Original subtitles

You're paying?

In full.

It's not the money.

Well, they stole from me now.

I've seen those records.

Want it all the way?

All the way.

His mouth could bury me.

This is the FBI.

We have a warrant to search these premises. Open up.

Right where you are.

John Sutton, you're warned for your arrest in the authority to search this

office.

You know, Harry, you seem different.

Almost grown up, maybe.

Yeah, he is the only difference there ever was between you and Eddie.

Maybe I was missing a good bet and not making one of my boys.

There's no future working for stupid people.

Now, for 2 ,000 lousy dollars, you wouldn't have had no problem.

Now you're at 100 ,000.

And you're laying it out to the organization that they got a dummy doing

sharking for them.

The FBI.

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Ephraim Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott.

William Reynolds.

With guest stars, Rene Santoni, Arlene Galanca,

Jonathan Lippe, David Opotashu.

Special guest star, Peter Mark Richman.

Tonight's episode, The Gopher.

You guys ever figure a way to have coffee money stick to your fingers?

Beat it, gopher, I'm busy.

Just kidding.

Well, by three at the latest.

No, no, Mr. Robeson, absolutely the latest.

You wouldn't believe I spent the whole morning... I'm sorry, Mr. Robeson, I

didn't catch that. The antique, Johnny, you took care of moving it separately.

Oh, yes, of course, I, uh... I took care of that last night, Mr. Robeson, as

soon as you suggested it.

You sound nervous, Johnny.

No, no, no.

It's just moving day, you know. I got a hundred details on my mind. You call me

as soon as you get settled.

I will.

Finally found him, Mr. Sutton.

The exact model little Johnny was talking about.

That's fine, Harry.

Four hours it took me.

It's a little model shop up in the Bronx.

All right, just drop it off at my house, will you?

Of course. The things they make nowadays for kids.

Harry, will you take that thing out of here?

Sure, Mr. Sutton.

Mr. Sutton, I need some money.

No, I need $2 ,000.

It's for my mother in California.

She finally got up the nerve for this operation, and she's got it all set with

this doctor, but he's... Pretty expensive.

And just how do you figure on paying me back the two grand?

Plus the interest.

Do it somehow.

You're a gopher.

An errand boy.

You're lucky when you see 200 cents at one time.

If I gave you the money, I'd never see it back.

You'd wind up floating in a river.

Forget it, Harry.

Mr. Sutton, I always do what you say.

Drive little Johnny to school.

Drive your wife downtown.

If you want tickets for a show, I go get them. If you want... I'm not asking you

to hang around here and do me favors, so go someplace else, huh?

Sutton, all the years you know me, we're in the same neighborhood, right?

I even ran errands for your mother.

The Lord rest her soul. Hurry!

Fold the violin.

The answer is no.

Zimmer's phone. He's getting Santa from J .B. again.

He got told a week ago we don't wait for any prima donnas.

Either he pays or we start getting rough.

No, I'm not going to listen. You're being told. He's got to get it up now.

You understand?

No excuses.

NY 33 to 17.

17, go ahead, Inspector.

How do we stand, Clay?

In position, front and rear covered.

All right, all units on the special, move in.

FBI.

We'll announce ourselves.

This is the FBI. We have a warrant to search these premises. Open up.

Mike? John Sutton? We have a warrant for your arrest and the authority to

search this office.

Show me.

On the morning of June 24th, special agents of the FBI, led by Inspector

Erskine, arrested John Lawrence Sutton and his confederate under provisions of

the extortionate credit transaction statute.

The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into the loan -sharking

operations of organized crime in New York City.

but it failed to produce what the agents had hoped to find, a record book

containing the names of borrowers, the amounts illegally loaned, and the money

owed, including the exorbitant interest which had to be paid under threat of

death. This book would have been an important piece of evidence in the case

against Sutton and the mob.

Well, it's not here.

The informant was sure the book hadn't been removed yet.

Let's take another look at those surveillance films.

I want complete background information on everyone who was here this morning.

I'll get back to you when things quiet.

Yeah. It's Harry, Victor.

I guess Mr. Sutton isn't home yet, huh?

What's on your mind?

Well, it's pretty important, Victor.

There's something I should tell Mr. Sutton. Tell me, Harry.

