Original subtitles

Why is a wicked woman a fascinating game,

a thing a good man, just can't leave alone.

You know before you started you'll end up broken-hearted,

but still you're like a moth to flame.

Why does a wicked woman have voodoo in her eyes

that casts you in a spell you can't escape.

You know that what she's doing is sure to cause your ruin,

and still you listen to her lies.

When the dice are loaded and the cards are marked and phony,

then why do you want to play?

When the love that you're receiving from her lips is so deceiving,

how come her hand can mold you into clay?

Why is a wicked woman a devil and your friend

ready to waste your heart then you go mad.

She'll up and leave tomorrow, take all in dreadful sorrow,

find a new man and start all over again.

Do you know where Wilkins St. is?

Yeah, about three or four miles from here.

-Looking for a place to live? -Yeah, nothing fancy though.

Well, Gary St. is just loaded with rooming houses. It's only a few blocks from here.

How do I get there?

You go out of the station. Turn right.

Three blocks. You can't miss it.

- Well, thanks a lot. - Anytime, miss.

A girl who roomed here before, had it for almost two years.

She'd still be here if she hadn't got married to a man,

who got transferred to Milwaukee.

Gee, I must remember to have that fixed.

Well, how do you like it?

It's lovely. How much?

Of course it's a little hard to judge now...

...but when you get your own things around, it will make a big difference.

Okay, you sold me. How much?

Six dollars in advance.

You get clean linens and towels, once a week.

Bath's down the hall.

Try to take it easy on the lights.

By the way, what's your name?

Billie Nash.

I'm Mrs. Walters.

Gee, I hate to take your luck, kid.

Tell you what.

I'll save it for you and you can give me a bill for it.

Do me a favor and get rid of it.

All the luck that's brought me, shouldn't happen to a dog.

It's up to you. What you do is your own business,

but I run a respectable house.

And don't forget: every week in advance.

Good evening.

Hi.

I'd say we're going to be neighbors.

That's nice.

I live right across the hall, so if I can ever be of any service...

I'll let you know.

Hey, you gonna be in there all night?

Don't get yourself in an uproar, I'm coming right out.

It's all yours.

Well, it's about time. There's only one bathroom on this floor, you know?

I'll speak to the management.

Have you got change of a quarter? I wanna make a phone call.

Why! Oh... oh, yes, I think so.

Yes. Here we are.

- Thanks. - You... you're very welcome.

Hello, I'm calling about your ad for a waitress.

Oh, I see.

Thanks.

Scratched.

No luck, uh?

I should've known. My horoscope said it was gonna be a bad day.

Could I... could I offer you a glass of sherry?

Oh, I don't wanna interrupt your dinner.

- Oh... oh, please, I insist. - Well, if you insist...

It's nice having company for a change.

A man gets lonesome living alone.

There's nothing much you can do.

Read, listen to the radio,

taking on a movie,

But I don't have to explain that to you. You live alone too.

Sure.

Mmm, that was good. Charlie you're a cook.

I'm glad you like it.

- How about another cup of coffee? - No, thanks, I'm positively full.

Oh, I am beat!

Why don't you stretch out in my big chair for a while and relax?

I'd better be going.

I have to be up in the morning to find a job.

Oh, but it's early yet.

I can hardly keep my eyes open. Some other time, Charlie.

How... how about a nightcap? It'll make you sleep well.

Couldn't hold another drop.

Besides, I'll be asleep as soon as I hit that pillow.

You've been real swell, Charlie. Thanks a lot.

Oh, Billie...

Oh, no, that don't entitle you to no special favors, buster.

Oh, I... I just wanted to say that tonight's been swell and I...

I hope we can do it again soon.

- Why not? - Good night, Billie.

Good night.

We're not open till six.

- Mrs. Bannister? - Yeah.

Mr. Cutler of the employment agency sent me.

Sit down.

Where did you work before?

No place in town. I just came here a few weeks ago to live with my sister.

- You have references? - Mr. Cutler said he'd phone you.

Yeah, he phoned me. Said he's known you a long time and recommends you highly.

That means he knows you a week and he's on the make.

I met him today and I need the job.

What about references?

I did the silliest thing, Mrs. Bannister.

My sister just got married and I lend her my suitcase.

I had all my personal papers in it.

How long would it take you to get them?

Well, I really couldn't say.

They're driving across the country on their honeymoon.

I may not hear from them for a couple of weeks.

I like to know who I'm hiring.

Do you think you could possibly make an exception in this case, Mrs. Bannister?

I spent all my savings in my sister's wedding and I really need the job.

Ever worked in a bar before?

Sure. Some bigger, some smaller.

This pays six dollars a night and tips.

That's fine with me.

We get a steady trade here.

It gets a little rough at times, you gotta know to keep them in line,

- Be nice to them, but no too nice. - I think I can handle it.

So the last girl said.

I'm not the last girl.

Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?

Look, Mrs. Bannister, I've been knocking around ever since I was a kid.

- Can you start tonight at six o'clock? - Sure, the sooner the better.

- How about a drink? - Thanks.

- How do you want it? - Same way.

- To women. - Amen.

Doll yourself up. Wear peasant blouse

and off-the-shoulder sweater types that you know they want.

I'll give it to them.

Say, if I'm gonna be back here by six, I'd better hustle.

Make it a little earlier if you can. What's your name again?

Billie Nash.

Well, good luck, Billie.

- Thanks, Mrs. Bannister. - Make it Dora.

Okay, Dora.

What about my coat, Mr. Borg?

I'll have it ready for you the first thing in the morning, Mrs. Walters.

Hi, Charlie.

Guess what, I've got myself a job today.

So soon? Oh, that's wonderful. Congratulations.

I knew you'd be glad to hear about it.

