Dangerous Mission

PIANO PLAYS "ONE FOR THE ROAD"

THUNDER CRACKS

STAIR CREAKS

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT

WOMAN'S FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

WOMAN GASPS No!

GUNSHOTS/SHE SCREAMS

FOOTSTEPS QUICKLY RECEDE

DOOR SLAMS

GUNSHOT

HE PLAYS "ONE FOR THE ROAD"

Johnny, that tune is getting on my nerves. You've been playing it for weeks now.

Two weeks, ever since this rain started. It soothes me.

What do you expect me to do?

Well, you could figure out where you go next.

Milk, George.

Besides, Johnny, this is the way it is.

This attorney thinks there was a witness and he's determined to produce such a witness at the trial.

-Furthermore, he feels... Are you listening?

-Go on.

-You shot and killed a man named Battaglia.

-In self-defence.

-Well, naturally.

It seems perfectly reasonable that Battaglia drew a gun on you.

-Thanks, George.

-The DA is a hard man to convince.

Without a witness, of course, he has no case.

With a witness, your plea of self-defence will be laughable.

-I'm not laughing.

-Neither is the dead man.

However, since you think you know where this alleged witness is hiding

may I suggest you think of something else while you're still on bail.

HE STOPS PLAYING

That's your job! Make sure you get the right witness.

We are just guessing who it is. We've got to be sure.

There's a plane leaves at midnight.

You can rent a car when you get there - know other people.

Get on friendly terms with our so-called witness

then make sure it looks like an accident, a real accident.

What a hideout.

No wonder we couldn't find her until just yesterday.

It's the last place in the world you would expect anybody to hide.

DRAMATIC MUSIC

-CAR RADIO:

-"On your local news... Meanwhile, the New York murder

"involving Johnny Yonkers continues to mystify the public.

"A missing witness is said to be hiding somewhere..."

-Good morning.

-Morning.

-First trip into the park this season.

-That's right.

-Staying long?

-About a week.

-Not camping out?

-Staying over at the hotel.

That will be a dollar, please.

These pamphlets might be of some interest. I hope you enjoy your stay.

Thank you very much.

Headquarters, please. Joe Parker.

PHONE RINGS

Parker speaking. Yes, Dobson.

It's worth a look. I'll pick you up right away.

I'm going over to the hotel. I'll be back in a little while.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

-Good afternoon, sir.

-I hope it stays that way.

-You have a reservation?

No, do you have a single?

Yes, sir. How long will you be with us?

Who knows? Maybe a week, maybe two.

216.

-Say, buddy...

-Yes, sir?

-Take the bags ahead.

Thank you, sir.

GENERAL LOBBY CHATTER

Paul, I don't know if I feel up to quite such a big party tonight.

Oh, look Louise, I'd be glad to pass it up too

but Barrett's depending on me.

He's new around here and he doesn't know all of the people.

Socially, he's a little awkward and this is his first Hey, Rube.

-Come along, Louise, it will be good fun.

-Well, I...

-There's a good girl. I'll pick you up at 8.30pm. Hm? Bye.

-Goodbye.

Mr Adams. You haven't forgotten your promise to take a picture of me?

I haven't forgotten, Mary.

Pardon me, miss, but what is a Hey, Rube?

I see you've been listening.

-Well, a Hey, Rube is a square dance.

-Oh...

One of our dude ranchers is giving a party

and he's invited some of the hotel guests.

Great. What time shall I pick you up?

-Well, it was an invitation, wasn't it?

-No. Just information.

-This Mr Barrett, is he from New York?

-Yes, do you know him?

-No.

I didn't know anyone around here. Not yet.

Thanks.

CASH REGISTER PINGS

TELEGRAM MACHINE CLACKS

-Get this off to New York straight wire.

-Yes, sir. Right away.

SALOON PIANO MUSIC PLAYS

-Bourbon and water.

-Yes, sir.

-Hello.

-Hi.

-Just got in, I see.

-Does it show?

Oh, no. You get to know everybody around the hotel.

-New face is news, in a sense.

-Thanks. You work here?

-Professional greeter or something?

-No. Just friendly.

-It's quite an outfit you have there.

-Oh, thanks. It's a hobby of mine.

And I might add, quite a profitable one at times.

-Nice to make a hobby pay.

-Yeah. Some people can't even make work pay.

Takes finesse.

-There he is. The one with Adams.

-Wait outside.

Sorry to barge in but I'd like to talk to your friend.

-It's perfectly all right, Joe.

-Could I speak to you?

Sure, go ahead.

Let's make it a little more private.

-I'm District Ranger Joe Parker.

-Yeah.

That gun in your glove compartment, why didn't you declare it?

I have a permit.

