Original subtitles

-Oh!

The Italians have had me on the run

for three solid months.

I can't take this shit no more.

So what are you planning?

I'm gonna sever the French Connection.

Just tell me where he is, and I don't have to hurt you.

Aah!

I'm ready to return to the Temple.

We've received no approval from the Dear Holy Apostle.

I got a daughter in my house who tried to kill herself.

I just need somebody to keep an eye on her.

Captain Henry said you were defiant.

He's a liar.

Fucking guinea fuck!

You want to steal this fucking duji just to get him to agree?

The Corsicans process the duji in Marseille,

pack it into cars, and then ship it to New York.

If my plan works, you'll get the duji at half the price.

You stole the dope.

Let's just say I know the people who did.

I'm assuming you leave me no choice in the proposal.

I'm ready to tell the world that I'm a Muslim.

The state would deny you a boxing license.

Television would refuse your matches.

Your sponsors would flee.

Betty, can't you see what's happening?

The mosque is my home, and my enemies are pushing me out.

When Teddy died, so did I.

-What the fuck?

-You come here? -Hey, that would not be wise.

Shut the fuck up!

If this commission votes to take these sanctions

off of my head, and I'll get you your dope back.

So, what's it gonna be, gentlemen?

500 keys of heroin

or one more dead Negro in Harlem?

One dead Negro.

Fuck you. I'd rather have my dope.

By the time I'm done,

Bumpy Johnson will rue the day he fucked with me.

120th, 136, and that other numbers spot on 140th.

-I wanna see nothin' but ash. -We'll try, boss.

What do you mean? What do you mean you'll try?

I'm just sayin' it ain't fucking easy.

He got some tough black motherfuckers

watching these spots.

What are you trying to say to me?

You know, our crews,

you know, they're a little young and wild.

We could use Benny is all I'm sayin', boss.

Oh ...nny.

Benny Eggs.

Benny the noodge.

He hates fucking Miami.

He can't swim. He hates the sun.

He says the braciole down there tastes like fucking horse meat.

-You believe this? -Ernie.

Eeh!

How'd it go?

Look at that.

-That's what I'm talking about. -Good job. Good job, Ernie.

Fuck Bumpy Johnson!

Mm-mm.

Merci beaucoup.

Por quoi?

The Italians are a little...

pissed off, n'est pas?

Chin's attacking all of my numbers spots and juke joints.

I expected that. He got a lot of anger to burn,

and I'm just gonna let him burn it.

When are you returning the heroin?

By this time tomorrow.

I need access to your supply.

I wanna buy six times what the Five Families get.

That's 3,000 kilos.

Impossible.

You could never ship that much in a single load.

The Italians will never allow it.

I'm willing to fight them tooth and nail

for every inch of Harlem.

From Sicily?

The Sicilians,

they bring us the unrefined morphine paste from Turkey.

Part of our understanding

is that we must deliver the heroin

to the Italian families here.

They would turn down an order of 3,000 keys?

If we were to sell it to a Negro,

they'd skin us alive.

What if I had an Italian partner?

♪ Shit pop off, I don't wanna hear ♪

♪ I'm sorry

♪ They forgot about the streets ♪

♪ They forgot about the streets ♪

♪ They forgot about the streets ♪

♪ They forgot about the streets ♪

♪ Swizz beats

Thank you all for coming.

Harlem is my home,

and y'all know how the saying goes.

Some of you know each other personally, some by reputation,

I'm sure.

That's Eugene with the Purple Capsule Gang

from Kansas City.

There's Lamar Rockwell from the Errol Flynns in Detroit.

Moses Temple outta Atlanta.

And, of course, y'all know Sam Christian outta Philly,

who grabbed that guinea duji a couple of weeks ago.

Some of us have been friends, some enemies,

but we've all gotten our duji from Italian sources for years.

I'm proposing a distribution network

that eliminates the Italians.

Guineas ain't gonna be too happy about that.

They set the market.

The prices.

Kill anyone who steps outta line.

How? How do they get to do that?

They kept us separate.

This is about unity and self-determination.

As long as you the king, though, right, Bumpy?

Yeah.

And you the joker.

Here's the deal.

I formed an alliance with the Corsicans

for a direct supply.

Corsicans?

-Some hard motherfuckers. -Maybe.

But they don't hate us because of our skin.

