All language subtitles for Exposed (1947) Orig. -eng-

Hello, Miss Prentice,
how are you today?

Just fine, Larry.

Your usual lunch,
Miss Prentice?

Yes, the usual, Arnold.

Right away.

Are you always welcome
where you invite yourself?

(SCOFFS) Tongue-tied.

Take your hat off the table.
I'm allergic to dandruff.

You haven't seen
what's in the hat,
Miss Prentice.

My! What an odd hatband.

What's your pleasure?

Your company for
the weekend, beautiful.

A command performance?
Right.

Just walk out of this
joint in front of me.

And no tricks.

Don't be funny.
Do I look like a juggler?

You are leaving, yes?

I am leaving, no, Arnold.
Oh.

Cover the consomme
with a saucer.
I'll be back.

Just where are we gonna
spend this lost weekend?

You'll find out.

What's our next move?

Right into that
car, beautiful.

Take him, Iggy!

The next time you wanna
date a lady, I suggest
gardenias instead of a gun.

Take him to the office
and put him on a leash.

My lunch is getting cold.

Now you get
right in that car.

Come on, come on.

(EMMY WHIMPERING)

Who left you
holding the gag, Emmy?

Oh! Iggy's pal.

He was there at
that company
and went away mad.

You go out from here.

Iggy, you big lug!
You let the character
get away.

I'm sorry.
I just turned my
head for a second.

"Enjoyed the visit.
Be seeing you, beautiful."

I'll be seeing you too,
Mr. Snap-brim.

Behind bars,
if I can arrange it.

Well, what happened?
Did the roof fall in?

Yeah, that joker
was too fast.
Too fast...

Spare me the details.
Go soak your head,
Iggy, it'll do you good.

I'm expecting a visitor.
A visitor?

Who?
I don't know.

Evidently, somebody
wants us out of business
for the weekend.

The magician or
the rabbit will
soon be here.

Go outside, Emmy.
And leave
the door partly open.

Okay.

Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.

I want to see
Mr. B. Prentice.

Mr. Prentice?
Do you have
an appointment?

Look here, young lady,
I don't ask for
appointments, I grant them.

May I help you?
Where's B. Prentice?

You're looking at her.
Indeed.

A woman private investigator?

You were expecting, maybe,
Senator Claghorn?

A woman, eh?
Mmm-hmm.

That may not be bad.

Not at all bad.

You impress me as having
the necessary qualifications.

Just what am I
qualifying for?

A horse race or
the Rose Bowl Parade?

I beg your pardon.
Skip it.

What's your problem, Mr...
Bentry, Colonel Bentry.

Were you
with Kaye Bentry?

You're obviously familiar
of my background.

Who's Who keeps her
in the foreground.

You're the widower
of the fabulous
Connie Forestman.

Stepfather of
William Forestman III
and Judith Forestman,

Heirs to the Forestman Foods.

An empire that
has been parlayed
from a jar of pickles

Into a million-dollar
enterprise.

Smoke?
No, thanks.

Let's get down to business.
Yes, let's.

Just what did you
wanna see me about?

About my stepson.

William Forestman III?

You know him?
Of him.

Well, he's been acting
rather strangely of late.

I might even say mysteriously.

He's made a number of large,
rather odd withdrawals.
That is odd for him.

Now I wouldn't be concerned
if there was any explanation.
But there seems to be none.

Should there be?
Well, not necessarily.

But many of these
withdrawals have been in
extremely large amounts.

And he's confided in no one.

Not even in
the firm's attorney.

Who's he?
Jonathan Lowell.

Lowell and I have
been running the business
since Mrs. Bentry died.

I have been
Chairman of the Board,
and he's General Counsel.

Have you tried
questioning your stepson?

No. No, I was afraid
that he might
think I was prying.

He's taken
an apartment in the city.

Is he in the habit
of moving out?

Occasionally. But he always
lets us know where he is.

This time,
nothing but silence.

Let me get this straight.

What concerns you
was that there must be

Some strange connection
between that apartment

And the large withdrawals,
is that right?
Exactly.

Is it possible for
a lady of, shall we say,
agreeable disposition,

To have him
hanging on a hook?
Bill's no playboy.

As a matter of fact, since
the war, he's been rather
scientifically inclined.

He's no fool.
I see.

If he went in for
that sort of thing,

He'd have the receipt
paid in full before
the first round bell.

Rather quaintly put,
but that's about it.

Exactly what do you
want me to find out?

I want you to find out
what's going on down there.

Here's the address,
the number of the apartment,

And the unlisted
telephone number.

Has he had any
trouble with his sister?

No. They're devoted.

Hmm. Could be he's
helping her
live her own life.

(CHUCKLING)
Judith lives her own life,
inside or outside the house.

In order to
identify Bill Forestman,
I'll have to meet him.

