The Slams (1973) - full transcript

[lion roars]

[oil machine humming]

[car skids]

[electronic music]

[music continues]

[gunshot]

[gunshot]

[jazz music]

(male #1)
'Hey, what's going on?'

[muffled chattering]

[banging]



[engine revving]

[revving continues]

[chain rattling]

You're forgettin' something.

Pick it up.

Old super-spade
didn't wanna take the smack.

'He was gonna leave it
for the blues.'

Hey, take that
stupid mask off.

[engine revving]

[laughs]
We did it.
Man, we did it.

'We got the dope and the bread.
Two for the price of one.'

Hey, man, don't give me
that motherfuckin' jive.

I tol' you
no fuckin' with dope.

'What the hell was goin' on?'



We got buyers for the smack.
It's that simple.

You know the heat
from that dope

is gonna burn
your motherfuckin' ass.

You let us worry--

(male #2)
'Hey, man, take the shit
outta your ears.'

I told you
I don't touch scag.

That shit is bad
for the present.

Now, I'll take my cut
from the cash.

Alright, alright.
Don't get hot.

[jazz music]

[van stalls]

What's the problem?
What're we stopping here for?

She's choking.

It, uh, could be feedback
from that cyanide converter.

It's dangerous.
Better take a look at it.

[Hook reloads the gun]

[gunshots]

[groaning]

Suckers.

Goddamn it.

[breathing heavily]

[sighs]

[softly]
Motherfucker.

[dramatic music]

[waves swooshing]

[tires screeching]

[car honking]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[police siren wailing]

[van crashes]

[wailing continues]

[van explodes]

Mama...mama, is that you?

Yes, son, it's your mama.

Are you hurtin' bad?

No, not too bad.

I'm just sorry you had
to come to a place like this.

Oh, that's alright.
I'm just sorry it had to happen.

Why'd you do it, Curtis?

You know you can't mess
with the man.

Aw, mama, sometimes

a man has to do
what he has to do, that's all.

Yes, but they're
gonna put you in jail

just as soon as
you're able to leave here.

(mama)
I've tried all my life
to do the best I could for you.

Oh, I know you have, mama.
Don't you worry.

The only thing I've done better
than gettin' in trouble

is getting out of it.

Jus' tell me now that you
won't do anything foolish.

And you're gonna
take care of yourself?

You know I'll do that.

You just take care
of yourself for me.

[inmates jabbering]

(guard #1)
'Ever since he left Brooklyn'

'Alston keeps tripping
over his own trunk.'

'He doesn't know how to stop.'

Hook, Curtis Xavier.

(guard #1)
Okay. Alex, take off his leash.

Mm-hmm.

(guard #1)
Okay, he's all mine now.

Okay, showtime, Hook.

Take it all off
and put it on the counter.

- Hook, Curtis Xavier.
- Xavier.

One belt, leather, black
and what-what kinda buckle

would you call this?

Gold brother.
18 carat.

(guard #1)
What'd ya say?
Speak up.

I said gold.
18 carat gold.

- 18 carat gold.
- Ha, ha, ha!

What are you
laughin' about?

Only gold you got's
in your mouth.

That's what all my friends
call me "golden mouth."

Shirt...uh,
blue...silk.

Shower's over there.

If you need any help
with the hard parts, just call.

I think I can handle it
myself, my man.

Not in The Slams, baby.

Nobody can handle it
all by themselves in The Slams.

(guard #1)
'Face front. Hold the card
on your chest.'

'Memorize your CPI number.
Stencil it on your possessions''

'California Penal identity
and cell bracelet'

'must be worn at all times'

'and shown to any
of the prison staff on demand.'

Any tampering with

loss of or exchange
of these identity items..

Will be considered
illegal activity

and punishable
with solitary confinement.

(guard #2)
You're in Cell 37.

(guard #2)
Some brothers in there
to ease your orientation.

(Hook)
You mean square me away, man?

Open up, Walt.

(inmate #1)
Got a streak from
the warden's office.

They want you
to step and fetch it.

Looks like you gonna be
a special dude around here.

They temme the only special
dudes around here are faggots.

[guard #2 laughing]

Look out, Walls!

(inmate #1)
Ouch!

Watch my shirt.

(Hook)
This shit is crazy.

I think Gordon and Howard
both really blew it.

(Hook)
Right on.

Hook.

Cigarette?

You know I don't
smoke no cigarettes, Mr. Warden.

(warden)
Hook, you know
why these guys are here.

They got hard information

that the syndicate's
got a contract out on you.

We don't give a shit
about the murder.

We'll let you off this time.

We want the dope, Hook.
And the money.

We can give the DA
a solid narcotics case

against the Syndicate,
if you'll cooperate.

So you're gonna sing
the same old song, Sergeant.

I'm here on a one-to-five for a
concealed weapon and stolen car.

You know doggone well, you can't
make that murder charge stick.

(warden)
'Knock off that crap, Hook.'

Now, listen to me.

This is a modern prison.

Your civil rights
will be protected

to the full extent
of our capability.

(warden)
'Well, goddamn it.
I've got 5,000 men out there.'

And this facility
was designed for 1,200.

- You figure it out.
- I have, Mr. Warden.

If the Syndicate wants my ass
there ain't shit you can do.

Is that right?

(male #3)
Million and a half dollars.

A man could flash on that,
couldn't he, Hook?

Depends on the man, sir.

Worth takin' a chance for?
Well, you sit on it.

(male #3)
The FBI'll
keep right on lookin'.

Okay.
Thank you.

Thank you.

(warden)
Um, he'll come around.

[machines whirring]

[whirring continues]

[muffled groaning]

(guard #3)
'What're ya
doin' there, Glover?'

(Glover)
Machine broke down here, Harry.
You wanna fix it for me?

(Harry)
You know, I know nothing
about machinery.

(Glover)
C'mon, Harry. I've seen
you handle a knife and fork.

Help!
Ah-h! Acid!

[door closes]

Okay, nigger-lover. We're gonna
give you the beauty treatment.

(Glover)
We're gonna turn you into a
gen-u-wine jiggaboo like Macey.

