I'm afraid you're on a wild goose chase, Mr. Chan.
Have sometimes caught wild goose.
Well, if you ask me, there's something fishy about the whole business.
A man walks out on a fortune seven years ago.
Then all of a sudden, he appears from nowhere to claim it.
A little tough on the Colby heirs if he's alive.
- Tough on Allen Colby if dead. - Yeah.
Ah. They're bringing him up now.
Get back.
Take in on the winch.
All right, swing him aboard.
All right, get him down there.
Body not that of Allen Colby.
- Well, I guess that ends it. - Not so certain.
Passenger list indicate 30 persons on board.
Twenty-seven rescued by lifeboats.
Two bodies recovered today.
Twenty-seven plus two make 29.
Leave one body missing.
Maybe Allen Colby escape by clinging to wreckage.
Well, if he did, the sharks got him by now.
You can't drift around in these waters for two weeks.
May have been picked up by boat without radio.
Must not overlook any possibility.
Mr. Chan.
- I found this in one of the bunks. - Thank you so much.
Initials A.C.
Allen Colby.
As soon as you get Duke aboard, get under way!
How soon we make port?
Oh, a couple of hours.
May send radiogram, please?
Sure. They can relay it from the land station.
What do you wanna say?
To Mrs. Henrietta Lowell, San Francisco.
Fate of Allen Colby still uncertain.
Leaving Honolulu at once on new clipper airship...
to continue investigation on mainland.
Sign Charlie Chan, please.
"D."
"E."
"A."
"D." Dead.
There can be no doubt, Baxter.
Allen is dead. It was a message from his father.
To be perfectly frank, madam...
- this sort of thing makes me quite creepy. - Oh, nonsense.
A radiogram, Mrs. Lowell.
We haven't finished yet. Sit down.
Hand me the telephone.
Oh, get off the wire, Alice. You can talk to Dick some other time.
All right, Mother, in just a second. Dick, I'll have to go now.
All right. Now remember, darling...
we've got a date tonight if the chief doesn't send me out on a story.
Well, I like that. You think more of your old newspaper than you do me.
Well, Dick, I simply must hang up now. Mother wants to use the phone.
Of course I do.
Good-bye.
- Call Mr. Phelps's office for me. - Yes, ma'am.
- What is the wire? - Another radiogram from Charlie Chan.
- He's arriving sometime today. - The line's busy, ma'am.
Try again. And remind me to call Professor Bowan.
I want to tell him that we're holding a séance tonight at 8:30.
If you have nothing else to do, take some flowers out to Colby House...
and tell Ulrich to have everything ready.
- All right, Mother. - Do you want Baxter to help you?
No, thanks. I'll shanghai Dick.
Hello, Mr. Phelps? Just one moment. Mrs. Lowell.
Hello, Warren.
It's your mother. Yes, Mrs. Lowell.
He's arriving today?
Yes, everything concerning the estate is in order.
I've been going over matters with your son-in-law. He and Mrs. Gage are here now.
Certainly, I'll tell them to be there. At 8:30.
Yes, I'll come too. Good-bye.
Was she talking about Allen?
No, Charlie Chan. He's arriving this afternoon.
He must have definite news about Allen.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be coming all the way from Honolulu.
I don't see why Mother had to drag him into this.
Well, you can hardly blame her for being worried.
If Allen is alive, it places a great responsibility on her.
But from what you've said, it places a great responsibility on all of us.
We'll have to turn the estate over to him and account for every penny we've spent.
Well, after all, it was his father's money.
But Mother was Uncle Bernard's sister.
Regardless of Allen, she should be entitled to something.
Unfortunately not, if Allen is alive.
[Bell Ringing]
[Allen] Ulrich.!
Ulrich!
[Clock Chimes]
[Clatters]
[Clock Chiming]
- Hello, Alice. - Hmm. Where were you when I called at the office?
Now wait a minute. I had to go out on a story.
So I phoned your mother, and she said you were coming here.
- Well, I wanted you to help me with these flowers. - More spook business tonight?
Oh, please don't kid about it, Dick. At least not when Mother's around.
I'm always nervous when I come to this old house.
Oh, don't worry. I won't let the old bogeyman get you. I want you myself.
Even if Allen came back and claimed all the money and I was poor?
Say, when I marry, I don't expect to work for a living.
