The Untouchables (1959–1963): Season 1, Episode 2 - Ma Barker and Her Boys - full transcript
Eliot Ness and the Untouchables are in Florida to arrest Ma Barker and her sons who are staying at a holiday motel under assumed names. With the aid of the State Police, they stage a raid but the well-armed Barker gang hold them off for over 6 hours. Years before, Ma Barker's sons had developed quite a reputation as petty criminals but her real career in crime started when one of them, Herman, was shot by a policeman during a break-in. Soon the Midwest is in the midst of a crime spree that included kidnappings and robberies. The family starts to fall apart when one of her sons, Doc, decides to get married. He leaves home but used currency from a kidnapping and Ness is soon on his trail. Ma Barker gives their location away leading to Ness' raid.
This is Eliot Ness. Come on
out. We don't want any trouble.
We're the Barkers.
You're never gonna get us!
(gunfire)
( suspenseful theme playing)
( announcer reading)
ANNOUNCER: Tonight's episode:
Starring Robert Stack.
With special guest star,
Claire Trevor as Ma Barker.
( suspenseful theme playing)
NARRATOR: One of
the most astonishing
episodes in the annals
of American crime
took place on
January 16th, 1935.
It began at 7 a.m. on a
warm sunny Florida morning.
Thanks for the use
of your phone, ma'am.
Bill, pass this word
to the other boys,
especially to the local
cops and state troopers.
These people are killers.
If they start shooting,
then we shoot to kill.
Right. You're making
a terrible mistake.
Lady, those people are
wanted for everything
from bank robbery and kidnapping
to cold-blooded
first-degree murder.
You've read about the Ma
Barker mob, haven't you?
Well, their name's
Clark not Barker.
It's easy to rent a place
under an assumed name.
But Mrs. Clark goes to
church with me on Sunday's.
She's the most dangerous
woman in the U.S. today.
( suspenseful theme playing)
NARRATOR: In a
combined operation,
Eliot Ness and his agents
joined with the state
troopers and local police
in a surprise visit near the
town of Oklawaha, Florida.
What followed made front page
headlines throughout the world.
Morning, Ma.
Lloyd.
(screams): Lloyd Barker.
You quit teasing me
now. I'll burn myself.
Them doughnuts smell great.
Thought you'd like them.
Freddy? Breakfast.
Why didn't Fred wake me? I
was gonna go fishing with him.
Do you good to
be lazy. All of us.
We needed this vacation.
Hey, doughnuts.
Hey, Lloyd, we
ought to set Ma up
in the restaurant
business, huh? Yeah.
We're doing all right
in the business we're in.
I wouldn't want
things any different.
(chuckles)
(hums)
Ma, you still got the voice.
Better when you sung in
the choir back in Tulsa, Ma.
(giggles)
ALL: ♪ While I draw ♪
♪ This fleeting breath ♪
♪ When my eyelids
close In death ♪
♪ See thee on... ♪
NESS: Fred Barker, Lloyd Barker.
Come out. All three of you.
The house is surrounded.
Come out in single file
with your hands raised.
This is Eliot Ness. Come on
out. We don't want any trouble.
Well, boys, it's... He's
finally come to pass.
I guess we know what to do.
Boys, take your posts.
Lloyd, cover the road.
Freddy, upstairs bedroom.
LLOYD: Ma, let me
have a vest, huh?
Mwah. Keep your chin up, Mom.
We're with you all
the way, Ma. Mwah.
Come on out. We
don't want any trouble.
We're Barkers.
You'll never get us.
(machine-gun fire)
NARRATOR: Eliot Ness' raiding
party was drawn into a battle
that firsthand observers said
looked like full-scale warfare.
It was to last for
more than six hours.
Come on. I've always figured
things out for you, haven't I?
Check that back door.
Yes, Ma.
(machine-gun fire)
♪ When I soar to... ♪
NARRATOR: The woman
who began that battle,
Mrs. Kate Clark Barker,
better known as Ma Barker,
was like a wild animal,
a demented fury.
But there had been
a time in years past
when she was very different,
when she took her place among
respected churchgoing ladies
of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
♪ When my eyelids
close In death ♪
♪ When I soar To
worlds unknown ♪
♪ See thee on My
judgment throne ♪
♪ Rock of Ages Cleft for me ♪
♪ Let me hide myself in thee ♪
♪ Amen ♪
I think that's gonna sound
real good on Sunday.
I hope it does.
Oh, that was just
lovely, Mrs. Barker.
You came through beautifully.
WOMAN: You were
just wonderful, dear.
Ladies, I've never
heard you better.
Oh, thank you, Reverend.
Mrs. Barker, your solo
portion was truly inspiring.
Well, thank you, Reverend.
Oh, Mrs. Barker, uh, may
I talk to you for a minute?
Sure.
It's about those
boys of hers, I'll bet.
And high time too.
Mrs. Barker, you and
your husband are good,
upright members
of the community.
Tell me, why is it
you can't exercise
a little more control
with your boys?
Reverend, I'm getting sick and
tired of everybody in this town
complaining about them.
The Tulsa Police Department
paid me a visit
as their minister.
What? They read me a list
of their recent escapades.
Quite a list, I must say.
Beating up other
youngsters, petty vandalism.
Lies, Reverend. Nothing
but a bunch of lies.
I don't doubt it.
But can't you give them
a little more guidance?
So far, the police have been
more than lenient for your sake,
but they tell me if
there's any more trouble...
I'm not a woman that
nags her family to death.
They're just sowing
their wild oats
like the Good Book says.
And they'll come out of it.
( upbeat theme playing)
Freddy, come on out.
(metal clang)
Kate? You still up?
Told you I can't go to bed
till I finish Doc's
birthday cake.
I bet you forgot about your
son's birthday tomorrow.
You never did remember
with any of them.
Yes, I did. I did so remember.
Kate, it's past midnight.
The four of them have been
out together since suppertime.
Oh, go to bed. Quit worrying.
But they had that look in
their eye when they went out.
You ought to be
ashamed of yourself,
always thinking the worst.
And how do you suppose I feel
when a detective
comes to the factory
and bawls me out
in front of everybody?
"Your oldest son,
Herman," he says to me,
"he's training the whole
kit and caboodle of them
to get sent to reform school."
