Millers Crossing (1991) Regarder en HD | Film Complet en Français

When I fix a fight, say I pay a 3-to-1 favor to throw a goddamn fight, I figure I got the right to expect that fight to go off a 3-to-1. But every time I lay a bet with a son of a bitch burning burn-bom, before I know it, the odds is even up. Or worse, I'm betting on the short money. The sheeny knows I like short things. He's selling the information. I fix the fight, if I were the honest dollar he could make off the vig. He ain't satisfied with the business I do on his book. He is selling tips on how I bet. And that means part of the payoff that should be riding on my hip is riding on someone else's. You can't trust a fix. You gotta go betting on chance. That's why ethics is important.

What separates us from the animals, the beasts of burden, the beasts of prey, ethics. Whereas Bernie Birnbaum is a horse of a different color. Ethics-wise. As in, he ain't got any. You sure it's Bernie selling you out? It ain't elves. No one else knows about the fix? No one that ain't got ethics. What about the fighters? You pay the tank out. We only pick fighters we know we can put the fear of God in. Any other bookies know? You play anyone else's book? I lay an occasional bet with Mink Lerui. But it ain't Mink. I'll vouch for that. How do you know? It ain't Mink. Mink is Eddie Dane's boy. Of course. The Dane always knows about the fix. And what the hell is that supposed to mean?

Well, it drift. All it means is a lot of people know. I guess you ain't been listening. Sure. Other people know. That's why we gotta go to this question. The character. To determine just who exactly is chiseling in on my fix. And that's how we know that it's Bernie Birnbaum. The smarter kid. Because ethically, he's kind of shaky. So you want to kill him. For starters. Sorry, Casper. Bernie pays for protection. Listen, Leo. I ain't asking for permission. I'm telling you as a courtesy. I need to do this thing so it's gonna get done. And I'm telling you as a courtesy, you'll have trouble. You came here to see if I'd kick if you killed Bernie. Well, there's your answer.

I pay off to you every month like a green grocer. A lot more than the schmatter. And I'm sick of getting the high hat. You pay off for protection just like everyone else. As far as I know, and what I don't know in this town ain't worth knowing. The cops haven't closed any of your dives. And the D.A. hasn't touched any of your rackets. You haven't bought any license to kill bookies. And today, I ain't selling any. So take your flunky and dangle. You think that I'm some guinea fresh off the boat and you can kick me. But I'm too big for that now. I'm sick of taking a strap from you, Leo. I'm sick of marching into this goddamn office to kiss your Irish ass. And I'm sick of the high hat.

He's fancy pants, all he is. Johnny, you're exactly as big as I let you be and no bigger. And don't forget it ever. You're the big shot around here. And I'm just some schnook likes to get slapped around. Mr. Pig's here, watch him squeal. We got up the wrong side, huh? Same side as always. That's what I mean. Still owe money to you. Who's your bookie, Lazar? I could put it right for you. Thanks, Leo. I don't need it. In a pig's eye, you haven't played a winner in six weeks. People will speak ill of me if I let him break your legs. People will say I had it coming. And they'll be right, but that ain't the point. Call me a big-hearted slob, but I'm going to square it for you. Yeah.

I think I'll do that this very same night. Looking at you, moping around. Joy de vivre. Joy de vivre. Well, if you're going to laugh, I'm here to hell with you. To hell with you. I square myself with Lazar, if you don't mind. That's why God invented cards. There is one thing you can do for me. Name it. Think about what protecting Bernie gets us. Think about what offending Casper loses us. Oh, come on, Tommy. You know I don't like to think. Yeah. Well, think about whether you should start. Good thing the game broke up before you bet your trousers. Thunder Club. Three, two, one. Lay off, Tom. You shouldn't go deeper in the hole. Tell Lazar I want 500 on the nose. You would have it.

Tried calling earlier. I got home late about the hour. Not bad. Better than the paint we sell at the club. That it is. That it is. You thought about cutting Bernie loose? Can't do it, Tommy. Can't do it. That's sort of why I'm, uh, Tommy. I don't know where Werner is. I know what you're thinking. What else is new? But the situation now. I'm worried. Werner can take care of herself. Might be better than you can. What does that mean? Want another one? No. What does that mean? How far she got her hooks into you? That's a hell of a question. If she didn't need you to protect her brother from Johnny Casper, you think she'd still be going on slow carriage rides with you through the park?

That's the deal, isn't it? You keep Bernie under wraps till Casper cools down? Jesus, you're a prickly pear. What's wrong with her? What's in her brother taking care of? Nothing. I don't blame her. She sees the anger, which is you. She plays it. She's a grifter. Just like her brother. Probably had grifter parents and grifter grandparents, and someday they're each going to spawn little grifter kids. Stop it, Tommy. I don't like to hear my friends run down even by other friends. Friendship's got nothing to do with it. The hell you say? You do anything to help your friends like you do anything to kick your enemies? Wrong, Leo. You do things for a reason. Okay, Tom.

