Perfect Clue, The (1935)

[bunniefuu]

- Are you nervous, my dear?

- Oh, not nervous, darling, but...

...just a little self-conscious, you know.

Well, Mr. Stewart, what is this

big surprise you have for me?

You'll hear all about it very

shortly, my dear.

Why, Ronnie, you haven't

eaten a thing!

Don't be silly, this is the best

dinner I've ever drunk.

You know, Matt, I'm dying to know what

Jerome is going to give Mona this time.

Perhaps he's going to give her another yacht

in case the one she has breaks down.

If a had a daughter as spoiled

and unappreciative as Mona,

I'd turn her over my knee.

I wouldn't speak too rashly, my dear.

Remember it's been years since

you've seen your niece.

My friends.

In many years since this old

home has been honored...

...by the presence of so many

of my friends, and my daughter Mona,

But after the combination of the event

I am about to announce,

I hope that many such festive little

gatherings will take place here.

It gives me indescribable

pleasure to announce...

that Miss Ursula Chesebrough...

...has honored me by consenting

to become my wife.

I would like to propose a toast...

...to the prospective bride and groom.

Uh, here's to a...

Aren't you drinking?

No, I'm not!

Um, will...

...will you please excuse me

for a moment?

Go ahead, my dear, get the fireworks

out of your system.

Then perhaps we can sit down and

talk this over like two adults.

The whole thing is ridiculous!

I wish Mona likes me, Ronnie.

She's probably very sorry,

forget it.

Ursula!

I've seen her every day and she

never mentioned a word about this.

You didn't either!

Why did I have to learn it with the others

as though I were a guest in your house?

Because, my dear, I wished to avoid

just such a scene as this.

She's already telling me what

I should and shouldn't do,

and I don't propose to take

orders from her.

Ursula is very sensible and understanding,

Mona, and thinks a great deal of you.

I'm sure if you try to understand her,

you will love her too.

Never!

Will you join me for coffee in the

drawing room?

Dad, please don't do this thing.

My dear child, all your life I've catered

to your slightest whims.

But this is one time I can't.

And won't!

The day you marry Ursula,

I'll leave this house!

That's your privilege, my dear.

- Then you won't change your mind?

- No, Mona, I won't.

Very well, then. Please excuse me

to your guests.

Have it your own way, my dear.

Oh, Jerome, I...

I'm terribly sorry.

- Now, don't worry, dear.

- I know, but...

If I could only talk with Mona.

No, I'm afraid not, dear.

In her present mood, Mona is better

left alone.

Oh, all right, dear.

- Your drink, Mr. Van Zandt.

- Oh.

I tell you Jervins, it's a shame.

Goldfish always do their part.

Yet everybody gets a new deal

but the goldfish.

That's quite true, sir.

They can't even organize.

They still have to swim around

24 hours a day, Jervins.

Look at little Charlie here.

Just dying to take little Minnie over here

out for a stroll in the woods and...

sit down and hold her fin, or maybe

play Love in Bloom on her scales.

But he can't do it,

they have no home life.

Poor little fishy.

Ronnie, what on earth are you doing?

Well, I was just seeing how a goldfish

would act with the jitters, I wasn't...

But you'd k*ll him.

Well, there's never been a case known

on record of a goldfish dying from drinks.

Did you... put Papa stork

in his place?

I told him what a fool he was

making of himself.

I don't know what the older

generation is coming to, Mona.

We have apparently failed in raising

our parents successfully.

Oh, Ronnie, don't you realize

what this means to me?

Sure I do.

If your father wants to throw

his life away by getting married,

there's only one thing for you to do.

- And that is?

- Get married for spite.

Throw your life away on some

good-for-nothing, worthless scamp.

Like me.

And I won't let you down

either, Mona.

I promise you I'll devote my whole life to

amounting to nothing just for your sake.

When can we get married?

What?

I told him I'd do it and I will.

We'll just have a cheap runaway

elopement to Niagara Falls...

...then see what Mr. Jerome Stewart

and his fiancee think of that.

Are you game, Ronnie?

What do you think I've been hanging

around here for two years for?

Ronnie, I've got to pack.

I'll be ready in ten minutes.

We'll take the first train to Buffalo

and be married there.

