The Lady in Red (1979) - full transcript

1930s gangster-era film about John Dillinger and his last girlfriend.

♪ In the heart of little

old New York ♪

♪ You'll find a thoroughfare ♪

♪ It's the part of little

old New York ♪

♪ That runs into Times Square ♪

♪ A crazy quilt that

Wall Street Jack built ♪

♪ If you've got a little

time to spare ♪

♪ I'd like to take you there ♪

♪ Come and meet those

dancing feet ♪

♪ It's a song that I love

the melody of ♪

♪ 42nd Street ♪

Get out, out!

Never shall harbor an

unclean thought.

Ye too shall be

smitten by it, yeah.

Ye too shall

descend into the lake of fire!

Satan may assume a pleasin' form

to lead us into damnation,

oh many...

Father!

I'm bringin' the eggs into town.

Anything you want, 'sides

your medicine?

Better hustle your

tail back here,

you got them pullets to tend to!

Yeah.

♪ Sexy ladies from the '80s ♪

♪ Who are indiscreet ♪

♪ They're side by side,

they're glorified ♪

♪ Where the underworld

can meet the elite ♪

♪ Naughty, gaudy, bawdy,

sporty 42nd Street ♪

What are you lookin' at, sister?

Uh, I was just

admiring your dress.

Yours ain't bad either.

Okay, on the running board.

You're going for a little spin.

Get slow, so I

can hit the tires!

Okay, Patience, you've

done your bit.

We're gonna slow down.

When I say jump, you jump

lively, you understand?

Jump!

- What's your name, Miss?

- Franklin, Polly Franklin.

You ever see a picture of John

Dillinger, Miss Franklin?

Not yet...

Will you hold up, in good time?

Wasn't Dillinger,

it wasn't his style.

I didn't get a good

look at none of these fellas.

So, there's a possibility it

could've been his gang, huh?

All right...

I think you fellas have

got enough for now,

the girl's all confused.

If anything breaks, I'll

send a runner down the hotel.

Aw...

Hey!

Oh, you scared me.

Hey, little girl that

was just hangin'

with the Dillinger gang,

scared of me?

- I never said I...

- Jake Lingle Chicago Tribune.

I'd like to interview you.

- I gotta get home.

- Well,

we can talk on your way.

Oh, uh, I need a picture

of you for the story.

Oh, I don't know.

It's a, hey,

it's a shame the way you

ruined your dress like that.

It's beautiful.

I never had nothin'

like it before.

You're beautiful.

Have you ever had a man?

Had one?

No.

You're kiddin', at your age?

Do you ever want one?

You want somebody to

hold you in their arms?

Talk sweet to you?

- My father...

- Now.

You can't be his little

girl forever.

You know what men and

women can do together?

They say it's supposed to hurt.

Not with me, honey, not with me.

It hurt me.

It still hurts.

That's 'cause you tensed up.

You gotta learn to roll

with it, same as anything.

Now what happens?

Uh, now's the time for

all good little girls

to go home to their daddies.

I uh, I gotta crackin'

on that story.

You forget somethin'?

You forgot to take my picture.

I'm out of film.

♪ Rejoice ♪

♪ Rejoice ♪

They robbed a bank, Father.

Lord!

Ah, no!

Where ya headed?

Chicago.

You have a minute?

You okay?

I'm gettin' dizzy.

You gotta become part

of the machine.

Do everything in rhythm,

it goes easy.

I promise...

Hey, what's he like?

Patek?

He's a first-class putz.

Be careful if he gets too

friendly, you'll end up like Mae.

She don't seem to object.

Gave up that right

a long time ago.

Hey you, cut out the jaw action!

This ain't no tearoom.

You're not doin' so hot,

new girl.

I'm just gettin' used

to this machine.

Yeah, well don't make

excuses, just do it right.

And you, girlie, you keep

your yap closed.

'Cause I got my eye on you.

You don't put out

more'n that he'll can you.

Hey, you'll get better,

just hang on.

Oh, thanks.

Rose Shimkus.

Polly Franklin.

Okay, ladies, tools out.

It's payday.

Oh, what's your name, new girl?

Polly Franklin.

Well, it's like this, Polly.

You only got a day's

pay in here.

But um, I can be a very

good friend to have.

You wanna be my friend, Polly?

All you gotta do is

stay on the good side

of me, you understand?

Yeah, I think so.

Of course you do, all

the girls understand.

You want some more?

Do you want more?

What'd I do to you?

You damn well,

you little twitch,

you better keep your

hands off of him!

Hey, what?

She means Patek,

her meal ticket.

Butt out, kike!

Is it really worth it, Mae?

Couple pennies more a week?

Just better tell her

to stay clear of him.

Or I'll cut her

fucking heart out.

Can you believe that?

Fightin' over a worm like Patek?

Yeah.

You okay?

Yeah, I'll be all right.

So where are you stayin', honey?

Oh, here and

there, I'll find a place.

Yeah?

What are you gonna use for cash?

Well, I got a job now, so.

Eh, you'll be makin'

six, seven bucks a week.

You got the world by the balls.

Oh, oh!

Oh!

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't

realize it was a death trap.

Where are we gonna put it?

There's plenty of room.

Uh...

I'd like to ask

you some questions

about Rose Shimkus.

What about her?

Oh, what she does,

who she talks to.

