Madame, Monsieur, genuine "sa-lilk."
Genuine "sa-lilk."
Carried by caravan
from Persia to the sea.
- Oh.
- I told you to get outta here.
You can't sell goods
without a license.
Thousand pardons. Thousand pardons.
Permit me to wish you good night.
Au revoir. Good night.
- May I help you, sir?
- No, thank you.
Anybody here?
My shop is closed
for the celebration.
Something in your window
attracted my attention-
A silk hanging.
It bears the design of the tiger.
That's not for sale.
We are not open for business tonight.
But, perhaps I may sell you something.
Observe this hand-woven rug.
Excellent bargain.
I don't need anything.
Get out.
I have other treasures to show you.
- Treasures are not sold by street peddlers.
- Perhaps not.
They have their proper setting.
Might this be of interest?
I tell you I don't
want to buy anything.
- I'm overstocked.
- But you haven't seen Kwan Yin's secret.
Stone from the Romanov collection.
Newly arrived.
Is it not worth your attention?
We shall see.
- How much are you asking?
- It is easily worth 20,000...
but you may have it for five.
- I'll give you two.
- Oh, no, no, no, no. I must refuse your offer.
The gem is worth 10 times that much.
Oh! How clumsy of me.
I dropped the head of Kwan Yin.
- Is it not a perfect stone?
- Hmm. Fair.
- Fair.
- I can offer four.
- That's my limit.
- Very well.
I am a poor peddler. I'll take it.
Your door is unlocked.
Just thought I'd tell ya.
Oh, so it's you again.
Is he tryin' to sell you anything?
Only a rug. I told him
not to bother me.
- My shop is closed.
- Didn't I warn you?
I'm gettin' sick and tired of you guys without
a license. This time I'm gonna turn you in.
Now come on.
- You let him get away.
- I'll find him. I'd know him anywhere.
Hello, please. The Hitchings Line.
At what time tonight does your ship,
the Marco Polo, sail for the Orient?
At midnight? Oh, so?
I would like to reserve a stateroom.
Alone, please. Yes.
The name is "Moto," M-O-T-O.
Yes. Thank you very much.
Here you are, Mr. Hitchings.
- What did you say?
- Your stateroom, sir.
- And the best of the lot it is, if I may say so.
- You might say so, Jeeves.
Beggin' you pardon, sir.
- Quiet!
- Somebody's waiting for you in there.
- You don't say. Is she pretty?
- It's your father, sir.
Are you, by any chance,
the same Hitchings that owns this line?
- That's right. His old man is the "Hitching's Post."
- Let's serenade him.
That won't be necessary.
Oh. Hello, Dad. I didn't
think you'd want to see me off.
Bob, if your friends will excuse you,
I'd like to see you for a minute...
- before you sail.
- Oh, sure.
Wait here, people!
Don't go away!
Captain Marshall of this ship
called me tonight...
to discuss a matter
of considerable importance.
It must have been considerable
to keep you up this late.
- Say! You seem to have
been given quite a send-off.
You'd better sit down.
I want you to concentrate.
- Thanks. I'm sorry, sir.
- That's all right, son. Just don't make a habit of it.
- Yes, sir. I mean, "No, sir."
- Huh? You know, I'm counting on you...
to put some new life
into the export business.
- Aren't you afraid to trust me after the way I flopped here?
- Not a bit. You're a Hitchings.
You're bound to make good if you try.
All you need is a complete
change of atmosphere.
New surroundings. New, uh, companions.
- Yes, sir.
- I've written a letter to Wilkie...
our branch manager in Shanghai.
I want you to give it to him personally.
It's very important
and extremely confidential.
I wouldn't leave it around
in my estate room.
You can't tell who
your fellow passengers may be.
You'll like Wilkie.
He's been representing us
in the Far East for years.
You put yourself under his wing,
and you'll be all right.
Well, good-bye, son.
Let me hear from you once in a while.
I will. So long, Dad.
Don't worry about me.
I never did. Good luck.
See that he sails without falling overboard.
So long, Dad.
- Don't worry.
- Nice guy, my father.
- Come on in with that champagne.
- Come on, Rick.
Your stateroom, sir.
The best of the lot it is, if I may say so.
I'm Carson, your room steward, sir.
- Anything you want, just ring.
- Thank you.
They seem very happy,
my neighbors, don't they?
It's Mr. Hitchings.
His father owns the line.
- Oh.
- Hey, steward, bring some wine glasses!
- Excuse me. You understand, sir? His father and all that.
- Oh, yes, yes, yes.
- Bob, can't you fix it for us all to go along?
- Oh, wish I could...
but I've given strict instructions
to the chief steward...
to surround my cabin
with pretty girls!
- And look what I get!
- Hey, get who lives next door!
- Excuse me, please. I think you've made a mistake.
- Come on. Be a sport.
Let's go. Get in there!
- I don't know you.
- Well, that's all right. We're broad-minded.
- We don't mind a bit.
