Original subtitles

Battle Bridge. 11 pm.

Hello! This is Edgar Wallace speaking!

It's the missing man, Richard Ellis from Canberra, Australia. Wool merchant,

66 years old, bachelor. - He was dragged out of the Thames...

2 hours ago by the police. - Yes. Cause of death?

Drowning. - You're quite sure?

Absolutely. Accidents like that often occur on foggy nights.

As far as you're concerned, that's all there is to it.

Inspector, I'm a doctor, not a detective. - How nice for you.

I have to determine the cause of death. - You're experience is of great help.

Are these the dead man's personal effects? - Personal effects?

The wallet contains over 500 pounds! - Well, Ellis was a millionaire.

What the...

What's that? - It looks like a doll to me.

Very good of you to have pointed it out to me. There's some writing on it.

Only, I can't read it. - It was in the water long enough.

I don't mean that. I can't decipher the writing. Can you? You see?

Your tea, Sir Arthur. - Thank you, my dear.

The death certificate seems to be alright. Unfortunately the doll can't speak.

Quite different to you, doll. I mean Miss Finley, of course.

It was the same thing with Mr Bancroft of Arizona: a drowning. Death accidental.

A few months later Mr Tomassoni of Ceylon: a drowning. Death accidental.

Do you think that's a coincidence? Always misty nights and men from abroad,

no relatives in England. - If you only had an iota of evidence.

You don't have. What you suspect won't hold.

If only we could decipher what's inscribed on this doll.

We can find that out immediately. I've secured the services of an expert.

He's waiting for you in your office. - Thank you, Sir.

You must drink your tea before I get annoyed.

You're being too strict with me.

Good morning. - Good morning.

I'm Inspector Perkins. - I imagined you to be quite different.

So did I. I expected a man. - And now I suppose you're surprised?

Yes, but pleasantly. So, you're a specialist in African languages, Miss...

Susan McPherson. I was a registered nurse for 4 years in Lambarene.

That's why I mastered several African tongues and dialects.

You got around quite a bit for your age. -Yes, Inspector. I had little choice...

in selecting my parents. I've been on my own since I was 16.

Well, why am I here? - Huh? Oh yes.

Here, have a look at this.

I'm afraid that won't be easy. The writing's blurred.

It's been in the Thames for some time.

I can't make out all the words. But... - What?

I can clearly make out the word "crime". And here's another one:

"murder". - What else?

This here is completely illegible. - ls there nothing else you can decipher?

Wait. Yes, here. Very strange!

"The monster and the gorilla".

The monster and the gorilla? - That sounds as if the Gorilla-band...

are back at work again. - Gorilla-band?

That was the name of a band of criminals who used to work only at night...

and when it was foggy. And murdered masked as a gorilla. Whoops, I'm sorry.

Well, Chief, I've finally got... Pardon me! I didn't know you were...

Come in.

This charming man is Sergeant Pepper, my assistant. Miss McPherson.

How do you do? - I'm delighted. Hold it!

What's the frame up for? - Yes. What's the frame up for?

She reminded me of someone, Inspector. Don't tell me! I'll think of it myself.

Yep! I've got it. Sarah Taylor, the widower murderer. Right, Inspector?

How nice of you, Sergeant. - Bring up three coffees, please.

He's the office comedian. Well, what's new? What have you found out?

Richard Ellis left his entire wealth to a charitable organization in his will.

Too bad he hadn't met me yet! - Well, was he lucky!

What's the name of this organization? - L.P.F.P.

What? - Love and Peace for People.

A kind of competition for the Salvation Army. But not quite so international.

Mr Bird. I thought you had already gone. - To the bank?

It's there. I waited especially until the secretary had left.

My, my. - So that's my honest partner.

I'll give you three guesses why I'm here.

You want to talk to me about the weather. - Very funny.

Mr Sugar. I have given you 10,000 pounds on condition that you leave England...

and never return again. - Your condition, however,

left out one important thing: the cash runs out. It's a sad situation,

yet so horribly true. An irresistible longing brought me back to you.

And to your safe. - Yes.

You don't even have to look. I never keep any amounts of cash in this safe.

That is of course, unless I have to pay blackmail.

If unfriendly words could kill a man, I'd fall over.

I wish you would!

You needn't bother to count it. - I'd never think of doing such a thing!

Sentimental nonsense of me to give you anything.

I wouldn't say that quite so loud. It's me you have to thank...

for sitting where you are here. I helped get your brother out of the way.

And I got paid for that. Sadly paid, but...

But you're forgetting the fact that you're eaten up inside by your jealousy, right?

Ever since my brother Donald took away your girlfriend, a girl who's worthless.

And we know where she is now: in the gutter! - So what?

What's the excitement?

You pay--

for my silence. - You...

Watch out! Hot!

Very hot!

Can I be of assistance here? Ah, Sugar. Make it back from the health farm?

I'm Inspector Perkins from Scotland Yard.

Can I be of assistance to you, Sir? - No. Many thanks. Really not necessary.

We were just discussing support for our philanthropy fund.

We were not entirely in agreement. - It's ok. Love and Peace were generous!

Oh! Finder's keepers, gentlemen.

Yes, you're timing's very good, Inspector. Please take a seat. - Thank you.

You know him, don't you? - You can say that again.

It's always the same. Most of these guys wind up in jail at least 3 times a year.

Come right out and head straight for Love and Peace. Of course, one does...

what one can. But when one sees that it does little or no good...

No one sees that these elements are not really worthy.

But to return to the purpose of my visit...

Oh, I do beg your pardon, Sir.

Please.

I've come about Richard Ellis of Canberra. I suppose you've heard of his drowning...

in the Thames and that he left a fortune for your organization...

for charitable purposes, right? - Yes. But that's not very strange.

