Original subtitles

Here we are, the beauties of the town

the suckers buy us wine, in cabarets we dine

we sit and chat, and what comes after that?

Oh, you chick, oh, you kid

you make me feel like such a brute

goodness gracious, how I love

here we are, the beauties of the town

can I go home with you?

Oh, what a thing to do

I mean no harm

I love your girlish charm with its...

Look, girls, the tiger kid's back in town.

- Ain't he the handsome thing? - He's certainly crazy about Ruby Carter.

- I wish he was crazy about me. - Then he would be crazy!

- Is that so? - Hey, cut it out.

You know, honey, when I did my act

and had a figure like yours, every man in town was at my feet.

At your feet? I'd rather have them around my neck.

Got me hooked up? I feel a draft.

I've never known a woman who had so many gentleman friends.

You certainly know the way to a man's heart.

Funny, too, because I don't know how to cook.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am about to introduce the attraction of the evening,

a lady who is the greatest sensation

of our 19th century.

And tonight, ladies and gentlemen, you are about to see her

in the most beautiful act

it has ever been my privilege to offer.

Miss Ruby Carter in my American beauty.

Now listen, you guys, no rowdy talk while she's on, see?

I'll respect her like me own sister.

The one in the reformatory?

Sometimes you are like a gorgeous butterfly

sturdy hearts are shattered as you flutter by

they say you're a vampire playing at love's game

you may have too many beaus

but to me you're a beautiful Rose

my American beauly

please don't be a Thorn in my heart

I shall love you, dear, until my life's breath shall ebb

you're the spider

I'm the fly that's caught in your web

my American beauly

let us grow a honeymoon for two

I'm attracted to you like a moth seeks a flame

north and south and east and west

the country proclaims you

my American beauly

sweetheart of the red, white, and blue

I've been waiting for you, tiger.

Just what I thought. Up to your old tricks again, eh?

You two think you're pretty smart, don't you? Now listen, tiger, am I your manager or not?

I wish you'd manage to leave us alone.

- You ain't gonna make a monkey out of this boy. - Who wants to? I like him the way he is.

Now listen, tiger, I know she's a swell gal, but all she thinks about is having a good time.

Listen, I don't only think about it.

- I ain't gonna argue with you. - No, he ain't gonna argue with you.

These parties and late hours, this has got to stop.

Listen here, you, I don't like your attitude. And remember, I'm a lady, you worm.

- You better go, Kirby. - I will not, I'm gonna wait here for you.

Persistent, I'd call him. Or just plain ignorant.

Escort me, tiger.

Remember, you're fighting Friday night.

Friday night? He'll be there.

Kirby's always butting in. I'm sorry it happened, Ruby.

Makes me feel like I ain't doing you right.

Don't say that, dear. You know how I feel about it.

Don't worry about Kirby, he ain't so hard to forget.

And I can always manage you, honey. Yeah.

What are you doing? Looking me over?

Yeah, these are swell, Ruby.

That was when I was with the bonton girls. Yeah?

Hey, who's this guy?

That was before I knew you, dear. My banker friend.

Yeah? What was his intentions?

He wanted to put me on the board of directors.

Who's this guy?

Don't wear yourself out there. Sit down.

Here's to you, Ruby.

Here's to both of us.

You don't know how I hated to leave town for that fight the other night.

- I'm glad you won, honey. - That was nothing.

I knocked him out in a hurry so I could get back to you.

I always did like a man with masculine supremacy.

I could do anything for you, Ruby.

You're the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.

- You make me want to do great things. - You mean, I'm inspiring?

Yeah, that's it.

Look, honey, after this next fight, you and me are gonna have a grand time.

Why wait?

Maybe you won't have to work no more, then.

You mean you want me to give up my art?

You will if you love me enough.

If I love you enough, I'll have to.

Holy smoke, it's raining.

- It's got to do that once in a while. - But Kirby, he'll get wet.

Oh, throw him an umbrella.

Hello, operator?

Give me the police department.

Yeah, the police department.

I'll fix this guy.

Hello, police department?

Listen, there's a suspicious looking character down in front of 441 olive street.

You better come and get him before he does something desperate. Thanks.

Fix him.

Kirby'll kill me for this.

- What do you care? - I don't.

Absence does make the heart grow fonder, don't it?

Yeah, if you don't stay away too long.

You don't mean you've been around with some other guy while I was gone?

Oh, honey, you ain't jealous.

Ruby, if I catch some other guy trying to fool around with you, I'll bust him in half.

I couldn't blame you, but you got nothing to worry about.

Promise me you'll never think of another man.

- That depends on you. - Ruby, I'll love you always.

Who could ask for more?

- Hey, what are you doing here? - I'm only...

Oh, yeah?

Now, wait...

Goodnight, dear.

I've got to get the kid straightened out, and that's the only way I can do it.

Did what I tell you penetrate your thick head?

- Yeah, sure. - All right.

