 The Amazing Mr. Malone. Operator. Operator. Get me the office of John J. Malone. The National Broadcasting Company presents The Amazing Mr. Malone. An exciting half-hour of mystery starring George Petrie as the lawyer whose practice before every type of bar has become a legend. Our locale is the city of Chicago, the time, the present, and the hero of these weekly adventures, The Amazing Mr. Malone. My name's John J. Malone, attorney and constable-in-law. Tonight in our study of the cliche, let's explore the possibilities of haste maketh waste. As a case in point, I give you Dutch Schneider. Dutch is the solid-looking citizen behind the mahogany desk at the Belvedere Club. He's a gambler by profession, but that doesn't mean he takes chances. No, Dutch likes to play it nice and safe. That probably explains why he stares with obvious disbelief at a light on his desk which flicks on and off with appropriate sound effects. O'Neill. Yeah? What's going on out there? Just what you think, Dutch? It's all right. Are they doing any damage? Can't you hear it? No. I'll take my word for it. They're playing awful rough. I'm glad they're having fun. Who's in charge? I am, Mr. Schneider. Never mind, O'Neill. Do you want to see me? Yes. What's your name, officer? Brooks. Lieutenant Sidney Brooks. Why wasn't I notified of this raid? Would you mind repeating that, please? I asked why I wasn't warned. Your boys must have done at least a hundred thousand dollars worth of damage. Oh, easy. You know who's going to pay for it? Who? You. On my salary, don't be silly. O'Neill. What is it, Dutch? Get me Arthur Hall on the phone. Oh, now I get it. Is Arthur Hall your lawyer? That's right. You know, this is the funniest thing I've heard yet. You think so? I know so. So he clipped you too, huh? I'm surprised at you, Dutch. What are you talking about? I'll bet Arthur's soldier a bill of goods he could keep us out of your hair if you paid off to him. Well? Well, he was kidding you. Arthur Hall has as much influence in Chicago as my brother-in-law. And even with me on the force, he can't get himself arrested. Well, if Hall was bluffing, why wasn't my club knocked off before? Oh, you're just lucky, Dutch. We're understaffed. We didn't get a round to you. I see. I can't get over it. Arthur Hall clipping a hip character like you. You're right, Lieutenant. It is funny. But you'll pardon me if I don't laugh. Right now, the joke seems to be on me. Yes, I was detained at the office, Peggy. Why didn't you answer your phone? Dutch Schneider's been trying to reach you all evening. Oh, did he call here? You know, Arthur, I got the idea. He was a little annoyed with you. Oh, well, what did he say? It wasn't what he said, darling. It was the way he said it. Listen, Peg, I can leave town for a few days. Oh, really? Yeah, something's just come up. Remember the, uh, Marshal? Yes. You don't have to explain. You know I trust you implicitly when you're leaving. I'm taking the super chief to Los Angeles. Oh, that explains it. That explains what? Why, they called and confirmed your reservation to St. Louis. Well, I must have made a mistake. Obviously. Well, have fun, darling, if there's anything I can do for you here. There is. I want you to sign this paper, you see. Nothing to be concerned about here on this first line. Oh, really? Yes. Nothing to be concerned about here on this first line. Uh-uh. Didn't you once tell me never to sign anything without reading it? This is to acknowledge that I, Peggy Hall, hereby... Now, look, Peggy... Arthur, I'm shocked. Utterly and completely shocked. Well, I couldn't sign anything like this. If I did, all the bonds and money you put in my name would revert back to you. It's my money and bonds, isn't it? Oh, sweetheart, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't want to see you penniless in St. Louis. Pardon, Los Angeles. Suppose I write out a check for 25 dollars. Now, listen, Peggy... There's no use arguing, Arthur. I think I'm being very generous. After all, I'm not obliged to give you anything. Why are you dirty little double-crossed? Just what do you think you're doing? It's not nice, Arthur. I said that's not nice. Hello, Peggy. Hello. What are you doing here? Oh, there are a couple of things I want to take up with you. Giving us a loan for a little while, Mrs. Hall. It will be a pleasure. No, Peggy. Come back. That's a swell girl you've got there. Now, listen, Dutch, I know what you're going to say. That's good. Then I won't have to say it. It was a slip-up. You see, I've been on the phone all day. Those boys had no right to rage your place. But they did. Well, I've got an appointment to talk to the commissioner tomorrow. I don't see how you're going to manage it. Wow. What do you mean? Well, to talk properly, you should have teeth. And comes tomorrow, Arthur. I don't think you're going to have many left. George Kelk? Mm-hmm. I'm Arthur Hall. I spoke to you on the phone. Oh, yes. I'll be with you in a minute. I've got to hear this record. Well, look, Kelk, I'm a busy man. If you're in a