Original subtitles

What did you say?

A Warner Brothers television production.

I don't care if Pitcock was your friend and could vouch for you. He's no longer

chief. I am. I told you all I know.

You certainly don't think I had anything to do with this.

Or do you?

You were the only one found at the scene.

You're not in the clear until I investigate you.

Thoroughly. But I was just an innocent bystander.

Material witness.

Well, even that.

You still can't hold me in jail.

We held you all night, didn't we?

Look, Chief. He didn't tell you to stand up.

Your men have rough manners.

And they can be rougher, too.

There happens to be a crime wave here, Maverick. I was brought in to stop it,

and I'm going to.

Now you can either cooperate or... Good morning, sir.

You sent for me?

Joe, nobody told you... I know.

Just stand up.

Bart, hello.

Lieutenant Petrino, do you know this man?

Oh, yes, sir. I've known him a good many years, sir.

He's being questioned about that murder in the Italian quarter last night.

You?

Yeah, me.

I was just standing around minding my own business when the old fella got

blasted to kingdom come.

Everybody else ran out, but I stayed.

I tried to help him.

Another black hand killing, sir?

Don't give me that black hand business, Petrino. It's a lot of bunk.

Oh, no, sir.

Manonero is very real, sir. I hope to prove it to you soon.

And that's when I'll believe it. And not before.

Manonero?

That's what the old man mumbled just before he died.

What else did he say?

Nothing. Just that.

Do you know who this Manonera is?

Well, yes and no.

It's not one person.

Could be a dozen or maybe a hundred. Nobody seems to know.

I don't follow you, Joe.

Manonera means black hand.

And it's a sign used by a band of thugs, extortionists, and blackmailers.

Never heard about it.

Few people have.

It's just now committed in New Orleans.

Already has the foreign population by the throat.

I've heard all this before, Petrino.

I'm assigning you to this case.

You and Maverick get out of here. I've got other work to do.

Yes, sir.

Thanks, Chief.

Some reception.

I should have stayed in St. Louis.

You have to make allowances for Chief Rawlins.

He's anxious to prove himself.

The commission just brought him in from Philadelphia.

He doesn't take much stock of the black can, does he?

Can't your men do something about it, Joe? Oh, don't you think for a minute we

haven't tried?

We can't perform miracles. The people won't cooperate with us. They're

frightened. I've always thought of New Orleans as being gay and carefree. A

place to have a good time.

It still is for most people.

Say, Bart, you could do something to help me.

Oh, not me, Joe.

I get enough excitement from poker games, and I'm not interested in gents

carry sawed -off shotguns.

I know, but you do get around and you hear a lot of things. You know, most

folks, no matter how decent they are, just will not talk to the police.

Well, if I run across anything, Joe, I'll be sure to let you know.

See you.

Just a minute, Bart.

Are you going to see Giovanni Marchese?

How do you know?

You usually do every time you come to New Orleans. He's a good friend of

isn't he?

Let's just say he's a good acquaintance.

More important, he's a poor poker player.

If I had a clientele like him, I could retire.

I'm serious, Bart.

You know, Marchese is one of the leaders in the Italian colony here.

I'd counted on him for help, but he's refused me.

I suppose he's knuckled under like all the rest.

Maybe you can talk him into some kind of positive action.

Well, I'll try

The...

Excuse me. I didn't mean to startle you. I'm looking for Mr.

Marquesa.

Maverick!

Giovanni! I was wondering when you would come back to New Orleans.

I should have come back sooner.

Something beautiful has been added.

It's amazing what a pretty woman can do, boy. Since Carla came home from the

convent, my business has increased prodigiously.

She just smiles, and the men triple their orders.

Maverick, just think how successful I could have been with three younger

sisters.

Really, Giovanni.

You will stay with us, won't you, Mr. Maverick?

The name is Bart, and hers is Carla.

It's so seldom we have guests.

It's awfully hard to refuse such an invitation, but I can't impose on your

friendship. I think I'd better stay at the Bayard Hotel.

Don't be disappointed, little sister.

It's only because the Bayard has such delightful gambling rooms.

You both must excuse me. I'd forgotten the time. Your friend Elsa again?

I'm going to have to put my foot down. She's making a regular night owl of you.

