Perry Mason (1957) s01e17 Episode Script
The Case of the Sun Bather's Diary
[ENGINE STARTING.]
[VEHICLE DEPARTING.]
Ever hear the story of the little girl who has nothing to wear? She wants to talk to you.
Heh.
All right, Della, I give up.
No joke.
She lives in a trailer and somebody stole it.
Trailer hitch and all, along with everything she owns.
- Everything? - She was sunbathing at the time.
I think she said she was calling from a golf course.
She must be quite a sensation.
[DELLA CHUCKLES.]
- Hello.
ARLENE: Mr.
Mason? - That's right.
- My name is Arlene Dowling.
I don't know how much your secretary told you.
Just the bare facts.
Where did you say you were calling from? You know the Remuda Golf Club? Well, my trailer was parked in the woods nearby.
There's a telephone for the members on the 14th tee.
I waited till there was no one around.
Mr.
Mason, I need your help desperately.
- Why didn't you call the police? - I can't.
My father is Frank Dowling.
Do you understand what that means? All right, Miss Dowling, I'll turn you back to my secretary.
Give her your measurements and she'll try and get some clothes to you.
All right, we'll start from the top.
What size shoes? ARLENE: Well, that's the whole story.
By the time I got there, my trailer was gone.
MASON: How did you happen to call me? Actually, I've been meaning to for some time.
Why didn't you? Let's just say a friend advised against it.
What friend? It doesn't matter.
Anyway, when my trailer was stolen, I decided to trust my first instinct and call you.
And not your friend? No.
What makes you think the police took your trailer? - I didn't say that.
- No, but that was the implication when you told me your father was Frank Dowling.
I imagine that's why you planned on calling me in the first place.
Mr.
Mason, just how much do you know about my father's case? One: He worked at the main office of the Mercantile Security Bank.
Two: About nine months ago, he made up a cash shipment of almost $400,000.
Three: Your father and the bank inspector sealed the package.
Four: When the armoured truck delivered the shipment, all they found were cancelled cheques.
Now, have I overlooked something? Only that my father didn't take that money.
The jury found him guilty.
He was the only one who could have made the substitution.
He or the bank inspector-- What was his name? You mean Uncle George.
Oh, he's not really my uncle, I've known him since I was a child.
His name is George Ballard.
Well, only George Ballard and your father had the seals, the access to the cancelled cheques and the keys for the armoured truck.
As I recall, Uncle George had an alibi.
I tell you, my father is innocent.
That's why you've got to find my trailer.
MASON: I'm afraid I don't make the connection.
I've spent all my time, since Dad was convicted, trying to clear him.
I quit my job.
Everything I've learned these past ten months I've written in my diary.
That diary is hidden in my trailer.
ARLENE: I must have it back.
I'll pay any price.
Would you say it was worth $1,500? You'll have it first thing in the morning.
Is that satisfactory? Quite.
You can always reach me through Dr.
Ralph Chandler in Santa Ana.
Kimberly 3-6-5-1-8.
"Kimberly 3-6-5-1-8.
" Just one thing.
I have an unqualified aversion to being used.
If I find it's happening here, I'll throw you to the wolves without the slightest compunction.
- Is that understood? - Perfectly.
Thank you again.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I just don't understand that girl.
She didn't bat an eyelash when you asked her for $1,500.
- If she isn't--? - Where's the money coming from? - That's a good question.
- I have another one for you.
Where on Earth do you expect to find that trailer? Well, we could put Paul Drake on it.
Or we might try the power of the press.
Let's do that.
Take down an ad.
"Wanted: Used Biltmore Trailer, De Luxe Model.
" MAN [READING.]
: "Will pay top dollar for one in excellent condition.
Phone Perry Mason, Madison 5-1-1-9-0.
" Hey, you got to give that Mason feller credit.
I'm disappointed, Uncle George, I didn't think he'd handle it this way.
What's the matter, honey? What did you expect? I don't know exactly.
But for $1,500, I certainly expected a lot more.
You're missing the point, Arlene.
What do you want Mason to do? - Find my trailer.
- Exactly.
And any way that he accomplishes that is okay with you, isn't it? - Yes.
- Then even if he stumbles across it, it's worth $1,500.
The main thing is to get the trailer back.
- You can't go to the police.
- I'm not denying that, Uncle George.
I just don't feel anything will come of the ad.
You can't tell.
It's so simple, it just might work.
I learned a long time ago that the best way is the direct approach.
Some fellows get so brilliant that sometimes they fall flat on their face.
I guess you're right.
In case Mason does get a lead, how is he going to contact you? Through Ralph, Dr.
Chandler.
Kind of like that boy, don't you? Yes.
If I were you, I'd watch my step, honey.
- He wants to help so much.
- Why? I guess it's because of me.
Because of you or because of $400,000? No, no, no, don't get mad.
You're a mighty pretty girl.
Just remember, there's $400,000 floating loose around this town someplace.
You gotta practise a lot of medicine to pick up money like that.
- Are you trying to say--? - I'm trying to say you can't trust anyone completely.
Not your lawyer, not your doctor, not even me.
Yeah, you got to give that Mason feller credit.
It just might work.
[MAN YAWNING.]
[EXHALES.]
Dr.
Chandler.
Oh, I guess I'm a little tired, Miss Rucker.
- Is that the x-ray on the Finely boy? - It'll keep.
Why don't you go home and get some rest? You've been up all night.
No.
This is supposed to be your day off, remember? And you're going to get some sleep, if I have to burn the office down to get you out.
Now, I told Mrs.
Markle I'd look in at 5 and then there's Miss Bond.
You know perfectly well Dr.
Willis can cover for you.
[CHUCKLES.]
I don't know why I put up with you.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Dr.
Chandler's office.
MASON: May I speak to the doctor, please? I'm sorry, doctor isn't in.
Can I help you? This is Miss Rucker, his nurse.
My name is Perry Mason.
I'm the attorney for Arlene Dowling.
She told me I could always reach her through Dr.
Chandler.
I think I may have a lead to her trailer.
Oh? - Where is it? - Tell her to meet me at the Ideal Trailer Mart on Sepulveda at 10:00.
I can depend on you to give her the message? Well, I can't promise you that, Mr.
Mason, I'll do the best I can.
Thank you.
Ain't she a beaut? Nice and clean.
HARTSEL: Yeah.
You don't find them like this very often.
- How long has it been on the lot? HARTSEL: Just since last night.
Fellow brought it in on consignment.
He's asking 2,500.
I figure he'll shave it a little if you're ready to talk turkey.
- This is it.
- Now there's a little lady that knows her own mind.
I think I'd better advise you, Mr.
Hartsel, this trailer is stolen property.
- What? - It belongs to Miss Dowling here.
Look, I don't know what you're up to, but this feller brought her in yesterday.
And I got a certificate registration to-- Look.
"Howard Pim.
State 9-1-4-9-9.
" That's right.
- This certificate is forged.
- We'll see about that.
You go on ahead.
I'll be right with you.
WOMAN [OVER PHONE.]
: I'm sorry, sir, but there is no State 9 exchange.
Well, have you got a listing for a Howard Pim on Encino? There's a Walter Pim that's on Ventura.
Never mind.
Well? Perhaps this will help.
Where did you get this certificate? Anything wrong with it? Well, I thought there was nothing wrong with that Pim feller's.
- We better call the police.
- There's no need for that.
How much are you asking for the trailer? - Well, he said he wanted 2,500, but-- - Just a moment, Arlene.
That trailer legally belongs to you.
Then I can always get my money back.
- Is that correct? - Yeah.
I'd like to take it with me now.
You'll find my car out in front.
New convertible.
Need a special hitch.
There's one in the trunk.
You'll need lights too.
You'll find those next to the hitch.
Looks like you thought of everything.
I like to think so.
You realise, of course, you're ignoring my advice.
Yes.
In which case, I must conclude you have no further use for my services.
Oddly enough, I've come to the same conclusion.
Would you mind terribly if I sent the $1,500 around to you this afternoon? Not at all.
Anytime you want a trailer found just give me a ring.
Well, you gotta hand it to Mason.
He delivered, all right.
And now you owe him $1,500.
Seems like an awful lot of money for a couple of hours work.
But as a feller says, a deal's a deal.
And we agreed that the main thing was to get the trailer back.
I hate to ask you for the money, Uncle George.
That's all right, honey.
Excuse me.
I'll be right back.
[CAR HORN HONKING.]
GEORGE: There's candy on the radio there.
ARLENE: No, thanks.
GEORGE: Here it is.
Well, this ought to take care of Mr.
Mason.
May I ask you a personal question? Why I don't keep my money in the bank? After the experience that your father and I had with the Mercantile Security? No, thank you, I'll stick to my own system.
