All language subtitles for Sweet Smell of Success (1957) Criterion 1080p BluRay.en

- All right, fellas, here they come.
Let's get with it.

Come on, we haven't got all night.
Let's get going.

You loaded?
Move it out of here. Move!

Come on, move it out.
You - pull in here.

Read about the trouble, folks.
Get these papers while they're hot.

- Latest paper here.
- Come on, come on.

Keep your sweatshirt on, Sidney.
Hold it - latest paper here.

- You want a hot item
on Hunsecker's column?
- No.

- Two rolls got fresh
with the baker.
- Here.

Hey, the late paper just came in.
Who wants the late paper?

...burn a hole in the rug.

Uh-huh. Just a minute, Mr. Weldon.
I think -

Uh-uh.

I'm sorry.
I thought I heard Mr. Falco.

Yes, I'll tell him
when he returns.

I know he's been trying
to get in touch wi-

It's the third time
he's called today.

- Probably wants me to break a leg.
- No, an arm, he said.

I told him you were sure the item
would be in Mr. Hunsecker's column...

- in tomorrow's paper.
- It isn't.

But-

And I saw the early edition.

- But, Sidney -
- "But." But - but - but what?

That makes five days in a row
Mr. Hunsecker's cut you out of his column.

May I rent you out as an adding machine?
Get me Joe Robard.

Anybody else call?

Uh, the renting agent
and your tailor.

Pay the rent,
and tell the tailor to wait.

It won't leave much balance
in the bank.

Hello, Mr. Robard?

Could you locate him, please?

Here. Gimme.

Watch me run a 50-yard dash
with my legs cut off.

Hey, Joe.
Joe, it's Sidney.

How do you like this?
I'm running outta alibis.

Oh, no. No, no. I asked J.J. to withhold
the item until he could give you
a fine, fat paragraph.

- You're a liar, Sidney.
- What do you mean, a liar?

Oh, it's a publicity man's
nature to be a liar.

I wouldn't hire you
if you wasn't a liar.

I pay you a C and a half
while you, you plant big lies...

about me and the club
all over the map.

- Oh, if that's the way you mean it -
- Yeah, I mean in that sense, but also...

in the sense
that you are a personal liar too...

because you don't do
the work I pay ya for.

Wait a minute, Joe.
When I spoke to J.J. last night, he said -

I wish I could help
in some way, Sidney.

You could help
with two minutes of silence.

I hate to see you like this.
Sidney, if you feel nervous -

So what'll you do if I feel nervous?

Open your meaty,
sympathetic arms and -

Oh, Sidney, you got me
so I don't know what to do.

Ah, Sally, you oughta
know me by now.

- I know you.
- Nah. No, you don't.

You think I'm a hero.

Well, I'm no hero.

I'm nice to people
where it pays me to be nice.

Look, I do it enough on the outside,
so don't expect me to do it in my own office.

I'm in a bind right now
with Hunsecker.

Sidney, maybe I'm dumb, but...

why does Mr. Hunsecker
want to squeeze your livelihood away?

What do you stand
for that kind of treatment for?

He's punishing me.
His kid sister's having a romance
with some guitar player.

He asked me to break it up.
I thought I did, but maybe I didn't.

Now I gotta go find out.

And Hunsecker's the golden ladder
to the places I wanna get.

Sidney, you make a living.
Where do you want to get?

Way up high, Sam,
where it's always balmy.

Where no one snaps his fingers and says,
"Hey, shrimp, rack the balls"...

or "Hey, mouse, go out
and buy me a pack of butts."

I don't want tips from the kitty.
I'm in the big game with the big players.

My experience
I can give you in a nutshell...

and I didn't dream it
in a dream either:

Dog eat dog.
In brief, from now on...

the best of everything
is good enough for me.

Sidney, I'm not trying
to tell you what to do. It -

- It's just that it makes me feel bad
when Mr. Hunsecker hurts you.

Every dog will have his day.
If that's for me, tear it up.

Sidney Falco office.
Take your topcoat.

And leave a tip
in every hatcheck room in town?

One, two, three, four, yeah.

Don't you get messages, Eyelashes?
I called you twice.

Hey, man,
I've been up to here.

Look, you know
Susie Hunsecker, J.J.'s sister?

Has she been in? I mean lately.
In the last couple of days.

- I don't think so.
- Are you sure? Find out for me.

Sidney? Sidney, can I talk
to you a minute?

- Have you seen Frank D'Angelo around?
- At the bar. Sidney...

I'm in trou-

Joe, give my nephew a drink.

Your nephew
doesn't want a drink.

That's a lollipop, that boy.
The kid's only great.

With 10 percent of his future,
you're great too, Frank.

Frank, I think maybe
you lied to me.

Look, Sidney...

you're my own sister's son...

but where does that give you
the right to call me a liar?

I thought you said that your boy
was washed up with Susie Hunsecker.

Yeah, and it's the truth,
to the best of my knowledge...

and frankly, I'm glad -
for Steve's sake, not yours.

I handle these boys
with their best interests at heart.

Steve shouldn't get mixed up
with no bimbo at his age.

Listen, Frank, you better be
telling me the truth.

I don't like
this threatening attitude.

I told you what I know.
Now go make yourself a holiday.

Come to think of it, what business is it
of yours what they do, this boy and girl?

If you knew Hunsecker
as well as I did...

you might understand
why it is my business.

You're walking around blind,
Frank, without a cane.

And in case you didn't know it...

Susie Hunsecker's
out in the back right now.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you
Chico Hamilton, Fred Katz...

Paul Horn,
Carson Smith, and myself.

- Hiya, Susie.
- Hi, Chico.

Hey, Paul, cool this chick here
while I go get Steve, will ya?

This is such an interesting fusion
of the traditional form
with the new progressive style.

I just wanted to ask
how you came to form the group.

Well, we just sort of
got together.

Why don't you ask Fred Katz?
He writes all the stuff.

- Huh?
- Mr. Katz...

I'm very interested
in music, in jazz.

What's the answer?

Steve...

I'll try to make you
a good wife.

Where's the cat?

- Who?
- Dallas. Is he around?

He's around somewhere.
Upstairs... maybe.

Thank you.

Look, let's go out later.
Come on, I'll get the boys.

Steve, I'd rather you didn't say anything
to anybody until I tell my brother.

Oh... you haven't told him yet.

I'm telling him
in the morning at breakfast.

Susie, don't you want me
to be with you when you tell him?

No.

Steve, my brother isn't as bad
as he's painted. He's not perfect -

But he isn't gonna like this,
and he makes you nervous, not me.

No, I take that back.
He makes me nervous too.

Oh, Steve, let's don't talk
about my brother.

I missed you
the last few days.

I have a message for you.

I love you.

May I dedicate the next number to you,
and the next, and the next?

- And every Sunday I'll buy you a new bonnet.
- If the stores are open.

And on Monday I'll take it off
and stroke your light brown hair.

And on Tuesday, Hasenpfeffer?

When do you think
I realized I loved you?

When I helped you
write a beautiful song?

You had me eating
that Chinese food.

Hi.

Can more than two enjoy this?

Where are those glossy prints
you promised me?
I can't place 'em later than tonight.

Thanks very much just the same.
Let's forget about it, huh?

Come on, Susie.
It's cold out here.

Let me apologize
for getting you a press spread.

It's been an honor serving you gratis!

- You know, Falco, I get the feeling
you're always snooping around.
- You know -

Boys, what are ya
fightin' about?

Kill me! Push me
through a window somewhere!

I walked into this hallowed
ground without knocking.