- Please, this is most embarrassing.
So, you don't wanna meet us, eh?
Lay off him! Excuse him, will ya?
They're good company when they're sober.
- Come on. Have a drink with us.
- Another time, please?
- This is very special champagne.
- Good night.
- I told you he was high-hat.
- Come on. Just one.
It isn't every night
I sail for China.
I'm afraid you'll have to hurry, sir.
The ship's due to sail any moment now.
- Well, let it sail!
- You'll get some stowaways onboard.
- To the ladies!
- Let's hope there're some attractive ones onboard.
If there are, you'll find 'em, Bobby.
- Ginger Ale!
- A fine gag for a friend!
What are you so noisy about? Come on!
Oh, I am thinking about
the proverb of my country...
"Half the world spends its time
laughing at the other half-
And both are fools."
Oh, not bad at all! You can't tell
anything by appearances, can you?
- Shake.
- I choose my friends, please.
Oh, come on. I said, "Shake."
It's an old American custom.
Hey, wait a minute. You can't do-
That's an old Japanese custom.
Bob, do that to me.
- Oh! You would!
- Well, served us right. We asked for it.
Now we're friends.
My name is Hitchings. Bob to you.
So pleased. I am Mr. Moto.
Folks, this is Mr. Moto.
Mr. Moto, this is folks.
Sorry you're not a dazzling blonde.
I remember once-
Your guests must leave, sir.
The ship's ready to sail.
Hurry.
So long.
Come on. Come on, now.
Step lively, please.
Just a minute. Just a minute.
Are you familiar
with old Japanese customs?
- No, sir. Don't know a thing about them.
- Good.
So long!
Say, how about ordering up
a flock of drinks?
No, thanks.
I think not. Good night.
- Phew! It's hot in here. Think I'll take a shower.
- Shower?
- What's the matter?
- May I suggest you go to bed now, huh?
- Without my bath?
- Yes. You see, wine does not mix with saltwater.
- Thanks. Mr. Moto, you'd make a swell valet.
- Yes. Yes.
Good night. Sleep tight.
Now I know who you are.
You're the Japanese sandman.
Strange people, these Americans.
- Well, we're on our way at last, sir.
- Yes.
Bit of a fog tonight.
It reminds me of London, it does.
Would you please close that ventilator?
It's cold in here.
Anything else I can do, sir?
- That will be all for tonight, Carson.
- Yes, sir.
- Bouillon, sir?
- Oh! Take it away!
May I? Thank you.
Mmm. Excellent bouillon.
- Very good.
- Oh!
- So long.
- I wish that heathen would stop gallivanting around.
- He makes me feel worse.
- If we'd gone to the Grand Canyon like I wanted to...
we wouldn't be seasick.
- Good morning, Mr. Bob.
- Oh! Do you have to be so cheerful?
Oh. Hello. It's Mr. - Don't tell me- Moto.
You have a touch of the-
what you Americans call-
"the jitters" this morning?
I think I know what you need.
Come with me.
I'm sorry, sir, but I don't believe
that I know how to make...
a Hakadote high-ball.
- I'll tell you how to make it.
- Don't bother. I won't live to drink it.
- Take that large glass.
- Yes.
First, a measure
of lemon juice.
- Do you have salt?
- Surely.
A pinch of salt.
Now, one egg,
if you please.
Egg.
And four dashes of orange bitters.
Mm.
Do you have Worcester sauce?
- Yes. Yes.
- One jigger.
And two teaspoons of sugar.
- Sugar?
- Yes.
- Now a pony of absinthe.
- Absinthe?
Yes.
This is, uh, for you.
- And, now-
- Yes?
- Fill it up with gin.
- Gin?
Yes. Fill it up.
Now, what do I do with it?
That's all. Just stir it.
Gently, if you please.
You wouldn't like a lily
in it, would you?
Won't be necessary.
- Oh.
- Drink it, Mr. Bob.
- Do I have to?
- It will improve the appearance of the world.
I assure you.
Drink it, please.
I think I'm gonna live.
- That's great stuff, Mr. Moto.
- Oh, so? I'm glad.
- And what will you have, sir?
- A glass of milk, please.
- Milk.
- You're a funny fellow, Mr. Moto.
Please, what do you
find funny about me?
- Well, last night you were a jiujitsu expert.
- Yes.
Now, today, you're old Doc Moto...
prescriber of the world's
greatest hangover cure.
- Who are you, anyway?
- I'm Mr. Moto, importer of Oriental goods...
with a hobby for magic.
- Is that all?
- Observe.
Say, that's swell.
What else can you do?
Do you want me to
begin at the beginning?
- I wish you would.
- Too long.
Where there's a beginning, there's an end.
Let's end at the beginning.
- Alpha, omega.
- Alpha, omega?
- In the words of Socrates-
- "Let each man help his brother man."
- Stanford '34.
- Stanford '21.
- Honorary member.
- What do ya know about that!
