Boy Who Caught a Crook (1961) - full transcript

Young newsboy is hunted by a bank robber who thinks the boy has his lost loot.

♪♪

♪♪

[dispatch]
Attention all units, area 4.

A gray Mercury sedan,
license T-V-D-3-8-6,

leaving Hollywood area

with brown leather
attaché case,

believed to contain
almost $100,000.

Suspect is armed
and dangerous.

[siren blaring]

♪♪

♪♪



Hi, kid--
What's all the ruckus?

Oh, hi, Colonel.

They're chasin' some guy.

Boy, he must've
been doin' 100!Wow!

Paper this mornin'?Oh, yeah, thanks!

If you can spare it,
I sure can use it.

Oh!

Doin' anythin'
after the papers?

Mom said to come home
for breakfast

as soon as
I was finished.

Hey, why don't you
come with me?

Sure sounds
appetizing-- nah!

What would your ma think,
you bringing home an old tramp

for a handout?Mom's not like that.



She's been after me to
bring my friends home.

Says I shouldn't be by myself
too much while she's workin'.

Besides, you're no tramp--
you're my neighbor.

And neighbors are always
visiting each other's houses.

Well, I ain't exactly
dressed for callin'.

You know, I think
it's hotcakes and honey
this mornin', homemade.

Oh, I don't know.

You'd have to wait
till I got washed up.

It's Saturday--
We got lots of time.

Okay--
You talked me into it.

♪♪

I'll help you deliver
the rest of the papers.

We'll get through
quicker that way.

Oh, thanks.

You can take Timble Street
for me.

Here.Okay.

Oh, old lady Baxter
canceled out yesterday.

Said she heard all the news
on the radio the day before.

If you ask me,
she probably can't read.

I'll take this side.

♪♪

[siren blaring]

[siren blaring]

♪♪

What is it?

I don't know--
Somebody's briefcase.

Got any name on it?

Not even any initials.Huh.

Think you can open it?

Hmm, combination lock.

Looks like somebody's
jammed it.

I don't know-- I'm pretty rusty
at this sort of thing.

It could be some important
papers or something inside.

Yeah, if we could find out
who it belongs to.

There might even be
some kind of a reward.

We'll be partners and split it,
right down the middle.

What do ya say?It's a deal.

Now, I say we go over
to the gas station,

deliver the last paper and
then see what's inside, hmm?

Right, partner.

Now, you wait outside here
and see that I'm not disturbed.

Combination's take
concentration.

Got a nickel?

♪♪

Maybe we'll get that reward
sooner than we think.

Did you lose
somethin', Mister?

Beat it, will ya.Maybe I can
help you find it.

Will ya beat it?

Hey, Mister,
there's somebody in there.

How ya doin' in there?[Colonel]
I'm still tryin'!

That thing you lost, Mister,
would there be any reward?

Get lost, will ya?

Hey, Mister!

Wait a minute!

Hey, if you're lookin'
for a brown leather...

Well, kid, we can kiss
the reward money "good-bye."

We hit a duster.

Yeah, I know and
the guy who lost it

was here lookin' for it.

But as soon as I mentioned
the word "reward",

he got scared and left.

Hmm, that's funny.

Well, you can
keep the case anyway,

it'd come in handy
for your books

or for your Ma
to pack your lunch.

Mom-- I forgot
all about Mom!

She's waitin' for us!

We'd better be on our way
and on the double!

Oh, well you--
You'd better go on ahead.

I ain't so good at runnin' up
those steep streets anymore.

I'll take a raincheck
on the pancakes.

Tomorrow, promise?Promise.

Okay-- Thanks for
the briefcase

and for helpin' me out
with the papers.

I'm sorry about your
part of the reward.

See ya tomorrow, huh?Okay, see ya, Colonel.

[Jimmy]
Mom?
In the kitchen, Jimmy
and don't slam the door!

[door slams]

Sorry, Mom.

No, no, no, hands first.

You're late.

It didn't take all that time
to deliver those papers.

Well, The Colonel and me,
we found a really neat--"The Colonel and I."

How do you think I felt
with those sirens screaming

all morning not knowing
where you were?

You hear 'em, too?

You should've
seen 'em, mom,

the way the cops
was chasin' this guy!

Yeah, I heard about the way
"the cops was chasin' this guy"

on the radio.

Now tell me,
why were you late?

Well, the Colonel and I--

Say, Mom, I invited
the Colonel over for breakfast

in the morning,
after papers.

I guess so,
if you'll chaperone.

Nothin' like that, Mom.

He's too old for you.

But not for you, eh?Well, that's different--
We're business partners.

Oh, I see!

Are you making any money?

Well, our first deal
kinda fell through

but I came out
with a keen briefcase.

You wanna see it?No-- After breakfast.

Mind if we listen
to the radio?

After breakfast I said.

Well, I'd like to hear more

about that guy
they were chasin'.

They catch him?I don't think so--
Now go on!

Eat your breakfast, Jimmy!

