- 1 year ago
Exploring the Charm and Intrigue of "Mr. & Mrs. North: Breakout"
"Mr. & Mrs. North" was a classic television series that aired in the early 1950s, bringing to life the fictional American amateur detectives created by Frances and Richard Lockridge. The show starred Richard Denning and Barbara Britton as the eponymous couple who, living in New York City, found themselves embroiled in various crimes, often solving them before the police could.
One notable episode from this series is "Breakout," which originally aired on April 17, 1953. In this episode, the Norths visit a state penitentiary with the intention of interviewing a notorious racketeer, Dave Gerard, about his memoirs—a potential best-seller. However, their visit takes an unexpected turn when a disturbance breaks out, escalating into a hostage situation with the Norths caught in the middle.
The episode is a fine example of the show's blend of comedy, drama, mystery, and romance, all wrapped up in a half-hour of television. It showcases the sophisticated wit that characterized the series, as well as the charm and chemistry between Denning and Britton. The storyline provides a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as the Norths navigate the dangerous situation they find themselves in.
"Breakout" also highlights the show's ability to incorporate serious themes within its episodes. The concept of interviewing a high-profile inmate for a book throws light on the era's fascination with crime stories and the celebrity status sometimes afforded to notorious figures. It also touches upon the idea of redemption and the public's interest in the personal stories behind criminal personas.
For fans of classic TV shows, "Mr. & Mrs. North" offers a nostalgic trip to a time when storytelling was straightforward yet captivating. Episodes like "Breakout" remind us of the enduring appeal of a good mystery and the timeless nature of human curiosity. It's a testament to the show's quality that it remains watchable and enjoyable decades after its original broadcast.
Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, "Mr. & Mrs. North: Breakout" is sure to provide a delightful and suspenseful viewing experience.
"Mr. & Mrs. North" was a classic television series that aired in the early 1950s, bringing to life the fictional American amateur detectives created by Frances and Richard Lockridge. The show starred Richard Denning and Barbara Britton as the eponymous couple who, living in New York City, found themselves embroiled in various crimes, often solving them before the police could.
One notable episode from this series is "Breakout," which originally aired on April 17, 1953. In this episode, the Norths visit a state penitentiary with the intention of interviewing a notorious racketeer, Dave Gerard, about his memoirs—a potential best-seller. However, their visit takes an unexpected turn when a disturbance breaks out, escalating into a hostage situation with the Norths caught in the middle.
The episode is a fine example of the show's blend of comedy, drama, mystery, and romance, all wrapped up in a half-hour of television. It showcases the sophisticated wit that characterized the series, as well as the charm and chemistry between Denning and Britton. The storyline provides a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as the Norths navigate the dangerous situation they find themselves in.
"Breakout" also highlights the show's ability to incorporate serious themes within its episodes. The concept of interviewing a high-profile inmate for a book throws light on the era's fascination with crime stories and the celebrity status sometimes afforded to notorious figures. It also touches upon the idea of redemption and the public's interest in the personal stories behind criminal personas.
For fans of classic TV shows, "Mr. & Mrs. North" offers a nostalgic trip to a time when storytelling was straightforward yet captivating. Episodes like "Breakout" remind us of the enduring appeal of a good mystery and the timeless nature of human curiosity. It's a testament to the show's quality that it remains watchable and enjoyable decades after its original broadcast.
Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, "Mr. & Mrs. North: Breakout" is sure to provide a delightful and suspenseful viewing experience.
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TVTranscript
00:00Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
00:30And so, the sleeping beauty awoke, married the fairy princess and they lived happily
00:59ever after.
01:00The end.
01:01Put it in about a hundred and fifty pages and I'll get it out in time for the Christmas
01:06trade.
01:07Oh, darling.
01:08Oh, lying awake half the night and sleeping half the day, it's got to stop.
01:14This will do it.
01:15These are very potent sleeping pills.
01:18Take one a night and sleep like a baby, quote unquote, Dr. Mitchell.
01:23What happens if I take two of them?
