Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014): Season 4, Episode 9 - Marriage and Hunting - full transcript

(theme music playing)

(metal clanging)

(baby crying)

Aah! God blast it!

Well, it is fixed?

No, it's not fixed.

The nut is stripped.

I need water for to make
the Cream of Wheat.

I'm bleeding, dear.

- (sighs)
- (Baby crying)

Could you please get
him to stop crying?



He is hungry.

Well, then, go in the bathroom
and use the water from in there.

The bathroom is for bathing,
the kitchen is for cooking.

Is that really a
meaningful distinction?

When you will fix the pipe?

The Sears Roebuck Company...

The Sears Roebuck does
not live in the house.

I live in the house,

for months and months, and
nothing fits together.

I have to get ready for work.

The flowers, yes?

The big important job for Mr.
O'Banion.

Is that what you think I do?

Oh, yeah. You're the strongman
who gets the money.



Mr. O'Banion gives $1,000

for you to hurt the
people's head.

What if he did?

Then there would be
water in the kitchen.

- (slams table)
- (Music playing)

(baby continues crying)

(shushing)

Daughter: ♪ Jazzin' baby blues
are drivin' me insane ♪

♪ There's nothing to them but
that lonesome blue refrain ♪

♪ But when that cornet and
that flute begin... ♪

Nucky: Have you ever considered
it was Purnsley acting alone?

It was Narcisse. I know it.

That's what the girl says?

I'm asking if you can prove it.

This ain't no court
of law, Nucky.

That doesn't change the fact that you're
asking me to impose a death sentence.

I wasn't askin'.

Let's get something
straight here.

You move against Narcisse,

you risk losing
everything you have.

He ain't comin'
after what's yours.

That's because I
mind my business.

- What that mean?
- Look.

- Let me get him in here, sit him down...
- What that mean?

It means when I'm conducting
business, I mind it.

It and only it.

Not some piece of ass
with a sugary voice,

not my pride, my business.

Heard a lot of "we" last year.

When you was in trouble.

Now it just you.

How do you like your
fucking nightclub,

on the boardwalk?

You have any idea the bullshit
I had to put up with?

The strings I had to pull, the palms
I had to grease to make this happen?

Already said thank you
by saving your ass.

And this place evens the score.

(sighs)

You've got a family, Chalky.
Children.

A wife who loves you, a
daughter about to be married.

What we gonna do about Narcisse?

Let me talk to him, feel him out

before you do anything.

I'll give you a minute for that.

Just.

(door opens, closes)

Of course they were fairies.

They picked that kid up,

and when he wouldn't bend
over, that was that.

- Leopold, maybe, not the other one.
- Eh.

- How about the ransom note?
- Look, they're sheenies.

They're not gonna do
anything without a payday.

1,200.

Take the truck, drop
that hooch by Paulson's.

What's wrong with Tarzan here?

I got a rush job on this wreath.

That truck.

Sometimes I wonder
if it's bad hoodoo.

- Beg pardon?
- The one Stu was in the day we found him.

Oh, yes.

23 shots they hit him with.

Fuckin' believe that?

That was unfortunate.

Unfortunate?

Guy had a wife, a kid.

Well, maybe he didn't
have a kid, but still.

Fuckin' massacre.

(groans)

I'm taking the children to
see the new Buster Keaton.

That was the day you
disappeared with the Capones.

- What?
- The day Stuey got killed.

I... I don't know
anything about that, sir.

Guilty conscience, Mueller?

Sir?

I didn't say you did.

I was just stating
a simple fact.

Your tone, it can be quite
accusatory sometimes.

(chuckles)

201 South Racine,

apartment 12.

(train rattling)

- (music playing)
- (Giggling)

Barker: Ladies and
gentlemen, welcome to

the historic and legendary
Atlantic City boardwalk.

Big thrills, dancing girls,

- amusements beyond...
- (Man clicks tongue)

your wildest imagination.

A man's selling Eskimo Pies.

The sun is all I need right now.

My first kiss was
under this boardwalk.

Should I be jealous?

He was a freckle-faced
boy from Philadelphia

on holiday with his parents.

I sold him three
Luckys for a nickel,

and he smoked them all before
he had the nerve to lean in.

(chuckles)

We carved our names
somewhere under here.

You never came back to look?

