Knock on Any Door (1949) - full transcript

Halt!

Who shot the cop?

Same guy
that stuck up the bar.

Grab every hood
with a police record.

This guy
we're gonna get.

Wait a minute!
Wait a minute!

Every time some jerk gets
knocked off, I get picked up.

You can't hold me here.

72 hours
on an open charge.

You killed that officer
in the alley.

You're trying to frame me.



Don't give us that.
You know you killed him.

Let me alone.
I want my lawyer.

You're gonna need one,
Romano.

Did you pick up the witnesses? Yeah.

Let me call Morton --
Andrew Morton.

Let me call him.
I got a right.

Uh-huh.

Oh, sure. Yeah.

No, no.
No, I'm sorry.

No, get yourself
another lawyer.

I'm through.

I'm off that merry-go-round
for keeps.

I don't owe him a thing.
Done everything I can do.

Well, don't look at me
like that.



That guy's a hoodlum --

a hoodlum who doesn't want
to be anything else.

Well, come on.
Where'd you move?

Hmm.

This time
he really fixed himself.

Killed a cop.
Got himself a murder rap.

Oh, sure, sure.

I know -- there must be
some mistake.

And poor Nick is innocent,

and what a heel I am to be
sitting here playing chess

when he needs me.

Well, you're wrong,
honey.

If he's innocent,
this is the first time.

It's your move.

Ah.

All right. You win.

I'll go talk to him.

But I won't promise
you anything.

I'll just go talk to him --
that's all.

Anything
to keep you quiet.

You know, you sit there
and deliberately lie to me,

and I'm through
before I start.

Mr. Morton -- Andy, please,
don't walk out on me.

I swear it by my mother --

may she drop dead,
may I drop dead --

if the cops
ain't framed me.

Look up Butch and Sunshine.
Ask 'em.

I was with 'em
the whole time.

You're asking me to believe
this is the same old setup --

a man with a bad
police record's

charged with a crime
he didn't commit.

So help me.

You know, if you're lying
in a setup like this,

you're like a man cheating
himself at solitaire.

Don't you think
I don't know that?

I...
Well...

Everything you told me
better be right in the groove

because, baby, if ever a guy
was in a tough spot,

you're it.

Here.

Hey, junior!

Huh. Andrew.

What are you doing
slumming?

How's it, junior?

Ah, you look
just about the same.

A little older,
a little more tired.

A little more confused.

Well, get yourself
some chow

instead of that embalming fluid
you drink.

Your conscience must hurt,

or you wouldn't give me
all this.

What do you want to know,
Andrew?

Where can I find
a couple of characters

named, uh,
Butch and Sunshine?

Up and down this street

until the meat wagon comes
and carts us all off.

Inside here,
when it opens.

A few of the smart ones
like you, Andrew,

get off and stay off.

I remember
when you sold papers

on the corner
of Mills and Dehaven.

My advice is,
don't take any truck with us.

Remember that.

Yeah,
I'll remember that.

And you stay away
from the squirrels.

In my day,
a comedian had style.

See you around, junior.

Refill.

Hiya, Butch.

Hey, fingers,
grab a cue, huh?

You're not lying to me,
are you, Sunshine?

No, I ain't, mister.
I was with Nick.

I wouldn't twist you.

He didn't kill nobody.
Honest, he didn't kill nobody.

You know what perjury is?

We're giving you
the straight goods, mister.

You're a pretty good friend
of his, aren't you?

He was good to me.

Do a lot for him, huh?

I don't need to.

He was with Butch and me
the whole night,

till maybe
after midnight.

We drunk a lot of beer.

Hey, rack!

Comin'!

It's level, mister.

We're giving it to you
very level.

You know, if you guys
are lying to me,

you're pushing Nick straight
into the electric chair.

What about that bartender
at the 380?

You know.

Punchy -- he's been punchy
for years.

You ought to take a look
at him.

What do you say about
the bartender at the 380?

He identified Nick
right out of the lineup.

He's a meat head.

Thanks.

Try the combination,
3 ball in the corner pocket.

Who asked ya?

Hey, didn't you have a holdup
here recently?

So what do I get for it?
A hangover and the day shift.

That's gratitude --
no tips.

Cop was killed,
wasn't he?

Killed?

He was granulated,
right down the alley --

the same guy
that held me up.

Are you sure?

Am I sure of what?

That it was the same guy
that held you up?

Do I know my own name?

Uh...

Swanson -- Carl.

I'm gonna retire.

Where's Arabia?

I don't know.
I haven't got my atlas.

Atlas.

There's a guy
could wrestle.

Yeah.
Fill her up.

Uh...

Red wine.

Oh, I'm awfully sorry.

Ah, forget it.

Is there anything I can do
about it?

Happens all the time
with them drunks coming in here.

Okay.

A little service here,
my dear fellow.

I'm in the chips.

What you need most is some sleep
and a shave.

Sure. Let's take
this up tomorrow.

Come on, I'll drive you over
to the club.

Look, gentlemen, I've got
a tough decision to make --

not tomorrow, now.

Give me an opinion.

Would I be a fool
to take this case?

Andy, a law firm like ours
lives on confidence and dignity.

This kind of a case
is sure to be dragged

through the newspapers --

sensational tabloid stuff.

It's -- it's impossible.

Farm it out to Stevens
or O'Connor.

You've been tied up to property
in the state practice too long

to go back
to a criminal case.

Sure, I've been concentrating
on documents,

not human beings.

But no other lawyer could know
this kid like I do.

Andy, for a long time

we've been thinking of adding
a name to this firm.

"Purcell, Corey,
and Morton."

A full partnership.

You know what that
would mean to you

financially,
professionally?

Heh.

From night law school
to Purcell, Corey, and Morton.

That's quite a transition.

One you won't make,
Andy,

if you take
this Romano case.

Oh.

Oh, so it's like that?

Give us another minute,
will you, George?

Well, here goes.

Nick, you've got to get rid
of that hangdog look.

You're our exhibit "a," the most
important evidence we have.

I'm expecting a lot
of help from you.

I want you confident,
I want you smiling.

I knocked myself out getting
seven women on that jury.

I want you to sit there
facing them.

Turn on that
baby-face stare.

Come on, let's see it.

How's this?

That's perfect.

This jailbird with a felony
conviction behind him,

this moocher to whom the police
lineup is weekly routine,

"pretty boy" Romano,
the skid-row Romeo,

the jackroller,
the king of the streets,

this outcast,
this hoodlum killer!

Object, your honor.

I move the
district attorney's remark

be stricken
from the record.

As a matter of fact,

all his remarks are made to
induce passion and prejudice.

But I object only
to "hoodlum killer."

In the case of a boy
who's being railroaded,

It's hardly an apt phrase.

Sustained.

The jury will disregard
the words "hoodlum killer."

Also, Mr. Morton's remark about
a boy who was being railroaded.

The state will prove that
Nick Romano was the killer.

Our evidence
will be conclusive.

Your verdict must be
equally conclusive.

