Original subtitles

[orchestral music]

♪♪

[narrator] Four words best known by three initials-- FBI--

letters that spell out

the internal security of the nation.

Behind those doors, your guardians.

At their command, the most advanced and complete

scientific assistance known to man.

But often, more important than science

is the intelligence,

the imagination of the individual agent,

the FBI man.

The FBI man, with his special knowledge of human weakness

and his ability to probe that weakness

and thus trap the criminal into his own betrayal.

♪♪

On Highway 91, heading into California...

♪♪

[tires squealing]

Fill 'er up?

Ethyl?

Operator, this is Ben down at the gas station.

I want you to call the FBI.

Tell 'em I'm putting gas into Joe Walpo's car.

Joe Walpo. His license number--

Uh, okay, Mom.

I'll-- I'll-- I'll see-- see you later.

Bye, Mom.

Uh, I was just calling--

[gunshots]

♪♪

[narrator] Within a half hour

of the brutal slaying at the gas station,

the FBI had alerted each of its 49 field offices.

Special instructions were sent to one office in particular--

Los Angeles, California.

♪♪

[typewriter bell dings]

♪♪

The urgent alert on Joe Walpo becomes one of many cases

that daily crosses the busy desk of Frank Pace,

the special agent in charge.

His job-- to direct and coordinate

the complex work in the field offices.

Here, the case is evaluated and analyzed

with the care of experience.

Then, it is given to Agent John Ripley,

the superintendent in charge of the criminal desk.

His job-- to supervise the investigation

of all criminal cases

handled by the special agents in the office.

♪♪

[overlapping chatter]

Now look, Vince, we're gonna crack this case

with or without your help.

I'm gonna ask you once more.

Come on, let's go.

We'll be late.

Angelino!

Maybe the car thieves you work for won't mind you

sitting in San Quentin three to five years,

but you've got a wife.

Look, I know-- I know I've got a wife.

Okay, I'm finished with him.

How'd you make out with Angelino?

I didn't.

Still afraid to talk, huh?

Oh, this just came in from Washington.

Huh.

I'll get right on it.

Rip, call Margaret for me

and tell her I won't be home for dinner.

Yeah, sure.

[narrator] Although Agent Stewart

has been assigned the Walpo case,

he still continues to investigate

the Angelino file.

Like all agents at the FBI, Stewart handles

several unrelated cases at the same time.

Working that night on his two active cases,

he brought himself up to date on Joe Walpo's long record

of hijacking, bank robbery, and murder,

and as he reanalyzed the history

of interstate car thefts involving the Angelino boy,

ten miles away in a quiet residential neighborhood,

a telephone operator plugged in his third case.

[ringing]

Hello?

Hello?

[man] Mrs. Martell?

Yes.

You've got a little girl named Vicki.

Who is this?

You wouldn't want anything to happen to her,

would you, Mrs. Martell?

What do you want?

You just listen.

I want that 10,000 insurance money

your husband left you.

You're insane.

You must be out of your mind.

Shut up.

I suggest you just listen

if you want to keep that kid alive.

I want that money.

I'll tell you later how, when, and where to take it.

Uh...

Mrs. Martell, just a word of advice--

don't tell anyone about this call

or I'll kill your little girl.

[receiver clicks]

[gasping]

Operator, operat--Mommy, mommy.

Yes, baby.

Yes?

It's all right-- I had a dream.

Now go back to sleep.

Are you going to bed?

Yes, in a little while.

Go to sleep.

♪♪

[stuffed toy squeaking]

♪♪

[man whistling a tune]

♪♪

[phone ringing]

Stewart speaking.

I got a phone call a few minutes ago.

[inhales sharply]

Take your time.

A man said he'd kill my little girl

if I didn't give him my insurance money.

May I have your name, please, and your address?

Mrs. Katherine Martell.

1157 Sampson.

Phone number, Mrs. Martell?

It's Dunkirk 2-1-1-9-9.

He warned me not to call anyone.

He said-- You did the right thing.

Where can I see you in the morning?

Can't you come tonight?

It wouldn't be advisable, Mrs. Martell.

Besides, there's no need to worry tonight.

Well, you can come to my office.

I'm a buyer at Ohrbach's.

Fine, I'll be there at 9:00.

Will you make out a list of everyone you know

and everyone you have dealings with?

Yes, I will.

Mrs. Martell, I assure you,

we'll be doing everything we can to help you.

Thank you, Mr. Stewart.

♪♪

[whistle tweeting]

Mrs. Martell?

Oh, yes?

I'm Zack Stewart, the agent you talked to last night.

Oh, thank you very much for coming.

Would you like to sit down, please? Thank you.

It was all so frightening.

I know-- I have a couple of youngsters myself.

The voice on the phone, Mrs. Martell,

did it tell you anything about the person?

You know, young or old, man or woman? No.

No, but I'm sure it was disguised.

It-- it sounded so peculiar.

I keep asking myself who.

All night long, I kept saying, who--

who would want to do such a thing?

You spoke of insurance money? Yes.

My husband's.

He was killed in an automobile accident.

He left me $10,000.

It could be anyone that knows about it--

an acquaintance,

even a repairman or delivery boy.

Do you have that list I asked you for?

Yes.

You've included everyone?

Family, friends?Oh, no.

It could be someone close to you. No.

You must include everyone, Mrs. Martell.

Have the materials I ordered come in yet, Kate?

You know I was promised.

All right, Henry, you'll get them tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

You said tomorrow two days ago.

Please, Henry, I'm busy.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[door closes]

This isn't like me, going to pieces like this,

but every time the phone rings, I jump,

just not knowing when he's gonna call again.