(inmate #2)
The boss is wrong!
I didn't tell Macey.

(inmate #2)
'Glover!'

The boss is wrong!
I didn't tell Macey!

(inmate #2)
'I didn't tell him
anything! Glover!'

'GLOVER!'

Well, I'll give
Mr. Capiello your message.

(inmate #2)
'No! No!'

Glover, you're
a goddamned animal!

What animal?
Harry, it was an accident.

(Glover)
'He was one of ours.'

Let's go now!

[doors shutting]

(guard #4)
Alright, let's go!

[indistinct jabbering]

(inmate #3)
'Hey, man, is that
a fish down there?'

(inmate #4)
'Hi, bitch.'

Welcome aboard!

Hey, you got a big butt boy
this time, huh?

Yeah, but brother, you know.
Jesus loves you. Jesus cares..

[jabbering continues]

Stand back.

(inmate #5)
Hey, how you doin'?

I wanna welcome you
to the Presidential Suite.

My name is Henry.
My man, Macey right over here.

What's happenin', fellas?

Hey, come on, Macey.

(Macey)
Get off of Mr. Hook's bunk!

(Macey)
'Bitch.'

'I had you slotted
in here, Hook.'

Think I wouldn't save
a top spot for my man?

Cost me quite
a few zuzus, you dig?

Well, I hope I can make it up
to you, big brother. You know.

You're kind of a smartass.
Aren't ya, Hook?

Good thing I like smartasses.
Ain't it, Henry?

Look, brother, say what
you got to say, okay?

Maybe he thinks
I'm bullshittin', Henry.

Dangerous place CPI.
A lot of honkeys.

Lotta jive-ass junkies, faggots.
A lotta shit goin' down.

You cannot make it
in here by yourself.

Brothers, they stick together
and help each other.

You know somethin', Macey.

I get the impression that
you can help me, y'know?

But what I can't figure out
is how can I help you?

You just stay cool, Hook.
Try it yo' way. Smartass way.

- You'll figure it out.
- Won't take too long neither.

(Macey)
'Man doesn't get away
with a million five in cash'

'unless he's smart.
You've got a lot to lose.'

Goddamn it, Mark, come on!

[door closes]

Where is he?

[exhales deeply]

Where is he?

Assigned to the North Four,
before I could take care of it.

In the Jigabeo Hilton
with Macey.

I want him outta there.
I want him isolated.

'Do I have to draw
you a picture?'

I told you I'll take
care of it, didn't I?

You're fuckin' a-right
you'll take care of it.

You're the Captain, aren't ya?

[evil laughter]

[machine buzzing]

Let's get these blankets
outta here now.

(guard #5)
'Steiner!'

[door closes]

Carelessness causes accidents.
You've heard that, ain't you?

Very careless of you,
gettin' your black ass in here.

You better arrange a little
accident for yourself, nigga.

Get your nigger ass
hauled outta here, quick.

You're not very fuckin' bright,
are you, Glover?

You going around talkin' about
nigger this and nigger that.

Man, fuck nigger.

What the hell
are you talking about?

(Hook)
'They've given you and Macey
a line of shit, man.'

Goin' around fuckin' each other
playin' honky, playin' nigger.

For what?
To get your men cut up?

'To get 'em stomped
and get 'em killed.'

It's less trouble
for the man, huh?

Hey, wait a minute.

Maybe you get paid
for this shit, huh, Glover?

[people laughing]

(Glover)
'What's the matter with you?'

Ain't you never heard
a nigger talk big before?

[Hook sighs]

Gonna be a sick call
for you tomorrow, Hook.

One way or the other.

(guard on microphone)
'Miss Williams.'

'Miss Bombra.'

'Prisoner, your visiting period
is terminating.'

Come here with your bad self.

Come on, sit down, baby.

- So how you been? You been--
- I'm fine, how you been?

You know I'm gonna
make it, baby.

- Yeah, I know. I just miss ya.
- I been worried about you.

- But you're okay?
- Yeah.

I wanna talk to you.
Have they been messin' with you?

Well, the FBI came by
the station but no problem.

Well, what do they want?

Just tryin' to find a new charge
to hit you with. Same old shit.

Give it back!

Whatever the hell they're
lookin' for, if you've got it.

Hey, baby, now look,
you gotta listen to me.

You gotta believe in
where my head is at now.

'Cause whatever
goes down here

I'm gonna leave here
a different nigger!

I do believe in you, Hook,
but you got to level with me.

No, that's the way
it ain't gonna be.

It's safer for you.

And it's safer
for me, too, babe.

Okay, I'm sorry.

Now look, sorry ain't gonna
get it. You gotta trust me.

I want you to go see
Jackson Barney.

- Jackson Barney?
- Jackson Barney.

That jive-time hustler!
That's the last thing you need!

But that's what
I want you to do.

(inmate #6)
Hey, you oughta get
that button fixed.

(inmate #6)
You check his crotch, officer?
Very suspicious.

(guard #6)
Hook, Curtis X.

(guard #7)
Okay, Hook, keep your ass clean.

[sighs]

(inmate #7)
How come you ain't crackin'
for the struggle, brother?

Right on.

If muscles gonna make it.
You'll be there without me.

Better watch your step.
There's something in the works.

Don't ask me what, I dunno.

Well, uh, how come
I'm on your telephone line?

[laughs]
I just wanna
save your ass.

Especially your ass!

Uh...you better take this.

No, thank you.

My ass is gonna have
to take its own chances.

Okay.
Shoot yourself.

[blues music]

[music continues]

Who's that?

[speaks Italian]

This is Watch Captain Stambell.

'Be alerted for any
unusual activity in the parade''

(inmate #8)
Macey! This ain't
your thing, man.

Hook!
Hook!

(Macey)
'Hook!'

A-a-ah!

(guard #8)
Everybody, get back inside!

[siren wailing]

[wailing continues]

Hey, Macey!

(Glover)
'No hard feelings, huh?
My man got cut.'

Four to one
and your boy gets cut.

Hard to figure!

Yeah, that is hard
to figure, ain't it?

