State Penitentiary (1950) - full transcript

42 miles from the nearest city,

stretched along the bank of the river,

stands the State Penitentiary,

a sinister warning to the lawbreaker

that here is the end of the road.

Here is where he must be separated
from law-abiding society.

The men inside these prison walls
are learning their lesson all too well.

Some of them, most in fact,

will profit by it and emerge from here

as better men, better citizens

to resume normal life,
normal friendships.



Their debt to society paid in full.

Others, however, convicts,
habitual offenders

hardened to crime,
all beyond the pale,

must of necessity continue on here

through drab fruitless years

their lives dedicated to an
unhappy meaningless existence

confined to barred cells
and forbidding barricades.

And until the end of their time,

these unfortunate men will continue
to be watched and guarded

as they live in a cheerless city
of grey walls, great towers,

grey uniforms and grey men.

As its warden, I'm charged with
the care and discipline

of approximately a thousand men

convicted of offenses
against the State.



Inside each of these cells is a man
and a story.

This is John Bartoli,
five years, robbery

Clark Jackson, three years,
assault with a deadly weapon.

Jerry Howard 20 to life,
murder of a policeman.

This man is Rodger Manners. You may
have seen his picture in your newspapers

when his trial was front page news.

He has spent two years of his life
inside this prison.

Two years, 22 days, six hours.

It was a dreary day when Rodger Manners
saw the gates of the prison open.

Gates that were too close and
deprived him of a world of free men.

And here he was to become familiar with
the clang of pails against steel doors,

the smell of disinfectant
in the cell blocks

and mark the time of night

by the cries of the watchman
calling the hours.

He had been convicted
for embezzlement.

His sentence was
from three to five years.

How about a statement, Mr. Manners?

How about that 400 grand
that got stashed away?

Give us a break, whether we have
to print something.

You can print that I'm innocent.

What about the Manners' plane?

They'll roll off the
assembly line someday.

What does your wife
think about the verdict?

My wife took no part in the trial
at my request.

I'd like to keep it that way.

How do you feel about it?

He's pretty slick.

I'd spend a little vacation
there myself

if I could be sure I had four hundred
grand waiting for me.

Incidentally, I'm a little bent.

Which one of you guys can
slip me a fin till payday?

Now Rodger Manners became part
of an isolation company.

A baker's dozen of new inmates,

still uninitiated into the ways
of life inside the walls.

Here was an 18 year old farm boy,

a department store executive,

a drugstore clerk,

a brilliant aeronautical engineer.

A couple of suits of denim
with cap to match

would be his clothes from now on.

A stenciled number
on the back of his jacket

would take the place
of his name.

The regulation prison photo was
the next step in his indoctrination.

Okay.

All right, you're all done.

You can take this and
report back to isolation.

And, by the way, if you want me
to run off any extra prints

to send to your friends at Christmas,
I'll make you a very special rate.

Thanks.

And now Rodger Manners
was being led

through an intricate system of
forbidding steel doors.

His outer transformation
was complete.

No longer was he president
of the Manners Aircraft Corporation.

Now just one more convict.

Number 1 - 1 - 4 - 1 - 6 - 2.

Got a new cellmate for you, Beaumont.
Break him right.

Sure, sure thing.

I'll tell him all there is to know.

You'd better start telling yourself
what's the idea of a messed-up bunk.

Oh, it's just resting.

- Al, straighten it up.
- Yes, sir.

- My name is Manners.
- What's your first name?

- Rodger.
- Rodger, that's better..

I'm Al Beaumont,
my friends call me Kid.

All right, Kid.

- First offense?
- Yeah.

I thought so.

Why, you'd have been in worse places.

What'd they get you for?

Let's not talk about it.

We haven't still talked about it.

If I was guessing,
I'd say grand larceny.

No, you're wrong.
I was guilty of embezzlement.

Say, that's a pretty big word.
What does it mean?

I'm supposed to have illegally
appropriated $400,000.

Well, that's a lot of dough, brother!

You're really big-time.
How'd you do it?

I'm sorry I can't tell you the secret,
because I'm not guilty.

Oh, so they gave you a bum rap, huh?

Yeah, that's right.

I know, Rodger.
Everyone here got a bum rap.

I was framed.
Even me.

How do you think I shot that cashier
in Des Moines?

Nah, my fingerprints
was planted on the gun.

Only nobody believes me, see?

And there ain't nobody gonna believe you.

You know why?
'Cuz it ain't true.

Well, you have it your way.