- Have a drink?

- No, thank you.

Cigarette?

Come on, Mona, cheer up. You'd think

we were married already.

We're not going to be married, Ronnie.

I can't go through with it.

Why not?

Because it wouldn't be fair to you.

I don't love you, you know that.

- Oh now, listen, Mona.

- No, Ronnie.

Just a minute, now, let's talk

this thing over.

Please.

Honey, I don't think you could love

anybody in the usual sense.

But you've got to settle down with

someone substantial pretty soon...

...or you're gonna drift on the

rocks, Mona.

I've played around plenty and all that,

but I love you.

And who knows, maybe our marriage

will mean the salvation of us both.

Now, don't stop me, let me finish.

You've been very impulsive at times,

of course, we all know that.

I've worried a lot of times...

about you running off and rushing

into a hasty marriage...

...and making a mess out of your life.

Isn't that what I may be doing now?

No, it isn't, Mona.

You know I could never do

anything to hurt you.

You're a dear, Ronnie.

And I wish I could feel differently

toward you, but I can't.

If we go through with this,

you're the one who'll be hurt.

Well, let me worry about that.

I...

Your room's all made up, sir.

Would the lady in there like to have

her room made up now?

Yeah, in just a moment.

Honey, you're tired and nervous.

Get a good night's rest and you'll think

differently in the morning.

Then we'll hash the whole thing over.

Good night.

Good night, Ronnie.

I'll get this awful stuff

out of your way.

- Good night.

- Good night.

- Shall I remove this, ma'am?

- Yes, please.

Porter, what city is this?

It's no city, ma'am. We just pulled in

to Truxton, it's only a whistle stop.

How far is it to Albany?

Hm... about 28 miles.

All right, take my bags up

to the platform.

I'm getting off.

But, uh... but, uh... Madame,

this Truxton is only a waterhole.

Please do as I ask.

- Oh, porter.

- Yes, ma'am?

In the morning, tell the gentleman

in drawing-room B...

...that I'll communicate with him later.

Oh, porter.

Could you tell me what time the next

train leaves to New York?

I could, but I ain't no porter.

I'm the station master here.

- Sorry.

- Humph.

Well... Station Master,

what time does it leave?

The next train to New York goes

through in half an hour.

Oh, splendid.

Could you sell me a ticket,

Station Master?

Oh, sure. But it won't do no good,

the train don't stop here.

Well then, what time does the next

train to New York stop here?

There's a milk train stops here 5:13

in the morning.

In the morning... oh!

I can't wait here all night alone.

Well, there's a train out

of Albany at 1:40.

- Oh, thank you.

- That's all right.

Maybe if I drove over,

I could catch...

Is it possible to hire a car

at this time of night?

Why, yes, sure.

I'll show you.

See, right down there where

you see that light,

that's the Night Owl cafe.

You got a couple of cars

you can hire there.

But you ask for Johnny O'Rourke,

he's very reliable.

- Thank you.

- That's fine.

Oh, will my bags be all right here

till I get back?

Oh, yes, sure.

I'd carry them for you only... somebody

might see me and tell my wife...

that I've been lollygagging

around with a pretty gal and...

...I'd catch it.

Are you Johnny O'Rourke?

No.

Well...

Never mind. How much would you

charge to drive me to Albany?

Well, I...

I'll pay you well, if that's

what's bothering you.

I've got to catch that 1:40 train.

Okay.

Get in.

Oh, stop at the station first, driver,

I left my bags there.

Alright.

Driver, are you sure this is

the road to Albany?

Get out.

- What?

- You heard me, get out.

Give that purse, your watch

and rings.

- I'll do nothing of the kind.

- Do I have to take it from you?

What am I supposed to do?

Wait here for a streetcar?

Here. There's a car line to Albany

a few miles down the road.

Do you think you can actually

get away with this?

Looks like it, doesn't it?

Wait! Stop! Stop!

Oh, it's you!

What's the matter, afraid you

overlooked something?

No.

I decided I couldn't rob a woman.

Come on, get in, I'll drive

you to Albany.

Oh... I think I sprained my ankle.

How did you do that?

Running from a wild animal.

Where are you going?

- To get your bag.

- How sweet of you.

