- 1 day ago
Big Town Ticket Racket 1953 Guns, Crooks and a Blonde
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00:01The
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00:01The
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00:48This story began in a lot of places, all at once.
00:52Here at Sam's place, for one.
00:55Newspapers, magazines, tip sheets.
00:58Oh yes, and tobacco.
01:02Yes, Father?
01:04Small package of pipe tobacco, please. Rough cut.
01:06You bet.
01:11Say, Father, I see they raised 20 grand already on raffle tickets for that new kid's hospital.
01:17You got your ticket?
01:18As a matter of fact, I've got four of them. It's a worthy cause.
01:21Thanks. And you could use one of those new cars, huh?
01:24Well, my boys club could.
01:26Then maybe you ought to have another ticket.
01:28Well, uh...
01:29It's a worthy cause.
01:31You're a good salesman.
01:32They're always glad to do my bit for charity.
01:42Some news stories, like this one, are handed to you on a silver platter.
01:46Once in a while, the platter gets too hot to handle.
01:49In a minute, I'll tell you about the ticket racket
01:51and the dangerous hoodlum who ran it.
02:11Steve, you should have seen the groundbreaking ceremony.
02:13That hospital's going to be a great credit to this town.
02:15Yeah, credit. Great.
02:17What's the matter?
02:18You're a brilliant idea. That's a little raffle.
02:20We've sold 20-some tickets.
02:2122,000. 2,000 phonies.
02:24What?
02:25Counterfeit tickets.
02:26Laurie, the DA just phoned. He's got one pusher in jail already.
02:29Do you realize what this means if the public gets a word?
02:32Wow.
02:32You talk Mac into having a paper sponsor.
02:35The raffle goes poof, so does the sponsor.
02:37And the Queen Mother, meaning you.
02:39I don't need a diagram.
02:41At what precinct are they holding this peddler?
02:4311th.
02:44Oh, you don't have to come. I'll handle it myself. Don't worry.
02:47It's all yours, Laurie, but Mac wants me to go along.
02:50I've always wanted to get a look at the lowest form of racketeer.
02:59I'm telling the truth, Mr. Wilson.
03:00I didn't know the tickets were counterfeit.
03:03Then why won't you tell us where you got them?
03:05Look, Jimmy, I know your war record.
03:08Silver Star, Purple Heart.
03:10You don't fit in this racket.
03:12Of course he doesn't, Steve.
03:14He's covering.
03:15Loyalty's fine, Jimmy.
03:17But no friend unloaded those fake tickets on you.
03:19He won't do your jail time.
03:21He won't even...
03:22Hey, it isn't a he, is it, Jimmy?
03:26Who is she, Jimmy?
03:27Your girlfriend?
03:28Well, no, she didn't...
03:29What's her name?
03:30No.
03:32Come on, Laurie.
03:33We'll check through the DA's office.
03:34Come on.
03:40Jimmy, lots of people are giving money to help build a first-class hospital for kids that
03:46can't even afford to go third-class.
03:48I know that.
03:50You're a nice kid.
03:52I'm sure your kind of girl wouldn't be mixed up in a racket.
03:55Well, she isn't.
03:57Oh, she couldn't have known they were counterfeit.
04:00Then tell me your name, Jimmy.
04:01I give you my word I won't print it.
04:08June Drake.
04:10She got them from a fella just to help the hospital.
04:12What was this fella's name?
04:14Well, I don't know.
04:15She didn't say.
04:16Where does your girlfriend live, Jimmy?
04:20318 Carter Street, Apartment 8.
04:23But you're not going to get her mixed up in it, you promise?
04:24That's right.
04:25If you're leveling, we'll have you out of here tomorrow morning.
04:28So long, Jimmy.
04:29Thanks, Mr. Wilson.
04:31Let's thank you both.
04:33Goodbye, Jimmy.
04:36Thanks.
04:43Well, Steve.
04:45Father Riley.
04:46You know Laurie.
04:47Yes, indeed I do.
04:48How are you, Laurel?
04:49Fine, thank you, Father.
04:50Steve, when are you coming down and refereeing some all those boxing matches for the boys?
04:54Real soon.
04:55I meant to call you, Father.
04:57Trouble in here for you?
04:58A young man phoned.
04:59He'd been arrested.
05:00Something about counterfeit tickets.
05:03Jimmy Bennett?
05:04So you know about it.
05:06Mistake, Steve.
05:07He's a good, clean boy.
05:09Do you know his girlfriend, June Drake?
05:11I'm marrying the two of them next week.
05:14Steve, what's it about?
05:16A flood of phony raffle tickets on the hospital hit town this morning.
05:19Jimmy had some.
05:21It's disgraceful.
05:22Why, if the people...
