(light orchestral music) (projector whirring) (suspenseful orchestral music) (people chattering) (dogs barking) >> Announcer: The finest show we have ever held, with nearly twice as many dogs benched as last year.

Refreshments are being served at the marquee at the west end of the grounds.

Bichons ready in ring number two.

Next event, number 729, collies bred by exhibitors.

Have your dogs ready.

Quiet, please, during the judging.

Attention, please.

Judging in ring one, event number 728.

Scottish terriers, American-bred dogs.

Great Danes in ring number two.

Great Scotts in ring number one.

This is number 292, Captain McTavish, >> Shown by the owner.

>> Keep your tail up Captain.

>> The well-known fancier.

>> As well as your head.

>> Mr. Philo Vance, whose kennel comprises some of the finest campaigners in America.

(dogs barking) >> That's fine, look over here.

A little smile, please.

Oh, cup to your right.

That's great.

>> Man: Great.

>> Sorry, boys, but these are not trophies.

(men laughing) >> Photographer: Hold it.

Hold it right there.

(camera clicking) Thank you, thank you so much.

>> Mind if we go now?

I can stand one dog, but this bedlam is getting on my nerves.

>> Don't be impatient, darling.

We'll have plenty of time for dinner.

(dogs barking) >> Judge: How old's that dog?

>> Two and a half.

>> Judge: Two.

>> Announcer: Event number 728, the blue ribbon won by Gillespie of Heatherstone, Dundee Deviler is runner-up, and Milosian Gentleman receives the special.

(audience applauding) Better luck next time, Mr. Vance.

>> All right, don't be down hearted, Captain, you're still champion with me.

Maybe we'll have better luck in Italy, huh?

>> Tough luck, Vance.

I was hoping to have the pleasure of beating you tomorrow.

>> Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Coe.

Perhaps you'll get stiffer competition from, sir Thomas MacDonald.

>> Perhaps.

>> I wanna borrow Misty Morgan for a second.

>> But, Miss Lake, you know Mr. Archer don't want any one to borrow his dog.

>> Come along and protect him, if you like.

(dogs whimpering) (dogs barking) >> That's enough, sir Thomas.

I wouldn't take off another whisker.

>> Hmm, I think you're right, Sandy.

>> Photographer: Get ready, hold it.

(camera clicks) Thanks.

>> There you are, Ghillie, laddie.

>> Hello, Hilda.

>> Hello, Thom.

>> Well, what's the idea?

>> I thought we'd do a little private judging.

>> I don't imagine your uncle would particularly approve of this.

>> I'm sure he wouldn't.

>> Hold a minute Sandy.

Let's take a good look at him.

>> All right.

Wag your tail.

>> Hilda: Well, what do you think?

>> I think its a pretty close thing.

But I'm not worried, eh, Sandy?

>> I think your bet is safe, sir.

>> Here we are, sir.

>> What the devil do you think you're doing, Hilda?

>> Well, I- >> How do you do?

>> Tom: How do you do, sir?

>> I just wanted to prove that you're going to lose money to Tom when these two get into the ring tomorrow.

>> And have you proved it to your satisfaction?

>> So much so that I want you to loan me $1,000 to place on Gilly.

>> Hilda.

>> That's cheek for you.

Wants to bet against me with $1,000 out of my own money.

>> I wasn't asking you for your money.

I merely want you to loan me some of mine.

>> As long as I control the purse strings, you're not going to do any betting against me.

You'll be grateful that I've saved a few thousand of your fortune someday.

But don't raise your hopes too high, Hilda.

Bring that dog out here.

>> I shouldn't let him worry you my, dear.

>> If you only knew how I hate him, Tom.

The things he's done to me.

I despise him.

>> Darling.

>> Now, let's see.

Where did I put that, ah, there it is.

"Unsolved Murders."

(chuckling) I almost forgot it.

I wouldn't have been able to sleep a wink tonight, wondering who murdered who and why.

>> How any intelligent man can read that drivel is beyond me, Brisbane.

>> What time does the other train go?

>> Five o'clock.

>> Well, it's 12:15.

Oh, we've got plenty of time.

But I want to get out of here before Archie gets home.

>> Good afternoon, sir.

>> Afternoon.

Is my brother at home?

>> Yes, sir.

He's upstairs.

>> Tell him I want to see him.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Your taxi's waiting, sir.

>> All right, there's the bag.

>> Did you cancel those reservations?

>> Yes, sir.

>> And, uh, Mr. Archie told me to tell you he wants to see you, sir.

>> Oh, he did, eh?

You tell him I don't want to see him.

Tell him I said so.

>> In those words, sir?

>> Exactly, unless you can think of something stronger.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Of course, of course it's none of my business, Brisbane, but I wouldn't talk that way in front of Gamble.

I don't trust him.

>> I just couldn't resist it.

Ha.

I'd like to see the look on Archie's face when he tells him.

>> I wouldn't.

>> How the juice can you stand it here?

Why, there wouldn't be enough money in the world to compensate me for being Archer Coe's secretary.

>> He's not as bad as all that.

Now, you better be getting along.

>> There's such a thing as carrying loyalty too far.

Don't forget, I overheard a few of his choice remarks of you when you dare suggested that you were in love with Hilda and wanted to marry her.

I'm afraid you're taking Archer a little to seriously, old man.

Did you deliver my message?

>> I thought it best to wait til you were safely away, sir.

(chuckles) >> Do you mind dropping me off?

I have an engagement with Hilda for dinner.

>> Come ahead, come ahead.

>> Man: All aboard Albany's first, Stanford, Bridgeport, New London, New Haven, Bradbury, all in, Boston.

>> Here is, sir Thomas McDonald now.

>> What's the matter Thaddeus?

>> Something terrible has happened, sir.

Ghillie's gone.

>> What?

>> And I cannot find him.

They have taken him off the bench, sir.

>> Well, he couldn't have got loose?

He didn't break that lock himself either.

>> I haven't been away from that dog for 10 minutes all day, sir.

I just went into the restaurant to get a wee sandwich, and when I come back he was gone.

>> , sir Thomas?

>> Yeah.

>> I think we found him, sir.

>> Where?

>> Out in the alley, sir.

(gasping) This way, sir.

>> Ghillie.

He's dead.

Oh.

>> I'll kill the man who did this.

>> Listen Tom, you mustn't do anything until you're sure it's him.

>> I've got my own ideas.

>> Oh, I know Uncle Archer's mean and cruel, but I can't believe he'd do a thing like this.

(phone ringing) >> Hello?

I'm sorry but Mr. Archer Coe isn't here.

Your dog did?

Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

I'll try to locate him at once.

(phone ringing) (screaming) >> Go away from me, you.

(phone ringing) Get out of here.

Get out.

>> I suspected it when I saw you together this afternoon.

You're nothing but a two timing- >> Get out of my apartment.

(dog barking) (phone ringing) Get out.

>> From now on it is your apartment.

