Hunter (1984–1991): Season 7, Episode 22 - Little Man with a Big Reputation - full transcript
Devane becomes entangled in the life of an ex-convict who disappears shortly before his wedding.
‐ Where's Nadell Want this one?
‐ Take it to the
Sherman weigh station.
‐ Get out of here. ‐ Right.
‐ Another hijacked tanker,
what does that make, five, six?
‐ That makes six
in the last 14 weeks.
‐ So, what do we got on 'em?
‐ Well here, see for yourself.
‐ One empty tanker, one
driver with a major headache.
Mr. McCrea is in the
conference room now
going through the books.
‐ Hey, you know what?
My horoscope in the
newspaper said this morning
that I was gonna
meet someone today
that's going to
bring me good luck.
‐ Well, maybe that good
luck is Mr. McCrea in there,
but then again the day is young.
‐ I'll see you in a minute.
‐ Mr. McCrea, how
you feeling today?
‐ Arms.
Have fun.
Side.
Side.
Front.
Thank you everybody,
thank you, thank you.
Great work, don't
forget your exercises
because happy feet
make happy souls.
Bye.
‐ Oh, excuse me, excuse me,
excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.
Hello sugar.
‐ Jake.
My breakfast just wasn't
the same this morning
without my short stack.
‐ Wanda, where are my manners?
Say hello to my cousin Bernie.
‐ Hello.
‐ Hello, Bernie.
Nice accordion.
‐ Hey, he plays
semi‐professionally
and he has offered to play
at our wedding reception.
‐ Did he?
‐ Bernie, play something.
‐ Excuse me.
Can I talk to you over
here for a minute?
‐ Yeah, sure.
‐ He's not playing
at my wedding.
‐ Oh Wanda, my family's
really looking forward to this.
‐ Oh Jake, I've waited
for this all my life.
I just wanted a
nice dance combo.
Please don't make me go
through the rest of my life
remembering that.
‐ Oh boy am I in trouble.
You know, every time I
look into those green eyes
of yours I can't
deny you anything.
Combo, you got it.
‐ Goodie.
‐ You still got
the touch, Bernie.
Wait in the car,
I'll talk to you later.
‐ Thank you.
Did you pick out
your best man yet?
‐ Oh, come on, I
haven't had the time yet.
He's a busy man.
‐ He's not another one of
your prison buddies is he?
‐ Wanda, Wanda, would I
do a thing like that to you?
I mean, he's a
real first class guy.
I mean, this guy is
the best, best man
in the whole world.
‐ Okay, what's his name?
‐ So, Mr. McCrea you're
sure this the the guy
who jumped you, right?
‐ As sure as I can be.
I got a quick look
at him just before
he lowered the boom on me.
‐ Well, we do
appreciate you coming in.
You go on home
get some rest now.
We'll call you if we need you.
‐ Mr. McCrea thanks for
coming down, appreciate it.
‐ Sure, okay.
‐ Lonny Frost, run
him through NCIC,
see what you come up with.
‐ Right.
‐ Captain Charlie Devane.
Guess you never thought
you'd see this kisser again, huh?
Hey, is he terrific?
He's looking at a new man here.
Oh, oh Charlie it's
so good to see you.
Oh god.
Oh Charlie, Charlie
what happened?
You put a few on, huh?
‐ Well, you know how it goes.
‐ Oh, do I ever, look
I had to really work
so hard not to get totally
blimpoid on prison cuisine.
‐ How much time
did you do, exactly?
‐ Six years, three months,
but it coulda been worse.
See, see when you busted
me that was the best thing
that ever happened to
me. Well, second best thing.
First best thing
was meeting Wanda.
And, you're
responsible for that too.
‐ I don't know
anybody named Wanda.
‐ Oh, you'll meet her.
See, I met her
when I was in stir.
She was participating in that
pen pal program, you know?
But, see if you didn't bust
me I woulda never done time,
I woulda never met Wanda.
So, you are
single‐handedly responsible
for changing my life, and
Jake Hutton never forgets.
And, that's why I want
you to be my best man.
‐ Jake Hutton, of course.
Well Jake listen, it's really
nice of you to ask but‐‐
‐ Excuse me can I just
but in here for a second?
You couldn't've picked
a better best man.
‐ Captain?
Commander Clayton
on one for you.
‐ Look Jake I‐‐
‐ No, listen I know how
busy you are Chucky
so I'll just wait right
inside. It's no problem.
‐ Listen Captain, I know
how busy you're going to be
with the wedding
plans so I'll just get on
this Lonny Frost
thing right away.
I'll talk to you later.
‐ Captain, the
commander's on hold.
‐ Whoa, some place you got
here Mr. Nadell, nice action.
‐ You're not here for
the action, Sanders.
You're here because
we don't like the way
you're doing business.
‐ I don't know what
you're talking about?
What kind of business is that?
‐ Your girls have been
exporting their talents
beyond the back seats
of cars in your parking lot.
‐ My girls?
No, obviously
there's some mistake.
‐ The only mistake you
made was sending them out
on calls to local hotels.
‐ Mr. Nadell, I must
tell you, I'm taken aback
that some of my employees
would freelance like that.
‐ Don't play me for a patsy.
You know exactly
what I'm talking about.
Should have torched this
bozo's place a long time ago.
‐ Wait a minute, wait.
I swear I don't know
anything about this.
‐ Cut the crap.
You're in business
because I tolerate it.
And, I tolerate it because
my business associates
sell you booze.
When a low‐life
piece of scum like you
starts to cut into my business
then I gotta make
an example out of 'em
so that other low‐lifes
don't get ambitious.
Do you understand?
‐ Completely.
‐ If one of your bimbos
so much as comes
out of cake at a bachelor
party I'm gonna take you apart.
Do you got my drift?
Get outta here.
‐ So, how'd it go?
‐ I'm gonna hit Nadell.
And, I'm going to need a
patsy to take the heat for it.
‐ I know just the guy.
‐ Lonny Frost?
LAPD, I wanna
have a word with ya.
Hey, I said I
wanted to talk to ya.
You're sure about
that, huh Lonny?
‐ Yeah, I'm sure.
‐ Sergeant Hunter?
‐ Thanks very much.
‐ You're welcome, sir.
You know what this is, Lonny?
