Original subtitles

What is it?

My head is coming off.

There's some pills in the bathroom.

I told you not to drink so much.

Yes, this is 510. Send the house man up. Oh, and notify the police. We've been

robbed. I'm sure I locked that door.

Couldn't have locked it.

They're right here in this drawer.

I don't see how he got in or out.

The FBI.

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Ephraim Zimbliss Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott, William Reynolds, with guest

stars Carl Betts, Ann Archer, and special guest star

Michael Burns.

Tonight's episode, Downfall.

Seven hours after the daring theft of over $100 ,000 worth of jewelry from a

Houston hotel suite, the suspect's car, identified through the FBI's National

Prime Information Center, was found abandoned near Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Because evidence indicated the suspect's flight had caused him to transport the

stolen car and jewelry across state lines, the Bureau entered the case.

Thank you. The doorman got a glimpse of the subject as he drove out. White.

Male, early 20s, blonde hair.

We've alerted all offices in the South and given them a description of the

jewelry. Thanks.

Mrs. Washburn, do you feel up to answering a few questions?

Yes. I'm so very grateful for being alive.

I think the burglar was in the same room with us.

He could have killed us both in our sleep.

Considering that, the jewelry, the insurance, just doesn't seem very

Lou, a minute?

Excuse me.

This celluloid strip was used to spring the latch.

I'll get it.

Evidently, Lou, the subject escaped by climbing down the face of the building.

Agents outside there found cloth fibers stuck to a spur on the wall and some

bloodstains. He apparently scraped himself pretty badly climbing down.

They also found his wristwatch in a flower bed.

near where he landed, judging by the footprints.

The police have the area cordoned off, and we're taking photographs and plaster

impressions of the footprints now.

Thanks.

The New Orleans office received a report from the police there. The car the

suspect was driving was stolen from a parking lot there two days ago.

All right, notify Mr. Ward that Tom and I are flying to New Orleans. We'll

contact him when we arrive.

Miss Washburn, we'd like the names of everyone who... Knew that you were

bringing this jewelry to Houston. Anything you can tell us might help.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Ashton.

Hold all calls and visitors, please.

Striped tie isn't worn with a checked shirt, Michael.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Beautiful.

You've done an excellent job.

Thank you.

Who told you to bring it here?

I just wanted to get it to you quick. Don't do it again.

I'll continue to arrange the meeting, Piper.

Any problems?

No, no, it's smooth.

What happened to your wrist?

I just had a little trouble getting out, but no complications.

Where's your watch?

I lost it, but it can't be traced. I stole it a long time ago.

Bad choice?

Bad taste.

Only a showboater wears a $1 ,000 watch.

Thank you.

Get some rest.

Mr. Ashton, when do you think I could get my split?

As soon as the stones are cut, reset, and sold.

Meanwhile, here's some holding money.

Indulge yourself quietly.

Buy a new set of barbells. You're getting scrawny.

What?

What, are you kidding?

Come on.

Which arm?

Come on.

You're really something, you know that?

You're starting to believe those stories I heard?

Before your name was Ashton?

Like that you once contracted to the Chicago organization as hired muscle?

Someday you might know me well enough to ask that question.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I don't know why you bother with someone like me.

Because you showed potential.

I noticed it the first time downstairs when you tried to swap the paste for

five -carat ring.

If I had not been handing the seal, you might have been away with it.

Show talent, thank you. No, don't thank me and don't come back here again

How's

Lynn doing in school

Transporting it across state lines makes it a federal crime.

You sure you've told me everything?

Yes. No mistake?

No. No, they don't have a thing to work on.

Yes. Oh, good. Put him on.

Yes, sir.

Lewis, having much luck down there with Mardi Gras going on?

Not so far. What have you got?

I have a summary of the lab reports.

The subject's blood type is AB.

Fibers from his clothing are Dacron cotton, usually woven as trouser

I've notified the southern offices.

Anything else?

Yes, the subject is about five feet, eight inches tall.

I'll let Jim Cody from the lab tell you about that.

This is Jim Cody, Inspector.

Our findings are based on distance gauged between foot and knee print.

This gives us a good estimate of his height.

Right, Jim. That helps.

