08x19 - Desperate Journey

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

He's circling.

There.

Well, at least we know they're searching this area.

Why were you heading west?

You know, if they had known that we're out here alone

it doesn't leave you in very good shape, does it?

'Look at your clothes, soaked through and through.'

You know, at sundown here

you know what the temperature drops to?

Ten degrees below zero. You wanna know something?

'Inspector, you're gonna freeze to death.'

Anything I can do for you fellas?

I'm Inspector Erskine, FBI.

My name's Avery. Hank Avery.

That helicopter under the trees, does that belong to you?

I got a r*fle aimed square at my back.

That's alright, just keep talking. How many?

Three, a woman, t-two men.

Get under those trees fast.

[theme music]

[Marvin Miller] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds.

With guest stars, Vic Morrow..

Burr DeBenning..

Sandra Smith..

Val de Vargas.

Tonight's episode, "Desperate Journey."

[instrumental music]

- Here you are. - Oh, thank you, Miss Marcos.

Oh, uh..

[speaking foreign language]

Oh, much better I think, Ms. Peterson.

No, not really.

I've been touring Latin America for six weeks

and I still can't get it right.

- Oh. - You got a cigarette?

May I do anything for you gentlemen?

What did you have in mind?

[chuckles]

You want anything, Stahl?

Yeah, why don't we start with a match?

You know what's wrong with this world?

The authority figures.

They're losing their sense of romance.

I'll have a cup of black coffee, Miss Marcos.

And would you, uh..

...add a touch of, uh..

...that warm smile of yours, hmm?

- And you, sir? - Nothing for me, thanks.

[engine sputtering]

And you, sir?

No, nothing, thank you.

Is it my imagination or is it getting hard to breathe in here?

We're turning around.

Miss Marcos, uh, do you suppose I could speak to the captain?

Of course, inspector. This way.

[engine sputtering]

Gavilan Flight 94 calling Oakland Control.

[sighs] Power failure, inspector.

I'm preparing to land at an alternate airport

for it to be corrected.

Is the radio working?

No reception, but it is possible

that we are being received by Oakland Center.

Now, if you re-establish communication, captain

and decide not to land in San Francisco

I'd like to radio ahead if that's alright.

- Of course. - Thank you.

[screaming]

[intense music]

Mayday, Mayday, Gavilan flight 94.

Position, 40 miles northeast

of Airway Red 1-8.

[engine sputtering]

Repeat. Northeast Red 1-8.

Bearing due south of San Felipe's twin peaks.

[music continues]

Get down.

Northeast Red.

Miles south of San Felipe twin peaks.

Going down.

'Mayday, Mayday..'

[garbled speech]

Gavilan Flight 94. This is Carrington Airfield.

Garbled transmission.

Switch to one. 21.5.

[engine sputtering]

[instrumental music]

Possible plane down, put me through the local FAA.

[music continues]

[coughing]

[keys jingling]

You, you get these cuffs off.

Get 'em off!

Go on, turn it.

[music continues]

Now, the other one.

Alright, get back!

Get back!

[instrumental music]

[Marvin Miller] On October 6th, the crash of a Gavilan airliner

resulted in the escape of John Omar Stahl

who was on the FBI's list of ten most wanted fugitives.

Stahl was being extradited from Latin America

and was to be arraigned in San Francisco Federal Court.

There to be tried for the m*rder of a federal officer

and bank robbery.

Although the approximate position of the airliner

was known, the thickly wooded San Felipe

mountainous country was to make search difficult.

He-he has a g*n, inspector.

Your prisoner, he just left.

[instrumental music]

[groaning]

[grunting]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[groaning]

[music continues]

Miss Marcos?

I am getting the first-aid kit.

[sighs] Leg hurts.

We'll mobilize it.

Stahl?

He's gone.

[instrumental music]

Well, yes, sir, Mr. Ward arrived in the city earlier

on a speaking engagement.

In fact, he's on his way over here right now.

