09x17 - The Two Million Dollar Hit

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI.."

A Quinn Martin Production.

[music continues]

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr..

Also starring Philip Abbott..

...and Shelly Novack.

With guest stars, Henry Silva..

Burr DeBenning..

Jack Ging..

Norman Alden..

Special guest star, Sharon Farrell.

Tonight's episode, "The Two Million Dollar Hit."

[instrumental music]

Come on, are you guys on double time or something?

We're ten minutes late now.

That's the last of it coming on now.

That's it.

Alright, let's go.

See you guys later.

Oh.

Hey, you, uh, you got any beer onboard here

for the common man?

Sure. And a leggy hostess to serve.

[chuckling]

About that low pressure build-up to the south.

Roger.

Stan, reset your altimeter to two-niner-point-5-6.

[man on radio] '101, this is the Alpha.'

'You're clear for immediate take off.'

Roger, Tom.

We're running late.

Oh, Selwyn!

Hey, you want to know something funny?

This is the first time I've ever been up in an airplane.

Is that right?

Well, you're gonna be in for quite a surprise.

Here, put this on.

Why do you want me to put a parachute on for?

Now, you wouldn't want to be

leaving this plane without it, would you?

[chuckles]

[shouting]

Oh! Oh, please, for God's sake I'll be k*lled.

Selwyn, make it snappy back there.

I want him bailing out in 30 seconds.

[intense music]

[indistinct chatter]

No! No! Please, no!

No! No! Don't do this to me!

[indistinct]

[indistinct]

Everything okay?

[laughing]

A two million dollar hit!

[laughing]

[theme music]

[male narrator] On August 28th, traveler's checks

in the amount of $20 million destined for a Far Eastern Bank

were hijacked at the Denver airport cargo terminal.

Within a matter of minutes, it was established

the plane have crossed the state line

and the FBI immediately entered the case.

We have some additional information

coming in now, Lewis.

Now, the aircraft was originally scheduled

to refuel at San Francisco.

The fuel board limiting it to a 1500 mile range.

The serial numbers on the stolen traveler's checks

have been entered into the NCIC.

Anything new on the plane's heading?

Nothing since Denver reported a drop below radar

crossing into Wyoming.

Uh, we're leaving Reno now.

I'll call you when we get to Denver.

[intense music]

Gonna get there alive?

Gotta fly low.

Can't take a chance of being spotted by another plane.

We're gonna wake up every farmer in the territory.

Yup. Gonna make in calls to the local sheriffs.

Now, we're gonna start zagging to the south.

Just this side of the bighorns.

I think the-the chin ought to be a little broader.

It was broader like, you know, like a prizefighter

or a football player, he had strong chin.

What about the other two men?

Any, uh, distinguishing features?

No, inspector, I tell you, I was, I was so scared..

There's another guy, but I couldn't tell you

what he looked like.

But this one guy, that one that he's drawing there

he, uh, he was with me the whole time

we were loading that airplane

and I got a good look at his face.

Uh, if I was to ever see it again, I'd recognize him.

Anything unusual about their speech?

Excuse me, make that hair a-a lot heavier and kinky

'and-and-and lot long over his ears.'

It's kind of like them fellows who are wearin' it today.

I'm sorry, you-you said somebody's speech?

- Yeah. - Uh..

No, nothing unusual that I noticed.

No, no names used?

No, there were no names.

I'll tell you one thing, I think they really enjoyed throwing me

out of that airplane, I don't think they'd give a darn

whether that parachute opened or not.

[chuckles] I-I, oh, I'd never been so scared in all my life.

Now, that's-that's getting real close.

'That's-that's right there.'

'That's right on it.'

Alright, see that the bureau gets it by telecopier.

Thanks, Mr. Worth. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

Maybe they didn't make it.

You hopin'?

I had a right to know that your boyfriend was stealing a plane.

The only right you've got is a 10,000 cash paid in advance.

You know what they're passing out for stealing planes?

It's a rough rap.

How did someone ever pick you anyway?

[motorcycles revving]

I'll handle them.

You touch a g*n, and I'm hauling my van out of here.

Hi. Uh, you got trouble?

Just stretching our legs.

Yeah.

How's the trip been?

Hot. Been lucking out missing the storms.

Staying ahead of 'em.

Thanks for stopping.

Are you sure you don't need any help?

Nothing. Keep lucking out.

Thanks.

[engine starts]

[engine revving]

Is that all you could think of to say is, "Yeah?"

They should be touching down by now.

Where are they?

[instrumental music]

The landing strip is just over the next bridge.

Look, all in hundred denominations.

Yeah, I'll need 'em as samples.