You see, we owe our very existence and domain to those well-to-do individuals,

who are willing in their lifetimes or testameniarily to support our homes.

They're assured then a relatively good seat in heaven?

Oh, I see. Yes. Naturally, seen that way...

Two whiskeys and a cognac soda.

You've had enough this time.

Are you a member? - No. Maybe I'll be allowed to join.

Got any references? - Oh yes, many. How's that?

Horrible picture. - Yes. I don't like it either.

Hold it. Phenomenal!

You're nature's own eyeball. Horrible waste,

standing on a platform like that. Please come on down here.

Lay something around your loins. My car's waiting outside.

Gladly, Sir. - Say Arthur to me.

Arthur!

Why you...

What are you doing here then? - I'm here officially, Sir,

very officially. - I certainly hope so.

The girl from number 2 is taking the night off.

Your excellent taste shows you're a man of the world. - Thank you so much.

Keep it to yourself please, right? - Arthur! Have we got a date or not?

Naturally. - Be a good girl now, Patsy.

Yes, Ma'am. - Bye-bye. - Au revoir.

Now, come on, dice! I feel bad about taking all you've got.

Are you quite sure of that? A Bacardi, please.

Ah, damn! Ever hear of a bull on the rabbit's foot?

What's the honor, Inspector? - Just a routine enquiry.

Tell me why Parker gave you money and why you were threatening him.

Count your jacket buttons. Or can you prove a thing? I'm no information office.

Or do you have an arrest warrant? - Not yet.

Made it! - I'll be damned.

My money's all gone! Grateful to you, Inspector.

Bad luck, Sugar. Or maybe I can still teach the birdie to sing. What do you say?

Want a bet? - If you don't tell me why you're...

blackmailing Parker, I'll make sure the Gorilla-band gets you.

The Gorilla-band? - Why not?

Because the Gorilla-band takes its orders from the boss.

I know. But supposing I'm the boss?

The bull's gone crazy too. That's too funny.

What's going on? You leaving already? - Refined people not allowed here.

Too many undesirables in this sheep pen! - Get out, you pip-squeak!

Where's the telephone here? - Over there.

Cora? - Yeah?

Keep tabs on him.

Want to buy it? - Five pounds.

Model included. - But only if she's got wings, huh?

Come on. Finished.

Scotland Yard? Perkins here. Special investigation, please.

Prepare me a brief of everything you have on the old Gorilla-band.

I think the boys are back at work again, maybe under a new boss.

I'll come right over. Bye. - I've been waiting.

How charming of you! May I ask why? - Split a bottle of champagne, huh?

Another time. - Alright, then we won't.

Then, how about a game of poker? - Don't have the cash. Totally out.

Broke. Oh. That's quite an iceberg you've got there, dear. ls it real?

On me, everything's real. - I hope so. Anyway, it was a gift.

He knew how to handle the ladies, eh? - He did. Cavalier of the old school,

if you've ever heard the expression. Now he's dead.

And the likes of you are alive. - Cora! Stop insulting the guests!

After all, this is an exclusive club. We must be nice to our friends...

from Scotland Yard. - Scotland Yard? Pardon me!

I sure put my foot in it that time! - You've no idea how big your foot was!

Number 6. But quickly. -Do you mind if I do it?

Thank you! - My pleasure!

You've got things to do. Number 6 is free. - I'm going.

I have to work now.

You can photograph me if you like. That costs nothing!

That woman interests me. - If that's all you want,

it can be managed.

No, no. Not the way you think. Who is she?

A woman! - Let me tell you something, sweetheart.

I may not be from the vice squad, but I see what's going on around here.

I can manage to find out if your famous club even has a license or not!

She's Cora Watson. Until a couple of years ago, a flame of Sugar's.

But a fancy prince just snapped her up. - What kind of prince?

A certain Donald Parker. They put him six feet under,

long ago. - Was this Donald Parker once president...

for Love and Peace for People? - With love he had a lot to do.

With peace I don't know.

Vodka. Would you like to try?

Stay where you are, Sugar!

Come 4 steps forward!

Put your hands up!

I never knew the police could be so punctual!

For me, only 40 hours a week policeman and also only human. Work is over at five.

Look. Five after five and I'm here. -Spick and span.

Is Inspector Perkins also so punctual? - Perkins, Perkins! He's a climber!

He can work 24 hours straight through. But not with me.

The Chief could call me right now and I'd give him something to think about.

Yes? Sergeant Pepper here. - Just where are you?

Got a bird with you and going for a Sunday drive in a squad car, huh?

Just disappear at five o'clock for the day, do you?

But Chief, I was only executing my duties. Miss McPherson is namely here with me.

There's so much to be clarified. - And you want to clear up everything?

Drive immediately to 22 Blossom Lane, to St. Mary's Home. I need you.

And to avoid losing any more time, bring Miss McPherson with you. Over!

Aye, aye, Sir.

Fabulous how you gave the Chief a peace of your mind! -Yes, wasn't it?

Not bad, eh?

Yes, please? - I'm Inspector Perkins, Scotland Yard.

May I speak to the director of your home? - You mean the directress?

That'll be fine, thank you. - Please, do you want to come in?

Quiet!

This way.

Who is this? What does she want? - Dorothy Smith. Deaf and dumb.

A little bit retarded as well. Back to your seat, immediately!

I'm sorry.

Someone to see you, Mother Superior. Inspector Perkins of Scotland Yard.

Show him in.

Please come in, Inspector. - Oh yes, thank you.

Good day.

How do you do, Inspector? Please, won't you take a seat?

Thank you. I won't keep you long, Mother. I only need some information.

Gladly. - Does the name Jack Corner ring a bell?

Jack Corner? No. Should I know the name?

