Original subtitles

That's it, Connors. That's your Castle on the Hudson, Tommy.

Hiya, Sing Sing.

What a lousy name, sounds like a chop suey joint.

Well, Tom, we've gotta tell your public how you like to play...

Well you can quote me, boys, in saying that it don't..

- Mean a thing to me. - 'That's right, kid.'

'Don't let it get you down.'

There's nothin' ever got me down.

After I'm in there a while, I'll own the joint.

'That might take you a little time'

'but you've got plenty of that.'

Yeah. Five to 30 is no lunch hour.

It's gonna be quite a change for you, Tommy.

No tailor shop or swell speakeasies in there.

If I don't like the joint, I'll move out.

- Yeah, in a two dollar coffin. - Say, don't ever kid yourself.

I'll kick my way out of that dump with moccasins on.

He's kiddin' you, fellas.

With the connections I got he don't have to crush out.

What do you mean, Finn? Connection?

I mean, I'll bring this case to the attention

of the right people.

- Square people. - Certainly.

Tommy's just marked up wrong, that's all.

But justice ain't always blind, ya know.

You bet she ain't. That's why he's here.

Say, listen is there gonna be any photographers to catch me..

- When I'm going in? - 'I've got my men in there.'

'You're a cinch, every paper'

'in the state will have a man there.'

'You're still news until that big gate slams on you'

'after that you're just a number.'

Ossining. Ossining.

What are you doing now?

I gotta look my best for the crowd, don't I?

Hey you. What did you mean by that "just a number" stuff?

Say, after the write-ups I've been gettin'

your grandchildren will be talking about me.

You think so? Well, listen.

A month from now, them dames

who've been writing you them nice notes

wouldn't give you a tumble on the maisonette desert island.

Ugh.

Tommy, there's many a tough guy coming up to take your place...

Say, nobody can take my place, I got color, I got personality.

Why, you guys have been writin' that yourselves.

That's our racket, giving you gorillas a personality.

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Give me a break.

- Give me a break. - 'Thanks, Tommy.'

- Hey, Tommy, how about a... - Oh, no.

Come on, clear. Clear. Come on. Clear out of here.

Get out of the way.

Thank you, folks, for comin' around.

Say, don't forget to send the papers to my gal.

See, she's taking care of all my press conferences.

Don't forget it. So long folks, I'll be seeing you...

Come on, you're through taking bows.

- So long, folks. - Come on. Come on.

Come on, let's take a walk.

- Make it snappy, Finny. - Right.

Hey you, where's the warden's office?

- Upstairs. - Right.

You'll soon find out you don't own this prison.

Alright, Murph.

Okay with me. Hi, sweetheart.

The warden in?

Just wait out there on the bench.

And tell him it's Joe Finn.

Well, hello, warden. How are you?

Well, I guess you don't remember me. I'm Joe Finn.

You know, deputy leader of the 28th District.

Ah-ha.

Hell! Well, can I see you a minute?

Well, Finn, what's on your mind?

Oh, nothing much.

I just came up with young Tommy Connors, warden.

He's a nice boy.

Little high-spirited, but that's all.

And he's got a lot of friends on the outside

that would appreciate it, if...

Yes, but Connors is on the inside.

Oh, give him a break, warden, he's a nice kid.

Bright, likable and a lot of laughs too.

'Course he loses his head once in a while

but that really doesn't mean anything.

You know how these young fellas are, warden.

It's, it's all in fun.

All in fun, eh?

Well, listen to this.

"Thomas Connors, sentenced to five to 30 years"

"for robbery, first-degree."

"Additional indictment for assault with deadly weapon."

"Previous arrest and commitments.

"January 15th, 1919, juvenile delinquency and truancy.

"Committed to Catholic protectory.

"October 23, 1925, arrested, suspicion of breaking

"and entering, discharged.

"May 30, 1927, arrested assault and battery. Discharged.

'"June 18, 1927, felonious assault.'

"Sentence suspended.'

"April first, 1928, sentenced to indeterminate sentence.

New York city prison, for assault with deadly weapon."

All in fun.

Well, there are a lot of us down in New York

wouldn't like to see the kid have too tough a time up here.

We'd like to know that he could, um, buy things for himself

in the commissary, you know.

'So, uh, we've made up a little purse..'

something sure, something you can go to sleep on.

Good old bonds.

Looks like a lot of money in those bonds.

Five thousand dollars.

And there's bales more where that comes from.

We want our boy to have the best that money can buy.

Hey, what's the idea? What do you think you're doing?

What..

After all, I only asked you a little favor.

Listen, Finn.

I'm running this prison.

And while I'm running it, I run it without politicians

and without bribes.