You knew all the angles Christ better than anybody. But maybe you're wrong about this. You don't know what's in for in his heart. Leo, if she's such an angel, why are you looking for her at four o'clock in the morning? I put a tail on her this afternoon. Asked Rugg Daniels to follow her around. Just, you know, just to keep her out of trouble. Wasn't a spy, Tom. I was worried. After that meeting with Casper, you can't be too careful. So what did Rugg say that has you scurrying over here? That's just it. Nothing. He's disappeared. So you've lost your lady friend and the tail you put on her? I guess it does sound pretty sorry at that. Help me out, Tom. I wouldn't know where to start looking.

You know Rugg's crowd, you know the people Werner runs with? It's just that I'm worried now with things the way they are between me and Casper. You shouldn't be confronting Jenny Casper. That's what I've been trying to tell you. You can't trade body blows with him. He's gotten too strong. I reckon I can still trade body blows with any man in this town. Give me the needle. I am a sap. I deserve it. Thanks for the drink. Let me know if you're hearing it. You said you're what? I said I'd think about it. Did you see Rugg Daniels last night? No. What did you tell Leo? I told him you were a tramp and he should dump you. You're a son of a bitch, Tom. Not a thing, Tom.

Look, if it ain't my business, I got not a thing to say. Listen, Bernie wants to see you. What's important? Yeah, well, I'm right here. I'm not made of glass. Yeah, but he's nervous walking around in public, Tom. He's the right guy, but he's very nervous. I mean, who wouldn't be? Look, I mean, the spot he's in, who wouldn't be? He asked me to ask you to ask Leo to take care of him. You know, put in a good word with Leo. Leo listens to you. Not that Leo wouldn't help the schmata anyway. A guy like Bernie is squared. A square G like the schmata, a straight shooter like him. I don't get it, Mike. Well, what's the get-up? This plane is a nose on your face.

I thought you were Eddie Dane's secret friend. Yeah, Tom, that's right. But a guy could have more than one friend, can he? I mean, not that I want the Dane to know about it, but a square G like the schmata, he's the right guy, Tom. He's a square shooter. I know he's got a mixed reputation, but for a sheenie, he's got a lot of good qualities. What's going on between you and Bernie? Nothing, Tom. We're just friends, you know, amigos. You're a fickle boy, Mink. If Eddie Dane finds out that you got another amigo, well, I don't pick him for the understanding, Tom. Find out? How's he going to find out, damn it, Tom? You and me and Eddie have been talking. Jesus, Tom, damn it, Jesus. Hello, Tommy.

Confirmed six times last May. Record either. Well, Verna turned up. She's downstairs. She said where she'd been? No, I don't want to press it. You hear about Rug? Yeah. It took his hair, Tommy. Jesus, that's strange. Why would they do that? Maybe it was Indians. High ties more like it. Giovanni Gasparro. So you figured Casper bumped Rug? Well, that's pretty obvious, ain't it? Yeah. So what's the plan? Well, jump on the guinea hard with both feet. Give him the lowdown, Dale. Yes, well, Leo here just reminded us that Mr. Casper operates several clubs in our city, wherein the patrons imbibe of rum and play at games of chance. And we're supposed to stop the party.

Then I don't look too happy about it, Liam. Oh, no, it ain't that, Tom. Jesus, Tom, we do as we're told. Maybe they're right not to like it. Stirring up this hornet's nest won't be good for anyone and it'll mean killing. I'm not thrilled about it either, but I can't just lay down a Casper. You could do worse. You mightn't like it, but giving up Bernie Banbam is a pretty small price to pay for peace. Business is business. And a war's gonna hurt everybody. Bernie plays with fire, he's gonna deal with the consequences, even if that means he gets bumped off. Sweet Jesus, Tom, that ain't even the point anymore. Casper poop rug.

The day I back down from a fight, Casper's welcome to the rackets, this town, and my place at the table. I didn't start this thing. You did start it. You and Bernie. We can dangle, Leo, if you prefer. Sit down, Dale. We're all friends here. And Casper hasn't broken the rules. Bernie has, and you too, by helping him. And if that isn't enough, consider that if you make this a war, you have more to lose than Casper. Okay, but more to beat him with. Jesus, Tom, the two of us have faced worse odds. Never without reason. It helps to have one. My opinion used to come for something around here, but it's always yours to take or leave. Come on, Tommy, it's not like that. It's just like a twist.

Give me a stiff one. I'll get you to the ladies' room. You got Lazarus 500. He'll have to carry me for a few days. He ain't gonna like that. Couldn't you get it from Leo? It's not Leo's death. I admire a man of principle. Does this go on the top? Believe me, he already thinks you're the original Miss Jesus. What the hell's the matter with you? What's the matter with you? Afraid people might get the right idea. Leo's got the right idea. I like him. He's honest, and he's got a heart. Then it's true what they say. Opposites attract. Intimidating helpless women is part of what I do. And find one an intimidator. Leo's upstairs getting ready to shoot himself in the foot on your accountant.

