Original subtitles

It's on.

Come on, baby.

Come on. Oh, so good.

Don't worry. Maybe I'll get somebody.

Come on, Josephine. He wants two of them.

I can't. I'm busy.

Get Agnes.

I lost my bet.

Listen, I've already paid for two. I'm ready now.

Sure you are, sweetie. And we're going to get someone nice.

By the way, because we're going to have ourselves a time.

Go and fix your necklace, Yonda, will you, baby? Tell her to hold up to the

room. We're going to.

It's a boy.

Violet, old girl, is it all over upstairs?

Mm -hmm. A boy.

A boy?

Does it really hurt

to have a baby?

Violet, you're acting the wrongest person, the very wrongest person in the

world.

Well, I certainly will do that.

I'll play something for that pretty baby your mama just had. Run into this cool,

cool world on a night like this against his will.

Madam, today I've attained my 75th birthday, and I intend to celebrate.

I haven't had a woman in longer than I care to say. You know, she doesn't have

to be beautiful, just patient.

Well, how about Frida?

How are you, Admiral?

Well, hello, Mel.

You've been to the North Sea. I sure have, and now I'm on extended leave of

absence. Well, I'm going to be here a long time.

Oh, you're my kind of man.

I like to hear you move.

All I want to hear from you is that I'm handsome, virile, generous, and kind.

You had woke him up. He paid for all night. And you know what he's like?

Well, Will woke me up.

You're not supposed to wake me up.

I don't get to sleep late anymore.

Where'd you get those earrings? They're awful pretty.

Never mind where I got them.

He gave them to me. He won them in a car game or something.

Then I won them from him.

Just pierced them for me last night. That's how I want them.

It's like a thing I was drunk.

Will you give them to me when I grow up?

Are you out of your mind? These are real emeralds.

Otherwise, I never would have let them punch those ugly holes in my ears.

Get my coffee. I feel awful.

Fire! Give

me

my cane.

I like bitches like coffee.

Get your hand out of the kid, yo.

And you ought to leave off something with that boy.

You're going to turn him spoiled, just like you did with Bob.

Oh, I think she likes it having big tits.

and finish your work.

I'm not raising you so that your teeth will rot, you know.

What is this sheet doing here? It doesn't belong to the house.

Six, seven, eight, nine.

Look what's coming.

Hi, I'm Belloc. I'm looking for Madame Livingston. Is she receiving calls?

Harry, get down here.

You may come in, Monsieur Belloc.

Good God, you're in the wrong place, monsieur.

We're not in the business of buying.

Madame, perhaps you know my name. I have photographed in the district many

times.

Am I addressing Madame Livingston?

Yes, you are, monsieur.

And you are too early.

My girls are all asleep.

They work late, you know.

It's ten o 'clock in the morning, monsieur.

I require the light from the sun.

Now is the best time for me.

This young lady there, she would be fine.

I run a good old -fashioned whorehouse, monsieur.

And you seem a little rabid to me.

What the hell kind of thing is that?

I don't cater to no inverts.

If you're looking for something different, I can assure you you can find

right down here in New Orleans.

Madam, please, don't tell me about New Orleans. I've lived here all my life.

I apologize, monsieur.

You realize I'm willing to pay for her time.

Violet, child, go get me that package that Red brought.

Would you care for an absinthe?

Madam, the light.

I beg your pardon.

Oh, the light. I had quite forgotten.

Well, go and take our Hattie.

She's very good, you know.

She will do whatever you want.

And go take care of that child for her.

Want me to take my clothes off now?

No, no, I'm liking you just as you are.

You want me like this?

I'm combed, I'm not even washed.

I must have quiet now.

Go away, Violet.

No, it's only if you mustn't talk to me.

Very beautiful.

Looks very like you.

Yes, everybody notices it. She's my sister.

Oh, thanks.

My face is very like my mother's.

But I got a fat stomach just like all...

Maybe he's a voodoo man.

Cause he got some bottles and stuff.