Hey, Kid.
Are you there, Kid?

Yeah, Jim, what do you want?

Can you keep a secret?

Sure, what's it now, Jim?

Tomorrow, I've got it all worked out.

Tomorrow.

Fine. I wish you luck.

That was "jailbreak" Jimmy.
Crazy as a coo.

Always he's breaking out tomorrow.

- Is that the girlfriend?
- It's my wife.

A pretty nice dish.

How'd you better make up
that bunk of yours?

Oh, Rodger, don't be talking like
one of them trustees.

Besides, I ain't cleaning it up.

You are.

- I am?
- Yeah.

Don't you know the rules?

The new guy always takes care
of the cell.

- Who made that rule?
- Me.

Look, brother. It ain't good to be
getting into trouble on your first day.

Okay, Kid. Looks like you got yourself
a new chamber maid.

And so Rodger Manners started
learning about the penitentiary.

He learned to get up at 5:30
in the morning

and to be part of a line
that started marching

aimlessly, mechanically
down the same corridors,

up the same steps toward a day ahead
that would be just like any other day.

March... march... march...

always in prison file,
always being watched.

always being counted,
the same routine,

the same faces,
the same hopelessness

the same futility.
Nothing to look forward to,

except a tomorrow that would be
no different from today.

He learned to eat in the big mess hall.

Nobody talked, nobody left.

The menu was always
very much the same:

A course of prison grub.

The only dinner music, the sound
of tin plates and tin cups.

With guards on all sides,
watching here too.

And so another day began,
another day in the city of lost men

where, in time, each one had
his particular work cut out for him.

And Rodger Manners wondered
what his would be.

Maybe he'd be assigned to work
on making license plates,

or perhaps he would be put
into the jute mill

where convicts
labored monotonously,

preparing vile-smelling fiber
for ropes or sacks.

Or maybe he'd draw work
in the carpenter shop,

where the better skilled could make
real use of their hands.

or he might learn to run a machine
and help make bags,

gunnysacks or suits of denim.

Rodger Manners was curious

as to just how he would be asked
to fit into this prison pattern.

And then, one day he was called
to report to the board of classification.

Kitchen job, huh?

Okay, you're next.

Let's have your card.

Manners, Rodger.
1-1-4-1-6-2.

College education, graduate engineer.

Married. No children.

- Sit down, Manners.
- Thank you.

How would you like to go to work?
It isn't compulsory, it's privileged.

I appreciate the permit, sir.

This new water system we're installing
seems like you could fit in there.

That sounds very interesting.

With my engineering experience,
I think probably that I--

It's heavy labor.

Well, I... I've done
heavy labor before.

Is he physically fit, doctor?

- He's okay.
- Then, have him report there for work.

The officer out in the hall
will tell you where to report.

Thank you, sir.

Rodger Manners was assigned
to the detail

which had been working
to install new intake pipes

that which supply and filter
the river water to the prison.

The work of repairing
the prison water system,

like any other job
inside the penitentiary,

offered prisoners an opportunity
to earn money

at the rate of 7 to 17 cents per hour.

And industrial good time
applied against total sentence:

Two days for a month's work.

- Gavin!
- Yeah.

- Come out here.
- Coming out!

- Rodger Manners.
- Yeah, what do I do with him?

He's an engineer
assigned to your detail.

Gavin will show you the ropes.

Well, ain't you impressed having
this fine gentleman

working right along
with mugs like us?

What do you mean impressed?

Why, he's Mr. big shot
of stocks and bonds.

Snitched 400 grand out of a putt when
the rest of the boys wasn't looking.

Can't hardly blame him for not want to
have nothing to do with our small fry.

How's the market today, old fellow?

Should I sell my 20 shares
of the prison's stock?

I came here to work.
What do you want me to do?

Tell me where we can grab 400 grand.

Oh, he don't share no secrets like that
with us, punkers.

Anyway, he didn't steal no 400 grand.

He just put it in his pocket.

Oh, I see what you mean, Kid.

Can't understand how a fine
distinguished gentleman like him

could be put in with a bunch
of guys like us.

Yeah, it might get bad ideas.

Where are you going?

I was assigned here,
but if you don't need me,

I guess the guard can find
another job.

- You got a pretty thin hide, Manners.
- Yeah, maybe.

You gotta learn to take more
than just a little ride.

- I have.
- You have?

You gotta've learnt to take a lot more
than that while you're here.

What's going on, Gavin?

