Original subtitles

An article, which I believe appeared in a newspaper,

asked why, since you are,

or it would seem that you are in effect,

the mayor of Chicago,

you've not simply been appointed to that position.

Well, I'll tell you, you know, it's touching.

Like a lot of things in life,

we laugh because it's funny,

and we laugh because it's true.

Some people say, "Put that man in jail.

What does he think he is doing?"

What I hope I'm doing--

here's where your English paper's got a point--

is I'm responding to the will of the people.

People will drink.

We all know that.

And all I do is act on that.

All this talk of bootlegging--

What is bootlegging?

On the boat, it's bootlegging.

On Lake Shore Drive, it's hospitality.

I'm a businessman.

And what of your reputation

that you control your business through violence,

that those that don't purchase your products

are dealt with violently?

It's all right.

I grew up in a tough neighborhood.

We used to say, you can get further

with a kind word and a gun

than with just a kind word.

In that neighborhood, it might have been true.

Sometimes a reputation follows you.

There is violence in Chicago, of course,

but not by me and not by anybody I employ

because it's not good business.

Leave us alone down here. We're getting along fine.

We have everything we need.

The green beer you're peddling ain't any good.

It ain't supposed to be good.

It's supposed to be bought.

I'm not buying any.

Don't worry about it, Pops.

We won't come back.

And how's everyone at your house today?

They're fine.

Your mama well?

She has a little cold.

Oh, she does, huh?

I'm sorry to hear that.

But she'll be all right.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Oh, that's all right, sweetie.

You be careful crossing the street.

Mister!

Mister!

Hey, mister!

Wait!

Mister, wait!

You forgot your brief--

Yes. I heard it on the radio.

I know.

Now it's time to go to work.

Go make a good first impression.

I love you, Eliot.

Now, shoo.

Eliot Ness--

special agent of the Treasury Department.

Mr. Ness.

Thank you, Chief.

At the request of the city of Chicago,

the federal government,

specifically the Department of the Treasury,

has inaugurated a program

to deal with the flow of illegal liquor

and the violence it creates.

Of what does this program consist?

I and other Treasury agents

will work with the Chicago police and other--

Isn't this just another showpiece program?

What do you think about prohibition, Mr. Ness?

Do you drink, Mr. Ness?

Answer the questions.

It's not a showpiece.

And I'll tell you

exactly how I feel about prohibition.

It's the law of the land.

Do you consider yourself a crusader?

What qualifications do you have?

Do you have any

All right, boys. That's enough.

Excuse me.

Mr. Ness. What are your real plans?

You'll have to read about it in the paper.

Listen, let me ride along with you.

No. Can't help you.

Mr. Ness. Lieutenant Olveson, the flying squad.

Are you ready to meet the men?

Well--

Yes, I am.

I have one more thing to say.

I know that many of you take a drink.

What you've done before today is not my concern.

But now we must be pure,

and I want you to stop.

It's not a question

of whether or not it's a harmless drink.

It's against the law, gentlemen.

As we are going to enforce the law,

we must do first by example.

Are there any questions?

Good.

The Department of the Treasury

has had a man undercover here for some time.

We've received word from this informant

of a large shipment of Canadian whiskey to Chicago.

I hope you've signed on for some action.

You're going to get it.

Remember, the liquor cases are marked

with a red maple leaf.

Yes, sir.

The Treasury agent is in a gray suit.

He is not to be arrested.

A gray suit.

I think that's about it.

Are your men ready?

Yes, sir. They are.

Good.

At ease.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

How are we doing?

O.K.

Want part of a sandwich?

No, thank you, sir.

You nervous?

No, sir.

Been with the unit long?

A short while.

I suppose we all want to do well.

Yes, sir.

A message from my wife.

You married?

Yes, sir, I am.

Nice to be married, huh?

What is it?

Just follow me.

Federal officer. Hands in the air.

Get them up.

Drop it.

I can't--

Mr. Ness.

Look, I was just-- Jeez, I'm sorry.

Listen, listen. I can do a lot for you.

I get the big scoop. You make a big splash.

Get yourself some support.

What do you say?

Let me help you.

O.K. Just shut up.

All right, now!

Let's do some good!

Let's get 'em. Come on, guys.

Hold it right there!

Federal officer.

You're under arrest

for violations of the Volstead Act.

Preseuski.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

No one's allowed in here.

