- 7/5/2025
The Secret of the Whistler is a 1946 American mystery film noir based on the radio drama The Whistler. Directed by George Sherman, the production features Richard Dix, Leslie Brooks and Michael Duane. It is the sixth of Columbia Pictures' eight "Whistler" films produced in the 1940s, all but the last starring Dix.
Plot: An artist married to a wealthy but ill woman begins an affair with one of his models, who is after him solely for his money. His wife discovers the affair and threatens to cut him out of her will. In order to be able to keep both the wife's money and his girlfriend, he begins to secretly poison his wife - but events take a surprising turn after she eventually dies.
Plot: An artist married to a wealthy but ill woman begins an affair with one of his models, who is after him solely for his money. His wife discovers the affair and threatens to cut him out of her will. In order to be able to keep both the wife's money and his girlfriend, he begins to secretly poison his wife - but events take a surprising turn after she eventually dies.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The End
00:01:00I am the whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night.
00:01:08I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows.
00:01:15Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.
00:01:20And tonight, in this obscure section of a large city, we find a woman shopping for an unusual item.
00:01:30Find anything you like?
00:01:39Yes.
00:01:40I'll show you.
00:01:44I want this one.
00:01:46In marble.
00:01:47Yes, ma'am, but executed in marble, it will be quite expensive and around $5,000 and will require about three months' work.
00:01:58Three months?
00:01:59That'll be all right.
00:02:00And, uh, what will the inscription be, please?
00:02:06Edith Marie Harrison.
00:02:09Beloved wife of Ralph Harrison.
00:02:12Date of birth?
00:02:13February 4th, 1901.
00:02:16Date of death?
00:02:18I'm not sure yet.
00:02:20You'll be notified.
00:02:21And, uh, what is your name, please?
00:02:26Edith Marie Harrison.
00:02:37Well, Jimmy.
00:02:38Hello, Ralph.
00:02:39Welcome.
00:02:40I don't think I've met...
00:02:42Nay, this is Ralph Harrison, our host.
00:02:44Ralph, this is Kay Murrell, my favorite model.
00:02:46Well, this is an unexpected pleasure.
00:02:48Jim always did have an eye for beauty.
00:02:50Please go on.
00:02:51I love flattery.
00:02:53She isn't just kidding.
00:02:54I'll take you to the Oasis.
00:02:56Ah, loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and that.
00:02:59I'll settle for a tall drink.
00:03:02Ralph!
00:03:03Linda!
00:03:04Shoot.
00:03:04Well, good to see you.
00:03:06Meet the boyfriend, Joe Conroy.
00:03:08Oh, the super columnist.
00:03:10This is a pleasure.
00:03:11The pleasure's all mine, Mr. Harrison.
00:03:12Well, the bar's over there.
00:03:14Each are there.
00:03:15Just go do it.
00:03:43Shall we dance?
00:03:55Why not?
00:04:13You know, I've only known you five minutes, and I've got you in my arms already.
00:04:27So?
00:04:29Very nice.
00:04:30Your phone's ringing, Ralph.
00:04:32Oh, so it is. Excuse me.
00:04:34Hurry back.
00:04:43Ralph Harrison speaking.
00:04:51Yes, Laura.
00:04:52Your wife has just had another heart attack, worse than any of the others.
00:04:55I've sent for Dr. Winthrop.
00:04:57I'll be right home.
00:04:58I'll be right home.
00:05:28Nobody's going to miss him.
00:05:29You took the words right out of my mouth.
00:05:32I don't see why everybody picks on him.
00:05:34I think he's rather nice.
00:05:37Why do you attend his parties if you don't like him?
00:05:40Why not?
00:05:40Somebody's got to help drink his liquor and eat his food.
00:05:43It's too good to pass up.
00:05:46That, my friend, is one of Ralph's paintings.
00:05:52What the devil do you call that?
00:05:54Or am I showing a colossal ignorance of art?
00:05:57That is the alterer of something or other.
00:06:01He calls it Autumn Symphony.
00:06:04You mean he actually sells things like that?
00:06:06No.
00:06:07He doesn't have to.
00:06:09His wife gives him all the money he needs.
00:06:10How is she?
00:06:24Well, don't stand there staring at me.
00:06:26You'll have to ask the doctor.
00:06:27He's up there with her now.
00:06:29Well, what brought on the attack?
00:06:31She was all right at dinner.
00:06:32She left the house shortly after you did.
00:06:34And?
00:06:35And she returned about an hour later in a highly nervous state.
00:06:38The attack came on while she was getting ready for bed.
00:06:41Did she say where she'd been?
00:06:43No, and Jules didn't drive her.
00:06:44She took a taxi.
00:06:46What's the good having a doctor?
00:06:47She won't take his advice.
00:06:48I pleaded with her not to go, but she said it was urgent.
00:06:53I'd like to speak to you privately, Mr. Harrison.
00:06:56Come in here.
00:06:57I'm afraid her life expectancy will be very limited.
00:07:05A few months, perhaps, maybe only weeks.
00:07:08Well, I couldn't get along without her.
00:07:11Is there anything you can do?
00:07:12There's no cure for a condition such as hers.
00:07:15You'd better go up now before the sedative I gave her puts her to sleep.
00:07:20There'll be a nurse here presently, and she'll follow my instructions.
00:07:27There'll be a nurse here.
00:07:57I'm sorry I had to stand for you.
00:08:15I hope they didn't frighten you.
00:08:18I'm terribly sorry I wasn't here when you needed me.
00:08:21You shouldn't have gone out tonight, darling.
00:08:24Supposing you were taking help when you were away from home?