And they bring in some big weight.

-Whoa. -Well...

We'll group together our buys direct from Jean Jehan.

Your price per key will drop 60%!

That money buys you guns.

You can defend yourselves against the Italians

in your respective cities.

Bumpy, um...

maybe it's better if we just keep the dope.

Went through a whole lotta trouble to steal it.

-That duji's beautiful. -Mm.

But we gotta think.

We -- We all gotta think.

We're playing the long game.

If we keep the duji, the guineas will be on our ass.

I want them to think I'm their partner,

but we'll be in control.

Hmm.

Bumpy's right.

Our own distribution is the best play.

The new world is here, my brothers.

Alone, I'm just Harlem.

Together -- together --

we're 10 Harlems.

♪ Yeah

♪ Change

♪ Yeah

♪ Open up my window again

♪ Open up my window again ♪

♪ I can hear death callin' my name ♪

♪ I can hear death callin' again ♪

♪ I swear to God, things ain't gon' change ♪

♪ I swear to God, things ain't gon' change ♪

♪ I keep a revolver with your name ♪

♪ I keep a revolver with your name ♪

♪ Just in case

♪ Lay on my back watchin' the ceilin' fan ♪

♪ I had a dream to touch a kilo gram ♪

♪ Still at odds with the Irish mob ♪

♪ Rolls-Royce down Malcolm X Boulevard ♪

♪ Lord, these -- really out here Preyin' on me ♪

♪ Got the .40 on me and his hand on me ♪

♪ Snow-white mink like I'm Dutch Schultz ♪

♪ Run the books and let me show you how the numbers look ♪

♪ You can't be Lucky like you Luciano ♪

♪ The kilos slammin' like they new pianos ♪

♪ And Fat Boy got the big body

♪ Coast-to-coast, I could shoot product ♪

♪ Open up my window again

♪ Open up my window again ♪

♪ I can hear death callin' my name ♪

♪ I can hear death callin' again ♪

♪ I swear to God, things ain't gon' change ♪

♪ I swear to God, things ain't gon' change ♪

♪ I keep a revolver with your name ♪

♪ I keep a revolver with your name ♪

♪ Just in case

That big ol' ugly bear is scared.

I said I'd whup him in Miami.

All right, all right.

And how's the training going?

Oh, I'm doing 10 miles of road work

-and 12 rounds a day. -Cassius!

-Mr. Dundee got me goin'. -Come on.

Hey, all right, well, that's a good thing.

You comin' down for the fight, Brother Minister?

Uh, well, the Dear Holy Apostle

hasn't permitted me to go.

He ain't permitted you to go?

Ain't you still suspended from the Nation?

Yeah, I guess I am.

Then get your black ass down here!

-Maybe I will. -Well, you better.

It's gonna be the fight of the century.

They say Liston's great, but he must fall in eight,

Brother Minister. Clay swings to the left,

Clay swings to the right, look at young Cassius

carry the fight.

Liston keeps backin',

but there's not enough room.

It's only a matter of time before Clay lowers the boom!

Cassius! Cassius!

I'm comin', Dundee.

I'll see you at the fight, Brother Minister.

-I gotta go. -All right.

You were right.

He wants me there.

Cassius is the way you can leverage yourself

back into the Nation.

Ah, that's a hustler's move, no doubt.

Nothing wrong with an alliance if it helps out both parties.

There's only one problem with your plan as I see it, though.

And what's that?

Clay ain't gonna win.

Nah, you wrong, Bumpy.

That boy's got speed, intelligence,

and the power of Allah on his side.

Allah ain't fought no Sonny Liston.

Oh, brother, it sure is good to see you again.

How you been?

It's good to be back home, back with Mayme and Margaret.

And you can ensure their safety?

Wouldn't have 'em in Harlem if I couldn't.

But I may have to make me one of them hustler moves.

Find me my own Cassius Clay.

That fucking dope!

When you're counting those kilos, you make sure

that not so fucking much as one is gone, you understand?

Yeah, boss.

Come on, knock that shit off. You're never gonna beat Liston.

That's because no one can beat fuckin' Sonny Liston.

Why do you think I got 50 large on the fight?

Gimme that.

Youse two, go start countin'.

Then we'll -- we'll fuckin' start divvying up the dope

that the niggers gave back to us among the families,

then we put a sanction back on Johnson.