It's your NCIC file.
National computer keeps
a track of all the criminal
activity across the country.
A good thing too,
you move around a lot.
‐ Hey look, I paid
my debt to society.
‐ And in 1980 you and
Dirk Baker did three years
in Fulsom Prison for
hijacking a gasoline tanker
in Bakersfield.
‐ So what?
‐ 1985 you got four more years,
Dirk Baker again, same deal.
You're getting into
a rut here, Lonny.
‐ Hey look, so I'm
an ex‐con, so what?
Is that any reason
to jump all over me?
I mean, hey what's
your point, anyway?
‐ The point here
is, was Dirk Baker
in on this hijacking with you?
‐ I don't know what
you're talking about.
‐ Oh come on, you can
tell me, was he or wasn't he?
‐ I ain't telling you nothing.
Nothing.
‐ Want me to ask him?
I can do that, you know.
Okay, now Dirk Baker still
a mechanic in the valley?
‐ How should I know?
‐ Jake, where are you?
I thought that you
were coming to...
Bed.
‐ Madam, may I have this dance?
‐ Oh Jake, you're incorrigible.
‐ Don't tell my parole officer.
‐ No wonder why women
think you're just irresistible.
Oh well.
Wanda, as long as
we're down here alone.
‐ Yes?
Oh Jake.
‐ So, what about this Frost guy?
‐ Well, he's a prior
in two different states
with a guy named Dirk Baker.
I don't think the guy's
smart enough to work alone.
‐ Well look, as
soon as he clears bail
you follow him, all right?
‐ Captain, Wanda
Crebbs is in your office,
a Jake Hutton's fiance.
‐ Yeah, what's with
this Jake Hutton guy?
‐ He's some guy I busted
for burglary, 10 years ago.
He claims he met
his fiance in prison
on a pen pal program.
Now, he thinks
I'm his best friend.
I don't know, it's like
they're creeping into my life.
There's nothing
I can do about it.
Give me some moral
support here, okay?
‐ Oh, Captain
Devane, Wanda Crebbs.
What a pleasure to meet you.
Jake's told me so
much about you.
Captain this, captain that,
well you know how Jake is.
‐ No, well actually he doesn't.
‐ Wanda, this is
Sergeant Rick Hunter.
Uh, Wanda Crebbs.
‐ Miss Crebbs, a pleasure.
‐ So Wanda, what
can we do for you?
‐ I'm here to take your
tuxedo measurement.
‐ Oh, excuse me,
don't they usually take
those measurements down
at the tuxedo rental place?
‐ Usually, but I'm
making the tuxes
and yours is baby blue,
Jake's favorite color.
You don't mind do you?
‐ No.
‐ Miss Crebbs, don't
you wanna write some
of these measurements down?
‐ No, I have a
photogenic memory.
‐ Well, you know, I don't
know who's more excited
about this wedding,
Captain Devane or Jake.
‐ Oh, now I know
why you're his idol.
You know, most civil
servants are insensitive
to the needs of
others, but here you are
caring about two
nobodies like Jake and me.
Until Captain Devane
came along no one had
the slightest bit of faith
in Jake whatsoever.
Oh Captain, you're
gonna love this tuxedo.
‐ You know, I think that
blue might bring your eyes out.
‐ Yeah.
‐ Look, Miss Crebbs,
it's been a pleasure.
‐ Thank you, you too Sergeant.
Oh, Miss Crebbs,
when is the wedding?
‐ Oh, thanks for reminding me.
The rehearsal's been changed
to two o'clock this afternoon.
Jake told me that he
gave you the address.
Bye Sergeant.
‐ So long.
‐ Mr. Snake, Mr. Sanders
to what do I owe
the pleasure of this meeting?
‐ Snake is supervising an
upcoming second story job
for me and since you and
he were such good friends
in the slammer
you emerged as his
personal selection
for the position.
‐ Boy, I'm really flattered,
you know what I mean?
But, I guess you
guys haven't heard,
I've been retired.
‐ But, you're so
young to retire.
‐ It was time for a change.
‐ You know the funny
thing about retirement, Jake?
Is the average schlub
he works his hump off
his whole life,
then he drops over
like that. First year
after getting his gold watch.
How long's it been
since you retired?
‐ Eight months.
‐ Ouch.
I'd be very careful of
my health if I was you.
You know, this is a risky period
statistically speaking.
‐ Like it was for Leon
Bates when he stole
my smokes in prison.
Remember what
happened to him, Jake?
‐ Okay, yeah, you fellas
got yourselves a boy.
A little rusty perhaps,
but the old know how
is still filed right up there.
‐ Look everybody, he's coming.
He's probably out
with his best man
having one last brewski.
Father, I'm going
to wait out front.
‐ Ten bucks says
Jake's got cold feet.
‐ And that could be fatal
considering the
size of his feet.
Hello.
Mr. Nadell, this is Lonny.
The cops picked
me up last night.
They leaned pretty heavy on me.
‐ Oh Lonny, hey it's really good
to hear from you, huh?
I've been really
worried about you.
‐ I didn't tell 'em
nothing, Mr. Nadell.
And, I won't neither,
you can trust me on that.
‐ You know, loyalty like
that is really hard to find.
Believe me.
Listen Lonny, I'm making
arrangements for you
to leave the country.
‐ You mean, I won't
have to stand trial?
‐ That's right.
You just make sure
you're not followed.
I got 50 grand waiting
for you for travel expenses.
‐ That's great Mr. Nadell.
‐ Hey, what are
friends for, huh?
You just meet me at
the end of Butler Street
where it dead ends with
the river, five o'clock, okay?
‐ I'll be there.
I really appreciate this a lot.
‐ I wouldn't leave you hanging.
I'll see you later, pal.
‐ What right does
a girl like me have
to a fantastic guy like
Jake Hutton anyway?
He could have any
woman in the world.
Oh, I was a fool to
think that I could ever
keep a stallion
like him for myself.
He's got to be free.
Caotain Devane.
You made it.
Where's Jake?
‐ Gee, I don't know.
‐ He isn't with you?
‐ No.
‐ Oh, come on now,
what's going on?
‐ Look Wanda, I've been
trying to figure that out
for two days.
‐ You don't have to
sugar coat it for me.
If it's another
woman, just say so.
