Original subtitles

You know, every time I think this gas crunch is getting better, it gets worse.

And those guys stealing gas aren't making it any easier.

Hey, looks like we may have a problem here.

Maybe another victim.

Officer,

am I glad to see you. I take it you're out of gas.

I had a shipment due last night, but they never showed up.

I get here at 6.45 this morning, all these people waiting, and my tanks are

dry.

Okay, folks, I know this is a bad scene, but you might as well clear out. You

have nothing to gain here.

Come on, folks, there's a gas station open about a mile south of here and one

east of here. Give them a try, all right?

Listen, uh, there's a gang going around stealing gas from independent stations.

They didn't happen to rip you off, did they?

No, no. I called the company.

All their deliveries are fouled up.

Okay.

Lose my gun.

Take him.

Call in the TC. I'll be right back. Yes, sir.

Oh, boy.

What? We got cops coming up on us, son.

I can't outrun them in this rig.

10,000 gallons of stolen gas, Slim. 7,000 bucks if we sell her the felony

rap if we're caught.

Take the next off-ring.

Leave the rest to me.

Spooky!

How bad is it, Grossy? Bruises, abrasions, minor burns.

Maybe a slight concussion.

Hey, Sarge?

Joe, can you hear me?

I'm the finest officer.

He's delirious. Get him out of here.

Any witnesses, Grossi? Long gone.

Well, we got one thing positive.

The name on the tanker.

Net oil.

Big blue letters. N-E-T hyphen O-I-L.

You know, there's something you don't realize.

That cop might be dead if we aren't back at the warehouse right now laying low.

Well, if we don't deliver this load before Beasley runs out of gas, he can

run us out of business.

Yeah? How?

Who's gonna blow the whistle?

Anybody that buys gas from us, just as guilty as we are, including Carl

Beasley. Right.

Carl Beasley is a crook.

You got to be careful with crooks, baby.

They're dangerous.

Look, Sarge, Cindy's running a check on those net oil vehicles to make sure

they're all accounted for.

They will be.

If you see that truck again, it won't look the same.

Oh, you'll see it again. I promise you that. Be cool, Baker.

I don't know whether they were trying to burn me, but they sure knew I'd skid

when my tires hit that gasoline.

I wish I hadn't stopped for that collision.

But I guess one of us had to.

Better me here than you with that game coming up, huh?

Can we help?

It's a roller hockey match.

The kids we sponsor against the West L.A. kids.

Ever play hockey?

Man, you talking to the champ.

I used to be the best street hockey player in the neighborhood.

What do you want? Just ask.

Were you a referee?

No. You see, I was supposed to referee.

Hey, anything else, okay.

But referee?

No. I referee all day long out there on the streets. I don't need the

aggravation on my own time. Okay? Not even for the kids?

Not even for the kids.

Not even for a fallen comrade.

Hey, no way. Not me.

Let Grossman do it. I can't. I'm a coach.

I'm prejudiced.

A referee must be totally impartial.

I'll second that.

Hey, Dan, how you doing? You all know Dan Chapman.

What happened? They closed down West L.A.? They sent me over to Central to

help out for a few days.

Seems like a sergeant got caught tailgating a tanker truck.

Well, it's one way to get a little sack time, huh? Just drop by to say hello.

And I want you guys to know...

And although I'm serving in Central Section, my heart's still in West L.A.

with the boys.

He's a West L.A. coach.

We gotta replace me as referee. We were thinking of Poncherello. Oh, no, no, no,

no. Listen, I got a guy.

Hey, wait a minute.

What's with this, oh, no?

I've got an impartial, even-tempered, rational guy in mind, all right? Yeah?

Sounds like a ringer to me. Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute.

Are you implying that I cheated? You imply I'm irrational.

I was merely stating the qualifications of a man who really knows this game.

Knows it?

Man, I practically invented it.

Come on.

I was playing street hockey on skates when you were still in the baby buggy.

And I could have gotten out of it then and played your socks off.

Boy, I'd love to give you a chance to prove that, but that's got nothing to do

with finding a referee.

