The Falcon - Larcenous Lark

0:00Now, the case of the Larsonis lock. It's late Wednesday night in New York, and an Arne Kessler's very private gambling club on E 69th Street, tall handsome grey-haired George Watkins stands at the end of the ice table shaking the dice cup in his manicured hand and makes his role. Five's your number, right, oh? Once again, Watkins shakes the cup, come on, little five and makes his role. Seven. Watkins smiles Riley shrugs lightly, puts down the cup and pushes through the crowd. He finds the door to Kessler's private office open and walks in. Kessler is seated at the desk. Oh, Watkins! Good on. Thanks. How did you go tonight? Well, for you, fine.

1:01I'm clean. Tough luck. Oh, bound to change. How's my credit? Stranged the limit. I'm afraid I'll have to close the book on you. That's all I wanted to know. Good evening, Kessler. Are you at dawn for thirty-five grand, Watkins? That's a lot of groceries. I understand. I'm a realist, Kessler. I don't fool myself, no false pride, so I have to face the fact. The moment I'm no big shot, I'm flat, I'm bummed, and restment. I'm surprised you carried me this far. Oh, you'll pay off. I'm glad you're so sure. It's my business to be sure. In that case, a little more credit? No, let's not overdo a good thing, Chum. Got to draw the line somewhere, you know. You just pay that thirty-five and you're going to have all the credit you like. All right? I'll get it. You bet you were Watkins. You bet.

2:06All right, Rex, here you are. Just sign these papers and I'll run along. Just a minute, Watkins. We had to get this. How do you like this phrase? Da-da-da-da-da. You're right, it's corny. Maybe it's better like this. Da-da-da-da-da. Now, now it's better be four. Rex, you please, I've got to be going. Okay, Watkins, give me the papers. Here you are. Here's the pen. Okay. You know, it's funny. I had it the right way in my head, but it's gone. D-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d. No. I tell you, if I could remember, it's terrific. All right, Rex, but look what you're doing. Sign in my name. I've got a look for that. Don't you even read what you sign? I can't be bothered. That's what I pay Watkins for. My business manager, how Watkins? That's right, now. Now these checks, all right. So, you'd be interested. Interested? In where razors and double entries and capital gains, I say it's spinach and for Watkins with it. Okay, Watkins, hey, yeah. Right, now, you can get back to your word. And so long, Rex.

3:07Goodbye, Mr. Long. Yeah, I'll be seeing you. Bye. You've got to catch it. It's a natural belief, right? What do you know about him? Who? Watkins. Oh, great. Save me nearly 10 grand, and income taxes last year. If you don't even check on him, I... Rita, Rita, I know what I'm doing. I make the mula. What concedes that I don't spend it faster than I make it? That's all. Who's the C. He doesn't spend it? Oh, for the love of Pete Rieger. I mean it. You expect me to marry you? You've got to have some sense of responsibility. Yeah, sure, sure. Baby, baby, there it is. Ta, da, ta, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da. I know, I get it. You like? Not bad. Not bad. It's great. What are you doing? I call him I no good of an agent. Rex, I'm trying to take it. Not now, honey. Not now. No. Hello. Hello, Haloran. Haloran, listen. I've got a number, even you'll be able to sell it. Who is it? Who is it? The cold porter of the 50s. I'm telling you, I've got something that'll make you. Rex! Who else? Look, Rex, before you get off. I will shut up. You haven't even heard it yet. It goes with those lyrics I showed you yesterday.