All yours.

I'm getting out for good.

(door slams) (door opens) >> Ah, Mr. Coe.

My dear friend, I- >> Yes, I see you are.

>> Pardon.

>> Yeah.

>> I am, how do you say it, (speaking foreign language).

I came to see you.

I received the cable from Milan authorizing me to complete the deal for your Chinese collection, and confirming the price of $117,000.

>> Means decorations and all that sort of thing from a very grateful government I suppose.

>> Oh, uno momento.

>> But it's no good now of course.

I've changed my mind.

>> Oh but you promised me.

You can't go back on your word.

What will I tell my people?

What will I say?

>> Pity you didn't think of this before.

You might have been a little more discreet, hey Grassi?

>> But you have signed a contract with me.

>> Too bad for you.

It's still at my home, in my safe.

>> Oh but you will- >> Most certainly destroy it.

Tonight.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll give you Miss Delafield for nothing.

>> Hey Liang.

At it again, eh?

I would like to believe that a cook's place is in the kitchen.

The next time I told- >> I have been expecting my dismissal, Mr. Coe.

We have served our purpose, these priceless treasures and I, I overheard Mr. Wrede saying you were preparing to sell this whole collection.

>> You've been listening at the key hole have you?

>> You cannot sell them, Mr. Coe.

Do you think I would've dishonored my ancestors, purged my soul, cheated my own countrymen to acquire these for you?

Had I not believed that you would reverence them as I do?

>> That's the worst of your race.

The pack of mawkish sentimentalists about your ancestors.

I don't need you tonight.

Go on, get out.

>> I would suggest you consider most carefully before you sell.

(clock chiming) (gun firing) (knocking on door) (knocking on door) >> Mr. Coe?

(knocking on door) Mr. Coe?

(knocking on door) Breakfast, Mr. Coe.

Breakfast!

(plates clattering) Mr. Wrede!

Mr. Wrede!

Mr. Wrede!

>> What is it Gamble?

>> Mr. Coe, Mr. Archer Coe, has killed himself.

>> Killed himself?

When, how?

>> He's sitting in there like, and the doors bolted.

>> You're positive?

>> Yes, sir, in his bedroom.

>> Phone the police.

>> Yes, sir.

Hello?

Give me police headquarters quick.

(phone ringing) >> Homicide, Sergeant Miller speaking.

Wait a minute, wait a minute, I don't get you.

Take it easy.

(all chattering) Suicide.

>> Suicide?

>> Wait a minute, you're not going to run out on this hand.

>> Yep.

Who?

Archer Coe.

9080 71st Street.

Okay, I got ya.

>> Is that it Sergeant?

>> Yeah.

>> Well, bye bye Earnest.

>> Sergeant Heath to you cub.

Kick in with that six bits.

>> Ah relax, will ya?

This is your case, Sergeant.

You better get the boys out.

>> 98 71st street?

>> That's right.

>> All right, come on- >> Tell Dr. Doremus to hurry right out to 98 east 71st street.

>> You get that east, Sergeant?

>> East, yes.

>> I got it.

>> That Emil?

Give me city desk.

>> Calling car 18.

Car one-eight.

>> Times?

Charlie Adler.

>> 98 East 71st street.

>> Last night Archer Coe committed suicide.

>> Proceed immediately and call your station for instructions.

(boat horn blowing) >> Man: Lighter and warmer with light to moderate winds for New York and vicinity today and tomorrow.

And now for the latest news flashes.

Archer Coe, the well-known sportsman, collector committed suicide last night at his home, 98 east 71st street, his body was discovered by the butler at eight this morning, when he took up a breakfast tray.

No reason has been advanced for this action as Mr. Coe was in excellent health, and had no financial trouble.

No news has been received- >> Is the land also connected?

>> Yes, sir, but it will be disconnected in about two minutes, sir.

>> I see.

(phone buzzing) >> Hello.

>> Hello, Markham.

>> Hello, Vance.

I thought you were on your way to Italy.

>> Ha ha.

I am.

Say Markham, I just heard about Archer Coe.

>> Yes.

Too bad he had to bump himself off like that.

>> Uh, that's why I called you.

Are you sure that he did bump himself off?

>> Well, his butler tells us, he's sitting in a locked room with a revolver in his hand and a bullet in his head.

I don't know what else you'd call it.

>> I don't want to butt into your affairs but, uh, aren't you a bit hasty in jumping to that conclusion?

>> Hasty, why?

>> Well if you knew Archer Coe you would know that suicide is almost a psychological impossibility for him.

>> Psychological, bosh.

Two and two make four, don't they?

>> How do you know you have two and two?

Just let me point out to you- >> Ah, point out the Statue of Liberty.

Say Vance- >> Hello?

Hello?

>> The land phone has been disconnected, sir.

>> Oh.

Will you have my luggage brought up?

>> Yes, sir.

Steward?

>> Just have them send it ashore.

I decided not to sail.

>> , sir?

>> Vance, you've been right about a lot of cases in the past, but I can't help smiling at you getting off that boat and giving up a swell trip all because of a hunch.

>> Well as a matter of fact, Markham.

More than a hunch.

>> Hm?

>> It just so happens that I talked with Archer Coe only yesterday.

>> What?

Where?

>> The Long Island Kennel Club.

Now, I can't conceive of a man on the verge of suicide being very deeply concerned over winning a championship at a dog show, can you?

>> No.

What do you mean?

>> Simply this.

As late as yesterday afternoon, Archer Coe was looking forward with the keenest anticipation to winning a blue ribbon from, sir Thomas McDonald today.

>> , sir Thomas McDonald, say, wasn't his dog that was found dead last night?

>> Right.

>> And Archer Coe found dead this morning.

Suppose there might be some connection there?

>> I don't know.

But if someone were to try to kill Captain McTavish, I'd probably turn and murder to myself, wouldn't I, Captain?

>> Hello Mr. Markham.

I got your message to hold everything up.

What's the idea?

Hello Mr. Vance.

>> Good morning Sergeant.

>> Well, it's been a long time.

>> Definitely has.

>> I might have known it would be you.

The world champion troubleshooter.

>> Come on boys.

>> Come inside.

>> Well Chief, it's another open and shut case.

Mr. Wrede, the secretary.

This is Gamble, the butler.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Mr. Markham, the district attorney.

>> How do you do, sir?

>> And uh, Mr. Vance.

>> How do you do?

>> Everything just as it was?

>> Well they said they haven't touched anything.

>> We thought it best to leave everything intact, sir.

>> Good.

>> Where's the room?

>> Upstairs.

>> This way please.

>> You uh, been in Mr. Coe's service long?

>> About three months, sir.

>> And before that?

>> Why, uh, unfortunately I was unemployed, sir.

>> This is it, sir.

>> Yep, he's there all right.

>> Just like I told the police on the phone.

I tried the door, found it locked, looked through the keyhole and there he was dead.

