Original subtitles

This one guy I knew, this gangster, we called him the Violin Man.

He was born into nobility, and he played from when he was, like, two years old.

No one plays the violin when they're two years old.

- Yeah, sure they do. - They don't make violins that small.

To a baby like that, it'd be like playing a fucking cello.

Okay, two, three, whatever.

The point is, his family was killed off in the revolution,

and he wound up out on the streets.

Turned out he could scrap like a motherfucker.

He joined a tong.

After a while, his hands got so fucked up from the fights,

he couldn't play anymore, so he pulled the strings off of his violin...

- His tiny violin. - No, he was older now.

- You guys are fucking up my story. - All right.

Anyway, he pulled the strings off his violin

and he would carry them with him, and when he killed people,

he would choke them out with the same violin strings

he used to play fucking Mozart with.

Hence, the Violin Man.

How did we get on this topic?

- You asked why he fights with that rope. - Oh, yeah.

- What's the connection? - It's my trademark, man.

The Violin Man had his strings, I have my chain.

- Did you play Mozart on it? - What?

- No. - Then, I don't get it.

Me either.

Oh, fuck you guys!

"The Rope Man."

- Come on. - That doesn't have the same ring to it.

It's not a rope, it's a chain.

Rope Man, you tell any Fung Hai still breathing they work for us now.

I don't think anyone is still breathing.

That works, too.

Ready. Nice and sharp.

There you go.

No. No! No!

Get the hell away from me!

- Please, we're trying to help you. - Get off me! Don't, don't, don't! No!

No, don't take it! Don't! Don't! Please, don't! Don't!

Don't take my leg! Don't take my leg!

- Please! - I'm sorry. It's too far gone.

- No. No! - It will be over soon.

I promise.

Mr. Buckley?

Mr. Buckley, wake up!

- Yes? What is it? - The police are here.

- How long ago? - An hour, maybe two.

Neighbors heard shouting.

They saw someone running away from the house.

Sent a footman to the station.

Jesus, what a mess.

- Has Mrs. Blake made a statement? - Not yet.

I thought it best not to press her until you arrived.

You did the right thing.

Mrs. Blake, are you hurt?

Can you tell me what happened here?

Your husband has been killed, Mrs. Blake,

and you've clearly been in a struggle.

I'm going to need you to speak.

Did you kill your husband, Mrs. Blake?

- He was drunk. He attacked me. - So you were defending yourself.

He was strangling me. I couldn't breathe.

The thing is, Mrs. Blake,

your husband was hit on the back of the head, with a poker, by the looks of it.

You couldn't have hit him like that if he was strangling you.

I don't know.

It all happened so quickly.

Perhaps your sister saw what was happening and came to your aid?

No. She tried, but he threw her into a wall.

So if not her...

- It was Jacob. - Sophie!

- What's this now? - I'm not letting you go to jail

- for something you didn't do! - She's confused. She hit her head.

Samuel was trying to kill her! Jacob, he hit him, but he was defending her.

That is not what happened!

Excuse me! Mrs. Blake, what are you doing?

Jacob's not a murderer.

The Mayor of San Francisco has been killed in his own home.

Someone is going to be arrested for murder, now, it can be you,

or it can be the man who actually killed him.

Or maybe it wasn't him, maybe it was your sister?

- No! - Is he still in the house?

Search the house to be sure, but I suspect

we'll need to track down this Chinaman, Jacob.

Please! He was just defending me.

Of course, he was, but fleeing the scene isn't helping his case.

I think we should leave Mrs. Blake and Ms. Mercer to recover.

They've been through a terrible ordeal.

I'll leave a man on the door.

Chief Flannagan, may I speak to you for a moment?

So what do you think?

I think it's clear, the mayor was murdered by a Chinaman.

You say it like that, we'll have pandemonium in the streets.

And that's why we're going to stay ahead of it.

We're going to search every inch of Chinatown.

Can we pull policemen from other beats?

I suppose that's up to you, now. You're the acting Mayor.

Yes, I suppose I am.

Every badge you can muster, first thing in the morning.

I want a large scale and very visible manhunt

already underway before we announce the mayor's death.

- Do you understand? - Do you want me to put on a show?

A big one. I want to keep the city calm and catch a murderer.

That'll take some doing. For one thing, we don't know what he looks like.

Just get it started. It's important that the people know we're on top of things.

- Even when we aren't? - Especially then.

I don't understand why we don't just burn this fucking place to the ground.

Send a message.

Our colors on the Fung Hai headquarters is the message.

