Obsession

Bill mentions the "brides in the bath" in talking about murder. The reference is to the infamous British serial killer, George Joseph Smith. He was a bigamist who would woo well-to-do women, marry them, then drown them in the bathtub. Specifically, he would complain to doctors that his new wife was having dizzy spells and headaches to procure sedatives for them, drug their drinks, then recommend they take a warm bath to feel better. The women essentially would pass out in the tub, and, with or without him holding them under the water, they would drown, leaving him all their money. It was a very famous case for decades after Smith was caught and executed in 1915. It's still well-known in forensics as the case that brought to light how criminals will use the same methods (the famous "MO" or modus operandi) over and over again.

A crew member with folded arms is visible in the reflection of the car window when the Superintendent is sending his officers back the station.

Referenced in Destination Murder (1950)