The Alienist (2018): Season 1, Episode 1 - The Boy on the Bridge - full transcript
The discovery of the mutilated corpse of a boy prostitute leads a psychologist to link the crime to the earlier murder of a child patient. He enlists the help of his college friend, a newspaper illustrator, to gather evidence in the case.
[ Foghorn blows ]
[ Water lapping, bell dinging ]
[ Birds squawking ]
[ Snow crunching ]
[ Wind whistling ]
**
[ Wood creaking ]
**
[ Clanging ]
**
[ Clanging continues ]
[ Knock on door ]
**
Just a moment.
[ Knocking continues ]
What is it, Mary?
**
[ Breathing heavily ]
What's happened?
Stevie: Up on the new bridge,
he said something
bad happened.
I found him down
on the Bowery.
All right.
There you go.
**
My name is Dr. Kreizler.
Can you tell me
what you saw?
**
It's all right.
Why was he wearin'
a dress?
Sorry?
The dead kid.
He was dressed up
like a girl.
Somebody cut him
to pieces.
[ Chair creaks ]
**
Are you sure
it was a boy?
That's what
the cops said.
Stevie?
Ready the calash.
I need you to fetch Mr. Moore
and bring him to the bridge.
Tell Moore to bring
his drawing kit.
And tell him
I need details!
[ Soft music playing ]
[ Woman chuckles ]
**
**
**
Where were you
this evening?
At Mrs. Astor's.
Was Jack there?
**
I don't recall.
[ Grunts ]
[ Music stops ]
What is it?
Forgive me, John.
I love him.
[ Gasps ]
Oh, for God's sake!
Sorry to interrupt you,
Mr. Moore,
but there is a young lad
here to see you.
He says
it's very important.
What?
Flora, dégage!
J'ai besion de la chambre.
[ Singing in French ]
**
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Woman:
Good evening, sir.
What can't possibly wait,
Stevie?!
He said he needs you.
[ Hoofbeats ]
Hyah!
[ Horse whinnies ]
**
Where on earth
are we going?
The cops is there, so he said
he wanted you to go take a look.
-Get out the way!
-Hyah! Move!
Take a look at what?!
Man: No!
[ Horse whinnies ]
-My God!
-Hey, watch it!
Hang on!
[ Whip cracks ]
Roosevelt's there.
You're gonna have
to talk your way up!
For God's sake, Stevie,
up where?!
**
**
[ Indistinct shouting ]
**
Ah. No further.
Connor: [ Irish accent ]
And who might you be?
John Moore.
I'm with the "New York Times."
No reporters.
I'm not a reporter.
I'm an illustrator.
Well, then,
there's two good reasons
for you not
to be going up there.
Commissioner Roosevelt
sent for me.
**
Well...we sure wouldn't want
to be disappointin'
the commissioner.
[ Wood creaking ]
**
**
[ Wind whistling ]
**
Roosevelt: Moore? What the hell
are you doing here?
Theodore.
I gave strict instructions
not to allow anyone up.
He said you sent for him,
Mr. Roosevelt.
Kreizler sent me.
I'm to capture an image.
I know nothing more.
Then he's got no business
being here, sir.
Especially if he's been sent
by that quacksalver doctor.
Dr. Kreizler would not
have made the request
had it not been important.
Very well, Moore,
if you think you can stomach it.
[ Wood creaking ]
**
Git on, then.
[ Wind whistling ]
[ Breathing heavily ]
**
**
**
[ Cracking ]
[ Gags ]
Where are her eyes?
'Twas birds got 'em
or rats.
Somebody's done you up good,
young Giorgio.
You're a hell of a mess.
You know this child?
I do.
Giorgio Santorelli.
He's a boy-whore,
worked out of Paresis Hall.
'Twas was known as Gloria there,
though.
Why must you call him
"it"?
What else you call
a degenerate who dresses himself
as a girl for the pleasure
of grown men?
Enough! You say the boy worked
out of Paresis Hall?
Hmm.
Who is the proprietor?
That'd be Biff Ellison
and Paul Kelly what own it, sir.
I want them
in my office tomorrow.
But beggin' your pardon,
Commissioner,
but summonin' a man
like Paul Kelly
just because some little piece
of dago trash has been found --
My office tomorrow or your badge
on my desk, Captain Connor.
As you command,
Mr. Roosevelt.
[ Wind whistling ]
**
[ Shivering ]
**
What kind of devil
could do such a thing?
**
**
**
**
**
Fire setting in children
is often a sign of loneliness,
not malice.
Father: Then there's
the bed-wetting.
The medical term
is enuresis.
Bed-wetting
has connotations of shame.
That is unhelpful
to a child.
The people who recommended you
said you treat adults, too.
That is correct.
But I've always found children's
minds to be more interesting.
Mother:
What we'd like to know, Doctor,
is if you can cure Ezra.
Before we end up
in a heap of ash.
As an alienist, I treat mental
and emotional disorders
in my patients, and I try
to alleviate their condition.
I do not presume
to cure them.
[ Children giggling ]
The exercise room
is over here.
Children:
One, two, three, four.
Woman: Good, children.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four.
The music room
is down the hall.
The dormitories
are upstairs,
and you may have
seen the playground.
[ Piano playing,
children giggling ]
You look as if you like
playing outdoors.
[ Horse whinnies ]
The man's a fraud.
It's good to see you.
You've caused me
a sleepless night, Laszlo.
The first of many,
I suspect.
Forgive me,
but I had no choice.
Roosevelt and his officers
would have never
allowed me on that bridge
and I thought they might be
better disposed to you.
Did you know the child?
Not this one.
Do you have the drawings?
Here.
Thank you.
**
**
**
Tell me what you saw.
Tell you?
It's all right there.
