Original subtitles

TOHO CO., LTD.

A TOHO-KUROSAWA PRODUCTION

HIGH AND LOW

Produced by TOMOYUKI TANAKA and RYUZO KIKUSHIMA

Written by HIDEO OGUNI, EIJIRO HISAITA,

RYUZO KIKUSHIMA and AKIRA KUROSAWA

Cinematography by ASAKAZU NAKAI and TAKAO SAITO

Music by MASARU SATO Production Design by YOSHIRO MURAKI

Starring

TOSHIRO MIFUNE

TATSUYA NAKADAI

KYOKO KAGAWA TATSUYA MIHASHI

ISAO KIMURA, KENJIRO ISHIYAMA TAKESHI KATO, TAKASHI SHIMURA

JUN TAZAKI NOBUO NAKAMURA, YUNOSUKE ITO

TSUTOMU YAMAZAKI, MINORU CHIAKI EIJIRO TONO, YUTAKA SADA

Directed by AKIRA KUROSAWA

So what exactly is it you want?

Look, National Shoes is in business to make money.

That's right. You should think twice about this model.

Do you really think it will boost sales?

Hold on a second.

We're not losing money.

They're great shoes, but they cost too much.

And they're old-fashioned.

And another thing.

They're too durable.

If shoes don't wear out, we don't sell any.

Look, Gondo, women see shoes as accessories,

like hats and handbags.

They flock to stylish designs at affordable prices.

Exactly.

Our shoes are practical.

Women's hats don't wear long.

Why should their shoes?

You're wrong. Shoes and hats aren't the same.

A woman wears a hat on her head,

but shoes carry all her weight.

1-0 for you.

Listen, you may be happy with our product line,

but as director I have to ask why sales have been flat.

That's why we're here.

What are you asking me to do?

Let me be frank.

We are the directors of National Shoes.

I'm in charge of sales and operations. You run the factory.

Ishimaru takes care of design. Kamiya handles marketing.

Kawanishi is your right hand,

and a future executive.

We're all agreed on what our problem is.

And what might that be?

Our president.

The Old Man's backward. His dream shoe is an army boot.

But he holds enough stock to dominate the shareholder meetings.

We can't do a thing.

Show him the sample.

Look at this style, this taste. It's a sure winner.

Ishimaru, this is a masterpiece.

And we can make them at half the cost.

Well?

What would the Old Man say?

We won't let him say anything.

He may own a lot of stock, but what if we join forces?

He holds 25%.

You three together hold 21%.

Not enough to vote him out.

Gondo...

we included your holdings in our calculations.

What do you say? Will you join us?

With your 13%, we'd have 34%.

More than enough to boot the Old Man out.

And who'd be the new president?

Well, you're certainly a candidate, but –

But since this plan was Baba's idea,

he'll be the next president.

You'll be executive director.

Fair enough?

The Old Man may be old-fashioned,

but at least he makes real shoes.

Yours are trash.

Listen to me.

I started as an apprentice at National Shoes when I was 16.

Aside from time in the army, I've spent 30 years of my life there.

I know every sound and smell in that factory.

We've made many shoes. I remember them all.

They were all good, durable shoes.

I can't put our name on garbage like this.

Listen! This shoe wouldn't last a month.

There's no steel shank.

The insole is cardboard,

glued rather than properly stitched.

The inner lining is flimsy.

You want money for this?

But the costs –

Costs are eating our profits.

- Business is business! - I know that!

I love this business more than I can say.

Shoes are my life. I won't do slipshod work.

So you'll keep making the Old Man's army boots?

No. He's wrong too.

He's wrong. We're wrong. What's left?

I'll make my ideal shoes: comfortable, durable, yet stylish.

Expensive to make maybe,

but profitable in the long run.

How romantic. Only we won't let you.

If we vote with the Old Man, we can force you out.

Be my guest. The shareholders' meeting is next month.

Kawanishi, show the gentlemen the door.

Leaving already?

Pardon us, Mrs. Gondo.

Why isn't my husband seeing you out?

If you'll excuse us.

What just happened?

Nothing.

It certainly didn't look that way.

Don't worry. You wouldn't understand.

It's business.

You always say that to keep me quiet.

What's he got up his sleeve?

You're his right-hand man. You must know his plan.

The son of a bitch, kicking us out! Must be pretty sure of himself.

What's he up to?

Why didn't you ask him yourself?

Don't be a wiseass.

You may not know his scheme,

but help us stop him and we'll make you a director.

Please don't tempt me.

You want to be his flunky forever? Think it over.

Jun, that's enough!

They're furious.

Will we be all right?

Wait and see.

A new round of feuding?

Sure looks like it.

They want to kick me out, but I've taken measures.

They'd have to be pretty serious. What measures?

I don't want to say until everything's in place.

Then I'll do them all in.

Jun really takes after you.

You both love blood sport.

Jun!

Oh, Shinichi, it's you. - I'm the sheriff this time.

Jun, is it your turn to be the outlaw?

Well, don't run. Hide and then ambush the sheriff.

A man must kill or be killed.

Now go. And don't lose.

- You get worse by the day. - What do you mean?

Your attitude.

Success isn't worth losing your humanity.

A woman can't understand.

This isn't about wanting to become president.

I just want to make shoes my way.

Yes, it is.

Osaka Hotel? Did you call Osaka?

One moment.

Hello?

Room 310, please. Gondo calling.

Hello. It's me. How'd it go? All settled?

How much? Within my limit?

Great work!

Good. Settle the deal. And quickly.

Call me again when it's done.

I'll send the deposit tonight.

I'm counting on you.

I want you to go to Osaka. Book a flight.

Use the phone upstairs. I'm waiting for a call.

Is everything all right?

Something about this scares me.

Hello. Yes, it's me.

It's all set? Great, thanks.

Just a moment.

Well?

10:00 p.m. flight.

Kawanishi's off at 10:00 with a check for 50 million.

Time for a toast.

I kept you two in the dark, but now I can talk about it.

My share isn't 13%.

I've bought 15% more over the last three years,

and just now on the phone, I bought another 19%.

