The Scarlet Hour (1956) Movie Script

1
Now, gimme a cigarette, darling.
Sure.
Anything you want.
Anything?
Oh, darling, I love you.
You don't know how much I love you.
Get down outta sight.
Do you think we've been followed?
Turn off the radio.
Apparently we aren't
the only ones that think
of places like this.
Yeah.
I guess we have to go anyway.
It's late.
You get nervous, don't you?
I guess so.
Where you goin'?
I don't know.
Nowhere as usual.
Here, it's getting cold.
Beautiful.
Paulie.
Oh, Paulie.
Darling, don't.
It is late.
I love you, Paulie.
I love you so much, I can't
stand to think of him ever.
Get in here.
Hi, Boss.
Gentleman, you're late.
I told you to be here first.
Well, the kid was
driving, he got us lost.
Can't find no street signs up here.
If you can't follow simple orders,
I'll have to replace you.
Won't happen again.
The date set?
The 25th, Saturday.
The address is 1822 Falcon Drive.
There, gentleman, is our
ripe plum ready to pick.
Sure looks spooky.
It's an enchanted castle,
and as all enchanted castles,
it has a hidden treasure.
Come, gentlemen.
- Come on.
- Huh? What?
Let me show you the layout.
Turn on the lights.
Turn on the lights.
Sit down.
We'll be gettin' no
lookers for them lights.
Every cop in Los Angeles
is lookin' for me.
Nobody's gonna bother us up here.
Now, you climb down
the hill to the house,
across the lawn to the back door.
Then just to your left is a
kitchen and a short hallway,
which leads to the living room.
On Saturday morning,
the owners start on a three
week holiday cruise down
the coast of Baja, California.
That's in Mexico.
Yeah, I know, I know.
What's with the servants?
They live out.
The house will be closed.
A private police car patrols the area.
The car passes at 10:30.
It doesn't return for an
hour and five minutes.
You have exactly one hour.
You start at 10:35.
What kind of a box?
A wall safe in the work room,
which adjoins the library here.
I warn you, it's a very substantial safe.
I'll open it.
If I didn't believe that,
I wouldn't have chosen you.
Just do it quietly and neatly.
I worked too long and
too hard on this plan
to allow a slip up.
- What was that?
- What was what?
I heard somethin'.
He's jumpy, all hoods is jumpy,
but I know how to handle him.
I'll guarantee him.
Now, will you listen to
what the man's tellin' ya?
Don't push me.
Quit being jumpy and listen.
All right, all right. Don't push me.
Gentleman, gentlemen,
take it easy, take it easy.
How much stuff is there supposed to be?
Quite a bit.
Bring a large briefcase.
The rings, bracelets, pins,
several rather good necklaces.
The collection is insured for 350,000.
But if you follow my
instructions carefully,
it's a very simple job.
Now then, is the layout clear to you?
- We got it.
- Until Saturday.
- Good luck, gentlemen.
- Thanks.
Come on, Junior.
You just can't wish
that stuff out of there.
- All right, all right.
- Don't shove me, huh?
Well, we certainly can find the spots.
I could use a drink, a double.
Start the car.
Paulie, what are you doing?
Let's go.
Those men, don't you think we ought
to report them to the police?
Oh, that'd be just fine.
Have you figured a way to explain
how we happened to overhear them?
Stop being a boy scout, Marsh.
They don't give a prize for it.
Come on, let's go.
It's all right.
He's not home yet.
Wanna dance?
I wish you wouldn't wear
Ralph's bracelet all the time.
It's cute.
My husband read a fairy story once
about a mouse who put a bell on a cat,
so he'd always know where it was.
It's the only book he ever read.
I wish you wouldn't wear it.
Platinum.
Paulie, I don't want
you going back to him.
What would we do,
live on the commissions Ralph pays you?
I'm sorry.
I won't mention it again.
Let's not spoil what little
time we have together.
You're sweet.
I could be happy with you, Marsh.
Paulie.
But I've been poor.
I hate it.
- Benson.
- Two more, same thing?
Just one.
Paulie, you don't understand.
I won't always be poor.
If I believed that,
I wouldn't wanna make you part of my life,
but I don't like hiding, sneaking around.
We made a bad enough start as it is.
The sooner we tell him,
the better chance we'll have
for some kind of decent...
What are you thinking?
About $350,000, about
the places I'd like to go,
the things we could see.
Nothing.
I guess I've had enough.
I'm getting the mumble jumbles.
Let's go, Marsh.
I'll drop you at the usual place.
Call me tomorrow, I wanna talk to you.
Yeah.
Ralph, I
thought you were working.
Where you been?
I went to a movie.
Till two a.m.?
I liked it, I saw it again.
I'll bet you liked it.
Who is he?
Oh, Ralph, not that again.
I'm tired, I'm going to bed.
I wanna talk to ya, Paulie.
I've been waiting here going crazy.
I went crazy a long time ago.
If I get on your nerves, why
wouldn't you give me a divorce?
You'd like that, wouldn't you?
So you could get a community
property settlement,
pull out with half of everything I own.
You've been talking to
that cheap lawyer of yours.
There is someone else, isn't there?
If you think so, get rid of me.
I won't let you break it up, Paulie.
Look, let's straighten it out.
Whatever's wrong between
us, I wanna fix it up.
Get away from me, Ralph.
You couldn't fix your own shoelace.
Paulie!
I picked you up out of the
gutter, did everything for ya,
bought everything for ya,
tried to make something decent out of ya.
How would you know what was decent?
Why, you!
Ralph, why don't you act your age?
They catch ya, I'll kill ya.
Paulie?
Paulie, let me in.
Please let me in.
I'm sorry, baby.
Ralph?
He was waiting when
I got home last night.
He hit you.
It's awful.
You better put something on it.
Antiseptic, something.
That's not all.
Look.
Why that...
How could he do that to you?
How could anyone...
I'm gonna call a doctor.
And let everyone in town know about it?
- Paulie, darling-
- Watch it!
Sorry.
There's some iodine in the
bathroom, and a bandage.
Come on.
I begged you not to go back to him.
I begged you.
This place is a mess.
I didn't have a chance to
straighten up this morning.
Let me see here.
This stuff will do.
Here's a rag, a little cold water on it.
Here darling, wash your eye
and we'll put something on it.
Hello, Kathy.
Let me talk to Nevins.
Marsh, don't be a fool!
I'm gonna settle this, Paulie.
I'm gonna tell him.
Marsh, you idiot.
You can't do this, you'll ruin everything.
Get on that phone and
make some kind of excuse.
Uh, Mr. Nevins, I'm sorry, I overslept.
I just wanted to tell you
I'd be there right away.
I thought I'd better tell you.
It's all right, Marsh.
Make it as soon as you can.
I'll start the meeting.
Thank you.
- Morning.
- Hello, Kathy.
Has the meeting started yet?
They've been in there
for over half an hour.
I over slept.
You look as though you
hadn't had breakfast.
Would you like some coffee?
No, no, thanks.
I'd better get in there.
Mr. Marshall is here.
Send him in.
Marsh, just a moment.
Can't have the head of his Sales
Department looking rumpled.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Come in, Marsh.
The meeting's just about over.
You know Mr. Raymond.
How do you do?
- How do you do?
