Original subtitles

Give it up, Belasco! You got no place to go!

You're wrong, policeman.

I have a 1,000 years head-start on you.

[shrieking]

This is a kook story,

so it should be handled by another kook.

How do you do, McCloud? My name is Count Dracula.

Chill on a night like this

penetrates back a 1,000 years.

[thunderclap]

- She's at his house. - You left her there?

McCloud: Well, it wasn't my idea.

[shrieking]

[dramatic music]

[door creaking]

[door clanking]

[door creaking]

[ominous music]

[music continues]

McCloud: Ah. It's a strange city, Joe.

It just keeps going on.

Joe: Survival, McCloud, life goes on.

What do you want people to do?

Seven million people can't stop to grieve for every loss,

every flip-out.

There're just too many tragedies in a city this big.

Yeah, well, I expect so.

Still in all, I wonder if there's anything

in the whole world that would shake this town up.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[gun clicks]

[gunshot]

[clamoring]

Clifford: Now, the fourth attack,

came from atop the Parks Trust Building

at approximately this angle,

striking down one Wilbur C. Johnson.

No apparent connection with victims one, two or three,

expect for one very striking similarity...

Joe, you drive like my Aunt Jessie backin' out of a garage.

Come on. We're gonna miss the whole meeting.

If they'd wanted us at that meeting, we'd have been invited.

Just an oversight, I'm sure of that.

What's so important about it anyway?

Anybody gets roped in on that manhunt

will be on duty for the rest of their lives.

Joe, I come to New York City to get involved in important cases,

not cruisin' around Times Square

looking for some purse snatcher.

[dramatic music]

[door opens]

Woman on radio: Unit 411. 411?

[static]

411, go ahead.

Woman on radio: 187 just occurred, 125th to New York.

We're supposed to be off duty ten minutes ago.

Just tell 'em that we're headin' back to headquarters.

411 on the way.

Joe, there's ten cars that could've taken that call.

McCloud, you want to go party crashing the chief's vigilantes,

you take a cab back to headquarters.

Me, I prefer catching purse snatchers

to catching it from Clifford.

[siren wailing]

Come on, please. Watch the car.

Watch the car.

- You guys on the sniper squad? - No.

- Why, what have you got? - Could be another victim.

Joe, would you keep these people back here?

- Who found him? - I did.

Let me see your light.

I thought he was just another drunk,

but I see the clothes, and the look.

He's just a kid.

And I find these wound marks on his neck.

He sure is pale, huh?

Must've lost a lot of blood.

No blood around, that's the problem.

No blood anyplace around here...

Harvey: Coming through, please. Coming through.

Officer, keeps these people back.

He must've been dragged from someplace else.

You know what I'm sayin'?

Medical examiner.

And who are you?

I'm a police officer, on special assignment.

There something special about this case?

Well, there's awful unusual wound here. Look at that.

I figured a small caliber bullet. What's that sniper use?

Back it up, will you, please? Give us a break.

Hey, officer. Give me a hand, will you?

If this is the wound that killed this young man,

I think we can safely rule the sniper out.

Well, I wouldn't get hasty about that.

Officer, I've examined several of the sniper victims.

They've all had large caliber wounds.

There's no blood around her, you notice that?

This body must've dumped by somebody else.

No, sir. The man died right where you see him.

How do you figure that?

Red brick on his fingertips, under his nails.

He clawed at that wall, probably trying to pull himself up.

I never heard of anybody with a hole in their jugular

that big that didn't do a mite of bleeding.

Well, that is tradition, but, ah...

Why don't we wait until I finish my report, hmm?

As soon as we know somethin'. It looks like a mugging.

- Well, what can you tell us? - Wait here.

Somebody heard that beat cop say somethin' about the sniper.

We got the press comin' in from everywhere.

What's the preliminary?

The preliminary is that we have a dead man on our hands.

That the wound on his neck is almost

definitely not a gunshot wound.

That rules the sniper out.

Now, wait a minute. Let's don't rule anything out

until we get this fella down at the morgue.

I've known a lot of bullet wounds

that would get lost in a hairline.

Hey, come on, fellows. We're on overtime already.

- Is it the sniper or not? - Not.

- We don't know yet. - Officer!

I am the medical examiner.

But you haven't examined anything yet.

That's got nothing to do with--

Do you know exactly what caused this man's death?

No, but...

Well, there you have it, fellas.

You can get our report in the morning.

You can contact me. That's Marshal McCloud.

That's in care of the sniper squad, down at headquarters.

- That's it. Come on. Come on. - Okay, thank you.

- What did you just do? - Hm?

You just put us in the middle of the sniper case.

This is not the work of the sniper.

Uh, I know. I've worked his cases.

You just used this call to involve us in the sni--

Now, wait a minute, Joe. Just hold on.

Don't go jumpin' to conclusions until all the facts are in.

Now when I can pick up your report to coroner's office

tomorrow, Mister--

Doctor. Dr. H. Pollick.

I'm afraid, I can't give you a set time.

Well, that's alright. I'll just keep in touch.

Officer!

Man on TV: I am Count Dracula.

You see before you a man who has lived for centuries.

Kept alive by the blood of innocent people.

That's why I had come to you.

Within this coffin is a layer of soil

taken from my native country.

That earth makes this my grave...

in which I must lie helpless

during the daylight hours.

Because a single ray of sunlight falling on the vampire

would destroy him.

Yes, doctor.

Man on TV: How did you get that in here?

[knocking on door]

- Who is it? McCloud: It's me, Chris. Sam.

Sam.

Coming.

Ta-da.

Sorry for droppin' in so late, but...

Shh.

McCloud: I should've called before I came over I guess...

Chris: Shh.

Woman on TV: We'll be back with the "Dracula Special"

on the "Late Night Manhattan Film Festival"

following these announcements.

I'm sorry. I was just doing some homework.

[chuckles]

You're really into some heavy television there, Chris.

You-- you really like that Dracula stuff, huh?

You should never talk about the living dead.

Oh. Listen, I-- I wouldn't do that. No.

[both chuckling]

Aren't you a Draculapheliac like the rest of society?

