Can I help you?
-I'd like to see the man in charge.
In here.
I want to report a murder.
Sit down.
Where was this murder committed?
San Francisco. Last night.
Who was murdered?
I was.
Well, do you want to hear me out or don't
you, Captain? I don't have very much time.
Your name Bigelow? Frank Bigelow?
That's right.
Answer this 'San Francisco APB'. Send it
direct to Inspector Bannet at Homicide.
Tell him we've found Frank Bigelow.
Go ahead, Mr. Bigelow.
Well, this involves some other people,
Captain. A number of other people.
You tell it any way you like.
I live in a little town called
Banning out on the desert,
it's on the way to Palm Springs.
I have a small business there...
Paula.
Yes, Mr. Bigelow. -Get me a copy of
Ms. Holis' '48 tax return, will ya?
Oh uh...you better get the '47 too.
-Yes, Mr. Bigelow.
I don't think we took any depreciation
on that new equipment last year.
Oh no, we didn't. I remember you said we
could include it all this year. -Sure we can.
Hey Frank.
-Yeah, Will?
Peterson says he wants a financial
statement before he can give me my loan.
Hello Kitty.
-Hi, Will.
I'm leaving for San Francisco today
but I'll be back in about a week
I'll take care of it for you then.
-Sure is a scorcher, isn't it?
Well, I've seen 'em worse. -Well, have
a nice time Frank. -Yeah, thanks Will.
Paula, why don't you come down to the place
and let me give you another permanent?
It makes your hair so much easier
to manage in all this heat.
I can't afford it right now,
maybe next month.
Ya, here it is. No, we didn't take
him. Well, we can do it this year.
You work it out any way you think fits.
Have a nice trip, Frank. -Sure Kitty,
see you when I get back. -Bon Voyage!
Why don't you come down
anyway, Paula? We'll a...
work out a deal on that permanent?
-Thanks, maybe I will.
Hello?
Hello, Mr. Hawkins. Just a moment.
Do you want him to
send your ticket over?
No, I'll pick it up myself.
No, never mind. Mr. Bigelow will
pick it up at the station. Bye.
I want to go with you, Frank.
Now, Paula. I'm just going on a little vacation, you know that.
You want to go without me, don't you?
-Be gone just a week.
And I suppose you just made up your
mind to take this little vacation
at 9 o'clock this morning?
No, Paula. I meant to tell you about it
a few days ago and I guess I forgot.
Oh, you forgot.
Paula, don't be like that.
-Don't be like what?
You just drop a little announcement
that you're going away.
Not tomorrow or next week or next month,
but today. No explanations. Nothing.
And I'm supposed to swallow the excuse
that you need a little vacation.
I just want to get away from
town for a few days, that's all.
Get away from this town or
get away from me? -Aw, Paula.
Please try to understand. -How can you
ask me to understand anything like this?
No, I'm sorry but I don't understand.
Go to San Francisco but don't expect me
to be waiting for you when you get back!
Paula.
Please, Paula.
Come on, turn around. Look at me.
Come here.
Why do you do this to me, Frank?
Why can't you be honest with me?
As honest as I am with you?
Do you have to go? -I have to go,
Paula. I know what I'm doing.
All right, go! Go anywhere you like. You
can go to blazes for all I care. -Paula.
Paula.
Yes, I know I'm...
I'm being foolish.
Come on. Fix you face. We'll go
down to Eddie's and have a drink.
All right. Why not.
Hiya, Paula.
-Hi Eddie.
Give us a couple of cold beere, will ya?
-Coming up.
Oh, what a relief. This air
conditioning feels good.
I sure wish we had it in the office,
it'd make working a pleasure.
Well, if it stays this hot don't
bother going in the rest of the week.
I win two races today.
How many did you lose?
-Now you would have to ask that.
Kinda early for you two, ain't it?
-Too hot to work.
That's what I like to hear.
Frank.
You'll take me with you, won't you?
You will, won't you?
Or am I crowding you?
What do you mean, 'crowding me'?
Maybe you do need this week away alone.
Maybe we both do.
I know what's going
on inside of you, Frank.
You're just like any other
man, only a little more so.
You have a feeling of being trapped.
Hemmed in, and you don't know whether
or not you like it. -Look Paula...
I'm gonna be honest with you. I care too
much for you not to be honest with you.
I'm as much concerned for your
happiness as I am for my own.
I know you've had one bad experience,
Frank. I know all about it.
But you don't know what it
can do to two people, Paula.
And the woman always gets
hurt more than the man.
I don't want you to get hurt, darling.
More than anything in the world I don't want you to get hurt.
Want to hear some music?
-All right, Frank.
Got a couple of nickles, Eddie?
-Yup.
This won't bother you, will it? -No, next
result doesn't come in for half an hour.
I thought that by now we'd be married.
No, I'm not going to crowd you
anymore Frank. Go to San Francisco.
I don't like it, but I'm convinced
that you must go.
I want you to be very sure, Frank.
If it's right, and I believe it is, we'll have
something really wonderful together.
If it isn't...
we should both know it
as soon as possible.
So you see, even if I could
stop you I wouldn't do it now.
Yes sir?
My name's Bigelow. I have a reservation.
-Yes sir.
Here we are, sir.
My name's Bigelow. I have a reservation.
-I have it, sir.
It's a very nice room on the sixth floor,
facing the bay. Boy! -Thank you.
This might help you enjoy your stay, Mr.
Bigelow. It's a little booklet on how to have
...fun in San Francisco.
Thank you.
-You're very welcome, sir.
Thank you.
Say, is it always like this around here?
No, this is market week and
it's the last day too. Boy!
Always around until you need him.
Oh, 517? Sure.
Thank you.
Here's a message for you, Mr. Bigelow.
Long distance call came in about an hour
ago from Banning. From a Paula Gibson.
Oh, thank you. -You're very welcome.
Show Mr. Bigelow to 618.
Right this way, sir.
