CHiPs (1977–1983): Season 2, Episode 18 - Rally 'Round the Bank - full transcript
While investigating a string of drive-in-bank robberies, Ponch is baffled by a visit from his mother.
- Good morning, may I help you?
- I sure hope so.
You have a nice day. MAN: Go.
All units in the vicinity
of Hill and Washington...
we have a report of a 21
1 at Security United Bank.
- Kiss that one goodbye.
- Yeah, let's call it in, do a pattern search.
Thattaboy.
That was the CHP, man.
Motorcycles. Motorcycles.
So next time we'll
plan for cycles, big deal.
Come on, let's get
these decals off.
Hey, come on, man. We
got a timetable to keep.
Hey. Cheer up.
Another hit and the treasury of the Southern
Cal Rally Association will be solvent.
Hey, this is never
gonna work, man.
Why don't we just tell them the
truth? We borrowed the prize money.
- The word's "embezzle," partner.
- Yeah, you and your sure-shot highflier.
I'm making it up to you, ain't
I? With a bonus. So just stow it.
Hey.
Really fooled
her, didn't it? Huh?
- Let's get going. The rally passes by soon.
- All right.
15, 7 Mary 1 L.A.,
can you copy a 10-21?
L.A. 7 Mary 4.
7 Mary 4, please landline
S-4 as soon as possible.
10-4, L.A.
Why would Getraer
want me to call him?
I don't know. We better
go to a phone and find out.
I just thought you'd wanna
know your mother called.
She's flying into LAX
on the 4:40 from Chicago.
My mother, today?
Is something wrong?
No, no. Just sounded like
she was coming for a visit.
Look, what I wanted to know was, what
happened to those robbery suspects?
Hey, what can I
say? We lost them.
- You lost them?
- Yeah. Listen, I gotta go, okay?
- Something's wrong.
- How so?
My mother's flying in
on the 4:40 from Chicago.
Hey, great.
Operator? Hello.
Yes, can I have the telephone
number for Timely Furniture Rentals?
Oh, Ponch.
All right, I'm coming.
- Poncherello?
- Yes, this is the place.
- Could you guys please rush it?
- Sure.
Yeah? I know, Jon, you're
waiting for me at the corner.
The movers just got here. I'll be over there
in a couple minutes, all right? Okay, bye.
Hey, listen, I'm
in kind of a jam.
I gotta go to the airport
to pick up my mother.
Could you guys put the stuff
around... Arrange it, maybe?
- Yeah, gotcha. We'll spread it around.
- All right.
Please do not leave your
automobile unattended. Thank you.
- This area is for loading and unloading only.
- We're late.
- Hey, don't look at me.
- Do not leave your automobile unattended.
This area is for loading
and unloading only.
Please do not leave your
automobile unattended. Thank you.
Passengers, please proceed
to Gate 10-B. Thank you.
Mom.
Mom.
- I knew you'd be late.
- I knew you'd understand.
Jon. Oh, how nice of you to
come. You're as handsome as ever.
- Thank you.
- Just like my son.
You took the words
right out of my mouth.
- Let's get your luggage.
- Oh! Right here.
- One bag?
- I'm traveling light.
Oh, how long you staying?
My loving offspring. Five minutes in town,
and he's already asking when I'm leaving.
- You know how unorganized I...
- No, no. Never mind.
Take me to my hotel.
Hotel? Holy... Do you
think I'd let you do that?
- No way. You visit me, you stay with me.
- But, Francis, I've made reservations.
- We'll cancel them.
- Wait till you see his new place.
Don't expect it to be spotless.
I haven't had time to clean.
I know how you clean.
Thank you.
This area is for loading
and unloading only.
Please do not leave your
automobile unattended. Thank you.
Francis. This is your car?
It's not as bad
as you think, Ma.
This car and I have been
through a lot together.
It sure looks it.
Of course, there are a
few things I gotta fix up.
- Did it come like this?
- Comfy, isn't it?
Is something burning?
- The price was right.
- How right?
I bought it at a fire sale.
It's right near the water.
Quiet and meditative.
There's a switchboard, laundry room.
- Hi, Ponch.
Hi. The pool, Mom.
He's a very popular guy.
There's underground parking, elevator.
- Hi, guys.
Hi. There's barbeques,
cable TV, fire alarms.
Hi, Ponch.
Hi. My place has
a great view, Mom.
Listen, I really have to scoot, so
I'll see you both tomorrow, huh?
Oh, Jon, it's been
so nice seeing you.
- Yeah, same here. Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- See you, Ponch.
- Bye.