Quiet, please, all of you. Now, take your arguments somewhere else, huh?

Now, clear the room. We need the patient for x-rays.

Everyone out. Out!

You don't have to find a referee. You got one.

Me. Hey, that's great, Ponch.

See you, Sarge.

I'll get you a rule book so that you can study up for the big match, okay?

See, I knew Ponch could never say no to a fallen comrade.

You worried about the cops? They won't be back for a while.

How long ago were they here?

About an hour.

Looking me over like I was Raquel Welch.

Checking everybody nowadays.

Well, they check me. I'm in trouble.

You this late again, I'll give you trouble.

Look, I said I'd be here. I'm here. Now, the risk I'm taking, don't give me any

late. You want me to buy any more gas from you, you better be on time.

On schedule, before 7 a.m., like we agreed.

Beasley, as long as we need each other, you don't scare me all that much.

Neither one of us is going to do anything foolish, right?

Cash?

Keep 20.

Spill some.

Cops against cops.

Cops against cops?

Roller hockey, cops against cops.

Would I give anything to meet Sergeant Dan Chapman one-on-one?

How about guys against girls?

I'm talking business, you're talking recreation.

Hi, Bat.

Hi, Punch.

You know it's worth the trip across town just to watch you work?

Yeah, well... It must be true. I've heard it a hundred times this morning.

Any problems?

Yeah. What'll I wear tonight?

Oh, just be comfortable.

We're gonna be taking in a football game. Football?

I love it.

Officer! Officer!

Officer! Officer, I've been robbed.

My gas.

Siphoning it. Right out of the tank.

It was a red Camaro.

146 ILS.

Punch!

Which way to go?

That way.

Bye.

You all right?

Yeah. You better move it or by the time you back down off this truck, you could

be in Alaska.

All right, so move it up.

Siphoning gas from a state vehicle is a heavy wrap, you know that?

This vehicle's not in use.

Fuel in vehicles not in use evaporates. Evaporation causes waste, okay?

Hey, you're really on top of things, aren't you?

Yeah, I try to.

Hey, Harlan, check out my motor, would you please? I gave it a pretty rough

ride today.

Yeah, I'm not surprised.

Hey, John, you ever get a line on the truck that did that damage to the

sergeant's machine?

Harlan, there was a man on that machine.

Yeah, I know. Gutierre.

Covering quickly, or so I understand from Sergeant Chapman.

Oh, yeah, I forgot about Chapman.

I didn't.

Hey, Harlan, next time, why don't you try a dash of vermouth in an olive?

Irrational, huh?

Beat my socks off, huh?

All right, yeah, something like that.

You know, Sarge, I've been thinking.

Good. Thank you for calling to my attention.

Oh, Gutierre, now him. Same endearing charms.

What's your problem, Poncharella?

Hey, no problem. Just an idea.

A challenge match.

Roller hockey.

You guys from West L.A. against a team of us from Central. Not the kids.

Cops against cops.

You got some paperwork to do?

Some, yeah. Go do it.

Well, John, it's just like you said. He wouldn't go for it.

I said?

Yeah, you said that the West L.A. guys were too soft. Yeah, that's what I think

you said.

Come in, Beth.

It's open. I'll be right with you.

Find a place for your things.

Hi. Hi.

You look terrific. Thanks.

Listen, now you get comfortable and prepare to enjoy.

You said we were going to a football game.

Hey, wait a minute. I didn't say going to.

What I said was taking in.

I don't believe in fighting traffic, fighting the crowds. What I do believe

in is privacy and comfort.

Now you sit down, and I'll be right back.

Ta-da.

You mean the game is on TV?

And we got the best seats in the stadium.

Hot dogs on the stove, buns in the oven, and gobs of fresh hot buttered popcorn.

You really make me feel like something special.

Well, you are.

Yeah, but before we get to the hot dogs, I just got to tell you, we don't play

favorites at the station.

What does that mean?

Gasoline.

If that's what this is all about.

Beth. This has nothing to do with gasoline.

We take our chances like everybody else. Odd or even.

Odd. And we ask no special favors.

Day after tomorrow?

Right.