-Bye.
Right this way, Mr. Bigelow.
Is there anything else, Mr. Bigelow?
Yes, you can get me a dry Manhattan
and a packet of razor blades.
Yes, sir.
-Thank you.
Oh and...you can leave that door open.
Hello, operator?
I want to speak to Ms. Paula Gibson
in Banning, California.
Yeah, that's right....No, I'll wait.
Hello?
-Hello, Paula.
Oh, hello Frank. How was the trip?
Fine. Just fine.
-Having a miserable time, I hope.
Well, I don't know I...I just got in.
What was that?
Ah...Market Week. The place is
crawling with travelling salesmen.
You know Charlie Anderson
found out that you went away
and he asked me to go out with him?
-Oh, really? How did he make out?
I'm considering it.
-Is that what you called to tell me?
I'll have you know that this call
is strictly business, Mr. Bigelow.
Did a Mr. Philips phone you?
A Eugene Philips of Los Angeles.
No. -He will. He phoned the
office three times today.
He said that he wanted to get
in touch with you immediately.
He said it's most urgent and imperative
that he reach you at once.
What did he want?
-I don't know.
But he sounded deep, dark and mysterious,
and quite agitated about something.
Philips? Philips? Have we...have we
ever done any business with him?
Not unless you've been keeping it a secret
from me. I looked through all the accounts.
Why'd you tell him you could reach me here?
You know I'm supposed to be on vacation.
So you told me.
And so I told him, dear heart.
But, the gentleman didn't seem to respect
your temperamental moods the way I do.
He was very insistent that he speak to
you 'before it's too late', as he put it.
Well, tell him you tried
to get in touch with me
and I changed my plans
and you can't reach me.
He won't talk to me.
I told him that I was your confidential
secretary but I guess I didn't sound
confidential enough. So, I told him that
he could reach you there this evening.
Well, call him back. If it's as important
as he says it is he'll talk to you.
Otherwise, he'll just have
to wait until I get home.
My, aren't we adamant this evening.
All right. Shall do.
And Frank.
-Yeah?
I a...
I don't quite know how to say this.
-Say what?
But what I want to say is
that there's nothing you can do that
you ever have to feel guilty about.
Sure.
Thanks, Paula. I'll uh...
I'll call you tomorrow.
Oh. Just put it there please.
You can keep the change.
-Thanks very much.
Say, how long has this been going on?
-It's been a madhouse all week.
They check out tomorrow.
I thought you were with them.
No. No, I'm just here on a vacation.
Why does everybody come
San Francisco and tear loose?
Excuse me.
Say, I'm awfully sorry to bother you but
would you mind if I used your telephone?
No. No, go right ahead.
-I'm just across the hall here.
One of the boys is using my phone
and he's been on it for a half hour.
I just want to call downstairs.
-Yeah. -Thank you.
Room service please.
Hey. Things really picked up
the last few days, didn't they?
Write up much business?
-Well, I'm not here on business.
Hello. Room Service?
It's Mr. Haskell in 617.
Yes, that's right. Would you send up three
more bottles of boubon and two scotch?
Oh, and some more ice too.
All right, thank you.
You here all alone?
Yes, I just got in town.
-Well, why don't you join us for a drink?
Well, I don't want to barge in on your
party. -Oh, nonsense. It's not a party.
Just a few of the boys entertaining
some buyers. You know, the usual thing
a few drinks and some laughs.
It's no party, come on. -Well...
-Come on. Come on. -All right.
I know what it's like to be
all alone in a strange city.
I'm Sam Haskell.
-I'm Frank...Frank Bigelow.
You'd think some of these guys never
been away from home before. -Yeah!
Hey quiet down a minute.
Hey, will you quiet down a second?
I want you to meet Frank Bigelow.
-Hello. -Hi.
This is Jane Carlyle. -Hello.
-Bill Welch. -How are ya?
Mr. Welch.
-Glad to know you, Bigelow.
Jane's the prettiest buyer in
San Francisco. -Hey! I resent that.
You don't think I believe him, Elaine?
Well, he spreads that from coast to coast.
But it's good for my morale, anyway.
-I'm George Cadwell.
Glad to know you Mr...
-Bigelow. -Bigelow. Yes...
Write up much business?
-He's not here on business.
Well... -Well, why don't you get the
man a drink before he dies of thirst?
How about a little Bourbon?
-Well, that's fine. -Bourbon it is!
Of course, Mr. Wallace.
Yes Mr. Wallace.
But Mr. Wallace, I'll need at least a week
in Cleveland to visit all my accounts.
I can't figure on being in
Philadelphia until the 17th.
Eddie, would you get off the phone? I want
you to meet Frank Bigelow. -How are you?
That's his boss! He's been trying for an
hour to get his expense account boosted.
The way this guy holds onto a dollar you'd
think they weren't printing them anymore.
Yes, Mr. Wallace! I'm leaving here the
first thing in the morning. Yes sir.
Oh, keep your hips
loose Harry. Like this.
How's he doing?
There's nothing wrong with Harry's
rumba that two...(inaudible)
That one's doing all right there.
-This is Sue and Harry Brandon.
Hello. -Hello. -Good to meet
you. -How are you.
Where'd you find her, Sam,
on a dance marathon?
I bet you could do the rumba.
Well, a little but I'm kinda rusty.
Anything would be an
improvement after Harry.
Well how do you like that?
-Well, here goes.
Hey...you're good.
Oh um, my wife, she's a good
dancer isn't she Bigelow?
Yeah!
Hey fellas! I thought you were going
to show us a good time tonight?
Is this 'doing the town'?
-That's right!
We practically bankrupt our
stores to buy everything you got.
Then you keep us in this hotel room.
-I agree.
This is my last night to howl before I
go back to being a dutiful housewife.
Well it looks like we're stuck boys!
This is where we blow all
our comissions in one night.
And you're coming with us, Bigelow.
Oh, no thanks. You run along I got
to get unpacked and have dinner.