00:08:27Please take better care of yourself for my sake, as well as your own.
00:08:33I won't do anything foolish you can.
00:08:35I promise.
00:08:36Fred, how about getting me some breakfast?
00:08:50Sure will, Mr. Harrison.
00:09:06Fruit juice and a large pot of black coffee.
00:09:09Yes, sir.
00:09:10Well, sir.
00:09:17Come on.
00:09:47Hi, Jim.
00:09:59Hi.
00:10:00Hello, Kay.
00:10:01Hello.
00:10:02Oh, don't look so sour.
00:10:04I'm only going to stay for a minute.
00:10:06I, uh, wanted to return this.
00:10:09You left at the studio last night.
00:10:12Thank you, Ralph.
00:10:13By the way, Jim, I like to borrow Kay when you're through with her for a while.
00:10:16Well, I, uh, I've looked all over for a model like her.
00:10:19I don't know when I'll finish with her.
00:10:21Fibber, you said you'd be through with me this afternoon.
00:10:24Well, anytime.
00:10:25I'm in no hurry.
00:10:26Whenever she's available.
00:10:28It's a deal.
00:10:29I'll drop over as soon as Jim is fed up with me.
00:10:31That's what I wanted to hear.
00:10:32Well, goodbye, Jim.
00:10:39Why did you agree to pose for him?
00:10:41Well, I have to earn a living, don't I?
00:10:43Yeah, but you don't have to pose for a slap-and-dab painter like him.
00:10:45Sam, where's your pride?
00:10:47I can't eat pride, darling.
00:10:48Besides, you said yourself he pays double the scale.
00:10:51So what?
00:10:52Do you want that beautiful face of yours featured in some, uh, delirium like his autumn symphony?
00:10:57Couldn't be that you're jealous, could it?
00:11:00All right, so I am.
00:11:01I saw the way he went for you last night.
00:11:05Don't worry, darling.
00:11:06He's just a pigeon to me.
00:11:08Well, maybe so.
00:11:10But you be careful.
00:11:10And if he gets fresh, why, uh, threaten to tell his wife?
00:11:14That'll stop him quick.
00:11:16If he loses that meal ticket, he'll have to go back making sketches at the fairground.
00:11:21Well, you finally managed to get here, I see.
00:11:24Don't pick on me, Mac.
00:11:25I had a rough night.
00:11:26I thought you were old enough to know better.
00:11:28I am.
00:11:29But Linda dragged me along to one of those artist shindigs.
00:11:33I got a tip on a story here that's right down your alley.
00:11:36Yeah, good.
00:11:37Recall that unidentified stiff the Coast Guard pulled out of the bay several months ago?
00:11:41Yeah, but spare the details.
00:11:42My stomach is doing nip-ups already.
00:11:44Well, Mr. X's grave in Pottersfield now bears a magnificent monument instead of a numbered marker.
00:11:49What does it say on the inscription?
00:11:51That's the point.
00:11:52There is no inscription.
00:11:54Well, that means somebody identified him but didn't want it known.
00:11:56Right.
00:11:58I think I need a little fresh air.
00:12:00I don't know the name of the firm that set up the monument.
00:12:02You ask Parker.
00:12:02He discovered it.
00:12:03Thanks, Mike.
00:12:06Yes, I'll take care of it right away.
00:12:09Goodbye.
00:12:13Good morning, sir.
00:12:14Are you interested in selecting a memorial?
00:12:17No, but I am interested in finding out who purchased the beautiful edifice for that nameless grave in Pottersfield.
00:12:23I'm Conroy of the News Tribune.
00:12:25Oh, well, I'm afraid I can't give you the answer.
00:12:28You see, we don't know the name of the purchaser.
00:12:30How come?
00:12:31Well, it happened like this.
00:12:32The order came in the mail, signed a friend.
00:12:35Enclosed with it were $25, $100 bills.
00:12:37So we filled the order.
00:12:39It's none of our business if the friend wishes to remain anonymous.
00:12:43Well, certainly not.
00:12:44But buying a monument without giving an inscription sounds screwy to me.
00:12:48Those sort of things are common in our business.
00:12:50Why, only last night a woman came in here shopping for a tombstone.
00:12:53She picked out one of those big gates of jar numbers.
00:12:55And when I asked her for the inscription, she said, Edith Marie Harrison, beloved wife of Ralph Harrison.
00:13:01Ralph Harrison?
00:13:03Yes, do you know him?
00:13:04I know an artist by that name.
00:13:06Well, anyhow, when I asked her for her name, she said, Edith Marie Harrison, just like that.
00:13:12Never batted an eye.
00:13:14You mean she bought the monument for herself?
00:13:16Why, yes.
00:13:17Isn't that one for the book?
00:13:18Yeah.
00:13:26You may have ten minutes with your husband now.
00:13:29Oh, how nice.
00:13:29If you promise to control your emotions.
00:13:31I will.
00:13:33Miss Bailey, would you please bring me a lipstick?
00:13:36And my diary from the desk drawer.
00:13:38Now, now, now.
00:13:39You will have plenty of time for your diary when I permit you to sit up.
00:13:42All right.
00:13:43Let's see how much you can improve by my next visit, huh?
00:13:46I will.
00:13:47Goodbye.
00:13:47Goodbye, Dr. Winthrop.
00:13:48We will continue with the same medication for the next 24 hours.
00:13:55Yes, doctor.
00:14:03You may see her now, but make it brief.
00:14:05Now, wipe that worried look from your face before you go in.
00:14:18Ralph, darling.
00:14:25Dear, dear, dear, dear.