05:24I've got five of the tickets myself.
05:26Let's see.
05:30Where'd you get this one?
05:32At a cigar store on 6th Street.
05:34Steve, you mean it's counterfeit.
05:38Sorry, Father.
05:40Goodbye, Father.
05:46Forgive me for what I'm thinking.
05:51Steve, you should have turned there.
05:52Why?
05:53Cigar store is on 6th.
05:55But your drink lives on Carter Street.
05:57We're going to see Jimmy's girlfriend, aren't we?
05:59Tobacco store is a better lead.
06:00It's the place I'm thinking of.
06:02It really fits this picture.
06:03So does the girl.
06:05Look, Steve, you told me this was my problem.
06:07Laurie, I don't want to see you muff this.
06:09It's too important.
06:11So you don't think I can handle it alone?
06:14Would you mind the next corner?
06:15What are you talking about?
06:17I'm going to June Drake's.
06:20You take the high road and I'll take the low.
06:23And I'll write my byline before you.
06:42Hello, Sam.
06:47Recognize those?
06:48Who are you?
06:49Steve Wilson, the press.
06:51Remember, Sam, the last time they closed you up for making book?
06:55Where'd you get these raffle tickets?
06:57Now, wait a minute.
06:58If that hospital raffle ain't legal, it ain't my fault.
07:00Don't make me laugh.
07:01You know the raffle's legal and these tickets are phony.
07:03Where'd you get them?
07:03From a guy.
07:04Just a guy.
07:05I don't remember his name.
07:06Then get psychic, Sam.
07:07I haven't got time to stall.
07:08Look, I don't want no trouble.
07:10You've got trouble.
07:12I'm giving you an out.
07:13You can't stand another pinch, Sam, and we both know it.
07:18What do you want, Wilson?
07:19A name.
07:21Who pushed these tickets?
07:24Barney.
07:25Barney Clausen.
07:26Where'll I find him?
07:28I don't know.
07:29That's the truth.
07:30When does he collect the money?
07:32About 3.30.
07:36Look.
07:38You can't put me on the spot.
07:39Sam, I'll be across the street tomorrow at 3.30.
07:43If Barney doesn't show up, you'd better break your lease.
07:59Oh.
08:00No resemblance to Jimmy, huh?
08:02Jimmy?
08:04Has something happened to him?
08:05Not much.
08:07He's in jail.
08:08In jail?
08:08Why?
08:09What's he done?
08:10Don't be frightened, Jim.
08:12Who are you?
08:13I'm Lorelei Kilburn.
08:14A reporter on the Illustrated Press.
08:16What's Jimmy done?
08:18June, those tickets Jimmy was helping you sell.
08:21They're counterfeit.
08:22Counterfeit?
08:23Why, I can't believe it.
08:25Jimmy had nothing to do with it.
08:27But the question is, can I believe you?
08:31What do you mean?
08:34Expecting someone?
08:36Jimmy was coming.
08:40It's the first time I cooked dinner for him.
08:47Sit down, Jim.
08:50Where did you get those tickets?
08:52At the barbershop where I work.
08:54Manicures?
08:55Yeah.
08:56A customer gave them to me.
08:58Rick.
08:59I don't know his last name.
09:01He's kind of fresh, but a good tipper.
09:03Said if I sold four books, he'd give me ten dollars.
09:06You mean commission?
09:07Oh, no.
09:08He'd already bought the tickets to help charity.
09:11Just didn't have time to sell them.
09:13Miss Kilburn, Jimmy never even met him.
09:16Eighty tickets at a dollar apiece.
09:19Minus ten for you.
09:21That profit's seventy bucks.
09:23Joe, when do you expect to see this man Rick again?
09:26Tomorrow morning.
09:27He's coming to get the money for the tickets I sold.
09:30Look, honey, you want to clear yourself and Jimmy, don't you?
09:32And I want to catch a rat.
09:34Will you help me?
09:35I'll get your boyfriend out of jail right away.
09:37Of course, anything.
09:38To convict this rodent, we're going to need good, clean evidence.
09:43Fresh ink.
09:44I've got an idea.
09:45You do just as I say.
09:47Okay?
09:51Okay.
09:56Hey, what's with you, honey?
09:58You practicing to be a surgeon?
10:00Gee, I'm sorry, sir.
10:01You have such a tough cuticle.
10:03It's a sure sign of a tough man.
10:07Well, kind of watch it, huh?
10:12Hiya, Rick.
10:17Who are you?
10:19Where's June?
10:20June's sick.
10:21Who are you?
10:22She's the manicurist.
10:23But just a temporary, Mr. Rick.
10:25Oh.
10:26So you're Rick.
10:27I've got something for you from June.