Oh no. You're not going
to get away from me.
Now that I've found a man who can
dance, I'm going to hang on to him.
Man, I'm a hipped!
-You're going nowhere. Nowhere!
Blowing! Blow up a storm, Fisherman!
Stay with it! Go on! Go on!
Get it! Get it, Fisherman!
Have a little bit of my drink, Frank.
-No, thank you.
Excuse me a moment. -Where are
you going Frank? -Excuse me.
I think you've had enough.
What'll it be?
-Bourbon and water, no ice.
Nice quiet place you got here. -Wait'll
they hit the pitch in about an hour.
That's when they really go out of
their minds. -Who's the blonde?
Oh, she's one of the chicks that
hangs around here. She's jive crazy.
Come again? -Oh, you ain't hip pal. Jive
crazy means that she goes for this stuff.
Just between you and me I don't get
it either, but I gotta listen to it.
They're all connoisseurs, music lovers.
Me, I like Guy Lombardo.
What's the matter with him? -He's flipped.
The music's driving him crazy.
Come down, Jack! -Oh, don't buy
me man, I'm being enlightened.
Is the blonde alone? -As sure as
society. She always comes in alone.
Drives a big convertible,
wears a mink coat.
But knows everybody,
but she always comes in alone.
Thank you.
Give me another blast, Leo!
What's your story, Jeanie?
-Easy!
Hello.
-Easy!
Dig the Fisherman. That's really silk,
isn't it? -Can I buy you a drink?
Sure, thanks. Give me a blast, Leo.
Leo, I left my 'blast' at the
other end of the bar.
My name is Jeanie. What's yours?
Frank.
I've never seen you here before, Frank.
-Well, I've never been here before.
This isn't mine. Mine was bourbon.
-Well, sure it is, You saw me pour it.
Get me a fresh drink.
-Anything you say.
Oh, listen to that piano.
Feel those vibrations.
You don't get your kicks out of this,
do you? -I can live without it.
Why do you stay here?
I don't know.
I bet I know. You're
lonely in a big city.
Oh, you don't have to go
into a routine with me.
I like good company too.
Say, there's some people
there I want to avoid.
Couldn't we get out of here?
Let me think about it. -Aw, come on.
How about going somewhere else then?
Why don't you meet me later?
Okay. Where?
Call me at that number later.
It's my next stop.
They've got a band there
that'll really send ya.
See ya, jeanie.
-Easy.
Never mind, operator.
Room service please.
Come in.
Be right with you, waiter.
-Yes sir.
Rest well, sir? -Yeah sure.
-May I? -Go ahead.
It's on there for you.
-Thank you, sir.
Would you like anything else?
-No, thank you. That's all.
Waiter.
-Yes sir?
Take this away.
Is there anything wrong, sir?
No. No, just take it away.
I don't even want to look at it.
Are you all right, sir?
Yeah, sure.
I'm all right. I just had too big
a night I guess, that's all.
I need some fresh air.
-Of course. Thank you, sir.
Lungs in good condition.
Blood pressure normal.
Heart fine. Well...
It's a good thing everybody
isn't like you, Mr. Bigelow
Put us doctors out of business. -I'm glad
to hear it doctor, I was a little worried.
Don't let a little belly ache worry you.
It could be just the change of climate.
Well, it isn't exaclty an ache, doctor.
It's kinda hard to describe the feeling.
Maybe it was the drinks I had last night.
I might have mixed 'em too much, huh?
Let's have another look at that throat.
You may finish dressing now, Mr. Bigelow.
I want to get the results of those
tests we took. -Thank you, doctor.
Mr. Bigelow, this is Dr. Schaefer.
Hello doctor, how are you?
-Sit down, Mr. Bigelow.
According to the information you gave Ms.
Wilson, you're not married Mr. Bigelow?
That's right. -Do you have any relatives,
family, anyone in San Francisico?
No. No one. I don't know a soul in
San Francisco. -Where is your home?
What is this doctor? Why all the questions?
You're a very sick man, Mr. Bigelow. -Sick?
But you told me I was in good shape?
-Yes, I know.
But my preliminary examination
didn't reveal your true condition.
You sound as if it's pretty serious,
doctor. -It's extremely serious.
I want you to understand that we
wouldn't tell you something like this
unless we were absolutely certain.
-Well, of course. Of course.
You must steel yourself
for a shock, Mr. Bigelow.
Well go on, doctor! What is
it you're trying to tell me?
Our tests reveal a presence in your
body of aluminous toxic matter.
What is that exactly?
A poison that attacks the vital organs.
Poison? -We have no alternative
but to tell you this.
Your system has already absorbed
sufficient toxin to prove fatal.
I wish there was something
that we could do.
What do you mean 'wish', you mean there's
nothing? -There's nothing anyone can do.
This is one of the few poisons of its
type for which there is no antidote.
Well, this is fantastic!
This is the most ridiculous thing-
You don't have very long.
What do you mean?
-A day.
Possibly a week. Two weeks at the
outside. It's hard to say exactly.
Well this is impossible!
I don't believe it!
You've made a mistake! That's it!
It could be a mistake couldn't it?
You, you have made a mistake,
haven't you? Answer me!
Dr. Schaefer is an authority on toxicology.
-There's no mistake, Mr. Bigelow.
Do you realize what you're saying?
Well, you're telling me that I'm dead.
You think you can explain my life
away in just a few words? Why-
I don't even know who you are.
Why should I believe you?
You must calm yourself, Mr. Bigelow.
We want to offer you every assistance that
-Assistance? Who wants your assistance?
Who wants anything from you?
You're nothing but a couple of phoneys.
Why, I think you're crazy! That's it! You're
crazy, the both of you! You're crazy!
Where's the doctor? -You can't come in here!
-Come on, tell me where's. Get outta...
What's the trouble here? What's
the matter with you? -Doctor.
I want you to examine me
for aluminous posion.
Come right in here.