Now don't forget the name and the number, and lay it on thick.

There'll be a five-spot in it for each of you.

I guess I'll show that dame there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Now, I ain't the kind of a guy...

Well, real nice of you to drop around.

Supposing you get into your gym clothes and get busy.

What's the rush? I just sat down.

When are you planning on training? After the fight?

I don't need no training for that setup.

Now, don't kid yourself. Red Kramer's a fast boy, and he's strong.

Don't worry, I'll stop him quick. I got a date after the fight.

You may keep you date earlier than you think if you don't watch yourself.

Now listen, Kirby, I'm doing all right. If you don't like...

Don't say it, kid. I don't want to have any hard feelings between us.

I'm sorry, I'm a little jumpy this morning.

You're right, I'd better do some training at that.

Davenport 7-0-0-0.

Hello?

Yes, this is Davenport 7-0-0-0.

Hello, Ruby. How are you, honey?

This is your bunny boy.

Bunny boy?

I don't know any rabbits. Who is this?

I ain't seen you lately. What's the matter? Somebody been filling my shoes?

Nobody could? That's what I wanted to hear.

I'm just crazy about you, baby.

Oh, you're crazy about me? All right, I'll take your word for it.

What? Well, why don't you break the date with the chump, whoever he is,

and I'll see you tonight.

You will? I'll be there, honey, and what I mean, I'm feeling fancy.

Hey, how about a little kiss, huh?

Boy, what a kiss that was.

What's wrong, tiger?

I'm telling you, miss Carter, New Orleans is the town for you.

Why, they'll go wild about you down there, you'll be a sensation.

Excuse me, stogie, what were you saying?

I was saying that you'd be sorry if you didn't take Ace la mont's offer.

How do I know I won't?

Because Ace la mont can make you one of the richest women in New Orleans.

I've heard things like that before.

I'm telling you, with your talent, he can do it. Why, you'll have New Orleans at your feet.

And when they like you, money means nothing. Now...

- Well, it... - Pardon me, what were you gonna say?

- Well, it sounds all right. - It's perfect.

Look here, I got the contracts all made out. All you have to do is sign them.

Hello, Ruby.

What do you want?

Well, there's something important I gotta talk to you about.

Private.

Well, if it's so important.

- Help yourself to a drink. - Thanks.

Come in here.

What's it all about?

Well, I heard that you and tiger had a little scrap.

- You heard? You're sure you didn't frame it? - Now wait a minute, Ruby.

Uh, miss Carter.

You know, I got the tiger's best interests at heart.

I don't ask you to do anything for me.

But if you really think anything of him...

Well, you'll let him alone until I can make him champ.

Well, I ain't got a heart of stone, I can listen to reason.

Maybe it would be the best thing to let him go on thinking the way he does.

Gee, that's nice of you. If you only knew what this meant to me.

You know, I've been working on him for months trying to make him champ,

building him up, then you came along.

Now, if he was to lose this championship on your account...

Get out of here before I stick a hatpin in you.

- Give me those contracts. - Here you are.

When do we leave?

Well, there ain't hardly anybody in town that don't know she's coming by now.

I've seen to that, just like you wanted, Ace.

Only hope stogie didn't slip up on his end.

He knows better than to slip up.

Wait until you see her, boys, what a woman she is.

Well, we knew you wouldn't be bothering with her if she wasn't something special.

You're right.

Now, how about the preparations to receive her, have all of my instructions been carried out?

- Absolutely. - We'll see, come along.

Well, my dear Molly.

Why this extraordinary curiosity about me?

From you of all people, I have no secrets. I'll see you later.

- Ace, I must talk to you now... - I said I'd see you later.

I wouldn't mind being a woman myself and have a place like this.

I'm afraid you haven't the necessary charm.

Very nice.

Where are the flowers? Confound it, where are the flowers?

I don't know, boss, they were ordered.

- Well, get them here immediately. - I'll attend to it myself.

Well, in less than an hour,

the lovely Ruby Carter will be occupying this room.

She's all you say she is, Ace.

She's more.

- See if you can catch sight of stogie. - There he is!

Hi, stogie!

- I'm happy to welcome you, miss Carter. - Thank you.

- We're all happy to welcome you. - Thank you.

Take care of these men.

Yes, give them all my address.

That's the way.

Our carriage is waiting, shall we go?

Sure, but you'll have to show me the way because I'm just a babe in the woods.

Great town, St. Louis.

- You were born there? - Yes.

What part? =all of me.

I beg your pardon, but you've dropped your glove.

Thank you.

Perhaps I could do something for you sometime.

Yeah.

Home.

- Home? Where's that? - The sensation house.

The sensation house? What a home that must be.

This is a pretty classy spot.

Yes, I had everything carried out in French architecture.

I always did like French art.

And the house has plenty of atmosphere.

Good or bad?

There's no denying, it's a perfect setting for a woman like you.

Yes, I guess I could do things in a place like this.