Look, Charlie I'm sorry if I was a little rude last night, but I was dead tired.

Oh, don't worry about it, Billie. We all get that way at times.

I'll tell you what though.

I'll find out when might I get off and we'll go out and celebrate it.

Just the two of us.

Oh, you'd really do that? You'd go out with me?

Of course I would.

We'll go someplace for dinner, someplace we can dance to make a big night of it.

Oh, I haven't done it in ages. I'm really not even a very good dancer.

Don't worry. I'll teach you all the latest steps.

Sounds wonderful.

Well, I've got to hurry to do some shopping, Charlie. I'll see you later.

- Oh... - What's the matter?

Charlie, do you think you can loan me 20 dollars?

Twenty dollars!

I've got to get a new outfit for the job. I'll pay back next week.

Oh, I don't know... I...

You don't want to go, say so.

Oh, no... It is that... I just don't know if I can spare it now.

Forget it.

Yeah, I guess I can. Here you are, Billie.

Thanks a lot, Charlie. That's really swell of you.

I'll pay it back next week for sure.

Oh, don't worry about it, Billie. And...

find out how soon your night off will be, will you?

Sure, Charlie.

I'm the new girl, Billie Nash.

Yeah, I know. Dora told me.

You can hang your things in the back.

Are you Mr. Bannister?

Yeah.

- Hi, you the new girl? - Yeah.

- I'm Gus. - Hiya, Gus, I'm Billie.

- Gotta do alright here. - I hope so.

- You will. - Thanks.

You've served some drinks before, haven't you?

Sure.

We've got mostly a neighborhood cruddy of steady trade.

They're good drinkers if you don't rush them.

Keep the drinks moving, but don't rush them.

I get it.

Oh, and keep the balls filled with pretzels.

- The more they eat, the more they drink. - I will.

And you'll have to pay me and collect for your own drinks,

so if any stiffs run out on you, it's your tough luck.

Okay, but I don't have any money for change.

Here's twenty.

Sign this receipt.

I'll collect it from tonight.

Anything else you wanna know?

Does your wife job here at night?

Yeah.

Why?

Oh, I was just wondering.

Let me have the pretzels, will you?

- How are you doing? - Fine...

The same, another round.

Come on, Billie, sit down, I wanna talk to you.

Yes, his wife doesn't understand him.

Don't play with the merchandise.

Everything okay?

Sure, Billie, we'll holler when we need you.

Oh, what do you mean? I need her right now.

I only advertise.

I have a feeling she could go for me.

I do too, with a brickbat.

Billie...

- How's it going? - Fine, they're a nice bunch.

You're gonna be all right.

They like you, I can tell. You're gonna be good for business.

- Thanks, I hope so. - Billie...

Give me a double shot, but don't let Matt know.

Sure.

A double bourbon, two ryes and a bottle of beer.

Two and a quarter.

- Thanks a lot. - Saves me some time.

What's this slip for 20 dollars?

- I let Billie have that to change. - Oh, yes, here it is. Thanks.

- How'd you do tonight? - Pretty good, seven and a quarter.

Hey! That's all right! Isn't it, Matt?

Yes, the other girls ever did in the week none but about 5 bucks.

Keep it up. I knew they'd like you.

Get started on the glasses, Billie.

Better order some more hamburgers tomorrow.

Again? We've just got 15 pounds yesterday.

You want I should make them thinner and get complaints?

Okay, okay, I'll order it.

- See you tomorrow. - Good night.

When he makes those sandwiches,

you'd think he's handing them out to his relatives.

You can't expect to make anything in food.

Yeah, we don't have to lose on it.

I think I'd have a shot, Matt.

- Have one with me, Billie? - No, thanks, Dora.

Ah, come on.

- It'll pick you up. - I'll take a rain check.

Don't put it away, Matt.

Why don't you lay it off tonight, Dora?

Haven't I been a good girl?

I told you I wouldn't drink during business hours.

Dora, it's for your own good.

Come on, be a sport.

You can't leave it alone for one night, can you?

Look, don't tell me what to do! If I wanna drink, I'll drink!

You're not getting any more.

How do you dare to tell me what I'm getting?

This place is half mine. Every bump behind that bar is half mine.

Yeah, go ahead, slap it up.

Drink yourself into your grave like your old man did.

Don't you dare talk about my father.

Would you own everything you got

instead of being a lousy bartender if I hadn't married you?

You say so as often as you guzzle your booze.

Can't you tell me to shut up!

How do you like it, Billie?

He doesn't like the stuff, so nobody else is supposed to drink it.

Isn't that just like a man?

Anything they wanna do is alright, but a woman... oh, that's different!

Leave her out of this.

I wasn't talking to you.

Are you sure you won't have one?

Oh, don't let this big slob scare you.

If you feel like having a drink, you have one.

- They want you a lil', Billie? - Don't do that!

What are you trying to do? Scare me to death?

Oh, I'm sorry, Billie, I... I don't mean to frighten you.

Don't ever do that, Charlie. You can give somebody a heart attack.

I just wanted to find out how your new job went.

Okay, but I'm...

so tired now that I don't wanna talk about it. I wanna go to bed.

Did you find out what night you'll have free?

What are you talking about?

You know, the night we're going out together.

Oh, I didn't get a chance to ask about it.

Hey! Hey you two, knock it off, I gotta get some sleep!

Ah, drop dead!

Don't tell me to drop dead!

If you two bawl all the time, then go out to the ball park!

What are you trying to do, Mr. Ronnie? Wake up the whole house?

If you don't wanna sleep, other people do.

What are you yelling at me for?

Tell it to them two eggheads!

What's going on up there? This is a respectable house!

Good night, Billie.

A respectable house! This place is full of bugs!

If you don't like the way I run this house, why don't you move out?

