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Series: Dick Tracy
Show: The Case of the Big Top Murders
Date: Apr 06 1946

WJZ & NETWORK DICK TRACY SCRIPT #27
"THE CASE OF THE BIG TOP MURDERS"
8:00 - 8:30 PM APRIL 6,1946 SATURDAY

FX:

EXAGGERATE...QUICK SEQUENCE - POLICE BELL...POLICE SIREN...SCREECH OF BRAKES...INTO TERRIFIC CRASH)

MUSIC:

THEME FORTE COMES IN UNDER CRASH...SWEEPS UP BIG AND CUTS SHARPLY.....

ANNCR:

TOOTSIE ROLLS! AMERICA'S BEST KNOWN CANDY...PRESENTS...AMERICA'S BEST KNOWN DETECTIVE......

VITAMIN:

(INTERRUPTING) Just a moment...just a moment, old boy...what's all this?

ANNCR:

THIS is the new DICK TRACY SHOW!

VITAMIN:

Dick Tracy? America's favorite detective?

ANNCR:

Right you are - presented by TOOTSIE ROLLS, THAT FAVORITE AMERICAN CANDY.

VITAMIN:

Egad, Man! Dick Tracy!

ANNCR:

And Tootsie Rolls, too!

VITAMIN:

That sounds exciting!

ANNCR:

It is! Mr. Flintheart, it is!

VITAMIN:

Well, then, let's get on with it!

MUSIC:

STINGS....OMINOUSLY...

ANNCR:

Tonight's story...the case of "THE BIG TOP MURDERS"

MUSIC:

STINGS...

FX:

EST. CIRCUS SOUNDS...MUSIC ETC...THEN FADE WAY TO B.G.

ANNCR:

Our story begins in the office of Hambone Shill...manager of Big Top Circus....

ZELDA:

(SCREAMS) You stole my new cape!

FAYE:

(SCREAMS) You're a liar!

SHILL:

(TOPPING THEM) Shut up! Shut up both of you! Now, what seems to be the trouble?

FAYE:

(AND ZELDA BOTH SPEAK TOGETHER...TERRIFIC ARGUMENT) She says I stole her cape!

ZELDA:

She did! I just had it made... it was in the dressing room!

FAYE:

Why don't you take care of your things!

SHILL:

Stop! Stop! Now, one at a time... you Zelda.. What is it?

ZELDA:

Mr. Shill, my new cape... the one I use in my act with Prancer the dancing elephant...... it's been stolen.

FAYE:

Why do you accuse me... there's hundreds of people around this circus???? I don't need your old cape!

ZELDA:

Of course you don't need it! You did it out of spite because my dancing elephant act gets billing over your cats!

FAYE:

(ANGER) Why you dirty littIe...

FX:

(CRACK OF WHIP)

ZELDA:

(CRIES OUT) Ohhh.... (LUNGES) Hit me with your whip, will you!

SHILL:

(GRABBING HER) Zelda! Zelda! Now listen to me!

ZELDA:

(BEGINS TO WEEP) She hit me.... hit me with her whip!

FAYE:

She had it coming to her... saying I stole her cape....

SHILL:

You'd better leave, Faye... while I talk to Zelda.. go on....

FAYE:

(NASTY) Sure.. pamper her.. she's your star. I don't mean anything around this circus anymore.. everything is Zelda... Zelda and her dancing elephant!

SHILL:

That isn't true, Faye... you're getting more money than ZeIda.

FAYE:

Money... what does that mean? It's billing that counts! Why is she in the star spot! I used to be there!

ZELDA:

Because you're a has-been... you and your old cats!

FAYE:

(ANGER... NASTY) How would you like another cut with my whip!

ZELDA:

Just try it.

SHILL:

Get out, Faye go on! It's only twenty minutes to show time.... get out.. and get ready for your act!

FAYE:

Sure, I'll go. But you haven't heard the last of this, Zelda.... (FADES) Not by a jugful!

FX:

(DOOR OPENS.... SOUND OF CIRCUS UP A LITTLE)

DUCKFOOT:

(OFF) Oh, hello Faye...

FAYE:

(OFF) Shut up!

FX:

(DOOR CLOSES)

DUCKFOOT:

(FADING IN) What goes with her?

SHILL:

She's sore about something, Duckfoot.

DUCKFOOT:

Oh. (HE'S IN LOVE WITH ZELDA) Here's your cape, Zelda.

ZELDA:

My cape???

SHILL:

Where did you find it Duckfoot?

DUCKFOOT:

In the dressing tent.

