Original subtitles

Now tell it to me again.

But I've told you three times.

Well, tell him again.

I saw a car with nobody driving somebody.

I'm sorry, Tommy. I didn't know you was behind me.

Hey, what are you doing?

Rowing. I got to be in Staten Island in 20 minutes.

You better hurry. The tide's going out.

And now, now in preparation for his fight with young Malloy, the leading

contender for the middleweight crown, the Eastside's favorite son, Rocky

Hanlon. He couldn't lick Tommy Nelson.

So that's Rocky Hamlin, huh? Yeah.

The night I fought him, my manager O'Hara and a gambler named Morgan made a

deal for me to take a dive.

I crossed him and knocked Rocky out in the second round.

So that's why they killed your manager.

Yeah. And that announcer there, that was Stilwell, he runs this place.

Look, I need you guys around the gym to help me out.

So tell him you'd like to train him.

You leave it to me, Tommy.

Yeah, Mr. Stilwell.

In close, Rocky.

Watch that chair.

That's it.

Keep putting them in there.

The left up.

Keep them working.

Look, Morgan, the colonel's down front.

He ain't smart if he gets around that you own Rocky.

I know what I'm doing. This fight will put us all on the blue chips.

Yeah, that's what you said before Rocky fought Tommy Nelson.

Well, this time there'll be no slip-up. Malloy dives in the sixth round. Does

his manager understand that?

I keep asking him if he does. Keep asking him if he knows what happened to

O'Hara.

Peter.

He don't look like much of a fighter to me, but you can train him here as long

as you pay me. Fine.

In case a substitute is needed on a fight card, should I give him a bout?

Sure, give him a bout.

Okay. Give me a bout?

Yeah, give me about 20 minutes to get out of town. No, no, no, listen.

We told him you were a fighter. You've got to live up to the name.

What, do you know I'm no fighter? Oh, what's the difference? Look, watch this.

Tommy, you here?

Yeah, this is our first move.

Stick close to that bag and I'll do the rest.

I've never seen anything like him.

Why, the little guy's wonderful.

Hey, you're missing the greatest exhibition I've ever seen.

Look.

Great stuff, fella. You punch a bag just like Tommy Nelson.

That's what I've been telling myself.

Hey, Steve, get a picture of this fella.

Wait a minute.

I made 40 grand last year. What was your take?

About 10% of that. Well, then pay attention to me.

Hey, you, make with the camera.

Buddy's ready to blow up. Start working on him.

Just a minute, chum.

This butterball can smear you all over the map.

Oh, bud, don't say that. And I'll repeat it.

He can smear you all over the map. That's it. Steam him up, bud.

And while he's doing that, what do you think I'll be doing?

Smearing my map all over the place. You said it. Now, both of you, shove off.

Shove off? That's sailor talk.

Like taking a dive.

Listen, nobody has to take a dive for me. I can whip anybody my weight. That

includes you.

Bud, let him smear your map all over the place.

So now you want to fight me.

Well, if you're looking for a fight, I'll give you one.

Lou. Take a poke at him.

Me? Yes, you. Do you want him to think I'm a coward? Look, I'll fight the two

of you.

You couldn't even like him.

Oh, yes, he could.

Oh, wait a minute. Take a punch at him.

I dare you. I double dare you. Stop coaxing him.

What a slug.

I couldn't even see the punch. It was a right cross.

No, it was an uppercut.

Say, what punch did you use?

It was sort of a half Nelson. Maybe a whole Nelson.

What's your name?

Louie Francis.

Louie Francis?

Louie the Looper. What a story.

Where have you fought? Well, I... Tell him something.

Okay, Tommy.

Listen,

I haven't had a fight since I went to school. Well, say something.

Okay. I can remember the classes, but I can't sort of remember the names.

Let me see. Oh, yes. I licked Chucky LaMange in the fourth, and I licked

Chuck Grant in the sixth, and the teacher licked me in the eighth. The

teacher? He means his trainer.

