Original subtitles

Open the gate.

You guys wanna step up to the table?

Open the gate, please.

- Can I help you? - Hot dog.

Everything on it?

Hey. Hey, 65 cents.

Mr. Frank, please.

Well, my name's dembo.

U h, a-two-oh-two-eig ht-fou r.

Dembo, a-two-oh-two-eight-four.

Okay? Just tell him that I'm here and I'll just...

I'll see him tomorrow morning.

I got an appointment with him. Nothing important.

Yeah, okay. Thank you.

Female #1: So anyway, we...

- Hi, Max.

Earl frank.

Come on in.

Have a seat. You're a little late.

Yeah, I, uh, had some trouble getting down here.

You want a coffee?

Yeah, thanks.

Black.

Fill me in. How was the trip?

- On the bus down? - Mm-hmm.

It was a little long, I...

Made about 27 stops.

Yeah, it's a real milk train.

Go ahead. Put it down on the floor.

So, what'd you do last night?

Oh, walked around.

- Meet anybody? - No, nobody I know.

Where'd you stay?

You didn't show up at the halfway house.

Yeah, I called you when I got in.

- Didn't you get the message? - Called here?

Yeah, last night. I left a message

I guess, it was with your answering service.

- I didn't get it. - I left it.

So where'd you sleep?

In a motel.

The conditions of your parole were

that you were to go to the halfway house.

That's another way to help you save money.

Now, you agreed to that before your release.

Why didn't you go there?

Because I just spent six years in prison.

I just wanted to look at the lights.

I wanted to feel free, I wanted to walk around and...

Not have somebody tell me

that I gotta get in bed at 10 o'clock.

Max, I think you've got a serious attitude problem.

I don't have an attitude.

Can you tell me what kind of attitude you...

You want me to have?

Well, you don't decide whether or not

you go to a halfway house.

I mean, you come to me, we discuss it, then I decide.

I'm trying to make you understand that

I'm aware of the realities of my situation,

that I'm not fated to be a menace to society.

I'm not gonna go out there and hit somebody over the head.

My friend, I see that you're gonna force me to deal with you.

Look, I'm looking at your sheet here and I see

that you've got juvenile offenses

dating back to when you were 12.

I see you've got auto theft,

I see you've got breaking and entering.

All this leading up to this burglary warrant.

I just served six years for that chickenshit rap, you know?

Chickenshit? You had a gun.

Yeah, but I didn't use it, I didn't hurt nobody.

Well, what was in your mind when you put it in your pocket?

I just took it along.

I'm due in court.

I'm aware of the fact that you have this power that...

You know, you represent the state, but,

you know, I think that

you can give me a little leeway.

You can be flexible.

I was just hoping to get some trust from you,

you've gotta earn the trust.

I have.

I just wanna be like everybody else.

I just want a decent job. I want a decent place to live.

I want somebody to love me, I want some clothes on my back.

Have some self-respect.

I gotta get going now.

I tried to be straight with you, sir.

I understand that I shouldn't have done that last night

without checking with you first.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'll make a deal with you, Max.

If you find a place to sleep today

and a job by the end of the week...

You don't have to go to a halfway house.

- That fair? - That's fair.

I appreciate that.

Alright, when you find a place, you call

miss de veccio and give her the address.

Now, I'm gonna drop around, see you

one of the days this week.

That's okay.

Now, here's the other hundred

you've got coming to you.

I want you to sign for it.

Now, do you understand the conditions of your parole?

- Yes, I do. - You attend all meetings.

You must heed the advice

and the counsel of your agent.

Now, do you know what that means?

Yeah, I think I do.

It all boils down to the fact that I gotta

get along with you or you're gonna

throw me back in jail.

That's it in a nutshell.

- You're a tough man. - No, I'm not, Max.

Alright, I gotta go now. Good luck with it, now, huh?

Okay. I'm gonna do my best.

I know you're gonna do it.

How much?

$18 a week.

Okay.

- Here's your key. - Clean sheets?

Bathroom is over there.

Female #2: Parole office. May I help you?

Could you leave a message for Mr. Frank, please?