I mean, sure, it helps to know when a station is opening up, what time the

line starts to form.

That way we get there early, don't have to wait too long.

So we can go out where we're needed, out on patrol.

Be there at 5.30.

Only because you're irresistible.

Salty.

Oh,

I was getting worried.

I thought you might be asleep or something. You weren't in bed, were you?

I got company, Artie.

Oh, I can dig it.

Listen, I won't come in. I just wanted to drop this off.

A rule book?

A complete guide to roller hockey.

I know it's been some time since you played, and, well, a bad call could cost

the kids the game.

Good night, Grossing. And remember, if you're not sure about something, just

look over at me.

You're a real human being.

Good night.

First down, goal to go.

Amen.

Just hold it right there.

What do you think you're doing?

You weren't expecting a delivery, sir? No, and you don't deliver with a suction

hose either.

I'm asking you, what are you doing?

Told the sheriff everything I know.

I've been sleeping here every night.

Last night I went home for dinner. Took a nap.

How much gas I get?

Oh, just about 200 gallons is all.

I got here just about the time they started.

Look, do you notice anything special about the truck?

I mean, was the rear end fire blackened?

Well, rear end of the truck.

That's the last thing I saw.

No, no fire blackening.

Just the intake hose dragging, spilling gas, my gas, and a mudguard missing.

Mudguard?

Right here inside?

Yeah, why?

In our business, we call that a clue.

Not the baby that hit Steve's car

The gas fumes, this car could blow any minute.

Come on.

You better let him take you to the hospital.

I'm okay.

It was just those gas fumes.

I felt myself passing out, but, like, I was paralyzed.

Couldn't help myself.

How's my car?

It's a total loss.

I better let him take me to the hospital.

Didn't anybody ever tell you about carrying gasoline in your car like that?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

I learned my lesson.

Two hits a night in a well-defined area.

All in county territory.

Which means these gasoline banners belong to the sheriff or to us.

I hope you guys don't let the sheriff beat you to it.

I thought you said he'd be out for a month.

Well, you know me.

I'm an optimist.

Did you pay attention to your supervisor?

Hey, watch it, Sarge. You may aggravate your condition.

Okay.

Now, there might be more trucks involved, but there's one we can't

identify. No matter what color it is or what lettering is on it.

Chained mudguards.

One missing, one new, both new.

Evidence of front-end damage.

And don't be impressed by authentic-looking documents.

Do you want to take this over, Sergeant?

Uh, no, no, I'm... I'm sorry.

I'm sick.

I was thinking, though, that the, uh... crooks won't hit the same station twice,

but, uh... I'm sure you're going to point that out.

Thank you.

Concentrate on the independents.

Any dealer who's got plenty of gas is either a customer of the crooks or is a

guy who's going to get himself pretty soon.

Anything else? Anybody?

Yeah, they tried to rob Steve Barr's station last night. Only got 200 gallons

now. Either today, tonight, or maybe tomorrow morning, one of the customers

is going to be low on gas or run out of gas.

Fine, Baker. Thank you.

Now for the lighter side.

How many off-duty are going to the roller hockey match?

All right, all right.

As your substitute supervisor, we'll all agree on friendly, fair, and

understanding.

But at the hockey match, forget it.

West L.A. is my team, and we're gonna stomp you. Come on, give me a break.

That's close.

That's all.

No applause.

That's it.

Suppose you read that rule book I gave you.

Yeah, page 18, paragraph 2, section 23.

Any attempt by a coach to influence an official in his favor shall result in

forfeit of the game.

Oh.

It says that?

Mm-hmm.

Poncherello. Yeah?

You're gonna be the referee.

I thought you might want to glance at a rule book before the match.

Gee, thanks, Arch.

And during the game, if you have any doubts about a call, just glance over at

me. I'll set you straight, okay?

Yeah, sure.

Hi, Grossy. Hey, you better keep an eye on that number eight. He has a tendency

to high stick a lot.

I know the kid. He's the league's leading scorer.

You know that, huh?

Hey, you coach, and I'll referee.

I saw you give my star player the eye.

I don't want any favoritism here.

