Jojo

transcript by Sarah Spearey

Brooks Pharmaceuticals: Day

(Starsky and Hutch are sat on a slope looking down that the building. Hutch is using binoculars. Closer to the building, uniform officers and guys in suits are hiding behind a police car)

Starsky: When’s he gonna show? We’re been waiting all bloody morning.

Hutch: Oh, stop bellyaching. It could be worse, it could be Sunday.

Starsky: Come one. Saturday’s bad enough. The Celtics and the Warriors are playing, there’s ice boating in Minnesota.

Hutch: The Westport croquet championships. You’re missing a regular sports orgy, aren’t’ you.

Bettin: Apple Charlie this is Command Robert

Hutch: And his Federal Space Rangers.

Starsky: Okay, Command Ralph this is Charlie’s Apple. Nothing yet, no one’s shown. You sure this things gonna happen?

Bettin: It’s Command Robert. Robert, not Ralph. 10-4 Apple Charlie.

Starsky: 10-4 (To Hutch) Tell you what else is gonna blow for me today. There’s this lovely little lady named Nancy.

Hutch: Wait a minute. Wait a minute. (Sees a car parking outside) Take a look. (Hands over the binoculars. Two men get out of the car)

Starsky: Jojo Forentik.

Hutch: Yeah. (Takes back the binoculars)

Starsky: Command Ralph, they’re here. We got them. In case you’re interested that weasels an ex-con named Jojo Forentik.

(The two men go in while, a third man stays behind the wheel. Inside, a lady sits behind a desk)

Molly: Hello, may I help you? (Jojo pulls a gun)

Jojo: Check the back. (Second guys goes out back)

Molly: What do you want? (He stares at her) What are you doing here?

Dixie: It’s clear, Jojo. (Jojo picks up the phone. Hutch continues to watch)

Hutch: He’s going to the phone, Starsk. (They turn on the radio) I guess Dombarris must be driving the truck himself.

Starsky: Who else is he gonna trust? Those yoyos who work for him couldn’t tell a raw amphetamine from a cough drop.

(From a pay phone, Dombarris answers the ringing phone)

Dombarris: Yeah.

Jojo: Jojo, Mr. Dombarris. All set.

Dombarris: I’ll be there in two minutes. (Hangs up)

Starsky: Bingo, Commando. Dombarris is on his way. I guess we get a chance to catch him with the stuff in his hot little hands. (Instead Jojo gestures to the back room)

Dixie: It’s clear, man

Jojo: Watch the back. (He leaves and Jojo forces the lady up)

Molly: What’d I do? (He takes her to the other office, rips her top, slaps her and sprays orange paint on her)

Hutch: Wait a minute. I don’t believe it.

Starsky: What?

Hutch: Starsk, orange paint.

Starsky: Oh, no. (Takes the binoculars)

Hutch: Bettin, Jojo’s about to assault a receptionist, over. Come on, Bettin.

Bettin: What’s he doing to her?

Hutch: I told you he’s about to rape her. We want to bust in.

Bettin: It’ll blow the whole operation. Will you…Let me think. (Starsky grabs the mic)

Starsky: We’ve seen his work before, Bettin. It doesn’t look pretty.

Bettin: Dombarris could be there any second. We have got to hold it. Stay put. That is an order.

(Starsky and Hutch take off down the slope. Bettin and the officers jump out of their hiding place. The driver sees Starsky and Hutch running towards him so he takes off. Starsky and Hutch enter the pharmaceutical building and hears the receptionist, Molly, scream. Hutch pulls Jojo off her and into Starsky, who tosses him over the desk. Starsky handcuffs Jojo, while Hutch tends to Molly.)

Hutch: It’s all right. It’s all right. We’re police.

Starsky: How many chicks you done, you slug, huh? Isn’t this a little up town? Don’t you usually work the beach, where it’s quiet? And the ocean drowns out their screams. (Hutch helps Molly up)

Hutch: It’s all right now. Just try to relax. Just sit down here. (Helps her onto a chair) Just try to relax.

(Outside, Bettin and his men come running and sees a van. It does a U turn and races off)

Bettin: There he goes. Dombarris is blown.

The Squad Room: Day

(Bettin is pacing, while Starsky and Hutch sit at opposite desks)

Bettin: Do you know how many federal dollars went down the tubes out there today because you blew the operation?

Starsky: Let me guess. $23’000.

Bettin: That’s very close. $23’417 and 62…

Starsky: Cents.

Hutch: The man’s a bloody computer.

Starsky: Really. (Bettin goes over to Dobey)

Bettin: I want and I expect an official departmental reprimand for these two adventurers, who decided in the middle of a stakeout operation to get involved in some other crime. What went on out there today is in…

Dobey: Damn it, I know what went on out there today. They took Jojo Forentik off the street. Now these are my two best men and I’m backing them up 100%. If you’ve got a complaint go ahead and file away. Don’t stand here in my squad room whining and wasting my men’s time and mine Internal Affairs is up the hall. (Bettin leaves)

Starsky: Cap, I gotta tell ya, you’re beautiful.

