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The Killer Is Loose (1956)
Thank you very much,
Mrs. Andrews. I'm really terribly sorry about this, Mr. Poole. Those notices are just a matter of routine. The payment just slipped my mind. I can't imagine how it happened. Don't let it worry you. It can happen to any of us. Thank you, Mr. Poole. Thanks a lot. You're welcome. Ah, another new home owner. Holly Road. City's spreading out, isn't it? It sure is, Corporal. Tell me... You still love your old Sergeant? Sergeant Flanders. I didn't recognize you. That's what 10 or 11 years does for you. But I knew you the minute I saw you. You know what I almost called you? Foggy? Corporal Foggy, the jungle killer. I guess I started it, didn't I? Then everybody picked it up. Even the island boys, they'd say, "Corporal Foggy, he get lost again, "he forget his rifle." Remember that? Yes, I remember. Well, it was nice seeing you again, Sergeant. Now, cut the sergeant stuff. The name is Otto. Mr. Poole. That isn't anybody from the bank truck, is it? It's time for them all right, but I've never seen that man before. He just came on back, he handed Mr. Wilson a note and he just came on back. Freeman! Get away from that alarm. Hold it, you. Don't anybody move. You're covered from the door. Go on, fill it up. Close the bag. Hey! You know something, Foggy. I'm going to stop kidding you. I take it all back. And then? And then that crazy teller comes charging in and gets conked over the head. Well, that's about all there was to it. I'll say this about Poole, he tried and it took a lot of guts. Officer, if you'd known him... You told me. Otto Flanders? Yeah. Holly Road? That's right. It's the worst possible time, it's our biggest collection day. Receipts twice what they are the rest of the week. These guys knew what they were doing. That's about it. All right, gentlemen, that'll be all. We may want you to look at some pictures if you will, maybe some people, too. Chris. Thanks. Ms. Shaw. Ms. Shaw. Reach your wife all right? Yes, thank you. Afraid she might have heard about it on the radio or something, she worries a lot. Sit down. Thank you. You suppose wives enjoy that, Mr. Poole? Hmm? The worrying I mean. I'm just breaking into this marriage business. All I can say is I've been married for five years and my wife still worries about me. That's very discouraging. I don't know, I kind of like it. Mr. Freeman, just one more thing. You were coming through the back door from the garage. Spotted something was wrong, you tried to ring the burglar alarm and this fellow says, "Freeman, get away from that alarm." That's right, I thought about that later. How did he know my name was Freeman? Here's a better one. How'd he know where the alarm was? Mr. Poole, they also stopped you from pressing the alarm button. Yes, that's right, he did. Sergeant, it was probably my fault, I called Mr. Poole's attention to the man. But at that time I wasn't exactly sure what was going on. Well, I'm sure you were sure, Mr. Wilson. I admit I was scared. Well, what could I do? A couple of men with guns? Well, it all happened so fast. Well, it usually does. Let's go, Chris. I'm sure you have the names and addresses, Denny. Thank you very much, everybody. That'll be all folks. Thank you, Mr. Freeman. Coffee break, boys. How about this? Three sets. You're sure well covered. Thorough, that's all. We play no favorites. Number one got a call from the insurance salesman. Number three a wrong number. We've got it all on tape, it's fascinating stuff. Incoming or is it going out? Hello? How's the building and loan business, Clyde? Sound like something? What are you doing? I told you not to touch your phone until we were sure. They don't know a thing, how can they? I'm alone and had a chance to call. Hey, Denny don't! What was that? What was what? That click. This line is tapped. It's probably the connection. You must be wrong. Hang up' you stupid. Play it back. Hello. How's the building and loan business, Clyde? Couldn't have worked smoother' could it? Wagner. Well, it worked. No, it's that apartment over on 20th Street. You've got the address. Right, we're going over there now to pick him up. What was that? What was what? That click. This line is tapped. Well, we had a little bad luck here. Nothing you can't fix. Just get a car there in case he tries to break. Right. Turn it off. What a crazy guy. He's not crazy, you heard what the man said, he's just stupid. Come on, you can eat it on the way. He was walking out the minute we pulled around the corner, bag packed and everything. He took one look, ducked back inside. That's his apartment up there in the corner to the right of the hall. With the lights out? How do you know he's in it? If he isn't, he's somewhere in the building. Rex has been covering the back and Greg's inside. Hi, Greg. You said something about being alone, you know anything about his wife? According to the manager... She went out a couple of hours ago. I was going to say... We don't know what the trouble is around here, but they're two of