Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[gunshots]

Looks like you killed an innocent man, McCloud.

Chief, I told you that I didn't fire the first shot.

Well, according to Simms' report you did fire the first shot.

I've come to your country to find out why David died.

Then I'm going to kill you.

- You're on suspension. - What happens now?

I wanna know the names of the drivers

that are on the drug route.

McCloud: Chief, somebody tried to kill me.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

I'm telling you, I'm through.

There's no way.

Once you're in an organization like this,

you don't get out, David.

You become a part of it.

- No. - They'll kill you first.

Not if you can bargain.

You've got nothing to bargain with.

I think I do.

And I've made up my mind.

You must get out too, while you can.

They don't trust you either, Ted.

Yeah. Well, I want to.

Woman on radio: Driver 29, pick up a fare at 25 east 83rd.

Waiting outside.

Twenty-nine. I'm on my way.

I'll see you tomorrow?

Yeah. Right.

Okay.

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

Where to?

Drive.

Suspect is entering a cab and heading South on Fifth Avenue.

We are following. Ten-four.

[instrumental music]

I understand there's a problem on your route, Kessler.

I didn't come to this country to destroy people's lives.

You came to United States illegally.

One phone call and you're back on the next plane to Tel Aviv.

That doesn't frighten me. I came here for opportunity.

The chance for a new life.

Now I realize what you have to pay for that chance.

Look, you missed three buys this week.

That makes our people nervous.

- Where's the stuff, Kessler? - I've got it.

I want you to guarantee my safe passage out of this city

and I'll tell you where it is.

Otherwise, I'm going to the police.

You're going nowhere.

Kessler: Just watch me.

You've already gone to the police, haven't you?

No! I-- I haven't talked to anyone. I swear it.

But you're gonna talk to them now, aren't you?

I won't. I have no reason to.

Move!

[instrumental music]

Car 3-9, this is 4-0-7.

Three-nine. Go ahead, Joe.

Joe: Surveillance blown. He's running.

He must be holding. We'll have to pick him up.

Where is he?

Sixty-third and Madison, heading toward the park.

Larmco Cab Company. License 3-8-5-9-T-I.

Simms: 3-8-5-9-T-I. Got it, Joe.

Chief's not gonna like this.

He's gonna like it a whole lot less if he gets away.

[instrumental music]

[siren blaring]

[tires screeching]

Get up! Get up! Move! Move!

[instrumental music]

Please. Please, I didn't tell.

I didn't tell. Please, let me go.

I know you didn't. Go on.

[gunshots]

[instrumental music]

[gunshots]

[music continues]

He's dead.

Look at the size of that bullet hole.

That was no police slug.

Only a .45 or a magnum could have done that.

[instrumental music]

Joe: Pathology report, chief.

Shows that Kessler was shot in the back with

a large caliber gun. The bullet went right through.

Well, that oughta prove what I've been tryin' to tell ya.

It doesn't prove anything, McCloud,

except that Kessler probably had his back to you

at the time you fired.

We searched the entire park area, chief.

There's no sign of the bullet that killed Kessler.

Then you looked in the wrong place.

Chief, I heard it. It came right past me.

It hit on something solid right behind me.

I can find it for you.

Stay right where you are.

Well, this is just dandy.

You'd never have caught Hampton with the stuff on him!

He's too smart to be carrying himself!

Between the three of you, you sure managed

to blow this operation.

Broadhurst, Simms, pick Hampton up.

We've got nothing on him, chief.

I've got nothing to lose.

Maybe at least I can rattle him

into making some kind of a mistake.

It's the cocktail hour. He could be anywhere.

I don't care what hour it is or where he is, pick him up!

Right, chief.

Chief, I didn't kill that boy.

Just what were you doing in that cab last night, Mr. Hampton?

I was a passenger.

You know, that driver started driving like a maniac.

I-- I tried to get him to stop, but, uh, I couldn't.

The next thing I knew he turned to the park

and forced me out of the cab.

And all of a sudden there were people firing at us.

The cab driver was hit and fell down to the ground.

Frightening.

You fired at the police.

I don't even own a gun.

Then why did you run away?

- I was unarmed and frightened. - Huh!

Why did the cab driver run away like that?

Well, maybe he's in trouble with the police.

[chuckles]

Just got the report on Kessler.

He entered the country illegally.

And he's been driving with a bootleg license.

You can go, Hampton.

No apologies?

Yes, I'm sorry we didn't nail you.

You're gonna be a lot sorrier, Clifford,

if there's any further harassment.

Frightening. [laughing]

He really had us cold. Where's McCloud?

In your office.

Last night gunfire ripped through the trees

near the lake in Central Park.

Police report they were chasing a narcotic suspect

in a taxi that the man abandoned the vehicle inside the park,

then opened fire on them.

When the shooting stopped, however, no gunman was found,

but a young cab driver named David Kessler

was found dead in the bushes.

He was reportedly killed by a .45 caliber slug

from a six-shooter of a Marshal Sam McCloud,

a peace officer who, we're told, is on special assignment

to the New York Police Department.

- This is the fourth time... - Well, that's enough of that.