I won't forget this, Uncle George.
- I'm keeping track of every penny.
- Ah.
That's all right, honey.
Oh, Arlene, you won't say a word to your dad about this.
- All right.
- That's a girl.
Now, we let it all come as a big surprise at the end, huh? I wasn't long, was I? Just long enough for me to finish my cigarette.
Look, Arlene, I hope you don't mind my telling you this, I know how you feel about George Ballard.
Well, what is it, Ralph? Well, I'd hate for you to be disappointed.
But if I were you, I wouldn't trust him too far.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
GERTIE: Perry Mason's office.
One moment, I'll connect you with Mr.
Jackson.
Perry Mason's office.
I'm sorry, his line is busy.
Will you wait? Thank you.
Oh, Miss Street.
This just came for Mr.
Mason.
GERTIE: Well, just a minute, I didn't sign for it.
Oh.
Don't know what I was thinking of.
- Take care of it, will you, Gertie? - Certainly.
- Perry.
MASON: Just a moment, Della.
"Thanks for everything.
I hope the enclosed is satisfactory.
" One-thousand, five-hundred.
Very nice.
I wonder where she has them made.
Get Paul.
Tell him I want the complete dope on the Mercantile Security theft.
Let him start with the boy who drove the armoured truck.
I thought Miss Dowling gave you your walking papers.
I know, I know.
Tell Paul to step on it.
Right.
[VEHICLE APPROACHING.]
[HORN HONKING.]
They'll be right out, Charlie.
They're just finishing up.
Boy, they think of everything, don't they? Oh, a pal of mine works for you people.
Maybe you know him? Name's Bill Emory.
Guess you haven't seen Emory in quite a while.
- No, I haven't.
Why? - He was fired.
- No kidding.
What happened? - Better ask him.
Well, gee, I haven't heard from Bill in a year.
Have you got any idea where I could reach him? Last I heard, he was living in the Layton Apartments in North Hollywood.
If he ain't there, you might try the corner poolroom.
Thanks a lot.
I can't tell you how I appreciate this, fella.
Oh, if you happen to see him first, would you tell him that Paul Drake's looking for him? Thanks.
Bill Emory around? Thank you.
Nice shot.
- Looking for a game? - No, you're too good.
- You Bill Emory? - Who are you? Think you could spare me a few minutes? Mister, I could spare you a few years.
What's on your mind? You used to work for the Mercantile Security Bank.
Is that what you came out here - to talk about? - Mm-hm.
- Take it easy.
- Take it easy? What do you think I've been doing for ten months? Don't this look like it? You know, hustling suckers is the greatest career in the world.
Some days, I make as much as five-, six bucks.
Maybe I can help you.
Can you help a guy get a job that's been blacklisted? Maybe.
Are you from the Mercantile Security? - No.
- The insurance company? Now, let's say at the moment I'm working for myself.
Now, tell me something.
Do you wanna go on like this? It seems to me your only chance is to help find the parties responsible.
Are you kidding? Everybody knows it's Frank Dowling.
He's got the money all nicely tucked away.
It'll be a nice annuity when he comes out.
His daughter claims he's innocent.
What did you expect? Would you tell me what happened that day? Okay.
I told it 20 times to the police, I guess another time can't hurt.
It was a Tuesday morning, May 3rd to be exact.
It was about 7:30 when the dispatcher called me to take a shipment over to the Santa Ana branch.
How many men work on these trucks? - Just the driver.
- Isn't that a little dangerous? Not on these new babies, it's all you need.
There's a two-way radio right next to the driver.
But suppose you ran into trouble, can't use a radio.
Look, Mr.
Mason, you have to see one of these trucks in order to appreciate it.
They thought of everything.
Even if the mob did grab the driver, it wouldn't do them any good.
You gotta have a key.
- And the driver doesn't have one? - Are you kidding? There are two keys in the main office.
The inspector has one, and the guy who makes up the cash shipment has the other.
- That means that Frank Dowling and-- - And George Ballard.
They blacklisted him too.
Nice people, huh? Any idea where I can locate Ballard? Well, he lives somewhere in Burbank.
You can probably find it in the book.
I wanted to call the office anyway.
You've been a great help.
Would you be offended if I? No, thanks, Mr.
Mason.
I'll make out.
Just as long as there are guys who think they know how to shoot pool.
Good luck.
Gertie, let me speak to Della, please.
Hello, Della? What's new? I'm glad you asked.
Guess what just arrived for you by registered mail.
Another $1,500 from your former client, Miss Arlene Dowling.
- Want me to read the note? - Please.
"Dear Mr.
Mason, sorry if I seem capricious but the enclosed $1,500 should make up for it.
" It's signed, "Arlene Dowling".
That doesn't make sense.
Why would she send me another $1,500? I don't know.
Well, incidentally, there's a process server been looking for you.
He's been hanging around all afternoon.
He has a subpoena duces tecum.
And he wants me to appear before the grand jury tomorrow morning with all moneys I collected from Arlene Dowling? - Where did you buy your crystal ball? - Listen, Della.
If anyone calls, you haven't heard from me.
I'm going over to Burbank to see a man named Ballard.
I'll check with you later.
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
[BARKING.]
[MAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY OVER TV.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Sandy, down, down.
Come in, Mr.
Mason.
Well, I suppose you're surprised that I know who you are.
Well, to tell the truth, I saw your picture in the paper.
Sandy, let Mr.
Mason alone.
- Sit down.
- Thank you.
MAN [ON RADIO.]
: Someone should tap you on the shoulder and ask-- You tell him for me.
--The Beavers are a-cinch to do it again this year.
Till tomorrow night, same time, this is your old buddy, Red Walsh, saying good night.
Ever listen to him? He's on every night at 8.
Sure knows his sports.
You ought to give him a listen.
I will.
Well, what can I do for you? I'm looking into the Mercantile Security swindle, Mr.
Ballard.
Ha-ha-ha.
If that ain't the darndest thing.
That happened almost ten months ago and they haven't forgotten it yet.
Why don't they give it up? I can think of almost 400,000 reasons why they shouldn't.
Well, it's high time somebody like you got into it.
I understand that you and Frank Dowling made up that shipment together.
Now you've got to understand, Mr.
Mason, Frank and me worked side by side for years.
We trusted each other.
- That's perfectly natural.
- Perfectly.
Well, to tell you the truth, on this particular day, we didn't exactly follow routine.
I'd made a bet on a horse, and I was checking the results in the locker room.
Frank made up the shipment.
I was gone, well, not over a minute.
So then when you sealed that package, you couldn't swear the money was inside? Now, look, Mr.
Mason, you can't work and not know what makes him tick.
Frank Dowling was just as honest as they come.
He didn't take that money.
Do you have any idea who did? No.
But I'll tell you one thing: If you can find a guy with a $1,000 bill stashed away with the serial number, "0-0-5-8-1," he's your boy.
Oh? There's a record of the serial numbers? There's a record of at least one big bill.
I told that to the cops right after the robbery.
It's remarkable that you remember it.
Well, wouldn't you if it meant Ha-ha.
Maybe you think I'm crazy, but the day of the robbery, I got this tip that I was telling you about.
It was in the fifth race and the number of the horse was eight.
And naturally, you wanted your horse to come in first.
And believe it or not, right on top of the stack with this thousand dollar bill with a serial number 0-0-5-8-1.
- I figured it was an omen.
- How did you do? [CHUCKLES.]
He won, and I had a hundred smackers on his nose.
Well, I guess you must think that I'm nuts making a bet like that, but, you see, I haven't any family and, well, gambling is my only vice.
Well, that is, gambling and a little nip once in a while.
- Oh, would you like to have a little--? - Love to.
All right.
Back in just a minute.
Sandy, now don't you bother Mr.
Mason.
I'll be in soon as I can find a corkscrew.
MASON: Take your time.
What did you say the number on that bill was? Well, here's looking at you.
Thank you.
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
How do you like those potatoes, sergeant? You see what I did? Yeah, why do you suppose Ballard signalled her? That wasn't Ballard, he's a short little duck.
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
Wish we got a peek at that licence plate.
Our orders were to stick with Miss Dowling.
Yeah.
- Didn't that guy look kind of familiar? - Uh? The fellow who just left, I know I've seen him somewhere.
Notice the way he carried himself? He looked like a guy who could take care of himself.
- Could it have been Perry Mason? - Mason? Yeah, this dame's his client.
That's who it was, Mason.
Neil, what do you suppose that business with the window shade meant? I don't know, but I don't like it.
Come on.
Let's go in.
[BUZZER SOUNDING, KNOCKING.]
