- 12 years ago
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00You're about to hear a remarkable story and witness a true story of a master criminal.
00:00:10Now, frankly, I'm worried about one thing.
00:00:13Because we want you to get the whole true story, I'm afraid some of you might mistakenly
00:00:19regard him as a kind of hero, when as a matter of fact, he's only a brutal, vicious criminal.
00:00:26Oh, he was shrewd, all right.
00:00:29Shrewd enough even to outsmart himself.
00:00:34But in the end, he was caught and he had to pay.
00:00:38And that man's supreme reward was life in prison.
00:00:43Now watching it unfold, I realized how a man can begin by fooling himself.
00:00:50By the time he begins to believe, he can outsmart and fool everybody.
00:00:57But he winds up realizing he only fooled himself.
00:00:59Realizing he's society's enemy and his own worst bitter enemy.
00:01:05And I know when it's over, you'll agree, there's nothing admirable or decent and certainly
00:01:11nothing heroic about him at all.
00:01:15And I know you'll take off your hat to the brave men, the authorities, whose lives are
00:01:21dedicated to protect us and help our children avoid the same pitfalls which brought this
00:01:29man to his ruin.
00:01:51The state of Oregon, like the rest of the nation, has felt the impact of prison riots
00:02:10and jailbreaks in recent years.
00:02:13But because of the successful efforts of Governor Paul Patterson and Warden Clarence Gladden,
00:02:18the citizens of Oregon today no longer live in fear of escapes and disturbances on the
00:02:23part of prisoners.
00:02:24Throughout our nation, the construction of new buildings and the improvement of penal
00:02:29institutions in general have not kept pace with our increasing population.
00:02:35As a result, bad living conditions and crowded cell blocks sometimes have incited the inmates
00:02:41to attempt escapes.
00:02:44It was at the Oregon State Prison that the most unique jailbreaks in modern penal history
00:02:48took place.
00:02:49The escapes were made by John Omar Pinson, once public enemy number four.
00:02:56It was Pinson's daring actions that finally aroused the conscientious officials and citizens
00:03:01of Oregon to improve conditions at the state prison.
00:03:06The true account of Pinson's escapes is a vicious and ruthless one.
00:03:11The gangbusters present it to you now in the hope that public attention throughout
00:03:15the nation will be focused on our penal institutions.
00:03:21I'm Detective Lieutenant Walsh, your host for this gangbusters case.
00:03:26These are some of the tools of our trade.
00:03:28From the size of this collection, you might think it was the equipment for our entire
00:03:33department.
00:03:34But you'd be wrong.
00:03:36This arsenal was carried by one man, the most interesting and dangerous criminal I've met
00:03:41in 20 years of police work.
00:03:43The case began October 12th, 4 p.m.
00:03:45I was making a routine check of motor vehicles near the apartment at 1276 Jones Avenue, an
00:03:51apartment then occupied by William Morton.
00:04:12Pardon me.
00:04:15Yes?
00:04:16Is this your car?
00:04:19Well, yes.
00:04:20Why?
00:04:21Do you have a license?
00:04:22Of course I do.
00:04:23May I see it, please?
00:04:24What are you, a police officer?
00:04:25Detective.
00:04:26Oh.
00:04:27What's wrong?
00:04:28Some sort of trouble?
00:04:29There could be plenty of trouble.
00:04:30Well, let me see your license.
00:04:40There could be plenty of trouble.
00:04:41What's your name?
00:04:42William Morse.
00:04:43May I see that license, please?
00:04:46Certainly.
00:04:47Well, what do you know?
00:05:00This man must be wanted for something more than just stealing cars.
00:05:04Brother, what a trick.
00:05:10We booked him under the name of William Morse.
00:05:13The suspect denied any knowledge of the stolen car he'd been driving
00:05:16and maintained that he was William Morse, a scientist.
00:05:21You should be more careful with that.
00:05:23It might be loaded.
00:05:26It was.
00:05:32Where did you get them?
00:05:34I've never seen them before.
00:05:36Somebody must have placed them in my car when I wasn't looking.
00:05:39Then why did you try to shoot me?
00:05:43Frankly, I didn't believe you were a police officer.
00:05:45You look more like a stick-up artist.
00:05:48It's all these hold-ups lately.
00:05:56I suppose you thought this was a long-stem petunia.
00:06:00Of course not.
00:06:02Petunias have short stems.
00:06:07Where were you going with it?
00:06:09To see a girl.
00:06:10What's her name?
00:06:12Well, I don't know. I haven't met her yet.
00:06:17And I suppose you were going to read to her out of this book,
00:06:22The Science of Explosives.
00:06:24Don't be preposterous.
00:06:30You say you're a scientist.
00:06:32What does this mean?
00:06:33If the viciss...
00:06:35Vicissity?
00:06:36Vicissity of the acid is known,
00:06:38the true molecular weight is equal to the apparent molecular weight
00:06:42multiplied by the vicissity.
00:06:45You don't read it too well.
00:06:48To know the vicissity means to know the number of hydrogen atoms that can be replaced.
00:06:53What was your name again?
00:06:56William Morse.
00:06:58William Morse.
00:07:01Good news.
00:07:03Very good news.
00:07:06It says the fingerprints of William Morse are identical in every swirl
00:07:11with those of John Omar Pinson, public enemy number four,
00:07:15graduate of Iowa State Penitentiary, Missouri State,
00:07:18and numerous visits to Walla Walla.
00:07:22The entrance exams at Walla Walla aren't too rigid. It's easy to get in.
00:07:27It would take me a half hour to recite a list of your crimes.
00:07:31But if you'd like a refresher course...
00:07:33No, thanks.
00:07:35You'll be in for life this time, Pinson.
00:07:37I doubt that.
00:07:39It's a tough place, Oregon State Pen.
00:07:41Don't worry about it.
00:07:45I'll tame it.
00:07:48On November 16th, we remanded John Omar Pinson to the custody of Oregon State
00:07:54where he was placed in their penitentiary.
00:07:57He was vicious, cunning, and ruthless.
00:08:00Within six months, he had made good his brag.
00:08:02He was the king of the yard.
