Charlie Chan at the Opera Page #4

I laid her down

on the chaise longue.

Then I sent Madame Barelli

to get some smelling salts.

While you remain alone

with Madame Lilli?

Yes. But I immediately

went out to call a doctor.

So sorry to trouble.

That's quite all right, Mr. Chan.

When you return to dressing room,

what happen?

I didn't return.

On my way back, l...

I was told my husband was dead.

No longer necessary to remain.

Thank you so much.

What's the use

of all this questioning?

Here's the man you want.

I demand his arrest.

Please.

Voice from back seat...

...sometime very

disconcerting to driver.

Kindly explain blood

on hands once more.

When I came into the room,

Madame Lilli was halfway off the couch.

- I started to lift her up and then realized...

- You expect us to believe that?

One moment.

Explain purpose of visit, please.

I'll explain that.

I'm Lilli Rochelle's daughter.

That's the most ridiculous

yarn I've ever heard.

My wife had no daughter.

She'd never even been married before.

That isn't true! My mother

never acknowledged me openly.

Ever since I can remember, I've been kept

hidden away in boarding schools.

Even when I grew up,

it was always the same.

She was afraid a grown daughter

would hurt her career.

I've tried to be close to her,

but she wouldn't let me.

And now it's too late.

Still have not explained urgency

of visit here tonight, Mr. Childers.

We wanted Madame Lilli's permission

to get married because Kitty is under age.

- You ask consent before?

- Several times, but she always refused...

...because she knew our marriage

would expose her secret.

She even threatened to send Kitty away

where I could never see her again.

- That was cause of quarrel?

- She had no right to spoil Kitty's life.

So tonight we came here

to ask permission for the last time.

- And when she refused, you killed her.

- I did not!

Please, spare feelings

of bereaved young lady.

I'm going to hold you both

for further investigation.

One more question.

Can tell present whereabouts

of male parent?

My father died in a theater fire

when I was about four years old.

He was an opera singer.

Thank you so much.

Excuse, please.

Nothing up here.

Ah, nothing anywhere.

You stand around that stage

like a herd of seals...

...waiting for mackerel.

All right. Now you do it.

Left.! Right.! Go.!

Pop, this proves that whoever took

Barelli's place committed the murder.

Quite possible.

Gee, what about Mr. Whitely

and Madame Barelli?

- They had reason enough to do it.

- Also possible.

- And that fellow Childers...

- Please.

Man who ride on merry-go-round

often enough finally catch brass ring.

What's your idea, Pop?

Have here very interesting

newspaper item...

...relating death of Madame Lilli's

first husband, Gravelle...

...in opera house fire in Chicago.

Gee, Pop, if there was

only a picture of him!

Get Los Angeles Bulletin on phone.

Information, please.

Hello, Hudson?

Smitty, Chicago Sun, speaking.

The Gravelle picture is coming through.

Okay, Smitty. We're standing by.

It'll only be a minute now, Mr. Chan,

while they regulate the speed...

...so that the roller holding the picture

in Chicago is revolving at the same rate...

...as the roller holding

the negative in this cylinder.

Here it comes.

The two machines are now

locked together as one.

A small light is traveling

over the picture in Chicago.

It's an electric eye that tells this

electric eye over the wire what it sees.

Then this electric eye

prints on the negative...

...in this cylinder in black and white...

...what it sees in Chicago.

I'll have it developed

immediately, Mr. Chan.

Many things now clear.

Thank you so much.

- That's him.

- You sure?

I'll never forget

those eyes. Who is he?

For present, Mr. "X."

- The opera's over.

- Must insist...

...no mention of picture to anyone.

- Not me.

- Here, Agnes. Take this stuff.

- I'm so glad to get out of here.

- You and me both.

I never had such a night in my life.

Now must work fast. Have only

30 short minutes to trap murderer.

Why 30 minutes?

Must catch boat for Honolulu.

- Please stop worrying, dear.

- I can't help it, Phil.

I can't help feeling that our coming here

tonight had something to do with it.

- How could it?

- I don't know.

But that detective sensed it too.

That's why he accused you.

I'm not worried, honey.

Everything's gonna be all right.

And, young lady, I'm

taking on a new job today:

Trying to make you happy.

That's better.

You're gonna keep on smiling too.

I'm gonna make you forget

there ever was such a thing as trouble.

Inspector Regan

wants to see you, Childers.

- Phil!

- I won't be long, honey.

What do you want?

I'm not going to hurt you.

You are Kitty Gravelle.

I knew you a long time ago.

Please don't come any closer.

You're afraid of me, aren't you?

Don't be. I want you to know me. I'm...

Sit down. Please.

Now listen.

Don't you remember this?

It means nothing to you?

Wait! Try to remember.

There was a house and a garden...

...and a little girl who'd run to the window

to listen when I played to her.

And when I'd sing, she'd fling her arms around

my neck and put her head on my shoulder!

If you touch her, I'll kill you.

Pardon intrusion, please.

Had no intention of harming

beautiful young lady.

Why did you come here?

Merely wished to make

telephone call.

Excuse, please.

You're lying.

You're one of the police

who are after me tonight.

You wanted to trap me,

but I was too clever for you.

You thought Gravelle was a fool.

That's what Lilli and Barelli thought

when they locked me in a burning theater.

But I got out,

and now they're dead.

You'll never put me

behind those walls again.

Remember presence

of honorable daughter.

She didn't know me.

She's afraid of me.

She thinks I'm mad.

Everybody thinks I'm mad!

A very old Chinese

wise man once say...

"Madness twin brother of genius...

"because each live in world

created by own ego...

...one sometimes mistaken for other."

Your world, music.

Yes! I live in a world of music.

Symphonies, operas, great audiences.

I sing to their applause.

Much applause tonight

after beautiful aria.

Always.

Would grant privilege of hearing

magnificent voice again?

You mean tonight? Here?

Yes. Will have stage ready

and orchestra waiting.

Yes, I'll sing.

You don't expect everyone

to stick around here...

...while you turn a nut loose

on that stage, do you?

- What'll we tell all these people?

- Very simple.

Say Mr. Arnold

trying out new baritone.

Charlie, you can't do that. The man is mad.

He's a homicidal maniac.

Therefore must use utmost precaution.

Hope plan will make murderer reveal self.

Reveal self? Who do you think's

been doin' all the killing around here?

And now you want him to sing again.

Old Chinese proverb say...

Old Chinese proverb say...

Oh, yeah? Hmm.

Excuse, please.

Why, yes, I can sing Lilli's role...

...but under the circumstances, l...

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