Nah, he's just another dumb John.

Jesus, God, woman, get up and get me something. My head is killing me.

I need something, Lord and I'm something. Jesus Christ.

My mama's having a license made and it's all paid for, so there.

Why, hell, man.

She's only good for one thing.

Why would anybody want to take a picture of a piece of air? Excuse me, I will

have to ask you to move away.

She must remain absolutely still.

Come on, honey pie, now. Go along now.

You're still just a little bit drunk.

Where the hell did you get those earrings?

Go to the bed and take off your stocking, child.

You must pluck them on Good Friday, bear them that same day, and they'll never

grow back.

Another new frock from Paris?

It's too early for a piece of tail. It must be the bill collector.

You're going to be a lucky little one.

You're going to have so many men, you won't know what to do with them.

No, no, please. If she's busy, I'll come that way.

Please, I'd rather wait there. Come on, come on.

Look who I found.

You won't show it to me.

Hattie, you've got a gentleman friend.

Excuse me. I didn't mean to disturb you ladies.

I have something for Miss Hattie.

She's in the bath.

She's always in the bath.

She is indisposed. I would rather come. What's that? No, no, no. I'd rather

leave this off for Miss Hattie.

Don't give me that.

You will.

Need one second.

Well, my pretty baby, won't you come on over here?

Let your sweet papa whisper in your ear.

Well, I'm wild about your jelly roll, sweet jelly roll of mine.

Oh, gee, that's right.

You cheated me.

Well, there's my car.

Let's see yours.

with the sweets. Go back to your piano.

Violet, go make me a pipe.

I can't take all this emotional...

Emma Johnson's doorstep.

Oh, no.

Go on, then. Pack up your bags and go with him.

And get rid of that hammer that accidentally dropped on him.

We don't do no carpentry working here, so we don't need no hammers.

You know Nell didn't mean that.

Something must have went wrong when your ma was carrying you in her pouch.

Oh, yeah, something went wrong.

My mama was a whore.

She had me in a house just like this. Now I'm a whore. I don't know anything

except a man lying on top of me, scared to death I'm going to get the little

casino. Oh, here we go again.

You think you're the only whore in New Orleans scared of getting sick?

Oh, you just go ahead and laugh. You're going to end up peddling gas for a

thumbnail of cocaine.

I'll send for my truck.

Everybody has a right to do what they want. I want to be a respectable person.

With a gambler?

It's those respectable people who are lying on top of you every night, Hattie.

You'll be back.

No, I won't.

I'm here for one purpose, and that's to live my life to the hilt and enjoy it

the same way.

Come on, Violet.

Why aren't you packed?

I don't want to go.

Violet, I am your mother.

No, you're not.

You even say so all the time.

Violet, why are you acting this way?

What ails you?

Violet?

Stay here.

I hate you.

If it weren't for you, I would have been out of here a long time ago.

The whining boy don't deny my name.

Whining boy don't deny my name.

Pick it up and jig it like a saving joke. It's Josephine who just loves

young boys.

Actually, my real name's Hildegard.

My friends all call me Hildegard.

You from Tulane?

Oh, yeah.

I'm gonna be a... I'm gonna be a... An alien.

Very brave.

You two ladies are going to change my life.

Do you think I'm pretty?

Yes, I certainly do.

And the other girls, do you like them?

Well, yes.

Then why do you sit here night after night? Why don't you go upstairs with

of us?

That is for me to know and for you to find out.

You're very old, aren't you?

Yes, very old.

Very, very old?

Yes, very, very old.

Do you think you'll be dead soon?

No, I don't think so.

Well, why don't you think so?

Well, I don't feel like being dead yet.

I'm too young.

You said you're old, so how can you be too young?

Got to wet my whistle.

Well,

I think you'll be dead soon.

Oh, why?

Because Madam Nell said so.

She said you'd be better off dead.

Oh, better off dead?

Mm -hmm.

Madam says there's something wrong with you. It's just some kind of cream puff

or something.

