Original subtitles

This is Philadelphia, city of brotherly love,

where the Continental Congress

signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.

This is Philadelphia seen from a vantage point

which few Philadelphians care to visit.

But just 45 years after the birth of American freedom,

the founding fathers of the city chose a site

in a district known as Cherry Hill,

and there they built a prison modeled on the lines

of a medieval fortress.

Its grim walls have stood since 1821.

And within them, the many men have paid the price of crime.

Its records are rich with strange stories,

but none more strange than the one we are about to tell.

- Mr. Paul. - Yes?

The warden wants 3725.

- 3725!

The warden wants you, Larry.

What goes on?

- He's probably gonna give me the weekend in town.

- Get a lawyer in Philadelphia and good luck.

Hi, Larry.

- Where are you taking him? - Warden's office.

Good bye, baby.

- What's he gonna get, Max? - Weekend in town.

Bring me a couple of pints, Larry.

Bring me a couple of tomatoes.

Me too, brother, how I miss my vegetables!

- 3725 - Okay.

How are you, Larry? - Okay, Sir.

Sit down. I've got some news for you.

Your petition to the Pardon Board

has been acted on favorably.

I can't tell you when you're gonna get out of here.

But just as soon as the pardon comes down from Harrisburg,

you'll be released.

- You mean...

You mean they're really gonna turn me loose?

- Don't you want to go?

- Yes, sir.

It's just...

It's kind of a shock having to leave home

after all these years.

None of my family are living.

I don't know a soul on the outside.

I don't even know yet what I'm going to do.

- You will adjust yourself in time.

Congratulations.

- Thank you, sir.

- That's all, Larry.

- Yes, sir.

- Hey, Larry. - Yes, Perkins.

What's on your mind?

- I hear you're going out soon.

How long have you been inside?

Fifteen years. I was 14 when I came here.

I beat up a guard at the Reformatory and he died.

It was an accident.

What's it like out there?

The only thing I know is the sound,

keeps getting louder every year.

- Yeah. That's the traffic.

Freezes the guts in a guy who is just fresh outta stir.

Why, these fellows, slap-happy jerks,

seem they'll begin to kill.

All things have stepped up considerably,

so this is a solid new way.

Everybody's got the jitters.

A buck ain't worth a buck anymore.

- I haven't touched a buck for so long,

I wouldn't know what it felt like.

- Still feels good.

- I'm like a guy with spotted wings crazy to try 'em.

I'm scared stiff.

- Some guys get so stir-bugs, they can't stand it.

They wanna come back in here.

- Can't all be bad outside.

- Oh, tell the world it ain't.

Hey look, you know anything about dames?

- Only what I've heard.

- Oh, you have you got a lot to learn.

There ain't nothing in all the world like a dame.

They can be sweet and wonderful

and they can tear your heart out.

Somewhere there's a right one for every guy.

Sure it's tough finding her.

You've been born all over again, kid.

Only this time you're a man.

I'm getting kinda sleepy.

- You have $672.50 on the books.

Is that right? - That's right.

- Quite a bankroll.

- Well, it took me 15 years to earn it.

- So long, Nelson. Don't come back.

- Not if I can help it.

- This will introduce you to Dr. Fletcher

at the Philadelphia General Hospital.

You've had a good training here, Larry.

Now I asked him to put you to work

as assistant on the hospital laboratory.

- Will he know I'm a con, sir?

- That'll be all right with Fletcher,

but be sure to place this in his hands.

I get it, sir.

- Warden.

- It's gonna seem like a new world

you're going back to, Larry.

For a good many years your living has been regimented

every move thought out in advance.

But when you go through these gates, you're on your own.

It's your life, my boy.

Good luck.

- Thank you, sir.

- Hey, quit pushing! - What's that?

Come on.

Give back! Give him a little of that!

Give him a little of that!

- Hey, don't you know better than cross against the signal?

Oh, a con, eh?

That cap's a dead giveaway.

Go ahead, fella.

- Here we go!

Here we go!

- What do you wanna do? Spoil up the game?

Mind your own business, you big drip!

- What'll you have, brother?

- Um, bottle of pop.

- You want a straw with it?

- Hello.

You look lost.

So am I.

- Buying the lady a drink, mister?

- Yes.

- What's that you got?

- Soda pop.

- Why you don't pour us a chaser?

To you, good-locker.

What's the matter?

- First time I've ever tasted it.

Hey, you on the level with that line?

Where you've been all your life?

- I've been away.

- Oh, a stranger in town.

Drink up fella and let's live a little.

Let go! You're hurting me.

- That's what you wanted.

- What you think I wanted?

A filthy flat some place with kids and clothes to scrub?

You dumb cluck!

What hick town do you come from?

- I just got out of the pen. 15 years for murder.

The only thing I know about women

is what I learn from thieves, kidnappers and murderers.

