Black Angel (1946) Movie Script
[Woman]
Flo.
Where's my white scarf?
Right here.
Why don't you keep my things
where I can find them?
[Doorbell Buzzes]
See who that is.
Yes, Miss Marlowe.
It was a messenger boy.
If that's all, I'll be right back
after the last show.
Put on some soft music
before you go.
Have a good time.
Thank you.
[Woman]
I've much to regret
Finding your arms
so thrilling
And finding myself
too willing
So what do I get
Must you play that song?
But you sing it so beautifully
on the record, Miss Marlowe.
When I want your opinion,
I'll ask you for it!
[Door Closes]
[Phone Ringing]
[Ringing Continues]
Doorman.
This is Miss Marlowe.
Oh, yes, Miss Marlowe.
If Mr. Blair comes here tonight,
I don't wish to see him... now or ever.
I'll take care of it,
Miss Marlowe.
Who did you wish
to see, please?
Miss Marlowe.
Tell her Martin Blair.
I'm sorry.
Miss Marlowe left instructions
she doesn't want to see you.
She'll see me.
She's my wife.
It's our anniversary.
That isn't
what she just told me.
She doesn't want to see you...
now or ever.
Now don't blame me.
I just work here.
Come on.
Good evening, sir.
Miss Marlowe.
She's expecting me.
Yes, sir.
Got a match?
[Siren Wailing]
Looks like your friend's
headed for a beaut this time.
Yeah.
Thanks for calling.
I thought for a minute
that ambulance might
have been for him.
He ain't that bad yet.
I'd better get him
over to the hotel.
Why do you bother
with a stew like that?
I kinda like the guy.
That's all.
He sure can play a piano.
[Applause]
Marty. Marty!
Hello, Joe.
Come on, Marty.
I'm all right.
I'm all right.
Yeah, yeah.
All right. All right.
What is it, anyhow?
That Marlowe woman again?
Why don't you get wise to yourself,
Marty, and forget about her?
Were you ever
in love?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
When is he gonna learn
you can't drink it
as fast as they make it?
Well, it's his stomach.
[Woman On Phonograph]
I try to pretend
Saying that I don't mind it
But everyone knows behind it
I'm trying to mend
A heartbreak
That's what you get
when you set love so high
I gave it a try
Then kissed it good-bye
Mavis?
They say you love
and you learn
Maybe I learned
the wrong way
Or maybe I took the long way
To the moon
It ended so soon
With heartbreak
[Clicking]
[Clicking Continues]
[Music Stops]
- [Music Restarts]
- [Clicking Continues]
I've much to regret
Finding your arms
so thrilling
And finding myself
too willing
[Glass Breaking]
So what do I get
A heartbreak
I try to pretend
Mavis!
Saying that I don't mind it
But everyone knows behind it
I'm trying to mend
A heartbreak
That's what you get
when you set love so high
I gave it a try
Then kissed it good-bye
They say you love
and you learn
Maybe I learned
the wrong way
Or maybe I took the long way
To the moon
It ended so soon
With heartbreak
I've much to regret
Finding your arms
so thrilling
And finding myself too
[Music Stops]
[Thudding]
Mr. Bennett.
You Mrs. Bennett?
Yes.
Your husband at home?
No, but I expect him
any minute.
Mind if we come in?
[Radio: Orchestral]
- What do you want?
- Any idea where your husband
might be?
- Who are you?
- We're from the police.
Has anything happened?
He's been hurt?
There's been an accident.
Take it easy, Mrs. Bennett.
There's been no accident.
Well, then what is it?
My husband said he had
some business to attend to.
I'm Captain Flood,
Homicide Division.
Homicide?
There's been a murder...
woman by the name of Marlowe.
Marlowe.
That was the business
your husband was attending to.
No.
Yeah, he was there.
The maid saw him
and recognized him.
He was trying
to get away unobserved.
[Music Stops]
And he'd been there before too,
Mrs. Bennett.
- Kirk didn't do it.
- I admire your loyalty, but...
We've been waitin'
for you, Bennett.
I've been walking the streets.
I was going
to phone you.
Sure.
Now we're going down
to headquarters for a talk.
Why didn't you use this?
You sensitive to loud noises?
"M.M."
I didn't kill her.
[Flood] Then you've got
nothing to worry about. Shall we go?
Kirk.
Don't worry.
I can explain everything.
Still, if I were you,
Mrs. Bennett,
I'd get myself
a good lawyer.
She was blackmailing you,
wasn't she?
All right, she was blackmailing me.
I've told you that.
Might as well
admit the rest, then.
Wouldn't let you off the hook,
would she?
I didn't kill her.
That record
she was playin'...
"Heartbreak."
Must have meant a lot
to you once.
I never heard the thing before.
Funny she was playing it
for you.
She wasn't playing it for me!
"Better call on me,
sonny boy, or else."
Or else she'd tell your wife.
I didn't want
to have my wife hurt.
So you went to Marlowe's
apartment for a showdown.
I couldn't pay her any more.
- I hoped
I could persuade her to...
- What? With this?
I never intended to use it.
I only wanted to scare her.
You scared her, all right.
She had her own
little automatic ready
just in case.
She pulled it on you.
You grabbed it.
Your fingerprints
were all over it, Bennett.
There was a struggle.
You grabbed hold of the scarf...
And didn't let go.
Do I have to deny it
all over again?
The maid seeing you
was a tough break, Bennett.
If you'd listen to me
about that brooch...
We listened.
You're asking us to believe
in an awful choosy robber.
Yeah, one who overlooked
five grand in cash
and a mink coat.
All he took
was a heart-shaped brooch...
and a woman's life.
You won't even try
to find it?
We'll try.
Maybe there was
such a brooch.
Maybe you took it yourself
after you strangled her.
You can keep this up all night,
but you'll only get one answer.
I didn't kill her.
Somebody did.
You better
sleep on it, Bennett.
We're holding you for
the murder of Mavis Marlowe.
If only I could
do something.
You've done all you could, darling.
You've been wonderful.
Especially after...
Please, Kirk.
You're my husband.
I'll always stand by you.
You know that.
The jury... they did seem
to believe you, didn't they?
I'm not so sure.
Well, the foreman
seemed for us.
He'll win the others over.
I'm sure. Even if they...
[Man]
Jury's coming in.
They really had it in
for him that time.
Yes, it was a tight corner.
Yes. He just keeps up
those easy cases.
[Murmuring]
Give me
the city desk.
Clancy?
This is Kelly.
City desk.
Bennett's guilty.
The jury just brought in
the verdict... guilty.
I know how you feel.
Believe me, we've
checked everything.
You've overlooked something
because Kirk didn't kill
Mavis Marlowe.
You've got
to keep trying!
We're three months behind
on unsolved homicides now.
You know, Mrs. Bennett, you'd think
the people in this town...
would have something better
to do than figuring out ways
to get rid of each other.
The whole thing may seem
very humorous to you...
I'm sorry. Your husband's
been convicted.
The case is closed...
out of my hands.
And unless new evidence is discovered,
it's going to stay closed.
Thank you.
Hello? Uh, I've been trying
to get some information...
about a woman
who used to do extra work.
They told me that you
might be able to help me.
[Man]
That Mavis Marlowe
was plain poison.
[Woman #1]
You're telling me?
Treated that poor
Marty Blair like dirt,
and after he wrote
that beautiful song for her.
[Woman #1] "'Heartbreak. '"
[Woman #2] The dope
married her, didn't he?
You know what I said
to myself when I heard
she'd been cooled off?
I said to myself,
"'Marty Blair finally
caught up with her...
and wrung her neck!"
Pardon me, but l-I couldn't
help overhearing.
That's all right, honey.
Sit down.
Thank you.
You see,
I'm Mrs. Kirk Bennett,
and I heard you
talking about a man
named Marty Blair.
Do you know
where I could find him?
Look, I got to get back
on the set!
Me too.
Oh! Oh!
Stuck.
[Woman #1 Grunting]
You really want to know
where you can find Marty Blair?
Oh, please... so very much!
Well,
you might try Al's Place
on Iris Way, near Western.