People on the outside are supposed to be created

free and equal, but they aren't.

In here, they really are.

One inmate is just a good as another inmate, but no better.

Now, clear out and don't come back.

When you get back to your ward

tell those boys you're talking about

that I don't want any of them around here anymore

than I want a flock of maggots.

And if Connors has got any ideas that he's gonna get any favors

he'll find out different, right away.

But you-you don't understand.

That's all.

What kind of a thing is..

What kind of a..

Hey, hey.

Hey, what is this? What is this, a gag?

Hey, look at this. Look at this.

Who's the main guy here? Who do you have to see about..

Hey, you. Look, look. Hey, look at this.

No kiddin'. Hey, look. What kind of a..

How do you think a guy is..

Hey, what are you guys trying to do?

- Make a monkey out of me? - Go on and sit down.

Say, I guess you don't know who I am.

Maybe the warden didn't tell ya. I'm Tommy Connors.

Oh, yeah? What of it?

Why you!

Lookin' tough, are you?

Come on, I'll show you how tough I am.

Lock him up.

Alright.

If he doesn't want to wear a uniform, he doesn't have to.

But don't keep him in the punishment cells.

Or stick him in the reception company

along with the rest of the new men.

Just follow the regular routine.

But no uniform, get me?

'Yeah, you fix it alright.'

Put a guy where he's liable to freeze his..

What am I, some..

Alright.

Hey you, come on out.

If you're taking me to give me the works

you'll have to come and drag me.

No, no, no, no more of that, you got a big pull here.

The warden said you don't have to wear any uniform.

Well.

There ya see.

Sure, that's what I was trying to tell 'em lugs

when the fight started.

Certainly, certainly.

Okay, let's go, boys.

Hey, chief, how about a little cigarette, huh?

- Now, come on, be good. - Ah, why don't you be a pal?

Why don't you be a regular guy?

'And he got cute legs just like Marlene... '

Hey, Keeper, you better search that guy.

'Look's like he's got a set of burglar's tools'

'in the seat of his BBD's'

Bye-bye, baby.

Well, ain't he cute.

Two party detail, march.

- I wonder where we'll go today. - How do I know.

We're going on the governors staff.

Pipe the big shot, will ya?

Come on.

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

What about my clothes?

You said you didn't want a uniform

and the warden said it would be alright.

Oh, so that's the gag, huh?

Okay, baby. It's alright with me.

How're ya, Gandhi?

Get a load of that outfit.

- Go on, go on. - Alright, I'll go on.

Take it easy.

- Okay, on the job. - 'About face.'

'March.'

Just lead 'em to the boiler room.

Not you. You work in here.

Alright, Larson.

Put that down.

Put it down.

Okay, okay.

I understand you didn't like the uniform we issued you.

I still don't like it.

I suppose you didn't care for the food and the hours either.

And I suppose you don't care very much for yourself.

It's lousy.

No.

It doesn't get any sunlight. It's badly ventilated.

It's hot in summer and cold in winter.

It's bad for a man's health. But it's clean.

I write a better joint than that.

It's same as every new man gets until we get room for him

in the new cell blocks.

All you're entitled to in here..

Is food and a place to sleep.

Anything else you get, you get from me.

What makes you think you'll get anything better

than anyone else?

- Well, they sorta promised me... - They promised!

I don't care who they are and what they promised.

They're not running this prison. I am.

You evidently got an idea, you're a big shot.

Get it outta your head.

There aren't any big shots in here, except me.

And remember this, if two men in this place know anything

I know it.

- You ever do any work? - What do you mean work?

'Honest labor with your hands.'

Take a look at those mitts. You don't see any calluses

on 'em, do ya? Only saps work?

You're gonna find out that you've got it figured out

all wrong, Connors. I'm gonna show you

that it's a privilege to work.

A privilege you've got to earn.

You're gonna make me wanna work?

The miracle man of Sing Sing.

You talk about calluses

I'm gonna let you sit in your cell and on that hard iron bench

until you get calluses where you can't show them.

Maybe, but you'll never put any on my hands.

Then, you're gonna pray to God to let you work.

To break rock, shovel coal, pick up garbage.

Anything to get outta that cell.

Take it easy, warden. Don't let me get on your nerves.

Then you're going out into that rock pile again

and swing a sledge till you can't stand up.

And you're gonna thank heaven for the privilege.

Take him back.

Alright, now, I'll tell you somethin'.

If I find I've got a chance to crash my way outta here

and I've to rub somebody out to do it

I'd just as soon rub you out as the next guy.

Yes, I know.

If I were in your place and had the chance

I'd probably do the same thing.

