Man in the Dark (1953) Movie Script
You get prettier
every day.
Tell me about
the beauty contest you won.
Find a place to eat?
I was unlucky. I did.
Where?
If I wasn't a good friend of yours,
I'd tell ya.
How's our boy?
Playing it cool.
How's it, Steve?
Eh. Nice white walls
to mark the days off on.
Maybe I'll draw pictures
of guys with funny faces.
Let's say your face.
You'll be outside soon.
You can forget about going back
to a cell when this thing is over.
That is, if everything
works out all right.
How would you like to have
your lid opened?
I brought you some smokes.
Cops always give me
something I can't use.
I don't have a match.
What did you want me to bring you...
a sack of jelly beans?
[ Door Opens ]
Good luck, Steve.
[ Door Closes ]
Where's the martini
I ordered?
I'm to prepare you for surgery.
I'm on a holiday till Monday.
Take your toys and get outta here.
There's been a change in plans.
Dr. Marston's operating tonight.
I said Monday.
I was born on a Monday.
I might as well go on one,
like dirty laundry.
Miss Millikan,
on the Rawley case,
do you know of any
changes in plans?
I see.
All right, thank you.
[ Handset Settles
In Cradle ]
Surgery's still scheduled
for 8:00, Mr. Rawley.
Tell 'em not to break up
their card game for me.
I only work here.
Yeah, well, you're not gonna
work on me till Monday.
This sedative will
relax you completely.
Stab yourself with it.
I said no!
You're making this difficult,
Mr. Rawley.
When I say no,
that means get outta here!
Flannigan.
You got trouble?
Yeah. He decided
to postpone his operation.
Bad decision. We don't
upset the doc's schedule.
[ Grunts ]
[ Body Thuds On Floor ]
You shouldn't have done that.
You can get the banana cart.
We'll have him ready for surgery.
[ Nurse ]
Bend your knees, please.
Hey, Doc.
Yes?
I never saw how I
came into this world.
I'd like to see how I go out.
What do you mean?
Give me a mirror.
Let me watch.
You won't see it
for long.
I said I'd like to see it.
Bring him a mirror.
Scalpel.
[ Nurse ]
Sponge count correct, Doctor.
Instrument count correct.
Fine job, Dr. Marston. Fine. Thanks.
You might have made
a little history tonight.
I hope so.
What kind of a night did he
have? He was awake only once.
Complain about pain?
No, sir.
Continue with
the same medication.
A Mr. Jawald
to see you, Doctor.
Jawald? Who's he?
He wants to talk with you
about Steve Rawley.
Send him in.
Dr. Marston?
Have a seat.
I came about
Steve Rawley, Doctor.
How soon can he
have visitors?
Oh, not for some time.
Insurance investigator, huh?
That's right.
People hock fur coats
they haven't paid for,
burn up businesses that
are on the rocks, you know.
I thought we'd kept this
fairly quiet.
How did you find out
that Mr. Rawley was here?
I know a policeman.
Well, what do you want
to see him about?
I heard you were making
an honest man of him.
I thought I might get some
honest answers for a change.
He's in no condition
to talk to anyone.
He's just been through
a very serious brain operation.
Yeah, I can imagine. To make that guy
honest, you'd have to cut off his head.
It's our theory that certain instincts...
in this case, the criminal type...
can be removed by surgery.
Whether we've been successful
or not remains to be seen.
In any case, I doubt whether Rawley
will ever be of much help to you.
What do you mean by that?
If we were successful,
he's lost his memory.
Then I'll refresh it for him.
There's a small matter of $130,000
he stole last Christmas Eve.
That payroll was insured
by my company.
He can't be tried
for that crime again.
And when he agreed to this operation,
he was paroled in my custody.
Right now, Rawley doesn't even
remember his own name.
He believes that his loss of memory
is due to a traffic accident.
It's important
that nothing disturbs him...
and that no one
brings up his past.
I don't think my company will see
eye to eye with you on that.
Good day, Mr. Jawald.
Okay.
But I've got
a one-track mind...
and 130,000 reasons
to stay on that track.
[ Door Closes ]
[ Electric Current Buzzing ]
What do you call
this gadget, Doc?
A polygraph.
Sounds like something
that eats crackers.
It's commonly called
a lie detector.
Oh. You want me
to lie to you, Doc?
No. It's just a routine test.
Well, get your contraption goin'.
What's your name?
James Blake.
How old are you?
Thirty-four.
- How do you know you're 34?
- Miss Quist told me.
Where were you born?
I don't remember.
Where did you live?
I don't remember that either.
What kind of work
did you do?
By the looks of these, I never
did a day's work in my life.
Have you ever been in jail?
No, but I kissed a girl once.
You don't need your machine
for that. Check with Miss Quist.
Any more questions, Doc?
Just one.
Does $130,000
mean anything to you?
[ Exhales ]
Yeah.
That's a lot of money.
Morning, Blake.
Hi, Doc.
How do you like my work?
Very professional job.
Ever do any gardening before?
Not that I can remember.
Well, keep up the good work.
Oh, say, Doc.
I was curious about something.
Yes?
Well, I'm in pretty good shape now. I
eat like a horse, feel as strong as one.
How long do I stick around?
Not very much longer.
Oh? Well, what do I do
when I leave?
What would you like to do? [
Chuckles ] Gee, I don't know.
Maybe I oughta stick around
and do your gardening for you.
I don't know if I can do
anything else.
I was kinda hoping that, later,
I could help you out in the lab, but-
Well, that's daydreaming,
I guess, huh?
Without dreams, men would be
pretty lost in this world.
You can stay here
as long as you care to.
Thanks, Doc.
How much longer
we have to watch him?
What are you kickin' about?
You're sittin' in the sun,
aren't ya?
Last month, you were
poundin' the pavement.
Hey, good lookin'.
[ Man In Car ]
Some friends to see you.
Hey.
Hey! Blake's getting away.
What's this all about?
Are you kiddin', Steve?
Steve?
My name's James Blake.
Well, what do you know?
You grabbed the wrong guy.
[ Laughing ]
We also picked up a tail, in
case you guys are interested.
Look, this is no time
to back the car in.
The law's behind us.
Come on, step on it!
Hey, enough's enough.
What's this all about?
We'll tell ya.
[ Tires Screeching ]
[ Siren Wailing ]
[ Tire Blows ]
#[ Radio: Big Band, Sentimental ]
Steve!
Well, somebody's gonna be
awfully embarrassed.
You haven't changed,
Steve.
I don't know who you guys think I am, but
it's a cinch you got your wires crossed.
Steve, is this a gag?
You know something,
I think he's playin' it straight.
Yeah. Tried to be
funny in the car.
Had me in stitches.
A real comic talent.
Look, why don't you call
Dr. Marston at the clinic?
He'll tell you who I am.
Steve, are you joking?
It's Peg.
For you two, isn't this a
little late for introductions?
Ah, maybe he's off his rocker.
Yeah, he's a nut.
A rich nut.
He can't remember anything,
but he will.
When I get through with him, he'll
be able to count from one to 130,000.
We had to take the silent treatment
from you when you were in stir,
but you're not in stir now.
So start remembering
your old friends...
and tell us where
you hid that dough.
Steve, we all took
the same chances, right?
I ask you, isn't it fair
we all have the same cut?
What cut?
What chances?
I never saw you guys
before in my life.
Get outta my way!
No! Lefty! Beat it! Buy
yourself a mink coat.
Grab his arms.
Okay. Come on, Arnie.
Come on, Steve. Don't
make it tough on yourself.
Just tell us where the money is,
and we'll all be friends again.
#[ Continues ]
There never was a time
I couldn't have taken you apart.
You fancied it up with talk.
Well, for a year now,
I've been doin' the talkin'.
And it's worked out
pretty good.
[ Man On Radio ] And now for your
afternoon edition of the news.
