Original subtitles

Are you mugging me?

It's been a bleak year at the toy shop.

[siren blares]

- Don't look down. - Ahh!

Hold on!

That's the one that robbed me. Yeah, that one there.

Well, well, Merry Christmas, laddie.

[indistinct chatter]

Alright, freeze.

If one of these children gets hurt or killed,

they're gonna crucify you.

Captain, you can't rush that ward.

What makes you think that they're gonna wait

for that 'copter to arrive?

No, don't fire.

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la

♪ Don we now our gay apparel

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la

♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ The First Noel the angels did say ♪

♪ Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay ♪

♪ In fields where they lay keeping their sheep ♪

♪ On a cold winter's night that was so deep ♪

♪ Noel Noel Noel Noel ♪

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[intercom beeps]

Yes?

Could I see you tonight?

I'm sorry, Kate, I'm late as it is.

Just for an hour. We can have a drink at the Algonquin.

I have a train to catch. You know that.

[door opens]

Look, this will have to wait.

Jason, please, I've got to talk to you.

Kate, it's Christmas Eve. My family are waiting for me.

They can't start dinner till I'm there

and my in-laws are coming.

Now, I'll see you on Thursday and we can talk then.

[sobs]

Kate, please, we don't have time for this.

I'm sorry. [clears throat]

You go ahead and I'll lock up.

Merry Christmas.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Merry Christmas.

[carol singing in a distance]

Merry Christmas. Give generously!

Give to those less fortunate than yourself.

In this season of goodwill.

Merry Christmas! Give generously.

Merry Christmas, give generously

to the underprivileged of this world...

There you are. Merry Christmas to you.

And what have I got in my sack for you?

Here, I'll take the rest.

Are you mugging me?

It's been a bleak year at the toy shop.

[carol singing in a distance]

You just leave the last string out, I'll be over in 20 minutes.

Here you go, Grover.

And Merry Christmas to you.

Oh, uh, I wanted to talk to you about--

Not tonight, Grover, I'm gonna be off in two minutes,

I gotta beautiful woman an' a Christmas tree waitin' for me.

I wanna be trimmin' that tree, not found hangin' from it.

Yeah, sure thing.

McCloud, the chief wants to see us.

Now?

- Right now. - For what?

Why, he didn't say and I didn't ask.

There you go, McCloud. And a Merry Christmas to you.

How many men are on tonight, Broadhurst?

Three detectives, two squad cars.

That's cutting yourself pretty thin, isn't it?

Well, it's Christmas Eve, chief.

You know, spirit of goodwill toward men and women.

Christmas Eve last year.

"Three robberies, two rapes, fourteen assaults,

four homicides."

The year before last, one less rape,

two more homicides.

This year in addition to the usual rapes, robberies,

assault and homicides, we've got a new kind of mugger.

Description, red suit, long white beard,

carries a bell and has a penchant for pulling a gun

and saying, "Ho ho ho!"

I'm, uh, putting you in charge of the squad room tonight,

Broadhurst, so you can preserve that, uh,

spirit of good will that you spoke about.

Right, chief.

McCloud.

Chief, I'm off duty in five minutes.

Yes, you are, but...

You're on call all night.

What was that? A Christmas present?

Oh, yes, yes, you might say that.

Yeah. Oh, that'll be all, men.

Oh, uh...

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, chief. - Yeah, appreciate it.

McCloud, you've got to do me a favor!

Joe, I'm on my way out.

Listen, it's 7 o'clock and I'm trapped here.

I haven't had time to go out and buy a Christmas gift for Carol.

- If you could just pick some-- - I'm sorry, Joe.

I-- I can't help you. I'm sorry, partner.

McCloud, you wouldn't want a divorce

on your conscience, would you?

No, but you wouldn't want me

standing out in the cold on

Christmas Eve either, would you?

Well, that's just where I'm gonna be

unless I can get over to Chris' in two minutes flat.

McCloud, I'm only asking for 15 minutes--

Joe, don't call me unless it's an emergency, will you?

Merry Christmas to you.

Yeah, same to you.

[intense music]

Well, that's right, that's the catalogue number.

Okay. And your name is miss..

Okay. And how late do you stay open tonight?

Oh, 8:30, that's fine. Just fine. Thank you.

- Well, chief. - Going somewhere, Broadhurst?

No, why?

You have your top coat on.

Uh, it's kinda chilly in here.

So, turn up the thermostat.

Yeah.

I'm, uh, sorry to do this to you on Christmas Eve, Joe, but...

With you in charge, I know I won't have to worry about

coming in tomorrow and finding the place

wrecked, shot to pieces or missing.

- You going to a party, huh? - That's right.

- Commissioner's house? - No, hospital.

- What? - Hospital.

Hospital?

Grover, would you cover for me? I've got to run down

to Saks and buy my wife a present.

- I'll be back in half an hour. - We'll be here.

Help you?

I'd like to see, uh, Marshal Samuel McCloud.

- He's not here right now. - Will he be here later?

He's on call, but he might not come in.

Something I can do for you?

No. I'll just wait, if you don't mind.

I'll take a message, you could be here all night.

I've got all night.

Suit yourself.

