The Fugitive (1963–1967): Season 3, Episode 2 - Middle of a Heat Wave - full transcript
What did that desk
clerk have to say?
It's his day off.
He wasn't there.
Did you call his home?
His wife said he's
shopping over in Greenview.
Won't be back until tonight.
A little while ago you
were sitting fat with alibis.
Now I don't know.
The night clerk will be back.
I guess he will at that.
Till then though,
you've got free room
and board on the County.
Take him downtown and book him.
Might as well get a
check on his prints too.
A QM Production.
Starring David Janssen
as Dr. Richard Kimble.
An innocent victim
of blind justice,
falsely convicted for
the murder of his wife,
reprieved by fate when
a train wreck freed him
en route to the death house.
Freed him to hide
in lonely desperation,
to change his identity,
to toil at many jobs.
Freed him to search
for a one-armed man
he saw leave the
scene of the crime.
Freed him to run before
the relentless pursuit
of the police lieutenant
obsessed with his capture.
The guest stars
in tonight's story:
J.D. Cannon.
Carol Rossen.
Sarah Marshall.
Lake City, New York.
A roadhouse hideaway
outside of town.
Music, a few drinks,
and sometimes a momentary escape
into a private world
for just two people.
For Richard Kimble
escape is always momentary
and two people are one
too many in a private world
already crowded with pursuers.
You let me make
a fool out of myself
and all you can say is
something about being I'm sorry.
Laurel, there are
reasons. What reasons?
I'm sorry, it just won't work.
Do we have to be so practical?
Jim, next week why
don't we just get away
from all this heat and relax?
I mean, the Fourth
of July weekends
are marvelous for
that kind of thing,
because they're so long and lazy
and there'd just be
the two of us, please.
Jim?
But you're sorry.
Laurel, there are things
I would like to do but...
But, but.
It always comes
down to that, doesn't it?
But, but, but, but, but...
Miss.
I don't want to leave.
There are some
things I want to tell you,
but I don't think
this is the place.
Oh? It was good
enough for a brush-off.
Check please.
I want another
drink. Check, please.
I want another drink.
Well, what's it going to be?
The check, please.
Thank you.
Come on.
Jim.
These last few weeks
I thought we were...
I mean, you acted as though
I meant something to you.
You do, Laurel.
You sure?
Laurel, this has
nothing to do with us.
I told you two weeks ago
that I was going to
have to be moving on,
and now that the
crew is finished here...
Oh.
Oh, well, no
explanations needed.
I understand.
I mean working on a
highway construction crew
makes all your boyhood
dreams come true,
and, besides, you don't
want to lose all that seniority
you have on a...
On a cement mixer.
Laurel... No, no, no.
I understand. I mean,
you will remember me.
What's that cute little
girl's name in Lake City?
Now I met her... That's
not true and you know it.
Oh, come on, how
would I know it?
By your walking out on me?
You're going to stand
here and wait until I finish.
Don't worry, you are finished.
Mr. Owen.
Mr. Owen, we
have to talk to you.
Mr. Owen, I'm Laurel's sister
and this is my husband.
It seems you don't have a phone.
What can I do for you?
I thought it was time we met.
Well, it's almost
3 in the morning.
What is it you want?
We thought Laurel might be here.
She isn't home?
The last we heard
she was out with you.
We've searched everywhere.
I was praying she'd be here,
at the same time
praying she wouldn't be.
We had an argument.
She was a little upset.
You know how it is.
No, Mr. Owen, I
don't know how it is.
Do you know where she is now?
We had dinner at
the Halfway House.
That's where I left her.
We checked at the Halfway House.
They said she left with you.
We separated outside.
Thank you, Mr. Owen.
You've been very helpful.
Don't bother.
That's right, female,
5'4", weight about
115, light brown hair,
and hazel eyes.
Last seen wearing...
A summer dress, a
yellow and orange print.
Summer dress,
yellow and orange print.
Right. Go get
everybody you can on it.
Lou, follow up on the hospitals.
Everyone between
here and Greenview.
I want to know about
any accident and every female
patient admitted since, uh...
What time did you
say she left you?
Eleven o'clock.
Since 11 p.m.
Oh, make that 10.
Six a.m. and the
heat's already settling.
All right, Mr. Owen,
let's have the whole story.
It was 7:00, I met
Laurel at Fourth and Elm.
She never wanted me
to pick her up at home.
We went to the
Halfway House for dinner
and we talked a while...
Collison.
You better go over
that north end again.
Then spread your men out and
start working through the woods.
Joe, keep the night
shift on extra duty
and right after breakfast
start them canvassing
every house in town.
Sorry, Mr. Owen.
You were at the
Halfway House. Talking.
That's right.
Well, we, uh...
had a few words.
Somewhere along the line
Laurel stopped talking.
That sister of yours
sure has a temper.
Go on, you never did say
where it was that words failed her.
Collison.
No, stay right
there. I'm on my way.