It's nothing elaborate, Ma, it's
just kind of my humble abode.
So please don't expect
too much, all right?
Uh...
- Well...
- Oh, hi, Ponch.
Well, what's your
idea of too much?
Listen, I hope you don't mind. I had
to use your shower. Mine's broken.
Oh, um...
Mom, this is Susan Stewart.
Yeah, we're neighbors.
Well, I've always taught my
sons to be good neighbors.
Yeah, you did.
Susan, this is my mother.
Your mother? Wow.
Hey, listen, why don't
you come inside? Come on.
- See the apartment.
- Yeah, come on.
It's beautiful.
"Not too expect too
much." It's lovely.
This is very expensive.
Oh, it's... Mom, why don't
you go in the bedroom?
Where you're gonna be
staying. Right in there, Ma.
What is all this about? Is
this my apartment or what?
Yes. But we helped the
movers and added a few touches.
- I hope you like it. BIRD:
When do we eat? I'm starving.
- Hey, gorgeous, your place or myna?
- Oh, yeah, the myna bird's a pill.
So watch out. Bye.
Bye.
Francis! Francis!
- Francis, I'm getting seasick!
- Just stop moving, Ma.
- Me? It's moving.
- Just relax, trust me.
Yeah. That's what you
tell all your houseguests?
Well, if you don't like
it, Ma, you'll be the first.
Oh, God. Listen, at bedtime,
I'll take a Dramamine. Oh, my...
So how are the guys? I got
a letter from Dad last week.
Oh, well, let me see.
Your brother Robert, he's
office manager for your dad.
And your brother Martin, he's
head draftsman for the business.
- With four assistants.
- Look.
Ever since you moved to Chicago,
Dad's business has boomed.
And I know nothing would please
him, and you, and my brothers more...
than if I came and joined
the business. No, no.
It's true. But that's
just not for me.
You're so right.
You don't have a secret
boyfriend out here, do you?
- At my age?
- You're a beauty, you know that.
You'll be knocking them
dead when you're 90.
No. I came to sample some
seafood, see some old friends...
and have a good
time with my son.
Okay. It's good
to have you here.
That bomb scam worked the first
time, they'll probably try to use it again.
I'd like to nail those guys
before they hurt somebody.
That's beginner's luck.
We'll get them next time.
All right, okay. But you two
be careful. You especially.
I always am.
Yeah, well, I don't want any accidents,
spills, near spills, not even a ding.
- You know, you take all the fun out of it.
- Yeah.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hi.
Hi, I'm Frank Poncherello.
This is Jon Baker.
- Hi, I'm Roberta.
- And my name's Janice.
Look, are all those
people in the rally too?
Yeah. We come from all over
the Western United States.
- Sounds like fun.
- Yeah, we've only gotten lost once.
- Well, everybody else did too.
- Well, if you need any help, let me know.
We know this area like
the back of our hands.
Hey, that would be neat.
In the next three days we
have to cover over 900 miles.
- Every night, there's a party.
- Tomorrow night's a dance.
You guys wanna come?
Units in the vicinity of the
intersection at Belmar and Beaumont...
respond to assist L.A.P.D.
A 21 1 at Century Bank.
Suspects reported heading
east on Culver Boulevard.
- Sounds like our guys.
- Sorry, lady, duty calls.
- Well, maybe we'll see you later?
- Yeah, maybe. Good luck on the road rally.
This is what a road rally
ought to be like, huh?
L.A. 15, 7 Mary Charles
in pursuit of 211 suspects...
heading westbound on Yucca.
Hey, they're gaining on us.
- I hope nobody's messed with that truck.
- Hey, don't cringe up on me now.
Well, I'll check out the truck.
- Yeah, 10-to-1 it's stolen.
- Wait a minute. There it is.
Didn't have any flames,
or the one behind it.
That's a neat coincidence, huh?
Yeah, we better check
out our road rally buddies.
You just read my mind, partner.
Okay, I'll write it up.
See you back at Central.
And, Ponch, be careful, huh?
Hey.
Mark, 6-R. 3:48.
Take over, would you?
Hi. What can I do for you?
We thought we'd drop in,
see how things are going.
Couldn't be better. Got a good
rally here. Over 150 cars in it.
- Do they all pass through here?
- Sometime today, yeah.
Here and six other
checkpoints along the route.
We take their mileages, times, and make
sure they're all under the speed limit.
Has anybody been way behind?
Nope. This is one of the closest
car rallies I've ever clocked.
I gotta get back to work. If you have
any more questions, let me know.
All right.
You gotta admit,
this is a great cover.
