Original subtitles

(theme music plays)

Warden!

I want the warden!

(grunting)

WALTER WINCHELL: Al Remp, convicted bootlegger.

A quiet and well-behaved prisoner

until the tenth of January, 1932.

What am I being put in the hole for?

I keep my nose clean! I stay in line!

Answer me! Why!

Three years I stayed in line!

AL: Let me out of here!

Let me out of here! Let me out of here!

NESS: Remp.

Easy.

ANNOUNCER:

"The Man in the Cooler."”

Starring Robert Stack as Eliot Ness.

Co-starring J.D. Cannon,

Peter Whitney,

and Salome Jens.

Narrated by Walter Winchell.

Well...

what are you in for, Ness?

I want to talk to you.

This seemed like the safest place.

I got nothing to say to you.

Then don't talk. Listen.

You've had a good record since you've been here, Remp.

Is that why you've come all the way here from Chicago,

tell me what a good boy I've been?

I said listen.

Old Fat Augie.

I want you to help me get him.

Boy, you really must be at the bottom of the barrel,

asking me to help you nail Augie.

You're doing three to five, huh?

This is the end of my third year.

I come up for parole next week.

The board won't grant it.

But you'll get me out if I help you get Augie.

That's it.

Soon as the job's done, I'll see to it

your parole's transferred anyplace you want to go.

That's a nice offer, Ness. Why?

We're close to Augie-- there's still a chance

he might slip out from under.

We don't want to give him that chance.

He's got to move his booze.

I want to know where and when.

You could walk right in.

Yeah. I could, but I won't.

I'm not going back into Augie's organization.

I got a wife who stood by me for three years.

I owe her that.

I want out...

but I'm not stoolie.

A year is a long time, Remp.

I know how long it is.

Guard, open up.

(keys jangling)

Hey, what is this?

Cons are suspicious, Remp.

If you came out of solitary this fast,

they'd figure you sold somebody out.

You might fall down the stairs,

maybe hit your head on the table.

You better stay here for a few days.

Give my offer some thought, will you?

Close him up.

WINCHELL: The man Eliot Ness wanted, Fat Augie Strom,

made his headquarters in the center

of the busy Chicago stockyard district.

His cover was a legitimate and profitable meatpacking house,

a spot ideally located for his main activity,

the violation of the 18th Amendment.

Hello, Augie.

But Augie had still one other reason

for choosing this particular site

as his operating headquarters.

His own reason:

the cooler.

This was the only spot in the city

where Augie was comfortable,

where the temperature was just right

for a man his size.

Come here.

Did I give you an order yesterday, Bitsy?

Tell you how to cover the booze last night?

It was just a mix-up, Augie.

No.

It was a mistake.

I got Ness running around in circles

because I don't make mistakes.

None, zero.

Pete, tell him how it happened.

I don't want no excuses.

I was supposed to buy 20 cases of lettuce

to cover up the booze.

And I was supposed to take it over to the warehouse

-on Wallace. -Who told you?

-Bitsy. -Did you do it?

I-I couldn't find lettuce at the produce market.

Did you do what you were told to, yes or no?

-No, but... -You could have cost me a bundle.

A hundred grand, maybe more.

Even worse, you could have loused up my whole operation.

But the booze got through, didn't it, Augie?

You want me to thank you?

You want a bonus for disobeying an order?

You're my mistake, Laffey.

I made a wrong guess about you,

and there's no room in this business for a wrong guess.

(Augie laughing)

I'm a big man with a big temper, Laffey, huh?

All the booze got through, didn't it?

What could you do, grow the lettuce yourself, huh?

(laughing)

Go on home, Pete, huh?

Relax a little.

Thanks, Augie.

-So long. -(laughing)

That's all?

Only high-grade stuff hangs in here.

Hit him.

Iced tea, Augie?

Yeah, iced tea.

What's so funny?

I was just thinking how I'd like to kiss you,

and how silly it would look, me leaning through the carrots.

(chuckles)

It's nice to be close enough to kiss you.