He was hired 3 years ago as a caretaker in this home after he had done...

a 10 year stretch in prison. -Wait a minute... Yes. Now I remember.

I've been here only 2 years myself. That is surely the man...

who'd had that horrible accident. - Can you tell me more about him, Mother?

Well, not that I know of, Inspector. But Sister Elizabeth should know.

She's been here a long time. Shall I have her come in?

You're very, very kind, Mother.

Sister Elizabeth? Please come to my office.

Good day. - Good day. I'm terribly sorry...

Miss McPherson, Sergeant Pepper. Both are members of my team.

In what capacity are you in the Yard? - Miss McPherson is with the...

State Welfare Office and, moreover, is also a competent registered nurse.

Nice, when young people still have ideals today.

Oh, they deserve mankind. There's so few of them left now.

Sister Elizabeth, can you recall a certain Jack Corner working here?

Yes. And what I'll never forget is the horrible accident he had here.

I've told you about it, Mother Superior. - What kind of accident was it?

One day there was a bad explosion in the heating cellar. Corner got all the steam.

He was brought into the hospital with severe burns.

They were able to save his life but... if they had let him die,

it would have been better.

But... Could you be more explicit?

Can you imagine a man with his face completely disfigured? No ears,

nothing but raw skin burnt. I'll never forget that sight.

But what became of him?

After he was finally released he came back here to work for 4 weeks.

One day he disappeared. We never saw him again.

I don't want to appear inquisitive, but... may I be allowed to ask...

what your great interest in this man is? - Before his prison days,

he was the boss of a notorious underworld band called The Gorillas.

Isn't it time to stop work? - Going home is all you think about, eh?

Did you see the dolls? - Yes! Real sweeties. It's a pity though

that these girls are forced to live there. - I was talking about real dolls!

The ones lying around the workshop I mean. Naturally, I suppose you didn't see them?

Inspector! - Yes? Where'd you get that?

Someone must have stuck it in my bag! - The writing is identical...

to the first part of our puzzle. Can you decipher it?

"The gorilla comes sometimes at night. Mother Superior doesn't know."

One of the girls must know more than the others but is afraid to reveal herself.

But which one? There are more than 2 dozen. And, why in these hieroglyphics?

Maybe she knows no other. - We better find her, try to win her over

and speak to her alone. -Oh, I can see what you mean.

The trick back there with the introduction had its significance. I shall spy around

for you there? Speak your heart out! - Isn't she just terrific? We could...

certainly use more like her. When I think of all the old fuddies at the Yard, oh!

Enough, enough! Come back down to earth! You and Miss McPherson will now go out...

to dinner to clarify a few things, huh? That was on your mind anyway, wasn't it?

Aye, aye, Sir! - Very official, Jim!

Mr Bird? Will you come in, please?

Ah, Mr Bird, I'll drop in later on this evening to sign these contracts.

But before you send them out, please compare the original with the draft

which I approved only very recently. - My intention. Without being checked,

no contract leaves the office. - Very good. I knew I could rely on you.

You must hurry. It's almost four. And remember Mr. Stuart has apartment 512.

Thank you. I'd like to know what the old fox wants from me.

Goodbye, Sir. - Goodbye, Mr Bird.

Hello, Cora. It's me, Edgar.

He's coming back tonight. - I'll be there, alright. Don't worry.

Sugar chickened out ever since he, your boss and this Inspector got together.

Ah well, once you get mixed up with bums like that...

No character! I'll take good care of your boss, don't worry.

Ciao, baby.

I've changed your last will and testament exactly as you directed, Mr Stuart.

I still have to read it to you again, I'm afraid... The normal practice.

Very well. But wait for Mr Parker. Then you'll have to read it only once.

Come in, please.

Mr Parker, Sir. - You see? On cue like nobody else.

Show him in. - This way, Sir. - Thank you.

Mr Stuart, I'm very happy to see you again. London hasn't been the same.

I'm afraid your enjoyment will be very short lived. My solicitor, Dr Jeokyll.

How do you do? - How do you do?

Dr Jeokyll, would you care to read now? - Mr Stuart has had his will...

altered as follows: "After my demise I leave and bequeath my entire wealth...

to Love and Peace for People. This is herewith declared now a void.

As sole recipient, I now name my daughter out of wedlock, Susan Ward."

Your daughter's alive? -Yes, she's alive. Where,

I don't know yet. The only thing I know is she's alive. You can't begin to imagine...

what that means to me, Mr Parker: a full grown daughter!

A new lease on life at my age. - Mr Stuart, this testamentary occurrence

is a grave disappointment for us. But believe me when I say...

I fully understand your feelings as a father, and I'm sincerely happy for you.

There's one request though, I feel I ought to make.

Please never forget our charitable work.

I'm asking you if you're now agreeable to give Scotland Yard...

your services? - The gentlemen already have my agreement.

Then, please repeat the oath after me. -Sir, she's just working part time.

She doesn't need the oath. - What?

She doesn't need the oath. - Well, then she needn't.

What is it now?

Sir Arthur, there's a call on the trunk line from Hong Kong!

Good! FBI! Put the call through. - No. It's your shirt maker.

He would like to know if he should ship your order through to London.

Miss. Finley! What kind of a question is that? You tell this Hung-Shi-Tunk,

I'm coming to Hong Kong to pick up the shirts myself! That's enough of that!

Out you go! Back to work!

These surroundings can drive a man mad. Now, where were we?

Hey, Arthur! Have we got a date or haven't we?

You wait until I'm ready!

Now, where were we? - I've already advised the institution...

of her arrival. Needless to say the Mother Superior was not...

very enthusiastic, but she's getting used to these routine checks.

We must find the girl who wrote the message that was smuggled out on the doll.

Keep your eyes and ears open. But please don't take any chances.

