Original subtitles

[drum roll]

[upbeat music]

[main music theme]

[knocking]

[crowd cheering] [boxing bell rings]

[punching]

One!

-Your right! Hit him with your right! -Two! Three!

-Don't you think he should get up first? -Will you just shut up!

-Hit him with your right! -Seven! Eight!

[boxing bell] Quick, let's scoop him up.

[crowd booing] Come on.

Right, come on. You got him now.

Got what? You got a coma? Why don't you throw in the towel?

Why don't you just stick to count? Come on.

All right. Now how many time I got to tell you?

You do the boxing, and we'll do the brainwork.

[thud]

[vendor:] Get your beer! Get your beer right here, ice cold beer!

-You want to get the stool? -Huh?

The stool!

All right. There you go.

-Get the water. -Huh?

Get the water, water, water, water!

Now you listen to me good. What do you think that right hand is for, looks?

You hit him with it! Now he got to you in that round.

But you got this fight won!

How do you figure that? That was the first round.

You ought to just shut up and give him the water.

Here you go, Lefty. Drink some water. Just...

It's empty.

I forgot to fill it. Want me to get him a Coke?

-Forget it. -The guy is right here, I got change.

-Coke! -Forget it!

[boxing bell] Get in, Lefty!

[crowd cheering]

[punching]

Come on, Lefty, hit him! Hit him!

Hit him with your right!

Come on, Lefty!

Lefty, your right!

[loud thud]

One!

Two! Three!

Four!

[boxing bell]

Five, you're out!

[crowd booing]

Oh! Rats!

Bonehead!

Can't you keep Lefty in his trousers? Who told you to throw a right?

-I thought it might come as a surprise. -A surprise?!

This is a surprise!

[smack; ring bell]

Whoa! Whoa!

[cheerful music]

Hey, whoa!

Oh, yeah?

Hey, boss. This way!

[scuffle]

Feels like something hit my head.

[clanging]

Sorry.

Under here.

Do you think that... [clang]

[music slows down]

-Still got that headache? -What makes you ask?

-You look a little down. -Really?

I can't imagine why.

-Can I borrow a dollar? -All I got is that dime.

Then we'll just get another fight for Lefty

and use the first money for a room and someplace to eat.

Right, that's... wait a minute.

Didn't Lefty say he never wanted to see us again?

That's right. Now you see why I'm a little down?

I get it.

Will you let us out of here?

Looks like I'll never get enough money for that saloon.

Hey, I saw you guys out there tonight.

Telling Lefty what to do.

Boy, you stink. That was really stinky.

I've seen stink before.

Well, that was stink.

I'm thinking of all the years I've been here.

Haven't seen stink like that. I've seen them come and go.

But that was stink. When they talk about stink,

they're gonna think about this. Whoo-Hoo! That's stink.

You got an opinion on this, or you gonna stay in the middle of the road?

[chuckles]

[door squeaking]

Hey, boys!

That was the all times stink! Ha-ha-ha-ha!

You know, I've been thinking.

You know how you always say, it's not how good you are,

it's how good you wanna be? Well,

what if I come out of retirement and box, then you can manage me again.

Let me refresh your memory.

-How many fights did you have? -Twenty.

-How many did you lose? -Twenty.

-How many times you got knocked out? -Twenty.

-You know what that is? -It's a perfect record.

-It's a disaster. -Oh, wait a minute now.

I had a good right. I just never had a chance to use it.

We gotta come up with something, or we're gonna starve to death.

I still got the old boxing equipment.

Swell! We're gonna roast gloves and horse liniment.

The black cat, too. Looks like our day.

[ominous music]

Bored, bored, bored.

I'm bored!

Hey, it's getting late.

-Little Hand is on the sixth. -Waiting for Doyle.

That slob.

-Can I get out and look for crickets? -Hey, shut up! It's a cemetery.

Have some respect.

I'm still bored.

As soon as I'm done with Doyle, we're going to carnival.

May daddy used to take me to carnival when I was little.

So what?

[car door closing]

-What's the hurry, Doyle? -Look, Mike.

I don't like to take chances like this.

You wouldn't want me to mail you the money and take a chance, would you?

-Well, I still don't like it, Mike. -Why?

Businessmen like myself involved in the projects with the head

of the city building commission. So what's wrong?

Oh, nothing, nothing.

What did you want to see me about? What's up?

Old man Morgan.

We have every piece of property on that block except the ones Jim's on.

But you said that old man Morgan wouldn't sell that property

to you or anybody else.

I know. But I'm gonna get it. That convention hall's going up there.

On my property.

But how are you going to get Pop Morgan to sell you that property, Mike?

Believe it or not, Doyle, he's going to give it to me.

-That'll be the day. -Listen to me.

I want you to stall those guys in the Building Commission

-till I get the old man's property. -But...

Just a minute. I want time, Doyle. Time.

Right. Do I have a choice, Mike?

Not much.

Great. I'll do what you say.

[car door opening]

Let's go.

-We're going to carnival, so shut up. -Good!

[carnival music]

[crowd murmur]

Still hungry?

If I don't get something to eat soon, I'll eat my hat!

A chance to win two a pound box of chocolates. Come on, now. Who's next?

One dime, one tenth of a dollar. Let me guess your weight.

Come on, folks. Just one dime. One tenth of an American dollar.

Step right up this way. Three pounds off the guess, and you win.

All right. That ought to do it.

Now remember. When you win,

take the candy. At least we'll have something to eat. And look fat.

-Come on. -One dime, one tenth of a dollar.

Anyone can do it, including yourself.

One dime, one tenth of a dollar. Guess your weight.

Hey, fatso! Why don't you give it a try?

Want to... take a shot.

Step over here.

You want to hurry up. I gotta go and eat another pig.

You're a chubby little devil. You go about 210.

Step up there.

Well, was that wrong! Hey, folks, another one.

Well, um... we'll take a box of candy.

Candy? What do you want with a box of candy? We have

various prizes. Jack knives, make no mistake.

How about this cute little hand puppet. Hi, pal, what's cooking?

Ah, what would... um...

No, no, we'll...

-We'll take the candy. -What kind of a pal are you?

You mean you're gonna leave me for a box of candy?