If he's there, you can tell him
by the song "Heartbreak."
He's always playing it.
Oh, thank you.
Well, I have to get back.
I'm late. See you later.
Excuse me.
You'll find him
right across the street
at the Palace.
But if I was you,
I wouldn't bother him
this early in the morning.
Not unless it's important.
Oh, but it is... very.
Thank you.
Right through
that door there, lady.
I'm looking
for the clerk.
I haven't seen him.
Anything I can do?
Does a man named Marty Blair
live here?
Who? Oh!
"Heartbreak," huh?
What do you want
of him?
I want to talk to him.
Well, I wouldn't
disturb him if I was you.
He likes to sleep late.
Oh, please.
Uh, this is, uh, important.
Which is his room?
Right there.
[Chuckling]
He had a bad night.
Bolt. Bolt.
Marty.
Marty Blair.
What do you want?
I want to talk to you
about Mavis.
I don't know anything...
about anything.
Get out of here, will ya?
No, please.
You've got to help me.
I have to know.
She's dead.
That's all there is to know.
But wait, l...
What are you
bothering me for?
I'm Mrs. Kirk Bennett.
Mrs. Kirk Bennett.
So you're the one
he left sitting at home.
Some guys
are never satisfied.
I had to see you.
Why?
Because I had a wife
who needed killing,
and you had a husband
who took care of it?
She didn't give you
a very fair deal, did she?
You weren't exactly
dealt a handful of aces.
And stop feeling sorry for me.
I don't go for that stuff.
Feeling pretty sorry
for yourself, aren't you?
I've been on one,
if that's what you mean.
Ever since...
Ever since?
The night she was killed...
when I saw your husband go in.
You were there?
Yeah.
Outside.
And you didn't
go in?
Not a chance.
I was given the brush-off
by a very large doorman.
So, I found a saloon,
and then another,
and I kept on
finding them.
Please. You've got
to tell me more...
who her friends were...
who might have been
in her apartment.
Why don't you ask the police
or your husband?
He seemed to know
the password.
Please, no one else
can help me.
You're the only one.
I don't know anything
about anything.
I suppose you don't even know
why she was playing your song.
I don't know any...
My song?
"Heartbreak."
That night.
She was playing it.
Uh-uh.
No, she wouldn't.
Not "Heartbreak."
You're crazy.
Maybe.
Maybe someone else
was playing it for her.
Maybe you!
Don't give me that!
I didn't see her.
It was your song.
You were playing it
just before you...
You've got it all figured out.
You were in her apartment.
Admit it. You strangled her.
Hey!
What's going on in here?
She's Bennett's wife.
We were talking,
but we've finished.
No, we haven't.
Forget it.
I won't.
Not until l...
Now take it easy.
Marty was right here
in this room when his wife
was killed.
I'm the one told him about it.
I'd heard it on the 2:00 news.
Two o'clock.
He had plenty of time to get
back here. She was killed
between midnight and 12:30.
Come here.
See that bolt? It was locked
when you came in, wasn't it?
Yes, but what's that
got to do with...
Plenty.
I always lock it
when he's on a real tear.
He was on one that night,
and I locked him in... a good
two hours before the murder.
He's in the clear, Mrs. Bennett.
Ask the police. They'll tell you.
The police?
They were here?
[Joe]
Sure. They're not
stupid, you know.
Then l...
I see I've made a mistake.
Please forgive me.
L-I was grabbing at anything.
I'm dreadfully sorry.
I thought I told you to stop
feeling sorry for me.
I seemed to have said
all the wrong things.
Yeah.
Most women do.
I wish there was something
I could do to help him.
Maybe, maybe some clean linen
and a shave.
Here. Would you
give this to him?
Not me, lady.
He has pride.
I have a glass jaw.
Did you have anything
to do with this?
Not me, pal.
It was all her idea.
She thought you might want
a shave.
[Buzzing]
I don't need this.
Thanks, anyway.
But...
I do all right.
They still buy my songs.
Won't you come in?
Please do.
Well...
You know, it took a lot of courage
for you to come down there.
I guess I was
a little rough on ya.
I'm afraid I asked for it.
You see, I needed help.
I still do.
Yeah. It's tough.
If I could do anything...
but I don't know.
Won't you sit down?
Thanks.
I wish I knew
more about her.
What she was like.
Where'd you get this?
Music store on Hollywood
Boulevard. When I found out
she was playing it that night...
I've been thinking
about that too...
ever since you told me.
Do you play?
No, no. Kirk played
and I'd sing.
At least we did
when we were first married.
Hmm.
He didn't do it.
Knocking yourself out,
aren't you?
Trying to help a guy
who let you down.
He's in trouble.
He doesn't look
like a murderer, does he?
They never do.
This isn't
the man I saw.
Are you sure?
Yes.
There was someone else there.
Of course, there was.
Kirk heard someone.
But I took it for granted
that the man going in
was your husband.
It must have been
the murderer... the man
who stole the brooch.
Brooch?
Yes.
I brought him to see you, dear,
because he's interested in that brooch.
I thought you ought
to describe it to him.
Well, it was
an odd sort of piece.
Heart-shaped?
Made of rubies?
You've seen it?
I gave it to her
when we were married.
It was the only thing
she left behind
when she walked out.
But it was there that night.
Kirk saw it.
It was our anniversary.
I just sent it
to her by messenger,
hoping she'd remember.
She'd have been alive today
if she hadn't brushed me off.
If you think I did it,
you're wrong.
You'd, uh, recognize
this other man you saw?
Oh, yes.
I'll recognize him.
And I'll know
that brooch anywhere.
[Ringing]
And here's
a last minute bulletin:
The State Supreme Court
has sustained the sentence
of Kirk Bennett,
convicted for the murder
of Mavis Marlowe.
He moves
to the death house today.
This is George Mitchell
from Hollywood.
They sent me his things...
as if he were already dead.
I gave it to him
for his birthday.
Won't even work.
They even
included that.
It's hers.
No, it isn't.
She had a double "M"
on everything.
That looks
like a phone number.
It's in her handwriting.
Crestview 2111.
Does that mean
anything to you?
Not a thing.
There's one way to find out.
Oh, it's over there.
[Ringing]
Rio's.
Where is it?
On the Sunset Strip.
[Clicks]
You know what he did,
Mr. Marko? He hung up.
You know what I'd do
in your place?
No.
I'd hang up too.
[Waltz]
[Continues]
What'll it be?
A Coke, please.
And yours?
Make it two.
It's a pretty big haystack
for one little needle.
Hey, you.
This goes to Mr. Marko's
private office.
Sorry. Just looking
for the phone.
It's right over there.
Thanks a lot.
It's all right.
Could that be
the man you saw?
I can't tell from here.
Shall we dance over?
Do you wanna go back?
Let's keep looking.
I like it.
The one coming down
the stairs.
Check, please.
Who's the gentleman
you were just talking with?
Mr. Marko.
Owns the place.
Would you happen to know
how often Mr. Marko changes
the talent in his floor show?
He has auditions every
Monday afternoon...
for professionals.
Mr. Marko is going to have company
starting Monday.
Professionals.
What do you mean?
Carver and Martin.
[Piano]
Relax, Cathy. Don't forget
I put Mavis over.
You've worked hard, and
you're gonna do all right.
So relax.
Suppose somebody
recognizes me.
Oh, stop worrying.
Good? No?
No.
Then why do you waste
your time listening?
Well, I'm a dreamer.
Someday I hope I'll pick up
something good... cheap.
But that's not it.
That's enough. Thank you.
That's enough! Thank you.
Carver and Martin,
you're next.
That's us.
Thank you.
I wanna be talked about
I don't care
what they say
[Clattering]
Go bandy my name about
In the end it's bound to pay
You're in the swing
when nothing daunts you
Once you're in demand
the whole world wants you
[Clattering]
Long as I'm a big sensation
Tell 'em you can't
compete with busboys,
and make it strong.
I'm sorry, but those busboys...
I can't compete with them.
[Clattering, Vacuum Whirring]
[Whirring Continues]
[Clattering Continues]
Don't you hear?
Keep quiet.