Hey, go to your bench.

Listen to me a minute. No, coach.

Here, you listen to me. Says so in the rule book.

No score, no-

It was a good call. It was a good call. The stick was high.

Come on, wake up. Beth is here.

Beth is here? Where?

Where?

Come on.

She's going to open up the station, all right?

Good. I'm awake.

There's a few things I want to say to her.

Hey, Beth.

You know, it's almost 7 o'clock.

Yeah, hi. That's when I open. See the sign?

I asked you what time to get here so we could be at the head of the line. You

said 5.30.

Right.

Well, we're here. Tell me, Beth, how many other people did you say that to,

huh? I told you, all my friends. I just don't play favorites.

She made a bad call.

Two coffees, please.

5.30. Fine thing. Hot dogs, buttered popcorn.

Wasted. Wasted.

Stick was high. They want impartial, they get impartial.

Thank you.

Look at that line. Two blocks long.

Bad call, partner.

5.30.

I mean, you can't bounce the puck for a goal, man. I don't know what Grossi's so

sore about.

I didn't want our kids to lose either.

Ponch, you're right there on top of the action. You made the call you believe

in, right? I mean, that's over.

What Grossi thinks or what I think, what anybody else, it doesn't make a bit of

difference, right?

Wrong. It makes a difference.

It looks like that guy changes business hours rather quickly.

Like maybe he expected a delivery that didn't get there. It's worth watching.

Hey,

not guilty.

I have been certified to sit at my desk as of tomorrow, so Dan will be going

back to West L.A.

Oh, I hate tearful partings.

About that hockey game, you made a good call. It got your team at least a tie.

You showed me something.

Here, here.

Gee, Sarge, I thought you were gonna say something about accepting the challenge.

What challenge?

Cops against cops, remember?

Your West L.A. guys keep yelling, uh, we won. They didn't win, the kids won.

They want to win, let them try.

Them against us.

Love it.

I love it.

Dan, uh, that's a challenge.

That could get rough.

It might cause hard feelings.

Hey, nobody's gonna feel any worse than I have since I had to deny our kids that

goal. If we can be sure of getting a fair shake.

Well, it depends on the referee, sir. You said you had someone.

If I may, when Ponch made that call, and the kids all know it, Ponch, He proved

to me you can't find a better referee.

No, no.

Poncherello said he could skate my socks off.

If we play, he plays.

Well, then let him pick the ref.

All right.

If you come up with someone we can all agree upon, we accept the challenge.

You got it.

Baker, I ran a check on Carl's usurped gas station.

Shady operation.

We put a stakeout on it, and that was nice work.

Sorry we had to miss you yesterday, Carl.

The old days, sorry, get you a concrete overcoat.

I'll take it all.

LA-15, Special Unit 1.

I think we've got a live one at my 10-20. Any unit in the vicinity respond

to Special Unit 1's request for backup at Carl's, you sir.

Dyer Avenue at floor sand.

Special 1, Mary 3 and 4 approaching on Dyer. Three miles east of you. Come in

on Channel 2.

Gary, all day yesterday I was closed.

You didn't deliver, you cost me a bundle.

I'm buying you off at four bits a gallon.

Slim, shut it down.

How many cents is the price?

50 cents or nothing.

Slim, shut it down.

Hey, what are you doing? Hey, I said he's trying to dance.

Come on, come on.

Four bits is plenty.

What the?

Hey, hey, wait a minute, you guys.

Come on.

Special Unit 1, I think the tanker's about to leave, John. You better crank

it up.

10-4, Cindy. We'll take the truck. You take the station.

What gas did you dump?

Close to 500.

Okay. We got 3,500 left.

I'm gonna sell them at my price tonight.

Right.

Looks like we got cops.

It's just my shoulder. Let's get out of here.

Hey, it's okay. No problem.

Come on, tell me the truth. Is the shoulder all right?

You really care, don't you, huh?

Of course I care.

Can't swing a hockey stick with a busted shoulder.

You look pretty good yourself, ref.

I think he likes your referee.

They all do.

Hey, that's the trouble with Beth.

She's too impartial.