Original subtitles

This is the city.

Los Angeles, California.

I work here.

I carry a badge.

The story you are about you see is true.

The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

It was Wednesday, March 5th.

It was warm in Los Angeles.

We were working the night watch out of Administrative Vice Division.

The boss is Captain Nelson.

My partner is Bill Gannon.

My name is Friday.

Captain Nelson had received a call from the manager of a large downtown hotel.

The manager, a Mr. Green, reported that a number of his guests had been

heavy losers in the high stakes poker game being run by professional gamblers.

The card parlor was a Los Angeles residence.

The victims, all strangers in town had no idea where the house was located.

Yeah, they dropped a little dough, didn't they?

$5,000, $4,700, $3,350.

It was almost 20 grand, probably a lot more the hotel manager didn't hear about.

What kind of convention is it, Captain?

A bunch of farm equipment dealers from the Middle West.

The manager says they're money heavy, get

to gather once a year for a big celebration.

- Yeah, that farm equipment business is sure booming. - Is that so?

You guys priced hay baler recently or a mechanical cotton picker?

- Well, I haven't. - It costs you a fortune.

- Is that so? - I checked it out last night.

- Where did you check it out? - My seed catalogs.

I get two or three every year about this time through the mail.

The victims all described the location the same way:

a steep hill, a narrow street, a lot of turns.

Nobody's sure which direction or how far the house is from the hotel.

They drove them around in circles, no doubt, going on common.

And they'd probably had a few. I'm surprised they remember as much as they do.

- What about the house itself? - Modern.

One of those kind of leave our jobs, sticks out of our 500 feet or nothing.

- Hollywood Hills maybe. - More than likely but I want to know.

Find that game and sit in on it and then bust it and quit.

Looks like we're delegates to a convention.

Right. Figure out a cover story then check in at the hotel.

It's packed but the manager said he'd find you a room.

He'll give you the proper credentials. We'll arrange a meet later.

The taxpayers came up with this, gambling money if you find any action.

3,000 bucks and I want most of it back.

- Yes, sir. - You mentioned some shills.

That's the one thing the victims aren't complaining about.

How many girls are they working?

Several. They make their contacts in a hotel bar, different girls every night.

- One more thing, gambling in a big city is like cancer. - Yes, sir.

Clap a lead on this thing before it spreads.

7:30 p.m.

Bill and I, posing as prospective buyers of farm

equipment checked into the hotel.

Our credentials would state that we were observers only at the dealer's convention.

- I hope you gentlemen have reservation. - Yes, sir, we do.

Ryan and Frazier, Porterville, California.

Oh, yes, I was told to expect you. You're preregistered, gentlemen, in Room 726.

- Thank you. - I hope you won't be too uncomfortable.

- It's all we had left. - I beg your pardon?

Room 726, right next to the elevator shaft.

Excuse me, gentlemen. I'm Tom Arbyrd, Kennette, Missouri.

Do you fellows farm for a living?

Oh, a little bit when we're not drinking whiskey or playing cards.

- I'm Bill Ryan. - Pleased to meet you, Bill.

- This is my partner, Joe Frazier. - Frazier?

- How are you? - Are you a salesman, Tom?

Yep. Thunder Tractors, the finest machines ever built.

- Wouldn't have one on the place. - Ah, are you sure you're a farmer, Bill?

Do you ever hear of California Oranges?

- Sure. - I invented them.

We came down here to look at some farm equipment.

We'd like to talk to you a little later.

Well, anytime. I'll be in the bar.

- Sounds fine. - Great.

Thunder Tractors.

- Uh-oh. - What's the matter?

Fresh fruit, my allergy.

Oh, I didn't know about that one.

Oh, sure, I get hives from just reading my seed catalogs.

- Do me a favor, will you, Joe? - What's that?

Just put it in the bathroom.

I don't dare touch it, you know.

Well, that kind of tears our cover story, doesn't it?

- What do you mean? - Well, a farmer who's allergic to fresh fruit.

Just put it in the bathroom, will you, Joe?

