Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958–1961): Season 1, Episode 29 - Double Fee - full transcript
Josh uncovers an unconventional kidnapping plot when he signs on to rescue the ransomed sister of a famous singer.
- Anybody here?
- Just a minute.
- Howdy.
- Howdy.
I'm looking for Miss Stella Winter.
Yes, she said you was coming in.
That's her dressing room.
Much obliged.
Mr. Randall? In here.
Do you know who I am?
Stella Winter. Toast of Europe
and a great opera star of our time.
You read the newspapers.
I had a seat Friday night.
For a man of your background,
that's very gratifying.
My mother played a little piano.
Bach, Chopin...
Seeing your performance
was a great experience for me.
- It's an honor to meet you.
- You're very kind.
I'm afraid I don't deserve
your admiration.
I'm a shamelessly foolish woman,
Mr. Randall.
All this acclaim.
I expected it to protect me from
the dangers of the American frontier.
Denver is not exactly a frontier.
Not these days.
Perhaps not to you.
It's very different from England.
Forgive me,
I'm under a dreadful strain.
This note was delivered
to my hotel today.
It's the most terrifying thing
that's ever happened to me.
I need your help.
And unless I get it...
DOUBLE FEE
I guess you don't need this.
They told me you were honest
but I had to find out for myself.
You took a chance. I might have
left with those diamonds.
You wouldn't have gotten
past the door.
- That's not a stage prop.
- This is not a play.
Read this and you'll see.
You don't need me.
There's a sheriff in town.
It says if I go to the law
my sister will be killed.
Well, if your sister's worth $5000,
I'd pay them.
She's worth every dollar I can raise!
Now will you follow my instructions?
Miss Winter,
your English accent's gone.
Don't be impudent,
you'll get your face slapped.
I'm sorry.
Alright, I'm not British.
My sister and I come from Nashville.
From Front Street,
if you must know the truth.
"I hear your sister Amy Winter
has been missing for several days.
"I know where she is. I regret
to say her position is precarious.
"However, for the sum of $5000
I would take the necessary risk
"to affect her release."
Nice way to say he kidnapped her.
Very subtle.
Do you know this Mason?
- How long has your sister been gone?
- Since Saturday night.
I left here and went directly home.
The maid said that she'd gone out.
- Who with?
- Apparently alone.
She hadn't come back on Sunday
and I haven't seen her since.
Any idea where she might have gone?
No, I haven't.
I kept thinking she'd come back.
- Was there any trouble between you?
- No.
- Any men?
- None.
Miss Winter, if you want my help,
you've got to tell me the truth.
It's the truth.
Good enough.
This says the money is to paid
tomorrow night at ten in Sugar Creek.
I have the money.
Will you make it in time?
I'll make it my business to.
What worries me is, it doesn't say
where or when Amy is to be released.
"Follow these instructions and she
will be returned in due course."
"Due course"?
Not good enough.
I'll see if I can't improve on it.
Goodbye.
- Mr. Mason?
- That's right.
- Got the money?
- I wanna see Amy Winter.
Have you got the money?
Not this instant.
- Where is it?
- Where I can get it when I need it.
- I'll give you 10 minutes.
- I wanna see Amy Winter first.
That isn't the way it works.
Turn over the money, go to the hotel
and stay there.
If the money's right
you'll get word where to find her.
If you want $5000,
it's gonna be my way.
I understand your position.
I'm following instructions.
I'm just a go-between,
I didn't kidnap her.
Who did?
Who are you?
I'm Josh Randall.
- I'm impressed.
- Who's got the girl?
The gentleman in question
wishes to remain anonymous.
To make the transaction I want
Miss Winter and him here in one hour.
That's not possible.
Alright, two hours.
It's not up to me,
I'm just a go-between.
Who gave you the job?
Mister, I'm trying to be of help.
I won't stand abuse from you!
So take my advice.
Follow the instructions
or you'll never see her again.
I'd better see her.
Tell that to your boss.
Two hours. And Miss Winter
had better be fit to serve tea.
So I says, "Build a new sluice box
and use the old one for a bath tub!"
"Ten Thousand Cattle".
"Ten Thousand Cattle" everybody!
- What's the piano player drinking?
- Champagne.
- Champagne?
- He's a Frenchman.
- Well, I'll take a bottle.
- Comes high. $2.
You only live once.
Sometimes even that isn't a bargain.
There you go.
You can have one on me.
Don't mind if we do!
Come on, honey.
- You are very generous, monsieur.
