The Rockford Files (1974–1980): Season 1, Episode 13 - Profit and Loss, Part 2: Loss - full transcript
Rockford discovers the investment firm Fiscal Dynamics is a financial fraud and its president Leon Fielder will do anything to prevent him from destroying his company.
When I get through
listing the charges
against you...
your rap sheet's gonna look
like a grocery list.
Assault, kidnapping, forgery,
and murder.
For some totally
obscure reason,
you have taken to believing...
that a fine,
upstanding company is corrupt.
This is a fatal mistake.
[Siren blaring]
You ought to clear out
of your place, Mr. Rockford.
Maybe get a hotel room
under another name.
There he goes.
[Telephone ringing]
(Rockford on
answering machine)
This is Jim Rockford.
At the tone leave your name
and message.
I'll get back to you.
[Beeps]
(Mrs. Boasley)
This is Mrs. Boasley
at the library.
We billed you
for your overdue book,
Karate Made Easy.
We abuse our library,
we don't get
our cards renewed.
(James Garner)
This is James Garner.
The following scenes
Are from Part 1
of Profit And Loss.
A two-part episode
of The Rockford Files.
(Rockford)
You said it was dangerous.
How dangerous?
It's so bizarre,
I don't think anybody
will believe me.
That's part of the problem,
you see.
[Knocking on door]
That's my dad.
He said he'd come over
and help me fix this thing.
He's the one that
jammed it up.
Becker.
(Rockford)
Dennis, this is Jim.
I want to file an assault
and battery complaint...
and I'll give you a tip
on a kidnapping.
He wouldn't talk about it,
but something in that company
scared him.
Where does he work?
Fiscal Dynamics Incorporated.
The conglomerate?
Alec is the head
computer programmer.
The police talked to
Alec Morris.
He says that no such event
ever took place.
That makes you
guilty of making
a false police report.
I want to talk to my attorney.
Okay, Jim, we have
a preliminary hearing
on the third.
My husband had the same job...
with Financial Dynamics
that Alec Morris has now.
I was always suspicious
of that accident...
but I couldn't get anybody
to help me.
The cops had it down
as a traffic accident...
and they weren't about to
call it murder.
I think he was murdered.
And I think it has something
to do with that company.
I don't want to seem
offensive, Mr. Rockford,
I don't work for just anybody.
I'm a securities analyst.
I screen my clients
very carefully.
Because good clients
are like good sailboats.
You invest your time in them
and you get to go
for a nice little ride.
That's why I'm in the field.
There is absolutely
nothing wrong
with Fiscal Dynamics.
I don't have to research them
for you...
because I have personally
been through their
financial statement...
at least 10 times.
I've spoken to Mr. Fielder
a dozen times.
That company is so healthy
it's disgusting.
Mr. Leon Fielder
would like to have
a chat with you.
Leon Fielder?
He's the President
and Chief Operating Officer
of...
Fiscal Dynamics Incorporated.
Never heard of him.
(Stan)
Mr. Fielder will see you now.
You know, our stockholders
are just people like you.
All kinds of people. They are
widows, they are plumbers,
school teachers.
Now, when you hurt us,
you hurt them.
And what I'm interested
in doing, Mr. Rockford...
is protecting their interest.
You mean to tell me
that I can ask
a few silly questions...
and this great big company
could lose $10 million?
Investors are very cautious.
It doesn't take much.
Right now we're in the middle
of a big acquisition.
Don't mess with us,
Mr. Rockford.
We need some printing done.
Come back in the morning.
I'm closed. I got to go home.
We got to talk now.
Right now?
That's right, Mr. Bovino,
right now.
(Doris)
His name is Carl Bovino.
When I first read
that article...
the name rang a bell,
but I couldn't quite place it.
My husband told me
that Mr. Bovino
was a printer...
who had been contracted out
by FDI to do
the annual report.
Guy thought it was strange
they use a little printer
like Bovino...
instead of
one of the big companies that
usually do annual reports.
It says here his shop
was burglarized.
He was working late,
surprised the thieves
and was shot.
It just could have
happened just that way.
You're turning into
a big disappointment for me.
All right, I do know a guy
down at the police department.
I'll talk to him
about this printer.
I'll find out
what the cops know.
They're just gonna tell you
it was a robbery.
You've got to get in
to take a look at his files.
Absolutely
out of the question.
But don't you see?
He must have kept records
of his work for FDI.
You've got to see
what kind of printing
he was doing for them.
Tell you what. Why don't you
break into Bovino's shop
and look around?
I'll go out to Riverside
this weekend and drive
your little red racer.
But I'll compromise.
I'll go with you if you want.
I'm not afraid
to break in there.
(Rockford)
Now if the police arrive
and you take off without me...
I'll come after you
and strangle you.
[Alarm blaring]
[Siren wailing]
[Alarm continues blaring]
[Engine starts up]
[Alarm continues blaring]
Come on.
[Siren approaching]
Come on.
(Rockford)
Go!
[Tires squealing]
We better lose that guy
or we're gonna have...
a black-and-white
at every intersection.
[Siren continues]
You drive a race car, huh?
Lousy, damned suspension.
[Car honking]
[Tires screeching]
[Tires screeching]
[Horn blaring]
[Siren continues]
[Tires screeching]
Okay, slow down.
I got to admit,
I couldn't have done
better myself.
You should
get your shocks fixed.
This thing's got
a terrible understeer.
Did you find anything?
I don't think so,
I don't know.
Why don't you pull over
up here? And I'll look at it.
Find a place to park.
What's that?
It's a miscellaneous file.
There's nothing in here.
And there was nothing
back there, either.
Nothing on Fiscal Dynamics...
nothing on Leon Fielder,
Stan Gorrick.
There's just no record
that he ever worked for FDI.
But he did. I know he did,
at least 18 months ago.
Guy told me.
[Sighing]
If there'd been
a record of it...
there's a pretty good chance
the cops have it down right
as just a robbery.
But since the records
are gone, maybe you're right.
Maybe he was doing some work
for them, and he got wise
and got killed.
If that happened,
you can bet
they removed the file.