Bumpy Johnson lived up to his part of the agreement.

Come on.

He was behind the whole fucking thing.

I hear that you torched some of his best numbers spots.

You're right. I did. He's got to know where I stand.

What, are you stupid?

Now's not a time to start a war with the niggers.

Do you know what guys like Johnson does

when you throw him a lifeline?

Huh? They twist it around your fucking neck!

You heard what Malcolm X said. They're coming after us.

What, you don't look outside your boroughs?

You don't read the papers?

Come on, the world is changing, and --

and it ain't changing for the better.

I don't read the papers?

Let me tell you something, Vincent.

My people in D.C. are telling me

that this facim Powell has appointed a special prosecutor,

and he's gonna come after the families.

Oh, capisce?

He's right, and we don't need the federal heat.

Fucking Johnson.

The guy is buyin' time.

He's got some kind of plan.

I know that fucker too well!

No camera, no TV man, no radio man,

and you right there and the whole world,

if Sonny Liston whups me, I'll kiss his feet in the ring!

97 wins and zero losses as a federal prosecutor.

That's why I chose you, Mr. Morgenthau.

I'm honored, Congressman.

For too long, the Mafia has kept Harlem

in a stranglehold with drugs,

extortion, arson, and a whole lot of other things.

Let's knock 'em back on their heels

like Liston's gonna do to Clay.

I don't follow sports.

Well, the oddsmakers have it 7-1.

But if you'd like to make a friendly wager,

I'll give you 20-1

that Liston's gonna knock that loudmouth out.

Well, the one thing I do know about sports

is that betting on them is illegal.

Just testing you.

Congressman Powell, the Five Families operate

as a -- a bickering set of brotherhoods.

They don't like one another,

but they need one another to survive.

We need intelligence on those internal divisions

to exploit them,

to use their unspoken hatred against them.

Adam. It's Mayme again.

I think you should take it.

Put her on.

Give me a minute.

Hello, Mayme.

Hello, Reverend.

Look, I don't want this to sound like sour grapes,

but you told me before I left for South Carolina

that I'd be chair of the Voter Registration initiative.

Well, you were gone and I didn't know when you were coming back.

Look, I worked up a plan to pay for Freedom Rider buses

to go from New York City down to Mississippi

to help register voters there.

Now, I know you have a passion for getting out the vote,

but I'm afraid I'm not gonna change my mind.

Is this about my husband?

Is it? Just tell me, so I know the truth.

Very nice talking to you, Mayme. I'm very sorry.

Have a nice day, and I'm sure we'll talk soon.

I've had to sever my relationship

with a very important civil rights warrior

because her husband is a gangster

who might be persuaded into helping us with our cause.

His name is Bumpy Johnson.

Hmm.

Bumpy, you tryin' to let me win?

Maybe.

Maybe it's a trap.

Trap my ass.

I now take your queen.

Check.

I'm getting old.

How come you're the only one

who consistently beats me at chess?

It's ironic 'cause you're the one who taught me how to play.

Listen, my friend.

I was willing to -- to overlook that Zambrano bullshit

because he was a fucking prick.

Now, I don't know if you had anything to do

with stealing the heroin,

but if you did,

it was better than Geller's Rook and Pawn endgame

in nineteen-forty-fucking-nine!

Frank, I need an Italian partner to buy heroin

on account of the Sicilians.

I can bring you wholesalers from 10 different cities.

How the hell did I not see that coming?

I want you to be my partner, Frank.

Bumpy.

I don't lead a borgata.

I got no soldiers.

I settle disputes among the families.

I got soldiers.

I need you to stand up for me with Jehan.

I can make you some serious money.

Check.

Listen, I got five grandchildren.

I don't need the Five Families coming at me over heroin.

What about, uh, Lucchese?

Gambino.

Partner with you?

They'd rather partner with a Chink.

Bonanno?

Chin would never stand for that.

That moves Bonanno right up close to his turf.

Forget about it.

Checkmate.

Bafangu!

You bought tickets to Miami without even askin' me?

When was the last time we took a family vacation?

Never.

There you go.

You wanna see Cassius.

Support Cassius.

I have no interest in a prizefight,

and neither do the girls.

Well, the Hampton House has a pool.

We don't want a pool.

