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Green Hornet - Witness A Murder (Aka-the WPA Graft Racket)
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Green Hornet - Witness A Murder (Aka-the WPA Graft Racket) - 06/17/1940
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Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons. This week at Safeway and Albertsons, fresh cut cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple or melon medley bowls, 24 ounces are $5 each, and wild caught lobster tails are $4.99 each. Limit eight member price, plus selected sizes and varieties of Doritos, Lays, Cheetos, Sun Chips and Kettle cooked chips are $1.99 each. Limit four member price. Hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save. With his faithful valet, Cato Brit Reed, daring young publisher matches wits with the underworld, risking his life that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of the Green Hornet. Ride with Britt Reed. As he races toward another thrilling adventure. The Green Hornet strikes again. Okay, here's where we smash a WPA racket. So help me, Hannah Laurie, if you barge in here late again, you're fired. Oh, Gonnigan. I was after something. Probably a tip on the bangtails. I don't play the horses. The dough I get slaving here, I couldn't buy a nose bag for a broken down nag. Anytime you don't feel like working for the Sentinel, just say so. You can start hanging around the wpa. How do you know? How do I know what? That I just came from the wpa, Huh? I told you I was after something. Gunnigan, you know those letters the Sentinel's been getting saying that the local WPA is shot with grants? Yeah, unsigned letters. In an outfit as big as that? It may be. So don't be so cautious. You know darn well there's rumors that a WPA official is demanding a kickback from poor suckers who want jobs. The trouble is we don't know which officials. Yeah, too bad the letters didn't specify there are rackets in any kind of business. Might just as well be in wpa. Dishonest guys can creep in anywhere. Hey, wait a minute. Hold on. Let's get down to Briar Stacks. You went to the WPA office? Yeah. Thought I might dig up some info. Well, did you get anything? Oh, nothing much. Every time I mentioned kickback, all of them acted like they didn't know I was there. Gone again. Here's another one. What? Mr. Reed. Hello, boss. What's cooking? It's still a simmer, Lowry. I wish we could bring it to a boil. Hey, it's another letter from that same guy. Why doesn't he sign his name? He doesn't dare, Gunnigan. He loses his job. A WPA job. A job? It lets him eat. There must be dozens of men like him. But they don't write. At least he has enough courage to try and call attention to a racket, even if he's afraid to reveal himself. Send could use a nice ragged yarn. Reid. We've been printing some of these letters, haven't we? Yeah, but ain't enough, Reed. It's stable. I dug around WPA headquarters, boss. Maybe some of them nose pulling the squeeze, but they're mummers. Oysters. Answer that, will you, Larry? Okay, boss. There are plenty on the wpa Rose. Gunnigan, if we could learn who's sending us these letters, we might be able to convince him to be a witness. Too big in here for Reed. Well, it's worth a try. Hey, boss, it's for you. Oh, who is it? Larry Penny, boss. Alderman Penny. I wonder what he wants. He didn't say. This phone here. You're not wasting your time on that ballot stuffer, Reid. Might as well see what's on his mind. Hello, Mr. Reed? Speaking. What's on your mind, Finney? If I gave you a story, would the Sentinel be interested? What kind of story? I said, what kind of story? What was that? Is there someone there with you? No, I'm alone. Justin, catch this for a moment. Well, say a story about something like. Well, say relief. Stella, about relief? Yes. Relief or the wpa? Would you be interested? You're not being very definite, Finney. Which is it? Relief or the wpa? Suppose I call you back. Call me back. Why not discuss it now? No, I prefer calling back in about five minutes. You can think it over. Well, the Sentinel's always interested in news. If it is news. Finney, I'll be expecting your call in five minutes. Wpa? What you talking about, Reed? I knew, Gunnigan. That he'd call back in five minutes. Something screwy, boss. That Finny guy never tried to spill a story before. His racket is smelling