 of the Woodland! Ranger Bill, warrior of the Woodland, struggling against extreme odds, traveling dangerous trails, showing rare courage in the face of disaster, in the air, on horseback, or in a screaming squad car. Ranger Bill, his mind alert, a ready smile, unswerving, loyal to his mission. And all this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done. The thing I can't figure out, old timer, is why all this sudden attention to how you look. I can't remember the last time you tried to comb your beard. Oh boy, I'd waved before your time, Henry. Well, can't a fellow try to look a little more cared for if he wants to? I just think we ought to take care of ourselves, that's all. It wouldn't have anything to do with that film company that's coming to Notty Pine, would it? The what? No, I'm not here for any film company coming. What is all about, Bill? Well, it looks as though our friend Stumpy has the jump, my new fellas. The government is sending a camera crew and all the works out here to make a film of animal conservation. Right here to Notty Pine? That's right. And I have the feeling that this might have a great deal to do with Stumpy's sudden vanity. Oh, I could see that. Oh, okay, okay. Go ahead and laugh. I used to be pretty good at things like that. Oh, won't you ever do any acting, old timer? Well, I made a pretty good Moses once in a church pageant. Well, this is a little different. It sure is. Besides, I don't think they'd need any of us. I'm sure they'll have all the people involved. We'll see. When they get a good look at this old weather-beaten outdoorsman, they'll see the advantages of what they call local color. Yeah. Only local color you supply would be white from stage fright. That's right. Hold it on, fellas. We got company. Yes, sir. Can I help you? I'm looking for Chief Ranger Bill Jefferson. Well, you found him, sir. How do you do? I don't know your rank. Bill will do. I'm happy to know you, Bill. I'm Dick Stark, Assistant Director of the film. We're going to be shooting in this area. Oh, yes. We were just talking about that. Glad to meet you. These are a few of my rangers. Gray Wolf. Glad to meet you. How do you do? And Stumpy Jenkins. Nice to meet you, sir. Oh, no! Brown Cow! What's that? Oh, excuse me, young fella. It was just a little vocal exercise I do to keep in shape. Oh, I see. And this is my ward, Henry Scott. Happy to meet you. Same here. Well, now that the formalities are passed, you'll probably be wanting those maps the government ordered. Henry, would you get them from my desk? Sure thing. That's right, Bill. We hoped you'd be able to show us the best area to shoot as many animals as possible. What hit your funny bone this time, all time? I was just thinking how funny that sound did. To make a film on animal conservation, you ought to shoot as many animals as possible. Well, you see, that's just a term we use for making the pictures. Oh, I know, I know! Suddenly, I know all about that there, flickerling go. You know, I'm right interested in that. Are you the maps, Bill? All right, Henry. Now, as you can see, Mr. Stark. Dick, Bill. Okay. As you can see, Dick, I've outlined a number of areas which I feel you'd be most likely to find the largest variety of animals. And then, I'm sure you have other considerations such as terrain. So, here I've marked kind of a variety of locations. Yeah, yeah, I can see that. Bill, this is a great help. We had anticipated spending up to a week looking for a suitable location, but I'm sure one of these will be just right. Glad to be of help. Anything else we can do? Uh, yeah. Need any other help with this here picture? We can do just about anything you need. Well, there is one thing. I thought so. What is it? Is there a pizzeria in Naughty Pine? Pizzeria? Sure. Sure, we've got two or three. Why, do you like Italian food? Well, I'm learning to. The director of this film, Stuart Long, is a fanatic on the subject. If you could, he'd have pizza for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, and, well, I guess you get the picture. I thought that I like pizza. Well, if you do, you'll have a lifelong friend and Mr. Long. Is that so? You know, I can hardly wait till I can sink my teeth into one of them pizzerias. Yes, sir. Isn't it a coincidence that the director of your picture and me have such a common love? I didn't know that you like pizza, Stumpy. Yeah, that knew to me, too. You always call them sick pancakes. Well, I... Henry, why don't you show Mr. Stark where the pizzerias are here in town, and that way, there'll be no confusion. And if there's anything else we can do, Dick, just let us know. We'll do, Bill, and thanks again. If all goes well today, we should be able to start shooting tomorrow. Who's that out there? Just me, Stark. Well, is that you, Mr. Long? That's right. Wow, what country. What a day. Stark, this picture's gonna do me a lot of good in more