Alright. We'll stand by here until it's narrowed further.

Right.

- Hello, Allen. - Mr. Ward.

You know if the plane is definitely down?

It's overdue by 30 minutes.

Contact was lost at 08:45.

The FAA puts the plane as down somewhere

in the San Felipe mountains.

The civil air patrol in forestry has set up search control

at the San Felipe ranger headquarters.

'The position of the plane as given by the pilot'

'was garbled, but they do have a tape they're processing.'

'And FAA will call us shortly.'

What's the weather like up there?

It's not good.

They're expecting snow at the 5000 foot level.

I have agents standing by and ready to go

the minute they give us a location of the crash site.

If they're still alive up there.

Inspector, this will keep you warm.

Oh, thank you, captain.

[birds chirping]

If, uh, Tom's feeling up to it, I think he can help you

with that beacon locator.

Well, with luck, we will have it sending out a signal

in a few hours.

Then they will find us easily.

Well, I think we all have a lot to be grateful for

starting with Captain Bernado's skill in crash landing

the plane.

There's probably an air and ground search underway

already, so...hang on and good luck to you all.

It's just like uptown.

Yeah, very professional, thanks.

You know, Stahl isn't the man to handle alone, Lou.

I'll be alright.

How's that side of yours feeling?

It's fine.

Take care of yourself, Tom.

This man, uh, Inspector Erskine, now hunts, he's dangerous?

Yeah, captain.

He's a man who has nothing to lose.

[Arthur] A line southeast from Felipe Peaks.

Any change in the weather forecast?

Oh, I see.

Alright. Well, thank you very much.

Prediction is now 100 percent probability of snow

before nightfall.

They've roughly narrowed it down to this area.

Almost 400 square miles.

And all thickly wooded.

Well, we'll be depending upon ground search teams

as well as aircraft.

What the, uh, airport in this area?

Bailey Field, CAP enforcer service

would be using it for refueling.

And who's in charge of our search efforts there?

Martin Bould, resident agent in San Felipe.

Good, have Marty meet me at the airport

and advise the bureau on joining the search.

Yes, Mr. Ward.

He's circling.

There.

Well, at least we know they're searching this area.

[instrumental music]

Some low clouds and pockets of mist off to the west.

Yeah, search planes won't have good visibility too long.

Yeah. Yeah, I heard about that on radio.

Heads the FBI's most wanted list.

Yeah, I'll keep an eye out.

I'll call you back around noon.

- Mornin'. - Mornin'.

My car broke down in the road down below.

Wonder if you have a phone I could use?

- Road below? - Yeah.

Any trouble calling into town or is your phone just a hook up

between ranger stations?

Call direct.

What kind of road did you find below here?

[chuckling] Well, it's not exactly a road.

I made a wrong turn into a, uh..

I guess it'd a firebreak you call it.

You wait here, I'll call headquarters about your car.

Sure.

[intense music]

[paper rustling]

[music on tape]

[bartender] 'Hey, Dan, telephone over here.'

[indistinct chatter]

Hello.

Johnny?

Listen to me, Dan, I wasted five minutes

trying your place and Marge's.

You're gonna have to do a big thing for me, kid.

I hate to ask you, but I'm hangin' by a string.

Johnny, we heard about your plane crash

in the San Felipe mountains.

Yeah, well, I walked away from the crash.

Right now, I'm in a ranger station called Mount Lang.

Now, the nearest road to here is about ten miles to the north

according to the map that I'm holding right here.

No, wait a minute.

This, this road winds all over the place.

And you're saying you're free?

Now, look, until I get to the plane

there's a good chance nobody knows I'm on the loose.

Now, Dan, forget about the north road.

About the same distance to the west

there's a place called, it's called Large Meadows.

You get a hold of Benner.

He should be able to put his helicopter

right down in there.

Large Meadows, about ten miles west

of Mount Lang ranger station, right beside Meadows Lake.

- You got it? - Got it.