I never leave
anything to chance.

He's spending the day at home.
Why don't you drop by?
I'll introduce you.

Oh. We'd have to have
some reason for
your being there.

You're interested in art.

I'm an expert going to
a private sale with you.

To guard against fraud.
Excellent.

You'll find my address
on the back of that card.

I'll drop by later.
Oh, and one other thing.
My rates.

Seventy five dollars a day,
and expenses.

Well, there you are.
One week in advance,
Miss Prentice.

My secretary will
give you a receipt.

That won't be necessary.
Good day.

If I ever heard
a phony setup, that's it.

What do you care?
We're paid in advance.

Okay, what's the pitch?
Get your hat.

We're gonna see
if that apartment
is accessible.

Uh-oh, Snap-brim.

You better make up
some more solution, Chicago.

Okay, professor.
Good bye.

Is the invitation
for the shotgun
weekend still open?

I beg your pardon?
Don't be cute.

Look, sister, I don't know
what you're trying to peddle,
but I ain't buyin' any.

Not so fast.

I'm curious why
guys with cap pistols

Wanna take ladies
they don't know on
weekends they don't want.

Especially pretty ladies.
That's kidnapping, in my book.

Listen, muscles, if you want
the fear six treatment,
I can give it to you.

But I admonish the shakedown,
so I'll beat it.

And if you're smart,
you'll stay away
from this layout.

Imagine that guy
trying to play dumb on us.

Could he be our boy,
Forestman?
Nah.

Too rough at the seams.

I wonder who grandpa is.

Who?
The old guy.

He may be the guy
giving the orders.

How soon can you find out
who he is? And why he fits
into Forestman's picture.

He might be a sucker
and go for the bait.

I can play enquiring
photographer and get our
answers real quick.

Good. Hop to it. Then grab
a cab and meet me outside
the Bentry estate.

Yes, miss?
I have an appointment
with Colonel Bentry.

Your name?
Miss Prentice.

If you'll take a seat,
I'll enquire if he's
at liberty to see you.

Mr. William!
Mr. William!

Everybody, come quickly!
Something has
happened to the Colonel.

Mr. William!

Severance, call Dr. Richards
and Mr. Lowell.

They're on the roof terrace.
Yes, sir.

Who are you?

Belinda Prentice,
art investigator.

I was employed
by Colonel Bentry

To examine some purchases
he was planning to make.

I just arrived.

I don't want to intrude,
Mr. Forestman,

But that letter opener
sticking in the Colonel's
chest isn't a scarf pin.

In case of homicide,
I suggest you call the police.

If you don't mind,
Miss Prentice,
I'll handle this myself.

What's the trouble?
The Colonel's dead.

I can't believe it.

Isn't it strange, Doctor,
that there's so little blood
from a wound like that?

Yes, it is.
What did you have in mind?

Perhaps a heart attack.
Perhaps something else.

Who is this young woman?

Someone the Colonel hired.

She had just arrived.
I see.

I examined
the Colonel recently.

He was in sound shape.
Just a little tired.

I recommended a series
of vitamin injections.

I was certain
he'd be all right.

Do you rule out
a heart attack
altogether, Doctor?

It could hardly be a heart
attack with a letter opener
sticking in his chest.

Perhaps I'd
better call the police.

I'll do it. I'll try
to keep this as quiet
as possible, William.

Murder makes noise.

And headlines, Mr. Lowell.

Give me the police.

What's wrong, Bill?

The Colonel's met
with an accident, Judy.
A bad accident.

(SOBBING) He's dead.
I know he's dead.

Judy, calm down.

Miss Keets,
take her to her room
and stay with her.

(WEEPING)
Yes, Mr. William.

(SIRENS WAILING)

Hello, Severance.
Hello, Inspector Prentice.

What are you doing here?

Business.
Don't get into mine.

I'm Inspector Prentice,
homicide.
Where's the body?

Over there, Inspector.

We've got some routine
police work to do here,

So if you people will step out
into the hall, matters will
move more swiftly.

Which one of
you is Forestman?
I'm Forestman.

All right, we'll need
a room to conduct
a preliminary investigation.

Purely routine.
Very well.

Severance will
show you to the den.

Okay, Doc, do your stuff.
Get at it, boys.

I'll call you
in one at a time.
First, Miss Prentice.

You know this
young lady, Inspector?

Well, I ought to.
She's my daughter.

Then you'll probably
know about her being hired

By the Colonel to
investigate some artwork.

No, I didn't.

But I'll soon
find out about that.

Don't look so innocent.
Now why are you here?

(INNOCENTLY) Me?

Colonel Bentry employed me
to trace down some forgeries
in so-called classic art.

(SCORNFULLY) Classic art.
You didn't pass
fourth grade drawing.