[Radio]
....and accompany him
to the Moneyland office

on Ivar Street in Hollywood.

There he forced the teller
to put $100,000

into a brown leather
attache case.

[radio]
After leaving
the office of the--Hey, Mom!

Mom, come here, quick!

[radio]
Gray mercury sedan.

[Jimmy]
Mom, listen to this,
will ya?

I've already
heard the news.

Now go on--
I have work to do!

But, mom, the briefcase
I told ya about,

it's just like the one
they described on the radio.

What do you mean?

Well, I think I got
the briefcase they used

in the robbery this morning.

Where is it?In my newspaper bag.

Oh, Jimmy.

Uh, hello,
police department?

But, Mom,
I found it!

Honest I did, in the weeds
by the gas station.

And the man that lost it
doesn't even want it!

Uh, hello, this is
Mrs. Laura Fellows.

I'm at 641
Bunker Hill Avenue.

Yes, I think
that my little boy

has found the briefcase
you're looking for.

Yes, i-it's brown like
you said on the radio.

Yes, yes it has.

Yes, we'll be here.

Thank you very much.

Goodbye.

Now, Jimmy...

Tell me about the man.

Well, I was tryin' to
give it back to him,

but all of a sudden
he took off.

Did he have a
scar on his face?

How did you know, Mom?

Jimmy, when
the police get here--

now, I want you
to think very carefully,

answer their questions,
be honest

and tell everything
exactly as it happened.

But don't tell them about
the man with the scar.

Why not, Mom?

Well, you see
he's a dangerous criminal.

He's escaped.

And I'm afraid of what he
might do to you

if he finds out that you've
talked to the police.

Do you understand?Sure, Mom--
And I'd better get right over

and warn The Colonel--
He's in danger too.

Well, I'm more concerned
about you, right now.

So y-you answer their questions
and be calm

and don't get nervous.Okay, Mom.

Can we keep The Colonel's
name out of this, too?

Of course, darling.

[knocking]

Oh, there they are.

Oh, my pancakes!

All right, son, will you
show us how you found this,

what position it was in?

From the looks of the scratches
and the stains on the back

and those foxtails
embedded in the leather,

I'd say it was thrown here
with a great deal of force,

probably from the direction
of 1st Street.

It could've been thrown from
the suspect's car

during the chase.

Yeah, but why throw
an empty briefcase?

If he were caught
with the money on him,

it wouldn't make
any difference.

Maybe it wasn't empty.

Maybe he figured he was
gonna get caught,

wanted to get rid of the
evidence here in the weeds

and come back
and pick it up later.

There's one hole
in that theory, Sergeant.

The briefcase was
locked when my teller
handed it to the gunman.

Now, I'll grant you
it's not much of a lock,

but, I think you'll agree
you'd hardly have time

to unlock a strange
combination

with the flower of
the Los Angeles police force

in hot pursuit!

What's your point,
Flannigan?

My point is, I don't think
he'd come here to the
middle of a vacant lot

in front of God
and all those windows,

and with the streets
crawling with police cars,

and patiently open
the combination

to the lock
of the briefcase!

And it's a job that would
take an expert five minutes--

unpack $100,000 worth
of cash into his pockets

and leave the briefcase
here for the first newsboy

to come along to find it.

He's got a point,
all right.

You'd better tell them
about The Colonel, Jimmy.

[Flannigan]
I should say he'd probably go
somewhere where he'd be alone,

tear open the briefcase,
take out the money

and hide the case
in the nearest trash can!

And you think the money was in
the case when it landed here?

It'd almost
have to be!

Well, it's unlocked now.

Did you unlock the case
when you found it, son?

Answer the Sergeant,
Jimmy.

I'm sorry--
I didn't hear ya.

[Sergeant]
I asked if you opened this
briefcase when you found it.

No, sir.

Was there anybody else around
here when you picked it up?

Tell them about
The Colonel, Jimmy.

There's nothing to tell--
The Colonel and me--

and I, was deliverin' my
newspapers together, that's all.

He didn't have
anything to do with it.

Who's The Colonel?

The Colonel's my dog--
He's my dog!

Somethin' wrong, kid?Go away.

I'd think you'd
better let him alone.

But the kid's my friend--
Maybe I can help!

I don't know ya--
Go away.

All right, Mister, move on--
Go on about your business.

Well, Jimmy, you did a fine job
finding that briefcase

and calling the police
as soon as you did.

I'd call it,
"information leading

to the arrest
of the suspect."

and, uh, I think Mr. Flannigan
here might have a reward for ya.

How 'bout it, Flannigan?

You know better
than that, Connors.

You might embarrass the boy.

Tell ya what, you, uh,
give Jimmy a reward

and I'll match it
personally.

You heard him.

Here you are, Jimmy-- $100.

Thanks, Mr. Flannigan.

Wait a minute, $100--
I was talkin' about five.

Pay up, big mouth.

Eighteen bucks--
Tell ya what, Jimmy,

you let me take a picture
of Mr. Flannigan here

giving you
the reward money,

and I'll come by your house
before dinner tonight

with another $100 bill
just like it.