We want you -- your focus, your attention --

on us, not Cassius Clay.

Betty, this is a vacation, but it is also an opportunity.

There's not one prominent Muslim going down to that fight.

-Do you know why? -Because he's gonna lose.

Because they all think he's going to lose.

And he's not.

These politicians talk out of both sides of they mouth.

Reverend Powell said I was the best person

to administer the Harlem Vote Initiative.

Now he won't even talk to me.

Why would he replace you?

It's about Bumpy. I know it.

-Why you say that? -I could hear it in his voice.

You need to find out for Daddy's sake.

How?

Well, I hear tell about Reverend Powell.

Some say red lipstick and a cute little number

might allow you to find out more.

15 times I've told the crowd what round he's going down...

Oh, I don't like that Cassius Clay's big mouth.

-...will fall in eight... -I love it,

especially if he comes out as Muslim,

which Malcolm says is likely.

How's it been at the Temple without him?

I miss him, a lot.

Well, you have been such a dear,

and Margaret loves her big sister so much.

Elise, I just want you to know how much I appreciate

you assuming that role.

Makes the most sense right now.

But it's not gonna be forever.

Joe.

I want to thank you for agreeing to see me.

Bumpy Johnson, this is my wife, Fay.

Bumpy Johnson.

Where do I know this name from?

You've probably heard me cursing him in my sleep.

Well, do you boys want to talk privately?

'Cause I'll wait in the car.

We're on our way to see "Tosca."

Puccini. That's my favorite.

Oh!

Oh, I'm sure we could get another ticket!

No, no, honey.

Uh, he came here to hear an answer on a business deal,

and my answer's still no.

I-I don't keep secrets from my wife.

It's true. I always know where Joe stands,

especially if he's mad.

-I'm not mad, honey. -All you have to do

is stand up for me with Jehan,

and you'll triple your income.

Look, if the Sicilians don't want to sell to you,

my hands are tied.

It's this thing of ours, you know.

No colored allowed.

You're gonna make a ton of money just for being my front man.

You're not listening to me, Bumpy.

I can't front for someone like you.

Capisce?

Capisce.

It was a pleasure to meet you,

and I hope you come visit us again.

It's nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Bonanno.

Fay, come on.

We're gonna be late.

♪ Get in the groove, and let the good time roll ♪

Come on, girl, show me what you got.

Yeah, that's a good fist right there.

Now, pull it back, let it fly. Oh!

I did it, Daddy! -You sure did.

You just knocked out the future champion of the world.

Um, hey, why don't you, uh, read one of those magazines

and maybe go on down by the pool?

I'm fine right here.

Hello?

Do you recognize my voice?

Yes, sir, Dear Holy Apostle.

I've seen a news report

that you're spending time with Malcolm.

-Is that true? -Yes, sir.

I want to caution you about doing so.

You see, Malcolm hasn't capitulated for his misdeeds.

There are rules. He has broken them,

and I suspect he will do so again.

For example, it is forbidden for him

to seek publicity at this time.

I understand.

So it would be wise for you to stay away.

We're all rooting for you, Cassius.

Thank you, sir.

I got to go to the gym.

Barry Goldwater appeals to the worst American traits --

anti-immigration, anti-civil rights,

anti-anything that gives a poor person a decent chance

to make his way up in the world.

Now, you mark my words. He's gonna appeal to those

Southern Dixiecrats.

Those sons of bitches might as well be Republicans.

-Adam, uh, Mayme John-- -Excuse me.

I'm sure Reverend Powell can make time to see me.

President Johnson, uh, can I call you later?

Well, yes, yes, it is an emergency.

How may I help you, Mayme?

I need answers.

Lillian is going to chair the Harlem Vote --

I'm talking about my husband.

This has nothing to do with your husband.

Yes, it does.

Otherwise, you'd have me out there registering voters.

Bumpy has turned into a liability that I can't ignore.

I promised President Johnson I would help

get those Southern Dixiecrats

to end their filibuster against the Civil Rights Act.

At the same time,

I've authorized a federal investigation

into the Italian Mafia in New York City.

So you can understand my dilemma.

My husband is not in the Italian Mafia.

But he associates with them.

And our voting effort can't stand any bad publicity.

There will likely be federal prosecution

of select Italian gangsters and their colleagues,

regardless of race, creed, or color.