Police authorities are investigating
the disappearance of Steven Rawley,
now going under the alias
of James Blake.
Transferred from state prison to the Marston
Clinic for some undisclosed treatment,
Rawley made his escape today after a
running gun battle through the city.
Rawley- or Blake,
as he now calls himself-
was serving a 10-year term
for armed robbery.
A general alarm has been
broadcast, roadblocks set up.
And police warn that he
is probably armed...
and in the company
of three unidentified men.
Officers have been cautioned
that this man is dangerous.
They're crazy.
Also dangerous is the fire that swept through a
furniture warehouse at - [ Radio Clicks Off ]
You see, Steve?
You're a very popular guy.
Everybody's trying to get you
for a personal appearance.
Seems we were all having
a little talk, weren't we?
I've done all the talking
I'm gonna do for now.
Don't make me dot the i's.
No, Lefty!
Let me try.
Okay, try it your way.
Make him a man.
Come on, Steve.
Go on, Steve.
Get a little memory exercise.
Steve, you were great.
What do you mean? You're
running them ragged.
They're making lots of threats, but, take
it from me, they don't know what time it is.
Well, thanks for stepping in
when you did.
He wasn't kidding
with that cigar.
He really meant to use me
for an ashtray.
Oh, Steve, you don't know
what it's been like with Lefty.
First cursing about you, then
chasing me around the furniture.
He didn't catch me though.
I guess, for that,
he'd need a Cadillac, huh?
You don't really believe that?
[ Sighs ]
I don't know what I believe.
This hasn't been the happiest
day of my life exactly.
Day isn't over yet.
What'd they feed you at the hospital,
jellied consomm?
What do you want me to do...
turn somersaults?
Where are we?
[ Laughing ]
Oh, Steve, stop it.
Look, there isn't very much time.
You tell me where to find it.
In the meanwhile, you keep stalling
them with that wonderful act of yours.
And I'll go out and buy the
tickets for anywhere that you say,
come back here,
and we'll break away.
I got everything here.
I brought all your clothes over.
For the 10th time, listen. If you
want, I'll make a record of it. I...
They'll break in any second.
Where did you hide the money?
What money?
You really think I'm lying,
don't you?
[ Door Opens, Closes ]
He's all yours.
Get away
from that window, Steve.
[ Arnie ] This calls for a $50 raise.
I'll sail forth.
I'm out.
What, no re-raise?
I don't want to be greedy.
Besides, we're only
playing for markers.
If I win too much,
I may never see that dough.
With me, a gambling debt
is a debt of honor.
[ Cookie ] For me, an
I.O.U. is a piece of paper.
If you've got one and a dime,
you can ride the streetcar.
[ Cookie ]
Two.
[ Arnie ] Two, huh? Mm-hmm.
I will check.
[ Cookie Murmurs ]
[ Cookie ] Twenty-five.
Twenty-five, huh?
Would a pair of aces impress you? No.
No. If I had three of them,
would it depress you?
It would that.
[ Snickering ]
How come you suddenly
got so lucky?
Eh, guess it's my day.
Give me them cards.
I want to count 'em.
What's the matter?
Don't you guys trust me?
[ Lefty ] We trust you?
You don't even trust you.
[ Arnie ] We know you too
well. You always cheat.
[ Woman Chattering On Phone ] How
can I cheat in a three-handed game?
[ Lefty ] It ain't easy. [ Arnie ]
You even cheat yourself in solitaire.
[ Chattering Continues ] [
Cookie ] Aw, look, fellas...
[ Cookie Continues, Indistinct ]
[ Whispering ] Get off the line.
Who's that with you,
Bertha?
Gladys, I think there's
somebody cutting in.
[ Lefty ] You know, come to think of
it, Arnie, I didn't see no ace of hearts.
[ Arnie ]
We'll know in a minute.
Madam, please
get off the line.
Well, I got a little news
for you.
There's only 51 cards
in this deck.
There's one missing.
[ Flaps Lips ] I don't
know if something's missing.
[ Arnie ]
What is this... Russian dressing?
Where?
I... How did that
get there?
Now eat it.
Oh, now, Lefty-
Eat it!
[ Woman Chattering ] [
Whispering ] I want the police.
I'll never go to him...
[ Lefty ]
Come on, pick him up.
What were you gonna do,
call the cops?
How long do you think you can
keep me here? Till you get smart.
And you weren't very smart
picking up that phone.
You heard the radio. The cops
are lookin' all over for you.
And when they find you,
they'll throw away the key.
I don't remember.
I don't remember anything.
Then we'll have to
beat it out of you.
Now, you wouldn't want us
to do that, would you, Steve?
Can't you remember
nothing at all?
No.
Not even this?
No.
Aw, you should, Steve,
because it was
a beautiful caper.
No small gas station job.
Take it from me,
it was planned like a battle.
Believe me, Steve,
no five-star general
could've rigged it better.
Interested?
Yeah. Very.
Okay. Listen closely
so you don't miss any details.
I remember the job
like we pull it this afternoon.
Yeah. You figured it
so there wouldn't be a slip-up.
There wasn't.
You picked Christmas Eve
for the job...
because this factory was going to
distribute a big cash bonus to its workmen.
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
[ Bell Dings ]
[ Sirens Approaching ]
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
All right, I believe you,
but I've heard enough.
That's funny.
We ain't heard enough.
Your silence is givin' me
an earache.
We were all pretty upset, Steve.
Lefty kept taking chances
going to see you,
and you weren't very hospitable.
How's Peg?
How's the dough doin'?
I said, "How's Peg?"
Why don't you find out
for yourself?
What'd you do
with the money, Steve?
I invested it in real estate.
Every lot has a view of Catalina. Huh?
All right. I threw it
down the sewer.
What is all this?
I'm getting awful tired of your coming up
here every month asking the same question.
If it wasn't for this wire, you'd
be wearing my hands for a necktie.
Are you running
the store now?
We ain't gonna wait 10 years.
As long as I'm up here,
consider the money's in escrow.
Incidentally, how's Peg?
When we heard you'd been
moved to the clinic,
we decided we could take care
of you better than they could.
Look, you've tried everything
to make me remember.
I tell you nothing rings a bell.
Hey, Lefty.
Yeah?
Remember the suit Steve had on
when we pulled that job?
Sure. A dark-brown one.
Kind of nifty.
So, look here.
He's wearing a light one.
Yeah. So he must have changed
his clothes before he got pinched.
That means he went home.
So that's where
you hid the dough.
Look, I tell you I...
Don't tell us nothin'.
Let's go and get it.
Cookie, get the car. Right.
You don't mind joining us,
do you, pal?
And if I said no?
#[ Jukebox: Big Band ]
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
Somebody pulled the plug.
Maybe I'd better get a hose.
Been reading the papers.
How's the stock market?
[ Chuckles ] Don't want
to talk about him, huh?
Why not?
He something sacred,
someone you put
a monument up to?
Let's get something straight,
Freddie.
He's no good.
He was never any good.
Remember what he did to me
the last night we were in here?
Oh, it was just a lovers' quarrel.
Don't make me laugh.
He never loved me.
I was just something
for him to hang presents on.
He gave you plenty of them.
That's a cinch.
Scalps, Freddie.
Just scalps.
Advertising.
He wanted to show off in front
of a bunch of cheap hoodlums.
Give me another one.
Aw, Peg, take it easy,
will you?
I'm gonna have to
carry you out of here.
Some Sir Galahad
I wound up with.
Oh, Fred, what do you do
when you hate yourself?
I usually take it out on my wife.
Big help you are.
Yeah. People always feel better
when they talk to me.
That's why I ain't got television.
Well, looks like Steve
didn't pay his rent.
Let's take a look inside anyway.
[ Arnie ]
Okay.
Hey, Lefty, this is easier.