Moto, '21, let's see.
Oh! I remember reading about you.
You broke a pole vault record,
didn't you?
Now I would only break the pole.
That calls for a real drink.
Bartender, what do you suggest?
Oh, um, a panther's kiss.
- What's in it?
- Akunahau. That's what you'll drink in Honolulu.
Looks like it's gonna be
a dull crossing.
Not a good-looking single girl
on the ship and no sign of a female under 40...
- getting on board here.
- A beautiful girl is only confusing to a man.
I could do with a little confusion.
Life has been too tame
these last five days.
Just look at our new shipmates.
Yes, sir, we ought to be able to make a nice
hook rug by the time we reach Yokohama.
- Hmm?
- Observe.
All right. Wait a minute!
I take it all back.
I give her four stars right now.
Aloha. I'm glad you got aboard.
I've been waiting for you.
- Thank you.
- I beg your pardon.
Oh, no, no. Not yet. You're not
supposed to toss that over until-
- How do you like that?
- Very much.
- A beautiful girl knows
how to say "no" in a few words.
Yes?
I didn't order that, steward.
No, miss. The young gentleman in the next
stateroom sent it to you with his compliments.
I don't know the young gentleman.
"May I wine you?
P.S. I'd like to dine you.
- Robert Hitchings, Jr."
- Shall I open it now, miss?
- No, you may take it back.
- He seems quite a nice chap.
- His father owns the line.
- Take it back...
and tell Mr. Hitchings, Jr.,
whose father owns the line...
that I'm not in the habit
of accepting gifts from strangers.
Yes, miss.
Come in!
- What? She sent it back?
- Yes, sir.
Well, didn't she
give you any message?
The lady said, beggin' your pardon, sir,
that she don't accept gifts from strangers.
And I thought formalities
were forgotten at sea.
When modern people cling to conventions,
there's nearly always a purpose.
Well, I suggest we cling to the bottle.
Carson, fix three glasses.
Yes, sir.
I played very badly.
- Excuse me, please.
- Four sixes?
Oh.
To Miss Mystery.
May we become better acquainted.
Pull.
Pull.
Hello.
- I think your sight's a little off.
- Doing very nicely, thank you.
Do you realize you haven't told me
anything about yourself?
Our lives seem so different out here.
Doesn't matter who we are ashore.
Oh, I wish I could go on forever like this
and never land anywhere.
That's easy. I'll bribe the captain
to cast us adrift on a raft.
Oh, no. I'm being serious.
This week at sea has given me something
I thought I'd never know again.
I feel like a child on my way to school-
- Very dingy and unpleasant school.
- Let's play hooky then.
That wouldn't be very helpful
to either of us.
After all, you have your business
to attend to in Shanghai.
Is Shanghai your destination
or just a stopover?
I have an uncle there.
I'm on my way to visit him.
You'd better make it a long visit,
because we're gonna see a lot of each other.
- Are we?
- You don't think I'm gonna...
lock myself up in an office
all the time, do you?
Perhaps you should for the good
of the Hitchings Line.
Since I've met you I've had an awful time
thinking of anything else.
What did you think
about before then?
I can't remember.
I must've thought of something.
Anyhow, it doesn't make
much difference now, does it?
It's late. You'd better
see me to my cabin, Bob.
As you say.
Enjoying the moonlight
on the water, Mr. Carson?
Very soothing to the nerves.
- Please.
- Mm-hmm.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night, Bob!
Huh? Oh. Good night.
- How many?
- I'll take two.
Well, I'll bet the works, Mr. Marloff.
Well, I will call you.
Well, there's three jacks
and a couple of dames.
Just a moment.
Three dames and a couple of jacks.
That beats you.
Hey! That makes five queens
in the deck.
You see? You were trying to cheat!
- Oh, boss! You know I wouldn't do that to you.
- Enough!
It's all right, but don't
let it happen again, Muggs.
I haven't "drawed" a full week's salary
since I been working for you.
What's that?
- Message!
- Let him in.
Cheela, wait outside.
- It's from the Marco Polo.
- The little lady?
- What'd she say?
- Read yourself.
"Cousin William completely
recovered from illness.
Don't worry any further.
Love, Gloria. "
Hey, that don't make any sense.
What does she mean?
She means, " Met young Hitchings,
as ordered.
- He is harmless."
- That's what I thought she said.
We will soon find out if
he's harmless or very smart.
The ship is due to arrive Friday.
Meet her on the launch, as usual.
Okay, boss.
I still can't figure it out.
- What?
- How those five queens got in the deck-
And the five jacks!
- To you.
- To our last night.
No, to our last night at sea.
Tomorrow we'll be in China.
Excuse me, please,
but we are already in China.
- Hello, Mr. Moto.
- Hello.
The Yangtze River is extremely wide
where it meets the sea.
Let's finish our drinks and go on deck.
I know a swell place up forward.
- Won't you join us, Mr. Moto?
- Oh, no. Thank you.