Mr. Ness!

It's all right.

Let-- Let him through here.

You want to take your picture? Take it now.

You ready?

Ready.

Liquor, huh?

Get him out of here.

Tear the place apart.

I mean now! Get him out!

Yes, sir.

That means you, too.

Now, what do you think you're doing? Hmm?

You want to throw your garbage?

Throw it in the damn trash basket.

Don't you have more important things to do?

Yeah.

But I'm not doing them right now.

We understand each other?

O.K., pal, why the mahoska?

Why are you packing the gun?

I'm a Treasury officer.

All right.

Just remember what we talked about, now.

Hey. Wait a minute.

What kind of police you have in this damn city?

You turned your back on an armed man.

You're a Treasury officer.

How do you know? I just told you that.

Who would claim to be that who was not?

What's your name and unit?

It's right here.

You got a beef?

What is it?

How did you know I had a gun?

What, you want a free lesson in police work?

No.

Are you O.K., pal?

I had a rough day on the job.

Ah.

Are you going home now?

I was about to.

Well, then you just fulfilled

the first rule of law enforcement.

Make sure when your shift is over,

you go home alive.

Here endeth the lesson.

We got $1 00,000 there for 40 barrels.

Make sure there are no empties.

I'll give you the ledger.

Everything is in the book.

55 gallons to a barrel.

It's Eddie.

Come in, Eddie.

So he gets into the snowplow, and he says,

"Let's do some good."

And then we bust through--

Mr. Ness?

Yes?

I came here to thank you.

It was...

my little girl that got killed with that bomb.

I'm--I'm sorry. Please.

I'm--I'm so sorry.

You see, it's...

because I know that you have children, too...

and that this is real for you

that these men caused this tragedy.

And I know you will put a stop to them.

I know you'll do that now.

What do you want?

I'd like to talk to you.

Come in.

I need a small group of men, starting with you--

Ness, I am just a poor beat cop.

Now, how can help you?

Just work with me.

But why should l, though?

Because you're a good cop.

How do you know that?

You told me.

Oh. I'm such a good cop.

How come I'm walking the beat then, at my age?

You want to tell me?

Maybe I'm that whore with a heart of gold

or the one good cop in the bad town.

Is that what you want to hear?

You want to stay on the beat, you do that.

If you'd like to come with me, I need your help.

I'm asking you for help.

Well, it's the thing you fear, isn't it?

Mr. Ness, I wish I'd met you

1 0 years and 20 pounds ago,

but I just think it got more important to me

to stay alive.

And that's why I'm walking the beat.

Thank you, no.

That's good, Andy.

Let's start her up and take a little ride.

I want to hear that Stutz-Bearcat engine.

Let me open the door.

Upsy-Daisy. Pick up the door there, Andy.

Thro wit in the backseat.

Let me get the thing started.

Yeah, start up.

Holy mackerel, Andy. Listen to that Bearcat motor.

Yeah. Sound like the bear's chasing that cat a//around.

Andy, she's boiling over.

Mr. Ness?

Yes.

Oscar Wallace.

Uh-huh.

I've been assigned here by the Washington bureau.

Really?

Yes.

Well, I'm glad to have you here, Mr. Wallace.

Uh, excuse me.

We're a little in the dark here,

but any ideas you may have--

Actually, yes, sir, I do.

The one I want to try first is this.

He has not filed a return since 1 926.

A return.

An income tax return.

Income tax.

Yes, sir.

What do you do at the bureau, Mr. Wallace?

Oh, I'm an accountant.

Accountant?

Yes, sir. And the bureau has sent me here--

Would you excuse me?

Please.

O.K., let's go.

Where are we going?

These walls have ears.

You said you wanted to know

how to get Capone.

Do you really want to get him?

You see what I'm saying?

What are you prepared to do?

Everything within the law.

And then what are you prepared to do?

If you open the ball on these people,

you must be prepared to go all the way.

They won't stop fighting

until one of you is dead.

I want to get Capone.

You want Capone? Here's how.

He pulls a knife, you pull a gun.

He sends one of yours to the hospital,

you send one of his to the morgue.

That's how you get Capone.

Now, do you want to do that?

Are you ready to do that?

I'm making you a deal.

Do you want this deal?

I have sworn to put this man away

with any and all legal means at my disposal,

and I will do so.

