Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

You're going too fast for a load like that.

Load!

What do you think we are, melons?

Sorry Miss.

What's the hurry?

I'm Rick Daniels, press agent for Cole King's Varieties.

This is Mr. Cole King himself.

We have taken the Rutherford mansion, Sergeant.

Could you direct us?

Well there's no way to miss it.

Look Sarge, I'll take it easy.

There's no need in handing us a ticket.

These girls have worked hard in the show all winter.

We're on our way to the beach for a month.

If you want I'll call your lieutenant and...

That's enough Daniels, the sergeant understands.

You'll see the Rutherford place down the road to your left.

Go a little slower, you've got a valuable load.

(giggling) Sergeant!

Well?

Well I fixed that.

(women exclaiming)

- Here we are. - Come on out.

Come on girls, this is it.

[Woman] Oh fine, this is wonderful.

Well, pretty house, isn't it?

You're Mrs. Weebles, the housekeeper?

Yes.

Well the broker told you to expect us of course?

Yes.

I'm Mrs. Thorn, wardrobe mistress of the company.

Come in.

(melancholy music)

Your baggage has arrived, it's upstairs in your rooms.

Thank you.

Upstairs girls.

May we take a look at the rest of the house?

Certainly.

Ah, this would be Mrs. Pebbles huh?

Mrs. Weebles.

No banter Daniels.

Well cheer up.

Youth and beauty have arrived in brilliant wit.

The old house will reecho to music and laughter.

(scoffs) Show people.

Oh this place needs a little air.

Yes and a little dusting wouldn't hurt either.

I should say not.

Oh what a beautiful view, but the ocean always makes me sad.

Ghosts are here, ghosts of dare days.

I once lost a dear friend by drowning.

Where's that caretaker?

Yes?

Oh we wanted to use this for rehearsals

and a general sitting room.

Yes ma'am, I'll get some dusters.

Drink is the root of all evil.

Uh oh, one of them.

Probably a very sincere, kind woman.

I'll be back to help

as soon as I see if the girls are all right upstairs.

And Marcia gets a whole suite to herself.

That's your choice by right, Winifred.

Oh no Ruby.

Marcia's our lead for the next season.

This room's been cleaned, it's really nice.

I think we should bring more beds

and all the rest of us sleep in one room.

It'd be safer.

What are you feeling unsafe about now?

In this big house anything.

Just anything could happen.

Oh Winifred, Adelaide.

I think it would be better if you girls

shared the rooms with Marcia.

Well this I call a (speaking in foreign language).

We can manage here very well Mrs. Brown.

Oh go on you goose.

We'll help you take over.

This I call a swell break.

No girls, no horseplay.

Where's San Toy?

Maiden waiting to the sole great star Marcia.

Come on Louis and Clem, this we gotta see.

I think I'll just stay here.

Marcia isn't going to like this.

I hope.

Oh Marcia the other room in this suite

is for Winifred and Adelaide.

I was going to put San Toy in the other room.

I'm sorry Marcia, San Toy isn't a maid.

She'll stay with the other girls.

Oh clumsy dolt.

That was a cruel thing.

For that I could.

Put that down.

Girls please.

I talk with you.

Leave me, I want to talk with her.

There's no need for us to use the room.

The arrangements have already been made.

Come girls, I'll have no quarreling.

Sic her Adelaide, sic her.

I knew something dreadful was going to happen

when we came here.

Oh now dear come along.

Maestro expects us all in for a swim before evening.

(tense music)

Again you make trouble with your bad temper

on your so grand manners.

I might suggest you mind your affairs.

In Switzerland, in France, always the same thing.

You flirt with each man and poof, trouble.

I would advise you to mind your own business.

You make the fool of Cole King.

Same as the others.

You will ruin this show.

I will own this show.

And listen, you know the Maestro's rules.

What if he were to find out that Doc Brandt is your husband?

There is other work in this country.

Women like you, someone should, like that.

Furthermore, the Maestro and a lot of other people

might like to know who Doc Brandt really is.

Bad as you are, you would not do a thing like that.

Ah, well we're all going swimming before dark, dear.

Pig.

I could kill her.

(door slams)

Well, where have you been?

Pick those things up.

No wait a minute, we're going swimming,

but I'll get you excused.

I want you to go to Adelaide's trunk for me.

Oh please, don't make me steal.

Steal?

Who do you think I am, Faggan?

Look, in Adelaide's trunk there's a small metal box.

There are some letters in it.

No Marcia, please I can't.

Do you want the Maestro to know that you're under 18?

Oh I can't lose this job, Marcia I can't.

It's my chance and well I need the money.

Exactly.

Bring me three or four letters.

Three or four will do.

- Hi Rick. - Throw it here.

(group chattering quietly)

Mr King'll be down soon girls, then we can swim.

Oh Maestro making an entrance eh?

I just as soon not go in.

Why of course you'll swim, dear.

The sun, sea air, exercise, that's the tonic.

Say, where's Lois?

She has a headache.

I don't think I'll go in either Mrs. Thorn.

Well that'll be all right, San Toy.

Come on girls.

Perfect, perfect Daniels.

We should have pictures.

We're posing a set for the magazines tomorrow.

Good, then today we swim.

(group chattering quietly)

Come on sweetheart.

