The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977): Season 5, Episode 12 - Monkey Is Back - full transcript
An ex-con is out for vengeance against the high school gang whose initiation ritual led to his 20-year sentence.
♪♪
Want a drink, Frankie?
It's been a long time, Frankie.
Or is it still Lefty?
We... we know each other?
For sure, Frankie, for sure.
♪♪
Hey, Mike! Be right with you!
No matter how I try,
I'll never get used to it.
Forgot you were
picking me up. Sorry.
Well, how was the backpacking?
Oh, beautiful.
Clean air, quiet
woods, solitude.
You really ought to come
with me one of these weekends.
You'd love it.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Catch any fish?
Nah, I just went
for a 20-mile walk.
20 miles, huh?
Just a little stroll.
So, what do you do for fun?
Oh, I, uh... I read.
That's bad for your heart, Mike.
Reading is bad for your heart?
Yeah, it's sedentary.
So, I'll read with my feet up.
Ready.
Wait a minute.
You're in the city
now... Don't you think
you ought to shave before
you get back to work?
I'll do it on the way.
See, the trouble is, you
lose your perspective
when you never get away.
You realize there are thousands,
millions of acres out there
with no sidewalks, no
streets, no stop signs,
no automobiles, no
noise, just you and nature?
Look, I love nature,
I like the outdoors,
but I like some
conveniences, too.
That's your problem, Mike...
You've lost your innocence.
Are you always like
this in the morning?
- Till I've had my carrot juice.
- Hold it, wait a minute.
- Inspectors eight-one,
- I think it's for us.
914 at Franklyn and
Argyle in the alley.
Possible 217.
Ten-four. Inspectors
eight-one responding.
Yep. Two dollars in his pocket.
That lets out robbery.
A wino never is a
good mark for a robbery.
What else do we have?
Only a name: Frank Jennings.
According to locals, he's
kind of a fixture around here.
Well liked. Never
had any trouble.
Yeah. Until now.
Let's go and find out
what the lab can give us.
♪♪
♪♪
- How are you, Charlie?
- Ah.
Okay. I'm... I'm
fine, Mr. Fesler.
I'm adjusting to the
outside real good.
Are you, Charlie?
Is something wrong?
I talked to your
boss this morning.
Yeah, so?
He says you blew your cool.
It wasn't my fault.
It never is.
Charlie, I'm your
parole officer.
We're supposed to
communicate, remember?
I just want to be a part
of the bowling team...
- They wouldn't let me.
- So you blew your temper, huh?
I didn't touch nobody;
just words, just words is all.
That's the way it
always starts... words.
Then fists.
It's that temper that
kept you in prison
all these years, remember?
Yeah, I... I won't let it
happen again, Mr. Fesler,
I promise you.
Okay.
- I'll see you next week.
- Yeah.
- What'd you get from ballistics?
- You're not gonna like it.
Why not?
Jennings was killed
by a.22-caliber bullet,
- no lands or grooves.
- Another zip gun, huh?
Or the same one used in
those two killings last month.
No, I don't buy that.
Why not?
Well, the two victims
have nothing in common.
Brockton was a mechanic;
Grogan was, what,
a schoolteacher.
Yeah, and they lived in
different parts of town, too.
Well, maybe they are
just random killings.
You give up pretty
easy, don't you?
But you just said...
Never mind what I said.
Now, you just uncover
everything you can
on crimes involved with
homemade weapons.
And then go to the files
and get me what you can
- on Brockton and Grogan.
- When do you need them?
Now, that's a silly
question, isn't it? Huh?
I need them now.
Have you got 'em?
Hey, I been thinking
about the other day.
Forget it, Charlie.
Why? Look, they got an
open spot on the bowling team.
- Why can't you give me a shot at it?
- 'Cause I can't give
the guys orders about
their social activities.
Why don't you
just forget about it?
Hey, come on, it's
a company team,
I'm one of the company... why
can't they give me a shot at it?
Charlie, those guys formed
that team because it's fun;
they enjoy each other's company.
Now, I mean, win, lose
or draw, they have a ball.
But you... you try too hard.
You're pushy.
You like to cut people down.
They're losers and I'm a winner,
and that's what bothers them!
I suggest you
just cool it, Charlie.
Bunch of creeps.
You hear me? A bunch of creeps!
Creeps!
All Caucasian, all male,
all about the same
age, and all dead.
And all dead by a gunshot.
What about our zip gun?
Computer says those are
the only three people killed
with a zip gun in
the past five years.
People just don't
use zip guns anymore.
What's this stuff?
Complete backgrounds
from the day they were born.
Place of birth, parents,
schools, hobbies, the works.
Good. Check with Washington.
They might have been in
the same branch of service,
same outfit, something.
It's on the way.
What about church
affiliations, clubs?
That's in the works.
Wh-What are you looking for?
What am I looking
for? I'm looking
for one common
denominator, Daniel.
That's all we need, is just
one common denominator.
Hey, Belasco, try to get
back on time today, will you?
- I got some business.
- You always got business.
Now, look, get back on time;
we got a little work to do here.
No matter how hard
you stare at them,
they're not gonna
start talking to you.
Well, you never know.
Here. Take a look at this.
Three different bodies,
three different locations,
and yet there is
something the same
in each one of these pictures.
They're on the ground...
- Mm-hmm.
- Next to a wall...
- And what do you see on the wall?
- Graffiti.
Yeah. The letters
are all different sizes,
but they all are
the same letters.
"Monkey." The word "monkey."
How did we miss that?
Well, there's so much
graffiti around these days,
nobody pays
much attention to it.
What kind of a man
kills and then leaves
cryptic messages on the wall?
Well... I'll go and
ask our headshrink.
Maybe he can tell us.
You go to the moniker file
and get every combination
on "monkey" you can get.
I'm not sure if psychiatry
can be of any help
on this graffiti thing, Mike.
- Mustard?
- No, no. Relish.
- I'll help myself, thanks.
- Okay.
Thanks a lot.
Do you always
eat off this wagon?
Never. You wanted
to talk about graffiti,
I'm thinking this is one
of the best places to do it.
Besides, this is the
best hot dog in town.
Mm-mm. That's debatable.
I will say it's no coincidence
that this word "monkey"
turned up three times.
The lab agrees with you.
