~ [Fast, Band]
~ [Continues]
~ [Ends]
~ [Hawaiian]
Records indicate most murders result from violence.
And murder without bloodstains like, uh, Amos without Andy-
- [Men Chuckle] - Most unusual.
Therefore, study of bloodstain evidence...
most helpful in reconstruction of crime.
Will demonstrate with eyedropper.
Number one-
Drop of blood falling in straight line from short distance...
make round spot, so.
Number two-
Falling from greater distance...
exhibit sunburst effect.
But observe.
Drop of blood thrown forward, as from knife held in hand...
make entirely different mark.
Hey, fellas! I got the inside dope! Put your shirt on Avalanche's nose.
- Holy mackerel! We forgot the Melbourne Sweepstakes. - Turn on the radio.
Excuse us, Charlie. This is more important than murder.
But, gee, Pop.
- Sign on door say, "Please knock." - Did I interrupt something?
Train of thought now need wrecking crew.
Gee, Pop, I'm sorry. But this is a hot tip!
Hot tip does not explain mystery of shirt on nose of Avalanche.
Avalanche is a horse running in the sweepstakes.
What the kid means is to plank your dough on the nag's schnozola.
All very clear. Thank you so much.
Any of you fellows gonna bet? I've got three minutes to get to the bookies.
- I'll take a chance. Ten smackers. - Count me in for five.
- Hey, Mack, loan me two bits, and I'll owe you a dollar. - Here.
- Want to get in the gravy, Pop? - Smart fly keep out of gravy.
Aw, Pop, you ought to bet on Avalanche for old times' sake.
Correction, please. Horse complete stranger.
But the horse's owner isn't. He's your friend, Major Kent.
Major Kent?
Will become reckless gambler for sake of old friend.
Will bet tail of shirt- 50 cents on, uh, "schnozalola."
Attaboy, Pop!
Here they are.
[Man On Radio] Gathered to witness the greatest sporting event of the Australian turf...
- the Melbourne Cup. - [Bugle Calls]
There goes the bugle, calling the aristocracy of turfdom onto the field.
The entry list has never been equaled during all the years...
in which the cup has been this country's greatest race.
Number one, Gunsmith, two, Flying Scotchman, three, Stardust, four, Avalanche...
the great Australian four-year-old with Tip Collins in the saddle...
and owned by Mr. George Chester, the internationally-known sportsman from the U.S.A.
Well, there's justice for you.
Your father gives four of the best years of his life to raising that animal...
and I grab all the honor.
Do you regret your generous impulse, Major?
Oh, I wasn't as generous as I was clever. This way I keep everything in the family.
Truthfully, George, did you marry me for myself alone or for Dad's horse?
- Why for the horse, of course. - Spoken like a gentleman.
- As a friend, I'd advise you to do something about that. - What can I do?
- Divorce him. Marry me. - What? Another racing man? No, thank you.
Dad, I barely got our bets down on time.
Did you get the rest of my money placed, Bruce?
- Yes, sir. Just before the odds fell again. - Good work.
- Will that be all, sir? - That'll be all until I collect.
[Chuckles] If you collect. You seem pretty confident.
- I am confident. - [Chuckles]
Still think your husband's entry will win, Mrs. Chester?
- I bet you a hundred he will. - I'll take that bet.
- How about another thousand, Denny? - I'll take that one too.
[Man On P.A.] The horses are reaching the starting gate. Gunsmith has the rail.
[Man On Radio] Hello, hello, hello. One of them's cutting up out there.
- Are they off? - It's Avalanche.
He's certainly living up to his reputation as a bad actor.
- Hold on there. He nearly threw his rider. - Hey, Avalanche, cut it out!
- And it looks as if he'll be off to a bad start. - Good-bye, shirttail.
Now they're getting in line. Avalanche has quieted down, and it looks like a start.
It is a start! And they're off!
- [Crowd Cheering] - [Announcer] It's a beautiful start!
Go, Avalanche! Come on, Avalanche!
Flying Scotchman takes the lead! Gunsmith, a close second!
[Cheering Continues]
Avalanche coming up as they go into the first turn.
Gunsmith closing behind Scotchman. Stardust, only a length away!
- Come on, Avalanche! - Come on, Avalanche!
Ace is telling on Flying Scotchman, Stardust gaining!
- Come on, Avalanche! - He's gaining!
Flying Scotchman is failing!
Avalanche is coming up!
Come on, Collins! Ride him! Ride him!
Avalanche is neck and neck with Stardust!
Avalanche has taken the lead! He's cutting over on the rail!
- Avalanche fouled him. - [Man] Avalanche fouled him!
- Collins must be insane. - He deliberately threw that race.
Have that jockey report to the office.
Shirttail now bobtail.
Well, anyway, Pop, we were on the best horse.
The cards were just against us. That's all.
When player cannot see man who deal cards, much wiser to stay out of game.
When he took the lead he fought for the rail.
Avalanche does it almost every time.
You trained the horse, Bagley. What about it?
He has a slight pull to the left, but Collins should've been able to handle him.
It wasn't my fault, I tell you.
Avalanche is good enough to win on his own. You fouled Stardust, and you did it purposely.
- Why? Who paid you to do it? - [Tip] Nobody paid me!
Never mind, Major. That's enough now.
I didn't throw the race! I wouldn't do that.
You're suspended from further racing for two years.
I'm sorry, gentlemen. This is no reflection on you, Mr. Chester.
We have no alternative but to disqualify Avalanche.
Well, of all the feather-brained fools I ever saw, you're it.
A blind man could have seen you pull that foul.
You said to foul him, and I did.
I told you to make it look like an accident.
Here are your tickets on Stardust.
Hey, what is this? I thought my cut was gonna be five grand.
This stuff has to be split too many ways.
That's just fine. For a measly two grand I get ruled off the track...
and you stay here and stuff your own pockets.
I'm only following instructions. You'll be taken care of.
- I'd better be. - You will. Now, get out of here and lay low.
There's a gambling ring back of this. I'm going to get to the bottom of it!
Major, there's nothing we can do about it. I lost. That's all there is to it.
There'll be other races this year. Avalanche will clean up a fortune.
It's more than a question of money. We're taking our horse to America for the first time.
How do you think this scandal will reflect on us personally?
We've got to clear it up.
- Bruce! - Yes, sir?