- Mr. Franklin.
Hi, Marsh.
Well, gentlemen, think I've
taken up enough your time.
Call me whenever it's convenient for you.
I'll check with you late this afternoon.
You may have an answer in those easements.
Stop worrying, Franklin.
I'm not a particularly easy man to cross.
They know that when I make up my mind
and go after something, I stop at nothing.
Good day, gentlemen.
- See ya, son.
- Mr. Franklin.
Mr. Raymond,
- nice to have met you.
- Nice to know you, Mr. Marsh.
Oh, Marsh, just a moment.
Sit down.
I've just made a decision that's
going to affect both of us.
I've been watching you
very carefully, Marsh.
Very carefully indeed.
Cigarette?
No, thanks.
You're a bright boy, Marsh.
Had my eye on you.
You know this business better
than anybody except me.
You know what my situation is.
I put up a big front,
but no one's ever as big
as the front he puts in.
When I took you in, I said I
was gonna do something for ya.
Well, I am.
I've got something real big planned.
What I'm doing, Marsh, is
putting my faith in you.
Sure, sure, I put up a big front,
but the fact is I've got every set
I own tied up in this tract.
I've even had to borrow
money to make the trip.
Trip?
So, it's a big trust.
Marsh, it's not easy for a man
to talk to anyone about his home life.
You've probably noticed Mrs. Nevin
is somewhat younger than me.
Everybody has their differences,
but well, a man my age is
already at a disadvantage.
You know what I mean?
The card's kinda stacked against him.
The point is I'm taking
Mrs. Nevins on a trip,
sort of a, our little holiday
so we can get things straightened out.
That's where you come in.
Where I come in?
Yeah.
I'm putting you in charge of
the office while I'm away.
You'll run the whole show.
You're young.
You'll be wanting to get
married yourself someday.
Be a great chance for it.
There'll be a raise.
I couldn't let you do that.
You can help me a lot, Marsh.
That's why I'm putting this trust in you.
Trust?
Ms. Stevens, would you
come in a moment, please?
Well, I don't wanna keep
you gabbing here all day.
You ought to be out at the development.
We're probably losing sales by the dozens.
Come on, eh?
Get to work.
You're not at my desk, you know?
Not yet.
Ms. Stevens, meet your new boss.
Mr. Marshall is going to be running
the office while I'm away.
I don't know what to say, Mr. Nevins.
Don't say anything.
Just get out there and sell.
You do that pretty well.
Must have quite a line.
Thanks.
That will be all, Ms. Stevens.
Marsh, I think that's wonderful news.
Yeah.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
I've got some coffee
and some donuts for you.
I'm not hungry, Kathy.
But it's all ready, it's right here.
It won't take but a second.
Coffee's hot pot and
donuts aren't so good,
but if you're hungry, they will do...
Thank you.
Put this on the end of the line.
What?
Hello, darling.
Hello, Paulie.
It's been days.
I've been getting frantic.
You sounded excited on phone.
He's been watching me,
watching me constantly.
I hate this mess, Paulie.
I work for him, I owe him something.
I can't stand it anymore.
I'm going crazy.
Come on, let walk.
He wants to take me on
a trip, a long trip.
I know.
We're supposed to leave Monday.
Monday?
We can't wait then.
Paulie, we've got to tell him.
I want you more than anything
in the world, but we-
- You know how I feel, Marsh.
I've been thinking about nothing else.
And I've finally thought of a way,
the one way we could work it, Marsh,
one way we could be together.
You mean you will go with me?
Yes, but it's not just going
away, it's how we go away.
'Cause I'll not be stripped of everything.
You remember the other night on the hill,
those three men we overheard?
Well, I've been thinking of a way.
Now, listen carefully.
We heard every move they're going to make
for robbing the house.
We can take them by surprise,
they wouldn't have a chance.
But what-
- There's nothing wrong
about robbing thieves.
Think of it, Marsh.
$350,000 worth of jewellery.
But I couldn't do it.
I'm not a criminal, Paulie.
Of course you're not, but
this is our one chance, darling.
The stuff's going to be stolen anyway.
I hope you're joking, Paulie.
I'm not joking.
But we don't need that kinda money.
I can work, darling.
I can support you.
Not the way he can, but I
earn a fairly decent salary,
better than a lot of people.
You can earn money.
You don't have to steal it.
My family was poor, but we never-
- Marsh, I had you come down here
because I wanted you to see this.
Look.
This is where I was born, Marsh.
A lot of my life was
spent in places like this.
You didn't know that about me, did you?
When you're trapped in a place like that,
you do anything to get out, Marsh.
Anything.
I know.
I'm not apologising for anything I did.
It was all part of the way out.
I never thought before
about what I wanted.
Only about things I didn't want.
Now I want you, and we
found a way to do it.
It's an easy job.
You won't even need a gun.
I can't.
Paulie, we can have a good life together,
but we can't build it
on a rotten foundation.
Don't you understand?
We can't start out that way.
I could-
Car's ready,
up there at the end of the line.
Well, we can't say we
didn't have our chance.
He's right.
It is the end of the line.
Hello, may I speak
to Mrs. Nevins, please?
When do you expect her?
I see.
I bring double.
Rings,
bracelets, a very simple job.
$350,000.
What'll we do,
live on the commissions Ralph pays you?
Saturday, the 25th.
House will be closed.
Hello?
Don't hang up, Paulie.
I'll do it.
What will you do, Marsh?
I'll go ahead with it.
I'll do anything you say.
Who's there?
Oh, are you from the nursery?
I expected you yesterday, though.
Won't do you any good at all.
What?
You're about the
greenhouses, aren't you?
I know my husband called
you, and I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I don't know
anything about greenhouses.
I'm with the Nevins Development Company.
We're a real estate firm.
I came to talk about this house.
It's a beautiful location.
I wondered if you'd be
interested in selling?
- This house?
- Yes.
Oh my heavens, no.
Real estate?
That I didn't expect at all.
- An offer to buy?
- Yeah.
It's very fortunate,
but I didn't expect you Mr. Marshall.
Oh, no, we couldn't sell.
I wonder, since I've
come all the way up here,
if I might take a look around?
Of course you may.
Well, now you don't mind coming
through the back way do you?
- No, of course not.
- The house is quite large.
Six bedrooms.
Oh, but we do like spacious living.
It's a beautiful design, isn't it?
Well, I don't know too much
about those things, honey.
I'll let you decide on that.
Do you think we can afford it?
We'll just have to
make out a new budget.
Well, I'm sure the payments
could be arranged so you wouldn't
even notice a difference
in the two prices.
This would be the lot here, number 282.
It's 50 by 100 feet,
faces here on this street.
It's really quite a choice lot.
- Let's go take a look at it.
- Fine.
I'll be with you in a moment. Excuse me.
Good location.
I could have the papers
ready for you tomorrow
and you can come in then.
- Thank you, Mr. Marsh.
- Fine.
- Thank you very much.
- Fine.
Darling.
Oh, Paulie.
Watch it.
Careful.
What about the Lynbury place?
Well, I got a good look at the grounds.
No problems?
No.
Dr. and Mrs. Lynbury are leaving
tomorrow on a fishing trip.
Good.
Now, let's plan tomorrow night.