- [ Bird Screeching ]
- [ Cookie ] Hey, look out!
[ Arnie ]
A bird.
Well, come on.
[ Tapping ]
Hey, what you
got here?
A piece of paper
with the number 1133 on it,
stuck on the bottom
of that drawer with tape.
Means something to you,
doesn't it, Steve?
1133, Steve.
And this place too, Steve.
The dames!
Remember the times
we had here?
Steve, there was a picture of
Peg in there once, wasn't it?
[ Arnie ] Remember the bar, the
four stools covered with leather?
Remember the wonderful parties?
Remember the fun?
[ Cookie ] And that crack in the ceiling.
You were always trying to get it fixed.
Remember?
[ Chuckles ]
Stop it. This guy understands
only one language. I speak it.
Is that your handwriting?
I don't know.
Give me a pencil.
Here.
Write those numbers
again.
[ Cookie ]
Well, I'd say that's it.
[ Lefty ] I don't know. Could be.
Hey! He's gone!
#[ Jukebox: Big Band, Muffled ]
#[ Continues ]
What'll it be?
Give me a beer.
Remember me?
Should I?
Sure.
A year ago, you sold me
some blood... Steve Rawley's.
I was the guy
with 30 pieces of silver.
When you got around to payin' me,
it was only 15.
You want the rest?
Papers say he skipped.
I don't know where.
He had a girl.
Good-lookin' fellow like Steve
probably had a stable.
I'm being real nice, friend,
so don't stretch it out.
Some bars are horizontal,
others stand up straight.
- You got nothin' on me.
- Don't start me lookin'.
All right. She's a blonde, 5'6".
Something you wouldn't be ashamed
to walk down the street with.
Where does she live?
I don't know,
but she likes martinis.
That's bad if you don't
follow up with food.
That she gets
across the street.
Hey, ain't you
forgettin' somethin'?
Oh, sure.
Here's a quarter
for the beer.
[ Vehicles Passing,
Horns Honking ]
Exeter-1133.
Mean anything to you?
No.
Yeah.
Farmington-1133.
No. Now lay off me.
[ Door Opens ]
I never saw the paper before.
I'm getting fed up, and if you
don't come through pretty soon,
you're gonna need
new front teeth.
Wait a minute. Maybe it ain't
a telephone number.
Maybe it's a street number. It could
be a street number, couldn't it, Steve?
Or a social security number.
This is a waste of time.
What are you trying to do,
kill him?
It could happen.
Get a load of this.
He had it hid. It was stuck
under a drawer in his own house.
Hey. This could be
the combination of a safe.
Take him
and put him to bed.
Don't just stand there!
Right away, ma'am.
All right, ma'am.
Get the size
of that mouth, boys.
[ Peg ] And it's a mouth that
can yell, and don't you forget it.
How do you expect him to tell
you anything in that condition?
[ Lefty ]
Aw, get lost!
Okay. Take him inside.
He'll keep.
He's there, all right.
Room 204.
But he isn't having a
picnic. I don't get you.
There are some people with him as interested
to know where he hid the money as we are.
I don't think we should
stand in their way.
So, what do we do?
Wait. Watch.
I'll be back in a couple of hours
to relieve you.
If you don't mind, Slavin, look
at that building once in a while.
[ Shaver Buzzing ]
[ Knocking ]
All you have to do to open it
is turn the knob.
[ Shaver Stops ]
Well, if it isn't the man
who makes new heads.
Have a seat, Doctor.
[ Shaver Buzzing ]
Used one of these for years,
since somebody told me
to cut my throat.
Mr. Jawald.
Where is he?
Why don't you
ask the police?
They couldn't tell me anything.
[ Shaver Stops ]
No one realiZes
the man's doubtful condition.
Police are looking
for an ex-convict.
Technically, he is, because
he was paroled in my custody.
I'll tell you what he is.
He's Steve Rawley, a hood with
a record as long as your arm.
And I'll tell you
something else about him.
He'll remember that money
and try to get it.
You may have cut out
a piece of his brain,
but you didn't operate
on his pockets.
You're not
a very cooperative man.
It's not
a very cooperative world.
My only interest in this case
is the welfare of my patient.
After I get the money,
he's all yours.
[ Door Opens ]
You holdin' his hand?
What's it to you?
Maybe I'm jealous,
or maybe I figure you're trying
to hug the inside rail.
What are you talking about?
Get out of here.
Haven't you done enough
for one day?
If you're trying to cozy up to him
and cut us out,
it won't work.
Steve's in real bad trouble, Peg,
so don't count on him.
You better play it
across the board.
In any race, you'd run last.
[ Door Closes ]
[ Muttering ]
I gotta get away.
I gotta get away. Yes,
darling, we'll both get away.
The police are chasing me.
I gotta get away.
Don't. Don't.
Don't.
#[ Calliope ] [ Steve ] Police.
Gotta get away.
[ Cackling ]
[ Cackling Continues ]
[ Cackling ]
[ Gunfire ]
[ Cackling ]
Steve. Steve, you're tough,
and you're plenty sharp.
Don't let 'em...
Don't let 'em outsmart you now.
Don't let 'em. Don't let 'em.
[ Singsongy ] Pick your
lucky number. Everybody down.
Put your money on the number.
Spin the wheel.
Lucky number 19.
Sweet candy
for the sweet gentleman.
Here you are, handsome... a nice big
box of candy for your best girl.
You're my best-
[ People Shrieking ]
Oh!
[ Ragged Breathing ]
Never take me. Never
catch me, put me in a cage.
[ Groaning ] Steve.
Steve, darling. Wake up.
You were having
a bad dream.
You all right?
I guess so.
I never should have
left you alone with them.
Here, darling.
Have a cigarette.
Why did you do that?
You always used to do that.
Huh.
Was I that broke?
You said you wanted
to cut down on your smoking.
Oh, Peg. Peg!
Steve darling, don't!
I'm all mixed up.
My brain is in a scramble.
Who am I? What am I?
It's the beating you took.
I'm to blame, darling.
I was hurt. I thought you
were trying to fool me too.
No.
These are nothing.
They hurt on top, not inside.
And you know why?
'Cause there's...
there's nothing inside to hurt.
I'm dead.
Your friends oughta be arrested
for beating up a corpse.
If I'd only known
you were so sick.
Peg.
What I was saying just now
in that dream,
did it- did it make any sense?
You said
you were being chased.
That's right.
I was on an amusement pier.
It was Christmas Eve.
It was like a jungle.
I kept running.
I don't know why.
I was blocked
everywhere I turned.
Then I was in a post office.
I don't know how I got there.
They were gonna mail me away
with a three-cent stamp.
And you were in that dream, Peg.
You were running
the wheel of fortune.
You were spinning it.
I won a box of candy from you.
The wheel must have been fixed.
Don't you think
you'd better get some sleep?
[ Sighs ]
Funny why all this...
Why an amusement pier, huh?
Why did I always
keep running, Peg?
Steve Rawley
was frightened.
He was always frightened.
Maybe I shouldn't
have said that.
No. Go ahead.
If I'm this character
everybody says I am,
maybe I'd better
find out about myself.
You could find it
in any police blotter.
That jungle you mentioned, Steve...
we were both in it.
It was awhirl like a flea circus.
Everybody packed in.
The scramble for nickels
never stopped.
We grew tough.
Do you wanna hear more?
Go ahead.
I like to hear you talk.
You must be feeling better.
[ Chuckles ]
I guess I'll be all right
if I can just find my head.
One thing.
Yes?
Whatever else I was,
I had good taste.
Monotonous, isn't it?
Yeah, this is the fifth day.
Any action?
Well, one of 'em went out this
morning, got some groceries,
came right back.
They must have some plan.
We're in the unfortunate position.
We have to wait.
I've waited so long, a little
excitement would kill me.
When it happens,
it won't be little.