I don't know what you're talking about. He's gonna go to the mat for your brother, and it's gonna hurt him. I don't know Leo's business, but he's a big boy. He used to be. Look, what do you want, Tom? You want me to pretend I don't care what happens to Bernie? Well, I do. He's my brother. I don't want to see him get hurt. There's no harm in that. There's a name for that kind of business arrangement. Look, I'll do what I have to do to protect Bernie. There's no reason for you to try and queer that. Regardless of what you think about me, Bernie's a decent guy. A straight shooter, huh? Square G. Yeah. Sneer at him like everyone else. Just because he's different. People think he's a degenerate.

People think he's scum. Well, he's not. Poor misunderstood, Ben. This is about Tom. You want me to stop seeing Leo? There's no point on where to go. I forgot that's your job, isn't it? I'll do what I have to do to protect Leo. I'm asking you politely. Leave him alone. I don't have to ask. Look, if I told him about our little dance last night, you'll pull it pretty soon dry up. So would yours. I don't like being threatened. And I don't like being taken for a sucker. That kind of game might work with Leo, but it don't work with me. Do you think last night was just more campaigning for my brother? I can see the angles.

I know if there was a market for little old ladies, you'd have grandma Bernbaum first in life. You're a pathetic rumhead. And I love you, Angel. I need a couple of days. Because I don't have it. Because I say so. I would be good enough tell his there if he's not happy he can send someone over to break me legs. I won't squawk. Hello, Bernie. Hello, Tom. What's the rumpus? Come on in. Make yourself at home. Yeah, you weren't here, so I thought I'd do that. I didn't want to answer the phone, though. I figured it wasn't for me. I got to the point, huh? Okay. The point is, I'm a good guy. I've heard up from a lot of people today. Good guy, lots of friends. That's the way it works.

Maybe if you appreciated me a little more, you wouldn't be making waves with Leo. It's a bad time to be doing that. I mean, right now, we're both in a jam. I hear you're on a bad streak, short of funds. I got that crazy Dago mad at me. Don't ask me why. I'm just a small timer trying to get by like everyone else. I need help from my friends, like Leo and you. Leo gets your sister. What are you selling me? Come on, Tom. It's not like that at all. It wasn't my idea. She'll sleep with anyone. You know that. She even tried to teach me a thing or two about bed artistry. Can you believe that? My own sister. Some crackpot idea about saving me from my friends. She's a sick twist, all right.

She speaks highly of you. Yeah, well, you stick by your family. The point is, I can help you with your debts if that would make us friends. My motto is, a guy can't have too many. Big payday Saturday, Tom. You could be in on it. Another fix? Which fight? That's confidential at the moment. But it doesn't have to stay that way. How come you know so much about it? Casper isn't laying any more bets with you. You really must have make jumping through hoops. Like I say, you can't have too many. We got a beer. I'll think about it. I wouldn't want it any other way. Hey, Ado. My credit's still good with you? Give me a hundred across and tell him I'd in the third tonight. Bazar won't like it.

Try fifty across. I'll try. It's another one fifty you'll owe him. Only if I'll lose, Adolf. Tommy, the way you're going. Hey, horse has got knees. I don't know. Fetlocks. Well, if I was a horse, I'd be down on my fetlocks praying you don't bet on me. Drift, small guy. Drop dead, ape. Come on, Tom. Boss wants to see you. He didn't have time to engrave nothing for me. Mama, è sicura che sua figlia mangia tutto. Se sei priva di mangiare, il mio figlio è già dimagrici. Io dico quando era piccolo, se non voleva il piatto, mi bastonavano. I giudei. Io al dottor gli disse, lui mangio tutto, mia figlia già le sta crescendo. Sono strogoni. Il dottor è falsa, diabile.

Che cosa ne saneste nel dottormento? What do you mean? He's eaten too much? What's a goddamn doctor know? I do this. You're friends with Lazar. He's friends with you. You're friends with me. All you gotta do to show you're a friend is give me Bernie Bernberg. You know it's the right thing anyway. The schmata steals from me. I can't have Leo giving... So the dealers I give you, Bernie, smooth it over with... We can maybe have tea sometime. Come on, Eddie. Want a pillow for his head? Okay, kid. Think about it. It's a mental state. If it'll help you think, you should know that if you don't do this thing, you're not gonna be in any shape to walk out of here.

