Original subtitles

Alright, alright, that's it. I-I give up! I..

Hey!

'Hey! I give up!'

'No, no!'

It was a gunshot.

'Somebody get a doctor. Hurry up!'

Easy, friend. We'll get help.

Mano Nera.

What did you say?

A Warner Bros. television production.

I don't care if Fitcock was your friend and could vouch for you.

He's no longer chief, and I am.

I told you all I know.

You certainly don't think I had anything to do with this?

Or do you?

You were the only one found at the scene.

You're not in the clear until I investigate you. Thoroughly.

But I was just an innocent bystander.

Material witness.

Well, even that. You still can't hold me in jail.

We held you all night, didn't we?

Look, chief... He didn't tell you to stand up.

- Your men have rough manners. - And they can rougher, too.

There happens to be a crime wave here.

I was brought in to stop it, and I will.

Now, you can either cooperate or..

Good morning, sir. You sent for me?

- Joe. - Nobody told you... I know, to stand up.

- Bart, hello. - Petrino, do you know this man?

Yes, sir. I've known him a good many years, sir.

'He's being questioned about that murder'

'in the Italian quarter last night.'

- You? - Yeah, me.

I was just standing around minding my own business

when the old fella got blasted to kingdom come.

Everybody else ran out, but I stayed.

I tried to help him.

Another Black Hand killing, sir?

Don't give me that Black Hand business, Petrino.

- It's a lot of bunk. - Oh, no, sir.

Mano Nera is very real, sir. I hope to prove it to you soon.

'And that's when I'll believe it. And not before.'

Mano Nera?

That's what the old man mumbled just before he died.

- What else did he say? - Nothing, just that.

Do you know who this Mano Nera is?

Well, yes and no.

It's not one person.

'Could be a dozen, or maybe a 100. Nobody knows.'

I don't follow you, Joe.

Mano Nera means Black Hand.

And it's a sign used by a band of thugs

extortionists, and blackmailers.

- Never heard about it. - Few people have.

It's just now come into New Orleans.

Already has the foreign population by the throat.

'I've heard all this before, Petrino.'

I'm assigning you to this case.

You and Maverick get outta here. I got work to do.

- Yes, sir. - Thanks, chief.

Some reception. I should have stayed in St. Louis.

You have to make allowances for Chief Rawlins.

He's anxious to prove himself.

The commission just brought him in from Philadelphia.

He doesn't take much stock to the Black Hand, does he?

Can't your men do somethin' about it?

Oh, don't you think for a minute we haven't tried.

We can't perform miracles. The people won't cooperate with us.

They're frightened.

Always thought of New Orleans as being gay and carefree.

Place to have a good time.

It still is, for most people.

Say, Bart. You could do something to help me.

Oh, not me, Joe. I get enough excitement from poker games.

And I'm not interested in gents who carry sawed-off shotguns.

I know. But you do get around, and you hear a lot of things.

You know, most folks, no matter how decent they are

just will not talk to the police.

If I run across anything, Joe, I'll be sure to let you know.

See ya.

Just a minute, Bart.

Are you going to see Giovanni Marchese?

How do you know?

You usually do whenever you come to New Orleans.

He's a good friend of yours, right?

Let's just say he's a good acquaintance.

But more important, he's a poor poker player.

If I had a clientele like him, I could retire.

I'm serious, Bart.

You know, Marchese is one of the leaders

in the Italian colony here.

I'd counted on him for help, but he's refused me.

'I suppose he's knuckled under like all the rest.'

Maybe you can talk him into some kind of positive action.

Well..

I'll try.

♪ La da ha da rum ♪

♪ La da da rum ♪

♪ La da ha da rum ♪

♪ La da da rum ♪

♪ La da da rum ♪♪♪

Excuse me.

I didn't mean to startle you. I'm looking for Mr. Marchese.

Maverick!

Giovanni!

I was wondering when you'd come back to New Orleans.

I should've come back sooner.

Something beautiful has been added.

It is amazing what a pretty woman can do, boy.

Since Carla came home from the convent

my business has increased prodigiously.

She just smiles and the men triple their orders.

Maverick, just think how successful I could've been

with three younger sisters.

Really, Giovanni.

You will stay with us, won't you, Mr. Maverick?

- The name is Bart. - And hers is Carla.

It's so seldom we have guests.

It's awfully hard to refuse such an invitation.

But I can't impose on your friendship.

'I think I'd better stay at the Bayard Hotel.'

Don't be disappointed, little sister.

'It's only because the Bayard has such'

'delightful gambling rooms.'

You both must excuse me. I'd forgotten the time.

Your friend Elsa again? I'll have to put my foot down.

