"I left the same house at about the same hour every working day for 11 years."
"I caught the same car."
"I emerged from the same terminal and dodged the same traffic."
"Rounded the same corner."
"Entered the same bank."
"My name is James Osborne."
"I started here as assistant teller."
"Now, I'm assistant manager."
"Today, I break in another assistant."
"In another 11 years he might have my job and I might be head guy round here."
"Who knows."
I'm all ready to take over, Mr Osborne.
Good, Mr Boyle tells me you've caught on quickly.
Thank you, sir.
He gave you your of the combination? - I have it memorised.
Fine.
Down, please.
Come in, Rex.
You see, Raglin, there are six of these small inner safes. One for each teller.
Most banks use this dual-operation system.
I know only the ..
First half of the combination.
Each teller knows only the last half of the combination of his own safe.
This one was Stuart Boyle's.
It's yours now.
Go ahead. - Alright.
That's all there is to it, huh?
"Yeah .. that's all there is to it."
"How often had that thought entered my mind?"
"What a cinch it would be to watch a teller."
"And memorise his half of the combination."
"It must have occurred to others."
"I wondered if anyone had ever taken advantage of it."
Now.
You borrow whatever money you need from the head teller.
This is his safe.
At times, it contains nearly a million dollars. - Really?
Hmm.
Friday, for instance.
When the Federal Reserve makes its delivery of the ..
Month-end payrolls.
"Think what I could do with a million dollars."
"The idea of robbing the safes had occurred to me often, in fact."
"As an amusing thought to dwell on while shaving or riding to work."
"That's all there is to it, huh?"
"Funny how that innocent remark acted on me like a psychological blockbuster."
"Slowly, insidiously, an idea began taking possession of my mind."
Here are the statistics we'll need for that conference, Jim.
Did you also want me include any data on that new Burbank housing project?
Jim, did you hear me?
Sorry.
I said did you want me to include anything on the Burbank housing project.
Why, I don't think it will be necessary. Everything we need seems to be there.
Have you got a problem, Jim?
Is something on your mind?
You know Ken, I was just thinking.
I've got a wonderful wife, a wonderful daughter, good health.
A steady job.
A reasonably secure future.
I should be a pretty contented man.
So?
So ..
That's what was on my mind.
"Yes, there was a strange fascination to the idea of stealing the money."
"It was exciting to think about it and I couldn't get it out of my mind."
"There it was. There it grew."
"And there it stayed."
Gentlemen, we all seem to be here. If you would take your places.
Jim, you might as well begin with that report on the Burbank housing project.
Alright.
On March 18th 1952 stockholders authorised an additional 250 shares ..
At a 25 dollar ..
"Then I began to speculate whether there was any country without joint treaties."
"Where a man could find refuge from the American laws."
"Of course I wasn't serious abut this wild scheme."
"But I had an uncontrollable urge to probe its possibilities."
"And what could I lose?"
I'm writing a thesis called Forensic Banking for my MA degree.
It covers all the phases of crime in connection with banking.
I see.
And this is the place to come to get the information I need on extradition laws.
I'm afraid we can't be of much help to you here.
I suggest that you write to our office in Washington.
How long will that take? - A couple of weeks.
However, this much I can tell you.
At best, extradition is an extremely complicated proposition.
Loaded with red tape, treaties and involved court procedure.
Then it is not a cut and dried affair? - No, to say the very least.
Unless the crime was of a serious nature like murder or narcotics smuggling.
I doubt if the government would be inclined to take any action.
As a matter of fact, if you are that interested.
You can find all our treaties in the Statutes at Large.
Why not look them up in the library? - Good idea.
Thank you.
"There were moments during the afternoon when I was .."
"Shocked by the enormity of my own thoughts."
"And a cold fear would come over me."
"Then again, I would find myself restlessly watching."
"Watching for 5 o'clock so I could go to the library and look in those Statutes."
"In all the years we'd been married, Laurie and I, I'd never lied to her."
"I hated to begin now."
Hello darling.
Sorry to call you so late.
They just pulled a meeting on me and I have to stay over for it.
Oh, should be home by eleven.
Don't worry. I'll get dinner somewhere.
Bye.
