Original subtitles

You get that 10 ,000 ready, and you send anybody else after me, you'll know what

trouble is.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Didn't Middleton talk to you?

Stay by that phone today.

I'll call again late afternoon.

Alex, wait a minute.

He's crazy.

FBI, Tanner.

Is Miss Benton there?

Yes. We think there's a bomb in her briefcase. What?

What?

Here, send me.

The FBI.

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Ephraim Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott.

William Reynolds.

With guest stars, Tim O 'Connor, Roger Perry,

Richard Jordan, Meredith McRae,

Frank Marth.

Tonight's episode, The Detonator.

You're morning to make out, friend.

Well, successful morning, I see.

Finally. After a week.

I figure these are costing me $40 a pound. It's a byproduct of the course.

It's worth it, though.

Up at 4 .30.

I saw you burning the midnight oil.

It's a difficult briefing.

I think when I get back from the village, I'm just going to sleep for

hours. Well, that's right. Your day for supplies.

I'll make you a swap, Will.

You clean the catch and grab yourself a few winks while I'm fetching the

supplies. Then we'll have a trout breakfast when I get back. Oh, there's

I'm going to turn down that offer.

They have the list over at the store. Everything should be ready.

No problem. Thank you, Ed.

You have a nice day, too.

On the morning of August 11th, an attempt was made on the life of William

Sanders, the much publicized prosecuting attorney of Bellflower County, as he

was vacationing in the Franklin National Forest in western Pennsylvania.

But the attempt backfired when a local resident started off in a boat rigged

with a bomb meant for the prosecutor.

Because the crime occurred in a national forest, the FBI was called into the

case and Inspector Lewis Erskine and Special Agent Tom Colby arrived to

spearhead the investigation.

What's the latest on this?

He's still in serious condition, Inspector, but he's expected to live.

Are they having any luck?

It's a soft bottom.

We are recovering metal fragments other than from the outboard engine.

Looks like it might be part of a bomb container.

I'll get what we have to the lab right away.

Where's Sanders?

He's coming out of his house now.

He's still pretty shaky after diving for Haskell and bringing him up.

Maybe he can talk to us.

Well, this is Inspector Erskine and Special Agent Colby.

Nice to know you, gentlemen.

I just wish it were under different circumstances.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

That poor old man Haskell, he recently retired from the power company. He was

just trying to catch up on some fishing.

Well, we understand he's going to make it, Mr. Sanders.

Thank God for that.

I'm sure that bomb was meant for me.

Anyone you suspect?

No, I've drawn a blank so far.

See, I've been prosecuting criminal cases in this county for many years.

I'm sure a man like me makes enemies.

Of course.

You might get some ideas coming back over your files.

It would help us to have a list of the people you've convicted who have been

released from prison recently.

Fine, I'm going back tonight. I can have it for you in the morning.

Inspector, this is Mrs. Kellum. She has a cabin just down the road. She has some

interesting information for us. It's been sticking in my head all morning

since this terrible thing happened.

It's not unusual to see a car pull off the road.

Lots of people do that traveling in the park at night if they get sleepy.

It must have been...

After two in the morning, my dog never barks. He just whines.

So I got up thinking he simply wanted to go outside.

And then I saw this car, a station wagon, pulled off the road.

Describe the car for us, Mrs. Gellum.

Well, it was light colored, tan maybe.

And the left window in the rear was cracked.

I didn't see anybody in it, but I did see a man down on the dock, right near

Sanders' boat.

Did you get a good look at him?

No. When he came back up, I went inside and locked the door.

Then I heard the car drive away a few minutes later.

Thanks, Mrs. Kellan. You've been a big help. You're welcome.

You know, I was wondering why Mr. Haskell was using your boat.

Well, he was picking up supplies for me. I'd been up all night.

See, every Wednesday morning, I go over to the landing store, and they have my

supplies ready. It's an arrangement I'd made.

Every Wednesday morning?

Yeah.

The trouble with routines, Mr. Sanders, is that they can be observed and

studied.

Yeah, I see what you mean.