Well, I... you see, we haven't eaten in a while and...

Well, OK. If that's the way you feel.

Well, you see, it isn't just me. I mean...

My partner and I... We're, ah...

-OK, I'll take the puppet. -A wise choice.

-Hey, folks, another happy winner! -Thank you.

-Hi! -Why didn't you take the candy?

What? Leave me there all alone?

-What's your name? -Dopey, for giving you our last dime!

Come one, come all! Beat the champ and win five dollars!

Own an autographed picture that says you beat the champ.

It glows in the dark. You see it up to three feet.

Just one round with him, and you win the prize.

Step a little closer, your body is sure to follow. Come right on in.

I got it. That's it! You're gonna go a round with the champ.

-Me beat the champ? -Who said anything about beating?

-You can run for three minutes. -Yeah, but I...

You said you wanted to come out of retirement, right?

Oh, yeah. But last time I was in the ring I got knocked into the third row.

Hey, you wouldn't want to see your old pal starve to death, would you?

-No. -Well, then, come on!

[ominous music]

[punching]

[thud]

All right, my friend, better luck next time. OK, who's next?

Hey, who'd like a piece of the champ?

Five big ones to the guy who goes three minutes.

[coughs] We'll take him.

-That is, he'll take him. -Huh?

Step right up, my friend.

I don't know. Did you see what happened to that guy?

-Just get in there. -Maybe we can trade in the puppet.

Go on, go on.

Say, you look like a new champ if ever I saw one. Keep moving.

Just slip these gloves on.

Don't take the coat off. I don't think you'll be here that long.

You know the rules.

Just stay one three minute round with the champ, and you win.

-Are you ready? -Ah, right.

-Let us pray. -Just keep moving.

Here he comes. Stay Away! Stay away.

[cheerful music]

All right now, stay away from him.

That's it, keep moving. Only two minutes left!

Good. Faster.

-This is boring. -Watch the fight.

Keep moving. Keep moving.

Faster. Stay with him!

[thud] OK, stay down. Stay down!

Stay down. I'll tell you when to get up.

I know it hurts. Stay down. Stay down.

Tell the champ to take a dive.

Mike wants the champ to take a dive. And then send the goon over.

Mike says to take a fall.

Swing! Swing!

[punch; thud]

[crowd cheering]

You knocked him out!

-I don't think this is gonna work. -You knocked him out!

-There's no time to be funny. -You knocked him out!

-I'm sorry. -A new champion!

[crowd cheering]

Well, you win the prize, Bud.

-Come on. -Ah...

-Mike would like to see you. -I'm sorry about that, I didn't...

-How'd you do that? -I don't know.

-What a fall. I've seen... -The guy's got a good right.

-OK, who's next? -Are you Mr. Mike?

That's right. I want you to meet Flower, and this is Polly.

-I hate the smell of fighters. -Thank you.

I want to tell you something. You've got a good right.

-Yeah. Well, we're just starting. -It was kind of a surprise punch.

It surprised me...

That's good. Why don't you come back to my place and eat?

Ah... well, I don't know.

Look at that big guy.

-I'll get the car. -Yeah, we can make it, sure.

Let's go.

Hey... the smell of fighters. Don't be rude. Come on.

That's one way to get a workout.

-The head's missing. -Makes the two of you.

[ring bell]

Here, come on in.

So this is it.

This is some place you got, Mr. Mike.

Yeah, that's nice of you to say that. We like it.

What business are you in?

You might say I'm in the business of putting things together.

-You mean glue? -In a way, yeah. Here, sit.

Sit. Right there. Right there.

[wall clock chimes]

-Your mother will be down in a minute. -Oh, yeah, that's good.

Does that crazy old coot have to eat with us again?!

-Shut up! -Oh!

Understand?

I'm gonna tell you something.

My mother's getting old. She means the world to me.

She's been kind of alone since my father died. You understand that?

-I'm real sorry to hear that. -How did he die?

It was a hunting accident. He was shot.

23 times.

Guns are so dangerous.

Yeah. Except they come in very handy when... you know how to use them.

Hi, Momma. I love you.

I want you to meet two new friends of mine. Shake and his friend Bags.

-Hello. -Hi.

They're in the fight game, Mama. Right, you guys?

-Right. -Oh, you gonna fix a fight?

Mama's always trying to fix something. You know what I mean?

It's a good think you're in the glue business.

Right.

[tapping]

Right. Let's eat.

[bell ringing]

Hey, ding-dong!

[barks]

You know, I was watching you today. You got some pretty good... eh!

You got some pretty good moves.

-How many fights you had? -Are you...

Yeah, I was a boxer. That's where I met Shake.

In the gym. He kind of took me under his wing.

Yeah. He had 20 fights. I managed him for all of them.

-How did they go? -Well...

He had a perfect record. And then he retired.

In the third row.

Well, that's good.

[spits a pit]

Can we go to the dance hall tonight?

Not tonight, Mama. Not tonight.

I wanted to ride the drummer.

Let me ask you something. How would you like to fight again?

I got a few connections, I could fix a few...

I could arrange for a few fights for you.

I'll make sure you get all the breaks.

-Of course, I'd pay. -That sounds like a good deal.

We'll take it!

Yeah.

Actually I've been looking for a couple of guys like you who are smart enough

to listen to a good advice

and take a chance. You know what I mean?

Well you sure came to the right guys.

[barking]

Let's eat. You wanna eat?

[barking continues]

-Dig in. How's your soup, honey. -It's cold!

[snarling]

-Eat. -We had it last night.

Shut up.

[snarling]

Go on, eat the soup.

Want to sit over here?

Nice mama, get on the paper.

Like this. Try it.

[snarling continues]

[dogs barking]

[club music]

[car door closing]

-Well, hi, Butcher. -How you doing?

How about a nice, quiet table? If you know what I mean.

Sure.

-Let me see that money again. -OK.

Could we make this the last time for a couple of blocks?

-Is it all still there? -Are you kidding? 50 bucks.

-50 bucks! -Shhhh!

Boy, that Mr. Mike must sure be in a box to toss around money like that.

What do you mean, toss it around?

He didn't get that money by tossing it around. He invests, like in us.

