Original subtitles

[intriguing music playing]

[Ben] Someone once asked me what universe this was.

A strange question that

stuck with me all these years later.

All I could say for sure

was it was the only one I knew of.

And that was as true then as it is now.

Am I an extraordinary man?

Yes.

Am I an ordinary man?

Yes.

I'm both. I'm neither.

But aren't we all?

New York.

I grew up in this city.

- I learned to fight in this city. - [kids grunting]

Get him!

[Ben] And I fell in love in this city.

A mistake I'll never make again.

I used to be The Spider,

this city's hero.

Always on guard,

always ready to swoop in and save the day.

[grunting]

That ended when Ruby died.

We were going to be married in the spring.

I even bought a ring to make it official.

A ring I never had the chance to give her.

Ruby once told me that

with great power comes great responsibility.

Well, she was the greatest responsibility

I ever had.

And I failed her.

The Spider failed her.

After that, I didn't want the power or the responsibility.

So I went back to being just an ordinary man.

That was five years ago.

[* Kirby sings "Saving Grace"]

♪ The colors fading from the photograph ♪

♪ I could tell the story ♪

♪ but still you wouldn't know the half ♪

♪ This love was brought to life from shards of glass ♪

♪ When you kiss me there's a shifting ♪

♪ in the sepia tone ♪

♪ Can't escape the madness, baby, magnetism ♪

♪ Run away but something pulls me back into it ♪

♪ Lately I've been staring at a broken mirror ♪

♪ Needing someone to call my own ♪

♪ Hey, lover ♪

♪ I need someone to save me now ♪

♪ from all the pain ♪

♪ I suffer ♪

♪ and the heavy world that weighs me down ♪

♪ 'Cause the world ain't sweet ♪

♪ It's bitter to taste ♪

♪ But you could be ♪

♪ my saving grace ♪

[song ends]

- [piano playing up-tempo jazz] - [match strikes]

[quiet, indistinct chatter]

What do you think?

[woman] I think you got a bingo.

Say, you're kinda handsome.

Now I'm questioning your eyesight.

[chuckles]

Funny, too.

So, you got a wife?

- No. - Shame.

I got a husband.

Not that it's ever stopped me from having a good time.

Know what I mean?

I've got a decent idea.

When your husband gets the same idea, tell him to give me a call.

[woman] Hm. Okay.

[busboy] Excuse me, sir? Sir!

You forgot your hat.

Thank you.

You keep following me, it won't end the way you want it to.

It never does.

Addison!

[cars honking]

[thrilling music playing]

[grunts]

Sorry, pal. Hey.

Don't do it, Addison.

I'm as liable to shoot you as I am to give chase.

Damn it!

[people chattering]

[woman] Oh, my God, is he dead?

- [gasps] - [onlookers exclaim]

- [grunts] - Sir, sir, you shouldn't…

- You really shouldn't… - Where did they go? Which way?

[high-pitched ringing]

[distorted, muffled voice speaking]

[man] It's not my fault you ripped off the wrong people, Addison.

Now, come on, let's go. It's getting late and it smells like shit back here.

I tried to warn you.

What?

Whoa.

Now you're gonna burn.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

- [grunting] - [whimpering]

Oh… Oh, no. Oh, my God! Oh…

Whoa, whoa! [grunts]

[Ben grunting]

Huh.

Okay.

[exclaims] Oh! That man was completely on fire.

I've never seen such a thing.

Should've known it was fishy they offered me 50 bucks

to track down a nobody.

Who hired you… guy named Winston?

- Yeah. - Bastard only offered me 30.

I need a drink. You?

Sure. Nothing too fancy. All I got is…

Three bucks.

Come on, Donegal. I know a joint. [grunts]

Might even have a girl for you. If you like train wrecks.

Oh. I must,

'cause I keep marrying 'em.

Morning.

It was.

Now it's a mediocre afternoon, headed towards

a lousy evening. Coffee?