Well, it's kind of personal.

I figure Mr. Sutton should only... Yeah, well, he's busy with legal business.

The office is closed.

That's Johnny Buckner.

The independent book in the Brooklyn Red Hook section.

Was forced out by Robeson, given a job as a collector.

Arrested for assault in 68.

Third determined state prison.

Some bad feeling with Sutton over his territory.

That's Ralph Alperman, another collector.

Convicted on two counts of armed robbery in 64.

Well regarded by Robeson. We have him under surveillance.

He's a possibility.

Harry Scheller, known as the Gopher.

Runs errands for Sutton.

Sometimes show up as his family.

Isn't he the one, Mac, who's known Sutton for such a long time?

Well, their families were neighbors in the East Bronx, but there was no real

personal relationship.

He has one arrested juvenile.

Hangs out around the Times Square area.

Likes to brag about the number of so -called important people he knows.

All of a sudden, could have turned that book over to any one of a half a dozen

people there this morning.

I don't understand why he'd turn it over to anyone.

McGurdy?

Yes, this is me.

Mr. Warden.

Thanks.

Yes, Arthur.

We just finished going through the film. Got a few possibilities.

How about the files and papers you seized?

Pretty much what we expected.

Some good information.

Incidentally, we're convinced the book was taken from the building just before

we moved in. Have you got any idea who might have taken it?

Not yet.

We're going to run the film through the lab here. Have some blow -ups made to

take a closer look.

All right, Lewis.

John, something's out on bail.

Oh, Jimmy.

Take me something to eat. Nothing heavy.

But Ronald called here.

He asked me not to worry.

So stop worrying, huh?

No, sir, I can't answer that.

Here he is now.

Mr. Robeson.

Mr. Robeson. I know there was a little delay, Johnny.

Forgive me.

Everything's all right, Mr. Robeson. I appreciate you worrying about us. How

badly were we hit?

Well, I won't deny we got problems, but we won't be hurt too badly.

Not with the antique in a safe place, eh, Johnny? You know, I kept thinking

today about my intuition, moving it last night.

Where is it now?

Right here, right here with me.

You sound upset, Johnny.

No, no, it's been a rough day.

Yeah, I keep forgetting.

You take care, Johnny.

he could know.

The records?

Yeah.

We wanted to move last night, but I was all the way across town.

And we were moving today anyway.

I was called from my office to Zimmer's desk.

Maybe I carried it with me.

He had a collector going out.

Maybe he picked up the wrong bag.

Yeah.

It's that gopher again, Harry.

Tell that kid to stop bothering me.

It's the third time he called. Keep saying it's personal.

Listen, I thought I told you I didn't want you hanging around anymore.

Uh, Harry.

Take it again, Floor. Now, you see, I was mad, Mr. Sutton, and I... I really

needed money.

You know, it's just one of them...

Things you do and you're sorry for.

Yeah, well, you have it with you?

Oh, yeah, sure. It's right here.

Look, Mr. Sutton, I'm really sorry.

I don't know. It's just one of them stupid things you do.

But I really needed that $2 ,000.

Harry, I had a million things on my mind, you know.

What did you want the money for?

For my mother, for her hip operation.

Why didn't you say it was for your mother?

Well, I did, Mr. Sutton. I...

I told you that she had to have this... Yeah, well, I guess I just wasn't

listening, Harry. I'll tell you what.

I'm having dinner tonight with my wife at the Seafood Palace.

Why don't you join us?

I'll have the money for you.

Well, that's great, Mr. Sutton. That's just great.

I'll bring the book with you, huh?

Actually, it's not very important, but it'd be a nuisance to duplicate.

Not important?

Mr. Sutton, this book's got the names of the borrowers. You know, what they owe

you, how much juice you charge them, everything.

Listen, maybe it's a good thing I took it, huh? I mean, you're getting raided

the FBI.

Imagine what they'd get to get a hold of it.

Is 8 o 'clock all right, Harry?

Oh, yeah, sure. 8 o 'clock's fine.

I'll see you at the palace, Harry.

He steals from me and has the nerve to fall and tell me about it.

Well, at least we know where the book is now.

You're paying?

In full.

It's not the money.

Well, they stole from me now.

You've seen those records.