Come on.

[Man] Come on sweetheart.

Come on.

Wait a minute, wait a minute

wait a minute, wait a minute.

(girls squealing)

Where's Marcia?

Her robe was gone when I came out.

Maybe she's ill or something.

I hope it's serious.

This woman, she's sick all the time, inside.

Has anyone seen Marcia?

[Girl] I think she went up to the house Maestro.

I wonder if Marcia and Maestro quarreled.

You can't quarrel with a lap dog.

(ominous music)

Help!

The root of evil.

You said it.

Lots of evil has come out of the sea.

The world, for instance.

Liquor is the root, crime the stem and branches.

Then what's the fruit?

(giggling)

You look like if you have seen the ghost?

It's kinda chilly.

Did you see San Toy or Lois?

No, I was just in the cabana.

(suspenseful music)

Lois, you in there?

(screams)

Marcia, oh my god.

(girls exclaiming quietly)

(Mrs. Weebles exclaims)

- What's the matter with her? - What happened?

She's dead.

(girls exclaiming)

Quiet girls, please.

I think you'd better leave the room.

Look Maestro, for the good of the show,

Lois is dead, she'll not mind

if it looks like an accident.

You could move the body.

Why sure, to the beach.

It'll look like a drowning.

We'll work it out when the fuss dies down.

It'll be easier on Lois' mother too.

You press agents are all calloused.

I forbid it.

Take the edge of the first news breaks

and we can handle it quietly, I tell you.

I forbid it.

She was garroted, a cord around her neck.

What kind of a cord is that?

A silk cord.

Silk huh?

That's an old Chinese custom.

(girls gasping)

Chinese!

Now Clem this is no time for hysterics.

Come on.

Come girls, come, we'd better leave now.

(sad music)

(sobbing)

Oh for heaven's sake Clem, let up.

Don't let her come near me.

Clementine, control yourself.

It's a Chinese trick of silken cord.

She was in the house with poor Lois all the time.

Oh I wish Doc were here.

What she needs is a pill.

You'll have to humor him.

Oh sure Clem, the Chinese garrote people all the time.

You're accusing me?

(speaking in foreign language)

This is very bad.

The garrote is an old French apache custom too.

That's right.

And if it was Marcia up there,

you'd have some tall explaining to do.

I'm going to see

if the men have found any trace of Marcia.

No Winifred, they asked us to stay here

until the police come.

Girls please try to be calm.

Yes, until Marcia's found we won't know anything.

All Marcia's close are still upstairs.

If she went away she went in a bathing suit.

Well don't stare at me like that.

San Toy dear, no one accuses you.

It was a silk cord!

I've read about the Chinese.

I'll put an end to this.

I met a detective, the world's greatest detective.

His name is Jimmy Chan, great Chinese detective.

He'll protect his countrywoman.

San Toy!

Where are you going?

(playful music)

(phone rings)

[San] Mr. Chan, Jimmy, Jimmy!

[Girl] Murderous murder!

Hello.

This is Mr. Chan's residence.

Mr. Chan, Jimmy, Jimmy.

Murderous murder!

That gets those detectives, it's all they understand.

Don't let her telephone.

She's planning something.

We'll all be murdered.

[San] Mr. Chan, Jimmy!

This is San Toy, I'm at the beach.

[Girl] Tell him it's murder.

(Clementine exclaims)

Jimmy!

Jimmy, Jimmy!

Yes, murder, murder.

Jimmy?

Jimmy, he's murdered?

Hold on now, be calm.

Don't get excited, be calm everybody now.

I want you wait a minute.

Be calm.

Now wait a minute now, wait, wait'll you say that word.

Good gracious a me.

Who, who, where?

Wait a minute, where's the pad?

What's your number you say that was, 26 Malibu Drive?

Malibu Drive?

Oh good grace, that's all right.

Hold it now, hold it, don't get excited.

Now wait.

Who?

Mr. Chan?

Good gracious me.

Mr. Chan.

Wait a minute, Mr. Chan!

Mr. Chan!

Mr. Chan!

Mr. Chan!

Good evening.

Oh, good gracious, Mr. Chan,

Jimmy's just gotten murdered.

I just got it over the telephone?

What?

Where call come from?

26 Malibu Drive.

There's a whole lotta girls there

and they say that he just got murdered.

Malibu Beach?

How long since you seen Jimmy?

Uh this afternoon, he must a had a date.

But them girls said he just got murdered.

I can understand the girl part of it.

The rest of it no.

We go.

I'll get car.

You get your clothes on.

Yes sir.

Good gracious me.

Ain't this something?

You are sure you have correct address?

Yes sir, Mr. Chan.

I heard it plain, a whole lotta girls

screaming and hollering about Jimmy.

Uh oh.

Please you will drive carefully in the city.

We make up time on Coast Highway.

Yes sir.

(knocking at door)

Birmingham?

26 Malibu Drive.

[Girl] San Toy found her.

[Girl] You must find Marcia, Sergeant.

[Girl] Now let the Sergeant talk.

[Girl] What's he know about it?

I'll have to take your statements separately.

Have they moved?

Yes, the coroner took over.

Now, who is Marcia?

The murderess.

Oh now Madge we don't know.

There's very little the girls can tell you Sergeant.