She's making a regular night owl of you.

When will you stop treating me like a child?

I guess she is growing up.

You have your tenses mixed. She has grown up.

Mmm.

Hey, you picked a bad time to arrive in New Orleans.

Last night was the end of the Mardi Gras.

That's not all. I seem to have gotten mixed up in a murder.

- A murder? - Just a few blocks from here.

An old man in a grocery store.

Oh, yes, Anselmo Agostino.

- Then you've heard about it? - Of course.

Terrible thing, taking a man's life for a few dollars.

Chief Rawlins didn't seem to think it was robbery.

You talked to Rawlins?

By special request.

Also, Joe Petrino.

He asked me to talk to you about this Black Hand business.

What do you know about the Black Hand?

Just what he told me. It's some sort of secret society

putting pressure on the Italian quarter.

Do us both a favor, forget it.

Forget you ever heard the name.

Petrino was right.

Whether he is or not, it's no concern of yours.

I'm advising you as a friend, Maverick.

Stay out of this. Don't ask questions.

It's something that involves only my people.

In due time we will take care of it in our own way.

Police and outside interference will only bring about disaster.

Well, don't worry about me, Giovanni.

I like to keep things simple.

Tomorrow.

Same time.

Maverick.

I believe this is a coincidence.

- You are Signor Maverick, huh? - That's right.

I hear you have a fondness for poker.

You could say that's one of my vices.

Then, perhaps, you'll be kind enough

to indulge in a game with me.

- My pleasure, Mr., uh... - After you, signor.

I've always liked five-handed games.

Perhaps we could get another player.

Oh, that won't be necessary. My friends prefer to watch.

'This will be a little game between you and me, signor.'

'A couple of rounds of heads up.'

'But I must assure you, Signor Maverick'

'you will not be wasting your time.'

I'm a remarkably poor poker player.

But why... Shall we cut high card for deal?

We will play one more hand, signore.

Suit yourself, friend

but isn't it an expensive poker lesson for you?

Perhaps not.

You have won around $3000, huh?

Mm-hmm.

That is approximately the value of an article

I wish to have returned.

- An article? - Yes.

One, uh, similar to this one.

- What is it? - It doesn't matter.

But I don't mind telling you.

It's a Siciliano good luck charm.

'I collect them.'

I've never seen one like it.

I have reason to believe you have one in your possession.

Me?

It was lost last night during an unfortunate incident

'in the Italian quarter.'

Why do you think I have it?

'The loser went back to look for it where he lost it.'

He couldn't find it.

You contacted a party, who, uh, might have given it to you.

- A party who succumbed? - Yes.

Now, do you understand?

Well, I'm... I'm beginning to get the drift.

But if I had found it, I'd have given it to the police.

- But you did not do that. - How do you know?

I will not fence with words.

'You have been amply compensated for its return.'

- I haven't seen it. - You insist, signor.

It looks like we're wasting our time.

Sit down.

But at least you have enough money to return to St. Louis.

'I sincerely trust you will do that.'

I hadn't given it a thought.

I have to stay here for the inquest of the party

that, uh... succumbed.

Arrivederci, signore.

Did you win much?

I'm satisfied.

Oh, that's too bad. Too bad.

What's going on around here? Who is that character?

That character is Mr. Beretti, a respected businessman.

And now, Mr. Maverick, if you haven't dined

I suggest The Royale down the street, two blocks

and around the corner on Canal.

Thanks.

He doesn't have it on him.

No, il capo doesn't order his execution.

Ah!

Mr. Maverick, is something wrong, sir?

Wrong? What gives you that idea?

- Well... - My key, please.

Of course, Mr. Maverick.

Thanks.

That, Henry, is demon rum.

Don't you hit me.

I want some answers, friend. Why are ya snooping?

I'm merely interested in your welfare.

You let me worry about that. Now, start talkin'.

What's going on with that sporting blood

I was playing poker with?

Why don't you leave New Orleans while you can?

I've got 3000 odd reasons for staying.

All of my dollars except one, now, who's Beretti?

I'm afraid that's something you'll have

to find out for yourself.

If you don't unhand me, I..

I shall be forced to use my authority.

Your what?

I am the house detective.

Goodnight, Mr. Maverick.

House detect..

Oh! Ahh!

Why, Bart! This is a surprise.

Perhaps under the circumstances, we'd better go back

to the Miss Marchese- Mr. Maverick relationship.

I don't understand.

Just tell me who your gentleman friend is..

And I'll be on my way.

Gentleman friend?

I know you visited with Elsa last night.

'Well, Elsa is a naughty girl.'

She plays terrible poker and should shave more often.