Now is not the time for Black men to turn on each other.

The rule of law holds, regardless of one's skin color.

You of all people should know it's not that simple.

I don't have to give you a list of things

that Bumpy has done for this community,

but Harlem needs Bumpy.

Almost as much as they need you,

Reverend Powell.

Good day.

Man, they showed a warrant, Bump.

Go ahead. Knock yourselves out.

There ain't nothing here.

That's close enough.

Mr. Johnson, get in the car.

Get in.

Who are you?

Robert Morgenthau.

What are you waiting for, an invitation in writing?

My guess is this raid will turn up very little evidence.

I'm told you're not... sloppy,

like some of your Italian brethren.

Palmetto is a legitimate business.

I'm sure it is.

So you just like to harass Negroes for -- for sport.

I don't care about you, Johnson.

Let me rephrase that.

I don't care about busting you.

You're a toss-it-back.

Not enough meat in your claws and tail.

Why all this then?

Because you could help me get the big fish that I'm after.

I don't rat -- not on my own or even on the guineas.

I know you don't.

Go ahead.

That is an offer of full immunity from prosecution

for any and all of your past criminal offenses.

It also indemnifies you from prosecution

for any and all criminal activity going forward,

such as whatever you may need to participate in

to maintain your cover with the Italians.

And in return?

You let us watch you --

from afar, of course,

as a means of gathering evidence against Italian --

and that's only Italian -- organized crime.

That's snitching.

I'll allow you to stay in business, Mr. Johnson.

All the money you make from these dealings, you keep.

It's not snitching.

It's elimination of the competition.

I'd be your partner.

We gotta head back, Stella.

I'm meeting someone at 22 West.

The Negro joint?

My father said he punished Benny.

What exactly did he do?

That's not my business nor yours.

-Did he kill him? -What, are you crazy?

Benny's a made guy.

So he didn't.

What was this so-called punishment

he got for killing my boyfriend then?

He sent him to Florida.

And do yourself a favor -- stop worrying about Benny.

Your father took care of it.

You'll never fuckin' see him again.

You know how great I am.

I don't have to tell you about my strategy.

I'll let my trainer tell you. Bundini, come here.

Bundini, tell 'em, what are we gonna do?

You gonna float like a butterfly

-and sting like a bee. -Aah!

He floats like a butterfly. He stings like a bee.

Yeah.

Thanks, baby.

That's my trainer. He'll tell you.

So, what are you going to do?

Without an Italian partner, I got no protection.

And with one, you'll be prosecuted by Morgenthau.

Morgenthau came at me with an immunity deal.

That sound like somebody who's trying to put me back in jail?

You're not going to take it.

No.

So, who's the partner going to be?

Costello and Bonanno turned me down.

Gambino and Lucchese, they'll...

they'll never team up with me.

Chin, he's -- he's busy burning down my numbers spots.

Then he's the one to try for.

Why?

Because once he gets over the anger,

he'll see it's in his best interest.

You need to be a diplomat.

Chin ain't one for diplomacy.

A real diplomat

is someone who can slice his neighbor's throat

when he doesn't see it coming.

Come on, dance, Cassius, dance.

All right, circle left, circle left.

Keep movin'. Keep movin'.

All right, right, right, right!

Yeah, Liston won't be able to touch him.

What are you doin' here?

I'm here at the request of your fighter.

Yeah? You ever thought about what he's about to face?

'Cause no one's gone more than three rounds with Liston.

Ah, don't worry about that.

As long as Cassius believes in Allah, he'll be just fine.

As long as he's distracted by anything other than fighting,

and that's including you, I disagree.

He wants me here.

I am his spiritual advisor.

This kid's got an incredible future.

Even if he loses, he'll have TV appearances,

endorsement deals, the works.

And you think his association with me jeopardizes that?

I know it does.

Listen, he may not know what's right for him right now,

but you -- you're smart enough to get it.

If the corporate interests of white America

have anything against me, I couldn't care less.

This isn't about you!

This is about him.

I mean, Christ, between you and the Elijah guy, you --

you got this kid's head spinnin'.

And now he's confused, and when he's confused, he can't box.

You understand?

I am the greatest. I'm double greatness.

Listen, I, um --

I mean no disrespect, Mr. Dundee,

but Cassius asked me to be there ringside.