Young love is very tiresome
for a third party.
I'm going to bed.
Good night. Good night.
Good night.
Here, what's the idea?
That's what I wanna know.
I dislike to be strenuous,
Mr. Carson.
Well, what'd you jump
at me for like a bloomin' gorilla?
The letter, Mr. Carson.
What letter?
What letter are you talking about?
- I was just cleaning this cabin.
- The letter.
Get away. Get away, I tell ya.
You touch me, and
I'll cut your heart out.
You think you're clever, eh?
But I know who you are,
Mr. Moto.
- That is most unfortunate for you.
- An importer, eh?
Well, you never fooled me. I "knowed" ya.
I"knowed" ya the night you came aboard.
I know you too.
Perhaps you remember...
curio shop in San Francisco?
How did ya-
I wasn't there, I tell ya.
- You killed a man there.
- I didn't. No.
And stuffed his body
in a wicker basket, Mr. Carson.
I didn't go to kill him.
He was hiding in back of the store.
So you were only kidding when you said
this was our last night, weren't you?
No. I'll not see you in Shanghai.
But you'll have to.
Where does your uncle live?
- I can't tell you now.
- When am I gonna find out?
Tomorrow, perhaps,
when we land.
Whatever's worrying you
can be fixed.
Just let me in on it.
I'll help you.
You can't. Other people
are involved.
- You're not married, are you?
- Oh, no. It's nothing like that.
I'm sorry to be so mysterious,
but I have no choice.
Look, I don't want you to tell me
anything that's none of my business-
Only anything you're
involved in is my business.
Please don't ask me any more.
But I'm in love with you.
- I know.
- Doesn't that make any difference?
- It makes all the difference.
- Well, then, the devil with all this secrecy.
You and I are gonna take
this ship right back to the States.
I want you to meet my family.
You don't know anything about me.
Who I am or-
- Who cares?
- You have your obligations in Shanghai.
You told me you promised
your father to make good.
All right. I will.
And if I do, will you marry me then?
We'd better wait
and see what happens.
Boy, will I work. From now on,
there'll be no more playboy stuff.
- Nothing but business and you.
- Mm-hmm.
We'll soon be alongside, sir.
- Where's my regular steward?
- Haven't you heard? Carson's disappeared.
- Disappeared?
- Yes, sir. Didn't sleep in his bunk last night.
Oh, so? That is too bad.
An accident, perhaps?
Well, that's what the skipper thinks,
but I got me own idea.
- Yes?
- Carson probably jumped overboard.
- He was a bit cracked, sir.
- Tsk, tsk, tsk.
And I hadn't tipped him yet.
That is very sad.
Here. You might as well have it.
Oh, yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
Gloria!
Gloria!
Excuse me, please. Where is the young lady?
I should like to say good-bye.
I don't know. I've looked everywhere,
and I can't find her.
- Oh, so?
- Her luggage is gone too.
Oh, stewardess! Where's the young lady
who occupies this cabin?
The young lady was took off
in a motor launch early this morning, sir.
But she promised to give me her address
this morning. I don't know where she's going.
We never know what's going
to happen in this life.
Take Mr. Carson. Yesterday he was
talking to me just like you are now and-
Well, I never.
Can you tell me where
I can find young Hitchings?
- There he is with a Japanese gentleman.
- Oh, thanks.
Now, remember, if you ever come to
Flatbush, don't forget to look us up.
- Mr. Hitchings, I am Joseph Wilkie.
- Oh, how do you do?
Dad gave me a letter to deliver to you.
Said it was important.
- Oh, thanks.
- Oh, this is Mr. Moto.
- So pleased.
- Mr. Wilkie is our branch manager.
- Oh, so?
- Shall we go ashore now? The company launch is waiting.
- Sure. Will you go with us, Mr. Moto?
- I'm so sorry.
I must go back to my cabin,
but we shall meet again.
Certainly. Shanghai's
a small world.
I've made reservations for you at
the Cathay Hotel. You'll find it comfortable.
Oh, fine. Don't forget
to look me up, Mr. Moto.
We shall see each other.
Good day, Mr. Wilkie. So long, Mr. Bob.
- So long. - Wong, take Mr.
Hitchings's baggage dockside. Chop-chop.
- Who's the little Japanese gentleman?
- Oh, he's an importer.
I met him on the ship.
Nice chap.
Many strange people come to Shanghai.
You must be careful.
Oh, Moto's all right. We're fraternity
brothers, went to the same university.
Oh! That's different.
Hey, boy! You "catch-em"
my baggage. Chop suey.
Good?
You can't be in love with a girl
you don't even know.
- But I am.
- From what you've told me...
I should say that this woman's
in a desperate position...
and is therefore forced
to use desperate means.
That's not fair. You don't
know anything about her.
My boy, Shanghai's a melting pot
of all sorts of people in distress.
For instance, we've had a lot of trouble
in the colony with these White Russian women.