[typewriter keys clacking]

[telephone rings]

Detective Grover.

What's the address, ma'am?

Alright, we'll have a car over there right away.

Don't open the door and don't talk to him.

They're starting early this year.

Some guy tried to stab his wife with a bread knife

because she wouldn't sign a Christmas card to his father.

Send a car over to 943 West 50th Street.

Attempted murder.

Suspect allegedly armed with a knife and dangerous.

Lancaster: Peggy.

[groaning]

Come on, Peggy. Come on, Peggy.

Come on, Peggy. It's alright.

It's alright. It's alright.

- Did you get it? - No, they won't deal.

It's a $500 buy, we don't have that kind of money.

Oh, come on. Marty told me at the club,

there wouldn't be any problem.

Yeah, well, I don't care what he told you.

I'm telling you they won't deal.

[Peggy screams]

Come on. Come on, Peggy. Peggy.

[groans]

Come on. It's alright.

- It's alright. - She's really bad.

I can see she's really bad, I'm not blind you know.

She's not gonna make it to the gig tonight.

Come on, I know, I know she's not gonna make it to the gig.

Will you lighten up?

Come on, come on, it's alright.

It's alright. We're gonna get you what you need.

We'll get it. You'll be fine.

- Where? How you gonna get it? - You'll be fine.

[groans]

However I have to.

[siren blares]

What's your hurry, Santa? You late for a chimney?

For a party, as a matter of fact.

That right. Do you have a license,

or did you leave that in the sleigh?

For future reference, Officer Turner

I'm Chief Peter B. Clifford of the New York Police Department.

Sure, I'd recognize you anywhere.

Let's see the license.

[chuckles] I...

I left my wallet at home when I changed clothes.

Whose home was that?

[chuckles] I get it, officer.

We do have a Christmas mugger on our hands, but....

I figure, I got him on my hands right now.

Get out of the car. Out.

Step out.

Turn around.

You're gonna regret this moment

when you're back pounding a beat.

Who else should I spend Christmas Eve with? Come on.

Chris: That is the puniest Christmas tree I've ever seen.

McCloud: Well, trimming Christmas trees

is not my forte, Chris.

[both chuckle]

Chris: You're just all tuckered out.

McCloud: Well, had a hard day at the office.

Chris: Well, what you've got to do is put your feet up.

McCloud: Mm. Chris: Just relax.

Chris: There you go.

[mellow music]

Chris: There. Isn't that better?

McCloud: Yeah. That do feel better.

[both chuckle]

You know, Chris, in Taos we put

a Christmas tree right in the middle of town.

People come from miles around just to sing carols round it.

Kinda brings people together. You know what I mean.

[giggles]

Yeah, we've got one like that too in Rockefeller Center.

Yeah, yeah. With all those pushers and hookers.

[both laugh]

Purse snatchers for company.

Well, they have a right to a Christmas too, don't they?

Well, sure.

Now, nobody should spend tonight by themselves.

That's what I keep telling you.

[telephone rings]

Hello.

Grover.

I'll go see if the turkey is basting

and not just charcoaling.

Grover, I told Joe not to call unless it was an emergency.

He's been what?

He's where?

Right now?

[sighs]

Now, look, Grover, there's somebody else down there

that can go get him out.

Alright, alright, alright, alright.

I'll get down there as fast as I can.

Alright.

I'll be dipped.

What's the matter?

Well, they picked up Chief Clifford

over on 52nd Street.

- Hurt? - Arrested.

- For what? - I don't know.

Something about impersonating

a Santa Claus, doesn't make any sense to me.

I got to go down to the 12 Precinct and bail him out.

- It's my fault. - What?

Oh, my newspaper and the NYPD

are co-sponsoring a Christmas party

for the orphans at the Westside Hospital.

It was my idea to get Chief Clifford

to play Santa Claus.

[scoffs] Chief Clifford is Santa Clause

and arrested, I can't believe that.

[laughs] I think it's hysterical.

You do, huh?

I doubt if the chief is going to find it all that humorous.

- I'll be back directly. - Hmm.

You hang tough.

[sighs] As I said, marshal,

no one should spend Christmas Eve alone.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

Woman: Maybe that one. No, no, I don't think so.

No, not that one.

Uh, maybe that one.

You know, they're so hard to tell.

That's the one!

That's the one that robbed me. Yeah, that one there.

The one that's chewing that cigar. Filthy habit.

At least, I think that's the one.

You know, they almost all look alike.

I'll tell you just once more.

I am Chief Peter B. Clifford

of the New York Police Department.

And if you call the commissioner,

you will find it out for yourself.

Man 1: We've already told you the commissioner doesn't hire

Santa Clauses.

Can I help you, cowboy?

I don't think. It's more like me helping you.

I'm Marshal Sam McCloud.

I'm on special assignment with New York Police Department.

I don't wanna spoil your Christmas Eve,

but I gotta tell you that one up there with the cigar in his face

is who he says he is.

I'd have to have some proof of that, cowboy.

Figured you would, so I stopped by

the chief's house on the way over.

That's kind of a striking resemblance, don't you think?

Sergeant, release that Santa Claus immediately.

I, uh, I appreciate your coming down.

