Man's Castle (1933) Movie Script
What's the matter?
Come on, spill it.
I've been watching you ever since
you sat down here.
You look like you were rehearsing an
act or something. What is it?
Please.
Wait a minute, what's the rush?
- Please let me go or I'll..
You'll what?
Get down on my hands and knees
for some of that popcorn.
Hey, what is this?
I thought I was hip to all the
pan-handling routines.
Or are you the little girl reporter
working on a sob-story?
Because if you are, I can give you some
small dope on these pigeons.
Now you take that one there for
instance. I call him Oliver Twist.
Yes, he's always asking for more.
And that little fellow over there.
See that one. Wait a minute.
Are you really hungry?
I ain't eaten in two days.
- Two days? Why not?
I haven't any money.
Neither have the pigeons, but they eat regular.
It would be great to be a pigeon.
There's always someone throwing
them crumbs.
If you had the brains of one of them
pigeons you wouldn't be hungry.
Come on. Let's eat.
For a pint-size like you, you can
certainly put it away.
You were hungry alright, weren't you?
- Uhuh.
But if you think I fell for your line
of hooey, you're crazy.
No female has to starve in a town like this.
Have you ever been out of work
for a whole year?
I've been out of work all my life.
Besides, the unemployment situation
has got nothing to do with women.
Did you ever think of that?
Yeah I thought of it.
Oh?
I couldn't.
Oh, I suppose the river would
be better than that, huh?
Yeah, I thought of that too.
I was down there this afternoon, but..
I was afraid.
How are you ever going to get anywhere
if you are afraid of everything?
I guess I just won't get anywhere.
You're not eating.
Nah, I ain't hungry.
Have you ever been hungry?
Nobody ever has to be hungry anywhere.
That's alright for you to say. You're rich.
Call the manager.
Anything wrong sir?
No, no, no. Everything's fine.
I just want to talk to him minute.
Yes, sir.
You know you should never ought
to skip meals.
That's the best food every I ate.
I feel better now.
You look better too.
If you fell down here at night,
you'd get by in a crowd at that.
You can't help the way you're made.
- Why can't you?
You wish to see me?
- Yeah, yeah,
Sit down.
There's 12 million people in this country
without work. Did you know that?
Yes.
Yeah, and a lot of them are starving,
so they tell me.
Now take this young lady here,
for instance.
Up until an hour ago, she hadn't eaten
for two days. She was starving.
I brought her in here and fixed her up.
Feels swell, now.
Says it's the best food she ever ate.
Well, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you.
Yeah, the funny part of it is,
she ain't got a dime.
And neither have I.
So the feed is on you, brother.
Now.. there are lots of ways to
handle a case like this.
You can call in the cops and have the
two of us thrown into the can.
They'll send us up to Island and we'll be
fed by the state for 30 days, at least.
But the more lags the state has to feed,
the more taxes you guys have to pay.
Is this your idea of a joke?
- Now, wait a minute!
This is a joint that throws out enough
leftover grub to feed a thousand people.
You can afford one on the
house once in a while.
Well, am I right or wrong?
I'll tell you what I'll do with you.
I'll put it up to your own customers
right here in this place.
I'll ask them if it's right to let somebody
die of hunger right outside your place.
And if they say I'm wrong I'll admit it.
Ladies and gentlemen!
According to the newspapers the banks
in this country are full of gold.
The granaries are bursting with grain.
And yet there are twelve million people
out of work.
Twelve million..
Get out of here. Get out!
Okay. Take it easy, take it easy
will you, pal.
The case is dismissed.
Come on, Miss.
Nothing like a good walk after dinner.
Where do you live? I might as
well take you home.
That would be alright if I had a home.
- Hey, wait a minute.
Say, have you got anything?
Where did you expect to spend the night?
I don't know.
- You got a satchel?
Well, go and get yourself one somewhere.
Go to a hotel and stay there. When they
hand you a bill, tell them you're broke.
Then what happens?
Then they throw you out and you
go to another hotel.
Oh, I couldn't do that.
- Why not?
I.. I'd be afraid.
You live in a hotel?
No. I got no use for hotels.
What do you do for a living?
- I live.
Close your eyes a minute. Close them.
Now open them.
Pretty huh?
Yeah, sure.
Two bucks a day for this. I just walk up
and down and turn the light on and off.
This your regular job?
No, no. I don't believe in regular jobs.
I do this for a friend on his night off.
All you got to do is walk up and down here?
That's right.
Is it alright if I walk up and down with you?
Sure. It's a free country ain't it.
Well, I suppose I got to find you
a place to sleep tonight.
What's your name?
Trina.
What's yours?
- Bill.
Bill..
Here we are Trina.
Bagdom On The Hudson, the fastest
growing community in the East.
You'll find more unemployment here
than in any other place in the world.
The city gave it to the boys and girls
to loaf in. How do you like it?
Oh, it's swell.
Gosh I've been staying here a year and
never knew there was such a place.
Yeah, that's one of the best things
about it, the privacy.
It's the only way to live.
No rent, no taxes, no nothing.
Running water? A whole river of it.
Hear that?
That's what I like the best,
them train whistles.
They remind you of other places.
Don't you love the sound of it?
It's a scary kind of noise.
- Nah.
Nah..
Gangway! Get out of my way!
Here I come! That's what it says.
Like a long-distance call.
Come on.
Hi Frank.
- Hello Bill.
Which one of these houses do you live in?
No, no. Mostly I sleep in the open.
When it rains, I take my choice. They're all
my pals here. I can bunk with any one.
They must be swell people.
- The best!
You know it's funny. When people
got nothing, they act like human beings.
We get along swell here.
It's like one, big happy family,
I can't pay if you if I ain't got it.
Yeah, well I'll find some way to collect.
- Yeah, what'll you do? Sue me?
I don't let nobody cheat me out
of what they owe me.
I didn't say I wouldn't pay..
You had the money a dozen times but
you ain't got no intention of paying.
You crummy heel!
Go on, you cheap moocha,
before I slap you down.
Bragg, what's the matter?
I can't pay her what I ain't got, can I.
It just so happens I got paid off tonight.
There you are Floss.
Come on, scram.
Now you owe it to me Bragg.
They're just kidding. Down in the house,
they're crazy about one another.
I was going to ask Flossy to put you up
for the night, but maybe that's no good.
If she spends that dough for gin,
she might not be much of a room-mate.
I could sleep in the open, I guess.
- No, no. That takes practice.
I got it. I got an idea. Follow me.
What's the good word Ira?
And seeing the multitudes, he went up
into the mountains.
And his disciples came unto him,
and he taught them, saying..
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom Of Heaven.
That's the good word.
Looks like that bible I swiped
out of a hotel last week.
The good word is free.
I only wish I could get you
to read it William.
I did. I skimmed through it one night.
Kinda repetitious in spots,
but there's some good reading in it.
Ira, I want you to meet "Trina".
Ira here used to be a minister.
Now he's a night watchman.
How do you do?
- Nicely thank you.
Yeah, nicely, except she ain't
got a place to sleep.
I thought maybe that after you checked out,
she could park here for the night.
You're welcome.
- What time do you go to work?
Eleven-thirty.
- Alright, you check in about twelve.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- Come on.
The reason I like to sleep on that barge
is because there's no roof on it.
Oh, it must be wonderful with the
water rocking it. Like a cradle sort of..
Look at them ships down there
with the sails on.
They look so peaceful, and contented.
Come on, they've been laying there
for years, rotting away with barnacles.
That's what happens to you when
you're anchored.
All in all, it's so restful.
- Restful? So is a graveyard.
Where are you?
- Here.
Where?
Here!
What are you doing?
Taking off my clothes.
What are you doing that for?
Warm as milk. Come on in.
I would if I had a bathing suit.
What do you want me to do? Come up
there and throw you in, clothes and all?
No!
I'll race you.
- Where to?
To the moon.
- Alright.
Where do you get all that energy from?
Every time I see you, you're working.
Bill's particular. Everything that goes
next to his skin has got to be clean.
You know, I expect he's the
cleanest man in the world.
One of these days, he's going to
buy me a washing machine.
That ain't so important just yet.
The main thing is the stove.
What's the matter with the one you got?
I can only make stew on it.
I could cook Bill some wonderful
things if I had a real stove.
He's going to get me one soon.
- When?
Pretty soon. As soon as he gets the money.
Who ever heard of a Bindlestiff
getting money?
What's a Bindlestiff?
A guy who can't stay put.
Except maybe in jail.
Well, Bill's no Bindlestiff.
He can make all the money he wants if
he wants to. He's got personality, he has.
He's different.
If he were different, would he
keep you in a dump like this?
Oh, Flossy, how can you say things
like that?
This ain't a dump. Not to me, it ain't.
It's sort of uh..
What do you call them places in the
street where people wait for the traffic?
Safety zones.
A safety zone, that's it.
That's just how I feel about this place.
Like a sort-of clearing in the forest.
Where everything is quiet
and safe and peaceful.
That's the only thing I don't like.
Them train whistles.
They plague the life out of you,
night and day.
Now what's that?
That's Bill's idea. He can't stand
sleeping under a roof.
Oh well, that's alright for him.
But what about you, huh?
You'll catch a cold one of these days.
I've had one ever since I've been here.
You don't happen to have something
around that is good for a cold?
A little scotch or rum?
Maybe a little gin.
- Nope.
Does that guy give you anything?
He gives me everything Flossy.
Everything anyone could want.
Excepting a stove..