ZELDA:

But I looked all over for it. It's been gone since last night.

SHILL:

Well you've got it now... so forget about the trouble.. get ready!

DUCKFOOT:

(PLAINTIVELY) Want me to go with you, Zelda?

ZELDA:

(BORED) Look, Duckfoot... I told you how I feel about you. I'm not in love with you... why don't you leave me alone!?

DUCKFOOT:

Sure.. sure.. I'm sorry, Zelda. You might thank me for finding your cape.....

ZELDA:

(FADES) So long, Shill... see you after the performance.

FX:

(DOOR OPENS.. SOUND UP... DOOR SHUTS)

SHILL:

What's the matter, Duckfoot... Zelda say no?

DUCKFOOT:

(QUIETLY... SLOWLY) (AVEC MENACE) She laughs at me because I am a clown. Clowns have feelings behind their painted faces.... Clowns can love.. (PAUSE).. and clowns can hate!

(MUSIC:. . . . . . . )

 

(CAR COMING TO A STOP)

 

(DISTANT CIRCUS MUSIC... VERY DIM)

 

VITAMIN:

(ANXIOUSLY) Come Tess, my dear girl...come Tracy, old man... we're late.. the performance has already begun-------

TESS:

We certainly are... and it's all your fault, Dick!

FX:

(CAR DOOR OPENS)

TRACY:

Sorry, Tess... but you know what my job is....

VITAMIN:

We should have gone to the circus without him.

TESS:

Oh, Vitamin.. you don't mean that....

TRACY:

Well, we're never going to see the show, if we don't get a move on.

VITAMIN:

Righto... carry on... the Big Top is just up ahead...

FX:

(FOOTSTEPS IN GRAVEL... BUT NOT TOO LOUD... DROP THEM AFTER EST)

MUSIC:

FADES IN SLIGHTLY AS THEY WALK

TRACY:

You were here last night.. weren't you Toss?

TESS:

Oh yes...and I loved it. Duckfoot the clown, Faye Line and her trained tigers, and best of all... Zelda and her dancing elephant.

VITAMIN:

Zounds..... If you were here last night, me dear girl... why do you want to see it again tonight?

TRACY:

Don't you know, Vitamin... Tess has become a candid camera fiend. She takes pictures all the time.. of everything....

VITAMIN:

Oh, that's what all that paraphernalia is?

FX:

SNEAK IN VOICE OF TICKET TAKER... "HOLD YOUR OWN TICKETS" etc...

TESS:

Yes. Vitamin, when I was at the circus last night, I realized what wonderful possibilities the circus offered for photographs....

TRACY:

Well, you shouldn't have asked me to come along. What you need is a small truck to carry your equipment.

TESS:

Oh, is it heavy, Dick....

TICKET MAN:

(FADING IN) Hold your own ticket please... still time to see Zelda and her Dancing Elephant.. right this way...

VITAMIN:

I've got the tickets..... come on.. Here you are me good follow.

TICKET MAN:

Go right in...

MUSIC:

... CIRCUS MUSIC UP BIG AND FINISHES

FX:

OUT OF MUSIC INTO BIG APPLAUSE.. THEN MURMUR OF BIG CROWD.. FADE MURMUR TO B.G. UNDER DIALOGUE

VITAMIN:

(SNEEZES) Egad. (SNEEZES) Egad. (SNEEZES) Zounds!

TESS:

What's the matter, Vitamin... catching cold?

VITAMIN:

It's that act... Faye Line and her Trained Tigers... can't stand cats... I'm allergic to them... make me sneeze.. even the sight of them...

TRACY:

You can open your eyes now, Vitamin...

MUSIC:

FANFARE INDICATING END OF ACT. APPLAUSE

TRACY:

The tigers are going off now.

FX:

(CLICK)

TESS:

Got it... a beautiful shot!

TRACY:

How many pictures have you taken already, Tess?

TESS:

I haven't the slightest idea, Dick... but I'm saving one whole roll of film for Zelda and her dancing elephant... she's wonderful!

SHILL:

(ON P.A. AND ECHO) Ladies and Gentlemen... the star attraction of the Big Top Circus... renowned throughout the world... the greatest.. most thrilling attraction of all time... Zelda!... and her dancing elephant!

FX:

(BIG APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

MUSIC:

STARTS "BLUE DANUBE WALTZ" QUIETLY IN B.G.

TESS:

Watch this, Dick.. Vitamin... Zelda comes out into the ring over there... and the elephant comes out on this side!

VITAMIN:

Indeed?