Don't go playing bingo.
It could happen soon.
I'll see ya.
Aw, come on, boys.
Let me in the game, will ya?
I- I won't cheat anymore.
You think he's sorry?
You think he's repentant?
Nah, he'll never change.
What do you got?
Twenty.
Hmm. You win again.
You here to talk, Steve?
I came to borrow
a cigarette... two of 'em.
Here. Take the pack.
Thanks.
You know, Steve,
I'm a businessman.
Is that so?
Yeah.
And with businessmen,
time is money.
- Get to the point.
- I look at it this way.
You spent a year on ice.
That oughta be worth something.
Say, 50% of the take.
That's, uh, 65 grand net.
So let's stop kiddin' each other.
None of us are gettin'
any younger.
I don't like being pushed around.
So even if I did suddenly remember
where I stashed the money,
it wouldn't do you any good.
I'd still charge you
the other 65 grand for damages.
Sit down, Arnie.
Okay, Steve.
You got your smokes.
Now go on back in the kitchen
and start thinkin'.
You got exactly one hour.
If you don't come across
by then,
well, we'll be out of money...
and you'll be out of time.
Do I make myself clear?
Sure.
But you better get me
when my back is turned,
because I'm gonna take at least
one of you with me when I go.
You gave him the ticket.
Don't get in an uproar.
Just an idea I had to get
him to lead us to the dough.
I left the back door unlocked.
You what?
Where he goes, we go.
Wait downstairs. Give us
the high sign when they skip.
Right.
They gave me an hour.
What?
They're businessmen,
didn't you know?
In exactly 60 minutes, they're
gonna liquidate their assets.
They're bluffing. Anything happens
to you, they'll never find the money.
If they work on me once more,
I swear I'll...
[ Plate Shatters ]
No, Steve, don't! That's the
old Steve... wild and crazy.
You said I came from
a jungle, didn't you?
I thought I found
a new Steve.
Look, this is me,
whoever I am.
Don't try to put a halo
around my head. It doesn't fit.
Oh, Steve. Steve.
Just stick with me, will ya?
You mean we're gonna start running
again? We've gotta get out of here.
I need something
to jimmy that door.
Maybe this will work.
Peg.
[ Whispers ]
Peg, it worked. Easy.
Come on.
Peg, we're gonna need money.
I've got $10.
Oh, that's great.
I got a ring we could hock.
No. No, Peg. Big money.
We gotta find that dough.
Steve, you can't be serious.
Why not? It's mine, isn't it?
I stole it. I served time for it.
Now it'll give us a clear start.
A clear start to where?
No, Steve darling.
We can leave town, get work.
I can model.
We'll make out.
Wait a minute. In that nightmare,
there was a post office.
Could this be a box number?
Driver, take us
to the post office.
Steve, change your mind.
Maybe it's here somewhere.
Throw it away.
Then we can
throw away the past.
I have no past. It's
a blank wall. Come on.
There it is... 1133.
Can you tell me
who rents box 1133?
1133?
Just a moment. I'll see.
Yes. That's, uh, rented
by Hillside Linen Import Limited.
- Are you sure?
- They've had the box for over 15 years.
Thank you.
Dreams. Next thing
it'll be tea leaves.
I must be getting soft
in the head.
We don't need the money.
We don't, huh?
I haven't got change
of a quarter.
The post office
is only part of that dream.
Most of the time, I was
running up and down the pier.
It's a long shot, but let's
give it a try. Come on.
[ Bell Ringing ]
[ Horn Honks ]
[ Tires Screech ]
#[ Calliope ]
[ Barkers Chattering, Shouting ]
[ Bell Ringing ]
[ Barker Shouting ]
It's only a nickel!
[ Barker #2 ]
Win a prize here, folks!
[ Mechanical Doll Cackling ]
[ Cackling ]
She was in my nightmare.
She gave me that laugh every time
the police got close to me.
Come on.
[ Air Rifles Popping ]
[ Woman ] Win a prize, folks.
Just a few more numbers open.
How's about one, mister?
Win her a box of candy.
That's where I won
the box of candy from you.
It was a crazy dream,
Steve.
All right. Check your packages.
Get your packages checked here.
Twenty-five cents.
Thirty cents.
I said 25.
Thank you.
All right. Who's next?
Check your packages.
Ladies, take a load off your feet.
Check your packages.
Uh, one...
Hmm.
[ Chuckling ]
Great little woman I married. You'd
think this concession was all hers.
When did you leave it,
mister?
About a year ago,
just before Christmas.
Well, we don't seem
to have it anymore.
Well, that check came from here, didn't
it? That's his scribblin', all right.
My scribb...
Look, I tried to tell...
No. No, I ain't gonna let this woman
get my blood pressure up.
I just ain't gonna allow it.
Now, when did you say
you checked it?
Last year, the day
before Christmas.
Oh, well, we only hold
unclaimed stuff 60 days.
After all, what can you expect
for a quarter? Thirty cents.
No doubt we threw it out months
ago. [ Steve ] Threw it out?
Yeah, sure. For once, this
husband of mine is probably right.
- What was it you checked, mister?
- Yeah.
A package, a box of candy.
Please try to find it.
Box of - Who'd check a box of candy and want it back a year later?
It'd get stale. Yeah, like
you after I married you.
Boy, did I get into something. Now,
now, now. Save your breath, Mayme.
A women of your age, you know.
You ain't got much of it left.
If I have an inch, you have four. You
make me do all the work around here.
[ Man ] I make you work?
[ Both Arguing ]
Wait! Wait a minute, will ya? Will
you please try to find my package?
Oh, yeah. Now, what was it
you wanted again, mister?
A package... number 1133.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
I'll take a look.
In the back.
Look on the shelf
in back of the clock.
If you can't find anything else, you
might be able to find what time it is.
Why don't you go back home
to your mother, Mayme, huh?
Hey, this might be it.
We might get lucky.
That candy box can turn into
another kind of box, Steve...
one they'll bury you in.
Nope. Nope.
Somebody must have ate it.
Uh, probably her.
Very funny.
Mind if I have a look? Nah, sure.
Go ahead. Get yourself dusty.
Thanks. I couldn't reach the top shelf.
All right.
You can check it for a quarter.
How about that package, lady?
Check it for a quarter.
Here. All right. Who...
Hey, you're a lucky guy.
But that'll cost you a
dollar and a quarter storage.
$1.30. $1.30. Here. Here. Give him five.
Come on.
Five...
Ah!
[ Wheel Spinning ]
[ Woman ]
Don't move your number.
Thirty-four is the winner.
[ People Shrieking ]
[ Roller-Coaster Rumbling ]
Well, what do you know?
The candy isn't stale.
It's poison.
Are you crazy?
Maybe.
All of a sudden, a dollar is a piece of
paper crawling with germs. Is that it?
If you keep it,
I can't go on with you.
I'm in love
with another man.
The guy without change
of a quarter?
When you're in love, a quarter's
just two dimes and a nickel.
What's the matter?
Uh-uh.
Company's coming.
Come on.
We can argue this out
in Europe someday.
Send me a postcard.
Havin' a good time, Peg?
Sure. With popcorn.
Where's that meal ticket
of yours?
I want to punch him
full of holes.
Look, Steve and that money
are somewhere on the pier.
Come on.
Start walkin'.
Going somewhere, Steve?
I was. But I always got time
to speak to a friend!
#[ Calliope Continues ]
[ Cackling ]
[ Cheering ]
[ People Shrieking ]
[ Shrieking Continues ]
Lefty, there!
You take that track.
I'll take this one. Right.
[ Shrieking ]
[ Screams ]
[ Water Splashes ]
[ Roller Coaster Rumbling ]
[ Siren Wailing ]
[ Water Splashes ]
[ Jawald ]
Rawley!
Rawley!
Pardon me, but do you happen
to have $130,000 on you?
every day.