Spectrograph said
that the paint was fresh
on each one of those locations,
and it came from the same can.
Lenny... tell me,
what kind of a person
writes on walls?
Well, people having
something to say.
Call it exhibitionism or
the iconoclasts' message.
L-Look at this one over here.
He's trying to
tell us something.
Communication.
But can he commit murder?
Is a man who writes
graffiti capable of murder,
or is the man who murders
capable of writing graffiti?
The answer to them both is yes,
seeing they're one and the same.
You know, you say an awful lot,
but you don't tell
me one single thing.
Well, neither do the
psychiatric studies on graffiti.
Well, they've come up
with different answers,
but nothing specific.
Anything general?
Have you ever heard us
agree on anything in general?
I guess the literature suggests
that people who write on walls
are doing so because of a, of a
relief from everyday pressures.
Well, what about our Monkey?
What's he trying to say?
Is it relief or is he
trying to communicate?
You want my personal opinion?
I'll take anything right now.
Well, because he's associated
with the murders, I'd say both.
He has this need
to be recognized...
Um, some private recognition,
but at least there's
some identity crisis.
I'm sure his killing and
his signature provide
at least, well, a
temporary satisfaction.
Look who's here.
Hey, Lenny, how are you?
Compared to what?
I'm sorry I wasn't
more help, Mike.
Thanks anyway;
it all helps, Lenny.
Well, was there a
Monkey in our files?
Not only a Monkey.
The moniker file
turned one Monkey,
one Ape, and one Gorilla.
Three possibles... great.
One possible.
Monkey is dead, Ape's in prison,
and Gorilla is alive and
well in San Francisco.
And the Gorilla is...?
Tony Pellegrino.
His I-sheet's
long and violent...
Robbery, assault,
dope, you name it.
Yeah, where do we find him?
He lives on West Gramercy.
That's a good place to start.
Let's go.
Hello.
Uh, Mr. Joseph Ness, please.
Joe's not here.
Oh, well, could you tell
me where I can find him?
He's at Bayshore Civic Savings.
Bayshore Savings on Wellborne.
No, Civic Savings near the Bay.
Yeah, yeah, I know
where it is, thank you.
That's him.
Shortest stakeout
I've ever made.
Inspectors eight-one
to headquarters.
Request want only.
California license
594-Victor-Union-Baker.
DISPATCHER:
Inspectors eight-one.
594-Victor-Union-Baker
is a local stolen,
reported 0800 hours this date.
Well, now we've
got some business.
Yeah, let's hope it's
Monkey business.
Pretty bad, huh?
Pretty bad.
They're up to something.
I wish I knew what.
Listen close, pal.
I got a pistol aimed
right at your heart.
Now, if you do what I
say, you're going to live,
and if you don't,
you're gonna die.
Take the money
out of the register
and bring it out in a paper bag.
What the devil are they doing?
Remember that series
of phone call robberies?
Daniel, my boy, that is
what is known as a caper.
Hey, how are you?
Come on.
Freeze!
- Don't shoot, don't shoot!
- Take him!
- No sign of him, Mike.
- No?
Well, maybe our friend
here can tell us where he is.
- Right, Artie?
- Why should I?
Because I don't think you
want to get involved with murder.
♪♪
♪♪
I called him Gorilla a couple
of times but never to his face.
What about Monkey?
You asked me that.
No, I ain't never heard
him called Monkey before.
Did you ever work
with Pellegrino before?
Not until now.
We just talked about it.
What about last night?
Nothing last night.
It was this morning.
Pellegrino called, said rip
off a car and pick him up.
Says he's got this sure
thing going with liquor stores.
I need a few bucks,
so I said okay.
Last night, Artie,
between 9:00 and 12:00.
Answer the question.
I did. Nothing.
Look, you're not dumping
any murder on me.
I have a very tight alibi...
I was in City Jail and I didn't
get out until this morning.
Okay, we'll check it out.
Where do we find Pellegrino?
Your guess is as good as mine.
I don't think so.
Think it over.
I can tell the judge that Artie
was a cooperative witness
or I can tell him
just the opposite.
All right, he has a girl.
She runs one of those
massage parlors over on Dwyer.
Don't.
Don't touch that.
We don't want
anyone to get hurt.
Pellegrino... where is he?
You, out.
Oh, that's it, yeah,
nice and hard.
I like it hard.
That's it.
Oh, that's good.
That's really good.
Why don't you come
downtown with us?
I don't know what you
guys are talking about.
I don't know nothing about no
Artie or no liquor store holdup.
Tony, you're not smart.
You're dead bang on this
afternoon's phone heist.
We're talking about last night.
I forget where I was last night.
Fine, book him,
great, murder one.
Murder?
What are you guys
talking about, murder?
That get your attention?
You're our number one boy...
last night between 9:00 and 12:00.
Hey, I know nothing
about no murder.
9:00 and 12:00, Mr. Pellegrino.
I was in a movie,
I went to a movie.
- Where?
- Uh...
one of those porno
houses over on Shetland...
The Double-X Theater.
Tell us about the film.
They're all the
same, aren't they?
All that kinky stuff.
Why don't you guys check it out?
We will, we'll check it out.
He's lost an alibi.
Wrong movie?
Right movie, wrong night.
The vice squad pulled
a porno raid at 8:30.
They confiscated the film.
Why don't you tell us all about
how you happened to see a movie
that was, that was confiscated
an hour before you got there?
Yeah, this is my favorite
part of the workout.
Yeah, it is, uh, relaxing.
You look kind of familiar to me.
Uh, did you go to
Fairmont High School?
As a matter of fact, I did.
Thought so.
Never forget a face.
I'm sorry, I don't remember you.
I've, uh, I got a
terrible memory.
Well, that was 20 years ago.
Yeah... I got the kind
of face people forget.
I'll bet you remember
the Saints, right?
Remember them?
I was one of 'em.
What a bunch of
hoodlums we were.
You know, it's a wonder
we didn't all end up in jail.
Remember a guy the
kids called Monkey?
Monkey?
Monkey.
Was he in the Saints?
No, but he wanted to be...
so bad, he'd have
done just about anything.
Hey, wait a minute, uh...
Don't I know you?
Yeah, yeah, sure,
I-I, I remember you.
Remember the dare?
They dared Monkey
to rob a liquor store.
