Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

[indistinct chatter]

- Am I late? - No.

I am just half a martini early.

Monica, what kind of juice you got for me today?

I saved you a couple of grapefruit...

I could squeeze up a little something.

Yeah. Well, much obliged.

Okay.

- Sam, you've almost arrived. - Only almost?

Well, you're known in one East Side bar.

Five more and you're a celebrity.

I've been meaning to talk to you about that.

What do you mean?

Well, honey every time I appear in your column

there's trouble at the bunkhouse.

- Chief Clifford jealous? - No, no.

I wouldn't say he was jealous.

I think that's the wrong word, more like homicidal.

"And also seen at the gathering

was Marshal Sam McCloud of Taos, New Mexico,

who is currently based here in New York

to teach local police his law enforcement techniques..."

- Thank you, darlin'. - Mm-hm.

Well, really, Chris, you know, I don't even mind going

to those fancy sit-down dinners now and again.

But you just gotta learn to keep my name out of your column.

Just ignore the fact that I'm there.

Sam, wherever you go, you make news.

I can't ignore that.

Why, against my Hippocratic oath or something.

Well, what do you say? Are you with me or not?

We'll set it up tonight.

Frank.

Not enough cops in this town, right?

You can't even go into a bar

without some hit cop, is that it?

- Hey, what do you care? - Oh, I care, I care.

Hey, what's the score, cowboy?

Go out and bust a few heads, right?

Hey, why don't I buy the nice sheriff there a drink?

I-- I bet he's been working late,

trying to make a big name for himself.

Hey, that's a great looking posse you got there, sheriff.

Oh, it will pass. Finish your drink.

- What do you say, cowboy? - What's the matter with you?

Oh, every time I look at that jerk flatfoot annoys me.

Forget it.

Well, I've got reservation at Paluzzi's for 8:30.

I'm ready.

- Night, Felix. - Night, marshal.

Wait a minute, marshal.

You didn't say goodnight to me.

- Goodnight, my friend. - Friend? Wait a minute.

Wait a minute. My name is Frank.

Why don't you say goodnight, Frank.

That's Frank, you got that, Tex?

Yeah, I'm gonna do you a favor.

I'm gonna let you take your hand off my coat

before I take it off for you.

Try it, cowboy.

- You behave yourself. - McCloud!

[whispering] Arthur Yerby's gonna be murdered.

They hired a pro to do the job.

Look, I want you to run me in, understand?

Just lock me up, I won't be involved.

Now wait a minute, who's gonna commit this murder?

I don't know who. I told you. You figure out the rest.

Just keep me out of it.

Just remember, I put you on to it.

Assault with a deadly weapon.

Advise him of his rights and take him outside.

I'll ride downtown with you.

Felix, do you know the fellow who's in here with him?

Seem like I've seen him before.

They'd been in here a few times before, that's all.

- I don't know who he is. - Yeah, well..

If you're not careful, next thing you know

the city's gonna make you take out an entertainment license.

[laughs] You're a great kidder, marshal.

Yeah.

Well...

Personally, I prefer the floor show after dinner.

I'm afraid we're gonna have to forego dinner, I'm sorry.

You're going downtown with Zorro?

I don't know how long it's gonna take.

I'll find my way home. Call me tomorrow.

[chuckles] Yeah, I'll call you if I don't read about this

in my morning paper.

[chuckles] Promise. Uh, give my best to Chief Clifford.

Frank Gordon... drug addict,

two arrests for possession, one conviction...

one arrest for shoplifting... charge dropped...

one arrest for burglary... convicted.

This is your source of your information?

Well, chief, I'm not, I'm not vouching for his character.

I'm just reporting what the man told me.

Mr. Gordon, I'm Captain Clifford. Sit down.

Yeah, right.

You've been advised of your rights?

Yup. I've been through this mill before.

I don't need any lawyer. Go ahead.

Now, Mr. Gordon, I understand you have information

about a conspiracy to commit a murder.

- Murder? What murder? - That's right.

You know nothing about a plot to kill Arthur Yerby?

You mean that, uh, the big millionaire?

That one.

I don't know anything about people like that.

Look, I'm on unemployment, myself.

Mr. Gordon, I should warn you...

If you're concealing information about a murder conspiracy,

you can be indicted as an accessory to the fact.

Accessory to what fact?

Look, I don't know what you're talking about.

Mr. Gordon, you told me that

Arthur Yerby was gonna be murdered

by a professional killer.

- Remember? - Remember what?

Are you tryin' to tell me you didn't said it?

I, I'd really like to help you fellows out,

but... sorry.

That will be all, Mr. Gordon. Thank you.

[sighs]

Now why do you suppose he went back on his story?

With a record like that, he could get put away

on an assault charge.

You're forgetting where you are, McCloud.

The way our courts are overcrowded...

I'd guess he can make a deal to get the charge lowered

to resisting arrest, plead guilty...

back on the streets in 60 days.

So maybe he thinks he's bein' real smart.

Stayin' in jail until it's all over.

And maybe he's just lying. Period.

Chief, I think he was tellin' the truth back at the bar.

Oh? How can you ascertain that?

You know I'd be very interested

to learn any new police procedures from you.

Oh, now, there's no need to get frosty about that newspaper

business, I told you it's a mistake. I took care of it.

Go on with your theory, McCloud.

How can you tell the man wasn't lying

about the murder attempt.

You-- you know how that a bad knee

can let you know if it's gonna rain or not.

Well, I just think he's tellin' the truth.

I got a strong feelin' about it.

I hesitate to ask where.

But you are basing your analysis on your... vibrations,

is that it, McCloud?

Yeah, I guess you could say that.

Just think... we can get rid of the useless paraphernalia

of modern criminology... the polygraph, fingerprints,

why, we can even do away with deductive reasoning itself.