Of course, it won't be all work.

- You'll have moments of your own. - Well, I do have my moments.

- You have? - Yeah, but they're all weak ones.

Oh, lovely painting.

- What is this? One of your ancestors? - No, but it's very valuable.

This one in particular is an old master.

Looks more like an old mistress to me.

I trust you'll find I've left nothing undone to make you comfortable.

I want you to enjoy every minute here.

Of course, I'll be right here in the house all the time.

A man in the house is worth two on the street.

Gorgeous layout. Your idea, of course?

I believe I may accept that compliment.

Oh, by the way, where's Jasmine, my maid?

Another carriage is bringing her and your luggage.

You see, I've thought of everything.

I bet you have.

Driving you here has been very pleasant.

Yeah? Yeah.

I just can't wait till I see you again.

You gotta wait.

Ace, what about this woman?

I won't have you bothering me at a time like this. There's too much to do.

- Well, I think we're gonna like it here. - Yes, ma'am.

Come in.

So you're Ruby Carter.

The only thing my mother ever told me. Everything else, I found out for myself.

Well, I'm Molly brant.

I guess you've never heard of me, but I'm Ace la mont's sweetheart.

- You understand? - That's fine.

He's a swell guy, you want to hold on to him.

- Well, I guess I can do that all right. - Then what do you got to worry about?

Big crowd tonight.

We're lucky he reserved a table.

This Ruby Carter's certainly packed the place.

- You've heard of her, haven't you, Brooks? - I was on the same boat with her.

- Really”? What sort of a person is she? - I only saw her for a moment.

And now comes the most important announcement in the history of the sensation house.

I have spared no expense in bringing, to New Orleans and you,

the queen of all entertainers.

Ladies and gentlemen, I take great pleasure in personally presenting to you, for your enjoyment,

the artistic talents of a lady, whose fame has traveled far and wide,

a lady who has made St. Louis the most famous town on the Mississippi,

miss Ruby Carter.

When a St. Louis woman comes down to New Orleans

when a St. Louis woman comes down to New Orleans

she'll be wearing more diamonds than uncle Sam's got marines

I had a good man in Memphis but the fool, he laid down and died

oh, I had a good man in Memphis but the fool, he laid down and died

because his old woman, she hung a knife in his side

now he was her man but he came to see me sometimes

oh, I said, he was her man, but he came to see me sometimes

I lived six flights up and he sure was willing to climb

when it came to romancing, that man, he sure knew how

but that narrow-minded woman, she had to start a row

and so you see, he's no good to either one of us now

so bring on your papas from down in New Orleans

oh, bring on those fancy-loving papas you got in New Orleans

'cause I just came from Missouri

I guess you know what that means

I've never seen anyone like her. She is simply divine.

If she's as interesting to meet as she is on the stage,

she is just the inspiration I need.

Well spoken.

Gentlemen, I want you to meet miss Ruby Carter.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- These gentlemen are all friends of mine. - Oh, it's a pleasure.

Friends of yours are friends of mine.

Won't you join us at the bar? “Well...

- Oh, we beg of you to join us. - You have a nice way of asking.

If you gentlemen will excuse miss Carter now,

I'm sure she'll be happy to join you later at the roulette table.

- We'll be anxiously waiting for you. - Yes. Lovely.

- At the roulette table. - Yes.

Marvelous, wasn't it?

I guess that's the word for it.

- And it's the word for you, too. - Thanks.

Ruby, I'd like to have a little talk with you.

All right, I'm listening.

- You know, you and I could go a long way together. - How do you mean?

Well, with your beauty and talents, and my business ability, we could make a fortune.

Sounds interesting.

Of course, you know why I brought you down here, don't you?

Well, I got a rough idea.

You're the kind of a woman I've dreamed about, always desired. I'm wild about you.

Some of the wildest men make the best pets.

- Ruby, please. - Wait a minute, Ace.

- What about this dame Molly? - Molly?

She doesn't mean a thing. Just a passing fancy.

Maybe you think I'm a passing fancy.

- You couldn't be. - You bet your life I couldn't.

- Oh, Ruby, please. - Listen, Ace, I like you and all that...

But I ain't stepping into another dame's shoes.

I never took a man away from another woman yet.

Not unless she done me dirt. It's a principle with me.

Well, I wish you'd forget your principles. Ruby, I must have you.

Your golden hair, your fascinating eyes, alluring smile, and lovely arms.

- Your form divine. - Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Is this a proposal or are you taking inventory?

Well, am I to understand that you're rejecting my proposal?

Oh, no. I just want a little time to figure this out.

You see, I'm in the habit of picking my own men.

- Well, in that case, I still have hopes. - Oh, yes.

Get your bets down, ladies and gentlemen, the wheel is now going.

- Do I bother you if I look over your shoulder? - No, do I bother you?

Twelve on the red wins.

Are you in town for good?

I expect to be here but not for good.