But the point is, Connors, you haven't got a chance.

- Not one in a million. - Oh, I don't know about that.

There ain't one guy in a million like me.

Well, get all those ideas out of your head.

One of these days, you'll learn, Connors

that no man has a spot in this world

except in relation to the people around him.

That you've gotta be useful to live.

Save that for Sunday, warden. And let me pass the plate.

Connors... pick up that match you threw on the floor.

Pick it up.

Tsk.

- Hey, chief. - 'What?'

Come here... please.

Well, what is it?

How long I've been sittin' in here?

- Three months. - You're daffy.

It's over three years, now.

- How much longer do I get? - It's up to you.

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Take it easy.

Don't be.. Listen, listen.

Now listen, uh..

Will you tell the warden somethin' for me.

- Maybe. - Well..

You can tell him that I'm ready for that rock pile.

Now, listen, don't let anybody around here get the idea

that I wanna work, see that ain't the idea

but, well, I'll do anything to get out of here.

Now! I'll tell the warden, Connors.

Calm yourself. Go and sit down.

I can't sit down.

You can tell him I got them calluses.

- Ah, is this a plan? - Are you screwin'?

Come on, knock out there, big boy.

Hey, Connors, you got a visitor. Get cleaned up.

Oh. Oh, yeah. Okay, thanks.

Hey, look out you don't break that.

Ah.

'What's the big idea, asking me a million questions?'

Think I'm kiddin'? I'm telling the truth and that's that.

Okay, miss, don't get tough. Regulation.

Tommy!

Oh, Tommy. I missed you, darling.

Darling..

- Are you okay? - Yeah, sure.

Gee, it's swell to see ya. How are ya? You alright?

Yeah.

Oh, darling, I'm glad to see ya. Are you okay?

Sure. Except that you're in New York

and I'm up here behind bars.

I sit in that cell all day thinking about you

I'm afraid I'll go crazy.

I'd give a million bucks to be alone with ya

for a little while, honey.

Do ya love me?

Yeah.

Well, don't come up here dolled up like that anymore.

- Why, Tommy? - What's the matter with ya?

Do you want me to go crazy?

You'll have me foamin' at the mouth like a cream puff.

Oh, I'm sorry, Tommy. I never thought about that.

I just wanted to look nice for ya.

That's alright.

But ya know you don't have to come up here lookin' too hot.

And don't ever come up see me here on a Saturday again.

- Why? - I tell you not to, that's why.

All the bad breaks I ever had happened on a Saturday.

Look at this case.

I was caught on a Saturday

I was tried on a Saturday and convicted on a Saturday.

I was sent up to this dump on a Saturday.

Yeah, to make it binding, I was born on a Saturday.

And you met me on a Saturday. What about that?

Yeah, that's right.

Mm, not so sure about you.

I don't know how you're gonna turn out either.

- Oh, you don't, huh? - No, I don't, huh.

You bet I do. I was only kiddin'.

'Time's up.'

Well, that splits us up, honey.

Will I see ya next week?

Every week.

Twice a week.

Let's go, miss.

'This is a sample of psychological testing'

'that is done in classification clinic.'

'These particular tests will not be used in every case'

'but the test will vary from man to man.'

Now, watch me and then do as I do.

Very good.

You're quite a high type, aren't you?

Quite. Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude.

As a matter of fact, we are brothers in erudition.

My Phi Beta Kappa key is down in a safe

in the administration building.

If that key unlocked anything, I'm gonna get myself one of 'em.

- Now what's your university? - What's the difference?

Well, I suppose we're through with these monkeyshines now.

Do I trot back to my cell?

No, go across the hall

and report Dr. Meeker the psychiatrist.

- Alright, Connors. - Yes.

Sit down.

Now take your time and think hard.

Put these little pieces into the grooves they fit.

Well, I haven't played with puzzles for quite a while

I might be a little rusty.

Could we fly a kite or cut paper dolls or somethin'?

Are you going to sit down or am I going to call a guard?

I'm gonna sit down, sweetheart.

Oh, now, look at that. I'm very sorry.

It's alright, Connors. Sit down.

- The chair's all full of ink. - I said, "Sit down."

What's the assignment for Mason, doctor?

Now, what did he do on this test?

- 'Ninety one seconds.' - No, that's not very good.

Put him on the coal shoveling squad.

'Put him on the coal shoveling squad.'

Well, I was... I guess I'm ready to start now, doc.

Fine.

- There you are. - Fine.

You're pretty smart when you want to be.

Not so smart, I wouldn't be here.

'Sure.' - What, what's that?

I told you this morning.

- What he said to you. - What're you saying?

What'd he say... call this morning in the garage?

What are you talking about?