You know, I feel too good to fight
with you, but that isn't what I said.
I said you snoop.

What were you doing
around my hotel the other night?

- I beg your pardon.
I haven't been in the Bowery in years.
- Come on, boys, break it up.

Look, the next time
you want any information,
don't scratch for it like a dog.

Just ask for it like a man.

If you're goin' home, Susie,
I'll drop ya off.

Steve, it's time for us
to hit again.

- In a minute, Chico.
- Okay.

- Headache?
- It's all the excitement.

I'll go home and go to bed early,
and you go to work.

Okay. Just don't leave me
in a minor key?

Don't tell me you've been
playing around with Leo Bartha.

No, that's what I mean.
I'm bein' fired for what I didn't do.

He came in last week
on a real dull, rainy night.

I knew who he was,
but I didn't let on.

He kept starin' at me all night.
Are you listenin'?

- Avidly, avidly. Um... he was staring.
- Starin'.

Consequently, when he approached me
on his way out, I wasn't surprised.

He was doing
a special Sunday piece on -

Cigarette girls.
And naturally -

You were thrilled
about being interviewed.

And, uh, were you..."interviewed"?

In his apartment.

- Where was his wife?
- I don't know. It's a big apartment.

Only I wasn't interviewed.

In fact, I was totally unprepared
for what happened.

Oh, come on, chickie.
We're friends from way back.

A big columnist comes into this club
without his ball and chain...

and you make like
a delicatessen counter.

What did you expect
he was gonna do in his apartment?

But Sidney, sweetheart,
the man musta been out of his mind.

It was only 11:00
in the morning.

I was so taken aback, I said anything
that popped into my sleepy head.

If I'm not mistaken, I think I even ordered
the man out of his own house.

He was furious. And by the time I coulda
been put in a tropical-island mood...

I was out on the street.

That night Van Cleve
calls me into his office.

He's got nothing
against me, he says...

only he can't afford
to antagonize columnists.

So I tell him how I still have Sonny
at the military academy.

Sidney, do you think
you could do something?

Uh, that's what
I'm thinking, Rita. Maybe.

Sidney, do you still keep
your key under the mat?

Can you be there at 2... 30?

You're touchy, Sidney.
Don't be so touchy.

Do a guy a favor.
Well, live and learn.

- You want a bite?
You want something to eat?
- No, no.

1619 Broadway.

I wish you and Steve
could like each other.

We, uh - We stick in each other's craw.

Yes, but why?

For one thing, he thinks
J.J. is some kind of a monster.

Don't you?

Susie, J.J. happens to be
one of my very best friends.

I know, but someday I'd like
to look into your clever little mind...

and see what you
really think of him.

Where do you come off
makin' a remark like that?

Who could love a man who makes you
jump through burning hoops
like a trained poodle?

Do you think
J.J. really likes Steve?

Frankly, yes,
much to my surprise.

He thinks he's a big talent,
and those boys'll go a big mile, he thinks.

- You feel pretty strong
about Dallas, don't you?
- Yes.

- Wedding bells?
- I'm discussing it with J.J. in the morning.

Makes me feel good to know
that some people want me for myself...

not just because
I'm my brother's sister.

Come on, I'm just gonna
have to laugh at that -

an attractive girl like you.

I hope J.J. likes Steve,
that he isn't just putting on an act.

Why should he put on
an act for him?

Chickie, he's told presidents
where to go and what to do.

The act would be for my sake,
not for Steve's.

Wait for me.
I'll be back in a minute.

Susie.

Look, I want to talk
to you a minute.

Susie, don't sell
your brother short.

Talk this over with him.
You'll find him a real friend.

- In case I see J.J., any message?
- Tell him from me...

that Steve is the first real man
I've ever been in love with.

"21."

Excuse me.
Hey, wait - Hey, Jimmy!

What a coincidence!
I was just on my way -

Yeah, a coincidence
running into the very man
you've been ducking all week.

- This is my press agent, Joan.
- I tried to call ya twice, but your line -

What do you do for that hundred
a week? Fall out of bed?

Jimmy, I was just on my way -

Joan, call a cop.
We'll have this kid arrested for larceny.

- Listen, when the band was at Roseland -
- That was two months ago.

- Take your hands out of my pocket, thief.
- Jimmy, now take it easy.

Why? It's a dirty job,
but I pay clean money for it, don't I?

No more, you don't. What is this?
Showing off for the girl?
They supposed to hear you in Korea?

Ah, he's clever.
He knows when he's being fired.

If you're funny, James,
I'm a pretzel. Drop dead!

- How are you tonight, Mr. Falco?
- I'm fine. Is he here?

- But of course.
- Alone or surrounded?

There's a senator, an agent,
and a thing with blond, wavy hair.

- Thanks.
- Good evening.

- Honey, get me Mr. Hunsecker.
- Yes, sir.

- Oh, he's right inside, Mr. Falco.
- So it isn't long distance.

- Hello?
- J.J., it's Sidney.

Uh, c-could you come out
for a minute?

Could I come out? No.

I have to talk to you, J.J.,
that's why.

You had to do something for me.
You didn't do it.

Could I come in
for a minute?

No. You're dead, son. Get yourself buried.

Just a moment. I'm ringing.

He doesn't answer. Shall I take a message?
Yes, I have it. Thank you.

- Oh, uh, Sidney -
- Later, Sam.

Harvey, I often wish I were deaf
and wore a hearing aid.

With a simple flick of the switch,
I could shut out the greedy murmur
of little men.

- J.J., I need your ear for two minutes.
- Mac.

- Yes?
- I don't want this man at my table.

I've got a message
from your sister.

Forgive me, Harvey.
We were interrupted.

The Supreme Court story
I was telling you - Justice Black.

Oh, yes, Justice Black.
But I believe I had it in my column.

Last July, the lead item.

I believe that's precisely
where I read it too.

You see, J.J.,
where I get my reputation...

for being the best-informed man
in Washington.

Now, don't kid a kidder.

Oh, I don't think we caught
your name, young man.

Sidney Falco, sir. But everybody
knows and admires you, Senator Walker.

Every six years
I become less convinced of that.

Oh, this young lady
is Miss Linda James.

She's managed by Manny Davis.

I know Manny Davis.

Everyone knows Manny Davis...

except Mrs. Manny Davis.

Go ahead, Billy. Shoot.
Uh-huh.

Sports cars are getting
smaller and smaller in California.

The other day, you were crossing
Hollywood Boulevard and you got hit by one...

and you had to go to the hospital
to get it removed.

Billy, you're not following the column.
I had it last week.

Senator, do you believe
in capital punishment?

- Why?
- A man has just been sentenced to death.

What exactly are the unseen gifts...

of this lovely young thing
that you manage?

Well, she sings a little.
You know, she sings -

Manny's faith in me is simply
awe-inspiring, Mr. Hunsecker.

- Actually, I'm still studying.
- What subject?

Singing, of course.
Straight concert and -

Why "of course"?
You might, for instance, be studying politics.

- Uh, me?
- Well, you see, J.J., she -

I mean, I - You must be
kidding, Mr. Hunsecker.

Me, with my Jersey City brains?

The brains may be Jersey City...

but the clothes
are Traina-Norell.

Are you an actor, Mr. Falco?

That's what I was thinking.
Are you, Mr. Falco?

Well, how did you
guess it, Miss James?

He's so... pretty, that's how.

Mr. Falco - let it be said at once -
Is a man of 40 faces, not one.

None too pretty,
and all deceptive.