‐ Wanda, I would
if I could, but I can't.
‐ Oh, so he swore
you to secrecy, did he?
‐ Wanda, believe me,
I don't know this guy.
I know nothing about him.
‐ Well, I've heard
some pretty flaky stories
in my lifetime Captain,
but this one takes the cake.
Now, cut it out and
tell me where Jake is.
‐ R‐20 Charles
to one, one, four.
114 five.
‐ Show me code six LA river,
Sixth and Seventh Avenue.
Ten‐four.
‐ Request back up.
Ten‐ four, R‐30 Charles.
‐ Well, Lonny
Frost's bail bondsman
isn't gonna like this one bit.
‐ If Frost took
a fall in Arizona
and didn't rat on Baker,
why is Baker afraid
he's going to do it now?
‐ Well, that's assuming Baker
has something to do with it.
‐ Do you think he's responsible?
‐ I don't know, I'll find out
tomorrow when I talk to him.
Hey look, if you want
this job done right
I need more information.
‐ Oh yeah, like what?
‐ Like me seeing Bert
Nadell's building for myself.
‐ Forget it.
‐ I can't do that.
See, I operate
under very strict,
professional rules, Mr. Snake.
‐ Hey, you operate
the way we tell you.
‐ Listen, you want
this job done right,
or you want it botched?
Because, if that's what
you want, no problem.
‐ I'm beginning to
think you're more trouble
than you're worth, runt.
‐ Well, I guess a replacement
is out of the question.
‐ Don't kill yourself
while I'm gone.
‐ Happy Feet Dance
Academy, Wanda speaking.
‐ Wanda listen, it's me.
‐ Where were you yesterday?
‐ Listen to me baby,
listen I got into a little bit
of a problem‐‐
‐ What are you doing,
shrimp, is that the cops?
Jake?
Hello?
‐ I'm just calling
my fiance Wanda.
She's probably
worried sick about me.
‐ Well, Wanda just
might get sick and die
if you're not careful.
Your gal's going to be dog food
if you don't come across
in this job, you got that?
‐ I got that.
‐ All right, let's go.
I'm taking you to Nadell's.
If you're not good,
I'm going to throw you
off a bridge, okay?
‐ Okay.
‐ The little zit'll never
know what hit him.
‐ You just make
sure this guy shows up
or I'm gonna have a tough time
explaining things to the cops.
And Tex, don't you even
think about double crossing me.
‐ Listen Henry, make
sure this car is ready
by three o'clock, the
guy's on our back now.
I'm leaving for a
while, if anybody asks
you don't know where I
went, or when I'll be back.
Anybody, you understand?
‐ Hold it right
there, Baker, LAPD.
‐ What do you guys want?
‐ Where were you yesterday?
‐ Working.
‐ Oh, you're on probation,
answer my question.
‐ I was working all day here.
‐ You out flying a helicopter?
‐ I have no idea what
you're talking about.
‐ Do you know Frost is dead?
‐ What?
‐ Yeah, who killed him?
‐ How should I know?
‐ You stole gas with
him, maybe you couldn't
trust him anymore.
‐ No, you're wrong,
you're all wrong on this.
‐ Turn around.
‐ Turn around. ‐
What's the idea?
Look, I don't know
what you're doing.
‐ I'm arresting you
for suspicion of murder.
‐ Look, I didn't kill Frost.
Yeah, we stole gas
together, but I swear,
I didn't kill 'em.
‐ Yeah, give me a name.
Give me a name.
‐ Captain Devane.
Hello, Wanda.
‐ How are ya? ‐ Not so good.
Jake called me this
morning and hung up.
First I was mad at
him, but then I realized
that there was a strange
tension in his voice.
Something's gone wrong,
something's terribly wrong.
‐ Calm down now, calm down.
I'm sure Jake is just fine.
‐ It's not like him to
just disappear like this.
You know that
better than anybody.
‐ Well, maybe he's just
having one last session
of hell raising,
don't you think?
‐ I don't know.
Maybe he is at some hang
out you and he used to frequent.
‐ Well, I don't think
that's possible, now.
‐ Why not?
‐ Well Wanda, I've
been trying to tell you this
all along but Jake and I
never really hung out together.
‐ You're his best man, of
course you hung out together.
Oh god, what am I going to do?
I just wanna get married.
I just want my Jakey back.
‐ All right, all
right, all right.
Now calm down, calm down, Wanda.
We'll find him for ya.
‐ Oh Captain, I knew
you'd come through for me.
Mr. Nadell, are you in there?
Is anything wrong, sir?
Mr. Nadell?
‐ Boy, is there ever.
Mr. Nadell?
Mr. Nadell?
Mr. Nadell.
Mr. Wood, in here!
Mr. Nadell's dead.
‐ What the hell
was that, gun shots?
Get back‐up here.
‐ This is R‐30 Charles
to one, one, four
shots being
fired in the vicinity
of 87651 Hollywood
Boulevard, back up requested.
Ten‐four R‐30 Charles.
‐ Hold it right there,
don't you move.
Put the gun down on
the ground very easy.
‐ Don't shoot.
‐ Get against the wall.
‐ Don't shoot.
You've got the wrong guy.
‐ You got him?
‐ I've got him.
‐ Somebody just killed my
boss, they're getting away.
‐ Someone killed your boss, huh?
‐ Yes.
‐ Come on, got
the wrong guy, huh?
‐ Yeah, I'm telling ya,
you've got the wrong guy.
‐ Now, how does this tape
tie Jake to Nadell's murder?
‐ I know, it's not clear
how involved he is.
‐ Now Jake never
committed a violent crime
in his whole career.
He's strictly penny ante.
‐ Yeah, and besides
what motive would he have
to kill Nadell?
‐ It doesn't make any sense.
‐ Look, Jake has got
himself in some deep trouble
and somebody put him there.
The poor schnook's
gonna really be in for it
if we don't find
out who's behind it.
‐ I just did a check
on Bert Nadell.
He owns several corporations,
all of which were fronts
for drugs, and prostitution,
and pornography.
But, here's the good part.
Otis Wood, his right
hand man, is listed as
Chief Executive on all the
documents of corporation.
‐ Wait a minute, is
this a set up, or what?
‐ Whoever sent Jake
in there last night's
probably looking
for him right now.