- I beg your pardon. - Twenty-three on the red wins.

How do you do?

I'm glad you remember me after our rather informal meeting.

All bets down, the wheel is now turning.

Make your play.

Oh, I had almost forgotten.

One on the red wins.

That's too bad. Well, that's roulette for you.

- Goodnight, sir. - Goodnight?

- You mean good morning? - Good morning, sir.

Some like short men, some like them tall

I'm funny that way 'cause I like them all

tell me how long do I have to wait?

Can I get you now?

Or must I hesitate?

I hate to wait

bravo!

Permit me to offer you a New Orleans fizz.

Permit me to call you an old dear.

- A New Orleans fizz for the lady. - Yes, sir.

Oh, I'm so glad to see so many men here. The kind I like, too.

You flatter us. May we ask what types of men you prefer?

Just two, domestic and foreign.

Won't you tell us where you're stopping during your visit here?

Stopping at nothing.

French toast. It's all right.

Drink to her who long has made strong men sigh...

To the girl that gave to song what gold could never buy.

Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you.

It's better to be looked over than overlooked.

- Won't you sing once more for us? - I'm sorry, gents, but I have to retire.

Oh, please sing. The fun's all over if you go to bed.

All right, I'll sing.

- What'll it be? - Sing St. Louis woman again.

No, no, why not sing your own favorite?

My favorite?

All right. Play it, boys.

My old flame

I can't even think of his name

but it's funny now and then

how my thoughts go drifting back again

to my old flame

my old flame

my new lovers all seem so tame

for there never was a gent

more magnificent or elegant

than my old flame

I've met so many who have fascinating ways

a fascinating gaze in their face

some that took me up to the skies

but their attempts at love were only imitations

of, ah, my old flame

just can't think of his hame

but I'll never be the same until I discover what became

of my old flame

This piece is less expensive, Mr. claybourne.

But I think she'll like this one better.

- Very well. - Put this card with it.

Thank you very, very much, Mr. claybourne.

Why, you can see for yourself what's on her mind.

She's been out with this young claybourne every afternoon for the past two weeks.

He's up here every night gambling. But it's just to see her.

Maybe you noticed she's wearing some more new diamonds lately.

- It's another little present from him. - And why are you telling me this?

Just thought you'd like to know.

Thought maybe you'd appreciate what you got,

instead of wanting something you can't get.

- Oh. - Oh, come in.

- What's the matter with her? - Uh...

What's the matter with you?

Don't seem like you're in a very good mood. That's too bad.

- I was just gonna ask you something. - Is that so? What is it?

Well, uh, I was just thinking, I ought to have a little vacation.

- Vacation? - Yeah, just about a week or so.

Why, that's impossible. You're my main attraction.

- Business is just picking up. - I know it.

I haven't noticed you overworking yourself.

Well, I never overwork myself for anybody.

In fact, the only reason I work at all is to pass the time.

I suppose you're going driving with young claybourne.

- How'd you guess? - Did he suggest this vacation?

I don't know what you see in that inexperienced young blade.

Experience isn't always necessary.

Of course, I don't want to argue with you. I mean, about the week off, do I get it or don't I?

- You don't. - All right...

If that's the way you feel about it.

You know, I don't have to do this for a living.

Don't have to work at all.

Send in Slade or dirk or anybody.

Ace, you're in a mess. You got the champ signed to fight in two weeks, haven't you?

- Yeah. - And he's gonna fight lefty dougan, isn't he?

- Yeah. - Well, you ain't got lefty dougan.

- What? - You ain't got dougan.

No?

- He ran out. - Ran out?

That is a mess. To have the match all set, and the contender backs out.

That's the same thing with different words.

Let's go down to the gym.

- Hi, boys. - Hello, Mr. la mont.

Don't forget you're coming to my party tonight.

- Hi, Jim. - How are you, Ace?

Hey, Ace!

Ace, what do you think of that guy dougan?

I'm not through with him yet. Wait till he tries to get another fight.

I'm gonna get in touch with every promoter and...

What are you gonna do? Call it off?

Well, if I call it off, I gotta pay the champ anyway.

The kind of money he gets, it's...

Who is that fellow?

That's my boy, the tiger kid.

- Hello, Kirby. - Hi, Ace.

- When did you get in New Orleans? - I just got in this morning.

- So that's the tiger kid? - Yeah, that's him.

Oh, Ace, can I see you a minute? Yeah.

Now believe me, Ace, the kid is good.

Why, he's been knocking over everything that come along.

- Now listen, Ace, I've seen a lot of fighters in my time... - And I've heard a lot of talk.

You mind having your boy go a couple of rounds with Joe savage?

No! I'd love it.

Joe.

Hey, tiger.

Now don't go easy with him, give him all you've got.

It's all right with me if you get him with the first punch. Go on.

- Hi, Mr. la mont. - Hello, tiger.

Say, I'd like to have a little talk with you. Come over here.

