Original subtitles

[upbeat, quirky orchestral music]

[upbeat, quirky orchestral music]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

[whistle blowing]

- May I ask you a personal question?

- Question?

- Question?

- Now, be completely frank.

Why do you suppose I blow that whistle?

Why do you suppose I blow that whistle?

Maybe it's because it has a nice, musical sound

Maybe it's because it has a nice, musical sound

like a piccolo, maybe.

- Sorry, it's my first day--

- Sorry, it's my first day--

- Or maybe it's because there's not enough noise around here

and the silence is hard on my nerves.

and the silence is hard on my nerves.

[heavy rumbling]

[heavy rumbling]

- Look out!

[heavy rumbling]

[heavy rumbling]

[loud crashing]

[loud crashing]

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

[orchestral music]

[orchestral music]

- Hello, this is Murdoch.

Located Cab 17, over.

Located Cab 17, over.

- [Manny] Put that blockhead on so I can fire him, over.

- [Manny] Put that blockhead on so I can fire him, over.

- Well, um, Manny, he's not here at the moment.

- Well, um, Manny, he's not here at the moment.

Just the cab.

- [Manny] What's he, a character or something?

- [Manny] What's he, a character or something?

- [Tod] Buz!

- It looks like your career as a cab driver

- It looks like your career as a cab driver

is ending the same day it started.

- Come on inside.

- Come on inside.

- Look, the Ace Cab Company is very square

about their six cabs.

They like them on the street, in radio contact,

They like them on the street, in radio contact,

making a buck.

You know our motto, "Hustle, hustle!"

You know our motto, "Hustle, hustle!"

- Well, that's a little better.

- So I can go, huh?

- So I can go, huh?

- Still pretty high.

- Always high.

- You ever painted before?

- You ever painted before?

- Sure, I'm delicate like that.

- Can I take a picture now, Mr. Wender?

- Can I take a picture now, Mr. Wender?

- Mr. Wender?

[scoffs] Ain't you guys getting polite?

[scoffs] Ain't you guys getting polite?

Used to be, "Hey, Pay-Off Man, let's see your teeth."

Used to be, "Hey, Pay-Off Man, let's see your teeth."

Everything's changed.

Now my teeth are in my pocket, and I'm Mr. Wender.

Now my teeth are in my pocket, and I'm Mr. Wender.

Well come on, come on, take your picture.

- Wender, why don't you give yourself a break?

- Wender, why don't you give yourself a break?

- Thanks, Mr. Wender.

- What's that supposed to mean?

- You were in that jail for almost forever isn't that right?

- You were in that jail for almost forever isn't that right?

- Apologies I accept only from J. Edgar Hoover.

- Apologies I accept only from J. Edgar Hoover.

- I'm serious.

- 32 Mother's Days, 32 Thanksgiving dinners.

That's a lot of candied sweet potatoes.

That's a lot of candied sweet potatoes.

- So why ask for trouble?

You got a right to live where you want,

but if you think you're going to get killed,

why come back to Chicago?

why come back to Chicago?

- Because it was my town when you were a choirboy!

- Because it was my town when you were a choirboy!

I knew it when the Black Sox used to win every ball game

one to nothing,

one to nothing,

and they herded cows down Iceland Avenue

for the stockyards

like it was the Wild West.

like it was the Wild West.

- You're looking at living history.

- You're looking at living history.

He was one of the guys that made Chicago famous

during Prohibition.

He just got outta jail this morning after 32 years.

He just got outta jail this morning after 32 years.

He just got outta jail this morning after 32 years.

- Excuse me.

I just checked the personnel records.

I just checked the personnel records.

That man driving the freight truck?

Been with us for 12 years, a perfect safety record,

Been with us for 12 years, a perfect safety record,

An A number one man. [laughs nervously]

- So where is this A number one man at the moment?

- So where is this A number one man at the moment?

- Well, I don't know, uh, we called his home.

- Well, I don't know, uh, we called his home.

- No answer.

- Not exactly, the landlady answered.

- Not exactly, the landlady answered.

- His landlady.

- Illogical, Wender, it couldn't have been anything

- Illogical, Wender, it couldn't have been anything

but an accident.

After all those years, who's left to care

After all those years, who's left to care

whether you're alive or dead?

- I'll show you who's left.

- I'll show you who's left.

How old's this scar, doc?

- 'Bout three or four years.

- Ah.

28 years after they locked me up in a cage,

28 years after they locked me up in a cage,

some guy still remembers the Pay-Off Man.

some guy still remembers the Pay-Off Man.

- Why?

- Are you that dumb?

1925 was the worst year I ever had.

1925 was the worst year I ever had.

I only made a little over $200,000 that year.

I only made a little over $200,000 that year.

- [scoffs] Doing what?

- 5,000 wild-eyed guys wanted their hunk.

- 5,000 wild-eyed guys wanted their hunk.

Why, compared to old Chicago, that thing the Klondike

Why, compared to old Chicago, that thing the Klondike

was like playing heads or tails with pennies.

So not everybody's a good loser.

So not everybody's a good loser.

- All right, come down to the station

- All right, come down to the station

and tell us who you think might be involved,

and I'll assign a man to keep an eye on you.

and I'll assign a man to keep an eye on you.

- Who asked you for something?

- Then get out of Chicago.

- Then get out of Chicago.

- What did the landlady say?

Did you have a nice little chat with the landlady?

Did you have a nice little chat with the landlady?

- Now, wait a minute, mister!

- You've still got that meter running, son!

- You've still got that meter running, son!

- You're looking at him like he just came back from orbit.

- You know something?

- You know something?

Like a wonderful old eagle with about six feathers left.

- And why'd they put that wonderful old eagle

in that prison for 32 years?

in that prison for 32 years?

- What are you so sore at?

- He's a crumb who happened to out with his playmates.