Oh, I was just showing
Mr. Manners here the ropes

and he kinda just slipped and fell.

- Is that what happened?
- Sure that's what happened.

I'm asking Manners.

Yeah, that's right.

He was showing me the ropes.

The prison routine permitted inmates
a recreational period before dinner.

- Hey!
- Hello.

- Are you really an engineer?
- Well, I used to think I was.

Know anything about airplanes?

I ought to.

- I design them.
- You do?

I make models.

When I get one that's perfect,

then I'll build me a real plane
and will fly outta here.

I wish you all the luck in the world.

You can help me get me
some pointers.

But, can I trust you?

Yes, your secret's safe with me.

Good, I knew you're a right guy.

- Look at this.
- Well, that's quite a shift.

The guards think I'm just
playing with toys,

but you and me,
we know better, don't we?

Yes.

When I'm ready to make my getaway,
I'm gonna take off in this plane.

Over that tower.
Like this.

- Hey, guard!
- What do you want?

Throw me down my plane.

Look.
Look what he did to my plane.

Before I get out of here,
I'll get even with that guy.

Manners had been in prison
for almost two months

when he had his first visitor:
Richard Evans,

from the office
of the State Attorney.

My job is to get him to talk
and it's not going to be easy.

Well, I just sent for him; let's see.

He'd better start opening up and fast
because the boss is almighty.

He only expects me to produce
a rabbit out of the hat.

All I've got to say, Evans, is you've
your work cut out for you.

And I think in the thousands
of people he gypped.

Why, he built Manners' playing up in the
two million dollar's worth of orders.

It's a neat trick.

All he had was six handmade
model planes,

some full-page newspaper ads
and a slogan:

"The plane of tomorrow.
The common man takes to the sky."

- Yes?
- Rodger Manners.

Send him in.

Manners, I believe you know Mr. Evans,
of the State Attorney's office.

Yes, sir.

I thought it was time
we had another talk.

- You know what I'm after.
- Yeah.

- Four hundred thousand?
- That's right.

Well, I haven't got it.
I've never had it.

I don't know where the money is.

Manners, you're never gonna
get a chance to spend that money.

When you get out of here, I would be
after you with a badge and a gun.

Look here.

I've been tried and convicted
for something I didn't do.

Manners, we have about
a thousand men here.

80% of them would tell me
the same thing.

They were framed, misunderstood,
taking the rap for someone else.

It's the usual story.

Let's face it.
You had your day in court.

Mr. Evans doesn't think so.
He wouldn't be here.

That's right.
There's one little chapter left.

I've got to find that money,
that's my job.

Your job: to question
and badger me,

to annoy my friends,

to pinch and probe
until you hit the right nerve

and $400,000 pops out.
Well, it's not going to, Mr. Evans.

You can tell that to your boss.

Making it tough on yourself, Manners.

If you give Mr. Evans
a little cooperation--

Oh, it's no use, warden.

I'm no longer an innocent man
fighting to save my skin.

Now I'm a con, like everybody else here.

And a con doesn't tell you a thing.

Is that's all you're going to say?

That's all it is.

- Now let me go, warden?
- You can go.

Well, now what are you gonna do?

Sit tight and wait.

Get it in time.
Time is one thing he's got a lot of.

He'll come around.

The recreation period
to some inmates

meant strolling to and fro
in the prison yard,

playing checkers, tossing a base ball
or just plain small talk.

Need guidance.
They aren't using the right pitchers.

It's the umpire.

How do you know? You can't tell
balls and strikes from here.

On this particular afternoon, the keepers
of the grapevine were working overtime.

And Todd Richardson, the guard,

patrolling the main tower
and the center catwalk knew it.

"Sharp Eye" convicts called him.

And he'd earned that name.
He could spot trouble a mile away.

Today he scents something
unusual brewing.

Something was in the air.
"Sharp Eye" was sure of it.

He could tell by the way the cons
were moving about the yard.

The way they whispered to each other.

But what spot would
trouble strike first?

East corner, five minutes.
We're circling Duke Thomas.

East corner, five minutes, Duke Thomas.

Five minutes, over in east corner,
get a little party for Duke Thomas.

Circle, east corner.

Duke Thomas in five minutes.

The east corner.

Duke Thomas.

Duke,

They'd kill me if they knew
I was tipping you.

Look out, Duke, Gavin's mob
is out to get you.

They won't get me.
Not a chance.

It's time for Duke's party.

You're against me too.

You did a good job, Manners.