Matt Hallett, New York City. Marine.

Ex-marine. As of two months ago.

-The gun still should have been declared.

-All right.

I'll declare it now.

Permit or not, there's no hunting in the park, you know?

Now what kind of hunting could I do with a .38?

-Everything looks wonderful, Charlie.

-Thank you, Paul.

Great party.

-Plenty of whiskey?

-Yes, Mr Barrett, everything is fine.

-Good evening, sir.

-Good evening.

Say, quite a layout.

Mr Barrett is very rich, or so they say.

Nobody knows much about him except that he came to the park a few weeks ago.

So I've heard. Well, rich or poor this is the way to live.

DOOR BELL CHIMES

- Hello, Mary. I'm so happy you came. - Good evening, Mr Barrett.

- This is Mr Hallett. Mr Barrett. - Hallett. Which Mr Hallett?

I'm the one who wasn't invited.

Maybe not but you are most welcome, sir.

Forgive me but for a moment either the name or face was familiar.

-Haven't we met before?

-I don't believe so.

But thanks for letting me barge in.

You come with Mary, you don't barge in.

You're virtually the guest of honour.

-Come on, meet some people and have a drink.

-Sure.

-Having fun?

-It's a nice place you have here.

-Thanks.

-The only house in Montana built smack into the side of a mountain.

-Oh.

-Hello, Mary!

-Hello, Joe.

-You know Mr Hallett.

-Yes, we've met.

What's this I hear about you winning some kind of an award.

It's true - from the university.

I am going to receive it in my old schoolhouse.

And rightfully so. And she is as smart as she looks.

And what a dancer. Do you mind, Hallett?

If it's all right with Mary, it's all right with me.

Show him around, Joe.

You're a pretty fast worker. How come Mary brought you?

I asked her. She's my buddy. Any objections?

No, not at all. She can use all the friends she can get right now.

Why?

You mean you haven't heard? Usually the first thing they tell someone around here.

-Who's he?

-Mary's father.

Killed a man some weeks back in self-defence, we think.

-That's tough. She's a nice kid.

-You can say that again.

I'm the one who has to bring him in.

-You guys policeman too?

-Well, yes.

-Why, should that interest you for any reason?

-Not particularly.

A ranger has to be a little bit of everything -

-lumberjack, veterinarian, mountain climber. As a matter-of-fact...

-HE WHISPERS

No!

-Yes. It's a fact. Come on, let's have a drink.

-OK. That's very good.

Meet some of the folks.

Mr Hallett, Mrs Elster, Mrs Alvord, Mr and Mrs Jones.

-Of course you know Dobson.

-Oh, yes, of course.

-What do you drink?

-Bourbon and water.

-Same for me.

SLOW DANCE MUSIC

Hey, Joe.

-Hi, Louise. Paul, you know Mr Hallett.

-Certainly.

Glad you could join us. Bourbon and soda. Sherry?

Yes, please.

-Mr Adams, I'm so happy you're here. Mrs Alvord is so worried about her clothes.

-Oh?

What's the matter? What is it?

Well, Mr Adams, I don't think these pants cover my silly background.

Oh, indeed they do, Mrs Alvord.

You are the Old Roaring West come to life!

-I'm sure you're flattering me, Mr Adams. But I like it.

-Thanks.

RECORD SCRATCHES AND STOPS

This is really a funny contraption.

There goes that playful husband of mine again. He just loves toys.

He's got an electric train layout at home that cost 7,000.

-Can you believe it?

-Yes, I can believe it.

Seems to have a mind of its own! Ha, ha, ha!

Pardon me, Mary.

-I'll have to stop that fella or he will break the machine.

-All right.

-Mary, how pretty you look tonight.

-And how prettily she dances.

Thank you, Mr Adams. Will you dance with me sometime?

-Why certainly, Mary. I'd love to.

-Go ahead, Mary. I'll finish my drink.

-Excuse us, Louise.

-Of course.

It was very clever of you to arrange an invitation.

Thanks to your information.

Now if I can only be clever enough to arrange a dance with you.

-You were going to finish your drink.

-It's finished.

Are you angry because I asked you to dance with me?

Of course not, Mary. As a matter of fact, you do dance beautifully.

You're very kind.

RECORD SCRATCHES AND STOPS AGAIN

You and I have the strangest effect on jukeboxes.

Every time I start to dance they stop.

-I knew you would play around the machine until he broke it.

-Not me!

This thing works like a charm.

I guess I'll sell my trains and turn them in on jukeboxes.

And just what are you selling, Mr Hallett?

-Well, I was trying to sell myself.

-Well, you're a very good salesman.

You sell just a little bit too fast.

