Original subtitles

Mr. Jaeger, I need a matcher.

There are others, I'm sure.

Oh, not for this job.

This one's almost impossible.

You're the only man

in the whole wide world that can do this one.

Mr. Jaeger, I want you to torch the basement

of the Federal Building

right under the nose of the Feds.

Tonight's episode...

Starring Robert Stack as Eliot Ness.

Costarring Frank Sutton,

Michael Strong and Joseph Bernard.

With special guest star Nehemiah Persoff.

And narrated by Walter Winchell.

March 3, 1932...

The Southbound Express headed for Chicago.

In its baggage room... Strange cargo.

All right, now.

Okay, Lippy, you're next.

What do you mean?

What do you mean, fellas?

Wait a minute.

I'm the guy that planned this job.

Now, you...

Let's get out of here.

On March 4, the Federal government was called in

to investigate the death

of the two men thrown from the train.

The reason... one of the victims was a known associate

of the notorious Stryker brothers.

Lippy Carson.

Morton Stryker's errand boy.

He used to work as a mail clerk daytimes.

At night, he went in for second story work.

Recently did time at Leavenworth.

So did Stryker.

Mail robbery's a little out of Stryker's line.

Maybe he needed the money.

How much was in those sacks?

About $750,000.

Factory payrolls.

Morton Stryker started in Cicero with a lot less.

You think he's gonna open up again?

I think he's gonna try.

Morton Stryker was indeed going to try.

Eldest of four criminal brothers,

he was the undisputed leader.

At his side, Benny Stryker, the youngest,

with a record of two convictions for arson.

When the Strykers were released from prison a month earlier,

Al Capone gave them permission to rebuild their empire

if they had the cash.

On March 4, 1932, they had it.

Mort, I could've helped with that train.

Well, I'm tired of just putting papers

and stuff away all the time.

Now stay here, and you won't get hurt.

Well, I can handle myself as good as Alvin.

Oh, yeah?

Like last time?

When you blew that torch job an eight-year-old could've done?

It cost me $10,000 to keep you out of the can,

and another $2,000 to pay Jaeger so he could do it right.

Well, I guess I got no talent for that, M-Mort.

So learn to be a bookkeeper, huh?

Now get busy.

What'd you do with our friend?

Paid him off.

In full.

That keeps it in the family, huh?

What's eating him?

Ambition.

There's a slob in every family.

Shut up!

He's your brother...

and don't you forget it.

Hey, Mort, look what I got... Registered mail.

Well, come on, come on.

Take out the dough.

Burn what's left. Let's go.

Yeah, but-but there might be checks

and stuff like that in here.

We can hide it.

And-And put it away

until it cools off a little bit.

Just one of those,

and they can prove that they were on the train,

and all of us end up in the chair.

Understand?

Now, come on, get busy!

Do we have to pull off another one?

No... this'll do it.

Benny!

Well, come on.

Come on, file the stuff, bookkeeper.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Think he can do it without falling on his face?

Where'd he get that idea?

From Jaeger. Who else?

Now go to a phone, a pay phone,

and call Capone's guy... uh, Resko...

And tell him we're ready.

Okay, Mort.

Eliot Ness got a search warrant

and an impound order for files and records

of the Strykers' various businesses.

Income tax fraud had jailed Capone.

Ness had hoped that he could do the same with Morton Stryker.

Finding no one at the Strykers' apartment,

they tried the gang's old headquarters.

Good evening, Mr. Ness.

Pinochle?

Mr. Stryker... search warrant.

Like old times, uh, Mr. Ness.

You want something?

Yes. I want to know who killed Lippy Carson

and the baggage man.

Not me, Mr. Ness.

Where were you last night?

Right here, playing pinochle with my brothers.

Oh, you've met?

I've got an impound order for your books and files.

Well, help yourself.

You got a right.

Let's get this junk out of here.

My files.

My files!

What are you doing with my files?!

You... My... My...

My files!

Well, well. What?

Well, here he is now.

Benny, uh, Mr. Ness wanted to meet the fellow

who took such good care of our files.

Why, he's a regular string saver.

Aren't you, Benny?

You letting 'em do this?

Now, we've been trying

to get rid of that stuff for ten years.

What do you care?

Well, it's got all my stuff in it!

Benny, Benny, sit down.

Relax.

You'll get that stuff back

when they're through looking at it.

Think they'll find anything?

Will they find anything, Benny? Huh?

Will they find anything?

No.

What's there to find?

Eliot Ness left agents Youngfellow and Rossi

with the tedious job

of going through the impounded Stryker files.