- It was a long time ago.
- At least tell me his name.

I'll cross it out and
chisel mine in its place.

His name was James.

- You're blushing.
- Am I?

Maybe it's the sun.

We were supposed to meet
the night before he left,

in our secret spot.

What happened?

The next day was the
Opening of the Sea.

It was a silly
ceremony for tourists.

I pushed my way to the
front of the crowd,

and I was chosen as one of
King Neptune's Consorts.

I can just see you doing that.

The sheriff approached me.

Thought for sure I had
done something wrong.

Didn't know what.

So he took you to jail?

He took me to a man.

The most powerful
man in the city.

Oh, this is quite the yarn.

Except it's true.

The Commodore, they called him.

He ravaged me that night.

It was six weeks before
my 13th birthday.

,, Gillian, I'm sorry.

If you'd rather not say...

I want you to know.

Nine months later, I gave birth.

I named the baby James,

the last pure thing
I could remember.

He and I...

I don't know how I can say it.

Just let the words out.

We lived for each other.

A child and a child.

Where is he now?

He enlisted, fought in France.

Very bravely.

Didn't make it back?

He came back.

He struggled to find his place.

He overdosed on heroin...

(sniffles)

That's how in my you found him?

I think I will take that
Eskimo Pie after all.

(train rattling)

Has this ever been used?

It is ceremonial,
as far as I know,

but there is a first time
for everything, Mr. Madden.

(chuckling) Glad
you're open-minded.

I spoke to Rothstein.
He can't help you.

Is my money not good?

He's bust, out of the
heroin business.

Masseria squeezed him out.

I was of the understanding that they
had been partners in this endeavor.

Even Lewis and Clark went their
separate ways eventually.

He's your friend as
well, is he not?

Masseria? Sure.

But he ain't as comfortable

selling to the darker
types like Rothstein was.

The Jew, like the Libyan,
must remain pliable

if he is to survive.

I should like to meet with Mr.
Masseria nonetheless.

You come to the Cotton Club.

We'll see what's what.

(dog barking)

Whoa.

(sniffles) That for me?

It's, uh...

for a Mr. Dob.

Dob.

Dean O'Banion.

(chuckles, sniffles)

Take a seat.

- I don't have time to...
- Sit your ass down.

Tell us everything you
know about O'Banion.

His whole routine.

When he wakes up, where
he takes his meals.

How many times he takes a shit.

I'm not privy to his per...

We asked you what you
know, not what you don't.

Hit me again, you'll regret it.

You hear that?

Cut the mouthy shit.

I didn't come here to
be smacked around.

Who the fuck you think you are?

The man who stood beside your
brother at Western Electric.

And you're still breathin'.

- So are you.
- I'll cave in his fuckin' face.

Then you won't find out the
best way to kill O'Banion.

That's what you want, isn't it?

That's for me to decide.

Frank was against it.

Frank's gone,

and that mick's still here.

And I don't fuckin' trust you.

$1,000.

I clear that seven days a week.

- Not you, me.
- Ralph: For what?

For going into work tomorrow and
blowing O'Banion's head off.

Why would I let you do that?

Because he thinks I'm a coward.

Ain't you?

Ask Frank.

Maybelle: That's 161 people.

Odd numbers are bad luck.

Should we trim the invitations?

These got an edge on 'em now.

You didn't have to bother.

You want everything
spic and span.

I'm sure the Crawfords
will appreciate it.

Is there anything you
want me to say to them?

About what?

Your appearance.

He was moving all of
that lumber in the shed

and the shelf broke.

That's right.

Whatever you say.

What you got there, baby girl?

The guest list.

Mother's worried about
the odd number.

Bad luck, that's all.

Mr. Purnsley on there?

You said you wanted him.

Well, take him off.

That solve the
problem right there.

(music playing over radio)

Sir?

(clears throat) Mr. Rothstein.

Will you be needing the car?

No, not this evening.

Are you feeling all right?

I'm fine, thank you.

Is Mrs. Rothstein awake?

No, sir. She retired early.

May I ask you a question, Peter?

Of course, sir.

Why is it you don't gamble?

Because I don't have
the stomach for it.

The first time I ever
played craps, I won $32.

I was nine years old.

- Lucky little boy.
- Yes.

Or at least I used to think so.

I need to talk to you.

