Original subtitles

[GATE SQUEAKS]

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello?

PHYLLIS [OVER PHONE]: Hello, Judge Armstrong?

VIC: No. No, this isn't Judge Armstrong.

He's probably upstairs.

PHYLLIS: That's you, Vic, isn't it? What are you doing there?

[VIC GRUNTS]

Hello? Hello, Vic?

OPERATOR [OVER PHONE]: Operator.

PHYLLIS: Operator, someone answered the phone. Now the line seems to be dead.

OPERATOR: Just one moment, please. I'll ring again.

Sorry, the receiver must be off the hook. That line is still open.

PHYLLIS: Operator, give me the police department, quickly.

You sure it wasn't Judge Armstrong who answered, Miss Powers?

No, it wasn't the judge. The voice sounded familiar...

...but the conversation was so short, I couldn't be sure who it was.

Okay, I'll take a run out there.

PHYLLIS: I'm going right up there myself. -Goodbye.

Pat, Judge Armstrong's secretary seems to think...

...something happened at his house. Let's take a look.

[GROANING]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Lieutenant Ruark, police. I'd like to see Judge Armstrong.

Oh, very well. He's in the study, I presume. Come in.

This way, sir.

Take a look at him, Pat.

Give me that knife. Who are you?

I----

I just came in and some-- Somebody hit--

All right, all right. Who are you?

He's Victor Armstrong, the judge's nephew.

-He's dead, lieutenant. -Dead?

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

-See who that is. -Uh, yes, sir.

-Bates, has anything happened? -The judge is dead, miss.

-He's been murdered. -Murdered?

The police are with him now.

RUARK: Come on, stop wasting time. You're on the spot, son.

-You better start talking. VIC: I told you I can't think.

- I don't know what happened. -Better get your thoughts together.

-Vie, why did you--? How did it happen? -I don't know.

I came in the door, the phone rang. I answered it and somebody hit me.

By the way, Mr. Armstrong, how did you get in here?

-I came through the French window. -Why through the window?

The judge gave me strict instructions not to let him in.

-Oh, we better go down to headquarters. -Wait, you don't think I did it.

Look, I came in here and found a dead man and you standing over him with a knife.

Now, what do you think? Come on. Take over, Pat.

PAT: Okay, lieutenant.

Oh, boy, what a mystery picture that was.

Creeping figures in the shadows, danger lurking behind trees...

...a hand reaches out of the darkness.

You keep on talking, you're gonna have to walk home alone.

-Oh, all right. -Wait a minute. Don't agree with me so fast.

-Good title too. A Hatchet in the Head. -Tommy, cut it out. Cut it out.

Shh.

-What? -Look over there.

Oh, boy, a burglar. And we can catch him red-handed.

Come on, let's play like we don't see nothing.

No, this is our chance to do a little detective work.

Pop will have to admit we're smart.

Come on, but be careful.

If I was careful, I wouldn't be going with you. Hey, Tommy, wait a minute.

All right. Now go on in.

-What? -Shh!

-What? -Go on in.

-Why don't you go in? -You'll be harder to see in the dark.

-Now, go en in. -Well, don't rush me. Don't rush me.

TOMMY: Now, don't turn on any lights. -Don't you worry, I ain't.

I'm gonna blend in with that darkness. Ain't you coming in?

I'll be waiting there. When you smoke him out, I'll trap him.

-Oh, you gonna trap him, huh? -Yeah.

Okay.

Oh. Here come footsteps.

Here they are, Mr. Chan.

Thank you so much.

For instant, Charlie Chan question reliability of eyesight.

-Gee, Pop, am I glad to see you. -And me too, Mr. Chan.

Wish Pop could say same.

May I ask, please, how it happen miserable number two son...

...and unfortunate driver of automobile find selves...

...In police lock-up all night?

-Well, see, Pop, we saw this guy and-- -Mr. Chan--

CHAN: Please.

Have two ears but can only hear one thing at time.

Tommy, explain please.

Gee, Pop, we saw this guy open the window and climb into the house.

-He looked suspicious, didn't he? BIRMINGHAM: Well, it was--

So you climb in window to catch suspicious man?

Guy you believe robber is Mr. Bronson, district attorney.

Mr. Bronson lose key, his wife out of town...

...80 he climbed in window.

Would have been better if you had not.

Well, gee, Pop, I didn't know.

Now you know. I hope.

Mr. Chan, you gonna get us out of here, ain't you?

Well, will make some small attempt. Yes.

Night in Bastille not exactly bed of roses. Heh.

Sometimes many little animals present.

Charlie Chan use influence.

Tommy Chan, the detective. Hmph.

Phooey.

According to your statement, you were surprised to find Armstrong...

...In the judge's study.

You demanded to know how he had gained admittance to the house.

-That's right, sir. -Why?

Well, I'd had quite a spot of trouble with him earlier in the evening.

Yes? What sort of trouble?

Well, I'd taken the judge's evening coffee in to him in the study...

...and as I was coming out, there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door and there was young Mr. Armstrong.

-I wanna talk to my uncle. -Your uncle doesn't want to see you, sir.

-How do you know? -He told me tonight not to admit you.

-But it's very important. -I'm sorry, sir, but those are my orders.

-My nephew, Bates? -Yes, sir.