Would it be physically or just a mental state? Hey, kid. I make you a nice offer to give me the high hat. So don't bother telling me if you don't happen to feel like it. But what the hell is Leo doing? Make him listen to you, Tom. It ain't right all this fuss over one sheenie. Let Casper have Bernie. What's one Hebrew, more or less? We're burning our meal ticket here. Leo will do a suits him and you'll do what he tells you. Last I heard, Leo is still running this town. Well, he won't be for long if his keeps up. It's no good for anyone. You said as much yourself. First off, I'll do all I can say what I please to Leo and about him. You can't. Second, once Leo decides, that stick's going down.

There are plenty of coppers I know who wouldn't mind being cheap and could swallow it clean. Jesus, Tom. I was just speculating about a hypothesis. I know I don't know nothing. It's just a... just a damn mess, is all. No, we won't be needing any today. Yeah, my mother, she didn't recognize me. Let me talk to Mulvaney. Miss me. Tell Adil to get a car over to Leo's tonight. If we're banging away at Casper, we ought to be ready for him to bang back. What do you want? I was in the neighborhood, feeling a bit daffy. So I thought I'd drop in for an aperitif. Rogue Daniels is dead. Gee, that's tough. Don't get hysterical.

I've had enough excitement for one night without a damn going and all weepy in me. I barely knew the gentleman. Rogue? A bit of a shakedown artist. Not above the occasional grift. But you'd understand that. All in all, not a bad guy if looks, brains, and personality don't count. You better hope they don't. Yeah, well, why none of us the saint I hear your brother is. Who killed him? Leo thinks Casper did. But you know better. I do now. You see, Casper just tried to buy me into fixing his tiff with Leo, which he'd hardly do if he was waging war. So I figure you killed him, Angel. You were Saint Bernard. Why would I, or my brother, kill Rogue Daniels or anybody else? Rogue was following you.

He knew about you and me. And that wouldn't help you play with Leo, would it? You think I murdered someone? Nobody knows anybody. Not that well. You know or you wouldn't be here. Not at all, sugar. I came to hear your side of the story. How horrible Rogue was. Have he goaded you into it? Have he tried to shake you down? That's not why you came either. Tell me why I came. The oldest reason there is. They're friendlier places to drink. Why can't you admit it? Admit what? Admit you don't like me seeing Leo because you're jealous. Admit that you've got a heart, even though it may be small and feeble, and you can't remember the last time you used it.

But normally we're going to cast our feelings into words. how to memorize the song of Solomon. I never met anybody made me in a son of a bitch. Such a point of pride. Though one day you'll pay the price for it. But until then, let's get Stingo. Let's do something else for him. Go and see if he fell in the jar. At the head casper's club. I'm still here. Harry son of a bitch just slit his own throat. Listen to me, Liam. Last night made you look vulnerable. You don't hold elected office in this town. You run it because people think you run it. Once they stop thinking it, you stop running it. Jesus, Tom. It sounds like a bad break for me. I wasn't killed. I mean it, Leo.

Start taking casper seriously. I know, I know. Retreat to win. Give up Bernie. That'll solve all our problems. Won't anymore. I'll grant you that. But going toe to toe with a psychopath that'll get you nowhere. It'll force people to choose sides just when you're looking shaky. The hell I do. Then where's the mayor? Why aren't there any police here? Why weren't there any police at your place last night? I didn't ask for any. I did. Oh, what's the matter, Tommy? Don't you think I can take care of myself? I know you can't. Here's the smart play, Leo. You lay back, you give Bernie up, you let Casper think he's made his point. Then you wait for him to show a weakness. Please, Tom.

You're sticking on Bernie. You're sticking your neck up for a guy who'd chop you off at the heels if there was two bits in it. Things aren't as clear-cut as you make it. Well, you know about me and Werner. Things now are, uh, I've been a gentleman, but ask her to marry me, Tom. Guess you think that's a bonehead play. You think she wants you to? How the hell do I know? I think she does. Yeah, of course she does. I know you think different, but, well, we just, uh, we just differ on that. Well, Casper didn't kill Rug. Of course he did. No, think about it. Just this one time, who was Rug following? Huh? It needn't have been that sinister.

Strange man follows her down a dark alleyway late at night. I told you she can look after herself. Werner wouldn't panic, shoot someone just because he was following her? Nah, it wouldn't have happened like that in the first place, and if it had, she would have told me. They pulled a .22 slug out of him, a pop gun, Leo, a woman's gun. I know you don't like her, Tom, but I trust Werner as much as I trust you. Okay, Leo. Maybe it wasn't that innocent. Maybe Rug knew something she didn't like him, Noah. I wouldn't want you to know. Rug was following her. Maybe he knew where she was sleeping and her with. Maybes don't make it so. There's more than maybes. You've trusted me before.