It's what I'm here for.

There might be a
problem with Chalky.

What problem?

He took his man Purnsley
for a walk in the marsh.

How come?

He was getting out of hand.

Well, good riddance.

Trouble from the get-go.

He puts Narcisse behind it,

wants to return the favor.

How do I agree to that?

What's our concern?

Narcisse has business
with Owney Madden.

Couldn't say who else.

And Madden goes to bat for
some shine knows the Bible?

Is that a bear we need to poke?

I warned him once. Couldn't
have been clearer.

Now he comes to me with this,

and always about how I owe him.

That debt's paid, isn't it?

I'm not saying there
isn't a bond,

but I'm not bringing
him my problems.

If he can't manage his
side of the fence...

The answer is no.

Has to be no.

What else?

- Hmm?
- What else is going on?

Anything I should know?

Willie's doing all right?

Yeah.

Yeah, good.

Everybody's happy
to have him home.

(drawer closes)

Did you call the Sears Roebuck?

You could knock, dear.

On the door that's
not being here yet?

The curtain was closed. Do you
not know what that means?

- What were you doing?
- Getting dressed.

I've seen this many times.

Did you want something?

I ask if you call.

Yes, yes, I did. I spoke to Mr.
Roebuck himself.

He apologized
profusely and told me

he would send a dozen of his
top men over immediately

to remedy the situation to
our total satisfaction.

Really? This is true?

- No. This is sarcasm.
- (Baby crying)

I was orphaned at a young age,

and what I learned, I had
to learn for myself.

I married young.

- (door opens)
- Too young.

And I haven't lived
a blameless life.

I wonder if anyone has.

I've turned my back
on many things

in anger.

In envy.

In fear.

But love sustains us.

We thrive on it.

We need to give it back.

How else can we live?

That's all I have to
offer my grandson.

I think it's all that matters.

Your Honor, may my client speak?

Go ahead.

Your Honor...

when Tommy talks about home,

it's our home he's thinking of.

When he goes to sleep, we're
the ones who tuck him in.

When he wakes up
from nightmares,

and he does wake up, Your Honor,

we're the ones who tell him
it's going to be all right.

And he believes it.

Your Honor, Mrs. Darmody is the
child's paternal grandmother...

Judge: No one disputes that, Mr.
Ferry.

Miss Sagorsky, according
to Judge Varick's notes,

you're employed at Blatt's
department store?

Yes, Your Honor.

- At $12 a week?
- That is correct.

Unmarried.

Pardon?

You are unmarried.

Well, obviously, I'm...

Yes.

And Mr. Sagorsky,
what do you do?

(softly) Veteran's pensions.

Could you speak up, please?

Veteran's pension, sir.

Uh, $37.

37.28, yeah.

$85 a month between you.

85.28.

As I hope your respective
counsels advised you,

in cases such as these,

the law presumes it is in
the child's best interest

to remain in the custody
of blood relatives.

I will review all
Judge Varick's notes,

along with my own, and render
a decision within the month.

(bell tolling)

Phil: Mueller.

(grunts)

What'd I tell you?

Phil, Mr. Gulliver, I... Ralph.

- You son of a bitch!
- No, gentlemen, please!

- This is not a good time.
- Not a good time for what?

You're upset. (grunts)

Two months this took to heal.

Ralph: His wife
bawled her eyes out.

Phil: I didn't make
a sale for months.

I... (grunts)

Not such a tough guy
now, are you, Mueller?

(panting)

Mr. Gulliver, do something.

- You got it coming, George.
- I apologize. I'm sorry.

If we could just... no!

(grunting)

Enough! That's it!

- Oh, you don't like it, huh?
- I've warned you to stop!

You hear that, Phil?
He warned us.

Whoa! Easy, Mueller.

- (train rattling)
- Settle down, George.

Now, George, be reasonable.

Relax.

I am relaxed.

No!

(shell clinks)

(gun clicks)

Nucky: Mickey Doyle is worth
half a million dollars?

Well, not while he's breathing.

"The Rothmere
Insurance Company."

One of my subsidiaries.

So I gather.

So what are you waiting for?
Kill him.

At the very least, I
wanted to extend you

the courtesy of obtaining
your permission.

Do I get a cut?

That's a rather
callous attitude.

He's an imbecile whom I'd
be glad to be rid of.

