 You, Phyllis Hamilton, do you take this man to be your legal lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and obey, until death do you part? I do. Dr. Rabin, I'm Pat Hunter from the Chronicle. Please, this is no time for interviews. Shall I telephone for the ambulance? No. The undertaker. She's dead. Please, thanks. I'm from the forest mortuary. Forest mortuary? Why, two of your men just drove away with the body a few months ago. Well, there must be some mistake. There weren't our men. Well, I've heard of ambulance chasing, but this is something new. New? It's sensational. Another kidnapping of a dead bride. What a story! One of the men who helped remove the body of the mysteriously dead bride was apprehended by the police. Go on, keep talking. Well, I'm... Well, I told you I was standing on the corner, minding my own business, when a long comes a step right in. A guy poached his head out on the window and asked me if I want to make a couple of bucks. How many men were with their firsts? Two. At least all I could see. What'd they look like? I don't know. It was diet. I didn't pay no attention to faces. You noticed the license. What? Two bucks staring me in the face? Come on, tell the truth. What'd you do with the corpse? I didn't do nothing with it. What I tell you is the truth. Sir, help me. Mr. Attorney, Mrs. Wentworth, are you sure there won't be any trouble? You can proceed with the wedding as planned. Well, we want some assurance besides words. We want protection. I'll have plenty of men guarding the chapel. And if I'm any judge of the appearance of your daughter, she looks as healthy as she is beautiful. Oh, really, Mother, I think you're making much ado about nothing. You're not worried, are you? Not in the least. Well, if we have protection, I'll feel much better about it. You'll have it all right, Mrs. Wentworth. Tell Jones and Riley to wait. I'll pick him up. That's the Wentworth's mother and daughter, isn't it? Is the wedding cold off? Certainly not, and there isn't going to be any trouble either. That's what all the rest of them thought. I can't answer for Mrs. Wentworth's help, but your paper can print one thing and that is that there'll be no more theft of girls' bodies. This'll get you and Sandy into the wedding and I want plenty of photographs. Oh, I don't worry, boss. I got enough film to cover the Russian front. Oh, Mr. Keenan, you promised to take me off the society column. Oh, quit beating. You're getting a break. This is the most exclusive wedding of the year. What if the Wentworth girl drops dead, too? You'll still tell me what she's wearing along with the rest of the fancy pants. Get me the guest list and don't bother about anything else. I've got three men working with the police and there'll be plenty more thereabouts. If the bride pulls up this time, there won't be any snatching. Now, get going. What if I get a clue? Oh, I wouldn't let that bother me, sweetie pie. You wouldn't know a clue if it bit you. I'll remember those words, stooge. Why are you so nervous, mother? After all, I'm the one that's getting married. Oh, I just can't help it. I'm so afraid something will go wrong. Forget it. Nothing can possibly happen. Have you seen Dwight? No, no, no. Zappy, we're late in this wedding. We'll wait for us. Can I help it if we had a blowout? Therves your right. Why don't you buy some new tires for this bus? You know, I've been thinking of getting this. Hey, are you kidding? Come on. Come in here. It's bad luck. Oh, not even a peak? Not even one. You'll see me soon enough. You see? If you mind if I have these last few minutes alone with Alex. Oh, I know. Come on, guys, welcome. Well, mother, you're about to lose me. I hope not forever, dear. Oh, of course not. What are you talking about? Do you feel all right, dear? Certainly. I never felt better in my life. You should forget all that silly nonsense about those brides dropping dead. Permission won't work. Oh, thank you. From Dwight. No doubt. Oh, wear this next to your heart, darling. All my love. What an unusual orchid. I never saw one like it before. It's lovely. It's beautiful. The lifter is ready, Mrs. Wentworth. Thank you. See you, little prayer, darling. You look faint, dear. Do you feel all right? What's happened again? I just got the picture of the month. More pictures? Did I get pictures? I covered everything except the close-up, but it's pretty posy. Well, that looks like the one the bride wore. What are you doing with it? Presenting it to you, sweetheart, as a token of my devotion. Take a smell. Who ever heard of an orchid with a scent? Well, that one has. Maybe it's a clue. What a peculiar sweet odor. Yeah, make a swirled romaine salad. It isn't a gig. Maybe it's a decoy. Well, maybe you're right. Production of a girl's corpse. Brunette, 22 years of age. Stop and search all trucks in suspicious-looking cars. That is all Burnside. We'll take a look inside this ring. Sure thing, officer. Change that headline to read as Wedlock Challenge. Then set up an editorial attacking the DA's office for playing models while some