What do ya say?

You men are gonna
spoil him rotten.

He'll be impossible
to live with.

This is just
the beginning.

Wait'll you see the lead line
that goes with this picture,

"Times newsboy
scoops Times reporter."

What am I laughing about--
This might cost me my job.

All right, hold it.

Good.

Well, thanks for your
cooperation, Mrs. Fellows.

I hope I haven't upset
your boy too much.

Oh, no, little boys have a way
of bouncing back.

You can see
he's all smiles again.

Yeah, I know,
I've got two of 'em myself.

We may want to talk to him
later today, though.

Oh, we'll be at home.

Come on.Good-bye.

Oh, uh, can I give you a lift
up the hill, Mrs. Fellows?

No, no, it isn't very far--
We'll walk.

Then I'll, uh, see you
around 6:00 with the reward.

Good-bye.Thank you--
Bye-bye.

Oh, uh, Jimmy be sure
and have your dog there.

I'd like a picture of the little
Colonel for the morning paper.

Bye.Bye-bye.

That's what comes from
not telling the truth.

Yes, Mom.

I'm ashamed of you, Jimmy--
Such a bold lie!

You've never done
anything like that before.

Why did you do it?

I just couldn't
help it, Mom.

The way they were
figurin' it out,

The Colonel had to
have taken the money.

You see, the briefcase was
locked when we found it

and The Colonel opened it
in the gas station.

Were you there
when he opened it?

No.

That's when I was talking
to the man with the scar.

Jimmy, we've got
to call the police.

Don't you see, darling,
The Colonel took the money.

I know it looks that way, Mom,
but there wasn't any money.

I know there wasn't!

The Colonel showed me
the case when he came out

and it was empty.

Well, he might've had it
in his pockets or-or his shirt.

You just don't know The Colonel,
Mom, that's all.

He just wouldn't do
anything dishonest.

Well, maybe you're right.

He certainly seems to
have convinced you.

So, you, uh, two are
business partners, huh?

That's right, Mom.

Well, you certainly
should be successful.

Can I go out
for awhile, mom?

I have to go over to
The Colonel's house.

After the way
I had to treat him today,

out in front of
all those people,

he's probably
takin' it pretty hard.

Jimmy, you mean to tell me
that he was out there

in that vacant lot today
and he didn't say anything?

Yeah.

The guy with the beard like
and the sloppy lookin' hat.

The one who came up when--
oh, yes, the-the old tramp

with the package--
That's The Colonel?

He's no tramp, Mom.

Please can I go
out to see him?

I think you've seen enough
of The Colonel for today.

You'd better go to your room.

Oh, Jimmy!

Look, I just don't understand
it, t-this strange fascination

that you have with
this neighborhood tramp!

I-I forbid you
to see him again.

It's just got to stop!

Now you go out and find some
boys your own age to play with.

Oh, it's-it's telling
such a preposterous lie!

And to the police!

Well, you heard the
Sergeant say that he wanted
to-to talk to you again.

What are you going
to say when-when he
asks you about your dog?

What are you going to say when
Mr. Connors comes to see you?

Oh, darling,
don't you see?

You're getting deeper
and deeper

by trying to protect
The Colonel, darling.

He didn't take it.

Well, if he didn't take it,
then why did he just stand there

and let them ask
you all the questions?

If there's nothing wrong,
why didn't he speak up, huh?

I bet I know the answer.

I bet he has the
money, all right.

I bet he's on his way
to Australia or Brazil.

What did he have
in that package?

I bet it was a suit,
for traveling.

Oh...

Yeah, he'll be down there
living a life of luxury and you,

you'll be here trying
to dodge juvenile hall

just because you were
perjuring yourself

trying to save his skin.

All right, now,
give me that reward money.

I'm going to put it
under "M", for Money.

And when the banks open up
it's going into your account.

For a rainy day.

Now, go on out and
find yourself some kids
your own age to play with.

I just hope that there'll
be better days very soon.

And, There'll be no visiting
The Colonel, understand?

Yes, ma'am.

♪♪

[barking, howling]

Get back now--
Get back, Get back!

Don't be so greedy--
There's plenty of
food here for everybody.

Now, come on!

Well, you lookin' for
a dog, short stuff?

I sure am.

[man]
Well, we're closed.

What kinda dog
you lookin' for, son?

A dog that'll answer to
the name of "Colonel."

Well-well, now I'm not
on exactly

on first name speakin' terms
with these dogs.

You see, they only stay
in the pound for five days

and then they leave us.

Colonel, hmm.

[man]
Well, I ain't got a dog in the
whole pound named Colonel.

How long ago did
you lose your dog?

Well, I didn't lose him--
I'm just lookin' for any dog

that'll answer to
the name of "Colonel."

Colonel-- Here, Colonel.

Looks like you need a dog
pretty bad, son.

I gotta have a dog
before I go home, Mister.

Well, there's a lot of dogs in
here, if you find one you want.

Go ahead and look around.