01:24It's not recommended.
01:25He says you might not have time to put the cap back before you collapse.
01:28Yeah, I'm impressed.
01:31Just let me go through these and I'll be right with you.
01:35Wow.
01:36Well, Jerry, what is it?
01:41You act as though someone had just given you all the rights to Shakespeare.
01:49Oh, this may not be Shakespeare, but I'll guarantee it'll sell two million copies.
01:54Get me Warden Haynes at the state penitentiary.
01:56Penitentiary?
01:57Is this author...
01:58One of the biggest racketeers in the country, until he forgot to pay his income tax.
02:04Dave Gerrard.
02:05Dave Gerrard?
02:06He's a writer?
02:07Oh, a writer or not, in basic English or Sanskrit, his memoirs will be the hottest item ever
02:12to hit the market.
02:13His memoirs?
02:14Oh, Jerry, they put half the crooks in the country back in jail.
02:17Pam, this will be dynamite.
02:18Oh, I just can't wait to see Mr. Dave Gerrard.
02:27Match me somebody.
02:48Mr. Gerrard's a match.
02:52He smokes too much.
02:53Hey, what do you think?
02:54It says, Big Shot, you smoke too much.
02:57Smart guy, aren't you, Baldy?
03:00Outside, I wouldn't let you shine my shoes.
03:02You ain't outside now, Mr. Gerrard.
03:06Smoking is bad for your health.
03:09Why, you creepers.
03:13Get lost, Big Shot.
03:16Get real lost.
03:18I'll show you jerks.
03:20All of you.
03:21And soon, too.
03:22Oh, I'm real scared.
03:31Then you really think Gerrard means to blow the whistle on all his friends?
03:35Blow the whistle?
03:37Crime talk.
03:38Magazines.
03:39Oh, yes, well, I'm sure that he does, but I wouldn't call them his friends.
03:47It's all set up, Warden.
03:48Gerrard's in the visitor's room now.
03:49Good.
03:50We had to be sure that your interview was private.
03:57If the other comms found out what Gerrard's up to, we'd have a riot on our hands.
04:01Or worse.
04:02This way, please.
04:16Sure.
04:17Show it to the police, Mr. North.
04:19I kind of figured they'd be pretty good customers for it.
04:22Maybe we can charge them a little extra.
04:25Very well.
04:26The Warden has agreed to relieve you of your duties for as long as it takes you to finish the rough draft of the material.
04:32Well, now, that's mighty nice of the Warden.
04:34Glad to see he appreciates my talents.
04:37And I want my name on the cover in big letters, you understand?
04:41Dave Gerrard.
04:43And maybe my picture, too.
04:45With or without a gun in your hand?
04:46Huh?
04:47Forget it.
04:48Now, will you be able to start right away?
04:50Yeah.
04:51Somebody's making a break!
04:52They put you right.
05:09This way, folks.
05:10You'd better get out of here.
05:14All right.
05:15Out you go.
05:16Come on.
05:18You two.
05:19I don't want in on this yard.
05:21You're in on a picture.
05:22Now, move it.
05:23Come on.
05:29Come on, come on.
05:30Move it.
05:31All right, that's far enough.
05:34Where are you taking us?
05:36Hospital kitchen, Gerrard.
05:43Code red for all cell blocks.
05:47Thirteen and three on the east wing.
05:49Second division on the wall.
05:51That's right.
05:52And hurry while that PA extension...
05:56They're barricaded in the kitchen with the Norse and Gerrard.
05:59And you were supposed to see that they were guarded.
06:01Yes, sir.
06:02Fine yard, Captain.
06:03Why the devil didn't you stay in Texas with those blasted mavericks?
06:09Richie.
06:10Yes, sir?
06:11You know I didn't mean that.
06:13Sure, I reckon you've got a right to blow your top.
06:15Come on.
06:16We've got work to do.
06:19The delivery truck is gone.
06:21We'll never get out now.
06:22All right, take it easy.
06:24Ain't through yet.