When will you stop treating me like a child?

I guess she is growing up. You have your tenses mixed.

She has grown up.

Hey,

you picked a bad time to arrive in New Orleans. Last night was the end of the

Mardi Gras.

That's not all.

I seem to have gotten mixed up in a murder. A murder?

Just a few blocks from here.

An old man in a grocery store.

Oh, yes.

An Salmo Agostino.

Then you heard about it?

Of course.

Terrible thing, taking a man's life for a few dollars.

Chief Rawlins didn't seem to think it was robbery.

You talked to Rawlins?

By special request.

Also, Joe Petrino.

He asked me to talk to you about this black hand business.

What do you know about the black hand?

Just what he told me.

That some sort of secret society is putting pressure on the Italian quarter.

Do us both a favor.

Forget it.

Forget you ever heard the name.

But Trino is right.

Whether he is or not, it's no concern of yours.

I'm advising you as a friend, Maverick. Stay out of this. Don't ask questions.

It's something that involves only my people. And in due time, we will take

of it in our own way.

Police and outside interference will only bring about disaster.

Well, don't worry about me, Giovanni.

I like to keep things simple.

Tomorrow. Same time.

Maverick.

I believe this is a coincidence.

You are Senor Maverick, huh?

That's right.

I hear you have a fondness for poker.

You could say that's one of my vices.

Then perhaps you'd be kind enough to indulge in a game with me.

My pleasure, Mr... After you, senor.

I've always liked five -handed games.

Perhaps we could get another player.

Oh, that won't be necessary.

My friends prefer to watch.

This will be a little game between you and me, senor.

A couple of rounds of heads up.

But I must assure you, senor Maverick, you will not be wasting your time.

I'm a remarkably poor poker player.

But why... Shall we cut high card for deal?

We will play one more hand, Signore.

Suit yourself, friend, but isn't it an expensive poker lesson for you?

Perhaps not.

You have won around $3 ,000, huh?

That is approximately the value of an article I wish to have returned.

An article?

Yes.

One similar to this one.

It doesn't matter.

But I don't mind telling you.

It's a Siciliano good luck charm.

I collect that.

I've never seen one like it.

I have reason to believe you have one in your possession.

Me?

It was lost last night during an unfortunate incident in the Italian

Why do you think I have it?

The loser went back to look for it where he lost it.

He couldn't find it.

You contacted a party who might have given it to you.

A party who succumbed?

Yes.

Now, do you understand?

Well, I'm beginning to get the drift.

But if I had found it, I would have given it to the police.

But you did not do that.

How do you know?

I will not fence with words.

You have been amply compensated for its return.

I haven't seen it.

You insist, senor.

It looks like we're wasting our time.

Sit down.

Well, at least you have enough money to return to St. Louis.

I sincerely trust you will do that.

I hadn't given it a thought.

I have to stay here for the inquest of the party that succumbed.

Arrivederci, signore.

Did you win much?

I'm satisfied.

Oh, that's too bad. Too bad. What's going on around here? Who is that

That character is Mr. Beretti, a respected businessman.

And now, Mr. Maverick, if you haven't dined, I suggest the Royale down the

street two blocks and around the corner on Canal.

Thanks.

He doesn't have it on him.

No, Il Capo doesn't order his execution.

Mr. Maverick, is something wrong, sir?

Wrong? I'll give you that idea.

Boy, my key, please.

Of course, Mr. Maverick.

Thanks.

That, Henry, is demon rum.

Don't you hit me. I want some answers, friend. Why are you snooping?

I'm merely interested in your welfare.

Don't you let me worry about that.

Now, start talking.

What's going on with that sporting blood I was playing poker with?

Why don't you leave New Orleans while you can?

I've got 3 ,000 -odd reasons for staying.

All of them are dollars except one. Now, who's Beretti?

I'm afraid that's something you'll have to find out for yourself.

If you don't unhand me, I shall be forced to use my authority.

Your what?

I am the house detective.

Good night, Mr. Maverick.

House detective.

We'd better go back to the Miss Marquesa, Mr. Maverick relationship.

I don't understand.

Just tell me who your gentleman friend is, and I'll be on my way.

Gentleman friend?

I know you visited with Elsa last night.

Well, Elsa's a naughty girl.