That's enough, now-- I don't want to spoil you.

It's nice to be close.

But we were always close, all the while you were away.

You're all mine.

All mine and... I was all that you had.

That's right, baby.

(woman laughing)

And you won't ever go away to sea again, will you?

That's a promise!

(laughs) I'm gonna cook a steak for dinner.

Where are we?

We're coming to LaSalle.

-Thank you. -I have to get off, hon.

-Why? -I have to see about a job.

Well, can't it wait till tomorrow?

You go home and start that steak.

I'll be back before it's done on one side.

Can't I come along?

-(brakes squeak) -(laughing)

Not this time, hon.

-You won't be long? -Not long.

Hurry home.

I know how you feel, dear.

My husband was a sailor, too.

(wind whistling softly)

(gunshot)

WINCHELL: Eliot Ness took every precaution

to keep secret the location

of his first Chicago rendezvous with Remp.

Well, he's 15 minutes late.

He'll show.

Hope you're right.

(footsteps approaching)

You're late.

I stopped to rob an old lady.

After this, be on time.

I don't like you much, either, Ness.

All right, now that we understand each other.

Have you contacted Fat Augie?

Looking like this?

What am I supposed to do for money, steal?

Here's $50.

That's not enough; I'll need more.

Then get a job; that's what you're out for.

I'll see Fat Augie tomorrow.

This is Lee Hobson.

If I can't make a meeting, he will.

Haven't you forgotten something, Ness?

I'll need a little self-protection.

We had a test bullet fired through this gun, Remp,

so if you try anything...

Don't worry.

I'll play it your way.

(sighs) Last time Remp walked away from me,

I'd just sent him to prison.

Now he's got a gun in his pocket that I gave him.

(saw whirring)

Hey...

what do you say there, Al?

-Long time no see. -Hello, Harry.

I've been away.

How's the watchdog business?

Bitsy ain't here.

-I came to see Augie. -He's busy.

Tell him I'm here.

(chuckles)

(door opens)

Augie,

Al Remp out there to see you.

Send him in.

Okay.

No guns in the cooler, Al.

He's waiting for you.

You got patience now, Al-- good for you.

Come on in.

Hello, Augie.

-How are you, kid? -Okay.

You don't look any worse for the wear.

I learned a lot inside.

So, what can I do for you, huh?

I want to go back to work.

Al, be smart, hmm?

You took a fall.

Stay out of the booze business.

That'll tide you over till you get some legitimate line.

I never say no to money, Augie.

But booze is my business.

I wish you luck.

I hope you find yourself a spot.

Now, don't get cute with me, Augie.

I worked for you, remember?

I went to jail for you.

(laughing)

You figure I owe you?

So you took a fall, and I took care of your wife

all the time you were away.

Every week she got an envelope.

I owe you nothing, punk.

I said I worked for you!

I went to jail for you!

That proves I'm a good man in any league.

Now, if you can't use a man you can trust,

then you must be out of business.

Oh, and don't call me a punk.

Once, maybe.

Now, uh-uh.

No.

Just don't do it.

Hey, punk, I can read from across the room,

and you're it.

Then either your eyes are getting weak

or your judgment is.

Do I pass?

(chuckles)

So, what kind of a job do you want with me?

One that goes with this overcoat.

All right, Al.

Bitsy needs a right arm; I think you'll do.

How's the money?

Check your pay envelope, huh?

Be surprised.

Augie knows how to pay back loyalty.

You got enough salami for me, too, Augie?

(laughing)

MAN: And furthermore, Mrs. Remp,

a parolee cannot associate with known criminals,

he cannot own or carry a dangerous weapon,

he cannot move or travel beyond the area

designated in his parole without the express permission

of his parole officer.

And most important of all, he must visit his parole officer

at least once in every two-week period.

Is there anything that I can do to help him?

Use your best efforts to keep him

within the limits of his parole.

Beyond that, it's up to him.

What happens...

if Al breaks any of these rules?

His parole can be revoked.

He goes back to jail?

Yes, Mrs. Remp.

I see.