Later that same day,

Ness and Hobson drove to Denton Junction

to question possible accomplices

in the three quarters of a million dollar robbery.

This is Sam Finley.

Mr. Ness, Mr. Hobson.

How are you?

They want to ask a few questions.

Well, why me?

Were you on duty when the train was robbed, Finley?

I came on the morning shift... After it happened.

Where were you?

Home asleep.

I work days.

I work inside here at the desk.

What were you doing the night of the robbery?

Home.

We believe that somebody who knew

those mail sacks were leaving this station

tipped off the men who cleaned out that train.

You may not know this, gentlemen,

but an accomplice to a crime is just as guilty

as the man who actually commits it.

In this case, felony murder.

And the penalty is death.

Anybody care to say anything?

Here's something else you might not know.

The man who committed this crime had a partner.

We found him dead beside the track.

These people pay off their debts with a bullet,

so if one of you is waiting for a payoff,

watch your back.

I want them under 24-hour surveillance.

All three of 'em.

Right.

Come in, Mr. Resko.

You ought to clean this joint up a little.

Well, we'll have it fixed up the next time you come.

We've been a little too busy for frills.

So I heard.

Understand you had a little visit from Eliot Ness.

Yeah, you might call it that.

The boys tell me that they grabbed your files.

Just a couple of tons of old bills and records, that's all,

just to keep the... government boys amused.

Nothing to be disturbed about.

Big Al don't like to be disturbed.

No problem; no problem at all.

Tell him, uh, not to worry.

I also understand that you are able to make a small loan?

Yeah... re, uh, refinance, you might call it.

Enough to pay the tab to us?

That's right.

Good.

We'll have you rolling in less than a month.

If we don't run into trouble.

There ain't gonna be no trouble.

Is there, Mort?

We guarantee it.

That'll make Al feel a lot better.

Mort, I got something to tell you.

Less than a month, we'll be on top.

Just like Cicero.

You got it.

Mort, why don't you listen to me?

Why don't you ever listen to me?!

What's eating that slob?

Well, maybe I hurt his feelings.

Let's see.

What's the matter, Benny?

You mad at me?

No, Mort.

Listen, Mort... there was a letter...

It's, It's from the White House.

I-It's from the President of the United States.

Well, I, I... I couldn't burn that.

I put it in the file.

You stupid...

They can trace it and follow it back to us!

I'm sorry, Mort!

Do you know what happens to us

if Ness finds that letter and traces us to the robbery?

We get the chair.

Unless one of Resko's boys gets there first with a pickax.

I'm sorry, Mort.

You're not going to put me in the chair. No!

No, you're not going to put me in the chair.

Mort, Mort, it was a mistake!

No mistakes!

I-I'll get it back, Mort; I-I'll get the letter back!

I'll burn the files, Mort!

I'll burn 'em... we can't get 'em out, I'll burn 'em!

Alvin!

I told you he's your brother.

Burn the files?

Okay, Benny,

but if we do a torch job, we get a pro, not you.

Mort... let me ask Mr. Jaeger.

He's the best matcher in the business.

Maybe he'll do it if I ask him.

Please, Mort, let me try.

Okay, Benny, you ask Mr. Jaeger,

but no mistakes...

no mistakes, Benny, or we torch... you.

Okay, Mort.

Okay.

Later that same night,

the Stryker brothers returned to Denton Junction

to attend to some unfinished business.

Is that for Mr. Webster?

Are you him?

No, but I'm going up.

I'll take it to him.

I'll lose my tip.

Thanks.

Telegram for you, Mr. Webster.

You have a telegram for me?

Yeah, the boy just left it.

May I see it?

Now, who is "S"?

I don't know.

I think you better come along with me, Mr. Webster.

Let's go round once more.

Who is "S"? Morton Stryker?

Now, you listen for a change, mister.

I don't know any "S"

and I don't know any Morton Stryker.

I was in my house minding my own business when this wire came,

and this guy grabbed it and me so fast

I hardly had time to read it.

How much does Stryker pay you

to tell him when that payroll is being shipped?

I told you I don't know any Stryker.

Can I go now?

Stay right where you are.

Hello. Ness.

Mr. Ness, somebody got to Avery

about an hour after we stopped tailing him.

Put two bullets in him.

He's dead.

We'll be down as soon as we can.

The station agent's been shot.

Avery?

Looks like I picked up the wrong man.

Looks like we were intended to pick up the wrong man.

Now back to...

On March 9, 1932,

Benny Stryker, having regained favor with his brothers,

approached a master craftsman, a man named Jaeger...

Tops in two professions,

now said to be retired from one.

May I be of service?

