Corpse Vanishes, The (1942)

[bunniefuu]

[music playing]

[bells tolling]

And you, Phyllis

Hamilton, do you

take this man to be your legal,

lawfully, wedded husband?

To love, honor, and obey

until death do you part?

I-- I do.

[surprised exclamations]

Take her into the anteroom.

Yes sir.

Dr. Reyburn, I'm Pat

Hunter from the "Chronicle."

Please, this is no

time for interviews.

Shall I telephone

for the ambulance?

No.

The undertaker.

She's dead.

Here you are.

You can go now.

Is that all?

Gee, thanks.

Good evening, Dr. Reyburn.

I'm from the Forrest Mortuary.

Forrest Mortuary?

Why, two of your men just

drove away with the body

a few moments ago.

There must be some mistake.

They weren't our men.

Well, I've heard of

ambulance chasing,

but this is something new.

New?

It's sensational.

Another kidnapping

of a dead bride.

What a story!

And a few minutes ago, one

of the men who helped remove

the body of the

mysteriously dead bride

was apprehended by the police.

Go on, keep talking.

It's what I told you.

I was standing on the corner,

minding my own business,

when along comes a stiff wagon.

A guy pokes his head

out of the window

and asked me if I want to

make a couple of bucks.

How many men were

with that hearse?

At least all I could see.

What did they look like?

I don't know.

It was dark.

I didn't pay no

attention to faces.

You notice the license?

What, with $2 staring

me in the face?

Come on, tell the truth.

What did you do with the corpse?

I didn't do nothing with it.

What I told you is

the truth, so help me.

As District Attorney,

Mrs. Wentworth,

I assure you there

won't be any trouble.

You can proceed with

the wedding as planned.

Well, we want some

assurance besides words.

We want protection.

I'll have plenty of

men guarding the chapel.

And if I'm any judge of the

appearance of your daughter,

she looks as healthy

as she is beautiful.

Oh really, mother,

I think you're making

much to do about nothing.

You're not worried, are you?

Not in the least.

Well, if we have protection,

I'll feel much better about it.

You'll have it all

right, Mrs. Wentworth.

Tell Jones and Ronnie to wait.

I'll pick them up.

That's the Wentworth mother

and daughter, isn't it?

Is the wedding called off?

Certainly not.

And there isn't going to

be any trouble either.

That's what all the

rest of them thought.

I can't answer for

Miss Wentworth's health,

but your paper can

print one thing,

and that is that there will be

no more theft of girls' bodies.

Here.

This will get you and

Sandy into the wedding.

And I want plenty

of photographs.

Oh don't worry, boss.

I've got enough film to

cover the Russian front.

Oh, Mr. Keenan, you promised to

take me off the Society column.

Oh, quit beeping,

you're getting a break.

This is the most exclusive

wedding of the year.

What if the Wentworth

girl drops dead too?

You'll still tell me what she's

wearing along with the rest

of the fancy pants.

Get me the guest list and don't

bother about anything else.

I've got three men

working with the police,

and there'll be plenty

more thereabouts.

If the bride blows up this time,

there won't be any snatching.

Now get going.

What if I get a clue?

Oh, I wouldn't let that

bother me, sweetie pie.

You wouldn't know a

clue if it bit you.

I'll remember

those words, stooge.

Why are you so nervous, mother?

After all, I'm the one

that's getting married.

Oh, I just can't help it.

I'm so afraid something

will go wrong.

Oh, forget it.

Nothing can possibly happen.

Oh, Alice!

Oh, you look

perfectly beautiful!

Do I look all right?

[ALL REPLYING IN THE

AFFIRMATIVE]

We're thrilled.

Oh, I am too.

Have you seen Dwight?

No, we haven't.

Make it snappy.

We're late, and this

wedding won't wait for us.

Can I help it if

we had a blow out?

Serves you right.

Why don't you buy some

new tires for this bus?

You know, I've been thinking

of getting some-- hey,

are you kidding?

Come on.

[knock at door]

Oh, Dwight!

You mustn't come in here.

It's bad luck.

Ah, not even a peek?

ALICE WENTWORTH: Not even one.

You'll see me soon enough.

You see?

Girls, do you mind if I have

these last few minutes alone

with Alice?

Oh, of course.

Come on, girls.

We'll go.

Well, mother, you're

about to lose me.

I hope not forever, dear.

