Father Dowling Mysteries (1989) s02e02 Episode Script

(theme music playing)
(cheering and hollering)
(spectators whistling)
(rock music blaring)
♪♪
♪♪
MAN: Come on, guys.
What'll it be?
Uncle Willie, you're
killing me with tension.
Where's the courage, gentlemen?
I'll take one.
Here you go.
Two.
(cheering and hollering)
♪♪
You opened you name it.
Thou.
(sighs)
♪♪
Finally got lucky.
Not lucky enough.
(chuckles softly)
Ah.
♪♪
See you next week.
Alex, I have to
get back to work.
With what you took
from me tonight,
you guys could retire.
I'm not good at losing.
Especially when the
game ends so early.
Tell you what, Harlan
Give you another crack at me.
Friday, 9:00, here.
Friday, 9:00.
♪♪
(hollering and whistling)
♪♪
(low chatter)
Where's Alex?
I don't know. He's
around here someplace.
Thanks.
Hey, Alex?
(sighs)
Alex?
Marilyn find you?
Uh no, she didn't.
Where is she? Do you know?
- Looking for you.
- Ah, thanks.
(women chatting softly)
Hey, girls.
You have another
15 minutes out there.
What are you doing here?
Come on, let's
go to work, please!
Hi, Marilyn.
What's the matter, baby?
Uh, you just startled me.
Aw. Something troubling you?
No, I'm just, uh, tired.
- My feet are killing me.
- Oh, sure.
You know, somebody told me
that you were
actually looking for me.
Is that true, darling?
I was going to ask you if I
could have a few days off.
- Oh.
- Um, I have a sick aunt in Detroit,
and well, it's not important.
Sure, it is.
Why don't we get a
drink and talk it over?
- What do you think?
- Tomorrow, huh?
I I really just
need to go home.
Oh.
Okay.
See you.
♪♪
(sighs)
That's it.
Not exactly the life I planned
on my Communion day.
I guess not.
Is there anything else?
I'm afraid.
Of what?
There's a man.
I had an affair with him.
I mean, we're still
friends and everything,
but a lot of people say
that he's a gangster.
A bad guy.
But he's always
been real nice to me.
Anyway, I
he didn't want to marry
me or anything, but
He was at the club tonight.
And when he left, I
I saw something.
Something I wasn't
supposed to see.
The guys who run the club
they're up to something.
I
I feel I ought to warn him.
But you're afraid to.
(chuckles softly)
The guys at the club, they
they'd kill me if
I warned Harlan.
Well, I-I can't tell you
to put yourself in danger.
I don't know.
I don't know what to do.
Why don't we go to my office,
and maybe I can help
you think this thing out.
Unless you're concerned
that I might know who you are.
(laughs)
Father, you know who I am.
I'm Marilyn Kemp.
I I dance naked.
Privacy isn't my thing.
Look
this is my problem.
I'll
I'll figure it out.
Anyway, thanks.
Well, I'm here if you need me.
Thanks.
(door opens)
(footsteps)
(door closes)
(door closes)
Hi. It's Marilyn.
Yeah. Is Harlan there?
Uh, I-look.
Can can you tell
him that I called?
Uh, it's important.
Tell him that it's,
um it has to
(gasps)
(laughs)
What did you do with
the household money?
Me? Father, you
dipped into the till
to buy the new uniforms for
the parish basketball team.
Well, I promised the boys
those uniforms last year,
along with these sweatshirts.
And they look
terrific, don't they?
Show them to McMurtry
down at the grocery store.
Maybe he'll take basketball
tickets instead of cash.
Hey, now, now, wait a minute.
Now, now, this
this grocery bill,
it just can't be right.
Now, look at that
12 cans of tuna.
Marie, you know
I don't like tuna.
Father Prestwick loves
it, and since you're always
inviting him to
lunch and dinner
I don't invite him.
Oh, Steve.
I was just going over the
household counts with Marie.
I just heard some really
bad news on the car radio.
Marilyn Kemp, she's dead.