TESS:

Then the elephant curtsies...

TRACY:

(DISBELIEF) Oh, Tess....

TESS:

He does, Dick.. you'll see, And then Zelda and the elephant go into a waltz....

VITAMIN:

Probably does it better than I do. Me dear little wife Snowflake always says....

FX:

(APPLAUSE)

FX:

(CLICK)

TESS:

Got it! I got a picture of the curtsy, Dick!

VITAMIN:

They're going to waltz now... she's walking toward the elephant...

TRACY:

He's backing away from her.

FX:

(ELEPHANT TRUMPETING) (OFF)

VITAMIN:

Part of the act, old man... the elephant pretends he doesn't want to dance.

TESS:

(SERIOUSLY) No.. no.. that isn't the way it went last night... something 's wrong, Dick!

FX:

(ELEPHANT TRUMPETS AGAIN.. SCREAM OFF MIKE)

VITAMIN:

Egad.. look!

FX:

(AUDIENCE MURMER STARTS TO GROW)

TRACY:

He picked her up by the cape and he's swinging her!

TESS:

She'll be killed!

FX:

(CLICK) (CLICK)

(ANOTHER SCREAM OFF MIKE)

TRACY:

Tess!

FX:

(WILD TRUMPETING CONTINUES TO END OF SCENE...BUT OFF)

VITAMIN:

(BIG) He has killed her! Egad!

TRACY:

(JUT) Trampling her to death!

FX:

(CROWD COMES UP BIG AS IN PANIC)

MUSIC SWEEPS IT ALL OUT....

FAYE:

(INDIGNANT) I don't see why we had to come down here to your office this morning Mr. Tracy? What happened to Zelda last night was an accident...

TBACY:

That's what the police would like to determine, Miss Line.

SHILL:

(SIGHS) Mr. Tracy, Faye's right, I've been with circus' for forty years... l've seen plenty of accidents like last night's.

FAYE:

It's part of the job, Mr. Tracy... the risk, I mean. When you work with animals... well, you never know. Take it from me....

VITAMIN:

You mean say, me dear woman...that those tigers of yours haven't been trained... that they're wild?

FAYE:

They've been trained, Mr. Flintheart, but they're still wild... give them one chance and.....

TRACY:

(CUTTlNG IN) Pardon me... I didn't bring you people down here to discuss animal training. A woman was killed last night...

FAYE:

(SNEERS) Why don't you book Zelda's elephant for murder!

TRACY:

(QUIETLY BUT FIRMLY) Miss Line, I'm doing my best not to lose my temper with you. You've done nothing since you came in but give "smart" answers to my questions.

SHILL:

(COVERING FOR FAYE) You must forgive her, Mr. Tracy... she's upset... everyone connected with the show is. What more do you want to know?

TRACY:

Lot's put it this way, Mr. Shill... it's possible to direct an animal to kill, isn't it?

SHILL:

Why yes, but....

FAYE:

Nobody could handle that elephant but Zelda!

TRACY:

I see.

VITAMIN:

Everyone loved Zelda, including the elephant... and yet.. she's dead.

FAYE:

No one said "everyone loved her"!

TRACY:

You didn't?

FAYE:

No!

SHILL:

It was a small disagreement, Mr. Tracy... matter of billing... nothing serious.

FAYE:

I didn't do it... don't look at me. Ask Duckfoot, or some of the others...

TRACY:

Duckfoot... the clown? I asked him to come here this morning too. Where is he?

SHILL:

He said he was coming.

VITAMIN:

Did he hate Zelda? That funny little clown?

FAYE:

Same thing... he loved her... wanted to marry her. She insulted him... made a fool of him. Once he threatened to kill her,

SHILL:

Faye!

FAYE:

It's true! I heard it! Maybe he had something to do with it!

TRACY:

Yes... I want to talk to him.

FAYE:

Well, if you've got nothing more to ask me... I'm going. Coming Shill?

SHILL:

If Mr. Tracy is through with us...

TRACY:

I guess that's all for now, Shill. I'll drop in on you after the performance this evening.... just to look around...

SHILL:

Certainly, Mr. Tracy... any time.

FX:

DOOR OPENS

TRACY:

Oh.. Tess...

TESS:

(FADES) Dick, I've developed the pictures I took last night at the circus.. oh, I'm sorry... I didn't know you had visitors...

SHILL:

Quite all right, Miss... we were just leaving. Come on, Faye... Bye Mr. Flintheart...

VITAMIN:

Good bye, me good man.