I've asked my friends,
Phyllis and Tom Rycker over as a cover.
We'll be going to the Crystal Room.
It's supposed to be a farewell party
because we're going away on a trip.
Now, I want you to-
Paulie, I'm worried.
I don't like this.
I don't like it either darling,
but it'll be over soon.
After tomorrow night,
nothing will keep us apart.
Yeah.
Now I want you to arrange something
to keep Ralph working tomorrow night.
I don't care what you do or
how you do it, but arrange it.
Something he can't delegate
to you or to anybody.
Something that will
keep him at the office.
Can you do it?
Yeah, I'm sure I can.
You better go.
Paulie.
There's no way out.
Only that door.
Quick, while he has his back turned.
Can I give you a hand
with those, Mr. Nevins?
No.
No, you go check the survey.
There's something here
I gotta take care of.
Any particular kind of car, Mr. Nevins?
No, no, anything at all.
The most inconspicuous car you've got.
Look, and bill me
personally, not my office.
Very well, Mr. Nevins.
How about this car here?
Marsh?
It's all set.
This is our big chance, darling.
Yes, they're downstairs now.
Get ready.
I'll call you from the Crystal Room.
Hi, Paulie.
Join the party.
How are ya, Paulie?
Hi, kids.
Sorry I'm late.
- It's all right.
- We made ourselves right at home.
Phyll, would you fix these hooks
- for me, please?
- You bet.
I'll fix you a drink, huh, honey?
- Thanks.
- There you go.
Paulie, you look like 9,000,000 bucks.
I hope so, at least 350,000.
- What?
- Nothing.
Oh, Ralph just called to
say he can't go with us.
Some deal at the office.
He's coming by now for a drink.
Gee, that's too bad.
Gotta work all evening?
Whoever knows with Ralph.
Hey Paulie, hear I play a minute ago,
"When I Take My Sugar to" you know what?
Will you ever forget the routine?
Never.
It always was too fast for me.
I never could keep in step.
Not that I was much of a dancer.
Well, you made up for it, honey.
I wasn't much in the looks department,
but I did sell a lotta cigarettes.
I don't know, maybe those
fellas felt sorry for me,
what do you think?
Fortunately, Tom's a little astigmatic.
Ah, your kids must have been excited.
You know, I still don't know
why Phyllis ever married
a plumber like me.
You are not a plumber.
You are a plumbing fixture contractor.
I can never get him to
maintain any dignity,
but he's sweet.
He's gone fat, but he's sweet.
You were lucky.
There's Ralph.
Hey, Ralph.
Hi, Phyll.
- Tom.
- Hi, Tom.
- Paulie.
- Just heard the bad news.
- Bad news?
- That you can't come with us tonight.
What's the good of a goin' away party
if the guy who's goin' away doesn't show?
Oh, I figure you can
manage all right without me.
I'm sorry about tonight, Paulie.
Something came up with those
city contracts Marsh was handling.
I've gotta meet Franklin
back at the office.
Would you like a drink, Ralph?
- Good Tom, but not too much-
- I know just how you like it.
Very dry. I think I'll join you.
I gotta get right back, so
better make it a double, huh?
- Ah, sure.
- I'll go wash up.
You don't have to kiss his hand.
Just mix his drink.
Honey, I was only being civil.
Listen, Tom, you're a very
big man in your own right.
Paulie may be my best friend,
but you don't have to kowtow to Ralph.
The order for the new track
means a lot to both of us.
Track schmack.
You didn't get the order for the new track
because he loves you.
You got the order for the new track
because you gave him the best price.
All right, honey, all right.
I wanna have a long talk to you
about switching to martinis.
Martinis never hurt me any.
Oh, Tom, are you kidding?
How are the drinks going?
Fast.
Well, you're just in time.
Here's one on the house.
Thanks, Tom.
Well, taste it.
Good deal.
I know just how
you like them, Ralph.
Well, here's to our second honeymoon.
And here's to our first.
Scull.
You know, I sure do envy you two kids.
I always wanted to go to Rio,
but Tom and I are gonna wait
till we master the mambo.
That'll be the day.
Best part of it is,
Paulie and I'll have a
chance to be alone together.
Kinda get to know each other again.
People get to working too hard, too busy,
get into bad habits.
We're gonna change all that.
Be like starting all over again.
I don't know about you,
but I'm getting a little embarrassed
listening to these two lovebirds.
It's romantic.
Well, that'll have to wait till Monday.
I've gotta get back to the office.
Hurry up and meet us, right?
Well, I don't know
how late I'll-
Right?
We'll be there until 11 or 12.
You'll be there till
they fold the joint.
If the thing's worth
doing, it's worth doing well.
Isn't my boy a living doll?
Yeah, well, I'll see you later.
Well, Tom, what do we drink to?
Our last anniversary or
the one that's comin' up?
Both, last year's and this year's.
I give you happy marriages
that are made in heaven.
I give you happy marriages,
no matter where they're made.
Well, let's go.
I'll make that reservation.
- Be right with you.
- Tom, get my coat.
Anything wrong?
- What's the matter?
- Great.
I needed just one more
thing to happen to me today.
Won't it start?
Would I be standing here
like a dope if it would?
You pay a fortune for a
car, it won't even start.
I'll drive you to the office.
- All right, come on.
- You and Tom
go onto the Crystal Room.
I'll drop Ralph and meet you there.
- Okay, Paulie.
- Come on, Phyllis.
- Let's go.
- Wait a minute, Tom.
I'm going to drive.
You've been eatin' too many
olives with your martinis.
Okay, baby, okay.
Well, if I get stuck, I might call ya.
You know how tough it is gettin'
a taxi down here late at night.
I don't wanna be stranded here.
Just gimme a ring at the Crystal Room.
I'll pick you up.
That's what wives are for.
Pick ups?
Now don't start that.
I was just kidding.
Oh, there's Franklin now.
Let me out here.
I'll catch you up with you later.
- Howdy.
- Hello, Ralph.
- Paulie.
- Dean.
Don't you boys sit up
all night getting ulcers.
- We won't.
- Don't worry.
Give me a call when you're finished.
- What kept you?
- I thought this was so important.
I told you... Look, you'll
have to handle this yourself.
Make any decision you want.
I'll get in touch with you later.
- But Ralph!
- Will you do what I tell ya.
I've got an appointment.
Now go on!
Oh, Paulie, Paulie, over here.
Tom, get her.
- Oh, Paulie, you missed him.
- Hi, Paulie.
He was divine.
He sang up a storm.
Did Ralph get there?
Yes, he's safely delivered.
Good.
Tom, would you
get me a drink from the bar?
You know the kind I like.
Sure.
Tom? He's a little slow.
Tom?
You're very politely being asked to leave.
What?
Scotch, you get the scotch.
That's the idea.
- Tom?
- Yes?
Make it a slow scotch.
Surely, surely.
Look, honey, we've known each other
too long for any nonsense.
Ralph's dragging me away
on this trip and we'll
be gone a long time.
There's someone, someone special
I've gotta say goodbye to.
Wow.
You're lettin' yourself in
for a lot of trouble, Paulie.
- I'll be saying goodbye, Phyll.
- I won't get another chance.
Poor Ralph.
Even the bells don't help do they?
You got a nice guy, Phyll.
I envy you.