Then he must really... hey!

Listen, I was thinking. Since we're on our way up,

-why don't we treat ourselves tonight? -Good idea. Let's go over to Starlight.

Going dancing!

[drum roll]

Hey, everybody. Quiet down now.

I'd like to introduce you to the prettiest face in Boston,

the champion of the world,

Hans Butcher Miller!

[cheering]

[musical announcement]

[clapping]

Play something for the handsomest champ ever!

[band music]

-I'll handle the women situation. -Want me to handle the money?

-Hi, Dori. -Hi, Shake.

-Hey, nice crowd tonight. -Hi, Bags.

Say, get us a table right down next to the band, will you, Dori.

Can't do it, Shake. Burt says, paying customers only.

We ain't doing too much business lately, and the owner ain't too happy about it.

-Well, I can understand that. -Ooo-wee!

What is it? A quarter?

Where'd you get that roll?

You're looking at a real sharp businessman here, Dori.

We found a guy that's gonna make me the next champ.

That's right.

-A little something for your trouble. -Oooh...

Thanks! Judy will be right with you.

OK.

Hey, Flower, what are you doing here?

Uh, um... Mike's got an interest in this place. I'm just checking up on business.

Mr. Mike? Oh, he's got a lot of things going, doesn't he?

Yeah, he runs a lot of things.

Bye. See you.

-Nice guy. -Yeah.

[slow dance music]

Follow me, please.

Hm? Mhm!

Excuse me...

-Eh, nice crop tonight. -Huh?

Nice crop.

The bar.

Oh...

The one standing by the jar of pigs feet just gave me the eye.

Yeah.

Say, what do you make of this Mike guy?

What's to make? He's a guy who know how to handle money

and make a killing with it.

You got a point there.

Hey, Bags...

See those beauties over there?

This place is a regular grab bag.

Watch this. I'll have them eat out of my hand in a flash.

You wait here.

[upbeat music]

Excuse me, ladies.

Would you care to join me and my friend over here for a drink?

Eww! [giggles]

Oh, get away from me, you little

slimy, mole faced degenerate before I step on your creepy body splash it

with the rest of the slugs around this dump!

Oh, would you like to dance?

Oh!

[giggling]

Really nice talking to you.

Which one is mine?

[thud]

Well, are they going to dance with us or not?

Are you kidding? I wouldn't touch those pigs with a ten foot pole.

-Hey, you stained your coat. -I know...

Help me to get it off, will you?

-Ahh! -Ahh!

You burned me, you dummy!

Oh, I'll... I'll get you some butter.

[thud, crash]

-How about some ice? -Oh, forget the ice!

My face! My perfect face!

You balloon head!

What a shame, somebody robbed the Starlight last night and shot poor Burt.

I'm telling you, there's too much violence out there.

When they put you away, it'll be for a hundred years [laughs].

Shut up, lush. I said, shut up.

[car door opens]

[car door closes]

Boy, would you ever think there's this much money in the glue business?

[knocking]

[clanging]

[clanging]

-Yes? -We're supposed to see Mr. Mike.

Ah, yes. Come in.

[front door closing]

They are in the solarium. Though those doors.

What do you suppose he's looking for?

Oh, a house like this, people are always stealing things.

Probably looking for ashtrays.

[yells]

The Kaiser's done! The Kaiser's done! The Kaiser's done!!!

[door slams shut]

Mr. Mike ought to use some of that glue and fill the crack in her head.

Somebody cold cocked the Butcher 23 stitches.

-I'm sorry for that guy. -Would you mind?

Yeah, how you doing? Come in. Sit.

[scraping]

Hey, Polly? Why don't you take a walk?

-Well, do I have to? -Yeah!

[clattering]

-Cheers... -Nice day.

She's a nice kid.

Listen, I've been giving this little project the great deal of thought.

I checked your record.

I think you two boys will fit in real good.

Oh, that's a... hmm.

We sure could use... I mean, you know, we weren't looking.

We could use... we're actually looking for a...

-We could use... we'll actually... -That's what I want to say.

If you're willing, you could make yourself some big money.

We already have a fighter here.

[laughing; hooting]

And I got some connections in the fight game.

And maybe I can get you a crack at some big dough.

There's only one thing.

I want my name left out of this.

I don't want anybody to know I'm behind this for business reasons.

You don't want the people in your glue business to know

that you're in the fight business.

Right. It don't look good.

[grinning]

So I want you to start training at the Pop Morgan's Gym.

-Pop Morgan's Gym. -We'll get him a few sparring partners.

-Sparring partners, yeah, yeah. -See what he's made of.

Well, he's made of what he's made of.

But remember...

I don't want anybody to know I'm behind this.

Oh, you got my word.

We might have the next champion. I can smell it.

I think it's her.

[cooing]

[cooing]

So, you're going to Pop Morgan's Gym.

Good boy. You got something most fighters don't have.

Brains.

[theme music]

Keep moving your left. Keep moving your left.

That's better.

Danny, Danny, get off your heels. Get off your heels, Danny.

Come across with your left.

Get your shoulder into it. Get your shoulder!

All right, boys. Looking good. Looking good. Take it easy, boys.

Take your shower.

Excuse me. We're looking for a Mr. Morgan.

-Right. Most people call me Pop. -Oh...

- Hi. I'm Shakes. This is Bags. -Hi.

We're trying to pick up a locker.

I think I got the next champion on my hands.

Yeah? What's he look like?

You're looking right at him!

Bags here has got a lightning light cross.

Yeah. I... well, I...

-OK, OK... -I'll just fix you for the locker.

Oh, we're expecting a sparring partner around one o'clock,

-if you can keep an eye out for him. -Yeah.

[punch]

[thud]

-That gorilla got it straight? -Sure, sure, Mike.

No need to worry about us. We got it.

Turk just plays cat and mouse until this guy Bags tags him,

then he takes a dive. Right, Turk?

Turk, you're supposed to take a dive.

Don't worry, he's got it.

I want to tell you something, he's better have it.

Sure.

-We're gonna get some gum. -Gum. He loves gum.

-Take a dive, and you'll get some gum. -Let's go. That's it.

[ominous music]

How are you gonna see my footwork? You can't even tell

-my feet are moving in these shoes. -Don't worry about that.

