In a Lonely Place Page #5

heaven's gate, " he began to snore.

There's no hope, no hope at all.

For thy sweet love remembered

Such wealth brings

That then I scorn to change

My state with kings

Then I scorn to change

My state with kings

- Hello. Remember me, Sgt. Nicolai?

- Oh, yes, of course.

- What can I do for you?

- Capt. Lochner wants to talk.

I have nothing to say to him.

I didn't expect you to give me

more information...

...but certain facts

contradict your original statement.

- I wish you'd say what you mean.

- Yes, let's do that.

On the night of the Atkinson murder,

you looked at Dix on Steele...

- ...and said you didn't know him.

- I didn't.

Since then, you and he

have been inseparable.

He's writing a script.

I'm typing it.

- Do you receive a salary for this?

- No. I'm doing it for love.

- You're in love with Mr. Steele?

- For the record, I am.

- Are you going to be married?

- If we do, I'll send you an invitation.

After all, you introduced us

to each other.

- You're not making my job any easier.

- I don't see how I could.

Why the chip on your shoulder?

Why the defiant attitude? Aren't we

on the same side in this matter?

Doesn't it frighten you

that there's a killer at large?

He may be in your building.

Certainly in your neighbourhood.

Look at these men.

They seem perfectly normal to you?

Yes.

Each one has committed

a horrible murder.

Each one is a ruthless maniac.

Mildred Atkinson wasn't killed for any

understandable reason.

She had no money, no enemies.

It wasn't a sex murder.

The act of a sick mind with an urge to

destroy something young and lovely.

I recognize your position, captain,

but you must recognize mine.

I love Dix. It upsets me that you

suspect him, even for a second.

Not a second, for three weeks.

He's our most logical suspect.

Why don't you investigate

her boyfriend?

We have.

He seems absolutely in the clear.

But look at Mr. Steele's record:

Fights, scandals, destruction.

It all adds up to the same thing:

an erratic, violent man.

All this happened years ago.

He's changed.

He has?

Ask Sgt. Nicolai about

the other night.

How he dwelled on the murder.

How he made Brub and his wife act it

out. Obviously, killing fascinates him.

I don't believe that.

Because you're in love with him.

Thank you for coming.

- Goodbye, captain.

- Goodbye.

Go on, say it. " I told you so."

Where would that get us?

I violated your confidence.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.

You know what you're doing.

- I've got Mr. Kesler.

- Hello, Mr. Kesler.

- How do you do?

- Sorry to inconvenience you.

A few points that aren't quite clear.

Maybe you can help me.

I hope I can.

Please sit down.

- Hi, Kesler.

- Hello, sergeant.

Anything you want to make you happy?

I wouldn't want anyone but you.

What's he doing here?

With or without his wife or tailing me.

Come on, let's get out of here.

Hello, Miss Gray. Hello.

We've warmed up a couple seats for you.

We're going to Paul's.

I want to do everything I can

to make your job easier.

I could see why that guy

gets into a lot of trouble.

Six hours' sleep. Typing all day.

No wonder your nerves

are tied in knots.

You can't be a nursemaid

and a sweetheart...

...a cook and a secretary.

You've got to think of yourself.

- I've never been happier in my life.

- Come on, angel. Relax.

Ouch! Martha, you're hurting me!

We should be up on Miller Drive beside

that pool Mr. Baker built for you.

He built it to increase property value.

I was waiting for him to raise rent.

He's a good businessman who wants to

get married. What's wrong with that?

A girl like you should think about

security. And remember...

...in the beginning was the land.

Motion pictures came later.

Okay, turn over.

Dix, is that you?

Yeah. You decent?

No, I'm not. Martha's here.

- Hello, Martha.

- Hello.

- You get the pages I did last night?

- On my table.

I took them from your desk

this morning.

- Where have you been?

- None of your business.

I want some orange juice, eggs, bacon,

toasted muffin and lots of coffee.

What, no caviar?

You'll get breakfast in 10 minutes.

- We're going to a beach party tonight.

- Good.

With the Nicolais. You met him.

Lochner's office. Remember?

Yes. Vaguely.

You really want to go?

Be back in five minutes.

They still don't know who killed

that checkroom girl.

They don't?

- Have you met Frances Randolph?

- No.

I used to take care of her.

All right, tell me. What happened?

What did Mr. Steele do to her?

Nothing much. Just beat her up.

Broke her nose.

Why didn't you warn her? Tell her not

to get involved with a brute like Dix?

You can joke about it, angel...

...but someday you'll find out who your

friend is. I hope it isn't too late.

This isn't going to be as easy to get

out of as it was with Mr. Baker.

That's enough, Martha. Get out!

I'll get out, angel...

...but you'll beg me to come back

when you're in trouble.

You will, angel, because

you don't have anybody else.

Get out.

I love a picnic.

- Acres of sand, all of it in your food.

- Stop griping. Lie still and inhale.

- What, sand?

- Air. And don't let it go to your head.

He's worked like a fiend all week.

- I've wanted to know how writers work.

- Usually in a sitting position.

- That's wonderful! Not cold at all!

- Oh, my hero!

I meant, does he usually have

the story mapped out?

If not, you're in trouble, unless you

have my gal friend here as inspiration.

- Are you feeling all right?

- I wouldn't write a page without her.

The only way I can shut her up

is to sit down and write.

How I went for her

I don't know.

You know what she says

when she reads something?

" Honey, haven't I read this

somewheres before?"

Maybe she has.

That's the trouble with

Hollywood dames.

They all have such a sketchy

education. They know nothing...

...about the community chest, but

everything about community property.

Their arithmetic's not so hot, but just

ask them how many minks make a coat.

- How long do you give them, Sylvia?

- Not more than 40 years.

Dix needs you, Laurel.

You ought to marry him.

You have to. You promised Lochner

you'd invite him to the wedding.

She promised Lochner what?

Did I say Lochner? I meant Brub.

You're a poor liar, Sylvia.

- When did you see him?

- The other day.

- lt was just a routine deal.

- Why didn't you tell me?

- lt would only have upset you.

- You're lying to me!

I'm not lying, I just didn't tell you.

I'm sorry.

Still checking on me.

Still trying to pin a murder on me!

I don't know why I said it.

Brub especially asked me not to.

Maybe it's better. I should have

told him in the first place. Dix!

Dix!

Dix!

Cigarette?

Watch it, Dix!

You blind, knuckle- headed squirrel!

- Take it easy, son.

- Look at my car!

I just got a new paint job.

I ought to drag you out of--

Dix! Stop it!

Stop it! Let him alone!

Dix, don't you--

Dix, stop! You'll kill him!

I'll take that cigarette now.

Want one?

Rate this script:5.0 / 4 votes