Face of the Frog (Edgar Wallace - Der Frosch mit der Maske)

Aub rid?

Did you hear anything? - It's the frogs croaking in the pond.

For a moment I thought... - You thought? It's not like you, Charles.

I thought I heard voices. - Of course! It was the frogs, darling...

Now I can't sleep anymore. I'm going downstairs for a book.

Ah, what's this? The light bulb is burnt out again.

My jewels, oh God, my jewels! My beautiful jewels!

Here you are, Inspector! His Lordship and I were sleeping upstairs quietly...

What a disaster! I insist on knowing what the police are going to do about it.

I beg pardon, My Lady? - Four years now the Frog and his gang...

have been running riot, I shall complain to Sir Archibald personally.

That is a good idea, My Lady!

Charles, is he making fun of me? - No, the police are trying everything.

To make sure that the Frog can do what he pleases. He does whatever he wants.

They trussed me up put a gag in my mouth! And he does whatever he wants!

And of course, he left no clues, did he? - Yes, My Lady, his sign as usual.

Is a receipt for stolen goods.

Wait for me here, James. - Very well, sir.

Excuse me, let me through please.

Well, Inspector! What is it this time? - Beg pardon?

You must look for a man who hears frogs when they croak at night.

Keep back, everybody keep back!

Lady Farnsworth has lodged a formal complaint, Sir Archibald.

That's all we need. Clues?

No, same as usual, nothing.

This morning, I received a call from the ministry. They want me to...

supervise your work more closely. - Sorry, what did you say?

Yes, I know you're hard of hearing on that side.

Hedge, I have naturally great confidence in you and I'll do all I can for you.

But it's getting more and more difficult. - Yes, I know, Sir.

We must be careful about public opinion. - Yes, I know, Sir.

Then you know what they expect from Scotland Yard. - Yes, Sir.

As always, they expect us to solve the case.

You see, you've simply got have results! - I'll do all that I possibly can, Sir.

And by the way, I heard from Higgins. He has spent an entire year in trying...

to establish contact with the Frog's men. Tonight he will become a member.

Will it belong before we get there? - No, we've arrived already.

The Frog's in that building? What is it? - It's an abandoned cement factory.

You want to go through with this? - Sure, it's what I've been waiting for.

It's painful when he brands you with the sign of the Frog.

If you work you'll get a pile of dough. - That's what you say.

It's true! If you get caught, don't worry. Number 7 will fix it for you.

You boys are pretty smart. You bet! There are more and more of us.

And the chief? - No one knows him personally.

We lieutenants bring him new guys. guys like you!

He will probably give you a special job!

The rub out. He'll want to break you in right.

K 33, Chief! I'm bringing a new one.

Roll up your left sleeve. Go on!

Now stretch your arm out!

It burns like fire!

Don't wipe it off! Let it bleed!

Go in and turn left!

Close the door!

Close it tight! And bolt it!

Now turn around. I want to see what you look like.

Alright!

Your number is K 297! - K 297, okay. What's my assignment?

Are you always in such a hurry? - When it's for money, always!

You see this of this young man? He lives in Landsmoore, 8 1/2 miles from London.

His name is Ray Bennet.

Here, his sister Ella. Remember her face.

I have plans for her!

If you see a man hanging around Ella, kill him! - In cold blood?

You're not here to ask questions! - How do I know you'll pay?

Behind you on the table is an envelope. It contains a 100 pounds and instructions

as to how you should make your reports. And remember: Treachery means death!

Okay, Chief. - Pick up the envelope!

Hands up! I'm inspector Higgins of Scotland Yard! The jig's up!

In that case, we'll get someone else!

Dreadful! He was one of our best men.

They certainly didn't kill him here! - It looks like a poison gas job.

There are no signs of violence.

He was probably thrown out of a car here. - Stop! Move along, Sir!

Well, I can't do both at once. - You can let him through, it's alright.

Thank you. - They always let him through.

Who is he? - He's a stinking rich American.

He's a nephew of Sir Archibald.

Any ideas, Barclay? - Yes, his shoes are carefully wiped off.

And his clothes. - Yes, you're right. Now let's see.

So is his hair! And his beard!

Yes.

In the corner of his mouth, there is something.

What is it, Sir?

Don't touch! Looks like cement dust.

Well, Inspector, discovered anything? - Discovered? I'm not Columbus!

You amateur detectives always expect police to make discoveries, don't you?

That depends. Sometimes we find the solution before the police do.

Well, James!

It's obvious, Sir. Here! The left shoe has a rubber soul,

and the right hasn't. - I'll take a closer look at the man.

No, you stay here, you may find more clues!

Can I give you a lift? - Thanks, I'd rather walk.

You've got a big suitcase. It must be very tiring. Where are you going?

Landsmoore. - Well, that's right on my way.

Hop in, I'll drive you!

Give me your suitcase. - No!

When father finds out you weren't to... - He'll explode! Yes, I know.