They told me about your kind,

but I didn't wanna believe them.

Go on, get out of here!

Is it something I can do for you?

- I-I'd like to see Dr. Fletcher.

- Oh, I'm so sorry, the doctor's out of town today,

but if you'll come back tomorrow...

- I have a letter for him.

- Wouldn't you like to leave your letter here?

I'll see that he gets it.

- I-I was told to put the letter in Dr. Fletcher's hands.

If you tell me what it's about,

maybe I can help you.

- It's about a job.

- Then, I suggest that you go to our Employment Bureau

and save time by filing your application.

- Application?

- Yes, they'll need a record of your experience

and background.

Shall I tell them you're coming?

- No, no. I-I think I'd better come back some other time.

Thank you.

Hey, is this fish fresh?

Sure it's fresh, you can smell it.

You're telling me!

A joker.

- Two cheeseburgers on rye, well.

- Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, nut burgers,

so many burgers I've gotta think of.

- What's the matter with you?

You're taking a vow or something?

- No!

- Then why don't you get wild?

- Larry, you like it here, don't you, huh?

- Of course I like it.

- Well, you know, dishwashers never stay very long.

- You're the first guy since I hit this town

that didn't try to shove me around.

- Well, Larry I like to do my people

like I like to have them do by me.

It's expensive sometimes, but it pays.

You know, I remember the time-

- A bowl of chili. - A bowl of chili.

Good night.

- Well, Bertie, another week. Here's your money.

- You gotta take out for them dishes I broke.

- This is cheap, goodwill comes high.

- If that's the case, how about a raise?

- Sometimes it comes a little too high.

A little late, fellas. Sorry the place is closed.

- That's what you think. This is a stick-up.

- No, no, wait a minute now...

- One squawk outta you and you'll get hurt.

Hold it fella, or you'll stop a slug.

- Larry, do what he tells you to do.

You-you mustn't interfere with a stick up, it ain't done.

- He won't interfere, he won't live that long.

- Look, I've seen a lot of your kind of guys.

I've listened to 'em spill their guts

and they were all scared,

just like you're scared now.

This is a good man.

Why don't you get out and leave him alone?

- Please, please, don't get mad about him.

He's a strange sort of a fella, maybe he don't understand.

Oh, shut up you, old goat!

- Larry, where are you going?

- Gonna find a place like the one I just came from.

There's a kind of peace there, there's none outside.

- Larry.

- Dr. Stone? - That's me.

- I'm Larry Nelson. They send me down from the main office.

If it's all right with you, I'm your new lab assistant.

- Uh, have any experience? - About five years.

- Well, that's more than I expected.

Make yourself comfortable, boy.

Well, Larry, they title this job "lab assistant",

but actually it's a combination of errand boy, janitor,

nursemaid to guinea pigs, and all-around factotum.

It pays cigarette money, room, board and no advancement.

Need it that much? - Yeah.

- We treat TB patients at Jewel Lake,

active and convalescent.

It's an ideal location because nothing exciting

ever happens here.

My last assistant couldn't take it.

- I can take it.

- Sit down, sit down.

Say when.

- Oh, no, none for me sir. I never touch it.

- I thought the younger generation started at birth.

Okay, Larry.

I'll send you up to Dr. Duval for a physical.

After that, go to the supervisor's office

and have your quarters assigned to you.

Be here at 8 o'clock in the morning.

Dr. Duval is upstairs in the administration building.

And, Larry, we're gonna get along fine.

- I'm sure we will, sir. Thanks.

- Say, is it Dr. Duval's office?

- Yes.

Are you Mr. Nelson?

- Yeah, yeah, I was sent up here for a physical.

I know. Strip.

- Hmm? - To the waist.

I'll do the preliminary.

Hurry, please.

Get on the scale.

Over here.

Over here.

Sit down.

Give me your arm.

That's all. This way, please.

All ready, Dr. Duval.

Well, go on in.

- Larry Nelson?

My name is Wormser, Gus, one of the orderlies.

I bunk right next door. How are you doing?

- Okay. - Good.

Storing your gear, huh?

Getting everything shipshape. That's swell.

I'm glad to see a new face aboard.

The last guy worked for Doc Stuart was a G.I.

and won the war.

Talked too much. Cigarette?

- No, thanks. - I mean if you got one.

- I think so. I...

Yeah. - Thanks. Match?

Were you in the war?

- No, they wouldn't take me.

- I was in the Merchant Marine. Boy, that's the life.

I'm nuts about it.

I'd still be a sailor if it wasn't for my wife.

- Is she with you? - Heck no!

She's hunting me. I owe her dough.

That's why I'm buried in this hideaway.

- Cigarette? - No, thanks.

Oh!

You see, Larry, I've got a complex.

I'm a marrying guy.

I've been married three times already

and every hitch a howling success.

I don't dare turn myself loose.

Okay, I'll get spliced again.

