The Walls Came Tumbling Down (1946)

Gilbert Archer: I'll make you a proposition. You want that missing page. I want information.
Mrs. Stoker: Information, Mr. Archer?
Gilbert Archer: Let me put it this way. I have a few theories I'd like to have you confirm.
Matthew Stoker: Mr. Archer, you've always found me a very reasonable man.
Gilbert Archer: You've been reasonable, Holy Joe, but not very bright. You thought I was in this for the money, but from the first I only wanted to find out one thing: Who murdered Father Walsh. You did, you and that trained ape of yours.
Mrs. Stoker: Isn't that interesting?
Gilbert Archer: You didn't intend to kill Father Walsh, but when you put Rausch to work on him, he got too rough.
Matthew Stoker: Brilliant, Mr. Archer!
Gilbert Archer: And then you hanged his dead body from a beam and made it appear that a priest of God had taken his own life. You, Bradford, you called me to your office to make sure that my apartment would be unoccupied. While you were searching it, Catherine Walsh arrived with the first Bible, and you killed Catherine Walsh. Those are the theories I wanted to verify. Well, let's go.
Rev. George Bradford: Not yet. We're waiting for Mr. Helms to confirm the transaction.
Gilbert Archer: I'm willing to forego that now.
Matthew Stoker: No, no. We wouldn't have you do that, Mr. Archer. We'll wait. You were so insistent upon seeing him.

---

Gilbert Archer: Come in, Reverend. I've been expecting you.
Matthew Stoker: Were you indeed, Mr. Archer?
Gilbert Archer: Make yourself comfortable. What'll you have, scotch or bourbon?
Matthew Stoker: Bourbon, please. I indulge on rare occasions.
Gilbert Archer: Naturally. Why not? If you consult your Bible, you'll find a verse that prescribes a little wine for your stomach's sake.
Matthew Stoker: Mr. Archer, you're a never-ending source of amazement. And you have a Bible! Now isn't that...
Gilbert Archer: Cozy? Yes. Sit down, sit down, Reverend.
Matthew Stoker: Thank you.
Gilbert Archer: How's Mrs. Stoker, and your choirboy Rausch?
Matthew Stoker: Oh, both very well, thank you. Madame had a previous engagement or she'd have come with me. As for Rausch - well, I thought that on this occasion we could dispense with his impetuosity.
Gilbert Archer: Well, I was sure you'd bring him with you, knowing how stubborn I am to do business with.
Matthew Stoker: Yes, Mr. Archer, but this time I came convinced that you'd be cooperative.
Gilbert Archer: You did?
Matthew Stoker: Of course, my dear boy. It came to me in a revelation.
Gilbert Archer: I don't know where you bought the revelation, Reverend, but you've been gypped.

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Matthew Stoker: Now, Mr. Archer, suppose we entertain each other while my wife makes a brief search of the premises.
Gilbert Archer: Certainly. You play gin?
[Archer stands up to reach for a cigarette lighter. Stoker pushes the gun barrel into his chest. Archer motions toward a table]
Gilbert Archer: Lighter!
[Stoker tries to light it with no success]
Gilbert Archer: May I?
[He uses the lighter to knock the gun out of Stoker's hand]
Gilbert Archer: You need a refresher course, Reverend, at whatever seminary it was that you went to. Out!
Matthew Stoker: Very neat, Mr. Archer. Very neat, indeed. I've allowed myself to grow rather rusty. I'm afraid it comes from putting too much faith in my assistants.
[Stoker's assistant Rausch appears suddenly and knocks Archer unconscious]
Matthew Stoker: Such an impetuous young man.
[Speaking to his wife]
Matthew Stoker: Proceed, my dear.
[Speaking to Rausch]
Matthew Stoker: If Mr. Archer shows any signs of activity, Rausch, make him comfortable.

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