 Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, and Dan Durier in The Woman in the Window. Ladies and gentlemen, your guest producer, Mr. Mark Hellinger. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Some years ago, I produced a picture called Brother Rocket, starring Edward G. Robinson in one of those gangster roles he made so famous. During the making of that film, Eddie expressed to me an ultimate desire to put down his revolver and interpret characters of more variety in scope. Well, he has such a role tonight. He's a quiet and scholarly professor in the unusual drama The Woman in the Window from International Studios produces of Tomorrow is Forever. Not for very long, however, does he lead the calm, scholastic life. Because we throw across his path a strange but fascinating woman then had a homicidal maniac who precipitates a murder and bring you a most exciting melodrama, one of Hollywood's greatest successes of 1945. Co-star in our cast, from one of the fairest, oldest, most respected families, is Joan Bennett. Also, Dan Durier, who was hurried west from his native New York City to be with us in tonight's play. Now, from coast to coast, the curtain rises on The Woman in the Window starring Edward G. Robinson as Professor Wanley, Joan Bennett as Alice Reid, and Dan Durier as Height. Thus, in Midtown, New York City, a scorching July day has ended and now, before the evening rush to theaters, the streets are almost empty. There's a clubhouse just off the fairing, an unpretentious, dignified, brownstone building. And waiting in front of it is an unpretentious, dignified gentleman. Next to the clubhouse is an art gallery. Slowly, the gentleman walks over and gazes into the window enchanted by the provocative face that smiles at him from a newly painted canvas. He is unaware that two men now stand behind him. Just look at him. Richard Wanley, Associate Professor of Applied Psychology pulled over by a picture of a pretty girl. I wonder how long we have to stand here before he notices us? Oh, uh, Frank. Michael. Well, how are you? Been waiting long? Oh, no. I say, who is she? The girl of the quarter. We haven't the faintest idea. But she's definitely our green girl, of course. We noticed her last night. Well, it's an extraordinary painting. And the model probably isn't extraordinary woman. How about dinner? I'm starved. Good. Family get off all right, Richard? Yes, this afternoon, and I'm lonesome already. Now, to tell the truth, Richard, you're thrilled over the prospects. Well, who wouldn't be? The bachelorhood? No, I repeat, gentlemen. I miss my wife and I miss my kids. Love and have dinner. Well, that's what I call a meal. Well, what's on the program now? I suggest a drink, a cigar, and a good old talkfest right here in the club. Are you out of your mind? Frank, what about the, uh, the Stork Club? That's more like it. Now, what's gotten into you tonight? The two of you. You're the term to show me the town, aren't you? Well, it's all over the traces. Whoopies. We want to see you celebrate. It'll do you good. Well, that's a fine prescription, Michael, from one of the city's most respected doctors. It's an excellent prescription, Frank. As, uh, district attorney, you should know some nice gay spots. Some that your office may be thinking of closing up. Oh, now, look, look, we're three old crocs. That sort of shamanicans is not for us. Oh, so I'm an old croc, eh? Richard is absolutely right. It's a darn good thing, too. Good thing? I didn't say it's a good thing. I rather doubt that it is for men of our age. I'm stuffy and stodgy in all the brightness of life, the spirit and adventure. Well, it's all gone by now. Oh, come now, Michael, we're just kidding. Only as far as tonight's concerned, I've got to be at the hospital in 30 minutes, but in principle, I was not kidding. Eh, if you and Richard worked with the police as I do, you'd see what happens when middle-aged men try to act like colts. You'd know that tragedy starts out of the nearest trifle, a casual impulse to do something daring and idle flirtation. Youth can handle such things, but we, eh, judging from that look you're giving me, Richard, I am in fretting on a tender spot. Oh, nonsense. I'm giving you any look at simply one of academic disagreements. You see, with me, the flesh is still strong. It's the spirit that grows weaker by the hour. Yes, even if adventure should beckon to me, in the form of, well, of that most alluring woman in the window next door. I'll trade all I do as clutch my coat a little tighter than one like the devil. Well, at least you could get her phone number for me first. Well, I'm sorry to break this up, but I'm on my way. Wait a second, you'll give me a lift. Oh, what about dinner tomorrow night? Excellent. Richard? First, shall we say here, seven o'clock? Good. Oh, uh, do you think it's safe to leave