If you don't mind, I'd like to hear what he has to say.

I thought you didn't like funerals, McCloud.

He's burying you.

From sources within the police department,

we hear that a ground swell of bitterness

has erupted over this latest incident

and it's sure to add fuel to the continuing controversy

over the police use of their weapons.

We're told new procedures have been initiated

in the police firearms training

and new guidelines of the Police Commissioner's

have been more strictly defined.

Yet these tragic incidents continue to occur.

Now, besides defending their own men,

police officials must justify the actions

of a lawman from Taos, New Mexico.

And city officials are being asked how catching rustlers

is valid experience for police work on the streets of New York.

This is Jim Sullivan, Action Forum.

You think that was a rough ride, McCloud?

That was a gentle slap on the wrist

compared to the last phone call I got from the commissioner.

You've any idea of the pressure coming at me

from police brutality lobbies?

Chief, I told you that I didn't fire the first shot.

Well, according to Simms' report you did fire the first shot.

I answered Hampton's fire!

I heard the slug goin' right past my ear

and hittin' somethin' solid behind me.

Hampton says he was unarmed.

- You believe that? Clifford: No.

But you saw the coroner's report!

It says a hole that size could never have been made

by a police .38.

It looks like you killed an innocent man, McCloud.

It happens.

Well, Hampton was closer

to the boy than I was.

There's no reason that he couldn't have been

carrying a large caliber gun.

Now I'm not the only one in New York with a .45.

Why would a man in Hampton's position

kill a cab driver? It makes no sense.

Well, it makes no sense that I would kill him.

And I'll prove to you

that I didn't kill him. One way or another.

McCloud, I've no choice, but to take you off this case.

And by off, I mean I don't wanna hear about it,

I don't wanna talk about it.

I don't wanna feel that you're even thinking about it.

Chief, it's my neck that's on the line and I'm askin' you

to leave me on the case. I'll go after Hampton.

I'll get the proof that you need that I didn't kill that--

That's all we need for Hampton to start a lawsuit.

I'm trying to salvage the reputation of this department.

Well, I'm tryin' to salvage mine,

but I can't do it if I'm off the case.

Now am I on it or not?

No, you're not.

Then I'll do it on my own time.

Your time is mine! Twenty-four hours a day!

I'm trackin' him down.

Not while you're serving under my command, you don't.

You suspendin' me?

Don't force me to, McCloud.

That's all.

Peggy, would you get me that TV station for me.

I wanna talk to Jim Sullivan. Right now. Please.

I don't think this is such a good idea, McCloud.

Well, sometimes, Joe, you have to fight fire with fire.

Before the newspapers and the city crusaders blow a,

a border incident up into a range war.

You know what I mean?

McCloud, I've got Jim Sullivan on line two.

Thank you.

Ah, Mr. Sullivan? This is Marshal McCloud.

I think you and me are gonna have to do some talkin'.

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Well, I'll hold a press conference.

I'll answer any questions that you want answer.

But one thing's for sure, I wanna set you straight on...

As of right now, McCloud, you're on suspension!

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Where to, lady?

- Police headquarters. - Right.

Take the Van Wyck to the Grand Central Parkway.

Then take the Long Island Expressway

to the Mid-town Tunnel downtown.

Ever drive a cab?

No. Only tanks.

[instrumental music]

You've been in New York before, huh?

Yes.

I knew a driver who worked for your company.

- Oh? - David Kessler.

Did you know him?

He was a nice kid.

Everybody liked him. He's...

Dead. Yes, I understand that.

Look, you drive a cab long enough in this town,

you lay yourself right on the line.

There just ain't no protection.

Some nights you don't look in the back of your cab and...

what you don't see you can't tell about.

Can you tell me about David Kessler?

What's to tell?

He picked up a fare.

There was a shootout with the police.

They killed the kid.

Waste.

But that's this city. Waste.

Kessler a friend of yours?

Came from the same town.

You don't know the name of the policeman who shot him?

Are you kiddin'? Anybody in New York can tell you that.

Marshal Sam McCloud. Here, read about it.

McCloud, getting yourself suspended isn't gonna help

your reputation or the department's one bit.

Hampton killed that boy,

and there's a slug in the park, I can find it.

We've already looked for it, McCloud.

Well, you looked in the wrong place.

Excuse me, Joe.

I'll go over there tomorrow morning, I'll find it!

McCloud, you're on suspension!

If the chief knew what you had in mind,

he'd blow his stack, and you know it.

Just a private citizen enjoying the park, that's all.

If you did find it, what would it prove?

Well, it would prove that it wasn't fired from my gun.

There'd be traces of tissue and blood on it.

It's a real long shot.

Sometimes that's all we got to go on.

Would you hand me that file on Hampton there?

His stakeout pattern.

McCloud, if the chief knew you were after Hampton,

you wouldn't be on suspension,

you'd be on the next plane back to Taos.

Well, that wouldn't be too bad, would it, Joe?

The Pelican Lounge. Excuse me.

- McCloud. - Yo.

I wanted to talk to you.

Yeah? Go ahead.

That report I handed in to the chief.