Bruce, cable Charlie Chan.
- Dad, please don't get mixed up in this. - We're already mixed up in it.
Cable Mr. Chan all the details what's happened.
- Have him meet our boat when we dock at Honolulu. - [Bruce] Yes, sir.
- Better luck next time, Bagley. - Oh, thanks.
Of course, you may be right about the gambling ring.
I've been racing horses long enough to know about these things...
and I wouldn't press an investigation if I were you.
Fenton's right. You're playing with dynamite when you start monkeying with those fellows.
I couldn't expect a professional gambler to be in sympathy with my stand.
George, don't let him start anything. He might make a bad situation worse.
Now, you know your father. Tomorrow we'll all be on the boat sailing for America.
He'll have plenty of time to cool off.
Very odd circumstance.
I don't think there's anything odd about it, Charlie.
It's just unfortunate that your friend met with this accident.
Had cable from Major Kent asking me to investigate gambling ring.
Accident seem most convenient.
Charlie, you've a very suspicious mind.
Suspicion often father of truth.
Well, at any rate, it's in your lap.
The Oceanic will be docking in a few minutes.
You better go down there, see what you can find out.
- Sorry about your friend, Charlie. - Thank you so much.
~ [Woman Singing]
[Knocking]
- Who is it? - Steward, sir.
[Ship Whistle Blows]
- Were you going ashore, sir? - No.
You've been cooped up here for 10 days, sir.
- You really should go ashore. It'll tone you up. - I'm all right.
Maybe you'd like to see the doctor, sir? I'll get him for you.
I don't want a doctor. If I do, I'll send for him.
Right you are, sir.
Marks of violence quite evident, Doctor?
The hoof prints are deeply indented in the skull.
The body is still aboard, if you wish to examine it.
- All in proper time. - [Ship Whistle Blows]
So sorry. Not necessary for ladies to remain.
You and Alice go to the cabin, hmm?
I'll join you later.
Please, can't we get this over with?
- You, uh, major's secretary? - I was. Yes. I'm with Mr. Chester now.
[Chuckles] Excuse, please.
Uh, sometime memory very bad.
Who you say find body?
I said it was Mr. Fenton's stable boy.
Thank you so much.
You also have horse on boat?
Yes, I'm taking back a new string of horses I bought in Australia.
You intend racing same?
Yes, but I don't see what that has to do with it.
You say you talk with major ten minutes before death?
- Your memory's improving, Mr. Chan. - Thank you so much.
Can't we end this? Dr. Johnson has made a thorough examination and said it was an accident.
This unnecessary questioning is idiotic.
Easy to criticize, more difficult to be correct.
Will now inspect stall where major meet death.
- Permission, please? - Certainly, Mr. Chan.
[Horse Blusters]
Very strange. Avalanche know major four years...
yet kick him to death.
- Well, he has a bad temper. - Huh. Friendly now.
You wanted to see my stable boy, didn't you?
- Please. - [Horse Whinnies]
Streamline. Streamline!
- Streamline? - [Monkey Chatters]
Hey, you old Lollipop! What you all doin'?
Streamline! Where are you?
Here I is, Mr. Fenton.
- Come along here. - Yes, sir.
Quit that. What's the matter with you?
[Monkey Chatters]
Now you all stay up there where you belong and mascot with Gallant Lad.
- Yes, sir? - This gentleman wants to ask you about the accident.
He's a detective.
Is you a cop? My, oh, my!
You remember position of body in stall?
That's just what I'm trying to forget.
This is stall where honorable major meet death?
Oh, no, sir. It happened over yonder.
Yes, after the accident, we moved Avalanche to another stall.
Please.
Where is Mr. Streamline?
[Groans] Yes, sir?
Here I is.
Where was body?
Body? Back yonder agin the wall lying on his face.
Uh, will, uh, kindly take same position on floor?
I was just-Who? Me?
No, do as he says now.
Would greatly appreciate cooperation.
Me on floor? Could I fix him up a bag of straw or something, Mr. Fenton?
- Do as he tells you! - Yes, sir.
Somethin' gonna happen to me, I know.
Ain't no good come from playing dead on the floor.
Thank you so much. Please to stay.
Yes, sir.
Horse in stall always face forward like others?
Yes.
Narrow width make impossible to turn around?
That's rather obvious, isn't it?
Then, Avalanche could only kick backward.
That's the way a horse always kicks.
Thank you.
- Something very strange here. - You mean me?
Now, what's strange, Mr. Chan?
Animal kick backward, body lie there...
yet bloodstains found here.
Observe, please.
Shape like exclamation marks lying down...
with pointed ends toward rear of stall.
Is there anything unusual about that?
Yes, very poor attempt at deception.
- May borrow fountain pen? - Certainly.
Thank you.
[Chatters]
- [Chattering Continues] - [Avalanche Whinnies]
Will now demonstrate only manner in which bloodstains could have been made.
Note similarity?
And, uh, what does that get you, Mr. Chan?
Idea that maybe someone stand here...
and while major pet Avalanche...
murderer crush skull with heavy weapon...
then drag body to back of stall to put blame on noble animal.
This is fantastic and absurd!
There was blood on the horse's hoofs and my examination indicated the man was-
[Screeching]
Why, that's Avalanche!
[Screeching Continues]
- [Whinnies] - It's that confounded monkey! Get him off there! Streamline!
Yes, sir!
Get that monkey down from there before I throw him overboard!
Come here, you Lollipop.
[Horse Whinnies]
Don't you all know better than to pester with Avalanche?
- Haven't I told you to keep that monkey away from Avalanche? - It's all right.
I'll give instructions that he be kept tied up for the rest of the voyage.
I'm sorry about this interruption, Mr. Chan...
but you see, Lollipop was brought up with Gallant Lad.
And when I bought the horse, well, I had to take the monkey too.
Perhaps he senses our rivalry, George.
There's your answer. That's what happened.
Major Kent was in the stall, and the monkey frightened Avalanche...
and he kicked the major to death before he could get out.
Very excellent analysis.
Why, the whole thing is preposterous!
I can't have my ship held here for investigation. That runs into thousands of dollars.
Charlie is usually right when he has a hunch.
Have more than hunch.
- Now, look here, Mr. Chan- - Excuse, please.
Took liberty of borrowing small piece from boat.
- [Clanks] - Well, what's that?