Oh, that's alright, I didn't have anything to do anyway.

Listen, my lips are sealed about this, chief.

I ain't gonna tell anybody.

They'll be laughing their heads off

in every precinct in the city by morning.

Hey, don't forget this.

I won't forget it again.

I understand those kids are really gonna be disappointed

that you didn't arrive on time, Santa.

Merry Christmas, McCloud.

Same to you.

[whistles] Taxi!

- Chief call in? - Tell ya about it later.

You didn't tell him I wasn't here.

It was where he was that was interesting.

Detective Grover.

What's the address, sir?

Look, I have no idea when McCloud is coming in.

I don't even know if he's gonna come in at all,

so why don't you tell me what this is all about?

I can only talk to Marshall McCloud.

I didn't catch your name before.

Jim. Jim from the southwest.

Alright. Why don't you, uh, give me your address,

Jim from the southwest, and I'll have McCloud

phone you as soon as he can.

I wish I could. But I'm not staying anywhere.

I just got off the plane a couple of hours ago

from New Mexico.

My luggage is still at the airport in a locker.

Hey, look, I don't mind waiting. I've travelled a long way.

Just a couple more hours don't mean anything.

You sound like New Yorker born and bred to me.

[scoffs]

[chuckles] Maybe I am.

Maybe I just travel in my mind.

Why do you wanna see Marshal McCloud?

Just friends.

[dramatic music]

Everything is almost ready.

What do you see?

Oh, same thing I can see from my room.

You know, it doesn't seem to matter where you look out

on this city, it's all the same.

- Very impersonal. - All cities are like that, Sam.

Yeah, but this one seems to have a corner on the market.

- Man needs room to breathe. - Right.

There we are. One Christmas turkey.

Only slightly charcoaled.

Mmmmm. That smells good.

It'd smell even better if you'd come and sit down.

Sam: Crowd of people collecting down there.

Chris: You see, people do get together, even in New York.

[dramatic music]

Chris: Sam? Sam, what's the matter? What is it?

There's a woman on the ledge outside the building

opposite us. Chris.

Chris: Oh, my God.

[telephone rings]

Sergeant Broadhurst.

Joe, this is McCloud. I'm at Chris's apartment.

There's a woman standing on a ledge outside the building

across the street. She's eight floors up.

Looks like she's gonna throw herself off.

I'll get a car over there as soon as I can.

- How soon is that? - We're spread pretty thin.

I've been trying to get through

to the 50th Precinct for an hour.

Well, then call the 22nd, but hurry up!

Are you coming in at all tonight?

Wasn't plannin' on it. No. Why?

Well, I guess it'll keep.

I'll get the car over there as soon as I can.

Right.

Where are you going?

No tellin' how long it'll take that squad car to get over here.

I've gotta try and do something'

We've just sat down to dinner! This isn't your problem.

It's my responsibility, Chris.

Somebody else will take care of it.

You're not the only police officer in New York

that can talk her back inside!

Chris, we're talkin' about a woman's life!

- I'll be back directly. - I know. Hang tough.

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chatter]

Let me through please. This is the police.

Please, let me through. Let me through, please.

I'm Marshal Sam McCloud.

I'm with the New York Police Department.

Marshal, my name is Matt Peterson.

I work in the accounting office down the hall.

- You know her? - Yeah.

That's Kate O'Hannah. She's Jason Howard's secretary.

Looks like she's polished off most of a bottle of Scotch.

Kate.

Kate.

Did you talk to her?

I tried, but I don't think she heard me.

Kate.

This is Marshal Sam McCloud.

Don't look down.

Just look straight ahead.

I don't know what made you walk out on that ledge

but whatever it was, it's not worth your life.

And I think that you know that.

- I'm gonna jump. - No, you're not.

Just don't think about it. Don't talk about it.

'Cause it's not gonna happen.

And there's no problem that doesn't look a little bit better

once you sleep on it.

And nothin' is worth your life, Kate.

So why don't you just come inside outa the cold

and we'll talk about it.

[siren blaring]

Kate.

I can't move.

Don't try to move.

Stay right where you are.

I'll come and get you.

Just stay there. Look straight ahead.

Nice and easy.

Don't look down.

Reach out your hand. Nice and easy.

Now, very easy. Easy. Give me your hand.

Reach out your hand. Come on.

Reach out your hand.

Give me your hand. That's it.

There you are. There you got it.

Now you got it.

That's it. Here we go. Now we're gonna get back in.

One step at a time.

That's all. Nice and easy.

That's it. Almost there.

Almost there.

That's the way. That's a girl.

One step at a time.

That's it. Here we go.

- Ahh! - No, hold on!

[Kate screaming]

Come on, Kate. Grab my wrist! Hold on!

Grab my wrist with both hands!

- Grab it! Kate: I can't.

Sam: Grab it!

[indistinct]

Hold me!

- Pull up! - I can't...

- Take my wrist! Take it! - I can't.

[Kate whimpering]

Sam: Pull up! - I can't.

Pull! Grab her!

[Kate crying]

Kate: I'm sorry! Jason! Jason!

- Jason? - Jason Howard.

Like I told you, this is his secretary.

You got a number on him?

It's alright. It's alright, it's alright.