[man]
I'll bet you'd keep a dog
a lot longer than five days.

Go ahead-- Look around.

Go ahead.Thanks, Mister.

[dog whimpering]

Colonel?

Now, most of the dogs in
there ain't too friendly!

[man]
You keep your distance!

Colonel--
Here, Colonel.

Colonel?

Colonel, don't you know me?

If you'll just be friends and
answer me, I'll take you home

and build you a nice little
dog house all of your own,

and you can have
all you want to eat.

Colonel?

Colonel-- Here, Colonel.

[dog whimpering]

There you are, Colonel--
Little Colonel!

Well, it looks like you found
your Colonel after all!

I sure did--
Hello, Colonel!

You wanna take him
home with ya?I sure do!

All right, we'll make out
the papers, all legal like.

Now, what's your name?Jimmy Fellows.

"Jimmy Fellows",
uh-huh-- address?

909 Bunker Hill Avenue.

"909 Bunker Hill"--
All right!

Now, you just
sign right there.

Lucky for him you came
along when you did.

That's his fifth day
in the pound.

Truck's comin' pretty soon
to take him

to where there's
no tomorrow.

[man]
All right.

Now, that'll be five dollars
and the dog's yours.

I'm sorry, Mister,
but I didn't know you
had to pay for a dog here.

I ain't got
five dollars.

Oh!

I got 23 cents.

Could I leave this as a
deposit and pay the rest later?

It's against the rules.

You mean, you have to
put 'em away,

even if they could
have a good home,

with plenty to eat,
just for five dollars?

I don't make the rules,
I just follow them.

If ever there was
a rainy day, this is it.

Little Colonel, don't
you worry about a thing!

I'll be right back
with the money.

You're gonna see the sun rise
at Bunker Hill in the morning.

How long you gonna
be here, Mister?

I'm leavin' just as soon as
the truck comes for that dog.

I can make it home
and back in 30 minutes.

Couldn't you stay open
a little longer?

[horn honking]

[man]
That's the truck for him now.

[horn honking]

Of course, now if you was to run
out that side gate real fast...

Why, I couldn't run and
catch you now could I?

Oh, thanks, Mister!

All right!Thanks a lot!

All right-- All right.

Well, I guess
this one's on me.

[horn honking]

Blow your horn, Gabriel--
Blow your horn!

[Mrs. Fellows]
That you, Jim?

Yes, Mom.

[doorbell buzzing]

[doorbell buzzing]

Good evening,
Mrs. Fellows.

Mr. Connors--
You didn't have to come.

Oh, you mean
I'm not welcome?

You're twisting my words--
Come in.

What I mean is that
if it's about that $100 bill

that you promised Jimmy...

Well, we wouldn't want
to hold you to that.

After all, it was a very
kind gesture on your part

to try and cheer him up.

That's not the
real reason I came.

No?No.

You see, um, you won
"The Times" contest

as the best-looking mother
on the vacant lot this morning.

Oh, the only mother.

Ah-ah-ah, the decision
of the judges is final.

Well, that's
very kind of you.

I, um, I'll put
them in some water.

Uh, by the way, would
you like a cup of coffee?

Oh, yes, uh-uh,
black, please.

Good-- Jimmy?

Mr. Connors is here!

Excuse me.

Ah, hi, there, Jimmy.

Hi, Mr. Connors.

How are ya--
Nice to see ya.

Oh, say, uh...

I brought your reward
just like I said I would.

There you are--
One hundred dollars.

Go on, take it--
Go on.

Thanks, Mr. Connors.You're welcome, Jimmy.

I got Colonel here
for ya to see.

[Mr. Connors]
Oh, you have?Come on, Colonel.

Ha, come here--
Come here.

Come here.

Hey, that's
quite a hound.

How long
have you had it?

Oh, not very long--
He's just a puppy.

Oh?

Mom, may I be excused?

Here's the money
from Mr. Connors.

Well, doesn't seem like the
same boy I met this morning.

Did, uh, I come
at a bad time?

Well, it seems like a bit of,
uh, an emotional upheaval.

Oh.Um, perhaps
I'd better go in

and see if I can pour some
oil on the troubled waters.

Will you excuse me?You're sure
I can't help?

Oh, no, no--
I'll just be a minute.

Thank you.

Jimmy, don't you think
you're being a little
rude to Mr. Connors?

After all, he was kind
enough to bring you this $100.

He can have it back.

It's not mine, anyways--
It belongs to The Colonel.

Oh, darling, Mother hates
to see you so unhappy.

Oh, come on.

Give me a smile so I'll
know you're not mad at me.

I'm not mad
at you, Mom.

You think you're
doing what's right.

I just can't help thinkin'
about how The Colonel

must be feelin',

after the way I had
to treat him out there

and right after invitin'
him over to breakfast.

How would you feel?

I guess I'd feel
pretty awful.

And I can't even
explain it to him.

Well, maybe I've been wrong
about The Colonel, Jimmy.

If you really want to go see
him, well, you go ahead.