hurry, Mr. Hall, you better take your business elsewhere. Well? I'll wait. That's the ticket. It's pretty, isn't it? It's debutsive. Yeah. You know what's responsible for most of the troubles in this world, Mr. Hall? People assign the wrong value to things. Now, take music, for example. That's important. Because there is a common denominator. Look, Kelk, I didn't come here for a lecture. There's no extra charge. All right, Hall. What can I do for you? You want to do a job for me? Not particularly. What? I'm a craftsman, Mr. Hall. I only accept commissions I like. I'll pay you $500. You're not even in my register. A thousand? It's a little better. Have the money right on you now? Yes, but it's all I have at the moment. It's enough for me. All right. Two, four, six, eight. Now, what's the name of your party? Dutch Schneider. You know him? It's only by reputation. He the one who bounced you around? That's my business. As you say, Mr. Hall, that's your business. So if you'll allow me, I'll be getting down to mine. Just a minute. Yes? Are you Dutch Schneider? That's right. Kelk's my name. Georgie Kelk. Kelk? Have I heard that name before? Well, I don't know. Have you? For sure. You're the... Well, go on, Dutch. You won't hurt my feelings. I'd rather not take any chances. Frankly, it won't make much difference. Sit down. You mind if I smoke? Here, try my brand, the King's Eyes. Well, if nothing else, it'll give me a little more time. Can match? Sure. Kat, thanks. Well, where do I get it, Kelk? What's wrong with right here? Aren't you afraid of the noise? I guess you didn't notice the silencer on this baby. Excuse me for trying to tell you your business. It's quite all right. You don't mind talking? I don't mind a tone. How'd you find me here, anyway? Oh, it took me a couple of hours when I managed. What is this, a hideaway? Yes. Nice place. Oh, your phonograph? Whose records? Mine. So you go in for the classical? Whose album is that you've got on the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto? Rubenstein. Ever hear Horowitz play? I like Rubenstein's betters. You get a lot more fire. Oh, you're out of your mind. No one can touch Horowitz when it comes to execution. You ought to know. It's all right. Say, tell me something, Dutch. Why is it the nice guys always get it? There's no reason why they should. Look, Kelk, I don't want to insult you, but can't we talk this over? I'm afraid not. Well, I know who put you up to it. It was Arthur Hall. What difference does that make? A lot. You have nothing in common with Hall. Wouldn't you rather work for me? Definitely. But it's too late now. Why? You can't tell me that you're afraid of Hall. And I don't know what he gave you, but I'll pay you $10,000 for that gun. Fully loaded. I don't know, Dutch. I've never done anything like this before. And if I did now, I wouldn't want you to think that the money you're offering had any effect on my decision. Oh, of course not. But there was something about that fellow Hall that just rubbed me the wrong way. All right, Dutch. Get the door. It was just one of those things. Just one of those crazy things. One of those bells that now and then rings. Just one of those. Don't stop on my account, Mr. Malone. I think you sing real pretty. Well, I always say a pretty girl deserves a pretty tune. Imagine coming into my office and finding you. How'd you get in here, anyway? I told the superintendent I was a friend of yours. Good for you. I'm glad you made yourself at home. You don't mind my taking off my shoes? Not a bit. I'd like to see people comfortable. And you ought to get some better reading materials. Oh, you don't care for Professor Wigmore on evidence? I thought it was pretty dull. There's a racing formula. No, I didn't. It's last week. Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Miss... Hall. Peggy Hall. Only it's Mrs. And I'm the one to be sorry. Shall I put my shoes on? Why be formal? You know, Malone, you're a welcome change for most of the lawyers I know. You know many? I've got one on the family. Arthur Hall. Do you ever hear of him? Unfortunately. He's my husband. Oh. I once heard him say he'd never do business with you. Well, that's a wonderful recommendation. That's what I thought. Get me a divorce. On what grounds? Grounds. Well, this may come as a shock to you, Mrs. Hall. But judges are peculiar people. Before they grant a divorce, they like to know if there's a reason. I've got a million of them. Well, you're husband contested? I don't think so. I don't think so, either. On our luck, Lieutenant, I'm busy. Oh, you're always busy, Malone. Why don't you take a little time out once? I'm not clowning, Brooke. Neither am I. Oh, uh, this lady's Peggy Hall, isn't she? How would you know? I'm a detective. Like to see how I operate. Love to. Well, first I went to your home and the maid told me you left a message that if anybody looked for you, you'd be closeted with the legal eagle here. What? Oh, Malone, you are a devil. Look, Brooks, what are you getting at? Didn't she tell you? No, all she told me is