- A what? - You know, it's just mad.

I mean, a Dracula book could just sell a ton.

I already have an advance from my publisher.

Which reminds me...

You know, Chris. I don't want to interrupt any heavy research

that you got going here.

You're not interrupting anything.

I suppose it is, ah...

Dracula is a lot more interesting that spending time

with a real live person.

- You're jealous of Dracula. - No, I'm not jealous.

It's just that when a fellow comes all the way across town

to see a nice lady, well...

needs a little attention.

So it's attention you want?

Woman on TV: Now we return "Dracula Special"

on the "Late Night Manhattan Film Festival."

[instrumental music]

Hm. Excuse me.

[groaning]

[indistinct TV chatter]

You got any blood to drink?

Um...

Something to drink, in the refrigerator, Sam.

Any particular type? A or O?

Oh, there's some milk and beer,

and some white wine.

[scoffing]

Well, I guess, maybe I'll just

drift on over to a singles' bar and...

Man on TV: Ahh!

...pick me up someone nice warm, willing...

New York lady.

Chris: You know where everything is, just help yourself.

Sam: Goodnight, Chris. Chris: Goodnight, Sam.

[door closes]

Goodnight?

Singles' bar?

Harvey...

I did that preliminary on that John Doe for you.

- Hey, thanks, Benji. - Oh, I don't know.

I didn't have to do much.

What killed that guy any way?

I don't know yet. Why?

I don't know. I've never seen anything like it.

He didn't have any blood in him.

McCloud: Good mornin', Zelda.

Zelda: Good morning, marshal.

McCloud...

Wanna talk to you a minute.

I'm gonna hook up with that sniper squad like you suggested.

No, you're not.

You're gonna follow up on that

victim you found in the alley last night.

Well, chief, you know how slow the wheels turn

down there at the coroner's office.

It'll be hours before they have that report ready.

Report's ready now.

Dr. Pollick seemed particularly anxious

that you get down there on the double.

- He want to see me? - That's right.

Why're you surprised?

I thought you wanted to be in on this one.

You mean, he said it might be the sniper case after all?

You said last night it might be the sniper,

he wouldn't say anything.

Why're you standing around here talking

when you should be moving?

I'm moving, I'm moving.

[scoffing]

Some man of action.

I've seen shut-ins move faster than he does.

Dr. Pollick: Uh, listen. We have to talk.

- Please, sit. - McCloud: Oh. Thank you.

Marshal, I could be in real trouble.

Well, you know if I'd found, anyway,

it'd put you in between a rock and a hard place,

I-- I guess I owe you an apology.

That man is not a sniper victim.

Well, I think we both know that. It's just that, uh...

Well, I thought if I keep my foot in the door, I...

I could do some jockeyin' in my own department.

You see, I really want to get on that sniper case.

- But that's impossible. - No, no.

No, nothin's impossible if you put your mind to it.

No. What I mean is, you've already got a case.

What case is that?

Our case.

You mean, the John Doe?

He may not be a John Doe for long.

Why? Have you got some kind of an ID on him?

No, something more important.

The way he was killed.

Well, how was he killed?

[scoffs]

You're not gonna believe me.

Do you mind giving me a shot at it? How was he killed?

Nobody's gonna believe me.

Would you just lay it out on the table for me?

Marshal...

since, ah, leaving medical school, I, ah...

I've had rather checkered career.

I mean, things have not gone smoothly for me.

My father was a famous doctor.

My grandfather was a famous doctor.

My brother runs the biggest hospital in California.

I mean, as far as they're concerned,

I, I sew up stiffs.

Well, I want to tell you that

there's no job that's unimportant.

But you were talking about this John Doe.

Now, you gonna tell me how he was killed?

See, if we don't handle this with the utmost care,

we may both be the the laughing stocks

of our respective professions.

Now, would you like that?

Well, I don't think that I'd like it too much,

but I would like to know how the man was killed.

His blood was sucked from his neck through a small hole.

I said, his blood was sucked from--

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I...

I heard what you said.

Do you understand what I said?

Yeah. Yeah. You said that the, uh...

the blood was sucked out of his neck

by some kind of an instrument,

by some kind of a...

Being.

[chuckling softly]

Well, doctor. I think we better stick with the instrument.

You know, the Mafia, they're-- they're pretty sadistic.

They got ways of, of doin' people in

if they got a mind to.

It wasn't a machine, it was a being.

How do you know?

Because under the microscope on the man's neck

I found teeth marks.

- Teeth marks? - Right. Teeth marks.

[sighs] You know, Dr. Pollick, ah...

everybody in law enforcement is just overworked these days.

This sniper has just got us all talkin' to ourselves.

Yeah, that's right. Go ahead. Go ahead.

You're doing exactly what everyone else is going to do.

You're assuming that I'm crazy because the facts are crazy.

Marshal, I'm not crazy.

I'm a damn good pathologist

who just happened to turn up an honest to God victim

of some kind of vampire.

Yeah, well, I-- I...

The department, it'll take care of this vampire case

as soon as we get rid of the sniper case.

So I'll tell you what I'll do, ah...

You-- you get your report ready and send it over to headquarters

and I'll see that Chief Clifford gets it myself.

How's that?

You're not gonna help me, are you?

Well, not until you've done your homework. No.

Now, if those marks turn out to be from teeth,

it's probably because there's some, uh,

rabid dog loose in the city.

Have you run any test for rabies?

Well, no.

Well, there you go.

Now, you make your tests.

And everything will explain itself. No problem.

Harvey, there's some reporters.

Uh, they want to know what you found out about

the John Doe in the alley.

Well, I don't have any report right now.

Benji: But you've been on it all night.

Harvey: There's no report!

Miss, I represent the police department.

And I can answer the questions here. Ah...

Marshal, what's the word?

Is it another sniper victim?

Doesn't appear to be, no.

Well, what's this we picked up on the victim

not having any blood?

Well, there's a lot of rumors floatin' around these days.

Well, this isn't a rumor, marshal, this is a statement.

Well, lot of homicides lose a little blood.

Then it is a homicide?