Thanks.
Do you think it'll get me a gold medal?

The courage which
Roger Manners had displayed

was naturally resented by
most of his fellows convicts.

Manners, however, went back to work
on the water main detail.

Come on, break it up.
Get back on your job.

Come on!

The huge pipes that sucked
water from the river

and pulled it through screens
and chlorine filters

had been installed
in the early 1900's.

Now they were being dragged
from the earth

and replaced with copper fittings
manufactured in the prison workshops.

Manners detail toiled under the circuits
using acetylene torches

to blast worn sections free, so that
new sections could be installed.

How's your friend "Jailbreak" Jimmy?

He's being sent to the State Hospital.
The poor guy went to pieces.

He's completely mixed up
and he's done now.

Oh, it's too bad.

Yeah, it'll be too bad for you

if you don't keep your nose out
of things that don't concern you.

If I hadn't stopped him,
he might've killed that guard.

So what? I think there are
plenty of guards here.

- I can't figure you out.
- Don't try.

You're old enough to know
right from wrong.

You're older than I am
and you're my cellmate, remember?

Ah, but I forgot. You're in here
for something you didn't do.

You don't believe that, do you?

Who am I to disagree with
the judge and jury?

Say, remind me tonight I've got a book
I want you to read.

I think it'll do you some good.

- Did you read it?
- Yes, I did.

And you didn't understand it, did you?

Hey, Manners.

Take this over to Costello.

- Costello?
- Yeah, he's over by the valve house.

Okay.

Hey, wait a minute.
What have you got there?

- Some broken pipe.
- Wait while I take a look.

Okay.

Why didn't you tell me
that stuff was hot?

- I didn't know it.
- All right, get it out of here.

All right.

- This goes to you?
- Yeah.

Be careful.
Careful, it's hot.

Are you telling me?

Thanks, Manners.
Thanks a lot.

Don't mention it.

What are you trying to pull?

Huh?

Next time you want somebody deliver
a gun, find a different pigeon.

What are you worried about?

If they did find it in your load,
they wouldn't do nothing.

You're their favorite boy by now.

Whatever you're planning,
leave me out.

You mean you wouldn't
wanna get someplace

where you could spend some of the
400 G's you got stashed away?

That's exactly what I mean.

Oh, maybe you'll change your mind.

But even in prison, there's an occasional
satisfying tie with the world outside.

A monthly visit.

Mrs. Manners, here's your husband.

I have waited a long time for this day.

I've been waiting too, darling.

Yeah, now that is here will be over
before we know, Shirley.

'Cause I just have a few minutes.

A few minutes, you stay so much?
Where should we begin?

Oh, yes.

There was the man from the State
Attorney's office who came to see me.

Evans?

He said he might arrange your release
if you turn over the money.

What did you tell him?

Don't get me started on that, darling.

Oh, I'd wish they'd leave you
off that, Shirley.

It's my problem.

Ours, dear. We're partners, Rodger.
Partners in everything.

Speaking of partners,

I can't get Stan Brown
out of my mind.

I've been lying awake nights
thinking about him.

I just can't figure him out.

- I can't understand it either?
- Have you heard of him?

I had a letter. He's back
in Florida raising orchids.

Mortgages, aeroplanes, orchids.
that's quite a leap.

What did he say?

Asked how you were.

If there was anything he could do
for either one of us, to let him know.

Do you think that help
will come in late?

Very late.

He could've helped me at the trial.

When he took the stand,
I thought his testimony would help me

and, instead, it was so noncommittal.

Well, it was actually detrimental.

And then he turned out to be
the prosecution's star witness.

I just don't get it, that's all.

Try not to think about it, darling.

I can't help it. It's not that easy.

He didn't even come to see me
when the trial was over.

Time is up.

Good-bye, dear.

- Come back soon, huh?
- You know I will.

Hello, Ms. Manners.

A pleasant visit?

Pleasant?
I'd hardly call it that.

Talking to your husband
through a wire grill.

I know he told you he'll have to look
forward to for five long years.

Yeah, that's pretty tough.

In a way, it's your own choice.

He could be out of here in no time
if you cooperate with me.

I gave you my answer when you came
to my house, Mr. Evans.

Rodger doesn't have that money.

I don't suppose he has.
Not in his cell, anyway.

But you might know where it is.

Let's see, 10% of 400,000 is 40,000,
is that right?

There's nothing wrong with
your arithmetic,

but I don't follow you.

It's quite simple:

the insurance company is willing to pay
10% for the recovery of stolen funds.