the nicest tenants we've ever had. I was going to say... Excuse me. We may need a pass key, will you get us one, please? Go and get it. Bring it up, Denny. Come on, open up. This is the police. Did he strike you as a guy who'd try to knock himself off? All right. We know you're there. It won't do you any good. You're not going to take me. Worked himself up into quite a stew, hasn't he? Scared amateur, bolted inside. This is Sam Wagner from this afternoon, you don't want us to break the door down do you? Get away from there. I mean what I say. Okay, Denny. You said he wasn't crazy. He's a psycho. Doris. Doris. Doris? Doris? Everything's going to be all right, honey. Don't be scared, honey. I'll take care of you. They said she wasn't here. She didn't know about it. The hold up. Not till tonight. Not till she came home when I was packing. She wanted to go with me. Poole, I... Even after I told her she still wanted to go with me. That's how she is. That's how she has always been. That's why I can't understand why you'd do such a thing. It was an accident. We didn't know she was here. We couldn't see. You couldn't know what she's like. You made us use guns, Poole. You did that! There was no need for any of... She was... Not just kind and smart, she was... I wasn't even alive before her. Don't you see how wrong it was to do that? To kill her. Nor, Leon Poole, are we unmindful that you have suffered punishment of a sort difficult to calculate. Yet the fact remains, you have been found guilty of robbery, resisting arrest and attempted murder. It is, therefore, the judgment of this court that you, Leon Poole, be sentenced to the state penitentiary for a period of 10 years. On each count. Sentences to run concurrently. This court now stands adjourned. Of course, there's the matter of good behavior. That'll make a difference. Sam, the DA wants me to thank you. Good job. Yeah. You two want to join us for lunch? Why, we'd love to. Why, sure. Sam, Mary and Chris... Could have been worse, Poole. It was worse, remember? I remember. Poole, we tried to explain. Someday, Wagner, I'm going to settle with you for it. I'm certainly going to settle with you for it. Let's go, Sam. Welcome to the club, Lila. I expected a lot of things, but that wasn't one of them. You'll hear that 1,000 times. Do you ever get used to it? No, but you get numb. The prisoner is sullen, generally uncooperative, frequently rebellious. I wasn't myself then, sir. I had a lot of wrong slants. So many things had happened to me all at once. Some men can never adjust. You did and quickly. These past two and a half years have made a big improvement in your attitude and behavior. What's more, you've demonstrated an earnest and sincere intention to pay your debt. I've tried to follow the rules, sir. It should be even easier to follow at the state honor farm. The honor farm? You've earned it, Poole. And it's a good-sized step towards release. You leave tomorrow. Good luck to you. Thank you very much, sir. Ed. My helper busted a foot, I want to borrow one of your boys. You'll need a good back to unload that stuff. You can have Adams. What about Poole? He ain't in for manslaughter. They're all okay here, or they wouldn't be trustees. Sure, bud. Only you don't have to ride back with them in the dark. Hey, Poole! You want to ride into town and see the sights? Yeah, be right with you. Some sights! A drugs and a dry goods store. Big deal. It'll seem like Times Square to me. Got a little unloading job for you to do, Poole. Have a good time. Thanks, Ed. Come on. You know, five years ago, this whole country around here was different. Everything in lima beans. Same with us back at the honor farm. Then somebody found out about the lettuce' now that's all you see. Where does that road lead to? Some farmer's house up the ways. He did the same thing, see, he switched to lettuce. It's something to do with the soil, you get very sandy, just enough rain. Hey, you better slow down. Why is somebody chasing us? Hello? Yeah. Who? Yeah, I remember. Late yesterday. Okay. Okay. Sam? Who was that? Sergeant Baxter. At this hour? Nothing special. Then why are you getting up? I'm wide awake now, might as well stay up. You close your eyes and get some sleep. What about breakfast? I can't make a cup of coffee. You can't. I've had some of it. Lila, you know what the doctor said. Get plenty of rest. But I'm hungry. That's ridiculous, you had an enormous dinner. All right then, we're hungry. That's a dirty trick, ganging up on me. Three orders of bacon and eggs, coming up. Lila. Mmm? I may not have time for it. Oh, then it is something special, isn't it? No, it's just routine. A fellow... A fellow broke out of the honor farm. Well, you still have to have breakfast. I'll have it ready before you are. Sam! Yeah. That man from the honor farm. What's his name? Oh, just a case of mine. It's Leon Poole, isn't it? Yeah, yeah' that's the one. He said when he got out, he'd settle with you. That stuff. That never comes to anything. I mean, even if he's still brooding about it. Funny they call