madman runs away with the bodies of dead brides. Hey, Mr. Keener. Send me up the pooch right away. Oh, so it's you. Well, of all the rotten stories that have ever been turned into this office, yours takes the prize. No guest list, and we don't even know what the bride wore. She wore this orchid. Listen, Miss Hunter, I have a great responsibility. I'm a public servant. Parents are calling the chronicle, frantically, with tears in their voice, begging for news of their daughters. I have a daughter myself who's about to be married. Maybe she'll drop dead, too, but she won't drop dead from an orchid. I didn't say that. Well, then what are you talking about? Every one of the brides that died and disappeared were wearing one of these orchids. How do you know? Well, I checked. It still doesn't spell anything. Then where did the wetwork girl get this orchid? The bridegroom didn't give it to her. Perhaps a dozen people gave it to a hot man, a hot pappy. No, they didn't either. I checked. Besides, this orchid has a peculiar odor. That's unusual. Well, if you think it's a clue, why don't you follow it up? Is that an assignment? It's a notice that you're true if you don't bring something in. Okay, Mr. Keenan. Oh, sorry, but I will detain. Please forgive me. I forgive you. Can you bear to look at me now? Of course. Will she live? As long as she can be of any use to us. She's pretty. Very young. All of them must be. Come, my dear. None of the floors I checked with ever saw an orchid like that. Well, that's not surprising. This particular type belongs to the Standopia class. It's a very rare species. Do you know of anyone that grows them? No. But if you wish to find out more about them, I suggest that you look up a man by the name of Lorenz. He was the one who originally hybridized this plant. Over in Europe somewhere. But I just can't go to Europe just to... Oh, that isn't necessary. He lives up at Dripdale now. Thank you, Mr. Smith. You're quite welcome. Looks like that box got a coffin in it, Jack. Here it is. For Professor Lorenz. What do you suppose he wants with a coffin? Search me. He's such a strange spooky guy. Where do I stay away from hitting the better? Me, too. I'll take charge of this. Go ahead. Take it away. Go ahead and get rid of me. Lorenz, I'm sorry. I can't take you there. Well, I'm out of gas. You mean you won't take me? Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. I... Is this the only taxi in town? Yes, ma'am, it is. Look, I've simply got to get to the Lorenz place. I'll make it worth your while. Oh, I'm sorry. Lady, but that truck's going up there. You might get a ride with him. That is, if you don't mind riding with a coffin. Now, I'm a reporter. I hope to interview the professor. You're his doctor, I presume? Not exactly. Lorenz is a doctor himself, but he has no license to practice. I've been working with him. We're trying to find a cure for his wife. Oh, I see. What type of people are the Lorenz's? You'll find them very interesting. Professor Lorenz is a man of honor. Lorenz is a man of unusual accomplishment, but his wife is rather peculiar. I expect you'll find them both a bit eccentric. So you found my bag in your truck? Yes. There it is. Name here hoping you might grant me an interview. An interview? About what? No one asked you to come here. You're not welcome. Control yourself, my dear. I'm sure Miss Hunter meant no harm. Please forgive my wife. She's not well. Come. Get bettery tired. So that's what you call being eccentric. Well, I have another name for it. I do not like that girl. She is here for no good. We have nothing to fear. Professor, if we're intruding, not at all, Dr. Foster. This is our evening for work. Please sit down. Thank you. What do you wish to interview me about? Orchids. Orchids? Yes. I understand that you're an authority on the subject. They were once my hobby, but I haven't grown any for several years. Which species are you interested in? A very rare one of the Standopia type. A horticulturist told me that you're the original hybridizer of it. Have you ever seen one? Yes, I have one in my bag. I'll show it to you. Where did you get it? Oh, a friend of mine gave it to me. You see, I'm doing an article on orchids for my newspaper, and I thought that you might be willing to supply me with some special data. I'm sorry. I can't spare a time tonight, Miss Hunter. You see, I have very important work to do with Dr. Foster. I understand. If your interview can wait until morning, I'll drive you back here then. If that's agreeable, Professor, I'll end. It's quite agreeable, but I would suggest that you both stay here, my guests. Thank you very much, but I prefer going to a hotel. Yes, as you wish. I think it would be foolish to go out in such a storm. The professor is right, Miss Hunter. Perhaps we have better remain. However, if you insist, I'll gladly drive you back to the village. I'm afraid that would be an imposition since you've so much work to do. Thank you. I'll stay. Toby will show you to your rooms. Toby, take up Miss Hunter's bag. I'll meet you in the study