Oh, of course not.

What are you talking about?

Do you feel all right, dear?

Certainly.

I never felt better in my life.

You should forget all that silly

nonsense about those brides

dropping dead.

[knock at door]

For Miss Wentworth.

Oh, thank you.

From Dwight, no doubt.

"Wear this next to

your heart, darling.

All my love."

What an unusual orchid.

Why, I never saw

one like it before.

It's lovely.

It's beautiful.

[knock at door]

The minister is

ready, Mrs. Wentworth.

Thank you.

Say a little prayer, darling.

You look faint, dear.

Do you feel all right?

Yes, I-- oh!

Oh!

Oh, Alice!

Alice!

Darling, are you all right?

Alice!

It happened again.

I just got the

picture of the month.

I just phoned the

news to Keenan.

Did you get anymore pictures?

Did I get pictures?

I covered everything except a

close up of this pretty posy.

Why, that looks like

the one the bride wore.

What are you doing with it?

Presenting it to

you, sweetheart,

as a token of my devotion.

Take a smell.

Who ever heard of an

orchid with a scent?

Well, that one has.

Maybe it's a clue.

What a peculiar, sweet odor.

Yeah, make a swell

romaine salad.

Hey Pat, you're not going

to pass out too, are you?

No.

No, I'm OK.

You stay right here.

What kind of a gag is this?

No driver, no license plate.

Maybe it isn't a gag.

Maybe it's a decoy.

Well, maybe you're right.

Calling all cars,

calling all cars.

Another abduction

of a girl's corpse.

Brunette, 22 years of age.

Stop and search all trucks

and suspicious looking cars.

That is all.

Burnside.

Pile out.

We're taking a look

inside this rig.

Sure thing, officer.

POLICE OFFICER: Hey Pete,

it's a corpse, all right.

But not the one

we're looking for.

All right, go ahead.

Change that headline to

read, "Is Wedlock Challenged?"

Then set up an

editorial attacking

the DA's office

for playing marbles

while some mad man runs away

with the bodies of dead brides.

EDITOR: OK, Mr. Keenan.

Send me up the

proofs right away.

Oh, so it's you.

Well, of all the

rotten stories that

have ever been turned into this

office, your takes the prize.

No guest list, and we don't

even know what the bride wore.

She wore this orchid.

Listen, Miss Hunter.

I have a great responsibility.

I am a public servant.

Parents are calling the

"Chronicle" frantically,

with tears in their

voice, begging

for news of their daughters.

I have a daughter myself

who's about to be married.

Maybe she'll drop dead too.

But she won't drop

dead from an orchid.

I didn't say that.

Well then, what are

you talking about?

Every one of the brides

that died and disappeared

were wearing one

of these orchids.

How do you know?

I checked.

Look at these pictures.

All right, perhaps

it's a coincidence.

It still doesn't spell anything.

Then where did the Wentworth

girl get this orchid?

The bridegroom didn't

give it to her.

Perhaps a dozen

people gave it to her.

Her mammy, her pappy.

No, they didn't

either, I checked.

Besides, this orchid

has a peculiar order.

That's unusual.

Well, if you think it's a clue,

why don't you follow it up?

Is that an assignment?

It's a notice that

you're through if you

don't bring something in.

OK, Mr. Keenan.

My little family, you're

all so very, faithful.

Master, the

countess is waiting.

Upstairs?

There.

Oh, we must hurry.

Mike!

[woman groaning]

Are you suffering, my beloved?

Terribly.

You must hurry.

I'm so sorry, but

I was detained.

Please forgive me.

Forgive you?

You loiter and waste time

while I wait here dying.

Dying!

Courage, courage.

I will not let you die.

Better dead than

agony like this.

Look at me!

Look at me!

Calm yourself, my dear.

Now, will you hurry?

[continues to moan]

Courage, my dear.

Courage.

[screams]

Why do you beat my son so hard?

Because he's a

beast, an animal.

And some day I shall

have to destroy him.

My poor son, why

was he ever born?

Can you bear to look at me now?

Of course.

You're beautiful.

And I shall always

keep you that way.

Will she live?

As long as she can

be of any use to us.

She's pretty.

Mm.

Very young.

All of them must be.

Come, my dear.

Look after the girl, Fagah.

Yes, master.

None of the florists

I checked with ever

saw an orchid like that.

Well, that's not surprising.