Daddy, why can't I have one?

Well, I think they're happier here.

I'll buy you a stuffed one, okay?

Okay.

Sounded like an ice cream cone.

Would you like to go on up there all by yourself?

And you can bring the change back to Daddy.

Daddy will watch you.

Wife must have been a real looker. What are you doing here?

You weren't at the club. Your barkeep said you might be over here with your

I asked, what are you doing here?

I got it done ahead of time. Where can we meet for the cash?

Ahead of time, Matt.

You don't listen to the radio, do you?

Not only was it the wrong man and that boat that blew up, but he wasn't even

killed.

Neither would Sanders have been killed.

What happened?

Is that all you have to say?

Well, I'll take care of it.

I've already given you five grand.

You think I want to pay you the rest?

No, no.

I won't take another dime until the job's done. You're not satisfied. I'm

I'll go after him again. Wait a minute. We've got to talk about it later. It

just doesn't have the right feel now. I told you I'd get it done.

Can we see the bears now, Daddy? Yeah, in a minute. Here, grab a handful. Good

for you. Seeds, any kind of nuts.

Come on, Daddy.

When it's done, you'll hear from me.

Hey, listen. Come here. Wait a minute. Where can I get in touch with you later

to talk about it? We don't have to talk. We don't have to meet.

Like that.

It's done.

That's when you'll hear from me.

Come on, Daddy.

All right. Okay.

Thank you.

I think I'd have remembered a tan station wagon.

Well, you might try the station down at the junction about 40 miles south.

Yes, sir, we've already been there.

You have anyone helping you out here?

Well, yeah, now that you mention it.

Jimmy, my grandson Jimmy.

Well, he spelled me for about 20 minutes just before closing time last night.

Jimmy!

He's a bright boy.

My grandson.

Reminds me of me when I was young.

Uh, Jimmy?

These two men are FBI agents, and they're wanting to know if a tan station

with a cracked side window pulled in here for gas last night, hmm?

Hey, sure, I remember it. Well, maybe I wouldn't have noticed it, but the man

behind the wheel was cracking nuts with his teeth.

About what time is this, Jimmy?

It's near eight.

Would you believe there were walnuts?

You know, we used to have a guy in class who would open soda pop bottles with

his teeth on a bed.

That's why I started looking at him.

Send shivers up your back.

Well, that's mine anyway.

You got a good look at him, then.

Well, I kept watching him crack those nuts, gas in the car.

Glass is the first thing you notice about him, big rimmed.

Hair kind of long.

Not too young, maybe around 30.

Jimmy, do you think you could help one of our artists draw a picture of this

man? I read about that. Sure, I could do that easy.

Good.

Stock the office when you get a chance.

And tell that linen man that we got a couple of things to talk about in case

they don't see him.

Joe!

You got a little early, eh?

3 ,200.

Right. Look, lay the carter money out of state. That point spread we don't like

here. Hang it up. Take a break.

Let him finish. Why chase business?

What can I get you boys?

It's too early, Albert.

No, no, no. We'll take all your Belmont. Now, look, let's double check.

You've got 6 ,800 laid off in the opening game, right?

Call them back later.

Hang around for ten minutes. I'll get back to you.

Not one of your better days, Albert?

I've got a dozen problems jamming me up.

I just didn't expect you guys to collide today.

I think I got enough to cover for this month, though.

It's not the day.

Or the business.

Maybe I'll have one.

You're doing very nicely here, Albert.

The organization is happy to have a good man like you who knows how to handle an

operation for them.

The way you do this place.

Johnny said to tell you that.

Well, I try.

You know, I try.

He's a little unhappy about the Bellflower prosecutor almost getting

blown up.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Heard something about that on the radio.

Yeah. It's bad for business.

County D .A. gets it and he can feel the heat all over the state. Yeah, well,

you know, a man and his business, anybody could be after him.

I'm a busy man, Albert.

No time for games.

How'd you find out?

Well, how many people handle hit contracts?

Middleton.

Middleton's not supposed to talk.

