05x14 - Journey Into Night

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

I'm dressed.

Oh, would you, uh, wait in the car, Clifford?

We just want a word with the doctor.

- Sure, Mr. Allison. - Dad.

[instrumental music]

I have the final results on the tests right here.

[instrumental music]

[engine revving]

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

We had no idea.

This is terrible.

We couldn't feel worse if it was our own son.

How long?

Of course, there's always a slim hope.

With the best care, perhaps five, six months.

[instrumental music]

Stop him!

Stop him ! Stop him!

Hey! Somebody!

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Why did you come back?

You're my son, you belong to me.

We'll use this car for a while.

[theme music]

[Marvin Miller] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds.

With guest stars

John Vernon..

...Michael Kearney.

Tonight's episode, "Journey Into Night."

[instrumental music]

On June 10th, the abduction of Clifford Starret

from the parking lot of an Albany, New York

medical clinic was to involve the FBI

in one of its strangest manhunts.

Through the physical description

given by witnesses and fingerprints

found in the car used in the abduction

after it was abandoned

the abductor was identified as David Mark Starret.

A master check passer, escaped federal prisoner

and the father of Clifford Starret.

This is the boy.

He's 12 years old, he has acute leukemia.

The doctors say he needs immediate attention.

How long has he lived with the foster parents?

Uh, since his mother died in 1967.

Uh, Starret escaped from the California

federal prison two days ago

after serving three years of a five year sentence for forgery.

Well, he's got a long arrest record.

Bunco, fraud, armed as*ault..

Well, he's dangerous when he's cornered

but he's principally a forger.

A check passer and master forger,

Well, he hasn't wasted any time.

Checks were stolen from business offices

in both Troy and Albany.

Can you definitely connect Starret with those?

Yes, sir. A number of witnesses identified his photo.

He gained access to the offices by posing as a city inspector.

Now, that fits.

Looks like he's armed himself for a long spree

of bad check passing.

I sent flyers to all the banks

and we're sending descriptions of Starret and the boy

to doctors and hospitals on the North-East.

You'd better get up to the New York office.

[instrumental music]

Let's go, Cliff.

Can't you give her a little more time?

You never did while she was alive.

Cliff..

After you ran out, you never even tried

to call us again.

And when momma died you let them put me

in those other people's homes.

Well, what could I do?

Sure. What could you do?

You were in jail.

Now, look, son!

Alright, you picked your life.

But what are you comin' back now for?

I don't need you.

We don't want anything from you.

[instrumental music]

Oh, I'm sorry, son.

[instrumental music]

[man on radio] 'Today, the mayor was consulting with the governor'

'in Albany on a possible solution.'

'The union meanwhile is reported'

'to be considering the proposed pay hike.'

'Further developments were announced today'

'in the kidnapping of 12 year old Clifford Starret.'

'Doctors of the Albany Medical Clinic'

'where the boy was abducted'

'report that he has leukemia.'

'Young Starret's condition is considered grave.'

'And an appeal has been issued to his father'

'who has been identified as the kidnapper'

'to seek immediate medical attention for the boy.'

'On the weather scene, sunny skies will prevail'

'with a temperature of a high sixties'

'However in the South Eastern section of the nation'

'heavy rains continue increasing the threat'

'of severe flood conditions.'

'We will continue to broadcast flood reports..'

[instrumental music]

It didn't hurt.

When you hit me, it didn't hurt.

Is that what was bothering you?

Sure.

[instrumental music]

[Chet] 'Her name is Elaine Keller.'

She went steadily with Starret before his last conviction.

It's possible he may try to contact her.

We have no current address on her?

No, she dropped out of sight about a year ago.

But she's still believed to be in the city.

We're trying to locate her.

[intercom buzzes]

Yes.

- Mr. Ward. - Oh.

Put it on the blower, would you, Chet?

- Yes, Art. - 'Hey, Lewis.'

'I'm in the document section.'