4:08Now listen. Yes? Well? It's a nice tune, Rex. But you're not a judge. No, but, Halloween, this is it. How soon can you get it to Sinatra? The reasonable Rex we can't do. Now look, I don't want any argument. All the time I bang out songs that sell themselves, you try to sit on them. If it wasn't for that contract, believe me, brother, you'd be out. But fair. Listen to the corn ball. Why were you before I took you over? Strickly minor leagues. How's the big leagues in your beaten, huh? You got a nice tune. I'll go and I can't. Now look, shut up. I want you over here this afternoon. I understand. That creep always got to give me conversation. You think a guy gets some encouragement once in a while, but no, nice tone, he says. And you won't even listen. Got a gap about what? I listen, Rex. It's just that I'm worried. Do you have to turn everything over to watch him? All right, look. I'll take it once more. It's slow. Now try to dig it this time, baby. Will you? When you're getting the chips, you're high yourself a business manager. Everybody does it. I'm not the only one. Thanks so much for telling me.

5:08That everybody doesn't just sign papers and checks without even knowing what they are. All right, let's not get in a hassle about it, huh? Well, if we're going to get married. Who says we're going to get married? Well, if it's going to be nag, nag, nag, all at once. You're not serious. Maybe I am. I don't know. Why was only trying to be helpful? I don't see. Why, yeah. Why? Oh, but Pete's sake. Look, baby, I got a great idea banging along my head. I want to get it on paper. Do you have to pitch a hissing now? I'm sorry, Mexico. Now, will you cut it out? Honey, honey, look. Doggonna listen. Will you? All right, I'll call Watkins. I'll get an appointment. See, he'll explain just how I stand for naturally. Black and white. Get it all figured out. Now, will you please turn off the Niagara and let me get to work? Oh, oh, Kisler. Hello, Watkins. Might have I come in?

6:08No, of course not. Thanks. As a matter of fact, I have something for you. Glad to hear it. Yes. You are? One, two, three, four, five grand. Oh, God. At least an even 30. It may take a little time. Oh, that's all right. Just as long as you settle up before you leave town. Leave town. What makes you think? You bought a ticket for Chicago this morning. How do you know? Have you been having me followed? Let's just say I have a very sensitive Ouija board. You see, Watkins, when I have money outstanding, I'd like to keep in touch. That's why I don't want you going away until the account is closed. I should have expected this. Very well, Kisler. You've got me. No, you're denying. There's the ticket. I was leaving. As a matter of fact, I'm on a bit of a spot. Let's face it, I am trapped.

7:09How strong? I'll tell you. Always was one for cards on the table. It's like this. That 5,000 I just paid you came from Rex Elber. Only Elber doesn't know it. I had counted on him for considerably more. From time to time, you understand? You can't rush these things or they show up. Well, Elber called a few minutes ago. He wants to go over the account. I know what's gotten into him all of a sudden, but there it is. He wants me counting. I can't possibly explain the check I cashed it. If it hadn't happened so fast, you were going to run out. Well, what can I do? Perhaps if you give me back that 5,000 and I return it to Rex, he may not press the charges. Sure. I blow 5 grand if Elber decides not to play ball-yore in the soup anyhow. Well, it was a thought. I don't call that thinking. Well, what can I do? Elber isn't your only client. You have others. That's why I give you credit. Now they watch closer.

8:10Still, I suppose over a period of time, I could raise the rest. Take it time. I won't rush things as long as I get payments on a card like this every so often. But I don't have time. That's just it. Elber wants a showdown today. Can't you stall him? I'm not for long. Only I could keep him from asking about that check. There must be something I can do. Not only there must be Watkins. There better be. Come in, Doss. Okay, now what can I do? Hey, wait a minute. What's the idea?

9:17Yeah? This way Mike, wearing a lives the Falcon. Yeah. You him? I'm he. Well, how are his name? Vic Halorand, Rex Elber's agent. Congratulations. On what? Being Elber's agent. Must be a gold mine. Gold and goose more like. Somebody kill him. Oh, yeah. That's why I'm here. I need to detect it. I heard a lot about you. I'll always figure anybody has a reputation. You must have something on the board. I'll concede the point. Shall we go inside and talk business? No need. I'll only be a minute. I discovered the body, see? So I'm on a spot. Cops just put me through the ringer. Any reason you should be suspected? Other than discovering the body. They suspect everybody. Oh, and you get nothing to worry about. None more than anybody else. All right. It's like this, see? Who likes his agent? All the time, gripes. How come you aren't doing more for me? Rex and me had words often. Loud words. But he's my meal ticket. I'm going to knock off my own meal ticket. Oh, yes. The gold and goose. Get out of here, will you, Warren? Okay, Halorand. Try read a fawn, war of the zigzag club. You think she did it? She'll make stuff in it. How do you know? She's a dame. Rex's current.