You see that grin?
That's the, uh -

That's the charming street-urchin face.

It's part of his helpless act.
He throws himself upon your mercy.

He's got a half dozen faces
for the ladies.

But the one I like -
the really cute one -

is the quick, dependable chap.

Nothing he won't do
for you in a pinch...

so he says.

Mr. Falco, whom I did not invite
to sit at this table tonight...

is a hungry press agent
and fully up to all the tricks...

of his very slimy trade.

Match me, Sidney.

Not right this minute, J.J.

I know. That wonder boy of yours
opens at the Latin Quarter next week.

- J.J., I -
- Say good-bye, Lester.

May I ask you
a naive question, Mr. Falco?

Exactly how does
a press agent work?

- Uh -
- Well, answer the man, Sidney.

He's trying to take you
off the hook.

You just saw
a good example of it, Senator.

A press agent eats a columnist's dirt
and is expected to call it manna.

But don't you help columnists
by furnishing them with items?

Sure. A columnist
can't do without us...

except our good and great friend J.J.
forgets to mention that.

- You see, we furnish him with items.
- What? Cheap, gruesome gags?

- You print 'em, don't you?
- Yes, with your clients' names attached.

That's the only reason
the poor slobs pay you -

to see their names
in my column all over the world.

- Now you're doing me a favor?
- I didn't say that.

The day I can't get along
without a press agent's handouts...

I'll close up shop and move to Alaska
lock, stock, and barrel.

Sweep out my igloo. Here I come.

Manny, you rode in here on the senator's
shirttails, so shut your mouth!

Now, come, J.J.
That's a little too harsh.

Anyone seems fair game
for you tonight.

This man is not for you, Harvey...

and you shouldn't be seen
in public with him.

Because that's another part
of a press agent's life:

They dig up scandal
about prominent people...

and shovel it thin among columnists
who give them space.

There seems to be some allusion here
that escapes me.

We're friends, Harvey.

We go as far back as when you were
a fresh kid congressman, don't we?

Why is it that everything you say
sounds like a threat?

Maybe it's a mannerism,
because I don't threaten friends.

But why furnish your enemies
with ammunition?

You're a family man, Harvey, and someday,
God willing, you may want to be president.

And here you are,
out in the open...

where any hep person knows
that this one...

is toting that one
around for you.

Are we kids, or what?

Next time you come up,
you might join me on my T.V. show.

Thanks, J.J.,
for what I consider sound advice.

Go thou and sin no more.

- Senator.
- Good night, Mr. Falco.

- Mac, don't let the senator pay that check.
- I'll take care of it, Mr. Hunsecker.

President!

- Hello, J.J.
- Bill.

My big toe would make
a better president.

- Mr. Hunsecker's coat, Joe.
- Pick me a good one, Joe.

Thanks, Al.

- Anyone calls, Dan, I'll be at El Morocco.
- Very good, Mr. Hunsecker.

Where's your coat, Sidney?
Saving tips?

My curiosity's killing me, but what are you
so rambunctious about tonight?

There's your fat friend.

Police cars, 16th Precinct, attention.

Signal 30- Signal 3-0-
at bar and grill, 48th and Broadway.

Police cars, 16th Precinct, attention.
Signal 30.

Signal 30 at bar and grill-

- Hello, Harry.
- Buona sera, commendatore. Come sta?

Italian, Sidney. That shows
Lieutenant Kello likes your people.

It's my Brooklyn background, J.J.
Good with Yiddish too.

Harry! Am I supposed
to say "uncle"?

- Hello, Phil. How's the kids?
- Just great, Mr. Hunsecker.

Anything fit for me to print tonight?

Nah, I just checked downtown.
It's quiet everywhere.

What happened to that doll? The item
you gave me last night - she still alive?

Yeah, in Bellevue. She's hanging on,
but we still don't know if she was pushed.

- Maybe she jumped. Love suicide.
- Could be.

- Check that, will you, Phil?
It's a real heartthrob.
- Car 437 to Central-

Harry, say hello
to Sidney Falco.

Tickle him a little.
He's been a bad boy tonight.

He called you my "fat friend."

I don't believe it.

I know, I know.
The strongest cop in town.

I call him
"the boy with the ice-cream face."

That's good. It's nice.
In fact it's apt, Harry.

Yeah, I got eyes.
I put things together.

I remember once when you didn't
quite put things together.

Boy, was the mayor mad.

- Car 437-
- "Citizens' committee."

I didn't mean to hit
the boy so hard.

That's when a fellow really needed a friend,
and I won't forget his initials, J.J.

Mr. Hunsecker?

- She died 20 minutes ago.
- That's show business. Thanks, Phil.

See ya, Harry.

See ya, Kello.

Hasta la vista, J.J.
Hasta luego.

Spanish. That shows
he likes the spicks too, huh?

I like Harry,
but I can't deny he sweats a little.

Don't try to come back,
or I'll throw you out again.

Just a minute.
My hat's in there, and I paid -

Leave him alone! Leave him alone!

I love this dirty town.

Sidney,
conjugate me a verb.

For instance, "to promise."

You promised to break up
that romance. When?

You want something done, J.J., but I doubt
if you yourself know what's involved.

- I'm a schoolboy. Teach me.
- Why don't you break it up yourself?

You know you could do it
in a couple minutes flat.

At this late date
you need explanations?

Susie's all I've got.
Now she's growing up...

I want my relationship with her
to remain at least at par.

I don't intend to do anything
to antagonize her if I don't have to.

Be warned, son.
I'll have to blitz you.

Frankly, J.J., I don't think
you got the cards to blitz me.

- I don't?
- Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think so.

I'll listen for one more minute.

About a year ago,
I did you a certain favor.

It was a thing - Well, I never did
such a dirty thing in my life.

All right, it's forgotten. Forget it.
Which brings us up to five weeks ago.

"Sidney, I got
a nasty little problem here.

Do so-and-so and I'll appreciate it."
Did I say no? Was I fussy?

I'm the first to admit
it didn't gel as fast as we'd like...

but why all of a sudden
can't I get you on the phone?

And why am I frozen
out of the column?

- You finished?
- No. Let me finish, J.J.

I don't like this job.
That boy is dumb on matinee days only.
Otherwise, he's got a head.

And Susan, like you said,
is growing up. Two heads.

- What I mean, we got a slippery,
dangerous problem here.
- Not we, Sidney. You.

Correct me if I'm wrong, J.J. - we!

Because if I'm gonna go out on a limb
for you, you gotta know what's involved.

My right hand hasn't seen
my left hand in 30 years.

I'll do it, J.J.
Don't get me wrong.

In for a penny, in for a pound.
I'll go through with it.

But stop beating me on the head.
Let me make a living.

Sidney, what you promised, do it.
Don't finagle around.

It's later than you think.

Excuse me, J.J. It's later than you think.
That boy proposed to her.

Susie told you that?

- Uh-huh.
- What was her answer?

She'll discuss it
with you at breakfast.

That means you've got a plan.

- Can you deliver?
- Tonight.

Before you go to bed.

Cat's in the bag,
and the bag's in the river.

Don't be a two-time loser, Sidney.
The penalty could be severe.

Good evening, Mr. Falco.

Well, I get the right point.
That's the way I like to hear it.

- Hi, Harry. Seen Arthur?
- Yeah, he's around here someplace.

- Hiya, Sid. You want a table?
- No. Just hoppin'. Leo Bartha been in?

Yeah, he's havin' supper with the missus.
She's over there, and he's, uh -

- Oh, I see him. Thanks.
- You bet.