Lewis, we've identified the wristwatch found at the scene of the theft at

Houston. The serial number matches a warranty the manufacturer has on file.

dated January 6, 1969 and made out to a Mason L. Carter.

Do you have an address, Mr. Ward?

He's listed his age as 20, profession as student.

Thanks, sir. I'll get back to you.

I came over a thousand miles.

Can't you walk ten feet?

I'll at least put down those stupid packages.

Throwing you out. It's too late. Daddy's driving up.

I'm sorry.

It was the only way I could think of to stop you.

What are you doing here?

It's your fault if you just quit trusting people and locked your door. I

mean that. I mean, you're supposed to be in school somewhere up with the

Eskimos. Me?

I had to be with you.

What do you want to drink?

Don't you remember?

Yeah, I remember.

I didn't think you remembered anything.

I wanted to.

Mike? I came to see your father on business that night, Lynn.

You just happened to be... A lot more happened.

Like falling in love.

It's not going to work, Lynn.

Daddy has better things in mind for you.

And I don't exactly qualify for the class he wants.

Has it ever occurred to you that he just might not own me?

He owns everything.

Hello?

Yeah, sure.

Oh, we've got to move up our next project.

It's tomorrow night.

It'll be rough, so you better be in top shape.

You reading me?

Yeah. Yeah, it sounds like a perfect buy.

I'd be at my house in an hour. We'll go over the plan.

Yes, sir.

See you in a little while.

a long -distance call to Lewiston, Maine.

Clarendon College.

I want to talk to my daughter.

What did he want?

He's sending me on the road with some stones.

I'll be leaving tomorrow.

For how long?

I don't know.

Mike, the truth about us.

You're not afraid of my father.

You're afraid of yourself.

You don't think you're good enough for me or for anyone else.

And you're wrong.

So wrong.

When did she leave school?

Mason Carter?

Yeah. Inspector Iskin, FBI.

This is Special Agent Colby.

What can I do for you?

You bought an Asado watch last year from Fallen Jewelers.

That's right. Did you find the watch?

It was stolen a couple of weeks after I bought it.

Out of the locker room.

Right over there.

I reported it.

No, you didn't, Carter.

There's no complaint on file with the police or the university.

Your watch turned up in one of our investigations.

You don't have to say anything.

And whatever you say can't be used against you.

If you want to, you can call a lawyer.

What kind of trouble is he in?

Suppose you begin by telling us who he is.

Holt Campbell.

A student here.

Or he used to be.

Tough athlete. We worked out together.

I let him borrow the watch for a date.

Some girl he wanted to impress.

And he just never returned it to you?

He never returned, period.

He sent the school a letter a couple of days later telling them he dropped out.

I never saw him again.

I'll check the registrar's office, Lou. They may have an address, photographs,

and background information on him.

Well, it's an expensive watch, Mason.

Why didn't you notify the police?

For the same reason I lied to you before.

I happened to like the guy.

I didn't want him to get into trouble if there was a way out.

Look, I know it's none of my business what you're investigating, but...

Whatever happened to him?

I mean, can you tell me whether he's dead or alive?

He's alive.

Children and Sand Cousins.

Can't build a dream on either.

Not mad?

Not mad.

How did you know I was here? Mike didn't tell you? Mike doesn't know I'm here.

He's waiting for me at home.

I wanted to see you alone.

I know. I know what you're going to say.

Daddy, I just couldn't stay up at school.

I really love him.

I'm going to marry him, Daddy, and you can't stop us.

Then he hasn't told you.

What?

He's going to marry someone else.

That's not true.

You're lying.

Answer one question.

Have I ever lied to you?

Very wealthy woman.

She'll be able to give him the kind of life he wants. Tell me who she is, I'll

fight for her. How?

Mike's just a boy. He needs somebody to take care of him.

I want you to have a man, not a boy.

It's all over.

No.

It's just the beginning.

Lynn, I've worked so hard all these years, since your mother died.

We both only wanted the best for each other.

Don't make any commitments, not yet.

Give yourself time.

Go back to school.

Be my little girl.

Just a little while longer.

For me.

I'd like to be alone for a little while.

And then I'll come home.

And you have a right to notify an attorney.

Yes, I understand.

