05x26 - The Quest

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

There's a knife in your side.

Just stay natural, you won't get hurt.

Why don't you take a little walk with me around the corner?

Sure, sure, mister. Anything you say.

Now.

Ms. Thornton, have you seen Walker?

No, I haven't, doctor. Is anything wrong?

Well, he's 10 minutes late for his hour.

Maybe he's in the library. Would you like me to check?

Yeah. Would you, please?

I'll just put my head in the ward and see if he's there.

Hey, what about the 15 cents the machine owes me?

[sniffing]

Hold it!

Did you find him?

No, doctor, I didn't.

[muffled screaming]

Doctor!

Nurse, call the main guard station immediately.

[telephone rings]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin Production

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott

William Reynolds

with guest stars Earl Holliman

Larry Gates

Russell Johnson

Richard O'Brien.

Tonight's episode The Quest.

On the morning of October 14th, Walker Graham Carr escaped

from a mental institution in Seneca, New York.

Carr had been a patient of the hospital

for nearly a year

after being indicted by a federal grand jury

for the m*rder of his wife

and found incompetent to stand trial.

Because the alleged m*rder had taken place

on a government reservation and had been investigated

by the FBI, the bureau entered the case.

He's desperate and he's running

and the Canadian border is less than 50 miles away.

And as always the possibility, he may head for Mount Vernon.

With the border so close?

Well, Carr's never been convinced he m*rder*d his wife.

Body's never been recovered.

The grand jury indicted him on strong evidence

before he was sent to the hospital.

We found a .45 automatic registered in his name

two shots had been fired, there were powder burns

on his hands, blood stains in the house.

They'd been having marital troubles.

The neighbor's even heard them arguing that night.

I know.

His mind was a complete blank covering the time

his wife was allegedly k*lled, he swore he was innocent.

Maybe he still thinks that.

Well, maybe in his confused mind

he's decided to try and find her.

Well, you'd better alert the resident agent

covering Mount Vernon.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the border patrol

have been alerted, Mr. Ward.

Although, the resident agent found this

'in Walker Carr's hospital room.'

It appeared in the "New York Chronicle"

five days ago.

"Anyone having information leading to the whereabouts

of Barbara Carr, please contact Austin Carr

Mount Vernon, New York."

Austin is Walker Carr's father.

Well, that could have triggered his escape.

Well, his doctor ought to be able to give us

more information. I'd like to go see him, Art.

Just find him fast, Lewis

before he harms himself or anyone else.

[car approaching]

- Where you headed? - New York City.

Well, I can get you down the road a little ways.

At least as far as Albany.

Ordinarily, I don't pick up too many hitchhikers.

You can usually tell about people the way they look.

I mean, I'm a salesman.

You gotta be able to size up people real fast.

I'll tell you somethin' funny?

I knew I was gonna pick you up the minute I saw you.

I understand that feeling, you know.

No, thanks.

You get pretty sharp about people

when you've been around 'em as much as I have.

[man on radio] 'We interrupt this program for a special news announcement.'

'At 11 a.m. this morning, Walker Carr'

'inmate of the Seneca Mental Facility escaped.'

'He had been indicted for the m*rder of his wife'

'and reportedly possesses a handmade knife.'

'Walker Carr is considered extremely dangerous.'

'He is believed to be wearing dark brown pants'

'and matching jacket with the insignia of J and L Vending'

'above the left breast pocket.'

'Anyone knowing this man's whereabouts'

'is urgently requested to contact the FBI.'

'This has been a special news announcement.'

Mister?

'Stay tuned for further details.'

Turn left up there.

[tires screeching]

[music on radio]

[tires screeching]

Hey, don't you..

[grunting]

Please, mister, I...I've got a family.

Take the car.

Take anything, only...please don't hurt me.

[sighs]

You see, the difficulty with people like Walker is

that you can't form a relationship with them.

You can get so close and bang!

The steel curtain descends and you can't get beyond it.

Where did the curtain come down in his case?

The time surrounding his wife's alleged m*rder

and her disappearance.