That's the pattern of extortion, Mrs. Martell,

to frighten you to the point

you'll do whatever he wants.

But we won't let him.

I know, I know, you sat on the edge of your bed

and watched her all night.

I did that once

when my little boy had scarlet fever.

I'll be all right.

Sure you will.

But for your own peace of mind,

we've placed your house under surveillance.

[narrator] Without disturbing the normal routine of the neighborhood,

Agent Stewart arranged the procurement

of identification on every person

entering or leaving Kate Martell's apartment.

♪♪

Agent Stewart received Mrs. Martell's permission

to intercept every telephone message.

He supervised preparations

to take down the next call from the extortionist

word for word.

Meanwhile, Agent Stewart's attention

was required by his two other cases.

♪♪

"To all agents, a firearms shoot

has been arranged for September 30th."

Too fast for you?[phone rings]

Ripley speaking.

I'd like to speak to Agent Stewart.

He's not in right now.

Can I help you?

No, I want to speak to him personally

because, well, it's about one of his cases.

Well, he'll be back pretty soon.

Can he call you? No.

And I can't come to your office.

Ca-- Can he come here?

Your name, please?

Your name, please?

Brenda Ralles.

Can he come here about 11:00 tonight? 11:00?

Couldn't you make it a little bit earlier?

Brenda Ralles.

No, not before 11:00.

I'll be alone then.

What's your address?

1210 North Drexell.

1210 North Drexell.

All right, we'll see you tonight, Mrs. Ralles.

The fellows are there.Hi, Rip.

10:56.That's close enough.

Let's go.

[doorbell buzzing]

[knocking]

Mrs. Brenda Ralles?

I'm Special Agent Ripley.

This is--No, please go away.

We have an appointment with Brenda Ralles

at this address.

No.[door closes]

May I come in, please?No.

Leave me alone!

♪♪

[music intensifies]

♪♪

[gunshot]

♪♪

What happened?

♪♪

I'm with the FBI.

Keep everybody out of the alley.

♪♪

Yes, sir.

♪♪

Who was with you a few minutes ago?

[dialing phone number]

Operator, get me the police.

Emergency.

Who was it, Ms. Ralles?

This is Ripley, FBI.

An agent was killed in an alley

in the back of 1210 North Drexell.

Right.

[narrator] The murder of Agent Stewart

fell under the immediate jurisdiction

of the local police.

Accordingly, Brenda Ralles was removed to headquarters,

where Lieutenant Kuppol of Homicide

was unable to pierce the armor of fear

left by the killer.

Come on, come on, Ms. Ralles.

[crying]

How much longer do you think you can try our patience?

[crying]

In her condition, it'd be best--

best to take her home and let her get some sleep,

make her think we've finished with her

while we tail her around the clock.

Frank, we'll sweat at this

as if Zack had been one of our men.

Fine, Jake.

♪♪

This was his night with his kids, too.

♪♪

Rip.

Yes?

That girl in there,

she called about one of Zack's cases,

but which one?

There's Walpo, Martell, and, uh...

Angelino.

One of them ties in with Zack's murder.

The sooner all three cases are concluded,

the sooner we'll know his killer.

♪♪

I'm turning over those three cases to you.

♪♪

Let's call it a night.

Come on.

♪♪

[narrator] By morning, Agent Ripley had thoroughly analyzed

all three of Zack Stewart's cases.

One of them held the clue to his killer.

The first to be investigated was the Joe Walpo case

in which Agent Stewart had been trying to develop

a lead to the fugitive through his girlfriend,

Connie Anderson.

[music playing]

♪♪

[doorbell rings]

♪♪

[turns volume down]

♪♪

FBI.

Okay, you're in.

♪♪

The bar's over there.

Help yourself.

Thanks.

♪♪

You Boy Scouts got names?

Yes, I'm Ripley, and this is Mr. Barker.

I suppose it's about Joe Walpo.

That's right.

Why don't you ask

the bloodhound who was here yesterday?

He was killed last night.

♪♪

Oh, that's tough.

♪♪

Do you mind if I put something on?

I don't like men staring at me before lunch.

♪♪

I don't care for the eyes-- or have you gotten that far?

♪♪

Who killed your pal?

[Ripley] We thought you could help us on that.

Me, help you?

That would be good for a laugh.

What time was he killed?

11:00.

That lets me off.

I was at the stadium, rooting for Gonzalez.

Poor slob got knocked out in the last round.

And I was sitting in my usual Wednesday night seat,

Row 10, Aisle B.

Everybody there saw me.

You can't pin anything on me.

♪♪

Okay, then, now that business is over,

maybe we can get a little informal.

Yeah, let's talk about Walpo.

Ooh, to begin with, you're supposed to phone up.

I was nice enough to let you in.

Like I told the guy yesterday,

Joe Walpo is only a name to me,

so go on and beat it!

There's a lot I'd rather do

than waste my time talking to you.

Walpo put your name on the prison records

to notify in case of illness.

So what?

He gives you presents.

All right, maybe you're the type,

you'd understand.

Try me.

You said he gave me presents.

Well, sure, he did.

And I knew where the presents were coming from,

and I didn't want to stop him or his presents.

You know why?Why?

♪♪

[needle scratches record, music stops]

Your kid's living in a five-buck hall closet

with a straw mattress,

and a guy like Joe Walpo looks at you,

you fall hard.

You think it'll last forever,

like one of them watches you don't have to wind.

Only busted...

and he's sure done a lot of winding.

Phone us when you hear from Walpo, will you?

Sure.Thanks.