What kind of printing
could he be doing that
they'd want to kill him for?
One thing comes to mind.
What?
Phony stock certificates,
maybe.
What do we do?
If we're smart, we'll
forget about it and go home.
But we're not that smart,
I guess.
You got the cowling
off yet?
(Rocky)
It gets ready to come off,
I'll tell you.
All right. On three,
it's ready to come.
One, two, three.
[Sighs]
We're gonna have to call
a plumber.
You figured out a way
to stay out of the jailhouse?
Yeah, I've been thinking
about making a run for Mexico.
Now, wait a minute.
I'm down for half your bail,
Son.
Why don't you just call
a plumber?
Besides, I got
someplace else to go.
You're kidding about that
Mexico stuff, aren't you?
You skip out, I'm the one
that bites the dust.
I lose my truck,
I lose everything.
Yeah, that's right.
We can't afford
to lose the truck...
I mean, how would Ma
get the crops to town?
[Sighs]
What I meant was,
it looks like you're finally
beginning to get some place.
What do you want to
quit the case for?
Because I don't think
there's anything more
I can accomplish.
And if I don't,
Fiscal Dynamics is gonna
sue me for $10 million.
And if they do that...
that truck is gonna be
the first thing to go
down the drain.
You talk like we was partners.
We are.
At least as far as
that truck is concerned.
I'm on the pink slip,
remember?
Oh, boy.
That's turning out to be...
one of the worst mistakes
I ever made.
Just call the plumber, Rocky.
I wanna get that garbage
out of the sink.
You keep saying I'm the one
that jammed it.
I ain't so sure
it didn't just jam itself...
'cause it's so old
and so wore out.
Maybe.
So?
So life is a crapshoot, Rocky.
And if you're gonna hit
snake eyes...
it's better to do it
on a jammed-up
garbage disposal...
than on a fast lane
of the Hollywood Freeway.
[Engine faltering]
How's the sailboat business?
What do you want?
I had a little talk
with Leon Fielder.
You know, he threatened
to sue me for $10 million.
Of course, I don't have
$10 million, but it does have
an intimidating effect.
You were acting irresponsibly.
I felt I had a duty
to tell Mr. Fielder.
Rumors are very hazardous.
I did some checking up
on you, too.
I talked to
one of your competitors.
He said you were
a triple threat.
Devious, dishonest,
and unethical.
He also said that
Fiscal Dynamics is
a puffed-up hype.
[Scoffs]
Yeah, it doesn't take
much thought to know
who said that.
Yeah, I'm sure.
If you believe anything...
that Norm Mitchell said,
you got to be crazy.
Norm Mitchell.
Can I have my car keys,
please?
I'd appreciate it
if you didn't tell
Leon Fielder...
that I'm still poking around.
I kind of promised him
I'd leave it alone.
He's the first person
I'm gonna call
when I get home.
He likes you, he said that.
Glad to hear it.
He also said that he gives you
little inside tips...
like the North Eastern
acquisition.
That's ridiculous.
It's also illegal.
And before you talk to
Leon Fielder, you ought to
give that a lot of thought.
'Cause I'll turn
that information over
to the SEC...
and they'll take you out
of the sailboat business
for good.
Have a nice day.
Who recommended me
as an analyst, Mr. Rockford?
Arnold Love.
If that's supposed to be
a joke...
you ought to smile
or something, so I'll know.
It's sort of
a reverse recommendation.
I don't like Arnold Love
and he doesn't like you...
so I figure you and I
might get along.
I'm kind of busy,
Mr. Rockford.
I have a theory that
might interest you.
Let's hear it.
I think that
Fiscal Dynamics Inc. Is
a dishonest, corrupt company.
That's a pretty serious
charge. What are
your credentials?
I do all of my own cooking
and I know a soufflé
when I see one.
Anything solid?
Have you?
I asked first.
You mind
if we get out of here?
Loose lips sink
financial ships.
I got that straight
from Leon Fielder.
Are you some kind of
crackpot or what?
I asked Arnold Love
one question about FDI.
Five hours later, Leon Fielder
sent for me and threatened
to sue me for $10 million...
if I didn't get lost.
You wanna hear the question?
I'll meet you in my office
in 10 minutes.
It's on the 10th floor
of this building.
Okay, let's hear the question.
First, I'd like you
to tell me what you think
of Fiscal Dynamics.
It's selling for $30 a share,
it's worth, maybe, $10.
It's a publicity-oriented
company.
I think the management is
a little too swift
in the ethics department.
In short, I think
it's a pretty disgusting
stock...
but almost everybody else
thinks it's great.
I've got three clients in it,
I can't get them to sell,
'cause it's going up.
Okay, what's the question?
Their head computer programmer
is scared to death.
He came to me and asked
if I would carry
some information...
between him
and some federal agencies.
He was kidnapped
out of my place.
He's back at work now,
and he claims the whole thing
never happened.
Rockford! Now I got it,
you're the guy in the paper.
My secretary
clipped that for me.
I know. Everybody's secretary
clipped it.
Then the $20 million
question is...
What is going on
in the FDI computer room?
That's right. And my theory is
that the computer is
being rigged.
Of course, you know you'll
never be able to prove that
even if it's true.
Is it possible to foil
the examiners...
by working up
a confused computer program...
where they can't trace back
the stock transfers
or account billings?
Would you care for a drink?
No, thank you.
I can see now why Leon
threatened to sue you.
That kind of
unsupported charge could be
very damaging to a stock.
The market runs on rumor
and innuendo.
It doesn't take much
to get investors
to dump a stock...
especially a high-flyer
like FDI.
But how about it?
Could it happen?
I don't think so.
I mean, technically,
I suppose they could do it...
but why would they?
I happen to know the company
has over $100 million in cash.
That's why they've been able
to grow so fast.
Would that be green,
folding cash?
Negotiable securities.
Stocks. They keep them
in the vault
right in their building.
What if they're forgeries?
Come on, Mr. Rockford,
you're really reaching.
They were using a printer
by the name of Carl Bovino.
Now, I think
there's a good chance
that they killed him.