I like the way you handle yourself, kid, you got a lot of class.

Thanks.

- I'll see you in the dressing room in just a moment. - All right.

Well, I think I've found a fighter who can beat the champ.

And I think I've found the answer to something else, too.

Yeah?

Now that Ruby Carter has all those diamonds that claybourne gave her,

she's very hard to handle.

- You're right, boss. - See you later.

Gee, that's great, Mr. lamont.

And bet plenty on me, too, you'll double your money.

Now remember, you've only got two weeks to train.

I'm in shape now, I could fight him tomorrow.

You're not talking money, are you?

Now, if you're talking money, why you talk to me.

Oh, I'll settle that part with you later, Kirby.

I just want to have a little talk with the tiger.

Oh, all right.

I hope you appreciate what I'm doing for you.

Oh, I sure do, Mr. lamont.

Maybe someday I'll be able to do something for you.

I'm coming to that.

You know, kid, it takes a lot of money to stage a championship match.

And I had plenty when I signed the champ,

but, well, women are my weakness.

You too?

To tell you the truth, kid, I sunk practically all I had on a woman.

Oh, that's bad.

She's got something on me, and you know how that is,

- she makes me pay. - Mm, that's worse.

And I've showered her with diamonds and jewels galore.

- Yeah. - But she's the type of woman

- who can't play fair. - Oh, that's tough, Mr. lamont.

Tough? It's terrible.

If I could just get some of the jewels back,

why, it'd be a cinch to put on the fight.

- So I was thinking, if you would... - Oh.

Well, you want the title, don't you?

Yeah, but she ain't got it.

There'll be nothing to it.

I'll have everything arranged.

Who is she? You don't need to know that.

I'll be driving her along the lake tonight and all you'll have to dois...

You know, this is quite the thing to do, drive along the lake like this.

You and I should make a habit of it.

I guess one bad habit's as good as another.

I didn't know you liked diamonds so well,

or I'd have draped you with them.

Why didn't you?

Well, you haven't encouraged me very much.

- Besides, I hesitated because... - Ah, the man that hesitates is last.

Well, I haven't given up hopes yet.

I thought you took me out here to talk business.

Well, on a night like this, I prefer to talk about you.

No, but I told you to...

Stick 'em up!

Give me the rocks.

- Now, see here... - Shut up.

Come on, hurry it up.

Give me them bracelets.

Come on, give me 'em, and hurry up.

And that thing off your neck, too.

Come on, don't stall me.

All right, now, get going and don't stop.

Hey, this is an outrage.

No one can do a thing like this to Ace lamont and get away with it.

I'll get that fellow if I have to scour the country for him.

Say, it's funny he didn't take your ring.

Hm?

Yes.

I didn't know she was in town, did you?

No, I didn't.

Now, see here, kid, you're not gonna fall for her all over again, are ya?

Now, if you are, maybe we better not go in.

Don't worry about me.

Come on, Ace is expecting me.

Coming, bunny boy?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

Hey.

Where's the party for the fighters?

Right in there.

- Ace there? - No, he's upstairs.

Thanks.

Hmm, nice work, kid.

Just as smooth and easy.

I hope it stays that way.

Those jails are kind of drafty this time of year.

Don't worry, no one would have known you in a million years.

I hardly recognized you myself.

Hmm.

Swell stuff, Ace.

I'll put it away and we'll join the party.

Folks, I've just come down, down from Memphis town

that's where people smile, smile at you all the while

hospitality, they were good to me

I couldn't spend a dime, I had the grandest time

I went out a-dancing with a Tennessee dear

they had a fellow there named handy with a band you should hear

while the white folks gently swayed

all those darkies played real Harmony

I never will forget the tune that handy called the Memphis blues

oh, those blues

They've got a Fiddler there who always slickens his hair

and, boy, he sure do pull some bow

and when the big bassoon seconds to the trombone's croon,

oh, yeah.

No one can rag it like that piano man

they got a hot cornet that you could never forget

oh, play it, boy

and when the drum goes wild, mother, come and get your child

I brought them here 'cause I couldn't bear to lose

those Memphis blues

There's too much fuss being made over this woman.

Don't think you're fooling me any.

- You're in love with her! - Are you starting that again?

Yes. I was good enough for you until she came here.

You're working here and getting paid for it.

If you're dissatisfied, get out.

Ace, you can't do this to me, you can't!

You're getting to be a nuisance.

Hello, Ruby.

I didn't expect to meet you in this town.

- No? - No.

I didn't think I'd ever see you again.

Do you mean to tell me you actually missed me?

More than that.

I can't get you out of my mind, Ruby.

I think about you all the time.

Oh, yeah?

Do you ever give me a second thought?

Don't suppose I could forget a guy as good as you.

Do you mean that?

Well, of course.

Gee, tiger, why don't you join the party?

They've got wine, they've got whiskey, they've got...

Who's your friend?

You don't know him?

Why, no.