This particular type belongs

to the Stanhopea class.

It's a very rare species.

Do you know of anyone

that grows them?

No.

But if you wish to find

out more about them,

I suggest that you look up

a man by the name of Lorenz.

He was the one who originally

hybridized this plant,

over in Europe somewhere.

But I just can't go

to Europe just to--

Oh, that isn't necessary.

He lives up in Brookdale now.

Thank you, Mr. Smith.

You're quite welcome.

Looks like that box has

got a coffin in it, Jeb.

Sure does.

For Professor Lorenz.

What do you suppose he

wants with a coffin?

Search me.

He's such a strange, spooky guy.

The further I stay away

from him, the better.

Me too.

I'll take charge of this.

Go ahead, take it away.

Glad to get rid of it.

Taxi, lady?

Yes.

Right this way.

Where to, Miss?

To the home of

Professor Lorenz.

Lorenz?

I'm sorry, I can't

take you there.

Well, I-- I'm out of gas.

You mean you won't take me?

I'm sorry I--

Is this the only taxi in town?

Yes, ma'am, it is.

Look, I've simply got to

get to the Lorenz place.

I'll make it worth your while.

Oh, I'm sorry, lady.

That truck's going up there.

You might get a ride with him.

That is, if you don't

mind riding with a coffin.

Would you give me a

lift to the Lorenz place?

What do you want

to go there for?

To see the Professor.

DoesNo, but I--you?

Then we can't take you.

Get off and stay off.

Look, I've got to

see Professor Lorenz.

It's important.

I said you couldn't ride.

Hey, wait a minute!

You've got my bag.

Oh.

Would you mind giving me a lift?

Why, certainly not.

Where are you going?

I'm trying to get to the

home of Professor Lorenz.

Well, you're in luck.

That's where I'm going.

Get in.

Thank you.

My name is Dr. Foster.

I'm Patricia Hunter.

Are you a friend

of the Lorenz's?

No, I'm a reporter.

I hope to interview

the Professor.

You're his doctor, I presume?

Not exactly.

Lorenz is a doctor himself, but

he has no license to practice.

I've been working with him.

We're trying to find

a cure for his wife.

Oh, I see.

What type of people

are the Lorenz's?

You'll find them

very interesting.

Professor Lorenz is a man

of unusual accomplishment,

but his wife is rather peculiar.

I expect you'll find them

both a bit eccentric.

[horn honks]

Toby, tell your

master I'm here.

Cheerful little

fellow, isn't he?

I told you they were eccentric.

I'm inclined to believe you.

Get out, you gargoyle!

Get out!

Good evening, Dr. Foster.

Come right in.

Good evening, Professor

Lorenz, Countess.

May I present Miss

Patricia Hunter?

How do you do?

We have been expecting you.

So you found my

bag in your truck?

Yes.

There it is.

Miss Hunter's a

newspaper woman--

I came here hoping you

might grant me an interview.

An interview?

About what?

No one asked you to come here.

You are not welcome.

Control yourself, my dear.

I'm sure Miss Hunter

meant no harm.

Please forgive my

wife, she's not well.

Come, you'd better retire.

So that's what you

call being eccentric?

Well, I have

another name for it.

I do not like that girl.

She is here for no good.

We have nothing to fear.

I'm sorry, Professor,

if we're intruding.

Not at all, Dr. Foster.

This is our evening for work.

Please, be seated.

Thank you.

What do you wish to

interview me about?

Orchids.

Orchids?

Yes, I understand that you're

an authority on the subject.

They were once my hobby.

But I haven't grown

any for several years.

Which species are

you interested in?

A very rare one of

the Stanhopea type.

A horticulturist

told me that you're

the original hybridizer of it.

Have you ever seen one?

Yes, I have one in my bag.

I'll show it to you.

Where did you get it?

Oh, um-- a friend of

mine gave it to me.

You see, I'm doing an article

on orchids for my newspaper.

And I thought that you

might be willing to supply

me with some special data.

I'm sorry, I can't spare the

time tonight, Miss Hunter.

You see, I have very important

work to do with Dr. Foster.

I understand.

If your interview can

wait until morning,

I'll drive you back here then.

If that's agreeable

for Professor Lorenz?

It's quite agreeable, but

I would suggest that you

both stay here as my guests.

Thank you very much, but

I prefer going to a hotel.

Just as you wish.