Aw, go away. You're just a fortune hunter.
How'd you guess it?
- [Loud Crash] - Dick, what's that?
Well, it's not a ghost!
- [Meowing] - [Alice] Oh, it's Lucifer.
Something must have frightened him.
There, Alice. You have the solution to all ghost stories.
Not to all the things that happen in this house.
You know, I don't see why your mother doesn't have this old squirrel's cage torn down.
She's too devout a believer in psychic research.
Why, this place means as much to her as it did to Uncle Bernard.
Yeah, and he was a little cracked.
Oh, don't say that, Dick. He believed in it.
That's why he rebuilt this house with all these funny rooms.
So the poor spirits could have a home.
Come on. Let's get out of here and go somewheres a little more cheerful.
Not yet. I have to arrange those flowers for tonight's séance.
And you're going to help me.
I very rarely visit the old house, sir, since Mr. Colby died.
It was only because of your late arrival...
that Mrs. Lowell told me to bring you here.
- Thank you. - Oh, it's a pleasure, sir.
I don't mind admitting to you frankly, sir...
that I don't feel at all myself in this atmosphere.
- No? - No, sir.
There's a tinge of the graveyard which positively awes me.
Yes. Mysterious shadows of night cling to old house...
like moss on tombstone?
Quite right— Quite right, sir.
That, sir, is the— is the front door.
The—The back door is... at the rear.
Most interesting. Shall we enter by front door?
Yes. Yes.
This way, sir.
The family will be waiting for you in here, sir.
These are the accounts you spoke of, Mrs. Lowell.
No, not now.
- Mr. Chan. - Oh. I'm so glad you arrived, Charlie.
I knew I could depend on you. You know everyone here.
- Good evening, Mr. Chan. - Greetings at end of journey...
like refreshing rain after long drought.
Yes, yes, Mr. Chan, but let's get to your report.
Yes, Charlie. What about Allen?
Uh—
[Screeches]
Then it's your belief that Allen is still alive?
Cannot be certain but, if so, suspect life may be in danger.
- Now why do you say that? - Observe.
More than one attempt made on Allen Colby's life.
Just a scheme to create an impression. This fellow may be an impostor.
Correction, please.
Passport visaed by French and British consuls...
indicate he is real Allen Colby.
Then why did he wait all these years before communicating with his family?
Investigation prove Allen Colby...
enlisted in French Foreign Legion...
was taken prisoner by Riffs.
Escaped only recently.
Could not have communicated sooner.
Unless he was drowned, we can expect him to appear at any time to claim the estate?
[Mrs. Lowell] He has a right to the money, more than we have.
What is it, Ulrich?
Uh, Professor Bowan and Carlotta are ready to start the séance.
Tell them we'll be there in a moment, and see that we're not disturbed.
I can't stand that man! He's forever staring at me.
- Why don't we get rid ofhim? - We've gone over that before, Janice.
- Shall we go into the other room? - Perhaps Mr. Chan would rather wait here.
- He may not be interested in a séance. - I'm sure he will be.
Tonight Professor Bowan has promised us a message concerning Allen.
- I would like to have you present. - Would appreciate very much.
- Chinese people interested in all things psychic. - Yes.
Have they started the séance yet, Ulrich?
- They're just about to begin, miss. - Thanks.
You're always causing me grief. If we'd been late, Mother would have been furious.
- Is everything ready, Baxter? - Yes, ma'am.
- Sorry I'm late, Mother. - All my fault, Mrs. Lowell.
Say, you're Mr. Chan, aren't you?
- Humbly acknowledge name. - Glad to meet you. I've heard a lot about you.
I'm Dick Williams of the Globe.
- Anything I can print on the Colby case? - There's nothing for publication.
I've asked you repeatedly to consider our family affairs confidential.
- Yes, but— - Mr. Gage very wise.
Best place for skeleton is in family closet.
Thank you. Nothing to say.
Come, Charlie.
This is Professor Bowan, our adviser in psychic research.
And this is our medium, Carlotta.
So pleased.
Most fortunate gift to be able to cross bridge...
to dwelling place of honorable ancestors before arriving.
Shall we begin?
If you'll take your usual seats, we will commence.
Take this chair, Charlie.
- Will that be all right, Professor? - Quite all right.
Tonight I wish to ask for your special concentration.
