Original subtitles

What's the matter?

Come on, spill it.

I've been watchin' you ever since you sat down here.

You look like you were rehearsin' an act or somethin'. What is it?

Please.

- Wait a minute, what's the rush? - Please let me go, or I'll...

You'll what?

Get down on my hands and knees for some of that popcorn.

Hey, what is this?

I thought I was hip to all the pan-handlin' routines.

Or are you the little girl reporter workin' on a sob-story?

Because if you are, I can give you some small dope on these pigeons.

Now you take that one there, for instance. I call him Oliver Twist.

Yeah, he's always askin' for more.

And that little fellow over there. See, that one. Wait a minute.

Are you really hungry?

- I ain't eaten in two days. - Two days? Why not?

I haven't any money.

Neither have the pigeons, but they eat regular.

It would be great to be a pigeon.

There's always someone throwin' 'em crumbs.

If you had the brains of one of them pigeons, you wouldn't be hungry.

Come on. Let's eat.

For a pint-size like you, you certainly can put it away.

- You were hungry alright, weren't you? - Mm-hmm.

But if you think I fell for your line of hooey, you're crazy.

No female has to starve in a town like this.

Have you ever been out of work for a whole year?

I've been out of work all my life.

Besides, the unemployment situation has got nothing to do with women.

Did you ever think of that?

Yeah, I thought of it.

Oh?

I couldn't.

Oh, I suppose the river would be better than that, huh?

Yeah, I thought of that too. I was down there this afternoon, but...

I was afraid.

How are you ever going to get anywhere if you're afraid of everything?

I guess I just won't get anywhere.

You're not eatin'.

Nah, I ain't hungry.

Have you ever been hungry?

Nobody ever has to be hungry, anywhere.

That's alright for you to say. You're rich.

Call the manager.

Anything wrong, sir?

No, no, no. Everything's fine. I just want to talk to him a minute.

Yes, sir.

You know you should never ought to skip meals.

That's the best food ever I ate. I feel better now.

You look better, too.

If you fell down here at night, you'd get by in a crowd at that.

- You can't help the way you're made. - Why can't you?

- You wish to see me? - Yeah, yeah.

Sit down.

There's 12 million people in this country without work. Did you know that?

Yes, I...

Yeah, and a lot of them are starvin', so they tell me.

Now, take this young lady here, for instance.

Up until an hour ago, she hadn't eaten for two days. She was starvin'.

I brought her in here and fixed her up. Feels swell, now.

Says it's the best food she ever ate.

Well, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you.

Yeah, the funny part of it is, she ain't got a dime.

And neither have I.

So the feed's on you, brother.

Now... there are lots of ways to handle a case like this.

You can call in the cops and have the two of us thrown into the can.

They'll send us up to the Island and we'll be fed by the state for 30 days, at least.

But the more bags the state has to feed, the more taxes you guys have to pay.

- If this is your idea of a joke... ? - Now, wait a minute!

This is a joint that throws out enough leftover grub to feed a thousand people.

You can afford one on the house once in a while.

Well, am I right or wrong? I'll tell you what I'll do with you.

I'll put it up to your own customers right here in this place.

I'll ask them if it's right to let somebody die of hunger right outside your place.

And if they say I'm wrong, I'll admit it.

Ladies and gentlemen!

According to the newspapers, the banks in this country are full of gold.

The granaries are bursting with grain.

And yet there are 12 million people out of work.

Twelve million...

Get out of here. Get out!

Okay. Take it easy, take it easy, will ya, pal.

The case is dismissed.

Come on, Whosis.

Nothin' like a good walk after dinner.

Where do you live? I might as well take you home.

- That'd be alright if I had a home. - Hey, wait a minute.

Say, have you got anything?

Where did you expect to spend the night?

- I don't know. - You got a satchel?

Well, go and get yourself one somewhere.

Go to a hotel and stay there until they hand you a bill, then tell 'em you're broke.

Then what happens?

Then they throw you out, and you go to another hotel.

- Oh, I couldn't do that. - Why not?

I... I'd be afraid.

Do you live in a hotel... that way?

No. I got no use for hotels.

- What do you do for a livin'? - I live.

Close your eyes a minute. Close 'em.

Now open 'em.

Pretty, huh?

Yeah, sure.

Two bucks a day for this. I just walk up and down and turn the light on and off.

This your regular job?

No, no. I don't believe in regular jobs. I do this for a friend on his night off.

All you got to do is walk up and down here?

That's right.

Is it alright if I walk up and down with you?

Sure. It's a free country, ain't it.

Well, I suppose I got to find you a place to sleep tonight.

What's your name?

Trina.

- What's yours? - Bill.

Bill...

Here we are, Whosis.

Bagdom On The Hudson, the fastest growing community in the East.

You'll find more unemployment here than in any other place in the world.