40,000 would be yours.

No headaches, no strings.

It's worth thinking about, isn't it?

Yes, it is worth thinking about.

I wouldn't waste any time
making my mind if I were you.

Our department works fast. If they get
there first, you lose your 10%.

I understand you perfectly, Mr. Evans.

I thought you would.

A few days later, Mrs. Manners
was on a plane. Florida-bound.

She had a mission to perform,
a daring one.

On the plane she kept thinking that
a fair mission would free her husband.

That was all that mattered.

Were you surprised that I took you up
without an invitation, Stan?

No, but I was happy you did.

The change will do you a world of good.

I just had to get away, Stan.

New York more than you could take?

It certainly was.

When my friends came to see me,

it was only so they can go home
and gossip about me.

Oh, get my car, will you, please?

You're bearing it better
than I thought you would.

I'd say you look as lovely as ever.

You always did say nice things,

but I'm afraid it's just the makeup.

No.

Oh, yes, rouge can do wonders.
I'm tired and worn.

This hasn't been an easy time.

Not easy for any of us,

but here you won't find
any of your gossipy friends.

You'll have the run of the place.
I'm glad you came.

I am already.

Oh, here's our car.

I paid reservations for you
at the Carlson Hotel.

I'm getting a terrible burn!

That's a nice tan.
It's becoming.

Thank you, sir.

In fact on you,
anything is becoming.

Thanks again, sir.

Why the big sigh?

I don't know.
I guess I'm all mixed up.

Mixed up?

It's you and I, Stan.
Are we all wrong?

What do you mean, wrong?

The fun we've been having
the last few weeks.

So what? No harm in having
a few laughs together.

No, I suppose not.

But...

What's the use of pretending?

- What do you think of my orchids?
- Oh, they're breathtaking.

I'm very proud of them.

Orchid raising has always been a hobby
of mine. Now, it's my job.

This one is gorgeous.

Would you like to wear it tonight?

Oh, I'd love to.

Stan, do you think it's all right
our being seen together?

Why not?

Look, what Rodger has done,
you've got to get out of your mind.

You've got your own life to live.

That's what I tried to tell myself.

I know. I...
I've given it a great deal of thought.

- Stan...
- Yes, Shirley.

I don't know how to say this, but

?would it be terrible
if I divorced Rodger?

Well, now that you ask me, Shirley,

it seems the only sensible thing to do,

unless, of course, you enjoy
being a martyr.

I don't.

- I think I'm selfish.
- We're all selfish more or less.

Remember this:
you didn't embezzle the money.

You weren't sentenced.

You make me feel better already.

Here.

Another visitors day.
Manners have been waiting for it,

his heart pounding a bit faster,

expecting to see his wife again.

But, instead...

You don't seem very pleased
to see me.

I wasn't expecting you.

I didn't want you to be lonesome
while your wife is in Florida.

Florida?

Don't tell me you didn't know
she was there.

I haven't received any mail lately.

So any information you can give
will be greatly appreciated.

I have a picture over here taken
on Stanley Brown's place in Florida.

Kind of chirpy, because you were
enjoying yourself, didn't you?

Is this another one
of your little tricks?

No, Manners, it's on the level.

You sure you don't wanna tell me
anything else?

Don't you ever give up?

Look here, leave my wife
out of this, will you?

- I don't have to.
- You're doing that yourself.

Sometimes I find the privacy
of myself has its advantages.

Good-bye, Evans.

Hey, what's the matter with
Mr. stocks and bonds?

A dame.

It is a dame, ain't it, Manners?

Is it?

And how do you know?
She's divorcing the guy.

Oh, cut it out, Kid.
You're breaking my heart.

Ain't kidding.

- Look here.
- Hey, give me that.

All right, break it up.
Back on the job.

Yes, sir.

Hey, Manners...

- You're an engineer, ain't you?
- That's right.

The warden wants you to take over
the job in the valve house.

You oughta regulate the flow
through the pipes.

Report to Davis
and he'll break you in.

- Gavin!
- Yeah.

You'll have to do without him
on this detail.

Sure, sure.

During the next month, Rodger Manners
became familiar with the manipulation

of the intricate system of valves which
control the intake and outflow of water.

It was necessary that the water
be constantly guided in and out

of the sections where the replacement
of the pipe was in progress.

When the day's work was over,
the prisoners returned to their cells,

past the same guards,
down the same corridors

up the same steps,
tired, sweaty, hungry,

to relax until the recreation
and dinner out.

