Original subtitles

Good evening.

I am organizing a key club.

It seems to be the thing to do.

For the uninitiated, a key club is one which members can enter only if they

possess a key.

These clubs are terribly exclusive since membership is limited to men.

My club is completely different. It is for women.

Inside the club is everything a woman could want, including me.

You see, I am the club's only bunny.

But enough of my troubles.

This evening's story has little to do with keys or clubs.

It is about gambling and is called a piece of the action.

However, before we proceed with that part of our show, we bring you this paid

announcement.

Smiley? Hold.

You?

It opens for two.

Bump it, too.

Ed?

Are you in, Ed?

You know, you're the kind of guy I love.

A dealer sits cozy for two races and then sandbags.

I go on.

Call an eight.

Pass.

Cut.

One.

One. Give me three.

Taylor takes two.

I liked it more.

I was wondering why he won the last four hands he dealt.

Cash me in.

You okayed this, Chisler? Sure, the same way I okayed you on the credit rating.

That was stupid of you, Allie.

And clumsy.

Now you're gonna deal from the bottom of the deck.

Do it like this.

18 ,000.

I'll go either, Duke. You'll go with all of us.

What are you going to do?

Duke, it's the first time, I swear.

I'll pay off.

Duke, tell him. You know me.

I do now.

Where do you think you're going?

The office.

Duke, talk to them! Talk to them!

Why don't you let them go, Ed?

Yeah, I heard that before.

Let them go, Ed.

I'm not that charitable. I lost all the other times.

Yeah, but this time you tried to win.

The hard way.

Please, Duke.

I'm sorry, Allie. There's nothing I can do about it.

You dealt the hand.

Play it.

Morning,

Daddy. I've been waiting two days to hear you say that, boss.

60 hours, never left the hotel room.

How's the track?

Clean and fast.

Keep away from the rail.

Now you tell me.

You call the house?

Yeah. What did my wife say?

That's it.

She didn't say nothing.

Just hung up.

Maybe you ought to stop off someplace and buy a little something, eh, Duke?

Later. The office first.

Good morning, Miss Kelly.

Do you want coffee, a pill, or the mail?

Anything important?

A letter from your brother Chuck and wires from two businessmen asking for

consultation. You know what I mean.

Did you check their credit rating?

They're both A1.

Why don't those guys go to Vegas and lose their money like the common people?

Some businessmen can't afford public vices. It makes their stockholders

I got something here that's going to make you nervous.

Looks like John B. Marsden, the investment counselor, may be needing a

counselor. Rumor has it that Mrs. Marsden, formerly socialite Alice

packing for Reno.

When were you home last?

Friday. It is now Monday morning.

Yeah. I'm surprised all she wanted to do was see a lawyer.

I'd have been at the missing persons bureau.

You don't quit on a winning streak.

You're always on a winning streak.

She's waited a long time, Duke. What is it, four years?

Friday will be our fifth anniversary.

Don't worry, I'll square it.

With what?

A full -length mink?

She's had full -length mink ever since she was born.

And what do I do if some reporter calls about that item?

Deny it.

I want to make a phone call, then bring your book in.

Kimo, this is Mr. Marsden. Is Mrs. Marsden home?

Oh, yes, sir, Mr. Marsden.

Tell her I'd like to speak to her.

Mrs. Marsden say not to speak anybody today.

Well, where is she?

She's taking some bus down by pool.

Oh, Kimo, if she should ask.

Tell her I'm stopping off at the club for a shave and a steam, then I'm coming

home. Thank you.

It's his household.

Oh.

Is she still there? Did she go to Anchorage, Alaska?

No, she's sunbathing.

I want to send a wire of congratulations to Chuck on his prospects.

No money order? No. I sent one last month when he graduated.

How much does it go in the book?

Ten thousand.

Well, he's just out of law school. If he's going to practice law, I'm going to

look like a successful lawyer.

Need a little money.

You've been saying that ever since I can remember.

Chuck needs a little money.

Who should I give it to if not my kid brother?

Don't look now, but that kid is 24 years old.

What do you want him to do?

Get a pick and shovel job?

It's been done.

He graduated with honors. He's going to be a crackerjack lawyer.

He swore he'd work hard and he did. Now, what do you want from him? Blood?

You're worried, aren't you, Duke?

About what?

Well, someday he could find out that you're a professional gambler.

