Original subtitles

He hits lonely middle -aged women.

He strangles them.

Then he pins this damn flower on them like he's taken to his high school prom.

Mr.

Serato, I represent a young woman who accuses you of beating her up.

Hell, yeah.

We have a problem to solve, you and I.

He says he owns me.

God, what am I going to do?

you're asking me to give up my life no i am telling you to save your life

Hello. Come on in.

I wasn't expecting you for another 15 minutes, but do you like a drink? I have

some really nice sherry here.

I've been saving it for a special occasion, but this is a special

I haven't gone dancing, and I can't tell you how long.

Anyway, how is it? It's just windy out there. I'm not quite sure which coat I

should wear.

Here we are.

I really am sorry to trouble you again, Mrs. Brown. More trouble with Robert E.

Lee?

Well, sort of.

You know that my article for the Military Archive magazine is due

And I'm having great difficulty with the Confederate counterintelligence system.

It does seem to be extremely well camouflaged. Perhaps that's why they

counterintelligence.

Yes, well, you might have a point there.

I know exactly what you mean.

We have a microfiche file of all the Civil War documents available in 16

libraries. Just choose what you want and tell me, and I'll arrange for the loan.

When it arrives, you'll be the first to know. Oh, I sent you a book through the

mail. Little surprise.

Oh, very kind.

I shall look forward to receiving that.

If I can be of any further help, let me know. Thank you.

Actors Bar on 46 between 8th and 9th.

I'll wait outside for you around 7.

Please, I don't know what else to do.

I need... I need help with this guy.

He seemed really nice at first.

I'm from a small town near Indianapolis, Willow Creek.

And I'm here all alone.

I want to be an actress.

I know.

I know so does every girl who gets off the bus, but I'm determined not to get

back on it.

I've been dreaming about coming here ever since I can remember.

Now Anza's turning it into a nightmare.

Anza?

Anza Serato, that's his name.

I met him in a bar and we dated a few times.

And when did he start to beat you up?

After he loaned me some money.

I was pretty hard up.

I mean, things kept coming up.

Auditions and acting classes, looking for an agent.

Anyway, he got rough when I couldn't pay him back.

So, how much do you owe?

Altogether, about $2 ,000.

Well, I suppose I'd better see this man.

Look, I don't have any money.

That I know.

Excuse me.

Can you tell me where I can find Anza Salato?

What?

Anza Salato.

The guy in the green tie in center aisle.

Thank you.

You know, I get all the time.

Yeah. Look, here's the deal.

What's important is that you find someone who's real. Somebody who you can

trust. And that's where I come in.

Thanks, Sir.

Not now, okay?

Oh, and another thing.

Most managers work on a 10 % commission.

Me? I have a much more equitable arrangement.

Seriously. Mr. Ferrata, my name is Robert McCall.

I represent a young woman who accuses you of beating her up.

That's a real laugh. It isn't, I assure you.

Sweetheart, perhaps you can excuse us for a minute here.

Maybe I'll just freshen up.

Yeah, do that.

All right, so you're here.

Now, what is it you want?

Sally Ann Carter.

She would like you to leave her alone.

Sally Ann.

Yeah, yeah, well, I can understand where you find this girl attractive.

But, uh, how do I say it?

Eliane is not the girl you think she is.

Really?

I believe she owes you $2 ,000.

Now, you are both evil.

Do it.

Hey!

You get Sally Ann to do something real nice for you, okay?

You just set a record.

It's the highest price I've ever been paid for a chief.

I don't give a damn what she is.

Just make sure it is not necessary for me to come back here.

goodness, you startled me.

You're early.

I'll be finished in a minute.

How on earth did you get in here?

Oh, I locked that door.

Excuse me, officer. Can you tell me who's in charge here?

Detective Smalls.

No new evidence.

Okay. Nothing from the lab?

We're waiting for a report about the fibers.

All right. Call me when you get them.

All right.

Lieutenant, there's someone here to see you.

Yeah, listen, I have to get back to you on that.

Yeah.

McCall, what are you doing here? I'm busy as hell.

Who is it?

A librarian named Francine Grant.

She's been here about 20 years.

Oh, dear God.

What's the matter? You knew her?

Yes, yes, I knew her.

She used to do some research for me occasionally.

Is it your killer?

It's got all the marks.

What are they?