Tell me about
the beauty contest you won.
Find a place to eat?
I was unlucky. I did.
Where?
If I wasn't a good friend of yours,
I'd tell ya.
How's our boy?
Playing it cool.
How's it, Steve?
Eh. Nice white walls
to mark the days off on.
Maybe I'll draw pictures
of guys with funny faces.
Let's say your face.
You'll be outside soon.
You can forget about going back
to a cell when this thing is over.
That is, if everything
works out all right.
How would you like to have
your lid opened?
I brought you some smokes.
Cops always give me
something I can't use.
I don't have a match.
What did you want me to bring you...
a sack of jelly beans?
[ Door Opens ]
Good luck, Steve.
[ Door Closes ]
Where's the martini
I ordered?
I'm to prepare you for surgery.
I'm on a holiday till Monday.
Take your toys and get outta here.
There's been a change in plans.
Dr. Marston's operating tonight.
I said Monday.
I was born on a Monday.
I might as well go on one,
like dirty laundry.
Miss Millikan,
on the Rawley case,
do you know of any
changes in plans?
I see.
All right, thank you.
[ Handset Settles
In Cradle ]
Surgery's still scheduled
for 8:00, Mr. Rawley.
Tell 'em not to break up
their card game for me.
I only work here.
Yeah, well, you're not gonna
work on me till Monday.
This sedative will
relax you completely.
Stab yourself with it.
I said no!
You're making this difficult,
Mr. Rawley.
When I say no,
that means get outta here!
Flannigan.
You got trouble?
Yeah. He decided
to postpone his operation.
Bad decision. We don't
upset the doc's schedule.
[ Grunts ]
[ Body Thuds On Floor ]
You shouldn't have done that.
You can get the banana cart.
We'll have him ready for surgery.
[ Nurse ]
Bend your knees, please.
Hey, Doc.
Yes?
I never saw how I
came into this world.
I'd like to see how I go out.
What do you mean?
Give me a mirror.
Let me watch.
You won't see it
for long.
I said I'd like to see it.
Bring him a mirror.
Scalpel.
[ Nurse ]
Sponge count correct, Doctor.
Instrument count correct.
Fine job, Dr. Marston. Fine. Thanks.
You might have made
a little history tonight.
I hope so.
What kind of a night did he
have? He was awake only once.
Complain about pain?
No, sir.
Continue with
the same medication.
A Mr. Jawald
to see you, Doctor.
Jawald? Who's he?
He wants to talk with you
about Steve Rawley.
Send him in.
Dr. Marston?
Have a seat.
I came about
Steve Rawley, Doctor.
How soon can he
have visitors?
Oh, not for some time.
Insurance investigator, huh?
That's right.
People hock fur coats
they haven't paid for,
burn up businesses that
are on the rocks, you know.
I thought we'd kept this
fairly quiet.
How did you find out
that Mr. Rawley was here?
I know a policeman.
Well, what do you want
to see him about?
I heard you were making
an honest man of him.
I thought I might get some
honest answers for a change.
He's in no condition
to talk to anyone.
He's just been through
a very serious brain operation.
Yeah, I can imagine. To make that guy
honest, you'd have to cut off his head.
It's our theory that certain instincts...
in this case, the criminal type...
can be removed by surgery.
Whether we've been successful
or not remains to be seen.
In any case, I doubt whether Rawley
will ever be of much help to you.
What do you mean by that?
If we were successful,
he's lost his memory.
Then I'll refresh it for him.
There's a small matter of $130,000
he stole last Christmas Eve.
That payroll was insured
by my company.
He can't be tried
for that crime again.
And when he agreed to this operation,
he was paroled in my custody.
Right now, Rawley doesn't even
remember his own name.
He believes that his loss of memory
is due to a traffic accident.
It's important
that nothing disturbs him...
and that no one
brings up his past.
I don't think my company will see
eye to eye with you on that.
Good day, Mr. Jawald.
Okay.
But I've got
a one-track mind...
and 130,000 reasons
to stay on that track.
[ Door Closes ]
[ Electric Current Buzzing ]
What do you call
this gadget, Doc?
A polygraph.
Sounds like something
that eats crackers.
It's commonly called
a lie detector.
Oh. You want me
to lie to you, Doc?
No. It's just a routine test.
Well, get your contraption goin'.
What's your name?
James Blake.
How old are you?
Thirty-four.
- How do you know you're 34?
- Miss Quist told me.
Where were you born?
I don't remember.
Where did you live?
I don't remember that either.
What kind of work
did you do?
By the looks of these, I never
did a day's work in my life.
Have you ever been in jail?
No, but I kissed a girl once.
You don't need your machine
for that. Check with Miss Quist.
Any more questions, Doc?
Just one.
Does $130,000
mean anything to you?
[ Exhales ]
Yeah.
That's a lot of money.
Morning, Blake.
Hi, Doc.
How do you like my work?
Very professional job.
Ever do any gardening before?
Not that I can remember.
Well, keep up the good work.
Oh, say, Doc.
I was curious about something.
Yes?
Well, I'm in pretty good shape now. I
eat like a horse, feel as strong as one.
How long do I stick around?
Not very much longer.
Oh? Well, what do I do
when I leave?
What would you like to do? [
Chuckles ] Gee, I don't know.
Maybe I oughta stick around
and do your gardening for you.
I don't know if I can do
anything else.
I was kinda hoping that, later,
I could help you out in the lab, but-
Well, that's daydreaming,
I guess, huh?
Without dreams, men would be
pretty lost in this world.
You can stay here
as long as you care to.
Thanks, Doc.
How much longer
we have to watch him?
What are you kickin' about?
You're sittin' in the sun,
aren't ya?
Last month, you were
poundin' the pavement.
Hey, good lookin'.
[ Man In Car ]
Some friends to see you.
Hey.
Hey! Blake's getting away.
What's this all about?
Are you kiddin', Steve?
Steve?
My name's James Blake.
Well, what do you know?
You grabbed the wrong guy.
[ Laughing ]
We also picked up a tail, in
case you guys are interested.
Look, this is no time
to back the car in.
The law's behind us.
Come on, step on it!
Hey, enough's enough.
What's this all about?
We'll tell ya.
[ Tires Screeching ]
[ Siren Wailing ]
[ Tire Blows ]
#[ Radio: Big Band, Sentimental ]
Steve!
Well, somebody's gonna be
awfully embarrassed.
You haven't changed,
Steve.
I don't know who you guys think I am, but
it's a cinch you got your wires crossed.
Steve, is this a gag?
You know something,
I think he's playin' it straight.
Yeah. Tried to be
funny in the car.
Had me in stitches.
A real comic talent.
Look, why don't you call
Dr. Marston at the clinic?
He'll tell you who I am.
Steve, are you joking?
It's Peg.
For you two, isn't this a
little late for introductions?
Ah, maybe he's off his rocker.
Yeah, he's a nut.
A rich nut.
He can't remember anything,
but he will.
When I get through with him, he'll
be able to count from one to 130,000.
We had to take the silent treatment
from you when you were in stir,
but you're not in stir now.
So start remembering
your old friends...
and tell us where
you hid that dough.
Steve, we all took
the same chances, right?
I ask you, isn't it fair
we all have the same cut?
What cut?
What chances?
I never saw you guys
before in my life.
Get outta my way!
No! Lefty! Beat it! Buy
yourself a mink coat.
Grab his arms.
Okay. Come on, Arnie.
Come on, Steve. Don't
make it tough on yourself.
Just tell us where the money is,
and we'll all be friends again.
#[ Continues ]
There never was a time
I couldn't have taken you apart.
You fancied it up with talk.
Well, for a year now,
I've been doin' the talkin'.
And it's worked out
pretty good.
[ Man On Radio ] And now for your
afternoon edition of the news.