He seemed very determined, sir.

-Well, nevertheless, keep him out. -Very good, sir.

That's why I was so surprised...

...when I entered the library with this officer, sir.

Bates, have you any idea what caused this break...

...between Judge Armstrong and his nephew?

No, sir. No.

Perhaps you can tell us something about it, Miss Powers.

BRONSON: There's absolutely nothing to be gained...

..-in holding back anything that may help us in this case.

Well, the judge and Vic...

...did have sort of an argument yesterday in his office.

VIC: I'm asking you for a loan. Do I get it? Just say yes or no.

ARMSTRONG: No, and that's final.

PHYLLIS: Vic, what happened? -Oh, it's that stock deal.

-He wouldn't even let me explain. -Oh, I thought sure he'd help you.

Yeah? You heard him, didn't you?

-What are you gonna do? - I don't know. I'm desperate.

I guess I'll just have to tackle him tonight when he's calmed down.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

So long, honey. I'll see you later.

Don't worry. I'll talk to him about it.

-Yes? -Phyllis, get my lawyer on the phone.

Yes, sir.

-That boy. I can't understand him. -What's the trouble, judge?

Since he's been out of the service, Vic has gone through 30,000 of his assets...

...in bad investments. He's practically bankrupt.

Mr. Seward, please, for Judge Armstrong. I can't believe it.

He has the nerve to ask me to lend him the money to make good his shortages.

But he's your only relative.

He's going to get all your money, and there must have been extenuating circumstances.

I tell you, there are no extenuating circumstances--

Just a moment, Mr. Seward.

Hello, Seward. Can you be at my office at 10 in the morning?

Ten in the morning?

Yes, I think I can do that, judge.

Anything very drastic?

Yes. I'm going to cut my nephew off without a penny.

I have thought it over and I'm not going to change my mind.

No, that's definite.

Very well. Goodbye.

Vic came back later in the afternoon, but the judge refused to see him.

BRONSON: In other words, Miss Powers...

...if Judge Armstrong hadn't been killed last night...

...his nephew would have been disinherited this morning?

Yes, I'm afraid that's right.

Well, I think that's about all. Thank you very much.

BATES: Thank you, sir. Thank you. PHYLLIS: Thank you.

Mr. Bronson.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

-Excuse me. Yes? SECRETARY: Mr. Charlie Chan to see you.

-Oh, send him in. Charlie Chan. -Well...

RUARK: Hello, Charlie. I haven't seen you in a long time.

-Glad to see you. -Hello, Lieutenant Mike. Heh.

BRONSON: Hello, Charlie. -Mr. Bronson.

PHYLLIS: Hello, Mr. Chan.

-Oh yes, Miss, uh...? PHYLLIS: Powers.

-Powers, yes. BRONSON: How have you been?

Oh, well, health very excellent, thank you...

...but temper and patience, a little frayed around edges.

Oh, so sorry to read the morning papers...

...about unfortunate demise of Judge Armstrong.

PHYLLIS: I'm so glad you're working on the case, Mr. Chan.

I know if it's possible, you'll find the murderer.

Oh, well, thank you very much, but I'm not working on case.

Reason for being in police station entirely different matter.

-Oh. -Yes.

Uh, am very sorry but must confess the two criminals...

...who attack you in your home last night...

...are miserable number two son and chauffeur of unfortunate Charlie Chan.

[ALL CHUCKLE]

BRONSON: No, Charlie. -Unfortunately, yes.

BRONSON: I'm sorry. I didn't know.

Well, uh, please accept humble apology of very unproud parent.

BRONSON: Oh, think nothing of it. -Thank you.

Uh, possible to affect their release?

- I think that can be arranged. -Ah.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

-Yes? MAN: Stacey to see you, sir.

Send him in.

PHYLLIS: I still wish you were working on the case. Mr. Chan.

Well, wish are very flattering, Miss Powers.

BRONSON: What did you find? -Two sets of fingerprints on the knife.

Young Armstrong's and one strange print. We checked the files.

-You're not gonna like this. -Why not? Whose are they?

We found one print, a thumbprint on both the knife and on the desk.

The print belongs to Tony Pindello.

-Tony Pindello? Why, he's been-- -Yes, I know.

But it's Pindello's thumbprint, all right.

That's impossible. Tony Pindello's been dead for six months.

He was executed at San Quentin. I know all about that.

-I handled the case personally. -Sure. Judge Armstrong sent him there.

I remember the case very well. The judge worried about it for weeks.

The jury brought in a verdict of guilty without a recommendation of mercy.

-What do you think of that, Charlie? -Well, a very strange case.

Dead man's fingerprints on murder weapon. Heh.

Experts achieve impossible fingerprinting ghost. Heh.

Why, a case like this is a challenge to you, Mr. Chan.

Well, must admit I'm more interested in case now than before.

I would like to have you working on this Chinese puzzle with me.

Say, that's a gag, isn't it? Chinese puzzle, Chinese cop.

[ALL CHUCKLE]

Very funny.

Well, uh, you're not going to hold Vic Armstrong any longer, are you??

BRONSON: Under the circumstances, I don't see how we can.

No, I don't think so. I'll arrange to spring him.

-Thank you. Well, goodbye. - Goodbye.

-Goodbye. BRONSON: Goodbye, Miss Powers.

