Original subtitles

Tonight, the Desert Dunes takes great pride in presenting today's most

entertainer, Miss Darlene Clark.

I'm through playing games, Inspector.

If you don't find her, if you don't do something now, then I'll hire my own

boys.

They don't have to play by the rules when they want to find something.

You do that, Miss Clark.

And you may rob yourself of the only chance you have of ever seeing your

daughter alive again.

No,

there's not the slightest indication it was premeditated.

Norton's suitcases and clothing are all here. And we're dealing with an

unpredictable and dangerous man.

If it's revenge he wants, he may not stop until he gets it, even if we comply

with his demands.

When's his son's funeral?

Tomorrow at 2 o 'clock, we'll be there.

You know what you're going to do, darling?

You're going to get up on that stage tonight and tell everybody what you are.

Now listen to me. You're going to get up in that smut life and tell them how you

use people.

How you put your thumb on top of them and put down until there's no more life.

A Quinn Martin production starring Ephraim Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott and Shelley Novak.

With guest stars Nancy Wilson, Hal Linden.

Tonight's episode, The Confession.

part of you and I forget to

do

But what did the doc... Angie, as soon as the show is over tonight, I'll be in

my car on the way home.

That's everything.

Listen, Billy, make that transition a little smoother, please.

Yeah, okay.

The mere idea of you.

All right, what did the doc... What did the doc... What did Dr. Bass say?

What do you mean he didn't?

Darling.

Darling told me she called. She promised me.

All right, I'll have... I'll have her call.

What?

What?

Angie?

Listen, Billy, keep that lousy brass section down tonight. It's awfully close

here. Be soft as a newborn babe, darling.

Miss Clark, I think these new alterations will work now. After ten

should. If they don't, you're out.

You've got to talk to that light man, Abel.

I want the spot to follow me from the entrance all the way to the center.

Darling, that surgeon you were going to get for Johnny, he never showed up at

the hospital.

He didn't even bother to call. Why?

Well, I didn't reach him.

He was out of town.

There are other doctors.

He was the best in the country.

He was your friend.

All you had to do was call him. He dropped everything. Isn't that what you

I said I'd try.

Now, what more do you want from me? Try harder.

I'm not going to stand here and argue with you about it.

I should have told you to get a new boy years ago.

And those would have been the best words you ever said.

All right, listen, Abel.

I know you're upset about Johnny's accident.

I'm upset. Everybody's upset. But you remember one thing.

This is a very important booking to me.

Therefore, it should be an important booking for you as my personal manager.

So I think we ought to talk about it a little later.

Later.

Darlene? Yes, Abel?

Don't bother calling the doctor.

Why not?

Because Johnny died on the operating table.

Is that your idea of a sick joke?

No joke.

My son is dead.

Abel, if there's... If there's anything I can do... Money, anything you need...

Miss Clark. Not now!

Hey, how was vacation?

Great, but I'd like it a lot better if I could spend more time with Mom.

Well, your mom is a busy lady. I know. I had to make an appointment just to have

lunch with her.

Oh, lunch today, eh? No chance.

Oh, but she made reservations.

She's got a whole bunch of new arrangements. She'll be locked in there

Somehow, I knew it would happen. It always does.

Hey, how about lunch with your old Uncle Abel, huh?

Great.

Think of downtown.

We'll buy us some seafood, huh?

Great, but shouldn't I tell Mom?

She won't even miss us.

Okay.

On the day following singing star Darlene Clark's opening engagement at

Desert Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas, a special delivery letter from Miss Clark,

bearing a local postmark, was delivered to the hotel's front desk.

The letter was a grim confirmation that Miss Clark's personal manager, Abel

Norton, had kidnapped her daughter Linda 24 hours earlier.

Norton, who had helped Darlene Clark win five gold records, now demanded $100

,000 ransom for her daughter's safe return.

The FBI immediately entered the case, and Inspector Lewis Erskine assumed

personal charge of the investigation.

It's unreal.

Absolutely unreal.

Abel's been my manager 12 years.

After my husband died, he practically raised Linda.

You said you didn't discover she was missing until late this morning.

I suppose a more responsible mother would have found out much sooner.

She was sharing your suite.

Linda and I live a kind of see -around life.

I was involved with the show.

When I didn't see her, I just assumed she was in the audience.

And after the show? Oh, usual press party. I have this image to keep up.

Spent a lot of time and effort spent on me being loved by the whole lousy world.

I was late.

Linda's bedroom door was closed.

I didn't want to wake her, so I didn't check.