- Very nice.
Very charmant. Très joli.
- Henri's learning me French.
- Might as well.
You never did do much good
with English!
- Here's to Mr...
- Henri Gaspard.
To Mr. Gaspard,
who plays a fine piano.
Pardonnez-moi.
My employer grows impatient.
- You gonna be around long?
- I don't think so.
Don't suppose you know any Chopin?
Some.
- Etude in C?
- I know it.
My favorite is that E flat Nocturne.
- What did you say your name was?
- Randall.
I like to play it very slow.
What do you think you're doing?
I asked him to play it.
He'll empty the house! These shovel
pushers won't sit still for that.
Better get used to it,
you've got an opera coming.
An opera? In Sugar Creek?
Mister, you're wrong.
What's that opera star's sister
doing here?
- What are you talking about?
- Saw her a few minutes ago.
- Boarded a stage for Denver.
- Who?
Amy Winter, Stella Winter's sister.
A waiter pointed her out to me
in a restaurant last Tuesday.
Just remember, Hank,
you're getting paid to play
what they like. Now get to it!
I'm sorry.
You're leaving, honey?
What are you drinking?
Nothing, thanks.
If he asks,
I will return very shortly.
Alright.
Don't forget my French lesson.
I'm not gonna let you cut me out!
Amy Winter?
What is it you want here?
- Your sister sent me.
- Why?
She thinks you've been kidnapped.
By him.
I saw you with Mason.
Yes, in the saloon.
Mason? He asked me if I wanted
to make some easy money.
I said no.
You're sure trying hard.
Kidnap the easy way. Run away with
the girl and send a ransom note.
All the time
she's all wrapped up here.
- Amy, I refuse to stand for this!
- Henri...
You say my sister sent you?
Go back and tell her this won't work!
On the way out, look at the sign
on the door and tell her about it.
When Henri gets enough money,
we're getting married. Tell her that!
Look, to me this is just a job.
I know men like him and he has
no intention of marrying you.
Henri!
What's he done to you?
Let go of me!
- I'm sorry, lady.
- You've killed him!
Afraid not.
When he wakes up, we'll be gone.
I'm not going.
- He only wanted the money.
- I don't believe that.
He made a fool out of you
and you weren't the only one.
If I let you go,
you'll sit down and be quiet?
He loves me. I know that.
We'll head for Denver tomorrow
and you can tell your sister.
I don't want to tell my sister!
I don't want to be Stella Winter's
little sister all my life!
She went to a lot of trouble
to help you out.
You don't know what it's been like.
Better than Front Street.
How do you know?
What good is it to meet
the cream of society
when I'm supposed to keep my mouth
shut like a stick of furniture?
Anyone can write a ransom note.
Listen. I met Mason at ten o'clock.
Then he went off to meet
your boyfriend.
Henri?
Yeah. Henri.
He loves me.
He meant every word he said.
Let's settle this once and for all.
Alright, hold out your hand.
2500...
I do not comprehend.
I told Mason I'd pay off
when I got Miss Winter back.
And 2500, that makes 5000.
You didn't have to try to kill me,
I'd have paid off.
Chérie. I do not know what to say.
But with this money...
The stage leaves at 9 o'clock.
I'll pick you up at 8.30.
Did you find Mason?
I think he's cleared out too.
Then he was Henri's partner.
Just a public-minded citizen who
heard your sister was looking for you
and tried to get rich easily.
- So Mason sent the ransom note?
- Possible.
Then Henri didn't kidnap me.
Possible too.
But he took the money.
Mr. Randall, I was upset last night.
I said a lot of things...
Stella's been very good to me really.
I know.
She warned me to stay away
from Henri.
What am I going to say to her now?
Come on. Time to get aboard.
Would you see who that is?
Amy! Thank heavens.
My poor darling!
It's all my fault.
We're both deeply grateful to you.
It cost you $5000.
Bringing Amy back
is the only thing that matters.
Who was this kidnapper?
Well, you saw him...
- Yes, ma'am.
- What did he look like?
His name was Gaspard.
He and some members
of the old Hennessy outfit
had your sister tied and gagged
in a tool shed near Sugar Creek.
Amy, it must have been horrible!
It's over now,
I'd rather not talk about it.
Of course.
How can we thank you?
A cheque would do.
- On stage, Miss Winter!
- Just a moment...
- Can you wait till I'm through?
- Yes, ma'am.
- You'll be here when I get back?
- I will.
That was very kind of you.
Why did you do it?
Oh, a lot of reasons.