What, all the way?

All the way.

His mouth could bury me.

Ward. Good evening, Arthur.

We've come up with something interesting on Harry Scheller.

Go ahead, Lewis.

He was wearing something under his raincoat as he left the building.

There's a definite bulge under his left arm.

Had it been raining that morning?

Clear as a bell.

Scheller's the one man you thought least likely to be entrusted with those

records.

It just doesn't make any sense to me, Arthur.

An errand boy from the time he left school?

Always... pestering Sutton for a job, never getting anywhere.

I just can't imagine Sutton allowing someone like that access to such

evidence. Maybe Scheller's pestering bore fruit.

We won't neglect that angle.

Right.

Well, if there's one thing that's certain, that's the picture of a man

something he's trying to conceal.

Let's see what surveillance has come up with.

Come on in.

Come in.

Close the door.

Hey, you're looking good.

I'm making a head start here.

Hey, why don't you order some oysters for an appetizer? We'll split them. I'll

give you some of this crab.

No, I ain't hungry, Victor.

Can't eat fish anyways that don't agree with me.

Where's Mr. Sutton?

I'll do any minute. Him, Evelyn, and some friends.

Sit down, Harry.

Johnny told me about your mother.

Look, she's going to be okay.

You've got to have faith, kid.

I do.

Johnny said you might need it in a hurry. Maybe you'd be in a little early.

My mom's sure going to be surprised, huh?

It's nice when we can do things for the old folks.

Nice when a kid like you sees his way to repay, you might say.

Bring the book?

Hey, order like a steak or something.

Oh, no, Victor, I ain't hungry.

Well, stick around, Harry. Have a glass of wine. Say hello to Johnny.

Wine gives me headaches, Victor.

Thanks anyways.

I've got a real stomach problem.

Oh, it ain't that. It's things rich.

Doctor already told me the way it was.

It's the way you're built, he says.

You live with it, he says.

Pour me a glass anyway.

Listen, Victor, do me a favor.

Tell Mr. Sutton I'm really sorry.

You don't even think...

Who told you to ace me?

Ask Mr. Sutton.

All right, keep us informed.

Thank you.

Thanks, Doctor.

Surveillance at Scheller's place reported he never got back to his room

night.

He's getting to be a very mysterious fellow.

We'll see what Banneger has to say.

FBI, Banneger.

I'm Inspector Herskin. This is Special Agent Colby.

You're pretty lucky.

Just a slice along the ribs. I'll be leaving soon.

Banneger, you've got the right to remain silent.

Anything you say could be used against you.

And you have the right to an attorney, you understand.

Now, about your story of a mugger.

Two of them. Through the back door, I say, look, guys, bam, I'm on my back.

And they left you with $500 in your wallet.

I'm nervous Nellies. I got my hands halfway up, you know. I'm going to reach

the wallet.

Bam, I'm down. Actually, they got out of there real quick.

What was Harry Scheller doing while all this was going on?

Oh, the kid. I brought him some dinner. I tried to. He don't eat fish, you know,

so he had a glass of wine. He goes out through the back, leaving the door

unlocked for the muggers to get in.

You never mentioned to the police that he'd been there.

I've been in a fog half the night. I'm just trying to come out of it now.

What was the meeting about?

Uh, his mother. He wanted to borrow some money for an operation.

Go ask the gopher.

You certainly messed up your end.

What's that supposed to mean?

Johnny Sutton isn't going to be too happy with you.

What are you talking about?

How much did Scheller want for the book?

What book?

Look, I got mug. You got something to hold me on?

Not yet.

You know, I know a guy ain't safe on the streets, but over Crack Crab... That's

his story.

That's it.

If you decide to change it, you know where to call.

Bugs getting to your roses again.

Vitamins, Harry.

Plants need vitamins, they do.

Track anything in, Harry, and I'll... Hey, Gail.

You're back, huh?

I thought you was... Well, uh, you know, Bob said you had this singing job.

Didn't last.

Oh, that's too bad.

I kind of figured you were on your way.

Look, if you're looking for my brother, he left this morning for Chicago.

Chicago?

I figured I'd stay over with him.

David's still up in the study.

Stay over if you want.

Thanks, Gail.

Nights get really cold out this way.