Well, a lot of suicides lose a little too.

Oh, come on. What's the double talk?

You want us to print a blind story?

You'll wish you'd leveled with us.

Man 1: Bloodless victims. Come on now, what is it?

Gangland, street gangs?

Is there a fiend on the loose?

What happened to the kid?

Fellas, you'll know just as soon

as I get the official coroner's report.

- And that's a promise. - Come on, fellas.

They want to play games.

We'll see who has the best imagination.

Man 2: Yeah. Those jerks are just wasting our time.

They're not talking.

Yeah, they're not gonna get a story anyway.

I thought you said you were gonna handle 'em.

Well, the only one's gonna handle 'em is you.

Now, if you'll just get busy and start your testing

and come up with logical explanation

that we're looking for, well, everything's gonna be fine.

Hang tough...

"Creature from space."

Well, one thing I have to give you, McCloud, boring you ain't.

Well, chief, you can't call one little column in the newspaper

is a disaster and you can't keep these New York newsboys

from trying to find some way out slant on a story.

I mean, they're only trying to sell papers.

I mean, nobody said anything about space men

or goblins, or ghouls.

What did you say?

Nothin'. Some lab technician

just that the body had no blood in it, that's all.

Oh... And that's when you managed to put the evidence

in perspective for the press, huh?

Okay, chief, it's your case. You ride herd on it.

I can't see nothin' but ruts and burrs on this one anyway.

Whoa there, big fella. Hold it.

Where you headed?

Well, I came here to observe,

and I don't have any interest in getting bogged down

in some kook case

that I'm gonna waste a lot of time and energy in, it has

nothin' to do with the kind of normal law enforcement work

that I'll be doin' back in Taos, that's all.

Oh, I hate it when he makes sense.

Just how did the press happen to come up

with this vampire angle anyway?

Well, it's like McCloud said, they want to sell papers.

Then, all the old ladies will run out and buy it and...

I ran out and bought it.

Joe...

tell McCloud he's back on the case.

- You're kidding? - Brilliant is more like it.

Well, McCloud was right. This is a kook story.

So, it should be handled by another kook.

Yeah, but, chief, the press will...

Never take McCloud seriously.

Better he should stand up and make a fool of himself

tryin' to explain things than me.

[chuckles]

Yeah. We handled this one just right.

You know, it may be the first time

I've ever handled McCloud just right...

and I like the feeling.

The sniper made his last two attacks on Second Avenue.

Now it's Brademan's theory that if we cover a radius of

eight blocks with rifle teams

concealed on the rooftops,

we'll at least stand a chance of being in a position to spot him.

Now those of you that have been assigned night scopes,

check em' out now, for tonight.

Get your gear together, and get goin'.

Uh, Polk. Polk, could I see you a minute?

McCloud, yeah sure. But make it fast, will you? I'm on the run.

Look, I-- I'd kind of like to be on this stampede with you.

It's, ah, it's a the kind of thing I'm interested in

for back home in Taos.

I mean, ah...

Night binoculars and these special

night scope rifles, and...

That's the kind of thing I came to New York to learn about.

Yeah, well, I'm sure you're right, McCloud,

but this team trained together at the academy.

I don't think I have the authority--

Hey... Look, Polk, I'm not gonna get in your way.

You know that I know my way around a rifle.

Alright, McCloud. Why not?

But you'll have to draw a night suit from supply

and be ready to move out with us at sundown.

I'll get myself a black Stetson just for the occasion.

Uh, McCloud, I got an assignment for you.

I got an assignment.

Ah, this one comes from the chief.

- You didn't find me, Joe. - McCloud, I did find you.

I'm not gonna lie to my boss.

Well, who's asking you to lie?

Joe: What're you asking me to do?

Now, come on, Joe. I got a chance to tie up

with the sniper squad.

Maybe that's what the chief had in mind for me?

What is it?

- Bats. - Bats?

How do you do, McCloud? My name is Count Dracula.

I heard, McCloud. Sorry.

Well, just don't count me out yet, Polk.

There's a lot of hours before dark.

You and me is goin' to catch us a sniper tonight.

Well, it sounds like you got to catch some kind of a ghoul.

What was all that, anyway?

Uh, never mind. Just leave a spot open for me.

I'll be there. Vampires!

What's this city goin' to dream up next?

[elevator bell dings]

- Hey, Chris. - You snake in the grass.

Oh, look, I'm sorry I ran out on you last night--

I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about this.

Yeah, well, I... I really don't have time.

I'm in kind of a hurry. I'll tell you about it tonight.

Tell me about it now. I mean, you go a long way

to get even with a girl, don't you?

I mean, I thought I could trust you to keep your mouth shut.

Oh, now, just a minute, Chris.

Now, as far as anybody is concerned,

we're just good friends, that's all.

Don't give me your snake oil pitch.

Now, do you mean to say you did not feed this malarkey

to the papers to put me down.

To put you down?

For sending more time with Dracula than you...

Now, you know the male ego is the greatest liability

to progress since the fig leaf.

Uh, what is this? I mean, first it's a sniper,

and then it's this crazy coroner

with his vampires, and then, it's you.

I mean, is it a full moon or something?

You mean to say there's some coroner

who supports this Dracula stuff?

No comment.

Do you mean to say this is not a joke?

Now, Chris, get that look out of your eye.

This is official police business.

Not anymore.

Sam, do you know what this can do for my book?

This is official police business, Chris. What're you...

[siren blaring]

[tires screeching]

[instrumental music]

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

Dr. Henry, call the operator.

Sam, you might as well slow down.

You're running out of corridor.

Got your report for you.

You know how you said if I stuck to it, things would look better?

- Yeah. - Well, they're lookin' worse.

- Who's she? - Ah. She's a reporter.

A reporter!

Haven't you said enough to them already?

I haven't said anything to 'em.

Gentlemen, gentlemen, I am novelist.

Sometimes a newspaper writer,

never a reporter.

Now there's nothing that I can possibly do to upset your case.

It won't be in print for few months.

Now all I'm interested in is, what is going on?

- What is going on? - Nothing.