From my point of view, it looked like

you did get off the first shot.

I didn't know what else to write.

Hey, look, you gotta tell it like you saw it.

How's your wife?

She seems to be responding the treatment. I...

There you go. See you later.

Hold it.

Where you off to?

Oh, do a little nightclubbin'.

- Celebrating? - Yeah.

Well, it's the first time I've had off in three years.

- Where're you goin'? Joe: With you.

McCloud: What for? Joe: Protection.

- Protect me from what? - Yourself.

Well, be my guest.

[instrumental music]

Not paying you for information. I'm paying you for protection.

They were waiting for me.

From now on, I wanna know every move,

every development, before it's carried out.

Otherwise, you're through. Both of you.

You know what that means?

I'll be right back.

Bartender, I asked the waiter for a vodka martini,

very dry, five minutes ago. I'd like to have it now.

Yes, sir.

I'll make this fast.

The police could still be watching me.

They'd-- they'd make the connection

with the company right away.

I tried to reach you at the penthouse.

I didn't know what to do after what happened.

Do you want the buys made for the rest of the week,

or should I hold the drivers off?

We take care business as usual.

Only use a little more finesse

when screening your people.

Well, what do you want me to do,

advertise in "The Times" for illegal drivers?

Send anybody new to me.

You've got all the instincts of a pigeon.

[laughs]

McCloud, I've never known you to bar-hop

and I know you can't afford the food here.

Could there be another reason?

No. It's is strictly social, Joe.

Why don't you head on home?

I've gotta feeling this is strictly trouble.

I think we should both go home.

McCloud, I wouldn't even let Hampton see me here.

You know, Joe, this kinda reminds me of the fella out west

who was trackin' down a grizzly.

Two orange juices, please.

All of a sudden, he throws down his rifle

and he jumps right smack dab in the middle of that thicket

and he wrestles the bear into the ground.

Gin and tonic, please.

- What happened to him? - The bear?

- The man. - Oh.

Crushed within an inch of his life.

They were waitin' for an ambulance

and somebody asked him why he did it.

What did he say?

He said it seemed like a pretty good idea at the time.

- Mr. Hampton? - Uh-huh.

Marshal McCloud.

Forgive me for not shaking your hand, marshal,

but you did try to kill me last night.

We both know the truth about that.

The man that cowboy is talking to. I think I know him.

That's Mr. Hampton. A regular.

Comes in most every night.

That's right. Thanks.

You know, one of these days you're gonna make a mistake,

and I'm gonna be right there beside you.

That's police harassment, isn't it, McCloud?

No, no. You see, I'm not with the Police Department anymore.

I'm just a private citizen.

So this is just between you and me.

Now you killed that driver and I just want you to know

that I'm gonna get you.

That just doesn't seem a good idea at the time.

Well, Joe, you know, you, you kinda challenge these fellas

and let 'em know that you're not gonna quit,

keep birddogin' em and they get a little nervous.

- Make a mistake. - What happens now?

Well, we just hang around, keep him stirred up.

Marshal Sam McCloud?

Yeah. That's right.

My name's Nidavah Ritzach. I've been looking for you.

What can I do for you?

David Kessler was my brother.

[instrumental music]

I'm sorry to hear that. I really am.

Not as sorry as you're going to be.

I've come to your country to find out why David died.

Then I'm going to kill you.

She sounded like she meant it.

Maybe I better take her in for questioning.

No, Joe, I...

She's going through a lot.

I don't think she's serious.

I'd hate to take a chance if you're wrong, McCloud.

She sounded like a pretty determined little lady.

Well, I appreciated your company.

Where you going?

First off I gotta be satisfied in my own mind

that the bullet that killed that boy can't be found.

Night, Joe.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[gunshot]

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

[instrumental music]

[gunshots]

[siren wailing]

[music continues]

[siren wailing]

[music continues]

Now I know you weren't standing out there picking off ducks.

What happened?

Well, I wasn't wading in the lake for my health either.

Somebody tried to kill me.

- Well, who was it? - I don't know.

Do you remember, chief, that I told you

that I didn't fire the first shot yesterday?

Jim Sullivan, Action Forum, marshal.

I recognize you.

And now you're patrolling the park

with your gun drawn?

Chief Clifford, isn't it usual procedure for a man to be placed

on limited duty while you're investigating

the possible misuse of his weapon?

Just what were you doing here, McCloud?

And why were those men shooting at you?

- I found the bullet. - What bullet?

There's a bullet that killed that driver, chief.

It's embedded in a bench over there and it's a big one.

Could be a magnum or a .45. But it wasn't fired from my gun.

Oh, I'm glad you're here, Sullivan.

You can witness this.

Chief, the bullet was right there.

You can see the hole that it made.

I see where something's been dug out of there.

Well, if it was right there a couple of minutes ago,

where is it now?

Well, obviously the two guys came back and dug it out.

They must've known that I was here

lookin' for the bullet. They-- they wanted it.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have been shootin' at me.

Yeah. But how could anybody know you were gonna be here?

It's a mystery to me. I don't know.

And they just disappeared.