a man with a desk job, a lieutenant, for an escaped convict. They called me because it was my case in the beginning before I had a desk job. They always do that, Lila. They called you to warn you, didn't they? And they want you to work on it. All right, how long will that take? Good morning. You know how many of them get away with it? One out of 1,000. What chance do they have? Prison numbers on their back a foot high. No gun, no car, no dough. And most of them don't get two miles before they nail them. Besides, I thought we were all through with that kind of thing. I thought we were all through with it, too. You know what I am thinking. I know it by heart. You don't wanna be a cop's widow. If I loved you as much as you love me, I'd give up police work. So I'm selfish. No, you're not selfish. You're scared. You're scared to death that something might happen to me. And you can't stop worrying anymore than you can stop breathing. And why I'm that lucky, I'll never know. Oh, darling. But you know something, redhead, the answer's the same. I got a job to do. Yes, you do have a job to do, and it isn't this. It's a sensible job, an office. Nine to five, like normal people. It's what you promised. It's what we've got. But you're gambling with it. And besides, there's somebody else involved now. At least, there's going to be. Darling. We have everything we ever wanted, don't ruin it. Listen. There's thousands of men in police work, white collar and gum shoe. They lead full, useful lives. Long lives most of them. They have kids. You know I'd do any reasonable thing in the world for you, don't you? Hey, don't you? But this asking me to quit police work, that's not reasonable. I'll ask again. Sam. Lila, be sensible. How can he travel 45 miles with cops all the way? Now, watch the bacon. Good morning, up kind of early, aren't you? Yes, so are you. Are we gonna stand out here and drown, or you gonna ask us in for a cup of coffee? Come in. Mac. Morning, Lila. Good morning. Good morning. Chief sent us over to keep an eye on the place. Just a precaution. We promise we won't get in your hair, Mrs. Wagner. Chief evidently hasn't heard my husband's statistics. Boy, a convict can't go more than two miles before he's caught. And only one in 1,000 ever gets through. Maybe you'd better explain it to her, Denny. Well, we want to be certain in case he's the 1,000th I mean... Poole's chances of getting through. Oh. Come on in the kitchen. He doesn't have a prayer, Mrs. Wagner. He's had a break with it being dark, but it's going to be light pretty soon. You know how these manhunts work. Every escape route blocked. Then we start house to house, field to field, barn to barn. In a case like this, where he killed the driver, he's really going to get the treatment. He killed the driver? Killed him and took off. As far as we're concerned, that driver he killed is the same as a cop. Lila, cop killers just don't get away. Darling, don't you listen to these fellows, do you hear? I hear. No breakfast? I really ought to be on tap for the finish. They'll probably have him by the time I get down there. I'll call you and tell you about it. And for goodness' sake, don't worry. Bye. Bye, dear. It's a shame to let all this food go to waste. Gee, Lila, we thought you'd never ask. Yeah. Wide forehead, marked lines from nostrils to mouth. Firm chin, slight cleft. Fairly prominent Adam's apple. The ears, upper helix of the left is cupped, as you can see. Both lobes close to the head. But you get a better angle with this. Darwinian extension. The antitragus obliquely slanted type. The nose, slight turn up at the tip. Eyes deep set. The way you'd probably spot him is like this. Hi, Sam. Sam. Glasses. He can't see across the street without them. Incidentally, you'd better run off about 2,000 of this print. This last one. We want it in full circulation. Okay, boys. That's your target for the day. Well, there's the target's target. Morning, Sam. Morning. What's new? What have I missed? Come on, I'll show you on the map. How's Lila? Can't you guess? That's the greatest ammunition she could have had. Maybe she'll cool off when she finds you're a celebrity. State highway police, county patrol. Every crossroad's constabled between here and the farm. It's like an international incident. I guess they think you're important. That target idea. You guys talk like Lila. How does anybody know what Poole has on his mind? Could be another grudge altogether or no grudge at all, who knows. Anyway the whole city is ringed off, you couldn't crack through with a tank. This concentration around Tilden. What's that for? That's the first real break we have had. I was going to tell you about that. One of the merchants reported his store was robbed during the night. We got some fingerprints. It's Poole, all right. This gives us a fix on his position. This store that was robbed, what was it? Hardware. He got a gun? Yeah, a .357 Magnum. But gun or no gun, all he is going to find is cops and lots of them. Now, between here and Tilden, look what they've got. There's a roadblock