- He's a crumb who happened to out with his playmates.

- Of course, but he's also a symbol of what Chicago

must have ben like.

must have ben like.

- Symbol?

Oh, that's very nice, I like it, that's a marvelous way

Oh, that's very nice, I like it, that's a marvelous way

to put it.

- Knock it off, huh?

- I'm just glad to see that you're one guy

- I'm just glad to see that you're one guy

that didn't waste his time in college.

- All right, drop it!

- Why? I'm impressed.

- Why? I'm impressed.

While all those other kids were bouncing around

at that football game, my buddy was thumbing his way

at that football game, my buddy was thumbing his way

through some rare old book boning up on symbols.

- What are you so angry at?

- What are you so angry at?

- Tell me, while you were thumbing through that book,

did you come across the name Shapiro?

did you come across the name Shapiro?

Or Donna Mariano?

Shapiro, S-H-A-P-I-R-O.

Shapiro, S-H-A-P-I-R-O.

- Buz, let--

- He ran a little two by four candystore on West 43rd Street

Before six "symbols" snapped his spine.

Before six "symbols" snapped his spine.

Nobody ever knew why.

Donna Mariano, she was this 18 year old chick

Donna Mariano, she was this 18 year old chick

who had her flashing Latin eyes washed out by acid

by two more "symbols"

by two more "symbols"

because she didn't dig their fun and games.

- Well, I'm not defending rats like that!

- Well, I'm not defending rats like that!

- Rats?

Well, these are the folk heroes of our troubled times.

Well, these are the folk heroes of our troubled times.

Soup kitchens for the hungry.

Swell to their widowed mothers,

Swell to their widowed mothers,

playboys of the Western world,

bringing a little glamor to the drab neighborhood

bringing a little glamor to the drab neighborhood

of the poor.

Here, kid, here's four bits, go buy yourself a full life.

Here, kid, here's four bits, go buy yourself a full life.

[dramatic music]

- Think we're made, you'll buy yourself your own cab.

- Think we're made, you'll buy yourself your own cab.

Who's this?

- Where to?

- Where to?

- Who was that?

- Oh, that's a guy who works the night shift.

- Oh, that's a guy who works the night shift.

They, they woke him up to find me,

he's down on his feet.

he's down on his feet.

[pensive music]

[pensive music]

[car door slamming]

[car door slamming]

[car door slams]

[car door slams]

Where to?

Where to?

- Wait a while,

just give me a second or two, will you?

just give me a second or two, will you?

I've been waiting for somebody to ask me "where to"

I've been waiting for somebody to ask me "where to"

since before they invented talking pictures.

since before they invented talking pictures.

Hotel Metropolitan.

Oh, you don't have to look it up.

Oh, you don't have to look it up.

2812 North Wabash.

I wonder how many times I've practiced saying

I wonder how many times I've practiced saying

Hotel Metropolitan.

[laughs] The rugs in the corridors are red,

[laughs] The rugs in the corridors are red,

except on the eighth floor where they got linoleum,

except on the eighth floor where they got linoleum,

for some reason.

Say, I wonder if they got a new sign?

Say, I wonder if they got a new sign?

The bottom part of the E has a short or something,

there's a guy always out there with a ladder

screwing in a new bulb. [laughing]

screwing in a new bulb. [laughing]

[pensive music]

[engine firing up]

[engine firing up]

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

What are you talking about?

- There's the number, 2812.

- There's the number, 2812.

- But I lived there for 11 years!

You musta went south instead of north.

You musta went south instead of north.

- 32 years is a long time, maybe they tore it down.

- Not the Metropolitan!

- Not the Metropolitan!

[chuckling]

Why, it's beautiful, with big, green couches in the lobby

and plants and a chandelier, it'd knock your eye out.

and plants and a chandelier, it'd knock your eye out.

And a big steamer trunk, all my suits.

And a big steamer trunk, all my suits.

They said they'd keep them in the basement.

They said they'd keep them in the basement.

- I'll ask the kid.

- Aw, what would he know?

- Aw, what would he know?

I'd served 10 years before he was even born.

I'd served 10 years before he was even born.

Okay, take me to the Four Deuces.

Okay, take me to the Four Deuces.

They'll know where my stuff is.

How long have you been driving a cab?

How long have you been driving a cab?

- You're my third customer.

- I can believe it, a kid on roller skates

- I can believe it, a kid on roller skates

knows where the Four Deuces is.

knows where the Four Deuces is.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

I mean, [chuckles]

I mean, [chuckles]

I was already making wisecracks with the doorman

at the Metropolitan.

at the Metropolitan.

His name was Hank.

He had about 10 kids and another always on the way you know.

He had about 10 kids and another always on the way you know.

[chuckling]

I was gonna say, "What's the latest count, Hank?"

I was gonna say, "What's the latest count, Hank?"

And press a $5 bill into his palm.

And press a $5 bill into his palm.

We still buddies?

- Sure.

- The Four Deuces is 2222, Indiana.

- The Four Deuces is 2222, Indiana.

Man, that was the place! [chuckling]

The fortress!

The fortress!

Walls a foot thick, the door solid steel, I ain't kidding!

Walls a foot thick, the door solid steel, I ain't kidding!

Always, like, 100 guys and dolls having a ball.

Always, like, 100 guys and dolls having a ball.

You'll know when you get there. [laughing]

It's a regular Niagara Falls! [laughing]

It's a regular Niagara Falls! [laughing]

[pensive music]

[pensive music]

- Is that 2222 North Indiana?

- Is that 2222 North Indiana?

[1920s jazz music with creepy undertone]

[1920s jazz music with creepy undertone]

[children squealing]

- If I could tell you what this place used to be like.

- If I could tell you what this place used to be like.

I saw two guys laying dead right there.

I saw two guys laying dead right there.

He tried to hustle beer in the wrong part of town.

