Crime Story (1986–1988): Season 1, Episode 16 - The Kingdom of Money - full transcript
The mob makes its move to take over Las Vegas casinos. Abrams and Torello gather a team and set up an undercover operation in the strip club that Luca's men frequently visit.
NARRATOR: Last time
on "Crime Story."
RAY: Then we take a vote.
In favor of this
big move to Vegas.
-Goodbye, Chicago.
[laughing]
-Goodbye, Mike Torello.
MAN: And in this new
generation of young Turks,
Ray Luca's the dominant one.
Now, pal, you know Ray
Luca better than anyone,
so I want you to
follow him to Vegas
and take him and his
organization down.
-When do I leave?
NARRATOR: This week
on "Crime Story."
[MUSIC - THE COASTERS,
"SEARCHIN'"]
-1800 miles, right?
You'd think we
never left Chicago.
You think he's on his
way to a Bible meeting?
-You got a match, Al?
-Stop asking me for
a match all the time.
Buy a lighter.
[music playing]
MATTHEW: On Tuesday,
Mr. Brady went
to little Miss Plump's
birthday party.
-Good.
Run get your daddy.
-Daddy, Mommy needs you.
-Look, it'll be here any day.
-10 Gs, huh?
-Leave him alone!
-10 Gs!
Do you understand?
-8500.
AL: Uh-uh.
Now it's 10.
With the juice,
1500 for the week.
[groaning]
[gasping]
Next week, you
don't pay, it's 13.
[gasping]
You see what I
did to your daddy?
Now I want you to talk to him.
Tel him to pay, OK?
Or we'll do it
again-- until he does.
[groaning]
TERRY: Bill!
-Take care of Matthew.
[music - del shannon, "runaway"]
[music - "money"]
[excited chatter]
WOMAN: Yeah, over here.
[excited chatter]
RAY: This place is operating
with 11% in uncollectibles.
How do you explain that?
MAN: The cost of doing
business, Mr. Luca.
RAY: Well, that's
not acceptable!
MAN: Every casino
has uncollectibles.
Some of it, you write off
in promotion and overhead
expenses, and some of
it is straight loss.
MAN 2: That's standard
procedure in Vegas.
-Well, not anymore!
Not in this hotel.
Do you understand me?
AL: Hey, Ray.
-Hey, Al, how you doing?
What do you got for me?
-80 grand.
-Good.
Did you take your end?
-Yeah.
You're busy.
We'll talk later, OK?
-Yeah, all right.
Sure thing.
Hey, good work, Al.
You see?
This is how you deal
with uncollected money.
Do you understand me?
-Of course, you can reduce your
uncollectibles that way, but--
-But what?
Get out of here, both of you.
You're fired.
MAN: What about our severance?
-Your severance?
Well, what do you
think you got coming?
-Probably a couple
of months' pay.
-Pauli, pay em off.
Make sure you deduct
11% for uncollectibles.
Because otherwise, Al
will be coming around
and visiting you in your homes.
Now get em out of here.
I'm sick of looking at em.
-Get out of here.
-That's rule number
one in this kingdom.
People owe-- they pay.
PAULI: Kingdom?
Nevada's a state.
-Pauli, what do you
have in here, huh?
It's the kingdom
of money, idiot.
-That kind of makes me
like a prince, huh, boss?
-Let's go, Steve.
Lead the way, Prince Charming.
[chatter]
-My name is Ray Luca.
I'm the new General
Manager of the Lucky Star.
[applause]
My right here is Max Goldman.
He's your new Casino Manager.
[applause]
This is Pauli Taglia.
He'll be in charge of
payroll, personnel,
insurance, and
food and beverage.
[applause]
Now this is going to be a
new era for the Lucky Star.
We want to turn this
hotel and casino
into the jewel of the strip--
the classiest joint in town.
[applause]
Now what that means is that from
now on, the customers are going
to be treated like royalty--
good service, courtesy,
that sort of thing.
You know, make em feel at home.
But I'm telling you this-- if a
guest tells me that a watch is
missing from his room or that
his bed's not made up on time,
then I'm going to fire the
head of housekeeping on
down to the last
maid on the shift.
And you guys in
gaming-- anyone of you
caught hustling or cheating or
your own juice action-- well,
first you're going to be
turned over to the Nevada
Gaming Commission
and prosecuted.
And then second, you're going
to have to deal with me.
Now nobody steals from
nobody in this joint anymore.
We're going to run
an honest shop here.
You understand me?
-Yeah.
-All right, good.
Get back to work.
[chatter]
Max, show em how the skim works.
-Come on.
-You sure you didn't
want to be introduced.
-Yeah, I'm sure.
No limelight--
that's how I like it.
-Well, it's there
when you need it.
-Just remember-- the most
dangerous narcotic is ego, Ray.
-Maybe.
-Uh, listen.
You two guys, go
get a cup of coffee.
Take a break, huh?
MAX: Close the door.
We do a slot drop twice a shift.
Each bucket of quarters
weighs 100 pounds.
That's $5,000.
They get weighed, wrapped,
and into the counting room--
until we do this.
This alters the scales
to make each bucket
weigh 50 pounds-- or $2,500.
The house gets $2,500.
We pocket $2,500.
-OK.
So what do you do with
the $2,500 that we pocket?
MAX: We change it
internally for cash.
-And the paper money?
-That's put in an
envelope and then
delivered directly to my office.
-How come we're only
skimming off the slots?
-In the casino business,
slots are the action.
They're about 65%
of gross profits.
In this place, that means
$33,000 a day-- day in,
day out.
-All right, thanks, Max.
How about we check out the
food and beverage, huh?
-That's mine.
-I'll see you later.
MAN: There it is.
[honking]
[laughing]
-Sarge!
-Hi-ya, Joey.
How are you?
-Great.
-How was your trip?
-Oh, it was great.
-How are you, Danny?
-Hi, Walter.
-Good to see you.
-Joey, what are
you trying to do?
Get a tan from the neon?
[laughing]
-[inaudible].
-How are you, Mike?
-Good to see you, Walter.
-Same.
-Hey!
-Nate the Snake!
[laughing]
How you doing?
Good to see you.
-Come on.
Dig this operation.
-All right.