We gotta talk to Wanda.
‐ Happy Feet Dance Academy.
‐ I'm at the Redmont Hotel.
I did not stand you
up at the church.
‐ Jake!
‐ I'm in big trouble, but
when this mess blows over
we're gonna get married.
‐ What mess?
‐ I love you, sugar cakes.
‐ Redmont Hotel, okay.
‐ Hi Wanda.
‐ Captain Devane.
‐ Got a minute?
‐ I was just going shopping.
‐ Wanda, you said
when you talked to Jake
he sounded like
he was in trouble.
‐ He did.
‐ Has he called you again?
‐ I don't know where he is.
‐ Uh‐huh.
Well, I don't wanna upset
you, but he is in trouble.
In fact, he's got a murder
warrant hanging over
his head, right now.
‐ Murder?
‐ Don't worry about
it, he'll be all right.
But, it's important
that you call us
the minute you
hear from him, okay?
‐ Yeah, sure.
‐ Wanda, we can put a
black and white squad car
right downstairs if you want.
‐ No, no that's not necessary.
‐ All right, you be
sure to call us now
the minute you hear from him.
All right?
‐ Yeah, sure.
‐ So long.
‐ Thanks very much, Wanda.
‐ Yeah.
Scuba diving, scuba
equipment, scuba gear.
Jake, it's me, Wanda open up.
‐ Wanda.
Wanda, what the hell
are you doing here?
‐ That's exactly
the same question
I was ready to ask you.
‐ You have to leave.
I do not want you involved.
‐ But, I love you,
and I am involved.
Captain Devane
and Sergeant Hunter
were just at the dance studio.
And, they told me that
you're involved in a murder.
‐ Oh Wanda,
I didn't do it.
These guys I met in prison
they found me, they
forced me to do this job.
I had to do it.
Then, everything
just went crazy.
‐ So, where we going?
‐ We're not going anywhere.
I'm going to Mexico.
‐ Well, so am I.
I could open up a
dance studio there.
I love the Cha‐Cha.
‐ You don't get
it, do you Wanda?
Oh sugar cakes, look
you gotta be someplace
where it's safe.
‐ Why don't you
go to the police?
‐ Are you nuts?
I'm on parole.
You're gettin' outta here.
‐ Jesus. ‐ Wanda, you lied.
‐ Captain, a woman will do
anything to protect her man.
‐ How could you miss him?
‐ The police showed up.
Would you just relax, man?
I'll get him, I'll get him.
Jake Hutton is on parole,
he's not about to do
or say anything that might
put him back in the slam.
He ain't going to no
cops, he's a dead man.
‐ If it's a choice
between us or the cops
who do you think
Jake's gonna pick?
‐ I'll tell you what
he's gonna do.
He's gonna pick the cops.
He ain't going back in no slam.
‐ So, when that
snake, Snake Harris
said he'd make
Wanda shorter than me
if I didn't cooperate
I mean I had to do it.
I mean, that's the whole
story, that's the truth.
I love you sugar cakes.
‐ Ditto.
Jakey's not going
back to prison, is he?
‐ I don't know,
but you didn't do
your parole record any good.
Now, you can still redeem
yourself if you'll cooperate
with us completely.
‐ You name it, you got it.
‐ All right, good.
Put together a team,
arrest Sanders and Wood.
‐ I'll get right on it.
‐ Jake, let's go downtown.
‐ I guess I really
let you down, huh?
‐ Well Jake, you
know, sometimes in life
circumstance just takes over.
‐ Thanks Chucky babe.
Listen, when this all blows over
you still be my best man?
‐ Jake, I'll be your
best man if you stop
calling me Chucky.
‐ You got it.
‐ Luthor, give me a shot.
‐ LAPD, don't anybody move!
Get your hands up!
‐ Police, don't move!
‐ You, right there,
don't you move.
Put 'em right there.
Hold it right there, police!
I got him.
- Don't you move.
- On the floor.
We are here today
to solemnly witness
the coming together
of our two dear friends,
Jake and Wanda in the holy bonds
of matrimony.
And, to support
them in their love,
and their friendship,
their complementarity,
and their uniqueness.
And so, I ask, do
you Wanda Crebbs
take this man to be your
lawful wedded husband,
to honor and cherish
for as long as you
both shall live?
‐ Oh boy, do I.
‐ And, do you, Jake
Hutton take this woman
to be your lawfully wedded wife,
to honor and cherish for as long
as you both shall live?
‐ Absolutely.
‐ Then, I pronounce
you, Jake and Wanda,
to be husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present
Mr. And Mrs. Jake Hutton.
I am really happy
about this wedding.
This is great. Hey ho, how
about getting a picture of me
and my best man?
Excuse me, Wanda.
Ah Charlie, I just, I
can't thank you enough
for letting me get married
after turning myself in.
So, slap 'em on.
‐ Jake, Wanda first
of all congratulations.
And second of all,
we're sure sorry to miss
the ceremonies, I'm
sure they were terrific.
We were detained at the
District Attorney's office.
Seems that the DA has
decided to drop all the charges
against Jake.
‐ You mean my Jakey doesn't
have to go back to prison?
‐ That's absolutely right.
And, you can thank Captain
Charles Devane for everything.
‐ They can?
‐ Yes, they can.
‐ You did it again.
I knew you'd come
through for me.
God, I love this man.
‐ Oh Captain Devane,
you're such a marvelous man.
‐ Really, I didn't do anything.
‐ Can you believe this man?
He's modest to a fault.
How can we ever repay you?
‐ I know, we'll name
our first born after you.
‐ That's it, Charlie Hutton.
Boy or girl, no matter which,
that's what we're gonna call it.
You're gonna be the godfather.
You're gonna buy
him his first mitt.
And, you're gonna
play ball with him
out in the grass, you're
gonna take him out there.
This is gonna be great.
Me and Wanda and
chunky little Charlie
we're gonna come to your
house on the weekends for dinner.
We're gonna be a family.
‐ What a neat idea.
Look, I really gotta
get back to the office.
Oh, no, no, no.
We have a reception
‐ to go to. ‐ You know,
Charlie will make
a good godfather.
‐ Ah, I think he's ready
for the responsibility.