That Mike guy'll fix us up once we get into this thing.

Say, you really think I got it in me to do this?

What are you talking about? You decked that guy at the carnival.

You know, it didn't seem I hit him that hard though.

That's the way it is with all champions.

And now that you got it, you got me to show you how to use it.

You're on your way to the top.

-You think so? -Think? I know!

-Come on! -Right.

[clatter]

[clatter]

[knocking]

-The... the... -Come on.

Couldn't get the door open.

-Get out! -Ah!

[door closing]

My, my, my...

Hi, Pop.

Well, Professor, what'd you learn in school today?

My teacher says Giant Jim Maraya was the best fighter ever.

That's what you learned in school?

Any chance you getting on numbers and adding?

-I am, honest! -Yes...

I don't doubt it for a minute.

Was he?

Giant Jim?

Was he better than Dad?

Well... he was big.

But big is not always good.

When your dad fought him, Giant Jim looked almost twice his size.

But your dad hit him a shot, broke three of his ribs.

They called your dad Jack the Giant Killer.

Took six minutes to lift Giant Jim into the ambulance.

Was Dad the best ever?

Nobody, nobody was ever as good as your dad.

In or out of the ring he was the best.

And I want you to never forget that.

I sure miss him.

Yeah, me too. Me too.

Get started with the footwork.

I am, with this shoes you can't see my feet.

Remember, Mike wants you to make this one to look good.

-I want some gum. -You'll get it when you take a dive.

-OK! -Go get him.

We'll have a two minute frame.

Your time.

OK. All right, come on! Give it to him.

Come on, move it. Move it!

-What are you doing?! -I need a belt.

Come on.

Where did that guy come from, Pop? A circus?

All right, come on! Let's... come on! Come on!

Hey, he's on your foot!

Turk, cut it out!

Boy, is that guy gonna get decked!

Oh, God! You asked for it!

[punching; musical accent]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. No offence.

-Did you see that?! -I ain't sure.

-Sorry, can I buy you a pack of gum? -I'm sorry, it was really my fault.

It's the name of the game.

-Again.... -I feel bad about it...

Will you knock that off? You did it again with that right!

-You think? -Yeah! You got something going.

He's just a little dazed. He'll be all right. Come on...

-I'm gonna get some gum. -Sure.

Hey, mister. Boy, that's sure some right you got.

You can say that again. Hey, did you see that punch, Pop?

And the stuff in between?

Of course, he needs a little work, but that's why I'm here.

That's some punch, alright.

Is your stuff the wrong size, or did you used to be bigger?

Oh, that's all temporary equipment. He's on his way to being a new champ.

[ominous music]

[car door opening]

[car door closing]

[door closing]

-Hey, Mike. -How you doing?

Flower...

How about it, Mike? What's going?

-Pop Morgan. -That old bird?

Why don't you just let me take care of him? Like we did Burt.

Get him out of the way.

Because if the law gets testy when we bump off somebody that isn't one of us,

they start asking questions, and I don't want any questions.

You ain't gonna tell us we're going straight.

If we don't tag the old man, how do we get to him?

He's gonna get to himself. I want you to line up three fights.

One with Irish Collier, one with Jake Foley

and one with the Grader.

I want them all to lie down.

-You want them guys to throw a fight? -That's what I said, Nails.

It ain't gonna be easy.

Those guys ain't gonna be willing to throw a fight now.

They all got a title shot with the Butcher.

That's why I want them to lie down,

so we have a shot at the title and the Butcher.

You got a guy who can take the title from the Butcher?

I got somebody who can't take the title from the Butcher.

Look at it like this. For a guy that can take Irish,

the Grader and Jake Foley

you wouldn't think he'd have much trouble with the Butcher, now would you?

Unless, of course, those fights were fixed.

If a guy knew those fights were fixed going in,

he could pick up some pretty big bets on the championship fight, right?

Maybe even a piece of property.

-Like Pop Morgan's Gym, huh? -Right.

If Pop Morgan thought he had the next champ on his hands,

we might be able to convince him to build a little nest egg for that Anderson kid.

So it's time we collect a few favors from Irish, Jake the Grader, right?

They owe us, right?

Big John, I want you to get to the Butcher

and tell him he's gonna find a gold mine.

-Good as done, Mike. -Let's go.

I'm gonna tell you something, baby. One of this days

that stuff's gonna catch up with you.

Well, it's better than having cops catch up with you.

I don't know why I let you talk like that.

[laughing]

Mm. Pop's not afraid of the big bad wolf.

[singing] Pop's not afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf.

[giggles] Pop's not afraid...

One of these days that broad's gonna push me an inch too far,

-I'm gonna rearrange her makeup. -You're right, boss.

You're just a little runt!

You little squirt, you gotta fight your way out!

Hey, wait! Break up!

[yelling]

What's going on anyway?

What does it look like, Bones? This kid is beating me up!

-Get back here! -Boy, it's a good thing you held him back!

-He just about had me there. -Oh, yeah?

-Your mother have any children who lived? -Yeah, ten!

-All right, what happened? -Bradshaw said I was a runt.

You're not gonna let that bother you, are you?

So the guy calls you a couple of names. That ain't no reason to get riled up.

Yeah, forget it.

He also said you guys are two chimps who belong in the zoo.

-I say we deck 'em. -All right, all right, just hold it.

This is the kids business.

Aha, we can break.

-Of course... -Yeah?

I was just thinking. There is a way to handle this.

How?

Well I've always believed that the first punch is the big punch.

-Either you get 'em or you don't. -He's got a point.

-What is it? -You just go up to that big bag of wind,

you look for an opening and then you pop him with all you got!

And I mean a little shoulder smack either.

-I mean, you right in the chops, bang! -He's got a point.

And then what?

What do you mean, then what? There is no then what.

-That's it. -It's like he always says.

It's not how good you are. It's how good you wanna be.

Go on, you can do it.

-Don't forget. One shot. -Pow!

-Loudmouth, come here. -You're talking to me, toad?

Yeah. You're calling me and my friends them names, and I'm gonna deck you.

Who are you kidding? Names, huh?

Why don't you and your two stooges take a flying leap

at a rolling doughnut?