You don't know her?

I'm glad you mentioned it, I was gonna tell you about that.

Oh, you were gonna tell me about it, huh?

I'll be back in a minute, Ruby.

Now look, tiger, it was a joke!

- A joke, huh? - Me and Kirby...

Oh, you and Kirby fixed it, huh?

Hi.

I'll be right over with you, boys.

There's lots of things I'd like to talk over with you, Ruby,

but there's not much privacy here.

You're right.

Ohl

you might've known you could trust me.

Well, Ruby, you don't realize what you've done to me.

It's been so long since I was all alone with you, since I had you in my arms.

You said you had a lot to tell me, I'm waiting to hear it.

What's wrong, Ruby?

What have you been doing lately?

Huh? Oh.

Yeah, I forgot to tell you, I'm gonna fight the champ, Ruby.

I just put over the deal with Ace.

I've been doing all right lately.

Well, you've been doing all right.

Yup.

I'm on my way to the top,

but what I want to know is if I made the grade with you.

What do you think?

Honey, I'm not feeling sentimental.

What's wrong, Ruby? You've changed.

I can't figure you out.

- You will. - Is there some other guy?

No. From now on, you're gonna be my special problem,

and I ain't gonna neglect ya.

That's what I wanna hear you say.

When are you gonna let me see you again?

Anytime.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Ruby.

Goodnight.

Trying to outsmart me. What a laugh that is.

Foolin' with one of the smartest dames he ever put his arms around.

I sees you and Mr. tiger is together again!

If you think we're together, you're a bad judge of distance.

Why, if he was the last man on earth, I wouldn't...

- I wouldn't... - The last man?

Maybe I am taking in a little too much territory.

Who's the cause of all sickness?

The devil!

Who's the cause of the poor crops?

The devil!

Who's the cause of all evil?

The devil!

What did the devil ever do for us?

- Nothing! - Not a thing!

I'm going to take up a collection to fight the devil,

and I want you all to show me how much you hates him.

Yeah! Yeah!

Where is that music coming from?

That's brother eben and his flock.

He preaches bad sass to the devil.

I was thinking, if you won't be needing me, I'd like to go to that meeting tonight.

You can go after I'm dressed. Yes'm.

Mr. Brooks sure been good to you.

Wasn't you just a little bit nervous when he gave you all those presents?

Why, no, I was calm and collected.

There was no reason for him giving me all those wonderful presents.

I don't know him much better than I know Shakespeare.

Shakespeare?

I don't remember any Mr. Shakespeare calling on you.

That was before you came with me.

Oh, I see.

It's gonna hurt, but I'm gonna give all those jewels back.

- That is, if I get them back. - What did you say?

I'm saying I shouldn't have taken them in the first place.

When it comes to refusing jewelry, I got about as much willpower as a flea.

That's weak.

All my life I've been looking for a man that's big, handsome, and got plenty of money.

What you've been looking for is three men.

- Are you in love? - Uh-huh.

What kind of husband do you think I should get?

Why don't you take a single man? Leave the husbands alone.

And that's one to remember.

Yes'm.

I still don't understand why you is giving Mr. claybourne all those jewels back.

I'm going to stop this thing before it goes too far.

I could like him very much.

I don't think I'd make him happy.

You know, people would talk.

What could anybody say about you, miss Ruby?

People get reputations from people talking about people

when they don't even know the people.

Yeah, saying things that ain't true.

Give me my pocketbook.

When you go to that prayer meeting, say a little prayer for me.

Yes'm, I sure will.

Here, put that in the collection, and be sure you don't take any change.

No, ma'am. No, ma'am.

Pray, children

pray, pray, children, and you'll be saved

preach it, brother, preach it.

Tell it now, tell it now.

Pray, children

bow down, bow down.

Pray, children

yeah, lord, yeah, lord.

Pray, pray, children, and you'll be saved

you're gonna wear that robe

that's what the good book says

you're gonna play that harp

that's what the good book says

you're gonna greet the lord,

that's what the good book says

and if the good book says so, it's so.

- Pray, children - Bow down, bow down.

- Pray, children - Tell it, now, tell it now.

Pray, pray, children, and you'll be saved

oh, I'm gonna drown down in those troubled waters

they're creeping round my soul

they're way beyond control

and they'll wash my sins away before the morning

they say that I'm one of the devil's daughters

they look at me with scorn

I'll never hear that horn

I'll be underneath the water judgment morning

oh, lord, am I to blame?

Must I bow my head in shame

if people go round scandalizing my name?

I'm gonna drown down in those troubled waters

they're creeping round my soul

they're way beyond control

and they'll wash my sins away before the morning

Preach it, brother, preach it.

And if the good book says so, it's so

oh, lord, am I to blame?

Must I bow my head in shame

if people go round scandalizing my name?

I'm gonna drown down in those troubled waters

they're creeping round my soul

they're way beyond control

and they'll wash my sins away before the morning

are you a sinner?