You've never lost anything by it. Trust me on this. This is too important. I don't ask much and I don't ask often. Trust me on this. Trust me on this, I'll to hell with you. She was with me. The night Rug was following her. The night you dropped by. Yeah, do that. It's the kiss-off. If I never see him again, it'll be soon enough. No, Frankie. It's Tom. How's the flunky business? Yeah, I've had worse. Your ventilator, Menden? I thought Casper had just forgotten. I'd like to see him. Let me know. But you know I didn't have anything to do with Rug. Maybe not. Anyway, that isn't what said I'm on you. You always take the long way around to get what you want, don't you, Tom? What did I want?

I was walking in the woods. Nah, it stayed ahead. And no, I didn't chase it. Nothing more foolish than a man chasing his hat. Where are you going? Just have to do a few things. You and Leo might still be able to patch things up. Me and Leo are finished. Nothing's gonna change that. You never know. He's got a big heart. Well, Quetz, as far as I'm concerned, never mind him. And if Leo did want me back, he's an even bigger sap than I thought. Then why don't we just pick up and leave town? There's nothing keeping you here. I know there's nothing keeping me. What about Bernie? Bernie? He could go with us. You, me, and Bernie, where would we go, Verna? Niagara Falls? Why do you hate him?

I don't hate anyone. Or like anyone. Where is Bernie? Why? Leo can't protect him anymore. Why would I tell him to skip? The Royale, room 302. I guess we both double-crossed Leo, huh? There's no getting around that. I guess he's well rid of both of us. Two of us, we're about bad enough to deserve each other. Well, Tom and I got the proverbial fat to chill. Just let us know if you need anything. Yeah. Happy days. Have a seat, kid. So, you had enough time to think about things? Yeah. Well, uh, circumstances have changed. Don't I know it? Last night, I know the dame was disappointed the bull showed up before Frankie and Tic Tac are really paying your ears back. But I said, relax.

I got a feeling about this kid. The kid and Leo are gonna go busto. Matter of time. I said the kid's too smart for Leo. That's what I say. Like a psychic. Ask the dame if I did. Like a goddamn psychic. Go ahead and ask him. You vouch for the psychic business? That's right, smart guy. I know you knew protecting a schmatter was a dumb idea. I know you've been wise to all Leo's dumb ideas lately. Only a matter of time, busto. That's why last night we didn't put the arm on you. Only Leo. As soon as though you squiffed your play on Leo, I can only be so grateful. Oh, that's real brave coming from Little Miss Punching Bag. Okay, Eddie. Friends now, huh? Nuts.

So, I guess you'll be looking for a job, eh, kid? I might be. You got references? You've been to college? We only take Yeggs while spending the college. Ain't that right, Eddie? Listen, this year, I guess you could be useful in spades. Yeah, I can do plenty for you. Can you get Leo off me? I'm telling you not to worry about Leo. We got plans for him. Oh, yeah? Like what? Not so fast there, Kaputnik. I think what the dame is trying to say is there'll be time to talk about that. We can table that for a later date. See, last time we jawed, you gave me the hi-hat. I guess I'm saying you got to put something on the table first. Fair enough. Where do we start? You hear that thing? All business.

I told you he was a good kid. Where do we start? All business. Well, we can start, for instance, with the schmatter. Like, where's the schmatter? You can maybe tell us that. The Royale. Room 302. And you might find Mink with him. The hell you say? Sure, Bernie and Mink are cozy as lice. And it ain't just business. This guy is lying. Why would I? This guy is wrong. This guy is all wrong. Mink is clean and this clown is a smart guy. You go down to the car. I'm gonna send Frankie and Tic Tac with you to the Royale. If Bernie's there, Frankie and Tic Tac will take care of him. And if he's not there? I'll sit facing the corner in a funny hat. You're gonna put one in his brain.

Your first shot puts him down, and then you put one in his brain. No one knows you. Anyone sees you, you really are dead. I don't care. You're not my problem anymore.

Of course not.

Of course not. You've done your share. Thank you. Don't worry. Shut up. I understand. Shut up. Thank you. Shut up. Just get out of here before I change my... Casper knows you were in on selling out his fix.

Who the hell gave him that idea?

I guess I gave him that idea. Sorry, Mink. We were chatting. It just slipped out. Shut up and let me talk. You're only local Casper cools off. Then you're gonna tell him the dame put you up to it. Tell him every dame was behind the cellar and I'll make Casper go easy on you. That's right. I got you into this. Just remember, Mink, I'm the only one that can get you out. Not the vote? Message from Leo. Leo says if you're smart, you'll sit this one out. Not that he cares one way or the other. Leo says if you're on the wrong side, you take your chances like anybody else. Leo says he gives no special favors. That's all. Tell Leo he's not God on the throne.

He's just a cheap political boss with more hats on it. and brands. I say that as well. No, I said that. Cross Leo next time I'll say plenty. So what am I right about? Never say that and I don't like people who do. Mink was robbing me right along with the schmatter. What convinced you of that? Mink literally took a powder. We can't find him. The Dane is making excuses for him. But personally, I think he was right. I think the Mink and Bernie was in it together. I think the Mink heard that you bumped the schmatter and lit out. You lousy son of a bitch. told you so. What? You got a lip on you. I don't generally care for it. But that's all right. He was a good sport to bump the schmatter.