Now, where are those papers? -Oh, yes! Well, this is your...

identification from Scotland Yard, and this is the famous emblem.

Oh! Well, from now on I'm a bonified agent of the Yard.

Yes, from now on the entire police force is at your disposal. - Day and night!

Jim, what about your 40 hour work week? - I'll make an exception in your case.

Please! - I'm sorry, Sir.

Inspector, would you please call at your office. You have a visitor.

She'll drive me bonkers yet. Very well, Miss McPherson. The very best of luck...

to you. Good day. - Thank you

Well? What is it?

That's quite enough nonsense, Jim!

Oh, I don't know what to do. Everywhere I go, all I find is imbeciles!

Miss Finley? -Yes, Sir?

Hey, Arthur! Have we got a date or haven't we?

Oh, you just can't bear to wait another minute, can you, Mousy?

Did I hear you say "Mousy"? Perhaps a bit of fresh air would help clear your head.

That's not a bad idea, Miss Finley. That's what we'll do.

Let's go now.

Well, here's a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

Ah! The rueful sinner comes to penance! - What can we do for you, Sugar?

This was in the post for me this morning. Today's my birthday. - Best wishes!

I thought it was from one of my old girlfriends. I'm on the very best terms

with them. That's a principle of mine. - A very wise attitude.

Well, what can I tell you, Inspector? I was taking the cover off the box and...

picking out my favorite, when this cat of mine comes over,

grabs a candy out of the box, rolls her eyes and falls over... dead.

That's what she gets for pinching it! - Take these out to the lab.

Ok, Chief. - And you can let your hair down now.

Can you think of anyone who wanted you disposed of?

The list is as long as your arm! People are no damn good anymore.

If only I knew who those two gangsters were,

the ones that were threatening me with revolvers the night before last.

With revolvers you say? - Yes. I didn't recognize them in the fog.

Suddenly this big crane starts straight at me, trying to turn me into an angel.

Only a jump into the Thames saved me. I'll eat those sweets, the whole lot,

if that was an accident.

Look at that!

- Hello?

Hello!

What's going on here? Hello!

Good evening, Mr Parker. - What do you want here?

Who let you into the house? - ls that any way to talk...

to your brother's favorite mistress? - My brother is dead.

Yes, unfortunately. I loved your brother very much, Mr Parker.

And I miss him far more than you do. - You're breaking my heart!

Well? What do you want? - Sugar got quite a heap of doe...

from him. - And now you think it's your turn?

I was nearly a member of your family.

Donald wanted to marry me. - What do you know about my brother?

Quite a lot.

I spent the last 24 hours, he had on earth, alone with him.

And he was perfectly healthy, happy and content.

The very next morning he was dead: food poisoning from a fish.

But he didn't have any fish that day.

Now, these are claims you must prove. - Mr Parker,

you're an educated man, right? Now, tell me.

When you dig up a body in order to find out what the cause of death was...

You know the word... - Exhumation, huh?

Go ahead and have them do it. If you feel you must.

I can't understand what my brother saw in you.

Now, get out!

I really think you're making a mistake.

Please listen carefully.

This is Miss McPherson from the public welfare department.

She'd like to ask you a few questions. You'll have a chance to speak with her.

Don't hesitate to talk to her openly about any troubles or problems.

Or any complaints you might want to make about the home. Please, Miss McPherson.

Thank you.

Out of there, you! You heard me! Out!

Your name is Miriam Allister, right? How long have you lived here?

Long enough. - How long must you remain?

That's all in the files! - Thank you.

And you're Phyllis Lobster? - Yes. That's me.

How do you like the meals here? - The Ritz couldn't be any better.

You haven't lost your sense of humor. - You could use some yourself.

Can your friends visit you at the home? - Oh sure, if I had any.

But the minute you land here your friends disappear.

Well, in six months I'll be out.

Get off her! Stop it! Stop it!

I can't stand it that she touches me! -Oh, shut up! You know you like it!

Must there always be these quarrels? You must learn to love one another.

Oh, I do. But she wouldn't know how.

Get back to work now, girls. - Move!

That happens all the time around here. What else can you expect...

without a man around? But one thing you might do, is check on Dorothy Smith.

She's here 2 years now and should have got out long ago.

But she can't do much about it. She's deaf and dumb.

What are you staring at? Come on, give me a hand!

Didn't you hear me, you dummy?

Oh! So you don't want to help me anymore?

You want to go see Mother and let her call the cops?

Just you watch out. You're in this as deep as I am.

Now, let's go. Get a move on!

Grab the legs!

Hold on tight!

Fetch the hook!

Pick him up!

Officially listed as an accident. Another thick fog, another old man,

a Canadian millionaire: Gordon Stuart. Another doll was found by the body.

Take this to Miss McPherson. I must know what this message says.

Now, Doctor. Do you continue to maintain these are all just accidents?

You asked me to run a more thorough postmortem examination. I've managed...

to determine that the man had drowned in clear water before he was thrown...

into the Thames last night. My examinaton of the water leaves...

no further doubt in my mind. - So this was not an accident, but murder!

Cora?

Cora!

Well, aren't you Mr Parker's secretary? You already checking up on Cora Watson?

I don't think we've met, Sir.

That makes no difference. I'm sure I know you! And your criminal record!

2 years for forging documents, Mr Edgar Bird.

I'm out on parole. You know that. - You do know me after all.

What are you doing here? - I have nothing to do with this case.

With what case?

Cora.

Bad news for you. Your parole status may very well be affected.

But you don't really believe that l... - We'll see about that soon enough!

See that you keep in touch with me. - Does that...

Does that mean I can go now?

Yes. That's just what it does mean.

Mr Parker? This is Perkins speaking.

That case of blackmail you mentioned is settled.

Cora Watson is dead.