I've drawn it for you.
You've idealized it.
This looks like a martyred saint
in a Renaissance painting,
not a mutilated child.
It's no use to me.
Well, if that's what
you think of my work,
why did you drag me away
from a perfectly good evening
to witness a sight that
will probably stay with me
for the rest of my life?
Because I need to see
what you saw.
I need your help
in this matter, John.
I saw a boy,
dressed suggestively
in girl's clothing,
who had been --
It was as if an animal
had torn him apart.
More specific.
Deep wounds or shallow?
Precisely executed
or haphazard?
Were the viscera exposed?
The guts, Moore.
I know what viscera are.
[ Sighs ]
The boy's throat
had been cut to the bone.
His right hand
was severed.
His chest and abdomen
ripped open,
and the innards
were left by his feet --
a kidney and a lung,
I think.
And his genitalia
had been removed,
and birds plucked out
his eyes.
And his dress?
A white dress.
The same as any little girl
might wear.
**
**
You still haven't told me
what this is about.
Are you supposed to interview
the suspect?
What suspect?
[ Indistinct shouting ]
I'm sorry, Dr. Kreizler.
I wasn't told you were
consulting on these murders.
Please don't concern yourself,
Dr. Fuller.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
I only just
found out myself.
And how did Mr. Wolff
come to be here?
He was discovered
hiding in a warehouse
down by the new bridge.
The police had been looking
for him for a different murder.
[ Woman laughs ]
And do they know who?
Another male prostitute
like himself.
The police claimed he stabbed
his friend
to death with a knife.
Then,
crazed by blood lust,
went looking
for his next victim.
-[ Screaming ]
-No, no, no, no!
[ Woman singing indistinctly ]
Has anyone questioned him,
aside from the police?
One of the wardens
tried, but Wolff almost
gauged his eyes out.
Accompany them.
[ Screaming in distance ]
Thank you, Dr. Fuller.
[ Man screaming ]
Settle down.
[ Water splashes ]
[ Man whimpers ]
[ Thudding ]
May I ask what you're hoping
to achieve with this exercise,
Mr. Wolff?
The police
have the lion's share.
My name is Dr. Kreizler.
I sometimes work as an alienist
for the courts.
[ Blood dripping ]
Tell me, Doctor...
can you cure this?
There's no cure
for advanced syphilis.
[ Indistinct shouting
in distance ]
[ Metal clanging ]
You have been charged with
the murders of Edwin Band and --
Edwin deserved it!
I'd kill him again
if I could.
[ Man shouting ]
And the boy?
You're accused of cutting him
to pieces.
Yes.
[ Woman giggles ]
Police said you knew him
from Paresis Hall.
[ Laughs ]
Do I look like a boy
to you?
I wouldn't step foot
in that molly house
full of rich pansies.
What are you looking at?
Do I stimulate you?
Does he remind you
of Edwin?
[ Thudding ]
Guard, please,
open the door.
Open the door!
Back up!
Laszlo.
[ Man screams ]
What are you doing?
Laszlo.
[ Cell door closes ]
**
How do you know
I won't hurt you?
You stabbed Edwin
20 times.
**
He must have
hurt you deeply.
[ Chains clanking ]
**
What color
were Edwin's eyes?
[ Sniffles ]
Green.
The color of envy.
He found someone else.
[ Pounding ]
What color
were Giorgio's eyes?
[ Sniffles ]
**
**
You did not kill that boy,
did you?
No, I didn't.
**
**
Doctor?
What'll take me first --
the gallows or the pox?
I'm afraid in New York State,
it'll be the electric chair.
Either way...
your pain will be gone soon.
[ Shouting in distance ]
[ Banging ]
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Captain Connor?
Did he do it?
Was there a confession?
Let's just say, Linc,
we gave him a little bit
of the third degree,
and he melted like butter.
[ Chuckles ]
Uh, Chief Byrnes?
You have anything to do with
apprehending this Wolff fellow?
No.
I was just passing by
to congratulate
Captain Connor here.
I'm retired, as you know,
but I take great pride
in the achievement
of my boys.
I'm Sergeant Doyle.
What do you think of the new
commissioner's policies
on department reform?
I say we give Mr. Roosevelt
all the rope he wants.
We'll see if he doesn't soon
hang himself with it.
[ Laughter ]
A-And a quote, sir?
W-What have you been
doing with your time
now that you're no longer
chief of police?
Speculating on Wall Street.
Mr. Morgan and some
of his associates
have been most generous
with their advice.
-There's Kreizler.
-Dr. Kreizler!
Dr. Kreizler,
a moment of your time.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
As an alienist, have
you been asked to
get another madman...
**
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Dr. Kreizler!
Dr. Kreizler!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
**
Woman: Dr. Kreizler.
That's him.
I've heard about him.
[ Camera flash pops ]
[ Children talking
indistinctly ]
[ Camera flash pops ]
[ Dog barking ]
[ Typewriter keys clacking ]
[ Typewriter dings ]
Miss?
John Moore.
Hello.
What are you doing here?
I've, um -- W-We've come
to see the commissioner.
Sara and I --
I am Miss Howard,
an employee of the New York
Police Department.
You will please accord me
the respect
that my position demands.
Our families
have long been acquainted.
Miss Howard is the first woman
to hold a position
with the police department.
Kreizler: Excellent.
Perhaps Miss Howard can help
arrange an impromptu meeting
with the commissioner?
And how should I
help do that?
With my "especially rosy mouth"
or my "sparkling blue eyes"?
Sara, I did not --
Miss Howard.
Certainly, Miss Howard,
it was a society feature,
and I only drew
the illustration.
You don't have
an appointment.
Let me introduce you
to Dr. Laszlo Kreizler.
Dr. Kreizler.