What are you doing running around the

country alone in the middle of the night?

I was eloping to spite my father

but I changed my mind.

You're just the type.

Just like the rest of these rich dames,

spoiled and stubborn.

Who's stubborn?

Well, that was bright.

What are you going to do now?

Well, it looks like we're going

to spend the night here.

Oh, I can't do that.

There's the road.

Who said the age of chivalry

was dead?

You might offer a lady a cigarette.

Would you mind rolling one of these

things for me?

You're not only spoiled and stubborn,

you're a helpless scatterbrain.

You can't talk like that to me.

Keep your old cigarette.

Very well.

Good night, scatterbrain.

Good night, Jessie James.

Good morning, scatterbrain.

Did you find someone to pull us out?

Yeah, a farmer down the road,

he'll be along in a little while.

- Give me that ankle.

- Yes, doctor.

- Horse liniment!

- Well, it's all the farmer had.

It'll take some of the soreness

out anyway.

I suppose if I were hungry,

you'd bring me some oats.

How long have you been a bandit?

- It was my first job.

- What did you do before that?

- A year in Sing Sing prison.

- For what?

- Something I didn't do.

- Something you didn't do?

Yeah. A friend and I were working

in a bank in Rochester.

A shortage was discovered,

it was pinned on me and I was set up.

He was the one who did it, though,

I found it out later.

Here you are, young fella!

That's the farmer,

I'll be back in a minute.

Say, young feller, looks to me like

you're in deeper than I thought.

Yeah.

Much deeper.

Well, I usually charge five dollars

to get them out of this hole, but...

...I'll do it for you for two.

Okay.

When you found that out,

did you report him to the police?

No. He had a wife and two kids.

I had already taken the rap,

so what was the use?

I'm so sorry.

Come on, get your shoes on,

let's get started.

Oh!

How long have you been

out of prison?

A month.

Have you tried to find another job?

Have I?

It's all I've been doing.

- Who'd give an ex-convict a job?

- I would.

I'm going to give you an opportunity

to earn an honest living.

How?

I don't want to give my dad

the satisfaction...

...of welcoming the prodigal daughter

back home yet.

There's plenty of attractive

country around here.

- We could have a lot of fun seeing it.

- We?

Yes, we. I'll pay you $25 a day

to drive me around in your car.

No, the car's not for hire.

I thought you wanted a job.

I'm offering you one and you're

turning it down.

You don't deserve help.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean that.

But you did say you wanted a job.

Well, you can get lots of guys to drive

you around for half that much money.

Yes, but not lots of guys who'd

take care of me the way you do...

...and doctor my sprained ankle.

Alright, I'll drive you around

till the ankle gets better.

Where to, scatterbrain?

Somewhere for breakfast, Jessie James.

Good morning.

Maybe I'm wrong.

Well, where is she?

- Who?

- Mona, of course.

Mona? Isn't she here?

If she were here, would I be

asking you? What happened?

Well... n-nothing happened.

I was awakened on my wedding morn...

...and politely informed that I had lost

my beloved during the night.

So I just shuffled off to Buffalo, spent a

couple of days at the Falls and here I am.

You idiot!

You sit there making a lot

of fool remarks...

...and something serious may

have happened to her.

Where did she get off the train?

At a little jerk town called Truxton.

- I thought she'd come back home.

- You thought!

- Yes, I thought...

- And while you stood there thinking,

she may have been kidnapped

or m*rder*d... or worse!

- Worse?

- Oh, don't stand there like a dumbbell.

- Say something!

- Well, I've been trying to...

Shut up! Come on, we're going

out and find her.

Jerome!

Now, don't get yourself all

worked up, dear.

This may be just one of Mona's pranks.

I'm sorry, Ursula,

but three days have passed since

this young nitwit ran away with Mona.

And something serious may have

happened. I've got to find out.

Of course, dear, but keep

me informed.

Yes, I will. Er... Have Jervins

pack my grip for me, will you?

Say, where is this town Truxton?

Truxton, well, it's a town outside

of Albany, a little place, er...

- ...a small town.

- Come on!

- What's that?

- That is a crutch.

For me? How thoughtful of you.

Thoughtful nothing, I'm tired of

carrying you around everywhere.