But, at least to Rodger Manners,

it was another day to be
checked off the calendar.

One day less to serve,
one day closer to being with his wife,

one day nearer to being
a free man again.

What are you doing here?

- I'm taking my beauty rest.
- Where's the "Kid"?

Oh, he got into a fight.
Get solitary.

So they put me in here,
just to fill in the cell.

The Kid knows better
than to get in a fight.

- Now, you think so, would--
- Say, look, Gavin,

I don't know what you're trying
to pull or what you're after

but I'm not part of it.

You were part of this.

I never did thank you for getting
it out of the tunnel, did I?

I may have been a fall guy once.
Once is enough.

Why don't you tell the guards
about the gun, then?

No. What you do
is your business.

That's a healthy attitude.

You don't really think you can
break out of here, do you?

Now, what gave you that idea?

You don't have that gun
just to play with.

I thought you weren't interested.

Of course, we might not need the gun.
That's if everything goes okay.

On the other hand,
it might come in handy.

Just like you.

400 G's just waiting for you
to spend them.

Why do you want me
in this with you?

Well, maybe we like you.

Then, maybe we could use some
of that dough when we get out.

And maybe we might need you.

What's that for?

Oh, I just like to know the date.

Which reminds me I forgot
to mark off today.

What's that for? The circle around
the 30th. What's so special about it?

- The 30th?
- Yeah.

That's my aunt Abigail's birthday.

Gotta remember to send her a card.

May finish the job
on the water pipes tomorrow.

There's another month's work
on that detail.

Yeah.

But we finish tomorrow.

- Wanna know how I figured?
- No.

It's an engineering problem,
right up your alley.

Look here, if you've got anything
set for tomorrow, don't tell me.

Just I don't wanna know
anything about it.

Keep your shirt on.

We're just having a harmless little
discussion on an engineering problem.

I want your advice.

- I'm not listening.
- Okay, so you're not listening.

So I'll sort of talk about it nice and
loud, so I can hear what it sounds like.

Yeah, I can't keep you from talking.

What I'm wondering is this:

for over two months now,
we've have been working on a water pipe

that's part of the water system.

And according to my amateur calculations,
which should be all about 30 feet long.

Do you agree with my figures?

I haven't been down the pipes in weeks.
I don't know where you are.

Oh, that's right.

You work in the valve house
with the control of pumps.

I almost forgot.
What a head!

Well, anyway, if we're at the spot
where I think we are,

right close by there's a pipe
that makes a big swing.

Now, the question is:
where is the big swing?

Wanna know what my answer is?

Right where we're working.

So, what?

I thought you weren't listening.

Now, if these two pipes are as close
together as I think they are,

all we gotta do is cut through our pipe,
dig 8 inches and just by chance,

we might hit into the inflow pipe.

All you gotta do is cut a hole, crawl in
and go down to the river.

You're crazy!

Now, what do you wanna say
a thing like that for?

Because the intake is full of water.

Well, that's right. The pumps
are always working, aren't they?

Well, take a look at this, anyway.

It can't do any harm just looking.
You said it wouldn't work.

You've been wasting your time.

Why? Because the intake pipe
is always full of water?

That's right.

You know, I just happen to realize.

That pump is controlled
in the valve house

and all somebody has to do:
just cut off the pump.

You leave me out of this, Gavin.

You are in this.

The question is how far in.

This seemed like any other day in the
prison to most of the prisoners,

but to Gavin and his crowd,
it had a particular significance.

Today was their big day.

Today they would know.

If Mike Gavin's calculations
were correct,

the section of pipe in which
they were now working

was separated by a scant
eight inches

from the intake conduit
bend to the river and to freedom.

At approximately 4:00 in the afternoon,

on November the 30th, they had
a chance to test their theory.

Come on, come on.

- We're almost there now.
- If this is the right place.

Don't worry, it's the right place.

Maybe it is, maybe it ain't.
We could've made a mistake, you know.

Yeah, and if the guards find
this hole we cut in their pipe,

they may not like it.

Guards never got their uniforms dirty
by falling down here.

They ain't likely to start now.

We've gotten there.
I guess you didn't make no mistake.

I guess I didn't.

Look, you guys clean up this mess.
I'll be right back.

- Can you handle him alone?
- Don't worry, I can handle.

Hi, Manners.

Mind if I come in?

Do you know there's only supposed
to be one man in here?

That's too bad.
I guess I forgot.

Yeah?

What do you want?