He's never heard of Duke Marsden, and he never will.

Just send the wire.

Well, you're the boss, but if I had a brother... Be glad you had a father.

Hiya, Dutchess.

I've asked not to call me that.

Every duke needs one.

I hadn't noticed.

Don't.

The Marsden charm doesn't work anymore.

Ah, you've been reading those ridiculous newspaper rumors.

About our getting a divorce.

I'm perfectly serious, Duke.

Perfect, yeah.

Serious?

Can you get out of the fishbowl and talk to me?

All right, baby, I know you're a poker widow. I haven't been home in three

but what's the hurry with the lawyer bit?

What are you, a seal?

Do I have to jump in this bathtub to make you listen?

Okay.

I know.

But you wouldn't listen. I had to gamble that you wouldn't let me drown.

Because that's what I would do without you.

Oh, Duke.

How long?

How long was it?

Do I wait for you to keep your promise and quit?

You knew what I was.

You married me.

Sure.

I was still a starry -eyed debutante.

You are exciting.

I can't live alone.

I'm afraid.

Afraid of what?

How easy it gets to mix too many martinis when you don't come home.

There are other lonely women who know a place, a quiet out -of -the -way bar

where a lot of nice men stop for a drink.

Oh, Duke, don't make me jump into a pool I can't swim in.

You mean that?

You'll quit?

I just did.

Then take me away someplace.

Name it.

Hawaii. Hawaii.

When? How about Friday?

That's our anniversary.

Wait until Friday the 13th.

It'll be the luckiest day of our lives.

Be here, Duke.

I'll be here.

I'll be here.

I'll be here.

with Ali Saxon.

Never heard of him.

What'd you pay for the suit?

This? A couple hundred.

Why?

I paid 300 for this sack.

How come it don't look a hundred bucks better on me than it does on you?

Well, maybe we have different tailors.

Say what you mean. It ain't a tailor.

I get the best.

Shark skin.

Italian silk. It don't matter.

I still look like I come from the dock.

Ain't no something, Marsden?

I come from the dark.

You don't like me, do you, Ed?

How come I never get lucky like you do?

You know something, Crutcher? You take losing too personally. It eats you like

an ulcer.

That's not good for a gambler.

Well, what time are we playing tomorrow?

We're not.

That's what I came to talk to you about.

I'm quitting.

You just took me for 30 Gs.

That's poker, Ed.

I'm paid to learn.

Friday is my anniversary. My wife and I are going to Hawaii.

On my dough.

It's a moment.

It's mine.

Ready for dessert, Mr. Crutcher? I want

a

chance to get even, Duke. You'll never get even, Ed.

You're a pigeon.

You know how much a plaster cast can itch, especially in warm...

climbing like a boy.

I haven't been scared since I was in a haunted house at Coney Island. I was

years old at the time.

Name your game.

Anytime, anyplace, tomorrow afternoon, I'll take every nickel you bring with

you. Remember, I'm quitting.

This is your last chance at me.

You'll shoot craps. The bell you drew in my house at one o 'clock.

I'll see you then, pigeon.

Looking for a tent.

See who that is, Smiley.

Maybe it's your old lady.

She's at the beauty parlor.

How long can that take?

You ever see my wife? She'll be there midnight.

Nah, it's Nader, Frankie Portugal.

Hey, Frankie.

Hi.

You guys seen this?

They found Allie Jackson.

Shot.

Sell Frankie some chips, Smiley.

Where'd they find him?

In front of the rescue mission.

And what was Allie doing in front of the rescue mission?

Maybe he was waiting to be saved.

Shoot, your point's ten.

Scotch. Water.

He's got in from the east.

A lot of rain back there.

No, no, not in Florida.

I was on sort of a vacation.

Must have been nice.

I got lucky.

Dames, huh? No, cards.

Well, that's life. I never even learned to play checkers.

A fellow in Florida told me that if I wanted to get in on some West Coast

action, this was the place to look for.

Look, Mac, all I know about Florida is they ship grapefruits.

You're careful, aren't you? I like that. Oh, I do, really.

What are the chances of my getting in on a game?

Slim and none.

I've got a bundle that says that I can beat anybody in town.

Uh -uh.

You might lose.

It'd be my hard luck.

No, it'd be mine.

Then you wouldn't like me anymore.

Hardly anybody does.

So let's quit while we still like each other.