Hello, Leo. How goes
the Sunday piece on cigarette girls?

Who told you about it?

The cigarette girl, Rita.
And she took out all her hairpins too.

I never had the pleasure of meeting
your wife. You know what I wonder, Leo?

I wonder maybe you can use
a hot little item for tomorrow's column.

What is this, blackmail?

Beat it.

Leo, I've never had the pleasure
of meeting your wife.

Sidney Falco, Loretta.

- How do you do, Mr. Falco?
- How do you do?

If you know anything
about the horses, sit down.

Help yourself to a glass
of this New York State champagne.

That's what my husband buys me.

These imported wines aren't
what they're cracked up to be.

Whose side are you on,
Mr. Falco, his or mine?

Frankly, I'm a neutral observer
for the United Nations.

- What's your first name?
- Sidney.

No horse running tomorrow
by that name.

Why don't you stop this business
with the two-dollar bets?

It's compensation, Leo,
for the marginal life we lead.

Sidney, did you hear the story
about the cloak-and-suiter who -

That's right. You tell him, and I read it
in Hunsecker's column first.

Oh, are you a spy
for the other side?

No. I actually sat down
to give Leo an item.

Leo, he wants
to give you an item.

- Don't be sullen.
- Would you mind your own business?

Hitler.

In case you want to use it, it's, uh, blind.
No names mentioned.

For your private information,
the guy's name is Dallas.

There's not a single name here
that gives off vibrations.

Is there anything
with a name like Cigarette Girl?

Uh, Cigarette Girl... no.

There's no name here like that.

- I don't print blind items.
- What is this, chess or checkers?

Neither does Hunsecker.

He likes to use the real names.

- Waiter, the check.
- Why are we running?
What am I missing here?

This man is trying
to hold a gun to my head.

Shotgun! That's the horse.
Shotgun in the fifth.

- Wha-
- You wanna tell my wife something.
What? What, Sidney?

He wants to tell you
you spilled champagne all over.

- Go on, tell her.
- What are you getting excited about?
Are you nuts? Calm down.

Sorry, Lorrie.
I can't let this man blackmail me.

Blackmail?

Wants me to print
a dirty little smear item...

- in exchange for keeping his mouth shut.
- About what?

Foolishly, Lorrie, I -

I hope you'll understand that -
This cigarette girl -

I-I was kidding around.
With the girl, I mean.

I was kidding.
She took it seriously.

A case of bad judgment.

Bad taste.

I'm just sorry, that's all.

And your friend Hunsecker -

You tell him for me
he's a disgrace to his profession.

Never mind about my -
my bilious private life.

I run a decent, responsible column.
That's the way it stays.

Your man prints anything!

He'll use any spice to pepper up
his daily garbage!

You tell him I said so!

Tell him that, like yourself,
he's got the scruples of a guinea pig...

and the morals of a gangster.

What do I do now?
Whistle "Stars and Stripes Forever"?

What you do now, Mr. Falco,
is crow like a hen.

You have just laid an egg.

Leo, this is the first clean thing
I've seen you do in years.

Mr. Elwell wants to see you,
Mr. Falco.

I see Bartha gave you
cold tongue for supper.

- I got a late date with a dame -
- Wait a minute.

Look, Otis, if you're trying to blow this brawl
into an item for your column, forget it!

By the way, what's this I hear about J.J.
giving you the flit-gun treatment?

He's shut you out of his column.

Why?

You don't know that lunatic yet?

Whims, whims.
Egotistic whims.

You got him for a friend,
you don't need an enemy.

That's what my beef
with Leo Bartha was about.

"Leo," I says, "J.J. froze me out,
so I'm eating humble pie this month.

Please, please
print me an item."

And instead he printed
his heel in your face, hmm?

- You're full of human feelings.
- Turn the record over, Sidney.

Like most of the human race, I'm bored.
I'd go a mile for a chuckle.

- Or two miles for a pretty girl.
- Three.

Then you're really washed up
with Hunsecker, huh?

This is how much
I'm washed up with Hunsecker.

Look, Otis, I make no brief
about my bilious private life...

but he's got the morals of a guinea pig
and the scruples of a gangster.

A fine, fat, dirty item.

Who's it about?

Um, a kid named Dallas.

He runs a dinky jazz quintet...

but he happens to be keeping company
with J.J.'s screwball sister.

It's a real goody if, like me,
you wanna clobber J.J.

He's got his T.V. tomorrow.
He'd read it before rehearsals.

I want to clobber J.J.

Trouble is, I can't think of a good reason
why I should print anything you give me.

I can't even think
of a bad reason.

Suppose I introduce you
to a, a lovely reason...

that's both good and bad...

and available.

I'm not an unreasonable man.

Hi.

Rita, say hello to Otis Elwell.

Hello.

Hello.
My friends call me Otis.

Sometimes "Tricky Otis."

Otis was real outraged when I told him
Van Cleve was going to fire you.

- He - He was?
- Uh-huh.

- Don't I know you from somewhere?
- Otis.

Saratoga.

- Last summer?
- Relax, relax.

Come on, take the weight
off those lovely gams, huh?

Look, I fixed you a drink.

Sure. Relax, Rita.

When you look at me,
you look at a friend in disguise.

Miami Beach?

Haven't been to Florida
since I was a little girl.

Well, here's to the time
when we played with dolls...

and, uh, dreamed
of better things.

Here, Otis.

A cozy place
you've got here, Sidney.

- Make yourself at home.
- Nice, nice.

And snug.

Otis carries a lot of weight
with your boss, honey.

He's gonna tell him not to pay
any attention to anything...

you-know-who says
about you-know-what.

- Right, Otis?
- Right.

And now this is Don Holloway-

Why don't you two talk it over
until, uh, until I get back?

... music for your
all-night listening pleasure.

- Back?
- Yes, you know these business meetings...

always coming up
in the middle of the night.

Hold on.

You can drop me off
on your way!

- Consternation reigns.
- Now, Otis -

I hate J.J., but not that much
at this moment.

L-Look, gimme a chance, huh?
Gimme a chance.

D-Don't you know
who that man is?

- Yeah. Otis Elwell, the columnist.
- Yeah.

And he's a perfect stranger to me.

So take five minutes.
Get acquainted.

He's an important man.

He's lonely.
Don't be dumb!

What do you want all of a sudden?
Lady Godiva?

Where's my other shoe?

What kind of an act is this?

Don't you think I have any feelings?
What am I?

A-A bowl of fruit?
A-A tangerine that peels in a minute?

I beg your pardon.
How do you like this?

I turn myself inside out to do you a favor,
and now I'm the heavy.

Here's your shoe...

there's your coat...

and there's the door.

Sidney, I don't do this sort of thing.

- What sort of thing?
- This sort of thing!

You need him for a favor,
don't you?

Well, so do I.
I need his column tonight.

Didn't you ask me
to do somethin' about your job?

Don't you have a kid
in military school?

You're a snake, Falco.

You're a louse... a real louse.

Honey, he's gonna help ya!

Huh?

How many drinks does it take...

to put you
in that tropical-island mood?

Havana - that's where we met!

Here's mud in your column.

Blessings on thee, the both.

Well, gotta run.
See you kids later.

Mmm. Hurry back.

Don't do anything I wouldn't do...

and that gives you
a lot of leeway.

Palm Springs.

Two years ago.

Don't tell Sidney.

Hello, J. J? Sidney.

J. J?

Yes, Sidney.

You sound happy, Sidney.
Why should you be happy when I'm not?

How do you spell Picasso, the painter?
One S or two?