me here alone in my rebellious state of mind? That depends on your plans. Hmm, a drink, glance at a book, and home and bed by 11 o'clock. Oh, good night. Good night. Good night, Michael. See you tomorrow. Oh, uh, Charles. Yes, sir? Uh, Charles, uh, I'd like a scotch and soda. I'm going to read here for a while. Oh, uh, will you be sure to remind me when it's 10.30? Yes, sir. You know, these absent-minded professors, sometimes I lose all track of time. I'll remind you, sir, 10.30. Professor Wanley? Professor Wanley? Hmm? Oh, uh, oh, Charles. How fast 10, sir? I didn't fall asleep. I'm afraid you did, sir. Well, well, I better be getting on home. Shall I get your car, sir? No, no, no. I'll park just next door in front of that art gallery. Good night, professor. Good night, Charles. Hey, Mr. Oh, uh, no, no, no, thanks. That dame in the picture. Some tomato. Yeah, some tomato. The woman in the window. What did I tell Frank? I'd clutch my coat a little tighter and run like... Well, what do you think of it? I beg your pardon? The portrait. What do you think of it? Well, it's an amazing po... Why? Why, it's you. You're the one... Yes, I posed for it. Well, then, my turn. You mean it looks like? Oh, more than that, it is you. I shouldn't be talking to you. It's just that every now and then I like to wander over here and watch people's reactions when they see the portrait. Oh, you mean, Mike, uh, just now? How did I react? Well, there are only two reactions. One is a kind of solemn stare at the painting, and the other is a long, low whistle. Well, which was mine? I'm not certain, but I suspect that in another moment you might have given a long, long time. Well, that, uh, rather embarrasses me. Well, you don't look like a man given to whistles. Oh, no, no, it's, uh, well, if my admiration was that obvious, I'm afraid you might misunderstand what I feel like. What if I said that I'd like very much to have a drink and talk for a few minutes? Well, you must excuse me if I... if I appear completely bewildered. I am. Well, I have no designs on you, and one drink is all I'd care for. Is that all right? Well, it's fine. And, uh, thank you. Thank you very much. Well, it's so funny. Well, I was just thinking of a couple of my friends. I can't wait until I tell them about this. You see, uh, they admired your portrait, too. I have a few other subjects that the same artist painted. Would you care to see them? Oh, very much. Then you can take me home. Well, it's, uh, a little late, isn't it? Besides, I, uh, recently was warned against the siren call of the day. At my age. Is this adventure? Oh, yes, yes it is. I, I should never have come here to have a drink with you. Never? No. But I think I'd like to see those other paintings. Very much. I've never seen fine a composition in shading. Well... I have a bottle of wine inside. Let's have a drink before you go. This is much too pleasant to break up. I should say no. I haven't had a drink in a while. I've never had a drink in a while. I should say no. I haven't had the slightest consent. I'll be right there. Talk to us, I. Well, it's, it's the wire around the top of the bottle. Do you have something I can cut the wire with? Well, how about these scissors? No time. Is that your door? Well, yes, it's... Who? I don't know it. It couldn't be. Oh, it's probably someone trying to locate somebody else in the building. That's what happens when you live on the ground floor. Ellis, I just got in town tonight. Oh, Fred, Fred, I... Who are you? Well, there's really no reason to be upset. My name is... Fred. Fred, darling, listen to me. I warned you. I told you if I were fun, you'd double crossin' me. You... Stop that, you fool. Stop hitting her. And you... I'll kill you. And you... I haven't sakes, man. You don't know what you're doing. Go on. Talk. Talk. Fred, you're joking in your town, Fred. Stop. Stop it. I'll kill you too, you no good riddle. Give me the scissors. You hurry. Get away from here, Ellis. Stop. You... Please hurry. What are you... Oh, no. No, don't. Is... Is he... Yes. Yes, I... I think so. I... I'd better telephone the police. What's his name? Howard. Fred Howard. That's what he told me. You... You don't think that's his right name? I don't know. He... He's not... He's not... He's not... He's not... He's not... He's not... He's not... He's not... He's not breathing. No. He never told me where he lived or anything. He's just someone I knew, but he's so jealous in his temper. It's horrible. I'd see him maybe once or twice a week, but always alone. You... You better tell me the truth. I am telling you the truth. You said you always saw him alone, and how did you meet him? On a train. Why? Who knows that he saw you at all? Unless he told someone, which I doubt. No one. You never mention him to anyone? Not his name. Not even the name he gave me. Do you think there's