out graft and cutting himself in. I could have sworn there was another person with him. Only a few minutes left, Davison. I told Reed I'd call him back. You can't squeeze me, Finney. Take your choice, Davison. Either you declare me in on your WPA racket or I tell the Sentinel. How'd you know about it in the first place? That you were soaking WPA workers who came to you for jobs? Nobody knew that except the workers themselves. And they keep their mouths shut for fear of getting nothing. I've been around Davison, I can smell out a racket like yours. Yeah, as a matter of fact, it was one of my constituents. Huh. You recognize the name of Meekins? He's one of the poor suckers who has a WPA job and pays you for it. He talked to you? Yes. The poor fellow's from my ward. He came to me to ask if I could help him. Naturally, I told him to keep his mouth shut. How long depends on you. You're bluffing, Finney. I want 50%, Davison. You wouldn't tell the Sentinel. Either way I gain. Davison, you declare me in or I get the money. On the other hand, I can give the Sentinel the story I learned from Meeka. Where would that get you? Get me publicity, Davison. Publicity. Great stuff for a politician. I see. Oh, don't be a fool, Davison. 50% isn't too much to pay, otherwise you might land in jail. Pardon me. Hello? Oh, yes, Reid. More than five minutes, eh? Just a moment. Percentage Reed himself. Davison, how about it? 50% or. Okay, that's a deal. That's better. Hello, Reid. Yes, I have the story. I. I hope to be appointed to an official job, either in relief or on the wpa. What do you mean? That's no story. I'll give it to another paper then. What did he say? He said the Sentinel isn't giving free publicity to office seeking politicians like me. I guess that's stalling him, huh? Davison, I want to see Alderman Finney. Name Thief. My name's Meekin. I talked to him a couple of days ago. The Alderman is busy now. Come back later. It's been more than a week now. Alderman Finney. Alderman Finney is busy. Thank you. But miss, it's two weeks. Don't he remember me? Megan. I'm sorry. He's busy, Megan, eh? Well, if you can't stall him any longer. Making threats, is he? Send him in. Might as well have it out with him now. It's about time you see me. Close the door, Meekin. You can't. The door. That's better. Just what is it? You know very well, Dwight. You've been stalling me for weeks, ain't you? I've been exceptionally busy, yeah. I come to you for help because you're the alderman for my ward. I helped elect you. Elections are ancient history. And I tell you all about what's going on. How Davison is making us pay to get WPA jobs. Oh, that. Well, I'm investigating it. Meaghan. You haven't talked to anyone. I figured maybe you could go to bat for me and the rest of the guys he was squeezing. And what do you do instead? I can't figure what you're driving here. You go in with him. You make Davison give you a share of the grass. Megan, I don't like that kind of talk. Sure you don't like it, because it's true. I wrote them letters to the Sentinel. Only I didn't sign my name because it was scared of losing my job. And I come to you, tell you all about it. So what happened? I'm still paying. Sit down. Still paying me and guys like me working on a wpa, digging ditches, anything. And we gotta kick in almost half the little dough we make so's we can hold the jobs. Have you anything more to say? No, that's all. Did you see this letter? Another letter to the Sentinel. That's right. But this time I'm signing my name, see? Now, you listen to me, Meekin. Oh, go ahead. Listen to your warrants. When you said you'd fix it. Go ahead and see if you can do it again. You're not sending any signed letters to the Sentinel. You're not saying a word about Davison or myself. No, I'll tell you why. Because of your job. What do you mean? It would start an investigation meeting. Investigations take a long time to get started. How would you live in the meantime? I don't get it. You need that job. Your family needs it. I gotta pay. Grab to you rats need it even. So open your mouth once and you lose that job. Understand? But it's crooked. That's enough. I can have you bounced. Right now, all I need do is call Davison. No, wait, I. Okay. I won't send no letter. Get up. That's better. Maybe if you're smart, Mika, we might even get you a better job. How's that? I'll keep quiet because I got