Yeah! Keep quiet.
Hey, that goes
for you too.
[Whirring Stops]
All right, madam.
Go ahead.
I wanna be talked about
I don't care what they say
Go bandy my name about
In the end it's bound to pay
You're in the swing
when nothing daunts you
Once you're in demand
the whole world wants you
Long as I'm a big sensation
I can get along
on my reputation
I wanna be talked about
That suits me to a "T"
'Cause I'll have nothing
to squawk about
As long as
they talk about me
Sticks and stones
won't break my bones
And names will bring me fame
A man in the hand
is worth two in the arms
Of some other dame
I wanna be talked about
Don't you know
it's not polite to stare?
It suits me to a "'T'"
I've seen her somewhere.
It's still not polite.
'Cause I'll have nothing
to squawk about
As long as they talk
talk, talk, talk
Talk about me
Tell 'em to come over.
Mr. Marko, I think...
Now, look.
I don't slug,
and you don't think.
Is that a deal?
Yeah.
Now will you tell 'em
to come over?
Mr. Marko
wants to see you.
[Banjo]
Your name is Miss, uh...
Carver, Catherine Carver,
and this is my partner, Jack Martin.
How do you do?
Nice to know you.
Oh, these artists.
I hate them.
Make so much noise.
Let's go up to my office.
[Continues]
Oh, what relief!
Joe, I'll be
right with you.
Sit down.
I liked your performance.
Very nice.
Thank you.
Very nice too.
Incidentally, uh, I write
all of Miss Carver's material.
Well, naturally.
Thank you.
- Where was
your last engagement?
- Seattle.
Pardon me, please.
How much
have you been getting?
Two hundred.
Two hundred!
But, of course,
we might take a little less...
for the opportunity
of working here.
Huh? Take less? No, no.
That won't be necessary.
I was just wondering
why two artists as talented
as you are should ask so little.
Funny I haven't seen you before.
Well, shall we say 200 a week?
All right?
After that,
who knows?
How are ya, professor?
Good morning,
Mr. Marko.
[Engine Revving]
[Whistling]
[Whistling Continues]
[Whistling Stops]
I brought you
some flowers, Cathy.
Thank you, Marty.
Where do you keep, uh,
something to put 'em in?
Oh, a vase.
Here we are.
They're lovely.
I thought they might
brighten up the place.
Thank you.
[Piano]
Do you like it, Cathy?
Love it.
Read the words.
[Piano]
"Time will tell...
"how much you mean.
"Will love keep growing?
"Time will tell.
There seems to be
no way of knowing."
[Continues]
I wrote it for you.
"Here's my heart.
It's yours to keep."
"Till stars of evening
cease to burn."
They're beautiful words.
Marty,
[Music Stops]
Thanks for everything
you've done for me.
You haven't exactly
kicked me in the face,
you know.
Cathy?
Yes?
If we find the brooch
and Kirk is cleared...
We'll find it.
Sure.
You've stuck by him.
Then when he gets out
of all this, you won't
owe him a thing.
Let's go through it once.
Shall we, Marty?
Sure.
[Piano]
Time will tell
How much you mean
Will love keep growing
Time will tell
There seems
To be
No way of knowing
Though I try
I know well
By and by
Time will tell
Here's my heart
It's yours to keep
Till stars of evening
Cease to burn
To have
To hold
Will you
give your heart
In return
And while
I'm in your spell
Will I love wisely
Or too well
Who can say
Time
Will tell
[Applause]
[Audience Chattering]
Wonderful.
Thank you.
Martinis, please.
Freddie,
how about a drink?
Two Cokes
coming up.
Say, I see you made
Mitchell's column this morning.
No!
"What Sunset Strip
cafe operator...
"heretofore billed
as a woman-hater...
is belying his billing
and cooing at the spot's
new thrush?"
Where does he
get such drivel?
Freddie, do you mind?
This is kinda private.
Oh, not at all.
I phoned it to him.
You what?
I was hoping to get
closer to that safe.
That's the hard way,
isn't it?
I have to get into it,
Marty, no matter how.
Mr. Marko
wants to see you.
Me?
Right now.
You wouldn't know
what this is about, would you?
You better go up
to his office.
[Marko]
No, no, no, Mitchell.
I'm not complaining
about the story.
You know I love to
be in your column, but
why didn't you use my name?
Who wants to be a puzzle?
Hello, Catherine.
Come in.
Oh, nothing.
Huh?
By the way, uh,
who tipped you off?
Oh, anonymous lady.
Another puzzle, huh?
Thank you very much, George.
I'll be seeing you.
Sometimes I, I find myself
surrounded by puzzles.
Lucky said you wanted
to talk to me.
Uh-huh.
Come here.
Something that might
interest you.
Why don't you open it?
It's lovely.
It is?
Then it's yours.
Don't worry.
It's my business
to clip people, so...
why shouldn't I give a clip
to somebody I like?
Any reason why
you shouldn't accept it?
Oh. Martin.
I thought your association
was strictly professional.
Yes, we're...
We're just partners.
That's good.
Look.
Isn't it nice?
Thank you,
Mr. Marko.
I forgot.
I'm so careless.
And now, here's
really something.
I've been saving it
for a special occasion.
Good evening,
Mr. Mitchell.
Hello, Freddie.
Haven't been in lately.
I've been taking in
some of the new spots.
This is Jack Martin...
of Carver and Martin.
This is Mr. George Mitchell,
Jack.
Happy to know you.
Hi.
What'll it be? The usual?
Yeah.
[Band: Dixieland]
[Music Stops]
[Applause]
Say, who's the doll
with Marko?
Miss Carver,
my partner.
Ooh.
So that's the girl.
Here you are,
Mr. Mitchell. House.
Thanks.
Cheers, Freddie.
Nice meeting you.
[Band: Swing]
Hello,
Mr. Mitchell.
How are you, Charles?
Hi, Marko.
Why, hello.
Won't you join us?
Thanks.
Miss Carver, may I present
the most harmless man in town...
George Mitchell.
Oh, the columnist.
How do you do?
I do all right.
Haven't I seen you somewhere?
Seattle?
No.
I'm afraid not.
This is my first
engagement in Los Angeles.
My mistake and hard luck.
I dropped in to see
if you'd like to go to the Bowl.
I've got tickets.
What's on?
Oh, Shostakovich,
isn't it?
The seventh.
[Mitchell]
Good exercise
for your musical appreciation.
Yes, very tempting,
but thank you just the same.
Okay.
Some other time.
Why don't you go?
It'll do you good.
I'll be here
when you get back.
Sure. Maybe I can dream up
a nice plug for her and,
of course, for Rio's.
Huh. Who am I to turn down
free advertising?
Perhaps an evening with
Shostakovich might prove
very... enlightening, what?
[Music Stops]
[Applause]
Be a good girl,
Catherine.
Where'd they go?
To the Bowl.
Good.
That columnist
was at the trial.
He might have recognized me.
We've got to risk that. This
looks like the ideal moment.
What's the combination?
No, Marty.
That's my job.
If anyone's gonna stick
their neck out from now on,
it's going to be me.
You can't. You go on
for dinner music in a minute.
That can wait.
No, Marty!
[Sighs]
Well, I'll keep an eye on him.
If he starts up
these stairs, I'll segue into
"Moonlight Sonata." Right?
Thanks.
[Piano]
Tell him to come at once.
It's very important.
Thank you.
Lucky.
I was just
having a sandwich.
Yeah? Look.
[Music Stops]
["Moonlight Sonata"]
[Door Closes]
[Music Stops]
So this is why you wanted me
to go to the concert,
Mrs. Bennett.
George Mitchell told you.
What do you take me for,
a sucker?
I knew it.
Knew it all the time.
Huh.
All right.
Where are they?
You know what I mean.
The box and the letter.
I want them.
If you knew who I was,
why did you...
Look, Catherine, I liked you.
And if Mrs. Kirk Bennett
wants to make a new start,
that's her business.
Great respect for that,
but unfortunately,
I'm a very suspicious man.
Why do you think I laid that
little trap, and let you
see the combination?
Simple, isn't it?
