- 2 days ago
The Choppers (1961) Crime
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TVTranscript
00:00:20That day when I walked out of the chief's office at City Hall, I didn't feel so good.
00:00:25You see, I'm a reporter. Jim Bradford's my name. I broadcast on radio and television, and I cover a lot
00:00:32of stories. But this one scared me a little. Our greatest national resource was in danger. I wasn't thinking about
00:00:41oil or water or things like that. I was, well, thinking about kids, yours and mine.
00:00:49Youngsters are the future. Well, I know that school and church and government officials work hard to preserve this resource,
00:00:57not to mention all the efforts of mothers and fathers. But this story, it made me think. It was the
00:01:05story of five boys, ages 16 to 18.
00:01:29It was the story of five boys.
00:01:38How about you?
00:01:43How about you?
00:01:46You got a boy.
00:02:08Boys who steal hubcaps and gasoline may become young men who dismantle entire automobiles
00:02:15or rob banks or enter the rackets. A kid with a doting parent can get too much too early.
00:02:22That can lead to a craving for more excitement than any teenager can handle.
00:02:28This is Jack Cruiser Bryan. His family is wealthy. He has never known his father.
00:02:34His mother spends most of her time in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, or New York.
00:02:41The choppers call him Torch. He's made a buck any way he could since he was six.
00:02:46He has seven brothers and sisters and a father with a fondness for spirits and can't afford a large family.
00:02:53Torch loves convertibles, pretty girls, ready cash.
00:02:57This is Tony the Snooper Pennelly. He can strip the valuables off a car in less time than some people
00:03:03can comb their hair.
00:03:05His story is of too many stepfathers.
00:03:08Tony can make a radio out of wire and tin cans.
00:03:11With proper guidance, he might have been a first-class engineer.
00:03:16This is Ben Shore, powerful as a wrestler, a wonderful sense of humor, and the idle time to be a
00:03:22chopper.
00:03:23Still growing, his brain hasn't caught up with his biceps.
00:03:27Flip Johnson isn't sure if he's 16 or even 19.
00:03:31He was left with an aunt and uncle who have a family of their own.
00:03:34His first theft was a peanut butter sandwich at school.
00:03:38Now he'll steal anything he can carry or load on a truck.
00:03:42Fast with a knife, he's convinced he can bluff his way out of any sort of trouble.
00:03:50Okay, come on, let's flip it.
00:03:53Here we go.
00:03:57What's one?
00:03:59Over she goes.
00:04:17Okay, cut it. That's all the time we got.
00:04:26Okay, cut it. That's all the time we got.
00:04:38Go, man, go!
00:05:03Sounds like these hens are allergic to smoke.
00:05:05Reminds you of my mother.
00:05:07They got the pip, that's why they squawked.
00:05:09Well, I sure hope it isn't contagious.
00:05:12I hate to break up with these chicks.
00:05:14Cruiser says they're the best investment we ever made.
00:05:24We're just in time, see the pickup coming?
00:05:32Cruiser was right.
00:05:33He said we'd have to knock on it.
00:05:43Oh, good heavens, what happened to my car?
00:05:46I can't understand.
00:05:47There, there now. After all, it's only a car.
00:05:51What about it, Mr. Snyder?
00:05:52There's only one thing to do is go back to the station, phone the police.
00:05:56Sure looks like the choppers have been here.
00:05:58The choppers?
00:05:59Yeah, it's a gang of thieves operating across the whole county.
00:06:02Well, what about the car? What can we do?
00:06:04Well, if I were you good people, I'd forget it.
00:06:07It's a total wreck.
00:06:09Let the insurance company worry about it.
00:06:11We go back to the service station, I'll pick up the tow truck and tow it in.
00:06:29I'll give you a hug.
00:06:30We go back to the station.
00:06:31Let's buy from the car.
00:06:31I'm over and out.
00:06:32I'm over and out.
00:06:51Hi, Moose. Can I get here?
00:06:55In the yard.
00:06:58Don't get up.
00:07:03Punk.
00:07:09What's the matter, cowboy?
00:07:11Your chickens ain't getting enough exercise.
00:07:13I'm trying to make them happy.
00:07:15See, I told you.
00:07:17Looks to me like you're trying to drive them crazy.
00:07:19Paying made so much as one egg in a week.
00:07:21Neither have we. Five jobs, just like that.
00:07:24Well, he can count.
00:07:25Oh, the brain.
00:07:26Just once, why don't you show up on time so you can lift something?
00:07:30Oh, just thought maybe there was something I could use on the heap.
00:07:33Just think, cowboy.
00:07:35Half an hour ago, this pile of junk was moving 60 miles an hour.
00:07:38You think that Squared John even knows he's been hit, Chip?
00:07:41Oh, he does now.
00:07:43I'm giving him ten minutes to weep over his wreck.
00:07:46He should be on the phone right now, crying his little heart out to the cops.
00:07:49Okay, goodbye.
00:07:52Well, it's the Choppers again.
00:07:54They cut up a new car on 18 while some guy and his wife went after a can of gas.
00:07:59Speaking of wives, it means I won't make it home tonight.
00:08:03Poor Mary will understand.
00:08:05She was having friends then, too.
00:08:07Anytime I eat a sandwich, I can always tell whether Helen or her mother made it.
00:08:10Boy.
00:08:12I'd better call Tom Hart.
00:08:13After all, those insurance investigators are as anxious to grab those choppers as we are.
00:08:18Tom may want to ride along.
00:08:20She never puts anything on a sandwich to make it swallow easy.
00:08:22No butter, nothing.
00:08:24Ah, she probably just forgot.
00:08:27Forgot?
00:08:27Forgot my eyes.
00:08:28She wants to choke me to death.
00:08:31Hello, let me speak to Tom Hart, please.
00:08:35Hi, Tom.
00:08:36Frank Fleming.
00:08:36Car theft detail.
00:08:38Yeah.
00:08:39Just got a call from out on number 18.