- You saw? - I saw.

I take it your brother doesn't know

about your friend, Beretti.

You won't tell him?

I'm not interested in your private life, Carla.

Let's get out in the patio. We can talk there.

Your friend Elsa's mixed up in this Black Hand business.

But Giovanni says it's no concern of mine.

- Then why... - He cut me for $3500.

And I intend getting it back with interest.

If I get the money back, will you go away

and forget everything you saw?

You are forgetting the interest.

I'll get it for you tonight.

- Wait! - Huh?

Giovanni, he's in the wine cellar.

Look here.

What happened? Anybody in there?

No, in the big barrel.

Carla, where is Carla?

She's alright, Giovanni. She's over there.

Are you alright?

Yes, Mr. Maverick and I were in the patio.

Giovanni, wall, look!

- So they knew. - They always know everything.

But how?

'How is not important, Giovanni.'

It's only by the grace of God we're not all dead.

You are right, Alberto.

It is foolish to hold anymore meetings.

But what are we going to do?

What we should've done in the first place.

Pay them. Pay them and live.

I suppose you are right.

If I were a young man again, with no family to..

But I'm not young, and I will pay.

'And I suggest you do the same.'

Addio, Giovanni.

- We will find a way. - Will you, Giovanni?

- Excuse me. Excuse me, please. - Yeah, sure.

Hold 'em back, officer.

Signore Marchese, Signorina.

All I can say is I'm sorry it had to happen to you.

- Hello, lieutenant. - Good morning, Maverick.

You do get around, don't you?

Same goes for you.

Happens to be my job. What's your explanation?

Just a friendly little visit.

Well, I'm gonna have to make a report on this.

Which one of you wants to tell me what happened?

Oh, come on now, don't all of you talk at the same time.

It was an accident, lieutenant.

With the usual signature, I suppose.

'Signore Marchese..'

when will you realize you cannot fight this thing alone?

It was an accident.

Sure.

I forgot.

You know, a wine shop always keeps explosives in the bottles

and paints black hands on walls for decoration.

I have nothing more to tell you, lieutenant.

Signore Marchese..

Now if you don't try to help me on this situation..

Thank you for saving my life a minute ago.

I never imagined anything like this.

I hope you know what you're doing.

For Giovanni's sake, I hope so.

Please take Giovanni's advice, this doesn't concern you.

I'm afraid it's concerning itself with me, Carla.

What're you going to do?

I'm going to go see your friend, Beretti.

Mr. Beretti is a man of strong emotions.

He could be dangerous.

Especially from behind, in dark alleys.

Good day.

Good morning, friend. How are your knuckles this morning?

Reach for that gun and I'll have to use this one.

Now, let's go and see your boss.

Yes, sir, Mr. Beretti, I'll let you know

just as soon as I find out.

Oh, and thanks again, Mr. Beretti.

Officer Noonan, now this is interesting.

What are you doing here? Why the gun, Maverick?

Take it easy, Noonan. I've never shot an officer.

- 'Not even a crooked one.' - Why, you can't talk..

Good morning, Signor Maverick. I presume you wanna talk to me?

As briefly as possible.

Private business matter, officer. You may go.

Come in.

Get out, both of you.

For your information, it's against the law to carry

concealed weapons in New Orleans.

In that case, inform your major-domo.

You know why I'm here, Beretti. Start counting it out.

Thirty-five hundred, I believe, huh?

Well, that's principal. Then there'll be some interest.

Four thousand?

My head's beginning to feel better.

Mm-hmm.

Signor Maverick, last night was a stupid mistake on my part.

But you'll make an even more stupid one

if you do not return the article and leave New Orleans.

Seems pretty important.

For sentimental reasons.

Not evidence?

Something that could implicate its owner with murder?

Maverick, I advise you to return it and get out of New Orleans.

We're tired of your interference.

"We." So there is someone else.

I thought you were just a front. A flunky.

- Get out! - With pleasure.

But just one more thing.

You tell your number one boy to lay off Giovanni Marchesse.

I don't want anything to happen to him.

Nothing will happen to Marchesse.

Good. Wipe that blob of lather off your ear.

- Evening. - Yes, Mr. Maverick.

I'll be checking out tonight.

I'd like to leave a forwarding address.

Make it the plantation house in Natchez.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

'Can I give you a hand with that?'

Why is it, Bart, I always find you

in the most interesting situations?

Now, now, Joe, you don't think I did that.

I'll answer that better after a little investigation.

Leave everything as it is.

Well, what are you gonna do?

I've to take you in for questioning, Bart.

You know that.

Yeah, I know. Material witness.

This is all your fault, Petrino.

