Lt. Frank Ballinger: Lee Marvin

Mr. Blacker: James Coburn
Benjamin Blacker: Leonard Nimoy  

Two brothers are raising their income by looting buildings on request. So far they have not left a trace. Benjamin, the younger brother, is fed up to be the one who is told what to do and when. To "make his brother run" he gives the police a clue. Especially now the police is looking for the firemakers because the last fire has cost a life. A guard crossed their way being on his round. Without his brother noticing Ben hit the guard and left the unconscious man in the burning building where he died in the fire. He leaves a widow behind. Because of the note the police find and arrest the brother after Ben has planted a firebomb in one of his drawers. Now he feels to be in charge - not being aware that the police is after him, too. They trace him, catch him red-handed laying a new fire. He tries to escape but is trapped in the burning building. When he gets out with the help of the police, he is arrested.