Alright, now, look, I should be able to be there

in about, uh, three or four hours.

[Dan on phone] 'We'll be waiting, Johnny.'

What about Marge? Is she around?

Marge?

Yeah, she'd be around some place.

Bring her along.

Someone won't leave without her.

We'll head straight for the border.

Right.

[music on tape]

[sighs]

That was Johnny.

'He escaped from that crash.'

He wants us to meet him in a place called Large Meadows.

I'm to call Earl Benner, and get a helicopter ready.

Johnny just escaped.

And we're supposed to meet him?

He's headin' straight for the border.

Dave, can I use your phone?

Didn't you tell Johnny about us?

It's something we can tell him later.

Earl Benner, please.

There's no time to go into anything like that now.

Is he there?

It's important.

I'd appreciate it if you try to find him

and get him to the phone, it's really very important.

Dan, think about it.

They'll hunting him, maybe even now they found him--

I don't have to think about it.

He's my brother.

He needs my help.

Fine, I'll hold on.

[music continues]

Nothing is going to change between you and me.

Quiet talk with Johnny, and he's going to understand.

Dan, I'm not.. I'm talking about you.

Getting involved with him..

You've been clean for five years.

Marge, he's asking for my help.

He needs my help, I owe him, listen.

We both owe him, but if you don't want to come along..

Earl.

It's Dan Stahl.

You drop whatever you're doin', and get a helicopter ready.

[intense music]

[clatter]

[instrumental music]

- Hello, Marty. - Glad you're here, Mr. Ward.

Anything new?

No, sir, except they've taken a more accurate fix.

A ham operator at Grovesville took a bearing

on a distress call, and they now have a triangulation

centering east and south of Mount Lang.

- Any access roads into there? - Not too bad.

Uh, ground search reports between trails and firebreaks

they should get pretty good coverage

if the weather holds.

They've got a field unit stationed

at San Felipe ranger headquarters.

Good. We'll head there.

[birds chirping]

You sure you're gonna be alright?

I'll be fine, inspector. You take right off after him.

The phone ripped out, it means they'll be sending

a mobile unit over this way in a few hours or so.

You never heard him on the phone?

No, from the time he hit me until the time I woke up

is...blank.

I'm sure he ripped that phone out to keep me from calling in.

Well, we'll just have to go under the assumption

he made contact with someone.

You mean, uh, maybe he called somebody to meet him

maybe on some road.

You got any ideas?

Uh, half a dozen places he could have picked.

Well, I'll just have to follow him.

- Do you mind if I take this? - 'No, you go right ahead.'

Inspector, why don't you take these boots of mine

if they're a reasonable fit at all.

It's my hunch that man of yours is gonna find himself

slowed down in those shoes he's wearin'.

These will give you an edge in catchin' up.

Thanks very much.

[instrumental music]

I think we got it licked, captain.

But we shall have our fingers crossed.

[machine beeping]

Thank you.

You look worried.

Afraid is a better word.

Well, you don't show it.

Now, that's nice.

Service with a smile.

This was my first flight, you know, as a stewardess.

I never would have guessed.

You know, I'm gonna have to send along a letter

to Gavilan Airways, complimenting them

on the efficiency and, uh..

the pretty smile on their new stewardess.

[sighs]

I keep thinkin' about my mother and father in Malpini.

They are farmers.

They will be hearing about the plane being lost.

And they will go to the church and pray.

Until there is word, they will keep praying.

You know, I get the feeling that..

...you have as much faith.

[instrumental music]

You, uh, remind your brother

that this is just front money.

If he doesn't give me five grand later

I'll be lookin' at you for it.

It's twice you've told me.

You sure you can set us down at this Large Meadows?

Well, there's a good chance that the field isn't too overgrown.

I know a couple of guys who've made emergency landings there.

Well, uh, give me a minute to check out, okay?

You don't have to come.

Dan, please.

There's no turning back if you do this.

