The Desperate Hours

About the show

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Bard relieves his night-shift colleague Tom Winston, only to discover three convicts have escaped overnight from the federal penitentiary at Terre Haute, and Tom has left it up to the FBI and state police. Jesse had arrested convict Glenn Griffin, and figures he'll head to Indianapolis to meet up with his girl friend Helen Laski and to get revenge on Jesse. While Jesse co-ordinates the search with Lt. Carl Fredericks of the state police and FBI special agent Harry Carson, the Hillard family is just starting their day at home. Dan Hillard drives himself and his daughter Cindy to work, while his wife Eleanor sends son Ralphie off to school on his bike. Alone now, Eleanor answers a doorbell to find a stranger asking for directions. Its Glenn Griffin, who produces a gun when Eleanor is distracted by Hank Griffin coming in through an unlocked back entrance. Robish also now appears, and the three hold Eleanor hostage in her own house all day. One by one the other Hillards are captured as they return home. The FBI has located Helen Laski in Pittsburgh and informs Jesse Bard she is driving towards Indianapolis. Glenn Griffin is expecting her to arrive at midnight with the getaway money, but she doesn't show up. Law enforcement has also lost track of her. The next morning Glenn makes a decision: he'll let Cindy and Dan go to work as usual, while holding Eleanor and the outspoken Ralphie at home as hostages. The Hillard family's battle of wits with the convicts seesaws back and forth, while unexpected visitors and phone calls threaten to upset the delicate equilibrium between captors and hostages. The local trash collector, Claude Patterson, who notices the convicts' stolen car in the Hillards garage, is taken away by Robish, who murders him. Meanwhile, attorney Chuck Wright has become suspicious of Cindy's evasive replies and contacts the police. Alert at last to the convicts hideout, law officers try to eavesdrop on what's going on in the Hillard house from a neighbor's attic. Eventually, a combination of the family's efforts and the police vigil pay off, with Hank Griffin deciding to bolt. His departure lets Dan Hillard get the drop on Glen Griffin with an empty gun, tricking him into leaving the house to go outside where the police are waiting.