Original subtitles

Looks like a fire, near the Endicott Building.

Those are smoke signals.

Now, what's this all about?

Is this some kind of a publicity stunt

for motion picture?

- I brought him to help you. - I don't need any help.

See, you're wanted for murder.

The kid is obviously looking for a witness to help his father.

What about the finder's fee on the jewels?

Like I said. We split it right down the middle.

[yelps]

Oh, you scared ten years out of me.

It won't matter.

What's that supposed to mean?

You're gonna take a little jump

from your balcony.

Hold it!

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Have a good stay.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Holly: And one, and two,

and three, and four,

and five, and six--

Holly.

Holly, will you knock it off, please!

[groaning]

Do you remember...

What?

- Will you stop that? - What?

Never finishing a sentence.

What do you want me to remembered?

- That. - What?

They would've had to tear your tongue out

before you'd yell at me like that once!

Oh, great. And that's what you want me to remember now?

Don, that s all I got left, memories.

Holly, what do you want from me?

Do you realize I'm gonna have 20 minutes to open 60 locks.

Look at my hands, I'm shaking like an alky.

Hey, so don't open.

So don't open 60 locks in 20 minutes.

Let's-- let's just hang out like we used to--

Holly. Holly.

Will you grow up, please?

Do you know what this place right here

sets me back every month? Do you understand that?

Of course, you never let me forget.

Great.

After today I'm going to have enough

so it won't even matter.

So what does it matter?

I can always work in a department store.

I know the price of everything.

This silk blouse is $140.

My shoes are $38.

And this ring, a caret and a half,

genuine article, $3000.

And we got the bracelet and the ring--

Holly, what're you talking about?

Money, the only thing you care about.

- Listen! - Huh?

Don't hit me.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

Everybody here?

Except McCloud.

Good. Everybody who should be here is.

Morning, ladies. Gentlemen.

Now, you all know what this meeting is for.

The, uh, commissioner has decided to try a new program

as a weekly meeting where you officers can

air your beefs and, uh, make suggestions

in an atmosphere of relaxation and friendship.

First off, anybody have a beef?

[telephone ringing]

Good. Good.

Now if there are no suggestions,

we can all get back to work.

Ah, chief.

What's your trouble?

I have a suggestion that could prove useful.

Oh.

Joe: Chief, as impressed on us

that physical fitness is one of the most

important asset for any police in department

to be able to fulfill the demanding role of today's...

Maggie, they're still in there?

Uh-huh, McCloud, I'm about to give you

the best advice of your life.

What's that?

Turn around and get out of here.

Would you mind?

Where'd you get this?

It was up a tree.

Believe me, McCloud, you're still up it.

Broadhurst: Equipment is there,

although it's scattered all over the precincts

since our last move.

And the room is available, too. Right here.

All we have to do is get the equipment together.

So it seems to me that with very little extra cost

to the department we could have a gym set-up, uh,

next to the locker room.

[telephone ringing]

That's the stup...

No, sergeant, I think everyone here will agree with me

that that is not practical suggestion at this time.

Right?

What about you, McCloud?

Well, I didn't hear what Joe had to say to begin with.

That's not what I meant.

Oh, you mean, about my being late?

Well, I did run into a little difficulty there.

But you know it opened up a suggestion

that might be of great help to the department.

[scoffs] I thought you already were a great help

by not showing up.

[laughing]

No, chief, I think, uh...

Stop bragging.

Well, and that about takes care

of the suggestions for this session.

And I think we can all agree

it's been a very positive meeting.

However, I have one or two suggestions

that I think everyone will like very much.

First, on the business of promptness.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

Donald, don't go.

I feel it in my bones.

You know something, Holly,

you're not too bright.

I'm bright enough to know we're finished.

Not until I say so.

Well, it's up to both of us.

I'm a person, too.

A person?

- You're nothing. - I'm a singer.

I nearly got a session with, with Decker Records.

Nearly.

Nearly, sweetheart, that's the story of your life, isn't it?

And also ran, except as an actress.

As an actress you did even get a nearly.

You didn't get to first base, did you?

You didn't think like that when we first met.

When we first met, do you know how you looked?

When I heard that noise in the next room

I thought it was a drowned cat, Holly.

You had a fever that was coming right out of

the top of the thermometer

You know what you looked?

You looked as though you'd crawled out of a blender, baby.

Yeah? Well, let me tell you the truth?

The only reason I took up with you--

Look, I don't even give a damn!

You understand that? I don't care!

...and you helped me!

Oh, please, break my heart another day, will you?

Well, I'm not gonna be here when you get back.

You...

Listen , lame brain.

If you blow this job so...

Now you be there exactly where I told you, when I told you!

Do you understand?

Do you understand that?

Yes.

And get there on time!

Alright.

[cries]

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

[Donald sighs]

[instrumental music]

And for my fourth suggestion, beginning next week

these sessions will begin an hour earlier,

so you don't have to do it on department time.

Joe. Joe, let me...

Fifth and foremost...

[instrumental music]

I don't believe it.

That's it.

You owe 2600.

Saturday.

This is a cash game.

You won't get stiffed.

Congratulations.

[instrumental music]

- You're late. - I had it straight.

[music continues]

[engine revving]

Donald: No, I'm telling you, I've had this feeling

for more than a week.

It's like somebody's always behind me,

like, somebody's following me all the time.

We have six minutes to make sure.

Convinced?

I don't know.

Maybe.

There are no maybes.

We either do the job as I planned, exactly as I planned,

which means now, or we drop the whole project.

Drop it? Over this nut!

It's about time.

Come on, you can see we weren't followed.

We would've spotted any tail by now.

Donald?

Okay.

I was wrong.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[machine whirring]

[instrumental music]

I thought you said it was gonna last only ten minutes.

