Original subtitles

I saw something I shouldn't have.

- Like what? - A murder.

Matheson: McCloud shot up another police car.

I can bring Bonnie back alive,

ready to tell you everything that she knows.

Your going out after Bonnie Foster

is like sending Custer after Sitting Bull.

He's authorized a $10,000 reward

for the trucker that locates McCloud and the girl.

[screams]

He's armed, dangerous, wanted for killin' a deputy.

I want them brought in alive.

I'm givin' my men orders to shoot to kill.

[theme music]

[instrumental music]

- That will be ten bucks, chief. - There you go.

Uh, you want me to wait? This is a rough area.

Be cheaper gettin' mugged.

Woman 1 on PA: Mr. Tommy Wright, please contact the front desk.

Mr. Tommy Wright...

[indistinct chatter]

Thanks for a lovely evening, Sam.

I'm sorry I wasn't very good company.

Well, I think you just need a little prairie time,

that's all.

What's that?

Just some time for yourself

so you can think things out.

You gotta promise me somethin' though.

When you decide to talk, you come to me.

You understand? Hmm?

Where can I find you?

[chuckles]

Well, I'll either be at my hotel or the police station.

There's not much else to do in this city, is there? Huh?

- I promise. - Appreciate it.

- Goodnight, Sam. - Goodnight.

- Hello, Bonnie. - What are you doing here?

Well, that isn't very much of a greeting, is it?

It's the best one you're gonna get.

I was just waiting for you to say goodnight

to your cowboy.

I think it's time we had a little talk, but not here.

I'm not going anywhere with you.

You see that man over there?

Well, he's a colleague of mine.

And if you don't cooperate, he's going to be very angry.

We wouldn't want that.

He hurts people.

This kills people.

Now you take your colleague and you get out of here.

- Bonnie-- - You stay away from me!

We both know you're not going to use that.

Now give it to me.

[gunshot]

[gunshots on TV]

[knock on door] Yeah? Who is it?

Bonnie: Sam! [continues knocking]

Yeah, I'm comin'.

- Oh, Sam. - What's the matter?

There was a message waiting for me at the hotel desk.

My father's been taken very ill and I have to go home.

- Where is home? - Houston.

- Do you have $300? - Well, yeah, I, uh--

All I need is the-- is the fare.

- I-- I'll pay you back as-- - No, no.

It's no problem.

He's dying, Sam.

I wouldn't ask you otherwise. You know that.

Yeah, well, you don't have to worry about

payin' me back. It's yours.

Here, I'll, uh, I'll take you to the airport.

Oh, no. That's not necessary, Sam. I-- I can take a cab.

- No, that's the least I can do. Bonnie: Please, don't.

You know what time your plane leaves?

There's one in about 25 minutes.

[bustling traffic]

You got nothin' packed.

- No, I've got clothes there. - [whistles]

I just need to get there before it's too late.

Oh, Sam, I don't think we're gonna make it.

Oh, we'll make it.

[whistles]

[whistles]

Officer Sam McCloud. We want a police escort.

Get me to the airport.

Follow that police car!

[siren blaring]

[instrumental music]

[reporters clamoring]

Are you sure about that?

What do you got, Joe?

The victim's name is Jack Straker.

Straker?

Uh, he's the president of the Straker Trucking Company.

He's still breathing, but not by much.

What happened?

It seems he was having, uh, an argument

here in the lobby with a girl.

Uh, Bonnie Foster,

Caucasian, about 30, an actress.

She's been, uh, staying at the hotel for six weeks.

Just took out a gun and shot him.

A guy chased her. Um, Andy Kline,

vice president of the same company.

He didn't catch her.

You wanna tell me about it?

What?

Whatever it is you're not telling me.

Well, one of the witnesses remember the girl

saying goodnight to somebody just before the shooting.

Hmm. Who?

Well, he didn't know. Just said it was a cowboy.

[coughs]

Well, I told you we'd make it.

Now here's your ticket, boarding pass.

Now when you get there, if there's anythin' else

that I can do for you, just don't hesitate to call.

You've done too much already.

Bye, Sam.

[dramatic music]

Come in, McCloud. Close the door.

Well, this is kind of late for you

to be payin' me a visit, isn't it, chief?

To what do I owe the honor?

Well, it's an exceptional night, McCloud.

Yeah, the kind of night when intelligent, rational men

take stock of themselves and begin to doubt their sanity.

[chuckles] Well, I can believe that about New York City.

What's up?

Oh, the crime rate

by one probably fatal shooting.

I don't think I catch your drift there, chief.

An important man in this town, Jack Straker...

was shot by a young woman in the lobby of her hotel tonight.

But New York's finest were there in minutes.

We put a blanket across this city.

There's no way she could have gotten to the airport.

There you go. Gotta hand it to you, chief.

No way!

Unless she had a police escort.

I don't think I like what you're sayin'.

Oh, it gets better.

Before the shooting, she was seen

saying goodnight to her date.

Now see what this description does for you, McCloud.

Tall, rangy, wearing a Stetson

and a heavy coat with a mangy sheepskin collar.

You mean, Bonnie shot somebody?

Jack Straker.

Oh, no.

No. She-- she wouldn't shoot anybody, chief.

Uh, well, not unless it was self-defense.

A dozen witnesses saw her do it. There was no gun on Straker.

Sorry, McCloud.

Well, chief, we still got time to stop her.

I mean, that flight to Houston doesn't get there till 3--

She took a different flight.

Your young lady could be headed

for any place in the country.

Good work, McCloud.

She'd never have made it without you.

[indistinct chatter]

Foley: Hey, marshal, about that shooting

last night, now, uh, I understand you were

intimately acquainted with the woman.

- Bonnie Foster. - I know her.

Uh, did you, in fact, ride her to the airport

with a police escort? Would you like to confirm that?

We know that Bonnie Foster hasn't been brought in

and charged. Why are the police hiding her?

Why are the police so anxious to get her out of the city?

Did the authorization come from the DA's office?

Look, I don't know enough

about this situation to talk about it, to tell you the truth.

What was Miss Foster's motive in shooting Jack Straker?

