Original subtitles

Uh, this is regarding A manuscript

I submitted last week.

Uh, I know you receive a Good number of submissions,

And I just wanted to be sure

It didn't get lost among The lesser efforts.

Uh-huh.

Well, I appreciate That very much.

Bye.

Another venture Into the literary field?

Uh, I finished that Book I started last year.

The one about us?

Uh, "Precinct diary."

Hey.

Yeah, I sent it out

To a few of the Better publishers.

Good luck.

I'm bracing for a bidding war.

They can be messy.

Mmm.

Step inside, please.

Is this going to take long?

I don't know, lady.

Excuse me, will this take long?

I really couldn't say, miss...

Kenton, arlene kenton.

How do you do? I'm captain miller.

This is, uh, william nu.

Mr. Nu.

He doesn't speak english.

Oh. What happened?

There was a traffic Accident... Two mercedes.

He crashed his into hers.

Oh, my god.

Anyway, barn, I don't Believe he owns the car

'cause it's registered to The burmese delegation.

Oh, no. The u.N.

Man could be an Ambassador for all I know.

Uh... Bear with us, mr. Nu.

Wojo, get on the Phone to the delegates.

See if they have insurance.

He'll check on Everything, I'm sure.

Excuse me.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

You do speak english.

Yes, sir.

He didn't to me.

He made me nervous.

It's just his way.

You're with the Burmese delegation?

Yes.

Diplomat?

Domestic.

Yes. 12th precinct. Thank you.

They weren't in yet, So I left a message.

Uh, mr. Nu, you Want to have a seat?

You'll have to give Some further information

To sergeant wojciehowicz.

Captain, I really have To be out of here by noon

To meet a client.

Are you an attorney?

No, investment counselor...

Stocks, bonds, commercial Real estate, precious gems.

Ah, miss kenton,

Wouldn't you like to have A seat over here, please?

Sergeant harris would Be happy to help you.

I really am in a hurry.

He's our fastest worker.

Good.

Occupation... Domestic, right?

Right.

And the name of your employer?

Uh, the man who Pays your salary?

Salary?

Um... The name of the Man you work for.

Oh, mr. Philip azari.

See, that's the guy Who pays your salary.

No. A salary is not necessary.

I am his property.

You mean he owns you?

Yes.

But that's slavery, right?

You want to field this one?

And you're saying That you are owned

- by mr., uh... - azari.

Mr. Azari?

Yes.

How long have you been Involved in this situation?

102 years.

That long?

You see, my grandfather Became indebted

To mr. Azari's family At an early age.

He passed the debt On to my father

And he on to me.

Sounds like a classic Case of debt bondage.

"Debt bondage"?

It's an ancient form Of loan-sharking.

What happens is a Man borrows money,

And then he attempts to Pay it back in physical labor.

But the way the System is set up,

The obligation just Keeps increasing,

And the debt passes On from one generation

To another Generation to another.

This stinks.

It wasn't my idea.

I'm gonna go get azari.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Let's call the delegation

And request Mr. Azari's presence.

Oh. That's good.

Harris, we're dealing With foreign nationals.

There are probably going To be claims of immunity.

This is not such A clear-cut case.

Barney, are you Saying that in 1979...

- harris... One person Can own another...

Harris! Harris, are you Taking miss kenton's statement?

- sure. - thank you.

Is he really a slave?

Mm-hmm.

But that's illegal, isn't it?

We're checking.

Morning, barney.

Ah, inspector. Well, How dapper we look.

I just buried brownie.

Oh, I'm sorry. I-I didn't know.

I guess not.

You missed a lovely Service, barney.

I'm sure it was, I...

Yeah, the ol' Inspector, you know,

Gave him a nice little eulogy.

Then the padre mumbled A few things in latin.

And the organ played "I'll take manhattan."

Brownie's favorite.

Nice tune.

Mm.

♪ I'll take manhattan ♪

♪ the bronx, and staten... ♪

Then, of course, we had The viewing of the corpse.

Oh, well, uh, it's Not necessary...

No, no, no, he Looked great, barney.

Very natural, you know?

First time in 10 Years I seen him

Without that plastic Tube stuck up his...

Look, it's just Tough. It's too hard.

Barney, maybe I better take You into your office, huh?

Hello, william.

Your coat, mr. Azari.

Hey, uh, you don't Have to do that here.

There's no need, william. We won't be staying.

Oh, I wouldn't bet The ranch on that.

Did I tell you, barney?

They're calling me in next Week for a career conference.

You know what that Means, don't ya? Huh?

Yeek! Trying to put The old screws to me.

Trying to force me Into early retirement.

That's not necessarily True, inspector.

Like forrester. Forrester Had the right idea.

Remember?

Got blown up in his Car... 42 years old.

Nobody ever had to tell Him when to hang it up.

You remember the Funeral, barney?

Every cop in new york was there.

The commissioner. The mayor.

Very impressive.

They buried his Badge in a little box.

Yes?

Excuse me, but the u.N. Is here.

Oh, uh, I'll be right Back, inspector.