He simply has no recollection of what took place

during those few hours that evening.

But that's not uncommon.

People who have undergone some trauma

tend to shove the events leading up to it out of sight.

But can they keep those out of sight, doctor?

Not really.

Because whatever it is they're trying to repress

usually has a habit of popping back up again

and making trouble.

What kind of trouble?

Well, that's hard to say.

[Erskine] 'In Walker's present condition'

'do you consider him dangerous?'

Perhaps, uh, desperate would be a better word.

A moment ago..

...you spoke of his wife's disappearance.

Well, now, doctor..

...is it possible he didn't m*rder his wife?

I mean...that something else

could have induced the hysteria you spoke of?

Yes, inspector. That is possible.

[g*nsh*t]

Pull.

[chuckles]

I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.

Walker.

What are you doing here?

The FBI has already been to see me.

What did you tell them?

The truth. That I didn't know where you were.

Y-y-you didn't say anything about the guy that answered

the ad you put in the paper?

So that's why you're here. I never should've told you.

I never should've let you talk me into it.

He's seen Barbara, hasn't he?

Yes.

- Dad, I wanna talk to him. - Walker, give yourself up.

Let me handle it.

No, I can't do that.

Why can't you trust me?

Maybe 'cause you never trusted me.

- That's not fair. - Oh, come on, dad.

You made every important decision

in my life and you know it.

Well, maybe I did hold the reins a little tight

but you, you, you had everything you wanted.

I had everything you wanted me to have.

If you'd only shown some little sign

of appreciation, it-it'd lit up the sky.

Ap-appreciation for what? My childhood?

I mean.. I've got some great memories of that.

You know, like standing in the..

...i-in the judge's chambers with everybody deciding

who was gonna get custody of me.

Is that what you're talking about?

Oh, for heaven's sake, Walker.

Don't dig up the past.

We both, both made mistakes.

Dad, I don't know. Maybe I..

Maybe I did k*ll Barbara. I just don't know anymore.

I mean, there's been.. So much has happened. So many..

I just don't know.

I cannot believe a son of mine is a m*rder*r.

Alright, how'd you leave it with this man?

Uh..

His name is Hauser. Joseph Hauser.

We're supposed to meet tonight at 9:00

at a bar here in Mount Vernon.

Ernie's on 7th.

'He said he'd be at the end of the bar nearest the stairs.'

If Barbara's alive, I'll find her.

Walker, you can't go..

Dad, please, I can handle it.

You'll be picked up.

Look, just leave me alone, will you please, dad?

Just-just-just stay out of it.

'Walker!'

I'm sorry, father, but you're not

gonna brainwash me anymore.

Alright.

But when you run out of options, don't come back to me for help.

I'll tell you something funny.

I knew he was in trouble the minute he opened the door.

I just had that feeling, you know what I mean?

Well, when you deal with people as much as I do

you can size 'em up in a flash.

Is this the man you picked up?

- Yes. - Where was it?

About ten miles out of Seneca.

Did he tell you where he was headed?

New York City.

[Erskine] 'You're sure it was New York City?'

Oh, absolutely.

Did he take anything else from you besides your g*n?

Just my car and my sample cases.

I don't know how I will ever replace those sample cases.

My whole new line of men's sportswear.

What am I complaining about? I'm lucky to be alive.

[chuckles]

Can you give us a list and description

of the clothing in your sample cases?

Oh, yes, that's no problem.

- Lou? - Thanks, Mr. Newman.

I just got a call from the state police.

They found the van abandoned about ten miles

outside of Seneca. Walker Carr's prints are all over it.

Stan, have your secretary make reservations.

We're going to Mount Vernon.

[upbeat music]

Mr. Hauser?

Yeah?

My father said you had some information for me.

I..

I thought I'd be dealing with him.

Look, why don't we grab a table? It'll be little easier to talk.

You're from Mount Vernon?

Yonkers, but I drive my cab here.

- Have you seen my wife? - Yes, I've seen her.

How do you know? How can you be sure?