Why, it's a part of the clutch control of the winch!
Yes, uh, twin to one missing from cargo deck outside horse stalls.
Observe.
Shape identical with horseshoe blows which crush skull of Major Kent.
Very excellent proof of murder.
That means the investigation will have to continue, Captain.
But can't Mr. Chan go with us, instead of holding the ship here?
What about it, Charlie? Do you want a sea voyage?
- Sea voyage good for health. - [Chuckles]
Boat sail at 6:00?
Your cabin'll be ready.
I'll pack our bags before you can say, "Jack Robinson," Pop.
Uh, correction, please. You pack my bag.
- You stay home with Jack Robinson. - Aw, gee, Pop.
[Chuckles] Aloha and good luck.
Thank you so much. See you later.
- ~ [Band] - [Chattering]
Here you are, Mr. Chan. 212. B Deck.
- Thank you so much. - Yes, Father.
Hello, Mr. Chan.
Well, Mr. Chan, we've been looking for you.
I'm afraid we treated you rather badly this afternoon.
I- I owe you an apology, sir.
All forgotten- like last year's bird's nest. [Chuckles]
Does it occur to you the guilty person may have left ship?
Uh, check on passengers at gangplank reveal everyone present.
Well, the idea that the first person we bump into may be the murderer...
- sort of gives a fellow the creeps. - [Chuckles]
What'll be your next move, Mr. Chan?
Make effort to catch murderer.
- For you, sir. - Well. Will you pardon me?
Listen to this! " Don't enter Avalanche in the Santa Juanita Handicap.
A dead horse can't win a race."
- May I see that? - Where'd you get this, Bruce?
What? Oh, at the- at the desk.
Time of delivery stamped on back of envelope?
Yes, it seems to be blurred.
Four minutes past 6:00. That's only 10 minutes ago.
- Uh, may examine, please? - First they get the major. Now they're trying to scare me.
Look here, George. Whoever wrote this means business...
and Avalanche is too fine a horse to lose through your stubbornness.
I'll give you 20,000 for him and retire him for a year to my breeding farm.
No, this convinces me that the major was right. I'm going to see it through to the finish.
I'll talk to Captain Blake and insist on an extra guard below.
Most excellent precaution. Oh. So sorry. May have letter, please?
- Certainly. - Thank you so much.
[Ship's Whistle Blows]
Oh, gee, Pop. How'd you know it was me?
Frequent spanking when young make rear view very familiar.
Why you here?
Well, after you left, Mom decided to take the kids to visit Aunt Ling...
at the other end of the island, and I thought-
Uh, you make suggestion about visit?
I- I sort of mentioned it. But, uh-
Cabin boy outfit- disguise?
Oh, no, Pop. This is on the level. I signed for the trip.
Now look, Pop, if a gambling ring's back of this, it's dangerous...
and, well, gee, I'd feel terrible if anything happened to you...
and I wasn't along to protect you.
Confucius say, " No man is poor who have worthy son."
Thank you so much.
Then you'll let me help?
Examine, please.
[Whistles] Say!
The top edge is uneven, like it had been cut off with scissors.
Yes.
Writer take precaution to eliminate Oceanic trademark...
but forget watermark in paper.
They're the same, all right.
Then whoever wrote this is on the boat.
And look, Pop. The E's are clogged up, and the R's a little above the line.
That means if we can find the machine this was written on, we'll have our man.
Why, it's a cinch! I can search all the cabins.
One moment, please.
Search only in pursuit of duty as cabin boy.
Must remember obligation to ship.
Okay, Pop. I'll clean every room on the boat if I have to.
One thing more.
As, uh, humble cabin boy, must forget, "Okay, Pop."
Okay, Pop.
I'll never get anywhere as a secretary.
I'm gonna bet every dollar I have on Avalanche.
- Then we'll get married and- - Bruce, please.
That isn't the kind of marriage I want.
I'd always hoped the man I'd marry would stay away from racing and betting.
- Why, Alice, I never thought that you- - Don't you see, darling?
That's the sort of thing I've had all my life.
Dad and I never had a real home. It was always just one track after another.
But the thrill of racing- the gamble and then winning.
And losing. We never felt sure of anything.
One minute Dad would be on top of the world...
and the next, we'd have to borrow money to pay the feed bill.
Bruce, dear, I'd hate to go through that with you.
All right, dear. Santa Juanita will be the last time. I promise.
Beg pardon, sir. The gentleman in 219 wishes to see you.
Oh, uh, thanks. Excuse me, darling. I'll see you in the lounge.
[Locking Door]
- [With Accent] Oh! So "solly." - Hear, hear. Not so fast.
- You're a new boy, aren't you? - New now. "Velly" soon old.
Ah, smart, eh? You don't belong up here.
- And what were you doing in that cabin? - Finish downstair.
Think "velly" smart work hard. By and by "catchee" more money.
Yeah? You'll catch more than that if I find you up here again. Now, scat!
Scat chop-chop.
[Typing, Faint]
- What are you doing here? - Oh! Oh.
[With Accent] Excuse, please. Write letter to girlfriend.
Hereafter, write your letters somewhere else.
So "solly" you mad. Clean up now, chop-chop.
So "solly." So "solly." So "solly."
- Oh, so "solly." - Oh, so it's you!
I thought I told you to stay off this deck.
Oh, tell him I went bottom side, Pop.
I'm awfully sorry, sir. Did I hurt you?
[Sighs] Stoop to pick up pin. Bring good luck.
Good luck to that moon-faced cabin boy. He's a very suspicious character, he is.
And as soon as I get me hands on him, into the brig he goes.
Did you notice which way he went, sir?
Uh, make hasty exit to north.
Right you are, sir. I'll get him.
Psst! Pop!
I found the typewriter all right. It belongs to Mr. Fenton.
See? The letters are exactly the same.
Most excellent progress.
Well, I guess that's that. All we've got to do now is arrest him.
Hasty conclusion like toy balloon- Easy blow up, easy pop.
Don't you think Fenton did it?
You find way to typing machine. Maybe someone else do same.
Gee, I never thought of that.
Well, what you gonna do now, Pop?
Surprise attack often find enemy unprepared.
That extra guard ought to be on duty by now. I'll step down and check.
- I wish you wouldn't. - Now, dear, will you please stop worrying?