Where is he goin'?

I don't know. Maybe an emergency landing.

[intense music]

[music continues]

- Hello, beautiful. - Hi.

Get behind that wheel until you hit Canyon Road south.

[sighs]

We had a couple of bikes go by.

I know, I saw them when I was flying over.

Hey! Move it!

[intense music]

Looks like they're gonna start using this whole field again.

- Ready? - Yeah.

Hey, what do you think?

Well, maybe she meant they were stretching their legs

waiting for the plane.

- I don't know. It looks funny. - Yeah, it does.

[all] Wooh!

And he said, "Where do you think

you're going to park that crate?"

So he says, he's like a..

and he believed him.

He actually believed him.

Hey, you know what? They're just getting the work done better.

What about those kids on those bikes?

Redford Lake is their nearest phone.

That's an hour away.

Now, can't you get any more out of this van?

Not the way it's loaded down.

Uh, 30 more hours to go.

Underway and dividing two million.

- Let's go! - Let's go!

Two million? That's what this haul is worth?

Hey, keep your eyes on the road.

Talk about the weather from here on in.

- Money in those cartons? - Yeah.

- All two dollar bills. - He's a real prize.

Threatened to run off with the van before.

If I hear any talks from you that I don't like

I'll shut you up permanently.

That understood?

Now, jam that pedal to the floor.

[instrumental music]

- Hello, sheriff. - 'Inspector.'

Well, they couldn't have selected a better spot.

There's a lot of roads leading out of here.

From the time we got the call, I'd say that van was

oh, had a 80 or maybe a 100 mile head start.

Oh. You've alerted all police agencies?

All within minutes of those kids reporting it over there.

But like I say, uh, they could have a 100 mile edge.

I doubt they're gonna take that van a 100 miles.

There's too much chance of being spotted.

Ah, we'll keep in touch, sheriff.

Pass on anything we can.

Fine, inspector.

I'm Inspector Erskine, FBI. Special Agent Daniels.

Tell us about the couple you saw over the van.

Well, she was really built. I noticed that.

What else did you notice?

Well, the guy was nervous.

I believe you reported they headed south?

Yeah.

How long did you watch them?

Well, not too long.

In fact, they were out of sight in a minute.

We said south 'cause you-you could see the dust.

- Way down there. - Oh.

- Thank you. - Thanks a lot.

You're welcome.

Lewis, the artist conception you mailed

to our West Coast offices may have paid dividends.

One of our Los Angeles agents noticed a close resemblance

to and ex-convict living in the Portland area named Ron Selwyn.

Selwyn.

Wasn't he part of the San Pedro ring

that smuggled aircraft parts into Latin America?

Right. The same.

And he's got a flight engineer's rating.

When he was released from prison

he was living with a cousin

named Alfred Garrison in Portland.

So Garrison ought to be worth talking to.

You know, Arthur, I was just thinking.

There's a woman involved here.

From her description, she could be the one

that was convicted with Selwyn.

Lee Thomas.

That means that same rank could be back in operation.

Stanley Chasen's a former commercial pilot.

So that would fit.

I'm gonna wire all their pictures

into Portland and Denver.

You ought to be congratulated, Mr. Chasen.

You too, Ms. Thomas.

Thanks. Let's talk about hard cash. Is it ready?

Hundred denominations?

All 20 million of it.

Problem not insurmountable.

Simply better if they'd been in 10 and 20 denominations.

Nobody blinks an eye cashing a $100 traveler's check.

Except I have to use different people

working with higher denominations.

A higher percentage is demanded.

Meaning, less on this end.

How much less?

Well, my agreement to purchase the entire cargo still stands.

Cash will be waiting at my warehouse tomorrow.

'Arrive shortly after 12 o'clock'

'when the workmen will have left.'

How much less?

I was in contact with Hong Kong only this morning

and there are radical fluctuations in bank paper.

Skip the snow job.

What's on net?

One half million dollars.

Not an insubstantial sum, even in these days of inflation.

You miserable double-crosser.

You guaranteed ten percent cash on the line for bank paper.

We have two million coming.

Stan, let him go, or we may not have a buyer.

You do well to listen to such advice, Mr. Chase.

It took us six months to set this up.

Six months, and over $30,000 in expenses.

In this business, Ms. Thomas

there are forever uncertainties.

You agreed to ten percent when I'd told you

what we had planned.

I can only offer my apologies for your disappointment.

Between currency fluctuations, higher expenses.

I had two banks to finance this job.

Mr. Chasen, my own profit has been equally scaled down.

Forty-eight hours.

From the time that shipman hits the Hong Kong dock

that paper will be peddling a dozen countries at face value.