MUSIC RECOMMENCES

SLOW DANCE MUSIC

-My dancing can't be that bad.

-No, it isn't that. It's that music.

-Music?

-Oh, it's a little too slow to dance to.

-Do you want to sit down?

No, no. It's all right.

Barrett, this music is dead. Haven't you got something with some life?

-I've got a hoedown.

-That's it! A hoedown. Hey, everybody.

Hoedown coming up!

Grab your partners!

-Sure you don't want to try?

-No, I'd rather watch.

Hi, Joe.

LOUD RUMBLING OVERHEAD

Listen, everybody. Listen!

Turn off that music, Barrett. Folks, if you'll all...

GLASS BREAKS

Avalanche. Avalanche!

SCREAMING

SCREAMING CONTINUES

Quiet! Take it easy. Now listen. Listen!

All right. I think it's all over. But walk, don't crowd. Walk.

SCREAMING

A live wire!

Easy now. Stand back from them broken power lines.

Easy. Quiet!

Hallett, come back. You want to get killed?

All clear, folks. You and your house on the side of a mountain.

Never again, I'll tell you that!

-Hallett, that was really wonderful.

-Yeah, you handled that pretty well for a civilian.

-What do you mean, civilian?

-And ex-marine is still a civilian up here.

-I simply must kiss that man!

-Really, I don't deserve it.

Oh, yes, you do. What a man, he's a hero and so handsome to!

Hallett you're a braver man than I thought.

- Miss... - Just one minute.

Howdy there, friend. And I do mean friend.

When a man saves my life, I'll always call him friend.

-What's with the Indians? Powwow.

-Big ceremonial dance tonight.

A corn dance, rain dance or some such.

Man, when I give up the hay grain

and chicken feed business I'm going to operate this kind of a hotel.

First you have to get yourself a partner.

Yeah, first I have to get myself a partner.

-Hello, Hallett. Recovered yet?

-From the avalanche?

-No, the kiss.

-Oh, that.

-Hello, hero.

-Don't you start on me too.

- Miss, how about a little service? - Yes, ma'am, one moment.

-You need eight more arms and a couple of helpers.

-I know.

Today's Mary's day off. She is helping arrange the Indian dance.

-Are you going?

-Your dances are a little rugged.

However, I would chance it if you were the girl on my arm.

Oh, no, Hallett. She's coming with me. She just promised. See you.

Too bad. At least I admire his taste in women.

-I accept the compliment even if I can't accept the invitation.

-Maybe later. I'll be there.

INDIAN CHANTING

APPLAUSE

-Evening, Hallett. Quite a show you're missing.

-Yeah, I bet.

-Did you see Miss Graham?

-Yeah, she's down there.

-Thanks.

ADAMS: Just a sec, Louise. I want to get another one.

I think I got a couple of good ones at that.

Excuse me, sir. Paging Mr Paul Adams. Paging Mr Paul Adams.

-Mr Paul Adams.

-Here you are, boy.

-Mr Adams, you are wanted long distance, sir.

-Oh, I will be right up. Oh...

-Thank you, sir.

-Thanks.

I'm sorry, Louise,

it must be San Francisco about the layout for the magazine.

-It's all right, I will stay here and watch the dance.

-I won't be long.

-That couldn't have been neater if I'd arranged myself.

-Did you?

-Do I look like the kind of guy who would do anything like that?

-Yes.

Kind of dull, isn't it? How about taking a little walk?

Well, I'm waiting for Paul. He had to answer a long-distance call.

We'll walk towards the hotel and meet him on the way.

-You know how those long-distance phone calls are.

-All right.

Oh, let's go this way. It's a prettier view of the lake.

-Paul won't be able to find me.

-Of course he will. Don't worry about that.

-Hello, Mr Adams.

-Hello, Mary.

-Oh, Mr Adams. Will you take a picture of me in my costume?

-Costume?

It's for the ceremonial.

Do you like it?

Yes, I like it very much. Look, Mary, dear,

I have a very important telephone call

-but shall we meet after the dance?

-I'd love to.

It may be late but I will call you.

We can meet then, if you would like that.

Oh, yes. Thank you, Mr Adams.

-Shall we turn back?

-What's the rush?

Did you ever see such a beautiful moonlight bay?

Oh, last night, the night before. And the night before that.

-In other words, we've walked far enough.

-I think so.

-I'm flattered.

-Women aren't usually afraid of me.

-I'm not afraid.

I'm just a little tired.

Are you sure you're tired? Or is something bothering you?

-Why do you say that?

-I was just wondering.

As a matter of fact,

I've been wondering quite a few things about you.

Should I be flattered now? What sort of things?

Paul Adams, for example.

-Paul's nice.

-You should know, he's always around.