>> I think this is a job for you, Sergeant.

>> Certainly, Mr. Mayor.

Well Hennessy, what are you standing there for?

Your health?

This takes beef.

>> All right.

>> Congratulations, Sergeant.

>> What is this, a bedroom or a museum?

More junk here than a Chinese charge house.

>> I trust I did the right thing, sir by not breaking down the door.

I realized I could be of no help to him.

>> No, he's been quite dead for hours.

>> Bumped himself off that's plain enough.

>> Certainly looks that way, Vance I'm afraid your trip was spoiled for nothing.

>> I think not, Markham.

This may prove far more interesting than a trip to Europe.

>> You carry a gun?

>> No, sir.

>> You?

>> Uh, yes, sir, but only in back for the protection of the household.

>> Is that it?

>> Why, I- >> Come on.

>> No that was Mr.Archer's, but he always kept it in desk drawer downstairs.

I saw it yesterday morning as I was putting away some papers.

>> Oh, you did, eh?#~ >> Did, uh, Mr. Coe generally keep his windows locked.

>> Why no, sir.

As a matter of fact, he was a great believer in fresh air.

>> Ah, indeed.

I wonder if these gentlemen would mind waiting downstairs.

>> Certainly not.

>> I'm sorry we have to damage your door.

>> That's quite all right, it's easily repaired.

>> I'll have it attended to at once.

>> Hennessy, see that no one leaves the house without my permission.

>> All right.

>> Heath: It's as plain as the nose on your face, this guy locked himself in here and blew out his brains.

>> I wish I could agree with you, Sergeant.

>> Heath: How the devil could it be anything but suicide?

>> Mr. Markham: It was all very well you to theorize before we got here, Vance, but now that you've seen this, and there are no signs of a struggle.

>> Heath: And the door bolted on the inside, and no means of entrance to the room.

>> Ah, no other means of entrance.

How right you are, Sergeant.

But we can hardly call a second story window a means of entrance.

And nothing here that even a human fly could crawl out.

So why should Archer Coe lock his window, particularly if he was a fresh air enthusiast.

>> I'm afraid your reasoning is not altogether convincing.

>> Perhaps so, but doesn't it strike you as rather odd that a man should suddenly decide to commit suicide while changing from his street clothes to pajamas.

>> Well why not?

A man debating suicide might get partially undressed and walk up and down for hours trying to make up his mind.

>> Yes, he might walk up and down for hours, but not with one shoe half off.

>> No, Markham.

Something stopped him as he was removing that shoe.

This was supposed to suggest suicide, but someone miscalculated.

>> But you can't get away from that bolted door.

>> I wish I could.

>> The way you figure it out, the man was murdered.

As soon as the killer was gone, he gets up, goes and bolts the door, plants himself in a comfortable chair with a loaded gun in his hand to suggest suicide.

That's a swell theory.

>> Hello, Gamble.

What is this?

What's happened?

>> Something terrible has happened, Miss Lake.

>> Raymond: Hilda.

>> What is it Raymond?

What is it?

>> It's your uncle Archer, Hilda, he killed himself last night.

>> Where?

>> They're upstairs.

>> Hey don't touch that body, Miss.

>> Oh, Mr. Vance.

>> How do you do, Miss Lake.

This is Mr. Markham, the District Attorney.

>> How do you do?

>> Vance: Miss Lake is Coe's niece.

>> I'm sorry Miss Lake, but you mustn't touch anything until the medical examiner arrives.

It's against regulation.

>> Is it also against regulation to tell me what's happened?

>> We arrived only a few moments ago.

We found your uncle as you see him.

>> It has every appearance of suicide.

>> I doubt it.

>> You know of anyone who would have reason to kill your uncle?

>> Yes.

I had for one.

>> Why, Miss Lake?

>> Because he stood in the way of everything I wanted.

He made my life miserable because he held the purse string.

And because, because he was jealous of every man who came near me.

I was afraid of him.

Oh, the horrible nights I've spent in this house.

>> Are we to accept your comments as a confession of murder, Miss Lake?

>> Look here, Markham, that's ridiculous.

>> Please, Raymond.

I think I can handle the situation myself.

>> When we found your uncle, Miss Lake, the door was bolted from the inside.

>> Bolted inside?

Oh.

Maybe he did shoot himself.

>> Can't you make up your mind?

>> You know of anyone else who felt as you do about your uncle.

>> Practically everyone he came in contact with.

He was ruthless.

He wanted his own way in everything.

I imagine there are plenty of Chinese who will be glad to know that his collecting days are over.

Ask our cook.

>> I shall.

Can you think of anyone else?

>> Well uncle Brisbane shared my feelings toward him, I'm sure.

>> Where is this Brisbane guy?

Maybe he decided to do something about it.

>> That's impossible.

He's on his way to Chicago.

He left on the five o'clock train yesterday afternoon.

He'd be just about getting there by now.

>> Well you'd probably like to wire him, wouldn't you?

>> Why, yes, of course.

Is that all?

>> For the present, yes.

>> Suppose we check up on uncle Brisbane on the, uh, Chicago train.

>> Won't take me but a minute.

(phone ringing) >> Hello.

>> Come on Sinkin, get your feet off the boss' desk and jump down to Grand Central.

>> All right, I get you.

>> Yes, Mr. Heath.

Langham Hotel, Chicago.

Yes, sir I'll rush the call.

Hold the wire please.

>> Yes Mr. Heath.

We're expecting Mr. Brisbane Coe this morning.

Yes, he, he wired for a reservation last night.

>> Thank you, goodbye.

Yep, he took the five o'clock train all right.

>> Good.

>> You know there's a few things I'd like to find out about this girl, Hilda Lake.

>> Why are you always trying to check up on me?

>> I'm not trying to check up on you, Hilda.

I want to help you.

You know how I feel about you.

You know that I love you.

But lately you seem to have changed.

Every time I want to speak to you about marriage, you evade me.

What's on your mind?

>> Oh, nothing, nothing.

Raymond, I never said I'd marry you.

>> But I thought that now we, well that, that I could take you away from here.

>> You might as well know now as later.

When all this is cleared up, I'm going to marry Tom McDonald.

>> Oh.

>> Try to understand, Raymond.

I'm sorry.

>> Ah, don't tell me.

>> Come on, don't you- >> Quiet.

>> Suicide my eye with the DA himself and Vance on the job.

>> It's suicide and that's that.

>> Okay come on have a cigar.

>> It's still suicide.

Hey, wait a minute.

Are you a reporter?

>> No I'm, sir Thomas McDonald.

I'd like to talk to the officer in charge here.

>> Oh, come on inside.

>> Tom!

Why didn't you stay away from here?

>> And leave you to face this thing alone.

>> But you promised me last night you wouldn't come here.

Won't you go, please?

I can bluff it through.

I don't want the police asking you questions.

>> I know all the answers.

>> Oh but please go for my sake.