They said if he did, he could
be in the gang, and he did,
only a clerk got killed
and, and Monkey
went to jail for 20 years.
Well, Monkey's back.
Okay, so I didn't do a movie,
but I didn't kill
no wino, either.
Oh, you lied to us. Why?
Hey, look, you got
me for a robbery.
Why don't you lock
me up and call it a day?
Last night. What
about last night?
I didn't ice the guy.
I was elsewhere.
Where's elsewhere?
All right. Uh...
I was capering over in
Berkeley. Is that what you want?
We can check on that.
Well, then check on it.
Ah.
Make it two counts of burglary.
I ripped off a liquor
store at Elmwood at 9:30.
Lieutenant, he may
not be your man.
We just got a 187 in
from the downtown Y.
Same M.O.
Pellegrino's booked, and
we're back to square one.
Ah. What'd the ballistics
give you on Joseph Ness?
As expected... no lands, no
grooves, a homemade piece.
Take a look at that.
How does that hit you
on the name sequence?
Alphabetical.
Alphabetical.
What I wouldn't
give for that guy's list.
Hey, Mike, on that
wino, Jennings...
He went to Fairmont High School.
Fairmont High. Okay.
Fairmont, three in a row.
Joseph Ness?
Job application from the bank.
Fairmont.
Four in a row.
Say, maybe we've got
ourselves a new lead.
Come on. Fairmont High.
Oh, here's the last
one... Joseph Ness.
Uh, Mr. Daley, these
disciplinary records
on Brockton and Jennings...
I notice that there's a
notation on the bottom of each.
It says "Saints."
Saints. That was a motley bunch.
It was when we were going
through the gang cycle.
Troublemakers?
Well, have you ever
seen a gang that wasn't?
The notations here means
they were member of the Saints?
Yes, that was our way
of keeping track of them.
Was Joseph Ness a
member of the Saints?
We didn't know all of them,
uh, but yes, it-it's a possibility.
Well, it doesn't matter.
We can check our own gang files.
But we did find out
one thing, though.
All of the victims were members
of the same class. Class of '56.
Well, you shouldn't have
that much trouble
finding out about 'em.
That was a pretty big gang.
They left their mark on
every wall in the school.
Hmm. Right here, huh?
No, we've only been
here about 15 years.
Over at the old Fairmont
High on Lombard.
It's all boarded up.
Lombard.
You know the principal says
these have been
here over 20 years.
That's interesting.
And this... Monkey.
Covered with the
emblem of the Saints.
I wonder if that's significant.
Monkey writes
his name on a wall,
and the Saints cover him up.
I'd say it was a put-down.
Are you suggesting
a revenge motive?
If this is the same Monkey.
But who carries
a 20-year grudge?
And who carries a zip gun?
Hey, Belasco, make your
phone calls on your own time.
I was just looking up a number.
Yeah? Where were
you yesterday afternoon?
I went home. I got sick.
Really? How come you
weren't there when I called?
Hey, you must have called
when I was at the doctor's office.
Okay. What's the doctor's name?
Why?
Well, I mean, it's part
of company policy.
I'll get in touch with him,
and he can send the bill to us.
Forget it. I paid it already.
Oh, really? Then the insurance
company will give you a refund.
I said forget it. It's paid.
It's not like you to turn
down free money, Belasco.
Hey, just forget it, and mind
your own damned business!
All right?!
You weren't sick. You
didn't go see no doctor.
You decided to take
some time off, right?
Well, you don't have
any vacation time coming,
so it's coming
off your paycheck.
You understand?
Ah.
You're fired, Belasco.
Pick up your check at payroll.
Loser!
Get your hands
off me, you creeps!
I can testify to a minimum
of ten handwriting
points here, Mike.
Then the Monkey at this
school 20 years ago is the s...
The same guy.
No doubt in my mind.
Thanks a lot.
Now if we just knew who he was.
I can't give you a name,
but I'll tell you one thing.
He's just as frustrated
and angry today
as he was 20 years ago.
- What?
- Yeah.
That's just my
hobby talking, Dan.
If we get to court,
all I can say is,
he's the same guy.
You experts.
Lieutenant?
Yeah.
Gang squad files...
1950 through '56.
The Saints?
Every rat in the pack.
Do you know they controlled
almost 18 city blocks
around Fairmont High School?
Yeah. How many
names on that list?
Uh, 20.
We eliminate our four
victims, we have 16 left,
and four of those no
longer live in the state.
Well, then, that means
we don't need that anymore.
The Class of '56 is throwing
a reunion on the weekend.
Now here's the list
of the whole class.
I've marked off the names
of those that
belonged to the Saints.
Yeah, those that
live out of town
have been passed
over by our graffiti killer.
Who's left in town?
There's two... four...
eight if this list is correct.
And if he sticks
with the alphabet,
who's next on the list?
Oh, here we are.
Alex Poore, 1732
Washington Street.
You start notifying
the others, Tanner.
We'll take care of this one.
What's up with all the racket?
Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know
where I can find an Alex Poore?
You won't find him.
He don't live here no more.
Oh, excuse me. I see.
Uh, well, do you know
where he could be located at?
What's up now?
San Francisco Police Department.
We're trying to locate
a Mr. Alex Poore?
Well, you're the
second one today.
Someone was here already?
What did he look like?
Creepy is how.
Real dumb, as
far as I could see.
I told him Mr. Poore
passed on two months ago.
He insisted on wanting to
know where he was buried.
He even puts down a dead man.
How's that?
No.
No. I think the hair came
down a little bit more on the face.
Like this?
No, maybe not.
It could have been
pushed back a little bit.
How's that?
No.
Well, I'm sorry. I didn't
get a real good look at him.
I didn't have my glasses on.
Glasses, uh, make you
look older, don't you think?
Well, that depends.
Everything's just a
blur without my glasses.
Well, does that look like
the blur that you saw today?
I think so. Oh.
I hope you realize we're
still one step behind the killer.
What do you mean?
Well, if Alex Poore
hadn't been dead already,
he'd be dead by now.
Then all we have to do is
get one step ahead of him.
That's all.
- Hey, Mike?
- Yes.
Here's your composite,
but I wouldn't put too
much trust in it if I were you.
- Well, it's better than nothing.
- Not much better.
All right, if the killer's
gonna go alphabetically,
who's next on the list?