I said that?

That's ridiculous.

Let me see your authorization.

Oh, sure.

[instrumental music]

Nice and easy now.

Now get the others.

There's a 30-cent bullet in here

that says you either hurry or you're gonna be dead.

Gentlemen, can you come here a minute?

Now all of you lie face down there behind the counter.

Don't look back. Then nothing will happen.

Get down.

[instrumental music]

Close your eyes tight.

[music continues]

Close your mouth.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

And that about wraps it up.

Except for one final point.

McCloud.

- McCloud. - Just a second, chief.

Just a... What are you writing?

Well, I don't think it'd matter much to you.

I'll decide that.

[speaking in foreign language]

What does that mean?

Well, it doesn't make much sense,

I'll tell you that.

You wrote it down.

Well, it's not my fault. that's what it says.

Looks like a fire, near the Endicott Building.

- More gibberish? - No, it's White Mountain.

McCloud, give me a straight answer.

Well, I am. White Mountain's is an Apache.

Those are smoke signals.

[instrumental music]

[siren wailing]

[tires screeching]

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

- Where's the action? - Right there.

[music continues]

What's he got to say for himself?

Nothing. I can't get a word out of him.

I'd have to see it to believe it.

Yeah, me too.

Now look, I know that those smoke signals

that you sent up were as phony as three dollar bill.

You mind tell me what you're up to?

Huh?

Now, mister, you're in a mess a trouble.

carryin' a dangerous weapon, arson, disturbin' the peace,

probably a dozen more.

Now what's this all about?

[instrumental music]

It's good. You beat your own record by 12 seconds.

This is not some kind of a publicity stunt, is it?

For a Hollywood motion picture?

Do you realize what kind of a spectacle

you're makin' of yourself?

Mister, I don't know what you got in mind,

but I wanna tell you you're about the corniest

looking Indian that I've ever seen

and that includes the wooden ones in front of cigar stores

with the war paint all over their faces.

A man must do what he can.

Well, what're you goin' for?

A great search.

After what?

You still haven't told me what you're lookin' for.

My grandson, Johnny Stillwater.

[instrumental music]

B.G.: I know how upsetting it all is.

Believe me, I'm very upset about it too.

We have men working on it right now.

It's a very difficult situation.

Yes. Oh. Yes. That's right.

Oh, for another 15 minutes or so.

Well, they found tse-tse fly larvae in the rug.

I knew you would understand.

Thank you.

Bellhop: Bellhop. - Front desk.

Bellhop: Where's Mr. Gallus? - Lying down.

We have a slight problem here in the lobby.

I want you to take all the new guests in the hotel

up to the roof garden,

and I want you to give them, uh, complimentary meal

with the best champagne we have.

Right away. Do it.

This is the front desk.

shortly after the smoke is reported.

And then to add to the color of the occasion

Marshal Sam McCloud on special duty

with the New York police department

from Taos, New Mexico,

was the officer sent to investigate.

All they found was a picturesque gentleman on the roof

and a bucket with wet rags producing the smoke.

Police and firemen then huddled to discuss

what law had been broken, but without success.

And whether that smoke was a signal to attack

or an invitation to a powwow still isn't clear at this hour.

Well, you made it. News story of the hour.

Did they give my address?

- It's necessary. - Necessary?

Johnny must know where he can find me right away.

- It's that urgent? - Life and death.

- Whose? - His.

Well, how do you know he's in New York?

He sent me a letter from here.

There's no return-address?

He was on the trail of four men

who robbed a hotel in Phoenix.

My son was working in the hotel.

The men escaped.

But my son was taken in as one of the burglars.

He is innocent,

but still he sits in prison in Arizona.

And now your grandson is after those men?

He has sworn to avenge his father,

to prove his innocence.

Yeah, well, that still doesn't tell me

what you were doing up on the roof.

What else was left?

When I came to New York, I went to the papers,

to the television stations, the radio,

even to the police and reported him as missing.

No one would help.

So you set up a wild west show.

- A man must do-- - Yeah. I know.

A man must do what he can.

You have a heart that listens.

[scoffs]

I'm gonna have a back that's blistered

when I try and sell this story.

[instrumental music]

Dynamite!

[music continues]

Of course. I know it's very upsetting.

How are we doing?

Right on the button. We got nine minutes left.

I can make it.

[knocking] Come in.

- Chief. - What?

Yes?

I'd like to, to explain what happened.

You can forget the plea.

Now, whether I like the rules or not,

my job is to carry them out.

You broke the law. You were arrested.

Now it's out of my hands.

Well, not necessarily.

What do you mean?

I haven't booked him yet.

You have to. It's your duty.

And it's his right.

Yeah, well, I, uh, I started to book him,

but I couldn't figure out what offense.

Just open the book and point.

Setting a fire in a, on a public building,

creating a disturbance, carrying a deadly weapon.

You know, I thought about all those

but when shove came to push,

they didn't hold as much water as a sieve.

McCloud, in 10,000 words or less.

Well, it actually wasn't a fire, all he did,

he just got some rags together and made a lot of smoke.

Now that wasn't dangerous.

As far as disturbing the peace,

it wasn't as much that as it was

that he just kind of arouse the public interest

in what he was doing.

As far as that tomahawk is concerned

that's 'bout as dangerous as a baby's first goo.

What do you have to say?

- Nothing. - Nothing?

After all the trouble you caused.

Nothing?

He told me to say nothing. To stay out of it.

You could be a lawyer.

Are you from the Southwest, too?

Never left there before.

Must be something in the water.

B.G.: That's terrible. I'm very sorry to hear that.

Madam, I am distraught, too.

And I tell you what I want you to do.

I want you and your husband to be the hotel's guests.

Oh, how long were you here?

That's alright.

It's our pleasure, I assure you.