I've read your work.
I found it fascinating.
Most of it.
Laszlo and I attended
Harvard together,
along with
the commissioner.
Kreizler: We're all old friends,
you see,
which is why a surprise
is in order.
Oh, no, but you can't
just go in there without --
Hello, my friend.
Moore. I might have suspected
you were behind this ambush.
I told them
they needed an appointment.
Laszlo has something important
he would like to s--
The man being held for the
murder of the Santorelli boy
is quite innocent
of the charge.
And just how
would you know that?
Because I interviewed him.
On whose authority?
My own.
As usual,
you've overstepped your bounds.
Stabbing a grown man
in a heated argument
and the methodical disemboweling
of a young boy
are very different things.
I'm well aware of your theories,
Kreizler.
But at this juncture,
your expertise is not required.
I took it upon myself
to interview your suspect
because of an unsolved case
three years ago.
The Zweig twins --
Benjamin and Sofia.
The boy was a patient
of mine.
His parents brought him in
because he wished
to dress as his sister.
And one day,
they both disappeared
while outside playing.
At first, it was thought
they had run away,
but then their bodies were found
in a rooftop water tank.
The body of the girl
was unremarkable.
However, the boy was cut
from sternum to pubis,
his innards displayed.
What are you suggesting?
That the Zweig murders
and the present one
are works of theater,
inspired by the same
imagination.
One person committed
both crimes?
Yes.
Gentlemen, I think this may
be a little indelicate.
Miss Howard.
[ Door closes ]
And what is it
you want from me?
I shall need to look at the
postmortem of the Zweig case
to see if there's a connection,
if one indeed exists.
I cannot allow that.
It is neither legal nor ethical.
Murderers like this exist
whether you accept it or not.
If I'm correct,
your men will be ill-equipped
to fathom the motives
of a perpetrator
with an impulse
to butcher young boys.
Furthermore, I should
like access to additional
police records
to see if there are other
victims that you have missed.
I should have known when
I let Moore up on that bridge,
I'd be inviting
this sort of incursion.
I cannot permit you
nor any other outsider
access to privileged
information.
Just because you live by
your own set of rules, Kreizler,
does not mean I do.
Wolff did not kill
that boy.
And that won't change,
no matter how many times
your men put a boot to him.
**
**
[ Door closes ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
My God, Laszlo,
sometimes you can be
as subtle
as a blowtorch.
How long have you known
Miss Howard?
[ Horse whinnies ]
Oh, no.
Long enough
to ask her a favor?
I won't do it.
I will not ask Miss Howard
to get you
the Zweig file.
Well...
someone has to illustrate
the society pages, I suppose.
[ Door opens, closes ]
[ Laughter, indistinct chatter ]
[ Door opens, closes ]
[ Knock on door ]
[ Urinating ]
Excuse me.
Oh, no, no, c-come right in,
Miss Howard.
We've nothing to hide here, huh?
[ Chuckles ]
The commissioner
would like a word.
Miss Howard?
Mind yer petticoat.
There's a sizable,
hairless rat
been spotted about
the station house.
[ Laughter ]
Funny, Captain Connor.
I see only
a little pink mouse.
[ Laughter ]
I like her
even more now.
[ Laughter ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Miss Howard.
Now what?
I have something
to ask you.
Yes?
May I address you
as Sara?
You may, but exclusive
of my official duties.
Sara, I would very much
like to ask you
to get me the file
on the Zweig case.
[ Horse whinnies ]
Have you lost your mind,
John Moore? I mean, honestly.
It would only
be to borrow it.
It will be returned
with no one the wiser.
I'll be the wiser.
Kreizler needs the file.
Did he send you?
No.
Regardless,
I will not betray the trust
the commissioner
has shown in me.
Not for Dr. Kreizler,
nor for anyone else.
Sara, please.
We need your help.
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Rustling ]
Our graft...paid for
this building, Commissioner.
And lined the pockets
of your men.
And now you drags us in here
like a couple
of two-bit sneak thieves
when you already got
your throat slitter behind bars.
Now, where's the decency,
huh?
Might you have a pen,
Mr. Ellison?
Thank you, Mr. Kelly.
I think what Mr. Ellison
is trying to say here,
Commissioner,
is that we are businessmen.
In fact, we have enjoyed
an understanding
with the police
over the years.
And after all the profit
from your pandering, gambling,
and intimidation,
how much do you make
from this understanding?
A great deal.
[ Chuckles ]
Well, here's something else
for you to understand.
A child is dead.
A child exploited by you
and your brothel.
No more.
I want Paresis Hall shut down.
Shut down?
You have until 6:00 today.
You can't do that.
I think the commissioner
is right.
Best we close our doors
on account
of this sad turn
of events.
**
Man: Here you go.
Watch yourself!
[ Thudding ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Man:
Get the hell out of here!
[ Grunts ]
Look out!
**
Move your fannies now,
girls.
We open for business
in less than an hour.
Man: And Jesus died on the cross
for your sins!
Woman:
Never seen a girl before?
[ Thudding ]
**
Step right up!
Come on,
put your backs into it!
I took out a ten-spot
to cover the inconvenience
of closin' down.
But you're only shiftin' 'em
across the street.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
**
**
**
**
**
[ Hammering ]
[ Lid rattling ]
[ Cutting ]
[ Cat meows ]
[ Sizzling ]
**
[ Fire crackling ]
[ Dishes clattering ]
**
**
Will that be all, miss?
**
[ Breathing heavily ]
**
I can't decide whether
they abhor our shape
or crave another.
They believe us to be
delicate creatures, miss.
[ Sighs ]
Then to hell with them.
**
**
**
**
[ Both grunting ]
[ Coin rattles ]
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Miss Howard.
How did you find me?