No, I'm not, no, I'm not!

Yes, yes!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

Yes, hallelujah!

Yes, my soul is god's.

My soul is god's.

Come on, Tony, hurry up.

We'll be late for the fight.

All right, Joe.

- Come on, give me my furs. - Yes'm?

- What are you doing there? - Watching that gambling man.

He may cheat on dice, but he won't cheat on me.

- Oh, you want him to be a good man. - He is a good man!

Oh, you mean he's a good man.

That's it, yes, ma'am!

Honey, I hopes you enjoy the big fight.

I will, if everything goes the way I want it to.

I know you is dying for the tiger kid to win.

That reminds me.

Brooks claybourne has been losing a lot of money gambling.

I want you to get a hold of him right away and tell him not to bet on the tiger kid,

because the only way he can get even is to bet against him.

- Understand? - Yes.

- Yes, what? - Yes, ma'am.

No, no. What did I just tell you?

You want me to get a hold of the tiger kid and tell him he can't win.

- No, no. - I knows.

You want me to tell Mr. Brooks to bet on the tiger kid.

Never mind. I'll attend to it myself.

Go get my Jewel case. Yes'm.

Come in.

Well, I see you're all ready.

Yeah. Got the seats?

Yup, right in the tiger kid's corner.

That's where you wanted them, isn't it?

Betting heavy on him, ain't you?

Never made heavier bets in my life.

Well, it ought to be easy money for you today.

Mhm. Well, shall we go? Yeah.

Oh, Ace, I want you to put these in a safe place.

You know, I've been robbed once.

Oh, yes.

I don't feel like wearing them, and I don't want to take any chances.

All right, I'll put them away.

- All right. - Yeah, just a minute.

- Ready? - I'm more than ready.

Fine.

Ladies and gentlemen!

The main bout this afternoon for the championship of the world.

In this corner, introducing the champion, battling Burke.

In this corner, the challenger, from St. Louis, the tiger kid.

The referee.

- You're doing swell, tiger. - Got a lot of money on you.

- Get it over with! - Just a couple more rounds.

Gotta give the crowd their money's worth, you know?

Sure, this is only the 27th round, Ace, give him time.

Go after him fast this round, champ, you can nail him.

Yeah, if I can find him.

Ruby, looks like a knockout.

- Give him the bottle. - Oh, tiger.

Ace, have you heard any more about my diamonds?

No, I haven't, but I ought to hear something any day now.

Get him, get him!

Get up! Come on!

What's the matter with you, tiger, what's the matter with you, kid?

Get up, tiger, get up!

We've only got four seconds to go, can you imagine?

You could knock me over with a feather.

He just laid down on him. Laid down on him!

Well, gentlemen, I was very lucky.

I'll say you were lucky.

Might've been different if Ruby Carter hadn't told you who to bet on.

Glad I didn't bet any more.

Thank you, gentlemen.

I've got a few dollars left anyway.

I'd like to figure this thing out.

You're a smart guy, Ace, you ought to be able to do that.

They're all here, Ace, waiting to be paid off.

All right.

Hi, Ace.

Hello, boys. I'll be down in just a moment.

Too bad you lost, Ace, I feel sorry for you.

That's the kindest thing you've ever said.

I'm beginning to think you like me at last.

I'm just beginning to find out what kind of a guy you really are.

- I wish you'd found that out before, Ruby. - Why before?

Well, you may not know it, but I'm desperate financially.

- You mean you're broke? - As bad as that if I pay off those fight bets.

Oh, I've got the money to meet them, but it'll clean me out.

That's something could have happened to anybody.

Well, I've decided I'm not going to hold the bank for that phony fight.

Why should I turn over all my money for some rotten bets that I shouldn't have lost?

- What're you gonna do? - With the money I have here in my safe,

you and I could open up somewhere else.

Now that I know you like me pretty well, I don't mind telling you, if I pay off,

this whole thing's gonna cost me a couple of hundred thousand.

- Yeah? - Well, suppose this place was to burn down.

Suppose it got out that all my money and assets were destroyed in the fire.

No one could blame a man who couldn't pay off.

- Pretty smart guy, Ace. - Then we could go to Havana.

What do you say?

I'll make you the queen of the gambling salons.

I'll clothe you with diamonds, I'll lay the world at your feet.

- You impress me. - You do like me, just a little, don't you?

Come on, we got to get out of here.

All right. You get everything packed.

I'll be right back.

- Oh, Jasmine? - Yes'm?

Pack my things.

Mr. lamont and I are leaving.

You mean you're going away with Mr. lamont?

I'm surprised at you going away with him.

I'm surprised you think I would.

Why, the guy's no good.

He never was any good, never will be any good.

He was born that way.

His mother should've thrown him away and kept the stork.

Come on, let's go.

Molly. Ace.

Will you wait here, Molly? I want to talk to you in a little while.