- Easy. Easy. It's alright. - Oh!

Peterson: That's his home phone.

Thank you. It's okay, Kate. It's alright. It's alright.

[instrumental "Jingle Bells"]

Yeah. This is Jason Howard.

Mr. Howard, this is Marshal Sam McCloud.

I'm with the New York Police Department

What can I do for you, Marshal?

I'm at your office with Kate O'Hannah.

I understand she's your secretary.

That's right. Has she been in some kind of accident?

She tried to throw herself off the ledge outside your office.

Oh, my God!

I'm takin' her to Westside Hospital.

I think you'd better get down there as fast as you can.

Oh, that's absolutely out of the question.

This is Christmas Eve, marshal. I've got my whole family here.

I can't possibly leave them.

The lady's in shock. She needs to talk to someone.

Well, naturally I'm sorry she attempted such a stupid thing,

but she's not my responsibility..

Who is that on the phone, Jason?

Uh, it's business. I'm just wrapping it up.

I'm sorry, there's nothing more I can do for you tonight.

Mr. Howard, the newspapers will be here any minute now.

And suicides perched on buildings have a way

of making the front pages.

Now they can say that she was standin' on a ledge

outside your building or they can say that she was

standin' on a ledge outside your office.

It all depends on the way those boys want to slant it.

And that all depends on how much information they might get.

You know what I mean?

I'll be there in 25 minutes.

Appreciate it.

You're not going out now, are you, Jason?

It's an emergency, darling. I won't be long.

I can't believe it! You've got 20 guests in there.

Some of them have traveled a long way!

Please, Jason, don't stand them up.

I've got no choice.

What could possibly be that important on Christmas Eve?

Or who?

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Chris: Sam, what were you doing?

You could have gotten yourself killed out there on that ledge.

I'm sorry, but I've gotta see that

that she's taken care of at the hospital alright.

Chris: Please let me come with you.

At least we'll be together there tonight.

Let's go.

[indistinct chatter]

[siren blaring]

- This is it. - A hospital?

They've drugs locked in cabinets you could open with a pen knife.

- Fine. Let's go. - Alright. Let's try it.

Woman on PA: An inhalation therapist please report

to room 210B with Bird respirator.

An inhalation therapist please report to room 210B

with Bird respirator.

I'm sorry, this is the hospital dispensary.

The pilling pharmacy is down by the reception area.

Come on, man, we got a sick girl here. It's Christmas Eve.

- Show some feelings. - But I have rules here.

Yeah, well, we don't have time for rules. She's sick.

- What exactly do you guys want? - Morphine.

Okay. Just take it easy. You'll get it.

And a some rubber hose and a syringe. Quick! Come on!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[whimpering]

[siren blaring]

Are you gonna stay here with her?

Just till I know that she's alright.

There's somebody comin' down to see her

and I wanna talk to him before that happens.

Well, there's only more I can do here.

I think I'll go up to the fourth floor

and see how Chief Clifford's coming up.

Tell him I'll be along directly.

Oh, he'll be delighted.

If they have apple machine, get me one.

Woman on PA: Chaplain, please report to nursing station two.

Oh, hello, Chris! I didn't think you were gonna make it tonight.

My evening took an unexpected turn.

Well, this is a festive scene.

The kids are really enjoying themselves.

I don't see any presents being opened.

Well, Santa was late.

Yes, I heard that he was unavoidably detained.

[chuckles] Where is he now?

Merry Christmas. Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas, children! Ho, ho, ho!

Me... rry Christmas, young lady.

I, uh, if you'll excuse me, I have some children to visit.

Merry Christmas, Chief Clifford.

[laughing]

[coughs]

Alright, who told you?

No one had to tell me!

You know my newspaper is co-sponsoring this tonight.

In fact, I was the one that asked that

you be requested to volunteer for this role.

That's a dangerous confession to make to a desperate man

in a confined space.

I think that you look great.

Well, I'm sure glad this only happens once a year

to other people.

Now, tell the truth. Do I really look alright?

Terrific.

I mean, uh, the beard alright?

The cap?

Best looking Santa Claus in the City.

Huh? [chuckles]

[clears throat]

Young lady, you're holding up Santa Claus.

I've got to get to those children.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!

Woman on PA: Physical therapist report to room 420.

Physical therapist report to room 420.

What's going on here?

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

Woman on PA: Will security please report

to nursing station two?

Will security please report to nursing station two?

Oh, well, Merry Christmas, laddie.

Now, what do you suppose I've got in my sack for you?

- What was your name again? - Charles Maycheck.

Charles Maycheck.

How could I forget that?

I think he's beginning to enjoy it.

He certainly has brightened up those kids.

Spencer on radio: Two males and a female.

Gotta need more cars to seal off the hospital. And a SWAT team.

You know we can't just walk out the front.

We're gonna have to find a fire exit.

Okay. Come on.

[sirens blaring]

Woman on PA: Dr. Dormer, check with X-ray please.

Dr. Dormer.

Come on. [panting]

Woman on PA: Dr. Renee check with intensive unit please.

Dr. Renee.

What'd you start shooting for, man?

The cop was gonna fire. I had to. Oh, my leg. Oh!

