The Untouchables (1959–1963): Season 1, Episode 19 - The Big Squeeze - full transcript
Larry 'Ace' Banner is considered to be the creme de la creme of bank robbers. He plans his robberies meticulously, never uses a gun himself and the result is usually a large haul and little for the police to go on. With a huge increase in bank robberies throughout the Midwest, the Federal District Attorney, Beecher Ashbury, is just itching to do something about it. Unfortunately, he can't since bank robbery isn't a Federal offense. That doesn't stop him from asking Eliot Ness to see what he can find on Banner. The master thief has just completed a $450,000 haul - in part because he managed to blackmail the manager into giving him security information - and has now decided to retire to the good life of a wealthy bachelor. When the government finally makes bank robberies a federal offense, Ness waits patiently knowing that it is only a matter of time before Ace will strike again.
(horns honking)
You've been working some
angle on this bank robbery.
There's got to be a connection.
Do you see it?
I'll give you the connection
in two words, Captain:
Ace Banner.
ANNOUNCER: Tonight's
episode: "The Big Squeeze."
Starring Robert
Stack as Eliot Ness,
costarring John Hoyt...
and Dody Heath...
with special guest
star Dan O'Herlihy.
WALTER WINCHELL:
Prior to May, 1934,
robbing state banks
was not a federal offense.
Bandits had only local
police to contend with,
and these were
frequently understaffed,
inefficient or corrupt.
With all the odds in
favor of the hoods,
there was a rash of successful,
though clumsily executed
bank robberies carried out
with complete
disregard for human life.
But in addition to these
rip-and-tear robbers,
there were many
experts of an older school,
like the men who silently looted
The Farmers and Drovers
Bank of Kansas City of $150,000
and left the small change
behind for the musclemen.
In Chicago, March 7,
1934, a meeting took place
in the office of Beecher Asbury,
the federal district attorney.
The statistics are staggering:
422 bank robberies
in the past year,
221 casualties.
Until it becomes
a federal offense,
all you and I can do
about it is shake our heads.
Eliot... I, uh...
I have an assignment for you.
Now it's going to seem
pointless and futile,
and besides that,
it will be unofficial.
Not if you give the order.
Well, last week, the Farmers
and Drovers Bank in Kansas City
was robbed of $150,000.
The police believe it was
the work of Ace Banner.
Didn't have to work
overtime to find that.
Any rookie cop would have
recognized the master's touch,
but it's something else
again to pin anything on him.
No one's ever
been able to do it.
That's your assignment.
Even it I caught him,
I couldn't arrest him.
I know you can't, but I want
you to go after him anyway.
Find some evidence.
Identify one or more
members of his gang, anything.
There's a Senate committee
hearing next month.
They feel the same way we
do, but they need some help.
Now, if we can
dramatize the fact
that we have a case,
but our hands are tied,
I'll bet you they
give us jurisdiction.
One month, you say.
You flatter me, Beecher.
Banner's been getting
away with this for years.
You're the man who got Capone.
First thing you
do is find Banner.
Well, that's not the hard part.
He's never found
it necessary to hide.
He's right here in Chicago.
The Crestmore Arms, no less.
Well, he can afford it.
He has excellent
banking connections.
Mm-hmm.
May I help you?
Mr. Havens, please.
I'm sorry. Mr. Havens
is quite busy.
So am I.
I'll see what I can do
for you, Mr. Houston.
Sir.
Please sit down, Mr. Houston.
Thank you, sir.
As I have a rather
busy schedule,
I hope you don't mind
if I dispense with
the formalities.
What may we do for you?
I should like to make a
rather large withdrawal.
I see.
How much did you have in mind?
Oh, let's say something like
a quarter of a million dollars.
You have an account with us?
Not exactly, no.
What I propose, Mr. Havens,
is to rob your bank.
Oh, come now, Havens.
You've been robbing
this bank yourself
for the past 11 months.
Is this a joke?
In the past ten months,
you've lost 122,000 odd dollars
gambling in the Tangier Club,
and then there's Edwina Sherman.
(laughs)
Edwina... an
expensive young lady.
I should say this bank is
short some $200,000, hmm?
Who are you?
Don't you know that
embezzlement, abstraction,
or misapplication of funds
from a national bank
is a federal offense?
You're a Treasury agent.
(chuckles): Oh!
Perish the thought!
No, Mr. Havens.
I'm your benefactor.
Bank robbery is
not a federal offense.
And robbery is the only way
to hide forever
your indiscretion.
I don't see how you can
afford to turn down this offer.
What do you want me to do?
You, sir, are going to give
me a complete schedule
of the operation of this bank.
You will give me a complete
file on all employees,
including any photos
and personnel information
in the bonding
company applications.
You will give me the exact time
the automatic lock on
the main vault opens,
and you will see to it
that there is $250,000
in that vault
when I tell you to.
And for doing these
things, I shall permit you
to report a loss of $450,000.
You'll be hearing from me.
I'm not sure I want to
deal with you, Mr. Houston.
You'll deal with me,
and the name is Banner.
Ace Banner.
WINCHELL: Mr. Havens
may not have been too happy
about meeting Larry Banner,
but another man wanted
very much to meet him.
(horn honking)
Sir?
Thank you.
I can't honestly
say I got here first.
It's a dead heat.
Well, there seems to
be a shortage of taxis.
Shall we decide this
on a basis of need?
Which way are you going?
Corner of Rush and Lake.
Fine. Then we share it. Good.
That's a nice case. Platinum?
Made especially
for me in London.
Oh, I know it's a luxury,
but I enjoy luxuries.
They're nice if you
can afford them.
It takes a more lucrative
pursuit than photography,
or working for the
government, Mr. Ness?
Here... I know you had
this taken for you, not for me.
I'm collecting snapshots
of bank robbers.
What for? They don't come
within the jurisdiction
of a federal agent.
Not yet.
Oh, I see. This charade is just
to get a closer
look at the enemy.
It's still a dead heat.
You got a closer look, too.
Imagine, the
nemesis of Al Capone
and all those
terrible gangsters.
I'm deeply flattered, Mr. Ness.
Banner, you seem to feel
there's some distinction
between you and
gangsters like Capone.
There isn't. Gild
it all you like.
Inside, you're all
the same: thieves.
The difference
between this thief
and people like you is brains.
You sweat your life
away in a $20 suit,
and I pay that much for a
monogram on my shirt pocket.
You think you're
smart, Mr. Ness,
but the smartest man in
the end outsmarts himself.
You know, that's just
what I'm counting on.
WINCHELL: Banner
recruited his men with care.
They were the
best in their lines:
dependable professionals
with reputations for
being close-mouthed
and loyal to the job,
and to a man, more than
happy to work for Banner.
He never failed... No
muss, no fuss, no bother.
The rendezvous was
a hotel in a small town
just over the state
line in Indiana.
The first to arrive
was Jamie Hennigen,
also known as Jamie the Knife,
a colorful little
man, but deadly.
Jamie, come on in.