Would it have something to do with the senate committee's

pending investigation of the Straker Trucking Corporation?

- No comment. - Oh, come on, McCloud.

Has she got testimony that's worth protecting?

I-- I will let you know--

McCloud! The chief wants to see you.

- Thank you. Excuse me. - Oh, come on, McCloud.

What's goin' on here?

You wanted to see me, chief?

That, McCloud, would be a gross overstatement.

Do you know how many phone calls I've had

since 8 o'clock this morning from concerned citizens

wondering why the New York Police Department

is harboring fugitives?

I suppose you're gonna tell me.

I stopped counting after the third call

from the Commissioner!

Now he wants a lid put on this case

and your young lady found.

Well, I got the phone number of her folks

in Houston. I called them last night.

Clifford: Well, I talked to her father this morning.

He says they haven't seen their daughter in three months.

- Same thing he told me. - We'll check that story out.

Have you got a picture of her?

Yeah. Thought maybe you might want one.

It's the only, uh, only one I've got. It's...

Kind of a... personal message on there.

I'll tell the wire service to be careful who they send it to.

How's Jack Straker?

Well, he's off the critical list,

but he's not out of danger.

Now what else can you tell me?

Well, I can tell you this much.

If you let me go after Bonnie,

I'll bring her back for you.

You aren't going anywhere.

You're on suspension as of right now.

Joe, take him back to his hotel.

Well, suspendin' me is not gonna help bring her back.

Maybe not, but it will satisfy the press and the commissioner,

and make me sleep a whole lot better.

- How long am I suspended for? - Until further notice.

[indistinct chatter]

And don't talk to those reporters out there.

I got nothin' to tell them.

Clifford: Broadhurst.

Well, this strikes me as the moment

to talk about your, uh, upcoming promotion.

You know, you're a-- you're a good man, Joe.

Reliable, forthright, dedicated.

All the qualities a good public servant should have.

Well, thank you, chief.

You have made, uh, few mistakes

in the last few months, but, uh,

I wouldn't hold that against anybody

that worked with McCloud. [chuckles]

Now what I'm, uh, about to order you to do may sound routine,

but it could be the most, uh, important assignment

of your career.

- You with me? - I'm with you, chief.

I want McCloud kept away from the press,

away from me, away from everyone.

I got you, chief.

Now, I know you won't let me down because...

we don't wanna discuss this where you're back

pounding a beat.

Do we?

That's all, sergeant.

Don't let your man get away.

[instrumental music]

"Any time, any place, marshal,

I'm yours. Love, Bonnie."

How did he get to be mine?

Well, you [clears throat]

you... you think the cops are holding her?

Why else would they be giving her a police escort?

Unless...

This Marshal Sam McCloud,

he could be the cowboy that dropped her off at the hotel.

And if he's been seein' her,

he could have acted on his own.

[groans] Talk to him.

Well, how...

how hard do you want us to lean on him?

As hard as you have to!

We've gotta get to that girl before the police do. [gasps]

Easy, Mr. Straker. It's okay.

Now, we'll-- we'll get the girl before anybody else does.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

- I'm sorry about this, McCloud. - No sorrier than I am.

Hey, where are you goin'?

The chief told me to look after you.

I'm takin' you to your room.

Joe, you don't have to wet-nurse me.

I'm perfectly capable of takin' an elevator five flights.

You understand? Appreciate it.

McCloud, I'm trusting you to keep your word.

- Appreciate it! - My career is on the line.

McCloud: There you go!

Woman 2: The Essex, front desk.

One minute. I'll give you room service.

The Essex, 219. I'm ringing.

[indistinct chatter]

[dramatic music]

Kline: You Marshal Sam McCloud?

Yeah, that's right.

How'd you fellas get in here?

Oh, we get in most any place we want to.

- That right? - That's right.

We're from the Straker Trucking Company.

- What can I do for you? - Bonnie Foster.

Yeah, what about her?

We wanna talk to her.

[chuckles] Well, you're not the only ones.

[indistinct chatter]

Why don't you just tell us where she is?

- What makes you think I know? - You drove her to the airport.

Yeah, well, that, uh, doesn't mean

that I know where she's headed.

What'd she tell you, McCloud, to get you to protect her?

She never told me nothin'.

What is it that you're afraid that she told me?

Now, listen, mister,

your girlfriend shot down the president of our company,

a man respected and revered by a lot of people.

Now we want her.

- I'm sorry. I can't help you. - Try harder.

[indistinct chatter]

[dramatic music]

McCloud!

[thud]

McCloud: Joe!

[intense music]

Who's it?

[McCloud grunts]

Can't leave you alone for a minute, huh?

Oh! I gotta see the chief.

I'm gonna get you to the hospital

and check for broken ribs.

[exhales]

I'm going to see the chief.

[drumroll]

Sergeant, I use that title in its temporary sense.

I thought I said I didn't wanna see the two of you around here.

Uh, it seemed important, chief.

It always does!

Alright, spit it out.

Two of Straker's men just worked me over.

Doesn't that strike you as kind of odd?

Not really.

I've suppressed the same thought

on many occasions.

- You alright? - Yeah, I'm alright.

Well, what did they want?

They wanted to know what Bonnie Foster told me.

Now that girl is...

She's mixed up into somethin' that we don't understand

and she's runnin' scared and I gotta go get her!

You are not going anywhere! Broadhurst will see to that.

He's gonna pick you up in the morning

and tuck you into bed at night.

Now do I make myself clear?

Yes, chief.

Chief, I can bring Bonnie back alive,

ready to tell you everything that she knows.

What makes you think you can succeed

where interstate police departments fail?

Well, bird-doggin' is my specialty.

McCloud, with the publicity you've had on this case,

your going out after Bonnie Foster is like

sending Custer after Sitting Bull!

No way! Out!

Remember your orders, Broadhurst.

Right, chief.

Alright, Joe, you've walked me home

and you're the best date a man could have, so goodnight.

I'm sticking with you, McCloud, 24 hours a day.

I don't have room for you in here, Joe.

I'll sleep in the hall.

Operator, I'd like to call long distance to Houston, Texas.