Yeah. You've got it all right.
Your system has already absorbed it.
Are you sure, doctor?
Are you absolutely certain?
Couldn't there be some mistake?
There it is.
The toxin is actually
luminous in the dark.
No. There's no doubt about it Bigelow.
I don't feel sick. My stomach
is just a little bit upset.
Maybe it's not as bad as you think doctor.
-That's characteristic.
With a heavy jolt you'll go
suddenly in a matter of hours.
But, if the stuff was taken in a lesser
degree, you last a while, and then...
And then?
Give it to me straight, doctor!
Well, a number of things are involved.
The systemic condition of the individual.
The amount consumed. Exertion. -Yes!
You won't feel too badly for a while.
Then it will happen suddenly.
A day, two days, a week at the most.
A day?
Two days?
There's nothing that can be done now.
Would it have been caught in time,
your stomach could have been washed out.
But you've had it in
you for some time now.
For at least 12 hours, haven't
you Bigelow? -I don't know.
You don't know? -No!
-Don't you know how you got it? -No!
Then this is no accident. Somebody
knew how to handle that stuff.
That wax is tasteless and odourless.
With the amount of alcohol in your
body you must have got it in liquor.
I was drinking last night.
I'll arrange for your admission
to the hospital immediately.
Of course, I'll have
to notify the police.
This is a case for homicide.
Homicide?
I don't think you fully
understand, Bigelow.
You've been murdered.
Get me police headquarters please.
Homicide bureau.
A day...two days.
A week at the most.
You've been murdered.
This is no accident.
Somebody knew how to handle that stuff.
With the amount of alcohol in your body
you must have gotten it in liquor.
There's nothing that
can be done. Nothing.
You've been murdered.
You've been murdered.
You've been murdered.
You've been murdered.
You've been murdered.
Open up!
Open this door I tell you!
Open it up or I'll break it down!
Where are those men? Where are
those men who were here last night?
I don't know. There are no men here.
Please go away... -Don't lie to me!
Where are they? -Mister!
This lady just checked in.
Those men aren't here no longer.
They checked out the hotel early this
morning. -Checked out? -Please go away.
I'm sorry.
I'm terribly sorry.
Hello!
Please Mr. Bigelow, my ear drums.
Oh, hello Paula.
Your enthusiasm overwhelms me.
Why haven't you phoned me? Or is there
a quota on telephone calls up there?
I'm sorry I-I-I've been busy.
I'll bet you have. Visitng
the museums no doubt.
What's happening up there
that's exciting or different?
Nothing. Not a thing.
I bet you miss me but you're
too stubborn to admit it.
Sure. Sure.
You know if you'd like me to come up I can
pack a toothbrush and leave right away.
No!
Well, you don't have to snap my head off.
You could at least make the
pretense of missing me.
I'm sorry, Paula. Of course I miss you.
Listen Paula I...
Paula, it's just that I, I don't feel
like talking now. I'll call ya later.
Don't strain yourself.
You phone me sometime when
you feel more like talking.
Oh, by the way, I called that
Mr. Philips back? -Philips?
Yes, you know. The man
that tried to reach you.
Well, I'm afraid you'll never know why it
was so important that he speak to you.
His office said that he died yesterday.
Frank? Are you there?
Did you hear me?
Died?
When?
-Yesterday.
So you won't have to bother your
little head about him anymore.
You can just go ahead and have fun.
Paula.
What did he die from? Do you know?
I suppose he died from whatever
people usually die from.
Well didn't they tell you? Don't you know?
What are you getting so excited about?
You said you didn't even know the man.
Listen! Where is his office located?
What difference does it make? You can't
talk to him now, I told you the man's dead.
Paula, will you stop talking so much
and tell me where his office is!
Well, all right.
It's the Philips Importing
and Exporting Company,
Bradbury Building, Los Angeles.
Bradbury Building, Los Angeles? -That's
right. Say, this is really a switch.
Listen, if you want to reach me I'll be in
Los Angeles. -Are you out of your mind?
I'm sorry Paula. I gotta hurry.
-Wait a minute. Where in Los Angeles?
The Allison. The Allison
Hotel. Goodbye Paula.
I'd like to see someone in charge here.
What is it in regard to?
-It's a personal matter, it's quite urgent.
Perhaps Mr. Halliday can help you.
-Who's he?
He's our Controller. Your name please?
-Bigelow.
Mr. Bigelow to see you.
-Send him in.
Go right in please. That door.
Mr. Bigelow.
-How are you, Mr. Halliday?
What can I do for you?
Well, Mr. Phillips phoned my
office several times yesterday and
I'd like to find out what it's all about.
-You know Mr. Philips died yesterday?
Yes, I know.
-But I don't understand.
If he phoned you didn't he
tell you what it was about?
Well, he didn't speak to me.
I wasn't in my office at the time.
And he wouldn't tell my secretary.
Well, I'm afraid I can't be
of much help, Mr. Bigelow.
I have no idea why Mr. Philips
tried to reach you.
I'm sorry you had to
make the trip for nothing.
How do you know I made a trip?
I didn't say anything about making a trip,
I merely said he phoned my office.
My office could be here in Los Angeles.
Miss Foster.
Yes? -Didn't you mention something
yesterday about Mr. Phillips
speaking with Mr. Bigelow
in San Francisco?
I said that he had phoned
Mr. Bigelow's office in Banning
but that Mr. Bigelow was staying at
the St. Francis hotel in San Francisco.
I'm sorry you misunderstood me.
-Do you know why Mr. Philips called
No, I don't.
-All right. Thank you, Miss Foster.
You can understand that we've
been somewhat upset around here?
Now, If you don't mind...
Did Mr. Philips have a wife, family?
Anyone that could help me?
You can't intrude on
people at a time like this.
Just to satisfy some curiosity.
-It isn't just curiosity
Then I suggest you wait a week or so.
-I can't wait.
Well I'm sorry, you'll have to.