TRACY:

(IDEA) Eh... mind if I walk to your car with you, Mr. Shill... and like to ask you a few things about Duckfoot... the clown.

SHILL:

(FADES) Come along, Mr. Tracy.

TRACY:

(FADES) Be back in a moment, Tess...

FX:

(DOOR SHUTS)

VITANIN:

Egad, me dear girl... it's mystifying,.. positively mystifying!

TESS:

You mean about Zelda's death, Vitamin?

VITAMIN:

Yes, Imagine, me dear, a little clown named Duckfoot was in love with her. She spurned his affections and he, in wrath, turned her own elephant against her. Persuaded the beast to kill his mistress ~ Hmmmm... killed with an elephant... (THOUGHTFULLY) Hmmmm.. must have been an easier way...

TESS:

Oh, Vitamin... I don't believe it happened that way.

VITAMIN:

Tracy does, me dear... at least, he's very much interested in that theory.

FX:

(DOOR KNOCKS, OPENS)

DUCKFOOT:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Pardon me.. I'm looking for Mr. Tracy.

TESS:

This is his office.. he'll be back shortly. Won't you come in and wait.

DUCKFOOT:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Thank you.

FX:

(DOOR SHUTS)

DUCKFOOT:

(FADE ON) He said he wanted to speak to me.

VITAMIN:

Are you with the circus, me good fellow?

DUCKFOOT:

Yes. I'm Duckfoot...

TESS:

Duckfoot, the clown?

VI'TAMIN:

Zounds, me good man... I'd never know you on the street... that make-up of yours... hilarious!

TESS:

Oh, I've got some pictures of you here... would you like to... (REMEMBERS).... Oh, I just remembered...

DUCKFOOT:

What?

TESS:

About the accident... last night.. I've got those here too. I don't suppose you want to be reminded of what happened....

VITAMIN:

Egad, no.

DUCKFOOT:

You have actual photographs of the elephant and... Zelda?

TESS:

Yes.

DUCKFOOT:

(SLOWLY) I would like to see them... I would like to see them very much!

TESS:

Well...here they are...

FX:

(PHOTOGRAPHS PULLED OUT OF ENVELOPE)

TESS:

There.

VITAMIN:

Amazing! Truly amazing... all those tiny photographs, me dear Tess.. you've caught every movement of that horrible tragedy!

DUCKFOOT:

(SLOWLY THOUGHTFULLY) Yes, Miss... they are amazing.... and they tell me a very interesting thing...

VITAMIN:

Do they, dear Duckfoot?

DUCKFOOT:

(SLOW) They tell me that Zelda was murdered!

MUSIC:

ACT 1 PLAYOUT




MUSIC:

TOOTSIE

VITAMIN:

(CLEARS THROAT) Ladies & Gentlemen...this is the intermission...and what a stunning development that poor clown Duckfoot shared with us. Frankly, it's truly sad, this business with with the elephant. So truly sad.

ANNCR:

I know something that could cheer everyone up, Mr. Flintheart!

VITAMIN:

You do?

ANNCR:

Yes! Something that could make even a sad clown happy!

VITAMIN:

Really? Well, share it, man!

ANNCR:

Here's my advice -- Just hand out a handful of these BIG Nickel-sized TOOTSIE ROLLS! They'll give you an energy lift - put pep in your step - guaranteed to put a big grin on ANYONE's face! Just remember - that Tootsie Roll is a candy treat that can't be beat! It's so CHEWY! so CHOCOLATELY! So DEEeeelicious! It will really tickle your taster!

VITAMIN:

Goodness! I do believe you're right. Already I feel more chipper meself!

ANNCR:

Why sure, Mr. Flintheart! Everyone -- I mean EVERYONE -- is happy to see Tootsie Rolls. Why, they're an all-American favorite from coast to coast! With little folks...and big folks too! You simply can't lose...when you choose Tootsie Rolls. Here, have another big, nickel-sized Tootsie Roll!

And now, bring on the big second act, Mr. Flintheart - we're going back to Dick Tracy... and the Case of "The Big Top Murders!"





MUSIC:

2ND ACT OVERTURE

TRACY:

(ON PHONE) You say nobody has seen Duckfoot, Mr. Shill?

SHILL:

(FILTER) No, Mr. Tracy. He didn't show up for the evening performance either. Show just ended five minutes ago.

TRACY:

I see. Well, hold on to him, when, and if he does come back.

SHILL:

I will, Mr. Tracy. I'll let you know. I'll call...

TRACY:

It's very important.

SHILL:

I realize that.