I've done nothing but worry, George, ever since you received that note.
- I told you not to say anything about it. - I know. I know.
You stay here with Warren. I'll be gone only a few minutes.
Can't you persuade him to sell Avalanche to you?
Try and make him do it. Any progress?
Long road sometime shortest way to end of journey.
- Uh, may borrow cigarette, please? - Yes, certainly.
This wasn't in my pocket when we left the dining room.
It's another one of those notes.
"A dead horse isn't worth $20,000."
What does it all mean?
It means that someone knows an awful lot about our business.
- May keep? - Yes, of course.
Thank you so much. Will make immediate investigation.
Did you notice the way he looked at me?
Do you think he could have put that in your pocket?
No, he wasn't within a yard of me.
The best place for you is in your stateroom.
I'm going down to the stalls and see George right away.
[Coughs]
- Left at the post? - Bruce'll be back in a minute.
- Alone at last. - Now, Denny, don't tell me I'm the only girl you ever loved.
If Bruce doesn't marry you pretty soon, I will tell you.
- What's holding things up? - Money. He's so noble. He insists upon waiting...
until he can support me in the manner to which I've been accustomed.
- Very foolish young man. - You mean Bruce?
Foolish to seek fortune when real treasure hiding under nose.
[Laughs] Will you tell him that for me?
Will be most happy.
To show you I'm not the kind to let a pal down...
you tell Bruce to consult me hereafter before he bets on a horse.
[Chuckles] Oh, won't you sit down, Mr. Chan?
Thank you so much.
The same in these, and make mine Scotch.
- Yes, sir. - What will you have?
- Uh, sarsaparilla. - Sarsaparilla, sir?
- Please. - Very good, sir.
That's dissipation for you.
You are lucky at, uh, horse betting?
I'll say he is. With all the odds against him...
he bet on Stardust at the Melbourne Cup.
- I have good hunches sometimes. - Play hunch on Stardust?
I suppose you could call it that.
Look, Mr. Chan. Just as I was coming up the stairs, this fell at my feet.
"It's dangerous to know too much about other people's business. "
- Bruce. - Don't get the jitters.
That sounds like the one George received.
When you see note to Mr. Chester?
Bruce told me about it.
Well, what do you make of it, Mr. Chan?
Make conclusion you talk too much.
- Well, this is for you, Mr. Barton. - Hmm?
How it came to be on my tray I don't know.
It was not there when I left the bar.
Well, I got one too.
- They certainly aren't playing any favorites. - [Opens Envelope]
"A smart gambler knows a dead horse can't win."
Very interesting. May keep, please?
Will make immediate investigation.
I'd like to do a little investigating on my own hook, if you don't mind.
Cooperation greatly appreciated.
Excuse, please.
Well, hello, Mr. Chan.
Well, this seems to be for me.
Yes.
"Withdraw Avalanche from the Santa Juanita Handicap. This is your last warning."
- Your secretary and Mr. Barton also receive mysterious notes. - What?
Uh, writer seem very generous with threats.
Is that all you've got to say? Why don't you do something about it?
Rabbit run very fast, but sometime turtle win race.
Well, they're after you too.
[Chester] What does it say?
Most distressing.
Must give immediate attention.
Excuse, please.
Come back here, you!
[Door Opens, Closes]
Gee, Pop.
That steward nearly grabbed me dropping that last note to Mr. Chester.
Congratulations for most expert delivery of mysterious letters.
Did your scheme work all right? Did you find anything?
Experiment result in most interesting discovery.
[Ship Whistle Blows]
[Man] Trouble in the forward hold!
The forwards stalls. That's where Avalanche is. Come on, Pop.
One moment, please. You remain here.
- [Whinnying] - Come on. Get these horses out of here.
[All Shouting]
[Shouting Continues]
[Whinnying]
- What started this, Captain? - I'm sure I don't know, but it's under control.
It's okay.
It's a lucky thing the fire was discovered in time.
They must be very desperate to endanger an entire ship...
- just to carry out a threat against a horse. - Contradiction, please.
Person who start fire intend no harm to noble animal.
How do you figure that out?
Fire made directly under automatic apparatus...
so heat will set off alarm more quickly before much damage.
Their way of letting me know that they could have killed Avalanche if they'd wanted to.
- Where was the extra guard when this happened? - He was on duty.
- May, uh, question him? - Smithers!
- Yes, sir? - You were where when alarm sounded?
On the cargo deck, sir.
You had instructions to stay in here. Why did you leave?
One of the booms was squeaking, sir, and made Avalanche nervous.
When Mr. Chester came down, he spoke to Mr. Bagley about it...
- and he told me to fix it. - That's right.
[Captain] Smithers.
You also on cargo deck?
No. After Mr. Chester left, I went to my room.
How long there before alarm?
About 10 minutes, maybe 15. I don't know exactly.
- Horses alone then? - Streamline was here.
I told him to keep an eye on them till Smithers got back.
Mr. Streamline?
Yes, sir?
- Yes, sir? - You were present when alarm sounded?
Yes, sir, but- but I was asleep, sir.
You see, sir, I took me a drink of gin for the misery in my feet...
and, naturally, I go to sleep when I take a drink of gin.
I ought to discharge you!
Next move may be more than warning.
- Extreme precaution now necessary. - You're absolutely right.
- From now on, you sleep here, Bagley. You understand? - That's a good idea, I guess.
- You have your gun with you? - It's in my room.
[Chester] Well, what good is it doing there?
I thought with this going on, something might happen, so I was cleaning it.
It's on my table, Streamline. Get it for me, will you?
- It ain't loaded, is it? - Of course not. And bring the cartridges.
Yes, sir.
Excuse, please.
What did you find, Mr. Chan?
Ghost of matches.
Here are the gun and bullets, Mr. Chester.
If you ever take another drink on duty, you're-
- [Man] What happened? - Mr. Chan!
- What happened, Captain? - Get a doctor. Hurry!
- [Sailor] Yes, sir. - I'm sorry, Mr. Chan. I don't know what to say.
Happy bullet in leg rather than heart.
Thank you so much.
I thought you were cleaning the gun. You said it wasn't loaded.
It wasn't when I left my room.
- Ten minutes so far. - Hmm.
[Knocking]
You got your gun, Pop?
Make excellent bedfellow.
May enter.
Hello.
I hear you ran into a bullet.