All we have to do is expose every suspect

to those infallible vibrations of yours.

Chief, you're, you're not closing this investigation?

I'm not closing it, but until I have some evidence of a crime,

I'm filing it under routine.

Well, I wouldn't hardly say this is routine.

Arthur Yerby's been grazin' the tall grass

he's about as rich as they come.

Ah, you've been reading the papers again, McCloud.

Yeah, and you don't make that kind of money

without making a few people a mite envious.

And you no doubt done some things

to make some of 'em hate you.

They're anxious. Oh, yes.

Now, from what I read in the paper is Yerby's coming town

tomorrow for the big proxy fight, right?

Well, I'm telling here, if somebody wants to do away

with him, it's one heck of a time to do it.

McCloud, there are 3600 detectives on this force,

that makes us only 1000 short,

there is no the time to follow through

on every questionable tip

that comes through this building.

However, your brilliant analysis

has convinced me I should provide special protection

for Mr. Yerby, so I'll tell you what I'm going to do.

I am appointing you Mr. Yerby's personal bodyguard.

You are to ride shotgun on him every minute

he's in New York.

That should be just your style, marshal.

[indistinct chatter on PA]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

I've arranged to have Mr. Yerby's limousine

parked at the side entrance, you two fellows meet me

at the escalator.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

Since it has been my experience that all journalistic minds

are identical, I will save you all the trouble

of asking the same questions.

Question: Mr. Yerby, what are your chances

of losing in the struggle for control of your empire

in the upcoming proxy fight?

Answer: I will win, because of my progressive leadership,

my dynamic policies, and because I control

the majority of the stock.

Question: Mr. Yerby, isn't it true,

that there has been considerable criticism

over your playboy image while your corporation's profits

are declining?

Answer: The entire economy is declining,

our corporation is surviving,

besides, I deserve a little time off now and then.

Question: Some critics say that your villa in France

is now your real home, and that you're seen

constantly with a young French actress.

Answer: No comment. Hey.

Wait a minute, don't tell me, you're with Field and Stream.

No, sir. I'm, I'm from New York Police Department.

I'm assigned to look after you.

You request a bodyguard, Peter?

- No, Mr. Yerby. - This was our own idea.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Now, what's this all about?

We have reason to believe that there may be an attempt

made on your life.

You mean a threat? A crank?

We're not sure and just to be on the safe side

we'll take you out the side door,

hop on the car.

Thanks for all the notoriety, gentlemen.

This is where I get off.

[music continues]

[machine whirring]

[upbeat music]

The name is Dane. Thomas Dane.

You've got a reservation.

Oh, yeah, yeah. You gotta sign this. Please.

There... that makes him one with the Universe, right?

Place I worked on 34th Street had a big rat problem.

Mean rats, too. Aggressive.

One guest had his little finger bitten off one night.

True story. I had to quit that job.

Lousy hours.

Gonna be in New York long, Mr. Dane?

No.

Uh, business or pleasure?

Neither.

Well, you came to the right place.

Room 205.

Oh, incidentally, you got a telegram.

Thanks.

Enjoy your stay, Mr. Dane.

[metal clanking]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Philip, please, stop toying with your glass.

Well, here they all are. One man's family.

Marion, this is Marshal McCloud, my wife.

- My son, Phillip. - Ma'am.

- How do you do? - Pleasure to meet you.

You both be happy to know that the good marshal here

representing the New York Police Department

has received a tip of sorts

that someone may be trying to kill me.

- Charming. - Are you sure?

We're not one hundred percent, but we're concerned.

Mr. Yerby, your attorneys will be here in a minute.

Well, I know that you've got a lot to talk about,

I'll just be runnin' along.

I'll leave a man on the door if you don't mind.

Now don't leave just yet, marshal.

My lawyers are never on time except for my bills.

I think we gotta on to this matter of my murder.

Arthur, you haven't been murdered yet.

Uh, but, now, dear, all the better time

to round up the suspects in advance, right, marshal?

Well, that's something I wanted to get into with you.

It would help us to know if there's somebody

that might be wantin' to do away with you.

Well, I could give you enough names

to fill a petition.

She may be right. Sit down, marshal.

But then you know you don't really have to look any further

than this room.

That's not a very funny joke, father.

Was I joking?

My wife and I have been married for 25 years.

She has despised me for 24.

The first year was an adjustment period.

About five years ago, I told myself

I really should stop living all those, no, correction,

some of the lies I built around myself.

So, from a conservative, megalomaniacal empire builder,

I became the hedonist, megalomaniacal empire builder.

[chuckles] Dear old Marion, mother of my only son,

such as he is.

Marion wouldn't divorce me,

because she couldn't divorce herself

from playing the part of Mrs. Arthur Yerby.

A part she prefers to play alone,

with only the accompaniment of a fleet of doctors.

So here we all are, brought together once again

by the strongest bond of all, our mutually held stock.

I'd like some more sherry.

My only son, Phillip,

who may yet reverse the American Dream

and achieve riches-to-rags.

He was programmed from an early age

to take over my place at the head of the executive table.

But his circuitry couldn't take the strain of manhood.

And after I ran out of places to hide his ineptitude,

I fired him.

But he always votes his stock with mine,

because he was what every good son has for his father,

paralyzing fear.

Now, here. Don't-- don't worry, son.

I always clean up after you.

I'll take care of it.

Please try.

Don't overlook the family retainer, father.

Maybe he's tired of playing the captive audience.

Peter? No, no, he wouldn't have anyone

to disapprove of after I'm gone.

Well, marshal,

are you going to arrest someone

or are you just going to sit there

looking uncomfortable?

Uh, no, I think that...

Well, I think I better leave before Mr. Yerby gets to me.