Hi, Ace.
Shut the door.
Have all the boys sent
you their RSVPs for tonight?
Now, who would want
to miss a Banner special?
They'll be here.
I got you some Irish whiskey.
It's on the dresser.
Thank you.
(bottle squeaking)
Luck!
Have you seen
Emma lately, Jamie?
Well, now, you see, I, uh...
I thought I told
you to get rid of her.
What have you got
against girls, Ace?
A big handsome boy like you.
Sure you could get
all the fillies you want.
No.
Not handsome.
A face you could pass
100 times on the street
and never remember.
I wouldn't trade
it for Valentino's.
In my business, I don't
want to be remembered.
In all the world,
you're the only
person I can trust.
I love beautiful women,
but they're the only
luxury I cannot afford.
A woman stirs a man's emotions,
and emotions cloud his judgment.
Makes him act
before he can think.
In our business,
that's disaster.
You get rid of Emma.
(laughs)
Jamie, there's a face for you.
Nose: ordinary.
Not big enough to be a
distinguishing characteristic,
but I can make
it as big as I like,
and take it off in a doorway.
Mouth: not small, not large.
Eyebrows, eyes,
ears: very ordinary.
As usual, we'll enter the bank
before it's open for business.
Now here's the
safety routine they use.
That's the pattern
that cannot be broken.
Memorize it.
At 8:30 the chief teller arrives
and stands on the
corner in view of the bank.
Within two minutes
the guard walks past.
Unless the teller signals
him something's wrong,
the guard goes into the bank.
Then he makes his rounds
and makes certain that
everything's in order.
I've timed him; it takes him
not less than 45 seconds,
not more than 50.
Then he goes to the front door,
spots the teller and
puts a card in the window.
This is a duplicate.
That lets the teller know
that it's safe to come
in and open the vault.
He's our key. We
ride in with him.
The time lock is set for 8:45.
We clean out the vault
and leave before the bank opens.
Now repeat... Jamie.
The chief teller
arrives at 8:30,
stands on the corner.
Within two minutes,
the guard arrives.
Unless the teller signals,
the guard enters the bank.
He takes 45 to 50
seconds for his rounds,
then back to the front door,
sees the teller, puts
the card in the window.
The teller comes in;
we ride in with him.
And how do we
ride in with the teller?
Simple.
This is the teller.
And we've got just 45
seconds to make the switch.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Mr. Johnson.
Smile if you want to live.
Look inside. It's
really something.
♪ ♪
Morning, Mr. Johnson.
(knocking)
(snaps fingers)
(gasps)
(knocking)
(knocking)
(snapping)
(snaps)
(snaps)
(snaps)
(snaps)
(snapping)
I think I'm going to faint.
Matty!
(gasps)
(snapping)
(snapping)
(snaps)
(snapping)
(snapping)
ANNOUNCER: And now back to:
WINCHELL: This was
Eliot Ness' first opportunity
since receiving his assignment
to personally investigate
a bank robbery
that bore the unmistakable
stamp of Ace Banner.
The Untouchables,
with the cooperation of
the police department,
secured from Mr. Stafford,
the president of Midland Trust,
permission to unofficially
conduct an investigation
at his bank.
You don't recognize him?
No, Mr. Ness,
it couldn't possibly have
been the same man.
Uh, not even if he
was Lon Chaney.
Well, try to picture him
without the disguise.
Well, I just can't.
You see, I thought
he was Mr. Johnson gone crazy.
Then I found out
Mr. Johnson was murdered.
What about the other men?
Well, I did get a really
good look at one of them.
He was tall, about 35,
dark-haired and a sharp dresser.
A sheik type.
Was there anything distinctive
in how they talked, an
accent, a speech impediment,
even a choice of words?
Mmm, no, they
didn't talk at all.
It was...
It was eerie the way
they did everything...
like a silent movie.
Nobody said
anything at any time?
They just... (snapping)
snapped their fingers.
Thank you, Miss Downes.
I'm afraid I haven't
been much help.
That's all right.
Thank you very much.
If Banner were to
walk in here right now,
nobody'd recognize him.
What makes you so
sure it was Banner?
Nobody else would attempt
such an impersonation.
They must have studied
the layout for months.
And yet it's only been a month
since the Farmers and
Drovers Bank in Kansas City.
Unless somebody
gave them the layout.
You mean from the inside?
It's worth considering.
Let's go on.
Now, let's start all over again.
There was no talking
done by the holdup men.
That's right.
Except just before
Howard was killed.
You mean somebody did speak?
Well, not exactly.
One of the men called out
a name, and then he shot
Howard, the guard. Why didn't
you tell me this the first time around?
Well, I just didn't think of it.
Was the name he called out Ace?
No, it was Matty.
Nothing else?
No, just Matty.
And the fellow who
spoke shot Howard.
Thank you. You're welcome.
A break. Maybe.
We'll know after
we've checked out
everybody on file named Matty.
Mr. Havens, you run
this bank, don't you?
Yes, in a way.
Mr. Stafford's been
in semi-retirement
for several years.
With your permission,
Mr. Havens, I'd like to have
a special federal examiner do
a complete audit of these books.
I don't understand.
Surely you don't think
there's a shortage.
You're short $450,000.
I know that.
The police checked that.
Are you positive that
was the actual amount
taken by the robbers?
What are you insinuating?
Did it sound like that?
I just asked a question.
I'd stake my reputation
on any employee in this bank.
But the bookkeeping system
has changed in the past year or so.
Yes, after Mr. Stafford retired,
I did institute a few changes,
but you'd have to be a banker
to understand the whole picture.
I've worked with figures,
Mr. Havens, I think
I can follow you.
Well, I can't explain
it just standing here.
It would need a week.
Shall we take the time?
Mr. Havens, have you
ever met Larry Banner?
Well, no, of course not.
I came in after it was all over.
I didn't mean then.
One of your clerks says he came
to see you a few weeks ago.
It's quite possible.
I can't remember everyone I see.
Do you suppose he
used that as a device
to get into the bank
and study the layout?
I wondered how soon
you'd think of that.
(door opens and closes)
Which clerk spotted Banner?
I'm glad Havens
didn't ask that question.
WINCHELL: Working on a
single clue, the name Matty,
the Untouchables
searched all available records
to establish his identity.
Through a painstaking
process of elimination
and cross-reference,
they came up with a
name: Matty Church,
a two-time loser
for bank robbery,
presumed to have
been going straight
for the last eight years.
Now, is this the man?
Yes, this is the
man. Absolutely.
WINCHELL: They had hit pay dirt.
The man was positively
identified as one of the gang.
The following day, Eliot
Ness secured the detention
of Matty Church on a
pickup \and hold order.
That gives us something
for the Senate hearing,
but it's Banner I want.
He's too smart to
use people who'd talk.
(phone ringing)
Ness speaking.
Good.
Well, send the full
report in, will you?
Thanks.
Now what? This may be it.
I ordered a field
report on Mr. Havens,
this is part of it.
He's living way over his head.
