Original subtitles

When you're alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go downtown.

When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know.

Downtown, just listen to the music of the traffic in the city.

Linger on the sidewalks where the neon signs are pretty.

How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all

your cares. So go downtown.

Things will be great when you're downtown.

No finer place for sure.

Downtown.

Everything's waiting for you.

Downtown. Things will be great when you're downtown.

No finer place for sure.

Downtown.

You're our host. Now sing.

The music of the traffic in the city. Linger on the sidewalk where the neon

signs are pretty.

How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all

your cares. So go downtown.

Things will be great when you're downtown.

No finer place for sure.

Downtown.

Everything's waiting for you.

Downtown. Downtown.

Downtown.

Downtown.

Downtown.

You know the flower children?

Granted. Don't even sing for us. I'll be right back.

The flower children.

I know.

I'm a day late.

And as they say, a dollar short.

Well, it's Sunday, Zahn. You can't press a man on Sunday.

Mr. Faber is very conscientious.

He works seven days a week.

Don't worry, Tommy boy. No strain.

Mr. Faber is very understanding.

Yeah, sure. Sure. Give me a few days more.

No, no, no, no.

Don't worry, Tommy.

Mr. Faber is a great admirer of your talent.

And I agree.

Talent is always valuable.

You are valuable, Tommy. You are valuable to us, to Mr. Faber, if you

cooperative.

Oh, painless.

Believe me, a very small deed.

A favor.

No, thanks, son. I'll pay you back.

No rush.

Tomorrow morning we'll be fine.

Ah, Mrs. Cusack.

A pleasure.

I was just telling Tommy what a fan of yours I am. Well, thank you, Mr... Yes,

real admirer of talent.

It's been an honor and a pleasure.

Goodbye for now.

What's wrong? What's the matter?

Hey, nothing. Nothing at all.

I love you.

And everything's all right. I love you, too.

So do they.

Ooh, I'm a wanted man.

Who was that man?

No one, honey. Just an admirer. Why don't you go get changed?

Come on.

Everything under control?

All accounted for.

Mark knows he has to keep the chief out for at least another hour, and the front

desk is alerted to let us know the minute they come through the door. Thank

Glad to help.

Not that it's going to do any good, of course.

Whatever it is you're cooking, he won't like it.

Let's see. Hey, I was reading that. So was I, and the recipe comes first.

Beef? Wellington?

You know, maybe you should have gone to culinary college instead of the police

academy. Here, do something constructive.

Okay.

But he's still a chilly man through and through.

Chief Ironside's office, Sergeant Brown.

Okay, I'll tell him.

How'd he manage it this time?

Yeah, thanks.

Well?

DA's office.

Our healthy, hearty, brawny truck driver has suddenly gotten very ill.

Two doctors say it would be dangerous for him to testify.

Oh, we still have... And our taxi driver, the one with the excellent

suddenly forgotten everything he knows.

Faber's been released.

Exactly.

I don't know how he did it, but he got to them again.

Well, there goes our party.

More important, there goes Faber, free as a bird.

Why, Eve?

Why should witnesses suddenly bug out after all this time?

Maybe they just don't take Faber seriously at first.

The way he dresses.

The people he surrounds himself with.

I mean, he's such a weirdo.

Maybe the average citizen just doesn't realize how frightening he can be.

Well, his wardrobe may be out of sight, but one thing's sure.

His threats and his thugs are very real.

Mrs. Cusack.

Do you mind if I call you Berna?

Hi, what do you want?

Tommy. Is he at home?

He certainly is.

Why do you want Tommy?

Didn't he explain to you?

No.

Then, uh, why don't we go inside and you can ask him, hmm?

Tommy!

Perhaps you were mistaken, Berna.

Perhaps he isn't at home.

I don't mind waiting, really.

I'll wait.

Very fancy.

He treats you very nicely, missus.

Does he tell you the price?

You work on your routines together.

A wonderful quality.

I really am a fan.