Cover for me will ya, in
case Ralph should call?
About Tom, would you-
Darling,
I'd do anything in the world
for you and you know it,
but you're putting me
in an awful tight spot.
If Ralph does call, I can
only stall him so long.
- Phyllis-
- All right,
I'll do this for you,
but you do me a favour.
You make this a fast goodbye.
Thanks.
What happened to Paulie, honey?
You drink it, sweetheart.
She's on the wagon.
Throw it in the back,
mine's in the trunk.
Nervous?
I'm scared silly, but
it's a funny kinda scared.
I think I'm actually enjoying it.
10:35 exactly.
Park over there heading downhill.
And if anything goes wrong, blow the horn.
Nothing's going wrong.
- Good luck.
- Yeah.
- Hello, baby.
- Ralph!
I waited a long time for this, baby.
- Ralph, listen.
- Listen?
I have listened long enough.
I know he's down there.
I saw him go, and I'm gonna be waitin'
for him when he comes back up.
I told you I'd fix both of you, didn't I?
I'll go on the trip with you, Ralph.
I'll do anything you want.
No!!
Get your hands up.
Toss me the briefcase.
Look, Mack, I don't know who you are,
but you're asking for a lot-
- Toss me the briefcase, Sir.
Turn around and start walking.
Ralph, I'll do anything. Let me go!
Walk straight ahead.
We gonna let him hijack
us out of those jewels?
Oh, shut up and find a light switch.
There, there it is.
There, there he goes!
Ralph!
Marsh!
Marsh!
Let's get outta here.
Hey!
What's this?
Don't go to pieces now, darling.
We still gotta outrun them.
It's all right now, darling.
It's over.
Those shots...
I didn't mean anything
like that to happen.
Shooting or-
- Ralph must have followed us.
Paulie, you gotta get hold of yourself.
He's dead.
They were shooting at me and hit Ralph.
You mean, Ralph-
Yes, darling, he's dead.
I'm sure of it.
He got in the way.
We got to think this out.
It changes everything.
Ralph followed us, they killed him?
We'll have to wait.
We couldn't go away together.
Not now, not yet.
You go back to your friends
at the Crystal Room.
Marsh, I can't.
Don't you see, darling?
It's the only way we can
protect your reputation.
- My reputation?
- Paulie!
You got to get hold of yourself.
You can't go hysterical now.
I'm all right.
There's a million things
we'll have to think about.
Drop me at my corner.
I better keep the jewels,
but the police will be
getting in touch with you.
We haven't much time.
Here's Paulie.
Boy, am I ever glad you got back.
I've been out there on that dance floor
for close to an hour.
I'll tell you, Tom is a real...
Oh, that must've been some farewell.
You know how it is.
I could use a drink, Tom.
Tom, you're off and running again.
Well, I don't mind it, honey.
You think she'll stay for this one?
Somethin' wrong, Paulie?
Boy, you're really kinda
stuck on this guy, aren't ya?
Give me a cigarette, Phyll.
Hey, where's your bracelet?
I must have left it at home.
You kidding, Paulie?
You were wearing it.
This must be a real Jim dandy
fella you've fallen for.
Well, I should talk.
You remember that Mexican
piano player at The Blue Room?
Look, Paulie, this may
be none of my business,
but you remember the way you felt
about Tom when I married him?
I admit he's not the kinda guy
you'd hire to advertise
at collar, but I love him.
What are you gonna do?
And maybe Ralph's not so bad.
Why don't you give him a chance?
Look, you've gotta go on the
trip anyway, so just try.
Maybe life can be beautiful.
Maybe you get to like
him, you never can tell.
Oh, that's my fella.
He's getting faster and
faster with the drinks.
Oh Paulie, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to get on a soapbox.
Well, I'm okay.
It's just, I've got a headache.
Don't let me be a wet blanket.
Say, why don't you kids come
by the house on the way home?
We can have a night cap there.
Say Paulie, that's a nice idea.
Wanna dance?
Come on, I'll teach you the mambo.
And when you get to Rio, you
can surprise Ralph with it.
It'll be quite a surprise.
You don't know what you're
letting yourself in for.
He's just taken the large economy
course at Arthur Murray's.
Break it up, break it up.
Talk to the Inspector.
Hi, Inspector.
Sorry to have to drag
you outta bed so early.
It's mutual.
How does it look?
Yeah, it's pretty rough, pretty rough.
We found his gun on the road.
Apparently was hit here,
fell over the embankment
down onto the driveway.
The neighbours say they
heard about a dozen shots.
Two came from his gun.
We found bullets all over the place,
all from the direction of the house.
And what about the owners?
A Doctor and Mrs. Lynbury.
They're away on vacation.
The house is closed up.
We checked it, it's all secure.
Any motive?
Wasn't robbery, all
sorts of identification.
Ralph K. Nevins.
The real estate man?
There's a U-Drive car parked
about a block up the road.
We're tracing it now.
Looks like someone was waiting here
in the driveway and blasted him.
Yes, this is rough.
- Inspector?
- Go ahead, go ahead.
You two had better follow through on this
and I'll see you at the
office in the morning.
If anything should break
before then, call me at home.
Yes, Sir.
- Need a light?
- Get my purse, will you Tom?
Where's your bag?
There it is.
Sorry if we startled you.
Police officers.
Is this the home of Ralph K. Nevins?
Yes.
Do you know him?
I'm his wife.
When was the last time
you saw your husband, Mrs. Nevins?
I had drove him to his
office just a few hours ago.
What's this all about?
But you didn't stay
with him at the office?
I've been to the Crystal Room
with Mr and Mrs. Rycker.
My husband was to have joined us,
but at the last minute he had to work.
Would you mind explaining
just what this is-
Better answer it.
It's rung three times
in the last 10 minutes.
Excuse me.
Are you friends
of the family Mrs. Rycker?
Yes, that's right.
I'll have to ask you a few questions.
What's this all about?
- Wait a minute, dear.
- You didn't seem to understand him.
He's going to ask the questions, right?
That's what I thought.
Hello, Ralph?
Paulie, the police
may be there any moment.
I left my suitcase in
the back of your car.
Now look, hang the
clothes in Ralph's closet.
I know it's rough, but all you
have to do is use your head.
Yes, I'll be glad to.
I expect him home very soon,
but in case he should be late,
would you care to leave your number
and I can have him call
you in the morning.
All right, fine.
Goodnight.
Well?
Mrs. Nevins, I'm afraid we have
some very bad news for you.
A possible
motive is being sought
for the murder of Ralph K. Nevins,
wealthy real estate man,
shot to death in the driveway
of a deserted Highland
Hills estate last night.
Police have ruled out robbery
and are seeking knowledge
of any business enemies
Nevins might have had.
The wealthy man is survived by his wife,
the former Pauline Banner,
whom he married in 1952.
There are no children.
Other Los Angeles news is highlight-
Until the deal is in escrow.
If the property owner learns
of the proposed housing development,
his price would be raised tenfold.
The present quoted price
seems eminently fair to me
for everyone concerned.
And I don't want you to
be placed in a position
where he can take advantage of you.
According to the contract,
the Langhashim division
consisting of 175 units
is to be ready by November 15th.
The unit should actually be
completed early in October.