When Johnny asks a question, Middleton doesn't talk?

Look, this is personal business.

I got that right.

When it touches all of us?

Albert. Nobody makes a dollar paying off a grudge.

But it's me who sent to prison.

Not any of you.

You didn't lose your wife on a deathbed after watching me on trial for two

months. He had you cold and he did his job.

He singled me out.

Wanted to make an impression his first year in office.

But a dozen men digging into my business, he wanted me.

Cost me my wife three years in prison.

My daughter never even knew who her father was.

That's personal. Shut up!

Forgive me, Albert.

Your temper's a bad thing. Because it's catching.

And angry men don't make any sense.

Maybe you can talk to him, Johnny said.

We're just talking.

That's what we're doing. We're talking.

I just think it's a man has a right to personal business.

I won't say yes and I won't say no. You know, if Mr. Sanders were on vacation

hunting bears and a bear chewed him to death, maybe yes. If there were 16

witnesses to say it was the bear, maybe yes.

Straight and simple, Albert. You made a mistake.

That's all.

Simple words are sometimes the best, so there'll be no misunderstanding.

If anything happens to Mr.

Sanders...

You're out of business.

And you'll be getting a call from Johnny's boys.

Now, let's stay a happy organization, huh?

I mean, a man eats the best and he drinks the finest.

It's not reasonable that he cuts his own throat.

Crackers and photos of the men released in the past 12 months. Now, some of

those are on parole.

We know where they are.

Others have completed their sentences, and all we have are their last known

addresses.

Anyone you'd concentrate on in particular?

No. I just finished. Here he is.

Does he look familiar to you?

No, I can't recall ever having seen him.

Oh, gentlemen.

This is Ruth Benson, one of my assistants.

Inspector Erskine, Special Agent Colby. Glad to meet you. We also happen to be

engaged. Well, congratulations.

I called Mrs. Haskell and she says her husband is well out of danger.

Well, that's good news.

Sanders.

Yes, he's here.

Inspector.

Thank you.

Erskine.

We've located the car, Inspector.

It's a rental.

Yes, and the clerk here identified the man from the sketch.

The car was signed out on the 10th to a David Smith giving a Philadelphia

address. It's fictitious.

Any latents?

Yes, we've had some luck there. The agents are finishing up now.

Oh, and we have a sample of his handwriting on the rental form that he

out. All right, Warren, good work.

Well, Inspector, if there's nothing else, Ruth and I would like to go out to

dinner.

You know, it might be a good idea if you avoided public places as much as

possible. And I'd ask the police to keep an eye on your house.

Well, I suppose you're right.

How about a home -cooked meal tonight?

I'll try to show you I'm improving.

One more thing, Mr. Sanders.

I'm sure you realize that this man has been watching you pretty closely.

In fact, he probably knows your routine by heart.

It would help us if we had some idea of your average daily schedule.

Of course.

Well, on Monday mornings, I check in here for me tonight.

What time do you leave the house?

About 7 .30.

I told the barkeep we had a meeting.

Fixed me up with a drink.

I guess it's on the house. What took you so long?

I was busy.

Look, I know Alex. Don't worry about it. He'll get the job done.

That's like telling me I got cancer. I'm not to worry.

I want you to call him off.

You changing your mind?

Yeah. Give me his phone number.

Phone?

I want to make sure he doesn't hire a balloon and start dropping dynamite all

over the Bellflower Courthouse. That's what I'm beginning to think about you,

boy. It was just a slip.

I'm not talking about a slip.

I've met your boy twice now, and I'm beginning to get an impression that I

like. Is he operating with all his marbles?

Don't worry about that.

He'll get what you paid for.

I don't want what I paid for.

I want you to get him on the phone right away.

Now look, my end is finished once you buy the introduction.

I don't touch anything from then on.

Your end will be finished if Alex isn't contacted right away.

Johnny says it's no go.

And you get it through there.

The head of yours that you're going to go down the drain along with me.

That's the word. Yes.

Get him on the phone from here. Just dial the number and say, listen, we

want the guy killed.