He tried to hustle beer in the wrong part of town.

Boy, I feel old.

I guess 32 years is longer than it seemed.

I guess 32 years is longer than it seemed.

[gloomy music]

[gloomy music]

- Why don't you let me take you to a nice hotel

- Why don't you let me take you to a nice hotel

where you can get some rest?

- Where's my trunk?

Had three dozen shirts, Italian silk.

Had three dozen shirts, Italian silk.

I mean, imported.

Maybe 20 I never even took the pins out of.

[pensive music]

[pensive music]

[loud knocking]

Oh.

They still got the steel doors.

They still got the steel doors.

[1920s jazz music with discordant undertone]

[1920s jazz music with discordant undertone]

- $41.80 for one fare? [whistling]

- $41.80 for one fare? [whistling]

- He wanted to see the sights.

- He wanted to see the sights.

- I was gonna fire you, now, maybe I'll give you a raise.

- I was gonna fire you, now, maybe I'll give you a raise.

I'll take it under advisement.

All right, so what are you waiting for,

the cab's out there.

Hustle!

Hustle!

- Hustle?

- What's with you?

- When they got me out of my pad this morning to find you,

- When they got me out of my pad this morning to find you,

I couldn't get back to sleep, that's what's with me.

I couldn't get back to sleep, that's what's with me.

[phone ringing]

What's happened to the one and only Al Capone?

What's happened to the one and only Al Capone?

- Take it easy on the guy, huh?

- [Buz] Why?

- He's paid up, he did his time.

- He's paid up, he did his time.

- Not to me, he's not.

- You never said two words to the man.

- You never said two words to the man.

- No, but Mr. Shapiro and I had many a nice conversation

- No, but Mr. Shapiro and I had many a nice conversation

over a two cent salsa.

I mean, before he had that trouble with his back.

I mean, before he had that trouble with his back.

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

[phone ringing]

- Get outta here.

- Get outta here.

[pensive music]

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

- Hey, buddy!

- Hey, buddy!

I'd like to ask you a question.

I'd like to ask you a question.

I wanna find the man you picked up at the station today.

I wanna find the man you picked up at the station today.

- [Tod] I pick up a lot of people.

- [Tod] I pick up a lot of people.

- [Baggage Man] I mean, the man who almost got hit

by the baggage truck.

- I don't know.

- Well, you dropped him somewhere, where'd you drop him?

- Well, you dropped him somewhere, where'd you drop him?

- Downtown, State Street.

- [Baggage Man] Come on, tell me the truth.

- [Baggage Man] Come on, tell me the truth.

It's worth a few bucks to me.

Now, tell me!

Now, tell me!

Tell me or I'll beat your head in!

[heavy thudding]

[heavy thudding]

- Hey!

[footsteps thudding]

[footsteps thudding]

What happened?

You all right?

You all right?

What happened?

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

- There are 40,000 towns in the country.

- There are 40,000 towns in the country.

Some of 'em real nice little places.

- Good luck to 'em all.

- Good luck to 'em all.

- I can force you to go.

- I can force you to go.

- You're talking to a guy who read every law book

in the prison library 10 times.

in the prison library 10 times.

- Look, Mr. Wender, it's silly for you to just--

- You keep outta this, Mr. Loudmouth.

- You keep outta this, Mr. Loudmouth.

Bring in the Boy Scouts?

- [Police Officer] He did right.

- [Police Officer] He did right.

- I'm staying.

- Why?

- 'Cause I like the way they fry chicken

at that place down the street.

at that place down the street.

- All right, I'll assign a couple of men to watch you.

- All right, I'll assign a couple of men to watch you.

- You tell 'em it's for life.

- You tell 'em it's for life.

I'm a tough geezer, I got plenty of years left in me, sonny.

I'm a tough geezer, I got plenty of years left in me, sonny.

My old man lived to be 96.

He died with a beer glass of whisky in his hand.

He died with a beer glass of whisky in his hand.

You wanna have a couple of men watch me that long?

You wanna have a couple of men watch me that long?

- What do you want me to do?

- Oh, go arrest somebody parking in front of a fireplug.

- Oh, go arrest somebody parking in front of a fireplug.

[door slamming]

[door slamming]

You stay.

[door clattering]

[door clattering]

I shouldn't'a talked to you like that.

You're a good kid, here.

You're a good kid, here.

Buy yourself a tie.

- Forget it.

- Forget it.

- No hard feelings?

- No.

But I think you shoulda let the police help you.

But I think you shoulda let the police help you.

- What did he look like?

- What did he look like?

[tsking]

It was pretty dark, I couldn't see much of his face.

It was pretty dark, I couldn't see much of his face.

But he packs quite a punch.

- That don't help.

- That don't help.

Wonder who he belongs to?

- Look, you can't just sit here and wait.

- Look, you can't just sit here and wait.

- You're worried about the old goat, huh? [laughing]

- You're worried about the old goat, huh? [laughing]

I like that.

I like that.

What's your cab number?

- 17.

- I'll remember that.

- I'll remember that.

And don't worry about me.

All I need is a new set of teeth and my old clothes.

Boy, the things I got in that trunk!

Boy, the things I got in that trunk!

[pensive music]

[pensive music]

Well, just show your face around here!

Well, just show your face around here!

Cut that out!

Shut up!

Who is this?

Who is this?

Tell me who this is!

Tell me who this is!

Who is this, who is this?

Who is this, who is this?

Stop it!

Shut up!

Shut up!

Stop it!

[phone crashing]

[phone crashing]

[phone clicking]

Operator?

Operator?

Operator, what are you doing, sleeping?

Operator, what are you doing, sleeping?

Somebody was just on this phone, I wanna know who it was.

Somebody was just on this phone, I wanna know who it was.

Just now!

Well, don't you keep records?