That's 47%.

Even with the Old Man, they only have 46%.

It was a risky move, but National Shoes is mine.

But where did you get that kind of money?

I borrowed against everything, including this house.

It was hard work raising 50 million.

One yen less and Osaka would have refused.

Now I don't even own the clothes on my back.

I've bet my entire fortune.

But wait a minute.

This is just the deposit, isn't it?

That's usually one third. Where's the other 100 million?

If I gain control of the company, I'll get the rest.

In shock? Have a drink.

Excuse me.

Have you seen my boy, Shinichi?

He and Jun are outside. What is it?

I brought this for him.

I'll call Jun.

Aoki, drive Kawanishi to the airport.

My flight's at 10:00.

Yes, this is Gondo.

What? You've kidnapped my son?

What kind of joke is this?

It's not a joke.

Listen.

I have your son.

If you do as I say, I'll let him live.

Get 30 million yen.

Thirty million?

No consecutive serial numbers.

- One thousand 10,000-yen notes – - Wait a second!

- One thousand – - 10,000-yen notes.

Three thousand 5,000-yen notes,

and five thousand 1,000-yen notes.

Total: 30 million yen.

Thirty million!

Have it ready by tomorrow. I'll have more details then.

If you love your son, don't call the police.

No, of course not.

So long, Mr. Gondo.

Thirty million yen? Just hurry and pay it!

Get Jun back!

Calm down!

I'll get him back, no matter what it costs.

I can raise more money later.

I'll call the police.

Fool! You'll put Jun in danger.

- Kingo! - Don't worry! It'll be all right!

Mom, did you call me?

Jun!

What's the matter, Mom?

What's going on?

What kind of sick joke is this?

Jun, where's Shinichi?

Don't know. I hid like you said, but he never came.

Some sheriff!

Wait, Shinichi was wearing Jun's outfit.

Even I got them mixed up.

Shinichi!

Call the police.

No, you can't! What'll happen to Shinichi?

The kidnapper will realize he has the wrong kid.

A chauffeur can't pay a ransom. He'll let him go.

But I won't let him get away with this.

- Is that the police? - No.

A department store delivery.

Odd at this hour.

What the hell's taking them so long?

Aoki, don't worry yourself to death.

Any way you look at it, Shinichi has to be safe.

Kingo, it's the police.

Madam, would you mind closing all the drapes?

I'm Chief Inspector Tokura.

From the streets below, if he has a telescope,

the kidnapper can see this entire room.

Any other phones in the house? - One upstairs.

- Are they listed? - Just this one.

The phone's over there, guys.

We'll install a listening device to record his calls.

But, Inspector, I doubt he'll call again

when he realizes he has the wrong child.

He may still think he has your son.

Broadcast the mistake on radio and TV.

If we do, he'll know you contacted us.

So?

He warned you he'd kill the boy if you did.

That's when he thought it was my son.

He has to return a child whose father can't pay.

You may think so,

but he may not.

Kidnapping cases are difficult.

The hostage is his protection.

On our way here the chief told us,

“Save the child first, then catch the kidnapper.”

We must be especially careful in this case.

The highest ransom ever demanded was two million,

with most in the range of 200,000 to 300,000.

Thirty million is an extraordinary sum.

The kidnapper's extreme.

He may be mentally disturbed.

Are you the boy's father?

He's a widower. It's his only child too.

Will you get my boy back?

We'll do everything we can.

What will you do next?

Wait for his next move. It's all we can do.

I know how hard it is just to wait,

but it's safest for the boy.

All set.

Have the phone company trace all incoming calls.

This way, please.

- Where's your son, Mrs. Gondo? - In the dining room.

Taguchi, ask him everything about the kidnapping.

No, wait. Nakao, you do it.

Taguchi might frighten the boy.

Taguchi, you talk to the father.

Do you have a recent picture?

Yes. I'll get it.

I should drive Mr. Kawanishi to the airport soon.

You're in no shape to drive. Kawanishi, take a cab.

Wait. It may be the kidnapper.

Upstairs phone.

Keep him talking.

We may be able to trace him.

Go ahead.

Hello. Gondo speaking.

Hello. Gondo speaking.

I got the wrong boy.

But before you start celebrating, listen:

I don't care whose boy it is. You're still paying.

You can't be serious. Why me?

Don't ask questions.

It's simple: Pay the 30 million or the boy dies.

This is absurd!

Exactly. It's absurd.

Taking the wrong boy was a lucky break.

Did you know, Mr. Gondo, that it's only extortion

when you threaten a person or his kin?

In other words, this doesn't count.

But you have to pay anyway.

You're a fool to pay, but pay you must.

Who says I'll pay? I absolutely will not!

You will.

You won't let him die.

You don't have the guts, Mr. Gondo.

He's a monster.

Smartest crook I ever saw.

Kidnap any child off the street, then pick a millionaire to squeeze.

And he's right: It wouldn't be extortion,

or even kidnapping for ransom.

Just simple kidnapping. He'd get five years at most.

This is no joke.

I won't let him laugh at me like this.

Inspector, he's not just after my money.

He wants to humiliate me, see me suffer,

make me throw away my hard-earned money!

He wants to make a laughingstock out of me.

I'll say this loud and clear: I won't let him. I won't pay.

I'll spell it out next time he calls.

No ransom! Never!

Ow! Mom, that hurts.

Put Jun to bed.

I'm not sleepy. I'll wait for Shinichi.

He understands very well what's happened.

He feels responsible for it.

I feel the same way.

No one's responsible. The man is a maniac!

But Shinichi was kidnapped in your son's place. That's why I –

So you think he should pay the ransom?

You know the position Mr. Gondo is in.

But he was willing to pay for his own son.

He said he could raise more money later.

How? From where?

He's mortgaged everything.

He couldn't raise more money to save his own life.

Giving 30 million to a madman –

That's enough!

- Let's go to bed. - But I –

You don't have to sleep. Just go to your room.

Inspector.

Can you guarantee the boy's safety if Mr. Gondo pays?

The boy may already be dead,

or he may be killed afterwards.