(Marie gasps)
Yeah, the guy on the radio
said that she killed herself.
CLANCY: Her next door
neighbor heard the car
running in her garage when
he went to take out the trash.
He found her behind the wheel.
The engine was still running.
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
But you didn't find a note.
- No.
- Well, why are you
so certain it was suicide?
Well, the way she died, for one.
The man who runs the
club where she worked
said that she's been
despondent for quite some time.
He doesn't know why.
STEPHANIE: You know, Marilyn
was in the church last night.
She say anything to you?
No. She-she was on
No.
What was the name of the man
who told you that Marilyn
might have been suicidal?
Alex Slater.
And the neighbor who found her?
Murray Lieberman.
Mmm. Thanks, Clancy.
Let's go, Steve.
I saw her go into the
confessional last night.
- Steve.
- I'm not asking for anything.
- Good.
- So where are we going?
Back to the rectory.
I have to make arrangements
for Marilyn's funeral.
Isn't that gonna be a
problem with the Bishop?
Steve, Marilyn Kemp was a member
of our church for
six years. I knew her.
I don't believe she
committed suicide.
I think she was murdered.
I came out to get my trash cans,
and heard the motor
running in Marilyn's garage.
So I opened the door.
You found her in the car?
Yeah. Real shame. Nice girl.
Always said hello.
Was that light on?
- No.
- You sure?
Absolutely.
Well, Father, I'm next door
if there's anything you want.
Real shame.
Thank you, Mr. Lieberman.
What does the light
have to do with it, Frank?
Frank, I can't see.
Neither could Marilyn.
Now, if Marilyn killed herself,
who turned off the light?
Right. Whoever killed her.
My thought exactly. Come on.
Is it locked?
- Just give me a moment, Father.
- Oh, not again.
Sister Stephanie,
breaking and entering
Frank, if you want evidence,
this is the place to look.
Steve
Look, Frank, it
was open, after all.
What are we looking for, Frank?
Oh, I don't know, maybe
we'll find a diary or something.
Hey, Frank, look at this.
She left a list for the
milkman for today.
Huh?
Huh. Hardly symptomatic
for a suicide, is it?
- STEPHANIE: Mm.
- (door closes)
♪♪
Hello.
I'm Father Dowling
from St. Michael's.
This is Sister Stephanie.
Hi.
What are you doing down there?
- Down here?
- Yeah.
Well, we just came to, uh,
collect a few of
Marilyn's things.
Marilyn Kemp was a
member of our parish.
- We're friends of hers, too.
- STEPHANIE: Well, then what
are you doing tearing
her place apart?
Uh, we're just packing up
some of her personal stuff.
Uh, send to relatives.
Well, we happen to know
that Marilyn didn't have
Uh, if we can help in any way
We'll let you know.
- Hey, Frank.
- Hm?
Steve, what are you doing?
DOWLING (sighs):
Sister Stephanie,
you and I are gonna
have to have a little talk.
It says that their
car is registered
to H. Brock Industries.
H. Brock?
Frank, I think this
is Harlan Brock.
- You know him?
- No, and I don't want to.
He's way high up
in the Syndicate.
Tough guys whisper his name.
That's great. Let's
get out of here.
(closes glove compartment)
(whispers): Come on.
(door closes)
(footsteps approaching)
Hide the cookies
Father Prestwick's here.
Father Dowling,
this is a scandal.
Well, I know it's not
good for the waistline,
but I'd hardly
call it a scandal.
Not that. This.
Oh, you mean the story
about Marilyn Kemp's death.
Yeah, it's very sad.
More than sad, Father Dowling.
That story describes
her lurid life
and her suicide.
(chuckles): And then
Well, look at the final line.
Hm?
"Funeral Mass will
be held this Saturday
at St. Michael's church."
What's wrong with that?
Now, I realize that
this poor woman
was probably deeply troubled
and perhaps not
entirely responsible,
but this situation
calls for discretion.
Ms. Kemp's funeral must
be a small, quiet service,
unannounced in the press.
