Original subtitles

I'm way out here above the clouds and nobody knows where I

am. I can see for miles around me better than

anybody can.

And I'm safe inside my spaceship and I'm traveling faster

than sound.

But I'd like to...

There's a room outside my window, and it's got me

thinking hard.

There might be something I should see right beyond

the yard.

Cause you're the best friend that I've found And I'm hanging up my

Astro shoes And staying here in town

I think people's at red.

How low am I?

One, three, four, five, two.

What's that?

And the boy, he mentioned my building, the one I have my story.

But not my building, like I honestly wanted that.

What happened here? Well, you could say the election campaign is just a piece

of...

Good

afternoon.

I'm Robert Ironside, San Francisco police.

I understand your boy may have seen what happened here.

Oh, no, no, no. He lives in my building with his mother.

I'd like to talk to him, if you don't mind.

Wait, Commander.

All planes return to home base.

Can you tell me what you did today, Jerry?

I bet it was pretty funny, what you saw.

Or was it scary?

Maybe we can talk about it tomorrow.

I'll come and visit you.

your bid for election, Councilman? Of course it will. He was my campaign

manager. Also a close friend.

It's a terrible tragedy.

Not only affects those who knew him, but the community as well.

Well, will the murder affect the outcome of the election?

At this moment, the election is not uppermost in my mind. Will you excuse

please? Mr. Coswell, one more question, if you would, sir.

Now, this has been a pretty tough and dirty campaign. Would you say that the

Ellis murder was politically motivated?

Look, in an age where murder and violence have become commonplace in the

political arena, that possibility can't be ruled out. Thank you, sir.

While Mr. Cogswell still holds a substantial lead in the latest poll, his

closest opponent earlier today leveled new charges.

At his own campaign headquarters, Harold Chambers commented, and we quote,

Cogswell's running scared. We're catching up, and he'll do anything, say

anything, and use anything, including the death of his closest friend.

in an attempt to hold us off.

Municipal Justice Arthur Brody, running last in the three -man race, has so far

declined to comment.

I'll have more news after this message.

I would like to help Mr. Ironside, but I surely don't know what to do. When he

gets into one of his moods like now... He just might as well be on the moon.

Believe me, I know.

I gotta live with it.

What I'd like to do is to take Jerry to a hospital I know of where they've had a

great deal of success treating children with the same kind of problems Jerry

had. Well, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my son, but I couldn't

all those doctor bills.

I've already made arrangements.

Won't cost you a penny.

I'll be going with him, too.

Providing you grant permission, of course. Oh, and naturally you have my

permission. I'd be a fool not to let him go.

You have no idea what a burden he's been. Not that I'm complaining, you

understand. But it can't be tiresome just thinking about him all the time.

There's one more thing.

Yeah? I'd like to have Jerry's permission, too.

Oh, whatever you say.

But if he won't talk or nothing, don't take it bad.

Half the time he doesn't even see anybody for all the notice he takes.

See what I mean?

Would you mind leaving us alone?

Fran, perhaps you could give her the hospital release forms to sign.

are more complicated than people think.

I haven't really looked at a corner in years.

You know, I'm glad I came to see you.

I'd like you to come and visit me, Jerry.

I've told some friends of mine about you and they'd like to meet you.

like to come with me and visit them?

Jerry, this is Dr. Benson.

Doctor, Jerry Abbott.

Did you have a nice trip?

rooms are ready, I thought we'd give Jerry a chance to unpack before we go.

Well, Ian, we didn't expect a reception from the founding father. You don't look

a day older after five years.

I don't know what the diplomatic corps does without you. Good to see you.

And you're Jerry Abbott.

I'm Dr. Rice.

I suppose you're tired of shaking hands, so I'll just say hello.

You two are going to get the grand tour before we get down to business.

How's he doing?

He seems to be able to do whatever he's asked, when he feels like it.

In 24 hours, we should have something to talk about.

Can you do anything about this?

Do you like bothering you?

They act up from time to time. A small reminder that the years are passing.

A tow -away zone?

If you weren't so pig -headed, you'd consult a doctor who would probably

recommend a rubdown once a day to increase your circulation.