We will try to bring word of Allen Colby from the beyond.
It may be difficult.
We shall ask his father, Bernard Colby...
- who has been our guide before, to assist us. - [Mouthing Words]
We will pause a moment in meditation.
Mr. Gage, will you turn down the lights?
##[Background: Eerie]
There is a presence here.
He has a message for Mrs. Lowell.
It is her brother, Bernard.
He says that Allen is there with him.
He is happy.
He wants to come to you.
[Screaming]
- Stop it! - Lights! Turn on the lights!
Allen Colby... murdered.
Notify police immediately.
Touch nothing...
until police arrive.
- Thanks for your information, Mr. Chan. - You welcome.
You know, what beats me is how Allen Colby got ashore without our getting wind of it.
Somebody knew it. That's how he trapped Colby here and finished him off.
He must have been trapped, all right.
You know, Allen was the type of fellow who could have defended himself. A knife in the back.
If strength were all, tiger would not fear scorpion.
- Not a sign of fingerprints. - Oh, he used gloves or a handkerchief.
This fellow was smart enough for that.
Have observed former resting place of murder weapon?
I've already checked that. No fingerprints there either.
- What did you find, Doctor? - Knife pierced right ventricle of the heart.
- He's been dead about four hours. - You want an autopsy?
Oh, no, not necessary. See you in the morning.
- Oh, Harris, got the rest of them in the other room? - Yes, sir.
Come along, Mr. Chan. You too, Williams.
I want to talk to everyone who was present here tonight.
Bowan, you must've been pretty sure Colby was dead when you started your séance.
That isn't true. We were merely seeking a message concerning him.
Just before this terrible thing happened...
I felt a strange new presence about me.
I knew we were in contact with Allen Colby's spirit.
And with his body hidden behind the panel...
it was easy for his spirit to get here, wasn't it?
Pardon interruption, please.
May ask cause of Allen Colby's separation from family?
Oh, certainly, Charlie. There had been a quarrel...
or rather a misunderstanding between Allen and his father.
You see, Allen didn't share our belief in psychic things.
Is this digging into family affairs necessary?
It is when we're looking for facts. If all I wanted was a motive...
I wouldn't have to go any further than the Lowell family.
What do you mean by that?
Simple enough, isn't it?
Allen Colby alive meant the loss of a fortune for all of you.
So sorry again to interrupt. Uh—
Money from Colby estate used for psychic research?
[Phelps] As executor of the estate, I can answer that.
Only such sums were used as Mrs. Lowell saw fit to donate.
And that would have ended, too, if Colby had returned?
Yes, I suppose so.
Were you here earlier today?
Why, yes. I stopped by Ulrich's cottage about 6:00...
to remind him to have everything in order for the séance.
You were here at house?
No. I've had a slight cold, and I left almost immediately to take care of it.
- Is that right? - As far as I know, it is.
Pardon undue curiosity.
- You were here all day? - That's what I get paid for.
Strange you did not know Allen Colby had arrived.
I said once— I didn't.
Who else beside Professor Bowan visit here today?
Why, I was here.
- You also? - What for?
He came here to meet me when I brought the flowers for the séance.
- What time was that? - Uh, I was here first.
Alice came in at 5:30. I'm sure of the time because I noticed the clock was fast...
and I was about to reset it.
Strange. Ancient clock tell very latest time now.
Someone must have fixed it!
Well, who reset the clock?
You don't think I'm lying, do you?
You arrived at what time, please?
About a quarter past 5:00.
And the murder took place around 5:00.
I can tell you, Morton, there was nothing wrong when I was here.
You and Miss Lowell were planning to get married shortly, weren't you?
Why, yes. What of it?
Congratulations.
- Haven't we had enough of this inquisition? - For tonight, yes.
But until this matter is settled, be on hand to give the authorities any help they need.
That's all.
Excuse, please.
- Ah, a headache for the police department. - Yes.
Have you any ideas, Mr. Chan?
Solve mystery, cure headache.
[Chuckles] Okay, we'll split a box of aspirin.
Oh, Harris. See you in the morning?
Thank you. Will bring aspirin.
- Ambulance here? - They've just arrived, sir. The men are coming in now.
- Almost finished? - Yes, last plate.
I guess I'll have to quit. Pretty hard to catch up with murderers these days, Mr. Chan...
especially when they don't leave their signatures.