00:08:42The Choppers pulled off another job.
00:08:44Thought you'd like to go along.
00:08:46All right, Frank.
00:08:47How about my picking you up on the way over?
00:08:49About ten minutes, all right?
00:08:51Right.
00:08:53Well, that's it for today, beautiful.
00:08:56So, I suppose you forgot all about the steak dinner you promised me.
00:09:01Dinner?
00:09:01Schminner.
00:09:02We'll both be eating birdseed if Frank and I don't break up that Chopper gang.
00:09:06Oh, I hate you.
00:09:08Oh, no.
00:09:09We can't do that.
00:09:11Tell you what, a fid's on the way, huh?
00:09:13On the way?
00:09:14Hmm.
00:09:14Suppose I'll settle for another hamburger if Joe's driving.
00:09:17Oh, now, beautiful.
00:09:19You know a big steak has too many calories.
00:09:22You're so thoughtful all of a sudden.
00:09:33Entertain your friend, she said, for a fuller, richer life.
00:09:42I entertain my lawyer and my sweet and loving wife.
00:09:51And I want to tell the story.
00:09:54A lot of money, boys.
00:09:55A lot of money.
00:09:56Yeah, it's ten cents on the dollar, and you know it.
00:09:59You give us the same story every time.
00:10:03Grease this palm, big daddy-o.
00:10:04Peel off those cabbage leaves.
00:10:06Every time I see that loaf of bread, I flip.
00:10:08Some night, Moose, you go home with me.
00:10:12Like tonight, kid?
00:10:14Keep counting, Moose.
00:10:16He's just talking, and don't get shook.
00:10:1980, 85.
00:10:21That's the kind of music I like.
00:10:23The sweet whisper of them greenbacks kissing each other.
00:10:26Oh, man.
00:10:27Well, it's better than the cowboy singing those lullabies.
00:10:31You'd better like to hear him sing.
00:10:32Or he stomps the means of fuzzers here.
00:10:34We're scared, silly.
00:10:37It's 200 even.
00:10:39My lawyer, Christ.
00:10:41Mucho gracis.
00:10:43Split it up on the outside.
00:10:44You guys bother me.
00:10:46For you, Moose, anything.
00:10:49Let's cut out and grab some grubs.
00:10:56Some guy will stick a shiv in you someday, Moose.
00:10:59Pourting all that bread.
00:11:01That'll be the day, kid.
00:11:16You gotta admit, though, them kids really move.
00:11:20Yeah.
00:11:21Someday, somebody's gonna have to slow them down.
00:11:23They're getting a little too cocky.
00:11:26Somebody like the Moose?
00:11:28If you lose those parts,
00:11:30the junk detail be your first thing in the morning.
00:11:32Don't worry, boss.
00:11:34Ain't they always?
00:11:35Yeah, always.
00:11:37See you in the morning.
00:11:46Entertain your lawyer.
00:11:49Send my sweet and loved wife.
00:11:57They hit hard and fast.
00:11:58There's no amateurs in this outfit.
00:12:00Oh, no.
00:12:01These guys are artists with their torches.
00:12:03Come in.
00:12:03Look at this, kid.
00:12:06It must have taken five or six of them to up in this baby.
00:12:09Well, it's worth the energy.
00:12:11Makes it easy to get at the goodies.
00:12:13The owner says he ran out of gas,
00:12:15but he's sure he filled it up in town.
00:12:17Well, I must have drained most of it.
00:12:19Just left enough to get out here.
00:12:22No, Tom, there's too much margin for error that way.
00:12:25They drain it completely dry
00:12:27and then put enough back in to call their shots.
00:12:31Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right.
00:12:32It must have been that way, all right?
00:12:34Come on.
00:12:35Are you going to be here all day?
00:12:36It's getting late.
00:12:37There's no chance of picking up any tire marks on this stuff.
00:12:41It's way past supper time.
00:12:43Yeah, it's a chopper, all right.
00:12:44They're getting as regular as a TV show.
00:12:47Well, I'll put the junk detail on it
00:12:49the first thing in the morning.
00:12:50Meanwhile, you have your insurance agents
00:12:52giving me all the numbers.
00:12:53Right.
00:12:54And we'll prowl these spots.
00:12:55Maybe one of these days we'll get a break.
00:12:58Look, I don't care where we...
00:12:59Let's just eat, okay?
00:13:01Did I hear you say something about being hungry?
00:13:03Oh!
00:13:06What's that?
00:13:07Feathered, chicken feather.
00:13:08It must be from one of your other chicks.
00:13:10Oh, kind of.
00:13:11A fine thing, not a single clue.
00:13:32Hiya, Susie.
00:13:32How about a kiss?
00:13:33Oh, she's beautiful in them pants.
00:13:36It's not that I like girls so much,
00:13:38but there's something about the way they're built.
00:13:40How about five cheeseburgers, cutie?
00:13:42Yeah.
00:13:43I admit that I like girls,
00:13:45but girls don't like me.
00:13:47The cruiser keeps telling me to get contact lenses.
00:13:50Sure.
00:13:51They give your eyes that, uh, that dreamy look.
00:13:55Let's all go over to Susie's pad after midnight.
00:13:57I could go eight for you, baby.
00:13:59That's a lot.
00:14:00What I do, baby, kiss me.
00:14:04Hey, where's all the girls?
00:14:06You guys got anthrax or something?
00:14:08Get a lot of that big smooch.
00:14:10Talk about tall in the saddle.
00:14:12Yeah.
00:14:13Couple of fanatics.
00:14:14They go wall to wall.
00:14:16Get a load of the shimmers on that tank.
00:14:19I got the message, man.
00:14:21I got the message.
00:14:23Put your tools away.
00:14:24These aren't exactly business hours.
00:14:26I bet.
00:14:27The fanatics ought to be ashamed.
00:14:29Chomping up a big love nest right here in front of us young people.
00:14:32Things like that is a bad influence on Ben.
00:14:35Go on, Snooper.