her. But I ain't taking no bribe. Still believe that honesty is the best quality, huh? Suit yourself. The longer you behave. I guess I better go now. I've got to get back to the job. You can't do it. I'm already insisted. Shut the door on the outside. I'm sorry, Alderman. I told you. You told me you were busy, Finney, but you can't keep the press waiting. It's all right, Mary. Close the door. My boss sent me over to see you, Finney. Who's that, Mr. Reed. Oh, the Sentinel, huh? A couple weeks ago, you tried to get a little publicity in the paper. You said you were angling for a relief job or a political office with WPA administration. That fell through. I'm very busy now. If you don't mind, I'd better go. Yeah, the Alderman and I want to be. Wait a minute. I've seen you before. You're mistaken. Me? Don't kid me, Finney. This guy was around the WPA office, weren't you? Well, I asked you about a racket. Remember that? Don't you? I gotta get back to the job. Say, Meekin, do you write letters? Huh? Don't answer him. He doesn't have to. What's that on your desk, Finney? That handwriting. Looks a lot like a couple of letters the Sentinel got. Get out of here. Let those scraps of paper alone. What do you say we have a little talk, huh? Just the three of us. You wanted me read? Yes. Come in, Gunnigan. Something the matter with yesterday's paid one? I notice you have it blue penciled. Nothing. Except that it isn't very interesting. How can it be, Reed? There's plenty going on, but it never hits the papers. Why don't we take it up that WPA racket, for instance. Did we follow up those anonymous letters I sent Larry to ask Vinnie some questions? What did he get? He isn't back yet. Gunnigan, if we could get our hands on something, we'd do the public a favor. Yeah, and don't forget this regulation. It would sell plenty papers. Reid, that's not to be overlooked. But the important thing is this. If there is a racket going on undercover, it's got to be ripped off. I don't care how we do it or who suffers for it. It's got to be done. You tell me how. I don't know yet. Hey, boss. Gunnigan, I got something. What is it, Larry? Let's have it. I was over at Faye's office just now. There was a guy in there with him. A guy named Meekin. What happened to you? Your coat torn? Ah, yeah, Skipper. They talked me out of my ear, but not before I recognized this Meakin guy. I never heard of him. He's on wpa, Boss. I recognized him as one of the men who wouldn't talk to me. Well, he wouldn't talk over at Finney's office either. But I'm gonna see him at his home tonight and he'll talk plenty. What makes you think so, Larry? Boss, Remember those letters the Sentinel got you? Yes, of course. I brought one of them with me from the file. Now compare it with the writing on this scrap of paper. Lowry Where'd you find this? The piece of a torn letter lying on Finney's desk. They got the rest of it away from me, but I managed to hang onto this one. You get it, boss. What is it, Reed? What about him? What about these, Gunnigan? These letters were both written by the same man. You're Meekin, fella. Exactly. It's Meekin all right. There's no doubt about it. You see him tonight, Larry, and make him talk. Now we're getting some. Is something wrong, Spit? I don't know, Cato. Ever since I came home this evening, I've had a feeling that something's wrong. I don't know what. No. I wish I could do something. Well, we must have gotten to Meekin's home by this time. Hello, Reed, this is Gunnigan. I just heard from Lying. Anything wrong? Meegan wasn't there. Larry and Mrs. Meekin are going out to look at that road project Meekin's working on. Road project, huh? Yeah, they just left. Ought to hear some news in about half an hour, I guess. Okay, Gunnigan. Good night. Oh, thanks for calling. That's odd, Cato. Meekin wasn't at home. Laurie and Mrs. Meekin. Cato. What? Missed. Suppose Meekin was kept on that job for a purpose. After all, he was at Finney's office this afternoon. Yes. Lolly took a piece of that torn letter. Perhaps Finney looked at the torn pieces later and found one was missing. He'd reasoned that we'd compare the handwriting, that we'd go after Meekin. And Meekin isn't home. Come on, Caleb. Get the Hornet mask and the gun. We're taking the black Beauty out on that road project. Something's wrong and I want to learn what it is. Well, is this the place, Mrs. Meekins? Yes, Ms. Lowry. My