You wouldn't know
an old master from
a whitewashed barn.

Now what's the dodge?

You're dating yourself, Dad.
Today, the word is "pitch."

Pitch, dodge,
caper, who cares?
What's your angle?

What I'm doing
here is strictly
none of your business.

Don't get sassy.

You obstruct
the law and I'll jog ya,
daughter or no daughter.

Oh, how sweet.
I can just see it.

"Irate papa jogs daughter
for fouling up
his murder case."

Who called it murder
in the first place?

I guess I did.
On what grounds?

Well, he wasn't
tickling himself with
that letter opener.

Who let you in?
Severance.

Then he went to
the library to announce me,
and found the Colonel dead.

How long was he gone?

Possibly a few seconds.
I'm not sure.

Why aren't you sure?
You're sure of
everything else.

I was thinking.
About what?

Just thinking.
(CHUCKLING)

You always were
an unconvincing liar, Belinda.

Remember, I've been calling
fibs on you ever since
you were born,

And I still can,
so give up.

Honest Injun,
that's all I know.

Forestman told Severance...
The butler,
or whatever he is...

By the way, who is he?
Reformed drunk.

Disbarred lawyer.
Used to be quite
a figure of a man.

Some old guy downtown brought
him back with some newfangled
cure for alcoholics.

I see.

Well, what was it
Forestman told Severance?

To get the doctor
and Lowell.

I told him to call the police,
but he waited for Lowell.

He did? Why?
I don't know.

Anyway, Lowell told Forestman
that he'd try to keep
it as quiet as possible.

Meaning little or no
publicity, I suppose.

Yeah. Trying to keep
a secret of a stiff like
the famous Colonel

Is like trying to hide
the Statue of Liberty
in a telephone booth.

Yeah. Well, you keep
your nose clean.

No matter what your business
was with Colonel Bentry,

This is a matter
for the police.

And no private eyes digging
into this case while I'm in
charge. Do you understand?

You're old-fashioned, Dad.
It's private operator.

Don't get sassy.

Now may I go?
No, stick around
the house for a while.

I may wanna talk to you later.
And send Severance
in on your way out.

Okay.

By the way,
what's a guy like Severance
doing in a setup like this?

You take care of
the phony art, and I'll
take care of the suspects.

Just thought I'd ask.
Yeah.

Well, I just thought
I wouldn't tell ya.

As if you knew!

(DOOR CLOSING)

You're next.

And just where do
you think you're going?

Inspector's permission, Eddie.
Special detail.

That makes a difference.

Get going, Iggy.

Where to?
That apartment downtown.

What's up?
Our client was murdered.

What? Who's in charge?
My father.

Good. That gives us an out.

Now how about us going
and getting something to eat?

Can't you keep your mind
above your waistline?

We can't give our
client back his retainer,

But we certainly can respect
his memory by giving him
his money's worth.

Oh, I suppose so.

Say, what's with this
Forestman's apartment?

Any connection?
I don't know.

Could be
Mr. William Forestman III
who's the one

Who's trying to avoid
private eye trouble.

Sure is
a screwy setup.

Say, what did you
find out about the old
man you followed?

He's Morris Ordson,
a retired professor.

Some kind of a scientist.
He's running a mission down
in the industrial section.

Reformer?
Sort of.

He's experimenting
with a cure for alcoholism.

Well, that checks.
That's how Severance
got into the Bentry estate.

Who?
A disbarred lawyer
and a reformed drunk.

He switched from
a mouthpiece
to a manservant.

But I wonder why.

He probably got admitted
to the bar too often.

Give me
the master keys, Iggy.
What for?

I'm gonna go look
over that apartment.

Oh, wait a minute...
Come on, Iggy!

Okay.

You stay here.

Now suppose
there's something...
Sit tight!

Woe is me,
here comes trouble.

MORRIS:
Shut that door, you fool!
I'll be right out.

(KEY TURNING IN LOCK)

What's the matter
with you, Chicago?

You should know better
than to open that
door when I'm working.

What are you talking about?
I just came in.

But somebody opened that door
a few minutes ago.

Why did you do that?
Bill doesn't want any
snoopers around here.

Neither would he
approve of violence.

Look, Professor, you do
your job and I'll take care
of the wise guys.

This is getting monotonous.

Yeah, ain't it?
How long will that knot
you call a head hold out?

Longer than you think, bud.

I wish your
girlfriend was here.

I'll bet you do.

Still wanna take her
out for that weekend?

Shut up!

I demand that you
stop this brutality.

If you don't like
this show, Professor,
why don't you take a powder?

I will.

But I intend to report
this to Mr. Forestman.

That's okay with me.

Come on, big stuff. Get up.

You and me are
going for a little ride.

Yes, kinda stuffy
in here, ain't it?

What you need is
more ventilation.