Mr.
Ballard.
Mr.
Ballard.
[DOG WHIMPERING.]
Maybe the girl's still around.
You better call Homicide.
Right.
[DIALLING.]
Police Headquarters, please.
You understand, of course, that you've been summoned before this body not as an attorney, but as an ordinary citizen who has witnessed a murder.
I hate to disagree with you, Mr.
Burger, but I did not witness any murder.
You'd have this jury believe that you know nothing of the manner of George Ballard's death? That's exactly what I'd have them believe.
BURGER: I see.
Does the name Arlene Dowling mean anything to you? - It does.
- Are you aware that she has disappeared? I read of her disappearance in this morning's paper.
Oh, come on, Mr.
Mason, as Miss Dowling's attorney-- I am not Miss Dowling's attorney.
BURGER: She retained you just Monday.
And discharged me the following day.
Why? Obviously, she was dissatisfied.
BURGER: But she paid you a fee.
I've credited Miss Dowling's account with $1,500.
The money to which I refer came in yesterday's mail.
Two bills and a note that I assume was in Miss Dowling's handwriting.
- You assume? - I'm not familiar with her handwriting.
You were served with subpoena duces tecum last night.
- Is that correct? - It is.
You were ordered to bring all monies in your possession that you have from Miss Dowling.
Have you those bills with you? Something wrong, Mr.
Burger? Never mind.
Let's get back to the night of George Ballard's death.
Is it not true that a few moments before you left his home, you went to the window and signalled Miss Dowling by lowering and raising the shade? No, it is not true.
Maybe I should remind you, you're under oath.
I'm an attorney, Mr.
Burger, I need no such reminder.
Will the sergeant at arms call detective Myers, please? - You're excused, Mr.
Mason.
- Thank you.
BURGER: You were assigned to follow Miss Dowling? - That's right.
- Did you follow her last night? Yes, sir.
She took a cab to 1427 Glendon.
That's where Mr.
Ballard lives.
BURGER: Did she go in? MYERS: Not right away.
There was a man by the window.
He pulled the shade down, then raised it.
A couple of seconds later he came out and drove away.
- What did Miss Dowling do then? - She went in the back way.
Did you recognise the man who stood at the window - and signalled to Miss Dowling? - Yes, sir.
- What was his name? - Perry Mason.
- Are you sure of that, officer? - Absolutely.
- I've known Mr.
Mason for years.
- Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you've just heard the testimony of detective Myers.
It completely contradicts the testimony of the previous witness.
I therefore ask you to bring in an indictment for perjury against Perry Mason.
I don't like it, Perry.
I'm afraid the photographer didn't capture the real me.
Now what have you got up your sleeve? Just a hunch.
I'm convinced I was right about Dowling.
He certainly didn't kill Ballard from his cell in San Quentin.
His daughter could.
She was on the scene.
On the other hand, it might be a frame.
Mm-mm.
The police claim only a few minutes elapsed between the time you left Ballard's house and Arlene entered.
Then obviously, one of us must have killed him.
[CHUCKLES.]
And just who do you think Mr.
Burger is rooting for? Me.
I guess I'll have to prove I didn't signal Arlene.
Get Lieutenant Tragg on the phone.
I'll show him the real reason I was fooling around with that window shade.
TRAGG: This better be good, Mason, if Burger knows I let you in, he'll have my scalp.
Now, what's this all about? Burger claimed I signalled Arlene Dowling from here.
- Well, didn't you? - No.
Why'd you horse around with that shade? Now don't tell me you were just being playful.
I had some evidence I wanted to conceal for a while.
I give you my word, Tragg.
Do you know what that's worth? Now, don't start parking yourself.
I wanna lock up, come on.
Come on.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Dr.
Chandler's office.
This is Perry Mason.
May I speak to Dr.
Chandler? [MOUTHING WORDS.]
I'm sorry, he isn't in.
- Miss Rucker? RUCKER: Yes.
Miss Rucker, I must get in touch with Arlene Dowling.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
It's very important.
I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do.
DELLA: She hang up? - Yes.
Well, where do we go from here? We can't make any plans till we figure out what Burger's gonna do.
If I know my esteemed colleague, he'll bypass the grand jury, file a complaint against Arlene for the murder, ask for a preliminary hearing, and call me as a witness for the prosecution.
I've gotta find that girl.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
It's Paul.
Hello, beautiful.
PAUL: Well, where do the relatives of the deceased sit? Front-row centre.
You didn't find her? No, but I found something else.
The kid who swiped the trailer.
What's this? DELLA: Hey, this is the messenger.
This is the one that delivered the envelope with the first $1500.
- You positive? - Positive.
MASON: Nice work, Paul.
- Let's have the details.
- His name is Tom Sackett.
He used to live at the Wayneright Apartments.
- Used to? - Checked out nights ago and grabbed a bus for Mexico City.
I figure he was scared off by Ballard's murder.
- That's only a guess, mind you.
- Makes sense.
I wish Arlene were here.
- Maybe she'd know more about him.
DELLA: How about Bill Emory? Good idea.
Get him up here.
You can probably reach him in that poolroom.
What do you want me to do? Just keep looking for Arlene Dowling.
Okay, Perry.
MAN [ON RADIO.]
: The police are engaged in one of the biggest manhunts in the history of California.
But the quarry is a female.
Red-headed, blue eyed, Arlene Dowling.
Who is accused of murdering Frank Ballard.
Miss Dowling has been reported as far north as Portland.
But local authority discount these stories, convinced that she is still somewhere in the city.
It was in connection with the same case that Perry Mason, noted defence attorney, was indicted by the grand jury.
District Attorney Hamilton Burger, who has taking personal charge, said he-- Oh, I was so afraid you wouldn't come.
I had to see you once more before I left.
I'm going to Canada.
You can't do that.
Arlene, running away would be the worst possible thing you could do.
I didn't kill Ballard.
Of course you didn't, but that's why you've gotta stay.
Running away would be an admission of guilt.
Oh, I've ruined everything.
I only wanted to help my father.
- Maybe you'd better see Mason.
- Oh, no.
Now, why not? - You're the only one I can trust.
- Ugh.
Big help I've been.
If it weren't for you, the police would have caught me long ago.
Ralph, what am I going to do? - Darling, will you do me a favour? - What? Talk to Mason.
All right.
What do you say, Bill, do you recognise him? MASON: His name is Sackett.
Thomas Sackett.
I'm not sure.
I think I've seen him around somewhere but it was some time ago.
Was it with Frank Dowling? George Ballard? Hey, wait a minute.
Yeah, that's it.
It was in the doc's office.
Dr.
Chandler's office? Are you a patient of his? We all were.
Ballard, Dowling, everybody who worked for the Mercantile Security.
He was the doc for the bank.
Would you be willing to swear you saw Sackett in Chandler's office? Sure.
There's a preliminary hearing tomorrow morning.
I want you there.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
Excuse me.
- What is it, Della? DELLA: Will you talk to Miss Dowling? You know I will.
Put her on.
ARLENE: Mr.
Mason? This is Arlene Dowling.
Do you realise I've been looking all over creation for you? Would you consider representing me again? Why, your trailer missing? I guess I deserved that.
Do you know Maple and Sunset in Beverly Hills? Yes.
I'll pick you up there on the northwest corner in one hour.
I almost gave up hope of ever seeing you again.
You don't know how close you came.
I have a ticket for Montreal in here.
- Did you murder George Ballard? - Did you? Why did you go to see Ballard on Monday night? I was in trouble.
Remember when I met you at the Trailer Mart? How could I ever forget? Well, when I went into the trailer to look for my diary, it was gone.
Instead I found $18,000 in the compartment.
- That seems like a fair exchange.
- I knew it belonged to the bank.
Then I realised why my trailer was stolen.
It was to plant the money there so that the police could find it.
Is there anything in your diary that could incriminate you? Suppose there is? If there is, whoever masterminded this little plot is gonna make sure it falls right into Burger's hands.
Of all people, why did you pick Ballard as a confidante? He was helping me.
You mean he was supplying you with all that money? - Where did he get it? - It was his life savings.
And he was giving it to you? He was lending it to me for what he said was a good cause.
He felt that my father was innocent.
Does your father know you were taking money from Ballard? No, I didn't tell him.
He would have been angry.
He thought that Ballard helped convict him.
- Do you think he did? - Aren't you being ridiculous? It would have given you a logical motive to kill him.
Ballard was dead when I walked in, right after you left.
That what you plan to tell the district attorney? Listen, Arlene, Burger's out to get me.
He may offer to let you plead guilty to manslaughter instead of murder if you say-- [SIREN WAILING.]
We've got company.
You mustn't stop.