Hey, how about some chow?

They've got a pretty good mess here.

Come on, I'll show you where it is.

- Meet any of the nurses, yet? - Only one.

- Here it comes a trim little sloop.

Good lines, a little broad on the pinion,

but okay, have you seen?

How are you, Mordy? - Well.

- Mordy's a craft without a skipper.

I try to sign on, but she wouldn't have me.

She blinked the light to you, boy, did you get that?

- Mmm, not interested.

- Don't be too sure.

In every guy's life, a little rain must fall.

Comes a dull day...

Uh-uh...

Hello, miss Prentice. - Good evening.

- Lay off that one, brother,

that's a freighter, strictly for cargo.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Let's tie up alongside these two luxury liners.

How about the gaps?

We're nearly finished. You're very welcome.

- Miss Maynard, Miss Taylor, Larry Nelson,

Doc Stuart's new assistant.

- Hello. I prepared Mr. Nelson for his physical.

- Some guys get all the breaks.

- I weighed him, took his dimensions,

gave him a Mantoux test.

We're acquainted.

- You're practically married.

Sit down, fella.

- I-I think I better find another spot.

- Oh, what's the matter? Don't you like us?

- How-how can I tell?

- Well, for Pete's sake, don't strain yourself.

Sit down, we won't bite you!

- Not tonight, but worn out practicing on these steaks.

- You like it here, Mr. Nelson?

- Yep.

- Ever worked in a lab before?

- Yeah. - Where?

- Philadelphia.

- Larry is a guy of few words.

- Perhaps he hasn't many words.

Maybe he's all brawn, like so many perfect specimens.

- What do you mean by that?

- That's what Dr. Duval calls you.

The most perfect physical specimen he's ever examined.

- Do you agree with the doctor?

- I'm not interested in specimens.

I lean toward brains and good manners.

- It's only good manners that keeps me

from busting you right in the nose.

- Well...

- Charlotte, you asked for it.

- You're no better than a common thug.

After this when you pick up one of these characters,

keep them to yourself.

- You should scrape the paint off that girl.

- She didn't mean it. Charlotte blows up easily.

Be seeing you.

- Charlotte.

Are you beginning to fall for that dame?

- I'm wondering what she'd do if I did bust her in the nose.

Somebody said you wanted me. What can I do for you?

- You can't do a thing for me.

I want you to help Gus take this patient to his room.

It's on this floor, number 37.

- Yes, ma'am.

Well, come on, what are you waiting for?

- That's all, Gus. - Aye, aye, skipper.

- Just a minute, please.

I want you to prepare the patient for bed.

Do you know how? - Yes, ma'am.

- I'll be back in a little while, Mr. Stoker

and see that you make comfortable for the night.

Be careful.

- So Stoker's your new name, huh?

What are you doing here?

- I work here. Been here for a week now.

- On the lam? - Uh-uh.

I got a pardon.

- How come you pick this place?

- Oh, I needed a spot.

When they turned me loose, I was scared.

Went too fast for me in the outside.

I didn't know how to talk or how to act.

Then I arrived on time here.

I can do time. I feel safe.

I've been reading about you, Jack.

The million-dollar bandit.

- There's a 20-grand reward on my head.

You've been reading about that too?

I suppose you'd be calling the copper.

If they catch up with me, I'll burn.

- You'll burn, all right, but I won't be the cause of it.

- I've gotta get well and get out of this place,

have I got a chance, Larry.

- You'll get just about the same chance

you gave those three guards in the armored car.

- Just stay bugs, kid.

That's the same talk all the croakers give me.

- What do you want me to do? Lie to you?

Three years ago, when I had you in the hospital at the pen,

the x-ray showed that your right lung was spotted

and your left was affected.

What are you beefing about?

How many crooks like you get a chance to die in bed?

I'm not dying.

I can't die. I won't.

I've got a million shrouded away.

- There's a lot of good that's gonna do you.

Anything else I can do for you?

Not right now.

- Have a good night.

- Hello.

- Hello.

- What are you doing?

- Just trying to figure things out.

- That's a big order.

You stick too close to this place.

I'll admit there isn't much to do on the evening.

Just to run down to the village.

Have you been there?

- No.

- I'm on my way there now.

Would you like to take a little ride?

I know it's a reversing vision of a pickup,

but you look so lonesome.

So am I.

Believe me, my intentions are honorable.

You like to be alone, don't you?

- The more I see of this outside, of the world I mean,

the more I realize what a wonderful place

it was meant to be.

Why do people push each other around

and snap and snarl and fight to get there first?

- Oh, is it that bad?

I hadn't noticed.

What are you doing about it?

- Just keeping out of the way.

- You're ducking here, eh? Does that fix anything?

Larry, you'll never know contentment

until you find understanding the people around you.

Also you've got to make them understand you.

- I'm afraid I can't do that.

- I don't think you're trying very hard.