10:33I thought you were running errands for me.
10:35Sure, sure.
10:35I was just going.
10:36That's what I thought.
10:37Here, Tony.
10:38Pay the girl out of that, huh?
10:38I'll see you later, Rick.
10:40Yeah.
10:53What's your name, doll?
10:54It isn't doll.
10:55This is a barber.
10:57Barbara, this is a Mr. Rick.
10:58He's one of my best customers.
11:01I need a manicure.
11:03No, you don't.
11:05I need a little touch-up, doll.
11:07I'm going out for some coffee.
11:08I'll buy coffee after the manicure.
11:10Barbara.
11:14Okay, Rick.
11:15I'll get some fresh tools.
11:25Wilson talking.
11:27Laurie, for gosh sakes, where are you?
11:29And what have you done with June Drake?
11:31I can't explain now, Steve, but she's all right.
11:33You just put a new ribbon in your typewriter and sit tight, because I'm getting the story.
11:38Oh, did you see my message about Jimmy?
11:40Sure, I just bailed him out.
11:42He's right here.
11:43Now, look, Laurie, I got...
11:44Laurie.
11:46Laurie!
11:50What do you have to say, Mr. Wilson?
11:51June's all right, but Laurie didn't say where she is.
11:55I don't understand.
11:57You don't.
11:58Jimmy, there's nothing as stubborn as a stubborn woman.
12:01Now, look, you check in with your employer.
12:03I'll call you as soon as I have some information.
12:05Mr. Wilson.
12:08I couldn't go back to work until I found out about June.
12:12Can I go along with you?
12:13Maybe I can help.
12:16Okay, Jimmy.
12:18We got a date later.
12:193.30 at a cigar stand.
12:46Thanks, partner.
12:48You say you're going to the races?
12:49That's right.
12:51It's embedded for me.
12:52The fourth race.
12:53Goldly?
12:54I never play favorites.
12:56For the long shot.
12:57Guy's doll.
12:59Got a better idea.
13:02Get rid of this thing.
13:04Forget I work for a living.
13:06What's in a day's work?
13:07Money.
13:24I think I'm going to like you.
13:26The first guy I met since I hit this town speaks my language.
13:34All right.
13:35This is a great thing.
13:36So long as I got
13:47One, powder blue with second, and dries off.
13:52It's only, and dries off.
13:55It dries off.
14:00For a manicurist, you're a sharp handicapper.
14:03What are you wasting your time for?
14:05I just got in town a week ago.
14:08Besides, am I wasting my time?
14:11Just holler when you're hurt.
14:14You want to borrow your 20 back?
14:15No, thanks. I got a good income.
14:18Why don't you get yourself a good tailor?
14:20Lumps.
14:23Around the gun.
14:25How can such pretty eyes be so sharp?
14:28Practice.
14:31Cash it for me, won't you, Rick?
14:33When you come back, you can tell me all about that good income.
14:53Hi, Barney.
14:54I'll tell the door, Sam.
15:01I'll take the rest of your tickets.
15:03Rest? What's wrong?
15:04Heat.
15:05They picked up a couple of guys.
15:07Watch yourself.
15:07Yeah, yeah, sure.
15:11Hold it, Barney.
15:12I want those tickets.
15:13Out of my way.
15:20There you are, officer.
15:22Pocket full of phony counterfeit raffle tickets.
15:24They're phony.
15:25I didn't know about it.
15:26I picked them up for a friend.
15:27What was his name?
15:29Smith.
15:30Bill Smith.
15:31You can do better than that.
15:33I don't know nothing.
15:35You know what the inside of a jail looks like.
15:37Play ball now and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble.
15:41Might as well book you.
15:43DA's got all the dope.
15:49I've kept you in the clear, Sam, so far.
15:52Jimmy, you say your girl works for a barber shop
15:55and when you called this morning they said she was sick?
15:57That's right.
15:58Come on, I got a hunch where we can find Lori.
16:06The horses are near in the starting gate.
16:09Last race.
16:10You picked one?
16:11I don't like any of them.
16:13Want to go?
16:14Mm-hmm.
16:17You still haven't told me how you retired at 31.
16:22Over a thick stake and a highball?
16:24I know just the place and the country.
16:26Mother told me never to go to the country.
16:30Is it far?
16:37Just a couple of miles now.
16:39Are you sure we aren't going out to catch the stake on the hoof?
16:45It doesn't look like there'd be a restaurant around here for 20 miles.
16:48There isn't.
16:50It's my own place.
16:51A deep freeze and plenty of stake.
17:01She wants to hear, but she's gone for the day.
17:04Where?
17:05To the racetrack.
17:06By herself?
17:08No.
17:09With Mr. Rick.