Well, uh, would be interested if you would telephone me...

...If any more remarkable events permit themselves the luxury of occurring.

Meanwhile, I shall try to spring number two son and chauffeur. Heh.

BRONSON: Oh, yes. Just give that to the jailer.

Oh, thank you so much. Goodbye.

BRONSON: Goodbye. RUARK: So long, Charlie.

All right, out you go.

-Oh, boy, Pop did it. -He sure did.

[SNIFFS THEN SIGHS]

Boy, the fresh air sure smells good.

-Birmingham. -Who's that said Birmingham?

Me. Right here.

Well, Willie Best. How are you? I'm glad to see you. What are you doing?

-Ninety. -Ninety what?

-Ninety days. -Oh, I see what you mean.

Maybe I can get you out. I got an in here.

I don't need no in. I'm already in. I wanna get out.

What are you in for?

-Oh, just loitering. -Loitering?

-Loitering where? -In the bank.

It ain't no harm to be loitering in a bank.

That all depends on what time of day it is.

-What time of day was it? -It was kind of late.

Well, it couldn't be late because the bank closes at 3:00.

-Well, it, uh... -You know that, don't you?

-Yes. -What time was it?

Well, it was round about midnight.

Mm, around about midnight.

-Yeah, then the bank was closed. -Yeah.

Well, you see it wasn't exactly just locked up a little bit, you see?

Oh, yeah? Don't you know you ain't got no business...

...doing no business at a bank at midnight?

That's what the man with the badge said.

-You got a witness? -Yeah.

That's good. Where is he?

-In the next cell. -Uh-oh, that's bad.

Look, I'll go out there and talk to Mr. Chan...

...and see what he can do for you. Now, you wait right here.

All right, in you go.

Whoa, what am I doing in here?

I've been evicted once. Excuse me.

So long, Willie. See you later.

WILLIE: I'll be right here.

[CREAKING]

[DOORBELL BUZZES]

-Hello, Charlie. -Well...

Courteous greetings, Lieutenant Mike. You have good news?

No, I have bad news, Charlie.

Oh? Well, possess plenty time to listen. Come into library.

Sit down, please, lieutenant.

Well, now, what are your bad news?

They found Frank Bronson, the district attorney, murdered about two hours ago.

Oh.

That too bad.

He very fine man.

Regret to hear of passing of honored friend.

Yeah. But get this.

You remember the fingerprints we found in the Judge Armstrong case?

CHAN: Yes. -We found the same prints...

...on Bronson's desk.

-Pindello? -That's right.

Then, uh, obviously, murders are connected.

It looks that way to me.

Man been dead for six months...

...still leaving fingerprints around.

Very strange.

Oh, this, uh, should automatically eliminate young man...

...whom you favor as suspect.

Oh, not altogether.

I checked on the gent. He wasn't home all last night.

Well, can understand possible motive for murder of Judge Armstrong.

But where is motive for murder of district attorney? Heh.

He may have had one.

Anyway, he's still my number one suspect.

Well, if will excuse for just a moment, will change coat...

...and go with you to office of Judge Armstrong.

You mean you'll help me, Charlie?

[CHAN CHUCKLES]

Happiest walk in life of mailman are on holiday. Heh.

Yes.

Who are you and what are you doing here?

My name is Walter Somervale.

I am-- That is, I was Judge Armstrong's clerk of the court.

Oh, you, uh, lose something?

Well, no.

Fact is, I was just putting the judge's papers in order.

And I thought the police would want to go over them.

Oh, yes. Most considerate.

Well, I must get back to work.

Call me if you need anything.

-Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me. -Yes.

We'll let you know if presence are desired.

Charlie, we should have found out more from that bird.

Yes, agreed, but sometimes feel it better to lull suspected person...

...with false sense of security.

I don't think he has any right going through the judge's papers.

No, agreed again, but obviously did not find what was after.

Perhaps we have better luck.

Suggest you start with filing cabinet. I try desk.

[FOOTSTEPS]

-Hello, Mr. Seward. -Oh, hello, Walter.

RUARK: Come in.

-Oh, hello, Mike. RUARK: Hello, Ed.

-This is a terrible business, isn't it? RUARK: It certainly is.

Oh. This is Edward Seward, the attorney. He's been working with the judge.

-Charlie Chan. -Oh, really?

-Most happy. -I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Chan.

Oh, well, many people greatly exaggerate humble abilities. Heh.

This thing has knocked me for a loop.

The judge made an appointment to meet me.

-Wanted to change his will. -Yeah, we know all about that.

Mr. Seward, would, uh, mind answering few questions?

-Why, certainly not. Fire away. -Oh, thank you.

Uh, first, you happen to know Walter Somervale, clerk for judge?

Oh, Walter? Sure. Nice old guy.

Been with the judge for years.

Likes to play the races now and then, but is honest as the day is long.

Ha, ha. Well, good. Next, you ever hear of a man named Tony Pindello?

Hear of him?

I was the lawyer that defended him at his trial, Mr. Chan.

-Pretty tough losing that case. -Oh, excuse me...

...but, uh, you judge's personal lawyer and yet try case in his court?

Oh, that was before I took over the judge's legal work.

Oh, I understand.

Did not think that legal ethics would permit same. Heh.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Come in.

