Suspense-S3E31: The Three of Silence
25min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller | TV Series (1949–1954)
Racketeer Frank Cadwallder isn't allowed to play cards at the speakeasy because of the huge debt he currently owes. He recruits a nobody off the street to play poker on his behalf, win their "sucker money," and split the take with him. The three gambles at the table have other plans for Frank; he's shot by one of them under the table.
Stars: Rex Marshall, Robert Emhardt, John Baragrey
25min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller | TV Series (1949–1954)
Racketeer Frank Cadwallder isn't allowed to play cards at the speakeasy because of the huge debt he currently owes. He recruits a nobody off the street to play poker on his behalf, win their "sucker money," and split the take with him. The three gambles at the table have other plans for Frank; he's shot by one of them under the table.
Stars: Rex Marshall, Robert Emhardt, John Baragrey
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00...autolite and its 96,000 dealers everywhere present...
00:06Suspense.
00:30Suspense.
01:00Daddy!
01:17Good night.
01:20Hello, Sergeant.
01:21Hi.
01:22Anything going on?
01:23Ah, very quiet. First few days of spring.
01:25What are you doing around here, Palmer?
01:27Well, I thought I'd drop in here and see what's going on.
01:29He tell you furrows?
01:30Well, who can tell?
01:31There's usually something happening in a speakeasy.
01:41Oh, holy smoke!
01:45Frank Cadwalader!
01:46Hey, come over!
01:47Frank Cadwalader himself!
01:52Who shot you, Frank?
01:53Tell me, who did it?
01:56I don't know.
01:58Come on, Frank.
02:01I don't know.
02:08Is he dead?
02:09He's dead.
02:11Yeah.
02:12He's real dead.
02:14Say, you're going to be a famous man, kid.
02:16The country's number one racketeer and gambler,
02:18dropped dead at your feet.
02:20Holy smoke, this is life.
02:21It'll blow New York wide open.
02:23And it had to happen on my beat.
02:24Hey, what are you going to say here?
02:27Who did it?
02:35All right, where did it happen to you?
02:37He was in the car room upstairs.
02:38Now, this puts us in a tough spot.
02:40We try to play ball with you, and what happens?
02:42The guy gets shot in your place.
02:43Now, look, Palmer, I don't like this any more than you do.
02:46But every time there's trouble, the DA tries to raise the ante.
02:48You better get up there and find out who did it
02:50before some do-gooder starts an investigation.
02:52All right, come on.
02:54Come on in.
03:02Are we agreed?
03:04It's all right with me.
03:05Yeah, I'm in favor of it.
03:07Very well, then.
03:09The events of the last half hour will never be revealed.
03:15Gentlemen, the three of silence.
03:24Pick the gun up.
03:25Wipe it off.
03:26Throw it out the window.
03:28Who, me?
03:29Yeah, you.
03:31Why me?
03:32You're closest to it.
03:53All right, kid, hand me that gun.
03:56No, no, wait a minute.
03:57I didn't shoot him.
03:58All right, you have a chance to talk, OK?
04:00All right, now I'm taking you down to the station.
04:03What is this, a frame-up?
04:05Come on, you guys, tell him.
04:07Tell him what happened.
04:08Your deal, Mr. Sachs.
04:10This is no joke.
04:11Come on, tell him what happened.
04:13Ask him some questions.
04:14You'll find out.
04:15Well, Palmer, who did it?
04:17It wasn't me.
04:18They're trying to frame me.
04:19Who is this guy?
04:20How'd he get in here?
04:21You don't usually let strangers in.
04:22Frank Cadwalder brought him.
04:24I didn't shoot him.
04:25Now look, murder isn't good for my business, see?
04:28A lot of my customers out there are very impressionable.
04:31They might get the idea to try it themselves.
04:33All right, all right.
04:34Well, I better take you in, Clay.
04:36No, wait, wait.
04:37I've waited long enough.
04:38And you guys hang around.
04:39I want some statements from you later on.
04:41Listen, officer, you've got to listen to me.
04:43I didn't do it.
04:44I don't know who did it, but I didn't.