You got a nerve to talk to your tenant that way...

I've got better rat traps than this, it's up the rate...

Shut up! Now, I'd never get to sleep!

You're the one that started all this, you batty clown!

Hollering your head out at this time of the night.

If you loudmouths don't shut up and go back to bed,

I'm coming up there and throwing you out!

- Oh, yeah! - Yeah, you heard it!

This is my house and I'm running it the way I like it!

- Hi, Matt. - Hi Billie.

Just the man I've been looking for.

Do you have the record of "Acapulco Nights"?

Yeah, I think I've got one in the car.

That's a real dud, though. Haven't had much luck with it.

Ah, come on, give it a try. Maybe your luck will change.

You're not from around here, aren't you?

Yeah.

Hey, Matt, your taste's improving.

Okay, I'll put it on. Can't cost me anything but money.

Thanks.

- Get some pretzels from Gus, Billie. - Okay.

- Hi, Gus. - Hi, how are you doing?

Not bad.

-Where are the pretzels? - Up on that shelf.

You can reach them better than me.

What goes with those two anyway?

What do you mean?

They had a little dustup when we were closing up last night.

I thought they were gonna brain each other.

Oh, that's it. You'll get used to it.

She likes to hit the bottle and that makes Matt see red.

But don't let it trouble you.

She's still his wife and nobody knows that better than Matt.

How long have they been married?

Oh... six or seven years.

Matt used to work here. If it hadn't been for him she'd have lost the place.

Her old man was a real boozer of the worst kind.

- Like father like daughter, huh? - Yeah, I guess so.

I keep out of it, though. That's the best way.

And so would you if you're smart.

I've got my own trouble.

Why don't you get rid of that piano and we'll both make a buck?

I couldn't. Clancy wouldn't stand for it.

- Okay, I'll see you next week. - So long.

Hmm, sorry about last night.

Forget it, I understand those things.

She only gets that way when she's drinking.

- Sure, how's she feeling? - Not too hot.

She's not coming in tonight. Gonna stay in bed.

Then I guess just you and me will be closing up tonight, huh?

Hey, Billie...

Bring me another one. I'm getting blind.

Well, don't expect me to lead you home.

- Everything okay? - Couldn't be better.

Better bring us a couple more. They are on him.

Again? I'd better start showing you how.

You can give me lessons anytime, Billie.

No lessons from me, buster. I don't play game.

- Hey, Billie, what do you wanna hear? - Same one.

Aren't you tired of that song yet?

I never get tired of it. It really sends me.

Hello. Just a minute, I'll see if he's here.

Clancy!

Your wife.

He's not here, Mrs. Clancy.

Two ryes, one scotch on the rocks.

One fifty.

I'll hang up that, Matt.

- Might do anything? - No, I think you can rest.

- See you tomorrow. - Good night.

Good night, Gus.

What does this song remind you?

A hot romance or something?

No. Could, though.

You sure play it enough.

I guess it's driving you kind of nuts, huh?

I won't forget it in a hurry.

Drives me kind of nuts too in a way.

Makes me think about Mexico.

You ever been there, Matt?

Uh-oh...

I sure wanna go there.

I wanna go to the bullfight and

sat on the little sidewalk cafes,

drink wine, listen to music...

I wanna dance and...

...make love

and be serenaded...

and lay out in the sun all day.

and get tanned...

not to tanned, though...

They like blondes with fair skin down there.

Mexico City.

Acapulco.

Yeah, yeah, who is it?

It's me, Mrs. Walters.

Go away and let me sleep.

I've got your clean linen.

I'll get them from you later.

I can�t be climbing up the stairs ten times a day. Open up!

Okay, okay, just a minute.

It's alright with me if you want to sleep all day,

but I've got my own work to do.

And a good morning to you, too.

The rent's due. The new week started this morning.

I'm surprised you didn't give it to a collection agency already.

And if it ain't too much trouble, Miss Nash,

don't play your phonograph so loud.

I've been getting complaints from the other tenants.

I realize you've a very exclusive clientele here.

Pass my apologies along to the country-club set.

Excuse me.

Mrs. Walters!

- Hold still now, I'm almost over. - I don't think you got it tight enough.

I'll take it in a little more when I'll sew it.

Don't think I've forgotten about the 20 dollars I owe you, Charlie,

but I just had to get another change for the job.

Oh, I'm not worried about that, Billie. There!

Now be careful of those pins when you take it off.

I will.

Did you... find out about your night off yet?

Oh, I'll find out tonight. The boss said he'll tell me tonight.

You know, there's a new show at the Spaulding.

When you find out the night, I'll get the tickets.

Great. Be sure to get the skirt tighten up, will you, Charlie?

Oh, I will.

You know, if you'd rather, we could just go dancing

and then have dinner at the Coliseum.

Oh, that's okay with me, if you'd rather do that.

Do you think you can have the skirt ready tonight?

Oh, I'll start on right away.

Now I have no preference. We can go ever the Spaulding

or the Coliseum, whichever you say.

- Maybe we'll do both. - Oh, that's a great idea.

And I'll close the shop early that night.

Be sure you'll have the skirt ready tonight, Charlie, I really need it.

I will, Billie.

Two and a quarter.

That guy Cutler from the employment agency's is here.

He's over in the booth.

Oh, him!

Thanks, honey.

One and a quarter.

Oh, my!

This breaks me.

I'll have to tell the lady I got held up.

- Hi. - Hello.

How's everything going, miss Nash?

I didn't do too good the first week.

Oh, I see.

Altogether with salary and tips I made 57 dollars.

Fifty-seven dollars!

I can't help if the tips aren't so good.

Of course.

- Well, maybe they'll improve. - I hope so.

Let's see, that makes a commission of 19 dollars, right?