I got a trip.

It's always face to face.

I don't care, but move fast.

I'm never talking about that 5 ,000 advance.

You're talking about money and he's someplace making another bomb.

What about that little farm of Wilson's?

It's only a half hour drive to the courthouse.

Country living.

City frills.

I was hoping you'd be suggesting that.

I don't mind hearing those typewriters in the courtroom by day if we can have

crickets at night.

He doesn't want too bad a price for it. You know, the house is about a hundred

years old, but if I know him, he's replaced every beam.

Oh, let's do it. Country folk at night, anyway.

You're on.

I bet you didn't know I had a green thumb.

Well...

I once experimented with an apple tree.

Grafted a parachute to it.

It's all right, honey. It's okay. It was just a door.

Just a breeze.

You know, we're talking about everything except what's on our minds.

I'm all right. He's after me.

And he's hurting everybody around me.

I'm so frightened for you.

He's probably not even around. He's probably a thousand miles away from

I haven't slept a night since it happened.

Oh, no.

You've been looking tired lately.

Come on.

You belong home.

Here's the file on Clarence Whittier.

We can eliminate him. He's doing time again in Canada.

Albert Dirks.

Gambling conviction.

Erskine.

We've identified the subject, Lewis.

He's Alex Tanner.

Wasn't he convicted in the anti -racketeering case in Egan, the bombing

cleaning establishment?

That's right.

He was released six months ago.

The lab says the bomb fragments appear to be from the same kind of device used

in the Egan bombings.

We also match the writing on the car rental form with known samples of

handwriting.

And the latents match his fingerprint record.

Any relation between Tanner and Sanders?

Not that we know of yet, but Tanner works for hire.

How are you making it, kid?

Come up with another job for me? No, no.

A little good news, though.

That $5 ,000, it's yours.

You did your best.

All a man could be asked to do.

You can forget about Santa's. The whole thing is off.

What's that you're working on?

Timer.

You're the best around, Alex.

We'll do some more business together.

Being the best is working hard.

You did hear me say that it's off.

I heard.

I got five, another ten coming.

No, no, no. You got five and the whole thing's off.

I don't do botched jobs.

Dierks is getting his money's worth.

But he doesn't want it done.

Mr. Middleton, you do pretty well.

Run a pool hall for a cover? Good action from people that need you?

Oh, same with me. Job guaranteed.

Huh? My name is my bond, like the sand goes.

But, Alex, it doesn't have to be done.

Word gets out, Alex has greasy fingers.

Reputation, Mr. Middleton.

Hmm? Mine's as good as yours.

Nothing's changed about Sanders because the first time didn't work.

Second time is just as good. Now, look, Alex, just hold it. I'll just wait a

minute. You don't hold it!

You know how much time I spent sizing Sanders up?

Two months.

I can tell you when he eats, sleeps, gets up, his shoes are shined every

by the boy outside the courthouse, cleaning the lady at the house every

in at 10, out at 4 .30. That woman he's marrying, I know more about her than he

does.

Look, Alex, your client is saying no.

Like tomorrow, Sunday?

Her mother makes dinner, Sanders arrives at 5, Darren's over at 6 .30.

Between 7 and 10, Sanders is in the study with that woman, going over their

cases for the court appearances Monday morning.

Every Sunday night, they're in that study from 7 to 10.

Alex, you know your job. You're a good man, and I'm keeping it in mind, but

Dirks doesn't want to have it done.

Dirks is out of the picture.

Except for the 10 ,000 I got coming.

All right, wrap it up.

You and I drive him back to the city.

You're going to see some guys who can talk some sense into you.

You don't know what I've done, that's it.

I can't trust you anymore, Alex.

I want the guys in the city to hear you say that you're going to behave.

And that way it's not my neck of dirt in case you go off the deep end. Now, come

on, put your coat on.

Put this stuff away first.

Several people in the area have seen Tanner coming and going around here for

last few months.

But nobody has any idea where he might be now.

Did he go to the hospital?

Yes, Middleton should live, but he's in no condition to talk to anyone.