So our hunch about an
inside job looks good. Very.
But if we could dig up the
story on Havens so fast,
I'm sure that Banner
had access to it, too.
He'd find Havens a natural.
When do we talk to him?
We'll drop in on
him later tonight
and discuss it privately.
This is too good to advertise.
(phone ringing)
JAMIE (on phone): Boss? Do
you know who this is? Mm-hmm.
I just picked up a flash.
We're in trouble.
About Art Lynch?
No. He's no longer among us.
It's your inside man.
Tell me.
He's scared.
He's got a big mouth.
Can you save him from himself?
I think so.
Good. What would I
ever do without you?
(groans)
You've been working some
angle on this bank robbery.
There's got to be a connection.
Do you see it?
I'll give you the connection
in two words,
Captain: Ace Banner.
Well, you and I both know
that Ace pulled that bank job.
I can't prove it.
I don't think you can either.
Anyway, Ace wouldn't
have that Havens guy killed
so many weeks after the job.
Banner had inside
help on this one.
Havens had to be the inside man.
And I was getting
finally close to a break.
As usual, Banner
got there first.
You know, just for fun, I'm
gonna have him picked up.
He won't tell us a thing.
His mouthpiece will have
him sprung in a little while.
It'll do my heart
good to see him
sweat for a couple of hours.
I know just how you feel.
How much longer do you think
you're going to be able
to keep him in there?
I told you that I've got
a writ of habeas corpus.
Now, no more stalling, Ness.
I want you to get
him out here at once.
I don't have jurisdiction
here, Grimes.
It's persecution, that's
what it is, persecution.
He'll be out when
they're finished with him.
I've been listening to
that for the last hour.
How do I know
he's still in there?
I'm warning you, Ness,
if they try to ride the
circuit with my client,
I'll see that somebody gets
cited for contempt of court!
And furthermore,
they'd better...
Well, it's about time.
Here.
Get him out of here.
Come on, Mr. Banner.
Mr. Ness, I'm sorry I've been
a disappointment to you.
He was at the ballet,
in the seat next to Judge Leslie
when Havens was killed.
He can prove it.
He said the only
reason he stayed in town
was to see the ballet.
I've spoiled your day.
Let me spoil yours.
Your friend, Matty Church,
was picked up in
New Orleans tonight.
You don't have to talk
to this man, Mr. Banner.
They have no legal
right to hold you...
Shut up, Grimes!
I'm afraid I don't know
your Mr... Church?
I'll tell him you said so.
WINCHELL: April 9, 1934.
Federal District Attorney
Beecher Asbury and Eliot Ness
were summoned to Washington
before the Senate Committee.
Now, let's get
some of these facts
on the record, Mr. Asbury.
Very well.
Now we know that the robbery
of the Midland Trust
Bank in Chicago
was the work of a gang
led by Larry Banner.
We now know some of
the members of the gang.
James Hennigan,
alias Jamie "The Knife,"
Art Lynch, Matty Church.
Now at this point, we have
no evidence against Banner.
Art Lynch is dead.
He was found murdered
in an empty box car.
But Matty Church has been
positively identified
by eyewitnesses.
And he had some of the
bonds in his possession.
Now, Mr. Asbury, I
haven't practiced law
for 14 years, but
in a case like this,
isn't it practically assured
that you can get a conviction
against this Matty
Church? Yes, sir.
Tell me, Mr. Asbury,
when a criminal is facing
a possible 30 years in prison,
isn't he inclined to
become cooperative?
Sometimes.
Then I would think that the
man, Church, might be induced
to testify against
Banner, wouldn't you?
We've brought no
charges against Church.
But you've admitted
that you have a case?
Right, but we
have no jurisdiction.
Then why did Mr. Ness
gather the evidence?
Sir, I hope it wasn't
just for the exercise.
WINCHELL: The Federal Bank
Robbery Act became law on May 18, 1934.
The big squeeze was on.
The legal tangles
of jurisdiction
had been cleared away.
Crossing a state line
was no longer protection
for bank robbers.
Now they could be extradited.
In a matter of months,
the number of robberies
dropped sharply.
Big-time criminals were giving
up the business as a poor risk.
(knock at door)
Come in.
Jamie, we've said good-bye.
Yes, I just thought I'd ride
with you to the next station.
That's my Jamie.
Just one more job, eh?
Jamie, old friend, face it.
School's out, the
curtain's down.
Supposing I was to
destroy this fellow Ness?
There'd be another
one behind him.
It's the law now, Jamie.
Always have respect for the law,
except when you can use
it to your own advantage.
I don't know what's gonna
become of me at all, at all.
You're our banker now, Jamie.
You're taking care of
our little savings account.
Huh, you could say it's
as safe as safe can be.
How rich am I, Jamie?
Well, I gave you $60,000,
and you have $460,000 more,
making a grand
total of $520,000.
(train whistle blowing)
Oh, if only I could
figure out a way to
make it draw interest.
Remember, Jamie, no
more jobs until I give the word.
And keep away from
our little nest egg.
Things aren't healthy just now.
Do you need something
to tide you over?
Ah, no... no, thanks.
Ace, you've been a prince.
Not Ace... Mr. Spencer
from now on.
Take care of
yourself... Mr. Spencer.
Be happy, Jamie.
WINCHELL: From that
moment on, Larry Banner,
alias Mr. Spencer,
dedicated himself
to a life of luxurious loafing.
He seemed to have
forgotten that Ace ever existed.
(whistle blowing)
Eleven red.
Cash me out, please, on account.
Of course, Mr. Spencer.
Pardon me.
You owe me a drink.
Really? What for?
I stood behind
you for good luck.
In that case, you
deserve more than a drink.
No, the drink will be enough.
Why not?
What'll you have?
Bourbon, straight.
Two.
I'm Chickie Purcell.
What's your name, Mister?
Spencer. James Spencer.
Hello, James Spencer.
Do you know something?
The way you were playing,
you should never have stopped.
Dear young lady,
notwithstanding your luck,
one or two more bets
would have outraged
the law of percentages.
And I never buck percentages.
I do.
I do it all the time.
The bigger the risk,
the more exciting it is.
What's wrong?
You married or something?
No.
Divorced?
No, I've never been married.
Why?
That's a fair
question, isn't it?
I mean, I don't want to
waste my time if you're a stick.
I don't know what a stick is,
but I've never been
married, because...
well, I've never
found the right woman.
Maybe I could be
the right woman.
Then you wouldn't have
to be a stick anymore.
Why not?
(chuckles)
He hasn't made a
move in over six months.
Each report's a carbon
copy of the one before.
Still the typical
Florida tourist.
Well, he can afford it.
I can afford to wait.
He's living like a king.
When his pocket money's gone,
he's got a fortune
stashed away somewhere
from which he'll have to draw.
He won't go near it.
He must know we're watching him.
That's why you're keeping
a tail on Jamie the Knife.
He's the only man
that Banner trusts.
He has to be the banker.
Sooner or later, Jamie's
going to lead us to the loot.