That's right.

Thanks.

How about having a drink with me?

I can't, it's against the rules.

You've broken the rules before.

Mercy, my buddy, I'm afraid I'll have to prevail upon your good nature

for a little credit for the rest of the evening.

Clancy, you remember what your wife said? "No more cups".

Old Matt, you've misunderstood the good woman completely.

What she meant was "no more cups during..."

Oh, did she know?

Yeah, as a matter of fact, just to know, she said to me:

"Clancy, my darling, she said,

why don't you go down to Matt's place and have this..."

What happened?

He was reaching for something and slipped.

Bannister, this girl assaulted me .

If you ever try that again, I'll really give you a working over.

- Beat it! - Just a minute, Bannister.

- Get out before I throw you! - Take it easy, Matt.

I'd beat it if I were you, mister.

- What's going on? - Nothing, Dora.

This crumbum made a pass at her.

Oh, it's you.

Look, do me a favor, will you? Don't come in here.

- Take your business someplace else. - Gladly.

- You okay, honey? - Sure, Dora.

Is she okay? I thought she fractured his skull.

- I've never seen Matt so sore before. - Me neither.

Let me have another plate, will you, Matt?

Dirty skunk!

Take it easy, these guy's got eyes and ears, you know.

I should have broken his neck.

I can't stand how these guys even look at you.

I know, hon.

We gotta be careful of Dora.

Who cares about Dora?

Loaded again. I don't know where she gets the stuff.

You haven't served her any drinks, have you?

No, I wouldn't do a thing like that.

She must keep a bottle hidden.

Wait till Gus drive her home.

- Gus... - Yeah?

Drive Dora home.

What makes you think I wanna go home?

Because you're no good here. You can hardly stand on your feet.

Ah! You make me sick. You're only a nag, you make me sick to my stomach.

Come on, Gus, take me home.

It's beginning to bore me, anyhow.

- Good night, Billie. - Good night, Dora.

See you tomorrow.

I can't stand it,

I can't stand the thought of you going home with her every night.

It doesn't mean anything. We won't get along anymore.

What if we only go away together, Matt?

Go away? Where?

Mexico.

We'll go to Mexico and we'll do all the things I told you about.

Just the two of us.

I can't leave just like that. What about this place?

I've got a big stake in it.

Sell the place, sell the place, we'll take the money and go to Mexico.

Are you crazy? What do you mean "sell the place"?

What about Dora?

What about Dora!

You hate her, you know you do.

She's nothing but a no-good lush, and you hate her for it.

I don't hate her, I don't say she's no good.

Dora is okay when she's not drinking.

I wouldn't sell this place. It's half hers.

She wouldn't have a quarter if it wasn't for you.

I know all about how her old man drank the place into hock.

You're talking like a lunatic, Billie. Now shut up and stop talking like that.

I'm not gonna sell this place, I'm not going to Mexico or anywhere else.

Okay, okay if that's the way you feel about it.

- Where are you going? - Home. I'm tired.

You gotta work to do.

You love the place so much, you do it. I'm tired and I'm going home.

And another thing:

You can look for a new girl at the end of the week. I'm quitting.

Quitting?

You stay in this hole, you dirt yourself,

but don't expect me to hang around until six feet deep.

Oh, good evening, Billie. You're home a little early aren't you?

Stop keeping a timetable on me. I don't like it, see?

Oh, please, don't be angry.

I'm anxious to know if you found out about your night off.

No, I didn't. I don't attempt. Now get out and stop bothering me.

But what about our date? You said...

I don't care what I said. Get out of here and leave me alone, will you?

Billie, I don't understand you.

Do you think I'd go out with an undersized runt like you?

Don't make me laugh. I wouldn't be caught dead with you.

Don't you dare call me a runt!

Runt! Runt! Runt!

You're nothing but a repulsive old runt!

If you don't keep out of my hair, I'm gonna step on you like a bug.

Now, get out!

Who is it?

It's me, Matt.

Can you come back in a little while?

No, I want to see you right away.

Okay, just a minute.

What do you want?

A guy came to see me a couple of months ago about buying the place.

I'm gonna look him up.

Come here.

I couldn't sleep last night thinking about you.

I'm so crazy about you I don't know what I'm doing.

Oh, that's how it's with me, Matt.

I gotta think of a way of selling without letting Dora know.

Do you have to tell her about it?

Her name is gotta be on the papers.

Why don't you tell her you wanna buy another place, a bigger place.

Maybe she'd go for that.

No, she's attached to this place because of her old man.

She'd never agree to sell.

There's another way, Matt, if you've got the nerve.

Forge it!

You sign her name to the papers.

They put you away a long time for that.

By the time they find out, we'll be in Mexico.

No, they have ways to find you.

They'd trace you down and bring you back. It's too much of a chance.

Then, what are we gonna do, hon?

We're right back where we started.

Give me a little time.

I'll think of something.

You and me together in Mexico. Can't you see how terrific it'll be, Matt?

Yeah.

But don't ever let me hear you talk about leaving again.

I couldn't leave you, Matt.

I couldn't leave if I wanted to.

Hey, Dora, that stove is giving me trouble again.

I thought the guy fixed it.

Yeah, he fixed it so good that it almost caught fire, just you know...

Okay, okay, I'll take care of it. Here's your check.

What is it? My bounty or some?

You gave it to me last night.

- Are you sure? - Sure, I'm sure. Don't you remember?

You gave it to me when I brought you the meat bill.

That's funny!

Yes, you did, all right, here's the meat bill.

It must've slipped my mind.

Come and take a look at that stove, will you?

I don't wanna be responsible for no accidents.

Okay, okay...

Slipped her mind... So drunk she can't remember.

- Have this happened before? - Plenty of times.