-He isn't now.

No, he isn't now.

Something else I've been wondering about you.

How come you're working so far away from home?

-You don't know where I'm from.

-How would you know?

Maybe I worked in a carnival. Maybe I'm a mind-reader.

Tell your age and where you're from.

You're 23. From New York City.

You're not far-off.

Why the sudden interest?

Sudden?

This dates all the way back to Adam and Eve.

You put it very nicely.

-Anything else you're wondering about?

-Yes. That music.

-Music?

Last night when we were dancing.

Why did you stop when they started to play One More For The Road?

Well... I told you. It's too slow to dance to.

I know that's what you told me.

But I have a hunch it reminds you of something else.

Well, sometimes tunes can play tricks on your mind.

You can hear a song too often.

In a New York nightclub?

-HIS VOICE ECHOES

-Nightclub.... nightclub... nightclub

PIANO PLAYS "ONE FOR THE ROAD"

SHE SCREAMS

-Louise!

-What happened?

-I don't know.

What is it, Louise?

I guess I imagined...

I don't know what I imagined.

Oh, I'm so terribly embarrassed.

-Please forgive me. My mind must have been playing tricks.

-Forget it.

Are you all right now?

-Yes, I'm all right.

-Let's go back to the hotel.

Take a look at that face - Katoonai Tiller.

It is the face and name of a killer Indian.

His daughter's presentation this afternoon may be too strong for him to resist.

He might try to watch it from a hiding place.

Keep looking for him every minute. We will meet at the clearing.

This is a very happy occasion.

And it couldn't be more right or fitting that our honoured guest,

Mary Tiller, should return to this,

her first school, to receive this honour from her university.

Mary started here, left us,

and went on to big things and now she has come back a deservedly important young lady.

APPLAUSE

-Took me an hour to find you.

-Did you have to find us?

-Not you. You.

PERSON IN BACKGROUND: Sh!

Ladies and gentlemen, it's with gratitude

and humility that I speak, and it could be in no other spirit

since this is a realisation of a dream come true.

But it's not only been my dream. I've shared it with another.

My father.

He's helped me with books, advice,

and more than any other, he made me see that knowledge makes men free.

At his knee I learned about the American way of life.

About strong...

..God fearing men.

EXCITED CHATTER

-PAUL:

-Stand back and give her air.

Do you feel better now, dear?

Oh, she's all right. It was just the excitement.

-I'm so ashamed.

-Oh, now, you mustn't be!

SHE SPEAKS A BLACKFOOT PRAYER

That's a Blackfoot prayer asking forgiveness for my weakness.

Shall we go?

-Thank you, Louise.

-I'll take you home.

I'm terribly sorry.

I'll be glad to drive you both back.

Oh, thank you, Matt, but I think she'd rather be alone.

If you must do your good deed for the day you can buy me a drink.

What's good about that?

TRUCK HORN

-MAN:

-Katoonai didn't show.

Nothing left to do but start at daylight,

beating every bush around here. Get in.

TRUCK ENGINE STARTS

UP TEMPO JAZZ MUSIC

Hiya, John.

Just the man I want to see.

HE LAUGHS

-Just the man.

-You know, Mr Elster, I admire your energy.

You have the most unflagging enthusiasm I've ever run into.

Enthusiasm is a state of mind!

Psychology. Example. I feel lousy. Customer says, "How do you feel?".

Do I say I feel lousy?

I say, "I feel fine, wonderful!".

HE LAUGHS

Makes him feel fine. Enthusiasm. Get it?

-It's contagious.

-The word is "infectious".

MR ELSTER LAUGHS

You remind me a lot of my sales manager. He's the one for words.

Always saying to me, "You wouldn't put the wrong

"figure in a book-keeping column, why put a word in the wrong place?".

MR ELSTER LAUGHS

Infectious, it is.

-Yes, sir?

-Beer for me and another what ever he has.

-What is this, an occasion or something?

-That it is.

One for the road. My wife and I are leaving tomorrow or the next day.

-Oh, so soon?

-Yeah, well, all good things must come to an end.

HE LAUGHS

Oh. Something to remember us by,

since you were nice enough to take the pictures of Mrs Elster and me.

Well, thank you.

Open it!

MR ELSTER CHUCKLES

I don't understand. Is it a joke?

MR ELSTER CHUCKLES

-No joke. A little reminder from you know where.

-What time do we eat?

Or have you forgotten about dinner?

Me forget about grub? You don't know me very well!

-Meet me right here at seven.

-Right. See you here at seven.

Me forget about grub.

HE CHUCKLES

-All the time I thought you were just...

-I know.

Adams, what do you think you're doing?

Johnny didn't send you up here to waste your time romancing

an Indian girl.