She thinks that you're pathetic, missing all the fun in life.

Perhaps Madam Nell is imagining she knows more than she does.

Do you think she's having fun?

She's as happy as anybody.

Are you afraid you'll get little casino?

The clown?

Oh, no.

Well, why then?

Do I ask you a question?

I don't have to explain myself to a child.

I'm not a child.

Excuse me, that is your opinion.

Leave me alone.

You hate me.

I have no time for hate or love.

Child, you're so full of life, you don't have to take mine, do you?

So long, honey.

Bye -bye.

Aha!

Well, what have we here?

You selling little girls now, Madam Nell?

White slavery, huh?

Hey, you know how to kiss?

Of course I do.

Everybody does.

Well, you watch out for him, Violet. He's got a heart like an auditor. A leaf

for every girl and a prick on the end of each one of them.

Now tell me, where'd you get those pretty pearly teeth and that beautiful

hair? My mama puts my teeth in every morning with the crochet.

And I chose brown hair because it don't show the dirt.

No, no, no.

No, no, that's not my style, you know. I was just kidding around.

give me for a message.

I'll give you the back of my hand is what I'll give you.

Is that someone down there for me?

It's that horrible old coot again.

Do not be so snarky about him.

That old fool's idea that he likes me.

It's my ticket out of this place.

And besides, he is rich.

I know because I looked him up in the phone book.

And he lives on St. Charles.

And he could have whatever he wants in the world.

And he wants me.

Who doesn't give a damn, boy?

who doesn't give a damn for him.

This is my little girl, Violet.

How old are you, Violet?

I don't know.

Do you like her?

She is very pretty.

Life now says she's only from France. She's still a virgin.

Well, I have it now. You may relax.

I feel like I'm gonna croak.

Violet, honey, go get us a drink.

Before the war, we used to close down in the summertime.

Since the naval base came, I'm busy all year round now.

Can I buy you a drink?

No, thank you.

Perhaps we can make another one now. Would you like to?

Yeah, why not?

My breasts are very nice.

They're nicer than any other girl.

Do you think maybe I should just show them a little bit?

Yeah, that would be better. Let me see.

Well?

You have fine skin.

Do you have any white powder?

Sure, sure. Right over there.

Put it on your shoulders here.

Yes, and on your breast.

I love the one you made of Fanny naked.

She sure is fat.

Fanny's beautiful.

But I wasn't pleased with the light.

So, you all ready for me now?

Are you content?

Child, I'm afraid you'll have to go now.

Lie back against... Put your head here.

Yes. Can you lay on your side?

That's it.

Put your hand behind your head.

That's it.

That's perfect. Don't move. Don't move at all.

You look very beautiful.

Just beautiful.

I'm very happy just now.

Just a few seconds and it will all be there perfectly.

Now don't move.

That one should be very nice.

Don't move.

Never, never do that.

You have no idea what you might have done.

I only wanted to see the picture.

I didn't do anything.

You have to wait.

This is only a negative.

has to be developed and printed and then... You love her.

Don't tell me how I feel.

Violet, I'm very sorry.

But you might have ruined a whole day's work for me.

So you should be sorry too.

Don't tell me how I feel.

I know about you.

You love her.

She's just showing off.

Come on, let's put that on me.

Of course, I like my woman with a little more on the top and bottom.

Stop being so cheeky with me or I'll get my voodoo woman to go giggly all over

your piano.

Violet, come on down here and let me see the front of that dress.

Violet, that ain't much of a dress.

When you're going to bust your cherry, you best wear red satin. That's why

you're a dumb nigger. Because you think like that.

She's a virgin. Do you want her to be dressed like a picayune whore?

My God, Frida, you're as green as a duke turd.

What's this?

Open it and see.

It's the ninth bone from the tail of a black cat.

Guaranteed to bring you luck tonight.

Red Top!

Do not forget that this guy's buying a virgin, but you've got to act it right.

You've got to give him the idea that you don't know nothing.