- You guys cops?

- Sort of.

Well sort of ain't good enough.

Don't get tough with us, sister.

Easy now, Red, it

ain't the time.

You tell your roommate

that a couple of gentlemen

from the Industrial Squad

called, she'll understand.

She shouldn't be workin',

she looks bad.

That's her lookout.

Oh, my God.

Shimkus, get back

to your machine!

What the hell is this?

What did you do, honey,

what did you do?

He said it wasn't his.

He said he'd deny it in court.

Hey.

Hey, open up in there!

- Beat it!

- Don't push your luck, girlie.

Get her an ambulance.

Ambulance?

Okay, ladies, show's over.

Come on, back to work!

Let's go, let's go, move it!

Everybody, come on!

These girls are nothin'

but trouble.

Half of 'em are

Bolshevik bitches.

You understand?

We have it under...

Hey, wait a second,

let go of me!

Hey you!

I said back to your machine!

You got rid of both of

them, didn't you, Patek?

You sent Mae to the hospital

and Rose to the Red Squad.

We're all replaceable, ain't we,

Patek?

You're fired, sweetheart,

talk a walk.

Oh yeah, somebody don't

want your grubby paws on 'em,

they lose their job!

Big fuckin' man, pushin'

a lot of hungry girls around.

You go quietly, girlie, or

I'll toss you out on your ear.

You just try it, big man.

Did anybody tell ya

to stop workin'?

Put those machines on.

Fuck you, Patek!

Who said that?

I said it.

I said it.

I said it.

And what are you

gonna do about it?

What are you, crazy?

Put that...

Rosie, Rosie, up here!

Next.

This your first visit?

My first visit today.

What's your occupation?

I'm a dancer.

Your name?

Ruby Keeler.

How do you spell that?

And I run it

clean. I find out

you been chipping it

around on the side,

you'll hit the street, get it?

Yeah, sure.

And I don't let in no

Greeks, chinks, or Filipinos,

no matter how much

jack they got.

A girl can make a good

honest livin' here.

Only she's gotta be

straight with me, get it?

- Yeah, I get it.

- Good.

Now we have to get

something for you to wear.

And them clodhoppers

ain't goin' to make it.

It's my turn to be

on top tonight.

You were on top last night.

Oh, come on, you know

I got a bad back.

Okay, bend over.

It hurts!

It's all right, just relax.

You're squishin' me,

I can't breathe.

You're gonna be a

hunchback for life.

What are you guys doin'?

The old hawk can't see

so good if it's dark,

because we do the

suckers back here.

For what?

To make a livin' honey,

what else?

Well, you get half of

every ticket, don't you?

Thinks she's gonna

make a million, this one.

Ah, a nickel a.

Look, a sucker wants

a slow grind, that's okay.

He wants to get a little

busy with his hands,

that's okay too,

as long as he pays.

Every night we

unscrew the bulbs.

And every mornin',

she screws 'em back in.

You think she'd give up.

You get 95 cents.

- That's not a bad start.

- Mm-hmm.

95 cents?

Well, what did I tell ya?

You gotta make it on the side.

That's the way it's set up.

What do you think, they

come here to dance?

Hey, girl, you're gettin' smart.

Cash up front, house rules.

Sure, no sweat.

Sorry, honey.

Justice is swift.

Oh, Jesus, why pick on me?

Say, most guys'd wait'll

after the hand-job.

Now you come along

nice and quiet,

I'll put in a good word

with His Honor.

Ladies, my name is Alice.

And from now on you are

to address me

as yes ma'am and no ma'am.

And if you think you can

get around me,

or you think you can

hide anything from me,

even up your keisters,

well then you better

think twice.

From now on, I rate top

billing in all your nightmares.

Now bend over and

spread 'em wide.

Oh, Red...

How 'bout a girl like me, Red?

It's reserved.

Well, I'm not sleepin'

on the floor.

There's one open over

there with the lunger.

Do you mind if I bunk here?

Who's your tailor, huh?

Rose!

Rose!

I don't believe it!

Nigger gal, can't you

turn them sheets any faster?

That's the speed them

sheets is comin' at.

Did ya hear that, ladies?

Nigger gal says you're

sluffin' off on the job.

Now whaddya think of that?

Leave her alone.

Huh, it would be you.

The sheeny stickin' up

for the nigger.

You know, I don't think I

should let you stay in here

with all these white gals,

Shimkus.

Somehow, it just

don't seem right.

I feel sorry for you.

No.

Anything else?

You just bought yourself

a week in the cooler, girlie.

Keep crankin', ladies,

I'll be back.

You wanted to see me?

I've been watching you.

And I think you've got too

much sense to be in this dump.

Is that a compliment?

Look, girlie,

we can play ball or

we can fight.

And if we fight, I'll win.

And the sooner you blow

wise to that,

the better off you'll be.

Now, has anyone explained

the furlough system to you?

Don't waste your time,

I don't have a red cent,

inside or out.

Well,

I could arrange certain terms.

I never buy on credit.

And I thought you were

smarter than your friend.

Hey, Dillinger busted

out of the can today.

Busted out.

You all right?

Oh, I'm cold.

Polly.

- I'm so cold.

- It's okay.

It's okay, you're with me now,

honey.

Good behavior, I'm

outta here in two months.

Get myself a job.

Dancin'?