Your bid for the carpeting
should therefore be submitted
not later than September 1st,
sincerely, et cetera, et cetera.
Hello, Kathy.
I'm glad you're here.
Awful, isn't it, Marsh?
I just heard the news on the radio.
I guess we're all pretty much upset.
I'm sorry, I broke up like that.
It's all been such a terrible shock.
I thought I'd better get down
here as early as I could.
Those telephones have
been ringing all morning,
jobbers, contractors wanting
to know what's happened,
and the newspapers.
I don't know what to tell them.
Nevins Development Company.
Yes, Mr. Franklin, we know.
Isn't it terrible?
Yes, he's right here.
Just a moment.
- It's a lawyer.
- Thank you.
Hello, Mr. Franklin.
Yes, I heard it on the radio.
It's...
Of course I will.
Thank you, I'll do whatever I can.
Fine, Mr. Franklin.
I'll see you tomorrow morning.
He wants me to go ahead
and take over the office
just as Nevins planned,
that is unless Mrs.
Nevins plans any change.
- I don't think Mrs.
- Nevins plans to change.
There goes the other phone.
Hello.
- Yes, of course.
- Later than September 1st,
sincerely, et cetera, et cetera.
I'm sorry, there's no more news-
- This is for
Dean Franklin, my lawyer.
Personal.
Nevins Development Company.
- Dean,
- There's really-
- I want my wife cut
out of my last will entirely.
I have good reason to suspect her
of carrying on an affair with Marshall.
He's arranged to keep me busy
tonight so they can meet,
but I intend to follow
them and confront them.
Please take care of this matter at once.
I'm sorry, there's no more information
that I can give you.
There ought to be something
one could do about reporters.
What can I do to help you, Marsh?
I must remember to call
you Mr. Marshall now.
There's nothing much we can
do until Franklin gets here.
He'll be in first thing in the morning.
Did you see Mrs. Nevins this morning?
- I thought under the circumstances-
- Kathy, look, why don't you go home?
You need all the rest
you can get for tomorrow.
- But Marsh, I can't.
- There's so much work-
- I appreciate that, Kathy.
- You can't do it all yourself.
That's kind of you, but
I can manage by myself.
All right.
Will you remember to sign these?
Sure.
Police officers.
Good morning.
We're police officers.
Sergeant Allen, I'm Lieutenant Jennings.
Of course.
Come in.
You usually work on Sundays, Mister, uh?
Marshall, E.V. Marshall.
No, we heard the news on the radio.
Ms. Stevens and I were just...
Well, we came down to
see what we could do.
Ms. Stevens?
She's Mr. Nevins secretary.
She was.
Ms. Stevens, good morning.
Morning.
When did you see Mr. Nevins last?
Yesterday afternoon.
What time did you leave?
The usual time, six o'clock.
Had Mr. Nevins already left?
No, he said
he had some work to do.
What's your position here, Mr. Marshall?
Well, I was chief salesman.
Mr. Nevins had arranged for me
to take over the office while he was away.
He was taking a trip?
Yes, a vacation.
- With Mrs. Nevins?
- Yes.
Mrs. Nevins is a very attractive woman.
Yes, indeed, she is.
Did they get along well together?
I think that's a question
you should ask Mrs. Nevins.
I will.
Mr. Marshall, when did
you last see Mr. Nevins?
Yesterday, noon.
I spent the rest of the day in the field.
Ms. Stevens, did you know that Mr. Nevins
kept a gun in his office?
Yes.
Do you know why?
No.
Sometimes he handled
large sums of money.
Know anybody who would want to kill him?
No.
Where was the gun kept?
In this drawer.
Who has the key to this?
Well, I have one, but as far as I know,
it was never kept locked.
When was this letter dictated?
Yesterday, I imagine.
You haven't finished typing it.
No, I was just taking it off the machine
when Mr. Marshall came in.
Why?
Does that letter have any
particular significance?
No.
Have any idea what might
have taken Mr. Nevins
up into the Highland Hills area?
No, no idea at all.
What
time does this office open?
Nine o'clock.
Who's Mr. Nevins attorney?
- Mr. Franklin-
- Dean Franklin handled
all his legal matters.
You have his home address?
I'll write it down for you.
I gather you have no idea
who might have killed him?
At the moment, no.
Here it is.
Thank you, Ms. Stevens.
We'll be in touch with you tomorrow.
- Gentlemen.
- I'll go out with you.
I wanna keep
this front door locked
because we don't want
any reporters coming in.
All right.
There it is, Lieutenant.
Wow, great.
This is the kind of case you dream
about after a Thanksgiving dinner.
The bullets that killed
Nevins came from his own gun.
The gun has only his own fingerprints.
Suicide?
Oh sure. He rented a car,
went to the top of a mountain.
In the middle of the
night to a deserted house
to kill himself while at
least two other people
were shooting at him.
Rough one, huh?
This is one for TV.
Jennings, marine operator on the phone.
Oh, thanks.
Get some photo micrographs of this.
Right.
- Hello?
- Lieutenant Jennings?
Yes, thanks.
They've contacted Dr. Lynbury on his boat.
Go ahead, Sir.
Hello, Dr. Lynbury.
This is Lieutenant Jennings
of the North Highland Police.
There's been an accident on your property.
A man was shot last night. Over.
Do you know if my property
was damaged in any way?
No, there was no
damage to your property.
The victim was Ralph K. Nevins.
Do you know him?
Over.
No, I never heard of him.
I thought you might be
able to give us a lead.
No, it won't be necessary
to interrupt your vacation.
Over.
Thank you,
Lieutenant, for calling me.
But I'd appreciate
it if you'll contact us
when you get back to town, Doctor.
Good luck on your fishing.
Over and out.
Well, the crime lab boys have covered
every inch of that territory,
but let's go out and look it over again.
I don't think anything will
help on this one but prayer.
Well, it's Sunday.
Let's go.
"In the midst of life, we are in death.
"Of whom we may seek for
succour, but thee, oh Lord,
"who for our sins are justly displeased.
"Yet, oh Lord, God most holy,
"oh Lord most mighty, oh holy
and most merciful Saviour,
"deliver us not unto the
bitter pains of eternal death.
"Earth to earth, ashes
to ashes, dust to dust.
"In sure and certain
hope of the resurrection
"to eternal life through
our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Amen."
Thank you, gentlemen.
This way to the car.
Get in, Phyllis.
I'll ride up front, Paulie.
What are you thinking, Lieutenant?
Same thing you're thinking.
There you are.
- Black, no sugar.
- Hm.
Thank you, Kathy.
I don't know how you're ever
gonna be able to sleep again
after all the coffee you've
consumed the last few days.
Nevins Development Company.
No, I'm sorry, he's busy.
May I take a message?
Well, this is his secretary.
Oh, I'm sorry Mrs. Nevins.
I didn't recognise your voice.
How are you?
Yes, of course, just a moment.
Thank you.
Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Nevins.
I've been waiting two days
for you to call me, Marsh.
I can't stand this.
I can't stand out knowing what's going on.
Well, things here have been
in quite a muddle, Mrs. Nevins.
We've been working day and night
to get them straightened out.
Police have been around
here three times now.
Your clothes are still
hidden in Ralph's closet.
Yes, I'll attend to that as
soon as possible, Mrs. Nevins.