Nothing is going on, Chris.

- Nothing. - Right. Nothing.

Well, then, what're you holding behind your--

Chris, I know you. You've got more sources

than the Mississippi.

Now, if you want to find out somethin',

why don't you just go to them?

You're not gonna get anything from Pollick and me.

- You understand? Nothing. - Oh. Oh. Alright, fine.

And if it's war you want, it's war you'll get.

Good luck, gentlemen.

Thanks, marshal. I owe you one.

Well, I don't know. Sometimes a wounded cat's the worst kind.

Now, what was so all fired so important here?

Well, the teeth marks on the victim's neck.

- Yeah. - They're human.

See for yourself. I duplicated the imprints.

You mean to tell me that

some human being bit this poor fella

on the neck... while he was dying or afterwards?

While he was dying.

The indentations were on live tissue.

The indications of suction are unmistakable.

Marshal, somebody sucked that man's blood out of his body.

Excuse me.

[telephone ringing]

Polk.

McCloud: Ah, this is McCloud here, Polk.

I just wanted to tell you that I won't be able to make that

sniper squad detail tonight.

Ah... something has come up.

Well, sorry to hear about it, McCloud. Maybe next time.

Yeah. Yeah.

Well, good huntin', anyway.

Well, I want to tell you somethin', young fella.

When I find out where you've tripped up

you're gonna have a bull on yours hands.

And I mean a mean bull.

[door opens]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[window clanking]

[music continues]

[switch clicks]

Larry?

[shrieking]

McCloud: Well, what's it all add up to?

I mean, when you leave out all the hocus-pocus,

it just adds up to another homicide, plain and simple.

You call a man drained of blood a simple homicide?

Well, it could've happened a lot of ways

that we ain't even thought of yet.

What about this, ah...

this hit on the head that you got marked down here?

Wasn't sufficient to prove fatal.

Probably knocked him out.

Made the rest of whatever happened easy for the fiend.

Now, there you go, usin' that word again.

Well, what word would you prefer?

Well, the facts aren't all in, and until they are,

just keep the lid on those wild hunches of yours.

[telephone ringing]

Pollick.

Why me? I've been on duty since...

Yes, sir.

What is it?

[sighs] The lid's off.

[dramatic music]

Officer, would you clear these people outta here, please?

- Says who? - Says him.

He's the official medical examiner.

That's right. I want everyone out.

Uh, wh-- what happened to her? She's pale as a ghost.

Well, give me a chance to look at her, huh?

I don't work out of my overcoat.

Hey, ah, marshal...

That story we released this morning.

Ah, you know, it was just a joke.

You know, t-- to sell some papers. You know?

Right. Right.

You found out anything?

You know who, uh, who reported the homicide?

Uh, her boyfriend, uh, Newland. Larry Newland.

Suppose he could had anything to do with it?

No, ah... what happened to her ain't human.

Now I've covered the freaks the city for 20 years,

and I've never seen anything like that.

- Clear the area, will you? - You heard him.

- Alright. Alright. Man 3: Okay. Okay.

Let's go. Come on. Out in the hallway.

Come on. We got work to do in here.

Dr. Pollick: Everything's the same.

Blow on the head...

marks on the neck.

What now?

I'll run all your tests for you...

do all the numbers, but I don't see

where it's going to get us.

Marshal...

[sighs] With all due respect,

we've got more on our hands that a routine homicide.

What we're looking for is a human vampire.

[sighs]

Come in.

[door opens]

- If it can keep till tomorrow. - It can't, chief.

Fire away, but make it fast. We have guests coming for dinner.

Yeah, well, it's about that homicide last night.

And another one that I just came off of.

It seems like that they're related.

Not the sniper.

The coroner established that, right?

That's right. We know for a fact that it's not the sniper.

Good. Anything drives me batty,

it's a random indiscriminate homicide.

Anything to go on?

Yes, sir. There's one thing here.

What is it?

Well, we pretty much know who or what we're lookin' for.

What we're looking for?

Well, chief, ah... [chuckles]

It's not an easy thing to put into words.

You got ten seconds, McCloud.

I'm leaving and nothing's going to stop me.

We're looking for a human vampire.

[scoffs]

But it wasn't my idea, it was the coroner's.

Well, naturally, you don't agree with him?

Well, considering the evidence here,

it's pretty hard not to.

Well, medically speaking,

it's not without precedent, Chief Clifford.

There was a case in Pennsylvania some ten years ago.

A deranged mine worker became convinced he was a vampire bat

and killed three fellow workers and a foreman.

The psychiatrists and the doctors involved

attributed his rather sudden madness to the dark cave

like mines where he'd spent his life working,

which were in fact often inhabited by bats.

And to a rather advanced brain tumor they discovered

after his death.

And that's what you think it is.

Some sort of, uh, deranged nut who thinks he's a vampire.

Of course, it's the only explanation.

[chuckling] I mean, after all,

there's no such thing as real vampires.

In the sense we know them from literature and motion pictures.

Of course not.

Well, thank you, doctor. And thank you for your time.

Oh. Uh, I'd like to be able to call on you from time to time

as our investigation proceeds.

Yes, of course. Any time.

Don't worry, it's still your case.

The chief just wanted reassurance that your report

wasn't the work of some crank in our department.

- I'm not worried about that. - Then what is it?

You just told him there were no such things as vampires.

There aren't.

Certainly not recognized as such by modern medicine.

What about not so modern medicine?

We have books filled with-- with herbs and medicines

that heal as well as our modern wonder drugs,

and we still don't understand how they work.

Now these same books speak of the living dead...

Vampires.

We've got a romantic in the department.

We are talking about murder.

Look...

an ambitious young doctor in the coroner's office

would be well advised

to avoid worrying about the living dead

and concentrate on the dead, dead.

I guess you don't believe in virtuous of ancient medicine.

Pollick! Working in the morgue,

I'm not at all sure

I even believe in values of modern medicine.

[chuckling]

Look, you go home,

and go to bed.

Get some rest.

I've got to be here late.

I've got a date on the links at 8:00.

Goodnight, Pollick.