Who let you out? What are you doing here?
I was uh, just admiring that stove.
That one.
It's beautiful ain't it? And cheap too.
Only five dollars.
Five dollars down and only two dollars
a month for 12 months. No interest.
No interest is right as far as I'm concerned.
I don't go for anything on
the installment plan.
In a year, that stove could be ours.
A year? You think I'm going to hang
around this town for a year?
I never plan for more than 30 days. I've
been hanging round here to long as it is.
It's such a beautiful all-round kind of stove.
- Forget it.
But we could start with one of the small
ones. By paying only 2 dollars down..
Forget it!
What's for supper tonight?
Stew.
- No kidding.
Go on home.
Bill.
Go on home.
Hey Bragg.
I've been looking for you. Where's that
two bucks you owe me?
What are you hounding me for?
It's only a week's..
I know Flossy. It don't pay to stall me.
- Stall you?
Well, I've been working my head off
trying to get the dough to pay you back.
I'm working right now.
- You don't look it. What kind of work?
Serving a summons. What I mean is,
trying to serve a summons.
You get two bucks a go, this one's so
tough there's a bonus goes with it.
Ten bucks for this one.
Well, why don't you serve it and
get your money?
Why don't I? What do you suppose I've
been trying to do for three days?
It's for a dame in a show.
You can't get to her.
What do you mean you can't get to her?
- She's got a bodyguard.
What do you have to do with the summons?
- Just hand it to the party it's made out for.
Let me see it.
For handing this hunk of paper to a dame,
you get ten bucks?
Cash!
- And you can't do it?
I ain't the only one. I'm the third guy
that's tried this week.
Ten bucks, huh?
Suppose I serve it for you, I could
use five bucks. Will you split?
I tell you it's impossible.
You can't get to her.
She's got a bunch of gorillas around her
day and night.
But will you split?
Sure, but you can't get to her.
Well, it's great, it's grand.
Something unexpected always has the
best effect, so try to understand.
And cut out your promises baby,
and give me a big surprise.
Do what your mama says baby.
Kiss me and then..
Kiss me again.
Your love has got that.. ooh.. to it.
Oh how it satisfies.
I'm used to petting, but when you do it,
oh surprise.
Oh come a little closer dear,
tell me what I want to hear.
You could never over-sell me,
when you tell me those little white lies.
Baby, you've got me hoping and steaming,
please let me shut my eyes.
So when I open them,
I start screaming ahhhh! Surprise!
Oh put out your promises, baby,
give me that big surprise.
Do what your mama says, baby.
You're out of school, oh kiss me, my fool.
Your love has got that.. ooh.. to it.
Oh, how it satisfies.
Now I'm used to petting, but when
you do it.. oh surprise.
Come a little closer dear.
Tell me what I want to hear,
you can never over-sell me.
When you tell me those little, white lies.
Oh baby, you've got me
hoping and steaming.
Please let me shut my eyes.
So when I open them,
I'll start screaming.. ahhh...
Surprise!
Why.. what's that?
That's a summons. And you can't say
I didn't have witnesses either.
Nice little act you got there, baby.
Where do you think you're going?
I think I'm going to buy a stove.
- I think you'll need a stretcher.
What's this here?
Oh Ira gave me that. He wants me to read
it when I've got nothing else to do.
Oh.
You're a heck of a looking woman
for a guy like me.
Uhuh. I know this isn't going to
be a very good stew.
Look at you. Skinny as a rail.
That was not a good idea.
I put those potatoes in too soon.
Who wants to grab hold of a load of bones?
That's all you are, bones.
You know that, don't you?
Yeah, but I'm young kinda..
That don't make no difference.
Maybe it does. Maybe I'll fill out after.
No.. you'll never look like a woman.
You ain't got it in you ever to look like one.
What difference does it make
as long as you are good to me?
I ain't good to you. Don't get that
idea into your nut.
It's what spoils them, being good them.
You've got to step on it if you want to stay
with me, or get your teeth knocked out.
Ha!
Hmm, I think I ought to knock
them out anyway.
Come here.
Oh Bill, what happened to your forehead?
- Never mind my forehead.
Little old Trina.
You dames get some phony ideas alright,
don't you.
Go on, go to work. And if that stew is
burnt, I'll pour it down your back.
Hey, what you want to do? Break it?
- No, no. Take it easy.
No, we're just looking it over.
Hey, stupid.
Oh.. Bill.
Oh Bill.
Ahh.
Bill, I..
Hiya mug!
Gee Stilts, where you been?
Thought you died or something.
Where are the Yanks playing this week?
- Chicago.
Alright.
You told me you wanted Babe Ruth to
autograph a baseball for you, didn't you?
Well, I had to put it up to him, didn't I.
Did he, did he, do it?
Close your eyes.
Come on, come on. Quit kidding around.
Close them tight.
Now open them.
Gee, thanks Stilts.
Gee Stilts.
Yeah, uh, I had to go all the way
to Chicago to talk to the Babe.
Hop a freight?
Yeah, yeah. Rode the rods all the way.
Ain't got the cinders out of my hair yet.
And did Babe write this himself?
Why certainly.. in person.
Thanks Stilts.
And some will hide away.. and be happy.
For just a stolen hour or two.
I'd give a lot if I.. could simplify..
this mess.. we're going.. through.
How much longer.. must I..
long.. for.. you.
That's it.
Hey.. you!
Well.. big boy!
Got any more summons for me?
- Not today.
Did you know I called up the
lawyers office?
And gave word I wanted to see the guy
that served those papers on me.
Yeah.
They sent me somebody by
the name of "Bragg".
I asked him to get in touch with you.
Did he?
Yeah.
Why didn't you look me up?
- I was busy.
What doing? Stilt walking? What's the
idea of the ballyhoo rig?
Well, I tell you lady, it's like this.
There's this hardware store that sold a
stove to a friend on the installment plan.
And today's the first of the month.
I get a dollar an hour for this particular
brand of street-walking.
I need two bucks so I'm going to
walk for two hours.
Would you like to hear the
story of my life?
I'd love to.
What are you doing this afternoon?
Anything that appeals to me.
I'm in suite 1242 at The Towers.
Ha?
The number is on on the door.
Where's Bill?
Out somewhere.
- Where?
I don't know.
That's a fine man you picked
yourself, kid.
Yeah, well he suits me.
Yeah, but do you suit him?
You wouldn't think so the way he's
always playing you down.
Crabbing how skinny you are.
- Well I am skinny,
No you're not. You're slim.
But not skinny.
I know what I'm talking about.
You better not let Bill find that out.
He's got a temper he has.
He's likely to break you in half.
Right smack in half.
Oh no he won't.
Bill's too busy.
Busy with what?
All I know is there's been a blond
actress been on his trail lately.
Well, what about it?
You don't care if he goes out with
other women?
He can go out with forty women
if he wants to. I've got him.
Not that I believe you. Bill's no cheat.
If he wanted anyone else, he'd come to
me first and tell me about it.
Well, if he ever does, you
know where I'm at.
You?
If I'd never met Bill and you were the last
person in the world you couldn't get me.
Now, how do you like that?
Swell. Gives me something to work on.
Different men work in different ways.
Me, I got one principle.
Take your time.
- I don't want to listen to you anymore.
Get out of here Bragg, and stay out!
Sure.
There's no hurry.
So, when you served those papers on me.
You let me in for a suit for 10,000
smackers for "alienation of affection".
What do you want to go around
alienating affections for?
Well, the guy angeled my act.
Can't get backing without some
kind of an I.O.U.
What do you want from me? More backing?
No.. you're not the angel type.
What's the party for, then?
Just to get acquainted.
You certainly shut up the guys that were
meant to keep the bailiffs away from me.
Midgets!
Well, I gave them the boot.
I'm in the market for a new bodyguard now.
You don't need a bodyguard. You look like
you can take care of yourself.
I always have.
Oh, it looks like rain and there's
only five shows today.
You don't have to be afraid of me. I've
got nothing up my sleeve. Honest.
Nothing I haven't seen.
How old are you honey?
- Old enough to know better.
You know.
I got an idea that I won't be here when
that suit against me comes up.
I've got a chance to go to London.
- London? You might as well stay home.
Italy! That's the place.
Was you ever in Italy?
No. were you?
- No, but I'm going.
Boy, there's a place, Italy.
All they do over there is ride in boats
and play guitars.
I met a little Italian tomato once.
Boy, was she able..
Ever since then I've had
a yen to go to Italy.
You know, a guy can do himself a
lot of good over there.
I bet you know all about women.
I know one thing about them. All of them.
- What?
They're all female.
Is that a complement or a fact?
- It's a fact.
You're a funny sort of a beetle.
- No kidding.
Hello Bill.
Your dinner got cold so I put it back
in the stove to warm up.
I had dinner.
Kind of hot today, wasn't it.
Why don't you say what's on your mind?
Why don't you squawk because I came
home late for dinner?
You got a right to come home late, Bill.
Maybe I should have telephoned.
How could you with no phone in the house?
I suppose I ought to make up excuses
for being late..
Listen Bill.
You don't have to make any excuses
to me for anything.
You know you don't. You're
your own boss, Bill.
Damn right I am.
- Sure you are.
Did you pay the installment on the stove?
- Yeah.
Here's the receipt.
Now, you see how easy it is? In nine
month's that stove is going to be ours.
Oh, I bet you're tired.
Come on honey, lie down.
Hey you big butterfingered Palooka!
Aw gee Red, something must
have got in my eye.