on every cow path, back alley and state highway. They're shaking down anything that moves. A .357 Magnum? He's not after me, he's after elephants. All right, go ahead. Thanks, Officer. Let me see your license, please. James Chandler. RFD Lamberth. Headed into the city? No, just over to get some farm equipment. Yeah? My uncle's got a secondhand... It checks out. Crates and vegetables, nothing else. Could you use some? Some what? Fresh vegetables. I'll sell them to you for farm prices. No, thanks, Mr. Chandler. We're going to be standing here all day. We can't use any fresh vegetables. Go ahead. All right, come in. Go on. How? How? The highway patrol had the description the same as the rest of us. He was right in front of your boys. The same face, the same man. And he had a driver's license. They can't arrest everybody they stop. If a man says his name's Chandler, if his papers bear him out, they have to let him through. Tell the truth, I'd have let him through myself. We're lucky that farmer Chandler's body was found so soon or we still wouldn't know. That makes two murders now. All right, what's Poole got? An hour head start? About that. We've covered the area with every available man. From the roadblock, all the way around the city. We do have the new rundown on him. Truck license, farm getup and so on. Your men have it now, too, so that's another break. If you wanna look at it that way. It's a good way to look at it. I'd have let him through, too, Captain. Don't worry about it. Just catch him. Sent for us, Chief? Yes. Sam, I understand you don't go for the idea that Poole's after you. No, I just said there's no proof of it. As far as I know, there isn't. We were in touch with the honor farm this morning. Poole's been talking about me up there? Never. Not even to the other inmates. He was the world's most perfect prisoner. Sure. That was his bill of goods. So then we called the state pen. Figured if he wasn't too well organized when he started his sentence, he might have talked more. You should've asked me. Poole told me, he was gonna settle my hash. The pen just had a meeting with Poole's first cellmate. Poole used to bend this fellow's ear asking him why your wife was better than his own. How's that go again? Poole wanted to know why, since you'd killed his wife, your wife should be alive. He said if it was the last thing he ever did, he was gonna bust out and kill Lila. He didn't say it once. He said it over and over. That's how he plans to settle with you. He'll still take you if he can't reach her. But, Sam, she's the number one target. Lila? That makes even less sense. Now, wait a minute. Here was a guy on an honor farm, a cinch for an early parole. So he murders a guard to get away. If I can believe that, I can believe anything. The guy's a psycho. I'm trying to tell you exactly that. He meant what he said. You've got to believe him. I believe it, Sam. It's all there. He never stopped working for that one chance. He hasn't stopped since. We've been one beat behind him all morning. He's had three years to plan. We've had less than a day. As of right now, we're two beats behind him. They just found his truck. Where? Near the corner of Jefferson and Pine. Dog in the front, vegetables in the back. No Poole. He made it, he's in the city. Chief. I sent some more men out to your place, so don't worry about it. They won't tell Lila. That Poole's after her? Thought I'd leave that to you. I better telephone up there. Operator, Sam Wagner. Get me my phone. Let's just figure what we're going to do about Poole first. Then you can go out there. Cancel it. Any suggestions? Of course, if he does go straight to Sam's, you're covered and it's over. That's assuming he doesn't see how well we're covered. He can see that without his glasses. Cops are falling all over each other out there. He'll be off again and where are we. Did he get any dough from that farmer, what's his name, Chandler? About 35 bucks, all he'll need. Probably hasn't slept much. I wouldn't think any. That's about a 30-hour stretch so far. He's gonna be tired and hungry. Is his new description out, I mean, to the public? Radio, Television and the afternoon paper should be hitting the street now. Wouldn't go to a hotel or rooming house. He wouldn't wander around much, not in that get up. What about friends? They'd have to be awfully good friends. Far as we can find, he doesn't seem to have any. Good, bad or indifferent. So, where does he go? He's gotta duck in somewhere. Wherever he ducks, he'll probably kill again. Bill, listen. Why do the cops have to be out at my place? What? Poole doesn't know, does he? He doesn't know that we know he's after Lila. How could he? He doesn't know his cellmate did any talking. I doubt if he's even thought of the guy in three years. All right. So sometime, sooner or later, he will come. Now suppose instead of a cop's convention out there, everything's normal. Me coming to work and going home. At least, he'll know I'm there. He'll know he can settle for me if he can't find Lila. We had the same idea Sam, in