04:46Why, I only met the guy a few hours ago,
04:48right out there in the street.
04:49Oh, a few hours ago, huh?
04:51Yeah.
04:52It was around 9 o'clock.
04:53I passed my last cigarette, and I was down to my last nickel.
04:56When I saw this...
05:09Got a spare?
05:10Hmm?
05:11Cigarette.
05:12Got a spare one?
05:13On the street, they're selling all kinds.
05:14Why not?
05:15For a nickel, that's all I got.
05:16What is it?
05:17A handout?
05:18Just for a cigarette, I'll bum a quarter from the next guy.
05:20Spreading your trade around, huh?
05:23What do you do when you're working?
05:25I have a journal when I'm working, which was until Monday.
05:28What happened?
05:29Ran out of news?
05:30No, out of excuses.
05:31One bat too many, I guess.
05:33Hey, what's all this?
05:34How about a cigarette?
05:35You look like a smart kid with your pants well pressed.
05:38Thanks.
05:39Now, how about the butt?
05:40Sure.
05:42How about making some dough?
05:43What kind of dough?
05:46You name it.
05:47One grand?
05:48Two?
05:49Three?
05:50How high can you count?
05:52Thanks for the cigarette.
05:53The name is Cadwalda.
05:55Now I know...
05:56Frank Cadwalda.
05:57Now I know you're really kidding.
06:03Hey, you're on the level.
06:05Since when does Frank Cadwalda pick up bums on the street
06:09and try to make millionaires out of them?
06:11Don't undersell yourself, kid.
06:14You know what this place is?
06:16Well, it's not Brooklyn Bridge, but I'm not buying.
06:19Come on, I'll buy you a drink.
06:21We'll talk over a few things.
06:23What kind of things?
06:24All kind of things.
06:43What'd you find out?
06:45Plenty.
06:46Think Cadwalda's trying to run out on us?
06:49He might have that idea.
06:51But even if he doesn't, I think we ought to take care of him
06:54before he does get the idea.
06:58I got a call from Jim Greendale.
07:01He told me Cadwalda will probably be home tonight.
07:05Alone.
07:07Maybe he'd like a little company.
07:09He's gonna have a little company whether he likes it or not.
07:14I sunk 30 grand into that phony scheme of his.
07:18And he's not leaving the country until he makes good.
07:21As far as I'm concerned,
07:22the only way that Frank Cadwalda can make good
07:26is by dropping dead.
07:32Hello, Duncan.
07:33Good evening, Mr. Cadwalda.
07:35Well, I'm sorry you lost your roll, folks.
07:38But you better luck next time.
07:40Okay.
07:41Goodbye.
07:42Oh, hello, Frank.
07:43How are the cards running tonight?
07:45The house ahead?
07:46The house is always ahead.
07:48Oh, who's your friend?
07:50He's an old buddy of mine.
07:52Just blew in from the Middle West with a pocket full of sunshine.
07:55He's looking for a place to spread it.
07:59Take hands with East Side Parish.
08:00He runs this joint.
08:01How do you do?
08:02Well, it's nice to know you, honey.
08:04The bar's right upstairs.
08:06Oh, say, Frank.
08:09Were you planning to play tonight?
08:12It was on my mind.
08:13Well, you better get it off your mind.
08:15I've got $50,000 in IOUs from you.
08:18Now, you know the rules of the house.
08:20You've got till 2 o'clock.
08:21Well, tonight might be my lucky night.
08:23Anyway, you don't mind if I watch Johnny play?
08:26As long as you just watch.
08:27I don't care who you watch.
08:29I know I heard everything.
08:31Frank Cadwalda barred from the tables.
08:33How come?
08:35The cards haven't been running.
08:36That's how come.
08:37Hmm.
08:38I understood you always made them run.
08:40Science, kid.
08:41Not ledger domain.
08:42They just haven't been running.
08:43Why?
08:44So get up in my horoscope.
08:45Just where do I fit in?
08:48I need $20,000 by 11 o'clock.
08:51You're the boy to get it for me.
08:53Hey, Mabel, come here.
08:54Ah.
08:55Muller Crane.