"I checked every country in Europe."
"In the British Empire."
"Mexico and Central America."
"And in South America."
"All had extradition treaties."
"I had a notation to look up a Brazilian amendment."
"It was the last possibility."
"And there it was. In 1913, for some unaccountable reason."
"Brazil revoked her extradition treaty."
"So there actually was a country without extradition."
"A choice country."
"Close enough to be reached between the bank's closing on Friday .."
"And its re-opening on Monday."
"This was the turning point in my thinking."
"The idea had now become an obsession."
"Next week was the start of the winter season."
"The bank would again be open on Saturdays."
"This weekend was the deadline."
"My last chance for a 48-hour getaway."
Where did you have your dinner?
As a matter of fact, I didn't have time to eat.
Darling, what am I going to do with you.
How about some scrambled eggs and coffee? - Good.
First I'll pop in and see Suzie.
What have you been up to all day?
Well for one thing I had the television set fixed.
And was that something. - What happened?
The first man I called in wanted 18 dollars.
The next, 32.
And the third one said all that was wrong was a loose wire.
He didn't charge a thing. - That's typical.
Like what we read in the Reader's Digest about the lady who removed a spark plug.
And took her car to a bunch of garages to get it fixed.
She saw that most of them wanted to make a big deal out of fit.
Oh, I don't know. Integrity seems to be a thing of the past.
I even suspect my own brother.
Thinking of it, he did say there's more money fixing cars than selling them.
What was the meeting all about?
Brazil.
Brazil? - Yeah.
Let's sit over here.
There is a big deal cooking down there and ..
The bank has selected me to go.
Do you mean it?
Definitely. It's only for a couple of weeks.
I don't understand.
You're only the assistant manager.
That's why it's such a great opportunity. If I make good at it ..
It might be a first step to being made a Vice President.
Well .. wouldn't that come more under Ken Woodley's department?
Actually, yes.
That's one of the reasons I'd rather you not broadcast it.
The bank has given me a kind of ..
"Jump" over Ken. They haven't told him about it yet.
Besides, it's a confidential mission.
Oh darling, that's terrific.
You're a dog. Why didn't you call and tell me?
You haven't heard it all yet.
There is more? - Hmm.
Well, what is it? - I'm taking you and Susan with me.
You wouldn't kid about a thing like this?
We leave by plane for Rio Friday night.
Darling, that's so exciting coming just suddenly out the blue like that.
But.
How does the bank feel about paying our way down there?
Well, I'll pay it. What difference does it make?
Darling, there is nothing I'd rather do than go, naturally.
You want to put an awful hole in our savings?
I wouldn't go without you.
If you said "no" I'd understand.
We've never been separated. That's the way we planned it before we married.
And I still feel the same way about it.
Even more so, I guess. - Do you?
I want you with me always.
Oh, holy smoke.
That only gives us two days to pack everything.
Can we get our passports that quickly?
In an emergency they can rush them through in a couple of days.
I have to be at the Passport Bureau at 9 in the morning.
I want you and Susan to meet me there. Here is the address.
Jim, do you really think it is wise to take Susan?
After all, it is only for two weeks.
She'd love it.
Maybe for the first day or two, but ..
No, it just wouldn't be right to take her on such a long trip.
Too many things can happen. - What can happen?
Strange food. Strange water.
No. I just wouldn't feel right about it.
I really want her to go.
No, Jim. It would be sick.
"I could see that Laurie's mind was made up but .."
"Then I rationalised that once we were in Brazil .."
"No-one could stop me from sending for my own daughter."
So your bank feels this business in Brazil is urgent?
I have to leave on Friday night. It is of the utmost importance.
I see.
So you understand our procedure for processing passports in 24 hours?
It is intended only for emergency cases.
I realize that, Mr Greer.
A lot of red tape involved.
So we screen applicants very carefully or everyone would ask for this service.
I can see your point.
I don't want to embarrass you, Mr Osborne.
But I will need more verification than this letter.
Would you mind giving me the telephone number of your office?
Well.
Madison 5-0-8-4-8.
Thank you.
Hello. Do you have a Mr James Osborne working there?
Will you connect me with Mr Osborne please.
Why, he's standing right here.