There is no place on earth
for such a criminal.

Do you wish to make your opening
statement now, Mr. Morton?

Uh, yes.
Thank you, your honor.

Now, shake hands
now and come out fighting.

What about this jury?

A manicurist -- conscious
of a person's looks.

Handsome Nick.

Social worker -- good.

Grandmother --

firm believer in
the gentle Christ -- good.

Jewish refugee,
ex-professor, naturalized.

He'll know about persecution
and slums.

Truck driver --

Plays chess -- good.

Mix them well
and shake before using.

Ladies and gentlemen,

you just heard
the district attorney

list Nick Romano's past vices,
his excesses, his crimes --

none of which have any bearing
on the charges here today.

They're not pertinent.

They are pertinent, however,
in another sense.

They pertain to,
who is Nick Romano?

Why is Nick Romano?

What is Nick Romano?

Perhaps more than anybody
in this courtroom,

I know the answer.

Perhaps more than anybody else,
I'm to blame for that answer.

With the state's permission,
I'd...

I'd like to take a little time

to more fully explain
what I mean.

You see...

In every man's life,
there are pinpoints of time

that govern his destiny.

And his adolescence and his
youth are pushed to the right,

a life of honor and credit...

But pushed to the left --

a life like Nick Romano's.

I first met this boy
about six years ago.

At that time, I -- I had
a small law office of my own

with a few associates.

Mate.
Get out of that one.

Anything else?

Just the Romano boy.

Romano?

Yes, you handled his father's
case, Mr. Morton,

or, rather,
the office did.

Oh, yes, the, uh, the grocer.
Where is he?

He's in prison --
been there for four months.

In prison?
Well, that's impossible.

Customer came at him
with a knife.

It was a case of self-defense,
plain and simple.

You turned the case over
to Mr. Elkins.

Oh.

What's the story
on the Romano case?

Well, Andy, you see,

the old chap doesn't speak
English much,

and the D.A. made a monkey
out of him on the stand.

Well, go on.

Well, then there were --

there were a couple
of character witnesses

that I couldn't find.

Did you try hard?

Well, I figured
whatever the old boy got,

the judge
would suspend sentence.

Only --
only he didn't.

Did you move
for a new trial?

Well, uh, no.

Since he'd be out in only a year
or so, I figured that --

what do you mean
"only a year or so"?

You think
you got the right

just because you have
a fancy law-school degree

to botch a case this way?

Well, Andy, you --

you told me to do exactly
what I thought best about it.

You remember, you were busy
with the Davenport will.

Mm-hmm.
Well, I guess it's my fault.

That's all, then.

Let's have a talk soon.

I want to trade you
for a good chess player.

Oh, miss holiday?

Send the boy in!

Mr. Morton,
I know you're busy, but --

sit down, kid.

I'm Nick Romano.

I came to see you,

if there's anything you can do
for my father!

Dad's got a bad pump!
He faints sometimes!

They told us
he wouldn't go to jail,

and we paid you
all the money we had.

Take it easy, kid.
I know how you feel.

Nobody knows
how anybody feels.

How'd you find that out?

Look, the social worker got
the rent paid last month.

What are we gonna do
this time?

Can't you get dad out,
mister?!

I don't know.

But I'll tell you one thing --
I'm sure gonna try.

Come on, let's go talk
to your mother.

Mr. Morton, ma --
he's gonna help us!

How do you do,
Mrs. Romano?

Hello.

Please, uh, sit down.

Well, thank you.

Um...

Tell her how sorry I am.

Tell her I'll do
everything possible

to get your father
out of jail.

She said if you'd done
your duty,

dad would never be
in prison.

Oh...

Well, she's right.

I was just too busy to pay
proper attention to the case.

Uh, uh...

Mea culpa.

Ma says to get him out of jail
as fast as you can.

We need him.

Oh, sure. I'll --
I'll do everything I can.

Grazie!

Oh, hello! Oh!

Angie, Maria.
How's your mother feeling?

Better.

I got an "a"
in drawing today.

Hello, Mrs. Romano.

Hello.

Mr. Morton.

Uh, hello.

The Umberto case last year,
remember?

Oh, yes, miss,
uh, Harrison, social worker.

Miss Patterson,
social worker.

Oh.

Your outfit, uh,
giving the Romanos a lift?

They need it.

Mrs. Romano...

Mrs. Romano, I have
some bad news for you.

We just got a wire
from the penitentiary.

Your father died of
a heart attack this morning.

Papa's dead?!

She says papa's dead!

No!

That was how I first met
Nick Romano.

That was the push I gave him.

Sure, I tried
to help the family.

I sent them some money.

Perhaps if I'd been able to see
them through a little longer,

but -- but then I was called
to Washington.

Two weeks later,
I was in the army.

I was overseas for three years.

War and men being what they are,
I forgot the Romanos.

And the help they got from
organized charity wasn't enough.

So with Nick at his most
impressionable age,

they were forced to move
into one of the worst districts

in the city,

perhaps the worst
in any American city!

And that can do it.

A year or so of that can take
what was once a family

and finish it --

can take a fine, sensitive,
friendly kid...

And twist him and turn him.

Hey, what's that?

He's the new kid.
He just moved in.

He's been to the store
for his ma.

Let's make him feel
at home.

Yeah. Hey, you!
Hey, pretty boy!

Hi, fellas.

"Hi, fellas," he says.
You hear that, Jimmy?

Sure, Vito,
I heard him.

Why don't you give pretty boy
here a welcome, Jimmy?

Welcome, pretty boy.

So that's how it is.

Easy, easy!
That's a good job, boy.

If you need to know anything,
I got the answers.

Yeah. You can find me down
at the pastime pool hall.

My name's kid fingers.

Here --
there's your knife.

Maria, get me some soap.

Borrow it from upstairs.

We ain't got any.

Try, will ya?

What's for dinner?

I'll eat somewhere else.

Nick, you come home,
eat, eh?

Home? You call
this pigpen a home?

You bad boy.

What do I want
in church?

My soul's okay
without going to church.

Jimmy's okay.

He uses swear words
and plays rough tricks.

He treats me better
than any of you do.

Oh, yes?

Why you no go live
his house, eh?

I'll pack your clothes,
if you want me to.

Okay.

Okay, do that, sourpuss.

Nick.

Nick!

Did I ask to get born?
Did I?!

Oh, ma,
Jimmy's all right.

Hey, Nick,
what do you say, huh?

Hey, Nick.

Hi, Vito, Jimmy.

What's burning ya?

Eh...

Need some dough?

Go ahead.
Take a buck.

Put the arm on a lush yesterday
for a five.

Go ahead.

Hey, big lady.

How dare you,
you dirty...

Get away from me!

Hey, Nick.

I'm poor.

Yeah, let's maybe
turn a trick.

That bakery,
where we heisted the pies.

Nah. We got to get something
we can turn over.

Listen, I got my eye
on a special joint over on 3rd.

You in?
Sure, Vito.

You?