Marilyn Kemp was a
member of this parish,
and as such, she deserves
a normal funeral Mass,
well announced so that
her friends may attend.
- You can't do that, Father.
- I can do that, Father.
The people of this
diocese will think that
the Catholic Church
is condoning suicide?
Marilyn Kemp did
not commit suicide.
But the police said she did.
- Do you know something they don't?
- Just that I'm late
for an appointment.
Now, if you'll excuse me
Father, we need
to talk about this.
When will you be back?
Late.
Where are you going, Frank?
I'm going to the club
where Marilyn worked.
Steve, I hate busses.
You need a lift?
Oh, I thought you'd
never ask. Here.
Thank you.
I'll look in here.
I'll look in there.
(music playing in distance)
(music continues in distance)
(sighs)
- (laughing)
- WOMAN: Oh, what a crowd.
WOMAN (sexily): Hi.
(exhales)
Raquel, this is not a
break, my darling, all right?
RAQUEL: Oh (laughs)
- So, who are you?
- I'm Father Dowling,
from St. Michael's.
I was Marilyn's pastor.
I was just sorting
out her things.
Poor kid I knew she
was very, very depressed,
but I didn't know
how seriously.
I suppose I should have.
We were friends, you know,
- she and I.
- Well, you knew her better than I did,
but, uh, I had no idea
she was that distressed.
Well, I guess she hid
it from all of us, Father.
Are you actually
looking for something?
No, no, no. I was just
collecting her things.
She had no family.
That's so nice of you, Father.
I suppose that I should have
sort of cleaned her locker up.
Incidentally, if you find
anything in there that you think
would be good for the
poor, I'm sure that Marilyn
would have loved
you to give it to them.
- I'm sure she would.
- Okay. Thank you.
You're Catholic, aren't you?
Well, yes, I am.
Um why do you ask?
I saw you at the
church the other night.
Oh.
How long has it been
since your last confession?
(laughs) Well, one sort
of gets out of the, um
- habit, Father.
- (chuckles)
Well, it's never too
late to begin again.
Indeed, it isn't.
Well, look, uh,
I've got to be on the
run, so, Father, please
take your time.
I will. Thank you.
(whispers): Frank. Come
here, you got to see this.
What?
Come here.
(on video): No, no, no, don't
worry about the setup, Eddie.
It's perfect.
And, Eddie, I'm counting on you.
I got a lot of dough
riding on this.
- Some operation, huh?
- (wry chuckle)
(on video): Bring
him by around 5:00.
I'll run him through the drill.
Now, Eddie, listen,
Brock is sharp,
he's been around, so the
mechanic has to be an ace.
Mechanic? They're gonna do
something to Harlan Brock's car.
(laughs): No, Frank, a mechanic
is a professional card dealer.
See, in a game like
this, they bring in a pro.
Oh
Well, then they can see Harlan
Brock's hand on the screen.
And then they'll
broadcast it through this,
down to the dealer
Uh, the mechanic.
(chuckles) Brock
doesn't stand a chance.
- That's the idea.
- Mm.
(on video): Okay,
Willis, let's go upstairs
and check the
equipment one last time.
Want to make sure that high-tech
rig of yours is gonna work.
♪♪
(Dowling sighs)
I think I better go in
and see Mr. Brock alone.
Okay.
"Okay"?
Okay.
Why aren't you insisting
on going in with me?
I think it's better
that you go alone.
(quietly): Yeah.
Is there something you should
be telling me, Sister Stephanie?
Can't think of anything.
Well, I'm glad to hear that.
(sports news playing on radio)
I'd like to see
Mr. Brock, please?
He's not here.
(quietly): Ah.
(sports news continues on radio)
Chapman's Flowers.
Bring the flowers
this way, guys.
MAN (on radio): In
other NHL games,
James Patrick scored twice,
as the Rangers beat New Jersey,
five to three.
(sports news
continues indistinctly)
♪♪
- Where do you want 'em?
- Take them back there.
Yeah, okay.
- What do you want, Father?
- Oh, I came to see Mr. Brock.
He's busy.
It's important.
He's still busy.