That in order, doctor? It would be if you were my patient, but my motives are

purely selfish.

Physically, the boy is in perfect condition. I get envious when I see

that healthy. But?

But for any number of reasons, he prefers to live in a world of his own

creation. I knew that before I brought him here.

See how smart you are?

How would you like to join our staff?

We haven't had a doctor in a wheelchair since... Let's get to the point, Ian.

What can we do?

There is one tool that may provide a key that will open all of Jerry's locked

doors.

You.

Just casual observation shows he likes you. He trusts you.

We're going to put Jerry in a mild tranquilizer, which we hope will

anxiety, and have him spend as much time with you as possible.

With any luck, he'll start to open up.

What's the prognosis?

There isn't any.

He may talk to you tomorrow, next week, or never.

is 14 for me.

This is the way to live, isn't it?

Zoo in the morning, fishing in the afternoon.

Would you like the zoo?

Will you be my father?

Obviously. I gave him your wet things, and Mrs. Abbott is on her way.

Will you talk to her?

You're a doctor. You'll know what to do.

Couldn't it have been an accident?

No, Ian. They wanted to kill him.

One crippled cop didn't seem like that much of an obstacle.

Who's afraid of a crippled cop?

You'll handle his mother for me?

Of course.

Where can I change?

Right here. I'm a doctor. I've seen a naked man before.

You're a good friend again.

Maybe next time I park in a tollway zone, you'll remember that.

I made an appointment with the council.

What for?

I didn't want to talk.

Grant, we don't have anything to go on. We should start something.

We might as well see him, whatever you think.

Has there been any word on the speedboat?

It was stolen, that's about all. But it wasn't an accident?

No, it was a reason to kill the boy. And whoever did it knew where Jerry was.

It's now a doubt. We knew.

Commissioner knew.

You mean there was a leak? I guess that's what I mean.

Chief, we appreciate your finding the time to see us.

Well, I'm as anxious to get to the bottom of this thing as you are.

Wait, uh...

Our records indicate you were the last person to see Ellis alive.

Yeah, so I've heard.

All right, I left him after lunch. It was 2 o 'clock. He said he had a 2 .45

appointment. He didn't say who or where.

Was there anyone else with you at lunch? No.

Just mapping out our campaign strategy for the next couple of days. We always

did that in private.

My wife took me up at 2 o 'clock. We went home. I took a nap for about an

I'm telling you that will avoid the embarrassment of you having to ask me

I was at the time of Bill's death.

I assume you would have asked.

Hmm?

Oh, yes, I assume so.

You hinted that there might be a political motivation involved at one

I think what I said was that the possibility couldn't be excluded. Now,

a politician. Like all politicians, he had enemies. Do you have anyone specific

in mind?

Let me put it this way.

Only my opponents could have profited from that act.

And to lose your campaign manager three weeks before the election was quite a

blow, to say the least.

Can you think of anything else, Chief?

Oh, I think you've covered all the bases.

Well, in that case, gentlemen... Sure, I knew

Bill Ellis.

Anyone in the city politics had to know him.

He had more clout than two -thirds of the deadbeats in office.

Aside from that, he was a nice guy.

Friendly, Judge. We're trying to get a line on who might have killed him.

I think that's admirable.

You're not making it any easier.

I would if it were possible, but I think all I would do is just muddy the waters

all the more.

Oh, we'll take the risk.

Well, one of the things you have to do is take into account the fact that...

Ellis was a complete and utter opportunist. Now, maybe that's why I

It's not often that you meet a man with a single -minded, perverse purity of

purpose. Now,

Cogswell, my worthy opponent, being vain, greedy, and not too bright,

which appeal to the electorate, in that they provide a bond of equality between

representative and constituent, never fully appreciated Bill's talents. He

neglected to reward him in the...

Appropriate ways.

But without Bill, Cogswell machine is bankrupt.

Point being that Bill was about to desert Cogswell and join the camp of my

worthy opponent, Mr. Chambers.

You need to tell Mr. Cogswell that if he keeps bad -mouthing me, I might just

tell the public what a thief he really is.

Yes, sir, I just may do that.