What was that, an earthquake?

What was that? What was that? I dropped my toothbrush.

That was the elevator, Joe, like the man told you. We're right next to the shaft.

And that's the telephone, Joe.

Bill Ryan.

Yes, sir, we got in a few minutes ago.

It's Mr. Green, the hotel manager. He wants to know if he can come up.

Anytime.

Sure, anytime, Mr. Green. Right.

Oh, by the way, we've got a basket of fruit in the bathroom.

Right. My partner put it in there.

As a rule, no.

Yes, sir. I appreciate it very much.

What was that all about?

Well, you know, Mr. Green sent that basket of

fruit up to the room as a gift for you and he...

I know, I know. I saw his card.

Mm-hmm. He thinks you're kind of eccentric.

8:30 p.m.

Bill and I headed the hotel bar

where we hoped to make contact with the shill from the poker game.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Oh, I thought we'd have to find our way in here.

- Yeah, where is everybody? - Read your program.

There's a big banquet upstairs.

- When did we eat last? - Eating we can do at home.

Give me a double scotch on the rocks, splash of water.

Make it a pair and the young lady, make her happy too.

Yes, sir.

Boy, oh, boy.

Easy, pal. You're a happily married man.

- You know that for a fact. - Yes, I know that for a fact.

Yes, you know that for a fact. I got the greatest wife in the world.

I wouldn't trade her for a million bucks.

But that blonde is a pretty girl too.

She'll do.

It reminds of a gal I used to go with.

- Before you were married? - Of course, before I was married.

Margot was a magnificent.

Heck of a good little actress, blond hair, green eyes, built like Theda Bara.

We had a real thing going there.

What happened?

I raided her theater one night. I had to haul her in.

- I see. - Yeah, she was a headliner. I was a cop.

- Too bad. - Same old story, Joe.

What's that?

Career conflict.

From the gentlemen next door.

Thank you.

Thank him.

To the first friendly face we've seen in L.A.

To Margot.

You know, he gets worse if you pay any attention to him.

I'll remember that. I'm Dottie Taylor.

Joe Frazier.

Missouri, Kansas, or Arkansas?

California. We raise orange juice.

Aren't you at the wrong convention?

Any conventional will do sweetheart, as long as it's out-of-town, right, Joe?

Yeah, at least one mile.

Meet the brains of this outfit. Bill Ryan.

Hi, Bill. Where in California?

Porterville, great place if you're an orange.

I bet you've got quite a reputation there.

Shrewd businessman, lousy poker player, married, but right now I'm not at home.

Should we ditch this guy?

I'll think about it.

- Bartender. - Why so formal?

- My name is Harry. - I'm Joe, Harry. Buy the bar a drink.

What are you celebrating?

The smile.

12:30 a.m.

If Dorothy Taylor was shilling for the poker game, she kept it a secret.

The only action she claimed to know about was in the hotel bar.

Come here.

You want to go to Vegas?

I was just going to say that a girl could get in trouble in here.

Right, let's go someplace else.

I know, wherever there's a card game.

Or a crap table. I'm very big with dice, you know.

Is that why you gamble, Joe, to feel big?

You know I never really thought about it.

- You're lying. - I know.

You guys are running me out of change.

Haven't you ever seen $100 bill?

I saw one about a year ago but not two in one night.

The orange business must be good.

The orange business is lousy. Ask Tom here.

- He's right. - See that. I told you.

- Told me what? - You can be nice when you want to be.

I think you're a phony, Ryan.

That calls for an explanation, Mr. Arbyrd.

You said that you and your partner were down here from Porterville

to buy some equipment. Isn't that what you said?

That's exactly what I said.

But every time I start trying to talk equipment, you change the subject.

That set me to thinking.

- Is that so? - Yes, sir.

- And I don't believe a word of it. - Now, wait a minute, Tom.

It's all right, Harry. Let him sound off. Just what do you believe, Mr. Arbyrd?

I'll tell you what I believe.

You and your partner don't have any notion in this world

of buying a tractor or anything else.