Yeah, but if everybody's gonna be on
time after following those directions...
they're not gonna
have time to rob a bank.
Yeah, but it's still too neat. I mean,
you know somebody's dirty here.
- Mom. BIRD: Who's
got the dope, brother?
Button up, pal, huh?
Arrest him, officer.
Delinquency to a myna.
- You think you're so smart.
- Mom.
What do you think I am, a bird?
Oh, I'm sorry I'm late. I expected
to be home sooner, but the buses...
Buses? Where did you go?
Well, I went to a few of the
stores, stopped at the market...
and got everything I need to
make one of your favorite dishes.
Baked veal, stuffed.
I remember the first time you
cooked that. I didn't know what it was.
But suddenly, I felt like we were
the richest family in the barrio.
We were.
Maybe not so much in the money,
but we were together, we were happy.
I just hope we never forget the values that
made life worthwhile when we were poor.
I don't think we can.
They go too deep, Ma.
Come on, why don't you forget
this and come on over here, sit down.
Do you remember Jorge Santiago,
Rose's son? You used to play together.
Play? I used to fight
him at least once a week.
Well, do you know that he's
made Rose a grandmother?
Two of the most
beautiful little boys.
Hey, that's fantastic, Ma.
And her youngest daughter
married a fine young man.
Mom...
is that what this is all about?
- What do you mean?
- You looking out for my happiness.
I mean, I appreciate
it. I really do.
But you shouldn't have come...
just to do that
settle-down-with-a-family number on me.
- I haven't found that special person.
- But it's fun looking.
Yeah, it's fun looking.
But you know what
the real fun's gonna be?
Hitting it as lucky as my father
did the first time he saw you.
I love you.
I love you too, Mom.
Now, you wanna tell
me why you're here?
Oh, relax. There doesn't have
to be a reason for everything.
- Morning, sarge.
- Good morning.
This is my mother.
I've been showing her around, giving
her an idea of what the CHP's about.
- Hello.
- How do you do?
It's very nice to meet
you, Mrs. Poncherello.
I'm sure your son's been
giving you a top-flight tour.
Oh, yes, he has. It's a
pleasure to meet you.
Francis speaks so highly of you.
Well, Miss Poncherello,
Jon and Frank are good men.
- Would you mind if I spoke to them privately?
- No, not at all. Go ahead.
- I'm sure it's important.
- It is.
- Be right out, Ma.
- Excuse me.
Well, I suppose you guys
are pleased with yourselves.
- Excuse me?
- What about?
Every law enforcement
officer in L.A...
was listening to my units
closing in on an easy pinch.
And what happens?
Nothing.
Sarge, you knew about the semi.
There was nothing we could do.
Three officers
led down an alley.
I mean, you should have
smelled that one coming.
That trick's as
old as the hills.
Well, sarge, maybe your
hills are a little older than ours.
Now, listen,
Poncherello. Don't...
But two times those jokers
have given us... You. You the slip.
Well, they are slick, sarge. I
mean, we think they have a pattern.
Every time they have
an escape route set up.
A pattern? You think
they're setting up a pattern?
Look, I don't want a Sherlock
Holmes or a Sam Spade.
I want traffic officers,
not gumshoes.
Sarge, that's not the way it is.
Well, just keep
it that way, okay?
Okay, now, we got a briefing.
Frank, your mother's
welcome to sit in if she wants.
Oh, she'd like to but no time.
All right.
- That's just part of the job, Mom.
- Does that happen often?
- No.
- Oh, yes.
- Once in a while.
- Hi, Jon. Hey, Ponch.
- Grossie, this is my mother.
- Oh, Mrs. Poncherello, great to meet you.
- Hello.
- It's really nice you could be with us today.
Oh, yes, I'm finding
it very informative.
Have a nice day.
Your mom's really something.
Yeah, Mom's always
been pretty amazing.
I'm glad you decided to
let her have a good time...
and not worry
why she's out here.
She's having a good
time and I am worrying.
- She knows something I don't.
- Ah, Ponch.
No, you don't understand.
When they moved to Chicago,
my dad flew. She took a bus.
When my mother gets on
a plane, something's wrong.
All units vicinity of Melrose and
La Brea, a 21 1 at Federated Bank.
Suspect's in late model
MG heading east on Melrose.
They're going down this time.
L.A. 15, 7 Mary 3 and 4
are rolling from Cahuenga.
10-4, 7 Mary 3 and 4.
You okay?
I'll be okay when
we nail those guys.
Oh, no, not you, Ponch.
It's not his motor. It's mine.
That's not so bad.
Hey, thanks a lot.