Well, the Lord hates a coward.

Do you know what a blood oath is, Mr. Ness?

Yes.

Good. Because you just took one.

How did Capone know about your raid the other night?

Some cop told him.

Right. Welcome to Chicago.

This town stinks like a whorehouse at low tide.

Now, the first thing is, who can you trust?

Nobody.

The cops--nobody.

Because nobody wants you here.

Then why are you helping me?

Because I swore to uphold the law.

And if you believe that, I'll tell you another.

Now, who can you trust?

You trust nobody.

That's the solid truth.

Then where are we going to get help?

If you're afraid of getting a rotten apple,

don't go to the barrel.

Get it off the tree.

Get it off the tree.

Finger on the trigger guard!

Eject those cartridges!

Clear it all around!

Stand back!

About face!

Barry, I want you to meet Mr. Eliot Ness.

Treasury Department. How are you?

We need a recruit for extended duty.

He's to be seconded to the Treasury Department.

We have the cooperation of--

Who is consistently this class' best shot?

Williamson and Stone.

Please call them out--

But one at a time.

Is either man married?

No.

Good.

Williamson!

You're married.

I don't want any married men.

All right. Stand easy, son.

I want to ask you something.

Why do you want to join the force?

To protect and s-s--

and s--To protect and serve.

To protect--

Please don't search for the yearbook answer.

Say what you think.

Well, what I think?

Yeah.

I could help...

with the force.

You can help?

The force.

With crime.

Thank you.

There goes the next chief of police.

At ease!

Stone.

Out here.

This kid's a prodigy.

Why do you want to join the force?

To protect the property and the citizenry--

Don't waste my time with that bullshit.

Where are you from, Stone?

From the South Side.

Stone.

George Stone. That's your name?

What's your real name?

That is my real name.

Nah. What was it before you changed it?

Giuseppe Petri.

Jeez, I knew it.

All you need is one thieving wop on the team.

What's that you say?

I said that you're a lying member

of a no-good race.

It's much better than you, you stinking Irish pig.

Oh, I like him.

Yeah, I like him, too.

You just joined the Treasury Department, son.

Yeah, O.K.

Eliot Ness.

With reports from stakeouts and surveillances--

Thank you, Lieutenant. Thank you.

I think there's nothing like vaudeville.

That's what I think.

Now, are you ready to go to work?

Where are we going?

On a liquor raid.

We need another man.

Hey, Ness, it's very interesting.

I've found a financial disbursement pattern here

which shows some irregu--

You carry a badge?

Yes.

Carry a gun.

Jimmy?

What?

What the hell are you dressed for, Halloween?

Shut up. I'm working.

Where?

The circus.

Look. They've got guns.

Well, here we are.

What are we doing here?

Liquor raid.

Here?

Mr. Ness, everybody knows where the booze is.

The problem isn't finding it.

It's who wants to cross Capone.

Let's go.

You'd better be damn sure, Malone.

If you walk through this door,

you're walking into a world of trouble.

No turning back, you understand?

Yes, I do.

Good.

Give me that ax.

Federal officers!

Get your hands up! Nobody moves!

This is a raid!

What are you doing here?

All this stuff is impounded.

You're all under arrest.

Hey, this isn't right.

Hey, this is no good.

You got a warrant?

Sure. Here's my warrant.

How do you think he feels now,

better or worse?

What is that?

What is that?

Yes. What is it?

God, I'm with the heathen.

That is my call box key,

and that is St. Jude.

Santo Judaea.

He's the patron saint of lost causes.

And policemen.

Patron saint of policemen.

Mmm. Everybody needs a friend.

Lost causes, policemen.

Which do you want to be?

I want to be a cop.

You do?

Yeah.

Why?

To protect the property and citizenry--

Who--It's all-- It's all right.

What?

Congratulations.

O.K. If I get a picture of you and your men?

Yeah. But not for publication, just for us.

Anything you say, Mr. Ness.

Closer in. Arms straight.

O.K., ready? Hold it.

Life goes on.

A man becomes preeminent,

he's expected to have enthusiasms.

Enthusiasms.

Enthusiasms.

What are mine?

What draws my admiration?

What is that which gives me joy?

- Dames. - Music.

Baseball.

A man--

A man stands alone at a plate.

This is the time for what?

For individual achievement.

There he stands alone.

But in the field, what?

Part of a team.