Uh, I'm captain miller.

Lance parks, u.N. Diplomatic liaison.

And this is mr. Philip azari,

Agricultural consultant For the burmese delegation.

Mr. Azari, how do you do?

Very well, thank you.

I understand there's A small problem

With a traffic mishap.

Oh, please!

Uh, I'm afraid there Are some complications.

Such as?

Such as, um... Driving Without a license,

Leaving the scene Of an accident.

Slavery.

Slavery. Thank you.

As regards the first two points,

We claim diplomatic immunity.

As for the last, we don't Know what you're talking about.

Mr. Azari, according To mr. Nu here...

He is owned by you.

Is that an accurate statement?

I'm due back for the World-hunger luncheon.

I'm sure you can handle Any remaining details.

Let's go, william.

Just hold it!

Mr. Azari...

Captain, william is my employee.

He is under my Supervision. William...

Unh-unh, no "Employee!" This man is free.

You are free! Sit down!

- and you may as well Have a seat, too. - harris.

Captain, now, this will result In the strongest protest.

Who cares?

Wojo!

Well, who cares?

Just stop shouting!

It's not exactly your Typical fender bender.

Captain, I believe

- I can clarify this matter. - please.

William is in my employ as a Result of a debt incurred,

Which he is voluntarily Working off.

But in no sense of The word is he a slave.

Isn't that so, william?

Okay.

Captain, could I have A word, privately?

Would you have A seat, mr. Azari?

Very well.

We will do everything In our power

To see that mr. Azari is as Comfortable as possible,

Won't we?

This way, mr. Parks.

Coffee.

No, thank you.

Ah, inspector! I'm sorry.

You said you'd be Right back, barney.

Uh... We had some Problems come up.

Oh? Hiya.

Inspector frank luger, nypd.

Lance parks, united Nations liaison.

Like your building.

Thank you.

Well, we have some Things to discuss.

Oh. Oh, okay.

I can find someplace Else to sit.

There's a wooden bench Downstairs in the men's room.

- u.N., huh? - right.

You ever meet danny kaye?

No.

Nice talking to you.

- good evening. - inspector.

Understand we got a little "Problem internationale"

Here, huh?

Seems so.

Is this the foreigner In question?

This is mr. Nu from burma.

Burma?

Don't want to hit the road, huh?

Don't want to go back home?

Come in, rangoon.

You are asking me to ignore

A case of slavery In my precinct.

Wait. Let's not Call this slavery.

That's a very loaded term.

Got a better suggestion?

Captain, I have Already told you,

Mr. Azari enjoys complete Diplomatic immunity.

Now let's face it,

Any further pursuit Of this matter

Is only gonna result in Acute embarrassment for you,

The police department, U.S. Government,

And myself.

I am perfectly aware Of the consequences.

All right! Then you understand,

- there's absolutely Nothing you can do. - yes!

All right, good!

That does not Make it any easier.

I sympathize with you.

- I'm sure. - no, I do.

You think my Job's a picnic, huh?

Well, you try to keep 1,100 Raving diplomats happy.

Fanatical marxist.

Right-wing monarchist.

Brooding norwegians.

I see the problem.

And they all want Theater tickets.

Would you like to Have some tea, william?

Oh, man, don't look over there.

Come on, have Yourself a cup of tea.

You need his permission To drink a lousy cup of tea?

You see, man, we're trying To help you out, you know?

But you've got to start Asserting yourself a little.

Unless you want to Be a slave all your life.

I have nothing to compare it to.

Well, look, I mean, Anything's got to be better.

I eat.

So?

I know many who don't.

Look, man, there is more to life

Than just having Something to eat.

Don't you want to be able To do anything you want

Without having to get Somebody else's permission first?

Can you do anything you want?

Why, sure.

Fly?

Well, no, I can't fly.

Neither can I.

Look, man, I am talking

About having some Control over your life.

And that's what Freedom will give me?

Sure.

I mean, if you're Free, you can, uh...

Quit a job if You don't like it...

You can move to another Place if you want to...

Uh, go out and buy yourself A new suit if you feel like it.

And if I don't have enough Money for a new suit?

You can get credit.

That is how my problem started.

Man, just try and Free some people.

Captain!

I assume everything Has been clarified.

Yes, mr. Azari.

So, we are free to go?

- yes. - what?

Mr. Nu, you're released as well.

No!

What do you mean, "No"?

Well, why?

Why? Because we do not Have jurisdiction, that's why.

But aren't we holding him?

No, we are not holding him.

Oh, sure, what do We got to base it on?

The bill of rights, the Emancipation proclamation...

- harris. - flimsy.

Harris, that's enough!

Barn, uh, what About the accident?

What about the accident?

As we have already said,

That is covered by Diplomatic privilege.

Now just hold it a minute!

Wojo, that is enough!

Barn, the man isn't insured!

It's not required.

Oh, yeah? Well, check this out.

"Diplomatic relations Act"... It was passed last year.

And?

And... Let me get to The good part. Here.