>> Let's forget about it, shall we?

It's too late now in any case, the police are guarding every entrance.

>> Wait a moment.

You can cross through that yard and get to your apartment.

No one will see you.

Take the first boat to England now, and I'll join you as soon as I can.

>> Watch out for those newspaper men, sir Thomas.

They're even deadlier than the police.

>> I had no intention of leaving.

>> Ah, good.

Oh, by the way I was sorry to hear about the death of you dog last night.

>> Oh thanks.

>> You didn't by any chance discuss it with Archer Coe, did you?

>> No, If I had, I might have killed him.

>> Well, did you?

>> That's your problem.

(all chattering) >> I'm a doctor, not a magician.

(all chattering) >> Hello, doc.

>> Hello Grassi, where have you been?

I haven't seen you for a long time.

>> Working hard.

>> Oh doc, what kept you so long.

You walk all the way.

>> You always pick on me at mealtime.

I was in the middle of cakes and sausage.

What have you got?

>> Just plain suicide.

This guy locked himself in a room and bumped himself off.

>> Suicide?

Then why didn't you let me finish my breakfast.

>> Hello, doc.

>> Hello Markham.

All you need is an order.

Remove the body.

If you'd told me that over the phone.

I'd have sent my assistants.

>> Mr. Markham told me to phone you personally.

Don't crab at me about it.

>> I'll give you the approximate hour of the day.

If you want it.

>> Heath: That's big-hearted of you, doc.

>> And the routine autopsy, we can do tomorrow as it's just a case of suicide.

>> Uh, why do you jump to that conclusion, doctor?

>> I know a dead man when I see one.

Besides the door was bolted- >> I know the door was bolted from the inside.

But what about the body, haven't you better have a look at it?

>> I was going to.

I'm a doctor, not a detective.

This man is dead with a bullet hole in his right temple.

He's holding a gun in his right hand.

Just the kind of wound that might have been self-inflicted.

The position is natural, and the door was locked on the inside.

Well, let me see.

That's strange.

>> Did you find something to disturb you doctor?

>> Plenty.

There's blood in his mouth, and he's got a skull fracture from some club-like instrument.

>> Now what about the bullet wound in his temple?

There's no blood there.

>> Is that so?

Gentlemen, when that bullet entered this man's head, he had been dead for hours.

>> Can you place the time of his death?

>> I'd say from eight to 12 hours ago.

>> Would you say that the revolver was placed in his hand before rigor mortis set in?

>> Yeah.

>> Did he die from the effects of the blow on the hand?

>> No, probably rendered him unconscious for awhile, but that wouldn't have killed him.

Not powerful enough.

>> The blow didn't kill him.

The bullet didn't kill him and yet he's dead.

Suppose we try to find out just what did kill him.

>> Glad you follow that, Mr. Vance.

It's not a bad idea.

>> Perhaps I better take another look.

(all chattering) >> All right boys, let's pick up these clues before they get messed up here.

Just a minute, doc.

Please.

>> Ready?

(camera clicking) >> Give me a hand Sergeant, help me get the body over to the bed.

(all chattering) >> Man: Easy.

>> There he is.

Now there, let's move him over that way.

>> All right there for you, doc?

>> That's it.

There couldn't have been much of a struggle, his hair isn't even mussed.

>> Maybe somebody slugged him and then combed his hair.

>> By George, now I've got it.

Stabbed, below the left shoulder blade, near the spine, there's no external bleeding.

>> Internal hemorrhage, huh?

>> That's it.

>> What do you think of the suicide theory now, Sergeant?

>> Well, it's slightly complicated.

I mean if he had shot, slugged, and stabbed himself, particularly in the back.

>> Yes, it's very complicated.

Uh, Markham.

>> Yes.

>> You see there's no hole in the back of his pajama jacket.

So he couldn't have been wearing that when he was stabbed, but get this.

There's a hole in the back of his coat, and another in his weskit.

Blood stain.

He must have been fully dressed when he was attacked.

>> That let's me out.

I finished.

I suppose you want a quick autopsy.

>> Yes.

>> Get that body down to the morgue as soon as possible.

Good day, gentlemen.

>> Good day.

>> Hey doc.

>> Yes.

>> Do you think there's any possible chance of that being suicide?

>> What?

>> Okay, all right, all right, just a fair question big boy?

Go on home and get your hot cakes and sausage.

You need the strength.

Patterson.

>> Yeah.

(indistinct) Right.

>> Heath: Any report on that wire?

>> Not yet, Sarge.

>> Let's send a wire to this guy Markham, 98 East 71st St., New York City and tell him uh- >> "Brisbane Coe not aboard this train, wireless conductor, train number seven."

Sit down.

What time did Brisbane Coe leave for Chicago?

>> In time to catch the five o'clock train, sir.

>> How do you know he caught the five o'clock train?

>> I phoned for the reservation, brought him his walking stick and overcoat, and, and put his bag in the taxi.

>> Ah, did you remain in the house all evening?

>> Why no, sir.

I went out about 6:30.

It was the servant's night off.

Everyone was out to dinner.

>> Hmm.

Did you notice anything unusual in Mr. Brisbane's manner when he left?

>> Now that you mention it, he was distracted and, and very irritable.

>> Hmm, you say you uh, gave him his stick.

>> Yes, sir.

>> What kind of stick?

>> His favorite, an ivory handled one.

He never went anywhere without it, sir.

>> You're quite sure he took that particular stick with him.

>> Positive.

I handed it to him myself, sir.

>> Did you see him when he returned here last evening?

>> Returned?

>> Yeah.

>> I didn't know he had returned.

>> Then whose ivory headed stick as that hanging over that chair in the hall?

>> Sit down.

>> I swear I don't know.

>> Heath: Steady Gamble, steady.

>> Is this it?

Is it?

>> Yes, sir.

I can't understand it.

>> I suppose you saw nothing of his bag.

>> Why no, sir.

>> Well if he brought his cane back here, what did he do with his bag?

>> Ah, very good Sergeant, that's just the point.

He undoubtedly left it somewhere.

>> But where?

>> I should think the most logical place would be the check room at the Grand Central Station.

>> Heath: What kind of a bag was it?

>> Just an ordinary pig's skin bag, sir.

With his initials, BC on it.

>> Man: Is that it?

>> Yeah, that looks like it.

There's your police department receipt.

What time was this checked?

>> 4:45 >> Thanks, pal.

>> Okay.

>> Well, here it is.

>> Put it here.

>> Heath: Did you examine the contents?

>> Man: Nope, I brought it right up here.

>> Did you find out what time this was checked?

>> Yeah.

There you are.

>> 4:45.

>> Heath: He must have gone direct from the house to the station.

>> Man: Did the attendant remember who left this?

>> Man: No, he said it was somebody, but that most of the time he doesn't even notice the people.

>> Well his shaving kit, shirt, underwear, socks, collars, slippers.