-Hello, Danny.
-Hey.
-Good trip?
-Yeah, great.
-Lieutenant.
-Hello, Counselor.
-So what do you think, huh?
-I think if we're moving,
uh, with this much energy
in a month, we
might make a case.
-Steve, I want you to
meet Danny Krychek.
Mike Torello, this
is Steve Altman.
-Steve.
-Well, the legend
in living color.
-You got that right.
-Steve's been tracking the
outfit's moves in Vegas
over the past two years.
-What do I do with this stuff?
-Department of Justice matches?
-Throw it out.
This is a strike force,
not a recruiting office.
Mike, this will be
your desk right here.
So you guys want
to hear the layout,
or you want to rest up first?
-No, let's get into it.
-Fine.
We operate out of this motel.
We own this motel,
courtesy of the IRS.
-They, uh, confiscated it off
some loser for back taxes.
-You'll notice we knocked
out a few walls, uh,
to build the offices.
Most of the guys
have rooms here.
There's keys to your
rooms in your desks.
-Great.
Let's get to Ray Luca.
We've got to build a case strong
enough against Luca for you
to prosecute him.
-Luca is in Vegas
for one thing--
to accumulate casinos
and skim them dry.
-What's changed since
Luca's been in town?
MAN: We get local crime reports?
-They're right here, Danny.
-Since Luca took
over the Lucky Star,
there's been an
increase in street
violence-- juice collectors.
-A cheater caught palming.
He was beaten into a coma.
-David, check this out.
Three hours ago,
three thugs beat up
on a guy who owns a
diner-- did a number
on him right in
front of his family.
He denied it happened.
What the local cop has got,
they got from his wife.
He won't cooperate.
-Wally, you and Joey talk to
the guy, but I mean talk to him.
By the way, aren't
you a little naked?
-How's that?
-I mean, given what we've
got to do in this town,
don't you think that
you and your men
should be carrying weapons?
-My men can do what they want.
This is my weapon.
-Danny, you and I
should get cleaned up
and go visit an old friend.
-Look, we're here to help.
You understand?
-No. [inaudible].
I don't like to
do it, all right?
-Listen to me.
-You heard it.
-I only want to help you
-All right?
Just leave me the hell alone!
-Where are you going?
[honking]
[chatter]
-Oh, stop.
-No, I mean it.
-You ever get the feeling you're
walking into enemy territory?
[chatter]
-He's in the lounge.
-Hard six winner.
Pay the lady at the
end of the table.
The point is four.
-Hooray!
[chatter]
-Pauli!
Pauli, are you awake?
-Yeah.
RAY (OVER INTERCOM): Pauli!
-Yeah, boss?
-Pauli, answer me.
Answer me, Pauli!
Get in here!
-I'm coming!
I'm coming!
Stupid machine!
[chatter]
-Hey.
WAITRESS: Cigar?
Cigarette?
-Pauli.
What, are you growing potatoes?
Get in here.
-Pauli, I thought I told
you to buy cheaper meat.
What the?
-Can't get any
cheaper than this.
What's the matter?
No hello, Ray?
[sighing]
-Chicago badge is
no good in Vegas.
So why don't you get
out of here, Torello,
before I have you thrown out?
-Oh, yeah?
RAY: Yeah.
-Well, unless Nevada has
seceded from the union
and no one has bothered
to tell me about it,
I think this badge
is good anywhere.
Read it.
That's Federal
Department of Justice.
-So?
What was so urgent, Ray?
-I need to know what
Torello is doing here,
and what he's doing carrying
a Justice Department shield.
You find out, Steve.
-Hey, Ray, this is Las Vegas.
-Do I look lost?
-No.
You look angry.
-No.
What I am is one step
ahead of the game.
And that's where I want to stay.
So you find out.
You dig?
-Ray, Torello's presence
here is meaningless, as
long as what we
do is above board.
That means altering
the scales right
now is not such a good idea.
-I could tighten my
belt while he's in town.
-You're not getting it!
OK?
We're not slowing down,
because Torello is here!
I want to know who's behind
him-- who's with him--
moves he might make, everything!
Do you understand me, huh?
-Ray, if we stick to the
legitimate casino operation--
we stick to the
legal sports book,
we're covered--
whoever's behind him.
Now the collectors you've
got on the street--
I'm going to need
to know exactly--
-What's to know?
No one beats us out
of any money in any
of our operations
or anything else.
-If you're loan sharking--
if you're putting
juice on the streets--
-You got a problem?
-Yes, I do.
-Hey, this is the dream, pal!
-Our objective is to
be free and clear, Ray.
-All right, listen.
Look, no Torello or
any, uh, Vegas ginzo
is smart enough or fast enough
or tough enough to stop us.
They had their
chance in Chicago.
But here, in this
town, forget about it.
Now what are we arguing about?
I need information, Steve.
Are you going to find
out about Torello or not?
Huh?
-Yeah.
Yeah, whatever you say, Ray.
-Good.
-You know, I think it's going
to take all the fun out of it,
Ray.
-What is?
-Being totally legit.
I'll see you.
-Hey, where are you going?
-I got a full day
auditioning showgirls.
-Showgirls?
-Yeah.
All day.
You know, show me your legs.
Show me your breasts.
Show me, honey.
Hard work, huh?
I think the only thing tougher
might be the movie business.
I'll see you later.
-Yeah, take care, Max.
MAX: You, too.
[laughing]
[man talking on radio]
-Hey, Cori.
Get out of the pool.
I want to talk to you.
-Now are we going to start with
the [inaudible] again, huh?
The screaming,
and the hollering?
-Isn't it nice
for you here, huh?
I got some problems.
Come on.
I want to talk.
-Whatever problems you
got, you made yourself.
You know, it's the same as
Chicago, except for the tan.
-Hey!
Butana!
You wouldn't have any of
this if it wasn't for me!
MAN (ON RADIO): And the
third is a brand new car!
-Go for the curtain.
Three!
Three!
Trust me, it's the car.
[MUSIC - THE FOUR SEASONS, "RAG
DOLL"]
-You available?
-Excuse me?
-I said, are you available?
-I look like I work the streets?
-All right, then we'll
go inside and do it.