00:14:26Oh, I'm so glad you're better.
00:14:32You know, I didn't sleep last night worrying about you.
00:14:35You're such a dear.
00:14:36And all the lovely flowers.
00:14:38Thank you very much.
00:14:38What did the doctor say?
00:14:39What did the doctor say?
00:14:41Well, he's convinced that you will recover completely.
00:14:44That you're going to have to stay in bed, perhaps for weeks.
00:14:48I was afraid he'd say that.
00:14:51What difference does that make?
00:14:53We'll make it up by taking a trip somewhere.
00:14:56We'll make believe we're on our honeymoon again.
00:14:57It'll be wonderful, Ralph.
00:15:00You better rest a while, Kay.
00:15:26I'll get you a cold drink.
00:15:30There you are.
00:15:45You're a most considered employer.
00:15:53Penny for your thoughts.
00:15:55Oh, they're not worth a penny.
00:15:57As a matter of fact, I'm not in the mood for sketching.
00:15:58What do you generally do to get in the mood?
00:16:01Oh, go to my mart, have lunch, listen to the gypsy music.
00:16:06Why don't you try it again?
00:16:07I can find something around here to do in the meantime.
00:16:11I want you to go with me.
00:16:13Oh?
00:16:14Maybe your wife wouldn't like it.
00:16:16Oh, she's not that conventional.
00:16:18Well, I am a bit hungry.
00:16:20Good, let's go.
00:16:21Good, let's go.
00:16:22Good.
00:16:22Good, God.
00:16:22I'm going to get you.
00:16:23Go.
00:16:25All right, good.
00:16:29Go.
00:16:30Good.
00:16:32Good, good.
00:16:34Good.
00:16:37Good.
00:16:38Good.
00:16:48What's troubling you, Ralph?
00:17:00You seem to be brooding over something.
00:17:03Oh, I don't want to bore you with my troubles.
00:17:07It might make you feel better if you got it off your chest.
00:17:10Well, when I left my party the other night, I was called home.
00:17:14My wife had suffered her second heart attack.
00:17:16Oh, how awful.
00:17:19I came back to the party later because there wasn't anything I could do.
00:17:24In fact, I'm afraid there isn't anything anyone can do.
00:17:28No wonder you couldn't work.
00:17:31It must have taken a lot of courage even to attempt it.
00:17:34You don't know the strain it's been, living from day to day,
00:17:37not knowing what moment I'll get word that she's had another attack or passed on.
00:17:42Poor soul.
00:17:43Think of the strain on her, too,
00:17:45knowing she's only living on borrowed time.
00:17:48Yes, getting me down.
00:17:50Isn't there any chance for her to get well?
00:17:53Doctor says not.
00:17:55That's why I need companionship.
00:17:57Trying to forget.
00:17:58I'm so glad you told me, Ralph.
00:18:00I only wish there was something I could do to help you.
00:18:04There is.
00:18:06If you'll just be my friend,
00:18:08dine with me occasionally,
00:18:10let me confide in you,
00:18:12it'll help a lot.
00:18:13Left hand for friendship.
00:18:15Hiya, kitten.
00:18:21Hi.
00:18:23Come on, peel off that Eskimo parka.
00:18:24I'm taking you to a place where they make crepe Suzettes that are out of this world.
00:18:28What? At this hour? It's after 12.
00:18:29So what? Suzettes always taste better along toward morning,
00:18:32seeing as how they're pancakes.
00:18:33Come on, come on.
00:18:33All right, I'll go.
00:18:35But you're bringing me right back after Suzettes.
00:18:37No gallivanting around till dawn.
00:18:40Understand?
00:18:41Cross my heart.
00:18:43Say, Linda, this is a nice job,
00:18:44this magazine cover you're doing.
00:18:46Thank you, Joseph Aloysius.
00:18:47Your model must have been a raving beauty.
00:18:49Did I ever meet her?
00:18:50You did not.
00:18:52You're not going to get a chance to either.
00:18:55That's how I lost my last boyfriend.
00:19:03Say, wasn't that the model you said Calhoun was crazy about?
00:19:11Yes.
00:19:13Kay Murrell.
00:19:14Maybe Harrison ought to be painting barns instead of pictures,
00:19:17but he isn't so dumb at picking a nifty dish.
00:19:19Well, I'm not so sure he did the picking.
00:19:21Oh?
00:19:22Kay had a little larceny in her makeup.
00:19:25I know, because she posed for me.
00:19:28I wonder if she knows what I know.
00:19:30Knows what?
00:19:30Well, remind me sometime to tell you the story of a tombstone salesman.
00:19:36Ooh.
00:20:00How do I look?
00:20:19Perfectly beautiful.
00:20:21But you always look adorable.
00:20:22Thank you, Ralph.
00:20:24Did I take too long dressing?
00:20:25No, we've got all kinds of time.
00:20:27I wonder who that is.
00:20:32Miss Kay Murrell?
00:20:34Yes.
00:20:34Sign this, please.
00:20:35Look what I got.
00:20:49And it's from you.
00:20:50You darling.
00:20:54Like it?
00:20:55Oh, I'm crazy about it.
00:20:57It's the most beautiful gift I've ever received.
00:20:59But I can't accept it from you.
00:21:03Why not?
00:21:05You know why.
00:21:07I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Ralph,
00:21:09but I'm sure you'll think much more of me for not accepting it.
00:21:14I have no right to say this,
00:21:16but I've grown to care a great deal for you.
00:21:18If I were free, I would ask you to marry me.
00:21:27How would you feel about that?
00:21:30I had no idea you cared that much for me.