00:14:36Pick up a couple extra pills.
00:14:39You shouldn't shake him all up like that, Ben.
00:14:41You know he'll do anything.
00:14:43You've got to keep our boy happy.
00:14:57Is there anything?
00:14:58Only with my eyes.
00:15:00Here, keep the change.
00:15:01Thanks.
00:15:05Look, Flip's got a place case nice for the chicks, maybe.
00:15:08Give me the layout, Flip.
00:15:09I'll cruise it and call in right after school.
00:15:17Get a load of that candy and cake.
00:15:19Wow.
00:15:20That's what I call genuine laughing plastic.
00:15:24Well, thank you.
00:15:26Gosh, you're my star.
00:15:27It's pure allure, all right, but eyeball the fuzz.
00:15:32Bet we'll Snooper in.
00:15:33Now, that fuzz.
00:15:35The cruiser calls it fuzz.
00:15:36That's good enough for me.
00:15:37He can smell a kid or Catalina.
00:15:40You square and with a joint out of your own fuzz.
00:15:43Fade.
00:15:47He served a lot faster inside.
00:15:49Even faster if you want straight in the kitchen.
00:15:51Served yourself, wouldn't it?
00:15:54You don't get merchandise like that in no supermarket.
00:15:56How does fuzz rate that carriage class?
00:15:59That reminds me.
00:16:00I got a date with Gypsy tonight.
00:16:02I'm cutting out.
00:16:02Yeah, we better get out of here, too.
00:16:04I don't like the clientele in this place.
00:16:05It's getting lousy.
00:16:07Hey, what's the action?
00:16:08We're getting out.
00:16:09You guys better do the same.
00:16:10That smoocher comes up for air.
00:16:11He's going to start screaming for those hubcaps.
00:16:27Big men.
00:16:29Scared out by a little heap.
00:16:30Yeah.
00:16:32You know, I think this fuzzy little car is sick.
00:16:35Hothead.
00:16:36Might need an emergency operation.
00:16:38Oh, I agree.
00:16:40By all means, let's operate, Doctor.
00:16:44Scalpel?
00:16:46Scalpel, Doctor.
00:17:04What's the matter?
00:17:07I don't know.
00:17:09Well, to start...
00:17:14Say, Tom, don't you have any hubcaps?
00:17:16Hey, my battery's gone.
00:17:18Your radio's gone, too, darling.
00:17:20What?
00:17:21And your carburetor.
00:17:22You've been stripped, pal.
00:17:24Oh, no!
00:17:27Really, Tom?
00:17:29All right, all right.
00:17:30Now, don't you dare laugh.
00:17:32All right, you either.
00:17:33Excuse me, Tom, but it is kind of funny.
00:17:35I don't see anything funny.
00:17:40All right.
00:17:42All right.
00:17:52All right.
00:17:57Where have you been, you lazy, good-for-nothing?
00:18:00I've been waiting for you for hours.
00:18:03Hiya, Pop.
00:18:03What's the matter?
00:18:04We gotta get the store.
00:18:06That's what's the matter.
00:18:07You know my truck's broke down.
00:18:10No sweat.
00:18:11I'll take, Mom.
00:18:12Your mother's cooking supper.
00:18:14She can't get away.
00:18:16I'll go, then.
00:18:17No sweat.
00:18:17What you need?
00:18:18Well, as a matter of fact, she don't need nothing.
00:18:23I'm a little short, son.
00:18:27You got your money on you?
00:18:29Sure, I got money.
00:18:30Get in.
00:18:31You know they won't sell it to me.
00:18:32What's all the fuss about if you're out of booze,
00:18:34why don't you just say so?
00:18:36That's a good boy, son.
00:18:37I knew you'd get it.
00:18:46Yes, sir.
00:18:48Oh, yes, sir.
00:18:50Right.
00:18:52Oh, yes, sir.
00:18:53I've had more police cooperation
00:18:54than I've ever had before in my life.
00:18:56The auto theft and junkyard boys
00:18:58are all over the place.
00:18:59They've given it the fine-tooth comb treatment.
00:19:01The cop with absolutely nothing, nothing.
00:19:04Well, we're up against a pretty smooth operation.
00:19:07The choppers chopped again yesterday
00:19:09on Route 18,
00:19:10dismantling a new automobile
00:19:11in broad daylight.
00:19:13Later that evening,
00:19:14investigators have their own cars
00:19:16stripped while...
00:19:17Well, sir, I...
00:19:19I don't need any more help, sir.
00:19:22I just need a little more time
00:19:23and I think I can come up with something.
00:19:26Oh, yes, sir.
00:19:28Yes, sir.
00:19:29Right.
00:19:31Look, beautiful,
00:19:32if you read that bit just one more time,
00:19:34I'm gonna fire you
00:19:35and I've never been more sincere
00:19:36about anything before in my life.
00:19:38I'm sorry, Tom.
00:19:40Really, I am.
00:19:41Look, don't get so shook about it.
00:19:43Well, of course I'm shook.
00:19:46I'm one half as shook as Frank is
00:19:48in the police department.
00:19:50They're laughing
00:19:51those poor guys out of City Hall.
00:19:53Gee, for police,
00:19:54he's even called a special meeting.
00:19:55Frank called me
00:19:56and asked me if I'd go with him.
00:19:58Poor guy feels like an idiot.
00:20:00Imagine how that makes you feel.
00:20:02Oh, thanks.
00:20:03Thanks.
00:20:10Look,
00:20:11usually you aren't gonna let me
00:20:12use that little car of yours,
00:20:13aren't you,
00:20:13while mine's being fixed?
00:20:14Oh, sure.
00:20:16On one condition, though.
00:20:19Oh.
00:20:19I'd like something left for a souvenir.
00:20:21Maybe a couple bolts
00:20:23or a wheel
00:20:24or, you know.
00:20:36Hey, cut it out.
00:20:37What's so interesting?
00:20:39Genius.
00:20:40Get away, Gypsy.
00:20:42Can't you see?