And then what?
Then Banner has to go
to work again... in a bank.
Only this time I'm going to be
with him every step of the way.
Hi, mister.
Hi, yourself.
Where have you been all morning?
I've been shopping.
Oh, and I had my hair washed.
Do you like it?
I love it.
(laughing): Cut it out.
How do you like that?
It's not good enough for you.
You deserve a bigger one.
They didn't have any bigger.
It cost you a fortune.
Do you care?
That's what money is for.
Does it make you happy?
I suppose so.
Say, how about lunch?
Anything in there I could fix?
You're spoiling me, but yes.
Don't go away.
You couldn't push me
out of here with a tractor.
(laughs)
That's for the ring, mister.
WINCHELL: The constant
surveillance of Jamie the Knife
by the Untouchables
was about to pay off.
Banner's romance...
The first in his life...
Had cost him so much money
he was forced to
dip into his reserves.
As Eliot Ness had predicted,
Jamie led them to the loot.
How does it feel to
be on the other end?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Midland Trust Securities.
Ace Banner's National Bank.
Isn't it?
I just can't help you.
This is Spencer again.
You sure I haven't had a long
distance call from Chicago?
Would you check again, please?
It's very important.
May I come in?
You're in.
Besides, what
could I do about it?
Nice place you got here.
Must have cost a fortune.
You never give up, do you?
Never.
Ness, I'm sure you
haven't come down here
for the climate.
Not exactly.
I have some news I thought
I should break
to you personally.
Go on.
You're broke.
We picked up your friend Jamie.
Looks like you're going to have
to go to work, Mr. Banner.
Your vacation's over.
Sorry to bother you,
Mr. Spencer, but...
Oh, that's all right.
What's the limit
on Miss Purcell?
Limit? What do you mean?
She just drew a thousand
dollars worth of chips.
What happens when that's gone?
You mean on credit? Uh-huh.
I just gave her $2,000.
I know.
She lost that, too.
We're even.
No more chips.
Whatever you say, Mr. Spencer.
WINCHELL: Chickie Purcell's
interest in Larry Banner
extended no further
than his bankroll.
When the money
vanished, so did Chickie.
A few days later, Eliot
Ness received a call
from his Florida contact.
Banner had disappeared.
No forwarding
address, no anything...
All right. But there
was one lead.
Chickie Purcell, the woman
Banner had been seen with
in Florida, had
forwarded her clothes
to a Chicago address...
A very exclusive address.
Will this take long?
Maybe we can take care
of this in one question.
Where's Larry Banner?
I don't know any Larry Banner.
In Florida he called
himself James Spencer.
Oh, yes, I did
meet a Mr. Spencer,
but I don't know where he is.
Have you heard from him?
What do you want
with Mr. Spencer?
Government business.
If you find him, will he
be in a lot of trouble?
Yes.
Good.
Why good?
Because I hate him.
Then why'd you live with him?
I didn't!
Besides, I go with lots of men.
Yeah, but you married this one.
I have here a copy of
your marriage license.
You have no right
to pry into my affairs!
I have every right
to pry into the affairs
of a notorious bank robber.
A bank robber?
You mean with a gun and all?
With a gun and all.
Larry Banner.
It is kind of
exciting, isn't it?
Let's get down to business.
Has he been in touch
with you since Florida?
No. No phone calls,
letters, telegrams?
Nothing.
Then he obviously didn't
care any more for you
than you cared for him.
He did, too!
W... I heard from
him only two days ago.
You can't read it, though.
Thanks anyway, Mrs... Spencer?
Mrs. Banner.
Mrs. Banner, thank you.
WINCHELL: Eliot Ness had nothing
to go by but the postmark on the letter
that Banner had written
to Chickie Purcell...
Beacon Hill, Pennsylvania.
Here's Beacon Hill.
Take a look; does
anything strike you?
No, not particularly.
He could have mailed the letter
from Beacon Hill
just passing through.
Passing through to where?
No, he's there for a purpose.
Beacon Hill's only a few
miles from Petroleum City.
It's an industrial
town with big payrolls.
You think that's
his target, then?
I know he's got to hit.
I believe it's Petroleum City.
What I wish I knew is when.
WINCHELL: Eliot Ness was right.
Banner was planning a job.
As always, the best men
in the business were hired...
Dependable professionals
with reputations
for being close-mouthed
and loyal to the job,
and to a man, more than
happy to work for Banner.
He never failed.
No muss, no fuss, no bother.
The following day, Eliot Ness
and the Untouchables arrived
in Petroleum City, Pennsylvania.
Their first call was
with the chief of police.
Friday's payday all
right, all over town.
And if I'm right, that's when
it will happen: some Friday.
But Mr. Ness, there are a
dozen banks in this community.
I haven't got enough men to
watch them right for one day.
I'll give you all the
cooperation I can.
If he's in town, pick him up.
I can't pick him up.
As of now, he's not wanted.
If Banner follows
his standard pattern...
And there's no reason
to expect he'll
get careless now...
Seven of these banks are out.
One is dubious.
That brings us
down to these three.
Each one has certain
attractive features,
but which one it will
be is anybody's guess.
Three banks we can cover.
Yeah, I know two things.
It will come on a Friday
and Banner will strike
before opening time.
So every Friday from
5:00 in the morning on,
we'll watch those
three banks like hawks.
We'll separate in three teams
and have three headquarters.
How fast can we reunite?
Under normal traffic conditions,
the remaining two teams
should reach the one in
trouble in three minutes.
That should do it.
It'd better do it.
Once Banner and his men
make a getaway, they're gone.
Now, remember, there
won't be any mistakes,
he won't leave any
evidence behind.
If we don't nail him
in the act, we're dead.
WINCHELL: The
teams were in place.
The first Friday
passed without incident.
Then the second.
Another Friday went by.
Banner still failed to show.
On the fourth Friday...
This has to be the day.
Why especially today?
It's the last week
of the winter layoff.
These banks have got more
money than they can hold.
I'd better be right.
Let me have a look at
those other banks again.
I always liked this one...
The Petroleum National...
And it's not Banner's
kind of a bank.
It's too open.
If he's desperate enough
to change his pattern...
Hey.
When did we get this
financial statement?
All that stuff came
last night, Eliot.
Petroleum National Bank has
three times the amount of cash
on hand than any
other bank in this town.
Petroleum National Bank, please.
Yes, hurry.
(phone ringing)
(fingers snapping)
No answer. This is it.
Rico, get the chief of police.
I'll get Youngfellow
and meet you there.
Right.
NESS: Where's Banner?
BANNER: Ness.
Over here, Ness.
WINCHELL: With
every exit covered,
Banner knew that any attempt
to escape would outrage
the law of percentages,
and Banner never
bucked percentages.
I've never used a gun.
Curtain's down.
Was it...?
It wasn't your wife.
Who, then? It was you mostly.
We worked out a plan
using your method.
I see.
Well, they do say imitation is
the sincerest form of flattery.