I think it would be foolish

to go out in such a storm.

The Professor is

right, Miss Hunter.

Perhaps we had better remain.

However, if you

insist, I'll gladly

drive you back to the village.

I'm afraid that would be

an imposition since you've

so much work to do.

Thank you, I'll stay.

Toby will show

you to your rooms.

Toby, take up Miss Hunter's bag.

Good night.

Good night.

I'll meet you in the study soon.

Very well.

Why did you ask her to

spend the night here?

A very special reason.

Thank you.

I guess you'll sleep very good.

Maybe.

The few times I've

stayed overnight here,

I've slept unusually well.

It must be wonderful to

have nerves like that.

Tell me, just how well

do you know these people?

Well actually, not very well.

I've only recently

moved into the village.

You know, a young doctor,

trying to establish a practice.

Well, I must be keeping

you from your work.

Good night, doctor.

Good night.

Good night.

What do you want?

Yes, you are beautiful.

How did you get in here?

So young.

Such lovely skin.

Some time you too

will be a bride.

[snoring]

I know where you're going.

[groans]

Someday the master catch you.

[groans]

Then you'll be sorry.

[screams]

Dr. Foster.

Dr. Foster.

Dr. Foster.

Dr. Foster!

Dr. Foster!

What's wrong?

I just saw someone in my room.

A horrible looking creature.

He disappeared back there.

DR. FOSTER: Apparently

he's not here now.

Where did you see him?

PATRICIA HUNTER:

Leaning over my bed.

DR. FOSTER: Of course, you

might have been dreaming.

I'm positive I wasn't.

Earlier in the evening,

Mrs. Lorenz suddenly

appeared and then disappeared.

Do you suppose there's

another entrance to this room?

Why, I doubt it.

Why don't you try

to go back to sleep?

No one's going to harm you.

I'm sure it was

just a nightmare.

I think this whole

place is a nightmare.

Professor Lorenz

and his wife were

actually sleeping in coffins.

I saw them.

We often find it difficult

to explain the peculiarities

of some people.

Well, I guess so.

I'm awfully sorry to bother you.

It was no trouble.

If you're frightened,

call me again.

Good night.

Good night.

What is the trouble?

The Angel.

He has disturbed our guests.

Always, [inaudible].

He is a menace to us.

Yes.

I think the time has

come to dispose of him.

[glass drops]

[groans]

Don't be afraid, Angel.

I would not hurt you.

[grunts]

[knock at door]

Yes?

Good morning, Miss Hunter.

Good morning!

Just a minute, Dr.

Foster, I want to see you.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I thought you were up.

Up?

I've been up all night

with dead people.

DR. What do you mean?le?

Come in and I'll tell you.

What kind of a place is this?

Last night I had the most

horrible experience of my life.

Well, what was it?

I saw lots of girls in crypts

down underneath this house.

Pardon me.

What was that you were

saying, Miss Hunter?

Why have you a mausoleum

in the basement?

Mausoleum?

What are you talking about?

You know what

I'm talking about.

All those dead girls and

that horrible dead creature.

My dear, you must

have had a bad dream.

Now look, Professor,

this was no dream.

When did you see all this?

Shortly after I

called you and told you

about that horrible

creature in my room.

Is that true, Dr. Foster?

Why, I don't recall anything

about it, Miss Hunter.

You must be mistaken.

Well, if I was dreaming, it

was the darndest nightmare

I've ever had.

Well, I slept very

soundly, myself.

Miss Hunter was rather upset,

I think, when she retired.

You see, in our

dreams, our minds play

strange tricks on us sometimes.

PATRICIA HUNTER:

Yes, I suppose so.

Oh Professor, that

orchid I brought

up here to show you is gone.

I couldn't find it in my bag.

That's too bad.

Perhaps you forgot to pack it.

Will you be down soon?

Yes.

Right away.

Are you coming, Doctor?

Of course.

Shall we go in to breakfast?

No thank you.

I've got to get

back to the city.

Will you drive me to

the station, Dr. Foster?

I'd be glad to.

But what about the interview?

Well, that will have to

wait until some other time.

I just remembered an

appointment at the office,

so I've got to catch

the next train.

You'll excuse me, Countess?

Yes.

I will excuse you.

Oh Professor, do you also make

a hobby of collecting coffins?

Why yes, in a

matter of speaking.

I find a coffin much more

comfortable than a bed.