Mr. Carr.

I used to drive your wife to the train station

whenever she went to New York.

Once or twice a week. It was her alright.

Hauser, I want you to take me to her.

Oh, it's not that simple.

Why not?

Well, I'm takin' a risk just telling you about this.

W-what do you mean, a risk? What are you talkin' about?

I knew it was her as soon as I saw her.

I hung around for a while, just to make sure.

I guess I wasn't too smart

because when I went up to her later

I find a g*n in my ribs.

"If you wanna stay alive," the guy says

"you'll forget about this."

I looked into your wife's eyes, Mr. Carr.

If I live to be a hundred

I'll never forget the fear on her face.

[music stops]

[applause]

Where did this, where did this happen?

[coughing]

It's not that easy.

You're lying to me, aren't you?

No, I swear.

I even got a picture of her.

My kid's camera was in the cab.

Here, take a look.

[coughing]

That's Barbara.

The thing is I'm in a bind.

'I know what you're thinkin', Mr. Carr.'

But I'm no crook.

Ask anybody about Joe Hauser.

What do you, uh, what is it you want, Joe?

I got bronchial asthma real bad.

The doctor says go to Colorado, to a sanitarium.

Get out of New York or you're gonna die.

He tells my wife.

'She cried all night.'

I was ready to go to Colorado.

With what?

It's not easy, is it, Mr. Carr?

How much?

$10,000.

Miss, uh, bring me another scotch.

I haven't got that kind of money.

But you can get it.

Your father's got plenty of money.

- Hauser, I got a g*n. - Look.

I wanna help you.

But I gotta get something out of this.

k*ll me.

You're never gonna find her.

Okay.

I'll get you money.

H-how do I, how do I reach you?

Alright, I'll be in touch with you.

Walker has no brothers or sisters.

But we've talked to former neighbors and friends.

Nobody has seen him since his escape.

Apparently, his only relative in Mount Vernon is his father.

Has his father changed his attitude

or does he still think his son is innocent?

No, he's still convinced Walker shouldn't have been indicted

in the first place.

Well, he knows how dangerous he is, doesn't he?

He won't believe it's true.

[chuckles]

[laughter]

- Happy birthday. - Happy birthday, darling.

Aren't you gonna open your presents, daddy?

Sure I am, just as soon as we have our cake.

[doorbell rings]

Uh..

I'll get it, dear.

- Hello, Blair. - Walker!

Can I come in?

Sure, come in.

[chuckles]

Walker!

Hey! Mindy. Uh!

Walker...h-how are you?

Hey, Suzie.

- C-can we talk? - Sure.

Sarah, take the children in the other room to watch TV

while we talk, okay?

Okay, let's see what's on.

Aren't we gonna open the presents?

Oh, we will in a minute, darling.

We don't have to stand.

Blair, listen, I, uh..

Buddy, I need some money.

Well...sure. How much?

Ten thousand dollars.

Can you get it?

Can't I give you five?

N-no.

No.

Blair, I need it.

Um...can I ask what it's for?

- Somebody's seen Barbara. - What?

Oh, Blair, she's alive.

This guy's gonna take me to her.

She's in some kind of trouble.

Well, somehow I'm not surprised.

When do you need it?

Today.

Oh..

Walker...wow.

Blair, listen..

Don't turn your back on me, buddy, huh?

Hey, easy. I'm gonna do what I can. I..

[Sarah] 'Yes, he's here right now.'

'Please, I'm so frightened. Come as quickly as you can.'

[Erskine] 'Just be calm, ma'am. We can have a car there in a minute.'

'Don't do anything to upset him.'

Oh, Sarah, you shouldn't have done that.

I-I'm sorry, Walker.

I was frightened.

- Why? - The children..

I was scared.

You think I'm insane.

I-I don't know what to think anymore.

I-I was-I was afraid to take a chance.

But you..

You were gonna testify for me at the trial.

We've known each other all our lives.

I had to protect the children.

Walker, I'm sorry.

Happy birthday.