Timothy J. Rossiter.
Timothy J. Rossiter.
Let's find him.
Yeah.
T.J. Rossiter. Does
that ring a bell?
No. No bell.
It would if you spent more
time reading the financial section.
You read the financial section?
Well, it rained on Tuesday,
and the only part of the paper
that didn't get wet was
the financial section.
Uh, Operator.
Yeah, San Francisco.
A Rossiter. Timothy.
Well, are you sure?
Look again, will you?
I'm sorry, too.
That is some story.
And you say this
nut is looking for me?
Yes, we do.
Well, at least I
won't be easy to find.
I have an unlisted
telephone number.
There are other ways.
Oh. You're very comforting.
The face on this
sketch... Is it familiar?
Maybe. I don't know.
Of course, after 20
years, we all change.
Is the name Monkey
familiar to you?
No, but, uh, we
all had nicknames.
I remember, uh, Old
Horn, and, uh, Little Lloyd.
Uh, Flookie and, uh, Jaydee.
But, uh, I don't
remember any Monkey.
Well, we don't think
he's forgotten
you, Mr. Rossiter.
Don't you worry.
We'll have a man at
the door at all times.
But I would appreciate it
if, uh, you stayed
in for a few days.
Oh, no way, Lieutenant!
My high school graduating class
is having its 20th
reunion tomorrow night,
and I am going to be there.
Are you telling that the reunion
is more important
than your life?
Lieutenant,
there's going to be
a girl at that reunion
that I haven't seen in 20 years.
I went with her in high school,
and every girl I've
ever gone out with since
I've compared with her.
That's one of the reasons
I never got married.
She got a divorce last year,
and she is going to be at
that reunion tomorrow night
and so am I.
Mr. Rossiter, for your
own safety, please.
Lieutenant, I am sorry.
Nothing is going to keep
me away from that reunion.
Nothing.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
Good evening. Tim Rossiter.
Hi, how's it looking?
That's the problem,
we don't know.
Worry not. It's
gonna be a fine night.
Has Gloria shown up yet?
Who?
Gloria Harkness, the
reason I'm here, remember?
No, not yet.
Hey listen, you just
be careful, okay?
That I will, that I will.
Ciao, Buddy.
Tim, Tim Rossiter,
how you doing, baby?
Fine, fine, Nick.
Hey, have you seen Gloria?
Hey, name's Joe Beamer.
Hi, remember me?
I'll bet you're Betty Johnson.
Oh, tease.
No fair; you peeked.
Can I tell you a secret?
Oh, please do.
You're right, I did peek.
I'm one of the teachers here.
Oh, I always did have
a thing for teachers.
Want to dance?
And I love the beard.
Hey, stay well.
Hey, hey, Nick Belmont?
Uh, yeah.
Beamer, Joe Beamer.
Oh, sure.
Joe, how are you?
Great. Great. Say, the
guy you were just talking to,
isn't that Timothy Rossiter?
You got it. I never
believed he'd show.
That guys' bread, he
could buy this place.
Maybe he just wanted
to be amongst old friends.
- No different than us, you know?
- A very special friend.
Would you believe he's still
got a crush on an old girlfriend?
She hasn't shown
yet; the guy's half nuts.
No kidding. Who's the girl?
You remember the
head cheerleader?
He's got a thing for her?
Oh, you know it.
Zinger, hey, Zinger.
- Excuse me, Joe.
- Yeah.
Nice seeing you, buddy.
Yeah.
Two punches.
Oh, I'll have the spiked one.
One.
One spiked.
You know, I always did go
for the older, more
mature type of man.
Uh, excuse me,
but I have to check
in at the door now.
Hey, is this the brush?
Oh, now, how can you say that?
Would I do that to you?
Anything?
- Gloria Harkness just came in.
- She did?
But nobody who looks
like the composite.
I'm Joe Beamer.
I'm sorry, sir, what
was the name?
Beamer, Joe Beamer.
I'm afraid we've made
a mistake, Mr. Beamer.
Do you have an invitation?
Well, yeah.
Thank you very much.
Your nametag is over there.
Oh, thanks.
We have a phony Joe Beamer
out there somewhere, Mike.
Let's find Tim Rossiter.
Rossiter is nowhere to be found.
- Are you sure?
- I'm sure.
I'll bet you're looking
for Gloria Harkness.
Has anyone seen Tim Rossiter?
Now don't go disturbing the
man on his first rendezvous.
What do you mean?
Well, he just got a
note from his old girl
to meet him in the serving room.
You were the worst.
No room for anyone but
the group, the in group.
Look, I didn't have any...
Shut up, you, just shut up.
I promised... I
promised for 20 years
I'd get back at all of
you for forgetting me.
I went to prison for
you because I wanted in
and you forgot me,
like I didn't exist.
Man, we were just a
bunch of wild kids, that's all.
Just a bunch of wild kids.
You ruined my entire life.
Hold it!
All right, get up
against the wall.
Spread the legs.
Get him up.
Okay, let's go.
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Just fine.
You're creeps.
You're creeps!
Look at the hole in
this very expensive suit.
Listen, that bullet proof vest
that we forced you to wear
costs much more, believe me.
No complaints,
Lieutenant, no complaints.
Mr. Rossiter, Gloria Harkness
came in five minutes ago.
How do I look?
You look fine.
Excuse me, gentlemen,
but I got a date with an angel.
Gloria Harkness finally arrived.
What does she look like?
No kidding?
Really?
She's lovely.
She really is.
Really?
Really.
Come on, let's see.
So, the liquor store clerk
apparently grabbed at Belasco
and the gun went off.
The clerk died,
and an 18-year-old
kid went up for murder.
20 years, that's a
long time to hate.
He would have been out sooner.
It's the hate that kept him in.
Hey, I see you guys are
hooked on my favorite food.
It's just that, uh...
It was the only thing available.
Cops, always in a hurry.
You got to learn
to calm down, Mike.
We're at a snail's
pace, just crawling.
Yeah, I heard. Congratulations.
Couldn't have done
it without you, Lenny.
Now you're really
pulling my chain.
Hey, did I tell you guys
I owe you something
for stimulating a
whole new field for me?
What field?
Graffiti. You turned me on.
I decided to write a book on it.
Oh, yeah?
- You got a title for the book?