case he did get through. You for the bait. But we wanted you to come up with it. Just one thing, we gotta be sure he can't find her. We've gotta get her out of there. Naturally. But if she's not at your phone book address, she's on the moon far as he's concerned. What'll I say to her? How'll we get her out? That's your department, getting her out. Ours is getting Poole in, tonight, this afternoon if we can. In any case, fast. What we're gonna do, Sam, is put out a bulletin saying we have Poole cornered. We figured in the Credlow Hills area. That's a good safe distance from you. We're gonna play it up as an all-out police effort, and the idea's to reach Poole with a story. He'll think it's a good piece of luck and grab his chance. If the story reaches him. That's our chance. Sam will be playing it straight out there, so you'll run the stakeout for him. Call the signals and so on, right? Right. Better get going. I'll start on the bulletin, Chief. Takes a while to get 'em rolling. Good. Let's have that file on him again. Uh, Chris... Sam, Lila I can't help you with. I'm not sure I can hold it together. Not with this. You and Lila? She's on the old campaign again. Anti police work. Knock it out, Sam. One goof around town's enough. We've got to get him, Chris. We've just got to get him. If we don't, we might as well give up. Two thousand cops, one man. One bifocal... In a dirty farmer's suit. This should be fine. How much do I owe you? Raincoat, briefcase, Sir. That'll be $11. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir? Give me a white shirt, 16 and a half. This ought to hold them off. We're just as well covered out back. Great, all we need now are some loudspeakers. Well they flashed us, it's about Poole making it into town. You didn't tell her, did you? Are you kidding? We've been doing our best just to steer clear of her. You'll find out. Lila, I... This is still a simple precaution, I suppose, barricading me in my own house. They won't even let me go to the store! Would it make you any happier to know you're a free woman? You mean they caught him? Not yet, but it's just a matter of time. You fellows are free, too, that is, if it doesn't interfere with your eating. Just give us a chance to get out first. Give who a chance? You and me. Why? Now, throw some things in a bag, we're going on a holiday. What? You know, Lila, you're always right. No matter how well they protect us, this place could still be a hot spot, and we can't take any chances. Don't tell me this was your idea? Whose idea do you think it is? I don't care whose idea it was, I'm not gonna complain. In fact, I might celebrate. Now, hurry up. Don't take too much, just some overnight things, make-up stuff. All right. Denny, you get in touch with Chris. He knows the layout. How's that? I'm taking Lila to his house and I'm coming back here. Sam? Yeah? Where are we going? We'll decide on the way. Sam, I think it's a bad idea. How else could I get her out of here in a hurry? Suppose she finds out now? So, she finds out in an hour. Maybe, I don't know. What do you mean, "You don't know?" How you gonna get away from her, what are you gonna say to her? Yeah? It's Greg. The Holly Road district mean anything to anybody? Just got a flash on the car. A merchant down there saw a picture of Poole in the paper, he thinks he sold him a raincoat. Holly Road? That's not too far from where he left his truck. The only trouble is, eight other people think they saw him, too. All over town. In the movies, riding on a bus north, all at the same time. Anyway' they're checking it, they're checking all of them. Honey? Yeah? What are you going to pack? Do it for me, will you? Just put in some shaving things, a toothbrush... All right, that's why I love you. You're such a help around the house. Denny. Can't you think of anybody who might have known him? Well, I did talk to a couple of guys you didn't meet. Maybe if I check my reports. Holly Road? I think one of the witnesses is from out there. You run it down, I'll help Lila. Hello, Ed. Denny. Give me all the names and addresses of the witnesses on the Poole case. Does Otto Flanders live here? Yes. It's a little early, I don't suppose he's home yet. I expect him home pretty soon. I'm Mrs. Flanders, if there's anything I can do. Does that mean you're alone, Mrs. Flanders? Why, yes, sir. If you don't mind, I think I'll wait for him. What was it you wanted? We were friends, we were in the army together, in the South Pacific. He used to call me Foggy. Corporal Foggy. It's a good one, isn't it? Corporal Leon "Foggy" Poole. Hasn't he ever mentioned me to you? I don't recall. He might have, I mean... Don't you read the newspapers? Today's paper? Turn on your television set, or listen to the radio? Please, why are you here? What do you want? What is it you want? I want something to eat. If you'll just wait till Otto comes, he shouldn't be very long. I'm really quite busy now. Mrs. Flanders? All I want is some food. When you mentioned the television, I was just... You don't understand. Since yesterday, all I've