One Mai Ling has to live with every day.

The longer she waits to retaliate, the weaker she looks.

But she can't retaliate because...

Because of the Six Companies, blah, blah, blah.

- Either way, she's fucked. - It makes sense.

But I didn't ice out the old man just to wait around for someone else

to make the first fucking move.

This is the move.

- Get me? - When did you get so smart?

- I don't like to show off. - We both know that's not true.

Okay, we'll try this. See how she reacts.

But I'm not going to keep us in a stalemate forever.

I underestimated him.

You think this was Ah Sahm?

Father Jun wouldn't authorize a direct attack right now.

They hit the Fung Hai when they were at their weakest.

This was strategic, but it was also personal.

He's provoking me, daring me to break the treaty.

I didn't think they'd move so quickly after Zing.

Because you weren't looking at the bigger picture.

So what do we do?

There are other avenues.

People who aren't the least bit concerned about our little treaties.

The bigger picture.

Exactly.

- What's this? - A celebration.

We took out the Fung Hai and fucked the Long Zii hard

without breaking the treaty.

And how many of your brothers did you lose in the process?

At least I did something.

You're right, you did. And I'm sure it was a hell of a scrap.

But you've been in charge for what, two days?

And you're already waging war.

- The Fung Hai needed to go. - Of course they did.

But maybe there was a smarter way to do it.

One that wouldn't have cost you good men.

You've always been too impulsive. I tried to teach you patience.

Maybe that's something that can't be taught.

Maybe that's something you have to learn the hard way.

All right, I don't need to tell you boys what we're up against here.

Every second that goes by without that Chinaman in handcuffs

only increases the chances that we'll never see him again.

And if that happens, God help us.

Chinatown is closed. Effective immediately.

I want every filthy god-forsaken corner in that shithole torn to shreds

until this Jacob is found.

Someone gets in your way, get him out. Someone doesn't want to open the door...

Buckley pulled in every cop in the city. Should be a hell of a show.

- Christ, Lee. You even up for this? - Up for what?

I reckon when push comes to shove,

you'll just pin it on the first Chinaman you find. Right, sergeant?

All right. Get it done, get it done fast. Godspeed.

Lee! Hey!

- I thought we were past this shit. - You planted that watch.

Yeah, you planted it, and you made me believe. You made me a part of your lie.

- What are you talking about? - I spoke to Timmons' widow.

You had a problem with the Fung Hai, so you framed him.

Keep your fucking voice low.

What, are you telling me he didn't deserve to go down?

For god's sake, Bill. We lost men: McLeod, Donnelly, Gallahue.

You think I don't know that? They died in the line of duty.

You say that like you almost believe it.

Oh, you sanctimonious, little prick!

I don't know who it was that told you that the world was black and white, Lee,

but believe me, they didn't do you any fucking favors!

- At least I know where to draw the line. - Yeah?

And which side of that line does killing your own kin fall on?

Fuck! You are picking up some bad habits, Lee,

and throwing punches at me is top of the fucking list!

Fucking...

That's enough, god damn it!

- What the hell is going on here? - He's lost his fucking mind!

- Georgie, good morning. - Mr. Leary.

Morning, William. How's your family?

- Hungry. - I'm sorry to hear that. Truly.

It's not nearly enough, I know, but maybe it'll help.

I don't want a fucking handout. I want a job, like you promised.

What the fuck do you think I'm doing out there, huh?

Day in, day out? I'm fighting for you.

I'm fighting for all these men. Change doesn't come overnight.

Aye. So you say. And so you've been saying.

But we're all still here,

watching the goddamn chinks ride past us every day on the way to our jobs.

I pay my dues, we all do, on what little we make.

- And I'm tired of fucking waiting. - He's right!

We need work!

Settle down, all of you!

You all heard the mayor's speech.

He's taken our side, going to force the coolies out.

Any day now, you'll be back to work.

And who do you think put the fucking screws to him?

It was my boot on their fucking neck.

I delivered the message, that you take our jobs at your own fucking peril.

If you think you can do better, be my fucking guest.

Maybe you're right, but that's just words right now.

And a politician's promises won't put bread on my family's table.

Here. What happened?

Who the fuck did this to you?

- Blake. - The Mayor?

- He's dead. - What?

He attacked my sister, I...

Oh, he was insane. I tried to stop him but he was too strong.

Oh my God, he's dead.

It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

It's okay.

Just breathe slow and easy.

Now, are you saying it was you that killed him?

- It was Jacob. - The... Our valet.