I'm sorry, but it is my business to verify that.
May I speak to Mr Osborne please?
I see.
If you've any doubts, why not contact Mr Tom bowers. He's the branch manager.
It's not necessary.
Never mind. Thank you.
I'll have your passports here by 4 o'clock Friday night.
Gives you time to pick them up and have them stamped by the Brazilian Consulate.
Can we definitely rely on that? - I think so.
Fill these out over at the table. Then you have to have your photographs taken.
We'll be right back. Thanks for everything.
You're welcome.
I want two tickets on your quickest flight to Rio.
That will be Flight 12 out of here to connect with Pan American at New York.
On what day are you leaving? - This Friday night.
Well I'm sorry.
The connecting flight departs only on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings.
Oh.
Besides, it is booked five or six weeks in advance.
There must be other direct flights. - Only one other.
That's our new direct interchange Super Constellation flight to Miami.
And Braniff out of there. - What about that?
I'm sorry, but Sunday morning would be your earliest possibility.
Possibility? I've got to be in Rio on Sunday night.
Your only chance would be Chicago And Southern's Flight 501.
Leaving New Orleans at 8:30 Saturday morning.
It isn't a direct route.
But it makes connections at Caracas with other flights.
I'll check our waiting list.
What about our reservations to New Orleans?
That's no problem.
We have several flights which make connections through New Orleans.
I'm sure we can take care of you. - Good.
However Flight 501 is full up at the moment.
But there will probably be cancellations.
I'll have to phone you.
What is your name please? - James Osborne. Here.
I'll give you my number. At home.
Did TWA call?
Yes. They cleared us straight through to Brazil. Isn't that terrific.
Ah, that is terrific.
We leave tomorrow night at 7:30 on Flight 6.
When do we get to New Orleans?
A kind of a funny hour. 3am.
That couldn't be better.
Gives us a five and a half hour leeway to catch the other plane.
I've had the cleaner do a rush job on your blue suit and you want your tuxedo?
I suppose so. - I think I've attended to everything.
Even of putting a bottle of champagne on ice.
That's perfect.
Say, what happened to your knee? - I fell down.
Mummy read me all about Rio De Janeiro.
From the encyclopaedia.
And you know what? - What?
It has the most beautiful harbor in the whole wide world.
What's a harbor? - Where the boats go in and out.
The excitement is catching. Susan is as thrilled as I am.
Here we are.
Everything is working out beautifully.
Mother is coming down from Santa Barbara to take care of Susan.
You didn't tell her we were going to Rio, did you?
Of course I did. She'd have to know where we are.
Suppose she wanted to reach us or something happened to Susan?
Oh, sure.
Well, to our trip.
Susan.
Now.
I've arranged to have the passports sent direct to the Brazilian Consulate.
I can't get away to pick them up.
It's very important you be there before five o'clock tomorrow.
Alright.
We'll meet later at the Biltmore for dinner.
Fine.
Please try to get to the Passport Bureau early. Make sure everything is in order.
There must be no slip-up on this, Laurie.
Alright. Don't make it sound so grim.
Grim? Me?
Give me a kiss.
A box of candy for the wife?
Could be.
Mr Osborne. Mr Bowers has been looking for you.
Me? - Hmm.
He's upset about something. He wants to see you.
You sent for me, Tom?
Jim, where have you been? - Been out to lunch. Why?
They tell me you left before twelve.
I had an errand to attend to.
You also had a one o'clock appointment here, with a man named Farrington.
I forgot it. I'm sorry.
I understand he is pretty annoyed. I think you'd better ..
Hello?
"It's Mrs Osborne."
"She says it's important she talks to her husband."
Put her on. It's your wife, Jim.
I'll call her later. - It's alright. Go ahead.
Excuse me.
Hello dear.
Let me call you back later.
"No it can't wait. I have bad news. Mother just phoned."
"Her car broke down on the way in. She may not be able to get here for hours."
How far away is she? - "At Ventura."
"I've had no luck finding anyone I trust to stay with Susan until she gets here."
Okay. Keep trying.
Goodbye, - "Just a minute, dear."
"If I don't find someone right away I'll never make the consulate by five."
You'll have to.