-Look, I'm waiting
for my car and driver.
-Come on, you're a
working girl, aren't you?
-No, I'm a nuclear physicist.
-Yeah, very funny.
-And when I take on new clients,
I do so only with references.
RAY: Hey!
Here's 500 references.
Now quit screwing around,
and get the hell in the car.
Come on.
-My name is Jackie.
But for the next five hours, you
can call me whatever you want.
RAY: You like this place?
JACKIE: It's not bad.
RAY: It's all yours.
From now on, you
stay right here.
You work just for me now.
[sighing]
-You always get what you
want just by taking it?
RAY: Usually.
-Yeah, well, I've got a
manager and some clients
who might not like
that too well.
-Well, you forget your
pimp and your tricks.
-He's not a pimp.
And he doesn't like
to be forgotten.
-I'll explain it to him.
-He likes to think of
himself as dangerous.
What if he doesn't listen?
-After an hour with
me, what do you think?
[laughing]
This place-- and a
couple of grand a week
spending money-- just for you.
-This whole place
is yours, isn't it?
-You mean, Las Vegas?
Not yet, but soon.
If you mean the
Lucky Star, yeah.
-How'd you get it?
-I took it.
[laughing]
-So buy me a Corvette.
-Whatever you want.
-Can I get that in writing?
-I'll write it on the
inside of your thighs.
How about that?
[laughing]
-Hi.
RAY: Pauli, get out of here!
Get out of here!
Go wait for me in
the other room.
Maniac.
Pauli, I'm going to give
you a shot in the head.
You know that?
-I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
-Not bad, huh?
-Whoa.
[sighing]
-So now tell me what's
bothering you so much
that you gotta come up
here and bother me, huh?
Come on.
What are you upset about?
-Boss, who's this Perignon guy?
-I give up.
I don't know.
Who is he?
-I'm looking over the
purchase orders like you want,
and we ordered six
cases of champagne
for the fancy restaurant.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
-And only four got delivered.
And this guy, Don
Perignon signed for them.
-Did we pay for six cases?
-No, only four.
But I want to know who this
Perignon guy is, because you
told me I was the boss
of food and beverage,
and I don't want nobody
stealing from us.
[laughing]
-Dom Perignon.
It's the champagne, you idiot.
-Good, cause I thought you
was trying to ease me out.
-You're the best, Pauli.
Don Perignon.
Pauli, look at this.
It's great, huh?
We're going to own
this town, Pauli.
And Torello's going to
get old and wrinkled,
and he's going to
wonder what went wrong.
And we're going to be sitting up
here, laughing on a good life.
Yeah, this is it, Pauli--
we're on top of the world.
[excited chatter]
-Seven out, line in.
[inaudible] win.
[man yelling]
-Uh, look, you gotta
sign my marker.
OK?
I'm-- I'm good for it.
Just sign my marker.
-No pay off, huh?
-Nope.
He's about to drop every dime
he's got at the crap table.
BILL: You gotta sign my marker.
You gotta say my marker, OK?
I gotta take one more shot.
I can--
-Hey, Bill.
Bill, come on, let
me drive you home.
-Oh, yeah, yeah.
Why don't you just beat the
hell out of me right here?
I just got beat by the house.
-I'm here to help you.
I know this isn't easy, but you
could be a lot of help to us.
-These guys will kill me.
-They'll kill you, anyway.
-I don't care, anymore, but
who's going to support them?
-They'll drag a rusty
razor across your throat,
and they'll plant you in
the desert with your arms
sticking up as a marker.
You're one thing to
these guys-- a message.
Death is the late
payment penalty.
At least with us,
you'll have a chance.
-We can't live like this.
-I'm scared.
I'm scared.
I'll do whatever
you want me to do.
-Good.
-Here's the money.
$10,000, right?
-Yeah, if I pay him by Friday.
-You'll be wearing a wire.
That means, you've got to
meet him in a public place.
I don't care where you meet him,
as long as it's a public place.
MIKE: I'll be
there with my guys.
The hard part is getting him to
explain again why a $5,000 loan
became a $10,000 debt
in just three weeks.
Now you can't ask
him directly, Bill.
He'll smell a set up.
-OK, I'll-- I'll just lead
him into talking about it.
MIKE: Right.
-At least he'll
be paid off, huh?
Now, look, you guys, if you
don't-- if you don't hear what
you need, you're not going to
take it out on me, are you?
-Mr. Davis, we're on your side.
[laughing]
-I got the money.
AL (ON THE PHONE): What?
-I got the money.
-Really?
That's great.
How'd you get it?
-I had to beg some relatives
of my-- my wife for it.
It'll be cash.
-I'll be right over.
-No.
You scared my kid.
-Sorry about the kid, pal.
You know, you're a good guy.
I don't like hurting people.
It's not personal.
It's my job.
-Look, uh, can't we
do this tomorrow?
I'll meet you wherever
you want, just not here.
-How about the, uh,
Galaxy Coffee Shop?
-Sure, that's-- that's fine.
-11:00.
-OK, great.
I'll, uh-- I'll see you
there then at 11:00.
[dial tone]
JOEY: Mike?
-I'm out here, Joey.
You know, there really is
something beautiful about all
of these lights-- this place.
-I think it's dangerous.
It changes your rhythm.
-I think you're becoming
a pretty smart cop.
You set up the meet?
-Yeah.
Uh, Al Vicente, Galaxy
Coffee Shop, 11:00 AM.
Danny took the recorder over
to get Davis used to it.
They're going to wire him
up tomorrow morning at 8:00.
-Good.
[footsteps]
-Bill!
Bill!
They're here.
-Who's here?
-Those men.
-Dammit!
-Call Torello.
-No, there's no time.
-Hey, Bill.
-Yeah, yeah!
I'll be right there.
Terry, wait in the kitchen.
What are you doing here?
-A cup of coffee.
Relax.
We can be pals now.
You've got nothing
to shake about.
Any reason I can't
get the cash now?
-Oh, yeah, there's, uh--
there's one small reason.
I don't have it yet.
Listen, I-- I got
it from her father.
She don't know about it.
He's on his way down here.
He should be here
within an hour.
If she finds out
about it, forget it.
-You sure you getting it?
-Yeah.