It never occurred to me that Sarah was calling the police.

I'm not blaming her but..

You see, I think Walker's innocent.

I mean I believe that Barbara is alive.

Oh, I know it sounds crazy

but...you'd have to know Barbara the way we did.

[Erskine] 'What was she like?'

We, we used to get together for lunch once in a while

just to get out of the house.

And Barbara..

Well, it was...just like

she was always auditioning for a part of something.

'She really put on a show.'

She, uh, just couldn't help from flirting I guess.

I suppose it was... wasn't serious

but...I just stopped going out with her.

She was, uh, just the opposite of Walker.

Walker was kind of a square, but...Barbara's a real kook.

There's no telling the kind of mess

she could've gotten herself in.

You believe these, um, flirtations

were the reason for their separation, Mrs. Evans?

She just told me she couldn't cope with Walker anymore.

That he had too many problems.

Yeah. That's what Barbara would say.

Lord knows everybody's got problems.

Walker had his good days and his bad days

just like everybody else.

But...I worked alongside the man for seven years

and his problems were no worse than anybody else's.

You, uh, you mentioned he needed money.

Uh, $10,000, I believe.

'Did he say why?'

Yeah, he said that somebody had seen Barbara.

Something about her being in trouble.

He didn't happen to refer to this person by name?

- No. - Anything about him at all?

No.

Where do you think Walker might go next

in order to raise $10,000?

I don't know.

Maybe his father.

But I don't think so. They didn't hit it off.

Walker...well, it would k*ll him

if he had to go to his father for money.

Alright, thanks very much.

If he should try to contact you

you'll keep us informed, won't you?

I did the right thing, didn't I, inspector?

Yes, Mrs. Evans, you did.

Chet, how many people could he turn to

at a time like this?

There are several others.

Well, get some agents on it right away.

I'm gonna have another talk with Mr. Carr.

[dialing]

[telephone rings]

Hello?

Dad, it's me. Don't hang up.

Walker, are you alright?

Yeah.

Walker, I've been worried since our meeting, I..

Did you, uh, did you see him?

Yes.

Well, uh, I better call a private detective

and have him checked out.

'You just can't help yourself, can you?'

'I mean, you just always have to try to take over, don't you?'

Walker, why can't you learn to trust me?

It's not easy for me either, dad.

I mean, I'm, I mean I'm trying

but you know what I keep thinking?

I keep thinking about when-when-when Barbara left me.

Remember I came to you?

I said, "Dad, I think I need some help.

I-I-I might need a doctor, I feel lost."

Remember what you said to me?

You said, "Why don't you shape up, Walker?

"You're weak. Why don't you..

You're just feeling sorry for yourself." Remember that?

Walker, I...I know I've made some mistakes..

...that I may have seemed unfeeling.

Now, listen to me.

Barbara is in some kind of trouble.

I don't know what it is yet, but Hauser knows where she is.

- Did he say where? - 'No, no, he wants some money.'

- How much? - '$10,000.'

Walker.

No, I know what you're thinkin', dad.

But-but I've seen a picture of Barbara.

I mean, Hauser has a picture of her.

In a couple of hours I can clear this whole thing up.

All you.. But you just have to trust me, dad.

You just have to trust me once.

And you, uh, you can't come here. It isn't safe.

Uh, go to Wendell.

I'll call him and tell him to get the money.

Alright, fine.

Da-dad, listen.

Listen, you better not tell Wendell it's for me, alright?

I mean, don't tell him I'll be pickin' it up.

[doorbell rings]

I do care for you, Walker.

Whatever else you may think about me..

...I do care for you.

Yeah, dad, I-I..

...yeah, I believe you.

Mr. Carr, this is Inspector Erskine.

And Mr. Colby.

I've already told Mr. Randolph everything I have to say.

Mr. Carr, did you place this ad in the "New York Chronicle"?

Yes, I did.

Did you discuss any response to it

when you visited your son the day before his escape?

Have you heard from him since then?

Inspector, you'll have to see my attorney

if you want any further information.