00:08:04He gathered around him the toughest criminals of the lot.
00:08:08Larry O'Gelvie, number 18354,
00:08:11killer of Deputy Howell Bowie after a holdup at Hood River.
00:08:15Number 7986, Louis Feth, who with his partner, number 7166, Mike Denneke,
00:08:21had a Tommy gun and some pistols stashed away somewhere outside the prison.
00:08:25Number 15696, Slug Bennett,
00:08:28who was to play such an important role in Pinson's life.
00:08:32So it's going to be a break, a crash-up.
00:08:34If everything goes...
00:08:40Grandmother wanted me to sing in the church choir.
00:08:43Sunday morning, I donned my bust of brown collar and I sang.
00:08:46Sang beautifully.
00:08:48I can see it now.
00:08:50Grandmother with the tears streaming down her face.
00:08:54What the...
00:08:59Lousy scrooge.
00:09:02Pinch his little pink cheeks.
00:09:15I was a lifer, I'd knife him.
00:09:18Okay, okay, when's the big break?
00:09:20It's going to be entirely different.
00:09:22Different from any break you ever tried.
00:09:24This time, there won't be any dissension or argument or misunderstanding
00:09:27because this time, I'm going to make it alone.
00:09:29What do you mean?
00:09:30It has to be that way.
00:09:31There's too much unrest around here.
00:09:33The whole yard's on its toes.
00:09:35But once I'm out, I'll come back for you.
00:09:39Is that a promise?
00:09:44That's a promise.
00:09:46Mr. Pinson?
00:09:49Mr. Pinson, my name's Long.
00:09:51Wayne Long.
00:09:53Long, you're overdue, Peter.
00:09:56Oh, please, Mr. Pinson, listen to me.
00:09:58I'm in for five years for burglary.
00:10:01And when I heard you were here, I decided to meet you.
00:10:04Why?
00:10:05Because I want to study under you.
00:10:07You're the best man in the country in your field.
00:10:11Sit down.
00:10:15Goodbye, baby.
00:10:20What did you do, Sonny?
00:10:22I got caught robbing a grocery store.
00:10:24Gracious.
00:10:26I've been to reform school, too.
00:10:29All right.
00:10:31I'd just like to stay near you and have you teach me a few things.
00:10:34You're a punk, a two-bit gutless punk.
00:10:36You have no sense.
00:10:38You pull a two-bit job and take the same rap you'd get if you'd been after a million.
00:10:42Punks like this are all the same.
00:10:43They're brainless.
00:10:44They never get smart.
00:10:46But I want to learn.
00:10:48If you'll just let me hang around you, I'll do whatever you say.
00:10:52Run your errands.
00:10:53I'll steal cigarettes for you.
00:10:55Cigarettes?
00:10:57Well, let's try it.
00:10:59Show us how you lift a cigarette.
00:11:01All right.
00:11:03Over there.
00:11:04That fellow against the wall.
00:11:06He's deaf, half paralyzed, and sound asleep.
00:11:09Now you go over there and clean him for me.
00:11:11Bring back all his tobacco.
00:11:13Sure.
00:11:33He got me on the side.
00:11:35I gotta see the doctor.
00:11:36Yeah, ask him to put you in the nursery.
00:11:38I'm sorry, Pinson.
00:11:39I'll do better next time.
00:11:41You can have my cigarettes.
00:12:00Okay, Pinson.
00:12:01How about your break?
00:12:03I want to get assigned to the flax mill so I can work.
00:12:05To do that, I've got to be on good behavior.
00:12:08That means I have to be clean.
00:12:13If I want that used on anyone, you're going to have to do it.
00:12:17Well, boys, I've turned over a new leaf.
00:12:19I've repented.
00:12:21Hallelujah.
00:12:26March 3rd.
00:12:27Pinson, because of his good behavior, was allowed to work in the flax mill.
00:12:31Another six weeks, on Tuesday, April 16th.
00:13:01♪♪
00:13:30♪♪
00:13:40♪♪
00:14:05Good luck.
00:14:10♪♪
00:14:20♪♪
00:14:40♪♪
00:14:50♪♪
00:15:11♪♪
00:15:33And so John Omar Pinson made the first of his successful jail breaks.
00:15:37And on April 24th, eight days after his dramatic escape,
00:15:41the dapper, smooth-talking but vicious criminal
00:15:44was getting ready to carry on business as usual.
00:15:48♪♪
00:16:18♪♪
00:16:28Lovely day.
00:16:29Beauty.
00:16:30Traveling?
00:16:31Yes, I'm just passing through.
00:16:32It's a nice little town you have here.
00:16:34Glad you like it.
00:16:35Well, good luck.
00:16:37♪♪
00:17:06Hey.
00:17:07♪♪
00:17:16Well, we meet again.
00:17:17Yeah.
00:17:18Anything wrong?
00:17:19No, no. Here, let me help you.
00:17:20Oh, thanks.
00:17:21If you'll dig in my pocket, I'll hold this.
00:17:23I need the keys.
00:17:24Oh, sure.
00:17:25What's in the bag?
00:17:27Fishing tackle.
00:17:28My rod's in the car.
00:17:29You like to fish, huh?
00:17:31I sure do.
00:17:32Have ever since I was a kid.
00:17:33I thought I'd take advantage of this vacation of mine.
00:17:38Maybe not a few trout.
00:17:39Trout?
00:17:40It isn't trout season.
00:17:42Oh, well, being out of state, I guess I got mixed up in my baits.
00:17:45May I have my keys, please?
00:17:46Sure.
00:17:47Thanks.
00:17:48That's a mighty bulky rod.
00:17:50Yeah, it holds a mighty bulky fish.
00:17:54When it dropped, it didn't sound like a fishing rod.
00:17:56Really?
00:17:57I didn't notice that.
00:17:59Well, you'll have to let me worry about it.
00:18:02Thanks a lot for your help.
00:18:03You'll have to excuse me now.
00:18:04I, uh, I'm a little late.
00:18:05May I see your fishing license?
00:18:07I don't have one yet.
00:18:09I'll get one before I start fishing.
00:18:11Mister, your story doesn't hold water.
00:18:13I think I better take a look at your fishing equipment.