-Well, there's always a phone book.
You're a pretty aggressive
fellow, Bigelow.
Are you quite sure that this is as
important as you make it appear to be?
It's important.
Mrs. Philips lives at the
Sunset Arms Apartments.
Thank you.
I needn't tell you she's unrestrained.
I suppose your capable of using a little more
tact with her then you demonstrated with me.
I think I can handle it. By the way, what
was the cause of Mr. Philips' death?
Suicide. He leaped from the
balcony of his apartment.
Thank you.
Come in, Mr. Bigelow.
I'm Stanley Philips, Eugene's brother.
Halliday phoned that you were coming.
This is my sister in-law, Mrs. Philips.
I'll try to make this as brief
as possible, Mrs. Philips.
I'm afraid I can't be of any
help to you, Mr. Bigelow.
I haven't the slightest idea why my
husband wanted to speak to you.
Well, I guess Halliday covered
just about everything.
Did your husband ever mention anything
about me, Mrs. Philips? Anything at all?
No. I can't recall Eugene ever
having mentioned your name.
I hate to ask you this, Mrs. Philips,
but it's of vital importance to me.
Do you know why your
husband committed suicide?
Your certainly not the most diplomatic
person in the world, are you Bigelow?
Were you a friend of my brother's?
-I never met him.
My brother was in a jam. A pretty bad jam.
He was arrested two days ago.
He sold some iridium to a
dealer by the name of Majak.
It's a very rare metal, very costly.
Anyway, the iridium
turned out to be stolen.
He was released on bail yesterday but
he faced a pretty stiff prison term.
Men have committed suicide for less. -Yes,
I know. That's how the police feel about it.
What puzzles me though
is this crooked deal.
Knowing Eugene you wouldn't say he's the
type of man to be mixed up in anything
like that, now you would?
-I told you I never met him.
That's right, so you did. Now what's
this all got to do with you Bigelow?
I don't know. -Let's come
clean with each other, Bigelow.
Surely you must have some idea why my
brother was so desperate to contact you.
I have no idea. -That's odd. Then how could
it be of such vital importance to you?
You seem to know the
answer to everything else.
Maybe you know the
answer to that one too.
There's amessage for you to call Operator
Show Mr. Bigelow to room 821.
Say, would you have the operator put
this call through to my room right away?
Yes, sir.
-I'll take it up there.
Hello Operator.
I'll call you if i need anything.
-Thank you, sir. -Helol? Paula?
Well, Sinbad. I'd just about
given you up for lost.
Now do you mind telling me just why
you rushed down to Los Angeles?
I, I can't explain it to you just now,
Paula. I just can't explain it.
What's going on Frank? You don't
even sound like yourself. -Well, I'm...
I'm just a little tired, Paula. That's all.
But I miss you.
Oh, Frank.
I can't tell you how good
it is to hear you say that.
And here I was worrying
that I'd lost my charm.
When are you coming home Frank?
Soon, Paula.
I'll be home soon.
I'll go right out and get myself a permanent
so I'll be pretty when you see me.
Hey, guess what? I found that
Philips name notario ledger.
Notario ledger?
-Yes, of all places.
I remember now, I made the entry myself.
You had notarized a paper one
morning before I came to work.
What kind of paper was it?
A bill of sale for a George Reynolds, made
out to Eugene Philips of Los Angeles.
So you see, I was right. We haven't done
any business with Philips, only indirectly.
What was the bill of sale for? -A shipment
of iridium, whatever that is. -Iridium?
You mentioned at the time that this fellow
Reynolds had made some kind of a deal
in Palm Springs and he stopped in
your office early in the morning
on his way north to have it notarized.
-Wait a minute!
Wait a minute. George Reynolds! That
was about six months ago, wasn't it?
That's right, six monthe ago.
-Thanks, Paula! Goodbye.
Goodbye?
Hello, Operator? Get that
number back for me.
I've got to talk to you, Mrs. Philips.
-Please...
Go away...I want to be left alone.
But I found out why your husband wanted to
see me it was in connection with a bill of sale
Come in.
-Thank you.
What do you know about a
man named George Reynolds?
George Reynolds?
-Yes.
Why that's the man my husband claims sold
him the iridium -What did Reynolds claim?
Reynolds disappeared.
-Yes?
About two months ago my husband grew
suspicious that something was wrong.
Since then he tried in every way to locate
Reynolds but could find no trace of him.
But I don't get it. Your husband could
have proved he made a legitimate
deal by showing the bill of
sale he got from Reynolds.
Then there was a bill of sale?
-Yes. Yes, of course there was.
My husband swore there was
but at the time of his arrest he,
he couldn't find it, it was
mysteriously missing.
Well then if your husband could
have shown proof it would've been
George Reynolds who would
have faced the prison term.
Eugene was convinced that
Reynolds had stolen the bill of sale.
He was the only one who had reason to
eliminate evidence of the transaction.
Thank you, Mrs. Philips. Thank you
very much, you've been very helpful.
Oh, if you'd only come
sooner Mr. Bigelow.
My husband might be alive today.
I know.
The only thing that
puzzles me Mrs. Philips
is that you haven't asked how
I knew there was a bill of sale.
Mr. Halliday isn't in.
He should be back shortly.
I think your the one who
can help me, Miss Foster.
Mr. Philips tried to reach someone else
before he called me yesterday. Didn't he?
Why don't you ask Mr. Halliday? -Obviously,
Mr. Halliday wasn't here yesterday.
Or he wouldn't have had to learn
from you that Philips called me.
And you're the logical person to
know who else Philips called.
I don't believe that's any of
your business, Mr Bigelow.
Don't think you're revealing
anything confidential Miss Foster.
I know that he tried to reach somebody
else, Mrs Philips told me.
You're bluffing, Mr Bigelow.
I don't know what you're after,
but you're trying to trick me.
Mrs Philips didn't tell you a thing.
-How do you know that?
Mrs Philips knows nothing about it.