something we can do? I'll do anything. I don't want to go to jail. Please, please try to keep calm. Let's think this out. He was trying to kill me. There's no question about that. If I hadn't killed him, he'd have killed me. What if the police say it was self-defense? I'm ruined any which way my whole life. You're thinking of something. What is it? No, I was wondering if we have been mad for something. Something dangerous that would shut the door on us completely if we were caught. Anything you say. I'd die in jail. I'd die. Now, if nobody knows about you, if nobody saw him come here, how could either of us be connected with this murder of his body with harm miles away from here? But how? My car's still parked in front of the archaeologist. I'll drive it back here. Then what? I'll take the body. I'll leave it somewhere in the country. It'll be found, but maybe not for a week or so. You go for the car and I wait here? Would you be afraid? Once you got out of here, why should you come back? I don't even know who you are. There isn't a man in the world who wouldn't try to get out of a mess like this if he could. We mustn't quarrel. If we do that, we're lost. Why can't I go with you? Because we mustn't be seen together. There's no need for me to tell you who I am if we're successful. All right. But leave something here. I don't understand. Leave something that would identify you if you don't come back. That's fair enough. That's my hat. I have a vest I always wear a vest even in summer. It'll do. All right. Now we have to move fast. Look, almost no blood at all. That's very fortunate. Now watch the scissors. Here. Now better boil them. Finger prints, you know. The police do miraculous things with clues. A piece of cloth, a button. I'll be very careful. Nearly one o'clock. There may be some time getting back. Why? I don't know why. I only know that I want to be cautious. I just don't get panicking called a police. I promise you that I won't pay you. That's a hurry. That's a hurry. Sir, yes, officer. Sure. Oh, by nothing. Let's see your license. Yes, sir. What are you sweating for? Am I? Nice and cool now. Oh, yes. Name's Warnley, huh? Got any other identification? Well, I have a pencil. My initials have engraved on it. Here in my best box. Oh, yes, sir. That's my best home. How about a letter? Here. It's from the president of Gotham College. Let's see it. Professor, huh? Associate, professor. I know it sounds foolish, but I assure you, I wasn't aware I was speeding. Speeding? I didn't tag you for speeding. You, uh... No. You're light. Don't you ever turn them on at night? Oh. Oh, oh, I-I-I'm sorry. Okay. Get going, professor, but watch those lights from now on. Yes, yes, I will, officer. Thank you. I thought you'd never get back. Sorry. I wondered about it myself. Before I forget, my name is Reed, Alice Reed, in case you have to come back. Well, if we're lucky, I won't have to come back. Now, uh, we better get rid of anything that might identify him. I've already done that. You searched him? Had to be done, didn't it? Here's his wallet and his watch. A watch? What are those initials? CM. CM? That doesn't sound like Fred Howard, does it? Put the watch for the other things. Tomorrow, we'll get on a ferry boat and drop it all overboard and be sure that no one sees you. Now, uh, what about this rug? Well, there's only that one small spot. Well, wash it very thoroughly. A laboratory can find signs of blood that the naked eye could never see. I'll take care of it. Now, do exactly what I tell you, please. Otherwise, we might as well give ourselves up. We've got to think of everything in advance. Now, remember that. I will. Now, uh, when I leave here, I want you to go over to Hope- and wash these glasses and put them back on the shelf and get rid of that champagne bottle. There mustn't be one sign that you had any visitors tonight, him or me or anyone else. Well, looks as if I'm ready. I'll get a blanket. Good. I'll bring it right back. He's quite heavy. It's all clear. I've got to hurry now. You forgot something. Here. Oh, my best. Thank you. I won't see you again, I suppose. Well, for both our sakes, I hope this ends the whole thing completely and forever. All right, then. Goodbye. Goodbye. In just a moment, my challenger will present act two of The Woman in the Window, starring Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennet, and Dan Durier. Two of The Woman in the Window, starring Edward G. Robinson as Professor Wanley, Joan Bennet as Alice Reed, and Dan Durier as Hyte. A remote section of Westchester County, the body of a man sprawls grotesquely in a clump of underbrush, just beyond the barbed wire fence. The ground is wet, or it rained hard last night, but still visible on the barbed wire is a drop of blood. It's nine o'clock at night. Professor Richard Wanley has just finished dinner with his