In front of
everybody, he said it.
There's nothing wrong with
our boys except high spirits.
At least they won't turn out to
be frightened underpaid worms
that everybody is stepping on.
Like some people you could name?
Yeah, George, like
some people I could name.
That's right, George. Quit
worrying and go to bed.
(footsteps)
MA: That you, boys?
What are doing still up, Ma?
Hiya, Ma. Hiya, Ma.
Hi, Ma.
Now, Herman, you
know you shouldn't
keep your brothers out so late.
Oh, gee, I'm sorry, Ma.
Well,
it's awful nice the four of
you being so companionable.
PA: All right, where you been?
Uh, we went to a movie, Pa.
There ain't a movie in
this town lasts till midnight.
They're lying again.
If I had any gumption,
I'd get my razor strap.
Don't be stupid. They'd
wallop the daylights out of you.
(all laugh)
What's in there?
Where'd that come from?
It's none of your business.
No wonder everybody's
down on them
when their own father
keeps insinuating.
Make them show
you what's in that bag.
Well, it's for you, Ma.
It was meant to be a surprise.
Yeah, only Pa messed it up.
What house did
you steal them from?
George!
You heard me. Where'd
you bust in this time?
( dramatic theme playing)
NARRATOR: The
following afternoon,
Ma gave a birthday
party for her favorite son,
whom she had
lovingly nicknamed Doc.
Eighteen years old.
HERMAN: Look at that cake.
LLOYD: Hey, hey, happy birthday.
HERMAN: Oh, Mom,
what a beautiful cake.
FRED: Celebrate
with a great cake.
Hey, come on, Doc,
make us a speech.
Happy Birthday, old buddy.
Come on, blow out the candles.
(knock at door)
I'll get it.
Mrs. Barker.
Last night, the
old Corrigan place
down on 12th Street
was broken into.
MA: Well, how would we know
anything about that?
Well, one of the neighbors
thinks he recognized
your boy's voices.
Uh, wait here a minute,
please, will you, officer?
Patrolman Hinckley says
some stuff was swiped.
Well, for goodness
sake, why tell us about it?
My boys didn't even
leave the house last night.
Well, if you'll swear
to that, Mrs. Barker,
I'll take your word for it.
After all, we're all members
of the same congregation.
Why, of course.
I solemnly swear
that my four boys
were all home last night.
We spent the evening
looking at family photographs.
So help me God.
Folks, I'm sorry
I disturbed you.
Happy birthday, Doc.
ALL: ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Arthur ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
(gunshots)
NARRATOR: Two
nights after the party,
the Barker boys were
caught looting another store.
Herman's life was
the price they paid.
"The Lord is my
shepherd, I shall not want.
"He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures.
"He leadeth me
beside the still waters.
"He restoreth my soul.
"He leadeth me in
paths of righteousness
"for his name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
"I will fear no evil,
for thou art with me.
"Thy rod and thy
staff, they comfort me.
"Thou preparest
a table before me
"in the presence
of mine enemies.
"Thou annointest
my head with oil,
"my cup runneth over.
"Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me
"all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord, forever."
I am the resurrection
and the life.
He that believeth in me,
though he were
dead, yet shall he live.
And whosoever liveth
and believeth in me,
shall never die.
(whimpering)
(cries)
You let my boy rest!
You. You're the
one that killed him.
That bullet in his heart,
the cops didn't
put it there, you did.
He was a no-good bum.
I'm trying my best to feel
grief and all I can feel is shame.
Print that in your newspaper.
George, shut your mouth!
Print about a man that
always worked hard,
always tried to
raise his boys proper
only she wouldn't let him.
In one minute, I'll
smack your teeth in.
Kate.
Kate, they'll all end up like
this if we don't stop them.
Fellas, what happened?
I wanted to be a good
father, and be proud of you.
A guy's got a right to
be proud of four sons.
I'm proud of you.
I'm proud of you.
I mean this.
So help me, I mean
this. I'll... I'll walk out.
I'll walk out on
the bunch of you.
Unless there's a change.
From now on, there's
gotta be a change.
You fellas, you... You're gonna
get yourself respectable jobs
and toe the line.
Help me, Kate.
Right here, at poor
Herman's grave...
(sniffs)
make them promise.
What, to turn into a bunch
of spineless nobodies?
Okay, Kate.
Okay, boys.
(cries)
Mrs. Barker, I was
a friend of Herman's.
And I...
You go away, you. You get away.
Where's your sense of decency?
Nobody asked you or anybody else
to come barging
in on our family.
Leave us alone in our grief,
you no-good, dirty little tramp!
(cries)
Take it easy, Ma.
Don't worry, Ma.
We'll get along without Pa.
Sure. Good riddance.
We're gonna be okay.
We'll be just jim-dandy.
Well, you see, nothing's
gonna get this family down.
Not so long as we
all stick together,
and keep on loving each
other like the golden rule says.
Just me and my boys.
My fine, wonderful boys.
Outsiders not allowed!
Outsiders keep away, you hear?
Now.
Now it's just the four of
us against the whole world.
ANNOUNCER: And now,
back to The Untouchables.
NARRATOR: Ma Barker masterminded
her boys life of crime
over the next few years.
Bank robberies
were their specialty.
May I help you, ma'am?
Oh, thanks, uh, I just stopped
in to get a $5 bill changed.
( dramatic theme playing)
Well, at least none of
you are the worse for wear.
Which one killed the guard?
I did, Ma.
Why'd you have to?
Well, he blocked that side door.
I told you not to
use that side door.
I drew a map especially.
You got panicky, didn't you?
Thou shalt not kill.
The Good Book
says thou shalt not kill.
My boys never murdered anyone.
I'm sorry, Ma.
He didn't mean to Ma.
There's a seven-state
alarm out, Ma.
We gotta find a hideout.
Help us. Please
stick with us, Ma.
You know I'll stick.
Only you got to show
some improvement.
I want my boys to be the
best, you understand? The best.
No more blundering.
No more falling down.
Now, here's how you
should have done it.
Main Street here.
Bank here.
Now, if you'd come
out the front way,
like we rehearsed it,
quietly, not running,
cross the street, walk
straight through that drugstore
to this door here,
which I carefully
checked for you,
you would have been
clean into the next block
long before that
bank alarm went off.
