Approved | 1h 8min | Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi | 13 December 1940 (USA)
A mad scientist develops an aftershave lotion that causes his gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it.
Director: Jean Yarbrough (as Jean Yarborough)
Writers: John T. Neville (screenplay) (as John Thomas Neville), George Bricker (original story)
Stars: Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien
We have over 15,000 titles available for licensing to VOD platforms. Contact: sales@echelonstudios.us
A mad scientist develops an aftershave lotion that causes his gigantic bats to kill anyone who wears it.
Director: Jean Yarbrough (as Jean Yarborough)
Writers: John T. Neville (screenplay) (as John Thomas Neville), George Bricker (original story)
Stars: Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien
We have over 15,000 titles available for licensing to VOD platforms. Contact: sales@echelonstudios.us
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00["The Star-Spangled Banner"]
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00:01:00["The Star-Spangled Banner"]
00:01:30["The Star-Spangled Banner"]
00:02:01["The Star-Spangled Banner"]
00:02:06["The Star-Spangled Banner"]
00:02:11♪♪
00:02:39Ah, my friend.
00:02:42Our theory of glandular stimulation through electrical impulses was correct.
00:02:49A few days ago, you were as small as your companion.
00:02:54And now, look at you.
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00:03:48♪♪♪
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00:05:22♪♪♪
00:05:42♪♪♪
00:06:12...
00:06:40Hello?
00:06:42This is Dr. Carravez speaking.
00:06:44Yeah, this is Heath.
00:06:46Henry Moore and I are having a little get-together at my home tonight.
00:06:49We want you to come.
00:06:51Why, that's nice of you, and I appreciate it.
00:06:54But I'm very busy working on a formula for a new shaving lotion.
00:06:59Oh, but Doc, this is my daughter's idea.
00:07:02And she's going to be awfully disappointed if you don't show up.
00:07:05Don't take no for an answer. Make him come.
00:07:08Yeah, you see, it's a sort of a special occasion.
00:07:11I bet Mary is going to announce her engagement to that young rascal, Don Morton.
00:07:16Tell her I'll be there.
00:07:18Goodbye.
00:07:20Well, it's all arranged. He's coming.
00:07:22He's going to be surprised when he finds a special occasion to present him with this bonus check.
00:07:28$5,000.
00:07:41$5,000.
00:07:43$5,000.
00:07:45$5,000.
00:07:47$5,000.
00:07:49$5,000.
00:07:51$5,000.
00:07:53$5,000.
00:07:55$5,000.
00:07:57$5,000.
00:07:59Good.
00:08:01You have not forgotten.
00:08:04You hate this strange oriental fragrance, even while you sleep.
00:08:11Just as you did before I made you big and strong.
00:08:17Now, if you detect the fragrance in the night, when you're fully awake,
00:08:25you will strike.
00:08:34Yes.
00:08:36You will strike.
00:08:38To kill.
00:08:42Well, Doc's late.
00:08:44Wonder if he's been called out on a case.
00:08:46Perhaps I'd better phone him.
00:08:57Remember, Roy, Tommy, you're not to mention anything about this bonus for the Doc
00:09:01until after your father has presented it.
00:09:03Have you warned those two lovebirds over there?
00:09:06Perhaps I'd better.
00:09:10I want to caution both of you...
00:09:12Enough to say a word about the check.
00:09:14Until you're ready to spring it on him.
00:09:16Your father will make the presentation, Mary.
00:09:18Why don't you unveil it, like a statue?
00:09:20Then we could all be in on it.
00:09:22You know, I think it'd be a better idea to put it in a bottle and launch him with it.
00:09:25You must have gotten that idea out of a bottle.
00:09:28Well, the Doc isn't coming.
00:09:31Oh, what a shame.
00:09:33Oh, he just got busy with his new formula and forgot all about us.
00:09:36He'd forget the formula if he knew about that $5,000 check.
00:09:39Why don't we all go up there and give it to him?
00:09:41No, no, I wouldn't do that.
00:09:43He doesn't like business when he's experimenting.
00:09:45Well, Roy, I could take the check up to him.
00:09:47Sure, I'll take it.
00:09:49Shall I make the Doc a speech when I give it to him?
00:09:51You won't have to, Roy.
00:09:53The check speaks for itself.
00:09:54Yeah, and says a mouthful.
00:09:56Son, tell the Doc we're awfully sorry he can't be with us.
00:09:58But of course we understand how busy he is.
00:10:00All right.
00:10:09Just a minute, Roy, and I'll be with you.
00:10:16That's it, all right.
00:10:20Now what can I do for you?
00:10:22We were all sorry you couldn't be there tonight.
00:10:24Yes, yes, but you see, I'm busy.
00:10:27Something important, very important.
00:10:29Yes, of course.
00:10:30Mr. Morton and Dad had planned a little surprise for you.
00:10:33A surprise?
00:10:35It's in here.
00:10:37Well, let's see what it is.
00:10:40$5,000.
00:10:43What's this for?
00:10:45Just a little token of the firm's appreciation.
00:10:49Oh, I see.
00:10:51A bonus.
00:10:53Well, it's awfully nice of you, Father and Mr. Morton.
00:10:57I will thank them personally tomorrow.
00:10:59I'll tell them, Doctor.
00:11:01Well, aren't you curious about my new formula?
00:11:03Yes, of course, only I didn't want to be inquisitive.
00:11:06What is it?
00:11:07A new shaving lotion.
00:11:11Smell it.
00:11:13Pretty strong, isn't it?
00:11:15No, no.
00:11:16The scent evaporates a short time after you've used it.
00:11:20Try a few drops.
00:11:24Now rub it on the tender part of your neck.
00:11:27Here.
00:11:39Soothing, isn't it?
00:11:42Yes.
00:11:43When will it be ready for the market?
00:11:45Oh, it's still in the experimental stage.
00:11:49I want to try it out on several people first and see if it works.
