Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

- I am the Whistler, and

I know many strange tales,

many secrets hidden in

the hearts of men and women

who have stepped into the shadows.

Tonight I am keeping

a strange rendezvous.

This man is a human

derelict, broke, discouraged,

unable to hold a job

because of ill health.

His name is Lee Selfridge Nugent.

I knew him in better days

when he possessed money,

power, influence.

But fake decreed that

those material things

should slip away, and

that I, the Whistler,

should find him tonight

alone in a strange city

on this park bench.

What can the future

hold for a man like this?

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

- Ironic, isn't it? These people all have money

in the bank waiting for them,

yet for some reason they

do not come to claim it.

Coincidence, that's all it is.

You're not the Lee

Nugent they're looking for.

You are Lee Selfridge Nugent.

Your mother's name was Mary, not Stella.

Forget about it.

(dramatic music)

Desperation prompts this

man to think that he can

compromise with his conscience.

We shall see how he fares.

(whistling)

(whistling)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

- Stuck him out Herman, he

can't get you stuck him out!

- It's a great game, isn't it?

- No, it's awful.

Wish I could get in there.

I'd show him.

- I'll bet you would.

You watch him play every day?

- Sure, except on the days

when I have to put the clinic.

Gee, thanks.

Herman!

That's Herman.

- That is a good throw.

- Thanks.

You know something?

The clinic yesterday, a lady from Austria

told me that maybe

next year I could walk.

And after that, maybe

if I exercise right,

I could even play ball.

- Say, wouldn't that be something?

- I'll say.

- So where'd the kids

play ball before the building

was torn down?

- What building?

- Wasn't there a building on this lot?

- No, it's always been just a lot.

- Oh.

Well, goodbye, son.

You're gonna be a

great ball player someday.

- Thanks.

Come on, Herman.

Give him another fast one.

Come on!

- Good morning.

- If you're looking for a vacancy,

there ain't any.

If you're selling

something, I won't buy it.

And if you're begging,

you can just run along.

There's plenty of work

for those that want it.

- I wondered about that vacant lot.

How long ago was that

building torn down that was on it?

- It wasn't torn down, it burned down.

- Burned down, huh?

How long ago was that?

- Oh, long before I got there.

Long before I moved in this block,

and I've lived here for 20 years.

So you ain't one of them carnival fellows

that's playing on putting one of them

noisy merry-go-rounds

on that lot, are you?

A warning, I won't stand for it.

I had the police on the

last one that tried it.

- I don't want to assure you,

I'm not interested in putting a

merry-go-round on that lot.

But I am considering for a swing, Kelly.

- Nice dog you got here.

- Yeah, Mike's a swell guy.

Intelligent, too.

- Yeah, hello, Mike.

- You know, he knows quicker than we do.

When our number comes on the alarm bell,

then he beats them into his

place on the hook and ladder.

- Hiya, Mike.

Any big fires lately?

- No, been kind of dull lately.

Last big one was that Acme

warehouse bar about a year ago.

- Tell me you had a

big one, a real big one,

down here some time ago.

Reed Street apartment building?

- It was probably before your time.

- Oh, no.

I remember it just like it was yesterday.

Seven people died that far.

- Seven? - Yeah.

Three of them missed the net when they

jumped from the sixth floor.

Awful, Mass.

Reed Street, that used to be a

fashionable neighborhood.

Not tenements like it is now.

Oh, well, you know,

time changes neighborhoods.

- How long ago was that, exactly?

- I never forget a big one.

That was October, early October, 1912.

- Long ago's that, huh? - Yep.

- I was sitting right here

in front of the old firehouse.

Yes, I am now, reading the political news

when the alarm came in.

That was the year that Woodrow Wilson,

Bill Taft and Teddy Roosevelt

were all having a

battle royal for president.

The Democratic jackass

outrun Taft's elephant

and Teddy's bull moose

and Wilson was elected.

Dog gone as political fight you ever saw.

Reckon you don't remember

much about that campaign, do you?

- 1912?

- I was just a boy at the time.

12 years old, to be exact.

Yeah, I was just 12 years old.

- That's the file of the

Daily Register for October, 1912.

I hope it helps you. - I hope so.