Teamwork.

Teamwork.

Looks, throws, catches, hustles--

Part of one big team.

Bats himself the livelong day.

Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and so on.

If his team don't field, what is he?

You follow me?

No one.

Sunny day, the stands are full of fans.

What does he have to say?

I'm going out there for myself.

But...

I get nowhere unless the team wins.

Team.

- Yeah, team. - Team.

Jesus Christ!

Now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Amen.

God bless.

God bless Mommy. God bless Daddy. God bless Dolly.

Amen.

Amen.

Good night.

Good night, Daddy.

Good night, little girl.

Can I have an Eskimo?

And butterfly.

Where are you going?

What?

Where are you going?

I thought I'd go downstairs.

Do some work for tomorrow.

You had a full day today, didn't you?

Yes, I certainly did.

You still got some energy left?

Oh, lot of work.

Well, why don't you come up and brush my hair,

you detective?

How are we doing?

Capone's organization is incredibly diverse.

Look at this.

It owns Canadian Holding Company Associations,

which owns in turn Green Light Laundry,

Midwest Cab, Jolly time Playthings--

Jolly time Playthings?

Yes, Jolly time Playthings.

Remind me to get a present for my daughter.

Bahamas Ship-to-Shore--

The list is endless.

All the business is legitimate.

Capone owns none of it.

We can get him on income tax evasion

if we can show that he's getting money

from the organization's business.

See, legally he receives no income.

He doesn't receive anything?

Mr. Ness, you have a visitor.

Mr. Ness, could we talk?

John O'Shea, alderman.

I know who you are.

Would you excuse us?

We have several large operations in the works.

What can I do for you?

I came up to congratulate you

on a job well done,

share your good fortune on such a lovely day.

What's that?

What is that?

Mr. Ness, you're an educated man.

Let me pay you the compliment of being blunt.

There is a large,

a large and popular business

which you are causing dismay.

Why don't you just cross the street

and let things take their course?

Would you come in here please?

In Roman times,

when a fell a was convicted

of trying to bribe a public official,

they'd sew him in a bag with a wild animal

and throw that bag in the river.

You tell your master

that we must agree to disagree.

You're making a mistake.

I've made them before. I'm beginning to enjoy them.

You're untouchable, is that it?

No one can get to you?

And you tell Capone--

Everyone can be gotten to.

I'll see him in hell.

Hey, nice house.

I said nice house.

You live there?

Little girl's having a birthday, huh?

Yes.

Nice to have a family.

Yes, it is.

A man should take care,

see that nothing happens to them.

Katherine!

Katherine!

Where's the baby?

She's upstairs. Eliot--

Ohh--

Daddy.

Ohh, yes.

What were you doing up?

I had to finish my ironing.

You did?

You're going to come with Daddy now, O.K.?

Eliot.

O.K., it's all right.

Stay there!

Keep your eye on the street.

Where's Malone?

He's on the stakeout. He'll be right here.

Who's he?

One of the men on his list. He's O.K.

All right, then. Drive them to the station.

She'll tell you where to go when you're there.

Take off your hat.

Anything happens, you shoot first, you understand me?

Yes, Mr. Ness.

Kiss.

Eskimo and butterfly, Dad.

O.K.

Now, go.

Malone.

Are you O.K.?

They're fine. Are you sure the cop's O.K.?

He better be. He's my cousin.

I want to hurt the man.

I want to start taking the battle to him.

Then merry Christmas because we've got great news.

Tell him.

There's a huge international shipment

coming through.

We got the time, the place, the whole shebang.

Well, what are we doing standing here then?

How do you get this information?

That's the second rule of police work.

If you want to keep a secret, don't tell the boss.

You know he's making over $3 million a year?

But he's paid no taxes.

Nothing's in his name.

If we can establish any payments to him,

we can prosecute him for income tax evasion.

What?

I said we can prosecute him

for income tax evasion.

Try a murderer for not paying his taxes?

Well, it's better than nothing.

All right. How do we link him to the money?

I don't know.

Go to sleep, Oscar.

A convoy of 5 to 1 0 trucks

filled with Canadian whiskey

will be met by someone from the Capone organization.

He'll bring with him

full payment for the shipment in cash.

The meet is to occur just over the border,

on the American side.

Our aim is to confiscate the liquor and the cash.

Captain.

We will await their signal.