That's what I call fingerprints— signatures.
But when they do leave them, it's just like signing their confession.
Yes, fingerprints very valuable...
if detective can catch owner of fingers.
That's right. Found anything interesting?
As son Lee would say— play hunch.
- [Mrs. Lowell] Charlie.! - Excuse, please.
Oh, there you are. Come along with us.
We'll put you up at the house.
Thank you so much, but with your permission, may spend night here?
- Here? - Yes.
Would like to make more complete investigation.
Oh, very well. As you wish. Baxter, prepare one of the bedrooms.
And you had better remain here with Mr. Chan tonight.
- Oh, all— all night, ma'am? - Certainly!
I'll send something over for your breakfast in the morning, Charlie.
But what about your breakfast, ma'am? Nobody knows how you like your toast but me.
I know how I like my toast. Good night, Charlie.
Quiet little place, isn't it, sir?
Yes. Very restful.
Oh, yes, sir.
Like, uh, silence in graveyard.
Oh. Y-Yes, sir. Like a... graveyard.
This way, sir.
Uh, after you, sir.
Thank you so much.
[Exclaims] Where'd the— Oh. Hello, sir.
Observe.
Oh, very interesting, sir.
Very, very interesting.
May I inquire what it is, sir?
Corroboration of deductions.
Then we can leave here at once, sir. Should I pack your bags?
Thank you so much, but, uh...
must first request able assistance...
in subduing malevolent spirits in ancient house.
Ye—What do you mean, sir?
We investigate downstairs.
N-Now, sir?
Yes.
[Door Opens]
Do you think that could be spirits, sir?
Very practical spirit to enter by door. Come.
That's all. And see that those gates are locked.
Well, here I am.
Why you come back?
You said you were staying here to investigate.
I want to know what's going on.
Uh, others know you return?
I don't tell them everything I do.
- Think advisable Baxter take you home immediately. - Hmm!
He's quite right, ma'am. Now, I think—
You don't think. You think you think.
I think.
Where should we start? In here?
Very well.
Perhaps woman's intuition, like feather on arrow—
may help flight to truth.
That's settled.
- Baxter, the door. - Oh.
Well, Charlie?
- May ask question, please? - Anything you want to.
Phenomenon of music always accompany séance?
Nothing unusual about that.
That was merely a manifestation from the world beyond.
Electric fixtures repaired recently?
No. They haven't been touched for years.
- May step on table, please? - Certainly, Charlie.
Very strange.
Brass tarnished with age...
but screw head very young.
Boy Scout knife like lady's hairpin—
have many uses.
Radio speaker.
Very simple solution of music from world beyond.
I can't believe that Professor Bowan and Carlotta...
would purposely deceive us.
Necessity— mother of invention...
but sometimes stepmother of deception.
Distinguished professor stand here tonight.
- Switch turn on radio receiving set up there. - ##[Eerie]
If Bowan has done this...
then all of our séances have been based on trickery.
When pilot unreliable...
ship cannot keep true course.
- Permission, please, to try experiment? - Certainly.
Turn down lights, please.
But... then we shan't be able to see, sir.
[Mrs. Lowell] Do as Mr. Chan says.
- They're off, sir. - Thank you so much.
Please to turn on dim light, as in séance.
Appearance of Allen Colby in secret panel most convenient.
Maybe find clue.
Please.
Would be so kind to take position...
occupied by deceased body?
Oh, c-could I be excused, please, sir?
I-I'm not very good at that sort of thing.
Role of dead man require very little acting.
Oh, but really, sir, l—
[Mrs. Lowell] Go on, Baxter. Go on.
May request, uh...
holding handkerchief before face...
when in position?
Charlie, look! There, on the handkerchief!
Earlier in evening, use same handkerchief to wipe face of Allen Colby.
- Oh, now, really, sir, l— - [Mrs. Lowell] Be quiet, Baxter.!
What about the handkerchief?
Chemical analysis of same...
prove face of murdered man...
treated with solution of quinine sulfate.
- For what reason? - Quinine sulfate...
when exposed to rays of ultraviolet lamp...
produce mysterious light which accompany apparition.
Well, where could it come from?
Answer well hidden, but hope to find same.
Please! Do not move handkerchief.
Ultraviolet-ray lamp.
Filter on back of mirror...
allow only invisible ultraviolet rays to enter room.