Well, we've confirmed that three checks

cashed at banks in Poughkeepsie and later in Peekskill, New York

were forged by David Starret.

They have been compared with samples of his handwriting.

- When were they cashed? - 'Yesterday.'

Two in Poughkeepsie, one in Peekskill.

Worth a total of $200.

So he seems to be playing it cautiously.

Yeah. So far.

Let's see.

Albany, Poughkeepsie, Peekskill..

Seems to be heading for New York.

Yes. Does he know anyone there?

Well, we're not sure.

He has no relatives here.

There's an old girlfriend we're trying to find.

Lewis, um..

Does that boy have any chance at all

if we can reach him soon enough?

Well, let's put it this way, Art.

He'll be dead in a month if we can't.

I see.

Well, then it's up to you, Lewis.

[instrumental music]

How long will you be staying with us, Mr. Abbot?

A little longer than I intended.

My company is wiring some funds

but I'll need a little extra cash in the meantime.

Your company is the, uh..

Peekskill Electronics.

I'm chief purchasing agent.

If you'd like some further identification.

Thank you.

Well, this, this seems to be in order.

- Here. - Thank you.

I'm sorry.

[instrumental music]

Thank you. If you just give this to the cashier..

Thank you.

I hope you enjoy your stay with us, Mr. Abbot.

Thank you very much. I'm sure I will.

[instrumental music]

Here you are.

[instrumental music]

Do you like it?

What's in there?

Let's see.

[instrumental music]

Which one do you want?

[laughs]

Dad?

Sorry for the way I've been.

- Friends? - Mm-hmm.

Cliff?

I want you to rest a while.

We've done an awful lot of travelling.

- I'm alright. - I know.

Dad?

The police are gonna be after you for takin' me, won't they?

Don't worry about the police.

I got a phone call to make.

[Clifford] 'Dad?'

It's good to be with you again.

'Operator.'

Would you get me the, uh, Ellsworth Clinic, please?

'One moment, please.'

[instrumental music]

[phone rings]

[woman on phone] 'Ellsworth Clinic.'

May I speak to Dr. Louis Naples?

'Oh, Dr. Naples is no longer attending the seminar.'

'He's gone back to his home office.'

Where is that?

'I believe it's in Chicago, sir.'

- Thank you very much. - 'You're welcome, sir.'

[instrumental music]

[Erskine on phone] 'Go ahead, Tom.'

We're at address the informer gave us on Elaine Keller.

[Tom] 'She has an apartment alright but she's not home.'

We spoke to her neighbor who said she frequents

a bar in Greenwich Village

called the Blue Heron Cafe.

Good, I'll meet you there. And, uh..

Keep the surveillance on the apartment.



[laughs]

Oh.

[laughs]

Dave?

Hello, Elaine.

How, how did you know to come here?

I followed your watering holes.

'Where is my money?'

The $8,000 I left with you.

The money you swore to protect with your life.

I'm back now.

And I want my money.

It's gone. We spent it.

'Now if you're smart, you'll get out of here fast.'

You're all over the papers.

All we have to do is make

one phone call and you've had it.

So shove off.

[groans]

[groans]

[sobbing]

[instrumental music]

[engine revving]

Ms. Keller, did you notice anything else

about Starret's car?

Oh, just that it, uh, it was a red convertible

and the top was down.

You didn't catch the license number?

Oh, no, I..

It all happened so fast and I was so frightened.

[Colby] 'Uh, Lou?'

[dramatic music]

He checked out about a half hour ago.

Did he have a little boy with him, about twelve years old?

- Yes - Is this the boy?

Yes.

I described Starret to a girl

at the information desk downstairs.

She said it sounded like a man who was making enquiries

about flights to Chicago this morning.

[phone ringing]

We have surveillance at the airport, train and bus depots.

- Yes? - Alright.

Notify the bureau and the Chicago office.

And let's circulate those flyers

to all doctors and hospitals throughout the Midwest.

- Alright, thanks. - Alright.