had to eat is a few raw vegetables... Please, don't, don't do that. I'm asking you now, please don't try to do that again. And don't call anyone on the phone or if anyone comes, or calls, Otto or anybody, you mustn't mention that I'm here. Or I'll have to kill you. I don't want to hurt you, Mrs. Flanders. I don't even wanna frighten you. Why did you have to come here? Why did you have to come here? I had to come someplace, didn't I? And I told you I know Otto. I know Otto very well. Otto used to make my life miserable. How many times do I have to tell you? To get me some food? You know, I'm not gonna wait any longer, I want it now, Mrs. Flanders, now! You think you're pretty clever, don't you? You were counting on it clearing and I can tell by the way you're driving, you already know where we're going. To the beach, am I right? Eventually. Eventually? Where are we going now? As a matter of fact, we have to stop by the Gillespies' first. This isn't the way to the Gillespies'. I'm going a round about way. You haven't been telling me the truth since the very beginning of this, have you, Sam? Is Poole in the city? Looks like it. There's a car been following us ever since we left the house. Gray sedan? Yes. There's another one in front of us. They're our boys, clearing us. It's a dandy way to travel, isn't it? Dandy way to live. Would you mind telling me why we're here? Aren't you going to say hello to Mary? Hello, Mary. Hello, Lila. Well, Sam? You're closer at hand here. You mean, you're leaving? I'll pick you up later. We'll be on our way, simple. Simple for us and a pain in the neck for the Gillespies. This is a lot of trouble, Mary. Trouble? There'd be trouble if you didn't come here. What good are friends if they can't help? Besides, it'll be fun. Where do I put this? In there in Bobby's room. Unexpected house guests aren't ever fun. If you don't believe me, ask Bobby. He isn't going to mind a bit. He can just sleep in here on the sofa. Sam, do you really think you can get away with this? You know, Lila wasn't born yesterday. I hope so, Mary. Well, I hope everybody knows what he's doing. Sam, this doesn't make a particle of sense. What doesn't? You said I was closer at hand here, this isn't as close to the office as our own house. You'll have to admit, it's a lot safer. Poole doesn't care anything about this house. He doesn't even know about it, so he's not likely to find anybody here, is he? What's anybody got to do with me? Nothing, nothing, only. You know, fellow like that, there's no telling what he might do. The idea was to get me out of the house, so you could go back, wasn't it? Well, I thought we had a pretty good trap rigged for him. With you as the bait? I know it sounds like that but... Please stop lying, Sam, it just takes up time. What you're planning is all very noble, but I don't like it. Can't we go down to the beach right now and stay there 'til this whole thing is over? You know what? I can't think of a thing in the world I'd rather do. Then why can't we, darling? Lila... Why? Lila... Any man, woman or child in this city who crosses Poole in any way is gonna get killed, that much we know! Now, I can't run out on that, I'm the reason for it! You know better than that yourself and don't try to tell me there isn't somebody else on the force who could do the job! Lila. What kind of a husband do you want? I'm to let someone else lay his life on the line for me, so I can play it safe? Laying your life on the line, that's what're you doing, isn't it? Oh... It's just a way of speaking. There's no real risk, he couldn't possibly reach me. He couldn't possibly reach the city, but he did. He's outsmarted all of you and he'll do it again! I guess I've loved you a great deal more than I should have. And I haven't loved you? Yes, in your way. But there's a great difference between your way and mine. I just can't go on wondering if every time a door slams, it's somebody after you or somebody to tell me you're dead! There can be a break any time, any minute. Any minute, for four years I've waited for any minute. No more. I know, this has come at a terrible time... No more! You're not thinking straight! Oh, Sam. Either we drive down to the beach, right now, or we're through. Lila, I know you're not thinking straight. You can't be serious. I was never more serious in my life. Well, everything's all set, now. I hope Bobby hasn't left any live frogs around. Lila, Lila' what is it, a doctor? Is it anything about the baby? I'll be all right. Look, dear, I know what a strain this has been for you. I'm just going to call your doctor and have him come over and take a look. No, Mary, I'd just like to rest a while, if you don't mind. Now, look, your bed's all ready and waiting. You're going to come in and lie down a little bit, and not think about a single thing. And before you know it, it's all going to be over. These are the Credlow Hills, situated some 23 miles from the downtown section of the city. And right now' this is the focal point... Do you believe that, Mrs. Flanders? ...separate state' county