- Solves mystery of spirit light. - It solves more than that.
It proves that Bowan knew that Allen was dead.
He may even have murdered him.
Finding web of spider does not prove which spider spin web.
I gave Bowan all the funds he asked for.
I even made provision for him and Carlotta after my death.
And they knew that if Allen returned, they would never receive another penny.
In face of present evidence...
may be wise to change plans for future.
Huh! I'll see to that.
Mr. Phelps has an accounting of the estate prepared.
I intend to go over it.
And at the same time, I'll make a new will.
Most excellent precaution.
[Baxter Yelping]
- You are all right? - Except for the punch in the ribs you gave me.
- Why, you knocked me down. - Most happy.
Punch in ribs more desirable than shot in back.
There's no argument about that.
Where's Baxter? Baxter.
- Here I am, ma'am. - Well, you would be.
Well, what do we do next?
Suggest leaving here immediately.
That's a very good idea, sir.
We're—We're locked in, sir.
Locked in? Nonsense.
[Doorknob Rattles]
[Whispering] Can you hear that, sir?
[Key Turning In Lock]
- Oh! Fred, it's you. - What's happened?
Somebody tried to kill Charlie.
What?
I think you acted very foolishly in coming here at this hour of the night.
Fear for Mrs. Lowell's safety reason for visit?
Exactly. Janice and I went to her bedroom to say good night.
When I found she wasn't there, I had a hunch she was over here with you.
I saw her car outside and came in.
Thank you. Suggest you go home now—
Uh, with Baxter.
Have something very important.
Would like your able assistance.
Of course, if there's anything I can do.
- Now, look here, Charlie. I want to know— - Tomorrow, please.
- You go home now. - Oh, very well.
- Come on, Baxter. - Thank you.
- Observe anyone leaving house when entering grounds? - Not a soul.
- Ulrich admit you? - No. The gates were unlocked.
Strange.
Someone very familiar with ancient house...
fire gun from there.
I know this place inside and out.
It's a regular honeycomb of passages...
that start everywhere and end nowhere.
- You want me to show you? - No.
Will investigate honeycomb later.
Maybe find bee.
Shall we go?
At present, much concerned about Mrs. Lowell.
What do you mean?
Not so certain gunfire directed at humble self.
You think the attempt was made on her life?
Maybe. Suggest you go to police at once.
Request guard for Mrs. Lowell day and night.
I'll go immediately.
Caretaker keep very late hours.
Ulrich's a queer old bird.
Have noticed Ulrich not friendly to family.
May ask reason why?
Oh, Allen was engaged to Ulrich's daughter.
After he left home, he broke with her, and she committed suicide.
Ulrich held Allen responsible.
Strange house have more than one skeleton in closet.
[Bell Ringing]
[Key Turns In Lock]
- Good morning. - [Muttering] Good day.
May ask question, please?
You were here yesterday at cottage about 5:00?
Yes.
Then if Allen Colby ring bell, would have heard same?
Well, uh, I didn't hear him.
Strange someone should climb over wall...
without first trying bell.
If someone were sneaking in here to commit murder...
do you think they'd ring the bell to let me know about it?
Correction, please.
Murderer would not climb over wall near gate.
Would look for more secret place.
Thank you so much.
[Hammering]
What do you want?
Pardon intrusion, please.
Observe radio aerial on roof.
Well?
Perhaps earphones reason for not hearing bell yesterday...
when Allen Colby arrive.
I tell you I didn't hear the bell.
I don't know where I was or what I was doing.
Radio transmitter...
used last night to broadcast music for séance?
You're barking up the wrong tree.
I don't know nothing about radio.
This stuff belongs to my son. I'm shipping it to him.
You can't catch me on that.
Only thing Charlie Chan catch is cold in head.
[Sneezing]
[Sniffling]
Uh, can spare quinine, please?
I haven't got any.
Perhaps give to Professor Bowan who suffer from cold...
when visiting here yesterday.
Why don't you go and ask him?
Very good idea. Thank you so much.
So sorry professor not at home.
Hope to get valuable information about séance last night.
- Can I help you? - Thank you.
Small point of information.
When in contact with spirit world...
find ultraviolet light useful?
I don't understand you.
Very peculiar circumstance.
Allen Colby's face treated with solution of quinine.