Now may I have the box
and the letter?
Remember, Catherine,
you promised me to be a good girl.
Let me out of here.
That's entirely
up to you... and Lucky.
Let me go.!
Let me go!
Ow.!
Go ahead. Scream.
No one can hear you.
Wastepaper... basket.
Oh.
All right.
That's enough, Lucky.
Oh. I came in too soon.
You didn't have time to open it.
- But you know what's in it.
- Yes.
- Mavis tell your husband?
- I'll ask the questions
from here, Marko.
Oh, Marty, I couldn't
get the box open.
Marty.
Unlock it, Marko.
How much hush money
do you want?
Open that box.
What's your price?
Our price is
what's in the box.
I can take him.
It might be interesting
if you tried.
I wouldn't.
I thought you'd
never get here.
What did you people
want to fool with Marko for?
He's got an alibi.
[Marty]
His alibi means nothing.
Take a look in this box.
What's in it?
Nothing of any interest
to you whatsoever.
I'll be the judge of that.
Better open it.
You realize that
this is quite illegal.
I agree.
Open it.
- Who's this?
- It's my daughter.
Are you kiddin'?
You don't have to read it.
It's only
her birth certificate.
Ohhh.
It was your daughter
who married...
[Marko]
That doesn't concern you
or anybody else.!
I want nobody to know that
she's the daughter of a man
who served time. Understand?
Sure.
All right.
Mavis was the only one
who did know.
[Flood]
And you tried to shut her up
with that 5,000.
Yeah. As it turned out,
I could have
saved the money.
Yeah.
Satisfied?
No ruby brooch.
You've just gotta
play detective, don't you?
Do I go around playin' piano?
He was there.
Marty saw him.
Sure he did. So did I.
That's where I picked him up,
at 10:45... more than an hour
before the murder.
I just wanted to have
a little chat with him about a
suddenly dead ex-partner of his.
Didn't know
anything about that,
did you, Marko?
You let me go,
didn't you?
Mavis wasn't killed
until after 12:00.
He had plenty of time.
No, he didn't.
I was still talking to him...
when the phone call
came into headquarters.
You mean we...
All this time,
just wasted.
[Sobbing]
Let her cry it out.
Cathy?
I've gotta
talk to you.
Marty, please.
But I've got to.
It's important.
Nothing's important anymore.
That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.
He's gonna die, Marty.
Kirk's gonna die.
You did all you could.
So did I.
I even convinced myself
he was innocent.
He is.
I won't give up...
until that brooch
is found.
It won't be found.
Can't you see?
He took it himself...
and destroyed it.
It was never meant to be found.
Do you believe that?
You gotta face it, Cathy.
He killed her.
They were two of a kind...
Mavis and Kirk.
Don't let him do this to you.
You gotta go on.
I can't.
I just can't.
That's what I thought once...
until you came along.
I needed someone.
I still do.
We both need someone.
We need each other, Cathy.
Please don't.
I knew from
the very beginning...
that you were
everything I wanted...
and everything I'd missed.
It has to be
you and me, Cathy.
[Inhales]
Marty, I can't.
There's only been one man.
There can only be
one man... ever.
You don't mean that.
I should have
told you before.
I just couldn't bear to
have you hurt like that again.
Very considerate.
I'm sorry.
Whiskey.
[Man On Radio]
The citrus growers are very
concerned about the situation...
and feel something
should be done immediately.
In Sacramento,
the fate of the bill was
in doubt for some time.
However, after
a bitter debate on the floor,
it was rejected by the legislature
by a vote of 49 to 40.
San Quentin prison.
Mrs. Kirk Bennett
arrived by plane tonight...
to say good-bye to her husband
who dies in the gas chamber...
at 10:00 tomorrow morning for
the murder of Mavis Marlowe,
the night club singer
who was found dead by strangulation...
in her apartment
in the exclusive Wilshire House.
And now a few
baseball scores.
The San Francisco Seals
took the Hollywood Stars
into camp today...
by a score of eight to five.
Well, hello. Where have you
been keeping yourself?
Remember me?
I'm Milly.
Milly?
I know.
You need a drink.
Two bourbons, George.
Where did you
get that?
Why, you gave it
to me.
I gave it to ya?
Sure. Months ago.
Came in here stinko,
pinned it on my dress
with your own little hands.
Hey! That's mine!
Are you trying
to start something?
Who are you shoving?
[Woman Screaming]
[Man]
Break it up.!
[Screaming Continues]
[Siren Wailing]
I'm all right, I tell you.
I'm all right.
You're all right.
[Babbling]
Get the straight jacket.
Get his arm in there
if you can.
[Milly's Voice]
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
[Piano]
You want out,
"Heartbreak"?
I'll let you out
for a quarter.
A quarter.
Where's my quarter,
"Heartbreak"?
You always
give me a quarter.
A quarter.
Feeling better?
I'm all right.
That's fine.
Doctor, I've gotta
talk to you.
In the morning you can
talk all you like.
In the morning would be
too late. He'll be dead.
He's innocent.
A little rest
is all you need.
Don't give me that hypo.
I want you to call the police.
Yes, yes.
In the morning.
You don't understand!
I killed Mavis Marlowe!
Don't let your imagination
get the better of you.
I know what I'm saying.
The man who
killed Mavis Marlowe
has been convicted.
They've got the wrong man.
I was her husband.
L-I strangled her.
It all came back to me.
I'd forgotten because
I was drunk when it happened...
because I wanted to forget...
but tonight I relived it.
You've gotta believe me.
Oh. That's possible.
Korsakoff's psychosis,
it's called.
It's a kind of
alcoholic amnesia.
I can prove it.
Let me talk to Capt. Flood.
He knows me.
Let me talk to him. Please!
All right,
you can talk to him.
Get me Capt. Flood,
Homicide Division, please.
Homicide.
Sergeant Baker.
This is the County Hospital.
Dr. Courtney speaking.
I want to talk
with Capt. Flood.
Well, I'm sorry.
He's out on a case.
Anything I can do?
We have a man here who insists
he killed the Marlowe woman.
Yeah?
What's his name?
Martin Blair.
[Baker]
That screwball.
We checked on him.
You better lock him up,
and then throw the key away.
Sorry to have bothered you.
Tell him to have
Capt. Flood call!
Get some sleep.
Come along.
You said you'd let me talk
with Capt. Flood!
You can talk to him
in the morning.
But you said...
You've got to.
Here.
Put your coat on.
Doctor, wait a minute.
Look, l...
I found it.
The brooch.
Here.
I'll take care of it.
Quick, Doctor!
Cathy?
[Woman]
Operator.
Police Department.
What's your number,
please?
Hollywood 7-1-2-4-6.
[Man]
Police Department.
Homicide. Capt. Flood.
Homicide Division.
Sgt. Baker speaking.
Is Capt. Flood there?
No, he's not.
Who's this?
Where can I reach him?
I don't know.
Can I help you?
Will you ask him to call
Mrs. Bennett?
Mrs. Kirk Bennett.
Hollywood 7-1-2-4-6.
Hollywood 7-1-2-4-6.
I'll tell him.
Thank you.
[Water Running]
[Ringing]
[Ringing Continues]
Marty.
Why did you...
You found it.
Who had it, Marty, who?
Marty, wake up.
It's me.
Marty! Marty!
No!
Please, Marty.
You've got to tell me.
There's so little time.
I phoned as soon as
I got your message,
but nobody answered.
I couldn't get here
till now.
What's been goin' on?
He found the brooch.
Turn it over.
Where'd you get this?
From the woman
I gave it to...
after I killed my wife.
[Flood]
You know what this means,
don't you?
But before we go into it,
you better call someone
about Bennett.
I told you you had
the wrong man.
Remember?
Yeah. Yeah,
I remember.
Long distance?
Capt. Flood,
Homicide calling.
Get me the governor's mansion
in Sacramento.
Hurry it up.
It's urgent.
Oh, Marty.
Don't be unhappy, Cathy.
I'm not.
Carver and Martin.
It was a good team...
while it lasted.
Hello?
I've gotta talk
to the governor.
I'm afraid you'll have to
wake him then.