The same fella... this morning to call.

What do you have to say about the gate?

Ha-ha! Gatey, gate, gate!

Next.

- Hey, Connors. - Huh.

- How'd you come out? - I made the shoe factory.

Yeah, same here.

I guess that's about the best you can do in this joint.

Sit down.

Now, put these little pieces into the grooves they fit.

Well, come on, come on, open up. Let us in or somethin'.

Five minutes and you haven't put one piece in place yet

what's the trouble?

Oh, I'm color blind.

Where you sending me, doc?

- Laboratory detail. - Thanks.

Oh, Bud.

Hello, kid. Oh gee.

Oh, darling, I'm so glad to see you.

- How you feeling? - I'm alright, honey.

Oh, I'm glad you came up today.

Oh, Tommy, this is my wife.

Babe, this is Tommy Connors.

- Hi. - How do you do?

Alright, alright, lady. Over here.

You, you gotta sit around there, honey.

- Alright. - Come on, sit down.

She's alright. Here you are, honey.

You don't know. It's the first time she's been here.

There you are.

I've been worrying about you, darling.

There's no need to worry about me, dear.

If I could only be near you, when it happens.

Tommy!

Tommy!

So glad to see you again.

What are you made up for anyway?

Where's your cigar?

Well, you told me not to look hot.

Don't get sore. I got some swell news for ya.

Well, go on and spill it. I need it bad.

Looks as though you might be outta here, Tom.

How?

Joe Finn is working on a new angle.

- Yeah, who told you? - Joe Finn himself.

He's putting on plenty of pressure and getting results.

Why didn't he tell me about it?

I've been the guy that's doing the bit.

I don't know, I guess, didn't want you

all steamed up before it was set.

- He's working night and day. - Hmm.

Wonder what put the stroke on him all of a sudden?

Can't you guess. Just little Fay.

She put the works on him

and he fell overboard with a splash.

- He did, huh? - Yeah, I got him.

- He'll do anything for me. - Yeah, and to ya.

Listen, I don't want ya playin' with that guy

see, not if I've to stay up here the rest of my life.

Now, don't get excited. He won't get to

first base with me, you know that.

I know he ain't gonna spring me outta here unless he does.

Ah, don't be silly. He's stuck on me

and I'm usin' him, that's all.

What's the matter with your head?

Did you have it in a letterpress?

Don't you realize the more that guy gets stuck on you

the longer he's gonna keep me up here, if he can?

"He's putting plenty of pressure on."

The only pressure he's putting on anybody is on you.

Well, I wasn't gettin' any pleasure out of it.

Well, I gotta help you, Tom. I gotta do something for ya.

Well, I don't want you to help me that way.

Lay off the guy, will ya?

Remember this, you're still my girl

even if I am up here, ain't ya?

I am. You know I am, darling.

I, uh..

Somethin' else for me to worry about.

Connors, thanks for telling your girl

to look out for my wife.

That's okay, kid.

I'm planning on crushin' outta here before the baby's born.

Wanna make it with me?

I'd give my right leg to get out of here.

Kinda like yourself, huh?

Stepping out on us tonight, Blacky.

Um, not tonight, no.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Lights out in one minute!

'Quiet.'

Hey. Hey.

'I'm dying. Oh, get me a doctor.'

Oh, I am dizzy. I can't get my breathe.

Ah!

Hey, guard.

Hey, guard, guard. Help me.

Okay, I'm here, what's wrong with you?

I don't know, I got awful pains.

I think I've been poisoned.

Now, keep your shirt on, we'll fix you up.

- Hey, sergeant. - Yeah?

Inmate sick in cell block five, tier three. I guess

you better call the hospital and have them send a stretcher over.

'Alright.'

I got word there might be a little trouble tonight, boys.

I hear somebody's gonna try to make a break.

Well, there maybe nothing in it

but we better take a walk around.

- Any dope on who it is? - Eh, that's the trouble.

We haven't got much to go on.

Richard, send out an order to all guards

to watch out for a break.

And send word to me of the slightest irregularity.

Right.

Come in, boys.

'Hold it. Quiet down there, quiet.'

I'm dizzy, help, help.

'Ah, doctor, I'm poisoned.'

Oh, pipe down, will ya? What is wrong with you?

I'll get you to a hospital, they'll fix you up in no time.

Come on, old boy, get up on your feet.

Come on, get up on your feet. You'll be alright.

Alright, let's go.

No, no, I can't go with ya.

What's the matter, you yellow?

No, it's Saturday, it's my jinx.

You better come along or I'll croak ya.

There's gotta be three of us in this.

Alright, go ahead and croak it.