ways than financial. That's nice, sir. Right now, it's only 4.30 in the morning. The only thing that'll do me any good is more sleep. I can't understand people like you. Here we are in the most beautiful country I've ever seen, full of sounds and color that knows who a greenhouse is capable of and all you want to do is sleep. You don't know what you're missing. Oh, yes, I do, Mr. Long. Sleep. Well, catch the last 15 wings while you can. I'm going to look around this gorgeous location. I want everyone up and ready to work at 8 sharp. Got that? I guess he has. Smiles on the frowning night, checkering the eastern clouds with streaks of light. Now, where the sun advances, burning high, the day it's dank due to dry. This owes your cage of ours. You will fill a pocket with book and get to work stuffy. Bill, sir, we get these no trespassing signs up around filming place before 8. We're not moving very fast. Please, Gray Wolf, these are immortal words. I'm resuscitating. I know Romeo and Juliet, too. Here, you haul a sign when I hammer, huh? All right, hold it. Gray Wolf. What do you want, Stumpy? How did you know that was Romeo and Juliet? Everybody know that, study it in school. Everyone, huh? How come I never studied it in school? It wasn't written yet when you were in school. Why, you young whippersnapper and what so? Says here that it was written way back in the 1500s. I may be old, but... Are you getting along with the signs, fellas? Not as fast as we should. Great actors spending most of time warming air. I hope you don't scare all the animals away with your reading, Stumpy. Camera crew will be pretty upset. I hope you don't scare the camera crew away. Looks as though you have only a few more no trespassing signs to put up. We'll give you a hand. That pretty well isolates this area for the filming, doesn't it? That's right, Henry. They shouldn't be bothered now. And even more important, the animals shouldn't be bothered either. I take this sign to the edge of clearing for posting. You coming, Stumpy? Let us away! Oh, brother. Boy. That Stumpy's really stage truck, isn't he, Bill? You'll get over it, pal. The old timers probably having more fun with us than we realize. Let's get this sign up there. Okay. Over there on the other side of that clump of trees. Okay. Looks like a good spot. Let's go. That lone pine beyond there would be a good spot. Yeah. Hey, look out, Henry! Hey! Wow. Hey, thanks, Bill. I didn't see that hole at all. All covered by the shrubbery. I almost didn't see it either, pal. Hmm. Looks like a little freaky erosion. I'm gonna make a note of it. Where's my notebook? Hmm. What is it, Henry? Look down in that hole. There's a man lying at the bottom. And he isn't moving. Easy with it now. We haven't, Bill. Put the poor feller down! Careful! Could you tell what was wrong with him down there, Bill? It's hard to tell. A few cuts and bruises. He obviously fell into the hole. That's easy to do. We almost did ourselves. Yeah. It's impossible to tell whether he has any internal injuries. No bleeding that I can detect. I think our best move would be to take him to the hospital on the double. I'm sorry, Mr. Stark. No one seems to know where he is. Hmm. Thanks, Marie. Oh, Marie. Yes, sir? Is everything ready to go when he does show up? Well, sure. The crews are just waiting, Mr. Stark. Say, should I drive into town and get some coffee for all of us? It's a state 30 and it doesn't look as though Mr. Long's going to get here in the two near future. Good idea. Oh, and Marie? Yes, sir? While you're a naughty pine, get hold of his sheriff and bring him back here, too, will you? No idea at all where he could have gone. Not at all, sheriff. All I know is that he went for a walk early this morning. I was kind of drowsy, but I know he said something about starting at 8 sharp. I figured on getting right to work. Yes. That means you were the last to see him, then, didn't it? I guess so. Unless one of the others was... Hey, wait a minute. What are you implying by that question? No, no. Sibber down, fella. Just trying to organize the facts in my mind, that's all. I'm not sure. I like your continuity. Yeah. It's your pleasure. Let's see. Anyone else missing or miss Bunch? Not that I know of. Mr. Stark, sheriff. I don't know if this will help any, but I just noticed that Mr. Long's car is still parked over there with the others. Yeah, all the other cars there, too? As far as I know they are. Just a minute, I'll look. Yeah, what does she do around here? She's a script girl and general errand runner. Yeah. Have you looked around where he slept last night? No. It was that tent right over there. You want to see it? Yeah. Yeah, let's have a look. Right in here. Right over here, yeah. And those his things, huh? That's right. I don't know what he had on this morning. When we talked to him from my tent, I couldn't see him. Where's your tent? It's the next one