Oh, I don't think Bob had the TV fixed yet.

Say, uh... How you doing with your boyfriend?

Not so good.

Well, the last I heard, he was getting married.

Not with him in jail.

I think you're out of luck with this.

Well, that's too bad.

I mean about you and your boyfriend.

Well, he bought a hot car. It'll teach him better. Boy, Gail, you sure never

change.

Always look good.

We're having leftovers for supper.

Eat with us if you want.

Hey, Gail.

I mean, that sounds okay, but how about you feeding your pop and then you and me

going out?

I mean, a big dinner.

Maybe at that swanky beach inn.

Oh, I can afford it.

Sorry, I got things to do.

Not where you tried to send me. Harry, that was a mistake.

Oh, you bet it was.

Victor tried that on his own. I gave him the money.

Come on, Mr. Sutton.

Stop treating me like a kid.

Harry, let's be calm, huh?

Look, you got the $2 ,000, but I didn't get what I paid for.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

How bad do you want that record book, Mr. Sutton?

Like I said before, it'd be a nuisance to duplicate.

Oh, I see.

You mean it don't matter if it goes to the government people?

It'll be embarrassing, but outside of that... Well, I was a little embarrassed

last night, Mrs. Sutton.

So, uh, maybe I'll return the favor.

I don't like somebody playing games with me.

Well, this is no game.

You got till tomorrow at 4 o 'clock to raise $100 ,000.

So you just get that money together and then hang around the phone.

Wait for me to call you.

Hurry. I got it arranged with a partner.

You come after me, and that book is mailed to the federal people.

No matter what happens to me, that book is on its way.

What league do you think you're playing in asking for $100 ,000?

Yours, Johnny.

You try to kill me.

I figure you'll try it again.

So I got nothing to lose.

All right, mail the book off.

I'll have troubles, but not $100 ,000 worth.

So long, Johnny.

Stop calling me Johnny.

I'm sorry.

It's just that I suddenly feel like I know you a lot better.

Make sure it's all straight money.

Nothing over 50s.

The whole weekend he ain't been here. That's all I know.

Anyone he might be staying with?

He's in and out.

I get the rent, but I don't see him to say hello even.

Miss Johns, it's very important we find this man.

In the five years he lived here, he must have had a friend visit him.

Could be Tony.

Time or two, him and Harry'd have a beer in the front stoop in a hot night.

Tony who?

You know his last name?

No. I remember him because he used to run my papers down for me, him and

Papers that I'd collect and bundle.

I'd give him a six -pack to pay him to take to the junkyard for me.

Do you know where he lives?

I know where he works.

The same junkyard.

They buy junk, but they take papers, too.

Just a little more, Johnny.

A little more.

There.

That's about it.

Keep the sun on my feet.

Very good for your feet, the sun.

This latch doesn't catch too well.

You know, there's a mystery.

I can bake my feet in the sun for an hour, but one minute on my face and it

begins to age like sunburn.

You know, they have lotions you could use today.

I'll have Evelyn ask around, you know, pick something up for you.

Yeah.

Life is a comfort.

I made a mistake as a young man.

You know, always so busy, never enough time to raise a family, and suddenly

there's no more time any longer.

Hey, you're still a young man, Mr. Robeson. I bet there's some nightlife

hears about, huh?

Johnny, only an insincere man needs to flatter.

Just my way, Mr.

Robeson.

I like people. I always, you know, like them to feel good.

Johnny, the truth is like a wonderful bromide.

When a man hears the truth, he respects the lips that speak it.

For example, if you had said, Mr. Rolfson, some young punk made off with a

record book and he's blackmailing me. Now, that I would respect.

Speak the truth, Johnny, even when you're afraid.

A man like that I treat like my own son.

Mr. Robeson, believe me, I knew you'd be concerned.

I thought I could handle it myself without giving you another problem to

about.

How much is he asking?

A hundred thousand.

I'm paying it out of my own pocket.

What about this Victor business?

Yeah.

That's where the blame lies.

The gopher didn't even carry a gun.

Victor had him right there. Had the records.

Nothing could have been simpler.

Every man tries the best he can.

Even you, Johnny.

The minute I get my hands on that gopher... You'll do nothing.

You'll give him what he asked for.