Invite him in the morning
for breakfast too, huh?

Thanks, Mom--
Thanks a lot!

All right, darling.

And don't you be to long now--
I want you back by 7:00, huh?

Your dinner will
be ready by then.

Good night, Mr. Connors.

And thanks for
the reward money.

I gotta go now-- Hope you
can stay till I get back.

Hey, how about
that oil you poured.

Say, can that be
bottled and sold?

I only hope I did
the right thing.

♪♪

[groaning]

So you're the squirt who
found the briefcase, huh?

I saw ya down there
in the empty lot

getting your picture taken.

What did ya tell 'em?

I didn't tell 'em
anything about you, Mister.

Honest, I didn't.

It's a lucky thing for you
you kept your mouth shut.

Now I want some straight
answers to some questions.

When you found that briefcase,
was it open or locked?

You lie to me kid,
you'll wish you hadn't.

Was it open or locked?

It was open.

Did ya see anybody near it
when you found it?

Just you.

Where was the briefcase,
when I was talkin' to you?

When I ask you a question,
I want an answer, you hear?

[dog growling]

I'll shut you up for good!

♪♪

Well, isn't
this interesting.

Where's the rest of it?

There isn't any more.

Don't lie to me, kid--
Don't lie to me!

Is this your mother?

Would you like to keep her
out of real bad trouble?

Yes, sir.

Then tell me where
the rest of the money is.

I'm tellin' the truth--
There isn't any more.

Then where'd you get this?

It's the reward money
from findin' the briefcase.

A hundred dollars?

$100 for an empty
$40 briefcase?

What do you take me for?

You listen to me
and listen to me good.

You have that money in this
bucket by 12:00 tonight

or you'll never see
your mother again, understand?

But, Mister,
I don't got the money!Shh!

And what's more, if you should
think of callin' the cops,

your mother'd have wished
that you were never born.

Do I make myself clear?

Yes, sir.Remember,
12:00 tonight.

[dog whimpering]

[dog whimpering]

I know you're here.

Maybe I should've got
on that truck with ya.

Come on-- We're gonna
go see The Colonel.

[Mrs. Fellows]
Jimmy's father
was killed in Korea.

Evacuating our troops
during the big Chinese push.

I might even have
passed him somewhere,

like ships in the night.

But, I was luckier
than he was.

You know, uh, looking at
you and your boy,

he was pretty lucky too.

I miss him so.

In so many ways.

I guess I mostly miss him
not being here to share

and help bring up
his own son.

Well, you seem to be doing
a pretty good job of it.

Well, he's wonderful company
but, he does have his problems.

Uh, more coffee?

No thanks--
It might spoil my dinner.

Say, you sure you won't
change your mind

about the three of us
going out to dinner?

No, some other time--
I've already started my dinner.

Which reminds me,
I'd better go look at it.

Well, dinner's almost ready--
I wish Jimmy was here.

You know, I should
be on my way.

Except, uh, if it's
all the same with you,

I'd just as soon
wait until he comes home.

Oh, thank you--
I wish you would.

You know, I just
don't feel right about
letting him out alone

before this
robbery's solved.

I'm worried.

Well, I've been
a little worried myself

but I didn't
to upset you.

You know, the whole thing
down in the vacant lot

just didn't ring true.

I keep thinking there's more to
it than what's on the surface.

I just hope this crook,
whoever he is, has the money

and is safely on his way
to wherever he's going.

Well, why'd you
say that?

Because if Flannigan
was right,

and the crook
didn't get the money,

he's probably gonna hang
around the neighborhood

'til he finds out
who did.

I wish I knew where
that man lived.Who?

Jimmy's friend--
the one he went to see.

Um, would you
eat with us?

There you see I have
upset you after all.

Well, Jimmy's
probably just fine

and having a wonderful time
while we're here worrying.

Tell you what--
you got a deck of cards?

We can play gin rummy
until he comes in.

Oh, good!

Here we are,
right here.

Ah!

You wanna watch me--
I'm pretty sharp at this.

Mr. Connors--Burt.

Well, Burt... I, uh...

I wonder if I could trust
you with a confidence.

Oh, thou shalt not confide
in a newspaper man--

eleventh commandment.

Well, I suppose you are the
last person in the world

that I should
confide in,

but I don't know--
somehow I trust you.

You see, it's about
the briefcase.

Colonel?

I'm here.

In the parlor.

You leavin'?

Yup.

Australia?

Or Brazil?

Doesn't make much difference
to you, does it?

Didn't expect to
see you again...

After the vacant lot.

That's what I came
to explain about.

Oh...

You don't have
to explain.

I don't blame you for
being ashamed of me.

Especially in front
of all those people.

And your mother.

[Jimmy]
That's not the reason!

The police figured the money
was locked in the briefcase

when it was thrown
in the vacant lot.

I had to tell 'em it was
open when we found it.

If they knew it was locked,
and you unlocked it,

you'd be in jail
right now.

Oh.

That's why I lied,

and said I never
saw ya before,

and that The Colonel
was my dog.