The city gave it to the boys and girls to loaf in. How do you like it?

Oh, it's swell.

Gosh, I've been staying here a whole year and never knew there was such a place.

Yeah, that's one of the best things about it, the privacy.

It's the only way to live. No rent, no taxes, no nothin'.

Running water? A whole river of it.

Hear that?

That's what I like the best, them train whistles.

They remind you of other places. Don't you love the sound of it?

- It's a scary kind of noise. - Nah.

Nah...

Gangway! Get out of my way! Here I come! That's what it says.

Like a long-distance call.

Come on.

- Hi, Frank. - Hello, Bill.

Which one of these houses do you live in?

No, no. Mostly, I sleep in the open.

When it rains, I take my choice. They're all my pals here. I can bunk with anyone.

- They must be swell people. - The best!

You know, it's funny. When people got nothin', they act like human beings.

We get along swell here. It's just like one big, happy family,

I can't pay you if I ain't got it today.

- Yeah, well, I'll find some way to collect. - Yeah, what'll you do? Sue me?

I don't let nobody cheat me out of what they owe me.

I didn't say I wouldn't pay...

You had the money a dozen times but you ain't got no intention of payin'.

Ya crummy heel!

Go on, you cheap moocha, before I slap you down.

Hold it, Bragg. What's the matter?

I can't pay her what I ain't got, can I?

Well, it just so happens I got paid off tonight.

There you are, Floss.

Come on, scram.

Now you owe it to me, Bragg.

They're just kidding. Down in the house, they're crazy about one another.

I was going to ask Flossy to put you up for the night, but maybe that's no good.

If she spends that dough for gin, she might not be much of a room-mate.

- I could sleep in the open, I guess. - Nah, nah, that takes practice.

I got it. I got an idea. Follow me.

What's the good word, Ira?

And seeing the multitudes, He went up into the mountain.

And His disciples came unto Him, and he taught them, saying...

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

That's the good word.

That looks like that bible I swiped out of a hotel last week.

The good word is free.

I only wish I could get you to read it, William.

I did. I skimmed through it one night.

Kinda repetitious in spots, but there's good readin' in it.

Ira, I want you to meet Whosis.

Ira here used to be a minister. Now, he's a night watchman.

- How do you do? - Nicely, thank you.

Yeah, nicely, except she ain't got a place to sleep.

I thought maybe after you checked out, she could park here for the night.

- You're welcome. - What time do you go to work?

- 11:30. - Alright, you check in about 12.

- I thank you from the bottom of my heart. - Nuts! Come on.

The reason I like to sleep on that barge is because there's no roof on it.

Oh, it must be wonderful with the water rocking it. Like a cradle, sorta...

Look at them ships down there with the sails on 'em.

Oh, they look so peaceful and contented, like.

Go on, they've been layin' there for years, rotting away with barnacles.

That's what happens to you when you're anchored.

- Still and all, it's restful. - Restful? So is a graveyard.

- Where are you? - Here.

Where?

Here!

What are you doing?

Taking off my clothes.

What are you doin' that for?

Warm as milk. Come on in.

I would if I had a bathing suit.

What do you want me to do? Come up there and throw you in, clothes and all?

No!

- I'll race you. - Where to?

- To the moon. - Alright.

Where do you get all that energy from?

Every time I see you, you're workin'.

Well, Bill's particular. Anything that goes next to his skin's got to be clean.

You know, I expect he's the cleanest man in the world, Floss.

One of these days, he's going to buy me a washing machine.

But that ain't so important just yet. The main thing is the stove.

What's the matter with the one you got?

I can only make stew on it.

I could cook Bill some wonderful things if I had a real stove.

- He's gonna get me one soon. - When?

Pretty soon. As soon as he gets the money.

Who ever heard of a bindlestiff getting money?

What's a bindlestiff?

A guy who can't stay put.

Except maybe in jail.

Well, Bill's no bindlestiff.

He can make all the money he wants if he wants to. He's got personality, he has.

He's different.

If he were different, would he keep you in a dump like this?

Oh, Flossy, how can you say things like that?

This ain't a dump. Not to me, it ain't.

It's sort of um... uh...

What do you call them places in the street where people can stay till the traffic's safe?

Safety zones.

Safety zones, that's it.

That's just how I feel about this place.

Like a sort of a clearing in the forest.

Where everything is quiet, and safe, and peaceful.

That's the only thing I don't like. Them train whistles.

They plague the life out of you, night and day.

Now, what's that?

That's Bill's idea. He can't stand sleepin' under a roof.

Oh well, that's alright for him.

But what about you, huh?

You'll catch a cold one of these days. I've had one ever since I've been here.

You don't happen to have somethin' around that's good for a cold?

A little scotch or rum?

- Maybe a little gin? - Nope.