Come on.

[punching]

-He decked him! -Yeah!

-You want more? -Hey, get away from me!

-Huh! -That was that!

[cheering]

[phone ringing]

Yeah? Yeah, Doyle, I know it's you.

I told you, you worry too much. The fights are set.

I just want you to stall those guys at City Hall.

I don't want ifs, ands or buts in my business. Just do it.

What do you think of this guy Doyle?

I never trust a guy who sweats in the winter.

Yeah.

Now, the important thing is, you never let them see

where the big punch is coming from. So what you have to do

is distract them. I'm gonna show you how to do that.

Watch this hand.

See that? Huh? Huh?

See? Huh?

-Yeah. Can I try? -Yeah, sure. Go ahead.

Watch this.

-You think I'm stupid? -Oh, come on, really. Watch this hand.

All right, go ahead.

-Ow! -You all right?

Ah... yeah. You... I thought that if you... with... then you hit...

-That's good, that's good. -I'm sorry.

That's OK, that's OK. That's how you learn. You... and then...

Do that again.

Watch this hand.

Very funny. Very funny.

[fast paced suspenseful music]

[music slows down]

[punching]

[thud]

Big John, what do you say?

Scram!

Hey, what happened to your face?

Can you beat that? Fifty-one fights, and nobody's touched this perfect face.

Then some balloon-head tags me in the Starlight.

If I ever see that guy again, he's gonna be a member of the Walking Wounded!

[heavy punch; musical accent]

Come on, I'm gonna tell you about a fight we're gonna fix for you.

[theme music]

[whistling]

[car door closing]

You know, Bags...

Bags? Bags!

Coming.

Coming, coming, coming.

You know, if things work out, I'm gonna buy you some new clothes.

You're kidding?

[knocking]

[door knob yanking]

[front door opening]

-Hi. Mr. Mike is expecting us. -Ah, yes, um...

Come in.

[front door closing]

-He is in the study. -Thank you very much.

You wanna try and act like somebody...

[honking; laughing]

[wall clock ticking]

[knocking]

Yeah, come in.

Mr. Mike?

Yeah, boys. How ya doin'? Come in. Sit down.

Sit over there. It's OK, I'm alone.

[door closing]

It's a nice... it's a...

I was here first.

-I understand he's looking pretty good. -Ah, yeah, real good.

I got some fights lined up for you.

Oh, yeah? Who you got?

There are some pretty big contenders. Irish Collier, Jack Foley, the Grader.

-You're kidding! -I don't kid.

Everything goes good, you'll have a shot at the title.

You two guys will be the biggest names in boxing.

I've never even dreamed of that.

Personally, I don't see a problem.

I think what you need now is a good fight manager, right?

-Yeah, tell him about the... -Yeah, we were...

-We were just... -Tell him about it, tell him!

Um... it's funny you should mention that, because...

we were just wondering if... Well, we'd like to sign Pop Morgan

as our manager.

-Really? -Yeah.

Bags and me were talking about it and we'd like to help Pop Morgan

and this kid out.

That's perfect. I'd like to help him out, too.

I just don't want him to know about me. I like to do charity work.

I just get embarrassed when anybody finds out about it.

That's great. Yes.

Then it's OK if we sign Pop Morgan on?

Like I said, it's perfect.

[mumbling]

Hey, that's it.

Let's go.

[clattering]

[door closing]

[hysterical laughter]

Cuckoo clock.

You sure it ain't the champagne talking?

-No! No! -We met this guy...

[drunken slur]

-... Butcher! -What?!

[drunken slur]

... the Butcher.

Say again.

We met this guy...

Look, we know this guy in the fight business,

he knows the fight business. He thinks that Bags here

had got a shot at the championship.

So he's gonna get us fights with Foley, Grader

the Tiger and then a shot at champ the Butcher!

With the Butcher!

-You get it? -And we want you to manage him.

Because if you do, you can help out you-know-who...

You mean me.

-How'd you figure that out? -What do you say, Pop?

He can do it, Pop.

Well, he does seem to have a punch.

-So what do you say? -Please, Pop!

-I'm in. -Bags is going to be a champ!

To the champ!

[singing] Because of days when the sky was looking gloomy

Those lonely days you thought you didn't have a friend

Gone are those days, aren't you happy that you knew me?

And I will be there when you need me, I'll be there till the end.

Do you recall life was lots of milk and honey

Do you recall, there was nothing around the bend.

But I recall we could always make it funny

And I will be there right beside you

I'll be there 'cause I'm your friend.

[musical interlude]

So let's begin, we can go and find a rainbow

And let's begin knowing that we got a friend

I'll help you win the barnacle right off the rainbow

And I'll be there right beside you, I will be there, there to guide you

I will be there and you can win it So together let's begin it

And I will be there with you

till the end!

Till the end!

Till the end!

[drum roll]

[marching music]

Bags!

You're gonna be a champ!

You hear me? Ata boy!

They all had to do it.

-You wanna be a champ, right? -Huh?

Say it! We're gonna be champs! Right?

Keep those knees up. Legwork's important, Bags.

And I'll tell you something else. We're not throwing in a towel this time.

We're going all the way!

Nothing can stop us now.

-You should.... -Come on come on! keep it going!

You'd better watch...

[crashing]

[cackling]

What are you doing out in the middle of the road anyway?

Gimme a hand!

[fast paced music]

[punching]

Peanuts! Peanuts!

That's right, Bags Collins. If you haven't heard of him,

don't feel bad, you're not alone.

And looking at the record, he's had 20 fights in which he got

a one way ticket to the canvas.

As far as I'm concerned, this guy is a bum.

I think it's only a matter of time until we see him come flying out of the ring.

Your mother have any children that lived? [ring bell]

Ladies and gentlemen, the fight has begun.

Round one is off to its start. Bags Collins and Irish Collier.

And as the meet in the center of the ring, they...

[punching; thud]

Oh, my Gosh, Bags is caught in the ropes, ladies and gentlemen.

He's trying to make it back to the safety of his corner.

[punching; thud]

[cheering]

He's down again. I can't believe it.

He is trying to get to the safety of his corner.

Yes, it's going to be all over any second, ladies and gentlemen.