00:11:53Well, if you'd like to send me a bottle, I'd be glad to try it for you.
00:11:56Thanks.
00:11:57Good night, Doctor.
00:12:00Goodbye, Roy.
00:12:02Good night.
00:12:16Lovely check, isn't it, Doctor?
00:12:19They are wealthy.
00:12:21Because of you.
00:12:23You made them rich, Doctor.
00:12:26It was your formula.
00:12:29Tonight they gave you five thousand dollars
00:12:33and wanted you to come down to their house and thank them for it.
00:12:37That was you, funny they gave you.
00:12:41Like a bone tossed to a faithful dog.
00:13:00You should be very grateful, Doctor.
00:13:04Very grateful.
00:13:06They are rich and happy thanks to you.
00:13:10And what have you got, Doctor?
00:13:30Good night.
00:13:38Good night, you have work to do.
00:13:44It's time you were on your way.
00:13:59THE END
00:14:24But Mary, tonight's a good time while our families are here to announce our engagement.
00:14:28Look, darling, I've loved you a long time, ever since we were kids.
00:14:32But I'm afraid it's been more like a sister.
00:14:35Well, I... I had no idea you felt that way.
00:14:59What's happened to Roy?
00:15:05Roy!
00:15:07I'd better call Doctor Crothers.
00:15:13There's nothing I can do.
00:15:15You mean he's dead?
00:15:17Yes, I'd better call the coroner.
00:15:19You think it's murder?
00:15:21I don't know. I never saw anything like it before.
00:15:24The jugular vein is severed.
00:15:28THE END
00:15:44Send Johnny Layton in here.
00:15:52Well, what have I done now? Who wants to be fired this time?
00:15:56Nobody yet, but it's still early.
00:15:59This came in from Heathville. It's a mystery killing. Old Martin Heath's son.
00:16:02Who's Martin Heath?
00:16:03Who's Martin Heath?
00:16:05Say, have you ever had a date with a girl?
00:16:07A girl? Oh, yes, a girl. I believe I did take a girl out once.
00:16:11Well, did she smell sweet?
00:16:13Of course she smelled sweet. Most girls do.
00:16:16Well, that's because of Martin Heath Cosmetics Limited.
00:16:19They make all that goo that the women put on their faces so they won't have to wash them with soap and water.
00:16:24I get it. A big man, huh?
00:16:26Yes, and a big advertising account.
00:16:28Grab yourself a photographer and get along over there to Heathville.
00:16:31The coroner's holding an inquest.
00:16:33Find out who really killed old man Heath's son.
00:16:36Okay, McGinny. I'm on my way.
00:16:39Ah.
00:16:52Chief Wilkins?
00:16:54Yeah?
00:16:55I'm Johnny Layton of the Chicago Register.
00:16:57Glad to see you.
00:16:58And this is my cameraman, One-Shot McGuire.
00:17:00Hi, Chief.
00:17:01Howdy.
00:17:02Say, we're down here to cover that Heath murder, but we didn't get much information at the coroner's inquest.
00:17:07So I thought maybe you might be able to help us.
00:17:09Well, I'm always glad to cooperate with the newspapers, providing they cooperate with me.
00:17:14That's the policy of our paper.
00:17:16Well, to tell you the truth, I haven't got very far with this thing myself.
00:17:20Oh, here's something that might interest you.
00:17:23It's a picture of the victim's wounds.
00:17:26You'll be able to see it better with this glass.
00:17:31Are these scratches on the neck and shoulders?
00:17:33Yes, but we can't determine the source.
00:17:37They're too deep for fingernails, too shallow to have been made by life.
00:17:42They're more like claws.
00:17:44That sort of bears out Dr. Crother's theory at the inquest, of a wild animal.
00:17:49Have there been any circuses around here lately?
00:17:52No.
00:17:53Heard of any animal escaping from a zoo?
00:17:55No.
00:17:56Couldn't have been one of those African leopard men.
00:17:58They use steel claws.
00:18:00This isn't Africa.
00:18:02Okay, Chief, I was just trying to help.
00:18:04Chief, are you sure there's no clue you're holding back while investigating?
00:18:09Well, since you're going to work with me on this case, there is a clue, and a very weird one.
00:18:17The autopsy surgeon says that such wounds could have been made by the beak and talons of a bird.
00:18:23A bird?
00:18:25Why, there aren't any birds around here big enough to attack a man.
00:18:28How about an eagle?
00:18:29We know it wasn't a bird.
00:18:31How do you know that?
00:18:32Because we found several hairs on the shoulder of Heath's coat.
00:18:36Ah, chauché la femme.
00:18:38They're not human hairs.
00:18:40What kind are they?
00:18:42Well, it may sound silly, but the laboratory test shows that they were from a mouse.
00:18:47Well, who ever heard of a mouse big enough to kill a man?
00:18:52Say, a bat has hair like a mouse.
00:18:55Well, the only bats around here are no bigger than sparrows.
00:18:59There's a peculiar odor about the wounds.
00:19:02But they were so faint and elusive that the police chemists have been unable to identify it.
00:19:07Then it does give us something to work on.
00:19:09Well, the scent was a clue.
00:19:11It's been destroyed by evaporation.
00:19:16Say, uh, Chief, do you mind if I do a little sleuthing around on my own account?
00:19:20Certainly not. Go ahead.
00:19:21If I can help you in any way...
00:19:23You can.
00:19:24Miss Heath seems to be the nearest to an eyewitness of the crime.
00:19:27I'd like to have a talk with her. Can you arrange it?
00:19:29I think I can.
00:19:31Well, Dr. Crothers refused to let her speak to us.
00:19:33We tried that this morning at the inquest.
00:19:35Well, don't you worry about Dr. Crothers.
00:19:37He's one of the finest men in Heathville.
00:19:39He just thought you'd add to Mary's grief so you could get sensational newspaper stories.
00:19:44I'll arrange an interview.