To solve any questions Schlage shot you

find out you haven't

taken us in and them all

have to change things.

What. You're one ton to make it.

I hardly think I can help you, Locate Lee

Nugent. Our record show he

was placed in a private home

six months after the death of his mother

and sister. Have you the

name and address of the

people who gave him a home? Yes, I do.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry

Carlson. They lived at 11816

Runnymede Street, but this information is

of little value. Lee ran away

from home, the Carlson home,

in 1915 and hasn't been heard of since.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlson died some

years ago. I see. About Lee's

father, have you any information

regarding him? Only that he and Mrs.

Nugent were separated and

an effort was made to find them in 1912

when the boy became a ward

of this society. There is a

notation here that he was reported to be

somewhere in South America

at the time. I'm sorry I can't

give you any more information. Well,

you've been very kind. Thank you very

much. You're quite welcome.

You want something, Brother? It depends

on how much for gambling you

are. I never gamble. If it's a

suit you want, I can sell it to you

cheap. But for cash? Well, I haven't any

cash at the moment. Then come

back the moment you have it.

Well, that won't do. I have to have a

suit in order to get the cash. Let me

show you something. If it ain't cash, I

don't want to look at it.

Yeah, but look this over. This is good

for cash. Maybe a lot of it. Oh, I see

there's a piece of old newspaper, and for

that you get no suit in this door. Now,

do me a favor and go away.

Okay, if you're not interested in making

100% profit on a very small investment,

I'll find somebody who is. Wait a minute,

Brother. Did you say 100%? Yes. On how

small an investment?

The price of a suit, and enough money for

food and lodging in a cheap hotel until I

can claim a dormant account that's

waiting for me at the

Standard Savings Bank.

Hey, look. There's my name on the list

and their advertisement. You can't lose.

How do I know you or Lee Nugent? The

government says I am. Here's my Social

Security card. See? The whole gamble

amounts to about $60. $20 for the suit

and the balance for expenses

and until I claim the account.

What if there ain't $60 in the account?

Oh, but there's sure to be. It says right

there that every account's over $100.

Come on, give me a suit and $40 in cash

and I'll get a cheap hotel room.

Oh, no. You take no $40 bucks of mine. If

I'm going into this thing, I've got to

protect my investment. In a hotel, I

might not find you when you get the

money. If you get it. I've got an

apartment upstairs. You'll move in with

me. Then if you don't get the money, you

give me back my suit. And all I'm out is

the food you eat while you're here.

That's my final proposition.

Take it or leave it, Brother.

You're a shrewd trader, but it's a deal.

You've been going somewhere? Yeah, mail

and letter. I'll go with you. Oh, yeah,

that's a good idea. You can keep an eye

on your suit. I haven't any money for a

poacher's tent. Well, you can get me a

pack of cigarettes too, huh?

I'll be with you in a minute.

OK, Brother, I'm ready.

Good morning, Mr. Soresby. Good morning.

You got a letter for me? No, there's one

here for a man named Lee Nugent in care

of you. Do you know him? Yeah, he's

staying with me for a while. I'll see

that he gets it. Oh, OK.

A letter came for you. Put it on the

table in the living room. I'll get it

later. Listen, Brother, how come you get

mail at my place and I only met you

yesterday? Well, it could be that I told

some friends of mine that I'd be stopping

you with you. What friends? You ain't

talked to nobody since we made our deal? Oh, that was before I met you.

Before you met? Sure, I knew that we'd

shake a deal. You got a reputation in the

neighborhood, you know, of always being

willing to spend a dollar in order to

make two. Yeah, well, get this straight,

Nugent. I don't trust you and I'm

protecting my investment. When you walk

out of here with that suit of mine to go

to the bank, I'm going right along with

it. Good idea. With all three go, you, me

and the suit. Only when we get to the

bank, I'll have to ask you to wait

outside. You're not exactly the

pre-possessing type, you know.

Well, this is as far as you go. Oh, I

can't wait just outside the bank. Listen,

it's going to be tough enough for me to

convince them that I'm Lee Nugent without

you hanging on to spoil everything. But I

can identify you. I'm a legitimate

business man. You're staying at my

apartment. If I go in with you, it'll help your client.