It's Saturday, I tell you, and I ain't goin'.

Bud, Bud, let me out of here, will you?

- Let me go with ya. - What?

Look what I've got.

- Let me go with you, will you? - Alright. Swell..

Go on. Stay in this... place.

Okay, fella, we need a guy like you.

- You got it? - Yeah.

Get inside and get his clothes off.

- Warden, warden. - Yeah?

Man sick in cell block five, tier three, new building.

This might be it.

Boys, let's get over there.

Scram.

Come on, you guys, hurry up.

Take it easy. Take it easy on the stretcher.

I'll send you a postcard, sir.

Wait for me!

Hold it, James.

- 'What's the matter with it?' - It won't work on this one.

Here, latch it.

That's gotta rotate.

Gee, this one doesn't work... on this one.

It worked on the rest, must be something wrong here.

This better be right.

Fellas, we gotta get out of here someway.

'Hey, what's all that fussing about up there?'

Come on, get back.

It's one of the guards. Get back inside.

Quickly.

Fast.

Here's the warden.

Get back.

- Shall I get 'em, warden? - No. Give 'em a dose of gas.

You haven't got a chance, boys.

Throw away your guns.

'Come down here, single file.'

Come on and get it, you..

- Come here, buster, get back. - Let me go!

Come on and get it, you fat dirty rats.

Take it easy, Bud, it's a hopeless fight.

You won't have to heat the hot squat for me.

Well, that guy won't bother us anymore.

Calm down now, you men.

It's all over.

Go to bed.

No, no, stop it, stop it.

He's got worse than that coming to him.

Take him down into solitary.

Maybe one day they'll learn, they haven't got

one chance in a million to get away with this.

- We didn't do so good, did we? - Get your feet up.

- How many men did we lose? - Two, sir.

Take care of them.

Hey, warden..

If you don't mind.

Come here.

Maybe you better lock this cell.

What's the matter, Connors, lose your nerve?

Don't tell me this place softening you up?

Don't think because I'm playing it smart that I'm gettin' soft.

Maybe I took too much credit to myself for your good behavior.

But I'm glad you didn't try it, Connors.

Or you might be heading to the morgue.

Say, how did a guy like you ever become a copper?

- What? - Welll, I mean..

You ain't a bad guy after all.

You didn't think so much of me when you came up here.

- You were pretty tough. - I'm still pretty tough.

But I just happen to realize that today is Saturday

and Saturday is the one day that I can't win.

That's all.

'You son of a..'

Hey, Connors, the warden wants to see you right away.

I'll take this over.

Hi, warden.

Good morning, Connors, I wanna talk to you.

What are you gonna do, fire me?

Telegram.

- Mm? - Mm-hm.

Well, well, they're crazy.

Ah, somebody's kiddin' me, warden.

It's true.

We've investigated.

What, uh, there ain't a chance?

Well, Fay was just up here.

There was nothing wrong with her.

Automobile accident.

Eh..

I can't believe it.

Sit down.

Poor kid..

Out there... dyin'.

If... if I can only do somethin', if I..

Warden..

She's the only thing I had.

And I can't do a thing.

Being buried in here was..

Was never really tough till now.

I know. You're hit pretty hard.

She's the only thing I had.

Connors, suppose I told you

there was a train leaving here in 20 minutes?

And I'd let you go to her.

On your honor, would you come back tonight?

You know what it means to me

if I let you go and you don't come back.

I understand.

Warden, I never broke my word, see?

Not even to a rat.

And I won't break it now to a square guy.

After what you're doing for me, I'll come back.

Even if it means the chair, I'll come back.

Alright.

Thank you, warden.

Get me the administration office.

Good luck.

- Who is it? - 'Morris, I wanna see Finn.'

'Come on, make it snappy.' - Okay.

Come in.

- Well, we got her home. - What'd the croaker say?

- Is she hurt bad? - Plenty.

- Did she squawk? - No, but she's going to.

Well, didn't you throw the scare into her, stupid.

She don't scare. She thinks she's going to die.

She's got a lot of friends

and so is her mother of hers up in the stirrup.

Now you're the lawyer, what are you gonna do about it?

These ante-mortem statements are awful tough.

Well, I gave her a preposition.

What'd she say?

She'll clear you for five grand.

That's a lot of money. A lot of money.

As you said, those ante-mortem statements are awful tough.

You draw up the papers and I'll get her to sign.

Too bad she didn't croak when she jumped.

I never get a break.

- Say, am I getting screwy, Ed? - What's wrong?

I can see a guy go by that I'd delivered up the river.

- He's doing five to 30. - Are you sure?

I'm gonna make sure.

Fay.

