Martin Kane Private Investigator 1953-10-29 Starring Mark Stevens

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – Episode Summary: "Martin Kane Private Investigator" (1953-10-29)

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the classic detective noir narrative of Martin Kane, a sharp and resourceful private investigator portrayed by Mark Stevens. Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, the episode delves into themes of justice, deception, and the relentless pursuit of truth as Kane challenges the established narrative surrounding a heinous crime.

Main Characters

• Martin Kane: The protagonist, a tenacious private detective determined to uncover the truth behind a murder case.
• Lieutenant Gray Ponder: A seasoned police officer involved in the investigation of the crime.
• Fred Wallace: A witness who accuses Albert Thompson of committing the murder.
• Helen Thompson: Albert Thompson's wife, caught in the turmoil of her husband's alleged crime.
• Hap Malone: A character involved in the cigarette advertisement subplot.
• Larry Spencer: A suspect with a shady past and potential connections to the crime.

Plot Summary

1. The Accusation Against Albert Thompson

The episode opens with Lieutenant Gray briefing his colleague on the recent case implicating Albert Thompson in the murder of a druggist. Thompson's identification by Fred Wallace at the scene positions him as the prime suspect. Lieutenant Gray mentions, "Fred Wallace, the guy who spotted Thompson at that bus stop, he's the one who gets all the credit." (02:36)

2. Martin Kane Enters the Investigation

Enter Martin Kane, who approaches Lieutenant Gray to commend the department's efforts but simultaneously questions the solidity of the evidence against Thompson. He asserts, "He could beat you in court unless you come up with more evidence." (02:39-02:46), highlighting potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

3. Challenging the Witness

Kane's investigation leads him to Fred Wallace, where he begins to dismantle Wallace's testimony. He meticulously points out discrepancies, such as Thompson's habit of not wearing a hat, which Wallace contradicts when recalling the suspect’s attire. Kane asserts, "Your logic's good, Mr. Wallace, but your memory is bad." (06:26) This confrontation underscores Kane's methodical approach to exposing flaws in the witness's account.

4. Uncovering New Suspects

Persisting in his quest for the truth, Kane collaborates with Lieutenant Gray, albeit contentiously, to delve deeper into the case. Through diligent research, Kane identifies Larry Spencer as a potential suspect, noting suspicious activity surrounding Spencer's behavior between key dates of the crime. He reveals, "Between those two dates, Larry Spencer decides he needs a vacation. That's quite a coincidence, isn't it?" (18:36), suggesting a possible motive and opportunity.

5. Building the Case Against Thompson

As the investigation progresses, Kane leverages Lieutenant Gray's resources to narrow down suspects. He meticulously analyzes alibis and inconsistencies, leading to the dismissal of Carl Shaw based on verified alibis. Kane's dedication culminates in presenting compelling evidence to Lieutenant Gray, pushing the narrative towards uncovering the true perpetrator.

6. Confrontation and Revelation

The tension peaks when Kane confronts Lieutenant Gray with his findings, challenging the established belief in Thompson's guilt. Their dialogue reaches a critical point as Kane declares, "You won't find the gun until you find the man who used it. And it wasn't Albert Thompson." (12:24), asserting his confidence in uncovering the real murderer.

7. Climax and Resolution

In the episode's climax, Kane orchestrates a meeting with witnesses and suspects, utilizing strategic questioning to highlight the inconsistencies in Wallace's testimony. The culmination of Kane's relentless pursuit and sharp investigative skills leads to the unraveling of the truth, exonerating Albert Thompson and unveiling the actual culprit behind the crime.