Yeah.
Come on.
What do you think?
I want to get beat up again?
-Guess not, pal.
I'll see you at lunch.
-Yeah, yeah, sure.
11:00.
-Think he'll have it?
-He's too scared not to.
[laughing]
-Hey, Al?
-Huh?
-You got a light?
Al.
-Yeah?
-Check this out.
-No!
[screaming]
[gunshots]
-Bill!
[chatter]
TERRY (ON RECORDING): Bill!
[gunshot]
No!
Oh, my god!
-Let's get a picture of this.
-Are there any doubts
from anybody here that Al
Vicente is responsible for this?
-Nope.
But we'd be shooting
blanks trying to prove it.
-Well, why don't we negotiate
our own loan with this guy
and see if muscles us?
-Could we get that
kind of break?
-You make your own
breaks, Counselor.
-The Dream Cave.
-What's that?
-It's a strip joint downtown.
It just closed.
-Drop the contracts.
Get the place
locked down for us.
Let's get this thing going.
-Mike, Al's here.
He's up at the bar alone.
[chatter]
WOMAN: Oh, please.
[MUSIC - THE ZOMBIES, "SHE'S NOT
THERE"]
-You're like 20 minutes late.
-Martini, straight
up with a twist.
-Yes, sir.
-Ralph.
Ralph!
-Leave me alone.
BARTENDER: There you go.
-What are you doing here?
-I followed you from the bank.
-I've given you my answer.
We have nothing
further to talk about.
-Look.
I've got assets to collateralize
a bunch of that money.
You can't say no to me just
because I had a bad time once.
-It's bank policy.
A bankruptcy eliminates any--
-A bankruptcy six years
ago during the recession.
I just wasn't liquid enough
to ride it out, that's all.
-Mr. Collins, I have a loan
committee to answer to.
-Forget it, Ralph.
-I'm not going to
forget about it.
-Leave me alone.
You've been to the bank.
This is not my office.
If you follow me home,
I'm calling the police.
Do you understand me?
-We'll find it someplace else.
Give me a scotch and water.
What do you want?
-Vodka, tonic, no lime.
What are you looking at?
-Do I know you?
-I'm from Cleveland.
-Never been there.
-You haven't missed much.
-Maybe we should just
forget it, Ralph.
-It's a goldmine.
I'm not going to forget it.
-We're tapping out
all over the place.
-Yeah?
-Hey, uh, what are
you guys trying to do?
-Strip joint.
[laughing]
-And what business is
it of yours, anyway?
-Strip joint-- a pipe dream.
-Pipe dream?
I nailed down a lease that
one of the casinos wanted.
-We have all the
licenses-- great renovation
bid-- everything, but the cash.
-How much you need?
-Huh?
-A philanthropist.
-Maybe, wise guy.
How much you need?
-$100,000.
You got it in your pocket?
-Show me those licenses,
that bid, your lease.
If it checks out, I'll
get you the money.
-Are you serious?
-Yeah, I'm serious.
The question is,
are you serious?
-What do you mean by that?
-If I get the cash, it's 10%
a week-- week in, week out.
[groaning]
-Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
-Come on.
-Wait a minute.
Do I have to sign any papers?
-Papers?
I don't need any papers.
I don't even need
any collateral.
You're the collateral.
If you come up late,
we start collecting
on that collateral--
piece by piece.
Now if you want to
make this kind of deal,
maybe I can get you some money.
-I'd make any kind of a
deal to get the money.
[sighing]
Not bad, huh?
No, not bad at all.
-Where's the strippers?
-Page 10 in my report.
I believe I mentioned
no need for [inaudible].
-Which one of you guys is Joey?
-That's me.
-Joey.
Joey.
Are you the guy I gotta please?
-Well, you're off
to a dynamite start.
-Ooh, like your tie.
[sighing]
-You bet.
MIKE: Joey.
Joey!
Stick to business.
-You brought some music?
-Where's the dressing room?
-That way.
-Thank you.
-Play this loud, pal.
-Pal?
-The impresario.
-Well, he ain't that
far gone, is he?
JOEY: Music!
[music playing]
[laughing]
[laughing]
-You're terrific.
You're hired.
[music playing]
-[inaudible].
[music playing]
-I hope this damn
thing is working.
Hey, Al.
How are you?
What do you think, huh?
-You got it together.
Looks great.
-How about a drink?
What do you want?
-Business first.
-What do you think
of Bambi Dear?
She's gonna make
the joint famous.
AL: She's great.
Give me 10 grand for week one.
MIKE: If I give you that,
then what'll I still owe you?
-100 grand.
-What does that mean,
in terms of interest?
AL: You're not going to get
forgetful on me now, are you,
pal?
I told you, 10% a week.
[clapping]
-OK, all you,
big-named [inaudible].
[inaudible] must be f
un, Bambi Dear, huh?
I think I heard some
thumpers out there, huh?
[laughing]
OK, you know, hey, my
mother-in-law died last week.
She left me $25,000 for a stone.
What do you think, huh?
[laughing]
[clapping]
OK.
Now get your wires
ready for this next act.
I'm talking about the one,
the only Bonnie Extendable!
Come on, let's hear
it for her, huh?
-Look.
I thought that you
said that I would
have enough time
to pay this off.
-You do, pal.
And it's 10 this week.
-Do you know what that means?
-Pay it all back,
plus the 10 grand
you owe, then you got
no problem with me.
-Well, you're telling me that
I got to pay $520,000 a year,
and that I still owe you
the original $100,000 loan?
-That's exactly what
I'm telling you.
-Well, Al, that's crazy.
So I change my mind, and
I've decided not to pay you.
-Huh?
You pay, or you die.
-Now what are you?
Deaf or dumb or both?
Read my lips, fatso.
I ain't going to
pay you any money!
[groaning]
-Uh-uh, buddy.
-Tank time, stupid.
-You're under arrest.
[gunshot]
[groaning]
[gasping]
[groaning]
[gunshots]
-What's going on?
-I don't know.
Let's get out of here.
[honking]
-Hey!
Come on.
Come on.
-Hey!
[screaming]
-You!
[screaming]
[gunshots]
-Police, get back.
-Danny?
-I'll live.