Until late this morning.

Okay.

So the responsible mother also sleeps late.

When I finally went to Linda's room, she was gone.

I assumed she'd gone shopping or something. She's learned to do that to

entertain herself.

Yes? Front desk call.

That reporter's here to do that Sunday piece on you. What do we tell him?

I'll do it now.

McClark.

I don't think you should make any statement to the press.

Of course, it's up to you.

Tell him to come back later.

You know, you can't keep a thing like this wrapped up in aluminum foil. I am a

celebrity. I know that.

I also know that any publicity may push him right over the edge.

Abel has had a thousand chances to take money from me.

It's got to be revenge.

He blames me for Johnny's death.

You know where you ought to be right now?

In your room, waiting for his call.

I have commitments.

TV appearances. I can't just stop everything.

Miss Clark, we're talking about your daughter's life.

I realize that.

We'll need your help to get her back.

All your help.

No, there's not the slightest indication it was premeditated.

Norton's suitcases and clothing are all here.

And we're dealing with an unpredictable and dangerous man.

If it's revenge he wants, he may not stop until he gets it, even if we comply

with his demands.

His ex -wife lives in Reno. I've asked a surveillance on her.

When's his son's funeral?

Tomorrow at 2 o 'clock. We'll be there.

All right, Lewis.

Keep me posted.

Inspector, here's a list of Miss Clark's real estate homes, beach houses,

condominiums, and apartments.

Do you think Norton has access to any of them?

Ask her for keys so we can check out the ones that aren't ready.

That's kind of beautiful here.

For me, it's some kind of midnight.

My mother will know we're here.

This cottage is like everything she owns.

Use it a few times and then forget it.

I'm sorry about Johnny.

It's where you're different from your mama.

Johnny's accident wasn't Mother's fault.

Why do you blame her?

Everything you say is against her.

Nothing's ever her fault.

Not the star.

Not your warm, loving mama.

The funeral's tomorrow.

FBI.

Okay, thank you very much, officer.

Well,

Inspector?

I talked with our agents in Mount Charleston.

We feel Norton was holding Linda in your house there.

Was?

There was evidence to indicate it.

Wonderful. One confused little man has managed to hide from the entire FBI.

He may be confused, Miss Clark, but he's also angry, very angry to be doing what

he's doing.

I think they call it an eye for an eye.

Well, sooner or later, his anger will trap him.

Yeah.

Sooner or later.

This is the FBI trace alert. I want a trace back on a call coming in right now

on the third line of the hotel switchboard.

Remember, on three, stall as long as you can.

Hello. All right, we don't waste time. You know why I'm calling, darling?

Abel.

Where is Linda?

Is she all right?

Have you got the money?

Yes. All right. Now, listen.

I want to see you at 3 o 'clock today near the bench at the 15th tee of the

Desert Dunes golf course.

You just pretend you're playing an ordinary round of golf and bring the

a bag with a handle.

All right.

You just stand there and wait for a signal from me.

What signal?

How will I know?

Don't worry. You'll know.

I'm not sure I understand.

Now listen, Darlene. You do what I say, or you'll never see Linda again.

Abel, tell me about Linda.

Is she all right?

You bring the money and find out.

I don't think he was on long enough for a

trace.

We've just spotted her cart. She's proceeding as planned and on time.

Seven to one.

We see Miss Clark now.

She's walking toward the bench on the 15th tee.

Hold your positions.

One of our units.

Secure surveillance and notify Ms. Clark to return to her hotel.

Think he spotted us?

No, I don't think he had any intention of showing.

Drop it back down to 60.

I thought you were in a hurry. Don't argue with me.

I'm going to pick up the police, especially in a stolen car.

How are you supposed to get the money from Mom when we're driving to Reno?

Is that all you think I want, money?

You ordered her to get it for you.

You'd threaten to kill me if she didn't.

You better pray that she does what I tell her.

If your mama's gun, don't do it, Linda.

We've located one witness who may have seen Norton and the girl just before he

stole the car from this lot. How long ago?

Approximately three hours.

They left the keys in and about a half tank of gas.

Probably knew we'd have an APB on it.

It's a small town.

Too small for hiding.

Check the police for stolen cars.

Norton must have found some way out of town.

And I changed my mind about the money. I don't want it.

Linda's all right.

Nothing's going to happen to her if you do what I say, darling.

You'd better eat.

What are you going to take if you don't want the money?

I'm still worth something, aren't I?

You sounded just like your mother.

If I were, I wouldn't be afraid of you.

Shut up, Linda.