Contradiction, please. Bullet ran into me.
[Chuckles] I'm so sorry. Really, I am.
Sympathy reason for visit?
And to return the mysterious little note that you sent me.
Clever idea, Mr. Chan. My compliments.
Pleasure to return compliment.
Clever deduction.
Good. And now that you've admitted my ability as a detective...
why not let me in on the secret?
- Whom did you expect to catch? - Maybe you have answer.
I wish I had. I liked the old major a great deal.
[Nervous Chuckle] If I can be of any service, just, uh, give me a buzz.
- Thank you so much. - [Door Closes]
Do you think he did it, Pop?
Ocean have many fish.
There it goes.
Man who set fire have 12 minutes to cover trail.
That's right. Now look, Pop...
Bagley said he was in his room 10 minutes when he heard the alarm.
He could have done it, and so could Mr. Chester...
because he was there while the guard was outside.
But wait a minute! It might have been that secretary of his too.
Because when I dropped his note, he was coming up from the cargo deck.
You know...
I still think that Fenton's the guy we want.
I could have sworn someone was at that window.
Lee, come back.
Gee, Pop, what are you always stopping me for?
Why don't you give me a chance to clean this case up?
Foolish rooster who stick head in lawn mower end in stew.
Look at you, laid up for the rest of the trip with a bullet in your leg.
I'm not gonna let them get away with that. I'm gonna find the guy that loaded that gun!
Oh, so it's you, eh?
What's he doing here, sir? Is he annoying you?
- Very desperate character. - But, gee, Pop.
What did you say?
[Both Speaking Chinese]
Confine to brig, please.
Eagle eye for rest of voyage bring reward.
Right you are, sir. I'll stick to him like Scotch glue.
[Chinese]
- [Sighs] - [Door Closes]
Thank you so much.
[Ship's Horn Sounding]
Move in there and get a close-up.
A little closer, Mr. Bagley. Mind keeping his head up? Thanks a lot.
All right, hold it.
- Thanks a lot, Mr. Chester. Thanks, Mr. Chan. - Okay.
- Hello, Mr. Chester. - Hello, boy. How are you?
- Feeling pretty fine, sir. My leg's almost as good as new. - Well, I'm glad to hear it.
Say, I'm sorry you lost that race in Melbourne.
I'll bet it never would have happened if I'd been riding him.
That's all part of the game, boy. Oh, I'm sorry.
This is Eddie Brill, the boy that used to ride for me before I left America.
- This is Mr. Chan. - Oh, I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Chan.
So pleased.
What about these threats you received on the boat, Mr. Chester?
Avalanche will be under guard day and night, and no one else will be allowed near him.
And I promise you that he will run in the handicap, won't you, boy?
- All right. Take him out to the trailer, Bagley. - How about you, Mr. Fenton?
Any of those new horses you bought over there show any promise?
Yes, Gallant Lad. I plan on entering him in the handicap Saturday.
Well, what do you think of his chances?
Well, until the winner crosses the finish line...
it's anybody's money, isn't that right, Chester?
- That's what makes horse racing. - [Animal Screeching]
- [Horse Stomping] - [Man] Get down from there!
- Whoa! Whoa, Gallant Lad! - [Monkey Screeching]
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
Whoa!
[Screeching Continues]
Whoa! Whoa!
[Screeching]
Here, Lollipop! Where you all goin'?
- Confound that monkey! Streamline! - Yes, sir?
Get that monkey down from there before he gets Avalanche crazy too.
Here, Mr. Fenton.
- Hurry up. Get him off of there. - Yes, sir.
Behave yourself. You're the "fickliest" fool I ever did see.
Why don't you like your friend Gallant Lad no more?
Come on. Get going. Get out of here.
Something very strange.
What, Pop?
Before fire, monkey dislike Avalanche.
Now dislike Gallant Lad.
Say, that is funny.
Not if horses switched.
By golly, I bet that's it. They could get away with it too.
The horses look enough alike, and they're the same build.
What you gonna do?
Go to hotel, take nap.
Hiya, Bagley.
I thought you were in Australia.
- Yeah, I know you did. What's the new racket? - I don't know what you mean.
That horse you just put in the trailer ain't Avalanche. That's Gallant Lad.
- Aw, you're crazy. - Yeah?
You can fool Chester. He's half blind anyway. But I ain't.
That fire was started on the boat to cover the switch.
Not so loud.
What's the idea puttin' an unknown palooka in Avalanche's place?
- I can't answer that here. - Okay, where?
Come along with me. We couldn't make a dime betting on Avalanche.
He's the favorite. The best we could get is even money.
Sure, and nobody's seen Avalanche in America.
On the boat, the switch is made, and now Avalanche, in disguise...
goes to the post a horse no one ever heard of.
Comes in a long shot with big odds. Catch on?
We're plastering the country with bets from coast to coast at 20-to-1, and we'll clean up.
Boy, that's swell. You guys can figure me in on that dough.
Aw, you're already in. Well, boys, we've got a lot of work to do.
Lefty, take Collins and get him planted somewhere where he can hide out and get a good rest.
Oh, sure. I know just the spot.
- Have a drink? - Never touch it.
- Need any money? - Well, yeah, I could use some.
Took almost all I had gettin' away from Melbourne.
Well, here's a couple of hundred for you.
Thanks, Bagley. I guess I had you figured all wrong.
- That's all right. - Let's go, Collins.
So long, fellas.
Good-bye, Collins.
Observe anything unusual during night?
Not a thing. There's no one around this track who doesn't belong here.
Avalanche is guarded so closely, no one could get within a mile of him.
Innocent grass may conceal snake.
Not when you go through it with a fine comb.
Avalanche?
No, Mr. Fenton is giving his horse a workout first.
Well, if I can be of any further service, Mr. Chan-
[Chuckles] Grateful for all kindness, Captain Wade.
That's all right.
1:38 and four-fifths. Not bad.
Well, he'll have to do better than that if he's going to beat my horse.
Mr. Chester, they're bringing Avalanche out now. Can I ride him?
- [Chester] I wouldn't take a chance, Eddie. - Aw, but I can handle him, sir.
- Honest, I can. I've been able to ride for months now. - Some other time.
Whoa, Avalanche! Whoa! Steady, boy! Steady!
[Man] Hold him! Hold him! What's the matter with that horse?