Wanda's garters
off, and then Bernie,
you remember my cousin
Bernie? He's gonna play.
‐ What's your
favorite song? ‐ Um...
‐ Take it to the
Sherman weigh station.
‐ Get out of here. ‐ Right.
‐ Another hijacked tanker,
what does that make, five, six?
‐ That makes six
in the last 14 weeks.
‐ So, what do we got on 'em?
‐ Well here, see for yourself.
‐ One empty tanker, one
driver with a major headache.
Mr. McCrea is in the
conference room now
going through the books.
‐ Hey, you know what?
My horoscope in the
newspaper said this morning
that I was gonna
meet someone today
that's going to
bring me good luck.
‐ Well, maybe that good
luck is Mr. McCrea in there,
but then again the day is young.
‐ I'll see you in a minute.
‐ Mr. McCrea, how
you feeling today?
‐ Arms.
Have fun.
Side.
Side.
Front.
Thank you everybody,
thank you, thank you.
Great work, don't
forget your exercises
because happy feet
make happy souls.
Bye.
‐ Oh, excuse me, excuse me,
excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.
Hello sugar.
‐ Jake.
My breakfast just wasn't
the same this morning
without my short stack.
‐ Wanda, where are my manners?
Say hello to my cousin Bernie.
‐ Hello.
‐ Hello, Bernie.
Nice accordion.
‐ Hey, he plays
semi‐professionally
and he has offered to play
at our wedding reception.
‐ Did he?
‐ Bernie, play something.
‐ Excuse me.
Can I talk to you over
here for a minute?
‐ Yeah, sure.
‐ He's not playing
at my wedding.
‐ Oh Wanda, my family's
really looking forward to this.
‐ Oh Jake, I've waited
for this all my life.
I just wanted a
nice dance combo.
Please don't make me go
through the rest of my life
remembering that.
‐ Oh boy am I in trouble.
You know, every time I
look into those green eyes
of yours I can't
deny you anything.
Combo, you got it.
‐ Goodie.
‐ You still got
the touch, Bernie.
Wait in the car,
I'll talk to you later.
‐ Thank you.
Did you pick out
your best man yet?
‐ Oh, come on, I
haven't had the time yet.
He's a busy man.
‐ He's not another one of
your prison buddies is he?
‐ Wanda, Wanda, would I
do a thing like that to you?
I mean, he's a
real first class guy.
I mean, this guy is
the best, best man
in the whole world.
‐ Okay, what's his name?
‐ So, Mr. McCrea you're
sure this the the guy
who jumped you, right?
‐ As sure as I can be.
I got a quick look
at him just before
he lowered the boom on me.
‐ Well, we do
appreciate you coming in.
You go on home
get some rest now.
We'll call you if we need you.
‐ Mr. McCrea thanks for
coming down, appreciate it.
‐ Sure, okay.
‐ Lonny Frost, run
him through NCIC,
see what you come up with.
‐ Right.
‐ Captain Charlie Devane.
Guess you never thought
you'd see this kisser again, huh?
Hey, is he terrific?
He's looking at a new man here.
Oh, oh Charlie it's
so good to see you.
Oh god.
Oh Charlie, Charlie
what happened?
You put a few on, huh?
‐ Well, you know how it goes.
‐ Oh, do I ever, look
I had to really work
so hard not to get totally
blimpoid on prison cuisine.
‐ How much time
did you do, exactly?
‐ Six years, three months,
but it coulda been worse.
See, see when you busted
me that was the best thing
that ever happened to
me. Well, second best thing.
First best thing
was meeting Wanda.
And, you're
responsible for that too.
‐ I don't know
anybody named Wanda.
‐ Oh, you'll meet her.
See, I met her
when I was in stir.
She was participating in that
pen pal program, you know?
But, see if you didn't bust
me I woulda never done time,
I woulda never met Wanda.
So, you are
single‐handedly responsible
for changing my life, and
Jake Hutton never forgets.
And, that's why I want
you to be my best man.
‐ Jake Hutton, of course.
Well Jake listen, it's really
nice of you to ask but‐‐
‐ Excuse me can I just
but in here for a second?
You couldn't've picked
a better best man.
‐ Captain?
Commander Clayton
on one for you.
‐ Look Jake I‐‐
‐ No, listen I know how
busy you are Chucky
so I'll just wait right
inside. It's no problem.
‐ Listen Captain, I know
how busy you're going to be
with the wedding
plans so I'll just get on
this Lonny Frost
thing right away.
I'll talk to you later.
‐ Captain, the
commander's on hold.
‐ Whoa, some place you got
here Mr. Nadell, nice action.
‐ You're not here for
the action, Sanders.
You're here because
we don't like the way
you're doing business.
‐ I don't know what
you're talking about?
What kind of business is that?
‐ Your girls have been
exporting their talents
beyond the back seats
of cars in your parking lot.
‐ My girls?
No, obviously
there's some mistake.
‐ The only mistake you
made was sending them out
on calls to local hotels.
‐ Mr. Nadell, I must
tell you, I'm taken aback
that some of my employees
would freelance like that.
‐ Don't play me for a patsy.
You know exactly
what I'm talking about.
Should have torched this
bozo's place a long time ago.
‐ Wait a minute, wait.
I swear I don't know
anything about this.
‐ Cut the crap.
You're in business
because I tolerate it.
And, I tolerate it because
my business associates
sell you booze.
When a low‐life
piece of scum like you
starts to cut into my business
then I gotta make
an example out of 'em
so that other low‐lifes
don't get ambitious.
Do you understand?
‐ Completely.
‐ If one of your bimbos
so much as comes
out of cake at a bachelor
party I'm gonna take you apart.
Do you got my drift?
Get outta here.
‐ So, how'd it go?
‐ I'm gonna hit Nadell.
And, I'm going to need a
patsy to take the heat for it.
‐ I know just the guy.
‐ Lonny Frost?
LAPD, I wanna
have a word with ya.
Hey, I said I
wanted to talk to ya.
You're sure about
that, huh Lonny?
‐ Yeah, I'm sure.
‐ Sergeant Hunter?
‐ Thanks very much.
‐ You're welcome, sir.
You know what this is, Lonny?
It's your NCIC file.
National computer keeps
a track of all the criminal
activity across the country.
A good thing too,
you move around a lot.