We've found Laurel's car.
On that dirt road
just across the creek.
Lou.
Oh, uh, you better
stay here, honey.
Frank,
I think you better
stay with her.
I don't know what we're
going to find out there.
Come on, Mr. Owen, I never
stop a man in the middle of a story.
Wouldn't you know she picked
the hottest day of
the year to get lost.
You sure you've never
been out this way before?
I'm positive.
Tom, take a look over that way.
Kind of a lover's lane spot.
A lot of young couples
find their way out here.
I'm not that young any more.
Hey!
The first aid kit.
Laurel?
Laurel, it's me, Jim.
Laurel.
You aren't going too far?
Not too far.
Mrs. Taft, I am
sorry about Laurel.
I have nothing to say to you.
Todd, we've just made a
preliminary examination.
She hasn't suffered any
permanent physical damage.
There are some
questions I have to ask her.
Not just now.
I've given her a mild sedative
and she'll be
asleep for a while.
Are you sure she's all right?
Some bruises, minor lacerations.
Looks like she
was in quite a scrap.
Is that all?
I wish it were.
I'm sorry.
Doctor, I understand
Miss Harper's awake.
I would like to speak to her.
Family? No, just a friend.
I'm sorry.
I promised the sheriff
I wouldn't allow visitors
until after he
had talked to her.
Sheriff Collison, please.
You can wait, though.
If she's not too
tired afterwards,
I'll let you have a few minutes.
Thank you.
You haven't told
us a whole lot, Ellie.
I'm a waitress, not a reporter.
Even so, I thought you could
remember more than this.
He wanted the great
outdoors, she wants to party.
He won and they split.
It's the oldest
story in the world.
What time did they, uh, split?
Eleven, maybe five or ten after.
You sure?
I didn't phone for the time,
if that's what you mean.
Thank you.
Yeah, I'll tell him right away.
Okay, doctor.
But please tell him he'll
only be able to talk to her
for a few minutes.
Right. I'll be waiting for him.
Doctor, how is she?
Pretty well.
She's conscious now, but
I've given her some sedatives.
What about when
the sedation wears off?
Sheriff's coming
over to talk with her.
Then I don't see any reason
why you can't take her home.
Isn't that a little fast?
Not really.
What she really needs
is plenty of rest in
familiar surroundings.
And maybe some reassurance.
I'm an old hand at that.
Excuse me. I have to
finish making my rounds.
You've been very kind, doctor.
He knows what he's doing.
If he says she's
going to be all right,
she's going to be all right.
I-I said it's good to know
that Laurel's going to be okay.
Yes, it is.
Why don't you
come off it, Sheila?
What?
You're still thinking
about Jim Owen,
aren't you?
If they could hang him for this
everything would
be all right again.
I begged Laurel not
to go out with him.
Because he wasn't listed in
your own personal social register.
Maybe that was part of it.
When you take up
with a drifter you...
I know he did it.
That's Todd's
department, isn't it?
Still hasn't locked him up.
How can you be
so sure he's guilty?
He's guilty, all right.
Sheila...
let's stay out of this.
Just this once, do
something my way.
I was just coming out
here to wait for you.
Laurel must be
coming along fine.
Doctor says it's all right for
me to ask her some questions.
About Jim Owen?
About everything.
You won't let him
get away, will you?
Now, honey, I'm not
sure about him yet.
Sometimes I figure he's
in deeper than he lets on,
other times I figure
the jury is still out.
He did it. I can feel it.
But by the time you're
convinced of it, he'll be long gone.
Sheila, I only know one
way to make an arrest,
after I have enough evidence.
You can't handle this like
it was just another case.
Todd, we've all be good
friends for a long time,
more than that.
After dad died, you...
You know what I'm trying to say.
Of course, I know.
Then act like it.
By throwing a man into
jail without any evidence?
I'm sorry, Sheila.
Not even if Laurel
was my own daughter.
Go inside and talk to her
and see what he did to her.
Would you tell Dr. Gilman
that Sheriff Collison is here.
For a quiet man, you
sure cause a lot of noise.
Just sitting.
Last night after
Laurel drove off,
you say you hiked
it back to town.
That's right.
That's over three miles.
Why didn't you call for a taxi?
I don't make that kind of money.
It's still a long walk.
I'm used to walking.
I'll bet you are at that.
What time did you say
you got back to your hotel?
A little before midnight.
A woman in town saw Laurel
driving her car about 12:30,
but she couldn't make
out who was with her.
Too bad you
didn't call for a taxi.
Witnesses come
in handy sometimes.
I have one.
The night clerk can prove
what time I got back to the hotel.
And I have another.
Who's that?
Laurel.
You're a lucky man.
Lou, will you phone
Mr. Owen's hotel
and check him out
with the night clerk?
The doctor says you can
talk to Miss Harper now.
Thank you.
You're not going too far?
Not too far.
Laurel.