Then what's the sense in paying?

That's true.

But if he's alive, paying may make the difference.

We can only hope it does.

And what would the kidnapper do if he isn't paid?

Would he actually kill the boy?

He seems intelligent, from the way he talks.

Killing a child is a capital offense.

I doubt he'd risk death just because he wasn't paid.

But as Mr. Gondo pointed out, he seems obsessed.

His cynical logic betrays a sick mind.

We must believe he'll carry it through:

If he's paid, he'll return the child.

If not, I'm afraid he'll kill the child as threatened.

This is a vicious case.

I'll ask the chief to deploy the special investigation unit.

See what you can find out here.

Mr. Gondo, please alert us before answering this phone.

What about me? Am I still going to Osaka?

If I am, I'd better hurry.

Why are you hesitating? What's there to think about?

Pay the ransom and we're ruined. It's that simple.

Go.

I'm going, no matter who's calling.

All right, go.

Kawanishi, wait!

Inspector!

Keep him talking longer this time.

Upstairs phone, okay?

Hello. This is Gondo.

The boy's fine. I'll let him talk to you.

Daddy? Are you there?

Shinichi!

Whether he lives or dies depends on you.

Think it over carefully.

Goodnight, Mr. Gondo.

He got away again.

Please save my son!

Asking you to pay that kind of money –

Until I heard his voice,

I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

But now I'm begging you.

Once he's safe, the police will get your money back.

If you could just lend it to me for now,

I'll do everything you want until the day I die.

I'll make Shinichi work too. Anything you want.

Stop it! Get up! Damn it, stand up!

Please save Shinichi!

Stand up! Please, stop it!

I want to pay, but I can't. You don't understand.

I'm going, all right?

Wait.

Get up. Please get up.

He won't let your son die.

I'll ask on your behalf. Put your mind at ease.

It'll be all right.

Isn't Shinichi back yet?

Postpone Osaka until tomorrow.

I said we'll wait!

Then I'll return this for the time being.

Excuse me. I'm tired.

Pardon me, but could you keep the curtains closed?

Oh, sorry.

You all slept here?

No, the Bos'n and I –

Bos'n?

Bos'n is head of the detective squad.

In Yokohama, much of our work is connected with the harbor.

“Bos'n” fits him perfectly. He's a real slave driver.

He dragged me out all last night.

You're the one who dragged me out.

Sneaking over walls,

hiding until morning, not knowing if we're detectives or thieves.

Last night the chief set up a special investigation.

We can use the whole prefectural police force.

Also, though the kidnapper claims it isn't extortion,

he's driven you into a corner.

He's exploiting your suffering, and that's “kidnapping for gain.”

It's a maximum of 15 years' imprisonment.

His being in prison won't stop me from going under.

His deadline is today.

I thought it over all night.

This is my decision.

The boy's father wants me to lend him the money.

He says once his boy's safe, you'll get my money back.

But even if you guarantee me that, I won't pay the ransom.

I'd get it back too late.

Without that money now, I'll lose everything.

Please understand me.

This is who I am. My work is a part of me.

I'd be as good as dead without it.

You may think it's heartless, but I refuse to pay.

That's not true.

I know he'll pay.

Just stop it.

I won't – no, I can't pay, no matter what you say.

I told you why last night, yet still you persist.

Listen: You know what'll happen if I pay?

I'll be penniless – no, worse.

I'll be saddled with debt and forced out of the firm.

You'll be all right. You can start over.

You don't know the first thing about poverty.

From the day you were born you've had big houses and cars,

servants tending to your every whim.

Your whole life has been luxury.

Maybe I could start over, but you – never!

Yes, I could. I don't care about luxury.

It's all you've ever known.

That's why you can tell me to pay 30 million yen.

It means nothing to you. You're spoiled.

It's not that.

Don't you feel anything for poor Aoki?

Of course! It takes all my strength not to cave in to his begging.

I'd pay in a second if I could.

But I can't sacrifice everything for him.

There's you, and Jun, and my own survival.

This is ridiculous!

There are plenty of people richer than I am. Why me?

And at a time like this!

It would be suicide to pay. Why should I?

I know.

But there's no other choice.

Aoki has nobody to ask but you.

I'm asking too. So is Jun.

Enough! Nobody has the right to ask this of me.

That's final. I'm not paying any ransom.

Kawanishi, you're just in time.

Take this check and get to Osaka.

Well, I've been thinking it over.

- What? - About that check.

Whether I should take it or not.

You said there was nothing to think about!

Well, I was confused.

But just hear me out.

If I go to Osaka and close this deal,

you'll take over National Shoes.

But you'd be hated by the public for sacrificing a child!

You'd be ruined. No one would buy your shoes.

That's enough! You're not paid to think!

Stop arguing and go.

Please think this through.

Think how Mrs. Gondo must feel.

After all, wasn't her dowry the basis of your fortune?

She has a say in this,

and she wants you to pay.

And destroy myself?

I know how much this money means to you.

But a human life means more.

We're talking about a helpless child –

“Human life”? “Helpless child”?

I've never heard such words from your lips.

What happened to the cold-blooded businessman?

When were you reborn?

What happened after you left last night?

Nothing happened. I just...

If my takeover succeeds, you'll be made a director.

Knowing that, you were ready to go last night,

arguing with Reiko, bad-mouthing the cops, even pestering me.

Yet today –

You want to sabotage my takeover, don't you?

No. I just –

Answer me! If I pay the ransom, the deal goes up in smoke.

That's what you want!

What are you up to?

Shall I answer for you?

If this deal fails, so do I,

and three men stand to celebrate.

Bastard, you sold me out to those three, didn't you?

Yes.

- You told them about Osaka? - Everything.

Worthless scum!

Maybe I am. But let me have my say.

You weakened last night –

enough to pay the ransom.

What would happen to me then? If I stake my life on you, I have nothing.

You'd be selling out your loyal servant of 10 years.

What I did was self-defense.

Get out!

I'll go.

But you'll be the next to hear those very words.

Baba and the Old Man are talking as we speak.

But I still have this, so I can still kick you all out.

I wonder.