If you hadn't vouched for Maverick

I'd have him in jail on that Agostino killing.

Along with that line of reasoning

you should have arrested the dead man too, chief.

That's enough out of you, Maverick.

I'm just trying to help.

Three days in town, and you're mixed up

in two killings and a bombing. Well, there won't be anymore.

If you don't mind the suggestion...

If you mention Beretti again, I'll throw you in solitary.

It won't hurt to listen to him, sir.

On your say so, Lieutenant Petrino

I had Beretti down here twice for investigation.

'And both times, you made a fool out of us.'

Beretti is a highly respected man in the quarter.

I admit that, sir, but...

I pride myself on knowing character.

'Let me talk to a man for 15 minutes'

'and I know that man.'

'Mr. Beretti is a credit to the community.'

I can't say the same about some of

'the police officers around here.'

- I'll go along with that. - What?

- Uh, just thinking out loud. - Lock him up.

'I want a full-scale investigation'

'of this matter, Petrino.'

Yes, sir. Come along.

I don't suppose there's any, uh, bail?

There isn't.

Joe, how long you've been on the force?

Eleven years. Why?

Don't count on making it 12.

Rawlins?

He doesn't seem too fond of you.

I know.

He plays everything by the book.

He doesn't realize that we're gonna have to throw the book

if we wanna clear up this Black Hand business.

Well, you got your problems.

Say, Bart, let's go over this thing once more.

You say you feel certain Beretti had your room searched

looking for the object he thinks you have, right?

Why else?

What about the house detective?

He's a snoopy sort of fellow.

He probably heard something and walked in on the party

who was doing the searching.

He recognized them and that's why they killed him.

Hmm.

Hey, in the poker game last night

did you notice anything particular

about the watch Beretti was wearing?

Nothing in particular. It was a medallion of some sort.

That's not much help.

He said it was a good luck charm.

Were there any particular markings on it?

Yeah, uh..

Like a code of arms.

Well..

Sorry, Bart.

'Joe.'

Hmm?

You wanna start throwing that book away?

What?

Let's check out Agostino's place again.

- You and me? - Uh-huh.

Rawlins would take my head.

That's a gamble alright.

I'll say it's a gamble.

'Joe.'

You know, you may never make captain.

Let's see what kind of a hand you can deal.

Bart. This way.

Just as I thought, wild goose chase.

If there had been anything in there

my boys would have found it before this.

Hey, you kids, go on home, beat it.

Maybe one of those kids found it.

If they had found it, they wouldn't talk.

'They're just like their folks. They won't say anything.'

I know, Bart. For me, once more please.

Exactly, what happened?

I don't know what happened inside.

There were a lot of people.

The old man staggered out the door

and stepped over the curve.

I was standing here when he fell.

I was standing.. No, wait a minute.

I was standing over here, and then, I uh..

I came over to him like this, and he died

I got up and that's it.

- He died right here? - Right here.

You know, if he did have something in his hand

it wouldn't necessarily be in his shop.

It would have to be out here in the street.

Joe, that drain.

Find anything?

You recognize it?

Well, I'm not up on my heraldry, but it's Italian, alright.

Bart, you thinking what I'm thinking?

That's the one that Beretti had.

- Let's find out. - Let's go.

- I wanna see Beretti. - He ain't here.

- Huh. - You can't go in there.

You're gonna stop me?

Your boss going somewhere?

What if he is?

Where is he going, Calvini?

How do I know?

Just out of town till lent is over.

'Business is slow.'

Bart..

Beretti's gotta come back here sooner or later

to pick up the luggage.

I can only put a man here to watch and wait.

Maybe not. I have an idea.

Carla has a rendezvous with him every night.

- Carla Marchese? - That's right.

But Giovanni knows what kind of a man Beretti is.

He wouldn't let her.

Giovanni doesn't know she's meeting him.

Imagine, Beretti having his hands on a girl like Carla.

Women, Joe. They generally know what they're doing.

Uh, she must have a reason.

I thought so too, that she was trying to protect Giovanni.

But then with that bombing this morning, it just doesn't add up.

Let's go see her before it gets dark.

Joe, I could use a bite to eat.

Who wants to eat? Come on.

Joe.

I better go talk to her alone.

- Why? - That's a cinch.

She's not gonna lead the police to Beretti.

Not me either for that matter.

I could scare her into going to him right away.

If anybody knows where he is, she does.

- It's your hand, you play it. - Then keep out of sight.

Yeah.

Good evening, Moselia. Is Miss Marchese at home?

Was there something you wanted, Mr. Maverick?

Oh, I just came to say goodbye.

I'm leaving New Orleans in the morning.