- The Chinaman? - She didn't want me to say anything,

but I couldn't let them arrest her for it.

- And she hates me now. - The mayor is dead.

Someone's going to swing for it. You did the right thing.

If Blake's gone, who the fuck is in charge?

Raise your right hand and repeat after me.

I, Walter Franklin Buckley...

I, Walter Franklin Buckley...

Do solemnly swear...

Do solemnly swear...

That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States...

That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States...

And the Constitution of the State of California...

And the Constitution of the State of California...

Against all enemies, foreign and domestic...

Against all enemies, foreign and domestic...

That I will bear true faith and allegiance

to the Constitution of the United States and the State of California...

And that I will bear true faith and allegiance

to the Constitution of the United States and the State of California...

That I take this obligation freely,

without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion...

That I take this obligation freely,

without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion...

And that I will well and faithfully discharge

the duties upon which I am about to enter...

And that I will well and faithfully discharge

the duties upon which I am about to enter...

And during such time as I hold the office of the Mayor of San Francisco.

And during such time as I hold the office of the Mayor of San Francisco.

Congratulations, Mr. Mayor. The city is yours.

Have you seen this man?

Have you seen him? This man, have you seen him?

You've seen this?

If it's any consolation, it bears almost no resemblance to you.

I don't give a damn about the quality of the rendering.

- Where are we in the search? - We're looking for a Chinaman

- ...in Chinatown. Could be a while. - I don't have "a while."

And neither do you, if you hope to remain Chief of Police during my tenure.

Sir, if you want a Chinaman, I can get you one this morning,

but not the Chinaman, not the one who murdered the Mayor.

- I can't just yank him out of a hat. - Put a curfew in place.

And road blocks. No one comes or goes from Chinatown without talking to a cop.

I take it you'll approve the extra hours for the men.

I want the entire force on the streets. I don't care what it costs.

Nobody sleeps until we have our man.

Mr. Mayor, just the man I was looking for.

Acting Mayor.

Sorry to hear about Blake, God rest his soul.

He may have been a twisted son of a bitch,

but he was a friend of the workingman.

Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Leary? I'm in a bit of a rush.

It's okay. I think I can keep up. These are dark times.

First they attack a cop in his own home, and now they've assassinated the mayor.

They're straying from their pen more and more.

Some might get the idea that our local government

has lost all control of the Chinese situation.

If there's a point you're trying to make...

You don't have nearly enough men to find the chink who did this.

I have one of the most highly-trained police forces in the entire country.

That may be, but you're still outmanned a hundred to one.

- I can tip the odds in your favor. - And yours, presumably.

The important thing is to see justice served.

Publicly. Especially for a brand new mayor.

Show them he's up to the job. Demonstrate his will, and whatnot.

And how is it you propose to help, exactly?

Deputize one workingman

for every cop you've got looking until the search is over.

You'll double your reach. I'll get you the sharpest fellas we got.

Three dollars a day ought to do it.

Even if that was a reasonable suggestion, which we both know it isn't,

the city's budget won't accommodate anything close to that.

Two dollars, then. A small price to pay to keep these men occupied.

Tensions being as high as they are.

We wouldn't want to see vigilantes roaming the streets on your watch now.

I mean, how would that look?

You weren't able to intimidate me when I was Deputy Mayor.

What makes you think you're going to intimidate me now?

There's more to lose, I guess.

Before he went tits up, Blake made a speech

promising the workingmen would be taken care of.

It would be a big fucking mistake for the man

who succeeds him to forget that promise.

Mayor Blake never gave a speech I didn't put in his mouth.

It could be I will have use for your crude tactics down the road.

Until then, you and the workingmen will have to wait in line.

I've more urgent matters to deal with.

San Francisco Police Department, everybody stay where you are!

Easy there, big fella. We're not here for a fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are looking for this man.

The sooner you help us find him, the sooner we can get out of your hair.

Harrison, start upstairs. Search every room.

- Ah Toy. - This man not here.

- Then you've got nothing to worry about. - Too many cops, not good for business.

Well, I've got more bad news for you.

It's curfew, means everyone's shut down until we find our man, including you.

Look who's back from the dead. Remember me?

Hard to say. You all kind of look the same to me.

It's a wonder you're here to crack wise, after that beating you took.

- You saw that? - And stopped it, too.

See, that pause there is where you thank me for saving your life.

That's a lot of cops for one man.

Well, a Chinaman killed the Mayor. We take that sort of thing personally.

- Mayor Blake? - That's right.