I'm told what the market offers.

I accept or reject.

You have the same option, Mr. Chasen.

All other items have been taken care of.

There are four passports and your ticket.

You'll have that half million waiting in your warehouse.

One minute past noon. Tomorrow.

Stan, he knows he has us.

He knows we can't change plans at this stage.

You're gross at least five million

if that boat hits Hong Kong.

And we'll get a little better than a $100,000

apiece after expenses.

Ah, there go the big plans.

You're the one who set this up.

Settling down in the Riviera with a million in cash.

The Riviera for how long, two months?

Then planning another job.

[chuckles]

It's like spinning your roulette wheel.

Waiting for the number that says it's back to prison for me.

Look, will you shut up? I'm trying to think.

Ah, don't bother. Chong took you. It's history.

Maybe not.

Maybe our double dealing Mr. Chong will wind up wishing

he had never met me.

Slew. Slew is my cousin. So what?

I haven't seen him in a year. Right, Thelma?

You're telling it.

Well, that's very interesting

because he was living here until two weeks ago.

Listen, I don't want to talk to you.

You got a warrant or something that says I have to talk to you?

Oh, who are you protecting, Al?

What do you owe that creep?

He didn't even pay his rent.

And he conned you out of $800 you'll never even see.

You keep your trap shut.

Big shot here skips the horses in the movies

to save up for a new rough

and then he empties the account for that four flusher.

Go ahead, buster, and I'll brain you with this.

I got to go to work.

Let me look at these.

Yeah. The whole g*ng was here.

They started visiting Selwyn about three months back.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

I'll get these out.

When Selwyn moved out, did he happen to mention

where he was going?

We didn't even get a goodbye. Or not that I care.

You know, I told Al they were up to no good, not to get involved.

I wonder who that bum owes besides us?

Thanks for your help.

[car honking]

- We all set? - Yeah.

Any problems?

Well, it's a snug fit. But they're all in.

- What's your problem? - Our problem, Selwyn.

All we're getting is a half a million instead of two.

You got to be kidding me, Chasen.

We'll talk about it later. Where's Bishop?

No, we'll talk about it now.

We were guaranteed $2 million. In cash.

You're not gonna let that little rat get away with this, are you?

He's not getting away with anything.

Where's Bishop? Why isn't he cutting up this van?

He took his pickup in to town for another tank of gas.

Stan, we got to talk.

In the town for gas this time of night?

You were told not to let him out of your sight.

Well, he's got that girl that worked at that bar

maybe he lied, maybe he's with her.

I gave you an order. Did you wanted in writing?

Get this camper buttoned up and on the road, now.

Now, use the back roads into Seattle.

And stay clear of Chong's place until tomorrow afternoon.

[indistinct chatter]

Look, Richie, over and over again you used to say how

how glad you were because you got probation last time

instead of going to jail.

I was just stupid.

Fixing numbers on a stolen car.

What did you think this was, Richie?

This was crazy.

How did I know? To me, it looked like a good score.

You never learn, do you?

Listen, all they'd had to do is to mention the word hijacking

and I'd still be running.

I got the money that they gave me right here in my pocket.

There's nothing stopping us tonight

from just heading down into California.

We can get married.

Open a decent garage, maybe you run San Francisco.

And what? Close it in six weeks when the cops come after you?

There ain't no way out for me, Ruthy.

Yes, there is, there's one.

You talk to the sheriff.

You didn't steal that plane.

Look, you might have to do some time

but it won't be for the rest of your life.

Ruthy, it ain't that easy.

I got to think.

There's nothing to think about, Richie.

Not for you there isn't.

But you're not the one who'd have to go to jail.

Look..

...if you don't talk to the sheriff..

...I don't want to see you again. Never.

[bell rings]

Give me the sheriff.

[intense music]

Friend of yours?

I was just on my way back to the shed.

Let's go.

Okay.

[music continues]

Go ahead.

Chasen, take it easy.

[chuckling] Hey! No sweat.

[chuckling]

[g*nsh*t]

[intense music]

[tires screeching]

Oh.

I wa..

I was calling the sheriff.

Believe me, inspector, they could be in Canada by now.

Or on their way to Mexico.

You never heard them say where they were going?

No, they were always careful not to say too much around me.

Even when they hired me, I kept asking.

Couldn't find out what it was all about.

All they told me was the cargo had to pass through my garage.

It was Selwyn who first approached you?

He dropped by, asked me how things were going.

I said lousy.

He slips a $100 bill in to my pocket.

"Talking money," he said.

If I didn't like his proposition

bread was still mine.

Did you do anything else to the Camper?