00:18:16I told you with a rod...
00:18:18Ow!
00:18:311-20.
00:18:32Less than 20 minutes after the killing of Officer Rondo,
00:18:34the alarm went out.
00:18:35Officer Rondo was well-liked.
00:18:37Left a wife and two small children.
00:18:39Within minutes, police officers, both on and off duty,
00:18:41were after the killer.
00:18:47Ah!
00:19:07Roadblocks were thrown up at strategic points
00:19:09leading out of the city and into the Oregon hills.
00:19:12All vehicles were stopped,
00:19:14and police officers even boarded buses
00:19:16to see if Pinson was among the passengers.
00:19:18The authorities were taking no chances
00:19:20on letting this man break into the clear.
00:19:25But there were times when Pinson
00:19:27was pretty good at outguessing us,
00:19:29and this was one of them.
00:19:30He anticipated the fact that police barriers
00:19:32would be set up,
00:19:33and he spotted our roadblock.
00:19:36From his vantage point,
00:19:37Pinson studied the situation quickly.
00:19:39He was not just an ordinary fugitive from the law.
00:19:42This man was very clever,
00:19:43and he was just as daring as he was clever.
00:19:47Pinson knew the road was blocked ahead
00:19:49and that he was being pursued from behind.
00:19:51He had to make a fast decision on the spot,
00:19:53and he made it.
00:20:13Pinson was on the move.
00:20:40Looks like we'll give him this round.
00:20:42All eyes and clear at the area.
00:20:48Unit 12 to W2680, over.
00:20:51Come in, Unit 12.
00:20:52Pinson just crashed our roadblock,
00:20:54heading east on US Highway 180.
00:20:56Alert all units.
00:20:57Unit 12, over and out.
00:20:59Well, what do we do now, Coach?
00:21:02Change that tire and capture Pinson,
00:21:04in that order,
00:21:05or we'll both be turning our suits in.
00:21:07He'll ditch that car.
00:21:10Maybe we ought to double up on the freight yards.
00:21:13I don't know.
00:21:14Not with Pinson.
00:21:15That man's an egoist.
00:21:16He's clever, sometimes even brilliant.
00:21:18If we closed up the freight yards,
00:21:20he'd go out of town on a Pullman.
00:21:22With our men checking on everybody that buys a ticket?
00:21:24And that, Mr. Fuller, is our next stop.
00:21:32Pinson had broken through our roadblock.
00:21:34A police plane kept him under observation
00:21:36and spotted the direction in which he was speeding.
00:21:40Oh, no.
00:21:46We're afire.
00:22:10SIREN WAILS
00:22:29CAR ALARM BLARES
00:22:39SIREN WAILS
00:23:10Next time, take the bus.
00:23:17October 26, 11 a.m.
00:23:19Pinson was returned to the Oregon State Penitentiary
00:23:22where special guards were assigned to watch him.
00:23:24For months, he was on good behavior in the yard.
00:23:30Beat it, punk.
00:23:32What?
00:23:33Go over there and pull a knife or something.
00:23:35What for?
00:23:36Make sure the guards are watching you instead of us.
00:23:38Go on.
00:23:50I didn't get back to spring you boys,
00:23:52so this time I'm going to take you with me.
00:23:55Special guards watching you?
00:23:57Hmm.
00:23:59There won't be any special guards.
00:24:01We're all going on good behavior
00:24:03so we can get assigned to the mortar pool.
00:24:06Watch the stooge.
00:24:08Okay.
00:24:16Long, sure sucker for you, Pinson.
00:24:18Yeah.
00:24:20Now, we've only got a minute, so here goes.
00:24:22We set this up for the 20th of February...
00:24:26February 20.
00:24:29One minute before the deadline for the big mass escape.
00:24:39What?
00:25:05Fire!
00:25:06Fire!
00:25:19During the furious battle which ensued,
00:25:21John Omar Pinson took no part in the fighting.
00:25:24He remained aloof, waiting for the opportune moment.
00:25:32Take a break.
00:25:36Pinson!
00:25:40Get back!
00:25:47Come on!
00:25:48Come on! Get back!
00:25:49Pinson!
00:25:50Get up!
00:26:08Come on!
00:26:09Come on! Get up!
00:26:10Get up!
00:26:13Get up!
00:26:15Come on!
00:26:17Get back!
00:26:21Get back!
00:26:28Come on!
00:26:29Come on!
00:26:36Come on!
00:26:37Come on!
00:26:39Fire!
00:26:50Come on!
00:27:02All right, you men.
00:27:03The next time, I'll cut you in two.
00:27:06You, Denneke.
00:27:07Up.
00:27:08Ben.
00:27:09Bennett.
00:27:11Now, move back toward the door of the machine shop.
00:27:13Hands behind your back.
00:27:15Move!
00:27:17And you guards, slug the first man that gets out of line.
00:27:21Bennett.
00:27:22Move!
00:27:26Not him.
00:27:31It's terrible.
00:27:33I can't understand why they tried it.
00:27:35I suppose you had nothing to do with this, huh?
00:27:38Of course not.
00:27:39Absolutely nothing.
00:27:41Have you ever been in deep solitary confinement here?
00:27:44No.
00:27:45It's a little cell deep in the ground.
00:27:47Its walls and ceiling and floor are three foot thick.
00:27:51It has an eight by ten inch window.
00:27:54And it's real dark and real quiet.
00:27:56There's no table, no chairs.
00:27:59No anything.
00:28:01And you get food twice a day.
00:28:03Mostly water and crackers.
00:28:05And it wouldn't surprise me that you're going to spend the next year there.
00:28:08Take him away.
00:28:09Wait a minute.
00:28:11I'll wipe that smile off your face.
00:28:15I'm sorry.
00:28:27The quiet.
00:28:28The blackness.
00:28:30I can't stand to hear this.
00:28:32I've got to find a way out.
00:28:36Number 41867.
00:28:38Wayne Long.
00:28:39A young convict.
00:28:40Worshiped Pinson.
00:28:41After repeated rebuffs, he saw a way to gain the confidence in favor of his idol.
00:28:46Through good behavior, he managed to get himself transferred into the prison bakery.