It should be like a rape. You don't know.

Could be a different kind of guy.

Someone that wants her to act like she wants it.

The main thing is to whimper and cry at her when he starts.

But then you've got to act like it feels good.

I know what to do. Leave me alone.

Well, don't act like you know it all. You won't even get a tip that way.

Violet, you should touch him there. You know, like it's accidental.

I know, I know all that.

Violet, you is a beautiful girl.

All you need is that handsome dress and plenty of diamonds to elaborate the

condition.

The last fine penny will get on me. Oh, hell no, hell no.

Isn't that so, Senator?

The Navy's going to close the district down.

Well, I can't fight the United States.

Sit down, Violet. It's easier.

Honey, you want me to help you put your powder on or anything?

I can do it myself.

All right.

All I could remember when she was born.

Now she's busting her cherry.

Jesus, Benny, you were only six years old when she was born.

My, my, aren't you handsome.

Why haven't you been here before?

You're just my kind of man.

Now look at that.

How long has it been for you, Cherie?

I'm the best you know.

I'll do whatever you want.

Lie down right here and just give it to me, baby.

How old is she?

Do you want to put me in jail?

She's just old enough.

The finest

delicacy New Orleans has to offer.

And it's her wish that one of you gentlemen be the first.

You'll get your opportunity.

Thank you.

Give me

a ribbon, Charlie.

Don't we get to look before we buy?

Kids, you can look all you want.

Don't break the merchandise.

Hey, how do we know she is a virgin?

Have I ever lied to you before?

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Well, gentlemen, I'm getting impatient.

I'll bid $100. Yeah.

I'm bidding $120.

$150.

$50.

Beautiful,

Senator. Just beautiful. Remember, gentlemen, she's impressed with the

Will you take a check?

What would I do with a check?

Cash.

I got cash.

$400.

Jesus Christ.

Who is he, Rockefeller?

This is kind of out of our league. We don't have that kind of money.

Look, this is our night.

You weren't invited here.

What do you think you are?

Let's give him any argument.

You want some whiskey?

Well, Jesus, I didn't mean the whole damn thing.

I'm glad it's you.

Why are you glad it's me?

Well, you look nice and you have a nice dress.

I can feel the steam inside me right through my dress.

Let him have his young peach.

I like my fruit ripe.

Gives me queasy energy to see a thing like that.

I hope

you're

gonna be real gentle on me be my first time

Thank you.

You sure you don't want to go for a little roll in the kip?

It smells bad in here.

You're feeling badly?

Oh, I feel fine.

I feel all right.

I'm happy.

I feel fine, and I could probably accommodate personally every man in the

if I decided to.

Pallet?

Mother forced to go to work.

You know, she's a virgin.

I ain't too particular about the virgin part, but I hear tell there's disease.

I got no sick girls here, monsieur.

Who told you about my place? A friend? Yes, ma 'am.

Pure driven snow.

There are only two things to do on rainy days and I don't like to play cards.

Allison, St. Louis, Missouri.

do it this way.

I wasn't even sure he really meant it until he come today.

But he's got the ring and everything.

It's going to be really big things for us.

I told him that you was my sister. He don't know any different.

As soon as the right time comes, I'm going to tell him.

It's lucky he doesn't even mind about little Will.

Come on, son.

Eddie, our train leaves in half an hour.

Honey, I'll send for you. I promise you that.

Do I look all right?

I'm sorry.

Don't you fellas want to do something? It's all day off. Well, we are doing

something. I tell you, you put men in a room with a bunch of whores and all they

want to do is play poker.

Never understand men.

Well,

we still have Papa.

Shall I take you all to the burlesque?

Or we could go to the picture show.

I heard you breathing.

Did you like that?

He's been real bad. It's been hard to keep him quiet.

Get in, get in.

She can do what she likes.

She's only 12.

She's completely alone.

The lock.

You're in love with her.

Don't be absurd.

I've seen it a hundred times.

I am old and life is so long.