Dancin'.

Only this time, up on

stage, for real money.

So's when you get outta here,

you can just lie

there like a lump

till you get your health back.

Then what?

Then, we go to Hollywood.

You'd be surprised,

people stand in line

for this kind of entertainment.

People stand in line for

a lot of things these days.

Afternoon, ladies.

My, my, my, but that's

a nasty cough.

She oughta be in the infirmary.

I'm not talking to you.

Whoops!

On your feet, Shimkus.

I said, on your feet!

That's enough.

And what do you think

you're gonna do with that?

I think I'm gonna cram

it up your ass sideways.

No, don't.

Oh.

Leave her.

Huh, huh?

You just drew yourself

another three months, girlie.

And that's just for starters.

Wait!

How much?

Well, my girls usually

send home 10 a week.

But you've been stubborn,

it'll be 15 a week.

And if you miss a payment,

I'll have the navs run you in

and we'll start from scratch.

I want Rose to finish out

her time in the infirmary.

Oh, then that'll be 20 a week.

You know how to make that

kind of money?

I got an idea.

I'll bet you do.

Well, here's an address.

She'll set ya up nice.

And someone'll be around

once a week for my cut.

Arlene Street.

Yes?

Anna Sage?

Who wants to know?

Tiny Alice sent me.

Oh.

In that case, welcome

to the club.

Now you bundle some good

shoes and your street clothes,

and leave 'em in the back hall,

just in case there's trouble.

Now, when a john picks ya out,

you get a ticket from Pops here.

- Howdy.

- Hi.

Uh, this here is Pinetop.

- Enchante.

- Ah ah,

I'll ahn-shan your tay.

Pay attention, this is business.

Green is two dollars,

blue is five dollars,

and red, that's 10 dollars.

Pops knows all the johns,

knows what league they're in.

Don't worry 'bout it.

Uh, what's the

difference between 'em?

It is all in their minds, baby.

It's all in their minds.

Now, they pay Anna direct.

At the end of the night,

you cash in your tips.

♪ Baby face, you've got the

cutest little baby face ♪

♪ There's not another one could

take your place, baby face ♪

♪ My poor heart is jumpin', you

sure have started somethin' ♪

♪ Baby face, I'm up in heaven

when I'm in your fond embrace ♪

♪ I need a ♪

She's right straight off

the farm, okay?

Her old man was a preacher.

You mean this is the first time?

Well, she has been broken,

but she hasn't been broken in.

Polly, sweetheart.

I would like you to meet Vince.

Nice to meet you.

The pleasure is mine, Polly.

So your daddy's a preacher

in the country, huh?

Uh huh.

What do you with the money, huh,

you send it home to your Daddy?

Um, my grandmother, she's sick.

Is that good, is that nice?

Sure, I never had it so good.

Daddy, call me Daddy.

Daddy.

♪ If I could be with you,

I'd love you strong ♪

♪ If I could be with

you, I'd love you long ♪

♪ I want you to know, I ♪

You got to holler more, baby.

That makes them think they

settin' a world's record.

Just give 'em somethin'

they can't get nowhere else.

Yeah, a lot of bullshit.

Exactly.

You've got to be a prime

bullshitter to survive, babe.

Especially with the freaks.

Which ones are the freaks?

That one.

That's Frognose. He's

a freak's freak, baby.

Listen, if he look your way,

fade your ass into the

wallpaper, you understand?

If he's so bad, why

does Anna let him in here?

'Cause he's the man

that collects for the mob.

See, Anna got a whole

lotta girls.

She ain't got but one neck.

Polly, sweetheart, I

want you to meet Karl.

Hey, Pops.

Somebody told me

you used to rob banks.

That so?

- I pulled some jobs.

- What, on horseback?

Were you a member of

the James Boys, Pops?

Nah, he couldn't

get up on no horse.

Maybe he done it in

a wheelchair.

Am I right, Pops?

The only thing more pitiful

than an old con is an old whore.

Ain't that right, sugar?

Right, Frognose.

You hear anybody else around

here call me that, huh?

Then why do you say it?

You're gonna make that up

to me, sugar, in spades.

Get your butt up them stairs!

All part of the show, folks.

My friends,

the next round is on Anna.

Come, have another drink, come.

Anybody home?

Come in.

Anna said there's a new girl.

Remember me?

Always glad to see a young

girl find gainful employment.

How much you poppin' for?

Oh.

Bingo.

Figures.

Don't bother to take

your shoes off.

I was in a bit of a rush myself.

Just let me clear the deck.

50% for the house.

20 of that to this

bum right here.

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

Polly Franklin, this is

Captain Three-Star Hennessey.

Pleased to meet you, dear.

Now, I pay doctor bills,

breakage, gas, electric, water,

linens, salaries for

Pops and Pinetop.

And I pay Frognose

for protection.

Well, what's he here for then?

I only protect her

from police harassment.

Frognose collects for

Mr. Luciano.

Mm, very unpleasant fellow.

Threatenin' poor girls

with battery acid.

And breakin' fingers

and breakin' legs, ah.

He takes half of my cut,

and he takes half of your cut.

- So this is mine then.

- Ah, ah, ah!

Not quite, dear.

I'll be collectin'

for Tiny Alice.

Oh, I forgot.

Are you dancin'?

I'm movin' into the

Chez Paris next week.