You got anything a little harder?

That's what I keep asking my husband.

- You can just pour it right in. - That's just it…

you really can't.

- Any calls? - Well, to receive calls,

you got to pay Ma Bell.

Till then, that's just a paperweight.

How'd it go with Addison?

Oh, wow. That well, huh?

Addison's dead.

- You… - No.

- Some other guy. This goddamn city… - [door opens]

You open?

- No! - Yes!

I tried calling, but it didn't

- seem to go through. - Mr.-Mr. Reilly believes that

business is better conducted face-to-face.

Wouldn't you agree, Mister…?

Uh, Carmedy.

Right this way, Mr. Carmedy.

It's about my wife.

You a rich man, Mr. Carmedy?

No. Not particularly.

Possessed of a keen wit, then?

Huh?

Huh.

Look, I heard my wife on the phone this afternoon.

She's gonna meet this so-and-so at 8:00 tonight.

I even got the address. Look, look, look.

I do love a client who comes prepared.

So you'll do it? You'll take the case?

Okay, Carmedy, my rate's ten dollars a day, plus…

But you'll get pictures, right?

Cause without pictures it's basically just a-a "he said, she said" situation.

I'm sure your suspicions are unfounded, Mr. Carmedy,

but if it comes to it, don't you fret, Ben's an ace photographer.

Never miss a shot.

Ten dollars a day.

Plus expenses.

Janet'll get your info and a small retainer.

Come back day after tomorrow and, uh… [clears throat]

I'll give you what you want.

[exclaims softly] Thank you. [chuckles]

[chuckles softly] Come on, Mr. Carmedy,

let's get that info and that retainer, huh?

[Carmedy laughs]

[quirky music playing]

Explosion at Standard Oil. Read all about it.

Explosion at Standard Oil.

Explosion, here, at Standard Oil.

- [entry bells jingle] - [door closes]

Sorry I'm late. I was chasing a story.

Some other mobster

is finally making a move on Silvermane.

Burned down his mansion a couple of nights ago,

killed six of his men,

and somehow, the old bastard escaped.

You think Finn Byrne likes being called Silvermane?

Thinks it speaks to… I don't know… gravitas and longevity?

[short chuckle] If I ever get that rich, you call me

- anything you want. - That-That's a used pickle. Uh…

So, what you hiding over there… another cheating spouse?

Thought you said you weren't gonna take those anymore.

I haven't paid Janet in months. Beggars can't be choosers.

Says the man who has chosen to be a beggar. For Chrissakes, Ben…

Robbie, not today, okay? Not again.

Have you seen it out there?

The city's a mess.

Ever since The Spider disappeared,

Silvermane's got this city by the throat.

Crime is out of control

and the police are completely in his pocket.

Now, the people…

the people could use a hero.

Well…

I hope they find someone.

- You used to be… - I know who I used to be.

And I know who I am now.

There's always gonna be another Silvermane, Robbie.

There's no point in fighting it.

I can't help but wonder what Ruby would think if she heard you talking like that.

[dramatic music playing]

[muffled grunting]

Ruby's been dead a long time.

I don't care what she'd think anymore.

Hey, Frankie, you're out early today.

Hey, Reilly, how you doing?

You know, I've been practicing my pocket tricks.

[Ben] Oh, yeah? How's that going?

[Frankie] You tell me. [wolf whistles]

Dames, huh?

What would you know?

Lots. I'm wise behind these ears.

Smarts like that, maybe think about going to school.

Who needs it? A plus B equals C.

- You don't do math with letters, kid. - [line ringing]

Donegal. Reilly.

Listen, I think we should talk about last night.

[Donegal] So, what's this proposition you got for me?

We left a man dead last night.

Feels like that could be trouble coming down the tracks

or an opportunity worth pursuing. Either way,

I think we should know more about who hired us

and why they wanted him so bad.

So you got a plan, then?