Does that guy give you anythin'?

He gives me everything, Flossy.

Everything anyone could want.

Exceptin' a stove...

Who let you out? What are you doin' here?

I, uh... I was just admiring that stove. That one.

It's beautiful, ain't it? And cheap too. Only five dollars.

Five dollars down, and only two dollars a month for 12 months. No interest.

No interest is right, as far as I'm concerned.

I don't go for anything on the installment plan.

You know, in a year, that stove could be ours.

A year? You think I'm going to hang around this town a year?

I never play any town more than 30 days.

I've been hanging around here too long as it is.

It's such a beautiful, all-round kind of a stove.

Forget it.

Course, we could start with one of the smaller ones.

By payin' only two dollars down, and only a dollar a month.

Forget it!

What's for supper tonight?

Go on home.

Bill!

Go on home.

Hey, Bragg.

I've been lookin' for you. Where's that two bucks you owe me?

What are you houndin' me for? It's only a week's...

- I'm no Flossy. It don't pay to stall me. - Stall you?

Well, I've been workin' my head off trying to get the dough to pay you back.

- I'm workin' right now. - You don't look it. What kind of work?

Servin' a summons. What I mean is, tryin' to serve a summons.

You get two bucks a throw. This one's so tough there's a bonus goes with it.

Ten bucks for this one.

Well, why don't you serve it and get your money?

Why don't I? What do you suppose I've been tryin' to do for three days?

It's for a dame in a show. You can't get to her.

- What do you mean, you can't get to her? - She's got a bodyguard.

What do you have to do with the summons?

Just hand it to the party it's made out for.

Let me see it.

For handin' this hunk of paper to a dame, you get 10 bucks?

- Cash! - And you can't do it?

I ain't the only one. I'm the third guy that's tried this week.

Ten bucks, huh?

Suppose I serve it for you, I could use five bucks. Will you split?

I tell you, it's impossible. You can't get to her.

She's got a bunch of gorillas around her day and night.

Will you split?

Sure, but you can't get to her.

Well, it's great, it's grand.

Something unexpected always has the best effect, so try to understand.

And cut out your promises, baby, and give me a big surprise.

Do what your mama says, baby. Kiss me and then...

Kiss me again.

Your love has got that... ooh... to it.

Oh, how it satisfies.

I'm used to pettin', but when you do it... oh, surprise.

Oh, come a little closer, dear, tell me what I want to hear.

You could never over-sell me, when you tell me those little white lies.

Baby, you've got me hopin' and schemin', please let me shut my eyes.

So when I open them, I'll start screamin'... Ah! Surprise!

Oh, cut out your promises, baby, give me that big surprise.

Do what your mama says, baby.

You're out of school, oh, kiss me, my fool.

Your love has got that... ooh... to it.

Oh, how it satisfies.

Now I'm used to pettin', but when you do it... oh, surprise.

Come a little closer, dear.

Tell me what I want to hear. You could never over-sell me

When you tell me those little white lies.

Oh, baby, you've got me hopin' and schemin'.

Please let me shut my eyes.

So when I open them, I'll start screamin'... Ah...

Surprise!

Why... what's that?

That's a summons. And you can't say I didn't have witnesses either.

Nice little act you got there, baby.

Where do you think you're going?

- I think I'm going to buy a stove. - I think you'll need a stretcher.

What's this here?

Oh, Ira gave me that. He wants me to read it when I've got nothing else to do.

Oh.

You're a heck of a lookin' woman for a guy like me.

Mm-hmm. I know this isn't going to be a very good stew.

Look at you. Skinny as a rail.

I'd say that's just what I did. I put those potatoes in too soon.

Who wants to grab hold of a load of bones?

That's all you are, bones. You know that, don't you?

Yeah, but I'm young, kinda...

That don't make no difference.

Maybe it does. Maybe I'll sorta fill out, after.

No... you'll never look like a woman.

You ain't got it in you ever to look like one.

What difference does it make as long as you're good to me?

I ain't good to you. Don't get that idea in your nut.

It's what spoils 'em, being good to 'em.

You got to step on it if you want to stay with me, or get your teeth knocked out.

Haha!

Hmm, I think I ought to knock 'em out anyway.

Come here.

Oh, Bill, what happened to your forehead?

Never mind my forehead.

Little old Whosis.

You dames get some phony ideas alright, don't you.

Go on, go to work. And if that stew is burnt, I'll pour it down your back.

- Hey, what do you want to do? Break it? - No, no. Take it easy.

No, we're just looking it over.

Hey, stupid.

Oh... Bill.

Oh, Bill.

Ahh.

Bill, I...

Hiya, mug!

Gee, Stilts, where you been? Thought you died or something.

- Where are the Yanks playin' this week? - Chicago.

Alright.

You told me you wanted Babe Ruth to autograph a baseball for you, didn't you?