Like the gunman you say you shot it out with

a couple of days ago.

Well, at least the public will be glad to know

nobody was killed this time.

Chief, that bullet was right there!

I don't doubt your word, McCloud.

- We gotta follow up on this. - Not we.

When I find a real link between Hampton and Kessler,

besides the fact they were in

the same cab together, then I can act.

Chief, those fellas weren't shootin' at me for no reason.

That may be, but I still need proof!

Meantime, you're still on suspension.

Another thing, don't ride any trails on your own!

[instrumental music]

I've arranged to have your brother

shipped home this afternoon.

- These are the flight details. - Thank you.

It's a sad thing when you come to a new country

with your hopes and your dreams

and then have your future come to such a tragic end.

Good luck.

You're David's sister, aren't you?

That's right.

I was just, uh, paying my last respects.

My name is Ted Richards.

We worked together for Larmto Cabs.

I, uh, guess you could say we were friends.

I was with him that night before...

I don't know how much he told you in his letters.

But, uh...

- I'm sorry, I gotta go. - You were telling me...

No, I'm sorry, I gotta go.

What are you doing here?

Forgive me for intruding, Ms. Ritzach,

but I've got to talk to you.

We have nothing to say to each other, marshal.

I'm sorry, you know, I could take you in

for questioning right now.

Oh, they'd really love the story of you

manhandling the sister of the man you killed.

I think they'd understand my bringin' in somebody

that tried to kill me.

I had nothing to do with the hoodlums in the park.

You were there, trackin' me.

Does that unnerve you?

It does when shots are fired.

- What were ya doin' there? - Observing.

I didn't know whether you'd escaped or not.

I'm pleased that you did.

I'd feel cheated if someone else killed you first.

I didn't kill your brother.

That's not what the newspapers and the police say.

Why would the people that killed your brother

be tryin' to kill me if I was on their side?

Perhaps they fear you've outlived

your usefulness to them.

You're really somethin, you know that?

Can't you see that I'm on your side?

- I need your help. - To do what?

To get to the man that really murdered your brother.

But to do that, I've got to know everything

you know about his time in New York.

I can't tell you anything about his time here.

You can't or won't?

In my country, men and women are trained for military service

from an early age.

David had the heart of a poet, not a fighter.

And now he's dead.

I don't just want you, marshal.

I want everyone responsible.

You can tell your bosses that.

It was easy for you to kill my brother.

You will not find it so easy to kill a soldier

in the Israeli army.

[instrumental music]

Oh, this is a good piece.

Only three years old.

Good action.

How much?

Hundred fifty.

I'll take it.

Looks like ya, uh, know how to use it.

I know when to use it.

[instrumental music]

Thanks.

[instrumental music]

- Are you following me? - Just keepin' track.

What are you doin' in a hotel like that?

Isn't that my business?

You know, when you tell a man you're gonna kill him,

everything you do becomes his business.

Alright. I was visiting a friend of David's.

He didn't know about his death. Does that satisfy you?

I don't believe it any more than you do.

I don't even know what you hope to gain by this, marshal.

You're not frightening me and I won't talk to you.

Will you take those blinders off.

I can't find the man that killed your brother

unless I have some help.

Now you might have some information--

You must think me very naive.

I saw you at that table in that restaurant

with that man Hampton.

No doubt he was paying you off.

How much was my brother's life worth to you?

How did you know that his name was Hampton?

What do you know about him?

Goodnight!

[instrumental music]

[telephone ringing]

Sergeant Broadhurst.

Ah, Joe, this is McCloud.

Ah, I want an address on a Ted Richards.

He drives a cab for the Larmto Cab Company.

McCloud, if the chief knew I was talking to you--

Joe, it's just a simple address. That's all I'm asking.

I just wanna talk to the man. I mean, what harm could it do?

Yeah, to you nothing. You're already on suspension.

I could be back pounding a beat on the Bowery.

Joe, how could giving me an address of a cab driver

get you in trouble?

You'd find a way.

Ted Richards.

Man on radio: Dispatch car 32 to JFK.

Roger, 32, when you're finished there,

pick up a John Stewart at 72 West 43rd,

going to the Chrysler Building.

Man on radio: Roger, dispatch.

- Do something for you? - I'm here for a job.

Sorry, we're not taking any secretarial help.

The sign outside says drivers wanted.

That's how I read it. Don't you take women drivers?

They don't usually look like you.

Is that a liability?

Not in this place. Have any experience?

Drove a cab in Athens.

Know much about this city?

What I don't know I'll learn.

Have you got a job permit?

No.

Look, I'll do anything so long as I get enough money

to stay in this town.

Sorry, but there's strict controls on the cab companies.

Takes time to get a license issued.

Yes, I understand that.

However, I have heard that Mr. Hampton could speed up

the process for me.

Yeah, it's possible.

[instrumental music]

Hampton: Nidavah Ritzach.

What brings you to the United States?

Ritzach: A new life.

And I want a job.

Larmto Cabs is the first company I've tried.

I, uh, intend to try them all if I'm not acceptable.

Oh, I find you most acceptable. Who, uh, gave you my name?