Bye.

Say, what about this Pollick? He alright?

I mean, he's got a full deck?

Well, there's a nut runnin' around loose somewhere.

But it ain't Pollick.

You know, McCloud, I never thought I'd say it

that a case was all yours,

but I got every good man in the department

tryin' to trail down that sniper.

You know, he's got the whole town in an uproar.

Theatres and restaurants are screaming.

Well, they're not gonna be too happy when they

hear about this vampire either.

Alright. I'll take Broadhurst off the anti-street crime squad.

- You can have him. - Appreciate it, chief.

Two lousy minutes earlier,

I'd have had a wonderful evening.

Got an important case for us, Joe.

What? The sniper?

It's a little bit more unique than that.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello. - Chris.

Oh, yeah. Hi.

Sam, I was just on my way out.

At this time of night?

Well, it's appointments you can only make at night.

It's with Dracula.

Are you tryin' to be funny?

No, I'm sorry. No, I'm-- I'm...

I know it's not funny, I just picked up a paper.

That's why I'm going to meet with Loren Belasco.

The actor?

Well, yeah. He's also the greatest authority

on the Dracula phenomenon.

He's in all the late show movies you've seen on TV.

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

I'm hoping that it'll help me solve the murder.

Watch Tom Snyder on "The Tomorrow Show."

- You'll find out. - What time?

1 o'clock, tonight. Oh, I've got to go, Sam.

I... I've got two homicides to solve.

But Chris... Chris, I want...

Chris!

Think she's lost her doogies.

McCloud, no double talking.

What case?

[chuckling softly]

Well... [clearing throat]

You're... you're not gonna believe this, Joe.

Why?

Well, I guess there's only one way to put it,

we're looking for a human vampire.

Tom: Good morning, everybody. There is a story breaking

here in the New York City area early this morning

which many of you around the country

may not yet be aware.

It involves a case of homicide.

A murder which dramatically affects the contents

of our program this morning.

Our two guests were scheduled some weeks ago

in answer to your letters and in response to your interest

in the so called "monster craze."

Ah, we invited tonight's guest to coincide with an event

that's currently running on a local television channel here,

it's called "Dracula Week."

And the appearance of one of our guests

on the program this morning

has made all the more macabre

because there is apparently on the loose

here in New York City,

what appears to be an honest to God vampire.

So here to tell us whether this is one of his relatives

or perhaps an interloper here to challenge his

territorial imperative, or his turf,

ladies and gentleman, "The Tomorrow Program"

is pleased to present for the first time

on American television, live, in person, Count Dracula.

- Good morning, Count. - Good morning, Tom.

You're looking very well.

I'm not sure I like the way you're looking at me

when you say that I'm looking well,

but I do appreciate your taking time from what must be

the middle of your day to be with us this morning.

Yes, I have several delicious stops to make before morning.

The first rays of dawn, I trust you mean.

Even in jest, I take a dim view of daylight.

Ladies and gentlemen, joining us

is the world's famous actor Mr. Loren Belasco.

Loren, it is indeed a pleasure to have you with us on the show.

My privilege.

You've created memorable characters

and many of them over your long and distinguished career.

You've played everything from Shakespeare to Dracula...

but doesn't it bother you just a slightest bit knowing

that a whole generation of people are now growing up

watches you playing the character of Dracula

which we'll have to admit is

one of your least demanding role, sir.

Why do you refer to it as a role, Tom?

After all, I am a direct descendent

of the Baron Exiton Von Dracula of Transylvania.

Wouldn't you say that a man who denies his heritage

would be doomed to everlasting damnation?

Wouldn't I say it, why, Loren, I say it here night after night.

Right, guys, you've heard me say it...

Man 4: Right, Tom. Whatever you say.

Loren and ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to have another guest

join our program now, she's a fine author

and her most recent book was sensational,

the book on the beauty queen murders

which rocked the nearby community here,

and would you all please welcome Miss Christopher Coughlin.

Your hand is very warm.

Easy, now, Count, there'd be no snacks here on the air.

We'll have something sent in if you're hungry. Please.

- Sit down. - Thanks.

Chris, a late edition to the papers on the streets tonight

is referring to a pair of homicides

that they're calling the Dracula murders.

Uh, you're already into that case,

you're preparing a book on it, as a matter of fact.

Now, leaving free enterprise aside for the moment,

isn't that a little bit callous?

I mean, even Truman Capote waits until the jury is in

and the trial is over before he sends the galleys to print.

Well, Truman is more of an historian.

But with my journalist background

I like to jump in with both feet

and help to gather the facts.

In this case, possibly, prevent a third murder.

A commendable challenge.

Tom: What do you have to go on so far, Chris?

Now presuming that we will not say or do anything here

that could aid or abet the killer,

whoever or whatever.

What are you going on?

Well, I think that you, Mr. Belasco,

may be the key to solving these hideous crimes.

I believe that what we're for is an expert

on the Dracula legend, a fan.

Apparently, you are the definitive authority on Dracula.

I've always made a practice to research thoroughly

and to live with a part before playing it.

You do correspondence with hundreds of Dracula enthusiasts.

Thousands.

Well, I'm hoping that a thorough examination

of that correspondence would turn up the demented mentality

that's been terrifying this city.

I, uh, take exception to the use of the word "demented,"

as it applies to the host of Dracula enthusiasts.

I think you'll find they're very ordinary people...

such as you and I.

But one of them might be a killer.

What makes you so certain that this maniac

has the first notion about the Dracula legend?

The methodology of both crimes

surely suggests some exposure to the legend.

But almost anybody over the age of seven years in this country

has already had that exposure, good heavens,

Loren's Dracula movies are on the tube night and day.

You can't miss 'em.

And then there's the matter of the eyewitness.

- Eyewitness? - Shh.

America is waiting.

A gentleman, whose name I will not mention

for security reasons, saw a lone man

jumping from the bottom rung of the fire escape

outside the apartment building where the girl was murdered

earlier this evening.

And?

And he was wearing a black cape,

black hat and carrying a cane.

Well, think about that

before the turn off the lights tonight, folks.