Are you his manager?

Sure. Would you consider a fight between your boy and Rocky Hanlon?

Yes. What are you talking about? Rocky fights young Malloy next week. That's

right. I'm fighting Malloy next week.

Sure. Rocky's fighting Malloy next week. Not after the story I'm writing.

A Hanlon-Malloy waltz wouldn't draw flies.

Attention, sports fans. My first exclusive.

The Rocky Hanlon-Louis the Looper fight is set. And I say...

Watch this boy, Louie the Looper.

His looks are deceiving, but there's no denying his punching ability.

I was the first to recognize Joe Louis.

And in studying Louie the Looper's deceptive style, half Tony Galento, half

Benny Leonard, I say, watch this boy.

I'll call.

What do you got, Lou?

A pair of jacks.

And you, bud?

Greens up.

No good.

Three tens, you lose.

Tommy, you are the luckiest guy.

Say, Tommy, what's the idea of us living in this high-class jib joint?

For the benefit of our gambling friend, Morgan.

Cut the cards.

What's the matter? Don't you trust me?

How do you like that? I think somebody's cheating.

You can say that again.

What are you doing?

Well, you gotta answer, Tommy.

Okay, I'm dealing.

By the way, Tommy, what is your plan?

Well, Morgan will hear that you guys are a couple of free spenders, see?

And figure you can be reached.

He'll make a contact, and we'll lead him on.

Then, the night of the fight... Tommy, do I have to go into the ring with Rocky

Hanlon? What are you worrying about?

I'll be in there with you every minute.

Dying to take a crack at Rocky.

And I'll be in there just dying.

I'll stay.

Cards?

One.

Give me two.

One, two, three.

I bet.

I'll raise your bet.

I'll raise you.

I see that and I raise you.

That's me out.

I raise again.

What are you doing?

I want to make sure you're not peaking.

Oh, Miss Gray.

Is Tommy here?

Yes, please come in.

Tommy.

Helen is here.

Hello, Helen.

Tommy.

Oh, we ought to hang a bell around this boy's neck. Maybe he's inside changing

his clothes.

Clothes? What clothes?

I'll be right out, Helen.

Lou, I guess you two want to be alone.

Oh, no, bud. Not Helen and me.

Helen and Tommy. Oh, come on.

Goodbye, Helen.

I still think somebody's cheating.

Helen, you shouldn't have come here.

You may have been followed and the police could spoil my plans.

I'm sorry, dear.

I've been so worried.

Last night there was fog and in fog or smoke they can see you. I'll be careful,

so don't worry.

It isn't only that, Tommy.

My uncle is worried, too, about the... About the effect of the drug on my mind?

Well, tell him I never thought more clearly in my life.

I've never felt so free.

Invisibility gives me a sense of power, for good or for evil.

Tommy, that... that feeling of power, it might be a symptom.

Please come back to the laboratory. I can't.

I must have time to clear myself.

Another day, a week at the most.

Then your uncle can try whatever he wants. All right, Tommy.

But for my sake, please be careful.

I will.

Goodbye, boys.

Goodbye,

Miss Gray. Goodbye, Helen.

If he starts acting strangely, call me. If he starts acting strangely, I won't

be able to open up my mouth.

We'll call you if anything happens.

Thanks. Goodbye.

Where are we going? To the bubble

room. That's Morgan's hangout. And the quicker you meet Morgan, the quicker

we'll get action. And I crave action.

Who is it?

Detective Roberts.

Tommy, you craved action? Well, you're going to get it. Come on, get out of

here. Just a minute, Detective Roberts.

Now you stand there, he won't be able to see you.

On your knees! On your knees!

What can

we do for you? Nothing.

Nothing at all.

I just wanted to check up on what you've seen today.

Are you still seeing men disappear into thin air? Or is today flying saucer day?

This guy needs a psychiatrist.

What I need is information and I want it quick.

I trailed Nelson's girl here, and I know she didn't come to see you two guys.