Now, listen close.
The three of you's gotta
think and act like you was one.
I want you to be smart
and fast, and perfect.
Freddy, I want you always in
the car with the motor running.
You're gonna wear sneakers,
make things quicker, faster.
And the next time I draw a
map, it's gonna be in code.
And you're all
gonna memorize it.
We're gonna start
moving fast and big.
And I want my boys prepared.
( dramatic theme playing)
NARRATOR: Starting
in December, 1931,
the country was electrified
by a series of amazing crimes.
A new gang was at work moving
so swiftly over such wide areas
that federal and local
agencies were baffled.
The bloody trail jumped from
Oklahoma up to Minnesota,
then down to Kansas,
up again to the Dakotas,
then over to Illinois
with no clues.
Then one day a
quiet, tired little man
walked into Eliot
Ness' office in Chicago.
For seven years, Pa Barker
had gone his own way:
decent, law-abiding.
Horrified, he had read
about the growing crimes.
He knew who was behind them.
Friends had written him
from St. Paul, Minnesota,
and had recognized the
woman who rented the house
at 1274 South Robert Street.
Hundreds of false leads
poured into federal
and other agencies.
This too, might be
a wild goose chase.
But Eliot Ness couldn't
afford to overlook any clue,
no matter how small.
At 1274 South
Robert Street, St. Paul,
it was like old times.
The brothers were gathered
to celebrate Doc
Barker's birthday.
Doc, I'm going to get
your birthday present.
Lloyd, Freddy?
Where did Doc dig her up?
Oh, she works at one of
the clubs here in St. Paul, Ma.
Yeah, she's a hatcheck girl, Ma.
Yeah. She looks like
she's been around.
I knitted this for
Doc's birthday.
It kept me busy the last
time you were off on a job.
That's pretty, Ma. Yeah.
He knows we never ask
outsiders to the family parties.
(girl giggling)
Now.
All right, you can take
that back where you got it,
or else give it to
another boyfriend.
DOC: Ma. I don't
like her. She's cheap.
Don't ask me to
like her. Ma, stop it.
Don't bring your easy
pickups around here.
I don't want them
brought into my house.
(doorbell buzzes)
He's holding
something in his hand.
He could be a cop or a G-man.
Each of you go to the
hiding places I picked. Quick.
Can we trust you? Sure, you can.
Well, I'll feed you the
lines. You just play along.
Okay.
Mrs. Oliver? Uh, Olivier.
My husband was
of French descent.
Yes, well, it's about the, uh...
The new bus line here,
ma'am, on Robert Street.
I guess you read.
We're collecting 5000
names to keep the city council
from putting it
through. Oh, uh-huh.
And I'm sure you wouldn't want
a nice residential block spoiled.
No, of course not.
Uh, hey, where you going?
Oh, I'd like the
rest of the family
to sign the petition, ma'am.
Oh, I'll get my
daughter to sign it.
MA: Eloise?
Here's my daughter now.
Just sign here, honey.
NESS: Nobody else?
No, uh... No men folk?
Oh, no. We're all alone.
Well, I'm much obliged.
Every little bit helps.
Boy, we sure fooled him,
didn't we, Mrs. Barker?
Don't be stupid.
Doc, Lloyd, Freddy?
Pack up your stuff.
We're getting out of here.
That guy was snooping
around for something.
How we fixed for gas, Freddy?
Tank's all filled, Ma. Oh, good.
What about me, Mrs. Barker?
Say goodbye to Doc
and get the hell out.
What does she
mean, "Get out," Doc?
I thought we were
gonna get married.
Now, don't worry, honey.
You'll hear from me.
I'll send for you.
It's the Barkers all
right. Daughter, my foot.
Look how she spelled Olivier.
That doesn't prove the
boys are hiding there.
I smelled cigar smoke
in the dining room.
We better move fast.
Get over to police
headquarters, and get local help.
I'll stay here and keep
the house covered.
(engine starts)
Get a move on.
Let's go, Doc, honey.
Let's go.
(tires screech)
NARRATOR: After
escaping Eliot Ness' trap,
the Barkers pulled off the
largest kidnapping in history
up to that date.
Two hundred thousand
dollars for a St. Paul millionaire.
Boys. Ma.
Hi, Ma. No complaints this time.
Oh! Oh, I'm so
doggoned proud, I...
Well, I can't hardly talk.
(all laugh)
Hey, come on.
Let's start the party.
Let's go. Ma, I
got a real surprise
for you outside. Listen,
watch that celebrating.
Early tomorrow we check out.
What?
Heat's on. Really on.
I got to rent us a
hideout somewhere.
Where, Ma?
Oh, Florida maybe.
We better lie low for
a couple of months.
Well, Florida's good for
honeymooners, ain't it?
What does that
remark mean, Arthur?
Now, you remember Eloise.
I'm bringing her with me, Ma.
Yeah?
Doc, she don't belong with us.
But we're in love, Mrs. Barker.
Why, you no-good
little... DOC: Ma!
You ain't got no call to
make remarks like that.
Why, no girl would suit you.
You want them handcuffed to you.
Why, you're
jealous. Just jealous.
We're sticking
together. No outsiders.
I warned you she'd
toss a monkey wrench.
Elly.
Listen, you make up your
mind right now, mama's boy.
Which one is it gonna be?
I'm pulling out, Ma.
We're going to Chicago.
I've taking my fair
share and vamoosing.
Don't be a sucker, baby.
Doc, you don't dare.
He's breaking out.
He's breaking out of Alcatraz.
Stick up for me, Doc.
I can't help what
outsiders think.
They don't know.
Ever since you was little
kids, you and your bothers,
so wild, so... So different.
You've needed my
strength and willpower
to keep you out of trouble.
Doc, you mustn't walk away
from the strength
I'm handing you.
When he was 6 years
old, he had meningitis.
They said he couldn't
live through the night.
You don't even remember.
I sat all night,
squeezing your hand,
pressing the aliveness
of me into you.
Doc, don't you listen to her.
I've had a lot of folks say I'm
cold-blooded, without heart.
I guess I ain't shown
much heart to most people.
It's because it's been
so chock-full of the love
I got for you boys.
Doc. Doc!
(car doors slam)
Leave her and come
to Florida with us.
Doc!