If you'll wait until the men come back,

they may have news of Marcia.

And where are the men?

Well they're out looking for her.

[Mrs. Weebles] Someone send for a detective?

[Girl] (gasping) Oh thank heavens.

(speaking in foreign language) Jimmy.

I'm here looking for number two son, Jimmy.

But he's not here Mr. Chan.

Understood Jimmy was here and in trouble.

Oh that must be a mistake, sir.

Oh mistake sometimes bring most fortunate relief.

I see all other troubles are in most capable hands.

Good evening Sergeant.

(speaking in foreign language)

A very serious thing has happened Mr. Chan.

This is the Sergeant's big break.

Give him a chance.

I'm Reynolds of the state police, Mr. Chan.

This is out of city jurisdiction.

But now that you're here I'd be glad

if you kinda looked things over.

Little Chinese girl tells me

many persons are wrongfully accused.

Was dead girl so very badly hated?

Oh no, Mr. Chan!

Lois was a sweet, harmless child.

The murder of Lois, that is a mystery.

But the missing one Marcia, we all hate her.

I kill her myself, poof.

Correct.

Lois was strangled.

Adelaide's right, we all hated Marcia.

Not hate, Madge, that's a bitter word.

(speaking in foreign language) She will not be found.

I hope not, bah!

(speaking in foreign language)

Question the men.

Ask them.

Girls, please.

Mr. Chan would you care to talk to us separately?

Would like few moments alone with Sergeant if you please.

Come girls, upstairs.

No, no, not up there!

No need to go to that room.

We can make a general dormitory

where you can all be together.

[Madge] Come on.

Don't worry, Mr. Chan will clear things up.

The Sergeant looked capable to me.

[Girl] Oui, but the detective?

Well that looks like an ordinary bathrobe cord to me sir.

I was more concerned about the presence

of my number two son Jimmy in this house.

Well I haven't seen him sir,

but I'd appreciate any time you can give the case, sir.

Oh, Mr. Chan.

I met you when you were on the march case.

I was handling publicity for the march flower mills.

My name is Rick Daniels.

I'm delighted.

Being press agent, you will have factual eye for details.

Mr. Chan.

Am I glad to see you.

Mr. Cole King, I believe.

Yes sir.

Your presence here is a great relief to us.

One moment.

What is your position in Mr. King's show?

Physiotherapist in charge of diet,

general physical culture.

Mr. George Brandt, Mr. Chan.

An honor sir.

Any sign of the missing girl?

No, we searched every room in every cabana.

We can't find her anywhere.

Now gentlemen, I will ask you for careful statements

and details please.

Well I'll be in my cabana girls.

Madge'll take care of you.

Goodnight.

[Girls] Goodnight.

(Clementine gasps) - Clem hold it!

(screams)

[Girl] Clem's off again.

I saw it too.

Somebody out on the porch, a man!

He went into the next room through the window.

[Charlie] Birmingham, guard entrance.

Yes sir.

Come on, let's get the Sarge, come on Clem.

[Clementine] Oh someone's gonna get killed.

I'm scared.

What is trouble, please?

Someone went in here from the porch.

A man, I saw him jump through the window.

(crashing)

(girls gasping)

So, you will explain your behavior with speed.

Well Pop, you can see it was this way.

Also intelligence.

Well I found the address on the telephone pad.

I figured you were on the case

and that you might need some help.

And when I saw the state cops on the highway

I knew that they had just stopped.

So I just climbed up.

Hello Jimmy.

(speaking in foreign language)

Unorthodox, though not unusual.

(speaking in foreign language)

One moment please.

You and Birmingham will take up positions in rear.

No one is to leave premises.

Okay Pop.

Our quarters are in the cabana, Mr. Chan.

Kindly remain in the house.

Ladies, return to your rooms.

Sounds official.

I still think the Sergeant could handle it.

Position of body?

Yes sir.

Trunk?

Right sir.

Whew.

Whew.

Jimmy?

Ain't nobody gonna try to leave the house at night.

Come on, let's find a place to stretch out.

Pipe down, I'm already in Dutch with Pop.

Yeah, but I'm plumb exhausted.

I wanna go to sleep.

Sleep?

Why don't you try sleeping on your feet for a change?

Hmm, that ain't a bad idea.

(leaves rustling)

Hey duck, there's somebody now.

(mysterious music)

They went into the cellar.

What are you worrying about?

He ain't leaving the house.

He's always looking for trouble.

Now, now now wait a minute.

Now where you going?

Come on, this'll square us with Pop.

I'm already square with your Pop.

Well you stay here.

I'm going in.

That's just what I'm.

Oh gangway, I change my mind.

Jimmy?

Oh Jimmy.

I wonder where did that boy go?

(gong chimes)

(gong chimes)

(yelps)

(laughing)

That's me.

Jimmy.

Jim.

(yelps)

Good gracious.

Mr. Chan.

Come help somebody.

Jimmy, hold on confound it.

I got ya.

Hold on.

Mr. Chan.

Jimmy, good gracious.

Come on all of ya, got this around ya.

I got ya.

Come on.

Good gracious, Jimmy.

Mr. Chan come on.

(bat thuds)

Jimmy! - Birmingham?

Good gracious come here.

Jimmy?

They tried to kill me.

Everybody try to kill me.