Now, where's Nelson?

You can believe me. I have not seen him since last night.

That goes for me, too.

Oh, so you haven't seen him, huh?

Okay, Nelson, get your hands up.

What?

What's this?

My laundry. I'm sending it out. Your laundry.

Oh, don't forget to say hello to that nice man with the watch.

The glass belongs here.

It's not right to make noise when you eat.

But I'm starved.

I'll have the lamb chop lunch. Yes, sir.

I know what I want.

Spaghetti and a steak.

What do you want?

Spaghetti and a steak.

You said you knew what you wanted. Do you want spaghetti or steak?

I'll have a spaghetti and a steak.

Yes, sir.

I used to be a juggler.

Many, many years at a time.

Do you care for anything else, sir?

Yeah, yes.

You can get me that swell looking dish there for a side order.

Waiter, bring two dishes. I want to go Heffy's.

It's Boots Marsden. I had a hunch he was tied up with Morgan.

But he doesn't even look like a fighter.

He's fat and short. So he won't have so far to fall when he takes a dive.

Start working, baby.

Hey, she's coming this way.

I must have caught her eye.

May I join you?

Sure, sure. Sit here, Miss Marsden.

Move over.

Move over.

I hope you don't get the wrong impression of me, but I have two good

reasons for wanting to meet you.

The first one is, when I read what Louis the Looper did to Rocky Handler and I

said to myself,

there's a man.

That's the first time anybody ever said that about me.

And the second reason?

I'm a woman.

That's even better than the first one.

How about a little drink?

No, thank you.

Not here.

I like privacy.

There's nothing like wearing something comfortable and turning the lights down

low and having a nice cool drink with a nice warm person.

Yeah,

my place at the Carlton Towers is overcrowded. The Carlton Towers?

Now isn't that a coincidence or fate or something? I live at the Carlton Towers

too. Hey, that's great. I live there too.

I hope you like your room.

I'll be home all evening.

Boots.

Boots.

Boots. Ah, shut up. You sound like Gunga Din.

Morgan's made his first move.

Tonight he'll make his second.

Or I should say she will.

Spaghetti what a combination

What

are you stuffing in your mouth

What? What's the matter?

I don't want to do this. Now listen.

All we're trying to do is prove that Tommy was framed.

You see this recording machine here?

All you have to do is start it.

Then we'll get a record of what she says.

And then you'll have a record of what I say.

Now, come here.

Listen, all you have to do is lead her on.

Come in.

Good evening.

Good night.

What did you say good night for?

I think she's getting ready to go to bed.

Come in, Louie.

You shouldn't have done that.

I know. I'm just a little squirt.

Flowers for me?

Yes, ma'am.

How thoughtful.

Put them over there on the table.

I just love flowers.

They're like true friends.

They see so much and hear so much.

And yet they never talk.

Sure would surprise people.

If they did.

Don't move.

Stand where you are.

I'm caught.

I didn't mean anything.

Don't talk.

That light on your profile, it shows your iron will, your rugged

individuality, your indomitable courage.

Oh, darling, I always want to see you the way you are now.

It's your looks I'm worried about.

Oh, not that you can't beat Rocky, but one lucky punch from him could ruin that

profile.

And then I'd lose all interest.

You mean you wouldn't like me if I wasn't pretty?

Of course I mean it. When it's so unnecessary.

There's more money to be made losing a fight than winning one.

All you have to do is agree to get knocked out.

You can even name the round.

First round?

Second round?

Third

round?

How many rounds can you last?

Suppose you agree to three rounds.

And some nice friend will deposit a lot of money in the bank for you.

How am I going to know the nice man that's going to put the money in the

bank?

Maybe I can arrange a meeting.

I'll phone.

But remember, all of this is off the record.

Louie!

Everything's set. Way to go to the bubble room.

Oh, Louis, you won't regret this.

Oh, Booch, let's fight another round.

What was that noise?

That's off the record.

Tommy, please listen.