When she's loaded, she can do anything.

Then, getting her signature is no problem.

A lot of things can happen. It's too risky.

No, it ain't, Matt. It'll be a chance to get her drunk. I know we can do it.

Let me think about it.

Your star is in its ascendency during this period.

That's this week.

It is an excellent time to make business and financial transactions

and new associations.

Do not pro... procrastinate

or you may sacrifice valuable business opportunities.

See, it's right here in the book, under your sign.

We've got to do it right away, Matt.

I don't believe in that junk.

It ain't junk, you'll be amazed of how many of this things come true.

Some of the biggest people swear by it.

Maybe I'd have to talk to Dora.

Maybe I can get her to sign.

You know she won't. Besides, she may get wise something's up.

She's a pretty smart dame, you know.

I can tell her I wanna divorce, we could sell the place and split the money.

She'll never let you go, Matt.

Or, else, she'd grab all the dough.

Do you think I can get her drunk enough to sign without reading the papers?

Leave Dora to me.

What if she gets suspicious about you slipping her drink?

You haven't done it before.

She won't get suspicious. I'll handle light.

You get the papers and I'll get her signature.

I'd better go see Lowry.

I told him I'll meet him at 11:00.

You sure he wants to buy the place?

Yeah, he wants to buy.

Good luck, hon.

Don't keep Mr. Lowry waiting.

I just put the refrigerator in about a month ago.

It cost me nearly five hundred.

Those booths take up a lot of room.

Tables and chairs might be better.

Yeah, but the crowd I get likes 'em

What do you gross in a month?

About 4,000 average.

Take a look.

- Care for a drink. - No, thanks.

How come you're so anxious to sell all of a sudden?

My wife hasn't been feeling too good. It's too rough on her.

Maybe business is falling off a little too.

You're looking at the figures. They're right up-to-date.

Yeah, but how do I know they're right?

Look, Larry, I don't like cracks like that.

What are you getting sore about? I was only kidding.

I remember though you telling me it was your wife

who was so set on not selling before. - She changed her mind.

Of course, the price you're asking is a little steep.

It's a good buy at $30,000 and you know it.

Maybe it is, but I bought a couple other places since I saw you last

and I'm short on cash.

Of course, if you like to take 10 grand and carry a mortgage.

No, that's off. I want all cash.

The best I can do is 22.5

Maybe I can stretch it to 23.

Stretch it to 25, then it's a deal.

It's a deal. I'll get my lawyer and drop the papers.

It should be ready Wednesday or Thursday.

- Make it Wednesday. - Okay, Wednesday.

I'll get to work on it. I'll see you, Bannister.

So long, Lowry.

On Wednesday night you go to work the same as usual.

There'll be a big stink when you get there

and you're just as surprised as everybody else is

that Lowry's bought the place.

And you're very sympathetic with Dorothy,

but you're still worried about your job.

Lowry will keep you, don't worry about that.

So you stay there a couple of days.

Now you better make that a week. It'll look better.

Then you're getting a beef with Lowry and quit and go back to Chicago.

From there, take a plane to San Antonio and I'll be waiting for you.

Gosh, I'll die being away from you for a whole week, Matt.

We gotta make this look good.

Besides, I need this time to get you some papers to cross the border.

- I'm too excited. - Yeah.

I'm excited. And a little scared too.

Me too. But it'll be worth to run it.

Yeah.

I'll see you tonight, baby.

Here you are, Mrs. Johnson. One way to Fort Worth.

The plane leaves Wednesday at 4:55.

Does your husband have transportation to the airport?

Yes, I'm taking him.

- I hope he has a very nice trip. - Thank you.

Hello.

Yeah, Matt.

What? What happened?

I don't wanna talk over the phone. The whole deal is off, that's all.

Did the party back out?

Can't you give me an idea? She didn't find out, did she?

Look, I've told you I'm not gonna tell you over the phone.

Just get down to the place early tonight.

Okay.

There's a lawyer who gummed it up.

He wants us to sign the papers in his office.

Why didn't you tell Lowry she was sick of something?

I tried that. He said he was willing to postpone it a few days.

- You could've said you're in a rush. - I did, but then he got leery.

He figured out waiting all this time to sell,

a couple of more days wouldn't matter.

Why isn't her signature enough?

I don't know. Maybe Lowry's wise to us.

I'm gonna phone him and call the whole thing off.

What about us, Matt?

Well, I've got a few bucks.

Not enough to go to Mexico, but we can go someplace.

Maybe later we can go to Mexico.

There's never any later, Matt.

Believe me, I know.

Bum around from town to town, living in stinking furnished rooms

there's never any later.

Look, I tried, didn't I? It didn't work.

Lowry expects me to bring Dora to his lawyers at 11:00 tomorrow.

What do you want me to do? Hypnotize her?

Dora! I wish she was dead!

Don't talk like that, Billie.

I wish she was dead and you do too. I can figure when you look at her.

- Don't say that, don't say that! - Why? Because it's true?

You do, don't you. You'd want that she was dead!

The double is for Dora. And keep feeding her too.

One fifty.

I'm not calling in Lowry. I've got something in mind.

- I'll tell you about it later. - What is it?

I can't talk now, can I?

Wait till we get a chance to be alone and keep feeding Dora.

- Is he looking? - No, he's busy at the other end.

This one's on me.

Thanks, I'm sure I need it tonight.

You're a pal, Billie. What would I do without you?

See you next time 'round.

Billie's working too hard.

Why don't you take a night off and have a good time for yourself?

Thanks, Dora. I'd rather make the money.

A good-looking girl like you ought to find yourself a boyfriend.

You're a good kid. You deserve it.

Come on, Dora. Let's get going.

You're way too long, Billie.