Two.

He goes out with three-eyed girls.

You know, it'd be nice
if you mentioned R-O-B-A-R-D.

Robard's Jazz Joint.
It's his 20th anniversary.

Now, don't begrudge it to me, J.J.
I owe him a lot of favors.

I think you understand
that the Dallas skull is badly dented.

Oh, yeah, very bad.

Starting today, you can play
marbles with his eyeballs.

Now, don't begrudge it to me, J.J.
Mention Robard.

- R-O-
- We shall see what we shall see, Sidney.

And Sidney,
don't use this phone anymore.

I have a nervous sister.

- Get your paper here.
- Record.

Thank you. Get your paper here.
Read all about it.

Get your paper here.
Read all about it.

Read all about it.
Get your paper here.

I have no power to retract, Mr. Cummings.
I'm only Mr. Hunsecker's secretary.

No, nor do I agree
that any retraction is necessary.

Thank you for calling.

I fail to see what's amusing
about these papers.

- I'll get the boss to sign them.
- They're important.

You've said that six times.
That's why I'm smiling.

Hello, Mary, me darlin'.
And what are you up to today?

That's a question
I usually like to ask you.

- Your secretary phoned.
- About what?

Something about a Frank D'Angelo
trying to reach you.

Is, um, that the man who manages
Susie's boyfriend?

- Mm-hmm.
- Have you seen this?

Otis Elwell's column today?

"The dreamy
marijuana smoke...

of a lad who heads
a highbrow jazz quintet...

is giving an inelegant odor...

to that elegant East Side club
where he works.

That's no way for a card-holding
Party member to act.

Moscow won't like it,
you naughty boy."

Sidney Falco office.

- Hello, Sally? I got your message.
- Sidney -

If D'Angelo calls, tell him I'll be back
at the office around noon. Bye.

- Could this be that boy?
- Dallas? Could be.

Doesn't look like a flyer to me.

If it's true,
J.J.'s gonna hit the ceiling.

Can it be news to you that J.J.'s ceiling
needs a new plaster job every six weeks?

Sidney.

You know, J.J. doesn't like people
who look at the column proof in advance.

Mary, my darlin',
I'm not "people."

There's Falco blood, sweat,
and tears in that column.

How 'bout dinner tonight?

Bribing me again?

Now, why should I bribe the woman
that holds most of my heart?

You're a real rascal, Sidney.

You're an amusing boy...

but you haven't got a drop
of respect in you for anything alive.

You're so immersed...

in a theology
of making a fast buck.

Not that I don't sometimes feel
that you yearn for something better.

Mary, don't try and sell me
the Brooklyn Bridge.

I happen to know
it belongs to the Dodgers.

Oh, I don't mind you looking at the column
in advance, so long as J.J. doesn't know.

But don't do it like a little boy
stealing gum from a slot machine.

Who put this item in
about the comic?

"If there's a more hilarious funnyman
around than Herbie Temple at the Palace...

you'll have to pardon us
for not catching the name.

We were too busy screaming."

Does this Temple
have a press agent?

No. Just one of J.J.'s
occasional beaux gestes.

Evidently the fellow's funny,
so he gave him a plug.

What's your favorite ribbon
for your favorite chocolate?

Let's wait till Christmas.
It's more legitimate then.

- Hey!
- Herbie Temple onstage yet?

Yeah, but you can't go in there now.

- I said, "Figo,
I'm not sellin'ya a dozen eggs.

I'm sellin' ya Herbie Temple,
so don't give me any of your lip."

- Hi, Al.
- Since when did you two get acquainted?

- How do you do, Mr. Temple?
- D-D-Delighted.

- I'm Sidney Falco.
- Oh. D-D-De- I'm glad to know you.

Watch out for this guy, Herbie.
He's a press agent.

You watch out for him, Al.
I stutter.

Uh, I caught your act
the other night, and -

On the first or second bounce?

And I just wanted to tell you
how great you were.

Well, that's fine.
What time is it, Al?

Oh. You got 10 minutes yet.

Look, Falco, I hate to bother ya,
but we're kinda busy.

It's all right.
I'm a little busy myself.

I'm busy too.
Don't call us. We'll call you.

You mind if I ask an impertinent question,
with no criticism intended?

Of course, Al, I know
you earn your 10 percent...

but how can you let a sock act
like Herbie Temple...

tiptoe through town
without a publicity build?

We're not buying it, Falco.
No fish today.

I'm not selling any.
I'm just curious, that's all.

Answer his question fast, will ya?
Before he asks ya five more.

Mr. Temple don't believe in press agents.
Does that answer you something?

Take your hands off me, lump!

Look, nobody believes
in a press agent, Temple...

if, uh, if he makes claims
he can't produce.

I'm not here to try to sell anything,
and I'm not gonna peddle anything.

But when I tell a client...

I can get him space
in Hunsecker's column...

it's not talk.

Excuse me.

- Listen, you bull artist,
if you think you can blackmail -
- Let him alone, Al.

Hello. Sidney -

Hello, Mary?
Could I talk to J.J., please?

Now, look, nobody hired you.
We didn't talk any deal.

Relax, lump.

I told ya I wasn't peddling
any fish today.

J.J., hi. Sidney Falco.
How are you, sweetheart?

Fine. Just fine, thanks.

Uh, look, I know it's late,
but, um...

is it too late to add something
to your column?

No, no.

No relative, but very important.

If you got a piece of paper and pencil,
I can suggest a word or two. Good.

"If there's a more hilariously
funny man around than, uh...

than Herbie Temple at the Palace,
you'll, uh...

you'll pardon us
for not catching his name.

We were too busy laughing."

No, make that,
"We were too busy screaming."

Right. Thanks, J.J.
Probably see you at "21" later.

No. Supper. Right.

Good-bye,
and thanks again. Bye.

Speak to the man, Al.
Uh, wait a minute. Hold it, will ya?

- Al, speak to the - Mr. Falco.
- See me in my office.

Al makes all the deals, doc.
I can't -

I don't like a fella
that's quick with his hands.

You know, Temple, you've been
three passes behind for the last 20 years.

This could start you off real big.
T.V., movies, anywhere.

Probably cost us
a pretty penny too, huh?

You tell him.
I st-st-st-stutter.

Look, why don't we wait
until tomorrow?

Wait as long as you like.

You know where my office is.

- Let's go to the club.
- All right, take it easy, Steve.

Hi.

Well, what is here, a wake?

- You read as you run, don't you?
- It's a habit with me.

So now I'm briefed.
So what?

Frank thought I shouldn't
come here, but I thought -

Excuse me, Steve. I said, namely,
you shouldn't go around wild...

blamin' people
without justification.

But I thought you might have
a faint idea how that item originated.

- Why me?
- Why not you?

Wha- Oh, that's your idea
of logic, huh?

I go to the judge and say,
"I didn't murder the man"...

but the judge says to me,
"Why not you?"

There's only two men in this town
that could be responsible for that smear:

you or Hunsecker or both!

Hunsecker and Elwell
are enemies to the knife...

- so how do you get him doing J.J. a favor?
- It is a favor, isn't it?

Dallas, your mouth is as big
as a basket and twice as empty.

I don't like you, period!

But neither do I go along
with this column...

saying you smoke, uh, marijuana
and belong with the Reds.

Also, since
we're talking repulsive...

J.J. won't like this for two se-
Don't give me that look, Dallas.

J.J. believes in fair play.
And secondly...

this could splatter his sister with rotten egg
by implication. Uh, you're the boyfriend.