[punching] Hook with the right arm

and Irish is face down on the canvas!

The referee raises Bags' hand. Bags has won the fight!

[chopping]

[whistles] Yo!

[whistling]

[chopping]

[crackling]

[crashing]

[moans in pain]

[musical accent]

Hey, Bags, you can do it.

[thud]

[punching]

[ring bell]

Squaring off it's Bags Collins and Jake Foley.

[punching; thud]

I don't mean to say it's not going well for Bags,

but this is the first time I've ever seen vultures circling a guy's corner.

Bags punches with the right and sends Foley to the canvas.

Now they're both down. Jake Foley is face down.

-Seven... eight... -Bags is raising his hand!

Foley is out for the count. Collins has won another fight!

Yup, Yup. Doing good.

-Attack! -What the... ?!

[ominous music]

Ahhhh!

Aaaaahhh!

[crashing]

[punching]

[ring bell]

Bags is doing his fancy footwork, dancing stylishly around the ring

in his own style. The Grader is standing still, standing like a tower of strength.

They said this guy Bags is was smart boxer.

I guess that meant he knew all his numbers and colors.

Bags dancing circles around the Grader. Grader is just standing there.

Bags has punched the Grader right square in the jaw, he didn't move!

Bags has his hand raised in the air, he doesn't see the Grader.

Uh-oh, he's just noticed that the Grader is still standing.

[punching]

The Grader's down! The Grader is on the floor.

... three... four...

I knew he was champ quality the minute I first saw him.

... eight... nine... ten!

There's no equation. The Butcher has got to give him a shot at the title.

And I predict that Bags will be the next champ.

Bags Collins has beat the Grader, ladies and gentlemen.

-Uh-oh, here comes trouble. -You are not kidding.

Oh, you're too good for me.

Look, I got some business. Why don't you go out and see

if you can take Spider for a game, huh?

-Hello. -How you doing?

-How you doing? -Hi.

How you doing, Pop?

-He's a cute kid. -What can I do for you?

I just stopped by if you changed your mind since the last time we talked.

-No deal. -Slow down.

That's the way it should be.

I just thought maybe you'd like to leave more than this place to the kid.

What does that mean?

Well, I understand you have a pretty good contender meeting the Butcher,

maybe you'd like to make a little wager.

Like what?

Like $10,000 the Butcher takes it.

$10,000? Look...

I don't have 10 bucks to make a bet.

You got this place, don't you?

It ain't worth 10 grand, but I'll take a chance.

If I lose this, there's nothing left for the kid.

If you win, you'll never have to worry about leaving the kid to the wolves.

Besides, you're the one who says this Bags can take the champ.

-He's got some punch. -There you are. Think it over.

Don't let me rush you. Here's $10,000.

If want to hold it till after the fight, we got a bet.

I want you to know I feel bad about the kid's old man.

Ten grand will set him up for life, he's a cute kid.

Let's go.

[suspenseful musical accent]

[punching]

-Hey, Danny, how you doing? -Howdy, boys.

Hey, boys?

-Can I see you for a minute? -Oh, sure.

-Pop. -Sit down, boys.

Hi, Timmy.

-Guys, where did you get the new bag? -Oh, just got it from Mr. Mi--

A guy gave it to me. Look at that, that's real canvass.

You know something else? There's a secret compartment in there for money.

-Where? -I don't know, I haven't found it.

Tim, why don't you take that down to the lockers,

and while you're there, pick up a few towels.

OK, Pop.

Oh, wait a minute, I got something for you. Hold it.

-What is it? -Ah, well, just a minute. Here...

Oh, it's a... it was a candy bar.

-Gee, thanks! -Yeah.

Um...

You know...

Timmy has gotten awful fond of you, guys.

So I think there's something you ought to know.

You see this?

This is Jack Anderson.

Isn't that the guy that was killed in the ring?

That's right.

It was terrible.

I'd get out of this lousy game if it wasn't for Timmy.

You see, Timmy is Jack's boy.

-You mean, Timmy is Anderson's kid? -That's right.

Of course, he's my kid now.

Now, I promised myself that I was gonna make it up to him

for what happened, before I kick off.

Now, the only game I know is the fight game.

So all I can make is in this business, which is not much.

I do have this old building, but it's nothing.

The hoods are trying to buy it from me, but I won't sell.

You see, if I can't hang on here, I got nothing to give Timmy.

See, I sure wish there was some way we could help.

Well, maybe there is.

You know how the hoods are.

Well, if something should happen to me,

would you take care of the kid for me?

[sentimental music]

You can count on us, Pop.

Ohhh... thank you, boys.

Got a handkerchief?

I really appreciate this.

Hey, champ, how about meeting the kids?

They're from St. Mary's Orphanage. It would mean a lot to them.

If the wanna see the Bucher, let them buy a ticket

like everybody else. Now get out of here!

What do you want?

Champ, how do you see the fight with Bags?

What's to see? The guy is a bum and I'll knock him out.

Say, that's pretty tough talk. Looks like it's gonna be a big fight.

Say, Champ, where did you get that scar?

Don't tell me somebody finally messed that pretty face of yours.

Hey, boys! Get a picture of this.

No, get a picture of this! [punching]

Get out of the way, you little brats!

-How did you start? -Well...

-Will you fight him inside or outside? -Do you mind?

-Well, I talked about it the other night... -Hey, Bags.

How about some shots of you and the kid together?

Oh, yeah. Come on, get up.

-Right here. -Excuse me!

Hey, Timmy, do you really think Bags can be the next champ?

Is a bluebird blue?

How about some a little closer?

There you go. Huh?

-Any special diet for this? -No, just yogurt and...

Yeah, we've been through a lot together, him and me.

The whole climb to the championship. Taught him everything he knows.

Every punch, every move.

Aren't you gonna write this down?

I don't think so. I'm just here to pick up the dirty towels.

Look, Mr. Morgan. I've got the records right here before me.

You owe over $180 of back property taxes.

Well, you got a month to pay.

And if you don't, we gonna put that property up for public auction.

Am I making myself clear, Mr. Morgan?

I don't have that kind of money.

You don't? Then I suggest you get it.

We'll be expecting to hear from you, Mr. Morgan.