I wanted to do it. Nobody is twisting my arm.

But think of what you're doing.

You could be giving your whole life away.

Giving our lives..

Just think a minute!

I am thinking!

This is the first time that Johnny has ever asked anything

from me.

I don't care what he did, he's my brother.

And I can't say no to him.

You better stay here.

[instrumental music]

[birds squawking]

[leaves rustling]

[leaves rustling]

[music continues]

Drop the g*n, Stahl.

Stay right where you are.

You're a fairly good trapper, inspector.

You've been nursing something from that crash.

How did the others make out?

I know the stewardess was alive.

Give me your left hand.

[intense music]

Ugh.

[music continues]

It seems like we're back where we started.

'Inspector.'

Where are we?

You know those mountains..

This could be harder going back over them.

There isn't much daylight left.

Why were you heading west?

You came alone on foot alone

and they're still looking for that plane, huh?

Large Meadows are the road leading in.

Is that where you were going?

You know, if they had known that we're out here alone

it doesn't leave you in a very good shape, does it?

'Look at your clothes.'

'Soaked through and through.'

You know at sundown here

you know what the temperature drops to?

Ten degrees below zero...yeah.

You wanna know something?

Inspector, you're gonna freeze to death.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[blades slapping]

You folks having a little trouble, are you?

This.. This place looks deserted. Is it, uh..

...shut down?

Till next spring.

Just took it over, been trying to make a go of it.

And you're here alone?

Some workmen coming in tomorrow.

Got no place to put you up, if that's what you got in mind.

Darn it. Ha ha ha ha.

Was there anybody around here this morning asking questions?

Who'd that be?

I don't know, I'm asking you.

Well, now, see here.

I don't, I don't mind you sitting down here.

You got engine trouble, but..

How can you be sure it's sending a signal?

[sighs] All we know it's working, and it's really very efficient.

How many does that make, the fourth?

Yeah, but this time he dipped his wings.

They know we're here.

[panting]

Inspector, it's my guess

you haven't got a mile or two left in you.

Keep going.

Maybe you ought to use your g*n on me

before you freeze to death.

Get up.

You know, I'm curious.

Where does the badge stop and the man begin?

At what point would you use your g*n on me?

Anyone ever tell you you talk too much?

Let's say you felt yourself going under.

Felt the cold getting to you.

You know if you fell asleep, you'd never wake up.

I'd have no choice.

What would you do, huh?

On your feet.

That's a fair question.

You're freezing right now.

You're carrying a prisoner that's gotta

win it or lose it all.

For me there's no in-between.

But you lay everything on the line for the sake of a paycheck.

Does it make any sense?

No, it wouldn't to you.

Let's go.

Hunt much with this, huh?

That's loaded. It will go off the way you're playing with it.

Ha ha.

[c*ck g*n]

Johnny is overdue now.

What are we gonna do about him later?

Don't worry about it.

Just asking.

I don't care for the way you asked.

[man on radio] 'Here's later word on that Gavilan Airways plane'

'which crashed early this morning'

'in the San Filipe Mountains.'

'A rescue team at the scene reports no fatalities'

'among crew and passengers'

'but word from the San Felipe Sheriff Department'

'has indicated another kind of drama'

'unfolding in that wilderness area.'

'One of the FBI's most wanted fugitives being returned'

'to this country by agents was on the plane'

'and has made his escape into the San Felipe forest.'

'Information is skimpy at the present time'

'but roadblocks throughout the area are being setup.'

'We have a standby for further reports.'

'They will be given to you as soon as received.'

How long are we waiting?

Till he gets here.

[instrumental music]

You'll be rolling out of here in no time.

- How are you feeling, Tom? - I'm alright.

What did you find out?

According to the ranger in Mount Lang

Stahl is headed in a westerly direction.

Lewis is about half an hour behind.

We're joining a roadblock

in the southwest perimeter of that area.

Excuse me.

Captain, good trip home.

Another time perhaps we can have a drink together, Mr. Colby.