(CAR HONKING)

About time you got here.

He's slightly sore.
He always is.

You know, you can get
five years for impersonating
a police officer.

Me?
Let me see
the tin you flashed

To get out of that house.

It's mine.

My own flesh and blood,
a pickpocket.
Well, I'll be hanged.

Maybe you think I should be.

What've you been up to?
Running my business now?

Don't get sassy.
Murder is my business.

And I don't think
Bentry was murdered,
and neither does the coroner.

He was dead
before he was stabbed.

I knew that.
How'd you know?

After all, Dad,
I was there.

If he'd been stabbed
to death, there would've
been plenty of gore.

I have a clue that might
prove he was poisoned.

Poisoned?
Yes, poisoned.
I'll show you something.

I found this beside the chair
Bentry was sitting in.

I hope to find
the syringe it came from.

I've told you the penalty
for withholding evidence,
haven't I?

Yes. And if I weren't
interested in stopping you
from calling his death

The result of a heart attack,
I wouldn't have
given it to you now.

Did you know Bentry
was getting vitamin shots?

Yes, and if you find out
who gave him the last one,

You'll have your murderer.

As easy as that,
huh, daughter?
Mmm-hmm.

(CHUCKLING) Come on,
let's get some dinner.

Oh, I'm sorry.
I already have
another date.

Look, you trying
to get rid of me?

No, I just have
another case.

What case?
That's my business,
not yours.

Don't get sassy.
If I find it has anything
to do with my case,

I'll make it my business.

I'll get this
needle analyzed.

And remember what I told ya
about obstructing the law.

I'm remember, Daddy.

(GRUMPILY) Yeah.
(MIMICKING THE INSPECTOR)

Is he kidding?
Did the guy really
die with a heart attack?

Yes. Only not
the usual sort.

(PHONE RINGING)

Hello? Who?

Oh, yes. Yes,
I remember you very well.

What is it you
wanted to see me about?

I see. Where?

Here?
How did you
know my address?

Your stepfather
gave it to me.

As a matter of fact,
that's what I wanna
talk to you about.

Oh. Well, in that case,
come right over. Fine.

What's the matter, Chicago?
You're as jumpy
as a taxi meter.

Jumpy?
Me? (SCOFFING)
You're crazy.

Who was that
on the phone?

A friend of dad's.
A lady detective.

She coming up here?
Yeah, why?

Oh, dames get on my nerves.
I think I'll shove off.

Suit yourself.

I'm gonna look over
the professor's latest notes.

Okay.

You still here?

I thought I'd see what's
playing at the show
around the corner,

But the line's busy.

Guess I'll drop
over anyway.

Before you go,
will you mix
some more solution?

Sure.

(DOORBELL BUZZING)

Chicago, come on out.
Unlock the door.

I'll wash up
in the kitchen.
Fine.

(DOORBELL BUZZING)

Hello, Miss Prentice.
Hello, Mr. Forestman.

Well, you certainly
didn't waste any time
getting over here.

I hope I haven't
interrupted anything.
Oh, no, not at all.

Thank you for seeing me.

Naturally, I'm interested
in anything pertaining
to the Colonel.

That isn't what interests
me at the moment.

It's your connection
with the man who
owns that hat.

Oh, do you mean Chicago?
I have another name for him.

He extended me
an invitation to be his
guest for the weekend.

At the point of a gun.

This doesn't make sense.

Suppose I get Chicago
in here and we'll find out
what this is all about.

Good.

Chicago.

That's funny.

He isn't here.
Must've slipped
out the back way.

Did he know I
was coming here?
Why, yes.

Well, that explains
his sudden exit.

He certainly doesn't
wanna run into me again.

Just what is Chicago's
tie-up with you?

He's sort of a bodyguard.

Do you need a bodyguard?

Well, actually,
he's more of a watchman.

I'm conducting some
experiments with
a Professor Ordson here.

Material and the equipment
are very rare, and we need
someone to protect them.

I see.
But there a couple
of things I don't see.

Would you mind
telling me why you're here?

And why my stepfather
gave you this address?

He hired me to
check up on you.

I suppose he was
concerned about my
withdrawals from the firm.

That's only part of it.

The Colonel was afraid
you were getting
involved in something

You might not
get out of easily.

Something you went
into without consulting
him or Lowell.

So that's it.

But I still don't get the
connection between Chicago
and my stepfather's death.

Correction. Murder.

The police haven't
called it murder.
Why have you?

There's an answer to that.
And I intend to find it.

Well, you won't find it here.

I'm not so sure.

You don't seem
particularly grieved
by the Colonel's death.

Frankly, I didn't
know him very well.

My mother remarried
while I was
still in the service.

But that doesn't explain
what you're doing here.

Our experiments
are extremely urgent.

Any delay might cost me
those large withdrawals
you're so concerned about.