I'm sorry, I don't have any choice.
You told them you were meeting me.
You've got to trust me, no matter what happens.
You've got to trust me, understand? [SIREN STOPS.]
- Where's the fire, Mr.
Mason? - What's the idea? The idea is perfectly simple.
This little lady is wanted for murder.
I want to make sure she shows for the hearing tomorrow.
All right, Miss Dowling.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
And is it not true, officer, that on entering the premises at 1427 Glendon Avenue, you found the body of the murdered man, George Ballard? MYERS: Yes, Neil was with me at the time.
How long did you wait outside with Neil before you entered? A couple of minutes.
BURGER: Could you place the time more exactly for me? I'd say a few minutes after 9.
That's as close as I can come.
BURGER: You saw someone at the window? Yes, sir, Perry Mason.
[AUDIENCE MURMURING.]
BURGER: You may cross-examine.
Officer Myers, you're positive you saw me at the window shortly before you entered Mr.
Ballard's home? Absolutely.
- You recognised me immediately? - Yes.
You said to Sergeant Neil, quote, "That's Perry Mason at the window"? Well, no, I mentioned you looked familiar and Neil said, "Could it have been Mason?" What was your reaction to that? MYERS: After he said it, I realised it was you.
But you didn't arrive at that conclusion until after you discussed it with your superior? No, sir.
No further questions.
Your Honour, I think I can now explain the circumstances surrounding the death of George Ballard - if the court will allow me the liberty.
BURGER: I object, Your Honour.
The State has gone to a great deal of trouble to prepare its case.
There's no need for Mr.
Mason to explain anything.
My offer was made in the interest of expediency.
BURGER: Well, is it expediency or self interest, Mr.
Mason? You're aware I intend to call you as a witness for the State.
If it please the court, I'd like to present my case without any further help from Mr.
Mason.
- Mr.
Burger, call your next witness.
- Thank you, Your Honour.
Call Dr.
Ralph Chandler.
Why did they call him? Raise your right hand.
Do you promise the testimony you are about to give is the truth, and nothing but the truth? - I do.
- Be seated.
BURGER: Would you be good enough to give us your full name and address? Dr.
Ralph Chandler.
How long have you known the defendant, Arlene Dowling? CHANDLER: Well, eight or nine years.
During these eight or nine years, did you become familiar with her handwriting? CHANDLER: Yes.
I'm gonna show you something, I want to remind you that you're under oath.
This purports to be the diary of Arlene Dowling.
I want you to look at it carefully and tell us if, in your opinion, - it is in her handwriting.
- Yes.
BURGER: I want you to look specifically at the items of June 7th and June 9th.
You'll notice that at that time Miss Dowling suspected that George Ballard, the murdered man, - might be implicated in the theft-- - Objection.
If Your Honour please, since the witness has testified the document is in my client's handwriting, I'm entitled to look at it myself.
For all we know, certain entries may be forged.
The witness will turn the diary over to Mr.
Mason.
All right, doctor, that will be all.
I may want to recall you later.
Thank you, doctor.
Just a moment.
I wish to cross-examine.
He hasn't testified to anything you can cross-examine him on, except the handwriting of the defendant.
He stated he was a doctor.
- I'd like to know his qualifications.
- Heh.
Dr.
Chandler, I've been given to understand that you are the physician for the Mercantile Security Bank.
MASON: Is Frank Dowling one of your patients? CHANDLER: Yes, he was.
What about George Ballard and Bill Emory? CHANDLER: I treated them all.
Does the name Thomas Sackett mean anything to you? CHANDLER: He was a patient of mine too.
Did you give Sackett a diathermic treatment on Wednesday, April 4th and again on Wednesday, April 11th? My nurse may have.
Wednesday is my day off.
Thank you, doctor.
That's all.
JUDGE: Call your next witness.
If the court please, this is an unusual situation.
I want to call the attorney for the defence.
I realise this is highly irregular.
Mr.
Mason has already appeared before the grand jury.
Although I hate to say so, it's possible he may be an accessory in this case.
I understand, Mr.
Burger.
Mr.
Mason, will you take the stand? Of course, you're entitled to refuse to answer any questions which may tend to incriminate you.
Thanks.
Raise your right hand.
Do you promise the testimony you are about to give is the truth, and nothing but the truth? - I do.
- Be seated.
I'll get right to the point, Mr.
Mason.
Are you aware that the police discovered $18,000 - in your client's trailer? - I am now.
BURGER: Where do you think the money came from? Surely you know, Mr.
Burger, that what I think isn't admissible as evidence.
All right, Mr.
Mason, let's stick to facts within your own knowledge.
Did you visit George Ballard at his home on the evening of June 16th? Yes, I did.
And did you lower and then raise the shade in his living room? Yes.
But you denied that in front of the grand jury.
MASON: I beg your pardon.
If you'll refer to the grand jury record, you'll find that you asked me if I lowered and raised the shade as a signal to the defendant.
Well, what possible explanation could there be for such behaviour? Well, in my possession at that time were two large bills which had been given to me.
On one of them I found the serial number 0-0-5-8-1.
I felt those bills were given to incriminate me, so while Mr.
Ballard was in the kitchen pouring a drink, I rolled them up in the window shade.
Then Ballard was alive at that time? - Of course.
- And since Arlene Dowling entered immediately after your departure-- MASON: Who said so? - Oh, come now, Mr.
Mason, let's not waste time in evasion.
You now admit that detective Myers saw you at the window.
I admit nothing of the kind.
He saw someone at the window who answered my general description but it most assuredly was not me.
When I entered Mr.
Ballard's home, he was listening to a sportscaster.
A sportscaster by the name of Red Walsh, who was on the air from 8 to 8:15.
We listened to the end of the sportscast, talked about five minutes, had our drink, then I left.
It could not possibly have been later than 8:25.
- So? - So, Officer Myers placed the time of seeing a man at the window at 9:00.
Over one half-hour later.
- Do you mean to tell me-- - I mean to tell you the man Officer Myers saw at the window was Ballard's murderer.
BURGER: If he was the murderer, what was he doing at the window shade? He was removing the money I had hidden there.
And I suppose you know who the man was? Yes.
The man largely responsible for the Mercantile Security robbery.
May I direct your attention to Dr.
Chandler.
Frank Dowling, the man convicted of the Mercantile theft, was one of Dr.
Chandler's patients.
Now, patients undergoing a complete physical examination would naturally disrobe.
It was a simple matter then to remove from their clothing keys and seals and take impressions of them.
These impressions were later turned over to an expert forger named Thomas Sackett who made copies.
I think you'll find Mr.
Sackett is in Mexico City.
Then you're saying Dr.
Chandler masterminded this theft? You're jumping to conclusions, Mr.
Burger.
The very same argument I used against Dr.
Chandler can also be used against someone who works for him.
Someone he trusted completely enough to go everywhere with him, including the bank.
I'm referring of course to Dr.
Chandler's nurse, Helen Rucker.
If Your Honour please, this has nothing to do with the present case.
Your Honour, it has everything to do with the present case.
Helen Rucker and her confederate, Thomas Sackett, made up a dummy sack filled with cancelled cheques and sealed like the original.
They then turned it over with the key for the truck to the only man who could have made the substitution safely.
The man who followed me to Ballard's house and killed him.
The man officer Myers saw at the window.
His name is Bill Emory.
He's in this courtroom.
I've pointed him out to the bailiffs.
[AUDIENCE MURMURING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
Look what just arrived in the mail from the Bushwick Indemnity.
"Pay to the order of Perry Mason 25--" Twenty-five-thousand dollars, very nice.
Endorse this over to Frank Dowling.
Well, after all, Della, the man's been in jail.
As far as we're concerned, it's just another case.
My mother always told me to turn the other cheek.
I'll take care of this when I get back to the office.
I'm famished.
Amy.
Thank you, Amy.
Now, mademoiselle, the rarest of delicacies are yours for the asking.
Would you care to order? Coffee, bacon and eggs.
Did you get all that, Pierre? - Are you buying, Mr.
Moneybags? - Moneybags? I heard about the $25,000 reward.
Some people have all the luck.
- Is that what you call it, Mr.
Burger? - Yes.
By the way, what made you decide on Emory? - You.
- Huh? Obviously, you were tipped off that I was meeting Arlene at Sunset and Maple Drive.
BURGER: Well, what if I was? That information could only have come from Bill Emory.
He was in my office when Arlene phoned me.
Huh.
I see.
The indictment for perjury against you has been quashed.
MASON: Thank you.
Under the circumstances, the least I can do is to buy your lunch.
All right, if you insist.
MASON: I do insist.
Amy.
One order of crow for the gentleman.