Many people do so, my dear.

Is it so strange

that I accept one

while waiting for eternal rest?

No, I suppose not.

Well, thank you for

your hospitality.

Goodbye.

I trust we will meet again.

It has been so nice meeting you.

Don't tell me I'm

still dreaming.

What do you mean?

That grave digger,

he's real isn't he?

Oh, he's real all right.

But I hardly think

he's a grave digger.

More likely laying the

foundation for a house.

You're a trusting soul,

aren't you, Doctor?

Is that a crime?

No.

On the contrary, I envy you.

Are you trying to

make me believe you're

one of those hard boiled

reporters that we read about

or see in the movies?

No, but working

on a newspaper, one

becomes cynical and suspicious.

Well, I've enjoyed

meeting you, Miss Hunter.

I hope I have the pleasure

of seeing you again.

I have a hunch you

will, Dr. Foster.

Oh, tell me.

Just why did you come up here?

Or is it a secret?

It is.

But somehow I feel

that I can trust you.

You can.

You've heard of the case

of the vanishing brides.

Why, surely.

I think I have a clue.

You don't mean

that you suspect--

Yes, I do.

I want to show you something.

What are these?

Why, they're

orchids, of course.

You bet they're orchids.

And they didn't

grow in my dreams.

They're exactly like the one

that disappeared from my bag.

Where did you get them?

I found them on the floor

beside my bed this morning.

The person who came

into my room last night

must have brought

these with him.

That seems like a

logical explanation.

There's no question about it.

Honestly, Doctor, don't

you remember meeting

me in the hallway last night?

No, I don't.

And if I did, I-- I

must have been asleep.

Either that or you

were hypnotized.

Yes, that's quite possible.

[train bell ringing]

Well, watch your step.

And if you discover

anything, phone me.

-That's a promise.

-Goodbye.

Not goodbye.

Au revoir.

All right, print the

story on page one.

Keep your fingers crossed that

this paper isn't sued for libel

by some of these phony

suspects that the police are

bringing in.

Well, I got me a Rembrandt of

the guy they just brought in.

I don't want photographs,

I want real clues.

If the DA's office can't

pick up those mad men

who are stealing the bodies of

these dead girls, maybe we can.

OK, I'll throw it

in the wastebasket.

No, have them developed.

Doyle, where's Lefty?

DOYLE: Over at Central Station.

EDITOR KEENAN: The

only thing he gets over

there is game of gin rummy.

Tell him to get back here.

-Well, I got something.

-I'll say you have.

What do you mean?

You can't do that to me.

Listen, just because the

bodies of dead girls disappear

is no reason why you

can do a vanishing act.

But you gave me the assignment.

Yeah, I suppose

I did, all right.

Where have you been?

What have you uncovered?

Well hey, not so fast.

Listen, Mr. Keenan, last

night I went through the most

gruesome experience of my life.

You should talk.

All my life has

been a nightmare.

Well, you can rest easier

now because I've seen plenty.

If I can only prove

I wasn't dreaming.

Dreaming?

I had a dream

last night myself.

I dreamed you gave me that

raise you've been promising me.

All right, Madame Zora, go

on with your dream story.

Well there's a

certain Professor

Lorenz that lives upstate.

He knows all about orchids,

but insists that he

doesn't grow them anymore.

Yet I found these in my

bedroom this morning.

Listen missy, you didn't go

off someplace and get married,

did you?

-No, I didn't.

But I saw the bodies of

those other missing brides.

All right.

Now, take it easy.

Stop breathing hard, Pat,

and tell me all about it.

Did you really see any bodies?

Well, yes and no.

I see.

Just a bit of ectoplasm?

Well, I'm sure I did though,

only-- oh, I can't explain it.

Yeah, you're suffering

the same way I am.

I see brides everywhere,

hear wedding bells

ringing in my ears.

And I saw a dead man too.

A monstrosity.

Very well.

I'd like to see Miss Hunter.

I'm sorry, she's busy.

She's with Mr. Keenan.

It's very important

that I see her.

I'm Doctor Foster.

I wonder if you'd

mind announcing me.

Mr. Keenan?

There's a Doctor Foster here.

He insists on

seeing Miss Hunter.

Tell him he can have all

of her time from now on.

That's the Doctor Foster

I was telling you about.

Maybe he has more evidence.

All right, send

the saw bones in.