-How do you know about her?

-It's our business to know.

Now, Mister, you better get down to brass tacks.

But this gun, I... I thought it was supposed to look like an accident.

The DA is positive now the dame was a witness.

We can't take any more chances.

If he finds her, she'll be slapped into protective custody.

Then we're cooked.

Now, don't waste any more time.

-Understand?

-Yes, I understand.

Tell you something, Paul, there are two necks stuck out here a mile.

Mine and yours.

And if Johnny Yonkers is going to chop one of them off...

..it won't be mine.

Well, so long, old partner!

HE CHUCKLES

See you later.

MR ELSTER LAUGHS

Hiya, folks!

-Hello, Paul.

-Where's Louise?

-Louise? She's in the coffee shop.

Why do you want to see her?

Oh, it's about some colour photos I took for her.

-She wants them sent on to New York.

-Oh. I'll see you tonight, won't I?

-Certainly, Mary. It may be late however.

-I don't care how late.

Thanks for the dinner, Hallett. Real neighbourly.

-Don't thank me, it was her bright idea.

-Stop arguing, you two.

-You might even get to like each other.

-Oh, no, not that!

-How are you two spending the evening?

-Alone.

-Matt!

-Here comes that man again.

-Louise, I've been looking all over for you.

Is there something special, Paul?

When we have a dinner date it's always special.

Dinner date? Why, we had no date for tonight.

As a matter of fact, I just had an early dinner with Matt and Joe.

Can't you see the lady's busy, Adams?

I'm terribly sorry, Paul, but I must have gotten the dates mixed.

That's the trouble with you civilians,

-you never keep things organised.

-Well, there's no harm done.

-There's still time for our moonlight ride.

-He means our moonlight ride.

Any combination of this trio could see the park much

-better in the daylight.

-How do you like that guy?

I feed him and he's not giving me any help at all.

ELECTRONIC BEEPING

-MAN ON RADIO:

-Parker, come in. Parker, come in.

Come in, Parker.

Excuse me.

Louise, you know you did promise to have dinner with me.

The least you could do is go for a ride.

Well, I suppose if I promised....

This is Parker, I'm at the hotel. What's the alarm?

'Forest fire, looks like a hot one.

'We've pinned it down 500 yards northwest of Dutch Creek Trail.

'Class C.'

How many men you got?

'Suppression crew of 30 and a half dozen college kids.'

We'll need more. I'm on my way.

-What's up?

-Get in.

-Get in?

-There's a fire.

-So? There's a fire.

-You don't take orders very well, do you?

-No any more.

-From now on in, I'm just a...

-Yes, I know, just a plain civilian.

But in an emergency, I have the right to commandeer anybody,

-civilian or otherwise.

-Go ahead, commandeer.

-Look, this is serious.

You like action and I need every man I can get.

-I counted on that moonlight ride.

-I'll be here when you get back.

-What about Adams? He's an outdoor man.

-Well, Adams?

-Like this?

-What do you think this is, burlap? If he goes, I'll go.

-Come on, Adams.

-Well, I...

-That's the old spirit!

This can't take long.

Careful, all of you.

MEN SHOUT EXCITEDLY

Came to give us a hand, Hallett?

-I'd better or Parker will say I started it.

-Never mind that.

-You and Adams get into some work clothes.

-Right in there, fellas.

-What's the last report?

-Getting hotter by the minute.

-Humidity ten with ten mile wind direction southwest.

-No help there.

-No.

-Get them rolling, I'll be right with you.

-Yes, sir. Let's go, men.

Keep them coming, keep them coming.

All right, civilians, let's go.

Get that equipment out there, jump to it!

-Take them down there.

-Come on, boys, let's go.

Yeah, Parker's here. Just arrived. Pretty hot right now.

Sure we can hold it, if the wind stays right.

-That wind's picking up on us.

-We'll need more men.

-That dozer can't get up the ridge.

-Try to reach headquarters.

Start a trench at the edge of the clearing.

We'll try to pin it down before it reaches the ridge.

Come on, boys, let's go. Follow me on the double.

Come on, boys. Come on.

-Got Jim at headquarters.

-Hello, Jim? It's got a big start on us.

Wind's from the southwest. Better get a couple more crews started.

Fire at the top of the bluff is heavy and hot right now.

I don't think we can hold it. Right.

Come on.

All right, let's start here.

You three fellas cut me a clearing three feet wide.

Cut out everything that will burn. headed towards that ridge.

Come on, Tom.

Look at that.

LOUD THUD

That tree's coming down. Let's get out of here.

Those guys are cut off!

Try to go around. We've got to get through.

-Hallett!

-Fletcher!

-Adams! Can you hear us, Adams?