That's a peel joint, isn't it?

Well, some of the girls,

they don't got the talent.

They gotta throw their

bodies around, you know.

With me it's strictly tap.

It ain't Broadway but

it's living.

So, seein' any men?

It's kinda hard

with a career and all.

Come on, don't hold out on me.

Yeah, sure, I see a few men.

♪ There she is, there she is ♪

♪ There's what keeps me

up at night ♪

♪ Oh, gee whiz, oh, gee whiz ♪

♪ That's why I can't

eat a bite ♪

♪ Those flamin' eyes ♪

♪ That flaming youth ♪

♪ Oh, Mister, oh, sister,

tell me the truth ♪

♪ Ain't she sweet ♪

♪ See her comin' down

the street ♪

- ♪ Now I ask you ♪

- Polly.

You've been rented for

the whole night.

- What?

- Yes.

That, name is Turk.

Pops thinks he is

a freelance trigger.

- So come on.

- Well,

what am I gonna do with

him the whole night?

What are you going do?

But that is your problem.

Once I spent the whole

night with a man,

and all what he did was

try on my underwear.

And my shoes.

♪ Ain't she sweet ♪

So.

Tell me how you like it, Daddy.

Don't call me Daddy.

Don't call me Daddy, don't

tell me how good I am.

Just can the act with me,

all right?

Okay.

Let's start with a back rub.

A back rub?

That's it, that.

Well, it sort of depends.

Sometimes I walk straight

up to the guy,

here comes a long-lost brother,

smilin',

put my hand out to him to shake,

you know.

Sometimes I just sort of...

Oh, God!

Jesus, where did that come from?

Well, you know, all

them guys I hit,

I'll bet you they ask

themselves the same question.

What's your rush, sister?

Gimme a break, will ya?

Be polite, this is my street.

Look, kid, it costs guys

money just to talk to me.

Yeah?

Well, I ain't buyin',

I'm sellin'.

- Protection.

- Oh, yeah?

Well, I'm the most

well-protected girl on the block.

Come on, what do you got?

Ow.

Oh, Jesus, did I hurt ya?

- Of course I did.

- Leave me alone.

I know.

You're just another member

of the Dillinger gang, right?

Another daring hold-up?

Go on, scram.

Come on, Tiger.

You're too dangerous

to leave in the street.

Get outta here!

All right, just get outta here!

I don't like it.

He told me you bought him one.

I mean the kid.

Well he can help

out around here.

He could uh, he could help

with the heavy liftin',

right, Pops?

What heavy lifting?

He could help me clean.

- Could help clean?

- Yeah, just clean.

Yeah, I could clean.

Okay, room and board.

But if I catch you even

sniffing around my girls,

I personally will cut it off!

She uses hedge clippers, too,

kid.

Get into this, dear,

you have a party to go to.

Who are all these people anyway?

Oh, don't know all the names,

but not a one of 'em

earns a honest livin'.

Who's that guy?

- Who's who?

- The glad-hander over there.

That, my dear, is

the Deputy Mayor.

Don't you read the papers?

Not if I can help it.

Turk!

All right, let's

go over it again.

After you heard the shots...

I ran to where the

shots came from.

And you saw...

Like I told you, Mister Ness,

I saw a couple of gorillas.

And you didn't see the

face of either one of them?

Even for an instant?

Hey, there was shots,

there were people screamin'

and runnin' all over the place.

Boys.

Take off your hat.

Take off your hat.

Is this one of the men?

We're special agents,

Polly, we can protect ya.

Nah, it wasn't him.

You're positive?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Who could forget

a mug like that?

All right, get him outta here.

You have perhaps

a secret admirer?

Oh, you might say that.

You're gonna poison us all,

Shimkus.

I'm careful.

You like it in here, don't ya?

Beats scrubbin' the halls.

It's okay.

It's okay, she says,

don't sound too grateful.

Look, I do my time, and I...

Best friend bustin' her buns,

and she says it's okay.

What?

She didn't tell you our deal?

Polly's workin' a club.

Polly's peddlin' her ass,

sweet thing,

to keep you off my shit list.

I put her in a house.

You're lyin'.

Well why do you think you're

on the tit all of a sudden?

She's taken on half of Chicago.

You're a fuckin' liar!

And they say she's a natural.

Bitch!

You wouldn't dare.

A good soldier has fallen

in the crucible of struggle.

But we must not be cast

down by grief and despair.

Rose Shimkus gave her life

so that no man, woman or child

should have to go hungry.

- So that a living...

- What are you doin' here?

Shall be the

right of every woman...

Lookin' for Dracula.

- So that no one...

- Ah,

straighten up your tie.

Who's the lady in red?

Ah, some Bolshevik dame that

got killed in a prison riot.

Oh.

Begged some kind of

big demands...

Yeah, I'll be back.

The most fitting

tribute we can offer

is simply this,

for each of us to bow to

Friend of yours?

- Scram!

- For those...

Polly, what's the scoop?

- Oh, come on.

- I got nothin' to say to you.

Now get the hell outta here.

Now listen, suppose I

give you five dollars,

that's your price isn't...

Don't touch me.

Don't you fucking touch

me or I'll kill you,

I swear to God I will!

Dedicate ourselves

to the proposition

- that the workers and...

- Go figure hookers.

Where's that yellow broad?

Hey!