They hit me across me head.

They konked me.

Looked it everything falling on me.

I saw him run.

He had a bundle in his hands.

Yeah he might a had a bundle in one hand.

But he sure had a club in the other one.

Where's my hat?

Jimmy?

Let's get outta here.

Can't you get that thing off of you?

[Jimmy] Come on, let's go.

[Birmingham] Here, take this with you.

Oh gee Pop, you scared me.

You observe something in cellar?

Yes, somebody went down there

and tried to stuff a bundle in the furnace.

Person make exit carrying bundle away in hands?

All in one hand Mr. Chan.

Yeah, he clipped Birmingham.

Hmm.

Resume vigilance.

Person with bundle most important.

Now the way I figure that thing Jimmy.

Good.

(screams)

(girls exclaiming)

Quiet girls, it's San Toy.

Jimmy!

Oh, I am so glad to learn you are not cause

of this latest disturbance.

Remain where you are place.

There, see if she's hurt.

- Drink! - If you mention

the root of evil!

San Toy, what happened?

[Rick] What's the matter, what happened?

[George] What's the matter, tell us.

Upstairs, someone threw something over my head.

I smelled chloroform.

I can smell it here too.

Well then don't go up there, don't.

I can smell it down here.

Oh no.

- It's ether. - Impossible.

There's a plot against all of us.

(girls exclaiming)

Quiet, quiet please.

(speaking in foreign language)

Do I smell ether, Doctor?

Yes sir, a cloth must've been saturated with it, Mr. Chan.

It's fantastic.

It's madness.

This house is haunted.

Oh Clem, dry up.

Ladies, please, young ladies,

I would suggest you all go quietly to your rooms.

The little Chinese girl is evidently

the center of general mystery here.

Well why don't you search the place?

By now attacker have ample opportunity to escape.

Or to join us here.

What a horrible night.

I didn't sleep a wink.

Your snoring, it was asthma, no?

Poor Clem, she was nervous before we ever came here.

Feel better this morning dear?

I slept a little.

I massaged the poor kid 'til she relaxed.

It's so funny.

- The time. - His old soul?

Just carrying around my own protection.

What is the great Mr. Chan doing?

He has the situation well in hand.

Oh, Mr. Chan is working it out.

You've got to admire him.

He's quiet, intelligent and persistent.

Persistence, an admirable quality.

Oh. (Girls giggling)

Good gracious alive Mr. Chan.

I knowed it was gonna happen sometime.

No, no, no, Jimmy get up.

Could not possibly happen that way.

Come in Birmingham.

Could not.

Birmingham come here.

Yes sir.

Now I want you to stand right there.

Bend over and simulate pilfering of trunk.

Oh yes sir, hmm?

Imagine you are stealing something from the trunk.

Now, you are familiar with technique of the garrote?

They didn't teach that in my school, Pop.

Hmm.

Observe.

When held in this manner, garroter cannot possibly be caught

if victim should certainly grasp the cord.

Gee Pop, where'd you learn that?

In the school of hard experience.

Simulate pilfering.

Now, I am garroter.

I enter from this door.

I approach the victim stealthily.

Not now Mr. Chan, not now.

You see Jimmy, that is what I mean.

It was utterly impossible

for garroter to approach victim from behind

while your victim is kneeling in that position at the trunk.

I get it Pop, that Lois girl wasn't at the trunk.

Uh huh, well deduce further.

Remember the body was lying here

where these marks are placed upon the floor.

She whirled away from the trunk and saw the killer!

Uh huh, deduce further, you're reaching the point.

She recognized the killer.

She couldn't believe what she saw with her eyes

or she would have gotten further away.

Maybe clean away.

Indicating what?

That the killer was a friend!

Exactly what I am trying to demonstrate.

The killer, Jimmy, was a friend.

Oh Mr. Chan, maybe that girl didn't see the killer at all.

Maybe the killer was transparent.

Oh, no further deductions.

All this inaction.

If only we could go swimming.

A good idea but forbidden.

Sergeant's orders, stay here or in the house.

He got the orders from Mr. Chan.

Detractor.

The Sarge is a great criminologist,

he told me so himself.

Crimes and criminals,

it all seems like such a nightmare.

Oh Mr. Chan, is it how you say,

permissible to go swimming?

I think nice swim would be very refreshing for everyone.

Oh let's go!

Thank you. - Sure, come on.

(bright instrumental music)

Toting your own laundry Rick?

I'd be glad to do any washing sir.

Uh, no thank you.

It's just something that I had for the Maestro.

(speaking in foreign language)

Jimmy.

Jimmy!

(speaking in foreign language)

Find Birmingham.

You will both follow movements of Mr. Daniels very closely.

Oh but Pop, San Toy and I were gonna go for a swim.

Swim later.

(girls exclaiming)

[Ruby] Oh Clementine look what I found.

It moved!

Don't touch it, Ruby don't!

Afraid of a crab?

Bite.

Clementine get it before it goes in the water!

Where are you going?

Gosh!

It's Marcia, Marcia!

The tide washed her up, huh?

Remove cord.

You will also examine knot very closely.

[Man] Garroted, another one.

- Strangled. - Good gosh!

Another cord.

Everyone will please return to the house

except the Sergeant, you will remain here

and instruct the coroner.