Kinda. Can you be sober by 9:00 a.m. tomorrow?

Oh, hi, handsome. Long time no see.

By the morning?

Mm… sure.

[newsie shouting] Get your evening edition.

Silvermane survives in skivvies.

Thank you, sir.

Hot off the presses.

Silvermane survives in skivvies.

[Robbie] Ever since The Spider disappeared,

Silvermane has had a chokehold on this city,

murdering anyone that gets in his way.

But one brave soul tried to free us

from the mobster's reign of terror,

setting fire to Silvermane's mansion

while he was asleep upstairs.

But he failed to kill the old bastard,

so brace yourself for a bloody rampage

from Silvermane and his goons.

If only The Spider were here

to save us from the madness.

Damn, Robbie.

Give it a rest, would you?

[contemplative music playing]

Evening, sir. How can I help you?

I got a delivery for Boris Karloff.

[doorman] Sorry, bud. Karloff don't live here.

[Ben] No, sure he does. He might be listed under his stage name.

Uh, Stein.

Frank N. Stein.

[elevator bell dings]

All right. Don't bother. I'll see myself out.

[sighs]

[grunts]

[panting]

[grunting]

[grunting]

[man chuckling inside]

[indistinct conversation]

[woman] No, stop.

- [man] Come on… Come on. - No.

[man] Gimme something.

[woman] Get off of me!

[man] Come here!

[kissing]

- [grunts] - Oh!

[thwip]

What the hell?

He's here early.

[whispering] You're late.

Go. Go.

Morning, Winston.

Care for a cup of coffee or maybe some tea

or do you just want to order both and see which one comes first?

Save your breath, Reilly.

You told me you know where Addison is,

so take your money and talk.

Actually, the price has gone up.

Excuse me?

The other PI you hired told me offered him 50,

so I'm not telling you for a penny less than 200.

Cute.

But give me one good reason I shouldn't plug you.

[suspenseful music playing]

How about 38 reasons?

- [gun cocks] - It's actually a .32,

but I doubt your organs will know the difference.

Now, a guy like you in a suit like that…

you didn't cook this up on your own.

So, why don't you go back to whoever it is that sent you

and find me 200 dollars.

And then I'll tell you where Addison is.

- And I'll keep the .30 as a tip. - [clears throat]

Janet'll keep the .30 as a tip.

Cute.

Real cute.

[engine starts]

[soft chuckle]

Funny.

Guy burns down my house,

tries to kill me…

Makes me feel young again.

Did Reilly tell you where Addison is?

[Winston] A shakedown.

He won't tell me where Addison is unless he gets more cash.

[Silvermane] Pay him whatever he wants.

The boys are convinced Addison's got some kind of powers.

If he does, I want to talk to him.

Do whatever it takes.

Find Addison.

Hot damn! Can you believe our luck?

Sadly, yes. Stepping into a steaming pile of dogshit

is kind of my specialty.

Are you daft? Byrne's the deepest pockets in New York.

We're the only ones who know Addison's dead.

We can ask for a thousand now.

Shake down Silvermane? It's an idea.

Thing is, I've got this crazy preference for being alive.

You do what you want. I'm leaving this one alone.

You're a coward, Reilly. Fortune favors the bold.

- And look how poor I am. - [laughs]

[Janet in distance] I'm in here.

[door opens]

How'd that go?

- [Ben] Dead end. - [door closes]

How about this?

[clicks tongue] Uh… interesting.

You got some great shots.

- [Ben chuckles] I couldn't resist. - [chuckles]

I do have one question, though.

Am I crazy or is that the goddamn mayor of New York?

[ominous music playing]

[mayor over speakers] I believe in you,

the hardworking man trying to earn a decent living.

I believe in you, the dedicated woman.

Our city has hit hard times.

We've lost our heroes.

It feels like no one is coming to help us.

But I believe we can be our own heroes, together.

[Carmedy] You sure she didn't meet up with anybody?