You're down here to gamble and drink whiskey and chase women... period.

Now, ain't that right?

What do you think, partner?

Well, you can't hit a man for telling the truth, can you?

Of course, I can't. I apologize, Tom. You're absolutely right.

Spoken like a real gentleman.

- Now, I want to say something. - Speak up.

- I'll buy a drink. - And I'll drink and he'll help.

On that friendly little note, I'll say goodnight.

Well, what's your hurry?

I go to work early. It's almost one o'clock.

What do you do?

You might like it but you wouldn't understand it so why talk about it.

Now, with a statement like that, do you expect me to let you go?

Gamblers make lousy lovers, Joe.

I may kill myself.

- Please don't. - You talk me out of it.

I've had ball, Joe, and thanks for the drinks.

Anytime.

So long, farmer.

So long, lady.

- Hey, where is she going? - I don't know. She didn't say.

Just when I was fixing to rescue her.

Well, maybe she got wind of your plans.

You sure let a nice one get away there, Joe.

- Yeah, do you know her? - I never saw her before.

Come here.

I want to ask you something, Harry.

- Let me guess. You're looking for action, right? - Keep talking.

You're going to ask me if I know where there's a poker game, high stakes, right?

You just made yourself 20 bucks.

- Don't reach for it, pal. - Why not?

Because the answer is no, my friend.

Is that so?

Poker may be legal where you come from, but in L.A.

it's against the law.

2:10 a.m.

The hotel bar was closed.

Bill and I returned to our room.

You really struck out there, didn't you?

Oh, I don't know. I'm not so sure.

What do you mean you're not so sure? She walked out on you, didn't she?

- Yeah, she did. - You just can't admit defeat, can you, buddy?

I guess I'll have to.

Boy, she sure reminded me of Margot,

same hair, same eyes, same build.

Yeah, I know. You told me.

I wish we had a deck of cards.

- Why? - I'm rusty, that's why.

When was the last time you played poker?

I mean when you weren't on a case.

In the army and that was a long time ago.

That's what I figured. In my bag, right on top there.

I don't know what you'd do without me.

Poker according to Hoyle.

I must say you think of everything.

I try, Joe. I try.

Yes, sir, she's probably the best lead we'll get and you really struck out.

Bill Ryan.

Oh, hi, honey. Yeah, he's here.

- It's for you. - Dottie?

Why, no, the Queen of England.

Hello.

Yeah, lady.

No, it's not too late for us.

Yeah. In about five minutes?

We'll be right down.

- Anything? - We got the nod.

We're invited to a game.

2:20 a.m.

Dorothy Taylor picked Bill and me up in front of the hotel.

She said the reason she hadn't invited us to the game before

is that it had to be cleared with her boss.

We drove in a westerly direction from downtown L.A.

2:45 a.m.

After a roundabout trip we arrived at 702

South Dixieland Road up in the Hollywood Hills.

- Let me do that for you. - Thanks.

- I am the keeper of the key. - House rules.

- Just trying to help. - Don't worry, you helped.

I did?

You brought your money, didn't you?

Not nearly as much as I plan to take away.

Gamblers.

Where is your lookout?

Why?

Well, it's customary, isn't it?

It's a friendly little game in a private residence.

- Now, why do we need with the lookout? - Tell him the rest of it.

You were personally selected. Is that what you mean?

That's what I mean.

Boy, were you personally selected.

The door, lady.

After you, gentlemen.

That's what I love, the sound of a friendly little game.

Go ahead, they're open.

Well, aren't you going to wish me luck?

I hope you lose your shirt.

Well, thank you, lady.

Well, if it ain't the gentlemen farmers.

- Old home week. - Yeah.

You wanted Vegas, here it is.

Not bad. Booze, dice, poker, dames.

I must be dreaming.

For the philandering farmer, what more could you ask for?

- Privacy. - Oh, we guarantee that too.

No connection with the outside world, not even a telephone.

Now, we'll get some action.

- Hiya, boys. - How are you?

Now, what can I build you? The usual?

Oh, here they are, the big butter and egg man.