I wanna talk to you. I've had a couple of men out looking for you.

-Where have you been? -Oh, around.

-You weren't home all last night. -Right. I was so nervous I couldn't sleep...

...so I was out walking around most of the night.

-You have a little trouble with your alibis? -I don't know what you mean.

Why go to the district attorney's house after you left the station?

I don't know where he lives. I don't even know who he is.

-Anything happened to Mr. Bronson? -He was murdered.

And the circumstances would seem to indicate...

...that it's tied up with Armstrong murder.

Uh, Miss Powers, happen to have combination to private safe in home of Mr. Armstrong?

It's in a compartment of his desk at home.

Oh, good. Humbly suggest that our next port of call.

I guess you're right, Charlie. You better come along too.

-Uh, Mr. Seward, you very busy man now? -No, not particularly. Why?

Oh, would you mind accompanying us to home of Judge Armstrong?

-I wouldn't mind. -Oh, thank you so much for cooperating.

Thank you.

Right to 72.

-Okay. -That's all.

-There you are, Charlie. This is all of it. CHAN: Uh-huh.

-Here's the key to the box. CHAN: Oh, thank you so much.

-What do you hope to find, Mr. Chan? CHAN: Well, uh, heh, not really sure.

Lieutenant Mike here say that Mr. Bronson have papers in envelope...

...which murderer steal.

Perhaps Judge Armstrong have something here...

...that will point finger at murderer.

We look.

These are some notes he dictated on some work he was doing. I typed them myself.

CHAN: Uh-huh. And, uh, what notes refer to?

Judge Armstrong was appointed chairman of a state commission...

...to investigate some racket in the insurance business.

Mr. Seward can tell you more about it. He was on the committee too.

CHAN: Oh, very interesting. Mr. Seward?

Yes. I was brought in as a sort of general counsel.

Bronson was also on the commission.

We started to work and so far have found out practically nothing.

Hey, here's a letter addressed to you, Armstrong.

"To be opened only in the event of my death."

Here, open and read it.

VIC: So...

“In regard to the Pindello case..." Oh, here's something.

“In regard to the Pindello case, I have uncovered evidence...

.--which I am going to hand over to Bronson.

This evidence indicates that Pindello may have been innocent."

Ah.

So Tony Pindello may be innocent.

Maybe executed for murder he did not commit.

Perhaps others besides judge and district attorney have similar feeling.

The murderer won't be satisfied with killing the judge and Bronson.

He might kill everyone connected with the trial.

-You mean the jury? -Certainly.

Say, I never thought of that.

Uh, be very good idea to have police guard around all members of jury.

-Yes, I'll take care of that. -Good. Now, uh, we seize facts.

Tony Pindello dead.

What happen to body after execution?

He was buried right here in town. City cemetery.

CHAN: Good. We go now. -Where?

Well, after reading transcript of murder trial...

...we go to city cemetery and there eliminate...

...ghostly fingerprints of Mr. Pindello.

Miss Powers, uh, you take care of judge's papers?

-Certainly, Mr. Chan. CHAN: Thank you so much.

Come along, Lieutenant Mike.

RUARK: Okay, Charlie.

This is it right here.

CHAN: "Antonio Pindello."

Feel very soft.

-Somebody dig here not long ago? -Shouldn't be.

There ain't nobody been buried in this section for quite a while.

Not since a-- Hey, wait a minute.

Come to think of it now, there was a fellow here about two weeks ago.

He was asking about this same grave.

Oh, somebody, a man, ask about grave of Tony Pindello?

-That's right. -Did he give his name?

Do you know what he looks like or anything?

He didn't give no name.

And I don't recollect what he looked like.

I showed him the grave and then he left.

I see. Uh, will dig now, please.

CARETAKER: Hey, wait a minute.

Got to have a court order before you can dig up a body.

It's all been taken care of.

-All right. -Will start to dig now, please.

-Oh, Pop, I-- -You assistant detective now.

Dig.

You, second assistant, also dig.

Uh, Mr. Chan, I resigned as of quite a while ago.

Heh. Resignation not accepted. Dig.

Yes, sir.

I'll dig but my heart ain't in it.

Hey, Tommy, don't dig so loud.

If you wake up them ghosts, you got something on your hands.

RUARK: Coffin's gone. -He done got out.

Maybe he's around here somewhere.

RUARK: Give me a hand, boys.

Oh, wait a minute. Don't come pulling me down there. Don't pull so heavy.

You don't seem to be surprised. Did you expect to find it empty?

Surprised detective might just as well clutch iron ball and dive in lake.

Ah. What does it all mean? Do dead people walk around committing murders?

Well, sometimes do, if somebody dig them up.

-Cover up hole, please. -Oh, Pop--

Oh, Mr. Chan, you ain't gonna leave us here all alone.

-Fill up hole, please. -Yes, sir.

Come on. The sooner we start, the sooner we'll get out of here.

Yeah. If I had brains, I wouldn't stay here another minute.

[HOOTS]

Me, that's who. Hmm?

[HOOTING]

Goodness!

Goodbye, Tommy.

This all information on Pindello trial?

That's the lot, Charlie.

We certainly combing hair of iron donkey.

Oh, uh, all members of Pindello jury under guard?

-All except one. A man by the name of Cartwright.