Where's that yellow broad?

You don't have to be

hollerin', Mister, I can hear.

You hidin' from me, girl?

I ain't hidin' from nobody,

I'm just doin' my job.

Then get you nigger ass

up them stairs.

I know!

Sam, sweetheart?

- Don't worry.

- Yeah.

The day I can't handle

the likes of him,

I'd best get out my

needle and sew it shut.

Come on, Mister.

He's on a mean one tonight.

In my day, me and Eddie

would've thrown him out

in the street and mailed

him his teeth.

That's right.

It ain't your day no more, Pops.

♪ I'm so blue I don't

know what to do ♪

♪ All day through I'm

pinin' just for you ♪

♪ I did wrong when I

let you go away ♪

♪ But now I grieve about you ♪

But you like girls don't you?

There's a time and place

for everything.

Well, you got the time.

If this ain't the place...

♪ But I'd be happy

if I had you ♪

Let's blow this joint.

♪ If I could be with you ♪

♪ I'd love you strong ♪

♪ If I could be with

you I'd love you long ♪

♪ I want you to know I

wouldn't go ♪

♪ Until I told you, honey,

why I loved you so ♪

♪ If I... ♪

Let's move some

people outta here.

Jesus knows what he's

done to the girl, Anna.

She's bled to death.

And Frognose?

That's out of me hands, dear.

One of your johns has

found the pipers.

We'll have to close you down.

Anna?

You don't have to worry

about my paper.

Sure.

You are in Frognose's pocket,

I know it.

I try to take care of my girls.

I may not be big bargain

as person, maybe.

But I tried to take

care of my girls.

Come on, Eddie, get your

plates out there, will ya?

Come on...

Get 'em over here!

What were you thinkin'

about when you did that?

How could you be so clumsy?

Ah, dammit!

Polly, Polly, pick up!

Okay.

Uh.

It is you, kid.

With what you're payin' me,

it better be me.

Damn that Pops, he's

making them too big again.

I really appreciate

you carryin' me, Anna.

Forget it, I just wish I

could have done something

for the other girls, too.

Hey, are they gonna send

you back to the old country?

I got a hearing coming up.

What's it like in Romania?

Dull, all I remember eating

is potatoes and eggplant.

Eggplant and potatoes, ugh.

And all the jokes are something

filthy about the livestock.

Miss!

Can I help you?

Yeah, I like coffee and a Sanka.

Anything else you like?

Yeah, I like your looks.

Oh, Christ.

Well I just thought I'd tell ya.

I'll call a cop.

Easy, I just wanna talk to ya.

Look, Mister, I been

slingin' hash all day,

and I don't have the

energy for no palm-tickler

with big ideas, so shove off,

all right?

I been watchin' last couple

days. You're all right.

Sure.

You're not half as tough

as you think you are, either.

Try me.

Like the movies?

Yeah, so what?

So do I, but I hate to go alone.

Why don't you go to

the movies with me?

What are you, deaf?

Beat it.

I'll treat, I'll even

buy the popcorn.

Oh, you're a sport. What'd

I ever do to deserve you?

I'll put a box of popcorn

in the seat between us.

Now what's playin'

down the block?

You escaped from

the bughouse, right?

There's guys with butterfly

nets on your tail.

He's always been

king of his world,

but we'll teach him fear.

We're millionaires, boys.

In a few months,

it'll be up in lights:

Kong, the Eighth Wonder

of the World.

They shouldn't have brung

him to New York like that,

all them damn reporters

with their flashbulbs.

It was the girl's fault.

Hey, she didn't ask him

to fall for her.

She was just standin' there

and he starts pawin' her.

Beauty killed the beast my

ass, it was all them reporters.

How's it goin', sweetheart?

Just fine.

Me and Jimmy are takin'

the kid out tonight.

Jimmy.

That same guy?

Yeah.

He's okay, you know?

There's somethin' kinda

screwy about him,

but I like him, he's okay.

You girls never learn, do you?

I still think Long John

was a good egg.

Nah, he wasn't square

with the kid.

Not once did he say, kid,

I'm a pirate,

this is how it's done.

He's always makin' out

to be somethin' else.

Yeah, but think of that one

guy, marooned all them years.

Yeah, like solitary

with more room.

You ever done time?

Nah.

Seen it in pictures, though.

Ah, now, you see.

You gotta get it off

your shoulder.

It's a bat, not an umbrella.

Lemme show ya.

Look, you see the trademark,

right?

- Yeah.

- Get it out here.

You gotta keep your eye

out there, right?

Hold it up.

Hold up the bat, will you?

Good!

That's it.

- I'm sorry.

- You, you go get it.

Come on, I'll go with you.

What a headline hog,

writin' letters to the paper.

How do you know

if it was Dillinger

who really wrote it?

Who else would be that

much of a jerk?

Want a piece?

Nah, I'm full.

He was probably just

playin' with the coppers.

Says here some poor

guy almost got blasted

last week, just for lookin'

like him.

A lot of guys look like him.

Yeah.

Even you look a little like him,

Jimmy.

I hope the FBI checks my ID

before they start shootin'.

Well, you'd think he'd

just hole up somewheres

and play it safe, instead of

advertising in the papers.

Yeah, you'd think so,

wouldn't you?

Was it all right?

If you don't know for yourself,

I can't tell ya.