I'll play it my way if you want to double

your money back. Okay, but I'll be

watching that bank door every minute.

Fill this out and take it to window

number three. Thank you.

Mr. Simmers? Yes. May I help you? I think

you can. I'm Lee Nugent. Come in, Mr.

Nugent. Won't you sit down? Thank you. I

presume you're here to discuss the

dormant account listed in our

advertisement. Oh, that's the general

idea. Naturally, we will require proof

that you are the beneficiary named in the

account. Have you any identification?

For some, I have my social security card

and there's a porn ticket for a ring and

a letter from a friend of mine. I haven't

you anything more. We can't turn over

some of money to you merely on the

strength of a letter, a porn ticket and a

social security card. No, I have you any

suggestions? I'll get the file on the

account. It may take a few moments.

Is Mr. Simmers taking care of you all

right? Oh, yes. Everything's fine. He's

going to get some papers. I see.

You're not leaving, Mr. Nugent. What? I'm

just curious about that siren. Oh, an

ambulance. Yes, they go by the bank quite

often. There's a hospital a few blocks up

the street. Mr. Nugent, have

you anyone to vouch for you?

Someone of standing whom you've known for

some time? I'm afraid I haven't.

Certainly someone must have known you

over a period of years. I can't think of

anyone. See, I ran away from home when I

was only 15. I didn't have much of an

education. I'd take any job that came

along. Won't you sit down? What kind of

jobs? Anything to make a living.

Harvesting in Kansas, lumbering in the

North Woods, worked

in a construction gang.

Even down at the docks now. And I'm what

I guess you'd call a floater. A fellow's

a floater. He really hasn't got a name. I

almost forgot what my last name was.

People just called me Lee and let it go

at that. I see. You say this letter is

from a friend of yours. Mind if I read

it? Oh, please do. I'm afraid it won't be

much help. He was a floater like myself.

Only difference was he had a college

education. He said he was going to write

a book sometime. Always packed a portable

typewriter with him.

Slim, what's the man's last name?

Well, I don't know and tell you the

truth. He never told me.

This letter's absolutely worthless for

identification. I was

afraid it wouldn't be much help.

You say you ran away from home when you

were 15. Why? Were

your parents cruel to you?

Oh, I wasn't living with my parents at the time. I was living with some people by the name of Carlson.

I remember they lived on Runnymead

Street. Where were your parents?

Well, my mother and sister were killed in

the fire. I don't know where my dad was.

My mother and father weren't living

together. It seems to me as though I

remember my mother said something about

his being in South America.

When were you born?

Oh, I can't tell you that exactly. I

suppose my mother told

me, but kids forget things.

I was 12 years old at the time. I was a little bit old. I was 12 years old at the time of the

fire. When was that?

In October 1912.

Where was this house of

yours, you say, burned down?

It wasn't a house. It was an apartment

building. 295 Reed Street.

I remembered very vividly.

I had to jump in the sixth floor. A thing

like that sticks with a fellow.

I can readily see how it would. You say

your younger sister died in the fire?

Well, she wasn't younger. She was three

years older than I am.

And I suppose you remember her name?

Sure. Sure, Dorothy.

How long have you known about the

existence of this file?

Only since yesterday. It was strictly

accidental. I happened to see your ad,

and I thought, "Well, isn't that queer

that the bank are trying to

find people to give money to?"

Then I saw my mother's name in mine.

You were very fortunate.

You mean I get the money?

Not yet. Naturally, the bank will have to

conduct an investigation.

Naturally, but how soon do I get it?

You'll be notified within five days. I

take it this is your

correct mailing address?

Yes, that's correct. How much money is

there in the account?

I'm not permitted to disclose the amount

until the investigation is completed.

Well, that doesn't tell

me very much, does it?

Not much. You'll just have to be patient.

Good day, Mr. Nugent.

Good day.

You get all fixed up, sir?

Yes, I hear.

Do you own one of those dormant accounts?

Yes, what about it?

Oh, nothing. I'm just curious to know why

anybody would leave money laying in a

bank for 20 years without claiming it.

Well, I'm curious about that, too.

Did you get it? Did

they give you the money?

Not yet. They want

five days to investigate.