And that's why
I got him.

Come here.

Then you're... you're
not ashamed of me?

You was-you was just
tryin' to protect me?

We still partners?

That's a nice new
suit you have on.

Yeah!

You like it?

I got it so as
to look respectable

in front of your mom

when I come to breakfast
tomorrow morning.

I hawked my violin
to get it.

Hmm, now that she's already
seen what a tramp I am,

I wished I hadn't.

You didn't buy it...
to go away?

No!

I just didn't want ya
to be ashamed

in front of all
your friends anymore.

[Jimmy]
I'd never be ashamed
of you, Colonel.

I've got $100 bill
at home.

I'll bring it to ya so you
can get your violin back.

Now, where
did you get it?

It's yours-- your half
of the reward money

for finding
the briefcase.

No!

You keep it.

You may need it to help you
get through college

one of these days.

No!

I'll bring it to you.

Anyway, I ain't even gonna
live to go to college.

I ain't even gonna
live to a rainy day.

Now-now, why would you
say a thing like that?

The scarface man told me.

I just got 'til
midnight tonight.

If I don't get the money
from the briefcase

to him by then--

He thinks you
got the money?

Well, did-did-did
you go to the police?

No!

They'll think
you had it.

But the briefcase was
empty when I opened it!

But the police would
never believe that!

No.

No, they wouldn't.

I...

I oughta go to 'em and...

Tell 'em the whole
truth, but...

I just can't, kid.

I...

I ain't never
had the courage

to face up
to responsibilities.

I guess that's...

Why I'm nothin'
but an old tramp.

Somethin'...

Somethin' seems to turn
yellow inside of me.

I'm-- Well, I'm...

I'm a coward.

I'm your...

fair weather friend.

Well, everybody can't
be a hero, Colonel.

Just don't worry.

They'll never know you
had anything to do

with the briefcase.

They think you're
my little dog.

Well, I gotta go home
now to look after Mom.

I'll leave little Colonel
here to look after you.

You can bring him with
you when you come

to breakfast
in the morning.

That is...

If I'm still around.

♪♪

You can call it, uh,
woman's intuition,

or just plain cowardice,

but I-I can't help worrying
about what that scarface man

might do if he thought
that Jimmy identified him

to the police.

Oh, I've talked so long.

I wish Jimmy was here!

Laura...

Since you were
asking my advice,

I-I think you made a mistake
by not letting Jimmy

tell the truth
in the first place.

By now, the suspect
might've been behind bars.

But the worst part
was letting him

keep The Colonel
out of it.

He's the key to
the whole case.

Oh, but he-he
was so convinced

that The Colonel
was innocent.

Well, he has to
learn the lessons of
human nature sometime.

It might as well be
while he's young.

Sit down, Laura.

I, uh, I hate to be an
alarmist but, uh,

Well, I don't think
it's safe for Jimmy

to be without
police protection

as long as the suspect's
still at large.

Right now, he's
the crook's only link

with the missing money.

Why don't you and I pay
a visit to the Sergeant,

right now.

I just-- Well, I just
couldn't face Jimmy

when he got back.

It'd break his heart.

I know this
is brutal, Laura,

but better a broken heart
than a broken neck.

Here, you can
leave him a note.

All right.

There.

I'm always wondering
whether I'm doing

the right thing or not.

This time you are.

We'd better go.

You sure you won't
change your mind again?

Well, I'll talk to
the Sergeant, Burt,

but not behind
Jimmy's back.

Would you mind
driving me home?

We can bring him
back down with us.

I'm sure he's
there by now.

He's a lucky boy having
you for a mother.

Mom, you home?

Well, hello.

How many more are there?

That's the last
one, Mister.

Honest-- There isn't
any more!

We'll see.

[car approaching]

Not a peep outta you.

I'll go in alone.

I can talk to him
much better that way.

Take your time.

Do as your told and
nobody gets hurt.

Over there.

So far I got two $100
bills from your boy.

That leaves $998 more.

Where are they?

I told you those bills were
given to me for a reward.

I never saw the
rest of the money.

I'm talkin' to
your mother!

How 'bout it lady?

We don't know anything
about the money.

If we did, we'd give it
all to you, all of it!

It isn't here!

We don't know anything!

I throw a locked briefcase
with 100,000 clams

into a vacant lot
in the weeds.

The kid and the dog
find it.

The kid brings it home.

Then I find these two
like rabbit's out of a hat.

What kind of a chump
do you take me for?

The money's gotta
be someplace!

It couldn't have
just disappeared!

Or maybe your dog,
the Colonel,

may-maybe he found it.

Where is he--
I'll ask him.

You'd better
tell him, Jimmy.

Tell him what, Mom?

About the Colonel.

He's got to take his share
of the responsibility.

You can't go on
covering up for him.

I told ya, Mom.

The Colonel didn't have
anything to do with it.

[Rocky]
Enough double-talk.

What about this "Colonel?"

Don't tell him, Mom.

Don't!