Caved his head in with a fire poker and then went underground.

No one's seen him since.

I don't have to tell you this doesn't bode well for your people.

The sooner we catch this guy, the better for all concerned.

Maybe you know him? Name's Jacob.

- We don't all know each other. - Well, maybe.

But he was Mrs. Blake's manservant. I know you know her.

- Barely. - Barely?

In the meantime, no one gets in or out of Chinatown until we find our man.

And my men will not stop tearing this place apart.

- So if you know anything... - I don't.

Would you tell me if you did?

- Nah. - Well, then.

Fuck off.

And tell your friends to stay off the streets.

Today would be the wrong fucking day, do you hear me?

Evening, Mr. Mayor. Come to check up on us?

Something like that. Any action?

None to speak of, but we'll get him, sir.

- Let him through! - All right, yes, sir.

Move along.

It's been a while, Mr. Buckley.

I was beginning to think you'd forgotten me.

- I've been busy. - So I hear.

Congratulations on your promotion.

It's funny. When I came to San Francisco,

I never imagined I'd be granted an audience with the mayor.

Well, let's see if we can make it worth your while.

I need to find this murderer, Jacob, yesterday.

That won't be easy.

Chinatown may not be long or wide, but it's very deep.

True, but anything's possible with the proper motivation.

If you don't help me locate this criminal,

it'll mean the end of your opium supply.

And the beginning of a new era in Chinatown,

one in which the Long Zii are no longer immune to prosecution.

So not the carrot, but the stick.

I cannot stress how not in the mood I am for repartee.

I can find your Jacob, but I'll want something in return.

- I already told you my terms. - And now I'm telling you mine.

It's simple, really.

I want my enemies to be your enemies.

And when the time comes, your cops will help me crush the Hop Wei.

Do we have a deal?

Find the coolie.

- It's me, Nellie. - Nellie?

Come in. Quick.

I heard about the curfew. I was worried.

It wasn't easy getting into Chinatown. The police were everywhere.

- Have they given you any trouble? - They close business.

- But I'm okay. - Good.

You must think me ridiculous checking up on you.

No. It is very kind.

I'm going to head back out to the vineyard.

I thought maybe you might want to come with me.

- Now? - Yeah.

With things in Chinatown, how they are,

I thought it might be good to get away for a few days.

And well, to be honest, it would be nice to spend some time together.

Officer.

Can I help you?

- Is there anyone else in here tonight? - No. Just us.

Ma'am, you need to leave now.

- Excuse me? - There's a curfew in effect.

It's okay. Sergeant O'Hara already come.

- He sent us back. Surprise inspection. - I don't care who sent you.

You can't just barge in here without a proper...

Nellie!

Get back here, you whore!

Stay down, bitch.

Get it over with.

No!

No! No!

No!

Ah Toy.

- You must go. - I'm not leaving you here like this.

You need medical attention.

- Not safe for you here. - Don't be ridiculous.

- We need to get you to a doctor. - I said, go!

You don't know me. And you don't belong here.

No place for a white woman. Now, go!

I asked you a question, slant. What's your fucking name?

It's Wang Chao, and he's not your man.

You shouldn't be out here tonight. It's dangerous.

- Dangerous for everyone. - I told you, he's not your man.

Now get on with you, or I'll feed you that fucking stick!

- You save that cop's life. - And here I thought I was saving yours.

Forget about him. It's probably his first time in Chinatown.

Well, I see him again, it will be his last time.

Well, help me find this Jacob, and we can get all these cops out of here.

I give you Zing and the Fung Hai.

I help you with your swordsman.

How many time I do your job for you, sergeant?

Maybe you give me badge?

- I'll make it worth your while. - Until next problem.

Then you shut me down again.

I got you up and running as fast as I could.

I don't know this man.

- You sure? - I know who I know.

Well, if you hear anything, you know where to find me.

Of course, I am friend to police.

Good night. And stay off the street.

I am sorry about shutting you down, Chao.

Ah Toy?

My God. What happened to you?

You try to kill me.

What? What are you talking about? I've been home all night.

Dear God.

Oh, no.

I don't understand.

Who are those men? Did they do this to you?

You sign.

- Now. - Sign what?

You sign or you die.

Make choice.

Surely you don't think I had anything to do with this.

I would never hurt you, Ah Toy. Never.

Lie again, your children die in their beds.

No.

Finish sign, you go. Far away. I ever see you...

You dead man.

I'm sorry.

Who are you? What the fuck do you want?

Please. Help me.

Please, help me.