Original subtitles

This is the city, Los Angeles, California.

If you live here, you've got a lot of neighbors,

and all 3 million of them

have something in common with you.

They've all got troubles.

Everybody wants to share their problems.

A lot of people bring them here.

So can you.

If you don't like the answer,

remember, it was free.

For a 5-cent stamp, this lady will give advice.

For a dime, you can tell your troubles to a friend,

or you can bring your problems to people like me.

I carry a badge.

It was Friday, December 14th.

It was warm in Los Angeles.

We were working the day watch

out of Fraud's Division, Bunko Section.

The boss is Captain Lambert.

My partner's Bill Gannon.

My name's Friday.

It was 4:42 p.m.

Another 18 minutes, and the week would be over.

For Bunko, it was a busy season.

People had been losing their money

in every possible kind of swindle: Jamaican switch,

the pigeon drop, coin smacks,

and a couple we didn't even recognize.

4:43 p.m. We got another one.

The story you are about to see is true.

The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Well, I was just sitting around in this bar

on Main Street, buying a beer now and then

to pay for my stool,

when this civilian come up

and started talking Navy to me.

You know his name?

Danny somebody. I don't know.

You run into them all the time.

They buy you a drink, so you've gotta listen to them

tell about their favorite liberty ports,

like back in WWII, you know? Yeah.

Well, then he said he was going to a party,

and why didn't I come along?

At 3:00 in the afternoon?

He said there'd be a lot of girls

and booze and food, if that's what I wanted.

All right.

Where was the party?

In the El Paso Hotel.

That's East Sixth Street.

Yes, sir, room 520. Wasn't much of a party.

Somebody had a bottle, but I never did see any food,

not even a sandwich.

What about girls?

Well, yes, sir. They were there.

Well, that's what got me into trouble.

How's that?

Well, Danny, he took one look at them,

and he said, "I don't know some of these birds.

Better let me put your money in the hotel safe."

All right, go on.

Well, he phoned downstairs, and he told the desk clerk

to come up and bring a receipt.

Here it is. It's a phony.

So was the guy I thought was the desk clerk.

He don't work there at all.

- Yeah. - Well, he's gone.

So is Danny. So is my 43 bucks.

Can you guys do anything to help me?

Well, we'll fill out a complaint.

- That's a waste of time. - Why do you say that?

Filled out one of those things the last time.

They got 20 bucks then.

Same thing happened to you before?

Oh, yeah. I'm one of those kind.

I must be.

What kind?

I live, but I never learn.

You know what I'm gonna do now?

No, what?

Collapse. How about you?

How about what?

You going any place to relax?

Is there such a place?

Why, of course, Joe. Home.

- You got any plans? - No, why?

How about coming out to the house for dinner?

Tonight?

Good a time as any, isn't it?

Well, I guess so.

Boy, there's a football game on the old tube.

I've got a bottle of imported wine

I've been saving since my birthday.

Just sit around the whole evening and do nothing.

You know, that sounds good.

Great. Let's go.

Wait a minute. Hadn't you better call Eileen?

What for?

Well, you invited me to dinner, didn't you?

Of course, I invited you, just now.

Didn't you hear me?

Then you ought to let her know she's having company.

But, Joe, you're not company.

I'd feel a lot better if you'd call her.

Why? You know how Eileen feels about you.

- She likes you. - You bet I do.

I know that, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Now, please, make the call.

Boy, I don't know why you're making

such a big fuss over this.

All the woman has to do is set another place.

And slice the meat a little thinner.

Don't be silly.

Slice the meat a little thinner.

That's a new one.

Hi. Who's this?

Yeah.

Where to?

Oh, yeah, I forgot.

Well, have a good time, but don't stay out past 11:00.

I know it's Friday, old boy,

but that's check-in time anyway.

Let me speak to your mother.

The boys have got something on at the school,

so we'll have nothing but peace and quiet.

Sounds good.

Hi. Yeah, just leaving now.

One of those days, that's all.

Look, honey, Joe's coming out to dinner

and watch the ballgame with me.

Well, you know Joe. He's funny about these things.

He wants to make it official. I know it's silly.

Okay, you tell him that. She wants to talk to you.

Hello, Eileen. Yes, if it's no trouble.

You're sure?

Well, I... What's that?

Yeah. Well, that makes me feel a little better.

Yes, we're leaving right now.