Why don't you just mind your own business. Anyway, he won't get here before tonight.

By then I'll be here officially, see? Oh, boy!

Get a look at that wagon! Wow!

For heaven sakes, it's father!

Father, how nice that you're home early.

Why aren't you in the office? - It was closed because of a funeral.

How do you do? - Hello.

I've got to go to town to buy a few things for dinner.

How do you do? My name is Richard Gordon. - Hello. I'm Ella Bennet.

Thank you for bringing my father home. - What a great car! Do you mind if I drive

around the block? I'll be right back. - You'll do nothing of the kind!

My brother's wild with cars. It's better not to encourage him too much.

Ray, you don't drive well enough yet! - Where did you hear that? Just let me...

at the controls. I'll show you if I can drive. It's your car, isn't it?

I wish it were. I'm just breaking it in for a customer.

Well, your father wouldn't like it.

Oh, him!

You shouldn't have allowed it. He won't be happy until he has one of his own.

And he's far to reckless to own a car. - But since your father is so strict,

why not let him have a little fun? And me too. - You?

While your brother's amusing himself, I can seize the opportunity...

to enjoy the pleasure of your company. - Oh! You seem extremely sure of yourself.

Wait, Miss Ella, I'll go with you! - I hope your car isn't smashed.

If it is, we'll repair it. - What'll happen when the owner finds out?

Nothing. He's a charming fellow. And when he finds out that I've made...

the acquaintance of such a delightful lady, he'll probably be glad to hear it.

Your father has an unusual personality. ls he always so quiet?

Yes. Especially when he comes back from a trip.

I see. Does he travel often? - Sometimes he's gone for days.

Why do You ask'?

Is he dead? - No.

He's breathing normally. He's just knocked out.

Do you have enemies? - I don't know.

I suppose I do.

Oh Lord! The sign of the Frog.

Inspector! They've brought another suspect, Sir.

My master takes the liberty of sending another frog for your collection.

He captured it in the woods of Landsmoore. And these photos I found on the specimen.

I'm just an inspector! - If you say so, Sir.

Remarkable how few people seem to realize I'm just an inspector.

Alright now, Mr. Frog. Who are they? - Don't be ridiculous. I won't talk!

May I take the liberty to point out that one is a picture of Miss Ella Bennet,

and the other is her brother.

Take him away!

And put him in Cell 11! - Very well, Inspector.

This specimen specializes in the art of knife throwing.

His technique is far from perfect, thank heaven.

Say, tell me, why do you talk so fancy? - I graduated from the Butler's Academy.

Cum laude, no doubt. Now tell me, was his behavior out of the ordinary?

I should say so. He was in gay spirits and he kept repeating,

that a certain Number 7 would get him out of prison.

Number 7?

Brushes, shoe polish, matches, key rings,

shoe laces, brushes, key rings, shoe laces...

Feeling better, Ray?

Good morning! A good morning, Mr. Cray!

What a beautiful day, just right for... - ...For work!

He asked why you didn't show up yesterday. - I don't give a damn what he says.

You shouldn't talk like that, my boy!

How's your charming sister? - She complains just as much as my father.

Ray! - Except you. If it weren't for you,

you'd have left here long ago. But you've got to work for a living,

and a boss is no matter where you are. - But not like this one. He's a machine!

Quiet! - No, I'm not afraid of him!

Wait, I'll show you! - Please!

Ray!

I'm going to ask for a raise. Someone's got to make a start.

Mr. Maitland, I know you're the boss, but I'm a human being after all.

You never even speak to us, but now you're going to have to say something.

Well, to make it short, I want a raise, Mr. Maitland!

Get out.

But Ray, that's no way to do it.

Matches, hair brushes, shoe polish, earrings,

shoe laces, earrings, matches, brushes,

sewing needles, matches, shoe laces,

needles, shoe laces...

After him, Rex! Shoelaces...

Show me your permit, gramps!

I hear the voice of authority. - That's alright. I know you wouldn't...

be peddling without a permit. Just make sure you don't bother anyone.

No, I don't bother anyone.

There's really no reason for you to be so angry. I've come here to put in...

a good word for the lad. - Yes, he's brilliant.

He's so bright that he's lost 3 jobs in the last 6 months!

You don't know what Maitland's like. Ray had really nothing to do with it.

When he comes back, don't be too strict with him. He'll find another position.

Father! - I'm afraid I'll have to run along now.

I want to thank you for coming. I know you meant for the best.

I hope that I've been able to be of some help.

Even if only in a small way.

Goodnight, Miss Ella. - Goodnight.

Now go to bed, Ella.

Shouldn't I wait up for Ray? - Go to bed!

Be quiet, and nothing will happen to you!

I have plans for you. I want to take you away with me. Not now, later!

When the time is come you will give me your answer.

And if you refuse, I shall force you to yield. Here, now you will know...

you were not just dreaming.

Father!

Father!

What's the matter?

What is it?