Like I said, your… wife

was alone the entire night.

What about 8:00 p.m.? The-the Redcliff? What was that all about?

Come on, Carmedy, smile. This is great news.

- No, I-I know, I know, I just… - I get it.

- Marriage can be a terrifying endeavor, - Oh…

opening yourself up to another person like that,

making yourself vulnerable.

I don't even feel good about taking your money.

- [Carmedy] Really? - Yeah.

Go home, Carmedy. You have a beautiful…[laughs]

- and loyal wife. - Oh.

You know how loyal she is.

- I-I… - You're a very lucky man.

- Yeah? - Now go home.

[chuckles weakly] Uh…

- [door closes] - We needed that money.

I don't know if you're aware, but there's a Depression going on.

I'm aware, but whatever that was, I want nothing to do with it.

Who do you think he was?

Who knows? Someone trying to smear the mayor.

And that woman… if she's not Mrs. Carmedy,

then who the hell is she?

The only thing I can say with any certainty

is she isn't married to that syphilitic walrus.

[groans]

[muffled pulsing, warbling]

Another headache, huh? That sixth sense thing?

You should listen to it.

Long as I've known you it's never steered you wrong.

I'd love to. Trouble is I'm not currently sure what it's trying to tell me.

Hang on.

Oh, I can hear it.

It's saying…

"Pay your secretary." Except you can't,

'cause you just gave away the only money we've made all month.

You're at the top of my list.

Yeah, well, you better do something about it soon.

I just interviewed for a sales position at Gimbels.

Blame my husband. He has this annoying habit

of demanding food on a daily basis.

What about selling the photographs to the woman?

You want to steer clear of the mayor, that's fine,

but maybe there's still some cash to be had.

[mischievous music playing]

Blackmail, huh?

That's not a terrible idea.

- It's not a good idea, - Ah.

but it's not a terrible idea.

[Robbie] Yeah, I shit you not,

she had me covered in whipped cream all the way up to here.

[chuckles] Girl, Robbie'll do anything to get the story.

Jesus, you look like shit.

More than usual, is what I'm saying.

- Nice to see you, too. - [Robbie] What's so important

it couldn't wait till I was back downtown?

Any chance you know who this is?

[Robbie] Ah, you must be joking.

Oh, that's Cat Hardy.

Back in the day, you wouldn't have had to ask.

Five minutes. Drawer three.

What are you looking for, anyway?

Uh, some poor sap got knocked off a few nights ago.

Friend gave me a tip something's off with the body.

Might be a story in it.

Say, uh, you might want to look away.

Any idea where I can find this Cat Hardy lady?

[Robbie] Oh, yeah.

Now, she is the star attraction over at The Alcove.

Huh. That is weird.

Say, does this look like a guy who died in a fire to you?

[Ben] No, but he sure as hell did. I was there.

And?

They ID him yet?

[Robbie] James Addison.

Shit.

So, if they know, the cops'll know,

and then Silvermane will know that Donegal is trying to rip him off.

Do me a favor. Hold off on printing that.

I want to warn a friend before he gets himself killed.

[groans]

What? It's just a migraine. [groans]

[muffled pulsing, warbling]

[groans]

[foreboding music playing]

What's going on, Ben?

Did this guy have super powers?

Is he like you?

Forget about it, Robbie. He's dead.

Did Donegal say when he'd be back?

[bartender] He didn't say shit.

That's what I told the other fellas and that's what I'm telling you.

If he comes in, tell him to meet Ben Reilly at The Alcove, 9:00 p.m.

Tell him it's important.

[upbeat jazz music playing]

- [piano playing gentle jazz music] - [indistinct chatter]

Old Fashioned.

[scoffs quietly]

[emcee] Ladies and gentlemen,

Cat Hardy.