I think you'd agree that we certainly

got our money's worth here this morning.

I'll be back to tell you about Monday's programs

right after these announcements.

- Well? - Hm.

What's the matter?

"What's the matter?" [sighs]

Chris, you just went on national television

to grandstand, that's all.

Now, we've got a killer lose, we got no leads,

and you claim to be holding back evidence.

I offered to cooperate, I was turned down

rather bluntly if you'll recall.

No, no, you were refused access

to confidential documents, that's all.

From a journalist's viewpoint, there is no such thing.

Well, there's another thing

where we don't seem to see eye to eye.

Well, there are lot of things we don't see eye to eye.

Well, never mind us.

I wanna know all you know about this case.

Sorry.

Chris, you're going to give me your sources on this.

And I wanna know who your eyewitness is.

Journalist's privilege, I will not reveal my sources.

Chris, I'm gonna ask you one more time,

and this time, you'd better start thinking

about this killer's next victim

instead of your ego

and your lousy book.

- Really? - Really!

You think you're such a hot shot lawman.

You go find the witness yourself.

I'm not gonna be responsible for getting him killed.

What do you mean killed?

I mean that if I tell you who my eyewitness is,

by tomorrow night he could be the killer's next victim.

What are you talkin' about?

I'm gonna keep the name confidential.

You think I'm gonna go blabbing it

to some newspapers?

You do have a reputation

for getting your mouth and your six gun mixed up.

Now, what do you mean by that?

By shooting it off to the press.

- Really? - Really.

Okay. Okay.

[thunderclap]

Sam, where are you going?

It's pouring outside.

You're not the only one that can team up with Dracula.

You think you're gonna get hold of his records

after I get through tie 'em up in red tape, ha,

you're gonna need a bulldozer to get through to 'em.

[thunderclap]

[knocking on door]

Name is McCloud. I'm looking for the Loren Belasco residence.

- The hour is late. - Well, I appreciate that.

- But I called ahead. Loren: It's alright, Morris.

This man is a policeman.

Take those wet clothes, Morris.

See if you can dry them out.

Oh, that won't be necessary.

It's just my old sheepskin here,

it's been through a lot worse than that.

Just stand it up anywhere.

You know, I had a devil of a time finding this place

with no lights on.

What, the storm knock 'em out?

Yes... the storm.

Come stand by the fire where it's warm.

Thank you. You... you really got yourself a spread here.

Old... very old. Like me.

About your mission, marshal.

Well, I think that Chris Coughlin is right.

I think that your records hold the key

to what we're lookin' for.

I'd like to run 'em through a computer tonight.

- There is a problem. - Oh? What's that?

I gave my word to Miss Coughlin.

I promised the records to her.

Well, I can appreciate that, Mr. Belasco,

but I tell you, I think that lady is more interested

in feathering her own nest than anything else,

you know what I mean.

I'm interested in savin' lives and findin' the murderer.

I'd have to think about it.

See to it that her interests were protected.

You see, marshal, in my family,

the word of a gentleman is sacred.

Well, I admire that, but I'm talkin' about human beings,

I'm talkin' about life and death.

Yes, of course. Life and death.

Cold, very cold.

[fire crackling]

Well, I wouldn't stand too close to that fire there,

that's hot enough to barbeque a four-ton steer.

The chill on a night like this

penetrates back a thousand years.

Morris: Yes, sir.

Loren: More wood on the fire, Morris.

Sir, we're running low on...

Yes, sir.

Marshal, even if I decided to cooperate,

my records are downtown.

A small space I reserve to handle my correspondence.

You'd have to wait until the morning

for me to make the arrangements.

Well, time is important, Mr. Belasco.

It's very important.

But if that's the best you can do,

that's the best that you can do.

[thunderclap]

McCloud: Anything new on my case, Grover?

Grover: Yeah, an ID on the John Doe.

Name's Joseph Frank, works for a collection agency.

One of those high powered outfits that lean all over you

for a ten buck debt.

Is that legal?

Just barely.

They lie, they claim their attorneys,

police, just about anything to harass a housewife

or some straight off the street guy

into paying delinquent debts.

It could be nasty.

Well, you mean the guy could have enemies

is what you're sayin'?

Murder over a ten dollar debt?

Well, this is a psycho case, Grover.

Anything new on the girl?

The dead girl has no apparent connection

to the other victim.

She, uh, she's a student, no job.

Her boyfriend says she was making some deliveries for him.

He holds down a part-time job

at one of the big Manhattan pharmacy.

Did she make any deliveries last night?

Yeah, but Larry Newland, her boyfriend,

refuses to give us the names.

So, we're holding him.

He wasn't supposed to, uh,

to be jobbing out deliveries to his friend.

He's bonded in case any of those drugs

get into the wrong hands.

Well, the first thing we got to do is find out

the names on that delivery list.

Did you try the druggist?

Well, the drugstore is not open yet.

But we're tracking down the pharmacist.

You know the kid refuse to give me those names,

I did everything but pull my gun on him.

I feel kind of sorry for him,

now he lost his girlfriend and all...

Joe, you're a cop, you're not a social worker.

Get tough, we got a killer on our hands.

You sound more like Clifford everyday, you know?

That a fact, Joe?

I like the sound of your investigation, McCloud.

Even better, I like what I haven't read

in the newspapers.

I'm subpoenaing Dracula's records.

I don't wanna hear about it.

I understand that the sniper

got another one last night.

Yeah. The guy's a dead shot in any weather.

I'm surprised he could see Fourth Avenue,

let alone hit anybody.

You know, chief, have you thought

of the possibility that the sniper might...

McCloud, the sniper case is in good hands. Mine.

You use yours to catch the vampire, then we'll talk.

[instrumental music]

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

Mr. Belasco is supposed

to have left a message for me.

Marshal McCloud.

He's not in, and I know of no message.

I don't suppose you know the address of his office

downtown either.

You'd have to discuss that with Mr. Belasco.

When will he be back?

Not before dark, I'm quite sure.

Well, you tell Mr. Belasco

that I'm gonna be campin' on his doorstep

and he'd better have those records ready.