Yeah freight cars. You gotta keep your
mind on the game and not the trains.
Oh listen, Red..
I don't want any excuses. Something's
come over you in the last couple of weeks.
You've been no good to us.
Don't I get another chance?
No! Give me your glove, You're through.
Hey Slacks.
Oh listen Red..
- Go on.. scram. Come on fellahs.
How you doing Ira?
Oh.. coming along.
Dang weeds grow as fast as
you can pull them.
That's a dire-looking layout
if I ever saw one.
Hey, you have to give them time to come up.
No special hurry.
What kind of flower you call that?
That tired one there.
That one? That's a xenia.
They're all xenias.
What'll you take for that little
old sleeping one?
Nothing. I don't want to sell any.
Give you a dime for it.
I'd rather keep them if
you don't mind, Bill.
I'd just as soon wait until they
come up a little stronger.
Then you can have all you want.
See you later Ira.
You know if this keeps up Ira, the
neighbors are going to be talking.
Let them talk.
The more time Flossy spends with me,
the less time she'll have to get into trouble.
How about that dandelion wine
you're always brewing?
The more of that dandelion wine
Flossy drinks, the less gin she drinks.
You got weird ideas on reform, ain't you.
What you trying to make a pen-knife out
of a battle-axe for?
Sounds kind of foolish to me.
God chose the foolish things in the world
that he might shame those that are wise.
And He chose the weak things in the world
that he might shame those that are strong.
That's in that bible you got me son.
Corinthians, 1. 26.
Wait.. I'll show it to you.
Quit that singing, will you.
- Why?
What have you got to sing about?
- Can I help it if I feel good.
What about?
- Everything.
Everything. That's Bill.
You're stuck on him, ain't you?
- He's been good to me, Bill has.
Yeah.. he ain't sick of you yet.
But wait. The first thing that
goes wrong, out.. out!
You're talking to someone what's
had dealings, kid.. dealings!
Oh, maybe he won't be that way with me.
You don't know your men, I can see that.
You'll find out.
If Bill does get tired of me I..
I mean if he does..
Oh maybe he won't.
Suppose I get some dough?
- That'll be never.
Is that so?
Say, I cut you in for fifty percent of
that summons money, didn't I?
How'd you like to come in for fifty
percent on another job?
A job where your cut will be five grand
instead of five bucks.
What kind of a job?
- That toy factory I was talking about.
They fired me, didn't they.
Why didn't they fire Ira?
He's always asleep on the job. They took the
bread right out of my mouth didn't they?
They owe me something
and I'm going to collect.
Get this, Bill. They got an old
tin-can they call a safe.
I know the dump backwards.
Every Friday they get in ten grand
for the payroll..
Which stays in the safe until
Saturday noon.
It would be a pushover Bill,
if you went in with me.
Five grand a piece Bill! What do you say?
In the first place, what do I want
with five grand?
And In the second place if I did
want the dough, I'd go out and make it.
And in the third place Bragg..
Trina tells me you been hanging around
while I've been away and she don't like it.
I told her I'd speak to you about it.
There's only one language you
can understand Bragg.
That's it.
Bill.
Did I hurt?
- Not when you don't mean it.
What would you do if I really slugged
you hard?
Bill, you like being with me, don't you?
I ain't so nuts about you.
You're pretty skinny.
Come on, let me go.
You ain't tired of me yet, are you?
- Let me go I tell you, before I sock you.
Let me..
Oh!
Oh Bill!
Darling.
He's awful strong.
Come on, dish up the grub will you.
I'm starving.
Yes sir.
Hi Floss, how's tricks?
Picking up.
Here.
Flossy.. supper's ready.
I'm not hungry thanks Ira.
Hey, what's the idea?
What kind of a thing is this? That's a
fine thing to pull out of a man's soup.
What kind of a mess is this? You can find
anything in here. A pair of old shoes?
Why Bill, that's one of Ira's flowers.
You got it for me!
I found it in the soup I tell you.
- What kind is it?
Don't you really know what flower it is?
No kidding?
Are you dumb. It's a whatchamacallit.
It's an Xavier.
Xenias.
I don't care what kind it is. It's pretty.
Throw it away, it's a measly little one.
- No.
Throw it away, I tell you!
I'll get you a bunch of them. Nice big
ones. That kind ain't even got a smell.
Oh Bill, don't.
Now see here, Bill.
What's that for?
- That's that dime I owe you.
I bought a flower from you. What's the
matter with you? Can't you remember?
I never sold you no flower.
- He got it for me, Ira.
It's awful pretty. Maybe I'll grow some
too, if Bill decides we'll stay here.
Don't worry about that.
Now I can't have you picking
them like this, Bill.
Of course, seeing as you got it for Trina.
But I've got to ask you not to
do it no more.
Oh, come on Ira, take it.
- No.
I ain't in the flower business.
God never meant for flowers to be sold.
Susan said that, and Susan was
close to God.
She was, huh?
Yes, Susan walked hand-in-hand
with God all her life.
If anybody's with him, she is.
Right there in the fold.
Right by his side.
She led a beautiful life,
always a singing of his praises.
Basking in his glory.
Yup.
When you can make wine out of dandelions.
I can believe in it.
Come on Ira. My tongue is hanging out.
I guess it's alright about the flower.
Some more, Bill?
No, I ain't hungry.
What do you keep this thing closed
all the time for?
I thought it might rain or something.
Supposing it does rain? Rain won't
hurt you. It's good for you.
It makes you grow. Open it up.
Bill.
What do you always keep looking
through that hole for?
Why?
When you're dead you get a hunk of earth.
When you're alive you want to hang on
to your hunk of blue.
That's all I got in the world. That's all
anybody's got is that hunk of blue.
Bill, what Ira said, I..
- What?
I've been thinking that..
There couldn't be any heaven much
better than this, could there?
I mean when it's quiet all round and
we're close like now.
You know, I never noticed it before,
but your eyes are sky-colored, sort of..
You got a hunk of blue
in each little glim, ain't you.
But that don't stop me from clouting
you on the chin any minute.
Climb in here.
You're alright. You're a swell kid,
I like you plenty.
Do you Bill?
- Hmm.
But don't get to figuring on
that too much.
Because how much I like a woman
ain't nothing to bet money on.
I'm liable to all steamed up about you
today and washed up tomorrow.
I've been tangled up with a woman before.
Yeah.. I guess you must have
known lots of women.
Nicer ones too, I'll bet. Bigger and
fatter huh?
Fatter, yeah.. but not nicer.
You ain't so bad.
You know, a little more meat on you,
and you'd be lots of woman.
You're okay. You suit me fine now.
Do I Bill?
- Hmm
Maybe you won't tomorrow, see.
So you got to watch yourself
on that account.
Don't get yourself in too deep.
But what if you do sometime
and you can't help it? What then?
That's the way it goes.
Just got to learn to take it
and laugh it off.
You mean Bill that you're going to..
You said I'd have to take it.
No.. not you. I don't mean you.
I mean anybody. Anybody that gets it.
Well..
No, I don't mean you.. yet.
But I'm apt to hand it to you any day.
Who knows?
Suppose I wake up some morning with a
taste like wet hen-feathers in my mouth?
You know, women don't look so
good on them mornings.
I'm apt to give you a push in the face,
and take a stroll for myself, as not to.
Maybe that won't be right away. I mean,
not tomorrow, quite so soon, huh?
You can't tell.
Never know how a guy's going to feel.
Just wake up some morning,
like I told you, and there he goes.
But all men don't do that.
No, but then it don't feel like it.
Or maybe they just can't get away.
- Why can't they?
A guy can have a lot of reasons.
Bill.. you like babies, don't you?
What's the difference whether
I like them or not?
It makes a big difference if you didn't.
- Why?
Because you're going to have one.
Oh I've known it for a long time
now and I..
I thought I'd be afraid to tell you,
but now I ain't afraid of nothing.
Oh please Bill, don't say nothing
until I finish.
I want you to know something.
It's your baby and it's mine. I'm willing to
take all the blame for it.
I've been meaning to tell you it all,
but pretty soon you'd know it anyway.
It's just too grand and wonderful
to keep to myself.
You can't understand it Bill,
you're a man. Please Bill!
You needn't look at me that way darling.
I ain't afraid of you.
I've changed a lot. Only a little
while ago, I was all alone.
And then you came along and there was
two of us, and now there's three of us.
You can never leave me now Bill, never.
Even if you go away, I've got you now.
No matter where you go or what you do,
I've got you Bill. You're permanent!
Here.. it looks alright.
I was just over the shack.
Flossy told me I'd find you here.
I had to do the shopping for
tomorrow's supper.
Whose supper?
- Yours.
How'd you know I'd be here?
In case you are.
Suppose I don't show up tomorrow?
Tomorrow or ever?
Well I.. I guess I'd just be lonesome
like I was before I met you.
But it won't be the same exactly.
You see, I've got something to look
forward too now.
Yeah, I'll say you have.
I'll never be lonesome when my son comes.
How'd you know it was going to be a son?
- I prayed for a son.
I thought you didn't believe in
that kind of stuff.
Sure I did!
- You told me you didn't.
I lied.
I was afraid you'd be sore at me.
I guess you're sore now though,
ain't you?
Why should I be, it's your funeral.
- Sure, it's my funeral.
But I'm going to stand on my own
two feet now.
I'm going to bring my son into the world
and take care of him and love him always.
I suppose as far as I'm concerned..
- You too, always.
That goes without saying.
But you're a free man Bill.