Police authorities are investigating
the disappearance of Steven Rawley,
now going under the alias
of James Blake.
Transferred from state prison to the Marston
Clinic for some undisclosed treatment,
Rawley made his escape today after a
running gun battle through the city.
Rawley- or Blake,
as he now calls himself-
was serving a 10-year term
for armed robbery.
A general alarm has been
broadcast, roadblocks set up.
And police warn that he
is probably armed...
and in the company
of three unidentified men.
Officers have been cautioned
that this man is dangerous.
They're crazy.
Also dangerous is the fire that swept through a
furniture warehouse at - [ Radio Clicks Off ]
You see, Steve?
You're a very popular guy.
Everybody's trying to get you
for a personal appearance.
Seems we were all having
a little talk, weren't we?
I've done all the talking
I'm gonna do for now.
Don't make me dot the i's.
No, Lefty!
Let me try.
Okay, try it your way.
Make him a man.
Come on, Steve.
Go on, Steve.
Get a little memory exercise.
Steve, you were great.
What do you mean? You're
running them ragged.
They're making lots of threats, but, take
it from me, they don't know what time it is.
Well, thanks for stepping in
when you did.
He wasn't kidding
with that cigar.
He really meant to use me
for an ashtray.
Oh, Steve, you don't know
what it's been like with Lefty.
First cursing about you, then
chasing me around the furniture.
He didn't catch me though.
I guess, for that,
he'd need a Cadillac, huh?
You don't really believe that?
[ Sighs ]
I don't know what I believe.
This hasn't been the happiest
day of my life exactly.
Day isn't over yet.
What'd they feed you at the hospital,
jellied consomm?
What do you want me to do...
turn somersaults?
Where are we?
[ Laughing ]
Oh, Steve, stop it.
Look, there isn't very much time.
You tell me where to find it.
In the meanwhile, you keep stalling
them with that wonderful act of yours.
And I'll go out and buy the
tickets for anywhere that you say,
come back here,
and we'll break away.
I got everything here.
I brought all your clothes over.
For the 10th time, listen. If you
want, I'll make a record of it. I...
They'll break in any second.
Where did you hide the money?
What money?
You really think I'm lying,
don't you?
[ Door Opens, Closes ]
He's all yours.
Get away
from that window, Steve.
[ Arnie ] This calls for a $50 raise.
I'll sail forth.
I'm out.
What, no re-raise?
I don't want to be greedy.
Besides, we're only
playing for markers.
If I win too much,
I may never see that dough.
With me, a gambling debt
is a debt of honor.
[ Cookie ] For me, an
I.O.U. is a piece of paper.
If you've got one and a dime,
you can ride the streetcar.
[ Cookie ]
Two.
[ Arnie ] Two, huh? Mm-hmm.
I will check.
[ Cookie Murmurs ]
[ Cookie ] Twenty-five.
Twenty-five, huh?
Would a pair of aces impress you? No.
No. If I had three of them,
would it depress you?
It would that.
[ Snickering ]
How come you suddenly
got so lucky?
Eh, guess it's my day.
Give me them cards.
I want to count 'em.
What's the matter?
Don't you guys trust me?
[ Lefty ] We trust you?
You don't even trust you.
[ Arnie ] We know you too
well. You always cheat.
[ Woman Chattering On Phone ] How
can I cheat in a three-handed game?
[ Lefty ] It ain't easy. [ Arnie ]
You even cheat yourself in solitaire.
[ Chattering Continues ] [
Cookie ] Aw, look, fellas...
[ Cookie Continues, Indistinct ]
[ Whispering ] Get off the line.
Who's that with you,
Bertha?
Gladys, I think there's
somebody cutting in.
[ Lefty ] You know, come to think of
it, Arnie, I didn't see no ace of hearts.
[ Arnie ]
We'll know in a minute.
Madam, please
get off the line.
Well, I got a little news
for you.
There's only 51 cards
in this deck.
There's one missing.
[ Flaps Lips ] I don't
know if something's missing.
[ Arnie ]
What is this... Russian dressing?
Where?
I... How did that
get there?
Now eat it.
Oh, now, Lefty-
Eat it!
[ Woman Chattering ] [
Whispering ] I want the police.
I'll never go to him...
[ Lefty ]
Come on, pick him up.
What were you gonna do,
call the cops?
How long do you think you can
keep me here? Till you get smart.
And you weren't very smart
picking up that phone.
You heard the radio. The cops
are lookin' all over for you.
And when they find you,
they'll throw away the key.
I don't remember.
I don't remember anything.
Then we'll have to
beat it out of you.
Now, you wouldn't want us
to do that, would you, Steve?
Can't you remember
nothing at all?
No.
Not even this?
No.
Aw, you should, Steve,
because it was
a beautiful caper.
No small gas station job.
Take it from me,
it was planned like a battle.
Believe me, Steve,
no five-star general
could've rigged it better.
Interested?
Yeah. Very.
Okay. Listen closely
so you don't miss any details.
I remember the job
like we pull it this afternoon.
Yeah. You figured it
so there wouldn't be a slip-up.
There wasn't.
You picked Christmas Eve
for the job...
because this factory was going to
distribute a big cash bonus to its workmen.
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
[ Bell Dings ]
[ Sirens Approaching ]
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
All right, I believe you,
but I've heard enough.
That's funny.
We ain't heard enough.
Your silence is givin' me
an earache.
We were all pretty upset, Steve.
Lefty kept taking chances
going to see you,
and you weren't very hospitable.
How's Peg?
How's the dough doin'?
I said, "How's Peg?"
Why don't you find out
for yourself?
What'd you do
with the money, Steve?
I invested it in real estate.
Every lot has a view of Catalina. Huh?
All right. I threw it
down the sewer.
What is all this?
I'm getting awful tired of your coming up
here every month asking the same question.
If it wasn't for this wire, you'd
be wearing my hands for a necktie.
Are you running
the store now?
We ain't gonna wait 10 years.
As long as I'm up here,
consider the money's in escrow.
Incidentally, how's Peg?
When we heard you'd been
moved to the clinic,
we decided we could take care
of you better than they could.
Look, you've tried everything
to make me remember.
I tell you nothing rings a bell.
Hey, Lefty.
Yeah?
Remember the suit Steve had on
when we pulled that job?
Sure. A dark-brown one.
Kind of nifty.
So, look here.
He's wearing a light one.
Yeah. So he must have changed
his clothes before he got pinched.
That means he went home.
So that's where
you hid the dough.
Look, I tell you I...
Don't tell us nothin'.
Let's go and get it.
Cookie, get the car. Right.
You don't mind joining us,
do you, pal?
And if I said no?
#[ Jukebox: Big Band ]
[ No Audible Dialogue ]
Somebody pulled the plug.
Maybe I'd better get a hose.
Been reading the papers.
How's the stock market?
[ Chuckles ] Don't want
to talk about him, huh?
Why not?
He something sacred,
someone you put
a monument up to?
Let's get something straight,
Freddie.
He's no good.
He was never any good.
Remember what he did to me
the last night we were in here?
Oh, it was just a lovers' quarrel.
Don't make me laugh.
He never loved me.
I was just something
for him to hang presents on.
He gave you plenty of them.
That's a cinch.
Scalps, Freddie.
Just scalps.
Advertising.
He wanted to show off in front
of a bunch of cheap hoodlums.
Give me another one.
Aw, Peg, take it easy,
will you?
I'm gonna have to
carry you out of here.
Some Sir Galahad
I wound up with.
Oh, Fred, what do you do
when you hate yourself?
I usually take it out on my wife.
Big help you are.
Yeah. People always feel better
when they talk to me.
That's why I ain't got television.
Well, looks like Steve
didn't pay his rent.
Let's take a look inside anyway.
[ Arnie ]
Okay.
Hey, Lefty, this is easier.