I'm standing here thinking I'm ready to get my picture done.

Violet, please go away.

Go away, Violet.

I got a five.

I've won.

Stupid.

When you grow up and you have a beard and a mustache, I'm going to think

very handsome.

And I'm going to love you up hard and long.

Well, especially me, because I am the lover boy.

I bet neither of you never done nothing.

Huh? I had me a piece of tail yesterday.

All the girls in the district give me free lovin'. Yeah.

Johnny, you never did it, did you? Of course I have. Lots of times. Then tell

what it feels like.

Well, it feels good. For God's sakes, what else?

Tell me exactly how it feels.

I know it's how it feels, but I just don't know how to describe it. It's like

you get this tingling feeling along your back.

about the real world.

White and colored, they can't be together as far as that's concerned.

I can do what I want.

Everybody does that with everybody.

And, Carla, do you see colored men upstairs for that?

No, you don't, Violet. I'm a church -going woman that was married by a

And what I can say is you've got to leave my Noonie alone.

You're pushing far, Violet.

She certainly is.

Harry!

Let me go!

Let me go!

You

can't

beat a child.

It only teaches her to beat others.

I'll run my business and you tend to yours, Papa.

Are you sure you want to stay for dinner?

How did you find me?

I looked you up in the telephone book.

Anybody can think of that.

I don't have a telephone, but... Well, I followed you here

lots of times.

Have you had your supper?

What's all this?

I've been working.

You mean this is your work?

This is how I earn my living.

God, that's so easy.

Easier than working in a house.

You've decided to run away.

Where do you sleep?

Upstairs.

Sometimes children break into my house.

Why?

I imagine they're curious about me and my camera.

And everyone's turned bad.

Why?

Why, why, why? I don't know why.

Because of the whorehouses.

Well,

you certainly did it, didn't you?

Violet?

Can I stay here?

Yes, you may, if you want to.

I do!

Will you sleep with me and take care of me?

No.

Because I'm not sure why, exactly.

You're afraid of me.

Perhaps.

I want you to be my lover.

Buy me stockings and clothes and... You don't know what you're saying, Violet.

I won't even charge you anything at all. And you can visit me at my house and be

my fancy man.

I thought you were running away from the house.

Oh, yes.

They can't beat me like that. No, not me.

I agree, absolutely.

You do?

Otherwise I should already have beaten you for breaking my bed.

You hit me once.

Yes, and I'm sorry.

You love my mother more than me.

I know about those things better than you.

You always know those things about men when you're a woman.

Some men are different.

I'm different.

Maybe not after all, because... I'm all yours, Violet.

All mine?

Yes.

I love you once. I love you twice.

I love you more than beans and rice.

I'm going to make you so happy.

You're just my kind of man.

You really are.

I'm really good, you know, Cherie. Don't talk to me like that, please.

Don't talk like a whore.

What do you want me to say?

I feel something inside me, so I say it. And when you go away, it hurts me.

Right here.

You're only hungry, perhaps.

And what's wrong with whores anyhow?

I thought you liked us.

Everybody says I'm pretty.

I'm getting to be filled out soon.

And all the other men like me.

Don't you like me?

um

I brought you a present. A present?

Where?

Where?

She's beautiful.

Why did you buy me a doll?

Every child should have a doll.

I'm a child to you?

Violet!

I'm not a Violet.

That I'm talking to you.

I've got such a mental headache.

You're so selfish, Violet. It's just not fair.

Everybody gets to do what they want except me.

Violet, did you take those bottles that I left on the table in the front room?

The ones with the glass stopper? Yes.

But what did you do with what was inside of them?

I poured it out.

My God, Violet, that's silver nitrate. I use it for my photographs.

What ever made you do such a thing?

It smells so bad.

Because of your thoughtlessness, I have to go all the way uptown to replace

those chemicals.

And they're very expensive.

Why are you crying?

For joy.

To amuse myself.

You want to come with me?

Oh, these?

These are pajamas.

You aren't going to tell me you've never in your life seen pajamas.