Well, maybe there's somethin'
goin' on you don't understand.

I don't give a shit
what's comin' down.

Hook's mine.
Understand?

(guard on loudspeaker)
'We have you targeted.
Return to your cells.'

[indistinct bickering]

Sit down, Hook.
Okay, leave him.

Doesn't make sense.
Does it, Hook?

Just one knife.

Why would one-lone black attack
four members of a white gang

in the yard, even if he knew
they were unarmed?

And the last time
those four went out unarmed

was when they came out
of their mothers' womb.

Then again,
if they did attack you

the knife ended up
in the wrong back.

Just doesn't make sense.

[snaps finger]

You know what I think?
Somebody set you up.

A man smart like you
must have some ideas.

You've gone to a lotta trouble
for nothin', Captain.

You're right!
You're absolutely right.

I set you up.

All that bread disappeared.

The Syndicate
wants its money back.

There's a contract
out on you, man!

You're scarin'
the wrong nigger, Captain.

Y'know, I came here
to be rehabilitated

and to find
a useful trade, y'know.

I'm your friend.
Don't outsmart yourself.

You're gonna need a friend
before you're through.

Well, I appreciate your offer
of friendship, Captain.

'You'll appreciate it a helluva
lot more before I'm through.'

'That's just to remind you'

'that Captain Otis T. Stambell
is your friend.'

(male #4)
I was cruisin' down the street,
I caught this little 'ol fag.

Turned out to be nothin'
but sport though, man.

But I had a ball.
You should've seen him, nigga.

[indistinct chattering]

Pistachio Lime Green. You gonna
be the first on your block.

Honey, I am the first.
Now, where's Jackson Barney?

- Right through there.
- Thank you.

(male #5)
Yes, indeed.

(male #5)
'You ain't the first mama
and you won't be the last.'

[indistinct chattering]

- 'Hey, like your ass, brother''
- 'Have mercy!'

Charles, it's Rena?
Are you alone?

[girl chuckling]

(Rena)
'When am I coming
to play doggie?'

I've gotta take a little run
over to China in a few days.

I don't wanna go to China.

Well, you're goin'
whether you wanna go or not.

You been beggin' me
for my body.

This is your chance
to get it on Chinese soil.

(Rena)
It'll be so much fun.

- Yes?
- I wanna see Barney.

(Barney)
'Let her in, Roger.
She's a friend of a friend.'

(female #1)
You're next, Cherie.

Well, Miss Danielle,
have a seat.

Thank you.

(Barney)
'Now, tell me about
my friend, the Hook.'

'How's he doing
in The Slams?'

Not as well as you.
Hook needs to see you.

I'll take a run up
one of these days.

Be sure leave me
your phone number.

Perhaps we can
run up together.

'It's more urgent
than that.'

I can see you're busy. Perhaps,
I pin you down a day next week?

(Barney)
'Hook doesn't need me.'

He needs a good lawyer.
A good, white Jewish lawyer.

The best a million
and a half dollars can buy.

He needs your help
with no strings attached.

No strings attached? Look, who's
that dude there on the monitor?

- 'I don't know.'
- 'He followed you up here.'

You get your head together.

I got some questions to ask you
about that million five.

- Get your hands off me, pimp.
- Come on, baby.

Pimp! If he's a pimp,
what does that make us, girls?

[all laughing]

[phone ringing]

Rotella, oh, yeah, 38.
Three, eight maximum security.

Fifth floor checks. That's it.
Full count all correct.

Oh, full count, Captain. We can
go home. Sign here, Moreno.

(Stambell)
Get your men posted.

(guard #9)
'Alright, now, I want you
all there to get your butts'

and yer elbows, and you get
that skull bone, boy.

Pretty Henry, how's it goin',
pretty Henry?

You really get your rocks off
when I go through.

I sure do Henry and I'll be
riding there behind you, too.

- I believe you.
- You sure enough sweet.

Macey, Macey, Macey!
How's it going, Macey?

'How's the wife and kids?
Ha, ha, ha.'

Ha, ha, ha.

Oh, I'm sorry. You ain't seen
your wife and kids in two years.

Hey, brother. Goddamn you,
stink. Take two towels, man.

Get your ass in there.
Ha, ha, ha!

And don't you guys drop
that soap and bend over.

Okay, go take
your break now, Calvin.

Ha, ha, ha!

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[indistinct commotion]

[commotion continues]

[whistling]

C'mon, you honky suckers.

Ah-h-h!

(Macey)
'You next, Glover.'

[commotion continues]

That's cute, Macey. Cute.
Mr. Capiello's gonna love it.

[footsteps]

[laughter]

[door opens]

(inmate #9)
You and I are gonna
celebrate, Hook.

(Hook)
Oh, yeah? Well, if we're
gonna have a party

I'm gonna search the guests.
Starting with you.

You know who I am?

I don't give a shit.
Face that wall. You too, Sambo.

Wait a minute, baby.
I'm gonna take you to school.

(inmate #10)
'You gotta learn your lessons!'

You tell your boy
to do what he's told.

'Cause I don't wanna get shit
on my shoes, kicking his ass.

I'd like to see you two tangle.
The champagne's gettin' warm.

Zack.

You gonna take the shit
off this punk?

It's alright.

He ain't nothing
but trouble.

Do what the man says.

I should kick his ass right now.

Goddamn it!
Who told you to think?

Get up against the wall.

(Hook)
You better watch
that thinking, Sambo.

Is it good, huh?
Huh?

Alright, sit down.
Come on, sit over there.

Come on, sit down. Sit down.

You simple-ass nigger.

[laughing]

Satisfied? This joint
is just like the outside, Hook.

'Lots of different ways
to do a job.'

The warden has his way.
I've got mine.

I only drink with friends, man.

Hey, let me teach
this nigger some manners.

Shit, he thinks
he's so goddamn cool.

- I can whip his ass--
- Goddamn it. Shut up!

Shit, I'm only trying
to do my damn job.

You're really too much, Hook.
You know that, don't you?

Look, Capiello, you had me
set up for this in the yard.

(Hook)
'Now, what do you
want here?'

There's a dangerous
situation here.