Thanks. Goodbye, Eileen.

- What'd she say? - It's okay.

Well, I told you that, Joe.

I meant, what did she say that made you feel better?

Said she'd slice the meat a little thinner.

Welcome to Eagle Rock.

- Yeah. - What's the matter?

Well, you parked across the driveway.

Well, Joe, it's my own driveway.

You notice anything different?

What do you mean?

The house.

No, it looks just the same to me.

You don't notice anything?

No. Should I?

The house has been painted, Joe.

Oh? What color did it used to be?

Not color, Joe, colors. Green and white.

Oh? Well, it's green and white now.

It's a white house with green trim now.

It was a green house with white trim then.

Well, just the door is green.

Well, Joe, that's what you call trim.

Boy, you really surprised me not knowing what trim is.

Yeah, well... Great colors, Joe.

I'm going to stick with them.

Uh-huh.

Want to get rid of your coat and your iron?

Good idea.

There's a hanger for you.

Thank you.

Say, do you notice anything different inside the house?

Well, I don't know. I haven't seen it yet.

No, I mean, right in the entry here.

That sofa.

Loveseat, Joe.

That was Eileen's mother's loveseat.

Oh.

The wallpaper, Joe, the wallpaper.

It's brand new!

Oh.

Boy, you surprised me again.

That's the first thing most people notice

when they come in the house.

That wallpaper just kind of jumps right out at 'em.

- Is that right? - Yes, sir.

Well, what can I pour you before dinner?

Anything.

Anything, as long as you keep it short.

That short is hardly worthwhile.

Good. Then we can eat first.

What's the rush? Ballgame doesn't start until 8:00.

Hi, stranger.

Oh, that's better than a drink.

Dinner's been in the oven for 20 minutes.

Joe, do you want to sit over there?

Fine. Thank you, Eileen.

You know, it's real good seeing you again.

Do you know how long it's been?

Oh, a few weeks, I guess.

Last June.

- Oh, it can't be. - It is.

They're making the weeks shorter than they used to.

I looked it up. I'll get the salads.

Now, you sit right down there, Joe.

That's the seat of honor.

All right.

You notice anything different in here?

That light fixture.

Chandelier, Joe.

No, we've had that for ten years.

Gave the old one to Eileen's mother, in fact.

Oh.

The wallpaper, Joe. It's brand new.

Oh, well, it's not the same

as the stuff out in that other room there.

Well, now, Joe, you wouldn't hang entry paper

in your dining room, would you?

You wouldn't do that, would you?

No, I guess not.

You bet, I guess not.

Well, Bill, you've gotta understand.

I live in an apartment.

I wouldn't know about things like that.

Boy, it's been a long time since I've lived like you.

Say, tell me, what do they do for you apartment dwellers?

Do they ever redecorate for you,

give you new wallpaper like I do?

Sure, they do.

Do you have to pay for it?

It all depends on how long you've lived there.

And if you haven't?

Oh, you pay a little something.

Makes sense.

You really didn't notice, did you?

Bill, we've worked together eight years, haven't we?

Yeah, that's right.

I've only been in this house three times.

Well, now, Joe, you're not going to blame

Eileen and me for that, are you?

- Well, no. - How many times

have we invited you out here to dinner,

nice quiet evening, meet some friendly people?

Yeah, I appreciate that.

Well, then, I don't understand why you wouldn't notice.

Hmph, I guess I'm just not observant.

Better not let them know that downtown.

You'd be out of work, wouldn't you?

Oh, that reminds me, honey.

Art Bonham just called.

What did he want?

Something he wants to talk to you about.

Tonight?

He said it wouldn't take but a minute.

Well, there goes an hour right there.

Neighbor. Art's a nice guy,

but he was born with an LP record in his mouth.

Why didn't you tell him we were having company?

I did, but it was the wrong thing to say.

- How's that? - Because Joe's a sergeant.

Well, what's that got to do with anything?

Art wants action, and he isn't sure he'll get it from you.

So?

So he says he wants to talk to your superior.

Well, sir, what do you think of this place?

Well, to tell you the truth,

I don't notice anything different in here.

You're not supposed to.

Haven't changed a thing in here.

Even the drapes are the same.

Oh, I see.

I meant the house, Joe, the house.

It's a real nice house, Bill.

What do you think I paid for it?

- I have no idea. - Take a guess.