Yeah.
What are we waiting for?

Ah, take a trip!

Is this the place?

For the little stuff,
yeah.

Listen, we get something big --
a car, maybe.

That, we can take
out of town.

Watch.

Hi, Nick.

Hi, Julian.

Hi, Julian.

Go on. Muff off!

Hello, young men. Welcome.
Come in and buy.

Buy or sell.
Take or put.

Hello, Duke.

What can we do for you,
gentlemen?

Want to talk to you
back there.

Why not?
Talk is cheap.

And he's got plenty
of cheap talk.

Miss America,
1913--

weighs 2 pounds less
than a grand piano.

Mush -- inside.

Sit down, young men,
sit down.

Have a chocolate drip.

We got a couple
of watches.

Tell me an answer --
where'd you get them?

Over on 3rd --

we got 'em.
What do you care?

Watches are very hard
to turn over.

I got a cracked rib.
Don't make me laugh.

You want them,
or you don't want them?

All right, all right.
Show 'em.

$2 for this one,
$3 for the big one.

Two comedians.

Oh, young men,
you're young.

You don't know the trouble
I go through.

Okay, guys, let's blow. I
know a better place. Now wait.

Have an orange slice.

7 bucks for the two.

Hey,
your shirttail's hanging.

7 bucks? Gee.

The, uh, stolen car
led Nick Romano and Jimmy

to reform school.

The word "reform"...

Means to remove doubt,
to reclaim, to improve.

It can also mean
degrade and brutalize.

There are reformatories
with modern methods,

where delinquents are
looked upon as individuals

with individual problems.

And then there are others,
like the one Nick was sent to,

where life is based
on one law -- fear.

An island of outrage.

Work and sleep
and eat by command.

Pray by command.

Talk to your neighbor
while you're eating,

you're whipped until you bleed.

Show up a minute late
for an assembly --

solitary confinement.

Grab a smoke after hours --

you wind up at a burlap party.

Look over the gray fence
at the faraway hills.

Look through the bars

at the free night
without hope,

except someday, get out,

get even.

Yes, I said "burlap party."

A method for which
this particular institution

was famous.

Do you think
they've had enough?

Take it easy, Jimmy.

Hey, you shut up!

We've soaked it up
five times already!

Ain't that enough?!

We'll tell you
when you've had enough!

Mop.

He's sick!

What did they tell
Jimmy's folks?

That he died
of pneumonia!

All good guys get the dirty end
of the stick.

You're gonna make sure
it doesn't happen to you, eh?

You ever, uh...

You ever hear from your folks
or write to them?

Not if I can help it.

I, uh, I looked them up
when I got out of the army.

They're in Seattle,
doing fine.

Julian's working.

Don't sing me lullabies,
mister.

That's for Julian.
Only suckers work!

You know, Nick,
I'm trying to help you.

Oh, sure.

Maybe you can get me a job,
winding an eight-day clock.

You're really sorry
for yourself, aren't you?

You do a stretch in a joint
like this and see how you feel!

I got a flash for you.

I've done a stretch
in a joint like this

when I was younger
than you are.

And you came out
feeling great!

No, I came out feeling
just about the way you do.

But I got over it,
like you'll have to.

I'm with a couple
of other lawyers now.

Here's my new address.

Don't hold your breath
till you hear from me.

You better look me up when you
get out of this rattrap.

You want to do something
for me?

Remember me
in your prayers.

Boy, oh, boy.

What a lovable character
they made out of you.

Okay, sucker,
if you want anything,

you know
where to find me.

Ah, hey, Nick, you coming?
Yes or no?

Yeah.

Come on, Larry,
shake it, will ya?

You're finished
with him.

Hurry, hurry, hurry.

W- w-w-where you going?
Do you ever ask yourself?

I'll g-give you odds
you never get there.

Put it on the cuff.

T- that, you don't need
to tell me.

Ain't it wonderful the way
a guy grows up, huh?

T- t-this street's no good,
Nick -- gets in your blood.

So it's in my blood --
who cares?

Live fast, die young,
have a good-looking corpse.

W- w-w-why don't you
go out w-west

and l-l-live
with your folks?

Why don't you quit
asking me dumb questions?

Yeah, but I'm g-g-giving you
good advice.

Who asked ya?

Hi, Sunshine.
What do you look so happy about?

How can a guy be happy and broke
at the same time?

You really need eating money,
or is this for a horse?

It's for a horse.

Yeah?
Okay, you sold me.

Thanks, Nick.
Anything I can do?

No, I'm livin'.

How are things,
fingers?

Oh, the kid's got dough
in his pocket all the time.

Uh, squint and me will take you
and Butch on.

No, I got to get going --
got a date.

But I got money to put up
on the side.

Where are the kicks in trimming
a pushover like squint?

You think
you're good, huh?

You think you're
pretty sharp, huh? Yeah.

Yeah, you think you're
all-American moonshine, huh?

How are things
with you,squint?

You told him, Nick.

¿Qué pasa, Juan?

There's a twist waiting outside
for you --

says her name's Nelly.
Yours?

Friend of mine --
nice kid, buys me things.

Look out, Nick!

Got a cigarette?

Hey, that's a sharp case.

She's all right.

I only pick 'em
all right.

What's her angle?

Slings hash
over at the nickel plate.

Oh?

Oh, Nick.
Hi, Nelly.

Oh, Nick, I waited
for you last night.

I got tied up.

Let's make it tonight,
when you're through work.

You got tied up, sure.
Can imagine with what.

Oh, honey,
you treat me terrible.

One, there was
a poker game,

two, I was drinking,
and, three, I passed out.

That's the level, Nelly.

Oh, you're lyin'!

Look, honey, I -- I know
you was with some girl,

but I just can't get sore
at you.

Nick, all I want you to do
is to be nice to me.

Tonight.

If not tonight,
tomorrow night.

See?

See?

Yeah?
Why is it too late now?

Ah, the joint's closed.

Look, I had it timed
so we'd catch him

coming down
the stairs, see?

This bookie is loaded.
He's always loaded.

You had me all
keyed up!

Paper, gentlemen?

Latest stock market reports
and society chitchat.

Hiya, junior.

So long, junior.

Good day, riffraff.

I was counting on this.
Got to have me some dough.

We missed
a real break, Nick.

Ah!

Who runs this place

since the Duke and Gussie
got sent up?

Maybe we can pick up
a few bucks.

Cover me.

Do you want something?

Yeah.

Those caramels there --
how much?

Penny apiece --
same as always.

Give me five.

I'll be back.

Auntie, please!

Help me to bed.

Anything else?

You run this place?

Yes.
My aunt and I.

Do you want
anything else?

Yeah.

Give me five more.

Bet you could be a lot sweeter
than them caramels.

Dreaming is free.

You're old enough
to dream, honey.

Stop it.

You don't have to talk
like that.

You don't look like that.

Are you new here?

I've never seen you
in here before.

I was out of town.

Hey, you're different
from most girls.