What's the matter with that boy? Why doesn't he pull him up?
- [Man] Look out. Look out. Be careful there. - Come on now, boy. Hold him up.
They're gettin' him all excited, Mr. Chester.
I think I'd better go over there.
Dad, our horse made better time than that yesterday. What do you suppose is wrong?
- I told the boy to hold him back. - What for?
[Chester] Because I don't want to advertise what we've got.
The odds will go down.
- That's a secret. - Uh-oh.
Oh. [Chuckles]
Interesting contraption, isn't it, Mr. Chan?
Excuse ignorance.
May inquire nature of strange device?
Oh, that's part of the latest system for timing the races.
Uh, may explain, please?
Well, there's a lamp in here.
This directs a beam of light across the track...
to that little box on the other side which contains a photoelectric cell.
The moment a horse passes through this beam, the cell operates...
and a picture of the finish of the race is taken up there...
in the camera-eye booth.
Is possible to see, please?
Certainly. Come right along.
- Hello, Al. - Hello, Barton.
Got a minute? I want you to meet Mr. Chan, Mr. Charlie Chan.
- Oh, uh, glad to know you. - Thank you so much.
Have you got time to explain the system, Al? Mr. Chan is interested.
Oh, sure, sure. Now to begin with, uh...
here's the diagram of the track.
At every quarter mile there's a photoelectric cell.
[Charlie] Mr. Barton already explained.
- Shoot beam of light across track to time horses. - That's right.
- Say, Avalanche is just about to break. - Good.
I'll turn this on and show you how it works.
Now, this light was automatically turned on when he went through the first beam.
It also started the timer across the track.
He's coming to the first quarter. Now watch this light.
- Twenty-three flat at the first quarter. - Avalanche is sure in form.
Now, if you stand there beside the cameras, Mr. Chan, and look down toward the track...
you'll see that they point directly over the finish line ready to take a picture.
This switch turns on the high-speed movie cameras...
and we're now ready to take a picture of the finish.
Here he comes.
He's over. And now the film we just took is being developed in this high-speed developer.
In less than two minutes' time, Mr. Chan...
we have taken an actual picture of the finish and sent it down to the judges' stand.
That's all there is to it.
Perfection of mechanical brain make Charlie Chan very humble. Thank you so much.
Avalanche appears strangely excited.
Excuse, please.
Pop, I've got it. I've got it!
One moment, please. You disobey instructions to remain here in room.
I wasn't helping any by staying here, so-
So you visit racetrack stables.
Gee, Pop, how'd you know?
Hay do not grow in hotel.
Man who flirt with dynamite sometime fly with angels.
Well, I'm not gonna let you take all the chances.
Look, I got in the stable, and when the guard stepped outside for a smoke...
I took some pieces of cotton and some cleaning solution too.
Reveal black dye on forehead of Gallant Lad...
and then white dye on forehead of Avalanche?
Yeah, and there's the proof.
But if they've been switched, how did Gallant Lad...
come within one second of Avalanche's fastest time this morning?
[Lee] There's a screw loose somewhere.
Maybe loose screw here in test tube.
Did you find something, Pop?
Managed to secure foam from mouth of excited Avalanche...
after practice race this morning.
Observe.
Bubbles prove foam contain very powerful stimulant for heart.
Today make masquerader run very fast to give appearance of champion.
I've got it, Pop. It's Chester and Fenton in cahoot to cheat the public.
Also possible gambling ring cahooting to cheat Chester and Fenton.
Yeah, but Pop, what are we doing chasing gamblers?
I thought we were after Major Kent's murderer.
Roots of tree lead in many directions.
Aw, gee, Pop, when are we gonna arrest somebody?
Are you all right, Pop?
Quite all right.
Careful, now.
Man with gun like lightning...
never strike twice in same place.
It's sure lucky that curtain went haywire.
Correction, please. Use string.
So.
Arranged simple device to give warning.
Observe.
When window raised, string trips shade and releases same.
- Safe now to sleep. - Sleep? We've got to do something to stop those birds.
- Have idea to trap birds. - Okay, Pop. Let's have it.
In morning, you rent Chinese laundry wagon.
Disguise self as Chinese laundry boy.
Good night.
[Door Closes]
[Shouting In Chinese]
But that Chinese dick is wise to the whole thing.
Oh, don't get excited. I know every move Chan's made since he left the track this afternoon.
Suppose he phones the cops, tries to pull something tomorrow?
That's been taken care of too.
The line to his room's been tapped, and Joe's listening to every call that goes in or out.
Suppose you let me handle Chan. Did you get that timing head finished?
Yeah, and, boy, it works like a charm. Come on. I wanna show you.
Now, just before the handicap, I replace the timing head at the three-quarter pole...
with this phony and load it with this.
So if any other horse is ahead of Gallant Lad, we got nothing to worry about.
All right, here we go. Lefty, you pull him through.
That ought to stop him. Sure there won't be any slipup?
Nah, this isn't gonna be operated from any camera-eye booth.
I'm gonna handle it myself.
Well, what's happened, Mr. Chester?
Another threat left at my hotel. Listen.
"This is your last chance. Withdraw Avalanche before it's too late."
Lansing, they can't intimidate me. I'm running my horse in this race...
- and I demand protection for him. - And he'll get it.
The Association has something at stake too- the confidence of 80,000 people out there...
who depend on us to protect them from racketeers.
Wade, get hold of every available man.
Station them around the track and near the stables.
- Detail two to guard Mr. Chester. - Yes, sir.
- Mr. Chan been around? - I haven't seen him.
- Phone him. Tell him to get here fast as he can. - Yes, sir.
Let's go to the stables.
Have assurance of immediate departure. Thank you so much.
How do I look, Pop?
What's the matter? Something happened?
Mr. Chester receive another threatening letter.
I've been thinking this over, Pop, and I'll bet you that Barton guy-
Useless talk like boat without oar. Get no place.
- Have firecrackers? - Oh, you'll be surprised.
Correction, please. Hope someone else get surprise.
Come quick.
Keep moving and not a word out of either one of you. Get going.
Philadelphia can handle two grand on Gallant Lad at 18-to-1.
- Take it. - Place two grand.
Hello, Chicago. What are the odds on Gallant Lad?
Let me know when they're 20-to-1.
San Francisco reporting Gallant Lad at 20-to-1.