The young ones like young girls, but...

the old ones like them even younger.

It's getting late, Dora. Finish your drink.

Don't rush me. Don't rush me.

Okay, let's go.

Give me a hand.

What is it, Matt? Tell me, what's this all about?

I've got to smooth things. She might wake up.

Are you willing to take a chance, a long chance?

Yes, sure, anything. Tell me, what's this all about?

You're going with me to the lawyer's office tomorrow.

You're gonna be Dora Bannister.

Me? Be Dora? We'll never get away with that.

Lowry's never met Dora, he's never even seen her.

You'll sign the papers just like you were her.

- Can you do it? - Yeah, sure, I think so.

No, you can't think so but you gotta know so.

There can't be any false step. She gotta know if we don't try.

- What if something goes wrong? - Well, that's the chance we take.

But nobody'd think we have the nerve to pull anything like this.

- I game. - You bet I game.

Good. I'll see you tomorrow morning at ten.

- Matt... - I'll see you in the morning.

Good night, darling.

Your name is Farnham, not Farment.

Now, don't forget: your legal name is Dora Farnham Bannister.

It's F-A-R-N-H-A-M.

O-Okay, let... let me try it again.

My name is Dora Farnham Bannister.

I was born in Pittsburg, June 16th, 1920.

The name of my parents were Sam and Dorothy Farnham.

My mother died when I was a kid.

I came to live here when I was 14 years old

at 1254 Dawson Street.

I had one brother...

Roy.

I had one brother Roy who was killed in the war.

I now live at 868 Grand Avenue.

We've been living there since we were married in... May 1949.

No, no, no, no, no... That's when your old man died.

We were married October 4th, 1946.

All right, all right! You don't have to snap my head off!

What's it gonna be, anyway, a quiz show?

Billie, anything can happen in that office. One slip and we're dead.

If you don't wanna go through with it, say so.

Look, we're both on edge.

But let's not take it out on each other. Stop crying, I'll handle it, okay?

I'm sorry.

We'd better get going. It's a quart of eleven.

- Got the deed? - Yeah.

I can hardly believe it. In a few hours we'll be in our way to Mexico.

Yeah.

Well, I'll be glad to get out of this rat hole.

Oh, we'd better take that down to the back way.

If the old lady sees us carrying these bags, she'd get nosy.

Okay, let's go.

Scared?

I feel like I've got an eggbeater going around my stomach.

That makes two of us.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bannister here. - Have them come right in.

Go right in, please.

- Well, right on the dot. - Hi, Lowry.

- I'd like you to meet my wife. - How do you do?

You never told me you had such a nice looking wife.

This is my attorney, Bill Porter.

- How do you do? - The pleasure is mine.

- Gad to know you. - Glad to know you.

Won't you sit down?

Will you have this chair, Mrs. Bannister?

Sorry to get you out of a sickbed. This matter could've waited a few days.

Oh, it's quite all right. I'm feeling much better now. Thank you.

These attacks come and go.

As long as I am the lawyer for all parties,

I'd like to know the principles involved.

Oh, I understand.

Yes, sir.

Bring in the papers on the Lowry-Bannister deal.

Yes, Mr. Porter.

Right away.

Are you and your husband planning a little vacation?

We were thinking about it.

I wanna take her up to the North West.

Say! That's good fishing up there.

I've been there a couple of times. Do you fish?

I used to. Not lately though.

Ah, thank you.

This shouldn't take very long. I've drawn up a very simple agreement.

Would you care to look at the papers?

He's the businessman of the family.

Very well.

Are you native to these parts?

No, I was born in Pittsburg.

I came here when I was quite young, you know. Fourteen to be exact.

Well, that makes you practically a native.

Where did go to school?

I was never much interested in school.

I quit after the eleventh grade.

I thought you told me you graduated from Wilson High.

Oh, almost graduated.

You see, Mr. Porter, you're revealing my secret past.

That's my air.

So you went to Wilson, huh?

I've got a boy going there now.

I suppose you remember Mr. Rigby.

The vice-principal there.

Who can forget him?

Oh, this is okay to me.

- Yeah, to me too. - Good.

Do you have the deed?

Now, if you will just sign this...

Right here, on the second line.

And now on the deed, here.

Thank you.

Now, Mr. Bannister.

I understand the bar has been in your family for years now.

Yes, my father owned it, but he died about four years ago.

Oh, he died.

Well, then that's it.

I think we both made a good deal.

- I'm satisfied. - That's what I like to hear.

Now, I'll put these papers in escrow right away

and you'll get your check just as soon as they come through.

Escrow...

Oh, yes, a necessary routine in any transfer of property,

clearance of title and such things. It won't take long.

- Oh... how long? - Maybe ten days.

But we want to start our vacation right away.

Maybe you can speed it up a little, Bill.

Well, I could ask them to rush it at the bank as a personal favor.

Maybe three or four days, how's that?

Swell. I've enjoyed meeting you, Mrs. Bannister.

Same here.

- You too, Mr. Bannister. - Thanks.

- See you, Lowry. - I'll keep in touch with you.

Give me a ring the first part of the week.

I'll do that.

So that's Mrs. Bannister.

- Too bad she doesn't go with the deal. - Yeah.

What with this escrow business?

Why didn't you know about that escrow thing?

Because I didn't. What do you think I am?

A real estate agent or something? I've never sold any property before.

But if I had known this was gonna happen, I never would have come.

You said you wanted to go through it, didn't you?

Yeah, but I though you knew what you were doing.

I'm the one who signed Dora's name on the papers, not you.

I'm the one they'll grab for forgery, not you.

We'll hand out a pretty good rap for fraud too.

I mean I'm as deep as you are. We're both into it up to our necks.

The best that we can do is get out of town.

What?