over, right over there. Well, it's essentially too far away. How do you know that? Look here. Here's his wallet with enough money in it to show he didn't take any with him. Well, there's stuff in his car still here. I'd say that at the most he's lost in the woods somewhere nearby. Well, that's kind of relief anyway. Sheriff? Let's go back outside. All the cars are present and counted for, huh? Well, that's right. How did you know? The sheriff thinks that Mr. Long is just wandering around lost somewhere nearby. Well, then if that's the case, why didn't he answer when we went out shouting for him? That's a good question. Not bad at all. I can't even answer that one. See, sheriff, do you think he's too far in to be with an earshot? Well, either that or possibly he's in some kind of situation where he can't answer. In any case, don't you think we'd better locate him? Well, you all sort of messed up any trail he left when he went searching for him. We'll need someone who's a lot more familiar with this part of the forest than I am. Well, right on cue. Here's the man we need. What's that? Good morning, fellas. Well, gal, I didn't expect to find you out here trying to get into the movies. Morning, Bill. Henry. Nope, this is strictly a business call, Bill. Oh? That's right. Got a little mystery on our hands out here. Hey, hey, I'll bet that's the one. Hold it, Henry. A mystery, huh? Well, let's see. Man arises early in the morning, wanders out into the forest, isn't heard from again. All work stops. A man must be found. Sheriff called. Okay, okay. You got the picture exactly. How'd you know? We found a man this morning, falling in a hole not far from here. He wasn't carrying any identification, so we came here to see if he meant to belong here. Wow, that's Stuart Long, the director of the film. Oh, was he hurt very badly? Well, we rushed him to the hospital and waited around for him to regain consciousness. The doc said that physically he was in good shape, but he's afraid that Mr. Long is it? That's right. That Mr. Long might have had a pretty bad shock. This would explain his not coming to right away. He was still unconscious when we left. Well, what do you say? We all just sort of trot over to the hospital and see first if he's the right man, and second how he is. Right. Marie, will you take care of things here? Well, the crew will be delayed in starting and to stand by until further notice. Oh, sure. Oh, I hope Mr. Long is all right. When I last looked in, he was still sleeping. Wow, still out, huh? Well, not exactly, Henry. He's a rate of breathing and pulse from back to normal. I'd say he was just sort of rested. Well, that's good to hear. Does it look as though there will be any complications? That's hard to say, young fella. We'll know a great deal more after he wakes up. Here we are. Sure is dark in here. It's best not to startle a patient when he's waking from an experience such as Mr. Long has had. Hey, look! Henry, quiet. But look, he's not here. Doctor, he was there just a few minutes ago when I looked in. Are you sure? Yes, I'm sure. He even spoke to him. What did he say? Well, he asked where he was and who he was. Who? He was? Yes, that's right. I just figured he was a bit groggy, so I started to find you. Well, I was afraid of that. What? What's wrong with him, doctor? Sometimes severe shock can bring about a loss of memory in a person. Amnesia? That's right, Bill. That's why I wanted him to watch closely and just know telling what a man would do if he's allowed to wander around not knowing who he is or how he got there. Hey, Bobo, where's that much room at the cheese, huh? Coming right up, Tony. I only got two hands. Step him up, step him up. And what's yours, sir? May I have a menu? Sure, right here in front of your face. Sorry, I didn't see it. You all right, mister? Here, have some water. Oh, yes. I'm all right, really. That's nice. Maybe you'd like to give Tony your order, huh? Yes, fine. I'll have a small sausage pizza. I want a smaller sausage! And what to drink? Tea. With pizza? No, I'm sorry. Some kind of cola. This stuff okay? Oh, fine. You're a strange hirabata, huh? Oh, yes, I guess so. Here on business or vacation? You might say that. What? What you just said. Wait, let's start again. I'm lost. You think you are? I think Tony needs a drink of water. Mushroom and cheese! Coming! Bobbo, you ever see that guy there before? Which one? That one, at the end of the counter. Oh, no, I've never seen before. He's a stranger kind of guy. He talks no sense. Well, it takes all kinds, Tony. It takes all kinds. Ranger headquarters, Bill Jefferson speaking. Oh, yes, Dick. I know that Mr. Longhead. I'm sorry, neither Cal's men nor mine have been able to find any trail. But we're keeping at it. That's a good question. I don't know how he could, but he has. Well, let us know if anything turns up, will you? Sure will. Now, just sit tight, Dick. We're