Notable Quotes

• Martin Kane: "Civic virtue is a great thing, Lieutenant, as long as it doesn't convict the wrong man." (05:42)
• Fred Wallace: "Some people would say I was scared off. Others said I was bought off. No, sir. I said it was Albert Thompson." (06:40)
• Lieutenant Gray: "The district Attorney's been on my neck all week. He says he's got to have the gun that killed Thompson or else." (10:47)
• Helen Thompson: "He'd like to ask you a few questions, Mr. Wallace." (19:33)
• Martin Kane: "He doesn't get another chance."- Referring to the final opportunity to prove Thompson's innocence. (14:35)

Key Themes and Insights

• Search for Truth vs. Established Narratives: Kane embodies the archetype of the detective who refuses to accept the surface explanation, delving deeper to uncover hidden truths.
• Justice and Morality: The episode explores the ethical responsibilities of law enforcement and individuals in ensuring justice is served without prejudice.
• Memory and Perception: Through Wallace's flawed testimony, the narrative examines how human memory can be unreliable, impacting the pursuit of justice.

Conclusion

"Martin Kane Private Investigator" is a quintessential radio detective story that masterfully combines suspense, drama, and intellectual challenge. Through Mark Stevens' compelling portrayal of Kane, listeners are engaged in a cerebral quest for justice that transcends mere entertainment, prompting reflections on the nature of truth and the complexities of human perception. This episode not only captivates with its intricate plot and dynamic characters but also reinforces the enduring appeal of classic detective narratives from the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Martin Kane]

The makers of those increasingly popular cigarettes, Sano, the cigarette with far less nicotine. Encore cigarettes that filter the smoke, but not the taste. Present Martin Kane, starring Mark Stevens.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Hey, yo.

[Martin Kane]

What's your name?

What's that? Don't try anything.

I said, what's your name?

Thompson. Albert Thompson. Why? Something wrong, Officer? You sure this is the man?

[Fred Wallace]

He's the one I saw, all right. He did it.

[Martin Kane]

Did what? I don't know what you're talking about. Who are you?

[Fred Wallace]

I saw you running out of that store after the shooting. You killed that storekeeper.

[Martin Kane]

I don't know what you're talking about. What store? I haven't done anything.

[Fred Wallace]

He's the one. I'll swear that.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Come along, mister. Oh, look, Officer.

[Martin Kane]

See him.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Leave yourself, Officer, please. I'll need you, too.

[Martin Kane]

But you're making a terrible mistake.

I never saw this man in my life. Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yes, sir. We're all set on our end. Oh, no, nothing's going to happen to that witness.

[Martin Kane]

He's in a real safe place.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Anytime you want him for the grand jury, he'll be there. Well, thank you. Yeah, I'll be checking with you right along. Right. Well, the DA is a very happy man. He's got a singed case against Albert Thompson. Oh, what did you drop in for, Kay?

[Martin Kane]

Congratulations.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah? What'd you do?

[Martin Kane]

Not me. It's you that rates the medals, Lieutenant. You and your department. The way you solved that murder, that's pretty good.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, the whole case just kind of walked in here. Fred Wallace, the guy who spotted Thompson at that bus stop, he's the one who gets all the credit.

[Martin Kane]

You got anything new on Thompson?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, the identification looks pretty solid.

[Martin Kane]

King got a smart lawyer, Ed Randall. He could beat you in court unless you come up with more evidence. Including the murder weapon.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah, we're working on it. You know, Kane, that taken that robbery was about 200 bucks. When we examined Thompson, he had 207 bucks on him.

[Martin Kane]

Maybe he saved it up.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah? How? His wife didn't know anything about it.

[Martin Kane]

Look, Lieutenant, when a fellow's planning on buying his wife a new coat for her birthday, he doesn't tell her what he's saving up for.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Tell me, how do you know so much about Thompson?

[Martin Kane]

He's Ed Randall's client.

[Lieutenant Gray]

So?

[Martin Kane]

Ed Randall's a client of mine.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Oh.

[Martin Kane]

He thinks Thompson's innocent. Thinks that your witness made a mistake.

[Lieutenant Gray]

He's a good lawyer.

[Martin Kane]

He's smart, too.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Mm. So you. You think the witness made a mistake, too?

[Martin Kane]

I don't Know? That's why I'm hired, to find out.

[Lieutenant Gray]

He sure picked a tough way to make a living.

[Martin Kane]

Some guys climb mountains you won't even.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Get off the ground. Fred Wallace made a positive identification.