08:56I'll take that for good luck.
09:00Here.
09:02Thanks.
09:07A pocket full of sunshine, my foot.
09:13What's your plan?
09:15A lot of people saw us come into Eve's, so we're alibi.
09:19We'll sneak out the back way, get over the Franks,
09:22and get back here fast.
09:24Should take about a half hour all told.
09:27You go into the next room.
09:29Talk to Burke Dover at the roulette wheel.
09:32Make sure he remembers you.
09:34I'll get Burke in a poker game.
09:36I'll meet you in the elevator.
09:38Right.
09:40No more bets, ladies and gentlemen.
09:42No more bets.
09:43The number, the number is red even then, 40.
09:51You get a house man for a poker game?
09:54Well, I don't know.
09:55Did you talk to Eve, Mr. Sacks?
09:56Can't find her.
09:57Well, just a moment, Mr. Sacks.
10:00Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
10:02Place your bets.
10:06I can sit in for the house, Mr. Sacks,
10:08if you've got some others.
10:09I've got Will Marabon.
10:10I'll dig up some more.
10:11All right.
10:12In about 10 minutes, sir?
10:13Oh, 10 minutes.
10:14Take a half hour.
10:15When will you release?
10:16Yes, sir.
10:18All right, ladies and gentlemen.
10:19The number is 31.
10:20I've got a game, Will.
10:22Good.
10:23Let's go.
10:31Hello, Robert.
10:34The usual for me.
10:36What do you have, kid?
10:38Whatever's safe.
10:40Give me two usuals.
10:47Well, walk into my parlor, said the spider to the fly.
10:52Looks like we saved a taxi fare, Will.
10:55He's got a lot of nerve.
10:56He must know what we're looking for,
10:58and he walks right in here to meet us.
11:01You think we can handle it here?
11:02I think so.
11:03I think so.
11:05If we can get him into that card room for a while.
11:09How?
11:10Well, we're getting up a poker game.
11:12We got you and me.
11:13We got Bert Dover.
11:14We need a fourth, don't we?
11:16Yeah.
11:19Here, keep the change.
11:22Now, do you know what the come on money is?
11:24The sucker bait?
11:26Sure.
11:27Don't they let the sucker win before they start
11:29taking them to the cleaners?
11:30Right.
11:31Now, you heard what Eve said.
11:33I can't play.
11:34But I can't turn up with a rich young punk
11:36from the Middle West, a guy with money coming out of his ears,
11:39who's loaded, a sucker.
11:42Who?
11:43You.
11:45Thanks for the drink.
11:46Wait.
11:47See any dough coming out of my ears?
11:49Sure.
11:50Here.
11:52Sit down.
11:55Now, suppose you sit in on the game.
11:58I told Eve you're loaded.
12:00She tells the house man.
12:02So about $30,000 comes your way.
12:05Then you yawn, get up, see it's way past my bedtime,
12:08and walk out with the sucker money.
12:11And you hand me 20, and you keep 10.
12:14You're going to let me walk out as easy as that?
12:16If there's any trouble, I'll cover you.
12:19It almost worked.
12:21Oh, God.
12:23No, I don't know.
12:24I don't think I want to stick my neck out that far.
12:26Thanks a lot, Mr. Cadwalader, but listen you.
12:29I'm not asking you, I'm telling you.
12:31I may be a little short of cash, but I still have half a dozen
12:34of men to do what I want.
12:36Lily, what are you doing here?
12:39This is Johnny Clay.
12:40This is my daughter, Lily.
12:41How do you do?
12:42How do you do?
12:43Do you mind if I speak to my father alone for a moment?
12:45No, she doesn't mind.
12:46What is it?
12:47I tried to call you here, but they
12:48said you hadn't come in yet.
12:49Listen, Daddy, after you left, somebody called on the phone,
12:52and when I answered, whoever it was hung up.
12:55Probably a wrong number.
12:56No, because I looked out the window,
12:58and a little while later, there was some men standing
13:00across the street watching the house.
13:02One of them was Jim Greendale.
13:04Will Marabont's men.
13:05That's right.