As free as a bird, remember that.
- I'll remember it.
Whom God have joined together,
let no man put asunder.
That's it I guess.
It would have looked better Ira,
if you wasn't packing that heat.
Oh.. I'm sorry.
I was on my way to work when Bill came
and asked me to perform the ceremony.
Of course it ain't a church, but the words
are the same, no matter who says them.
And in the eyes of God,
you're man.. and.. wife.
Man.. and.. wife.
Thank you for the dress, Ira.
I'll bring it back in the morning.
- No Trina, you keep it.
You look just like Susan looked when she
wore that dress.. forty years ago.
It's.. laid in my trunk a long time.
I guess it ain't much use now,
it's so old-fashioned, but..
It.. sort of suits you Trina.
We'll call it a wedding present.
Well, I've got to go now.
Hey, come on, come on, come on!
Get up Bragg.
What is it?
- Now listen.
I got to scram out of here right away,
see. Tonight.
But I can't go unless I leave some dough
behind. Enough to take care of someone.
A couple of people.. and yeah,
for a long time.
I got to have plenty of dough, see.
I ain't got a dime, Bill. Not a dime.
- No, but you know where to get it.
Oh..
Come on, come on. Get out of it!
What did I tell you? I can open it
with a nail file.
Look at this gadget.
I'll wind him up and
see what he does.
What are we here for? To kick in this
door, or play with toys? Come on.
Here, give me that. What you want to do?
Wake up the old geezer?
If this wakes him up, what do you think's
going to happen when you blow that safe?
He's locked in his office, ain't he. By
the time he gets here, we'll be gone.
Now put that thing back and give me a hand.
If he wakes up, we'll be in a tough spot
without a gun or anything.
I still think you ought to go and tap
him on the head like I told you to.
I'd feel a lot better if he was
gagged and tied up.
Nah, Ira wouldn't hurt a fly.
Just the same, I think you'd better go
over and open up that window there.
What? We're three stories up, ain't we?
There's a fire-escape.
Boy, it sure is a swell night out.
You can see the whole river from here.
The moon sure looks slick in that water.
Maybe when I blow out of here,
I'll hit the waves instead of the rails.
Maybe on a freighter.
You ever get the smell of those ships
that come in from China and them places?
I wonder what little old Trina is doing?
I think I'll take this thing home to her.
She can give it to the kid.
She ought to get by okay now with
the dough I'm going to give her.
Hey, how are you coming there Goofus?
- Give me sixty seconds.
Look out!
Yeah, it's me. Me!
For a guy that reads bibles and raises
posies you shoot pretty straight don't you?
You old son-of-a-bitch!
You might have killed me!
Serve you right if I did! Somebody ought to
teach you a lesson!
Young squirt going around robbing places.
Yeah, it is kind of a low-down business
at that, ain't it.
Maybe if you needed the dough as bad as
I did, you wouldn't be so particular.
Who was that fellow with you?
The one that got away?
I don't remember the name.
I never saw the guy before tonight.
You may as well hand over that gun
peaceful, and surrender.
I'll see that the law deals easy with you.
They ain't going to deal with me at all.
What did you expect to find in there if
you did get it open?
Apples!
- Lemons, more likely.
You wouldn't find any money in there.
Not in that old cracker-box.
If it's the payroll money you were after,
it's in the safe in the other office.
Do you know the combination?
If I did, I wouldn't tell you.
What if I shoved this gun down your gullet?
- Go on, try it!
If you've got the guts to kill a man in
cold blood, I've got the guts to take it.
Yes, I guess you have at that.
You're alright. I wouldn't hurt you.
If I knocked you over, what would
become of all them posies?
Well, what's the matter with you Pop?
What are you looking so sour about?
Are you disappointed in me?
- No.
It's not you I'm thinking of.
I'm thinking of your wife.
Huh?
Your wife, Trina.
Oh!
What's that?
What is that?
- Somebody set off the burglar alarm.
There'll be Police all over the place
in five minutes.
What are you waiting for? Go on!
Get going!
The Cops will be here in a few minutes.
Trina!
What do you want?
- I got news for you.
Bad news, it's about Bill.
He's in trouble.
Come on in. I don't want nobody
to hear but you.
What is it?
What is it Bragg?
Your boyfriend got nabbed robbing the
safe at the toy factory.
They caught him with the goods.
- Oh no, you're joking.
Bill wouldn't do a thing like that.
Bill's no thief.
That's it. Stepping out of his class.
That's why he got caught.
He got shot, too, trying to get away.
Wait a minute honey.
Don't get upset, that ain't all
I got to tell you.
You haven't got nothing to worry about.
He may go up the river for a spell, but..
I'll still be around.
I'll always be around baby,
to take care of you.
Let me out of here! No!
Sure..
There's no hurry. I'll be here.
Only with Bill in the jug, you're going
to need a man around.
You might as well forget Bill for a while.
He's gone, ain't he.. I tell you he's gone.
You're a liar Bragg, he ain't gone.
Bill just got home. I seen him go into the
shack just a few minutes ago.
Bill!
Oh Bill!
Bill.
- Get away.
That was mighty decent of you Bragg,
to offer to take care of Trina.
I didn't think it was in you.
Well, she's a helpless little thing, the
sort that needs looking after by a man.
Sure.
What's the matter with Bill?
He won't be around.
Didn't he get caught?
He got away didn't he?
For how long? The Cops will be down
here after him.
How do you know?
I got a hunch.
It's nothing I tell you, just grazed
me a little, cut a little meat off.
What's eating you? You'd think it was
you that got drilled instead of me.
I wish it was.
Oh, why did you do it, Bill. Why?
I couldn't leave you high and dry could I.
The dough would have taken care of
you swell, but I flopped.
I'm glad you did.
I wouldn't have taken that money anyway.
I'd have taken it back.
How did you expect to get along?
It takes money to have a kid, don't it?
For a strong man, you're awful afraid of
a little thing that ain't even born yet.
My goodness Bill.
If I had known it would have scared you
that much, I never would have told you.
I'd have just gone away myself
some place.
I didn't know you were such
a coward, darling.
A coward?
- Sure. Afraid of a baby.
Why, it's the most natural thing in
the world, you big fool.
They're born all the time and..
If they happen to be man-kids,
they just never grow up.
They just keep reaching for
the clouds and..
Listening to train-whistles.
There.. how's that?
Bill.. you know that song that goes..
"A fish got to swim, a bird got to fly."?
Oh you big silly. Robbing a safe when
you always said you had no use for money.
It wasn't for me.
- For me.. I know.
But I don't need it.
I don't need anything.
I don't even need you, Bill.
It ain't as if you ever said you loved me.
You never did, and I don't blame you.
I know what I've done to you, Bill.
I've..
I've pulled you down and messed up your
plans but I didn't mean to.
Honest I didn't.
You can go sweetheart, and stay away
as long as you like.
Maybe some day you'll come back.
Not for good, I don't mean.
Just for a visit, sort of..
You may get lonesome.
Curious, and wanting to know what
your son looks like.
You see, even birds can't fly
all the time.
They get.. tired and have to come home.
It's that nest, they seek.
Sweetheart.. sweetheart, please,
please, Bill.
Bill, I'll do anything.
Bill, please, I want you to be happy
darling, I want to you to feel right.
Bill, Bill, I'll do anything.
I'll even give up the kid if you'll
only be happy.
Oh darling.
Pardon me.
Bragg tells me that you took Ira's gun
away from him.
Better give it to me.
- What for?
Well, if the Cops come down here and
find that gun on you.
It might come under the heading
of "damaging evidence".
What makes you think the Cops are
going to be here?
I've got some inside information from
a stool-pigeon friend of mine.
Give me that gun.
Now, Mr Bindlestiff, you're flight's
waiting. You better hop aboard.
What for?
You've got to go before the Cops come.
- No. I'm sticking around.
Bragg tells me, that you did this job to
get the dough for Trina.
So that you could get away.
And now we're sitting around here in
this house, and you want to linger?
That don't make no sense.
Maybe it don't.
But I ain't going to leave little Trina.
Why you poor sap.
Why don't you take her with you?
You never thought of that?
No.
You'd better not stop to pack.
Well?
I convinced him.
He's hopping on the next freight out.
- Good.
Trina goes with him.
- Oh she does, huh?
I didn't say anything about her going.
No. That was my idea.
Yeah, well he ain't going to get
away with it.
I've got the goods on Bill.
They'll pick them up before they leave
the camp. The both of them.
Not unless you squawk Bragg.
Well, I'm going to squawk. For the good
of the camp, I'm going to squawk.
We don't want that kind of guy around here.
He'll always be bringing the Cops around.
He's a criminal, he is.
And I'm thinking of that poor little girl.
What kind of a life would she lead,
with a mug like Bill?
I'm going right out now and tell them.
You ain't going to squawk.
For the simple reason.. stiffs don't squawk.
Flossy, don't point that at me.
You're drunk.
If somebody was to search
the whole country..
The whole world..
They couldn't find two more useless..
More no-good people, than you and me.
You wouldn't commit murder!
Oh.. this ain't murder.
This is just house-cleaning.
Now, now Bragg.. stop your shaking.
It won't hurt.
You'll be where you belong and..
Me.
- Flossy!
I'll certainly miss it.
It was a beautiful stove.
You can always get another one, on the
installment plan. A better one too.
August, September, October, November.
December.. December it is.
A perfect Christmas present, huh, Bill?
Bill.
Oh you don't have to be afraid
of that no more, Trina.