This leg!

What are we gonna do?

We've got to stop this bleeding.

Shh.

Shh.

[footsteps]

Peggy, hurry up. We gotta try and get out of here.

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

♪ All is calm.. ♪

Man 2: Merry Christmas! Give generously!

Give to those less fortunate than yourself

in this season of goodwill. Merry Christmas.

And a Merry Christmas to you, Santa.

Merry Christmas, my dear. Now the rest of it, grandma.

Come on! I can't wait all night!

I knock off at twelve.

[groans]

She stabbed me.

She stabbed me.

[indistinct radio chatter]

Can you make it?

Yeah.

Let's go.

Come on.

Woman on PA: Dr. Richards, please.

Dr. Richards.

Okay. Come on.

[dramatic music]

Now you are...

- Melissa. - Melissa.

[music continues]

Merry Christmas!

Alright, freeze.

Scott: Nobody moves or I shoot.

Come on, I mean it. Not a step.

What's this all about?

I got a friend here who's hurt.

Do something for him.

Come on. Come on! Do something for him.

[instrumental music]

How you feeling?

Better.

You know the doctor tells me

you're gonna be just fine.

You wanna tell me a little bit about this, Kate?

Hm. You wouldn't understand.

Why don't you give me a chance?

I mean, we went through a lot out there together.

You don't stand on a narrow ledge

eight floors above the city

unless you, you feel kinda close

to the person that you're standin' next to.

It doesn't matter now.

Well, it mattered enough to you to walk out there

in the first place.

It mattered enough to me

to try and get you back.

You know...

they say that under circumstances like these

your whole life passes in front of you in a flash.

Do you ever hear that?

Huh?

You know what I thought about when you fell?

What?

Well, I thought about the time that I came out the shoot

on a Brahma bull.

And that bull took about two jumps

and I landed on the ground.

And he turned around and he charged at me

and he was snortin' and he was mean

and he was ugly.

I had a choice to make.

Either go right or left.

Well, luckily I went right and the bull went left.

Now you had a choice to make out there tonight.

And you made it.

You know what it was?

To live.

To live, Kate.

And that's probably the most important decision

that you're ever gonna make in your life.

I don't wanna think that you'll ever

that you're ever gonna have to make that decision again.

I, uh...

I was involved with a man.

Jason Howard.

That's right.

It was a situation that I,

that I couldn't handle.

We'd ended it last week, but, uh...

it was Christmas Eve and...

and I just couldn't face the thought

of spending it alone.

New York's the coldest city in the world to be in

when you're alone.

Hey, why don't you tell me about it?

I wrote a book.

What about your family?

They, uh, they live in Florida and...

they're not expecting me.

Your friends?

They're busy.

[sniffles]

Jason was all that I had left.

Hey, hey, come on. Kate.

You got something left that's very important.

And that's your life. That's you, Kate.

That may not seem very important to you right now.

But there'll come a day when,

when you'll know that it is.

You hear me?

[sighs]

I'm glad it was you out on that ledge with me, marshal.

Hey, I appreciate that.

[chuckles]

You hang tough.

Okay.

[glass shatters]

Woman on PA: Dr. Callender, call Radiology please.

Dr. Callender.

[siren blaring]

Scott: Where does that go?

Another corridor.

Alright, let's move these beds in front of there.

Come on! Come on! Let's go.

You too, Santa. Come on, move!

Let these children out of here.

You've got plenty of hostages without them.

Shut up. Just shut up.

You wanna see next Christmas, shut up.

They're terrified. Let them go!

I said shut up!

Now come on, move. You too, move!

Woman on PA: Dr. Kelly, please. Dr. Kelly.

- Oh, Marshal McCloud? - Yeah.

I thought I should tell you. Three young people.

They robbed the pharmacy and they shot a policeman.

- They get 'em? - No.

They're still somewhere in the hospital.

Woman on PA; Dr. Gardener, please.

- Thank you. - Dr. Gardener.

Now, look, I didn't know any of this was gonna happen.

I'm not prepared for it.

So just give me a break.

Now, nobody's gonna get hurt tonight.

Everybody just does what they're told.

I mean, this is pretty exciting stuff, you know?

Everybody just stays put we're all gonna have some

pretty exciting stories to tell our friends on Christmas Day.

Just all of you, just do what he says or else you won't see

the light of Christmas Day.

What are you gonna do with us now that we're all

trapped in here?

Like I told Santa, I haven't thought about it.

All I know is we're gonna get out of here.

- You don't believe that. - We're gonna get out of here.

Otherwise, I just might as well start shooting now

and go out that way, right?

Alright, everybody down at this end of the room.

Come on, move.

Come on.

Woman on PA: Dr. Bowlan. Call the neuro clinic please.

Dr. Bowlan.

Woman on PA: Dr. Henry, call the operator please.

- Dr. Henry. - Alright. That's close enough!

Marshal Sam McCloud.

On special assignment with the New York Police Department.

Well, you just get out of here.

And get me somebody of authority up here I can talk to.

I got hostages in here.

You people try anything cute, I start shooting.

You know what I mean?

Don't hurt those people in there.

I'll get you whoever you want.

And holler before you come down that corridor.