friend Dr. Barxtain. Quite unnoticed, beneath the sleeve of Wanley's coat is a fresh, clean, white bandage. A cut from barbed wire can leave a nasty wound. Well, Richard, heard yet from Grace and the kids? Yes, I had a wire this morning, arrived safe, an eventful trip all fine. No doubt you proceeded to spoil them with an immediate answer. Well, I wrote Grace this afternoon. I told her I'm lonelier than I ever have been. You look positively wistful. Well, darn garnet, I do miss her. I wonder what's giving Frank, you didn't say? Only that he was phoning from the Peace Commissioner's office. He sounded excited. Well, here he is now. Frank? Oh, hello, Michael. Richard? Hello. Sorry I missed dinner. Well, count for yourself. Claude Mazard has disappeared. What do you mean, disappeared? Mazard left Washington yesterday afternoon. He arrived at Penn Station last night and vanished completely. Mazard, the finance here? Yes. The police are waiting for him until midnight. If he doesn't show up, we're giving it to the newspapers. Then what's the fireworks? The stock market? And how? Uh-oh. What did he look like? I mean, what sort of fellow is he? Perfect nuisance. I knew him. He used to be a patient of mine. Oh? I didn't know that. Nerve, blood pressure, the most ungovernable temper I've ever seen. Well, I guess. Because that doesn't show up per day why assume he's been murdered. I didn't say he was murdered. Well, what I... What did you know, man? Yes, Charles. A telephone for you, sir. Oh, thanks. Be right back. Excuse me. I don't know why I said Mazard was murdered, but Frank's whole manner, it seemed to indicate violence of some kind. Frank suspects it, too. His head's up like a bird's eye. Oh. He's on the center of something. I beg your pardon, gentlemen. Uh, Charles. Mr. Lawler's phone call. He had to go right to his office. He said you would understand. Well, well, well. Yeah, Michael, I've, uh... My brother a bad headache. Uh, if you don't mind, I think I'll run on home. Well, I'm rather tuckered myself. You want something to that head? No, no, no. It's just the heat. Some nerve of Frank leaving us high and dry about Mazard. Well, maybe he'll know more about it tomorrow. I'll get him a call in the morning. Is he well? He'll probably be busy. Nonsense. I'll see that we meet Frank tomorrow and get the whole sordid story. Can I call you at home? Home? Oh, yes, yes, sir. I'll be home all day. We won't be seeing Frank, then. He'll be all tied up. Well, better thanks. Yes, sir. Thanks for calling, Michael. Waiting to hear all about it. Well, by now you've read the papers, but here's something. Mazard was not killed when the body was found. Well, how do you know that? You've got tire marks of a parked car, the rain, you know, and the ground result. We also have a man's footprints. Uh, deep prints when he was going into the woods carrying the body. Uh, lighter coming back. Yes, the shoe prints should be very helpful. Shoe prints? Uh, these were well-worn shoes. They told us quite a bit. Don't be so indefinite. Well, the man weighs about 160 pounds, wears a size 8 shoe, and is probably in moderate circumstances. Well, that's, uh, rather a guess now, isn't it? No, the shoes have been half-sold. We like evidence like that. It doesn't help us name the murderer, of course, but once we line up a suspect, these things are positive checks against him. The car, the shoes, the kind of suit he wore. You know that, too? Oh, yes. And his blood. Inspector Jackson found blood on a wire fence. It didn't match with Mazards. Yes, but a clue like that on a barbed wire fence, could that be enough to be of any use? Did I say barbed wire fence? Well, uh, didn't you? No. But it was barbed wire, of course. I was only trying to impress you fellas with my keenness. Well, in that case, Frank, I'll give you a chance to impress the whole city. Look at this. At what? Here, under my sleeve. See? Bandaged. Doesn't this suggest something to you, Frank? Yes. You see my name on the front pages and you make a desperate effort to elbow your way into the case by insinuating that you're the guilty man. But it's no use, my boy. You've wounded yourself for nothing. Did you ever see such selfishness? That's bandage, Richard. What happened? Oh, a couple of days ago, I cut it on a tin can. It's nothing. Would you like to hear what the police think? Bet we would. Well, this afternoon we got a line on a woman. Now, who she is... Wait a minute. Looking for me, Williams? Oh, yes, Mr. Lawlard. One of the boys on the staff. Be right back. Frank's a very smart man, Michael. Yes, he is. Richard, what's the matter? Oh, I... I haven't been feeling it, if you will. Missing the family, eh? Yes, very much. And a headache yesterday. I think you could do with a few capsules. Capsules? I'll write a prescription. Two a day should prep you up considerably. Oh, uh, you, uh... You