So the big bad wolf's gonna pull the rug out from under dear old Pop.

That poor Bags ain't got a chance against the Butcher,

this whole thing is a lousy setup!

-Yeah, that's brilliant, stupid. -Boss...

Oh, no. Let her talk. Come on, big mouth.

Go on.

Pop takes your bet and the Butcher knocks out Bags, and then

you grab up his property!

Well, Pop Morgan don't deserve this!

He was the first one to help Mom and me when Dad left us!

Who said your old man left?

Oh, what do you know about that?

Well, that's a know fact. When bookies skim off the tap,

they don't live too long.

How do you know my father's dead?

Well, how do you know it, Mike? You told me you got him

out of the country. You swore to it, you swore to me!

You killed him?

You killed my dad...

You lousy killer!

Why?! I'm gonna deal with you for this, Mike, I swear!

Look, Mike, she knows a lot.

If she ever decides to go to the cops, and tell who did Burt in

you and I will be looking at each other through bars!

Don't worry about it. She'll be OK when she sobers up.

[slow piano music]

Hey, Butcher, you getting ready for the big one?

What's to get ready?

I'm the champ and I'm going to continue to be the champ.

The guy knocked out three bums. I'll take him.

They tell me you've never even seen him fight.

No, I've never seen him fight.

Well, let me introduce you to him.

That's him.

[breathing heavily]

[clattering; yelling]

[groaning]

Ahhh...

[cracking]

[rooster crowing]

[cracking]

[cracking]

[cracking]

[cracking]

-Drink that. -Huh?

Drink it!

-These are raw eggs. -I know that. Drink it!

[mumbling]

Why don't you drink it?

If I drink a little of it, will you drink it?

I guess so.

-Now drink it! -Nah, I don't...

[clanging]

-Do I have to eat them out of the glass? -Oh, shut up!

[musical announcement]

[uplifting music]

[music slows down]

[pensive music]

[dramatic music; phone dialing]

Hello. I want to talk to Mike. This is Pop Morgan.

Hello. Um... I'll take that bet.

And I mean take it.

Our boy is gonna murder the Butcher.

[door squeaking]

Hey! Are you guys going home?

Yeah. Tomorrow's the big night.

-You're coming to the fight, aren't you? -Coming? Is a bluebird blue?

Hey, Bags, can I speak to you a minute?

I'll see you out front. See you tomorrow, Timmy.

Have a seat.

-What's up? -I just want to tell you something.

I know, I know. You already wished me good luck more times than I can count.

I know. But I'm so nervous, I just forget I said it.

I just want you to win so bad.

Well, we'll know tomorrow night.

I know you can do it. I just know you can.

It's not how good you are, it's how good you wanna be.

Well, it's easy to say, but...

It doesn't matter. You're the best.

But... something else...

I just wanted to tell you,

you're the nicest guys in the whole world.

My dad was when he was here,

and I never thought I'd find someone else like him.

I just want you to know,

win or lose, I'm in your corner.

Do you think you can take the Butcher?

Is a bluebird blue?

[street sounds]

[intense percussive music]

[crowd murmur]

[brooding dramatic music]

Tom, give me the phone.

Alright already. Save it for the victory party.

Let the guy alone for a minute, will you, please!

-What do you say, Stubby? -Nails... Big John--

-Champ... -Hey, Nails. John.

Can we, um... talk?

Oh, sure, sure. Anything. Hey!

Let's go. Out. Out. We got a fight tonight, come on.

-How do you feel, champ? -Great.

That's good. Good. Settle down, will you?

-You think you're fighting tonight. -Well, I just... you know I...

You got nothing to worry about.

This is gonna be the easiest bout you ever had.

He'll fold faster than an accordion at an Italian wedding.

-I could take that bum out. -No, you don't.

That clown had creased my perfect face.

He's gonna leave that ring on a stretcher.

Good. That's good. One thing Mike would like.

-Anything. -He wants it to go three rounds.

He made a bet.

He wants that guy to suffer a little, you know.

Kind of see his chances dwindle round by round.

-It makes Mike feel good. -You got it.

-Three rounds and out. -Thanks.

You go get him, champ. We'll see you at the party.

Right. And... warm up the ambulance, huh?

Later. And boys... don't try anything funny.

[dramatic musical sting]

Or you could visit Burt.

Oh, don't let me forget it.

Hey, don't touch the scar, eh?

-How do you feel? -Great. Got this one in the bag.

It's time, let's go.

[smashing]

You! You did this to my face!

Wait and see what I'm gonna do to your face!

Oh, yeah?

-We should have invited more people. -Yeah.

We're coming to you tonight from ringside,

and it's only a matter of time now till we see if the Butcher

will send another contender to the slaughter house.

And you know the Butcher has made hamburgers of his other opponents,

and as far as I'm concerned, this guy Bags

is on his way to the meat grinder.

It's taken care of.

Bags may have climbed over three top contenders to get here tonight,

but as far I can see, this guy couldn't box oranges.

Well, the crowd indicates that the fighters are coming into the arena now.

And there he is, the champion, the Butcher!

And look at those ladies go for him.

He's kissing one of them on the way to the ring.

And now here come the contender, Bags Collins.

I don't see any ladies going for him.

But wait a minute, they are throwing popcorn at him.

[crowd cheering]

Going through the ropes right above me now, getting into his corner

is Bags Collins. He seems to be just a little nervous,

but he should be just a little nervous, because he's got just one shot

at the championship.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Welcome to Municipal Auditorium

Tonight, a stellar attraction.

Fifteen rounds of boxing for the world championship.

[crowd cheering]

In the blue corner, in the black trunks,

world champion,

Hans the Butcher Miller.

In the red corner, in the white trunks,

Bags Collins.

The referee, Mike DeFabis.

The fighters are being called to the center of the ring.

You're gonna be sorry you even showed up here.

I'm gonna make your face look like somebody walked through it.

You know your name? 'Cause you're not even gonna know when you leave.

Your mother have any children that lived?

Don't get him mad. I got to go out there.

Now shake hands, go back to your corner

and come out fighting at the bell. Shake hands, go back...

[crowd booing]

I told you. Now look what you did.