Blacks against the whites,
whites against the blacks.

It's getting worse.
It's bad. Bad for business.

I want a man like you to give me
some leverage with the brothers.

You need a head nigger?
Try him.

Shit!

I want you to work
for me, Hook.

I don't want you to work
for anybody else.

- What do you say?
- Bullshit.

- Sit down, brother.
- Sit down, Zack.

He's not gonna do anything.

[chuckles]

There's a contract
out on you, Hook.

And I've got it.

The organization
wants their money.

Now, you listen to this,
Capiello, and you listen right.

I don't know where's the money.
But I got some ideas.

You kill me,
that's the end of it

'for you and the organization.'

I'm not planning on killing you.

Just a little
friendly persuasion.

[jazz music]

[doorbell rings]

It's open. Come in.

[music continues]

(Stambell)
Good morning.
Sure is a beautiful day.

I'm Captain Stambell of the
California Penal Institution.

I'd like to talk
about Curtis Hook.

Did Hook send you?

No, but he's gonna
be mighty glad I came.

This is a beautiful
apartment you got here.

'You know, that news casting
must pay pretty good.'

What do you want
to tell me about, Hook?

- I talk better sitting down.
- Oh, well, sit.

I'm just getting ready
to make some breakfast.

'Mr. Hook is in as much trouble
as a man can get in.'

'About a million
and a half dollars worth.'

There's no money. Just crap the
police's trying to hang on him.

Let's just suppose there is
and Hook knows where it is.

It ain't doin' him
no good in The Slams.

You're wastin'
your breath, Captain.

'I could take that money, put
a little bit here and there.'

'Clean his prison record.
Expedite his parole.'

He'll be at a halfway house
getting weekend furloughs.

You're crazy. There's no money.
Wish you'd get it in your head.

He's gonna tell you who it is.

You're gonna convince him then.
You little fox, you.

How would he tell me
when he don't know where it is?

- It's time for you to go.
- Look.

(Stambell)
'Come back here.
I wanna talk to you.'

I'll make a deal he can live
with, a three-way split.

- You, him and me.
- Nigger, please.

What would the police say
about you comin' here

visiting prisoner's girlfriends.

Well, let's find out.

Operator, get me the police.

There's a contract
out on Hook.

He needs all the protection
he can get. I can help him.

Police Department?
Yeah, lemme speak to--

[laughs]

You know, you and I would make
a pretty good team.

Let's discuss your split.

[doorbell rings]

Coming.

Baxter. Federal Bureau
of Investigation.

I'd like to ask you
a few questions, Miss Daniel.

- Won't take but a minute.
- Excuse me.

I'll be back to talk to you
about that insurance policy.

See you...soon.

How's it hanging, brother?

This goddamn drain's
plugged up again.

Okay. Check the outlet.
Let's go.

[whistling]

Mr. Capiello wants
to keep it movin'.

You gonna risk it
with him here?

Ah, don't worry about him.
You're gonna take care of him.

[door closes]

A-a-ah!

Now.

[both grunting]

[both groaning]

Hook!

Ah!

[groans]

[tins clattering]

Get him, Hooker. Nail him!
Get him, Hooker!

(inmate #1)
Lay it on him. That's it.

'Hooker, Hooker.'

[Hook gasping]

Glover, guards.

[panting]

What in the hell
is goin' on here?

I got some...bleach
in my eyes, man.

I-I was just tryin'
to help him. Get it out.

Get him to the dispensary.
Hook, let's go see the Captain.

Ah.

(male #6)
'Report directly to him
rather than..'

That Watergate affair
a million buck payoff.

If I had that kinda dough,
I'd open a massage parlor.

Make jerkin' off pay.

[all laughing]

Next.

(man on TV)
'The famous old
Pacific Ocean Amusement Park.'

'Our reporter, Iris Daniel,
was on the scene'

'at the beginning
of the end of an era.'

(female on TV)
'At today's..'

Right, next.

(female on TV)
'Pickets vowed to fight
to the end'

'against what they call
the mayor's official vandalism''

'The mayor swung..'

What the hell you need?
A goddamn invitation?

(female on TV)
'Amusement park
is an accomplished fact..'

Something, uh, interesting
on television?

(female on TV)
'Destructive demolition
or progressive civic planning.'

'Certainly another episode
in the environmental battle'

'raging up and down
California's coastline.'

'This is Iris Daniel, KSTV..'

(male #7)
'They're only tearing down
the old amusement pier.'

(male #7)
'You'll never miss it.'

(man on TV)
'Remember going there
when I was in high school.'

'Now for some news..'

- Sit down, Hook.
- No. I don't wanna sit down.

Okay. Let's see.

Unauthorized work stoppage.
Fighting with a prisoner.

You look like hell.

You got something to say,
say it, okay?

Capiello wants you back down
in the laundry with Glover.

You're gonna get
your black ass integrated.

And Glover's gonna be
pissin' blood for a week too.

And you gonna piss blood
for the next five years.

If you make it that long.
Tell you what I'll do for you.

I'll get you another job.

'Move you in with Macey
for safekeeping.'

Yeah, and play both ends
against the middle?

Capiello is not gonna like
that talk from his house nigger.

'Man, you got the wrong end of
the stick. That Dago is mine.'

'Sure, I mean, he pays me good
for a few privileges.'

Yeah, like movin' smack
through the laundry?

That's small shit for the kinda
money I'm talkin' about.

I'll cut off Capiello's water
just like that.

'I know what's botherin' you.'

'You're missin' that pussy
of yours, ain't ya?'

Hey, I don't play
that shit now.

Slow your roll, home boy.
Slow your roll.

Look, I can make you a trustee.

Move you to the farm
in six months.

In a year, you're back
on the streets

back in the old groove.

'Oh, I thought
you were smart, Hook.'

'We could split
the money, 50-50.'

'That foxy broad of yours
she can make all arrangements.'

'You trust her, don't you?'

You know, you got everything
figured out now.

You got everything
figured out except one thing.

Yeah, what's that?

If I knew where that money was,
I wouldn't tell a knock-kneed

fat-assed faggot like you.