TRACY:

Well, goodbye.

SHILL:

Goodbye.

FX:

(CLICKS OFF ON LINE... TRACY HANGS UP)

VITAMIN:

Duckfoot the clown.. still missing, eh?

TRACY:

Yes.

TESS:

Tracy, do you think he may have.. well... met with foul play?

TRACY:

Why do you say that, Tess?

TESS:

He knew that Zelda had been murdered.

TRACY:

But how... how did he know????

VITAMIN:

By looking at those photographs that Tess took of the tragedy, old man. We told you that.

TRACY:

I've looked at those photographs from every possible angle, Vitamin. You've looked at them... Tess has looked at them! Have you been able to see anything that would indicate murder?

TESS:

No...

VITAMIN:

But he said it was murder.. said it very definitely, old man!

TRACY:

This is the most confusing case I've over had... but I have a hunch... just a hunch that a murder has been committed. Duckfoot confirms that hunch...

TESS:

And then disappears....

TRACY:

Here it's eleven o'clock already and he hasn't returned. Why didn't you two hold him here.. till I got back?

VITAMIN:

We told him that you'd want to know what he said...

TESS:

But he wouldn't stay, Dick. He said he had a score to settle.

VITAMIN:

His very words, old man.

TRACY:

That's a big help to me.

TESS:

About these pictures, Dick...

TRACY:

Yes?

TESS:

Do you think it might help if they were larger?

TRACY:

It might... we'd be able to see them more clearly... these little candid size shots are too small...

TESS:

Give them to me. I'll take them home and enlarge them. It won't take half an hour....

VITAMIN:

We'll come along, me dear girl, and help.

TESS:

You can come along, Vitamin.... but Dick has to wait for Mr. Shill's call.

VITAMIN:

That's right... I nearly forgot. I shall remain here too then.

TESS:

(FADES) Well-- See you both later...

TRACY:

(PREOCCUPIED) Oh...yes...Tess... see you later...

FX:

(DOOR OFENS AND CLOSSS)

VITAMIN:

What's the matter, old sleuth? You don't seem your usual keen self tonight?

TRACY:

(JUTS DESPONDENTLY) Vitamin, this case has got me completely baffled!

MUSIC:

........,...._.

FX:

(BIG CAT GROWLS)

FAYE:

(TO CAT) Now... now... Baby... Faye can't let you out of your cage... go to sleep... that's a good baby... Come on now....

FX:

(CAT PURRS)

FAYE:

There.....

DUCKFOOT:

(OFF.... CALLS SOFTLY ) Faye... Faye Line....

FAYE:

Eh? Duckfoot???? Where have you been? You missed two shows... Shill is mad!

DUCKFOOT:

Mind if I come into your dressing tent, Faye?

FAYE:

No.. come in.

DUCKFOOT:

(FADE IN) (DETERMINED BUT QUIET) I had something to talk to you about.

FAYE:

Have you seen Shill... or Tracy?

DUCKFOOT:

No. I didn't want to see them... that's why I stayed away from the show this afternoon and tonight. I wanted to see you first... alone.

FAYE:

What about?

DUCKFOOT:

(SLOW) Have you seen the photographs...

FAYE:

What photographs?

DUCKFOOT:

Taken last night by Tracy's friend, Tess Truehart... she's got it all down on film... how Zelda was killed.

FAYE:

So what? I saw how she was killed... her elephant trampled her!

DUCKFOOT:

No, Faye... he didn't trample her.. he trampled her cape! The pictures show it very plainly.

FAYE:

Yeah? Well, what do you want me to do?

DUCKFOOT:

(QUIET) You killed her, Faye!

FAYE:

No... no...

DUCKFOOT:

(STILL QUIET... BUT MORE INTENSE) You killed her... you're as guilty as if you had placed a gun against her forehead and pulled the trigger!

FAYE:

You're crazy!

DUCKFOOT:

Am I? You were jealous of her... jealous because she out-shown you.... because she was a bigger star than you were...

FAYE:

I didn't kill her!

DUCKFOOT:

The photographs will tell the story, Faye... the photographs... and I will say one thing... and they'll convict you!

FAYE:

You can't prove it... anything you say... they won't believe you! You hated her too... you could have done it!

DUCKFOOT:

No... no... I loved her... I loved her...

FAYE:

She mocked you... ignored you... you were dirt under her feet for all she noticed you....

DUCKFOOT:

I loved her... and you killed her!

FAYE:

What are you going to do?

DUCKFOOT:

I'm going to tell them....