Flo.
Where's my white scarf?
Right here.
Why don't you keep my things
where I can find them?
[Doorbell Buzzes]
See who that is.
Yes, Miss Marlowe.
It was a messenger boy.
If that's all, I'll be right back
after the last show.
Put on some soft music
before you go.
Have a good time.
Thank you.
[Woman]
I've much to regret
Finding your arms
so thrilling
And finding myself
too willing
So what do I get
Must you play that song?
But you sing it so beautifully
on the record, Miss Marlowe.
When I want your opinion,
I'll ask you for it!
[Door Closes]
[Phone Ringing]
[Ringing Continues]
Doorman.
This is Miss Marlowe.
Oh, yes, Miss Marlowe.
If Mr. Blair comes here tonight,
I don't wish to see him... now or ever.
I'll take care of it,
Miss Marlowe.
Who did you wish
to see, please?
Miss Marlowe.
Tell her Martin Blair.
I'm sorry.
Miss Marlowe left instructions
she doesn't want to see you.
She'll see me.
She's my wife.
It's our anniversary.
That isn't
what she just told me.
She doesn't want to see you...
now or ever.
Now don't blame me.
I just work here.
Come on.
Good evening, sir.
Miss Marlowe.
She's expecting me.
Yes, sir.
Got a match?
[Siren Wailing]
Looks like your friend's
headed for a beaut this time.
Yeah.
Thanks for calling.
I thought for a minute
that ambulance might
have been for him.
He ain't that bad yet.
I'd better get him
over to the hotel.
Why do you bother
with a stew like that?
I kinda like the guy.
That's all.
He sure can play a piano.
[Applause]
Marty. Marty!
Hello, Joe.
Come on, Marty.
I'm all right.
I'm all right.
Yeah, yeah.
All right. All right.
What is it, anyhow?
That Marlowe woman again?
Why don't you get wise to yourself,
Marty, and forget about her?
Were you ever
in love?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
When is he gonna learn
you can't drink it
as fast as they make it?
Well, it's his stomach.
[Woman On Phonograph]
I try to pretend
Saying that I don't mind it
But everyone knows behind it
I'm trying to mend
A heartbreak
That's what you get
when you set love so high
I gave it a try
Then kissed it good-bye
Mavis?
They say you love
and you learn
Maybe I learned
the wrong way
Or maybe I took the long way
To the moon
It ended so soon
With heartbreak
[Clicking]
[Clicking Continues]
[Music Stops]
- [Music Restarts]
- [Clicking Continues]
I've much to regret
Finding your arms
so thrilling
And finding myself
too willing
[Glass Breaking]
So what do I get
A heartbreak
I try to pretend
Mavis!
Saying that I don't mind it
But everyone knows behind it
I'm trying to mend
A heartbreak
That's what you get
when you set love so high
I gave it a try
Then kissed it good-bye
They say you love
and you learn
Maybe I learned
the wrong way
Or maybe I took the long way
To the moon
It ended so soon
With heartbreak
I've much to regret
Finding your arms
so thrilling
And finding myself too
[Music Stops]
[Thudding]
Mr. Bennett.
You Mrs. Bennett?
Yes.
Your husband at home?
No, but I expect him
any minute.
Mind if we come in?
[Radio: Orchestral]
- What do you want?
- Any idea where your husband
might be?
- Who are you?
- We're from the police.
Has anything happened?
He's been hurt?
There's been an accident.
Take it easy, Mrs. Bennett.
There's been no accident.
Well, then what is it?
My husband said he had
some business to attend to.
I'm Captain Flood,
Homicide Division.
Homicide?
There's been a murder...
woman by the name of Marlowe.
Marlowe.
That was the business
your husband was attending to.
No.
Yeah, he was there.
The maid saw him
and recognized him.
He was trying
to get away unobserved.
[Music Stops]
And he'd been there before too,
Mrs. Bennett.
- Kirk didn't do it.
- I admire your loyalty, but...
We've been waitin'
for you, Bennett.
I've been walking the streets.
I was going
to phone you.
Sure.
Now we're going down
to headquarters for a talk.
Why didn't you use this?
You sensitive to loud noises?
"M.M."
I didn't kill her.
[Flood] Then you've got
nothing to worry about. Shall we go?
Kirk.
Don't worry.
I can explain everything.
Still, if I were you,
Mrs. Bennett,
I'd get myself
a good lawyer.
She was blackmailing you,
wasn't she?
All right, she was blackmailing me.
I've told you that.
Might as well
admit the rest, then.
Wouldn't let you off the hook,
would she?
I didn't kill her.
That record
she was playin'...
"Heartbreak."
Must have meant a lot
to you once.
I never heard the thing before.
Funny she was playing it
for you.
She wasn't playing it for me!
"Better call on me,
sonny boy, or else."
Or else she'd tell your wife.
I didn't want
to have my wife hurt.
So you went to Marlowe's
apartment for a showdown.
I couldn't pay her any more.
- I hoped
I could persuade her to...
- What? With this?
I never intended to use it.
I only wanted to scare her.
You scared her, all right.
She had her own
little automatic ready
just in case.
She pulled it on you.
You grabbed it.
Your fingerprints
were all over it, Bennett.
There was a struggle.
You grabbed hold of the scarf...
And didn't let go.
Do I have to deny it
all over again?
The maid seeing you
was a tough break, Bennett.
If you'd listen to me
about that brooch...
We listened.
You're asking us to believe
in an awful choosy robber.
Yeah, one who overlooked
five grand in cash
and a mink coat.
All he took
was a heart-shaped brooch...
and a woman's life.
You won't even try
to find it?
We'll try.
Maybe there was
such a brooch.
Maybe you took it yourself
after you strangled her.
You can keep this up all night,
but you'll only get one answer.
I didn't kill her.
Somebody did.
You better
sleep on it, Bennett.
We're holding you for
the murder of Mavis Marlowe.
If only I could
do something.
You've done all you could, darling.
You've been wonderful.
Especially after...
Please, Kirk.
You're my husband.
I'll always stand by you.
You know that.
The jury... they did seem
to believe you, didn't they?
I'm not so sure.
Well, the foreman
seemed for us.
He'll win the others over.
I'm sure. Even if they...
[Man]
Jury's coming in.
They really had it in
for him that time.
Yes, it was a tight corner.
Yes. He just keeps up
those easy cases.
[Murmuring]
Give me
the city desk.
Clancy?
This is Kelly.
City desk.
Bennett's guilty.
The jury just brought in
the verdict... guilty.
I know how you feel.
Believe me, we've
checked everything.
You've overlooked something
because Kirk didn't kill
Mavis Marlowe.
You've got
to keep trying!
We're three months behind
on unsolved homicides now.
You know, Mrs. Bennett, you'd think
the people in this town...
would have something better
to do than figuring out ways
to get rid of each other.
The whole thing may seem
very humorous to you...
I'm sorry. Your husband's
been convicted.
The case is closed...
out of my hands.
And unless new evidence is discovered,
it's going to stay closed.
Thank you.
Hello? Uh, I've been trying
to get some information...
about a woman
who used to do extra work.
They told me that you
might be able to help me.
[Man]
That Mavis Marlowe
was plain poison.
[Woman #1]
You're telling me?
Treated that poor
Marty Blair like dirt,
and after he wrote
that beautiful song for her.
[Woman #1] "'Heartbreak. '"
[Woman #2] The dope
married her, didn't he?
You know what I said
to myself when I heard
she'd been cooled off?
I said to myself,
"'Marty Blair finally
caught up with her...
and wrung her neck!"
Pardon me, but l-I couldn't
help overhearing.
That's all right, honey.
Sit down.
Thank you.
You see,
I'm Mrs. Kirk Bennett,
and I heard you
talking about a man
named Marty Blair.
Do you know
where I could find him?
Look, I got to get back
on the set!
Me too.
Oh! Oh!
Stuck.
[Woman #1 Grunting]
You really want to know
where you can find Marty Blair?
Oh, please... so very much!
Well,
you might try Al's Place
on Iris Way, near Western.
If he's there, you can tell him
by the song "Heartbreak."