Just shut up!

Darlene, you remember the jewelry in the safe deposit box in New York?

That's what I want.

The rings and the diamond bracelet.

That's what I want.

And the money.

I want it all.

And I'm giving you just one day.

That's all.

Till Thursday.

Then I'll contact you and tell you where to bring everything.

Now I'm going to let Linda talk to you so that you'll know she's okay.

Here, say something to your mother.

Here.

Say anything you want.

Hi, Mom.

I'm fine.

Do what he says.

He's not hurting me.

It's okay.

Mom, would you call Mary Kincaid for me?

Tell her I can't come to the party at her house.

You remember Mary, Mom.

She's the one I went to church with last Palm Sunday.

What was that about?

You said I could say anything.

That was some kind of a code. That was a message of some kind.

Mary's a friend of mine from school. That's all.

What was that part about Palm Sunday?

Nothing. I just wanted Mom to remember who Mary is.

I've got lots of friends. You were talking about here. This motel, the

Palms, right?

No.

And where does your friend Mary live?

Where would your mother have to call to reach her?

Where? Near here.

In Reno.

Oh, Linda.

raise anything I don't want your mother to hear.

Hi, Mom.

I'm fine.

Do what he says.

He's not hurting me.

It's okay.

See?

I won't take your messages.

I have to go out for a while.

You're going to be here alone.

But I can't trust you, Linda.

Oh, no, please.

No, no, Linda, don't fight me.

Don't fight me.

Because I don't want to have to hurt you.

All right, I'll go over here into the closet.

Come on.

Hold still.

Mrs. Norton.

I was sure he'd come today.

I'm sorry we had to be here.

Abel's not a criminal.

I know what he did was bad, but he's not going to hurt that girl.

I hope you're right.

He may be weak, but he's not bad.

He just never knows whether to love his job or his family more.

We separated last year because of that.

Look, do whatever you have to do.

We have her permission.

Then I'll contact you and tell you where to bring everything.

Now I'm going to let Linda talk to you so that you'll know she's okay.

Hi, Mom.

I'm fine.

Do what he says.

He's not hurting me.

It's okay.

Mom?

Sounds like it was recorded on one of those cheap imports.

Sorry about the start. I'll rewind it.

No, wait.

When did the police find this tape?

About an hour ago in the back of a prowl car at the cemetery.

And Norton came to the funeral.

You think he's still here in Reno?

I doubt it.

And the last part of the girl's speech was cut off. I wonder why.

Sounds like the erasing mechanism could have been defective.

Well, can we amplify it and pick up what she said?

We can try.

She wouldn't be talking about the same Mary Kincaid who lives here, would she?

Here? There's a Paul Kincaid, a banker in town. He has a daughter just about

Linda Clark's age. I think she's been away at school.

It's easy enough to check out, but I'll bet you it's the same school Linda Clark

goes to.

She might even try to tell her mother she was here in Mary Kincaid's town.

That's why Norton erased the tape.

Want to hear it again?

Please.

She said something about Palm Sunday. Any ideas?

Ten miles outside of town, they have that little motel, Bel Air Palms. Could

that be it?

Let's find out.

Here's the registration card. Came in this morning, rented a room, and paid

it in advance.

But the girl stayed in the car.

Enter the license number and description of the car in the NCIC and get out on

APB. All right. Could be the one stolen in Mount Charleston.

When did they check out?

Oh, about two hours ago.

Nothing, Inspector. It's clean.

Mates go in as soon as they're empty.

Well, thanks for your help.

We'll contact you if we need anything further.

All right, we got the APB.

You better maintain surveillance on Mrs. Norton until you hear from me.

Yes, sir. Chris, I think you and I should head back to Las Vegas.

Tracer, give me a back trace on a call coming in on the fourth line.

One, two.

Hello?

Darlene, it's Abel.

Where are you?

Now, don't stall me, Darlene. Don't waste my time.

What do you want me to do?

Have you got the jewelry?

Yes.

In one hour, five o 'clock, in the corner of Sahara and Oro Vista. Wait on

northeast corner.

Where will I see you?

Five o 'clock, Sahara and Oro Vista.

He must suspect we're on him. He doesn't give us time to make a trace.

Another meeting?

Five o 'clock.

Northeast corner of Sahara and Orla Vista.

Do you think he'll show up this time?

We'll know that at five o 'clock.

I'm through playing games, Inspector.

If you don't find her, if you don't do something now, then I'll hire my own

boys.

They don't have to play by the rules when they want to find something.