‐ Hey look, I paid
my debt to society.
‐ And in 1980 you and
Dirk Baker did three years
in Fulsom Prison for
hijacking a gasoline tanker
in Bakersfield.
‐ So what?
‐ 1985 you got four more years,
Dirk Baker again, same deal.
You're getting into
a rut here, Lonny.
‐ Hey look, so I'm
an ex‐con, so what?
Is that any reason
to jump all over me?
I mean, hey what's
your point, anyway?
‐ The point here
is, was Dirk Baker
in on this hijacking with you?
‐ I don't know what
you're talking about.
‐ Oh come on, you can
tell me, was he or wasn't he?
‐ I ain't telling you nothing.
Nothing.
‐ Want me to ask him?
I can do that, you know.
Okay, now Dirk Baker still
a mechanic in the valley?
‐ How should I know?
‐ Jake, where are you?
I thought that you
were coming to...
Bed.
‐ Madam, may I have this dance?
‐ Oh Jake, you're incorrigible.
‐ Don't tell my parole officer.
‐ No wonder why women
think you're just irresistible.
Oh well.
Wanda, as long as
we're down here alone.
‐ Yes?
Oh Jake.
‐ So, what about this Frost guy?
‐ Well, he's a prior
in two different states
with a guy named Dirk Baker.
I don't think the guy's
smart enough to work alone.
‐ Well look, as
soon as he clears bail
you follow him, all right?
‐ Captain, Wanda
Crebbs is in your office,
a Jake Hutton's fiance.
‐ Yeah, what's with
this Jake Hutton guy?
‐ He's some guy I busted
for burglary, 10 years ago.
He claims he met
his fiance in prison
on a pen pal program.
Now, he thinks
I'm his best friend.
I don't know, it's like
they're creeping into my life.
There's nothing
I can do about it.
Give me some moral
support here, okay?
‐ Oh, Captain
Devane, Wanda Crebbs.
What a pleasure to meet you.
Jake's told me so
much about you.
Captain this, captain that,
well you know how Jake is.
‐ No, well actually he doesn't.
‐ Wanda, this is
Sergeant Rick Hunter.
Uh, Wanda Crebbs.
‐ Miss Crebbs, a pleasure.
‐ So Wanda, what
can we do for you?
‐ I'm here to take your
tuxedo measurement.
‐ Oh, excuse me,
don't they usually take
those measurements down
at the tuxedo rental place?
‐ Usually, but I'm
making the tuxes
and yours is baby blue,
Jake's favorite color.
You don't mind do you?
‐ No.
‐ Miss Crebbs, don't
you wanna write some
of these measurements down?
‐ No, I have a
photogenic memory.
‐ Well, you know, I don't
know who's more excited
about this wedding,
Captain Devane or Jake.
‐ Oh, now I know
why you're his idol.
You know, most civil
servants are insensitive
to the needs of
others, but here you are
caring about two
nobodies like Jake and me.
Until Captain Devane
came along no one had
the slightest bit of faith
in Jake whatsoever.
Oh Captain, you're
gonna love this tuxedo.
‐ You know, I think that
blue might bring your eyes out.
‐ Yeah.
‐ Look, Miss Crebbs,
it's been a pleasure.
‐ Thank you, you too Sergeant.
Oh, Miss Crebbs,
when is the wedding?
‐ Oh, thanks for reminding me.
The rehearsal's been changed
to two o'clock this afternoon.
Jake told me that he
gave you the address.
Bye Sergeant.
‐ So long.
‐ Mr. Snake, Mr. Sanders
to what do I owe
the pleasure of this meeting?
‐ Snake is supervising an
upcoming second story job
for me and since you and
he were such good friends
in the slammer
you emerged as his
personal selection
for the position.
‐ Boy, I'm really flattered,
you know what I mean?
But, I guess you
guys haven't heard,
I've been retired.
‐ But, you're so
young to retire.
‐ It was time for a change.
‐ You know the funny
thing about retirement, Jake?
Is the average schlub
he works his hump off
his whole life,
then he drops over
like that. First year
after getting his gold watch.
How long's it been
since you retired?
‐ Eight months.
‐ Ouch.
I'd be very careful of
my health if I was you.
You know, this is a risky period
statistically speaking.
‐ Like it was for Leon
Bates when he stole
my smokes in prison.
Remember what
happened to him, Jake?
‐ Okay, yeah, you fellas
got yourselves a boy.
A little rusty perhaps,
but the old know how
is still filed right up there.
‐ Look everybody, he's coming.
He's probably out
with his best man
having one last brewski.
Father, I'm going
to wait out front.
‐ Ten bucks says
Jake's got cold feet.
‐ And that could be fatal
considering the
size of his feet.
Hello.
Mr. Nadell, this is Lonny.
The cops picked
me up last night.
They leaned pretty heavy on me.
‐ Oh Lonny, hey it's really good
to hear from you, huh?
I've been really
worried about you.
‐ I didn't tell 'em
nothing, Mr. Nadell.
And, I won't neither,
you can trust me on that.
‐ You know, loyalty like
that is really hard to find.
Believe me.
Listen Lonny, I'm making
arrangements for you
to leave the country.
‐ You mean, I won't
have to stand trial?
‐ That's right.
You just make sure
you're not followed.
I got 50 grand waiting
for you for travel expenses.
‐ That's great Mr. Nadell.
‐ Hey, what are
friends for, huh?
You just meet me at
the end of Butler Street
where it dead ends with
the river, five o'clock, okay?
‐ I'll be there.
I really appreciate this a lot.
‐ I wouldn't leave you hanging.
I'll see you later, pal.
‐ What right does
a girl like me have
to a fantastic guy like
Jake Hutton anyway?
He could have any
woman in the world.
Oh, I was a fool to
think that I could ever
keep a stallion
like him for myself.
He's got to be free.
Caotain Devane.
You made it.
Where's Jake?
‐ Gee, I don't know.
‐ He isn't with you?
‐ No.
‐ Oh, come on now,
what's going on?
‐ Look Wanda, I've been
trying to figure that out
for two days.
‐ You don't have to
sugar coat it for me.
If it's another
woman, just say so.
‐ Wanda, I would
if I could, but I can't.
‐ Oh, so he swore
you to secrecy, did he?