and municipal to root out the fugitive murderer. Earlier, a helicopter... Do you believe they really think I'm there? In terrain such as this' mud conditions have been a definite handicap... That would be your husband, wouldn't it? Now the weather bureau predicts clearing skies, and police authorities will continue on... That would be Otto, wouldn't it, Mrs. Flanders? Captain' Captain, could you come here a minute' please? Be right with you. Ladies and gentlemen' I'm trying to get Captain Lyle Snow of the State Highway Patrol... Please don't say anything. Grace? Hi, honey. Remember Leon Poole I knew in the army? Rigged that holdup? What do you think has happened? You got it on. Captain' it is true that Leon Poole is somewhere in the area that the television audience is now seeing on the... They have him cornered? Absolutely. Captain, do you care to make any predictions as to when you can wind this up? Well' we know we're up against a dangerous... Where's this going on, Grace? ...and a lucky one, too. We do have him trapped. Grace, where's this going... ...that's a big advantage to us, knowing that. So this way you can concentrate all your personnel on this one operation? Right, and in my opinion, Poole's capture is only a matter of time. Well' thank you, Captain, we appreciate your... Turn it off, Otto. Excuse me now, will you? Yes, surely. Ladies and gentlemen, that was Captain Lyle Snow of the State Highway Patrol. Well, if it isn't Foggy, himself. What are you trying to do, scare her to death? Otto! Easy there. That's a lot of ordinance. I know how to use it. You taught me. I tried to. I hope you're not any better now than you were then. You know something, Foggy? You look pretty beat. I had a little rest. I guess you're the top kick now, Foggy. Don't call me that again. There's something I've got to do. Right now, I need a change of clothes. You sure do. Bulletproof. I'll see if I can dig something... Hers. Show me the raincoat. Hold it up. This chore you've got lined up... Remember what you used to tell me about? I was all thumbs and two left feet. Blind as a bat. Ribbing you. I remember everybody treated me like that back when I was a kid. That's why she was... Why she meant so much. What? My wife. She never laughed at me. Not once. About anything. Made me feel I was somebody. Things I said, things I did. You don't know how important that was. It's the difference between being dead and being alive. I loved her more than anything in the world. More than life. Much more. A cop murdered her. Poole, they cleared that up at the trial. He killed her! And now... I'm gonna kill his wife. Want a drink? Mind if I have some milk? Your car in the driveway? I don't think it's gonna do you much good. Is there something wrong with it? Otto? No. With you. Look, you're shaking, you're so tired. You're knocked out. Not every cop is on that wild goose chase, Leon. I guarantee you'll be cut to pieces before you ever reach your goal. So what's the percentage? Leon. Can't you see what you're up against? Don't you know me from the old days? Don't you think I could take you myself if I had to? And I'm just one guy. Without a gun. You are strong and quick. Turn your head, take your eyes off me for one second, that's all I'd need. But you know that, too. I suppose it would be easy. Grab me or throw something. Yeah, that's what I mean. So, how about it, Leon? What else could I do? What else could I do? And until Poole has been taken into custody' which is expected momentarily, all civilians have been asked to remain away from the Credlow Hills area. Honey, how many times must I tell you to sit back, you'll ruin your eyes. And what did I tell you about keeping the sound down? I don't want Lila disturbed. That's okay, she's leaving to go downtown. I was just in there. Hey, Mom, if this thing's such a big deal, how come they don't show Pop? Lila. What do you think you're doing? Sam expects you to wait here until he's through. He's through now, Mary. So am I. Lila! I gave him a choice of leaving or staying with me. He left. What a nice send off. That should help him a lot. When has he helped me? When has he thought of me? Is he thinking of me now playing pigeon for a crazy murderer when there isn't any need for it? Is he? Yes. Yes, he is. Because Sam is sitting in for you. I don't know what you mean. That was the whole idea. You weren't supposed to know! But I think you've got it coming. As far as Poole is concerned, Sam is just a consolation prize. You're the one he's after. That's right, you! Sam's been tying himself up in knots, lying up one side and down the other. Everyone but the Northwest Mounties trying to help! And do you know why? So he could hold on to you! So he could spare you even one second's little extra worry! As if you were wrapped in cotton bunting with special rules for handling! As if you were different from any other cop's wife! I guess you are different. I may be on the right track at that. That's a rotten business. It costs a lot and what does it pay? If it has to be run, let somebody else's