[indistinct chatter]

Carol: Joe? - Uh, yeah.

I thought you were gonna come home early.

I'm sorry, honey.

Uh, this is gonna sound pretty strange,

but, uh, I've gotta spend the night with McCloud.

I think you two are spending

a little bit too much time with each other.

Baby--

Carol on phone: You see more of McCloud than you do of me.

W-- would it help if I bought a-- a Stetson and boots?

Baby, you don't understand. I'm on special assignment.

Our whole future could depend on this.

It does.

When you're ready to come home, let me know.

I'll, um, I'll mark the calendar.

[indistinct chatter]

516, please.

[telephone ringing]

[instrumental music]

[continues ringing]

Kennedy Airport, and don't spare the horses.

[music continues]

[siren blaring]

[indistinct announcement]

Give me a roundtrip ticket to Oklahoma City, please.

This is official police business.

Cancel that ticket, miss.

[scoffs] I should have known you wouldn't be far behind.

You better believe it!

Joe, there's somethin' that you don't understand--

I understand following orders, McCloud.

Something that's alien to your nature. Let's go.

We-- we'll be back in just a minute. You...

What's that for?

Just makin' sure I don't lose you in a crowd.

We're gonna have this out, Joe, right now!

Joe, you gotta listen to me.

I don't wanna hear it, McCloud.

None of your homespun explanations,

your cracker-barrel philosophy.

We're going back to the hotel and that's final!

I know where Bonnie has lit out to.

- I don't wanna hear it. - Well, you're gonna hear it!

Now I talked to her folks tonight,

and accordin' to them, she's got a brother

that lives just out of Oklahoma City,

a little town called Lassiter,

and she's always been very close to him.

Now that's the only place she could turn to.

That's where she's gone and I've gotta bring her back!

I suppose it didn't occur to you that you'd be getting

both of us, you'll forgive the expression,

into a heap of trouble.

Well, you can't get the lard

unless you boil the hog.

Now you know that APB they got out on her.

They say that she's armed and dangerous.

And you know that's a lot of baloney.

But if she's cornered,

there's no tellin' what could happen. She could panic.

If I can find Bonnie, it's only a question of time

until somebody else can find her. You understand?

I've got, maybe, 24 hours head start.

- That's all, 24 hours. - My promotion is at stake.

I'm not blowin' 15 years on the force

and 8 years of marriage just to help make you a hero.

You don't have to worry about your promotion.

You're not gonna make lieutenant.

You know why? Huh? You know why?

You better spell it out for me, McCloud.

Because you got no guts!

No guts! That's the trouble with you city policemen.

You gotta have an order to breathe.

You know, where I come from, if we get on the trail

of somethin', we just mount up and ride off.

We have a system here, McCloud.

That's right,

and you're part of the system.

You're a company man, Joe. And I wanna tell you somethin'.

Even in the face of the fact that a girl's life's at stake,

and that's what it is, make no mistake about it,

a girl's life's at stake,

you can't even operate on your own.

You're a cog in Clifford's machinery.

You're the butt end of his cigar!

I'm gonna make you eat those words, McCloud.

- Every one. - When? How?

Two tickets to Oklahoma City, please.

[dramatic music]

[telephone rings]

Straker.

I followed McCloud and another cop

to the airport.

They'll be on a plane in 20 minutes to Oklahoma City.

Well, be on it with them.

Take whoever you need with you

and spread the word across the networks.

I want every trucker on the road alerted.

Don't lose them. They'll lead us to Bonnie.

- I'll be there when they do. - Alright.

[plane droning]

McCloud: Don't you think it's time you took

these handcuffs off, Joe?

Joe: Sorry, McCloud.

McCloud: I'd kind of like to go to the bathroom

without takin' you with me.

Joe: Just think of me as a good friend.

[instrumental music]

- Hey, partner? Man 1: Yeah?

Can you tell me where the Foster ranch is around here?

Yeah. Keep on goin' through town,

hang a right at the next gas station beyond it.

Then you'll see a sign on the road on the left.

That will take you to the Foster place.

Through the town, to a station,

take a right and then a left.

- Yeah. - Got you.

Hey, give me five bucks of the unlead, will you?

[dramatic music]

Hey, Joe. Don't you think this has gone far enough?

I mean, it's gonna hamper us a little bit, isn't it?

I'd just like to know where you are at all times, McCloud.

This is silly. I mean, you--

[scoffs] In Mexico, you get me drunk.

In Colorado, I get beaten up and thrown in jail.

I'm not losing you again.

Joe, there was a reason for gettin' you drunk--

I'm a cog in the police machinery, remember?

I don't trust anyone.

I'm makin' sure you stay right with me.

Appreciate your concern.

- Don't mention it. Man 1: Will that be all, sir?

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[dramatic music]

Just take it off the top, will you?

Stern: You know what you're gonna do, huh?

Yes.

You wanna turn the key on?

Thanks a heap.

[dramatic music]

[car stalling]

Joe: What's the matter?

McCloud: Well, I'll be dipped if I know.

If we hadn't gassed up, I'd...

I'd say we were out.

Joe: Well, maybe it's the fuel pump.

[car stalling]

Kline: That's strange. Maybe they're meetin' the girl here.

Pull over.

Joe: Rented cars.

This is just the beginning. I can feel it.

This whole trip's gonna be a disaster.

McCloud, this is ridiculous.

That's the only ranch house anywhere near

around here, Joe. That's gotta be it. Let's go.

Where are you goin'?

The shortest distance between two points is a row of corn.

[plane droning]

[dramatic music]

Joe: Is this your idea of a shortcut?

McCloud: Just think of Fifth Avenue at rush hour.

Joe: What's that?

Boy, he's flyin' low.

Joe: Hey, what's he doin'? He's comin' right at us.

Come on, Joe, let's get out of here!

Joe: You picked a great field to walk across, McCloud.

Joe: They're crop dusting. McCloud: Crop dustin', my foot.

He's tryin' to kill us. Get down!

[Joe coughs]

Get us out of these cuffs, Joe!

- Get us out of these cuffs! - Come on, let's go.