Fay, honey. Fay, it's me, it's Tom.

Tom.

It's really you this time.

I'm so happy.

I prayed all the time to see you just once more before.

Once more?

Oh, say, what are you talkin' about once more?

Fay, honey, how did this happen?

You're gonna be alright.

I'll be alright, now you're here.

But you won't leave me, will ya?

- Don't leave me, Tom. - I won't, honey.

Honest, I won't.

We're gonna be together now always.

I'm so happy for you.

You mean for us?

No, Tom, I haven't got a chance, I know.

Ah, who told you that?

The doctor, when they brought me back.

Brought you.. What do you mean, Fay? Wha-what happened?

You were right about him, Tom.

I still half believed that he could help us.

I had to take a chance.

Any chance, didn't I, dear.

So I went in his car with him.

With who?

What's the difference?

Come on, tell me.

Tell me!

Finn. Yeah.

He said, he said he had everything fixed.

But why didn't ya squawk?

You could have sent him where I was, I'd have fixed him.

- I was gonna... - Well, why didn't ya?

Finn's giving me five grand to clear him.

Clear him. Here you're laying almost dyin'

and you're talkin' about clearin' him.

Well, I thought five grand might help you to get out.

That was swell of you, kid.

Swell.

Take it easy now, will you-will you, Fay, honey?

Please, please?

- Tom, where are you going? - I'll be right back.

Oh, don't do it, Tom. Don't do it.

You're crazy.

Look how we've suffered already.

'Look, what it's done to both.'

Oh, come back here, please.

'Please. Please.'

You promised you wouldn't leave me. You promised.

- You gotta stay with me. - That rat!

With me safe in jail, he can't get away with it.

Oh, don't do it, please.

Please give me the gun for my sake. Please.

I won't let you go back up there. Not into a cell.

I won't let you. Now you're free.

Alright, Fay, I won't. Honest, I won't, honey.

Give it to me, please.

Thanks.

Oh.

Take it easy now, will ya, Fay?

Miss Wilson's apartment to the left, sir.

I know it.

- Hello, Fay. - Huh!

What's the matter?

It's Joe Finn.

Well, are you feeling better?

That's good.

Say, Morris told me about the dough.

You should have known you could have anything

I got without puttin' on the pressure.

He lied to you, get out please. I don't want anything.

- Get out. - So, you changed your mind.

Huh? Just a troublemakin' broad.

You're not gonna get a chance to squawk.

She ain't gonna squawk. And neither am I.

- Connors? - Yeah. Yeah, it's me.

And I got here just in time to rub you out, you dirty snub.

Tom!

'I'll kill ya.'

No!

'Open the door.'

Oh.

Let me in!

Quick, go down the fire escape.

'Open the door.'

- Who did this? - Connors.

Don't believe him. He's crazy. He's lyin' to you.

There wasn't anyone here. Just us two.

He attacked me.

- I had to, I tell you. - You did, aye?

You wouldn't fool a fella, would you?

Hello?

Hello... yes?

Just a minute, please. Oh, Paul.

Paul, the District Attorney's office calling from New York.

- Hello? Warden Long speaking. - Hello, warden, how are ya?

Say, you've a prisoner up there by the name of

Thomas Connors, haven't you? Doing five to 30.

He's still up there, isn't he?

Another one of those cases of letting a man

out for a day on his honor, aye?

Well, I wouldn't expect this one back tonight.

He bumped off a guy by the name of Joe Finn this afternoon.

- You sure there's no mistake? - That's an airtight case.

What do you think of his honor now?

I think Connors will come back tonight and give himself up.

- Is there anything wrong, dear? - No, no, nothing.

Daddy, listen to this. It's so funny.

'Daddy, listen.' - 'Shh, darling.'

"Away she goes like a cannonball'

'and she won't stop until she hit that old hickory tree"'

Say, will you quit worryin'?

I tell you, this joint ain't hot.

We haven't pulled off a deal in over a year.

It's hot as long as I'm here.

I tell ya, I gotta get out here. And out of the country.

Sure, but how? The cops will be watchin' all the trains.

- Well, how about an aeroplane? - Why don't you shut up?

There's a smart idea.

Asking for an aeroplane will be like

sitting right down on the electric chair.

They'll be watching the docks all along the water front.

Well, it's the only chance I got

to sneak away on some tramp steamer.

That might be fixed.

I know a lot of people, but they want plenty of dough.

- Well, I got plenty of dough. - 'That's swell.'

'Come in.'

'No news, aye?' - No.

- Tough break for you, warden. - Yeah.

This'll bring the newspapers and politicians around my neck.

I can see the headlines now.

"Gullible warden releases maniac killer."