Well I thought it was real nice.

Then it was all right.

I used to do it for a living.

Yeah.

You know?

Doesn't make

any difference, kid.

I'm sure.

I mean,.

You've gotta trust me.

Well, why won't it bother you

like it would somebody else?

'Cause people do,

well they do things

when they've got

the screws on 'em.

Doesn't mean who they are,

what they are.

Take me, hmm.

Shit, I've done a lot of things.

But you've always been

square with me, girl.

And that's what really counts.

How'd you find out?

You work for Anna Sage,

she's got a name in this town.

Pick up!

And what was this

arrest in Gary for?

I don't remember.

February, 1929.

Well, there was some sort

of little thing about liquor.

Violation of federal statutes

under the Volstead Act.

In August of '31, East Chicago?

Operation of a disorderly

house, October '31.

Shh, please.

Come.

Look, fellas, I admit,

I've been a wrong character.

But I am getting it right

now, I got this diner,

and it's 100% legit.

Six counts of common prostitution

between 1918 and 1924.

And the Balducci affair?

What?

A death in the Arlene

Street operation,

in which a Mr. Rocco

Balducci was involved.

Oh, no you don't, no dice.

Maybe you ship me off,

but I go in one piece.

If you were to

cooperate with us,

give us some information on

your underworld connections.

You are talking to

the wrong girl.

You see, I got this

terrible memory.

You remember Romania, Mrs. Sage?

Oh, we go back a long way, Anna.

That is why I come to you.

They want me to throw

them someone.

Nick, Luciano, Frognose,

somebody big.

The feds must be squeezin' 'em.

And they are squeezin' me,

but good.

They say I ain't fit.

They say I ain't citizen!

You just have faith in me,

darling.

Someone'll turn up.

Where would you go?

California.

What's out there?

An ocean.

They got a whole coast.

And orange groves, some

place they got cactus.

And they got Redwood

trees that high.

A guy could get lost out there.

You wanna get lost somewhere?

Yeah.

Yeah, I bet you out there

a man wouldn't have a history,

he could be anybody he

wanted to be.

I'd want a house.

Sure, on a hill.

Overlookin' the water.

You wanna go?

When?

In a week's time.

Why drag our feet?

Besides,

this town's too hot for me.

You know a good movie to see?

What?

It's with Victor McLaughlin,

it's called The Champ.

Little kid actor, Jacky Cooper.

It's really, yeah.

When did you see it?

So, to what do we owe the honor?

I uh heard the food was good.

Oh.

How's your, uh,

immigration beef comin'?

So what is that to you?

I'm a snoop, I like

to know things.

Who's that character?

Just a guy, he eats

lunch here regular.

He's sweet on Polly.

Why, you know him?

He oughta go in for a Johnny

Dillinger lookalike contest.

He says he works

at the grain exchange.

Half the con men

in Cook County use that line.

And the other half?

They work for the Tribune.

- It's him.

- Eddie took it for me.

I been lookin' at pictures

of this bird for a year now.

It's Dillinger, it is, mm-hmm.

So what do we do?

See the right people.

Pick the right time, and

you're off the hook with

the immigration!

And the feds?

I know just the man.

And the immigration?

I have to be honest with you,

that's out of my jurisdiction,

but the bureau will do

everything that it possibly can.

Now, about this Franklin girl.

Well, she will be a big help.

Good. Anna, it'll really

be useful to us

if you can wear somethin'

so that we can pick you

outta the crowd.

Somethin' special, a scarf,

or a dress.

Preferably somethin' bright.

Well, Polly,

she always went for red.

Excellent, excellent,

that's perfect.

Okay.

Hey, why can't I come

to work with you today?

Because it's boring,

a lot of guys standin' around

shoutin' grain prices.

Yeah, but I wanna see what

you're like when you work.

But it's not me, it's

just, it's just a show.

Oh yeah?

So how 'bout when you're

with me, is that a show too?

No, I don't have to

think about the show.

Have you thought about

goin' to California?

- Yeah.

- And?

Well, I've been wonderin'

where the money's

gonna come from.

You don't have to worry

about the money.

I got some irons in the fire.

You know, Jimmy,

sometimes I think

I don't know the first

thing about you.

What's to know?

I have two arms, two legs.

And I know all the words

to "Yes, We Have No Bananas."

Do you?

♪ Yes, we have no bananas ♪

♪ We have no bananas today ♪

See you later, kid.

Listen, sweetheart,

you know anyone

seen more men in

action than I have?

Well, believe me,

he is just another bum.

Why don't you come to

the show with us tonight?

Take a closer look for yourself.

He's different from

them others, you'd see.

Go out, in this heat?

Jimmy can't stand to

stay cooped up inside.

Look, I'm all turned

around with this thing,

I need somebody to tell

me am I dreamin' or what.

Sure, sweetheart, I will come.

Hey, waitress.

- Purvis?

- Yeah.

Tonight.

Where?

The Biograph.

Both of us, and him.

I never had nothin'

like him, you know?

Sure, kid.

And it's not like he's

some square fay, either.

He's been around the block,

I can tell.

Sure he has.

I feel like I'm comin' out

from all the garbage, you know?

Like I been buried

for a long time

and somebody finally

came along to dig me out.

And he knows all about

what I've been.

So what is wrong with

what you been?

You worked in a knock shop,

so what?