Thanks.
Gaspard was an idiot.
I almost was.
Subtitles by Teletota
- Just a minute.
- Howdy.
- Howdy.
I'm looking for Miss Stella Winter.
Yes, she said you was coming in.
That's her dressing room.
Much obliged.
Mr. Randall? In here.
Do you know who I am?
Stella Winter. Toast of Europe
and a great opera star of our time.
You read the newspapers.
I had a seat Friday night.
For a man of your background,
that's very gratifying.
My mother played a little piano.
Bach, Chopin...
Seeing your performance
was a great experience for me.
- It's an honor to meet you.
- You're very kind.
I'm afraid I don't deserve
your admiration.
I'm a shamelessly foolish woman,
Mr. Randall.
All this acclaim.
I expected it to protect me from
the dangers of the American frontier.
Denver is not exactly a frontier.
Not these days.
Perhaps not to you.
It's very different from England.
Forgive me,
I'm under a dreadful strain.
This note was delivered
to my hotel today.
It's the most terrifying thing
that's ever happened to me.
I need your help.
And unless I get it...
DOUBLE FEE
I guess you don't need this.
They told me you were honest
but I had to find out for myself.
You took a chance. I might have
left with those diamonds.
You wouldn't have gotten
past the door.
- That's not a stage prop.
- This is not a play.
Read this and you'll see.
You don't need me.
There's a sheriff in town.
It says if I go to the law
my sister will be killed.
Well, if your sister's worth $5000,
I'd pay them.
She's worth every dollar I can raise!
Now will you follow my instructions?
Miss Winter,
your English accent's gone.
Don't be impudent,
you'll get your face slapped.
I'm sorry.
Alright, I'm not British.
My sister and I come from Nashville.
From Front Street,
if you must know the truth.
"I hear your sister Amy Winter
has been missing for several days.
"I know where she is. I regret
to say her position is precarious.
"However, for the sum of $5000
I would take the necessary risk
"to affect her release."
Nice way to say he kidnapped her.
Very subtle.
Do you know this Mason?
- How long has your sister been gone?
- Since Saturday night.
I left here and went directly home.
The maid said that she'd gone out.
- Who with?
- Apparently alone.
She hadn't come back on Sunday
and I haven't seen her since.
Any idea where she might have gone?
No, I haven't.
I kept thinking she'd come back.
- Was there any trouble between you?
- No.
- Any men?
- None.
Miss Winter, if you want my help,
you've got to tell me the truth.
It's the truth.
Good enough.
This says the money is to paid
tomorrow night at ten in Sugar Creek.
I have the money.
Will you make it in time?
I'll make it my business to.
What worries me is, it doesn't say
where or when Amy is to be released.
"Follow these instructions and she
will be returned in due course."
"Due course"?
Not good enough.
I'll see if I can't improve on it.
Goodbye.
- Mr. Mason?
- That's right.
- Got the money?
- I wanna see Amy Winter.
Have you got the money?
Not this instant.
- Where is it?
- Where I can get it when I need it.
- I'll give you 10 minutes.
- I wanna see Amy Winter first.
That isn't the way it works.
Turn over the money, go to the hotel
and stay there.
If the money's right
you'll get word where to find her.
If you want $5000,
it's gonna be my way.
I understand your position.
I'm following instructions.
I'm just a go-between,
I didn't kidnap her.
Who did?
Who are you?
I'm Josh Randall.
- I'm impressed.
- Who's got the girl?
The gentleman in question
wishes to remain anonymous.
To make the transaction I want
Miss Winter and him here in one hour.
That's not possible.
Alright, two hours.
It's not up to me,
I'm just a go-between.
Who gave you the job?
Mister, I'm trying to be of help.
I won't stand abuse from you!
So take my advice.
Follow the instructions
or you'll never see her again.
I'd better see her.
Tell that to your boss.
Two hours. And Miss Winter
had better be fit to serve tea.
So I says, "Build a new sluice box
and use the old one for a bath tub!"
"Ten Thousand Cattle".
"Ten Thousand Cattle" everybody!
- What's the piano player drinking?
- Champagne.
- Champagne?
- He's a Frenchman.
- Well, I'll take a bottle.
- Comes high. $2.
You only live once.
Sometimes even that isn't a bargain.
There you go.
You can have one on me.
Don't mind if we do!
Come on, honey.
- You are very generous, monsieur.
- Very nice.
Very charmant. Très joli.
- Henri's learning me French.
- Might as well.