Goodbye.

[dramatic music]

Sam, what do you want me to do?

I want you to get the records, that's all we have.

And the way you got this Belasco hog tied,

I can't even find out where his office is.

Well, they're closed down. I, I went by this morning.

What do you mean, "They're closed down?" They're vacant?

Well, he hasn't moved yet, but he didn't renew his lease.

The manager is storing his things for him.

- What about the files? - Gone.

The manager showed me where they were supposed to be.

They weren't there.

Well, Chris, why weren't you banging on my door?

It's obvious the guy is playin' both ends against the middle.

I guess you're right, he gave me a long speech

about his word being sacred.

Sam, I got my publisher to advance him $2,500.

I had to fight to keep those files exclusive.

Yeah, well, they're exclusive, alright.

But they're not gonna be for long.

We'll keep you posted, Pollick.

Thanks.

Three victims in three nights despite the record cold,

rain, and armed SWAT teams combing the city.

Uh-uh, we've got to stop him tonight.

One point has come through.

The killer we're looking for is using weapons

that was standardized in Vietnam.

His accuracy under the worst kinds of visibility

suggest that he's using equipment

that's up to date as ours.

In other words, an ex-GI

who grabbed off a night scope

before he checked out of Vietnam.

Now, that could explain how he's seen the SWAT teams comin'.

He's been watchin' us get out on stakeouts

as though we were workin' in broad daylight.

Exactly. So that calls for a change in strategy.

No, we don't wait until night to deploy, we'll do it now

in broad daylight.

It's reasonable to assume that

our killer gets into position

at the last possible minute.

Well, we're gonna be waitin' for him on stakeout

with our night scopes, and ready.

Anybody got any questions?

Let's go.

We're here to see Belasco.

As I've mentioned, Mr. Belasco will not be here until later.

- We'll wait. - I'm afraid I can't allow it.

I got a subpoena here that says we got a right to those records.

Come on, Chris.

I'm afraid you're making a grave mistake.

Cheery place, isn't it?

I've been here at night, I don't know why I thought

it'd be any different at daytime.

You know, Chris, we can wait for Belasco,

or we can start looking for those records ourselves.

What do you say?

Wait, it's awfully spooky.

Just an old house. We need those records.

Morris: They are not here.

Am I supposed to take your word for it?

You know, your boss said he'd had me here by noon.

It's 6 o'clock. It's almost sundown.

Yes, I know.

Well, then, by the authority of this piece of paper...

Let's go.

We'll have a look around. Come on.

We'd better split up or we'll be here all night.

- Chris. - You still don't trust me.

Now, what am I gonna do, if I find the files,

I'm gonna hide them.

I gave you my word.

Call me if you find anything.

[eerie music]

[ominous music]

Sam!

- Find anything? - No, but...

Well, me neither.

This place has got more room

than a porcupine at a love-in.

Now, this is gonna sound strange to you,

but I have not been able to find any mirrors

on the premises.

Chris, we're not looking for mirrors,

we're looking for records.

I know that.

But according to the Dracula legend...

Will you stop with that legend stuff?

Have you ever seen Belasco in the daytime?

[telephone ringing]

Chris.

Sam, I know this is gonna sound ridiculous, but...

Morris: Excuse me, sir.

There's a phone call for you.

McCloud: For me? Uh...

I've been around dead cats

that make more noise than he does.

We've got to talk, Sam.

Later. This maybe important.

[dramatic music]

Hello.

Joe: McCloud, I think you'd better get back here.

- What's up, Joe? - I don't know.

That young Medical Examiner is on his way over here.

And he says it's vital for you to be in here.

Well, it's vital for me to be here.

I'm looking for records.

Joe: McCloud, he said to tell you

it's not a sniper this time.

This time?

Uh...

Uh, okay, Joe, uh, I'll be right over.

- Chris! Chris: In here, Sam.

- Chris. - Fantastic.

- You find the files? - No.

But look at all these old props.

I mean, Dracula's teeth and the werewolf's hand.

Uh, Chris, that was Joe on the telephone.

Something's come up. I gotta get back at headquarters.

I'll-- I'll take you home on the way.

I'll wait here. I mean, just look at this.

- Just too fabulous. - Chris...

My daddy said that when you take a lady out,

you make sure she gets home safely, so come on, let's go.

Your daddy didn't know me. I'm a big girl.

I can take care of myself. I'll take a taxi.

- Chris... - The files are too important.

One of us should be here when Belasco gets back.

You know I once knew a Missouri mule

that I could talk to easier.

McCloud: Joe, what do you got?

Joe: I don't know, he wouldn't talk until you got here.

- I'm here. So what do you got? - A third victim.

When? This afternoon?

No, I haven't established the exact time of death,

but at least four days ago.

A young man apparently working for Con Edison.

He was found floating in the river,

still in his working clothes.

Con Edison, collection agency, delivery girl.

There's gotta be some connection here someplace.

What about the delivery route on that girl?

Uh, Grover's getting it from the pharmacy.

You sure he worked for Con Edison?

Well, it shouldn't be too hard to find out

where they had him working last.

[eerie music]

[ominous music]

Grover: I got the pharmacy delivery list.

Grover, let me see it.

You guys are gonna have to figure out

what it means, I'm on the stakeout tonight.

McCloud: Belasco? Loren Belasco?

Some kind of medication for a liver disease.

Joe, you don't have Belasco on that list, do you?

Yeah, there he is. Belasco.

Joe: Yeah, seems the kid was in charge

of shutting down electrical service that day and...

- Joe, Chris is at his house. - Belasco's?

Yeah, the only name that's on both list.

- She's at his house. - You left her there?

Well, it wasn't my idea. She wanted to find the murderer.

I know what you're thinkin'.

And don't say it. Let's go.

[eerie music]

[door creaking]

[door creaking]

[screams]

[siren blaring]

[Chris panting]

Really, Miss Coughlin.

I'd have thought you'd have been more amused.

It is amusing.

There is, of course, a logical explanation.

I was just going over the possibilities.

Obviously, I expected you

and managed this little surprise.