Fabulous! My compliments, Miss McPherson. You did a terrific job here.

I couldn't have done better myself! - After your instructions it was...

child's play. - You know what our next lead is?

We're going to have some lunch. You've earned it!

But Jim, the Inspector wanted to see me. - How can you mention the Inspector...

at a time like this? I know a lovely little place.

And 2 hours from now, when we get back, we'll tell the Inspector...

Well?

What will you tell him?

Well?

Police Special Agent Miss Susan McPherson is here now.

Strange as it may seem, I can see her. - Yes.

Here's my report, Inspector. - By the way, an amazing bit of work, Sir.

You couldn't have done it better yourself? - Quite right!

Did you say something?

No. Me, Sir? - It's an extremely good job you've done.

I wish I'd found out some more about the 4 girls who weren't in the home today.

You mean Jackie Bloom, Mandy Trioket, Dorothy Smith and Gloria Warren?

Yes. I'm certain one of them could be of use to us. One inmate told me...

Dorothy Smith might have some information. But I didn't have enough time.

I couldn't go into much detail. - When do you think you might return?

L suppose we should let 2 or 3 days go by. Then I'll give you a call.

Do you suppose it's a clue as to wich of those inmates is smuggling dolls out?

What's written on this doll? - "The gorilla is the murderer".

Maybe also the murderer of Gordon Stuart.

What exactly was his last address? - Park Hotel, London.

No, Mr Stuart didn't leave the hotel. I was quite certain that he'd gone to bed.

Just before he went upstairs he left a message for me to call him at 8 am.

And when he failed to answer your call the following morning, you came up...

and discovered this window pane missing. And the lights were out.

Yes. Somebody must have disconnected the fuse after the murder was committed.

This was Mr Stuart's regular chauffeur. - I'll question you later.

Here are the names and telephone numbers for the calls Mr Stuart had put through.

Jim! -Yes, Sir?

Mr Parker. -Yes, but look at this phone number.

Why, that's our Mr Parker! - Interesting. And who is Doctor Jeckyll?

He's a solicitor. Mr Stuart had him up here a couple of times.

Dead? Well... I just can't believe it.

Why, just two days ago I went to see him. He wanted to add some changes in his will.

He didn't want to leave anything to Love and Peace for People?

Oh, no. On the contrary. His original intention was to endow that organization.

But then Mr Stuart changed his mind and left everything to his daughter.

To his daughter? - Oh yes.

Her name is Susan Ward. Her address was unknown to Mr Stuart at the time.

He said he'd let me have it later. He told me that she'd been thought dead...

for 20 years now and he has only recently got the news that his daughter...

is alive.

This whole business with the will stinks. - Then we should take the stink out of it.

We must find out if Susan Ward exists. - We can save ourselves a lot of work.

It seems clear enough that Parker and the murderer are somehow connected.

What gives you that idea? - Who else had so much to gain?

3 millionaires die shortly after making over their fortune to Love and Peace.

You're wrong, Jim. The third changed his will in favor of his daughter...

and died, too. Then there was Cora Watson. She didn't have a penny, but was killed.

How do you think that happened? - I'm not so sure about that one.

But how could you let that vulture, that Bird, get away, Chief?

Why not? I watched him go into the house 5 minutes before. I observed him.

Oh well, if those are your tricks. - Yes. We may need this Bird soon.

By the way, are you going to be needing me this evening? I'm supposed to go off duty

now anyway and I've got to meet someone. - We both have to meet someone.

Ah, Mr Bird, I didn't realize you were a connoisseur to fine arts.

You mind your own bloody business. - You take photos for the family album?

Or do you have customers for nude photos? Ah, your current job isn't paying enough?

You know a better one?

Why, sure. You must still have that key. - What key is that?

The police are looking all over for it. Her last guest must have let himself in.

I never had a key. - You didn't?

Wait a minute... -Well?

One time, when she was plastered she started rattling about a dead man,

about her great love and about a key. I'm not quite sure what she meant by that.

Are you certain of that? Think it over very carefully.

Try to remember. - Donald!

Could be that after his death his brother Henry got the key.

That would have been a chance... - For blackmail. ls that what you mean?

Not so fast. You just stay right where you are and finish your drink.

Remember: You're on parole, so you'd better cool it.

All I need for you is to spoil a game for me.

Why so nervous, baby?

Now, Sugar! I've told you time and again I'm sick of these disturbances!

The police are looking for the man who's got the key to Cora Watson's apartment.

Now you'll have to decide whether you prefer being annoyed by me...

or by the boys at the homicide department. - Calm down now, Sugar.

Not so hasty. It looks like you've got yourself into a bit of trouble, huh?

Now, can't we talk this over quietly? Let me make a suggestion.

Why don't you come around this evening? We can meet in my office.

Masks and costume hire

What? Here? - I brought Mr Stuart here many times.

Alright, wait for me.

What could a millionaire have wanted here? - Why don't you ask one?

But, they're all dead. - What? Oh!

Inspector Perkins! Are you looking for me?

No. I'm surprised to see you here myself. I was looking for the owner of this house.

My mother's gone. Someone sent her off on a wild goose chase this morning. Please.

Your mother? - Yes. She owns this place.

Since I started working I haven't been able to see her so often. Today,

when I wanted to look in on her... I'm so worried. - What happened?

A man came here in an ambulance and brought her a message that I was...

seriously hurt in hospital. Miss Brown, an employee of my mother, saw him.

Miss Brown, what did the man... Can that thing be switched off?

Thank you. This chap in the ambulance, what did he look like?

What did he look like? - Yes. What did he look like?

What impressed me, actually, was this: He didn't look like an ambulance driver.

What then? - He was wearing a plain rain coat.

No uniform at all. And a dark suit.

Thank you.