Subs for KG
by "Targa".
Come on, spill it.
I've been watching you ever since
you sat down here.
You look like you were rehearsing an
act or something. What is it?
Please.
Wait a minute, what's the rush?
- Please let me go or I'll..
You'll what?
Get down on my hands and knees
for some of that popcorn.
Hey, what is this?
I thought I was hip to all the
pan-handling routines.
Or are you the little girl reporter
working on a sob-story?
Because if you are, I can give you some
small dope on these pigeons.
Now you take that one there for
instance. I call him Oliver Twist.
Yes, he's always asking for more.
And that little fellow over there.
See that one. Wait a minute.
Are you really hungry?
I ain't eaten in two days.
- Two days? Why not?
I haven't any money.
Neither have the pigeons, but they eat regular.
It would be great to be a pigeon.
There's always someone throwing
them crumbs.
If you had the brains of one of them
pigeons you wouldn't be hungry.
Come on. Let's eat.
For a pint-size like you, you can
certainly put it away.
You were hungry alright, weren't you?
- Uhuh.
But if you think I fell for your line
of hooey, you're crazy.
No female has to starve in a town like this.
Have you ever been out of work
for a whole year?
I've been out of work all my life.
Besides, the unemployment situation
has got nothing to do with women.
Did you ever think of that?
Yeah I thought of it.
Oh?
I couldn't.
Oh, I suppose the river would
be better than that, huh?
Yeah, I thought of that too.
I was down there this afternoon, but..
I was afraid.
How are you ever going to get anywhere
if you are afraid of everything?
I guess I just won't get anywhere.
You're not eating.
Nah, I ain't hungry.
Have you ever been hungry?
Nobody ever has to be hungry anywhere.
That's alright for you to say. You're rich.
Call the manager.
Anything wrong sir?
No, no, no. Everything's fine.
I just want to talk to him minute.
Yes, sir.
You know you should never ought
to skip meals.
That's the best food every I ate.
I feel better now.
You look better too.
If you fell down here at night,
you'd get by in a crowd at that.
You can't help the way you're made.
- Why can't you?
You wish to see me?
- Yeah, yeah,
Sit down.
There's 12 million people in this country
without work. Did you know that?
Yes.
Yeah, and a lot of them are starving,
so they tell me.
Now take this young lady here,
for instance.
Up until an hour ago, she hadn't eaten
for two days. She was starving.
I brought her in here and fixed her up.
Feels swell, now.
Says it's the best food she ever ate.
Well, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you.
Yeah, the funny part of it is,
she ain't got a dime.
And neither have I.
So the feed is on you, brother.
Now.. there are lots of ways to
handle a case like this.
You can call in the cops and have the
two of us thrown into the can.
They'll send us up to Island and we'll be
fed by the state for 30 days, at least.
But the more lags the state has to feed,
the more taxes you guys have to pay.
Is this your idea of a joke?
- Now, wait a minute!
This is a joint that throws out enough
leftover grub to feed a thousand people.
You can afford one on the
house once in a while.
Well, am I right or wrong?
I'll tell you what I'll do with you.
I'll put it up to your own customers
right here in this place.
I'll ask them if it's right to let somebody
die of hunger right outside your place.
And if they say I'm wrong I'll admit it.
Ladies and gentlemen!
According to the newspapers the banks
in this country are full of gold.
The granaries are bursting with grain.
And yet there are twelve million people
out of work.
Twelve million..
Get out of here. Get out!
Okay. Take it easy, take it easy
will you, pal.
The case is dismissed.
Come on, Miss.
Nothing like a good walk after dinner.
Where do you live? I might as
well take you home.
That would be alright if I had a home.
- Hey, wait a minute.
Say, have you got anything?
Where did you expect to spend the night?
I don't know.
- You got a satchel?
Well, go and get yourself one somewhere.
Go to a hotel and stay there. When they
hand you a bill, tell them you're broke.
Then what happens?
Then they throw you out and you
go to another hotel.
Oh, I couldn't do that.
- Why not?
I.. I'd be afraid.
You live in a hotel?
No. I got no use for hotels.
What do you do for a living?
- I live.
Close your eyes a minute. Close them.
Now open them.
Pretty huh?
Yeah, sure.
Two bucks a day for this. I just walk up
and down and turn the light on and off.
This your regular job?
No, no. I don't believe in regular jobs.
I do this for a friend on his night off.
All you got to do is walk up and down here?
That's right.
Is it alright if I walk up and down with you?
Sure. It's a free country ain't it.
Well, I suppose I got to find you
a place to sleep tonight.
What's your name?
Trina.
What's yours?
- Bill.
Bill..
Here we are Trina.
Bagdom On The Hudson, the fastest
growing community in the East.
You'll find more unemployment here
than in any other place in the world.
The city gave it to the boys and girls
to loaf in. How do you like it?
Oh, it's swell.
Gosh I've been staying here a year and
never knew there was such a place.
Yeah, that's one of the best things
about it, the privacy.
It's the only way to live.
No rent, no taxes, no nothing.
Running water? A whole river of it.
Hear that?
That's what I like the best,
them train whistles.
They remind you of other places.
Don't you love the sound of it?
It's a scary kind of noise.
- Nah.
Nah..
Gangway! Get out of my way!
Here I come! That's what it says.
Like a long-distance call.
Come on.
Hi Frank.
- Hello Bill.
Which one of these houses do you live in?
No, no. Mostly I sleep in the open.
When it rains, I take my choice. They're all
my pals here. I can bunk with any one.
They must be swell people.
- The best!
You know it's funny. When people
got nothing, they act like human beings.
We get along swell here.
It's like one, big happy family,
I can't pay if you if I ain't got it.
Yeah, well I'll find some way to collect.
- Yeah, what'll you do? Sue me?
I don't let nobody cheat me out
of what they owe me.
I didn't say I wouldn't pay..
You had the money a dozen times but
you ain't got no intention of paying.
You crummy heel!
Go on, you cheap moocha,
before I slap you down.
Bragg, what's the matter?
I can't pay her what I ain't got, can I.
It just so happens I got paid off tonight.
There you are Floss.
Come on, scram.
Now you owe it to me Bragg.
They're just kidding. Down in the house,
they're crazy about one another.
I was going to ask Flossy to put you up
for the night, but maybe that's no good.
If she spends that dough for gin,
she might not be much of a room-mate.
I could sleep in the open, I guess.
- No, no. That takes practice.
I got it. I got an idea. Follow me.
What's the good word Ira?
And seeing the multitudes, he went up
into the mountains.
And his disciples came unto him,
and he taught them, saying..
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom Of Heaven.
That's the good word.
Looks like that bible I swiped
out of a hotel last week.
The good word is free.
I only wish I could get you
to read it William.
I did. I skimmed through it one night.
Kinda repetitious in spots,
but there's some good reading in it.
Ira, I want you to meet "Trina".
Ira here used to be a minister.
Now he's a night watchman.
How do you do?
- Nicely thank you.
Yeah, nicely, except she ain't
got a place to sleep.
I thought maybe that after you checked out,
she could park here for the night.
You're welcome.
- What time do you go to work?
Eleven-thirty.
- Alright, you check in about twelve.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- Come on.
The reason I like to sleep on that barge
is because there's no roof on it.
Oh, it must be wonderful with the
water rocking it. Like a cradle sort of..
Look at them ships down there
with the sails on.
They look so peaceful, and contented.
Come on, they've been laying there
for years, rotting away with barnacles.
That's what happens to you when
you're anchored.
All in all, it's so restful.
- Restful? So is a graveyard.
Where are you?
- Here.
Where?
Here!
What are you doing?
Taking off my clothes.
What are you doing that for?
Warm as milk. Come on in.
I would if I had a bathing suit.
What do you want me to do? Come up
there and throw you in, clothes and all?
No!
I'll race you.
- Where to?
To the moon.
- Alright.
Where do you get all that energy from?
Every time I see you, you're working.
Bill's particular. Everything that goes
next to his skin has got to be clean.
You know, I expect he's the
cleanest man in the world.
One of these days, he's going to
buy me a washing machine.
That ain't so important just yet.
The main thing is the stove.
What's the matter with the one you got?
I can only make stew on it.
I could cook Bill some wonderful
things if I had a real stove.
He's going to get me one soon.
- When?
Pretty soon. As soon as he gets the money.
Who ever heard of a Bindlestiff
getting money?
What's a Bindlestiff?
A guy who can't stay put.
Except maybe in jail.
Well, Bill's no Bindlestiff.
He can make all the money he wants if
he wants to. He's got personality, he has.
He's different.
If he were different, would he
keep you in a dump like this?
Oh, Flossy, how can you say things
like that?
This ain't a dump. Not to me, it ain't.
It's sort of uh..
What do you call them places in the
street where people wait for the traffic?
Safety zones.
A safety zone, that's it.
That's just how I feel about this place.
Like a sort-of clearing in the forest.
Where everything is quiet
and safe and peaceful.
That's the only thing I don't like.
Them train whistles.
They plague the life out of you,
night and day.
Now what's that?
That's Bill's idea. He can't stand
sleeping under a roof.
Oh well, that's alright for him.
But what about you, huh?
You'll catch a cold one of these days.
I've had one ever since I've been here.
You don't happen to have something
around that is good for a cold?
A little scotch or rum?
Maybe a little gin.
- Nope.
Does that guy give you anything?
He gives me everything Flossy.
Everything anyone could want.
Excepting a stove..
Who let you out? What are you doing here?