Okay, friend.

It's your deal.

But... I'm staying at the Hotel Windsor.

Room 312.

Marston. Hello, Mr. White.

Come with me.

Well, then, can I have a drink first?

Why didn't you tell us? Oh, I just thought I'd slip in quietly and try to

your wife. Oh, fat chance, fat chance. Let's see what they turn out at your law

school. All right?

Yeah, that's good enough for the Supreme Court.

Well, I'll let you and the Chief Justice get reacquainted while I brief Kimo on

dinner. Oh, ask Danny to bring out a couple of drinks, will you please?

What would you like?

Whiskey sour?

Fine.

Did you fly out?

Let's talk about the law business.

Oh. What about that firm in Boston you wrote about?

Oh, yeah.

Leland, Ward, and Merrick. Yeah, that's the one.

Yeah. I contacted them after graduation.

You offered me a job.

That's what I was hoping for.

Listen, Jack, I'm... I'm really grateful about the $10 ,000 you sent me.

Ah, forget it.

When did you start?

Uh... I haven't made up my mind yet.

Why not?

Well, see, I met Leland through his daughter, Jack.

She's a fabulous girl.

Fabulous? She's like Alice, you know what I mean?

Yeah, I'm trying.

Well, she's used to things like this.

Jack, a law clerk job sounds like the beginning of a long, long road.

Yeah.

What are you trying to tell me?

That she's interested in you only if you've got money?

I didn't say that. It sounds like it.

Look, Chuck, you've got an education that's worth more than money.

I thought you'd find out exactly what this girl is thinking before I made any

definite plans.

Look, Jack, I owe you a lot, but I can make my own decisions.

You can what? I said I can... Wait here.

What is it, Denny? Could you come inside for a second?

I can't wait.

Something important come up. Let's go.

I'll be right out.

What is it, Danny? You're interrupting a family reunion.

That guy you're talking to coming to Pete's.

Couldn't have. He's my brother.

Yeah? He said he was from Florida looking for a game.

He's got a bundle.

You're sure?

I'm sure.

Your local stations have been clamoring for a piece of the action, so we are

rewarding them with the following segment to identify themselves.

This should be enough time, unless some of them have extraordinarily long call

letters.

Jack, I'm sorry I snapped at you like that. So am I. But I'm not a kid

I've got to live my own life. You put her right on the line, don't you?

Yes. Just like you did with the money I sent you.

It's a nice tan you've got. Did you get it in Boston or Florida?

You've been having me followed? No.

You sent me $10 ,000, Jack. I didn't know there were any strings attached.

Keep your voice down. All right, all right. I took the money, and I went to

Florida.

And I sat in on a game, a big game. They're all big games, right from the

little one. And I made a big score, Jack, 50 grand.

And they're all big scores, right from the first easy buck. Don't lecture me.

I'm not lecturing. Everybody gambles, Jack. Your business, investments.

It's legal, it's slow, respectable, but it's gambling and you know it. Who's

talking about my business? Oh, Jack, Jack, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but we're

different, that's all. We always were.

You're like Mom, a worrier.

I'm more like the old man.

What do you know about the old man? You were seven years old when he died.

I know he knew how to live. And he killed everything around him, including

She's the one who kept us alive.

I should have known better than to come here.

You listen to me, punk.

Maybe you were too young to know or too dumb.

The way we used to get thrown out of one cheap dump after the other? You sang

that to me in high school. I never went to high school. I had a shoeshine box

when I was ten.

Because the old man threw all of his dough away gambling. But you don't

that. You only remember the few times he won. The trips to Coney Island, the

cotton candy, the Ferris wheel.

I like Coney Island, Jack. Do me.

You better get out of here.

Before I do something we'll both be sorry for.

You know, you're just forgetting one little thing.

The old man was a born loser, but I'm not.

Then quit while you're ahead.

All gamblers die broke. My apologies to Alice for the dinner.

Can a lady get a drink here, unescorted? A lady can get

anything she wants here.

If she's unescorted.

Fred.

Where's Chuck?

Changing for dinner?

He had to leave.

He said he... What happened, John?

We had a little row, that's all.

About what?

Did he find out about you?

No, he didn't find out about me. It's an old family thing.

I'm family.

Name's Marsden.

I like it that way.

What was it, darling?

About his plans, that's all. Do you mind if we don't talk about it?