10:17If I leave me anything like this, always include the dame in. I'll make a note of it. Dames are trouble. You can count it. Nothing but trouble. Halorand, you're speaking of the women I love. Take it from me, Warren. Nothing but trouble. Spoken like a confirmed bachelor. Bachelor. I'm paying Alamone three ways. Now get on it, Warren. Will you? Mike Wearing has been in Vic Halorand's employer for 20 minutes. Just long enough to get from his own place to the zigzag club, where Rita Vaughn has just admitted him to a dressing room. All right, Mr. Wearing. Now, what is it? Well, there's no question about it. You're a dame. What is it? And dames are trouble. Oh. I have it on the authority of a three-time loser. And you're looking for trouble. Rex Elba's trouble. Were you it? I was his dame. But I had nothing to do with his death. So if that's all you want, you might as well run along.

11:19Who said it's all I want? I can tell you who killed Rex if that's what you want. Well, I'd like to get around with that angel, but I'm in no hurry. His business manager, George Watkins. Why do you say that? Rex had an appointment with Watkins today to check on Watkins' handling of Rex as affairs. The murder was a little too opportune to be a coincidence. All right, Rita. I'll check on it. Well, you can't check on it in here. Hey, you seem in a hurry to get rid of me. I'm on it a few minutes. I'd like to get ready. And the show must go on. You said it, Mr. Wearing. Maybe you think I'm taking Rex's death to... Maybe you think it doesn't mean anything. Put up. Get out of here with you. Hello, George Watkins Run. I want to know Mike Wearing. Well, well, the Balkan. This is an unexpected pleasure.

12:20You must be on it, Kesson. I must be. Can I have your drink? No thanks. You get around a lot. 33. I'll come you, run around here. Could be. I like to live. You're no better than the Buck Pahouse percentage, Wearing. That's no way to encourage this. Some kinds of business I can do without. So you're looking for George Watkins. Yeah, I understand he's a regular patron here. I wanted to confirm it. You expect answers from me? No, I guess not. Is that all you wanted? Well, I'd like to know how Watkins was doing. No, no, no, no. Well, I didn't think you'd tell me. I'm not crazy. I start talking about my clients affairs. I'd be out of business fast. Well, in that case, I guess I'm just wasting my time around here. I'm glad to realize it. Might as well be running. Oh, no need to run, Wearing. You can walk as long as it's to the nearest exit.

13:31Hello? Yes, this is Johnny Kessler. Yes, Kessler. What is it? Oh, no, that Rick Silver wanted an accounting with you today. Well, I didn't know anyone did except you. Why? Mike Warrick was just here at the Balkan. He guessed you'd been losing the tables. Oh dear. Well, I actually still guessing I didn't give him anything. But if he's checking. I don't think he can prove anything. But I thought you wanted to know. Yes, yes, thanks, Kessler. Look at him. Look at him. Of course. That girl. What girl? Rita Vaughn. Never did care for her style of singing. Maybe I can figure a way to make her change her tune. Hello, Rita. Oh, Mr. Wearing. Back again, huh? I thought I'd catch the last show. But as long as your table hopping, how about pushing it minds for a while? Well, I only have a minute. I'll settle for that.