Oh, one of the drivers.

I suppose I shouldn't have used it like this,

but, uh, I need the job.

How far do I have to go until I find the top man?

The man who decides yes or no?

As far as it goes. You found him.

Then is it yes or no?

Well, we, uh, we lost a driver from Israel.

Ah, he was, uh, killed by the police.

Sort of a misunderstanding.

Yes, I read about that!

You know, I have a license that could be, uh, modified

to accommodate you. You know what I'm saying?

Yes.

Good.

I think I can help you.

Found a place to stay yet?

Just temporarily.

We'll have to work on that.

[dramatic music]

Eileen: Sorry to interrupt.

I need some ice.

Help yourself.

Look, I'm going to be, uh, busy for a while.

How about, uh, dinner?

Here?

Here.

Fine.

You know, I think Miss Ritzach is gonna be, uh,

most acceptable.

I thought you would.

You gonna use her on a drug route?

I like her. I didn't say I trusted her.

We'll have to see how she, uh, performs.

Be sure and let me know.

Broadhurst, Simms! Come in here!

Just got a lead that might take us back on the trail to Hampton.

Well, it seems a guy named Frank McCall was busted up

on Ninth Avenue carrying some nickel bags.

Now he said he got the stuff from a man named Ted Richards.

Did you say Richards?

Yeah. The name mean anything to you?

Uh, seems that I've heard it before somewhere.

Well, he drives a cab for the Larmto Company.

You know there may be something to McCloud's theories,

after all.

Let's find out.

And fast.

Of all the idiotic stunts you've pulled,

what were you doing there anyway?

Well, Richards was at the funeral parlor.

He was the only driver that bothered to show up,

and I figured he might know something.

How many times do you have to be taken off a case

before the message comes through?

Sullivan will have a field day with this.

Well, chief...

McCloud, I didn't ask for your badge

and gun yesterday because I thought I can trust you.

Now I want them.

That's all.

When I want to see you around this department,

I'll let you know.

Till then, stay away from the press, stay away from here,

and most of all, stay away from me.

Murray: You know, it normally takes quite a while

to get a license to drive a cab in New York.

I appreciate your concern.

Who was David Kessler to you?

A friend.

You don't have to tell me.

But you're playing a dangerous game, lady.

These people are vicious.

Who are they?

Look, I've been with Larmto Cabs for 31 years come this June.

It was great in the old days, right after the war.

Small, independent company tryin' to make it.

But things change, new people take over.

Murray, can you tell me what's going on here?

None of us know for sure.

We've got our suspicions, but no proof.

I'll get it for you.

Leave it alone, Nida.

Go back to the old country.

It's a new country and I can't do that.

I can't tell you anything.

Then I'll have to find out for myself.

This is the late night edition of "Action Forum."

Just three days ago a young cab driver was apparently killed

by police gunfire in Central Park.

Today a man named Ted Richards, also a cab driver,

was found shot to death in his West Side apartment.

"Action Forum" has learned he worked for the same cab company

as the first victim. Who discovered the body?

Marshal Sam McCloud, the very same officer

involved in the earlier incident.

This time, however, while police officials are investigating

the homicide, they have relieved Marshal McCloud

of his badge and his gun.

We'll have more on this story and if you have any comments,

we'd like to hear them. This is Jim Sullivan, Action...

[sighs]

[phone ringing]

Carol: Oh, don't answer it.

Don't answer it, Joe.

I absolutely and totally forbid you to answer that phone.

- Oh... McCloud: Joe, this is McCloud.

Hmm...

I've got to talk to you. It's important.

Mm. Where are you?

Where should I meet you?

I'll be right there.

- Who was that? - McCloud.

[groans] I want a divorce.

- Baby, he's in trouble. - He's always in trouble.

He's McCloud.

It won't take long. I promise.

[scoffs] That's what you always say.

I promise it won't take long.

You always promise me that.

[sighs]

[whistles] Hey!

[instrumental music]

Hi, Joe. Appreciate your meetin' me here.

Yeah, I'm a nice guy, don't forget to testify

to that at my divorce.

I understand the chief really chewed you out

this afternoon, huh?

Well, he's under a lot of pressure.

Joe, there's somethin' that's been bothering me,

that's been naggin' at the back of my head.

When I told you that I was goin' over to the park

to try and find that bullet, did you tell anybody?

No.

Well, I wish I knew how they knew that I was there.

You're not saying...

All I'm sayin' is they were either there

at the same time for the same reason,

or somebody tipped them off that I was on my way.

Hmm.

I'll check it out.

Appreciate it.

McCloud, maybe you should back off.

If the chief finds out you're still on this case,

he'll keep your badge even when this is all over.

Joe, that's a chance that I gotta take.

What happens now?

There's only one trail left to follow.

How did you find me?

I checked with immigrations.

You're a man of some ingenuity, marshal.

I must remember that.

I've got somethin' to say to you,

and this time you're gonna listen.

You might have some information that could help both of us.

But we're runnin' out of time.

I could have killed you tonight.

I was there at your hotel.

Well, why didn't you? Huh? Why? I'll tell you why you didn't.