All right.

Hiya, Duchess.

Mr. Friday.

To Hawaii.

To us.

Am I going to keep you busy tomorrow, mister?

You're going to make like a husband.

Well?

Mm -hmm.

We've got shopping.

Last -minute things.

I have to go to town for a while.

Not the office.

I have to close that, too, don't I? Get the plane tickets.

Square things with Chuck.

Oh?

What's our flight time, Friday?

One o 'clock.

Then we'll have to leave for the airport by noon.

I can hardly wait.

There you are.

Until noon Friday.

I'll be here.

How are you, Al?

Your secretary said ten minutes. It's been twenty.

Yeah.

Game still on for tonight?

Yeah.

Ed.

I know it's July, but I'm going to give you a Christmas present.

Like what?

Well, there's a young kid in from Florida looking for a game.

I want him cleaned.

What's in it?

About 50 ,000.

How come you're so good to me, Duke?

Well, you're the heavy loser. I thought I'd throw it your way.

Why don't you give him the bath yourself?

I'll be busy packing.

What's your piece of the accident?

Nothing. I'll probably be gone before the game's over.

Yeah.

Gone.

You know, this fish is beginning to have a little odor, Duke.

This fish is so fresh, it's pathetic.

How do I get in touch with this guy?

Windsor Hotel, room 312, but Pete will steer you to him.

We're set up at the Colonial Arms, 10 o 'clock.

Keep the change, Al.

It's on me, Ed.

Are you catching a train, darling?

Hmm? Watch.

Keep looking at it.

Oh.

Man's loose.

What time is it?

Almost ten.

Should we have our coffee inside?

No.

Or out here at the bottom of the pool?

Fine.

Oh, honey.

I might as well be in China.

Sorry, baby.

I'm back now.

I'll get the coffee. No, don't go.

This is a new and funny feeling.

What?

Asking me to stay.

This is the hour you were always anxious to leave me.

Nobody's ever going to leave anybody again.

Everybody stays just like this.

Where they belong.

Straight to the king.

That does it.

Come in, kid. My name's Ed.

Okay, here. Grab it. That's the hot seat.

It will be.

What are they playing this year in Florida?

This isn't Florida.

We play dealer's choice.

For money, $20 ,000 per spy.

White's $100, red's $5, and blue's $1 ,000.

Ed Crutcher.

Wait a minute.

I told you not to call my home, especially not in the middle of the

Well, it's the middle of the night here, too.

And you better get over here in a hurry, and I'm not kidding.

I told you I'm quitting.

I don't care about you.

It's that fish you sent us, dookie boy.

It's beginning to stink.

He's taken us 60 grand in four hours.

You don't know how to pluck a chicken when it's handed to you.

No, but I know how to stuff one.

And your Christmas present may just end up at the rescue mission.

for the side of the house.

Look, I thought I came here to play cards.

Play solitaire.

I might try quitting.

That I wouldn't try.

What are we waiting for? Let's play cards. Waiting for fresh blood.

Who? The guy who steered you here.

Duke.

I told you, I don't know anybody named Duke.

He's the one who phoned me.

Little boy blue, he don't know anything.

I know a guy like that one.

Innocent.

Diamonds up to here.

Fifteen minutes is pretty quick.

Ed?

Chuck?

Well, what is this?

Big brother watching over me?

I thought you didn't know him.

Like he said, and his brother.

Well, you forgot to mention that.

Duke.

Duke?

You?

You heard the man.

A fish from Florida, he said.

Is that what you told him?

Duke. Are you being funny?

Oh, I'm just waiting for the lecture.

Give me a stick.

There's no lecture on the evils of gambling, big brother. No lecture.

Just a lesson.

My big square successful brother.

You're a bigger phony than the old man ever was.

You gonna talk or play?

With you, I wouldn't miss it.

I smell a frame.

If this was a frame, I wouldn't be here. This is between him and me.

Yeah? On our money.

I'll get it back for you.

Couldn't take it away from me with a gun.

Oh?

I could.

You playing or not?

You gonna trust him?

I trust everybody.

Especially brother.

Ed.

Play or get out.

Well, I'll be watching you.

All you see is what you pay to see when you call.

Andy.

Jacks are better.

Investment.

You were my investment.

Check to the possible flush.

Five blues.

Five.

And... Five again.

Three shy.

Cash.