Hear that?

- Mm-hmm. - You know what it is?

- Nah. - A mockingbird.

It's tough going for him too, but he does his best.

All night long he sings his heart out

to keep up his mate's courage as she sits on her eggs.

- I don't know anybody's sitting on eggs and I can't sing.

- You know that's the first time I've heard you laugh?

You ought to try it more often.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lecture you.

- I didn't mind.

I kind of liked it.

Thanks.

It was a nice ride but I think I'll walk back.

- But I don't want you to walk back.

All right, Joe.

It's such a warm night.

Can't we go in for a little while

and have something cool to drink?

My idea is we'll go dutch.

- Well, I-I've got money but I...

- Please, we may find some laughs in here.

- Take your order, folks?

- Uh...

- Two Horse's Necks.

- What's a Horse's Neck?

- Ginger ale with lemon peel.

- How are you, shipmates? Stepping out?

I'll buy you a drink.

Wait til I dock the Queen Mary.

- Two Horse's Necks.

- Wow! Look who's here!

You know Ann. - Sure!

Hi, Miss Taylor? - Hello.

- Mr. Nelson, Mr. Chaney.

- A pleasure. - Hi.

- Why don't you come over to our table?

- No, thanks. - We're not staying long.

- Okay, just tried to be polite.

- Sure.

- A character!

- Who is Chaney?

- Somebody Charlotte met here one night.

I believe he's from New York.

Wouldn't you like to dance?

- I've never danced in my life.

- I'll show you the steps.

Come on, it will be fun.

Take a chance.

- I'm not much good at this sort of thing, am I?

- Just follow me and you'll be all right.

Relax. It's enough.

Hold me a little closer and it'll be easier.

There, isn't that much better?

- Yeah, much better.

How did Nelson come to date you tonight?

He didn't. I dated him.

- Oh? Well, was he interesting?

- I'm afraid you'd have found it a dull evening.

You know something?

I don't think he knows anything about women.

- Maybe he needs somebody to teach him.

- They're looking for you, Miss Maynard.

Guess once you said you wanted me.

- I don't want you, but Mr. Stoker does.

- Mr. Stoker? - Yes, number 37.

Did you know him before you came here?

- I never even heard of the guy.

- Well, he's been asking for you.

You better go see what he wants.

- Yeah, I'd say, I will.

What's on your mind, Stoker?

- You're a solid guy, Larry.

You didn't turn me in.

- What do you want?

- I need your help.

- There's nothing I can do to help you.

- I have to have somebody to work with me into this joint.

So I took a chance on my ex-wife.

Celia's a smart dame

and she's safe as long as she collects a grand a week.

But I'm afraid to have her come here.

She might be followed.

I have to have somebody to take the money to her.

There'd be plenty in it for you.

- I don't want any part of it.

- Larry, I got a million bucks,

the stuff people lie and cheat and kill and die for.

I'll cut you in on a piece of it.

- What'd I do with it?

- You'd spend it, just like I'm gonna do.

That's what I'm living for.

That's why I've gotta live.

Write your own ticket.

I can give you the world again.

I'll lay it at your feet.

Look, doc says they're gonna operate.

Pneumothorax. What's that?

- You collapse your lung.

You'd be pretty sick for a while.

You won't be able to move around.

- That's just the point, see?

That's why I've gotta have somebody to contact Celia.

Think it over, will ya?

- Your name is Stoker, I never saw you before.

I don't even know you're here.

- Larry. - Yes, doctor.

You're a great disappointment.

- I made some mistake, sir?

- No, that's just the trouble.

When I hired you at starvation wages,

I expected to get a drifter who would gum up the works.

Instead, you reorganized the lab,

you keep me straight on my notes,

you work like a dog from early morning to late at night,

I can't get you a raise and you're breaking my heart.

Get out of here, will ya?

Get yourself some sun, buy a beer, find yourself a girl.

- Dr. Duval would like to discuss number 37's plates

with you, doctor.

- Oh, would he?

Well, in that case, I'll go up and see him.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- You're a strange guy.

You know, in this little place everybody knows

everything about everybody else,

but nobody knows anything about you.

- There's nothing to know.

- How old are you? - 30.

- Ever been married?

- No.

- Got a girl?

- No.

- You must have had plenty.

- I never had a girl. - Oh, stop.

- It's the truth, Charlotte.

- Rather you've either discovered a wonderful new line

or else you're a man that every woman should meet

just once in her life.

- Would you be my girl?

- You're sweet, Larry, but I'm afraid it wouldn't work.

- But why not?

- I might get serious about you.

And I can't afford that.

Larry, the men I go with have cars and money to spend.

- Is money is so important? - It is to me.

You see, all my life I've wanted nice things

and never had them.

Never had money enough.

Don't get enough now.

But when I finish here, I'll have a nursing background

that'll allow me a job with some swank doctor in a big town.