Nobody's gonna rush ya, I'll let you know when we're coming.

Just don't hurt those people.

Woman on PA: EKG to 447.

[sighs]

Okay, we'll get right on it.

Joe, attempted robbery at the Westside Hospital.

Three suspects still in the building.

What kind of cars we got in that area?

[sighs]

407, 312, 409.

Get them over there right away. Huh?

- Who should they report to? - Hey, Westside Hospital.

That's where that Christmas party's being given

for those orphans, huh?

Just tell 'em to check in with Chief Clifford.

They'll recognize him, he's in a red suit

with a long white beard and a red hat.

Just tell 'em to report to Santa Claus.

Woman on PA: Dr. Wilder, to intensive care.

Dr. Wilder, please see Dr. Williams

in intensive care.

- Eh, could you tell me-- - Can't talk to you now, Santa.

Woman on PA: Dr. Garfield, please

Dr. Garfield.

- Excuse me, I'm looking for-- - Later, Santa.

Chief Clifford?

Chief?

Yes?

We moved pretty fast to seal off the whole hospital.

I'd say they were still inside.

They are?

Woman on PA: Dr. Bensfield please. Dr. Bensfield.

Good. That's very good.

What's our first move?

Our first move?

Right.

Well, I think our first move is fairly obvious, officer.

Yes, sir.

Our first move is to, to--

Check the floors, chief?

Check the floors, right.

I want all you officers to check every floor,

starting with the top floor and working down.

I don't want to see any of you

back down on this floor

until you've checked all the other floors.

- Right? - Right, chief.

That's all, men. Get moving.

Okay, let's go.

Emergency Room?

[indistinct PA announcement]

Sergeant?

I'm Marshal McCloud.

The fugitives are on the fourth floor

in the children's ward.

They're holding everybody there hostage.

I just talked to one of them, he wants to talk

to somebody in authority.

Uh, Captain Hellman's on his way now.

- Hellman? - That's right.

Oh, that's great. That's great.

I want you to seal off that floor.

I told them there'd be no police up there

until they could talk to somebody in charge.

Officer Spencer and four patrolmen

are on their way now to make a search.

Make sure that nobody else goes up there

until Hellman gets here. Nobody.

Yes, sir.

[dramatic music]

[sighs]

[indistinct PA announcement]

It's 10 o'clock. We should be playing in the Village,

right now.

[sighs]

You wanna sing a carol for the kiddies?

Keep 'em amused.

Yeah, right.

You got no Christmas spirit, huh?

Come on, you guys.

- I'm gonna tell him. - Tell him what?

Who I am.

He'll kill you.

I don't think so.

I want you to let these children go.

Look, Santa, I told you once to get off my back.

My name is Peter B. Clifford

I'm Chief of Detectives

of the New York Police Department.

Yeah, and I'm Rudolph

the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Now the police will never storm

this place with their me inside.

So let everybody else go.

I'm the only hostage you need.

Woman on PA: Dr. Richardson, call the operator please.

Alright, check the store room, be suspicious of all..

[gunshots]

I promised I'd keep this corridor clear.

Who are you?

Marshal Sam McCloud.

Spencer: I'm sorry, marshal, we were under

direct orders to come up here!

McCloud: From who?

Chief Peter B. Clifford.

Well, Chief Clifford's in the ward!

No, he's not! He's downstairs!

I've told you the truth.

I am Chief Clifford!

McCloud!

Right here!

You promised me no police out there

without letting me know!

There's a breakdown in communications.

It won't happen again.

Leave some men here and take me to Chief Clifford.

Alright, come on, let's get these doors barricaded.

Come on!

He gave us orders to search the building

starting from the top floor.

Chief Clifford?

That's not Chief Clifford.

I've been stabbed.

- Get him to a cubicle. - Sorry, marshal.

It's alright.

Do you have Kate O'Hara here?

Woman: Yes, she's in the emergency room.

You Jason Howard?

- Yeah. You Marshal McCloud? - That's right.

Well, let's get this over with. Where is she?

She's in the first cubicle there but before you go in,

I just wanna get a couple of things straight with you.

The lady has just gone through a very horrifying experience.

She's frightened.

She took a look at her life

on Christmas Eve and decided

it wasn't worth a hill of beans.

Now, I don't know what you had to do with that

and I really don't care.

All I want you to know

is she needs all the sympathy,

all the understanding

and feeling that she can get.

Woman on PA: Physical therapist, report to room 420.

[instrumental music]

Oh, Kate, I'm so sorry about all this.

Look, why don't I take you home?

Maybe you could ring me tomorrow, we could talk.

I'll be on a plane to Florida tomorrow

and I won't be coming back.

I really am sorry.

It's alright, Jason.

Yeah. Alright.

Okay.

Joe, those suspects at the Westside Hospital

are holding Chief Clifford and everyone else

in that children's ward at gunpoint.

They threatened to shoot anyone who comes near.

Do they know who they've got in there as a hostage?

I don't think so.

- Anybody hurt? - Not yet.

I've got Spencer here, he thought you might

like to know that Captain Hellman

is on his way down to the hospital to take charge.

That's terrific.

Hellman would rush in on a gunman

holding his mother hostage if he thought

it was going by the book.