soon. Why did you ask her to spend the night here? There's a special reason. Very good. Maybe. A few times I've stayed overnight here. I slept unusually well. It must be wonderful to have nerves like that. Tell me, just how well do you know these people? Why, actually, not very well. I've only recently moved into the village. You know, young doctor, trying to establish a practice? Well, I must be keeping you from your work. Good night, doctor. Good night. What do you want? Yes, you are beautiful. How did you get in here? So young. Such lovely skin. Sometimes you too will be a bride. I know where you're going. Someday the master will catch you. Then you'll be sorry. A looking creature. It appeared back there, leaning over my bed. Of course you might have been dreaming. I'm positive I wasn't. Earlier in the evening, Mrs. Lorenz suddenly appeared and then disappeared. Do you suppose there's another entrance to this room? Oh, I doubt it. Why don't you try to go back to sleep? No one's going to harm you. I'm sure it was just a nightmare. I think this whole place is a nightmare. Professor Lorenz and his wife were actually sleeping in coffins. I sell them. We often find it difficult to explain the peculiarities of some people. I guess so. I'm awfully sorry to bother you. There's no trouble. Give your fright and call me again. Good night. Good night. What is the trouble? He has disturbed our guests. Always the hinge. He is a menace to us. Yes. I think that life has come to dispose of him. The dead people. Dead people? What do you mean? Come in and I'll tell you. Last night I had the most horrible experience of my life. What was it? I saw lots of girls in quips down underneath this house. You were seeing, Miss Hunter? Why have you a mausoleum in the basement? A mausoleum? What are you talking about? You know what I'm talking about. All those dead girls and that horrible dead creature. My dear, you must have had a bad dream. Now look, Professor, this was no dream. When did you see all this? Shortly after I called you and told you about that horrible creature in my room. Is that true, Dr. Foster? Well, I don't recall anything about it, Miss Hunter. You must be mistaken. Well, if I was dreaming, it was the darndest nightmare I've ever had. Well, I slept very soundly myself. Miss Hunter was rather upset, I think, when she retired. You see, in our dreams, our minds play strange tricks on us sometimes. Yes, I suppose so. Oh, Professor, that orchid I brought up here to show you's gone. I couldn't find it in my bag. That's too bad. Perhaps you forgot to pack it. You'll be down soon. Yes, right away. Are you coming, Doctor? Of course. No, thank you. I've got to get back to the city. Will you drive me to the station, Dr. Foster? Well, I'll be glad to. But what about the interview? Well, that'll have to wait until some other time. I just remembered an appointment at the office. So I've got to catch the next train. You'll excuse me, Countess? Yes, I will excuse you. Oh, Professor, do you also make a hobby of collecting coffins? Why, yes, in a manner of speaking. I find a coffin much more comfortable than a bed. Many people do so, my dear. Is it so strange that I accept one while waiting for eternal rest? No, I suppose not. Well, thank you for your hospitality. Goodbye. First, we will meet again. It has been so nice meeting you. Don't tell me I'm still dreaming. What do you mean? That grave digger. He's real, isn't he? I hardly think he's a grave digger. More likely laying the foundation for a house. You're a trusting soul, aren't you, Doctor? Is that a crime? No, on the contrary. I envy you. Are you trying to make me believe you're one of those hard-boiled reporters that we read about or see in the movies? No, but working on a newspaper, one becomes cynical and suspicious. Pleasure seeing you again. I'll have a hunch you will, Dr. Foster. Oh, tell me. Just why did you come up here? Or is it the secret? It is, but somehow I feel that I can trust you. You can. You've heard of the case of the vanishing brides. Why, surely? I think I have a clue. You don't mean that you suspect me? Yes, I do. I want to show you something. What are these? Why, they're orchids, of course. You bet they're orchids, and they didn't grow in my dreams. They're exactly like the one that disappeared from my bag. Where did you get them? I found them on the floor beside my bed this morning. The person who came into my room last night must have brought these with him. That seems like a logical explanation. There's no question about it. Honestly, doctor, don't you remember meeting me in the hallway last night? No, I don't. And if I did, I must have been asleep. Ah, to that, you were hypnotized. Yes, that's quite possible. Well, watch your step, and if you discover anything, phone me. That's a promise. Goodbye. Not goodbye, or what? Story on page one. Keep your fingers crossed that this paper isn't soup reliable by some of these phony suspects that the police are bringing it. Well, I got me a red brown and a guy that just brought in. I don't want photographs. I