Ness, do they give you added
compensation for this feat?
It's all part of the job.
It's a fool's job.
Maybe, but I wouldn't trade it
for the job you'll be doing now.
WINCHELL: Eliot Ness had
made his prediction come true.
Larry Banner had finally
outsmarted himself.
On July 14, 1936, Banner was
sentenced by a federal judge.
Today, he is still in
jail doing 99 years.
ANNOUNCER: The Untouchables.
You've been working some
angle on this bank robbery.
There's got to be a connection.
Do you see it?
I'll give you the connection
in two words, Captain:
Ace Banner.
ANNOUNCER: Tonight's
episode: "The Big Squeeze."
Starring Robert
Stack as Eliot Ness,
costarring John Hoyt...
and Dody Heath...
with special guest
star Dan O'Herlihy.
WALTER WINCHELL:
Prior to May, 1934,
robbing state banks
was not a federal offense.
Bandits had only local
police to contend with,
and these were
frequently understaffed,
inefficient or corrupt.
With all the odds in
favor of the hoods,
there was a rash of successful,
though clumsily executed
bank robberies carried out
with complete
disregard for human life.
But in addition to these
rip-and-tear robbers,
there were many
experts of an older school,
like the men who silently looted
The Farmers and Drovers
Bank of Kansas City of $150,000
and left the small change
behind for the musclemen.
In Chicago, March 7,
1934, a meeting took place
in the office of Beecher Asbury,
the federal district attorney.
The statistics are staggering:
422 bank robberies
in the past year,
221 casualties.
Until it becomes
a federal offense,
all you and I can do
about it is shake our heads.
Eliot... I, uh...
I have an assignment for you.
Now it's going to seem
pointless and futile,
and besides that,
it will be unofficial.
Not if you give the order.
Well, last week, the Farmers
and Drovers Bank in Kansas City
was robbed of $150,000.
The police believe it was
the work of Ace Banner.
Didn't have to work
overtime to find that.
Any rookie cop would have
recognized the master's touch,
but it's something else
again to pin anything on him.
No one's ever
been able to do it.
That's your assignment.
Even it I caught him,
I couldn't arrest him.
I know you can't, but I want
you to go after him anyway.
Find some evidence.
Identify one or more
members of his gang, anything.
There's a Senate committee
hearing next month.
They feel the same way we
do, but they need some help.
Now, if we can
dramatize the fact
that we have a case,
but our hands are tied,
I'll bet you they
give us jurisdiction.
One month, you say.
You flatter me, Beecher.
Banner's been getting
away with this for years.
You're the man who got Capone.
First thing you
do is find Banner.
Well, that's not the hard part.
He's never found
it necessary to hide.
He's right here in Chicago.
The Crestmore Arms, no less.
Well, he can afford it.
He has excellent
banking connections.
Mm-hmm.
May I help you?
Mr. Havens, please.
I'm sorry. Mr. Havens
is quite busy.
So am I.
I'll see what I can do
for you, Mr. Houston.
Sir.
Please sit down, Mr. Houston.
Thank you, sir.
As I have a rather
busy schedule,
I hope you don't mind
if I dispense with
the formalities.
What may we do for you?
I should like to make a
rather large withdrawal.
I see.
How much did you have in mind?
Oh, let's say something like
a quarter of a million dollars.
You have an account with us?
Not exactly, no.
What I propose, Mr. Havens,
is to rob your bank.
Oh, come now, Havens.
You've been robbing
this bank yourself
for the past 11 months.
Is this a joke?
In the past ten months,
you've lost 122,000 odd dollars
gambling in the Tangier Club,
and then there's Edwina Sherman.
(laughs)
Edwina... an
expensive young lady.
I should say this bank is
short some $200,000, hmm?
Who are you?
Don't you know that
embezzlement, abstraction,
or misapplication of funds
from a national bank
is a federal offense?
You're a Treasury agent.
(chuckles): Oh!
Perish the thought!
No, Mr. Havens.
I'm your benefactor.
Bank robbery is
not a federal offense.
And robbery is the only way
to hide forever
your indiscretion.
I don't see how you can
afford to turn down this offer.
What do you want me to do?
You, sir, are going to give
me a complete schedule
of the operation of this bank.
You will give me a complete
file on all employees,
including any photos
and personnel information
in the bonding
company applications.
You will give me the exact time
the automatic lock on
the main vault opens,
and you will see to it
that there is $250,000
in that vault
when I tell you to.
And for doing these
things, I shall permit you
to report a loss of $450,000.
You'll be hearing from me.
I'm not sure I want to
deal with you, Mr. Houston.
You'll deal with me,
and the name is Banner.
Ace Banner.
WINCHELL: Mr. Havens
may not have been too happy
about meeting Larry Banner,
but another man wanted
very much to meet him.
(horn honking)
Sir?
Thank you.
I can't honestly
say I got here first.
It's a dead heat.
Well, there seems to
be a shortage of taxis.
Shall we decide this
on a basis of need?
Which way are you going?
Corner of Rush and Lake.
Fine. Then we share it. Good.
That's a nice case. Platinum?
Made especially
for me in London.
Oh, I know it's a luxury,
but I enjoy luxuries.
They're nice if you
can afford them.
It takes a more lucrative
pursuit than photography,
or working for the
government, Mr. Ness?
Here... I know you had
this taken for you, not for me.
I'm collecting snapshots
of bank robbers.
What for? They don't come
within the jurisdiction
of a federal agent.
Not yet.
Oh, I see. This charade is just
to get a closer
look at the enemy.
It's still a dead heat.
You got a closer look, too.
Imagine, the
nemesis of Al Capone
and all those
terrible gangsters.
I'm deeply flattered, Mr. Ness.
Banner, you seem to feel
there's some distinction
between you and
gangsters like Capone.
There isn't. Gild
it all you like.
Inside, you're all
the same: thieves.
The difference
between this thief
and people like you is brains.
You sweat your life
away in a $20 suit,
and I pay that much for a
monogram on my shirt pocket.
You think you're
smart, Mr. Ness,
but the smartest man in
the end outsmarts himself.
You know, that's just
what I'm counting on.
WINCHELL: Banner
recruited his men with care.
They were the
best in their lines:
dependable professionals
with reputations for
being close-mouthed
and loyal to the job,
and to a man, more than
happy to work for Banner.
He never failed... No
muss, no fuss, no bother.
The rendezvous was
a hotel in a small town
just over the state
line in Indiana.
The first to arrive
was Jamie Hennigen,
also known as Jamie the Knife,
a colorful little
man, but deadly.
Jamie, come on in.
Hi, Ace.
Shut the door.
Have all the boys sent
you their RSVPs for tonight?
Now, who would want
to miss a Banner special?
They'll be here.
I got you some Irish whiskey.
It's on the dresser.
Thank you.
(bottle squeaking)
Luck!
Have you seen
Emma lately, Jamie?
Well, now, you see, I, uh...
I thought I told
you to get rid of her.
What have you got
against girls, Ace?