don't walk in your sleep, do you? Not that I know of. Why? Well, I hate to think of you wandering into the bathroom and popping these capsules into your mouth like peanuts. Poison? Technically, no. It's, uh... It's a gland concentrate. But too much of it would hit the old heart like a sledgehammer. Instantly? Oh, 20 or 30 minutes and... Uh, what's going on here? Oh, just a prescription for Richard. It not only kills you if you take him out, but it leaves no trace. Just a case of heart disease. That's all you could say. Oh, fine. Uh, Frank, uh, a minute ago, you mentioned the woman. Oh, yes. Well, the police had a theory this afternoon. Uh, Mazard was a bachelor, but he had a girlfriend. They're certain of that. But they don't know who she is. Well, Mazard probably called on her. A man was already there. A man the girl liked better than Mazard. Well, how would the police know that? Well, because she's made no effort to bring the killer to justice or identify herself. There's just a theory, of course. I said that. Well, Mazard is killed. They get rid of his body. But now these two people, this man and this woman, sit hating and fearing each other, each wondering how long it'll be before the other blabs out the whole story. Always a woman, eh? Oh, that was the theory this afternoon. Oh, they've changed their minds? Uh, William just told me something that pulls the rug right off him out of that theory. Really? It seems that Mazard's partners were always afraid that he'd get into trouble. They knew his temper. So they hired a bodyguard, a fellow by the name of Martha Hite, to follow him secretly at all times. The bodyguard has also disappeared. Then he could be the murderer, couldn't he? Well, he might have tried a blackmail Mazard, killed him in a fight. Or he might have witnessed the murder and is getting rid of the blackmail the killers. But even if he's 100% innocent, Hite still won't walk in and talk. Well, why do you say that? Why wouldn't he? Well, because he's the known crook for the blackmailing record. He's wanted now for at least two other raps. We'll get that gentleman only when we run him down, not before. Nice fellow to pick for a bodyguard. Don't ask me why Wall Street geniuses do anything. He was tough and strong, and I suppose that's all they thought about. Anyway, I'm going up to Westchester tomorrow morning to look over this place where they found the body. Want to come along? I wish I could. But I've got a date with some gallstones. Richard? Oh, go along by all means. Well, I'm afraid that... Or he'll go, Frank. I'm his physician, and I order him to go. Give you something to think about, Richard. Well, uh, all right. Good. Inspector Jackson will be with me. We'll try to show you how the law operates the nail-a-man. How much further, Inspector? Just a half a mile or so. Well, I must say this is quite an adventure for me. Uh, Richard, that hand of yours seems to be bothering you. Let me see. Oh, throughout's a little nothing serious. What's the matter with your hand, Professor Wenley? Well, I, uh... I was opening a can the other night, and the can opened a slip. Oh. But all around the bandage, that rash there... Oh. Well, that's poison ivy, isn't it? Oh, as a matter of fact, it is. The day after I cut it, I played golf, looked for lost balls, and caught him do some poison ivy. And nasty stuff. Oh, Mr. Lola. Yes? We picked up that woman this morning. Good. What's she got to say? We'll know in a few minutes. They've got her at the scene now. Woman? Oh, uh, that theory you were telling me about, Frank. Uh, yes, yes. Uh, before we talk to her, Inspector, I'd like to do some looking around. Okay. Well, here we are. That's the place down there where you see the girl. The woman's waiting in William's car, Mr. Lola. Shall we take a look in the woods now? Uh, yes. I want to point out to the professor just what you've learned. Oh, please. I really wouldn't want to... It's a pleasure. Well, back there is where the car was parked. We know it had Goodrich tires, 716s, about 20,000 miles. A motorcycle officer recalls seeing a car. That might be the one we're looking for. Oh. Did he see who was in it? A man. But he couldn't make a positive identification. Well, let's look at where he dumped the body. Uh, Richard. Yes? Are you going to be our guide? Oh, do you mean I'm walking in the right direction? Straight as an arrow. Well, now. Very odd. I wasn't even thinking of where I was going. Oh, don't get nervous, Richard. We rarely arrest people just for knowing where the body was. Now, our killer didn't know about this fence. He couldn't go any farther, so he just dumped the body over here. Is it? Yes. He tore his coat. Probably the sleeve when he lifted the body over. We found a couple of shreds of wool and fiber. They couldn't have been from measured clothes. Different materials. And we got