Thomas Cartwright. He's moved from his last address but we're checking on him.

Uh-huh. I see. Well, very important he be reached as soon as possible.

-Didn't you find anything in the papers? -Well, uh, certain little pieces...

...fit into jigsaw-puzzle case, yes.

But, uh, have very strange feelings...

...some connection between Pindello case and insurance swindle...

-...judge was investigating. -What makes you think that?

Uh, hardly worth exhibiting puzzle until more pieces fit together.

Much must still be checked...

...but patience a virtue one must hug to bosom. Heh.

Well, I go now.

Thank you very much for all information, lieutenant.

-Goodbye. -Goodbye, Charlie.

I'd like to know what that old guy's got on his mind.

[SPEAKING IN CHINESE]

I'm sorry, but I do not speak Chinese.

[IN ENGLISH] Oh, humbly begging pardon.

What can I do for you?

I'm looking for manager of insurance company.

-Your name? -Charlie Chan.

Charlie Chan.

You're a detective, aren't you?

Well, sometimes act in such capacity, yes.

The manager?

I don't know where he is.

-Will return soon? -I don't know.

Uh, perhaps you can be of assistance.

-I'm seeking information-- - I know nothing about the business.

-Oh. Well, perhaps you can tell me-- -I don't know anything, Mr. Chan.

I'm just here to answer the telephone.

Oh, I see. So sorry.

Well, seem like Charlie Chan get wrong number.

[CHUCKLES]

Thank you. Goodbye.

[HONKING]

I didn't do it. I didn't do it. No, sir, I didn't. So help me, I--

Have no doubt of innocence, but we must go home, please.

Yes, sir.

Well, we run down the Cartwright guy. The one on the Pindello jury.

He lives at 191 Golden Gate Avenue.

Take a run out there. I'd just as soon you handle this yourself.

Okay.

You better put a 24-hour guard en him just like we did with the others.

Mr. Chan seems to think it's important.

I guess the old man knows what he's doing.

But sometimes I wish he'd take us more into his confidence.

Pat, my boy, for ways that are dark and tricks that are vain...

...Mr. Chan is very peculiar.

Shakespeare.

[PAT CHUCKLES]

[DOORBELL BUZZES]

-Yes? -Police Department, ma'am.

-Looking for Thomas Cartwright. -Is something the matter?

No, just routine.

-Well, his room is upstairs. Number two. -Thanks.

-Here, I'll show you. -No, that's all right.

Oh, it's no trouble at all.

Mr. Cartwright's one of the nicest, quietest roomers I've ever had.

-It isn't anything serious? -I just want to see him.

Mr. Cartwright.

Mr. Cartwright.

Why, that's funny, I didn't hear him go out.

Better open the door. I'd like to take a look.

[LANDLADY SCREAMS]

[PHONE RINGING] [BIRMINGHAM HUMMING]

Hello. Mr. Charlie's residence. Mr. Charlie Chan.

Oh, Lieutenant Ruark.

You want to speak to Mr. Chan? Yes, sir.

-Hey, Birmingham, who was on the phone? -Hmm?

Lieutenant Ruark. He wants to speak to Mr. Chan.

Uh-oh.

Charlie Chan speaking.

Hello, Charlie. Ruark.

Well, we located Cartwright, but a little bit too late.

Looks like suicide.

Address is 191 Golden Gate Avenue.

Have made mental note of address.

Will come down right away.

-Tommy. -Yes, Pop.

Bring miserable self downstairs at once.

Yes, Pop.

[CHUCKLES]

Fail to see humor in situation.

Why you listening on phone?

I was only hoping I could help you on this case.

I'm sorry, Pop.

Yes, well, may stay at home and enjoy sorrow.

You mean I can't go with you?

Statement has earmarks of extreme truthfulness.

I thought you'd like to look around before we disturbed things.

Thank you very much for kind consideration.

-Suicide? -No, it was murder.

-Ah. And fingerprints? - Just like the others. Tony Pindello.

Oh, yes. Obviously false motive.

But why? What's behind it all?

Well, murderer perhaps trying to establish revenge motive...

...when real reasons for killings very different.

Armstrong, Bronson and this guy Cartwright...

...were all mixed up in the Pindello case.

Armstrong, Bronson, Cartwright.

Strange. A-B-C.

Murderer perhaps try to give impression of methodical slaughter...

...has long list of victims so is doing so systematically.

Wait a minute. A-B-C. Let me see that list again.

No more C. Here's a D. Duncan on 4 Fairview Avenue.

But he's okay. I have that place staked out.

Yes. Uh, would be possible to arrange meeting with secretary, nephew...

...and lawyer in residence of late Judge Armstrong this evening?

Why, sure, I can round them up, but what for?

Well, sometimes muddy waters when stirred sufficiently...

...bring strange things to surface.

[RUARK CHUCKLES]

Well, Birmingham, now is time when assistance becomes very valuable.

-It's a pleasure to oblige, Mr. Chan. -Thank you.

Uh, held fingers up, please.

This not painful.

[BIRMINGHAM CHUCKLING]

Mr. Chan, I forgot to tell you I was ticklish.

Yes. Please hold hands still.

[BIRMINGHAM CONTINUES CHUCKLING]

Not long now.

There. That color.