She plays terrible poker and should shave more often.

You saw?

I saw.

I take it your brother doesn't know about your friend Beretti.

You won't tell him? I'm not interested in your private life, Carla.

Let's go out on the patio. We can talk there.

Your friend Elsa seems to be mixed up in this black -hand business.

But as Giovanni says, it's no concern of mine.

Then why... He clipped me for $3 ,500 last night, and I intend getting it back

with interest.

If I get the money back for you, will you go away and forget everything you

You are forgetting the interest.

I'll get it for you tonight.

Giovanni, he's in the wine cellar.

No,

in the big barrel.

She's all right, Giovanni. She's over there.

Are you all right? Yes. Mr. Maverick and I were in the patio.

Giovanni, guarda. Look.

So they knew.

They always know everything.

But how?

How is not important, Giovanni.

It is only by the grace of God we are not all dead.

You are right, Alberto.

It is foolish to hold any more meetings.

But what are we going to do?

What we should have done in the first place. Pay them.

Pay them and leave.

I suppose you are right.

If I were a young man again, with no family to... But I'm not young.

And I will pay.

And I suggest you do the same.

Adio, Giovanni.

We will find a way.

Will you, Giovanni?

Excuse me. Excuse me, please. Hold him back, officer.

All I can say is I'm sorry it had to happen to you.

Hello, Lieutenant.

Morning, Maverick.

You do get around, don't you?

Same goes for you.

Happens to be my job.

What's your explanation?

Just a friendly little visit.

Well, I'm going to have to make a report on this.

Which one of you wants to tell me what happened?

Come on, now. Don't all of you talk at the same time.

It was an accident, Lieutenant.

With the usual signature, I suppose.

Signore Marchesa, when will you realize you cannot fight this thing alone?

It was an accident.

wine shop always keeps explosives in the bottles and paints black hands on walls

for decoration.

I have nothing more to tell you, Lieutenant.

Now, if you don't try to help me on this situation...

Thank

you for saving my life a minute ago.

I never imagined anything like this.

I hope you know what you're doing.

For Giovanni's sake, I hope so.

Please take Giovanni's advice. This doesn't concern you.

I'm afraid it's concerning itself with me, Carla.

What are you going to do?

I'm going to go see your friend Beretti.

Mr. Beretti is a man of strong emotions.

He could be dangerous.

Especially from behind, in dark alleys.

Good morning, friend.

How are your knuckles this morning? I'm used to that gun, and I'll have to use

this one.

Let's go in and see your ball.

Yes, sir, Mr. Beretti. I'll let you know just as soon as I find out.

Oh, and thanks again, Mr. Beretti.

Officer Noonan.

Now, this is interesting.

What are you doing here?

Why the gun, Maverick? Take it easy, Noonan.

I've never shot an officer, not even a crooked one.

Why, you can't talk.

Good morning, Senor Maverick. I presume you want to talk to me?

As briefly as possible.

Private business matter, officer. You may go.

Come in.

Your information is against the law to carry concealed weapons in New Orleans.

In that case, inform your Major Domo.

You know why I'm here, Beretti.

Start counting it out.

3 ,500, I believe, huh?

That's principal.

Then there'll be some interest.

4 ,000.

My head's beginning to feel better.

You know, Senor Maverick, last night was a stupid mistake on my part.

But you make an even more stupid one if you do not return the article and leave

New Orleans.

Seems pretty important.

For sentimental reasons.

Not evidence?

Something that could implicate its owner with murder?

Maverick, I advise you to return it and get out of New Orleans.

We're tired of your interference.

We? So there is someone else. I thought you were just a front, a flunky.

Get out!

Pleasure. There's just one more thing.

You tell your number one boy to lay off Giovanni Marchesa.

I don't want anything to happen to him.

Nothing will happen to Marchesa.

Good.

Wipe that blabber lather off your ear.

Yes, Mr. Melvin.

I'll be checking out tonight. I'd like to leave a forwarding address.

Make it the plantation house in Natchez.

Yes, sir.

Can I give you a hand with that?

Why is it, Bart, I always find you in the most interesting situations?

Now, now, Joe, you don't think I did that. I'll answer that better after a

little investigation.

Leave everything as it is.

What are you going to do?