You'd better put your glasses on, Mr. Jaeger.

It's me, Benny... Benny Stryker.

Oh, Benny.

Benny Stryker.

How are things, Benny?

Aw, things ain't been so bad,

but now I got a little trouble.

Clock trouble?

No, business trouble.

Business is bad?

Mr. Jaeger, I need a matcher.

A matcher?

I've retired, Benny.

You need a young matcher.

Ah, I'm the only one that has a key to that clock.

Yeah.

I visit it every day, just like an old friend.

Oh, no, no, no, I'm retired, Benny.

I, uh, still teach occasionally,

but I can't do favors anymore,

not even for ex-students,

but, uh, perhaps I can find somebody for you.

Uh, y-you like music, Benny?

Yeah, sure.

Mozart?

Any old band's all right with me.

Hmm.

Mr. Jaeger, this'll mean a lot of money to you.

Aw, I have all the money that I need, Benny.

Mr. Jaeger, I-I know I was never any good as a student,

but I knew an artist when I saw one

a-and this job calls for an artist.

That's very kind of you.

No, no, a-an artist like you, Mr. Jaeger.

I am sure there are others.

But not for this job.

This one's almost impossible.

You're the only man in the whole wide world

that can do this one.

Mr. Jaeger, I want you

to torch the basement of the Federal Building

right under the nose of the Feds.

Right under the...

Here he is, Mort.

Good evening, gentlemen.

This is him?

This is Mr. Jaeger, the best matcher in the whole world.

How are you?

This guy is going to burn the Federal Building?

Just the office where the papers are.

The plan is practical.

However, you will have to agree to my conditions.

What conditions?

Please, nobody gets hurt.

Are you telling us that you can get into the basement

of the Federal Building and burn all that stuff?

You know there's a whole police station

right on the floor above?

I have already examined the premises.

Hey!

Now, cut it out with the samples, Jaeger.

I've seen your work.

Ah... How much?

$5,000 now, 20 when I'm done.

Give him five now.

Hey, that's an awful lot for a torch job.

I said give it to him.

I will need some help.

What kind of help?

Oh, someone to drive me to the building, for example.

Well, you've got Benny.

Oh, Benny, good.

Uh, make a list.

Mm... two sheets of flypaper,

40 feet of fishing line, the, uh...

Double O.

Yes, good boy, Benny.

Uh, rubber bands, some plain metal hangers,

a yard of piano wire, uh... thumbtacks.

Why don't you get this stuff yourself?

Because I prefer having you become accessories

before and after the fact.

That's my only insurance.

You said you were in a hurry, no?

I want it five minutes ago.

How about tonight?

All right, tonight.

Are you ready, Benny?

I'm ready.

Tonight.

No mistakes, Morton.

You have the rest of the money put aside?

Hey, it's in a safe place.

Like you always did.

It's in the fire extinguisher.

Mm-hmm.

They're going to eat.

Should give us enough time.

What happens if they start back before you're through?

If they start back before I'm through, then blow the horn.

Hey.

You're going in the back way?

Yes.

But it's full of cops in there.

Isn't it?

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Well, we had one break.

The bills in the payroll are new,

and we've got the serial numbers.

Maybe we'll get lucky.

Maybe they'll try to spend it.

Yeah.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Beautiful, Mr. Jaeger.

You're an artist, Mr. Jaeger.

A real artist.

That's the way it is, Mr. Ness.

They like the excitement.

Get a charge out of it.

Usually stay around waiting for the engines to come.

Uh, most of them keep scrapbooks

and press clippings.

Makes them feel important.

Hi, Eliot.

You got any idea why this was done?

Not for publication.

Well, any thoughts about who might have done it?

Yes, you can print this.

It was done by an out-of-town arsonist,

a top professional.

Hmm.

We got any local talent that might have been involved?

No, this was a spectacular job.

Nobody around here has that kind of talent.

Okay, Eliot, thanks.

It's worth a try, Mr. Ness.

♪ ♪

"Imported arsonist."

♪ ♪

Been expecting you.

Won't you sit down?

Excuse me, but...

you are an intelligent man, Mr. Ness.

Surely, you don't believe these newspaper articles.

For many years, I have made a study of these matters.

Uh, my hobby, you know.

Um... these articles are preposterous.

They credit Herman Mandel with an arson case

he could not possibly have done.

Once, well, maybe, but, uh...

he's an old man, a sick old man.

I knew him when he left prison.

He was almost blind then.

You came here just to give me this information, Mister...?

Jaeger.

It's my duty as a citizen.

When was the first time you met Mandel?

Oh, I did some social work in the prison.