14:31All right. I've been checking on Watkins. I'm not anything. Uh-huh. He likes the gamble. Oh, well, I could explain. Uh-uh. What's wrong? Speak of the devil. Hello, Mr. Watkins. Hello, Rita. Am I interrupting anything? As you certainly are. But sit down, you old devil. I beg your pardon. Oh, Mr. Watkins, this is Michael Wearing. Wearing? Oh, yes. Yes, I have heard of you. From Ronnie Kessloon. Why do you ask that? Why don't you answer it? I want to talk to Rita. Mm-hmm. Get in the line. I was here for a second. I'm afraid I'll have to just go and vote for your time for my number. See you later. I'm afraid of talking about me wearing as Rita. I intend to. All right, ladies and gentlemen. Now here she is. A little lady of hope in waiting for her to play and sing for her. Rita Vaughn. Oh, great. Thank you. Thank you. Well, I have something to say. I have something that I hope will be a treat for you with the brand new number that I wrote

15:32myself. And here it is for the first time anywhere. I hope you like it. I wonder why she didn't come back to the table wearing. She said something scary. Didn't you see her face when she left the floor? I didn't notice. That's why I wanted to get back here to the dressing room. There it is. Somebody's in there. Yeah. Look out, Wattens. Let's see if the store's unlocked. Yeah, it is. Yes, Rita. Come to take you in my arms. Not while you're waiting shooting, I am. Sorry, Warrings, she missed. So I see, Halloran. But let's not give her another shot at you. What are you doing here anyway? She's a crook. She hit me. That's why I grabbed the gun. It was self defense. She's a crook, a grave robber. Did you hit her? We were arguing. Did you hit her? What difference is there? She hit her, Halloran. Well, maybe I did. And the gunplay really was self defense. I told you.

16:32But I want Halloran to tell me. Yes, it was. All right. Then I can let her go. Which is I enjoy holding you in my arms. Rita, I like it under different circumstances. Now, what went on in here? Well, when I heard her singing that song. Did you hear? I didn't see you in the club. I was over at the side near the door. All right, you heard the song. Yeah. She said it was her song. She made it up. I did. Rex called me this morning. All hopped up. Here's a new number. Place it for me over the phone. It's this very song, Warrings. It's very song. I played it for Rex. That's where he got it. We were going to publish it under his name. We thought it would be more popular. Look, I know Rex's style. You can't do it. I know his style too. I was influenced by it. I admit that. But I wrote that song. That's a lie. I'll even if it is. Halloran, is there any call to slug the girl? Or did you just toss that in because you don't like Dane? I couldn't help blowing my lid wearing. I'm sorry, but this crooked day. All right. All right, hold it. Rita, you say you made up this song? Yes. When? This morning. Rex was working on his tune. It was something like this one. But not the same. And what things you were there? You remember? Yes.

17:32And then what can's left? And Rex and I were talking and all of a sudden it came to me. And you played it for Rex? Yes. And he played it for Halloran. Yes. And he told me that. I know what he told you. Did you play it for anyone else, Rita? Until tonight? No. And it's just you're working as Halloran's. Well, yes, but I... I hope you hope to prove wearing each one will stick to his own story. Oh, I think I've proved plenty. What can...what? Who killed Rex Elder? You what? I've proved who killed Rex Elder. Maybe that isn't as important as who wrote the music, but it should determine who's going to have to face it. Who wearing? Well, considering that Watkins is in deep the Kessler. Where'd you get that idea? Maybe from Kessler himself. You couldn't, why not? Because I... Because I don't owe him. That's not what Kessler told me, Watkins. He didn't tell you anything. What makes you so sure? He told me he didn't. And there must be something he could... Rita, look out! Oh, don't! Who make wearing? I've got the gun from her. What good do you think it's going to do you? Well, there's one sure thing. Won't do you any good if you make a move. So stay where you are all of you. I'm getting out of here. I'm getting out of here.