And I plan to be there.

But until then, I'll stay out of his hair.

All right, all right, stop.

Get your rope. Five rounds.

Partner with Chin Gigante? Are you crazy?

He's worried about the feds. All the families are.

Or they will be soon enough.

Bump, it's a mistake.

Can't trust Chin Gigante.

I ain't trying to be his friend.

This is business.

This motherfucker tried to kill you

for three solid months.

He sent five times as many men against you

as any of the other families.

And he almost killed your daughter.

He hates your ass.

They all hate me.

What's important is having our own source to Marseille.

And to do that, we have to have a guinea.

You think I don't have a plan?

Do you have a, uh, little poetry for Sonny Liston?

If you like to lose your money,

then be a fool and bet on Sonny.

But if you want to have a good day,

then put it on Clay.

I knew it was a long shot.

He's a very interesting man.

A regular good Samaritan, from what I hear.

I told him he was a small fish, a toss-back.

But I realize that Ellsworth Johnson

is a lot more influential than I thought.

How so?

We have over 30 federal agents in Harlem

tracking the Italian dons.

Bumpy Johnson met with both Costello and Bonanno

in the last two days.

He's seeking an alliance, would be my guess.

I want to put the screws to him, hard.

Do I have your permission?

I don't know why the fuck you're here.

I don't give a rat's ass about your 10 Harlems.

I'm not gonna partner up with you.

Not now, not ever.

I hate you, too, Chin.

But this is in our mutual interest.

Give me a reason why I shouldn't shoot the both of you right now.

'Cause I have information about what the feds are doin'.

Organized crime hearings, special prosecutor.

Straight from the lips of Adam Clayton Powell.

What, are you saying Powell's on the take?

Definitely not.

But he's got a big mouth, and I know how to play him.

I feed him misinformation, and him and Morgenthau

will be chasing their own tails.

FBI! Hands up!

Oh, come on.

We was just gonna go to lunch.

Hands where I can see 'em.

Vincent Gigante, we have a warrant

to search these premises.

Okay, well, do what you gotta do.

Tear it apart.

Who's this?

Bumpy Johnson.

Ellsworth Johnson?

Yeah.

I have an arrest warrant for you, Mr. Johnson.

Uh-oh!

Just saved me a trip of picking you up.

-What for? -Selling narcotics.

Let me see.

Robert Morgenthau.

I thought you had that covered.

I'll be out by tonight.

Don't know if I can say the same thing about you, though.

Let's go, Johnson.

Get me a fucking drink.

Can we get these cuffs off?

That motherfucker fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

Thanks, Ray. You make a good narc.

Anytime.

Fun to be on the other side of the badge for a change.

Get a message to Chin.

I want to meet him -- alone.

What makes you think he'll come?

You know he'll find out it was a bogus raid.

Ray here scared the piss out of him.

Chin thinks I have an in with Powell that could protect him.

He's desperate to stay out of jail,

plus he knows those 10 Harlems will make him money,

so he'll come.

Okay.

But it ain't really about that.

What's it about then?

Him and me.

Can we go somewhere?

I need to stay here in case Cassius calls.

Mr. Dundee asked you not to distract him.

But if he calls, I want to be here.

You hear the girls in there.

They're climbin' the walls.

I know, but, Betty, this is important.

-Forgive me. I didn't mean -- -Does Cassius know you intend

on using him to get yourself back into the Nation?

I'm here for support.

Support or strategy?

Will you care as much for his soul if he loses?

I'm sorry, Malcolm.

I know you're under a lot of pressure.

It's time I take the girls back home.

You stay here and do what you have to.

No matter what happens, you know I love you.

Betty, wait.

You're right.

Malcolm.

It's fine.

Honestly, Stella, what the fuck are we doing here?

I'm waitin' for someone.

Who's he?

Someone who won't leave me alone.

-I'm sorry. -That's okay.

I'll wait outside.

-Good. -Good.

To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm doin' here.

-You got my letters? -Yeah.

And I kept throwing them in the garbage, but they kept coming.

I finally got up the courage to read one.

"Teddy's music wasn't just in his voice.

It was in his eyes, his hands, his touch.

His song never leaves me."

And so on.

You know, being a mother of a Black boy,

you worry from the moment they born.

You tell him how to behave if he's stopped by a cop,

how not to be aggressive around white folk.