Maybe the kidnapper's right. You don't have the guts to let him die.

Get out!

Mr. Gondo.

I know it's late to be saying this...

but you have the right to protect your own livelihood.

It's our duty to help you.

We want to save the child,

but not by sacrificing you.

Still, we hope you'll do one thing:

When the kidnapper calls, say you'll pay.

You only have to say the words.

Just ask him when and where.

We'll take it from there.

Forgive me, boss.

I didn't realize how unreasonable my request was.

Please don't worry about Shinichi.

I think the kidnapper was just bluffing.

No human being could kill an innocent child.

Anyway, Shinichi is a clever boy.

I'm sure he'll find a chance to escape.

Where's Mr. Gondo?

Mr. Gondo!

Phone! Hurry!

Hello. This is Gondo.

Mr. Gondo, you're not up to any tricks, are you?

What do you mean?

Curtains closed in broad daylight. A first time.

- You can see us? - Quite well.

You're on a hilltop.

It's hot as hell down here.

An inferno. Feels like 105 degrees.

But you must be nice and cool with your air-conditioning.

I understand the closed windows, but why the drapes?

What are you up to?

Nothing.

Nothing?

People always say that when they're up to something.

Then I'll open the drapes and prove it to you.

Good. I can see you now.

Your wife, the chauffeur.

Just the three of you?

That's right.

Well, then, let's continue.

Have you decided to pay, Mr. Gondo?

I have no choice. I'll pay.

And is the money ready?

It will be by evening. But only if the boy's unharmed.

- You heard him. - No, I want to see him.

- And if I refuse? - I won't pay. That's final.

Sounds fishy.

Well, I'll think it over, Mr. Gondo.

Stay there!

Be careful! The kidnapper's watching.

Damn.

Just a little longer and I could've traced it.

Thank you, Mr. Gondo.

By saying you'd pay, you bought us more time.

Your demand was also very helpful.

If he accepts it, we can formulate a plan.

Bank of Tokyo?

This is Gondo of National Shoes. The branch manager, please.

Yes, hello.

This is short notice. Send over 30 million yen in cash.

No new bills, and no consecutive numbers.

Sorry to trouble you,

but I need one thousand 10,000 notes,

three thousand 5,000 notes,

and five thousand 1,000 notes.

Yes, right away.

Thank you.

That's enough. Don't say anything.

I don't know what to say.

Enough. Leave me alone.

- What is it? - Mom's crying.

Hello. This is Gondo.

Mr. Gondo, you're not up to any tricks, are you?

I hear a coin dropping.

Check all the pay phones in this area.

The kidnapper's right. One case holds 15 million yen.

What a sight, eh?

Hello. This is Gondo.

Got the money?

Yes, but –

I accept your condition. You'll see the boy first.

- When? - Tomorrow.

We'll swap the boy for the money.

Where?

Calm down and listen carefully.

Get two briefcases, less than 2.75 inches thick.

The money should just barely fit.

Close them tight but don't lock them: I want ready access.

Take them on tomorrow's Kodama No. 2 express train.

Understood? That's all. - Where am I going?

Get on and you'll see, Mr. Gondo.

Bos'n,

I doubt he's dumb enough to make the exchange on the train.

Will he try a station?

That's risky, too. I wouldn't try it if I were him.

Two briefcases under 2.75 inches thick.

What's that all about?

“Get on and you'll see.” Shit.

By the way, Bos'n...

where should we hide these in the cases?

That's not a job for amateurs. I'll call a specialist.

What do you need?

We want to find him with these briefcases.

We intentionally chose an unusual style.

They're so conspicuous, he'll have to get rid of them.

He'll have to bury them, sink them, or burn them.

If the powder in this capsule gets wet,

it gives off a putrid smell.

The powder in this pouch emits a pink smoke when burnt.

It's not much to go on,

but it just might give us a lead.

Reiko!

Would you find my old tool kit for me?

How long to record just the 1,000-yen notes?

At ten a minute, that's 5,000 in 500 minutes.

That's eight hours, 20 minutes. Ten hours with breaks.

Isn't that a waste of time? I never notice serial numbers.

We can't neglect any possible means of finding him.

When the boy's back safely, I'll flush that rat out.

I'd burn him alive.

Fifteen years maximum? To hell with that!

The capsule should go here,

and the pouch goes there.

In the old days, shoemakers made cases too.

My training as an apprentice comes in handy once again.

It's like I'm starting over already.

He's really something.

I waste no love on the rich, since I grew up poor.

At first I despised him, but now...

Excuse me.

THE BOY'S NOT ON THE TRAIN

This isn't a pleasure trip.

Railway Telephone Service

paging Mr. Kingo Gondo of National Shoes.

Please take your call in the buffet car phone booth.

- It's the kidnapper. - What do we do?

The next stop is Atami. Will they do the switch there?

Go get some coffee.

I'm Mr. Gondo.

Coffee.

We just passed Kozu.

Perfect.

Listen carefully.

You'll cross the Sakawa River in two minutes.

You'll see him at the foot of the bridge.

Coffee.

The boy's at the foot of the next bridge.

I'm to toss the money at the other side.

These windows don't open.

He said the washroom windows open 2.75 inches.

Son of a bitch! That explains it!

There's no stop until Atami. He'll get away clean.

The bastard thought of everything. A real monster.

An emergency stop would endanger the boy.

He's got us from every angle.

There must be two of them: one with the kid, one to grab the money.

We'll get a glimpse. Which side is the boy on?

- The left. - You'll toss the cases from here?

Yes, from the washroom window.

We'll confirm it's the boy from here.

You all split up to take pictures.

Still photos on the left, 8mm in the front and rear.

The bridge is coming up. Get a good look at the boy.

I only know him from photos. It could be a switch.

Don't worry. I'm trading my life for that boy.

I won't make a mistake.

Shinichi!

Are you sure?

We can't rest until we find that kidnapper.

For Mr. Gondo's sake, be bloodhounds.

Can you see inside the living room?

This is the best view so far.

He may live around here.

But would he use a phone this close to home?

Let's try the next one.