He's always playing it.
Oh, thank you.
Well, I have to get back.
I'm late. See you later.
Excuse me.
You'll find him
right across the street
at the Palace.
But if I was you,
I wouldn't bother him
this early in the morning.
Not unless it's important.
Oh, but it is... very.
Thank you.
Right through
that door there, lady.
I'm looking
for the clerk.
I haven't seen him.
Anything I can do?
Does a man named Marty Blair
live here?
Who? Oh!
"Heartbreak," huh?
What do you want
of him?
I want to talk to him.
Well, I wouldn't
disturb him if I was you.
He likes to sleep late.
Oh, please.
Uh, this is, uh, important.
Which is his room?
Right there.
[Chuckling]
He had a bad night.
Bolt. Bolt.
Marty.
Marty Blair.
What do you want?
I want to talk to you
about Mavis.
I don't know anything...
about anything.
Get out of here, will ya?
No, please.
You've got to help me.
I have to know.
She's dead.
That's all there is to know.
But wait, l...
What are you
bothering me for?
I'm Mrs. Kirk Bennett.
Mrs. Kirk Bennett.
So you're the one
he left sitting at home.
Some guys
are never satisfied.
I had to see you.
Why?
Because I had a wife
who needed killing,
and you had a husband
who took care of it?
She didn't give you
a very fair deal, did she?
You weren't exactly
dealt a handful of aces.
And stop feeling sorry for me.
I don't go for that stuff.
Feeling pretty sorry
for yourself, aren't you?
I've been on one,
if that's what you mean.
Ever since...
Ever since?
The night she was killed...
when I saw your husband go in.
You were there?
Yeah.
Outside.
And you didn't
go in?
Not a chance.
I was given the brush-off
by a very large doorman.
So, I found a saloon,
and then another,
and I kept on
finding them.
Please. You've got
to tell me more...
who her friends were...
who might have been
in her apartment.
Why don't you ask the police
or your husband?
He seemed to know
the password.
Please, no one else
can help me.
You're the only one.
I don't know anything
about anything.
I suppose you don't even know
why she was playing your song.
I don't know any...
My song?
"Heartbreak."
That night.
She was playing it.
Uh-uh.
No, she wouldn't.
Not "Heartbreak."
You're crazy.
Maybe.
Maybe someone else
was playing it for her.
Maybe you!
Don't give me that!
I didn't see her.
It was your song.
You were playing it
just before you...
You've got it all figured out.
You were in her apartment.
Admit it. You strangled her.
Hey!
What's going on in here?
She's Bennett's wife.
We were talking,
but we've finished.
No, we haven't.
Forget it.
I won't.
Not until l...
Now take it easy.
Marty was right here
in this room when his wife
was killed.
I'm the one told him about it.
I'd heard it on the 2:00 news.
Two o'clock.
He had plenty of time to get
back here. She was killed
between midnight and 12:30.
Come here.
See that bolt? It was locked
when you came in, wasn't it?
Yes, but what's that
got to do with...
Plenty.
I always lock it
when he's on a real tear.
He was on one that night,
and I locked him in... a good
two hours before the murder.
He's in the clear, Mrs. Bennett.
Ask the police. They'll tell you.
The police?
They were here?
[Joe]
Sure. They're not
stupid, you know.
Then l...
I see I've made a mistake.
Please forgive me.
L-I was grabbing at anything.
I'm dreadfully sorry.
I thought I told you to stop
feeling sorry for me.
I seemed to have said
all the wrong things.
Yeah.
Most women do.
I wish there was something
I could do to help him.
Maybe, maybe some clean linen
and a shave.
Here. Would you
give this to him?
Not me, lady.
He has pride.
I have a glass jaw.
Did you have anything
to do with this?
Not me, pal.
It was all her idea.
She thought you might want
a shave.
[Buzzing]
I don't need this.
Thanks, anyway.
But...
I do all right.
They still buy my songs.
Won't you come in?
Please do.
Well...
You know, it took a lot of courage
for you to come down there.
I guess I was
a little rough on ya.
I'm afraid I asked for it.
You see, I needed help.
I still do.
Yeah. It's tough.
If I could do anything...
but I don't know.
Won't you sit down?
Thanks.
I wish I knew
more about her.
What she was like.
Where'd you get this?
Music store on Hollywood
Boulevard. When I found out
she was playing it that night...
I've been thinking
about that too...
ever since you told me.
Do you play?
No, no. Kirk played
and I'd sing.
At least we did
when we were first married.
Hmm.
He didn't do it.
Knocking yourself out,
aren't you?
Trying to help a guy
who let you down.
He's in trouble.
He doesn't look
like a murderer, does he?
They never do.
This isn't
the man I saw.
Are you sure?
Yes.
There was someone else there.
Of course, there was.
Kirk heard someone.
But I took it for granted
that the man going in
was your husband.
It must have been
the murderer... the man
who stole the brooch.
Brooch?
Yes.
I brought him to see you, dear,
because he's interested in that brooch.
I thought you ought
to describe it to him.
Well, it was
an odd sort of piece.
Heart-shaped?
Made of rubies?
You've seen it?
I gave it to her
when we were married.
It was the only thing
she left behind
when she walked out.
But it was there that night.
Kirk saw it.
It was our anniversary.
I just sent it
to her by messenger,
hoping she'd remember.
She'd have been alive today
if she hadn't brushed me off.
If you think I did it,
you're wrong.
You'd, uh, recognize
this other man you saw?
Oh, yes.
I'll recognize him.
And I'll know
that brooch anywhere.
[Ringing]
And here's
a last minute bulletin:
The State Supreme Court
has sustained the sentence
of Kirk Bennett,
convicted for the murder
of Mavis Marlowe.
He moves
to the death house today.
This is George Mitchell
from Hollywood.
They sent me his things...
as if he were already dead.
I gave it to him
for his birthday.
Won't even work.
They even
included that.
It's hers.
No, it isn't.
She had a double "M"
on everything.
That looks
like a phone number.
It's in her handwriting.
Crestview 2111.
Does that mean
anything to you?
Not a thing.
There's one way to find out.
Oh, it's over there.
[Ringing]
Rio's.
Where is it?
On the Sunset Strip.
[Clicks]
You know what he did,
Mr. Marko? He hung up.
You know what I'd do
in your place?
No.
I'd hang up too.
[Waltz]
[Continues]
What'll it be?
A Coke, please.
And yours?
Make it two.
It's a pretty big haystack
for one little needle.
Hey, you.
This goes to Mr. Marko's
private office.
Sorry. Just looking
for the phone.
It's right over there.
Thanks a lot.
It's all right.
Could that be
the man you saw?
I can't tell from here.
Shall we dance over?
Do you wanna go back?
Let's keep looking.
I like it.
The one coming down
the stairs.
Check, please.
Who's the gentleman
you were just talking with?
Mr. Marko.
Owns the place.
Would you happen to know
how often Mr. Marko changes
the talent in his floor show?
He has auditions every
Monday afternoon...
for professionals.
Mr. Marko is going to have company
starting Monday.
Professionals.
What do you mean?
Carver and Martin.
[Piano]
Relax, Cathy. Don't forget
I put Mavis over.
You've worked hard, and
you're gonna do all right.
So relax.
Suppose somebody
recognizes me.
Oh, stop worrying.
Good? No?
No.
Then why do you waste
your time listening?
Well, I'm a dreamer.
Someday I hope I'll pick up
something good... cheap.
But that's not it.
That's enough. Thank you.
That's enough! Thank you.
Carver and Martin,
you're next.
That's us.
Thank you.
I wanna be talked about
I don't care
what they say
[Clattering]
Go bandy my name about
In the end it's bound to pay
You're in the swing
when nothing daunts you
Once you're in demand
the whole world wants you
[Clattering]
Long as I'm a big sensation
Tell 'em you can't
compete with busboys,
and make it strong.
I'm sorry, but those busboys...
I can't compete with them.
[Clattering, Vacuum Whirring]
[Whirring Continues]
[Clattering Continues]
Don't you hear?
Keep quiet.
Yeah! Keep quiet.
Hey, that goes
for you too.