Miss McPherson, did your mother ever mention the name Gordon Stuart?

Not that I know of. Who is he? - A rich Canadian...

who was drowned in the Thames. The last place we could trace him to...

in London was your mother's shop here. - Do you have a picture of your mother?

Yes. I always carry one in my purse.

Here you are. - Can we keep this for a while?

Yes, of course. -Jim, I'm off to the Yard.

I'll send you a squad car. You'll get Miss McPherson home sale and sound.

But... Be glad to, Sir!

Out of service

Alright, mate. So we don't talk.

Susan, just suppose you'd been the one who inherited the 2 millions from Stuart.

What would you have done with it? - I'd be thrilled. But I'm not Susan Ward.

Besides I'm happy with my life as it is. - I know, I know. But, think of it...

2 million pounds! That's quite a lot of money. What would you do with it?

I'd see some of my old friends in Africa. - But Susan! Alone in Africa without me?

Don't you know it's terribly dangerous for a girl of your age to be all alone...

among all those lions and tigers? - I lived there for 4 years...

before I even met you! - Those anmimals have grown since then!

Oh, Susan! Take me along! - What would the police do without you?

L thought you were irreplaceable. - You're absolutely right.

But for you I'd even give up my job. -So you can have all the free time...

your little heart desires? -Yes, sure. No, that's not what I mean!

I mean I'd have a huge responsibility. I'd have to manage our fortune,

I mean your fortune! The Inspector sure would be surprised.

He thinks I can't even count my own fingers! After all, let's lace it.

We'll be wanting a baby. - You're over-working your imagination...

just a bit. You read too much! - Maybe I do. But you shouldn't read...

anything tonight. Especially no murder mysteries after all that's happened.

And Susan, your mother will be brought to safety. Don't worry about her.

I know we'll find her. - You'll ring me the second, you do?

Yes, of course. - Well, good night, Jim.

Good night, Susan.

Inspector Perkins, please.

Is there someone there?

Just as you ordered, Sir. Miss McPherson delivered safe and sound at home. Over!

Jim!

Help!

Help! Help!

Help! - Susan!

Susan!

Susan! What happened? -Jim, it was horrible!

A gorilla attacked me in the hall! - A gorilla?

Gorillas, gorillas! Go on down to the zoo and ask the keepers if any are missing.

But a gorilla is not something you walk on a lead like a puppy dog!

Am I the head of the Yard or a zoo keeper? - I don't think you're a zoo keeper, Sir.

I can't recall this ever having thought. - I think we'd better get in medias res.

In what? - In medias res. Down to business!

Good heavens! Now he's quoting Caesar. - What are we supposed to do without...

a search warrant for the children's homes? Still sitting on your desk!

And still unsigned, I presume? - Young man! When I was your age...

Sir Arthur, there really isn't that much difference in your ages.

Isn't she charming? Thank you, my dear.

What's all this? - The search warrant you mentioned.

Very well, then. But you're responsible. - Sir Arthur, if my clues...

don't point clearly in this direction I promise you I won't use the warrant.

What did you say? You have a suspicion? Why am I always the last to find out?

Well, let me repeat what I've already told you once before.

An ambulance was seen by Miss McPherson in the courtyard of the home.

It's there in her report. At the time I didn't take very much notice of it.

It's not really unusual that one of the girls might need to go into hospital.

Now, now, now. What's that to us?

Well, at the time that Miss McPherson's mother disappeared, there was also...

an ambulance involved. Jim?

Oh! It was like this, Sir. I saw the ambulance at the time...

the attempt was made to abduct Miss Susan. And Miss Susan...

saw the gorilla. - Well, why haven't we had the gorilla...

I mean, why haven't we had this Susan person arrested?

I have been trying to explain to you that Miss McPherson is not our suspect.

But rather that we believe the home has been providing a hideout...

for the gorilla and the ambulance. We also have a very strong suspicion...

that these dolls are coming from the home. - I see. Then I can sign your warrant.

Now I'm satisfied. - That was a hard one point.

What did you say? - All signs point in our direction.

Yes. - I quite agree.

Arthur, have we got a date or haven't we? - What's she doing here?

Don't be so nosy. Will you please wait until I'm ready?

You may never be entirely ready for that one! - Do you think so?

You chat up Sister Elizabeth. I want Miss McPherson's report...

before we see Mother Superior. - Ah! Inspector Perkins. Did you want...

to see Mother Superior or Miss McPherson? - Mother Superior if I might.

Well, certainly. Mother Superior is in her office. Please come in.

Ah, Miss McPherson, already hard at work? - Miss Susan! What a pleasant surprise!

Ah! My dear Sister Elizabeth, I simply cannot contain myself another moment.

What? - I've been in so many of these...

institutions, but never in one like this! So orderly, so immaculately clean...

Anything to report? - I've confirmed my suspicions.

Dorothy Smith is nowhere to be found. Anyway, Smith isn't her real name.

She's actually called Amra Bantu. And she's from Tunisia.

That was Arabic on the baby's doll. Inspector?

What about my mother? Do you have news? - Not yet. But we have a search...

going throughout the city. We'll find her. - Where are all the inmates of the home?

They're having sport now. - Oh, could I have a look?

I don't know what you want to see, but if you wish. Ah, Miss Susan.

We've some new girls. I can introduce you. -Why, of course. Certainly.

This way.

Give me a kiss.

Yes? Good afternoon, Inspector. - Good afternoon to you.

Hello. - Well, what can I do for you today?

Please have a seat. - Thank you.

We'd like to have a chat with one of your guests, Mother Superior.

But of course. Which girl would you like to speak to? - Dorothy Smith.

Well, you see... She isn't here today.

I mean, she hasn't come home yet. - Hasn't come home yet?

No.