Jive-ass.

Remember, Hook.
It's a long race, man.

Don't bet your money
on a short horse.

(male #8)
Come on, what do you guys say?
Come on, come on.

Let's go, move on. Damn it.
Let's go. Come on, let's go.

(male #8)
'Move on, let's go.'

'Come on.
What's at it, big man?'

'Don't sit down, man.'

[laughing]

I said, don't sit down.

Hey, man, just pretend
I'm not here.

Don't worry yourself.
I want to see Capiello.

You had your chance.
You have to wait your turn.

Hey, man, who are you?
You workin' for Capiello?

Or are you in business
for yourself?

- 'Now, I want to see the man.'
- 'Wanting ain't getting.'

Like, look, you tell me.
Maybe I'll deliver the mail.

[commotion]

[inmates murmuring]

Hey, brother, you know about
the mail, don't you? Slow.

Look, Hook, you got
a long way to go.

Glover ain't even begun
on your case yet.

And I ain't even started.
You dig it?

Look, brother,
don't strain yourself here.

Because you can have me
any time you want.

But now, you tell your boss
that I gotta see him right away

or I'm gonna make
other arrangements.

They needed a chef
in this place.

It's after lockup.

You clowns are supposed
to be in your cells.

You heard
what the man said.

I don't need your blessings.
Get your asses out.

You need a rest, Captain.

You oughta take yourself
a little vacation in Vegas.

'Be my guest.'

Shit! There's hotter action
than Vegas, right here.

You're getting
paid well, Stambell.

Hook is none of your business.

I'm makin' him my business.
10%, 150,000.

I'll go to Vegas on my own.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

This is my best offer.

I don't bargain.
Take it or leave it.

You turn around and get your
big black ass outta here

and I'll forget
what you just said.

Who do you think you are?
That's right, you WOPs.

You wanna run the world,
don't you?

- Yeah, we do.
- You think you're God, huh?

Lemme tell you somethin'.
I run this world, I'm God here.

Look, with one word your life..

- This beautiful wine.
- ...will come to speeding halt.

- This is beautiful--
- I'll put you in a padded cell.

Do something for your blood--

I've got you for the next
three years, you hear me?

You black, son of a bitch!
You listen to me.

You think I'm some punk asshole
you can push around?

Ten percent.

For that money, I could have you
replaced with a white man.

Think that one over.

You think this over.

You got exactly 100%
of nothing so far.

- What?
- Cool it.

[inmate screaming]

[continues screaming]

(male #9)
'Help the man, somebody.
Help him.'

[moaning in pain]

Got a message for you, Hook.

Mr. Capiello is gonna
see you tonight.

Yeah, but why don't you guys
do something about him, man?

I wouldn't worry about him.
Hook, I'd worry about--

[shouting]
Why don't you do
something about him?

[moaning continues]

[music on TV]

This shit gets worse every year

since they dropped
the untouchables.

You wanna see me, Hook?

Yeah, but how come
the Little Black Sambo

ain't around to protect you?

'Cause I wanna talk to you
about what your man

Glover laid on me
in the laundry.

I heard you wiped
his ass for him.

I won't hold it
against you, Hook.

Thanks a lot.

I'll put that on your account
'cause we got some business.

- Oh?
- Yeah.

I know where the money is.
All of it.

- One million five.
- Where?

I'm not gonna tell you where.
That's my ass, isn't it?

- The question is how?
- How, what?

How you gonna get me outta here?
So, I can deliver the money.

[laughing]

I'm way ahead of you, Hook.

I figured that might
be your price.

Yeah, I figured that
you would figure.

Now you figure this.
My take is gonna be one-third.

You can take the million
and I'll keep the five.

I'll be a son of a bitch.
You're beautiful, Hook.

I'm going to regret losing you.

It has to happen quick.

We gotta get movin' fast
or we'll lose the dough.

The operation takes a week.

The wall in the utility yard
is not too high for a guy

with the right equipment.

Padded grappling hook
and thirty foot of rope.

Glover can get the hook made up
for me in the machine shop.

Yeah, he'd like that,
wouldn't he? Hooks for Hook.

Night count is the only time.

Guards come off the search
lights for the head count.

That leaves just one guard
in each tower

till they finish the count.

The only lights are
the overheads on the walls.

I figure you've got
about ten minutes.

No, no, no.
That's not enough time.

But once I miss night call
Stambell's gonna have everything

he's got on that wall
and I'm still inside.

Unless he thinks
you've already made it.

Then it's a matter
for the State Police.

When they stand down
on the wall, you go over.

Let's go, Hook.
I'm goin' on my break.

Sorry, Mr. Capiello.

That's okay, Mark.
I'll deliver Mr. Hook.

You and Capiello are gettin'
pretty tight, huh?

Just remember, Hook,
when the squeeze starts

we'll see who has who
by the balls. Come on, punk.

- Hey, you're blockin' my car.
- Get in. We'll talk on the way.

Whatever way you goin'
I'm goin' the other way.

That's too bad. Brother Hook
will be disappointed.

Meaning what?

Meaning he's got to
see us right away.

- Wanna little blow?
- No, thanks.

Look, Hook and I have been
up and down for a long time.

How come all of a sudden
you're his long lost friend?

You wouldn't believe it
if I told you.

But he risked his life
to save my ass.

You're right.
I don't believe it.

Asses must've been cheap
in those days.

[laughing]

Speak for yourself,
my dear.

But believe me,
it was the bottom line.

And Hook's name was
written all over it.

Uh-hmm.

- Where's Hook?
- Number four.

- How you doing, old buddy?
- Okay.

- How'd you like to take a ride?
- I ain't goin' nowhere.

Here's a bus ticket.

Don't like buses,
too uncomfortable.

Oh, yeah?
Take a plane.

[no audio]

- How you doing, baby?
- How are you doing?

I'm fine.

Hey, my man!

Well, what you know, my man?
Just beautiful seeing you again.

- Gimme a second, okay?
- Okay.

I see you took care
of the guard.

(Baxter)
Always tryin' to make life
a little sweeter for my friends.

You look a little
over drained, Hook. Don't worry.