- Sure.
Support Your
Local Police... Steal.
You know you got taste
just like this hot dog.
Want a drink, Frankie?
It's been a long time, Frankie.
Or is it still Lefty?
We... we know each other?
For sure, Frankie, for sure.
♪♪
Hey, Mike! Be right with you!
No matter how I try,
I'll never get used to it.
Forgot you were
picking me up. Sorry.
Well, how was the backpacking?
Oh, beautiful.
Clean air, quiet
woods, solitude.
You really ought to come
with me one of these weekends.
You'd love it.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Catch any fish?
Nah, I just went
for a 20-mile walk.
20 miles, huh?
Just a little stroll.
So, what do you do for fun?
Oh, I, uh... I read.
That's bad for your heart, Mike.
Reading is bad for your heart?
Yeah, it's sedentary.
So, I'll read with my feet up.
Ready.
Wait a minute.
You're in the city
now... Don't you think
you ought to shave before
you get back to work?
I'll do it on the way.
See, the trouble is, you
lose your perspective
when you never get away.
You realize there are thousands,
millions of acres out there
with no sidewalks, no
streets, no stop signs,
no automobiles, no
noise, just you and nature?
Look, I love nature,
I like the outdoors,
but I like some
conveniences, too.
That's your problem, Mike...
You've lost your innocence.
Are you always like
this in the morning?
- Till I've had my carrot juice.
- Hold it, wait a minute.
- Inspectors eight-one,
- I think it's for us.
914 at Franklyn and
Argyle in the alley.
Possible 217.
Ten-four. Inspectors
eight-one responding.
Yep. Two dollars in his pocket.
That lets out robbery.
A wino never is a
good mark for a robbery.
What else do we have?
Only a name: Frank Jennings.
According to locals, he's
kind of a fixture around here.
Well liked. Never
had any trouble.
Yeah. Until now.
Let's go and find out
what the lab can give us.
♪♪
♪♪
- How are you, Charlie?
- Ah.
Okay. I'm... I'm
fine, Mr. Fesler.
I'm adjusting to the
outside real good.
Are you, Charlie?
Is something wrong?
I talked to your
boss this morning.
Yeah, so?
He says you blew your cool.
It wasn't my fault.
It never is.
Charlie, I'm your
parole officer.
We're supposed to
communicate, remember?
I just want to be a part
of the bowling team...
- They wouldn't let me.
- So you blew your temper, huh?
I didn't touch nobody;
just words, just words is all.
That's the way it
always starts... words.
Then fists.
It's that temper that
kept you in prison
all these years, remember?
Yeah, I... I won't let it
happen again, Mr. Fesler,
I promise you.
Okay.
- I'll see you next week.
- Yeah.
- What'd you get from ballistics?
- You're not gonna like it.
Why not?
Jennings was killed
by a.22-caliber bullet,
- no lands or grooves.
- Another zip gun, huh?
Or the same one used in
those two killings last month.
No, I don't buy that.
Why not?
Well, the two victims
have nothing in common.
Brockton was a mechanic;
Grogan was, what,
a schoolteacher.
Yeah, and they lived in
different parts of town, too.
Well, maybe they are
just random killings.
You give up pretty
easy, don't you?
But you just said...
Never mind what I said.
Now, you just uncover
everything you can
on crimes involved with
homemade weapons.
And then go to the files
and get me what you can
- on Brockton and Grogan.
- When do you need them?
Now, that's a silly
question, isn't it? Huh?
I need them now.
Have you got 'em?
Hey, I been thinking
about the other day.
Forget it, Charlie.
Why? Look, they got an
open spot on the bowling team.
- Why can't you give me a shot at it?
- 'Cause I can't give
the guys orders about
their social activities.
Why don't you
just forget about it?
Hey, come on, it's
a company team,
I'm one of the company... why
can't they give me a shot at it?
Charlie, those guys formed
that team because it's fun;
they enjoy each other's company.
Now, I mean, win, lose
or draw, they have a ball.
But you... you try too hard.
You're pushy.
You like to cut people down.
They're losers and I'm a winner,
and that's what bothers them!
I suggest you
just cool it, Charlie.
Bunch of creeps.
You hear me? A bunch of creeps!
Creeps!
All Caucasian, all male,
all about the same
age, and all dead.
And all dead by a gunshot.
What about our zip gun?
Computer says those are
the only three people killed
with a zip gun in
the past five years.
People just don't
use zip guns anymore.
What's this stuff?
Complete backgrounds
from the day they were born.
Place of birth, parents,
schools, hobbies, the works.
Good. Check with Washington.
They might have been in
the same branch of service,
same outfit, something.
It's on the way.
What about church
affiliations, clubs?
That's in the works.
Wh-What are you looking for?
What am I looking
for? I'm looking
for one common
denominator, Daniel.
That's all we need, is just
one common denominator.
Hey, Belasco, try to get
back on time today, will you?
- I got some business.
- You always got business.
Now, look, get back on time;
we got a little work to do here.
No matter how hard
you stare at them,
they're not gonna
start talking to you.
Well, you never know.
Here. Take a look at this.
Three different bodies,
three different locations,
and yet there is
something the same
in each one of these pictures.
They're on the ground...
- Mm-hmm.
- Next to a wall...
- And what do you see on the wall?
- Graffiti.
Yeah. The letters
are all different sizes,
but they all are
the same letters.
"Monkey." The word "monkey."
How did we miss that?
Well, there's so much
graffiti around these days,
nobody pays
much attention to it.
What kind of a man
kills and then leaves
cryptic messages on the wall?
Well... I'll go and
ask our headshrink.
Maybe he can tell us.
You go to the moniker file
and get every combination
on "monkey" you can get.
I'm not sure if psychiatry
can be of any help
on this graffiti thing, Mike.
- Mustard?
- No, no. Relish.
- I'll help myself, thanks.
- Okay.
Thanks a lot.
Do you always
eat off this wagon?
Never. You wanted
to talk about graffiti,
I'm thinking this is one
of the best places to do it.
Besides, this is the
best hot dog in town.
Mm-mm. That's debatable.
I will say it's no coincidence
that this word "monkey"
turned up three times.
The lab agrees with you.
Spectrograph said
that the paint was fresh
on each one of those locations,
and it came from the same can.