Do you believe it?
I think we ought to catch
up with Roberta and Janice...
and take them up
on that square dance.
Well, I can't. I have my
sister's birthday party.
But it's business.
Ask Getraer, all right?
Getraer? Does he know
how to square dance?
Well, if he doesn't, hey,
Ponch can teach him.
Okay, way to go, sarge.
I'm telling you, the dark-haired
one is the same Chippie, man.
- Well, cops can dance too. Big deal.
- Yeah, but he's on to us.
Look, if they don't catch us at
the scene we got the perfect alibi.
Come on.
- A lot of fun, huh?
- Yeah, it is.
- And you party like this every night?
- That's right.
- May I get you some more cider?
- I'll get it, Mrs. Poncherello.
- No, no. No, stay right there.
- Thanks.
Say, does anybody know
where tomorrow's course will go?
Only the rally
master. That's Jack.
Everyone else gets the
directions at the start of each day.
And then have to figure
out the course as you go.
Except for this year. Someone
stole Jack's guide sheets.
Yeah, and it's too late to
change the courses so...
- Would you excuse us for just a moment?
- Sure.
- Sure. We'll be right here.
- Okay.
Stolen rally sheets.
Now, that explains how they make
it through the checkpoints on time.
Sure. They just slip in with the
rest of the cars free and clear.
Make a quick change in the car.
Magnetic decals, probably.
Like those ugly things you were
always sticking on the family car?
Yes, Mother.
The car never did run the
same after that summer.
What's up?
Well, we got a pretty strong hunch that
somebody's using the rally as a cover...
while they do a few
bank withdrawals.
Well, if I wanted to catch them, I
would post a lookout at any bank...
close to tomorrow's route.
Wouldn't you?
Left three blocks.
Got it.
All right, right three miles,
bearing left when the road forks.
Got it. Holy, here's another
one. Closer yet, closer yet.
California Union Bank.
Century and Western.
Century and Western, got it.
- Oh, good morning.
- Good morning.
Don't get up. Just stay
right where you are.
Just hear us out, huh, sarge.
We checked the
rally course for today.
It passes close to three banks.
I see.
We think one of the
banks is gonna be robbed.
All right, all right, we'll work with L.A.P.D.
and assist with the perimeter control.
You guys take the bank you want.
That would be the California
Union Bank, Western and Century.
Strictly routine, Ma.
Go get them.
Let's hit it.
Be careful.
Maybe I shouldn't have
come in at all today.
Hey, Mrs. Poncherello...
if he wasn't top-notch
he wouldn't be out there.
Thanks, sergeant.
If he wasn't top-notch, he
wouldn't be a Poncherello.
There you go.
- Good morning, may I help you?
- Yeah, I believe you can.
Look.
Larry!
Are you injured?
They're gonna try to get
through the flood-control wash.
I'll cut them off.
They want an escape
route? Let's give them one.
- It's all right.
- Come on.
Just relax. The tunnel,
what do you think?
- Yeah, let's go.
- You wanna go for it? All right.
- We're not gonna make it.
- We haven't got a choice.
Well, high marks
for brainwork, guys.
Hey, sarge, I want you to notice.
No accidents, spills, not even a ding.
Well, it's a good thing.
That was an easy ride.
In closing, I wanna commend
Officers Baker, Baricza...
Cahill and Poncherello...
in the apprehension of
our drive-in bank robbers.
It was neat, clean
and by the book.
You made the patrol look
good. I wanna thank you.
Now, for an unusually pleasant
note, I wanna make a presentation.
For one year's service without an accident,
I'd like to present a safety citation...
to Officer Frank Poncherello.
Me?
I never thought I'd see
the day either, Frank.
That's why you've
been on my tail all week.
You had us worried. You were
getting down to the qualifying deadline.
Yeah, one more scratch on your motorcycle
and we'd have been back to square one.
- You knew all about this.
- Sure, I planned it.
- Thanks for the confidence, partner.
- After all, I had you covered.
Look out now, coming
through. Good stuff on its way.
Here you go, Ponch.
Homemade by your mom and
me right here in our own kitchen.
Congratulations, buddy.
- Thanks, Grossie.
- Here you go.
- Aw.
- Thank you, Ma.
Hooray, Ponch.
- Hey, Ponch.
- She went shopping one day.
Think it'll all fit back here.
Okay, Mrs. Poncherello.
- You have a safe trip home.
- Thank you.
Okay. Yeah, right.
Thanks for coming.
When they gave me this, having
you here made it all seem right.
I'm glad. What you're
doing is right for you.
I can't think of a finer way for
a son of mine to spend his life.