husband said they asked him to do some special work late and he wouldn't. I don't see anyone. Boy, look at that stack of bricks piled up over there. I don't see him across the street. Pretty dark, but there he is. Huh? Oh, yes, right next to him. Hey, Meekins. He doesn't hear you, John. Come on, we'll get over there. I hate to work under that stack. Doesn't look steady. John, it's me. Hello there. He's looking this way now. I like the point. Did you just break? They're coming down. Meekin, look out. Run. Run. On top of you. Get out. Get out. Don't look, Mrs. Meekin. There's nothing you can do now. There's nothing anybody can do. Now, Just as John started toward us, the bricks started to fall. I can still hear them roaring in my ears, bricks falling off. Oh, now, Mrs. Meekin, thinking about it won't do any good. I can't help it. He's gone. My husband. Sometimes accidents take those. I don't believe it was an accident. It wasn't. Case, you can take care of Ms. Meekin now, Reed. Oh, you go into the other room, Mrs. Meekin. My secretary, Ms. Case, will take care of you. Take care of me? There's no one left now. Poor woman. Reed, do you think it was an accident? What's your opinion, Gunnigan? I don't know. We wrote it up as an accident last night. It's too pat, Gonnigan. Much too pat. That man would have given us a yarn on the WPA racket. The letters proved that. Yeah, and we had that in the Sentinel, too. Of course, he might not have called. Someone else was afraid we might have made him. I talked to Finney and got no place. Reed. What about the WPA officials, Davison and the others? Not a thing, Reed. They called it an accident and they resented the Sentinel trying to connect it up with a racket in wpa. Especially Davison. Did he burn? Gunnigan, we've got to crack this now more than ever. You tell me how and we'll do it. You got men out, Every reporter in the place. Read. Hey, boss. Gunnigan. I just came from police headquarters. They were investigating the accident. Lollie, did you get anything? Yeah, boss, plenty. And it was no accident. Are you talking through your hat? On the level, Gunnigan. They checked over the scene and found evidence of deliberate murder. Right, boss. Somebody beat us to the police. Found where that pile of bricks had been pushed over. No, we're getting something. Why, sure. Maybe. What do you mean, maybe? Why? Hold it. Larry Meekin had orders to work late last night. Who gave those orders? They came from Davison, boss. Davison, huh? And if Wallam and Finney suspected we were going after Meekin, he might have gotten in touch with Davison and set this up. Yeah, yeah, that's what I figured. But now I'm not so sure. The cops found something else, boss. Something else? A set of tire tracks. They checked them in the police records. What the devil have tire tracks? Got the trail. Me, Gunnigan. And besides, the car was seen. What car? The other scene of the crime. A fast black car with a horn that buzzes. Boss. The Green Hornet was there. Cato. Yes, Mr. Bed. Anyone call? No, sir. I didn't come directly here from The Sentinel. I stopped to phone Alderman Finney as the Green Hornet. As the Hornet cater. The evening papers will be out soon. All of them claiming that the Green Hornet was involved in what happened last night. The black beardy was spotted. I don't understand. Get this. Meekin's death was no accident. No. You recall that man we saw lounging next to the brick pile? A man with a crowbar in his hand? Yes, sir. Remember? We watched until we saw Larry and Mrs. Meekin drive up. Then we returned to the Black Beauty and left. Okay. That man murdered Meekin. And he did it under orders. After we left. Right. We don't know who that man is, but we know what he looks like. We'll recognize him. Can we find him? We've got to find him. You get down below, check the Black Beauty. As soon as it's light enough, we're moving out. A while later, Britt Reid opened a secret panel in the rear of his closet and took a narrow passage built within the wall of the apartment house which connected directly with an adjoining building. Supposedly abandoned. This building served as the hiding place for the sleek, supercharged Black Beauty. Streamlined car of the Green Hornet is the black duty. All set, Kato. Hydrating Whip, take the wheel and keep your eyes peeled for police. Police. There's an alarm on, Kato. Every prowl