Hello, Harry, Tom.

Drinking afterhours doesn't improve your disposition a bit, does it?

- I keep trying. - Good. Let me help you.

Give us all a round here, Harry, and one for yourself.

Now, how do you think you're going buy with that?

Booze. Any objections?

It means prices went up pal, at two o'clock.

- Details. - Anything you want. Three bucks a copy.

Do you have any coffee around here?

Follow me.

I'll handle it.

Well, how do you like it so far?

You should have told me and I brought some more loot.

I did tell you.

Sure, I get a phone call at 2:00 in the morning from a girl I've just met.

She invites me to a big game.

I fill my pockets with dough, walk out of my hotel,

and somebody sticks a gun in my back. No, thanks.

- Inspirational. - What is?

The way you trust me. I'm disappointed.

Why? You get a percentage.

I should be so lucky.

While the convention lasts I got a job, period.

I'm a wage slave.

Something you wouldn't understand.

Don't bet on it. Who's the boss?

The guy at the card table and the game is

straight, by the way, in case you're wondering.

- Well, I hope he's loaded. - Don't worry, friend. You won't break him.

- I might surprise you. - With no bread, how?

- With a little bread. - Oh, I get it.

- Tomorrow night you make the big killing, right? - That's it.

You'll be scared to death.

4:00 a.m.

Bill's luck with the dice was only fair.

A number of the players were losing heavily.

There were no big winners.

I took a seat at the poker table.

The game was five-card draw.

The dealer who called himself Nate was informed

by Dorothy that Bill and I were eager for

more and bigger action the following evening.

I began to win.

On the fifth hand, I discovered why.

The cards were marked.

Anymore room in that cigar box of yours?

Always.

What column and how many?

Well, give me 10 to lose.

There you are, $200.

- Thanks. - I'm glad to oblige.

Jacks are better, gentlemen. Who's got them?

I'll go light. Twenty bucks.

- Joe? - Let's kick it five more.

It cost you $25. Nebraska, what do you say?

I'm plowed under.

Kansas?

How much power you got there, Joe?

I am A bomb. Try me.

5:30 a.m.

With daylight approaching, the action was suspended.

We were asked to leave.

How about some breakfast?

I hope you can pick up the tab.

What's the matter, champ? They clean you out?

500 bucks worth.

- Well, the firm is still solvent, isn't it? - Ah, let's get some food.

Thanks but I rather sleep after I drop you two off at the hotel.

Gentlemen, shall we say midnight tonight?

- Fine. - It suits me.

See you later.

- Nice fellow. - Real lovable.

Only I wouldn't want him mad at me.

What's the matter? The gun bother you?

- You don't miss much, do you? - We try not to.

I'll tell you something maybe you don't know.

What's that?

He knows how to use it.

7:00 a.m.

Captain Nelson came over at the hotel.

We discussed plans for an early morning raid at the house on Dixieland Road.

We'll be in position at 12:45 a.m.

Now, when we get your signal&

What is that?

The elevator, Captain, right next door.

Next up, wait till you hear it down?

They could've felt that in Tokyo.

Now, where were we?

- The signal. - Oh, yeah.

Are you sure they don't use a lookout?

No, sir, we didn't see any. The girl says no and I believe her.

She also told you that the games were straight.

- She thinks they are. - Okay.

Now, the signal.

There's a service entrance in the kitchen.

I'll hit the porch light a couple or three times.

Now, that's the best way for you to come in.

They keep the front pretty well locked up.

Good. Now, what's the story on the dice, Bill?

We have been saved. From the way they fall, I'd say about 40,000.

Stiffs roller flats, house man the squares, and I'm a Joe, that girl doesn't know.

Okay, then we're all set. I'll see you tonight.

You know, I was just thinking... no, I guess not.

What's that, Captain?

I was going to wish you a good night sleep.

Midnight, we returned to the Hollywood Hills residence.

12:35 a.m.

Nate Calvin, employing several different sets

of marked cards had relieved me of more than

$1,000 that belonged to the taxpayers of Los Angeles.