-The rest are dead.
-I don't think he's going
to give us much on Ray Luca.
[laughing]
-I owed that guy money.
[laughing]
[music playing]
on "Crime Story."
RAY: Then we take a vote.
In favor of this
big move to Vegas.
-Goodbye, Chicago.
[laughing]
-Goodbye, Mike Torello.
MAN: And in this new
generation of young Turks,
Ray Luca's the dominant one.
Now, pal, you know Ray
Luca better than anyone,
so I want you to
follow him to Vegas
and take him and his
organization down.
-When do I leave?
NARRATOR: This week
on "Crime Story."
[MUSIC - THE COASTERS,
"SEARCHIN'"]
-1800 miles, right?
You'd think we
never left Chicago.
You think he's on his
way to a Bible meeting?
-You got a match, Al?
-Stop asking me for
a match all the time.
Buy a lighter.
[music playing]
MATTHEW: On Tuesday,
Mr. Brady went
to little Miss Plump's
birthday party.
-Good.
Run get your daddy.
-Daddy, Mommy needs you.
-Look, it'll be here any day.
-10 Gs, huh?
-Leave him alone!
-10 Gs!
Do you understand?
-8500.
AL: Uh-uh.
Now it's 10.
With the juice,
1500 for the week.
[groaning]
[gasping]
Next week, you
don't pay, it's 13.
[gasping]
You see what I
did to your daddy?
Now I want you to talk to him.
Tel him to pay, OK?
Or we'll do it
again-- until he does.
[groaning]
TERRY: Bill!
-Take care of Matthew.
[music - del shannon, "runaway"]
[music - "money"]
[excited chatter]
WOMAN: Yeah, over here.
[excited chatter]
RAY: This place is operating
with 11% in uncollectibles.
How do you explain that?
MAN: The cost of doing
business, Mr. Luca.
RAY: Well, that's
not acceptable!
MAN: Every casino
has uncollectibles.
Some of it, you write off
in promotion and overhead
expenses, and some of
it is straight loss.
MAN 2: That's standard
procedure in Vegas.
-Well, not anymore!
Not in this hotel.
Do you understand me?
AL: Hey, Ray.
-Hey, Al, how you doing?
What do you got for me?
-80 grand.
-Good.
Did you take your end?
-Yeah.
You're busy.
We'll talk later, OK?
-Yeah, all right.
Sure thing.
Hey, good work, Al.
You see?
This is how you deal
with uncollected money.
Do you understand me?
-Of course, you can reduce your
uncollectibles that way, but--
-But what?
Get out of here, both of you.
You're fired.
MAN: What about our severance?
-Your severance?
Well, what do you
think you got coming?
-Probably a couple
of months' pay.
-Pauli, pay em off.
Make sure you deduct
11% for uncollectibles.
Because otherwise, Al
will be coming around
and visiting you in your homes.
Now get em out of here.
I'm sick of looking at em.
-Get out of here.
-That's rule number
one in this kingdom.
People owe-- they pay.
PAULI: Kingdom?
Nevada's a state.
-Pauli, what do you
have in here, huh?
It's the kingdom
of money, idiot.
-That kind of makes me
like a prince, huh, boss?
-Let's go, Steve.
Lead the way, Prince Charming.
[chatter]
-My name is Ray Luca.
I'm the new General
Manager of the Lucky Star.
[applause]
My right here is Max Goldman.
He's your new Casino Manager.
[applause]
This is Pauli Taglia.
He'll be in charge of
payroll, personnel,
insurance, and
food and beverage.
[applause]
Now this is going to be a
new era for the Lucky Star.
We want to turn this
hotel and casino
into the jewel of the strip--
the classiest joint in town.
[applause]
Now what that means is that from
now on, the customers are going
to be treated like royalty--
good service, courtesy,
that sort of thing.
You know, make em feel at home.
But I'm telling you this-- if a
guest tells me that a watch is
missing from his room or that
his bed's not made up on time,
then I'm going to fire the
head of housekeeping on
down to the last
maid on the shift.
And you guys in
gaming-- anyone of you
caught hustling or cheating or
your own juice action-- well,
first you're going to be
turned over to the Nevada
Gaming Commission
and prosecuted.
And then second, you're going
to have to deal with me.
Now nobody steals from
nobody in this joint anymore.
We're going to run
an honest shop here.
You understand me?
-Yeah.
-All right, good.
Get back to work.
[chatter]
Max, show em how the skim works.
-Come on.
-You sure you didn't
want to be introduced.
-Yeah, I'm sure.
No limelight--
that's how I like it.
-Well, it's there
when you need it.
-Just remember-- the most
dangerous narcotic is ego, Ray.
-Maybe.
-Uh, listen.
You two guys, go
get a cup of coffee.
Take a break, huh?
MAX: Close the door.
We do a slot drop twice a shift.
Each bucket of quarters
weighs 100 pounds.
That's $5,000.
They get weighed, wrapped,
and into the counting room--
until we do this.
This alters the scales
to make each bucket
weigh 50 pounds-- or $2,500.
The house gets $2,500.
We pocket $2,500.
-OK.
So what do you do with
the $2,500 that we pocket?
MAX: We change it
internally for cash.
-And the paper money?
-That's put in an
envelope and then
delivered directly to my office.
-How come we're only
skimming off the slots?
-In the casino business,
slots are the action.
They're about 65%
of gross profits.
In this place, that means
$33,000 a day-- day in,
day out.
-All right, thanks, Max.
How about we check out the
food and beverage, huh?
-That's mine.
-I'll see you later.
MAN: There it is.
[honking]
[laughing]
-Sarge!
-Hi-ya, Joey.
How are you?
-Great.
-How was your trip?
-Oh, it was great.
-How are you, Danny?
-Hi, Walter.
-Good to see you.
-Joey, what are
you trying to do?
Get a tan from the neon?
[laughing]
-[inaudible].
-How are you, Mike?
-Good to see you, Walter.
-Same.
-Hey!
-Nate the Snake!
[laughing]
How you doing?
Good to see you.
-Come on.
Dig this operation.
-All right.
-Hello, Danny.
-Hey.
-Good trip?
-Yeah, great.
-Lieutenant.
-Hello, Counselor.