[Martin Kane]

By the way, I called his house. You've taken him somewhere. Why?

[Lieutenant Gray]

For his health gain.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, come on, Lieutenant. Thompson couldn't hurt anybody. He hasn't got any mob connections. He's just a little guy that fell in a great. I want to see Wallace.

[Lieutenant Gray]

You're wasting your time, Kane.

[Martin Kane]

In that street, you're convinced that Thompson's guilty. I can't be. Not yet.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, I'm only about 90% convinced because we still haven't found the gun. However, Fred Wallace kind of makes up for it.

[Martin Kane]

I still want to see him.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, you'll see him, all right, but not alone. I'll be there, too.

[Martin Kane]

Everything all right, Mr. Wallace?

Fine, fine.

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Hold on.

[Helen Thompson]

Sir.

[Martin Kane]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant Gray]

How are things?

[Martin Kane]

What did the commissioner say? This guy's hood, Bill. Hello, Hans.

[Fred Wallace]

Hello, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Wallace. Wallace, this is Martin Caine.

[Fred Wallace]

How do you do, mister?

[Martin Kane]

Hello, Mr. Wallace.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Kane's a private detective. Right now he's working for Thompson's lawyer.

[Fred Wallace]

I see.

[Lieutenant Gray]

He'd. He'd like to ask you a few questions, Mr. Wallace.

[Martin Kane]

You're sure you couldn't have been mistaken in your identification?

[Fred Wallace]

No, sir.

[Martin Kane]

What makes you so positive it was Thompson you saw running out of the shop after you heard the shots?

[Fred Wallace]

Just was, that's all.

[Martin Kane]

Tommy. Was he wearing a hat?

[Fred Wallace]

A hat?

[Martin Kane]

Yeah, hat.

[Fred Wallace]

Yes. Yes, he was.

[Martin Kane]

Thompson doesn't Wore a hat, Mr. Wallace never does. Never has.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, he could have on this job.

[Fred Wallace]

Kane, do I have to talk to him?

[Martin Kane]

Why not? Mr. Wallace? We're both after the same thing, aren't we? The truth.

[Fred Wallace]

That's just why I went after that policeman the moment I saw him. Thompson, it's my duty as a citizen. You think I like hanging around this hotel room, not being able to go about my normal business? We're seeing my name spread all over the newspapers. I have to testify at that trial. It's the right thing to do.

[Lieutenant Gray]

You know, Kane, most people would be afraid to stick out their necks. We could use more men like Mr. Wallace.

[Martin Kane]

Yeah. Civic virtue is a great thing, Lieutenant, as long as it doesn't convict the wrong man.

[Fred Wallace]

Why would I do a thing like that?

[Martin Kane]

Just a mistake, Mr. Wallace. A simple, ordinary, human mistake. It happens all the time, every day, just like it happened here. You couldn't possibly seen Thompson run out of that store. He was clear across town at the time.

[Fred Wallace]

That's what he says. I saw him.

[Martin Kane]

Tell me, Mr. Wallace, what was the weather that day?

[Fred Wallace]

What kind of a question is that?

[Martin Kane]

Would you answer it, please?

[Fred Wallace]

I don't see what difference it makes. I think it was a nice day. Yes, it was a nice warm day.

[Martin Kane]

The man who ran out of the store, was he wearing a top coat?

[Fred Wallace]

He could have.

[Martin Kane]

Was he?

[Fred Wallace]

No. I just told you it was a warm day when we wear a top coat.

[Martin Kane]

Your logic's good, Mr. Wallace, but your memory is bad. It was a warm day and Thompson was wearing a top coat. The people at his office will swear to that.

[Fred Wallace]

He's just trying to trick me.

[Martin Kane]

Now, I just want you to think and think hard, Mr. Wallace. Isn't possible that you made a mistake in your identification?

[Fred Wallace]

Mr. Kane, I'm not a fool. If I listened to you and changed my story, I'd be a fool. Some people would say I was scared off. Others said I was bought off. No, sir. I said it was Albert Thompson. And Albert Thompson it stays.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, convinced?