00:21:33But you're not free, Ralph, so let's not even think about it.
00:21:36We'll just be friends.
00:21:41If we don't hurry, we'll be late for the theater.
00:21:42We'll be late for you, Ralph.
00:21:50Systolic, 155.
00:21:53Diastolic, 104.
00:21:57I don't seem to have any strength.
00:22:00Well, don't be discouraged.
00:22:02Your weakness is due mainly to connectivity.
00:22:08I'll see you tomorrow.
00:22:10Goodbye.
00:22:10It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Harrison.
00:22:13Thank you, Dr. Gunther.
00:22:15I hope you can help me.
00:22:16I'm sure I can.
00:22:17Goodbye.
00:22:21I'd like to see a cardiograph of her.
00:22:23I presume you have one.
00:22:25Several.
00:22:26I'll show them to you when we get back to the office.
00:22:28Good.
00:22:28Mr. Harrison's waiting to see you in the study.
00:22:39Mr. Harrison, this is Dr. Gunther.
00:22:41How do you do, Mr. Harrison?
00:22:41How do you do?
00:22:42Dr. Gunther is a specialist.
00:22:43I brought him in for consultation.
00:22:45Good idea.
00:22:46I believe he'd be able to do Mrs. Harrison some good.
00:22:49He's been achieving remarkable results with hard cases such as hers.
00:22:52Well, I'd give anything if you could help my wife.
00:22:54I'll do all I can.
00:22:55You may be sure of that.
00:22:56That's all hope for the best.
00:22:58Well, goodbye, Mr. Harrison.
00:22:59Bye.
00:22:59Goodbye.
00:22:59Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00Goodbye.
00:23:00You're quite concerned, aren't you, Ralph?
00:23:12If Dr. Gunther can make Edith well again, it'll spoil all your plans.
00:23:31You know you're only waiting and hoping for her to die, so you'll be free to marry Kay.
00:23:37Hello.
00:23:52Well, the queen herself.
00:23:54Come in.
00:23:55Miss me?
00:23:56Now, tell me Ralph's finished with me.
00:23:57Oh, finished.
00:23:59He hasn't even started.
00:24:00Well, what have you been doing all this time?
00:24:01Well, I've posed as a Mexican peasant woman, a Chinese sing-song girl, lady of the harem.
00:24:06I can't imagine why I'll be next.
00:24:08Don't ever let him see you on a horse.
00:24:10He'll want to paint you as Lady Godiva.
00:24:12Very funny.
00:24:14I don't know what to make of him.
00:24:16He never finishes anything.
00:24:17He starts.
00:24:20Cigarette.
00:24:21Thanks.
00:24:22He's just stalling to keep you there.
00:24:25This reminds me.
00:24:27I bought you something the other day.
00:24:29I'm tired of you offering me cigarettes with the Benz.
00:24:32Am I, uh, to consider this a reward for introducing you to Harrison?
00:24:35It's a general idea.
00:24:38Doing all right for yourself, huh?
00:24:40Well, what started out as a routine job has possibilities now of turning into a career.
00:24:45Maybe so.
00:24:46Careers don't always last.
00:24:48Pigeons can fly away.
00:24:51Now, if I were you, Kay, I wouldn't give up all my old friends before I made sure that I wouldn't have to fall back on them someday.
00:24:59Don't worry, darling.
00:25:00Little Kay isn't going to burn her bridges.
00:25:02Well, thanks for your interest.
00:25:07Bye, Jimmy.
00:25:16Mrs. Harrison!
00:25:18I've been walking a little every morning for the past ten days.
00:25:20We've been keeping it a secret.
00:25:21I'm so happy to see you up again.
00:25:24And tell her the rest, doctor.
00:25:26Mrs. Harrison has improved so remarkably that she isn't going to need a nurse any longer.
00:25:30Really?
00:25:31And best of all, I may get dressed and go out.
00:25:33Laura will find me something nice to wear.
00:25:35Oh, yes.
00:25:37But don't overdo yourself, please.
00:25:39I won't.
00:25:41I'll say goodbye now.
00:25:42I hope you keep on getting better every day.
00:25:46Thank you, Miss Bailey.
00:25:47You've been very nice and I do appreciate it.
00:25:50I'll be back for a check-up next Wednesday.
00:25:53Now, please be sure and continue to take your medicine regularly.
00:25:56Don't worry, I will.
00:25:57Good.
00:25:57Goodbye.
00:25:58Goodbye.
00:25:58Well, good afternoon, Mrs. Harrison.
00:26:08Hello, George.
00:26:09Mr. Harrison's been telling me how sick you've been.
00:26:12It's mighty nice to see you out again.
00:26:13Mighty nice to be out.
00:26:15Yes, ma'am.
00:26:27George.
00:26:27I guess Mr. Harrison hasn't come back from lunch.
00:26:30Will you let me in?
00:26:30Oh, I'd be glad to.
00:26:35There you are.
00:26:38And, George, if you happen to see Mr. Harrison, don't tell him I'm here.
00:26:42I want to surprise him.
00:26:43I got you.
00:26:57I don't need to.
00:27:15Why do you want to quit modeling for me?
00:27:39You know why.
00:27:41All you've been doing is making sketches of me in different costumes.
00:27:45You haven't finished one of them.
00:27:46I might as well be posing for a skyrider.
00:27:49Well, what difference does that make?
00:27:51You're getting paid.
00:27:53Besides, I like to have you near me.
00:27:56I love you more than anything in the world.
00:27:58You have no right to say such things.
00:28:00Well, you told me that you cared for me.