- Female #2: Who's calling? - My name is Max dembo.

- Uh, a-two-oh-two-eight-four. - Female #2: Mm-hmm.

What? Female #2: I got that.

- A-two-oh-two-eight-four. - Female #2: Thank you.

Okay, could you tell him I'm at the garland hotel?

- That's g-a-r-I-a-n-d. - Female #2: Mm-hmm.

And, oh, you'd better give him the phone number.

It's three-two-one one-three-two-one.

Female #2: I'll give him the message.

I make... I'd appreciate it if he gets it today.

Female #2: I'll give him the message, sir.

Okay, thank you. Bye-bye.

Time's up.

Time's up.

Time's up. I'm sorry.

Hey, I just wanted to finish that sentence.

Bring those score sheets.

You did great on your intelligence test.

Yeah, well, you know, I could have told you that.

One moment.

Wilshire agency.

Yes, she is. Hold on.

Pat, it's for you.

Pat: Did you put it on hold, honey?

Pat: Hello?

Disconnected. I lost the call.

You're supposed to push down hold

before you use these other buttons.

There's hold, there's the buttons.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

Did you just get this job?

Yeah, I've had it about a week.

Hmm. Is she your boss?

Does she really like you as much as she seems to?

I guess. But I don't know.

You got a 61 on your typing test.

Is that bad?

I'm afraid it's a little low.

Well, you know, I'm not used to the electric.

Um, what was your last place of employment?

Were you self-employed or in the armed services?

No, I didn't know whether to put down

"state penitentiary."

I was a convict.

And how long did you hold that position?

Approximately six years.

No vacation.

What'd you do?

Burglary.

You know, I know I fouled up that

typing test, but

I do know how to work a manual

and if you get any, you know, calls for a manual typist

I'd appreciate it, you know?

Well, I'll see what I can do.

All I wanna...

All I wanna do is get a job.

I need a fucking job.

I believe you.

Well, let me see.

I'm sorry to be a problem.

You know, like I can't drive a car without permission.

- Why not? - It's a parole restriction.

And I can't handle money, you know,

and it's like...

I'm limited...

In terms of what I,

what they allow me to do.

Is there anything at all?

How about the national can company?

Do you think they would let you work there?

I think that'd be alright with them.

It's not much. It's only scale.

You wanna try? Okay.

Let's see what we've got here.

Well, go here and see what they say.

Listen, if I get this job, can I celebrate

by taking you to dinner?

You're not sure?

Is that a half yes?

I guess so.

When you go there, I hope you get the job.

- Thanks for your time. - Good luck.

Thank you.

Let me know what happens.

Okay.

Henry: Hello? Who is it?

- Who is this? - This is Henry Darin.

Henry Darin? Henry: Yeah.

I've heard about you.

- Is your daddy there? - Henry: Yeah.

Well, you tell him that...

Somebody wants to give the big bear a bear hug.

Henry: Who is it?

Just tell him somebody wants to

give the big bear a bear hug, he'll know.

Henry: Dad, someone wants to give you

a big-bear big bear hug!

- Willy: Hello? - Willy?

- Willy: Yeah? - It's Max.

- Willy: Dembo? - How you doing?

Willy: Max, thank... goddamn.

Is that your boy? Willy: Yeah.

Jesus, last time you wrote to me

he was learning how to walk.

Willy: Well, where the hell are you?

Uh, will, I ain't got no wheels yet. You wanna come get me?

Willy: Hell, yes! Tell me where you are.

Well, why don't I meet you

on... 7th and alvarado?

If I'm not there, wait for me, alright?

- Willy: Okay, partner. - You coming now?

- Willy: I'm coming now. - Okay.

- Willy: Okay. Yeah. - I'll see you.

Willy: Get in the back, Scott. Get in the back.

- How you doing? - It's going well.

Good to see you.

Hit it! Rock 'n' roll!

Max: How you doing?

- Doing good. - You working?

Willy: I'm riveting. Kitchens and bathrooms

in portable homes.

How'd you get the job?

Well, when I came out,

the parole officer got it for me

and when I got off parole, Selma said,

"hell, it's good enough. Why don't you just keep it?"