[applause]

[Cat] * Stars shining bright *

♪ above you ♪

♪ Night breezes seem to ♪

♪ whisper, "I love you" ♪

♪ Birds singing ♪

♪ in the sycamore trees ♪

♪ Dream a little dream ♪

♪ of me… ♪

[band begins playing "Dream a Little Dream of Me"]

♪ Say "Nighty-night" ♪

♪ and kiss me ♪

♪ Just hold me tight ♪

♪ and tell me you'll miss me ♪

♪ While I'm alone ♪

♪ and blue as can be ♪

♪ Dream a little dream ♪

♪ of me ♪

♪ Sweet dreams ♪

♪ till sunbeams find you ♪

♪ Sweet dreams that leave ♪

♪ all worries behind you ♪

♪ But in your dreams ♪

♪ whatever they be ♪

♪ Dream a little dream ♪

♪ of me ♪

♪ Quarter past ten and we're laughing ♪

♪ It's the past tense of a daydream ♪

♪ We'll go dancing under lights dim ♪

♪ and it's past tense when we say things ♪

♪ From the dead of night till the morning dew ♪

♪ From the black and white to the colorful ♪

♪ If I'm not there, my belle ♪

♪ dream me in a bow, make it beautiful ♪

♪ We've been swimming ♪

♪ in the usual ♪

♪ but this deluge ♪

♪ is delusional ♪

♪ Dream of me, dream of me ♪

♪ till I'm everything you see ♪

♪ Dream of me ♪

♪ dream of me till it's reality ♪

♪ Don't dream too big ♪

♪ just dream a little dream of me ♪

- [high-pitched ringing] - * I want you to dream *

♪ a little dream of me ♪

♪ Just a little tiny dream ♪

♪ A little dream ♪

♪ of me… ♪ ♪

- [applause] - [man whoops]

[band playing gentle jazz]

[menacing music playing]

[coin rattles]

[line ringing]

Damn it, Donegal. Where the hell are you?

[Silvermane] Wake him up.

Um…

…that ain't gonna be so easy.

He's dead.

[Pudge] Told you I had a killer right.

[giggles]

[Donegal whimpers]

Sorry, boss.

Evening, friend.

I'm not interested in revenge or retribution.

So I'm going to make this quick. Okay?

[crying softly]

Now, now, there's nothing to cry about.

I'd just like to hear where Addison is.

Do you know?

Do you know?

Uh, I shot him dead.

He had some kind of crazy powers.

- He burst into flames. - [Silvermane] And what about

the name of the man who hired Addison to kill me?

[whimpering] I, uh…

I don't know.

Fair enough.

It's all over.

It's done.

[Donegal wheezes]

[coughs]

[Silvermane] Go to the morgue.

Make sure Addison is really dead.

And bring me the other private dick.

Reilly? He don't know any more than this guy.

[Silvermane] Then he's got nothing to worry about then, does he?

- [indistinct chatter] - [band playing gentle jazz]

Do you mind?

Please.

I loved your performance.

Thanks, doll.

Is there somewhere we can talk?

Here suits me.

It's business.

I wasn't aware we had any, Mister…?

Reilly.

It concerns your trip to The Redcliff last night.

Flint.

Wh… Now, I-I'm trying to help you.

- I… - [low growl]

Mr. Reilly, I'd like you to meet my friend, Flint Marko.

- He's… - A gorilla?

Do you mind?

- Slowly. - Oh, the ape speaks. Incredible.

I thought you might find that useful.

- Everything, okay, Ms. Hardy? - Yes.

Mr. Reilly's a very nice man, but he was just about to leave.

- Who told you that? - That you were leaving?

- That I'm nice. - Just a hunch.

Maybe you can confirm it by leaving without messing up Flint's tie.

He really struggles with a double Windsor and I just painted my nails.

Sharpened 'em, too.

And don't trouble yourself, Flint.

I'm happy to make my exit without either of your fists

busting my eye sockets.