Doc, we swore at Herman's
grave to stick together,
to love one another.
Doc.
( dramatic theme playing)
NARRATOR: While Ma Barker
and two of her boys
were lying low in Florida,
the drama shifted
to a rooming house
over a thousand
miles away in Chicago.
The son who had broken
away was also hiding out,
restless and frightened.
For weeks, Doc and
Eloise had been hiding out
at 1187 State Street.
ELOISE: Doc, I'm hungry.
Who isn't hungry?
I haven't got any money.
You've got plenty of money.
Two bucks.
The ransom in the bureau
drawer remained untouched.
But they needed
money for groceries.
Ma wasn't there to
do his thinking for him.
And for once, Doc
was on his own.
And on his own,
he pulled a boner.
Serial numbers of the bills
from the St. Paul kidnapping
were listed with all merchants.
The owner of the
grocery store in Chicago
where the bill was spent
contacted Eliot Ness' office.
Now, Ness had a lead.
One of the Barkers
was in Chicago.
Step two: how to get to it?
Ness played a
hunch that Pa Barker
could give them some family tip,
one that might pay off.
He sent his men
to visit Pa Barker
at his garage in
Joplin, Missouri.
Pa said that whenever the
boys were away from home,
Ma always sent
them a cake by mail.
Pa remembered that next
week was Doc's birthday.
And Eliot Ness
played a 3-to-1 shot
that it was Doc who had
broken away from the gang.
Memo to U.S. postmasters,
all Chicago postal substations.
Personnel at General
Delivery windows
are requested to observe closely
for a man calling
for a small package
within next week or so,
answering to photo
and description
of Arthur "Doc" Barker,
FBI fugitive flysheet K-7765
on display at your station.
Lloyd, honey.
The name is Clarence
Tillman, isn't it?
What name, Ma?
The name Doc always uses in
general delivery from Chicago.
Ma, what are you doing?
Now... Now, don't scold me.
Fred. Hey, Fred.
Yeah, Lloyd?
Look.
Ma, we asked you not to.
It's a crazy risk, Ma. Nobody
knows we're in Florida.
I know. I... I
just can't help it.
I... I can't sleep
nights thinking of him
maybe pining away for
a loving remembrance.
Ma, Doc ain't pining.
Him and that girl are waiting
to live high, wide and handsome
on that extra dough
they swiped from us.
Yeah, the lousy rat.
Don't you ever dare say
that again as long as you live.
Okay, Ma. We know
Doc is your favorite.
But you gotta face facts.
Lloyd and me, we don't trust
Doc knowing this location, Ma.
What did you say?
Lloyd, Freddy, your brother
would never let us down...
Ma, okay. You send it to
him, but no return address.
I'll take it over
to Gainesville.
Okay. I'm just gonna put
in this picture postcard.
Now, no... No
writing or anything.
Just... Just this picture.
"Greetings from
Oklawaha, Florida."
No, Ma.
Leave it out, Ma.
I'm telling you, leave it out.
Okay.
NARRATOR: Eliot
Ness' 3-to-1 shot
was beginning to pay off.
Doc had sent Eloise
to the post office
to inquire about his cake,
which he always got
from Ma on his birthday.
Well?
Well, what?
Are they holding a package?
For Tillman, somebody
by the name of Tillman.
Yes or no?
Yes, it's there.
Doc, please.
Doc, be reasonable.
A blind man can spot
you from that description.
Doc, please.
Doc, it's not worth it,
not for a lousy,
stale birthday cake.
So it's your birthday. So what?
(door opens, closes)
You got a package for Tillman?
You fill out this form, please.
There you are.
I don't want none.
Oh, baby.
Eat it yourself. Choke on it.
Ever hear of a place
called Oklawaha?
(gunshot)
(screams)
Happy birthday, Doc.
NARRATOR: The
timetable was brief.
January 8th, 1935,
Doc Barker was
picked up in Chicago.
January 16th, 1 p.m.
The Untouchables were
ready for their final push
in tie battle of Oklawaha.
(machine-gun fire)
(gunshots)
Yeah, we'll rally
around the flag, boys.
We'll rally once again.
(machine-gun fire)
(laughs)
They can't hit the
side of a barn anymore.
They're plumb tuckered out.
We're too much for them.
(machine-gun fire)
We're the Barkers.
You'd better get out the Army,
the Navy and the Marines...
What's the matter, Ma?
I thought I... I saw your
brother, Doc, out there.
You're crazy, Ma.
Standing way off
by those palm trees.
Look, if he's out here,
they'd have had to
catch him in Chicago.
How else would he get here?
Now... Now, Ma... Ma,
you're seeing things.
No. No, she's right. He
is out there. I saw him too.
Ma.
He's the one that turned us in.
It had to be him.
Look, it... It had to be
him that tipped them off
about this hideout.
Don't you think
such dirty thoughts.
We're suckers.
I'm getting out of
here. How about you?
Lloyd, you come back.
Now, you listen to me.
Doc would never rat
on us. He loves us.
We're his own flesh and blood.
Now, quit being cowards.
I raised you boys to
be brave, not cowards.
Stop him, Freddy.
(gunshots)
Lloyd, honey, try to understand.
We... We gotta stick together.
Nothing can happen if
we just stick together.
Doc's back to help us.
We... We can't lose now, Lloyd.
(gunshots)
Lloyd.
(gunshots)
(machine-gun fire)
Now that we flew you
down here, it's up to you.
We don't go in for
needless bloodshed.
(machine-gun fire)
Hold up a minute!
Hey, Freddy. Come
quick. Doc's joining us.
Doc.
Doc, you got away,
you're back with us.
Oh, come inside
quickly, my darling.
Come inside. We need you.
Ma, you don't stand a chance.
Oh, sure we do now
that you're back with us.
Freddy. Doc escaped.
Imagine, he busted
away from the feds
and he's here to help us.
Stand out of my way, Ma.
He's working for them now.
No, Fred, no.
Tell her.
Tell her how you sent them here.
No, it was that bank killing.
They said they'd reduce
the charge on that if...
No!
You murderer.
Scum.
Well, make it a real
good birthday present, Ma.
Give it to me in the back.
(machine-gun fire)
(gunshots)
(church hymnal music playing)
NARRATOR: One-twenty p.m.,
January 16th, 1935,
after more than six
hours, the battle was over.