With a start like that, I can do all right by myself.

- Suppose...

Suppose I had money.

Oh, why suggest an impossibility?

- I said suppose I had money.

- You've got hands like I have.

A girl wouldn't have much chance if you really got sore.

- Come on, answer me.

- All right, suppose you did have it.

- Would you go out with me then?

- It's an exciting plan.

But I'm too practical to dream.

I'm sorry, Larry.

I don't wanna start something I can't finish.

- Okay, Jack, it's a deal.

- Good boy.

Close the blinds.

Give me that leather bag.

There's an even 30 grand here.

This isn't hot stuff. This is safe.

It'll be the last if I can handle things for myself.

It's Celia's address in Philly and a note.

She gets a grand a week.

This one will do now.

- What if she asks why she gets paid off?

- Don't tell her they're gonna operate.

Tell her I'm gonna live, see...

- Good enough, Jack.

I'll take care of it.

- Miss Bentner? - Yes.

- Celia Bentner? - Yes.

- I'm Larry Nelson. - Oh, come in, Mr. Nelson.

- I'm a friend of your ex-husband, Jack Bernard.

- So you said on the phone.

But I'm afraid that's no recommendation.

I haven't seen Jack in five years.

If I never see him again, that will be too soon.

- You don't have to play it smart with me.

You recognize his handwriting, don't you?

- So he gave you a letter of introduction.

I see.

Oh, yes.

Same old scrawl, a bit more shaky than it used to be.

You do fit the description,

though I must say it hardly does you justice.

Is this all you have to prove your identity?

- Not quite.

I've got this.

- Oh, very nice.

Thank you, Mr. Nelson.

- Well, I think I'd better... - Oh, no.

Sit down.

How long have you known Jack?

- Just since he's been at the sanatorium.

- Mm-hmm.

I've never known him to trust a stranger like this.

Though I must say I don't blame you.

Is he going to die?

- Any TB patient has a chance to recover,

providing he has the proper environment

and the proper frame of mind.

Usually, it takes a long time, it takes courage as well.

He's got the guts, he'll pull through.

I'll be back next week.

- Don't go dashing off like that.

I look forward to seeing you again.

You know, if you and I could see eye-to-eye,

it might be profitable for both of us.

You know what I mean?

- I think I do.

- Interested?

- Uh-uh.

- Did you recognize him?

- Yeah, that's the same guy I met

at the tavern at Jewel Lake.

A chump.

- You know, I don't go for that line he gave you.

Jack must have known him before the sanatorium.

- Of course he did.

One of the guys in that armored car stick-up

was never identified.

He escaped with Jack when the hideout was raided

and dropped out of sight.

I bet that's who Nelson is.

- Could be.

Tail him, Red. Stay with it.

Find out what you can.

- So I said to this guy...

Oh, blow me down!

- Well, what's the matter?

- Get a load of my boy.

Pretty sharp, huh? - Yes.

- Well, where are you going? To a masquerade?

- I got something I wanna show you.

Come on outside.

Not you, Gus.

- I'll be right back.

Don't be too sure of that.

Looks like his ship came in.

Maybe he struck oil.

- You've had a little vacation, haven't you?

- Well, doc gave me some time off.

- Even gone two days. - Yeah.

- Well, where have you been?

- Philadelphia? - What for?

- For you. - For me?

- This is mine.

- Yours?

Say, what kind of a game is this?

- No, I own it. I've got a bill of sale, see?

Come on, come on, get in.

Uh, you better drive. I'm a little bit rusty.

- So, tell me something,

why did you show up here looking like a scarecrow

and take that job in the lab?

What are you, Larry? A crook?

- I'm not a crook.

Nobody's after me.

- Well, where did you get the money for all this?

Or why didn't you use it before?

- I just found out what money can buy.

But don't ask me any more questions.

You'll have to take me as I am.

- I'll take you.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Yes, wonderful.

Larry!

Platinum!

It-it is real platinum, isn't it?

- It's what the man said.

Real stones too.

- Oh, it must have cost a great deal.

- It didn't break me.

There's plenty more where that came from.

- I've been rotten to you, haven't I?

Just another "this is mine".

Oh, Larry you couldn't understand.

- It's just a shiny piece of junk to me,

but-but that's what you want.

- Oh, it is, it is. I love it.

Didn't anybody ever tell you that the boy

is supposed to do the kissing, not the girl?

So they operated on Jack.

You know about that?

- Of course, I have a way of keeping myself informed.

Don't you think I have any interest

in the poor sick, darling?

When is he going to die?

- I hate to disappoint you,

but I think maybe he's gonna beat this rap.

- You mean death or the law? - Maybe both.

- That remains to be seen.

Oh, you're always in such a hurry, Mr. Nelson.

Aren't you ready to talk business yet?

- Not with you.

- Oh, what a pity! Good-bye.

- There he is.