-She doesn't?
Well, why wouldn't she? Wait a minute!
I was talking about George Reynolds.
Who did you think I meant?
Just who is it that Mrs Philips
doesn't know about? -I told before.
That's none of your business. -All right,
young lady I'm gonna give it to you straight
Philips was murdered. -Murdered?
I don't believe you, you're lying.
He called me because he needed me
to clear him. Philips is innocent.
Innocent men don't have to jump
out of windows. -Murdered!
Just who are you trying
to protect Miss Foster?
Why are you so afraid to tell the truth?
-I'm not protecting anybody!
I haven't anymore to say.
-All right you lady
Listen to me. This thing is
going to explode wide open!
You got nothing to hide, you better start
talking. Or maybe you are mixed up in this.
Well then come on!
-Mr. Philips called Marla Rakubian.
He went to see her yesterday morning.
Who's Marla Rakubian?
-She's a model.
She and Mr Philips used
to be quite friendly
but he hadn't been seeing
her for quite some time
Come on! -The last couple of months
he's been trying to locate her
and finally learned where she
lived yesterday morning.
When he returned from seeing her,
he was terribly upset and excited.
That's when he had me
put in the calls for you!
When he couldn't reach you, he went
home. The last time I saw him alive.
Give me Marla Rakubian's address.
I don't think Mr Philips realized I was
aware of his friendship with Marla Rakubian.
And out of respect for him I
never intended to tell anybody.
I had no idea that she had anything
to do with the trouble he was in.
I admire your discretion, Miss Foster.
You know you must be pretty
friendly with Stanley, Miss Foster.
He knew how desperately his
brother tried to reach me yesterday
and he wasn't even hear at the time.
And now you seem to know all about what
happened at Mrs. Philips' apartment.
Miss Rakubian?
-Yes?
What do you want?
Get out of here or I'll call the police.
-Go ahead. Call them.
Well, go ahead, call them!
Going on a trip, huh?
Yes. Going away for the weekend.
(???) Buenos Aires tomorrow. Some weekend!
I'll send you a postcard now get out of here!
-Who you going with, George Reynolds?
I've never heard of him. -I suppose you've
never heard of Eugene Philips eiither.
Just who are you? What do you want?
-Never mind who I am. Where's Reynolds?
I told you I don't know him. Now will
you get out of here and leave me alone?
So you never heard of
George Reynolds, huh?
And don't try and tell me that this
isn't him because I've seen him.
If you think you can
scare me you're crazy.
Look I know that Philips
came here yesterday
and right after he left he was pushed
out of a 6 storey window. -Pushed?
Philips committed suicide.
-Your playmate Reynolds murdered Philips.
Then he went up to
San Francisco to get me.
Because I knew about a certain bill of sale.
-I don't know what you're talking about.
You're in this right up to your pretty
little neck. -I'm not mixed up in anything.
Get your hands up!
Drop that picture on the couch.
Turn around.
Don't get any ideas because
I'm not afraid to use this.
Give me your wallet.
Frank Bigelow. Hotel Allis...
All right. Now where is Reynolds?
-I don't know. I don't know where he is.
Is that what you told Philips yesterday?
-I told him exactly what I'm telling you
I haven't heard from him in months.
-Yeah?
You're mighty careful of the picture of a
man you haven't heard from in months.
What does the 'Ray' stand for?
-It was a...a pet name. Do you mind?
It all sounds very cozy Miss Rakubian.
You and Reynolds call each other pet names
while you make a sucker out of Philips.
Philips made the deal
because he wanted it. -Yeah?
Well, I'll bet you you aren't above using
what it takes to help make him want it.
Who's paying for this trip?
I am.
Really? First class trip to Buenos Aires on
a model's salary. Don't make me laugh.
Since you and Reynolds
aren't seeing each other anymore,
you don't mind if I keep this do you?
If I were a man I'd
punch your dirty face in.
You know, I really believe you would.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Your tickets.
Don't be surprised if
I'm there to see you off.
Angelo.
Angelo!
Oh, Angelo.
Do you remember taking this
picture with George Reynolds?
I take so many pictures I
can't remember them all.
This gentleman is a friend of his and would
like his address. We have no card on him.
I don't think we oughta do that.
-He's willing to pay $20 for it.
That's the paper we used last year.
Of course you understand we usually don't
give out the information about our clients.
I know, you're a couple of
high class fellas. -Thank you.
Revealing anything confidential is
against the ethics of our establishment.
That's right. Honesty is the best policy.
-Of course.
But in your case, inasmuch as you're
a personal friend of Mr Reynolds
Thanks. I knew you'd come through.
-Got it!
Here it is. We don't have his address.
He must have called for the picture.
But he couldn't have been a very
good friend of yours, mister.
Because his name is not George Reynolds.
It isn't? Well, what is it?
It's a...
Huh?
Here.
-It's Raymond Rakubian.
Rakubian?
What's so unusual about that? The
picture's signed 'Ray' isn't it?
Yeah.
Yeah!
Thanks!
Bigelow.
Are you all right? Can I get you
anything? -No, no thanks.
Do you know this man?
No. No, I don't think so. -Are you sure
you've never seen him? -I'm quite sure.
Does the name Raymond Rakubian
mean anything to you?
No, I've never heard of him. Why?
-He also uses the name George Reynolds.
This is Reynolds?
That's right. -Well where can we find him?
-That's what I want to know.
Tell me something, Halliday.
You're the Controller here.
How come you didn't know
about that bill of sale?
Philips made that deal before I came to
work here. -Ya, but you still keep records.
Don't you? -For some reason,
which is none of my business,
Philips preferred to keep that
among his personal papers.
Now does that answer your question?
You came in here today asking for
some information that you needed.
And I tried to be as
cooperative as I could.
But now you're beginning to annoy me.
So get out before I throw you out.
You know, you really frighten me.
Well, it's about time
you showed up Bigelow.
Go ahead, Dave.