that sample of blood from this bar up here. Mm, measured with a heavy man. The murderer certainly didn't pick himself an easy job. Oh, especially at night. Well, yes, it might have been at night. I'd rather figure it out along about daybreak. Well, I thought the newspaper said night. We can go back now. I'll tell you, what are those boards doing over there? The men put them there yesterday. They found some poison ivy. Poison ivy? Richard, look as if you'd better do some more explaining. Well, closing in on me, huh? If you'd only confess, Professor, we could wrap this whole case up before lunch. Oh, no, no, no, not me. You're going to have to work for this one, Inspector. Just wait till he sees the woman. He'll break down completely. Well, if you don't mind, I'll skip that part. Oh? I've, uh... I've been having headaches for the last few days. If it's all right, I'll just rest a while in your car. Oh, sorry, Richard, sure. I'll be in a few minutes. How's the head? Feeling any better? Yes, a little, thanks. Well, we'll be on our way directly. What does the woman have to say? Very little. She's got something on her conscience. But what woman hasn't? Well, uh... Where did they find her? Oh, a second-class hotel off Broadway. She seems a lot too dingy for Mazard. He'd do better than that, I'm sure. Oh, cheap looking. Uh, bottom of the barrel. What about Richard who dropped the woman angle anyway? It's the bodyguard who's hot now. Very hot. The bodyguard. Yes, I see. Professor Wongley? Yes? This is Alice Reed. Miss Reed, how did you know my phone number? How'd you know my name? Have you seen the early edition? No. Your pictures in the paper. Congratulations. Will you please tell me what you're talking about? Wait a second, I'll read it to you. Here it is. Dr. George F. Reynolds, president of Dawson College, yesterday announced the promotion of Richard Wongley to head of the Department of Psychologists. Oh. Oh, yes, yes, of course. I wasn't expecting it to fall. Did I frighten you? I suppose so, isn't it? Have you heard anything from anyone? Have you? No, not so far. Oh, I'm not wearing now. I'm sure we're out of this. I hope so. And I'm not going to bother you, believe me. Oh, here it is. Fine, all right. I'm rather glad I heard from you. Well, there goes my buzzer. I'd better hang up. Yes, but... Bye. Coming. Who is it? Open up, Miss Reed. Who is it? My name is Hyte. Arthur Hyte. I'm here to talk about our friend Mr. Mazad. I don't know you and I don't know your friend Mr. Mazad, so beat it. You don't want me to get tough, do you? I don't care how tough you get. You're not coming in here. I'm not kidding, lady. Open the door or I go to the cops. Come in. Thanks, Miss Reed. I'll say what you've got to say and get out of here. Sure. In case you didn't hear, there's a reward of 10,000 bucks for information leading to the arrest of the murderer of Claude Mazad. You didn't come here to tell me that. I wonder if you're going to say you never heard of Mazad, save your breath. I've tailed him here a dozen times. He's been here, but not under that name. I never knew who he was until I saw the papers, so you're the one who's wasting your breath. I don't think I am. Honestly. I know nothing whatever about the death of Mr. Mazad. Nothing? Okay. Then you won't mind a bit if I just take a look around in here. Sit down and relax, honey. This may take me quite a little while. I'm with Act 3 of The Woman in the Window, starring Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, and Dan Durier. G. Robinson is Professor Wanley, Joan Bennett is Alice Reed, and Dan Durier as Height. Reed has stood helplessly by, watching her visitors search her apartment with frightening thoroughness. A pounding heart is common now, or it's apparent that the bodyguard of the murdered man has discovered very little. Now that you ransacked my rooms, Mr. Height, suppose you tell me what you're looking for. I wouldn't know that, Miss Reed, till I find it. But I'd be glad to settle for a trace of blood, or a photograph, or even a confession. Confession. I can't understand it. Everything here has been wiped so clean. Pretty good housekeeper, I guess. Thanks. Yes, sir, not a fingerprint anywhere. Not even where you'd think they'd be naturally. Oh, I picked up these scissors inside. Are these the ones he was stabbed with? They've been cleaned off real good, but I think I'll pick them along. Anything else? As a matter of fact, there is. This, Miss Reed, this gold pencil. Oh. I found it in your dressing room. The pencils engraved are W. Now that doesn't stand for Alice Reed, and it doesn't stand for Claude Mazard either. Whose is it, baby? What's his first name? R for Robert, or Ralph, maybe? I'm getting warm, all right. There's no question about that in my mind. All right, what do you want? Well, the way I figure it, you just don't want the