Dobey: And I gotta tell you two, I just got off the phone with two councilmen, the mayor and the chief. The Feds are screaming all the way up to the top. Now, please listen to me. Whatever you two do, make sure this case against Jojo Forentik sticks.

Hutch: Yes, sir.

Interrogation Room: Day

Starsky: What do you mean you won’t testify against Jojo?

(Starsky, Molly and Hutch are in the room. Molly’s still wearing her orange stained top)

Hutch: Molly, we need your testimony to put him away.

Molly: I’ve heard about these things. When I get on the stand, his lawyer will ask me about being seductive. A bunch of your policemen from Vice will want to know little erotic details.

Starsky: We’ll protect you from that. The prosecutor will object to irrelevant questions.

Molly: And how will you protect me from the stories they’ll print in the newspapers. Or the things that people will whisper when my back is turned.

Hutch: Jojo is a dangerously sick man. You’re not the first woman he’s attacked. So far you happen to be the luckiest. What about the next victim?

Molly: No.

Hutch: No what?

Molly: It’s not fair what you’re asking. I’m not gonna get involved.

Starsky: That isn’t it. There’s something else, isn’t there?

Hutch: What is it, Molly?

Molly: Well, even if I could take going through the trial, what if he gets off? Or what if he goes to jail for three years and some doctor decides he’s all right and they let him out. I’d have to hide. I’d have to move. He could come back for me. Can you protect me from that? Can you promise me that would never happen? (They each shake their heads)

Hutch: No. (She stands up and Hutch lets her leave) Well, I can understand it.

Starsky: So can I. It’s just a shame she can’t. The only way you’re gonna nail Jojo Forentik is to testify against him.

Hutch: That’s the way it goes. Some can, some can’t.

Starsky: Yeah.

Hutch: What do we do now? (They leave the room)

Starsky: Punt?

Hutch: Yeah, right down Jojo’s throat. You know there’s gotta be one of those three previous victims who might want to put him away.

Starsky: Let’s hope so.

Clare Venice Alcoholism Service Centre: Day

(Hutch’s car parks outside. The horn blares as they get out)

Starsky: You know, you really oughta do something about this car, like take it to a junk yard.

Hutch: Oh, come on, Starsk. All it needs is a good tune up.

Starsky: Yeah, and all New York City needs is a $20 loan. (The cross the road)

Hutch: Well, this is it.

Starsky: Yeah.

Hutch: What happens if she doesn’t testify?

Starsky: You got me. (A car stops in front of them) Go ahead.

Hutch: Third time is supposed to be lucky.

Starsky: Depends what kinda game you play. I don’t understand it a girl gets brutalized, raped the way Jojo works them over and they refuses to identify them.

Hutch: Well, think about it. Can you blame them? (They reach the door)

Starsky: Go ahead.

Hutch: No, after you.

Starsky: Thank you. (He enters the place, that’s filled with art work and comes up behind a woman while she’s painting. He taps her shoulder)

Starsky: Miss? (She grabs his arm and throws him onto the sofa. She turns on Hutch)

Hutch: Police. (She’s his badge)

Linda: You’re policemen.

Starsky: That’s right.

Linda: Oh, I am sorry. (Goes to him) Are you all right?

Starsky: Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just terrific. It’s okay. (He stands up) Why does this always happen to me?

Hutch: You wanted to go first. Miss Mascelli? We’d like to show you some pictures.

Linda: The man who raped me.

Hutch: You tell us. (She looks through the pictures. She finds Jojo’s picture)

Linda: That’s him. I never thought I’d see him again. That’s him. Oh, wow. (She sits down) That’s why the karate. I was never gonna let what he did to me happen again. Do you have him?

Hutch: Yes we do. And we’d like to put him away.

Linda: So would I. Because I don’t think the damage he did to me will ever go away. Now when a man comes near me who I want to touch me, I still jump.

Starsky: Look, we’re gonna need your help to put him away.

Linda: All he’d have to do is walk through that door and I’d put him away. I’d love it.

Hutch: Will you…? Will you testify against him in a court of law?

Linda: What about the other girls?

Hutch: The other two girls refused.

Starsky: Without your help, he’s gonna get off scot-free. (Long pause. She stands up)

Linda: Yeah, okay. If that’s what it takes, you got it.

Starsky: I’ve gotta tell ya. You’re a stand up chick.

Linda: That’s what they all say, Buster Brown. You just make sure you got a case and it sticks, huh?

Hutch: Don’t worry. That’s our end. (They head for the door)

Linda: Hey, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to throw you around like that.

Starsky: Forget it.

Linda: You sure you’re okay.