I know guys who'd kill you
for what you got
in your pockets.
So I don't find it
too strange...
that they'd kill to protect
$2 billion in phony assets.
This isn't a back alley,
this is
the financial district.
Things like that just
don't happen on the street,
believe me.
But it's possible.
No. In my opinion,
it's not possible.
Thanks for seeing me.
Fill it up.
[Rings]
Mr. Mitchell's office.
Is he there?
This is Mr. Rockford.
He's about to leave.
It's important.
[Sighs]
[Buzzer sounds]
Yeah, what is it?
I'm glad I caught you.
When I went to your office...
I was very careful to be sure
I wasn't followed...
but on my way out,
I may have picked up a tail.
Come on, Mr. Rockford,
what are you trying to do?
Look, Mr. Mitchell,
would you admit that there's
just one chance in 1,000...
that I'm not
a raving paranoid?
Okay, maybe.
If they saw me
leave your office, then you
might be in some danger.
I'm not in any danger,
but I'll be careful.
Thanks for the call.
Police Department, please.
Police? My name is
Terry Shoder...
and I was coming out
of my office building
on Fifth Street...
and I saw two guys
stealing my car.
It's a blue Chevy
and the license number
is 045-IWE.
Yeah, it's Fifth and Horne.
Couldn't have happened
two minutes ago.
There's a lot of traffic
down here so they can't go
too fast.
They were heading toward
the freeway. If you hurry,
you can head them off.
No, just now. Yeah, hurry.
They're heading east.
[Siren wails]
(Rocky)
You be mighty careful
with that thing, L.J.
They're mighty touchy,
you know.
I'll tell you this much,
it ain't no olive pit
or nothing.
(Rockford)
Hi, L.J.
Hi, Jim.
It could be one of them
sprockets could have
busted off...
and fell down
in the mechanism.
It's getting mighty old,
it's just about wore out.
You guys about through?
I just got out here.
All right, you got to leave.
You, too, Rocky.
You keep on, now.
Look, will you hold on
a minute, please, Son?
I suckered him out here.
I told him we was gonna have
a steak barbecue.
I asked him to grind up
the meat fat...
and he discovered
that busted disposal
all by himself.
He ain't even gonna
charge us.
Will you get lost, Rocky?
And don't come back here
until I tell you it's okay
to come back.
Who's after you, sonny?
Maybe nobody,
but let's just play it safe.
Go home, will you?
And tell L.J. He can come back
to fix the garbage disposal
later.
Then you're gonna have to
pay the trip charge.
I suckered him out here.
He ain't about to
come back again on his own.
All right, I'll pay
the trip charge.
Get going, will you?
[Sighs]
Got to get my tools, Rocky.
This thing is busted good.
Lucky I was here.
Yeah, lucky.
You got to leave, L.J.
You can come back
and fix this later. Come on.
How come?
Because Jimmy's hot, you see.
We got to hit the bunkers
before the joint fills up
with killers.
Come on.
This is crazy.
You tell him, L.J.
Don't tell me.
[Phone ringing]
Come on,
will you guys get lost?
I'll talk to you later.
Yeah?
Is this Jim Rockford?
Yeah. What is it?
I take it back, Mr. Rockford,
you're not paranoid.
I think you may be
absolutely right
about that computer...
and maybe the killing.
What changed your mind?
When I got home,
I got a call
from Leon Fielder.
He wanted to know
what you and I
been talking about.
He was very threatening
and he sounded angry.
Did you tell him?
I told him to climb his thumb.
But I got to admit
he scared me.
You ought to clear out
of your place, Mr. Rockford.
Maybe get a hotel room
under another name.
Maybe that wouldn't be too bad
an idea for you, either.
My wife's packing up
the family right now. We'll be
out of here in 10 minutes.
Where can I reach you?
You can't.
[Dial tone buzzing]
[Footsteps pattering]
[Grunts]
Can I help you?
I think that's exactly
what you can do, Mr. Rockford.
You can help us,
and you can help yourself.
I don't live in Los Angeles,
Mr. Rockford.
I flew in here this evening
just to meet with you.
I'll be leaving town
within a few hours.
You will never see me again.
But I sincerely hope that
what we discuss will make
a considerable impression
on you.
I also want you to know
that I intend you no harm.
I'm not a thug,
I'm a messenger.
My job is passing information
between interested parties.
I apologize for the way
I got you here,
but there was no other way.
You should try
engraved invitations
sometime.
For some
totally obscure reason,
you have taken to believing...
that a fine,
upstanding company is corrupt.
This is a fatal mistake.
In this case, the word "fatal"
can be taken both figuratively
and literally.
My employers would consider it
a big favor to them...
if you would cease
this aimless...
and destructive investigation
of yours.
You are embarrassing
and endangering...
a fine, healthy
public company.
A company that is
constantly involved
with acquisitions...
and cannot stand
the type of pressure
you're trying to put on it.
You see, Mr. Rockford...
when you stir up analysts
like Mr. Mitchell
or Mr. Love...
you run the risk that
they'll advise their clients
to sell FDI stock.
In the case of
Mr. Mitchell's clients...
they hold almost
300,000 shares.
If they were sell
all at once...
Fiscal Dynamics stock
goes down.
And my clients at FDI must
trade more of their shares
to acquire new companies.
This is costly
and destructive...
and must stop
as of this instant.
Or?
Or...
you will find that
the stove is very hot,
Mr. Rockford.
And that you will have
your hand on it...
for a very long time,
and it will be severely
and irreparably burned.
Are we being figurative
or literal?
Three other men
will visit you.
They will not bother
to discuss this at all.
They will take you some place
and that will end it.
Do you understand the gravity
of the situation?
Yeah.
Good.
Then I've done my job.
I have, hopefully,
persuaded you that
you're being foolish.
I hope, for your sake
and mine, you'll make
the right decision.
I apologize
for the inconvenience.
Good evening.
[Door closes]
[Crickets chirping]
[Phone ringing]
Hello.
Is Rocky there?
Yeah.
Thanks. Yeah.
Rocky, I need some help.
You all right, sonny?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I'm on the corner of
Selby and Ridge
in a gas station.