Now hold hands still for a moment.

Now I want you to put fingers in these holes.

See? Hold hands and press.

That's right. That's right. Very good.

Very good. Now press. Hold.

Just one moment.

Now raise both hands. Hold still.

Now I want you to put both hands on plate and press down on ink.

Both hands.

That's right. Very good. Hold. Just a moment.

Now raise please.

Hold steady.

Now take both hands, put on paper.

So...

That's right. Good.

All right. Raise hands, please.

Very good.

Yeah.

Now, you see, Birmingham have make perfect set of Charlie Chan fingerprints.

Heh. Mr. Chan, it ain't no limit to the cleverness of us detectives, is it?

[BOTH LAUGH]

Quite right.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

BATES: Good evening, sir. -Good evening.

Mr. Chan and I would like to take another look around.

-Certainly, sir. Go in. -Come on, Charlie.

Charlie, look at that desk.

Oh, somebody here before us.

MAN: Don't turn around, copper.

Up with your hands. Everybody up.

Now, get over to that door.

Go on, everybody. That door over there.

Go on, keep moving. Open it.

Inside. All of you.

[BANGING ON CLOSET DOOR]

Hey, wait a minute.

-You know something? -What?

That sounded like Pindello, Charlie. I'm sure of it. That was Pindello.

Seem like Tony Pindello have very healthy ghost.

We gotta get out of here.

Bates! Bates!

RUARK: Bates!

Hey, Murphy!

Murphy! Come on, somebody give me a hand here, will you?

One, two, three.

One more time, I think she's giving. Now. Unh!

How did that guy get by Murphy?

-Murphy! Murphy! MURPHY: Yeah, chief?

-Did you see him? -See who?

-The man who locked us in. -You let somebody lock you in the closet?

Never mind. Get outside and keep your eye on suspicious cars.

Yeah, chief.

Anything taken from the safe, Charlie?

All judge's notes on Pindello case now missing.

-What? -Yes.

Oh, hello. I'm sorry I'm late.

Where have you been?

I tried to get a cab. I couldn't find one, so I had to walk all the way.

-And where were you, Bates? -I was in my room, sir.

-Didn't you hear anything? -Why, has anything happened?

Oh, nothing exciting. We were only locked in the closet, the safe was robbed.

Outside of that, nothing happened.

You're never around when anything happens, are you?

If you're trying to be humorous, you're missing it by a mile.

Mr. Chan, if Tony Pindello is dead and that man's voice was the voice of Pindello...

...and it was his fingerprints that were found at the scene, what's the answer?

Well, uh, certain facts begin to gleam clear like snow on distant mountaintop. Heh.

Yeah, I know, Charlie, but what, for instance?

Well, uh, no two sets of fingerprints ever alike, even in case of identical twins.

-Correct, Lieutenant Mike? -That's right.

Yes. Uh, suggests possibly somebody have access...

...to body or copy of fingerprints.

Perhaps murderer have copy made and leave fingerprint on scene of crime.

You mean, like a rubber stamp or something?

CHAN: Yes. -Well, I thought about that.

Aha. Now, Tony Pindello executed six months ago...

...but body only dug up recently.

Why? Why wait six months to dig up body?

Only one possible answer.

And that is that man who dig up body cannot do so sooner.

He detained. Where?

Well, if he was a safe cracker, he could have been in jail.

Aha. You know, so seldom brains and beauty dance in street together.

That exactly my idea of case.

Murderer might've escaped or even been released in the last month.

Check all the jails to see who's been released, and you might have a hot lead.

Yeah. It'll take a lot of work but I think it's worth it.

Would, uh, suggest you commence. Heh.

-Tommy, I'm sure getting mighty tired. -Pop said he'd be out in a few minutes.

-I sure wish he'd hurry. -Let's find out what's keeping him.

-Mr. Chan said for us to wait right here. -He doesn't have to know.

We can scout around the house and find an open window or something.

-Uh-oh. Here we go again. -Well, you're not scared, are you?

-Who said I ain't? -Oh, come on.

Wait a minute, now. First thing I know, I'm going to be allergical to doors.

BIRMINGHAM: Help! Come here! Mr. Chan! Come here, everybody. Good riddance.

-I wonder what that is. BIRMINGHAM: Who is this?

Have faint idea.

BIRMINGHAM: Mr. Chan, what's happening here?

-Good gracious, oh, me. -Murphy, what's going on?

I got them, lieutenant. I caught them both.

Just a moment, please.

Miserable creature with neck in hands of police, number two son.

Human chair, Birmingham.

-Oh, that pair again. -Yes.

-Let them go, Murphy. They're all right. -Uh, just a moment. Where car?

TOMMY: Out there, Pop. -Good.

Join it.

TOMMY: Oh, but, Pop. -Hey, join it.

Seems like trusted servant, Birmingham...

...imitate bear and hibernate.

Much work to do. Must call him.

-He is sleeping late, isn't he? -Mm.

[PHONE RINGS]

Oh, that phone. Somebody ringing the phone this early in the morning.

Ain't that something?

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello.

Hello.

Hell-- Aah! Good gracious.

Good gracious.

I must have got the water company. Whew.

Pop, there are a lot of undertakers in this town.

Yes. For me is unfortunate plenty.

However, if murderer can kill by alphabet, we employ same method.