Nelson, you wanna save yourself a lot of trouble.

You're going to tell us the truth.

We believe you were in on that armored car holdup,

that you escaped with Jack Bernard

when the gang's hideout was raided

and the rest of the boys were killed.

The loot from the armored car stick-up,

roughly a million dollars, haven't been recovered.

You expect us to believe that you don't know

where it's hidden?

- Go right ahead and believe whatever you wanna believe.

I don't know anything about it and I care less.

- Has it ever occurred to you that the sense of touch

is an amazing thing?

Apparently, there are delicate nerves

which extend to our fingertips.

For that reason, the tissue under our fingernails

is extremely sensitive.

Have you ever had a splinter thrust

under your nail accidentally?

Do you remember how it felt?

You don't have to prove anything to us, Nelson.

We know you can take it.

Don't you think it's a little stupid when you can stop it

simply by telling us what we want to know?

Come on, get it over.

No matter how great your endurance,

every mind has its breaking point.

Hold it.

He's no good to us dead.

- Yeah.

- Bet you'd show up, Larry.

The nights are endless and I can't sleep.

What happened to you?

- I ran into a little trouble

right after I left Celia's apartment.

Three of her friends were laying for me

and knocked me out and took me to a house

somewhere up in the hills.

I couldn't see them.

They held a light on my eyes all the time I was there.

Only one of them talked.

Kind of worked on me with a surgical knife.

- Garth. I know him.

I thought the payoff might keep Celia straight,

but she wants it all,

so she crossed me and hooked up with Garth.

You see what it means, don't you, Larry?

They're getting ready to move in.

What'd you tell them?

- What could I tell them?

I don't know any more about it than they do.

See, tell me this, Jack.

Who was your friend that was on the armored car

heist with you, who escaped when your hideout was raided?

- His name was Dubois. - And where is he now?

- Dead. Caught a slug in the chest during the raid.

- That's who they think I am.

It's gonna be great if the coppers got the same idea.

- Well, I could clear you, couldn't I?

We're in this together, Larry.

- I've got an idea.

It might be worthwhile for me to steer clear

of you and your pals.

I'm kind of getting used to this outside.

Maybe in time I'll even like it.

- Sure you'll like it. You like it now.

You got yourself a dame lined up.

Dames cost money.

Where are you gonna get it if you don't get it from me?

- I meant what I said, Jack.

Here's what's left of your money.

What I spent I earned and I don't want any more of it.

Anything I can do for you now is wish you luck.

- It's not that easy.

Can you prove where you were

the day of that armored car heist?

I don't think so.

Dubois is at the bottom of a river

where he'll never be found.

All the others were killed in the raid.

I'm the only man alive who knows who Dubois was.

Your only alibi.

You can't pull out now. You've gone too far.

- I'll take my chances on that.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Larry, what have you been doing to yourself?

- I had a little accident. I'm all right.

- But you're hurt.

You'll need dressings.

- I've got everything I need right here

- I know how to use them better than you.

Sit down. Sit down, Larry.

My goodness, what a mess!

You in a fight?

- Not exactly.

- You have a bad bump here.

The scalp is lacerated, but there's no break indicated.

- It is solid ivory.

- What'd you do to your hand?

I got caught in a buzzsaw.

- Larry, what on earth happened to you?

All right, it's none of my business.

- Just forget about it, will you?

- Of course.

I haven't seen much of you lately.

- No.

- But Charlotte has, hasn't she?

I don't blame you, she's very attractive.

- Ann, is it true that all girls are crazy about money?

- No, it isn't true.

It's natural for any girl to want the most

she can get out of life.

When she's in love, she forgets about such things.

That's a beautiful watch you gave Charlotte.

- She promised me she wouldn't tell who gave it to her.

- She's proud of it. That's all.

- Oh, yeah, but shouldn't a girl keep her promise?

- Larry, there are all kinds of women in the world.

You probably know as much about them as I do.

- I didn't have any around where I was.

- Knew your mother, didn't you?

- I didn't know her very long.

I cut my teeth on life in the streets.

At 10 I was one of a dozen little stinkers around the gang.

Reform schools couldn't hold me.

I broke out of one after the other.

Finally, when I was 15 they buried me

in the toughest joint in the state.

One day I was working on a high wall,

a guard that hated me slapped me down.

I hit him, he fell off and was killed.

I was only kid, but they called it murder

and sent me away for life.

A few months ago they pardoned me,

but I was 15 years away from the world.

I never meant to tell this to anybody on the outside.

Why have I told you?

- It is good for you to tell somebody.

Well, you'll be all right now.

If you need more help, just call on me.

I'm always around.

- Ann.

Thanks.

I may not see you after tonight. I'm getting out of here.

- Larry, what are you running away from?

- I'm in a jam.

- Wouldn't you like to tell me about it?

- I suppose you've read about Jack Bernard.