You'll be a riveter the rest of your life, man.

Shit, no, man. I'm working on my time.

I'm getting my drums together. I'm gonna play.

Holy Jesus!

You the one I talked to on the phone?

Henry, shake hands with Max dembo.

- This is my son Henry. - How you doing?

Tell him a knock-knock joke, Henry.

- He's got thousand. - Knock-knock.

Ah, who's there?

- You. - You who?

Gotcha. I know that one.

Hey, look what I found downtown, mama.

Henry.

Come on, Bart!

Get inside there.

- Selma: Hello, Max. - Hi, Selma.

You didn't bring any beer, did you?

No, was I supposed to?

- I got it. - Good.

How about some spaghetti?

- Get inside. Get in. - Oh, god.

- Come on. - Jesus, come on inside.

Come on, come on. Get in.

Ooh! God dog, that smells good.

Show Max your muscle.

Make it. Make it big.

Pretty hard. Let me see the other one.

Make two of them. Two of them at once, here.

You work out?

Does he work out? Come here.

Show Max what we do on Saturdays.

You teaching him to defend himself?

You bet your ass. On our days off.

- How could you teach him? He... - Got one in there.

Got one in there. Come on.

Oh! Oh! Okay, okay!

He's gonna whip your ass.

- Where's them cigars? - Oh, they're...

Hey. I told...

So he's...

Don't be hitting me

when I'm not looking at you.

Oh, he's just playing.

You defend yourself pretty good there.

You been in many fights?

Yeah, ten.

Ten? Not bad. How many you won?

Well, 18.

Really? That's not a bad record.

18 out of 10.

Uh... hey.

How you feel? You wanna go out and hit the tubs?

- Yeah. - Then let's go.

I think he'd better go in

and clean up his room now.

Well, Selma, let me have about ten minutes with him,

'cause I wanna make it...

- I didn't mean to get mad. - I know.

H-He's gotta get to bed early, okay?

Let him get early and go on and clean up his room, okay?

He's gotta get up early tomorrow morning.

- Okay? - Okay.

Come here. I get a kiss.

I get one too. Good night.

Give Max a kiss. That's it.

Everybody gets a kiss.

Hey, I'm sorry.

Henry: Okay. Willy: I didn't mean to get mad.

Okay?

Didn't mean to get mad at you.

Willy: See you later.

Excuse me.

I'll be getting that board together.

You got any more coffee?

That Henry is... a nice boy.

Yes, he is.

Come here, man. Get up here.

Come on. Get up here.

Come on. Get up here.

Sit up here. Smart dog.

Come here.

You want something to eat?

Okay if I give him some ice cream?

Sure. He'll eat anything.

Next time I'm down here, I'm gonna...

Bring him a steak bone.

In fact, as soon as Willy turns his back

I'm gonna steal this dog.

You know, Max, I don't wanna hurt your feelings but...

Your being around here right now is kinda bad timing for us.

Why is that?

Well, Willy's been doing real good, you know.

He's been doing real fine.

He's been working hard lately.

And I know you're good friends and,

and he really loves you, but...

I just don't think it's good that he see you right now.

You know what I mean?

You trying to tell me you don't want me

to come here no more?

I don't mean to be unkind.

But I just think it's better that he doesn't

get around other influences and stuff.

- You're on parole now, Max. - Mm-hmm.

Well, you really shouldn't even be seen with Willy, right?

I think I get the message.

- You make me feel bad. - Why?

You're just doing what you have to do, Selma.

It's no problem.

It's cool.

- Here. Let me get it. No. - Yeah, I'll get the front.

- You sure? - Yeah.

Alright. It's three flights up.

I gotta piss like a dog, so you'd better run.

Alright.

0h!

Remember that place called the hague?

Right across from the cocoanut grove.

Where do you want it?

Put it underneath the bed there.

Last time I was there, Hampton hawes

and Chet baker were playing there.

- Is it still open? - I don't know.

Three flights of stairs killed me.

Go back in the joint, you'll get in shape.

- Hold it up. - I got it.

You sure it don't have termites?