police nosing around here, is that right? Who does? Well, that's what I mean. Well, it's a $10,000 reward out for just the sort of information I got. But the way I see it, if I got $5,000 from you, I'd be perfectly satisfied. Are you crazy? I haven't got $5,000. Go on, go to the police and tell them whatever you like. You don't want me to do anything like that, Miss Reed. Mr. Mazard was a rich man. You can't tell me you didn't get something out of him. Don't forget, you'll be a lot better off dealing with me than the homicide squad. I have a pen and bracelet. They must be worth at least $1,000. Take them and get out of here. No, man. Nothing like that. Nothing but cash. $5,000. Cash. You know you're just bluffing. If you can get a $10,000 reward, why should you be satisfied with my $5,000? Suppose I tell you to whistle for it. Do you want to take a chance on that? You see, honey, you killed Mazard, you and some guy. If you were in the clear, you'd have called the cops a minute I stuck my nose in here. That's why you got to look at it my way, don't you see? I'll have to think it over. Yes. You think it over and see if I'm not right. And I'll be back here tomorrow night. No, don't worry. Just get the cash, and that'll be the end of the whole business. Talking to the monument. Riverside Drive. 20 minutes? All right, 20 minutes. What do we do, walk? You're sure you've told me everything? There's something else. The night had happened, you forgot to take something out of your vest. A gold pencil. Oh, that's what it's been. I kept it because I wasn't sure of you. I wanted something just in case. I found the pencil? Yes. You're angry with me? Let me stand down. It doesn't matter. I don't expect you to pay all the money. I have a little, and I can raise some more on some jewelry. Well, you're very fair, Alice. Very generous. It'll be worth it to get rid of him. But it won't get rid of him. You pay him once, it'll go on as long as we live. But if we don't, he'll set the police on us. No, that's blackmail. You pay, or it'll blow falls. So what can we do? Well, let's not talk anymore now. Meet me here tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock. You think you can figure out something? Alice, there are only three ways to deal with a blackmailer. You can pay him off and pay him and pay him until you're bled white. Or you can call the police and take the consequences. Or you can kill him. Just three ways. Are you going home now? Yes, but on my way, I'm stopping at a drugstore. There's a prescription I want to get filled. Did you notice anyone following you? No, I don't think so. But I'm frightened. Well, I give you my word. The police don't even know we're alive. I've been to the bank. And I take this envelope. That's $5,000 in it. I can pay some of it back. Well, we'll worry about that later. When you see Hyde tonight, don't give him all of it. Tell him you can raise it all. That he'd have to come back tomorrow. You mentioned a prescription last night. Yes, have you? Any idea what it is? I think I have. Send the envelope to some capsules. Open the capsules and check out the powder. In liquid, it dissolves almost instantly. The drug is happening to mention that. How many capsules are needed? I wrote it all down. There's an open box. But if you don't think you can go through with it, we'll work out some other plan. I can do it. How soon is the drug effective? 20 to 30 minutes. Once he takes it, make sure he leaves your apartment. Well, we better separate now. Yes. Wish me luck. Good luck. If you lose your nerve, don't get frightened. We'll find another way. I'll phone you tonight after he's gone. I'm in, Mr. Height. Thanks. Hey, you're all dolled up. Is that get up for my benefit? I'm glad if you like it, of course. That Mazard knew how to pick him all right. Okay, where's the dough? Well, $5,000 is a lot of money. Yeah. I haven't been able to raise it all yet. But I will tomorrow. How much have you got? 2,900. That's about what I guess. What do you mean? 2,900. That's the kind of a figure I'd say if I had some other idea in mind. Not too little. Not too much. Don't you believe me? Who told you to hand me this line? Nobody. Nobody, huh? Is it all right? Here. It's in this envelope. Yeah. You know, you're pretty cute. Is it all right? I'll take it. What else can I do? Well, now, if you don't mind, I think I need a drink. Would you like one? What have you got? I'm going to have a scotch and soda. Make it two. Sit down. I'll be back in a minute. Long dinner. Here. Here's your drink. Thanks. You know, I've been sitting here thinking. Oh? Where's the boyfriend all this time? There isn't any boyfriend. You don't believe a thing I say, do you? I'm just naturally what they call a cynic, honey. What kind of a heel is he shoving a nice kid like you out in front? What's the use of my trying to tell you anything? So everything's kosher? Yes. Then why are you giving me this doll? Just because you like me? I'm giving it to you because I don't want to get involved in any way. You can't tell what they try to hang on me. Oh, honey. Well, you're not drinking. Wait a minute. How would you like to get out of this whole thing? Get out of it? Yes. Completely. How? I'll be leaving town soon, Mexico. You can come along. Think about it for a minute. I'm not such a bad guy. I didn't say you were. Take a look in the mirror, beautiful. You're still a thing of that boyfriend you haven't got. Don't be a sucker. In a jam like this, you've got to look out for yourself. Yes, I suppose so. When would we leave? Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Well, I'll have to do some phoning. I can't have people running to the police getting excited about me disappearing. Yeah, you'll have to watch that. Is it a deal then? I guess so. I guess it is. Look at me, baby. Yes, sir. Mazad sure could pick up. Well, you leave it to me and we'll do all right. I don't seem to have any choice. But don't you want your drink? Here. Here's some more ice. Well, here's to us. You really want me to drink this? Why not? Uh-uh. You take it. But I have a drink. I know. I'll take yours and you take mine. What's the matter? Nothing. Drink it. Drink it, I said. What do you take me for, some punk kid? I don't know what you're talking about. No, then why wouldn't you drink it? You gave me 2,900 bucks. Now let's have the rest of it. There isn't any more. Will you stop acting like I'm a school kid? Get the rest of that dough and... Wait a minute. Stay right where you are. Right under my nose all the time. I thought that book looked kind of fast. Hiding a dough in a book on a bookshelf. And a watch. A gold watch behind the book. You are mature. How could you lie to Pappy like that? All right. I did lie, but it's all there. You've got your money. Now get out. A watch with Maser's initials on it. CM. I'm taking this too, honey. And just because you've been such a smart little chiseler, you're going to have to dig up some more dough for Pappy. Another 5 grand. How do you like that? Like tomorrow night? It's no use. I can't do it. You try anyway. And I'll be around tomorrow night again just to see what luck you have. You know those capsules I gave you? Well, I've got some of them here right now in front of me. If something had gone wrong, I've been thinking they'd be my only way out. Well, you mustn't talk like that. Well, there's no need to now, is there? Please, listen to me. What's the matter? He's too smart. He figured it all out. More and more and more. I don't know what else I could have done. He'll be back tomorrow night. What can we do? I don't know. I haven't any more money. I just don't know. I'm too tired to think about it. Twenty-thirty minutes. Twenty-thirty minutes. You talking to me? Yeah. I'm from police headquarters. What were you doing in that apartment house? Detective, huh? Mind if I ask to see your badge? What's the matter? Don't you believe? He's stuck him back in the building there. I see him. Stay where you are, Corporal. There's no time shooting. You better drop that gun. I said, stay where you are. Sorry, but I... What do you want to start shooting for? Just didn't want to burn, I guess. He killed Mazard. You're sure of that, Inspector? Look. Look what's in his pocket. That watch? See the initials on it? C-E-M. Would you look at that bankroll? Yeah. Mazard always carried a roll. Funny, I was beginning to get an entirely different angle on this case. Well, this washes it up, I guess. Well, here comes the neighborhood. Stay here. Keep him back, and I'll go tell him. Yes, sir. All right. Stand back now. Stand back. Wheeze it, Officer. Wheeze it. Only the guy that bumped off Claude Mazard, that's all. Did you hear what he said? The guy who killed Mazard? Yes, I heard. Excuse me, please. Excuse me. What's the matter, lady? Don't you feel good? Operator. Operator, I've been trying to dial Morningside 8-5-3-5-4. And there's no answer. But I know there's someone there. I know it. Morning. Check it, please, and see if the line's out of order. Oh, please. It's very important. One moment, please. All on a sleep. Sleep? I've been asleep? Yes, sir. A dream. It was all a dream, sir. Charles, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you again. Well, thank you, sir. Well, I'll get my hat and run long on home. Oh, this pencil, sir. I think this is your pencil, isn't it? Yes, yes. Where was it? In the dining room. You must have left it there when you signed the dinner check. Well, it wouldn't do to lose this, Charles. My wife gave it to me as it's going away present. She went away this afternoon. Thank you, Charles. Good night. A pleasant dream. Oh, no, thanks. Say, hmm, that dame in the picture. Some tomato. Yes, my boy. Some tomato.