Well, the marshal has a sense of humor.

I think the marshal is a straight shooter.

Why don't you join us for a drink this evening

say around 8:00?

I'll try to round up some more killers for you.

- Are you married, marshal? - No.

Well, if you have a nice, young lady friend,

bring her along.

By all means.

Thank you. Thank you.

Well, I'll run along. It was awfully nice meeting you.

And there will be a man on the door.

Adios,marshal.

Adios.

[instrumental music]

Nick, try these out on the lab.

DA needs them for the Levinson murder trial tomorrow.

[telephone ringing]

Clifford here. Yes, I'll hold.

Hello. How's Yerby?

Oh, he's meeting with his attorneys.

I've got a man on the door.

No sign of bushwhackers yet, marshal?

A real good bushwhacker knows how to keep downwind

and out of sight.

Peter: Yeah, could be invisible because he doesn't exist.

Yes, I'm holding.

My big problem is you can't track down something

if you don't know what to look for.

I just wish I had some clues

how this killer will operate.

You know, chief, I've been thinking.

Stop calling me chief, you make me feel like a Comanche.

Back where I come from,

the best man to track down a, a cattle rustler

is a man who's rustles cattle himself.

You know some of our best lawmen used to be outlaws.

That's a fascinating bit of Americana.

But what are you leading up to?

Yes, I'm still holding.

Well, I just thought if I could talk to a professional killer,

I might get a better idea of how to spot this man.

Or at least I might learn something

about what goes on inside.

Consult a professional killer? I see.

And just how do you propose to do that? Run an ad?

Yes, I'm still holding.

Oh, I thought maybe you might know one.

McCloud, we of the New York Police Department

are broad-minded, we are flexible.

We even tolerate you.

But we are not going into consultation with murderers.

Now just look after Yerby,

and try not to get any more ideas.

Hello. Yes.

Oh, good morning, Mr. Mayor.

No, I didn't mind holding. [chuckles]

No, not at all.

You're having a little party?

How many hundred?

- Morning, Thatcher. - And goodbye, McCloud.

Where you heading to in such a hurry?

My man, I have been here since yesterday p.m.

And during that time, I've managed to hit the street

make one felony arrest and I've just completed

the eighteen forms necessary

to arraign a criminal here in Fun City, USA.

And with that, I am going home.

I tell you, Thatcher, I hate to see you

running off so aggravated and overworked.

You know what's good for that? Sassafras tea.

Yeah, really. Here, let me whip you up a cup.

Alright, what do you want, McCloud?

I picked up a couple of bags from that little store

on 58th street.

Now, come on, McCloud.

You can't fool old Sergeant Thatcher.

What do you want?

Did I say that I wanted something?

Oh, man, you don't come in here with all that country charm

talking about sassafras tea, which I happen to dig,

unless you didn't want something.

Well, thanks a lot.

It's real nice of you to offer to help.

I just wondered if you could arrange for-- for me

to meet a professional killer.

Oh, now, what do you wanna meet a professional killer for?

Just part of my training.

Well, when we get a little time off

I'll be happy to run you up to Sing Sing

and introduce you to a whole slew of 'em.

Well, I thought maybe there was somebody here in the city?

You see, when we find them, marshal,

we try to put them away.

It's the official procedure.

I-- I figured that but I thought maybe you might have

somebody who's sort of left the business,

retired, so to speak.

Oh, you're talking about a convicted killer?

Somebody's already served his time?

There you go.

Well, why didn't you say that?

Yeah, there is one.

As a matter of fact to say he was the baddest of all time.

He knocked off something like 15 or 20 people...

and then they finally pinned the murder rap on him.

And he served something like 26 or 28 years

on a life sentence and then they paroled him.

Thatcher, you're amazing.

I don't know what to do without you.

He sounds just like the fellow I'm looking for.

- What's his name? - Well, wait a minute, McCloud.

Does the captain approve

of this little consultation of yours?

Well, I wouldn't mislead you.

Meaning he said forget it.

Oh, no, no...

McCloud, let me lay something on you,

now, I don't mind sharing this office with you

I don't even mind trying to give you instructions

as to how to become a model police officer.

But don't ask me to risk my sergeant's stripes,

my seniority, and my pension by going against

the divine rights of Captain Peter J. Clifford.

Do you understand, McCloud?

Thatcher, you're just getting yourself all steamed up.

I am not getting all steamed up. I am overworked.

And I wanna go home and I am going home.

You're just feeling guilty

because you won't give me the fellow's name.

Especially since I worked all of those overtime hours

for you during the NBA playoffs...

which I am always willing to do. Anytime.

McCloud, you're trying to bribe me!

And I resent it... but I accept.

Now, look, it's probably not gonna do me much good

to give you the guy's name anyway.

Nine times out of ten, he won't even talk.

Why not?

Well, because he's a model citizen right now

and hardly anyone remembers his past.

And he doesn't like to be reminded of it.

Anyway, his name is Sid Nylan.

And he owns a small business.

It's a flower shop on the West Side.

Marshal McCloud, you are devious,

subversive, manipulative and--

I appreciate your confidence.

[instrumental music]

McCloud: Mr. Nylan, I want to talk about a killing.

Sid: Then find yourself a killer. I sell flowers.

McCloud: You also know how a professional killer operates,

that's all I wanna know. Just how they operate.

Let me ask you a question.

- Were you in the army? - In the air force.

- You flew a plane? - Korea.

You killed people, right?

Well, not exactly, I flew reconnaissance.

Well, you made it possible for others to kill.

You're just a highly decorated fingerman, so what.

Well, alright, Mr. Nylan, you've made your point. I...

I suppose it was my mistake of my coming here

but I, I just thought that you'd made amends

for what you'd done in the past, and that

helping me to save a life, might in some way

make up for those that you took but... [chuckles]

Well, I understand.