I haven't got any more on me.

Well, I owe you ten grand.

Remember?

You better save those.

Don't seem to need them anymore.

Duke.

Oh.

Ace wire.

Hold it.

How do you know he ain't got the flush?

Because he didn't raise.

We'll see.

Don't ever do that again, Ed.

I just wanted to make sure you weren't folding the flush to him.

Nobody sees my cards unless they pay for them.

No wonder you're giving lessons tonight.

How'd you like a rap in the mouth? Oh, Big Brother wouldn't let you do that.

Come on, knock it off.

He needs some food and a couple of fresh decks of cards. He's getting soggy from

handling. No room service between midnight and seven.

Danny's waiting in my car at the desk and sent someone out to tell him.

Get the cards at the all -night drugstore and the food at Tiny's.

I'm going to take a shower.

Why shower? You're still taking a bath.

Now, Desk, there's a chauffeur waiting outside in a car. Would you ask him to

come into the phone, please?

Mr. Martin's office.

Oh, no, Mrs. Martin.

No, I just got in myself. It's just nine o 'clock.

Will you have him call me if he does?

Or Danny, if you hear from him.

Two and three more.

You're slowing down.

Bet the Kings.

I check.

Check.

Five grand.

Try that again.

You're five.

And up you.

Ten.

Why'd I call you?

Three nines.

I knew you improved.

And I knew you knew.

But you just didn't know how much.

That hurt, didn't it?

Just shut up and deal.

Oh, getting emotional.

That means scared.

Do you mind if the rest of us play?

No.

Low ball.

You know I hate the game.

Ed, you're not dealing.

That's right.

I come out betting $5 ,000.

Ready to let Pat have it.

I have to get rid of the amateurs.

Good idea.

It's a ten.

I'll raise it.

Twenty.

Twenty thousand dollars to call.

I've only got 18.

Save it.

I'll take it from your next hand.

You're bluffing. I can read you.

I call 18.

Too shy.

Ed, I'll make you a side bet.

Just in case his dumb luck comes back.

Looks like you came in third, little brother.

Do I know the stack?

I've got plenty.

I'm broken, you know it.

You wouldn't listen.

You thought I was all cotton candy in Coney Island.

Open the door, Smiley.

You can keep the money. Split it any way you like.

You're a big man, Duke. Why?

It was a great act.

I've been waiting a long time for the finish.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I didn't.

I just said it was great.

Eight of diamonds.

Jack of spades.

The mark of death.

I sent you a pigeon. You couldn't take him.

I had to cure him in a hurry.

Didn't cost you anything.

Not this time.

There were a couple of other pitches that didn't pay off for us like this

Yeah.

I'm thinking about that.

Maybe it's because of your brother.

You're making this generous gesture. You sent your driver for the cards the

night we played at the Grosvenor.

Yeah.

And you win big that night, Duke.

And those other nights.

All those other nights.

All those games were on the level.

Were they?

Look, Ed, I don't care what you think.

And I'm not Ali Saxon. You're not leading me out of here like a lamb.

So get out of my way. I got a plane to catch.

Go ahead.

See what you catch.

You ring for me?

Oh, yes, Kimo. Bring my car around to the front and put my luggage in the

Just mine.

Mr. Marsden car, just come up, drive.

Do as I say, please.

Hello, Mrs. Marsden.

Goodbye.

You said noon. It's just noon.

Whatever the time is, it's too late.

I'm sorry, baby. I couldn't help it.

We're always sorry.

You know, I think that's what I'm the most tired of.

A world full of sorry people.

I'm leaving without you, Duke.

What is it, darling?

What happened?

We must have... Shut up, Danny.

I had a little accident.

With a gun.

Call a doctor quickly, Danny. Get help.

It'll be all right, darling.

I know you will.

That's... only a tender one.

Huh?

Never

said

a word.

Just get him home by noon.

In tonight's play, everyone learned a lesson.

Ed and the boys learned that one shouldn't go about shooting people.

The police took a hand in teaching them that.

Chuck learned that you shouldn't gamble.

Duke learned you shouldn't cheat at cards.

And Alice learned that you shouldn't marry an investment counselor.

There is also sad news about my new key club.

It has become even more exclusive than we planned.

The sheriff is now our only member.

We've been padlocked.

I shall be back next week with another drama, scenes of which will appear in

just a moment.