01x13 - How to m*rder an Iron Horse

[bunniefuu]

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[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin, Warner Bros. production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr..

...also starring, Philip Abbott..

...Stephen Brooks.

With guest stars, Claude Akins..

...David Macklin..

...Louise Latham.

Tonight's episode

"How To m*rder An Iron Horse."

[instrumental music]

When did this happen, Art?

Yesterday afternoon.

Near Fargo, North Dakota.

Ben Gambriella sent us the wirephoto.

Who, the Roman agent?

That's right. He needs our help.

Extortion.

Extortion?

How did he go about it, sir?

Well, first he blew up a freight train

then he wrote a letter to Willard Oberley.

President of the, uh, Dakota Northwestern Railroad.

Told him he wanted $100,000 in cash

or he'd blow up a passenger train next

like his Tri-State special

complete with passengers.

Art, I thought Gambriella

was with the Mid-Pacific

out of Chicago?

That's right, Lou, he is.

But the Dakota Northwestern

is a wholly owned Mid-Pacific spur line.

'It's just a single-track road'

'but it goes through some of the most rugged country'

you've ever laid your eyes on.

Oberley made a big play

for the hunters and the sportsmen.

Built it up as the most important passenger line

in the entire Mid-Pacific network.

It's his special baby.

What's his position with Mid-Pacific?

Well, he's president of that too.

He flew out from his office in Chicago

just as soon as he got the news.

He's there in Fargo right now with Gambriella.

When does the extortionist want his pay-off?

Monday morning.

That gives us Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hm. What else we got to work with?

Well, you've got the extortion note

and the record from the freight train

and, uh, my best wishes.

We'll call you from Fargo.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[door opens]

[female #1] 'Howdy?'

Darling, what are you doing down here so early?

Good morning, mother.

You haven't been to bed yet, have you?

I'm old enough to stay up late at night, mother.

Oh, of course you are, but you do need your rest.

You're going to be late for work, mother.

I left your breakfast on the table.

You know something, mother?

I hate these trains!

Alright.

Howdy, let's put them up for sale.

For sale?

Oh, but they're my

my inheritance.

My legacy from dear, departed father.

[instrumental music]

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Ben.

Lou, it's good to see you, it's been too long.

Yes, it has. Ben Gambriella, this is Jim Rhodes.

- How do you do, Ben? - Resident agent, Roberts.

- Hello, Roberts. - Well, welcome to Fargo.

- Thank you. - Any new leads?

We don't even have any old leads.

The station's on the other side of town.

Oberley's still there if you wanna talk to him

or would you rather check into the hotel first?

No, let's go right to the station.

I think you'll like Oberley. He's a fighter.

He was a fireman back in the days

when there were still fires to tend.

I've known him since I was a kid

I've worked with him for probably 20 years. Yeah.

Come a long way, president of Mid-Pacific.

Yeah, he's a fine businessman.

But, uh, just among the four of us, he's a lousy diplomat.

That's his flaw.

His board chairman's been trying to oust him

for the last six months, this bombing may be

just the ammunition he needs.

Oh, by the way

here's a photostat of the extortion letter.

'I sent the original to your lab in Washington.'

"Dear Mr. Oberley, I blew up your freight train

"to prove I mean business.

"Now put $100,000

"in fives, tens and twenties into a suitcase

"and put the suitcase aboard the Tri-State Limited

when it leaves Fargo on Monday, April 11th."

What's your departure time, Ben?



"Tell the engineer to look for a sign made out of tapes

somewhere along the roadbed, it will look like this."

That's a map symbol for railroads.

"When he see's it, he'll throw the suitcase off the train

"I will rig a b*mb somewhere

"to be set off by a radio remote control.

"If the suitcase is empty, or if you mark the money

"or call in the police, I promise

"I'll blow up the Tri-State Monday

"and k*ll everyone on it.

"If you do not send the train out

I will b*mb the next one you do send without warning."

Rig a b*mb somewhere? Where, on the tracks?

Or on the train itself.

This could be a rough one.

Bet your life it could.

[instrumental music]

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[coin clinks]

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Mr. Oberley.

It's madness, Ben.

This is Inspector Erskine, Special Agent Rhodes, the FBI.

How do you do?

FBI?

We didn't ask the FBI to come in on this.

Well, sir, I just assumed you'd want them.

I see.