I'll see you.

Alright, alright.

I never said I wouldn't help.

I just didn't want a lot of hypocrisy from you.

You seem a little more straight-forward than most.

What do you want to know?

Well, I got a tip that a professional

has taken a contract on Arthur Yerby.

Arthur Yerby.

Now, there's a man who wouldn't know a scruple

if he ran over one.

I like him.

He's not a hypocrite.

He's honest like a shark is honest.

There's very few of his kind left.

I'd hate to see him go.

What do you want, young man?

Well, first of all, I'd like to know

how this killer operates?

Just how he goes about getting a job done?

Well, that depends upon the circumstances.

If he can, he'll try for the perfect job.

When a disposal man does a perfect job,

nobody knows he was there.

A disposal man?

Yeah, that's what he's called. Disposal man.

A perfect job is when it looks like an auto accident

or a heart attack.

Heart attack? Huh! That's interesting.

How does he make it look like a heart attack?

Oh, there's dozens of ways.

Uh, there's new techniques being discovered all the time.

Did you ever hear of the poison gas tube?

No, I guess I must've missed that one.

Well, it's a metal gas tube with poison gas.

Uh, the disposal man carries it under his arm in a newspaper.

And as he passes the victim,

he releases some of the gas in the his face, and walks on.

The man starts to gag, falls, dead.

Looks like a heart attack.

Well, I'll guarantee he's not gonna get

close enough to Mr. Yerby for that.

And he's not gonna have a chance

monkeying around his car, either.

Well, it will be a sniper job then.

That's little risky, but it's more dependable.

If he obeys the rules.

Rules? What are the rules?

Well, he's supposed to lay low.

Stay where he is.

Do nothing until he makes the hit.

You mean to tell me that there's no chance

that this fellow would do anything to give himself away?

Well, it could happen

if, uh, if he got lonely.

- Lonely? - You don't know.

A disposal man is like any other visiting business man.

He's in a strange city. He's bored, he's restless.

He's supposed to stay isolated,

but he, uh, still might try to make contact with people.

Just out of sheer loneliness.

Huh.

[intense music]

[machines beeping]

How does that one grab you, marshal?

Well, uh, it's not something you'd wanna wake up to, I...

- Peter. - I think it's obscene.

Oh, well, you think everything is obscene, Peter.

And I'm usually right.

What do you think, Ms. Coughlin?

Chris. I like it.

Well, then I'll take it.

If you're ever in the south of France,

I insist you visit both of us.

Chris: Thank you.

What does it mean?

Yerby: It means what ever you might want it to.

Peter: I think he's faking it, Chris.

I have a lot of really far out environmental pieces

I've put aside in my warehouse, you have to see it.

Yes.

Do you like environmental art as well, Chris?

Well, it's not a question of liking it,

it's a question of finding space.

It's for you, marshal.

- Thank you. - Welcome to the club, marshal.

I beg your pardon?

That nice young thing you brought into the lair

now, do you think she'll leave with him?

Well, I think the best way to find out is to ask her.

Hello, this is McCloud.

I don't mean to rush you, marshal.

I have nothing to do and I can hang on to this phone

for several weeks at a time.

I'm sorry, Thatcher, what's up?

Thatcher: Well, first of all I got off duty tonight

and I discovered a note from you.

- Yeah, go on. - And you were right.

Your favorite innate, Frank Gordon,

does have a girlfriend.

And I called her and she's here

and she'd like to talk to the officer

that arrested her boyfriend.

I'll be right down.

Excuse me, I'm gonna have to leave, police business.

Ah, certainly, marshal, we understand.

- Chris? - Oh, now.

You're not going to take Chris with you, are you?

Why don't you stay and have dinner with us?

Oh, fine, I'd love it.

And you can join us when you finish your duties, marshal.

Well, that's fine, don't know how long it's gonna take.

In that case, we'll never forget you.

Now, don't worry, Sam. I'll keep guard over Mr. Yerby.

Yeah, you do that, so long.

Mrs. Yerby.

[beeping continues]

Marshall McCloud, this is Ms. Linda Farley.

Oh, it's so good to meet you, marshal.

My pleasure, ma'am.

I'm so terribly sorry to inconvenience you in any way

but I felt i-- it could be extremely useful

i-- if I came here and-- and volunteered

any and all information, uh,

that might conceivably in some way be of some small help,

in as much as I could tell you whatever and how much I know.

- Yeah, um... - I'm getting outta here.

Thatcher, do you mind, uh, stickin' around

just for a lil' while, I might need some advice.

Marshall, I, I really would like to get some sleep.

But, that's alright, I'll just suffer a physical collapse

and I'll collect disability.

- Thanks a lot. - Ah...

- Won't you have a seat, miss? - Thank you.

Uh, do you mind, uh, answering a few questions,

Miss, uh, Farley?

Oh, of course not, officer.

Anything I can do to be of help.

I'm so shocked by this entire matter.

Poor Frank in jail. Arrested. Humiliated.

Not by you personally, you understand.

But by society, in general.

Anyway, I came down the moment I heard

to see how I could help in Frank's behalf.

Mm-hm. How long have you known Frank Gordon?

Physically, I've only known him six weeks.

But spiritually, oh, we go way back.

We're kindred souls.

Our karma was very positive together.

Very unique. Special in fact.

Yeah, well, that's, uh... that's fine.

Did-- did Mr. Gordon mention anybody to you

or anything to you about a planned murder?

No. Oh, Frank is a beautiful man.

He could never be involved in anything sordid like that.

Well, uh, to your knowledge, did he know of anyone

who, who was involved in a killing for hire?

Uh, there was an acquaintance that I found unsavory.

Frank used to borrow money from this individual... often.