-Look out!

Those guys will never get out of there alive.

TREE CREAKS LOUDLY

-More.

-Move!

No, no, we won't get through.

-Better start a back fire over at the north end.

-OK.

-Fire made another jump. Dutch Creek this time.

-Give me that.

This is Parker. Check down the line, see if any men are trapped.

Look, there's Braskins.

Braskins! Over here!

-Where are the rest of your men?

-They've been cut off.

-Hallett, Adams and that kid.

-We've got to get them out.

-I'm afraid there's no way through.

-We'll make a way!

Come on. You stay here.

LOUD BANG

You men on the back fire... See anything of those missing guys?

No sign of them yet! They'll never live through that blaze!

We've GOT to find them. Keep a way open if you can.

LOUD BANG

Come on, keep moving!

There's water. They're moving downstream.

This way, come on.

LOUD BANG

It's suicide to go through there.

-Let's go back.

-Go back?! We can't go back.

-Adams, you fool!

Are you crazy?

-Take it easy!

-Let go of me or I'll kill you!

You won't kill me or anybody else. Give me your hand.

He must've gone crazy. Come on, we'll find a way out.

LOUD BANG

That's a pretty bad cut you got there.

You could use a couple of stitches in that.

Are you a doctor or a ranger?

I told you, a ranger has to be a little bit of everything.

It's a man-size job.

Believe me, Adams, I didn't know what I was letting you in for.

I used to go to a lot of fires when I was a kid, but not kind.

We'll put it down to experience, shall we?

I guess I really should apologise to both of you for dragging

you into this.

Just a couple of helpless civilians, Hurry up, Doc, hurry up.

I've got a date.

A firefighting job like you fellas did would qualify

-a man for a temporary tryout as a ranger.

-Are you listening, Adams?

Of course, there's a one year probationary period.

When you pass the civil service exams, you're permanent.

Are you listening, Adams?

I'll direct it to you, Hallett, you're more the Buck Rogers type.

You know, Adams, I'm learning not to like you.

Then it won't be at all necessary. Saving my life was enough.

OK, Buck Rogers, try that leg out, see how it feels.

Great, great. Oof!

-What's the matter?

-It's great, but I can't walk!

Put on your pants, I'll drive you back to the hotel.

'Thank you, Dr Christian!'

-Paul, you're back! I didn't see you come in.

-No, we came in the back way.

-We were pretty messy.

-Oh, thank goodness you're all right.

-Oh, thanks, Louise.

-Must've been terrible.

-Where's Matt? Is he all right?

-Oh, he's fine. He's upstairs.

-Is Mary here?

-No, she left early.

-Louise, I'm terribly concerned about something and...

-Matt!

Hi. Almost didn't make it.

-Well, I'm here to collect that moonlight ride.

-Mr Hallett?

Long distance is trying to get you. Says it's important.

-I'll be right there. Can you be ready in an hour?

-I'll be ready.

Good.

Louise, I must talk to you, it's very urgent. It's about Mary.

-Mary?

-Yes. I've just got to have your advice.

You're Mary's best friend and I know you'd want to help her.

-Well, of course. But I don't understand.

-Could you...

Can you spare just half an hour before your date?

My car's right outside.

Well...yes, if it's about Mary. It'll take me one minute to close up.

Thanks.

Yes, operator, this is Matt Hallett. I'm waiting.

-I'll be back in a few minutes.

-Where are you going?

-I have to talk to Paul.

-Yes. Talk to Paul?

-I'll be back in plenty of time.

-But... Yes, operator.

Hello?

CAR ENGINE STARTS

Yeah.

I can't hear you.

Yeah.

Right.

What?

OK. Right.

-What's the matter?

-Did you see them?

-Who?

-Louise and Adams.

-Yeah, they just drove off.

-Which way?

They could've taken any one of three roads. Why?

Look, Joe, I need your help.

-New York Police. You?

-I'm with the DA's office.

-I've got to arrest Paul Adams.

-Why?

-Come on, I'll tell you in the car.

Summer flirtation that got out of control.

Only this has just about reached the hopeless stage.

Paul, I just couldn't be more surprised or, frankly,

-more disappointed in you.

-I know, Louise, but Mary fascinated me.

Look, Louise, if you'd just talk to her,

explain that she's taken this much too seriously.

-Well, all right, I will. Not for you. For Mary.

-Thanks, Louise.

-It's a big load off my mind.

-Now I think I'd better get back to Matt.

Of course. Sorry to have delayed you.

-RADIO ANNOUNCER:

-We interrupt this programme to bring you a special

bulletin from Park Ranger Headquarters. Stand by, please.

-PARKER:

-This a blue alert.

It's Joe.