He'll eat it here.
[VEHICLE DEPARTING.]
Ever hear the story of the little girl who has nothing to wear? She wants to talk to you.
Heh.
All right, Della, I give up.
No joke.
She lives in a trailer and somebody stole it.
Trailer hitch and all, along with everything she owns.
- Everything? - She was sunbathing at the time.
I think she said she was calling from a golf course.
She must be quite a sensation.
[DELLA CHUCKLES.]
- Hello.
ARLENE: Mr.
Mason? - That's right.
- My name is Arlene Dowling.
I don't know how much your secretary told you.
Just the bare facts.
Where did you say you were calling from? You know the Remuda Golf Club? Well, my trailer was parked in the woods nearby.
There's a telephone for the members on the 14th tee.
I waited till there was no one around.
Mr.
Mason, I need your help desperately.
- Why didn't you call the police? - I can't.
My father is Frank Dowling.
Do you understand what that means? All right, Miss Dowling, I'll turn you back to my secretary.
Give her your measurements and she'll try and get some clothes to you.
All right, we'll start from the top.
What size shoes? ARLENE: Well, that's the whole story.
By the time I got there, my trailer was gone.
MASON: How did you happen to call me? Actually, I've been meaning to for some time.
Why didn't you? Let's just say a friend advised against it.
What friend? It doesn't matter.
Anyway, when my trailer was stolen, I decided to trust my first instinct and call you.
And not your friend? No.
What makes you think the police took your trailer? - I didn't say that.
- No, but that was the implication when you told me your father was Frank Dowling.
I imagine that's why you planned on calling me in the first place.
Mr.
Mason, just how much do you know about my father's case? One: He worked at the main office of the Mercantile Security Bank.
Two: About nine months ago, he made up a cash shipment of almost $400,000.
Three: Your father and the bank inspector sealed the package.
Four: When the armoured truck delivered the shipment, all they found were cancelled cheques.
Now, have I overlooked something? Only that my father didn't take that money.
The jury found him guilty.
He was the only one who could have made the substitution.
He or the bank inspector-- What was his name? You mean Uncle George.
Oh, he's not really my uncle, I've known him since I was a child.
His name is George Ballard.
Well, only George Ballard and your father had the seals, the access to the cancelled cheques and the keys for the armoured truck.
As I recall, Uncle George had an alibi.
I tell you, my father is innocent.
That's why you've got to find my trailer.
MASON: I'm afraid I don't make the connection.
I've spent all my time, since Dad was convicted, trying to clear him.
I quit my job.
Everything I've learned these past ten months I've written in my diary.
That diary is hidden in my trailer.
ARLENE: I must have it back.
I'll pay any price.
Would you say it was worth $1,500? You'll have it first thing in the morning.
Is that satisfactory? Quite.
You can always reach me through Dr.
Ralph Chandler in Santa Ana.
Kimberly 3-6-5-1-8.
"Kimberly 3-6-5-1-8.
" Just one thing.
I have an unqualified aversion to being used.
If I find it's happening here, I'll throw you to the wolves without the slightest compunction.
- Is that understood? - Perfectly.
Thank you again.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I just don't understand that girl.
She didn't bat an eyelash when you asked her for $1,500.
- If she isn't--? - Where's the money coming from? - That's a good question.
- I have another one for you.
Where on Earth do you expect to find that trailer? Well, we could put Paul Drake on it.
Or we might try the power of the press.
Let's do that.
Take down an ad.
"Wanted: Used Biltmore Trailer, De Luxe Model.
" MAN [READING.]
: "Will pay top dollar for one in excellent condition.
Phone Perry Mason, Madison 5-1-1-9-0.
" Hey, you got to give that Mason feller credit.
I'm disappointed, Uncle George, I didn't think he'd handle it this way.
What's the matter, honey? What did you expect? I don't know exactly.
But for $1,500, I certainly expected a lot more.
You're missing the point, Arlene.
What do you want Mason to do? - Find my trailer.
- Exactly.
And any way that he accomplishes that is okay with you, isn't it? - Yes.
- Then even if he stumbles across it, it's worth $1,500.
The main thing is to get the trailer back.
- You can't go to the police.
- I'm not denying that, Uncle George.
I just don't feel anything will come of the ad.
You can't tell.
It's so simple, it just might work.
I learned a long time ago that the best way is the direct approach.
Some fellows get so brilliant that sometimes they fall flat on their face.
I guess you're right.
In case Mason does get a lead, how is he going to contact you? Through Ralph, Dr.
Chandler.
Kind of like that boy, don't you? Yes.
If I were you, I'd watch my step, honey.
- He wants to help so much.
- Why? I guess it's because of me.
Because of you or because of $400,000? No, no, no, don't get mad.
You're a mighty pretty girl.
Just remember, there's $400,000 floating loose around this town someplace.
You gotta practise a lot of medicine to pick up money like that.
- Are you trying to say--? - I'm trying to say you can't trust anyone completely.
Not your lawyer, not your doctor, not even me.
Yeah, you got to give that Mason feller credit.
It just might work.
[MAN YAWNING.]
[EXHALES.]
Dr.
Chandler.
Oh, I guess I'm a little tired, Miss Rucker.
- Is that the x-ray on the Finely boy? - It'll keep.
Why don't you go home and get some rest? You've been up all night.
No.
This is supposed to be your day off, remember? And you're going to get some sleep, if I have to burn the office down to get you out.
Now, I told Mrs.
Markle I'd look in at 5 and then there's Miss Bond.
You know perfectly well Dr.
Willis can cover for you.
[CHUCKLES.]
I don't know why I put up with you.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Dr.
Chandler's office.
MASON: May I speak to the doctor, please? I'm sorry, doctor isn't in.
Can I help you? This is Miss Rucker, his nurse.
My name is Perry Mason.
I'm the attorney for Arlene Dowling.
She told me I could always reach her through Dr.
Chandler.
I think I may have a lead to her trailer.
Oh? - Where is it? - Tell her to meet me at the Ideal Trailer Mart on Sepulveda at 10:00.
I can depend on you to give her the message? Well, I can't promise you that, Mr.
Mason, I'll do the best I can.
Thank you.
Ain't she a beaut? Nice and clean.
HARTSEL: Yeah.
You don't find them like this very often.
- How long has it been on the lot? HARTSEL: Just since last night.
Fellow brought it in on consignment.
He's asking 2,500.
I figure he'll shave it a little if you're ready to talk turkey.
- This is it.
- Now there's a little lady that knows her own mind.
I think I'd better advise you, Mr.
Hartsel, this trailer is stolen property.
- What? - It belongs to Miss Dowling here.
Look, I don't know what you're up to, but this feller brought her in yesterday.
And I got a certificate registration to-- Look.
"Howard Pim.
State 9-1-4-9-9.
" That's right.
- This certificate is forged.
- We'll see about that.
You go on ahead.
I'll be right with you.
WOMAN [OVER PHONE.]
: I'm sorry, sir, but there is no State 9 exchange.
Well, have you got a listing for a Howard Pim on Encino? There's a Walter Pim that's on Ventura.
Never mind.
Well? Perhaps this will help.
Where did you get this certificate? Anything wrong with it? Well, I thought there was nothing wrong with that Pim feller's.
- We better call the police.
- There's no need for that.
How much are you asking for the trailer? - Well, he said he wanted 2,500, but-- - Just a moment, Arlene.
That trailer legally belongs to you.
Then I can always get my money back.
- Is that correct? - Yeah.
I'd like to take it with me now.
You'll find my car out in front.
New convertible.
Need a special hitch.
There's one in the trunk.
You'll need lights too.
You'll find those next to the hitch.
Looks like you thought of everything.
I like to think so.
You realise, of course, you're ignoring my advice.
Yes.
In which case, I must conclude you have no further use for my services.
Oddly enough, I've come to the same conclusion.
Would you mind terribly if I sent the $1,500 around to you this afternoon? Not at all.
Anytime you want a trailer found just give me a ring.
Well, you gotta hand it to Mason.
He delivered, all right.
And now you owe him $1,500.
Seems like an awful lot of money for a couple of hours work.
But as a feller says, a deal's a deal.
And we agreed that the main thing was to get the trailer back.
I hate to ask you for the money, Uncle George.
That's all right, honey.
Excuse me.
I'll be right back.
[CAR HORN HONKING.]
GEORGE: There's candy on the radio there.
ARLENE: No, thanks.
GEORGE: Here it is.
Well, this ought to take care of Mr.
Mason.
May I ask you a personal question? Why I don't keep my money in the bank? After the experience that your father and I had with the Mercantile Security? No, thank you, I'll stick to my own system.
I won't forget this, Uncle George.