And leave the 25,000? Nobody suspects anything.

We've got to wait now until the check comes through.

Next couple of days we'll be seated in a pack of dynamite.

Now that we've gone this far, we've got to go all the way.

Come on, drive me to the ticket agency.

I wanna get a refund on that plane ticket.

You know, you've got more guts than any dame I ever saw.

Yeah...

Yeah, just a minute.

What do you want? I'm busy.

I wouldn't be quite so snippy if I were you, miss Nash.

Don't you tell me how to be. Get out of here and stop bothering me.

You'll change your tune when you find out what I know.

Take your hand off that door.

What do you mean? What you know?

You'd better telephone your boss and tell him you won't be working tonight.

What's the matter with you? You lost your marbles or something?

You promised me we'll spend a little evening together, didn't you?

Well, tonight you're going to keep that promise.

I bought dinner for the two of us.

So you'd better phone your boss and tell him you won't be working tonight.

Or, else, I might have a little talk with Dora Bannister.

How do you know Dora?

You're wondering how much I do know, aren't you?

Well, I overheard you two talking the other night when he brought you home.

Oh, that didn't mean anything, Charlie.

As a matter of fact, I hardly remember what we were talking about.

I guess I got a little high.

No, well... I remember.

So you'd better make that telephone call.

I've got to be at work tonight, Charlie. I'll lose my job if I don't.

No, Billie, I don't think Mr. Bannister would fire you.

It's terribly important I'll be there tonight, Charlie.

I'll tell you what. Why don't I come over your place after work tonight?

We'll have a late supper and a few drinks, how's that?

You don't think I am such a little runt now, do you, Billie?

Of course not, Charlie.

I was just in a bad humor. I didn't mean what I said.

And you will show up, won't you?

I will, I promise.

And you won't be late.

I'll hurry, I'll be here just as soon as I'm through.

I like you, Billie.

I like you more than I've ever liked anyone before in my life.

So...

get here as soon as you can.

I will, Charlie.

What's the rush? Take it easy, you'll last longer.

- I'm in kind of a hurry tonight. - What is it? A date?

Oh, no, nothing like that. I've just got a few things to do at home.

What time is it, anyway?

It's early. 2:20

I can finish that far if you wanna beat it.

It's okay, Dora. I'm just about through with these.

Want to give me a shot, Matt?

What, no lectures tonight?

What do you know about that, Billie?

No lectures.

Next thing you know he'll break down and will have a couple himself.

Care to join me?

No, thanks, Dora. I have to hurry.

Anything else you want me to do, Matt?

- I'm all through with those. - No, we can finish up. You can beat it.

- Good night. - Good night, Billie.

She can't fool me. She's got a hot date.

Hello, Charlie.

I've been waiting for you, Billie.

Come in.

- How you doing? - Okay, Gus.

Where's Dora?

She had to go to a baby shower. She'll be down later tonight.

- Did you call the lawyer? - Yeah.

He said it'll be a day or two more.

What's he trying to pull? He told us 3 or 4 days.

He said they were busy at the bank.

Maybe he is suspicious or something.

Maybe he's wise of the whole thing.

I feel like the top of my head is coming off just thinking about it.

Take it easy, Matt.

Every time somebody walks in that door, I break out in a cold sweat.

Hey, Matt, that stove is still acting up.

You told Dora about it, didn't you?

Sure, I told her. I told her the other night,

but she ain't done nothing about it.

She probably forgot. Tell her again.

I'm the one who has to stand. It's gonna blow up on my face.

Hello, yeah...

Okay.

What time you'll be in?

Sure. See you later.

Lowry. He's coming in tonight.

Would you call Dora and find out if she's still at her friend's house?

I called that place twice. I'm not calling again.

Hi, Lowry.

Hello, Bannister. Well, it looks like I'll be taking over tomorrow night.

What do you mean?

The lawyer said the escrow take a couple of more days.

I spoke to him by phone. He said he's got a call from the bank.

Everything will be ready tomorrow at two o'clock.

Oh, that's great.

- What do you drink? - A scotch.

Wish me luck.

You'll do okay.

Is this average for a weeknight?

A little slow tonight. It might pick up later.

Bring your wife, won't you?

- Help yourself. - Thanks.

The deal is going through. We'll get the check at 2:00 tomorrow.

Call the house and find out if Dora's still there. I'll stay close to Lowry.

- Hey, Billie. - I'll be back in a minute.

Corned beef makes me pretty thirsty.

Hi there.

Oh, Mrs. Bannister, I didn't know you work in the place.

Hey, Billie!

- How about bringing us another round? - Okay, coming on.

Why don't you call me Billie? Everybody else does.

Oh, I see, sort of a nickname, huh?

Yeah, I don't work regular, just a filling for a girl on her night off.

Oh, I see.

That friend of mine left the house and it's on the way over.

She'd be here any minute.

- Hey, Billie. - Okay, coming.

Let me have two ryes, will you?

You seemed to get along very well with the customers.

Too bad you don't come with the place.

We get a nice bunch in here. You'll like the regular girl, she's real good.

I'm sure I will.

Excuse me.

What are you doing? Neglect on us?

You know I wouldn't neglect you, Marty.

How about another drink?

Have to tell I'll have one more, then I'll shove off.

I'm putting my brother-in-law in here to run the place

and I'd appreciate if you drop him tomorrow night.

Want to keep that thing turned down? You wanna blast everybody out of here?

She acts like she owns the place.

Oh, the bark's worse than the bite.

Hey, Dora, what must a man do to get a drink around here?

How do you usually get it? Ask for it.

Billie... Hey, Billie.

Get Clancy here a drink before he collapses of thirst.

I have a terrible thirst tonight, terrible!

- How about you, Farrel? - Yeah, hit me again.