I can't tell you how
proud I am of you.
Well, come back soon and try.
Bye, Maria.
- I sure hope so.
You have a nice day. MAN: Go.
All units in the vicinity
of Hill and Washington...
we have a report of a 21
1 at Security United Bank.
- Kiss that one goodbye.
- Yeah, let's call it in, do a pattern search.
Thattaboy.
That was the CHP, man.
Motorcycles. Motorcycles.
So next time we'll
plan for cycles, big deal.
Come on, let's get
these decals off.
Hey, come on, man. We
got a timetable to keep.
Hey. Cheer up.
Another hit and the treasury of the Southern
Cal Rally Association will be solvent.
Hey, this is never
gonna work, man.
Why don't we just tell them the
truth? We borrowed the prize money.
- The word's "embezzle," partner.
- Yeah, you and your sure-shot highflier.
I'm making it up to you, ain't
I? With a bonus. So just stow it.
Hey.
Really fooled
her, didn't it? Huh?
- Let's get going. The rally passes by soon.
- All right.
15, 7 Mary 1 L.A.,
can you copy a 10-21?
L.A. 7 Mary 4.
7 Mary 4, please landline
S-4 as soon as possible.
10-4, L.A.
Why would Getraer
want me to call him?
I don't know. We better
go to a phone and find out.
I just thought you'd wanna
know your mother called.
She's flying into LAX
on the 4:40 from Chicago.
My mother, today?
Is something wrong?
No, no. Just sounded like
she was coming for a visit.
Look, what I wanted to know was, what
happened to those robbery suspects?
Hey, what can I
say? We lost them.
- You lost them?
- Yeah. Listen, I gotta go, okay?
- Something's wrong.
- How so?
My mother's flying in
on the 4:40 from Chicago.
Hey, great.
Operator? Hello.
Yes, can I have the telephone
number for Timely Furniture Rentals?
Oh, Ponch.
All right, I'm coming.
- Poncherello?
- Yes, this is the place.
- Could you guys please rush it?
- Sure.
Yeah? I know, Jon, you're
waiting for me at the corner.
The movers just got here. I'll be over there
in a couple minutes, all right? Okay, bye.
Hey, listen, I'm
in kind of a jam.
I gotta go to the airport
to pick up my mother.
Could you guys put the stuff
around... Arrange it, maybe?
- Yeah, gotcha. We'll spread it around.
- All right.
Please do not leave your
automobile unattended. Thank you.
- This area is for loading and unloading only.
- We're late.
- Hey, don't look at me.
- Do not leave your automobile unattended.
This area is for loading
and unloading only.
Please do not leave your
automobile unattended. Thank you.
Passengers, please proceed
to Gate 10-B. Thank you.
Mom.
Mom.
- I knew you'd be late.
- I knew you'd understand.
Jon. Oh, how nice of you to
come. You're as handsome as ever.
- Thank you.
- Just like my son.
You took the words
right out of my mouth.
- Let's get your luggage.
- Oh! Right here.
- One bag?
- I'm traveling light.
Oh, how long you staying?
My loving offspring. Five minutes in town,
and he's already asking when I'm leaving.
- You know how unorganized I...
- No, no. Never mind.
Take me to my hotel.
Hotel? Holy... Do you
think I'd let you do that?
- No way. You visit me, you stay with me.
- But, Francis, I've made reservations.
- We'll cancel them.
- Wait till you see his new place.
Don't expect it to be spotless.
I haven't had time to clean.
I know how you clean.
Thank you.
This area is for loading
and unloading only.
Please do not leave your
automobile unattended. Thank you.
Francis. This is your car?
It's not as bad
as you think, Ma.
This car and I have been
through a lot together.
It sure looks it.
Of course, there are a
few things I gotta fix up.
- Did it come like this?
- Comfy, isn't it?
Is something burning?
- The price was right.
- How right?
I bought it at a fire sale.
It's right near the water.
Quiet and meditative.
There's a switchboard, laundry room.
- Hi, Ponch.
Hi. The pool, Mom.
He's a very popular guy.
There's underground parking, elevator.
- Hi, guys.
Hi. There's barbeques,
cable TV, fire alarms.
Hi, Ponch.
Hi. My place has
a great view, Mom.
Listen, I really have to scoot, so
I'll see you both tomorrow, huh?
Oh, Jon, it's been
so nice seeing you.
- Yeah, same here. Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- See you, Ponch.
- Bye.
It's nothing elaborate, Ma, it's
just kind of my humble abode.
So please don't expect
too much, all right?
Uh...
- Well...