-So what do you think, huh?
-I think if we're moving,
uh, with this much energy
in a month, we
might make a case.
-Steve, I want you to
meet Danny Krychek.
Mike Torello, this
is Steve Altman.
-Steve.
-Well, the legend
in living color.
-You got that right.
-Steve's been tracking the
outfit's moves in Vegas
over the past two years.
-What do I do with this stuff?
-Department of Justice matches?
-Throw it out.
This is a strike force,
not a recruiting office.
Mike, this will be
your desk right here.
So you guys want
to hear the layout,
or you want to rest up first?
-No, let's get into it.
-Fine.
We operate out of this motel.
We own this motel,
courtesy of the IRS.
-They, uh, confiscated it off
some loser for back taxes.
-You'll notice we knocked
out a few walls, uh,
to build the offices.
Most of the guys
have rooms here.
There's keys to your
rooms in your desks.
-Great.
Let's get to Ray Luca.
We've got to build a case strong
enough against Luca for you
to prosecute him.
-Luca is in Vegas
for one thing--
to accumulate casinos
and skim them dry.
-What's changed since
Luca's been in town?
MAN: We get local crime reports?
-They're right here, Danny.
-Since Luca took
over the Lucky Star,
there's been an
increase in street
violence-- juice collectors.
-A cheater caught palming.
He was beaten into a coma.
-David, check this out.
Three hours ago,
three thugs beat up
on a guy who owns a
diner-- did a number
on him right in
front of his family.
He denied it happened.
What the local cop has got,
they got from his wife.
He won't cooperate.
-Wally, you and Joey talk to
the guy, but I mean talk to him.
By the way, aren't
you a little naked?
-How's that?
-I mean, given what we've
got to do in this town,
don't you think that
you and your men
should be carrying weapons?
-My men can do what they want.
This is my weapon.
-Danny, you and I
should get cleaned up
and go visit an old friend.
-Look, we're here to help.
You understand?
-No. [inaudible].
I don't like to
do it, all right?
-Listen to me.
-You heard it.
-I only want to help you
-All right?
Just leave me the hell alone!
-Where are you going?
[honking]
[chatter]
-Oh, stop.
-No, I mean it.
-You ever get the feeling you're
walking into enemy territory?
[chatter]
-He's in the lounge.
-Hard six winner.
Pay the lady at the
end of the table.
The point is four.
-Hooray!
[chatter]
-Pauli!
Pauli, are you awake?
-Yeah.
RAY (OVER INTERCOM): Pauli!
-Yeah, boss?
-Pauli, answer me.
Answer me, Pauli!
Get in here!
-I'm coming!
I'm coming!
Stupid machine!
[chatter]
-Hey.
WAITRESS: Cigar?
Cigarette?
-Pauli.
What, are you growing potatoes?
Get in here.
-Pauli, I thought I told
you to buy cheaper meat.
What the?
-Can't get any
cheaper than this.
What's the matter?
No hello, Ray?
[sighing]
-Chicago badge is
no good in Vegas.
So why don't you get
out of here, Torello,
before I have you thrown out?
-Oh, yeah?
RAY: Yeah.
-Well, unless Nevada has
seceded from the union
and no one has bothered
to tell me about it,
I think this badge
is good anywhere.
Read it.
That's Federal
Department of Justice.
-So?
What was so urgent, Ray?
-I need to know what
Torello is doing here,
and what he's doing carrying
a Justice Department shield.
You find out, Steve.
-Hey, Ray, this is Las Vegas.
-Do I look lost?
-No.
You look angry.
-No.
What I am is one step
ahead of the game.
And that's where I want to stay.
So you find out.
You dig?
-Ray, Torello's presence
here is meaningless, as
long as what we
do is above board.
That means altering
the scales right
now is not such a good idea.
-I could tighten my
belt while he's in town.
-You're not getting it!
OK?
We're not slowing down,
because Torello is here!
I want to know who's behind
him-- who's with him--
moves he might make, everything!
Do you understand me, huh?
-Ray, if we stick to the
legitimate casino operation--
we stick to the
legal sports book,
we're covered--
whoever's behind him.
Now the collectors you've
got on the street--
I'm going to need
to know exactly--
-What's to know?
No one beats us out
of any money in any
of our operations
or anything else.
-If you're loan sharking--
if you're putting
juice on the streets--
-You got a problem?
-Yes, I do.
-Hey, this is the dream, pal!
-Our objective is to
be free and clear, Ray.
-All right, listen.
Look, no Torello or
any, uh, Vegas ginzo
is smart enough or fast enough
or tough enough to stop us.
They had their
chance in Chicago.
But here, in this
town, forget about it.
Now what are we arguing about?
I need information, Steve.
Are you going to find
out about Torello or not?
Huh?
-Yeah.
Yeah, whatever you say, Ray.
-Good.
-You know, I think it's going
to take all the fun out of it,
Ray.
-What is?
-Being totally legit.
I'll see you.
-Hey, where are you going?
-I got a full day
auditioning showgirls.
-Showgirls?
-Yeah.
All day.
You know, show me your legs.
Show me your breasts.
Show me, honey.
Hard work, huh?
I think the only thing tougher
might be the movie business.
I'll see you later.
-Yeah, take care, Max.
MAX: You, too.
[laughing]
[man talking on radio]
-Hey, Cori.
Get out of the pool.
I want to talk to you.
-Now are we going to start with
the [inaudible] again, huh?
The screaming,
and the hollering?
-Isn't it nice
for you here, huh?
I got some problems.
Come on.
I want to talk.
-Whatever problems you
got, you made yourself.
You know, it's the same as
Chicago, except for the tan.
-Hey!
Butana!
You wouldn't have any of
this if it wasn't for me!
MAN (ON RADIO): And the
third is a brand new car!
-Go for the curtain.
Three!
Three!
Trust me, it's the car.
[MUSIC - THE FOUR SEASONS, "RAG
DOLL"]
-You available?
-Excuse me?
-I said, are you available?
-I look like I work the streets?
-All right, then we'll
go inside and do it.
-Look, I'm waiting
for my car and driver.
-Come on, you're a
working girl, aren't you?
-No, I'm a nuclear physicist.
-Yeah, very funny.