Uh, I spoke with him several times.

We've had a number of public-spirited citizens

in here from time to time.

Sometimes, at great risk to themselves.

Generally, we've been able to help them.

Oh, that's comforting.

Do you think it might have been somebody here in town

that Stryker might have hired?

Possibly. Who?

Well, we'll probably find him in the river.

Oh?

Morton Stryker doesn't like to pay off with money.

Thanks for setting me straight

about Mandel, Mr. Jaeger.

If you hear any more about him

or have anything else to tell me...

here's my card.

Oh, no.

Herman Mandel?

Never.

This was done by an artist.

Rico, tail him.

Well, Mort, how do you like it, huh?

Nice, very nice.

We laid out 20 joints just like this one for you.

You run 'em right, you ought to be able to

double that number in six months.

I understand Alvin is gonna be in charge

of this piece of the business for you?

If it's all right with your people.

We talked it over.

They tell me there was a little fire in the Federal Building.

That's right.

My people were impressed.

You guys got yourself backed into a corner

and you got out pretty good.

I was told to advise you

not to use that money you borrowed.

The Feds managed to get hold

of the serial numbers of those bills.

They what?!

They got a list of the numbers of those bills,

so you can't use them.

Don't get yourself so shook up, Mort.

My people are glad to extend you credit

on that kind of collateral.

Even though it's frozen for a while.

See you around.

Hey, Mort? Yeah?

Here's a live one.

Oh, Jaeger, nice to see you.

You were satisfied with my work, huh?

Yeah, yeah, delighted.

Benny, Mr. Jaeger.

Mr. Jaeger.

I believe there's still a matter of $20,000.

Hmm?

Mr. Jaeger, they had kind of a problem with...

We had a little meeting.

25 G's is too much money to pay for two hours work.

That's the way it is, Jaeger.

Besides, our cash is all tied up right now.

You-You-You-You are not satisfied with my work, huh?

No, it ain't that, Mr. Jaeger.

Well, th-th-th-they said you already got five grand.

Yeah, that's a lot of dough for lighting a match, Jaeger.

Lighting a match? Now, don't ask for more.

Benny... you disappoint me.

Good evening, gentlemen.

"Benny, you disappoint me."

♪ ♪

Eliot? This is Rico.

You were right.

He's tied in with the Strykers.

He's in the garage right now.

Yeah, yeah.

Right.

Hey, that was Mr. Jaeger!

It's one of the Feds.

Any trouble?

Uh, there was a prowler in the joint.

Yeah, a prowler.

I don't see anyone here now.

He's got some of this dough.

If he uses any of it, we're finished.

He's too smart.

He ain't gonna hang himself.

He can't hang himself!

What did he do?

A torch job someplace, remember?

A couple of years in Joliet.

And what did we do?

We killed three guys, remember?

If he spends any of that dough, we get the chair.

He doesn't even know it's hot.

Do we hit him?

We hit him!

Why don't we just get the money back, Mort?

We already got three murder raps against us.

What do we need with more?

A bookkeeper, numbers.

Two, three, what's the difference?

We hit him!

Now, where is he, huh?

How do I know?

Now, wait a minute, Mort.

Sure, I-I know Mr. Jaeger,

but, well, that don't mean I know

everything about him, where he goes and all that.

Now, you know where he is, you punk.

You know what he eats for breakfast!

Now, you talk!

I'm your brother, Mort.

I'm your brother!

You talk!

He's got an apartment at the joint where he works.

Then he hangs out at the clock tower

down near his place.

It's wrong to hit him.

Hobson.

Hold on.

Eliot.

Hello. Ness.

Mr. Ness?

Jaeger.

Yes?

Look, Mr. Ness, I want to make a deal.

Come down to the office, we'll talk.

I-I can't, I can't.

They're looking for me.

Where are you now?

Right here, I'll be right here.

Where?

Oh, in the clock tower near my place, you know.

You can't stay there.

Well, I service the clock.

I-I have the key.

I... I-I-I, I locked, locked myself in.

Hello? Hello?!

He better be here, Benny.

It's locked.

Get it open!

Mr. Jaeger!

Please give up! We don't want to hurt you!

Shut up!

Don't, don't, don't shoot!

Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

Don't shoot! Don't... No!

Jaeger?

Up here, Mr. Ness.

Is it over? It's all over.

I think what you're looking for is in here.

Part of it, anyway.

Right on time.

The wild scheme of the Stryker Brothers

ended at 11:15 by Jaeger's watch.

By midnight, the Capone organization was aware

that another of its tentacles

had been destroyed.

The Untouchables.