We've still got people
lined up three deep outside.
We?
Who's we?
- Kathy.
- Oh?
Well, I want to see you,
Marsh, right now, please.
I will Paulie, I will when it's safe.
It wasn't safe when you used to see me.
That was different.
What was so different about it?
Got to see you.
Very well, Mrs. Nevins.
I'll pick it up.
Yes, I'll take care of it right away.
What did you say?
Fine, right away.
I gotta go out, Kathy.
I'll finish the dictation later.
Marsh, I don't think you realised
the responsibility you were
taking on with this job.
You're not getting enough rest
and you're not eating properly.
Is it worth it?
It's a good question.
It's too much for one man to handle now.
You should have more help.
I've got a lot of help, Kathy.
I don't know what I
would've done without you.
I make pretty good stew.
Would you like for me to
fix dinner for you tonight?
Thanks, Kathy.
I'd like to, but some other time, huh?
Promise?
Promise.
Hello, Paulie.
What's the matter?
Thought I was being followed.
Were you?
I don't know, I'm not sure.
But I don't know what I'm doing.
I'm going crazy.
Afraid to answer the phone,
afraid to open the door.
I've missed you, Marsh.
I've missed you too, but we
can't do this sort of thing.
We're taking too much of a chance.
Is that the only reason
you haven't called me?
Do you think I like this?
Paulie, be sensible.
We have no excuse to see each
other except on business.
Just because the police have
stopped asking questions
doesn't mean they stopped thinking them.
I still don't know what we're gonna do
when the Lynburys get back,
and discover the robbery and then
tie that together with Ralph's death.
So, not seeing each other
to be a permanent arrangement?
Of course not.
When things calm down,
we can be together just as we planned.
I'm sick of sitting around that house.
I hate it now.
Gives me the creeps.
Is the business an alibi, Marsh?
Or is it that little wide eyed secretary
I saw you holding hands
with at the funeral?
Paulie, stop it.
You know better than that.
Do I?
Then why have you been brushing me off?
What are we fighting about?
We got everything we wanted now,
and have everything right here.
We can be together.
Isn't that what we wanted, Marsh?
It is, but I didn't expect
the price to be so high.
Price?
But we don't have to run away now.
You're in charge of the office, it's ours,
or will be as soon as the
news track starts paying off.
Business is enough excuse.
Bring some papers over
for me to sign tonight.
Paulie, for heaven's sakes,
show him a little respect.
He's only been dead a week.
All right, Marsh.
But I wanna hear from you tomorrow,
and I wanna make sure it's
business that keeps you occupied.
You go out first.
Your suitcase is in the back
of my car in the parking lot.
Tomorrow, Marsh.
Is there something that you wish, Madam?
You haven't got it.
We can't copy this bracelet.
Now you see, each of
our designs is exclusive.
Now we could design one for you
and embody some of the features you like.
Yes, here it is.
Mrs. Pauline Nevins.
It was Ralph Nevins who was-
- Yeah, you see, they're friends of mine
and I want to have this
bracelet copied for my wife.
- Your wife?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, if you'll wait a moment,
I'll speak to my partner
and see if we can make an exception.
Psst.
Operator.
Give me the police.
Yes, Sir.
That's the position
we found the body in.
The gun had fallen on the
wall, just above the driveway.
That's it. Kill it.
Outside of the call about the bracelet,
I haven't got a single lead.
Not even a hunch?
Nothing very plausible.
I'm gonna check the bracelet.
Hi, Inspector.
Hi.
I goofed.
I've had him trailing Mrs. Nevins.
What happened?
Well, she led me down every
back street and alley in town.
I finally lost her in
the Riverside District.
She's a pretty cagey dame.
No one's that cagey unless
they've got something to hide.
Maybe my hunch was better than I thought.
Inspector, what do you think about-
- Harrison, I've got a wiring job for you.
Got ya, Chief.
I'm leaving for home now, Marsh.
I'll have this report out
for you in the morning,
and don't forget your rain coat.
It started to rain.
Is there anything I can do for you?
Yes, Kathy, there is.
You can make that stew.
Well, that's wonderful.
We'd better get to the
store before it closes.
I'll get your coat for you.
I'll get the door for you.
It's right at the top of the stairs.
Is it heavy?
No, not a bit.
Guess you think we bought out the store.
It takes a lot of different
things to make a good stew.
Here, let me take it.
Hungry?
Did you finally get
your friend put to bed?
I knew it this afternoon.
Watched her apartment for hours.
How did you get in here?
Said, "Please, to your
landlady" with a $20 bill.
- It's suicide if anyone knows you're here.
- Don't you realise you're in danger?
Don't try to brush me off, Marsh.
"Cause I stick, I stick hard.
You're drunk.
I'll fix you some coffee.
Sure, I'm drunk.
It figures.
I found your bottle of scotch.
I've been here a long time.
You're makin' a fool of yourself.
Why have I been here
such a long time, Marsh?
You think the time went faster for her?
Kathy's done everything
she could to help.
Which includes fixing dinner for you.
That's great.
She knows how to cook.
She's getting at your
heart through your stomach.
This whole discussion is
making me sick to mind.
Paulie, I don't wanna talk
to you when you're like this.
She may be a good cook, but she's slow.
It's two o'clock.
Why, Marsh?
Why her?
Is it just 'cause she's there and I'm not?
Paulie, stop it.
I don't wanna discuss her.
Oh, she's too fair and
pure for me to discuss.
We can talk about this tomorrow.
We're in enough trouble as it is.
Why?
Because of you, we were
gonna be great together.
It was gonna be great, just the two of us.
Well, don't forget you're in this
every bit as deep as I am.
You got me into it.
I killed Ralph for you, so don't you...
You killed Ralph?
Marsh...
I didn't mean to.
It was an accident.
It was self defence.
He had the gun, he was going to kill me.
He was gonna kill you.
He knew you were down there.
I did it for you, Marsh, I did it for you.
Why didn't you tell me?
Why didn't you tell the police?
If it was self defence,
there was nothing they
could have done to you.
I don't know.
I was afraid no one would believe me.
And when you said that they
shot him, I don't know.
I don't know what I thought.
I was scared.
It doesn't matter now.
It's all over.
The important thing is that
we've still got each other.
It's like it had to happen this way.
We've got the money.
We've got each other.
Let that little tramp's
change your mind for you?
Paulie, I gotta be at
the office early tomorrow.
Or did Ralph's desk give you ideas?
You figure now you're in the driver's seat
with a little secretary
to play footsie with
on a 24 hour shift?
Well, don't forget it's my company now.
I'm paying her salary and yours, buster!
You're drunk.
You don't realise what you're saying.
Here, drink this and try to sober up.
I'm gonna take you home.
Get your hands off me!
You're not taking me anywhere.
If I were dead, you couldn't
take me to the morgue.
Good morning, gentlemen.
- Hiya, Boss.
- Hi.
You got back a little early, huh?
Yes, I got back early thanks
to your blundering stupidity.
Well, you told us it
was gonna be a simple job.
We got hijacked.
That's what he was
there for, with a gun.
Okay, okay, so it's my
fault for recommending him.
I tried to tell him, but he's green.
He don't know how to
pull off a job like this.