- Come on! - Joe.

Don't breathe that stuff, Joe. It's poison.

Look out for this way, McCloud! Come on.

[Joe coughs]

- Give me the key, Joe. - Wait a minute, I got it.

- [coughs] - Lay down, he can't see us!

[coughs] I found the key.

Hurry up! Get them off!

Johnny: Hold it right there.

You better lower that shotgun, mister. You're makin' a mistake.

Get up on your feet. We're gonna go to the house.

- Look, I'm tellin' you-- - I said get up. Let's move!

- Come on! - Okay. Alright. Take it easy.

Joe: I'm tellin' you, buddy, you're pointin' that gun

at two law enforcement officials.

I'm Marshal Sam McCloud

and this is Detective Sergeant Joe Broadhurst

of the New York Police Department.

Yeah, with handcuffs on.

Joe, will you take these things off?

Keep your hands where they are.

It's alright, Johnny.

- Hello, Sam. - Bonnie.

Sorry. I thought you were Straker's men.

That's alright.

You know, a lot has happened to me

since I saw you last, Bonnie.

I've embarrassed the New York Police Department,

I've been suspended from duty,

I've been handcuffed to a fellow officer,

I've been beaten up and sprayed with DDT.

But since I've gotten this far, that is, if you don't mind,

I'd just as soon talk to you alone.

Come on in the house.

[sighs]

You don't give up, do you, Sam?

[scoffs] You know, I spoke to your father last night.

Seemed in pretty good health to me.

I did leave without telling you a couple of things.

What's that?

I said I did leave

without telling you a couple of things.

Yeah.

Yeah, one of them is in the hospital sweatin' out a bullet.

Straker?

McCloud: Why'd you do it?

I didn't mean to.

They were going to kill me.

Why?

I got involved with Jack Straker.

I saw something I shouldn't have.

Like what?

A murder. I mean, I-- I think it was a murder.

I'm not sure anymore.

It doesn't make any difference now.

- I'm not going back with you. - Now wait a minute.

Now, Bonnie, every state police force in the country

is lookin' for you, and unless I miss my guess,

so is the Straker Trucking Corporation.

Now if I can find you, they can find you.

Bonnie, you gotta trust me.

I'm the best shot you got.

Johnny: Marshal.

[dramatic music]

Johnny: Those the guys? - Yeah, I think so.

- Oh, it's them. - We'll handle this.

Johnny, no. I don't want you any more involved than you--

Wait a minute! Now, just hold it.

Now, Bonnie, you gonna risk the lives of everybody in this room

or you gonna come with me?

He's right. I've got to go with him.

Alright. I've got a pickup truck out back.

- The keys are in it. - Joe.

- Come on. - Johnny.

Go on, hurry.

[engine revving]

Kline, over there!

[dramatic music]

Kline on radio: This is Grey Leader calling

Steam Hammer, 10-4.

Steam Hammer, this is Grey Leader. Come in. 10-4.

Steam Hammer, Steam Hammer, this is Grey Leader.

McNair on radio: Grey Leader, this is the Hammer.

Just caught me at the choke and puke.

What's the latest on Mr. Straker?

He's not gonna make it.

We got a line on that girl.

She's traveling with a cowboy out of New York

name of McCloud and some other guy

with a blue pickup out of Lassiter.

We don't have a license number on them yet,

but they should make Highway 22 below Loring.

Kline: We're after them. - Copy, Grey Leader.

We'll pick them up.

Listen, you give our regards to Mrs. Straker.

You tell her that all the boys are pullin' for her husband.

Yeah, I'll do that.

We lost them.

McNair on radio: Black Widow, you there, guy?

This is Steam Hammer

pullin' onto the slab at Meredith.

Griffin: 10-4, Steam Hammer. This is the Widow.

I'm downwind of you on the eastbound inside track.

Got a fix on that girl.

She's got a couple of smokies with her.

Griffin on radio: Well, we'll find them if they hit the slab.

McNair on radio: Oh, they'll hit it. They got to.

They're on the run. They've got to make up some mileage.

By the way, what's the word on Mr. Straker?

I don't think he's gonna make it.

He's a good man.

We're gonna have to do somethin' about that, Hammer.

Copy you, Widow. 10-4.

[dramatic music]

First chance we get, we'll pull over

and call the sheriff's station.

[intense music]

Black Widow, this is Steam Hammer.

Copy the girl between Spring Wells

and Union Town turn-offs.

- How far behind are you? - About 3 miles, Hammer.

Alright, catch up.

Man 2 on radio: Tell us what you need, Steam Hammer.

This is Red Dragon.

I'm at junction 7, eastbound.

Man 3 on radio: Steam Hammer, this here's the Montana Mustang.

I'd like to get my hands on that gal.

Copy me at the Wells turnoff.

I'm sorry, boys, but you're all too far back. Thanks, anyway.

Birddog: Steam Hammer, this is the Birddog.

Hey, Birddog, where are you, guy? 10-4.

Birddog on radio: About 2 and a half miles east of you.

McNair: Keep an eye out for bear.

I'm goin' for a squeeze play with the Widow.

Birddog on radio: Copy you, Hammer. Will do. 10-4.

[intense music]

Bonnie: [screams] - Move back!

Joe: McCloud! - [screams]

Bonnie: [screams] Stop him!

[crash]

[Bonnie screams]

McCloud: Hold on. [tire screeches]

McNair: He got out. Griffin: Let him go.

Griffin: We got smokies comin' right at us.

[tire screeches]

[siren wailing]

Birddog, they crossed the central line.

McNair: Back on the westbound. Birddog: Copy you, Hammer.

Alright, this is the Steam Hammer.

Copy the girl and Stetson back on the westbound.

Probably headed for the turnoff just before the Springs.

They got their shoes on. Intercept. 10-4.

[siren stops]

Hey, take it easy, fellas. I'm Marshal Sam McCloud.

I'm workin' for the New York Police Department.

This is my partner, Sergeant Joe Broadhurst.

Jerry: Where'd you learn to drive, marshal? Indianapolis?

I'm lucky to be drivin' at all.