You got to come get me.
Where's your car?
It's a long story, Dad.
You got to move.
All right.
Dad.
Yeah?
Did you take my gun
out of the coffee jar?
Yeah, I was cleaning it
two nights ago.
Then I thought I'd go
target shooting
this weekend...
so I stuck it in the pickup.
Bring it with you.
Sure.
I got to hit the road, L.J.
Where are we going, Jimmy?
2356 Bel-Air Drive.
What are we doing?
We're gonna stake out a house.
Is it gonna be dangerous?
If it was gonna be
dangerous...
would I ask
a chicken-hearted old man
like you to go along?
Then why did you tell me
to bring a gun?
Well...
Can't answer that one,
can you?
Sure, I can.
We're taking a gun along
because somebody may try
and kill us.
That's what I figured.
All right,
pull over here, Rocky.
Who lives there?
Leon Fielder.
I want you to go
up the street,
about half a block...
and turn around
facing this way.
When I blink this light
at you, you come down
and pick me up in a hurry.
I'll be in the bushes.
Who's gonna keep the gun?
We don't need the gun yet.
We may never
need the gun, Rocky.
Just leave it under the seat.
Now get going.
[Door closes]
[Clattering]
I'm driving.
No, I see what you do
to your car.
Move, Rocky.
All right.
[Plane engine revving]
[Plane taking off]
[Tires screeching]
(woman over PA system)
Transglobal skycap
to Baggage Area.
[People chattering]
[Engine starts up]
Mr. Johnson, please report
to the Insurance Counter,
Concourse 4.
Let's go on home, Son.
I don't like this.
I need the truck, Rocky.
If you wanna go home,
you take a cab.
I'll pay for it.
Where are we going?
Right back where we were.
Why?
He saw me.
Let's hope he panics
and spooks Fielder.
[Crickets chirping]
We're gonna have to
pull him over.
How come?
He's gonna spot us.
Jim, if you
smash up this truck...
I'm not gonna smash it up.
Get the gun.
[Tires squealing]
There he goes.
Lousy, damn suspension...
I suppose yours
is better, huh?
All right, out.
I'm making a citizen's arrest.
I'm taking you
and those briefcases downtown.
You're crazy.
100% certifiable.
You cannot make
a citizen's arrest unless you
were eyewitness to a felony.
If you try and take me
against my will, at gunpoint,
that's kidnapping.
I'll see you put in jail
for that.
Can he do that?
Probably.
Now, if you'll
move your truck...
I'd like to get out of here.
I've had about all
I'm gonna take out of you.
When I get through
listing the charges
against you...
your rap sheet's gonna look
like a grocery list.
Assault, kidnapping, forgery,
and murder.
You get in the truck, Fielder.
And don't tempt me.
I got a lot to get even for.
Rocky, get those briefcases.
No, Rocky!
What did you done that?
[Gun firing continues]
Get away from my car!
Rocky, he's only got
one more shot left.
I'm gonna try something.
You stay here.
[Clicking]
[Engine starting]
[Engine revving]
I'm gonna catch that guy
if it's the last thing
I ever do.
Go get him, Pa.
[Honking]
[Siren approaching]
[Radio chattering]
(sergeant)
Everybody out
with your hands up.
Over your heads. Up!
I'm Leon Fielder,
Chairman of the Board
of Fiscal Dynamics.
These men were attempting
to rob me.
Sergeant, he was trying
to kill us. He's got a gun
in the car.
I managed to take a gun
from that man...
it's right there
on my front seat.
(cop)
This yours, buddy?
Are you kidding?
I never saw it before
in my life.
(sergeant)
We'll run a check on it.
Would you listen to me
for a minute?
Shut up.
You better listen to Jimmy.
This here fella, Fielder,
he tried to kill us.
This is ridiculous.
Sergeant, will you
do yourself a favor?
Don't try to
figure this thing out
right here.
That man is guilty
of a half a dozen felonies.
He's got two briefcases
in that car full of
forged stocks and bonds.
Shake him down.
You're making
the worst mistake
of your life, Sergeant.
I'm Leon Fielder.
Read these guys their rights,
and let's get them
out of here.
Pick up those bags.
(Rocky)
You know, sonny...
now that I've really been
in one of these capers
with you...
I think I understand
a lot more about
what's going on.
Yeah, it's kind of
rewarding, isn't it?
In a strange way it beats
truck driving, doesn't it?
Right. You're right
in many respects...
it's got truck driving
beat all to heck.
You got a lot more chances
of getting killed. You get to
spend time in jail.
You even get your car painted
about twice a month...
to take the bullet holes
and the mashed fenders
out of it.
You've got
a real winner, sonny.
Okay, Rocky, forget, it.
Forget it? Are you kidding?
How am I gonna forget it?
I'm gonna have cold sweats
for a year.
Hello, Jim. Mr. Rockford.
(Rockford)
Hi.
(Doris)
They're gonna get him, Jim.
They got a securities analyst
in the next room...
and those two briefcases
are full of forged
stock certificates.
The stock exchange
suspended trading
of Fiscal Dynamics...
about an hour ago,
pending an investigation.
They think the whole company
is a fraud,
not worth 10 cents.
Good. Does that mean
I can get out of here?
We. That means we.
I'm sorry, Rocky.
Can we get out of here?
Did you have a gun, Jim?
Apparently they found a gun.
It's being traced.
A gun? Are you kidding,
Beth?
You know you can't
go around carrying a gun
without a permit.
Okay, Jim. I think
I can get you out of here.
It may take an hour or so.
Would you hurry up?
I hate the menu.
You see? Sometimes it's worth
taking chances, Mr. Rockford.
Look what we did.
And that's you, too,
Mr. Rockford.
I'll never forget it.
They killed my husband,
and I think we're gonna
end up proving it.
Now you see? There's
one of the benefits I like.
You forgot to mention
that one.
Yeah. We got to face facts,
Jim.
That gun only had
five shots in it.
Now, if it had had
six shots in it, like it's
supposed to have...
you'd be dead.
I don't understand it.
When I cleaned the gun,
it had six bullets in it.