Did you say five days?

Oh, don't worry. I'll get it. I gave them

all the right answers.

Maybe so, but I got to board you for five

days. Don't forget. It goes on your bill.

Hello, Mr. Sursby.

Quite a stack of mail this morning.

Bill's mostly for a couple of days. I'll get it. I'll get it. I'll get it. I'll get it. I'll get it. Bill's mostly first of the month.

Mr. Nugent.

Mr. Nugent.

Mr. Nugent.

Oh, it's here. The

letter from the bank came.

Oh, let's see how much

you get after I get mine.

How much?

It doesn't say.

And when we call the bank again, probably

they ask me some more questions.

Ah.

Oh, it's you.

Naturally.

Well, this is your observation post.

Yeah. And don't forget,

I'm a very observant guy.

I'll be in on the payoff.

Good morning.

I see you. Good morning.

I see you came back.

Morning.

Oh, Mr. Nugent, come right in.

You didn't lose any

time getting here, did you?

Do you know any reason

why I should lose time?

No reason at all.

Do you wish to leave the money in the

bank or take it out?

It's okay.

Yes.

The bank has decided that

the money is rightfully yours.

How much?

$29,010, including in print interest.

I presume you'll want to

open a checking account.

I'll take it with me.

Very well. I'll have a checkbook.

I want it in cash.

All right. If you

insist, I'll get the money.

It'll take a few moments.

Don't go away.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

What did he mean when he

told you not to go away?

Will he come back with

the money or a detective?

Everybody in the place seems to be

staring at you, waiting.

It's still not too

late to change your mind.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Well, Mr. Nozian, I guess

this is a big day in your life.

Everybody in the

place is talking about it.

Really?

Yes, sir.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

This is our standard release.

You seem nervous.

I am a little. $29,000 is a lot of money

to our fellas broke.

$29,000 is a lot of money, period.

Sign here, please.

The real Lee Nozian had no middle name.

Is it too late? Did Mr. Simmons see you

make your first mistake?

A plot of it.

So I see.

Perhaps you'd better use another blank.

There you are.

There you are, Mr. Nozian.

You'll find 28 $1,000 bills and the

balance in smaller denominations.

Better count it.

I trust you.

Oh, uh, take my advice and put most of

that money in a safe

place as quickly as possible.

I will. Thank you, Mr.

Simmons, and good day.

Good day.

Bye, Mr. Nozian, and good luck.

Thank you.

That's our man. Hold it,

Mr. Nozian. We want a picture.

Don't be so bashful. Give us a big smile.

Come on, give me a...

Oh, no, you don't. Beat it.

Okay, which idea take it my picture?

Because you're Lee Nozian. You've just

come into a big fortune.

That's news and I want a story.

I'm Pat Henley of the Daily Register.

How does it feel to be so rich?

Well...

Okay, so I'll print my own story.

Rags to riches with pictures.

Read all about yourself

in the afternoon today.

I saw you duck behind your

hat. Were you trying to shake me?

No, don't be silly. I was trying to get

rid of that girl

reporter and her photographer.

Oh, no kidding. Well, why didn't you hold

him here until I

could get in the picture?

After all, I'm your financial backer.

Hey, did you get the money?

Yeah, I got it.

How much?

Considerable.

Well, how much?

There's $100. I guess that's crazy.

$100?

Lee Nozian, you're an honest man.

That's why I trusted you.

There's never a suspicion.

Tonight, we'll celebrate, huh?

I know just the place to go.

No celebration. Our

little transaction's in it.

It's where we split up.

Oh, ain't you coming

back to get your things?

What things?

Oh, that's right. I

forgot you ain't got no things.

Well, so long.

Goodbye.

Yeah, I guess I kind of ruined your

stockin' trade, didn't I?

You couldn't help it, Mr. Noozian.

How'd you know my name?

I heard the lady called you Lee Noozian,

and so did the gentleman that just left.

That's right. I guess

I'm a little bit jittery.

Hey, are you scared of something?

What makes you think I'm scared?

I've been carrying this tray around the

streets for a lot of years.

I study people's faces. I generally know

when they're scared.

This time you're wrong. I have nothing in

the world to worry about. Not a thing.