Just had a run-in with a couple of

18-wheelers across the highway there.

They tried to kill us. Did you see them?

You sure you didn't just try and cut off

in front of them, marshal?

Truckers don't like that.

I'm tellin' you, they had us

sandwiched in between them.

They were tryin' to make mincemeat out of us!

Look, what they did to the door.

Knocked it off! The front end of the pickup.

You don't do that kind of damage

unless you're tryin' to hurt somebody!

Did you get their license number?

I was too busy tryin' to stay alive!

But both trucks belong to the Straker Trucking Corporation.

They're headin' east and they can't be

too far down the highway.

We'll put it on the radio.

I want them stopped!

You're out of your jurisdiction, marshal.

Now if we want them stopped, we'll stop them.

She with the New York Police Department too?

No. This is Bonnie Foster.

Now you might have an APB out on her

because she's wanted for questionin'.

But she voluntarily gave herself up to me and I'm takin' her in.

Well, first, we're takin' you in.

We'll check all this out at the station.

Let's go. Come on.

McNair on radio: Grey Leader, this is Steam Hammer. 10-4.

This is the Leader. Go ahead, Steam Hammer.

McNair: Stetson and the girl just got picked up

by a county-mounty

and it's more than likely they'll be takin'

the turnoff at Bywater.

That's where the sheriff's station is.

I copy you, Steam Hammer. Good work.

We'll take it from here. 10-4.

[dramatic music]

Dispatch, this is car 49.

See if there's an APB sheet on a Bonnie Foster.

We've picked up a couple of boys with her.

Say they're lawmen, a Marshal Sam McCloud

and a Sergeant Joe Broadhurst.

Man 4 on radio: Checking, 49.

You risked a lot of lives back there, marshal.

Man 4 on radio: Bonnie Foster. Wanted by the NYPD

for attempted murder.

Fugitive is armed and dangerous.

Approach with caution.

On our way in. 10-4.

Well, well, well, we've got ourselves

quite a little lady here.

Well, where I come from, we wait for a trial

before we find them guilty.

Well, you're a long way from home, marshal.

[intense music]

[gunshot]

[McCloud coughs]

[tires screeching]

[coughs]

- You alright? - Yes, I think so.

Joe? [gunshot]

[gunshot]

Come on, I gotta get you out of here.

[gunshots]

Man 4 on radio: Car 49, come in.

Car 49, this is dispatch. Please report your position.

[dramatic music]

No!

We'll catch up with them later.

Man 4 on radio: We need a fix on your position, 49.

Acknowledge.

Car 49, come in.

[siren blaring]

[indistinct radio chatter]

Matt's dead. I think Jerry will make it

if we get him to the hospital on time.

[indistinct chatter]

Alright, get the girl's description on the radio.

The man's name is Sam McCloud.

He's armed, dangerous, wanted for killin' a deputy.

We'll pick him up.

[instrumental music]

Bonnie, have any idea where we are?

I think we're about 5 miles from Lassiter.

- In what direction? - I'm not sure.

But I think if we keep following that road up there,

we'll run right into it.

[Bonnie sighs]

[gasps]

He did what?

Matheson: I think you heard me the first time, Chief Clifford.

I'd just like to know what one of your officers

was doin' in my county, that's all.

Well, he isn't exactly one of my officers.

Uh, you see, I...

Well, I kind of inherited him.

McCloud may be stubborn,

unorthodox and headstrong, but he'd never--

I don't wanna hear what he wouldn't do, chief.

I was there. I saw one of my boys

carried out of a crumpled wreck

and another one on the critical list.

Uh, you got a Sergeant Joe Broadhurst on your squad?

- Yes, I do. - He's in the hospital too.

I think he's gonna make it.

They haven't been able to bring him out of it yet.

McCloud is with that fugitive Bonnie Foster.

The one you got an APB out on?

I reckon they were in this together.

You don't know where he is?

We're lookin' for him. We're gonna bring them both in.

Listen, Sheriff Matheson, I can assure you--

I don't need your assurances, Clifford.

I saw the evidence with my own eyes.

That may be, but I know my men.

I'll be on the next plane to Oklahoma City.

Betty!

You're on flight 317. You leave in 55 minutes.

How'd you know?

Well, whenever you send McCloud some place...

Oh. I understand.

[instrumental music]

McCloud: Is there a farmhouse around here somewhere

that we can stop and use the telephone?

Bonnie: Not that I know of.

McCloud: Well, we'll just have to keep goin'

until we get into town.

[music on radio]

Man on radio: Once again, this is me

and this is WCAI at 335 in Oklahoma City.

And now, here's a little music from Willow Steel

for all you good old boys out there

cruisin' in your automobiles.

[music on radio]

- Afternoon. - Howdy. What can I do for you?

I'm Marshal Sam McCloud from Taos, New Mexico.

Wonder if I can use your phone?

Well, sure, but it's, uh, busted right now.

Well...

how about the use of your pickup here?

It's an emergency. Just be for a couple of hours.

Sure, marshal. Let me get the key.

Appreciate it.

Okay, hold it right there, marshal.

I guess you don't realize how famous you are.

Been on the radio all afternoon

the way you killed those two deputies.

Sheriff's been by here twice.

Man, he sure wants you bad.

I figure they're gonna give me a nice reward

for bringin' you both in.

Well, that's fine with us, but I'd appreciate it

if you'd just kind of lower that rifle a bit.

We're not offering any resistance.

That's mighty wise of you.

You just get in that pickup truck.

Now, go on!

[indistinct announcement on PA]

- Sheriff Matheson? - That's right.

Chief Clifford.

- How do you do? - How's he doing?

Severe concussion, three broken ribs.

He's strong, but he hasn't regained consciousness yet.

Well, he's going to make it, isn't he?

- He's got a chance. - Excuse me.

Clifford: Sheriff.

Sheriff.

I want them brought in alive.

I appreciate your assistance here, Chief Clifford,

but it's my county. I'll bring them in any way that I can.

- McCloud is not a killer. - Yeah?

Well, you tell that to Deputy Reed's widow.

Tyin' my hands wasn't necessary at all.