He held up an armored car and got away with a million.

- Yes. - He's here.

- Here? - A patient in the sanatorium.

- Did you report it to the police?

- No. - Don't you think you should?

- I can't 'cause another member of the gang

was never identified.

They're hunting him too.

- Larry, you're not- - No, no, no.

He's dead, but the police don't know that.

Only Bernard knows it.

And if I turn against him, he'll swear I'm that guy.

- But you can prove it. - I can't prove anything.

At the time of the holdup I was tramping along the road.

Bernard is the only man alive who can clear me.

- You've got to go to the police, you've got to!

They wouldn't believe me, my record alone would convict me.

You don't know what it's like inside.

I used to be afraid of freedom.

Now I can't live without it.

- Larry, you'll never be free

until you learn to accept your responsibilities.

- Good-bye, Ann.

- Hi, Charlotte.

- What are you doing here?

- I wanna see Mr. Stoker.

- Stoker?

But there's a strict order he's to have no visitors.

- Sure, I know. That's why I came straight to you.

I've gotta see him tonight. It's urgent.

Give me 10 minutes.

- Oh, I wouldn't dare let you go to his room.

- Who is gonna find out about it?

- Do you want me to get fired?

- Oh, I got good news for you.

Look, wanna see a pretty picture? A C-note.

That's what it's worth to me if I talk to him tonight.

Come on, be a smart kid.

What harm can it do?

- But if you excite him- - Why should I excite him?

I wanna help him get well.

- Ten minutes? - That's all I need.

When I go, I'll duck out the back way.

- Red.

- Good old Jack.

- What do you want?

If you didn't know, you're going bye-bye, fellow.

- No, wait a minute, Red.

You can't taking me out of here, it'll kill me.

- You're breaking my heart.

- No, no, Red, wait!

- A yip out of you and I'll put you to sleep

with a broken jaw.

- Larry, what are you doing here? Where are you going?

- Stoker's room. - What for?

- I wanna talk to him.

- But you can't go in now, he's asleep.

I've got to see him!

You know what you'll get

if you insist on going there.

Larry, please. - What's the matter with you?

What happened in there? Where's Stoker?

- I don't know.

The last time I looked, he was asleep.

- He couldn't have gotten out here by himself, not that way.

Who was in here?

- Nobody.

- Don't give me that, somebody was in here.

That's why you tried to keep me out of here just now.

Who was it?

Who was it?

- Oh, it's Chaney.

He said he was an old friend of Mr. Stoker's.

I didn't dream he meant any harm, why should I?

- Chaney!

Chaney!

So that's it.

How long have you known that guy?

- About a month or six weeks.

- And he showed up here about the same time

Stoker was brought in.

- Yes, just about.

- How well did you know him?

What did he have on you?

- Nothing, I went out with him, that's all.

- No nurse in her right mind would do a thing

like you did tonight

unless she was made to do it.

Did he threaten you with something?

- No.

- He hold a gun on you? - Of course not.

- Then, what did he give you?

- Nothing.

Are you trying to say that I take-

- Don't waste your breath on lies.

I know you a lot better than you think I do.

What did he give you? Come on, spill it.

Spill it!

- A hundred dollars.

- So for a stinking $100,

you throw your patient's life away.

Where's Ann?

- Somewhere on this floor, why?

- Go get her.

- What for? - I said get her!

Ann, Stoker has been kidnapped.

- Stoker!

- I think I know where he's been taken.

- What did he say in that note?

- I've only been there once before,

but I'm sure I can find the place again.

I've got to find it. I've got to keep him alive.

- I need your help, Ann. - Of course, anything.

- Get your car and take this to the nearest police station.

Tell them to keep it safe.

Tell them to come to a log cottage

in the hills back up there.

It's on the road overlooking a lake.

It's a summer place closed for the season.

That's all I know.

- Let me do it. - Go ahead, Ann.

- I'll do my best.

- Why did you drag her into this?

- Because I know I can trust her.

Don't report this until morning,

I may have him back before then.

Have a good time on your hundred bucks.

- Hold it, Nelson. Don't move.

- Take it easy. I came here to make a deal with you boys.

- Well, we're listening.

- I want Stoker.

- You mean you want Jack Bernard?

What have you got to trade with?

- I'll tell you when I see him.

- We're always hospitable.

Come upstairs, I'll take you to him.

- Jack, Jack.

- How is he?

- I don't know, I've tried everything,

but I can't revive him.

- Perhaps we played a little too rough with Jack.

Nelson, you know about these things.

See what you think.

- He's dead.

It sort of complicates things, doesn't it?

- Not too much, we still have you.

Hey, what's the idea?

- Take it easy. Where is everybody?

- Upstairs. Nelson's here.

- That's swell. Come on, get up there.

Got anything out of Jack? - Not a word. He's dead.

Dead?

- Who is this?

Why did you bring her here?