‐ Wanda, believe me,
I don't know this guy.
I know nothing about him.
‐ Well, I've heard
some pretty flaky stories
in my lifetime Captain,
but this one takes the cake.
Now, cut it out and
tell me where Jake is.
‐ R‐20 Charles
to one, one, four.
114 five.
‐ Show me code six LA river,
Sixth and Seventh Avenue.
Ten‐four.
‐ Request back up.
Ten‐ four, R‐30 Charles.
‐ Well, Lonny
Frost's bail bondsman
isn't gonna like this one bit.
‐ If Frost took
a fall in Arizona
and didn't rat on Baker,
why is Baker afraid
he's going to do it now?
‐ Well, that's assuming Baker
has something to do with it.
‐ Do you think he's responsible?
‐ I don't know, I'll find out
tomorrow when I talk to him.
Hey look, if you want
this job done right
I need more information.
‐ Oh yeah, like what?
‐ Like me seeing Bert
Nadell's building for myself.
‐ Forget it.
‐ I can't do that.
See, I operate
under very strict,
professional rules, Mr. Snake.
‐ Hey, you operate
the way we tell you.
‐ Listen, you want
this job done right,
or you want it botched?
Because, if that's what
you want, no problem.
‐ I'm beginning to
think you're more trouble
than you're worth, runt.
‐ Well, I guess a replacement
is out of the question.
‐ Don't kill yourself
while I'm gone.
‐ Happy Feet Dance
Academy, Wanda speaking.
‐ Wanda listen, it's me.
‐ Where were you yesterday?
‐ Listen to me baby,
listen I got into a little bit
of a problem‐‐
‐ What are you doing,
shrimp, is that the cops?
Jake?
Hello?
‐ I'm just calling
my fiance Wanda.
She's probably
worried sick about me.
‐ Well, Wanda just
might get sick and die
if you're not careful.
Your gal's going to be dog food
if you don't come across
in this job, you got that?
‐ I got that.
‐ All right, let's go.
I'm taking you to Nadell's.
If you're not good,
I'm going to throw you
off a bridge, okay?
‐ Okay.
‐ The little zit'll never
know what hit him.
‐ You just make
sure this guy shows up
or I'm gonna have a tough time
explaining things to the cops.
And Tex, don't you even
think about double crossing me.
‐ Listen Henry, make
sure this car is ready
by three o'clock, the
guy's on our back now.
I'm leaving for a
while, if anybody asks
you don't know where I
went, or when I'll be back.
Anybody, you understand?
‐ Hold it right
there, Baker, LAPD.
‐ What do you guys want?
‐ Where were you yesterday?
‐ Working.
‐ Oh, you're on probation,
answer my question.
‐ I was working all day here.
‐ You out flying a helicopter?
‐ I have no idea what
you're talking about.
‐ Do you know Frost is dead?
‐ What?
‐ Yeah, who killed him?
‐ How should I know?
‐ You stole gas with
him, maybe you couldn't
trust him anymore.
‐ No, you're wrong,
you're all wrong on this.
‐ Turn around.
‐ Turn around. ‐
What's the idea?
Look, I don't know
what you're doing.
‐ I'm arresting you
for suspicion of murder.
‐ Look, I didn't kill Frost.
Yeah, we stole gas
together, but I swear,
I didn't kill 'em.
‐ Yeah, give me a name.
Give me a name.
‐ Captain Devane.
Hello, Wanda.
‐ How are ya? ‐ Not so good.
Jake called me this
morning and hung up.
First I was mad at
him, but then I realized
that there was a strange
tension in his voice.
Something's gone wrong,
something's terribly wrong.
‐ Calm down now, calm down.
I'm sure Jake is just fine.
‐ It's not like him to
just disappear like this.
You know that
better than anybody.
‐ Well, maybe he's just
having one last session
of hell raising,
don't you think?
‐ I don't know.
Maybe he is at some hang
out you and he used to frequent.
‐ Well, I don't think
that's possible, now.
‐ Why not?
‐ Well Wanda, I've
been trying to tell you this
all along but Jake and I
never really hung out together.
‐ You're his best man, of
course you hung out together.
Oh god, what am I going to do?
I just wanna get married.
I just want my Jakey back.
‐ All right, all
right, all right.
Now calm down, calm down, Wanda.
We'll find him for ya.
‐ Oh Captain, I knew
you'd come through for me.
Mr. Nadell, are you in there?
Is anything wrong, sir?
Mr. Nadell?
‐ Boy, is there ever.
Mr. Nadell?
Mr. Nadell?
Mr. Nadell.
Mr. Wood, in here!
Mr. Nadell's dead.
‐ What the hell
was that, gun shots?
Get back‐up here.
‐ This is R‐30 Charles
to one, one, four
shots being
fired in the vicinity
of 87651 Hollywood
Boulevard, back up requested.
Ten‐four R‐30 Charles.
‐ Hold it right there,
don't you move.
Put the gun down on
the ground very easy.
‐ Don't shoot.
‐ Get against the wall.
‐ Don't shoot.
You've got the wrong guy.
‐ You got him?
‐ I've got him.
‐ Somebody just killed my
boss, they're getting away.
‐ Someone killed your boss, huh?
‐ Yes.
‐ Come on, got
the wrong guy, huh?
‐ Yeah, I'm telling ya,
you've got the wrong guy.
‐ Now, how does this tape
tie Jake to Nadell's murder?
‐ I know, it's not clear
how involved he is.
‐ Now Jake never
committed a violent crime
in his whole career.
He's strictly penny ante.
‐ Yeah, and besides
what motive would he have
to kill Nadell?
‐ It doesn't make any sense.
‐ Look, Jake has got
himself in some deep trouble
and somebody put him there.
The poor schnook's
gonna really be in for it
if we don't find
out who's behind it.
‐ I just did a check
on Bert Nadell.
He owns several corporations,
all of which were fronts
for drugs, and prostitution,
and pornography.
But, here's the good part.
Otis Wood, his right
hand man, is listed as
Chief Executive on all the
documents of corporation.
‐ Wait a minute, is
this a set up, or what?
‐ Whoever sent Jake
in there last night's
probably looking
for him right now.
We gotta talk to Wanda.
‐ Happy Feet Dance Academy.