Oh. Mr. Forestman, there's
something I'd like to do
without police observation.

What's that?
Search your house.

I believe the police
have overlooked something.

When would you
like to do it?
Right now, if possible.

Okay, let's get started.

Wait here, Iggy.

Dr. Richards, has the coroner
completed his examination yet?

What's the decision?

Thank you, Doctor.
Yes, I'll tell them.

Oh, Miss Prentice.

We weren't expecting you.

Some other people
weren't, either.

What's the verdict, Lowell?

Heart attack.
The wound was accidental.

Evidently, he had been
toying with the letter opener

When the seizure gripped him.

What are you implying,
Miss Prentice?

That your stepfather was dead
before he hit the floor.

As he pitched forward,
his weight drove the letter
opener into his chest.

I don't care
what anybody says.
He was murdered.

But, Judith, there's nothing
to be gained by
contradicting the law.

Why not?
Why are you so
positive it's murder?

It appears to be
an open and shut case

As far as Mr.
Lowell's concerned.

Miss Prentice,
when I want your
opinion, I'll pay for it.

Judith.

I think there's something
all of you should know.

Colonel Bentry did not hire me
to investigate some phony art.

He wanted me to find out
some facts for him.

Then he knew
he was in danger.
Perhaps.

I have a feeling that if
I find all the facts,

We'll prove that he died
of a heart attack.

One that was
deliberately induced.

JONATHAN:
Interesting theory,
Miss Prentice.

But it's only a theory.
Not even that.

A hunch.

I would like to leave
to attend to the funeral
arrangements, Mr. William.

Very well, Severance.

Before you go,
have Miss Keets fix some
sandwiches and coffee.

Yes, sir.

Get some rest, Judith.
Thank you, Jonathan.

Goodbye, William.
Bye, Lowell.

Well, I think
I'll clean up a bit.

Judith, will you take care
of Miss Prentice?

Yes, of course.

Why did my
stepfather hire you?

I'm sorry. Confidential.

I have a right to know.

Speaking of hiring,
who hired Severance?

I did. What does he
have to do with it?

Nothing.

I merely noticed that he
occupies a position above
that of an ordinary butler.

Severance is not a butler.
He's more of
a social secretary.

He knew
the Colonel before...

Before what?

Before Colonel Bentry
married my mother.

Would you care to
re-do your make-up?

(CHUCKLES)
Is it that obvious?

Not nearly as obvious
as you are, Miss Prentice.

(GASPS)

Miss Prentice, I must
know more about this
confidential matter.

Your price may be high,
but I'll pay it.

I haven't anything
to sell at the moment,

But I'll give you
a quotation when I have.

My, what a lovely room.

Was I the one the Colonel
paid you to spy on?

Why? Have you been
playing games, too?

The Colonel rarely approved
of anything I did.

He simply refused
to believe that
anything good could come

From my association
with Professor Ordson.

Professor Ordson?

You know him?

I've heard of
him and his work.

Was there a feud between
Bentry and Ordson?

Of long standing.

Was it bitter?
Bitter enough to kill?

Ordson? Certainly not!
He's as gentle as a lamb.

Even lambs can become lions
if the stakes are high enough.

Shall we freshen up?

I'll be going now,
Mr. William.

All right, Severance.

Where are you going, Judy?

I promised Professor Ordson
I'd help him this evening.

I'll get back downtown.

See you later.
Okay.

Goodbye, Miss Prentice.
Goodbye.

Well, I guess that just
leaves the two of us.

My man is waiting outside.
I'll dismiss him
and be right back.

There's a room upstairs
I'd like to search
before we eat.

Upstairs?
Which room was that?

I'll show you
when I come back.

All right.

Tail that car and
call me here later.
Now step on it!

This was the room I meant.
Whose is it?

Severance's.
Shall we have a look?

Sure.

Oh!

Severance certainly
keeps an untidy room.

Can't imagine him
doing a thing like this.

He didn't.

Somebody was here
looking for
the same thing I am.

And obviously found it.

Oh, what now?

I think I'll try
some of that food.

Good idea.

Just what kind of an
experiment are you and
Professor Ordson working on?

It's a light ray theory for
long-range night photography.

Colonel Bentry might have
been proud of your efforts

If you had only told him.

I'm afraid he never
would've approved of Ordson.

They became bitter enemies
after my mother died.

What started it?

Well, the Colonel refused
to grant Ordson the funds

That my father had left him
for his earlier experiments.

And after the quarrel,
Professor Ordson retired?

Yes, but he knew more about
my formula than anyone else.

He offered to help me,
provided I didn't
tell the Colonel.

And you agreed?
Yes.

Only because Ordson insisted.

Neither Judith nor I approved,

But he seemed to regard the
Colonel as the only obstacle
which might defeat him.