You're welcome.

Front desk.

[instrumental music]

- Okay. That's it. - Wait a minute.

I'm gonna have this ready in a second.

- No more time. - This is about ready, man!

I said there is no more time.

From this point on it's too dangerous.

All the factors become negative.

[whistles]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

Man 1: Help!

Help!

I'm behind the counter!

Help!

Here. These are yours.

Where'd you get those things, anyway?

At a custom shop on the 42nd Street.

They guaranteed them to be genuine.

You know, I'm sorry.

What about?

For all the trouble I got you in with your chief.

[scoffs] Well, it really doesn't make much difference

whether you're drown in 80 feet of water or 90.

You think like an Indian.

You think like a Madison Avenue ad man.

Man on radio: 1-5-10-16, we have a 10-15...

A man must do what he can.

Yeah.

Tell me something, chief, you figure that

Johnny's gonna look you up?

If he sees my picture in the paper.

Well, if he doesn't, he'll be the only one

in New York City that won't.

He is close to them. I know it.

How long's he been trackin' 'em?

Ever since his father was taken by the police.

He ran away from school.

And he took a blood oath to avenge his father.

Nobody could stop him?

Who?

Man on radio: All units vicinity of Park Avenue and 16th Street,

we have a 10-30, location Antoine Hotel.

Four suspects escaped, probably north on Park Avenue.

All units, 206, out.

Shouldn't you go there?

No, there's more than enough to answer the call.

Besides, smartest thing I can do right now

is get you back to your hotel

so you won't miss Johnny's call.

Man on radio: Unit-five, Apple, 23.

I, I heard the cry for help.

And I went behind the counter, saw the guy's handcuffed.

That's all I know.

Honest, that's what it is.

Anything?

Not unless we get an eyewitness.

Luckily you won't.

Why luckily?

He'd be dead. They don't leave witnesses.

[instrumental music]

[engine revving]

Look, what do you want? What's the matter?

Hey, you want a couple of bucks? I'll give you a couple of bucks.

You keep your hands still.

What do you want from me?

Just you.

What do you mean me?

I'm Johnny Stillwater.

Listen, uh, what do you want from me?

I want you, and the bag you're carrying.

Bag? What for?

Proof that you were involved in today's robbery

and the one back in Phoenix.

Oh, listen, kid, you're crazy, do you know that?

I've never...

[instrumental music]

[grunting]

[grunting]

[instrumental music]

Donald.

Donald.

Donald?

Donald?

Oh, my gosh.

Donald? Donald?

Donald. Donald.

Donald.

Donald, don't be dead. Donald.

[screams]

Easy. Easy. Take it easy, lady.

Easy.

Did you see what happened?

Do you know who did it?

Well, who?

Ah, it was a, it was a,

it was a young kid.

An-- an Indian.

Indian?

Yeah, I heard him, I heard him say his name,

Johnny Stillwater.

They said they wiped everything clean.

I never got a good look at him. He made me face down--

These were big boys, chief. Not a smudge.

Yeah, I was afraid of that.

- Any ideas? - Front desk.

A couple.

- One worse than the other. - Just a minute.

Chief Clifford, it's for you.

Clifford.

When?

Where?

Broadhurst.

Marshal, thank you...

Thank you for your help.

It's okay. There's one thing though, uh,

when you talk to your grandson, chief, if he's still of a mind

to go after those fellas, you better give me a call

I might be able to talk him out of it.

- Why? - Why?

Why do you help me?

Huh. Well, I guess it's just because, uh...

you could say we're lantzmen.

Lantzmen?

Yeah, it's a word that I picked up here in New York.

It means that even though we might be strangers here

we still come from the same neck of the woods.

Man on radio: Code 36. Units 18, 32, 41, alley between Hartley

and Bender Streets. APB as follows Johnny Stillwater.

Male, American-Indian, height 5'10",

age approximately 23, about 160 pounds, black hair.

Suspect might be armed. Over.

[engine cranking]

[siren blaring]

[dramatic music]

What're you doing here?

Heard the call on-- on the radio

when I was takin' Chief Stillwater home.

What happened?

I'm sorry, chief, but, uh...

it seems your grandson pulled a knife on this man.

While they were fighting, he apparently got pretty badly

stabbed in the leg.

I'm afraid he ended up killing him.

Were there any witnesses?

A girl. Saw the whole thing.

- How'd she know his name? - She overheard him say it.

So there's a possibility they knew each other.

You mean the Indian and the girl?

No, the Indian boy and the dead man.

I just got here myself, McCloud.

I'm here to get answers, not give them.

Chief. What are you after?

[dramatic music]

Oh.

Well... looks like that's the end of the trail.

Come on, I'll drive you back.

I need time to think.

I will walk.

[dramatic music]

[horn blaring]

[tires screech]

They went that away.

Who did?

The rustlers. Aren't you with the posse?

My name's Sam McCloud, I'm with the New York Police Department

on a special assignment from Taos.

Is that anywhere near Boise?

It's in the same country.

I always was lousy at geography.

That's why you wound up in the alley?

What's that got to do with China?

Well, according to the testimony here,

you, uh, you were there to meet a friend.

There's a lock.

Well, it just strikes me as a peculiar place to meet a friend.

Have you ever tried to park in a New York street?

It's either a-- a ticket, towaway, or no hubcaps.

Didn't it strike you as a little bit strange that a boy would

introduce himself before he tried to rob somebody?

You ever see a crazy Indian roaring toward you on a bike

holding a knife from here to tomorrow?

Believe me, mister, after that, nothing's strange.

- Can you tell me her name? - Who?

The friend, the girl that you were to meet in the alley?

You said you were going to meet somebody in the alley?

Uh, now-- now-- now listen here. What's going on here?