she wanted to get rid of her husband. And she did. We just found his body. Put your shoes on, Lucy. Those stone floors and headquarters can be awfully cold on your tootsies. You're listening to the amazing Mr. Malone. It's the silver jubilee on NBC. NBC has long been known as a leader in programming. NBC prides itself in its leadership and promises to continue to schedule programs of interest, taste, and entertainment. We'd like you to note the programs we have prepared for your Sunday radio entertainment. These programs are designed for high adventure and we start off with the saint. Then screen actor Lloyd Nolan brings you the fast-moving action of Martin Cain, Private Eye. A new series called The Whisperer brings Carlton Young to the NBC microphone in a double role, that of Philip Gault and The Whisperer. Then Mr. Motel, Mr. I.A. Motel. Next week, be sure to hear Dimension X on Thursday evening with stories in time and space, presented in future tense. Then on Friday we have a premiere on NBC with the program Mr. Keen Tracer of Lost Person. Yes, we bid you walk down the corridor of mystery through the doorway of danger and into the realm of high adventure on this, your NBC station. And now back to the amazing Mr. Malone. As an old cliche, it's always darkest before the dawn. And judging by the signs here, daybreak was a way off. While Lieutenant Brooks gazed about my office, I watched my client Peggy Hall put on her shoes. Little thing like that can tell you a lot. To me it proved two things. One, my client was innocent. And two, she had lovely ankles. You like what you see, Malone? I love it. Are you going to hate me for asking this, Peggy, but did you kill your husband? I look like the kind of girl who would. Oh, you're a bound of Malone. I know. I ought to wash my mouth out with soap. All right, lover, who do you think did it? I have no idea. But if you asked me, who would have liked to? I'll amend the question. Dutch Schneider for one. Who for two? I'll try to be enough to hold you for a while. More like Dutch could hold me for life. What do you have against Arthur? Arthur convinced him he was a man of influence. Oh, I get it. How much did he nick Dutch for? I really don't know. Must have been a substantial amount. Figured. That's quite an achievement to take money away from Mr. Schneider. I wonder if I could get in Dutch. I'll let you kids know if I score. All right, you guys. Will you step on it? Those dice tables will never be ready in time. And where's the roulette set up? Oh, we got it here, Dutch. Well, it's doing me no good in that case. Get it open up. Hello, Dutch. Why, if it isn't the amazing Mr. Malone. You mean the amazed Mr. Malone. I thought they closed you up. They did. And what's all the activity for? Well, it gives the boy something to do. I'd like to see him occupy. It keeps him out of trouble. Oh. What's on your mind? Can we talk someplace where there's less danger of me being hit on the head by a hammer? Sure. Come into the office. Well, watch your step. I always tried to. Drink? Malone never says no. Soda? Just a squirt. There you are. Thanks. Well, salut. Salud. All right, Malone, to what do I owe the pleasure? Well, for one thing, I was wondering whether you found a successor to Arthur Hall. A successor? Well, Arthur used to represent you, didn't he? I'm glad you mentioned that, Malone. I could use a good lawyer. Wish I could think of one. And what's wrong with you? Me? Oh, I got a client. So what? So I'm afraid your interests are diametrically opposed. Well, how do you figure that? I'm representing Peggy Hall. Don't tell me the police believe she killed her husband. How did you know he was dead? From several sources. As a matter of fact, I think there was a flash on the radio about an hour ago. What did it say? Nothing much. Only that someone sent a 32 slug through Arthur's brain in his office, and the cops were holding a hot suspect, but they didn't drop any names. It's Peggy Hall. Well, now that proves that they're out of their minds. Why would Peggy kill him? Well, it seems Arthur signed everything he owned over to her, and she didn't want to give it back. That's no motive. I forgot to mention that everything Arthur owned amounted to close to $100,000. Hey, your lawyers do all right. Well, there are lawyers in Lawyers Dutch. Now, Arthur had a few soft touches. He convinced a couple of clients he had political connections, and he was ruking them for a fat little fee each week. You don't have to tell me. I was one of the principal contributors. So I've heard. What gets me is why the police haven't talked to you. Well, maybe they have. Would you tell them? Obviously enough to convince them that I didn't murder Arthur. Want to try convincing me? Where's my percentage? How's your drink? Oh, the drink? Fine, fine. Want one for the road? Oh, I'm in no hurry. I can spare another few minutes. Well, I can't. That's okay, Dutch. You don't have to beat me over the head. I can take a hint. See, you're on the pool roll. Hello, Dutch. Why, Kelk, you're the last man I expected