as anxious to find him as you are. Thanks, Bill. Hope to hear from you soon, then. Right. Bye now. Hear anything about missing director, Bill? No, Gray Wolf. That was just Dick Stark wondering the same thing. I hope that poor fella's okay. I imagine you do. Without a director, you'd never get into the film. Oh, hang up, Henry. You gave it up. Well, you know how it would be. Lots of people would see the picture and all them fan clubs would get started. Pretty sure I'd be tired from signing autographs, answering fan mail. My work here would be way behind. We're getting nowhere and tracking down Stuart Long. Once more, we got no idea what kind of predicament he may be in. You guys sure look like a jovial odd. No news, son. No. Bill, I'm stuck. How can a man who doesn't know who he is or where he is and got no money, how could a guy just disappear? I don't know. But I do know that sooner or later he's going to have to eat. And when you have no money and are hungry, you're bound to cause some kind of a noticeable situation. Hey, eat. You're always hungry, Henry. Not me. Him. What are you trying to say, young fella? Come on, spit it out. Pizza. Didn't that Mr. Stark say that the missing man was fanatical on pizza? Nice catch, pal. Of course his loss of memory wouldn't affect that. Cal? I think Henry has an idea worth investing... Oh, excuse me. Ranger headquarters, Bill Jefferson speaking. Bill, but he's not there. Cal's right here, Tony. Now slow up. What's the trouble? I found a stranger guy. I guess they had to be around the house. Well, that's Cal's department. I'll let you spi... Hey, hey, wait a minute. What did he have to eat? Well, it was only a pizza, but it's a principle of the thing. We'll be right over, Tony. We want to talk to you. What's up, Bill? Henry was right. Only a little late. Tony's pizza palace just gave an unexpected free meal to a man I think was our missing, Mr. Stuart Long. I wish I'd have thought of that earlier, Bill. Don't worry about that, pal. We all missed on that one. I just hope he gets a little hungry again this evening. Good thing there aren't many Italian restaurants in town. It's easy for us to split up this way and watch all three of them. Right. I just hope one of the other teams spots him real soon. That place across the street is closing in a few minutes. Maybe his having to run for it at noon scared him off. It's a possibility, pal. He can't be... Henry. Did you see him? Isn't that the man that Tony and Dick described? Where? Just going in. Yes. That's him all right. What are you going to do? Go right in after him. Sorry, sir. We're closing. Oh. Oh, I see. Well, that's too bad. Mr. Long, if you'll come along with me, we'll get you something to eat. And everything will be all right. He's resting quietly now. I don't think he feels much like running away after the days, Ed. No, that's good. There's just one more thing. Yes. His memory. Yes. Is there anything you can do about it? That's hard to say. Sometimes a temporary amnesia just goes away as quickly as it comes. Sometimes it's quite a while for any improvement can be made. I don't like to bother you with business at this time, Dick. But this telegram from the Department of the Interior arrived at the office for you. Oh, thanks, Bill. They wanted me to take over the picture and do it. Oh. I suppose they got tired paying all those people for doing nothing, but worrying. I suppose. Well, this is a break for me, but I could wish for different circumstances. I know just how you feel. Doc, I have an idea I'd like to try for restoring Mr. Long's memory. Yeah, I'm hoping for suggestions, Bill. What is it? Well, tomorrow morning, after he's had a good night's rest, I'd like to go for a walk in the woods with him in the area where... Certainly his beautiful country. I can't remember when I've seen the... You know what I mean. I certainly do, Mr. Long. I often thank God for a job that keeps me so in touch with his handiwork. Let's walk over there by that clump of pine trees, huh? Amazing how a group like that will grow so close together, they look like one tree. Happens quite often, though. Now, right over here is another interesting quirk of nature. Oh, look out. What's the matter? There's a deep hole there behind that shrubbery. Well, it's impossible to see it, Mr. Long. How did you know it was there? I was checking out the location. Came by here on my walk, and suddenly I was falling. Uh-huh. Do you remember that, Mr. Long? Yes. Yes, I... I must have hit hard. I don't remember anything else. Hey, how did you know my name? Who are you? Well, you've had quite an adventure, Mr. Long. And I'll tell you all about it on the way back to town. And I'll be back again to tell you another story, boys and girls. When we see you next week for more adventure with... Ranger Bill came to you transcribed from the studios of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.