Starsky: Fine, terrific. (Pulls the door, but it hurts his shoulder so he uses the other one)

Hutch: That’s a man of steel. (They leave)

The Police Station: Night.

(Jojo enters a visiting room, where Bettin is waiting)

Bettin: You said it was important. What can I do for you?

Jojo: Well, we’ll get to that in a minute. First of all I’m gonna tell you what I can do for you. I can deliver you Dombarris.

Bettin: Go on.

Jojo: Well, now you go on. Like telling me what you’re gonna do for me. Like getting me out of this slammer for starters before Starsky and Hutch get to work on me.

Bettin: You can guarantee Dombarris?

Jojo: On a plate.

Bettin: I think you just made yourself a deal.

Hutch’s Car: Day

(Starsky’s rummaging around in the back, wrestling with a lot of junk)

Hutch: Starsky, what are you doing?

Starsky: Well, as long as we gotta use this car might as well make it habitable.

Hutch: Habitable, huh?

Starsky: Yeah. By the looks of things here, you can’t tell what disease maybe lurking here. Hey, what’s this? (Holds up a wooden wheel)

Hutch: Hey, where’d you find that?

Starsky: At the back here beneath last weeks newspapers and the laundry and the high protein…

Hutch: That’s terrific. I’ve been looking for it.

Starsky: What’re you gonna use it for?

Hutch: Well, I’m gonna work on my…

Starsky: Forget it. I don’t even wanna know. (Hutch drives past Jojo)

Hutch: Hey, there’s Jojo. What’s he doing out?

Starsky: Where? (Hutch makes a U turn and heads for Jojo, who sees the car and runs away. Starsky gets out while the car’s still going and runs after Jojo. Hutch blocks Jojo with the car. Starsky catches up and both he and Jojo go over the bonnet. Hutch gets out and throws Jojo into the car. They drive away)

The Squad Room: Day

Betting: Jojo’s gonna give us Dombarris.

(Hutch is pacing, Starsky’s leaning against a desk)

Hutch: So you did put him back on the street.

Bettin: That’s right.

Hutch: What’s wrong with you? The man’s an animal.

Bettin: It’s dangerous, but the dope Dombarris puts on the streets is dangerous and you two are the last people on earth I have to justify anything too.

Starsky: You gonna spring Jojo?

Bettin: That’s absolutely correct. It is necessary. It is a calculated risk. Now we’ve projected a small chance of failure, but it won’t happen.

Starsky: The problem is that your projections don’t justify the damage to Jojo’s victims. Besides, Dombarris is a little too smart to accept Jojo back.

Hutch: One more thing. Those are people out there not projections that this guys gonna do damage to.

Bettin: I have a job to do. (Stands up)

Hutch: Now, wait a minute. What’s wrong with you? What are you a skin graft off a computer?

Starsky: He’s a Turkey. Can’t talk to him.

Bettin: Listen, Jojo goes back on the street and he stays on the street. The OCU’s gonna watch over him and keep him on a short leash. If I have to go to court to get an injunction I am going to see to it that you two stay away from him. Excuse me. (He leaves)

Linda’s Place: Day

(She’s cleaning her brushes while Starsky and Hutch stand over her)

Starsky: Look, we came by to tell you-

Linda: I already know.

Starsky: How?

Linda: Jojo called me last night.

Hutch: What did he say?

Linda: The usual lewd ramblings-on. I really would like to know how you two convinced me to testify against him if you couldn’t even keep him in jail.

Starsky: Look, we’re very sorry. We’ve had our problems too.

Hutch: We didn’t put him on the streets. The Feds did that. But we’re gonna everything we can to keep him away from you.

Linda: Oh, yeah, sure you will. (They leave)

Hutch: Well, Starsk, what are we gonna do now? (They cross the road)

Starsky: I don’t know. Maybe we oughta go talk to Jojo.

Hutch: Oh, that’s good. We’ve been ordered by Bettin, we’ve been ordered by Dobey, we’ve been ordered directly by the commissioner, stay away from Jojo. What are we gonna do, Starsk? Send him a cable.

Starsky: Hey, maybe that’s what we oughta do. Send him a cable.

Hutch: Only we’ll deliver it in person.

Starsky: You took the words right out of my mouth.

Hutch: Then keep it shut. (They open the car door and the horn blares. They get in and drive away)

Associated Pacific Building: Day

(Inside Dombarris is lying in a hammock with a young girl while a woman stands by)

Elaine: I did a two-year possession rap for you. And you too you big slob. And I come back and I find this. I didn’t expect you to be a priest while I was in, but now that I’m back the least you could do is get rid of this piece of fluff.

Fluff: It’s okay. I love everybody. Three’s…

Dombarris: Shut up.

Elaine: What did you pick up with her for anyway?

Dombarris: I like her because she’s so smart.

Elaine: Well, sugar, you get rid of Miss Junior Achievement here. You get rid of cotton candy.

Dombarris: Yeah.