What, can anybody just call up and say anything they like

What, can anybody just call up and say anything they like

and nothing happens?

What good would that do?

What good would that do?

[phone crashing]

[knocking on door]

[knocking on door]

[metallic clattering]

- [Mrs. Shea] Are you all right there?

- Laverne!

- [Mrs. Shea] This is Mrs. Shea, next door.

- [Mrs. Shea] This is Mrs. Shea, next door.

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

- Who are you?

- Who are you?

- Mrs. Shea.

I heard you shouting.

I heard you shouting.

I thought you were ill or something.

I was being neighborly.

I was being neighborly.

[door slamming]

[door slamming]

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

[phone clattering]

[phone clattering]

- I want the telephone number of the Ace Cab Company.

- I want the telephone number of the Ace Cab Company.

[suspenseful music]

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

I told the guy on the phone I wanted 17.

I told the guy on the phone I wanted 17.

I know the kid who drives 17, and it's not you.

- After eight o'clock, it's me.

- [Mr. Wender] I want that other one.

- [Mr. Wender] I want that other one.

- He's sleeping.

- Then wake him up!

- He's a growing boy, he needs his sleep.

- He's a growing boy, he needs his sleep.

It's me or nothing.

- Well, nothing.

- Well, nothing.

Uh, wait.

Uh, wait.

Aren't you the one I met at the train station,

Aren't you the one I met at the train station,

the other guy's partner?

- Yeah.

- Get out and let me make sure.

- Get out and let me make sure.

- All right?

[car door closing]

Where to?

- Don't be smart.

They know where I am now.

They know where I am now.

- Who?

- I don't know who.

- I don't know who.

Your friend must have told you what happened today.

Your friend must have told you what happened today.

Well, what are you grinning about?

Well, what are you grinning about?

- The fierce old eagle, until the lights go out, huh?

- What's that supposed to mean?

- What's that supposed to mean?

- Where do you wanna go to, mister?

- Where do you wanna go to, mister?

- My life was just threatened.

I was sound asleep, the phone rang, and this guy said

I was sound asleep, the phone rang, and this guy said

they were gonna kill me.

- So we go to the police.

- So we go to the police.

- I never heard a voice like that.

Terrible!

Terrible!

And saying such things like, like I was some bug

washed up by the rain.

washed up by the rain.

What did I ever do that was so awful?

I never killed nobody.

I never killed nobody.

People were on their knees begging me for what,

a lousy glass of beer, so I gave it to 'em.

a lousy glass of beer, so I gave it to 'em.

A glass of beer, that's a big crime, huh?

- And nobody ever got hurt, huh?

- And nobody ever got hurt, huh?

- What do you think the world is, a little kid game?

- What do you think the world is, a little kid game?

Bouncing rubber ball up and down,

one, two, three, Larry?

I broke the law so I sat in a cage for 32 years.

I broke the law so I sat in a cage for 32 years.

Ain't that enough?

- Look, mister, what's it gonna be?

The cops are once around the park.

The cops are once around the park.

- You go where I tell you.

Move!

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

[car door slamming]

[car door slamming]

[car door slamming]

[car door slamming]

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

[mysterious music]

[mysterious music]

[door knocking]

- Busy.

- Busy.

Go away!

Come back tomorrow!

Come back tomorrow!

[door knocking]

[door knocking]

I'm busy!

- It's me, Sandy, Harry Wender.

- It's me, Sandy, Harry Wender.

So?

Aren't you gonna drop dead from the shock?

Aren't you gonna drop dead from the shock?

Last time I saw you, you had the same number of legs

Last time I saw you, you had the same number of legs

as anybody else.

Take your hat off, kid, you're standing in front of

Take your hat off, kid, you're standing in front of

the greatest newspaper man that ever lived.

the greatest newspaper man that ever lived.

You wait in the cab.

You wait in the cab.

[door thudding]

[door thudding]

What kind of a pigsty is this?

What kind of a pigsty is this?

How come you're not working for the paper no more?

How come you're not working for the paper no more?

- I was born in 1892, Harry.

- One leg and no job, huh? [chuckling]

- One leg and no job, huh? [chuckling]

- I've got a job.

I address envelopes for business firms

I address envelopes for business firms

who like the personal touch.

who like the personal touch.

A penny an envelope.

- Are you mad at me or something?

- [Sandy] No.

- [Sandy] No.

- So, shake.

- Gently.

Arthritis.

Arthritis.

- That's better.

Who gave you the biggest story you ever had?

Who gave you the biggest story you ever had?

Who surrendered to you instead of the G men

so you could beat every other newspaper to the punch?

so you could beat every other newspaper to the punch?

Who made you a second Waldo Ainshaw?

Who made you a second Waldo Ainshaw?

- You did, Harry.

- Okay, remember that.

- Okay, remember that.

How come you didn't write me when they tore down

the Metropolitan Hotel?

the Metropolitan Hotel?

- Have they?

- I'll say they did.

My trunk and all my things gone.

My trunk and all my things gone.

- Maybe you can't write for the newspapers anymore,

but can't you still read 'em?

[metallic clattering]

[metallic clattering]

I'm not myself tonight, Sandy.

I'm not myself tonight, Sandy.

Pay-Off Man has his troubles.

Pay-Off Man has his troubles.

Somebody from the old days is trying to kill me.

[sharp clattering]

[sharp clattering]

What do you do, trade a light

for a bunch of two bit souvenirs?

for a bunch of two bit souvenirs?

- Who's trying to kill you, Harry?

- Who's trying to kill you, Harry?

- Here, take a look.

- Here, take a look.

Like a who's who of the old days, huh?

Like a who's who of the old days, huh?

Anybody who ever had a beef against me.

Now if I could find 'em, I could say, what are you doing?

Now if I could find 'em, I could say, what are you doing?

I don't want no trouble.

I don't want no trouble.