Nothing in there that a man wouldn't ordinarily take with him on a short trip.

>> Except this perhaps.

>> "Unsolved Murders."

That's a swell book to take to Chicago.

>> That's rather odd, isn't it?

>> Yes more than that.

Gentlemen, the mist is beginning to rise.

I think I know at least a part of what happened here last night.

How about this?

Let's say that Brisbane Coe started for Chicago on a night when he knew that no one but Archer would be at home.

He missed his train purposely, checked his bag at the station, and returned here to kill his brother.

To make a perfect alibi, he planned to take a later train to Chicago.

But something stopped him, and something stopped Archer Coe before he remove his shoes last night.

You see what I mean?

Those shoes of Archer's, that bag of Brisbane's, his stick hanging there in the hall that should've have been there.

Wait just a minute.

Oh, uh, Gamble.

Where did Mr. Brisbane usually put his hat and overcoat when he came in?

>> He always hung them in the closet, sir.

>> Which closet?

>> This one.

>> Oh!

Mr. Brisbane.

>> Well Mr. Vance, Where are we now?

>> I should say somewhere in the middle of the Gobi Desert.

(phone ringing) >> Hello.

What?

Again?

I'm right in the middle of my lunch.

First, you interfere with my breakfast then you ruin my lunch.

Don't you boys ever eat?

>> No.

I'm on a diet.

>> Well, all right.

(phone buzzing) >> Hello.

All right, I'll attend to that later.

Get me the wagon and the fingerprint gang.

>> Man: Just a minute fellas, one side please.

>> Man: Just a moment please.

Ready?

(camera clicking) That's all.

>> Man: All right, go ahead.

>> Here, he's been dead for hours.

>> And me thinking all the time he was playing possum.

>> Oh.

Well, there's too many people in the world anyways.

>> Mr. Vance, this is just ordinary junk.

>> I'm afraid so.

I'd rather hoped for something important.

>> Man: Which one of the two victims died first, Daughtry?

>> Archer Coe I think.

This one a little later.

>> And the weapon?

>> Same.

Sharp and narrow.

>> Tucker.

Tag and list these.

>> Man: I think I better fingerprint everything inside and outside here.

>> Right.

>> Hennessy?

>> Yes.

>> Look for a sharp, narrow weapon.

>> All right.

>> Found something?

Why it looks like fishing tackle.

>> It's tackle all right, but not fishing.

Markham, we're dealing with a shrewd brain.

Technique for this crime was very cleverly worked out, but something went wrong.

>> Sergeant.

Here's your order for the removal of the body.

>> Thanks, doc.

>> So long.

I want food.

>> Well, nobody's stopping you.

>> And if you've got any more corpses bring them out now, will ya?

I can't be running up and down here all day.

>> What do you mean running up and down all day?

With that swell car the city gave you.

>> Oh.

>> Nothing upset the doctor.

(door clicks) (banging) >> Hi, Captain.

Ready to take charge?

Well if you hurry up and solve this case maybe I can go home.

Come on.

(laughing) >> I can handle everything if I don't get too much interference.

>> Oh, Markham.

>> Mr. Markham: Yes >> You're just in time for a demonstration.

I think I can show you how Brisbane Coe used this fishing tackle.

He started for Chicago and then needs to provide an alibi.

He had other plans in this room.

Watch this.

Notice the bent pin which is hooked on the bolt handle?

This is attached to the string I am now pulling through the keyhole.

If you follow the string, you will see that it passes around a pane in the wall.

This acts as a pulley.

And it's also attached to a string passing through the keyhole.

You see the bolt is now being forced into its socket.

>> Upon my word.

>> Vance: I now pull the first string into through the keyhole, and then the second string, and with it comes the pin, leaving no evidence.

Not a thing.

It worked?

>> Yes it worked.

>> Well that explains that.

>> Very clever.

>> It could have been done that way, but if Brisbane killed Archer Coe, who killed Brisbane and hung him in the closet?

Why did he do it?

>> That's what we want to find out, isn't it?

>> Exactly.

>> Yeah.

Gentlemen, two persons planned the murder of Archer Coe.

>> Who, what?

>> But their paths crossed.

Brisbane was one of them.

>> The other?

>> I've got it.

The Chinese cook, they're full of those tricks.

>> Now get this.

Dr. Doremus said that Coe was struck over the head with a blunt instrument.

This poker would answer that description, wouldn't it?

>> Yes, and that certainly looks like dried blood.

>> It certainly does.

But what about those short course hairs?

>> They don't look like Coe's.

>> No.

>> Well Mr. Vance, why didn't you find that when you looked in there this morning?

>> It wasn't in there this morning.

Besides it doesn't belong in this room, it belongs downstairs in the library.

(dog barking) That you, Captain?

(dog barking) What's the matter with you?

What is it, Captain?

(dog barking) What is it, Captain?

(dog barking) Something wrong down here?

(dog barking) Oh good boy, Captain.

This dog's been struck a nasty blow.

That explains the course hairs in the poker.

Uh, whose dog is this?

>> I don't know.

I mean, I've often seen it in the vacant lot, sir.

>> Just tell the truth, Gamble.

>> Yes.

Why don't you?

>> It belongs to the lady next door, sir.

>> Hm.

Well Hennessy, get that fellow to a vet as fast as you can, will you?

>> Yes, sir.

Easy.

Easy.

>> Now Gamble, what's her name?

The lady next door.

>> Gamble: Doris Delafield.

>> Yes, I'm Miss Delafield.

Won't you sit down gentlemen.

>> Thank you.

I'm sorry I didn't win your trophy at the dog show.

You're quite a fan here, aren't you?

>> Yeah, somewhat.

>> I'm interested in one of your dogs.

The Doberman.

>> You mean Figaro.

>> I wonder if I could have a look at him.

>> I'm terribly sorry.

You know he slipped his leash last night and ran away.

I've notified the police, my maid's been scouring the neighborhood trying to find him.

>> Well, did she inquire at Mr. Coe's house next door.

>> Well, I, I don't know.

>> You and Mr. Coe have been good friends, haven't you?

>> I know him, why?

>> Your dog was found in his house this morning, badly wounded.

>> What?

>> Have you any idea how he got there?

>> No.

>> Do you suppose he would follow someone into the house.

>> I hardly think... Now what are you driving at?

>> Mr. Archer Coe and his brother were murdered last night.

>> Murdered?

I was afraid that- (phone ringing) >> Just a moment.

>> Hello.

Is that Miss Doris Delafield's apartment?

Would you please tell Miss Delafield we couldn't get the reservations for her and Mr. Grassi on A deck, and ask her if B deck will be satisfactory?

>> Miss Delafield will not be sailing.

You can cancel the reservation for them both.

>> Both?

Do you mind telling me whom the other reservation was for?

>> I refuse to answer that question.

>> Would it be Mr. Grassi?

>> But I am Mr. Grassi.

And if I didn't cancel those reservations, who did?