00:28:02But you even inferred that if I were free, you'd marry me.
00:28:05But you're not free.
00:28:06Well, if you'll only wait a little while, I will be.
00:28:09And I'll devote my whole life to making you happy.
00:28:11Sorry, Ralph, but you'd better forget about me.
00:28:14Oh, don't say that, Kay.
00:28:16I couldn't go on without you.
00:28:19Well, I haven't got time to argue about it now.
00:28:21Give me a ring tomorrow or the next day.
00:28:23Okay, wait.
00:28:24Kay, listen, I've got to talk.
00:28:26Come on.
00:28:56¶¶
00:29:26¶¶
00:29:34Mrs. Harrison, what's the matter?
00:29:36Miss Dale.
00:29:37Oh, come to my studio and I'll call a doctor.
00:29:40No, no, please. I'll be all right.
00:29:42Are you sure? You're so welcome to come in and lie down.
00:29:45Oh, thank you very much. I'd rather go home.
00:29:48You see, this is my first day out and I'm still rather weak.
00:29:51Well, we'll take you to your car.
00:29:56Yes, sir.
00:29:57Yes, sir.
00:30:06How's Mrs. Harrison?
00:30:09She wants to see you.
00:30:41Come in.
00:30:51Darling.
00:30:54What, you're actually up and dressed?
00:30:57Well, when did this happen?
00:30:59This morning.
00:31:01Well, what a pleasant surprise.
00:31:03Why didn't you tell me?
00:31:05Well, you don't know how glad I am.
00:31:08What's the matter, darling?
00:31:10Stop acting, Ralph.
00:31:12There's nothing quite so contemptible as a hypocrite.
00:31:15A hypocrite?
00:31:17How am I going to defend myself?
00:31:19I don't know what you're talking about.
00:31:21You have no defense for what you've done to me.
00:31:24Well, what have I done?
00:31:27You've destroyed all the love and respect I ever had for you.
00:31:31It was such a nice day.
00:31:33I took a ride this afternoon.
00:31:34And I was so happy to be out again.
00:31:38I'd been thinking for days how glad you'd be that I was getting well.
00:31:43I stopped at your studio.
00:31:46But you were out.
00:31:47So I had the porter let me in.
00:31:52I wanted to surprise you.
00:31:55But the surprise was on me.
00:31:58I was there in the dressing room when you came in with her.
00:32:00Well, I'm glad you found out about it, my way.
00:32:11I've been wanting to tell you, but I didn't know how.
00:32:13Well, I guess it was the worry about you night and day and the loneliness without you.
00:32:20I wanted companionship, and she led me on.
00:32:23Oh, stop lying, Ralph.
00:32:24It's perfectly obvious that I'm standing in the way of your romance.
00:32:27That you're even hoping that I'll die so that you'll be free to have her.
00:32:29That's not true.
00:32:30I don't think you ever loved me.
00:32:44I've just been a convenience with a checkbook.
00:32:46I still love you.
00:32:47I swear I do.
00:32:49I despise you for what you are.
00:32:53And you shan't have another penny of my money.
00:32:55Edith.
00:33:02Edith, everyone makes mistakes.
00:33:05I'll make it up to you if you'll give me a chance.
00:33:10You may use the studio temporarily until you find another.
00:33:15Or perhaps you'd rather go back to peddling, you silly caricatures.
00:33:20If you wish to get in touch with me in the future, please do so to a Mr. Loring, my attorney.
00:33:25And now will you go?
00:33:55Loring, my attorney.
00:33:56I'll make it up to you if you'll never vent the어, me.
00:33:56And I'm coming.
00:33:57Come on, my attorney.
00:33:58Come on, my horas.
00:33:58Come on.
00:33:59Come on.
00:34:00Come on.
00:34:03Come on.
00:34:04This is Edith Harrison. May I please speak to Mr. Loring?
00:34:19I'm sorry, but Mr. Loring and his wife have gone out.
00:34:23I'm sorry, but Mr. Loring and his wife have gone out.
00:34:27This is Edith Harrison. May I please speak to Mr. Loring?
00:34:31I'm sorry, but Mr. Loring and his wife have gone out.
00:34:34I don't expect them back until late. Any message?
00:34:37Yes. Will you ask him to call me when he comes in?
00:34:39Please tell him it's urgent.
00:34:40Yes, ma'am. I'll be glad to. Goodbye.
00:34:43Goodbye.
00:35:01Laura? Laura?
00:35:18Yes?
00:35:19Mrs. Harrison and I have had a slight misunderstanding.
00:35:22I'll stay at my studio for a few days. Will you forward my mail to me there?
00:35:26Yes, sir.
00:35:56Yes, sir.
00:36:12I'll be there.
00:36:15Thank you, Mr. Loring.
00:36:19Yes, sir.
00:36:20I don't know.
00:36:50I don't know.
00:37:20I don't know.
00:37:50I don't know.
00:38:20I don't know.
00:38:50I don't know.
00:39:00Harrison residence.
00:39:02This is Henry Loring.
00:39:03I'm returning Mrs. Harrison's call.
00:39:05She said it was urgent and I had to phone her as soon as I came home.
00:39:08Oh, then I'd better call her, Mr. Loring.
00:39:09All right, just hold the wire.
00:39:29Mrs. Harrison.
00:39:30Mrs. Harrison.
00:39:31Mrs. Harrison.
00:39:34Mrs. Harrison.
00:39:35Mr. Loring, something terrible's happened.
00:39:45I found Mrs. Harrison lying on the floor and I can't rouse her.
00:39:47Where's her husband?
00:39:48Mrs. Harrison.