Many of them are very attractive, but...
being without country
and passports, they often resort...
to extreme measures
in order to leave China.
All that has nothing to do with Gloria.
You must remember,
you're not in the States now.
Here tradition and customs
stand for something.
Social circles are very prescribed.
You can't disregard them.
If everybody's so class-conscious here,
I don't think I'm gonna like it.
Of course you will, my boy.
You'll find Shanghai very progressive.
We have up-to-date
nightclubs, a racetrack-
I don't give a hang about that.
I've got to find Gloria.
You're not a free agent
anymore, my boy.
After all, you owe something to
the Hitchings family.
There are plenty of girls of the proper
class here. I'll see that you meet them.
By George, I completely forgot
about your father's letter.
That's perfectly blank.
Is this a joke?
Well, that's funny.
Dad said it was very confidential.
Excuse me.
Hello?
Speaking. Yes, I'll hold on.
San Francisco calling.
It must be Dad.
Ready for San Francisco. Just a moment.
- Yes?
- Mr. Hitchings Sr., calling his son.
Oh, so? Thank you. I will listen in.
All right, San Francisco. Go ahead.
Hello? Hello, Dad!
Swell. I can hear you just as clear-
I said, I can hear you very well!
Yes, Mr. Wilkie's here
with me now. Say, Dad.
That letter you sent?
There's nothing on it. It's blank.
What? Then someone
must have substituted it.
That letter was to warn Wilkie to
examine all shipments very carefully.
Government agents are concentrating
on the recent smuggling in San Francisco.
We've had several instances
of smuggled diamonds on our ships.
Yesterday, customs guards discovered
a large shipment of narcotics...
on one of our liners.
There's no clue,
except that it came from China.
Well, how was it concealed?
In Oriental curios?
Well, maybe we can trace
the shippers at this end.
That's why I'm telephoning you.
It looks like the work of a big ring,
dealing in a kind of contraband.
The point is, we are subject
to a fine of $200,000!
Two hundred thousand.
I know it's the law, but-
Now, about that letter. Evidently, the ring
has men working on the Marco Polo.
You must be very cautious, as
you're probably being watched.
All right, Dad. I'll be careful.
We'll get on it right away.
Want to talk to Mr. Wilkie?
Hold on.
Yes, Mr. Hitchings. I heard.
Naturally.
I understand. We'll start
an investigation at once. Good-bye.
- I can't believe it.
- We've got to trace those shipments.
I don't understand
how it was done.
We examine everything thoroughly
before it goes aboard.
- Unless it was loaded at Tientsin.
- Tientsin?
- Do our ships take on cargo there too?
- Yes.
We've got a Chinese agent there,
old Chang. I never quite trusted him.
- Then I think we'd better run up there and check on him.
- So do I.
But I've got urgent business
here I must clear up first.
You think I could
handle it alone?
Yes, I think you could. As a matter of fact,
it would probably be better.
Chang doesn't know you.
Of course, it's not a pleasant prospect.
You will have to catch the 1:00 express, and
that gives you barely time to pack up again.
Oh, you mean today?
That's not such a good idea.
- I'm looking for someone.
- But this smuggling business...
is more important than
a shipboard romance.
Oh, yes, you're right. I tell you what
I'll do. I'll make a deal with you.
- I'll go to Tientsin to find out what this Chang knows.
- That's the stuff.
Now wait a minute. I'll go tomorrow.
Meanwhile, you've got to take me...
all over Shanghai,
and give me a chance to find Gloria.
- Is it a deal?
- You're on.
I was young once myself.
Cathay Hotel.
- One moment, please.
- Good afternoon.
- What can I do for you?
- I am a stranger here. Could you direct me, please...
to a store where I might
have some films developed?
There's a camera shop
up Nanking Road.
- I'll write you the address.
- You are very kind.
And may I compliment the hotel
on its excellent telephone service?
Thank you very much.
Perhaps you will condescend
to have dinner tonight...
with a lonely Japanese gentleman?
I might. I'm off-duty at 6:00.
Thank you. I will call for you.
Good afternoon.
- Something you wish, perhaps?
- I'm looking for a small figure.
- Purely decorative.
- A very fine jade Buddha?
- Han Dynasty bronze?
- May I see that one?
- Yes.
- No, this one.
Ah, this one here.
Very beautiful.
Chinese goddess of mercy.
A kindly lady. Is she expensive?
- No. Twenty dollar max.
- She's rather dear, isn't she?
- How much will you pay?
- I'm not anxious to buy.
I prefer one with a proper setting.
The "proper setting" has been changed.
- Oh, so?
- You did not know this?
- I've been away.
- By what happy chance did you visit my shop?
I noticed the sign of the tiger.
You are very well informed.
Do you wish something else?
No, thank you. My business
is with your worthy superior.
- Good day.
- Good day.
Rickshaw. Rickshaw!
Yes?
Adram speaking.
A Japanese?
No, I don't know him.
Yes. I suspected that.