Mr. Carr..

...if he should try to get in touch with his mother

would he know where to find her?

She deserted us both 28 years ago.

There was an ugly divorce.

I did everything I could to keep Walker out of it.

He was only eight at the time.

He's never seen her since.

I'm sure that has a lot to do with what is happening today.

I see.

Well, if he does get in touch with you

will you contact us?

I'm not sure I could do that, inspector.

Oh, Mr. Carr, you realize that

it's against the law to harbor your son.

He's assaulted several people. He's armed.

The most help you could give him right now is to help us.

Gentlemen, I have nothing further to say.

We'll see ourselves out. Thank you.

I want him under surveillance immediately.

Hello, Wendell.

Walker.

Where's your father?

That money is for me.

No.

No, I can't be a party to this.

Wendell, Barbara is alive.

Then why don't we call in the FBI?

No, j-j-just give me the money.

Wendell, you don't understand. Somebody knows where she is.

I've even seen a picture of her.

Pictures can be faked.

When you put an ad like that in the papers

it's like an open invitation

for every conman in New York.

Is that what you think he is?

Walker, I've been a practicing attorney for 20 years.

Why can't you benefit from some of my experience?

You never believed I was innocent, did you?

No one can fault the way I handled your case.

But the evidence the FBI developed..

Walker don't do this. Let me call them.

Why are you so anxious for me to give myself up?

When Barbara left me she came to see you.

You were gonna handle the divorce, weren't you?

I spoke to her, if that's what you mean.

I bet you spoke her--

Walker, I'm not going to listen to anymore of this.

Wendell, give me the money.

I'm going to call the FBI. It's best for you.

Don't do that. Now, put the phone down, Wendell.

[dialing]

Put that..

Put away the g*n, Walker.

Yes?

This is Wendell Bricker speaking.

[grunting]

[intense music]

[g*nsh*t]

Walker's got the money.

He's going to meet someone.

Who?

He didn't say.

Somebody who's seen Barbara.

Mr. Bricker..

...how did he know you'd have the money?

Austin called.

It's time Austin Carr began to face reality.

Hauser, I got your money.

Where is she?

She works at the information booth

at the Westchester County Fair.

You can't miss it.

I got it written all down for you.

Okay, take me to her.

I can't do that, I'm on duty.

But, uh, I'll be off at 3:00.

No, I wanna go now.

Come on, be reasonable, Mr. Carr.

I told you what you wanted to know.

- When? - 'Little over an hour ago.'

- How's Wendell? - Well, serious.

The doctors say he has a good chance.

I just can't believe it.

[Erskine] 'Mr. Carr..'

'...you have been in contact with your son.'

You can help us find him.

Unless you do there may not be another chance.

Mr. Carr..

...couldn't you put that g*n away?

[coughing]

Well, there were a lot of crank calls.

But Hauser said he had a, a picture of Barbara.

Did you ever see it?

No. But when I spoke to Walker he said he had.

Did, uh...did Walker mention

where they were going to meet?

No.

Do you know how to get in touch with Hauser?

No.

When he called me..

...there was a voice in the background

sounded like someone giving numbers and addresses.

A lot of other voices, with a, a lot of static.

Radio static?

Could it have been a dispatcher?

A taxi dispatcher?

Yes.

Yes, uh, that's possible.

Mr. Carr, may I use your telephone?

Of course.

Thank you.

Lou, there's a Joe Hauser at the Arrow Cab Company.

They are trying to locate him now.

We'll be in touch with you, Mr. Carr.

[woman on radio] 'Dispatcher to 37. What's your present location?'

'Repeat, what's your location?'

Turn that thing off.

[woman on radio] 'Dispatcher to 37..'

Listen, turn it off.

[woman on radio] 'Repeat, what's your location?'

Alright, where is she?

It's too early, Mr. Carr.

The fair is not open yet.

[Walker] 'You mean, she's been here at the fair all this time?'

[Hauser] 'Uh, I guess so.'

'Uh, but you don't need that g*n.'

'Because I'm not going any place.'