Your grandmother didn't know
where you were,
so I asked one
of your sporting companions.
He told me you were particularly
fond of this house
and could be found
slumming it here most nights.
[ Laughter in distance ]
This is an unsavory
neighborhood for a young lady.
I'm not here
on savory business,
and every panderer, mawk, lush,
and billy noodle in the city
pass through the doors
of the police department,
not to mention the mutton
shunters that I work with.
So please don't concern yourself
with my blushes.
[ Clears throat ]
I've come
to return your work.
And to give you the file
Dr. Kreizler asked for.
I don't know
how to thank you.
If Dr. Kreizler finds
anything of interest
in these particular documents,
I should like to be told.
That is the only thanks
I require.
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Door opens ]
I have it!
[ Piano playing ]
Laszlo!
I've got the Zweig file.
I do hope you thanked
Miss Howard.
**
**
**
Well,
what have you found?
[ Scoffs ]
There's nothing here.
No details as to the kind
of wounds,
no sense of how
they were inflicted.
I -- I need evidence.
[ Bird cawing ]
**
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Children singing
"Frère Jacques" in distance ]
[ Wind whistling ]
* Morning bells are ringing
* Ding, ding, dong
* Ding, ding, dong
* Are you sleeping?
* Are you sleeping?
* Brother John, Brother John
* Morning bells are ringing
* Morning bells are ringing
[ Wood clatters ]
* Frère Jacques *
* Frère Jacques *
* Dormez-vous, Dormez-vous *
* Sonnez les matines *
* Sonnez les matines *
* Ding, ding, dong
* Ding, ding, dong
[ Door opens, bell clanging ]
Cyrus: Ma'am?
Excuse me, ma'am.
Ma'am.
I can only imagine
how you must be feeling, but...
let me assure you that the
disinterment was unfortunate,
but necessary,
Mrs. Zweig.
Hmm.
I read about the boy
on the bridge.
About
what he was wearing.
Your son's desire to wear
the same clothing as his sister
has little in common
with the boy on the bridge.
You said there was
no need for concern.
You said our acceptance of
Benjamin was what mattered most.
And we believed you.
We trusted you.
Giorgio Santorelli
dressed as he did
because
he was a prostitute.
Benjamin was only
following his nature.
**
Mrs. Zweig...
your son was the victim
of a very disturbed mind.
My Benjamin is dead.
Both my children
are dead.
Because of you.
**
**
**
**
Kreizler: Gentlemen,
this is John Moore,
friend and colleague.
Hello, Mr. Moore. I'm Detective
Sergeant Marcus Isaacson.
This is my brother, Lucius.
Detective Sergeant
Lucius Isaacson.
Theodore didn't trust
the coroner's office
to keep silent about
revisiting the Zweig case.
It was good of
Commissioner Roosevelt
to lend you to us.
May I ask how long we have
the benefit of your expertise?
As long as you like,
Doctor.
I doubt my brother and I will be
missed at the police department.
I imagine your modern methods
don't make you very popular.
That and the fact
we're Jews.
Has the commissioner told you
what this is about?
Only that we're
to perform an autopsy
and keep the results
strictly confidential.
Benjamin and Sofia Zweig.
Their bodies were discovered --
Three years ago in a water tower
on Suffolk Street.
We read the file.
The injuries to the boy
are what interests me
the most.
You've heard about the
Santorelli murder, I assume?
Of course.
If you're looking
for similarities,
there's only so much we can tell
from a body in this state.
I want you to look at
what remains --
each bone, each fragment
for every detail, every mark --
no matter how insignificant.
Anything that may connect
Benjamin Zweig
to the Santorelli boy.
We will do
our best, Doctor.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Boy: Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
They won't be finished
for quite some time.
I thought we might get
an early dinner somewhere.
How can you think
of eating now?
I don't recall you
being so delicate.
I'm afraid once seen,
those images
will remain forever
in my head.
That's what I admire
about you, John.
You represent the good
that people want
to believe
is in all of us.
It's why people like you more
than they do me.
[ Laughs ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Horse whinnies ]
Kreizler:
Thank you, Cyrus.
**
[ Paper rustling ]
Boy: Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
[ Horse whinnies ]
Man: Come!
[ Hoofbeats ]
Cyrus!
Cyrus: Sir?
Were you away from the carriage
at any point?
No, sir.
What?
Do you see something?
**
**
There.
Laszlo!
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Grunts ]
Laszlo!
**
[ Horse whinnies ]
**
**
[ Bird wings flapping ]
**
**
Laszlo!
**
**
[ Creaking ]
**
**
[ Door creaks ]
**
**
Laszlo!
**
[ Bird wings flapping ]
**
**
[ Door creaks ]
**
**
[ Wind whistling ]
**
**
Laszlo!
[ Breathing heavily ]
Where did he go?
[ Wind whistling ]
[ Breathing heavily ]
**
Did you see
the Santorelli boy's mouth?
**
[ Bell dinging ]
**
Kreizler:
I'm certain cold-blooded killers
walk among us.
They're out there now,
hidden,
yet their motives
are understandable,
but this one is different.
His acts are so wretched,
so evil that...
only if I become him,
if I cut the child's throat
myself...
if I run my knife
through the helpless body
and pluck innocent eyes
from a horrified face,
only then will I come
to truly understand what I am.
Only then will I recognize
that what drives me
is not an absence of emotion
at all.
Rather, a torrent of feeling.
The kind that gives
meaning and purpose
to my own blackened soul.
I must see life as he sees it.
Feel pain as he feels it.
Take the same path he takes.
Yes.
I must follow this
wherever it goes.
[ Glass shatters ]
Even if it leads me
to the darkest pit of Hell.
**
Man:
What's wrong, child?