Uh, with your cooperation, sir, I think we can help you.

Inspector, the man could not have made himself more clear.

No interference, no marked bills.

'Now, I, I talked with my board of directors'

before I left Chicago.

We can't possibly run the risk of having something like this

happen to one of our passenger trains.

We're going to follow the instructions in the note

and we're going to follow them exactly.

Well, sir, that's up to you of course

but how can you be sure the extortionist

will keep his end of the bargain?

Well, why shouldn't he?

Why should he, Mr. Oberley?

Suppose, this is the way he gets his kicks.

Once he's got the money, what's to prevent him

from doing the same thing all over again?

Well, I, I suppose that's the chance we'll have to take

isn't it?

Inspector, how would the FBI handle this

if the railroad does go along with it?

We would put men on the train along the tracks.

No. No, suppose he found out?

Suppose he's an employee of the road.

No, I..

I'm gonna give the maniac what he wants

I'll put an end to this, this nightmare.

You trust a maniac, Mr. Oberley?

[instrumental music]

Alright. Go ahead.

I'm not here to change your mind, sir.

I changed my own mind. It's my responsibility.

Help us if you can.

[instrumental music]

It's all here on film, every inch of the track

between Fargo and Gillette, Wyoming.

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[clicks]

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Uh, Ivana, get me Inspector Erskine

Fargo, North Dakota.

Here are those names you wanted, inspector.

Railroad employees that have been fired recently

people that might have a grudge against Oberley or his railroad.

They're all being checked out right now.

Roberts, look at these drawings.

Uh, diagrams of the expl*si*n pattern.

All the lines seem to radiate from this point.

An empty gondola car somewhere in the middle of the train.

[telephone rings]

- Roberts. - Inspector Erskine, please?

Oh, yeah, he's right here.

Examine the route, look for high points

any place a man might stand

to toss a b*mb into a passing train.

Erskine.

Document examination, inspector.

About that extortion letter

we've got the make and model of the typewriter.

Good, good. Hold on a minute.

You take this information, find out who distributes

the typewriter in this area, let's get a sales history

on every machine they've sold, I'm going to the movies.

"Movies?"

[instrumental music]

That's enough.

Well, we've only seen it four times

I was just beginning to enjoy it.

Well, a thousand places you can put that tape..

Yeah, one blink of the eye, we miss it.

Ben, there's a Tri-State around tomorrow?

Every day, 9:20.

I'd like you to post a sign

somewhere between Fargo and Gillette, Wyoming.

To try a test run.

I'll be in the cab of the diesel

Jim will be in the rear with the money.

As soon as I see the sign, I'll alert him

that'll be the signal to throw the money out.

[instrumental music]

What are you doing here?

Just using your typewriter to pick up some extra money

on my lunch hour, do you care?

Howdy, I want to talk to you.

What about?

About selling these trains?

Well, you should have thought of that when dad was alive

maybe he would have had more time to spend with both of us.

Howdy, that's just not fair.

"Not fair?"

Where was he whenever we needed him?

Locked in this lousy room with these trains!

His own private world..

...no visitors allowed.

Do you know that I got walloped with a section of track

just for sneaking in here once?

'It was the only time he ever paid any attention to me'

is when I did something to his lousy trains!

Oh, Howdy, please!

[door slams]

[instrumental music]

- Mr. Erskine? - Right.

Mr. Oberley's office says you're to ride in the cab with us

uh, you all set?

- Uh, we're ready. - What is this?

Some kind of a research project?

Uh, uh, top, top secret assignment.

Alright. Let's go.

[instrumental music]

[train honks]

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[male #1] 'We've given this problem a great deal of thought'

'and voted unanimously to go along'

'with the terms of the extortionist's letter.'

- Roger, listen to me. - But I simply don't understand!

We made a decision in this room, you concurred in it.

- But the circumstances-- - No!

You are hired to run this railroad, not to wreck it.

The man told us to stay away from the police.

We have no reason to assume the man will keep his word

just because we keep ours.

Well, we have no reason to assume that he won't, have we?

Alright. Alright.

I've listened to you, I've listened to this board

now I've listened to the FBI.

Now, I have every reason to believe

that the inspector I talked to

knows more about the way an extortionist thinks

than anyone in this room does, certainly including myself.

And as long as I'm president of this road

I am going to make the final decisions

and I've decided to cooperate fully with the FBI.