17:11Who's Rick?
17:13Rick who?
17:15Look, Mr. What for, you want to know?
17:18What's the story you want to write for newspapers?
17:20It's a story of cheap...
17:22It's a story of cheap crooks, Tony.
17:24Peddling phony tickets for the hospital raffle.
17:27The hospital?
17:28Well, I got to...
17:29Yeah, plenty of people stuck.
17:31Where's Rick live?
17:34How about it, Tony?
17:35I don't know.
17:42These your kids, Tony?
17:44Yes, sir.
17:46That's Tony Jr.
17:48And that's little Teresa.
17:50Nice.
17:51Just like the kids they're building the new hospital for.
17:55I don't think much of anybody who'd try to make a racket out of kids.
18:00Do you, Tony?
18:02I just cut the hairs, mister.
18:04I don't know about hospitals and rackets.
18:08Lots of things can happen to kids, mister.
18:10Besides, they're not having hospital.
18:16Okay, Tony.
18:17Thanks, just the same.
18:27Where's the turnoff, Jimmy?
18:28Oh, it should be right ahead.
18:30Tony's note says just off Mill Road.
18:32Then we look for a stone fence.
18:34Yes, sir.
18:46Go ahead, Don.
18:47Right in there.
18:47I'll be with you in a minute.
18:50That's it.
19:06You like?
19:08I like.
19:09Yeah, it is cold in here.
19:11I'll get some logs.
19:12You rassle up a drink.
19:13Liquors in the cabinet.
19:14Ice in the kitchen.
19:15Or you'll need some keys.
19:20That was the liquor cabinet.
20:34Oh, Rick.
20:36You get lost?
20:38No, I was just curious.
20:40I saw that the door was locked.
20:43It looked funny, I thought.
20:44And what do you think now?
20:48Well, it's a printing press, isn't it?
20:50What's your game, doll?
20:51What are you up to?
20:52Come on, give.
20:53I told you I was just curious about that good income.
20:57The old age benefits.
20:59Thirty-one.
21:11Stay put, babe.
21:21Must be it.
21:22Somebody's home.
21:24Let's take a look.
21:31Who is it?
21:32I don't know.
21:33A couple of guys, but I made it easy for them.
21:34Get in the kitchen.
21:39That back door is locked both ways, so don't try anything.
22:01Pull there.
22:03Reach.
22:05Put down that gun, Rick.
22:06Your racket's busted wide open.
22:08There's just you left.
22:10Turn around, both of you.
22:11Against the wall.
22:12Put your hands up there and leave.
22:14Filing up trouble, Rick.
22:15I'm not a cop.
22:16I'm Steve Wilson of the press.
22:19Barbara.
22:26See if they're carrying any guns.
22:28Come on, don't stand there.
22:32What's it all about, Rick?
22:34Who are they?
22:36Says he's a reporter.
22:39Well?
22:41No guns.
22:43Turn around.
22:46You've got all the grief you can handle.
22:48This place will be full of cops in ten minutes.
22:50You wouldn't holler copper until you got your story.
22:53And this is one you're not going to write.
22:55You out of your head?
22:57I'm a two-time loser, and I'm not going back.
22:59Come here, doll.
23:03Did you ever fire a gun?
23:05Well, did you?
23:07Well, I...
23:08Look, babe, maybe you're all right.
23:09I'm not sure yet.
23:11Either way, you bought in.
23:12Did you ever fire a gun?
23:18Yeah, sure.
23:20Good.
23:20Then you're going to do it.
23:22Me?
23:30All right, Rick, give me the gun.
23:40Go ahead.
23:42Go on.
23:43What's the matter?
23:53I guess I was wrong.
23:55You're all right, doll.
23:56Get the car started.
23:58I know a ravine up the road where even a bloodhound couldn't find it.
24:12You're all right, Jimmy?
24:13Yeah.
24:15It's genius, Mr. Kilburn.
24:16It's water shot right between us.
24:20How about that?
24:23Catch it!
24:24Catch it!
24:43Okay, Annie Oakley.
24:44If the demands of art haven't strained you too much,
24:47how about finishing this story?
24:48Mac wants it.
24:49Well, you know the rest, Steve.
24:52There I stood, and there they stood, the two of them.
24:54I took careful aim and fired right between them.
24:57It was a big gamble, but I took it.
24:59And no professional jealousy now, Wilson.
25:02Put it all in.
25:03Yes, indeed.
25:06Well, let me hear it.
25:10Then, taking careful aim, as Kilburn said,
25:14I close my eyes and fired.
25:16Don't let me hear it.
25:30You puede
25:32to you,
25:32but to you,
25:33good
25:33I do not
25:34love but
25:35I do not
25:43THE END
26:09THE END