Agents just found a car that matches the description

of the one used by Starret.

Abandoned near the George Washington bridge.

Did they turn up anything yet?

They are processing it now.

We've also a report from Manhattan Receiving Hospital.

Eugene Corlett, the man knifed by Starret

died without regaining consciousness.

[instrumental music]

[birds chirping]

Come on, Cliff. We'll rest here for a while.

Nice.

Nothing to where we're going.

Wait till you see how the land really opens up.

You know, son, for three years

I've been watching all this from a cage.

I can't really believe that when I reach out

I won't be hitting bars.

Dad?

What happened?

I mean, how did you..

How did I make such a mess of my life?

Well, your grandmother used to say I was given too much.

Too much looks, too much brains, too much charm.

She said I was stuffed so full of myself

it had turned to rot.

And that's been my life.

Cutting a path through the green briars.

- Green briars? - Yeah.

It was a story she used to tell.

When the world was made

the devil staked our claims on it.

'Wherever he walked, the green briars sprung up.'

When you step off the right path

you get stuck in the green briars

and you can never get out.

The green briars?

Kind of a weird way of telling it, but I get her point.

It's a good lesson for me, when I grow up.

- Did I say something wrong? - No.

Well, don't worry, dad. You're out of the briars now.

I'm gonna help ya.

We'll make it together, won't we?

We sure will, son.

[instrumental music]

- Inspector. - Lyman, good to see you again.

- Colby, how are ya? - Lyman.

[engine revving]

We just received information on Starret.

He rented a car from an agency in New York.

He used a stolen credit card.

- How long ago? - Two days.

We've tele-typed the description

and the registration on the card to all offices.

And did information about his family

come in from the bureau?

Yes, his father's dead and his mother lives in Waco, Texas.

He also has a couple of relatives

living here in Chicago.

We've got a surveillance on them

but the report is that Starret

hasn't seen them in years.

No, let's talk to them anyway.

[instrumental music]

Do you have an account here, Mr. Collins?

I'm afraid not.

It'll have to approved by our manager, Mr. Hoyer.

Thank you.

Can I help you, sir?

I'd like to open an account.

- Won't you sit down? - Thank you.

Glad to welcome you as a new depositor, Mr. Collins.

And I'm sure you'll enjoy living in Marion.

I know I will.

Oh, by the way, uh, would you cash this check for me, please?

Well, of course.

Just present it to one of the girls.

Thank you.

- What's the matter? - I feel sick, dad.

We'll get you fixed up right away.

[engine revving]

How long have you been having these dizzy spells?

A month, maybe. I'm not sure.

Well, we'll start with a complete physical.

Here, undress and put this on. I'll be back in a moment.

- Should I wait here? - I'd rather you waited outside.

Alright.

Doctor, have you seen this?

[dramatic music]

Call the FBI.

Should we stay here?

[male #1] 'Just act normally or he'll be suspicious.'

[female #1] 'What if he has a g*n, if he starts to sh**t'

'when they try to arrest him?'

[male #1] 'Nothing's gonna happen. Just call them.'

Hey, dad, we gotta get out of here fast.

They're calling the police.

- I heard them. - Come on, son.

What are you doing out here?

I thought we were going to examine you.

Where are you going?

- Come on. - Dad, he's hurt!

Well, thank you, girls.

- How is he? - He'll be alright.

He's got a bad concussion.

- We found Starret's car. - Oh, where?

About two blocks from here.

Car was empty, except for these.

[Erskine] Hmm. Two itineraries, huh?

- Inspector. - Hmm?

The resident agent in Waco just called.

Starret's mother has taken a trip to Lerado.

She's rented a room for an indefinite period.

You think Starret's tried to contact her?

He could be planning to see her before crossing the border.

Better get teletypes off to all the South-West offices.

Right.

It's pretty good.

Why don't you try some?

Are you ever gonna talk to me again?

You didn't have to hurt him.

Did you want us to stay and wait for the police?

I guess you didn't have a choice.