Thank you.

If you have any further questions,

please don't hesitate to call on us.

I will. Thank you.

-Bye. -Good-bye.

What'd she want, Sam?

Oh, just the normal questions.

Do you think she might be any trouble?

Well, she doesn't know about his deal with you.

I don't see how she could hurt the plan.

She might...

if she hounds Remp too much.

(carnival music playing)

♪♪

What have you got for us, Remp?

Well, I'm in. Saw Augie this morning.

What's the job?

Laffey's. I'm working with Bitsy Whyller.

Who hit Laffey?

Nobody said, and I didn't ask.

What about the big move?

You're right, Ness.

Augie thinks you're getting too close.

He's selling off all the booze in one of his warehouses.

Which one?

I don't know.

This, just a drop in the bucket.

He's got a really big supply he's gonna move soon.

Decentralize, he calls it.

I want to know how, when and where.

Take it easy, Ness.

Just went back to work this morning.

Rome wasn't built in a day, you know.

I'm not building, I'm tearing down.

I said I'd play it your way.

Listen, I got to get out of here.

-I got a date. -Go in again tomorrow.

Stay away from the Apple Club tonight-- we're gonna hit it.

Anything?

We wait and see.

(mellow jazz piano playing)

(laughs) It's so exciting.

-What's inside? -Well, open the card first.

Thanks, Joe.

"Marcie, I'll love you always. Al."

I mean it, baby.

Come on, open it.

(Marcie laughs)

(gasps)

Oh, Al!

You like?

Oh, it's beautiful.

I'll get you a coat to match it.

It must have cost a fortune.

Eh... I stole it from an old lady.

Oh, be serious-- we can't afford this.

Well, I can't return it.

You're stuck with it.

(Marcie laughs)

It feels just like a kitten.

Oh.

We can't afford any of this.

I'm working every day.

To us, baby.

I wish that you weren't working for Augie.

I pack meat-- what's wrong with that?

Anyway, the probation officer knows where I work.

I guess if he knows.

Oh, relax.

Al, sweetie!

How you been?

Gee, it's been a long time.

-Hello, Millie. -Hi!

This is my wife.

-Hello. Heh. -Hello.

Gosh, you remember the good old days, Al?

When Jake and Timmy brought over a whole case of champagne.

And poured it all over Shirley.

And she come over and asked you to wring her out. (laughs)

(Millie laughs nervously)

Well... good-bye. It was nice seeing you, Al.

Bye.

(mellow piano jazz continues)

Please... please, will you do it?

Will you help me, Mr. Ness?

Mrs. Remp, you can't be serious.

I am.

I want you to put Al back in jail.

ANNOUNCER: And now, back to The Untouchables.

You've got to put him back in jail, Mr. Ness.

You've got to.

It's not as easy as that, Mrs. Remp.

We can't just put a man in jail.

He's violating his parole.

He's got a gun, I'm sure of it.

And he's working for...

He has contact with known criminals again.

Mrs. Remp, we don't have evidence of that.

Follow him.

Follow him for just one day,

and you'll have all the evidence you need.

He's going to get into trouble, Mr. Ness,

I just know it.

I'd sooner that he had to finish out his sentence.

Then maybe Prohibition will be over when he got out,

and... at least we'd have a chance.

All right, Mrs. Remp, we'll do everything we can.

Thank you.

Lee, will you take Mrs. Remp home?

I'll be glad to.

(phone rings)

Hello. Ness.

AL: It's me, Ness.

Go ahead.

Well, tonight's the night,

the one you've been waiting for.

What have you got?

Nothing so far, but Augie wants to see me,

so I should get the word.

Call me to a meet, the penny arcade again.

You set the time.

Right, Ness.

(click)

I don't want no arguments, Bitsy.

Come on, Augie.

I got nothing against him.

I just don't like to see too many guys handling papers

that could send us to jail.

Particularly now, Aug. This is it.

We got three months of planning here.

I don't like to see anything come up to ruin it.

I don't care what you like and don't like.