18:45Fifteen minutes have passed since George Watkins grabbed Rita's gun and beat her hasty retreat from this zigzag club. Mike has used that time to hurry to Ony Kessler's apartment. But Kessler's thug rocky is just ushered him in. Here he is, Mr. Kessler. Yeah. All right, Warring. What is it this time? Well, I put you on kind of a spot, Kessler. I figured I ought to tell you. What kind of a spot? I told George Watkins you'd tipped me about his own you. He grabbed the gun and cleared out. I thought he might come here. Thanks for the warning. I can take care of myself. Sure. Still, I thought you ought to know. All right. But how come he fell for your bluff? Oh, I guess he's out of his element. I imagine that until today, except for weakness for gambling, Watkins stuck pretty close to the straightener of. Yeah. And since he really is in the hook to you, is he running out all the clinch it? How did I know he ran out? Just because you say so? And I see you're not as green as Watkins. Disappointed? No, I expected it.

19:45Well, that could be the answer to if I'm bluffing. Yeah. Iraqi. Okay, Mr. Kessler. And just in case Warring isn't bluffing, you're that's Watkins checking for artillery. Right. I want to see Kessler. Sure. Turn around. Why? So far you're right, Warring. It's Watkins. When you get to know me better, Kessler, you'll never doubt me. I'm glad. All right, Mr. Kessler. Here he is. And here's his heater. Warring. Hello, Watkins. I've been expecting you. I should have known. You are on his side, Kessler. That's what he wants you to think. But if he shut up, let me do the talk. Certainly. Certainly. Might as well face it. I bungled again and played right into his hand. Maybe, but now we have him on our home ground. And please, Kessler, no violence. That's not what I had in mind. At least for now. As long as we're both here together, he can't play one off against the other like he's been doing. Oh, that's not necessary. I've proved my point. I wouldn't say so. You rattled Watkins. He lost his head. And came running to you. Why? To check on what you told him. He thought I might have lied about him.

20:46You mean you wanted to see if you told the truth about him? It's not you, Kessler. I know he's in hockey, you know. Now that I know who the murder is, it's the only thing that makes sense. Oh, you know that, too? I sure. Waring, I know how it looks. Out of the talking organs. Are you suggesting that Watkins killed Elba? Where? Oh, I haven't said that. But I thought you shouldn't jump the conclusions, Watkins. Well, but then I don't understand. Unless you think I'm the murderer, what difference does it make if I owe Kessler money? My relation to him doesn't affect anyone else. It affects Kessler. But surely you can't think he killed Rex, why they didn't even know each other. I know they didn't. Well, then, oh wait. Elba demanded an accounting with you today, didn't he Watkins? Never mind, I don't answer, but you know he did. And you've been juggling the account to pay off, Kessler, so you got pennicked. Well, shut up, Watkins. Yes. All right, you told Kessler about the spot you were in. You paid off part of what you owed him, but there was still a heavy balance. Elba sent you to jail, Kessler would never get his balance. So he killed Elba to protect his investment.

21:48So that's it? How many times do I have to tell you to shut up Watkins? I'm the one who let the shut up, Kessler. But before you decide on the rough play you so thoughtfully postponed before, you ought to know the police know I came up here. Yeah. You think I'd have stuck my neck out like this otherwise? Let's face it, Kessler. The jig is up. One thing I don't understand wearing. What's that, Halorun? You said my argument with Rita about the song is what tipped you to the murderer. That's it, didn't. But if Kessler's the murderer, he had nothing to do with the song. That's just the point. What? He didn't know Elba had nothing to do with it. Then how could he... Look, Halorun. Regardless of who really wrote the song. Either way, we know that until last night only you and Rita and Elba had ever heard the song, right? Yes. But when I was at Kessler's before Rita played it at the club, Kessler was humming the song.

22:48He was. He was. So I knew he must have been at Elba's. Remember Elba was at the piano when he was murdered? He must have been playing the tune when Kessler killed him. And I see. So that takes care of the murder. Now everything is settled except who really wrote the song. Oh, that's settled too. Oh, it is? Yes, I was wrong. Rita wrote it all right. We had a long talk and she convinced me. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, quite a day wearing. Quite a day. Quite a day. Like you didn't like games. Who me? Oh, all I said was anybody who falls for a day must be nuts. Well, wearing take hands with Napoleon Bonaparte.