00:19:46Thanks, Chief. I'll keep in touch with you.
00:19:48All right.
00:19:50Uh, 48J.
00:19:53Miss Heath, did your brother have any enemies that you know of?
00:19:56Why, no.
00:19:58Everybody in the village liked Roy.
00:20:00Mm-hmm.
00:20:01Well, what did he do at the factory?
00:20:03He had charge of the experimental department where the new products are developed.
00:20:07Oh, here comes Dr. Crothers.
00:20:09Hello, Doctor.
00:20:11Hello, Mary.
00:20:12I took a shortcut from my laboratory through a garden hedge.
00:20:15You met Dr. Crothers at the inquest this morning.
00:20:17Yes.
00:20:18Mr. Layton, I hope you'll forgive me if I seemed a little abrupt.
00:20:22But I'm fond of Mary.
00:20:24And considering the ordeal she already went through,
00:20:27I wanted to protect her from dwelling too much of a tragedy.
00:20:31Of course. You were quite right.
00:20:33We're working on the case with the police now.
00:20:35Yes, I understand.
00:20:36Chief Wilkins phoned me.
00:20:38And if I can be of any assistance, just call on me.
00:20:41Thanks.
00:20:42Won't you sit down?
00:20:45Shall I serve, mademoiselle?
00:20:47No, Maxine, I'll do it.
00:20:49You may go now.
00:20:50Oui, mademoiselle.
00:20:55Do you take sugar, Mr. McGuire?
00:20:57Huh?
00:20:58Oh, no, ma'am, never.
00:20:59In fact, I don't even take tea.
00:21:01If you'll just deal me out, I'll take a look around.
00:21:04I may dig up a clue.
00:21:06What do you think of Dr. Crother's theory about a wild animal, Mr. Leighton?
00:21:10Well, frankly, I don't think much of it.
00:21:13I can't say that I blame you.
00:21:15But I, as a scientist, take many things into consideration
00:21:18a layman might overlook.
00:21:20For instance, the jagged nature of the wound,
00:21:24the rapidity with which the murderer escaped,
00:21:27the scale of the wound,
00:21:29the size of the wound,
00:21:31the size of the wound,
00:21:33the rapidity with which the murderer escaped,
00:21:36the scratches from talons or claws.
00:21:39But when an animal attacks a human, there's bound to be a lot of noise.
00:21:42You heard Miss Heath testify there was no sound of a struggle.
00:21:45No, only those awful screams.
00:21:50It's very puzzling, very mystifying.
00:21:54Doctor, when you last saw Roy,
00:21:56did he seem worried or nervous or moody?
00:21:59No, not at all.
00:22:00On the contrary, he was in the best of spirits.
00:22:05Well, I've got to get back to the village now and follow my story.
00:22:07You'll excuse me?
00:22:08If you find it necessary for us to talk again, you may come back at any time.
00:22:12This evening, if it's all right with you, I'd like to spend some time here.
00:22:15Why, yes, that'll be quite all right.
00:22:17Goodbye, Miss Heath.
00:22:18Goodbye.
00:22:19Goodbye, Doctor.
00:22:23A little more chiffon, baby.
00:22:25I do not understand.
00:22:27Oh, you know what I mean.
00:22:28A little more of your stocking.
00:22:31Like these?
00:22:33Sure, I like them.
00:22:34Who wouldn't?
00:22:35Now, hold nice and still, because this is going to take a little time.
00:22:45Well, if you're going to shoot, shoot.
00:22:46Right away, Johnny.
00:22:47I was just trying to get the focus.
00:22:51I got it.
00:22:52And not bad either.
00:22:55I'll be back in a minute, Frenchie.
00:22:56And don't worry none about those werewolves, because nothing's going to harm you while I'm around here.
00:23:01You make Maxine feel so calm, my big brave journalist.
00:23:13This is my idea of nothing at all, sitting here waiting for an animal to give us an argument.
00:23:20Look at that moon.
00:23:23And I had a date with Frenchie.
00:23:24Oh, stop crabbing.
00:23:25We're supposed to solve a murder.
00:23:27You big brave journalist.
00:23:34This is the first time I've ever been invited anywhere and asked not to shave until after I get there.
00:23:40I wanted to observe your exact reaction when you tried the lotion.
00:23:43Oh, now I understand.
00:23:47I want this lotion to be perfect before turning it over to you to be marketed.
00:23:52Here.
00:23:56It's a little strong.
00:23:57That'll make the customers think they're getting their money's worth.
00:24:01Oh, that feels great.
00:24:03Very soothing.
00:24:05I don't think you ever use anything else.
00:24:08Well, we wouldn't want to market anything we wouldn't use ourselves.
00:24:13That almost smells good enough to be used as a cologne.
00:24:17What's the matter, Doc?
00:24:18Can't you stand your own lotion?
00:24:20I have a violent dislike for perfumes.
00:24:22Oh, I'm sorry.
00:24:25All right, Tommy.
00:24:26Good night, Doc.
00:24:28Goodbye, Tommy.
00:24:50Hey.
00:24:51Hey.
00:24:52Hey.
00:24:53Hey.
00:24:54Hey.
00:24:55Hey.
00:24:56Hey.
00:24:57Hey.
00:24:58Hey.
00:24:59Hey.
00:25:00Hey.
00:25:01Hey.
00:25:02Hey.
00:25:03Hey.
00:25:04Hey.
00:25:05Hey.
00:25:06Hey.
00:25:07Hey.
00:25:08Hey.
00:25:09Hey.
00:25:10Hey.
00:25:11Hey.
00:25:12Hey.
00:25:13Hey.
00:25:14Hey.
00:25:15Hey.
00:25:16Hey.
00:25:17Hey.
00:25:18Hey.
00:25:19Hey.
00:25:20What's that?
00:25:21Where?
00:25:22Over there.
00:25:23Something's moving.