**
* Just a song at twilight
* When the lights are low
* Still to us at twilight
* Comes love's old sweet song
[ Water lapping, bell dinging ]
[ Birds squawking ]
[ Snow crunching ]
[ Wind whistling ]
**
[ Wood creaking ]
**
[ Clanging ]
**
[ Clanging continues ]
[ Knock on door ]
**
Just a moment.
[ Knocking continues ]
What is it, Mary?
**
[ Breathing heavily ]
What's happened?
Stevie: Up on the new bridge,
he said something
bad happened.
I found him down
on the Bowery.
All right.
There you go.
**
My name is Dr. Kreizler.
Can you tell me
what you saw?
**
It's all right.
Why was he wearin'
a dress?
Sorry?
The dead kid.
He was dressed up
like a girl.
Somebody cut him
to pieces.
[ Chair creaks ]
**
Are you sure
it was a boy?
That's what
the cops said.
Stevie?
Ready the calash.
I need you to fetch Mr. Moore
and bring him to the bridge.
Tell Moore to bring
his drawing kit.
And tell him
I need details!
[ Soft music playing ]
[ Woman chuckles ]
**
**
**
Where were you
this evening?
At Mrs. Astor's.
Was Jack there?
**
I don't recall.
[ Grunts ]
[ Music stops ]
What is it?
Forgive me, John.
I love him.
[ Gasps ]
Oh, for God's sake!
Sorry to interrupt you,
Mr. Moore,
but there is a young lad
here to see you.
He says
it's very important.
What?
Flora, dégage!
J'ai besion de la chambre.
[ Singing in French ]
**
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Woman:
Good evening, sir.
What can't possibly wait,
Stevie?!
He said he needs you.
[ Hoofbeats ]
Hyah!
[ Horse whinnies ]
**
Where on earth
are we going?
The cops is there, so he said
he wanted you to go take a look.
-Get out the way!
-Hyah! Move!
Take a look at what?!
Man: No!
[ Horse whinnies ]
-My God!
-Hey, watch it!
Hang on!
[ Whip cracks ]
Roosevelt's there.
You're gonna have
to talk your way up!
For God's sake, Stevie,
up where?!
**
**
[ Indistinct shouting ]
**
Ah. No further.
Connor: [ Irish accent ]
And who might you be?
John Moore.
I'm with the "New York Times."
No reporters.
I'm not a reporter.
I'm an illustrator.
Well, then,
there's two good reasons
for you not
to be going up there.
Commissioner Roosevelt
sent for me.
**
Well...we sure wouldn't want
to be disappointin'
the commissioner.
[ Wood creaking ]
**
**
[ Wind whistling ]
**
Roosevelt: Moore? What the hell
are you doing here?
Theodore.
I gave strict instructions
not to allow anyone up.
He said you sent for him,
Mr. Roosevelt.
Kreizler sent me.
I'm to capture an image.
I know nothing more.
Then he's got no business
being here, sir.
Especially if he's been sent
by that quacksalver doctor.
Dr. Kreizler would not
have made the request
had it not been important.
Very well, Moore,
if you think you can stomach it.
[ Wood creaking ]
**
Git on, then.
[ Wind whistling ]
[ Breathing heavily ]
**
**
**
[ Cracking ]
[ Gags ]
Where are her eyes?
'Twas birds got 'em
or rats.
Somebody's done you up good,
young Giorgio.
You're a hell of a mess.
You know this child?
I do.
Giorgio Santorelli.
He's a boy-whore,
worked out of Paresis Hall.
'Twas was known as Gloria there,
though.
Why must you call him
"it"?
What else you call
a degenerate who dresses himself
as a girl for the pleasure
of grown men?
Enough! You say the boy worked
out of Paresis Hall?
Hmm.
Who is the proprietor?
That'd be Biff Ellison
and Paul Kelly what own it, sir.
I want them
in my office tomorrow.
But beggin' your pardon,
Commissioner,
but summonin' a man
like Paul Kelly
just because some little piece
of dago trash has been found --
My office tomorrow or your badge
on my desk, Captain Connor.
As you command,
Mr. Roosevelt.
[ Wind whistling ]
**
[ Shivering ]
**
What kind of devil
could do such a thing?
**
**
**
**
**
Fire setting in children
is often a sign of loneliness,
not malice.
Father: Then there's
the bed-wetting.
The medical term
is enuresis.
Bed-wetting
has connotations of shame.
That is unhelpful
to a child.
The people who recommended you
said you treat adults, too.
That is correct.
But I've always found children's
minds to be more interesting.
Mother:
What we'd like to know, Doctor,
is if you can cure Ezra.
Before we end up
in a heap of ash.
As an alienist, I treat mental
and emotional disorders
in my patients, and I try
to alleviate their condition.
I do not presume
to cure them.
[ Children giggling ]
The exercise room
is over here.
Children:
One, two, three, four.
Woman: Good, children.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four.
The music room
is down the hall.
The dormitories
are upstairs,
and you may have
seen the playground.
[ Piano playing,
children giggling ]
You look as if you like
playing outdoors.
[ Horse whinnies ]
The man's a fraud.
It's good to see you.
You've caused me
a sleepless night, Laszlo.
The first of many,
I suspect.
Forgive me,
but I had no choice.
Roosevelt and his officers
would have never
allowed me on that bridge
and I thought they might be
better disposed to you.
Did you know the child?
Not this one.
Do you have the drawings?
Here.
Thank you.
**
**
**
Tell me what you saw.
Tell you?
It's all right there.
I've drawn it for you.
You've idealized it.
This looks like a martyred saint
in a Renaissance painting,
not a mutilated child.
It's no use to me.
Well, if that's what
you think of my work,
why did you drag me away
from a perfectly good evening
to witness a sight that
will probably stay with me
for the rest of my life?