I'll .. I'll call you later.
Goodbye.
Something wrong?
No. You know women. They ..
Get upset over the least little thing.
Be sure to call Farrington and straighten it out with him.
I'll call him right away.
Jim, we've less than 15 minutes to get to Benson's office.
Just got to make this call first. - We're late now.
Why don't you go ahead and find a cab. - Oh, we can walk it quicker.
Well, make it snappy.
There. That does it. Come on.
I've got to make a phone call.
Oh, Miss.
Yes, sir?
Hello dear. Sorry I didn't call sooner. Held up at a meeting. What happened?
"Mrs Cook said she'd come over. She's on her way now."
Did you get Abbie to pick up the passports?
"I expect her any second. She promised to come right out."
Can you rely on her?
"Please darling, everything is going to be alright."
I guess so. Sure.
I'm sorry I sounded coarse. I've had a gruesome day.
Bye, dear.
Meet you at the Biltmore as soon as I can get there.
Passport Bureau please. Mr Clark.
Hello Mr Clark. This is James Osborne speaking.
I'm checking to make sure our passports came through.
Good.
Good. You are definitely sure they are on their way to the Consulate?
No question about it?
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
"Three forty-six."
"The vault guard would leave as soon as the tellers had put away their cash."
"All I could do until then was wait."
"My margin of time was slim at best."
"It never seemed to take them so long before."
"Now that the vault guard had left."
"My way was clear."
"This was it."
"But if a teller returned for a re-check of his cash."
"I'd be through."
Raglin.
I'm sorry, Mr Osborne. I can't seem to get my cash to balance.
Let me see.
Why, I don't want to bother you. - Oh, I'll find your mistake.
I'm sure it will be better to recheck the cash.
No, no, no. Not so fast.
This is a challenge.
Now look the vault is right here. It's much easier to check.
It'll only take a second. - Wait a minute. I think I've got it.
Look .. yeah, there is your mistake.
You can't read your own figures. That's a seven, not a nine.
There.
By gosh, you're right. - Yeah.
"I didn't dare stay any longer."
"At any moment, Tom Bowers might leave."
"His last act would be to supervise the closing of the vault door."
Hello?
"Hello Jim. Mrs Cook just arrived."
"I can't possibly get to the consulate in time."
What are you talking about?
"Even if I took a cab, it's too late."
I'm counting on you.
"I don't understand. Surely the bank can send someone to pick them up?"
But.
Okay, okay, I'll manage.
Hello Brazilian Consul, this is ..
James Osborne speaking.
I may not be able to get there by five to pick up our passports.
"You realize we close at five?"
"Yes, that is why I'm calling. Will you please have someone wait until I arrive."
"We will do the best we can, sir."
Oh, alright. Thanks very much.
What do you say we close the vault and call it a day?
Good.
[ Telephone ]
Aren't you going to answer your phone?
[ Telephone ]
Hello?
It's for you.
Hello.
Oh, hello Dick.
Sure, I plan on going to the club Sunday.
Now wait a minute. That's a little early in the morning for me.
Yeah, I suppose I could make it by nine.
By the way, did you hear about Charlie making a 68 last week?
Yeah, I know. Well he'll have to drop his handicap.
Well Al's got a 4 handicap and he never shot a 68 in his life.
Well, I'll be darned.
Say, that was alright.
Yeah, it's okay with me playing a mixed foursome for a change.
Sure, Ellen's improved a lot.
Okay Dick, see you both Sunday.
All set?
"The dual-operation procedure means we both see the closing of the vault door."
"The two big wheels merely fastened the door into position."
"The actual door locking wasn't complete until the combination dial was flipped."
"But if it wasn't flipped .."
"The door could be opened any time."
"Then I could get the rest of that money."
"Perhaps it could be faked."
Well, I've got some work to clean up.
Goodnight, Jim - Night, Tom.
Did you hear that?
Yeah. Maybe we'd better look.
Yes, I guess so.
Oh it's you, Mr Osborne.
Yes. I was upstairs changing my clothes.
I am going out of town for the weekend. - Ah.
"It was now five twenty-five."
"How long that clerk at the Consulate would wait, I could only guess."
Here, driver.