I just wanna fix my teeth, find my clothes,

and watch the White Sox win a couple of ball games, right?

and watch the White Sox win a couple of ball games, right?

- And you think it'll work?

- Ah, you remember me.

- Ah, you remember me.

I could charm the tusk off an elephant.

I could charm the tusk off an elephant.

- Why do you need me?

- Well, it's been 32 years, I gotta find out

where these guys are now.

where these guys are now.

- Oh, I've been out of touch for a long time, Harry.

- Oh, I've been out of touch for a long time, Harry.

- You've got contacts, an old-timer like you,

they'll still let you into the files of the paper.

they'll still let you into the files of the paper.

- I suppose so.

- I suppose so.

- All right then, you get down there

and get me some addresses.

- Perhaps tomorrow.

- Perhaps tomorrow.

- Not tomorrow, now!

- But Harry!

- It's a morning paper, they're open all night.

- It's a morning paper, they're open all night.

- I've got work to do.

- I've got work to do.

- What, a penny an envelope?

You'd do better with a tin cup!

You'd do better with a tin cup!

[heavy thudding] Here.

[heavy thudding] Here.

- All right, Harry.

I guess I can do it for old times.

I guess I can do it for old times.

- That's better.

- On one condition.

- On one condition.

- Why not, what do you want, dough?

- Why not, what do you want, dough?

How much?

- No money, Harry.

- [Harry] Then what?

- [Harry] Then what?

- It's just the whimsy of an old man.

- It's just the whimsy of an old man.

But before I die, just once,

But before I die, just once,

I'd like to here Harry Wender say "please."

I'd like to here Harry Wender say "please."

Isn't that silly?

- Yeah, it's silly.

- Well, say it anyhow, Harry.

- Well, say it anyhow, Harry.

Humor me.

- What do you want me to do, crawl?

- Just say "please."

- Just say "please."

- Please!

- Please!

[ominous music]

[ominous music]

There's a cab downstairs.

The guy'll take you to the paper.

The guy'll take you to the paper.

You be standing on the Chicago River Bridge

at 7:00 am in the morning.

at 7:00 am in the morning.

- Isn't there a name missing?

- Who?

- Laverne.

[dramatic music]

- What are you trying to do to me?

- What are you trying to do to me?

- A list of people who want you dead

is not complete without her name.

is not complete without her name.

- Shut up!

- [Sandy] Is it, Harry? - Shut up!

- [Sandy] Is it, Harry? - Shut up!

[chair creaking]

- Chicago River Bridge.

7:00 am.

[door clattering]

- Pigsty!

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

- Oh, I don't know how we're gonna get rid of him.

- Oh, I don't know how we're gonna get rid of him.

- Why get rid of a goldmine?

- Why get rid of a goldmine?

- Poor old guy.

- "Poor old guy."

- "Poor old guy."

We're his private chauffeurs for two bits

every third of a mile, so save your sympathy

every third of a mile, so save your sympathy

for somebody who's a little bit more worthy.

Like, uh, wife beaters or drunks.

Like, uh, wife beaters or drunks.

- How stupid do you think I am?

Do you suppose I think that's some kind of a prince

Do you suppose I think that's some kind of a prince

out there?

- Then we've got no argument.

- What do you think compassion is,

- What do you think compassion is,

something you pass out like free samples?

something you pass out like free samples?

If it doesn't flow out of you as naturally

as the air you breathe, and for every human being bar none,

as the air you breathe, and for every human being bar none,

it's not compassion, it's pity.

And if you don't know the difference you're

And if you don't know the difference you're

not very bright.

- Every other human being bar none?

- Every other human being bar none?

Tolerate any kinda evil, right?

Tolerate any kinda evil, right?

So burn down the old folks' home

and poison the orphans' milk.

I love you anyway, wow.

I love you anyway, wow.

- Somebody once said, if only for an instant,

- Somebody once said, if only for an instant,

no, wait a minute, let me get it right.

- Yeah, do!

- All right, funny man.

- All right, funny man.

If only for one instant I was forced to look

into the naked heart of my most wretched enemy,

into the naked heart of my most wretched enemy,

I could no longer hate him.

I could only forgive him his wretchedness

I could only forgive him his wretchedness

even if forgiveness was not asked.

I could only hold out a brother's hand.

I could only hold out a brother's hand.

Do you know who said that?

- Whistler's mother.

- Whistler's mother.

- A man whose whole family died in a Nazi gas chamber.

- A man whose whole family died in a Nazi gas chamber.

[suspenseful music]

Mr. Wender?

Mr. Wender?

- Huh?

What?

What?

- Seven o'clock.

- Oh, yeah.

- Well, where would you like to go today, then?

Field Museum, the aquarium?

Field Museum, the aquarium?

- No more of that.

- No more of that.

Today we find out who wants to kill the Pay-Off Man.

Today we find out who wants to kill the Pay-Off Man.

Let's go.

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

[car door slamming]

[car door slamming]

[eerie music]

Move!

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

I can't believe that's Sam.

I can't believe that's Sam.

That's Sam Marlowe?

- Yes.

Why?

Why?

- They said at his house he'd be here in the park,

near the school.

Could I talk to him, lady?

Could I talk to him, lady?

- Didn't they tell you about his stroke?

- Didn't they tell you about his stroke?

That he can't talk?

- Then I'll do the talking, okay?

I'm an old friend.

I'm an old friend.

- Do we feel well enough to talk to an old friend, huh?

- Do we feel well enough to talk to an old friend, huh?

Go ahead.

But just for a minute or two.

But just for a minute or two.

We're a little bit under the weather today.

- Could I talk to him private?

[scoffing indignantly]

[scoffing indignantly]

Hey, Sam, recognize me?

Hey, Sam, recognize me?

It's me, Harry.

It's me, Harry.

The Pay-Off Man.