Oh. I hope you have a pleasant trip.

Thank you.

Too bad, my brother isn't here.

He'll be sorry to have missed saying goodbye.

- Oh. Where is Giovanni? - I don't know.

He left about an hour ago. He didn't say where he was going.

Well, frankly, Carla, I had another reason

for coming here tonight.

And what was that, Mr. Maverick?

Just some friendly advice.

I was talking to Lieutenant Petrino and..

He told me the police are looking for your friend.

What for?

I think it would be wise to stay away from him.

At least, until all this police business is straightened out.

You haven't answered my question.

Why are the police looking for Mr. Beretti?

Murder.

Lieutenant seems to think

they have a pretty good case against him.

Well, it's none of my business.

I better be on my way, I have some packing to do.

Pleasure to have met you, Carla.

Bye.

- Well? - We wait.

Tell Giovanni I've gone to visit Elsa.

No, not now. Wait.

Now.

She didn't have time to reach the next corner yet.

She must be in one of these shops.

Let's start working this side of the street.

Prego.

The next step is to get control of the docks.

The very hot blood of New Orleans.

Then, nobody will dare oppose the organization.

I plan good, huh, Giovanni?

You leave the planning to me, Beretti.

There is no more opposition.

Alberto was the last to convince.

Violence is not my liking.

But our people force us to its use.

The bombing of my place is the end of the violence.

Almost the end, Giovanni. But not quite.

Oh. And what else is necessary?

You have dined well?

You want some more wine?

So that is why you invited me here.

I'm glad you remember some of the ways of the old country.

- Carla. - Giacomo.

The police, they're looking for you.

Thank you, cara mia. But it is not for me they seek.

Carla, what are you doing here?

How long has this been going on?

Since the first time she came to ask about your safety.

Amusing, eh, Giovanni?

Yes, dear brother. I'm in love with Giacomo.

He's a man, not a weakling like you are.

I think you better leave, cara mia.

Ha!

Cara mia.

You stupid little fool.

You ruined everything.

Beretti.

Who does this medallion belong to?

You're a pyzano, lieutenant.

You know better than to ask that.

Sure.

Sure.

He may not be the top man

But we're getting close to him. We'll find him.

Joe, let me see that medallion a minute.

Where did you get this?

My brother.

It's all over, Giovanni.

You're the big boy.

'Beretti was just fronting for you'

'even though he was trying to take over.'

Oh, no, you don't.

You can't prove anything against me.

'As for Beretti, it was self defense.'

You can see for yourself, the shotgun.

Beretti, don't!

- No hard feelings, Maverick. - Oh, no hard feelings, chief.

I knew you'd take it that way.

Yes, sir, give me 15 minutes with a man

and I'll tell you what kind of man he is.

You're alright, Maverick. Alright.

And just to prove it

I, uh, I hereby make you honorary captain

'of the New Orleans Police Department.'

Hey.

- Well, thank you, chief. - 'Not at all.'

I better be on my way or I'll miss my boat.

Next time I'm in New Orleans, I'll drop by to see you.

- Have a good trip, Bart. - Thanks.

- Thank you, chief. - Goodbye.

Quite a man, that Maverick.

- Right, sergeant? - He certainly is.

Sergeant?

I gave you an order to lock him up.

Yes, sir. But I thought in view of what happened...

Never mind what happened. That's not the point.

It was a direct order, you disobeyed it.

Yes, but..

'I believe in iron discipline, sergeant.'

I get rid of a crooked officer like Noonan

I demoted a disobedient one like you.

That's all.

Sure, I'll make captain.

What'd you say, sergeant?

I said, I think I'll take up gambling, sir.

Oh.

♪ Who is the tall dark stranger there ♪

♪ Maverick is the name ♪

♪ Ridin' the trail to who knows where ♪

♪ Luck is his companion ♪

♪ Gamblin' is his game ♪

♪ Smooth as a handle on a gun ♪

♪ Maverick is the name ♪

♪ Wild as the wind in Oregon ♪

♪ Blowin' up a canyon ♪

♪ Easier to tame ♪

♪ Riverboat ring your bell ♪

♪ Fair thee well Annabel ♪

♪ Luck is the lady that he loves the best ♪

♪ Natchez to New Orleans ♪

♪ Livin' on jacks and queens ♪

♪ Maverick is a legend of the West ♪

♪ Riverboat ring your bell ♪

♪ Fair thee well Annabel ♪

♪ Luck is the lady that he loves the best ♪

♪ Natchez to New Orleans ♪

♪ Livin' on jacks and queens ♪

♪ Maverick is a legend of the West ♪

♪ Maverick is a legend of the West ♪♪