If Remp was gonna put us in jail,

he could've done it three years ago when he got sent up.

He kept his mouth shut.

It ain't just him! It's anybody!

Look, I can handle it alone, Augie.

We got 7,000 cases of booze to move in one night.

That's a lot of booze.

$850,000 worth.

You're gonna need help.

Laffey made a blunder you were ready to knock me off for.

I don't want to be put in that same boat again, Augie.

You remember why he got his, huh?

You remember why?

He didn't do what he was told to do.

So now I'm telling you-- Remp is in.

All right, Augie.

So?

(door closes)

Al...

I wish you wouldn't go.

I got no choice, hon.

You're back in the rackets, aren't you?

No, we got this order of meat to get out.

Night man's out sick; I got to take his place, that's all.

You're lying to me, I can tell.

Just got to find something to worry about, don't you, hon?

Al, you're all I've got.

I just don't want to lose you.

Now, don't start that.

I love you, and I don't want to lose you.

You won't lose me.

I will, if you go back into the rackets.

I could stand it, maybe, if you could just sit down

and talk to me sometimes, but you can't.

You've got to go anytime Augie snaps his fingers.

You remember how that was, how we were then.

But I'm not going back in the racket.

That's not true, and you know it.

All right, I lied to you, baby.

I am going to do one job, just one.

Then we'll be out of it forever.

Oh, no, Al...

don't go, please.

Please don't go.

Don't worry, hon.

It's just one job.

And the last.

Besides...

I got to get you that fur coat I promised, don't I?

(door closes)

(dials)

Operator, could I have the number

to the Federal Building, please?

Thank you.

♪♪

WINCHELL: From the secrecy employed by Bitsy Whyller

in reaching the site of the night's activities,

Al Remp knew that his guess had been correct.

This was the big move.

♪♪

That's a pretty good dodge you've got there.

It's perfect.

We load the booze into those crates and boxes,

mark 'em "Household Goods."”

Then we store "em in a legitimate warehouse,

in a dozen legit warehouses.

But in lots, as if they were some family's household goods.

Even if Ness knew which warehouses we used,

he'd never find the booze.

Each group of boxes and barrels is in a different name.

We know 'em.

He doesn't.

Beautiful.

So glad we got your approval.

Now, earn your money.

Give me a hand.

For now you check the labels.

I'll handle the manifest.

We got chairs here, you know.

K.H. Murphy: five labels.

Five.

Albert Davis: two labels.

Two. Go.

Donald Stillwell: two labels.

Check.

WINCHELL: Eliot Ness paid a visit

to Fat Augie to keep suspicion off Al Remp.

Come in, Mr. Ness, come in.

You come for a reason, or is it social?

Some questions, Augie.

Sorry I have no chair to offer you.

I hear Al Remp's back working for you.

He is.

He wanted to go straight; I gave him a job.

I don't believe in holding a prison term against a man.

Uh-huh. When'd he start?

Mm, January 20.

He's shipping supervisor now, does a good job.

He works hard, that boy.

-Is he here now? -No.

Shall I have him call you? Stop by your office, maybe?

Why don't you do that, Augie.

Oh, by the way, the inspector who approves

your meat for sale's been transferred.

A new man starts tomorrow.

(chuckles)

One of your boys, Mr. Ness?

No, a grafter, the biggest man in the city.

He's up on charges.

While he's awaiting trial, I thought he should be

given a chance to pick up a few dollars.

He can squeeze you pretty good, Augie.

You're a very sweet fella, Ness.

I like to spread a little happiness wherever I can.

That does it. Five for Snyder.

Now you got the whole setup?

Sure.

-Anything I can do for you? -No, no, no.

Wait for me in the office, Johnny-- I'll be right there.

-Now what? -That's it.

-You can roll on out of here. -What about the pickup

on this stuff?

I'll handle all of that.

Augie said I was to stay with you till the finish.

So? We're finished; I'm doing you a favor.

Grab a bite to eat, some sleep.

I'll see you at the plant in the morning.

All right. Good night, Bits.

Be good to yourself.

