Charlie Chan in Reno

---

Yes, sir. It's the biggest little

city in the world.

And by gosh, it's the liveliest.

I guess these divorces figure that

as long as they're changin' partners...

they just might as well dance.

- This your first trip here?

- Yes.

I thought you were strange.

Some of them come back so often,

I was thinkin'of printin'up commuter's tickets.

Oh, well.

I guess divorce ain't much more

than a matter of traveling.

You check out of the state of matrimony

and land in the state of Nevada.

I ain't got no complaints though.

Owe my livin' to divorces,

same as most of the people in this town.

And, by gosh, it's the one business

that even the depression don't hit.

- Now, you take me for instance-

- How much farther to the hotel?

Oh, you in a hurry, are you?

Don't matter how soon I get you there,

lady, it still takes six weeks.

- Good evening.

- Good evening. I'm Mrs. Curtis Whitman.

- I have reservations.

- Oh, yes, Mrs. Whitman. We have your room ready.

I'll notify our social directress

that you're here.

Is that necessary?

I'm rather tired.

Not necessary, but we try to make each guest

feel that he or she is more than a guest.

Especially during these trying days.

If you'll just register, please.

Miss Wells' office.

- Try the bar.

- Try the doc's office, I'd say.

Ring Dr. Ainsley.

Dr. Ainsley, this is the front desk.

Does Miss Wells happen to be there?

Certainly. It's for you.

Hello? All right, I'll be right out.

Another lost soul here for the cure.

- Shall I give her the bright approach or the sympathetic?

- I prefer the bright.

So I've noticed lately.

I'll leave the sympathy for you.

You do it so well.

106. You'll find there's never a dull moment

at the Hotel Sierra, Mrs. Whitman.

We have sunrise trips

to points of interest...

alimony breakfasts,

bridge luncheons or-

Oh, here's Miss Wells.

Mrs. Whitman.

How do you do? You've had a long trip,

haven't you? Let's have a drink.

Thank you, but I don't think I care for one.

L- It's rather late.

Oh, come on. You don't want to spend

your first evening in that room alone.

- You're right. I don't.

- Fine.

It's this way.

I'll show you your room later.

Seventeen and the black.

Well, that washes me up.

- Oh, it's you.

- Oh, hello, Ainsley.

You're a doctor. Save my life

and let me have a hundred, will you?

Sorry. My office hours are from 2:00 to 4:00.

But I'll buy you a drink.

That's awfully generous of you.

Here. Cash these for me.

Maybe that'll help your credit.

- Meet you at the bar.

- Place your bets.

- The same, Mrs. Bentley?

- Yes.

- Where's your shadow?

- Shadow?

The official greeter.

Greeting a decidedly attractive new arrival.

I wouldn't mind having her job myself.

What's the matter?

- I'm amused.

- That must be obvious to everyone in the place.

- Do you know her?

- Know her? I'm going to marry her husband.

Want to meet her?

Come on.

Number 25 and the red.

Well, well!

Greetings, salutations,

and my heartfelt thanks.

Curt wrote me he'd finally

talked you into a divorce...

but I didn't expect you so soon.

Dr. Ainsley finds you so attractive,

he asked for an introduction.

Since you're doing so much for me,

why shouldn't I do something for you?

The doctor's a bachelor. You'll find him

most amusing while you're here.

I know I have.

- Mrs. Whitman, Dr. Ainsley.

- How do you do?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Whitman...

but this seems to be one of those situations

that we try to avoid here.

Why, going to marry her husband.

So what?

This is 1939. We're modern.

Let's talk things over.

Besides, there's lots of things

I want to ask you about Curt.

You know, how he likes

his eggs and toast.

And is he sometimes cross in the morning

or always as charming as I've found him?

- And all the little things you did that upset him.

- Let me out, please.

Mrs. Whitman,

what are you doing here?

- Thanks.

- Don't you know?

- Why, no.

- I haven't had the heart to tell the poor boy.

Tell me what?

I've decided that Curt will make me

a better husband. He's more mature.

Why, you cheap, lying-

- Don't you call me names, you stupid fool!

- Oh!

My goodness!

Is it my fault you're sap enough

to trail me everywhere I go?

Will you show me my room please?

Are you both going up

and have a good cry?

- Shut up.

- I won't shut up!

Mrs. Bentley,

I have to ask you to leave my hotel.

- What?

- You've done nothing but cause trouble since you came here.

- Why, you can't-

- I shall expect you to be gone by morning.

Behave yourself and sit down.

- I want a drink.

- You've had too much to drink already.

And you've talked too much.

You used to be smart.

Keep on like this

and you'll hang yourself.

What's the matter?

Afraid you'll hang with me?

Where have you been? Mrs. Bentley's

been ringing for you all evening.

What was she ringing for?

She knows it's my night off.

- She's leaving the hotel. You've got to pack.

- Tonight?

And if you want to know,

she was thrown out.

Oh. Now she'll really be hard to work for.

What happened?

Mrs. Bentley won't be

leaving until morning.

All right, Mrs. Russell.

I'll have her bill ready.

Mrs. Bentley.

- What's the trouble? Is someone hurt?

- Mrs. Bentley.

- What's happened here?

- In there-

- How did it happen?

- I don't know. Mrs. Bentley.

- Keep back everybody.

- Who is she?

- What's going on?

- Did they send for a doctor?

- Is she dead?

- I think so.

Get Dr. Ainsley.

I'll telephone the police.

Don't look at me like that.

I didn't do it.

Don't! I didn't do it, I tell you!

I didn't! I didn't!

Lieutenant Chan,

Mr. Curtis Whitman is here to see you.

Always pleased to see Mr. Whitman.

This way, please.

- Hello, Charlie.

- Please pardon experiment...

but must reproduce elusive Easter rabbit

for number one grandchild.

So glad-Words of welcome freeze

when friend appears troubled.

You couldn't have

seen the papers, Charlie.

Please forgive question,

but is concern for living or the dead?

Mary is still my wife,

in spite of what we'd planned.

But she didn't-

She couldn't have done this.

Man yet to be born who can tell

what woman will or will not do.

But you know her.

You've known her all her life.

Yes. Very difficult

to believe ill of those we love.

Oh, I knew you'd

feel that way, Charlie.

That's why I want you to go with me.

Why, they might build up

a case against her that we can't break.

- Oh, she's in a jam and it's-

- Please.

Ancient ancestor once say,

"Words cannot cook rice. "

Then you will go?

Swell!

I've reserved seats

on the Clipper for both of us.

Can you be ready in an hour?

Will go pack

and notify family in person...

just so honorable wife will not

misunderstand contemplated visit to Reno.

Oh!

Phew! Very objectionable odor,

Mr. Chan. Ah, what is it?

Just one of my experiments

in chemical criminology, sir.

You see, I'm working on a new method

to bring out fingerprints on cloth.

Bring them out?

My dear boy, that'll drive them out.

I'm sorry, sir.

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