- What is it, Ace? - I just realized, I've been neglecting you lately,

and I'm going to see that you get what you deserve, my dear.

- Oh, Ace. - Ah, later, dear, later.

Never mind. You go and finish the packing.

I got things to do. Yes'm.

You fellows are sure lucky dogs.

But I'm a good loser.

Stogie, see the boys have a drink, will you?

- With pleasure, boss. - Now, make yourselves comfortable.

I'll have your money for you in just a few minutes.

I have to get it out of my private safe.

Excuse me, won't you?

Go get yourself dressed. Yes'm.

- And get those bags down the back way. - Yes'm.

- And have a carriage wait at the side door. - Yes'm.

- Gee, you sure seem different tonight, Ace. - Yes.

Things are going to be different from now on, my dear.

What are you laughing at, Ace?

Don't laugh like that, it frightens me.

I'm just laughing to think how much easier I'm going to let you off than I did the others.

You said you didn't want to be treated like them?

Well, all right, I'm gonna treat you differently.

- I don't know what you mean. - I'll show you.

- Ace! - No, no, no, don't run away.

Ace, don't! Let me go. Oh!

Seems like a lot of things been going on around here.

You're right, I'm just getting even with two guys that are so low,

they could walk under that door without taking their hats off.

Let me tell you something, don't ever let a man put anything over on you.

- Outside of an umbrella. - Yes'm!

Come in.

- Sorry you lost the fight, tiger. - Yeah, I lost,

but I guess you ain't so very sorry, I hear you did pretty good for yourself.

I always do. What's that gotta do with you?

Nothing, I guess, only it looks pretty funny you tipping claybourne off to bet against me.

Yeah, and I hear he had some of your own money to bet the same way.

You've got me wrong.

Whoever told you that was misinformed.

- You can tell him I said so, too. - Come on, Ruby, tell me.

What do you know about that fight that I don't?

Why come to me? Why don't you ask Ace about it?

Ace, he wouldn't know any more about it than I do.

- Ask him why he's leaving the joint. - Leaving?

- He's getting ready to clear out right now. - What's that got to do with it?

Oh, I see where I've got to smarten you up.

- What do you mean? - Well, I'll tell you.

- You mean I was drugged? - Yeah, something like that.

You remember when Ace gave you that water bottle?

- Yeah. - Well, you know what happened to you

right after that. Yeah.

He did give me that bottle.

Why, that dirty double-crosser.

He ain't gonna get away with that.

- Where are you going? - I'm gonna get him and tie him in knots.

Right this way is a shortcut.

- I've been robbed. - Yeah, I got robbed, too.

And you did it.

What do you mean? You'll find out what I mean.

I'm gonna show you how it feels to be knocked out, you dirty...

Tiger, you're crazy!

He's croaked.

And you did it.

I didn't mean to do it.

I knocked him down and I guess he hit his head.

You're not only a thief but a murderer.

Well, I got you where I want you.

I'll have a ringside seat at your hanging, and I'll be wearing these, you recognize them?

Take a good look, because it's the last time you'll ever see them or me, either.

- I'm leaving here right now. - Now, wait a minute, you can't do that.

You've got to listen. You're wrong, Ruby.

- I saw you hand those rocks to Ace myself. - I did that, all right,

but I didn't know it was you I took them off, I thought it was that dame, Molly.

- It's a good story. - I didn't know it was you, Ruby, I swear it!

- Keep it up and you'll believe it yourself. - Now, wait a minute!

I thought I was doing Ace a favor.

He gave me a story about a dame that was blackmailing him and...

I don't know why I want to believe you, but...

- Come on, we've got to get out of here. - Ll can't do that.

- Why? - We wouldn't get no place

before the law would catch up with us.

I gotta stay here and face this thing or I'll be held for murder.

It was an accident, you didn't mean to do it.

Yeah, but there ain't anybody gonna believe that.

Oh.

Wait a minute.

- Ruby, what's wrong? - That's Molly.

See if he's got the key in his pocket.

He was gonna burn her.

I didn't think he was that cold.

- Give me the fire department. - Come on, Ruby, we've got to get out of here.

All right, I'll be right with you.

Take her down the back way.

Yeah, yeah, the fire department.

What?

Do I mind holding the wire?

No, I don't mind, I'm in a burning building.

Yeah, Ace lamont's sensation house.

Yeah, well, you better tell him, because I've got to go.

I did the best I could.

Get back, get back!

- Stand back. - Get back there.

Who have you got there? Ace lamont.

- Unconscious? - Dead.

Hmm, too bad, he was a great fellow. Yeah?

By virtue of the power vested in me and by virtue of the solemn promises

you have here made, one to another,

I hereby pronounce you man and wife.

Thank you, judge, thank you.

- I want to wish you a lot of happiness. - Thank you.

- Good luck to both of you. - Thank you, dear, thank you.

And I want to wish you the same.

I'm the best man.

Oh, you're the best man, huh?

That's what you think.