Hey, look, McCall, you know I am not free to release that sort of

Oh, come on, Isidore. I'm not going out and telling the press.

Oh, no. Hell no. You're going to go out and get the guy.

I didn't say that.

Robert, you don't need to.

I've got a case of my own on at the moment.

But if I happen to come across some information that might be of use to you,

what do you want me to do? Throw it away?

I mean, is that what you want me to do? All right, all right.

Look, the truth of the matter is, we don't have much more to go on than

newspapers do, all right?

But this guy is a real wacko.

He hits lonely middle -aged women. He strangles them.

Then he pins this damn flower on them like he's taken them to his high school

prom. Lieutenant, do you mind if I look around? Yes, I do mind.

Okay, McCall, this visit is over. The chief on his way up here right now with

about a thousand reporters. And the last thing I need is for him to find the

equalizer here. So get your tail out of here. All right, all right. I'm on my

way. Mr. Robert, leave this one alone, please.

It's a political football and the whole country's watching it.

Isidore, I'm always happy to let the police do their job.

He didn't say anything to me.

His soul and his heart are still hidden from me.

So why do I feel so happy?

I told him, you have poise.

I told him, you have poise and nobility of mind.

His voice vibrates and caresses.

I can almost feel it in the air now.

His voice vibrates.

Okay, so let's stop here.

Look, I'm sorry. I just got flustered.

It's fine.

Now we can stop here and we can do it again.

I don't know what happened. You lost your place.

You just dried up.

Sometimes you just lose your concentration.

It's all a matter of focus.

You stopped focusing on your real feelings in this scene.

Something was distracting you.

I'm trying. I just... Now look, Sally Ann, your progress up to this point has

been really promising.

But let's look at the last few weeks.

Something has been preventing you from your total commitment to the craft.

Think about it.

Okay. Thank you, everyone.

We'll take another crack at it next class.

Your teacher is a woman of great insight.

She's okay?

I would say she's got you very well pegged.

I have had an interesting talk with Mr. Ferrato.

He says you're a prostitute.

He's lying.

That's what he wants me to be. Really? Yeah.

Why didn't you tell me who and what he was?

Because I figured you would just think I belonged to him. And nobody cares about

a hooker. Don't be cheeky. I think it's time you and I had a walk and a talk.

He seemed so nice. He took me out to dinner at all the right places. He

me lots of nice clothes.

I thought it all was a gift.

The money?

$2 ,000? You thought that was a gift?

Well, I felt funny about that.

But Anza said it was all right, that I could pay him back as soon as I got on

feet.

Then one of his friends blew into town. The guy needed a dinner date. I just

figured it was the least I could do for Anza, considering everything he had done

for me.

And then there were more dinners.

and more friends.

They all seemed nice enough, so occasionally I was nice to them.

Last week, another friend came to town.

The guy was old enough to be my father.

He didn't even want to go out. He just sat in his hotel room wanting me to do

all kinds of things to him.

I got home with my clothes ripped to shreds and in tears.

Anza was waiting for me. You know, I thought he'd be sympathetic, help me

Instead, he started beating me.

And then he told you what it was really all about, hmm?

Look, I don't know how I could be so stupid.

All those things he gave me weren't gifts. Those guys weren't his friends. I

never his girl.

All he was interested in was trying to get me to be one of his hookers.

I guess I just saw too many movies with happy endings. I thought maybe there was

one out there for me.

Well, there might be yet.

What do you mean?

I've paid your debt for you.

Two thousand dollars?

Mm -hmm.

What's the catch?

Oh, don't worry. It's not a gift. It's a loan.

And you'll start paying me back at $20 a week the moment you get a proper job.

You don't think Anza's gonna bother me anymore?

Well, we have a certain agreement, he and I.

Let's see if he honors it.

Well, Mr. McCall, you're, uh, wonderful.

I'm wonderful.

Of course, a collection of General Lee's memoirs.

Just arrived.

I thought you should be the first to have it.

Best wishes, Francine Grant.

So then what are you?

Ansel was waiting for me.

He says he owns me.

God, what am I going to do?

Jimmy, tell me about Serato. This is going to cost you double, McCall.

You're getting into territory I don't like stepping in.

Yeah, yeah, well, I thought it might cost me some more. There you are. You're

getting very greedy, Jimmy. The lawyers are eating me up.