Well, who was this man? What was his name?

Malcolm Petrie.

Oh, he's unsavory, alright.

Got a mug shot on him?

On his there's got to be an album.

- Could, uh... - Oh!

You don't even have to ask, marshal, I'll get it for you.

You see, I'm only here to serve.

Thank you, Thatcher.

You know, marshal, since I've been so cooperative

and I-- I, I was wondering, uh,

maybe you could tell me something.

Like what?

Like how long will Frank be sent up?

- I can't really say. - Oh.

Of course, you can't, I-- I'm sorry.

I should never have presumed to ask.

Uh... would you have a light?

Oh, sure, you betcha.

Oh, you have such unusually powerful hands, marshal.

I bet you're a real man of the outdoors, so to speak.

Your hands are rugged and firm, yet somehow gentle.

They're understanding hands, kind hands.

Yeah, well, they're gonna be burned hands

if you don't let me put this match out.

Can't you tell me how long Frank will be incarcerated.

I sure would if I could, but there's just no way of tellin'.

But you figure he's got to be out of action

for at least a few months.

Could be. Why?

Oh, the reason I ask is, uh...

this friend of mine, uh...

purely business of course,

he-- he wants to open this little gift shop

with me in Juarez.

Uh, oh, he's just a-- a school chum, you understand.

Absolutely.

McCloud: Well, uh, thanks for comin' in.

- I appreciate your help, ma'am. - Oh!

Always glad to be of public service.

Goodnight, gentlemen.

Oh, uh, you have my number,

in case you require additional information?

Goodnight.

Um, um, marshal, here he is.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Do you think that there's any, uh,

additional information that we might require?

Well...

This is the man that was in the bar with Gordon.

So I figured this Petrie fellow

is tied in to an attempt on Yerby.

Explain.

Well, for one thing he ran out of that bar awful fast

when I arrested Frank Gordon.

With his record, that's understandable. Next point.

Well, Petrie's always been on the fringe

of some very heavy action, you know, the syndicate stuff.

But for his regular bread he does a lot of loan sharking.

That's right, now, Gordon was evidently a regular customer.

Now, this Petrie could've been putting the squeeze on him

in repayment of a bad debt.

So according to this theory, Gordon picked up on you

in order to get arrested and out of the picture.

Well, I know, i-- it kind of pieces together,

but it could be a tie-up.

And what do you propose we do about it?

Well, it would be nice if you'd give me a man to tail Petrie.

And if there is a professional killer he may lead us to him.

McCloud, we don't know for sure

that there's a contract out for Yerby.

And I don't have an unlimited supply of men

to go chasing around after your suppositions.

But it only takes one.

Thatcher here knows all Petrie's hangouts.

Yeah, and it's also Thatcher's day off.

Well, look at it this way.

You'll be getting time and a half

whether McCloud's right or wrong.

Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me.

I have a very important appointment.

Get another call from the mayor, chief?

No, my six year-old daughter hasn't seen Central Park

in almost a week.

You can cover for me for the next hour or so, McCloud.

Just don't answer the phone.

[traffic bustling]

[telephone ringing]

Yeah.

Uh, this afternoon. 5 o'clock.

You're sure?

My employer tells me it's definite.

Look, I'm cooped up in here, I need some company.

Can't you wait until after it's done?

You wanna make sure it's done right?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure.

I, uh, I know a girl,

who, uh, lives in your place.

[indistinct chatter]

How are you, Rosalie?

I'm fine. Yourself, Malcolm?

Pretty good.

I have a friend who is staying here.

He's a little lonely.

I was going shopping.

Do it for me, Rosalie.

As a favor.

I'll be very grateful. Okay?

Okay.

He's in Room 205.

205?

- Yeah. - Okay.

[vehicles honking]

[intense music]

[knocking on door]

Yeah.

Hi.

My name's Rosalie.

I met a friend of yours outside.

He said I should drop by and say hello, that you were lonely.

Hey, uh, hey, I've seen that movie.

It's a psychological drama.

It's a pretty good picture.

Oh, it's getting hot.

That fan feels good.

My feet always swell in the hot weather.

You want a drink?

No, thanks.

Let's see, let me guess. Um..

You're from, uh, Wisconsin and you're a school teacher

something like that, am I right? Were you born in November?

- Are you a scorpio? - What is this, an interview?

No, no, it's not an interview. I just get curious about people.

You seem like a nice guy. I can usually tell.

Don't you wanna talk at all?

Yeah.

Yeah. Sure.

Oh, hey. Relax.

You're all uptight.

[gasps] Oh, boy. Oh.

Your neck muscle's tense.

You must really be under a lot of pressure.

Oh.

I bet most people probably think you're kinda difficult

but, oh, I can tell, it's just tension.

Like I said, I just have a feeling you're a nice guy.

That's right. I'm one of the best.

Oh, come on. Don't be like that.

I didn't come here to depress you.

Uh, look, I'm, uh, very busy.

And I've got a headache.

So why don't you just beat it, okay?

I'm sorry.

Forget it.

[instrumental music]

Man On TV: Thank you for the conclusion

of our housewives' afternoon movie

"Right After Station Identification."

I'm sorry.

Man On TV: Be sure and join us tomorrow at this time

for Alan Lad in "This Gun For Hire."

[machine drilling]

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, fancy meeting you at the fancy olives, marshal.

Well, New York restaurant prices being what they are

kinda hard to turn down a free feed.

It kinda reminds me of a little place down in Taos.

Give you all you need for $2.69.

You didn't just come for lunch.

No, I thought maybe that, uh,

I hung around the rich and the famous long enough,

a little of it might rub off on to me.

Isn't that kinda the way you figured it?

Do I be detect a hint of jealousy, marshal?

[chuckles] You're dreaming, Chris.