Most girls don't look like
they belong to families.

Y- you look so...

Nice and healthy.

Yes, I'm very healthy.

You work fast, don't ya?
I'm coming.

You're in here romancing while
I'm out there waiting, huh?

Go on, wait some more.
I'm coming.

Well, so long.

Well, what's your name?

Emma.

I'm Nick.

I got a pack
of cigarettes.

I almost forgot to pay.

Thanks, Nick.

Man, that was our last
two bits.

I enjoyed the movie
an awful lot, Nicky.

Thanks for taking me.

Good night, Nicky.

Can I come in a minute?

All right.

I got you something.

The guy told me it was
genuine Mexican silver.

Nicky!

Isn't it...

Isn't it lovely?

I never gave anybody
anything before.

It feels...

...good.

Auntie.

She has dizzy spells.

She has dizzy spells
a lot now, Nicky.

Yeah.
You want me to go?

No.

Will you help me
put her to bed?

No!

I'm sorry.

You see, her husband left her
a long time ago.

That's why she has
dizzy spells.

Yeah, sure.

Put it on.

I'm afraid.

Don't be afraid.

Oh, Nicky, Nicky,
my darling!

No! No!

I ain't gonna let you
get mixed up with me.

What?

Keep away from me.
I'm no good -- not for you!

You know where this
came from?

I slugged a guy and robbed him
to get the money to buy it.

I drink,
I gamble, I steal!

That's how I live!

No, you don't get this.

I ain't gonna mess up
your life.

Now stay away from me.

That's Butch!
Something's gone wrong!

Come on!

Get the hands up --
quick!

Move.

Were you surprised
when I phoned you?

Bowled over.

That's the way I felt when you
asked me to have dinner.

You know, you don't look
like a social worker,

and you don't dance
like one.

Well, you don't look or act
like a lawyer.

How's my dancing?

Oh, Sincere,
well-thought out, strong.

Hmm.

Andy, I have a confession
to make.

Ah, you want something.

Mm-hmm.
And what's your problem?

It's that boy -- Nick Romano.
Remember him?

He knows where I am
if he needs help.

He's been in jail again.

He came out meaner, tougher
than before.

We have to do something
about it.

"We have to do something
about it"?

Why do we have to do anything
about it?

Look, he's a weak, bad kid.

I don't agree with you.

If only someone could get him
off that street.

Mm, according to my book,
if he were worth saving,

he'd get off the street
by himself.

You're not serious?

Why not?

Without any help
at all?

Plenty of guys have done it
without help.

You,for instance.

Me,for instance.

Ah, come on,
let's go practice my dancing.

I think I'm going home.

What for?
Nothing.

I'm suddenly just tired.
I want to go home.

All right, all right.

Now, what do you want me to do
for the kid?

Not a thing.

Look, I'm licked.

I'll be a father to him.

I'll wipe his nose
and brush his teeth.

I'll -- I'll buy him
a bicycle.

I'll take him camping.

I'll push him
in a baby carriage.

I'll be a mother to him.
How's that?

Hey, what was
the girl's name?

Emma.
I met her again.

I bumped into her
on the street.

I didn't look her up 'cause
I gave her a rough deal once.

Guess I shouldn't be taking
her out, should I?

Well, Nick, people are always
looking for something --

somebody or something
to feel good about.

And when you find it,
you better know it for sure.

You ever figure it
that way?

Never thought about it.
Maybe you're right.

Boy, what a life.

You and your friends
sure know how to live.

Yeah.

Maybe I don't,huh?

Hello.

Say, you fellas
did all right today.

Yes, sir. Got to clean 'em
and get 'em on ice.

Therapy working?

I think it is.

Andy, if you can
straighten that one out

and keep him straight,

you've done the neatest trick
of the week.

Skeptical, aren't you?

No, just practical.

In my book,
it takes more than fresh air,

a little sunshine,

and a few kind words to make
a tame canary out of a jailbird.

You've got to admit
there's a big improvement.

And you've got to admit
there's a long way to go.

I'm going in town
to send a few wires.

Want to come along?

Sure,
I'll be right down.

We're going into town
for a while, Nick.

Would you like
to go along?

Don't think so, sir.
Thanks just the same.

Coming into town, Nick?

No, thanks.

"Therapy working?"!

"Neatest trick of the week."

"We're going into town
for a while.

Want to come along?"

"Tame canary out of a jailbird."

So,that's the result
of my being a mother.

My kid steals 100 bucks
from me.

Why don't you just
have him arrested

if you're so indignant?

Well, you have
a stranger arrested

for stealing
and running out,

but a friend like Nick,

you just kind of, um,
ask him a few questions.

I'll find that guy if I got
to hit every joint on skid row.

You certainly seem
to know the best.

What are you
kicking about?

You're the best-looking mouse
in the "joint."

"Tanks," rat.

How come
you never got married?

Marriage, my friend, is
always a -- yes, it sure is.

Hey, there's our guy.

Come on.

Hiya, Nick.
Good to see you.

Excuse us, will ya?

I didn't expect to run
into you so soon.

$50...

$60...$70.

You owe me $30.

I can still teach you
a few, kid.

You're just a tin-horn thug,
and you always will be.

You haven't got the guts
to be anything else!

Did you question him?

Mildly, my dear,
just mildly.

Nicky?!

Who was that man?
Did he hurt you?

Maybe I had it
coming to me.

Go on home, Emma.

No, Nicky.

Come on with me.

I'd like to live on the top
of a hill in a big white house

and just have
a home of our own.

And a little spotted dog.

All the people I've met
in my life,

you're the only one
like you.

Lots of stars.

With you,
I remember things...

Long-ago things.

Me too.

Like Jimmy.

He was my pal
in reform school.

My father.

I didn't know my father.

When I was an altar boy.

Et introibo ad altare dei,

ad deum qui laetificat
juventutem meam.

How'd I remember that?

What's it mean?

"And I go into the altar
of god,

to god who giveth joy
to my youth."

It's beautiful.

I guess I got
all mixed up.

I guess
I played it wrong.

You know, in the spring
when I started to grow up,

I used to come
into this park.

I felt the way I do now.

Just floating
with happiness.

Look, what I said to you
that night,

when I gave you
the bracelet almost --

don't talk about it
anymore, Nicky.

Don't talk
about anything.

Once you play it wrong...

I couldn't go straight
if I wanted to.

Maybe you can
if you're not lonely.

I believe in you, Nicky.

If I helped you,
would you try?

Don't ever leave me, Emma.
Don't ever leave me.

I love you, Nicky.

Yes?

Mr. Morton,
there's a Mr. Romano.

Who?
Mr. Nick Romano. He --

no, I don't want
to see him.

He'll wait
until you're free.

No, don't have him wait.
Kick him out.

But I told Mr. Morton --

hello, Andy.
Get out of here.

Miss holiday, haven't you been
with me long enough to --

I want to tell you

I don't blame you
for jackrolling me.

What?!

Okay.

I should've broken
both your legs.