I was under the impression Mr.
Doyle was

an integral part of
your organization.

Not half a million integral.

- Make me an offer.
- To not kill him?

How's a plug nickel sound?

You could buy the
policy from me,

making yourself the beneficiary.

Money troubles, Arnold?

Just the usual ebb and
flow of the stock market.

But more ebb at the moment.

It appears I'm the victim
of an unscrupulous broker.

- So plot your revenge.
- That takes cash.

My bankroll is...

waning at present.

10 cents on the dollar.

- 20.
- That's 100 grand, Arnold.

Ye I it ..

(exhales)

It's probably the best
investment I'll ever make.

I know a dozen people who'd
kill Mickey for free.

Good, but line it
up at the bottom.

- Well?
- Yes.

You want to check
behind my ears?

I'm sure you cleaned thoroughly.

Maybe there are some
splinters left.

- (doorbell rings)
- I'll get it.

We'll both go.

- What the hell's going on?
- I don't know.

I'm not sure that
I want to know.

I do.

- We're not early, are we?
- Oh, no.

(shouting)

I got him! I got him! I got him!

Julia: Ever since you came home.

You think I made him start?

No.

But for some reason, your
being here makes it easier.

It's what he wants, and...

I don't know how you stop him.

What do you two talk about?

How do you mean?

I can hear you downstairs
at 3:00 in the morning.

What do you talk about?

Mmm, things we've been through.

It helps him.

And you.

He worries about you.

We talk about that.

Why is he worried about me?

You're very bad
at hiding things.

I thought I was
pretty good at it.

(crying)

From the drinking?

You need to hear it from him.

He'll never tell me.

He'll tell you when he's ready.

So he expects you
to take care of us?

We just talk, that's all.

I have a job, you know.

One of the girls, she started
two months before me,

and they just made
her a white flower.

- A what?
- A floor manager.

$15 a week.

Hmm. You could do that.

I know I could.

And you wouldn't need me.

Didn't you hear the judge?

It would be better
if I was married.

Hmm.

To who?

You might do in a pinch.

If you don't say something now,
this is going to be very awkward.

No, I... I didn't...

Yes.

I'm saying yes.

(music playing over radio)

Narcisse: Mr. Purnsley
never arrived.

No, Doctor.

All through the
long lovers' night.

I couldn't make him stay.

- He started getting worried.
- About what?

His wife. She would
ask questions.

Really?

His oldest girl is
getting married.

That's important to him.

Is that what he
talks to you about?

I let him say what he wants.

You listen, he talks.

The night wears on.

I couldn't keep him.

And you haven't seen him since?

You know my wish is
never to involve you,

to keep you separate.

Above the muck that I
have walked through

here in Babylon,

where we each of us
have been exiled.

I know.

The things I do,

just simply to stand up

and look my equals in the eye.

They are not your equals.

Then why must I struggle?

You...

will be clothed in glory.

How well I've trained you.

I will keep him here next time.

You remember what we
pledged to each other

the day we traveled
out from New Orleans?

Many years past now.

We sat in a carriage

more fit for cattle
than for human beings,

and we vowed...

You would protect me.

Always.

And that you would be free...

free to lie down with any man.

But your heart...

Your heart...

Was yours.

Always yours.

Your rug,

glass shards still
in the carpet there.

Mr. White is alive, and you,

you have crushed me.

Utterly!

(grunts)

(Narcisse panting)

Sigrid: These men,
do they rob you?

No, dear.

Then why does this happen?

They tried to rob me.

They... does it really matter?!

(gasping)

- You are frightening Chester.
- (Crying)

Why isn't he napping?

Because you have waked him.

You know, I think I'm just
going to say this now.

- I've put up with an awful lot...
- Shh.

- That most men would...
- (Pounding on door)

- Al: Mueller!
- (Crying stops)

Take him.

- To where?
- Wherever it is he gets put.

Du forsta?!

(pounding on door)

Al: Mueller, open up.

- No, no, no, no!
- What the fuck happened, huh?

- My family's here.
- That's your problem.

- I was attacked.
- What, by O'Banion?

No, by some men.

Hooligans. I couldn't see them.
They were laying in wait.

Look, it's not good if
O'Banion knows what's coming.

You understand what
I'm saying to you?