Because your conscience wouldn't let you.

'Cause you know that I'm tellin' the truth. You know it!

It wasn't just my conscience.

I went to see Hampton today.

He didn't know who I was.

Now if you were working for Hampton,

he'd have been expecting me.

You went to see Hampton? Now I'm gonna ask you again.

- What do you know about him? - That he's the top man.

The man who issued the order to have David killed.

No, no. He didn't issue the order.

He's the one that pulled the trigger.

What do you mean the top man? Top man of what?

All I know is that Hampton is responsible for hiring

the drivers who don't have legitimate licenses

to drive for Larmto Cabs.

He hires the drivers?

You mean, he's, uh, he's, he's part of the company?

I suppose so.

Now wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Now, now it's beginning to make some sense.

Then your brother, there must have been a connection

between your brother and the narcotics.

You know what Hampton's doing?

He's using the drivers to distribute the heroin

around this city and he's mixed up in a lot more

than just one murder. And you went to see him today.

I went there to kill him.

But you didn't.

No.

- There was someone else there. - Who?

A woman from Larmto Cabs.

- Was she involved? - I don't know.

I couldn't shoot her too, so I had no choice but to leave.

I want him dead.

Nida, we're going to get Hampton,

and we're going to convict him for the murder of your brother,

but we need to know the name of one of the drivers

that's on the drug route.

Now your brother didn't mention a name?

Didn't, didn't say nothin'?

My brother didn't say much in his letters.

But he did tell me there was a policeman

in the pay of the company.

A policeman?

So you naturally assumed it was me.

Of course.

- He didn't mention a name? - No.

Nida, I want you to wait here for me.

I'm gonna handle this on my own now.

And don't get any ideas about goin' back to Hampton.

Do you understand?

I'll wait here.

In the room. It's important.

Oh.

You took your time getting here.

I had trouble getting away.

You know, I often stand here and I look out at the city,

you sort of gain perspective.

Reason I'm up here is because they're down there

grabbing for a pinch of ecstasy,

fast rush... take a ride.

Only difference is, I have an expensive way to live,

they have an expensive way to die.

I don't have much time, Hampton.

Right. Uh, the, uh, last shipment comes in tonight.

If you hear anything about it at all, I want to know fast.

After that, you got a new supplier.

He'll be in touch with you. He knows where to reach you.

After tonight, I'm finished.

I never bargained for any killing.

Kessler tried to pull out. It didn't work.

I can blow the lid right off your organization, Hampton!

Now don't you forget that.

How is your wife feeling this evening?

Hospital payments must be so crushing in a lingering illness.

I've always thought New York is an expensive place to die.

Oh, by the way, here's your, uh, money.

Your colleague, uh, Marshal McCloud.

He's, uh, not gonna quit, is he?

You know, we may have to take care of him.

No way.

Oh, you'll find one.

McCloud is a friend of mine.

If we got him in the park, you might just as well

have pulled the trigger! Now don't you forget that.

I want McCloud taken care of tonight,

before the shipment arrives. Or you won't be needing

any further payments. For you or for your wife.

[phone ringing]

- Detective Simms. - Simms, this is McCloud.

You know, I've come across a lead that I think is gonna blow

this Hampton case wide open.

McCloud, if the chief knew

that you were still investigating Hampton...

McCloud on phone: Well, that's why I'm not callin' the chief.

I've gotta follow this through on my own,

but I can't do it alone, I need your help.

Okay. Meet me in the arcade at East Fourth Street

as soon as you can make it.

There you go.

Well, McCloud, what's this hot lead you've got to Hampton?

I'm lookin' at him.

You'd better spell that out for me.

You know, it bothered me how those fellas knew

that I was in the park the other day.

I thought maybe that Hampton had sent 'em,

but he didn't know what was in my mind.

There was only two people in that squad room

when I was talkin' about it. That was Joe and you.

So?

So every time we even got close to Hampton,

he always was one jump ahead of us. Like somebody told him.

I never understood that.

And now you understand it?

Yeah, but I don't understand why.

Why, Simms?

Oh, McCloud, you can't prove one word of that.

Well, you know I don't think I'm gonna have to.

Because I'm countin' on somethin' called character.

And I think that you're gonna help me nail Hampton...

and if you don't, buddy,

you can finish me off right now.

It's your decision.

You never stood by day after day

watching somebody you love die slowly, McCloud.

She's been in the hospital for six months. Bills piling up.

I was desperate.

Well, you had friends that you could have turned to.

At five hundred dollars a day?

I told Hampton tonight I was finished, and I meant it.

He wanted me to kill you.

I know. I think we're pretty close

to closin' him down completely.

McCloud, does this have to get back to the chief right away?

Well, I got no choice.

McCloud, I took a 16-year career and my own integrity

and I gambled it away. You can give me a chance

to try to straighten it out.

Hampton is moving a final shipment into town tonight

and we can nail him, you and me.

You don't have to trust me, McCloud.

But that's what I'm asking you to do.

Well, I'm still alive.

So I suppose that's worth some trust.

You say the shipment is comin' in tonight, the final one?