And I'll try to do what I can to help.

Johnny. Leave us.

Try to take care of your end, Johnny.

If he had just been honest with me, I can understand a man's failures.

Gail?

What's wrong?

Oh, Harry.

Everything turned out so wrong.

Hey, come on now. What's the matter, huh?

Oh, well, I got a letter.

My boyfriend says it's the best.

I don't see him anymore.

Hey, come on.

Four years.

We haven't done this standing.

Yeah, he's got no brains.

A girl like you.

Lose my job.

Back home.

Taking care of Pop.

Isn't that all I'm good for?

Come on, that's no way to talk, Gail.

Come on, huh?

Boy, I hate to see you cry.

That dinner you wanted to buy me at the beach inn, I sure

could use a little cheering up tonight, Harry.

Well, I'm leaving town tonight, Gail. I'm going to Canada.

Why? Well, I figure I'll get a fresh start, like they say, way up north.

R -I -N -D -U.

I wish I could start again.

Someplace far away from here.

You could come with me.

Hey, I know it's kind of sudden, Gail, but I always liked you.

Oh, Harry, you're sweet.

I mean, you really are.

But, well, I couldn't just go off with you. We can get married.

I mean, we could get to know each other better and then maybe.

Harry, what are you trying to say?

I just love you, Gail.

Oh, Harry. Ever since me and Bob were kids, I always loved you.

Oh, well, I'm... Fond of you, Harry. Well, that's enough.

We can just be friends and get to know each other better. But come away with

huh? I got plenty of money. We can travel, see lots of places. And then if

don't want me, you can always come back.

Oh, it sure sounds tempting.

But there's Pop.

Well, we'll get Mrs. Wright to take care of him again.

We'll send money for him.

Gail.

We'll start a whole new life together.

You know what I've been finding out?

You just do things.

I mean, it doesn't matter what you say, just as long as you treat people just as

if they were just people. I mean, like me, I mean.

No different, I mean.

Boy, you keep telling yourself you're stupid.

And you really are, huh?

Oh, nobody ever said you were stupid, Harry.

Hey, I gotta make a phone call, huh?

You mind gassing up the car for us?

No. Well, you do that, and then get packed.

Hello, Harry.

How are you today?

Close the doors.

Yeah. Money ready?

All set.

You have the book? Be waiting at the foot of Fulton.

I'll pick you up in my car.

Anybody else with you?

Well, you got any surprises?

You can kiss that book bye -bye.

Where's the book?

You Tony?

Yeah, that's me, I.

I'd like to talk to you about Harry Scheller.

I ain't seen Harry.

That's quite a bruise you've got.

I was banging myself.

Don't worry about me.

Looks more as if someone worked you over.

No, who'd do that?

I don't know.

Take a look.

My car.

Now, what happened, Tony?

Muscle comes in and says, where is it?

I say, what? He's trying to push my head through the wall.

What was he looking for?

A book of some kind.

Says maybe Harry gave it to me.

I says I didn't see Harry for a week.

Well, I got a fat lip. You were pretty friendly with Scheller.

You know where he might be?

Like I said, I ain't seen him for a week.

Suppose he needed a place to hide out, away from the city.

Anyone he'd go to?

Oh, away from the city, yeah.

There were times he went fishing with Bobby Thompson.

He was crazy about fishing. He used to stay with Bobby lots. I was out there

once myself.

You know this Thompson's address?

No, but it ain't hard to find.

Just the other side of Freeport. Big shopping center just off Bay Street.

Turn right at that corner, a house down the block, rose bushes.

Old man Thompson's always planting them.

Maybe at 6 o 'clock, maybe 6 .30.

Say, the bus goes right past the Cove Road gas station.

So, uh, just get off there and be waiting.

Where will you be?

I'll be coming down from the Cove. You can't miss me.

Gail, it's gonna be good.

Real good.

I'm just as excited as you are, Harry.

Get in.

I don't know where he's got it. I searched his room when he went out this

morning. You two look pretty friendly.

That hundred grand he's asking turned you around?

Look, I called you, didn't I?

How'd you ever get that number to call?

Well, when I heard Harry on the phone asking $100 ,000 from Johnny Sutton, I

went to visit my boyfriend in jail.

It all sounded crazy to me.