Well, it's nothing against

you, Anna, it's just...

You've been with scum,

and now you think you

are better, is that it?

- No.

- Well, listen, sweetheart.

You think you had it tough?

When I come here, they

dragged me right off the boat

and put me in the harness.

The land of opportunity.

Well, I worked naked in

a crib for nickels and dimes!

And I kept the coins in my mouth

because I didn't have

no pockets, see?

So don't come at me with

no bullshit about nothing!

What's the matter with you?

I was just telling you that

I feel good, that's all.

I just want you should

know what I been.

So you will understand.

Understand what?

Oh, nothing.

Just a broken-down old

whore getting punchy.

So what is wrong with

your red dress?

Oh, I wore it the other night.

Listen, it's like a bake

oven out there.

And this is the lightest

thing you got.

And you look like a

million dollars in it.

When I light a match,

we move in and we move in fast.

Lawlessness

in America is doomed.

J. Edgar Hoover and his G-men,

born again on the 4th of July,

when they ambushed a band

of armed and

desperate bank robbers

in their Indianapolis hideout.

A fierce gun battle ended

with the capture

of these public enemies.

Law enforcement officers

take their hats off

to the American public for

supporting J. Edgar Hoover

in his war against crime.

Excuse me, what time

does the show get out?

9:45.

Are they always

right on schedule?

Yes.

Okay, thank you.

Ugh.

Uh, uh, nope, revenge

isn't the ticket.

Try and get even,

you never get ahead.

You should have been

Gable's lawyer.

Who is that?

Dillinger.

- It's Dillinger.

- It's Dillinger.

- It's Dillinger.

- Dillinger.

Polly, Polly!

Oh Eddie...

Eddie, let me in,

I gotta talk to you.

You fuckin' rat!

It wasn't me, Eddie!

Believe me, it was Anna.

Yeah, well that ain't

how it says in the papers.

Well the papers are

full of shit!

I didn't even know it was

him, he never told me.

He lied to me!

Eddie, listen to me, it was Anna

and Jake Lingle and

Hennessey, they set him up.

He didn't even have

a gun, I know he didn't.

They just shot him down,

cold, in the street.

Eddie, come on, open up.

They're after me now and I

need a place to stay, please.

He was John Dillinger.

He was just another

fucking liar.

And they're out there

selling his handkerchiefs

dipped in his blood.

Are you gonna get even,

with Anna and them?

No, kid.

I'm gonna get ahead.

This is the big one, isn't it?

It's one you always

dreamed about, Pops.

Polly, they'll come after us.

Yeah, but with a wad of dough

and the muscle to back

us, we can go anywhere.

You said so yourself.

I need you, Pops.

You're the only one's got the

smarts to pull this thing off.

The only one.

Yeah, Polly,

I guess I am, at that.

Let's do it.

Say, you're gonna get

me hung out here,

talkin' with white women,

you know what I mean?

Well, here, carry the suitcase

and make like I gave you

nickel to carry it for me.

A whole nickel?

I don't wanna break you.

Hey, listen, if we pull

this thing off,

we're gonna be in

the chips for good.

Yeah, and if we don't?

Either way, our

troubles are over.

Why not?

Because you're

a kid, that's why not.

Come on, I'm almost 19.

- Like I said...

- We need four, Polly.

Pops says we need four.

Hold it, I was not but 14

when I first stood

chickie on a job.

Yeah.

Okay.

What the hell, I should've

left you to starve.

That, my friends, is one boss

that even Johnny

Dillinger wouldn't tackle.

Yeah, well, looks

pretty soft to me.

That's the mob's piggy bank.

No questions asked, no feds

sniffin' around at your records.

Don't let the size fool ya.

It may look small, but

you ice that one,

you bought yourself

a mess of trouble.

So why mess with it?

Who's gonna have more

money in one place?

So what's the beef?

I always write what you say,

don't I?

The word is, snoop,

you're tight with the frail

that threw Dillinger in.

Boss, she wouldn't

say nothin' about you.

Once a rat, always a rat.

You just point the way,

we'll take it from there.

Don't worry, Mr. Balducci,

I'll take care of it.

Hi.

How you doin'?

Pretty good.

Don't, Eddie.

Aw come on, I've been givin'

it my best for two weeks now.

Well, I'll sleep on

the floor, you want me to?

No, I wanna sleep with ya.

You're just a kid.

Oh, I'm old enough to

stick my neck out for you,

but I'm not old enough to

sleep with you?

Hold it, Mister,

if you want out of this,

it's not too late.

I don't want out.

I want you.

You know, everybody else in

this fuckin' city's had you,

why not me?

All right.

Call it.

Head.

You lose, she's mine.

Some kinda comedian, ain't ya,

Frank?

Frank?

They're gonna kill me!

- What happened?

- They're gonna kill me!

What's wrong?

Frank and Momo, they

come after me.

Frognose.

And Lingle too, he's the

one that put the finger on me.

You know we don't

serve dingies in here.

Oh, um, service

payment for Frognose?

He's in the can.

Beg your pardon, Top.

Hey, I haven't seen or heard you

ticklin' those ivories

lately, what happenin', huh?

All right, where's Jake?

He went that way, man.

He went that way.

Some nigger, Jake,

what'd he want with you?

It's bughouse!

All right, everybody,

now listen.