I keep tellin' you, you
can't relax in this business.
Don't push me, Fat Boy.
I'm not interested in excuses.
Look, you don't think that we're trying
to double cross you.
I swear on my mother's grave,
that stuff was hijacked.
Look, we couldn't double cross you.
We couldn't handle anything that big.
And who got it?
I swear, I don't know.
I got no idea at all.
Job came off simple, just like you said
until we got outside the house,
and there's a guy there
with a gun in my belly
and the kid's standing there
with his gun in his belt and
this Nevins guy gets killed.
From outta nowhere he comes.
So, we figure we oughta lay low.
Yeah.
You didn't get a look at
the man who hijacked you?
No, it's dark and we're
shootin' at him and he's runnin'.
Who can see?
Hey, how about-
How about you shuttin' up?
You've done enough talking.
You've been on your toes,
this wouldn't have happened.
We figure soon as things calm down,
we'll spread out and start lookin'.
Well, gentlemen, I see no advantage
in continuing this conversation now.
You will not of course, leave town.
I'll be in touch with you shortly.
You and your big mouth.
You almost ruined everything.
What are you mad at me for?
Why didn't you tell him about
findin' Nevins' dame's bracelet?
Look, kid, shut up and let me
do the thinking for both of us.
Now, you know what we're gettin'
for this lousy safe job.
That doll's mixed up in a killing.
This bracelet's gotta
be worth minimum 100 Gs,
with no hot jewellery to peddle.
The jeweller actually saw
the bracelet yesterday, Mrs. Nevins.
Why didn't you report its loss at once?
It happened just a few days before.
I don't know whether it was in a restaurant
or a show we'd been to.
I would've reported it sooner,
except that with my husband's
death, I forgot about it.
We have a description of the bracelet.
We've already put out a bulletin.
The one point we've never been able
to clear up Mrs. Nevins is the motive.
On the evening of his death,
Mr. Nevins made an
appointment with his lawyer
on an urgent business matter.
You drove him to the office,
but he left almost at once,
without even talking with Mr. Franklin.
He left in a rented car.
There must have been some
very pressing reason.
Do you have an explanation?
I had very little to do
with my husband's business affairs.
This appears to have been
a personal affair, Mrs. Nevins.
It's often difficult to
separate business affairs
from personal ones.
I beg you pardon?
Nothing, it's just that my husband
never discussed business,
and what wife knows anything
about her husband's personal affairs?
She'd know if there were
another woman involved.
This trip you planned to take,
was it a reconciliation?
Whatever it was, it doesn't matter now.
Ralph's dead.
That's why
we're asking these questions, Mrs. Nevins.
One reason for a man to rent
a car is to avoid detection.
Tell me, did Mr. Nevins
have something to hide?
Did
you suspect another woman?
Perhaps
you even followed him once.
Did you, Mrs. Nevins?
Who was that woman?
Please,
I can't tell you anymore.
Mrs. Nevins, a moment ago,
you said it was sometimes difficult
to separate business and private affairs.
That could mean someone
connected with his business.
Was it his secretary?
I think we'd better have a talk with her.
That's not fair.
I can't accuse someone
of murder just because
she was close to him.
You haven't accused her of
murder have you, Mrs. Nevins?
You leave the accusations to us.
That's our job.
Sorry if we disturbed you Mrs. Nevins.
Hello?
Who?
If this is the lady who's been calling,
he said to tell you he is not here.
Hi, boys.
Mrs. Rycker.
You get a prize if you
finish the bottle by noon.
No lectures, Phyll.
Okay, no lectures.
Just tell me somethin', Paulie,
what are you trying to prove?
I saw your two gentlemen
callers as I came in.
They looked like a lotta laughs.
Well, six months for talkin' to myself.
You don't mind if I take a swim, do you?
Unfortunately, I can't convince Tom
that a plumbing contractor is
in the swimming pool class,
but we do have a sensational bathroom.
Paulie, that's the first laugh
I've heard outta you in days.
Now come on, come on in with me.
It'll do ya good.
You could use a little of that
water to chase the scotch.
Okay.
Matter of fact, I need the exercise.
My waistline is getting
a little aggressive.
You know what I mean?
Bathing caps ruin your
social life after five.
You ready?
- Okay?
- Mm hm.
Hey, doesn't that feel great?
Paulie, the police have
been to see me so often,
Tom's getting jealous.
I haven't told 'em anything
because I don't know anything,
but all that's doing is not hurting you.
Isn't there somethin'
I can do to help you?
No.
Thanks, Phyll, no.
Okay.
Mrs. Nevins?
Instead of that old cliche,
"Haven't I seen you some place before,"
I'm going to ask you just the opposite.
Haven't you seen me somewhere?
Who...
Well...
What do you want?
I think we both want the same thing.
- Phyll, I wonder if-
- I know, I just remembered
I have a very important engagement.
He's a little older than I figured,
but I suppose he has hidden talents.
- Phyll, listen-
- Oh, you don't have to explain to me.
Looks are nothing.
Expected something a little younger.
Well, Paulie, I had a
most divine afternoon,
I can't tell you.
I'd love to stay and have a drink,
but you can't talk me into it.
You how it is, I got
1,000,001 things to do.
Matter of fact, Tom's having
some guests for dinner,
out of town plumbers.
You know how that is.
I'll check with you.
You are a most unlikely hijacker.
I should think you could
get anything you wanted,
just for the asking.
I won't trouble you with the details
of how I finally traced you
and deduced that you
murdered your late husband.
I shall come at once
to the important point.
I'd like to have my jewellery back.
Your jewellery?
It was Mrs. Lynbury's jewellery.
Indeed.
Well, you see Mrs.
Nevins, I am Dr. Lynbury.
Doubtless, you will want me to be seated.
I believe I can speak in
perfect confidence with you
because we're in the
same boat, so to speak.
Honour among thieves.
If you really are Dr. Lynbury,
what were you doing robbing your own home?
Oh, now that Mrs. Nevins is
a really interesting story.
Unfortunately, the talented people
are not always the wealthy people.
Have you noticed that?
I had talent, but no money
until I married Mrs. Lynbury.
A charming woman.
You must meet her.
She inherited among other things,
a splendid collection of jewellery.
Do sit down, Mrs. Nevins.
After I married, it was
unnecessary for me to work,
but I couldn't bear to think
of myself as a parasite,
so I copied my wife's
entire jewellery collection
in paste stones.
I sold the real gems one by one.
Do you mean how those
jewels we got were false?
Not false in reference to
such superior workmanship.
It's true, the stones
you hijacked were copies,
but it would take an expert to spot them.
I wonder if I might have a
little of this soda water.
No ice.
Well, to return to my story,
having disposed of the real gems,
it occurred to me that it might
be possible to reap a double profit.
So, I arranged for the paste jewellery
to be stolen so that I
might collect the insurance.
It was at this point that
you entered the picture
and muddled up what should have been
a magnificently simple job.
You can understand how awkward it would be
if it were discovered
that the jewels are false.
I'd be faced with a charge of fraud
by the insurance people.
And you of course, would be
faced with a murder charge.
Naturally, nothing we say
here will go any farther.
What I'm asking is not
at all unreasonable,
since in any case, the
jewels are worthless to you,
whereas I can return to you
something of real value.