- He'll be alright, won't he? - I hope so.

'Now come on, have some more food.'

Dad, I can't.

Isn't there some place I can rest?

Sorry to be such a drag on you.

When you get settled down on the bus..

...you'll sleep like a log.

Now, let me check that schedule.

There's a phone outside.

You wait here.

[intense music]

Give me the police department.

Hello?

I want you to pick up a boy who is gravely ill.

He's in the restaurant..

...at the Four Corner's junction.

Yes, I think you'll want to handle this.

His name is Clifford Starret.

[instrumental music]

Can I get a lift?

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

I knew you wouldn't run out again.

[instrumental music]

Thanks for the lift.

How much further, dad?

No further tonight, son.

We stay at this hotel.

[knocking on the door]

- Mrs. Starret? - Yes.

We're with the FBI.

I'm Inspector Erskine and this is..

I'm sorry I don't have the use of my eyes anymore.

What can I do for you?

We'd, uh, we'd like to talk to you about your son.

Please come in.

Where are you going?

I'm going out for a while.

Cliff, this belongs to you.

If anything happens to me along the way

you've got this.

Just don't tell anybody about it, okay?

That's a lot of money.

Isn't it enough for Mexico?

No.

Now get a good night sleep.

I'll be back before you wake up.

Night night.

I can't tell you anything.

Mrs. Starret, did you know

that he has his son with him?

Yes, he told me Cliff was with him.

I suppose it was wrong

for him taking that boy the way he did, but..

Did he tell you how extremely ill Clifford is?

He has leukemia, Mrs. Starret.

'He won't live much longer'

'unless we can get him to a hospital.'

So I've lost both of them.

Dave and my grandson.

'After his mother died..'

...I wanted to take Cliff.

They wouldn't let me.

Can't blame them.

Did your son mention when he planned to meet you?

He called a few hours ago

and said he might be in today, but he wasn't sure.

Do you know where he called from?

Upstate.

He mentioned Graham county.

'But he didn't say where.'

Excuse me.

You'll arrest him.

He won't be coming to see me, will he?

It's difficult for you, I know.

I used to wonder

what made him turn out the way he did.

He had too much.

'Everything was too easy.'

I used to tell him a story

about the green briar path.

Scotch and water, please?

Afternoon.

I'm, Arlie Sessions, I own the place.

- Glad to welcome you. - Thank you.

I don't believe I caught your name.

- Collins, Larry Collins. - Oh.

- Cigarette? - No, thanks.

No, no. On the house.

- Why, thank you very much. - Privilege.

You know

I always take a flier at guessing a man's line.

I'd say you were in the shipping business.

I own a boat but it's just for pleasure.

You staying long in our fair town?

We're just cruising around the country.

First holiday in a couple of years.

I thought I may go up to Vegas.

Gamble, do ya?

When I find it interesting.

I think we could handle what you might have in mind.

I'm a little low on cash. Do you mind my personal check?

Proud to.

[instrumental music]

Now, Lou.

A man called the Johnson Missouri police department.

He asked them to pick up his son.

Gave the boy's name as Clifford Starret.

Said he was very ill.

The police arrived, the Starret's were gone.

Man and boy matching the description

were seen boarding a bus headed for Laredo.

What did our agents learn from the bus driver?

Well, as much as he remembers. Uh..

He thinks they left the bus in Polk, Texas.

Where's that?

It's about, uh, what, 300 miles North of here.

I've alerted the resident agents.

We better get up there

and let's continue the surveillance here.

Dad.

Dad.

Dad.

Dad.

Okay, thank you very much.

'Las Vegas never heard of him.'

'You know he comes on here'

'like some big rich dude from the East'

'and he's checked into a flop house.'

We can't find any kind of automobile belonging to him.

So how did he get here? By bus, hitch hiking?

I think he's a four flusher.

I say he bought his way into that game on bum paper

and we ought to shake him down right now.

How long before you can contact the head cashier at that bank?