00:20:43I'm reading about
00:20:44a new kind of axle.
00:20:46Axles?
00:20:48How can you get all bugged
00:20:50about an axle?
00:20:52Oh, listen.
00:20:53With this little trick,
00:20:55I can get another 20,
00:20:57maybe 30 miles per hour
00:20:58and with less RPM.
00:21:01Well,
00:21:02that's what I don't understand
00:21:03about men.
00:21:05Here we have a pool
00:21:07and a hi-fi
00:21:08and you talk about
00:21:10axles and RPMs
00:21:11and all that junk.
00:21:13Well, this is what
00:21:14I don't understand
00:21:15about women.
00:21:16They're always
00:21:17nagging a guy.
00:21:18Oh, I didn't mean to.
00:21:20I don't want to nag.
00:21:22You see,
00:21:23well,
00:21:24that's why my pop
00:21:25walked out on Mom.
00:21:27Gee,
00:21:28I sure wish
00:21:29I'd have known my old man.
00:21:31He likes speed, too.
00:21:34Guess he was
00:21:34a really great flyer.
00:21:36He was the hottest pilot
00:21:37in his outfit.
00:21:38I bet he was cute.
00:21:40Just like you.
00:21:43The Japs
00:21:45dived on him
00:21:46when he was drifting
00:21:47down in a parachute.
00:21:49Machine gun.
00:21:51Poor Pop.
00:21:52He didn't have a chance.
00:21:57I, um,
00:21:58I bet I can beat you.
00:22:00Three laps?
00:22:01Freestyle?
00:22:02Come on.
00:22:13Come on.
00:22:16Is this everything?
00:22:18Hmm.
00:22:19I'm not getting
00:22:20awake, am I?
00:22:22Oh, no, officer.
00:22:24It's just that
00:22:24we do so little business here
00:22:26I sort of got in the habit
00:22:28of taking a little nap
00:22:30in the sun once in a while.
00:22:32According to this ledger,
00:22:33you don't do much business.
00:22:34You mean that's all there is?
00:22:35Oh, absolutely, officer.
00:22:37My old moose
00:22:38wouldn't buy a Hershey bar
00:22:39without writing it down
00:22:40in that dirt book.
00:22:41Yeah, I'll bet.
00:22:43I can't afford
00:22:44to take any chances.
00:22:45Not if you want
00:22:46to stay in business.
00:22:49Did you find anything?
00:22:52What are you doing
00:22:52with that thing?
00:22:53It's protection.
00:22:55Never know where
00:22:55to get held up around here.
00:22:57There are thieves
00:22:57after my kind of merchandise
00:22:59too, you understand?
00:23:00I understand this.
00:23:01Somebody around here
00:23:02is dealing hot stuff.
00:23:03And we find a party
00:23:04they're going to
00:23:04cool off up the river.
00:23:06And you better get rid
00:23:06of that can
00:23:07and it might get you
00:23:07in trouble.
00:23:08Give him that gun, Dennis.
00:23:09Drop in anytime.
00:23:11Don't worry, we will.
00:23:15out there.
00:23:26Stinking junk detail.
00:23:28I'd like to let
00:23:29them have both barrels.
00:23:30Boss, that stuff's
00:23:32piling up.
00:23:33It's all I can do
00:23:34to hide it.
00:23:34Them kids are bringing
00:23:35it in faster
00:23:36than we can get rid
00:23:37of it.
00:23:38Yeah.
00:23:38Yeah, maybe we ought to chop off a few of them choppers, huh?
00:23:43Yeah?
00:23:48Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!
00:23:51Ah, knock it off, cowboy.
00:23:54Here, get some hot dogs.
00:24:27Come on, let's go!
00:24:49What's your dial, Sonny?
00:24:51790. There's a good spot up above here, so I'll keep you in, Phil.
00:24:53Got you. Take off.
00:24:55What a set of wheels.
00:24:56Come on, move it.
00:25:17This is J.B., in position testing.
00:25:31J.B., can you read me?
00:25:37Loud and clear, J.B., loud and clear.
00:25:40All clear. Proceed according as planned. I'm standing by. Roger and out.
00:25:55There's a poor cat named Conga Joe
00:25:58Got a crazy fat gun in Borneo
00:26:00His little black feet through his fuzzy duck tail
00:26:04He's a gone-cooled cat with a jungle quail
00:26:07Pomp-pomp-pee, pum-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:26:13Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:15Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:19Little black Minnie, hair on her bone
00:26:21Proving in a corner like an olive loan
00:26:24She says that Joe, my steady date for
00:26:28An itsy-bitsy pygmy can navigate
00:26:31Pomp-pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:34Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:37Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:39Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:39Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:26:40Pomp-pum-pum
00:26:42Pomp-pum-pum
00:26:43Pomp-pum-pum
00:26:43Dragon and a dragon let their elbows knock
00:26:45Pomp-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:27:00Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:02Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:03Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:04Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:05Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:08Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:09Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:09Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:10Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:10Pomp-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:27:11Pomp-pum-pum-pum
00:27:12Pomp-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:27:14Pomp-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:27:17Pomp-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:27:24Pomp-pum-pum-pum-pum
00:27:27JB calling. Square John has returned. I repeat. Square John has returned ahead of calculated schedule. May involve PD. I
00:27:36repeat. May involve PD. PD will be blasting up here. PD Q. Yeah. Load up. And leave the wheels. Don't
00:27:44be greedy. JB calling. Quit dragging your tails. Expedite. I repeat. Expedite.
00:27:53Durser sounds great, don't he? Just like TV. Don't draw this yet. Move on and Ben's in back.
00:28:05What's the matter, bud? It's a flat. Hey, Ben, bring out the tank.
00:28:13Mobile unit LT calling JB. Come in, JB. This is JB. What's wrong, mobile unit? You've stopped.
00:28:19Over. We've got a flat tire. Estimated delay, three minutes. Over. Tough luck, mobile unit.
00:28:34Our mobile unit, mobile unit, unidentified vehicle approaching from side road. May be abandoned.