They've been years for my foot to slip in this honor system.

Warden, I want you to know that we're all with ya.

Thanks, Richards. Well..

I suppose we all make mistakes sometimes.

I've given many a prisoner the same privilege

and they all came back.

I thought I knew Connors.

I was sure of him than any of the rest.

Too bad.

Too bad.

- It's all fixed. - Swell. When do I land?

- Tonight. - Good.

Right now you better get a little shut eye.

You'll be standing on your head in the hold of a steamer..

- Tomorrow night. - Alright, alright.

Come on, come on, get up out of there, will ya?

Come on, come on, get movin'.

Hey, slug, keep your feet on the ground.

I'll tell you the warden's instructions are..

Come on, chief, give us a break, will ya?

We can't wait around here for the rest of our lives..

- You know? - Ah, here's the warden.

Uh, hi, warden, what's it goin'?

Sorry to keep you waiting, gentlemen.

- I've nothing to say. - Gotta say something.

The whole town is waiting for an explanation.

Give us a break, warden. It's the biggest story in years.

You know everything about it that I do, boys.

- I've nothing to tell you. - Oh, for the love of..

Well, what do you know about that, you think?

Governor's calling, sir.

Hello... hello, governor.

I told you I'd come back.

Even if it meant the chair.

♪ Altogether shout it now

♪ There's no one who can doubt it now ♪

♪ So let's tell the world about it now ♪

♪ Happy days are here again ♪

♪ Happy days are here again.. ♪

Well, I worked my way through this joint

right up to the death house.

♪ Let us sing a song of cheer again ♪

♪ Happy days are here again ♪

♪ Altogether shout it now

♪ There's no one who can doubt it now.. ♪

Yeah, when I graduate, it'll be out the other door, won't it?

And that's that.

♪ Happy days are here again ♪

♪ All cares and troubles are gone ♪

♪ There'll be no more from now on ♪

♪ Happy days are here again ♪

♪ The skies above are clear again ♪

♪ Let's sing a song of cheer again ♪

♪ Happy days are here again ♪♪

Happy days.

Mighty few of 'em.

These guys got a sense of humor.

- You have to have. - Yeah. Right you are, baby.

♪ Pom pom pa pom ♪♪

'I tell you, guys.'

'How do you think I can practice

'while ya coyotes yelling?'

Another chicken to be fried.

- Hi, Connors. - Hi, Hype.

Welcome to Cincinnati. Hm-hm.

You were a cinch to end up here.

When you took that murder rap with us

you were just playin' hooky.

Yeah, and the same goes double for me, see?

'That's right. Get ready for that soft shoe dance.'

Take off your shoes and give 'em to me.

'For what?' - To rest your feet.

My feet are alright.

I'd like you to open this door and gimme a chance to show ya.

- Regulations, Connors. - What's the matter with ya?

Think I got callouses on my feet too? Hey, warden.

You know that old water mean that starts up on the hill?

- Yes. - Well, you better start..

Havin' it plugged. 'Cause I've been workin'

on that baby for the last year.

Yeah, and another week and I'd have crashed out too.

And listen, that was my job and I was at it alone.

'Anybody else had been on it, I wouldn't have told ya.'

I wouldn't have told if I didn't know

they were gonna wheel me outta here in a while.

You're a strange fella, Connors.

You had a chance to get away but you came back to the chair.

I had you sized up right from the beginning.

You're not as tough as you pretend.

Hey, wait a minute!

Don't you ever think I ain't tough!

And if I get a chance to crash my way out of this death trap

I'm gonna do it and don't forget that!

Alright, Connors.

- Hey, warden. - Yeah?

How about a cigar, huh?

You're a pest.

Yeah, well listen, warden, if I'm such a pest

why don't you open those big gates and throw me out?

'Hey, Eight Ball.' - 'What is it, Hype?'

'I'll give you the butts on this. This is a long cigar.'

'I don't have time to finish it.'

Say, that talk about bustin'

outta here will never get you no place.

I don't want that mug to think this joint has softened me up.

He's right, Connors.

I know a guy spend six months diggin' his way out

of this prison and come up in the warden's office.

Hey, did you hear that, Tommy?

I could really learn to play this real good.

That is if I had more time.

Hey, gang.

How do ya like this?

"My dear, Mr. Connors.

"Unless you appear immediately at the Internal Revenue Office

"to adjust your income tax for 1926..

"We shall be forced to order your arrest.

Very truly yours, the Collector of Internal Revenue."

No kiddin', how do ya like that?

It's alright, Mr. Connors. I'm goin' today and I'll take care

of that little matter for ya on the way out.

'Hello, boys. What's the matter?'