If that was such a bother,

we could have bought one.

Oh, there you go again,

money, money, money.

Go on, try walking on it.

Oh no, no, no.

Look, stupid.

This is the way you use it.

See?

You've been holding out on me.

Do you know any more tricks?

Come on, let's eat.

You know, you ought to do

that more often.

You have a marvelous laugh.

Yeah, sure, I remember her.

- She was a mighty pretty young woman...

- All right, all right!

You know where she went?

Sure I know. That's what

I'm trying to tell you.

She hired a car from Johnny O'Rourke

to drive her to Albany.

Where's this O'Rourke now?

Here, I'll show you.

There's Johnny's car standing

right in front of that lunch room.

Thank you very much.

Come on, Ronnie.

What are you going to do when

my ankle gets better?

Do I have to go over

all that again?

I'm dropping you off in Albany

at the first corner.

It's gotta be soon, too.

I've got to see a Mr. Delaney.

He's due back in town about now.

What are you going to see

him about?

Business.

What kind of business?

What is this, a third degree?

I hope it's not some kind

of crooked business.

Well, what if it is?

You certainly can spoil a swell day.

She may have gotten a lift to Albany but

she certainly didn't hire me to drive her.

This is very strange, Ronnie.

I wish you wouldn't get yourself

so upset, Mona's all right.

All right, nothing! I tell you

there's something wrong.

Can you drive us to Albany

in a hurry?

Sure, get in.

- Oh, I forgot my hat and coat.

- Okay, scatterbrain.

Never mind, I'll get it.

Oh, David! David!

David! David, did you see...

- Not a bad sprint for a cr*pple.

- Well, I...

Why did you have to lie

about your ankle?

I... I didn't want you to leave me.

Well, I hate a faker.

And you don't care what happens to me.

These last few days have just

been a new thrill for you.

Something you haven't tried before.

Well, it's over.

I only tried to get that crazy idea

of retaliation out of your head.

Oh, yes, well you lay off me.

Your ankle's okay now. We're going

to Albany and our agreement ends there.

Does it?

What do you mean "does it"?

If there's any new thrills being passed

around, I'm not going to be left out.

Hello!

Hello, I want to speak to Mr. Delaney.

He just got back in town this morning.

I'll see if he's in his office.

Who is this?

Just a minute.

Yeah?

There's a guy wants you

on the phone, boss.

- Says his name is Mannering.

- All right, put him on.

- Hello?

- Hello, Mr. Delaney?

Well, my name is Mannering.

Hanlin told me to call you up.

Oh, Oh, Spike Hanlin said to

look me up, huh?

Yeah, said you had a lot

of pull to get me a job.

All right, come over here.

I'll see you right away.

- Here's where you get out.

- I'm not getting out.

You're getting out if I have

to throw you out.

Listen, let's at least part friends.

Come on, get out. I've got

to see Delaney.

I thought you were going

to throw me out.

Okay, if that's the way you want it.

Remember, you asked for it.

Oh... you're attracting an audience.

Hey, listen, this is a private argument.

Beat it, will you?

Come on, get out.

- Hello, officer?

- What seems to be the trouble here?

Oh, no trouble, officer. Only my husband

wants to spend our honeymoon here.

And I want to spend it in Niagara Falls.

Now, what would you suggest?

Well, I'd suggest that you keep on driving

till you get to Niagara Falls.

Now come on, what did I tell you...

- Any messages?

- No, sir.

Some police department.

We're doing everything we can,

Mr. Stewart.

They're not finding my daughter.

Well, after all, they haven't got

much to work on.

- We're not even sure she's in Albany.

- Certainly she came to Albany.

You should know by this time when Mona says

she's going to do something, she does it.

And you're trying to convince me...

...that she's disappeared into thin air.

Well, if anyone can find her,

the police can.

Didn't they promise to inform you

the minute they hear anything?

Why don't you take it easy

and give them a chance?

We'll use the back stairs.

- Hi, Delaney.

- Hi, Butch... hello, Sid.

Glad to see you.

Sit down.

Have a cigar?

Never mind the flowers, Delaney.

You know what we're here for.

Yeah.

I got your letter.

Okay, what's holding you up then?

- Now wait a minute, Barkley.