- You're talking very fast.
- Well, I'll tell you what!

Excuse me for breathing, will ya?
How do you like this two-bit banjo player?

- He comes into my office -
- Look!

- Wise guy -
- Boys, boys, boys.

This gets nobody nowhere.

- You're overexcited, Steve.
- Don't apologize for me.

And with good reason,
I wanted to say.

- This endangers the future
of the whole quintet.
- Should I cry?

People catch on very quick
to such an item.

Van Cleve already called me.
He's firing the quintet.

So what are you doing here?
Go over there and fight.

Look, if Van Cleve fires your boy,
that'll give that lie a ring of truth.

I want to speak
to Miss Hunsecker, please.

- Hello?
- Susie, this is Steve.
- Steve.

Don't be alarmed, but I want you to take
a look at Elwell's column in The Record.

Today.

No, it's about me.
A smear.

A-A smear? What -
What kind of a smear?

- Where are you?
- We're on our way to the Elysian
to dicker with Van Cleve.

He's fired us already.

L-Look, I'll call you later, dear.
Good-bye.

Come on, Frank.

If I told Steve what I really think,
he'd tear your head off.

- Tell him.
- No.

I'm interested in his future.

- What's the matter with you?
- Nothing.

Y-You know, Sally,
I sometimes get the impression...

you think you live
in Starbright Park.

This is life!
Get used to it!

Yes?

J.J., I presume you saw
the Elwell smear.

U-Uh, no.
No, no medals. Not yet.

It's a lot worse than that.

Auntie Van Cleve is firing him.

I just got it from the horse's mouth.
They were just here in a panic.

You mean to say they've already
traced the smear to you?

Then what are you so smug about?
Susie isn't dumb.

All she does is put two and two
together, and I'm a chicken in a pot.

Uh, J.J., peace on earth
and goodwill to men.

Everything's working out
just the way I planned.

I guarantee the bomb'll pop
right on schedule.

Get him back his -
You said get him back his job.

For what?

Look, Sidney, I don't like this.
This is traveling in the dark.

You better get over here
as fast as you can.

No, wait a minute.
Susie's up and about.

I'll have to do
a fine song and dance.

Meet me at the T.V.
about 3:00.

Susie?
Come in a minute, dear.

Susie, you're very much
in my thoughts today.

- Why?
- Why?

What a question, dear,
with that newspaper in your hand.

Did Sidney tell you about it?

Yes, he phoned.

Susie, I don't know
this boy too well.

Anything in these charges?

- You're not being partial, are you?
- No, I'm not. I'm not.

Now, take it easy, Susie. You don't have
to protest with me. I'll trust your judgment.

Come into camp, ya poor kid.
You look so nervous.

You're trembling, dear.

- Sidney didn't take long
to phone you, did he?
- Naturally.

Anything that touches you
touches me... doesn't it?

You know, dear,
we're drifting apart, you and I...

and I don't like it.

A year ago,
in your wildest dreams...

would you have walked past that door
without coming in here...

to take up the situation with me?
Today I had to call you in.

- But I'm taking up the situation with you now.
- Let me finish, dear.

You've had your say.
Let me have mine.

But I haven't said anything, J.J.!

Susie, I want to help you.

You're all I've got
in this whole wide world.

There's nothing
I wouldn't do for you.

What do you want me to do?
Name it.

Because I don't like
that troubled look on your face.

If you really want
to help me, J. J...

get Steve back his job.

He means that much to you?

Yes.

With your prestige
it'll only take a minute.

Ten cents' worth
of American Tel & Tel.

You're picking up my lingo, hon.

I read your column every day.

Susie, I like
this crisp new attitude of yours.

You're growing up,
and I like it.

I don't like it when you're limp and
dependent, when you're odd and wayward.

This Dallas boy
must be good for you.

Why don't you bring him around
today before the show?

This time I'll clean my glasses
for a better look.

Let me have Billy Van Cleve.

Don't ever tell anyone, Susie,
how I'm tied to your apron strings.

Billy? J.J. Hunsecker.

Now, what about
this Dallas boy?

That's right.
What about this Dallas boy?

"A man has the right
to face his accusers.

That's the American way.
Who said? The man said."

Burton, don't hang around.
If I run over, I'll cut some items off the tail.

"From Washington
through Jefferson...

from Lincoln and F.D.R.
right up to today...

the democratic way of life -
that's what the man said.

Nowadays
it doesn't export too well...

but you know and I know
that our best secret weapon...

- is D-E-M-O-C-R-A-C-Y."
- That's grand!

"Let's never forget it,
ladies and gentlemen."

Just grand, J.J.!
Is my makeup all right?

- Despite the scads of movies I've made -
- It's fine. Mary, take care of Miss Tam.

Anything she wants.
She's our star today.

...never been on T.V. Thank you.

Where's the script?

I got that boy
coming over here today.

If I can trust my eyes - and I think I can -
Susie knows all about your dirty work.

Can't hurt.

Can't hurt?
I had to get that boy his job back.

Look, J. J...

we can tie this off
into one neat bundle...

address it to the dumps,
to oblivion.

We're doing great,
but please do it my way.

I've cased this kid.
I know his ins and outs.

He's full of juice and vinegar,
just waiting...

for a big shot like you
to put on the squeeze.

You got the boy his job back - okay.
But he's not gonna accept your favor.

The manager, yeah,
but not that boy.

What has this boy got
that Susie likes?

Integrity.
Acute, like indigestion.

What does this mean,
"integrity"?

A pocketful of firecrackers...

waitin' for a match.

You know, it's a new wrinkle.
To tell you the truth...

I never thought I'd make a killing
on some guy's integrity.

I'd hate to take a bite out of you.

You're a cookie full of arsenic.

Move the lamp to your right.

I still think he's responsible
for the smears.

Not that I'm convinced, but you'll never
prove it in a thousand years.

Steve, you'll do what you want,
but it can't hurt.

He offers you an olive branch,
so today like olives.

Excuse me.

Steve, before we go in,
could I -

Hi. Just in time.

J.J. just finished up
his rehearsal.

Looks like a wedding.

- You look lovely, dear.
- Steve, you've met my brother.

- Of course. Frank.
- Yes.

Well, son, looks like you went out and
got a packet of trouble for yourself, hmm?

You've been very kind about it,
Mr. Hunsecker.

Ah, give Susie credit for that. I took her word
there was nothing to the smear.

As a matter of fact, I'll have plenty to say
about smears on my show today.

And that's why I'd -
Well, I'd like your personal assurance too.

Mr. Hunsecker,
there is nothing to this smear.

- You have my sincere word.
- I'll buy that.

Now you do me a favor.
Be good to my kid sister.

Yeah, she's had
a lot of trouble for a kid.

Susie has her girlish secrets,
but in her heart of hearts...

I imagine, Dallas, she fancies you
in an uncommon way.

Now, how 'bout you?
Not just, uh -

Well, not just tomcatting
around, I hope.

- J.J., Steve is not -
- Now, take it easy, Susie.

Steve wouldn't be much of a man if he
didn't understand my concern, would you?

No, I wouldn't.

Serious as a deacon.
I like it. I like it fine.

In a world of old rags and bones,
I like it.

Now, you take Sidney here.

If Sidney ever got
anywhere near Susie...

I'd take a baseball bat,
break it over his head.

Hey, Joel

Sidney lives so much
in moral twilight...

that when I told him you were coming
here today, he predicted disaster.

Said you wouldn't take my favor.

He said you'd chew up the job and spit it
right back in my face. Any truth in that?