[Martin Kane]

Nope. But I got a better chance of talking back to Tide.

Albert's in here, Mrs. Thompson.

[Helen Thompson]

Thank you, Mr. Randall.

[Martin Kane]

Why don't you go right on me and now wait out here for Mr. Kane.

[Helen Thompson]

Albert.

[Martin Kane]

Hello, Helen.

[Helen Thompson]

You all right?

[Martin Kane]

Yeah, yeah, they're treating me all right.

[Helen Thompson]

Mr. Randall's here with me.

[Martin Kane]

He said he was coming. He's a very fine lawyer, Al. He tried to get him to lower the bail.

[Helen Thompson]

He's still working very hard.

[Martin Kane]

Yeah, I know they won't do it. A guard told me that $25,000 is the lowest Bailey ever heard of for a murderer.

[Helen Thompson]

Mr. Barnes came to see me from the office. Wanted to know if you needed any money.

[Martin Kane]

What'd you tell him?

[Helen Thompson]

I thanked him very much. I told him we'd manage.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Oh, Albert.

[Helen Thompson]

He said. He said all your friends believe in you.

[Martin Kane]

Helen, Mr. Randall's very optimistic.

[Lieutenant Gray]

He.

[Martin Kane]

He thinks this Mr. Kane is sure to find some new evidence. He. I may not even have to go to trial. Helen, I. Helen.

[Helen Thompson]

Oh, Malfin. I can't do it.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, Helen, I want you to meet Martin Caine.

Hello, Mr. Thompson.

[Helen Thompson]

Kane, can you help?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know yet.

Have you talked to Wallace?

Yeah, I talk to him. He'll make an excellent witness for the state. How do you see it, Ed?

Well, it's not good.

It's not bad.

District attorney's office has been working just as hard as we have.

Has he got enough for an indictment? Afraid he has.

See, Albert, our main problem is your alibi. If we could only prove that you were nowhere near that store when it happened. No, but I wasn't. I wasn't. I was on my way home. A dozen people must have seen me. Two dozen.

A hundred people could have seen you, Mr. Thompson. Nobody ever sees you on the subway or a bus. I'm afraid you have no alibi, Ed. I'll keep right on working, mainly on finding the gun. The big job will be yours in court.

I know. I'll need everything you can get me to shake Wallace in cross examination. Oh, now, look, let's not give up the ship. Never can tell about juries. Sometimes they go for the strangest stories.

[Helen Thompson]

What's strange about Albert's story? That's the truth. Well, he never hurt a soul in his life. Well, he's an honest, decent, hard working man. What jury would believe he's a murderer?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yes. Yes, I know, Inspector. Yes, sir, I know this isn't that big, but the. Well, the district Attorney's been on my neck all week. Yeah. He says he's got to have the gun that killed Thompson or else. That's right. So I put all the men I could spare on it. Sir. No, sir. No, sir, nothing so far. What? Well, Inspector, I think my men know their jobs. I pick most of them myself. Yes, sir. Yes, sir, I. I understand you. Yes, I certainly do. Thank you, Inspector. Good. Want some, Kane? Warm out tonight.

[Martin Kane]

Not for a private detective.

[Lieutenant Gray]

What do you want?

[Martin Kane]

I want some help.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Still working for Ed Randall?

[Martin Kane]

That's right.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, come around and see me when you quit.

[Martin Kane]

Maybe that'll be too late for Albert Thompson. No, for you, Lieutenant. You want to find the gun, don't you?

[Lieutenant Gray]

What do you think? I get it or I get fired. I don't know whether it'll be the inspector first or the DA first.

[Martin Kane]

Maybe neither. You want to help me?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Hey, Kane, are you holding out on me? Hey, do you know where that gun is?

[Martin Kane]

I know where that gun isn't. And I know a little fella that doesn't know anything at all about it. Albert Thompson.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Now, Kane, say what you've got to say. All right.

[Martin Kane]

You won't find the gun until you find the man who used it. And it wasn't Albert Thompson. You've already proved that.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah? How?