00:25:29Come on out of there, whoever you are.
00:25:36What are you doing out here, Miss Heath?
00:25:38I thought you might want some company.
00:25:40Shall we sit down?
00:25:42You know, you shouldn't be wandering around the garden at night after what's happened.
00:25:47Neither should you.
00:25:48Well, but it's part of my job.
00:25:50Mine too.
00:25:51Roy was my brother.
00:25:56Be careful.
00:25:57I think it's Tommy.
00:26:02Hello, Tommy.
00:26:03Hello, everybody.
00:26:04Hello, Tommy.
00:26:05What's up, sis?
00:26:06Mr. Layton wanted to stay in the garden for a while, so I joined him.
00:26:09Don't tell me you're waiting for that animal Dr. Carruthers mentioned.
00:26:12So you don't believe it either?
00:26:14I certainly do not.
00:26:15It's ridiculous.
00:26:17Somebody or something killed your brother.
00:26:20And I suppose you're working on the theory that the murderer always returns to the scene of the crime.
00:26:26Perhaps I am.
00:26:27Well, not for me.
00:26:29If you'll take my advice, Mary, you'll leave these gentlemen to their vigil and go to bed.
00:26:33That's what I'm going to do.
00:26:35Good night.
00:26:36Good night, Tommy.
00:26:43I don't think your brother likes my being here.
00:26:45Oh, you mustn't mind, Tommy.
00:26:47We're all terribly upset.
00:26:49I know.
00:26:57Help!
00:26:58Tommy!
00:26:59Come on.
00:27:02Help!
00:27:12Help!
00:27:36But I'm telling you, McGinty, it was a bat.
00:27:38I saw it kill Tommy Heath.
00:27:41Listen, Johnny, I want you in one shot to come on home or I'll fire both of you.
00:27:45I'm not coming home and neither is one shot.
00:27:47I'm keeping him here to get a picture of the devil bat.
00:27:50Say, that'll look great in the headlines.
00:27:51Devil bat strikes again.
00:27:55Listen, don't tell me it had horns.
00:27:58Maybe I better send a wagon with the steel bars and the strong boys with the straight jackets.
00:28:03Look, Joe, have I ever lied to you?
00:28:06Plenty of times.
00:28:08Well, I'm not lying this time.
00:28:09If it ever got out that I cooked up a fake story about a devil bat, I wouldn't be able to get a job on a country weekly.
00:28:14Print the story, Joe.
00:28:16So help me, it's on the level.
00:28:18All right, I'll print it.
00:28:20But I won't believe it not till one shot gets me a picture of that devil bat in action.
00:28:25Don't worry, he'll get it.
00:28:26Goodbye.
00:28:28You, my friend, are going to get a shot of the devil bat in action.
00:28:31Who, me?
00:28:32How?
00:28:33Have you noticed there's a taxidermist shop in the village?
00:28:37Well, you wouldn't suggest that I go out and stuff a bird, would you?
00:28:40One shot.
00:28:41To think that you'd even hint that I would suggest you have the village taxidermist build you a nice big bat for pictorial purposes.
00:28:47Besides, a bat isn't a bird, it's a mammal.
00:28:50Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?
00:28:52Where is this bird stuff an emporium?
00:28:56Oh, down on Cottage Grove Avenue.
00:29:07THE END
00:29:37THE END
00:30:08Now, here's the idea, Frenchie.
00:30:10You hang on to the bat till I get my camera set up.
00:30:13And when I raise my hand, you give the bat a good shove and it'll swing out just like it's flying.
00:30:18Then I can get a swell picture for my boss, get it?
00:30:21Oui, I am wise, no?
00:30:23No, but hang on to the bat until I raise my hand, huh?
00:30:37THE END
00:31:00Sherry, are you hurt?
00:31:02Say, what's the idea of breaking up my devil bat?
00:31:05I'm gonna make you pay for that.
00:31:06And I'm going to take you to jail until you explain this. Come on.
00:31:09You can't do this to me.
00:31:11I'm doing it.
00:31:13I was just conducting a little experiment, trying to find out how the devil bat does his killing.
00:31:18I'm sure McGuire didn't intend doing anything wrong.
00:31:21He's just a little overzealous about his work.
00:31:24Well, with the town in an uproar, and everybody terror-stricken, wondering whether he's going to be the next victim,
00:31:30I don't want any more trouble stirred up, even with an artificial bat.
00:31:34You'd better get back to the hotel. I want to talk to the chief alone.
00:31:38Is it all right, chief?
00:31:40Yeah, but be careful in the future.
00:31:45Ever smell anything like this before?
00:31:52Well, yes. That's the same stuff that's been on every one of the devil bat's victims.
00:31:56Where'd you get it?
00:31:58Found it in Don Morton's bathroom.
00:32:01Find out where Morton got it?
00:32:03No, I didn't want to arouse suspicion by asking questions until after it's been analyzed.
00:32:08You think it has any connection with the murders?
00:32:10That's the way it strikes me, but I can't figure out how.
00:32:14I'll get the police cameras on it right away.
00:32:17I'll snoop around, see if I can find out where Morton got it.
00:32:20Well, it probably came from down at the Heath cosmetic plant.
00:32:24I've men working on a theory of a disgruntled factory employee committing the crimes.
00:32:29It's certainly more than coincidental that all the victims have been members of the Heath and Morton families.
00:32:34Yeah. Looks like a plot to wipe them all out.
00:32:38I, uh, wish the rest of them would leave town until this crime is solved.
00:32:43You're worried about Mary, aren't you?
00:32:46Well, yes. I've been urging her to leave, but she won't go without her father.
00:32:51And he insists on remaining here to help clear up the crime.
00:32:54Worse than that, neither Heath nor Morton will let me give them a bodyguard.
00:32:58I guess we'll just have to wait for something to break.
00:33:00Good night, Chief.
00:33:01Good night, Johnny.