Yeah, yeah, all right. All right, Jimmy, I just don't want to know. About

Serato, he wants to be a big deal. Right now, all he's got going is high hopes

and a string of girls.

Yeah, I know about the girls, Jimmy. The guy you want is named Peters.

He runs a bunch of lowlifes, including Serato.

What's all this business about you not wanting to tread in somebody else's

territory?

Peters works for those guys.

Ah.

Where do I find him? I thought you knew. He runs the club Serato hangs out in.

Thank you.

Jimmy.

Do you have any idea where I would find Kelly Sterling?

She's strictly retired, McCall, has her own business, makes window displays for

department stores or something. Why do you want her?

Oh, it's an entirely different subject, but I may well need a female operative

with experience.

She's your lady.

I'll give her a call. Yeah, yeah, do that.

So this morning, you will get into a cab, you are going out to the airport,

you will get on an airplane to Indianapolis.

You can't ask me to do that.

I have no choice.

You don't understand.

Nothing else matters to me but being an actress.

Now, I know if I stick it out long enough, I'll make it.

But it'll never happen if I go back home.

I've always wanted to be somebody. This is my only chance. You stay in New York,

you will not have a chance.

You know perfectly well what would happen if you stay in this city.

He will find out where you are, and either you will finish up by doing what

says, or... Anyway, I cannot deal with Mr. Serato unless I know you are safe.

You're asking me to give up my life.

No, I am telling you to save your life.

You know perfectly well, Sally Ann, that you are living in a dream world.

It's turned into a nightmare. Now, come on, it's time to wake up.

I guess I could come back when it's all over with.

Yeah, of course you can.

Anyway, have a fresh start, hmm?

I'll keep you fully informed of everything that happens.

I'll leave a string of messages with you at service.

I don't have one.

You don't?

I thought all real actresses had a message service.

Oh, Anza always took care of everything for me.

Right. So it's time someone took care of him.

I'd say it's a little meeting between businessmen, shall we?

We have a problem to solve, you and I. What problem? I don't even know you.

That's true. You don't.

Actually, the problem concerns an employee of yours.

Then why don't you talk to him about it? I have talked to him about it. Now I'm

talking to you about it.

His name is Angelo Serrato.

He attacked a young woman who happens to be a friend of mine.

Now, either you put him out of business completely, or I will terminate your

whole illicit operation now.

It's done.

It is done. He is nothing. He's finished.

He's put my word on it. Good.

I doubtless you will make the appropriate phone calls.

Get up.

Robert.

Ellie.

Sill up to your old tricks.

Well, I could lie and say you haven't changed a bit.

It is very good to see you.

Now, please don't lie, because then I'd have to lie too.

It's like old home week seeing you and Jimmy.

You know, you'd think you would have made it up with his wife by now.

I would, yeah.

You must really be up against it to call up this old girl.

Are you?

I'm not sure.

Why don't you go back inside the car and I'll take you somewhere.

You are the most stubborn, secretive man I have ever met.

Well, Kelly, that is possibly because you are the most impatient woman I've

met. Well, if you weren't so secretive, I wouldn't have to be so impatient.

Robert, what have you got? Tell me.

This is what I've got.

Why haven't you given this to the police?

Well, it'll be a little difficult to explain that I broke into the library in

the middle of the night, stole a book, and found that ad inside it, wouldn't

You'd think they would have tumbled onto it by now.

Loneliness is not a thing you shout about from the rooftop, is it?

Mrs. Grant tried to prevent me from seeing that.

And I suspect that the others, having dialed, simply threw the ad away.

If they ever called it.

It's only a hunch, Kelly.

So is Fernandez.

Yeah.

We were lucky, then.

I was lucky to get out with my behind in one piece.

Since then, I've done a pretty good job of keeping it that way.

Robert, it's been a long time.

I like my life now.

I'm my own boss. The hours are good. And the only thing I have to carry in my

purse is my compact.

I'll be covering your back at all times. That's what you said last time. That's

exactly what I did last time.

Okay.

What are we looking for?

A contract.

What you actually mean is a date.

Well, it's not that I don't have friends. It's just that... You don't

confidant.

Why, yes.

How did you know?

Oh, Kelly.

I've been where you are.

Some might call me an expert on holiness.

Possibly we could meet?

give me your number.

555 -8233.

I'll call you back soon, Julie.

Very careful, isn't he?

What do you think?