Well, since you bring it up -

- No, Mr. Hunsecker.
And now, if I can amplify -
- Don't amplify.

Steve would like
to thank you for this favor.

You don't listen very good, do you, Frank?
J.J. just said to keep your mouth shut.

- Don't you think
it's about time you shut yours?
- I didn't hear you.

Who are you to tell
Frank D'Angelo to shut up?

Steve, this isn't important.

Does he have to be here?

Why?
Has he bothered you before?

- Is it news to you?
- Son, a lot of people tell me...

I'm a very gifted man,
but I still can't see around corners.

Now, just what exactly
are you so hot about?

I know it's a difficult thing
to be an artist in this crudest...

- of all possible worlds -
- Look, I'm not here as an artist.

I'm here as an average Joe
who happens to love your sister.

Well, just be careful you don't
knock her off her feet, hmm?

Stanley, move it to your right a little bit.

Now, frankly, son, I lost you on that last hill.
Just give us the punch line.

Steve -

There's no punch line.

Yeah, I was just admiring
your know-how, yours and Falco's.

Why do you keep
coupling me with Falco?

Why is he here?

When he dies, do you think
he'll go to the dog-and-cat heaven?

Look, let's forget about dogs and cats
and all that pseudo-literary junk.

I'm gonna lay it right on the line. What about
that ruckus in my office this afternoon?

You were there, Frank, where,
according to St. Dallas here...

J.J. was responsible
for the Elwell smear!

- Don't go wild, Sidney.
- Wild? Take a look at them
and tell me who's wild.

- What about it?
- Steve was overexcited.
He didn't mean -

- J.J., I was -
- Look -
- Quiet, all of you!

Susie, sit down.
This requires investigation.

Well, how did you mean it?

Well, come on, come on.
I'm waiting.

Look, I don't take kindly
to you and Falco teaching me ethics.

Who's the injured party here?
You?

Right now, you have no right to ask
questions, and your snide -

Wait a minute! I haven't handed over
punishing privileges to you yet!

Just lay the whip down.
Maybe I'll respect what you're saying.

- Steve -
- Shut up!

Susie, did you know
about this accusation?

No.

Before you leave, son...

I'll answer your question...

Susan Hunsecker's
the injured party here.

Or perhaps next you'll be telling me
I don't have my sister's welfare at heart.

Mr. Hunsecker, you've got
more twists than a barrel of pretzels.

Did you hear that, Susie?

Continue, please.

Well, I can't cope
with them, that's all.

You're too shrewd for me,
so I'll just be honest.

Susie and I are in love.
We want to get married.

Give him credit.
The boy's gall is gorgeous.

Why don't we hear
what Susie has to say?

That's stout of you, Dallas...

but perhaps Susie may not care
to air her views in public.

Susie?

Susie, as always, is free
to say anything she wants.

Go on, dear.
Say exactly what's on your mind, dear.

- Those "dears" sound like daggers.
Why don't you stop daring her to speak?
- What are you trying to do?

I'm trying to get Susie to stand up to you,
but your manner is so threatening,
she's afraid to speak!

- Son, you raise your voice once more -
- Please, please st-!

- J.J., can't you -
- I'm sorry, Susie.

Well, son, it looks like we may have to call
this game on account of darkness.

If looks could kill,
I'd be dead.

No, I don't care about you.

My whole interest,
if it's not too late, is in Susie...

and how to undo
what you've done to her.

And what have I done to her
except not buy her a new fur coat lately?

You were right, Sidney.
This boy is a dilly!

Why? Because I don't like
the way you toy with people?

Your contempt and malice?

I'm sorry, Frank. You think
about yourself and about your column.

T-To you, you're some kind
of a, a national glory...

but to me and a lot
of people like me...

your slimy scandal
and your phony patriotics -

To me, Mr. Hunsecker,
you're a national disgrace.

Son, I don't relish shooting
mosquitoes with elephant guns.

Suppose you just shuffle along
and call it a day.

But my day with Susie
isn't over yet.

Here's your head.
What's your hurry?

You did it, J.J.
You did it good.

Susie, I'd have to take it
very much amiss...

if you ever saw that boy again.

I'll never see him again.

Mary, call Van Cleve at this number.
Tell him I said he was right.

Those Dallas boys
are not worthy of his club.

- Taxi!
- Susie.

Susiel

Ow!

Mr. Hunsecker, this was to be
delivered to you personally.

- This drink is warm.
- You said you like
to have 'em at the table, sir.

- What are you, a critic?
- I'll change 'em.
- Forget it, forget it.

We're on the verge of a farce,
a real farce.

As I see it, if Susie woulda stood behind
him today, he might've proved a threat.

But since primarily he's wedded to
his work, he's not gonna be able to take it.

Stop tinkering, pal.
That horseradish won't jump a fence.

In brief, J.J., it's all over, because
any hour now, that boy will give her up.

Now, is it a farce, or is it?

Sidney, this syrup
you're giving out with...

you pour over waffles,
not J.J. Hunsecker.

What do you mean,
this lousy kid'll give up my sister?

How does it matter whose sister?
The main thing is that they're through.

I mean that, uh, uh -

Am I supposed to forget
how that kid talked to me today?

J.J., is he worthy of a second glance
from a man like you? I mean that -

Bite on this.

Steamship tickets?

The next sailing of the Mary.
Susie's run down.

That's good.

Now that louse
is outta Susie's hair for good.

I want that boy taken apart.

J.J., why do something...

that's gonna drive them
right back into each other's arms?

I know how to handle Susie.
You just -

You just handle the boy.

Preferably tonight.

What's tomorrow, a holiday?

Your fat cop friend.

I think I'm going home. Maybe I left
my sense of humor in my other suit.

You've got a God-given brain,
Sidney. Use it.

You think this is
a personal thing with me?

Are you telling me I think of this
in terms of personal pique?

Don't you see that today that boy
wiped his feet on the choice...

and the predilections
of 60 million men and women...

in the greatest country
in the world?

If you had any morals yourself,
you'd understand the immorality...

of that boy's stand today.

It wasn't me he criticized.
It was my readers.

Don't remove
the gangplank, Sidney.

You may wanna
get back on board.

J.J., it's one thing
to wear your dog collar.

When it turns into a noose,
I'd rather have my freedom.

The man in jail
is always for freedom.

- Except, if you'll excuse me, J.J.,
I'm not in jail.
- You're in jail, Sidney.

You're a prisoner of your own fears,
your own greed and ambition. You're in jail.

You're blind, Mr. Magoo.
This is the crossroads for me.

I won't get Kello.
Not for a lifetime pass to the Polo Grounds.

Not if you serve me
Cleopatra on a plate.

Sidney, I told you -

J.J., I swear to you on my mother's life,
I wouldn't do that.

Not if you gave me a column
would I do a thing -

And who do you suppose
writes the column...

while Susie and I
are away for three months?

The man on the moon?
Thank you, Sidney.

And Sidney, I'll have
that piece of paper back.

Two cups of coffee.

Steve, I love the way
you stood up to my brother.

Nobody ever did that before.

But it frightened me.

Is that why you walked out?

Yes.

What you say to me -
it's true.

I'm weak.
I can't change.

I gather you're trying
to say good-bye.

Yes.

I came here with half an idea
of saying good-bye...

but I guess I'll hang around...

to plead.

Susie, is this really
what you want?

Yes.

My brother's capable of doing very great
harm, and I can't let that happen. We can't -

- I-I won't give you up.
- We can't see each other again.

Susie, that's fish four days old.
I won't buy it.