We're not gonna fool around

with these tellers' cages

'cause there's nothin' in there,

there's no dough in there,

the big dough is back in

the vault, come on, Polly,

that's your department.

Now you get back in there, and

you take care of the vault,

that's your whole

responsibility, you got that?

Now, Piney.

- Yeah?

- Piney, get up here.

Yeah, I'm...

Now look, you get all the

citizens, and you get them

against those cages there.

- Seriously?

- Yeah.

Get the citizens there,

I'll take care of the guards. One and two.

Those guards look

pretty tough to me, Pop.

Yes, and those guards,

one of 'em's a shooter

for the Jenn-a family and

the other one, I don't know,

but I'm gonna take care of

both those murderin' bastards,

don't you worry about that.

Now this thing only

takes but three minutes.

What the hell are you doin'

sittin' down?

Get up there, you're supposed

to be in the goddamn car!

You know what you're

supposed to do?

You're supposed to keep

anybody from blockin' the car,

and if you see any heat

comin' down the street,

you hit that horn,

- have you got that?

- Got it.

You got it, all right.

Okay, everybody, now listen,

let's take our places.

And let's do it right

this time. Now,

this thing is only gonna

take but three minutes.

Three minutes. Now,

when we get almost done,

you're gonna hear me holler,

"Time!"

And when I say time,

that means move!

All right, now, one,

two, three, let's do it.

With Frognose outta the picture,

maybe they're not

gonna make a drop.

The mob is gonna let

a death in the family

upset their cash flow?

Frognose,

he collected last night.

Somebody's gonna deposit

it this morning.

How're we gonna know who it is?

I have a nose for that

sort of thing.

Just let me know if you

see something fishy.

What about this bunch here?

Nah.

Think I'd recognize

the old geezer.

Used to be a senator

or something.

Good afternoon, Mr. James.

More deposits?

He'd like to see

the vault first.

He worries about security.

There are all those steps.

I wanna see the vault,

I wanna see the vault!

He's really got his

heart set on it, then.

Very well. Guards!

You rub Purvis the wrong way,

and you draw all the

dog-shit details.

Sure you don't want a bite?

Uh, no thanks.

Freeze!

The vault, Mister.

Hey, you!

- Step on it.

- Get your hands down, dammit!

Move, move!

Let's see the rings, come on,

get 'em out!

Let's see the ring!

We know you got the

big ones in here,

- so don't pretend.

- What?

I see anything under a 50,

it's curtains for you.

Wanna join the group?

Okay, now let's see

a nice smile.

That's it.

Now, when the law asks,

all you gotta say is,

they all look alike.

My, my, such big bills

for such a little bank.

I don't really do this,

I'm actually a singer.

Now listen, boys,

when the lady comes by

with her bag,

I want you to drop your

rods right into it.

Just like trick or treatin'.

Time!

Big triple funeral

this afternoon.

The mob's probably buying

out the florist.

The old bird's walkin'!

What?

He goes in on wheels, and

he comes out on his feet!

Better call the office and

get some people out here.

It's either a miracle

or a stick-up.

Get me Captain Hennessey!

It's an emergency!

Nice and smooth, Pinetop.

Smooth always, Pops.

Pinetop!

Okay, I got him.

Get!

Come on, Pops.

Come on.

- Okay now.

- Come on.

Tell the boys to shoot to kill.

That they will, sir.

And tell 'em to keep

their noses out of the loot.

Here comes a car

now, it might be them.

Indeed.

Oh, Christ!

- All right, be careful.

- Here they came!

Hang on!

Let's get 'em before

they get away.

What are you doin'?

Trust me.

All right, you...

You did it!

Whoa.

Ah, shit.

- What?

- Inspect the gas.

It's almost empty.

Fill it up.

Yes sir, you betcha.

Hey!

Hey, come here!

Can you hear me, Pops?

We're gonna get you a doc, Pops.

- Where's the gas?

- I don't know!

The side, maybe.

The side.

Get outta here.

- But Eddie...

- I'll hold 'em back,

you go do the other part

like we planned.

- But Eddie!

- Get outta here!

What was that?

That was the kid,

Pops, that was the kid.

We're tapped, Pops, we're

outta gas.

Gimme my gun.

What do you want it for?

It hurts too bad, Polly,

I can't take it no more.

But they're gonna be here

soon, they'll get you a doc.

No, I done too much time.

I don't wanna die on the inside.

Get me my gun!

It's in your hand, Pops.

Oh, Jesus Christ, I

can't feel a thing.

Can you feel that?

Huh?

Them are hundreds, Pops,

you feel it?

Them are hundreds.

I guess I'm gonna die rich,

huh, Pol?

I don't wanna die in jail.

Polly, help me out.

Polly, goddammit, help me out.

Yeah, I'll see ya there.

Here's a fella says John

Dillinger isn't really dead.

Says the whole thing at

the Biograph was a setup,

just to get the heat off him.

Who knows, there might be some

mileage in old Johnny yet.

It's okay, honey, your dress,

it's all I want, your dress.

Jake Lingle?

How are ya?

Polly Franklin?

Sends her regards.

Where to, Missy?

West.

Yeah, well you came to

the right place.

You ever been all the way?

Huh?

You ever seen the Pacific?

Everybody should see it once

before they're plowed under.

Yeah, sure.

California.