When he started to sing, I was relieved.

I thought maybe, just maybe,

no one would see him as a threat.

Then he met you.

Please forgive me.

Please.

Why you think I'm here?

I figure anyone who loved my son so much...

shouldn't be my enemy.

Reverend Powell.

Mrs. Johnson.

Pardon the intrusion.

What are you doing here?

I was hoping to have a word.

I may have been hasty.

About what?

Well, they say in order to do your best work,

you must surround yourself with the best people,

and, well, you're the best people.

Will you come and work with me on the Harlem Voter Initiative?

Mm, are you sure my husband won't tarnish your reputation?

Well, although I don't condone

what your husband does, you make a good point.

The people of Harlem look up to him,

and I represent the people.

And besides, anyone lucky enough to have you as a wife

must have a lot of goodness in his heart.

That is an awfully sweet thing of you to say.

Well, if I was half as smart as your husband,

maybe I wouldn't be on my third wife.

-I would love to work with you. -Excellent.

Why don't you join us inside? We're about to watch the fight.

Oh, well, just for a minute.

That's all it's gonna take for Liston to knock him out.

Reverend Powell, please meet Elise, Bumpy's daughter.

Oh, well, hello. Very nice to meet you.

Lovely to meet you, Reverend.

...fight, one where Sonny, perhaps,

will want to get off fast, one where Cassius,

who incidentally is warming up right now...

It's okay to be nervous.

Yeah.

Yeah, Liston's nervous, too, all right?

Listen, kid, you just move,

and you keep dancing, and you're gonna do fine.

Let me see.

Brother.

You came.

That call I got was from the Messenger...

-I know. -...telling me

to stay away from you.

Cassius, I'm guilty, Brother.

I've thought to use you for my own ends,

which is to convince the Dear Holy Apostle

to reinstate me, and, for that,

I am truly sorry.

If the Lamb of God has forbidden you to see me,

then I must leave.

I don't see him here, do you?

How much time do we have?

You got 10 minutes.

Let us pray for Allah to give you the strength

and the skill you need to succeed.

Welcome to Miami Beach and the giant convention hall

for what may be the richest heavyweight championship fight

of all time. And into the ring now

comes the sombre and menacing figure

of Charles "Sonny" Liston, the champion, aptly named

the most frightening man in the world.

He's looked on Clay's antics with contempt.

When that next shipment comes in,

I'm selling out of 10 Harlems, and you're gonna get a 20% cut.

Not good enough. Partners.

50-50, and the sanctions on my head permanently lifted.

-I ought to kick your ass!

Clay going around this ring as fast as he said he would.

He said he was gonna be a dancer,

and that's the way he is going to work it.

He's hurt him in the body with a right hand.

Clay is hurt.

Liston here trying for his third successive

-one-round win. -Ooh, there it is, right?

And Clay's thinking.

He's felt one or two punches already.

Come on, Cassius!

Liston's going all out for the finish here.

♪ Don't let 'em slow your wings ♪

He's taking the punches in on Clay,

and Clay's taking more and more.

♪ Yeah, chains of the laws, body language boss ♪

♪ On this highly dangerous course ♪

♪ Between the streets and up north, Cardi specs ♪

♪ Pray to angels, direct my walk ♪

♪ Respect talks with big homies standing tall in federal court ♪

♪ Was double-crossed, nowadays staying real is a loss ♪

♪ 'Cause cowards prey on niggas with good hearts ♪

♪ So I pray for them, they violate this way ♪

♪ I got the K for them

♪ We doin' wrong, takin' our face off Earth ♪

♪ Black victory, I envision Tiffany blue coupes ♪

♪ Angels pop out the hood like "poof" ♪

♪ Black youth, what's the science? ♪

♪ Man, we're the fallin' stars flyin' ♪

♪ Flyin' high

♪ Flyin' high

-There's the bell,

and they're still fighting.

They haven't heard the bell, and they're still going on!

♪ Don't let 'em stop you now

Something has happened in Liston's corner.

They're not going on.

And what's happened?

Clay has won! Clay has won!

Clay has won!

♪ Don't let 'em slow your wings ♪

He won! Ahh!

♪ Now

But why has Liston retired? What has happened?

I am the greatest!

Partners.

Equal partners.

All right.

All right.

All right.