For what?

Oh, uh, one more question, Miss Anderson.

Yeah?

Who is Brenda Ralles?

I never watch those quiz shows.

You don't know her?Nope.

[narrator] The second of Agent Stewart's cases

revolved around Vince Angelino,

the boy who chose to go to the federal penitentiary

rather than reveal the names

of the car-stealing gang who hired him.

[kids shouting]

♪♪

Pizza?Lasagna.

[knocking]

[narrator] Agent Stewart had been trying to get to Angelino

through his wife, Julie.

♪♪

Mrs. Angelino?Yes?

We're from the FBI.

We'd like to talk to you.Come in.

♪♪

I'm Mr. Barker, and this is Mr. Ripley.

Hello.How do you do?

Would you come inside?Thank you.

I understand one of our agents

talked to you yesterday.

Yes, Mr. Stewart did.

Won't you sit down?

♪♪

Mr. Stewart was killed last night.

Killed?

Not because of my husband?

We don't know yet.

That's why we'd like to have your help.

We'd like to have you recall

your conversation with him if you can.

He was so-- so understanding.

I'm so sorry to hear it.

Did he have a family?

A wife and two kids.

Poor woman.

I'll tell you just what I told him.

My husband didn't steal the car.

I think you must have told him

a little bit more than that, Mrs. Angelino.

I've gone over it again and again,

hoping I would find something

that would prove he's innocent.

That night when it happened,

Vince was nervous, worried.

So many bills to pay and out of his job,

he thought he would sleep better

if he got some fresh air.

He walked down to the drugstore--

you probably don't care

about small things like that.

That's where you're wrong.

Any small detail will help us.

Well, a little later,

Mrs. Tellini knocked on the door.

She has a phone.

Vince had called her to tell me

he met a man at the drugstore.

The man had offered him $50

to drive a car to Las Vegas.

What man? What was his name?

Mr. Stewart asked me that--

if Vince had told me anything about the man--

what he looked like or his name or anything,

and I told him no.

Vince had never heard of him before he called.

When you talked to Mr. Stewart,

did he say anything that might lead you to think

that he had a clue to the man's identity?

No, I don't remember anything,

but I keep praying that you'll find the man,

because when you do,

it will prove that Vince was innocent.

[clock chiming]

Oh, dear, I didn't think.

The sun must be right in your eyes.

Sorry.

It was very inconsiderate of me.

♪♪

How long have you been blind, Mrs. Angelino?

♪♪

Since I was 14.

♪♪

It must be kind of difficult here,

all by yourself.

No.

It's just this waiting for Vince to come back.

♪♪

Thank you for your cooperation.

Uh, do you know a woman

by the name of Brenda Ralles?

Brenda Ralles?Mm-hmm.

No, I'm sure I don't.

Thank you.

Good-bye.

Mr. Ripley.Yes?

Please be careful.

If somebody killed Mr. Stewart

because he came here and talked to me,

then you could be in danger.

Thank you very much, Mrs. Angelino.

I'll be careful.

Good-bye.

♪♪

[door closes]

[narrator] Agent Stewart's third case

dealt with the target of an extortionist.

Mrs. Martell?

Are you Mr. Ripley?

Yeah, that's right.

I was stunned when I heard

about Mr. Stewart's death.

You don't believe it had anything to do with--

We don't know yet.

I hope the fish and chips are as good as they used to be.

Ah, go on and enjoy your lunch, will you?

Thank you.

That list you gave Mr. Stewart--

are you sure you didn't leave anybody off of it?

No, I don't believe so.

I--What's the matter?

Is somebody coming?

Yes, and he'll probably want to join us.

All right, relax now.

Just take it easy.

Kate!

Well, well-- small world department.

Hello, Dave.Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to butt in.

Oh, that's all right.

My name is Ripley.Millson.

Dave Millson.

I was just talking over my new fall line

with Mrs. Martell here.

You can join us-- that is,

if you're not a competitor.

Me? [laughing]

I can't tell a hem from a gusset--

whatever a gusset is.

Dave's a friend of the family.

Yep, good old Dave, friend of the family.

That's me.

Well, I-- I won't horn in.

I hope you make a sale, Mr. Ripley.

Thanks very much.

So long, Kate.

So long, Dave.

Dave Millson, real estate broker,

bachelor friend of your husband.

You must have memorized the list.

By the way, do you know a girl

by the name of Brenda Ralles?

Brenda Ralles?

No, I-- I don't believe I know her.

No, I didn't!

I tell you, I didn't!

Look, I'll meet you in half an hour.

♪♪

[narrator] Three cases, one murder,

and Agent Ripley had yet to link Brenda Ralles

to one of these cases

which were within his jurisdiction.

Therefore, the girl, the principal lead

to the murder of Agent Stewart

was still under the surveillance of the police department.

♪♪

This is the latest in two-way stretchers.

I'd like to try it on.Surely.

The dressing rooms are right over there.

Yes, I know.

May I help you, sir?

Uh, yeah, give me one of those.

What size does your wife wear?

It's not for my wife.Oh?

Uh, say, is there another exit

to that dressing room over there?

Yes, there's a back stairway.

It's a great place to lose her-- in a girdle department.

You didn't stop and try one on, did you?

You could use one.

Look, Jake, I lost her in the dressing room.

Suddenly, he gets modest.

I'll talk to you later.Yes, sir.

Sorry, Rip.

Grant's really a good man.

Yeah, great.

Get me Harrison.

If you need any more men, I--

It's all right.

Harry, how many men have you got out on Ralles?

[Harry] Six cars.

That's not enough!