They found Ma Barker's
body in the parlor.
The debris of the
battle all around her.
They found Fred Barker nearby.
And in the sunroom
was Lloyd barker.
The apron strings she had
tied to them were finally untied
and the case of Ma Barker
and her boys was at an end.
( dramatic theme playing)
( suspenseful theme playing)
out. We don't want any trouble.
We're the Barkers.
You're never gonna get us!
(gunfire)
( suspenseful theme playing)
( announcer reading)
ANNOUNCER: Tonight's episode:
Starring Robert Stack.
With special guest star,
Claire Trevor as Ma Barker.
( suspenseful theme playing)
NARRATOR: One of
the most astonishing
episodes in the annals
of American crime
took place on
January 16th, 1935.
It began at 7 a.m. on a
warm sunny Florida morning.
Thanks for the use
of your phone, ma'am.
Bill, pass this word
to the other boys,
especially to the local
cops and state troopers.
These people are killers.
If they start shooting,
then we shoot to kill.
Right. You're making
a terrible mistake.
Lady, those people are
wanted for everything
from bank robbery and kidnapping
to cold-blooded
first-degree murder.
You've read about the Ma
Barker mob, haven't you?
Well, their name's
Clark not Barker.
It's easy to rent a place
under an assumed name.
But Mrs. Clark goes to
church with me on Sunday's.
She's the most dangerous
woman in the U.S. today.
( suspenseful theme playing)
NARRATOR: In a
combined operation,
Eliot Ness and his agents
joined with the state
troopers and local police
in a surprise visit near the
town of Oklawaha, Florida.
What followed made front page
headlines throughout the world.
Morning, Ma.
Lloyd.
(screams): Lloyd Barker.
You quit teasing me
now. I'll burn myself.
Them doughnuts smell great.
Thought you'd like them.
Freddy? Breakfast.
Why didn't Fred wake me? I
was gonna go fishing with him.
Do you good to
be lazy. All of us.
We needed this vacation.
Hey, doughnuts.
Hey, Lloyd, we
ought to set Ma up
in the restaurant
business, huh? Yeah.
We're doing all right
in the business we're in.
I wouldn't want
things any different.
(chuckles)
(hums)
Ma, you still got the voice.
Better when you sung in
the choir back in Tulsa, Ma.
(giggles)
ALL: ♪ While I draw ♪
♪ This fleeting breath ♪
♪ When my eyelids
close In death ♪
♪ See thee on... ♪
NESS: Fred Barker, Lloyd Barker.
Come out. All three of you.
The house is surrounded.
Come out in single file
with your hands raised.
This is Eliot Ness. Come on
out. We don't want any trouble.
Well, boys, it's... He's
finally come to pass.
I guess we know what to do.
Boys, take your posts.
Lloyd, cover the road.
Freddy, upstairs bedroom.
LLOYD: Ma, let me
have a vest, huh?
Mwah. Keep your chin up, Mom.
We're with you all
the way, Ma. Mwah.
Come on out. We
don't want any trouble.
We're Barkers.
You'll never get us.
(machine-gun fire)
NARRATOR: Eliot Ness' raiding
party was drawn into a battle
that firsthand observers said
looked like full-scale warfare.
It was to last for
more than six hours.
Come on. I've always figured
things out for you, haven't I?
Check that back door.
Yes, Ma.
(machine-gun fire)
♪ When I soar to... ♪
NARRATOR: The woman
who began that battle,
Mrs. Kate Clark Barker,
better known as Ma Barker,
was like a wild animal,
a demented fury.
But there had been
a time in years past
when she was very different,
when she took her place among
respected churchgoing ladies
of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
♪ When my eyelids
close In death ♪
♪ When I soar To
worlds unknown ♪
♪ See thee on My
judgment throne ♪
♪ Rock of Ages Cleft for me ♪
♪ Let me hide myself in thee ♪
♪ Amen ♪
I think that's gonna sound
real good on Sunday.
I hope it does.
Oh, that was just
lovely, Mrs. Barker.
You came through beautifully.
WOMAN: You were
just wonderful, dear.
Ladies, I've never
heard you better.
Oh, thank you, Reverend.
Mrs. Barker, your solo
portion was truly inspiring.
Well, thank you, Reverend.
Oh, Mrs. Barker, uh, may
I talk to you for a minute?
Sure.
It's about those
boys of hers, I'll bet.
And high time too.
Mrs. Barker, you and
your husband are good,
upright members
of the community.
Tell me, why is it
you can't exercise
a little more control
with your boys?
Reverend, I'm getting sick and
tired of everybody in this town
complaining about them.
The Tulsa Police Department
paid me a visit
as their minister.
What? They read me a list
of their recent escapades.
Quite a list, I must say.
Beating up other
youngsters, petty vandalism.
Lies, Reverend. Nothing
but a bunch of lies.
I don't doubt it.
But can't you give them
a little more guidance?
So far, the police have been
more than lenient for your sake,
but they tell me if
there's any more trouble...
I'm not a woman that
nags her family to death.
They're just sowing
their wild oats
like the Good Book says.
And they'll come out of it.
( upbeat theme playing)
Freddy, come on out.
(metal clang)
Kate? You still up?
Told you I can't go to bed
till I finish Doc's
birthday cake.
I bet you forgot about your
son's birthday tomorrow.
You never did remember
with any of them.
Yes, I did. I did so remember.
Kate, it's past midnight.
The four of them have been
out together since suppertime.
Oh, go to bed. Quit worrying.
But they had that look in
their eye when they went out.
You ought to be
ashamed of yourself,
always thinking the worst.
And how do you suppose I feel
when a detective
comes to the factory
and bawls me out
in front of everybody?
"Your oldest son,
Herman," he says to me,
"he's training the whole
kit and caboodle of them
to get sent to reform school."
In front of
everybody, he said it.
There's nothing wrong with
our boys except high spirits.
At least they won't turn out to
be frightened underpaid worms
that everybody is stepping on.
Like some people you could name?
Yeah, George, like
some people I could name.
That's right, George. Quit
worrying and go to bed.
(footsteps)
MA: That you, boys?
What are doing still up, Ma?
Hiya, Ma. Hiya, Ma.