It's okay.

How does it feel? That's the main thing.

- Alright. - Yeah.

It's good, isn't it?

I know where we could go.

The...

The autoway club.

- The what? - The autoway club.

Remember that? We used to go there?

Yeah, we could go there.

Do a little fucking around, maybe.

Yeah. Maybe we could go to hermosa beach too.

Oh, yeah.

Uh, Howard rumsey...

And his lighthouse all-stars.

Alright, let's go there, maybe there'll be some

nice little girls there I can...

You can get me three years for that.

Sorry.

Come on.

I got excited, that's all.

Does Selma know you're using?

Well, she's always suspicious.

Male #1: Alright look...

The machine broke down, so I gotta stay.

What do you want me to tell you?

I'll probably be here about two or three hours.

Well, I'm glad.

Alright. Bye.

Jenny: Heho, Jenny Mercer speaking.

Hi. How you doing? This is Max dembo.

I just wanna thank you for making me

a bona fide member of society.

- Jenny: Oh, you got the job? - Yeah.

That's great.

Why don't you have dinner with me?

Jenny: When?

Oh, I could be there in an hour and a half.

I just wanna go home and shower, you know, and change.

Jenny: Well, actually, I was

planning on staying home tonight.

Well, it's just that it's the first

chance I have to celebrate something,

you know, I don't wanna...

You know, I wanna have a steak. I thought maybe you could

just keep me company or...

I don't even know what to order.

Okay.

Is that okay? Jenny: Yeah.

Alright, can I be at your office,

let's say about 5:30?

- Jenny: See you then. - Alright.

- Jenny: Bye. - Bye-bye.

Max: All I'm saying is, out here, the rules aren't defined.

On the inside, they are.

What I mean is, if you don't pay back your debts,

if you owe a couple packs of cigarettes

if you take somebody's glove or lie to someone,

then you get killed.

You know that's the rules, so you live by them.

You can get killed with...

A sharp edge at the end of this spoon.

That's a lethal weapon.

Even the end of a toothbrush.

You can get hit in the yard

or you can get it in the...

Shower.

You're in your cell sleeping,

someone can go by with a...

Can of gas and throw it in.

Somebody else throws in a match and you're torched.

But you know that's the reality

and you're living with it 24 hours a day.

That's frightening.

A lot of guys think that this is more frightening,

being on the outside.

Why? I don't understand.

Because out here, it's what you got in your pocket...

That matters...

And on the inside, it's only what you are.

You're glad to be out, aren't you?

It's like a dream, you know.

It's every con's fantasy to...

Be out here.

I can't tell you the number of times I...

Thought about a scene just like this...

But I never thought I'd be sitting here with a...

Knot in my stomach.

Why don't you tell me more about that

guy you were going with.

How long were you with him?

Uh, I lived with him for about two years.

Who broke it off?

I did.

Thank you very much. Come on back again.

You wanna know something?

I'm glad you asked me out.

Don't you have enough money?

I think I got enough for the tax.

Oh. Here, I've got some.

Wait a minute. I wanted this to be my treat.

Why don't we just walk out?

You don't wanna do that, do you?

I'll make a deal. If you'll go out with me

tomorrow night, I'll let you help me.

Okay, you've got a deal.

Alright, be discreet, alright, and slip it under the table.

Alright!

Hi, how you doing?

Okay.

I was in the neighborhood, so I had your manager let me in.

You mind if I come in?

Sure. Come on, it's your home.

I mean, this is just routine, you know.

You know, it's a nice room.

You know, you've got cross-ventilation.

- Nice view. - Yeah, it's nice.

- What they charge you for?

It's $17 a week.

Now, that's better than $17 in a motel.

- Yeah. You're right. - I know.

Listen, do you mind if I change?

I gotta be somewhere in a half-hour.

No, go right ahead.

Don't let me hold you up. Go ahead.

- What do you got, a date? - Yeah.

Is she white?

I'm just joking.

Who is she?

I met this girl over at the employment agency.

She works there. In fact, she sent me for a job.

And I went over there and I got it.

Hey, great. Great. What kind of work is it?