I came down here like a good citizen to help out

and you're treating me like I'm on my way to the electric chair.

- I'm leaving. - Be glad to drop you.

Oh, I don't like horses, or trust cowboys.

[upbeat music]

McCloud: Chief!

Chief!

I got to see Johnny.

If he calls me, I will tell him.

Now look, chief, I got to tell you something.

One way or another Johnny's goin' to get it.

He's going get it from the police

if he puts up too much of a struggle,

and he's going to get it from the robbers,

if he meets up with them first.

He has chosen his path. Let him walk it.

You know, he's alone, he's a lot more alone

than anybody ought to be.

Now if you know where he's at, it's not going to do him

any favor as to keep it a secret.

It's his choice.

Well, that kid might decide to go out in the street

and play in the traffic, does that mean you'll let him?

I cannot take you to him.

Well, I think you can.

Now look, if he doesn't want to come in,

I'm not gonna force him...

I'm not gonna bring him in

and I'm not gonna tell anybody where he's at.

I promise you that.

But I've got to talk to him, it's very important.

You got to trust me!

Lantzmen.

There you go.

[both grunting]

That's good for today.

Don't worry. I do my exercise.

[grunts]

Great.

Amazing, all those nasty things they're saying

about us in the paper.

There's a $100,000 in cash in one of those boxes

and no one even mentioned it was gone.

I wonder where it came from?

Well, there's no question about where it's going too.

[chuckling]

That suitcase of yours hold any more, Cookie?

Where do you want me to put it? In a bank?

And how about you? A wild gambling spree

or some childish orgy?

You want to see some of the child?

What about you this time?

Gilt-edged municipal bonds.

No signature needed. Nine percent interest.

And the warm knowledge that I'll help some community

solve their fiscal problems.

How long is it gonna take to turn them jewels into cash?

Ten days, two weeks at the most.

Alright.

You know where I'll be when you get the money.

I think there's one remaining problem we should solve

before you go.

- Yeah? What's that? - Johnny Stillwater.

[chuckles] I hope he does come after me.

Cookie, someone once said you either learn from history

or you're doomed to make the same mistake

over and over again.

This is our country's bicentennial year.

We should learn from our forefathers.

What're you talking about?

United we stand, and divided we fall...

like Donald.

Meaning what?

The kid is obviously

looking for a witness to help his father.

Now when he finds one of us,

wouldn't it be reassuring if all three of us were there?

[imitating bird call]

[dramatic music]

[imitating bird call]

[twig snapping]

- Who's he? - Just a friend.

I brought him to help you.

I don't need any help.

Then you don't know what the situation is.

You're wanted for murder.

He was scum.

That doesn't give you the right to track him down.

You sound like a cop.

I am a cop.

[speaking in foreign language]

Sorry, Johnny, you gave me no choice.

Old man, when will you learn?

We can't trust anyone!

Why don't you fix his leg and we'll talk?

Looks like a Saturday night special. Where'd you get it?

I was mugged. Took it away from him.

I promised your grandfather I wouldn't bring you in.

I mean to make good on my promise

but you gotta tell me what happened,

and just the way that it happened.

You're a cop. Figure it out for yourself.

John! You will show respect!

- Why should I? - Because I say so.

You won't take me in? That's the truth?

That's the truth.

Clifford: McCloud, your truth hasn't got anything

to do with the facts.

The facts are that Don Williams had the case

with the key blanks, right?

Then his pants were, were wet with suds,

now what more do you want?

That punk kids don't go around killing people.

- Even criminals. - It was self-defense.

He was trying to bring him in.

You'll know more about that after he's caught,

and we have a chance to question him.

Chief, I'm telling you, you're gonna be awful sorry

if you don't pull back on that APB.

Why?

Because I know this kind.

He has no faith in the police,

he's not gonna let himself be brought in easy.

And if he gets cornered, somebody's gonna get hurt

and it's gonna be needless.

McCloud, could you have brought Johnny Stillwater in?

No.

Does that mean you didn't see him?

McCloud: No.

What happened? Did he ran away?

- No. - He overpowered you?

- No. - You fell in love?

- I gave my word. - Your word?

That's the only way I could convince Chief Stillwater

to take me to him.

I gave my word that I wouldn't bring Johnny in.

And you gave an oath to the force that you would.

And I will!

If you'll just pull back on that APB

and give me some slack, I will!

No!

He's the only one that saw them rob the Antoine Hotel.

He's the only witness that we got. He can help us!

- He even gave me their names. - What are they?

Don Williams, he's the dead one.

Linus Morton, he's a disbarred lawyer.

Cookie Watkins. He carries more guns than an arsenal.

- B.G-- - Clarkston?

How'd you know?

Burglary knew a few hours after the Antoine was cleaned up.

There are only a few teams that could pull off

something like this, once Williams was found,

they knew who the others had to be.

- Did you pick 'em up? - Not yet.

Not yet why?

No proof.

No proof?

You got proof, there's lot of proof!

You just turn your back on it, meanwhile there's a kid

he's, he's got his life on the line, just like his father had!

McCloud, I'm warning you, you're on a collision course with me.

Now that boy killed a man, one way or another.

And I'm not taking any chances that the next one

is a member of the force.

The APB stands!

McCloud...

stay away from it.

If you think that I'm gonna stand around

scratching my navel about some innocent ki--

Johnny Stillwater and Chief Stillwater are still

in Deepwater, New Mexico as far as you're concerned.

I gave you a direct order.

Follow it.

[dramatic music]

[car door shuts]

You must be Johnny Stillwater.

What can I do for you?

We're going to the police.

Why?

I've been waiting for you...

and for those jewels.

You're naive.

The case is empty.

Before we could get on with our plans

the problem with you has to be resolved.

It is all over for me.

I just feel...

Is there anything that I can do?