What are you saving up for, an earthquake?

Look, I want the all-points hot and heavy.

Now get on it!

[phone ringing]

[ringing]

I'm coming, I'm coming.

Just a minute.

I'll take that, Mrs. Downes. Hello?

[Vicki] Mommy!

Who?

Wrong number.

[Vicki] Mommy!

Yes, baby.

Look!

Well, what is it?

It's a picture of you.

Oh, well, it looks just like me.

But it isn't finished yet.

Oh, so it isn't.

I'll tell you what-- you finish it

while Mommy gets ready for dinner, huh?

[kiss]

♪♪

Uncle Max, I asked you to knock.

You'd think I was a stranger

instead of a member of the family.

What is it now?

That old hag you call a housekeeper.

What about her?

You should get rid of her, Katherine.

You know, me and Vicki were doing all right.

Vicki's a little girl.

She needs a woman's attention.

The way she bosses in the house when you're not around.

Treats me like an outsider.

Look, Uncle Max, I work hard all day long.

I need Mrs. Downes.

Wasting Bill's insurance money that way.

Well, at least I'm not wasting it on horses.

Does that bother you?

Never seemed to bother Bill.

You needn't set a place for me tonight.

I know when I'm not welcome.

♪♪

Mrs. Downes.

Mrs. Downes.

♪♪

If Uncle Max ever wants to take Vicki somewhere

when I'm not at home-- anyplace--

she's not to go.

You understand.I understand.

♪♪

And so, the little princess

lived happily ever after.

Now, you go to sleep and I'll see you

tomorrow morning at breakfast, all right?

Good night.

♪♪

[knocking on door]

Who is it?

It's Dave.

Am I early?

Well, you'd better hurry up and get dressed.

Honey, anything goes tonight-- you name it.

The Coconut Grove, a show, the Palladium,

Ocean Park.

Or we can stay right here and make popcorn

and hold hands.

I'm sorry, Dave,

I completely forgot about our date.

Oh?

It's been one of those days.

I feel kind of low.

Well, all the more reason I should stick around

and cheer you up.

Well, Dave, I--

I just wouldn't be good company.

Now, you don't have to do a thing.

I'll pop the corn, show you my best card trick.

Can I take a rain check?

I'm a great little cheerer-upper.

Please, Dave.Okay.

But before I go, let me tell you the news.

I sold a house in Brentwood.

Biggest deal so far.That's fine, Dave.

That's just fine.

Well, aren't you gonna congratulate me?

[popcorn spilling]

I'd have rather you fought me off, Katie.

Anything but you just standing there.

That's all right.

Mrs. Downes will clean it up.

You're really sore, aren't you?

Let's say I won't be if you go now.

And let's just say I had one too many.

Let's say that, and all is forgiven.

Nice going, Katie.

You break the date,

and I have to be the one who's forgiven.

♪♪

Dave, I--

Good evening, Kate.

Oh, hello, Alex, come in.

Anything wrong?

No, no, you just surprised me, that's all.

Martha told me to return the sugar she borrowed.

Oh, thanks, but she needn't have bothered you.

There is something wrong, isn't there?

I had another argument with Uncle Max.

I know, Kate.

I realize he's an old man

and he did help us get started,

bought us furniture.

Has he ever let you forget it?

If only he'd stop complaining.

He's got his health,

makes enough money to lose on the horses.

Let him find some other place to live.

I don't know, I-- I suppose you're right. See?

I'm the kind of man who can work out

everybody's problems except his own.

Well, I'd better get back.

Mother's got one of her crying spells again,

only worse.

Keeps telling me to ask for a raise.

Hah! A raise.

A lot she knows.

People my age can only ask for so much.

That's true, Alex.

Hmm, I'll be seeing you, Kate.

Oh, by the way, I know a good stock.

Oh, thanks, Alex,

but I think I'll keep the money in the bank.

That's the safest thing.

Good night, Kate.

Good night, Alex.

♪♪

[music intensifies]

♪♪

This is everything she owns, Jake.

Didn't find a photograph, a letter, nothing.

She played it solo.

So we're all finished with you, Mr. Werker.

Oh, I thought I'd wait around

for the reporters and the photographers.

They may want to take my picture.

The Chronicleis down the street, two blocks.

That was an awful shock, you know,

finding her body.

I'm not a well man.

I fell off a roof once, and all my insides

got shoved up two inches.

My stomach's up against my liver,

my liver's up against my gallbladder,

and my gallbladder's

between my stomach and my lungs.

[phone ringing]

Besides which, I got a bad heart.

Yeah?

You think they'd want to take my picture?

After all, a sick man like me

finding that girl, huh?

I'd certainly think so.

Thanks, George.

You ought to see my X-rays.

The doctor says he doesn't know

why I'm alive.

Yeah.

That was ballistics.

The bullet they took from Brenda Ralles

was fired from a .357 Magnum,

the same gun that killed Zack.

[narrator] Three cases, two murders.

And the only known killer connected to those cases

was Joe Walpo.

Miss Anderson was placed

under an around-the-clock surveillance,

and even in the seclusion of her own apartment,

when her actions could only be surmised,

every move she made was of possible significance.

♪♪

The waste paper from Miss Anderson's apartment

was segregated and picked up daily.

The FBI wanted that piece of gift wrapping.

It was forwarded to Washington.

Skilled technicians took it in charge.

They unearthed a single fingerprint--

Joe Walpo's.

Another clue was hidden in the watermark.

The FBI has 17,000 watermarks on file.

Each one is the signature of the manufacturer.