The way you two sing together.

Who are you? What do you want?

I want Tommy and the repayment of the small debt.

I want a favor.

Tommy's in trouble.

Well, he's been gambling, and this man, I don't know his name, but he's behind

it. He lent him some money, and Tommy can't pay it back.

So now he's going to do something to pay it back.

I think it's something dangerous.

How much money does he owe?

I don't know, a lot.

What's the name of this man, the one who lent Tommy the money?

I don't know, but he's got this creature that works for him named Luther.

Luther something or something Luther?

Let me guess.

You don't know.

I don't.

Verna, I respect your feelings, but that's all you've brought us.

Now, has Tommy done anything yet? I don't think so. So you could go and talk

him, stop him before he does do something.

Please.

We'll need information. We'll need facts.

This, uh, Luther, what does he look like?

Well, he's about my height, and he's slick and kind of oily and always

with these bright teeth.

And he wears white shoes.

And he talks very precise.

Very businesslike.

Businesslike.

Luther Zahn.

Mr. Faber's social secretary.

Mr. Faber, do you recognize the name?

No. I do.

Mr. Faber.

As in Mr. Drugs, as in...

Mr. Money Shark.

Always in the background. Delusions of invisibility. Calls himself Mr.

Faber. The best lawyers. The most perfect alibis.

Yes, I'm interested, Werner.

I've lived with the smell of Mr.

Faber for eight long years.

And it is a smell.

Yes, I'm very interested.

Off the glass there, mister, keep yourself in line.

You don't tell me your troubles, I will tell you mine.

Even when you cry.

Tommy, what is it?

I'm sorry, Harris, but I have to step off for a minute.

Trouble?

Tommy, I'm offering help.

I didn't ask.

Perhaps that's why I'm offering.

Money?

Yeah, money.

$32 ,000.

I need it badly.

And I need it now.

Unless a miracle happens.

$32 ,000.

This club is worth money, but not that kind of money. Not $32 ,000.

Sorry. It's all right, Harris.

Thanks anyway.

Tommy, look, Luther, I want to see Faber. Where can I see him? He would

see you, too.

Look, Mr. Faber, I... You owe Luther here

$32 ,000, Mr. Cusack.

Luther. That's right, Tommy.

I'm responsible for it. To Mr. Faber.

If you don't pay, I have to.

So you will pay.

Well, look, Mr. Faber. I can pay you back. I can earn it over a period of

Stop wriggling, Mr. Cusack.

You're on a hook.

There's only one way off.

That is to cooperate with me.

Relax, Sergeant Brown. I don't want your newspaper.

The absolute latest in cookbooks.

After the last fiasco, you'd think you'd give up.

Well, perhaps beef wrapped in puff pastry was a little much.

But this time I think I had him. Want to bet?

On buffet la cabana? Yes.

Sergeant Brown.

Right, Chief.

We'll stand by.

Take it off the fire. It'll be a long time before we eat tonight.

Why?

Chief's on his way to Tommy Cusack's.

Faber has made his move.

Burners are worrier.

I gamble, she worries.

I owe a man a few dollars, that's all.

What man?

A friend. The man who lent me the money.

Mr. Faber doesn't have friends.

Mr. Faber has possessions.

Are you a possession, Tommy?

What favor are you going to do for the man?

I'm going to blow up Alcatraz.

I ask because Mr. Faber doesn't deal with small favors.

Now, you owe him a lot of money.

How much?

32 ,000 dollars. Then it's a big favor.

It's nothing illegal.

If you think you can lie to me, you're foolish.

If you think you can lie to yourself, you're stupid.

And if I become an informer?

What then?

We could nail Mr. Faber, if everything went right.

In the eight years we've been after him, we've never been able to charge him

with anything that would stick.

Then why put it all on my head? Because you're the tie.

You make the connection between Zahn and Faber.

That's right. I'm in the middle and my wife's right next to me.

You can't ask me to inform on him.