Hey look, if you

don't mind, I'm going

out for a nervous breakdown.

Well Doctor, you

almost beat me here.

Yes, I drove down.

Dr. Foster, Mr.

Keenan, my editor.

Very glad to meet you.

How do you do?

This cub reporter of

mine has been telling

me a weird story about

a certain Doctor Lorenz

up in your neighborhood.

It's weird all right, but

I'm confident it's true.

After you left, I looked

around the station

to find out if Lorenz had any

other coffins assigned to him.

I found a consignment all

right, and instead of a coffin,

it was a box filled

with this stuff.

So what?

That's ordinary garden moss.

It's moss all right,

but not ordinary.

This is a special type used

by fluorescent hybridizes

for growing orchids.

It's called osmonden.

Which proves that he does

grow orchids like these.

And the same kind

were worn by every one

of the brides that died.

Well, maybe it is a clue.

But how do I know that the rest

isn't a c*ck nightmare?

She admits that you don't

remember talking to her.

I could have

talked to her while

in a somnambulistic state, under

the influence of hypnotism.

Oh now, wait a minute.

Are you trying to tell

me that this Professor

Lorenz is a hypnotist as

well as a horticulturist?

Why not?

My short acquaintance with

him has convinced me that he's

a man of unlimited talents.

He's strange, peculiar.

I've even suspected

him of being insane.

But the fact remains,

he's not only

a doctor, but a physicist and

a scientist of great ability.

How about this

hot-headed wife of his?

I hesitate to bring her

into the case at all.

Professional ethics

forbids a doctor

talking about his patients.

Oh, forget about

your ethics, Doctor.

After all, we're

after a criminal.

How does this woman

fit into the picture?

Come on, tell us all you know.

The peculiar fact of about

her is that although she has

the appearance of a

young woman, her heart

and arteries indicate that she's

at least 70 or 80 years old.

Well, that doesn't

explain anything.

Certainly doesn't

explain why Dr. Lorenz

should steal these dead girls.

It's possible they

may still be alive.

Alive in a cataleptic state?

That's it.

All right, all right.

What are your other detections?

Well, simply this-- these young

girls, whether dead or alive,

are being used by Lorenz in

some manner as human guinea pigs

to sustain his wife

in a youthful state.

Oh, that's preposterous.

It's nothing of the kind.

Scientists are

finding out every day

that glands and hormones have a

lot to do with life and health.

The glands in our

bodies help determine

the condition of our teeth,

the texture of our hair.

All right.

We'll admit all that.

But I wouldn't dare print

such a fantastic story.

I bring you the biggest

story of the year and a chance

to get this newspaper

a real scoop,

and you call it fantastic.

All right, I'll put Doyle

on it to track it down.

I'm afraid you

won't get very far.

Professor Lorenz

is a clever man.

Clever enough to withstand

any investigation

and destroy any evidence.

Why not track the fellow?

How?

Well, he steals dead

brides, doesn't he?

Ah, now look, Pat, do you

want to be a June Bride?

Oh sure.

I mean, that is, no, not yet.

Anyways, Lorenz knows me.

All right, then stop

talking nonsense.

This paper can't assume

the responsibility

of such a hair-brained scheme.

Oh please, Mr.

Keenan, you can't pass

up an opportunity like this.

There she is.

Cigarettes?

Hey, she's cute.

Um-- well, would

you like to dance?

Later.

Business before

pleasure, you know.

Hello, Peggy.

Hello, Pat.

Miss Woods, Dr. Foster.

Good evening, Miss Woods.

How do you do?

I have something

important to tell you.

I'm all ears.

Let's go to your dressing room.

-OK.

-I won't be long.

All right.

Peggy, I've landed

a good part for you.

A chance to prove your talent.

Really?

What is it?

A picture or a play?

Neither one.

My paper is going to

stage a phony wedding,

and we want you to be

the perfect June Bride.

Now wait just a minute--

With bridesmaids and flowers

and all the trimmings.

What is it, a

circulation stunt?

No.

You've heard of the case

of the vanishing brides?

Sure.

Well, this is a plan we have

to track the person who's

been stealing their bodies.

Are you kidding?

Certainly not.

The job will pay you plenty.

How will I collect if I'm dead?

You won't be dead.

All you have to be careful of

is not to smell any flowers.

All I'd do is lie six feet

underground and push them up.