What's going on upfront?

Oh, nothing, Dora, just a new friend of mine dropped in.

One scotch on the rocks, one Irish whisky.

I'd bet that's the friend you've been rushing off to meet every night.

Oh, no, really, Dora. He's just a new friend.

You can't kid me. I know when you've got a hot date.

- Which one is he? - One even.

No, really, Dora, you got it all wrong.

You get now a phantom. Come on, I wanna meet him.

Hey, Dora, can I see you a minute? That stove is still on the blink.

- I was only joking. - No, it's okay.

I gotta get going. I'll see you at the bank tomorrow.

- Two o'clock, right? - Yeah.

- Good night, Bannister. - So long, Lowry.

Good night, Mrs. Bannister.

I'll probably see you at the bank tomorrow.

Yeah, I'll be there.

Don't forget to drop in when you get back from your vacation.

I won't.

What's this about a vacation?

Oh, this is a friend of mine, Mr. Lowry.

- Hello. - I guess we'll be seeing a lot of you.

Yeah, I guess you will.

Well, I gotta be running along now. I'll see you tomorrow.

- Yeah, good night. - Good night.

You can do better than that, Billie.

I don't think I could go through that again.

I must have lost 20 pounds when she walked up to Lowry.

I could use a shot, Matt.

You sure earned it, baby.

The stove is on fire! It exploded all at once!

Hey, get the fire extinguisher!

I told you, I told you this would happen!

All right, shut up!

- Should I call the Fire Department? - No!

It's all right everybody. It's all out.

It wasn't much. The grease made a lot of smoke, that's it.

It wasn't much! That could've blown up in my face!

Shut up! You're getting just like an old lady.

All right, drink up, folks.

We're gonna call it a night and let the place clear out.

- Good night. - Good night, Billie.

See you tomorrow.

Yeah...

It's me, Charlie.

Just a minute.

Hello.

I didn't hear you come in.

Were you trying to avoid me?

Oh, no, I thought you were asleep.

You know I wasn't asleep, Billie. I've been waiting for you.

You know I've been waiting for you, didn't you?

Sure, Charlie.

Shall we... have a little... nightcap?

Yeah, let's.

The whole kitchen has gotta be repainted.

The insurance will cover it.

You got your key to the safety deposit box?

Yeah. Why?

Let me have it. I don't remember what I did with mine.

What do you want it for?

What do you think I want it for?

I wanna open that box and read that insurance policy in the morning.

Well, you don't have to do that.

Just call the Company and they'll send out an adjuster.

Look, I know what I'm doing.

If one of those clauses reads the way I think it does,

we're gonna get some new linoleum out of this.

Just give me the key.

Come on, let's get out of here. I'm tired.

I am... I think I'll stay around here taking inventory.

Again? You just took it a few weeks ago.

I think I made a mistake. I wanna check it.

Well, you can do it alone.

I'm not hanging around here to take inventory at this hour.

If you had any sense, you'd get some sleep and do it tomorrow.

I'm not sleepy. Besides, I... I feel like doing it tonight

Suit yourself, put that away in the drawer

and try to walk softly when you come in tonight.

Not more for me, Charlie. I'm awfully tired.

Are you trying to get rid of me, Billie?

No, it's just that I had a rough night, that's all.

You were trying to avoid me tonight, weren't you?

You shouldn't do that, you know, Billie.

You should be nice to me. Real nice.

I told you I like you a lot, didn't I?

I know, but you don't like me.

You are afraid of me.

Aren't you?

Why should I be afraid of you, Charlie?

Don't be afraid of me, dear.

Please... please, don't be afraid of me.

Charlie, give me a chance to catch my breath.

You, dirty tramp!

No, wait, please, don't do this, Matt!

Rat!

Wait, Matt, you'll understand...

I was gonna leave Dora for you!

Don't! Don't!

Dirty rotten tramp!

Billie! Billie, are you all right?

- Get out of here! - Don't you tell me..

Get out!

About that damned stupid slobs!

A little floozy flutters her eyes and wiggles her hips

and you fall right now flat face.

All right, all right, so I was a chump, drop it, will ya?

I am sick of hearing about it.

Well, let's talk. You're going to hear about it.

You're going to hear about it plenty.

I thought you had half a brain in that head of yours when I married you,

but I guess I was wrong.

Look, I told you I was wrong and I'm sorry.

What more do you want me to do? Cut my throat?

That's not a bad suggestion.

Oh, please, leave me alone for a minute, will you?

No, no. I won't leave you alone.

Well, I talked it over with my client and he's agreed to forget the whole deal.

I don't know why you're so good to him, Mr. Lowry. He doesn't deserve it.

Thanks, Lowry.

To you too, Porter.

It's okay, bud.

Say, I guess we all make prizes suckers of ourselves once in a while.

Yeah, except this is the prize sucker of all time.

This is the champion dope of the world!

Oh, yeah, lay off and let your mouth rest for a minute.

- You give me a headache. - Well, you give me an ache, too.

I should have looked to what my father told me.

All right, all right, so you should've listened to your father...

By the way, I wonder whatever happened to the other Mrs. Bannister.

- How much is the ticket to New York? - One way or round trip?

- One way. - 53.50

Where can I go for 25 bucks?

Well, let's see.

The fare to Saint Louis, 24.75 and to Kansas City 23.50.

Either one, doesn't matter.

There's a bus leaving for Kansas City in five minutes.

- Make it Kansas City. - That will be 23.50

One way to Kansas City.

Here you are, miss.

That's your bus there.

Why is a wicked woman

a devil and your friend

ready to waste your heart

then you go mad.

She'll up and leave tomorrow

take all in dreadful sorrow

find a new man

and start all over again.

Transcription and subtitle made by gamboler[noirestyle]