00:29:41Months of solitary had made Pinson aware of the never changing pattern employed by the guards.
00:29:46For three months, night and day, when the guard took his four steps away from the cell, Pinson sawed.
00:29:52When he took his four steps back, out came the saw blade.
00:29:56One second of wrong timing and he'd be caught.
00:30:12July 18, 5.30 at night.
00:30:14The bolt was cut.
00:30:28Pinson rubbed black from his shoes to make a mustache.
00:30:31He used pieces of his shirt to make a mustache.
00:30:34He used pieces of his shirt to make a mustache.
00:30:37He used pieces of his shirt to make a mustache.
00:30:40He used pieces of his shirt to change the contours of his face.
00:30:44He was expecting the guard any second.
00:30:46Would the daring plan work?
00:31:09Pinson.
00:31:32Bennett, can't you screws leave a guy alone?
00:31:35Shut up.
00:31:37Pinson.
00:31:38I've got the keys.
00:31:40Pinson.
00:31:42Get over there or I'll stick a knife in you.
00:31:44Pinson, let me go with you.
00:31:45I'm the guy who smuggled you the saw blade.
00:31:47Shut up.
00:31:48But if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have the keys.
00:31:51As long as you get over there and sit down, act like nothing's happening or I'm gonna kill you.
00:31:59It won't open.
00:32:00Keep trying.
00:32:07Come on.
00:32:08Come on.
00:32:09You gotta get it.
00:32:10Easy does it.
00:32:11There are lots of keys here.
00:32:13Pinson, please.
00:32:15Screw.
00:32:16I think he's getting kind of suspicious.
00:32:20Maybe not.
00:32:21Maybe he's...
00:32:23I've got it.
00:32:26So you think you're sick, huh?
00:32:30Well, we'll see about that.
00:32:32So you think you're sick, huh?
00:32:35Well, we'll find out in a hurry.
00:32:37Stick out your hands.
00:32:38I'll give you some mittens.
00:32:43If you're not sick, you're gonna find yourself in a lot of trouble.
00:32:48Pinson.
00:32:52All right, move.
00:32:54Just a minute.
00:32:56Oh.
00:32:57I'm from the hospital ward.
00:32:59This monkey seems to think he's sick.
00:33:04Okay.
00:33:10Oh, come on.
00:33:11We haven't got all day.
00:33:13Oh, come on.
00:33:14We haven't got all day.
00:33:27Pinson!
00:33:31Pinson!
00:33:34Come back and get me!
00:33:43Hey, come on!
00:33:59Come back!
00:34:00Come back and take me!
00:34:04Fucking come back!
00:34:06Get me!
00:34:07Come back! Come back and take me!
00:34:37Come back! Come back!
00:35:07Come back!
00:35:37Come back!
00:35:40Come back!
00:35:43This is W2680. W2680 to all units, a-25 emergency.
00:36:10there's been a break at Oregon State Penitentiary.
00:36:12Two convicts, John Omar Pinson, and Slug Bennett,
00:36:16have broken out.
00:36:17Block all highways leading from the city, and leave your radios open.
00:36:25With Bennett wounded, Pinson had to get into town fast.
00:36:28He knew the best place to steal a car was in Lover's Lane,
00:36:31where the driver is usually off guard.
00:36:33Ah! Ah!
00:36:35Ah!
00:36:40Bennett badly needed medical treatment,
00:36:43but the two fugitives were afraid a doctor would ask questions
00:36:45about gunshot wounds, so they broke into a drugstore,
00:36:48where Pinson made use of his chemical knowledge.
00:36:51It's not the lead that hurts so much, it's my jaw.
00:36:55I don't know what's the matter, but it's my jaw that hurts.
00:36:58I don't know what's the matter, but it's my jaw that hurts.
00:37:01It's my jaw. I don't know what's the matter, but it's hurting awful.
00:37:04I'll give you some salicylic acid and codeine.
00:37:07It'll help ease the pain.
00:37:09How do you know so much?
00:37:11It's my business to know things like that.
00:37:13Study up on it. That way I'm prepared.
00:37:16My jaw! I wonder what it is.
00:37:25As soon as we get through here, we'll take that sporting goods shop next door.
00:37:29It should be easy enough. We can cut right through the wall.
00:37:33What, a thousand cops looking for us?
00:37:37Here. This will make you woozy for a while, but it's going to help the jaw.
00:37:43The water!
00:37:46Here.
00:37:51That's all we need.
00:37:54Most drugstores have cats around to keep the mice away.
00:37:57It didn't have to be black.
00:37:59Maybe he was better off in a pen.
00:38:01All this pain, scared, no place to go.
00:38:04Everybody wanting to kill you.
00:38:06We're going to make it, all right, as soon as we get some guns.
00:38:09Maybe you got brains.
00:38:12How does a guy get in a fix like this?
00:38:14He don't sit down and plan this when he's born.
00:38:17No, I don't like things to hack like this.
00:38:20It didn't have to be black.
00:38:22Relax. It's just superstition.
00:38:24Superstition can hurt you when it comes out of the end of a gun.
00:38:27Speaking of guns, we need something next door. Let's go.
00:38:31This powder hurts you quicker than booze.
00:38:40You sure there's no poison in that?
00:38:43Bennett, if I wanted to kill you, there are lots of easier ways.
00:38:47Come on.
00:38:54Come on.
00:39:05Be quiet.
00:39:16Yes, operator. Yes, you were entirely right in calling me.
00:39:19Now, please keep quiet for just a minute, will you?
00:39:22What's going on?
00:39:23Somebody knocked the phone off the hook down at Herrick's Sporting Goods.
00:39:27You hear anything?
00:39:29Just an occasional rattle.
00:39:31Sporting Goods store.
00:39:33It's Pinson and Bennett. That's a good place for them to get guns.
00:39:36You're right.
00:39:38Wake up Jim Herrick and get his keys. I'll meet you down at the corner.
00:39:41Right.
00:39:42We're all set. Let's get out of the car.
00:39:45What's that?
00:39:47It's just the cat. He followed us through that hole we cut in the wall.
00:39:52I'm not like you, Pinson. You've got ice water in your veins. I can't take it anymore.