2 days ago she was assigned a project with some of the other girls outside...

of the home. She hasn't returned yet. - And what about the other girls?

They have all come back. -Do the police know this girl is missing?

We usually report such things at once. But this case is a little different.

How so'?

Dorothy should have been released a long time ago. But she just didn't want to go.

She is so very happy here, and we all like her so dearly,

especially Sister Elizabeth. Why, she's just like a mother to her.

I'm really quite worried. And the poor child is deaf and dumb!

I do hope nothing's happened to her. - That's easy enough to find out.

May I make a phone call? - Why, certainly.

Doctor Howard, please. Oh, I didn't realize it was you. Perkins here, Doctor.

I'm over at St. Mary's Home. A colored inmate has been missing now for 2 days.

Aged 22, name Dorothy Smith. I don't suppose you've anything on her?

I'm sure that's the girl I just covered with a sheet. I'm not certain whether...

she is Dorothy Smith, but judging by the age it could be she. Yes, a colored girl.

Could you ascertain the cause of death? - She was run over by a motor car.

It was a hit and run case. But we're sure to capture the driver.

There was an eyewitness to the accident. Listen carefully, now it gets interesting:

This particular car was... - A white ambulance. Am I right?

Good heavens! Do you read tea leaves? - I can tell you this much for certain.

For example, the matter was no accident, but murder!

But this is just terrible, Inspector.

Mr Parker, would you happen to know the Mother Superior of St. Mary's Home?

Why, certainly, Inspector. She's an extremely honest and respected woman.

A woman who gives unstintingly of herself for the benefit of her fellow men,

as do we all, if I may say so. - Nice to hear that.

I'd like to know a little more about the function of your organization.

What actual use is made of the money that comes to you from your contributors?

I'd be happy to tell you. We have a group of leading citizens, the Welfare Minister

and the Archbishop of Canterbury among them, on our board of overseers.

The board holds a meeting every 6 months. At these meetings we examine the number...

of contributions which have been transferred to the organization's...

checking account. - Who is allowed to draw cash from it?

The Welfare Minister or the Archbishop of Canterbury, together with my co-signature.

And who decides where the money goes?

That's controlled very carefully. And no one, you understand, receives...

preferential treatment. - I'm pretty well filled in on details.

One thing more, and then I'm gone. - But of course, Inspector.

Do you know Mr Gordon Stuart? - Yes. He's in London just now.

He asked me to his hotel and informed me that his daughter was his sole heiress...

and not Love and Peace. - That's just the one I mean. He's dead.

He is? I'm sorry to hear that.

It's so sudden and he seemed so...

Well, we must all die sometimes. - You're so right.

It's good that he willed all his fortune to his daughter and not to Love and Peace.

How so? - How so? Ah, but Inspector...

It could have been very embarrassing for us. A third millionaire dies...

and leaves us his entire fortune. - I wouldn't worry. If I had thought that

I wouldn't have come to see you. At any rate, thank you very much.

Not at all, not at all. -Oh, tell me...

Your secretary's named Bird? -Yes, that's right.

Then let me be as frank as yourself: Better watch him carefully. He has...

a record and is suspected of murder. You recall, of course, the case...

of blackmail with Cora Watson? He's involved in that very deeply.

Really?

Not that, too! At any rate, I thank you for the information, Inspector.

It's quite a shock. I shall have to attend to the consequences.

You do that. I'll be seeing you, Mr Parker.

Yes. Good day to you.

Mr Bird? -Yes, Sir?

Have you ever heard the saying,

"The bug on the wall hears its own crawl"?

Never heard it, Sir.

Oh, I've a new opening for you. Why don't you drop by the Yard sometime?

I could use you. I need a song bird.

The next session of the committee is in 3 days. What else did you find out?

Only one man needs sign cheques for L.P.F.P. to draw cash from their account.

And that is Mr Parker. - Then he was lying after all. So he...

can do what he wants with any amount. - Get out a search warrant?

Don't think for a minute the old man would give us one. What with the Minister

and the Archbishop sitting on the board. - The Minister wouldn't risk trouble...

with the church. It might cost his job. - That's why we're taking on our own tab.

It's already 9 o'clock. It's time I was off, actually.

Hello? Oh, it's you, Susan.

What? -Jim, you must come immediately!

L discovered something horrible. I can't talk any longer. Someone may be listening.

I'll wait for you at the main gate! -Good. I'll be there in 10 minutes.

Hey! Weren't you finished for today? - But not when Susan's concerned.

I'd put in overtime for her any day. - The affair with Parker...

I'll handle myself. - Oh, can I have the key to your car?

Need it myself. Take another one.

Well, what have you discovered? - I saw the man you're looking for.

Who? The gorilla? - He must have been the one...

His face was all scarred up. Surely you can recall what Sister Elizabeth told us?

The explosion in the cellar... He was in the laundry cellar. - Come on!

There! He's taken the lift down. - Let's go! Hurry!

Wait out here.

Out here!

Why didn't you arrest him then and there? - I've got to find out...

who's behind all this.

Sergeant Pepper, security search "Arabella". Attention River Police!

A motorboat, color: white, type: RK, registration number: X1,

course: south, south-east of grid square B 129.

Take up pursuit immediately! - Read you. Assume: pursuit immediately!

And send two squad cars to the dock wrecking yard and wait there for me.

Susan, you'd better go back to the home now. Not a word to anybody!

I won't.

Jimmy, take care of yourself.

Stay where you are, Jack Corner! Put that woman down!

Come here slowly with your hands up!

Poor Susan!

Hands up, Inspector.

Good evening, Mr Bird. - Don't move.

Hands up.

Go and open the safe.

Take out the money, and bring it to me here.

You heard me!

Love and Peace, Mr Parker!