I'm looking forward to it.

[intense music]

Must be off season.

Somebody's coming.

Now where?

- Just a left that big pine. - It's Johnny.

Must be one of the agents with him on that plane.

Oh, I can't get a clear shot.

Alright, don't gamble.

Hold it.

You sure have got a case of nerves, inspector.

Let's try to get inside and get warm.

Maybe we can find something to eat.

You're gonna walk out there..

...and tell those men

that you're here alone.

r*fle will be on you every minute of the way.

Wha-what am I gonna say?

Just treat them the way you met us, nothing fancy.

Tell them that you're here.

Give them any help if they need it.

[instrumental music]

Just who do you expect to find up here, inspector?

[instrumental music]

Dan, not this way.

You make sure.

[instrumental music]

Afternoon.

Anyone with you in that lodge?

No, just me, no one.

Trying to put the place in shape.

Anything I can do for you fellas?

I'm Inspector Erskine, FBI.

My name is Avery. Hank Avery.

That helicopter under the trees, does that belong to you?

Helicopter. Oh, that would be..

I got a r*fle aimed square at my back.

It's alright, just keep talking. How many?

Three, a woman, t-two men.

Get into those trees, fast.

[g*nsh*t]

That's great!

Well, he moved too fast.

There's only one Fed. Any more and they'd come right in.

That's a guess.

If Johnny and me go down the drain

you're gonna go down with us.

Now, we're going after them.

And you stay here. You're out of it.

[man on radio] 'San Felipe Field Unit calling Unit One.'

One, go ahead.

'We got a call from San Francisco, Mr. Ward.'

'Agents report they were not able to locate Stahl's brother'

'but they did develop information that'

'the brother flew out of Pinecrest Airfield'

'about noon today in a helicopter.'

'A woman with them answers the description of Marge Nevins.'

'The helicopter was piloted by Earl Benner.'

Did the pilot follow flight plan?

'Negative, but the copter was observed flying to the east'

'to the San Felipe range.'



Stahl's on foot.

What kind of a landing area could he get to in these parts?

The only flat lands is a place called the Meadows.

The lodge there is closed.

It's right on the lake, just a few miles to the east of us.

Alright, we'll notify the other units to meet us there.

[instrumental music]

[John] 'Dan!'

He's got me cuffed to a tree. He's coming your way.

You circle around to Johnny, and see what you can do for him.

And I'll draw the Fed my way, okay?

Come here with Earl, Dan! Don't try to take him alone.

Let's talk about it, Mr. Agent.

Okay?

- Yank your cuff tight. - Go on.

Tighter.

If there's not enough room, it won't work.

Let's call it a standoff, Mr. Agent.

Drop it.

[g*nsh*t]

[instrumental music]

Try it anyway.

Johnny...I'm hit.

Come on, come on, get me out of here.

Come back here.

Get me outta here!

He's coming back your way.

John!

[dramatic music]

[Ward] 'Halt.'

FBI.

Go ahead, Marty.

Turn around.

'Back off.'

Sorry, Johnny.

Dan! How bad is it?

We tried.

Yeah, I know, kid.

Looks like she tried real hard too.

[instrumental music]

I finally got my missus on the phone, let her know I's alright.

- Thanks again, sir. - You bet, Mr. Avery.

Well, you think you're up to driving out, Lewis?

Sure, no problem.

Medic told us you may have a few cracked ribs.

It feels much better.

Nice country.

I wouldn't mind a week or two of backpacking through it.

Would you, Lewis?

Huh, it sounds just great, Arthur.

Just great.

[Marvin Miller] John Omar Stahl was convicted in Federal Court

of murdering a federal officer and bank robbery.

Daniel Mark Stahl, Earl Carl Benner, and Marge Agnes Nevins

were tried in Federal Court for conspiracy to violate

the escape and rescue statute.

Stahl and Benner were also convicted of

assaulting a federal officer.

[theme music]