It's about Marilyn.
What about her?
It's confidential.
Wait out front.
(indistinct radio announcements)
I was told to wait.
(door opens)
DELIVERYMAN: We got
some more for you here.
WORKER: Back here, guys.
Here we go.
STEPHANIE: Excuse me.
Are you the guy that Eddie sent?
Yeah, why?
Well, there's been
a change of plans.
Game's off?
No, it's just delayed.
You got to go to
the Atlantic Hotel
and wait for a phone call.
Game or no game, I get paid.
No problem.
Atlantic Hotel?
Yeah, have dinner,
relax.
(car starts)
Hey, hold it!
DELIVERYMAN: Oh, Father,
could you get that door there?
Thanks.
Yeah, this is the last of it.
Thanks, Father.
(lounge music plays)
♪♪
Very nice.
Now show me a
full house, kings up.
Hm, you're as good
as Eddie said you are.
Yeah, I am.
All right, 2,500 now,
2,500 later.
I gather this is not exactly
gonna be a game of chance.
(chuckles)
Mm, not exactly.
I heard you
wanted to talk to me.
Yes, Mr. Brock.
I'm Father Dowling
from St. Michaels.
What a lovely
apartment you have here.
Just why are you here, Father?
Well, it's my opinion
that Marilyn Kemp
didn't kill herself.
How's that?
Why don't you tell
me something first.
Why did you have
her house searched?
Marilyn and I were old friends.
The night she
died, she called me.
Told one of my
boys it was important.
When I got to the
phone, she'd hung up.
Didn't make sense.
So, I sent a couple of boys
over to check out her place.
Did they find anything?
Nope, nothing.
Do you think she was murdered?
Just what is it
you know, Father?
Oh, I'm afraid I
can't discuss that.
You know who I am?
I've heard stories.
Stories are true.
So if I were you,
I'd start talking.
Sorry.
I got to hand it to you,
you got guts.
Marilyn was a stand-up broad.
If somebody killed her,
I want to know.
So do I, Mr. Brock.
So do I.
By the way,
I'd stop gambling if were you.
Don't preach at me, Father.
Oh, I'm not speaking to you
in my professional capacity.
It's, uh, just a little
friendly advice.
Good day.
Good day.
You're late.
I had to put
dinner on the table.
Oh, I'm sorry, Marie.
- I had to take two buses.
- Oh.
Did you hear from Steve?
Yeah, she phoned and said
she wouldn't be here for dinner.
Did she say where she is?
No, but there was
music in the background.
Must have been a
dance hall or something.
Oh, I've got a hunch
I know where she is.
Is your car here?
- It's out back.
- Good.
- I need a lift.
- Oh.
I'll get my coat.
By the way, um,
Father Prestwick
is here for dinner.
Oh, there you are; I've
been waiting for you.
- Father?
- I spoke to the bishop
about the Marilyn Kemp matter.
Oh?
And what did you tell him?
I assured him that you
would change your mind
about the funeral mass.
Well, I wish you hadn't
done that, Father.
I have some ideas
for a very nice,
private service.
You ready, Father?
The mass will be as scheduled,
Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m.
Your meatloaf,
it's getting cold.
(dance music playing, cheering)
♪♪
MAXWELL: See, special
glasses with earphones built in.
SAWYER: It's terrific,
you'd never know.
Yeah, we'll also be
upstairs, reading Brock's hand
and then signaling the
mechanic with the deal.
Well, my boys know
what's going on.
We move out at 9:15.
Well, you get half now,
and half when the
job is done, all right?
Pick up the van
and be here by 9:00.
Meet me around back.
(door opens)
(sneezes)
What's the matter?
There's nobody here.
(sighs) Guess
it was just static.
(door closes)
(cheering, whistling)
Oh, I was afraid
I'd find you here.
Frank, I'm doing great.
I'm the mechanic.
I'm dealing the game tonight.
Absolutely not; it's out
of the question, I won't
Listen to me, there is a
lot more going on here
than just a crooked card game.
These guys are up to
some serious no good.