No... yes. I mean, I do.

Give me till tonight.

I'll wait till after closing.

If you botch this up again...

you know what happens, right?

I won't.

I swear.

(playing piano)

(plays discordant notes)

(stops playing)

Sorry, this part's
rather tricky.

It sounds lovely to me.

(resumes playing)

(song ends)

He's very talented, isn't he?

- Mm-hmm.
- Only three weeks of lessons.

By the wedding, I expect
we won't need the band.

Speaking of which,

shall we go over the
table assignments?

Sybill: We'll certainly have to
have the pastor on the dais.

(telephone ringing)

Hello, White residence.
This is Maybelle speaking.

He's with guests right now.

I'd be happy to take a message.

Who is it?

Mr. Coates, the piano player.

Hello?

You stay where you are.

Is everything all right?

- Is he calling for me?
- My apologies.

Matters at the club
need attention.

Daddy.

Mrs. Crawford came here all
the way from Newtonville.

Perhaps Mr. Purnsley
can attend to it?

Afraid he can't. I'll
be back directly.

You keep these good
people entertained, son.

(door opens, closes)

(phone ringing)

Julia: Why even bother
posting the hours?

There's 10 minutes left.

(ringing continues)

This is going straight
into the complaint box.

Sorry, folks.

Had to step away for a moment.

Are you sure about this?

It's just a hunting
license, isn't it?

Be easy now, Mr. White.

Let me see you, girl.

I can't.

Come on, now.

It's okay.

Doctor done this to you?

It was the right
hand of the Lord.

The doctor and Miss
Daughter got their ways.

Know how to tend to her?

Been doing it longer
than I wanted.

You make her comfortable
till I get back.

Yes, sir.

(bells tolling)

Man: Black man goes to church,

says a prayer and gets a
visit from God himself.

"Now, son, I know you're very
curious," God tells him,

"so I'm going to allow you
to ask me three questions."

"And so the black man
said to God, "Lord,

why is my skin so black?"

And God replied, "My son",

that is so the intense sun
of Africa won't burn you."

So then the black
man said, "Lord",

why is my head covered
with all this kinky hair?"

And God replied, "My son",

***

- (Laughter)
- So then the black man says,

"Then, Lord, what in hell's name

am I doing in Atlantic City?"

(trumpet sting, rimshot)

Oh, yes, the Lord loves
us colored folk.

Mr. Thompson, may I join you?

Man: What did God say when
He made the first Negro?

Why don't you stand up?

I don't believe I
should have to.

"Oh, no, I think I burned one!"

(rimshot plays)

What is it you're doing, Doctor?

- Enjoying the ribaldry.
- You know you can't sit here.

What do you call a Negro woman
whose husband just died?

- A black widow.
- (Trombone sting)

Where I am from, there are no such
things as niggers, Mr. Thompson,

and I refuse to be
treated like one.

Your friend, his
days are numbered.

Man: Why do Negroes refuse
to go on sea cruises?

Is that a threat?

Come on, we ain't gonna
fall for that one again!

(laughter)

(chuckling)

It is merely a fact.

The people of the Northside
have lost confidence

and his political
power is abating.

You saw to that yourself

by pushing heroin.

Stand up.

- Chalky...
- Stand your ass up!

Not here, not now.

You gonna take your
hands from me.

Narcisse: Apologies,
ladies and gentlemen.

- I'm calling you out, Doctor.
- Man: Come on now, fellas.

You beat a woman, let me
see what you do to a man!

Mr. Thompson, can you not
control your friend?

I can't even sit in my club,

and you in the front row

with this sadistic motherfucker?

(gasping, murmuring)

(band playing)

Think about what comes
out of your mouth next

unless you are ready for a war,

one that you will fight alone.

(people gasping)

(door creaks open)

(broom scraping)

Mueller.

Sir?

Tell me again what happened.

I was coming to work and I was
approached by three men...

No, the night Stuey bought it,

when you were on your
frolic with the Capones.

- I told you, Mr. O'Banion...
- I know you did, but...

I don't believe you.

How's about the truth, Mueller?

Hmm?

One more "I'm sorry,"
"I don't know,"

"I'm not lookin'
for any trouble,"

and I will pop your head open

like a melon.

I didn't kill Stu.
Al Capone did.

But I have killed other men.