Elaine: Yeah, just do it. I’ve got some dollars coming too. And if not, I know who to talk to in the Federal Attorney’s office. I have a two year investment in you good looking. So I’ll see you here tomorrow. Alone. (She leaves. Dombarris hands some money to his girl)

Dombarris: Go buy yourself something. See you in half an hour. (Gets up)

Fluff: Okay. Gee, thanks. (She heads to the exit just as Jojo and Dixie enter) Hi, guys.

Jojo: Hey, hi.

Dixie: Well, looky here what I found.

Sulko: Hey man, who let you out of the can.

Jojo: Hey, come one. They let Dixie out, didn’t they?

Dixie: That’s right Jojo. For 10 grand bail. Man, that’s peanuts compared to what they had on you.

Jojo: Yeah, only they didn’t have anything they could stick on me, you know. That chick was scared I’d do her if she testified, huh? (Laughs)

Sulko: Hey, that’s great.

Jojo: Hey, Mr. Dombarris. I need a job, you know. I got me one of those hotshot lawyers and he’s hounding me for the money. I need some fast bucks. I was maybe wondering if you got a job for me.

Dombarris: Yeah. Maybe we could work something out. You really wanna work that bad, huh?

Jojo: I’m hot to trot.

Dombarris: Well, Claude Berger has a personal injury automobile scam going down on the East Side. He’ll tell you when and where and you get into an accident. It pays two yards. I can get you into that.

Jojo: Hey, that sounds great Mr. Dombarris, only you know, Claude Berger, you know?

Dombarris: I know. You wanna stay close to home, work with your old friend, right?

Jojo: Yeah, that’s it.

Dombarris: Hang in there with your good old buddies, right?

Jojo: Hey, you got it.

Dombarris: Right, right, baby. Okay, you’re in. I got something for you tomorrow.

Jojo: Hey, great. What is it?

Dombarris: It’s a surprise, but it’s gonna be a big number.

Jojo: Yeah, well, I’ll see you, huh? (Walks past Dixie) See you later.

Dixie: Sure.

Sulko: You buy that?

Dombarris: Not for a second.

(Outside Starsky and Hutch watch as Jojo exits the building. Hutch drives up in front of him, while Starsky gets out and grabs him)

Jojo: What is this? What’s going on? (He forces Jojo into the back)

Hutch: Jojo, shut up.

A Diner: Day

(Starsky and Hutch take Jojo into a diner and lead him to an empty, round booth, so he’s trapped in the middle between them)

Starsky: Comfortable?

Jojo: What did we come in here for?

Hutch: Shut up. (To Starsky) What did we have to come in here for?

Starsky: Colour. It’s got colour. It’s an island of colour in a grey world. We brought you here to have a little tête-à-tête.

Hutch: Your Spanish is improving.

Starsky: Thank you. (A waitress comes over)

Stella: Well, if it ain’t Dick Tracy. What are you gonna eat today?

Starsky: How you doing, Stella? I’m gonna have your famous meatloaf.

Stella: (To Jojo) You?

Starsky: He’s not hungry.

Stella: (To Hutch) You?

Hutch: Why don’t you just bring me a piece of apple pie and a cup of coffee?

Stella: What do you want to eat that for? It’ll rot your pancreas.

Hutch: Well, then let’s try the blueberry pie, huh?

Stella: Now, what the hell would I be doing with blueberry pie?

Hutch: Peach.

Stella: Lemon Meringue. Lemon Meringue’s the pie of the day and that’s what you’ll eat and forget about the coffee, it’ll make you nervous. I’ll bring you a glass of milk. You look like a growing boy. (She leaves)

Hutch: What kind of place is this?

Starsky: She’s in a good mood. You oughta see when she’s mean. (To Jojo) Okay. Straight out. You go near Linda Mascelli a lot of bad things are gonna happen to you. Fast.

Hutch: We got about a half a dozen ways to turn you into a disaster area and we’re not gonna be picky about the ones we choose.

Starsky: Everything, including some vice bulls we’ll cast as your cell mates when we throw you back into the tank.

Hutch: You got us, sweetheart. If you ever go near, talk to or even think about Linda Mascelli, we’ll turn you into Swiss steak. (Stella comes back with their food and passes it out)

Starsky: Thank you, Stella.

Stella: Enjoy.

Starsky: Thank you. (Starsky tucks into his food, while Hutch takes a bite of the pie. He’s face it all. He hates it)

Hutch: Starsk. It’s the worst Lemon Meringue pie I ever ate in my life.

Starsky: Maybe you oughta try the meatloaf.

Hutch: It’s probably dog food. (Drinks his milk and Bettin enters)

Bettin: All right, what the hell are you doing? We have Jojo under surveillance and all of a sudden you pick him up.

Hutch: Surprised it took you this long to find us.

Bettin: Listen!