00:33:12Boy, if I got a picture, I'll knock McGinty dead. Meet the double bat.
00:33:17Well, how about that wire? Looks as if the bat's on a flying trapeze.
00:33:21Oh, but I'm not through working on it yet.
00:33:23See, I can touch this picture up so the bat will look like he's got nothing around him, but nothing.
00:33:28Okay, Rembrandt. You win.
00:33:35This is your news commentator, Walter King.
00:33:37Tonight we're broadcasting from the little village of Heathville,
00:33:39where an alleged devil bat has claimed three victims during the past six weeks.
00:33:43You will note that I say alleged devil bat.
00:33:45That, ladies and gentlemen, is because your correspondent has been very skeptical from the start
00:33:49as to the existence of this horrendous creature.
00:33:52I have as my guest in the studio tonight Professor Percival Garland-Raines,
00:33:56perhaps the world's greatest authority on animal life.
00:33:59I'm going to interview Professor Raines on the subject of the devil bat.
00:34:02Our radio audience may draw its own conclusions.
00:34:05Professor Raines, first let me ask you point blank,
00:34:08do you believe that any such creature as the devil bat exists?
00:34:12I do not.
00:34:14He's got a nerve.
00:34:15Quiet.
00:34:16In the dark ages when men and women lived in caves,
00:34:19there may have existed a bat of this size, but not in this day and age.
00:34:24How do you account for the fact that Mary Heath,
00:34:26whose two brothers were victims of the devil bat,
00:34:29and a newspaper reporter, John Layton, claim to have seen this amazing creature?
00:34:33Sometimes under stress and excitement, our minds play tricks on us.
00:34:37Hey, he's insinuating you saw the little bat that wasn't there.
00:34:41Pipe down.
00:34:42But how about the picture of the devil bat published by Mr. Layton's paper?
00:34:46I examined that picture under a powerful magnifying glass.
00:34:49I denounce it as a fraud.
00:34:52Whoever constructed the strange-looking monster forgot to remove a label from the silk,
00:34:56from the silk used on its left wing.
00:34:59That label reads, made in Japan.
00:35:09Put through a hurry call to Heathville.
00:35:11I want to talk to Johnny Layton.
00:35:13He's at the Heathville Hotel.
00:35:17One guess who that is.
00:35:18Yeah, McGinty.
00:35:23Go ahead, pour it on.
00:35:26So you slipped over a fake picture on me, huh?
00:35:29Well, you're fired, both of you.
00:35:31And I'll see to it that you never work on another newspaper as long as I live.
00:35:35Made in Japan.
00:35:37You tell one-shot McGuire he ought to be snapping photos in a booby hatch.
00:35:41Both of you, come on in and get your final checks.
00:35:44Oh, no, we're not coming in to get anything.
00:35:47All right, so we're fired.
00:35:49But we're staying here just the same.
00:35:51I saw that bat.
00:35:53We're going to stay here till we catch that bat.
00:35:55And when we do, I'm going to bring it in and stuff it down your throat.
00:35:58Goodbye.
00:36:02Well, we're fired.
00:36:04Mm-hmm, again.
00:36:07That's him calling back to apologize.
00:36:09Now you give him a good scare.
00:36:12No use begging us to go to work for you again, McGinty.
00:36:15You fired us and we're staying fired.
00:36:17Oh, oh, Mary, I thought it was somebody else.
00:36:20Johnny, why did you make a joke of a tragic thing like this?
00:36:23But it wasn't intended as a joke, Mary.
00:36:25I was only trying to get the news.
00:36:27I suppose you call it getting the news when you arrange to print a picture that's a deliberate hoax,
00:36:32that has the entire country laughing.
00:36:34A grand joke, Johnny, but somehow I can't appreciate it.
00:36:38But I can explain that picture.
00:36:40Don't try, Johnny.
00:36:51Made in Japan.
00:36:53I ought to skin you alive and nail your hide to a barn door.
00:37:01Here's the chemistry part on that shaving lotion.
00:37:06I see he couldn't break down one of the ingredients.
00:37:08Yes, he said it must be some element with which he's not familiar.
00:37:14We won't get anywhere until we identify it.
00:37:17There's just one other man in this town that might be able to help us.
00:37:21Dr. Carruthers.
00:37:24Yeah, Carruthers could help us.
00:37:26I found out he compounded that lotion.
00:37:28Well, if you suspect Carruthers, you're backing up the wrong tree, Johnny.
00:37:33He's the last man in this town that would harm anyone.
00:37:36Why, everybody loves him.
00:37:38Maybe so, but here's something else I dug up.
00:37:42The Heath and Morton fortunes are based on a greaseless cold cream formula Dr. Carruthers invented.
00:37:48So what?
00:37:50All the doctor got out of it was $10,000, and the others made a fortune.
00:37:54Well, it's common knowledge that he sold off the cash when he could have had an interest in the firm.
00:37:59Just the same, every victim had this stuff from his laboratory on him.
00:38:06Maybe you've been working too hard on this case, Johnny.
00:38:09I'd like to get his reaction on the stuff.
00:38:11If he denies knowing anything about it, we'll know there's a tie-up somewhere.
00:38:15I think you're bombing.
00:38:17But just to show you that I'm following up every clue, we'll talk to him.
00:38:21We'll, uh, put this in another bottle, and without telling him we know he compounded it, ask him to analyze it.
00:38:27Doc, I hope we're not upsetting your work, barging in on you this way.
00:38:31No, no, not at all.
00:38:33I'm anxious to help solve these crimes.
00:38:35All the victims were very dear friends of mine.
00:38:38Here's a sample of the stuff young Morton and the two Heath boys had on them when they were attacked by the devil bat.
00:38:42Of course it doesn't make sense to me that a bird would choose only people using that particular stuff.
00:38:49A bat is not a bird.
00:38:51It's a mammal.
00:38:53Well, anyway, our police cameras couldn't break down one of the ingredients.