I couldn't begin to.

I don't mind telling you.

Of course, that was 20 years ago,

right after the war.

8,500.

Boy, you got a real buy.

It has two stories, you know.

Yeah, I know. You could get more for it now, though.

Oh, sure I could, but it's not for sale.

You boys want anything else?

No, thanks, dear, just the old ballgame.

All right, I'll be in the kitchen,

if you need me.

Let's see. We'll get the old set warmed up.

Move 'er into position here.

I like to sit nice and close, don't you, Joe?

Fine, fine. Now, that looks good there.

That, that's pretty good there.

How's that, boy? Yeah, that, that's fine, yes.

That's just about right.

Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, sit down, Joe.

No, I know this is your favorite chair.

Don't be silly.

This is my favorite right here,

this little rosewood number.

I'm not gonna sit in your favorite chair.

Well, okay.

Boy, you're gonna love this chair,

part of the loveseat set, Eileen's mother's.

- Is that comfortable? - Sure is.

They don't build chairs like that anymore.

I guess not.

That's real horsehair.

Guess so.

- Perfect timing. - Never missed a kickoff yet.

This promises to be a whale of a game.

The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.

Oh, honey, the Rams are right up there

in the weight department.

But these 49ers edge the Rams about...

Is that your phone?

Just watch the game, Joe.

Eileen'll get it.

Whoever it is, she'll tell them I'm not in.

Relax.

Here comes the kickoff.

All right, both teams are all set now.

The ball's placed on the kicking tee.

We hope all of you are settled in a comfortable chair,

ready to watch pro football at its very finest.

Well, who do you think's gonna pick up the marbles?

I don't know.

Those Rams look pretty good to me.

I'll take Green Bay every time.

Yeah, but they're playing the 49ers.

Sure.

Bill, that was Marnie Prout. She wants to talk to you.

Didn't you tell her I wasn't in?

I tried to, but she's coming over anyway.

Now?

Now. Try to be patient with her.

What's the problem this time?

Harry.

- Again? - Mm-hmm.

Try to be patient with her.

Sure sorry about the interruption, Joe,

but I really think I ought to see her.

Yeah, I understand.

Neighbor lady. Everything's a crisis in her life,

so she brings it over here.

- You know how it is. - No.

Well, that's because you live in an apartment.

Yes, Marnie, he's here.

Well, where is he?

Because I want to talk to him!

Right there looking at television.

Oh. Bill, the whole matter's in your hands!

Now, I have done everything humanly possible!

Hi, Marnie.

Just let me turn this down a little, will ya?

Like you to meet Joe Friday, Marnie.

Mrs. Prout, Joe.

- How do you do? - Hello.

Would you care to sit down?

I'm in no mood to sit down!

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had company.

I'll just help Eileen with the dishes.

Are you a police officer, too?

Yes, ma'am.

This is my partner, Sergeant Friday.

Well, then, there's good reason for you to stay,

because your help will be needed.

Yes, ma'am.

Now, what seems to be the problem, Marnie?

I want you to arrest Harry. Your husband.

I'm sorry.

I know it's a shock to hear it's gone that far,

but you've gotta lock him up!

Now, you don't mean that.

He snapped!

Oh, Bill, I've seen it coming for a long time,

but tonight, he just snapped before my eyes.

He snapped!

Now, I saw Harry leaving for work this morning.

It didn't look like there was anything wrong then.

Oh, he's sly. That kind always is.

They know how to hide their true nature.

- What's Harry hiding? - Who knows?

With a nut like him, you can only guess!

Well, what did he do?

He attacked me! He's insane!

He's an insane man!

Is that right?

Oh, come on, Marnie.

He threw an egg timer at me!

Is that the act of a rational man?

Is it, Sergeant?

A lot would depend on what made him do it.

There. You see, Bill?

Now, will you arrest him?

You know I can't.

Why not?

I didn't see it happen.

I just told you what happened.

Were there any witnesses?

We don't wash our dirty laundry in public.

Well then it's your word against his.

Well, who are you going to believe?

Me or Harry?

It's not up to me to believe either one of you.

If you want to file a complaint,

I'll tell you how to go about it.

No, Bill. I want you to arrest Harry.

Why me?

Because Harry respects you.

Look, Marnie, why don't you just go

have a nice cup of coffee with Eileen.

I appeal to you, Sergeant Friday.