Starsky: Shh, now calm down, will you? We just decided to Jojo out for a bite to eat. Only he ain’t hungry.

Hutch: Yeah and after that us girls are gonna do a little shopping.

Bettin: You’re supposed to leave him alone. There’s a dozen unnamed stiffs on the streets that need your attention, why don’t you go play with one of them.

Hutch: Because there’s one of two living things out there that we’d like to see stay that way.

Bettin: You think your cover was blown.

Jojo: No

Bettin: You know how to stay in touch with us. Get out of here. (He tries to get out, but neither Starsky nor Hutch will move so he climbs over the seat and leaves) Now what did you tell him?

Starsky: We liked his eyes.

Hutch: We told him if he ever goes near Linda Mascelli, we’ll turn him into Swiss steak. Are you coming? (Gets up) If you want the booth, the food’s terrific. (Leaves. Starsky finishes off his plate, gets up and leaves)

Associated Pacific Building: Day

(Sulko and Dixie are in the background as Jojo and Dombarris talk)

Jojo: They’re trying to nail me to this Mascelli chick, you know? She tried to put me away. So I went down and had a little talk with her, you know?

Dombarris: This is the chick that knows karate.

Jojo: Yeah. But I tell you, if I do her again I’m gonna take my baseball bat with me. You know, that cancels out karate.

Dombarris: Now that’s the chick that you told me lives down by the beach, huh?

Jojo: Yeah.

Dombarris: Well, never mind her. This is important. Now, you think you can do the number? Make the hit?

Jojo: Yeah, I can handle it.

Dombarris: Because if you can’t, I’ve got Dixie and Sulko and I know they’re professionals.

Jojo: Hey, come on, so am I.

Dombarris: Okay. If you say so Jojo because this is major league. After this hit you’re gonna be a freelance mechanic. A big hit man.

Jojo: Don’t worry, I can handle it. (Hands Jojo a slip of paper.)

Dombarris: Here’s the ticket. Now that’s the address. The chick in number 30. And after this hit, we’ll talk about your next gig.

Jojo: And I’m gonna do a good job, a real good job. You’re gonna see that. A real good job. (He leaves. Sulko and Dixie follow)

An Apartment Building: Day

(Sulko drives Jojo and Dixie up to the building and parks outside)

Sulko: Well, this is it, Jojo.

Jojo: And I can do anything I want?

Sulko: Anything at all.

Jojo: And Dombarris won’t mind or nothing?

Sulko: No way. Have yourself a party.

Dixie: Hey, Sulko, maybe we should go up and watch.

Jojo: Hey, nobody looks. Just me! (Gets out of the car and heads up to some stairs. He goes to the address and hears the TV or radio)

Woman: What did the doctor say?

Man: Well, it boils down to a nutshell, Miriam. (Jojo knocks on the door)

Elaine: All right. I’ll be right there.

Man:…keep him under observation, look for signs of progress.

Woman: That doesn’t sound too hopeful. (Jojo tries knocking the door open)

Elaine: I said, I’ll be right there. (She heads for the door)

Woman: And Anne? Will she be able to live with the fact that Jason has… (As Elaine opens the door, Jojo bursts in and knocks her onto the sofa) No memories? No thoughts prior to the accident.

(She runs into the next room, closing the door on Jojo who bashes it open. The door closes and Elaine screams)

Hutch’s Car: Day

Starsky: Guess what?

Hutch: You’re Uncle Al has got this terrific short. Four miles to the gallon, 893 horsepower, reverb radio, six-way power mud-flaps and a furry dash, huh?

Starsky: Wrong.

Hutch: Okay, you win. What?

Starsky: That guy’s car.

Hutch: What guy?

Starsky: Guy in the heist, in front of the pharmaceutical company with the lowered short.

Hutch: Yeah.

Starsky: I seen it somewhere.

Hutch: Where.

Starsky: If I knew that, we’d be there. What do you think I’m running, a quiz show or something?

Hutch: Oh.

Dispatch: Zebra Three

Starsky: Zebra Three, over.

Dispatch: DB report. 1120 Hill Drive. Over.

Starsky: We’re rolling. Give it a two-and-a-half minute ETA. Better make it three.

Hutch: What?

Starsky: 10-4. What me to get out and push?

Hutch: Why don’t you just get out? (Makes a sharp U-turn.)

Starsky: Temper, temper, temper.

(They drive to the address with the siren blaring. On arrival they run up the stairs and knock on the door. Two policeman are waiting inside to let them in)

Starsky: How you doing? Fred, what you got?

Fred: She’s in there.

Hutch: Thank you, Fred. (They enter the bedroom where the body is covered with a sheet. Hutch takes a look. Her clothes are sprayed with orange paint) Starsk. Look at this. (Starsky takes a look) I don’t believe it.

Starsky: Fred?