What?

Miss Delafield.

Oh, no, no, she didn't.

No really, there's been a mistake.

As soon as I can find out about this, I'll call you back.

>> I don't think you'll find Miss Delafield at home just now.

There's been a cancellation of your steamship reservations.

We regret very much that it was necessary.

>> Who are you?

>> This is Mr. Markham, the District Attorney.

>> I'm honored, but I'm afraid I don't quite understand.

>> Mr. Markham: It's about this.

>> As a matter of fact, Mr. Coe didn't commit suicide.

He was murdered.

>> Murdered?

>> Would you mind coming along with us?

Just a little matter of comparing fingerprints.

>> No not in the least.

>> I think that's all.

>> Found anything yet.

>> The one taken from the door knob is too blurred for identification, but this one is very clear.

It appears to be that of Liang, the Chinese cook.

(bell ringing) >> Any luck?

>> No, not yet.

>> They must be here somewhere.

I'm positive that the dagger that killed the Coes belongs in that sheath.

>> Tired, Markham?

>> No, no.

(board clangs) (board clangs) >> What?

That's strange.

>> What is it?

>> The Tingyao vase is missing.

It's the most valuable in the whole collection.

That's all that's left of it.

If I'm not mistaken, that's blood.

>> Mr. Markham: Blood?

>> Markham I'm coming more and more to the belief that Archer Coe was killed in this room.

That poker, this dagger sheath, now these fragments all here.

>> But Vance, do you mean to tell me the dead man walked upstairs?

>> I'm not trying to tell you anything but the facts.

It's the most remarkable case in my experience.

(camera shutter clicking) >> Find anything, Captain?

>> Yes, sir, plenty.

>> Oh, uh, Mr. Wrede.

>> Would you, uh, step in for a moment please?

>> Certainly.

Coke?

>> No thanks.

Did you, uh, notice that the Tingyao was missing?

>> Missing?

Why it was here yesterday evening.

>> At what time?

>> At about 6:30 or seven o'clock.

I came back to talk to Mr. Coe.

>> About what?

>> As a matter of fact, I, I wanted to quit my job as his secretary.

>> Ah, you'd been having some difficulties with him?

>> It was rather a personal matter.

I wanted his permission to marry Miss Lake.

>> What did he say to that?

>> Hm.

He ordered me out.

>> You went?

>> Yes.

>> Where?

>> I went to find Miss Lake.

I thought she was at the kennel club.

I had a puncture on the way so it was rather late when I got there.

She'd already left with, uh, Thomas McDonald.

And I came home, and went directly to bed.

>> Did you hear anything, or see anything, when you came into the house?

>> No.

But after I'd been in bed for awhile, I heard some noises downstairs.

I opened the door, and looked down, but it was only Liang, the Chinese cook, coming in.

>> Was he uh, customarily noisy in entering the house.

>> No.

As a matter of fact, it's the first time I ever heard him come in.

>> Indeed.

Well I think that's all Mr. Wrede.

Thank you.

>> Thank you.

If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.

>> Quite right.

>> Good night.

>> Good night.

I think I'd check up on that kennel club alibi.

>> I will.

>> You might have those fragments checked for fingerprints, if you will?

>> Yes.

>> Meanwhile I'll do a little exploring in the kitchen.

>> Why Mr. Vance, I thought- >> Get Markham.

(knocking on door) Mr. Liang, I believe, you're the cook.

>> Me cook.

>> You can drop the Pigeon English.

That isn't necessary with me.

Where did you go to school?

>> Columbia University.

>> That's considerable education for a cook, isn't it?

>> Mr. Coe employed me because I know a great deal about Chinese porcelain.

>> Ah I see.

That's a very lovely piece of Tingyao, isn't it?

How did it get broken?

>> I don't know, sir.

I found the pieces in the wastebasket in the library.

>> You want me, Vance?

>> Ah yes.

See that, Markham.

More blood spots on the inside.

Apparently the murderer had dropped the dagger in here to hide it, but he got dropped it too hard and the vase broke.

When did you find these pieces?

>> This morning.

>> This morning?

You're sure it wasn't last night, about eight o'clock there or say.

>> No, sir.

I did not get in until after midnight.

I'm sure Mr. Wrede or Mr. Gamble will tell you that.

>> What time did you find the poker?

>> The poker?

>> Yes, the poker.

The one you hid in a Chinese chest in Mr. Archer's room this afternoon.

>> But I don't know what you mean.

>> Oh yes you do.

I was behind the door in that room when you hid it.

>> Let me handles this, Mr. Vance.

Are you going to talk?

Or do I have to make ya.

>> Wait.

I'll tell you the truth.

>> Well, spit it out.

>> When I returned to my room here, about eight o'clock last night- >> Ah, I thought so.

>> I heard angry, muffled voices in the library then a dull sound as of someone falling.

I stood at my door here and listened.

Then I heard footsteps cross the kitchen and go out the back door.

>> Vance: And then?

>> Liang: I walked up the corridor, and everything was very quiet.

I opened the library door and looked in.

The furniture was overturned.

The poker was there.

The desk was disarranged, and the valuable Tingyao vase was broken.

I thought there must be something wrong, so I went upstairs and looked into Mr. Coe's bedroom.

He was dead.

Fearing that I might be suspected, I went back to the library, and picked up the broken pieces of the vase.

And together with the poker, I took them to my room.

>> And knowing that you were alone in the house, you were afraid you might be suspected.

So you hid the weapons and left.

>> Yes, sir.

>> You returned to the house about midnight, and purposely made a lot of noise, so as to establish your alibi.

Is that right?

>> Yes, sir.

>> All right then.

Where'd you put the dagger?

>> I did not find the dagger.

>> Don't give me that.

What did you do with it after you stuck it in Archer Coe's back?

>> I've got it Mr. Markham.

>> Yes?

>> Fingerprints on this broken fragment belong to the Italian, Eduardo Grassi.

>> Well, Mr. Vance, looks like somebody else miscalculated.

>> Yep.

It fits.

>> That doesn't prove anything.

>> What about this?

>> Where did you get it?

>> It was in Archer Coe's pocket.

>> What are you doing outside the drawing room window last night?

>> I, I wanted to be sure that he was alone.

>> Why?

>> For weeks we had been negotiating for the sale of his collection to the museum at Milan.

It meant everything to me.

He kept raising the price, but on Monday, we came to an understanding.

And I cabled the museum that I had succeeded.

And last night, he turned me down because he saw me with Miss Delafield.

>> Let me explain.

Archer was extremely jealous of me.

>> Well, you can't blame him for that.

>> You went there to threaten him, didn't you?

>> Which I had every right to do.

I told him I would use any means to make him fulfill his contract.

He laughed at me.

Said that he would smash every piece in his collection before he would let me have it.

>> So you picked up the poker and did a little smashing on your own account, eh?

>> I did not.

>> Let me have that fragment.

Thank you.