Nix, count me out.

Listen Peggy, I'm

offering you a chance

to get your picture on the

front page of every newspaper

in this country.

Overnight you'll be famous.

Broadway producers

and Hollywood studios

will be offering you contracts.

Why, it's the chance

you've been waiting for!

She's a most unusual type.

Such fascinating eyes.

She'll make a charming

addition to our family.

June 20th.

A date we shall not forget.

Fagah, what are you doing

in this part of the house?

Master, I keep hearing my

son's voice calling for me.

Your son is better

off where he is.

Go back to your work.

Master, you shouldn't

have done it.

He didn't deserve to die.

Do what I say and don't

come up here again.

Yes, master.

Well, everything's all set.

She's young and pretty.

Yeah.

What assurance have we

that this Lorenz guy will

show up to make the snatch?

And what happens if he

does kidnap this fake bride?

Well, the private

chapel and neighborhood.

Will be covered with guards.

Well, Lorenz hasn't

a chance to escape.

Hm.

Providing he shows up.

And if he doesn't, I'm

the sucker and out $500.

And if he does, you'll

have an exclusive story

with big juicy headlines.

I hope you're right.

Well, blushing

bride, here's where

you go on for your big scene.

Or big flop.

My knees are shaking.

There's nothing

to be afraid of.

Here's your bouquet

and the phony orchid.

Now, don't forget

to put on your act.

Leave that to me.

You got plenty of

photographers out there?

Certainly.

And what about the cops?

How many times do

I have to tell you?

Nothing's going

to happen to you.

FAKE MINISTER: Oh, Miss Hunter?

Yes?

Uh, I wanted to ask

you-- in this ceremony,

shall we use the word

"cherish" or "obey"?

You mean for the bride?

Yes.

Well, just for this once,

let's put the old fashioned word

in-- "obey."

I've marked the words here.

Just read the ceremony

slowly, solemnly.

Yes, I understand.

I hope what you're

doing isn't wrong.

It's all in good cause.

Well, I suppose it is.

Well, if you need me,

you'll find me in my study.

You've been grand, reverend.

You'd better go get ready.

What do I do now?

Just march down

the aisle and don't

forget to faint at the altar.

Well, here goes nothing.

How's everything going?

All right so far, I guess.

Good.

The ceremony's about to begin.

I certainly hope somebody shows

up besides these ham actors

I'm paying.

You know, it seems to me that

if Lorenz were ready to strike,

he'd have sent an orchid.

Just a minute.

I'll take that.

Did you say orchid?

And I'll take you with it.

There you are.

Looks like our man's

going to pounce all right.

It looks like you're right.

[organ music playing]

It looks just like a

real wedding, doesn't it?

Yes.

Too bad it isn't.

Ours.

Is that a proposal, Dr. Foster?

It certainly is.

The minister would

like to speak to you

in his study, Miss Hunter.

But-- oh, you mean

the real minister.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you.

I'll be right back.

You wanted to see me, reverend?

Where's Pat?

The minister sent for her.

I'll be right back.

Oh Pat?

P--please Master,

don't leave me.

Toby, my son.

Where is Toby, Master?

-Toby's gone.

You shouldn't have left him.

Stop whimpering!

How is the Countess?

Waiting, as usual.

Hurry up, let's go!

[the countess moaning]

-There was trouble?

-Yes.

But we'll be finished

before anyone finds us.

But the brides-- what

will we do without them?

We have to leave them here.

Which means I

mean I will perish.

Oh, [inaudible]

find other girls.

In the meantime, we

take this one with us.

What are you waiting for?

Well, my dear, again we meet.

Only under different

circumstances.

I would have preferred

that you would be a bride,

but it really doesn't matter.

You will serve our

purpose just as well.

Now both of my sons are gone.

You betrayed me, Master.

I've heard enough.

I have work to do.

No!

No!

You betrayed me, Master!

You shouldn't have done it.

FAGAH: [gasping]

You stay here and

cover this room.

Your hand is unsteady.

Can't see--

Pat!

Pat!

Pat!

Is she dead?

No.

Just scared to death.

All right, break it up.

We've got headlines to write.

Do I get a byline?

After this, you can

have a clothes line.

With my shirt on it.

MINISTER: I now pronounce

you man and wife.

I finally make a

newspaper woman out of you

and then you have

to go and quit.

And to think that this

was the cause of it all.