Wonderful feeling. To here.

Here's $10 for any of the

damage that I might have done.

Gee, thanks, Mr.

Noozian. Thanks very much.

Hey, tell me, what's the

best hotel in this town?

The Ramsey Arms over on Shoreham Avenue.

Where can a guy get a

couple of good suits?

Well, he can't beat the

Edwards shop on Fifth Street.

I'd say thanks.

Say, well, what's your name?

Just plain Smith.

Most people call me Limpy

on the economy game late.

Good luck, Limpy.

Thanks, Mr. Noozian.

I'll take this suit, too.

That's three altogether.

Can you make the alterations and have

them over to the hotel

by 5 o'clock session?

We can have one ready for you and deliver

the others tomorrow.

That's fine.

Your name, please?

Selfridge.

First name or initial? L. L. Selfridge. Your address? Ramsey Arms Hotel. Ramsey Arms Hotel. Thank you very much.

Paper, Daily Register paper.

Paper, Mr. Paper. Daily Register paper.

Paper, Daily Register paper.

Kateboard.

paper.

Paper daily register paper.

It's a paper man paper paper

Interrogative papers are paper

They're just down

Yeah, what do you know did you see?

Oh, not yet, but I will

Pictures in the paper

Which one this one not the street peddler

What do you know I

know I'm gonna kill him

Why you gotta find him

Says he didn't even go back to the place.

He was staying after he got the money

I'll find him. All right

What would you do if you suddenly fell

there to thirty thousand dollars me

Get myself some small clothes stay at the

best hotels in town and really have

myself a time. That's right

Even you can figure that out

I

Mean

Here's the wine you wanted mr. Selfridge,

where'd you lay it just put it down

An opener will you please? Yes, sir. I

brought you an evening

paper - oh, thank you

There's a story in there about a lucky

stiffer got thirty thousand bucks that he

didn't even know he owned

until he read the ad in the paper

Certainly was lucky. Yeah

You're just a drifter didn't have a dime

Something like that you're not to me

Would you care to pay for the check mr.

Selfridge or sign it? No, I'm a

pay-as-you-go man.

Oh, so I keep the change

Thank you, sir. Thank you

very much. See by the way

What's the name of a good nightclub in

this town where the food is perfect and

the all the entertainment isn't too bad

Oh, that's easy. The Club Royal is the

spot for a man who likes

the best fine. I'll try

You

You're feeling pretty confident aren't

you Lee you're almost convinced that

nobody will recognize you from that

picture in the paper

Seems like a toast to doubtful security

Let me speak to Eddie down

Hello Donley, this is

sellers Bell cabinet Ramsey arms

That party you were asking about checked

in here this afternoon

Are you sure positive? He

registered as a selfridge

He's going to have dinner

at the Club Royal. Thank you

I

Look I'm not the talkative type

But when I get big hearted and offered to

buy you a drink the least

you can do is look pleasant

No, I'm sorry Tom. I was thinking about

that story. I wrote today

Oh forget it when you've been a reporter

as long as I have you'll realize it's

silly to think about a story once

You've turned it in no,

but doesn't it strike you?

It's strange that a man who's broken out

of a job should refuse

to open up when he's had

$30,000 practically thrust upon him. No,

no, it doesn't if I had

30,000 bucks thrust upon me

I can think of plenty of

people I wouldn't speak to

including you

That's what I like about you. You're such

a cheerful character. Yeah, I got that

way covering night court

I mean speak to the city editor

Gladly trade your nightclubs for night

court. No, thanks. I meet a better class

of heels and night

court be seeing you. Bye

Good evening

How do you do sir may I help you serve a

table for one sir,

yes, I'm alone I deserve

How nice thank you

Never mind the menu I want the best in me

you've got an house all the trimmings

I'll leave it to you

Excellent miss you you will not regret

the confidence you have

placed in me. Thank you

Hello, mr. Nugent remember me Pat Henley

of the register why of course I remember

you want you sit down. Thank you

You look very different than you did this

morning I hardly knew you a distinct

improvement I might add think so

Shall I order the grand dinner?