Now, Sam, you gotta understand.

Arthur has just won a most important proxy fight.

I-- I'm just here covering it.

Me thinks thou does protest too much.

Oh.

A little Shakespeare there,

English 102, I think it was.

Aren't you jealous at all?

Me, jealous?

Well, of course I'm jealous.

I'd like to win one of them

big proxy fights myself.

Sam..

Isn't that what you're talking about, huh?

In that case, would you put some salad on this plate for Arthur?

Oh, sure thing. You bet ya.

Anything for Arthur.

Yes, yes, I'd say it's a great moral victory.

My low morals as opposed to theirs.

[laughing]

Now, I want you gentleman to be very careful

what you say in front of Miss Coughlin here.

She may decide to do an expose on your expense account.

[laughing]

- Oh, thank you, marshal. - My pleasure.

Sit here, Chris.

Ah, you see, money can't buy you happiness, Chris

but it can buy you sycophants to laugh for you.

[laughing]

Anyway, I'm going to London day after tomorrow.

Soon as you gentlemen tie up my loose ends here.

You seem disturbed, Sergeant McCloud.

Marshal McCloud. No, no, I..

I wasn't too hungry anyway.

You do a real good job looking after Mr. Yerby.

How long have you been at it?

Twenty years.

Where's Mrs. Yerby today?

I think she had a doctor's appointment.

Where is Mr. Yerby going from here today, Peter?

Dinner at the Waldorf. Will you excuse me?

You mustn't take exception to Peter, marshal.

The frost is always there.

Yeah.

For you, too, huh?

For us all. It's just part of his charm.

Yeah, I can see that.

And while I'm making excuses

I suppose I should mention father's performance yesterday.

We're really not quite as bad as he makes it sound.

Father just likes to show off for an audience

at everyone's expense.

For yours in particular, I'd say. Hm?

[laughs]

Oh, by the way, did you get your telephone message?

No.

Well, your office called.

A Mr. Thatcher.

Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

[phone rings]

Detectives.

Sergeant Thatcher speaking.

Thatcher, this is McCloud. Anything?

I've been tailing Petrie all day.

He's back in the apartment

and Brock is looking out after him for me now.

I wish I had something good to lay on you.

But it seems to be a quiet day in his life.

He didn't do anything unusual?

Well, he did one thing that was slightly out of pattern.

He went down to a cheap hotel on 185 West 45th Street

that was a Hotel Carlson.

And he talked with a girl for a few minutes.

Her name was Rosalie Hudgins.

H-U-D-G-I-N-S.

Now on a hunch. I checked her out with the Vice Squad.

And she has a record that goes way back.

Yeah. Go on.

Well, he seemed to be arranging something with her.

But maybe there's nothing to it.

Because I been checking with the hotel clerk.

And she hasn't been out all afternoon.

McCloud?

McCloud, this instrument works best when you speak into it.

Yeah, well, I was just thinking about something

that Sid Nylan told me.

He said that the killer might reveal himself

if he got so lonesome that he had to make contact

with another human being.

I'll see you later.

[vehicle horn honks]

[instrumental music]

[knocking on door]

You Rosalie Hudgins?

Yeah.

My name is McCloud.

I'm a police officer.

[laughs]

Oh, I mean, really.

Oh, you vice squad guys are too much!

These weird disguises.

What are you supposed to be? "Midnight Cowboy?"

I'm not in the vice squad.

Oh, no, sure. Sure you're not.

Gee, you've got it down pat, haven't you?

Even the hick accent.

You know, miss, I wouldn't be bothering you at all

except I'm looking for a very dangerous man.

So? Why are you looking here?

I mean, I'm a working girl.

Where do you guys get these ideas?

I'm, uh, an exotic dancer.

I'm between engagements right now

but that doesn't mean I'm--

Miss Hudgins,

this man is a killer.

Who did he kill?

Well, I have no idea who he's tried to kill in the past.

I only know who he's trying to kill right now.

Oh. A pro, huh?

That's right.

What does he look like?

I don't rightly know. I've never seen him.

But I'm pretty sure that Malcolm Petrie

tried to arrange an introduction with you.

Malcolm? Yeah, I know Malcolm.

He tried to introduce to you someone earlier today, right?

- Uh, well... - Miss, I need your help.

This is important.

I spent the afternoon alone

with my thoughts. I don't know anything.

So you 'd better split before the neighbors

get the wrong idea.

Miss Hudgins, if you're going to see this man

you might be getting yourself mixed up with a murderer.

- Will you please leave? - I'm telling you.

He's nobody to fool around with.

Get out.

Sorry to have troubled you.

[music continues]

[engine rumbles]

[knocking on door]

Who is it?

Rosalie: It's me, Rosalie.

[indistinct chatter on TV]

Hi.

What do you want?

I've got an idea.

Why don't the two of us go out and get a drink or something?

Why not?

Come on in.

- I was just gonna shave. - Oh.

Go ahead.

Oh, how's your headache?

It's gone.

You know, I was thinking.

The two of us could be real good friends.

I mean, even if you have a family, it's okay.

I mean, if you get to New York now and then

we could see each other.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I know I talk too much and I'm too nosey.

You familiar with guns?

No. No. I don't know anything about stuff like this.

This is a breakdown rifle.

Oh, yeah?

This is a silencer.

The telescopic sight...

is very accurate.

I can hit a cockroach at a 100 yards.

I saw the cowboy leave the hotel.

I didn't tell him anything, I swear.

He just wanted me to lead him to you.

- But you wouldn't do that. - No.

No? Since I'm such a nice guy?

No, I wouldn't...

Please. I just wanted to find out about you for myself.

Thomas: So then you could decide?

It wouldn't have mattered.

You've put me in a real bind. And I'm a very busy man.

Do you know what this is?