- Wait a minute, wait.

After you guys got away,

I saw Nelson find a note that Jack had hidden

in a picture frame.

Then he sent for this nurse, gave her the note

and told her to head for the nearest police station.

Only I couldn't find the note, so I brought her along.

- I'll find it.

- It won't do you any good to search me.

I haven't got it on me.

What did you do with it?

- Do you think I'll tell you that?

- Search her anyway.

If you don't find it, maybe I can make her talk.

Nelson will tell you, I'm pretty good at that sort of thing.

I'll do the talking.

You're right. My name is not Nelson, it's Dubois.

I was the jerk on the armored car heist

and both of us escaped when our hideout was raided,

only I was never identified by the coppers.

Miss Taylor here knows all about it.

At the sanatorium I could only get to Jack at night

and she helped me.

She was to go with me after the final cut was made.

- What about Charlotte?

- Well, you know what she is. I didn't dare trust the dame.

- And the note?

- It's a claim check in it

for a locker trunk at a storage place in Philadelphia.

Buckner's.

- Is the cash from the armored car in that trunk?

- Yes. Ann was supposed to wait for me in Philly.

I had to do what I could for Jack. I owed him that much.

Well, what did you do with the note?

Well, come on, come on, tell him.

Tell him. Can't you see we're stuck?

- I pushed it down back of the seat of my car.

It's still there.

- Where is your car?

- In the parking lot at the sanatorium.

- It might not be safe for us

to go back there now.

- It'll be safe for me. I could get it for you.

Buckner's is open 24 hours a day.

I could bring it back tonight.

- All right. We'll play it that way.

We'll keep Miss Taylor here.

Chaney and Latzo will go with you.

Don't let him out of your sight.

Wait a minute.

There's a key on a chain around Jack's neck.

Must be the key to the trunk.

That's funny.

- What's the matter?

- Face is wet with perspiration.

Wasn't it that way when he died?

- I don't remember.

Miss Taylor, you're a nurse.

Would you say this man is dead?

- Yes, quite dead.

- What about the key? - I'll keep that.

Let Dubois claim the trunk. You stay with him every minute.

And don't get me ideas about not coming back with it.

- Don't think I'm falling out on this deal.

I want an equal cut with the rest of you.

- Don't worry. You'll get your out.

Both of you.

Okay, come on.

Well, you, you caught me napping.

What do you want?

- A trunk. - A trunk?

Huh? How long has it been here?

- I don't know, maybe-maybe 30 days.

- 30 days.

I hope I can find it.

- So does he.

- Can't you be a little more careful?

- Of that piece of junk? Ha!

If that's mine, I'd burn it up.

Sign here, sir, and that'll be $3.

Be sure to write in the name that's on the claim check.

Then sign your own, please.

Getting a guy out at this time of night

for a dime's worth of dirty underwear!

Thank you, sir, and good night.

- You guys must be going someplace.

- Yeah.

- What do you got in there, dead bodies?

- Seven dead bodies. - Midgets.

Okay, fellas.

- Here they come.

Everything all right? - No trouble at all.

- Seven dead bodies.

- What are you talking about?

- That's what he said was in there.

- That's what it represents, isn't it?

Three guards that died in the armored car,

three of the mob that were killed in the raid,

and tonight, Jack Bernard.

- Let's finish this and get out of here.

- Not until we find out what's in the trunk.

This guy might have been stringing us.

We'll find out.

There's your inheritance, Celia.

- Think it's all there? - How can he tell?

Going to the figures on the tags,

looks like the original haul is intact.

- Well, we can count it, can't we?

- Crazy to get your fingers in it, aren't you?

- I can take a shower bath in the stuff.

- We'll go into that later.

Right now, we better hit the road.

- Don't forget, we have some unfinished business.

- That's right, we've got to settle with our partner.

We promised you an even cut, didn't we?

- You said I'd get what you all get

and that's just the way it's gonna work out.

- He means we'll be caught.

- You are caught.

The stuff's got you right now.

It's plenty there and more,

but not one of you are satisfied with an even share.

Each and every one of you

is figuring how he can get it all.

Come on!

- Contact the ranger station and report this fire.

Get those people!

- That's him! That's the man!

- Larry, you can't go back in there, you can't!

I've got to, I've gotta get Stoker!

- Hold it, you're under arrest and so are you.

- No, no! There's a man alive in there, Jack Bernard!

- So you did call a copper.

- Jack, you gotta clean me.

Tell them, tell them who I am.

- Sure I will.

He's Dubois, the only guy left who was with me

in the armored car stick-up.

Write that in your book and use it to fry him.

- No! Don't do this!

You've got minutes to live, seconds.

Don't take him with you.

Please. Please.

- Okay, this guy's clean.

You'll find Dubois in the river,

under a pier, foot of Pine Street,

with a weight to keep him there.

I always was a sucker for a dame.