I was uh, just admiring that stove.
That one.
It's beautiful ain't it? And cheap too.
Only five dollars.
Five dollars down and only two dollars
a month for 12 months. No interest.
No interest is right as far as I'm concerned.
I don't go for anything on
the installment plan.
In a year, that stove could be ours.
A year? You think I'm going to hang
around this town for a year?
I never plan for more than 30 days. I've
been hanging round here to long as it is.
It's such a beautiful all-round kind of stove.
- Forget it.
But we could start with one of the small
ones. By paying only 2 dollars down..
Forget it!
What's for supper tonight?
Stew.
- No kidding.
Go on home.
Bill.
Go on home.
Hey Bragg.
I've been looking for you. Where's that
two bucks you owe me?
What are you hounding me for?
It's only a week's..
I know Flossy. It don't pay to stall me.
- Stall you?
Well, I've been working my head off
trying to get the dough to pay you back.
I'm working right now.
- You don't look it. What kind of work?
Serving a summons. What I mean is,
trying to serve a summons.
You get two bucks a go, this one's so
tough there's a bonus goes with it.
Ten bucks for this one.
Well, why don't you serve it and
get your money?
Why don't I? What do you suppose I've
been trying to do for three days?
It's for a dame in a show.
You can't get to her.
What do you mean you can't get to her?
- She's got a bodyguard.
What do you have to do with the summons?
- Just hand it to the party it's made out for.
Let me see it.
For handing this hunk of paper to a dame,
you get ten bucks?
Cash!
- And you can't do it?
I ain't the only one. I'm the third guy
that's tried this week.
Ten bucks, huh?
Suppose I serve it for you, I could
use five bucks. Will you split?
I tell you it's impossible.
You can't get to her.
She's got a bunch of gorillas around her
day and night.
But will you split?
Sure, but you can't get to her.
Well, it's great, it's grand.
Something unexpected always has the
best effect, so try to understand.
And cut out your promises baby,
and give me a big surprise.
Do what your mama says baby.
Kiss me and then..
Kiss me again.
Your love has got that.. ooh.. to it.
Oh how it satisfies.
I'm used to petting, but when you do it,
oh surprise.
Oh come a little closer dear,
tell me what I want to hear.
You could never over-sell me,
when you tell me those little white lies.
Baby, you've got me hoping and steaming,
please let me shut my eyes.
So when I open them,
I start screaming ahhhh! Surprise!
Oh put out your promises, baby,
give me that big surprise.
Do what your mama says, baby.
You're out of school, oh kiss me, my fool.
Your love has got that.. ooh.. to it.
Oh, how it satisfies.
Now I'm used to petting, but when
you do it.. oh surprise.
Come a little closer dear.
Tell me what I want to hear,
you can never over-sell me.
When you tell me those little, white lies.
Oh baby, you've got me
hoping and steaming.
Please let me shut my eyes.
So when I open them,
I'll start screaming.. ahhh...
Surprise!
Why.. what's that?
That's a summons. And you can't say
I didn't have witnesses either.
Nice little act you got there, baby.
Where do you think you're going?
I think I'm going to buy a stove.
- I think you'll need a stretcher.
What's this here?
Oh Ira gave me that. He wants me to read
it when I've got nothing else to do.
Oh.
You're a heck of a looking woman
for a guy like me.
Uhuh. I know this isn't going to
be a very good stew.
Look at you. Skinny as a rail.
That was not a good idea.
I put those potatoes in too soon.
Who wants to grab hold of a load of bones?
That's all you are, bones.
You know that, don't you?
Yeah, but I'm young kinda..
That don't make no difference.
Maybe it does. Maybe I'll fill out after.
No.. you'll never look like a woman.
You ain't got it in you ever to look like one.
What difference does it make
as long as you are good to me?
I ain't good to you. Don't get that
idea into your nut.
It's what spoils them, being good them.
You've got to step on it if you want to stay
with me, or get your teeth knocked out.
Ha!
Hmm, I think I ought to knock
them out anyway.
Come here.
Oh Bill, what happened to your forehead?
- Never mind my forehead.
Little old Trina.
You dames get some phony ideas alright,
don't you.
Go on, go to work. And if that stew is
burnt, I'll pour it down your back.
Hey, what you want to do? Break it?
- No, no. Take it easy.
No, we're just looking it over.
Hey, stupid.
Oh.. Bill.
Oh Bill.
Ahh.
Bill, I..
Hiya mug!
Gee Stilts, where you been?
Thought you died or something.
Where are the Yanks playing this week?
- Chicago.
Alright.
You told me you wanted Babe Ruth to
autograph a baseball for you, didn't you?
Well, I had to put it up to him, didn't I.
Did he, did he, do it?
Close your eyes.
Come on, come on. Quit kidding around.
Close them tight.
Now open them.
Gee, thanks Stilts.
Gee Stilts.
Yeah, uh, I had to go all the way
to Chicago to talk to the Babe.
Hop a freight?
Yeah, yeah. Rode the rods all the way.
Ain't got the cinders out of my hair yet.
And did Babe write this himself?
Why certainly.. in person.
Thanks Stilts.
And some will hide away.. and be happy.
For just a stolen hour or two.
I'd give a lot if I.. could simplify..
this mess.. we're going.. through.
How much longer.. must I..
long.. for.. you.
That's it.
Hey.. you!
Well.. big boy!
Got any more summons for me?
- Not today.
Did you know I called up the
lawyers office?
And gave word I wanted to see the guy
that served those papers on me.
Yeah.
They sent me somebody by
the name of "Bragg".
I asked him to get in touch with you.
Did he?
Yeah.
Why didn't you look me up?
- I was busy.
What doing? Stilt walking? What's the
idea of the ballyhoo rig?
Well, I tell you lady, it's like this.
There's this hardware store that sold a
stove to a friend on the installment plan.
And today's the first of the month.
I get a dollar an hour for this particular
brand of street-walking.
I need two bucks so I'm going to
walk for two hours.
Would you like to hear the
story of my life?
I'd love to.
What are you doing this afternoon?
Anything that appeals to me.
I'm in suite 1242 at The Towers.
Ha?
The number is on on the door.
Where's Bill?
Out somewhere.
- Where?
I don't know.
That's a fine man you picked
yourself, kid.
Yeah, well he suits me.
Yeah, but do you suit him?
You wouldn't think so the way he's
always playing you down.
Crabbing how skinny you are.
- Well I am skinny,
No you're not. You're slim.
But not skinny.
I know what I'm talking about.
You better not let Bill find that out.
He's got a temper he has.
He's likely to break you in half.
Right smack in half.
Oh no he won't.
Bill's too busy.
Busy with what?
All I know is there's been a blond
actress been on his trail lately.
Well, what about it?
You don't care if he goes out with
other women?
He can go out with forty women
if he wants to. I've got him.
Not that I believe you. Bill's no cheat.
If he wanted anyone else, he'd come to
me first and tell me about it.
Well, if he ever does, you
know where I'm at.
You?
If I'd never met Bill and you were the last
person in the world you couldn't get me.
Now, how do you like that?
Swell. Gives me something to work on.
Different men work in different ways.
Me, I got one principle.
Take your time.
- I don't want to listen to you anymore.
Get out of here Bragg, and stay out!
Sure.
There's no hurry.
So, when you served those papers on me.
You let me in for a suit for 10,000
smackers for "alienation of affection".
What do you want to go around
alienating affections for?
Well, the guy angeled my act.
Can't get backing without some
kind of an I.O.U.
What do you want from me? More backing?
No.. you're not the angel type.
What's the party for, then?
Just to get acquainted.
You certainly shut up the guys that were
meant to keep the bailiffs away from me.
Midgets!
Well, I gave them the boot.
I'm in the market for a new bodyguard now.
You don't need a bodyguard. You look like
you can take care of yourself.
I always have.
Oh, it looks like rain and there's
only five shows today.
You don't have to be afraid of me. I've
got nothing up my sleeve. Honest.
Nothing I haven't seen.
How old are you honey?
- Old enough to know better.
You know.
I got an idea that I won't be here when
that suit against me comes up.
I've got a chance to go to London.
- London? You might as well stay home.
Italy! That's the place.
Was you ever in Italy?
No. were you?
- No, but I'm going.
Boy, there's a place, Italy.
All they do over there is ride in boats
and play guitars.
I met a little Italian tomato once.
Boy, was she able..
Ever since then I've had
a yen to go to Italy.
You know, a guy can do himself a
lot of good over there.
I bet you know all about women.
I know one thing about them. All of them.
- What?
They're all female.
Is that a complement or a fact?
- It's a fact.
You're a funny sort of a beetle.
- No kidding.
Hello Bill.
Your dinner got cold so I put it back
in the stove to warm up.
I had dinner.
Kind of hot today, wasn't it.
Why don't you say what's on your mind?
Why don't you squawk because I came
home late for dinner?
You got a right to come home late, Bill.
Maybe I should have telephoned.
How could you with no phone in the house?
I suppose I ought to make up excuses
for being late..
Listen Bill.
You don't have to make any excuses
to me for anything.
You know you don't. You're
your own boss, Bill.
Damn right I am.
- Sure you are.
Did you pay the installment on the stove?
- Yeah.
Here's the receipt.
Now, you see how easy it is? In nine
month's that stove is going to be ours.
Oh, I bet you're tired.
Come on honey, lie down.
Hey you big butterfingered Palooka!
Aw gee Red, something must
have got in my eye.
Yeah freight cars. You gotta keep your
mind on the game and not the trains.