[Martin Kane]

You've had your best men out looking for the gun and they can't find it. They've questioned every enemy, every friend that Thompson ever had. They've looked every place where he could have bought or rented a gun.

[Lieutenant Gray]

And they're gonna keep right on looking for.

[Martin Kane]

Well, they can keep on Looking from now until next year. But they're gonna come up with nothing.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah, maybe and maybe not. We'll see.

[Martin Kane]

Look, Lieutenant, stop wasting time.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Now, look, can you tell me what you want or take off?

[Martin Kane]

Get me a rundown, a description of every stick up artist that looks like Thompson.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Oh, for crying out loud.

[Martin Kane]

How many can there be?

[Lieutenant Gray]

50, 100, 500? I don't know. And I can't spare a crew on the files. Yeah, well, then you find him. And while you're at it, try and find the witness who saw him do it. Meantime, I'll go along with Thompson. I got a witness for him. Lieutenant Gray? Yes, sir. Oh, she did, huh? Yeah. That's too bad. No, no, I didn't think of that. Well, all I can do is keep right after it. Yes, sir, of course. As soon as I get in there. District Attorney. They just took Mrs. Thompson to Bellevue. A complete nervous collapse.

[Martin Kane]

Not much you can do about that, is there, Kane?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Everything we've got so far says that Thompson did it. You show the DA one solid fact on the other side of the ledger and Thompson's practically a free man.

[Martin Kane]

Look, will you give me the rundown? I'll try to get that fact and you show it to the DA.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Did you ever meet Mrs. Thompson? Yeah, real nice woman.

[Martin Kane]

That's right.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Sergeant. Meet me in the photo gallery in five minutes. This better be good, Kane, for everybody's sake.

[Martin Kane]

Especially for my clients. If we miss, we get another chance. He doesn't get another chance, Lieutenant. This is his last time at bat.

[Hap Malone]

Hello there, Mrs. Malone.

[Martin Kane]

A carton of your usual.

[Helen Thompson]

No, hep. I've decided to make a change.

[Hap Malone]

My goodness, after all these years of change.

[Helen Thompson]

That's right. You see, I smoke so much, I thought I should try some of those cigarettes they claim have less nicotine. Do you know anything about them?

[Hap Malone]

Well, Mrs. Malone, it just so happens that I do. More and more people are switching to Sano cigarettes for exactly the same reason that you mentioned. Oh, Care to have one on the house? No charge.

[Helen Thompson]

Thank you. Well, from that sample, I'd say people are switching to Sano cigarettes not just because they contain less nicotine, but because they like them.

[Hap Malone]

That's right, Mrs. Malone. And speaking of nicotine, do you realize that you've never seen any?

[Helen Thompson]

Really? But I. Well, I thought the stain test showed just the amount of nicotine in a cigarette.

[Hap Malone]

Anna, you see other substances, but not nicotine. Nicotine is absolutely colorless when it's removed from the tobacco.

[Helen Thompson]

Removed from the tobacco? You mean they can take nicotine right out of the tobacco, even before the cigarettes are made.

[Hap Malone]

That's exactly what I mean. That's the reason why there's less nicotine in the smoke of a Sano cigarette. The nicotine is removed from the tobacco before Sano cigarettes are made.

[Helen Thompson]

Well, that's really getting rid of nicotine.

[Hap Malone]

Yes, indeed. The fact is, there's less nicotine in the smoke of a Sano cigarette than in the smoke of any other leading cigarette. Actually, less than 1/10 of 1%.

[Helen Thompson]

HAP. That certainly answers my question. As I said before, I don't know when I've smoked a better tasting cigarette. You've just sold me a carton.

[Hap Malone]

All right, Mrs. Malone, you'll never have to change brands again because you can stop worrying about nicotine when you smoke Sano cigarettes.

[Helen Thompson]

Thank you for telling me about them. Half.

[Hap Malone]

You're entirely welcome.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, Kane, I hope you pay your taxes. I had three men working on that list all night.

[Martin Kane]

Thanks, Lieutenant. Only nine names, huh?