So I have taken the liberty
of having the gentleman followed.
He understands more
than is beneficial.
All right, but don't
telephone here again.
Wires can be tapped.
Report on this to me personally.
- Is everything else taken care of?
- Yes.
The boat will be ready tonight.
I will meet you at the usual place.
- So happy to see you again, Mr. Moto.
- Thank you, Chief.
Wait outside. I don't
wish to be disturbed.
Your visit to Shanghai
is a pleasant surprise.
Things are very quiet here.
Have you an interesting case?
- Rather.
- May I offer you my humble assistance?
I shall be very grateful.
First, might I be permitted
to inspect your files?
I am looking for information
on this charming lady.
- Mr. Wilkie.
- Yes?
- Did you see anyone in the corridor just now?
- No, my boy. Why?
Come inside.
Somebody slipped this under my door.
It's about Gloria.
- I wonder who sent it.
- Well, we've been inquiring about her all day.
It might be any one of a hundred.
This is very strange.
The International Club.
- Do you know where that is?
- I've never been there.
It's one of those cafs
down by the waterfront.
- Patronized by people looking for a thrill.
- Sounds very interesting.
I wouldn't be seen in that section
in daylight, let alone after dark.
Then I'll just have to
see it without you.
- But you're not thinking of actually going there?
- Yes, of course.
My dear boy, your father would never
forgive me if I permitted you to go alone.
We're going to find Gloria tonight.
Hey, Cumshaw.
- Hey! Rickshaw!
- Hey, hey. Rickshaw. Rickshaw.
- International Club, savvy?
- International Club. Me savvy.
- This isn't the right direction.
- Oh, so? Stop, please.
Stop. Go back.
I'm afraid you lost your way.
Turn around! Go back!
Quickly!
Look out!
- Help me up.
- That was close.
Very.
Why, it's Moto. Are you hurt?
No, thank you.
Only a slight mishap.
Gee, I thought sure
we were gonna kill somebody.
Mr. Moto is a very
difficult fellow to kill.
Excuse me, please. Miss Liu,
may I present Mr. Bob?
- How do you do?
- How are you? Can we drop you anywhere?
- Don't go out of your way, please.
- Well, where are you going?
International Club.
Oh, that's funny.
So are we. Get in. Join us.
- Chop-chop, and drive "muchee" careful.
- Very good, sir.
I don't think we'll be long.
- Perhaps they won't admit us.
- Sure, they will.
- What is it?
- May we come in?
- Who are you?
- American tourists. Plenty cash.
It's all right, Ivan.
They're friends of mine.
Good evening.
Americans, huh?
Are you a tourist too?
- Yes, please.
- We're all in the same party.
A table for four, please. Oh, by the way,
do you have an entertainer here...
- named Gloria Danton?
- Well, we got an entertainer here.
She's doin' an encore now.
Follow me.
Is this really the girl
you were telling me about?
- Excuse me.
- Where are you going?
I'm going to see Gloria.
- What do you want?
- I'm looking for the singer's dressing room.
- Yeah? What do you want to see her about?
- She's a friend of mine.
- So. What's your name?
- Robert Hitchings.
I'll see if she wants to see you.
- Yes?
- There's a fellow by the name of Hitchings wants to see ya.
- Please show him in.
- She says to go in.
Well.
I found you after all.
You've got to leave
this place right away.
After the trouble I've had? Oh, no.
- I mean it. It's dangerous for you to be here.
- Will you explain why, please?
What is it?
- It's me, chief.
- Tang. Unlock it.
Young Hitchings is
in Tanya's dressing room...
- and she told him to lam!
- How long has he been in the club?
Just a few minutes.
Come in with some other people.
- There was a Japanese guy with 'em.
- Why didn't you tell me that before?
Well, I didn't have a chance.
I was watchin' them!
You finish this. Have it ready to load
on the launch in half an hour.
Come on, Boris.
No, I won't go until you tell me
what you're doing in a place like this.
All right. I'll tell you,
if you promise to go.
My real name is Tanya Barov.
I'm a White Russian.
We lived in Harbin, until a year ago.
My father was killed mysteriously,
and I escaped to Shanghai.
- Got friends here? Someone you knew?
- Only Marloff, the owner.
He's also from Harbin. He was kind to me.
Hired me as an entertainer here.
- Even though I knew nothing of that kind of work.
- What were you doing in Honolulu?
- Why'd you use that phony name?
- I was traveling on a forged passport...
that Marloff secured for me.
- He sent me to find out why you were going to Shanghai.
- What? But why?
I am afraid you have already told your friend,
Mr. Hitchings, more than he should know.
- Who are you?
- I am Marloff.
May I ask who is that Japanese gentleman
in your party tonight?
- Friend of mine. Any objections?
- I'm not certain yet.
- But you, unfortunately, will have to be detained.
- For what?
In order that I may learn what happened
to a certain employee of mine.
- What are you talking about?
- Do you remember a steward named Carson?
- Yes.