Here's an inducement to get me there. But quick.
Twenty bucks?
You've hit every red light so far.
Take it easy, mister. We only got two more blocks.
This is hopeless, driver.
Next car.
Please, I'm in a terrific hurry.
Is there a telephone near? - In the barber shop, sir.
"Transworld Airlines."
Hello. Reservations, please.
Hello. This is James Osborne.
I have two reservations on Flight 6 for New Orleans tonight.
I can't make it. What's the next flight?
"Ten o'clock." - Ten o'clock? Well ..
I have to make connections in New Orleans with another flight.
That only allows me two hours leeway.
"Sorry, it's our only other flight."
But we've got to get on it.
"I'll see if there is any available space."
"It's okay, sir. What was the name again, please?"
James Osborne.
"The flight number is 88. It leaves from International Airport at ten o'clock."
"I'm transferring your details." - Thank you very much.
How do I get in the Brazilian Consulate? It's locked and I must get my passport.
I'd say you're out of luck. - Where's the building superintendent?
His office is closed now.
Who can help me? - I've no idea.
Look, come here.
Here.
There's a hundred dollars.
We must get those passports tonight.
Say mister, you're not kidding, are you.
Do you know the name of the Consul? - Sure. Miguel Fernandez.
He's in the phone book?
Doubt it. He hasn't been here long. - What can you suggest?
Best bet is for me to phone the building superintendent at his home. He'll help.
Can you do it right away? - Sure, but ..
Quit worrying. I'll get your passports for you.
Look, why not wait for me next door in the restaurant? Have a cup of coffee.
I'll telephone my wife to meet us there.
Good idea.
What can be taking that fellow so long?
We've got until ten o'clock. - Nine o'clock.
We have to leave at least an hour to get to the airport.
The Brazilian Consul lives at the Claridge Apartments.
That's his number. - Oh, good.
I'm sorry it took me so long.
What his name, Fernandez? - Fernandez.
Hello. Claridge Apartment?
Mr Fernandez, please.
"Mr Fernandez isn't in."
Do you know where he can be reached? It's extremely important.
"Sorry. Mr Fernandez gave no details. Would you like to leave a message?"
Yes, will you please have him call this number, Hudson 22181. Say it's urgent.
You must find someone who works in that office.
I'll ask the janitor and the rest of the elevator operators. - Please hurry.
What's the matter, dear? I've never seen you so jittery.
I'm worried about the plane.
It's not that tragic. We can always catch a later plane.
You forget one little detail.
Here.
Can you please get me a dollar's worth of dimes.
At 8:30 in the morning we're supposed to get another plane out of New Orleans.
Remember?
Alright. You don't have to snap my head off.
Sorry.
Laurie, I'm sorry. Really I am, but ..
All the planes to Brazil are filled up.
We must catch this one.
Can I have my change. Thank you.
It may be days before we get another reservation.
I've got to be there Monday.
Hello.
Hello, Claridge Apartment?
Has Mr Fernandez returned yet?
"Just a minute sir, and I'll try him again."
"The line does not answer."
"I told you I gave him your message."
Yeah. I know, I know.
That guard is an imbecile. Certainly, by now he's had time to dig up someone.
Jim, getting this upset isn't going to help.
Laurie, please lay off will you.
Alright.
Besides, I've cause to be worried. It's twenty to nine. I can't wait any longer.
Here. You find a cab.
Be sensible. There is no way you can get in to that office.
I'll find a way.
Sign the register, please.
Who are you? And what are you doing here?
I know this looks bad.
I had to get these passports.
I got here late. The office was closed.
My wife and I leave for Brazil tonight. The plane takes off at ten o'clock.
I can't go without these passports. You understand that don't you?
You broke into the premises. I'm afraid I'll have to take you to the police.
The police?
Naturally, I mean to pay for the glass. Here.
Here is fifty dollars. That will more than cover it.
I'm sorry. You'll have to come along with me.
Besides, I haven't done anything wrong. These passports belong to me.
Look. Here is my photograph.
That will identify me and ..
Here is my card.
I am assistant manager at the down-town branch of the Los Angeles City bank.
I'm sorry, sir. You'll have to come along.
Come on, let's go.