The kidnapper's right. That house gets on your nerves.

As if it's looking down at us.

CLEVER KIDNAPPER USES EXPRESS TRAIN

RANSOM FOR DRIVER'S SON IS 30 MILLION YEN

SHOE EXEC THROWS ENTIRE FORTUNE OUT THE WINDOW

ALL POLICE UNITS MOBILIZED

Police say money was not the kidnapper's only motive.

His phone calls have a taunting tone,

suggesting extraordinary hatred for Mr. Gondo.

The kidnapper wanted not only to steal money,

but also to torment and ridicule Mr. Gondo in the process.

Yet Gondo's sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.

Words of sympathy have grown into national acclaim for him.

How will the kidnapper react to this?

If he's listening, I'll tell him this:

Mr. Gondo is having the last laugh!

We learned from Shinichi

that a woman held him.

Unfortunately, hats hid the faces of both the man and the woman,

making identification impossible.

But their movements may provide important clues.

Watch carefully.

Well?

Any idea who they may be?

Don't hesitate to say if you have any idea.

Delivery boys, milkmen,

gardeners, junk collectors, salesmen.

Try to remember everyone who's come through here.

This kind of thing might come to you suddenly.

Take your time.

Bos'n, the 8mm films are well shot, but not much help yet.

The figure is blurred in the photos, but they're helpful.

Look at this.

This is the accomplice.

See this tiny figure here? That's a farmer leading a cow.

He gave us some useful information.

He saw a man with two briefcases run into the shadows here

and then drive off.

We checked the area and found skid marks.

It seems he ran into a concrete railing,

leaving behind paint scrapings.

By having them checked, we determined the following:

The car was a gray '59 Toyopet Crown.

This is the car you rode in, isn't it?

Yes.

- Can we go? - Sure.

Shinichi, try harder to remember everything.

You were at a house with a view of the sea and Mt. Fuji?

What road did the car take from there to the river?

- I don't remember. - Try harder, damn it!

What did you see from the car window?

Lots of things.

That's not good enough!

I'm asking you to try harder. What did you see?

- I can't – - Shinichi!

Aoki, stop this.

When you remember, kiddo, come tell us, okay?

Mr. Aoki, we know how you feel.

We feel the same way.

We're desperate to capture the culprit and return the money.

We owe Mr. Gondo at least that much.

Guests, sir.

Anyway, Mr. Aoki, go easier on the boy.

Excuse me.

Shinichi's already recalled some key information.

They covered his face with gauze soaked in ether.

He went to a house with a view of Mt. Fuji and the sea.

Well, that's all for today.

Oh, one more thing.

We've received a mountain of mail.

Mr. Gondo went through a horrible experience,

but everyone admires him.

That lifts our spirits a bit too.

You're a hero, and the public is very sympathetic,

but what about National Shoes?

A battle for ownership won't be pretty.

We hear your position is shaky.

Is that true?

Frankly, we're worried.

Sympathy costs nothing,

but we've invested real money. We have no sympathy for you.

As your principal creditors,

we've reached a decision together.

We're returning the interest you sent yesterday

to postpone paying us the principal.

Pay us in full when it falls due.

If you don't, we'll seize your collateral property.

Public opinion aside, Mr. Gondo, you can't pay a kidnapper

and leave us footing the bill.

The Gondo residence is visible

from Nishi Ward and parts of Naka Ward.

There are some places where changes in elevation,

trees, or large structures block the view.

Those locations are shown with hatch lines.

The Gondo living room can be seen clearly

with an ordinary telescope

from any point within this circle.

It can also be seen from the inside

of seven phone booths within this perimeter.

Those are indicated by these X marks.

Three of those seven allow a good view

even when using a telescope while on the phone.

Those are indicated by these circled X marks.

We believe the suspect used one of these phones.

He also complained that it was very hot.

He called a little before 9:00 a.m.

We checked which booths receive the most direct sunlight at that hour.

Of these three,

this one is shaded in the morning.

So it is safe to assume

that the suspect used one of the other two.

The recorded conversations suggest

he was looking through the telescope while on the phone.

So we can narrow down his place of residence

to this vicinity.

Judging from his voice, he's a young male.

But with the boy he wore a mask and dark glasses.

Not much to go on there.

Next we have a report on the railway phone.

You can only call the express train from Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya.

The call is relayed by microwave, but with a long delay,

so it was easy to trace the origin of the call.

Yurakucho 2-6, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

A tobacco shop near the train station.

But the old lady at the shop had bad eyes

and even worse hearing.

It was hopeless.

We asked around at all the shops in the vicinity,

but no one could recall

a man placing a call at the tobacco shop at that hour.

Next.

The boy mentioned Mt. Fuji and the sea.

Any leads?

We had him draw a picture.

The call with the boy was a direct-dial local call.

Places with a view of Mt. Fuji and the sea

where you can call Yokohama without an operator

include Zushi, Fujisawa, Chigasaki and part of Kamakura.

The sun in the picture appears to be setting.

This appears all along the coast.

Next, the ether.

It's not easy to trace back to a source.

Pharmacies don't carry it.

Hospitals and larger clinics buy it wholesale.

There is also industrial-grade ether, used in welding.

So it's too early to say the suspect

is a doctor, pharmacist, or medical student.

Industrial-grade ether is used

in building ships, railroad cars and automobiles,

as well as in small iron works

and repair shops.

That's all.

Next, the car.

The farmer said it had white plates, so it's privately owned.

Crooks generally don't use a family car,

so I checked on stolen vehicles.

This month, 18 Toyopets were stolen.

However, 12 were recovered before the kidnapping.

That leaves six. Only one is gray, like our paint sample.

It was stolen the day before the kidnapping.

The license number...

is Kanagawa SO3059.

Since the plates may have been changed,

Vehicle Theft is checking all gray '59 Toyopets on the road.

That's all.

Good. Next, the 1000-yen notes.

We compiled a list of serial numbers

for tobacco shops, cafeterias, cafés and movie theaters.

Goodwill for Mr. Gondo makes the owners eager to help,

but none of the notes have turned up yet.