Um, take another look at that and perhaps tomorrow

we can discuss the price of the negatives

over lunch. I might even pay,

seeing as I'm such a nice guy.

I suppose you think you're pretty clever.

No, actually, most days I think I should just

stick my head in the oven and get it over with.

Well, what's stopping you?

Simple. I'm a coward.

[tense music playing]

Spare some change for a hungry orphan boy?

I got to tail? White suit?

Sure do, mister. Thanks.

[Ben] Some view up here.

You can see the lights all the way from Jersey.

[Flint] I'd like those negatives, please.

[Ben] Cutting right to it, huh?

You don't even want to catch your breath?

Mister, despite what I do for a living,

I really don't enjoy hurting people.

Then don't.

I know a terrific hamburger joint, open all night.

Let's sit. Talk it over.

So you're not hungry. How about a drink?

Last chance.

Opium?

[grunting]

Why be stubborn?

One way or another, you're gonna give me those negatives.

- It doesn't have to be like this. - You're right. You could stop punching me.

The negatives or I drop you.

[chuckles] Well, the thing is…

I'm not really scared of heights.

[both grunting]

[panting]

[Flint grunting]

[soft crumpling, shifting]

[eerie music playing]

Jesus…

[grunting continuing]

Flint?

[grunting continuing]

[low growling]

[propulsive music playing]

[grunting]

[Ben grunts]

[yelling]

[sharp exhale]

[grunting]

[lift gears squeaking]

[lift door opens]

[Cat] Don't hurt him.

- Where am I? Huh? - Flint?

Are you okay?

What happened?

What the hell is this?

Just leave us alone, please.

Here are the negatives. On the house.

[plaintive music playing]

[Janet] I can't

believe you gave her the negatives. And for free.

Don't you think you're overreacting?

No, Ben. [short chuckle]

This is what reacting looks like.

It's the physical response to a stimulus.

You just haven't felt it in half a decade.

That's actually my lamp. My-my… my aunt gave it to me.

You're afraid of the mob… sure.

Don't want to piss off the mayor… fine.

But a lounge singer?

I told you, there were extenuating circumstances.

I have given you so much room.

Airplanes have less runway.

But at a certain point, when someone tells you what they are,

you have to listen.

[Cat] And what is he?

[sultry music playing]

Retired.

Cat Hardy.

Uh, meet my secretary, Janet Ruiz.

Ex-secretary. I just quit.

Shame. I came here to offer him a job.

My friend Flint…

the one you met last night…

he's disappeared.

Fifty dollar retainer, up front.

Then it's ten a day, plus expenses.

[propulsive music playing]

[grunts]

My friend Flint… the one you met last night?

[grunts]

[Cat] He's disappeared.

[Flint panting]

[Janet] He turned into sand,

right? Just seems like, kind of like a big deal.

[Cat] You're an investigator.

Investigate.

[Janet] She is hiding something.

You know, sometimes I think you forget I do this for a living.

- [The Spider] Oh, come on. - [grunts]

What the hell is going on?

[Ben] I can't get into it right now.

[Robbie] Suddenly you're not the only guy in New York with powers,

and you can't get into it right now?

[Silvermane] The Spider appears to have forgotten who runs this town.

We've got a fight coming.

I want you to help me.

We have a man nobody can stop.

[Leyden] It's the best damn show

in town.

- [bartender] What about The Spider? - [man 1] The Spider?

- [men laughing] - [man 2] Yeah, right.

Look, maybe… maybe, maybe, maybe

The Spider is a guy like anyone else.

You ever think about that?

[Morris] Crime is out of control.

The city needs order.

[Robbie] You have a choice.

You just have to make it.

[grunting]

[The Spider chuckles] Ah-cha-cha! Ha.

Did you see that?

I kicked them into kingdom co… [coughs]

[gunfire]

- [screaming] - [grunting]

[Ben] This is a part of me I wish never existed.

Because with no power

comes no responsibility.

[intriguing music playing]