All citizens in this area are warned to be on the lookout for Paul Adams.

Repeat. Paul Adams. Notorious New York gunman.

Believed to have kidnapped Louise Graham with intent to kill.

Adams is driving a light, cream coloured convertible...

ADAMS TURNS RADIO OFF

LOUISE SCREAMS

No, Paul!

SHE SCREAMS

TYRES SCREECH

'The car went south on Lacall Road. She doesn't know anything else.

'She was down the canyon'.

How long ago was that?

About an hour, I guess.

About an hour ago is as near as she can figure. About an hour.

-'Louise.'

-I hear you, Joe.

-'You all right?'

-Yes, fine.

-'I've sent Matt by boat to get you. Stay there.

'I will check with you later.'

All right, Joe.

RADIO: All citizens in this area are warned to be on the lookout

'for Paul Adams - repeat, Paul Adams -

'a notorious New York gunman, believed to have...'

Could you try Mr Paul Adams' room again, please?

KNOCKING

Paul! I've been trying to phone you.

I'm here, darling.

I've been so worried. You're two hours late.

I'm sorry, but it couldn't be helped.

Is something wrong, Paul?

What is it? Tell me.

Oh, it's nothing. It's too ridiculous even to talk about.

-But it must be something.

-Mary, I am about to be arrested.

Arrested?!

All of the rangers are looking for me, all of the roads are closed.

Red flares are burning all over the place.

-Everybody in Glacier Park is looking for Paul Adams.

-But why?

I told you, it's ridiculous. Something I had absolutely nothing

-to do with.

-Then, can't you tell me?

Mary, my car was stolen some time ago. It was used in a robbery.

-But you didn't do it?

-Of course I didn't, but to prove it,

I've got to get back to New York, before the police find me.

I had to sneak into the hotel to see you.

That's why we've got to go tonight.

You do want to go with me, don't you?

You know I do.

-But, if you didn't do anything...

-Look, Mary,

my family is well-known in the east. Bad publicity would be disastrous.

Even though I'm innocent, If I'm arrested, the damage is done.

Then, we'll leave at once. I'll write a note for Louise,

-so she won't worry.

-Oh, don't say anything about us.

Just tell her you'll contact her in a couple of days.

Are you sure you know some way we can get out of the park,

so that we won't be seen?

Yes. Through the Mahtotopa Canyon.

Good!

Good. Hurry, darling.

But you'd better change your clothes.

You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble by telling the police

about the murder, instead of running away.

-And set myself up as a clay pigeon?

-With Adams on your trail,

you're a clay pigeon, anyway.

Look at those flares.

I guess he's still on the loose.

So's Johnny Yonkers. He's already admitted to the killing,

but he's going to try and claim self-defence.

That's why I'm taking you to New York.

Is that official, Mr Hallett?

And selfish, too.

I'm not going to spend the rest of my life worrying about someone

-taking a pot-shot at my girl.

-Why, Mr Hallett, what brought that on?

You know, it just occurred to me that I'm in love with a clay pigeon.

Matt...how do the police know I was the witness?

We didn't. Not for sure.

There was a janitor working in the building next door.

Hearing someone playing the piano. They kept playing the same piece,

over and over again. Then, there was a shot

and a girl ran from the building. It was dark and he could not see

very clearly, but from his description,

-you could have been the one.

-I was.

I came back to lock my cash box

and instead I saw something I shouldn't have.

That's what we figured.

But my job was to prove it

and also keep you from getting killed by one of his men.

I almost slipped up on that.

But how did you suspect Paul Adams?

I phoned New York and had the police check him.

They phoned back - and almost too late.

-Mary.

-What?

She doesn't know that Adams is a killer.

We've got to warn her.

That's all it says -

"I'm leaving for New York. I'll write you in a few days.

"Love. Mary." Yeah. OK, we'll get there as soon as we can.

-Parker wants to see us right away.

-Is there any word on Paul?

They think he slipped out of the park before the roads were blocked.

Hey! Where do you find the law around here?

-The law? What's the matter?

-A guy just ditched a car up there

in the woods. I was in my sleeping bag, waiting for daylight,

to go fishing. I heard a terrific racket.

This guy just ditched this car in the woods. He must have been

drunk or crazy. He drove it smack right into the bushes.

-Hey, what kind of a car?

-Kind of a light-coloured convertible.

-'51 or '52.

-That's his car.

-Can you show it to me?

-Sure thing.

Come on!

Like I said, by the time I got here, he was gone.

-Wanted by the police, huh?

-Yeah.

He must have had another car standing by.

He left this here to throw us off.

-Then, again, maybe he didn't.

-What do you mean?