(waves crashing)

It's a obviously a suicide Mr. Chan.

She kill Lois and then go out and hung herself.

(speaking in foreign language)

You observe knot?

It was a granny knot sir.

You also possibly examine victims throat?

Yes the trachea was flattened.

What would you say regarding possible period of immersion?

10 or 12 hours.

He's only guessing Monsieur Chan.

Well I have only a superficial knowledge

of such things Mr. Chan.

I am certain coroner will agree with your every statement.

Excellent, Doctor.

It can't be a suicide Mr. Chan, she was a good swimmer.

She'd have to tie the cord on herself.

[Man] The knots were the kind women tie.

Also many men.

[Jimmy] Pop, hey Pop.

Yes.

He's going up the beach with that package.

Birmingham's watching him.

I will take care of it.

I must ask you all not to leave this room.

I have much to discuss with you later.

(dramatic music)

So, you will open it please.

I can explain Mr. Chen.

I will listen to your explanation at the house

in the presence of your friends.

Yeah.

Yeah, right.

Well the coroner said she couldn't have died by drowning.

I thought not, she wasn't the kind.

Better we leave this place

while the excitement is still on.

You don't know American Honey,

they'd hound us and never let up.

Oh I'll live with you in caves, even in tree trunks.

Only to run away from this.

I've been running away for years.

Time has come now to face it.

That detective, he knows everything.

Already he call you Doctor.

Yes I caught that.

Look before we go in,

I was trying to keep somebody from being framed.

This robe was planted on him.

The Maestro?

That's right and you can check on that.

He found it in his clothes closet.

I prefer to listen to your explanation

in presence of the other suspects.

Listen Mr. Chan, I know crime.

There isn't anybody in this house that could've killed Lois

except Marcia herself.

Then Marcia took the water route.

Suicides do not garrote themselves

by tying granny knot at back of neck.

I've seen a lot of crime.

Repetition of your merit only go to prove

your fear of fault, Mr. Press Agent.

Continue inside please.

It's Marcia's robe!

Where was it Rick?

I had it.

It's Rick.

Rick killed her, oh!

Please, please.

For the benefit of everyone I wish to inform you

it's my opinion Marcia did not kill Miss Lois.

Mr. Chan, several of us saw Marcia going up to the house

while we were swimming.

The Sergeant has a theory on that.

He thinks somebody wore the robe

and then went into the house.

Excellent deduction but lacks point of fact.

And San Toy had every opportunity.

(speaking in foreign language)

San Toy is a pretty doll and she herself was attacked, no?

You sound repressed.

And that ether business could have been phony

if anyone wanted to cover up.

Ruby please.

Mr. Chan, it's plain you suspect all of us

of the actual, for the actual murder.

Of trying to shield someone.

Daniels, don't stare that way!

You look like a vulture.

Mr. King.

You are familiar with these cords?

This one possibly from black gown?

There is no black gown in the wardrobe Mr. Chan.

(speaking in foreign language)

Excuse please.

Chinese girl who is familiar with wardrobe

tell different story.

This cord which kill Miss Lois

is from your black beach robe.

And this one with silver thread is from Marcia's gown.

Alright, so that is correct.

How do expect to get cooperation from one you so obviously

and wrongly accuse?

Spill it you dope, you're the guilty one.

Let's get him outta here

where we can give him the third degree.

Wait a minute Daniels, don't you see?

This is a trick of Chan's.

It's an old oriental custom,

trying to get us to accuse each other.

You're gonna talk.

Don't ever lay a hand on me again.

You killed them both?

Why don't ya spill it?

[Rick] Daniels, this police court stuff,

I'll have you arrested.

Rick stop it.

Look, I was loyal to you and your show

but enough's plenty.

I took that robe out and tried to bury it

because I thought somebody was trying to frame you.

Then Chan caught me and the finger's on me.

Daniels, you took that robe to Chan.

Oh, skip that.

But Doc here's got something in his past that stinks

and the finger's on him too.

The girls are accusing each other.

You're ruining lives Cole King, when you're the guilty one.

Why don't ya spill it?

Stop it Rick, get yourself more evidence.

I got evidence enough.

He let this dame Marcia make a fool out of him.

Then he got tired of her.

And he garroted her with a cord from his own bathrobe.

Must stop him Mr. Chan.

No, no please continue.

This kid Lois was a chiseler.

She shook Adelaide's trunk for the tin box

to put the bee on you Doc, blackmail,

and that's where you came in.

She was swiping the box when she saw you fix Marcia.

You had to kill Lois with a cord from Marcia's gown.

I don't know anything about it, you're crazy.

Oh, now I see it Daniels, you're the murderer.

You killed Marcia.

Marcia took Winifred's job in the show

and ever since then you've been moody and ugly.

You killed Marcia and then later took her body out to sea.

Oh that won't get you anywhere.

Hey wait a minute.

You killed Marcia.

Daniels, you're calloused.

You tried to make Lois's death look like suicide.

Obstructing justice is very serious crime Mr. Daniels.

Sergeant, you will make investigations

and bring proper charges.

Shall I handcuff him sir?

Oh, not necessary now.

Listen all of you.

When I shall have dismissed you,

the men will all go to their cabanas,

the ladies will remain here in this house.