to see. I hope you don't mind my dropping around. I brought over the Horowitz recording of the piano concerto. I thought maybe you'd like to compare it with the Rubenstein job. You're in a hurry. I guess there's no use of my trying to kid you. No use at all. It's funny, Dutch. I've known you, uh, how long? Maybe 24 hours. And yet I feel that there's a, uh, a bond between us. Do we over? Mm-hmm. You know me better than I do myself. For example, I used to think that I was incorruptible. Oh, come on. No, I mean it. I always prided myself at one time. You know me better than I do myself. You know me better than I do myself. At once I undertook an assignment. Nothing could swerve me for my purpose. But you did, didn't you, Dutch? And you did it with money. Did I do that? Yes. You put ideas in my head. Get to the point, Kelk. Well, all I'm trying to say is that suddenly, money has become tremendously important to me. So? So I want lots of it. And do I look like Fort Knox? Well, a reasonable facsimile. I sold you your life at 9 o'clock last night for $10,000. Now, that was pretty cheap, Dutch. I bet I could have gotten five times that. Easily if I had that much here. Well, you better start raising it. Otherwise? Otherwise I go to a fellow named John J. Malone. No, you wouldn't do that. Why not? I just don't think you would. Well, you're wrong, Dutch. How can I be? You admit that I know you're better than you do yourself. And I don't see you going to John J. Malone. I just don't see it. My name is George Kelk. George Kelk? Yes, you don't know me, but it might be worthwhile if you did. In what respect? I know who killed Arthur Hall. Is this a rib? I'll let you judge that for yourself. What time does your office staff leave? 5.30. All right. I'll be there at 6. It'll be much easier with just the two of us. Let me see if we understand each other, Kelk. I think we do now, Malone. You'd be willing to repeat the same story in court? Why not? Well, you admit that you've been hired by Arthur Hall to take care of Dutch Schneider. Well, nothing happened to Dutch, did he? No. Then what can happen to me? You've got a nice logical mind. Thank you. What do you think will be Dutch's reaction when he learns you've been up here? Oh, I'm not worried, Malone. I can look after myself. You want me to prove it? Yeah. All right. Open up your desk drawer. Why? Go on. Start with the bottom one on the right. What are you talking about? You've got a recording machine somewhere in there, Malone. You've been taking down every bit of this dialogue. How'd you know that? Oh, you're talking to a man who keeps up with the latest in that field. I had a little home recording myself. Oh. Who thought of placing the microphone in the waste paper basket? Me? Pick it up from a story I once read. Cute idea. Yeah. All right, Malone. Get away from that desk. Put away that gun, Kelk. I said, get away from that desk. How do you feel, counselor? Oh, it's too bad. Next time, remember, you're not dealing with an amateur. I never audition for free. Listen, Kelk. Give him a little more water, Susman. No, no more. Come on, Malone. Come on. Take it easy, Chum. Something new has been added. Yeah, three stitches in your scalp. Oh. Why did you get here, Lieutenant? About an hour ago. Let me see that desk. Oh, there's nothing to see there. You'll have to buy yourself a new recorder. Listen, Brooks, a boy named George Kelk was up here. Yeah, I know, you kept babbling his name. Well, he can clear Peggy Hall. Now, look, Malone. I'll tell you, I had the evidence on that machine. Sure, sure. Will you stop trying to humor me? Alcohol originally hired this Kelk to bump Dutch Schneider. Only Dutch was lucky and bought his way out. He had a strong enough motor for you. You mean for Dutch getting back at Arthur Hall? Yeah. I'd be out of my mind to say it wasn't. Well, Kelk can prove the whole business. No, he can't. Look, Lieutenant, I talked with the man. He told me that at nine o'clock last night, he went up and braced Dutch. Well, that's where you run into trouble. I don't see why. That's because you haven't seen the autopsy report. Arthur Hall was dead at eight. What? Yeah, that's right. A full hour before Kelk even got to Dutch. You'd better get the aspirin, Malone. Your headaches are just beginning. It's happening to the amazing Mr. Malone. Now that vacation time is here, the danger of forest fires increases all over the country. Millions of people will be enjoying the mountains and woodlands on hiking, camping and fishing trips. Of course, the more people there are in the forests, the greater danger there is of fire. But we can prevent forest fires if each of us will be careful. Crush out cigarettes, cigar and pipe ashes. Break matches in two after using. Drown all campfires, then stir and drown again. Forest fires are a shameful waste because they can be prevented. Remember, only you can prevent forest fires. And now, back to the amazing Mr. Malone. If Georgie Kelk made me sick, Lieutenant Brooks wasn't exactly what the doctor ordered either. When I refused