[Whirring Stops]
All right, madam.
Go ahead.
I wanna be talked about
I don't care what they say
Go bandy my name about
In the end it's bound to pay
You're in the swing
when nothing daunts you
Once you're in demand
the whole world wants you
Long as I'm a big sensation
I can get along
on my reputation
I wanna be talked about
That suits me to a "T"
'Cause I'll have nothing
to squawk about
As long as
they talk about me
Sticks and stones
won't break my bones
And names will bring me fame
A man in the hand
is worth two in the arms
Of some other dame
I wanna be talked about
Don't you know
it's not polite to stare?
It suits me to a "'T'"
I've seen her somewhere.
It's still not polite.
'Cause I'll have nothing
to squawk about
As long as they talk
talk, talk, talk
Talk about me
Tell 'em to come over.
Mr. Marko, I think...
Now, look.
I don't slug,
and you don't think.
Is that a deal?
Yeah.
Now will you tell 'em
to come over?
Mr. Marko
wants to see you.
[Banjo]
Your name is Miss, uh...
Carver, Catherine Carver,
and this is my partner, Jack Martin.
How do you do?
Nice to know you.
Oh, these artists.
I hate them.
Make so much noise.
Let's go up to my office.
[Continues]
Oh, what relief!
Joe, I'll be
right with you.
Sit down.
I liked your performance.
Very nice.
Thank you.
Very nice too.
Incidentally, uh, I write
all of Miss Carver's material.
Well, naturally.
Thank you.
- Where was
your last engagement?
- Seattle.
Pardon me, please.
How much
have you been getting?
Two hundred.
Two hundred!
But, of course,
we might take a little less...
for the opportunity
of working here.
Huh? Take less? No, no.
That won't be necessary.
I was just wondering
why two artists as talented
as you are should ask so little.
Funny I haven't seen you before.
Well, shall we say 200 a week?
All right?
After that,
who knows?
How are ya, professor?
Good morning,
Mr. Marko.
[Engine Revving]
[Whistling]
[Whistling Continues]
[Whistling Stops]
I brought you
some flowers, Cathy.
Thank you, Marty.
Where do you keep, uh,
something to put 'em in?
Oh, a vase.
Here we are.
They're lovely.
I thought they might
brighten up the place.
Thank you.
[Piano]
Do you like it, Cathy?
Love it.
Read the words.
[Piano]
"Time will tell...
"how much you mean.
"Will love keep growing?
"Time will tell.
There seems to be
no way of knowing."
[Continues]
I wrote it for you.
"Here's my heart.
It's yours to keep."
"Till stars of evening
cease to burn."
They're beautiful words.
Marty,
[Music Stops]
Thanks for everything
you've done for me.
You haven't exactly
kicked me in the face,
you know.
Cathy?
Yes?
If we find the brooch
and Kirk is cleared...
We'll find it.
Sure.
You've stuck by him.
Then when he gets out
of all this, you won't
owe him a thing.
Let's go through it once.
Shall we, Marty?
Sure.
[Piano]
Time will tell
How much you mean
Will love keep growing
Time will tell
There seems
To be
No way of knowing
Though I try
I know well
By and by
Time will tell
Here's my heart
It's yours to keep
Till stars of evening
Cease to burn
To have
To hold
Will you
give your heart
In return
And while
I'm in your spell
Will I love wisely
Or too well
Who can say
Time
Will tell
[Applause]
[Audience Chattering]
Wonderful.
Thank you.
Martinis, please.
Freddie,
how about a drink?
Two Cokes
coming up.
Say, I see you made
Mitchell's column this morning.
No!
"What Sunset Strip
cafe operator...
"heretofore billed
as a woman-hater...
is belying his billing
and cooing at the spot's
new thrush?"
Where does he
get such drivel?
Freddie, do you mind?
This is kinda private.
Oh, not at all.
I phoned it to him.
You what?
I was hoping to get
closer to that safe.
That's the hard way,
isn't it?
I have to get into it,
Marty, no matter how.
Mr. Marko
wants to see you.
Me?
Right now.
You wouldn't know
what this is about, would you?
You better go up
to his office.
[Marko]
No, no, no, Mitchell.
I'm not complaining
about the story.
You know I love to
be in your column, but
why didn't you use my name?
Who wants to be a puzzle?
Hello, Catherine.
Come in.
Oh, nothing.
Huh?
By the way, uh,
who tipped you off?
Oh, anonymous lady.
Another puzzle, huh?
Thank you very much, George.
I'll be seeing you.
Sometimes I, I find myself
surrounded by puzzles.
Lucky said you wanted
to talk to me.
Uh-huh.
Come here.
Something that might
interest you.
Why don't you open it?
It's lovely.
It is?
Then it's yours.
Don't worry.
It's my business
to clip people, so...
why shouldn't I give a clip
to somebody I like?
Any reason why
you shouldn't accept it?
Oh. Martin.
I thought your association
was strictly professional.
Yes, we're...
We're just partners.
That's good.
Look.
Isn't it nice?
Thank you,
Mr. Marko.
I forgot.
I'm so careless.
And now, here's
really something.
I've been saving it
for a special occasion.
Good evening,
Mr. Mitchell.
Hello, Freddie.
Haven't been in lately.
I've been taking in
some of the new spots.
This is Jack Martin...
of Carver and Martin.
This is Mr. George Mitchell,
Jack.
Happy to know you.
Hi.
What'll it be? The usual?
Yeah.
[Band: Dixieland]
[Music Stops]
[Applause]
Say, who's the doll
with Marko?
Miss Carver,
my partner.
Ooh.
So that's the girl.
Here you are,
Mr. Mitchell. House.
Thanks.
Cheers, Freddie.
Nice meeting you.
[Band: Swing]
Hello,
Mr. Mitchell.
How are you, Charles?
Hi, Marko.
Why, hello.
Won't you join us?
Thanks.
Miss Carver, may I present
the most harmless man in town...
George Mitchell.
Oh, the columnist.
How do you do?
I do all right.
Haven't I seen you somewhere?
Seattle?
No.
I'm afraid not.
This is my first
engagement in Los Angeles.
My mistake and hard luck.
I dropped in to see
if you'd like to go to the Bowl.
I've got tickets.
What's on?
Oh, Shostakovich,
isn't it?
The seventh.
[Mitchell]
Good exercise
for your musical appreciation.
Yes, very tempting,
but thank you just the same.
Okay.
Some other time.
Why don't you go?
It'll do you good.
I'll be here
when you get back.
Sure. Maybe I can dream up
a nice plug for her and,
of course, for Rio's.
Huh. Who am I to turn down
free advertising?
Perhaps an evening with
Shostakovich might prove
very... enlightening, what?
[Music Stops]
[Applause]
Be a good girl,
Catherine.
Where'd they go?
To the Bowl.
Good.
That columnist
was at the trial.
He might have recognized me.
We've got to risk that. This
looks like the ideal moment.
What's the combination?
No, Marty.
That's my job.
If anyone's gonna stick
their neck out from now on,
it's going to be me.
You can't. You go on
for dinner music in a minute.
That can wait.
No, Marty!
[Sighs]
Well, I'll keep an eye on him.
If he starts up
these stairs, I'll segue into
"Moonlight Sonata." Right?
Thanks.
[Piano]
Tell him to come at once.
It's very important.
Thank you.
Lucky.
I was just
having a sandwich.
Yeah? Look.
[Music Stops]
["Moonlight Sonata"]
[Door Closes]
[Music Stops]
So this is why you wanted me
to go to the concert,
Mrs. Bennett.
George Mitchell told you.
What do you take me for,
a sucker?
I knew it.
Knew it all the time.
Huh.
All right.
Where are they?
You know what I mean.
The box and the letter.
I want them.
If you knew who I was,
why did you...
Look, Catherine, I liked you.
And if Mrs. Kirk Bennett
wants to make a new start,
that's her business.
Great respect for that,
but unfortunately,
I'm a very suspicious man.
Why do you think I laid that
little trap, and let you
see the combination?
Simple, isn't it?
Now may I have the box
and the letter?