Everything's all
right now, honey.
Nothing to worry about.
Try, Laurel.
It's getting to look
important for Jim Owen.
All you have to do is tell me
if definitely it
was or wasn't him.
I try to remember...
I can't, Todd.
Please.
All right.
What did that desk
clerk have to say?
It's his day off.
He wasn't there.
Did you call his home?
His wife said he's
shopping over in Greenview.
Won't be back till tonight.
A little while ago you
were sitting fat with alibis.
Now, I don't know.
The night clerk will be back.
I guess he will at that.
Until then, though,
you've got free room
and board on the County.
Take him downtown and book him.
Might as well get a
check on his prints too.
Wait a minute.
What did Laurel say?
She's in no condition
to talk about it yet.
Take him out to the car.
I'll be along in a minute.
Hold it.
Hey!
Okay, let's go.
Mr. Owen, you promised
me you wouldn't go too far.
Now, give me your ring finger.
This is sort of a waste of time.
I'll get these prints
classified and on the wire.
You won't need those prints.
I'll be out of here as
soon as that room clerk
gets back to town.
Relax, it's just routine.
We send a copy of
your prints up to Albany.
They check their files
and send back a report
that you were arrested last year
for drunk driving
or beating your wife
or something.
In there.
How long will all that take?
Two, maybe three hours.
Hey.
How about giving that
night clerk another call?
He's not due back till tonight.
Well, he might come back early
and save you a
lot of paper work.
Nope.
Maybe this paper work will
keep my mind off the heat.
You sure you're all right?
Still a little shaky.
Would it help to talk? I'm
still a pretty good listener.
Oh, Sheila, it seems like
I've been coming to you
with my problems forever.
Last night must have been awful.
I can imagine how you
must be feeling now.
The disappointment. Someone
you thought you cared for.
What are you talking about?
That construction
worker. Jim Owen.
No, no, no, no, no, that
isn't the way it happened.
What way did it happen?
Well, I-I... I mean,
I don't know,
it was all such a jumble,
but I know that Jim wouldn't...
Laurel, what happened?
Laurel?
Well, all I can remember
is being so mad at Jim...
that I couldn't
think of anything
except how to get even with him.
How to hurt him.
I wanted him to feel the
same kind of pain that I felt.
And... then I just
suddenly decided to...
pick up the next man
that I found and, I mean,
I really don't even know
what exactly I was going to do.
That's all of it?
That's all I can remember.
You okay?
It's not the worst thing
in the world, you know,
a free bed, three
meals on the County.
While whoever's
guilty gets away.
If you didn't do it,
why did you run?
I don't like jails...
or maybe I, uh...
Just don't like being arrested
for something I didn't do.
Maybe I panicked, I don't know.
If you didn't do anything,
you'll have plenty
of time to prove it.
I can prove it if you'll
let me see Laurel.
I cover a whole County.
You're not the only one
I have to worry about.
Sheriff, I know I can get
some information from her.
What's the difference
if I'm in this cell
or handcuffed to
one of your deputies?
Will you let me try?
Now put the cuffs on him.
Are you sure
you're all right there?
I'm positive, Sheila.
You should have had
eight children of your own
instead of one idiot kid sister
who's forever
causing you trouble.
You're no trouble.
I promise I'll go to bed
the minute I feel tired.
Here, let me help you.
Why don't you get
us a little pitcher
and I'll fix us
something cool to drink.
I'll get the glasses.
Instant refreshment...
like in the ads.
We haven't done
this for a long time.
I mean, just, uh...
loafing over something cool.
Sheila, there's
something... I... Oh.
No damage, just
a little mopping.
I never could find where
Amy hides the cleaning rags.
You remember that
time we had that big fight
and I tried to smash
a glass on the floor?
Except as I remember
you... You picked one of those
old, thick jelly glasses.
The darn thing
just wouldn't break.
But you tried.
And the more you tried,
the madder you got.
I still don't understand
how you could
stand there and not laugh.
Couldn't you tell?
It was nothing but cold fear.
I do love you, Frank.
It gets lost sometimes, but...
I really do love you.
And, uh, to prove it I'll...
I'll fix you something
else to drink.
Isn't this the shirt I
gave you for Christmas?
Sheila...
It's the one you
wore last night.
I wanted to tell you about it,
but I-I-I wouldn't let
myself put it in words.
Honey, it wasn't like that.
It wasn't all my fault.
I-I was driving home from the...
I don't want to hear about it.
I'd had a few drinks and Laurel
drove up at the same time and...
I don't want to hear about it!
Hello, Frank, is Laurel up?
We'd like to talk to
her for a few minutes.
Well, I don't know the, uh...
doctor said she needed
all the rest she can get.
It's awful hot in a jail
cell on a day like this.
Mr. Owen figures he can
get out that much sooner
if he can talk to her.
It's the second door
off the head of the stairs.
Come in.
Laurel.
I had to talk to you.