Are you ready?

Good luck, Bags.

Think they got an extra large?

Are you ready?

[bell ring] Time! Box!

Here comes the champ now.

He's dancing around.

And he throws a left and tags Bags.

Now they're beginning to circle each other.

And there's another left by the champ, and he tags him again.

There's Bags using his familiar boxing style.

And there's a left jab by the champ.

Champ is brushing away Bags punches.

Bags just can't seem to get inside.

Champ hits Bags with the left jab and he's down!

Champ wont go to his neutral corner.

He decks Bags again. The referee is warning the Butcher.

Here's the count.

Bags is up.

Here comes the champ back at Bags.

He's dancing around.

-There's a left. Two lefts! -Tag him, Bags!

Punches with another left.

Right jab, and left.

Butcher's pounding Bags at will. Bags throws a punch,

but the Butcher hit him with another left, and a right, and a left.

[punching]

He's on the canvas again!

-What are you doing? -Stay down. Stay down.

Bags is up, but here comes the champ.

[ring bell] A dirty punch to the mid section at the bell,

and the crowd doesn't like that at all!

-Why aren't you hitting him? -Huh?

Why aren't you hitting him? Listen to me.

Stay away from him. Stay low and cover up.

-Ah... -What? What?

I can't understand that.

Listen, the way you're going, this guy will be minced meat by the 3rd round.

Mike want him walking at the end of three, so don't dump him early.

Don't worry. In the third round

I'll put him in the bleachers.

[ring bell]

Here we go with round two.

For my money, this is the most uneven match I've ever seen.

Butcher comes over to Bags' corner.

Neutral corner! Neutral corner!

Butcher send Bags back to the canvas again. What in the world is Bags doing?

Three! Four!

One... two... three...

Come on, do it!

One... two...

One...

One... one...

One... one... one...

One...

He's finally up. Here we go again.

Another right! Bags is doing s great job of blocking punches from the Butcher,

but he's blocking most of them with his face!

The crowd seems to be upset with the Butcher's butchering.

His cleaver lands again!

[punching]

[crowd booing]

Butcher moves in with another left.

This bum is getting the beating of his life!

Get him, Butcher!

Bags grazes Butcher with a left cross, but it has no effect.

[punching]

Bags looks like he's going to move in, but it's useless.

-Keep those fists up. -Hey, what are you doing?

Go get him!

Watch it! Watch it!

Wait a minute!

Bags!

Bags!

Bags!

And there's a right that tackles feeble Bags!

I had a hunch this bum was gonna fall when it came to the big one.

[punching]

No! No! No! No!

And it's a right that drops Bags! [ring bell]

There's the bell, ending the second round and saving Bags!

You're in the wrong corner!

You're doing good!

Well, don't tell him, he's really mad now.

-I'm sorry! -OK, fine.

[soft tense music]

Well, somebody really got him mad.

-Hi, Pop, do you remember me? -Yeah, you're Mike's girlfriend.

Look, you've got to stop this fight. Bags doesn't have a chance.

What are you talking about? He's got a couple of bad rounds, that's all.

He knocked out everybody he fought.

Mike rigged them all, including this phony match.

What? Why?

'Cause he and Doyle will build a convention hall on your property.

We've been had! I bet my gym on a fixed fight?

Oh, look, don't let Bags go back in.

The Butcher has orders to slaughter him in the 3rd round.

-What round is this? -The third!

He's got orders to do what? Did you listen to her?

Don't go back in there, please! I don't want to see you get hurt.

He's right. It's not worth the price.

What do you think? You want to toss in

before we have to send out for an ambulance?

Bags, I...

-I think we'd better... -Wait a minute!

Why are we all throwing in a towel?

[dramatic musical sting]

We're ready for round three, and the Butcher should wrap it up any a minute.

The Butcher's leads with a left. Wait a minute!

Bags counters with a left!

Another left by the Butcher, and Bags strikes back, fighting on!

The fighters are exchanging punches!

Another left by the Butcher.

[dramatic music]

Then the Butcher with a combination...

I don't believe it, the champ is down!

He's struggling to his feet!

He's up! he pushes the ref aside.

The Butcher with the right cross sends Bags into the ropes.

[punching]

Yeah! Oh, yeah!

Come on, boy! Come on!

Four... five...

The champ is trying to get to his feet.

The champ is up!

[punching]

Bags is hitting him with a violent flurry of punches.

He's hammering away the Butcher!

And there's that right

that sends the Butcher out of the ring!

I knew he had champion blood in him.

Te Butcher is out of the ring. The count is on!

[crown cheering]

The champ is trying to get back into the ring and stop the count!

He's in the ring!

Bags is in command now!

Bags is moving in for the kill!

Come on, Bags! Knock the shit out of him!

[punching]

The right! Give it and finish him!

Bags snapped the head of the Butcher!

And a right by Bags, and the champ is down again!

The champ is trying to get up. He's trying to get to his feet.

He's up, but he's staggering along!

It's Bags with the left! And the right!

The champ is against the ropes!

The champ is down!

He is down!

Seven... eight...

... nine... ten!

Hand it over, Flower.

Don't touch the big man. He's walking out.

[crowd cheering]

The winner by a knock out,

45 seconds of the 3rd round,

and the new world champion, Bags Collins!

[crowd cheering]

He did it! He did it!

The bum did it!

[main music theme]

Recall those days

When the day was looking gloomy

Those lonely days

You though you didn't have a friend

Gone are those days

Aren't you happy that you knew me?

Now I will be there when you need me

I will be there till the end

Do you recall

Life was lots milk and honey

Do you recall

There was nothing around the bend

But I recall

We could always make it funny

And I will be there right beside you

I'll be there 'cause I'm your friend

With a friend you don't have to pretend

You can always depend

On a friend

Depend on friendship

To get you through

Good old borrow and lendship

Like me and you

So let's begin

We can go and find a rainbow

And let's begin

Knowing that we got a friend

I'll help you win

A pot of gold right off the rainbow

And I will be there right beside you

I will be there, there to guide you

I will be there, and you can win it

So together let's begin it

And I will be there with you

Till the end

Till the end

Till the end

Till the end

Till the end

Till the end

Till the end...

[music ends]