- I'm curious, Joe. - I'll bet you are.

Another 100 and I call.

Ace high, straight.

- Mmm, you aren't kidding. - But I'm standing short, huh?

Afraid so.

- Four 6's. - Something told me.

I'm glad you aren't listening.

You're in a rut, Frazier.

- Yeah. - Where are you going?

Coffee.

Keep your seat. Harry will get it for you.

I'm not going broke fast enough for you, is that it?

- Coffee is in the kitchen. - I'll manage.

- Too bad. - How do you like that?

- Pitiful. - I need a drink too.

I'll stick with coffee.

Let me have one of those three downer specials of yours.

Yes, sir.

Surely I bet you don't farm any better than you roll those dice.

- I like to think so. - And a pig's eye.

What'd you say?

Tell the truth, Ryan, you never have even been on a farm, have you?

- Is that what you think? - Yeah, and something else.

You gamble like I slop hogs.

Ryan, just how do you make your living?

- Harry? - Yes, sir.

For two nights now I've had a bug in my ear and it's starting to bother me.

Is that right?

Yeah, and if somebody doesn't make it stop buzzing real quick-like,

I'm going to pull it out and stomp on it.

Is that clear?

- Hi, Joe. - Hi, lady.

Did you miss me? I've been out rounding up customers.

I bet you didn't know I was gone.

You know, I was kind of hoping you weren't coming back.

Well, thanks, pal.

Well, you're a distracting influence.

- I am, huh? - You are.

- Good. That's what they pay me for. - I know.

- Dottie, Nate wants to see you. - I'll be right out.

- Wait for me, huh? - Sure.

That's an old American invention called the porch light.

Yeah, I know. I just figured that out.

Nate's getting nervous.

- About what? - You.

Let him.

Oh, come on, honey.

You don't want to get me in trouble, do you?

Well, do you?

No.

12:55 a.m.

Captain Nelson and the raiding party arrived.

All right, everybody, police officers.

Stay right where you are.

Don't move around and keep your hands in plain sight where we can see them.

You're all under arrest. Now, stay put! Don't move around! Hold your places.

Hey, this is a private residence.

We're entitled to play a little cards.

Sit back down on a chair! Come on, move.

The rest of you keep those hands in plain sight where I can see them.

- You got to be kidding. - Oh, real easy, Nate.

I wonder how that got there. - Maybe it came with the sport coat.

- All right on your feet. - Ryan, you're a cop too?

- That's right. - I knew it.

I knew it the first time I laid eyes on you.

Farmer, in a pig's eye.

- Mr. Arbyrd. - What?

Shut up.

Congratulations. That's one way to get your money back.

- The only way, Nate. - How about mine?

- Are you a taxpayer? - Yeah, why?

Then you got money in here too along with about three million other people.

Well, what do you know? I kissed a cop.

I don't like cheaters, Joe.

With or without a badge?

Both.

What about the guy the guy you're working for?

What do you mean?

Take a look at these, the top four cards.

- Do you know what they are? - How would I?

Ace of hearts, 10 of clubs,

jack of spades, five of diamonds.

How did you know?

The floral design, the upper left-hand corner there's a series of dots.

Look close.

They're so tiny.

Yeah, but big enough, right, Nate?

Real brainy, ain't I?

Well, you're a big girl.

It's my own fault.

I saw dollar signs in front of my eyes instead of spots.

You're not the only one.

What will they do to me, Joe?

I wouldn't know. That's not my department.

I hate it. I've always hated it.

Then why didn't you get out?

I tried. Believe me, Joe. I tried to get out.

Well, you finally made it.

The suspect was found guilty of grand theft by trick or device

and unauthorized possession of a deadly weapon which is

punishable by imprisonment in the State Prison for not less

than one year nor more than 10 years.

Dorothy Taylor was found guilty of violating gambling laws,

which is a misdemeanor and was fined the sum of $40

and placed on probation for a period of one year.

All others including patrons of the gambling establishment

were found guilty of the same misdemeanor

and were fined and placed on probation.