FAYE:

Wait... look, Duckfoot... I've got money... I've saved it... you can have it!

DUCKFOOT:

You killed her...

FAYE:

Take the money and keep your mouth shut!

DUCKFOOT:

No, Faye... (FADES) I'm going to tell them... tell them about the cape...

FAYE:

Duckfoot! Come back! Listen!

(PAUSE)

 

He's gone. There's only one thing to do! Only way to stop him!

FX:

(SOUND OF CAGE DOOR OPENING)

FAYE:

Come out, Baby...

FX:

(TIGER GROWLS)

FAYE:

Go get him... get him for me! Go!

FX:

(GROWLS MENACINGLY AND FADES)

FAYE:

(TO HERSELF) He'll stop him... stop him forever!

FX:

(OFF MIKE... A VICIOUS GROWL... AND A SCREAM FROM DUCKFOOT )

MUSIC:

.............

TRACY:

I came as soon as I got your call, Mr. Shill. Did Duckfoot have a chance to speak before he died?

SHILL:

No, Mr. Tracy... before my men could get to him... get that cat off of him... he was through.

VITAMIN:

That quiet little man... egad, who would think he was a murderer.

TRACY:

How do you arrive at that conclusion, Vitamin?

VITAMIN:

Well, old sleuth... he saw the photographs, didn't he?

TRACY:

Yes.

VITAMIN:

He realized that he was discovered... so...

SHILL:

You think he killed himself?

VITAMIN:

Of course. Think of it, old man... he killed Zelda with an elephant...killed himself with a tiger... incredible! Incredible!

TRACY:

Exactly.

VITAMIN:

You mean me theory is right, old gum shoe?

TRACY:

No, I mean it's incredible!

SHILL:

Duckfoot knew nothing about controlling animals, Mr. Tracy... he couldn't have been guilty of Zelda's death.

TRACY:

And yet, he knew enough to see in the photographs that Zelda had been murdered! Shill, where is Faye Line?

SHILL:

I don't know, Mr. Tracy... no one's seen her since after her performance tonight.

VITAMIN:

(WORRIED) And the tiger, me dear man, where is it?

SHILL:

Strange thing about that cat... we had a bad time of it for a few minutes... but once we got it into Faye's tent... the animal went right back into it's cage and went to sleep.

VITAMIN:

She keeps it in her tent? Egad!

SHILL:

It's her favorite.. she calls it "Baby."

TRACY:

I wonder what Duckfoot saw in the photographs that we didn't see. Now we'll never know!

SHILL:

Perhaps, I could see it too, Mr. Tracy... maybe it's something that only a circus man would recognize.

TRACY:

I thought of that, Mr. Shill. After I got the call from you telling me about Duckfoot's death, I called Miss Trueheart and told her to meet us here -with the photographs. She's enlarged them -

SHILL:

Good. I suppose you realize that all this terrible business is going to be bad for my show Mr. Tracy...

VITAI'1IN:

Of course, me good man.... but two people have died... gone to their deaths...

SHILL:

We circus folks expect the worst always, Mr. Flintheart. In the circus... a bad box office is more of a tragedy than a death.

VITAMIN:

Hmmmm... yes... see what you mean... me dear man... bad box office... yes!...

TRACY:

(IDEA) Mr. Shill.... I wonder if I could have a look at the costume that Zelda was wearing when she was killed....

SHILL:

Certainly, Mr. Tracy... (FADE SLIGHTLY) l've got it right here. (FADE BACK) l was thinking of sending it to her folks...

FX:

(CARDBOARD BOX OPEN)

SHILL:

There. You can see... it's hardly been damaged.

TRACY:

Yes. Autopsy showed she died of a broken neck... when the elephant picked her up by the cape and tossed her.

VITAMIN:

(PICKING UP CAPE) Hmmm... this cape is pretty badly ripped and torn, old man... (SNEEZES) Egad! (SNEEZES AGAIN) Egad!! Take it away.

TRACY:

What is it, Vitamin?

VITAMHI:

This cape, old man... it affects me the way cats do! Makes me sneeze. (SNEEZES ) ZOUNDS!

TRACY:

Cats! (IDEA.) Mr. Shill... how do elephants and the big cats get along?

SHILL:

They hate each other... why?

TRACY:

If an elephant smelled the scent of a tiger....

SHILL:

He'd kick up an awful fuss! You mean that cape... Zelda's cape??

TR!CY:

Yes! (JUT) That cape has the scent of a tiger on it.!