That's right. Hampton is moving on.

There's gonna be a new distributor.

Where's the shipment comin' in?

- Do you know? - I'm not sure.

But I know where the heroin's gonna be dished out.

Well, that's good enough. Where is that?

Oh, no, if I give you the location,

you're gonna pass it on to the chief.

He'll throw the book at me, and I won't have

a chance to redeem myself.

You're telling me this voluntarily.

The chief is gonna take that into consideration.

I've got to be in this myself. You can understand that.

All I know is, this is the last chance

that we've got to get Hampton, and I've got to do it right!

I've gotta tell the chief where the heroin is comin' in.

Okay, McCloud, I'm on my own!

- Simms. - No, no, no. No deals.

I'll handle this myself. Now don't move!

Don't move!

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

McCloud, I saw Simms but he was on his way out.

He hasn't come back yet. What's this all about?

I'll tell you later. Is the chief in?

Yeah. But he's not in the best of moods.

Clifford: Yes.

Come on in, McCloud.

I didn't think the night could get any worse,

but I forgot the unexpected.

I gotta talk to you, chief. It's about Simms.

Oh, yes, I know about it.

- You do? - Yes.

The hospital called a couple of hours ago.

I told Simms myself.

You told him what?

That his wife died.

Isn't that what you were gonna tell me?

Not exactly, no.

Well, what do you want to tell me?

[sighs] Oh, it can wait till morning.

- McCloud... - I'll talk to you later.

McCloud, if there's something I should know...

I'm sure you'll be the first to tell me.

McCloud, what's going on?

You mind letting me in on what's going on?

Wait a minute, Joe.

Who're you calling?

[phone ringing]

Come on.

Where's he going in such a hurry?

He didn't say.

Who was he calling?

He didn't say.

What did he say?

Nothing.

[dramatic music]

Business first. There's your license. You start tomorrow.

Do you own Larmto Cabs?

Well, let's say I have an interest in it.

It must have been a terrible shock for you to have

one of your drivers killed by the police.

Yes, it was.

How long had he been working for you?

Six, maybe eight months.

- How old was he? - I don't remember.

Let's talk about you.

You came here to start a new life.

You know, New York can be a lonely place,

or it can be the most exciting city on earth.

It must be sad to die in a place you can't think of as home.

I never thought it mattered where you died.

I suppose not.

McCloud: Hampton! Hampton, open up!

This is the police! Hampton!

McCloud, I've had just about enough harassment.

Excuse me. Nidavah Ritzach?

I'm Marshal Sam McCloud with the New York Police Department.

I'm taking you in. This your coat?

What's the charge?

Illegal entry into the United States.

Let's go.

I'll have you out by morning!

Don't count on it.

You had no right.

You told me you were gonna stay in the hotel room.

Now I don't want you up on a murder charge!

We'll get Hampton, but this is not the way!

I'm gonna ask you somethin'.

Is there anyone in that cab company

that you've made contact with that you can trust?

Anyone?

- Murray Gutman. - I wanna talk to him.

You know where I can find him?

I think so.

Let's go.

[intense music]

- Murray? - Nida.

This is Marshal Sam McCloud.

You made quite a reputation for yourself in this town, marshal.

Well, it's blown up quite a bit.

I believed the marshal was involved, too.

But now I know he didn't kill my brother.

David was your brother.

Now I understand.

We know who did kill him and we're gonna get him.

But to do it we need your help.

- You need my help? - That's right.

You see, I figure you know everything that's been goin' on

in this company for the past eight months.

But even if you wanted to do something about it,

you couldn't because you don't have any proof, right?

Well, tonight this whole situation is gonna

bust wide open, and when it does,

we're gonna round up all the drivers that are involved.

What do you want from me?

I want to know the names of the drivers

that are on the drug routes.

Do you know what you're asking?

Yes, we do.

Now listen, I got a nice lady I've been married to

for 34 years,

I got two kids I want to see finish college.

I'm not gonna put their lives in jeopardy.

Myself I don't care about.

Murray, nobody's gonna know where the names came from.

- Nobody. - Oh, sure.

How do I know this is on the level?

Well, if you put it in those terms,

how do I know you're on the level? I don't.

It's a gamble I'm taking.

But sometimes you got no choice.

You gotta take a chance.

I trust him, Murray.

You trust him.

I know what we're asking of you.

If you can't help us, I'll understand.

[dramatic music]

There's at least... eight drivers I'm sure of.

I'll make you a list.

Thank you.

We'll need some transportation.

How about a cab?

Appreciate it.

[instrumental music]

I want to apologize for the way I behaved to you.

Well, you had a lot on your mind.

I see now you have your reputation at stake.

Little bit more than that ridin' on it.

Eileen on radio: Forty-five, Collins, pick up a Mr. Irvine

at Madison and 83rd. Take him to the Arches.

Collins. He's on the list.

Well, that's number one.

Eileen on radio: Driver thirty-eight, Powell,

pick up at Lincoln and Sixth.

- Powell? Powell: On my way. 10-4.

No, he's not here.

Driver 14, Hartley. Pick up at the Arches.

Hartley on radio: On my way.