Lenny... tell me,
what kind of a person
writes on walls?
Well, people having
something to say.
Call it exhibitionism or
the iconoclasts' message.
L-Look at this one over here.
He's trying to
tell us something.
Communication.
But can he commit murder?
Is a man who writes
graffiti capable of murder,
or is the man who murders
capable of writing graffiti?
The answer to them both is yes,
seeing they're one and the same.
You know, you say an awful lot,
but you don't tell
me one single thing.
Well, neither do the
psychiatric studies on graffiti.
Well, they've come up
with different answers,
but nothing specific.
Anything general?
Have you ever heard us
agree on anything in general?
I guess the literature suggests
that people who write on walls
are doing so because of a, of a
relief from everyday pressures.
Well, what about our Monkey?
What's he trying to say?
Is it relief or is he
trying to communicate?
You want my personal opinion?
I'll take anything right now.
Well, because he's associated
with the murders, I'd say both.
He has this need
to be recognized...
Um, some private recognition,
but at least there's
some identity crisis.
I'm sure his killing and
his signature provide
at least, well, a
temporary satisfaction.
Look who's here.
Hey, Lenny, how are you?
Compared to what?
I'm sorry I wasn't
more help, Mike.
Thanks anyway;
it all helps, Lenny.
Well, was there a
Monkey in our files?
Not only a Monkey.
The moniker file
turned one Monkey,
one Ape, and one Gorilla.
Three possibles... great.
One possible.
Monkey is dead, Ape's in prison,
and Gorilla is alive and
well in San Francisco.
And the Gorilla is...?
Tony Pellegrino.
His I-sheet's
long and violent...
Robbery, assault,
dope, you name it.
Yeah, where do we find him?
He lives on West Gramercy.
That's a good place to start.
Let's go.
Hello.
Uh, Mr. Joseph Ness, please.
Joe's not here.
Oh, well, could you tell
me where I can find him?
He's at Bayshore Civic Savings.
Bayshore Savings on Wellborne.
No, Civic Savings near the Bay.
Yeah, yeah, I know
where it is, thank you.
That's him.
Shortest stakeout
I've ever made.
Inspectors eight-one
to headquarters.
Request want only.
California license
594-Victor-Union-Baker.
DISPATCHER:
Inspectors eight-one.
594-Victor-Union-Baker
is a local stolen,
reported 0800 hours this date.
Well, now we've
got some business.
Yeah, let's hope it's
Monkey business.
Pretty bad, huh?
Pretty bad.
They're up to something.
I wish I knew what.
Listen close, pal.
I got a pistol aimed
right at your heart.
Now, if you do what I
say, you're going to live,
and if you don't,
you're gonna die.
Take the money
out of the register
and bring it out in a paper bag.
What the devil are they doing?
Remember that series
of phone call robberies?
Daniel, my boy, that is
what is known as a caper.
Hey, how are you?
Come on.
Freeze!
- Don't shoot, don't shoot!
- Take him!
- No sign of him, Mike.
- No?
Well, maybe our friend
here can tell us where he is.
- Right, Artie?
- Why should I?
Because I don't think you
want to get involved with murder.
♪♪
♪♪
I called him Gorilla a couple
of times but never to his face.
What about Monkey?
You asked me that.
No, I ain't never heard
him called Monkey before.
Did you ever work
with Pellegrino before?
Not until now.
We just talked about it.
What about last night?
Nothing last night.
It was this morning.
Pellegrino called, said rip
off a car and pick him up.
Says he's got this sure
thing going with liquor stores.
I need a few bucks,
so I said okay.
Last night, Artie,
between 9:00 and 12:00.
Answer the question.
I did. Nothing.
Look, you're not dumping
any murder on me.
I have a very tight alibi...
I was in City Jail and I didn't
get out until this morning.
Okay, we'll check it out.
Where do we find Pellegrino?
Your guess is as good as mine.
I don't think so.
Think it over.
I can tell the judge that Artie
was a cooperative witness
or I can tell him
just the opposite.
All right, he has a girl.
She runs one of those
massage parlors over on Dwyer.
Don't.
Don't touch that.
We don't want
anyone to get hurt.
Pellegrino... where is he?
You, out.
Oh, that's it, yeah,
nice and hard.
I like it hard.
That's it.
Oh, that's good.
That's really good.
Why don't you come
downtown with us?
I don't know what you
guys are talking about.
I don't know nothing about no
Artie or no liquor store holdup.
Tony, you're not smart.
You're dead bang on this
afternoon's phone heist.
We're talking about last night.
I forget where I was last night.
Fine, book him,
great, murder one.
Murder?
What are you guys
talking about, murder?
That get your attention?
You're our number one boy...
last night between 9:00 and 12:00.
Hey, I know nothing
about no murder.
9:00 and 12:00, Mr. Pellegrino.
I was in a movie,
I went to a movie.
- Where?
- Uh...
one of those porno
houses over on Shetland...
The Double-X Theater.
Tell us about the film.
They're all the
same, aren't they?
All that kinky stuff.
Why don't you guys check it out?
We will, we'll check it out.
He's lost an alibi.
Wrong movie?
Right movie, wrong night.
The vice squad pulled
a porno raid at 8:30.
They confiscated the film.
Why don't you tell us all about
how you happened to see a movie
that was, that was confiscated
an hour before you got there?
Yeah, this is my favorite
part of the workout.
Yeah, it is, uh, relaxing.
You look kind of familiar to me.
Uh, did you go to
Fairmont High School?
As a matter of fact, I did.
Thought so.
Never forget a face.
I'm sorry, I don't remember you.
I've, uh, I got a
terrible memory.
Well, that was 20 years ago.
Yeah... I got the kind
of face people forget.
I'll bet you remember
the Saints, right?
Remember them?
I was one of 'em.
What a bunch of
hoodlums we were.
You know, it's a wonder
we didn't all end up in jail.
Remember a guy the
kids called Monkey?
Monkey?
Monkey.
Was he in the Saints?
No, but he wanted to be...
so bad, he'd have
done just about anything.
Hey, wait a minute, uh...
Don't I know you?
Yeah, yeah, sure,
I-I, I remember you.
Remember the dare?
They dared Monkey
to rob a liquor store.
They said if he did, he could
be in the gang, and he did,
only a clerk got killed
and, and Monkey
went to jail for 20 years.