Oh listen, Red..
I don't want any excuses. Something's
come over you in the last couple of weeks.
You've been no good to us.
Don't I get another chance?
No! Give me your glove, You're through.
Hey Slacks.
Oh listen Red..
- Go on.. scram. Come on fellahs.
How you doing Ira?
Oh.. coming along.
Dang weeds grow as fast as
you can pull them.
That's a dire-looking layout
if I ever saw one.
Hey, you have to give them time to come up.
No special hurry.
What kind of flower you call that?
That tired one there.
That one? That's a xenia.
They're all xenias.
What'll you take for that little
old sleeping one?
Nothing. I don't want to sell any.
Give you a dime for it.
I'd rather keep them if
you don't mind, Bill.
I'd just as soon wait until they
come up a little stronger.
Then you can have all you want.
See you later Ira.
You know if this keeps up Ira, the
neighbors are going to be talking.
Let them talk.
The more time Flossy spends with me,
the less time she'll have to get into trouble.
How about that dandelion wine
you're always brewing?
The more of that dandelion wine
Flossy drinks, the less gin she drinks.
You got weird ideas on reform, ain't you.
What you trying to make a pen-knife out
of a battle-axe for?
Sounds kind of foolish to me.
God chose the foolish things in the world
that he might shame those that are wise.
And He chose the weak things in the world
that he might shame those that are strong.
That's in that bible you got me son.
Corinthians, 1. 26.
Wait.. I'll show it to you.
Quit that singing, will you.
- Why?
What have you got to sing about?
- Can I help it if I feel good.
What about?
- Everything.
Everything. That's Bill.
You're stuck on him, ain't you?
- He's been good to me, Bill has.
Yeah.. he ain't sick of you yet.
But wait. The first thing that
goes wrong, out.. out!
You're talking to someone what's
had dealings, kid.. dealings!
Oh, maybe he won't be that way with me.
You don't know your men, I can see that.
You'll find out.
If Bill does get tired of me I..
I mean if he does..
Oh maybe he won't.
Suppose I get some dough?
- That'll be never.
Is that so?
Say, I cut you in for fifty percent of
that summons money, didn't I?
How'd you like to come in for fifty
percent on another job?
A job where your cut will be five grand
instead of five bucks.
What kind of a job?
- That toy factory I was talking about.
They fired me, didn't they.
Why didn't they fire Ira?
He's always asleep on the job. They took the
bread right out of my mouth didn't they?
They owe me something
and I'm going to collect.
Get this, Bill. They got an old
tin-can they call a safe.
I know the dump backwards.
Every Friday they get in ten grand
for the payroll..
Which stays in the safe until
Saturday noon.
It would be a pushover Bill,
if you went in with me.
Five grand a piece Bill! What do you say?
In the first place, what do I want
with five grand?
And In the second place if I did
want the dough, I'd go out and make it.
And in the third place Bragg..
Trina tells me you been hanging around
while I've been away and she don't like it.
I told her I'd speak to you about it.
There's only one language you
can understand Bragg.
That's it.
Bill.
Did I hurt?
- Not when you don't mean it.
What would you do if I really slugged
you hard?
Bill, you like being with me, don't you?
I ain't so nuts about you.
You're pretty skinny.
Come on, let me go.
You ain't tired of me yet, are you?
- Let me go I tell you, before I sock you.
Let me..
Oh!
Oh Bill!
Darling.
He's awful strong.
Come on, dish up the grub will you.
I'm starving.
Yes sir.
Hi Floss, how's tricks?
Picking up.
Here.
Flossy.. supper's ready.
I'm not hungry thanks Ira.
Hey, what's the idea?
What kind of a thing is this? That's a
fine thing to pull out of a man's soup.
What kind of a mess is this? You can find
anything in here. A pair of old shoes?
Why Bill, that's one of Ira's flowers.
You got it for me!
I found it in the soup I tell you.
- What kind is it?
Don't you really know what flower it is?
No kidding?
Are you dumb. It's a whatchamacallit.
It's an Xavier.
Xenias.
I don't care what kind it is. It's pretty.
Throw it away, it's a measly little one.
- No.
Throw it away, I tell you!
I'll get you a bunch of them. Nice big
ones. That kind ain't even got a smell.
Oh Bill, don't.
Now see here, Bill.
What's that for?
- That's that dime I owe you.
I bought a flower from you. What's the
matter with you? Can't you remember?
I never sold you no flower.
- He got it for me, Ira.
It's awful pretty. Maybe I'll grow some
too, if Bill decides we'll stay here.
Don't worry about that.
Now I can't have you picking
them like this, Bill.
Of course, seeing as you got it for Trina.
But I've got to ask you not to
do it no more.
Oh, come on Ira, take it.
- No.
I ain't in the flower business.
God never meant for flowers to be sold.
Susan said that, and Susan was
close to God.
She was, huh?
Yes, Susan walked hand-in-hand
with God all her life.
If anybody's with him, she is.
Right there in the fold.
Right by his side.
She led a beautiful life,
always a singing of his praises.
Basking in his glory.
Yup.
When you can make wine out of dandelions.
I can believe in it.
Come on Ira. My tongue is hanging out.
I guess it's alright about the flower.
Some more, Bill?
No, I ain't hungry.
What do you keep this thing closed
all the time for?
I thought it might rain or something.
Supposing it does rain? Rain won't
hurt you. It's good for you.
It makes you grow. Open it up.
Bill.
What do you always keep looking
through that hole for?
Why?
When you're dead you get a hunk of earth.
When you're alive you want to hang on
to your hunk of blue.
That's all I got in the world. That's all
anybody's got is that hunk of blue.
Bill, what Ira said, I..
- What?
I've been thinking that..
There couldn't be any heaven much
better than this, could there?
I mean when it's quiet all round and
we're close like now.
You know, I never noticed it before,
but your eyes are sky-colored, sort of..
You got a hunk of blue
in each little glim, ain't you.
But that don't stop me from clouting
you on the chin any minute.
Climb in here.
You're alright. You're a swell kid,
I like you plenty.
Do you Bill?
- Hmm.
But don't get to figuring on
that too much.
Because how much I like a woman
ain't nothing to bet money on.
I'm liable to all steamed up about you
today and washed up tomorrow.
I've been tangled up with a woman before.
Yeah.. I guess you must have
known lots of women.
Nicer ones too, I'll bet. Bigger and
fatter huh?
Fatter, yeah.. but not nicer.
You ain't so bad.
You know, a little more meat on you,
and you'd be lots of woman.
You're okay. You suit me fine now.
Do I Bill?
- Hmm
Maybe you won't tomorrow, see.
So you got to watch yourself
on that account.
Don't get yourself in too deep.
But what if you do sometime
and you can't help it? What then?
That's the way it goes.
Just got to learn to take it
and laugh it off.
You mean Bill that you're going to..
You said I'd have to take it.
No.. not you. I don't mean you.
I mean anybody. Anybody that gets it.
Well..
No, I don't mean you.. yet.
But I'm apt to hand it to you any day.
Who knows?
Suppose I wake up some morning with a
taste like wet hen-feathers in my mouth?
You know, women don't look so
good on them mornings.
I'm apt to give you a push in the face,
and take a stroll for myself, as not to.
Maybe that won't be right away. I mean,
not tomorrow, quite so soon, huh?
You can't tell.
Never know how a guy's going to feel.
Just wake up some morning,
like I told you, and there he goes.
But all men don't do that.
No, but then it don't feel like it.
Or maybe they just can't get away.
- Why can't they?
A guy can have a lot of reasons.
Bill.. you like babies, don't you?
What's the difference whether
I like them or not?
It makes a big difference if you didn't.
- Why?
Because you're going to have one.
Oh I've known it for a long time
now and I..
I thought I'd be afraid to tell you,
but now I ain't afraid of nothing.
Oh please Bill, don't say nothing
until I finish.
I want you to know something.
It's your baby and it's mine. I'm willing to
take all the blame for it.
I've been meaning to tell you it all,
but pretty soon you'd know it anyway.
It's just too grand and wonderful
to keep to myself.
You can't understand it Bill,
you're a man. Please Bill!
You needn't look at me that way darling.
I ain't afraid of you.
I've changed a lot. Only a little
while ago, I was all alone.
And then you came along and there was
two of us, and now there's three of us.
You can never leave me now Bill, never.
Even if you go away, I've got you now.
No matter where you go or what you do,
I've got you Bill. You're permanent!
Here.. it looks alright.
I was just over the shack.
Flossy told me I'd find you here.
I had to do the shopping for
tomorrow's supper.
Whose supper?
- Yours.
How'd you know I'd be here?
In case you are.
Suppose I don't show up tomorrow?
Tomorrow or ever?
Well I.. I guess I'd just be lonesome
like I was before I met you.
But it won't be the same exactly.
You see, I've got something to look
forward too now.
Yeah, I'll say you have.
I'll never be lonesome when my son comes.
How'd you know it was going to be a son?
- I prayed for a son.
I thought you didn't believe in
that kind of stuff.
Sure I did!
- You told me you didn't.
I lied.
I was afraid you'd be sore at me.
I guess you're sore now though,
ain't you?
Why should I be, it's your funeral.
- Sure, it's my funeral.
But I'm going to stand on my own
two feet now.
I'm going to bring my son into the world
and take care of him and love him always.
I suppose as far as I'm concerned..
- You too, always.
That goes without saying.
But you're a free man Bill.
As free as a bird, remember that.