Exhibit A, telephone book.

Exhibit B, undertakers.

We start at top of alphabet and work down to bottom.

What's the first one, Pop?

Well, uh, AAA Funeral Parlor.

Tommy, you visit funeral parlors further down street.

-You know questions to ask. -Okay, Pop.

Mr. Chan, I've never shunned my duties...

...day or night or rain, sleet or snow, torn, worn and dragged out.

But if you think I'm going in them ghost grottos, you is wrong.

There's a limit to all things.

There's people in there who have made their departure and I don't go near them.

I got to stand on my rights.

And right here's where I'm gonna stand. Now, that's final.

Nobody asking you to move, Birmingham.

And furthermore-- Oh.

Mm!

[DESK BELL RINGING]

How do you do, my friend?

My name is Grail.

-Charlie Chan. -How do you do?

-Won't you sit down, Mr. Chan? -Yes.

At a time like this, the services of the entire establishment...

...are at your disposal.

Oh. Thank you so much. Heh.

If simplicity is desired, we have everything that's dignified but necessary.

Indeed, we have funerals to fit every purse.

Oh, yes. Heh.

How very convenient.

But I'm seeking information about someone already buried.

Oh? What do you want to know?

Well, uh, during past two weeks, a man was buried.

-Many-- -Yes.

I realize many people buried during past two weeks.

But this very particular kind of interment.

Body had been buried before and was already sealed in box.

Oh?

Yes. Another thing.

Believe no one present at interment...

...except, perhaps, uh, person who have made arrangements.

-Rather unusual. -Yes, of course.

Uh, you happen to have information on such occurrence?

May I ask what interest you have in this particular burial?

Oh, yes, heh. Police.

Well, I'm afraid I can't help you.

I'm positive I have no records of any such proceedings.

Utterly positive?

In any case, if I did conduct such an interment...

...I should have to consult the relatives of the deceased before I gave out information.

Oh, most unfortunate.

I'm sorry.

Oh, yes.

Well, you have been very helpful indeed, Mr. Grail.

Thank you so much.

[INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE]

Here's your tea, Mr. Chan.

Pop, didn't you have a feeling...

...that among the men you interviewed this afternoon...

...one out of the bunch acted kind of suspicious?

That he might have been lying?

Well, number two son speaking thoughts of Father.

Someone once say out of mouths of babes come wisdom.

-You remember something like that? -Go back to sleep.

Go on back to sleep. Oh, hush, you.

Yes, very first place we enter.

Mr. Grail, very evasive in his answers.

Sometimes seem as though he talk out of both sides of mouth at same time.

-Oh, you mean double-talk. -Yes.

You know...

...think maybe Charlie Chan have found exit from dead-end street.

-Are we going out again, Pop? -Yes, we go out again.

You don't mean to tell me we're going to visit another one of them places at night.

It's bad enough to go there in the daytime. And at night, it's got to be wrong.

Yes.

Mm-mm-mm.

This job is going to be the death of me yet.

-Hey, Pop, how about this window? -No, no.

Wrong building. This building.

Must be a window around corner.

Window open. We have luck.

Yeah, but what kind of luck?

You, Birmingham, climb in, open door from inside.

-Me? -Yes.

I been through more windows than a second story man.

Here, please take flashlight.

Mr. Chan, ain't nothing in there I wanna see.

-Hurry, please. -All right.

I'll go but my heart ain't in it.

Supposing somebody catch me?

-Then you play dead. -Oh, that's right.

Watch your language, boy.

Go on, go on.

Don't airtight me in here.

Oh!

Oh, boy. Oh, boy.

Hold feet. Hold yourself now. Don't go nowhere. Just stay with me, that's all.

Whoa, whoa. Not now. Not now. I'll tell you when. Don't get excited.

[YAWNS]

[YAWNS]

[WHIMPERING] Now is the time.

That did it.

Coming through. Coming through. There's live dead people walking around there.

-Shh. -Live dead people walking around there.

People who have gone beyond cannot harm you.

He ain't gone beyond, Mr. Chan. He's right in there.

Look out, Tommy. Don't rush. Look out. Don't rush me.

There he is right there, Mr. Chan. He's right--

He has gone beyond.

Hey, Tommy, wait a minute. Don't leave me here.

Give us some light, Birmingham.

Hey, Pop, look at these.

CHAN: This may be what we want.

Did you find what you were looking for, Mr. Chan?

Well, Mr. Grail...

...you always carry a gun in business establishment?

You never know when you'll run across burglars...

.-.-Such as I'm doing now.

Man who have gun either afraid or have guilty conscience.

Which is it with you, Mr. Grail?

Stop talking and get to the point, Chan. What do you want?

Still seeking information.

This morning, you deny knowledge of burial.

-That's right. -But, uh, I have been through desk...

...and records prove different.

Records prove that you accomplice in illegal burial.

-Really? -Yes.

Would have been better had you told me truth.

How much they pay you to keep mouth shut?

You know so much, you ought to know that.

[CHAN CHUCKLES]

-Well, could make good guess. -All right, Chan.

What happens now?

Well, have desired information.

Name and address of man who have body buried.

-We go now. -Held it.

You think you can leave here alive?

You broke into this place.

I could kill you.

All three of you.