Oh Mr. Chan, you won't make us put in another night

in this house?

Impossible to speed up investigation now.

You two in a few moments will meet me in my headquarters,

first room on the right, the top of the stairs.

Doc and Adelaide.

Why they're no more guilty than I am.

That is very interesting comment young lady.

Perhaps I will be able to question you later on.

San Toy, he won't question San Toy.

Oh now Clem.

Sergeant you will please join my two assistants.

Right sir.

No one is to leave house or cabanas.

The beach party okay sir?

If carefully guarded.

This is routine precaution.

I am convinced the murderer is in this room.

(engine revving)

It's a dame Sarge.

I'll get her.

You stay here and see that none of the others try it.

(motorcycle revving)

(siren wailing)

Oh, so it's you.

Where were you going?

To mail a letter.

Wisecracks won't help honey.

You sure fooled me.

Move over.

I'll drive back like a good girl Sergeant.

Oh no you don't, I'll send for the bike later.

Move over.

State Board of Medical Examiners, what's this?

I'm not talking.

(engine revving)

You wish I should open this letter Doctor?

Of course, it's my application for the state board.

I gave it to Ruby to post

because she had a better opportunity to escape.

Tomorrow's the last day for filing,

I'd decided to drop it.

The best laid plans of mice and men

sometimes go a little bit haywire, huh?

Very well, I accept explanation.

I think perhaps Sergeant, you had better mail letter.

You may open it first if you wish.

I guess I'll mail it Mr. Chan.

Good work Sergeant.

Sit down please.

I suggest now we all talk together freely.

It seems obvious to me Mr. Chan.

Marcia killed Lois and tried to tie a similar cord

around her own neck since she was good a swimmer...

One moment please, one moment.

If either garotte had been tied with square knot,

a surgeon's knot, case would now be closed

with you arrested.

(speaking in foreign language)

Sit down please.

Today I confirmed a suspicion which began to germinate

when I first see you.

Six years ago in New York City

a very young and promising doctor

was accused of wife murder.

(speaking in foreign language)

They're lies, lies, lies.

Lies, lies, yes perhaps.

Young doctor was exonerated.

But the whole affair ruined his life.

Alright, he went to war.

There he met a girl and marry her, me.

Now you know everything Mr. Chan.

Thank you so much.

When you are both in Paris,

you knew this girl Marcia very well?

(speaking in foreign language) We know her too well.

No no, let it drop Adelaide.

I'm suspect again.

You refuse to talk about yourselves?

What is there to say?

The medical association disowned me.

I couldn't resume practice when I came back.

Marcia got Adelaide a job with the show.

And there was a job for me.

It's as simple as that.

I have no wish to open old wounds.

Adelaide knows I was completely innocent

of that charge, Mr. Chan.

Then yes perhaps, but now,

by simple process of elimination Doctor,

I have arrived at a most important conclusion

in this present case.

I am very sorry but I am under the painful necessity

of accusing you a most serious crime.

Accuse me Mr. Chan?

No no, this is all wrong, I killed Marcia.

Now Adelaide, Adelaide, Mr. Chan doesn't want dramatics.

Excuse please.

On contrary, dramatics highly valuable just now.

I am convinced Doctor, you tell only partial truths.

I am convinced you find dead girl's body in this room.

I am also firmly convinced you removed from this room

certain articles which Lois steal from trunk.

No, no, he was with me, everywhere.

In the water, on the beach, everywhere.

It's no use Adelaide, I found Lois.

That metal box of yours was on the floor besides her.

I took it away.

You did find her then, continue.

She was dead, Mr. Chan.

I tried artificial respiration.

It was no good.

I knew what a bad situation I was in.

That metal box contained personal letters

referring to that affair in New York.

I saw the whole thing being bungled by the local police

to ruin us.

To destroy everything Adelaide and I have together,

our entire future.

This box contain other articles besides letters?

Lots of things.

Everyone have something in it.

It was the only fireproof box the girls had sir.

All we have some letter, Wini thread.

San Toy some Jade, Mrs. Thorn...

You can produce this box?

It's in my cabana sir.

Good, we will go at once to cabana.

Go ahead.

Contents of box may reveal new clues, Doctor.

Doc never did this to Lois.

We care if she steal box, sure, we not care that much.

Evidence so far quite convincing,

but puzzle always deepest near the center.

Mr. Chan it's gone.

Gone?

You'll excuse me Doctor if I seem slightly suspicious.

It was here.

Look it's been cut open.

I had no chance to slit this bag.

Until box is found can offer very little comfort.

Oh no, no please, we tell the truth, only truth.

Isn't there anything we can do to convince you Mr. Chan?

I will bend every effort to find the box.

But in the meantime Doctor, I must assure you,

your position is extremely delicate.

Well, there goes my chance

for the state medical examination here.

They can't ruin people like this, they just can't.

If Chan arrests me, the publicity,

everything will come out.

Oh it does not matter.

We have lived through so much, we overcome this.

I live with you in jail, in hovels,

I even live with you in pork pies.

It's pig sties honey.

Oh what's the difference?

Oh hiya Pop.

San Toy needed some air.

Okay, can be arranged.

Well that's fine.

She's kinda scared with all the other dames

I mean girls around.

They've been picking on her.