It's just a precaution, marshal.

Them were two good boys you murdered today.

- I didn't kill anybody. - You killed Matt Reed.

He's the best friend I had.

Went to school together.

I was best man at his brother's weddin'.

That's the way things are in a town like Lassiter.

We're sort of a family.

I'm tellin' ya, I didn't kill anybody!

The man that did it was tryin' to get us.

Oh, sure, sure. You gotta come up with some kind of a story.

I appreciate that fact.

Comin' down here from the big city

goin' on a killin' spree.

Well, I wanna tell you somethin', brother.

You picked the wrong town this time. I'll tell you that.

Car 57, this is Charlie Watson.

10-4.

Go ahead, Charlie. This is Frank.

I've got that Marshal McCloud

and the girl with me here in my pickup.

We're headin' down Highway 9.

I thought you might like to join up with us.

Sounds good to me.

Frank: How are you holding them? - My rifle.

Frank on radio: How near are you to the Wells Road turnoff,

by the fields?

- Pretty close. - Make it there.

10-4.

Well, where are you takin' us?

As far as you're gonna be goin'.

I hear they got a big-shot chief of police

down from New York City.

And I bet you think you're gonna get a nice plane ride

back to the big city, don't you?

You're makin' a mistake, partner.

I know how it works.

By the time they get you to trial,

they won't even remember the names

of the men you killed.

I know you police take care of your own.

Well, I wanna tell you somethin'.

We take care of our own down here too.

Turn off there.

[dramatic music]

Well, marshal, this is where and how it's gonna be.

You're lucky.

Most folks go through their whole lifetime never knowin'.

[grunts]

[gunshot]

Bonnie: Get in, Sam!

[gunshots]

This is car 57. [gunshot]

Get me Sheriff Matheson.

Put him through on my phone.

- Matheson. - Frank Clarke here, chief.

Frank: We just had a run-in with McCloud and the girl.

Knocked Charlie Watson on the head, stole his pickup.

Pretended like they were gonna give themselves up.

Frank: Then started shootin'. - You boys alright?

Frank: Yeah, well, they blew out our front tires.

Probably wanted the car.

They're on the Wells Road, headin' back

toward Highway 12 right now.

Alright, we'll get somebody out to you right away.

McCloud shot up another police car.

I'm givin' my men orders to shoot to kill.

Are you alright?

Yeah. What about yourself?

Yeah. I'm okay.

We gotta find some place to hide this pickup, that's for sure.

We won't get past the county line in it,

let alone Texas.

[dramatic music]

Kline: This is Grey Leader.

McCloud and the girl just put away another cop car.

They're on the Wells Road headed for Highway 12.

Copy you, Grey Leader. This is Steam Hammer.

- We'll pick them up. - 10-4.

[instrumental music]

Joe.

Talk to me, Joe. I need to know what happened.

There's a lynch mob forming out there for McCloud

and I don't want that on my conscience.

[instrumental music]

McCloud: It's not what you'd call first-class,

but under the circumstances, uh,

I guess it's just gonna have to do.

Bonnie: Sam? McCloud: Yeah?

Bonnie: Do you think you could put your arms around me

and keep them there for a couple hours?

Well, I... think maybe I might be able to manage that.

[sighing]

- How's that? Is that better? - Mm-hmm.

[instrumental music]

You want some of this 40-weight oil?

No. I'll pass.

I put in a call to the hospital.

Straker's not gonna make it. He doesn't know that.

But he's authorized a $10,000 reward for the trucker

that locates McCloud and the girl.

Put that on the air.

Alright, you can count on that.

Mellow on radio: Steam Hammer, this here is Mellow Yellow.

McNair: Copy, Mellow Yellow. Where are you?

Mellow on radio: Hittin' the slab below the Pearson turnoff.

No sign of Stetson and the girl.

Gonna swing back north, Steam Hammer,

just to make a wider sweep.

McNair on radio: Good luck.

Eagle on radio: Birddog, this is Eagle Rock.

Give me the number of that red pickup again.

Birddog on radio: Copy that, Eagle. Number N-O-N 309.

Probably pulled off the road for the night.

Birddog: Keep on the track. Eagle: Roger, Birddog.

I don't suppose you...

you feel like fillin' me in on Jack Straker, do you?

Hmm?

Well...

Jack seemed so charming.

He had all the big city style

a country girl like me could ask for...

till I looked a little closer and I saw what was underneath.

Guess I didn't realize

what I was giving up until it was too late.

Hey, wait a minute. Don't say that.

I mean, it's never too late to make things right.

You know what I mean, hmm?

Mm-hmm.

Eddie on radio: Hey, Big Susan, this is Fast Eddie.

Been talkin' to Grey Leader.

Gonna turn back into Lassiter.

Check the side roads near the ranch.

Big Susan on radio: Already checked them, Eddie.

Swept clean. Gonna drive on into Jasper.

They might have made it that far.

Eddie on radio: I got this, Susan.

Man 4 on radio: Just pullin' out ahead.

Been askin' the other gear-jammers.

No one's seen or heard anything.

Man 5 on radio: Check out a red pickup. Landon's Garage.

Five miles west of Mission.

Man 6: What's the word on that red pickup at the Mission?

McNair on radio: Abandon. Different license.

Turning Hammer, headin' home.

Man 7 on radio: Sun's comin' up like a ball of fire, Hammer.

Could put them back on the road.

Man 8 on radio: I'm pullin' in for some 100-weight oil.

Bonnie: Do you think it's safe now?

McCloud: Safe as it's ever gonna be.

[instrumental music]

McCloud: How far are we from the highway?

Bonnie: About a mile or so. McCloud: Good.

Man 9 on radio: No sign of them between the Wells

and the Jackson cutoff, Widow.

Man 10 on radio: Copy you, Ranger.

Get some sleep. We'll take it from here.

Not a sign of them on the road.

Ah, they must have pulled off.

- Layin' low somewhere. - They can't do that forever.

Hey, I got 1500 weight of machine tools

I gotta get into Atlanta.

I can't stick around Oklahoma all my life.