Well, let me ask you something, Miss Prout.

Just where were you struck?

Well, no place. I ducked just in time.

Well, you see, that's the trouble.

If somebody shoots at you, for instance,

that's a felony, whether you're hit or not,

but an egg timer wouldn't be considered a deadly weapon.

It could be a misdemeanor assault,

but since it missed you anyway...

I guess that means nothing can be done.

Not this time, Marnie.

Well, suppose it happens again?

Then you'll know what to do.

- What? - Let him hit you.

You get used to it.

Well, now, what did we miss?

I don't know.

With a timeout down on the field

and the score 10-3...

10-3? When did all that happen?

I didn't see a thing.

Sorry, Joe. I'll make sure we aren't interrupted again.

- Yeah. - No, I mean it, Joe.

We owe it to ourselves to get away from the job.

We're going to have a nice, quiet evening to ourselves.

With Art Bonham.

- What? - Oh, yeah, I forgot.

He didn't.

Art Bonham, my partner, Joe Friday.

How are you? Really good to see you, Sergeant.

Heard a lot of nice things about you from Bill.

Is that right? What's the problem, Art?

Look, you fellas are watching the ballgame.

Why don't we let this thing wait?

Well, if it's not too important...

Well, it is, sort of.

It's a neighborhood situation,

been a lot of unhappiness about it.

Maybe you've already picked up a few rumbles.

Can't say as I have, Art.

Well, as long as I'm here anyway,

it'll only take a minute, Bill. Okay, Joe?

- Yeah, sure. - What is it?

Well, it's the parking situation.

You know how it is. This is our neighborhood.

We all get along here.

So what if we are a little casual

in the way we park our cars?

You mean you got a ticket?

Actually, it was Vi. That's the wife, Joe.

She's only the latest on a long list.

The whole street's up in arms.

You sure nobody's complained?

- Not to me. - I'm surprised.

Hmph, shouldn't be, though.

The neighbors here do a lot of moaning,

but when it comes to action, they leave that up to old Art.

What was Vi cited for?

I've got the ticket right here.

Says she parked more than 18 inches from the curb.

How do you like that?

- Did she? - Probably. We all do.

You know that, Bill. We've been doing it for months.

You're still ahead. How's that?

You've been getting away with it for months.

Funny. You know, this isn't for myself.

Personally, I think you guys do a great job.

Like the man says, I'd pay the $2.00.

But Vi's really steamed up about it,

and she's not alone.

What were the other people cited for?

Just a lot of nitpicking.

Too far from the curb, too close to the hydrant,

parked the wrong way around, nitpicking.

Those are all against the law, Art.

True, no argument there.

It's the application of the law I take issue with.

I mean, this isn't downtown.

We expect a little latitude from you fellas.

- Like how much? - It's a matter of good judgment,

which this guy on the ticket, whatever his name is,

doesn't seem to have.

Either he's trying to win his letter,

or he's behind in his quota.

Well, there might have been complaints.

Not in this neighborhood, Joe.

We're just one big happy family.

Well, what are we gonna do about this, Bill?

I mean, this whole situation is getting ridiculous.

Everybody in the neighborhood...

- Art. - What?

Pay the $2.00.

Does this go on every night?

They don't miss many.

Well, they're neighbors, Joe.

You're in a different position,

living in a tiny little apartment.

Well, I'm not the only one in the building.

Oh, maybe you know a few people by sight.

A couple of them might be friends,

but the rest are strangers.

Yeah.

None of them are neighbors.

Well, you're a neighbor, too.

I don't see you bothering anybody.

No, you don't understand, Joe.

I'm the friendly neighborhood cop.

Uh-huh.

Well, that's like being lord mayor.

Everybody brings his troubles to you.

Yeah, I noticed that.

Most cases, all you can do is listen,

so you do it, because if you don't...

Yeah?

Well, you're a bad neighbor, Joe.

I suppose.

Isn't that a great chair?

Of course, you really can't get to be a neighbor

until you're married.

- Is that right? - Oh, yeah.

You really ought to think about that, Joe.

I have.

- What? - What you said.

You thinking about getting married?

No, I'm not.

You should, Joe.

Well, maybe if I could find a nice girl like Eileen

and a house like this for 8,500,

I might give it a go.

Well, I certainly never thought I'd hear you say that.

What?

That you'd let a house stand in your way.

That isn't what I said.