Okay, I apologize.

I thought Mr. Purcell
didn't trust me

because I'd been in stir,
so I blow my top and rob you.

So I'm sorry.

Count it.

30 bucks --
you're paid in full.

Well, that's great.
You want a receipt?

Chances are, you jackrolled some
other poor sucker to get it.

Did you?
I did not.

I won it absolutely
fair in a crap game.

Well, that's
not exactly earning it,

but, uh, we'll give it
to the community chest.

Anything else?

No.

In case you're interested,
I'm getting married.

You're kidding.

No -- next week,
to a wonderful girl.

Oh, that'll be cozy.

You and Mrs. Romano
can spend your evenings

beating up the cops.

Nick.

I'm sorry
I made that crack.

Yeah, we're both sorry.
People say things.

A guy gets a break,
and people say things.

You got a job?

No, not yet.

Let me know if there's any way
I can help.

Thanks.

Sharp.

So long.

I hope it works out.

Well, I hope so, too,

but there have been very few
miracles since the 13th century.

Oh, if I were as cynical as you,
I'd hang myself.

I'd be too cynical
to trust the rope.

Oh, Paul?

Right now, Mr. Morton?

This is the most marvelous place
I've ever seen.

The band even
has a harp in it.

It sure is
a classy joint.

When I was
a little girl,

I wanted to grow up

and play the symphony orchestra
in the harp.

Oh, that's all right,
Emma.

You're not supposed to make
sense when you're in love.

Nick's sure
he can get a job.

Yeah, that's right.

And I'm gonna get one,
too, for now.

I know a guy.

He can get me a chance
in a big office.

We'll save, and...

Maybe next week,
we can move uptown.

I want Nick
to have nice things.

I want him to have a suit
like yours, Mr. Morton.

Well, I still owe the tailor
for this one.

Emma can cook
cacciatore.

Oh, you kids
are wonderful.

Well, here's to the job,
to uptown,

to the new suit,
and to the bride and groom.

Stay with it, Nick.

I'll try, Andy.
Nobody will try any harder.

We saw Nick and Emma
from time to time

after they were married.

And Nick did try.

For a while,
he quit the hard drinking,

the gambling, the bad company,
and went to work.

But he lost one job
after another --

quit or was fired.

Not working had been
a habit too long.

At times,
they lived on Emma's salary.

They were still in love,

but the honeymoon
was definitely ending.

Say it ain't so.
Say I'm seeing a vision!

Well, look at him.

Married and working --
what a combo.

A good man gone wrong.

Nick...
You ain't working.

How you like it, pal?

I love it.

I can't wait to get up
in the morning,

5:00 A.M.,
and go to my job.

Present for Emma --
you got it?

Yeah.
Step into my office, huh?

Now...

Tell me they ain't
got class.

Yeah.
Just tell me, huh?

Never mind the buildup.
How much?

40 bucks -- to a pal.

Are you nuts, pal?

They're worth $100.
You're getting them for $40.

They're hot.

Lukewarm.

I'm making $38.20,
take-home pay.

How am I gonna give you $40
for the earrings?

That's your problem --
period.

I'll pay you 10 bucks
a weekend.

Well...

It's been nice
knowing you, huh?

The crap game
still on back there?

When did it ever stop?

Come on,
I'll give you luck.

Hey, Nick.

Hi, Vito, Butch.
See you later.

Em, honey, I'm home.

You asleep?

I know.

So I shot dice.

So I had a couple
of drinks.

Nothin' to bawl about.

I wish you'd
come home earlier.

I wanted to go for a walk
or something after supper.

Why walk?

If we had a car, we could take
a ride, if we had some gas.

Come on,
I'll help you get to bed.

You know what?

I'm gonna get you
some real classy earrings.

Please, honey, don't worry
about things like that.

Just as soon as I get
a little money.

What you need now
is sleep.

What I need is somebody to slug
some sense into me!

Know anybody
that's big enough?

Oh, Nicky.

Payday...

Lose every dime.

Why do you hang around?

Oh, Nicky,
how can you say that?

Why don't you
call it off?

Well, what's the matter?

Nothing's the matter,
only don't talk like that.

You can't believe in me
no more, Emma.

You can't.

I do.

I always will.

Only, Nicky, you've got
to keep believing in yourself.

I'm trying, honey --
really trying.

I just can't make
the grade.

Kiss me?

Oh, Nicky.

Nicky, you're the only thing
I've ever had all my own.

Make me proud of you.

Please, darling, please.

Hey, you!

How many times I got to tell
you, no smoking in here?

I'm sorry. I just --

how many times
I got to tell you

I ain't paying you
just to sit around?

I'm sorry. No wonder
you can't keep no job.

No wonder you keep
getting in Dutch

with every guy
that hires you.

You ought to be back
in jail.

See what I mean?

Hello, darling.
I kept our supper warm.

What is it, Nicky?

N- nothin'.

Everything's milk and honey,
only I ain't got a job.

Oh.

You'll get another one,
darling.

I don't want it.
I rode that line long enough.

Here's where I get off.

What do you mean?

I'm going away, Emma.

No.

No!

For long?

No way to tell yet.

Saw Butch, Juan,
and Vito tonight.

We got a surefire setup.

This means real dough.

But afterwards, we'd better
get out of town for a while.

I guess I knew
it would happen...

In the night, in my sleep --
dreams like knives.

Always, you were bad.

Always,
you were running away.

Don't do it, Nicky.

Don't do it now.

I'd do it
sooner or later.

I'm not kidding myself
no more.

And you mean that,
don't you?

Don't I look like
I mean it?

I have to think.

I have to think
about the baby.

Don't!

Are you trying
to hurt me?

You got crazy notions
about us.

It ain't gonna work
that way.

Nicky...

I don't want it.
No baby, you understand?

I don't want it.

When you have it, give it away!
Give it to somebody!

Oh, Nicky,
it can still be all right!

No!

Nothing's gonna
slow me down.

From here on in,
I travel in a hurry.

What I used to say
still goes.

Live fast, die young...

And have
a good-looking corpse.

You, let him in!

Some dope said, "I suppose
you're a personal friend

of Christopher Columbus."

Maybe I have
theories, too.

Hmph!

Hmm, something new
has been added.

Go on, do it!

No. Please, don't.
I got a wife, three kids!

You do it.

Nick!

Come on, come on,
come on!

Cut through to my street.
Got to see Emma.

I'm gonna take her with us.

Muchacho, you're crazy.
We got no time!

Go on, Butch -- do it!

Forgive me.

A few months later,

the defendant was charged

with the murder
of patrolman Hawkins.

I've told you Nick Romano's
story in such detail

because I want you to know
all about his past.

No matter how deplorable
or antisocial

that past may have been,

I will prove that he did not
attempt to rob the 380 bar,

nor did he commit the murder
with which he's charged.

Nothing can be simpler
than the evidence

I intend to present.

And now, Mr. Swanson, be very
careful of your next answer.

Did you get a good look
at the holdup man?