Remember, Catherine,
you promised me to be a good girl.
Let me out of here.
That's entirely
up to you... and Lucky.
Let me go.!
Let me go!
Ow.!
Go ahead. Scream.
No one can hear you.
Wastepaper... basket.
Oh.
All right.
That's enough, Lucky.
Oh. I came in too soon.
You didn't have time to open it.
- But you know what's in it.
- Yes.
- Mavis tell your husband?
- I'll ask the questions
from here, Marko.
Oh, Marty, I couldn't
get the box open.
Marty.
Unlock it, Marko.
How much hush money
do you want?
Open that box.
What's your price?
Our price is
what's in the box.
I can take him.
It might be interesting
if you tried.
I wouldn't.
I thought you'd
never get here.
What did you people
want to fool with Marko for?
He's got an alibi.
[Marty]
His alibi means nothing.
Take a look in this box.
What's in it?
Nothing of any interest
to you whatsoever.
I'll be the judge of that.
Better open it.
You realize that
this is quite illegal.
I agree.
Open it.
- Who's this?
- It's my daughter.
Are you kiddin'?
You don't have to read it.
It's only
her birth certificate.
Ohhh.
It was your daughter
who married...
[Marko]
That doesn't concern you
or anybody else.!
I want nobody to know that
she's the daughter of a man
who served time. Understand?
Sure.
All right.
Mavis was the only one
who did know.
[Flood]
And you tried to shut her up
with that 5,000.
Yeah. As it turned out,
I could have
saved the money.
Yeah.
Satisfied?
No ruby brooch.
You've just gotta
play detective, don't you?
Do I go around playin' piano?
He was there.
Marty saw him.
Sure he did. So did I.
That's where I picked him up,
at 10:45... more than an hour
before the murder.
I just wanted to have
a little chat with him about a
suddenly dead ex-partner of his.
Didn't know
anything about that,
did you, Marko?
You let me go,
didn't you?
Mavis wasn't killed
until after 12:00.
He had plenty of time.
No, he didn't.
I was still talking to him...
when the phone call
came into headquarters.
You mean we...
All this time,
just wasted.
[Sobbing]
Let her cry it out.
Cathy?
I've gotta
talk to you.
Marty, please.
But I've got to.
It's important.
Nothing's important anymore.
That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.
He's gonna die, Marty.
Kirk's gonna die.
You did all you could.
So did I.
I even convinced myself
he was innocent.
He is.
I won't give up...
until that brooch
is found.
It won't be found.
Can't you see?
He took it himself...
and destroyed it.
It was never meant to be found.
Do you believe that?
You gotta face it, Cathy.
He killed her.
They were two of a kind...
Mavis and Kirk.
Don't let him do this to you.
You gotta go on.
I can't.
I just can't.
That's what I thought once...
until you came along.
I needed someone.
I still do.
We both need someone.
We need each other, Cathy.
Please don't.
I knew from
the very beginning...
that you were
everything I wanted...
and everything I'd missed.
It has to be
you and me, Cathy.
[Inhales]
Marty, I can't.
There's only been one man.
There can only be
one man... ever.
You don't mean that.
I should have
told you before.
I just couldn't bear to
have you hurt like that again.
Very considerate.
I'm sorry.
Whiskey.
[Man On Radio]
The citrus growers are very
concerned about the situation...
and feel something
should be done immediately.
In Sacramento,
the fate of the bill was
in doubt for some time.
However, after
a bitter debate on the floor,
it was rejected by the legislature
by a vote of 49 to 40.
San Quentin prison.
Mrs. Kirk Bennett
arrived by plane tonight...
to say good-bye to her husband
who dies in the gas chamber...
at 10:00 tomorrow morning for
the murder of Mavis Marlowe,
the night club singer
who was found dead by strangulation...
in her apartment
in the exclusive Wilshire House.
And now a few
baseball scores.
The San Francisco Seals
took the Hollywood Stars
into camp today...
by a score of eight to five.
Well, hello. Where have you
been keeping yourself?
Remember me?
I'm Milly.
Milly?
I know.
You need a drink.
Two bourbons, George.
Where did you
get that?
Why, you gave it
to me.
I gave it to ya?
Sure. Months ago.
Came in here stinko,
pinned it on my dress
with your own little hands.
Hey! That's mine!
Are you trying
to start something?
Who are you shoving?
[Woman Screaming]
[Man]
Break it up.!
[Screaming Continues]
[Siren Wailing]
I'm all right, I tell you.
I'm all right.
You're all right.
[Babbling]
Get the straight jacket.
Get his arm in there
if you can.
[Milly's Voice]
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
You gave it to me.
Sure. Months ago.
[Piano]
You want out,
"Heartbreak"?
I'll let you out
for a quarter.
A quarter.
Where's my quarter,
"Heartbreak"?
You always
give me a quarter.
A quarter.
Feeling better?
I'm all right.
That's fine.
Doctor, I've gotta
talk to you.
In the morning you can
talk all you like.
In the morning would be
too late. He'll be dead.
He's innocent.
A little rest
is all you need.
Don't give me that hypo.
I want you to call the police.
Yes, yes.
In the morning.
You don't understand!
I killed Mavis Marlowe!
Don't let your imagination
get the better of you.
I know what I'm saying.
The man who
killed Mavis Marlowe
has been convicted.
They've got the wrong man.
I was her husband.
L-I strangled her.
It all came back to me.
I'd forgotten because
I was drunk when it happened...
because I wanted to forget...
but tonight I relived it.
You've gotta believe me.
Oh. That's possible.
Korsakoff's psychosis,
it's called.
It's a kind of
alcoholic amnesia.
I can prove it.
Let me talk to Capt. Flood.
He knows me.
Let me talk to him. Please!
All right,
you can talk to him.
Get me Capt. Flood,
Homicide Division, please.
Homicide.
Sergeant Baker.
This is the County Hospital.
Dr. Courtney speaking.
I want to talk
with Capt. Flood.
Well, I'm sorry.
He's out on a case.
Anything I can do?
We have a man here who insists
he killed the Marlowe woman.
Yeah?
What's his name?
Martin Blair.
[Baker]
That screwball.
We checked on him.
You better lock him up,
and then throw the key away.
Sorry to have bothered you.
Tell him to have
Capt. Flood call!
Get some sleep.
Come along.
You said you'd let me talk
with Capt. Flood!
You can talk to him
in the morning.
But you said...
You've got to.
Here.
Put your coat on.
Doctor, wait a minute.
Look, l...
I found it.
The brooch.
Here.
I'll take care of it.
Quick, Doctor!
Cathy?
[Woman]
Operator.
Police Department.
What's your number,
please?
Hollywood 7-1-2-4-6.
[Man]
Police Department.
Homicide. Capt. Flood.
Homicide Division.
Sgt. Baker speaking.
Is Capt. Flood there?
No, he's not.
Who's this?
Where can I reach him?
I don't know.
Can I help you?
Will you ask him to call
Mrs. Bennett?
Mrs. Kirk Bennett.
Hollywood 7-1-2-4-6.
Hollywood 7-1-2-4-6.
I'll tell him.
Thank you.
[Water Running]
[Ringing]
[Ringing Continues]
Marty.
Why did you...
You found it.
Who had it, Marty, who?
Marty, wake up.
It's me.
Marty! Marty!
No!
Please, Marty.
You've got to tell me.
There's so little time.
I phoned as soon as
I got your message,
but nobody answered.
I couldn't get here
till now.
What's been goin' on?
He found the brooch.
Turn it over.
Where'd you get this?
From the woman
I gave it to...
after I killed my wife.
[Flood]
You know what this means,
don't you?
But before we go into it,
you better call someone
about Bennett.
I told you you had
the wrong man.
Remember?
Yeah. Yeah,
I remember.
Long distance?
Capt. Flood,
Homicide calling.
Get me the governor's mansion
in Sacramento.
Hurry it up.
It's urgent.
Oh, Marty.
Don't be unhappy, Cathy.
I'm not.
Carver and Martin.
It was a good team...
while it lasted.
Hello?
I've gotta talk
to the governor.
I'm afraid you'll have to
wake him then.