You know how that was broken.

>> Tingyao vase?

>> With blood stains on the inside, and your fingerprint on the outside.

>> I don't know.

>> Sergeant, I think you better book him.

>> Right.

Thank you.

Come on let's get out of that monkey suit.

Let's get going.

Come on.

>> Don't worry, I'm not running away.

>> You telling me?

I suspected the Italian all along.

>> Exactly, but why should Grassi also stab Brisbane and what about the Doberman?

See Markham, we have nearly all the pieces of the puzzle, but none of them seems to fit.

>> Here we are.

This isn't it.

This is the basement.

>> I know.

Come on.

I just want to see where this goes.

>> Good evening, sir.

>> Gamble.

By the way, uh, how long have you been using that name?

>> All my life, sir.

>> Dubois checked Gamble's fingerprints at the identification bureau and who do you think he turns out to be?

>> Not Gamble?

>> No.

Atlantic Eddie, used to work the boats on both sides of the ocean.

>> Oh Mr., Mr. Vance, I haven't turned a trick in five years.

>> Oh that's all right Eddie, I just wanted to let you know that we're old pals.

>> Sir, someone slipped in the back door and went into one of the front rooms.

>> Well, Miss Delafield.

>> Don't be surprised gentlemen, I'm used to coming in here like this.

>> Mr. Markham: You seem to know your way around here pretty well.

>> As the District Attorney, you're responsible for this case, aren't you?

>> That's right.

>> Well I'm tired of detectives.

I'm tired of being spied on.

All you want to know is who killed Archer Coe, isn't it?

>> Naturally.

>> Well, I did.

>> What?

>> Yes, and there isn't a jury on earth will convict me when they hear my story.

You don't believe me, do you?

You were wondering this afternoon how my dog, Figaro, could get into this house, but he was following me.

He was defending me when he was struck.

>> Where did you kill Mr. Coe?

>> In his bedroom.

>> What kind of lipstick do you use?

>> Lipstick?

What's that got to do with this?

>> Is that yours?

>> Yes, that's mine.

While I was struggling with Archer, my bag dropped on the floor, and everything spilled out.

>> It won't do Miss Delafield, it's an old trick.

>> It's not a trick.

>> I didn't realize that you were so fond of Mr. Grassi.

>> Mr. Grassi has nothing to do with it.

Take me down to the station.

I'll say nothing more until I get an attorney.

>> Man: Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

(glass breaking) (all chattering) >> This guy's been stabbed, Hennessy.

>> Is this it, Mr. Vance?

>> Yes, that's it.

Thank you very much.

>> First, it's before my breakfast, then you break up my lunch.

Now you pull me out of bed in the middle of the night.

And this fellow's not even dead.

>> Why don't you put that in your report, Doc?

>> Those fingerprints would never pick up on that silk handle.

It fits perfectly.

>> Where did you find it, Sergeant?

>> Under the bed.

>> Congratulations.

>> That's all right, Mr. Vance.

>> Three crimes with the same weapon.

Markham.

>> Tom!

What is this?

What's happened?

>> I don't know, dear.

Somebody stabbed me.

>> Is it serious, doctor?

>> Oh no.

I gave him three grains of sodium amital to quiet his nerves.

He'll be all right.

I'd like to rent a room here until they finish this case.

>> Poor darling.

I wish I hadn't got you mixed up in all this.

>> You shouldn't have come here.

Let me see this through alone.

>> Hilda: I won't leave you.

Can't we get away from here?

>> Tom: We leave tomorrow, together.

>> So what do you think about it, doc?

>> Well, the first punctured the median basilic vein and caused a hemorrhage.

>> Could the wound have been self-inflicted doctor?

>> I'm the city butcher, not a detective.

Don't bother me within any murders after three tomorrow.

I'm going to the World Series.

>> Hey, Doc.

Phone me the score between innings, will you?

>> Get these people out of this.

What are they waiting for?

>> We just want to ask you a few questions, sir Thomas.

You say that when you were stabbed, you saw nothing, huh?

>> That's right.

It was dark.

I heard a noise and jumped out of bed.

Somebody threw a chair, and it just missed my head and struck a window.

I shouted for help, and ran towards the door.

Then I, I felt a sharp pain in my arm as I lost consciousness.

>> Knifed by a ghost.

That's a hot one.

I think he'd done it himself.

>> How dare you, sir!

>> That's not fair.

>> Do you know anything about that?

>> Where'd you find it?

>> Under your bed.

>> I, I never saw it before.

>> Yeah.

Like I never saw a pair of handcuffs.

>> You've no right to question him now in his condition.

>> Rather funny.

You see what I see in Archer Coe's room?

I have a suspicion, that whoever killed the Coes came from this house.

Probably from this room.

Gentlemen, I think I can fit the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle together.

Now here is east 71st street.

This is the Coe house, the yard, and the apartment house next door.

Now, let's have a look inside.

This is the McDonald's apartment, directly opposite is the window of Archer Coe's bedroom.

Underneath McDonald's apartment, the cozy little nest of Miss Delafield and her temporary guest Mr. Grassi.

This is the elevator, and here are the stairs that lead directly to the back entrance.

From there, it's easy to reach the back entrance to the Coe house across the yard.

Now, that's the front hall, and here's the library.

On Wednesday evening between 7:30 and eight o'clock, Archer Coe was sitting alone in that room.

Now remember, it was the servants' night off.

The killer must have known this when he came in the back door.

He was so intent on what he was planning to do that he must have left the back door open.

Because from somewhere in that vacant lot, came a dog, a Doberman Pinscher, belonging to Doris Delafield.

He saw the back door standing open, and went in.

Meanwhile, the killer was moving along the hall toward the library, making absolutely sure that Archer Coe was alone.

He knew exactly where he was going, and exactly what he was going to do.

He came so silently that it must've startled Archer Coe, when he looked up and saw him carefully closing the door.

It is my conjecture, gentleman, that a terrific argument took place.

(clattering) Archer Coe must have struck him, and as he fell back, he picked up a poker as the first weapon that came into his hand.

He struck Archer Coe on the head.

Coe collapsed across the desk.

His hands groping in the drawer of the desk for his gun.

Then in a blind rage of the moment, the killer saw a Chinese dagger.

He seized it, and stabbed Archer Coe in the back.

Coe probably fell to the floor.

Meanwhile, our Doberman Pinscher was coming closer and closer, probably attracted by the sound of the struggle in the library.

As the killer opened the door to escape, he saw the Doberman Pinscher in the hall coming toward him.

He again picked up the poker as the dog entered the room.

(dog barking) True to the instinct of his breed the dog chased an enemy.

He leaped.

(dog barking) The killer struck, and the dog fell, badly wounded.

Now, he tried to hide the dagger in the Tingyao vase.

(glass breaking) But he dropped it too hard and the porcelain broke into bits.

He picked up the dagger again, and went out the same way he came in.