No.

[cork pops]

There you go, mother.

[knocking on door]

[sighs]

- Marshal! - Phillip.

Where is everybody?

Where's Mr. Yerby?

He left a few minutes ago.

Your Miss Coughlin had to check her newspaper

or so she said.

Where'd he go?

To his tailor for a fitting.

He's going on to the dinner from there.

Nobody told me about a tailor's fitting.

Well, I guess it slipped Peter's mind.

Where's this tailor shop?

Well, let's see. I have a card here, somewhere.

Father always picks up a suit or two from him

when he's in New York.

Oh, yes, here it is.

Mr. Burton Rill,

179 West 45th street.

West 45th?

I really don't see why you're in such a...

[dramatic music]

I do this on a habit.

I don't need to now.

I burned off my fingerprints.

Burned 'em off with acid.

See?

Time to go to work.

What was your name?

Maggie? Betty? Ah! Rosalie.

That's right.

Rosalie.

[music continues]

[intense music]

[chuckles] Mr. Yerby, it's so good to see you again!

You've got an armed guard these days, I see.

It's good to see you, Burt. Is the suit ready?

You'll have to speak up, Mr. Yerby

My hearing is getting worse.

- Is the suit ready? - Of course.

I can see that the alterations will be minor. Very minor.

You haven't changed at all, Mr. Yerby.

- Oh, thank you. - What?

- Thank you. - I don't know.

I think you'll like it, Mr. Yerby.

Lovely fabric, stylish cut.

It's a beautiful suit! Let me get it for you.

[dramatic music]

[siren wailing]

Ah, that's nice. That's very nice.

[intense music]

[siren wailing]

[rattling]

Stay down!

What's going on, marshal?

You've been set up, my friend, the killers up there.

[music continues]

Let's go.

- Where's a good restaurant? - Good restaurant?

I don't know any good restaurants.

I know a couple of fair restaurants.

There's one right around the...

Give me the keys for the second floor.

- Yes, sir. - Is there a back exit?

- It's locked. - Stay here.

Don't let anyone leave.

[instrumental music]

- What's going on? - Oh, I'm sorry, sir.

You're gonna have to stay.

Sorry, folks...

Hey, mister.

[gunshot]

Ah, it's a shame you didn't listen to me.

Yes, it's too bad.

Hm.

I wonder what this is.

Let me see.

It's a strange kind of a...

Huh. It could be a poison gas tube.

Well, what makes you think so?

Well, uh, had it described to me.

Could've killed her with it, there's no marks on her.

Well, we'll have to wait on the autopsy on that one, McCloud.

Who described it to you?

Fellow I was talkin' to yesterday.

Should know what he's talkin' about.

Sid Nylan.

Sid Nylan?

So, you did it your way after all.

You told me to protect Yerby. I protected him.

Well, that about wraps it up here, chief.

What about the desk clerk?

He's downtown at headquarters lookin' at photographs.

Drop this off at the lab.

I'll meet you downtown.

We'll pick the rest of this stuff up later.

I went right past him in the lobby, that's what gets me.

I went right past him.

It could've been worse. Could've killed Yerby too.

I got to find him now.

Well, you better call it a night, McCloud.

Yeah, sure, thanks a lot, chief.

Stop calling me chief.

[plane droning]

Woman on speaker: Passenger, Allan Roberts, Allan Roberts.

Go to the nearest white courtesy telephone, please.

Passenger Allan Roberts.

Allan Roberts.

Yeah.

Where do you think I'm going, on vacation?

Get away from the heat?

Why are you calling? They got a tail on Petrie.

That's what I figured.

You're kidding.

You better make it plenty worth my while.

I'm too hot now, by tomorrow morning

they'll have a make on me and I won't be able

to get near an airport.

Wow!

Okay.

Deal.

And see if you can get that cowboy out of my hair, okay?

Clifford: What about the man they picked up

on Lexington Avenue?

Nothing, huh?

Anything else?

If you get a lead call me right away. Thanks.

- Morning, marshal. - Mornin'.

How's Yerby? Still in his hotel?

Yeah, I doubled the guard. Both entrances.

Well, here's our man.

Desk clerk made a positive ID.

Got a long list of credentials

going all the way back to reform school.

Yeah, that's the man that was in the lobby.

What about Malcolm Petrie?

Well, we're keeping him on the string.

You know, our best shot is the killer's employer.

That'll be somebody who knew about the tailor's appointment.

Well, I think you can narrow that down to Mrs. Yerby,

her son Philip, or their man Friday.

[knocking on door]

Excuse me for interrupting, but your secretary

seems to be away from his post.

And who are you?

Uh, Chief Clifford, this is Peter Lincoln.

- Uh, Mr. Yerby's, uh... - Man Friday.

Ah, well, come in, Mr. Lincoln. Have a seat.

Thank you, captain.

Captain, I-- I would like a word with you.

Go right a head.

Alone.

You can speak freely here.

Well, what I have to say concerns Mr. McCloud.

- Oh? - Well, maybe I'd better leave.

No, stay.

Sit down, Mr. Lincoln.

Uh, the Yerby family

regrets the shooting of your Officer Watkins,

and what happened to that unfortunate girl.

But we, ourselves, are primarily concerned

in the safety of Mr. Yerby.

Therefore, we request that Mr. McCloud

be replaced as Mr. Yerby's bodyguard.

Even though he saved your employer's neck?

Actually, that could be considered a stroke of luck.

We would prefer, under the seemingly

dangerous circumstances that now exist

a more, uh...

traditional and experienced member of your department.

I run this department, Mr. Lincoln.

- And I make the assignments. - Yes, yes. Of course.

But I'm certain that the police commissioner

wouldn't find the request unreasonable.

If you or the Yerby's want to go over my head

you do just that.