I change much?

I change much?

We all got a couple of days older, huh?

So how's it going with you?

So how's it going with you?

Oh, a day like this the old days,

Oh, a day like this the old days,

pick up a couple of dames, a case of beer,

pick up a couple of dames, a case of beer,

a sack of salami sandwiches and go for a sail

on Lake Michigan.

How many times we did that, huh, Sam?

How many times we did that, huh, Sam?

You're still sore at me.

You're still sore at me.

I know how you can carry a grudge.

I guess I did you plenty of dirt at that.

I guess I did you plenty of dirt at that.

Well, we were all crazy wild guys, weren't we, Sam?

Well, we were all crazy wild guys, weren't we, Sam?

But, boy, [laughs] the years take it out of you!

But, boy, [laughs] the years take it out of you!

Now, you know, I don't want any more trouble.

Past is past, okay, Sam?

Past is past, okay, Sam?

Otherwise, I can be a little rough too, you know?

Otherwise, I can be a little rough too, you know?

You hear me?

- Mr. Wender?

What kind of trouble could he give you now?

What kind of trouble could he give you now?

[pensive music]

[pensive music]

- '29, he was the terror of the whole northwest side.

- '29, he was the terror of the whole northwest side.

If you could have seen him the way he was.

If you could have seen him the way he was.

So long, Sam.

[pensive music]

[pensive music]

[classical piano music]

[classical piano music]

We got the wrong place.

We got the wrong place.

- The butler said-- - I don't care

what the butler said, this ain't Jake the Hook.

what the butler said, this ain't Jake the Hook.

[door slamming]

[classical soprano singing]

[classical soprano singing]

- When they told me who it was, I said,

"So, the grave can open up and the dead return."

"So, the grave can open up and the dead return."

You don't look so good, Harry.

You don't look so good, Harry.

35 years of baked beans and frankfurters, huh?

[classical soprano singing]

[classical soprano singing]

Sing, darling, I can hear you down here!

Sing, darling, I can hear you down here!

You sound great!

One of my proteges.

One of my proteges.

In five years, she will be marvelous.

Maybe I will take her to Milan.

Maybe I will take her to Milan.

You know, La Scala.

- I can't believe it.

- I can't believe it.

- You can't believe what?

- You.

- Harry, life has been good to me.

So I thank God in my own way.

So I thank God in my own way.

I have a foundation coming to luncheon,

I have a foundation coming to luncheon,

I guess 50 people.

We want to find unfortunate children

and educate them properly so they turn out okay.

and educate them properly so they turn out okay.

They've asked me to be chair, how can I refuse them?

They've asked me to be chair, how can I refuse them?

Would you like something to drink?

This liquor's from Yugoslavia.

This liquor's from Yugoslavia.

It's like, what can I say, uh,

It's like, what can I say, uh,

ambrosia.

- Am I going nuts?

- Am I going nuts?

Jake the Hook used to drink turpentine

Jake the Hook used to drink turpentine

strained through stale bread.

- And when I knew you, you had your own teeth.

- And when I knew you, you had your own teeth.

What can I do for you, Harry, money?

How much?

How much?

- I don't need your money.

Just wanna be left alone, or else I'm gonna fight back.

Just wanna be left alone, or else I'm gonna fight back.

- Who can blame you?

- Somebody from the old days wants me dead.

- Somebody from the old days wants me dead.

- Who?

- I don't know who.

- I don't know who.

But I'm going to everybody I ever had a beef with.

But I'm going to everybody I ever had a beef with.

- [Mary] Sir?

- Yes, Mary?

- Do the flowers suit you, sir?

- Do the flowers suit you, sir?

- Excuse me.

Maybe not so many.

Maybe not so many.

I mean, it's not a funeral.

Too much is worse than too little.

Too much is worse than too little.

Yes, Harry, we've had our troubles with each other,

Yes, Harry, we've had our troubles with each other,

you and me.

- But that's in the past.

- But that's in the past.

- Darling!

That last part, it's still shrill,

That last part, it's still shrill,

like you're not using your chest!

like you're not using your chest!

- I just wanna live out my last few years in peace, Jake.

- Isn't that what we all want?

- Isn't that what we all want?

Harry, you mean me?

Harry, you mean me?

You think I'm threatening you?

You think I'm threatening you?

- I don't know who.

- My good old friend, come here.

- My good old friend, come here.

I found this mirror in a French chateau

I found this mirror in a French chateau

bigger than City Hall.

Now, don't ask me what it cost,

Now, don't ask me what it cost,

the museum says it's still a bargain.

Yes, life has been good to me, Harry, thanks to God.

Yes, life has been good to me, Harry, thanks to God.

Yes, life has been good to me, Harry, thanks to God.

I have no grudges.

If you want a job, I'm well connected with

If you want a job, I'm well connected with

hotels, department stores, any number of things.

hotels, department stores, any number of things.

- How come it happened to you like this?

- How come it happened to you like this?

I must have looked at 10 guys today

I must have looked at 10 guys today

and nothing but trouble.

Sick, dead, crazy.

We both started out the same way,

We both started out the same way,

how come that's you and that's me?

how come that's you and that's me?

- There's an old Spanish saying--

- I don't wanna hear any of your Spanish sayings.

- I don't wanna hear any of your Spanish sayings.

[door slamming]

[door slamming]

[soprano singing soaring]

[soprano singing soaring]

[door closing]

[door closing]

Why did it have to happen to him?

Why did it have to happen to him?

[mud squelching]

[footsteps thudding]

[footsteps thudding]

- Are you nuts or something?

5,000 bucks that carpet cost me!

5,000 bucks that carpet cost me!

- I wish it cost a million!

- I wish it cost a million!

[muffled scuffling]

[muffled scuffling]

- You ought to be killed, you crazy nut!

Now why'd you come here?