- Certainly.
- Carson was on the Marco Polo to keep an eye on you, Tanya.
- To spy on me?
Last night, he sent a message...
saying you had fallen
in love with this young man.
He was then to search your stateroom
for some information...
- I was anxious to obtain.
- Oh, my father's letter to Wilkie.
- I'm beginning to understand now.
- However, Carson was not...
aboard the Marco Polo
when the ship arrived this morning.
The reports are, he disappeared
sometime during the night.
- You killed Carson when you found him in your room!
- I did not!
- I didn't even know he was there.
- I want to talk to you, Tanya.
Oh, leave her alone.
She hasn't told me anything.
I wish I could believe you.
Show Mr. Hitchings
our fan-tan room.
Oh!
That was very foolish of you!
Take them both downstairs.
I'll be right down.
124, 125-
It's wonderful, Mr. Moto.
I don't see how you keep from spoiling it.
Patience, my dear Miss Liu,
is the most useful of virtues.
Well, good evening,
Mr. Wilkie.
I beg your pardon?
Oh, excuse me, sir.
I forgot you don't know me.
I've seen you around the city
so many times, Mr. Wilkie.
- Permit me. I am Marloff.
- You're the proprietor here.
- At your service.
- Miss Liu, may I present Mr. Marloff?
- How do you do?
- And I am Mr. Moto, Mr. Marloff.
I am delighted to welcome you
to the International Club.
- I am honored, sir.
- I hope you are enjoying yourselves.
We're waiting for my guest to return.
Mr. Robert Hitchings,
the son of our president.
He went out to speak to your... singer.
Met her on the ship.
Oh, yes. That is the young man
I saw going into her dressing room, then.
I wish he'd come back.
Oh! I'm so sorry.
If there is anything I can do
to make your evening more pleasant-
- I've heard of, uh, gambling?
- I think we can supply almost any game.
Would you like
to come along, Mr. Wilkie?
- I never indulge in games of chance.
- You should try it, Mr. Wilkie.
- I find it very exhilarating.
- No, thank you.
Uh-
What is that you wrote, Mr. Moto?
Oh, this?
An ancient Japanese poem called haiku.
Must be exactly 17 syllables.
Very difficult.
Very nice sentiment.
You won't mind
if I desert you for a short time?
- No, no. Indeed.
- Perhaps you might persuade Miss Liu to dance?
Shall we go, Mr. Marloff?
Shall we dance?
Wise man protects himself
against inquisitive visitors.
The chief s comin'.
Here we are.
- A little quiet tonight, isn't it?
- It's too early...
- for the play to start yet.
- Oh, so?
And, what game do
you favor, Mr. Moto?
Fan-tan, roulette, faro, dice-
Those are games for people
who play at gambling.
- I'm sure we can oblige you, Mr. Moto.
- I prefer action when I gamble.
I like the quick turn of a card.
- We can cut for high cards, if you like.
- Excellent.
Muggs. Deck of cards.
- Oh.
- What's the matter?
My dress. Just look.
I'll have to go somewhere and fix it.
- I'm sorry.
- I'll hurry back.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
- Will you cut first?
- After you, sir.
A king.
- Let it ride?
- With pleasure.
Your turn.
After you.
Pardon me, please.
I could have sworn
you had a jack of spades.
That's a king, all right!
- That is strange.
- What?
Oh, I am very much interested
in that tiger symbol, over there.
- On the wall.
- Yes?
- I am familiar with a similar one.
- Huh?
- San Francisco?
- San Francisco?
In a certain curio shop,
just off Grant Avenue, in Chinatown?
Will you cut?
I never had such luck!
There's a saying that
ill fortune at gambling...
is often a sign of success
in other fields.
- What other fields?
- Oh, business, perhaps?
Certainly, your establishment
appears prosperous.
On the other hand...
it is possible that business
alone is not enough.
If one had, uh... a sideline?
Would you mind explaining that?
Is it well to speak
confidentially before so many?
All right.
- Boys, wait outside. Muggs will call you.
- Okay, boss.
I am awfully sorry, Madame.
I really am awfully sorry.
The police department. Quickly.
Shanghai Police! The Chief?
Hello? I'm calling for Mr. Moto.
We're at the International Club.
Hello?
Hello?
Take a squad car. Hurry to the International
Club. Notify the River Division also.
You see, Mr. Marloff, I have
access to certain merchandise...
- upon which we could both profit.
- I'm interested in profits.
Precisely. But mutual trust
is the basis of a successful partnership.
Partnership?
And on what basis?
Oh, equality.
Equality?
And this merchandise you speak of?
- The same in which you're already dealing.
- Yes?
And, uh, other merchandise also.
I see.
And how am I to be certain that
you are what you pretend to be?
My dear sir-
I know what happens
to one who tries to deceive you.
I remember the gentleman
in the curio shop in San Francisco.
The gentleman in the wicker crate.
Am I a fool to take
such a risk, unless, uh-
Unless what?