How do you know Mink skipped? Because the Dane can't find him. So he says. Meaning what, exactly? maybe nothing. I didn't give it much thought until now since a guy will pretty much say anything when his number is up. But just before I bumped Bernie, he swore to me that Eddie Dane and Mink were setting him up. That they were the ones who sold out your fix. Well, like you say, So why isn't Eddie Dane here? Well, he don't care for you, kid. Maybe it's only fair to tell you. After you left us, he tried to sell me on a double cross. He says to me, why don't we double cross you and give you the bump after we get the schmatter? Well, I figure the deal's a deal. You're square with me.

You bumped the schmatter, I hold up my end. Question of ethics. Everything about board. So everybody knows who's a friend, who's an enemy. So the Dane doesn't like you, but he wouldn't cross me. We go back. Of course, there's always that wild card when love is involved. I know Mink is Eddie Dane's boy. But still, I don't make it that way. And there's nothing to worry about. Yeah. Listen, there's no reason not to check things out. If Mink is around, I want you to find him. He can tell us what's what. What's a matter? What's a matter? Aren't we friends anymore? If you find him, I want to talk to him alone. That's the way you get the straight to man to man. Just me and my friend Roscoe.

I can't find Bernie. Did you find him? Is he leaving? He, uh... He say where to? He didn't say. You... It's me. That's Bernie's sister, ain't it? It's me. What's he seeing her for? It's me, baby. Shut up. I'll see where the twist flips. Johnny Casper's shadow. What, did he stay in bed today? Jesus, I open my mouth, the whole world turns smart. You're Leo's twist, right? Me and Leo are through. Yeah? So you're sluttin' around with Tom now, huh? Well, what's your boyfriend up to? Nothing I know about. Yeah? That doesn't figure for me. You dumpin' Leo for the guy who put a bullet in your brother? He did a bang-up job. I'll be sure to tell him. Where's Leo? I'll tell you.

How do I know you won't kill me? Because if you told me and I killed you and you were lyin', I wouldn't get to kill you then. Where's Leo? He's movin' around. He's gettin' his mob together tomorrow night at Whiskey Knicks. You sure? Check it. It's gold. You know what, Yeg? I believe you. Go ahead and run, sweetie. I'll track down all of you whores. Oh, Bernie. Come on in. Make yourself a help. Well, Tom, I thought I'd do that since you didn't seem to be in. Figured it was a bad idea to wait in the hall seeing as I'm supposed to be dead. How'd you know it was me? You're the only one I know to knock and then break in. Your other friends wouldn't break in, huh?

My other friends wouldn't kill me so they wouldn't knock. What's in your mind, Bernie? Things. I guess you must be kind of angry I'm supposed to be gone far away. I guess it seems sort of irresponsible my being here. And I was gonna leave. Honest I was. But then I started thinking if I stuck around that would not be good for you. Then I started thinking and that that might not be bad for me. I guess you didn't see the play you gave me. I mean, what am I gonna do? If I leave, I got nothing. No money. No friends. Nothing. If I stay, I got you. Anyone finds out I'm alive. You're dead, so I got you, Tommy. What's the matter? You got nothing to crack wise about? Bernie ain't so funny anymore?

I may kind of fool myself out there, balling away like a twist because I turn yellow. You didn't tell anyone about that? No. Of course, you know about it. Painful memory. And I can't help remembering that you put the finger on me when you took me out there to whack me. I know. You didn't. I know. You didn't shoot me. But what have I done for you lately? Don't smart me. See, I want to watch you squirm. I want to see you sweat a little. And when you smart me, it ruins it. There's one other thing I want. I want to see Johnny Casper cold and stiff. That's what you do for your friend Bernie. In the meantime, I'll stay out of sight.

But if Casper ain't stiff in a couple of days, I start eating in restaurants. You make me laugh, Tommy. You're going to catch cold and then you're no good to me. What were you going to do if you caught me? I'd just squirt a few and then you let me go again. Oh, Ted, how's the club holding up? We're managing to squeak by without you. Carlos Arzmani? No. Well, you're not supposed to be here since you turned rattly. Relax, Ted. Theo isn't around, is he? The last couple of days, you booked any heavy bets on a long shot at Saturday's fights? Why the hell should I tell you? Truth is, Ted, no reason on that. Saturday's fights. Drop Johnson put two grand on one yesterday.

On Sailor Reese and on the cart bomb. Drop Johnson. He play your book, won't you? You're kidding. I didn't even know he could come. Jesus. You bring them with you? Hello, Brian. Still fighting a good fight? No time. Neither rain, nor wind, nor snow. That's the mailman, O'Dell here. Look happy. Look at this mess. Got in a golden calf again. and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Yeah, it's awful confusion. You know what your yak name dropped Johnson? He spanked him a couple of times. Why does he flop? Terminal hotel since I'm just a chief around here, but I'll tell you my opinion. Casper is just as crazy as Leo. And an eye tie into the bargain. That's the matter, O'Dell.