The gift wrapping bore the imprint

of the Northco Paper Company,

a small plant devoted exclusively to gift wrappings.

At the Northco plant,

an agent questioned the superintendent.

This paper was rolled sometime between

September 1st and 12th.

How can you tell?From the watermark.

Can you tell me where you sold this particular roll?

Sure thing.

Excuse me.

[narrator] The search for Joe Walpo by scientific analysis

was but one method being employed by the FBI.

At the same time, Agents Ripley and Barker

undertook to reach the fugitive

through another method-- their precise understanding

of human emotions and weaknesses.

♪♪

[doorbell rings]

♪♪

Well, if it isn't Buster again.

♪♪

I was beginning to feel neglected.

I'm alone, Rover boy.

You know, if only you were.

Have a drink?No, thanks.

Make yourself comfortable.

Thank you.

Looks like we'll save time.

I don't know any more about Joe Walpo

than I did before.

We didn't say you did.

As a matter of fact, we owe you an apology.

Come again?

You see, we were going along on the theory

that you were still Walpo's girlfriend.

We were wrong.

A couple of things had us fooled.

One, you never went out with other men in this town.

Well, who told you that?

We figured you were afraid Walpo would find out about it.

I go out.

I go out plenty.

He still sends you presents.

Why not?

Joe doesn't forget an old friend.

An old friend?

Well, no, that's right, he doesn't.

What do you think you're doing?

You know, it's funny

how a man's taste changes with time.

This was a girl who was questioned in Denver

a couple days ago.

What am I supposed to do, break out in a rash?

No, I just thought maybe you were still interested

in Joe's activities.

That's her right here.

Take a look.

She's cafe society.

That's funny.

I always thought Joe liked blondes.

You can paste her on your wall.

She's not my type.

Well...

Would you like to hear something very interesting?

[static]

[man speaking on tape] This is an official transcription

of an interview with Miss Barbara Carmichael

recorded in the Federal Building in Denver, Colorado.

Do you mind?

Anything for a laugh.

[man speaking on tape] Thank you for coming here voluntarily, Miss Carmichael.

We appreciate it.

[Miss Carmichael] Not at all.

[man] State your full name and address, please.

[Miss Carmichael] Barbara Carmichael,

112 Westview Drive.

[man] Do you live alone at that address?

[Miss Carmichael] Yes, ever since college.

[man] If I show you a photograph of Joe Walpo, Miss Carmichael,

can you identify it?

[Miss Carmichael] Of course, only I knew him

under the name of Joe Allen.

Since then, I've discovered who he really was.

[man] How did you come to meet him?

[Miss Carmichael] Oh, at one nightclub or another.

We became very good friends.

[man] For how long?

[Miss Carmichael] Two or three months.

[man] During that time, he was your houseguest?

[Miss Carmichael] You might call it that.

Turn that thing off! [man] Miss Carmichael, I...

You heard me! Turn it off!

[man] ...bill for a topaz necklace.

You dirty creeps!

I wish you were both dead!

Turn it off!

[man] When did you last see him, Miss Carmichael?

[tape stops]

Yeah, Connie, when was the last time you saw Walpo?

When was the last time you saw any man?

Get out.

You lousy crumbs, get out of here!

[shattering glass]

♪♪

[music intensifies]

♪♪

♪♪

This is Perry. Report to Ripley.

We're following subject on freeway,

heading toward Civic Center.

♪♪

Yes, yes, it's very well made.

Let me demonstrate in a crowd.

Any ordinary crowd will do.

Sorry, I didn't know you were busy.

Oh, I'm glad you're here.

Mr. Hogarth, meet Agent Barker.

An honor and a privilege, Mr. Barker.

Yes, Mr. Hogarth invented this--

this-- well, this.

It works on the same principle

as a Geiger counter, only it finds spies,

and when it does, this light--

this one right here, lights up.

Yes, even people I never suspected.

My wife's mother, my next door neighbor,

the man who came to see me about my taxes.

I got a light on all of them.

[phone ringing]

The income tax man, huh?

That's very interesting.

Ripley speaking.

I think it's working, Rip.

We tailed her to the subway terminal,

where she's just boarded the number three inter-urban.

Fine, we'll pick you up en route.

Mr. Hogarth, I'm sorry, we're gonna have to run.

Now, you take that to the patent office.

They'll give you all the information you need.

I think it's wonderful.

I wish we had one.

♪♪

We're following north on Glendale, now passing Oak.

We'll pick you up at Court Street,

do drop-off there.

♪♪

[narrator] End of the line.

An isolated path in the outermost suburbs

of the sprawling city.

♪♪

[knocking]

Joe, it's Connie.

♪♪

[knocking]

It's Connie, Joe.

[door unlocks]

♪♪

What are you doing here?

I had to see you, Joe.

I told you I'd let you know

when you were supposed to come.

Nobody followed me here, I'm sure of it.

I couldn't wait any longer.

Aren't you glad to see me?

I'll let you know.

Joe, remember me-- Connie?

That was a dumb trick, coming here.

I know, but it's been a long time, Joe.

[air hissing]

What's that?

[air hissing]

♪♪

Joe!

♪♪

[Connie] Oh, let me go!

Let go!

♪♪

FBI, Walpo-- come out with your hands up.

[gunshot]

♪♪

[gunfire]

♪♪

Joe!

♪♪

[crying] Oh, Joe!

♪♪

Oh, Joe.

♪♪

[crying]

Don't touch me.

[crying]

[narrator] Joe Walpo's file was closed.

It's ugly record listed a score of known crimes,

but the FBI proved

that on the night of Agent Stewart's murder,

Walpo was in Las Vegas.