husband run it. Am I right? Look, dear. The reason I could tell you all this in such a pretty way, is because I've been over the same terrain. Right now, I think you'd better have a little something to drink, it won't hurt you. It won't hurt me, either. And in this particular sector, not a bush or a ravine is being overlooked. It is here that one of the searchers believes he sighted Leon Poole. And although there have been similar reports within the past ten minutes' none of them has been disregarded... Sam, Chris here. Final check. All lines are set. We're in business. Haven't had a chance to ask you, have any trouble parking Lila? What about Denny's witness? Haven't been able to find his report yet. Hold it, boys. I've got somebody. Walking fast. Tall, lean, it's a teenager. Check him out. Check. He's coming across on your side. He's about sixteen. He's got a dog with him. What kind of dog? Sam, this is just a dog. Turning in, two doors down from you. That's a Flannigan kid. Got a report on that Holly Road address. Guy's name is Otto Flanders. Used to know Poole from the army. We figured that Poole could be there. A dozen of the boys should be covering it by now. Just sit tight. Maybe we can turn this neighborhood of yours back to the kids and the dogs. Okay. Okay. Sam, got a report on the Flanders' house. Yeah? We get A for effort, that's all. He'd been there' killed Flanders. Did you learn anything else? No, not from Flanders' wife. She's in a state of shock. Pretty bad off. Well. I guess we can expect Poole anytime now. Taxi! Thank you. Sam. We've lost Lila. What do you mean you've lost her? She's not at my house' she walked out. Mary meant well, but she told Lila what the score was and she left. Got any idea where she might have gone? Anywhere, a hotel, I don't know. I think she's headed here. Chris, she can't come here! She's your wife' isn't she? I've called for a couple of squad cars. For what? To stake him out here. Poole comes along, he sees them, it tips 'em off. He ducks out' it gives Lila a clear path. And we lose Poole. Well, it's a gamble, I just wanted you to know what I'd do. But you're the boss, Sam, you call it. How would she get here' in a cab? Yeah, I guess so, if she's coming here. Chris, now get this straight, keep everything clear, no squad cars. Okay' Sam, you're the boss. Boys! Keep me posted, what's going on? Got one now, one headlight. Eastbound. Here's another westbound, woman driving. Lady, look out! Lady in the light gray job recovering from near miss. Heading up your street. Chris? Yeah? Did Poole take the Flanders' car? That's their guess, they're checking with the neighbors out there for a description, they'll get back to me right way. Somebody's coming. Man heading west on North Vale. Woman, tall, plaid raincoat. Sam's side of the street. Check her out. Black sedan moving into your street, two people. What happened to your gal in the plaid raincoat, what happened to her? I don't have her. Neither do I. It could be Mrs. Ramsay, she lives three doors down. Here's your black sedan passing. A gal walking in, she's in a hurry. Trench coat, red hair... Red hair, is it Lila? Could be. What's the matter, can't you tell? I think so, Sam, but I can't be sure. How tall is she? 5'6", 5'7"? It must be Lila! She wouldn't walk into this, what about the cab? Who knows? If it is, she's gotta pass here, Sam, and we'll cover her. Now, don't worry. Sam, we got her now. I think you're right. Hey, that dame we lost in the plaid raincoat? She's right behind her! Right behind her, where's she been? Listen, are you sure it's a woman? What? Is it a man or a woman? Come in, somebody' where are you? Yeah, yeah, it could be a man. Well, it could be a woman, too. It's just the walk, it seems wrong. If it is Poole, what's he waiting for? He's not sure it's Lila. Could be right. I tell you, Sam, he's not sure it's Lila. He's waiting for her to turn into your place, so he'll be sure. We'd better move in! Hold it, hold it. If you move in, he'll start shooting at Lila first. We can drop him in his tracks, Sam, what about it? That's no good, suppose it is a woman. It's too late now anyways, Sam. They're out of sight. We've picked him up now. Does Lila know? Can you tell if Lila knows? Hold it. Sam, it is Poole and Lila knows it. We better pick him up' now. Miss the first crack, he'll shoot her dead. Can you swear you won't miss? No. You'll have to call the signal' Sam. I can't and won't. She'll use her head. If she passes by here, Poole will think he made a mistake. She won't play it that way' she'll try to reach you. She can't! What's wrong with you? She's in love with you' isn't she? She's not going to think everything out with her head! But you call it. Is that the way you want it? Come in, Sam, you haven't much time, she's almost there! She's got to pass by, Chris. I know she will. Just let her keep walking. The minute she's in the clear, move in! Here they come' Sam. Sam, she's going past, she's gonna make it! Sam. It's all right, darling. |
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