00:39:49I see.
00:39:50Then you'd better call her doctor and I'll try and locate Mr. Harrison.
00:39:53Yes, thank you, Mr. Loring.
00:39:54I'll call Dr. Gunther right away.
00:39:56You're not getting unnerved, are you, Ralph?
00:40:22Mr. Harrison.
00:40:23He's at our door.
00:40:24Jack林.
00:40:25Mr. Harrison.
00:40:26but what now has your wife taken the medicine and did the doctor believe she died from natural causes
00:40:34it's the uncertainty of not knowing that's getting you down
00:40:42too bad you can't phone your home no there's nothing to do but wait a lot of things could
00:40:48have happened since you left the house maybe loring got in touch with edith and
00:40:53she had him cut you out of her will yes hello
00:41:18who's there henry loring
00:41:23well this is quite a surprise i don't think you've ever been here before i just came by to give you a
00:41:29message and i am afraid it's not very good news what do you mean your wife has had a relapse the
00:41:34housekeeper found her in a coma on the floor of her bedroom why didn't laura call me she was too
00:41:38upset to even talk coherently so i volunteered to come after you well
00:41:42i'm sorry mr harrison but you're too late did she suffer any she was dead when i arrived
00:41:57i don't understand she was doing so nicely i thought she was going to get well in cases like
00:42:01hers we'll never knows when a relapse can be expected i'd like to be alone if you don't mind
00:42:06i'm sorry i understand how you must feel
00:42:20i'm sorry i said i know what if not that's not that's not that's not that's not that's not that's not that sound
00:42:22but
00:42:23i don't understand itстран
00:42:24it doesn't seem that's not that
00:42:26it's not that's not that sound
00:42:28the reality is that it is that she has thought of her
00:42:29like her
00:42:41Let's go.
00:43:11Good night.
00:43:16Good night.
00:43:18And if I can be of further service, have Mr. Harrison get in touch with me.
00:43:21Yes, Mr. Loring.
00:43:37If Dr. Winthrop had continued treating Edith, she'd be alive today.
00:43:41How can you say that? Dr. Winthrop admitted he'd done all he could for her.
00:43:45It's too ethical to experiment.
00:43:48I have a good notion to have Dr. Gunther's medicines analyzed.
00:43:51I've thrown them all out.
00:43:53What right did you to touch Edith's medicines?
00:43:55I was acting under orders.
00:43:56Whose orders?
00:43:57Dr. Gunther's. He told me to dispose of them.
00:43:59Oh, so that's it.
00:44:03What a clever way to cover up one's mistakes.
00:44:06If you feel that way about it, why don't you go to the Zenith Pharmacy?
00:44:09Every one of his prescriptions is on file. They are right now.
00:44:12Maybe I will.
00:44:14Before you do, remember this.
00:44:16She was doing fine until she went to your studio to surprise you.
00:44:19Three months have passed since the mortal remains of Edith Harrison,
00:44:32reduced to ashes,
00:44:33were consigned to a niche in a cemetery crypt.
00:44:37Time has stilled Ralph's fears
00:44:39that the finger of suspicion
00:44:41would ever be pointed at him.
00:44:43Home at last, darling.
00:44:54I was hoping the honeymoon would never end.
00:44:56It won't.
00:44:57We won't let it.
00:45:00I wish we didn't have to come back to this house.
00:45:03Well, while we were away,
00:45:03I had it refurnished, redecorated.
00:45:05It's all brand new.
00:45:07You're such a dear.
00:45:13Charles, put the car in the garage
00:45:17and take the luggage upstairs.
00:45:18Yes, Mrs. Harrison.
00:45:26Oh, Laura, this is Mrs. Harrison.
00:45:27It's nice meeting you, Laura.
00:45:29How do you do?
00:45:30Dinner will be served whenever you're ready.
00:45:32Thank you, Laura.
00:45:36She resents me, Ralph.
00:45:39Oh, don't pay any attention to her.
00:45:41She's a part of the past, isn't she?
00:45:43Yes, she worked for Edith for years.
00:45:45Why don't you get rid of her?
00:45:46Well, I'd like to,
00:45:47but Edith had it in her will
00:45:48that she was to have employment
00:45:50and a home here as long as she lives.
00:45:52Oh, don't think about it.
00:45:53I'll take care of it later.
00:45:54I want to show you the house.
00:46:09Well, what do you think?
00:46:11Lovely.
00:46:11It couldn't be more perfect.
00:46:14No, I'm so glad you like it.
00:46:17Come in.
00:46:20Yes, Laura.
00:46:21Here's the mail that came while you were away.
00:46:22Oh, thanks.
00:46:24Excuse me, darling.
00:46:24Here's the mail.
00:46:37Anything wrong, dear?
00:47:01Oh, no, no, it's, uh,
00:47:03Bill, for something Edith ordered, but I didn't know anything about.
00:47:07Well, let's get out of dinner, huh?
00:47:10All right.
00:47:32Good day, sir. Come in, please.
00:47:34I hope I'm not too late. Not at all, sir.
00:47:37Hey.
00:47:43Hello, Joe.
00:47:44Ralph.
00:47:44Well, I'm glad you could come.
00:47:46I'm sorry I'm late, but you know how it is working for a newspaper.
00:47:48You're only one drink behind, but we'll fix that right up.
00:47:51Hiya, Linda.
00:47:52Well, what kept you so late, Mr. Conroy?
00:47:54A woman?
00:47:55Well, it was a woman at that.
00:47:57Well, perhaps I should say exhibit A in a slight case of murder.
00:48:00Who got the axe this time?