Anyway, I'm runnin' low on fuel

and I sure ain't gonna buy it around here.

You mean, you don't have a sticker for this state, Harry?

As few states as possible.

Listen, give it one more sweep.

Ten thousand dollars will buy an awful lot of repairs.

Maybe even a good woman to ride all them miles with.

You know somethin'? You make a lot of sense.

- Alright, I'll track with that. - Okay, partner.

You've found what you're lookin' for, mister,

so just drive on out of here.

[dramatic music]

You were the one that forced us off the road yesterday.

You're bein' used.

You wouldn't have done it on your own.

You've killed three smokies, fella.

Anyone who brought you in would just be doin' his duty.

Those policemen were killed by the Straker Truckin' Company.

Andy Kline to be exact.

He's tryin' to keep Bonnie here from tellin'

what she knows about your organization.

All I know is she shot down the president of our company.

McCloud: Number one, it was self-defense.

Number two, he's been robbin' blind

every trucker that's workin' for him.

- I don't believe that. - That's true.

You know that for a fact, do you?

- I know Jack Straker. McCloud: Now hold it.

Now just a minute. Bonnie has a story to tell,

but I want every trucker on the road to hear it.

- Just put her on the CB. - No.

I'm not gonna broadcast your lies.

You mean you don't have the decency to hear her side

of the story, is that it?

To give her an even break, that's all she's askin' for.

Just a fair shake.

The lady is fightin' for her life.

You think I'd be sittin' here if I was tellin' a lie!

We're runnin' out of time, mister. We need your help.

I think I should tell you somethin', McCloud.

Mr. Straker has posted a $10,000 reward

for any trucker that brings you in

and there's a lot of wildcatters out there

who'd love to have a piece of that action.

So you'd better be tellin' a pretty powerful tale.

Put us on the air.

[indistinct chatter on radio]

Man 3 on radio: Any action goin' on there?

Alright, you gear-jammers,

cut the ratchet-jawin'. This is Steam Hammer.

Alright, copy me on the Super Slab

4 miles east of the Elkin turnoff.

Stetson and the girl are in my cab.

Got a .45 pointed at my head.

The girl wants to tell us a story.

How far are we from them?

- About 20 minutes. - Step on it.

All yours, cowboy.

This is Marshal Sam McCloud.

Now most of you probably know

there's been a senate committee in Washington D.C.

that's been investigating

the Straker Trucking company's books.

Well, that's why your boss wants Bonnie Foster dead.

She's runnin' scared, yeah, because she found out

that Jack Straker has been stealin' the food

out of your mouths for years.

He tried to crowd her and she shot him.

But I wanna tell you somethin'.

That $10,000 that he offered, that's blood money.

He's buyin' silence and the price is her life.

Now I'm gonna put the lady on the air and let her tell you

why she's become such a valuable witness.

This is Bonnie Foster.

I was on Jack Straker's yacht

and a man came aboard late one night.

He was an accountant.

The three of them were standing on the deck.

There was this man, Jack Straker...

and Andy Kline.

The man had evidence that all the money

from the pension fund for the last ten years

had been going into Straker's pockets.

Kline killed him.

I don't know what they did with the body,

but I-- I think they threw it overboard.

I guess I should have gone to the police,

but I was frightened.

You know all the rest.

Good story, if you can believe it.

I've been hearin' a lot of flap goin' about

that senate investigation, all up and down the slab.

I had me a ratchet-jawin' session with Spinning Jenny

comin' over the delta out of Mississippi the other day.

He said he'd, uh, heard somethin' about that

pension fund deal from a wildcatter in New York.

Birddog on radio: Ten thousand's a lot of money to give up

on the word of a fugitive, Hammer.

Seein' as that money would be comin' to me,

why don't you let me worry about that, Birddog?

Birddog on radio: Just thought I'd mention it.

Much obliged.

Ground Hog on radio: Steam Hammer, this is the Ground Hog

out of the Circle City.

There may be somethin' to what McCloud's

been sayin' about Andy Kline.

Came upon that smashed-up county-mounty

right after he ran through the chicken coop.

Saw this Plymouth Fury pullin' away.

Man 10: Now that's the car Kline's been driving.

Birddog: That doesn't mean Kline killed those deputies.

McNair on radio: I'd sure like to know what he was

doin' there, Birddog.

McCloud on radio: Take my word for it,

Kline killed them.

Now I'm takin' my gun

and I'm gonna give it to your man.

Now whatever he does with it,

that's up to him and up to you.

McNair on radio: Good as his word, guys.

The gun is on the dashboard.

I think we better think this one through.

I can't see them givin' themselves up

and then tellin' us a pack of lies.

I'm inclined to agree with you, Hammer.

Never did trust that Andy Kline fella.

Griffin on radio: Just somethin' about a guy that talks softer

than you can listen I don't like.

Birddog on radio: A lot of rumors I've been hearing

would make sense if what the girl says is true.

Copy you, Birddog.

Let me talk to the cowboy. 10-4.

What can we do for you, marshal?

Just get us to the state line.

- No problem. - No?

[scoffs] Every patrol car

in the area's gonna be lookin' for us.

So's Kline if he's got one of these radios in his car

and I reckon he has.

This is the Hammer, Stetson and the girl

would like an escort into Texas.

I say we take them.

Griffin on radio: We're with you, Hammer.

They got a parcel of smokies after them.

Morning: Steam Hammer, this here's Mornin' Glory

coming up hard in the bullet lane.

Good day for baiting bear.

McNair: What about you, Birddog? Birddog: Let's do it.

Montana: Steam Hammer, you're talkin' to the Montana Mustang.

I'm westbound of you, turnin'. Count me in.

Lazy: Steam Hammer, Lazy J. ahead, 6 miles, pullin' off.

Sounds like a hell of a ride.

I think we've got ourselves a convoy.

[dramatic music]

We'd better get to them before those trucks converge.

We'll get to them.

McCloud could never kill an officer

except in self-defense.

- Some cops go bad. - Not this one.

He's so straight it makes you cry.

Sorry, McCloud's ours. So is the girl.

[dramatic music]

Pull in, guys.