-And when I take on new clients,
I do so only with references.
RAY: Hey!
Here's 500 references.
Now quit screwing around,
and get the hell in the car.
Come on.
-My name is Jackie.
But for the next five hours, you
can call me whatever you want.
RAY: You like this place?
JACKIE: It's not bad.
RAY: It's all yours.
From now on, you
stay right here.
You work just for me now.
[sighing]
-You always get what you
want just by taking it?
RAY: Usually.
-Yeah, well, I've got a
manager and some clients
who might not like
that too well.
-Well, you forget your
pimp and your tricks.
-He's not a pimp.
And he doesn't like
to be forgotten.
-I'll explain it to him.
-He likes to think of
himself as dangerous.
What if he doesn't listen?
-After an hour with
me, what do you think?
[laughing]
This place-- and a
couple of grand a week
spending money-- just for you.
-This whole place
is yours, isn't it?
-You mean, Las Vegas?
Not yet, but soon.
If you mean the
Lucky Star, yeah.
-How'd you get it?
-I took it.
[laughing]
-So buy me a Corvette.
-Whatever you want.
-Can I get that in writing?
-I'll write it on the
inside of your thighs.
How about that?
[laughing]
-Hi.
RAY: Pauli, get out of here!
Get out of here!
Go wait for me in
the other room.
Maniac.
Pauli, I'm going to give
you a shot in the head.
You know that?
-I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
-Not bad, huh?
-Whoa.
[sighing]
-So now tell me what's
bothering you so much
that you gotta come up
here and bother me, huh?
Come on.
What are you upset about?
-Boss, who's this Perignon guy?
-I give up.
I don't know.
Who is he?
-I'm looking over the
purchase orders like you want,
and we ordered six
cases of champagne
for the fancy restaurant.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
-And only four got delivered.
And this guy, Don
Perignon signed for them.
-Did we pay for six cases?
-No, only four.
But I want to know who this
Perignon guy is, because you
told me I was the boss
of food and beverage,
and I don't want nobody
stealing from us.
[laughing]
-Dom Perignon.
It's the champagne, you idiot.
-Good, cause I thought you
was trying to ease me out.
-You're the best, Pauli.
Don Perignon.
Pauli, look at this.
It's great, huh?
We're going to own
this town, Pauli.
And Torello's going to
get old and wrinkled,
and he's going to
wonder what went wrong.
And we're going to be sitting up
here, laughing on a good life.
Yeah, this is it, Pauli--
we're on top of the world.
[excited chatter]
-Seven out, line in.
[inaudible] win.
[man yelling]
-Uh, look, you gotta
sign my marker.
OK?
I'm-- I'm good for it.
Just sign my marker.
-No pay off, huh?
-Nope.
He's about to drop every dime
he's got at the crap table.
BILL: You gotta sign my marker.
You gotta say my marker, OK?
I gotta take one more shot.
I can--
-Hey, Bill.
Bill, come on, let
me drive you home.
-Oh, yeah, yeah.
Why don't you just beat the
hell out of me right here?
I just got beat by the house.
-I'm here to help you.
I know this isn't easy, but you
could be a lot of help to us.
-These guys will kill me.
-They'll kill you, anyway.
-I don't care, anymore, but
who's going to support them?
-They'll drag a rusty
razor across your throat,
and they'll plant you in
the desert with your arms
sticking up as a marker.
You're one thing to
these guys-- a message.
Death is the late
payment penalty.
At least with us,
you'll have a chance.
-We can't live like this.
-I'm scared.
I'm scared.
I'll do whatever
you want me to do.
-Good.
-Here's the money.
$10,000, right?
-Yeah, if I pay him by Friday.
-You'll be wearing a wire.
That means, you've got to
meet him in a public place.
I don't care where you meet him,
as long as it's a public place.
MIKE: I'll be
there with my guys.
The hard part is getting him to
explain again why a $5,000 loan
became a $10,000 debt
in just three weeks.
Now you can't ask
him directly, Bill.
He'll smell a set up.
-OK, I'll-- I'll just lead
him into talking about it.
MIKE: Right.
-At least he'll
be paid off, huh?
Now, look, you guys, if you
don't-- if you don't hear what
you need, you're not going to
take it out on me, are you?
-Mr. Davis, we're on your side.
[laughing]
-I got the money.
AL (ON THE PHONE): What?
-I got the money.
-Really?
That's great.
How'd you get it?
-I had to beg some relatives
of my-- my wife for it.
It'll be cash.
-I'll be right over.
-No.
You scared my kid.
-Sorry about the kid, pal.
You know, you're a good guy.
I don't like hurting people.
It's not personal.
It's my job.
-Look, uh, can't we
do this tomorrow?
I'll meet you wherever
you want, just not here.
-How about the, uh,
Galaxy Coffee Shop?
-Sure, that's-- that's fine.
-11:00.
-OK, great.
I'll, uh-- I'll see you
there then at 11:00.
[dial tone]
JOEY: Mike?
-I'm out here, Joey.
You know, there really is
something beautiful about all
of these lights-- this place.
-I think it's dangerous.
It changes your rhythm.
-I think you're becoming
a pretty smart cop.
You set up the meet?
-Yeah.
Uh, Al Vicente, Galaxy
Coffee Shop, 11:00 AM.
Danny took the recorder over
to get Davis used to it.
They're going to wire him
up tomorrow morning at 8:00.
-Good.
[footsteps]
-Bill!
Bill!
They're here.
-Who's here?
-Those men.
-Dammit!
-Call Torello.
-No, there's no time.
-Hey, Bill.
-Yeah, yeah!
I'll be right there.
Terry, wait in the kitchen.
What are you doing here?
-A cup of coffee.
Relax.
We can be pals now.
You've got nothing
to shake about.
Any reason I can't
get the cash now?
-Oh, yeah, there's, uh--
there's one small reason.
I don't have it yet.
Listen, I-- I got
it from her father.
She don't know about it.
He's on his way down here.
He should be here
within an hour.
If she finds out
about it, forget it.
-You sure you getting it?
-Yeah.
Yeah.
Come on.
What do you think?
I want to get beat up again?
-Guess not, pal.
I'll see you at lunch.