Doesn't anything ever suit you? Hop in. Tom, we've been looking for you. I'm busy. Hop in anyway. Hey, you can't hijack me, Tic-Tac. We're on the same side now. How didn't you get that fire at school? You're smart. What are you doing at the club talking things over with Leo? I don't think so, right, Eddie. You're much spraying something. You are so goddamn smart. Except you ain't. I get you, smart guy. I know what you are. Straight as a corkscrew. Mr. Inside-out-ski like some goddamn Bolshevik picking up his orders from Yeg Central. You think you're so goddamn smart you join up Johnny Casper? You bump Bernie Birnbaum? Up is down. Black is white. Well, I think you're half smart.

I think you were straight with your frail. I think you were queer with Johnny Casper and I think you'd sooner join a ladies' league than gun a guy down. Then I hear from these two geniuses. They never even saw this rub-out take place. Boss just said to have him do it. He didn't say nothing about it. Shut up! Well, maybe you still got too many teeth. Everyone is so goddamn smart. Well, we'll go out to Miller's Crossing and we'll see who's smart. You understand if we don't find the stiff out here, we leave a fresh one. Where are your friends when you need them, huh? Hey, tic-tac! Snappy dialogue dries up once a guy starts soiling his... we've heard two shots. Not really.

And you must be happy to see me. You didn't see Bernie Bam Bam before he was shown across? No. Seen him since? Tomorrow's fight. Is that your bet or, uh, for a friend? No, no, no. It's my bet. I just have a good feeling about that fight. A good feeling, huh? When did a feeling return to your head? You've outgrown that one. What a thinking you've been there. Tell Bernie something's come up. He has to get in touch. There'll be nothing stirring till I talk to him. Where you been hiding? With Mr. Casper. Johnny, needless to say, this office will do anything in its power to assist you and your cousins. We did it for Leo, of course, and countless occasions. Damn right.

Had every potato eater from County Cork on a public tit. But there's a way we do usage and consecrate it by time. When we put people on the pad, when Leo was running things, nobody can appreciate that more than I. I can give them jobs. I can even give them jobs where they won't have to perform any work. Where their lack of English will be no impediment, but I can't. Public works, but I can't. You can do whatever the hell. Stop whimpering and... Johnny, it's my offer. That Bernie ain't dead. These stories pop up. Any stories about Bernie being alive that Dane's made up himself? You don't know that. It don't make sense. Why would he? If you got a fix, fight coming up?

I have to have somebody else to point to Bernie dead. There ain't a hell of a lot of people he can point to. Yeah. Bernie leaked the fix and you take the fall for not killing. But I don't know. Why would Eddie cross me? Money. Okay, everybody. And I know the Dane. Nobody knows anybody. Not that well. Money don't mean... And it's not just the money he's after. A wart on his fanny. A wart on his fanny. Giving him the fidgets. Maybe sick of sitting on the couch. Maybe behind your desk don't look like a bad place to move to. Okay, you got a lip on you. Something we can't get enough of in this. I'll admit, since last we jogged, my stomach's been seizing up on me.

The Dane's saying we should double cross you. You double cross once, where's it all end? An interesting... Find a Dane, talk to him, straighten things down. Sure, talk to him. Have a chat. I'll take care of him. Ask him if he's selling you out. I'm sure he'll come clean. I'll take care of it. Yeah, I swim in. I said I take care of it! My chin's hanging out right alongside yours. I'd worry a lot less if I thought you were worrying enough. Ron and thanks. I had a dream about you the other day.

Yeah, a nightmare?

On the contrary, very sweet. I dreamt you were lying out at Miller's Crossing with your face blown off. I was in stitches. It's mink, isn't it? How can you beat that down? Some friend. Yeah, I could use some insurance. That mink of a .22? Agree short rug?

What'd you know?

Doesn't matter. Listen to me, Bernie. I've been thinking about our little deal and I've decided you can stick it in your ear.

Huh?

I figure you don't have anything on me that I don't have on you so I'm calling you a bluff. I'm pulling out of here tomorrow morning. The only thing you have to decide is whether or not I leave behind a message for Casper that you are still around. If you want me to keep my mouth shut, it's gonna cost you some dough. I figure a thousand bucks is reasonable so I want two. I'm going out for a while but I'll be back at four this morning. If you're not here at my place four o'clock with the dough, Casper's gonna be looking for you tomorrow. Wait a minute. Got any money? No. Third race tonight. By the finish, Taylor made out of view of the field. You ought to lay off the ponies, Tom.