00:39:56You're doing all right. Now, let's get out of that car.
00:39:59Get him up.
00:40:07Get him up.
00:40:12Get him up.
00:40:26While the police were organizing their search, Pinson and Bennett crashed their way toward freedom.
00:40:32Meanwhile, all local law enforcement agencies, including city police, sheriff's deputies,
00:40:38and motorcycle officers from the state police converged upon the escape area
00:40:43and quickly dispersed according to their well-organized plan.
00:40:50The bloodhounds found a scent, just as promptly lost it near the river.
00:40:56The officers converged upon that spot.
00:40:59No. No, Dopkin just reported in. They're not over there either.
00:41:04Man, it's cold out in this wood. Anything?
00:41:06Not a thing.
00:41:07Keep the boys after it. I'll go back to headquarters and put out an all-points bulletin.
00:41:10Right.
00:41:17Although the search was intensified, no effort was made to cross the river,
00:41:21as it was usually the case.
00:41:23Although the search was intensified, no effort was made to cross the river,
00:41:27as it was unanimously believed that the fugitives were too badly wounded to swim to Columbia in flood time.
00:41:54July 21st, 2.30 a.m., three hours after their escape.
00:41:57No food, both shot, Pinson vitally.
00:42:02Bennett, we passed a barn back there. Remember?
00:42:08Yeah.
00:42:11I saw a shovel leaning against the fence.
00:42:16You can't die, Pinson. You can't. I wouldn't know what to do.
00:42:23Get it.
00:42:25No, Pinson.
00:42:27It's not too much to ask, is it? Do a little digging for a pal?
00:42:35You can't leave me, Pinson. I wouldn't know what to do without you.
00:42:40Get the shovel.
00:42:53Get the shovel.
00:43:23July 21st, 2.30 a.m.
00:43:54July 21st, 2.30 a.m.
00:43:58July 21st, 2.30 a.m.
00:44:19Bennett continued to suffer great pain, and without Pinson to give him medical treatments,
00:44:24the agony became so intense that he was compelled to go to a doctor, even at the risk of being captured.
00:44:31You see anything yet, Doc?
00:44:33I'm afraid so.
00:44:35Huh?
00:44:36I'm sorry, Mr. Smith. Your jaw. You have cancer.
00:44:41No.
00:44:46No.
00:44:55A fugitive from the law, alone, suffering from cancer, and without Pinson to help him, Bennett became his own judge.
00:45:05And his sentence was a pretty stiff one.
00:45:11Mrs. Wallace, across the hall, heard the shot at 7.15.
00:45:15At 7.20, Bennett was rushed to the hospital, where an emergency operation was performed by Dr. Hall.
00:45:20At 8.45...
00:45:23This is Lieutenant Walsh. I'd like to speak to Dr. Hall, please.
00:45:27Dr. Hall speaking.
00:45:29Doctor, the hospitalist flies to report on an attempted suicide. Any information for me?
00:45:34I don't know who this man really is, but I've been treating him under the name of Smith.
00:45:39What brought it on?
00:45:41He has seven bullets in him, plus the one with which he tried to kill himself.
00:45:44Will he pull through?
00:45:45He'll recover from the gunshots, all right, but not from the cancer. It's too late.
00:45:51Thanks, Dr. Hall. I think we'd better come right over.
00:45:54Something hot?
00:45:55Hot and heavy. Seven slugs of lead.
00:45:58Only one of two men could carry a cargo like that, Pinson or Bennett.
00:46:02Let's roll.
00:46:06Under questioning, knowing that he was dying, Bennett talked freely and admitted his part in the escape,
00:46:11burglary, and subsequent gun battle.
00:46:14Finally, we made it to the Columbia River. He was on our heels.
00:46:18We was bleeding so badly, we didn't think we could make it.
00:46:21We got a log, kept our heads low, and finally swam it over to the other side.
00:46:28It was a nightmare.
00:46:30Where's Pinson?
00:46:32Dead.
00:46:34Dead?
00:46:36Yeah. I know.
00:46:38I buried him.
00:46:41I don't believe it.
00:46:43You know I'm dying. Why should I lie to you?
00:46:47I just can't believe that Pinson's dead.
00:46:50If anybody ever bore a charmed life, he did.
00:46:54How can we be sure?
00:46:56Okay. I'll prove it to you.
00:47:00How? You're not well enough to walk?
00:47:03Carry me on a stretcher.
00:47:04I want to prove it.
00:47:06The great John Omar Pinson is dead.
00:47:10Tomorrow I'll show you the place I buried him.
00:47:1711 a.m. Bennett had no difficulty in taking us right to the spot.
00:47:22He pointed out the remains of the campfire and the old shovel he'd used,
00:47:26and the spot where Pinson was buried.
00:47:29That's so good with a shovel, eh, copper?
00:47:34Yeah.
00:47:36Well, let's go.
00:47:38Come on.
00:47:40Come on.
00:47:42Come on.
00:47:44Come on.
00:47:46Come on.
00:47:48Come on.
00:47:50Come on.
00:47:52Come on.
00:47:54Come on.
00:47:56Come on.
00:47:58Come on.
00:48:08He'll get blisters.
00:48:11Never thought I'd see the day a cop would dig for Pinson.
00:48:28You still don't believe me, huh?
00:48:33All the way, boys.
00:48:59Oh.
00:49:06Why did you lie to me?
00:49:08I didn't lie.
00:49:10I buried him there.
00:49:12I dug the hole myself, put him in myself, put the rock on him.
00:49:15Certainly nobody would steal him.
00:49:17I tell you, I buried him there, right there.
00:49:20I swear it on my dying word.
00:49:22I swear it.
00:49:29Part of a bandage.
00:49:31I told you.
00:49:33Somebody was in there.
00:49:35John Omar Pinson died.
00:49:38I buried him right there.
00:49:42In my 20 years of police work,
00:49:44it's the strangest thing I ever saw.
00:49:48I'm sorry.
00:49:50I'm sorry.
00:49:52I'm sorry.
00:49:54I'm sorry.
00:49:56I'm sorry.
00:49:59I don't care what Bennett said.