Unless I am what I claim to be.
Shall we trust each other, Mr. Marloff?
What is your connection
with young Hitchings?
I too was following him to discover
why he was on his way to Shanghai.
The United States government is beginning
to be too much interested in smuggling.
We are both in the same business,
Mr. Marloff.
Shall we not combine forces
for our own protection and profit?
I think we shall get along together, Mr. Moto.
I was sure you were a good judge
of character, Mr. Marloff.
What about
young Mr. Hitchings, and the girl?
Muggs? Show Mr. Moto our vault.
And what do you
propose to do with them?
The young woman will go with me.
The gentleman has heard too much.
We have a cure for him- the river.
- I think you're wrong.
- Wrong? Why?
My dear Marloff,
I agree with you.
There is but one penalty
for treachery.
Slit her throat and be done with it.
But the young man-
After all, he's the son of the owner
of the Hitchings Line.
A millionaire. He may be worth
a lot of money to us. Alive.
- What you want?
- Can you direct me to the gambling room?
- Very sorry. Gamble room closed for tonight.
- Closed?
We have a shipment already,
onboard our launch.
Perhaps you would like to go with us,
to deliver it to the Marco Polo?
Excellent, and we can dispose
of the young lady on the way.
Muggs, open the door.
- Oh, Mr. Wilkie.
- Where's young Hitchings?
What does this mean?
I demand that you release him, at once.
- And if we do not?
- Get away from them, Wilkie.
So that's what you are. He's a crook!
He's in with Marloff.
I think, gentlemen, all this excitement
is hardly necessary.
- Untie me. I'll handle him.
- Yes, I've got to get you out of here as soon as possible.
Marloff, sahib,
I'm late because I-
Sahib-That man!
That man is police spy!
That Japanese!
He is the one who shot me.
He is the man I had
followed to police station.
Stand perfectly still.
- Please to come over here.
- But Mr. Moto-
Now think fast, Mr. Moto.
So you're a police spy, huh?
Don't... excite yourself...
- Mr. Marloff.
- You won't do any more spying.
Well... then...
let's have it over with at once.
Often... I have won...
I can also lose.
- Adram, you and Muggs take those people to the boat.
- Yes.
We have to leave at once.
And now, Mr. Moto-
If you please, here.
Get up, Mr. Marloff. Mr. Wilkie.
May I request you to secure his gun?
You'll find it inside his coat.
It went off! I... took hold
of the gun, and it shot him.
Oh, so? That would seem
to dispose of Mr. Marloff.
Open up! Police!
Open up, the police!
- Hello, Chief.
- Mr. Moto, what's happened?
- We got your telephone message.
- Mr. Marloff was shot, accidentally, by Mr. Wilkie.
I'm sorry, Mr. Moto. You had me fooled...
- but you saved our lives, old man.
- Your apology is accepted, Mr. Bob.
I must apologize too, Mr. Moto.
I didn't know. Let me congratulate you.
What-What is all this?
Mr. Moto. Well-
Who are you, anyway?
I think this will explain.
You recognize the company?
- Well, then you're-
- I have the honor to be the managing director.
- You've heard of us?
- Of course, you're our best customer.
- But I-I don't understand.
- I was forced to take matters into my own hands.
My business, as well as yours...
was being seriously jeopardized by
the smuggling activities of Mr. Marloff...
- and, uh, his friends.
- Well, then, you're not a detective, after all.
- Oh, only as a hobby.
- But what's all this got to do with me?
- I demand that-
- Mr. Wilkie!
You are not in a position to demand.
It was not an accident
that Mr. Wilkie shot Mr. Marloff.
- What?
- No.
I first suspected that some person
in a responsible position...
had something to do
with the smuggling...
when I read this letter...
Mr. Hitchings gave his son
to deliver to you, Mr. Wilkie.
And here it is.
And when Mr. Marloff made the unfortunate
error of recognizing you upstairs...
I began to think
I might be correct.
And, when you found this room,
and knew the correct code signal...
to gain admission,
I was practically certain.
But I wanted even stronger proof!
So I decided to give you
an opportunity to kill...
the only man who knew that you were
the head of this ring of smugglers.
- Mr. Moto, your young lady will be all right.
- Miss Liu?
- What happened to her?
- Someone shot her while she was telephoning us.
Oh, so? Then I suggest
that you see if there is not a gun...
with one cartridge fired
in Mr. Wilkie's pocket.
Silencer. You're right.
Take him away.
- The river police caught the rest of the gang.
- Thank you, Chief.
- But Mr. Moto, I thought you were shot.
- Yes, aren't you hurt?
Oh, yes. But fortunately,
I was wearing my new-style waistcoat.
Quite uncomfortable...
but very effective for such occasions.
Oh, now I know. You're the one
that put that note under my door.
- You wanted Wilkie to come here.
- Alpha Omega, Mr. Bob.
- Alpha Omega, Mr. Moto.
- Alpha Omega.