I sure appreciate you giving me this job, Mr. Whyller.

Yeah. Now, get this.

I'm leaving you a set of pickup orders.

When the movers get here, you check 'em out.

Make sure they get the right loads.

They're ought to be 30 trucks in here by morning.

-I'll double-check 'em all. -Yeah, always do that.

Wait a minute.

Did I drop s...

(chuckles) Remp.

That punk took off with the duplicates.

Sit tight, Johnny.

-I'll be right back. -Anything you say, Mr. Whyller.

(phone rings)

Hello. Hobson.

This is Remp.

Is Ness there?

Hold on.

Eliot, it's Remp.

Ness.

I got it all, Ness--

documents and a million dollars' worth of booze.

Good. How soon can we meet?

20 minutes.

We'll be there.

Hands in the pockets.

Oh, you lousy punk.

Ness!

You're gonna get yours.

Augie's gonna hang you high, like a side of beef.

Come on, let's take a little drive.

(metallic pinging)

He's late. You think he'll show?

-How late is he? -Half hour.

We'll give him another 15 minutes,

then we start looking.

♪♪

(knocking)

Who is it?

It's me, Remp.

Hello, Harry.

Open up.

Augie.

A little present from me to you, Augie.

How?

I killed him.

-You got a reason? -He left the warehouse

before the booze was picked up by the movers.

Followed him on a hunch.

He put in a call to Ness.

Didn't say anything, just set up a meet.

I heard him, I took him, there he is.

He's in no position to call you a liar.

Are you calling me a liar, Augie?

No.

You think you can fill his spot?

Wouldn't take much to top that.

You want to try, Al?

I need five G's to buy my wife a coat.

That's a lot of money for a coat.

For some coats, yes; for other coats, no.

It's an investment, Al-- it better pay off.

It already has.

See you in the morning.

Harry, get rid of that.

(Augie chuckling)

You heard him, Harry.

(laughing)

(knocking)

Oh, Mr. Ness.

May we come in, Mrs. Remp?

Yes, of course.

Is your husband here?

No, he isn't.

It's very important that we locate him, Mrs. Remp.

-I don't know where he is. -He may need our help.

Why? I don't understand.

Your husband's working for Fat Augie at our request.

What?

Why didn't he tell me?

He's acquiring evidence for us, Mrs. Remp.

He called tonight, arranged a meeting

and didn't show up.

Now, if you know where he is, tell us, please, for his sake.

But I don't. I wish I did.

We're sure he's all right.

We just want to give him all the protection we can.

If he calls or comes home,

will you get in touch with us right away, please?

Yes, of course.

Thank you.

(door opens)

Hello, baby.

Al, Eliot Ness was just here.

He thinks you're in trouble.

Let me catch him and tell him you're all right.

Remember that fur coat I promised you?

Al... aren't you working for him?

Forget about Ness.

Tell me. Are you working for him?

Oh, Marcie, I love that face.

Answer me!

Ness put me on the spot.

I had to kill for him tonight.

Kill?

-Who? -Bitsy.

Caught me calling Ness.

I... had to kill him, or it would've been me.

Why did you lie to me?

Why didn't you tell me you were back in it for Ness?

Because it was just the beginning.

Now we've got the world by the ears.

I don't know what you're saying.

Ness got me back in with Augie.

Augie made me his number two man.

I didn't plan it that way.

From now on it's nothing but money.

Feel that.

Is this what Ness did for us?

Well, uh... he put us on top of the heap.

We ought to thank him.

Send him a case of champagne for Christmas or something.

Ness should have known that you couldn't change.

Why are you so weak, Al?

You're like an addict.

You get around filth like Augie, and he infects you.

Is this what I waited for?

What else do I know? Answer me that.

What else do I know!

Oh...

All

If I did go along with Ness,

give him the evidence against Augie, then what?

What!

I'd be dead inside an hour.

And if I wasn't, then what?

We move to Cleveland, I get a job in a gas station?

Is that what you want?

You think I could live like that?

You're building a wall to hide behind.