Hi, Ma.
Now, Herman, you
know you shouldn't
keep your brothers out so late.
Oh, gee, I'm sorry, Ma.
Well,
it's awful nice the four of
you being so companionable.
PA: All right, where you been?
Uh, we went to a movie, Pa.
There ain't a movie in
this town lasts till midnight.
They're lying again.
If I had any gumption,
I'd get my razor strap.
Don't be stupid. They'd
wallop the daylights out of you.
(all laugh)
What's in there?
Where'd that come from?
It's none of your business.
No wonder everybody's
down on them
when their own father
keeps insinuating.
Make them show
you what's in that bag.
Well, it's for you, Ma.
It was meant to be a surprise.
Yeah, only Pa messed it up.
What house did
you steal them from?
George!
You heard me. Where'd
you bust in this time?
( dramatic theme playing)
NARRATOR: The
following afternoon,
Ma gave a birthday
party for her favorite son,
whom she had
lovingly nicknamed Doc.
Eighteen years old.
HERMAN: Look at that cake.
LLOYD: Hey, hey, happy birthday.
HERMAN: Oh, Mom,
what a beautiful cake.
FRED: Celebrate
with a great cake.
Hey, come on, Doc,
make us a speech.
Happy Birthday, old buddy.
Come on, blow out the candles.
(knock at door)
I'll get it.
Mrs. Barker.
Last night, the
old Corrigan place
down on 12th Street
was broken into.
MA: Well, how would we know
anything about that?
Well, one of the neighbors
thinks he recognized
your boy's voices.
Uh, wait here a minute,
please, will you, officer?
Patrolman Hinckley says
some stuff was swiped.
Well, for goodness
sake, why tell us about it?
My boys didn't even
leave the house last night.
Well, if you'll swear
to that, Mrs. Barker,
I'll take your word for it.
After all, we're all members
of the same congregation.
Why, of course.
I solemnly swear
that my four boys
were all home last night.
We spent the evening
looking at family photographs.
So help me God.
Folks, I'm sorry
I disturbed you.
Happy birthday, Doc.
ALL: ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday, dear Arthur ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
(gunshots)
NARRATOR: Two
nights after the party,
the Barker boys were
caught looting another store.
Herman's life was
the price they paid.
"The Lord is my
shepherd, I shall not want.
"He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures.
"He leadeth me
beside the still waters.
"He restoreth my soul.
"He leadeth me in
paths of righteousness
"for his name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
"I will fear no evil,
for thou art with me.
"Thy rod and thy
staff, they comfort me.
"Thou preparest
a table before me
"in the presence
of mine enemies.
"Thou annointest
my head with oil,
"my cup runneth over.
"Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me
"all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord, forever."
I am the resurrection
and the life.
He that believeth in me,
though he were
dead, yet shall he live.
And whosoever liveth
and believeth in me,
shall never die.
(whimpering)
(cries)
You let my boy rest!
You. You're the
one that killed him.
That bullet in his heart,
the cops didn't
put it there, you did.
He was a no-good bum.
I'm trying my best to feel
grief and all I can feel is shame.
Print that in your newspaper.
George, shut your mouth!
Print about a man that
always worked hard,
always tried to
raise his boys proper
only she wouldn't let him.
In one minute, I'll
smack your teeth in.
Kate.
Kate, they'll all end up like
this if we don't stop them.
Fellas, what happened?
I wanted to be a good
father, and be proud of you.
A guy's got a right to
be proud of four sons.
I'm proud of you.
I'm proud of you.
I mean this.
So help me, I mean
this. I'll... I'll walk out.
I'll walk out on
the bunch of you.
Unless there's a change.
From now on, there's
gotta be a change.
You fellas, you... You're gonna
get yourself respectable jobs
and toe the line.
Help me, Kate.
Right here, at poor
Herman's grave...
(sniffs)
make them promise.
What, to turn into a bunch
of spineless nobodies?
Okay, Kate.
Okay, boys.
(cries)
Mrs. Barker, I was
a friend of Herman's.
And I...
You go away, you. You get away.
Where's your sense of decency?
Nobody asked you or anybody else
to come barging
in on our family.
Leave us alone in our grief,
you no-good, dirty little tramp!
(cries)
Take it easy, Ma.
Don't worry, Ma.
We'll get along without Pa.
Sure. Good riddance.
We're gonna be okay.
We'll be just jim-dandy.
Well, you see, nothing's
gonna get this family down.
Not so long as we
all stick together,
and keep on loving each
other like the golden rule says.
Just me and my boys.
My fine, wonderful boys.
Outsiders not allowed!
Outsiders keep away, you hear?
Now.
Now it's just the four of
us against the whole world.
ANNOUNCER: And now,
back to The Untouchables.
NARRATOR: Ma Barker masterminded
her boys life of crime
over the next few years.
Bank robberies
were their specialty.
May I help you, ma'am?
Oh, thanks, uh, I just stopped
in to get a $5 bill changed.
( dramatic theme playing)
Well, at least none of
you are the worse for wear.
Which one killed the guard?
I did, Ma.
Why'd you have to?
Well, he blocked that side door.
I told you not to
use that side door.
I drew a map especially.
You got panicky, didn't you?
Thou shalt not kill.
The Good Book
says thou shalt not kill.
My boys never murdered anyone.
I'm sorry, Ma.
He didn't mean to Ma.
There's a seven-state
alarm out, Ma.
We gotta find a hideout.
Help us. Please
stick with us, Ma.
You know I'll stick.
Only you got to show
some improvement.
I want my boys to be the
best, you understand? The best.
No more blundering.
No more falling down.
Now, here's how you
should have done it.
Main Street here.
Bank here.
Now, if you'd come
out the front way,
like we rehearsed it,
quietly, not running,
cross the street, walk
straight through that drugstore
to this door here,
which I carefully
checked for you,
you would have been
clean into the next block
long before that
bank alarm went off.
Now, listen close.
The three of you's gotta
think and act like you was one.
I want you to be smart
and fast, and perfect.
Freddy, I want you always in
the car with the motor running.
You're gonna wear sneakers,
make things quicker, faster.
And the next time I draw a
map, it's gonna be in code.
And you're all
gonna memorize it.
We're gonna start
moving fast and big.
And I want my boys prepared.