If you don't feel
up to it, honey,
all you have to do is say so.
No, that's all right.
He, uh, asked to
talk to you alone.
Hook him up to that pipe.
We'll be right outside
whenever you're through.
The sheriff said I
could talk to her alone.
I don't care what
the sheriff said.
I'm not leaving
you alone with her.
If you want to talk,
talk. I'm not leaving.
Are you all right?
I heard they arrested you.
That's why you have
to tell them the truth.
That I'm not the man they want.
I have an alibi.
The night clerk in my hotel.
But he's out of
town for the day.
Well, then he'll be back tonight
and you'll go on your
way just like before.
I have to leave now.
And you're the only
one that can help me.
They tell me what I've got is
called an emotional blackout.
I can't remember a
thing about last night.
Laurel, I'm running out of time.
You seem to be getting awfully
upset about one night in jail.
Last night when we said goodbye,
I-I should have
told you the truth,
then none of this
would have happened.
May I speak with
her alone, please?
I'm sorry.
I spent some time in jail.
I managed to escape and
I've been running ever since.
I wasn't guilty then either.
That's why you
wanted to break it off?
I couldn't ask you to
share that kind of life.
I knew it.
I knew I couldn't be that wrong.
That's why you have
to tell them the truth.
You see, when they
check my fingerprints...
I can't remember a thing.
I'm very sorry, but I
can't remember anything.
You have to understand that, uh,
if they don't catch
up with you here
it'll be in the next town or
the next or the one after that.
Laurel. No, I'm sorry,
but I can't remember. I
just can't remember a thing.
I think we're finished.
Any luck?
If Laurel starts
remembering anything...
Wait a minute.
Hello?
Yes, he's still here. Hold on.
Todd, it's one of your
deputies. He wants to talk to you.
Wait a minute.
Collison.
Indiana?
For murder?
Well, I'm surprised.
Yes, we're bringing him in.
You all right?
You better lock that gate.
He's not getting
over any 6-foot wall.
Not with his hands
cuffed behind his back.
You go that way.
I'll go the other.
They've got guns, Sheila.
They're hunting him down.
Isn't there something we can do?
Frank, don't be a fool.
You're working yourself
up to doing something brave.
Isn't it about time?
I don't know what the
answer is, but it's not blurting
the whole story out for
everyone to gossip about.
Even if you threw away our
lives it wouldn't do him any good.
He's an escaped murderer.
What happened to Laurel...
A few hours ago you
had him guilty of that too.
I didn't convict him of
murder, a judge and jury did.
Your confessing isn't
going to help him one bit.
Don't you see that?
That's about the only
place he can still be.
Kimble, come out of there.
I guess he wants
to do it the hard way.
Let's move in.
I'm not doing this for you.
Then again, maybe I am.
Maybe it's because
I believe in you.
I don't know.
I just want this
whole thing to be over.
I want everything to be
settled the way it used to be.
I want you to be a thousand
miles away from here
almost as badly as
you want to be there.
You stay right here
until I come and get you.
He's still around
here somewhere.
Got any ideas?
I think it'd be best
if you stayed inside.
Todd.
Can't you put a
stop to all this?
I don't get it.
Before you couldn't
wait till I locked him up.
Todd, I was there
when he talked to Laurel.
He told us why the police
are after him, the whole story.
I'm positive about one thing.
He had nothing to do with
what happened to Laurel.
Is that right?
Better call downtown and have
them send out another team.
Did he tell you that?
I believe him.
Sheila, the man's a
convicted murderer.
He swears he's innocent.
You know where he is.
Of course not.
I just don't like to see
anyone hunted down like this.
You do know where
he is, don't you?
I know he's innocent.
He wasn't with
Laurel last night.
Maybe he wasn't.
Maybe he had nothing
to do with Laurel.
But he did murder his wife.
Murder, Sheila.
I suppose he denied that too.
Of course he denied it.
What'd you expect him to do?
If you listen to them
you'll find our prisons
are filled with innocent men.
Death row has
nothing but saints.
Believe me, I know
what I'm talking about.
Now, where is he?
In the basement.
He's holed up in the basement.
Put a copy of this
on the teletype
to a Lieutenant Gerard.
The address is on
there somewhere.
Well, I guess we'd
better get on with it, Frank.
Yeah.
Todd, isn't there some way...
Sheila, don't.
It's hard enough as it is.
Just let him do
what he has to do.
Let everybody.
Now, I guess it's my turn.
You might as
well hear all of it.
It didn't happen the way
most people think it did.
I led him on.
You might even
say I drove him on,
and then all of a sudden I
decided the game time was over
and I wanted to go home,
but it was too late.
I'll say that in court, Frank.
Laurel.
No, no, no, no, that's the
way it happens, doesn't it?
I mean, you have to find the
one thing that you really want
and not be able to have it.
You either go to
pieces or you grow up,
and I guess some
of us have to do both.
Another place,
another memory to follow him.