Well, Monkey's back.
Okay, so I didn't do a movie,
but I didn't kill
no wino, either.
Oh, you lied to us. Why?
Hey, look, you got
me for a robbery.
Why don't you lock
me up and call it a day?
Last night. What
about last night?
I didn't ice the guy.
I was elsewhere.
Where's elsewhere?
All right. Uh...
I was capering over in
Berkeley. Is that what you want?
We can check on that.
Well, then check on it.
Ah.
Make it two counts of burglary.
I ripped off a liquor
store at Elmwood at 9:30.
Lieutenant, he may
not be your man.
We just got a 187 in
from the downtown Y.
Same M.O.
Pellegrino's booked, and
we're back to square one.
Ah. What'd the ballistics
give you on Joseph Ness?
As expected... no lands, no
grooves, a homemade piece.
Take a look at that.
How does that hit you
on the name sequence?
Alphabetical.
Alphabetical.
What I wouldn't
give for that guy's list.
Hey, Mike, on that
wino, Jennings...
He went to Fairmont High School.
Fairmont High. Okay.
Fairmont, three in a row.
Joseph Ness?
Job application from the bank.
Fairmont.
Four in a row.
Say, maybe we've got
ourselves a new lead.
Come on. Fairmont High.
Oh, here's the last
one... Joseph Ness.
Uh, Mr. Daley, these
disciplinary records
on Brockton and Jennings...
I notice that there's a
notation on the bottom of each.
It says "Saints."
Saints. That was a motley bunch.
It was when we were going
through the gang cycle.
Troublemakers?
Well, have you ever
seen a gang that wasn't?
The notations here means
they were member of the Saints?
Yes, that was our way
of keeping track of them.
Was Joseph Ness a
member of the Saints?
We didn't know all of them,
uh, but yes, it-it's a possibility.
Well, it doesn't matter.
We can check our own gang files.
But we did find out
one thing, though.
All of the victims were members
of the same class. Class of '56.
Well, you shouldn't have
that much trouble
finding out about 'em.
That was a pretty big gang.
They left their mark on
every wall in the school.
Hmm. Right here, huh?
No, we've only been
here about 15 years.
Over at the old Fairmont
High on Lombard.
It's all boarded up.
Lombard.
You know the principal says
these have been
here over 20 years.
That's interesting.
And this... Monkey.
Covered with the
emblem of the Saints.
I wonder if that's significant.
Monkey writes
his name on a wall,
and the Saints cover him up.
I'd say it was a put-down.
Are you suggesting
a revenge motive?
If this is the same Monkey.
But who carries
a 20-year grudge?
And who carries a zip gun?
Hey, Belasco, make your
phone calls on your own time.
I was just looking up a number.
Yeah? Where were
you yesterday afternoon?
I went home. I got sick.
Really? How come you
weren't there when I called?
Hey, you must have called
when I was at the doctor's office.
Okay. What's the doctor's name?
Why?
Well, I mean, it's part
of company policy.
I'll get in touch with him,
and he can send the bill to us.
Forget it. I paid it already.
Oh, really? Then the insurance
company will give you a refund.
I said forget it. It's paid.
It's not like you to turn
down free money, Belasco.
Hey, just forget it, and mind
your own damned business!
All right?!
You weren't sick. You
didn't go see no doctor.
You decided to take
some time off, right?
Well, you don't have
any vacation time coming,
so it's coming
off your paycheck.
You understand?
Ah.
You're fired, Belasco.
Pick up your check at payroll.
Loser!
Get your hands
off me, you creeps!
I can testify to a minimum
of ten handwriting
points here, Mike.
Then the Monkey at this
school 20 years ago is the s...
The same guy.
No doubt in my mind.
Thanks a lot.
Now if we just knew who he was.
I can't give you a name,
but I'll tell you one thing.
He's just as frustrated
and angry today
as he was 20 years ago.
- What?
- Yeah.
That's just my
hobby talking, Dan.
If we get to court,
all I can say is,
he's the same guy.
You experts.
Lieutenant?
Yeah.
Gang squad files...
1950 through '56.
The Saints?
Every rat in the pack.
Do you know they controlled
almost 18 city blocks
around Fairmont High School?
Yeah. How many
names on that list?
Uh, 20.
We eliminate our four
victims, we have 16 left,
and four of those no
longer live in the state.
Well, then, that means
we don't need that anymore.
The Class of '56 is throwing
a reunion on the weekend.
Now here's the list
of the whole class.
I've marked off the names
of those that
belonged to the Saints.
Yeah, those that
live out of town
have been passed
over by our graffiti killer.
Who's left in town?
There's two... four...
eight if this list is correct.
And if he sticks
with the alphabet,
who's next on the list?
Oh, here we are.
Alex Poore, 1732
Washington Street.
You start notifying
the others, Tanner.
We'll take care of this one.
What's up with all the racket?
Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know
where I can find an Alex Poore?
You won't find him.
He don't live here no more.
Oh, excuse me. I see.
Uh, well, do you know
where he could be located at?
What's up now?
San Francisco Police Department.
We're trying to locate
a Mr. Alex Poore?
Well, you're the
second one today.
Someone was here already?
What did he look like?
Creepy is how.
Real dumb, as
far as I could see.
I told him Mr. Poore
passed on two months ago.
He insisted on wanting to
know where he was buried.
He even puts down a dead man.
How's that?
No.
No. I think the hair came
down a little bit more on the face.
Like this?
No, maybe not.
It could have been
pushed back a little bit.
How's that?
No.
Well, I'm sorry. I didn't
get a real good look at him.
I didn't have my glasses on.
Glasses, uh, make you
look older, don't you think?
Well, that depends.
Everything's just a
blur without my glasses.
Well, does that look like
the blur that you saw today?
I think so. Oh.
I hope you realize we're
still one step behind the killer.
What do you mean?
Well, if Alex Poore
hadn't been dead already,
he'd be dead by now.
Then all we have to do is
get one step ahead of him.
That's all.
- Hey, Mike?
- Yes.
Here's your composite,
but I wouldn't put too
much trust in it if I were you.
- Well, it's better than nothing.
- Not much better.
All right, if the killer's
gonna go alphabetically,
who's next on the list?
Timothy J. Rossiter.
Timothy J. Rossiter.