VITAMIN:

Odds Bodkins, Tracy... old man... I see what you mean! That's why I sneezed just now.

TRI.CY:

Yes and that's why the elephant went berserk last night.. (JUT) Come on, Shill.... we've got.to find Faye Line!

MUSIC:

. . . . . . . . ._.

(FOOTSTEPS IN GRAVEL) (CRICKET IN B.G. )

 

FAYE:

(SOFTLY) Miss Trueheart?

TESS:

(F'OOTSTEPS STOP) Oh! Oh...you frightened me for a minute. I can't see you very well... it's so dark...

FAYE:

I met you yesterday for a moment... I'm Faye Line...

TESS:

The Tiger Lady?

FAYE:

That's right. Eh...I saw you stop your car in the parking lot. I had to see you.... it's about those pictures you took... eh... of the "accident" to Zelda.

TESS:

Oh, did Tracy send you to look for me? Sorry I'm so late... I was making enlargements. I know how anxious he is for Mr. Shill to look at the pictures.

FAYE:

Shill.... yes... I see...

TESS:

Well, I'd better take them over to him... that's Mr. Shill's office wagon over there isn't it?

FAYE:

Tracy wants Shill to look at them, eh?

TESS:

Yes. He thinks that perhaps a circus man will be able to see what poor Duckfoot saw in them. Well, I've got to get them over to them...

FX:

(FOOTSTEPS)

FAYE:

(CAGEY) Wait!

FX:

(FOOTSTEPS STOP)

TESS:

Yes?

FAYE:

They're not in the office wagon...

TESS:

They're not?

FAYE:

No... they're waiting for you in my tent. It's right this way.... Come on ...

TESS:

Oh... yes.. certainly...

FX:

(FOOTSTEPS IN GRAVEL.... CONTINUES BUT SOFTLY)

FAYE:

Eh... those pictures... you've got all of them with you?

TESS:

Why yes..

FAYE:

Negatives too?

TESS:

(LAUGHS) Yes...you know, I was in such a rush to get over here... after I finished enlarging the prints that I just jammed everything into this envelope and dashed out of my apartment.

FAYE:

Negatives too, eh?

TESS:

Why are you so interested in the negatives, Miss Line?

FAYE:

Interested? I'm not.... Tracy said he wanted them too... that's all...

TESS:

Wonder why he wanted the negatives...

FAYE:

Oh... here's my tent.... step in...

TESS:

Thank you. Why, it's dark in here... they're not here...

FX:

(CRICKETS OUT)

FAYE:

They'll be back in a minute. Here, I'll switch on the dressing table lights....

FX:

(CLICK)

FAYE:

There we are....

FX:

(GROWL SLIGHTLY OFF)

TESS:

(JUMPS) What's that?

FAYE:

That's Baby.... my pet tiger... he's the star or my act... I keep his cage here in my dressing tent...

TESS:

He's not the one who... who...

FAYE:

(LYING) Baby? No, be wouldn't hurt a fly... (TO BABY) would you, Baby?

FX:

TIGER PURRS

FAYE:

See...

TESS:

(UNEASY) Eh.... do you suppose we ought to go look for them... Mr. Shill and Tracy....

FAYE:

They said they'd be back. (CAGEY) May I look at the photos....

TES3:

Eh... why... yes.... here...

FX:

(SOUND OF ENVELOPE OPENING AND PHOTOS DRAWN OUT)

TESS:

There they are...

FAYE:

(PAUSE) Yes... yes... it's quite plain.... so Duckfoot was right.

TESS:

Then you see it too - What is it?

FX:

MATCH STRUCK.

TESS:

What are you doing?

FAYE:

I'm burning these pictures, Miss Trueheart... burning the evidence....

FX:

(CRACKLE OF PHOTOS BURNING)

TESS:

(CAME THE DAWN) You...then you killed Zelda! And Duckfoot!

FAYE:

Yes.... I took her cape.... wrapped it around Baby here all night... it had the scent of my tiger on it... then -- when Zelda's elephant smelled it.... she went wild... and trampled the cape! I killed Duckfoot because he knew ---

TESS:

Why you fiend! You horrible woman! Gut out of my way!

FAYE:

You're not leaving here, Miss Trueheart.... you're not leaving here alive!

TESS:

What!

FX:

(CAGE OPENED.... TIGER GROWLS)

FAYE:

Get her, Baby! Get her for me!

TESS :

No.... no.....

FX:

(TIGER GROWLS MENACINGLY)

TESS:

(SCREAMS )

TRACY:

(SLIGHTLY 0FF) Tess! Tess! (FADES IN) Tess!