Three hours.

Let's wait. He's not going anywhere.

[dramatic music]

Yes, Mr. Collins is a depositor here.

Well, we have his personal check.

Signed by him here for $1000.

Uh, can we honor that?

You did say Texas, didn't you?

Uh-huh.

Well, Mr. Collins, is not in Texas.

He's here in Scarsdale. I just saw him this morning.

You're sure of that?

I'm certain.

Okay, well, thank you very kindly.

Get me the FBI.

Eighteen thousand dollars.

Thank you very much, gentlemen.

I'll have that money pack, if you please.

[intense music]

[glass shatters]

Get some more men and follow him. He can't get far.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? - Cliff.

Dad, where are you?

Now, listen carefully.

I'm in a phone booth

at the corner of Market and Sixth street.

That's one block down

'and one West from where you are.'

Sixth and Market.

Now get out of the room fast

and don't bother taking anything with ya.

Alright.

[knocking on door]

Yes, Art.

Lewis, the head cashier of the Scarsdale, New York bank

called our New York office.

It's possible that Starret's in Cali Texas.

'The management of a bar there'

'the Silver Rawl called the Scarsdale bank.'

He wanted confirmation on a depositor

on whose account Starret

has already forged one check.

The first check was cashed in a Merian Indiana bank.

Now, we checked the signature against his handwriting.

It's Starret's work, alright.

We'll get a helicopter.

Alright. Contact me when you get there.

engine cranks]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Come on, Cliff.

How much of a lead did he have?

[knocking on door]

- Mr. Sessions? - Yes.

We're with the FBI.

I'd like to talk to you.

About what?

You seen this man?

Mel, you look over there.

Dan.

[dramatic music]

Sorry, I can't be of help.

As I said, I never laid eyes on that fellow.

You placed a call earlier this morning

to a bank in Scarsdale, New York.

Enquiring about Lawrence Collins.

Sessions, we have reason to believe

that this man uses the name Collins.

'He's a federal fugitive'

and he has his son with him.

A 12 year old boy who's critically ill.

Now where is he?

Do you know?

I think I heard of a fella that looked like that.

He got in a beef

with some of our local boys this morning.

'I don't know what it was about.'

He just took off out of town

with those boys right on his heels.

How long ago?

We can't be certain.

Maybe the better part of an hour.

Where was he going?

Couldn't say. He just stole a car and lit out.

[dramatic music]

It's ok. Come here.

Cliff, see if you can make it over that ridge yourself.

- I'm not gonna leave ya. - You've got no choice.

They'll be here in a few minutes.

- No. - Now, go on. Get out of here.

I can't.

Sonny, I'm not worth it.

You know what I am, what I've always been.

You think it'll be different afterwards?

Do you think we'll ever stop running?

I don't care.

Just so we're together.

Cliff, if they catch you here, they'll k*ll ya.

I'm probably gonna die anyway.

[melancholic music]

I've known about it since New York.

I read it in the paper.

You didn't tell me.

I figured it would've hurt you more if you knew that I knew.

You might have just stuck me in some hospital

and gone away again.

Just so I had a chance to be with ya.

You felt this way for me and..

...I've dragged you into this.

Remember the story you told me?

About the green briar path?

I promised I'd help you find your way out of it.

It's not right.

I've thrown my life away a long time ago.

And you've never had a chance with yours.

It's given you nothing.

It's given me this time with you.

I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Don't send me away now. Please?

Alright, son.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Will he be alright?

Oh, I think so, Cliff.

Here, let me give you a hand.

- Is there anything else? - Not right now.

I'm sorry, son.

Mr. Erskine.

He's gonna need some help when he gets out of prison.

And I might not be here.

Do you think he'll ever change?

Cliff, you've given him good reason to change.

[Marvin Miller] David Starret was found guilty

in state court of the death of Eugene Corlett.

He was then tried and found guilty in federal court

of escape and interstate check violations

and returned to the federal penitentiary.

[theme music]