You can't. I am asking, but informing won't be enough.

The only way to establish Faber's involvement is to have you go through

whatever he's asked you to do.

Then we'll be able to catch him and his men in the act, and then you will have

to testify in court, in open court, publicly.

guarantees faber is powerful oh that's beautiful that's lovely short of putting

you in solitary confinement there's no perfect armor then how can you ask me

because you could easily become the next luther zahn he started as a salesman

got into debt ran a few errands then ran outside the law and mr faber had the

proof cautious man mr faber he gets all the gravy but none of the risks He put

Luther in a vice and he squeezed and he squeezed until he had a handful of

putty.

He chooses his people well, Tommy.

Tell me, did he choose you well?

In this area, one of these banks.

One week from tonight, Tommy Cusack will be taken to one of those banks and

deposit money to his own account at precisely ten minutes past eleven.

And for that, he's going to be forgiven a debt of $30 ,000.

So, Mr. Faber said.

Between them, those three banks have 14 regular night depositors, four

restaurants, a laundromat, a bowling alley. That one runs about $7 ,000.

Six neighborhood bars, all small, and two third -run movies.

$7 ,000 is the largest average deposit.

Scarcely worth Mr.

Faber's interest.

Now, we're thinking backwards.

Ignore the bank, the destination.

Where is large money generated?

Big hotels, department stores, jewelers.

Sporting events.

Ball games.

Candlestick Park at night when there's a doubleheader. Next week, we play the

Dodgers. Marichal pitching. That'll be about 50 ,000 fans out. How much money?

A doubleheader, including concessions.

In the very plush neighborhood of a quarter of a million dollars.

Now, that area would be Bay Citizens.

Let's see, they'd have the money counted at the park by, say, 10 .30, and the

deposit would hit the bank at 11 or 11 .10. I'll check on it.

Oh, that's Tommy.

That's Tommy Boy.

Hello, Tommy.

There he goes.

Wonderful thing. You're in good spirits, Tommy Boy.

I can't say that I blame you.

All that money for so small a favor.

Yeah, well, I'd feel a lot better if I didn't have to see your face until I do

that favor.

I'll see you next week. No.

Mr. Pavey's apologies, but he lied to you on one small point.

It doesn't happen next week.

It happens tonight.

What ticked off the chief was that Faber gave you no unnecessary information.

So why should he give you a date unless it was a false date?

Faber said, next week, so we covered you tonight.

Is this Cusack?

Yes. Tommy, this is Paul Corey, assistant district attorney.

I understand you refused to make a statement, Cusack. I'm waiting for Chief

Farnsley. Well, if you want to be uncooperative, I can be just as tough as

necessary. No,

no, no, I don't want him awaiting me.

But I want that secretary told first thing in the morning. And not until.

Tommy.

Is he being held?

Yes, at the moment, and I... Never mind the details.

I'll put up his bail.

That's right, Tommy.

I want you out.

Free in the big world.

Back with your wife.

Yes, indeed I do.

And I'm telling you, this is our chance to put him away for good.

I don't get it, Eve. How can you hold them?

Sitting outside of a bank wearing a Halloween mask isn't any crime, now is

Conspiring to rob a bank is. The charge will be conspiracy.

Well, that won't be much of a rap if you make it stick.

What do you think he'll draw? A year? A year would be enough to prove to some

people that favor isn't invincible.

that he can and will be punished, then maybe other citizens will start

remembering things.

Maybe?

In a year, any man's organization can crumble.

No, Mark, I think the chief's right this time.

We have him this time.

How?

Faber wasn't even in the car?

Of course not. That's why we need Tommy Cusack. He can testify that Faber

engineered the job.

Okay, I dig.

But does Faber, does he know what Tommy can do to him?

That's what all that talk in there is about, protecting Tommy Cusack.

I don't envy him. We want him to talk, Faber doesn't.

Either way, Tommy's in a squeeze.

The fact remains that you were involved in an attempt to commit armed robbery.