- I've got some news for you.
- Uh-huh, what kind of news?

Good news.
At least, we think it's good.

Remember that intake pipe
I was telling you about?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

But we found it.

What's the matter?
You don't look so happy.

I said we found the pipe.

Now all we need is somebody to shut up
the pump so we can get out of here.

I'm not having any part of this.

Don't you like to go down to Florida
and check up on that wife of yours?

You can't blame me for trying.

By the way, I've got
some more news for you.

So what?

So this is gonna come in handy,
after all.

You got the guards
will hear you?

With all this racket down here,
try again.

All right, go ahead and shut it.
You like me turn off the valve for you?

You're a smart boy,
but I'll take my chances.

Which pump is it? This one?

Look out, that turns off the
whole water supply. Will be noticed.

Well, lay that, it's too bad. So
the warden will miss his bubble bath.

But that'll be a cold night.

Besides, it ain't helpful to take
a bath this time of the year.

You can still come along if you want.

No, thanks, Gavin.

Think of all the living
you can do on 400 G's.

Besides, you can keep that gal
from getting lonesome.

I said no.

Okay, have it your way.

But you're in this fight
up to here already,

so you might as well come along.

Suppose I do decide
to go along with you.

Now you're talking sense.

Wait till we cut through the pipe,
ten minutes, no more,

then make a break for it.

Yeah, but I'm not saying
that I'm coming.

Don't worry 'cause we ain't
waiting for you.

What if the pump
isn't turned off?

So you'll get your feet wet.

Come, on come on, let's go.

Captain, the water is off.
See what's the matter.

Hey, Manners, what's going on
down there?

Nothing, nothing at all.

The water is off up on
the warden's quarters

and he wants it turned on
right away.

Okay.

Hey, Manners,

are you sure you didn't
turn off the water?

- By mistake, maybe.
- No, I didn't turn it off.

Find out the trouble and
be quick about it, will you?

Sure, leave it to me.

Hey, the master pump is off.

How do you they expect the guy
to take a bath, huh?

Water!
Water! Water!

Did you turn the pump off, Manners?

- No, sir. I didn't
- Then who did?

I can't tell you, sir.

No need to shield anyone.

When I first came here,
I was told I was a prisoner.

Like any other prisoner.

- All right, go back to your cell.
- Thank you.

Where have you been, Manners?

We know where he's been,
don't we, guys?

Sure, he's been to see
the warden.

And the warden is
mighty proud of him.

He is a swell guy.
He turned on the watering.

Drowned a con.

Why aren't you in solitary
with the other guys?

That's a good question, Chris.

Yeah, ain't it?

You know, it's a funny thing, but
I don't think he knows the answer.

Yeah.

I sure hate to think he lied on it.

You know, if we were sure
he turned the water on,

we'd have to do
something about it.

I wonder what we'd do.

Probably slap him around.

Rodger Manners was admitted
to the prison hospital

for multiple fractures
of the elbow joints,

lacerations and possible
internal injuries.

At the end of three weeks,

his convalescence
was progressing satisfactorily.

Hey, Tony. I wonder if you--

A caller.

I heard you had a little trouble.

What do you want?

Well, I thought maybe
you wanted something.

You know, books, candy, magazines...

So I got the warden's permission
to come and see you.

No, thanks. I'm all right.

That's just a social call.

Wasn't it quite a surprise
about your wife and Stanley Brown?

What have you dreamed up now?

Listen, if she gets a divorce, she's
going to marry your partner Stan Brown.

You're lying. My wife wouldn't
double-cross me.

Not just you, me too.

What are you talking about?

Ten percent wasn't enough.

I still don't get it.

Evidently, she wants
a hundred percent.

So now we're both out in the cold.

Why don't you stop talking riddles?

It's just a riddle to you.

The insurance company is willing to pay
10 percent to regain stolen funds.

Your wife knew about this,
but it wasn't enough.

She wanted the whole thing

and she didn't wanna wait
five years to get it.

Oh, that's a rotten lie!

Don't get yourself all worked up.

You don't have to believe
if you don't want to.

Well... Here, have some cigarettes.
You may need to smoke.

Come on, yeah!

Hit him, come on!

Come on, boy!

Well, hello.

I thought I was still getting
the silence treatment.

Oh, not from me.
We are old friends, ain't we?

Besides, a guy can't be too choosy
in a place like this.

What you know? Here's something new
on that doll of yours.

- Huh?
- Says she's getting married.

Let me see that paper, will you?