He must be made to realize the danger of his mental condition.

Tommy, Tommy, the doctor is afraid.

Afraid? Afraid of what?

That he'll never find the reagent?

That I'll never be visible again?

Well, tell him not to worry.

I feel... I feel much better this way.

No one can touch me.

Not even the cops.

That makes me a nemesis. It makes me a dictator.

Tommy, Tommy, please, please, Tommy.

Take it easy.

He's all right, Helen.

I'll take care of him.

He's just a little drunky. Sure, sure I'm drunk.

Drunk with the power of invisibility.

I am the ruler of an invisible empire.

My loyal subjects I will reward.

My enemies I will destroy.

To be or not to be.

Alas, poor Yorick.

A horse, a horse.

My kingdom for a horse.

Put that down. Pour us a drink.

You heard me. Pour a drink.

What's the matter with this one?

That one?

Yes, that one.

I'm a two-fisted drinker.

Put it in there.

Well, well, Boots Marsden and Louie the Looper. Let's have a picture. Help

yourselves, boys. Take a couple.

Hey, Champ, how about a picture of you drinking champagne out of her slipper?

Why not?

Okay.

We'll call the picture Pushing the Boots. Oh, Louie, what a sense of humor.

Ready, folks?

Trying to be smart.

Don't call with a buzz saw, mister. This is Louie the Looper.

Oh. Oh. Okay, Louie.

I'm sorry I spilled the champagne on you. Oh, that's nothing. Thank you.

Compared to the blood that Rocky Hanlon's going to spill all over you.

If you wasn't here, I'd shock you. That's all right. I'm leaving now. I'll

go with you. I used to hear. I just made contact with the money man.

I've done everything you told me to do. Well, that's swell. Get off of me.

I'm sorry, Tommy.

Did you get the record? I did. And very fast, too. I broke a record.

When I hired you guys, I thought I was getting a couple of good detectives.

We may not be good detectives, but we're very, very good friends.

Friends. Excuse me. Did it ever occur to you that friendship isn't its best or

rather doubtful asset?

I don't want friends.

I shall have followers.

Worshippers.

People who will obey me because they will realize my greatness.

Two arms.

Four score and six. Seven.

Five. Five. Three. Three. Two. Put your hand down.

Tommy, if you don't pipe down, we'll all get into trouble.

And another thing.

You didn't give me a chance to tell you that Boots is contacting the money man.

Well, in that case, let's celebrate.

Pour us a drink, Lou.

No, Tommy. No.

Do you realize that every time you go in Osloon, the devil goes in with you? What

if he does? He pays for his own drink.

Excuse me.

This time we'll do things my way.

There's a lady present.

Looper will get his dough the night of the fight.

Why don't you save your dough, boss?

That guy just got in a lucky punch at the gym.

I can take him. Yeah, sure, sure, sure. Like you could take Nelson.

Only Nelson took you and O'Hara took my money.

This time there'll be no slip-ups.

But he thinks he's going to meet you.

He is.

If he tries to double-cross me.

Thank you.

Tommy, don't you think you've had enough?

Tommy. You shouldn't drink other people's drinks.

Oh, it's you again.

Now, wait a minute. Just a minute. Don't get excited, fella. This happens to be

Louie the Looper.

I know.

He's a buzzsaw.

Well, here's why he's going to lose a couple of teeth.

Why didn't you duck?

Duck? I didn't even see the punch coming. Come on, let's get out of here.

Save your punches for tomorrow night, Looper. You'll need them.

Let's have a night, Captain.

Sure, Looper.

Tommy, you had enough drinks.

Oh, is that so?

Yeah, that's so.

Excuse me, sir. No mention.

Oh, Tommy, I'm only telling you for your own good.

Hey, Lou.

He's down there.

Tommy.

What are you doing with my drink? Oh, I thought it was mine. Yeah, I've heard

that one before. Just a minute, bud. I'll handle this.

I'll take care of this myself.

Right, Tommy?

Now go ahead and start something.