When hope is gone, life is over.

[horn blaring]

[chanting in foreign language]

Chief...

I, I don't understand the chant.

Johnny is dead.

- My friend... - Yeah?

Would you stop?

I would like to sit here... by myself

with the trees out in the open...

just for a while.

McCloud: I'll wait for you.

Stillwater: No, I'll be alright.

[chanting in foreign language]

That's not a chant for the dead. It's for the dying.

[chanting continues]

Who's dying?

[chanting continues]

It's for yourself, isn't it?

You can't do that, chief! You can't just give up!

My purpose is over.

It is time.

[chanting in foreign language]

Woman on intercom: Nurse Wharton,

Outpatient desk, please.

Nurse Wharton, outpatient desk.

Dr. Sherman, 465-stat.

W-- what's the gag?

- A free examination? - How is he?

Well, he's old, but he's in perfect health.

- Now he can go. - No.

I want him in a room

where he'll be under doctor's care.

Why?

Well, this might sound a little bit weird to you

but the man's gonna die.

Well, so are we all, but that doesn't make it an emergency.

No, you don't understand.

The man wants to die. He wants to die.

Well, that's not in this department.

The suicide prevention clinic is upstairs.

Doc... I want him in a room where he can be watched.

In a room.

Look, Slim, anything less than Intensive Care

is out of my realm. Now check him in upstairs.

[knock on door]

Clifford: Come in.

What is it, McCloud?

I want to work on that Hotel Antoine robbery.

No, I've got a unit working on that. They don't need any help.

Chief Stillwater does.

He's willed himself to die.

Willed himself...

McCloud, I don't understand Indians or their ways.

Now believe me, I feel very sorry for that old man too.

But I've got a department to run.

Now you're too emotionally involved in this.

My order stands. Stay out of it.

I can't let that man die!

You know... That's up to the doctors.

Chief... the doctors can give him Penicillin by the truckload,

they can give him antihistamines till he's got 'em up to here,

they can give him Sassafras tea, it's not gonna help.

And neither can you.

Well, I think I can. And I got to try.

Well, there's only one thing you got to do, McCloud. Obey orders.

Stay out of this.

Chief...

there's a man that's rotting to death in prison

for something that he didn't do.

His son is lyin' dead in the morgue

for no good reason at all.

And a good man is dyin' in the hospital

because he doesn't have anything left to live for,

and the people that created this mess are runnin' around

scott-free, and'll probably wind up rich.

And I'm not just gonna stand idly by and let it happen,

I got to do something!

No. Not while you're a member of this force.

Okay...

I resign.

You realize what you're doing, McCloud?

Yeah. What I have to.

Your gun stays with it.

This gun is mine.

That's your permit to use it.

McCloud, you step one foot out of line,

the department's not going to lift a finger to help you.

You're in this on your own all the way.

That's all.

♪ For I'll remember

♪ April and you

♪ The fire will dwindle into glowing ashes ♪

♪ For flames and love live such a little while ♪

♪ I won't forget but I won't be lonely ♪

♪ I'll remember April and I'll smile ♪

♪ I'll remember April

♪ And I'll smile ♪

Ah, well, that was a jazz tune, and I-- I know pop tunes too

and I know, I know every, I'm so nervous,

I know every song ever written, uh, I can fulfil

most of your patrons' requests--

Hold on.

Take it easy.

You were great. Terrific.

Real good.

- Thank you. - Great.

Uh... do you think you can use me?

Sure, sure. I'll tell you how we'll work it.

You come in later tonight, sing a few songs,

we'll see how my customers go for you.

What time?

Well, most of the people drift in about 10:00.

Why don't you come in about 8:00 or so?

We'll have a little dinner in back first, get acquainted.

I got some good wine.

You sang pretty good.

Yeah, pretty terrible, you mean.

Oh, he seemed to like it.

Yeah, just about every part of me but my vocal chords.

What are you doing here?

I need your help.

I already gave at the office, yours.

It's not my office anymore. I quit.

Why?

Do you know that the Antoine jewels

could come to over $2 million?

What's that got to do with the price of tea?

I know that you lied to me before.

About what?

Donald Williams.

Now listen, I don't know what your business is, mister,

but, but I know mine, now, now butt out!

I also know you're broke.

And C-- Columbus discovered America. So what?

- I got a little proposition. - Oh?

I'm only used to big ones like dinner in the back of bars.

You know the finder's fee on those jewels

is like ten percent. That could get you $100,000.

- What about you? - My half would be the same.

You aren't the type.

Well, you know a $100,000 can change a man.

Maybe, but it's something else with you.

- Why do you say that? - You haven't got itchy palms.

I can tell. And one thing I learned from Donald

you always got to figure out what the other guy wants,

so you know he's not after your...

- You know, huh. - Come on, I'll show you.

I had to see this for myself.

He is dying.

How much time do you think he's got?

Eight years of medical training

and I haven't the slightest idea.

You mean he can make himself die just like that?

Morning, chief.

I have thought much about what you intend to do.

Well, that's nothin' that you have to worry about now.

You must talk to him, make him understand.

What?

He must not go after those men.

I have lost a son...

I've lost a grandson...

I do not want to lose a friend.

Chief, I was kinda hopin' that, uh,

maybe she'd give me a hand.

[exhales]

Can't you do somethin'?

Look, all I know is medicine.

What do you hope to accomplish?

I hope to save the chief's life.

How?

By proving that the men that robbed

that Antoine hotel are the same ones

that robbed the Phoenix Hotel several years back.

His son's in jail for that.

If I can get him free, I can give the chief some hope.

What about the finder's fee on the jewels?

Like I said, we split it right down the middle.

What do you say?

[exhales]

Why not? I can always use the money.

Holly: That's Linus, he's got a black belt.