That's what you're thinking, isn't it?

Of course.

[siren blaring]

About your files.

Yes, you wished to purchase them?

The lady and the policeman came to take them...

when you were away.

To take them, without paying for them?

- I had no choice. - We had an agreement!

But I had no control over the Police Department,

they, they had a court order.

Where is this policeman, now?

He had to leave.

He had an important call about this case.

Go, Morris, they never let me rest.

Make arrangements for travel, we'll be leaving here.

I really must be going too, Mr. Belasco.

No, Miss Coughlin.

I am going to give you immortality.

Hold it, Morris.

- Where is he? - There's no one here.

[Chris screams]

- Hold him, Joe. - You must not go upstairs.

You keep your hands on that railing, buddy.

[intense music]

I don't believe any of this.

Morris.

Morris.

McCloud: Chris!

Chris!

Chris!

Who's in there?

Open it up!

- Hold it. - Throw the gun away.

I said, throw the gun away

or I'll drop her to her death.

Wait a minute.

Why are you doing this, Belasco?

You're throwing away a lot of years.

How many years? Fifty? A hundred?

Five hundred? How many policemen?

How many torchbearers in the night

seeking after the soul of Dracula?

They're the blood suckers, not I.

You're an old man, you'll never get away with this.

Put her down.

[intense music]

Chris. Chris.

Sam. Sam, it's him. He's mad.

You've gotta get him. Please.

[intense music]

Give it up, Belasco, you got no place to go.

You're wrong, policeman, I have a thousand years

head start on you.

Grover, you there yet?

Right here, chief. But nothing's going on.

Maybe our sniper decided to try his luck

in another part of town.

So far, he's made a steady advance up Fourth

just like a military operation.

I'm going with the theory that we've got a psycho ex-GI

on our hands.

[intense music]

[gunshot]

This is Grover, chief.

We've got action of some kind on the Spencer Building.

Polk, get over there, on the double.

Spencer Building. Right.

[breathing heavily]

Well, if that don't beat all...

[gun clatters]

Grover, you see anything more?

I've got vents blocking my field of view,

but there's definitely something going on.

Joe: Chief. Clifford: That you, Broadhurst?

Joe: Yeah, I'm near the Spencer Building, chief,

be there in two minutes.

Clifford: I thought you were workin' with McCloud.

Where is he?

Joe: It'd be better if I didn't explain it

on the radio.

Alright, you'll meet Polk at the Spencer Building.

Joe: Right, 10-4.

No more movement, chief.

If they let him slip through...

Grover, I'm taking charge of the search.

Come on, you folks.

[intense music]

Police!

Handcuffs.

[siren blaring]

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

I'm Marshal McCloud. That man is a murder suspect.

Cut him off at the other end of the bridge.

[intense music]

Clifford: Broadhurst. - Out here, chief.

That him?

It is if this is his rifle.

Looks like a pretty special item.

Well... nice work, both of you.

That's the way we found him, chief. In cuffs.

In cuffs?

Well, if you didn't collar him, who did?

Joe: I can't figure it out.

I can't figure out either.

Where'd this come from?

[intense music]

Hey, cowboy! Who does he think he is?

Batman?

Dracula.

Hey, Belasco! Give it up! You can't go any farther!

You're an old man, Belasco. You can't handle this.

Just hang on, I'll get a rope, get you down from there.

Not necessary, policeman.

You forget. I can fly.

For him, I'm risking my neck?

- I, I got four kids. - Go on back down.

Get a rescue squad over here as quick as you can.

I'll try and keep him anchored.

You sure he's worth it?

Okay, okay, I'm going.

[intense music]

[indistinct radio chatter]

Immediate, 43-11. Rescue 8.

Third Street bridge.

[intense music]

[indistinct radio chatter]

No closer, McCloud. Stop there.

Alright. Alright.

If you'll just listen to me.

You know you've got things confused with your films.

This is no role that you're playin' now.

Was it a role... or a convenient facade

for the prince of the undead?

Yeah, well, whatever you say.

You mistake, policeman.

We, creatures of the night, sense rather than see.

We'll fly together to eternity.

McCloud: Step back!

[siren blaring at distance]

The cape's all we could find.

- That's it? - That's it.

- You mind keepin' on lookin'? - Not at all, we'll do it.

[indistinct radio chatter]

Chief.

McCloud, that young fellow you hogtied for us?

- Yeah. - He's quite a killer.

Seems he washed out of boot camp

because he couldn't make it as a man.

Apparently, they beat him to a pulp

on half a dozen different occasions,

and when he couldn't take it any more,

they shipped him home, said he was a mama's boy.

What's gonna happen to the boy?

Well, I suppose the same thing

that happens to all the broken people.

We'll sweep him away.

Alright, what've we got here so far?

Well, that cape there, that's about it, chief.

Patrol boat picked it up, but I told them to keep lookin'.

[indistinct radio chatter]

Chris! You alright?

[whimpers]

Broadhurst, what about that butler?

He wasn't there.

And neither was the coffin.

Well, the coffin had to be there someplace.

Clifford: Of course, it is.

Why would anybody run off with a coffin?

Well, according to the legend...

Never mind about legends.

We have a pretty good idea of what happened here.

I'd be interested in hearing your interpretation.

It shouldn't come as any surprise to you.

Didn't your boss tell me about two previous cases

where lunatics thought they were vampires

and actually attacked human beings?

It's in the medical books with all the side effects.

Like acquired Hemochromatosis or...

Whatever. Anyway, Belasco went all the way with his delusion.

He had all the props from his glory days as Dracula,

so when he got old and started to flip out,

he tried to relive that part up to and including,

sleeping in a coffin. Ha!

Alright. Anybody got a better explanation?

[instrumental music]

- That's it. Case closed. Grover: Hey, chief.

What is it, Grover?

Sorry, chief, we've come up empty.

The men are getting pretty chewed up down there.

Always been a flock of parasites down in that marsh.

What down there? Mosquitoes?

Bats.

Sam, did he say what I think he say?

Clifford: Don't answer that.

Hey, chief.

What is it?

Look.

[theme music]