Springs, shocks, gas tank?

You mean, rig it for a long trip, like over rough roads?

No.

I just had to make sure that the inside would look okay

when I, when I built in the false compartments.

That's all you know?

That's all.

And you got to believe me.

When you were driving the van to your garage

nothing was said about where they were going?

No.

Just celebrating like I said.

You know, laughing a little.

Saying he had it made.

$2 million a haul.

Where did you get the $2 million figure from?

When I heard one of them say it.

Well, he put it in a funny way.

Something about, um, 30 hours.

'Something about underway and dividing $2 million.'

I remember Chasen didn't like me hearing it.

'Uh, inspector, Chasen ain't that kind of a guy'

who'll let you take him alive.

That suits me just fine.

If they could..

Oh, Ms. Blake. Uh, give her a few minutes.

[sighs]

If they could name two million in advance

they must have a fence waiting.

Underway in 30 hours.

If that actually means sailing

they're gonna be leaving in less than three hours.

Can't be Portland, it must be well north of here.

That's a lot of shoreline to cover.

I know someone who might narrow it down for us.

[man on radio] 'Police still report no leads on the wounding last night'

'on Richard Bishop.'

'The small time thief was apparently the victim'

'of a gangland style sh**ting.'

'Now, for the weather.'

'Clearing cool with afternoon temperatures in the low 50s'

'and dropping till 35 in the Portland area tonight.'

- Hurry up! - Yeah. Yeah.

They call that a gangland style sh**ting.

Not another word. No follow-up story.

You know, it's beginning to bother me.

He's not a worth of follow-up story.

He's just a small town kid with a police record.

Instead I'm worrying about Bishop

worry about how you're gonna deal with Chong.

I already got that figured out.

And I'm going to enjoy it.

[tires screeching]

I'm sorry, mister. I just didn't see you.

Forget it, no harm done.

It was a dumb thing.

Trying to adjust the rearview

and backing out at the same time.

Wait till my dad hears.

Honey, don't worry about it. The car has seen worse.

We have insurance, there won't be any trouble.

Kid, we're in a hurry. So forget it.

'If my dad ever heard I was in an accident'

'and-and didn't take down all the information..'

'My license. If you'll just give me yours.'

I'll be catching it as it is for having an accident

the first week I have my license.

Keep it to yourself. Keep your dad happy.

Is there a problem, miss?

The damage was my fault. I didn't even have any.

And look, the man shoved two $50 bills

in my purse and drove away.

Okay, thank you.

I wish we could get out of this traffic.

Those cops are still behind us.

There's a red light ahead.

Don't we have a new wanted picture on a woman?

[intense music]

[tires screeching]

[siren wailing]

[tires screeching]

[siren wailing]

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

There you are, ma'am.

[grunts]

One more.

Here we are. Thank you, thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Sorry, lady, that cleans me out.

You got to get down here earlier these days.

[sighs]

Yeah, sure, inspector, I heard about the heist.

Twenty million in bank paper. Pretty ambitious boys.

- How did you hear about it? - On the radio, inspector.

You know, I ain't in that business anymore.

Now, fishing for a living beats

trying to get a suntan behind iron bars.

You know how I used to get

the doggondest crick in my neck from that.

Who around here do you know that can handle

$2 million payment?

Eh, beats me.

Uh, they operate, it's a different these days.

Everything is so organized.

You know, you steal something in the morning

and by night somebody's wearin' it or eatin' it.

You ought to know, Hellings.

'You still hang around with the old crowd.'

A beer with a buddy is all.

Now, don't tell me anything goes on around here

you don't know about.

I think you could draw us a diagram.

Look, inspector, I swear on the grave of my mother.

Knock it off, Hellings.

We've known each other too long.

Well, bloomers.

You know, just talk over a cup of coffee, but just talk.

What kind of talk?

Well, the word is Hong Kong.

They're gonna fence the bank paper over there.

But, look, inspector I swear

on the grave of my mother, I know.

Hong Kong you say, huh?

What port are they gonna use on this side?

Well, I figure Seattle.

But don't owe me to it. Don't owe me to it.

[intense music]

[music continues]

Ah, Mr. Chasen. Ms. Lee.

Did you call the truck?

It's on its way.

This stuff's gonna go as machine parts.

There's no delay in sailing. 2:20.

Cash in there?

[chuckles]

Behold.

Even half a million dollars in cash

deserves s smile, Mr. Chasen.

- Hey, wait a minute. - Is that better?

We're in this up to our necks.

But only a 100,000 apiece.

What about five million when these crates reach Hong Kong?

Mr. Chasen, I would advise you not to be--

Shut up.