There is a trail here that leads to the Cave of the Winds,

-an old Indian hideout. I've been up there with Mary.

-How far is it?

It's long hike - and a dangerous one.

-You take the car and get Parker.

-You'll never find it without me.

-Louise, this guy is a killer.

-I know, but I've been shot at before.

Look, I want you to do me a favour. My name is Hallett.

Get to a phone, call the ranger station,

tell Joe Parker what happened. Tell him I'm going to try and find Adams.

-I sure will. Be glad to.

-Thanks.

Just a moment, please. I have your paper for you now.

Hello? This is Boone. Get me a rewrite.

He tried to kill her. She didn't say how. Didn't talk much about it.

-Where is she now?

-She and this Hallett fella took off after him.

I never would have believed it. How can you believe a thing like that?

-One of the nicest fellas I ever knew.

-Girl sure had a narrow escape.

-It's really terrible.

-Boy... my wife and I are checking out.

-Get our bags and take them down to the car.

-Yes, sir.

-We're getting close to the Cave of the Winds.

-Where?

-Over there. Right around that bend.

-You stay here, I'll take a look.

GUNSHOT

Matt!

Get down! It's Adams!

It's Katoonai.

GUNSHOT

It's Katoonai, it's not Paul Adams!

Go back, Louise! Go back!

-Are you crazy?!

-It's Katoonai. He thinks you're after him.

He won't shoot us.

Katoonai!

We didn't come for you.

We're looking for Mary. She needs help.

Katoonai, I saw you in the attic at the school and I didn't tell.

I won't trick you now.

Mary needs help.

Why does Mary need help?

Last night, a man named Paul Adams tried to kill me.

He's talked Mary into running away with him.

We thought they might have come this way. Have you seen them?

-Maybe he's hiding them.

-Katoonai, Mary doesn't know

how bad this man is.

-She's in real danger.

-This guy Adams is a killer.

What's the quickest way out of the park that Mary would know?

-Across the glacier, but it's very dangerous.

-Let's go!

There are many hidden crevasses.

Crossing the glacier could mean death for Mary.

-I'm afraid we'll have to turn back.

-Turn back?!

-I'm awfully sorry, Paul,

it's all my fault, but we should have taken another trail

about two miles back.

-But you told me you knew the way. Now we're lost.

-Not lost.

Just delayed. I'm certain of the way now.

The Mahtotopa.

See, I told you. That canyon there leads over the glacier

-then out of the park.

-Let's get there.

Mahtotopa. Glacier's not far away now.

-How much farther?

-We're almost there. There's the glacier.

-But then how far?

-Not far. Not far.

-Get down there.

-Wait. He might hit Mary.

Adams!

Come on down, you haven't got a chance.

-It's Hallett.

-Hallett?! But why are you shooting at him?

-Quiet!

Not yet.

Let's give him a shock. Louise, let him know you're here.

Paul!

Paul, you'd better come down.

-It's Louise!

-Quiet! Keep your mouth shut.

We've got to get out of here. Keep low.

Go on, move! Go on!

Keep them in there.

GUNSHOT

Fire another.

That's just a waste of time.

-I've got to get him between us.

-Wait.

You keep him pinned down with the rifle. I'll take your gun.

-I'll go round and get above him.

-Good.

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT IN DISTANCE

No, Paul, it's my father!

GUNSHOT

MARY SCREAMS

MARY SCREAMS

MARY SCREAMS

PAUL'S TRIGGER CLICKS

Matt...

We're going ahead, do you hear? Now move.

Matt.

-Are you all right?

-I'm all right.

-They've gone, across the glacier.

-The rope. We'll need the rope.

-I'll get it.

Stay here.

-Matt, wait.

-I told you to stay back.

But Matt...

We'll leave our horses here.

Adams!

GUNSHOT

Go on. Go on!

-What's the matter?

-We can't cross here.

-You're lying. Go on.

GUNSHOT

GUNSHOT

-I'm going to get his gun.

-No! Louise!

SHE SCREAMS

PAUL SCREAMS

Mr Hallett! Louise!

Bring that rifle.

Hold on to that.

GUNSHOT

(Lie still, Louise.)

Let me slip this rope around you.

It's OK.

ROCKS HIT THE GROUND

Lie still. Don't move.

GUNSHOT

LOUISE SCREAMS

PAUL SCREAMS

-Oh, Matt.

-You're all right.

(Stop.)

-PARKER:

-Hallett!

Hallett?

-Louise.

-She's OK.

-What about Adams?

-He's dead.

Too bad you're tied up, Hallett, we could use you in the Rangers.

Thanks a lot, Joe. Your country up here is way too rugged for me.

What are you going to do with a character like this?

-I can marry him.

-Now, there's an idea!