You have no choice, Cusack, but to cooperate with us.

Oh, shut up. What? It means be quiet, sir.

All right.

I'm going to charge you with an accessory before the fact involved in

conspiracy. Mr. Corey, you'll do nothing of the sort.

If you want to walk out, go ahead.

Walk free.

Take him on upstairs, Ed.

Give him some chili.

Nothing's too good for our guest.

Yes, sir.

What right have you to dismiss a material witness?

What right have you to persecute him, Counselor? That man should be booked and

placed in custody for his own good.

What kind of reward is that for helping the police?

Let me remind you.

I gave my word to Tommy Cusack that he had a choice.

That his helping us would be purely voluntary, and I intend to keep my word,

Counselor. You can't talk to me like that.

I just have.

That's good chili.

Only food fit for man.

Contains all the proper vitamins and minerals.

Did you stick your neck out for me down there just now?

You better believe he did.

Well, what now, Chief?

You did your part. I have no claim on you.

If you don't testify, we have no case against Faber.

For truth?

For truth.

And what if I do testify?

Sergeant Brown will be with you 24 hours a day. He'll be under constant

surveillance, regular checks, flying squad waiting if there's any trouble.

That's just what I always wanted.

A flying squad of my very own.

Harris. Who's he and what's he doing?

Tommy, I didn't know when you'd be out.

I was only in for the night, but I'm back now.

And you're already using somebody else's material, not to mention somebody else.

Does he sing?

Not much. Plays the guitar.

Well, that should please the customers.

Tommy, you're a headliner. He's a nobody. But Mr. Faber doesn't like you.

And what about you, Harris?

Do you like me?

I'm cautious.

I run a club. I can't look for trouble.

What kind of trouble?

I don't know, but I'll tell you this. I don't intend to find out. Mr. Faber is a

very bad enemy.

I can't take chances.

So I'm out.

Finished. Until it clears up, yes.

But Tommy Verner can still work here. There's nothing against her.

Oh, thanks.

Oh, Tommy, I know lots of club owners all over the country.

I can arrange something perhaps in Denver or Cleveland.

Forget it.

Let me work that clip joint by myself.

Never. Oh, come on now, Miss Heroic.

Aris was always honest with you. That's not good enough. We're a team, love,

remember?

Besides, I can't even sing on key without you, and I'm not about to try.

You know, I like the way you talk. I think I'll keep you around for a while.

What's your wildest wish?

An enormous hug.

Stop peaking and come on. I've got to see a man about a job.

No, that's great. Not even here.

No, that's just a place for you, Tommy.

Ah, good evening, gentlemen.

Welcome, Tommy.

That one's on the house.

Oh, that's very big of you, Harris.

That is also the one for the road, Tommy.

What's the matter, Harris? You're afraid someone's going to come in here and

shoot me?

Maybe break the classes or something?

I like it here.

Friends.

Fun.

Between the day you're born...

You're lucky if they hear you.

Even when you cry.

Even when you cry.

Are you hungry, little fella? Are you lonely?

Are you cold?

You're a smart little fella for two years old.

Hold your tongue there, boy, now that you know how to...

Watch your step there, boy, now that you know how to walk.

Between the day you're born and the day you die,

you're lucky if they hear you,

even when you cry, even when you cry.

Keep yourself in line.

You don't tell me your troubles, I will tell you mine.

Step aside there, Grandpa, you're holding business up. Find yourself

street to shake your rolls in the cup. Between the day...

Even when you cry.

You're lucky if they hear you.

All right.

You should see the other guy.

Mark Arm.

A few.

Didn't recognize him.

Faber's out -of -town imports, probably.

You know Mr. Faber very efficient.

He's scared.

He's scared? No, I mean muscle.

He never uses muscle. He's in trouble. He knows it.

Tommy, will you stay put here?

I'm not going to go out looking for a fight.

Lock the door and wait. I'll be back in half an hour. I've got a run to make on

those hoods. Go ahead.