As soon as they find what
they're lookin' for

everybody will lighten up
on your case.

You'll do a year
at the most.

Hey, Barney, man,
I can't beat that way.

Look, I've got the money.
And I'm coming outta here now.

Jesus Christ!

(Baxter)
You're takin' a helluva chance.
I'll take care of your money.

Trust me. It'll be here
when you get back.

Now, you know
I trust you, baby.

That's why you're comi''
in here to get me out.

Who me?

My man, you certainly go
first class.

That's not the thing.

I got a surprise for you.
It's gotta be tomorrow night.

- Tomorrow night?
- That's right.

You see,
no rehearsals, man.

Nothing changes, huh?
Right, Barney?

Yeah, except my ass
is gettin' older.

You don't escape out
of a place like this.

I'm not gonna escape.
I'm gonna disappear.

- How you gonna do that?
- I'll show you what I mean.

With this.
It's all there. Everything.

And Barney...we're gonna
split it right down the middle.

Yeah. Ten years of peace!

[both laughing]

(guard #10)
'Time's up, Hook.
Let's go. Let's go!'

[whistling]

(guard #10)
Alright,
all you monkeys, hit it!

He might break free!

Get away!

Glover!

DM 4333. DM 4333.
You know him, Glover?

Oh!

- Why're you asking me, Mario?
- Oh, I dunno.

Oh!

[gasping]

Mr. Capiello ain't gonna
like this.

He's outta business
and so are you.

Ah!

Get him to the dispensary.

Where the hell is DM 4333?

[inmates chattering]

[door opens]

(inmate #11)
'Chico! Flush it!'

Hit it!
Hit it, you pervert!

Give it away.
Look at this.

You a rich
motherfucker, huh?

- Who gave you this?
- My grandmother gave me.

Okay, man, get outta here!

Alright, back to
your cages, monkeys!

They want bananas, huh?

And 14 bottles of,
uh, Rectal.

Rectal?

[both laughing]

Take care of him.

Oh, yeah. Sure.
We'll take care.

(Macey)
Let's put him
up here, Henry.

We'll take care of him.

We're the caretakers
of this place, ain't we, Macey?

(Rotella)
Call the hospital after,
you understand?

(Macey)
Yes, Sergeant,
we understand.

So long.

So long, Mario.

[breathing heavily]

(Henry)
Tell me something, brother.

Would you like your aspirin now,
or would you like it later?

[breathing heavily]

Stick it, Henry.

Say what?

Take it yourself.
Might screw up your complexion.

(Henry)
'You wanna go and open up
that man's wounds like that?'

(Macey)
'Let's take him over there
and wash him off.'

'Come on, get up,
you big honky!'

- Get up! Move!
- Hold on!

(Macey)
Take it easy, Henry!

(Henry)
Look, he needs help, man!

[gasping]

It's good for
everything that heals.

Take a good long
drink of water.

Call the hospital, Henry.

This gentleman appears
to have had a bad accident.

Can you give me
the night classes, Mr. Capiello?

- It's important?
- Very important.

I'll take care of it.

- Okay.
- Don't worry.

'Alright.' See you later.

Hey, they shot
at the family.

They knocked over three or four
of Glover's punks.

They got the laundry too.

So, Stambell wants
to play games, huh?

- Surprise!
- Oh, shit!

You use this truck in your work?
Turning tricks for Jackson?

I'm not one of
Barney's bimbos.

I wanna hear
about your visit.

- What he said, you said.
- I'm sick.

- I can have Hook in the hole.
- What?

Solitary confinement, the hole.
You won't see him for 3 months.

I knew that'd make
your antenna stand.

I'll give you $500,000
for yourself.

And Mr. Hook
will be very grateful.

That's really very nice,
but I don't need your company.

- Well, I need yours!
- Hey, leave me alone!

(Stambell)
You are a feisty bitch,
aren't you?

Come over here, woman!

You either cooperate with me
or I'll have your boyfriend

in a padded cell
and see that he rots.

Bitch!

(Stambell)
You're gonna wait
for big daddy, huh?

Hey, make it easy on yourself.

(Iris)
Ah. Ah. Ah.

[tires screeching]

- How ya doing, huh?
- Good. How ya been?

Okay, Jerry.
How's the old lady?

- Pretty good.
- Looking good.

- Should I unload this stuff?
- Yeah, take it in.

(male #10)
'Alright.'

(guard #10)
'Alright.
Open the door.'

'State your name
as you come by me.'

'Alright.'

- It's Chavez.
- Chavez?

- Para.
- Para? Move on.

- Mine is Abe, right there.
- What's your name?

- Abraham.
- Okay.

- Johnson.
- Johnson?

- I seen that guy somewhere.
- Johnson?

Time for lunch, huh?

(guard #10)
'Alright,
what's your hurry, huh?'

Damn new clutch.
Jumpy, just like my old lady.

What you say, old buddy?

There we go.

Simmons, Carl.

That's me.

I got the John on the list,
but I ain't got your name.

I don't know
nothing about that.

I was just told
to bring in the crapper.

They're supposed to let us
know about personnel changes.

[laughs]
No skin off my ass, man.
I get paid by the hour.

They'll have to crap
in their hats!

All clear up here, Dave.

Alright, alright,
take it in, Simmons Carl.

Okay.
I'll do that.

You better tell that dispatcher
of yours to get on the stick

or I'll stop letting
you guys through.

Shit, take a stick to get
that son of a bitch off my ass.

Up yours, buddy, up yours.

[train rumbling]

You gonna let this
come down like it's comin'?

We ain't gonna be able to do
anything if Macey takes over.

- You gettin' worried, Zack?
- You goddamn right!

(Capiello)
'It's not gone that far.'

Stambell thinks he's cracking,
but he'll quiet down

when he reads the numbers
at the bottom of the page.

Macey ain't gonna get him
the 40 acres and that Cadillac.

(guard #11)
Pardon me, Mr. Capiello.

Captain Stambell would like
to have a word with you.

Okay.

Take care of the wine, boys.
Save some for Papa.

I'll keep the door open.