- [ Bird Screeching ]
- [ Cookie ] Hey, look out!
[ Arnie ]
A bird.
Well, come on.
[ Tapping ]
Hey, what you
got here?
A piece of paper
with the number 1133 on it,
stuck on the bottom
of that drawer with tape.
Means something to you,
doesn't it, Steve?
1133, Steve.
And this place too, Steve.
The dames!
Remember the times
we had here?
Steve, there was a picture of
Peg in there once, wasn't it?
[ Arnie ] Remember the bar, the
four stools covered with leather?
Remember the wonderful parties?
Remember the fun?
[ Cookie ] And that crack in the ceiling.
You were always trying to get it fixed.
Remember?
[ Chuckles ]
Stop it. This guy understands
only one language. I speak it.
Is that your handwriting?
I don't know.
Give me a pencil.
Here.
Write those numbers
again.
[ Cookie ]
Well, I'd say that's it.
[ Lefty ] I don't know. Could be.
Hey! He's gone!
#[ Jukebox: Big Band, Muffled ]
#[ Continues ]
What'll it be?
Give me a beer.
Remember me?
Should I?
Sure.
A year ago, you sold me
some blood... Steve Rawley's.
I was the guy
with 30 pieces of silver.
When you got around to payin' me,
it was only 15.
You want the rest?
Papers say he skipped.
I don't know where.
He had a girl.
Good-lookin' fellow like Steve
probably had a stable.
I'm being real nice, friend,
so don't stretch it out.
Some bars are horizontal,
others stand up straight.
- You got nothin' on me.
- Don't start me lookin'.
All right. She's a blonde, 5'6".
Something you wouldn't be ashamed
to walk down the street with.
Where does she live?
I don't know,
but she likes martinis.
That's bad if you don't
follow up with food.
That she gets
across the street.
Hey, ain't you
forgettin' somethin'?
Oh, sure.
Here's a quarter
for the beer.
[ Vehicles Passing,
Horns Honking ]
Exeter-1133.
Mean anything to you?
No.
Yeah.
Farmington-1133.
No. Now lay off me.
[ Door Opens ]
I never saw the paper before.
I'm getting fed up, and if you
don't come through pretty soon,
you're gonna need
new front teeth.
Wait a minute. Maybe it ain't
a telephone number.
Maybe it's a street number. It could
be a street number, couldn't it, Steve?
Or a social security number.
This is a waste of time.
What are you trying to do,
kill him?
It could happen.
Get a load of this.
He had it hid. It was stuck
under a drawer in his own house.
Hey. This could be
the combination of a safe.
Take him
and put him to bed.
Don't just stand there!
Right away, ma'am.
All right, ma'am.
Get the size
of that mouth, boys.
[ Peg ] And it's a mouth that
can yell, and don't you forget it.
How do you expect him to tell
you anything in that condition?
[ Lefty ]
Aw, get lost!
Okay. Take him inside.
He'll keep.
He's there, all right.
Room 204.
But he isn't having a
picnic. I don't get you.
There are some people with him as interested
to know where he hid the money as we are.
I don't think we should
stand in their way.
So, what do we do?
Wait. Watch.
I'll be back in a couple of hours
to relieve you.
If you don't mind, Slavin, look
at that building once in a while.
[ Shaver Buzzing ]
[ Knocking ]
All you have to do to open it
is turn the knob.
[ Shaver Stops ]
Well, if it isn't the man
who makes new heads.
Have a seat, Doctor.
[ Shaver Buzzing ]
Used one of these for years,
since somebody told me
to cut my throat.
Mr. Jawald.
Where is he?
Why don't you
ask the police?
They couldn't tell me anything.
[ Shaver Stops ]
No one realiZes
the man's doubtful condition.
Police are looking
for an ex-convict.
Technically, he is, because
he was paroled in my custody.
I'll tell you what he is.
He's Steve Rawley, a hood with
a record as long as your arm.
And I'll tell you
something else about him.
He'll remember that money
and try to get it.
You may have cut out
a piece of his brain,
but you didn't operate
on his pockets.
You're not
a very cooperative man.
It's not
a very cooperative world.
My only interest in this case
is the welfare of my patient.
After I get the money,
he's all yours.
[ Door Opens ]
You holdin' his hand?
What's it to you?
Maybe I'm jealous,
or maybe I figure you're trying
to hug the inside rail.
What are you talking about?
Get out of here.
Haven't you done enough
for one day?
If you're trying to cozy up to him
and cut us out,
it won't work.
Steve's in real bad trouble, Peg,
so don't count on him.
You better play it
across the board.
In any race, you'd run last.
[ Door Closes ]
[ Muttering ]
I gotta get away.
I gotta get away. Yes,
darling, we'll both get away.
The police are chasing me.
I gotta get away.
Don't. Don't.
Don't.
#[ Calliope ] [ Steve ] Police.
Gotta get away.
[ Cackling ]
[ Cackling Continues ]
[ Cackling ]
[ Gunfire ]
[ Cackling ]
Steve. Steve, you're tough,
and you're plenty sharp.
Don't let 'em...
Don't let 'em outsmart you now.
Don't let 'em. Don't let 'em.
[ Singsongy ] Pick your
lucky number. Everybody down.
Put your money on the number.
Spin the wheel.
Lucky number 19.
Sweet candy
for the sweet gentleman.
Here you are, handsome... a nice big
box of candy for your best girl.
You're my best-
[ People Shrieking ]
Oh!
[ Ragged Breathing ]
Never take me. Never
catch me, put me in a cage.
[ Groaning ] Steve.
Steve, darling. Wake up.
You were having
a bad dream.
You all right?
I guess so.
I never should have
left you alone with them.
Here, darling.
Have a cigarette.
Why did you do that?
You always used to do that.
Huh.
Was I that broke?
You said you wanted
to cut down on your smoking.
Oh, Peg. Peg!
Steve darling, don't!
I'm all mixed up.
My brain is in a scramble.
Who am I? What am I?
It's the beating you took.
I'm to blame, darling.
I was hurt. I thought you
were trying to fool me too.
No.
These are nothing.
They hurt on top, not inside.
And you know why?
'Cause there's...
there's nothing inside to hurt.
I'm dead.
Your friends oughta be arrested
for beating up a corpse.
If I'd only known
you were so sick.
Peg.
What I was saying just now
in that dream,
did it- did it make any sense?
You said
you were being chased.
That's right.
I was on an amusement pier.
It was Christmas Eve.
It was like a jungle.
I kept running.
I don't know why.
I was blocked
everywhere I turned.
Then I was in a post office.
I don't know how I got there.
They were gonna mail me away
with a three-cent stamp.
And you were in that dream, Peg.
You were running
the wheel of fortune.
You were spinning it.
I won a box of candy from you.
The wheel must have been fixed.
Don't you think
you'd better get some sleep?
[ Sighs ]
Funny why all this...
Why an amusement pier, huh?
Why did I always
keep running, Peg?
Steve Rawley
was frightened.
He was always frightened.
Maybe I shouldn't
have said that.
No. Go ahead.
If I'm this character
everybody says I am,
maybe I'd better
find out about myself.
You could find it
in any police blotter.
That jungle you mentioned, Steve...
we were both in it.
It was awhirl like a flea circus.
Everybody packed in.
The scramble for nickels
never stopped.
We grew tough.
Do you wanna hear more?
Go ahead.
I like to hear you talk.
You must be feeling better.
[ Chuckles ]
I guess I'll be all right
if I can just find my head.
One thing.
Yes?
Whatever else I was,
I had good taste.
Monotonous, isn't it?
Yeah, this is the fifth day.
Any action?
Well, one of 'em went out this
morning, got some groceries,
came right back.
They must have some plan.
We're in the unfortunate position.
We have to wait.
I've waited so long, a little
excitement would kill me.
When it happens,
it won't be little.
Don't go playing bingo.