- I'm keeping track of every penny.
- Ah.
That's all right, honey.
Oh, Arlene, you won't say a word to your dad about this.
- All right.
- That's a girl.
Now, we let it all come as a big surprise at the end, huh? I wasn't long, was I? Just long enough for me to finish my cigarette.
Look, Arlene, I hope you don't mind my telling you this, I know how you feel about George Ballard.
Well, what is it, Ralph? Well, I'd hate for you to be disappointed.
But if I were you, I wouldn't trust him too far.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
GERTIE: Perry Mason's office.
One moment, I'll connect you with Mr.
Jackson.
Perry Mason's office.
I'm sorry, his line is busy.
Will you wait? Thank you.
Oh, Miss Street.
This just came for Mr.
Mason.
GERTIE: Well, just a minute, I didn't sign for it.
Oh.
Don't know what I was thinking of.
- Take care of it, will you, Gertie? - Certainly.
- Perry.
MASON: Just a moment, Della.
"Thanks for everything.
I hope the enclosed is satisfactory.
" One-thousand, five-hundred.
Very nice.
I wonder where she has them made.
Get Paul.
Tell him I want the complete dope on the Mercantile Security theft.
Let him start with the boy who drove the armoured truck.
I thought Miss Dowling gave you your walking papers.
I know, I know.
Tell Paul to step on it.
Right.
[VEHICLE APPROACHING.]
[HORN HONKING.]
They'll be right out, Charlie.
They're just finishing up.
Boy, they think of everything, don't they? Oh, a pal of mine works for you people.
Maybe you know him? Name's Bill Emory.
Guess you haven't seen Emory in quite a while.
- No, I haven't.
Why? - He was fired.
- No kidding.
What happened? - Better ask him.
Well, gee, I haven't heard from Bill in a year.
Have you got any idea where I could reach him? Last I heard, he was living in the Layton Apartments in North Hollywood.
If he ain't there, you might try the corner poolroom.
Thanks a lot.
I can't tell you how I appreciate this, fella.
Oh, if you happen to see him first, would you tell him that Paul Drake's looking for him? Thanks.
Bill Emory around? Thank you.
Nice shot.
- Looking for a game? - No, you're too good.
- You Bill Emory? - Who are you? Think you could spare me a few minutes? Mister, I could spare you a few years.
What's on your mind? You used to work for the Mercantile Security Bank.
Is that what you came out here - to talk about? - Mm-hm.
- Take it easy.
- Take it easy? What do you think I've been doing for ten months? Don't this look like it? You know, hustling suckers is the greatest career in the world.
Some days, I make as much as five-, six bucks.
Maybe I can help you.
Can you help a guy get a job that's been blacklisted? Maybe.
Are you from the Mercantile Security? - No.
- The insurance company? Now, let's say at the moment I'm working for myself.
Now, tell me something.
Do you wanna go on like this? It seems to me your only chance is to help find the parties responsible.
Are you kidding? Everybody knows it's Frank Dowling.
He's got the money all nicely tucked away.
It'll be a nice annuity when he comes out.
His daughter claims he's innocent.
What did you expect? Would you tell me what happened that day? Okay.
I told it 20 times to the police, I guess another time can't hurt.
It was a Tuesday morning, May 3rd to be exact.
It was about 7:30 when the dispatcher called me to take a shipment over to the Santa Ana branch.
How many men work on these trucks? - Just the driver.
- Isn't that a little dangerous? Not on these new babies, it's all you need.
There's a two-way radio right next to the driver.
But suppose you ran into trouble, can't use a radio.
Look, Mr.
Mason, you have to see one of these trucks in order to appreciate it.
They thought of everything.
Even if the mob did grab the driver, it wouldn't do them any good.
You gotta have a key.
- And the driver doesn't have one? - Are you kidding? There are two keys in the main office.
The inspector has one, and the guy who makes up the cash shipment has the other.
- That means that Frank Dowling and-- - And George Ballard.
They blacklisted him too.
Nice people, huh? Any idea where I can locate Ballard? Well, he lives somewhere in Burbank.
You can probably find it in the book.
I wanted to call the office anyway.
You've been a great help.
Would you be offended if I? No, thanks, Mr.
Mason.
I'll make out.
Just as long as there are guys who think they know how to shoot pool.
Good luck.
Gertie, let me speak to Della, please.
Hello, Della? What's new? I'm glad you asked.
Guess what just arrived for you by registered mail.
Another $1,500 from your former client, Miss Arlene Dowling.
- Want me to read the note? - Please.
"Dear Mr.
Mason, sorry if I seem capricious but the enclosed $1,500 should make up for it.
" It's signed, "Arlene Dowling".
That doesn't make sense.
Why would she send me another $1,500? I don't know.
Well, incidentally, there's a process server been looking for you.
He's been hanging around all afternoon.
He has a subpoena duces tecum.
And he wants me to appear before the grand jury tomorrow morning with all moneys I collected from Arlene Dowling? - Where did you buy your crystal ball? - Listen, Della.
If anyone calls, you haven't heard from me.
I'm going over to Burbank to see a man named Ballard.
I'll check with you later.
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
[BARKING.]
[MAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY OVER TV.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Sandy, down, down.
Come in, Mr.
Mason.
Well, I suppose you're surprised that I know who you are.
Well, to tell the truth, I saw your picture in the paper.
Sandy, let Mr.
Mason alone.
- Sit down.
- Thank you.
MAN [ON RADIO.]
: Someone should tap you on the shoulder and ask-- You tell him for me.
--The Beavers are a-cinch to do it again this year.
Till tomorrow night, same time, this is your old buddy, Red Walsh, saying good night.
Ever listen to him? He's on every night at 8.
Sure knows his sports.
You ought to give him a listen.
I will.
Well, what can I do for you? I'm looking into the Mercantile Security swindle, Mr.
Ballard.
Ha-ha-ha.
If that ain't the darndest thing.
That happened almost ten months ago and they haven't forgotten it yet.
Why don't they give it up? I can think of almost 400,000 reasons why they shouldn't.
Well, it's high time somebody like you got into it.
I understand that you and Frank Dowling made up that shipment together.
Now you've got to understand, Mr.
Mason, Frank and me worked side by side for years.
We trusted each other.
- That's perfectly natural.
- Perfectly.
Well, to tell you the truth, on this particular day, we didn't exactly follow routine.
I'd made a bet on a horse, and I was checking the results in the locker room.
Frank made up the shipment.
I was gone, well, not over a minute.
So then when you sealed that package, you couldn't swear the money was inside? Now, look, Mr.
Mason, you can't work and not know what makes him tick.
Frank Dowling was just as honest as they come.
He didn't take that money.
Do you have any idea who did? No.
But I'll tell you one thing: If you can find a guy with a $1,000 bill stashed away with the serial number, "0-0-5-8-1," he's your boy.
Oh? There's a record of the serial numbers? There's a record of at least one big bill.
I told that to the cops right after the robbery.
It's remarkable that you remember it.
Well, wouldn't you if it meant Ha-ha.
Maybe you think I'm crazy, but the day of the robbery, I got this tip that I was telling you about.
It was in the fifth race and the number of the horse was eight.
And naturally, you wanted your horse to come in first.
And believe it or not, right on top of the stack with this thousand dollar bill with a serial number 0-0-5-8-1.
- I figured it was an omen.
- How did you do? [CHUCKLES.]
He won, and I had a hundred smackers on his nose.
Well, I guess you must think that I'm nuts making a bet like that, but, you see, I haven't any family and, well, gambling is my only vice.
Well, that is, gambling and a little nip once in a while.
- Oh, would you like to have a little--? - Love to.
All right.
Back in just a minute.
Sandy, now don't you bother Mr.
Mason.
I'll be in soon as I can find a corkscrew.
MASON: Take your time.
What did you say the number on that bill was? Well, here's looking at you.
Thank you.
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
How do you like those potatoes, sergeant? You see what I did? Yeah, why do you suppose Ballard signalled her? That wasn't Ballard, he's a short little duck.
[CAR DOOR CLOSES.]
Wish we got a peek at that licence plate.
Our orders were to stick with Miss Dowling.
Yeah.
- Didn't that guy look kind of familiar? - Uh? The fellow who just left, I know I've seen him somewhere.
Notice the way he carried himself? He looked like a guy who could take care of himself.
- Could it have been Perry Mason? - Mason? Yeah, this dame's his client.
That's who it was, Mason.
Neil, what do you suppose that business with the window shade meant? I don't know, but I don't like it.
Come on.
Let's go in.
[BUZZER SOUNDING, KNOCKING.]
Mr.
Ballard.
Mr.
Ballard.
[DOG WHIMPERING.]