to believe that Arthur Hall was killed an hour before Kelk even met Dutch, Schneider, Lieutenant showed it to me in black and white. Say, Malone, now will you behave? When did this autopsy report come through? Around 6.15 tonight. Why didn't you call me? I tried to, but you were out. Why? You could have left... Oh, you got any other leads? No, your client, Mrs. Hall, still refuses to tell us what she did with the gun. What gun? The one she bought three months ago in a pawn shop. Why? Well, I hear her tell it, she was afraid with Arthur away from home so often. That's possible. Sure, sure, but why'd she buy it under a phony name? She's a woman. Oh, of course. That explains everything. Well, how'd you finally run it down? The pawnbroker remembered she was driving a Nash. She got the first four numbers of the license. Pretty observant, boy. What kind of a gun was it? A police special. Is that what was used on Hall? Could be. The slug we pride out of the wall was too battered to tell. Look, Lieutenant, Peggy didn't kill her husband. It's all out of character. Oh, that's good. That is. You've spent all of 60 minutes with the girl already. You've got around a lot. I tell you, I... Wait a minute. I'm the original idiot, boy. Well, I'd been saying that for years. Where's Peggy now? Now, where would she be? Well, I gotta see her immediately. I thought of something, and the way my mind is functioning lately. I can't take a chance of forgetting it. Shall we go? There's anything I can do, Peggy. Anything at all. I want you to let me know. Thank you, Dutch, but I can't think of a thing. Malone's taking care of everything. Well, much as I disliked the guy, I've got to admit he's capable. But if you want anybody else... Open them up, sir. Hello, Peggy. Malone, what happened to you? I used my head when I shouldn't have. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company. That's all right, counselor. I'm leaving. Oh, don't on my account, Dutch. Are they a lieutenant here as a call-out for Georgie Kelk? Kelk? You hadn't you heard? He was up to see me tonight. I didn't think he would. Why not? I didn't think he knew anything about Arthur's murder. You're right. He didn't. Hey, Malone, you said there was something he wanted to ask Mrs. Horne. Oh, yeah. I'm glad you reminded me, lieutenant. I almost forgot again. You got any plans for tonight, Peggy? That's not funny, Malone. No, I'm serious. I'd like to take you out. Hey, haven't I got anything to say about that? Don't get me wrong, lieutenant. With the housing shortage, what it is, I wouldn't leave you with an empty room. Boom. Mr. Schneider can move in and take her place. How about that, Dutch? What are you trying to say, Malone? You killed Arthur Hall. There. I said it and I'm glad. Can't believe what? That Schneider killed Arthur. Suit yourself, Peggy, but it obviously had to be one of you. Well, in that case, I'm glad you picked on Dutch. What convinced you he was guilty? That gun you misled. Lieutenant Brooks said it was a police special, and that's a .38 caliber job. What is that proof? Well, when I asked Brooks if he was positive, the bullet was fired from a police special. He admitted they couldn't tell for sure. So? So how come when I first went to see Dutch Schneider, he knew definitely it was a .32. Oh, Dutch must have had inside information. The very best. After the raid on his club, Dutch went to your home and beat the devil out of Arthur. Why didn't he kill him next? Arthur must have promised to return the money he got from it. Well, how could Arthur do that? He'd signed over practically everything he owned to me. Sure. And then when Dutch realized he had no chance of recouping, he went to your husband's office and killed him there. But in between, Arthur hired Georgie Kelk. By the time Kelk located Dutch, Arthur was dead. Should I say I'm sorry? Well, not if you don't feel like it. But you don't want to let this prejudice you against all men. Oh, it won't. I know now the type I can handle. And when I see one of the other kind, I'm going to start running. How do you recognize the other kind, huh? That's easy. They're lawyers. Good night, Mr. Malone. Like the man says, that's all there is. There ain't no more. Which merely means that this is the last Malone show in the current series. If you want us back, all you gotta do is say the word. When it comes to that department, you're the judge and jury. So here's hoping you'll be dropping us a line at the office and that the verdict will be a favorable one. Good night and good luck. George Petrie was starred as John J. Malone with Larry Haynes as the tenant Brooks. Our program is written by Eugene Wang and directed by Richard Lewis. The amazing Mr. Malone is based on a famous character created by Craig Rice and produced by Bernard L. Schubert. The events in this story were fictional and any resemblance to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental. Fred Collins speaking, the amazing Mr. Malone has come to you from New York. Stay tuned for the man called X over most NBC stations.