Well, I had to put it up to him, didn't I.

Did he, did he, do it?

Close your eyes.

Come on, come on. Quit kidding around. Close 'em tight.

Now open 'em.

Gee, thanks Stilts.

Gee, Stilts.

Yeah, I... I had to go all the way to Chicago to talk to the Babe.

Hop a freight?

Yeah, yeah. Rode the rods all the way. Ain't got the cinders out of my hair yet.

Did Babe write this himself?

Why, certainly... in person.

Thanks, Stilts.

And some will hide away... and be happy.

For just a stolen hour or two.

I'd give a lot if I could simplify this mess we're going through.

How much longer must I long... for... you.

That's it.

Hey... you!

Well... big boy!

- Got any more summons for me? - Not today.

Did you know I called up the lawyers' office,

and gave word I wanted to see the guy that served those papers on me?

Yeah.

They sent me somebody by the name of "Bragg".

I asked him to get in touch with you. Did he?

Yeah.

- Why didn't you look me up? - I was busy.

What doing? Stilt walking? What's the idea of the ballyhoo rig?

Well, I tell you lady, it's like this.

There's this hardware store that sold a stove to a friend on the installment plan.

And today's the first of the month.

I get a dollar an hour for this particular brand of street-walking.

I need two bucks, so I'm going to walk for two hours.

So how would you like to hear the story of my life?

I'd love to.

What are you doing this afternoon?

Anything that appeals to me.

I'm in suite 1242 at The Towers.

Ha?

The number's on on the door.

Where's Bill?

- Out somewhere. - Where?

I don't know.

That's a fine man you picked yourself, kid.

Yeah, well he suits me.

Yeah, but do you suit him?

You wouldn't think so, the way he's always playin' you down.

- Crabbin' how skinny you are. - Well I am skinny,

No you're not. You're slim.

But not skinny.

I know what I'm talkin' about.

You better not let Bill find that out. He's got a temper, he has.

He's likely to break you in half. Right smack in half.

Oh, no, he won't.

Bill's too busy.

Busy with what?

All I know is there's a blond actress been on his trail lately.

Well, what about it?

You don't care if he goes out with other women?

He can go out with 40 women if he wants to. I've got him.

Not that I believe you. Bill's no cheat.

If he wanted anyone else, he'd come to me first and tell me about it.

Well, if he ever does, you know where I'm at.

You?

If I'd never even met Bill,

and you were the last person in the world, you couldn't get me.

Now, how do you like that?

Swell. Gives me something to work on.

Different men work in different ways. Me, I got one principle.

- Take your time. - I don't want to listen to you anymore.

Get out of here, Bragg, and stay out!

Sure.

There's no hurry.

So, when you served those papers on me,

you let me in for a suit for 10,000 smackers for "alienation of affection".

What do you want to go around alienating affections for?

Well, the guy angeled my act.

Can't get backing without some kind of an I.O.U.

What do you want from me? More backing?

No... you're not the angel type.

What's the party for, then?

Just to get acquainted.

You certainly shut up the guys that were meant to keep the bailiffs away from me.

Midgets!

Well, I gave them the air.

I'm in the market for a new bodyguard now.

You don't need a bodyguard. You look like you can take care of yourself.

I always have.

Oh, it looks like rain and there's only five shows today.

You don't have to be afraid of me. I've got nothing up my sleeve. Honest.

Nothin' I haven't seen.

- How old are you, honey? - Old enough to know better.

You know...

I've got an idea that I won't be around here when that suit against me comes up.

- I've got a chance to go to London. - London? You might as well stay home.

Italy! That's the place. Was you ever in Italy?

- No. Were you? - No, but I'm goin'.

Boy, there's a place, Italy.

All they do over there is ride in boats and play guitars.

I met a little Italian tomato once.

Boy, was she able...

Ever since then I've had a yen to go to Italy.

You know, a guy can do himself a lot of good over there.

I bet you know all about women.

- I know one thing about 'em. All of 'em. - What?

They're all female.

- Is that a compliment or a fact? - It's a fact.

- You're a funny sort of a beetle. - No kiddin'.

Hello, Bill.

Your dinner got cold so I put it back in the stove to warm up.

I had dinner.

Kind of hot today, wasn't it?

Why don't you say what's on your mind?

Why don't you squawk 'cause I come home late for dinner?

It's alright to come home late, Bill.

Maybe I shoulda telephoned.

How could you with no phone in the house?

I suppose I ought to make up excuses for being late...

Listen, Bill.

You don't have to make any excuses to me for anything.

You know you don't. You're your own boss, Bill.

- You're damn right I am. - Sure you are.

- Did you pay the installment on the stove? - Yeah.

Here's the receipt.

Now, you see how easy it is?

Only nine months more, and that stove's gonna be ours.