Sure, take a look.

Hey, Manners, the warden
wants to see you.

Look, he wants to let me out?

Wow, it'd be nice,
but I doubt it.

So do I.
Let's go.

Stoolie!

Hi, rat.

- Sit down, Manners.
- Thanks.

The warden tells me you asked
permission to talk to me.

Yes, that's right.

Oh, what's on your mind?

I think that I can deliver
that money.

Good.
Now you're making sense.

Well, you decided to be
more cooperative.

I'm sure you won't regret it.

Why? I'm not sure you quite
understand me, warden.

I haven't the money.

All right, you gave it to someone
to keep it for you.

Just tell us where it is.

Let me out of here for 48 hours
and I promise you results.

And, more than that, I'll turn over
the man who stole it.

I don't think you realize
what you're asking.

This isn't a school where
we can declare a recess.

Well, for months now you've been
asking me for the money.

Here's your chance to get it.

I'm afraid not, Manners.

Even if I was inclined to grant
your request,

there are laws forbidding it.

- I'm sorry.
- Tell me where I can find him.

Tell me who you think
the guilty man is,

and if you're right, you'll have
a chance to go free.

This proposition seems very fair.

I want to turn over the money myself.

You didn't cook up this little plan
just to get to your wife, did you?

Maybe.

If you change your mind,
I'll get in touch with Evans.

Thank you, sir.

Well, when are you leaving?

Tuesday... 1953.

Say, Manners, what did the warden
wanna see you about, anyway?

He assigned me back
to the valve house.

I'm supposed to report back
there right away.

Say, look, Tom, is there any way
you can get me back there

other than going through the yard?

I don't wanna go through
that ordeal again.

Sure, I'll take you through
the sideway. Come on.

Thanks.

Thanks, Tom.

I got assigned here to work with you.

Couldn't have picked the worst rat.

Why, you--

Listen, I may have to work with you,
but I don't have to talk to you.

What are you doing?

Following orders. I'm supposed to
release some of the water in the summer.

All right, Evans if you wanna have
another try at him, I'll call him.

Watchtower?

Watchtower.

Yes, warden.

I took him over the valve house.
He told me you assigned him to it.

Yes, sir. Right away.

Come on.

Thanks for the lift.

- Have a good time.
- Thanks.

Hello.
Is Mr. Brown in?

Mr. Brown isn't at home
right now.

But I'm expecting him
and a lady for dinner.

Thanks. I... I'll call back later.

Hello, Manners.

Oh, give me a break, will you?

You'll have that money
in a couple of hours.

- No. My job is to bring you in.
- Just let me talk to Brown.

Look, I'll get the truth out of him.
You can come along with me.

I'm not taking any chance.

Well, is this just as much your duty
to... to help an innocent man

as it is to convict a guilty one?

Well, what's Brown address?

2662, Dilido Island, just a couple
of hours from here.

- Okay.
- Yeah.

Well, our plane for Rio
leaves at midnight.

I think you'd better go
to your hotel and pack.

I'm not going, Stan.

Not going?
That's nonsense.

What are we running away from?
You think we had something to hide.

You're not as smart as I thought
you were, Shirley.

What would you have us do?
Stay here and get in a jam with Rodger?

I'm not afraid of Rodger.

I don't understand you.

I gave you my answer.
I'm not going, Stan. It's final.

Oh, think it over, dear.
I'll be down at the greenhouse.

You should have a change of heart.

I'm glad you changed your mind.

I've always said I had one of the world's
most valuable orchid collections.

Is there anything I could do to help?

You put the family fortune
into the valise.

Everything is dark.
Looks like they're out for the evening.

Well, they've left for good.

Well, I guess there's nothing to do
but take you back.

Wait a minute, wait.

Look.

Okay, let's start walking.

I gotta put this into my pocket.
Petty cash.

Shirley, are you out of your mind?

I never was more sane in my life.

Put that petty cash in the valise, too.

- But, Shirley, I... I...
- Do as I tell you, Stan.

I'll need that money to clear Rodger.

You'll never get the chance to.

Now, Manners, I'm gonna have
to take you back to prison.

I don't think you'd be there
very long this time.

After due process of law,
Rodger Manners was given his release.

After two years, twenty-two days
and six hours,

Rodger Manners left the State
Penitentiary, a free man.

- Now, Manners, goodbye and good luck.
- Thank you, warden.

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

Shirley!

Rodger!

Transcription and subtitle
made by gamboler[noirestyle]