Where did that
sixth bullet go?
I think I know
where it is, Dad.
It's in
the garbage disposal.
How about that?
listing the charges
against you...
your rap sheet's gonna look
like a grocery list.
Assault, kidnapping, forgery,
and murder.
For some totally
obscure reason,
you have taken to believing...
that a fine,
upstanding company is corrupt.
This is a fatal mistake.
[Siren blaring]
You ought to clear out
of your place, Mr. Rockford.
Maybe get a hotel room
under another name.
There he goes.
[Telephone ringing]
(Rockford on
answering machine)
This is Jim Rockford.
At the tone leave your name
and message.
I'll get back to you.
[Beeps]
(Mrs. Boasley)
This is Mrs. Boasley
at the library.
We billed you
for your overdue book,
Karate Made Easy.
We abuse our library,
we don't get
our cards renewed.
(James Garner)
This is James Garner.
The following scenes
Are from Part 1
of Profit And Loss.
A two-part episode
of The Rockford Files.
(Rockford)
You said it was dangerous.
How dangerous?
It's so bizarre,
I don't think anybody
will believe me.
That's part of the problem,
you see.
[Knocking on door]
That's my dad.
He said he'd come over
and help me fix this thing.
He's the one that
jammed it up.
Becker.
(Rockford)
Dennis, this is Jim.
I want to file an assault
and battery complaint...
and I'll give you a tip
on a kidnapping.
He wouldn't talk about it,
but something in that company
scared him.
Where does he work?
Fiscal Dynamics Incorporated.
The conglomerate?
Alec is the head
computer programmer.
The police talked to
Alec Morris.
He says that no such event
ever took place.
That makes you
guilty of making
a false police report.
I want to talk to my attorney.
Okay, Jim, we have
a preliminary hearing
on the third.
My husband had the same job...
with Financial Dynamics
that Alec Morris has now.
I was always suspicious
of that accident...
but I couldn't get anybody
to help me.
The cops had it down
as a traffic accident...
and they weren't about to
call it murder.
I think he was murdered.
And I think it has something
to do with that company.
I don't want to seem
offensive, Mr. Rockford,
I don't work for just anybody.
I'm a securities analyst.
I screen my clients
very carefully.
Because good clients
are like good sailboats.
You invest your time in them
and you get to go
for a nice little ride.
That's why I'm in the field.
There is absolutely
nothing wrong
with Fiscal Dynamics.
I don't have to research them
for you...
because I have personally
been through their
financial statement...
at least 10 times.
I've spoken to Mr. Fielder
a dozen times.
That company is so healthy
it's disgusting.
Mr. Leon Fielder
would like to have
a chat with you.
Leon Fielder?
He's the President
and Chief Operating Officer
of...
Fiscal Dynamics Incorporated.
Never heard of him.
(Stan)
Mr. Fielder will see you now.
You know, our stockholders
are just people like you.
All kinds of people. They are
widows, they are plumbers,
school teachers.
Now, when you hurt us,
you hurt them.
And what I'm interested
in doing, Mr. Rockford...
is protecting their interest.
You mean to tell me
that I can ask
a few silly questions...
and this great big company
could lose $10 million?
Investors are very cautious.
It doesn't take much.
Right now we're in the middle
of a big acquisition.
Don't mess with us,
Mr. Rockford.
We need some printing done.
Come back in the morning.
I'm closed. I got to go home.
We got to talk now.
Right now?
That's right, Mr. Bovino,
right now.
(Doris)
His name is Carl Bovino.
When I first read
that article...
the name rang a bell,
but I couldn't quite place it.
My husband told me
that Mr. Bovino
was a printer...
who had been contracted out
by FDI to do
the annual report.
Guy thought it was strange
they use a little printer
like Bovino...
instead of
one of the big companies that
usually do annual reports.
It says here his shop
was burglarized.
He was working late,
surprised the thieves
and was shot.
It just could have
happened just that way.
You're turning into
a big disappointment for me.
All right, I do know a guy
down at the police department.
I'll talk to him
about this printer.
I'll find out
what the cops know.
They're just gonna tell you
it was a robbery.
You've got to get in
to take a look at his files.
Absolutely
out of the question.
But don't you see?
He must have kept records
of his work for FDI.
You've got to see
what kind of printing
he was doing for them.
Tell you what. Why don't you
break into Bovino's shop
and look around?
I'll go out to Riverside
this weekend and drive
your little red racer.
But I'll compromise.
I'll go with you if you want.
I'm not afraid
to break in there.
(Rockford)
Now if the police arrive
and you take off without me...
I'll come after you
and strangle you.
[Alarm blaring]
[Siren wailing]
[Alarm continues blaring]
[Engine starts up]
[Alarm continues blaring]
Come on.
[Siren approaching]
Come on.
(Rockford)
Go!
[Tires squealing]
We better lose that guy
or we're gonna have...
a black-and-white
at every intersection.
[Siren continues]
You drive a race car, huh?
Lousy, damned suspension.
[Car honking]
[Tires screeching]
[Tires screeching]
[Horn blaring]
[Siren continues]
[Tires screeching]
Okay, slow down.
I got to admit,
I couldn't have done
better myself.
You should
get your shocks fixed.
This thing's got
a terrible understeer.
Did you find anything?
I don't think so,
I don't know.
Why don't you pull over
up here? And I'll look at it.
Find a place to park.
What's that?
It's a miscellaneous file.
There's nothing in here.
And there was nothing
back there, either.
Nothing on Fiscal Dynamics...
nothing on Leon Fielder,
Stan Gorrick.
There's just no record
that he ever worked for FDI.
But he did. I know he did,
at least 18 months ago.
Guy told me.
[Sighing]
If there'd been
a record of it...
there's a pretty good chance
the cops have it down right
as just a robbery.
But since the records
are gone, maybe you're right.
Maybe he was doing some work
for them, and he got wise
and got killed.
If that happened,
you can bet
they removed the file.
What kind of printing
could he be doing that
they'd want to kill him for?
One thing comes to mind.
What?
Phony stock certificates,
maybe.