Another escape
through the night.
Always the way of a fugitive.
clerk have to say?
It's his day off.
He wasn't there.
Did you call his home?
His wife said he's
shopping over in Greenview.
Won't be back until tonight.
A little while ago you
were sitting fat with alibis.
Now I don't know.
The night clerk will be back.
I guess he will at that.
Till then though,
you've got free room
and board on the County.
Take him downtown and book him.
Might as well get a
check on his prints too.
A QM Production.
Starring David Janssen
as Dr. Richard Kimble.
An innocent victim
of blind justice,
falsely convicted for
the murder of his wife,
reprieved by fate when
a train wreck freed him
en route to the death house.
Freed him to hide
in lonely desperation,
to change his identity,
to toil at many jobs.
Freed him to search
for a one-armed man
he saw leave the
scene of the crime.
Freed him to run before
the relentless pursuit
of the police lieutenant
obsessed with his capture.
The guest stars
in tonight's story:
J.D. Cannon.
Carol Rossen.
Sarah Marshall.
Lake City, New York.
A roadhouse hideaway
outside of town.
Music, a few drinks,
and sometimes a momentary escape
into a private world
for just two people.
For Richard Kimble
escape is always momentary
and two people are one
too many in a private world
already crowded with pursuers.
You let me make
a fool out of myself
and all you can say is
something about being I'm sorry.
Laurel, there are
reasons. What reasons?
I'm sorry, it just won't work.
Do we have to be so practical?
Jim, next week why
don't we just get away
from all this heat and relax?
I mean, the Fourth
of July weekends
are marvelous for
that kind of thing,
because they're so long and lazy
and there'd just be
the two of us, please.
Jim?
But you're sorry.
Laurel, there are things
I would like to do but...
But, but.
It always comes
down to that, doesn't it?
But, but, but, but, but...
Miss.
I don't want to leave.
There are some
things I want to tell you,
but I don't think
this is the place.
Oh? It was good
enough for a brush-off.
Check please.
I want another
drink. Check, please.
I want another drink.
Well, what's it going to be?
The check, please.
Thank you.
Come on.
Jim.
These last few weeks
I thought we were...
I mean, you acted as though
I meant something to you.
You do, Laurel.
You sure?
Laurel, this has
nothing to do with us.
I told you two weeks ago
that I was going to
have to be moving on,
and now that the
crew is finished here...
Oh.
Oh, well, no
explanations needed.
I understand.
I mean working on a
highway construction crew
makes all your boyhood
dreams come true,
and, besides, you don't
want to lose all that seniority
you have on a...
On a cement mixer.
Laurel... No, no, no.
I understand. I mean,
you will remember me.
What's that cute little
girl's name in Lake City?
Now I met her... That's
not true and you know it.
Oh, come on, how
would I know it?
By your walking out on me?
You're going to stand
here and wait until I finish.
Don't worry, you are finished.
Mr. Owen.
Mr. Owen, we
have to talk to you.
Mr. Owen, I'm Laurel's sister
and this is my husband.
It seems you don't have a phone.
What can I do for you?
I thought it was time we met.
Well, it's almost
3 in the morning.
What is it you want?
We thought Laurel might be here.
She isn't home?
The last we heard
she was out with you.
We've searched everywhere.
I was praying she'd be here,
at the same time
praying she wouldn't be.
We had an argument.
She was a little upset.
You know how it is.
No, Mr. Owen, I
don't know how it is.
Do you know where she is now?
We had dinner at
the Halfway House.
That's where I left her.
We checked at the Halfway House.
They said she left with you.
We separated outside.
Thank you, Mr. Owen.
You've been very helpful.
Don't bother.
That's right, female,
5'4", weight about
115, light brown hair,
and hazel eyes.
Last seen wearing...
A summer dress, a
yellow and orange print.
Summer dress,
yellow and orange print.
Right. Go get
everybody you can on it.
Lou, follow up on the hospitals.
Everyone between
here and Greenview.
I want to know about
any accident and every female
patient admitted since, uh...
What time did you
say she left you?
Eleven o'clock.
Since 11 p.m.
Oh, make that 10.
Six a.m. and the
heat's already settling.
All right, Mr. Owen,
let's have the whole story.
It was 7:00, I met
Laurel at Fourth and Elm.
She never wanted me
to pick her up at home.
We went to the
Halfway House for dinner
and we talked a while...
Collison.
You better go over
that north end again.
Then spread your men out and
start working through the woods.
Joe, keep the night
shift on extra duty
and right after breakfast
start them canvassing
every house in town.
Sorry, Mr. Owen.
You were at the
Halfway House. Talking.
That's right.
Well, we, uh...
had a few words.
Somewhere along the line
Laurel stopped talking.
That sister of yours
sure has a temper.
Go on, you never did say
where it was that words failed her.
Collison.
No, stay right
there. I'm on my way.
We've found Laurel's car.