Meanwhile, Coe slowly regained consciousness, and pulled himself to his feet.

You remember gentlemen that Dr. Doremus said, Coe died of an internal hemorrhage.

That is the key to the whole situation.

Archer Coe, already a dying man, walked upstairs.

What is even more terrible, he did not know that he had been stabbed.

He went to his room, and feeling a little faint probably, he removed his coat and vest, and hung them in the closet, where we found them.

He put on his pajama top, and went to the window, and raised the shade.

Can you imagine the killer's emotions when, from some place in the apartment house, across the vacant lot, he looked over, and saw the man he thought he had killed, standing there at a window?

He knew then that he had to go back and complete his job to save himself.

Feeling very faint by now, Archer Coe went from the window to the chair beside his desk, where he sat down.

There he started to remove his shoes.

You remember just how we found him.

In the very act of removing them, before we get one of them entirely off, he died.

I don't think he ever knew what killed him.

Now we come to the most awful part of the tragedy, Brisbane Coe came back to the house with a cleverly worked out plan for killing his brother.

He also knew that it was the servant's night out, and that he would not be disturbed.

He went down the hall to the library, and from the drawer of the desk, he took Archer Coe's own revolver, and put it into his pocket.

Then turning out the light on the desk, he went out of the room.

He hung his stick over the chair in the hall, and tiptoed up the stairs, and into Archer Coe's room.

He saw his brother sitting in his easy chair, apparently asleep.

I can see him tiptoe across the room.

And from somewhere, just across the desk, he took out the revolver, and with careful aim, he pulled the trigger.

(gun firing) Meantime, the killer, believing that he had only wounded Archer Coe, came back by the same route to finish his job.

And Brisbane closed the window, lowered the shade, and, returning to the body, he carefully placed the gun in Archer's hand, as though it had been suicide.

Then, he went to the door, and with the two pieces of string, pins, and the darning needle, he was able to bolt the door on the inside just as I showed you.

A very clever device gentlemen, which he had discovered in the book of "Unsolved Murders," which we found in his suitcase.

Then gentleman, Brisbane went on down the stairs, little knowing what awaited him there.

The killer mistook Brisbane for Archer Coe, and drove the dagger into Brisbane's back.

Then to hide the body, he dragged it into the closet.

I doubt he even discovered his mistake until the next day.

>> That's great but who did all that?

>> Well, you can search me.

I'm going screwy.

>> And you can include me in that, Sergeant.

>> Haven't you got any ideas at all, Vance?

>> Markham, it's a maze of conflicting clues.

Any one of seven people might have done it.

>> We couldn't convict seven people, Mr. Vance.

>> You couldn't convict one with the evidence you've got.

Gentlemen, I'm afraid we're completely stopped.

>> Licked.

>> I hate to admit it, but it looks that way.

>> Vance, in all the years we've worked together, I've never heard you say that before.

>> I know, I'm sorry, Markham.

>> What are we going to do about it?

>> I don't know.

Are you sure you've checked up on all the alibis?

>> Every one of them.

>> Mr. Markham: And you've gone over the fingerprint situation with your boy?

>> Heath: Yes, sir.

>> Well, you've slipped up somewhere Sergeant, but there must be something that we can get our teeth into.

>> Markham, I suggest that you dismiss this case.

>> What?

>> Dismiss it?

>> Yes, turn all the suspects loose.

>> I can just see all the newspapers in this town screaming for a new District Attorney.

>> We can probably cover you up all right, Mr. Markham.

I've said it was suicidal all along.

>> Yes, I know.

We could put that solution on it, but I hate to do it.

All right Sergeant, go ahead, turn them loose.

>> Turn 'em loose?

>> Yes.

>> Well, Mr. Vance, this is once we're both stuck.

>> When you give up Vance, I'm sunk.

>> Oh I haven't given up.

I have another idea.

>> Huh?

>> If it works, I'll have your killer for you in half an hour.

I'm going to arrange a little meeting with him now.

>> What?

But you let me dismiss all the suspects.

>> That's just what I wanted you to do.

Hello.

Uh, this is Mr. Vance.

I hope I haven't disturbed you.

I wonder if you'd do me a little favor.

>> Mr. Markham.

>> Yes.

>> Can I see you a minute?

That suicide story might work all well for Archer Coe, but I forgot all about Brisbane.

>> Well, never mind about that now.

Just release the suspects as I told you.

>> All right.

>> Yes.

That's right.

At 4:30, just get him into an argument.

Oh, I'll have him with me, and I'm depending on his instinct.

That's right.

Thanks.

If we can catch him off his guard, I think he'll give himself away.

Come on, Markham, we've got to get there before, 4:25.

>> Vance.

They're in the library now.

>> Oh darling let me help you.

>> All right.

(brakes screeching) >> Well that's the first time we've used bloodhounds in police work since I wore high-buttoned shoes.

>> Red flannel underwear?

>> Oh I always wear red-flanneled underwear.

>> So do I.

>> I want your bridal suite on the, on the Caronia.

Sailing at midnight.

That's right.

Thank you.

>> Sailing at midnight?

Lady McDonald, is it the title that dazzles you so much?

Or is it the fortune she'll inherit that makes her so attractive, sir Thomas?

>> Raymond, are you crazy?

>> It isn't the first time a fortune has bought a title.

>> It so happens, I'm not in need of a fortune.

Possibly you are- >> Raymond, you've no right to interfere this way.

>> Raymond: No right, well, I'll take that right.

You think you're both sailing at midnight.

Well, it won't work.

You're going all right, sir Thomas, but you're going alone.

>> Really?

>> Yes, and you're going now.

(grunting) (screaming) >> Hilda: Raymond!

(dog barking) >> Vance: Ah, the poker again, huh?

(screaming) (grunting) (screaming) (grunting) (muttering) >> Hold him.

Why did you kill Archer Coe?

Why did you kill him?

>> I didn't mean to kill him.

>> But you did, eh?

>> I tell you I didn't mean to kill him.

He struck me when I told him I wanted to marry Hilda.

I, I lost my head.

I hit him with a poker.

I don't remember anything after that.

>> What about Brisbane?

>> There was a terrible mistake.

>> And McDonald?

>> I still would kill him if I could.

>> There's your man, Sergeant.

>> You made a fatal mistake Wrede, when you reached for that poker.

Somebody swiped my bracelets.

>> You dropped them in the pantry.

>> Oh.

All right, Hennessy.

Take him down and book him.

>> I want to thank you very much for your cooperation >> Tom: Not at all.

>> It was, sir Thomas I telephoned from your office, Markham.

He very cleverly helped us stage this little scene.

We have to thank the dog for the rest.

>> Well, we did it again Mr. Vance.

>> Congratulations, Sergeant.

>> Thank you.

I'll certainly mention you in my story to the papers.

>> Thank you.

>> Oh, that's all right Mr. Vance.

(chuckling) (laughing) (grand orchestral music)