06:25Not as long as we got these two.
06:26You're crazy.
06:27They'll never let you escape.
06:28Oh, lady, you better pray that they do.
06:46Oh, get back there, you stupid screw.
06:54Look at him go.
06:55He runs like a duck.
07:03Oh, they're going to waste the taxpayers' money.
07:06You'd think bullets was free.
07:09Come on.
07:10Come on.
07:11Sit down, you two.
07:12Over there.
07:13I don't think that warden wants to see either of you two get hurt.
07:18Now, that's a nice bit of fluff.
07:22You know, you've got good taste, pal.
07:25Take your hands off my wife.
07:26Oh, listen.
07:28York, let me out of this.
07:29You've got no reason to get out.
07:31All right, shut up.
07:38Hold your fire.
07:39You want to kill those innocent people?
07:42York, Taggart, this is the warden.
07:45It's about time.
07:47Let those people go, York.
07:49Come out with your hands up.
07:50You're wasting your breath.
07:52You want those friends of yours to go on living.
07:54You park a car in the middle of the yard with a motor on it
07:56and leave them gates open.
07:58I'm making no deals, York.
08:01Your only chance is to give yourself up.
08:04Your friends' only chance for us to go free.
08:07You better think that over.
08:09Stall him, sir.
08:10It'll be dark before long.
08:11Maybe we can figure out a way to get in there.
08:14Can I have a little time to decide?
08:16Take all the time you want, warden.
08:19But no tricks, or they get it.
08:38There goes the last of the soup.
08:40Cook, you'll sure be mad about that.
08:44What a dope.
08:47Soup.
08:48Sounds like you, stupid.
08:50Huh?
08:51Who are you calling stupid?
08:53I got plenty of brains.
08:56In which head?
08:57In the head.
08:58In the head.
08:59In the head.
09:00In the head.
09:01In the head.
09:02In the head.
09:03In the head.
09:04In the head.
09:05I got plenty of brains.
09:06In which head?
09:09You want to say things like that to me?
09:12All right.
09:13All right.
09:14Easy, pal.
09:15Now keep your cork in.
09:16We got troubles enough.
09:17Sure.
09:18Whatever you say, York.
09:21Better avoid tax.
09:36Everything's OK, huh?
09:38Oh, fine.
09:39Just dandy.
09:40You speak when you spoke to Jack.
09:45Oh, honey, you don't be scared of me.
09:48It's Taggart there you got to look out for.
09:50He's the dangerous one.
09:54You mean he's...
09:57Few bricks short of a full load, Jack.
10:01Few bricks short of a full load, Jack.
10:04He's got some kind of a grudge against dames.
10:07Do you ever notice those hands of his?
10:12Four dames strangled.
10:15And what a pair of mitts.
10:17One twist is all.
10:18Shut up.
10:19What's the matter?
10:20I frighten the little one?
10:22What she needs is a man to console her.
10:25That's all.
10:26Jerry, no.
10:27Oh, Jack, you're beginning to annoy me.
10:29Stand up once.
10:32You don't hear good either, huh?
10:35I said stand up.
10:49Oh, come here.
11:00Jack.
11:05Stop him.
11:07Taggart, no.
11:08Get back.
11:09Taggart, no.
11:10Get back.
11:13Always hurting somebody.
11:16But I can stop you.
11:19I can stop you with my hands just like I did the others.
11:24Stop it, you...
11:26Oh, no.
11:33Go take care of your old man.
11:36Jerry, Jerry, don't.
11:45You hit me.
11:47Why did you hit me?
11:49Tag, I had to.
11:50Tag, you understand?
11:51I had to.
11:52Had to?
11:53Believe me, I wouldn't slug you if I didn't have to.
11:56But you was acting kind of...
11:58You wasn't listening to me.
12:00Oh, yeah, I was kind of mad.
12:03That's it.
12:05Yeah, well, you ain't sore at me.
12:07Oh, go on.
12:08Why would I be sore?
12:09Now, come on, knucklehead.