But how is it you aren't dead? - Haven't you ever heard...

that on certain jobs detectives wear bullet-proof vests, Mr Bird?

No!

No!

No.

I can't understand it! It's just too awful!

How could my poor mother have been killed like that? She never harmed anyone.

What connection could she have had with the entire affair?

These are all questions, Susan, to which none of us ever have an answer.

Nil sine deo.

Nothing occurs without God. - Sergeant?

An important call from Headquarters. Fatal accident at Love and Peace.

A man fell out of the window there. - Perkins!

Mother, I'm afraid I've got to run. Will you please see to the young lady?

Susan, I'll pick you up later.

Come into my room for a little while. You can have a little rest...

until the Sergeant gets back.

What's going on? You're all sniffing about here like vermin.

Are you officers or burglars? - A man was pushed out of the window, Sir.

Are you certain he was pushed out? He could very well have leaned out...

just a bit too far and fallen out. -But, Sir... Have a look.

Very well, then.

Have you informed Mr Parker? - We've been trying. We can't find him.

The very thought of it nearly drives me insane. The Minister, the Archbishop...

Only the Queen is missing. You can bet this isn't the end of it. I'm certain.

Hastings, where's the Inspector? -Ah! Sergeant Pepper.

Sir Arthur! - Where is Inspector Perkins?

That's what I'd like to know. - Well, isn't that nice?

And that's what brought you up here? - I thought the victim was the Inspector!

The victim... I won't hear another word of this nonsense!

It's actually a Mr Edgar Bird, you clot!

What would the Inspector be doing here anyway, eh?

Well, you see... He wanted to inspect a bit about the place, Sir.

We suspected very strongly that Parker was lying to us and that we...

Sh! Mr Parker is a highly esteemed citizen. Please remember that!

Yes, Sir. -Sir?

Yes, what is it? - A secret panel.

Good heavens! Open it!

Sorry, Susan. You could have saved yourself the trouble.

And it wouldn't have hurt a bit.

Oh, Mother! Oh, get me out of here!

Calm yourself, my dear. I know it was awful for you.

Come along, now. I'll bring you away.

Sir! -What is it, man?

Here's our proof. The Inspector was right all along. Your honest Mr Parker!

Look! In the last 6 months there were exactly 130,000 pounds of contributions.

Well, that's quite big. - Do you know where that money is now?

The distribution isn't for another 3 days. - No, it's already been transferred...

to St. Mary's Home. - Well, what about it?

Sir! This money's been embezzled. They're obviously turning it over...

to a contact man in the home. - Ah! I see!

Yes.

Susan!

Hopkins! Harvey! Send out an A.P.B to all railway stations, harbor stations

and airports! With an exact description of Henry Parker,

the usual thing. Harvey, my car! I've got to do everything myself.

What a life! If I ever come back to life again, I'm going to be a criminal.

It's much more comfortable that way.

In 3 days your little swindle will have gone up in smoke. - My compliments.

I knew you'd get too dangerous for me. That's why I have to remove this danger.

Go on! Over there! - And this is my assistant.

We met 5 years ago in South America. And we shall return there together,

as man and wife. That was very good work, darling.

Both of you have earned much worse than the gallows.

Well?

Parker! Do whatever you like to me, but let this young lady go! She has...

nothing to do with the whole affair! - That's just where you're wrong. She's...

heiress to the millions of Gordon Stuart. - My name is Susan McPherson!

You're wrong. Your right name is Susan Ward. And so you know everything...

before we take our leave of one another.

It was over 20 years ago your mother, Evelyn Ward, gave birth to twins.

Your father, Gordon Stuart, left your mother 6 months before she gave birth...

without having married her. Your twin sister and your mother...

died in childbirth. Then you were adopted by Mary McPherson,

the sister of your mother. She never told you that she's not your real mother.

She also never told Gordon Stuart whom she'd informed at the time, however,

of the death of your twin sister. Not until 20 years later did he learn...

of your existence and changed his will as a result.

When we learned all this from your aunt, and not in the most voluntary manner.

It made her disappearance imperative. - In the car disguised as an ambulance?

Right. A genius idea. It wasn't my idea. It was the idea of my assistant.

I can well imagine. Parker! Leave that girl alone!

Come on! Come on.

Keep the boat anchored here. No lights. And wait for me...

until I give you a signal. - Yes, Sir.

Oh! Please! Let me out of here!

Please! Let me out!

Help me!

Help me!

How can that poor girl's death help you? - I can tell you exactly.

Under the name Susan McPherson a girl from this home will collect the inheritance.

And so that there are no witnesses, the two of you will disappear...

in the Thames like all the others. - You'll never get away with it!

We've taken all the precautions. The risks are all on your side.

Even now, the gorilla will handle all the work for the two of us.

Please, let me out! Help me! Let me out of here!

Help! Help!

Help! Help! Help!

Henry!

There! Now take a shot, Parker!

You're not human. You're an animal.

This gorilla is Jack Corner, the man you've been searching for.

He was transformed by a prison sentence into what you'll see now:

a man with no will of his own. Jack, you know what you're to do?

Help me!

Corner!

Here he is!

Guards! Those two, there! Arrest them!

Miss McPherson, are you alright? -Yes, thank you.

Jim!

What's that? Perkins!

Who would have thought it? One out of our own ranks...

the murderer. -Oh, but Sir...

No? - No.

Why is it then I always get the wrong one? - Errare humanum est.

Pardon? - It's human to work.

I see. Stand up, you gorilla! - He does not react. I have a better idea.

Hey, Jimmy! Jimmy!

Time to stop working!

What's going on? ls it 5 o'clock already?

Susan!

Hey, Arthur, have we got a date or haven't we?

Wait until I'm ready, right? - Mind your own business, right?

Now I'm ready for you, my Mousy!

The end