Maybe the girl's still around.
You better call Homicide.
Right.
[DIALLING.]
Police Headquarters, please.
You understand, of course, that you've been summoned before this body not as an attorney, but as an ordinary citizen who has witnessed a murder.
I hate to disagree with you, Mr.
Burger, but I did not witness any murder.
You'd have this jury believe that you know nothing of the manner of George Ballard's death? That's exactly what I'd have them believe.
BURGER: I see.
Does the name Arlene Dowling mean anything to you? - It does.
- Are you aware that she has disappeared? I read of her disappearance in this morning's paper.
Oh, come on, Mr.
Mason, as Miss Dowling's attorney-- I am not Miss Dowling's attorney.
BURGER: She retained you just Monday.
And discharged me the following day.
Why? Obviously, she was dissatisfied.
BURGER: But she paid you a fee.
I've credited Miss Dowling's account with $1,500.
The money to which I refer came in yesterday's mail.
Two bills and a note that I assume was in Miss Dowling's handwriting.
- You assume? - I'm not familiar with her handwriting.
You were served with subpoena duces tecum last night.
- Is that correct? - It is.
You were ordered to bring all monies in your possession that you have from Miss Dowling.
Have you those bills with you? Something wrong, Mr.
Burger? Never mind.
Let's get back to the night of George Ballard's death.
Is it not true that a few moments before you left his home, you went to the window and signalled Miss Dowling by lowering and raising the shade? No, it is not true.
Maybe I should remind you, you're under oath.
I'm an attorney, Mr.
Burger, I need no such reminder.
Will the sergeant at arms call detective Myers, please? - You're excused, Mr.
Mason.
- Thank you.
BURGER: You were assigned to follow Miss Dowling? - That's right.
- Did you follow her last night? Yes, sir.
She took a cab to 1427 Glendon.
That's where Mr.
Ballard lives.
BURGER: Did she go in? MYERS: Not right away.
There was a man by the window.
He pulled the shade down, then raised it.
A couple of seconds later he came out and drove away.
- What did Miss Dowling do then? - She went in the back way.
Did you recognise the man who stood at the window - and signalled to Miss Dowling? - Yes, sir.
- What was his name? - Perry Mason.
- Are you sure of that, officer? - Absolutely.
- I've known Mr.
Mason for years.
- Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you've just heard the testimony of detective Myers.
It completely contradicts the testimony of the previous witness.
I therefore ask you to bring in an indictment for perjury against Perry Mason.
I don't like it, Perry.
I'm afraid the photographer didn't capture the real me.
Now what have you got up your sleeve? Just a hunch.
I'm convinced I was right about Dowling.
He certainly didn't kill Ballard from his cell in San Quentin.
His daughter could.
She was on the scene.
On the other hand, it might be a frame.
Mm-mm.
The police claim only a few minutes elapsed between the time you left Ballard's house and Arlene entered.
Then obviously, one of us must have killed him.
[CHUCKLES.]
And just who do you think Mr.
Burger is rooting for? Me.
I guess I'll have to prove I didn't signal Arlene.
Get Lieutenant Tragg on the phone.
I'll show him the real reason I was fooling around with that window shade.
TRAGG: This better be good, Mason, if Burger knows I let you in, he'll have my scalp.
Now, what's this all about? Burger claimed I signalled Arlene Dowling from here.
- Well, didn't you? - No.
Why'd you horse around with that shade? Now don't tell me you were just being playful.
I had some evidence I wanted to conceal for a while.
I give you my word, Tragg.
Do you know what that's worth? Now, don't start parking yourself.
I wanna lock up, come on.
Come on.
[PHONE RINGS.]
Dr.
Chandler's office.
This is Perry Mason.
May I speak to Dr.
Chandler? [MOUTHING WORDS.]
I'm sorry, he isn't in.
- Miss Rucker? RUCKER: Yes.
Miss Rucker, I must get in touch with Arlene Dowling.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
It's very important.
I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do.
DELLA: She hang up? - Yes.
Well, where do we go from here? We can't make any plans till we figure out what Burger's gonna do.
If I know my esteemed colleague, he'll bypass the grand jury, file a complaint against Arlene for the murder, ask for a preliminary hearing, and call me as a witness for the prosecution.
I've gotta find that girl.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
It's Paul.
Hello, beautiful.
PAUL: Well, where do the relatives of the deceased sit? Front-row centre.
You didn't find her? No, but I found something else.
The kid who swiped the trailer.
What's this? DELLA: Hey, this is the messenger.
This is the one that delivered the envelope with the first $1500.
- You positive? - Positive.
MASON: Nice work, Paul.
- Let's have the details.
- His name is Tom Sackett.
He used to live at the Wayneright Apartments.
- Used to? - Checked out nights ago and grabbed a bus for Mexico City.
I figure he was scared off by Ballard's murder.
- That's only a guess, mind you.
- Makes sense.
I wish Arlene were here.
- Maybe she'd know more about him.
DELLA: How about Bill Emory? Good idea.
Get him up here.
You can probably reach him in that poolroom.
What do you want me to do? Just keep looking for Arlene Dowling.
Okay, Perry.
MAN [ON RADIO.]
: The police are engaged in one of the biggest manhunts in the history of California.
But the quarry is a female.
Red-headed, blue eyed, Arlene Dowling.
Who is accused of murdering Frank Ballard.
Miss Dowling has been reported as far north as Portland.
But local authority discount these stories, convinced that she is still somewhere in the city.
It was in connection with the same case that Perry Mason, noted defence attorney, was indicted by the grand jury.
District Attorney Hamilton Burger, who has taking personal charge, said he-- Oh, I was so afraid you wouldn't come.
I had to see you once more before I left.
I'm going to Canada.
You can't do that.
Arlene, running away would be the worst possible thing you could do.
I didn't kill Ballard.
Of course you didn't, but that's why you've gotta stay.
Running away would be an admission of guilt.
Oh, I've ruined everything.
I only wanted to help my father.
- Maybe you'd better see Mason.
- Oh, no.
Now, why not? - You're the only one I can trust.
- Ugh.
Big help I've been.
If it weren't for you, the police would have caught me long ago.
Ralph, what am I going to do? - Darling, will you do me a favour? - What? Talk to Mason.
All right.
What do you say, Bill, do you recognise him? MASON: His name is Sackett.
Thomas Sackett.
I'm not sure.
I think I've seen him around somewhere but it was some time ago.
Was it with Frank Dowling? George Ballard? Hey, wait a minute.
Yeah, that's it.
It was in the doc's office.
Dr.
Chandler's office? Are you a patient of his? We all were.
Ballard, Dowling, everybody who worked for the Mercantile Security.
He was the doc for the bank.
Would you be willing to swear you saw Sackett in Chandler's office? Sure.
There's a preliminary hearing tomorrow morning.
I want you there.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
Excuse me.
- What is it, Della? DELLA: Will you talk to Miss Dowling? You know I will.
Put her on.
ARLENE: Mr.
Mason? This is Arlene Dowling.
Do you realise I've been looking all over creation for you? Would you consider representing me again? Why, your trailer missing? I guess I deserved that.
Do you know Maple and Sunset in Beverly Hills? Yes.
I'll pick you up there on the northwest corner in one hour.
I almost gave up hope of ever seeing you again.
You don't know how close you came.
I have a ticket for Montreal in here.
- Did you murder George Ballard? - Did you? Why did you go to see Ballard on Monday night? I was in trouble.
Remember when I met you at the Trailer Mart? How could I ever forget? Well, when I went into the trailer to look for my diary, it was gone.
Instead I found $18,000 in the compartment.
- That seems like a fair exchange.
- I knew it belonged to the bank.
Then I realised why my trailer was stolen.
It was to plant the money there so that the police could find it.
Is there anything in your diary that could incriminate you? Suppose there is? If there is, whoever masterminded this little plot is gonna make sure it falls right into Burger's hands.
Of all people, why did you pick Ballard as a confidante? He was helping me.
You mean he was supplying you with all that money? - Where did he get it? - It was his life savings.
And he was giving it to you? He was lending it to me for what he said was a good cause.
He felt that my father was innocent.
Does your father know you were taking money from Ballard? No, I didn't tell him.
He would have been angry.
He thought that Ballard helped convict him.
- Do you think he did? - Aren't you being ridiculous? It would have given you a logical motive to kill him.
Ballard was dead when I walked in, right after you left.
That what you plan to tell the district attorney? Listen, Arlene, Burger's out to get me.
He may offer to let you plead guilty to manslaughter instead of murder if you say-- [SIREN WAILING.]
We've got company.
You mustn't stop.
I'm sorry, I don't have any choice.