Sorry about this. It's just getting out of hand. Yeah. He likes you, Tom. He said we didn't have to break anything. It's okay. Tom, there's no hard feelings. Christ, Tom. He knows that. Take care now. I got news. News at this end, too. My stomach's been seizing up on me. Mink just told me that he's... Hey! You talk to Mink? Yeah, on the phone. The name wants you to think that he's disappeared so that you can't talk to him but he's been right here in town. You sure it was Mink? Yeah, see for yourself. He's coming to my place four o'clock this morning. He's afraid of crossing the Dane. He told me about the fix. He says he'll sing for a couple of grand skip money.

Tell us everyone that's involved but you better take care of the Dane tonight. Mink says he's coming after us tonight. Pull up a whiskey next dump. What? How do you know? That ain't all we know, smart guy. Recognize your playmate? And I wondered why Einstein would want to talk to a gorilla. so I grabbed the gorilla and I beat it out of him. You give me a big guy every time they break easy not like you. Is there a point? Or are you just brushing up on your small talk? I like that. Cool under fire. The gorilla didn't know who stiff we found but I can fill that in. You killed Mink you son of a bitch. Mink you son of a bitch. It was Mink. You say it. Is this how you top drop his story?

Mink's coming in on his day to straighten things out for Leo. I thought you said you didn't care about Leo. I said we were through. It's not the same thing. Care what reasons you had or you thwart your head? He's still alive. Explain me to believe you. Put the razor in because metal does what in cold? I don't know Johnny. That's what I'm telling you. It contracts. You get a first class shave every time. Okay Johnny. You don't look so hot. I'm okay. Go down to the drugstore and call the police. You better stay there till the officers arrive. You set me up. Anything to avoid a little dirty work yourself huh? Let's know he get it and not me. Or didn't you care?

I figured you'd come early looking for blood. He wouldn't so you'd likely have the drop in. You're right. The chump never knew what hit him. But if you knew I'd come looking to kill you how do you know I won't steal? There's nothing in it for you now. Him, Dad, you and me got nothing on each other. Let me have the gun. Why? Pin this on the dame. Neither of us want him walking around after this. The cops will be Leo now. They won't care what to hang the dame for. I guess that's true. If you don't mind keeping the gun that killed Casper and Mink where did Mink shoot Rugg anyway? I don't know. It's just a mix of them. Yeah. So you're gonna say the dame did this? Sure.

Mink thought Rugg was stealing him. Yeah, yeah. You know Mink. Hysterical. Skin full of hop head full of boogeyman. Comes home crying one day saying he had to pop a guy. One of the dame's spies. Rugg was stealing Werner. Not Mink. Mink just happened to be with her. Funny, ain't it? Mink, you know, he was terrified that they'd find out me and him were jungled up together. I bet you kept him pretty worried about that to keep him under your thumb. Yeah, so what? Scratch, huh? A little bonus. What did Mink take Rugg's hand? That beats me the kid was dizzy. 50-50 on the dough or maybe I should get a little more since I did the deed. Hmm? Okay, you keep it. I want you to have it.

You can't pin this on the dame. Why not? Because the dame's already dead halfway across town. What the hell are you talking about? Eddie Dane is dead. It's got to be you. I mean, it was your gun. What the hell are you talking about? You took my gun. It's just your word against mine. We're square. You said it yourself. We got nothing on each other. So what's in it for you? There's no angle. You can't just shoot me like that. It don't make sense. Tommy. Place a bet until night's fight. They said jump downstairs. How's that? Well, hooch, whatever. Well, thanks for coming, Tom. Leo's real anxious to see you. Yeah, I happen to be near. Actually, this might not be the best time.

Who's he got in there? It's a duel in the mayor. I'll try again. Hey, they're planting the sheenie tomorrow. You can stop by. Big turn out. Drop it, Dad. She's under a lot of strain. Well, at least she didn't hit me. Glad you came, Tommy. I guess, uh... She's taking the cut. Huh? I guess we're walking. Guess we are. We're getting married. Congratulations. Funny thing is, she asked me to tie the knot. I guess you're not supposed to say that. It doesn't matter. Congratulations. Thanks. Well, Tom, why didn't you tell me what you were up to? I thought you'd really gone over. Not that I didn't deserve it, but you could have told me. Telling you what only your queer things of it had...

There just wasn't any point. I can see that. It was a smart play all around. I, uh, I guess, you know, I'm grateful. No need. I guess you picked that fight with me just to, uh, check yourself in with Casper. I don't know. Do you always know why you do things, Leo? Sure I do. It was a smart play. Fine. Jesus, Tom. I'd do anything if you'd work for me again. I know I've made some bonehead plays that all can be pig-headed sometimes, but damn it, so can you. I need you. Things can be the way they were. I know it. I just know it. As for you and Verna, well, I understand. You're both young. Damn it, Tom, I forgive you. I didn't ask for that and I don't want it.