Bunco Squad

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The oldest tricks in the world.

And yet with these tricks the Bunco

racketeer robbed the public of ..

200 million dollars every year.

There's an abundance of evidence

in the Police files that ..

Palm-reading and mind-reading

and the like are... rackets.

And the so-called

wheels-of-fortune are ..

Always manipulated by the

operator to bilk his victim.

And yet I don't imagine there is

one of you here who hasn't lost ..

Money on at least one of these Bunco

games at some time in your life.

The doorway peddler usually

starts by saying, uh ..

He found what he has for sale

when it fell off a delivery truck.

He always says he doesn't know the value

of what he has and asks what you'll offer.

The fur is genuine mink,

and the victim knows it.

His instant thought is take

advantage of the peddler's ignorance.

That's when he falls into the trap.

The sale is made... and the

peddler helpfully provides a bag.

And wonders if anyone is coming.

The victim obligingly turns his back

and the Bunco man makes the switch.

You can now see why the Bunco artists

are responsible for the expression -

"Left holding the bag."

Now you people make the law, and you

should help your Police enforce it.

As you know, I represent a section of the

Police Department called the "Bunco Squad".

It's our job to help you.

So won't you please help us. Thank you.

Steve, Steve! Captain

Edwards wants us right away.

I'm sorry folks. Excuse me.

Thanks for getting me off the hook.

Hey it's on the level. We're

wanted down at headquarters.

You know Rand of Homicide? Sure.

How are you Rand?

This came from covering a

suicide at the Gaymar hotel.

A retired mid-western

banker by the name of Burke.

He got taken for his life-savings

and a phony stock deal.

Going over some of his belongings I came

across these magazines about horoscopes ..

Astrology and fortune-telling.

I thought it might be an

angle for the Bunco Squad.

Well, if I can be any further help ..

Thanks Ray. See you later.

This suicide is the third tragedy caused

by a swindler in the last 3 months.

You know, people come out here

to retire, spend a vacation ..

And they get taken by these

con-men and Bunco artists.

Every time this happens, the

newspapers and the public raise a howl.

Do you suppose he was steered

into this by a fortune-teller?

We've certainly got all kinds out here.

I'm not sure, but this looks like

the work of a big-time operator.

So far he's been smart

enough to cover up his tracks.

But they all need an organization.

The stooges, the shills and the rest.

If the real brains is using any of the

phonies we have here in Los Angeles ..

That's the way we'll get to him.

I want you to case every faker in town.

If it looks suspicious, pull him in.

Warn them we mean business.

Never forget, it's the

head man we're after.

I don't know who, or where,

he is. But I do know one thing.

He's out there... some place.

It was very nice meeting you

Barbara. Will I see you again?

I certainly hope so Tony.

How about dinner tonight?

Oh I don't think we should until she ..

Oh yes, of course. Say in week

or so? Will you call me?

Mrs Royce, may I express

my deepest sympathies.

Thank you Mr Wells.

Hello Fred. Hello Tony.

Could you put the bags in

the back, please. Yes sir.

Did you have a good trip?

Very interesting.

Did you hear about our friend, Burt?

Yes, suicide huh? That's too bad.

Yeah, too bad. Who are those women?

Oh that's a Mrs Jessica Royce,

a widow with two million dollars.

And a very charming secretary who

happens to be penniless and lonesome.

Who are you interested

in? Both of them.

It's been a wonderful day, Tony.

Won't you change your mind and

have dinner with me tonight?

Oh you forget. I'm a working girl.

Is Mrs Royce complaining about my

taking up too much of your time?

Oh no. Neither have I.

Hello Barbara, I'm glad you're back.

Oh Mrs Royce, this is Tony

Mr Wells, the gentleman

we met on the train.

How do you do Mrs Royce. Nice to see

you again. You're looking extremely well.

I'm feeling very much better thank you.

Did you want me for

something Mrs Royce?

Just a few letters dear, there's

no hurry. Would you excuse me.

Surely. I have to be going myself.

Just a few weeks ago, she was the most

grief-stricken woman I've ever known.

What's happened to cause

this extraordinary change?

The gentleman who just left.

Dr Largo is responsible.

Dr Largo?

He must be a remarkable

physician. Is he a specialist?

Actually, he's neither a

physician nor a specialist.

I believe he's called a

Consulting Psychologist.

Consulting Psychologist?

Two visits a week. She never

makes a move without him.

Surely she doesn't believe

that that sort of ..

Completely! But as long as she's happy,

I don't care what she believes in.

I must go Tony, thanks

again. Call me soon.

Real soon.

This is fine way to track

down a big-time Bunco operator.

You got any better ideas?

If I have to talk to one

more phony fortune-teller ..

Your future looks very gloomy.

The cards are not bright.

Yeah, well I've got news for you sister.

Your future don't look so bright either.

I see bars, and you behind them.

Very sorry... do not understand.

My English is not very good.

You'll catch on when you talk to the

Judge. 30 days is 30 days in any language ..

Why don't you lay off. You guys got nothing

on me. I'm running a clean place. See ..

See that you keep it that way.

Got a lot of class, hasn't she.

And so you see gentlemen.

The power of numbers has had a great

influence on men. Most of their lives.

Lay off will you. This is the oldest

numbers racket in the world, and you know it.

Numerology sir, is a great science.

Okay Professor, but

remember, one complaint ..

And we'll introduce you to the science

of making little ones out of big ones.

But Grace, I've been busy.

Well, you now... work.

Oh but ..

But Grace ..

Keep quiet Steve... just hold on.

Honey... are you alright?

Cut! Steve?

Of course I'm alright. That was just a

scene from the picture I'm working in.

Cut it short, will you.

I've got to go... I'll

pick you up tonight.

That's the trouble with being a cop.

You've have a legitimate excuse for your

wife, but they don't believe you anyhow.

I don't know about you, but win or lose,

I'm taking Grace for dinner tonight.

Who's next?

Annie Cobb.

I thought she was still writing

for the San Quentin Times.

Just a warning Annie.

Don't too clever with

your customer's signatures.

We don't want them showing

up on forged checks.

My profession is to judge a man's

character by his handwriting.

Especially when the

letters turn up in court.

Which is where we'll see you

Annie if you get ambitious.

Buffalo Bill.

Hello. Hello dearie.

The badge-boys are

on a sightseeing tour.

Thanks Annie, I have

a client waiting. Bye.

I'm sorry Miss Dilby, but we can do

no more today. I just can't go on.

But you were telling me ..

When I am forced to come out of a

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