The only person who'd even waste her time killing you

The only person who'd even waste her time killing you

is Laverne!

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

[fairground waltz music]

[fairground waltz music]

- This is the place they told us,

but I don't see her.

but I don't see her.

- Better go in and ask.

- How's about coming with me?

- He's off duty.

- He's off duty.

- Who asked you?

- Look, the deal was I was supposed to drop him off

- Look, the deal was I was supposed to drop him off

at the bus station and then pick you up.

- Don't tell me what the deal was.

- Don't tell me what the deal was.

She's not there, let's skip it.

She's not there, let's skip it.

- Then where do you wanna go?

- Give me time to think!

- Give me time to think!

What are you worried about, the meter's running.

What are you worried about, the meter's running.

Where'd you pick up this pain in the neck?

Where'd you pick up this pain in the neck?

- Come on, I'll go in with you.

- She's not there!

- She's not there!

- How do you know, come on!

[car door slams]

[car door slams]

[car door slams]

[car door slams]

[car door slams]

[car door slams]

- Hey, Laverne!

- Hey, Laverne!

How many times I gotta yell?

- I'm coming, I'm coming!

- I'm coming, I'm coming!

I'm never gonna get these potatoes done in time

if you keep yelling at--

if you keep yelling at--

[dramatic chord]

[metallic clattering]

[metallic clattering]

[melancholy music]

[melancholy music]

[throaty sobbing]

[throaty sobbing]

Harry, stop it!

Harry, stop it!

- Oh, why did you have to get so old?

- Oh, why did you have to get so old?

- The only way not to get old is to die young.

- The only way not to get old is to die young.

Like our Charles did.

- Little boy.

If I could only turn the clock back.

If I could only turn the clock back.

I don't blame you for hating me, Laverne.

I don't blame you for hating me, Laverne.

- I don't hate you, Harry.

- I don't hate you, Harry.

- You have to!

Don't you think I know I helped kill the kid?

I mean,

I mean,

leaving you both the way I did.

leaving you both the way I did.

- But I don't hate you.

Sometimes, when I can afford a couple of beers,

Sometimes, when I can afford a couple of beers,

I get sentimental.

I get sentimental.

You know me, quick to laugh or cry.

You know me, quick to laugh or cry.

And I let my mind wander back to those old days.

There I am.

There I am.

Prettiest girl that ever came out of Beaver Falls, PA.

Prettiest girl that ever came out of Beaver Falls, PA.

[laughs] Remember your famous doorbell ring, Harry?

[laughs] Remember your famous doorbell ring, Harry?

But, filling in all the details takes so much time that

But, filling in all the details takes so much time that

before I get to the good parts, I run out of beer

before I get to the good parts, I run out of beer

and the doorbell doesn't ring.

and the doorbell doesn't ring.

So, I have myself a cry like you just did.

So, I have myself a cry like you just did.

And then I come back here and cook up some hot dogs.

And then I come back here and cook up some hot dogs.

- I'd like to help you, Laverne.

- I'd like to help you, Laverne.

I still got a little dough.

I still got a little dough.

- [gasps] Well, I'll take it if you really want me to, Harry

- [gasps] Well, I'll take it if you really want me to, Harry

but I won't spend it on anything sensible,

if you know what I mean.

if you know what I mean.

And so maybe you'd better just keep the money

for yourself, huh?

- Hey, Laverne!

- Hey, Laverne!

This sailor wants some food!

- Coming right up, Admiral!

- Coming right up, Admiral!

Why don't you visit Charles' grave this Sunday?

Why don't you visit Charles' grave this Sunday?

- No, no, I couldn't.

- No, no, I couldn't.

- It's so peaceful with lovely red and yellow flowers

- It's so peaceful with lovely red and yellow flowers

all around.

Just as if he died yesterday instead of so long ago.

Just as if he died yesterday instead of so long ago.

[sentimental music]

[sentimental music]

Harry, where you going?

Harry, where you going?

Don't you want your trunk?

Don't you want your trunk?

[dramatic chord]

They let me keep it here downstairs in the store room.

They let me keep it here downstairs in the store room.

They let me keep it here downstairs in the store room.

- You have my trunk?

- You have my trunk?

- Sure, I've had it five years.

When I heard they were going to tear down

the old Metropolitan, I went over and got it.

the old Metropolitan, I went over and got it.

Well, isn't that why you looked me up?

Well, isn't that why you looked me up?

- No, Laverne.

- No, Laverne.

I looked you up because somebody's trying to kill me.

I looked you up because somebody's trying to kill me.

- Harry.

- Been getting terrible phone calls.

- Been getting terrible phone calls.

I thought you hated me so much that, maybe.

I thought you hated me so much that, maybe.

- Harry, I stopped hating you the day I stopped loving you.

- Harry, I stopped hating you the day I stopped loving you.

[somber music]

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

- Easy, easy there!

Things are there money can't buy, you know!

Things are there money can't buy, you know!

- What'd you do, corner the market on bullet proof vests?

- What'd you do, corner the market on bullet proof vests?

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

Come on! - Put the trunk down.

[suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

- Is that him?

- Is that him?

- Yeah.

- I got better than 10 grand in cold cash,

- I got better than 10 grand in cold cash,

that's more than they're paying you.

- I've been looking all over this city for you.

- I've been looking all over this city for you.

- Gimme a break, will you?

Gimme, gimme a break!

Gimme, gimme a break!

[muffled scuffling]

[muffled scuffling]

Get his gun, get his gun!

Get his gun, get his gun!

[heavy breathing]

[heavy breathing]

- He doesn't have a gun.

- If I'd a had a gun, I'd have blown my brains out.

[heavy breathing]

[heavy breathing]

I'm almost out of my mind.

I'm almost out of my mind.

The hearing is tomorrow.

- [Harry] What hearing?

- [Harry] What hearing?