Well, it's just a can company, you know.

- Regular wage? - Yeah, that's all.

Well, that's a start.

Did you tell them you were on parole?

No, I didn't. Is that a problem?

Oh, no worry, you know, I can take care of that.

Gee, you've got a room, you've got a job, the whole...

You gave me a week, so yeah.

It's over in verona...

What's this?

- Just matches. - I know that.

Take off your shirt I wanna see your arms.

- They're not mine. - Max, take off your shirt.

What's this?

That's just a scratch I got on the job today.

- It's not tracks. - Okay.

- Let me see this one. - You're not gonna find nothing.

Okay. Just let me do my work.

Well, where'd you get all those scars?

- It's just burns. - Yeah?

- When you were a kid? - Yeah, it was an accident.

Let me see the other one.

Did you hear about the polack who got

third-degree burns on his face?

He was dunking for French fries.

Been drinking some beer, huh?

Yeah. Just a couple cans, though.

- What are you doing? - Come on, Max.

Come on, Max. Come on, now.

- Take it easy. - Why'd you do that?

You didn't have to chain me like this.

That is... it's procedure. I just gotta be careful.

- I told you, I'm clean. - Okay, good.

If you're clean, you got nothing to worry about.

Just check me if you got a doubt.

Max, Max. If you're clean, you got nothing...

What do you mean, if I'm clean? You didn't check me properly.

Did you check my eyes?

If you're clean, you got nothing to

worry about now, I'll be back in a minute.

I gotta make a telephone call, then we're gonna

take you down we're gonna test you.

I'm saying I can save you a lot of trouble.

It is no trouble. It's what I get paid for.

We're just playing a game.

Alright. Come on, follow me.

Come on. Keep it up.

Alright, move right in here.

Ladies and gentlemen, follow the red line.

Take your hat off.

Right in the corner, facing me.

Take your hat off.

Start with you, right over in this corner.

Facing me, gentlemen.

Everybody facing me.

In case you don't know where you are, gentleman

this is the Los Angeles county jail.

Welcome, and empty your pockets on the floor.

Everything out.

Cigarettes, money, matches, everything.

Male #2: On the floor.

Turn your pockets inside out

after you get everything out.

Okay, gentlemen, I want you to

run your fingers through your hair.

Male #2: Shake it out good.

Shake it out good.

- Male #2: Is that a wig? - Yeah, it's a wig.

Male #2: Take it off. Put it on the floor.

Run your hands through your hair.

Okay, gentlemen, put your hands out in front of you, palms up.

Okay, turn over.

Okay, gentlemen, turn around and grab a piece of the wall.

Step back. Spread your feet.

Male #3: As soon as you take your clothes off,

I want you to sit on a bench.

Male #2: Okay, move on.

Male #3: Don't be afraid to use some soap.

Alright, gentlemen, you in the shower,

let's move it out.

We don't have all day.

That water's not free.

Take your showers and get out.

As soon as you step out of your shower,

grab a towel and step over on the side.

Dry yourself off thoroughly.

- Male #4: Small, medium, large? - Large.

Let's go, gentlemen.

Turn around.

Let's go, arms up.

- Male #4: Small, medium or large? - Medium.

There you go.

Male #3: Let's go, gentleman.

Go. Arms up.

Male #3: Dry yourself up. We don't have enough time here.

Male #3: Let's go. Male #4: Good hands, pop.

Move it out.

That one's mine, partner.

Stand clear!

Guard: Dembo! Visit!

- Hi, remember me? - Yeah. How you doing?

- Pretty good. How are you? - I'm fine.

I called your hotel and your landlady

told me you were arrested, what happened?

I don't know.

Doesn't matter.

I got worried. I was waiting and...

When are you getting out?

I don't know. It's a little hard to say.

You don't mind my coming here, do you?

I called earlier and they said

the visiting room closes at three.

I got lost on the way.

Is there anything I can do?

Uh... no, it's alright.

Oh, god, there's no more time. Wait a second.

- I gotta go. - Wait. Wait.

Call me when you get out.

Call me. It's my home phone.

Okay?