TESS:

Dick.... look!!!

FX:

(GROWL OF TIGER)

TRACY:

Stand back, Tess!

FX:

(SHOT... SHOT.... SHOT.... SHOT.... SHOT )

(TIGER: DEATH GROWL AND DIES)

 

TRACY:

Tess.... Tess.. are you all right?

TESS:

(GOO) Yes, Dick.... I'm all right.... thanks to you! You were wonderful.... wonderful...

TRACY:

(JUT) I heard you scream... and the tiger growl... I knew you were in danger!

VITAMIN:

(FADE IN EXCITED) Tracy.... Tracy old man... what happened? (SEES DEAD TIGER) Egad! Is the beast dead?

TESS:

Tracy shot him! It's Faye Line, Dick....she killed Zelda... she murdered Duckfoot too!

VITAMIN:

Faye Line? Zounds! Mr. Shill and I saw her running out of this tent a moment ago!

TRACY:

Come on! (FADES) We've got to get her!

FX:

(CRICKETS COME IN)

SHILL:

(FADING IN) Mr. Tracy...

TRACY:

Which way did she go?

SHILL:

That way.... Into the big animal tent.. Why?

TRACY:

She's the murderer!

FX:

(SLIGHTLY OFF ELEPHANT TRUMPETING WILDLY AND FAYE SCREAMS)

VITAMIN:

What was that?

SHILL:

Sounded like Zelda's elephant! Faye's in there! Come on!

FX:

(RUNNING FOOTSTEPS STOP ON CUE)

TRACY:

(WINDED) Pull the tent flap back!

SHILL:

(WINDED ) Right! LOOK!

VITAMIN:

Zounds! How horrible!

TRACY:

She's dead... trampled to death by Zelda's elephant!

SHILL:

The beast must have smelled the odor of the tigers on her clothes!

TRACY:

Yes.

VITAMIN:

Perhaps. You may call it that, gentlemen... I prefer to call it retribution.

TRACY:

(JUT) Vitamin is right, Mr. Shill.... Faye Line has paid for her sins!

MUSIC:

CURTAIN

MUSIC:

TOOTSIE (2 BARS)

ANNCR:

Maestro, let's have that theme again!

MUSIC:

TOOTSIE (2 BARS, 50% SLOWER)

ANNCR:

Ah, that does it! That lets EVERYBODY know that Tootsie Rolls are back on candy counters all over America. That big nickel-sized Tootsie Roll is just as chewy, just as chocolatey, just as DEEE-licious as ever! All those good wholesome ingredients that go into Tootsie rolls receive extra-special care in the Tootsie Roll Candy Kitchen! And when you buy a Tootsie Roll at your favorite candy counter, you get a candy treat that can't be beat! That CHEWY, CHOCOLATELY tootsie roll will really tickle your taster! It tastes so delicious, it's -- gee? -- I wonder if maestro Ray Carter can play it with music?

MUSIC:

TOOTSIE (AS A BALLAD) (UNDER)

ANNCR:

MMMmmmm! That big, nickel-sized Tootsie Roll is Deeelicious!

ANNCR:

UP AND OUT

ANNCR:

Ahhh, Thanks, Ray. That does it - that lets EVERYBODY know that the big nickel-sized Tootsie Roll is a teeth-ticklin' treat that can't be beat!

MUSIC:

FANFARE

FX:

PHONE RINGS AND PICKUP

TRACY:

Police Headquarters -- Tracy speaking. Oh yes, Sergeant McGuire. What?? You saw Deuces Wilde? But you couldn't have! He was executed last night! I don't care WHAT Deuces said about coming back - he's dead! What? No! Don't do anything - this looks serious. I'll be right over!

MUSIC:

STING AND UNDER


ANNCR:

What's this? Deuces Wilde, returned from the dead? An executed man who comes back to wreak vengeance on the people who sent him there? It's all yours for the listening, next Saturday, same time, same station, when Tootsie Rolls, America's best-known candy presents America's best-known Detective, Dick Tracy, in the case of "The Man Who Died Twice! "

VITAMIN:

Featuring Vitamin Flintheart, Dueces Wilde, and...an all-star cast!

MUSIC:

CLOSE

ANNCR:

Dick Tracy is based on the nationally-known comic strip created by Chester Gould. Dick Tracy is written for radio by Sidney Sloan, and directed by Mitchel Grayson.

MUSIC:

Tootsie Theme, with conclusion.

ANNCR:

This is ABC, the American Broadcasting Company.