On that dirt road
just across the creek.
Lou.
Oh, uh, you better
stay here, honey.
Frank,
I think you better
stay with her.
I don't know what we're
going to find out there.
Come on, Mr. Owen, I never
stop a man in the middle of a story.
Wouldn't you know she picked
the hottest day of
the year to get lost.
You sure you've never
been out this way before?
I'm positive.
Tom, take a look over that way.
Kind of a lover's lane spot.
A lot of young couples
find their way out here.
I'm not that young any more.
Hey!
The first aid kit.
Laurel?
Laurel, it's me, Jim.
Laurel.
You aren't going too far?
Not too far.
Mrs. Taft, I am
sorry about Laurel.
I have nothing to say to you.
Todd, we've just made a
preliminary examination.
She hasn't suffered any
permanent physical damage.
There are some
questions I have to ask her.
Not just now.
I've given her a mild sedative
and she'll be
asleep for a while.
Are you sure she's all right?
Some bruises, minor lacerations.
Looks like she
was in quite a scrap.
Is that all?
I wish it were.
I'm sorry.
Doctor, I understand
Miss Harper's awake.
I would like to speak to her.
Family? No, just a friend.
I'm sorry.
I promised the sheriff
I wouldn't allow visitors
until after he
had talked to her.
Sheriff Collison, please.
You can wait, though.
If she's not too
tired afterwards,
I'll let you have a few minutes.
Thank you.
You haven't told
us a whole lot, Ellie.
I'm a waitress, not a reporter.
Even so, I thought you could
remember more than this.
He wanted the great
outdoors, she wants to party.
He won and they split.
It's the oldest
story in the world.
What time did they, uh, split?
Eleven, maybe five or ten after.
You sure?
I didn't phone for the time,
if that's what you mean.
Thank you.
Yeah, I'll tell him right away.
Okay, doctor.
But please tell him he'll
only be able to talk to her
for a few minutes.
Right. I'll be waiting for him.
Doctor, how is she?
Pretty well.
She's conscious now, but
I've given her some sedatives.
What about when
the sedation wears off?
Sheriff's coming
over to talk with her.
Then I don't see any reason
why you can't take her home.
Isn't that a little fast?
Not really.
What she really needs
is plenty of rest in
familiar surroundings.
And maybe some reassurance.
I'm an old hand at that.
Excuse me. I have to
finish making my rounds.
You've been very kind, doctor.
He knows what he's doing.
If he says she's
going to be all right,
she's going to be all right.
I-I said it's good to know
that Laurel's going to be okay.
Yes, it is.
Why don't you
come off it, Sheila?
What?
You're still thinking
about Jim Owen,
aren't you?
If they could hang him for this
everything would
be all right again.
I begged Laurel not
to go out with him.
Because he wasn't listed in
your own personal social register.
Maybe that was part of it.
When you take up
with a drifter you...
I know he did it.
That's Todd's
department, isn't it?
Still hasn't locked him up.
How can you be
so sure he's guilty?
He's guilty, all right.
Sheila...
let's stay out of this.
Just this once, do
something my way.
I was just coming out
here to wait for you.
Laurel must be
coming along fine.
Doctor says it's all right for
me to ask her some questions.
About Jim Owen?
About everything.
You won't let him
get away, will you?
Now, honey, I'm not
sure about him yet.
Sometimes I figure he's
in deeper than he lets on,
other times I figure
the jury is still out.
He did it. I can feel it.
But by the time you're
convinced of it, he'll be long gone.
Sheila, I only know one
way to make an arrest,
after I have enough evidence.
You can't handle this like
it was just another case.
Todd, we've all be good
friends for a long time,
more than that.
After dad died, you...
You know what I'm trying to say.
Of course, I know.
Then act like it.
By throwing a man into
jail without any evidence?
I'm sorry, Sheila.
Not even if Laurel
was my own daughter.
Go inside and talk to her
and see what he did to her.
Would you tell Dr. Gilman
that Sheriff Collison is here.
For a quiet man, you
sure cause a lot of noise.
Just sitting.
Last night after
Laurel drove off,
you say you hiked
it back to town.
That's right.
That's over three miles.
Why didn't you call for a taxi?
I don't make that kind of money.
It's still a long walk.
I'm used to walking.
I'll bet you are at that.
What time did you say
you got back to your hotel?
A little before midnight.
A woman in town saw Laurel
driving her car about 12:30,
but she couldn't make
out who was with her.
Too bad you
didn't call for a taxi.
Witnesses come
in handy sometimes.
I have one.
The night clerk can prove
what time I got back to the hotel.
And I have another.
Who's that?
Laurel.
You're a lucky man.
Lou, will you phone
Mr. Owen's hotel
and check him out
with the night clerk?
The doctor says you can
talk to Miss Harper now.
Thank you.
You're not going too far?
Not too far.
Laurel.
Everything's all
right now, honey.
Nothing to worry about.
Try, Laurel.