‐ I'm at the Redmont Hotel.
I did not stand you
up at the church.
‐ Jake!
‐ I'm in big trouble, but
when this mess blows over
we're gonna get married.
‐ What mess?
‐ I love you, sugar cakes.
‐ Redmont Hotel, okay.
‐ Hi Wanda.
‐ Captain Devane.
‐ Got a minute?
‐ I was just going shopping.
‐ Wanda, you said
when you talked to Jake
he sounded like
he was in trouble.
‐ He did.
‐ Has he called you again?
‐ I don't know where he is.
‐ Uh‐huh.
Well, I don't wanna upset
you, but he is in trouble.
In fact, he's got a murder
warrant hanging over
his head, right now.
‐ Murder?
‐ Don't worry about
it, he'll be all right.
But, it's important
that you call us
the minute you
hear from him, okay?
‐ Yeah, sure.
‐ Wanda, we can put a
black and white squad car
right downstairs if you want.
‐ No, no that's not necessary.
‐ All right, you be
sure to call us now
the minute you hear from him.
All right?
‐ Yeah, sure.
‐ So long.
‐ Thanks very much, Wanda.
‐ Yeah.
Scuba diving, scuba
equipment, scuba gear.
Jake, it's me, Wanda open up.
‐ Wanda.
Wanda, what the hell
are you doing here?
‐ That's exactly
the same question
I was ready to ask you.
‐ You have to leave.
I do not want you involved.
‐ But, I love you,
and I am involved.
Captain Devane
and Sergeant Hunter
were just at the dance studio.
And, they told me that
you're involved in a murder.
‐ Oh Wanda,
I didn't do it.
These guys I met in prison
they found me, they
forced me to do this job.
I had to do it.
Then, everything
just went crazy.
‐ So, where we going?
‐ We're not going anywhere.
I'm going to Mexico.
‐ Well, so am I.
I could open up a
dance studio there.
I love the Cha‐Cha.
‐ You don't get
it, do you Wanda?
Oh sugar cakes, look
you gotta be someplace
where it's safe.
‐ Why don't you
go to the police?
‐ Are you nuts?
I'm on parole.
You're gettin' outta here.
‐ Jesus. ‐ Wanda, you lied.
‐ Captain, a woman will do
anything to protect her man.
‐ How could you miss him?
‐ The police showed up.
Would you just relax, man?
I'll get him, I'll get him.
Jake Hutton is on parole,
he's not about to do
or say anything that might
put him back in the slam.
He ain't going to no
cops, he's a dead man.
‐ If it's a choice
between us or the cops
who do you think
Jake's gonna pick?
‐ I'll tell you what
he's gonna do.
He's gonna pick the cops.
He ain't going back in no slam.
‐ So, when that
snake, Snake Harris
said he'd make
Wanda shorter than me
if I didn't cooperate
I mean I had to do it.
I mean, that's the whole
story, that's the truth.
I love you sugar cakes.
‐ Ditto.
Jakey's not going
back to prison, is he?
‐ I don't know,
but you didn't do
your parole record any good.
Now, you can still redeem
yourself if you'll cooperate
with us completely.
‐ You name it, you got it.
‐ All right, good.
Put together a team,
arrest Sanders and Wood.
‐ I'll get right on it.
‐ Jake, let's go downtown.
‐ I guess I really
let you down, huh?
‐ Well Jake, you
know, sometimes in life
circumstance just takes over.
‐ Thanks Chucky babe.
Listen, when this all blows over
you still be my best man?
‐ Jake, I'll be your
best man if you stop
calling me Chucky.
‐ You got it.
‐ Luthor, give me a shot.
‐ LAPD, don't anybody move!
Get your hands up!
‐ Police, don't move!
‐ You, right there,
don't you move.
Put 'em right there.
Hold it right there, police!
I got him.
- Don't you move.
- On the floor.
We are here today
to solemnly witness
the coming together
of our two dear friends,
Jake and Wanda in the holy bonds
of matrimony.
And, to support
them in their love,
and their friendship,
their complementarity,
and their uniqueness.
And so, I ask, do
you Wanda Crebbs
take this man to be your
lawful wedded husband,
to honor and cherish
for as long as you
both shall live?
‐ Oh boy, do I.
‐ And, do you, Jake
Hutton take this woman
to be your lawfully wedded wife,
to honor and cherish for as long
as you both shall live?
‐ Absolutely.
‐ Then, I pronounce
you, Jake and Wanda,
to be husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present
Mr. And Mrs. Jake Hutton.
I am really happy
about this wedding.
This is great. Hey ho, how
about getting a picture of me
and my best man?
Excuse me, Wanda.
Ah Charlie, I just, I
can't thank you enough
for letting me get married
after turning myself in.
So, slap 'em on.
‐ Jake, Wanda first
of all congratulations.
And second of all,
we're sure sorry to miss
the ceremonies, I'm
sure they were terrific.
We were detained at the
District Attorney's office.
Seems that the DA has
decided to drop all the charges
against Jake.
‐ You mean my Jakey doesn't
have to go back to prison?
‐ That's absolutely right.
And, you can thank Captain
Charles Devane for everything.
‐ They can?
‐ Yes, they can.
‐ You did it again.
I knew you'd come
through for me.
God, I love this man.
‐ Oh Captain Devane,
you're such a marvelous man.
‐ Really, I didn't do anything.
‐ Can you believe this man?
He's modest to a fault.
How can we ever repay you?
‐ I know, we'll name
our first born after you.
‐ That's it, Charlie Hutton.
Boy or girl, no matter which,
that's what we're gonna call it.
You're gonna be the godfather.
You're gonna buy
him his first mitt.
And, you're gonna
play ball with him
out in the grass, you're
gonna take him out there.
This is gonna be great.
Me and Wanda and
chunky little Charlie
we're gonna come to your
house on the weekends for dinner.
We're gonna be a family.
‐ What a neat idea.
Look, I really gotta
get back to the office.
Oh, no, no, no.
We have a reception
‐ to go to. ‐ You know,
Charlie will make
a good godfather.
‐ Ah, I think he's ready
for the responsibility.
Wanda's garters
off, and then Bernie,
you remember my cousin
Bernie? He's gonna play.
‐ What's your
favorite song? ‐ Um...