You gonna tell him about Ellis changing horses, too?

Ah, your boy could be doing your homework, haven't he?

I'd be interested in knowing how you found that out.

Oh, I'd be very interested.

Brody.

Brody.

Now Bill's been lit gift to public life.

I'll see what I can do for you, boy.

And you really have a problem. You really do.

The thing of it is that so many people might have killed Bill, and even more

must have wanted to try.

One of his political virtues was knowing where all the bodies were buried.

He should have.

He dug most of the graves himself.

Of course, that's assuming that politics has anything to do with it.

Bill led a very complicated social life.

Now, let's consider that affair he was having with...

Thanks for the coffee.

Hey, listen.

You boys don't forget to vote me, yeah?

There was nothing you could have done about it, Chief.

I gave you the idea. I was thinking about that.

We're not exactly strangers, you know.

I thought you had some cooking to do.

May I ask who's calling?

Miss Emily Swanson, Pam Marksanger.

How do you do?

Very well.

Oh, boy.

Emily Swanson, Fran Belden.

Welcome. Thank you.

Ed, do you know where the bar is? I'll get the chief.

Hey, I haven't seen a spread like this since the chief's birthday.

Well, don't get your hopes up too high.

It's just pot roast.

What do you mean, just?

Pot roast is great.

Oh.

You must be someone very special.

He's on his best behavior. Best behavior. The bar is open, will it be?

A martini would answer a prayer.

The chief apologizes. He says he really doesn't feel like joining us tonight.

Chief, here's one from the boys who are handling that, uh, the accident.

None.

Negative results on the matchbook lead and they're putting the case on inactive

status.

Uh, Chief, do you think you could give us a hand?

Just tell us what to do?

Look, there is more than two weeks of mail backed up here.

And we don't know how to handle most of it. The Kelsey kidnapping, the Joneses

case, hijack job on Washington, and 20 others more.

Now, Ed has been breaking his back on the Ellis murder, and we still don't

anything that means anything.

Chief, we need you. 79 % of all crimes are solved with almost no effort at all

by investigative law enforcement. I suggest you read the Forsyth monograph

the subject. The mail can wait. But enough!

Let the rest of the department take care of things for once. That's what they're

paid for.

Mark, could you give me a hand for a minute?

Do me a favor.

Play off him.

I just thought... Look, I know what you thought.

I thought it myself.

But everybody gets depression time to time.

You know that?

Hank, what happened?

Fine,

send them in.

Morning, sir.

Sit down, all of you. I'm sorry I haven't been close to touch you lately.

How are you, Dennis? Oh, I can't complain. Now, the Chambers is in

hope he remembers the help I gave him as D .A.

Coffee? No, thanks.

What's the occasion?

Yes, Commissioner. Marsha, hold all calls, will you?

I don't know quite how to say this to you, so I'll get right to the point.

Flat out, without fancy language, I think you've been working too hard.

How does a vacation sound, huh?

Take a month off, relax?

Two months if you like?

Dennis, we've been friends for a long time.

You backed me all the way on some pretty long shots.

I want you to go along with me this time. I'm only asking to take a

You didn't let me finish.

I've had it, Dennis.

I'm resigning.

Take your badge back. I refuse to accept your resignation.

You have no choice in the matter.

Somewhere in this department, there's an information leak, and whoever that

pipeline feeds has already tried to kill a boy to stop him from talking to us.

Now, we only have two aces.

They think the boy is dead, and they don't know what he might have told me.

So, we have only one course of action left.

We have to get those cards into the game, and since I'm the only logical

I'm going underground.

And your cover.

If we try to discredit you, nobody will believe us. But they might believe I

quit because of depression over the death of a child.

Ask Mark and Fran and Ed.

A lot of people still won't understand.

I'm not thinking of a lot of people.

I'm thinking of a ten -year -old boy.

And I'm thinking about you.

It's a cold world out there. You'll be alone.

Old enemies surface quickly when they smell blood. Dennis, my mind is made.

about your staff?

What happens to them when you're gone?

That's up to you. Whatever.

I know they'll understand.

Dennis, this was not an easy decision to make. It's not going to be easy to live

with. Now, I don't need arguments right now. I need your blessing.