Well, no, chief, just, uh... hold it a minute,

I mean, I don't want to create any hard feelings

if that's the way they feel about it,

I'd like to resign from the case.

Well, I'm glad to see that at least Mr. McCloud

is being reasonable about this.

Very well.

If that's what McCloud wants.

I'll assign another man.

Thank you, very much, captain.

That was a real fine performance, chief.

You know, your version of the irate official

that's one of my favorites.

Well, I had to see how far he'd go.

Yeah, one of 'em wants me off the case real bad.

Yes. Now let's see if you can find out which one.

[instrumental music]

Marian: Well, marshal, are you going to arrest someone?

Yerby: My wife and I have been married for 25 years.

She has despised me for 24.

Philip: Don't over look the family retainer, father.

Maybe he's tired of playing captive audience.

Yerby: You're my only son, Philip.

Who may yet reverse the American dream

and achieve riches to rags.

Philip: That's not a very funny joke, father.

Yerby: Dear old Marion, with only the accompaniment

of a fleet of doctors.

Marian: I'd like some more sherry, Philip.

Yerby: So, here we all are.

Brought together once again

by the strongest bond of all,

our mutually held stock.

Philip: Well, I guess it slipped Peter's mind.

It slipped Peter's mind. It slipped Peter's mind.

Slipped Peter's mind.

[instrumental music]

McCloud: Where's Mr. Yerby. Peter: Really, sergeant--

- Marshall McCloud. Peter: Marshall McCloud.

Peter: You have no reason to break in here like this.

You know, somebody's trying to kill Mr. Yerby.

Now, I'm running out of patience with you.

Do you want me to tell you who you're coverin' up for,

or would you rather tell me?

Hm?

I don't know what you mean?

I mean, you're not the only one who wants me off the case.

Although, Philip would like for it to look that way.

Lettin' everything point to you, you know what I mean?

I don't know what you're talking about.

You don't?

You don't know that Mrs. Yerby is a sick woman?

A sick woman that stopped going to doctors?

Now, she stopped for one reason, either she's cured

or she's hopeless.

She's dying, isn't she?

If she dies first, of course, Mr. Yerby gets all the stock.

But, if Mr. Yerby dies first, then, uh,

Mrs. Yerby gets all the stock

which means that Phillip gets it.

Simple as that, right?

You can't prove anything.

And there will be no more attempts on Mr. Yerby.

Is that the deal that you made with Phillip

when you found out that he was behind it?

I have nothing further to discuss, marshal.

[scoffs]

Boy, he really set you up nice, didn't he?

Havin' you go to the police.

There'll be another attempt, don't worry about that.

This time they're gonna get him.

Only now you're the pigeon.

I think we'd better tell the gentleman

what he wants to know, Peter.

The really ironic thing, according to your theory,

is that Phillip really thought I'd give him control

over the corporation.

Why, he could never handle it.

He can't even manage a simple thing

like having his own father murdered.

Where is Mr. Yerby now?

He's at Bellamy's art warehouse. On the West Side. Near 50th.

Thank you, ma'am, I'll find him.

If you like, marshal, I'll be glad to arrange

to have Phillip picked up.

Call Sergeant Thatcher, Detectives,

5-5-5-2-2-2-8.

[instrumental music]

Sergeant Thatcher?

Good. This is Mrs. Arthur Yerby.

I was wondering if you'd be kind enough to arrest my son.

[intense music]

I had to put these pieces in the warehouse because of their size.

And I had them put these lights up

for more dramatic presentation for you.

Yes, well, it's, it's certainly dramatic.

[chuckling]

[music continues]

Bellamy: I have one particular piece

that you might want to consider.

It was made by a California artist.

Right over here, Mr. Yerby.

This was created for a client who was son in love with it

that he was going to build his entire den around it.

But the way the stock market is these days

I'm looking for another client.

Mm-hm.

[siren wailing]

What is this?

Bellamy: That is an operating room.

Well, I can see that. Does it have a name?

Yes.

It's called...

The Surgery Performed on Mrs. Arnold Eckstein

by Dr. Alvin Roll.

By the artist, Arnold Eckstein.

- Did Mrs. Eckstein survive? - No.

It's one of a kind.

- Next. - Mr. Yerby.

Marshall, what're you doing here?

McCloud: I just found out that you're down here...

[alarm buzzing]

Find some cover. Officer, keep them out of sight.

[dramatic music]

[gun fires]

Hold it.

[music continues]

[gunshot]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[gunfire]

[glass shattering]

[gun clicking]

Let's go.

Move.

Handcuff him, take him downtown.

What're you starin' at?

I just wanna see what you look like close-up.

Stay well.

Well, does that do it, marshal?

Yeah, that about wraps it up.

Except you and me has got to have a lil' talk.

About what?

About who hired that fellow to kill you.

[indistinct chatter]

- Mr. Philip Yerby. - Yes.

You'll come with me, please.

You're under arrest for attempted murder.

Oh!

[sighs]

Well...

Thank you.

Alright, I'm sorry, I didn't know about...

Arthur.

One thing I've always liked about you,

you've always been consistent.

Spare me the sentimentality.

I just spoke to my lawyer.

He'll do whatever he can for Phillip.

I'd let him rot there.

Yes, I know.

Goodbye, Arthur.

Congratulations, marshal. You have saved a great man.

Marian...

Well, I got to get back to the office.

Uh, what... Stay and have a drink.

Some other time. So long, Mr. Yerby.

Well, I've got to file my story.

Sam, uh, I'll take a ride with you if you don't mind.

I think I can handle it.

Well, now, you don't have to rush off.

Goodbye.

[instrumental music]

[chuckling]

Well...

like always, Peter.

Just you and me.

Peter?

[instrumental music]

[theme music]