00:38:57We thought perhaps you could.
00:39:00Why?
00:39:01I compounded this myself.
00:39:03It's a new shaving lotion I'm experimenting with.
00:39:07The ingredient your chemist couldn't break down I discovered years ago in Tibet.
00:39:12How did you happen to put it in a shaving lotion?
00:39:15Oh, the lamas use it in some of their religious rites as a perfume.
00:39:20The scent is very pleasant and can't be imitated by competitors.
00:39:24But what were Don Morton and the two Heath boys doing with the stuff?
00:39:28Oh, it is the policy of our firm to try out any new product before marketing it.
00:39:34Well, that knocks our theory into a cocked hat.
00:39:37Yeah, we were hoping the unknown ingredient might turn out to be some sort of a clue.
00:39:44This isn't the kind of bottle I give it out in.
00:39:47But I presume your chemist changed it when making the analysis.
00:39:51Yeah.
00:39:53Is there anything else I can do to help?
00:39:57Tell me, did you hear Professor Raines on the radio last night?
00:40:00Yes.
00:40:02Yes.
00:40:04It was very interesting and very asinine.
00:40:07You mean you believe there is a devil bat?
00:40:09Why not? You saw it, didn't you?
00:40:11Well, sure I did. So did Mary.
00:40:13Then why worry about what one scientist says?
00:40:16That one scientist got me fired.
00:40:19Oh, you mean your newspaper discharged you?
00:40:24That's right.
00:40:25That's too bad.
00:40:28Then you're believing Heath's will before the mystery is solved.
00:40:33I'm afraid not. I'm going to stay here and work with the chief.
00:40:39Since you're going to stay here for a while, I would like you to try out a bottle of the new lotion and tell me how you like it.
00:40:48And you too, Chief.
00:40:49No, no, not me, Doc.
00:40:51If my wife ever smelled perfume on me, she'd suspect me, sure.
00:40:56Well, Mr. Layton, I understand you are not married.
00:40:59All right, I'll try it in the morning when I shave.
00:41:01I guess we better be going, Chief.
00:41:03See you later, Doc.
00:41:04So long, Dr. Crothers.
00:41:06Goodbye, Mr. Layton.
00:41:20What's the matter? What's the matter?
00:41:22Does that smelly shaving lotion put you to sleep?
00:41:24Well, why'd you tell the Doc you're going to use it if you think it's smelly?
00:41:27Oh, I don't know. I guess I was a little ashamed of ever suspecting the old Doc.
00:41:31Well, I like it, and I'm going to tell him so.
00:41:36What time is it?
00:41:38After midnight.
00:41:39Midnight? Oh, there ain't no use of waiting around here any longer.
00:41:44This must be the bat's night off.
00:41:49Did you hear that?
00:41:51Yeah.
00:41:57Get that camera ready.
00:42:11Look out!
00:42:19You got him.
00:42:21Listen, Johnny, I'm going to cook that bird personally for McGinny,
00:42:24and I'll even stuff it myself.
00:42:48I was still skeptical when I came to Heathville today to examine the body of this so-called devil bat.
00:43:14But after seeing it personally and making exhaustive research,
00:43:19I've arrived at the conclusion that the creature is the lone survivor of a type of giant bat
00:43:26which existed in great numbers during the early part of the Neolithic age.
00:43:32Perhaps I should explain for the benefit of some of our listeners
00:43:35that the Neolithic age is that period of antiquity commonly called the Stone Age.
00:43:44Imbecile. Bombastic ignoramus.
00:44:35I'm sorry, McGinny, but one shot and I are not interested at your prices.
00:44:39Of course, if there was a raise of, say, twenty...
00:44:42Thirty.
00:44:43Thirty dollars plus a fat bonus, we might consider it.
00:44:46You're holed up, men, both of you. I refuse to be robbed.
00:44:50Have it your way, McGinny, have it your way.
00:44:52But we have the bat's corpus delicti and the exclusive picture.
00:44:56Of course, I've got an eyewitness story that two syndicates are bidding for.
00:45:01You've got to pay us for the time we were fired.
00:45:05That's better.
00:45:06Now you're talking, boss.
00:45:08Okay, we're working for you again.
00:45:09We'll gather up the loose ends and see you in a couple of days.
00:45:11Goodbye.
00:45:14Come in.
00:45:17Hello, Johnny.
00:45:18Well, Mary.
00:45:19Johnny, I came to tell you that I'm sorry I said what I did the last time we talked.
00:45:24Do you suppose...
00:45:26Well, I don't know how to say it, but...
00:45:28I do.
00:45:29Miss Heath, do you suppose that little French girl would apologize to me if I looked her up?
00:45:34Positive she would.
00:45:59Okay.
00:46:30Splendid.
00:46:32You will be even greater than your unfortunate predecessor.
00:46:37Splendid.
00:46:39You will be even greater than your unfortunate predecessor.
00:46:56Enraged, aren't you?
00:46:59Fine.
00:47:01I'm enraged.
00:47:03Fine.
00:47:05I'm enraged also.
00:47:08Tonight I shall call on Henry Morton and you shall strike him down.
00:47:16Henry, the lotion has turned out to be better than I had hoped.
00:47:21I want you to try it.
00:47:23Well...
00:47:25Well, just leave it here, Doc, and I'll try it in the morning after shaving.
00:47:31It smells good, doesn't it?
00:47:34Yes, but isn't it too strong?
00:47:36No, no, no. Evaporation quickly tones it down just to the right scent.
00:47:41Rub a few drops on your face.
00:47:44Well, I'd rather wait until after I shave.
00:47:47Then my skin will be more tender and receptive to a lotion.
00:47:51Well, just a little here.
00:47:54The texture of the skin there is always very delicate.
00:48:00I'll give you a few drops in your hand.
00:48:13I hope you're right about that scent evaporating quickly.
00:48:17I smell the high heavens.