Fred: I can’t tell you anything for sure until we get her on the table, but I’d say she’s a mess. He really worked her over. (Bettin enters)

Starsky: Some more of your boy’s undercover handiwork, Bettin. (Bettin takes a look at the body)

Hutch: “Sure, Jojo’s all right. We’re running a tight control. It’s a calculated risk, but we’re projecting minimum failure.”

Bettin: How do you know it was Jojo?

Hutch: Are you colour blind, man? That’s orange paint! That’s his trademark.

Bettin: Jojo’s not stupid enough to leave his signature sprayed all around.

Hutch: Don’t bet on it. It’s certifiable. Do you think that murdering people and raping women is a sane occupation? (Bettin’s speechless for a moment)

Bettin: This is terrible.

Starsky: You can tell that to her brother, to her sister, to her father or to her mother. Jojo never belonged on the street and you know it. And if you don’t know it, you belong there with him. (Starsky leaves)

Hutch: It’s a hell of a way to say we told you so, isn’t it? (Hutch leaves)

Hutch’s Car: Day

(Starsky’s on the mic)

Starsky: Put out an APB on Jojo Forentik. Get his case and priors off my file number 863224. Patch me into a direct line and get me 462-9923.

Dispatch: Roger, Zebra Three. (There’s a dial tone)

Hutch: No answer.

Starsky: Linda’s still not home.

Hutch: How are we gonna find her to warn her that Jojo’s on a rampage?

Starsky: You got me. How are we gonna find Jojo?

Hutch: You got me.

A Pay Phone: Night

(Starsky dials a number. He lets it ring for a bit and then hangs up. He gets back in Hutch’s car)

Starsky: Still no answer at Linda’s.

Hutch: No Jojo.

Starsky: Maybe we should go wait at her place.

Hutch: Yeah.

(They drive to her place and find emergency vehicles outside.)

Hutch: Starsky.

Starsky: Oh, no. (He gets out of the car and runs in, while Hutch stops by the people gathered outside.)

Hutch: Excuse me.

(Inside there’s a body covered by a sheet and Bettin is already there. Hutch joins them)

Starsky: Bettin. (He takes a look at the body. It’s Jojo)

Bettin: We found him about an hour ago. Somebody beat him to a pulp. Judging from the angle of his head I’d say among other things he’s got a broken neck.

Hutch: So, Dombarris made Jojo.

Bettin: I don’t think so. I do think our operation was intact until you two started meddling in it. I think you went to great lengths to undermine my work and you acted in a precipitated manner especially in warning Linda Mascelli, who we have arrested for felony manslaughter.

Hutch: What?

Starsky: What are you talking about?

Bettin: She had the opportunity, the motive and the weapon.

Hutch: What weapon?

Bettin: You know what weapon. Her hands.

Interrogation Room: Day

(Linda’s sat at the table looking frazzled, while Starsky and Hutch stand behind her)

Linda: And so I left my studio to take a walk on the beach.

Starsky: About what time.

Linda: It was early. (Hutch takes a cigarette)

Hutch: How early? (Lights the cigarette and hands it to her)

Linda: Seven, 7:30 maybe, I…And I was just gonna take a walk on the beach.

Starsky: Did you go directly to the beach?

Linda: Yes.

Hutch: What did you do?

Linda: Where?

Hutch: On the beach. What did you do?

Linda: I walked. Isn’t that what most people do on the beach?

Starsky: How long? How long did you walk?

Linda: It was hours.

Hutch: Hours, that’s good. Now, you must have seen somebody.

Linda: No, oh God, I wish I had.

Starsky: Nobody. You didn’t see anybody on the beach? You didn’t see anybody on the sidewalk or on the street across from the beach?

Hutch: You didn’t acknowledge anybody? You didn’t wave to anybody? Nobody waved to you?

Linda: I didn’t see anybody.

Starsky: Now, wait a second. You’re telling us that you walked on that beach for a couple of hours and you didn’t see one solitary soul?

Linda: No. I don’t believe that this is happening to me. I agree to get involved in Jojo’s prosecution and I get charged with his murder? I mean, what is this? (She starts crying. Starsky and Hutch don’t know what to do or say)

The Corridor: Day

(Starsky and Hutch have left the room and are walking down the corridor)

Starsky: How are we gonna pull this apart? How are we gonna find out who killed Jojo? (A lady squeezes between them)

Hutch: Excuse me.

Starsky: How could have done him?

Hutch: Anyone of the three girls, their father’s, their brothers, their boyfriends.

Starsky: Yeah, to know him wasn’t exactly to love him. (They enter the squad room)

Hutch: You know what gets me?

Starsky: What?

Hutch: What really gets me is Linda. Precisely because she learned how to take care of herself that she’s (blows in his cup) that she’s suddenly under suspicion. What have you got to do around here to be innocent?

Starsky: For a chick to be totally innocent she’s gotta be a lay-down victim, wear a lot of lace and lock herself up in the attic forever.

Hutch: Yeah. Now, what have we got?