( dramatic theme playing)
NARRATOR: Starting
in December, 1931,
the country was electrified
by a series of amazing crimes.
A new gang was at work moving
so swiftly over such wide areas
that federal and local
agencies were baffled.
The bloody trail jumped from
Oklahoma up to Minnesota,
then down to Kansas,
up again to the Dakotas,
then over to Illinois
with no clues.
Then one day a
quiet, tired little man
walked into Eliot
Ness' office in Chicago.
For seven years, Pa Barker
had gone his own way:
decent, law-abiding.
Horrified, he had read
about the growing crimes.
He knew who was behind them.
Friends had written him
from St. Paul, Minnesota,
and had recognized the
woman who rented the house
at 1274 South Robert Street.
Hundreds of false leads
poured into federal
and other agencies.
This too, might be
a wild goose chase.
But Eliot Ness couldn't
afford to overlook any clue,
no matter how small.
At 1274 South
Robert Street, St. Paul,
it was like old times.
The brothers were gathered
to celebrate Doc
Barker's birthday.
Doc, I'm going to get
your birthday present.
Lloyd, Freddy?
Where did Doc dig her up?
Oh, she works at one of
the clubs here in St. Paul, Ma.
Yeah, she's a hatcheck girl, Ma.
Yeah. She looks like
she's been around.
I knitted this for
Doc's birthday.
It kept me busy the last
time you were off on a job.
That's pretty, Ma. Yeah.
He knows we never ask
outsiders to the family parties.
(girl giggling)
Now.
All right, you can take
that back where you got it,
or else give it to
another boyfriend.
DOC: Ma. I don't
like her. She's cheap.
Don't ask me to
like her. Ma, stop it.
Don't bring your easy
pickups around here.
I don't want them
brought into my house.
(doorbell buzzes)
He's holding
something in his hand.
He could be a cop or a G-man.
Each of you go to the
hiding places I picked. Quick.
Can we trust you? Sure, you can.
Well, I'll feed you the
lines. You just play along.
Okay.
Mrs. Oliver? Uh, Olivier.
My husband was
of French descent.
Yes, well, it's about the, uh...
The new bus line here,
ma'am, on Robert Street.
I guess you read.
We're collecting 5000
names to keep the city council
from putting it
through. Oh, uh-huh.
And I'm sure you wouldn't want
a nice residential block spoiled.
No, of course not.
Uh, hey, where you going?
Oh, I'd like the
rest of the family
to sign the petition, ma'am.
Oh, I'll get my
daughter to sign it.
MA: Eloise?
Here's my daughter now.
Just sign here, honey.
NESS: Nobody else?
No, uh... No men folk?
Oh, no. We're all alone.
Well, I'm much obliged.
Every little bit helps.
Boy, we sure fooled him,
didn't we, Mrs. Barker?
Don't be stupid.
Doc, Lloyd, Freddy?
Pack up your stuff.
We're getting out of here.
That guy was snooping
around for something.
How we fixed for gas, Freddy?
Tank's all filled, Ma. Oh, good.
What about me, Mrs. Barker?
Say goodbye to Doc
and get the hell out.
What does she
mean, "Get out," Doc?
I thought we were
gonna get married.
Now, don't worry, honey.
You'll hear from me.
I'll send for you.
It's the Barkers all
right. Daughter, my foot.
Look how she spelled Olivier.
That doesn't prove the
boys are hiding there.
I smelled cigar smoke
in the dining room.
We better move fast.
Get over to police
headquarters, and get local help.
I'll stay here and keep
the house covered.
(engine starts)
Get a move on.
Let's go, Doc, honey.
Let's go.
(tires screech)
NARRATOR: After
escaping Eliot Ness' trap,
the Barkers pulled off the
largest kidnapping in history
up to that date.
Two hundred thousand
dollars for a St. Paul millionaire.
Boys. Ma.
Hi, Ma. No complaints this time.
Oh! Oh, I'm so
doggoned proud, I...
Well, I can't hardly talk.
(all laugh)
Hey, come on.
Let's start the party.
Let's go. Ma, I
got a real surprise
for you outside. Listen,
watch that celebrating.
Early tomorrow we check out.
What?
Heat's on. Really on.
I got to rent us a
hideout somewhere.
Where, Ma?
Oh, Florida maybe.
We better lie low for
a couple of months.
Well, Florida's good for
honeymooners, ain't it?
What does that
remark mean, Arthur?
Now, you remember Eloise.
I'm bringing her with me, Ma.
Yeah?
Doc, she don't belong with us.
But we're in love, Mrs. Barker.
Why, you no-good
little... DOC: Ma!
You ain't got no call to
make remarks like that.
Why, no girl would suit you.
You want them handcuffed to you.
Why, you're
jealous. Just jealous.
We're sticking
together. No outsiders.
I warned you she'd
toss a monkey wrench.
Elly.
Listen, you make up your
mind right now, mama's boy.
Which one is it gonna be?
I'm pulling out, Ma.
We're going to Chicago.
I've taking my fair
share and vamoosing.
Don't be a sucker, baby.
Doc, you don't dare.
He's breaking out.
He's breaking out of Alcatraz.
Stick up for me, Doc.
I can't help what
outsiders think.
They don't know.
Ever since you was little
kids, you and your bothers,
so wild, so... So different.
You've needed my
strength and willpower
to keep you out of trouble.
Doc, you mustn't walk away
from the strength
I'm handing you.
When he was 6 years
old, he had meningitis.
They said he couldn't
live through the night.
You don't even remember.
I sat all night,
squeezing your hand,
pressing the aliveness
of me into you.
Doc, don't you listen to her.
I've had a lot of folks say I'm
cold-blooded, without heart.
I guess I ain't shown
much heart to most people.
It's because it's been
so chock-full of the love
I got for you boys.
Doc. Doc!
(car doors slam)
Leave her and come
to Florida with us.
Doc!
Doc, we swore at Herman's
grave to stick together,
to love one another.
Doc.
( dramatic theme playing)
NARRATOR: While Ma Barker
and two of her boys
were lying low in Florida,
the drama shifted
to a rooming house
over a thousand
miles away in Chicago.
The son who had broken
away was also hiding out,
restless and frightened.
For weeks, Doc and
Eloise had been hiding out
at 1187 State Street.