- Oh, hi, Ponch.
Well, what's your
idea of too much?
Listen, I hope you don't mind. I had
to use your shower. Mine's broken.
Oh, um...
Mom, this is Susan Stewart.
Yeah, we're neighbors.
Well, I've always taught my
sons to be good neighbors.
Yeah, you did.
Susan, this is my mother.
Your mother? Wow.
Hey, listen, why don't
you come inside? Come on.
- See the apartment.
- Yeah, come on.
It's beautiful.
"Not too expect too
much." It's lovely.
This is very expensive.
Oh, it's... Mom, why don't
you go in the bedroom?
Where you're gonna be
staying. Right in there, Ma.
What is all this about? Is
this my apartment or what?
Yes. But we helped the
movers and added a few touches.
- I hope you like it. BIRD:
When do we eat? I'm starving.
- Hey, gorgeous, your place or myna?
- Oh, yeah, the myna bird's a pill.
So watch out. Bye.
Bye.
Francis! Francis!
- Francis, I'm getting seasick!
- Just stop moving, Ma.
- Me? It's moving.
- Just relax, trust me.
Yeah. That's what you
tell all your houseguests?
Well, if you don't like
it, Ma, you'll be the first.
Oh, God. Listen, at bedtime,
I'll take a Dramamine. Oh, my...
So how are the guys? I got
a letter from Dad last week.
Oh, well, let me see.
Your brother Robert, he's
office manager for your dad.
And your brother Martin, he's
head draftsman for the business.
- With four assistants.
- Look.
Ever since you moved to Chicago,
Dad's business has boomed.
And I know nothing would please
him, and you, and my brothers more...
than if I came and joined
the business. No, no.
It's true. But that's
just not for me.
You're so right.
You don't have a secret
boyfriend out here, do you?
- At my age?
- You're a beauty, you know that.
You'll be knocking them
dead when you're 90.
No. I came to sample some
seafood, see some old friends...
and have a good
time with my son.
Okay. It's good
to have you here.
That bomb scam worked the first
time, they'll probably try to use it again.
I'd like to nail those guys
before they hurt somebody.
That's beginner's luck.
We'll get them next time.
All right, okay. But you two
be careful. You especially.
I always am.
Yeah, well, I don't want any accidents,
spills, near spills, not even a ding.
- You know, you take all the fun out of it.
- Yeah.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Hi.
Hi, I'm Frank Poncherello.
This is Jon Baker.
- Hi, I'm Roberta.
- And my name's Janice.
Look, are all those
people in the rally too?
Yeah. We come from all over
the Western United States.
- Sounds like fun.
- Yeah, we've only gotten lost once.
- Well, everybody else did too.
- Well, if you need any help, let me know.
We know this area like
the back of our hands.
Hey, that would be neat.
In the next three days we
have to cover over 900 miles.
- Every night, there's a party.
- Tomorrow night's a dance.
You guys wanna come?
Units in the vicinity of the
intersection at Belmar and Beaumont...
respond to assist L.A.P.D.
A 21 1 at Century Bank.
Suspects reported heading
east on Culver Boulevard.
- Sounds like our guys.
- Sorry, lady, duty calls.
- Well, maybe we'll see you later?
- Yeah, maybe. Good luck on the road rally.
This is what a road rally
ought to be like, huh?
L.A. 15, 7 Mary Charles
in pursuit of 211 suspects...
heading westbound on Yucca.
Hey, they're gaining on us.
- I hope nobody's messed with that truck.
- Hey, don't cringe up on me now.
Well, I'll check out the truck.
- Yeah, 10-to-1 it's stolen.
- Wait a minute. There it is.
Didn't have any flames,
or the one behind it.
That's a neat coincidence, huh?
Yeah, we better check
out our road rally buddies.
You just read my mind, partner.
Okay, I'll write it up.
See you back at Central.
And, Ponch, be careful, huh?
Hey.
Mark, 6-R. 3:48.
Take over, would you?
Hi. What can I do for you?
We thought we'd drop in,
see how things are going.
Couldn't be better. Got a good
rally here. Over 150 cars in it.
- Do they all pass through here?
- Sometime today, yeah.
Here and six other
checkpoints along the route.
We take their mileages, times, and make
sure they're all under the speed limit.
Has anybody been way behind?
Nope. This is one of the closest
car rallies I've ever clocked.
I gotta get back to work. If you have
any more questions, let me know.
All right.
You gotta admit,
this is a great cover.
Yeah, but if everybody's gonna be on
time after following those directions...
they're not gonna
have time to rob a bank.