Mrs. Cutler, do you recognize this?

No.

I don't.

It was part of a collection of jewelry stolen in Houston from Mrs. Charles

Washburn. Mrs. Washburn?

No.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about it.

That's strange.

Since you sold this necklace in Baton Rouge.

That's ridiculous.

No, it isn't, Mrs. Cutler.

We've uncovered information that you've been active as a fence here in New

Orleans.

Where did you get the necklace?

I don't ask their names.

All right.

That's him.

He's been dealing with me on and off.

Brings bits and pieces.

Nothing big.

Called me his ace in the hole.

What did he mean by that?

He scored for offense and occasionally held out on him.

Brought certain items to me.

Figuring he could get a better split.

Who was he working for?

I don't know.

And that's the truth.

Then how did you know he was stealing to someone else?

Well, he came in a little drunk last time.

Shut off his mouth.

About what?

About the man he worked for and... Let's see.

About how they had something planned.

He was going to lift a big stone. He called it the Blue Fire.

He was going to buy his freedom with it.

That's how he put it.

He didn't give any other details.

Nothing? No.

He didn't name the time.

No.

During the coronation.

When does that take place? Tomorrow night.

And he said one more thing.

He said he was going to get that stone.

If he had to kill everybody around it.

The heiress herself, huh?

How much security do you think they'll have around her?

Well, there's bound to be an army at the coronation.

That's why you'll take her at the penthouse.

She's got the whole top floor.

You'll have easy access from the roof.

Yeah, but how do I get in?

They'll have extra security around the hotel, too.

You'll be part of the scene.

Got to hand it to you.

You think of everything, don't you?

Yes. Mr. Ward.

Put it on the speaker, Frank.

Yes, Art. Lewis, we traced the blue firestone you asked about.

It belongs to a Mrs. Minda Barber.

She was scheduled to arrive in New Orleans this morning.

She has reservations at the Wilson Hotel.

Does she have the diamond with her?

Yes. The insurance coverage is over half a million.

I'll have the police and hotel security notified right away.

Right.

Out at the nearest units.

Got it.

Hey, what are you doing?

Here, take my wrist.

That's it.

Now you do run.

Who was it? I don't know. He's dressed like you fellas.

N -05, go ahead.

Security police at the Wilson Hotel report that suspect believed to be Holt

Campbell has stolen a jewel belonging to Mrs. Barber. He avoided capture by

leaping to an adjoining building.

Have agents arrived there yet?

No, sir. It looks as though Campbell made his way to the street before police

could surround the area.

10 -4. We'll be there in a few minutes.

Yes, we recovered the diamond.

What about stolen car reports?

No, nothing else.

Any description of the suspect?

Right.

Lou, we just received a report that Hope Campbell was working for a jewelry

concern here in the city.

Who reported this?

Two former neighbors. The last time they talked to him was six months ago.

Did they identify the firm? No.

No, there's no other details.

Frank, set up a meeting in the conference room right away. I want to

every jewelry outlet in town.

Yes, Daddy.

What is it?

Have you heard from Mike?

No, I haven't.

Daddy, is something wrong?

I'm coming home.

Wait for me.

Lynn?

What's wrong?

I know it.

What am I going to do?

Who knows you?

He's not one of our regular employees, but I may have seen him. I'm not sure.

You'd better speak to Mr.

Ashton. He'll be back shortly. You can wait for him in here if you like.

Would you excuse us for a minute, please?

I'm going to talk to Mike alone.

No.

I want to hear what you have to say.

I never suspected you of extracurricular activities.

I'm not going to report you to the police, but you're through.

Now, get up.

Don't come back.

You can't report anybody to the police, Mr. Ashton.

What are you insinuating, Mike?

You can stop acting, Daddy.

Mike's already told me everything.

Really?

What has he told you?

That he stole for you on your orders.

You wanted him, then.

Now you have him.

Don't contact me again.

I won't.

Believe him or you... I told you to stop acting.

Now I'm telling you.

We're leaving, Mr. Ashton. There's nothing you can do about it.

How much is a man supposed to take?

I bring a boy into my business.

I treat him like a son. I give him everything.

And now I learn he's a thief.

And he takes the one person I have in the world and turns her against me.