I'd better get over there.

Grover, I'm leaving you in charge,

I'll let you know if I find out anything.

Right.

Well, the receptionist

told Spencer that just before

the shooting started

she directed Chris Coughlin

up to the ward.

I'll be back.

Grover: Sergeant Broadhurst is on his way.

[sighs]

[dramatic music]

[siren blaring]

And I want a two-way radio link-up

with every exit from this hospital.

Do we know the name of the gunman, Captain Hellman?

Not at the present moment.

How many hostages is he

holding in the ward?

Rig up some kind of barricade

on the fourth floor.

- Using what? - I don't care!

- Whatever you can find. - Yes, sir.

It's my understanding that there are

eight children and four adults.

Is it true that novelist Chris Coughlin is among the hostages?

I believe so.

Will you have to make an attempt to rush the ward?

I can't answer that.

The hostages are our primary concern, naturally

and we're going to do everything possible

to bring every innocent person

out of there alive and safe.

But we're not gonna be dictated to by gunmen

or submit to any kind of blackmail.

We'll do whatever is necessary to apprehend these people.

Captain Hellman?

That was Captain Maxwell Hellman

and Sergeant Joe Broadhurst.

They are now going up to the fourth floor.

I'll do everything I can to keep you posted.

[instrumental music]

Marshal McCloud, you're the first one

to make contact with the suspects?

That's right.

Is that the only way in there?

No, there's another door round the other side.

- Locked? - I don't know.

Sergeant, take some men

and put yourself in position near that other door.

I want a two-way radio in constant communication.

Right, captain.

Captain, if they detect any noise by that other door--

I know your chief is in there, McCloud,

and we're gonna get him out along with the others.

This is the police.

Who am I talking to in there?

The name's Scott.

First or last doesn't make any difference to you.

Who am I talking to?

Captain Maxwell Hellman.

I got a dozen frightened people in here

anxious to hear what you have to say.

I'm asking you to surrender yourself to me.

You're completely surrounded by armed police.

There's no possible way that you can get out of this hospital.

- Do you know him? - I know him.

Now so far, you haven't killed anyone.

What about the cop?

He's okay.

Now just let those children

walk out of there.

Nobody comes out of here till we get what we want.

What do you want?

A helicopter.

You land it on the roof.

And a plane waiting at the airport

to take us outta the country.

That'll take some time.

You got a half hour.

No more.

It'll be here.

[instrumental music]

Reporter: We have just learned that the gunmen have asked

for a helicopter to land on the roof of the hospital

in half an hour.

Now we do not know where that helicopter

is going to take them

nor how many hostages are gonna be held.

Captain Maxwell Hellman is still on the fourth floor.

We understand that the life of novelist Chris Coughlin

has been threatened as the first casualty

if the helicopter does not arrive in time.

The fugitives were first contacted

by a Marshal Sam McCloud

a peace officer who we are told is on special assignment

with the New York City Police Department.

Miles Dixon, administrator of the hospital remains critical

over the way this highly volatile situation

has been handled so far by Captain Maxwell Hellman.

I'll be going now.

Thank you.

Reporter: ...killing some of the children

they are holding hostage.

The gunmen are apparently on...

Who was that?

I don't know. Friend of McCloud's.

Didn't have much to say, did he?

Silent knight.

Reporter: ...paranoid and unable to reason clearly.

What's your name?

Peggy.

Peggy.

You shouldn't be involved with them.

They did it for me.

I'm the one who needs the drugs.

Junkies are expensive people to live with.

You know, you can get help.

Don't come closer.

I don't wanna hear about that.

Peggy, please, just talk to them.

You don't want to see those little children hurt.

It's too late now.

No, it's not.

It isn't, Peggy.

Please.

[kid crying]

What are we gonna do when the helicopter gets here?

We'll take it.

There's not gonna be a plane fueled at the airport.

We're not gonna take it to the airport.

Where are we gonna take it?

I don't know. Out of the city.

When we find a good place, we'll have the pilot set us down.

That is if we can get up to the roof.

We'll make it.

Hey.

What's this all about?

I'm kinda scared.

[sighs]

Yeah.

You know, you ever...

You ever got yourself into a situation

you just don't know what's happening?

[instrumental music]

Listen, you know,

I could really use your help today.

Think you could help me keep the rest of these kids

from panicking?

I can try.

That's my man.

[dramatic music]

Thought I told you to stay in the back of the room.

I want you put an end to this.

I mean, Hellman was right.

Nobody's been killed yet, but...

If one of these children gets hurt or killed

they're gonna crucify you.

It's gone too far.

No, it hasn't. Just give yourself a chance.

Give us a chance.

Please just put a stop to it.

Broadhurst has six men on position in the other corridor.

They'll move on your signal.

Captain, you can't rush that ward!

What makes you think that they're gonna wait

for that 'copter to arrive?

They could start shooting just because they don't like

the silence in the room.

The longer they are in there the more risk those hostages--

Captain, I've got a notion that we might

at least get the kids out of there

if you just let me talk to him.

I'll do the talking

you just follow orders.

Understood?

- Broadhurst. - Yeah, captain?

We'll create a diversion.