Because I need to see
what you saw.
I need your help
in this matter, John.
I saw a boy,
dressed suggestively
in girl's clothing,
who had been --
It was as if an animal
had torn him apart.
More specific.
Deep wounds or shallow?
Precisely executed
or haphazard?
Were the viscera exposed?
The guts, Moore.
I know what viscera are.
[ Sighs ]
The boy's throat
had been cut to the bone.
His right hand
was severed.
His chest and abdomen
ripped open,
and the innards
were left by his feet --
a kidney and a lung,
I think.
And his genitalia
had been removed,
and birds plucked out
his eyes.
And his dress?
A white dress.
The same as any little girl
might wear.
**
**
You still haven't told me
what this is about.
Are you supposed to interview
the suspect?
What suspect?
[ Indistinct shouting ]
I'm sorry, Dr. Kreizler.
I wasn't told you were
consulting on these murders.
Please don't concern yourself,
Dr. Fuller.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
I only just
found out myself.
And how did Mr. Wolff
come to be here?
He was discovered
hiding in a warehouse
down by the new bridge.
The police had been looking
for him for a different murder.
[ Woman laughs ]
And do they know who?
Another male prostitute
like himself.
The police claimed he stabbed
his friend
to death with a knife.
Then,
crazed by blood lust,
went looking
for his next victim.
-[ Screaming ]
-No, no, no, no!
[ Woman singing indistinctly ]
Has anyone questioned him,
aside from the police?
One of the wardens
tried, but Wolff almost
gauged his eyes out.
Accompany them.
[ Screaming in distance ]
Thank you, Dr. Fuller.
[ Man screaming ]
Settle down.
[ Water splashes ]
[ Man whimpers ]
[ Thudding ]
May I ask what you're hoping
to achieve with this exercise,
Mr. Wolff?
The police
have the lion's share.
My name is Dr. Kreizler.
I sometimes work as an alienist
for the courts.
[ Blood dripping ]
Tell me, Doctor...
can you cure this?
There's no cure
for advanced syphilis.
[ Indistinct shouting
in distance ]
[ Metal clanging ]
You have been charged with
the murders of Edwin Band and --
Edwin deserved it!
I'd kill him again
if I could.
[ Man shouting ]
And the boy?
You're accused of cutting him
to pieces.
Yes.
[ Woman giggles ]
Police said you knew him
from Paresis Hall.
[ Laughs ]
Do I look like a boy
to you?
I wouldn't step foot
in that molly house
full of rich pansies.
What are you looking at?
Do I stimulate you?
Does he remind you
of Edwin?
[ Thudding ]
Guard, please,
open the door.
Open the door!
Back up!
Laszlo.
[ Man screams ]
What are you doing?
Laszlo.
[ Cell door closes ]
**
How do you know
I won't hurt you?
You stabbed Edwin
20 times.
**
He must have
hurt you deeply.
[ Chains clanking ]
**
What color
were Edwin's eyes?
[ Sniffles ]
Green.
The color of envy.
He found someone else.
[ Pounding ]
What color
were Giorgio's eyes?
[ Sniffles ]
**
**
You did not kill that boy,
did you?
No, I didn't.
**
**
Doctor?
What'll take me first --
the gallows or the pox?
I'm afraid in New York State,
it'll be the electric chair.
Either way...
your pain will be gone soon.
[ Shouting in distance ]
[ Banging ]
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Indistinct chatter ]
Captain Connor?
Did he do it?
Was there a confession?
Let's just say, Linc,
we gave him a little bit
of the third degree,
and he melted like butter.
[ Chuckles ]
Uh, Chief Byrnes?
You have anything to do with
apprehending this Wolff fellow?
No.
I was just passing by
to congratulate
Captain Connor here.
I'm retired, as you know,
but I take great pride
in the achievement
of my boys.
I'm Sergeant Doyle.
What do you think of the new
commissioner's policies
on department reform?
I say we give Mr. Roosevelt
all the rope he wants.
We'll see if he doesn't soon
hang himself with it.
[ Laughter ]
A-And a quote, sir?
W-What have you been
doing with your time
now that you're no longer
chief of police?
Speculating on Wall Street.
Mr. Morgan and some
of his associates
have been most generous
with their advice.
-There's Kreizler.
-Dr. Kreizler!
Dr. Kreizler,
a moment of your time.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
As an alienist, have
you been asked to
get another madman...
**
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Dr. Kreizler!
Dr. Kreizler!
[ Indistinct chatter ]
**
Woman: Dr. Kreizler.
That's him.
I've heard about him.
[ Camera flash pops ]
[ Children talking
indistinctly ]
[ Camera flash pops ]
[ Dog barking ]
[ Typewriter keys clacking ]
[ Typewriter dings ]
Miss?
John Moore.
Hello.
What are you doing here?
I've, um -- W-We've come
to see the commissioner.
Sara and I --
I am Miss Howard,
an employee of the New York
Police Department.
You will please accord me
the respect
that my position demands.
Our families
have long been acquainted.
Miss Howard is the first woman
to hold a position
with the police department.
Kreizler: Excellent.
Perhaps Miss Howard can help
arrange an impromptu meeting
with the commissioner?
And how should I
help do that?
With my "especially rosy mouth"
or my "sparkling blue eyes"?
Sara, I did not --
Miss Howard.
Certainly, Miss Howard,
it was a society feature,
and I only drew
the illustration.
You don't have
an appointment.
Let me introduce you
to Dr. Laszlo Kreizler.
Dr. Kreizler.
I've read your work.
I found it fascinating.
Most of it.
Laszlo and I attended
Harvard together,
along with
the commissioner.
Kreizler: We're all old friends,
you see,
which is why a surprise
is in order.