Yesterday, you asked me if you'd ever lied to me.

I think you have.

About many things.

Like what?

Mike, for one.

That woman you told Lynn I was going to marry, there was nothing between her and

me.

Are you going to take his word against you? Against yours, yes.

Because I realize now that you've deceived me all of my life.

You never told me about your past, the things you've done.

And that was before you were born. I made some mistakes. And I would have

forgiven you if you'd told me. Even if you had told me the things you were

now. You're accusing me when you have no proof. I think I do have proof.

If you were innocent, you'd have the police here right now to arrest Mike.

Because it would be your chance to break us up for good.

You did lie, didn't you?

About everything.

Let's go.

Lynn, you can't go with him.

You know what he is.

All I know is what you tried to make of me.

Weak and afraid and tied to you.

Well, I'm not afraid anymore.

I'm strong enough to stand on my own and make a new life.

And I think Mike is too.

Lynn.

Yes? Craig?

Ashton?

You still in business?

Pay for $5 ,000?

Name the mark.

I got a few details to iron out first. Can you stay on tap?

I'll be right here.

Craig, this is not a hit and run. I don't want the mark found, ever.

That can be arranged.

Talk to you later.

The canvassing operation turned up a couple of employees of the Ashton

Company who identified Campbell from his photo.

They say they saw him on several occasions with the firm's owner, Martin

Campbell was using the alias Michael B. Keller.

Do they have an address on him?

No.

Have agents interviewed Ashton?

No, he wasn't at his office, but they have his home address and they're on the

way there now.

Frank, tell him we'll join him there.

What are you doing?

Didn't you say you had to buy some things?

I've got to pick up some cash.

And I want to ditch this car. You take a taxi and meet me at the beach house,

all right?

Mike, you shouldn't go there. What if Daddy should notify the police?

You can't notify anybody, remember?

I just want to say goodbye, and I'm sorry.

Where are you, Lynn?

I'm at a store, buying some things.

Is Mike there?

No, he went to his house.

Come back here, just for a while.

I can't have you going off without anything.

Let me give you some money.

No, please, Daddy.

Lynn.

I'm turning myself in to the police.

I want to see you first.

I've given you 22 years of my life.

You can give me an hour.

Please.

All right.

I'll wait for you. Hurry.

Take me to West Beach.

It's a house on the Gulf, just off the highway.

He should be there alone.

I'll call him and try to hold him on the phone until you get there.

It'll be over in no time.

N05.

This is 5.

We have an address on my... Michael Keller.

New Orleans Realty Company called in to report they leased a house on the Gulf

Coast to a man of that name and description last April.

It's at 961 Miramar Road.

They saw his picture in the newspaper.

961. And what's the latest surveillance report on Ashton?

He's still at his house.

Maintain the surveillance and keep me advised.

We're on our way to the Gulf Coast address.

Daddy, I'm not going to meet you.

I don't believe anything you said, and I don't want to hear any more lies.

Now, Lynn, listen, please, there's... No, no more, Daddy.

N05 to Control.

Go ahead, 5.

Give me a check through NCIC on a green 1970 Montego.

Arkansas license XAB700.

10 -0 -5.

5, go ahead.

NCIC reports subject of your inquiry is identical with vehicle used in bank

robbery Little Rock two days ago.

Subject is identified as Ralph Craig, WMA, age 32, height 6 feet, weight 180

pounds. Little Rock Division holds warrant issued Thursday last.

Consider armed and dangerous.

10 -4.

Back off drop them.

I said drop them

My daughter?

Your daughter's safe. She's up there.

Yes, I think he's given us everything.

Right.

Mr. Ashton, the United States Attorney has authorized a warrant charging you

with a violation of the interstate transportation of stolen property

Stand up, please.

I never meant any harm to come to you.

Everything I've ever done was for you.

Was I so wrong?

Campbell, also known as Michael B. Keller, and Martin Ashton were convicted

federal court of violations of interstate transportation of stolen

statute. Keller was also convicted of interstate car theft.

Arlene Cutler was found guilty of receiving stolen property.

Ralph Craig was convicted in state court of attempted murder and subsequently in

federal court for bank robbery.

Prosecution of Lynn Ashton was declined.