you with

that alibi note.

>> I suppose I killed Manny Grant and

Spray, too.

>> No, but I think you'll tell us who did.

Come on, both of you.

>> What's happened?

>> You're a free man.

>> Yes, but

>> I'll let you lose on the Florentine.

She'll tell you everything, but what she

won't tell you is that

that she helped a lot.

>> Thank you.

But I

>> I still don't understand what what's

happened to the

>> Huh?

>> Come on, dog face.

There's a Miss Hogan waiting.

>> [sighs]

>> Success at last.

>> To see Mr. Prazee.

>> There'll be a chick waiting for you at

my office in the morning. You've done

right well at detecting. Thanks a

million. I won't be seeing you again.

>> No?

>> No. Agnes and I are taking the night

plane for Miami. Didn't you know?

>> I'm so sorry, you baby.

Ouch.

Did I hurt my little honey?

Oh, my

baby.

>> How you doing?

Hello. Get me the airport quick.

>> We going someplace?

>> Hello. You got a seat on the night plane

for Miami?

Good. Save it for William Crane.

Right.

>> What are you going to Miami for?

>> I'm not.

>> Well, who is?

>> Aunt Mary.

>> [laughter]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]