You do that, Miss Clark.

And you may rob yourself of the only chance you have of ever seeing your

daughter alive again.

Forty -unit one, bus approaching.

Collins will be on it.

Collins, get off at the next stop and start walking back on the same side of

street.

He's staring at that phone. Maybe it's him.

All units, hold your positions.

Norton may be watching her right now from where he's calling.

Hello? You got the money and the jewelry?

It's not enough.

Never was.

Never to let you off the hook too easy.

You know what you're gonna do, darling?

You're gonna get up on that stage tonight and tell everybody what you are.

Now listen to me.

You're gonna get up in that spotlight and tell them how you use people.

How you put your thumb on top of them and push down until there's no more

Abel, where's Linda?

Shut up and listen.

It took 12 years to build your image.

Make everybody believe you're a warm human being instead of the alley cat

you are.

We know better, don't we?

We're a 24 -karat brawl.

to do this to me?

You're going to tell him about Indianapolis.

You're going to tell everybody what happened in Indianapolis.

No. I won't do it. You'll do it.

You'll do it or you'll never see Linda again.

Tell her.

Tell her!

Mom, he means it.

That's it, darling.

Now listen to me.

Tell anybody what you're going to do. I mean anybody, including the FBI.

You'll never see Linda again.

Linda!

Linda!

I will not hurt her.

This is Inspector Erskine. All units hold your positions except Collins.

Ted, see what's wrong.

Tell me to meet him at the park tomorrow morning, 10 o 'clock, with the jewelry.

That seems strange.

I'm only telling you what he told me.

Under the circumstances, are you sure you want to do your show tonight?

It's not that kind of opening, Inspector.

Half the entertainment industry will be in that audience tonight.

The show must go on.

Yes, I've heard that before.

Could you drop me at the stage entrance, please?

Sure.

Chris can stay with you if you like.

No, I'd prefer it if he didn't die.

I don't think I could take any more concerned faces staring at me.

Sorry I have to do this again, honey.

I'll only be a short while.

Here, come on in.

Sit back there.

Okay, you all right?

You see, your mama's going to do a special performance tonight.

Kind of a memorial for Johnny.

I want tight security tonight.

You may try to contact Norton after the show.

Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome.

Tonight, the Desert Dunes takes great pride in presenting today's most

entertainer, Miss Darlene Clark.

I get no kick from champagne.

Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all. So tell me, why should it be true

that I get a kick out of you?

I'm sorry to disappoint you this evening, ladies and gentlemen.

But it seems there's something I must do.

Something I must say.

I'm a phony. I'm selfish.

Temperamental and unconcerned with any problems other than my own.

And if I'm talented, it is not...

As a human being.

This must be it.

The ransom.

No, please.

I must finish. Let me tell the truth.

There was a concert three years ago.

And after the concert, there was a party for me.

It was easy to drink a little too much champagne.

I had to go to another party.

I didn't really want to, but they said I had to go.

I, uh... borrowed someone's car keys and...

I wanted to drive myself.

He just... The man was just suddenly there.

He... He was trapped in headlights.

And I...

Couldn't stop the time.

He was just laying there on that dirty, dark

pavement.

When I got out of the car, he didn't move.

His eyes were closed.

Couldn't tell if he was dead or alive.

I didn't care.

I just knew I had to get out of here.

I read about it in the morning papers.

Hit and run victim.

Found dead.

I've been sending his widow money ever since.

But if... He might have been alive today if I had just

found the courage to stop.

It's a strange kind of ransom. Strange, man.

It's just one thing.

It's no good if he can't see it. That means he has to be here.

Cover the exits and seal off this room as quietly as possible.

There are a lot of other things I could say.

But the most important one is about a man I know.

A friend of mine who had suffered a great personal loss.

If I had been kinder.

If I had just cared.

Sometimes I'm happy in G.

One, two, a one, two, three, four.

He's in the hotel.

Cover the elevators in the service area.

Thank you.

Norton?

Go for an ambulance.

Norton?

Where's Linda Clark?

Where is she?

She's safe.

In the storage shed.

At the edge of the trap course.

At Palm.

The only one that...

It felt like to lose someone you love.

I wouldn't hurt her.

I wouldn't hurt her.

You're safe now.

You're free.

And that's where it's going to be from now on.

Just us.

I really mean that, Inspector.

From now on, I'm going to find out how it feels to really care about somebody

else.

Really care.

have.

Abel Norton was tried and convicted in federal court of extortion.

Darlene Clark returned to Indiana to face charges in the hit and run case.