And the police couldn't do a thing to me.

Oh, well, police make investigation, ask many questions, soon arrive at truth.

I could dispose of the bodies so that nobody would know.

You would kill three men...

...for sake of few dollars they pay you to bury body?

Go on, Mr. Grail, shoot.

-Wait here. -Oh, Pop, can't we go with you?

You heard what the man said.

MAN: I'll take that case, Mr. Chan.

Did you find what you were looking for, Mr. Chan?

Well, Mr. Grail, well-known undertaker...

...make similar remark earlier this evening, Mr. Pindello.

-Oh? -Yes.

Humbly begging pardon to intrude...

...but, uh, believe we could have very valuable conference together.

You're not trying to stall me till the cops come, are you, Mr. Chan?

Oh, no, not at all.

Have very warm interest in your actions.

Have asked Lieutenant Mike here to bring you all together this evening...

...because certain very important papers throwing light...

...on the murders of Judge Armstrong, Mr. Bronson and Mr. Cartwright...

...have suddenly come into my possession.

Alphabet murder case...

...one of most interesting in long career of Charlie Chan...

...who spend lifetime unraveling murder mysteries.

Murderer very smart man.

Too smart for own good. Heh.

Well, uh, first, we have letter from Judge Armstrong.

Letter tell us that Tony Pindello may be innocent man.

Then, uh, we have letter to nephew, Victor, here, telling him to look for relatives...

...of Tony Pindello.

But it's been established that Pindello had no relatives.

Oh, contradiction, please. Torn with grief to disagree but it's not so.

Tony Pindello have brother, Joseph.

While Tony Pindello on trial for murder...

...brother Joseph in jail serving sentence for robbing safe.

Now, uh, brother Joseph get letter from Tony...

...telling him he about to be executed for murder he did not commit.

Brother cannot help Tony.

That impossible because he only escape from jail...

...three weeks ago.

He then come and dig up body.

He is one we meet in home of Judge Armstrong...

...who rob safe and lock us in closet.

So it was revenge murder.

Pindello was gonna wipe out the entire jury. Everybody.

[GASPS]

You're a smart man, Mr. Chan.

A very smart man.

You fooled me once, but you're not gonna fool me again.

Up with your hands, everybody. No fooling.

Sure, I'm Tony Pindello's brother.

He was innocent. He was framed.

The judge and the district attorney and the jury, they said he did it.

Yeah, I was in jail and I couldn't help my brother.

But when I got out...

...I knew what I was gonna do.

First, I was going to give Tony a decent burial.

And then I was going to see to it that--

RUARK: All right, up on your feet. Come on.

Nice work, Tommy. I'll have your picture in the paper for this.

Well, Charlie, this winds up the case.

So you're the alphabet killer, Joe Pindello.

Uh, torn with grief to disagree again, but it's not so.

-Mr. Pindello not murderer. -What?

No, Mr. Pindello steal body, rob safe and lock us in closet...

...but he not murderer.

Man who murder Judge Armstrong, Mr. Bronson and Mr. Cartwright...

-...is Mr. Edward Seward. -What?

-Why, you're crazy. -Heh.

Not so crazy, Mr. Seward. No.

You in partnership with Tony Pindello in insurance swindle.

Not satisfied with half of money, have to have all money...

...so you frame Tony Pindello for murder.

He convicted and executed for this murder which he did not commit.

Judge and district attorney become suspicious, find out that Tony is innocent...

...and investigate your insurance swindle.

-You become worried, so-- -All right, don't anybody move.

Go on, Mr. Chan.

So what?

So you get copy of fingerprints of Tony Pindello.

Wait for brother to come out of jail.

When he steal body, you begin your murders.

After killing Judge Armstrong and district attorney...

...then you kill man from jury to make it surely look...

...as though Joseph Pindello murderer.

Very clever, Mr. Seward. Very clever.

Yes, Mr. Chan, much too clever for you.

All of you stay where you are. First one that tries to follow gets a bullet.

-That's impossible, Mr. Seward. -What?

Impossible to shoot bullets from gun. Heh.

-Gun have no bullets in it. -But--

[GUN CLICKING]

BIRMINGHAM: Good-- Come here, everybody. Bring the fire department.

-What is--? Goodness gracious, oh, me. -Get up. Get up.

-Nice work, Birmingham. -What's going on around here?

- I got him. RUARK: We got our man, Charlie.

Yes, so I see.

Well, Mr. Seward...

...we have no evidence against you, so must get confession.

You do not know that everything that happened is planned...

...including empty gun of Mr. Pindello.

Now we have confession.

All right, Lieutenant Mike, he is your man.

Nice work, Charlie. You did it again.

Well, thank you very much, but, uh, must give credit where credit is due.

Number two son not know gun was empty.

You very brave boy. Heh.

You now number one detective.

-Gee, Pop, thanks. -Yes.

Oh, Mr. Chan, don't give him all the credit.

I'm the one that caught the criminal.

Well, yes, that's very true, Birmingham. I forget.

You very brave man too.

You number two detective.

-Thank you. -Thanks again, Charlie. Come on, let's go.

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Mr. Chan, look at here. Look.

Well, afraid must take away credit.

Heh. Look like not you catch criminal, but criminal catch you.

[ALL LAUGHING]

[English - US - SDH]