13:07I ran out the back way to come over here and tell you.
13:11Good girl.
13:12Has the express company picked up the trunk?
13:14Yes.
13:15I have the tickets in my bag.
13:17Good.
13:18Now look, baby, don't worry.
13:19You wait here for me.
13:20In a full room, they won't try anything.
13:23We have to be out by 11 o'clock.
13:25The boat doesn't leave until 10.
13:27Hello, Frank.
13:28Excuse me, Mr. Sachs.
13:30Hello, Arnold.
13:31How about a game?
13:33Sorry, can't do it.
13:35Gabe's posted me.
13:36Oh, that's too bad.
13:37You know, there are a few of us in a hole on account of you.
13:39We thought we'd get even.
13:42Johnny, shake hands with Arnold Sachs.
13:46How do you do?
13:47How do you do, you poker player?
13:48Well, I...
13:49He's from Cincinnati.
13:50That's so.
13:51How's everything in Cincinnati?
13:52Just fair.
13:54Perhaps you can talk Johnny into a game.
13:56I'll just keep it.
13:57Who's sitting in for the house?
13:59Burke.
14:00You know Burke Dover.
14:01Yes, I know Burke Dover.
14:03It'll be nice, surrounded by creditors.
14:07Come along, Mr...
14:08Clay.
14:09Johnny Clay.
14:10Mr. Clay.
14:18Evening, Burke.
14:19Good evening, Mr. Cavanaugh.
14:21Hey, Eve.
14:22Eve, who's that with Frank?
14:23Big spender from Cincinnati, according to Frank.
14:25If he's a big spender from anywhere, I'm a...
14:27What's the idea?
14:28Why don't you let him in?
14:29Because I've got a score to settle with Frank Cadwalder,
14:31and tonight's the night.
14:33You'd better get in there and keep your eyes peeled.
14:37All right, Eve.
14:38I see what you mean.
14:39Yeah.
14:44Now, the second act of The Three of Silence,
15:07starring Walter Slazak with Betty Gard.
15:14Queen's up.
15:15Got me again.
15:16This looks like your lucky night, Mr. Clayton.
15:18You'd think so, wouldn't you?
15:20Your deal.
15:21Now, wait a minute.
15:22What's the matter, Mr. Clayton?
15:23That's too tame.
15:24How about getting into the game, Frank?
15:25Sorry, I can't make it.
15:27What's the matter?
15:28You've got too many markers on you?
15:29No, it's the rule of the house, Mr. Slazak.
15:31Well, now, Frank here is used to breaking the rules.
15:33How much do you owe her?
15:35$50,000.
15:36In a bad week?
15:37I'll guarantee you that, Burke.
15:38Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Slazak, but Eve said you were...
15:40I'll go speak to her.
15:41You know, it's a poker game, not running.
15:43I'll be back in a minute.
15:44All right.
15:45Would you have time to like something to drink while you're waiting?
15:46I do.
15:47No, thanks.
15:48All right, Mr. Merrill.
15:49Bring me one.
15:50Okay, Frank.
15:51Go ahead, Mr. Clayton.
15:53I don't think you can do it, Frank.
15:55Do what?
15:57I got eyes.
15:59What do you see?
16:01I don't see a fast spender from Detroit.
16:04Toledo.
16:06I thought it was Cincinnati.
16:09Don't you know he'll wind up with a pair of cement slippers
16:12if he walks out of here with the come on money?
16:15Eve's boys will hunt him down if it takes 10 years.
16:18Who's walking out?
16:20You're not going to be in a particularly healthy spot yourself
16:23for having brought him here.
16:25Don't worry about me, Will.
16:27I've lived in this town long enough.
16:29I know how to take care of myself.
16:31Here, cut you for a hundred.
16:33Let's see it.
16:35Cut the cards.
16:36Arnold's backing me.
16:42Seems my luck is changing, huh?
16:55Sorry.
16:56Oh, don't be.
16:57You can bump me any time.
17:00You're having a good time, Mr. Clayton.
17:02Not bad.
17:03How about yourself?
17:04Like a drink?
17:05No, thank you.