00:48:01Mrs. Blanche Bennett.
00:48:03Only it happened to be a 45 caliber slug that did the business, not an axe.
00:48:06Oh, I thought a burglar shot her.
00:48:09That's what the police thought, too.
00:48:11Until a smart cop from homicide named Higgins discovered that Bennett had been running around for some time with another woman.
00:48:17Well, is that sufficient proof that Bennett killed her?
00:48:19No, but it's a darn good motive.
00:48:21Bennett?
00:48:22What Bennett is that?
00:48:23James Bennett, the hotel man.
00:48:25Oh.
00:48:26The story broke while you and Kay were on your honeymoon.
00:48:30Anyway, Bennett was arrested this morning.
00:48:32And I happen to know the DA is preparing an indictment, charging him with premeditated murder.
00:48:38Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
00:48:40I hope I haven't ruined your dress.
00:48:41Oh, think nothing of it.
00:48:42I shall just sue you for damages, Ralph Harrison.
00:48:44Go ahead.
00:48:45Everybody sues the Reds.
00:48:46By the way, Ralph, what did you ever do with that gravestone?
00:48:52Gravestone?
00:48:54Yeah, the one from the Curtis Monument Company.
00:48:57Oh, that.
00:48:59Why, I paid for it and told them to keep it.
00:49:02Joe, I'd like you to meet some people.
00:49:04Excuse me.
00:49:16What are you doing out here, Ralph?
00:49:40Oh, just having smoke.
00:49:41I couldn't sleep.
00:49:42Anything troubling you?
00:49:43No, not a thing.
00:49:47Ralph.
00:49:48Yes?
00:49:49What did Joe Conroy mean when he asked you about that gravestone?
00:49:53He was referring to a monument that Edith had ordered for herself.
00:49:57Then you didn't know she'd expect her to be buried.
00:49:59We didn't discuss such things.
00:50:00I didn't know anything about the monument until I got a bill for it.
00:50:05Too bad she never told you about it, don't you think?
00:50:08Kay, please, let's not discuss it.
00:50:11I'm sorry.
00:50:11I'm sorry.
00:50:22Didn't you get any sleep last night, dear?
00:50:25Guess I ate too much at the party.
00:50:26Never again.
00:50:27Bennett confesses to murder.
00:50:35It breaks down after hours of questioning.
00:50:40After sticking steadfastly to his plea of innocence, Bennett suddenly broke down and confessed to the murder of his wife when confronted with the damaging evidence contained in her diary.
00:50:51Entries in Mrs. Bennett's handwriting gave mute testimony to the fact that he tried to force her by threats to divorce him so he could marry another woman.
00:50:59They also spoke of her growing fear that he was planning to kill her.
00:51:02Oh, how awful it must be for a wife to suspect that her husband is planning to kill her.
00:51:06Mm-hmm.
00:51:23Why do you hate me, Laura?
00:51:24I've never done you any harm.
00:51:26Ralph Harrison's love for you is what caused Edith's death.
00:51:32But why blame me?
00:51:34I certainly did nothing to encourage Ralph while she was still alive.
00:51:37You didn't waste any time after she was gone.
00:51:39Well, why should I?
00:51:41I was tired of fighting for a living, and marriage to him meant security.
00:51:44You have no right to ease and luxury provided by her money.
00:51:48I have the right of every wife to share her husband's worldly goods.
00:51:51He only married her for her money, and then he waited for her to die so he could get himself a younger and more attractive woman.
00:51:56Stop it, Laura.
00:51:57I won't allow you to say such things about my husband.
00:52:00They're not true.
00:52:01You don't have to believe me.
00:52:02Ask Mr. Loring.
00:52:03He'll tell you that she phoned him the night she died.
00:52:06What are you driving at?
00:52:08She was going to change her will.
00:52:09If Loring had been in that night, your husband would be a pauper today.
00:52:14Why are you telling me all this?
00:52:16Everyone thinks she died of another heart attack.
00:52:18Well, I'm not so sure.
00:52:20I won't listen to another word.
00:52:21Ralph isn't that kind of a man.
00:52:23Besides, if you had any proof, you'd tell the district attorney, not me.
00:52:27Believe what you like, you have to live with him.
00:52:30But the police were certain, too, that a burglar killed Mrs. Bennett,
00:52:33and her husband would have gotten away with murder if they hadn't found her diary.
00:52:38Edith Harrison kept a diary, too.
00:52:45Edith Harrison kept a diary, too.
00:53:11Come on.
00:53:41Come on.
00:54:11Come on.
00:54:41What are you looking for?
00:55:00Come on.
00:55:02I don't really know, but what you told me a while ago made me think.
00:55:05So you're beginning to suspect, as I do, that he killed Edith.
00:55:09Don't say that.
00:55:10If I thought he did, I'd be afraid to stay with him another day.
00:55:13Do you think I've liked staying here, believing him a murderer?
00:55:16I only did it in the hope of finding some way to make him pay for all the suffering he caused her.
00:55:20That sounds too awful to believe.
00:55:22Can't you see that he acts like a man with a guilty conscience?
00:55:25Well, he has been acting rather strangely now that you mentioned it.
00:55:28Laura, whatever became of Mrs. Harrison's medicines?
00:55:33I threw them out.
00:55:35All of them?
00:55:36Well, I've...
00:55:37No, come to think of it.
00:55:39There was one bottle I couldn't find.
00:55:41One of those special prescriptions that you can't have refilled.
00:55:44I wonder what happened to it.
00:55:46Mrs. Harrison was supposed to take another dose at 9 o'clock the night she passed away.