- Wait a minute nothing!

We waited four years.

We're here for the payoff.

Come on now, you're getting off easy.

Now you listen to me.

I spent five grand on a mouthpiece

to handle your case.

If I hadn't, you might have put in

twenty years instead of four.

I'll give you a thousand bucks

apiece cash and call it square.

Listen, the mouthpiece was

your idea.

He saved your neck too.

We're blowing out of here with ten grand,

Delaney, and we're leaving right now!

Yeah, we'll get it one way or another.

You can't blackmail me.

Get out of here, both of you.

Ten grand, Delaney.

Come on, tick through!

- I said get out!

- Listen, you...

- Let's get out of here!

- Wait a minute.

This guy's got a lot of dough hidden

around this office someplace.

He's afraid of banking.

We're gonna find it if we have

to rip this joint to pieces.

I'll be right out.

You stay here like a good kid,

and give me a break, will you?

I will, if you promise to turn down

any crooked offers.

Okay, I promise.

I... I'm sorry.

Well, I'm not.

My name is Mannering. I want to see

Mr. Delaney, he's expecting me.

Oh, yeah, you're the guy that phoned.

Right upstairs.

Thanks.

What, what is it?

- Pin...

- Pin?

- What's the matter, what happened?

- Delaney's dead. Stabbed!

- Who did it?

- How should I know?

Police Headquarters! Quick!

You've got to get out before

something happens.

If you're innocent, why are you

trying to get away?

There's no time for explanations. I don't

want you to get mixed up in this mess.

- You did it!

- I didn't!

He died in my arms, he was gasping.

All he could say was "pin".

I didn't do it, I tell you.

- Then why are you running away?

- What do you think, I'm a sap?

I'm an ex-convict, they're gonna pin it

on me whether I did it or not.

Now I'll drive you to the station

and you can take the first train home.

I'll do nothing of the kind. If you're

innocent, I'm sticking by you.

They're not going to railroad you

again if I can help it.

Now go on, hurry!

- What did you say his name was?

- Mannering.

I sent him right up, the boss

was expecting him.

He had a dame waiting outside

for him in his car.

What did he look like?

- Tall, good-looking, wore a blue suit...

Never mind, what was that

license number again?

- New York R77437.

- New York R77437.

- Uh, Haley, have the lab check the prints.

- Right.

Jim, get the radio department

on the phone.

Calling all cars!

Calling all cars!

Pick up ex-convict David Mannering

and girl companion.

Wanted for m*rder.

Driving seven-passenger touring car.

New York license.

R77-437

Go get them, boys.

He is six-feet tall, wearing dark

blue suit, gray felt hat.

Girl has on a white coat, black hat.

- Which way did he go?

- I missed him.

Phone headquarters.

How long ago?

Yes...

Mannering and the girl gave our cars

a slip out in West Albany.

- Get out there and try to head them off.

- Yes, sir!

- Take it easy!

- Alright, Mannering, get out!

Both of you!

There's someone here to see you.

Well, goodbye, dearie,

don't get your hair wet.

Remember you're feminine.

Are you supposed to take your hat off

in jail? I've forgotten, it's been so long.

Oh, Dad... and Ronnie!

I'm so glad you're here.

For the love of heaven, Mona,

what is this all about?

They tell me that you're in here as

an accomplice to a m*rder*r.

- He's not a m*rder*r.

- I'm not concerned about him, Mona.

But I am concerned about you.

I'm doing everything I can

to get you out of here.

But this is one time my influence

isn't doing much good.

But the whole thing's a mistake.

We didn't do anything,

they can't keep us in here.

That's just what they're

going to do.

You're in this as deep as he is.

But we're innocent,

you've got to get us out.

Get "us" out?

Why, I can't even get you out.

What do you mean "us"? The m*rder*r

that got you into this trouble?

He didn't get me into any trouble.

And he's not a m*rder*r.

He's a victim of circumstances and...

I love him.

Yes, love him. And...

I'd marry him if...

...if he'd have me.

You'd marry a criminal?

- If he'd have you?

- Yes.

He was railroaded into his prison record.

Before that he worked in a bank

in Rochester.

You seem to know a great

deal about him.

Where did you meet this man?

I implored him to drive me to Albany.