Like what?
Well, I'm not exactly
sure, but I know
it has to do with
Marilyn's death somehow.
Now, you want to find
out who killed her, right?
Steve, this is much
too dangerous.
Look, Harlan Brock is gonna
be here tonight with his goons.
Now, he's my protection.
Frank, that's my boss; now,
don't blow my cover, all right?
I'll call you tonight as soon
as I know what's going down.
Okay, bye.
Ste
Father, good evening.
- Good evening.
- Carl Maxwell.
To what do we owe the pleasure?
Well, I just stopped
by to tell you that
there's going to be a funeral
mass for Marilyn Kemp
tomorrow morning
at St. Michael's.
I thought maybe her
friends would like to attend.
That's very nice of you.
I'll pass the word.
Thank you.
Good night.
What does he want?
He wanted to tell us about
Marilyn Kemp's funeral mass.
Really?
This is Willis; he's the reader.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Put these on.
I'll be whispering into your
cute little ear all evening.
I'm really looking
forward to it.
Don't get your hopes up.
When I'm not working, I'm a nun.
(chuckles)
What's your gaff?
Marker ring.
It's got a pinpoint
on the bottom.
See, I memorize the
position of the aces on the fan,
and then mark
them on the shuffle.
The longer the game goes on,
the more cards you can work.
I can't feel anything.
That's why you got me.
All right, pay attention.
The object of this game tonight
is for our pigeon to win.
- Well, excuse me, but
- We want to keep him here
all night, and the
best way to do that
is to feed him winning hands.
Well, isn't that gonna
get a little expensive?
That's not your problem.
You just do what Willis
tells you to do, hm?
'Kay.
Harlan.
- Look at that, right on time.
- Yeah.
What can I get you to drink?
Nothing; I came to play cards.
MAXWELL: All right, have a seat.
Who's this?
I'm the dealer.
(sighs) Don't worry, she's good.
Well, you better not be
too good, darling.
My friends here could
spot a double-deal
a mile away.
Let them look all
they want, Mr. Brock.
They won't see anything.
Well, I trust you, darling.
But we'll use my cards.
Do I know you?
I don't think so.
Give me the cards, Einstein.
Table stakes.
This is my roll
for this evening.
I lose this, I'm out of here.
Well, let's hope you
get a run for your money.
Name of the game
is five-card stud.
Get me an ashtray.
Pair of jacks bumps. 200.
I'm with you.
Last card.
He's got another
jack in the hole.
Make his full house
for him, give him a thrill.
Ah, let's see a little
money change hands here.
Beat a full house.
Ah, what can I say?
When you're hot, you're hot.
Do you mind if I take a break?
Up to you, Harlan.
Ah, have a little
patience, darling.
I'm on a streak here.
Deal the cards.
I mean, when does it end?
It's in the paper again.
"Marilyn Kemp's funeral services
will be held at St. Michael's,
10:00 a.m. Saturday"?
That is not a small,
private service.
The bishop is not happy.
I regret that, Father.
But the funeral mass will
take place as scheduled.
Frank, Frank, why
can't you learn to bend?
I'm not a ballerina.
I only know how to
dance to my own tune.
That's your problem.
That's why you've never gotten
along with higher authority.
I try to serve the
Lord as best I can.
Oh, you know what I mean.
(phone ringing)
Excuse me.
Hello.
STEPHANIE: Hi, Frank, it's me.
Steve, are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Listen, this card game
is rigged for Brock to win,
and I think it's a
shuck to keep him
and his gorillas here
while Alex Slater goes
and knocks over his place.
Of course.
When I was at Brock's today,
he got boxes of
roses delivered to him.
But there wasn't one
flower in his apartment.
Whatever is in those boxes,
that's what they're looking for.
You better call
Sergeant Clancy, Frank.
Right. Now, Steve,
you get out of there
right away, do you hear me?
Yeah, pronto.
Hey, hey. What are you doing?
I was just gonna get
a breath of fresh air.
You got the rest of
your life to breathe.
Let's play cards.
Come on, stick with it.