[speaking in Spanish]

Didn't I tell you
no speaking Spanish around here?

You speak English,
if you wanna stay on this job.

You want it in English?
Bullshit!

Get to work, Fuzzy.

Who told you to put it here?
We gotta use this area.

I got six tons of
cement blocks coming in.

I gotta have a three foot
clearance around this crapper.

Or you'll have six tons
of public health officials

flying around your ass.

Now, I don't give
a shit myself.

Hell, I can use
the bar on the corner.

Yeah, right.
Sucker!

Well, I went
by your house yesterday

and your little boy
looked just like me, man.

Even called me daddy.
You've got yourself a problem.

[laughing]

Get in, Macey.

[sniggering]
I'm gonna have me a ball.

(Stambell)
'I've waited for this
for a long time, Hook.'

'Would you believe
we used to call this old man'

'"The Enforcer."'

'Never used any weapons.'

'Just his bare hands.'

[tin clattering]

[pounding]

[bottle smashing]

[rattling]

[glass shattering]

[pounding]

[rattling]

(Stambell)
'Kill him!'

Uh, uh, uh.
I've seen everything now.

Beating up on white folks.

Your wife is gonna be
pleased to hear this.

You can write
your own ticket now, Hook.

You got the balls
to run these cons.

You got the wrong boy, Stambell.

Look, for a while they forgot
who's running this prison.

But you're too smart
for that crap.

Besides, there ain't nobody left
for you to deal with, but me.

Now look,
I've made my point.

Now you make yours.

I'll talk to you tonight.

Go in, get on back to work.

[cell gate closes]

[whistling]

Gonna get some dirt
for the Captain's plants.

(guard #12)
'What?'

I said I'm gonna get some dirt
for the Captain's plants.

Is that alright?

Well, don't get
too close to the wall.

'Cause I ain't shot anybody
since yesterday.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

[whistling]

How ya doin', bro?

'Bout finished.

Here comes one of them
petition cards.

'Rope and grapple inside.'

You with the bucket.
Does it take all day?

'Move on.'

Okay, okay.

It's only for
the Captain, my man.

(male #11)
What's new, General?
Where you want the shit house?

You must be full of it.

I got one trapper in
already this mornin'.

What a bummer!

Man, they're gonna fire me
for sure this time.

- Oh, yeah?
- I had another accident.

This time a black chick
cut me off at the intersection.

- Okay. Right.
- I had to go back to--

Put a clamp on it. Will ya?

That dispatcher of yours
must have his head up his ass.

Now you tell him I said so.

How rude.

Take it up, Brian.

You got anybody in the cab?

Yeah, six or seven.

You mean six or seven empties,
right, Simmons?

[laughing]
Right.

Okay, Simmons.

Look, you tell that
dispatcher of yours

if he's got a spare crapper,
he better use it himself.

[laughing]
Right on.

'Take it down, Brian.'

[engine revving]

[bell ringing]

Come on, let's get
our asses out.

Unless you wanna
spend the night.

(guard on microphone)
'Three minutes to lockup.'

'All prisoners,
proceed to their cell.'

'All prisoners,
proceed to their cell.'

[guards shouting]

(guard on microphone)
'All prisoners,
proceed to their cell.'

'Three minutes to lockup.'

[intense music]

(guard on microphone)
'All guards, proceed
for the night count.'

[music continues]

(guard on microphone)
'Lockup is complete.'

'All guards,
commence night count.'

316. 1-6.
Hey, that's one short.

Get on the recount.

Ah, west 3. Those idiots,
they don't know how to count.

The Zoo's on west 3.
Let's have that first.

[dialing]

[intense music]

[music continues]

[guard coughs]

[sniffs]

Cortez, Santiago R.

Dishner, Robert H.

Hook, Curtis X.

- Where is that man?
- No wonder where he--

- Where is he?
- Where is he? Where is he?

[phone ringing]

(guard on microphone)
'All guards,
report to your posts.'

'Emergency command received.'

[prison sirens blaring]

(Stambell)
'Night guards, on the walls.
Day guards, on search duty.'

- 'Alert the swing shift.'
- Notify the LAPD and--

- Man, damn LAPD.
- Yes, sir.

Have them report to me, with
floor plans and escape SOPs.

Lock down until further notice.
We're gonna keep him inside.

Wait! Notify the towers
and get a confirmation

from each guard
to shoot for takedown.

I don't want mistakes.
I want him alive.

[sirens blaring]

[jazz music]

Please, may I have a taxi

at the gas station at the
corner of Oak and Calandrias?

Thank you.

Hey, Officer.

Can I get outta here now?
I've been in here a whole week.

- 'Hey, this ain't Hook.'
- Hey, listen, hey!

Hey, Bob, get your
ass down here!

Where to, buddy?
Oh, boy!

Alright, just keep cool
and you won't get hurt.

Alright.

Come on, let's do
a little driving.

Uh-uh, don't look back.
Let your rearview down.

Anything you say.
You're the boss.

- You mind if I throw the flag?
- I don't care what you do.

I don't keep much money
in the cab at night.

Just a couple of bucks
in the cigar box.

I been robbed before--

- Tough shit!
- Yeah.

About a year ago, a big
colored guy. A negro fella.

- A black fella--
- Shut up or I'll kill ya!

Afro-American.

- Gimme your matches.
- Matches, matches, matches.

Oh, boy.

(male #12)
'Mind if I ask you a question?'

(Barney)
Yeah, I mind.
Less you know, the better.

(male #12)
'I won't ask.'

- You see anybody?
- I never saw anybody.

- C'mon, man, think!
- Might not be a prisoner.

- You think it's a guard?
- Somebody's helping him.

- You know Michaelitis?
- Michaelis, Michaelis--

- Over in North Four.
- Get him down here!

- Yes, sir.
- He's got a radio.

Broadcasts messages in my head.

- Oh, shit.
- Government code, top secret.

The boiler room opens
on the loading yard, by tower 3.

We better send out
the escape bulletin.

- It goes out when I say so.
- Shall we notify the warden?

He's not back until tomorrow.
We got time.