But do miss you. Well, I don't know what

I'm having. I've left it all to him. I'd

love to have you join me

Oh, thank you. I love surprises

Yes, madam - thank you

You seem a little jittery about something

want to tell me what's worrying you oh, I

know I guess it's just that

Possibly I'm not used

to this sort of thing

Don't let a nightclub throw you let's

dance music sign your

check. It's a shame not to use it

I haven't danced a long time good and you

won't be trying it that fancy

stuff that gets a woman down

I

think

(dramatic music)

- If a man is out of practice,

you do all right for yourself.

- Good partner helps.

- Nicely put, Mr. Nugent, very nice.

- He took my tip and came here all right.

That's him, the tall

fellow, Benjamin with a bond.

(dramatic music)

Something for your trouble.

- Thanks, Mr. Nugent.

- Good evening, sir.

Are you dining alone, sir?

- Yes, alone.

- This way, please.

(dramatic music)

Do you wish to order now, sir?

- No, not now.

- Yes, sir.

(dramatic music)

- You are worried about something.

- Well, this time you're right.

(audience applauding)

- Friend of yours?

- I never saw him before in my life.

(dramatic music)

- Hey!

- Any reason that man should

be sizing you up like that?

- There might be.

- Well, are you gonna tell me about it?

- I have to ferret it out for myself.

(dramatic music)

- Maybe I'll tell you

all about it sometime.

- Right now, I want you to do me a favor.

Take this money and pay the bill.

I'm leaving.

- Oh, isn't it kind of silly?

That character's really after you.

We'll have somebody waiting outside.

- I'm not leaving by the front door.

- I've got a better idea.

I'll get to a

telephone called half a dozen

nice friendly cops I'm

personally acquainted with.

- Oh, that's still good.

This man probably is a detective.

- So you had a reason to be camera shy.

- Yes, I did.

Tell you all about that sometime.

- I suppose I won't see you again.

- Oh yes, will.

I'll call you at the newspaper office.

(dramatic music) - Mr. Boy. - Yes sir.

- Any other way out of this place?

- Oh no, sir, this is

a one way room, sir.

Oh, that's the supplier closing.

- What'd it happen if I gave you $10?

- Yes sir, for that kind of money.

You can become a two way room.

- Shit.

- Pay this money.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(audience applauding)

♪ He fell on the rainbow ♪

- I do, sir.

- Where'd the fella go

that just came in here?

- Oh, fella, what fella?

- You must be looking

for the invisible man, sir.

(humming)

- Supplier closet, sir.

♪ Oh, my ♪

- I said where'd he go?

- Go off.

No violence, sir.

The gentleman just placed a

$10 worth of emergency exit.

See here, look.

Look there.

Whew.

(whistling)

(chuckling)

This is an amazing turn of

events, isn't it, Lee Nugent?

You went to Infinite Pains

to prove that you were the man

to whom the money

belonged, and now you are hunted.

Is it by someone who may know of the

fraud you perpetrated?

(chuckling)

(whistling)

- Where to, sir?

- Ramsey Arms Hotel.

(engine revving)

(bell ringing)

- Limpy, what's the idea?

- Don't ask questions.

Tell the driver not

to stop at your hotel.

- Keep right on going,

driver, until I tell you to stop.

(bell ringing)

(engine revving)

- There's a woman in the car down the

street watching you.

(engine revving)

- Look, Mr. Nugent, I

was passing your hotel

peddling my merchandise, and I spot a

couple of hard-looking

guys asking Pete the doorman if a Mr.

Selfridge had got back yet.

He said he hadn't.

I didn't think anything of it.

Then these guys moved down to a doorway,

and they started gabbing.

So I eased over to

them, and from what I heard,

I tumbled at you, Mr. Selfridge.

- What'd they say about me?

- Well, one of them was

telling how you got away from me

at the Club Royale.

He said he was gonna get you anyway.

He had a kind of a crazy look in his eye.

- How'd you happen to hit me off?

- I started watching the

traffic coming from the direction

of the Club Royale.

Boy, it was the lucky thing

I spotted you in that cab.

- Yes, where's Lucky?

- What are they after you for?

Is there something to do about that money

you got in the bank?

- Is that true, that or not?

- Why don't you go to the cops?

- Because there are complications.