Oh it isn't that bad Jimmy.

Everyone's nervous and jumpy.

Couldn't she go back to the city with us tomorrow Pop?

I'm afraid too soon.

You have made tall talk of prowess as detective.

Honor of Chan family now at stake.

Well San Toy got it all wrong.

I'm afraid too short time to bring this to conclusion.

Can't you speed it up Pop?

Leisurely hunter have time to stalk prey.

But hunter in haste must set trap.

A trap?

Shrewdly baited.

Pop's concentrating.

He'll settle it fast now.

Jimmy, you will find other assistant

and take up post of observation of last night.

Oh but Pop, San Toy wanted to take a walk.

So she shall.

So she shall.

Nice walk with intelligent conversation, with me.

They can't keep us caged in here another night.

Chan wants us all to get some rest.

What's happened to the Maestro?

His nerves are shot, he's hysterical.

Doc's got him in his cabana trying to calm him down now.

Come on Clem.

No no, not upstairs.

Oh that'll be best Clementine.

Madge can give you a rub down.

And sleep? (Speaking in foreign language)

I'll never sleep until this thing is settled.

In the wall.

Noises in the wall like someone whispering.

Oh it's probably just some rats.

(yelping)

If you want we can bring in some bedding

and you can sleep down here.

Good, I'm not hankering for upstairs.

I'll help with the bedding.

Now that's a sound idea.

I think I'll go to my cabana girls.

I'm terribly tired.

Madge can take care of you.

Oh, I tell you there's something in the wall.

Someone call?

Oh it's nothing Mrs. Weebles.

One of the girls heard noises in the wall.

Mice, we're overrun with them.

Would you help bring some bedding for the girls.

They're going to stay downstairs tonight.

Certainly.

(enchanting, yet mysterious music)

Earthquake, earthquake, earthquake.

Run for cover, everybody.

Run for cover.

Shh, shh, quiet, quiet.

We're supposed to be on guard.

What is you up to?

What do you mean throwing people around like this?

Hey listen, I just talked to Pop.

Yeah but he told me to stay here by myself.

It's about a box.

If we find the box, everything's okay.

Oh, is it a long box about six feet tall

and got flowers piled up on it?

No no no, it's a little tin box with some papers in it.

And I've got a hunch where we can find it.

Where?

In the Maestro's room.

He's with the Doc.

And I figure the Maestro's guilty.

Yeah, but I ain't figuring.

No, you stay here.

If anything happens, I'll hear you yell.

You ain't kidding.

(scatting)

Whoa, good.

Whew.

Oh boy, oh boy.

Not now.

I'll tell you when.

I'll tell you when.

I'll tell you when.

Not now.

(playfully mysterious music)

(mutters) That ain't nobody but the housekeeper,

Mrs. Weebles or Mrs. Woobles.

Wonder what she going in that door for?

Where are you going?

Oh, a policeman.

Well you see one time, somebody went down in there

and I followed 'em see?

So after they went second I went first.

I come out first after I...

So?

Well what it was when I went down in there second.

And when I followed 'em, they came out first.

And what I was trying?

Don't you get it?

I'm no good at geometry.

Did you see anybody go by here?

Oh the housekeeper, she went over there in that door.

Keep your post.

(ominous music)

(bat thuds)

Oh this is a relief.

You'd rather have Doc doing it, wouldn't you?

That would be a luxury. (Speaking in foreign language)

Poor Clem, you relaxed her Madge,

but I don't suppose any of us'll get any rest tonight.

I've got one eye glued open myself.

There, that should ease you a bit.

I wonder where San Toy is?

Snooping around.

An old Chinese custom.

Well come on, let's get some rest.

(Adelaide exclaims)

(screams)

In the wall.

It's in the wall.

Holy cats, whispering walls again.

Oh Clem it's alright.

We're all here.

In the wall, it's in the wall.

[Girl] She fancied she heard it before.

(speaking in foreign language)

What has happened?

Clem had a bad dream Mr. Chan.

She's a Shakespeareanatic Mr. Chan, dramatic.

(screams)

Mrs. Weebles.

Fine trick to play on a lady.

Somebody slid it back from upstairs.

You write long hand or short hand?

Drink is the root.

You are spying, making notes.

What are you amateur detective?

I have evidence, plenty evidence.

Ladies, no need to be alarmed.

Sliding panel is merely relic of old prohibition days.

Right Mrs. Weebles?

(gasps) More of them.

(exclaims)

Next time try the front door.

I was following somebody.

You.

Oh fickle eh?

Ruby, it's no joking matter.

Ladies, levity is a great cure all.

You will please all return to your chambers.

Mr. Chan, you promised me I wouldn't have to stay here.

No child.

Mr. Chan's afraid for you.

Why don't you come out with me out to my cabana.

You'll be able to sleep there alright.

Sergeant.

Where are other three men?

In Doc's cabana I think.

Noise of high surf must've prevented

their hearing recent alarms.

Sergeant tonight you will keep careful watch

between cabanas and house.

Right Mr. Chan, but about Mrs. Weebles.

Harmless.

She may have overheard something of importance,

but I will question her later.

But Sergeant tonight keep careful guard.

No one must cross between cabanas and house.

You will also check on three men.

But do not disturb.

Right Mr. Chan.