Next, reports from the public.

We've received 1,305 reports of sightings,

only a few of which are from cranks.

All reported seeing men with boys of Shinichi's age,

but many of the sightings occurred before he was kidnapped

or after he was recovered.

And he was seen at the same time

in places far removed from each other.

We're trying to corroborate the reports.

One promising report we received today

was from a turnpike toll collector.

About 7:00 p.m. the night of the kidnapping,

a man in dark glasses drove up.

A boy was sleeping under a blanket in the back seat.

The car was dark. He couldn't see the boy's face,

but he did notice a toy rifle and a cowboy hat.

The man was headed toward Fujisawa.

This is our best lead so far.

We're now reexamining all reports from that area.

Next, the railway connection.

The Kodama train's infrastructure

is not that different from other express trains.

The suspect is very familiar with the system,

but that doesn't necessarily mean

that he's a railroad man.

We nonetheless ran a check on all employees

with connections to express trains

who were absent during the kidnapping

or had quit just prior to it,

and those living in view of the Gondo home.

There were very few. I'll have a final report tomorrow.

That's all.

Next, grudges or other motives.

I met today with the National Shoes executives.

What a bunch of assholes.

A grudge?

Inspector, you think we were behind the kidnapping?

Think we set it all up to get rid of Gondo?

That's absurd. We went that night to join forces with him.

On bended knee even. - He almost did us in.

We had no idea of his plans until Kawanishi informed us.

Serves him right.

He was secretly buying stock to take over the company.

Then this incident comes along and ruins him.

I'd call it divine retribution.

It's not that I doubt you,

but you've known Mr. Gondo a long time.

I just wondered if there was anyone

who might have held a grudge against him.

Where should we start?

We couldn't even name them all.

One more question.

The kidnapping occurred just after you left his home.

Did you notice anything near the gate?

A car, for instance, or a suspicious person?

Look here! He'd just thrown us out. We weren't admiring the view.

They were no help.

But at the factory –

Mr. Gondo has a sharp temper for sure,

but he also cares a lot about the work.

He's an excellent boss if you do a good job.

I doubt anyone here

holds a grudge against him,

except maybe the front office.

Here's what I think:

Nobody holds a grudge against Mr. Gondo...

except the big shots.

They'd give the kidnapper a medal!

Taguchi, calm down.

Now for the results of this meeting.

Inspector Tokura.

So far, this case seems impossible to break.

But the criminal must be in these details.

Follow every lead through to the bitter end.

It may be fruitless, but when you're discouraged...

think of what Mr. Gondo's going through.

Take the boy tomorrow

for a drive along the shore.

Cover every mile until you find this view.

If you can jog his memory, you may find the hideout.

It's Vehicle Theft.

Tokura speaking.

That's great news.

We'll be right there. Don't touch anything.

They found the car.

Abandoned on a highway. Call the crime-scene unit.

Have more men bunk at the station, with the rest on call.

It's spattered with mud, but there's been no rain lately.

It's actually dust combined with splashed water.

What's this?

- What's wrong? - Everybody listen to this.

Hello. This is Gondo.

The boy's fine. I'll let him talk to you.

Daddy? Are you there?

Hear that trolley?

So?

A trolley passes by the hideout.

Three lines pass through Zushi, Fujisawa, Chigasaki and Kamakura:

the JR, Odayaku and Enoshima lines.

Each has a distinctive sound. Maybe a specialist could tell which it is.

I'll be back.

Enoshima Rail? You're sure?

You bet your boots. I live right next to the tracks.

That sound

isn't a pantograph trolley.

It's an old-style, single-pole trolley.

Only the Enoshima line uses those old lines nowadays.

Plus, their line has a lot of curves,

and they use short rails with lots of joints.

Also, the wheelbase is narrow, so it goes...

instead of...

Thank you very much.

Is Mr. Aoki in?

I'm sorry. He's out.

Is he at your husband's office?

No.

Where is he?

He took Shinichi for a drive.

He wants to jog Shinichi's memory to help find the kidnapper.

He just won't let up, will he?

Give him a break. He feels he has to do something.

You're sure he let you out here?

- From which way? - That way.

Watch carefully out the back as we go.

Tell me if you remember anything.

Now what?

We can't do anything without the boy.

My guess is Aoki will go to the Sakawa River.

Take the Tokaido Highway.

Daddy!

What? Remember something?

I peed over there.

We're looking for Aoki. Once we have the boy, we'll head for the shore.

Hold on. I just got word from the lab.

There's a lot of fish blood and oil on the stolen car.

They also found mackerel scales and bonito.

That's what was splashed on the hood of the car.

He drove through a lot of fish offal.

It must've been at a fish market.

The Koshigoe market is the only one near that trolley.

Take a look over there. We'll handle Aoki.

Got it.

Around here we mainly catch bonito and mackerel.

But that's not enough to fill local demand,

so we have other kinds trucked in from Tokyo.

Thanks. By the way, where does the Enoshima trolley run?

Under that bluff.

Does the view from there...

look anything like this?

Let's see.

You should be able to see Enoshima Island from there.

But if you go further right, to the hill near the station...

that cape is in front of Enoshima, with a view just like this.

You saw Enoshima Island, right?

You must have.

But we didn't come this way.

Bos'n, I feel we're getting closer.

Let's go up that hill. Try not to look like a cop.

I'm not the problem.

You, on the other hand, would need plastic surgery.

Daddy! I saw this tunnel!

What? You passed by here?

From which direction?

That way.

Shinichi, is this the spot?

Hey, look at that.

Enoshima doesn't look like an island from here.

Let's head back.

They must have Aoki by now.

We'll wait at the fish market. If the boy shows us the way,

with any luck we'll raid the hideout tonight.

You got your pistol?

Of course. I'm not going after a madman with my bare hands.

Let's look around on foot.

That car!

That's Gondo's car.

Don't be stupid. Stop playing detective.

When I pulled the car up this morning, Mr. Gondo said,

“Aoki, all we have now is time.

We're not going to the factory anymore.”

He was smiling,

but I know how he felt inside.