Oh, no, but you can't
just go in there without --
Hello, my friend.
Moore. I might have suspected
you were behind this ambush.
I told them
they needed an appointment.
Laszlo has something important
he would like to s--
The man being held for the
murder of the Santorelli boy
is quite innocent
of the charge.
And just how
would you know that?
Because I interviewed him.
On whose authority?
My own.
As usual,
you've overstepped your bounds.
Stabbing a grown man
in a heated argument
and the methodical disemboweling
of a young boy
are very different things.
I'm well aware of your theories,
Kreizler.
But at this juncture,
your expertise is not required.
I took it upon myself
to interview your suspect
because of an unsolved case
three years ago.
The Zweig twins --
Benjamin and Sofia.
The boy was a patient
of mine.
His parents brought him in
because he wished
to dress as his sister.
And one day,
they both disappeared
while outside playing.
At first, it was thought
they had run away,
but then their bodies were found
in a rooftop water tank.
The body of the girl
was unremarkable.
However, the boy was cut
from sternum to pubis,
his innards displayed.
What are you suggesting?
That the Zweig murders
and the present one
are works of theater,
inspired by the same
imagination.
One person committed
both crimes?
Yes.
Gentlemen, I think this may
be a little indelicate.
Miss Howard.
[ Door closes ]
And what is it
you want from me?
I shall need to look at the
postmortem of the Zweig case
to see if there's a connection,
if one indeed exists.
I cannot allow that.
It is neither legal nor ethical.
Murderers like this exist
whether you accept it or not.
If I'm correct,
your men will be ill-equipped
to fathom the motives
of a perpetrator
with an impulse
to butcher young boys.
Furthermore, I should
like access to additional
police records
to see if there are other
victims that you have missed.
I should have known when
I let Moore up on that bridge,
I'd be inviting
this sort of incursion.
I cannot permit you
nor any other outsider
access to privileged
information.
Just because you live by
your own set of rules, Kreizler,
does not mean I do.
Wolff did not kill
that boy.
And that won't change,
no matter how many times
your men put a boot to him.
**
**
[ Door closes ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
My God, Laszlo,
sometimes you can be
as subtle
as a blowtorch.
How long have you known
Miss Howard?
[ Horse whinnies ]
Oh, no.
Long enough
to ask her a favor?
I won't do it.
I will not ask Miss Howard
to get you
the Zweig file.
Well...
someone has to illustrate
the society pages, I suppose.
[ Door opens, closes ]
[ Laughter, indistinct chatter ]
[ Door opens, closes ]
[ Knock on door ]
[ Urinating ]
Excuse me.
Oh, no, no, c-come right in,
Miss Howard.
We've nothing to hide here, huh?
[ Chuckles ]
The commissioner
would like a word.
Miss Howard?
Mind yer petticoat.
There's a sizable,
hairless rat
been spotted about
the station house.
[ Laughter ]
Funny, Captain Connor.
I see only
a little pink mouse.
[ Laughter ]
I like her
even more now.
[ Laughter ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Miss Howard.
Now what?
I have something
to ask you.
Yes?
May I address you
as Sara?
You may, but exclusive
of my official duties.
Sara, I would very much
like to ask you
to get me the file
on the Zweig case.
[ Horse whinnies ]
Have you lost your mind,
John Moore? I mean, honestly.
It would only
be to borrow it.
It will be returned
with no one the wiser.
I'll be the wiser.
Kreizler needs the file.
Did he send you?
No.
Regardless,
I will not betray the trust
the commissioner
has shown in me.
Not for Dr. Kreizler,
nor for anyone else.
Sara, please.
We need your help.
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Rustling ]
Our graft...paid for
this building, Commissioner.
And lined the pockets
of your men.
And now you drags us in here
like a couple
of two-bit sneak thieves
when you already got
your throat slitter behind bars.
Now, where's the decency,
huh?
Might you have a pen,
Mr. Ellison?
Thank you, Mr. Kelly.
I think what Mr. Ellison
is trying to say here,
Commissioner,
is that we are businessmen.
In fact, we have enjoyed
an understanding
with the police
over the years.
And after all the profit
from your pandering, gambling,
and intimidation,
how much do you make
from this understanding?
A great deal.
[ Chuckles ]
Well, here's something else
for you to understand.
A child is dead.
A child exploited by you
and your brothel.
No more.
I want Paresis Hall shut down.
Shut down?
You have until 6:00 today.
You can't do that.
I think the commissioner
is right.
Best we close our doors
on account
of this sad turn
of events.
**
Man: Here you go.
Watch yourself!
[ Thudding ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Man:
Get the hell out of here!
[ Grunts ]
Look out!
**
Move your fannies now,
girls.
We open for business
in less than an hour.
Man: And Jesus died on the cross
for your sins!
Woman:
Never seen a girl before?
[ Thudding ]
**
Step right up!
Come on,
put your backs into it!
I took out a ten-spot
to cover the inconvenience
of closin' down.
But you're only shiftin' 'em
across the street.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
**
**
**
**
**
[ Hammering ]
[ Lid rattling ]
[ Cutting ]
[ Cat meows ]
[ Sizzling ]
**
[ Fire crackling ]
[ Dishes clattering ]
**
**
Will that be all, miss?
**
[ Breathing heavily ]
**
I can't decide whether
they abhor our shape
or crave another.
They believe us to be
delicate creatures, miss.
[ Sighs ]
Then to hell with them.
**
**
**
**
[ Both grunting ]
[ Coin rattles ]
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Miss Howard.
How did you find me?
Your grandmother didn't know
where you were,
so I asked one
of your sporting companions.
He told me you were particularly
fond of this house
and could be found
slumming it here most nights.
[ Laughter in distance ]
This is an unsavory
neighborhood for a young lady.