- I'll remember it.
Whom God have joined together,
let no man put asunder.
That's it I guess.
It would have looked better Ira,
if you wasn't packing that heat.
Oh.. I'm sorry.
I was on my way to work when Bill came
and asked me to perform the ceremony.
Of course it ain't a church, but the words
are the same, no matter who says them.
And in the eyes of God,
you're man.. and.. wife.
Man.. and.. wife.
Thank you for the dress, Ira.
I'll bring it back in the morning.
- No Trina, you keep it.
You look just like Susan looked when she
wore that dress.. forty years ago.
It's.. laid in my trunk a long time.
I guess it ain't much use now,
it's so old-fashioned, but..
It.. sort of suits you Trina.
We'll call it a wedding present.
Well, I've got to go now.
Hey, come on, come on, come on!
Get up Bragg.
What is it?
- Now listen.
I got to scram out of here right away,
see. Tonight.
But I can't go unless I leave some dough
behind. Enough to take care of someone.
A couple of people.. and yeah,
for a long time.
I got to have plenty of dough, see.
I ain't got a dime, Bill. Not a dime.
- No, but you know where to get it.
Oh..
Come on, come on. Get out of it!
What did I tell you? I can open it
with a nail file.
Look at this gadget.
I'll wind him up and
see what he does.
What are we here for? To kick in this
door, or play with toys? Come on.
Here, give me that. What you want to do?
Wake up the old geezer?
If this wakes him up, what do you think's
going to happen when you blow that safe?
He's locked in his office, ain't he. By
the time he gets here, we'll be gone.
Now put that thing back and give me a hand.
If he wakes up, we'll be in a tough spot
without a gun or anything.
I still think you ought to go and tap
him on the head like I told you to.
I'd feel a lot better if he was
gagged and tied up.
Nah, Ira wouldn't hurt a fly.
Just the same, I think you'd better go
over and open up that window there.
What? We're three stories up, ain't we?
There's a fire-escape.
Boy, it sure is a swell night out.
You can see the whole river from here.
The moon sure looks slick in that water.
Maybe when I blow out of here,
I'll hit the waves instead of the rails.
Maybe on a freighter.
You ever get the smell of those ships
that come in from China and them places?
I wonder what little old Trina is doing?
I think I'll take this thing home to her.
She can give it to the kid.
She ought to get by okay now with
the dough I'm going to give her.
Hey, how are you coming there Goofus?
- Give me sixty seconds.
Look out!
Yeah, it's me. Me!
For a guy that reads bibles and raises
posies you shoot pretty straight don't you?
You old son-of-a-bitch!
You might have killed me!
Serve you right if I did! Somebody ought to
teach you a lesson!
Young squirt going around robbing places.
Yeah, it is kind of a low-down business
at that, ain't it.
Maybe if you needed the dough as bad as
I did, you wouldn't be so particular.
Who was that fellow with you?
The one that got away?
I don't remember the name.
I never saw the guy before tonight.
You may as well hand over that gun
peaceful, and surrender.
I'll see that the law deals easy with you.
They ain't going to deal with me at all.
What did you expect to find in there if
you did get it open?
Apples!
- Lemons, more likely.
You wouldn't find any money in there.
Not in that old cracker-box.
If it's the payroll money you were after,
it's in the safe in the other office.
Do you know the combination?
If I did, I wouldn't tell you.
What if I shoved this gun down your gullet?
- Go on, try it!
If you've got the guts to kill a man in
cold blood, I've got the guts to take it.
Yes, I guess you have at that.
You're alright. I wouldn't hurt you.
If I knocked you over, what would
become of all them posies?
Well, what's the matter with you Pop?
What are you looking so sour about?
Are you disappointed in me?
- No.
It's not you I'm thinking of.
I'm thinking of your wife.
Huh?
Your wife, Trina.
Oh!
What's that?
What is that?
- Somebody set off the burglar alarm.
There'll be Police all over the place
in five minutes.
What are you waiting for? Go on!
Get going!
The Cops will be here in a few minutes.
Trina!
What do you want?
- I got news for you.
Bad news, it's about Bill.
He's in trouble.
Come on in. I don't want nobody
to hear but you.
What is it?
What is it Bragg?
Your boyfriend got nabbed robbing the
safe at the toy factory.
They caught him with the goods.
- Oh no, you're joking.
Bill wouldn't do a thing like that.
Bill's no thief.
That's it. Stepping out of his class.
That's why he got caught.
He got shot, too, trying to get away.
Wait a minute honey.
Don't get upset, that ain't all
I got to tell you.
You haven't got nothing to worry about.
He may go up the river for a spell, but..
I'll still be around.
I'll always be around baby,
to take care of you.
Let me out of here! No!
Sure..
There's no hurry. I'll be here.
Only with Bill in the jug, you're going
to need a man around.
You might as well forget Bill for a while.
He's gone, ain't he.. I tell you he's gone.
You're a liar Bragg, he ain't gone.
Bill just got home. I seen him go into the
shack just a few minutes ago.
Bill!
Oh Bill!
Bill.
- Get away.
That was mighty decent of you Bragg,
to offer to take care of Trina.
I didn't think it was in you.
Well, she's a helpless little thing, the
sort that needs looking after by a man.
Sure.
What's the matter with Bill?
He won't be around.
Didn't he get caught?
He got away didn't he?
For how long? The Cops will be down
here after him.
How do you know?
I got a hunch.
It's nothing I tell you, just grazed
me a little, cut a little meat off.
What's eating you? You'd think it was
you that got drilled instead of me.
I wish it was.
Oh, why did you do it, Bill. Why?
I couldn't leave you high and dry could I.
The dough would have taken care of
you swell, but I flopped.
I'm glad you did.
I wouldn't have taken that money anyway.
I'd have taken it back.
How did you expect to get along?
It takes money to have a kid, don't it?
For a strong man, you're awful afraid of
a little thing that ain't even born yet.
My goodness Bill.
If I had known it would have scared you
that much, I never would have told you.
I'd have just gone away myself
some place.
I didn't know you were such
a coward, darling.
A coward?
- Sure. Afraid of a baby.
Why, it's the most natural thing in
the world, you big fool.
They're born all the time and..
If they happen to be man-kids,
they just never grow up.
They just keep reaching for
the clouds and..
Listening to train-whistles.
There.. how's that?
Bill.. you know that song that goes..
"A fish got to swim, a bird got to fly."?
Oh you big silly. Robbing a safe when
you always said you had no use for money.
It wasn't for me.
- For me.. I know.
But I don't need it.
I don't need anything.
I don't even need you, Bill.
It ain't as if you ever said you loved me.
You never did, and I don't blame you.
I know what I've done to you, Bill.
I've..
I've pulled you down and messed up your
plans but I didn't mean to.
Honest I didn't.
You can go sweetheart, and stay away
as long as you like.
Maybe some day you'll come back.
Not for good, I don't mean.
Just for a visit, sort of..
You may get lonesome.
Curious, and wanting to know what
your son looks like.
You see, even birds can't fly
all the time.
They get.. tired and have to come home.
It's that nest, they seek.
Sweetheart.. sweetheart, please,
please, Bill.
Bill, I'll do anything.
Bill, please, I want you to be happy
darling, I want to you to feel right.
Bill, Bill, I'll do anything.
I'll even give up the kid if you'll
only be happy.
Oh darling.
Pardon me.
Bragg tells me that you took Ira's gun
away from him.
Better give it to me.
- What for?
Well, if the Cops come down here and
find that gun on you.
It might come under the heading
of "damaging evidence".
What makes you think the Cops are
going to be here?
I've got some inside information from
a stool-pigeon friend of mine.
Give me that gun.
Now, Mr Bindlestiff, you're flight's
waiting. You better hop aboard.
What for?
You've got to go before the Cops come.
- No. I'm sticking around.
Bragg tells me, that you did this job to
get the dough for Trina.
So that you could get away.
And now we're sitting around here in
this house, and you want to linger?
That don't make no sense.
Maybe it don't.
But I ain't going to leave little Trina.
Why you poor sap.
Why don't you take her with you?
You never thought of that?
No.
You'd better not stop to pack.
Well?
I convinced him.
He's hopping on the next freight out.
- Good.
Trina goes with him.
- Oh she does, huh?
I didn't say anything about her going.
No. That was my idea.
Yeah, well he ain't going to get
away with it.
I've got the goods on Bill.
They'll pick them up before they leave
the camp. The both of them.
Not unless you squawk Bragg.
Well, I'm going to squawk. For the good
of the camp, I'm going to squawk.
We don't want that kind of guy around here.
He'll always be bringing the Cops around.
He's a criminal, he is.
And I'm thinking of that poor little girl.
What kind of a life would she lead,
with a mug like Bill?
I'm going right out now and tell them.
You ain't going to squawk.
For the simple reason.. stiffs don't squawk.
Flossy, don't point that at me.
You're drunk.
If somebody was to search
the whole country..
The whole world..
They couldn't find two more useless..
More no-good people, than you and me.
You wouldn't commit murder!
Oh.. this ain't murder.
This is just house-cleaning.
Now, now Bragg.. stop your shaking.
It won't hurt.
You'll be where you belong and..
Me.
- Flossy!
I'll certainly miss it.
It was a beautiful stove.
You can always get another one, on the
installment plan. A better one too.
August, September, October, November.
December.. December it is.
A perfect Christmas present, huh, Bill?
Bill.
Oh you don't have to be afraid
of that no more, Trina.
Subs for KG
by "Targa".