00:50:01I don't care what the papers or anybody else said.
00:50:04I don't care if he was buried.
00:50:06John Omar Pinson's not dead.
00:50:08Kenneth, that's all I hear all day long.
00:50:11Get wise, kid.
00:50:13Bennett buried him.
00:50:14He was just setting up an alibi for Pinson.
00:50:16I'll take two.
00:50:18He wouldn't lie if he knew he was cashing in.
00:50:20You, Louie, you know how clever he is.
00:50:23He can do anything.
00:50:25He can't fly back but through the pearly gates.
00:50:28I'll call you a bet
00:50:30and raise you the Empire State Building.
00:50:32You, Louie, you worked with him.
00:50:36I'll call you with a Golden Gate Bridge.
00:50:39Listen, you guys.
00:50:41You've been saying you got a couple of machine guns
00:50:43hid outside.
00:50:45You tell me where they are
00:50:46and I'll promise to find Pinson.
00:50:48What do you got?
00:50:49And we'll both come back here and crash out.
00:50:51Three deuces.
00:50:54About tail straight.
00:50:56Well, what do you know?
00:50:58You don't own the Empire State Building no more.
00:51:03The taxes will kill you.
00:51:06Well, what about it?
00:51:08Are you guys going to tell me where they're hid?
00:51:10We'll think about it.
00:51:12Yeah, Warden, I think it can be done.
00:51:14In fact, I've got a man in mind for the job right now.
00:51:18Oh, Fuller just came in.
00:51:20No, he doesn't know about the surprise.
00:51:22I'll fill him in.
00:51:23Goodbye.
00:51:26What's the surprise?
00:51:27A con by the name of Wayne Long gets out next week.
00:51:30Oh, yeah, he's the one that said that Pinson's still alive.
00:51:33Mm-hmm.
00:51:35I've heard that one.
00:51:37Grapevine has it that a couple of cons
00:51:39by the name of Louis Feth and Mike Denneke
00:51:41have stashed two machine guns on the outside.
00:51:43Heard that one too.
00:51:45You're a hard man, Fuller.
00:51:47Stuck soon.
00:51:49Long tells Feth and Denneke
00:51:51he'll find Pinson and spring them
00:51:53if they'll tell him where to find the guns.
00:51:55We tail him.
00:51:57The guns?
00:51:59Nothing to it.
00:52:01But you made one mistake.
00:52:03I believe Pinson's alive too.
00:52:05Uh-huh.
00:52:07And you're nuttier than Wayne Long.
00:52:09We saw the grave.
00:52:11But there was no body in it.
00:52:17Here.
00:52:19Try this on for size.
00:52:21Oh, on you it looks good.
00:52:24Are you kidding?
00:52:25Lieutenant died. Long hasn't had a cellmate.
00:52:27Until now.
00:52:29Ah, now look, Lieutenant.
00:52:31These guys are locked from here to Timbuktu.
00:52:33If they get on to me, I'll be full of more knives than a...
00:52:35Porcupine?
00:52:37Right.
00:52:39Surprise?
00:52:41Yeah. I don't like it.
00:52:43It's kind of a surprise you'd kill you.
00:52:46Listen, you guys.
00:52:48You gotta tell me tonight.
00:52:50Tomorrow's too late.
00:52:52Tell me where they are and Pinson and I'll get you out.
00:52:53What about it, Louie?
00:52:55Might as well.
00:52:57By the time we get out of here,
00:52:59they'll be too old for us to use.
00:53:01You guys are all nuts.
00:53:06Pinson's been dead for months.
00:53:08That's a lie!
00:53:10Pinson's the smartest man that ever lived.
00:53:12He fooled them.
00:53:14You got proof?
00:53:16No, but I will have if these guys will tell me
00:53:18where they stashed those machine guns.
00:53:20Button up your lip, kid.
00:53:21If they kill us because you talk too much.
00:53:26After breakfast in the exercise yard.
00:53:29Jim.
00:53:36January 19.
00:53:38Wayne Long received a new suit, new shoes,
00:53:40and the usual $10.
00:53:42Louie Feth and Mike Denneke had given the information to Long.
00:53:44Detective Fuller reported back to me
00:53:46saying that he'd been unable to overhear their conversation.
00:53:49Long was undecided.
00:53:51Whether to take a bus or a cab,
00:53:53it would have made no difference.
00:53:55A detective was on the bus,
00:53:57another was driving the cab,
00:53:59and several others in cars were standing by.
00:54:21What's the matter?
00:54:23I don't know.
00:54:25What's the matter?
00:54:27I don't know.
00:54:29What's the matter?
00:54:31I don't know.
00:54:33What's the matter?
00:54:35I don't know.
00:54:37What's the matter?
00:54:39I don't know.
00:54:41What's the matter?
00:54:43I don't know.
00:54:45What's the matter?
00:54:47I don't know.
00:54:49What's the matter?
00:54:52I don't know.
00:54:53What happened?
00:55:13Grab the cab.
00:55:14Get rolling.
00:55:15We're live flash headquarters.
00:55:16Unit 12 to W2-680.
00:55:17Unit 12 to W2-680.
00:55:28Suspect is moving toward business district in taxi cab license number 935-204.
00:55:36Unit 12 following.
00:55:37Others drop behind.
00:55:39Unit 12 out.
00:55:55Unit 12 to W2680.
00:55:58Suspect has just entered a residence at 1349 Garvey.
00:56:01Have Unit 3 stand by north of the dead end.
00:56:05Unit 12 out.
00:56:11Well, it looks like we'll wait.
00:56:15Anything in that paper he bought?
00:56:17I doubt it, but we'll check the personals.
00:56:35Suspect is leaving residence carrying two packages.
00:56:39Could be machine guns.
00:56:40Have Unit 3 tail him.
00:56:42Fuller and I are going into the house.
00:56:47Unit 12 out.
00:56:54Um, yes, officers.
00:57:01He said he was Eleanor Smith.
00:57:03Why did he come here?
00:57:05He said he was sent by two men who used to board here.
00:57:09And what were their names?
00:57:11I don't really remember, but they left a trunk here in the basement a few years ago.