What do we do?
If we're smart, we'll
forget about it and go home.
But we're not that smart,
I guess.
You got the cowling
off yet?
(Rocky)
It gets ready to come off,
I'll tell you.
All right. On three,
it's ready to come.
One, two, three.
[Sighs]
We're gonna have to call
a plumber.
You figured out a way
to stay out of the jailhouse?
Yeah, I've been thinking
about making a run for Mexico.
Now, wait a minute.
I'm down for half your bail,
Son.
Why don't you just call
a plumber?
Besides, I got
someplace else to go.
You're kidding about that
Mexico stuff, aren't you?
You skip out, I'm the one
that bites the dust.
I lose my truck,
I lose everything.
Yeah, that's right.
We can't afford
to lose the truck...
I mean, how would Ma
get the crops to town?
[Sighs]
What I meant was,
it looks like you're finally
beginning to get some place.
What do you want to
quit the case for?
Because I don't think
there's anything more
I can accomplish.
And if I don't,
Fiscal Dynamics is gonna
sue me for $10 million.
And if they do that...
that truck is gonna be
the first thing to go
down the drain.
You talk like we was partners.
We are.
At least as far as
that truck is concerned.
I'm on the pink slip,
remember?
Oh, boy.
That's turning out to be...
one of the worst mistakes
I ever made.
Just call the plumber, Rocky.
I wanna get that garbage
out of the sink.
You keep saying I'm the one
that jammed it.
I ain't so sure
it didn't just jam itself...
'cause it's so old
and so wore out.
Maybe.
So?
So life is a crapshoot, Rocky.
And if you're gonna hit
snake eyes...
it's better to do it
on a jammed-up
garbage disposal...
than on a fast lane
of the Hollywood Freeway.
[Engine faltering]
How's the sailboat business?
What do you want?
I had a little talk
with Leon Fielder.
You know, he threatened
to sue me for $10 million.
Of course, I don't have
$10 million, but it does have
an intimidating effect.
You were acting irresponsibly.
I felt I had a duty
to tell Mr. Fielder.
Rumors are very hazardous.
I did some checking up
on you, too.
I talked to
one of your competitors.
He said you were
a triple threat.
Devious, dishonest,
and unethical.
He also said that
Fiscal Dynamics is
a puffed-up hype.
[Scoffs]
Yeah, it doesn't take
much thought to know
who said that.
Yeah, I'm sure.
If you believe anything...
that Norm Mitchell said,
you got to be crazy.
Norm Mitchell.
Can I have my car keys,
please?
I'd appreciate it
if you didn't tell
Leon Fielder...
that I'm still poking around.
I kind of promised him
I'd leave it alone.
He's the first person
I'm gonna call
when I get home.
He likes you, he said that.
Glad to hear it.
He also said that he gives you
little inside tips...
like the North Eastern
acquisition.
That's ridiculous.
It's also illegal.
And before you talk to
Leon Fielder, you ought to
give that a lot of thought.
'Cause I'll turn
that information over
to the SEC...
and they'll take you out
of the sailboat business
for good.
Have a nice day.
Who recommended me
as an analyst, Mr. Rockford?
Arnold Love.
If that's supposed to be
a joke...
you ought to smile
or something, so I'll know.
It's sort of
a reverse recommendation.
I don't like Arnold Love
and he doesn't like you...
so I figure you and I
might get along.
I'm kind of busy,
Mr. Rockford.
I have a theory that
might interest you.
Let's hear it.
I think that
Fiscal Dynamics Inc. Is
a dishonest, corrupt company.
That's a pretty serious
charge. What are
your credentials?
I do all of my own cooking
and I know a soufflé
when I see one.
Anything solid?
Have you?
I asked first.
You mind
if we get out of here?
Loose lips sink
financial ships.
I got that straight
from Leon Fielder.
Are you some kind of
crackpot or what?
I asked Arnold Love
one question about FDI.
Five hours later, Leon Fielder
sent for me and threatened
to sue me for $10 million...
if I didn't get lost.
You wanna hear the question?
I'll meet you in my office
in 10 minutes.
It's on the 10th floor
of this building.
Okay, let's hear the question.
First, I'd like you
to tell me what you think
of Fiscal Dynamics.
It's selling for $30 a share,
it's worth, maybe, $10.
It's a publicity-oriented
company.
I think the management is
a little too swift
in the ethics department.
In short, I think
it's a pretty disgusting
stock...
but almost everybody else
thinks it's great.
I've got three clients in it,
I can't get them to sell,
'cause it's going up.
Okay, what's the question?
Their head computer programmer
is scared to death.
He came to me and asked
if I would carry
some information...
between him
and some federal agencies.
He was kidnapped
out of my place.
He's back at work now,
and he claims the whole thing
never happened.
Rockford! Now I got it,
you're the guy in the paper.
My secretary
clipped that for me.
I know. Everybody's secretary
clipped it.
Then the $20 million
question is...
What is going on
in the FDI computer room?
That's right. And my theory is
that the computer is
being rigged.
Of course, you know you'll
never be able to prove that
even if it's true.
Is it possible to foil
the examiners...
by working up
a confused computer program...
where they can't trace back
the stock transfers
or account billings?
Would you care for a drink?
No, thank you.
I can see now why Leon
threatened to sue you.
That kind of
unsupported charge could be
very damaging to a stock.
The market runs on rumor
and innuendo.
It doesn't take much
to get investors
to dump a stock...
especially a high-flyer
like FDI.
But how about it?
Could it happen?
I don't think so.
I mean, technically,
I suppose they could do it...
but why would they?
I happen to know the company
has over $100 million in cash.
That's why they've been able
to grow so fast.
Would that be green,
folding cash?
Negotiable securities.
Stocks. They keep them
in the vault
right in their building.
What if they're forgeries?
Come on, Mr. Rockford,
you're really reaching.
They were using a printer
by the name of Carl Bovino.
Now, I think
there's a good chance
that they killed him.
I know guys who'd kill you
for what you got
in your pockets.
So I don't find it
too strange...
that they'd kill to protect
$2 billion in phony assets.