A $5 million pot is sitting in the middle of that table.

A wild swing.

But any wilder than what we've been through?

We take delivery in Hong Kong.

You think we can get away with it?

We can.

How about a professional opinion, Mr. Chong?

Mr. Chasen, Hong Kong has some of the most

beautiful cemeteries in the world.

Ten minutes after you step off the ship

you'll be on your way to one of them.

How do you plan to get a message to your friends, Mr. Chong?

Through the spirit world?

[intense music]

When we come down to trawlers and the fishing boats

and other shallow draft boats, low water, of course

is a no concern to us.

But all the ships you mentioned will be leaving on schedule?

- That's correct. - Okay.

Of course, they could be taking a smaller boat

transferring to one bound for Hong Kong at another port.

Couldn't Chasen and Lee Thomas have been passing through

Seattle when they were spotted by the police?

Well, hardly, if the sailing's at 2:20.

Are you sure Hong Kong is where the papers being shipped?

It's the best shot we have, Arthur.

By now, photographs of Chasen should've been circulated

up and down the coast. I'll keep you posted.

Hi. You make any other stops?

Yeah, two.

Drop this load down to the pier first.

Yes, sir. Sure thing.

- Alright. - Thank you.

[sighs]

Right on the nose, Mr. Chong.

It's nice dealing with an honest man.

Yeah.

Reconsider, Mr. Chasen. I meant what I said.

What you're doing is very foolish.

Dock side possession in Hong Kong?

Nothing foolish about that.

[laughs]

You wouldn't even know where to begin, who to contact.

No.

Hear those loving whispers?

That's the international language.

[chuckles]

The only thing your contact will miss is that

that magnificent smile of yours.

And he's as probably as sick of it as I am.

Could you please give us a tour of the place?

I'm willing to talk about full partnership.

Talk, but please keep moving.

I've already arranged for 35 cents on the dollar, Mr. Chasen.

That's $7 million on delivery.

Marvelous!

I'll keep that in mind when I'm talking business

in Hong Kong.

There's plenty for all!

Oh, that's the way I felt at the beginning.

[intense music]

[g*nsh*t]

[music continues]

[g*n fire]

[music continues]

SE-14. Go ahead.

Inspector, we're at pier 11. Passenger Beulah Anne

sailing at 2:20.

I've been with the purser going over his passenger list.

There's one group of people that booked

passage at the same time.

Three men and a woman.

That sounds like them.

I showed the purser Chasen and company's pictures.

The tickets have been bought by a John Chong

a local exporter who runs a warehouse near the canal.

Any of these people boarded yet?

Negative. And no luggage has been sent on ahead.

At least, it hasn't been received.

Alright, check on any last minute freight coming

from the Chong warehouse.

Let them go ahead and board

until you have other units on hand.

We'll be right there.

[intense music]

Mr. Wellington, Mr. Flurry. Our pleasure to have you aboard.

[music continues]

Keep it.

Here we are.

Nice to see you again, Ms. Appleton.

Are we leaving on time?

Yes, Ms. Chadwick.

We'll have no delay I know of.

Mr. Prowler, pleasant voyage, sir.

Thank you.

[music continues]

I'm going up.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

Excuse me, gentlemen, the lounge is open

for buffet and c*ck now.

Be right there.

[indistinct chatter]

[chuckles]

The smell of sea breeze is coming in. Mmm.

Is something wrong?

What, drinks in the lounge and nobody sampling them?

- It's plenty wrong. - Well, let's go.

Uh, I'll freshen up. See you all later.

Get a table, and order some martinis.

Let's go.

Uh, they've just boarded the ship, inspector.

Chasen, Thomas, Selwyn and Nevins.

SE-1 to all units on the special.

[intense music]

[tires screech]

[intense music]

FBI, Chasen.

[knock on door]

Be right there.

FBI, Ms. Thomas.

[indistinct chatter]

[chuckles]

And here's to..

...to whatever is appropriate.

[intense music]

[g*n fire]

[music continues]

[g*n clicking]

[music continues]

Our units at the Chong warehouse, inspector

report John Chong was found cleaned to a piling

under the warehouse.

Wounded on his way to the hospital now.

So nothing was wrong?

Sometimes you gotta go it alone, kid.

Even me? You rub me off?

Now, what's so special about you?

[intense music]

[male narrator] Stanley Chasen, Lee Thomas, Ron Selwyn, Allan Nevins

Richard Bishop, and John Chong were convicted in federal court

of various counts of conspiracy

theft from interstate shipment, and interstate transportation

of stolen property and aircraft.

Chasen was also convicted of as*ault on a federal officer

and bank robbery.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]