When exposed to ultraviolet light...
produce glow not from spirit world.
If what you say is true, Mr. Chan...
it has nothing to do with us.
There has never been any fraud connected with my work.
The power which was given me to communicate with the other world...
has never been misused.
Have utmost respect for true believer in psychic things.
But can explain, please...
source of music which accompany séance last night?
Yes. I'll show you.
It was sent from this transmitting set.
We always use music as a background for our work.
Hmm. Most interesting.
Repeating device...
with control switch at Colby House...
so music can be picked up at any time?
Shortwave coil.
[Groans]
That ought to keep him quiet long enough for us to make a getaway.
Then it's true. You knew about Allen Colby.
There's no time to talk now. If Chan was that close on us, the police won't be far behind.
- Come on! - I'm not going. I was no part of it.
- But you can't prove that to the police. - [Doorbell Buzzing]
- Where's Bowan? - You'd better go in there at once.
- Charlie. - What happened?
Get a chair.
Are you all right?
Uh, when firecrackers stop exploding in head, will be quite all right.
You need the aspirin this time, Charlie.
Now, where's Bowan?
He left just before you came in.
That's why you sent us in here. You were covering up for him to make a getaway.
- You're under arrest. Take her out, Harris. - Let's go, sister.
Get on the phone and send out a general broadcast.
Yes, sir.
I want to be the first to congratulate you, Charlie.
You let the murderer of Allen Colby slip right through your fingers.
So sorry. Like child who play with matches, get burned.
- Live and learn. - Yeah, live and learn.
When we pick up Bowan, I'll send you an invitation to the blow-off.
Thank you so much.
I guess Morton's right. It must have been Bowan who killed Colby...
and tried to get Mrs. Lowell last night.
Wheel of fate has many spokes.
Which means you have something on your mind. What is it?
Mind at present like hangover after misspent evening.
Must keep important engagement with Mrs. Lowell.
Hat, please.
"And the sum of $100,000...
"to endow the Colby Foundation for Psychic Research...
"such foundation to be administered by Warren T. Phelps...
on behalf of my dearly beloved friends Alfred and Carlotta Bowan."
That is the clause you want to strike from the will?
- It certainly is. - Then I'll draw up a new document.
I'll have it ready for your signature tonight.
Have you any idea how much these people have cost me so far?
I'll have to check over your accounts to get the exact amount.
We're going over all the accounts tonight...
when Mr. Phelps brings the new will.
When Mr. Phelps brings the new will.
- Ulrich wants to see you, madam. - What is it, Ulrich?
- I've come to quit. - That will be a relief.
And it'll be a relief to me too!
I don't have to stay here to be spied on by policemen.
I don't know anything about Allen Colby!
It's his fault that my girl is in her grave...
and he got what was coming to him.
That's enough!
Wait in the hall, and I'll pay you off.
- [Sighs] - [Door Closes]
In my opinion, it would be better to watch Ulrich than look for Bowan.
He's hated Allen enough to kill him.
No one being overlooked.
When weaving nets, all threads counted.
- I'll be back with the new will after dinner. - Make it 8:30.
I'll have those figures ready for you by then.
And don't worry. Mr. Morton will have a police guard here until Bowan is captured.
Good-bye.
- Good-bye, Mother. - Good-bye, dear.
Well, Charlie, what are your plans?
- Uh, what hour is dinner, please? - 7:30.
And after dinner, what is usual occupation?
Generally, I spend an hour here at the Ouija board.
I must repeat, madam, that— that this sort of thing...
leaves me a— a little creepy.
- 8:25. - Not much chance of anything happening.
Even one of Bowan's spooks couldn't get through this police net.
Unknown danger like summer lightning—
strike where least expected.
I'll have another look around.
Just a minute.
- All right, Myers. Mr. Gage is one of the family. - Thanks.
- Picked up Bowan yet? - No, but we'll get him.
He hasn't a chance of getting out of town.
[Doorbell Rings]
Excuse me, madam.
- Good evening, sir. - Has Mr. Phelps arrived yet?
Not yet, sir.
[Bell Tolling In Distance]
[Bullet Whistles]
Search the neighborhood.
What's the matter here?
Mrs. Lowell was shot through the head from outside the house.
- What? - Must request no one enter except police at present.
- Yes, but you can't stop me. - Better stay here. You wouldn't like to see it.