- About the accident at the station!

- That was no accident.

- That was no accident.

- Then what was it?

I don't know what I was thinking about.

I don't know what I was thinking about.

I stopped to do some more loading

without even putting on the brake!

without even putting on the brake!

I do know what I was thinking about.

I do know what I was thinking about.

Sylvia, my wife. [breathes heavily]

It'll be three months next Tuesday

It'll be three months next Tuesday

she kicked me outta the house.

I can't think about anything else!

I can't think about anything else!

- Why have you been hounding me?

- I told you, the hearing is tomorrow!

- I told you, the hearing is tomorrow!

I've been driving a wagon for 12 years

I've been driving a wagon for 12 years

without even so much as scratching a wall,

but the company is so strict about safety, I mean,

but the company is so strict about safety, I mean,

that if you don't obey every rule in the book,

that if you don't obey every rule in the book,

out you go!

And the way I ran in panic,

I mean, Mr. Wender, sir,

I mean, Mr. Wender, sir,

unless you go easy with me at the hearing,

unless you go easy with me at the hearing,

I'll lose my job

I'll lose my job

and Sylvia will never take me back.

[dramatic chord]

[dramatic chord]

- What would your parole officer say

if he saw you with one of those?

- Give it back.

- Give it back.

- What do you need it for?

- What do you need it for?

- He's not the one.

It's not the voice I heard on the phone.

It's not the voice I heard on the phone.

[suspenseful chord]

[suspenseful chord]

- Well, aren't you gonna open it and see if anything broke?

- Well, aren't you gonna open it and see if anything broke?

- How do you break a silk shirt?

- How do you break a silk shirt?

It wasn't anything like his voice.

- Oh, people are always getting phone calls

- Oh, people are always getting phone calls

from dopey characters having themselves a ball.

from dopey characters having themselves a ball.

- You didn't hear this voice!

- You didn't hear this voice!

- Come on, I'll drive you back, get some sleep.

- Come on, I'll drive you back, get some sleep.

- What's the rush?

- I'm bushed!

- Well, come on here, sit down, rest!

- Well, come on here, sit down, rest!

- Aw, uh, no thanks, Mr. Wender.

- Aw, uh, no thanks, Mr. Wender.

- Then give me the gun.

- Oh, you'll be all right.

- Oh, you'll be all right.

- Don't tell me how I'm going to be.

- Know, most of these guns had the firing pins filed off

- Know, most of these guns had the firing pins filed off

before they let 'em come into the country.

before they let 'em come into the country.

What'd I tell you?

[sharp clicking]

[muffled thud]

[muffled thud]

- That's what I've been carrying around all day

for protection.

Now how about a little drink with me

to celebrate my getting my trunk back?

- If you want, I'll come back and have a drink with you.

- If you want, I'll come back and have a drink with you.

- What makes you such a sweetheart all of a sudden?

- What makes you such a sweetheart all of a sudden?

- I guess you might say I'm just a diamond in the rough.

- I guess you might say I'm just a diamond in the rough.

I'll be back in, uh, 10 minutes.

[phone clatters]

[phone clatters]

- No wait, wait.

Two minutes after you've gone, that phone's

gonna start ringing.

gonna start ringing.

- Somebody's idea of a joke, just let it ring.

- Somebody's idea of a joke, just let it ring.

- No, wait, wait! [door slams]

Ain't you anxious to see what I got in there?

Ain't you anxious to see what I got in there?

See what a dude I was in the good old days?

See what a dude I was in the good old days?

Oh, you're gonna see some clothes that'll

knock your eyes out.

knock your eyes out.

Stick around!

May give out samples!

May give out samples!

Let me tell you, this is the life.

Let me tell you, this is the life.

Aw, you put on a suit that cost three bills even then.

Aw, you put on a suit that cost three bills even then.

And a pair of shoes that it took the guy five weeks to make!

And a pair of shoes that it took the guy five weeks to make!

By hand!

And you knew you were somebody.

And you knew you were somebody.

Ever pay 85 bucks for a hat?

Ever pay 85 bucks for a hat?

Ah, who cared what you did then as long as

you ended up okay.

you ended up okay.

I mean, with a bankroll big enough to choke a horse!

I mean, with a bankroll big enough to choke a horse!

All 20s!

[laughs] Maybe pick up Laverne.

Stop by the Royal Frolics, maybe go to the track.

Stop by the Royal Frolics, maybe go to the track.

Stop by the Royal Frolics, maybe go to the track.

Everybody bowing and scraping, nobody asking questions!

Everybody bowing and scraping, nobody asking questions!

- What's the matter?

- What's the matter?

- You answer it!

- You answer it!

Please answer it!

Please answer it!

I'll give you anything you want, answer it!

I'll give you anything you want, answer it!

Answer it, do you want it to ring all night?

Answer it, do you want it to ring all night?

Tell him I went away, tell him,

Tell him I went away, tell him,

tell him you don't know where I went!

Tell him to leave me alone, answer the phone!

Tell him to leave me alone, answer the phone!

Tell him to leave me alone, answer the phone!

Wait!

[sobs] Wait!

[sobs] Wait!

Tell him,

tell him I'm sorry! [sobs]

tell him I'm sorry! [sobs]

[melancholy music]

- Operator, get me County Hospital.

- Operator, get me County Hospital.

[hulking sobs]

[hulking sobs]

[melancholy music]

[melancholy music]

[1920s jazz music with discordant undertone]

[1920s jazz music with discordant undertone]

[1920s jazz music with discordant undertone]

[dramatic chord]

[upbeat, quirky orchestral music]

[upbeat, quirky orchestral music]

- [Announcer] This has been a Screen Gems film presentation,

- [Announcer] This has been a Screen Gems film presentation,

Herbert B. Leonard, executive producer.

[END CREDITS]

[END CREDITS]