And that's Cookie and that's B.G.

Linus was bragging about how the cops don't dare drag him in.

Without evidence, it's false arrest.

So what are you gonna do?

Maybe we'll get one of them to confess.

Fat chance.

Anybody'll talk if the screws are turned hard enough.

Which one's the weakest link? Hmm?

Oh, B.G.

That one.

Looks like a real dude, doesn't he?

Yeah.

What do you know about him?

Three things, gambling, gambling, gambling,

and not necessarily in that order.

[instrumental music]

♪ Your daddy don't rock and roll ♪

♪ Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll ♪

♪ When evening rolls around and it's time to go to town ♪

♪ Where do you go to rock and roll? ♪♪

[applause]

No, no. I'll, I'll take mine.

I'm in the next room there.

There you go.

Thank you, partner.

Have you fallen for me?

- Have I what? - Do you dig me?

I mean, you practically haven't left my side

since we made our deal.

Well, I guess I like you a lot.

But you're not crazy about me?

Well, that's not it.

I still can't figure out why you brought me along.

I told you everything I know about B.G.

Guess I just like having you around.

Yeah, like a sharp stick in the eye.

You don't trust me.

Hey, now look, trust has got nothing to do with it.

You think I might be playing both sides against the middle?

I didn't say that I think--

I thought, I thought we were friends.

But we are friends, but you know friendship is like,

it's like wine, takes a little time to get good.

But that's practically like calling me a double-crosser.

Would you not take this personal?

Well, it's not like we're talking about

the guy down the block. Boy, you're somethin' else.

W-- w-- what do you want me for anyway?

I need your help.

Doing what?

Gettin' a confession out of B.G.

♪ Left a good job in the city

♪ Workin' for the man every night and day ♪

♪ And God I never...

Seven.

♪ Worrying about the way things might have been ♪

♪ Big wheels keep on turnin'

♪ Proud Mary keeps on burnin' ♪

Man 1: Ten.

Man 1: Hey, we got a winner here!

Here we go! Round and round, and the winner's comin' up.

Here we go, slowly, that's it.

Ah! And it's a 21...

[all cheering]

Man 1: Here you are.

Man 2: Double on the chips. Yeah.

B.G.: Beautiful.

You know, I could bet on Napoleon winning at Waterloo

and they'd have to rewrite history. I can't lose!

[laughter]

Man 1: Place your bets. - Come on, baby.

Hey, friend, there's plenty of space for everybody.

Not for you there isn't.

You're wrong, my friend. There's always room for one more.

No.

Not since the Antoine hotel.

Woman on intercom: Mr. B.G. Clarkston.

Paging Mr. B.G. Clarkston.

Please come to the lobby.

Mr. B.G. Clarkston, please come to the lobby.

Watch it, will you? Thanks.

Man 1: Here we go, it's spinning around again.

And the winner is 17 red.

- B.G. - Holly?

B.G., we're in lots of trouble.

Have a good time, baby.

- What's wrong? - I came here to warn you.

- About the cowboy? - He's here?

- Who is he? - Sam McCloud.

He's, he's out to get everybody who's involved

in the Antoine Hotel.

- I'm in the clear. - Well, so is everybody else.

But he's on a personal vendetta.

About what?

He's out to free that dead Indian kid's father

who's in jail in Phoenix. And you know what for.

How did he know about you?

He found out I was Donald's girlfriend.

- What did you tell him? - Nothing.

He went crazy, and he said he was gonna kill everybody.

How do I know you're on the level?

- Why else would I warn you? - You tell me!

I want Donald's share of the jewels.

We're not so dumb after all, are we?

[chuckles]

Well, how smart do you have to be?

I need money, and I don't want to die.

Get out of here.

Holly told me what you're trying to pull off, let me t...

Hey, hey, hey!

You're not gonna tell me anything except what

I want to hear, and that's a full confession

on the Antoine robbery and the one in Phoenix.

You're making a mistake, you know, I mean,

I don't know anything about them.

Buster, you're up to your neck

and I'm gonna push you the rest of the way down

unless I get some cooperation out of you.

Okay, okay, okay, huh.

How about a deal?

A deal?

Alright.

Alright, I'll make you a deal.

You help me nail Linus Morton and Cookie Watkins, and I'll see

what I can do for you when your day in court comes.

Well, you know, I need a little time to think that over.

I'm in Room 1602.

You got till 10 o'clock.

[mumbles]

So what did you tell McCloud?

B.G. on phone: I told him I'd talk to him later.

I mean, so what do I do?

No problem.

Just go along with him.

How? Confess, or get killed?

B.G., you don't know a thing about self-defense, do you?

Yeah. Only that I don't like it.

The other guy gets the first lick in.

Not in this case.

He's obviously after the three of us.

You top the list. He came to Las Vegas to hunt you down.

So striking first this time is still self-defense.

How am I supposed to take on a cop single-handed?

You won't.

I'll give you a number.

Alright, how do I work it?

[keys clacking]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

B.G.: I thought it over, McCloud,

and I want to make a deal.

Uh, where are you?

Room 1712.

I'll be right there.

You think you're gonna get B.G. to sign that confession

you're crazier than I think you are,

which is really going some.

Well, that was him on the phone, he said he would.

Well, so, so every producer that, that wants to make out

tells me I'm gonna be a star, so what?

People will tell you anything to get what they want.

I just have to play it out.

Well, ha-- have you got your gun at least?

Not with me.

Well, terrific! You're gonna get,

you're gonna get your head blown off!

That's a chance we're gonna have to take.

[sobs] It's your life!

- Hey. Hey. - Don't go.

- Don't go. Please don't go. - Hey, come on.

- Come on. - Don't go.

What kind of a business partner have you turned out to be, huh?

Who is this?

Sam, you know as little about women as a...