Are you sure this is all you want to take, Chief?

None doesn't really need much when you think about it.

You ready? Yeah.

Whatever you are, we'll be thinking about you. Now, wait a minute.

Let's get one thing clear.

I don't want you thinking about me.

I want you concentrating on your new assignments.

You dig?

Yes, sir. Okay.

If I'm going to make this thing work, we can't take any chances.

You go to your new jobs and you play it straight.

Leave the undercover work to me.

You dig.

Yeah.

We dig.

Take care of yourself, Chief.

Good luck, officer.

Take the freeway over to the east side. I cheat. You don't want to live there.

Where I want to live and where I can't live are two different things.

All I've got is a pension mark.

Oh, gee.

You heard him say he'll take it, didn't you? What do you care anyway? You don't

got to live here.

Get my bags, Mark.

Yes, sir.

Now, that's going to be 35 a month, the first of every month, the route you go.

You got to pay your own gas and electric.

That's fine.

You got a job?

I am retired.

From what?

I used to be a policeman.

That's got to be a stinking job.

The outside door is always open.

I live right upstairs, so don't go stomping around at all hours.

Don't worry.

You pay your rent on time and don't make trouble.

We'll get along fine.

Put them down anywhere.

Then you can take off.

Chief, I got two more days off and I think I'd stick around and give you a

straightening the place up.

Thank you.

If that's not the way I want it.

Good luck, Mark.

Chief.

Hang in there, huh?

One of these, soldier.

Got, uh... Hey, fill us on bourbon.

Two of the cheapest we got.

Anything else?

That's all, thanks.

I'll be by, of course.

49 cents a pound.

Yeah, I've been meaning to change the sign.

Hey, what's the matter with you? Don't you want to sell?

Hey, he's a cop.

That's the one she told me. So what do you care? Sell to him.

Don't you see he's a cripple?

Sir, I'm leaving.

No problem.

What about Trent?

Oh, he'll take three tomorrow and the day after.

That's it.

Hey, Mateen.

Yeah, Mark?

The gang gets the feeling he's not getting around.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Hey, you better hurry up. Cap's out back. At least he's good.

Hang loose.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Come on, Will. How many times I got to tell you? Out.

Can a man buy a drink?

I ain't leaving until I get a drink.

No cops in here without a warrant. Who's a cop? I ain't a cop. You got the

stinkin' cop all over you. Come on, get out.

Tell you what.

Let me buy you a drink. A drink?

You want to buy me a drink?

I spent three years in a slammer for something I didn't do. And you think you

can make up for it with a lousy drink?

One more.

Come on.

thinks of both.

Hey, Chief, you okay?

Now, what the hell do you think you're doing? You think I want you around?

You think I can't take care of myself?

Look, I just came to take you home. Get your hands off! I came here to drink,

you understand?

Now, give me a drink!

The times are getting hard.

And it's a cold, cold world.

So you better wake up.

Wake up, wake up and learn.

When you play with fire, you're going to get yourself down.

Here we are on the freeway, and I'm driving this Maserati.

Two cars full of highway patrol cops, hair, and apples.

I only stole a car so that Eddie could get to San Bernardino.

Hey, Chief, how are you? Hey, Chief. What's he doing?

Yeah, digging out Eddie.

Anyway, I got the gas pedal floored, and we put away this bridge. Cops are

parked. And old Eddie's yelling, slow down. You're crazy. Slow down. I said,

what for?

We're only doing 135.

You know, we'd almost made it, but I couldn't keep that cell phone at that

speed. So we ended up in a field of gum.

Two minutes later, the cops were all over the place.

It's clean.

All right, punk, tell me about yesterday. What about yesterday?

Oh, come on now, smiley. Tell him I know you got nothing to hide. Come on, blow

it out your ringers. All right, tough guy. He was with me.

Shut up, Rummy. I am prepared to sign a deposition to that effect with an

addition that you have failed to inform this man of his constitutional rights to

silence and that you've attempted to intimidate him with threatening

Oh, a week and a tank will straighten you out.

Gee, geez, I'm sorry, I...