00:28:44Having any trouble? Oh, flat tire, eh?
00:28:48Yeah, Pop, but we don't need any help.
00:28:50I should think not. Poor young huskies like you.
00:28:53I told you, Pop, we don't need no help.
00:28:55Well, I didn't offer any. I just like chickens. What kind are they?
00:29:00White ones. Do you want to sell them?
00:29:02No, I don't want to sell them. Now, buzz off, will you, Buster? You're blocking a highway.
00:29:12Mobile unit. Bandits. Bandits, cut out.
00:29:14What are they? Layers?
00:29:16No, they're not layers, and they're not for sale. Now, burn out, mister.
00:29:19We love them chickens.
00:29:20Okay, okay. You don't have to get so hard about it. What's the matter with you?
00:29:42Mobile unit, mobile unit. Can you read me? Come in.
00:29:49Mobile unit, the J.B. We had to get off the air for a while, but we're moving now, and
00:29:53all is well. Over.
00:29:58Mobile unit, there are bandits approaching.
00:30:01I repeat, bandits.
00:30:02And you are on a dead-end street.
00:30:04Reverse.
00:30:05I repeat, reverse.
00:30:07If we reverse, we'll be going right back to the cops.
00:30:09My crews don't know what he's doing.
00:30:17Hey, what's going on?
00:30:24Mobile unit, mobile unit. You're turning the wrong way.
00:30:31Here they come. We'll meet them to the corner.
00:30:33Yeah, but if we turn right, we're heading straight for them, and if we turn left, we're going back to
00:30:36the wreck.
00:30:39J.B., J.B., can you see us? Which way do we turn left or right over?
00:30:43Turn left, mobile unit. I repeat, turn left. I can see you.
00:31:04Flip, Snooper, give them the farmer routine. Get it?
00:31:20Hey, what's going on?
00:31:23Foss, keep it quiet.
00:31:26Keep it quiet.
00:31:27Keep it quiet.
00:31:29Keep it quiet.
00:31:35Keep it quiet.
00:31:39Howdy, officer. Was we going too fast?
00:31:42We're looking for a stolen car. Have you seen anything from a blue car with a white top?
00:31:45No, sir, but I've seen a green car with a white top. It passed us back there a piece.
00:31:51I thought that was a white car, wasn't it, with a red top?
00:31:54What was it, a blue car or a white car?
00:31:56I don't know, but it was going that way.
00:31:59No, it wasn't. It was coming this way.
00:32:13All right, let's start all over again.
00:32:20Hey, who's that guy thinking is he pretty hit you fellas?
00:32:22Darn, I hate them smart-alecks.
00:32:27All right, you guys can go. Thanks just a second.
00:32:29Just sorry we can't help you none.
00:32:36There's nothing on the wheels that'll catch up with a cruiser.
00:32:43Just like this when you found it, huh?
00:32:45Just like that. It doesn't stay stolen very long.
00:32:47Well, they never do.
00:32:49What do you think, Tom?
00:32:51Well, insurance rates are going up again.
00:32:54The choppers.
00:32:55Sure, who else?
00:32:57This job was done by experts.
00:33:05You say this was a hotshot call?
00:33:07The car had just been stolen, huh?
00:33:09Yes, sir. The owner said not more than ten minutes.
00:33:11I let him go. He was late for work.
00:33:13How much time do you figure to do this?
00:33:16Well, it's not a complete job.
00:33:18Well, I'd say at least ten minutes.
00:33:23Ten minutes?
00:33:25Do you want an introduction?
00:33:28Ten minutes, huh?
00:33:30That would put you and the choppers in this area about the same time.
00:33:33Did you see anybody?
00:33:35Nobody that could have done it.
00:33:36Did you see anybody who couldn't have done it?
00:33:38It was a kid in a hot rod.
00:33:39He almost ran into us when we were talking to a truck driver.
00:33:42But he came from the wrong direction.
00:33:43Kid in a hot rod?
00:33:44Was he alone?
00:33:46Yes, sir.
00:33:46There isn't much traffic on this road.
00:33:51Well, officer...
00:33:56Liz, will you please wait for us in the car?
00:33:58What did I do?
00:34:00Will you just please wait for us in the car?
00:34:03Big deal.
00:34:05Now, if you don't mind, let's get back to that truck driver.
00:34:07Just a couple of kids hauling poultry.
00:34:09Poultry?
00:34:10What kind of poultry?
00:34:11Chickens are a whole mess of them in crates.
00:34:14White chickens?
00:34:15Yeah.
00:34:16Come to think of it, wait.
00:34:19What's this?
00:34:21Well, the last time the choppers hit,
00:34:23Liz picked a chicken feather just like that off my sleeve.
00:34:41Hey, cruiser.
00:34:43I want to talk to you.
00:34:44Why not?
00:34:46Snooper says you had a close call today.
00:34:49What's the matter?
00:34:50You worried about us?
00:34:51No, kid.
00:34:52I worry about me.
00:34:54You guys have been pulling too many jobs lately.
00:34:57I think you ought to lay off for a while.
00:34:59You really think so, Moose?
00:35:02Yeah.
00:35:03You guys are getting too hot.
00:35:04You got the junk detail coming here every day.
00:35:07Well, that's your problem.
00:35:09That's right.
00:35:11The answer is we don't do no more business for a while.
00:35:15Here's the tally, boss.
00:35:16We owe him 128 bucks.
00:35:19Hey, Torch, you want to hear something funny?
00:35:21The Moose thinks we ought to knock off for a while.
00:35:24Well, that's a guesser.
00:35:25What's the matter, chubby?
00:35:26Are we making too big a dent in your bankroll or something?
00:35:29I'm just trying to tell you that for your own good,
00:35:32you got to get smart.
00:35:33Don't do no more jobs until the heat's off.
00:35:36Well, maybe we like it hot.
00:35:37Then you better take your business someplace else.
00:35:42What's so funny?