Yeah, but it's still too neat. I mean,
you know somebody's dirty here.
- Mom. BIRD: Who's
got the dope, brother?
Button up, pal, huh?
Arrest him, officer.
Delinquency to a myna.
- You think you're so smart.
- Mom.
What do you think I am, a bird?
Oh, I'm sorry I'm late. I expected
to be home sooner, but the buses...
Buses? Where did you go?
Well, I went to a few of the
stores, stopped at the market...
and got everything I need to
make one of your favorite dishes.
Baked veal, stuffed.
I remember the first time you
cooked that. I didn't know what it was.
But suddenly, I felt like we were
the richest family in the barrio.
We were.
Maybe not so much in the money,
but we were together, we were happy.
I just hope we never forget the values that
made life worthwhile when we were poor.
I don't think we can.
They go too deep, Ma.
Come on, why don't you forget
this and come on over here, sit down.
Do you remember Jorge Santiago,
Rose's son? You used to play together.
Play? I used to fight
him at least once a week.
Well, do you know that he's
made Rose a grandmother?
Two of the most
beautiful little boys.
Hey, that's fantastic, Ma.
And her youngest daughter
married a fine young man.
Mom...
is that what this is all about?
- What do you mean?
- You looking out for my happiness.
I mean, I appreciate
it. I really do.
But you shouldn't have come...
just to do that
settle-down-with-a-family number on me.
- I haven't found that special person.
- But it's fun looking.
Yeah, it's fun looking.
But you know what
the real fun's gonna be?
Hitting it as lucky as my father
did the first time he saw you.
I love you.
I love you too, Mom.
Now, you wanna tell
me why you're here?
Oh, relax. There doesn't have
to be a reason for everything.
- Morning, sarge.
- Good morning.
This is my mother.
I've been showing her around, giving
her an idea of what the CHP's about.
- Hello.
- How do you do?
It's very nice to meet
you, Mrs. Poncherello.
I'm sure your son's been
giving you a top-flight tour.
Oh, yes, he has. It's a
pleasure to meet you.
Francis speaks so highly of you.
Well, Miss Poncherello,
Jon and Frank are good men.
- Would you mind if I spoke to them privately?
- No, not at all. Go ahead.
- I'm sure it's important.
- It is.
- Be right out, Ma.
- Excuse me.
Well, I suppose you guys
are pleased with yourselves.
- Excuse me?
- What about?
Every law enforcement
officer in L.A...
was listening to my units
closing in on an easy pinch.
And what happens?
Nothing.
Sarge, you knew about the semi.
There was nothing we could do.
Three officers
led down an alley.
I mean, you should have
smelled that one coming.
That trick's as
old as the hills.
Well, sarge, maybe your
hills are a little older than ours.
Now, listen,
Poncherello. Don't...
But two times those jokers
have given us... You. You the slip.
Well, they are slick, sarge. I
mean, we think they have a pattern.
Every time they have
an escape route set up.
A pattern? You think
they're setting up a pattern?
Look, I don't want a Sherlock
Holmes or a Sam Spade.
I want traffic officers,
not gumshoes.
Sarge, that's not the way it is.
Well, just keep
it that way, okay?
Okay, now, we got a briefing.
Frank, your mother's
welcome to sit in if she wants.
Oh, she'd like to but no time.
All right.
- That's just part of the job, Mom.
- Does that happen often?
- No.
- Oh, yes.
- Once in a while.
- Hi, Jon. Hey, Ponch.
- Grossie, this is my mother.
- Oh, Mrs. Poncherello, great to meet you.
- Hello.
- It's really nice you could be with us today.
Oh, yes, I'm finding
it very informative.
Have a nice day.
Your mom's really something.
Yeah, Mom's always
been pretty amazing.
I'm glad you decided to
let her have a good time...
and not worry
why she's out here.
She's having a good
time and I am worrying.
- She knows something I don't.
- Ah, Ponch.
No, you don't understand.
When they moved to Chicago,
my dad flew. She took a bus.
When my mother gets on
a plane, something's wrong.
All units vicinity of Melrose and
La Brea, a 21 1 at Federated Bank.
Suspect's in late model
MG heading east on Melrose.
They're going down this time.
L.A. 15, 7 Mary 3 and 4
are rolling from Cahuenga.
10-4, 7 Mary 3 and 4.
You okay?
I'll be okay when
we nail those guys.
Oh, no, not you, Ponch.
It's not his motor. It's mine.
That's not so bad.
Hey, thanks a lot.
Do you believe it?
I think we ought to catch
up with Roberta and Janice...
and take them up
on that square dance.