Oh, I bet you're tired.

Come on, honey, lie down.

Hey, you big butterfingered palooka!

Aw gee, Red, something must have got in my eye.

Yeah, freight cars. You gotta keep your mind on the game and not the trains.

Oh, listen, Red...

I don't want any excuses. Something's come over you in the last couple of weeks.

You've been no good to us.

Don't I get another chance?

No! Give me your glove. You're through.

Hey, Slacks.

- Oh listen, Red... - Go on... scram. Come on, fellas.

How you doin', Ira?

Oh... coming along.

Dang weeds grow as fast as you can pull them.

That's a dire-looking layout if I ever saw one.

Hey, you have to give them time to come up.

There's no special hurry.

What kind of a dingus you call that? That tired one there.

That one? That's a zinnia. They're all zinnias.

What'll you take for that little old sleeping one?

Nothing. I don't want to sell any.

Give you a dime for it.

I'd rather keep them if you don't mind, Bill.

I'd just as soon wait until they come up a little stronger.

Then you can have all you want.

See you later, Ira.

You know, if this keeps up, Ira, the neighbors are going to be talking.

Let 'em talk.

The more time Flossy spends with me, the less time she'll have to get into trouble.

How about that dandelion wine you're always brewin'?

The more of that dandelion wine Flossy drinks, the less gin she'll drink.

You got weird ideas of reform, ain't you.

What you trying to make a pen-knife out of a battle-axe for?

Sounds kind of foolish to me.

God chose the foolish things in the world that he might shame those that are wise.

And He chose the weak things in the world that he might shame those that are strong.

That's in that bible you got me, son. Corinthians, 1:26.

Wait... I'll show it to you.

- Quit that singin', will you. - Why?

- What have you got to sing about? - Can I help it if I feel good?

- What about? - Everything.

Everything. That's Bill.

- You're stuck on him, ain't you? - He's been good to me, Bill has.

Yeah... he ain't sick of you yet.

But wait. The first thing that goes wrong, out... out!

You're talking to someone what's had dealings, kid... dealings!

Oh, maybe he won't be that way with me.

You don't know your men, I can see that. You'll find out.

If Bill does get tired of me, I...

I mean, if he does...

Oh, maybe he won't.

- Suppose I get some dough? - That'll be never.

Is that so?

Say, I cut you in for 50 percent of that summons money, didn't I?

How'd you like to come in for 50 percent on another job?

A job where your cut'll be five grand, instead of five bucks.

- What kind of a job? - That toy factory I was talkin' about.

They fired me, didn't they. Why didn't they fire Ira?

He's always asleep on the job.

They took the bread right out of my mouth, didn't they?

They owe me something, and I'm gonna collect.

Get this, Bill. They got an old tin-can they call a safe.

I know the dump backwards.

Every Friday, they get in 10 grand for the payroll...

and it stays in the safe until Saturday noon.

It would be a pushover, Bill, if you went in with me.

Five grand a piece, Bill! What do you say?

In the first place, what do I want with five grand?

And in the second place, if I did want the dough, I'd go out and make it.

And in the third place, Bragg...

Trina tells me you been hanging around while I've been away and she don't like it.

I told her I'd speak to you about it.

There's only one language you can understand, Bragg.

That's it.

Bill!

- Did it hurt? - Not when you don't mean it.

What would you do if I really slugged you hard?

Bill, you like being with me, don't you?

I ain't so nuts about you. You're pretty skinny.

Come on, let me go.

- You ain't tired of me yet, are you? - Let me go, I tell you, before I sock you.

Oh!

Oh, Bill!

Darling.

He's awful strong.

Come on, dish up the grub, will you. I'm starving.

Yes, sir.

Hi Floss, how's tricks?

Pickin' up.

Here.

Flossy... supper's ready.

I'm not hungry, thanks, Ira.

Hey, what's the idea?

What kind of a thing is this? That's a fine thing to pull out of a man's soup.

What kind of a mess is this? You can find anything in here. A pair of old shoes?

Oh, Bill, that's one of Ira's flowers. And you got it for me!

- I found it in the soup, I tell you. - What kind is it?

Don't you really know what flower it is? No kidding?

Are you dumb. It's a whadayacallem. It's an... exenia.

Zinnias.

I don't care what kind it is, it's pretty.

- Throw it away, it's a measly little one. - No.

Throw it away, I tell you!

I'll get you a bunch of them. Nice big ones. That kind have even got a smell.

Oh Bill, don't.

Now, see here, Bill.

- What's that for? - That's that dime I owe you.

I bought a flower from you. What's the matter with you? Can't you remember?

- I never sold you no flower. - He got it for me, Ira.

It's awful pretty. Maybe I'll plant some too, if Bill decides we'll stay here.

Don't worry about that.

Now, I can't have you pickin' 'em like this, Bill.