Yes.

Do you see him here
in this courtroom?

Yes, sir.

Point him out
to the jury.

That's him.

Oh, you mean the young man,
the pretty boy,

sitting next
to Mr. Morton?

Mr. Morton objects,
your honor.

And if he desires,

I will withdraw the appellation
"pretty boy."

His cherubic countenance
and assumed innocence

made me forget the black heart
of a murderer.

Cross examination.

Mr. Swanson, did
the unidentified holdup man

wear a hat or a cap,
or was he bareheaded?

He wore a hat.

What color?

I don't know, but that's him
right over there.

The man that held you up --
what color was his hair?

Same as his.

You got a good look at the man
who held you up?

Sure. He stood right
across the bar from me.

Say, for a minute or so?

Yeah.

Mr. Swanson,
my name is Andrew Morton.

Have you ever seen
me before?

No, never.
You're quite sure?

No, I never seen
you before.

Do you recall a glass
of red wine

that was spilled
on your shirt?

To refresh your memory,

do you recall that we talked
together about this killing,

that I spilled a glass of wine
on your shirt?

Do you recall that now?

We talked together for quite
a while, didn't we?

Didn't we?

Well, yeah.

Uh-huh.

Mr. Swanson, would you be
good enough to tell the jury

why you can't identify me,
although we talked together,

but you can identify
the alleged holdup man

who was with you
only a minute or so?

Tell that to the jury.

Of course
you identified him

because the police told you that
was the man who held you up.

Isn't that right?

Yeah, that's right.

Object!
Sustained.

You know better than to ask a
question like that, Mr. Morton.

Oh, I'm very sorry,
your honor.

That's all.

And now, Mr. Carnahan,
as a final question,

I want you to repeat
the time of night

you saw the defendant run out
of the alley --

and loud enough for the jury
to hear it.

Somewhere between
5 after 8:00 and 8:30.

And you're
absolutely sure?

I am.

Cross examination.

Mr. Carnahan,
what's your occupation?

Mr. Kerman neglected
to ask you that.

I -- well,
I...I do odd jobs.

Isn't that address you gave
on 12th street --

isn't that a flophouse?

Well, it's a-a sort of --
a sort of a club.

A club --
I can imagine.

As a matter of fact,
you have no permanent address.

You're better known
as "kid fingers," aren't you?

Yes.

How old are you, kid?

49.

Thank you, "kid."

How many times have you been
convicted of a felony?

Twice.

Twice?
Oh, you're under oath.

Well, maybe I should've said
three or four times.

Yes, maybe you should.
What was the first time?

I...

I don't remember.

You don't remember?

Wasn't it for the sale of
a certain kind of literature

to high-school students?

Yes.

What was the next time?

Well, I...

...I don't remember.

Again,
he doesn't remember.

Well, we'll just sit
right down here

and wait until you
do remember.

Panhandling.

Mr. Fingers...

Would you mind
telling the jury

what you mean
by "panhandling"?

Well, it's -- it's like asking
somebody to help you.

You mean begging?

Yes.

I guess you could call it that,
if you wanted to be nasty.

You did time in the federal
penitentiary at Leavenworth, didn't you?

All right, okay, so I took
a relief check from a mailbox.

If other words, you'll do
anything for money --

anything except work,
that is.

Object. This line of
questioning has no -- Sustained.

I think,
Mr. Morton, that...

Yes, your honor.

Where were you on the night
the crime was committed?

Uh, walking along
12th street.

Panhandling?

Don't answer that.

Sustained.

Are these clothes
you have on --

are they the ones
you usually wear?

No.

They're not.

In other words,
some person or persons unknown

gave you the clothes
you're wearing.

Object.

Where he got the clothes proves
or tends to prove nothing.

The person
or persons unknown

doesn't seem to want to have
his good deed told in public.

Is counsel intimating
that the prosecution

would stoop so low
as to procure unfair testimony?

Your honor,
I'm intimating nothing.

I'm merely questioning.

Objection sustained,
Mr. Kerman.

Oh, uh...

One more question,
and this is the last one.

Do you keep the clothes?

Well, I was playing pool
in the pastime, see?

We hear shootin'.

Kid fingers and I run out

and down to the end
of the alley.

We look down the alley
and see this guy.

Then he comes running our way
and goes right past us --

right past us.

Who'd you see?

Nick Romano.

Your witness.

What's your occupation,
Mr. Zinsky?

I, uh, don't have a job
right now.

You really mean
you have no occupation?

I guess so, yeah.

Were you ever charged
with this murder?

Me? No, sir.
I saw it, though.

And I thought about it
for a couple of days,

and I just couldn't
stand it.

So I went to the police
and told them what I seen.

Just a loyal, patriotic,
justice-loving citizen.

Is that right?

Yes, sir.

Although you had
to think about it

for two or three
days first.

Where are you
living now?

Sloan hotel.

Well, if you haven't got a job,
who pays your bills?

Object.

Won't prove any issue
in the case.

Overruled.

Well?

Well, I...
Win at pool.

He's a pushover.

I'm pretty good at pool.

Isn't it true,
isn't it a fact that every week

since you volunteered
this testimony,

you've been handed an envelope
containing money?

Object, your honor!

Sustained.

If your mysterious
benefactor

wants to support anybody else,
give him my name.

That's all.
Thank you.

You're in love
with the defendant,

aren't you,
miss Watkins?

No.

Yeah.

Guess maybe I am.

Used to be.

Speak up.

Yeah,
I'm in love with him.

Did you know the defendant

was going to hold up
that bartender?

Oh, no.
No, I didn't.

Didn't he plan this
with you?

Oh, no,
nothing like that.

He's a sweet kid.

Now, think this one over
carefully.

Didn't the defendant tell you
in the past

how easy it would be
to hold up the 380 bar?

I don't know.

Miss Watkins.

I don't know.

Maybe he did
a long time ago, but...

But it was
a long time ago.

Your witness.

You're dismissed.

Call Juan Rodriguez.

Juan Rodriguez?
Yes, sir.

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear the testimony
you're about to give

is the truth,
the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth,
so help you god?

I do.

Thought this guy
was a pal of yours.

Yeah.

Do you know the defendant,
Nicholas Romano?

Yes.

Tell us if you saw him

the night officer Hawkins
was killed.

I don't remember.

You don't remember what?

If I saw him.

Well, were you on the street
that night?

I don't remember.

You were near the 380 bar
near the entrance to an alley,

weren't you?

You saw Nick Romano run
into that alley, didn't you?

I don't remember.

What do you remember
about this case?

I remember that the police
picked me up

and said they'd prove I was
in this country illegal

and they'd have me
deported

if I didn't say I saw Nick
run into the alley.

The witness
has perjured himself!

He should be arrested.

I withdraw him
as a state witness.

Here's a break.
Just a minute!

The prosecution called
this witness.

He's theirs, not ours.

He can't withdraw him until
I've had my cross examination.

He's a hostile witness.
That's beside the point.