I'm not here
on savory business,
and every panderer, mawk, lush,
and billy noodle in the city
pass through the doors
of the police department,
not to mention the mutton
shunters that I work with.
So please don't concern yourself
with my blushes.
[ Clears throat ]
I've come
to return your work.
And to give you the file
Dr. Kreizler asked for.
I don't know
how to thank you.
If Dr. Kreizler finds
anything of interest
in these particular documents,
I should like to be told.
That is the only thanks
I require.
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Door opens ]
I have it!
[ Piano playing ]
Laszlo!
I've got the Zweig file.
I do hope you thanked
Miss Howard.
**
**
**
Well,
what have you found?
[ Scoffs ]
There's nothing here.
No details as to the kind
of wounds,
no sense of how
they were inflicted.
I -- I need evidence.
[ Bird cawing ]
**
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Children singing
"Frère Jacques" in distance ]
[ Wind whistling ]
* Morning bells are ringing
* Ding, ding, dong
* Ding, ding, dong
* Are you sleeping?
* Are you sleeping?
* Brother John, Brother John
* Morning bells are ringing
* Morning bells are ringing
[ Wood clatters ]
* Frère Jacques *
* Frère Jacques *
* Dormez-vous, Dormez-vous *
* Sonnez les matines *
* Sonnez les matines *
* Ding, ding, dong
* Ding, ding, dong
[ Door opens, bell clanging ]
Cyrus: Ma'am?
Excuse me, ma'am.
Ma'am.
I can only imagine
how you must be feeling, but...
let me assure you that the
disinterment was unfortunate,
but necessary,
Mrs. Zweig.
Hmm.
I read about the boy
on the bridge.
About
what he was wearing.
Your son's desire to wear
the same clothing as his sister
has little in common
with the boy on the bridge.
You said there was
no need for concern.
You said our acceptance of
Benjamin was what mattered most.
And we believed you.
We trusted you.
Giorgio Santorelli
dressed as he did
because
he was a prostitute.
Benjamin was only
following his nature.
**
Mrs. Zweig...
your son was the victim
of a very disturbed mind.
My Benjamin is dead.
Both my children
are dead.
Because of you.
**
**
**
**
Kreizler: Gentlemen,
this is John Moore,
friend and colleague.
Hello, Mr. Moore. I'm Detective
Sergeant Marcus Isaacson.
This is my brother, Lucius.
Detective Sergeant
Lucius Isaacson.
Theodore didn't trust
the coroner's office
to keep silent about
revisiting the Zweig case.
It was good of
Commissioner Roosevelt
to lend you to us.
May I ask how long we have
the benefit of your expertise?
As long as you like,
Doctor.
I doubt my brother and I will be
missed at the police department.
I imagine your modern methods
don't make you very popular.
That and the fact
we're Jews.
Has the commissioner told you
what this is about?
Only that we're
to perform an autopsy
and keep the results
strictly confidential.
Benjamin and Sofia Zweig.
Their bodies were discovered --
Three years ago in a water tower
on Suffolk Street.
We read the file.
The injuries to the boy
are what interests me
the most.
You've heard about the
Santorelli murder, I assume?
Of course.
If you're looking
for similarities,
there's only so much we can tell
from a body in this state.
I want you to look at
what remains --
each bone, each fragment
for every detail, every mark --
no matter how insignificant.
Anything that may connect
Benjamin Zweig
to the Santorelli boy.
We will do
our best, Doctor.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Boy: Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
They won't be finished
for quite some time.
I thought we might get
an early dinner somewhere.
How can you think
of eating now?
I don't recall you
being so delicate.
I'm afraid once seen,
those images
will remain forever
in my head.
That's what I admire
about you, John.
You represent the good
that people want
to believe
is in all of us.
It's why people like you more
than they do me.
[ Laughs ]
[ Indistinct shouting ]
[ Horse whinnies ]
Kreizler:
Thank you, Cyrus.
**
[ Paper rustling ]
Boy: Get the "Tribune"!
Get the "Tribune"!
[ Horse whinnies ]
Man: Come!
[ Hoofbeats ]
Cyrus!
Cyrus: Sir?
Were you away from the carriage
at any point?
No, sir.
What?
Do you see something?
**
**
There.
Laszlo!
[ Horse whinnies ]
[ Grunts ]
Laszlo!
**
[ Horse whinnies ]
**
**
[ Bird wings flapping ]
**
**
Laszlo!
**
**
[ Creaking ]
**
**
[ Door creaks ]
**
**
Laszlo!
**
[ Bird wings flapping ]
**
**
[ Door creaks ]
**
**
[ Wind whistling ]
**
**
Laszlo!
[ Breathing heavily ]
Where did he go?
[ Wind whistling ]
[ Breathing heavily ]
**
Did you see
the Santorelli boy's mouth?
**
[ Bell dinging ]
**
Kreizler:
I'm certain cold-blooded killers
walk among us.
They're out there now,
hidden,
yet their motives
are understandable,
but this one is different.
His acts are so wretched,
so evil that...
only if I become him,
if I cut the child's throat
myself...
if I run my knife
through the helpless body
and pluck innocent eyes
from a horrified face,
only then will I come
to truly understand what I am.
Only then will I recognize
that what drives me
is not an absence of emotion
at all.
Rather, a torrent of feeling.
The kind that gives
meaning and purpose
to my own blackened soul.
I must see life as he sees it.
Feel pain as he feels it.
Take the same path he takes.
Yes.
I must follow this
wherever it goes.
[ Glass shatters ]
Even if it leads me
to the darkest pit of Hell.
**
Man:
What's wrong, child?
**
* Just a song at twilight
* When the lights are low
* Still to us at twilight
* Comes love's old sweet song