The Colonel is
Jimmy's friend.

They found the
briefcase together.

But The Colonel is the one
who opened the briefcase.

My boy doesn't know
anything about it.

Come here, kid--
Come here.

Come here.

Come here.

Your dog, huh?

No!

Look out--
Where is this Colonel?

Where does he live?

Go ahead and kill me.

I won't tell you
anything.

Why you--No, don't!

No, stop it--
He'll tell you!

Well, go ahead, Jimmy.

You've got
to tell him.

Tell him where The Colonel
lives, darling.

He's gone.

He moved to--
I don't know where he is.

You lyin'--

[door buzzing]

Laura?

Not a sound now or
the kid gets it.

Whoever it is,
get rid of 'em,

or you'll never
see this kid alive.

Who is it?

It's me, Connors.

What do you want?

Well, what do you mean,
"What do I want?"

I'm waiting
for you, remember?

I can't see you.

Go away!

Is something wrong
in there?

What's going on?

Please!

Go away!

Go away, please!

Please!

You all right?

Where's Jimmy?

What is it, Laura?

My boy, he's
got my boy!

Who's got your boy?
What happened?

That man with the scar,
he has Jimmy!

Hello?

Give me the police,
and hurry!

I guess you'll have to say
goodbye to the kid for me.

Goin' somewhere?

I didn't wanna bring
him here, Colonel.

He made me.

He's got a gun.

And don't force me
to use it.

Get back inside.

Let's see
that suitcase.

Untie it.

Open it!

Where is it?

Where's the money?

Honest, Mister, I...

I ain't got a dime
to my name.

I told ya he didn't
have the money.

Come here.

Not you, squirt!

You.

Well...

Well, no-no need to
treat the kid that way.

Shut up.

Take it off.

The pants, too.

Huh?

The pants!

Come on, come on!

All right,
where is it?

But-but I told you,
Mister, I-I don't know.

Th-there wasn't
any money.

Look, I haven't
got all night.

I'm gonna get that money from
you, if I have to beat you

and break every bone
in your body!

Well?

Please don't
hurt me, Mister.

I ain't got your money.

Ah!

Your turn is next!

Well?

[groaning]

[puppy growling]

[puppy barking]

Where is it?

No!

Leave him alone!

He doesn't know
where the money is!

Ah-- no-no!

The suspect finally
showed up here

looking for
the lost bank roll.

When I came in, he got
out the bedroom window

and took Jimmy with him.

Now, we think he's taken
Jimmy to some tramp's home.

It seems this tramp
was with Jimmy when

he found the, uh, briefcase
and opened up the lock.

But you don't know where
this tramp lives,

is that it?

Well, Mrs. Fellows

is sure it's in
the immediate neighborhood,

but that's about
all you got to go on.

It's not much.

Probably some cheap flop in
one of these rooming houses.

There are plenty
of those.

Hide, get on
the car radio.

Ask for every
available unit.

I want Bunker Hill
sealed off tight.

Nobody leaves the area
without proper identification.

There must be 50,
60 houses on the hill.

We're going through
every one of 'em.

But do it quietly.

We don't want to scare
him into any violence.

Uh, pass the word he's
got a kid with him too.

Sergeant, do you
think that he--

Mrs. Fellows, if he's
armed, he's dangerous.

We don't know
what he'll do.

Tell Clemmens to take
this block-- Modrey,

Bunker Hill,
1st and Maxwell.

Now Burton and Stein, I want
them to work Temple Street,

both sides
of the street,

North from Court
to the barricade.

Johnson and Smith,
South from Court to 5th.

Tell them they'll
have plenty of help

by the time
they get there.

I want you to stick close to
that radio in the car

and within hollerin'
distance of me.

I'm gonna take
the top of the hill.

Now, one of you knows
where that money is.

For the last
time, where is it?

I...Where is it?

All right...

Now you.

Nobody leaves this place alive
unless I find that money.

Now where is it?

Where?

[The Colonel]
No!

Wait...

Wait I'll tell ya.

I... I got it.

I got your money.

Where?

The old Clancy place
at the top of the hill.

It's just a cellar now.

The house is gone.

Don't believe him.

He's doin' it for me.

There wasn't any money!

There was money
all right.

Keep talkin'.

I'm sorry, kid.

I didn't deserve
your confidence.

I-I thought I could
get away with it,

and nobody'd know.

I took it...

at the gas station
while you was outside

and hid it
in my shirt.

As soon as I got
to the house,

I put the money
in the violin and--

And then I buried the violin
in the old Clancy place.

All-all except $100.

I took that straight
downtown...

And bought the suit.

You can keep the suit
as a present from me.

How could you
do it, Colonel?

How could you?

After all you always said
about bein' honest

and goin' straight,

how could you let me
lie to the police?

And tell my mom how
honest you were?

While all the time
you had the money

buried in your violin.

I believed in you.

I trusted you.

We were even partners!

[Rocky]
All right.

Put this on
and let's go.

It's empty.

Good thing when they tear
these old slums down.