A big handsome boy like you.
Sure you could get
all the fillies you want.
No.
Not handsome.
A face you could pass
100 times on the street
and never remember.
I wouldn't trade
it for Valentino's.
In my business, I don't
want to be remembered.
In all the world,
you're the only
person I can trust.
I love beautiful women,
but they're the only
luxury I cannot afford.
A woman stirs a man's emotions,
and emotions cloud his judgment.
Makes him act
before he can think.
In our business,
that's disaster.
You get rid of Emma.
(laughs)
Jamie, there's a face for you.
Nose: ordinary.
Not big enough to be a
distinguishing characteristic,
but I can make
it as big as I like,
and take it off in a doorway.
Mouth: not small, not large.
Eyebrows, eyes,
ears: very ordinary.
As usual, we'll enter the bank
before it's open for business.
Now here's the
safety routine they use.
That's the pattern
that cannot be broken.
Memorize it.
At 8:30 the chief teller arrives
and stands on the
corner in view of the bank.
Within two minutes
the guard walks past.
Unless the teller signals
him something's wrong,
the guard goes into the bank.
Then he makes his rounds
and makes certain that
everything's in order.
I've timed him; it takes him
not less than 45 seconds,
not more than 50.
Then he goes to the front door,
spots the teller and
puts a card in the window.
This is a duplicate.
That lets the teller know
that it's safe to come
in and open the vault.
He's our key. We
ride in with him.
The time lock is set for 8:45.
We clean out the vault
and leave before the bank opens.
Now repeat... Jamie.
The chief teller
arrives at 8:30,
stands on the corner.
Within two minutes,
the guard arrives.
Unless the teller signals,
the guard enters the bank.
He takes 45 to 50
seconds for his rounds,
then back to the front door,
sees the teller, puts
the card in the window.
The teller comes in;
we ride in with him.
And how do we
ride in with the teller?
Simple.
This is the teller.
And we've got just 45
seconds to make the switch.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Mr. Johnson.
Smile if you want to live.
Look inside. It's
really something.
♪ ♪
Morning, Mr. Johnson.
(knocking)
(snaps fingers)
(gasps)
(knocking)
(knocking)
(snapping)
(snaps)
(snaps)
(snaps)
(snaps)
(snapping)
I think I'm going to faint.
Matty!
(gasps)
(snapping)
(snapping)
(snaps)
(snapping)
(snapping)
ANNOUNCER: And now back to:
WINCHELL: This was
Eliot Ness' first opportunity
since receiving his assignment
to personally investigate
a bank robbery
that bore the unmistakable
stamp of Ace Banner.
The Untouchables,
with the cooperation of
the police department,
secured from Mr. Stafford,
the president of Midland Trust,
permission to unofficially
conduct an investigation
at his bank.
You don't recognize him?
No, Mr. Ness,
it couldn't possibly have
been the same man.
Uh, not even if he
was Lon Chaney.
Well, try to picture him
without the disguise.
Well, I just can't.
You see, I thought
he was Mr. Johnson gone crazy.
Then I found out
Mr. Johnson was murdered.
What about the other men?
Well, I did get a really
good look at one of them.
He was tall, about 35,
dark-haired and a sharp dresser.
A sheik type.
Was there anything distinctive
in how they talked, an
accent, a speech impediment,
even a choice of words?
Mmm, no, they
didn't talk at all.
It was...
It was eerie the way
they did everything...
like a silent movie.
Nobody said
anything at any time?
They just... (snapping)
snapped their fingers.
Thank you, Miss Downes.
I'm afraid I haven't
been much help.
That's all right.
Thank you very much.
If Banner were to
walk in here right now,
nobody'd recognize him.
What makes you so
sure it was Banner?
Nobody else would attempt
such an impersonation.
They must have studied
the layout for months.
And yet it's only been a month
since the Farmers and
Drovers Bank in Kansas City.
Unless somebody
gave them the layout.
You mean from the inside?
It's worth considering.
Let's go on.
Now, let's start all over again.
There was no talking
done by the holdup men.
That's right.
Except just before
Howard was killed.
You mean somebody did speak?
Well, not exactly.
One of the men called out
a name, and then he shot
Howard, the guard. Why didn't
you tell me this the first time around?
Well, I just didn't think of it.
Was the name he called out Ace?
No, it was Matty.
Nothing else?
No, just Matty.
And the fellow who
spoke shot Howard.
Thank you. You're welcome.
A break. Maybe.
We'll know after
we've checked out
everybody on file named Matty.
Mr. Havens, you run
this bank, don't you?
Yes, in a way.
Mr. Stafford's been
in semi-retirement
for several years.
With your permission,
Mr. Havens, I'd like to have
a special federal examiner do
a complete audit of these books.
I don't understand.
Surely you don't think
there's a shortage.
You're short $450,000.
I know that.
The police checked that.
Are you positive that
was the actual amount
taken by the robbers?
What are you insinuating?
Did it sound like that?
I just asked a question.
I'd stake my reputation
on any employee in this bank.
But the bookkeeping system
has changed in the past year or so.
Yes, after Mr. Stafford retired,
I did institute a few changes,
but you'd have to be a banker
to understand the whole picture.
I've worked with figures,
Mr. Havens, I think
I can follow you.
Well, I can't explain
it just standing here.
It would need a week.
Shall we take the time?
Mr. Havens, have you
ever met Larry Banner?
Well, no, of course not.
I came in after it was all over.
I didn't mean then.
One of your clerks says he came
to see you a few weeks ago.
It's quite possible.
I can't remember everyone I see.
Do you suppose he
used that as a device
to get into the bank
and study the layout?
I wondered how soon
you'd think of that.
(door opens and closes)
Which clerk spotted Banner?
I'm glad Havens
didn't ask that question.
WINCHELL: Working on a
single clue, the name Matty,
the Untouchables
searched all available records
to establish his identity.
Through a painstaking
process of elimination
and cross-reference,
they came up with a
name: Matty Church,
a two-time loser
for bank robbery,
presumed to have
been going straight
for the last eight years.
Now, is this the man?
Yes, this is the
man. Absolutely.
WINCHELL: They had hit pay dirt.
The man was positively
identified as one of the gang.
The following day, Eliot
Ness secured the detention
of Matty Church on a
pickup \and hold order.
That gives us something
for the Senate hearing,
but it's Banner I want.
He's too smart to
use people who'd talk.
(phone ringing)
Ness speaking.
Good.
Well, send the full
report in, will you?
Thanks.
Now what? This may be it.
I ordered a field
report on Mr. Havens,
this is part of it.
He's living way over his head.
So our hunch about an
inside job looks good. Very.
But if we could dig up the
story on Havens so fast,
I'm sure that Banner
had access to it, too.
He'd find Havens a natural.
When do we talk to him?
We'll drop in on
him later tonight
and discuss it privately.
This is too good to advertise.
(phone ringing)
JAMIE (on phone): Boss? Do
you know who this is? Mm-hmm.
I just picked up a flash.