[Knocking]
- Find anything? - Not yet. But this gentleman just drove up.
Dick has told me. It— It seems unbelievable.
Whoever it was outguessed us.
I don't see how it was done with the place surrounded by police.
- Also strange murder should occur... - [Phone Dialing]
At exact hour of appointment.
Hello. Morton speaking from the Lowell house.
Send out the homicide squad and the coroner.
You'll want to hold the body till after the inquest of course.
What's happened?
Was it Mother?
- Let me go to her! - Can do nothing now.
Why did you let it happen? You knew she was in danger.
It's all your fault!
- [Sobbing] - Alice, please.
Better take the young lady away from the house for the night.
We'll have a lot to do here. Come along, Harris.
Mr. Chan, I can't help but feel that Alice is right in holding you responsible.
You proved that Bowan was guilty of the murder of Allen Colby.
You knew he made an attempt on Mrs. Lowell's life last night...
yet you failed to turn him over to the police.
Most humbly regret very fatal error...
which cost life of dear old friend.
Mr. Chan.
I'm sorry I lost my head.
I know you did the best you could.
Extend deepest sympathy.
But though loved one seem to be taken away...
remain always near.
[Crying]
- Mr. Baxter. - Yes, sir?
[Yelps]
So sorry, but need your help.
What do you make of this?
Someone's been smoking, sir.
Oh. The villain must have stood right here when he fired that fatal shot.
No. Hasty deduction like ancient egg—
look good from outside.
Shot come from high-powered rifle fired from distant place.
Really, sir?
May ask, please, to climb tree?
Oh, must I, sir?
Ample proportions limit athletic ability.
Ye—Yes, sir.
Will you give me a leg up, sir?
[Straining]
When I was young, l— I used to be quite agile, sir.
Well, there—There's not very much to be seen from up here, sir.
Observe small branch near right hand?
Oh. Oh, yes, sir.
Break is clean cut?
Might have been done with a saw, sir.
Thank you so much.
Please hold finger on branch.
Oh!
Ahh!
Please remove body from line of vision.
Well, uh—Well, it— Oh!
Oh.
[Yelps] Oh, Mr. Chan! Mr. —
Hey! Ohh! Ow!
[Doorbell Rings]
- Good morning. - You're on the job early, Mr. Chan. Find anything?
- Hope to establish important fact. - Let me in on it.
- Must first exact promise of silence. - I promise.
As son Lee would say, "Okeydoke." Let us go.
Well, what led you to this, Mr. Chan?
At last, find use for simple geometry.
High-power bullet take shortest distance...
between three points.
Criminal very clever.
Arrange device so when electric hammer strike bell...
also operate trigger on rifle.
And after the first shot was fired, it kept pulling the trigger.
- Yes. - Be careful. You've reloaded the chamber.
How you know magazine was full?
Well, l— I thought it might be.
- Quite right. - But that's dangerous.
- When the clock strikes again— - Do not disturb.
Twenty minutes after 9:00.
Suggest we return to Lowell house immediately.
She was sitting right there when the shot came through the window.
- Pardon interruption, please. - Oh, come right in.
- Got into any new trouble? - So sorry to disappoint.
May offer slight demonstration, please?
Help yourself.
What's it going to be— interior decorating?
[Scoffs] Why don't you try a couple of sunflowers in it?
Atrocious libel on Chinese art quite sufficient.
Have only little time to wait. Please to stand back.
- [Bell Tolling] - Stand back!
- [Bullet Whistles] - [Gasps]
- Are you all right, Baxter? - I don't know, sir.
[Sighs] You win, Charlie. What's the answer?
If tongue in tower bell could speak, would have solution.
- What does that mean in English? - Suggest we take short walk.
[Ringing]
Hello? Hello?
It-It's your office, sir.
Hello. Morton talking.
Be there right away.
Well, they've caught Bowan.
Instead of your short walk, how about a short ride to my office?
Voice of professor may tell us more than tongue of silent bell.
I didn't do it, I tell you. Whoever killed Allen Colby tried to hang it on me.
And I suppose you didn't plant that trick light...
and wash Allen Colby's face with quinine...
so you could pull a phony ghost at your séance.
- Have you anything to say? - Leave her alone. She had nothing to do with it.
Well, how about it?
You can save yourself a lot of grief by turning state's evidence.