I have to take you in for questioning, Bart. You know that.

Yeah, I know.

Material witness.

This is all your fault, Petrino.

If you hadn't vouched for Maverick here, I'd have had him in jail on that

Agostino killing.

Along with that line of reasoning, you should have arrested the dead man, too,

Chief. That's enough out of you, Maverick. I'm just trying to help.

Three days in town and you're mixed up in two killings and a bombing. Well,

there won't be any more.

If you don't mind a suggestion... If you mention Beretti again, I'll throw you

in solitary.

It won't hurt to listen to him, sir.

On your say -so, Lieutenant Petrino, I had Beretti down here twice for

investigation. And both times he made a fool out of us.

Beretti's a highly respected man in the quarter.

I admit that, sir, but... I pride myself on knowing character.

Let me talk to a man for 15 minutes and I know that man.

Mr. Beretti is a credit to the community.

I can't say the same about some of the police officers around here.

I'll go along with that.

What? Just thinking out loud.

Lock him up. I want a full -scale investigation of this matter, Petrino.

Yes, sir.

Come along.

I don't suppose there's any bail.

There isn't.

Joe, how long you been on the force?

11 years. Why?

Don't count on making it 12.

Rawlings? He doesn't seem too fond of you.

I know.

He plays everything by the book.

Doesn't seem to realize that we're going to have to throw the book away if we

want to clear up this black hand business.

You got your problems.

Say, Bart, let's go over this thing once more.

You say you feel certain Beretti had your room searched looking for the

he thinks you have, right? What else?

What about the house detective?

He's a snoopy sort of fellow. He probably heard something and walked in

part he was doing the searching.

He recognized them, and that's why they killed him.

Hey,

in the poker game last night, did you notice anything particular about the

Bob Beretti was wearing?

Nothing in particular.

It was a medallion of some sort.

That's not much help.

He said it was a good luck charm.

Were there any particular markings on it?

Yeah.

Like a coat of arms.

Oh.

Sorry, Bart.

Joe.

Hmm? You want to start throwing that book away?

Let's check out Augustino's place again.

You and me?

Uh -huh.

Rawlings would take my head.

Well, it's a gamble, all right.

I'll say it's a gamble.

Joe.

You know, you may never make captain.

What kind of a hand you can deal?

Barton.

Just as

I

thought. Wild goose chase.

If there had been anything in there, my boys would have found it before this.

Hey, you kids. Go on home. Beat it.

Maybe one of those kids found it.

If they had fun at it, they wouldn't talk. They're just like the folks. They

won't say anything.

All right, now, Bart.

For me, once more, please.

Exactly what happened?

I don't know what happened inside. There were a lot of people around, but the

old man staggered out the door and stepped over the curb.

I was standing here when he fell.

I was standing... Oh, wait a minute. I was standing over here, and then I,

I came over to him like this, and he died, and I got up, and that's it.

He died right here in the street? Right here.

You know, if he did have something in his hand, it wouldn't necessarily be in

the shop. It would have to be out here in the street.

Joe, that drain.

Do you recognize it?

Well, I'm not up on my hair, Audrey, but it's Italian, all right.

You thinking what I'm thinking?

That's the one that Beretti had.

Let's find out.

Let's go.

I want to see Beretti. He ain't here.

You can't go in there.

You going shopping?

Boss going somewhere?

What if he is?

Where's he going, Calvini?

How do I know?

Just out of town till Lent is over.

Business is slow.

Bart.

Beretti's got to come back here sooner or later to pick up the luggage.

All I can do is put a man here to watch and wait.

Maybe not.

I have an idea.

Carla has a rendezvous with him every night.

Carla Marchese? That's right.

But Giovanni knows what kind of a man Beretti is. He wouldn't let her.

Giovanni doesn't know she's meeting him.

Imagine Beretti having his hands on a girl like Carla.

Women, Joe, they generally know what they're doing.

She must have a reason.

I thought so, too, that she was trying to protect Giovanni.

But then with that bombing this morning, it just doesn't add up.

Let's go see her before it gets too dark. Hey, Joe, I could use a bite to

Who wants to eat? Come on.

Joe.

I'd better go talk to her alone.

Why?

It's a cinch. She's not going to lead the police to Beretti. Let me eat it,

that matter.