When they are on the road

and have given the signal,

we'll engage from the Canadian side of the bridge,

thus surprising from the rear,

and surprise, Mr. Ness, is half the battle.

Yes, surprise is half the battle.

Many things are half the battle.

Let's think about what is all the battle.

Let's take the fight to them, gentlemen!

Thank you, Captain.

All right.

Move out.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.

It'll all happen in time, hmm?

This is the job.

Don't wait for it to happen.

to happen.

Just watch what does happen.

Are you my tutor?

Yes, sir,

that I am.

Did you check it already?

Yes, I did.

Then leave it alone.

You're a good cop, Giuseppe.

You're doing good. You're going to do just fine.

Now, Wallace, are you cold?

Mm.

Yes, I am a little.

Then stamp your feet.

It'll keep you warm.

You learn something 20 years walking a beat.

Snitches and...

standing in the rain.

Listen, Mr. Ness.

Mm-hmm?

I had an idea.

Shh. Shh.

You all have your spare shells, huh?

If you have to fire,

hold low and squeeze

and put your man down.

'Cause he'd do the same to you.

Shoot to kill.

You hear what I said?

Yes, I did. Shoot to kill.

Let's go.

Easy.

The Canadians won't show until I flash the badge.

It's imperative we cross from here to the bridge quickly.

George, the count's right.

That doesn't concern me.

The size of these barrels concerns me.

Malone, we'll--

Stop.

Move it! Move it, Georgie!

Nieden!

Charge!

What the hell. You've got to die of something.

Look!

It's the Mounties!

Let's get out of here!

The booze!

Let's go!

Behind you. Cover us.

I can't believe it.

Here. The book.

Give me. To the car.

Don't let those cars off the bridge!

Ha ha!

Whoo!

Stone, take the first car.

Tough guy.

Stone!

Go!

Stone!

I'm O.K.

You bas--

You all right?

Yeah.

There he is. Go get him!

All right.

Enough of this running.

Well, Georgie boy.

Well, what have we got here?

Hello.

Huh?

Yaa!

Yaa!

Yaa!

Yaa!

Ah.

All right! Drop the gun!

Put your hands in the air. You're under arrest.

I said drop it!

Ah--

God, didn't you hear what I said?

What are you, deaf?

What is this, a game?

Hey.

Sit down.

Well, Stone's going to be all right.

I got the fell a with the satchel.

I had to kill him.

Oh, yeah. He's as dead as Julius Caesar.

Would you rather it was you?

No, I would not.

Then you've done your duty.

Go home and sleep well tonight.

The things you see when you're out without your gun.

You're a long way from the South Side, George.

I'm talking to you.

Did you come here to open a shooting gallery?

Write down the names of your superiors and your contacts.

Why don't you kiss my ass?

Hey!

Eliot.

You've fired on federal officers.

Eliot.

You can be tough in Leavenworth for 30 years.

You're going inside for all day then.

Eliot.

What?

Look at this.

Look at this.

What is this?

What is this?

You got a lot of money changing hands in this book.

What is this, ward?

Uh-huh.

Police precincts?

What? You got a heading here, "circuit court"?

You got a heading here, "circuit court"?

What is this?

Nothing.

It's nothing?

What is this?

If we establish that any of these entries

indicate payment to Capone,

we'll put Capone away.

Which entry is Capone's?

A-Costa. Is that Capone's code name?

You'll do it in the joint, unless you help us.

Translate this ledger.

In hell.

You'll hang higher than Haman unless you cooperate.

This man can finger Capone.

He'll put Capone behind bars.

Fuck off.

I'm not fucking with you, Mr. Hard case.

We'll get that information one way or another.

Not that way.

You'll beg to talk 'cause somebody's going to talk.

That dirty son of a bitch!

Enough out of you.

Hey, come on, you, on your feet.

I need you to help translate this book.

I'm not going to ask you a second time.

I'm going to count to 3.

Oh, what's the matter?

Can't you talk with a gun in your mouth?

1 ...

2...

Aah!

I'm going to talk.

No! I'll tell you What ever you want.

What do you want to know?

And don't let him clean himself till after he talks.

Now, ask him what you want to know.

All right, uh...

O.K. I want to know the name of the bookkeeper.

I want a complete translation of the code.

Mr. Ness!

I do not approve of your methods.

Yeah?

Well, you're not from Chicago.