You know, John, I just don't wear anything like that.

I'm tired of lying here.

If you would have stayed quiet for one second more, I would have had it. It's

always one second more with you. And why do you want to take my picture again

and again and again?

I'm tired of having to deal with a child.

I don't have to stay here and listen to you yell at me.

So this is how you would repay me?

Repay you for what? For what?

I don't owe you anything at all.

Get out.

Get out, Violet, before I kill you.

If you destroy any more of my pictures.

nation. Four hags in palatial palaces of guilt and peril, the virtue of every

innocent girl.

And what, dearly beloved, can we do about the weakness of lusting men

and soft women?

Violet, where you been?

We better get out of here.

If they catch us, we'll go to the home for Good Shepherd.

Burry says everything will be closed down.

So what if they do?

I don't know.

What will become of me?

You can be my fancy man.

I told you.

Even Madame Nell.

The evil eye is on us all.

Look. Here goes the song.

Somebody put a bell on you.

Only me?

Take this holy water and watch the kitchen in Miss Nell's room.

Yeah.

Like these.

Barbarians came.

Hold it.

Go on.

I heard the doorbell.

Where is everybody?

Death is keeping them away.

There are reasons for death.

Good reasons.

Oh, talk.

Excuse me.

Dirty roughnecks with their rotten manners.

Dirty roughnecks with...

I'll be at the station for an hour if you change your mind.

Bye. Come on, Joe. Come.

Terrible piano anyhow.

Oh, you... Bye.

Bye, little old gal.

We'll go to Chicago.

Chicago is the money town.

We'll have ourselves a time there.

Take the northbound New Orleans Central. Hey!

What's the matter of yours?

I got a postcard from her. And a letter. No return address, huh?

Don't talk about her.

Oh, you're breaking my heart.

Come on, what are you doing here?

I'm going to marry you.

Can I ask all the girls?

But Antonio and Justina's gone, and Odette and Josephine.

Can we go get them?

Of course.

What'll I wear?

You can wear whatever your heart desires.

Just as long as you do it with me.

Father unknown.

The mother deserted the child.

My mama's name was Hildegard.

Hildegard Marr. M -A -R -R.

And she was Caucasian or other? She was a whore, father.

Those whom God has united, let no man put asunder.

In nomine Padre, se fili et spirit.

You may kiss the bride.

we're always

Why are you ringing? You have everything you need.

I want some hot chocolate with brandy in it.

I feel poorly today.

Oh, I'm sorry.

What is it this time?

You know.

Oh, yes, of course. I forgot.

I'm going to sleep all day today.

Well, how is that any different from the last two weeks?

Give me some cocoa.

The girls teach you how to prevent yourself from becoming with child.

I mean, did you know you could... Don't tell me about that.

Don't tell me about the things I know.

Hard -headed bird don't make good soup.

That's what old May used to say about me.

I know.

Look at the way you've grown.

We have been looking everywhere for you.

I

told

him all about you, Violet, and he insisted that we come and get you.

You smell good, Mama.

We've got a big, beautiful house in St. Louis.

Mr. Fuller, he's a pavement contractor.

You know, he's paved almost every street in St. Louis.

And he wants you to come home with us.

But I live here.

I and Papa... Papa and I are married now.

Mrs. Fuller, I'm so glad to see you are doing so well.

I want nothing to do with you, Mr. Block.

We had to go to some awful places to find out about you and my daughter.

Hattie, we're married now, so stop this.

It is not legal without my consent.

Mr. Fuller's already seen to that.

You deserted the child.

I don't mean to be cruel, but... How dare you say that? I did no such thing.

Now, I want to send Violet to school.

And she has to be raised right.

I know that in a lot of ways we've got no right to get up on a high horse.

But now Mrs. Fuller has overcome her past.

She wants the same for violence.

Well, you cannot take her!

I can't live without her.

That's all.

You don't need to pack. We'll get you whatever you need on Canal Street while

waiting for the train.