We're in trouble.
About Art Lynch?
No. He's no longer among us.
It's your inside man.
Tell me.
He's scared.
He's got a big mouth.
Can you save him from himself?
I think so.
Good. What would I
ever do without you?
(groans)
You've been working some
angle on this bank robbery.
There's got to be a connection.
Do you see it?
I'll give you the connection
in two words,
Captain: Ace Banner.
Well, you and I both know
that Ace pulled that bank job.
I can't prove it.
I don't think you can either.
Anyway, Ace wouldn't
have that Havens guy killed
so many weeks after the job.
Banner had inside
help on this one.
Havens had to be the inside man.
And I was getting
finally close to a break.
As usual, Banner
got there first.
You know, just for fun, I'm
gonna have him picked up.
He won't tell us a thing.
His mouthpiece will have
him sprung in a little while.
It'll do my heart
good to see him
sweat for a couple of hours.
I know just how you feel.
How much longer do you think
you're going to be able
to keep him in there?
I told you that I've got
a writ of habeas corpus.
Now, no more stalling, Ness.
I want you to get
him out here at once.
I don't have jurisdiction
here, Grimes.
It's persecution, that's
what it is, persecution.
He'll be out when
they're finished with him.
I've been listening to
that for the last hour.
How do I know
he's still in there?
I'm warning you, Ness,
if they try to ride the
circuit with my client,
I'll see that somebody gets
cited for contempt of court!
And furthermore,
they'd better...
Well, it's about time.
Here.
Get him out of here.
Come on, Mr. Banner.
Mr. Ness, I'm sorry I've been
a disappointment to you.
He was at the ballet,
in the seat next to Judge Leslie
when Havens was killed.
He can prove it.
He said the only
reason he stayed in town
was to see the ballet.
I've spoiled your day.
Let me spoil yours.
Your friend, Matty Church,
was picked up in
New Orleans tonight.
You don't have to talk
to this man, Mr. Banner.
They have no legal
right to hold you...
Shut up, Grimes!
I'm afraid I don't know
your Mr... Church?
I'll tell him you said so.
WINCHELL: April 9, 1934.
Federal District Attorney
Beecher Asbury and Eliot Ness
were summoned to Washington
before the Senate Committee.
Now, let's get
some of these facts
on the record, Mr. Asbury.
Very well.
Now we know that the robbery
of the Midland Trust
Bank in Chicago
was the work of a gang
led by Larry Banner.
We now know some of
the members of the gang.
James Hennigan,
alias Jamie "The Knife,"
Art Lynch, Matty Church.
Now at this point, we have
no evidence against Banner.
Art Lynch is dead.
He was found murdered
in an empty box car.
But Matty Church has been
positively identified
by eyewitnesses.
And he had some of the
bonds in his possession.
Now, Mr. Asbury, I
haven't practiced law
for 14 years, but
in a case like this,
isn't it practically assured
that you can get a conviction
against this Matty
Church? Yes, sir.
Tell me, Mr. Asbury,
when a criminal is facing
a possible 30 years in prison,
isn't he inclined to
become cooperative?
Sometimes.
Then I would think that the
man, Church, might be induced
to testify against
Banner, wouldn't you?
We've brought no
charges against Church.
But you've admitted
that you have a case?
Right, but we
have no jurisdiction.
Then why did Mr. Ness
gather the evidence?
Sir, I hope it wasn't
just for the exercise.
WINCHELL: The Federal Bank
Robbery Act became law on May 18, 1934.
The big squeeze was on.
The legal tangles
of jurisdiction
had been cleared away.
Crossing a state line
was no longer protection
for bank robbers.
Now they could be extradited.
In a matter of months,
the number of robberies
dropped sharply.
Big-time criminals were giving
up the business as a poor risk.
(knock at door)
Come in.
Jamie, we've said good-bye.
Yes, I just thought I'd ride
with you to the next station.
That's my Jamie.
Just one more job, eh?
Jamie, old friend, face it.
School's out, the
curtain's down.
Supposing I was to
destroy this fellow Ness?
There'd be another
one behind him.
It's the law now, Jamie.
Always have respect for the law,
except when you can use
it to your own advantage.
I don't know what's gonna
become of me at all, at all.
You're our banker now, Jamie.
You're taking care of
our little savings account.
Huh, you could say it's
as safe as safe can be.
How rich am I, Jamie?
Well, I gave you $60,000,
and you have $460,000 more,
making a grand
total of $520,000.
(train whistle blowing)
Oh, if only I could
figure out a way to
make it draw interest.
Remember, Jamie, no
more jobs until I give the word.
And keep away from
our little nest egg.
Things aren't healthy just now.
Do you need something
to tide you over?
Ah, no... no, thanks.
Ace, you've been a prince.
Not Ace... Mr. Spencer
from now on.
Take care of
yourself... Mr. Spencer.
Be happy, Jamie.
WINCHELL: From that
moment on, Larry Banner,
alias Mr. Spencer,
dedicated himself
to a life of luxurious loafing.
He seemed to have
forgotten that Ace ever existed.
(whistle blowing)
Eleven red.
Cash me out, please, on account.
Of course, Mr. Spencer.
Pardon me.
You owe me a drink.
Really? What for?
I stood behind
you for good luck.
In that case, you
deserve more than a drink.
No, the drink will be enough.
Why not?
What'll you have?
Bourbon, straight.
Two.
I'm Chickie Purcell.
What's your name, Mister?
Spencer. James Spencer.
Hello, James Spencer.
Do you know something?
The way you were playing,
you should never have stopped.
Dear young lady,
notwithstanding your luck,
one or two more bets
would have outraged
the law of percentages.
And I never buck percentages.
I do.
I do it all the time.
The bigger the risk,
the more exciting it is.
What's wrong?
You married or something?
No.
Divorced?
No, I've never been married.
Why?
That's a fair
question, isn't it?
I mean, I don't want to
waste my time if you're a stick.
I don't know what a stick is,
but I've never been
married, because...
well, I've never
found the right woman.
Maybe I could be
the right woman.
Then you wouldn't have
to be a stick anymore.
Why not?
(chuckles)
He hasn't made a
move in over six months.
Each report's a carbon
copy of the one before.
Still the typical
Florida tourist.
Well, he can afford it.
I can afford to wait.
He's living like a king.
When his pocket money's gone,
he's got a fortune
stashed away somewhere
from which he'll have to draw.
He won't go near it.
He must know we're watching him.
That's why you're keeping
a tail on Jamie the Knife.
He's the only man
that Banner trusts.
He has to be the banker.
Sooner or later, Jamie's
going to lead us to the loot.
And then what?
Then Banner has to go
to work again... in a bank.
Only this time I'm going to be
with him every step of the way.
Hi, mister.
Hi, yourself.
Where have you been all morning?
I've been shopping.
Oh, and I had my hair washed.
Do you like it?
I love it.
(laughing): Cut it out.
How do you like that?
It's not good enough for you.
You deserve a bigger one.
They didn't have any bigger.