[Lieutenant Gray]

That's right. Out of about 400. We eliminated everyone who didn't correspond, at least roughly, to Thompson's physical description.

[Martin Kane]

Only two possibilities.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah. Three are in prison, two are on the west coast, two were in the hospital at the time, and the other two are right here in New York.

[Martin Kane]

Carl Shaw, Larry Spencer.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah, with a complete rundown on each. O'Kane, this isn't a lending library.

[Martin Kane]

If I tag one of these guys, I'll buy you a set of cast iron bookends for your birthday. You'll be hearing from me. My first possibility. Carl Shaw was working in the garage. He told me a straight sounding story about not being crooked anymore. He had a wife and kids now. His past was really behind him. And so on and so on. I thought he'd never stop telling me how he'd become a new man. But all I wanted to hear from him was his alibi for the time of the killing. And he had one. He was working here. The fellow at the next bench could prove it. Carl Shaw was in the clear.

[Lieutenant Gray]

What'll it be, Mr. Kane?

[Martin Kane]

A little information, Charlie, on a guy named Larry Spencer.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, he comes around.

[Martin Kane]

Regular customer.

[Lieutenant Gray]

He was so a couple of weeks ago.

[Martin Kane]

Then last night he showed up again. How come?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Says he was away. Vacation.

[Martin Kane]

He wouldn't have gone away around the day after Columbus Day, would he?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Maybe.

[Fred Wallace]

What?

[Martin Kane]

On October 13th, the druggist was killed in a heist. Yesterday they indicted a man named Albert Thompson for the murder. The 28th. Between those two dates, Larry Spencer decides he needs a vacation. That's quite a Coincidence, isn't it?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Oh, excuse me, Mr. Charlie, I've got customers. Mister.

[Martin Kane]

I know you got customers. You got customers because you still got a license. Remember when I proved that those high school kids didn't pick up their booze here? I remember. What's Spencer been up to lately?

[Lieutenant Gray]

I don't know.

[Martin Kane]

Honest. You got any money?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Oh, I let him run a tab once in a while.

[Martin Kane]

The last one had me worried. Now, why?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Well, when he didn't show up those couple of weeks, I figured he was gone for good.

[Martin Kane]

And yesterday he came in and settled up. Okay, Charlie. Thanks a lot.

[Lieutenant Gray]

It.

[Martin Kane]

Hi, Kane.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Lieutenant Gray Ponder. Come on in.

[Martin Kane]

Hello, Mr. Wallace.

[Fred Wallace]

Well, Mr. Kane, how are you? What do you want?

[Martin Kane]

I want you to look at a picture, Mr. Wallace.

[Fred Wallace]

What picture?

[Martin Kane]

Well, who's this?

[Fred Wallace]

Where'd you get this?

[Martin Kane]

A guy named Larry Spencer. He's got a police record. He's got a hobby also, of holding up storekeepers. Are you sure, Mr. Wallace, this isn't a man you saw run out of that store?

[Fred Wallace]

What are you trying to do to me, Mr. King?

[Martin Kane]

Never mind what I'm trying to do to you. Think of Albert Thompson. Are you sure this isn't the man you saw run out of the store after the shooting? No.

[Fred Wallace]

I told you once before, you're not gonna make a fool of me. Not now or not on a witness stand. I'm not changing my story.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Lieutenant Gray. Oh, yes, Kane. Say, I'm glad you got my message. Listen, some of the boys down the hall brought in a quite a gang. Crapshooters. One of them was Larry Spencer. You want me to hold him?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know. Did you get anything on him?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Nope. I was hoping to.

[Martin Kane]

Well, there's no point in holding him. He won't do me any good in the tank.

[Lieutenant Gray]

You think he'll lead you to the gun, huh?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know. I think he's got his trashed away in some nice quiet place. Ready for another job?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Yeah, I'll buy that. How does it look?

[Martin Kane]

I made a contact with a friend of his.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Hood?

[Martin Kane]

No, his girlfriend. She works in a Diamond dance place. I'm going over there now.