It's getting to look
important for Jim Owen.
All you have to do is tell me
if definitely it
was or wasn't him.
I try to remember...
I can't, Todd.
Please.
All right.
What did that desk
clerk have to say?
It's his day off.
He wasn't there.
Did you call his home?
His wife said he's
shopping over in Greenview.
Won't be back till tonight.
A little while ago you
were sitting fat with alibis.
Now, I don't know.
The night clerk will be back.
I guess he will at that.
Until then, though,
you've got free room
and board on the County.
Take him downtown and book him.
Might as well get a
check on his prints too.
Wait a minute.
What did Laurel say?
She's in no condition
to talk about it yet.
Take him out to the car.
I'll be along in a minute.
Hold it.
Hey!
Okay, let's go.
Mr. Owen, you promised
me you wouldn't go too far.
Now, give me your ring finger.
This is sort of a waste of time.
I'll get these prints
classified and on the wire.
You won't need those prints.
I'll be out of here as
soon as that room clerk
gets back to town.
Relax, it's just routine.
We send a copy of
your prints up to Albany.
They check their files
and send back a report
that you were arrested last year
for drunk driving
or beating your wife
or something.
In there.
How long will all that take?
Two, maybe three hours.
Hey.
How about giving that
night clerk another call?
He's not due back till tonight.
Well, he might come back early
and save you a
lot of paper work.
Nope.
Maybe this paper work will
keep my mind off the heat.
You sure you're all right?
Still a little shaky.
Would it help to talk? I'm
still a pretty good listener.
Oh, Sheila, it seems like
I've been coming to you
with my problems forever.
Last night must have been awful.
I can imagine how you
must be feeling now.
The disappointment. Someone
you thought you cared for.
What are you talking about?
That construction
worker. Jim Owen.
No, no, no, no, no, that
isn't the way it happened.
What way did it happen?
Well, I-I... I mean,
I don't know,
it was all such a jumble,
but I know that Jim wouldn't...
Laurel, what happened?
Laurel?
Well, all I can remember
is being so mad at Jim...
that I couldn't
think of anything
except how to get even with him.
How to hurt him.
I wanted him to feel the
same kind of pain that I felt.
And... then I just
suddenly decided to...
pick up the next man
that I found and, I mean,
I really don't even know
what exactly I was going to do.
That's all of it?
That's all I can remember.
You okay?
It's not the worst thing
in the world, you know,
a free bed, three
meals on the County.
While whoever's
guilty gets away.
If you didn't do it,
why did you run?
I don't like jails...
or maybe I, uh...
Just don't like being arrested
for something I didn't do.
Maybe I panicked, I don't know.
If you didn't do anything,
you'll have plenty
of time to prove it.
I can prove it if you'll
let me see Laurel.
I cover a whole County.
You're not the only one
I have to worry about.
Sheriff, I know I can get
some information from her.
What's the difference
if I'm in this cell
or handcuffed to
one of your deputies?
Will you let me try?
Now put the cuffs on him.
Are you sure
you're all right there?
I'm positive, Sheila.
You should have had
eight children of your own
instead of one idiot kid sister
who's forever
causing you trouble.
You're no trouble.
I promise I'll go to bed
the minute I feel tired.
Here, let me help you.
Why don't you get
us a little pitcher
and I'll fix us
something cool to drink.
I'll get the glasses.
Instant refreshment...
like in the ads.
We haven't done
this for a long time.
I mean, just, uh...
loafing over something cool.
Sheila, there's
something... I... Oh.
No damage, just
a little mopping.
I never could find where
Amy hides the cleaning rags.
You remember that
time we had that big fight
and I tried to smash
a glass on the floor?
Except as I remember
you... You picked one of those
old, thick jelly glasses.
The darn thing
just wouldn't break.
But you tried.
And the more you tried,
the madder you got.
I still don't understand
how you could
stand there and not laugh.
Couldn't you tell?
It was nothing but cold fear.
I do love you, Frank.
It gets lost sometimes, but...
I really do love you.
And, uh, to prove it I'll...
I'll fix you something
else to drink.
Isn't this the shirt I
gave you for Christmas?
Sheila...
It's the one you
wore last night.
I wanted to tell you about it,
but I-I-I wouldn't let
myself put it in words.
Honey, it wasn't like that.
It wasn't all my fault.
I-I was driving home from the...
I don't want to hear about it.
I'd had a few drinks and Laurel
drove up at the same time and...
I don't want to hear about it!
Hello, Frank, is Laurel up?
We'd like to talk to
her for a few minutes.
Well, I don't know the, uh...
doctor said she needed
all the rest she can get.
It's awful hot in a jail
cell on a day like this.
Mr. Owen figures he can
get out that much sooner
if he can talk to her.
It's the second door
off the head of the stairs.
Come in.
Laurel.
I had to talk to you.
If you don't feel
up to it, honey,
all you have to do is say so.
No, that's all right.