00:35:44You are, Moose.
00:35:45If you think you can shut us off.
00:35:47You'll buy anything we bring in as long as we're in business.
00:35:51One word to the junk detail and you're out of business.
00:35:54Well, that's even funnier, isn't it, Torch?
00:35:58Listen, fat stuff.
00:36:01If we go down, you go down and don't you forget it.
00:36:05This whole operation was your idea.
00:36:07We were just a bunch of punk kids stealing hubcaps for kicks.
00:36:11But who showed us where the big money is?
00:36:14And who rigged up the torches and showed us how to chop a car?
00:36:19I never even knew what the word meant
00:36:21until you and I started having our little talks.
00:36:25That's right, cruiser.
00:36:26And you know what else, Moose?
00:36:27You'll even get an extra bolt
00:36:29for contributing to the delinquency of minors.
00:36:32Say the word, boss.
00:36:35The word's a hundred and twenty.
00:36:37What?
00:36:38Eight.
00:36:39Sure, boys.
00:36:41Only let's make it a hundred and thirty, shall we?
00:36:44It's a nice round figure.
00:36:47Now, boy, put that away.
00:36:51After all, like they say, we're partners.
00:36:53Here.
00:36:55There it is!
00:36:57Green!
00:36:58My favorite coat!
00:37:00Ah, Ulysses, take me till you leave here.
00:37:03So long, partner.
00:37:05Come on.
00:37:07I've got one just like that, cowboy.
00:37:09Someday I'll show it to you.
00:37:32Why didn't you just lay down and let them walk all over you?
00:37:36Don't be as stupid as they are.
00:37:38Any trouble right now, and we'd all end up in the junk.
00:37:41But tomorrow, that's gonna be a different story.
00:37:45What's tomorrow gonna change?
00:37:48By tomorrow, I want everything those junk punks ever lifted out of here.
00:37:52I want this yard thick clean.
00:37:54Dump the stuff at cut prices if you have to.
00:37:57Yeah, but boss, we'll lose dough.
00:37:59I'll get it back.
00:38:01I'll break in a new bunch of rats.
00:38:03Might even expand a bit and go in for the big stuff.
00:38:07But I'd want nothing here that'll tie me in with the choppers.
00:38:10We still got the truck and the chickens.
00:38:14Not after they drive out of here for their next job.
00:38:17I close the gate behind them,
00:38:19and they can yell copper all they want,
00:38:21but they can't prove nothing.
00:38:26What's up, boys?
00:38:28All right.
00:38:29I'm out of here.
00:38:29Boy, I never knew there were so many produce companies in this town.
00:38:33That's a blank wall, too, Tom.
00:38:35No, I don't think so.
00:38:37I think those chickens are the answer to our problem.
00:38:40Yeah, you may be right.
00:38:41I know we've been running around like a couple of chickens with their heads cut off.
00:38:45Well, that's our job.
00:38:46Our job is to get those choppers.
00:38:50I agree.
00:38:52Now, here's what we're going to do.
00:39:00So far, the choppers have pulled all their jobs in this area.
00:39:03That's because there's not too many houses,
00:39:05and the service stations are far and few between.
00:39:08Now, you know we don't have enough men to keep the whole area under surveillance.
00:39:12But we do have enough to keep tabs on one road at a time.
00:39:15Steakout, huh?
00:39:16Yeah, exactly.
00:39:18So I'll put the bite on the chief for a new car,
00:39:20and we'll have it run out of gas right here.
00:39:24Then the driver will walk back to the service station,
00:39:27and we'll be where we can see what happens.
00:39:29And what happens if nothing happens?
00:39:32Well, we'll go on to the next road.
00:39:34And the next.
00:39:35And the next.
00:39:36All right.
00:39:36All right, I'm with you.
00:39:38Meantime, I'm late for a date.
00:39:40See ya.
00:39:41Later.
00:39:47Frank, wait, don't do it.
00:39:48How is mother made that?
00:39:49If you're not used to little kiddos, I'll be burnt down, please.
00:39:52Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to risk a half of one anyway.
00:39:54That's your funeral, Brian.
00:39:55Well, with all this work we got ahead of us tonight,
00:39:57getting ready for the steakout, I'll never make it home on time.
00:40:00I thought you were going to take many kids to the movies.
00:40:03Yeah, I thought I was going to take my wife and kids to a lot of places, a lot of
00:40:06nights.
00:40:09Listen, check the garage and see what kind of a power we can get for tomorrow.
00:40:14Well, yeah, I'm hungry, but I've had it too.
00:40:36Hey, Fink!
00:40:37Out of there!
00:40:38I want in there!
00:40:41If I were you, buddy, I'd do like the man says.
00:40:45Why should I?
00:40:46I was here first.
00:40:48Well, this is a democracy, isn't it?
00:40:50You better move.
00:40:51Well, that's just it.
00:40:52That guy has no right to bull his way around.
00:41:02Gee whiz, it sure is a beautiful paint job.
00:41:07Probably got 50 coats of lacquery.
00:41:10Man!
00:41:10You can't even scratch it, Ben.
00:41:15What's a big idea?
00:41:17Them aluminum hubcaps sure are soft.
00:41:20Look at that, William.
00:41:22Are you crazy?
00:41:23Oh, is this your car?
00:41:26Of course it's my car.
00:41:29What are your names?
00:41:31Me, Geronimo.
00:41:32He, Chief Crazy Horse.
00:41:34We scout things like you.
00:41:36We are just a couple of small businessmen.
00:41:39I'm not afraid of you, right?
00:41:40Oh, Norman, please, let's go.
00:41:42You better listen to the cutie, Norman.
00:41:45Yeah, she is cute, eh?
00:41:46She is.
00:41:47Oh, come on, Norman, please, let's go.
00:41:49Come on.
00:42:19Get lost, will you, Cruiser?
00:42:21Gypsy and I want to smooch a little.
00:42:23Well, don't get any ideas about Gypsy, because you're with a lady now.