car, every patrolman would give his pension to learn who the Green Hornet is. But that's going to remain our secret. I hope so. If an outsider ever learns that I'm the Green Hornet. Well, I'd live long enough for a trial, but that's all. You got the mask and the gun. Yes, sir. Where are you going? I phoned Finney. I told him I was calling on his partner tonight. He'll be there and so will the Green Hornet. No. No. I have no further statement to make to the press. Meekins, murder is a deplorable crime. Why not ask the police about the Green Hornet? Oh, well, that's all. Who was that, Davison? That reporter Lowry, from the Sentinel keeps calling up. Oh, well, at least the police don't suspect us. How do you know the reporter? He's at headquarters now. They're all after the Green Hornet. Davis and I came over to. Oh, yes, yes, that's right. You started to say something and then I answered the phone. What's the matter, Finney? You're looking pale. I got a phone call myself. Huh? Why didn't you tell me you knew the Hornet? You crazy? Nobody knows who he is. All right, you didn't know him. But you used him. Had a murder, Meekin. What are you talking about? When I called you and said that reporter had taken part of that letter I didn't think you'd resort to murder. It was the only thing. And I never supposed you'd call on the Hornet. It wasn't the Hornet, Finney, but it was Dutch. He toppled that pile of bricks. Dutch? Yeah. He's the man I use to put the pressure on these fools when they don't want to kick back. He's coming around tonight to be paid off, not the Hornet. Dutch isn't too smart. I told him to make it look like an accident. But as long as the Hornet is being blamed, it's okay. Say, what's the matter with you, Davison? I don't know whether to believe you or not. I don't care whether you do. You cut yourself in on my exclusive little graph. But I still want it. The Hornet's cutting in too, huh? What's that? I came over here because of a phone call, Davison. A phone call from the Hornet. What did he say? It wasn't definite, except that he said he'd be here tonight. The Hornet coming here tonight? Why, what are you doing? Calling the police. Put that pole down, you idiot. Get away. If the Hornet's coming, I. Oh, he saw what happened last night. He saw your man, Doc. I hadn't thought of that. So that's it. That's how he's cutting in. Where are you going, Finny? I'm getting out. You were the Hornet yourself. You can't do that. I can and am. Murder is your idea, not mine. You got your shit and I'll keep on getting it. Let me know what happens, Finny. You can't. Silly fool, using violence. I'm not getting involved in a murder. Take my gun. You're already an up to your neck, Finney. What the devil. Don't move a gun. You can't hold a man up on a street. It's a dark street. Finney. Your mask. You're the Green Hornet. Davison told you he was expecting a color, huh? Yes, he. He said Dutchman Davison isn't the fool, you are. What's that? Dutch is heading for jail, Finney. Dutch in jail? Davison is going to make you the fall guy. Davison planned that murder, not me. I'm here to take care of you. I don't see. Wait. Not the gun. The gun won't be necessary. I'll use this. He went down like a log. Come on. Coming. You been watching Cato? I Think it's the man we saw last night? Good. Here's Finn's caught at the curb. Open the back door. Lend me a hand. Dump him in the back. When Dutch comes along. I don't want him to suspect a thing. Well, it's about time. Must be Dutch. You're not entering that door. Davison. What the. Where'd you come from? You're the back way. You two men are masked. What's this about the green horse? I'm going to answer that door for you screw up. Me? Take the two out. Shot. Gas. I can't breathe. Quick, Kato, drag him back out in the back room. Yes, sir. You'll be unconscious for a good long while. I'll take care of Dutch. Okay. He'll be right there. Now to put on an act. What the delay, Davison. I've been standing around, Dutch. Haven't you heard? Hmm? Heard what? Where's Davison? He was the police. Now you're the hornets. The greenhorn hoof. What's the idea of the rod? Listen, I gotta see Davison. Police know what happened last night. You were seen. You're identified. The police are looking for you now for murder. Dave, I gotta get out here. Let me get out. You're getting out, Dutch. But you're going in that car and you're