Twelve hours more to go, Hype. The dance hall for you.

Oh. Is it alright if I take my trombone with me?

- Sure. - Gee, thanks.

Oh. So long, fellas, I guess they're catchin' up to me.

So long, Hype. Give my regards to Mike.

And look out you don't catch a cold.

Okay, Connors.

So long, Eight Ball.

Here's that butt I promised ya.

'Goodbye, big boy. Don't let 'em get you down.'

So long, Tony.

I wish you the very best kind of luck, boy.

Keep your chin up. Buongiorno.

Hah, oh, I'll be seein' you.

Say, fellas, did you hear that? Did you hear that note?

It's the first time I played a tune without a sour note in it.

Gee, I bet if I only had two more weeks, I could play.

"The Rose Of Picardy" perfect.

Boy, am I hot.

Gee, uh, thanks, gentlemen.

It's the first time I ever had a free pass to a dance hall.

Hiya, Hype.

Oh, gee. Hello, Mike.

Say, Connors sends his regards.

Thanks. You better get yourself ready for the doctor.

They'll want to see if you're well enough to die.

Who goes first? Me or you?

I don't know but whoever does

will warm up the seat for the other guy.

Yeah, I guess so.

Say, did you ever hear me playin'

"The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree?"

Did I ever hear you play it?

I got an idea that's why they're burnin' ya.

Ain't you funny.

I win.

Yeah, I'm afraid, that's it.

- You're in good shape. - Yeah.

I was never in better shape in my life.

Wish you'd let me do something for your soul too.

No, no, I don't go for that pearly gate stuff.

That might be alright for some people but I don't want it.

It may come to ya yet, Tom.

Alright, if it does, I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll give you all my business.

And let's try and get another game in

before I go further, huh?

I, uh, I ain't got so long, you know?

I'll make a point of it. Goodbye.

So long. Much obliged to you, father.

Tom.

Tom!

They wouldn't believe me, Tom.

I swore a hundred times I did it.

- You know that, don't you? - I know, honey.

I know you did all you could.

I had to clear you. I killed him.

Warden, I killed him. I'm telling the truth.

- Why can't they believe me? - Come on, Fay, that's no..

.Use now, they knew I was there.

- They knew I'd kill him. - But you didn't.

I lied. Half of it was a lie.

Tom was with me when Finn came to see me.

Just as the copper testified. They were fighting.

Finn was killing him. I had a gun and I shot him.

'Tom took the gun away from me, beat it down the fire escape.'

That's the truth. You've gotta believe me.

Oh, Tom, tell him it's the truth before it's too late.

Come on, now take it easy. Come on, Fay, look here.

That's no way to act.

Warden, you know that ain't the truth.

She is still just trying to clear me. Sure.

I told you she was a champion.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

Well, that's that, see?

And there's nothing can be done about it.

Now you listen to me. You say you did it, alright?

Suppose they believe ya. Then what?

They'll send you up the river for life.

And what happens to me, I'm still doing my stretch

from five to 30. Don't you see, honey

we couldn't be together, anyway?

- Oh. - Fay.

This is a chance for me to do something decent in my life.

You can't take that away from me.

I love you, kid.

- I'll tell them I.. - That's all.

Okay, that'll do it.

Tom, I want you to do something for me.

You know I will, honey.

Will you marry me before you..

Marry.

'Fay, honey, why do you wanna wish that on yourself?'

Bein' married to a guy that went to the chair.

Why, they'll mark you for life.

I don't care.

Fay, you were alright till ya met me.

I got you in all this trouble. Forget me.

Now you go out and grab yourself

a square guy, you see? A guy that works for a livin'.

Can give you some happiness. Can give you a home and kids

and all that kind of stuff.

I don't want anybody but you.

Ever.

Well, you can't have me..

As I belong to the State of New York.

And in a few hours, the State of New York's gonna

take me out and burn me.

Then they're gonna take out my brains

and shove me in a jar of alki.

Oh, Tom, don't say that.

I've done enough to you while I was alive.

It's no use you carry me with you

on the other side of the grave.

Oh.

Oh, Tommy.

Fay... Fay, honey.

It's time to go now.

Let's just remember the swell times we had together, kid.

And remember, Fay, I loved you more than..

Yeah, I know, Tommy.

More than life.

Time's up.

Oh.

"Father of mercies and God of all comfort'

'"who wouldst that none should perish'

"who believeth and trusted in thee

according to the multitude of thy tender mercies."

Alright, father, thanks.

I've still got an hour to make up my mind.

Leave me alone, will ya, please?

- Alright, Tom. - Let's go, father.

I'll tell you what you can do for me

you can give me a light.

Sure.