00:42:27I'm sorry, Snooper, but you're just not my type.
00:42:31I bet if I had me some contact lenses, I could look real dreamy.
00:42:40I bet if I had to call Mom, order me a hamburger.
00:42:43Without onions.
00:42:45Without onions.
00:43:12Well, I'm sorry.
00:44:24Hey, get a load of that charmer.
00:44:46Gee, how classy can we get?
00:44:49Thanks.
00:44:51Do you mind if I have a look?
00:44:52You know, it sort of reminds me of a car my brother used to drive.
00:44:56Nearly banked up the family.
00:44:58There's nearly 5,000 bucks right here.
00:45:00Really?
00:45:03I don't have a ride like this, but I'm a lot better looking than him.
00:45:07Besides, I'm free.
00:45:09You want to see your muscles?
00:45:11Can I?
00:45:15I don't have a ride like this.
00:45:16Heavens.
00:45:16What'll it do?
00:45:18$1.50.
00:45:19Maybe more when I get my new axle.
00:45:22Six jugs.
00:45:23Cherry all the way.
00:45:27Want to go for a little moonlight and roses?
00:45:29Remember, no contact lenses, dear.
00:45:33Some other night it might be a real blast, but right now I'm kind of busy, so I'll talk to
00:45:39you later.
00:45:39Any time, baby.
00:45:42Any time.
00:45:46Partners, she can have my ranch and all my cattle.
00:45:52Yeah.
00:45:53Down, boy.
00:45:55Down.
00:46:04What in the world did...
00:46:06It's a wonder that some of these kids don't freeze to death.
00:46:10Look, I'm not knocking it, but why?
00:46:13Jack Bryan, 132 North Lafayette, Toluca Woods.
00:46:18Huh?
00:46:19Well, that's the registered owner of a hot rod that exactly fits the description of the one that almost ran
00:46:24down the two policemen this afternoon.
00:46:32Come, baby.
00:46:33Come on, baby.
00:46:35Come on, baby.
00:46:35Come on, baby.
00:46:37Come on, baby.
00:46:38Come on, baby.
00:46:40That's all I want.
00:46:42Come, baby.
00:46:43Let's cruise the scene.
00:46:44And I feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:46:47Monkey's in my hand.
00:46:49I can do a handstand.
00:46:52Got plenty money in my old cuisine.
00:46:54Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:46:57Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:46:59Well, I got a cheery Chevy and a tank full of gas.
00:47:02And a chronic hypertension for moving past monkeys in my van.
00:47:06I can do a handstand.
00:47:08I can do a handstand.
00:47:09Got plenty money in my old routine.
00:47:12Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:47:20Well, I know a friend with a big connection.
00:47:24Live it up with a wide selection.
00:47:27Come, baby.
00:47:28Got protection.
00:47:29You got, you got anything you want.
00:47:31Come, baby.
00:47:32Let's cruise the scene.
00:47:34And feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:47:36Monkey's in my handstand.
00:47:38I can do a handstand.
00:47:40Got plenty money in my old blue jean.
00:47:43Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:47:46Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:47:48Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:47:53Feel long gone from a bowling green.
00:48:00Come on, little boy.
00:48:02Give us a hand.
00:48:03Sorry, buddies.
00:48:04I got an important stop to make.
00:48:06Is it still Charlie Blue One?
00:48:08Charlie Blue One.
00:48:09Who the heck is Charlie Blue One?
00:48:11Shh.
00:48:12It's a military secret.
00:48:27They'll be going any minute now.
00:48:46They're taking the chicks out for a little air.
00:48:49Any objections, partner?
00:48:52None at all, partner.
00:49:00Lock the gate.
00:49:02There'll be trouble when they come back and can't get in.
00:49:05Yeah.
00:49:09Maybe we ought to tip off the cops and make sure they don't get back.
00:49:13You mean Fink?
00:49:15Just the nightie.
00:49:17I get the ideas.
00:49:19You just lock the gate.
00:49:21Then maybe you ought to oil up that pea shooter of yours, huh?
00:49:26Can I wear my holster?
00:49:27I can draw faster.
00:49:29Why not?
00:49:29You just lock the gate.
00:49:32Oh, come on.
00:49:36Lock that gate.