Well, I can't. I have my
sister's birthday party.
But it's business.
Ask Getraer, all right?
Getraer? Does he know
how to square dance?
Well, if he doesn't, hey,
Ponch can teach him.
Okay, way to go, sarge.
I'm telling you, the dark-haired
one is the same Chippie, man.
- Well, cops can dance too. Big deal.
- Yeah, but he's on to us.
Look, if they don't catch us at
the scene we got the perfect alibi.
Come on.
- A lot of fun, huh?
- Yeah, it is.
- And you party like this every night?
- That's right.
- May I get you some more cider?
- I'll get it, Mrs. Poncherello.
- No, no. No, stay right there.
- Thanks.
Say, does anybody know
where tomorrow's course will go?
Only the rally
master. That's Jack.
Everyone else gets the
directions at the start of each day.
And then have to figure
out the course as you go.
Except for this year. Someone
stole Jack's guide sheets.
Yeah, and it's too late to
change the courses so...
- Would you excuse us for just a moment?
- Sure.
- Sure. We'll be right here.
- Okay.
Stolen rally sheets.
Now, that explains how they make
it through the checkpoints on time.
Sure. They just slip in with the
rest of the cars free and clear.
Make a quick change in the car.
Magnetic decals, probably.
Like those ugly things you were
always sticking on the family car?
Yes, Mother.
The car never did run the
same after that summer.
What's up?
Well, we got a pretty strong hunch that
somebody's using the rally as a cover...
while they do a few
bank withdrawals.
Well, if I wanted to catch them, I
would post a lookout at any bank...
close to tomorrow's route.
Wouldn't you?
Left three blocks.
Got it.
All right, right three miles,
bearing left when the road forks.
Got it. Holy, here's another
one. Closer yet, closer yet.
California Union Bank.
Century and Western.
Century and Western, got it.
- Oh, good morning.
- Good morning.
Don't get up. Just stay
right where you are.
Just hear us out, huh, sarge.
We checked the
rally course for today.
It passes close to three banks.
I see.
We think one of the
banks is gonna be robbed.
All right, all right, we'll work with L.A.P.D.
and assist with the perimeter control.
You guys take the bank you want.
That would be the California
Union Bank, Western and Century.
Strictly routine, Ma.
Go get them.
Let's hit it.
Be careful.
Maybe I shouldn't have
come in at all today.
Hey, Mrs. Poncherello...
if he wasn't top-notch
he wouldn't be out there.
Thanks, sergeant.
If he wasn't top-notch, he
wouldn't be a Poncherello.
There you go.
- Good morning, may I help you?
- Yeah, I believe you can.
Look.
Larry!
Are you injured?
They're gonna try to get
through the flood-control wash.
I'll cut them off.
They want an escape
route? Let's give them one.
- It's all right.
- Come on.
Just relax. The tunnel,
what do you think?
- Yeah, let's go.
- You wanna go for it? All right.
- We're not gonna make it.
- We haven't got a choice.
Well, high marks
for brainwork, guys.
Hey, sarge, I want you to notice.
No accidents, spills, not even a ding.
Well, it's a good thing.
That was an easy ride.
In closing, I wanna commend
Officers Baker, Baricza...
Cahill and Poncherello...
in the apprehension of
our drive-in bank robbers.
It was neat, clean
and by the book.
You made the patrol look
good. I wanna thank you.
Now, for an unusually pleasant
note, I wanna make a presentation.
For one year's service without an accident,
I'd like to present a safety citation...
to Officer Frank Poncherello.
Me?
I never thought I'd see
the day either, Frank.
That's why you've
been on my tail all week.
You had us worried. You were
getting down to the qualifying deadline.
Yeah, one more scratch on your motorcycle
and we'd have been back to square one.
- You knew all about this.
- Sure, I planned it.
- Thanks for the confidence, partner.
- After all, I had you covered.
Look out now, coming
through. Good stuff on its way.
Here you go, Ponch.
Homemade by your mom and
me right here in our own kitchen.
Congratulations, buddy.
- Thanks, Grossie.
- Here you go.
- Aw.
- Thank you, Ma.
Hooray, Ponch.
- Hey, Ponch.
- She went shopping one day.
Think it'll all fit back here.
Okay, Mrs. Poncherello.
- You have a safe trip home.
- Thank you.
Okay. Yeah, right.
Thanks for coming.
When they gave me this, having
you here made it all seem right.
I'm glad. What you're
doing is right for you.
I can't think of a finer way for
a son of mine to spend his life.
I can't tell you how
proud I am of you.
Well, come back soon and try.
Bye, Maria.