Right outta that mouth I love...

like a ventriloquist's dummy
your brother is saying good-bye.

No, Steve.

Please don't.

Please don't.

At least this way I'll know that...

you'll be somewhere in the world,
alive and happy, working.

I won't give you up.

You've got to go.

This coat is your brother.

I've always hated this coat.

Good-bye, Mr. D'Angelo.
Take care of Steve.

Say something funny,
Mr. Hasenpfeffer.

Look back and see
if she's still standing there.

She's still standing there.

I'll have a straight Coke.

Excuse me, excuse me.

Excuse me, Joe.
Steve don't feel too good.

Ah, I'm sorry to hear that.

So if you don't mind,
he'd like to leave after this set.

I like that boy, Frank.

- Anything he wants to do is okay with me.
- Thanks.

Hey, Mr. Falco.

I hate to give you
the satisfaction...

but they broke it off
tonight for good.

Tell that to Hunsecker.

He's a big man.
He wins all the marbles.

What's all the rush?
I thought you said 3:00.

He's, um, he's leaving early.
Right after this set.

It's nice, Sidney,
your givin' me this tip.

- He's got 'em on him.
- And he's got 'em on him.

I appreciate a thing like this.

And I appreciate where you're
looking out for the virtue of this city.

- What's your hurry, snooks?
- Let go of me, Kello.

Hey, Murph,
how do you like this face?

Well, I'll be doggoned.
It's melting.

Something got ya scared, Sidney?

Listen, rectify me a certain thing.

Weren't you kiddin', snooks,
when you told J.J. I was fat?

Rest in peace, Kello. You're skinny.
But J.J. says you sweat.

Is that a fact?

He's a dilly, ain't he?

I get the distinct impression, snooks,
that you don't like me. Could I be wrong?

Ya could be right, ya fat slob.

Come back, Sidney.

I wanna chastise you.

Thank you very much.

Hey, fella.

Go! Go, go, go!

I'd like to propose the toast.
What do you say?

- Scotch.
- Scotch.

- Three scotches,
one vodka and orange juice...
- Sidney.

- and an old-fashioned.
- Sidney, there's a phone call for you.

Lou, I told you
I'm not takin' any calls, right?

- I don't care who calls - no calls!
- All right, Sidney.

- I still wanna make a toast.
- I'm buyin' the booze,
so I'm makin' a toast.

- Okay!
- Here's to the thing we always dream about.

It makes you cool in the summertime,
keeps you hot in the wintertime -

- Hey, how you been?
- Sidney.

Hello, Charlie. How are you?

Herbie Temple, remember?
The funniest man in town.

Gentlemen, I'm toasting
my favorite new perfume.

- Success.
- Hey, hey!

Sorry, kid. She said it was important.
The operator at "21" took the message.

Lou, I'm not taking any messages
unless it's J.J. Hunsecker.

That's who it is. He wants you
to come over to his house right away.

Gentlemen, duty calls.
The best of friends must part, right?

Sidney, Al and I talked it over,
and we want you to handle our account.

One of you guys want
a bread-and-butter account?
You act like I was lookin' for you.

Why don't you take me along?
Maybe I'll rub his back for you, huh?

J. J?

J. J?

Susie?

Susie?

Uh...

w-what- what are ya -

what are ya doing out there
this time of the night? Uh -

The, uh, the door was opened.

- Where's J.J.?
- He isn't here.

- Well, I got a message to come over.
- Did you?

- Well, if he isn't here, I -
- Mr. D'Angelo phoned.

- Yeah?
- About Steve.

I went down -

I went down to the hospital,
but they wouldn't let me in.

It's all over town about Dallas.

How is he?

They wouldn't let me in.

But I gave Steve up.

Why did you and J.J. do it?

What are you talking about?
Who gives you the right to talk like that?

Don't bother to lie, Sidney.

I don't care anymore.

Look, Susie, you're very upset,
so I'm not gonna argue with ya.

Feeling sorry for yourself
is not gonna help.

Why don't you go to bed
and get a good night's sleep, huh?

I'm sorry about Steve,
not myself.

I'm sorry about my brother.

And I'm sorry
about you too, Sidney...

- because you're going down with the ship.
- What ship?

This ship.

Don't you know how my brother's
gonna see you after tonight?

You're gonna be the man who...

drove his beloved
little sister to suicide.

You know, Susie,
I've heard this woman-talk before.

Why don't ya start
growin' up, huh?

Start thinking with your head
instead of your hips.

Uh, by the way...

I got nothing against women thinking
with their hips. That's their nature.

Just like it's a man's nature to go out
and hustle and get the things he wants.

Susie, look at yourself.
You're 19 years old.

Just a kid, and you're
falling apart at the seams.

You tiptoe around on those bird legs
of yours, nervous and incompetent...

with a fatality for doing wrong,
picking wrong...

and giving up
even before you start a fight!

Wait a minute.

It's the truth,
and the truth hurts.

Come around some night
when I'm not writin' your brother's column...

and I'll revise
that delicate outlook of life.

To give credit
where credit is due, Susie...

that body of yours deserves a better fate
than tumbling off some terrace.

Susie...

a bed is the best friend
a girl ever had.

Pleasant dreams.

Hey, now, don't be no square.
Don't do anything stupid.

Susie?

Susie?

Su- Susie!

Are you crazy?
Are you outta your mind?

What do you think your brother would say
if I told him you tried a thing like that?

- I'll get you a drink.
- No! Go away!

Susie, look, I-I'm sorry.

- If I said anything or did anything...
- Get out of herel

I did -

It's all right, Susie. I'm here.

Take it easy, dear.

- J.J., Susie wasn't feeling -
- Calm yourself, dear. Now, don't worry.

Put this on, Susie.

J.J., it's lucky I came right over
after I got your message.

I got here
as quickly as I could, but -

What message?

Well? What message?

Well... be that as it may,
someone called me -

It's just lucky I got your message
and came over here in time.

Why?

J.J., Susie was so depressed
she tried to kill herself.

Depressed?

About what?

'Cause she heard
the news about Dallas.

What news about Dallas?

Oh, uh, I took it for granted, J.J.,
that you heard about it around town.

You're not gonna like this, but they, uh,
they picked him up on a marijuana rap.

And is that why
you put your hands...

on my sister?

J.J., please.

Susie tried to throw herself
off the terrace.

Susie, tell him the truth!

Tell himl

J.J., please.
Look, I can explain.

J.J.!

Stop!

- Stop.
- You defending your sister, ya big phony?

Didn't you tell me to get Kello?
Didn't you -

Susie, just as I know he's lying
about your attempted suicide...

you know
he's lying about me.

But we can't leave it
like this, can we?

I suggest
you go to bed, dear.

You're growing up.

Cute.

Sergeant? This is J.J. Hunsecker.
Let me talk to Lieutenant Kello.

Harry? Sorry to bother you, kid,
but a bad mistake has been made.

J.J., you've got such contempt
for people, it makes you stupid.

You didn't beat those kids.
You've lost her. You'll never get her back.

Harry, Sidney Falco
planted that stuff on Dallas.

Jealousy.

Behind my back
he was trying to make my sister.

That fat cop can break my bones, but
he'll never stop me from telling what I know.

He's leaving right now.

Where do you think
you're going?

I'm leaving.
I'm going to Steve.

No, you're not. You're going
into the hands of a good psychoanalyst.

You tried to kill yourself tonight!

Yes.

I'd rather be dead
than living with you.

For all the things
you've done, J. J...

I-I know I should hate you.

But I don't.
I pity you.