Let's find him.
Yeah.
T.J. Rossiter. Does
that ring a bell?
No. No bell.
It would if you spent more
time reading the financial section.
You read the financial section?
Well, it rained on Tuesday,
and the only part of the paper
that didn't get wet was
the financial section.
Uh, Operator.
Yeah, San Francisco.
A Rossiter. Timothy.
Well, are you sure?
Look again, will you?
I'm sorry, too.
That is some story.
And you say this
nut is looking for me?
Yes, we do.
Well, at least I
won't be easy to find.
I have an unlisted
telephone number.
There are other ways.
Oh. You're very comforting.
The face on this
sketch... Is it familiar?
Maybe. I don't know.
Of course, after 20
years, we all change.
Is the name Monkey
familiar to you?
No, but, uh, we
all had nicknames.
I remember, uh, Old
Horn, and, uh, Little Lloyd.
Uh, Flookie and, uh, Jaydee.
But, uh, I don't
remember any Monkey.
Well, we don't think
he's forgotten
you, Mr. Rossiter.
Don't you worry.
We'll have a man at
the door at all times.
But I would appreciate it
if, uh, you stayed
in for a few days.
Oh, no way, Lieutenant!
My high school graduating class
is having its 20th
reunion tomorrow night,
and I am going to be there.
Are you telling that the reunion
is more important
than your life?
Lieutenant,
there's going to be
a girl at that reunion
that I haven't seen in 20 years.
I went with her in high school,
and every girl I've
ever gone out with since
I've compared with her.
That's one of the reasons
I never got married.
She got a divorce last year,
and she is going to be at
that reunion tomorrow night
and so am I.
Mr. Rossiter, for your
own safety, please.
Lieutenant, I am sorry.
Nothing is going to keep
me away from that reunion.
Nothing.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
Good evening. Tim Rossiter.
Hi, how's it looking?
That's the problem,
we don't know.
Worry not. It's
gonna be a fine night.
Has Gloria shown up yet?
Who?
Gloria Harkness, the
reason I'm here, remember?
No, not yet.
Hey listen, you just
be careful, okay?
That I will, that I will.
Ciao, Buddy.
Tim, Tim Rossiter,
how you doing, baby?
Fine, fine, Nick.
Hey, have you seen Gloria?
Hey, name's Joe Beamer.
Hi, remember me?
I'll bet you're Betty Johnson.
Oh, tease.
No fair; you peeked.
Can I tell you a secret?
Oh, please do.
You're right, I did peek.
I'm one of the teachers here.
Oh, I always did have
a thing for teachers.
Want to dance?
And I love the beard.
Hey, stay well.
Hey, hey, Nick Belmont?
Uh, yeah.
Beamer, Joe Beamer.
Oh, sure.
Joe, how are you?
Great. Great. Say, the
guy you were just talking to,
isn't that Timothy Rossiter?
You got it. I never
believed he'd show.
That guys' bread, he
could buy this place.
Maybe he just wanted
to be amongst old friends.
- No different than us, you know?
- A very special friend.
Would you believe he's still
got a crush on an old girlfriend?
She hasn't shown
yet; the guy's half nuts.
No kidding. Who's the girl?
You remember the
head cheerleader?
He's got a thing for her?
Oh, you know it.
Zinger, hey, Zinger.
- Excuse me, Joe.
- Yeah.
Nice seeing you, buddy.
Yeah.
Two punches.
Oh, I'll have the spiked one.
One.
One spiked.
You know, I always did go
for the older, more
mature type of man.
Uh, excuse me,
but I have to check
in at the door now.
Hey, is this the brush?
Oh, now, how can you say that?
Would I do that to you?
Anything?
- Gloria Harkness just came in.
- She did?
But nobody who looks
like the composite.
I'm Joe Beamer.
I'm sorry, sir, what
was the name?
Beamer, Joe Beamer.
I'm afraid we've made
a mistake, Mr. Beamer.
Do you have an invitation?
Well, yeah.
Thank you very much.
Your nametag is over there.
Oh, thanks.
We have a phony Joe Beamer
out there somewhere, Mike.
Let's find Tim Rossiter.
Rossiter is nowhere to be found.
- Are you sure?
- I'm sure.
I'll bet you're looking
for Gloria Harkness.
Has anyone seen Tim Rossiter?
Now don't go disturbing the
man on his first rendezvous.
What do you mean?
Well, he just got a
note from his old girl
to meet him in the serving room.
You were the worst.
No room for anyone but
the group, the in group.
Look, I didn't have any...
Shut up, you, just shut up.
I promised... I
promised for 20 years
I'd get back at all of
you for forgetting me.
I went to prison for
you because I wanted in
and you forgot me,
like I didn't exist.
Man, we were just a
bunch of wild kids, that's all.
Just a bunch of wild kids.
You ruined my entire life.
Hold it!
All right, get up
against the wall.
Spread the legs.
Get him up.
Okay, let's go.
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Just fine.
You're creeps.
You're creeps!
Look at the hole in
this very expensive suit.
Listen, that bullet proof vest
that we forced you to wear
costs much more, believe me.
No complaints,
Lieutenant, no complaints.
Mr. Rossiter, Gloria Harkness
came in five minutes ago.
How do I look?
You look fine.
Excuse me, gentlemen,
but I got a date with an angel.
Gloria Harkness finally arrived.
What does she look like?
No kidding?
Really?
She's lovely.
She really is.
Really?
Really.
Come on, let's see.
So, the liquor store clerk
apparently grabbed at Belasco
and the gun went off.
The clerk died,
and an 18-year-old
kid went up for murder.
20 years, that's a
long time to hate.
He would have been out sooner.
It's the hate that kept him in.
Hey, I see you guys are
hooked on my favorite food.
It's just that, uh...
It was the only thing available.
Cops, always in a hurry.
You got to learn
to calm down, Mike.
We're at a snail's
pace, just crawling.
Yeah, I heard. Congratulations.
Couldn't have done
it without you, Lenny.
Now you're really
pulling my chain.
Hey, did I tell you guys
I owe you something
for stimulating a
whole new field for me?
What field?
Graffiti. You turned me on.
I decided to write a book on it.
Oh, yeah?
- You got a title for the book?
- Sure.
Support Your
Local Police... Steal.
You know you got taste
just like this hot dog.