00:48:19Perhaps that will be the secret of its success.
00:48:23Well, you can never tell what's going to happen in this business.
00:48:26You can believe me, Henry.
00:48:28You don't have to worry.
00:48:30Yes, I can believe that, Doc.
00:48:32All of your formulas have been highly successful.
00:48:36Oh, I've been going over the report to the company's annual earnings.
00:48:40A net profit of over a million dollars.
00:48:43Not bad, eh?
00:48:45When you remember what we built on.
00:48:48A mere $10,000 for your formula.
00:48:53You shouldn't have demanded all cash, Doc.
00:48:56You should have ridden along with us.
00:48:58Then you'd be rich, too.
00:49:00Oh, but then you've had a lot of fun in your laboratory.
00:49:04With your experiments.
00:49:06Dreaming up something new.
00:49:09You're a dreamer, Doc.
00:49:11Too much money is bad for dreamers.
00:49:14So you tried to pay me in flattery.
00:49:17Telling me that I'm a dreamer.
00:49:21Well, I do dream.
00:49:24Dreams that you could never guess.
00:49:29Your nerve's afraid, Doc.
00:49:31Now calm down. Get a grip on yourself.
00:49:34You've been working too hard on your formula.
00:49:36Formula?
00:49:38That's but child's play for a great scientist.
00:49:42Your brain is too feeble to conceive what I have accomplished in the realm of science.
00:49:49Doc, you've made some great scientific discovery.
00:49:53What is it?
00:49:55When you'll find out, Henry, it'll be too late for you.
00:50:00Oh, come, come, Doc.
00:50:02You can't pretend to control a man's destiny.
00:50:06I've already proved it three times.
00:50:20I'm sorry.
00:50:24Perhaps you're right, Henry, about my working too hard.
00:50:28I guess I'm a little tired.
00:50:30I'd better go home and get some rest.
00:50:32Sure. A night's sleep will do you good.
00:50:36Good night, Doc.
00:50:38Goodbye, Henry.
00:50:5036-J.
00:50:52Hello?
00:50:54Oh, that's you, Martin?
00:50:56Yes, Henry.
00:50:58I want you to call Chief of Police Wilkins to come to your house immediately.
00:51:02It's very important.
00:51:03Chief's here now.
00:51:04Well, don't let him leave until I get there.
00:51:06What on earth's happened?
00:51:08I think I've got a clue to all those murders.
00:51:11It may peter out, but if half what I suspect is true,
00:51:15it's the most diabolical plot that a madman ever concocted.
00:51:19What is it?
00:51:24Talk about the absent-minded professor. I forgot my hat.
00:51:28Henry, what is it?
00:51:30I'll tell you all about it when I get there.
00:51:32I hope I didn't intrude on a private conversation.
00:51:35Oh, nothing important.
00:51:45I hope I didn't intrude on a private conversation.
00:52:15I hope I didn't intrude on a private conversation.
00:52:45I hope Henry was right about having a clue.
00:53:07But why didn't he explain more about it when he phoned?
00:53:10When I insisted, he changed his tone as if he'd been interrupted.
00:53:14I was afraid that he might be overheard.
00:53:21What is that squeaky sound?
00:53:23Oh, just some night noise.
00:53:25Help!
00:53:44Help!
00:54:14Help!
00:54:31I feel much better, Mr. Heath, since you asked us to stay in your home
00:54:34until this new devil bat has been killed.
00:54:36I've been worried about Mary.
00:54:38What reason have you to believe that Mary is in danger?
00:54:41Only this.
00:54:43I'm convinced that someone is using the bat
00:54:45to wipe out the entire Heath and Morton families.
00:54:47As a scientist, I assure you,
00:54:49the thought of a human controlling a bat is fantastic.
00:54:52Just the same, no villager's been killed or even attacked.
00:54:56You're forgetting, aren't you, that Mr. McGuire was attacked.
00:54:59He's not a member of either family.
00:55:01Why, I'm practically a member of this family already.
00:55:04I'm going to marry Miss Heath Smade.
00:55:06Oh, really?
00:55:08Well, boys, I'll have Maxine show you to your rooms.
00:55:10I must be running along home. It's past my bedtime.
00:55:12Good night, General Benjamin. Good night, Martin.
00:55:14Good night, Doctor.
00:55:16Goodbye, Madam.
00:55:19Come along.
00:55:27Maxine.
00:55:28Oui, mademoiselle.
00:55:34Did you fill my perfume bottles with something new?
00:55:37Oh, no, mademoiselle. I never touch your perfume.
00:55:40Honey, I don't recognize it.
00:55:42Perhaps Dad filled them, as a surprise.
00:55:45He always does that with every new perfume the plant puts out.
00:55:48Is there anything else?
00:55:50No, Maxine, that's all. Good night.
00:55:52Good night, mademoiselle.
00:56:10Maxine.
00:56:40Oh.
00:56:44Mary, what happened?
00:56:46It was trying to get in the window. A big bat.
00:56:49Oh, it was awful.
00:56:56Mary, I want you to tell me everything you did just before that bat tried to get in.
00:57:00Well, first I took a bath.
00:57:03Then I brushed my hair, and Maxine came in and turned the covers down.
00:57:07And then fastened the screen, which somehow had come unhooked.
00:57:10Yeah? Go ahead, what else?
00:57:12Well, then we talked about some new perfume that someone had put in my dressing table bottles.
00:57:17Dad, did you put any new perfume in my bottles?
00:57:20No, I didn't.
00:57:22Is this the stuff?
00:57:23Yes.
00:57:24Tony, this smells like...
00:57:25Dave, be quiet.
00:57:27I've got a hunch that I want to follow up, and I'll need everybody's cooperation.
00:57:30We'll do everything we can.
00:57:32Of course.
00:57:33What's Carruthers' number?
00:57:3448J.
00:57:38Operator, give me 48J, please.
00:57:43Hello, Dr. Carruthers? This is Johnny Layton.