Now, if you, if you don't like that

if you disagree, Roger

vote me out of office

if you can.

You are very sure of yourself, Will.

I'm very sure I'm doing the right thing.

Let's hope so.

Because if it isn't the right thing

you will be out

before the smoke of that b*mb clears away..

...and I'm very sure of that.

[train horn blaring]

[train chugging]

[blaring]

Each of these people bought typewriters

from the Black Hills office supply company

during the past five to eight years.

We'll take the names alphabetically.

[instrumental music]

Can I offer you some coffee, Mr. Erskine? Nice and hot.

No, thanks.

Ooh. Sorry.

Oh, my gosh!

You alright, Mr. Erskine?

Lou?

Lou, do you read me?

Yeah, Jim?

What's the matter? You sound funny.

Well, I.. I ju-I just..

I just hit my head a little, I..

I'll be alright.

[horn blaring]

[instrumental music]

Jim, stand by.

- It's coming up! - 'Right.'

[bell ringing]

[instrumental music]

Well, how'd it go?

Busy, Ben. Very, very busy.

Hm.

The engineer said you got hurt, you alright?

Yeah, we passed the test?

Here. I'll show you where I have the signs placed.

- Signs? - Are you sure you're alright?

Yeah.

Ben, is it singular or plural?

Plural. There were three of them.

- Three? - Here, here and here.

I made sure they were all visible from the tracks.

Jim spotted all three of them, Lou.

You got one.

Now the plane's waiting, shall we go?

[instrumental music]

Okay, you're fallible.

Lou, you haven't slept in 48 hours.

You've got one heck of a cut on your head.

Let somebody else ride in the cab.

No, tell Oberley I'll do the job myself.

I can't hand another agent responsibility like that.

I'll be alright.

I'll be alright.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Yeah, this'd be simple.

Man could stand on that rock down there

few feet above the train... lean over..

This is the only vantage point

with access road from the highway.

Let's check on tire treads, footprints.

[instrumental music]

Here's a couple of good ones.

Well, the line lady said they went out of business

about eight months ago.

Used typewriters and all.

Another dead end. Who's next?

Well, after "Byczek," it's "Byren

"and Calloway, Canter, Estiglioni

"Paulier, Conaway, Corelli

Davis, Durrell, Dennis.."

[engine turns over]

[Roberts] 'These tire tracks were off the road near a grove of trees'

about, uh, 15 yards from the vantage point.

I guess..

I guess I'll need to pack 'em in

right away, so we can fly 'em off to Washington.

- And notify the lab. - Yes, sir.

Well, tomorrow's a big day.

Uh, what time is the briefing session, Lou?



I want all the agents here in the office.

How many of those pills have you taken?

You know, Lou, that, that cut on your head

might be more serious than you think.

Now, I'd see a doctor about it if I were you.

I will, if it gets worse.

Quit worrying, will you?

[scoffs] Alright, alright, alright.

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[female #1] 'Howdy?'

I thought I heard you leave.

I-I'd, uh, just went to the store

for some cereal for your breakfast.

What are you doing?

I'm experimenting.

Do you have to cover the windows like that?

Oh, Howdy, this basement--

I have to, yes!

Howard..

Mother, will you please leave me alone?

[instrumental music]

I sounded like dad just then, didn't I?

"Leave me alone, I'm working on my trains."

That's how he used to say it, isn't it?

Well, now I'm saying it.

My trains.

I can do...anything I want with them.

'Anything.'

Howdy, I, uh..

I do have to go now and I'll be late tonight

but I want to talk to you in the morning.

[music continues]

[door opens]

Anything I want.

My trains.

Anything I want!

[dramatic music]

[Lewis] 'By now, all of you must be familiar'

'with the road of the Dakota Northwestern.'

'Tomorrow, somewhere between'

Fargo, North Dakota and Gillette, Wyoming..

...our b*mb-happy friend will post a sign.

He may even try to place the b*mb

on the Tri-State itself.

As a precaution

there'll be men stationed in every car.

Watch for unusual parcels or suspicious passengers.

We'll have...undercover cars

cruising the area adjacent to the tracks

along the entire route.

They'll be in constant radio contact

with our communication center here in Fargo.

There'll be one man in the cab..

'...he should be the first to'

'see the sign wherever it may be.'