want real clues. The DA's office can't pick up the madman who's stealing the bodies of these dead girls. Maybe we can. Okay, I'll throw it in a wastebasket. No, I'll have it developed. Where's let be? Over at Central Station. The only thing he gets over there is a game of Jim Romy. Tell him to get back here. Well, I got something. I'll say you have your fire. What do you mean? You can't do that to me. Listen, just because the bodies of dead girls disappear is no reason why you can do a vanishing act. But you gave me the assignment. Yeah, I suppose I did. All right. Where have you been? What have you been coming? Well, hey, not so fast. Listen, Mr. Keenan, last night I went through the most gruesome experience of my life. You should talk. All my life has been a nightmare. Well, you can rest easier now, because I've seen plenty. If I can only prove I wasn't dreaming. Dreaming? I had a dream last night myself. I dreamed you gave me that raise you've been promising me. All right, Madam Zora, go on with your dream story. Well, there's a certain Professor Lorenz that lives upstate. He knows all about orchids, but insists that he doesn't grow them anymore. Yet I found these in my bedroom this morning. Listen, you didn't go off someplace and get married, did you? No, I didn't. But I saw the bodies of those other missing brides. All right. Now, take it easy. Stop breathing hard. Pat, and tell me all about it. Did you really see any bodies? Yes, and no. I see. Just a bit of ectoplasm. Well, I'm sure I did, though. I can't explain it. Yeah, you're suffering the same way I am. I see brides everywhere, here, wedding bells ringing in my ears. I saw a dead man, too. A monstrosity. He's very well. I'd like to see Miss Hunter. Oh, I'm sorry. She's busy. She's with Mr. Keenan. It's very important that I see her. I'm Dr. Foster. I wonder if you'd mind announcing me. Mr. Keenan? There's Dr. Foster here. He sits on seeing Miss Hunter. Tell him he can have all of her time from now on. That's the Dr. Foster I was telling you about. Maybe he has more evidence. All right. Send the slow bones in. Hey, look, if you don't mind, I'm going out for a nervous breakdown. Well, Doctor, you almost beat me here. Yes, I drove down. Dr. Foster, Mr. Keenan, my editor. I'm glad to meet you. How do you know? This covering porter of mine has been telling me a weird story about a certain Dr. Lorenz up in your neighborhood. It's weird, all right, but I'm confident it's true. After you left, I looked around the station to find out if Lorenz had any of the coffins assigned to him. I found a consignment, all right. Instead of a coffin, it was a box filled with this stuff. So what? That's ordinary garden moss. It's moss, all right, but not ordinary. This is a special type used by florists and hybridizers for growing orchids. It's called osmonden, which proves that he does grow orchids like these, and the same kind were worn by every one of the brides that died. Well, maybe it is a clue. But how do I know that the rest isn't a cockeyed nightmare? She admits that you don't remember talking to her. I could have talked to her one in the subnamualistic states under the influence of hypnotism. All right, now, wait a minute. Are you trying to tell me that this professor Lorenz is a hypnotist as well as a horticulturist? Why not? My short acquaintance with him has convinced me that he's a man of unlimited talents. He's strange, peculiar. I've even suspected him of being insane. But the fact remains, he's not only a doctor, but a physicist and a scientist of great ability. How about this hot-headed wife of his? I hesitate to bring her into the case at all. Professional ethics forbids a doctor talking about his patients. Oh, forget about your ethics, doctor. After all, where after a criminal? How does this woman fit into the picture? Come on, tell us all you know. The peculiar fact about her is that although she has the appearance of a young woman, her heart and arteries indicate that she's at least 70 or 80 years old. Well, that doesn't explain anything. It certainly doesn't explain why Dr. Lorenz should steal these dead girls. It's possible they may still be alive. Alive in a catholastic state? That's it. All right, all right. What are your other deductions? Well, simply this. These young girls, whether dead or alive, are being used by Lorenz in some manner as human guinea pigs to sustain his wife in a youthful state. Oh, that's preposterous. It's nothing of the kind. Scientists are finding out every day that glands and hormones have a lot to do with life and health. The glands in our bodies help determine the condition of our teeth, the texture of our hair. All right, we'll admit all that, but I wouldn't dare print such a fantastic story. I bring you the biggest story of the year and a chance to get this newspaper a real scoop and you call it fantastic. All right, I'll put Doyle on it to track it down. I'm afraid you won't get very far. Professor Lorenz is a clever man, clever enough to withstand any investigation and destroy any evidence. Why not track the