Nida: He's here.

Well, that's the second one that's going to the Arches

that's on the list.

You think we should follow?

I think we need more of a definite pattern.

I like you, Marshal McCloud.

Well, the feelin's mutual.

Eileen on radio: Driver 21, pick up at the Arches.

Woman 1 on radio: Roger.

Well, that's the fifth one going to The Arches.

Well, that's enough. Let's go.

[dramatic music]

Give me your gun.

Stay here and stay down.

Freeze, police.

What are you doing here?

- You're under arrest. - Are you crazy?

Look, I told you I was through.

Now get going!

Come on!

Simms!

[gunshots]

[gunshot]

[gunshots]

[dramatic music]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

This is Marshal Sam McCloud.

Murray Gutman here, marshal.

Murray, I can really use your help again.

The man we want we had trapped at The Arches, but he got away.

He's driving downtown in a gray Mercedes Coupe.

The license number is 4-9-2 DIP,

and I can sure use your help.

You got it. We'll cut him off.

There's a wounded man at The Arches.

We need an ambulance.

- We'll get one. - I appreciate it.

Jerry, this is Murray. Where are ya?

On 50, Murray, comin' up to 52nd.

Look, Jerry, the guy who killed David Kessler

is in a gray Mercedes, license plate 4-9-2 DIP,

heading downtown on eighth.

I say we get him.

On my way.

This is Murray. Where are you?

Man 1 on radio: Heading down toward Broadway, Murray.

How many of the troops do you need?

Gutman on radio: All of 'em. Where are you now, marshal?

McCloud on radio: I'm headin' into the tunnel.

I'm right behind him.

Murray: Good enough.

[indistinct radio chatter]

McCloud on radio: Who's with you?

[indistinct chatter on radio]

Arch reassembling the last ship.

McCloud: Tell them to get a move on.

Gutman on radio: Pete, this is Murray. I need you right away.

Excuse me, ma'am, this is an emergency

now I got to go, it's nothing personal.

But I... I want to go too.

B-- but how do I get in there?

Young man! What about me? I want my bag!

Gutman: Marshal, this is Murray. I've got the boys out.

Where is he now?

Headin' down 53rd.

McCloud: He turned on the... Gutman: Good.

McCloud: I'm right behind him, Murray.

Gutman: I'm right behind you, marshal.

Jim, how many have we got?

Jim: A dozen with me, Murray.

Gutman: Where's Pete? Jim: Six blocks away.

Got the fleet behind me.

McCloud: He's heading for Broadway.

I've a reception committee waiting for him.

What is it, Broadhurst?

I just overheard a strange report

in traffic control, chief.

Broadway is completely snarled up.

It seems that thirty or forty cabs are converging on it.

- What do you mean, converging? - Well, that's what they said.

The funny part is, they all seem to be coming

from the same cab company, Larmto.

They said it looked like a stampede.

Stampede...

Larmto...

McCloud! Let's go, Joe.

[dramatic music]

You drive like a real cabbie, marshal.

Much obliged.

Man 2 on radio: Unit 402, come in. Unit 402.

Unit 402, go ahead.

Traffic still snarled up for blocks.

Never seen so many cabs in my life.

- Where are they coming from? Man 2 on radio: I have no idea.

- Well, where are they going to? - Any idea where they're headed?

Man 2 on radio: None. We can hardly move ourselves.

Keep us informed. We're on our way.

This is his work. I can feel it.

There's a lump in the pit of my stomach

that's got McCloud written on it.

Man 3 on radio: I'm on Broadway, Murray, pulling in.

McCloud: Cut him off.

Gutman: Marshal, this is Murray. Can you see him?

McCloud: Got him right in my sight.

Gutman: Alright, boys. Let's make it Times Square.

Man 4 on radio: Unit 402, come in.

This is Chief Clifford. Go ahead.

Man 4 on radio: We're blocked.

Only vehicles getting through are cabs.

Looks like they're converging on Times Square.

Right.

We're almost there, chief.

Faster, Broadhurst. Hell for leather.

[horns blaring]

[siren blaring]

Who says you can't get a cab in this city when you want one?

Woman on intercom: Israeli Overseas Airways

Flight 874 for Rome and Tel-Aviv now ready for boarding

through gate eight. All aboard, please.

Well...

I'm not really a person inclined to sentiment, but...

I don't want to leave.

Why don't you just unload your bags and stay a spell?

I'd like that. But I must get back.

I have responsibilities I can't ignore.

I'm not one for sentiment much myself.

I don't want you to leave either.

I understand.

There you go.

Goodbye, marshal.

- Shalom. - Oh, sorry.

McCloud, that is some woman.

Yep.

I understand Jim Sullivan's making a full apology to you

tonight on his broadcast.

Yeah, that was a good job, McCloud.

Oh. By the way, here's your badge.

You can pick up your pistol later at the office.

McCloud? McCloud, are you still with us?

Oh. Excuse me. I'm sorry.

You know I was just thinkin' that the Israeli police have,

have initiated some very interesting procedures that, uh,

might be helpful to study 'em.

Come along.

[theme music]