Let's find out what he does.

He runs a pool hall downtown.

Take a look at this.

An address book.

Found in Tanner's coat.

Let's hope the lab can come up with something.

Look, we won't have a line before 11.

Call me then.

Yes?

It's for you.

No.

Okay.

Yeah. You get that 10 ,000 ready, and you send anybody else after me.

You'll know what trouble is.

Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Didn't Middleton talk to you?

Stay by that phone today.

I'll call again late afternoon.

This was taken almost 12 years ago when Middleton was charged with assaulting a

federal officer.

No.

I've never been involved with him, to my recollection.

Positive?

I'm afraid so.

Sanders.

Yes, he's here.

For you.

Thank you. Excuse me.

Erskine.

Lewis, we've been able to identify some of the names and phone numbers from the

address book.

Arthur, Tom's here. He's getting on the extension.

Yes, sir.

Jan Carter.

A 3 -8 exchange. The rest of it we can't make out.

Harold B. L.

No phone.

John Stevens, 182 -5495.

Albert Dirks, 212 -896, the last digit we can't get.

Albert Dirks?

Isn't he on Sanders' list?

Mr.

Ward, Dirks was prosecuted by Sanders a number of years ago and convicted.

It was a gambling violation. He was recently released.

Pick me up some clothes if you're in the March. Okay. And don't forget, Will's

coming to dinner. I won't forget.

Mrs. Benson?

Mrs. would be my mother.

Well, I think I have the right house.

Muller's Electrical put in some new conduit for you about a month ago?

Yes, that's right.

Sorry to trouble you today, but have you had any problems with it since then?

None that I know of.

Good. We've been getting a few complaints, so Mr. Muller wants to run a

check on all recent work, correct any deficiencies before they occur.

Simple matter of metering your outlets.

Only a few minutes, if that wouldn't trouble you.

Come on in.

Oh, do you need me around? I'm expecting company this evening.

No, you just go right on with whatever you're doing.

We found some of our recent jobs have been improperly wired.

Mr. Miller's foot could be tied, I can tell you.

We may find that you're okay. If not, we'll rewire at no extra charge.

Fine. Just call if you need me.

Sure, thanks.

Hello? Well, hi, darling.

Honey, do you have the affidavits in that Bickford case?

Yeah, they're right on my desk.

Oh, good.

I think we can wrap the whole thing up tonight if he doesn't have another

of heart.

I made an appointment at 7 o 'clock in his hospital room.

Oh, fine. Boy, I'll be glad to get that out of our hair.

Uh, at 7, huh?

Well, suppose I meet you at the Memorial Hospital a quarter to.

I'll see you there.

Bye.

Wirings seem all right?

So far, good.

Good. Well, I have a lot to do, so you can let yourself out when you're

finished. Fine, Miss Benson. Bye.

What are you doing?

Just moving the desk, Mrs. Benson.

Your daughter let me in to check your electrical outlets.

Mr. Muller's spot -checking all the work we did last month.

We've had no trouble.

Oh, no, ma 'am. I don't think you're going to.

We caught one job with lighter and standard wiring.

And Mr. Muller's hoping there's no others. You'll find.

Quite a ring we've had for last, huh?

I'll pass the night with my missus with buckets.

Sure was.

Well, thank Mr. Muller for me.

Glad to.

And thank you.

Bye -bye. Bye.

Would you have any change for the telephone, miss?

Just a minute, I'll see.

Here you are.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Yeah.

FBI, Mr. Dirks.

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

I'd like to talk to you.

Yeah, sure.

What can I do for you?

Well, first we want to advise you of your rights.

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against

And you have the right to an attorney.

Who needs an attorney?

Look, I run a club here. If I've stepped out of line someplace, I want to know

about it.

You acquainted with this man?

No. Take a closer look, Mr. Dirks.

His name is Alex Tanner.

No, I never saw him before.

We have reason to believe he knows you.

Maybe he does.

Maybe he used to place bets with me.

I was in the book business before I got busted.

What about the name Middleton, Clapton Middleton?