The witness is obviously
perjuring himself.

Perjuring himself?

The burden of proof is on you,
my friend.

I will see
the prosecuting attorney

and the defense counsel
in my chambers.

Court will recess
for half an hour.

What a picture!

Make yourselves comfortable,
if you can.

What I can't understand is
Kerman's personal vindictiveness

against Romano --
this "pretty boy" business.

I'm being entirely objective.
You know very well that --

do you want
to play fair?

One at a time!

The witness gave a signed
statement to the police

that he saw Romano
at the scene of the crime.

We admit the statement.

We've already heard him say
why he made it.

He's lying now.
You can't allow this testimony.

I can bring in two officers
who took the statement.

Mr. Kerman, don't try to conduct
my trial for me.

If there's perjury in any phase
of this trial,

believe me, the guilty parties
are going to sweat for it.

When the witness
is called

into the prosecuting
attorney's office --

You're a liar! I'm tired
of your dirty insinua--

stop it!

If the court will...

If the court will swear in
Rodriguez as its witness --

no. It wouldn't be fair
to the defendant.

He can't cross-examine!

Strike out the testimony.
Morton can have him.

We don't want him.

The testimony's already
been given to the jury.

I stand on my right of cross
examination at every point.

The testimony stands.

Gentlemen,
this trial is developing

into a slugging match.

We've got to be more orderly
when we go back,

or I'll begin slugging
both of you.

And at the same time,
if you like.

How's it going, darling?
Feels good.

I didn't count on the break
we just got.

I will read you
the witness' previous statement

to the police.

"Yes, I saw Nick Romano
kill officer Dan Hawkins."

Did you ever tell that
to the police?

Yes, but I was lying.

Did you testify
before the grand jury

that you saw the killing?

Yeah, I lied
to the grand jury, too.

You lied all the way,
didn't you?

You're lying at
this very moment, aren't you?!

Object. The district attorney's
trying to --

Is trying to impeach
his own witness.

Objection sustained.

You'll be arrested
before you leave this building.

I'm going to send you up
for this.

The witness is under
the protection of this court!

You will not threaten
any witness in my presence!

Do you wish to be held
in contempt?

I'm sorry, your honor.

You, uh...

You want to tell the truth now,
don't you, Juan?

Yes, sir.

You realize
that telling the truth

may get you in trouble
with the police?

If they're gonna deport me,
let them.

I just ain't a rat,

and I'm not gonna lie
so they can burn Nick.

All right.
Now, I'll ask you one question.

Did you or did you not
see Nick Romano

run into the alley the night
Hawkins was murdered?

I did not.

Thank you.

Thank you, your honor.

Now, you said you were supposed
to meet Nick and Sunshine

in a bar called the, uh...

Cobra tap the night
the crime was committed.

Is that right?

Yeah.
Nick came in early.

Sunshine didn't get there
until later.

Then what?

We chewed the fat for a while,
had some beer.

Then Sunshine and me
left together.

That's all.
Thank you.

What kind of beer were
you drinking that night?

Regent.

You're sure
it was Regent?

Yeah.

Was there a floor show?

Just a dancer --
a little dame...

...lady.

Was the little lady blond
or brunette?

You think I was looking
at her hair?

Look, Nick didn't do it.
He was with me and Sunshine.

Who is Sunshine --
a friend of Romano's?

Yeah.

What did Sunshine say
when he came into the tavern?

That Hawkins
had been killed.

Were you sorry?

I didn't care
one way or the other.

That's all.

You're dismissed.

Call Jim Jackson.

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear the testimony
you're about to give

is the truth,
the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth,
so help you god?

I do.

What's your work, Jim?

Rack boy and janitor
at the pastime pool room.

Do you know Nick Romano?

Yes, sir. I do.

You were with him the night
officer Hawkins was killed,

weren't you?
Yes, sir.

We were at the cobra tap
when that man was killed.

Well, then
he couldn't possibly

have committed the crime,
could he?

No, he didn't do it.
How could he have done it?

Thank you, Jim.

How old are you?

24.

How many times
have you been in jail?

Never been there.

Reformatory?

I didn't go there.

You like Romano,
don't you?

You want him to get out of this,
don't you?

I sure do.

Why?

He's always been good
to me.

He staked me
when I'm broke.

Therefore you'd like
to save him, huh?

I ain't lyin', mister.
Nick was with me.

He didn't do it.

Were you sorry officer Hawkins
was killed?

Do I have to answer?

Yes, answer the question.

I didn't care.

Ever read the Bible,
Sunshine?

Yes, sir.

Do you remember
the commandment

"thou shalt not bear
false witness"?

Yes, sir.

It has been stated
that you were drinking beer

that night
in the cobra tap.

Yes, sir.

What kind of beer?

Baum's green label.
Nick likes it.

Baum's green label, huh?

Your friend Butch said
you were drinking Regent.

Which was it?
Who's wrong?

Well...

Maybe it could've --
maybe it was Regent.

I thought it was Baum's.

"Maybe it was Regent."

Could it have been
root beer?

Nick couldn't have done it.
He was with us!

That's what you told Mr. Morton
over and over again, huh?

Yes, that's my story.

Oh, it's a story?

It's the truth.

It is?

What would you say
if I reminded you

that Negroes are not served
at the cobra tap?

Object!

Since when aren't Negroes
served there

or anyplace else
on skid row?

You're resorting
to one of the oldest,

most underhanded
devices --

I'm conducting
this cross examination.

I simply asked him
what he would say in case --

if that's the way
the state wants to play,

I know that game myself.

Let's throw the rule book away,
and we'll start!

Gentlemen!

You, Mr. Morton, stop it,

or you'll be held
in contempt.

I apologize
to the court.

But there are limits
to what I...

I apologize.

Judge is leaving his chambers
now, Mr. Morton.

Thanks.

Nick, you're sure there's
nothing you want to tell me?

About what?

You're sure you haven't lied
to me about the cobra tap?

The whole thing happened
just like I said.

All right, then.
You've got to decide.

Do we go to the jury
with what we have now,

or do I put you
on the stand?

Now, think about it.

Kerman will confuse you,
he'll needle you,

he'll try
to break you down.

Put me on the stand.

You realize, don't you,

that the verdict will probably
depend on what you say and do?

And remember this --

look at the jury
when you answer them,

right in their eyes,
all the time.

Try...

Nick, you're not
listening to me.

I was just thinking.

I want to live, Andy.

Gee, I want to live.

Why did you run away
from the police

when they tried
to arrest you?

Well, on skid row
when the cops come around,

everybody runs.

Nick...

Did you have anything to do
with the killing

with which
you're charged?

No, I'm innocent.

Cross examination.

He wouldn't
kill anybody.

He kills me.

Shh, quiet.

You're "pretty boy" Romano,
aren't you?

Question excluded.

You're the...Good-looking
fellow, aren't you?

Yeah, I'm good-looking.

Question excluded.

Mr. Kerman, you know
those tactics are improper.

Know a lot of girls?