Of course, seein' as you got it for Trina...

But I'll have to ask you not to do it no more.

- Oh, come on, Ira, take it. - No.

I ain't in the flower business.

God never meant for flowers to be sold.

Susan said that, and Susan was close to God.

She was, huh?

Yes, Susan walked hand in hand with God all her life.

If anybody's with Him, she is.

Right there in the fold. Right by His side.

She led a beautiful life, always a-singin' of His praises.

Baskin' in His glory.

Yeah?

When you can make wine out of dandelions...

I can believe in it.

Come on Ira. My tongue's hanging out.

I guess it's alright about the flower.

Some more, Bill?

No, I ain't hungry.

What do you keep this thing closed all the time for?

I thought it might rain or something.

Supposin' it does rain? Rain won't hurt you. It's good for you.

It makes you grow. Open it up.

Bill.

Why do you always keep lookin' through that hole for?

Why?

When you're dead, you get a hunk of earth.

When you're alive, you want to hang on to your hunk of blue.

That's all I got in the world. That's all anybody's got, is that hunk of blue.

- Bill, what Ira said, I... - What?

I've been thinkin' that...

There couldn't be any heaven much better than this, could there?

I mean, when it's quiet all round, and we're close like now.

You know, I never noticed it before, but your eyes are sky-colored, sorta...

You got a hunk of blue in each little glim, ain't ya?

But that don't stop me from clouting you on the chin any minute.

Climb in here.

You're alright. You're a swell kid, I like you plenty.

- Do you, Bill? - Hmm.

But don't get to figurin' on that too much.

Because how much I like a woman ain't nothin' to bet money on.

I'm liable to be all steamed up about you today and washed up tomorrow.

I've been tangled up with a woman before.

Yeah... I guess you must have known lots of women.

Nicer ones too, I'll bet. Bigger and fatter, huh?

Fatter, yeah... but not nicer.

You ain't so bad.

You know, a little more meat on you, and you'd be lots of woman.

You're okay. You suit me fine now.

- Do I, Bill? - Mm-hmm.

But maybe you won't tomorrow, see.

So, you got to kinda watch yourself on that account.

Don't get yourself in too deep.

But what if you do sometime, and you can't help it? What then?

That's the way it goes.

Just gotta learn to take it, and laugh it off.

You mean, Bill, that you're going to...

You said I'd have to take it.

No... not you. I don't mean you.

I mean anybody. Anybody that gets it.

Well...

No, I don't mean you... yet.

But I'm apt to hand it to you any day.

Who knows?

Suppose I wake up some morning with a taste like wet hen-feathers in my mouth?

You know, women don't look so good on them mornings.

I'm just as apt to give you a good push in the face,

and take a stroll for myself, as not to.

Maybe that won't be right away. I mean, not tomorrow, quite so soon, huh?

You can't tell.

Never know how a guy's gonna feel.

Just wake up some morning, like I told you, and there he goes.

But all men don't do that.

No, but then it don't feel like it.

- Or maybe they just can't get away. - Why can't they?

A guy can have a lot of reasons.

Bill... you like babies, don't you?

What's the difference whether I like 'em or not?

- It makes a big difference if you didn't. - Why?

Because you're going to have one.

Oh I've known it for a long time now and I...

I thought I'd be afraid to tell you, but now I ain't afraid of nothin'.

Oh please Bill, don't say nothin' until I finish.

I want you to know somethin'.

It's your baby and it's mine. I'm willing to take all the blame for it.

I've been meaning to tell you it all, but, pretty soon you'd know it anyway.

It's just too grand and wonderful to keep to myself.

You can't understand it, Bill, you're a man. Please, Bill!

You needn't look at me that way, darling. I ain't afraid of you.

I've changed a lot. Only a little while ago, I was all alone.

And then you came along and there was two of us, and now there's three of us.

You can never leave me now, Bill, never. Even if you go away, I've got you now.

No matter where you go or what you do, I've got you, Bill. You're permanent!

There... it looks alright.

I was just over the shack. Flossy told me I'd find you here.

I had to do the shopping for tomorrow's supper.

- Whose supper? - Yours.

How do you know I'll be here?

In case you are.

Suppose I don't show up tomorrow? Tomorrow or ever?

Well I... I guess I'd just be lonesome, like I was before I met you.

But it won't be the same, exactly.

You see, I've got something to look forward to now.

Yeah, I'll say you have.

I'll never be lonesome when my son comes.

- How do you know it's gonna be a son? - I prayed for a son.

I thought you didn't believe in that kind of stuff.

- Sure I did! - You told me you didn't.

I lied.

I was afraid you'd be sore at me.

I guess you're sore now, though, ain't you?

- Why should I be, it's your funeral. - Sure, it's my funeral.

But I'm going to stand on my own two feet now.