This isn't a back alley,
this is
the financial district.
Things like that just
don't happen on the street,
believe me.
But it's possible.
No. In my opinion,
it's not possible.
Thanks for seeing me.
Fill it up.
[Rings]
Mr. Mitchell's office.
Is he there?
This is Mr. Rockford.
He's about to leave.
It's important.
[Sighs]
[Buzzer sounds]
Yeah, what is it?
I'm glad I caught you.
When I went to your office...
I was very careful to be sure
I wasn't followed...
but on my way out,
I may have picked up a tail.
Come on, Mr. Rockford,
what are you trying to do?
Look, Mr. Mitchell,
would you admit that there's
just one chance in 1,000...
that I'm not
a raving paranoid?
Okay, maybe.
If they saw me
leave your office, then you
might be in some danger.
I'm not in any danger,
but I'll be careful.
Thanks for the call.
Police Department, please.
Police? My name is
Terry Shoder...
and I was coming out
of my office building
on Fifth Street...
and I saw two guys
stealing my car.
It's a blue Chevy
and the license number
is 045-IWE.
Yeah, it's Fifth and Horne.
Couldn't have happened
two minutes ago.
There's a lot of traffic
down here so they can't go
too fast.
They were heading toward
the freeway. If you hurry,
you can head them off.
No, just now. Yeah, hurry.
They're heading east.
[Siren wails]
(Rocky)
You be mighty careful
with that thing, L.J.
They're mighty touchy,
you know.
I'll tell you this much,
it ain't no olive pit
or nothing.
(Rockford)
Hi, L.J.
Hi, Jim.
It could be one of them
sprockets could have
busted off...
and fell down
in the mechanism.
It's getting mighty old,
it's just about wore out.
You guys about through?
I just got out here.
All right, you got to leave.
You, too, Rocky.
You keep on, now.
Look, will you hold on
a minute, please, Son?
I suckered him out here.
I told him we was gonna have
a steak barbecue.
I asked him to grind up
the meat fat...
and he discovered
that busted disposal
all by himself.
He ain't even gonna
charge us.
Will you get lost, Rocky?
And don't come back here
until I tell you it's okay
to come back.
Who's after you, sonny?
Maybe nobody,
but let's just play it safe.
Go home, will you?
And tell L.J. He can come back
to fix the garbage disposal
later.
Then you're gonna have to
pay the trip charge.
I suckered him out here.
He ain't about to
come back again on his own.
All right, I'll pay
the trip charge.
Get going, will you?
[Sighs]
Got to get my tools, Rocky.
This thing is busted good.
Lucky I was here.
Yeah, lucky.
You got to leave, L.J.
You can come back
and fix this later. Come on.
How come?
Because Jimmy's hot, you see.
We got to hit the bunkers
before the joint fills up
with killers.
Come on.
This is crazy.
You tell him, L.J.
Don't tell me.
[Phone ringing]
Come on,
will you guys get lost?
I'll talk to you later.
Yeah?
Is this Jim Rockford?
Yeah. What is it?
I take it back, Mr. Rockford,
you're not paranoid.
I think you may be
absolutely right
about that computer...
and maybe the killing.
What changed your mind?
When I got home,
I got a call
from Leon Fielder.
He wanted to know
what you and I
been talking about.
He was very threatening
and he sounded angry.
Did you tell him?
I told him to climb his thumb.
But I got to admit
he scared me.
You ought to clear out
of your place, Mr. Rockford.
Maybe get a hotel room
under another name.
Maybe that wouldn't be too bad
an idea for you, either.
My wife's packing up
the family right now. We'll be
out of here in 10 minutes.
Where can I reach you?
You can't.
[Dial tone buzzing]
[Footsteps pattering]
[Grunts]
Can I help you?
I think that's exactly
what you can do, Mr. Rockford.
You can help us,
and you can help yourself.
I don't live in Los Angeles,
Mr. Rockford.
I flew in here this evening
just to meet with you.
I'll be leaving town
within a few hours.
You will never see me again.
But I sincerely hope that
what we discuss will make
a considerable impression
on you.
I also want you to know
that I intend you no harm.
I'm not a thug,
I'm a messenger.
My job is passing information
between interested parties.
I apologize for the way
I got you here,
but there was no other way.
You should try
engraved invitations
sometime.
For some
totally obscure reason,
you have taken to believing...
that a fine,
upstanding company is corrupt.
This is a fatal mistake.
In this case, the word "fatal"
can be taken both figuratively
and literally.
My employers would consider it
a big favor to them...
if you would cease
this aimless...
and destructive investigation
of yours.
You are embarrassing
and endangering...
a fine, healthy
public company.
A company that is
constantly involved
with acquisitions...
and cannot stand
the type of pressure
you're trying to put on it.
You see, Mr. Rockford...
when you stir up analysts
like Mr. Mitchell
or Mr. Love...
you run the risk that
they'll advise their clients
to sell FDI stock.
In the case of
Mr. Mitchell's clients...
they hold almost
300,000 shares.
If they were sell
all at once...
Fiscal Dynamics stock
goes down.
And my clients at FDI must
trade more of their shares
to acquire new companies.
This is costly
and destructive...
and must stop
as of this instant.
Or?
Or...
you will find that
the stove is very hot,
Mr. Rockford.
And that you will have
your hand on it...
for a very long time,
and it will be severely
and irreparably burned.
Are we being figurative
or literal?
Three other men
will visit you.
They will not bother
to discuss this at all.
They will take you some place
and that will end it.
Do you understand the gravity
of the situation?
Yeah.
Good.
Then I've done my job.
I have, hopefully,
persuaded you that
you're being foolish.
I hope, for your sake
and mine, you'll make
the right decision.
I apologize
for the inconvenience.
Good evening.
[Door closes]
[Crickets chirping]
[Phone ringing]
Hello.
Is Rocky there?
Yeah.
Thanks. Yeah.
Rocky, I need some help.
You all right, sonny?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I'm on the corner of
Selby and Ridge
in a gas station.
You got to come get me.
Where's your car?
It's a long story, Dad.
You got to move.
All right.
Dad.