I went along with Ness because I wanted

to buy you that fur coat.

Then I got thinking.

You killed a man.

A bug, I stepped on a bug.

No.

Not a bug.

A man, a man, a man, a man!

And I'd kill a dozen more Bitsy's

to keep us where we are now.

Oh...

(sobbing)

Why didn't Ness leave you in jail?

Why didn't he leave us alone!

Marcie...

I---

Yes?

Where are you going?

I need a walk.

Want me to come along?

No.

(dialing)

(ringing)

Hello.

This is Al

What can I do you?

I, um...

think I got Eliot Ness trouble.

Forget it, it's nothing.

He's working on the Laffey kill.

He was here. He asked about you.

He wants you to call him.

Oh?

What did you tell him?

Told him you were a shipper in the packing department.

I got records-- you're in the clear.

You weren't even here when Laffey went. Relax.

Thanks, Augie.

Just wanted to make sure.

That's a good way to be-- careful.

I'll see you in the morning.

So... it was Remp who left first, not Bitsy.

-Right? -Yes, sir.

Well, appreciate your cooperation, Sergeant.

Remp.

R-E-M-P. That's right.

Thanks.

Lee, you and Rico hold down the phones.

I think I'll pay Fat Augie a visit.

Somebody ought to go with you, Eliot.

I may not want any witnesses.

Mrs. Remp?

Yes.

Have you heard from Al?

Yes, I have.

Where is he?

Where you put him.

At least... in jail he was safe.

Away from filth like Augie, but...

you got him out.

And now he's right back where he started.

Where is Al, Mrs. Remp?

Where you put him.

Where he's got the world

by the ears.

A world that he's better out of,

but you got him in again.

You...

That's not the way, Mrs. Remp.

And I hate you for it.

I hate you.

I hate you. I hate you.

(sobbing)

Tell me, where is he? Where is he?

(exhales)

Home.

He's at home.

It's all right, Mrs. Remp, it's all right.

(Marcie sobs)

Up.

Augie wants to see you, Al.

What's the gun for?

Ask Augie. That's how he said for me to get you.

You still don't need it.

Where are the manifests from the warehouse?

What is this, Harry? I don't get it.

Hey, come on, come on.

I just do what I'm told.

Oh. Guess I forgot to leave them.

Yeah. I guess you did.

Let's go.

Uh, look, Harry, uh,

my wife's out-- I'd like to leave her a note.

You know, so she won't worry.

No note.

This'll all be explained when I talk to Augie.

What harm could a note do?

Hey, what'd I tell you? No note.

Augie didn't say you should leave a note.

Come on, let's move it.

(knocking)

NESS: Remp?

(whispers): Say nothing.

(knocking)

NESS: Remp, are you in there?

It's Ness.

I'd better answer, get rid of him.

Okay, okay. You let him in,

but you stay where I can watch you.

Because I'm gonna be right out there on the fire escape.

-NESS: Remp? -Yeah, yeah.

Just a second, Ness, I'll be right with you.

You ain't gonna get away from me, Remp.

You hear?

-NESS: Remp? -I'm coming, Ness.

(horns honking)

What happened? Why didn't you show?

I, uh, I got hung up.

Doing what?

A personal problem.

A... argument with my wife.

She walked out; I don't know where she is.

She's in my office; she walked in ten minutes ago.

What?

Come on, get your hat.

♪♪

Get in.

Uh, listen, Ness, I, uh...

Yeah?

Forget it.

(gunshot)

♪♪

WINCHELL: With the manifests in his hands,

Eliot Ness held the keys to Fat Augie's booze kingdom.

Within 48 hours, the Untouchables had located

and destroyed the entire million-dollar load of booze.

Strangely however, Eliot Ness never discovered

that Al Remp had turned his coat again,

that the taste of the big time and the big money

had taken hold of his informer.

No charges were lodged against Marcie Remp.

And on leaving the Federal Building,

she lost herself in the limbo of her own loneliness.

She was never seen or heard of again.

She did not attend her husband's funeral.