I'm going to see this crook.

Is there anything at all I can do?

Oh, Ronnie.

That was a terribly shabby trick...

...for me to run out on you

as I did, Ronnie.

Oh, that's all over with

and forgotten now, Mona.

What's worrying me is that your infatuation

for this man may be another mistake.

It isn't an infatuation, Ronnie.

It's the first real thing that's

ever happened to me.

And I'm going to stand by him.

I know, but suppose he's convicted.

He won't be. He can't be,

he didn't do this thing, Ronnie.

And you've got to help me prove it.

Well, I'll try, but I'm not very

good at miracles.

- You know, Mona?

- What?

This place would be all right

if it had a little wooden bar...

...you know, where you could keep

glasses and things.

Uh-oh, here comes laughing water.

Time is up.

Goodbye, Ronnie, I'll see you soon.

Someone to see you, Mannering.

There he is.

I'm Jerome Stewart, Mona's father,

- So what?

- So what?!

What do you mean by getting

my daughter mixed up in this mess?

Oh, I didn't get your daughter

mixed up in anything.

I tried to get rid of her

the first time I met her.

Only you brought her up to be such

a scatterbrain, she's impossible.

You leave my daughter's

bringing up out of this.

It's none of your business whatsoever.

It's my business when she butts

into my affairs, tries to run them.

If these bars are gonna keep her

away from me, it's just fine with me.

Well then, since you don't seem inclined to

take advantage of my daughter's friendship,

possibly I can help you.

Employ an attorney to defend you.

Now I know where your daughter gets that

habit of butting into other people's business.

What's that?

Hey, listen, can't I make you understand

that I don't want anything from you?

Or your daughter, or your money

or your attorneys.

Instead of standing here

wasting time on me,

why don't you use some of that influence

of yours to get your daughter out?

She doesn't belong in here anyway.

You realize of course, Mr. Stewart, that

your daughter is in a very bad situation.

Despite the fact that she was outside

at the time the crime was committed,

she is still an accomplice.

Naturally, I can only release her

under a very heavy bond.

And I must restrict her

to the confines of this city.

I understand. Thank you for

your consideration, Mr. Craig.

Not at all.

Oh, er... regarding this Mannering fellow.

We've gone into the case

very thoroughly...

...and I strongly advise you to assume

no responsibility in his behalf.

Thank you.

- Good day.

- Good day.

I want you to forget this Mannering.

The evidence is dead against him.

His fingerprints, the perfect clue,

were found on the knife

that k*lled Delaney.

And he was trying to make his getaway.

That's absolute proof of his guilt.

Dad, I know I'm right.

I told them I saw two suspicious-looking

men running away from the bowling alley.

They only laughed at me.

They wouldn't even listen.

Yes, but Mona, dear...

Dad, please, let's not discuss it

any further tonight.

Now, don't worry.

You ought to crawl into bed

and have a good night's rest.

- Good night, dear.

- Good night, Dad.

Ronnie! Oh, I've been so anxious

for you to get back.

Tell me, what did you find out?

Everything he told you is true.

Up to the time of the bank investigation he

was he was sitting aces-high in Rochester.

And after that, well...

Oh, they gave him a rotten deal.

No wonder he was so bitter.

Come over here and tell me the rest.

You're grand, Ronnie.

You know how much I appreciate

what you did for me, don't you?

Someday I'll do something for you.

Then get me a drink.

Ronnie.

Just before Delaney died,

he tried to tell David something

about a pin.

I wish I knew what he meant.

A pin?

Well, there are all sorts of pins.

Big pins, little pins.

Safety pins, hair pins.

Clothes pins.

Pins... it sticks me.

Oh, Ronnie, please be serious.

I am!

I'm going down to that bowling alley

and you're going with me.

- But Mona, I don't see what good we can do.

- Maybe not.

But I'm sure I'm right and you could help

me prove it. I'll be dressed in a jiffy.

If I had my way, I'd be miles

away from here.

The cops are a cinch to be

watching this joint.

What for, don't they got the guy in jail

that bumped Delaney off?

Listen, you sap,

we gotta get the letter back

we sent Delaney.

You know what it means

if the cops ever find it.

We'll use this door. The struts will

hide us from the street.