Now!
All right, all right.
But, Clancy, I'm telling you,
there's a robbery
going on there right now.
Well, no, I'm not
absolutely sure.
But I have a very
reliable hot tip.
Well, I'm sorry, too, Sergeant.
I just hope we both
don't live to regret it.
Is there a problem?
No, no, not really.
Uh, do you have your car here?
Well, actually it's
the bishop's. Why?
Well, I have to pay a call
on, uh, an ailing parishioner.
Could you give me a lift?
Mm, I suppose so.
Thank you. Let's go.
He's got another
spade in the hole.
Pair of kings, bet's 400.
400, call.
Last card.
Give him the flush.
Seven to the pair of kings.
Six of hearts to the possible
spade flush no help.
Your pot.
I can't even beat
a pair of kings.
Why didn't you
deal him the flush?
What's wrong with you?
If he loses, he leaves
and the game's over.
(quietly): I know.
What?
I said, "Let's go."
You're visiting someone here?
Well, you may not believe this,
but actually he's got
a very nice apartment
in the back.
Oh.
Maybe I should come with you.
No, no, no, no.
I can, I can manage.
Well, shall I wait for you here?
No, no. I can find my way back.
Well, if you need a
ride, would you call me?
Yes, Father, I will.
Thank you.
(engine starts)
♪♪
(drill whirring faintly)
(drill whirring)
Sergeant Clancy, please.
Somebody's in the building.
(drill stops)
You guys keep working.
I'll take care of it.
(drill whirring)
(clanking)
Hey, Alex, we got it open!
(sighs)
Clancy, you still there?
Are you going for
broke there, Harlan?
Five thou.
See me or fold.
He's got two pair
Fives and sevens.
For God's sake, give
him the full house.
You fed him a nine.
A nine!
He's got two lousy
pair; that's all he's got.
I'll just call.
What do you got?
Three ladies.
Take it.
What the hell are
you trying to do to us?!
You're trying to ruin us!
What do you say we
take a little break here?
Yeah, how about you, Mr. Brock?
You want to take a break?
Deal the cards.
Let's get out of here.
Hold it right there!
Put the bags down.
Hands on top of your heads.
I got him.
Get the paramedics.
It appears I'm
I'm checking out, Father.
Do you want absolution, my son?
Yes. Yes.
For the sake of your soul,
tell us what happened
to Marilyn Kemp.
I killed her.
I'm so sorry.
I absolve you, in the
name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(grunts)
And may the Lord
have mercy on your soul.
Amen.
Before you lose any
more, you should know
that you may have
filled your straight,
but your friend
over here just
got his fifth diamond.
Flush wins, you lose, Mr. Brock.
How'd you do that?
You lousy double-crosser!
You're trying to ruin us!
Do you understand me?
Ruin us!
I got a feeling you're trying
to make me look bad here.
Huh?
Hey, I'm not with him, okay?
All right, everybody,
hold it right there.
(sighs)
You a cop, too?
Actually, I'm with
a much tougher unit
than the police department.
I'm a nun.
Are you all right?
- Yeah, I'm fine, Frank.
- (sighs)
Whoa, whoa, take
it easy, Officer.
We're just having a
friendly little game here.
"Friendly little game" nothing.
These crooks stole my money.
Oh, we know that.
But you're still gonna have to
answer some questions about
two million dollars
in cash, Mr. Brock.
Where did you learn
how to deal poker, huh?
From my old man.
He was pretty good till
his hands got too shaky.
Sometimes Mom would get
fed up, you know, she'd leave,
and Dad didn't know
what to do with us kids,
so he'd sit us down
and make us play poker.
Sometimes, if he
wasn't too loaded,
he'd order a pizza or something.
Taught me all his best moves.
Hmm.
You had a pretty hard
time of it, didn't you?
Yeah, but look at
where it got me though.
Poor Marilyn didn't
have a chance.
Hmm.
But I got a second shot.
I got a better life, I
got a whole new family.
Do you mean the church?
You and Marie.
I got pretty lucky.
(chuckles)