00:57:45That's right, something terrible has happened to Mary.
00:57:48Can you hurry over?
00:57:50I'll be right there.
00:57:52Good.
00:57:53Wait, Johnny, I'm all right. I don't need a doctor.
00:57:55That's where the cooperation part comes in, Mary.
00:57:57You'll have to pretend to be a nervous wreck.
00:57:59Mr. Heath, you and one shop must help her trick Dr. Carruthers into staying here as long as you can.
00:58:03Where are you going, Johnny?
00:58:04To do a little private bat hunting.
00:58:35THE DEVIL BAT
00:58:53The devil bat tried to get through that window.
00:58:55She's suffering from fright.
00:58:57I'll get you a set of this.
00:59:01Where's Mr. Layton?
00:59:02Well, I guess he's out in the garden hunting the devil bat.
00:59:04Layton is a very brave young man.
00:59:08Give Miss Heath one of these every half an hour.
00:59:10Oui, Doctor.
00:59:11It will quieten her nerves.
00:59:12But, Doc, hadn't you better stay until she's quieter?
00:59:15She'll be all right in the morning.
00:59:16Hey, Doc, I don't feel so good myself.
00:59:18Would you mind taking my temperature?
00:59:20You look perfectly well, Mr. McGuire.
00:59:23Well, you ought to see my tongue.
00:59:24It looks just like a squirrel's tail.
00:59:26Look.
00:59:27Try some caramel.
00:59:32THE DEVIL BAT
01:00:02THE DEVIL BAT
01:00:33THE DEVIL BAT
01:00:52You may have visitors tonight.
01:00:54And it would be dangerous for me if they found you here.
01:01:02THE DEVIL BAT
01:01:32THE DEVIL BAT
01:02:02THE DEVIL BAT
01:02:12Hi, Doc.
01:02:13I hope I'm not intruding.
01:02:15No, no, not at all.
01:02:17I heard you were out stalking the devil bat.
01:02:20Any success?
01:02:21No, but I thought maybe you might be able to help me.
01:02:24Well, I don't see how that's possible.
01:02:26But if you can suggest anything...
01:02:28Well, you could give me some more of that new concoction of yours.
01:02:31That shaving lotion.
01:02:32But how on earth could that possibly help catch the devil bat?
01:02:37I've still got a crazy idea that if I douse myself with it, it might attract the killer.
01:02:42I don't see how you can connect the two.
01:02:45But there is a bottle of the lotion on the table.
01:02:48Thanks.
01:03:01THE DEVIL BAT
01:03:09You see, Doc, I figured out something.
01:03:12All four of the murdered people had this lotion on them when the devil bat struck.
01:03:16Now my plan is to sit in the garden and when the killer makes one of those power dives, I'll blast him.
01:03:22Layton, I'm afraid all these murders have affected your mind.
01:03:27Maybe you'd like to come along, Doc, and be an eyewitness.
01:03:31I'm sure it would be just a waste of time, but I'd be glad to watch your experiment.
01:03:36Good. I knew I could count on you to help me.
01:03:45I tell you, Layton, expecting a bat to be attracted by the scent of a lotion is all foolishness.
01:03:51I think I better run along.
01:03:53Ah, sit down, Doc.
01:03:55The devil bat's behind schedule tonight.
01:04:04You, uh, aren't very chummy tonight. What's the matter?
01:04:08The firearms always make me nervous.
01:04:11Oh, I thought maybe you didn't want to be sitting too close to me.
01:04:14Uh, just in case the devil bat does show up.
01:04:17According to your theory, the killer wouldn't attack me.
01:04:21I haven't any of that lotion on me.
01:04:25You have now, Doc.
01:04:27Why did you do that?
01:04:29To make it a 50-50 proposition, Doc.
01:04:33Now sit down, and don't try any shenanigans.
01:04:42Not so funny when it's your own juggler vein that's in danger.
01:04:45Is it, Doc?
01:04:47I... I don't know what you're talking about.
01:04:50I... I don't know what you're talking about.
01:04:54Maybe you made a mistake when you let that devil bat of yours out of the attic tonight.
01:05:00Don't worry about the bat killing you. I'm saving you for the hangman.
01:05:07Tell me, Doc, how did you, uh, develop a monster bat like that?
01:05:13You wouldn't understand scientific theory.
01:05:21Ah! Ah! Ah!
01:05:36Ah! Ah!
01:05:40Ah! Ah!
01:05:44Ah!
01:05:47Ah!
01:05:53Hello, Chief. What are you doing out here?
01:05:55Young fellow, don't think that you're the only man working on this case.
01:05:58It was lucky I was here, too.
01:06:00Thanks. Did you kill the devil bat?
01:06:01No, he got away.
01:06:02Well, here's one bird that didn't get away.
01:06:04And he's the murderer we've both been looking for.
01:06:07Ah!
01:06:08Quick, shoot it!
01:06:10Ah! Ah!
01:06:17Where is it?
01:06:18It's gone.
01:06:21And so's the doctor.
01:06:22Did you get the bat?
01:06:23What happened?
01:06:24Doc Carruthers is the murderer.
01:06:25And he's hiding somewhere. He's in the garden.
01:06:27You fellows get back to the house and guard Mary.
01:06:31Come on.
01:06:39Doctor!
01:06:40Doctor Carruthers!
01:06:43Doctor!
01:06:46Has anything happened to Johnny? Is he hurt?
01:06:48They took him up to my place. You'd better come along with me.
01:07:02Ah!
01:07:05Ah!
01:07:08That was Mary.
01:07:13Ah! Ah!
01:07:16Ah!
01:07:22Are you all right, Mary?
01:07:23Go help Doctor Carruthers. He's over there.
01:07:28That devil bat belonged to the doctor, Mary.
01:07:30He created it to commit those murders.
01:07:35Well, it's too late to help the doc.
01:07:46THE END