17:06You know, we've met before, I think.
17:08Oh, when?
17:09I was assistant camera on the journal.
17:11We covered your coming out part.
17:13Listen, are you really Cat Wallerder's daughter?
17:15So I've been told.
17:16I guess he hasn't always had bad luck.
17:18Hi, Mr. Clayton.
17:19Call me Johnny.
17:20Say, why don't we go take a walk in the park or something?
17:23But you're playing poker with Dad.
17:24Nothing says I have to.
17:26You don't like it here, do you?
17:28Why do you come here anyway?
17:29Everybody goes to Eve's.
17:31There's nothing to do.
17:32Are you ready, Mr. Clayton?
17:34Oh, I guess so.
17:37Excuse us, please, Miss Cat Wallerder.
17:39Don't go away.
17:40I'll be back.
17:42Well, I don't know why you should want to cover Frank, Arnold.
17:45But if you do, it's OK with me.
17:47I only like to play cards with Frank.
17:49Oh, I see.
17:51Having a good time, Mr. Clay?
17:53Oh, pretty good, thanks.
17:54Say, look, kid.
17:55Do you want to do yourself a favor?
17:57Why don't you just say nighty-night to everybody and go home?
18:00If you've got a home, which don't seem likely right now.
18:02I don't get it.
18:03He's asking you to get it.
18:04I'm just suggesting that you go downstairs and get your hat so you don't get it, see?
18:08Look, don't you know that you're chumming around with four of the biggest bums in New York?
18:12Well, you let them in here, lady.
18:14That's my business, being nice to bums.
18:16But it doesn't seem to be yours, so why don't you just go to a late movie, huh?
18:21What's the matter, kid?
18:22Got lost?
18:23Oh.
18:25Now, that's a thousand you owe me.
18:28Cut your furry doll, double or nothing.
18:35Oh.
18:36He's hot.
18:37He certainly is.
18:38That's two grand.
18:39Am I paroled?
18:40You are.
18:41All right, it seems to be Mr. Clay's deal, gentlemen.
18:44Now, the ante, Mr. Clay?
18:46Uh, $25.
18:48All right, there's $25 in the pot.
18:51Gentlemen, and when Mr. Clay finishes dealing, Mr. Cadwalder, you are to open, I hope.
18:58All right, sir, we'll open with 50.
19:02All right, the house call.
19:04I raise it 25.
19:06How about some chips?
19:07Well, I'll call.
19:09I'll call.
19:10I'll call.
19:11Call.
19:12Gods, gentlemen.
19:13Three.
19:15Three for me, please.
19:16Two.
19:17Two.
19:19Three for me, please.
19:20Two.
19:26Say, uh, look, sucker, why don't you buy yourself a new stack of chips?
19:29Instead of fooling around with that bunch of slugs you got there.
19:39Hey, there's no stopping that boy tonight.
19:42You play much poker in Akron, Clay?
19:44Toledo.
19:45Cincinnati.
19:46Next stop, Pittsburgh.
19:47The house deals.
19:48Oh, all right.
19:49How much are you figuring ahead, Johnny?
19:50I don't know.
19:51Mr. Clay is winning around $25,000, gentlemen.
19:55Well, not bad.
19:56Like I say, none of it's mine.
19:57Yeah, nor mine.
19:58No, the house is the big loser so far.
20:02Any complaints?
20:03Well, not yet.
20:04I'm not winning anything tonight.
20:06Well, maybe you ought to take it up with your fortune teller, Arnold.
20:10Lucky tonight, Mr. Clay.
20:12Moderately so.
20:13Well, more power to you.
20:17Leaving for Pittsburgh tonight, Johnny?
20:20Akron.
20:21Toledo, isn't it?
20:22No, it's Cincinnati, I believe you said.
20:24The game, gentlemen, five-card draw.
20:27And the house will ante $25.
20:31Did you say something about a train, Mr. Clay?
20:34No.
20:35No?
20:36Because the game's just getting exciting.
20:37We're going to see if we can't whittle those winnings if it's downloaded,
20:39ladies and gentlemen.
20:40Very little, I hope.