He, uh, asked to
talk to you alone.
Hook him up to that pipe.
We'll be right outside
whenever you're through.
The sheriff said I
could talk to her alone.
I don't care what
the sheriff said.
I'm not leaving
you alone with her.
If you want to talk,
talk. I'm not leaving.
Are you all right?
I heard they arrested you.
That's why you have
to tell them the truth.
That I'm not the man they want.
I have an alibi.
The night clerk in my hotel.
But he's out of
town for the day.
Well, then he'll be back tonight
and you'll go on your
way just like before.
I have to leave now.
And you're the only
one that can help me.
They tell me what I've got is
called an emotional blackout.
I can't remember a
thing about last night.
Laurel, I'm running out of time.
You seem to be getting awfully
upset about one night in jail.
Last night when we said goodbye,
I-I should have
told you the truth,
then none of this
would have happened.
May I speak with
her alone, please?
I'm sorry.
I spent some time in jail.
I managed to escape and
I've been running ever since.
I wasn't guilty then either.
That's why you
wanted to break it off?
I couldn't ask you to
share that kind of life.
I knew it.
I knew I couldn't be that wrong.
That's why you have
to tell them the truth.
You see, when they
check my fingerprints...
I can't remember a thing.
I'm very sorry, but I
can't remember anything.
You have to understand that, uh,
if they don't catch
up with you here
it'll be in the next town or
the next or the one after that.
Laurel. No, I'm sorry,
but I can't remember. I
just can't remember a thing.
I think we're finished.
Any luck?
If Laurel starts
remembering anything...
Wait a minute.
Hello?
Yes, he's still here. Hold on.
Todd, it's one of your
deputies. He wants to talk to you.
Wait a minute.
Collison.
Indiana?
For murder?
Well, I'm surprised.
Yes, we're bringing him in.
You all right?
You better lock that gate.
He's not getting
over any 6-foot wall.
Not with his hands
cuffed behind his back.
You go that way.
I'll go the other.
They've got guns, Sheila.
They're hunting him down.
Isn't there something we can do?
Frank, don't be a fool.
You're working yourself
up to doing something brave.
Isn't it about time?
I don't know what the
answer is, but it's not blurting
the whole story out for
everyone to gossip about.
Even if you threw away our
lives it wouldn't do him any good.
He's an escaped murderer.
What happened to Laurel...
A few hours ago you
had him guilty of that too.
I didn't convict him of
murder, a judge and jury did.
Your confessing isn't
going to help him one bit.
Don't you see that?
That's about the only
place he can still be.
Kimble, come out of there.
I guess he wants
to do it the hard way.
Let's move in.
I'm not doing this for you.
Then again, maybe I am.
Maybe it's because
I believe in you.
I don't know.
I just want this
whole thing to be over.
I want everything to be
settled the way it used to be.
I want you to be a thousand
miles away from here
almost as badly as
you want to be there.
You stay right here
until I come and get you.
He's still around
here somewhere.
Got any ideas?
I think it'd be best
if you stayed inside.
Todd.
Can't you put a
stop to all this?
I don't get it.
Before you couldn't
wait till I locked him up.
Todd, I was there
when he talked to Laurel.
He told us why the police
are after him, the whole story.
I'm positive about one thing.
He had nothing to do with
what happened to Laurel.
Is that right?
Better call downtown and have
them send out another team.
Did he tell you that?
I believe him.
Sheila, the man's a
convicted murderer.
He swears he's innocent.
You know where he is.
Of course not.
I just don't like to see
anyone hunted down like this.
You do know where
he is, don't you?
I know he's innocent.
He wasn't with
Laurel last night.
Maybe he wasn't.
Maybe he had nothing
to do with Laurel.
But he did murder his wife.
Murder, Sheila.
I suppose he denied that too.
Of course he denied it.
What'd you expect him to do?
If you listen to them
you'll find our prisons
are filled with innocent men.
Death row has
nothing but saints.
Believe me, I know
what I'm talking about.
Now, where is he?
In the basement.
He's holed up in the basement.
Put a copy of this
on the teletype
to a Lieutenant Gerard.
The address is on
there somewhere.
Well, I guess we'd
better get on with it, Frank.
Yeah.
Todd, isn't there some way...
Sheila, don't.
It's hard enough as it is.
Just let him do
what he has to do.
Let everybody.
Now, I guess it's my turn.
You might as
well hear all of it.
It didn't happen the way
most people think it did.
I led him on.
You might even
say I drove him on,
and then all of a sudden I
decided the game time was over
and I wanted to go home,
but it was too late.
I'll say that in court, Frank.
Laurel.
No, no, no, no, that's the
way it happens, doesn't it?
I mean, you have to find the
one thing that you really want
and not be able to have it.
You either go to
pieces or you grow up,
and I guess some
of us have to do both.
Another place,
another memory to follow him.
Another escape
through the night.
Always the way of a fugitive.