- Grab it. - Place 10 grand.
Hello, Cincinnati, how much can you handle? Five grand.
Oh, so you got him, huh?
- What'll we do with him? - In there. We'll take care of him later.
Come on.
Better put 'em in there.
I'll take care of'em.
Clever Chinese, huh?
Stuck your snoot in the wrong racket this time, didn't you?
[Speaking Chinese]
- Hey, what'd he say? - He say you're right.
Sit down.
Chuck, turn on the radio.
[Announcer] Here's a news flash that has already swept the grandstand...
and sent chills and thrills racing through the veins of 80,000 people.
We have just learned that another threat has been made against Avalanche.
But the owner of today's favorite...
in spite of the danger to himself and his horse, refuses to withdraw his entry.
And here's more news, ladies and gentlemen, just received.
The Chesterjockey backs out in the face of danger.
Avalanche is now without a rider.
I'm sorry, Mr. Chester, but I don't want to take the chance.
All right, if that's the way you feel about it.
- Any of you other boys game? - Not me.
- No, sir. - Not me.
- I don't want any part of him. - Not today.
- Gilroy. - Yes, sir.
If I put one of the other boys on Gallant Lad, will you ride Avalanche?
- No, thanks. - That's very decent of you, Warren.
- Oh, forget it. - I just heard about it on the radio, Mr. Chester.
I'll ride him for you. Please let me.
All right, Eddie. You win this race for me...
you'll find $10,000 in your pocket for that specialist you've been wanting to see.
Oh, gee, Mr. Chester, thanks!
It's the most exciting day this track has ever known.
There's mystery in the air, ladies and gentlemen, real mystery.
And here's some more news.
[On Radio] Eddie Brill- And who doesn't remember Eddie...
when he won the handicap two years ago?
Eddie is going to ride the favorite.
- Uh, may have makings, please? - Sure, why not?
Thousands are crowding the betting booths.
The odds on Avalanche are less than even money but no takers.
Golden Fleece is next at 3-to-1. Shrapnel follows at four and so on down the line.
Hold Away at 10-to-1, Moneymaker at 10-to-1...
Court Jester at 12, Honey Girl at 15-to-1...
and, last but not least, Gallant Lad at 17-to-1.
- But I’ve just received word that the odds... - [Groans]
- are falling. - Get gun.
It is estimated that over a quarter million dollars...
will change hands over the result of this handicap.
This money has been waiting for the feature race of the day.
If any horse should beat Avalanche, it'll be the biggest turf upset of this meeting.
- But who can tell? There may be a horse that can beat Avalanche. - Lee.
And many are betting that way.
That's what makes horse racing, ladies and gentlemen. May the best horse win.
[On P.A.] Ladies and gentlemen, it's almost time...
for the feature race, the Santa Juanita Handicap.
The entries are arriving at the receiving barn for the final inspection.
[On Radio] With Brill up, Avalanche's odds drop again.
Where are you goin'?
[With Accent] Oh, "bling laundly." So "solly," really late.
Make, uh, hurry up, very quick, please, huh?
Go on, but take it easy.
[Engine Sputtering, Shuts Off]
Need three small minutes at receiving barn alone.
When give signal with hat...
laundry boy must become center of attention.
Okay, Pop. Be careful.
Just a moment.
Have most important business with honorable paddock judge.
You couldn't get in there now if you were first cousin to the favorite.
Do not claim relationship with noble animal.
Business most urgent.
- Now listen, I just told you- - [Fireworks Exploding]
What's going on here?
- [Guard] I don't know, sir. - [Man] What's that idiot doing?
Very sorry. Apologize later.
- [Shouting In Chinese] - Hey, you!
[Chinese]
[Fireworks Continue]
[Chinese]
Oh. Motor in back. Maybe machine gun, huh?
[Fireworks Continue]
[Siren Wailing]
Hey, you, come on here! Come out of here!
[Siren Wailing]
The timing head at the three-quarter post isn't working.
I'll phone Al.
- [Rings] - Hello.
I'll take care of it right away.
Remove dye from head of each horse.
Avalanche is Avalanche, and Gallant Lad, Gallant Lad.
Both horses now run under true colors.
Why, this will force the head of the gambling ring into the open.
It'll hit him in his most vital spot.
- Like bumblebee in pants. - [Chuckles]
Suggest we go to saddling stall.
Out in front, Eddie, and keep him there.
- Yes, sir. I'll be ridin' him all the way. - Okay, boy.
Valet, hold this horse.
Plan most successful.
Joe, somebody's double-crossed us. The horses have been switched back again.
Oh, you're crazy. No one could do it but that Chinese dick, and he's here.
Hey, Frank, see if Chan's still in there.
- All right! - Just a minute.
[Policeman] All right, boys, take it easy now.
You lose before race start.
Come on.
~ ["Call To Post"]
~ [Continues]
[Announcer] And, at last, the call to the track.
Terry on Number 1, Gringo. Healey on Number 2, Wild Bill.
Cross on Number 3, Shrapnel, Thomas on Number 4, Gallant Lad.
Richardson on Number 5, Golden Fleece. Beaumont on Number 6, Elsie Lee...
And Eddie Brill on Number 7, Avalanche, the favorite, the mystery horse.
Better bring your party in here, Mr. Chester.
- Stand back, please. Stand back. - Thank you, Wade.
- Hello, Denny. - Hello, Alice.
They're almost to the starting gate.
[Clicks]
I suppose you're certain Avalanche is going to win.
Sure, we've got it all figured out. Haven't we, Denny?
Oh, absolutely. The wrong horse wins, he loses all his money.
- I get it, and you marry me. - [Laughs]
- [Chuckles] Yeah. - Oh. It looks like a start.
- [Announcer] They're off! - [Spectators Cheering]
[All Cheering]
[Announcer On P.A., Indistinct]
[Cheering]
[Announcer] Avalanche is steadily moving up.
[Cheering]
[Announcer] Elsie Lee is crowding him close to the rail.
Avalanche still keeps coming.
Brill is riding with the patience for which this boy is noted.
Richardson on Golden Fleece is using his whip.
He's set the pace, but the stamina of his horse...
is not equal to the terrific speed that Avalanche shows at the half.
Golden Fleece and Avalanche are out together with Golden Fleece tiring.