"The president shall establish Liability insurance requirements

"To be met by each mission,

"Members of the Mission and their families,

"And individuals Described in section 12

"Of the convention of Privileges and immunities

"Relating to the risks

"Arising from the operation In the united states

Of any motor vehicle, Vessel, or aircraft."

And you are not covered, buddy.

Ridiculous.

Captain, I can't believe

You would pursue Such a piddling matter.

It's a question of jurisdiction.

It's up to sergeant Wojciehowicz now.

So...

I take it you intend to Harass and inconvenience me

As much as possible?

You got it.

What sergeant Wojciehowicz means is...

Set him free.

That is not a problem...

If you wish to assume his debt.

How much is it?

$14,000.

For him?

I see. Words are Easier than action.

Anyone else wish To liberate mr. Nu?

- I'll give you $2,500. - please.

It's a good-faith offer. Let's hear a counter.

- $12,500! - $3,000.

Wait a minute! Wait a minute!

This is ridiculous.

You don't stand around haggling

Over the price of a human being!

Mr. Nu?

Mr. Nu, you have Been strangely silent

During this whole thing.

Uh, you have any opinions One way or the other?

That is difficult to say.

There are other Things to consider.

What william is thinking

Is that the standard Of living he now enjoys

Is considerably higher

Than that of many others In burma who are free.

Oh, william, you need more Than material things to be happy.

Please, miss, no one has Asked for your opinion.

I mean, there's Personal fulfillment...

Love... Intimacy.

Would you shut up?

You shut up!

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

You do not own this lady.

So?

Mr. Nu?

I have been with Mr. Azari all my life...

With enough to Eat, a place to sleep.

I think I would like to Try something different.

Wojo: great.

Now what?

What was the last bid?

$3,000.

Thank you.

Got nothing else to do.

$3,500. Take it or leave it.

$10,000.

Wait a minute.

Mr. Azari, can I, uh, Speak to you privately?

Sticky situation.

- indeed. - yeah.

I mean, with this insurance mess

And the public-relations Standpoint...

I mean, if it ever Got in the papers.

And, you know, from a Pragmatic point of view,

There's nothing worse than a Servant who's tasted freedom.

I mean, next thing you know, They're questioning orders,

Sloughing off Duties, talking back.

Yes, I've noticed that.

Pretty well ruins them.

And when you think about it...

If he don't want to go With you, he don't have to.

Very well.

If it will settle this Bloody situation,

I will forgive the debt.

Hey, hey, hey! How 'bout that?

You're free.

Oh?

Good day, captain.

Mr. Azari.

Goodbye, mr. Azari.

Goodbye, william.

Oh, mr. Parks!

Uh, mr. Parks, mr. Nu is Gonna need another visa.

Oh, no, no, see, I'm with the u.N.,

And he's going to have to Go directly to immigration.

I understand that. I was...

I thought possibly you Could use your influence...

At immigration?

Yes.

Oh, they're crazy over there.

But best of luck to you!

Well... You're free to go.

Where?

Wherever you want.

See, you're free.

Now no one can tell you Where to go or what to do.

Oh.

Oh, miss kenton...

I'd really like to thank you For what you did back there...

I mean, that bidding business.

I enjoy a good tussle.

I was thinking,

Now that mr. Nu is Available at no initial cost...

I mean, someone as busy as you

Might need some help to Take care of the house...

I have a filipino.

Goodbye, william.

I'm sure everything's Going to turn out just fine.

I mean, remember, This is america.

And anything is Possible in america.

Oh, listen, I got to go, Or I'll never get a cab.

Well, there are Always social agencies...

It's okay. I have some Friends here, captain.

We don't want to just... Toss you out in the street.

Please.

It was my decision.

I have no regrets.

Good luck.

Sergeant harris, I'm very grateful.

Hey, you would have Done the same for me.

Sergeant wojciehowicz.

Yeah, uh, take care of yourself.

We're usually here.

Captain.

Mr. Nu.

I am in your debt forever.

Hey, it's nothing.

Barney: ah, inspector.

See you got rid of them Burmese cats, huh, barney?

I was just downstairs

Ironing out a few Administrative problems.

You know, putting a little Light under the uniforms.

Just doing my job, Barney, while I still got it.

Inspector...

No, you want to know Something, barney?

They could call me In tomorrow and say

"Frank luger, get out!"

And it wouldn't Bother me at all...

Because I've had the Privilege and the pleasure

Of working with, and leading, Men of such high caliber.

You guys are the best.

Thanks, inspector.

Right?

Oh, yes, inspector!

I mean, being kicked Off the force...

It ain't the end of The world, barney.

There's still a lot of Good stuff I could do.

Certainly.

Open up a liquor store...

Maybe start a wine ranch...

- inspector... - I'm a cop, barney!

Inspector!

A man of your vast expertise

And long experience In criminal investigation

Should put that to Use when you retire...

Do something where you can

Pass that knowledge Along to others.

Teach others what You've learned.

Forget it, barney.

I'd rather open Up a liquor store.

See you around, huh?

♪ I'll take manhattan ♪

♪ the bronx, and Staten island... ♪