Yeah?
Did you take my gun
out of the coffee jar?
Yeah, I was cleaning it
two nights ago.
Then I thought I'd go
target shooting
this weekend...
so I stuck it in the pickup.
Bring it with you.
Sure.
I got to hit the road, L.J.
Where are we going, Jimmy?
2356 Bel-Air Drive.
What are we doing?
We're gonna stake out a house.
Is it gonna be dangerous?
If it was gonna be
dangerous...
would I ask
a chicken-hearted old man
like you to go along?
Then why did you tell me
to bring a gun?
Well...
Can't answer that one,
can you?
Sure, I can.
We're taking a gun along
because somebody may try
and kill us.
That's what I figured.
All right,
pull over here, Rocky.
Who lives there?
Leon Fielder.
I want you to go
up the street,
about half a block...
and turn around
facing this way.
When I blink this light
at you, you come down
and pick me up in a hurry.
I'll be in the bushes.
Who's gonna keep the gun?
We don't need the gun yet.
We may never
need the gun, Rocky.
Just leave it under the seat.
Now get going.
[Door closes]
[Clattering]
I'm driving.
No, I see what you do
to your car.
Move, Rocky.
All right.
[Plane engine revving]
[Plane taking off]
[Tires screeching]
(woman over PA system)
Transglobal skycap
to Baggage Area.
[People chattering]
[Engine starts up]
Mr. Johnson, please report
to the Insurance Counter,
Concourse 4.
Let's go on home, Son.
I don't like this.
I need the truck, Rocky.
If you wanna go home,
you take a cab.
I'll pay for it.
Where are we going?
Right back where we were.
Why?
He saw me.
Let's hope he panics
and spooks Fielder.
[Crickets chirping]
We're gonna have to
pull him over.
How come?
He's gonna spot us.
Jim, if you
smash up this truck...
I'm not gonna smash it up.
Get the gun.
[Tires squealing]
There he goes.
Lousy, damn suspension...
I suppose yours
is better, huh?
All right, out.
I'm making a citizen's arrest.
I'm taking you
and those briefcases downtown.
You're crazy.
100% certifiable.
You cannot make
a citizen's arrest unless you
were eyewitness to a felony.
If you try and take me
against my will, at gunpoint,
that's kidnapping.
I'll see you put in jail
for that.
Can he do that?
Probably.
Now, if you'll
move your truck...
I'd like to get out of here.
I've had about all
I'm gonna take out of you.
When I get through
listing the charges
against you...
your rap sheet's gonna look
like a grocery list.
Assault, kidnapping, forgery,
and murder.
You get in the truck, Fielder.
And don't tempt me.
I got a lot to get even for.
Rocky, get those briefcases.
No, Rocky!
What did you done that?
[Gun firing continues]
Get away from my car!
Rocky, he's only got
one more shot left.
I'm gonna try something.
You stay here.
[Clicking]
[Engine starting]
[Engine revving]
I'm gonna catch that guy
if it's the last thing
I ever do.
Go get him, Pa.
[Honking]
[Siren approaching]
[Radio chattering]
(sergeant)
Everybody out
with your hands up.
Over your heads. Up!
I'm Leon Fielder,
Chairman of the Board
of Fiscal Dynamics.
These men were attempting
to rob me.
Sergeant, he was trying
to kill us. He's got a gun
in the car.
I managed to take a gun
from that man...
it's right there
on my front seat.
(cop)
This yours, buddy?
Are you kidding?
I never saw it before
in my life.
(sergeant)
We'll run a check on it.
Would you listen to me
for a minute?
Shut up.
You better listen to Jimmy.
This here fella, Fielder,
he tried to kill us.
This is ridiculous.
Sergeant, will you
do yourself a favor?
Don't try to
figure this thing out
right here.
That man is guilty
of a half a dozen felonies.
He's got two briefcases
in that car full of
forged stocks and bonds.
Shake him down.
You're making
the worst mistake
of your life, Sergeant.
I'm Leon Fielder.
Read these guys their rights,
and let's get them
out of here.
Pick up those bags.
(Rocky)
You know, sonny...
now that I've really been
in one of these capers
with you...
I think I understand
a lot more about
what's going on.
Yeah, it's kind of
rewarding, isn't it?
In a strange way it beats
truck driving, doesn't it?
Right. You're right
in many respects...
it's got truck driving
beat all to heck.
You got a lot more chances
of getting killed. You get to
spend time in jail.
You even get your car painted
about twice a month...
to take the bullet holes
and the mashed fenders
out of it.
You've got
a real winner, sonny.
Okay, Rocky, forget, it.
Forget it? Are you kidding?
How am I gonna forget it?
I'm gonna have cold sweats
for a year.
Hello, Jim. Mr. Rockford.
(Rockford)
Hi.
(Doris)
They're gonna get him, Jim.
They got a securities analyst
in the next room...
and those two briefcases
are full of forged
stock certificates.
The stock exchange
suspended trading
of Fiscal Dynamics...
about an hour ago,
pending an investigation.
They think the whole company
is a fraud,
not worth 10 cents.
Good. Does that mean
I can get out of here?
We. That means we.
I'm sorry, Rocky.
Can we get out of here?
Did you have a gun, Jim?
Apparently they found a gun.
It's being traced.
A gun? Are you kidding,
Beth?
You know you can't
go around carrying a gun
without a permit.
Okay, Jim. I think
I can get you out of here.
It may take an hour or so.
Would you hurry up?
I hate the menu.
You see? Sometimes it's worth
taking chances, Mr. Rockford.
Look what we did.
And that's you, too,
Mr. Rockford.
I'll never forget it.
They killed my husband,
and I think we're gonna
end up proving it.
Now you see? There's
one of the benefits I like.
You forgot to mention
that one.
Yeah. We got to face facts,
Jim.
That gun only had
five shots in it.
Now, if it had had
six shots in it, like it's
supposed to have...
you'd be dead.
I don't understand it.
When I cleaned the gun,
it had six bullets in it.
Where did that
sixth bullet go?
I think I know
where it is, Dad.
It's in
the garbage disposal.
How about that?