You've always got an excuse, haven't you?

- Yeah, one. - What's that?

I just don't want to get married.

- Yes, you do. - How do you know?

- It's written all over you. - It is?

You ought to see how you light up

whenever I talk about the house, Eileen, and the kids.

Yeah. Where are the kids tonight?

Always want to change the subject, don't you?

I try.

You ought to think more about settling down.

Look, Bill.

It's a fine life for you and Eileen,

and I'm all for it.

- But not for you. - Not just now.

Then you don't care if you do or not.

If I do or not what?

Ever become a neighbor.

Well, let me tell you,

there's one time when I wouldn't want to be one.

- Oh, when's that? - When the ballgame's on.

You suppose we could have a little sound now?

Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.

I'll turn it up.

Yeah, that's fine. That's fine.

I'm not available, Eileen, no matter who.

All right.

It doesn't matter who it is.

I'll tell them.

As far as this game has gone up to now,

this is the biggest play so far,

and it'll probably be the play of the game.

Now watch this sensational pass on instant replay.

It's good for 65 yards.

You know, that's a great thing, that instant replay?

It is tonight.

Bill, Bill!

It's Ruth Walker across the street!

Somebody's trying to break into her house!

Here he is.

Ruth, what's the matter?

Pardon? I can't hear you, Ruth.

You'll have to speak louder.

No, nobody can hear you outside.

Yeah, that's better. Now, where's Mike?

You're all alone then?

Where?

The other patio window just behind the hedge.

Well, you sit tight. I'll take care of it.

I'll be right there.

I'll call it in.

What are you going to do?

Call for a black and white.

- You going over there? - Yeah. Don't worry.

I never do.

9:28 p.m. We requested a radio car to be sent

to the address of the Walker home.

At the same time,

we asked that the officers be alerted to the fact

that we were already

in the area and investigating.

Ready?

Yeah, let's go.

Police officer! Hold it right there!

You the detectives?

Sergeant Friday, Officer Gannon.

What division you working out of?

Frauds, Bunko Section.

You want us to take him in, Sergeant?

Highland Park Station.

Yeah, that'll be fine. Those are my cuffs.

We'll see you at the station.

You got him, huh, Bill?

Nothing to worry about now, Ruth.

It's all taken care of.

Oh, that's a relief.

But I just don't understand it.

What's that?

Well, how can it happen here?

Well, what do you mean?

Well, you know what I mean.

No, I don't, Ruth.

Well, you're a detective.

You live right across the street from me.

Well, I guess the prowler didn't know that.

Well, that's the answer, Bill.

It should be well-known

there's a policeman in the neighborhood.

I could put a neon sign on the front lawn:

Officer Gannon Lives Here!

Just the same,

everybody would sleep better nights.

Not everybody.

Well, I don't know who wouldn't.

Officer Gannon.

Oh, heh.

There are ten minutes left on the clock.

Rams' ball on their own 33-yard line,

first and ten.

Must be a close game.

How can you tell?

The crowd, Joe. When there's that much excitement,

a touchdown either way could do it.

We could watch a couple of minutes

and get the score before we go to Highland Park.

No, I think we'd better be getting on over there, don't you?

Yeah, I guess you're right. It's late.

Thanks for having me, Eileen.

I'm trying to remember when I had a meal that good.

Think hard.

When did you say I was here last?

June. That's when.

I suppose it'll be another five months

before I see you again.

Never that long.

Be back as soon as we book that prowler.

I know. Good night, Joe.

Good night, and thanks.

Now don't forget to lock the door.

I'm sorry the evening got messed up.

Oh, that's all right. It's not your fault.

I suppose not.

People got a problem,

they've gotta tell it to somebody.

Uh-huh.

Isn't that your car down there?

You know it is, Joe.

Looks to me like you've got a problem.

What do you mean?

Isn't that a traffic citation there on your windshield?

- What? - That's what it looks like.

Will you take a look at this?

For parking across a driveway.

It's against the law.

I know that, Joe, but my own driveway.

It's still a 22500 EVC.

Yes, I know, but my own driveway.

The law shows no distinction.

I know that, Joe. All I'm saying...

- Bill. - What?

Pay the $2.00.

The suspect, who was wanted

in connection with several other burglaries,

was found guilty on four counts of burglary in the first degree.

Burglary in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment

in the state prison for not less than five years.