You go get yourself killed

I'm never gonna speak to you again!

Oh, come on now!

Come on.

[Holly sobbing]

Hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey.

Hey.

My, I hope you change your mind about that.

See your teeth.

There you go.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[knock on door]

- Who is it? McCloud: McCloud.

Alright, McCloud. What happens next?

Sign it.

[instrumental music]

Why should I sign this? There isn't a shred of--

I didn't come up here to hear you beat your gum, sign it.

If I sign this, I'm in--

That old man's life's hanging in the balance

I don't have time to mess with ya, sign it.

[dramatic music]

[gun fires]

McCloud on phone: How is he?

Well, what can I tell you?

Look, I don't know what's wrong with him.

And I don't know what to do about it.

Look, I don't know a damn thing and that's the honest truth.

Does he have much more time?

I don't know that either.

But you know, I...

I do honestly believe that...

[sighs]

it's strictly up to him.

Okay. Thanks, doc.

So Cookie always carries more than one gun, huh?

Sam, you can't go after Cookie

He's a psycho, he'd just as soon kill ya as look at ya.

Gotta get one of them to talk!

Well, Cookie and Linus aren't gonna, aren't gonna confess!

I gotta believe they will.

Tell me the truth. What's really bugging you anyway?

Johnny Stillwater could still be alive.

You told me about that.

You-- you couldn't go back on your word.

My word? His life.

But you couldn't have known.

Would you just tell me what I wanna know about Cookie.

He's gun crazy.

Every time he shoots one off, it makes him

feel like a man.

Boy, Donald used to hate him.

Why him more than the others?

Probably because of all his money.

Cookie always had this suitcase

and, uh, Donald told me every dollar Cookie ever made

was still in it.

You mean his share of the Phoenix job, too?

Guess so.

Donald always used to put him on about it, he used to say

"Hey, Cookie, let me see one of your fives.

Like to see what Lincoln looked like when he was a boy."

Could you tell me little bit more about the suitcase?

Well, it was, uh, it was an old, dirty, blue suitcase.

[dramatic music]

McCloud: Does Cookie's sister know what he does?

Holly: I don't think so.

McCloud: How far is her house

from New Orleans?

Holly: About 30 minutes.

[instrumental music]

[all cheering]

Boy, what a town!

Hm.

They say New Orleans's got the best restaurants in the world.

Hmm.

And then I swam up Niagara Falls backwards

with my hands tied over my head blindfolded.

Hmm.

And I was afraid this is going to be a dull trip.

Hm?

Oh, I'm sorry. I was thinking about Cookie Watkins.

What'd you say?

Uh, why don't you just drop me off here.

And. uh, I'll get into a little Mardi Gras

and then I'll meet up with you later?

I'd rather you stuck close by me.

What do you need me for?

To keep you from getting killed.

Who's gonna kill me?

Maybe Linus Morton if he got a call from B.G.

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

Slop.

If you'd give me a couple of dollars

then maybe I could get some decent food.

It'd still taste like slop.

Cookie?

How about it?

Let me have fifty dollars for a brand new dress.

It's on sale.

I told you I was broke.

You wouldn't even help your own sister.

You don't need help.

Them guys that come over to see you

they don't care what dress you're wearing.

Besides, you don't keep it on long enough.

[instrumental music]

Hey.

I told you not to invite anybody over while I was here.

I didn't.

You really know how to show a girl a good time, McCloud.

There you go.

[frogs croaking]

Who is he?

Never seen him before.

Yeah? Get rid of him.

Hey!

What do you want?

I'm lookin' for Cookie.

What do you think this is, a store?

Cookie Watkins.

He ain't here.

You know where he is?

Don't know him.

He's just a little twerp. About this high.

[laughing]

Why did you want to see him anyway?

What difference does it make if you don't know him?

I tell you, if you run into him, uh,

tell him I'm ready to make a trade.

Trade what?

I got something that he wants.

He's got something that I want.

You still ain't told me what.

Well, you just tell him that if he's

interested in getting it back

I got his suitcase.

[dramatic music]

If I do run into him, where'll you be?

I'll be back.

[engine rumbles]

He's looking for you.

A cop?

I don't think so.

He said he'd make a trade.

What kind of trade?

Well, I don't know.

Mm. Maybe something to do with your suitcase.

What are you talking about?

It was on the back seat of his car.

My suitcase?

[car engine rumbles]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Stay put.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

You must be Cookie Watkins.

Yeah, yeah. Who...

- W-- Who are you? - Sam McCloud.

Cookie: Well, uh...

W-- What do you want?

That.

- Hey, what is this? - Citizen's arrest.

You-- you gotta be crazy. Cops got nothing on me.

Except what's in that case? Let's go.

Cookie: Help! Help, officer, help!

Hold it, officer. Hold it. This man's a killer.

No, no, officer. Look, look, he's trying to hold me up.

See? See, he's taken my bag.

Officer, I'm on special assignment.

I'm a police officer from the New York...

Put that gun down! I don't care who you are.

- He's getting away. - Hand over that gun

Give me the gun.

[dramatic music]

[crowd cheering]

[clamoring]

[music continues]

Look out!

Woman 1: Oh, that float has crushed him.

[instrumental music]

Broadhurst: Cookie Watkins was found.

I know. Dead.

Teletype from New Orleans.

They know how it happened?

McCloud.

Chief, that's impossible.

McCloud couldn't kill a man in cold blood.

He didn't.

Well then, how did it happen?

He was after Watkins, Watkins ran...

Somewhere along the line, he was hit

by a float in the Mardi Gras.

- Well, then it was alright! - Alright?

[phone ringing]

- Clifford. - McCloud here, chief.

What do you want?

I'm callin' from New Orleans Airport.

Just about to get on a plane for New York.