A few.

Why did you lie
on the stand just now?

I didn't -- look at me,
Romano, not at the jury.

That trick won't work.

I didn't lie.

Answer this one
carefully.

Do you wear a hat?

Sometimes I do,
sometimes I don't.

That night?
I --

come on, come on.

Maybe.
I don't think so.

I call the jury's attention
to exhibit "C,"

already admitted
into evidence.

This hat was found near
the entrance to an alley,

which the killer ran out of
after committing the crime.

Evidently, it was thrown away
by the killer.

I remind you of statements
by pedestrians

who saw the killing

and testified that the murderer
wore a slouch hat.

Is this your hat?

No.

Well, Mr. Romano,
would you please try it on?

Let's see
if it's becoming.

Your honor.

Your honor, may I take a look
at the state's exhibit "C"?

Proceed.

Nick.

Just a hat.

No marks.

What are you trying to prove,
Mr. Morton?

It fits me, too.

Am the killer?

Was counsel
for the defense

in the neighborhood
of the 380 bar

the night officer Hawkins
was killed?

You're probably as tired
as I am, Mr. Romano.

Thanks for your Patience.
I'm almost finished.

Just a few more
simple questions.

For instance...

Did you kill Hawkins?

I didn't kill him.

You stood there in the alley
and killed him, didn't you?

No, I didn't, and I don't know
nothin' about it.

Are you sure?
Sure, I'm sure.

I object!

Your honor, the prosecution

has been badgering this boy
for hours,

asking these same questions!

Mr. Kerman,
don't you think

you've exhausted
that method of approach?

Very well, your honor.

This is the gun you killed
Hawkins with, isn't it?

No, it's not my gun.

And I didn't kill Hawkins.

Excused.

Oh, just a minute.

Sit down.

Didn't your wife
commit suicide?

Didn't your wife
commit suicide?

Leave her out of this!

Well, didn't she?

Leave her out of this!!

Sit down, please.

You weren't anywhere near
the cobra tap

the night Hawkins was killed,
were you?

I don't...

Yeah, I was there.

Was Sunshine there
when you arrived?

Sunshine?

No, later.

Where was Butch?

He was already there.

You're sure?

Yeah.

Did you see kid fingers
when you ran out of that alley?

No, I told you.

Weren't you trying to escape
from the consequences

of your crime when you ran away
from the police?

I didn't do it!

You hated Hawkins,
didn't you?

I don't like cops.

You killed Hawkins, didn't you? No!

Isn't it true your wife killed
herself because of you?!

Didn't your wife
commit suicide?

I believe in you,
Nicky.

Well,
didn't she?

On, come on,
come on.

Make me proud
of you.

You hated Hawkins,
didn't you?

Don't do it,
Nicky.

You stood there in the alley
and killed him. Don't do it now.

Didn't your wife
commit suicide?

Oh, come on,
come on.

Isn't it true your wife killed
herself because of you?!

Isn't it true your wife killed
herself because of you?!

Stop it!
Let me alone!

You killed him,
didn't you?

Stop badgering me!
All right, I killed him!

Sure, I did! I killed him!
I'm glad I did!

Stop badgering me,
or I'll kill you, too!

Shall we remove the witness,
your honor?

No.

Sorry I had to do it
the hard way.

Why'd you lie to me?

I'm sorry, Andy.

Yeah.

Your honor...

I'd like to make a motion
out of the hearing of the jury.

The jury will be taken
to the jury room.

Your honor...

I request that the plea
of the defendant

in this case be changed
from "not guilty" to "guilty."

Will the defendant rise?

Do you understand
the consequences

of your
attorney's request?

Yes.

The request is granted.

The jury will not be recalled
and a plea of guilty entered.

I was on the jury.

So was I.

Is there any statement
you wish to make

before sentence is passed?

Mr. Morton?

Your honor, there's...

Something I'd like to say
in behalf of the defendant.

When I took
this case, I...

I believed Nick Romano
was innocent.

I believed
what he told me, and...

I believed what those men,
Butch and Sunshine, told me.

I believed
because I wanted to believe.

I wanted to believe
that all the filth and fury

and jumble
of this boy's past

had not produced
a killer.

But...

Nick Romano is guilty.

He's guilty of...

Of many things.

He's guilty of -- of knowing
his father died in prison.

He's guilty of having been
reared in poverty.

He's guilty of having lived
in the slums.

Of having had
the wrong companions --

the pickpockets and hoodlums,
panhandlers and prostitutes

of the worst district that ever
disgraced a modern city.

He's guilty of the pool rooms
and bars

that were open to him
as a boy.

He's guilty
of the foul treatment

of a primitive reform school.

Keep the boy...

And civilize the boyhood.

This boy could've been exulted
instead of degraded,

student instead of savage.

But come with Nick on his own
way to that reform school,

see your best friend die
of subhuman punishment.

Come with Nick along skid row,

where the fences buy anything
and no questions asked.

Come with Nick into the alleys
and on the streets,

past the drunks and panhandlers
and prostitutes

into the pool rooms
and the bars.

Listen.

Listen to the jackrollers
and the thieves.

Absorb their poisonous
philosophy of life.

Come with Nick
to the penitentiary.

Be numbered and counted
and hated,

and leave there determined
to be worthy of that hatred.

Yes...

Nick Romano is guilty.

But so are we!

And so is that precious thing
called society.

Society is you and you and you

and all of us.

We, society, are hard
and selfish and stupid!

We're scandalized
by environment,

and we call it crime.

We denounce crime,
and -- and yet we --

we disclaim any responsibility
for it.

And we lack the will
to do anything about it.

Until we do away with the type
of neighborhood

that produced this boy,

10 will spring up
to take his place --

100, 1,000,

until we wipe out the slums
and rebuild them!

Knock on any door...

And you may find Nick Romano.

The newspapers have been
clamoring for pictures

and stories about this trial.

Well, why don't you
print this?

They and you and I,
we good people,

we, the solid citizens
of this community,

we photographed and labeled
this boy years ago.

We made this rendezvous
with him years ago.

We brutalized and ordered
him here years ago.

If he dies
in the electric chair...

We killed him.

Print that!

Where do we
take him now?

Do we kill him?

The current coursing through
the blood, the nerves,

the heart, the brain.

I ask mercy from this court.

I ask this so that for us
who walk free,

for all of us,

there may be some mercy.

I am moved by
your eloquence, Mr. Morton --

deeply moved.

However, the law and the duty
of this court is clear.

Will the defendant rise?

It is the judgment of this court

that you be taken into
the custody of the warden

of the state penitentiary

until Friday, the 29th day
of November,

when you shall be put to death

in the manner prescribed
by the state.

And may god have mercy
on your soul.

Sorry I fouled out.

Look, Nick...

I'm afraid
I haven't been able

to be very much help
to you, but...

You know how I feel.

If there's one thing
I can promise you --

I'll do everything
I can to...

Keep other fellas
like you from...

...well, to help other fellas
like you...

As long as I live.