going my way. A one way ride. Dutch Davison. Figures you know too much. Sure, I know all about him and all right. You mean in that car at the curb? That Vinny's car? Him too. But he ain't gonna get me up no s worth. Where's my rod? I got such done it. Yes, Dutch, a long ride. And when you wake up, you'll be right in. Police headquarters. Hello, Gunnigan. Larry talking. I'm at headquarters. Get a load of this. A car just drove by and dumped down. A gorilla named Dutch? No, just unconscious. Whose car? It was Alderman Finney's. Yeah, but there's more. This guy had a note pinned to his coat saying he did that job last night. Yeah, yeah, Meekin. That's right. He's talking about it. You know, babbling Bill. How are he now? Hold it, Dunnigan. Yeah, he's waking up. Swell. I'll call you back. Gunnigan, Dutch is coming to and I don't want to miss it. Double cross knee. David. You hear that? Talking that way all the time. Look, when he opens his eyes. Let me handle it, huh? You Kyle sense and Sergeant Moran. Wouldn't mind if he was around. Let me. What happened? Who. Who are you guys? Look around, Dutch. Take A good look. You're in police headquarters. You're under arrest, Rat. You murdered me. And you're in that WPA racket up your neck. Police station me out of your hot juice. Count. In this day, people die from a committed murder. Murder to die. Now wait a minute. It was Davison gave me the office. He paid me to do the job. Davison, huh? Don't try to help me. Look, I know all about Davison. He pays out of the WPA job, see? And he. He puts a que on all of them. Makes them pay out for giving the job. I tell you, it's true. Davison's in on this horse, Finney. All him in. Finney? Yeah, yeah. He collects 50% of what Davidson squeezes out of them WPA workers. When this Meekin guy was going to squeal, Davison told me to get him out of the way. Better pick up Davison, Finney. Spencer. You said it, Larry. They're as good as in the chug right now. And you keep talking, Dutch. Sure, sure, I'll talk. I'll talk plenty. Why shouldn't I? Davison and Finney crossed me up. They sent the Hornet out to bump me off. The Hornet? Yeah, the double crossing skunks making a grafting racket out of the wp. But I'll fix their wagon. David Dutch, you'll have plenty of time. Hello? Yeah, Gunnigan, I was just gonna call you. Sure this rat squealed? The police are picking up Davison and Finney now. Yeah, that's who I said Davison and Finney. They're running the racket between them. And the Hornet's in it too. You get. Huh? What's that? The boss is there. Just stepped in. Well, if he wants to talk to Finn, he'd better come over here. By the time he arrives, the alderman will be in a nice little cell. Well, Finney, how do you like it behind wires? Listen, Radio, you run a newspaper. You've got to help me, son. I'll be glad to print this. Finney, they have Davidson and another cooler down the hall. Boy, listen to me. I've already given my statement to the police. Well, I had nothing to do with that murder. That was all Davison's doing. Yes, I suppose you're denying any part of the racket too? Oh, no, I Admit I took 50%. But as far as Meekin's death is concerned, my hands are clean. They are? I told Davison murder was too much. All right, Vinnie, now you listen to me. Davison was forcing applicants for the WPA jobs. To kick back to him. You chiseled in on him. Yes, yes, but I never condoned him. You've been a crook ever since you got old enough to spell. You've used your political office for squeezing out all sorts of crap. Well, now your corruption caught up with you. You're mixed up in a racket that led to a murder. And I hope you pay for both. No, wait. I turned state in evidence. I've told all I know. All I ask is a fair break. Break. Come on, Larry, let's get out of here. I need fresh air. You and me both, boss. Boy, what a scoop this will make for the Sentinel. What are you waiting for, Laurie, huh? Well, how can the Sentinel print what it doesn't know? You haven't phoned the latest in yet? Holy macro, boss. I clean for and get busy. There's a phone. Use it. Call the Daily Set and get the news desk. Tell Gunnigan to break out the headlines. Meekin's Murder is cleaned up and so is the racket. Wpa rockets night politicians turn strike governance on wpa murder killer to get extreme penalty. Read all about it. Green hornets kill his life. Threaten the lexi power. Sam.