Real cute ain't you, Bigelow?
Just real cute.
Marla didn't lose much time getting a
hold of you guys, did she? -Shut up!
Let's go Bigelow!
Look at him. He can't take it.
Soft in the belly.
You do that again and
I'll kick your face in.
Lay off, Chester. Cut it out.
-Shut up! Who asked you?
Better let him answer it.
The clerk might know he's in.
Go ahead, Bigelow.
Hello?
-Frank.
Frank, why did you hang up on me?
I've been trying to get you for hours.
I'm sorry, Paula. I was in a hurry.
Well, don't be in such a hurry this time.
You didn't give me a chance to finish
what I had to say. -It's a dame.
I wanted to tell you that McGowan
was in hollering his head off
because you didn't go over the books.
Tell McGowan to get another auditor.
Sure. Sure, I'll just do that little thing
and lose the best paying account we've got.
Do as I tell you, Paula.
Frank are you...are you drunk?
Paula...
How much have we got in the bank?
-About...2200 dollars.
Draw it out tomorrow.
Sure.
Then what do we do, skip
town without paying our bills?
Forget the bills. You know that
coat you always wanted? Buy it.
You are drunk.
You know if I didn't have such
a good character I'd be tempted
to take advantage of your
intoxicated state, Mr Bigelow.
I'm not drunk, Paula.
Well then, don't tell me that one day
away from me can affect you this way?
Cut it short!
Paula.
-Yes?
I'm sorry I...I left you.
I never realized howmuch I loved you.
But I know it now.
Oh, Frank. Frank, darling.
I love you too, so very much.
Please come home.
I miss you terribly.
Like I said. Cut it short.
I'd just love to let
you have it, Bigelow.
Let's go, Chester. This guy's kept
us waiting long enough. Now!
Walk in front of me Bigelow.
And keep your mouth shut. If you so
much as look cross-eyed at anybody
I'll blow the back of your skull out.
This Bigelow's real cute. He wanted to get tough with Chester. He don't know Chester.
Did you get the picture? -Don't I always
get what Mr. Majak sends me after?
Majak?
That's right.
I'm the dealer who bought
the iridium from Philips.
I get it.
You have Rakubian unload stolen stuff
on Philips to help out Marla here.
And then you buy it back from him. Oh, you
certainly made a sucker out of Philips.
What is it, Mr. Bigelow?
Exactly what is on your mind?
I'm looking for Raymond Rakubian.
Why?
Well, now Marla has told you everything else
I'm sure she must have told you that too.
You don't expect me to
believe this conversation?
So, what is on your mind?
I mean, underneath.
You forced your way into my affairs
and now I want to know why.
I just told you. I'm looking
for Raymond Rakubian.
Don't get cute. I'm just
itching to work you over.
Soft in the belly. Can't take it.
See. What'd I tell you?
Can't do that to Chester.
I'm gonna blow your guts out. -Easy.
-Lay off Chester. Not now.
Look at him.
He's so scared of Chester,
he'll talk now.
He's not afraid, Chester.
You can tell from a man's
eyes when he is afraid.
Look at his eyes.
I'm telling you, Majak.
You better keep him away from me or
he's really gonna have to use that gun.
Go away, Chester. Please.
Do what I tell you, my boy. Please.
And help Dave.
Ah, you're in pain.
He's an unfortunate boy.
He's psychopathic.
He's unhappy unless he gives pain.
He likes to see blood.
Come with me, Mr. Bigelow.
Raymond Rakubian was my nephew.
He could not possibly have tried to
kill you. He's been dead, five months.
I'm afraid you have been sidetracked.
Provided it is true, that somebody
made an attempt on your life.
Somebody made an attempt again today.
I had no reason to kill you, believe me.
What do you mean you had no reason?
I notarized a certain bill of sale.
You notarized a bill of sale
for Reynolds, not Rakubian.
What I told you is true.
I had no reason to kill you.
That's a closet, Mr. Bigelow.
And under other circumstances...
you could go home now.
But...
Now you present a problem.
You know too much and I am in danger.
Chester!
-Suppose I were able to prove to you
that I only want to find the
person who tried to kill me?
I won't cause you any trouble.
You know I can go to jail for ten years
for this little business? Ten years!
At my age that's...that's my life.
That means my entire life.
With my life I do not take chances.
I am sorry, believe me.
You want Joe to go with you?
-No.
Just Bigelow and me.
And baby makes three.
-But Majak!
Goodbye Mr. Bigelow and...
Forgive me.
-Let's go, Bigelow.
I guess you won't be
there to see me off.
You tried to make a boob out
of me in front of Majak.
You shouldn't have done that, Bigelow.
I don't like that
I'm gonna enjoy this, Bigelow.
I done jobs like this before.
I knocked off guys I could like.
But I don't like you, Bigelow.
I never liked that puss of yours
from the minute I seen it.
I'm gonna enjoy this.
Ain't scared yet are you, Bigelow?
But you'll be scared.
Good and scared.
I think I'll give it to you in the belly.
You don't like in the belly.
Go for it. Try it.
I'd just love you to try it, Bigelow.
Why don't you try it?
Go ahead.
Didn't have the nerve, did you Bigelow?
I think I'll give it to
you right in the belly.
Takes longer when you
get it in the belly.
It's nice and slow.
That's the way I want to
see you go, Bigelow.
Nice and slow.
Frank.
Frank, are you all right?
Yes, I'm all right Paula. But what are
you doing here? How'd you get here?
Freddy Ross flew me down.
I had to come. I had to see you.
You shouldn't of come, Paula.
You shouldn't have.
What is it Frank? You're in some
kind of trouble, I know it.
Look at you, you're a sight. Your clothes
look as if you've slept in them.
Are you ill? You are, you're feverish.
-I'm all right Paula.
And I'm not in any trouble, believe me.
-You're lying Frank. Right after I spoke
to you I got a phone call from
the San Francisco police.