Can you monitor the police calls on that?

Man 11 on radio: Your position, 41. Report roadblock setup,

Lincoln turnoff.

Man 12 on radio: Roger, dispatch. On our way. 10-4.

You know where that turnoff is?

- It's up ahead. McCloud: How far?

Ten miles.

Man 11 on radio: Car 84, report back to headquarters

either to Chief Matheson or Chief Clifford. Acknowledge.

Man 12 on radio: Roger, dispatch. Reporting back. 10-4.

Well, I thought from what that attendant said

that the chief was here. I gotta talk to him.

Why not?

This is the Steam Hammer.

Which one of you guys is near the sheriff's complex? 10-4.

Big Mama: Steam Hammer, you got Big Mama here.

I'm right in front of the turnoff.

Got my ears on. What can I do for you?

We need some communication

with one of the head smokies up there.

Big Mama on radio: Just give me his name.

Uh, hey. Uh, Chief Peter B. Clifford?

- That's right. - I'm Big Mama.

That's nice.

No, uh, someone wants to talk to you in the K-Whopper.

- In the what? - Trust me.

Big Mama on radio: Steam Hammer, you got Big Mama here.

I got the slicker with me.

I'll put the cowboy on.

Chief, this is McCloud.

McCloud, where the blazes are you?

Along Highway 22, about 5 miles from a blockade.

Is there anything you can do about that?

Not one thing.

Every sheriff's deputy

in this state is out after your scalp.

But I know you didn't kill those officers.

Well, I appreciate your faith, chief.

Well, what about the girl? Is she with you?

Yeah, she voluntarily gave herself up to me.

Clifford on radio: Good. You know who did the shooting?

Yeah, but that's not gonna help us none now.

Are you in one of these monsters?

McCloud: I got a whole fleet of them with me.

We're gonna try to make it to the state line

so as I can give myself up to the Texas Police.

McCloud, you've got to give yourself up now.

- I'll get to the blockade-- - No, can't do that, chief.

McCloud, that's an order!

McCloud: Chief, the state police think

that I've already killed two policemen.

They've already tried to kill me once.

I wouldn't get one step past surrenderin'.

I'm gonna give myself up, but it's gonna be in Texas.

And I'd appreciate it, chief, if you'd kind of call ahead

and let them know what's going on. Be there!

McCloud...

Eddie: Steam Hammer, this is Fast Eddie.

I'm 2 miles east of you.

You got smokies stoppin' traffic up here.

Copy you, Fast Eddie. Much obliged.

McCloud, if one more deputy is killed in this state--

Gotta go now, chief. The place is hottin' up.

McCloud, don't run that roadblock!

I'll get there and see what I can...

[radio static]

McCloud!

Y'all wanna lift?

[indistinct police radio chatter]

[dramatic music]

[wind howling]

[engine revving]

Do you always drive this fast?

Only when I'm not in a hurry. [humming]

As an officer of the law, I feel I should point out to you

that the speed limit is still 55 miles an hour.

Yeah. Well, those double nickels burn out fuel.

Besides that, you wanna get to the state line first, don't you?

[humming]

[dramatic music]

That roadblock might stop them.

Not those truckers.

Get off the road. We'll get ahead of them.

[indistinct police radio chatter]

[dramatic music]

Eddie on radio: Steam Hammer, this is Fast Eddie pullin' out.

You got a bear in the air.

[chopper droning]

Copy you, Fast Eddie.

What the hell is that?

Delta 1, this is Delta 2.

Boys, you've got Patton's army comin' at you.

Get off the road!

[trucks approaching]

[indistinct chatter]

[engine revving]

[horn blaring]

Alright, guys! Clear out!

Right on through, guys.

[crash]

We're through!

[laughs]

[dramatic music]

Get me Chief Davis at the Texas border.

[siren blaring]

Lazy: Pullin' out, Steam Hammer. Keep the wheels spinnin'.

Catch you on the backslide.

Birddog on radio: Steam Hammer, this is the Birddog turnin' off.

Got 1400 weight of sink units to get into San Diego.

Copy you, Birddog. Much obliged.

[dramatic music]

[gunshots]

Bonnie: Sam!

[grunting]

[Bonnie gasps] He's hit.

- Can you handle it? - I'll handle it.

[tires screeching]

[dramatic music]

- Get up by the cab again. - I'm tryin'.

Hold on!

[tire screeches]

[crash]

Hey!

- Did we lose them? - I don't think so.

Oh, my head.

You big turkey. Can't you drive? Now look what you did.

Stern: Get off my case, man. Try the door!

Kline: What do you mean, try the door?

We're goin' 80 miles an hour.

Go ahead. You try it.

[indistinct chatter]

Right. I got you. Thank you, sheriff.

That was Sheriff Matheson.

There are wrecked patrol cars

all along the highway.

- Anyone killed? - Hmm, not yet.

We're gonna make it.

Oh, I love you, Sam.

Hey, would you just kind of hold on to that thought

until we can do somethin' about it?

- You gonna make it? - Yeah, all the way.

We're sure much obliged to you.

[horn blaring]

McNair: Listen, when you get back to New York,

you gonna check out that pension for us?

Yeah, I'll do that. How can I get in touch with you?

You just thumb a lift aboard any K-Whopper, Stetson.

[chuckles] Copy you, Steam Hammer.

[laughing]

You've got a lot of explaining to do, McCloud.

I got a man that's hurt inside the sleeper there.

You better get an ambulance quick.

Also, those two passengers I picked up,

they could be hurt pretty bad.

They're the ones who killed those two deputies.

Uh, chief, this is Bonnie Foster here.

Now she can tell you all about it,

but I just got a feelin' that we can wrap

this whole thing up in a couple of hours

and still have somethin' for the senate committee

on Jack Straker besides.

Uh, how's Joe?

- Well, he's gonna be alright. McCloud: Oh, good.

Well, young lady, you, uh, you led us quite a chase.

It sure does feel good to stop running.

Well, McCloud, uh, you neglected to say how you were gonna do it,

but, uh, I have to admit

you did say you'd bring her back.

Well, there you go.

[theme music]