ELOISE: Doc, I'm hungry.
Who isn't hungry?
I haven't got any money.
You've got plenty of money.
Two bucks.
The ransom in the bureau
drawer remained untouched.
But they needed
money for groceries.
Ma wasn't there to
do his thinking for him.
And for once, Doc
was on his own.
And on his own,
he pulled a boner.
Serial numbers of the bills
from the St. Paul kidnapping
were listed with all merchants.
The owner of the
grocery store in Chicago
where the bill was spent
contacted Eliot Ness' office.
Now, Ness had a lead.
One of the Barkers
was in Chicago.
Step two: how to get to it?
Ness played a
hunch that Pa Barker
could give them some family tip,
one that might pay off.
He sent his men
to visit Pa Barker
at his garage in
Joplin, Missouri.
Pa said that whenever the
boys were away from home,
Ma always sent
them a cake by mail.
Pa remembered that next
week was Doc's birthday.
And Eliot Ness
played a 3-to-1 shot
that it was Doc who had
broken away from the gang.
Memo to U.S. postmasters,
all Chicago postal substations.
Personnel at General
Delivery windows
are requested to observe closely
for a man calling
for a small package
within next week or so,
answering to photo
and description
of Arthur "Doc" Barker,
FBI fugitive flysheet K-7765
on display at your station.
Lloyd, honey.
The name is Clarence
Tillman, isn't it?
What name, Ma?
The name Doc always uses in
general delivery from Chicago.
Ma, what are you doing?
Now... Now, don't scold me.
Fred. Hey, Fred.
Yeah, Lloyd?
Look.
Ma, we asked you not to.
It's a crazy risk, Ma. Nobody
knows we're in Florida.
I know. I... I
just can't help it.
I... I can't sleep
nights thinking of him
maybe pining away for
a loving remembrance.
Ma, Doc ain't pining.
Him and that girl are waiting
to live high, wide and handsome
on that extra dough
they swiped from us.
Yeah, the lousy rat.
Don't you ever dare say
that again as long as you live.
Okay, Ma. We know
Doc is your favorite.
But you gotta face facts.
Lloyd and me, we don't trust
Doc knowing this location, Ma.
What did you say?
Lloyd, Freddy, your brother
would never let us down...
Ma, okay. You send it to
him, but no return address.
I'll take it over
to Gainesville.
Okay. I'm just gonna put
in this picture postcard.
Now, no... No
writing or anything.
Just... Just this picture.
"Greetings from
Oklawaha, Florida."
No, Ma.
Leave it out, Ma.
I'm telling you, leave it out.
Okay.
NARRATOR: Eliot
Ness' 3-to-1 shot
was beginning to pay off.
Doc had sent Eloise
to the post office
to inquire about his cake,
which he always got
from Ma on his birthday.
Well?
Well, what?
Are they holding a package?
For Tillman, somebody
by the name of Tillman.
Yes or no?
Yes, it's there.
Doc, please.
Doc, be reasonable.
A blind man can spot
you from that description.
Doc, please.
Doc, it's not worth it,
not for a lousy,
stale birthday cake.
So it's your birthday. So what?
(door opens, closes)
You got a package for Tillman?
You fill out this form, please.
There you are.
I don't want none.
Oh, baby.
Eat it yourself. Choke on it.
Ever hear of a place
called Oklawaha?
(gunshot)
(screams)
Happy birthday, Doc.
NARRATOR: The
timetable was brief.
January 8th, 1935,
Doc Barker was
picked up in Chicago.
January 16th, 1 p.m.
The Untouchables were
ready for their final push
in tie battle of Oklawaha.
(machine-gun fire)
(gunshots)
Yeah, we'll rally
around the flag, boys.
We'll rally once again.
(machine-gun fire)
(laughs)
They can't hit the
side of a barn anymore.
They're plumb tuckered out.
We're too much for them.
(machine-gun fire)
We're the Barkers.
You'd better get out the Army,
the Navy and the Marines...
What's the matter, Ma?
I thought I... I saw your
brother, Doc, out there.
You're crazy, Ma.
Standing way off
by those palm trees.
Look, if he's out here,
they'd have had to
catch him in Chicago.
How else would he get here?
Now... Now, Ma... Ma,
you're seeing things.
No. No, she's right. He
is out there. I saw him too.
Ma.
He's the one that turned us in.
It had to be him.
Look, it... It had to be
him that tipped them off
about this hideout.
Don't you think
such dirty thoughts.
We're suckers.
I'm getting out of
here. How about you?
Lloyd, you come back.
Now, you listen to me.
Doc would never rat
on us. He loves us.
We're his own flesh and blood.
Now, quit being cowards.
I raised you boys to
be brave, not cowards.
Stop him, Freddy.
(gunshots)
Lloyd, honey, try to understand.
We... We gotta stick together.
Nothing can happen if
we just stick together.
Doc's back to help us.
We... We can't lose now, Lloyd.
(gunshots)
Lloyd.
(gunshots)
(machine-gun fire)
Now that we flew you
down here, it's up to you.
We don't go in for
needless bloodshed.
(machine-gun fire)
Hold up a minute!
Hey, Freddy. Come
quick. Doc's joining us.
Doc.
Doc, you got away,
you're back with us.
Oh, come inside
quickly, my darling.
Come inside. We need you.
Ma, you don't stand a chance.
Oh, sure we do now
that you're back with us.
Freddy. Doc escaped.
Imagine, he busted
away from the feds
and he's here to help us.
Stand out of my way, Ma.
He's working for them now.
No, Fred, no.
Tell her.
Tell her how you sent them here.
No, it was that bank killing.
They said they'd reduce
the charge on that if...
No!
You murderer.
Scum.
Well, make it a real
good birthday present, Ma.
Give it to me in the back.
(machine-gun fire)
(gunshots)
(church hymnal music playing)
NARRATOR: One-twenty p.m.,
January 16th, 1935,
after more than six
hours, the battle was over.
They found Ma Barker's
body in the parlor.
The debris of the
battle all around her.
They found Fred Barker nearby.
And in the sunroom
was Lloyd barker.
The apron strings she had
tied to them were finally untied
and the case of Ma Barker
and her boys was at an end.
( dramatic theme playing)
( suspenseful theme playing)