The directors are horrible men,

but in the end it's all my fault.

That's why...

But walking around here with the boy is madness.

What if the kidnapper saw him? Imagine the consequences.

Bos'n, he's gone!

Daddy!

Here it is!

Uncle and Auntie are sleeping.

Take the boy away.

They're dead.

Thanks for coming, everybody.

- Why the press conference? - Yeah, what'd you find?

Inspector Tokura will fill you in.

However, we ask you not to print what you hear today.

Earlier today,

two accomplices, one male, one female, were found dead.

Both from heroin overdose.

- An accidental overdose? - I'll explain.

Their arms were covered with needle marks.

Both were long-term addicts.

It's unlikely that experienced addicts

would misjudge the dosage.

Dealers, furthermore, don't sell heroin that pure.

Both died in bed, their heads resting on pillows.

Next to the pillows

we found two empty packets, two syringes,

and a cup of water, maybe to dissolve the heroin.

In addition,

we found two unopened packets of heroin.

So they obtained four packets,

They took two right away and saved two for later.

These facts don't suggest suicide.

So then why did they die?

The heroin was unusually pure.

We analyzed the unused samples. They were over 90% pure.

When heroin is smuggled in,

its purity ranges from 70% to 95%.

Dealers cut it

with glucose and hydrochloric procaine,

down to a purity as low as 30%.

So a one-gram package

contains only 0.3 grams of pure heroin.

What happens to an addict

who takes heroin three times more pure?

An ingenious murder.

There's corroborating evidence.

We found a notepad in their room.

The top page bore impressions

from scribblings made on the page above it.

Please observe.

It's been reconstructed and enlarged in this slide.

The agony of withdrawal can be clearly seen.

“Get us more dope. Bring it fast.

If you don't, we'll spend the money.

We won't do what you say anymore.”

Clearly, they tried to blackmail him.

- That's why he killed them? - We're not 100% certain,

but it certainly looks that way.

Was there money around?

We found 2,500 of Mr. Gondo's 1,000-yen notes.

The serial numbers matched.

The kidnapper may have figured that out too.

He gave them a share but made them wait to spend it.

We can gather that from the letter.

Have you identified the accomplices?

Caretakers of the villa.

We learned that from the villa's owner.

So you're close?

No, we're back to square one.

Of course, Narcotics is doing its best.

They may provide us with valuable information,

but the accomplices' deaths

are a terrible blow to the investigation.

The thread leading back to the kidnapper has been cut.

That's why I'm asking you:

Don't print a word of this.

Why not?

The kidnapper has yet to confirm that they're dead.

We know this because if he had returned to the villa,

he wouldn't have left 2.5 million yen in evidence lying around.

As far as he knows,

they may still be alive.

If we nurse that doubt within him, how will he react?

If he is the killer, he'll probably try to kill them again.

If there's no report of their deaths in the papers,

he won't be able to stay put.

He'll surely return to the scene to check.

- And you'll nab him then? - That's right.

Even if we keep quiet,

won't their deaths be impossible to hide?

The neighbors will talk.

That's not a problem.

It's a new development with few houses.

It's also the off-season, so hardly anybody's there.

Drug addicts are cautious.

They kept to themselves and had no visitors.

But will our keeping quiet really convince the kidnapper?

Well, that's why

I have another favor to ask.

I'd like you to run a story today

saying one of the 1,000-yen notes was spent.

Of course you can say it's our announcement.

I know it's a lot to ask.

I'm asking your cooperation for Mr. Gondo's sake too.

Did you know he was dismissed from National Shoes

and kicked out as factory manager?

That's terrible.

They seem to have no sense of public opinion.

At the next shareholder meeting, he'll be voted out completely.

In place of an article reporting the deaths,

shall we slam National Shoes?

Why not? Let's give 'em a good thrashing!

GONDO FORCED OUT PUBLIC OPINION IGNORED

WOMEN START BOYCOTT OF NATIONAL SHOES

RISING TIDE OF SYMPATHY AND ANGER

1,000-YEN NOTE FROM RANSOM FOUND

30 MILLION IN RANSOM IN BRIEFCASES LIKE THIS

We've recovered 2.5 million from the accomplices.

We can hand it over at the station, if it's not too much trouble.

We're sorry that it's so little.

No, it's a great help now.

We believe the kidnapper hasn't spent any yet.

We hope to recover it all intact.

The twist is that he's harder to catch if he doesn't spend it.

Kingo, Mr. Kawanishi is here.

Kawanishi? What does he want?

He has some kind of request.

- We'll be leaving then – - No, stay. Send him in.

Please, help yourself.

Sorry I haven't been in touch.

Well, look who's here!

I must thank both of you.

You've made Mr. Gondo a hero. That was a great help.

What the hell are you talking about?

Don't be so cold.

I was your right-hand man for over ten years.

Did you think I would stand by while they booted you out?

I risked my own position to try to keep you on.

But the Old Man's stubborn,

and the executive director's a viper.

It was a hard-fought battle.

Fortunately, public opinion's on your side,

so I convinced them to keep you on.

Get out! Tell this to your new masters:

You can't trot me out to ease the public's anger.

I refuse to be an ornament, an executive without power.

I won't be your puppet.

Can you afford to bluff like that?

You're going too far.

Right now you have nothing but debts.

It may be a position in name only, but your credit will be intact.

Get out!

I'm still the man I've always been, even more so.

But you're nothing, not even a human being.

Excuse me.

I'd like you to see something.

What is it?

It's nothing much,

but the last picture seemed to be of some help.

Shinichi drew it. He says it's the kidnapper.

Dark glasses and a mask. Not much to go on.

What's this?

A handkerchief. He always wore it.

Mom!

Look at the pretty pink smoke from that chimney.

You lit the incinerator around 9:00 a.m., right?

Yes, every day I burn the trash from the day before.

What do you burn?

Dirty stuff, junk that you can't disinfect.

They're always bringing stuff that won't burn, damn it!

- Who is? - Handymen and janitors.

Anyone else?

Sometimes hospital nurses and attendants.

Anyone like that come by today?

Come to think of it,

a man brought a cardboard box.