[Lieutenant Gray]

All right. You don't care how you spend your money, do you? Let me know if it was worth it, will you?

[Helen Thompson]

Sandy sure forgot about Spencer fast. She's been dancing with that new guy all evening. He wouldn't need to give me any tickets. I dance with him for free. Well, I hope Spencer doesn't come in, that's all. Sandy'd be awful sorry. So Would that dreamboat Spencer'd kill him. Larry Spencer kill him? Are you kidding? You know, I don't get it. What's a guy like you doing in this place?

[Martin Kane]

Maybe I like to dance. Oh, there we go.

[Fred Wallace]

Yeah.

[Helen Thompson]

Hey, you must own an oil well. Anyway, the next sets on me.

[Martin Kane]

Now, you keep them.

[Helen Thompson]

Well, I could use them.

[Martin Kane]

You getting time?

[Helen Thompson]

A little.

[Martin Kane]

Wanna sit down?

[Helen Thompson]

No. I like dancing with you too much. It's not a job. I like it. Boy, that last one was sure living it up. One ticket. Hey, Sandy's still dancing with that guy. Can you blame her? Maybe somebody ought to tell Larry Spencer about it. Mind your own business. Say, they look nice together. Make yourself at home.

[Martin Kane]

Thanks.

[Helen Thompson]

I'll get some coffee. You're awfully nice. I'm glad you're here.

[Martin Kane]

I was glad to be here too. But all I had in mind was finding out if Larry Spencer used this flat for a gun drop. Who's the guy?

[Helen Thompson]

His name's Larry Spencer.

[Martin Kane]

The girls told me about him. The guy you're gonna marry, huh?

[Helen Thompson]

I don't know. You haven't helped much.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, come on, Sandy.

[Helen Thompson]

Now, please, let me say something. You know, things. Things happen quick. Too quick. If you want something, you have to put out your hand and grab it or else it goes right by. Larry thinks fast. He gets things. I never wanted to know how. But you get what you want too, don't you?

[Martin Kane]

I try, Sandy.

[Helen Thompson]

Only maybe with you it'd be different. It'd be a chance to stop being scared.

[Martin Kane]

Scared?

[Helen Thompson]

Try to tell him every time I see him. But I don't know. Time rushes by and there's never enough left.

[Martin Kane]

What are you scared of, Sandy? What Larry done.

[Helen Thompson]

I don't want to talk about him.

[Martin Kane]

What's he done, Sandy?

[Helen Thompson]

Why?

[Martin Kane]

Tell me.

[Helen Thompson]

Well, why? Why do you have to know?

[Martin Kane]

Long story, Sandy.

[Helen Thompson]

Hello? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. There is someone here who told you Hello? You can ask Larry yourself. He's coming over right now.

[Martin Kane]

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[Lieutenant Gray]

What do you want?

[Martin Kane]

I'm waiting for you.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Who is he?

[Helen Thompson]

Friend.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Oh. Get out. If I ever catch you around here again, I'll break your face in.

[Martin Kane]

You hear me? I hear you. Who is this guy?

[Helen Thompson]

Let me go.

[Martin Kane]

I said, who is he?

[Lieutenant Gray]

Ah.

[Martin Kane]

What do you want? I want you to change places with a nice little guy that's being framed for murder. Did you commit it?

[Lieutenant Gray]

You're nuts.

[Martin Kane]

Pretend I went out and came back. Go on, beat my face in.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Leave me alone.

[Martin Kane]

I'm gonna start paying you off. Now.

[Helen Thompson]

Get the gun.

[Lieutenant Gray]

Go ahead, get it. Sandy, help me.

[Martin Kane]

Thanks, Sandy, for not helping him.

[Helen Thompson]

I couldn't. Not after what you said. I always thought Larry was small time. He killed somebody. Hid the gun here. Kane. I told you, didn't I? If you want something, you have to reach out and get it. Will I? Will I ever see you again?

[Martin Kane]

If you ever need me. Sandy, if you're ever in trouble. Right now I want to start the wheels rolling for somebody who is. Lieutenant Gray, please.