Starsky: A pile of work.

Hutch: Yeah. (Sips his coffee)

Starsky: Okay. What was Jojo doing just before he was killed?

Hutch: He was murdering Elaine Stroud. (Dobey enters)

Dobey: Elaine Stroud wasn’t her real name.

Hutch: What?

Dobey: None of her IDs works out so we’re running a make on her fingerprints, but that might take a couple of days.

Hutch: There was nothing in that whole place that could identify her.

Dobey: Nothing but this picture. (Hands Hutch the picture) Taken in a place called Teddy’s Paris Bar.

Starsky: That’s all?

Dobey: So far.

Hutch: That place is closed. (Starsky looks at the picture)

Starsky: Yeah, three years ago.

Hutch: I know that.

Starsky: Oh.

Hutch: Let’s go.

Starsky: Where?

Hutch: To see the bear. (Hands Starsky his coffee, Starsky hands the coffee to Dobey)

Starsky: Captain. (They leave)

The Streets: Day

(Huggy’s dressed in a white robe selling religious symbols out of a suitcase while a crowd listens)

Huggy: Yes, Folks! Right here is the only place on the face of the earth where you can get Huggy Bear’s guaranteed round-the-clock protection. (Starsky and Hutch are seen behind him) Now you’re regular cross or Mezuzah is fine in the day time when the light is on. You look up on the wall and there it is protecting you. But when the light’s out and the good Lord can’t see you, your soul is vulnerable. (Starsky and Hutch stand behind him) But Huggy Bear’s guaranteed glow-in-the-dark crosses give you 24 hour protection. Now, they only start at 2.98 and up. You… (People leave)

Starsky: How’s business, Hug?

Huggy: Well, it ain’t heaven.

Hutch: Listen, Huggy. Do you know a girl by the name of Elaine Stroud?

Huggy: I don’t think so.

Starsky: She used to hang out at Teddy’s Bar.

Huggy: That dump.

Starsky: This is a picture of what she looks like more recently. (Gives him the picture)

Huggy: I think I do know her. Yeah. She was a nice girl. Three, four years ago she was a movie actress. Not the kind of movies you take your mother to. Yeah, she used to come in the club with a tall brown-haired cat, and a weird dude in a snakeskin jacket. The tall dude had a superb short. It was chopped, channeled, lowered with orange flamed paint.

Starsky: That’s the car, the car used in the heist. I knew I’d seen it before. (Thinks) I got it, come on. Let’s hit it. (Starsky takes back the picture, while Hutch hands Huggy something and they run back to the car) It’s at my Uncle Al’s buddy’s shop. Earl’s Custom Car Cult and Body shop.

Hutch: What?

Starsky: Come on, it’s on East Marshall.

Hutch: You make it sound like a religion. (They get in the car and drive off)

Earl’s Custom Car Cult and Body Shop: Day

(The car drives up to the front entrance)

Starsky: You’re gonna kill me. (They park behind a funky car. They get out and the horn blares again)

Hutch: What are you doing with that?

Starsky: What?

Hutch: Put it back in the car.

Starsky: I can’t hear you.

Hutch: They’re for my rose bushes. (The horn stops)

Starsky: Oh for…

Hutch: Hey, where’s Earl, huh.

Merl: Right here, man. (Hutch shows him his badge) Oh, man, I knew it. I knew that chump was gonna run and rat to the fuzz. That punk. That jive, funny-style, Frankenstein’s brother. When I catch him I’m gonna walk on his face with my football cleats.

Hutch: Now, wait a minute. What are you talking about?

Merl: Is that your short, man?

Starsky: Your car.

Hutch: Oh, yeah.

Merl: Well, then, you wouldn’t understand. Let me talk to your partner. Say, look, man. A turnip comes along and walks on your car, what are you gonna do, huh? Hey, man, he sat on my flame paint over there and put his feet up on my Continental Kit. So, I whipped him man, what else? Hot dog. Take me on in. (Turns to lean on his car)

Starsky: Earl?

Merl: Yeah.

Starsky: We’re not here for that.

Merl: No? Then why’d you drag me away from my work, huh? Say, I know you.

Starsky: Yeah. You know my Uncle Al.

Merl: Right, right, you drive that red tomato with the white stripe.

Starsky: A red Torino.

Merl: Ah, tomato, tomato, what’s the difference. Say, look, you come on hard times, huh?

Starsky: That’s his car.

Hutch: Look, you’re supposed to be the prince of the custom car…

Merl: No, man, I ain’t no prince. I’m the Earl. Merl the Earl.

Hutch: Look are we talking to the man or aren’t we?

Merl: What do you wanna know?

Starsky: We’re looking for a guy.

Merl: And so is my Aunt Charlene.

Hutch: Oh, no, no, this guy’s about 6’5, medium brown hair about 40.

Merl: Don’t do a thing.