- Oh, I didn't mean to get personal.

Haven't you got any plans?

- Yes.

I'm getting out of town for a while.

Do you know anything about

the trains this time of night?

- Oh, you wouldn't stand a

chance without a reservation.

You're best bet is a bus.

There's two or three of

them leaving the terminal

at 8th and Main around midnight.

- Good.

You say you know the

doorman at the Ramsey Arms?

- Sure, I stop and kid

with him almost every night.

- Do you know him well

enough to get in my room

and get something for me?

I can't leave without it.

- Oh, I can get by Pete, all right,

but there's a couple

other things to consider.

Those two guys waiting

for you on the outside

and the night clerk and the

elevator boy on the inside.

I know another way though.

- Oh.

- Through the service entrance.

- Good.

Here's the key to room 412.

On the ice box, the

bottom of the freezing unit,

you'll find a tin box.

You bring it to me at the bus station.

I'll make it worth your time.

- Oh, don't worry about that.

I'm only too glad to help you.

I haven't forgot the 10

bucks you gave me this morning.

- You put this thing over for me

and there'll be 50 in it for you.

- Gee, 50 bucks?

- Mm, I haven't got much time.

It's a quarter after 11.

I'll meet you on a

bench at the bus station.

- I'll be there, Mr. Nugent.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

(footsteps) (footsteps)

- Here's your box, Mr. Nugent.

- Good.

Anybody see you get it?

- I don't think so.

I didn't see anybody.

I brought one of your hats too.

Got kinda crushed, but I

figured you might need it.

- Swell, you think of everything.

Here, here's your 50.

- I hate to take this, Mr. Nugent.

It wasn't worth it.

- It was, it was.

Any idea what was in this box?

- Yeah.

$28,000 in cash.

I couldn't help seeing it.

The box flew open when I pulled it out.

- You still brought it to me?

- Why not?

I like to think that you're my friend.

You better be getting on your bus now.

- Hey, look.

I bought a lot of

swelled clothes yesterday.

It'll be delivered tomorrow.

My room rent's paid in advance.

I want you to have them.

You got the key, go on in there tomorrow,

take out everything.

- I couldn't use them, Mr. Nugent.

I found out a long time ago

that it doesn't pay to look

prosperous in my business.

I'll take care of them for

you till you get back, though.

Look, if you ever need me,

I got a room at 410 Poconoque Street.

The street was named

after an Indian, so they say.

You can't forget a

name like that, Poconoque.

Well, I'll be going now.

Good luck, my friend.

Don't forget, 410

Poconoque Street, room eight.

- I won't.

(dramatic music)

- Come on, let's take a walk.

- Sir, dear.

- On your feet.

Try these on for size.

(clicking)

- What's in that box?

- Money.

- I'll let you keep it on

until you get to headquarters.

- Why am I being arrested?

- I suppose you don't

have the slightest idea.

Or maybe you're trying to tell me

that you're not Lee Nugent.

- I am Lee Nugent, all right?

The money's rightfully mine.

- Who says it isn't?

I'm picking you up for murder.

- Murder?

- Maybe you've forgotten

all about the policeman

you killed in Chicago.

- So that's why he didn't claim it.

- What's that?

- Look, I'm not the man you want.

- So now you're not Lee Nugent.

A moment ago you were.

- Well, I'm Lee Nugent,

but I'm not the one you think I am.

- Yeah, that's the one.

- Give me the night editor, please.

(car engine rumbling)

- Hello Roy, this is Pat Henley.

I'm at the central bus terminal.

A detective just picked up Lee Nugent

who collected that

dormant account this morning.

Yes, I'll follow

through at the police station

and call you from there.

(dramatic music)

(somber music)

- Hey, this isn't police headquarters.

And you're not the police.

What's this all about?

- You'll find out.

Inside.

(dramatic music)

- Sit down.

I'm Eddie Donnelly.

Does the name mean anything to you?

Then I'll refresh your memory.

Joe Nugent, your father

was my father's partner.

Your old man turned

crooked, ruined the firm,

then disappeared and let my

father take the rap for him.

- Well, you're all wrong.

I'm not the man you're looking for.

- You listen, I'll do the talking.