They asked if I knew where you were.
You didn't tell them anything, did you?
-Of course not.
It was a homicide detective that called.
What is it Frank? If you're in any kind
of trouble you certainly can trust me.
Look, I'm not in any trouble with
the police, Paula. Believe me.
But you can't stay here. You've got
to go back to Banning right away.
No I won't go, Frank. I won't.
I'm staying here with you.
Paula, it's better that you go back.
Believe me. -Why? What's this all about?
What have you got to do with
this Philips and Reynolds?
Philips was murdered.
-Murdered?
What could that possibly have to do with
you? All you did was notarize a paper.
You've notarized hundreds of papers.
-I know. I know.
All I did was notarize one little paper.
One little paper out of hundreds.
Frank. You frighten me.
You don't even act like yourself.
I know that you're in trouble. That something
is wrong. That youire in serious trouble.
You frighten me Frank.
-Oh, don't be frightened Paula.
Don't ever be frightened of anything
again. Will you promise me that?
I love you so much, darling.
More than is able to understand.
I never really knew happiness until I loved
you. Sometimes when I used to be afraid
that you weren't sure how you felt,
I tried to hold back, but I couldn't.
Losing you would've
been losing everything.
There would have been nothing left.
-Don't, Paula. Don't
Now I'm afraid again.
Somehow I feel that I'm going to lose
you but there's nothing I can do about it.
I feel so helpless. You're
leaving me out of something.
Tell me Frank, what is it? Give me a chance
to fight back. Just give me a chance, please.
You do love me though?
-Oh yes, Paula. I love you.
I never was more certain
of anything in my life.
I wasn't sure before, I was a little blind
I guess, but believe me I'm sure now.
Can you understand that Paula?
-I understand.
A man can be like that, Paula.
Something has to happen. It can
be a big thing or a little thing but
it can make him realize how much someone
means to him. How much he really loves her.
Oh and I love you, Paula.
More than I ever thought it possible
to love anyone in the world I love you.
Then why won't you tell me
about this trouble you're in?
Why won't you let me try to help you?
You can't help me Paula.
-You don't want my help.
Oh, Paula. There's nothing you
can do. Will you believe me?
So, will you please go home. Please?
-No Frank.
I won't go. I know you're in trouble.
I can't leave you like this.
All right, Paula. Look, wait for
me in the lobby of the hotel
and I'll be back for you soon. I promise.
-You promise? -Yes, Paula. I promise.
Is that a new outfit?
Yes.
-Well, it's beautiful.
You'll come back to me, won't you Frank?
Yes Paula, I'll come back. I promise.
-Please hurry, darling. Oh I love you.
I love you Paula.
Goodbye, Paula.
Is Stanley here?
You sure?
All right, get in there.
Now get Stanley on the phone.
Tell him to come over her right away.
Use any excuse you want.
What are you going to do?
What was Stanley going to do when
he used me for a clay pigeon today?
I don't know what you're talking about.
-Don't act innocent with me.
I fell for that once.
-I don't know what you mean.
I told you everything you
wanted to know this morning.
You told me just enough
so I'd get sidetracked
and wouldn't know that Stanley
was the one I was after. -Stanley.
Oh no! -You and Stanley have been
together on this from the start.
Now, come on. Get on that phone and call
him. And don't let him know I'm here.
Bigelow!
You been sidetracked all right.
But it was the poor, bereaved,
little widow who did it.
Miss Foster found this
letter this afternoon.
It was in my brother's desk at the
office. It's postmarked two years ago.
It isn't exactly the kind of a letter that a
married woman gets from a casual friend.
And I'm sure my brother wasn't aware
that they were so well acquainted
when he hired Halliday
What's the matter with him?
-He hasn't felt right since dinner.
Where did he have dinner?
-At Mrs Philips' apartment.
Halliday was there too and Stanley
confronted them with that letter.
Did you have anything to drink?
-Yes. Why? -How long ago?
Half an hour ago, just before I cam here.
-Miss Foster. Get on the phone
Call the emergency hospital. Have them get
an ambulance over here right away. -What?
Tell them that the (???) watch for aluminous
poisoning. -Aluminous posioning?
Go on, do what I tell you. While we still
have a chance to save his life. Go on!
I found George Reynolds, Mrs. Philips.
He's been dead for five months.
Then he didn't steal the bill of sale.
-No, he didn't but you could have stolen it.
How dare you.
You knew who I was
when I came here today,
but you were surprised to
see me alive, weren't you?
But I'm not alive, Mrs. Philips.
Sure I can stand here and talk to you.
I can breathe and I can
move, but I'm not alive.
Because I did take that poison
and nothing can save me.
What are you going to do?
-I tell you now I have nothing to lose.
No. You gotta listen to me. You gotta give
me a chance. -But I didn't have a chance.
It was Halliday. Believe me it was Halliday.
He made me steal the bill of sale. He planned
everything. -What about this letter? Your
husband knew about you and Halliday.
He found it only yesterday. He
accused Halliday. They fought
and Halliday pushed him over this balcony!
-And why me?
Why did he want to kill me? -Because you
could've proved there was a bill of sale.
That my husband had no reason to
commit suicide. Halliday was desperate.
After he killed my husband he found
out about the phone calls to you.
He thought you spoke to him.
That you knew enough to involve him.
Where's Halliday?
Where is he?
He's at the office.
This time you don't warn him.
Majak!
Come on Mister. Break it up.
Come on! Come on!
Come on. Move along.
Come on, let's break it up. Move
long now. Let's get going. Come on.
All I did was notarize a bill of sale.
But, that piece of paper
could have proven that...
Philips didn't commit suicide.
He was murdered.
And that's why Halliday poisoned me.
Would you...
Paula...
Call the morgue.
Johnson, you go to the Allison Hotel, find
Paula Gibson. Don't tell her anything.
I'll break it to her.
How shall I make out the
report on him, Captain?
Better make it 'Dead on Arrival'.