This narrowed the search for his killer

down to the cases involving Vince Angelino

and Kate Martell.

[phone ringing]

[ringing]

♪♪

Hello?

[man] Hello, Mrs. Martell.

Been waiting to hear from me?

What do you want me to do?

Okay, get the money in small bills.

Nothing bigger than 20s.

Take it to the Hillview Cemetery.

Cemetery?

Arrive there at exactly 12:00.

Park 100 yards from the entrance.

I'll be watching you.

Yes.

Then go in the cemetery

and take the path to the right.

It leads to the Williams Mausoleum.

Wait there five minutes, then return to your car.

Where do you want me to put the money?

I'll contact you.

And listen, bring your kid.

Oh, no!

And leave her in the car

while you're waiting at the mausoleum.

I couldn't do that!

Nothing will happen to her if you play ball.

You're not afraid of cemeteries, are you?

You will be, if you call the police.

[receiver clicks]

♪♪

No mother can be expected to do what he asks.

Leave a child alone in a car at midnight?

I can't do it.

No mother could.

Tell me something.

What?

Do they make these things up

for children's clothes too?

Yes.

Why don't you borrow one from the store

and wrap it in a blanket.

It's gonna be dark.

He might be watching the apartment when I leave.

It's a possibility, but if you're carrying

something in a blanket at night...

I'm afraid I'm gonna crack up tonight, Mr. Ripley.

I'll bet you another lunch you don't.

♪♪

[phone ringing]

[woman] Don't answer it.

[ringing]

Hello?

Hello?

♪♪

[phone ringing]

Hello?

[dialing]

Line busy, honey?

Oh, it's-- it's all right.

Now remember what I told you.

Don't answer the phone

and don't open the door for anyone.

Oh, I won't.

But what about the old man?

He has a key.

Well, I'll be home long before Uncle Max.

Oh, well, that's fine, honey.

You run along and have yourself a good time.

You can depend on--

Well, what on earth?

I'll explain later.

Be an angel and don't ask questions,

and be sure and bolt the door after me.

♪♪

Why, Kate, where are you going

at this time of night?

I'll be right back.

Can I be of help?

No, thanks, I can manage.

♪♪

[engine starts]

♪♪

[phone ringing]

♪♪

[bell tolling]

[gasping]

♪♪

[rustling]

♪♪

Five minutes have elapsed.

Victim should be returning to car.

You take it.

♪♪

Pardon me, Miss,

can you tell me where Logan Boulevard

comes in around here?

No, I can't.

Maybe you know where Fordham Boulevard is.

No, I-- I don't know.

Hey, it's kind of late for a pretty little girl like you

to be running around all alone, isn't it?

Maybe I can give you a lift someplace.

I'm waiting for a friend.

Maybe I'm that friend you're waiting for.

Are you?Well, sure.

Look, honey, supposin' you and I

go out someplace and have a couple of drinks,

some laughs, and--

[crying]

Lady, I was only kidding.

I didn't mean anything by--

♪♪

♪♪

It's all right, Mrs. Martell.

[crying]

He never showed up.

[crying]

He never showed up.

He didn't intend to.

That's the extortionist's pattern,

to terrorize you.

Come on.

Come on, I'll drive you home.

♪♪

[train whistle blows]

[bell clanging]

[knocking]

Mrs. Angelino?Yes?

I got a message for you.

I'm a friend of your husband's.

A friend of Vince?

Oh, please come in.

Come on.You first.

What do you hear from Vince?

He's fine.

He wrote me yesterday.

You have a message for me?

Could I see the letter?

Mrs. Tellini has it.

I'll get--Never mind.

Just tell me what was in it.

The usual.

He's feeling fine.

He helps in the library.

Yeah, yeah, what else did he say?

You said you had a message for me.

Who are you?

What do you want?

Why did you lock the door?

The letters you write to Vince,

they're no good for him.

They may start him thinking.

He may think too much.

And if he does, I'll shove a knife in his back!

♪♪

Help me up, will you, please?

I feel--What's the matter?

What are you doing?

I'm sorry, I can't see.[knocking on door]

Don't you say a word.

[woman] Julie, are you home?

About those letters,

I don't like what you put in 'em.

I write what I want!

I don't go for this blind stuff.

To me, you're just another broad.

Now, you're gonna do what I tell you! No!

♪♪

I warned you!

♪♪

All right.

You quit filling Vince with all that rubbish,

or the next time, I'll really work you over!

♪♪

[door slams]

♪♪

Do you think that you could possibly

describe him to us in some way?

He was tall, about 6'2", and weighed around 195.

How do you know that?Uh...

I could tell his height by where his voice came from

when I stood close to him.

And that board in front of my door

squeaks at 160 and gets louder.

[board squeaking]

180.

Your scales are off four pounds.

Do you think you could guess his age?

Oh, about 35.

Oh, anything else?

Yes, he had a deep scar on his right cheek

and his hair was greasy and cut very short.

He was wearing a tweed sport coat

that must have cost a lot.

I smelled it and I felt it too.

And another thing-- I think he's a fighter.

Why do you say that?

His left ear was, uh, uh...you know.

Oh, cauliflowered.Yes.

Well, that should do us. Thank you.

Mrs. Angelino,

we ought to find a place for you in our office.

You're gonna stay

with Mrs. Tellini tonight, aren't you?

Well, if you say so, but don't be afraid.

I'm not.

Good-bye.

[door closes]

He's about 35, 6'2", weighs around 195 pounds.

Got a butch haircut, a scar on his right cheek,

and his left ear is cauliflowered.