-Yeah, yeah, sure.
11:00.
-Think he'll have it?
-He's too scared not to.
[laughing]
-Hey, Al?
-Huh?
-You got a light?
Al.
-Yeah?
-Check this out.
-No!
[screaming]
[gunshots]
-Bill!
[chatter]
TERRY (ON RECORDING): Bill!
[gunshot]
No!
Oh, my god!
-Let's get a picture of this.
-Are there any doubts
from anybody here that Al
Vicente is responsible for this?
-Nope.
But we'd be shooting
blanks trying to prove it.
-Well, why don't we negotiate
our own loan with this guy
and see if muscles us?
-Could we get that
kind of break?
-You make your own
breaks, Counselor.
-The Dream Cave.
-What's that?
-It's a strip joint downtown.
It just closed.
-Drop the contracts.
Get the place
locked down for us.
Let's get this thing going.
-Mike, Al's here.
He's up at the bar alone.
[chatter]
WOMAN: Oh, please.
[MUSIC - THE ZOMBIES, "SHE'S NOT
THERE"]
-You're like 20 minutes late.
-Martini, straight
up with a twist.
-Yes, sir.
-Ralph.
Ralph!
-Leave me alone.
BARTENDER: There you go.
-What are you doing here?
-I followed you from the bank.
-I've given you my answer.
We have nothing
further to talk about.
-Look.
I've got assets to collateralize
a bunch of that money.
You can't say no to me just
because I had a bad time once.
-It's bank policy.
A bankruptcy eliminates any--
-A bankruptcy six years
ago during the recession.
I just wasn't liquid enough
to ride it out, that's all.
-Mr. Collins, I have a loan
committee to answer to.
-Forget it, Ralph.
-I'm not going to
forget about it.
-Leave me alone.
You've been to the bank.
This is not my office.
If you follow me home,
I'm calling the police.
Do you understand me?
-We'll find it someplace else.
Give me a scotch and water.
What do you want?
-Vodka, tonic, no lime.
What are you looking at?
-Do I know you?
-I'm from Cleveland.
-Never been there.
-You haven't missed much.
-Maybe we should just
forget it, Ralph.
-It's a goldmine.
I'm not going to forget it.
-We're tapping out
all over the place.
-Yeah?
-Hey, uh, what are
you guys trying to do?
-Strip joint.
[laughing]
-And what business is
it of yours, anyway?
-Strip joint-- a pipe dream.
-Pipe dream?
I nailed down a lease that
one of the casinos wanted.
-We have all the
licenses-- great renovation
bid-- everything, but the cash.
-How much you need?
-Huh?
-A philanthropist.
-Maybe, wise guy.
How much you need?
-$100,000.
You got it in your pocket?
-Show me those licenses,
that bid, your lease.
If it checks out, I'll
get you the money.
-Are you serious?
-Yeah, I'm serious.
The question is,
are you serious?
-What do you mean by that?
-If I get the cash, it's 10%
a week-- week in, week out.
[groaning]
-Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
-Come on.
-Wait a minute.
Do I have to sign any papers?
-Papers?
I don't need any papers.
I don't even need
any collateral.
You're the collateral.
If you come up late,
we start collecting
on that collateral--
piece by piece.
Now if you want to
make this kind of deal,
maybe I can get you some money.
-I'd make any kind of a
deal to get the money.
[sighing]
Not bad, huh?
No, not bad at all.
-Where's the strippers?
-Page 10 in my report.
I believe I mentioned
no need for [inaudible].
-Which one of you guys is Joey?
-That's me.
-Joey.
Joey.
Are you the guy I gotta please?
-Well, you're off
to a dynamite start.
-Ooh, like your tie.
[sighing]
-You bet.
MIKE: Joey.
Joey!
Stick to business.
-You brought some music?
-Where's the dressing room?
-That way.
-Thank you.
-Play this loud, pal.
-Pal?
-The impresario.
-Well, he ain't that
far gone, is he?
JOEY: Music!
[music playing]
[laughing]
[laughing]
-You're terrific.
You're hired.
[music playing]
-[inaudible].
[music playing]
-I hope this damn
thing is working.
Hey, Al.
How are you?
What do you think, huh?
-You got it together.
Looks great.
-How about a drink?
What do you want?
-Business first.
-What do you think
of Bambi Dear?
She's gonna make
the joint famous.
AL: She's great.
Give me 10 grand for week one.
MIKE: If I give you that,
then what'll I still owe you?
-100 grand.
-What does that mean,
in terms of interest?
AL: You're not going to get
forgetful on me now, are you,
pal?
I told you, 10% a week.
[clapping]
-OK, all you,
big-named [inaudible].
[inaudible] must be f
un, Bambi Dear, huh?
I think I heard some
thumpers out there, huh?
[laughing]
OK, you know, hey, my
mother-in-law died last week.
She left me $25,000 for a stone.
What do you think, huh?
[laughing]
[clapping]
OK.
Now get your wires
ready for this next act.
I'm talking about the one,
the only Bonnie Extendable!
Come on, let's hear
it for her, huh?
-Look.
I thought that you
said that I would
have enough time
to pay this off.
-You do, pal.
And it's 10 this week.
-Do you know what that means?
-Pay it all back,
plus the 10 grand
you owe, then you got
no problem with me.
-Well, you're telling me that
I got to pay $520,000 a year,
and that I still owe you
the original $100,000 loan?
-That's exactly what
I'm telling you.
-Well, Al, that's crazy.
So I change my mind, and
I've decided not to pay you.
-Huh?
You pay, or you die.
-Now what are you?
Deaf or dumb or both?
Read my lips, fatso.
I ain't going to
pay you any money!
[groaning]
-Uh-uh, buddy.
-Tank time, stupid.
-You're under arrest.
[gunshot]
[groaning]
[gasping]
[groaning]
[gunshots]
-What's going on?
-I don't know.
Let's get out of here.
[honking]
-Hey!
Come on.
Come on.
-Hey!
[screaming]
-You!
[screaming]
[gunshots]
-Police, get back.
-Danny?
-I'll live.
-The rest are dead.
-I don't think he's going
to give us much on Ray Luca.
[laughing]
-I owed that guy money.
[laughing]
[music playing]