00:50:00hi jim should have known we couldn't hide from you well you almost did i just about got lost
00:50:05coming up the back weight hey meet tom hart uh national car theft bureau jim bradford worldwide
00:50:12broadcasting well i listen to you every night thanks uh almost gonna broadcast them up here
00:50:17no we'll just record now and put it on the air later uh-huh you know what's happening
00:50:22they filled me in down at headquarters sounded pretty interesting thanks you think we'll see
00:50:28any action well we think so let's take out it's get awful tiring but we have good reason to believe
00:50:35the kids will hit pretty soon you think the choppers are kids then well we're pretty sure we don't know
00:50:44start talking here comes officer martin ladies and gentlemen this is jim bradford your news
00:50:50reporter on a hilltop overlooking highway 18 east of the city this is a police department stakeout
00:50:57one of the many attempts of your police force to apprehend a gang of auto wreckers who've been
00:51:02given the name of the choppers because of the manner in which they operate right now i'm watching
00:51:07officer frank martin in plain clothes he's in the act of running out of gas on a deserted section of
00:51:12highway just as you and i've done at least once in our lives he's getting out of his car cursing
00:51:18himself
00:51:18for passing that last gas station now he looks about for help and there is none there never is
00:51:24there's nothing that he can do but start walking back to the nearest gas station
00:51:30now he's starting out to walk here on the hill there's nothing to do but just wait
00:51:37perhaps nothing will happen on the highway here below us today but of this we can be almost certain
00:51:43somewhere in the area today a gang of car strippers will strike and you and i will pay some of
00:51:48the bills and
00:51:48higher insurance premiums i understand that you're not fishing on this that you've really got a lead
00:51:55frank this just for you just for me some kid with a five thousand dollar hot rod
00:52:03yeah five g's he's been known to be in the vicinity as the choppings he might be a lookout we've
00:52:10been
00:52:10tailing him and getting reports on him hey frank car 13 reports that brian kid is heading right this way
00:52:17that's the one this is fleming in car nine tell car 13 to drop back and give the suspect room
00:52:26i repeat
00:52:27give him room jv calling mobile unit jv calling mobile unit stand by i'm on target charlie blue one
00:52:42i'll buzz it and let you know over and out hey what's the big idea never mind baby i might
00:52:51have a job to do
00:52:53all right here comes something
00:53:07well you didn't stop it's not supposed to it's just a lookout he finds everything clear then the
00:53:12choppers come in and right away well how can he contact us we haven't figured that out yet
00:53:37what's going on around here look baby i told you i might have a job to do
00:53:44job well what kind of a job never mind
00:53:53there they are you were right tom and so help me they're carrying a load of chickens chickens
00:54:22mobile unit fuzz emergency cut out i repeat fuzz emergency cut out
00:54:41that's it tell them to shut off the road
00:54:52that's hennesse in car five poultry truck with suspects headed your way road block per plan i repeat road
00:54:59block block per plan
00:55:13hang on we're gonna play chicken
00:55:28calloway and car nine to lieutenant fleming we just got pushed off the road with the choppers caution
00:55:48seven and eight should have to chase them down this road here you're gonna have to use that
00:55:53i hope not i hope not i hope not too but they're just kids yeah probably
00:56:08road block
00:56:39this car seven to lieutenant fleming the hot rods of the brian kids headed your way there's a girl in
00:56:46the car
00:56:50a hot rod
00:57:06hey head for the big deal
00:57:13why go to the big deal we can get fenced in there it's part of the plan give us three
00:57:17minutes we can
00:57:17have this truck chopped up into little pieces and no one can prove a thing and what's cruiser doing with
00:57:22gypsy in this car
00:57:45stay in the car
00:57:46we can't
00:57:47but
00:57:59and
00:57:59hey what are you doing the cops are right on our tails moose out of here you squirts i don't
00:58:04know you
00:58:10looks like it's too late to run remember you're in this too not me i'm holding you for the cops
00:58:17i'm a respectable citizen i've seen my duty and i've done it why you dirty fink and you too cowboy
00:58:35come on ben
00:58:45drop it kid
00:59:13don't leave me i'm hurt nobody's leaving
00:59:21i got the bank call coming to me when it's on its way
00:59:34damn damn frank what about the girl
00:59:40she's all right let her alone
00:59:47it's been a half hour already what do you suppose they're waiting for who knows maybe the policeman's
00:59:54ball how is it i don't know it's a little numb should it be you boys in there you choppers
01:00:03this is lieutenant fleming speaking now you're surrounded and there's no escape
01:00:09we don't want any more shooting there's been enough already so i'll give you just five minutes to come
01:00:15out of there with your hands up ladies and gentlemen that was the voice of lieutenant frank
01:00:19fleming speaking to the three boys who are trapped inside do you think they'll give themselves up
01:00:24lieutenant i don't know i sure hope so and if they don't then we'll just have to take them the
01:00:30hard
01:00:30way i see thank you lieutenant for the benefit of those who've just tuned in this is jim bradford
01:00:35with another on-the-spot broadcast coming to you from the big deal junkyard where three young car
01:00:41strippers have been cornered and are awaiting capture now
01:00:47i've just been informed that the father of one of the boys trapped inside is here
01:00:51i'll see if i can get him to say something excuse me sir
01:00:56oh reporter huh well that's all right we won't bother about it it ain't no bother did you tell
01:01:01everybody my boy torch is in there no i didn't well then how's anybody gonna know it's him
01:01:07they got my boy torch torch lester in there the smart cops think they got him
01:01:13please mr lester what's the matter this is a free country ain't it can i talk i want to tell
01:01:19the whole world something those cops ain't gonna take my boy torch there ain't enough cops in the
01:01:27whole world to take my boy torch you hear me they ain't gonna take my boy torch ladies and gentlemen
01:01:36when you pick up your morning newspaper and read about some youngster getting into trouble and wonder
01:01:41why i think you've heard one good answer frank they've found a couple places where they can drop
01:01:48over the fence and i found this in the kid's car well what do you know a rigged up transmitter
01:01:54just think of what that kid might have been huh yeah too bad well they have one minute left i'd
01:02:00better
01:02:00tell them you have one minute one minute left now give yourselves up don't make us come in and get
01:02:09you listen to that fuzz next thing you know they'll be crying yeah they're all alike they just want to
01:02:16get us out in the open so they can cut us down would they do that sure they would but
01:02:20they're not
01:02:21gonna get a chance this pile of iron is like a fort we could stay here forever at least till
01:02:26we get
01:02:26hungry time's up well looky here
01:02:41how about that you're shooting no what something wrong with cowboy's gun
01:02:52there's nothing wrong with this here
01:02:57look i think we gotta give up we can't get out of here and you know it so we take
01:03:01a couple of
01:03:01lousy cops with us well what will that get us the gas chamber he's right and i don't want to
01:03:06go out
01:03:06that way so you're yellow no and i'm not stupid either so we had a ball stealing hubcaps and then
01:03:11starting after the big stuff but the ball's over at least let's get out of this alive now who's stupid
01:03:17i just killed a cop and the law says you two help me chew on that i wish i'd never
01:03:24seen moose
01:03:25i hadn't brought gypsy in this
01:03:56we give up
01:04:15well it's all over ladies and gentlemen what started with the theft of a pair of hubcaps has
01:04:21ended in the violent deaths of five persons how do you feel son i ain't say enough until i get
01:04:26a
01:04:26mouthpiece
01:04:29how about
01:04:29knock it off pop find someone else to buy your booze
01:04:57that's the story of the choppers the three boys left alive faced jail and disgrace
01:05:03one probably imprisonment for life this is jim bradford saying goodbye for now
01:05:08oh my god
01:05:23well