You told them you were meeting me.
You've got to trust me, no matter what happens.
You've got to trust me, understand? [SIREN STOPS.]
- Where's the fire, Mr.
Mason? - What's the idea? The idea is perfectly simple.
This little lady is wanted for murder.
I want to make sure she shows for the hearing tomorrow.
All right, Miss Dowling.
[ENGINE STARTS.]
And is it not true, officer, that on entering the premises at 1427 Glendon Avenue, you found the body of the murdered man, George Ballard? MYERS: Yes, Neil was with me at the time.
How long did you wait outside with Neil before you entered? A couple of minutes.
BURGER: Could you place the time more exactly for me? I'd say a few minutes after 9.
That's as close as I can come.
BURGER: You saw someone at the window? Yes, sir, Perry Mason.
[AUDIENCE MURMURING.]
BURGER: You may cross-examine.
Officer Myers, you're positive you saw me at the window shortly before you entered Mr.
Ballard's home? Absolutely.
- You recognised me immediately? - Yes.
You said to Sergeant Neil, quote, "That's Perry Mason at the window"? Well, no, I mentioned you looked familiar and Neil said, "Could it have been Mason?" What was your reaction to that? MYERS: After he said it, I realised it was you.
But you didn't arrive at that conclusion until after you discussed it with your superior? No, sir.
No further questions.
Your Honour, I think I can now explain the circumstances surrounding the death of George Ballard - if the court will allow me the liberty.
BURGER: I object, Your Honour.
The State has gone to a great deal of trouble to prepare its case.
There's no need for Mr.
Mason to explain anything.
My offer was made in the interest of expediency.
BURGER: Well, is it expediency or self interest, Mr.
Mason? You're aware I intend to call you as a witness for the State.
If it please the court, I'd like to present my case without any further help from Mr.
Mason.
- Mr.
Burger, call your next witness.
- Thank you, Your Honour.
Call Dr.
Ralph Chandler.
Why did they call him? Raise your right hand.
Do you promise the testimony you are about to give is the truth, and nothing but the truth? - I do.
- Be seated.
BURGER: Would you be good enough to give us your full name and address? Dr.
Ralph Chandler.
How long have you known the defendant, Arlene Dowling? CHANDLER: Well, eight or nine years.
During these eight or nine years, did you become familiar with her handwriting? CHANDLER: Yes.
I'm gonna show you something, I want to remind you that you're under oath.
This purports to be the diary of Arlene Dowling.
I want you to look at it carefully and tell us if, in your opinion, - it is in her handwriting.
- Yes.
BURGER: I want you to look specifically at the items of June 7th and June 9th.
You'll notice that at that time Miss Dowling suspected that George Ballard, the murdered man, - might be implicated in the theft-- - Objection.
If Your Honour please, since the witness has testified the document is in my client's handwriting, I'm entitled to look at it myself.
For all we know, certain entries may be forged.
The witness will turn the diary over to Mr.
Mason.
All right, doctor, that will be all.
I may want to recall you later.
Thank you, doctor.
Just a moment.
I wish to cross-examine.
He hasn't testified to anything you can cross-examine him on, except the handwriting of the defendant.
He stated he was a doctor.
- I'd like to know his qualifications.
- Heh.
Dr.
Chandler, I've been given to understand that you are the physician for the Mercantile Security Bank.
MASON: Is Frank Dowling one of your patients? CHANDLER: Yes, he was.
What about George Ballard and Bill Emory? CHANDLER: I treated them all.
Does the name Thomas Sackett mean anything to you? CHANDLER: He was a patient of mine too.
Did you give Sackett a diathermic treatment on Wednesday, April 4th and again on Wednesday, April 11th? My nurse may have.
Wednesday is my day off.
Thank you, doctor.
That's all.
JUDGE: Call your next witness.
If the court please, this is an unusual situation.
I want to call the attorney for the defence.
I realise this is highly irregular.
Mr.
Mason has already appeared before the grand jury.
Although I hate to say so, it's possible he may be an accessory in this case.
I understand, Mr.
Burger.
Mr.
Mason, will you take the stand? Of course, you're entitled to refuse to answer any questions which may tend to incriminate you.
Thanks.
Raise your right hand.
Do you promise the testimony you are about to give is the truth, and nothing but the truth? - I do.
- Be seated.
I'll get right to the point, Mr.
Mason.
Are you aware that the police discovered $18,000 - in your client's trailer? - I am now.
BURGER: Where do you think the money came from? Surely you know, Mr.
Burger, that what I think isn't admissible as evidence.
All right, Mr.
Mason, let's stick to facts within your own knowledge.
Did you visit George Ballard at his home on the evening of June 16th? Yes, I did.
And did you lower and then raise the shade in his living room? Yes.
But you denied that in front of the grand jury.
MASON: I beg your pardon.
If you'll refer to the grand jury record, you'll find that you asked me if I lowered and raised the shade as a signal to the defendant.
Well, what possible explanation could there be for such behaviour? Well, in my possession at that time were two large bills which had been given to me.
On one of them I found the serial number 0-0-5-8-1.
I felt those bills were given to incriminate me, so while Mr.
Ballard was in the kitchen pouring a drink, I rolled them up in the window shade.
Then Ballard was alive at that time? - Of course.
- And since Arlene Dowling entered immediately after your departure-- MASON: Who said so? - Oh, come now, Mr.
Mason, let's not waste time in evasion.
You now admit that detective Myers saw you at the window.
I admit nothing of the kind.
He saw someone at the window who answered my general description but it most assuredly was not me.
When I entered Mr.
Ballard's home, he was listening to a sportscaster.
A sportscaster by the name of Red Walsh, who was on the air from 8 to 8:15.
We listened to the end of the sportscast, talked about five minutes, had our drink, then I left.
It could not possibly have been later than 8:25.
- So? - So, Officer Myers placed the time of seeing a man at the window at 9:00.
Over one half-hour later.
- Do you mean to tell me-- - I mean to tell you the man Officer Myers saw at the window was Ballard's murderer.
BURGER: If he was the murderer, what was he doing at the window shade? He was removing the money I had hidden there.
And I suppose you know who the man was? Yes.
The man largely responsible for the Mercantile Security robbery.
May I direct your attention to Dr.
Chandler.
Frank Dowling, the man convicted of the Mercantile theft, was one of Dr.
Chandler's patients.
Now, patients undergoing a complete physical examination would naturally disrobe.
It was a simple matter then to remove from their clothing keys and seals and take impressions of them.
These impressions were later turned over to an expert forger named Thomas Sackett who made copies.
I think you'll find Mr.
Sackett is in Mexico City.
Then you're saying Dr.
Chandler masterminded this theft? You're jumping to conclusions, Mr.
Burger.
The very same argument I used against Dr.
Chandler can also be used against someone who works for him.
Someone he trusted completely enough to go everywhere with him, including the bank.
I'm referring of course to Dr.
Chandler's nurse, Helen Rucker.
If Your Honour please, this has nothing to do with the present case.
Your Honour, it has everything to do with the present case.
Helen Rucker and her confederate, Thomas Sackett, made up a dummy sack filled with cancelled cheques and sealed like the original.
They then turned it over with the key for the truck to the only man who could have made the substitution safely.
The man who followed me to Ballard's house and killed him.
The man officer Myers saw at the window.
His name is Bill Emory.
He's in this courtroom.
I've pointed him out to the bailiffs.
[AUDIENCE MURMURING.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
Look what just arrived in the mail from the Bushwick Indemnity.
"Pay to the order of Perry Mason 25--" Twenty-five-thousand dollars, very nice.
Endorse this over to Frank Dowling.
Well, after all, Della, the man's been in jail.
As far as we're concerned, it's just another case.
My mother always told me to turn the other cheek.
I'll take care of this when I get back to the office.
I'm famished.
Amy.
Thank you, Amy.
Now, mademoiselle, the rarest of delicacies are yours for the asking.
Would you care to order? Coffee, bacon and eggs.
Did you get all that, Pierre? - Are you buying, Mr.
Moneybags? - Moneybags? I heard about the $25,000 reward.
Some people have all the luck.
- Is that what you call it, Mr.
Burger? - Yes.
By the way, what made you decide on Emory? - You.
- Huh? Obviously, you were tipped off that I was meeting Arlene at Sunset and Maple Drive.
BURGER: Well, what if I was? That information could only have come from Bill Emory.
He was in my office when Arlene phoned me.
Huh.
I see.
The indictment for perjury against you has been quashed.
MASON: Thank you.
Under the circumstances, the least I can do is to buy your lunch.
All right, if you insist.
MASON: I do insist.
Amy.
One order of crow for the gentleman.
He'll eat it here.