Mr. Gardley.

[woman on radio] 'NY-14.'

NY-14, go ahead.

'Stand by.'

[Chet] 'Lou, we just got a call from the Arrow Cab dispatcher.'

'They picked up conversation on an open mic from Hauser's cab.'

'From the sound of it, Walker may be holding Hauser hostage.'

Did you get a location?

[Chet] 'Hauser mentioned a fair.'

'The only fair around here is the Westchester County Fair.'

'It's not open yet.'

'Take the Cedra Brook turn off at Hutchinson River Park Way.'

Right. Send some more units. NY-14 out.

You know what I think, Hauser?

I think you made this whole thing up.

No. No, Mr. Carr.

It was all a lie, wasn't it?

No, I swear it's the truth. I've seen her.

Hauser, you're lying to me, aren't you?

- Aren't you? - There she is!

Give me the keys.

Alright, get out.

Barbara!

Can I help you?

You, you..

...you're not..

...you're not Barbara.

No.

There's no Barbara here.

You know, maybe, maybe if you tell me who you want

I can, I can have her paged or something..

[intense music]

It's Hauser's cab, alright.

[g*nsh*t]

[panting]

Where is she, Hauser?

[g*nshots]

[glass shatters]

[panting]

[Walker] 'Where is she?'

I don't know.

- Where are they holding her? - I don't know.

I swear to God. It was all a con.

- You're lying. - No.

I-I-I don't even want the money, take it.

[Walker] 'No. No.'

'She's in trouble. You won't tell me where she is.'

- 'Where is she?' - No. I made it all up.

- 'You're lying.' - I had to tell you something.

All I wanted, all I wanted was the money.

You're lying.

Walker.

It's the FBI.

- Put down your g*n. - No. She..

He knows where she is and he won't tell me.

[Erskine] 'He doesn't. Now, put the g*n down.'

Not till he tells me where Barbara is.

Where is she?

He doesn't know. Can't you understand?

[panting]

Walker. Walker.

You're the only one who knows what happened.

- I wasn't even there. - 'Yes, you were.'

- Huh. - 'Remember?'

You were in the building.

It was 8:30 at night.

No. No.

No!

No, she..

...she-she-she would not open the door.

I-I-I pretended..

...I pretended to leave.

[panting] And then..

...and then she came out and she was..

...she was dressed for a date.

And she.. No, no.

No, wait-wait.

We were back in the room.

And I was..

...I was pleading with her.

'But she...she was..'

...she was frightened.

But..

And then I..

...I could see..

...she hated me.

She hated me.

I'd never seen that look before.

I wanted to go away. I j..

I just wanted Bar..

I heard a g*n

firing a long way off.

And Barbara was gone.

And when I opened my eyes..

...she was on the floor.

The g*n was in my..

...in my hand.

Oh...Barbara!

[sobbing] I didn't..

...I didn't mean to..

He wanted so desperately to believe

he didn't k*ll Barbara that he grabbed at any ray of hope.

Anything to avoid accepting the reality of what he'd done.

What do you think his prospects are?

Well, that's hard to say.

But that steel curtain I talked to you about before

has been lifted. Real progress will start now.

[intercom buzzes]

Excuse me.

Yes?

Will be right out.

You know, two months ago

he couldn't stay in the same room with his father

for more than five minutes.

And now for the first time they are learning

to depend on each other, trust each other.

Doctor, will I be able to see him again?

Of course.

I'm sorry, inspector.

I-I guess I didn't make your job any easier.

The doctor seems very optimistic.

I realize, inspector, that when Walker recovers

he'll have to stand trial too.

Face the responsibility for his actions.

And, uh, I realize too that

I'm not free of guilt either.

But, uh..

...there are degrees of guilt, aren't there, inspector?

[male narrator] Additional investigation by the FBI

resulted in the discovery of Barbara Carr's remains.

Walker Graham Carr was returned to a mental institution

until found competent to stand trial.

Joseph Hauser was convicted of obtaining money

under false pretenses.

[theme music]