You never did do much good
with English!
- Here's to Mr...
- Henri Gaspard.
To Mr. Gaspard,
who plays a fine piano.
Pardonnez-moi.
My employer grows impatient.
- You gonna be around long?
- I don't think so.
Don't suppose you know any Chopin?
Some.
- Etude in C?
- I know it.
My favorite is that E flat Nocturne.
- What did you say your name was?
- Randall.
I like to play it very slow.
What do you think you're doing?
I asked him to play it.
He'll empty the house! These shovel
pushers won't sit still for that.
Better get used to it,
you've got an opera coming.
An opera? In Sugar Creek?
Mister, you're wrong.
What's that opera star's sister
doing here?
- What are you talking about?
- Saw her a few minutes ago.
- Boarded a stage for Denver.
- Who?
Amy Winter, Stella Winter's sister.
A waiter pointed her out to me
in a restaurant last Tuesday.
Just remember, Hank,
you're getting paid to play
what they like. Now get to it!
I'm sorry.
You're leaving, honey?
What are you drinking?
Nothing, thanks.
If he asks,
I will return very shortly.
Alright.
Don't forget my French lesson.
I'm not gonna let you cut me out!
Amy Winter?
What is it you want here?
- Your sister sent me.
- Why?
She thinks you've been kidnapped.
By him.
I saw you with Mason.
Yes, in the saloon.
Mason? He asked me if I wanted
to make some easy money.
I said no.
You're sure trying hard.
Kidnap the easy way. Run away with
the girl and send a ransom note.
All the time
she's all wrapped up here.
- Amy, I refuse to stand for this!
- Henri...
You say my sister sent you?
Go back and tell her this won't work!
On the way out, look at the sign
on the door and tell her about it.
When Henri gets enough money,
we're getting married. Tell her that!
Look, to me this is just a job.
I know men like him and he has
no intention of marrying you.
Henri!
What's he done to you?
Let go of me!
- I'm sorry, lady.
- You've killed him!
Afraid not.
When he wakes up, we'll be gone.
I'm not going.
- He only wanted the money.
- I don't believe that.
He made a fool out of you
and you weren't the only one.
If I let you go,
you'll sit down and be quiet?
He loves me. I know that.
We'll head for Denver tomorrow
and you can tell your sister.
I don't want to tell my sister!
I don't want to be Stella Winter's
little sister all my life!
She went to a lot of trouble
to help you out.
You don't know what it's been like.
Better than Front Street.
How do you know?
What good is it to meet
the cream of society
when I'm supposed to keep my mouth
shut like a stick of furniture?
Anyone can write a ransom note.
Listen. I met Mason at ten o'clock.
Then he went off to meet
your boyfriend.
Henri?
Yeah. Henri.
He loves me.
He meant every word he said.
Let's settle this once and for all.
Alright, hold out your hand.
2500...
I do not comprehend.
I told Mason I'd pay off
when I got Miss Winter back.
And 2500, that makes 5000.
You didn't have to try to kill me,
I'd have paid off.
Chérie. I do not know what to say.
But with this money...
The stage leaves at 9 o'clock.
I'll pick you up at 8.30.
Did you find Mason?
I think he's cleared out too.
Then he was Henri's partner.
Just a public-minded citizen who
heard your sister was looking for you
and tried to get rich easily.
- So Mason sent the ransom note?
- Possible.
Then Henri didn't kidnap me.
Possible too.
But he took the money.
Mr. Randall, I was upset last night.
I said a lot of things...
Stella's been very good to me really.
I know.
She warned me to stay away
from Henri.
What am I going to say to her now?
Come on. Time to get aboard.
Would you see who that is?
Amy! Thank heavens.
My poor darling!
It's all my fault.
We're both deeply grateful to you.
It cost you $5000.
Bringing Amy back
is the only thing that matters.
Who was this kidnapper?
Well, you saw him...
- Yes, ma'am.
- What did he look like?
His name was Gaspard.
He and some members
of the old Hennessy outfit
had your sister tied and gagged
in a tool shed near Sugar Creek.
Amy, it must have been horrible!
It's over now,
I'd rather not talk about it.
Of course.
How can we thank you?
A cheque would do.
- On stage, Miss Winter!
- Just a moment...
- Can you wait till I'm through?
- Yes, ma'am.
- You'll be here when I get back?
- I will.
That was very kind of you.
Why did you do it?
Oh, a lot of reasons.
Thanks.
Gaspard was an idiot.
I almost was.
Subtitles by Teletota