He'll signal the man in the rear by walkie-talkie

and the attache case will be thrown out immediately.

'As soon as that's done'

communication center

will be notified

and the anchorman will alert

all personnel to the activated area.

Are there any questions?

Who's anchorman, Lou?

You are.

Roberts and Gambriella will handle the money

and the walkie-talkie..

...I'll be in the cab.

- Any further questions? - No.

That's all.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

I saw the doctor. The headaches are just temporary.

But you still got them.

He, uh, told me you had a mild concussion.

Jim, have you ever ridden in the cab of a diesel?

No, sir.

Well, you will tomorrow.

Now, may I take my pill?

Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

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- Good luck, Jim. - Thanks, Lou.

[Willard] 'Erskine!'

I just got your message.

What's all this about a change in plan?

Who's riding in the cab?

Special Agent Rhodes.

Now when I agreed to this, I naturally assumed

you'd be holding down the key position.

Do you know what's riding on this train?

Your career. My career.

The lives of, heaven only knows, how many passengers.

Well, there won't be any passengers, Mr. Oberley.

Just a skeleton crew

Mr. Gambriella, and the special agents.

What are you talking about?

We can't risk all those lives.

About 10 minutes out of Fargo, the train will stop

passengers will be transferred to buses.

They'll be told there's a rockslide ahead

blocking the tracks.

But the extortionist will see the train's empty.

Oh, he'll see passengers alright

there just won't be people.

Placing cardboard cutouts by the windows.

Of course, the final decision is yours.

You object to the plan or any part of it

you can still call it off.

No, no, it's a good plan.

I only hope and pray it's successful

for the sake of us all.

So do I.

[train horn blares]

[bell ringing]

[instrumental music]

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Well, now that's all you came up with, huh?

Just a second.

"Normal front tires

"oversized tires in the rear.

Possibly a hot run."

Yeah, okay. Thanks.

I'll check with the local police. Right.

[intense music]

[brakes squeal]

[bell ringing]

[music continues]

[indistinct chattering]

Watch you step.

Here you go. Start putting them up.

[engine starts]

[music continues]

Testing, Ben, how do you read me?

This is Roberts. Readin' you loud and clear.

[horn blaring]

[music continues]

Unit 7 to headquarters.

Come in, Unit 7.

Tri-State just reaching cruising speed, everything okay.

Thank you.

[instrumental music]

[horn blaring]

[male #2] 'Unit 12 to headquarters.'

'Tri-State is passing our position.'

'Last car just went by, sir. Over.'

Thank you, Unit 12. Stand by for further instructions.

Inspector.

Follow up on the hot rod report.

Now, here's a list of motorers

known to drive hot rods in this area.

Not too many of them.

Yeah, and a list of people who purchased that

particular typewriter.

Any name show up on those lists?

Uh-huh. One, Collier.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[doorbell rings]

Mrs. Collier.

FBI.

Sorry to disturb you.

- Is it about my son? - May we come in?

[horn blaring]

[dramatic music]

Ben, Vic, Standby!

[Jim] 'That's it.'

'We're passing the sign..'

...right now.

Roberts, to Unit 21.

[male #3] 'Unit 21 to headquarters.'

Come in, let's hear it.

'Pay dirt, inspector. Exactly 45 seconds ago.'

Stand by.

Nice work. Headquarters, clear.

Headquarters to all units.

Twenty-one is our active zone.

Alert all FBI and police personnel.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[train horn blaring]

[music continues]

[blaring continues]

[music continues]

- Alright, FBI. Take it easy. - No!

[groaning]

[sobbing]

[instrumental music]

[doorbell rings]

[Lewis] Mrs. Collier.

FBI.

I'm Inspector Erskine

this is Special Agent Rhodes.

The other agents told me that you'd be here.

Won't you come in?

The typewriter's downstairs.

Thank you.

[instrumental music]

[female #1] 'I bought the typewriter for my son'

but actually, I use it more than he does.

After my husband died I had to go to work and..

All I knew how to do was typing.

My husband was a salesman and

I used to type up all of his orders for him.

He wasn't very good at it.

I guess that he wasn't very good at anything.

He couldn't find a place for himself in this world, so..

...he had to build a world of his own.

And look what Howdy did to it.

It's a lot of wreckage, Mrs. Collier..

...and a lot to be rebuilt.

Your son, Howdy

wants to see you.

He's asking for you.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

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