Avalanche is holding his own with that reserve for which he's famous.
Avalanche is forging ahead. He's every bit the horse they promised us-a real favorite.
Avalanche moves into the lead. Nothing can stop him now.
It looks as if he’ll establish a track record for the distance.
We couldn't believe this horse Avalanche was as good as they promised, but he is.
He's better. Avalanche is now a length in front. He's got the race in the bag.
There's no doubt about it, ladies and gentlemen. The favorite is still favored.
At the three-quarter- Something's happened!
He's lost his stride.
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. He's recovered. He's back again.
He passes one horse after another.
He's almost the real defender again. He's passed Shrapnel.
He's passing Hold Away. He's taking the measure of Golden Fleece.
He's still got a chance. You've never seen a race like this before.
This is the wonder horse of the age, the king of the turf. Here he comes.
He's a horse in 10 million.
Avalanche is giving everything he's got. He's back with the leaders again.
Golden Fleece falters. Avalanche is at his quarters.
He's even. They're fighting it out neck and neck. Here they come-
two magnificent animals tearing out their hearts in one last terrific struggle.
There's hardly an inch between them as they shoot down the stretch.
This is a finish that's going down in history. I've never seen another like it.
The final 50 yards. Avalanche literally hurls himself across the finish line.
He's over! Avalanche wins!
- [Crowd Clamoring] - He's down!
Wait a minute! Wait a minute!
[Announcer] Clear the track, everybody! Everybody off the track!
Come on, Meers. Cough it up.
Who's the ringleader? Who's been givin' you orders?
- Nobody's been giving us orders. - You're lyin'.
Look here, I'll talk to the D.A. We'll make it easy on you.
That wouldn't do any good. They'd get me just like they got Tip Collins.
Tip Collins? That's the guy they fished out of the ocean at Santa Monica this morning!
- [Intercom Buzzes] - Yes?
- [Man] The police are here now, sir. - You can let them come in.
I'll take 'em down to headquarters, Mr. Lansing.
- Maybe we can get more out of'em there. - Come on.
Look here, Lansing. I object to being held here like this for no apparent reason.
We were rushed off the track so fast I didn't even have time to collect any of my bets.
Won't you be seated, ladies? I'm sorry, but this is at Mr. Chan's request.
- Then where is Mr. Chan? - [Chuckles] Present.
- Oh, Mr. Chan. - Thank you.
Uh, happy to report Avalanche and jockey...
as son Lee would say, hunky-dory.
Uh, please to sit down.
Warren, did you know that up to 20 minutes before the race...
Avalanche was in your stall disguised as Gallant Lad?
What? Why, such a thing is impossible.
The switch was first made on the boat by Bagley.
- Then why are we all herded up here like a lot of criminals? - Mr. Chan will explain.
Have here enlarged picture.
Uh, show finish of race. Observe, please.
[Charlie] Dart in shoulder of Avalanche.
But where did it come from?
Who could have fired it with so many people around?
Explanation here in timing head.
[Clicks]
Also pleased to report...
person who fire same now in custody.
But I still don't see what we've got to do with it, Mr. Chan.
Perhaps can help, uh, solving fresh mystery.
Dart very evident here...
yet strangely absent one moment later...
when doctor examine Avalanche.
All present were first to reach side of noble animal.
Someone use cover of excitement to remove dart.
- A polite way of telling us we're going to be searched? - Have objection?
Not the slightest. You won't find it on me, Mr. Chan.
Please. Also.
This is nonsense. Now wait a minute.
Dad, please. We've nothing to worry about.
Here it is.
- Dad! - Someone put that in my pocket.
I wasn't within six feet of Avalanche.
It was you. You were one of the first to reach him, because I remember-
Just a minute, Fenton. I see this all very clearly now.
You wanted to buy Avalanche all along.
When I refused to sell, you stole him and substituted your horse.
- That's not true. Dad only made his offer to protect Avalanche. - The whole thing's ridiculous.
The whole thing is obvious. You're the only one who would have profited by the exchange.
With Avalanche running for you as a ringer at 20-to-1, you'd have cleaned up a fortune.
I guess that settles it, Mr. Fenton. You're under arrest.
- How dare you say that about my father! - I'll say more than that.
Your father murdered Major Kent who raised Avalanche...
because he would have seen through the switch at once.
He had to be gotten out of the way, so you struck him down...
with a winch shoe to make it appear that Avalanche kicked him to death.
- That's a lie! - Alice!
Pardon, please.
How you know winch shoe kill honorable major?
- Why, everyone knew that. - Contradiction, please.
Only three beside humble self knew name of death weapon.
Honorable chief of police...
most honorable captain of boat...
and murderer.
You convict self.
Thank you so much.
It's all very amusing, but I think it's carrying a joke a little too far.
[Charlie] Cold-blooded murder no joke.
You and Major Kent frequently quarreled because of your gambling losses.
- Well, what of it? - Fearing investigation of same...
would reveal self as head of gambling ring...
you kill honorable major on board ship.
It isn't true! My husband often quarreled with Dad, but he couldn't have done such a thing.
Truth sometimes like stab of cruel knife.
You very clever but make mistake.
On boat in Honolulu when you receive threatening letter...
have no difficulty reading same without glasses...
because contents familiar.
But glasses necessary to read very legible...
time stamp on envelope.
Suspected hoax then, so get corroboration later...
when you need glasses to read fake letter...
sent by humble self.
Next mistake. When Avalanche received cruel dart...
you make haste to remove same...
fearing evidence point to self.
Anticipating search on sudden call to appear here...
you put dart in pocket of Mr. Fenton.
I think you'll have a little difficulty in proving that idiotic story.
Contradiction, please.
Proof already in evidence.
Blood of unfortunate Avalanche.
Take away, please.
So sorry.
Mr. Chan, I have a confession to make.
Have already arranged for you to make same to honorable stewards of track.
- You knew? - Too bad you did not expose plot...
when you first discover switch of horses.
Temptation to cash in most unfortunate.
Mr. Lansing, I will remove my stable from the track at once.
I think that's very wise.
Wait for me, Dad. I just want to say good-bye to Mr. Chan.
I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Chan. You've done so much for Dad.
Uh, young man win money on race?
Enough to furnish a four-room flat, I guess.
Good wife best household furniture.
Hey, Pop, I've got another hot clue.
Save for next case, please.