Come on, kid--
We're movin' out.

Come on, kid!

No!

The kid stays
outta this!

He didn't have anything
to do with the money!

I took it
all by myself!

You gotta let him go!

So he can go screamin'
like mad to the cops?

The kid comes with us.

No, the kid
won't say a word!

Tell him, kid!
Tell him you won't!
I will!

No.I will!

No!I hope they catch you...

Both of ya!Please, kid,
please, kid!

Help-- Police!Please, kid!

You--

Gag him,
and make it tight!

All right,
that's good enough.

Or I don't step one
foot outta here.

Move.

Go ahead, but I'm not
takin' one step

outta here
with the kid.

Okay, Pop.

The kid stays-- help me
tie him to a chair.

Make it tight.

[Colonel]
Sorry I let you down, kid.

I'm sorry.

[Rocky]
That's good enough--
Let's go.

I probably won't
see ya again, kid.

It's just as well.

Old tramp like me'll
never change, but you...

You're gonna amount to
somethin' some day.

[Rocky]
All right, cut the sermon.

It won't be Sunday
for two hours yet.

So long, kid.

Straight for
the money and no tricks.

And you better get
that dog outta here.

His yelps will bring in
the whole neighborhood.

[groaning]

Move on!

Keep low.

♪♪

Well, they can't
just disappear.

We're gonna drive
over to your house.

Would you like a ride?

No thanks--
We'd rather walk.

All right.

How much further?

End of the street.

Let's go.

Bunker Hill is like an
island in a sea of lights.

It seems impossible.

Here we are surrounded
by two million people.

We're just a stones throw
away from the civic center,

the police headquarters,

and yet some scarfaced
criminal can hide my boy.

[puppy whimpering]

Listen.

[puppy howling]

It sounds like a dog.

It's from over there.

Why, it's the little Colonel.

It's Jimmy's dog.

Jimmy!

[yelping]

Jimmy?

Jimmy?

Oh, thank God!

Mom, you were right!

The Colonel did
take the money!

The Sergeant's
at your house.

I think we should get
there as soon as we can.

That it?

Take me to the money.

Mrs. Fellows
and the boy.

Give me the horn.

This is car 17--
Car 17.

The fellows boy
has been found.

More details later-- Over.

You all right, son?

Sure.

And I know where the stolen
money is too, Sergeant--

in a violin in
an old basement.

If you hurry you might
get there in time.

I'm afraid you found
an empty briefcase, son.

We picked up a wino
down on main street.

He had the money
on him.

If found the briefcase, picked
the lock, took the money,

and threw the briefcase
back out on the lot.

You found it later.

We just heard it
on the radio.

But I heard The Colonel
admit he took the money.

And he told the scarfaced
man where he hid it.

Why would he lie about
a thing like that,

and say he buried it,
if he didn't?

He did it to save
your life, darling.

Then you gotta hurry.

He's taking the crook
there right now

to show him where
the violin is.

Did he say where?

In a basement at
the old Cleary place,

at the end
of Bodrey Street.

I can take you there.

Get in-- give me
the horn.

This is car 17--
Car 17.

Suspect is in
the vicinity of East Bodrey

in the basement
of an old building.

He's armed and dangerous.

Approach with caution--
Over and out.

Let's go.

I...

I-I-I can't remember!

I'd-I'd...

No, no, I think
it was here.

You've got one minute
to produce that violin.

Twenty-three seconds.

The kid, you won't
hurt him?

Twenty seconds!

[crying]

All right...

Go ahead and kill me.

But you leave the boy
alone, do you hear?

Don't you dare
touch that kid!

He's worth 100
of you and me!

[gunshot]

You all right, Colonel?Yeah.

Oh, I guess so.

Hey, how did you
ever find me?

[Sergeant]
We didn't--
your partner there did.

Well, it wasn't
all together me.

It was the little Colonel
who really did it.

Oh, you mean, we gotta
split three-ways now?

New member of the firm.

[chuckling]

Well, come on,
Colonel.

Are... a-a-are you sure

it'll be all right
with your ma?

Sure-- come on!

The pancakes are waitin'.

They're coming in now.

Oh, don't slam
the door!

[door slams]

Oh.

Hi-- We're here, Mom.Yes, so I hear.

I'm so glad you
could come, Colonel.

Mrs. Fellows.

Here--
You men sit down now,

and have your orange juice,
and I'll get your pancakes.

Jimmy.Here-- Can I put
your hat up, Colonel?

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

Here we go.Oh!

Say, these look great!

There.

Holy cow!

Well, look, Colonel.

Wow!

A thousand bucks!

Mr. Flannigan
brought it over

while you were
delivering your newspapers.

It seems like
the scarface man

had a big price
on his head.

Looks like you
hit the jackpot.

There may be even more.

We're rich, Colonel!

Now you can get
your violin outta hock,

and buy all
the new suits you want.

I told you that you two
were gonna be successful.

Well, here's
to the new firm...

[puppy whimpering]

...And to all
the new partners.

[chuckling]