I hope you realize Ordson
had a nice little motive for
removing that obstacle.

Your business makes you
suspect everyone, doesn't it?

In my business,
you have to.

Until you catch the man
with blood in his eye.

(CHUCKLES)
(PHONE RINGS)

Excuse me.

Hello?

Yes. Just a moment.

Sound like your man.

Thanks.

Yes?

I see.

Good. Sit tight, Iggy,
I'll be there on the double.

Must you go?

Just as soon as
you can get me a cab.

Well, in that case,
I'll get you a cab.

IGGY: (WHISPERING)
Hey, boss, over here.

What's the lowdown, Iggy?

Well, I tailed the doll
down here, and I saw her
heading into the mission.

Place was pretty crowded,
so I just
moseyed in after her.

Then Severance shows up
and starts to argue with her.

I don't get the full drift
of what they're arguing about,

But the flunky is plenty high.

Then I heard him tell her
he'd give her 10 minutes
to make up her mind,

And he'd be
waiting outside for her.

What then?
Then she got
a hold of the big moose.

What big moose?
Some character
called Big Mac.

He and this Judy gal have
a nice, quiet discussion.

I don't get any of that,
but I see her
slipping some dough.

And then, they...

Look.

What's the rest of it, Iggy?

Then Big Mac went
outside, where he
buttonholed Severance,

And gave him that
old comradeship routine.

At first, Severance didn't
want no part of it,

But the big guy kept
insisting, and then they went
to the salon together.

Severance went with him?
Mmm-hmm.

First he just
ordered sarsaparilla,

But the big guy kept piling
straight ones in front of him.

Then Severance went
for a boilermaker.

That's a short, straight one,
with beer for chaser.

What happened to
Severance after that?

Are you kidding?
The last time I peeked,

He was stiffer than
a laundered collar.

Uh-oh.

(MERRY MUSIC PLAYING)

I wonder what her angle is.

Let's put the vacuum
on that gorilla.

Give me a minute,
and then come in.

Okay, boss.

What'll it be, honey?

A bottle of beer, dear.

And tell that big hunk of beef
at the bar I want to see him.

He's a bad egg, honey.

Don't worry,
I'll scramble him.

Send him over.

Okay. It's your funeral.

Hey, Mac,
there's a lady over there
who wants to see you.

Me?
Yeah, you, you big lug.

Hey, Jimmy, give me a beer.

Wanna see me, toots?

Hi. Sit down.

Okay, sister.

But I'm warning you,
I'm dynamite.

Be careful you
don't shake yourself.
You're apt to blow up.

Why, you two-bit lady cop!

I ain't gonna sit with you.

Shut up,
or I'll run you in.

You and who else?

Don't look now, big boy,

But there's a man in the back
of you with a little
convincer in his lap.

If you want it that way.

Okay, chump,
you heard the lady.
This can be used two ways.

One, to rap you over the head,
and the other, put a hole
through that blubber of yours.

What do you want?

Did you know the man
you held up
outside a while ago?

I didn't hold up nobody.

I could call it that.

I don't know
nothing about him.

What did the lady pay you
to get him drunk?

I ain't good at
guessing games.

Maybe you want
your memory refreshed.

Okay.

She gave me 20 bucks,
and 10 for drinks.

He pretty near drunk up
the sawbuck.

Okay, big stuff.

Get lost for a few days.

And keep your
mouth shut about this.

Come on in.
Join the party, beautiful.

You're a persistent stinker,

But this time, junior,
you're threading on quicksand.

Look out you don't choke.

There's no danger of that.

My, my, what strange birds
fly in this squadron.

You were expecting me?

You or some other
double-crosser like you.

I'm not in favor
of loose words
or accusations, Miss Prentice.

You seem to have
a lot of theories.

That might interfere
with your plans?

Something like that.

I have deemed it advisable
for you to leave
the city for a few days.

You and your man have chosen
to argue the point with me.

I've become impatient,
Miss Prentice, and insist
that you do as I say.

What's the ticket if I don't?
A hole in the head,

Or a slight dose of poison?

Don't be facetious.
I'm not playing penny ante.

You're holding the cards,
Mr. Lowell.
What are you dealing?

Disappear for a week,
and earn $1000.

Mmm, interesting proposition.

Listen, gonzo, I understand
it's customary for a gentleman
to give a lady her seat.

I'll give the orders here,
Miss Prentice.

IGGY: That's what you think.

You heard what the lady said.

On your feet,
or fall flat on your face.

Don't get playful.

Iggy was
a trigger-happy marine.
Need I say more?

You're holding
the high cards now,
Miss Prentice.

How much do I have to pay
to see your hand?

You can't beat
a pat hand, Mr. Lowell.

I suggest you throw
your cards on the table
and get out of here.