I could have improved upon the design,
but it is rather well made.
I don't have the jewels.
I hope Mrs. Nevins, that you
aren't going to make trouble
because I assure you,
I'd have no compunction
against killing you.
I'm gonna make trouble all right,
but not the way you think.
If you want that junk
back, go ahead and get it.
Where?
At Mr. E.V. Marshall's apartment,
152 Markia, apartment 305.
Gentlemen, what can I do for you?
We're interested in
the little lady outside,
Kathy Stevens.
How did she and Nevins get along socially?
Come on, Lieutenant,
what's on your mind?
It's just that we have reason to believe
she was more than a secretary to him.
Kathy and Ralph Nevins?
It's ridiculous.
After you've been doing
the work I do for awhile,
nothing sounds ridiculous.
Mrs. Nevins doesn't think so.
Mrs. Nevins told you this?
It certainly would
explain things, wouldn't it?
Nevins was carrying on an
affair with his secretary.
Then he decided to break up with her
and take his wife for a long trip.
Secretary knew where he kept the gun,
went with him to a deserted
mountain spot and shot him.
That is ridiculous.
Happens every day.
Mrs. Nevins is lying.
Why should she lie?
What else could she possibly
have against Ms. Stevens?
It's just not true.
Ask Ms. Stevens to come in, please.
Look, I tell you she doesn't
know anything about this.
We're paid to make our own decisions.
Ask her to come in, please.
Ms. Stevens, will you come in, please?
Ms. Stevens, will you tell us again
what you did on the night
Mr. Nevins was killed?
I went home.
I went straight home from the office.
What did you do?
Well, I suppose I went to sleep.
Kathy, what they want to know is-
- Let Ms. Stevens tell her
own story, Mr. Marshall.
You went home and went to sleep.
Can anyone confirm that?
I live alone, Sergeant.
About what time was it
when you went to sleep?
I don't know, it was late.
Can you recall what you did between
the time you arrived home and
the time you went to sleep?
Let's see, I washed out a
few things and I fixed dinner.
I watched television while I ate.
And then what did you do?
Well, I took a
shower and I went to bed.
But you didn't go to sleep right away?
No, not right away.
And
you never left your apartment
at any time that night?
I didn't say that.
Well, suppose you say it now.
Did you or did you not leave
your apartment that night?
Yes, I did.
Where did you go?
To Mr. Marshall's apartment.
I see.
I'm sorry.
Well, that puts us right up the creek.
It was a good try, Kathy, but why?
They'll never believe that.
I'm sorry.
I had to try and give you an alibi.
Give me an alibi?
Yes, you were there.
Both of you were there.
You and Mrs. Nevins.
He was going to kill her, and
you killed him to save her.
What makes you say that?
I heard the recording Mr. Nevins made,
the one you erased.
You knew from the beginning?
Yes.
I tried to pretend I didn't.
I was so afraid for you, Marsh.
Afraid they'd find out.
I was even afraid to tell you.
I didn't kill him.
I swear, I didn't.
If you only knew what really happened.
I only know that whatever
happened, it wasn't your fault.
It was my fault, Kathy.
Everything was my fault.
I started off wrong and everything
I've done has made it worse.
Now I'm even beginning to corrupt you.
Thank you.
Thanks for trying to help me.
I wish I deserved it.
You see, I love you.
I think I've loved you from the
first moment I ever saw you.
You're not the kind of man
who can spend his whole
life lying and hiding.
I knew about her, I prayed that...
I don't know.
I prayed you wouldn't go on sacrificing
your whole life for someone
who wasn't worth it.
Oh, Kathy.
I wish I'd known.
I'm sorry.
No.
You're the one clean
thing in all this dirt.
I wanna keep you that way.
I want you to know that
no matter what happens,
it can't change the way I feel.
I think it can.
I'm calling the police.
Call for you, Mrs. Nevins.
Hello, Marsh?
Oh, it's you.
You'd better get down here right away.
We've got a real mess on our hands.
We've got to decide on someone
to take over the office.
Take over?
What about Marsh?
Left?
Left, no notice, nothing.
He wouldn't even say what's wrong.
Who?
Kathy's not here either.
She must have left with him.
Do what you want.
$350,000.
We were gonna sell
them, leave the country.
To cut yourself off from
your home and your family?
You must have loved her very much.
I'd like to be a million
miles away from here
so I could start over.
I'd like to-
I wouldn't answer that if I were you.
I'll take that briefcase, please.
Just a minute, Doctor.
Let's have a look at this.
Must be a fortune in here.
- I suppose you gentlemen are the police?
- Yeah, you suppose right.
Police, let's go.
I may as well tell you the whole story.
Yes, Inspector.
Yes, we'll keep watch.
Right.
Don't let her slip through your fingers.
Allen and Jennings are on their way.
Yes, Sir.
Hello?
Hi.
Oh, hello, Phyll.
- Paulie, what's the matter with you?
- You sound beat.
It's more than that.
I'm going away, Phyllis.
I don't know where, just away.
Listen, Paulie, don't
you do anything foolish.
You've been in love before
and believe me, honey,
you can get over this.
Besides there's no point
in you're running away.
I can't talk to you now.
No, no, I'll talk to you later.
Marsh, you came!
Marsh, you came back.
Yes, I came back.
You made sure I would when you
told the police about Kathy.
That was a rotten lying thing to do.
I'm sorry, I was jealous.
I wanted to hurt you anyway I could.
I don't know why I acted the way I did.
I don't why I do most of the things I do.
Don't start feeling
sorry for yourself, Paulie.
There isn't time, not anymore.
It took me until now to
see who you really are,
and get a good look at myself.
Look, we can still get away.
Forget about the money, forget everything.
I only want you.
I've got a little money of my own,
enough to get us out of the country.
I know it sounds crazy coming from me,
but I want to start over, start clean.
Clean?
Are we supposed to
forget that Ralph's dead?
Nothing you can do will change that.
Nothing can wash away that kinda dirt.
Don't you give me that holy stuff.
What are you, some kind of a martyr?
You're just as guilty as I am.
You were rotten from
the beginning, Paulie.
You're nothing but a
cheap, ordinary little-
I'm sorry, Marsh.
We shouldn't be fighting.
Darling, what's done is done.
We can't change anything.
We've gotta make the best of it.
All it matters is that you're here.
You want me.
You can't deny it or you
wouldn't have come back.
Oh, darling, as long as
we love each other that's-
- I was in love with
someone I thought you were.
Someone wonderful, someone I dreamed up.
I'll be like that, Marsh.
I'll do anything you want.
We'll start all over
again like there's never
been any other people.
No one but us.
As long as you live,
you'll never even understand
what I thought you were.
I'm sorry, Paulie, but it's too late.
He's right, Mrs. Nevins.
It is too late.
You called them?
That's what I came back to tell you.
You'll both have to come
with us now to headquarters.
Come on, Marshall.
All right, Mrs. Nevins,
we'll have to go now.
I'll change into something decent.
All right if I change up there?
Yes.
Don't try to run away, Mrs. Nevins.
You won't get far.
I've done all the running I'm going to.
Marsh!
Marsh!
I told you I'm not worth it, Kathy.
That's something you
just can't decide for me.
I'm sorry, Ms. Stevens.
Let's go.