Might be in your racket.

I don't know him.I don't know him either.

He'd go in for fancy clothes.

Sometimes wears a tweed sport coat.

Oh, yeah, and he cuts his hair short.

Sorry, champ, doesn't ring a bell.

He weighs about 195 pounds, stands 6'2".

He's got a scar on his right cheek

and a cauliflowered left ear.

Yeah, I know the guy.

Used to fight prelims a couple of years ago.

He wouldn't train, so I dropped him.

What's his name?

You offering a reward?

Nah.

Too bad.

Nothing like a reward to encourage good citizenship.

Thanks for the lesson in civics.

What's his name?

Just kidding.

Ah.

His name is Matty Pavelich.

Used to live at 1701 Parther Street, Apartment 3.

Thanks.

Look, I know my rights.

You can't go picking up a guy for no reason.

You didn't pay Angelino $50

to drive a car, a car that was stolen?

Ah, go fry an egg.

I told you, no.

What is this, a frame?

Who's this Angelino guy?

What would I be doing with stolen cars?

My nose is clean.

Keep me here much longer, and a lawyer will slap

a sweet lawsuit against you guys for false arrest.

We haven't arrested you, Mr. Pavelich.

We just wanted to ask you some questions.

Okay, okay, so you questioned me.

I don't know nothing from nothing.

Now, look--

You know why you've been brought here, Mr. Angelino?

No.

Speak up, son.

You have nothing to be afraid of.

I want you to take a good look

at that fellow right over there

and tell us who he is.

Go on, walk right up to him.

Don't be afraid.

I never saw him in my life.

Okay, are you guys satisfied?

Your frame didn't work.

Now let me out of here.

The kid don't know me, and I don't know him.

He paid you to drive a stolen car,

and he's a member of a gang

who's been hustling hot cars

across the state line, only you didn't know it.

Isn't that the truth?

No, I never saw him before.

Okay, take him back.

Come on.

Okay, you got nothing on me.

Can I go?

No, the L.A. Police want to talk to you

about that gal you beat up the other night.

You're crazy. What gal?

It turned out to be pretty serious, Pavelich.

Medical reports show two fractured ribs,

a possible ruptured spleen,

and multiple bruises on the face.

Jake Kuppol doesn't like assault and battery.

You're in a real jam, Pavelich.

She identified you.Well, you're crazy!

She couldn't, she's--Blind.

What?

Yeah, she's blind.

What did you do to my wife, huh?

What did you do to my wife, huh?

I'll kill you, I'll kill you!

I'll kill you!

All right!

All right, take it easy, kid, take it easy!

Angelino, do you want to make a statement?

You bet I do!

You bet I do!All right.

All right, Greg, take him out of here.

Come on, Vince.

That kid don't know what he's talking about.

I'm admitting nothing.

This is a frame-up.

You guys don't scare me.

Let's get back to you, Pavelich.

What about Thursday night?

Thursday night?

What do you mean, Thursday night?

Look, you guys don't scare me.

Where were you Thursday night?

Thursday night again.

I don't know what you're talking about.

We're talking about you.

One of our men was killed Thursday night.

Where were you Thursday?

No, I-- I didn't kill no Fed.

I wasn't even in California on Thursday.

I was in Arizona, shoving hot cars.

Look, I swear I was.

I was in Arizona on a job!

I got five witnesses to prove it!

Sit down.

Hey, do I have to go back?

We'll talk about that after you've made your statement.

In there.

♪♪

Julie.

[crying]

♪♪

Well, I'll wire Washington right away.

Many thanks.

Phoenix Police confirmed Pavelich's story.

They just picked up three of the gang.

Congratulations, Rip.Thanks.

[narrator] The presence of Pavelich in Phoenix, Arizona,

on the night of Agent Stewart's killing

was definitely confirmed.

That left one open file-- the Martell case.

Agent Stewart's killer and the extortionist

had to be one and the same person.

Intensifying his efforts,

Agent Ripley reviewed all information.

These are the people

connected with Mrs. Martell's daily life

seen leaving her apartment.

First one, Max Charles Martell,

her late husband's uncle.

Works as a night watchman.

In 1937, he was acquitted of a bunco charge.

In 1938, he was tried and acquitted

of attempting to defraud Mrs. Bella Block.

Habits, irregular.

Alex Shurk.

Bookkeeper and neighbor of the victim.

Earns $86 a week.

His only tangible assets-- his car and furniture.

Merchant's Credit Association

considers him a good risk.

Habits, irregular.

Dave Millson, real estate broker.

Friend of the victim and her late husband.

Dresses expensively and lives beyond his means.

Has been seen in the company of women

with known records of soliciting.

Habits, irregular.

Louis Kello, postman.

Married 18 years, has three children.

Habits, very regular.

Thank you very much.You're welcome.

[bike bell rings] Hmm, that's pretty classy.

Who sent it?Mr. Ripley.

You remember him.

You met him at the Town and Country.

Who's he trying to impress?

I'm getting her the largest doll I can find.

I wonder where I can hide it

before Vicki gets home.

Well, how about the Shurks?

Oh, no, I don't want to bother Alex.

You know, he lost his job

after all these years.

Oh. Well, don't worry.

I'll take care of it

and bring it to the party tomorrow.

Thanks, Dave.

You know, you can be pretty sweet

when you want to be.

I'll bet you have a lot of fun at a keyhole.

Well, so long, Katie.

I'll stop by early tomorrow to help you out.

You sure you don't want to stay for dinner?

No, thanks very much.

So long, Dave.Bye.

Hmm, how you can cuddle up to that Millson fellow,

I don't know.