Now come daylight, we're goi''
over that yard inch by inch.

Hook's not goin' any place.

[dramatic music]

What does
the meter read?

Twenty five dollars
and sixty cents.

- I'm not gonna pay it.
- I know.

You're lucky to go.
Keep drivin', don't look back.

- Get it?
- Got it.

Good.

[tires screeching]

We lucked out. He was perfect.
A nosey son of a bitch.

- You think he noticed the van?
- 'No way.'

Stiffed him a $25 bill
and left Hook's ID for a tip!

[laughing]

'He'll be hot to trot, baby!'

[laughing continues]

(male #12)
'Hey, I don't care about any
goddamn escape alert.'

'I had one of your convicts
right in my cab.'

'Yeah. A $25 joy ride.
That's what.'

Hook. Hook, Curtis.
Hey, but I ca-can't tell much.

It's all burnt,
but it says Hook.

He had a gun. He was gonna shoot
my ear off. That ain't nice.

(guard #1)
Let's go! Move it out!
Come on, then shape up!

Downstairs. Let's go.
Move it out. Shape up.

'Get in line. C'mon, Nicole.
Get over there.'

Get moving. Okay! Shape up!

Take off those glasses.
Get that gut in.

'What are you laughing at?
Shape up, men.'

Sir! All present
and accounted for.

Okay, Sergeant.
Move them out.

Yes, sir.
You heard the Captain.

We're goin' over this yard
with a fine tooth comb.

You find anything,
anything at all, you call me.

I'll decide if you found
anything. Okay, move it out.

(Stambell)
'Move it! Move it!
Check those concrete blocks.'

'There might be space inside.
C'mon, move it. Move.'

'Michael, Kelly, Johnson,
search this whole area.'

'There's no way a man can hide
in there if we go quick.'

'There's a bonus for the man
who finds him.'

And check those damn vehicles.

'Come on, let's move. Move.'

Look at these jackasses. Move.

Calvin, check the trash
for Hook.

- I just got a manicure.
- Hell with your damn manicure.

Calvin, get in there
right to the bottom.

- It's nasty in there, Sergeant.
- Get your ass in there, Calvin.

Yes, sir.

(Stambell)
'Alright, let's move it.'

[metal clunking]

[guard urinating]
Oh.

Bad-ass Sergeant..

[mumbling]

Did you find anything, Calvin?

Yeah. The rats say
he went thata-way.

That lazy son of a bitch!

(Stambell)
'Did you find anything,
Sergeant?'

Yes, sir!

No matter how hard you try

the last few drops
get on your shoes.

Listen to that lousy alcoholic.
Goddammit!

Take over, Sergeant.
I'll be back.

Yes, sir.

Keep an eye on him for me.

(guard #1)
Alright, men. Let's make
another sweep to the left.

Move it out.
Let's go. Move!

[guards bustling]

There are basic procedures

with which to handle
a situation like that.

Now you tell me, why did you
not contact the police?

Warden, he's still inside.

He couldn't have
escaped that easily.

I've been chief guard
at CPI for 11 years.

And no one's escaped yet

and Hook's not
gonna be the first.

I just received a phone call
from LAPD intelligence.

They informed me
that a cab driver

picked him up last night.

What? H-h-how in the hell
do they know it's him?

Because his ID tag was
in the back seat of the car.

I look like a goddamn fool!
We've got a man out.

We don't even have
a bulletin out on that man!

- 'Warden.'
- Shut up! There's no exception.

- There's no excuse.
- 'Yes, sir.'

Are you listening to me?

That thing with Hook
that got outta hand.

Yes, sir.

I won't spend another dime
on your bad judgment!

Yes, sir.

Warden, listen to me, please.
Hook's still inside.

Listen very carefully to me.
This will not happen ever again.

Yes, sir.

The prison will get back
to normal right now!

Yes, sir!

- Do you understand me?
- Yes, sir!

I hope to sweet-bleeding Jesus,
you understand me?

I'll have your ass!
Get out of my office now!

- Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
- Move!

- Yes, sir.
- Get out!

' Yes, sir''

Three minutes to lock up.

All prisoners,
proceed to their cells.

All prisoners,
proceed to their cells.

We're gonna start
the night count, Cap.

What's the matter with him?

The warden took
a big piece off his ass.

Ah, he's just got the rag on.

All guards, proceed
with your night count.

(guard on microphone)
'All guards, proceed
with night count.'

'All guards, proceed
with night count.'

[jazz music]

- Outta my way, you fat idiot!
- Uh!

Michaelitis says
to say hello, Captain.

(Stambell)
He's gotta be out here!

[music continues]

[panting]

[rattling]

[breathing heavily]

[creaking]

[snap]

[panting continues]

[dramatic music]

[creaking]

[door creaks shut]

[music continues]

[faint splatter]

[thud]

[both grunting]

Huh!

Ah!

[gasping]

[panting]

What's the matter, west 4?
You're always last.

Will ya get it on up there?
Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna hold.

[yawning]

824. Yeah, that's it.

Make it a little faster
next time, will ya? Yeah.

(guard on microphone)
'Night count is complete.
Night guards, proceed to posts''

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[engine revving]

(warden)
'No. Not rehabilitation,
it's reeducation.'

'That exactly
what we're doin' here.'

We're changing their minds, see.

(female #2)
What about the security program
you have here?

(warden)
'We have a security game plan.'

[cement mixer rumbling]

This is gonna be a new kitchen.

We fought hard
for the Board to okay this.

Sergeant Rotella watches his
favorite program in the kitchen.

Oh, we had nutritional problems.
We had facility problems--

[reporter screams]

Stop this, stop it!
Oh, God!

He had an accomplice.
Somebody on the outside

'Got the clothes
and the ID tag out to him.'

Stambell was right.

He didn't make it out
after all.

[speaking in foreign language]

Monsieur. If you wish
to reach Cannes by the morning

we must depart very soon.

[retro music]

Darling, you're such an enigma.

You tell me America
is the land of opportunity

but for the whites, Vraiment?

Shh. You let them
keep thinking that, darling

because while they are making it
we will be taking it.

[laughing]

[jazz music]