My father went to the police station and I'm looking.

My father went to jail.

Your father left his family here

and then went to another country

where he lived on stolen money.

I want to show you something.

Bring him in.

I want you to understand

why I swore I'd get even.

Why I spent years hunting your father.

I caught up with him 10

years ago in the Argentine.

But I was just a week too late.

He died a natural death in bed.

This is my father.

Take a good look at him.

He's been like this a long time.

He doesn't know me, nor my brother.

He didn't even recognize my mother the day they arrived.

He released him.

Going to prison for something you didn't

do snapped his mind.

My mother died six months later.

The shock of seeing

him like this killed her.

Now you know why you're here.

- If you let me talk,

I'm sure I can convince you

that I'm not the man you're looking for.

My father couldn't have been in

partnership with yours.

My father was never in

business with anyone.

His name was Dan, not Joe.

Furthermore, he died 20 years ago.

I impersonated the man that you've been

looking for because...

Well, I wanted the money in

that dormant bank account.

I don't blame you for wanting vengeance,

but vengeance on the wrong

man won't do you any good.

You're not going to let him

get away with this, Eddie.

You say you can prove a lot of things,

but how do I know about

what you're stalling for time?

Why should I be stalling for time?

Why do you think I went through that

window at the nightclub?

I didn't know who you were.

I thought you were a detective.

I thought the bank had sent you after me

because they had discovered my fraud.

Suppose I send down to

your old neighborhood

and bring someone up here and

see if they can recognize you.

Old neighbors remember faces.

I don't mean a neighbor from where you

lived when you were a kid.

I mean a neighbor from where you lived

after your old man ran away.

What's the name of that street?

Reed Street, 295.

But that won't help any.

Why, they building burned down two days

after they moved in.

So you're not the lead new gent I want.

Yet you sit there and tell me the very

number of the street

where you lived as a kid,

and about the fire.

Get up.

We're going.

[Music]

I suppose you're

wondering how you're going to die.

Maybe you think I'm going to shoot you

and it'll be over all of a sudden.

But it's not going to

be like that, new gent.

I've had a lot of time to think what I

was going to do when I found you.

My father might as well have died because

of what your old man did to him.

It would have been better if he had.

But only his mind died in prison.

And I've arranged to do as much for you.

Or you will die all right.

But your mind will go first.

You turn the block too

soon. This is Pocono. Back up.

[Music] Limpy. Limpy Smith.

Why, Mr. Nugent, what's the matter?

They're coming for me. I've

been hit. Would you help me?

It'd be better for me if I let them get

you. Then I'd be safe.

What do you mean?

I'm the man they're

after. Only they don't know it.

They've been trying to find me for years.

But they never gave a tumble

to Limpy Smith, the peddler.

You see, I'm the Lee Nugent

you've been pretending to be.

The one they really want to kill.

You are Lee Nugent?

Yes.

They went in here.

Excuse me.

I take it the news wasn't so hot.

Not so hot. We just finished

talking to people at the bank.

I told them I didn't want to prosecute

you, but they wouldn't listen to me.

You'd think it was their

dough you got instead of mine.

Maybe when I tell the judge how Eddie

Donnelly wanted to kill me,

you won't have to

serve so long in prison.

Wherever I get, I got it coming to me.

Oh, here. This money's yours.

No, no. My money's in the bank.

What?

Sure.

You see, I wasn't going to be sucker

enough to let you get away with it,

so I took it out of the

box when you sent me for it.

I hope you don't mind.

What are you going to do with all that

money now that you have it?

Well, first, I'm

going to get my leg fixed.

And then I'm going to start a business.

What'll you be doing when I come out?

Hostile rotting features and covering the

nightclubs, I guess.

I'll give you a job when

you get out, Mr. Nugent.

Don't forget you spent some of my money.

You can pay me back out of your salary.

You might even work into a partnership.

Sure.

We could call the firm Nugent and Nugent.

What a story behind the

founding of that firm.

Yes, the amazing story of how fate dealt

with Lee Selfridge Nugent,

who learned the hard way that there is no

compromise with conscience.

Now he will pay his debt to society.

And after he has paid that debt, fate

will be kinder to him.

I know, because I am the whistler.