- Where is this joint?

- Across the street, come on.

Oh, I get it, come on.

Can you open it?

You mean unlock.

I'm a Harvard man.

We'll have to pry this window open.

- With what?

- We'll find something.

Find me a drink.

Oh, Ronnie.

Did you hear that?

- What's the matter?

- There's somebody downstairs.

Oh, you've got the jitters.

Go on, get through that desk.

David said the office was upstairs.

Well, let's go up.

You're right, there is someone

down there.

Come on, let's get out of here!

- Shh!

Come on, we're going upstairs.

A cat.

You sap!

I'm positive those are the same two men

I saw running away the day of the m*rder.

- Are you sure?

- Sure!

Call the police.

- What do I call?

- Dial operator.

Operator! Operator, get me

the police quickly.

This is Mona Stewart,

get me Detective Simms.

- Now, listen, Sid...

- Ah, shut up!

I gotta get that letter before

we get out of here.

Yes, Delaney's Bowling Alley, hurry!

Quick, behind the desk.

Hey, I thought I left this

door open.

I have got the jitters.

Give me a drink.

Okay.

Butch, lock that door.

Come on, get up out of there.

What are you doing in here?

Looking for a way out.

Stick up your hands, both of you!

Alright, get around here.

What are we going

to do with them?

Find something to tie them up with.

- You two fellows cover the alley.

- Okay.

We're gonna get in here.

It's the cops!

Beat it, quick!

Take a look around there, Ed.

Wait a minute!

Drop back!

One step out of you and

I'll grill you!

Cover that door. We'll go upstairs.

Open this door!

Open this door!

Stick'em up! Get along there!

Give me that g*n.

Couple of boys, eh?

- See what I told you?

- Ah, shut up!

- Go ahead, take them out.

- Come on, get out of here.

Oh, don't push me...

- Get out!

Come on, get them out.

What are you two doing here?

Who do you suppose phoned

for the police?

Ronnie! The pin!

The ten-pin.

Well, it's all over with the shouting, chief.

- Yeah?

- The letter did it.

- Did Barkley admit writing the letter?

Oh, yes, he admitted it alright.

You see, he dodged the k*lling

and blamed it all on Carter.

Carter started to stall and finally

cracked and spilled the works.

We've got signed confessions

out of both of them.

That's nice work, Simms.

Is Mannering outside?

Yeah.

Oh, ask Stewart and his daughter

to come in here, please.

All right.

Will you folks come in, please?

Well, Mr. Craig?

Well, Miss Stewart, it looks as though

you've won your case.

Congratulations.

Than that means that... Dave...

Mr. Mannering is free.

- Where is he? Can I see him?

- Why, of course.

- Bring Mannering in here, Simms.

- All right.

Well, you old pessimist, what do you think

of my character judgment now?

Oh, David!

Well, Mannering, you're free.

You've been entirely cleared.

You know, even the law sometimes

makes mistakes.

And this time we nearly made

a very serious one.

Fortunately Miss Stewart prevented

our doing so.

Well, I don't know how to thank you

for all you've done, Mona.

You're the sweetest, most loveable

girl I've ever met.

I didn't know they came

as fine as you.

I'm glad you finally found that out.

Well, um... there's a lot

I ought to say, I know, but...

Well...

Thanks.

There goes something your money

won't buy for Mona.

Just went out the door.

Hm-hmm, you're getting warmer.

Mona, are you going to let him

get away with that?

You know, she was going

to marry me once.

- Oh, is that so?

- Yeah.

Well, don't you think you ought

to crack out with a drink?

Good luck to you.

Hello!

Might as well give up, David.

You can't get rid of me.

Mona, I'm giving you your last

chance to get away.

Now I'll never let you go!

But right here and now

I want you to know...

you're a spoiled, headstrong,

scatterbrained...

Is that so?

Get out of the way!

What's the trouble here?

Oh, there's no trouble, officer.

Only my wife wants to spend

our honeymoon here...

and I want to spend it in

Niagara Falls.

Now, which would you suggest?

Niagara Falls, of course.

Come on now, lady, get moving.

Get in there where you belong.

Can't you see you're tying up

all my traffic here?

Now go straight ahead and keep

to your right.