Standby.

Hellman: Scott, I need to talk to you.

I've gotta tell that pilot at the airport

where you wanna go.

You can only take one of us

up in that helicopter with you

Let the others go.

[sighs]

Maybe you're right...

I gotta give him this information right now, Scott.

Let me talk to you.

Come on, Scott.

I've got to get this information to the pilot.

He needs to know where you're going.

He may have to refuel.

If he does, other people will have to be alerted.

[glass shatters]

[gunshots]

No! Don't fire.

[indistinct chatter]

I can stop this now?

Give myself a chance?

Hellman!

Hellman, that was a pretty stupid stunt

you just pulled.

You people try something like that again

and people are gonna die in here,

you got that?

I got it.

You got 14 minutes

to get that helicopter here.

It's on it's way.

[exhales]

Alright, captain, you've tried it your way,

now I'm gonna try it my way.

Scott,

this is Marshal McCloud.

I've got somethin' I wanna show ya.

I wanna come in there.

I can hear you just fine

from where you are, marshal.

Those children that you're holdin'

are just gonna be a liability to ya

when it comes time to leave.

You've got Chief Peter B. Clifford

of the New York Police Department in there.

Santa already tried that once.

I've got proof.

Now, Scott, you haven't killed anybody yet.

And I don't think you want to.

So I'm gonna walk to the door

and I'm gonna pass this through to ya.

Alright. Come ahead.

Keep your hands where I can see 'em.

[instrumental music]

Alright, now back off.

Back off!

So you were telling the truth after all, huh, Santa?

McCloud: Now, we're not gonna come in shooting

with our chief in there.

What happened out here before was a mistake.

There's a lot of police to control.

Now let Chris Coughlin and the kids go.

If you need another hostage, take me.

You hear me, Scott?

Every one in here is a witness, Scott.

They can all testify against us.

No one's walkin' outta here.

We can't fit everybody into one helicopter,

we've gotta leave somebody.

Or would you like me to blow 'em all away?

I'd like you to tell me how to do that

with two bullets.

- What do you mean, two bullets? - That's all we've got left.

What'd you waste all the bullets for?

Why'd you start shooting in the first place for?

Don't put the monkey on my back.

We wouldn't be here if you hadn't messed

Peggy up to begin with.

Don't give me that.

You're not so lily white.

What do you say, Scott?

The kids will come out when that helicopter gets here

and we come out.

What are you going to do?

Whatever I have to.

[dramatic music]

Scott: Alright, Santa.

You wanna play hostage, you stay.

Everybody else, line up over here, single file.

What are you doing?

They can't touch us

as long as we've got these kids.

What do you think will happen to us

if something happens to them?

Come on.

Alright. Come on, kids.

- Come on. - Come on, children.

You stay right there, lady.

Just for luck.

Okay.

McCloud!

McCloud, I'm sendin' out the kids.

I'm gonna keep your chief and the lady.

You got that?

Yeah. I got that.

Alright, come on.

Come on.

- Move! Come on! - Alright, hurry up.

Come on.

Let's hurry up, come on.

Joe.

I need some rope.

About 50 feet, a strong rope.

You know where I can get it?

In the SWAT truck.

Rope?

You just gave up our chance to get out of here.

[sighs]

You got five minutes for that chopper.

It's on its way.

McCloud, I'm not gonna let you do this. This is crazy.

I'm not sittin' around twiddling my thumbs,

that chopper may not get here.

[instrumental music]

How are you gonna know which window?

That's a good question.

Here. Hold the rope.

[dramatic music]

Joe?

Give me the rope.

Alright.

This is as far as you go, marshal.

What's this all about?

You're the tall man.

Walking tall.

You're the big man in this city.

[chuckles]

I read about you.

All your clippings,

all your, your headlines in my little book.

Scrapbook full of memories.

Someone's got to cut you down to size.

- You know this guy? - No.

He was waiting at the headquarters,

they said he was a friend of yours.

I don't know you.

I could be your son, marshal.

Yes, I've thought about that.

Being a son...

to a man like, like you.

I...

I cut you down...

I become the important man.

You can see that.

I'm the one everyone knows then.

I'm the one people remember.

Well, you can see that.

It's Christmas Eve.

[voice breaking] Uh...

You should know, marshal,

you should...

You should remember, marshal.

Christmas, huh?

That's a time to care for other people.

But...

you don't have time for little people, do you?

Got no time for the little people

with their little...

their little one-room lives.

[sobbing]

You're not gonna shoot anybody

just drop the rifle.

Just take it easy, let it go.

Help me, marshal. [sobbing]

That's it. Nice and easy.

Get him, Joe.

Help me, marshal.

[sobbing]

Time's up for that helicopter.

You think I'm kidding?

Well, I'm not kiddin'.

[dramatic music]

Come on out. Over here.

If you're gonna shoot anybody,

you're gonna have to shoot me first.

It's your choice, Santa.

[glass shattering]

[gunshots]

[dramatic music]

McCloud!

Yeah, alright!

McCloud, you... You did it, huh?

I always knew I could count on you

to make a spectacular entrance, McCloud,

but that one was out of the blue.

There you go.

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy New Year ♪

[theme music]