Earl: This terrific-looking blond goes into this

dentist's office and she's really scared.

So she climbs up into the chair

as the dentist prepares his utensils and things.

And just as he turns around and is about to look into

her mouth she blurts out,

"oh, doctor, I'm so afraid of dentists.

I think I'd rather have a baby than have a tooth drilled."

"Well, miss," the doctor says,

"you'd better make up your mind before I adjust the chair."

So, uh, so how you doing?

How do you think I'm doing, slammed down?

I'm okay.

Here, listen, your urine tested clean.

I'm sorry you got stuck here,

but, you know, I've had my hands full this week.

This is the first chance I had to get back to you.

Did the phones break down?

Don't get sarcastic with me, dembo.

I'm having you released from here.

I'm gonna take you to a halfway house myself.

- When is that? Now? - Right now.

I think that's more than generous.

- You're the boss. - Right.

And you're smart enough to recognize

a break when you get one.

Now, you were clean, but somebody fixed in your room.

And that's a violation of your parole

and it's good enough to get you a minimum of two to three years.

Am I right?

- So we'll start from scratch. - Sure.

We'll get you cleaned up and we'll get you out of here.

- Okay. - Alright.

Earl: Sometimes this job is getting to be too much.

You wouldn't believe the week I had last week.

I ended up missing my girl's school play.

My wife was so pissed off at me

I thought she was gonna divorce me.

And on top of that, I got a call that one of my guys

was holed up in his house out in whittier.

Threatening his wife with a shotgun.

Guess how I handled that one?

I used my head.

I called his father in Detroit

then I got the two of them talking on the phone.

They must have talked for three hours.

All this is person-to-person. It's costing the state.

Radio announcer: On the top of the seventh inning,

Dodgers leading 10-2. Scored 10 each game.

Ugh. Damn it. You know, I had ten bucks on that game.

Everything you got check out?

Yeah. Earl: Good.

Cooking spoon's not there, is it?

Come on Max, just between you and me, you know,

this doesn't go any further...

Who was it shot up in your room?

I just can't tell you that.

Earl: Come on, Max, I'm taking you to a halfway house.

I'm not taking you back to the joint.

Remember you asked for my trust? Okay, I'm giving it to you.

So, how about giving me a little back in return, huh?

Dembo: I just can't tell you that.

Max, that's bullshit.

If you can't trust me, I mean, what the hell,

I'm just wasting gas driving.

I don't want you to waste your gas.

Then tell me who it was.

Christ, you're gonna kill us, Max!

Put your hands down.

Put them down. Go on.

Don't fuck with me, sucker. You busted me for nothing!

You big, motherfucker!

You're finished. You made your choice.

Max! Max!

Max!

Stop! Stop!

Damn you sons of bitches!

Male #5: Hey, fatso, where's your pants?

Damn it! Stop! Stop!

Stop!

- Hey, how you doing, man? - Hey, my friend.

- How you been? - How you been?

Haven't seen you in a while.

I know, I got hung up for a while.

- What you got going? - I need your car.

- The keys are in it. - Alright. Thanks.

Hey, take me with you.

I can't. I gotta see some people.

Be back in a couple hours.

Well, the next time, I wanna go with you.

Alright, you got it.

- I'm not shitting you. - I hear you.

If I go with you, I can drive.

- I can get... - You got it.

Hey, my radio.

Max: I'll be back, couple hours.

- Where's he going? - He's going to the store.

He'll be back in a minute.

J“ baby I just want to tell you I

j“ I'm satisfied j“

j“ anytime you ring my bell j“

j“ I'll be there to let you inside woo j“

How are you? What's to it, Manny?

How you doing, man?

- Manny: How are you? - I'm alright.

I wanna talk.

- Yeah. - Max: I mean right now, okay?

If anybody asks for me, I'm not here.

Female #3: Alright.

- What do you wanna talk about? - I just need your help.

- What do you want, money? - I want a pistol.

No, I don't do that, Max.

You don't keep a piece in your office?

I don't play around with guns.

You owe me one, Manny. You owe me one.

J“ I'm a believer j“

come on.

Shut the door.