I have nothing to confess. I have always acted in good faith.
[Sighs]
That's all for now.
Take 'em out.
Four hours wasted...
but I'll get it out of'em if it's the last thing I do.
- Have idea. - Another one?
With proper lever...
baby's fingers can move mountain.
What do you mean?
Believe have plan...
to secure much-desired confession.
I don't see why we should have been called here for this morbid nonsense.
There's no use complaining about it.
[Muttering] Why, you got no right to bring me into this.
Yes? Well, you're here, brother.
All right, Harris. Come on inside.
- All set, Charlie. - Thank you.
Please.
Request everyone take same positions...
as on night of eventful séance.
Oh, Harris. Stand by the door. Have men in the hall.
- Be sure the outside of the house is covered. - Yes, sir.
Pardon, please, inconvenience...
of bringing everyone here tonight.
Motive for recent murders...
like tangle of many strings...
ends of which held by persons in this room.
First string held by psychic mediums.
Professor Bowan and Carlotta...
had $ 100,000 endowment to lose by change in will.
Had $ 100,000 endowment to lose by change in will.
Same change deprive Mr. Phelps, administrator of estate...
from handling large fortune.
Have ascertained...
he had recently big losses in stock market.
Caretaker Ulrich have old-time grudge...
against Allen Colby for tragedy to daughter.
Other strings held by Lowell family...
who have everything to lose if Allen Colby return to claim estate.
Tonight, will try very sincere experiment...
in effort to untangle motives.
Will call upon spirit world...
for message from great beyond.
Proceed, please.
Mr. Gage, will you turn down the lights?
[Switch Clicks]
##[Eerie]
We will pause a moment in meditation.
I feel...
a presence... near.
It is a woman.
She is trying to come to us.
Her image is becoming clearer.
- [Mouthing Word] - Clearer.
She is trying to speak.
She has a message...
- a message for— - Mother!
I have come back...
to tell you the truth.
I know now...
the one who fears discovery...
the one who murdered—
- [All Shouting] - [Phelps] Turn on the lights.! - [Morton] See that no one leaves this room.
Someone make very foolish mistake.
Throw knife at spirit reflection in mirror.
May come out now.
- Mrs. Lowell! - Mother! - Mother, darling!
- Oh, I'm so happy. - Yes, dear.
You have to die to really find out how much people miss you.
- But why did you do this? - I'll let Charlie explain that, dear.
Sincerely hope explanation will justify cause of anguish.
Person who throw this knife...
also kill Allen Colby when he return to claim estate...
place body behind secret panel.
Then use ultraviolet-ray device...
to make body appear as apparition at séance.
Same murderer also try to kill Mrs. Lowell...
on night of business conference...
but make mistake of shooting dummy...
which humble self and Mr. Morton place at study window.
Same murderer now in this room.
Use twin of knife that kill Allen Colby.
Observe. Both knives now missing.
As I stood up right here, someone passed me in the dark.
I heard someone too. It was you, Ulrich.
It wasn't! I-I was over there near Mr. Morton.
- You went for that knife. - I didn't, I tell you!
- Liar! I saw you! - I didn't! - Moment, please!
- You are guilty man. - I? You're crazy.
Contradiction, please.
Took precaution before séance tonight...
to cover blade of knife with graphite.
Telltale fingers sign confession.
Stand back! Everybody!
Stay where you are.!
- [Cat Screeching] - [Baxter Yelping]
[Women Screaming]
[Yelping]
You commit murder in attempt...
to cover evidence of forgery in Lowell accounts.
- Own act tonight convict you. - All right, Harris.
Come on.
There, there, dear.
I know you had nothing to do with it.
Very grateful for valuable assistance.
Believe that, tonight, you practice deception for first time.
I wish I could say the same for you, Bowan.
After all, I'm the one who was imposed upon...
and I withdraw all charges against them.
We'll mark it closed, Mrs. Lowell.
- Thank you. - There's a train east at 11:45.
- Good-bye. - Good-bye.
You take now.
Oh, Charlie, I think you've earned a rest.
Now we can settle down to a comfortable visit.
So sorry, but, uh...
must return to happy family in Honolulu.
You've done a great job, Charlie.
Heh. I wish I could make you a present of the city hall.
If family continue to increase, may consider generous offer.
[All Chuckling]
Thank you so much.