[Maestro] Oh Doctor, Doctor.

Help me.

Help me, Doctor.

What are you giving him?

Just a mild sedative.

Poor devil he needs it.

What he needs is a good shot of truth serum.

I heard that.

Get outta here.

Doctor, throw him out.

He's giving ya a shot of truth serum.

And we'll sweat the truth out of you when you don't know it.

Take him away, take him away.

Maestro, this'll calm your nerves, bring sleep.

But Doctor, I've gotta confess.

Talk, talk killer.

Throw a light on him, keep him going.

He's cracking.

Get out for heaven's sakes and leave the man alone.

Well they all crack when they're like this.

I took that box.

I took it outta your bag.

Why? Why?

Get out.

It's in my room.

In my trunk. - What's in it?

What's in it?

What were ya hiding?

Papers.

Her papers.

She'll expose me.

Ruin me.

(sobbing)

Get out Daniels or I won't be responsible.

So you're covering for him?

That box was in your bag.

It's beginning to get clear now.

Oh you're wild, get out.

You needn't have given him that shot.

It was the merciful thing.

The only merciful thing.

Yeah?

Maybe so.

But I'm getting to a phone.

I'll bring some law in here

that'll make Chan look like a monkey.

(tense music)

Stop!

I know it's you, Daniels.

Come out with your hands up or I'll shoot.

You wouldn't dare.

Listen, I'll make you a deal.

Come out with your hands up.

Look Sarge, I got this thing cracked.

Let's get to a telephone.

Chan's orders, no one leaves premises.

But I tell ya I got this thing cracked.

Let's get to your headquarters.

There's a promotion in this.

And I can see that you get the breaks.

Chan's orders.

Ah.

Wither I goes, so goest thou.

I'll break ya for this.

I got influence.

Not as much as I've got right now.

(tense music)

Oh that's them darn mice again.

[Jimmy] Birmingham.

Birmingham.

Jimmy, is that you?

[Jimmy] Birmingham, come help me, I'm stuck.

You're stuck?

Where are you stuck?

[Jimmy] Go on, help me.

Birmingham!

Yeah, I'm over here.

Where is you at?

[Jimmy] Come on, Birmingham.

Oh my goodness, he's stuck.

Say something so I can find ya now.

Is you talking from this side?

[Jimmy] What do ya mean this side?

I'm slipping, gimme a hand.

I just wanna know if you talking on this side or the world

or the other side.

(crashing)

Jimmy, Jimmy.

Birmingham, Birmingham.

Good gracious Jimmy, what is the matter with you?

I got it.

I got it!

It's in the furnace.

Yeah, and you ain't going back in there is you?

I tell ya I got it.

You sure have.

You got it all over your face.

Hey, what's in there?

It's very important.

We gotta get it to Pop.

Yeah, but you gonna wash your face for us, ain't ya?

Haven't time for that now.

Yeah but suppose you meet that little Chinese number.

Oh yeah, maybe you're right.

Come on.

(suspenseful music)

Pop must be around the cabanas somewhere.

Can we wait 'til the morning to tell him?

Oh no, he's gotta know tonight.

He might arrest an innocent person.

And besides, we gotta watch these cabanas anyhow.

You ain't fooling me.

I know how come you interested in these cabanas.

It's that little Chinese girl.

Hey look!

I found it Pop!

I have trap all set and you put big foot in it.

Come.

Which way did it go?

It went that a way.

Well hurry.

We follow, quick.

(frenzied music)

70, 75.

I got to slow it down Mr. Chan.

Too bad.

I was in hope soon to overtake other car.

(metal crunching)

(brakes squealing)

(moaning)

It's Mrs. Thorn.

You're too late, Mr. Chan.

I wanted to ruin him.

I wanted to make him suffer as badly as I have.

Cole King?

The Maestro.

I was his wife.

I ran away from him.

But when I tried to come back he wouldn't even recognize me.

He gave me a job.

Wardrobe mistress.

I was humiliated, cast aside like,

like something unclean.

Can understand about Marcia and Lois, Mrs. Thorn.

But why San Toy?

San Toy knew.

She stole my papers, my papers in the box.

No.

No, papers stolen by others.

I, I hope he suffers.

(siren wails)

Highway Patrol, Jimmy direct it here.

She deserted me years ago.

Ran away with a dancer.

I have some of her letters here in the box.

She put the bathrobe in the Maestro's closet,

hoping the local police would make the obvious arrest.

Then clinched the evidence with the cords.

Is that the way it was, Mr. Chan?

Exactly.

Happy solution of case will permit you, Doctor,

once again to resume medical practice.

Will you excuse please?

I'm in very great hurry.

But Mr. Chan, Marcia went up the beach

while were in swimming.

Mrs. Thorn went up the beach in Marcia's robe, silly.

Making it seem as if Marcia was killed in the house

and then carried out.

Exactly, exactly.

Thank you so much.

Say Pop, can I?

Yes, you may take that walk now.

Yeah, goodbye.

- Mr. Chan. - What?

No one has thanked you.

Oh, oh I am sufficiently recompensed now.

Thank you so much.

Goodbye.

Mr. Chan, Mr. Chan.

What's the matter Birmingham?

It was mouses in them walls.

(girls screaming)

Look at that.

(bright music)