I don't know. I don't know. Could be. I wish you hadn't given him your number,

Kelly. Well, obviously he checks his ladies out.

I had to give him my number.

All right. Point taken.

Just don't want him suddenly turning up at your place, that's all.

I thought you said you'd cover my back.

Come on, Kelly, humor me, please.

What am I supposed to do with my own back?

Get a bigger purse.

All right, you set it up.

And then let me know.

Robert... I promise you I'll be there, Kelly.

I promise.

And, uh, got an appointment with Peter.

Mr. Peters, you want to talk to me? Yes, Anson. I did want to speak to you.

I'll be the first one to admit I got a pretty good life here.

So it naturally follows that I don't like anyone to screw it up.

I don't understand.

You've been getting careless, Anson.

When you get careless, I get hassled.

And I don't like to get hassled.

What are you talking about?

I had a visitor today.

White -haired guy in a fancy suit.

Well, I can take care of that guy. I can take care of him. Too late for all

that. What about my girls?

That's finished.

But you can't do that.

Scum, aren't you?

I can do anything I want.

No, please.

I am all coming along.

You're proving it. Fantastic.

And next week, you're going to start working on the plant by check -off.

Imagine.

He didn't say anything to me.

His soul and his heart are still hidden from me.

So why do I feel so happy?

I told him, you have poise and nobility of mind and such a soft voice.

Did I sound out of place?

His voice vibrates and caresses.

Such waste.

Such a tenet.

Wait.

Robert McCall. Mr. McCall, it's Sally Ann.

Look, I'm still here.

What on earth are you doing here? I thought we had an understanding.

Yeah, I know, we did. I couldn't bring myself to leave.

Is something wrong?

It's Anza.

It still won't leave me alone.

Where are you?

At your apartment?

No, I'm at my acting class.

Look, I'm afraid to go home. He keeps leaving these messages on my service.

What are you talking about, Sally Ann? You don't have... Is he there with you?

If he is, don't say anything.

I'll be there.

Please, I know I'm becoming a pain, but I'm scared.

All right.

Got what you wanted. He's coming.

It's good.

It's great.

You know, I say that you're getting your money's worth out of this place.

Okay, failure.

Let's go get ready for your Mr. McCall.

Of course. I'd love to see you.

It's just that it's rather short notice, that's all.

If it's a problem, we can do it another time.

No. No, it's really not a problem. I mean, if you don't mind coming here...

Mind? Not at all.

I have a few things I've got to finish up.

Fine.

Fine.

Yes, I'll see you at 8 o 'clock.

Oh, I'm so looking forward to it.

Till then, Kelly.

Maybe you and your buddy were able to put me out of commission.

The least I can do is pay back the favor.

I really wouldn't bother.

I recommend you do as they say.

Come on, come on, come on.

It's finished. It's over.

I sure as hell hope you are too.

Goodness, Robert, it's about time.

Sally.

You startled me.

You're early.

I got things wrapped up sooner than I expected.

I hope I haven't inconvenienced you.

Oh, Ralph.

Who are you?

Kelly. Kelly Sterling. Don't lie.

You knew.

I know. I don't know any. Don't lie!

You're just like the others.

Others what of? Liars!

Just like her.

Liars!

Come on.

Shut up, Kelly.

Stop it!

Stop it! Stop it!

I know. Don't say it.

I know.

I know.

Gee.

Come on.

Let's get you sorted out.

I didn't do too badly.

Did I? No, no, no. You did marvelously. Marvelously for a novice.

Novice? Who are you calling a novice?

At least I wasn't late.

Can I help you?

Uh, well, I think so. I'm lucky for someone, but I'm a bit late.

Who are you looking for?

A brunette.

Mid -twenties, straight pretty.

I just, you may have come and gone already.

Uh, care to wait?

Yeah, I'll wait. Thank you. Okay, can I have any favor?

Thank you.

Mr. McCall.

Hello.

Well, well, well.

Surprise.

Yes.

I got your note. I thought it was another frantic... Oh, no, no. Thank

no. No, I started working here this afternoon.

I figured you kept up your part of the bargain.

I might as well live up to mine.

Good, good. It takes courage to start with a clean slate.

Yeah, I know.

And for you.

What's that for?

That's the first installment of what I owe you.

Thank you.

I figure if I work hard and hang in there, someday I'm going to make it.

I think you're already on your way.

Good luck.