It cost you a fortune.
Do you care?
That's what money is for.
Does it make you happy?
I suppose so.
Say, how about lunch?
Anything in there I could fix?
You're spoiling me, but yes.
Don't go away.
You couldn't push me
out of here with a tractor.
(laughs)
That's for the ring, mister.
WINCHELL: The constant
surveillance of Jamie the Knife
by the Untouchables
was about to pay off.
Banner's romance...
The first in his life...
Had cost him so much money
he was forced to
dip into his reserves.
As Eliot Ness had predicted,
Jamie led them to the loot.
How does it feel to
be on the other end?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Midland Trust Securities.
Ace Banner's National Bank.
Isn't it?
I just can't help you.
This is Spencer again.
You sure I haven't had a long
distance call from Chicago?
Would you check again, please?
It's very important.
May I come in?
You're in.
Besides, what
could I do about it?
Nice place you got here.
Must have cost a fortune.
You never give up, do you?
Never.
Ness, I'm sure you
haven't come down here
for the climate.
Not exactly.
I have some news I thought
I should break
to you personally.
Go on.
You're broke.
We picked up your friend Jamie.
Looks like you're going to have
to go to work, Mr. Banner.
Your vacation's over.
Sorry to bother you,
Mr. Spencer, but...
Oh, that's all right.
What's the limit
on Miss Purcell?
Limit? What do you mean?
She just drew a thousand
dollars worth of chips.
What happens when that's gone?
You mean on credit? Uh-huh.
I just gave her $2,000.
I know.
She lost that, too.
We're even.
No more chips.
Whatever you say, Mr. Spencer.
WINCHELL: Chickie Purcell's
interest in Larry Banner
extended no further
than his bankroll.
When the money
vanished, so did Chickie.
A few days later, Eliot
Ness received a call
from his Florida contact.
Banner had disappeared.
No forwarding
address, no anything...
All right. But there
was one lead.
Chickie Purcell, the woman
Banner had been seen with
in Florida, had
forwarded her clothes
to a Chicago address...
A very exclusive address.
Will this take long?
Maybe we can take care
of this in one question.
Where's Larry Banner?
I don't know any Larry Banner.
In Florida he called
himself James Spencer.
Oh, yes, I did
meet a Mr. Spencer,
but I don't know where he is.
Have you heard from him?
What do you want
with Mr. Spencer?
Government business.
If you find him, will he
be in a lot of trouble?
Yes.
Good.
Why good?
Because I hate him.
Then why'd you live with him?
I didn't!
Besides, I go with lots of men.
Yeah, but you married this one.
I have here a copy of
your marriage license.
You have no right
to pry into my affairs!
I have every right
to pry into the affairs
of a notorious bank robber.
A bank robber?
You mean with a gun and all?
With a gun and all.
Larry Banner.
It is kind of
exciting, isn't it?
Let's get down to business.
Has he been in touch
with you since Florida?
No. No phone calls,
letters, telegrams?
Nothing.
Then he obviously didn't
care any more for you
than you cared for him.
He did, too!
W... I heard from
him only two days ago.
You can't read it, though.
Thanks anyway, Mrs... Spencer?
Mrs. Banner.
Mrs. Banner, thank you.
WINCHELL: Eliot Ness had nothing
to go by but the postmark on the letter
that Banner had written
to Chickie Purcell...
Beacon Hill, Pennsylvania.
Here's Beacon Hill.
Take a look; does
anything strike you?
No, not particularly.
He could have mailed the letter
from Beacon Hill
just passing through.
Passing through to where?
No, he's there for a purpose.
Beacon Hill's only a few
miles from Petroleum City.
It's an industrial
town with big payrolls.
You think that's
his target, then?
I know he's got to hit.
I believe it's Petroleum City.
What I wish I knew is when.
WINCHELL: Eliot Ness was right.
Banner was planning a job.
As always, the best men
in the business were hired...
Dependable professionals
with reputations
for being close-mouthed
and loyal to the job,
and to a man, more than
happy to work for Banner.
He never failed.
No muss, no fuss, no bother.
The following day, Eliot Ness
and the Untouchables arrived
in Petroleum City, Pennsylvania.
Their first call was
with the chief of police.
Friday's payday all
right, all over town.
And if I'm right, that's when
it will happen: some Friday.
But Mr. Ness, there are a
dozen banks in this community.
I haven't got enough men to
watch them right for one day.
I'll give you all the
cooperation I can.
If he's in town, pick him up.
I can't pick him up.
As of now, he's not wanted.
If Banner follows
his standard pattern...
And there's no reason
to expect he'll
get careless now...
Seven of these banks are out.
One is dubious.
That brings us
down to these three.
Each one has certain
attractive features,
but which one it will
be is anybody's guess.
Three banks we can cover.
Yeah, I know two things.
It will come on a Friday
and Banner will strike
before opening time.
So every Friday from
5:00 in the morning on,
we'll watch those
three banks like hawks.
We'll separate in three teams
and have three headquarters.
How fast can we reunite?
Under normal traffic conditions,
the remaining two teams
should reach the one in
trouble in three minutes.
That should do it.
It'd better do it.
Once Banner and his men
make a getaway, they're gone.
Now, remember, there
won't be any mistakes,
he won't leave any
evidence behind.
If we don't nail him
in the act, we're dead.
WINCHELL: The
teams were in place.
The first Friday
passed without incident.
Then the second.
Another Friday went by.
Banner still failed to show.
On the fourth Friday...
This has to be the day.
Why especially today?
It's the last week
of the winter layoff.
These banks have got more
money than they can hold.
I'd better be right.
Let me have a look at
those other banks again.
I always liked this one...
The Petroleum National...
And it's not Banner's
kind of a bank.
It's too open.
If he's desperate enough
to change his pattern...
Hey.
When did we get this
financial statement?
All that stuff came
last night, Eliot.
Petroleum National Bank has
three times the amount of cash
on hand than any
other bank in this town.
Petroleum National Bank, please.
Yes, hurry.
(phone ringing)
(fingers snapping)
No answer. This is it.
Rico, get the chief of police.
I'll get Youngfellow
and meet you there.
Right.
NESS: Where's Banner?
BANNER: Ness.
Over here, Ness.
WINCHELL: With
every exit covered,
Banner knew that any attempt
to escape would outrage
the law of percentages,
and Banner never
bucked percentages.
I've never used a gun.
Curtain's down.
Was it...?
It wasn't your wife.
Who, then? It was you mostly.
We worked out a plan
using your method.
I see.
Well, they do say imitation is
the sincerest form of flattery.
Ness, do they give you added
compensation for this feat?
It's all part of the job.
It's a fool's job.
Maybe, but I wouldn't trade it
for the job you'll be doing now.
WINCHELL: Eliot Ness had
made his prediction come true.
Larry Banner had finally
outsmarted himself.
On July 14, 1936, Banner was
sentenced by a federal judge.
Today, he is still in
jail doing 99 years.
ANNOUNCER: The Untouchables.