Take your Pekingese with you
and lean him against
the first tree you pass.

And stay out of my way,
or you'll get hurt.

Especially you, Mr. Lowell.

Now, get going,
the both of you.

My day is coming, fat boy.

Don't you get no ideas,
or put this gun
where you least expect it.

We'll meet again,
Miss Prentice.

Shall I tail 'em?
No need to, Iggy,

Now that I know for sure
that Lowell's in on the play.

(PHONE RINGING)

Hello?
Bill, this is
Belinda Prentice.

I want you to come
to my apartment immediately.

Oh, you're trying
to compromise me?

If you don't hustle,
there won't be
much left to compromise.

Your pals are on the prowl,

And I think you're number two
on the stiff parade.

Who are my pals?

I'll tell you when I see you.
You're in for a sudden
case of rigor mortis,

Unless you move quickly.

Okay. What's that address?

481, Parkwest Apartments.

Don't worry,
I'll be right over.

(DOORBELL BUZZING)

Hello, Bill, come on in.
Hello, Iggy.

What's the matter now?
Belinda will tell you.

Oh!
Hey, boss, Bill's here.

Grab yourself a seat.
Thanks.

She'll be out in a minute.

Hello, Bill.
Hello, Belinda.

What's up?
I hope I haven't
frightened you.

Well, if you have,
I'm trying my
best to conceal it.

Now wait a minute.
This is no joke.

Lowell and that
pug-ugly, Chicago,
paid me a visit together.

Lowell and Chicago?
Why, they don't
even know each other.

No? Well, Chicago may be your
watchman, but he's definitely
Lowell's muscleman.

What did they want?

They wanted me to leave town,
or else. A small fee was
tossed in as a bribe.

But Iggy and a .38 automatic
convinced them
they were wrong.

(PHONE RINGING)
Excuse me.

Yeah.

Hello?

Why, yes, Dad. He was
at the office with
a character named Chicago.

They left together.

What?

Well, I suggest you
pick up this Chicago.

You might find him at
Forestman's apartment.
Do you know where it is?

Fine. Yes, Forestman's
right here. Check.

What was that all about?

Well, you can stop
worrying about Lowell.

He's dead.
On the front lawn
of your estate.

Lowell?
You better get
out there at once.

Come on, Iggy.

You look like you
need a drink, Severance.

Well, daughter,
looks like this case
kind of got away from you.

I wouldn't say that, Dad.

Did any of you,
besides Chicago,
see Lowell tonight?

I did. So did Severance.
He stopped in
about an hour ago.

Did he ask for
Mr. Forestman?
As a matter of fact, he did.

He had something
for Bill's signature.

I told him he'd gone
out a few minutes before.

We had a drink,
and then he left.

You've been putting
the heat on me all day.

Now you're gonna
explain what's behind it.

I don't know what
you're talkin' about.

What have you got
on him, Belinda?

Threat of arms and
attempted kidnapping.

Where did you
pick him up, Dad?

At the Forestman apartment,
just as you said.

He was there with
Professor Ordson,
so I brought them both along.

This Chicago has been
singing a strange tune.

Never mind the tune.
I'm interested in the lyrics.

Chicago told me that Lowell
was embezzling company funds

Without Bentry's knowledge.

Then when young Forestman
started to make
those large withdrawals,

Lowell used him
to cover up his own deficit.

Then when he found out
that Bentry had hired

A private detective to
check up on Forestman,

He became panicky,
fearing exposure.

Then it was
Lowell who ordered
you to get rid of me.

He just wanted you
kept out of circulation
for a while, that's all.

How did you know Lowell?

I knew that
mouthpiece from way back.

He got in touch with me
and said he was in a jam.

That I had to do this
job for him, or else.

To play safe,
he had me sent to you

Through the company's
personnel department.

So he was using your record
to keep you on his team, huh?

You guessed it, copper.

I don't think there's
any need for anxiety

Of what were to happen
here tonight, Belinda.

Facts are obvious.

Lowell knocked off Bentry,
hoping to make it
look like a heart attack.

So he could accuse
him of embezzlement
if it became necessary.

But something happened
to his plans, and he decided
to cash in his chips.

As simple as that,
is it, Dad?

And how did you
arrive at that conclusion?

Through your help, Belinda.

That needle you
found was the one clue

To prove that Bentry
did not die of a heart attack.

We put that needle
under a microscope

And we discovered traces
of fast-acting, deadly poison.

When we put
the poison to the test,

We discovered that it
absolutely disappears

When introduced
into the bloodstream.

Lowell must've substituted
the poison for the vitamins.

That's all I needed to know.

Now I'll fill in
the missing pieces
to this puzzle.

Mr. Forestman,
I know that you,
Lowell, Dr. Richards,

Miss Judith and Severance
were in the house

When the Colonel
got that injection.