I'm going to bring my son into the world, and take care of him, and love him always.

- I suppose as far as I'm concerned... - You too, always.

That goes without saying. But you're a free man, Bill.

- As free as a bird, remember that. - I'll remember it.

Whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

That's it, I guess.

It would have looked better, Ira, if you wasn't packin' that heat.

Oh... I'm sorry.

I was on my way to work when Bill came and asked me to perform the ceremony.

Of course it ain't a church, but the words are the same, no matter who says them.

And in the eyes of God, you're man... and wife.

Man... and wife.

Thank you for the dress, Ira.

- I'll bring it back in the morning. - No, Trina, you keep it.

You look just like Susan looked when she wore that dress... 40 years ago.

It's... laid in my trunk a long time.

I guess it ain't much use now, it's so old-fashioned, but...

it... sort of suits you, Trina.

We'll call it a wedding present.

Well, I've got to go now.

Hey, come on, come on, come on! Get up, Bragg.

- What is it? - Now, listen.

I got to scram out of here right away, see. Tonight.

But I can't go unless I leave some dough behind. Enough to take care of someone.

A couple of people... and yeah, for a long time.

I got to have plenty of dough, see.

- I ain't got a dime, Bill. Not a dime. - No, but you know where to get it.

Oh...

Come on, come on. Get out of it!

What did I tell you? I can open it with a nail file.

Look at this gadget.

Wait until I wind him up and see what he does.

What are we here for? To kick in this door, or play with toys? Come on.

Here, give me that. What you want to do? Wake up the old geezer?

If this wakes him up, what do you think's going to happen when you blow that safe?

He's locked in his office, ain't he? By the time he gets here, we'll be gone.

Now put that thing back, and give me a hand.

If he wakes up, we'll be in a tough spot without a gun or anything.

I still think you ought to go and tap him on the head like I told you to.

I'd feel a lot better if he was gagged and tied up.

Nah, Ira wouldn't hurt a fly.

Just the same, I think you'd better go over and open up that window there.

What? We're three storeys up, ain't we?

There's a fire escape.

Boy, it sure is a swell night out.

You can see the whole river from here.

The moon sure looks slick in that water.

Maybe when I blow out of here, I'll hit the waves instead of the ties.

Maybe on a freighter.

You ever get the smell of those ships that come in from China and them places?

I wonder what little old Whosis is doing?

I think I'll take this thingus home to her. She can give it to the kid.

She ought to get by okay now, with the dough I'm going to give her.

- Hey, how are you coming there, goofus? - Give me 60 seconds.

Look out!

Yeah, it's me. Me!

For a guy that reads bibles and raises posies you shoot pretty straight, don't you?

You old son-of-a-bitch! You might have killed me!

Serve you right if I did! Somebody ought to teach you a lesson!

Young squirt going around robbin' places.

Yeah, it is kind of a low-down business at that, ain't it?

Maybe if you needed the dough as bad as I did, you wouldn't be so particular.

Who was that fellow with you? The one that got away?

I don't remember the name. I never saw the guy before tonight.

You may as well hand over that gun peaceful, and surrender.

I'll see that the law deals easy with you.

They ain't going to deal with me at all.

What did you expect to find in there if you did get it open?

- Apples! - Lemons, more likely.

You wouldn't find any money in there. Not in that old cracker-box.

If it was the payroll money you were after, it's in the safe in the other office.

Do you know the combination?

If I did, I wouldn't tell you.

Maybe you would if I shoved this gun down your gullet.

Go on, try it!

If you've got guts enough to kill a man in cold blood, I've got the guts to take it.

Yeah, I guess you have at that.

You're alright. I wouldn't hurt you.

If I knocked you over, what would become of all them posies?

Well, what's the matter with you, Pop? What are you looking so sour about?

- Are you disappointed in me? - No.

It's not you I'm thinking of. I'm thinking of your wife.

Huh?

Your wife, Trina.

Oh!

What's that?

- What is that? - Somebody set off the burglar alarm.

There'll be police all over the place in five minutes.

What are you waiting for? Go on! Get goin'!

The cops'll be here in a few minutes.

Trina!

- What do you want? - I got news for you.

Bad news! It's about Bill. He's in trouble.

Come on in. I don't want nobody to hear but you.

What is it?

What is it, Bragg?

Your boyfriend got nabbed robbin' the safe at the toy factory.

- They caught him with the goods. - Oh, no, you're jokin'.

Bill wouldn't do a thing like that. Bill's no thief.

That's it. Steppin' out of his class. That's why he got caught.

He got shot, too, trying to get away.

Wait a minute, honey.

Don't get upset, that ain't all I got to tell you.

Now you've got nothing to worry about. He may go up the river for a spell, but...

I'll still be around.

I'll always be around, baby, to take care of you.