Tommy, I can be packed and ready to go in five minutes. Go where?

Anywhere. I don't care.

You stay right here. I'm not going to stay here alone. Now, Berna, listen to

As long as we're together, you're in danger, too. You know that?

I'm the one that has to go.

I'll go down to Los Angeles. I can get a job down there, and I'll send for you.

It won't be long.

Maybe they'll get a conviction anyway.

Please.

I love you.

And I couldn't take it if anything should happen to you because of me.

But, Tommy, what about you? I'll be careful.

Are you sure we're doing the right thing?

Oh, honey, I'm sure of nothing.

But I know I can't stay here and wait.

Vernon, I'm sorry for all this.

Vern, it's me.

Where's my wife?

I've had this for 22 years.

Faber's got her. And where were you? What good are you?

I just want to let you know that I'm off the leash. I don't testify now or ever.

I just wish for one minute that you could stand up and

fight.

I can fight.

You stand up, Crawler.

You stand up instead of running.

Instead of hiding, stand up in court.

Do that little thing.

To please the law.

What about Verna?

You willing to fight for her? Good.

It's a major improvement.

Verna's downstairs. She's safe.

Faber didn't pick her up. I did.

Now, wait a minute, Tommy.

I want you to have one more meeting with Mr. Faber.

I had him brought in, but I can't hold him long, not without you.

Tell me I want you to take a good look at Faber.

A good look. I want you to listen to him. Really listen.

Then you're on your own.

Chief Ironside, Mr. Cusack, I owe you an apology.

Why?

Because your goons didn't finish the job?

Because some fool thought I'd want you harmed.

The fool in question is already very sorry.

I'm a reasonably intelligent man.

I'll bid my case in court, not in some alley. Not this time, Faber.

This time you'll lose.

If Mr. Cusack chooses to testify, will you go, Tommy?

Why?

You'll get nothing for it.

You've already had difficulties.

Now, if you chose not to testify, I would be grateful.

Doors would open wide for you.

You've got more brass than the whole Pentagon. You're offering him a bribe

in front of me.

Prove it.

I pay for the best legal talent in this country.

And I get it.

Tommy, I won't go to jail.

So don't throw your career and marriage away in a useless attack on me.

You're very cool and you're very frightened.

Of you?

The famous Ironside?

Look at him, Tommy.

There's your reward for years of dedication to the law.

A cripple.

Only on the outside, Faber.

Not on the inside where it's ugly.

I won't trade insults with you. Not just yet.

Let me go. Look at him, Tommy.

Look at him carefully.

He's rich and powerful and rotten.

He's corrupt and he's a corrupter.

Now look at him.

He's the best argument I can show you for putting him in jail.

That's talk.

I offer reality.

Tommy, pawn shops are full of medals.

Hung up to dry.

I said it to you once.

The door is open.

You're free to leave.

Tommy, it's up to you.

Whatever you do is right for both of us.

Mr. Corey, I'm ready to testify.

Thank you.

Ironside. Chief, this is Ed.

I know.

You were going to tell me that a fine young American has paid you a surprise

visit.

Well, thank you, Sergeant Brown.

And a good, good night to you.

I thought your fancy cooking phase ended six months ago. What made you decide to

start again?

I found a wonderful recipe.

And I'm not telling you a thing about it.

Eve, you promised.

This time, I guarantee the result.

No, thanks.

I'm in too good a mood to have it spoiled.

Good mood is an understatement.

You look like you just swallowed a canary.

Not a canary, a vulture.

We just came from the commissioner's office.

In approximately two hours and 35 minutes, the doors at San Quentin will

by Mr.

Faber. I'd like to be there to see that.

And, since the story of the denial of his final appeal hit the newsstand, the

DA's received 23 phone calls from citizens who want to come forward with

information.

Well, this calls for a celebration.

Meatballs. No, Eve.

Meatballs and chili. Lots and lots of good hot chili.

Just this one time.