20:41Well, we'll see, Mr. Clay.
20:42I believe you open, Mr. Clay.
20:44I pass.
20:45I pass.
20:46Pass.
20:47I pass.
20:48Pass.
20:49The house will bet $100, gentlemen.
20:52Not for these cards.
20:53I'm out.
20:54It's now up to you, Mr. Clay.
20:57I, uh, I drop.
21:00I'm dropping.
21:01I beg your pardon?
21:02I fold.
21:03It's not worth $100, these cards.
21:05No, but are you sure?
21:06You sound as if you knew what it was in.
21:08Oh, no, indeed, Mr. Clay.
21:09I merely thought.
21:10You merely thought I'd call you.
21:11Well, I'm not going to.
21:12As a matter of fact, I do have a train to catch.
21:14To Cincinnati, Mr. Clay?
21:15One of those places?
21:16It is getting late.
21:17Well, now, wait a minute, gentlemen.
21:19I haven't won any money yet.
21:20I'm going to call it quits.
21:22Sit down, Mr. Clay.
21:23Sit down.
21:24Look, uh, your train will be along some other time.
21:27There'll be another train to get you.
21:28But not one to Cleveland.
21:29Now, look, you have a great deal of money there, Mr. Clay.
21:31I can take care of it myself.
21:33But you don't understand.
21:34That is house money, Mr. Clay.
21:38I won it?
21:39Well, yes, in a manner of speaking.
21:41Yes, but if I'd lost, I...
21:43Could you have paid up?
21:44Well, that doesn't make any difference.
21:45I won it, and I'm tired, and I'm going home.
21:47You're making a mistake, Mr. Clay.
21:49Now, wait a minute, Burke.
21:50The man's entitled to go home with his winnings.
21:52And you know better than that, Mr. Cadwell.
21:54I told you you couldn't get away with it, Frank.
21:56Shut up.
21:57Why should I?
21:58It's a double sucker game, Burke.
21:59Oh.
22:00Mr. Clay, nobody walks out of Eves with the come on money.
22:02You made a mistake.
22:03Nobody does that.
22:04I don't know what you're talking about.
22:05Now, don't play it so innocent, kid.
22:07You know what it's all about.
22:08Come on, sit down.
22:09Let's everybody sit down.
22:10And play out the hand, Mr. Clay.
22:12Nobody leaves.
22:13I don't have to play.
22:15House rules, Mr. Clay.
22:17We will play out the hand.
22:29The house, I believe, had just bet $100.
22:32It's up to you, Mr. Clay.
22:35Johnny, you don't have to play.
22:37The game is crooked.
22:39The game is crooked.
22:40They are just bluffing.
23:07Daddy!
23:08What are you doing?
23:14I was the sucker.
23:16All I wanted was a cigarette.
23:18I never intended to walk in anything like this.
23:21And one of these guys here at the table did it.
23:23Now, which one of you?
23:24Sergeant, get this guy out of here.
23:27Clumsy, huh?
23:29And a new suit, too.
23:31Oh, it'll dry out here.
23:32Let me take your coat off.
23:33No.
23:34Well, what's the matter?
23:35Now, lay down.
23:36Why don't you want to take your coat off, Mr. Saxe?
23:39You wouldn't want to ruin a nice new suit.
23:44There's where that gun belongs.
23:46Right in that holster.
23:53Trying to play ball with you, Mr. Saxe?
23:56All right, fellas.
23:57Now, get me off this bat.
23:59I think I better be getting back to the rent wheel, Mr. Saxe.
24:01I'll join you.
24:02No, wait.
24:03No.
24:04It's a cold.
24:05I'd better take you in, Mr. Saxe.
24:07OK, kid.
24:08Run along.
24:09Thanks.
24:10I got a date to go walking in the park.
24:12Come on, Mr. Saxe.
24:36Come on.
24:57Auto Night and its 96,000 dealers
24:59have just brought you another story of suspense.
25:02We're a little late tonight, friends.
25:04So allow me to remind you to be sure and join us again next week for suspense
25:07and to remind you that from bumper to tail light,
25:10you're always right with Auto Night.