It could happen soon.
I'll see ya.
Aw, come on, boys.
Let me in the game, will ya?
I- I won't cheat anymore.
You think he's sorry?
You think he's repentant?
Nah, he'll never change.
What do you got?
Twenty.
Hmm. You win again.
You here to talk, Steve?
I came to borrow
a cigarette... two of 'em.
Here. Take the pack.
Thanks.
You know, Steve,
I'm a businessman.
Is that so?
Yeah.
And with businessmen,
time is money.
- Get to the point.
- I look at it this way.
You spent a year on ice.
That oughta be worth something.
Say, 50% of the take.
That's, uh, 65 grand net.
So let's stop kiddin' each other.
None of us are gettin'
any younger.
I don't like being pushed around.
So even if I did suddenly remember
where I stashed the money,
it wouldn't do you any good.
I'd still charge you
the other 65 grand for damages.
Sit down, Arnie.
Okay, Steve.
You got your smokes.
Now go on back in the kitchen
and start thinkin'.
You got exactly one hour.
If you don't come across
by then,
well, we'll be out of money...
and you'll be out of time.
Do I make myself clear?
Sure.
But you better get me
when my back is turned,
because I'm gonna take at least
one of you with me when I go.
You gave him the ticket.
Don't get in an uproar.
Just an idea I had to get
him to lead us to the dough.
I left the back door unlocked.
You what?
Where he goes, we go.
Wait downstairs. Give us
the high sign when they skip.
Right.
They gave me an hour.
What?
They're businessmen,
didn't you know?
In exactly 60 minutes, they're
gonna liquidate their assets.
They're bluffing. Anything happens
to you, they'll never find the money.
If they work on me once more,
I swear I'll...
[ Plate Shatters ]
No, Steve, don't! That's the
old Steve... wild and crazy.
You said I came from
a jungle, didn't you?
I thought I found
a new Steve.
Look, this is me,
whoever I am.
Don't try to put a halo
around my head. It doesn't fit.
Oh, Steve. Steve.
Just stick with me, will ya?
You mean we're gonna start running
again? We've gotta get out of here.
I need something
to jimmy that door.
Maybe this will work.
Peg.
[ Whispers ]
Peg, it worked. Easy.
Come on.
Peg, we're gonna need money.
I've got $10.
Oh, that's great.
I got a ring we could hock.
No. No, Peg. Big money.
We gotta find that dough.
Steve, you can't be serious.
Why not? It's mine, isn't it?
I stole it. I served time for it.
Now it'll give us a clear start.
A clear start to where?
No, Steve darling.
We can leave town, get work.
I can model.
We'll make out.
Wait a minute. In that nightmare,
there was a post office.
Could this be a box number?
Driver, take us
to the post office.
Steve, change your mind.
Maybe it's here somewhere.
Throw it away.
Then we can
throw away the past.
I have no past. It's
a blank wall. Come on.
There it is... 1133.
Can you tell me
who rents box 1133?
1133?
Just a moment. I'll see.
Yes. That's, uh, rented
by Hillside Linen Import Limited.
- Are you sure?
- They've had the box for over 15 years.
Thank you.
Dreams. Next thing
it'll be tea leaves.
I must be getting soft
in the head.
We don't need the money.
We don't, huh?
I haven't got change
of a quarter.
The post office
is only part of that dream.
Most of the time, I was
running up and down the pier.
It's a long shot, but let's
give it a try. Come on.
[ Bell Ringing ]
[ Horn Honks ]
[ Tires Screech ]
#[ Calliope ]
[ Barkers Chattering, Shouting ]
[ Bell Ringing ]
[ Barker Shouting ]
It's only a nickel!
[ Barker #2 ]
Win a prize here, folks!
[ Mechanical Doll Cackling ]
[ Cackling ]
She was in my nightmare.
She gave me that laugh every time
the police got close to me.
Come on.
[ Air Rifles Popping ]
[ Woman ] Win a prize, folks.
Just a few more numbers open.
How's about one, mister?
Win her a box of candy.
That's where I won
the box of candy from you.
It was a crazy dream,
Steve.
All right. Check your packages.
Get your packages checked here.
Twenty-five cents.
Thirty cents.
I said 25.
Thank you.
All right. Who's next?
Check your packages.
Ladies, take a load off your feet.
Check your packages.
Uh, one...
Hmm.
[ Chuckling ]
Great little woman I married. You'd
think this concession was all hers.
When did you leave it,
mister?
About a year ago,
just before Christmas.
Well, we don't seem
to have it anymore.
Well, that check came from here, didn't
it? That's his scribblin', all right.
My scribb...
Look, I tried to tell...
No. No, I ain't gonna let this woman
get my blood pressure up.
I just ain't gonna allow it.
Now, when did you say
you checked it?
Last year, the day
before Christmas.
Oh, well, we only hold
unclaimed stuff 60 days.
After all, what can you expect
for a quarter? Thirty cents.
No doubt we threw it out months
ago. [ Steve ] Threw it out?
Yeah, sure. For once, this
husband of mine is probably right.
- What was it you checked, mister?
- Yeah.
A package, a box of candy.
Please try to find it.
Box of - Who'd check a box of candy and want it back a year later?
It'd get stale. Yeah, like
you after I married you.
Boy, did I get into something. Now,
now, now. Save your breath, Mayme.
A women of your age, you know.
You ain't got much of it left.
If I have an inch, you have four. You
make me do all the work around here.
[ Man ] I make you work?
[ Both Arguing ]
Wait! Wait a minute, will ya? Will
you please try to find my package?
Oh, yeah. Now, what was it
you wanted again, mister?
A package... number 1133.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
I'll take a look.
In the back.
Look on the shelf
in back of the clock.
If you can't find anything else, you
might be able to find what time it is.
Why don't you go back home
to your mother, Mayme, huh?
Hey, this might be it.
We might get lucky.
That candy box can turn into
another kind of box, Steve...
one they'll bury you in.
Nope. Nope.
Somebody must have ate it.
Uh, probably her.
Very funny.
Mind if I have a look? Nah, sure.
Go ahead. Get yourself dusty.
Thanks. I couldn't reach the top shelf.
All right.
You can check it for a quarter.
How about that package, lady?
Check it for a quarter.
Here. All right. Who...
Hey, you're a lucky guy.
But that'll cost you a
dollar and a quarter storage.
$1.30. $1.30. Here. Here. Give him five.
Come on.
Five...
Ah!
[ Wheel Spinning ]
[ Woman ]
Don't move your number.
Thirty-four is the winner.
[ People Shrieking ]
[ Roller-Coaster Rumbling ]
Well, what do you know?
The candy isn't stale.
It's poison.
Are you crazy?
Maybe.
All of a sudden, a dollar is a piece of
paper crawling with germs. Is that it?
If you keep it,
I can't go on with you.
I'm in love
with another man.
The guy without change
of a quarter?
When you're in love, a quarter's
just two dimes and a nickel.
What's the matter?
Uh-uh.
Company's coming.
Come on.
We can argue this out
in Europe someday.
Send me a postcard.
Havin' a good time, Peg?
Sure. With popcorn.
Where's that meal ticket
of yours?
I want to punch him
full of holes.
Look, Steve and that money
are somewhere on the pier.
Come on.
Start walkin'.
Going somewhere, Steve?
I was. But I always got time
to speak to a friend!
#[ Calliope Continues ]
[ Cackling ]
[ Cheering ]
[ People Shrieking ]
[ Shrieking Continues ]
Lefty, there!
You take that track.
I'll take this one. Right.
[ Shrieking ]
[ Screams ]
[ Water Splashes ]
[ Roller Coaster Rumbling ]
[ Siren Wailing ]
[ Water Splashes ]
[ Jawald ]
Rawley!
Rawley!
Pardon me, but do you happen
to have $130,000 on you?