It's none of your business, Uncle Max.

Three to one, he's after Bill's insurance money.

You're a great one to talk. Me?

I only wanted--You listen to me.

Stop walking into my bedroom

and stop interfering with Miss Downes

and stop poking your nose into my personal life!

Bother me once more, and you'll move out of this house,

and I mean it!

I mean every word I say!

I should have said it a long time ago!

Leave me alone!

[door slams]

There you are.

Here you go.

Mommy, look.Thanks, Rip.

[bike bell rings]

You can't imagine how glad I am

that you could come with us today.

You see all those pigeons right over there?

Well, I see a lot of them.

Go get one for me, will you?

♪♪

I needed company.

Yeah, so did I.

You know, it's funny.

I never could figure out

people working around their house on weekends

or in the garden.

Not me-- I like my job.

I like to work 24 hours, around the clock.

Just can't relax, that's all.

♪♪

I'll be glad when I can relax again.

Everything's getting to be such a chore.

I-- I even wonder if I should go ahead

with Vicki's birthday party.

I wish you would.

It'd be a great help to us if you did.

All right.

[overlapping chatter]

Quiet now, everybody.

It's time for our birthday girl

to blow out those candles.

And you're gonna make a great big wish.

And make it a good one.

Have you made it?

Go ahead, dear, blow them out.

You blow 'em out.

No, it's your birthday.

You can do it yourself.

All you have to do is a great big huff and a puff.

One, two, three, hoo!

[narrator] At Agent Ripley's directions,

fingerprints were taken off the glasses

used by the guests at the party

to be forwarded by telephoto to Washington.

The guests' conversation was recorded

to be delivered to an expert on semantics

for comparison with the recording

of the telephone call from the extortionist.

[overlapping chatter]

Now, as you know, the-- the science of semantics

can determine with rather a high degree of accuracy

the identity of one individual in a group

by breaking down the various word patterns

used by each individual in that group

and then comparing the results.

Now I've just finished my preliminary work

on the Martell birthday party,

and I'm ready to compare sentences, phrases, and words

used by guests A, B, C, D, and E.

[phone ringing]

Hello, Mrs. Martell speaking.

[man] You've been talking to the FBI.

Did you hear me?

Yes.

I know everything that's going on.

Monday, the kid was at the playground with the old lady.

Tuesday, at the dentist.

Wednesday, she went with the old lady to market,

didn't she?

And last Sunday in the park,

remember the rubber ball?

I could have killed her then.

Or don't you believe me?

Yes. Okay.

Then write this down,

and this time, don't tell the FBI.

If you really love your little girl,

get the dough.

Only 10s and 20s.

Go half a mile up Derondo Drive.

Be there at 2:00.

Get it?

2:00.

Derondo Drive.

Park at the "Slow Grade" sign.

You'll see a pile of stones.

Look under the stones.

Got it?

Yes.

Remember, keep your mouth shut.

[receiver clicks]

♪♪

Mrs. Downes.

Well, what on earth?

Is Vicki asleep?Yes.

I've got to talk to you.

What's the matter? What's the trouble?

Somebody might kill her

if I don't give them my insurance money

Oh, no! Who?

I don't know.

He called me a half hour ago,

and he wants me to bring the money to him now.

He wants me to go a half mile up Derondo Drive.

Now, let's analyze the various expressions

used by guests A, B, C, D, and E at the party

and compare them to the peculiar intensifiers

used by the extortionist.

[phone ringing]

One minute, professor.Certainly.

Pace speaking.

Yes, Mr. Cooper.

Thank you very much.

We appreciate it.

Rip, that was the head cashier at the bank.

Kate Martell just drew out all her money.

Let's go, Greg.

Excuse us, Professor Wilson.

♪♪

Where'd she go, Mrs. Downes?

Out.

We know that, but where?

She didn't say.

We know you're devoted to her,

but right now, her life might be in danger.

Oh, no!Every minute counts.

She said half a mile up Derondo Drive.

Derondo. Let's go!

♪♪

The similarity of expressions

between the extortionist and subject A

leads us to feel there's a strong possibility

that subject A is your extortionist, gentlemen.

From Washington.

Number 3 print from birthday party

identical to print of Thomas Gibson,

questioned on extortion charge,

Cleveland, 1946.

Using alias Joe Connors,

questioned extortion and assault of woman,

Philadelphia, 1948.

Using alias Fred Thompson,

questioned extortion and blackmail of woman,

Boston, 1950.

Number 3 print belongs to subject A, professor.

♪♪

Victim reported heading up Derondo Drive.

We're following. Out.

♪♪

Did a green Chevy coupe pass by here,

a young lady driving it?

Yeah, as a matter of fact,

she stopped here for a bit.

♪♪

Where'd she go?

See that sign?

Thanks. Let's go.

♪♪

[music intensifies]

♪♪

Dave!

That's right, Kate.

Good old Dave, friend of the family.

Only I never really knew your husband.

I first heard of him when I read

that he'd left you $10,0000.

You've given me a bad time, Kate.

I had to kill Brenda Ralles

and an FBI man to get to this money.

♪♪

Oh, no.

♪♪

Oh, no.

♪♪

I won't tell anyone, I promise!

I never take chances!Let me go!

I won't tell anyone, I prom-- no, let me go!

♪♪

Help!

Help me!

[gunshots]

♪♪

Mr. Jermaine will drive you home-- come on.

Rip, I don't know what to say.

I--Just don't say anything.

Here.Thanks.

♪♪

Let's go, Rip.

Sometimes you meet some nice people in this business.

♪♪