But my fella's smart about those things, told me who to call.

Where's Harry headed now?

I don't know.

I'm supposed to meet him at 6 o 'clock, foot of Cove Road.

That's about two miles up the highway.

Then I'm supposed to be going to Canada with him.

Why this Cove Road? Why shouldn't he pick you up here?

I don't know.

He just said he'd be coming down from the Cove.

What's up there besides water?

An old shack he and my brother used to go fishing at.

Look, I did the best I could.

I mean, I couldn't find the book, but you got Harry, right? I mean, you know

where he is.

That's worth plenty, right?

Get out.

But I did everything. Honey, I heard you.

Everything works out. You'll get yours.

Now get out.

And you're driving.

It's not necessary.

Head down two blocks and turn left.

When you reach the bridge, approach bare left.

Where are the records?

Where we're going.

It's an hour ride, but it's going to take us about two to get there.

Just in case you arranged for a tail.

Hey, if you did, you better tell me now.

Because if we're late, my partner's dropping off that book in the nearest

mailbox. There's no tail.

It's not the way I do business.

Oh, yeah.

Fair and square, right down the line.

It's all there.

Well, excuse me, Johnny, but somehow I just don't have too much faith in your

word anymore.

I don't want you to call me Johnny.

Oh.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Sutton.

You don't mind me dropping the mister?

You know, Harry, you seem, uh,

Different. Almost grown up, maybe.

Yeah. He's the only difference there ever was between you and me.

Maybe I was missing a good bet and not making one of my boys.

There's no future working for stupid people.

You know, for 2 ,000 lousy dollars, you wouldn't have had no problem.

Now you're at 100 ,000.

And you're laying it out to the organization that they got a dummy doing

sharking for them.

You're walking on the edge, kid.

I don't mind.

Worst that can happen, I get killed.

The best?

I got a hundred grand head start.

Do you mind if we take a look at the room he was using?

Nothing's up there. He came with nothing and he left the same way.

And how long ago did you say he left here?

I didn't even see him. He just left.

He mentioned nothing about leaving or when he'd be back?

No, we never talked much.

Didn't Harry say he'd be meeting you between 6 and 6 .30, Gail?

I thought he was meeting you for supper or something.

No, I... You're thinking about yesterday, Papa.

No, honey, just before.

He said, cold road.

That's what he said.

Miss Thompson, it might be more sensible to tell us what you know.

Maybe it would have been more sensible if I'd stayed on one side.

In the shack.

What's the gun for?

Keep you from making any more brainy moves.

Over in that corner.

Loose board.

You're kneeling on it.

I figure it'll take you about two hours to get to the nearest phone.

You can figure me being about a hundred miles away.

So take your time walking.

Enjoy the sunshine.

What is that so -called partner of yours who was going to mail us off?

He would have brought it here.

I was taking a chance.

But you, you couldn't afford to.

You want it the easy way, Harry?

Pass over the gun.

Yeah, move out.

Victor!

We're coming out!

Your boss gets it first.

Why make this messy, Harry?

Over to the car.

We're going out the same way we came in.

You can kill me, but you gotta bury him, too.

Victor, I mean it. Vic, don't take any chances.

I'll ride with him and get dropped off someplace.

It's the safest way, Vic.

Drop me off someplace.

I don't think I can approve of that plan, Johnny.

What do you mean, you don't approve?

Neither would Mr. Robeson.

I'm still a boss here!

Don't come no closer.

Nobody's getting this from me.

Throw the gun down.

No.

I don't care if you kill me.

It belongs to me.

It's my tent.

Look.

Look.

All my life I spent thinking about having this.

All my life.

The man's whole life.

All the times they call me Gopher.

There it is.

The man's life.

I don't think so.

Not if you can hold it in your hand.

The night they tried to kill me, I came up here and went swimming.

It was cold.

When I was a kid up here, I never remember it getting cold.

Yeah.

You get older, it's never the same, huh?

Based upon evidence developed by the FBI, John Sutton, Edgar Robeson, Victor

Banneger, and their confederates were convicted in federal court for

of the extortionate credit transaction statute.

Gail Thompson pled guilty to conspiracy.

James Manning was convicted of assaulting federal officers. And Harry

pled guilty to blackmail.