00:57:16Said they'd be back for it, but they never came.
00:57:20This man said they'd sent him to get something from it.
00:57:24Well, how did you know they sent him?
00:57:28Because he said they told him if he called me Aunt Jenny, I'd know he was a friend of
00:57:33theirs.
00:57:34Aunt Jenny?
00:57:35No, that's just it.
00:57:39Nobody calls me Aunt Jenny but those two men who used to live here.
00:57:43Well, how did they happen to?
00:57:45I used to listen to a radio program so much that it had Aunt Jenny in it, so when he called
00:57:51me Aunt Jenny, I knew he knew the other man, so I let him go down to the trunk.
00:57:57Uh-huh.
00:57:58Are these the two boarders that used to live here?
00:58:01Yes.
00:58:02Friends of yours?
00:58:03No, ma'am.
00:58:04Oh.
00:58:05Do you, uh, know what he took from the trunk?
00:58:09No, do you?
00:58:12Yes.
00:58:13I'm afraid I do.
00:58:16Oh.
00:58:20Fuller and I had to make a quick decision.
00:58:22Should we pick up Long for violation of parole and possessing illegal firearms, or should
00:58:27we string along and see if he could throw any light on what happened to Pinson or his body?
00:58:32It's a tough decision.
00:58:44That's Long with a truck, all right.
00:58:46I wish I dared to pick him up, but if we're going to solve that Pinson mystery, we've
00:58:50got to play along with him.
00:58:52Put the glasses on him.
00:58:53Right.
00:58:55Try for the plates.
00:58:57Unit 12 to W2680, stand by.
00:59:02Yeah.
00:59:03Washington plate TA21683.
00:59:13I wonder if he knows that truck driver.
00:59:27Wayne Long was sure that Pinson was alive, and he wanted to attract the attention of
00:59:32the escaped criminal.
00:59:33He knew he'd have to carry out a very definite plan.
00:59:36The whole trouble was, Long was doing his planning with a warped mind.
00:59:41We're about nine miles southeast of town.
01:00:02The truck's just turned into a side road.
01:00:05Stand by.
01:00:06It looks like a one-way lane.
01:00:09I don't know whether to follow him or not.
01:00:12It's all right, young fella.
01:00:18Perfect.
01:00:19And I reckon you can pay me.
01:00:22You'll get your pay.
01:00:23Now, look here, young fella.
01:00:25If you're going to rob me, you're wasting your time.
01:00:27I'll give you what little I got.
01:00:29I'm not going to rob you.
01:00:31Get out.
01:00:32You bet.
01:00:33But please put that gun away.
01:00:35You can take the truck.
01:00:36I won't lose much.
01:00:37It's insured.
01:00:39Too much.
01:00:40Yes, sir.
01:00:41But you've got nothing to fear from me.
01:00:43I know that.
01:00:44I'm going to kill you.
01:00:47Kill me?
01:00:48You've got no call to do that.
01:00:50Why, they'll find out who you are, then.
01:00:52That's what I want them to do.
01:00:53I want this to hit every front page in the country.
01:00:56But that don't make sense.
01:00:59I'm worried.
01:01:00Maybe we should have followed him.
01:01:02It was a toss-up.
01:01:04Let's give him a couple of more minutes.
01:01:07If you want to throw away your life, that's your business.
01:01:09But why take it out on me?
01:01:11I've got a family.
01:01:13When a certain fella reads about this,
01:01:15he's going to want me for his partner.
01:01:17That's why your number's up.
01:01:19Now go on.
01:01:20Get out.
01:01:22Start walking, and don't look back.
01:01:37Oh.
01:01:53My calling card for the cops.
01:02:02You know what I figured?
01:02:04What?
01:02:07I think maybe we've pulled a boner.
01:02:10That's Long, all right.
01:02:12But he's alone in that truck.
01:02:15W2680 from Unit 12.
01:02:19Long just passed us alone.
01:02:20Dispatch the nearest unit to check this side lane.
01:02:23It's about four miles southeast of State Highway 124.
01:02:27Unit 12 out.
01:02:28All right.
01:02:29Here you go.
01:02:32And so Long's plan had been put into action,
01:02:36even though it called for one of the most cold-blooded murders
01:02:38in our records.
01:02:40Now, the young killer was out to commit as many daring crimes
01:02:42as possible so that Pinson, the man he worshipped,
01:02:46would read about them in the papers
01:02:48and perhaps decide that Long would make a good partner
01:02:50in crime after all.
01:03:06First a truck, now grocery.
01:03:28Wonder what the man will collect next.
01:03:30Pinson's alive, which I doubt.
01:03:32Long might hole up and try to get word
01:03:33through to the grapevine.
01:03:34When I was in that cell, he boasted
01:03:36he knew how to contact Pinson.
01:03:38Well, if he comes out with a big bag of groceries,
01:03:40we'll know that you're right.
01:03:55Hey, get a load of that.
01:04:05He's going into the bank.
01:04:07And not to cash a check either.
01:04:14Suspect is now entering a bank at the corner of 5th and Main.
01:04:17Dispatch all available units.
01:04:18Tell them to hold the sirens.
01:04:20We can't risk a gun battle in the bank,
01:04:21so we'll attempt to make the arrest
01:04:23as he leaves the building.
01:04:25Drop it.
01:04:26Long!
01:04:34Do something with this.
01:04:54It's the second time a punk has won me.
01:04:57I was thinking next time I'd shoot first
01:05:00and want him afterwards.
01:05:01But somehow I just can't seem to do it.
01:05:03It's part of being a cop.
01:05:07Wayne Long was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
01:05:11Late that night, he talked.
01:05:13I worship Pinson.
01:05:15I think he's a mastermind.
01:05:18Greatest criminal that ever lived.
01:05:20I wanted to learn from him so I could pull big jobs.
01:05:24I knew he'd read about me in the papers,
01:05:27about killing that truck driver, pulling
01:05:29that bank job single-handed.
01:05:31But isn't John Omar Pinson dead?
01:05:34Bennett swore with his dying breath
01:05:36he saw him die and buried him.
01:05:38Fuller and I saw the grave.
01:05:40But his body wasn't there.