fellow? How? Well, he steals dead brides, doesn't he? Oh, now look Pat, do you want to be a June bride? Oh, sure. I mean, that is, no, not yet. Anyway, Lorenz knows me. All right, then stop talking nonsense. This paper can't disoom the responsibility of such a harebrained scheme. Oh, please, Mr. Keenan, you can't pass up an opportunity like this. There she is. Cigarette? Hey, she's cute. Well, would you like to dance? Later. Business before pleasure, you know. Hello, Peggy. Hello, Pat. This is Wood, Dr. Fausti. Good evening, Ms. Wood. How do you do? I have something important to tell you. I'm all ears. Let's go to your dressing room. Okay. I won't be long. All right. Peggy, I've landed a good part for you. A chance to prove your talent. Really? What is it? A picture or a play? Neither one. My paper's going to stage a phony wedding, and we want you to be the perfect June bride. Now wait just a minute. With bridesmaids and flowers and all the trimmings. What is it? A circulation stunt? No. You've heard of the case of the vanishing bride. Sure. Well, this is the perfect June bride. Now wait just a minute. With bridesmaids and flowers and all the trimmings. What is it? A circulation stunt? No. Sure. Well, this is a plan we have to trap the person who's been stealing our bodies. Are you kidding? Certainly not. The job will pay you plenty. How will I collect if I'm dead? You won't be dead. All you have to be careful of is not to smell any flowers. All I do is lie six feet underground and push them up. Next, count me out. Listen, Peggy. I'm offering you a chance to get your picture on the front page of every newspaper in this country. Overnight, you'll be famous. Broadway producers and Hollywood studios will be offering you contracts like the chance you've been waiting for. She's the most unusual type. Such fascinating eyes. She'll make a charming addition to our family. June 20th. And they, we shall not forget. What are you doing in this part of the house? Master, I keep hearing my son's voice calling for me. Your son is better off where he is. Go back to your work. Master, you shouldn't have done it. He didn't deserve to die. Do what I say and don't come up here again. Yes, must. Well, everything's all set. She's young and pretty. Yeah. What assurance have we that this Lorenz guy will show up to make the snatch? And what happens if he does kidnap this fake bride? Well, the private chapel and neighborhood will be covered with guards. Well, Lorenz hasn't a chance to escape. Provide me, shows up. And if he doesn't, I'm the suckler and I'll have 500 bucks. And if he does, you have an exclusive story with big, juicy headlines. I hope you're right. Well, blushing bride, here's where you go on for your big scene. Or big flop. My knees are shaking. There's nothing to be afraid of. Here's your bouquet and the phony orchid. Now don't forget to put on your ass. Leave that to me. You got plenty of photographers out there? Certainly. And what about the cops? How many times do I have to tell you nothing's going to happen to you? Oh, Miss Hunter. Yes? I wanted to ask you, in this ceremony shall we use the word cherish or obey? You mean for the bride? Yes. Well, just for this once, let's put the old fashioned word in, obey. I've marked the words here. Just read the ceremony slowly, solemnly. Yes, I understand. I hope what you're doing isn't wrong. It's all in good cause. Well, I suppose it is. Well, if you meet me, you'll find me in my study. Thank you. You've been grand, Reverend. You'd better go get ready. What do I do now? Just march down the island. Don't forget to faint at the altar. Well, here goes nothing. How's everything going? All right, so far, I guess. Good. Ceremony's about to begin. I certainly hope somebody shows up besides these ham actors I'm paying. You know, it seems to me that if Lorenz were ready to strike, he'd have sent an orchid. Just a minute. I'll take that. Did you say orchid? And I'll take you with it. There you are. Looks like our man's going to pounce all right. It looks like you're right. Just like a real wedding, doesn't it? Yes. Too bad it isn't. Is that a proposal, Dr. Foster? It certainly is. The minister would like to speak to you in his study, Miss Hunter. But... Oh, you mean the real minister? Yes, ma'am. Thank you. I'll be right back. You wanted to see me, Reverend? The minister sent for us. Waiting is usual. Hurry up. Let's go. If you need before anyone finds us, we'll get involved with their friends or the girls. In the meantime, you take this one with us. Again, we meet only under different circumstances. I would have preferred that you would be a bride, but it really doesn't matter. You will serve our purpose just as well. Now both of my sons are gone. You betrayed me, ma'am. You stay here and come with us. Your hand isn't steady. Come. See? Get up. We've got headlines to write. Do I get a buy-line? After this, you can have a clothesline with my shirt on it. I now pronounce you man and wife. Finally make a newspaper woman out of you. Go and quit. And to think that this was the cause of it all.