Maybe I can scare her into going to him right away.

If anybody knows where he is, she does.

It's your hand. You play it.

Then keep out of sight.

Yeah.

Good evening, Rosalia.

Is Miss Marquesa at home?

Was there something you wanted, Mr. Maverick?

Oh, I just came to say goodbye. I'm leaving New Orleans in the morning.

I hope you have a pleasant trip.

Thank you.

Too bad my brother isn't here. He'll be sorry to have missed saying goodbye.

Oh? Where is Giovanni?

I don't know. He left about an hour ago. He didn't say where he was going.

Well, frankly, Carla, I had another reason for coming here tonight.

And what was that, Mr. Maverick?

Just some friendly advice.

I was talking to Lieutenant Petrino and he told me the police are looking for

your friend.

What for?

I think it would be wise to stay away from him. At least until all this police

business is straightened out.

Well, you haven't answered my question. Why are the police looking for Mr.

Beretti?

Murder.

The lieutenant seems to think they have a pretty good case against him.

Well, it's none of my business.

I better be on my way. I have some packing to do Pleasure to have met you

Bye

Well,

we wait

Told you Bonnie. I've gone to visit Elsa

No,

not now wait Now

She didn't have time to reach the next corner yet. She must be in one of these

shops.

Let's start working this side of the street.

The next step is to get control of the docks.

The very hot blood of New Orleans.

Then nobody will dare oppose the organization.

I plan good, huh, Giovanni?

You leave the planning to me, Beretti.

There is no more opposition.

Alberto was the last to convince.

Violence is not to my liking.

But our people force us to its use.

The bombing of my place is the end of the violence.

Almost the end, Giovanni.

But not quite.

Oh?

And what else is necessary?

You have dined well?

You want some more wine?

So that is why you invited me here.

I'm glad you remember some of the ways of the old country.

Carla. Giacomo, the police, they're looking for you.

Thank you, Caramilla.

But it is not for me they seek.

Carla, what are you doing here?

How long has this been going on?

Since the first time she came to ask about your safety.

Amusing, eh, Giovanni?

Yes, dear brother.

I'm in love with Giacomo.

He's a man, not a weakling like you are.

I think you better leave, Caramilla.

Stupid little fool.

You'll ruin everything.

Ready.

Who does this medallion belong to?

Your paisano, Lieutenant.

You know better than to ask that.

Sure.

Sure.

He may not be the top man, but we're getting close to him. We'll find him

or later.

Jill, let me see that medallion in a minute.

Where did you get this?

My brother.

It's all over, Giovanni.

You're the big boy.

Veretti was just fronting for you, even though he was trying to take over.

Oh, no, you don't.

You can't prove anything against me.

As for Veretti, it was self -defense.

You can see for yourself, the shotgun.

Veretti, don't!

No hard feelings, Maverick? Oh, no hard feelings, Chief.

I knew you'd take it that way.

Yes, sir. Give me 15 minutes with the man, and I'll tell you what kind of man

is.

You're all right, Maverick.

All right.

And just to prove it, I hereby make you honorary captain of the New Orleans

Police Department.

Say.

Well, thank you, Chief.

Not at all.

I'd better be on my way or I'm liable to miss my boat.

Next time I'm in New Orleans, I'll drop by to see you, Joe. Have a good trip,

Bart. Thanks.

Thank you, Chief.

Goodbye.

Quite a man, that Maverick.

Right, Sergeant?

He certainly is.

Sergeant? I gave you an order to lock him up, didn't I?

Yes, sir, but I thought in view of what happened that maybe I... Never mind what

happened. That's not the point. It was a direct order. You disobeyed it.

Yes, but I... I believe in iron discipline, Sergeant.

I get rid of a crooked officer like Noonan, I demote a disobedient one like

That's all.

Sure, I'll make, Captain.

What did you say, Sergeant?

I said I think I'll pick up gambling, sir.

Oh.

Riding the trail to who knows where, luck is his companion, gambling is his

game. Smooth as a handle on a gun, Maverick is the name.

Wild as the wind in Oregon, blowing up a canyon, easier to tame.

Riverboat, ring your bell, fare thee well Annabelle, luck is the lady that he

loves the best.

Maverick is a legend of the

West.