Are you inferring
that one of us

Gave the Colonel the injection
that was fatal to him?

Exactly.

Any one of you had
just as much chance as Lowell.

Couldn't Bentry have
given himself the shot?

I think not, Dad.

When he called at my office,

He picked up the letter opener
and started toying with it.

It was a habit, you know,
just like some people doodle.

And that was
probably what he was doing
when he got the hypo.

Could be, because
he certainly was dead
before he was stabbed.

Doctor,

Isn't it unusual to
prescribe vitamin shots
for a man in sound condition?

Not at all. He'd been taking
them on and off for
the past three months.

Did you personally administer
all the injections?

That wasn't necessary.

Colonel Bentry sometimes
administered them himself.

Professor,

You give shots at your
mission as part of your
alcoholic cure, do you not?

Yes, but the Colonel and I
were not on speaking terms.

He never would have allowed me
to administer to him.

BELINDA: Miss Judith and
Severance have often helped
you with your work.

Have they ever
given any injections?

Miss Judith has.
She was experienced
in such matters.

She was a nurse's
aide during the war.

Miss Judith?

Yes?

Why did you hire
Big Mac to lure
Severance back to drink?

Why...
Why, I did no such thing.

Don't lie, Judith.
I've already
questioned Big Mac.

And it was you
who gave the Colonel the shot,

Thinking it was
a vitamin dose.

Isn't that true?
Yes, it's true.

But I didn't
know it was poison.

When he fell to the floor,
you dropped the syringe
and ran out of the house.

I was frightened.

Severance,
you removed the syringe
when you discovered the body.

Then you were
too upset to notice
the needle had broken off.

Yes. I was standing at
the head of the stairs.

I saw Miss Judith
run out of the library
and through the front door.

You thought she
was responsible,
so you hid it to protect her.

Miss Judith
wouldn't have done it
deliberately, Miss Prentice.

Why did you follow
Judith to the mission?

Well, someone had
ransacked my room
and stolen the syringe.

Miss Judith
didn't know I had it.

So it must've been someone
who had seen me remove it.

I went to warn Miss Judith.

I knew she was innocent,
and tried to get her
to go to the police.

I thought that if I got him
intoxicated, I could gain
a little more time.

Hoping the murder
would be solved.

You must've
been the bright boy
I saw leave Severance's room.

What did you do
with that syringe?

I turned it over to Lowell.

That's right, he did.
Lowell blackmailed
me with it tonight.

He wanted control
of the company's
voting stock.

He said my
fingerprints were on it.

And if didn't sign
a power of attorney,

He'd turn his
evidence over
to the police.

Did you sign it?

What else could I do?
That's strange.

We didn't find the syringe
or the power of attorney
on Lowell.

I'm sorry, Severance.

I can understand your devotion
and loyalty to Judith,

But it all
narrows down to you.

You were the only
other person in the house.

As an ex-lawyer, you must
realize that the only way
you can protect Judith

Is the produce the evidence
which will support her story.

Even if it means
incriminating yourself.

I suppose you're right,
Miss Prentice.

Here's the power of attorney,
and the syringe.

But I didn't murder Lowell.

I overheard him
blackmailing Miss Judith.

I followed him
out on the lawn

And demanded the return
of the power of attorney.

He drew a gun.

I grabbed his hand,
and in the struggle,
the gun went off.

He accidently
killed himself.

(SIGHING)

Here you are, Inspector.

The fingerprints on
the gun will clear him.

If my handling of
your case, Inspector,
has bewildered you,

I'll be glad to
hold your head.

So you can steal
my badge again?
No, thank you.

Well, Inspector,
your daughter has proved
that Judith is innocent

And that Severance
acted in self-defense.

Not so fast. That's a decision
for the DA to make,
not a private eye.

But you needn't worry.
The real killer has
paid for his crime.

Well, Chicago, I've got
a little surprise for you.

We're shipping you
back to your hometown.

Your local constabulary
has something they
wanna pin on you,

And it's not
a Good Conduct Medal.

What do you mean?
They ain't got
nothin' on me.

No? Nothing a short term
in prison won't cure.

Take him downtown, officer.

IGGY:
Can I go with him, Inspector?

To Chicago?
IGGY: No, downtown.

There's a couple of raps I
wanna put on him that'll show,
but not on his record.

Find out a way, Iggy.
He has unfinished business.

Well, Forestman, it looks like
Belinda saved your life.

I guess you're
right, Inspector.

Why, Dad! You're actually
paying me a compliment.

Yes, and I'll pay for
your dinner. Come on.

I'm sorry,
I have a previous engagement.

What, another case?
Could be.

Well, I guess
that lets me out.

You don't have to
hit me over the head
with a blackjack.

What a happy thought.

(CHUCKLING)
Don't get sassy.