It's worth a lot to me to make that plane.
Are you offering me a bribe?
Listen mister, you're only getting in deeper.
Why don't you check with the Consul?
His number is Madison 67800.
There's time enough for that when we get down to headquarters.
There is the clerk who took care of my visas.
He'll identify me.
Remember? I'm James Osborne.
That's my passport.
You were shut when I got here. I had to have it.
He broke into your office.
You shouldn't have done it, Mr Osborne. I told you I'd dig up someone.
Do you know this man?
Yes. Those are his passports alright.
I'm sorry I had to do that.
I just have to get that 10 o'clock plane.
Here.
There's fifty dollars. That will more than cover the price of the glass.
How about it?
I don't know.
I guess it's alright.
We'd better go see about locking up the office.
International airport. Hurry.
Yes, sir.
You got the passports?
Yeah, I got them.
We've got just 40 minutes to get to the airport. Think you can make it?
I could if we had wings.
There is fifty bucks in it if you get us there by ten.
Fifty bucks?
You heard me.
Mister, we got wings.
Jim there is just no sense in this. We can't possibly get to the airport by 10.
Can't you go any faster?
If you think you can do any better, you drive.
Who do you think you are talking to? - Jim, for heaven's sakes, calm down.
The road is lousy with cops this time of night.
If you get stopped, I'll pay the fine.
[ Police siren ]
Oh no.
Pull up and stop.
We can still make it. We've got to.
If you get to the airport on time I'll double the fifty.
A hundred bucks?
You heard me.
A hundred dollar tip? Are you out of your head?
I know it sounds crazy Laurie, but ..
A fortune is involved in this deal. It all depends on my being there Monday.
What I spend to get there is immaterial.
Jim, you're getting hysterical.
Looks like I missed by just six minutes. - There still may be a chance.
Oh thanks. Thanks a lot, mister.
Excuse me, please. I've got to catch a plane.
Can I still make the Flight 88 to New Orleans?
I doubt it sir, but I'll check.
Please hurry.
Gate 14 please.
Hello.
I've got two passengers for Flight 88 to New Orleans.
Yeah, I see.
What did he say? - Okay.
You're in luck. They've been delayed but you'll have to make it fast.
Your suitcase weighs a hundred and fifteen pounds.
Yes.
Please step aboard, sir.
May I take your coat please? - Thank you.
Please fasten your seatbelts.
Well, here we are.
We're really on our way. - Uhuh.
I had no idea these planes were so big and comfortable.
Excited? - Hmm.
Silly, isn't it. - Not at all.
I was scared to death when I made my first flight only I wouldn't admit it.
We're starting.
Good grief, our bags! We forgot to pick them up at the Biltmore.
I'll send for them. - Oh, darn.
Laurie, I'm sorry. I ..
I know how you looked forward to this. It's our first trip really.
It's not getting started with laughter and confetti.
It has been a hectic scramble.
Well, I was a little edgy, I guess.
You can't really blame me.
I know. - Oh, you understand.
I'm on a very important mission.
There's a big conference I've got to attend.
It's quite involved.
And important.
It must be.
Jim, on a deal this important.
You would think they'd send one of their Vice Presidents.
It's jobs like this that make Vice Presidents.
That's quite a tribute to you, darling. I'm proud of you.
And I really admired you tonight.
Tonight? - Yes.
No matter how impossible all this passport mix-up got.
You kept right on trying.
I would have given up hours ago.
So would anyone else.
Here we are. In the plane and on our way.
I think you're wonderful.
It will be hours before we get to Amarillo.
Why don't you close your eyes and get some sleep.
Is that better?
Much better.
[ Tannoy ]
"Trans World Airlines Constellation Flight 88."
"Now arriving Amarillo at TWA concourse Gate number 4."
"Departure of TWA flight 88 will be delayed one half-hour."
I wonder why.
Just a minute. I'll find out.
Excuse me. Can you tell me why our flight is held up?
Bad weather between here and New Orleans, sir.
Is the delay apt to be more than half an hour?
That's hard to say. - I've got to find out.
If you ask the passenger relations man, he'll take you to the meteorologist.
Thank you.
I'll be right back. 664 00:46:23,4