- How big? - Like this.

- Anyone you know? - No.

An intern maybe.

A young medical intern?

Sure looked that way.

Too young to be a regular doctor.

“Burn this, pops,” he said.

Doctors don't call people “pops.” - Anyone else?

Who'd wanna come to a place like this?

Now why'd they bring –

You can't burn tin!

Do you know what department that intern is in?

How would I know?

But he was headed toward Internal Medicine.

Thanks a lot.

According to Bos'n's report,

his name is Ginjiro Takeuchi.

An intern.

He took three days off during the kidnapping.

He lives in a studio apartment

at 4-278 Sengen-cho in Nishi Ward.

Sunrise Apartments, No. 12.

His room faces north, right at the Gondo residence.

One of the two phones that we suspect the kidnapper used

is right next to his apartment.

The male and female accomplices

had been examined at his hospital.

Takeuchi wrote up their charts.

Both had pulmonary edema, a result of their drug addiction.

So we have two addicts suffering from pulmonary edema,

as well as from withdrawal.

An injection of pure heroin would cause death from shock.

As their intern, he would have known that.

We may conclude that he is the kidnapper.

But we can't arrest him.

Here's why:

If we arrest him now, he'll only get 15 years.

Mr. Gondo, on the other hand...

is serving a life sentence of debt for paying the ransom.

We won't let that happen.

A criminal like this deserves capital punishment.

What's more, it's clear he killed his accomplices.

But if we arrest him now,

we'll have no material evidence to prove it.

There's only one way to bring this vicious criminal to justice:

Leave him at large to reenact his crime.

But how?

By giving him this.

Please lower the blinds.

GIVE US MORE DOPE. WE'LL TALK IF YOU DON'T.

A perfect forgery.

You Mr. Takeuchi?

He'll make his move today.

First, he'll go buy the heroin.

Then he'll try to kill them tonight.

There's no way to predict anything else:

where he'll go, how he'll get the drugs.

We can only know that by keeping him in our sights.

Listen carefully:

Don't let him notice you, but don't lose him.

Bos'n, Nakao, Arai and I

will head to the hideout as soon as we hear he's obtained the drugs.

I'll give orders from the car radio.

Is he waiting for a dealer?

Just killing time, I'd say.

He's walked up and down this street for two hours.

If the same people keep tailing him, he may catch on.

Inspector!

Yes. Tokura here.

He went into a florist's.

A florist's? Have someone buy some flowers.

I'm afraid none of us fits the part. Wait –

What? One carnation?

Yes. One red carnation.

Is today Mother's Day?

Earlier, the suspect spoke on a pay phone.

He was told how to find the dealer.

The red carnation must be a sign.

Watch for anybody approaching the suspect.

Watch how the money and dope change hands.

Inspector Tokura!

Tokura speaking.

- He changed his course. - What?

He got out at “Dope Alley.”

So he didn't actually buy any in the club?

We're sure he did, but...

Okay, we're turning back. Don't lose him!

What are you staring at? This ain't a picture show.

Get the hell out!

This ain't no place for the likes of you.

Lotta strangers snoopin' around tonight. Be careful.

What are you, a cop?

We don't know any of you.

Get out. Get out, I said!

Bos'n, I don't understand what he's up to.

He should be taking the dope straight to the hideout.

And why go to the junkies if he hasn't got it yet?

They don't have any pure heroin.

- Inspector! - Tokura here.

He picked up a junkie and took her to a flophouse.

KOGANE-CHO INN

I've got it!

He'll use her as a guinea pig.

She's in withdrawal, and he can test it on her.

- He left the area. - And the girl?

Just a minute. Two men went to check.

Where to now? The hideout?

Wait a minute. The girl's a clue to what he'll do next.

He's headed toward the Isezaki district.

What? We're there right now. From which side?

Facing Yoshida Bridge, the left side.

- Stop here. - It's a no-parking zone.

It doesn't matter.

I've just received word: The girl's dead.

Syringe in her hand. Death by overdose.

He's coming.

We found him. I'm cutting off the radio.

The guy's a real prize. To the hideout.

Excuse me, you can't stop here.

It's 12:15 a.m.

Hey, I brought the stuff.

Takeuchi, you're gonna hang!

We've recovered another 27,480,000 yen.

All that's missing is the 20,000 he spent on heroin.

We wanted to let you know as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Were we too late?

Have a seat.

Please.

No, please. You're free to use them until the auction.

SEIZED PROPERTY

GINJIRO TAKEUCHI GETS DEATH SENTENCE

Thank you for coming.

He refused to talk with the prison chaplain.

He insisted on speaking to you instead.

Mr. Gondo, thanks for coming.

You seem well.

What are you doing now?

Making shoes again.

It's a small company, but the owner gives me free rein.

I'm working hard to rival National Shoes.

Why are you looking at me like that?

I'm going to die, but I'm not afraid,

so stop looking at me so pitifully.

That's why I refused to see the chaplain.

He'd tell me to repent and pray for mercy.

Why should I waste my time?

I'd rather be told the cruel truth

than be fed gentle lies.

Speaking of which, you must be glad I'm going to die.

Aren't you?

Why do you say such things?

Why do you think we have to hate each other?

I don't know.

I'm not interested in self-analysis.

But I do know my room was so cold in winter

and so hot in summer I couldn't sleep.

From my tiny room, your house looked like heaven.

Day by day I came to hate you more.

It gave me a reason for living.

Besides, it's amusing to make fortunate men

taste the same misery as the unfortunate.

Were you really so unfortunate?

You want my life story? Forget it.

I won't share my tales of woe to earn your sympathy.

I'm just glad my mom died last year,

so I won't be sickened by her pathetic slobbering.

Then why exactly did you call me here?

I couldn't stand having you think I died crying and afraid.

You think I'm shaking out of fear, but I'm not!

It's just a physiological reaction from being in solitary too long.

Just leaving the cell makes me shake.

I'm not afraid of death. I don't care if I go to hell.

My life has been hell since the day I was born.

But if I had to go to heaven, then I'd really start to tremble.

THE END