12:10We got to keep these windows covered.
12:12Otherwise, those screws will be in...
12:18Oh, good for you, big shot.
12:20I didn't think you had it in you.
12:23Don't push your luck.
12:25Go on.
12:34Jerry, do you think the warden will give in?
12:36I don't know.
12:37You can't just let two killers loose, Pam.
12:47Mr. Yar?
12:49Huh?
12:52For what?
12:54The rescue.
12:55Save your thanks.
12:58I only stopped them because I need you to bargain with.
13:04You all right, knucklehead?
13:06Yeah.
13:07I'm hungry.
13:20Suit yourself.
13:22Would you like me to make some coffee?
13:24Getting awful helpful all of a sudden, ain't you?
13:27No, I don't want no coffee.
13:30Here, take this.
13:32Thanks, Yar.
13:37Something wrong with it?
13:38Huh?
13:39Oh, no.
13:40It's nothing.
13:41It's nothing.
13:42It's nothing.
13:43It's nothing.
13:44It's nothing.
13:45It's nothing.
13:46It's nothing.
13:47It's nothing.
13:48Oh, it's just that, well, taking this stuff
13:50is kind of like stealing.
13:52What?
13:53I ain't never stolen nothing before, Yar.
13:55It don't seem right taking what don't belong to you.
13:57Yeah, yeah, Tag.
13:58Yeah, but food's different.
13:59You got supper coming to you.
14:01That's right.
14:02I forgot.
14:03Yeah.
14:08It's getting dark.
14:12Yeah, I'm pretty sure we won't be able to see out there.
14:15I hate the dark.
14:19Yar, this here's Richie.
14:21The warden's not around right now.
14:23Where is he?
14:25Keep your britches on.
14:27He's making long-sentence calls, trying to get an OK
14:29to let you all go.
14:30That takes time.
14:32That better not take too much time.
14:35Yar, it's getting awful dark.
14:39Can we turn on the lights?
14:49That does it.
14:51Solid steel doors, now they've got
14:53tables blocking the windows.
14:55We're stymied.
15:03Lights, Yar.
15:04I sure love lights.
15:09Oh, that's not so tight.
15:11Try and be brave.
15:13Think of what a good story this will make.
15:17Yeah.
15:18Yeah, that's right.
15:19It'll be great for my book.
15:21Book?
15:23What book?
15:24He was telling me about a book he's been reading.
15:27Yeah?
15:29Sounded like one he was writing.
15:31Me?
15:32Well, that's silly, isn't it?
15:34Sure it is.
15:35It's a real joke.
15:36What would a guy like me write about?
15:38All right, well, what would a guy like you
15:39write about, Big Sure?
15:40Nothing, Yar.
15:41Nothing, I swear.
15:42What about your pals?
15:44About what they used to do?
15:46And how?
15:47And where?
15:49No wonder you was asking all those questions
15:50out in the yard.
15:51I should have known.
15:52No, no, you're crazy.
15:55Stole pictures.
15:57Dirty, stinking stole.
15:59You sell your buddies up the river
16:00just for a couple of lousy bucks, huh?
16:02No, it wasn't for dough.
16:04I was sore.
16:05But I wouldn't have gone through with it.
16:07All right, Big Sure.
16:10In your life, you told the truth.
16:14Good-bye, Big Angry.
16:16Good-bye, Big Angry.
16:18Good-bye, Big Angry.
16:21Good-bye, Big Angry.
16:25Good-bye, Big Angry.
16:28Evening, boys and girls.
16:30It's me.
16:33You.
16:36Don't be two-faced, boys and girls.
16:38All right.
16:39Davis.
16:40Keep those beans blowing on the kitchen.
16:44I wish we knew what that got meant.
16:45I wish we just knew how to get a man in there.
16:48The one thing we can do, Matthews,
16:52tell him to cut the master power switch that feeds the kitchen.
16:54Yes, sir.
16:56Yeah, in the dark, maybe the Norse will have a chance to make a break.
17:00Thanks, Ja.