No, I never heard of him.

Wait a minute. Yes, I did.

Wasn't in the morning newspapers?

Some fire, some kind of accident?

Excuse me.

Yeah? You got that money ready?

I can't talk right now.

Just say yes or no. Will the money be ready?

Look, why don't you call me back and say ten minutes?

It's set to go at seven. I'll be here watching.

Just to make sure there's no hang -ups. You have that ten thousand waiting for

me at the office.

I told you, no!

Seems as if you're in trouble, Mr. Dirks. That's just business is all.

Alex Tan?

I told you, I didn't know anything.

I'm going to squeeze him.

Really, I'm going to squeeze him.

All right, maybe you can stop him.

I told him I didn't want it done.

What don't you want done?

It's set to go at seven.

He's going to be there watching.

Where, I don't know.

But he's got a bomb.

Seven tonight, Sunday.

Sandals will be at the Benson house for dinner.

Inspector, a search of the Benson house has turned up nothing.

Mrs. Benson is here with me now.

She says there was a man in the house late this afternoon.

He claimed he was sent by some electrical company.

We've checked. The company didn't send anyone.

Where is Sanders and Miss Benson?

Miss Benson left earlier. She's meeting Sanders at Memorial Hospital.

Can her mother hear me?

Yes, Inspector.

Mrs. Benson, can you describe the man?

Well, he was about six feet tall, I'd say.

A plight, kind of shaggy hair, his face rather plain.

And what was he doing in the house?

Well, we were only together for a minute. He was in the study.

I wondered at first if he was trying to steal something because he had Ruth's

briefcase in his hands, but he was only trying to move the desk. What about the

desk, Bob?

We searched it, nothing.

She took it with her.

Miss Benson took it with her.

Mrs. Benson, do you have any idea what time your daughter is meeting Mr.

Sanders? Yes, seven o 'clock.

She left early because Will likes to be punctual.

Bob, get all units over to the hospital as quickly as possible.

And call Sanders. Tell him we think she may be carrying a bomb in her briefcase.

Hi, darling.

Yes, he just came in.

Do you want to talk to him, or shall I take a message?

Oh, of course.

Mr. Sanders!

I just missed him. Hold on, and I'll connect you with the fourth floor west

wing. Mr. Sanders made arrangement to talk with a patient there.

We have time. You want to stop and see Mary Stewart?

See how she's doing?

Good idea. I've been promising myself to see her.

Ms. Benson.

They're in the hospital, but not with the patient they were going to visit.

They're being paced now.

Mr. William Sanders, please call main reception immediately.

Well, I couldn't convince her she was wrong. She saw the baby room, as she

it, and she saw people pointing and babies being held up for display, and

just knew that's the way you did it. You pick out your own baby brother.

Was little Ann finally disappointed?

Well, sure, the babies she saw were a lot prettier than the one I picked.

Please call main floor reception, Mr. William Sanders.

Please call main floor reception.

FBI, Tanner.

What kind of bomb did you put in that briefcase?

Listen, if there's anything you need, you let us know, will you? You make sure

get an invitation to your wedding.

You will. Bye, baby. Take care. Okay. Bye.

Mr. William Sanders, please call main reception immediately.

Mr. William...

Please call main floor reception.

Yeah, this is William Sanders.

Fifth floor.

Is Miss Benson there?

Yes. We think there's a bomb in her briefcase.

What?

Well... Stick it in here. Send me...

You can hear it ticking.

Have them clear the corridor and close all the doors. All right. Hurry.

Hurry.

Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

Hurry.

Hurry.

Hurry. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

Hurry.

Hurry.

Slide your finger in there.

The air smells so good, like new hay.

Let's talk about that old farmer buying.

I think we'd better get up there before the owner decides not to sell.

Well, I hope it brings you both great happiness.

Thank you. Good luck. Thank you.

Alex Wilbert Tanner, Albert Dirks, and Clavin Middleton were convicted in

federal court of crime on a government reservation and conspiracy.

They were also found guilty in state court of attempted murder.

Thank you.