Well, I wanted to explain to you what happened.

There's nothing to explain.

You quit the force to go after three robbers

two of them are dead.

Yeah, well, I'm still goin' after that third one.

McCloud, I want to tell you something.

If anything happens to him,

I will personally lock the door on your cell

and throw away the key.

Chief, you gotta hear me out for a second.

You, a second?

I'd settle for an hour.

[plane rumbling]

Who is this?

Chief Peter B. Clifford

New York City Police Department.

- What can I do for you, chief? - Nothing.

I called to warn you about

one of my former officers named McCloud.

He, uh, resigned the force to go after

the Antoine Hotel robbers personally.

Yeah, what's that got to do with me?

Well, I have reason to believe that McCloud thinks

you were one of the robbers.

Chief, do you realize what you're accusing me of?

Mr. Morton, I'm not accusing you of anything.

But as a police officer, I'm forwarding information

that may save your life.

Now, McCloud's coming in from New Orleans

on a plane right now.

With him is a woman named Holly Dayton.

She was the girlfriend of one of the dead men.

So be careful.

If there's anything I can do, why, call me.

Thank you, sir. I'll do that.

Alright.

[instrumental music]

What am I doing here?

You're going home.

No. I mean, here in your arms.

How are you feelin'?

Eh, lousy.

I'll tell you the truth your best chance is to dump me.

- Dump ya? - Yeah, dump me.

I'm a washout.

Kinda hard on yourself, ain't ya?

Hard, easy, but it adds up to the same

a failure's a failure.

You know, that reminds me of the time

I saved up all my money

and bought myself a trombone.

- You? - Oh, yeah.

That was a brand spanking new trombone.

Shiniest brassiest thing you ever saw.

I always thought I'd play a fool out of it.

Yeah, until I tried out for the high school band.

Nothin'.

What did you do?

Just kept tryin'.

Made it in my senior year.

See, you're not a failure.

Well, neither are you. Not a failure at all.

I heard your audition.

Person's not a failure as long as they keep tryin'.

It's when they quit, that they're a failure.

What's that for?

I never could keep my hands off trombone players.

Be careful.

I will. Sam, you too, huh?

[instrumental music]

[indistinct singing]

[singing continues]

[gasping]

Oh, you scared ten years out of me.

It won't matter.

What's that supposed to mean?

You know, Holly, I always had a soft spot for you.

Never could figure out what you saw in Donald.

How'd you get in here?

Donald taught me a little about locks and keys.

Oh, he should have taught you a little about manners.

I don't think a note will even be necessary.

A note? What kind of a note?

Suicide.

For who?

The strain. That's it, the strain finally got her.

Your boyfriend was killed.

No money, no job.

Yeah. Probably won't matter at all.

Who cares enough about you to even investigate?

What are you gonna do?

Nothing.

[sighs]

You are going to take a little jump from your balcony.

But why?

Linus, I...

I-- I've never done anything to hurt you, you know?

- That's true. - Right?

But you know...

you're the only one left who ever could.

Would be sloppy of me, wouldn't it?

To leave that undone, wouldn't it, Holly?

Yeah.

Oh, Linus, please. Linus!

Linus, please! Linus!

[dramatic music]

Dolly: Help! - Hold it.

Put her down.

Sam!

[grunting]

In your investigation

did you happen to find out

I was a black belt in karate?

[grunting]

Hyah!

[grunting]

Linus: You understand, McCloud,

I could finish you with one chop any time I wanted to.

But it will be interesting to see

just how brittle your bones are.

He'll chop him apart.

We better go in, chief.

No. I promised McCloud we'd wait until he gets

Morton to say all we need.

This is fun.

I haven't had a workout since this morning.

[clattering]

[grunting]

I've done everything possible not to kill you.

But you're out for vengeance.

I have no choice.

Yah!

[clattering]

You see, McCloud, you're just like all the others.

You're no match for me.

Neither was that Indian you framed in Phoenix.

Ah. An innocent bystander.

Now there are only two left, you and Holly.

After that, there's no one

who can trace me to the money or the jewels.

That does it. Let's get out there before he kills him.

[shattering]

- Get out of here, Holly! - Whoa.

What about you? Ah!

Clifford: McCloud, open the door.

[crashing]

[panting]

You alright?

Never felt better.

[phone rings]

Woman 2: Detective division, may I help you?

No way, McCloud.

She gave false information about that boy.

You check exactly what she said, chief

and she didn't lie.

The insurance company

offered a five percent finder's fee.

She'd get fifty thousand dollars!

Well, she deserves it.

Alright. I won't press charges.

Probably wouldn't hold up anyway.

She can collect the money.

Appreciate it, chief.

And I'd appreciate it if we can get on

with our weekly bull session.

- Now take your seat. - Right.

Over here, McCloud.

With your back to the window.

Oh, chief, there's one more little thing.

- What is it? - That finder's fee.

The rest of it's comin' to me.

No way!

An officer can't accept reward money.

Well, I wasn't an officer at the time.

That's just a technicality.

Yeah. Worth fifty thousand dollars.

Brand: Oh, his pulse is back full,

his blood pressure like a thirty year old,

his respiration to normal,

and I think I'm ready for some brain surgery.

[laughing]

Right.

Chief.

I was talking with my son.

He is out of jail, free.

Chief, give the medical profession a break

don't teach this trick to anybody else.

I have great plans for all the money that you gave me.

Our tribe will be able to do much good work.

And added to all the other money.

What other money?

Forget it, chief.

What money?

The money that she gave me.

Well, I had so much...

With her fifty thousand,

we'll be able to do business.

Fifty thousand.

I told you I was a failure, I never could hang on to a buck.

I guess we got the same problem.

You a sucker for Indian Chiefs and trombone players too?

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

[theme music]