00:55:50Nearly an hour after Mr. Harrison left the house.
00:55:53No wonder he blamed Dr. Gunther for her death.
00:55:56What do you mean?
00:55:57He claimed he wanted to have all of her medicines analyzed until I told him I'd thrown them out.
00:56:01Don't you see?
00:56:02He was looking for that bottle.
00:56:05Then Edith must have hidden it somewhere.
00:56:07Yes.
00:56:08Yes, it must be here amongst all the things they brought up from her bedroom.
00:56:14Well, come in.
00:56:25What's the matter, Kay?
00:56:27You look like you'd seen a ghost.
00:56:29Has Ralph been here today?
00:56:30No, I haven't seen him for quite a while.
00:56:32Please lock the door.
00:56:33I don't want him to know I'm here.
00:56:34Now look, I don't want to get mixed up in any of your domestic troubles.
00:56:36I've got enough to worry about.
00:56:37It's nothing like that, believe me.
00:56:39I need advice and you're the only friend I can turn to.
00:56:41Okay.
00:56:42But remember, I'm not pulling any chestnuts out of the fire for you.
00:56:45You won't have to.
00:56:46Jim, I'm frightened.
00:56:47I think I'm married to a murderer.
00:56:49What?
00:56:50I think Ralph poisoned Edith.
00:56:51Are you crazy?
00:56:52You know she died of a heart attack.
00:56:54I'm not so sure about that.
00:56:56He could easily put something in a medicine.
00:56:58Well, now why would he do that?
00:57:00She was dying anyway, wasn't she?
00:57:01No.
00:57:02She was getting well.
00:57:03Oh.
00:57:04Well, you haven't any proof against her.
00:57:06Maybe I have.
00:57:07I found this hidden away in Edith's knitting bag in the attic.
00:57:11And I think there's poison in it.
00:57:13Take one teaspoon full every three hours.
00:57:15When was it she died?
00:57:16The 26th of last May.
00:57:18And this prescription's dated May 16th.
00:57:20Hmm.
00:57:21Maybe you've got something, Katie.
00:57:23How do I go about having it analyzed?
00:57:25I didn't know you were that cold-blooded.
00:57:27What do you expect me to do?
00:57:29Go on living with a murderer and take a chance on him killing me too?
00:57:32No, I guess not.
00:57:34I don't want you to get mixed up in this.
00:57:36I know the fellow who handled it for you.
00:57:38Joe Connoy.
00:57:48So your fears have been revived.
00:57:51You're wondering why everyone speaks so pointedly to you about the Bennett case.
00:57:56Why Kay was so upset when she found out about the monument.
00:58:00But above all, you can't forget that diary.
00:58:04What if Edith left behind some entry that would incriminate you?
00:58:19Laura?
00:58:21Laura?
00:58:22I'm in the dining room.
00:58:30I'm waiting for you.
00:58:31I'm waiting for you to go now.
00:58:33Is Mrs. Harrison come in since I've phoned?
00:58:35No, sir.
00:59:00Let's go.
00:59:30I thought it looked phony when he had Edith cremated after she'd ordered a gravestone for herself.
00:59:44Yes, and that's what started me wondering.
00:59:46Does cremation actually destroy all evidence of poison?
00:59:49No, that's a popular fallacy.
00:59:51Quite a few killers have been convicted by a handful of ashes.
00:59:54Well, it won't take long to have this analyzed.
00:59:57You'll hear from me, Kay, probably tonight.
01:00:00There you are, darling.
01:00:08Thank you, dear.
01:00:10I'm glad to see you're feeling so much better.
01:00:11I never felt better in my life.
01:00:13In fact, I feel too good to stay home.
01:00:16Let's go out and have dinner and do the town.
01:00:18What do you say?
01:00:19I wish I felt up to it, but I couldn't have any fun with this splitting headache.
01:00:22Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
01:00:24I'd forgotten about that.
01:00:25I think I'll run upstairs and take something for it.
01:00:28Maybe you'll feel like it later, huh?
01:00:29Maybe.
01:00:59Hello.
01:01:17Yes, this is Kay.
01:01:18Is he there?
01:01:19He's downstairs, so it's all right to talk.
01:01:21You were right, Kay. He poisoned her.
01:01:23The police are on their way now to pick him up,
01:01:25so make sure he doesn't leave the house.
01:01:27I'll meet you at the DA's office when they bring him in.
01:01:29All right.
01:01:51All right.
01:02:13Where are you going, dear?
01:02:15I thought I'd have a little fling for myself.
01:02:17I feel much better since I took that headache powder.
01:02:20I'd love to go along if you still want me to.
01:02:22Swell.
01:02:23We'll do a round of the night spots.
01:02:25Yes, and maybe we'll meet the milkman on the way home.
01:02:27Yeah.
01:02:28I've always wondered what he looked like.
01:02:32Who were you talking to on the phone just now?
01:02:34Oh, that was Linda.
01:02:36She wants us to have dinner tomorrow night.
01:02:38Well, I'll powder and be ready in a jiffy, darling.
01:02:40Wait a minute.
01:02:41How about a little kiss, sweetheart?
01:02:50It's too bad you're such a liar and a cheat.
01:02:54I heard you talking on the phone.
01:02:56I'm sorry.
01:03:12Stop!
01:03:13He's not seriously hurt, but call an ambulance anyway.
01:03:31The woman's dead from strangulation.
01:03:33I found this on her.
01:03:41This would have saved Harrison's neck.
01:03:43But it won't do him any good now.
01:04:13I'm back.
01:04:17Oh, oh, oh, oh
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