The one you know about, the
three that attacked me,

- and my partner.
- Your what?

I was a Prohibition agent.

I drowned him with
my bare hands.

My name isn't Mueller.

I'm not legally
married to my wife.

I used to believe in God,

but now I don't believe
in anything at all.

- (train rattling)
- (Door opens, bell jingles)

Sweep up the trimmings.

(bell jingles, door closes)

(exhales)

Anything I can do you for, boys?

Just deciding.

- How about I make you up...
- What do you got that says you're sorry

and won't ever do it again?

Here's a man in need of roses.

Roses are for my girlfriend.

What do you got for my wife?

(chuckles)

You want chrysanthemums, friend.

That get me out of dutch?

If it doesn't, your money back.
Deal?

(train rattling)

(flies buzzing)

- Get a couple of extra men out here.
- Something up?

Just wouldn't hurt
to be careful.

I'll call the round.

One out front, another one on...

Nucky: Don't.

What do you want?

I came to see you.

Why?

I got married today.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

- You came to tell me that?
- No.

I need a job.

What?

Who built this house?

It's late.

Who built it?

You did.

Who pays the bills?

You do.

Who's holding
$1,000 in his hand?

You are.

Who am I?

You are my husband.

My name is Nelson Van Alden.

Take off your nightgown.

(music playing over radio)

- (music continues)
- I know.

Me too.

It won't be much longer.

Yes, that'll be fine, sir.

I will take care of
that immediately.

Who was that?

Ah, just business.

- At this hour?
- They're working late in Memphis.

You okay?

No, actually.

You're fightin' the urge.

I need to be strong, for Tommy.

And if you lose him?

No. No.

The decision will be
made for you, Gillian.

You need to prepare.

What I've done for that boy...

it can't all have
been for nothing.

It brought you to me.

Doesn't that count
for somethin'?

(moans) Go home.

I'll be fine in a day or two.

You'll be fine sooner than that.

The doctor,

what he did...

that wasn't nothing
but for my own good.

*** things we don't.

Divination.

(scoffs)

I think you and me must've gone

to a different church.

Don't act the fool again, girl.

You hear me?

Don't kill him.

Promise me you won't.

Make a promise to you,
break another to myself.

I can't lose you too.

(knock on door)

Don't.

(knocking)

Maybelle: Daddy, it's me.

I know you're there.

Maybelle, this is Miss Maitland,

one acts from the club.

She had a accident,
so I come by to...

What'd you come to do, Daddy?

Baby girl, look...

(phone ringing)

Wheet.

Nucky: Thompson.

How are tricks, Thompson?

It's foggy here.

Did you call to talk
about the weather?

I just called to talk.

Thunderstorm this evening.

Cooled things off a little.

Sunny and hot tomorrow.

Is this exciting you?

Keep going.

It's a clear night.

The moon's out.

I'm sleeping on the porch.

You're not sleeping now.

Somebody woke me up.

Your turn.

What does a man do
down there in Florida?

Aside from gator fights?

You didn't like those?

I won 50 bucks.

Well...

a man does what he wants.

Or maybe he doesn't
do anything at all.

Would you put up with
a man like that?

Maybe.

Not for too long.

I could come down.

You could.

Check on the operation.

Business is business.

I should let you
get back to sleep.

Call me tomorrow.

Maybe a little earlier, though.

I might do that.

Don't get lost in the fog now.

(seagulls screeching)
(Bell buoys ringing)

(music playing)

♪ It had to be you

♪ It had to be you

♪ I wandered around
and finally found ♪

♪ Somebody who

♪ Could maybe be true

♪ Could make me be blue

♪ Or even be glad
just to be sad ♪

♪ Thinking of you

♪ Some others I've seen

♪ Might never be mean

♪ Might never be cross
or try to be boss ♪

♪ But they wouldn't do

♪ For nobody else
gave me a thrill ♪

♪ With all your faults,
I love you still ♪

♪ It had to be you,
wonderful you ♪

♪ It had to be you...

(whistling)

♪ Some others I've seen

♪ Might never be mean

♪ Might never be cross
or try to be boss ♪

♪ But they wouldn't do

♪ For nobody else
gave me a thrill ♪

♪ With all your faults
I love you still ♪

♪ It had to be you,
wonderful you ♪

♪ It had to be you.