01:05:41No, but somebody had been in that grave.
01:05:44And remember, Bennett was not.
01:05:45Maybe Bennett believed he was dead.
01:05:47I don't.
01:05:48Pinson's too smart to die.
01:05:50He's alive.
01:05:52And he's making you cops look sick.
01:05:56The kid's nuts.
01:05:58Pinson's dead.
01:06:00There's only one way to find out.
01:06:03This is all a very dramatic story.
01:06:06So we'll give it to the newspapers.
01:06:09I've talked too much.
01:06:10Yeah.
01:06:12Just like Mike Denneke said you would.
01:06:22Long, that dumb, stupid punk.
01:06:25I was dead till he started shooting his mouth off.
01:06:28Now I've got 600 years hanging over me and millions
01:06:32of people looking for me.
01:06:39I've got to get out of the country.
01:06:42First, I'll have to have an identity.
01:06:44Got to be somebody to get a passport.
01:06:48How do you start to be somebody when you're dead?
01:06:50February 28, 7.30 AM, the first step toward a new identity.
01:07:03Your name, Petey?
01:07:07A friend of mine tells me you write a beautiful hand.
01:07:12He got a name?
01:07:15Said it wouldn't happen.
01:07:18Why don't you write your own letters, friend?
01:07:28I injured my fingers.
01:07:31So I noticed.
01:07:33You got a mate to work for you?
01:07:35Not to worry.
01:07:36I'm not a man.
01:07:37I'm a man.
01:07:38I'm a woman.
01:07:39And I'm a man.
01:07:41I'm a man.
01:07:42I'm a man.
01:07:43I'm a man.
01:07:44I'm a man.
01:07:45I'm a man.
01:07:46I'm a man.
01:07:47You got a mate to what you showed me?
01:07:49Anything that large seldom has a mate.
01:07:51It would take that much to limber my fingers.
01:07:55Would it keep them that way?
01:07:57Another G on delivery.
01:08:02Too steep.
01:08:06Play a game of pool?
01:08:12All right, you win.
01:08:15Got a pencil and paper?
01:08:16Oh, no, I never write anything down.
01:08:18Just give me the dope.
01:08:19I won't forget it.
01:08:21If you crossed me, I swear.
01:08:22The cops would keep you so busy,
01:08:24I wouldn't have to worry.
01:08:25Height?
01:08:325' 11".
01:08:33Weight?
01:08:35175.
01:08:37Eyes brown, hair dark, complexion dusky.
01:08:43Residence?
01:08:441472 Morningside Drive.
01:08:47Occupation?
01:08:51Biologist.
01:08:53What name do you want me to put on?
01:08:55John Omar Pinson.
01:08:57Go ahead, Pinson.
01:08:58I wish you would try it.
01:09:07Pretty foxy, Walsh.
01:09:11How did you know I was here?
01:09:13The police have been watching this place and 100
01:09:15more just like it, ever since your story
01:09:17broke in the newspaper.
01:09:19All right, over against the wall.
01:09:21Both of you boys know the routine.
01:09:24Of all the dumb luck.
01:09:26Come on.
01:09:41You cops had all the dumb luck.
01:09:46Just like hitting that eight ball.
01:09:48OK, call it luck.
01:09:50But remember, you're both racked up in the corner pocket.
01:09:56Our local police force, the reporters
01:09:58outside, and the public were all waiting
01:10:00to hear the solution of Pinson's death and burial.
01:10:03At first, he wouldn't answer.
01:10:05But at 11.10 that night.
01:10:08All right.
01:10:09All right, I'll tell you.
01:10:12I was pretty badly shot up during the prison break.
01:10:14It took Bennett and me three days
01:10:16to reach the Columbia River.
01:10:18I was bleeding all the way.
01:10:21After we finally crossed the river and made camp,
01:10:24I began to feel like I was dying.
01:10:28I made Bennett promise to bury me there.
01:10:31After that, I don't remember.
01:10:34What's the first thing that you do remember?
01:10:37Blacker than any night.
01:10:38So black, I couldn't see a thing.
01:10:42I'm dead.
01:10:44I'm dead.
01:10:47No.
01:10:49No, I'm breathing.
01:10:50I can't be dead.
01:10:53Why can't I get up?
01:10:55Why can't I move?
01:10:57It's cold.
01:10:59It's so cold.
01:11:01What's the matter?
01:11:03I was buried.
01:11:05Sure.
01:11:07Sure, Bennett must have buried me.
01:11:10Thought I was dead.
01:11:15I've got to get up.
01:11:18There's a woman.
01:11:20This is wonderful.
01:11:24Now I'm a dead man.
01:11:27Nobody knows I'm alive.
01:11:30Nobody will look for me.
01:11:33OK, suckers.
01:11:35Here lies John Omar Pinson.
01:11:39Legitimate number four.
01:11:41That's just what happened, gentlemen.
01:11:45That's the whole story.
01:11:49In 20 years of police work, that beats them all.
01:12:01For John Omar Pinson, the sentence was life.
01:12:05Life in the Oregon desert.
01:12:07For John Omar Pinson, the sentence was life.
01:12:10Life in the Oregon state prison, the place from which he
01:12:13made such daring escapes.
01:12:16For Wayne Long, the sentence was not life, but...
01:12:22Pinson had run out of plans.
01:12:25Long was running out of time.
01:12:28As the young man set out to take his last walk.
01:12:37Wayne Long had wanted to travel fast, to catch up with Pinson.
01:12:41But he was moving slowly.
01:12:43On weak legs now.
01:12:45He had really always been too weak to carry his own weight
01:12:49alone.
01:12:51He had wanted to catch up with Pinson.
01:12:53But he was moving slowly.
01:12:55On weak legs now.
01:12:57He had really always been too weak to carry his own weight
01:13:01alone.
01:13:21As the three lethal pellets were released,
01:13:24Wayne Long's ambition to be like his unwisely chosen idol
01:13:28came to an end.
01:13:45And some punks never learn.
01:13:49And some punks never learn.
01:14:19And some punks never learn.
01:14:35And some punks never learn.
01:14:49And some punks never learn.
01:15:19And some punks never learn.