Let me out of here! No!

Sure...

There's no hurry. I'll be here.

Only with Bill in the jug, you're going to need a man around.

You might as well forget Bill for a while.

He's gone, ain't he... I tell you he's gone.

You're a liar, Bragg, he ain't gone.

Bill just got home. I seen him go into the shack a few minutes ago.

Bill!

Oh, Bill!

- Bill! - Get away.

That was mighty decent of you, Bragg, to offer to take care of Trina.

I didn't think it was in you.

Well, she's a kind of helpless little thing, the sort that needs lookin' after by a man.

Sure.

What's the matter with Bill?

He won't be around. Didn't he crack a crab?

He got away, didn't he?

For how long? The cops'll be down here after him.

How do you know?

I got a hunch.

It's nothing I tell you, just grazed me a little, clawed a little meat off.

What's eating you? You'd think it was you that got drilled instead of me.

I wish it was.

Oh, why did you do it, Bill? Why?

Well, I couldn't leave you high and dry, could I?

The dough would have taken care of you swell, but I flopped.

I'm glad you did.

I wouldn't have taken that money anyway. I'd have given it back.

How did you expect to get along? It takes money to have a kid, don't it?

For a strong man, you're awful afraid of a little thing that ain't even born yet.

My goodness, Bill.

If I'd known it would have scared you that much, I never would have told you.

I'd have just gone away myself some place.

I didn't know you were such a coward, darling.

- A coward? - Sure. Afraid of a baby.

Why, it's the most natural thing in the world, you big fool.

They're born all the time, and...

if they happen to be men-kids, they just never grow up.

They just keep reachin' for the clouds and...

listenin' to train whistles.

There... how's that?

Bill... you know that song that goes...

"Fish got to swim, bird's got to fly"?

Oh, you big silly. Robbin' a safe when you always said you had no use for money.

- It wasn't for me. - For me... I know.

But I don't need it.

I don't need anything. I don't even need you, Bill.

Ain't as if you ever said you loved me.

You never did, and I don't blame you.

I know what I've done to you, Bill. I've...

I've pulled you down and messed up your plans, but I didn't mean to.

Honest, I didn't.

You can go, sweetheart, and stay away as long as you like.

Just for a visit, sorta...

You may get lonesome.

Curious, and want to know what your son looks like.

Gosh, even... even birds can't fly all the time.

They get... tired and have to come home.

It's that nest they seek.

Sweetheart... sweetheart, please, please, Bill.

Bill, I'll do anything.

Bill, please, I want you to be happy, darling, I want to you to feel right.

Listen, Bill. Bill, I'll do anything.

I'll even give up the kid, if you'll only be happy.

Oh, darling.

Pardon me.

Bragg tells me that you took Ira's gun away from him.

- Better give it to me. - What for?

Well, if the cops come down here and find that gun on you,

it might come under the head of "damaging evidence".

What makes you think the cops are gonna be here?

I've got some inside information from a stool-pigeon friend of mine.

Give me that gun.

Now, Mr Bindlestiff, your flight's waitin'. You better hop aboard.

What for?

- You've gotta go before the cops come. - No, I'm stickin' around.

Bragg tells me... that you did this job to get the dough for Trina.

So that you could get away.

And now we're stickin' around here in this house, and you want to linger?

That don't make no sense.

Maybe it don't.

But I ain't going to leave little old Whosis.

Why, you poor sap.

Why don't you take her with you? You never thought of that?

No.

You better not stop to pack.

Well?

I convinced him.

- He's hoppin' the next freight out. - Good.

I didn't say anything about her going.

No. That was my idea.

Yeah, well, he ain't going to get away with it.

I got the goods on Bill.

They'll pick 'em up before they leave the camp. The both of them.

Not unless you squawk, Bragg.

Well, I'm gonna squawk. For the good of the camp, I'm gonna squawk.

We don't want that kind of guy around here. He'll always be bringin' the cops around.

He's a criminal, he is.

And I'm thinkin' of that poor little girl.

What kind of a life would she lead, with a mug like Bill?

I'm goin' right out now and tell 'em.

You ain't gonna squawk.

For the simple reason... stiffs don't squawk.

Flossy, don't point that at me. You're drunk.

If somebody was to search the whole country...

the whole world...

they couldn't find two more useless...

more no-good people, than you and me.

You wouldn't commit murder!

Oh... this ain't murder.

This is just house-cleaning.

Now, now, Bragg... stop your shakin'.

It won't hurt.

You'll be where you belong, and...

- ... me. - Flossy!

I'll certainly miss it.

It was a beautiful stove.

Ah, you can always get another one on the installment plan. A better one, too.

August, September, October, November...

December... December it is.

A perfect Christmas present, huh, Bill?

Bill!

Ah, you don't have to be afraid of that no more, Whosis.