17:07The lights! Ja, they turned out the lights!
17:09How is that easy?
17:15Ja, where are you?
17:16Over here.
17:18Just making sure we don't lose our prisoners.
17:22Don't leave me like that again.
17:24I can't stand being alone in the dark, Ja.
17:26Somebody gonna look out the windows?
17:28All right, I'll do that. You watch out for these two.
17:32All right.
17:33But close. No losing.
17:34Okay.
17:45Hey, Ritchie!
17:47Turn them lights back on!
17:50Sorry, Ja, we can't. It's a power failure.
17:53You're lying!
17:55Okay, you tell the warden one more hour to come through.
18:00After that, I'm killing the Norse.
18:03Don't do it, Ja. You'll burn for it.
18:06I'll burn anyway.
18:08Hey, Ritchie, it's up to the warden. You tell him that.
18:12Tell him when they go, he'll be pulling the trigger.
18:17He'll be the killer, not me.
18:19There is a way to get a man into that kitchen.
18:21What? How?
18:22You know that old ventilating shaft leading into the kitchen?
18:24It's big enough for a man to be let down through it with a rope.
18:28Are you afraid?
18:30I'm dying.
18:32Well, that and...
18:35And all the things...
18:38The lack of things afterwards.
18:41The endless unknown.
18:44Are you afraid of that?
18:46I can't!
18:48You two talk like a couple of undertakers.
18:50I'm sorry.
18:52You're going to talk about dying? Don't talk!
19:01It sure is dark in here, isn't it?
19:04I hate the dark.
19:07It's always so full of things.
19:09All around you.
19:11What kind of things?
19:13Bad things.
19:15Things that hate you.
19:17I know.
19:19That's why I can't sleep without a light.
19:26They tried to make me sleep in the dark.
19:29But I know better.
19:40Want some coffee?
19:42Huh?
19:44Coffee might taste good right now.
19:46Coffee might taste good right now, yeah.
19:49Yeah, go ahead. Make some.
20:10I knew there was a place for a string bean like me.
20:13It's a perfect fit.
20:21Ritchie, I... I...
20:23Warden, me too.
20:25Now, easy does it, fellas.
20:27Unless I yank the rope, don't you waste no time getting me up.
20:30Because if you do, I'll likely be sharing this ventilator with a herd of bullets.
20:36Thirty minutes left!
20:39Smells good.
20:41I'll get some bread.
20:43Well, here we are.
21:14Thanks.
21:19I'll take this to E.R.
21:23I was just going to bring it to you.
21:25Well, don't you want it?
21:27You'll drink it. She can pour me another one.
21:30Sure. Why not?
21:35All of it.
21:37It's hot.
21:39It's hot.
21:41It's hot.
21:56That's one thing about Pam.
21:58She sure can make good coffee.
22:00Hansley, can I have some more?
22:03It tastes swell.
22:11Yeah, it is good.
22:27Time is up.
22:33Looks like that was the last cup of coffee for all of us.
22:36Oh, wait. Call the warden once more, please.
22:38But, Pa, he's only stolen.
22:42What's the matter with you?
22:44Oh, come on. Come on. Wake up, will you?
22:46You got the rest of your life to sleep in.
22:52So sleepy.
23:04You, too.
23:06Everybody's sleepy around here.
23:36You, too.
24:00There was something in that coffee.
24:07Oh, there you are.
24:30Trick both those killers in?
24:32Yeah.
24:35Trick both those killers in the drink in it, huh?
24:37It was a brave thing to do.
24:39I was scared green.
24:41Jerry, my husband, he was really the brave one.
24:44Yeah? Well, let's meet him.
24:46There he is.
24:47Hiya, Mr. North. How about a statement?
24:51Ha, ha, ha, ha.
25:01Mr. and Mrs. North is directed by Ralph Francis Murphy.
25:05A John W. Loveden production.
25:08Produced by Federal Telefilms.
25:11Starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
25:14Featuring Francis DeSales.
25:20This has been a film presentation.
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