Starsky: He was here when I came in for an estimate. He was standing right over there. He was driving a ’55 Nomad Wagon.

Merl: Seven hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Hutch: What?

Merl: Twenty-five coats of metallic chanteuse with glitter, but he’s too cheap.

Hutch: Cheap? You could paint an airplane for seven and a quarter.

Merl: We only paint one-way here blood, the finest.

Starsky: See?

Merl: Which is too good for you, turkey. See, I’ve seen that jive-cheap stripe you got on your tomato.

Starsky: Look, the guy with the Nomad Wagon? What was his name?

Merl: Sulko.

Hutch: Sulko, where does he live?

Merl: Out back. Say, look, the paint that I was gonna put on his…

Starsky: Forget the paint. Where out back?

Merl: Right out there, man. (Points to a trailer with the wagon parked outside.) Ain’t you got eyes?

(They cross the road and Starsky picks up a pizza box from the garbage.)

Hutch: Hey, what are you doing?

Starsky: Let me go it alone. (They stop by the right trailer and stand either side of the door. Starsky knocks.)

Sulko: Yeah?

Starsky: Lamiel’s pizza.

Sulko: Didn’t order any.

Starsky: Oh, yes you did. I got it right here. Tennessee Trailer Park.

Sulko: Beat it.

Starsky: You don’t pay, I’m gonna call the cops.

Hutch: Oh, that’s good, Starsk.

Starsky: We don’t mess around at Lamiel’s.

Hutch: You’re real convincing, you know that. (The door opens.)

Starsky: Here’s your pizza. (Sulko falls out of the trailer with a shot gun, but Starsky shoots it out of his hands. Dixie comes out, but Hutch knocks him to the ground and cuffs him. Starsky picks up Sulko’s gun.) Lie still, we’ll get you an ambulance.

Hutch: All right, turkey, spill it. All of it. Unless you wanna take that lone ride all by yourself. Who?

Dixie: All right, all right, Dombarris, man. Dombarris set it up. But I didn’t do it. Sulko did.

Hutch: Did what?

Dixie: Wasted Jojo, man.

Hutch: After he did Elaine, huh?

Dixie: Yeah.

Hutch: How much Dombarris pay for it?

Dixie: Four hundred dollars.

Starsky: What are the two of you trying to do? Depress the market?

Associated Pacific Building: Day

(Hutch drives up to the front of the building and they both get out. Inside, Dombarris hears the horn. Hutch goes for the front, while Starsky heads for the back. Dombarris arms himself with a rifle. Hutch comes through the front and Dombarris shoots at him. He heads out the back with Hutch following. Starsky spots him and follows. Dombarris sees him and fires. The place is full of junk and Starsky climbs on top of what looks like a capsized boat. Dombarris spots Hutch and fires at him. Hutch takes cover and then fires back. Starsky jumps from one boat to another, while Dombarris and Hutch also climb on top of the boats. Hutch gestures to Starsky to move back to the ground. He does so and spots Dombarris who fires at him. Starsky rolls closer and fires back. While they exchange fire, Hutch comes up behind Dombarris.)

Hutch: Hold it! Drop it! (Dombarris whirls around and fires, but gets shot by Hutch and falls off the boat. He climbs down and checks the man. Starsky joins him) Well, this is one problem Bettin’s computer won’t have to solve.

Starsky: Yeah.

Earl’s Custom Car Cult and Body Shop: Day

(Starsky, Merl and Hutch are stood around a blue car with metallic flamed paint)

Starsky: This is a work of art. This is beautiful. This equals anything by Leonardo or De Vinci.

Hutch: Who?

Starsky: You know who I mean. Only Rodin could create a piece that was on a par with this.

Hutch: Starsky, you gotta be out of your mind.

Merl: Hey, man, I’m telling you, it’s a steal at $5000.

Hutch: $5000 for what? Think I wanna ride around on a blueberry on wheels.

Starsky: This is not a blueberry on wheels. I apologise for my partner’s rudeness. This happens to be a piece of sculpture.

Hutch: Yeah, it’s a piece of sculpture; it’s a piece of…

Merl: A piece of what? What’s the matter with you, man? You bad mouthing my short? You dummy. Let me find me something to hit you with. (Looks around him)

Hutch: Merl, Merl. Merl, you’re short don’t make it.

Merl: What?

Hutch: I want something with some flash to it. It’s too straight, it’s too quiet. I want something with some juice, you know. This is an old lady’s car. Better pull your act together, Merl. (Walks back to his car, parker behind) And, Merl, now here’s a car with some character to it. (Opens the door and the horn blares) It’s got some soul, you know? Some dignity, some inner flash.

Starsky: Lousy sparkplugs. (Gets in. The car tries to reverse, but has some trouble. Hutch gets out to check the hood, but the trunk pops up as well. He can’t slam it shut again)

Hutch: How much you say you wanted for this piece of…ah…sculpture?

_________________________

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