Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) Movie Script
1
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(TRAIN CHUGGING)
(CHATTER)
PRESENTER: A woman?
Of course.
But, is she human?
Well, that's another story.
The Gotham Gaiety Girls
presents...
Ivy, the Plant Lady.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
But, be warned, fellas.
This ivy is poison.
Dare you taste
her forbidden fruit?
(CHUCKLES)
MAN: Ah.
MAN 2: Ooh.
Disarm them all already.
Let's see those leaves fall.
- (MEN WHISTLING AND CHEERING)
- (SCOFFS)
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING
FROM CLUB)
(DOG BARKING IN THE DISTANCE)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING )
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(GASPS)
You gave me a start.
I thought for a minute...
Well, you're clearly
a real gentleman.
You lonely?
I hate to see a man lonely.
I got a generous nature.
And I'm sure
you're generous too.
Ain't ya, mister?
My room's not far.
Or maybe you
don't want to wait.
No. No!
No!
BOY: You took the shortcut
through outsider's territory.
You gotta pay the tariff.
Ain't that right, Dickie?
Name's Jason. 'Member?
DICKIE: We don't
say our names.
Oh, let's go back
to the flop, fellas.
It's getting awful late.
Don't go yellow on me, boy,
or you know what you'll get.
Don't you worry, Bill.
We're on the job.
What are you scared
of the dark, Little Tim?
Nah, it's just...
After what happened
to Johnny Gobbs, I...
That ain't real, Timmy.
He's like Santa Claus.
DICKIE: Just a story they tell
to keep young turfs like us
from making an honest living.
Oh, he's real, all right.
That's why you gotta pay us.
JASON: For protecting you
from monsters.
Now pay up.
(STAMMERING)
(IMITATES STAMMER)
I think we might have
broke 'em, boys.
- B-bat!
- (GASPING)
Holy shit!
Stick 'im, boys.
(GRUNTS)
(YELLING)
You're the galumph who's been
making a nuisance of yourself
all over Gotham, ain't ya?
Well, now you're
in Big Bill Dust's territory,
interfering with my amiable
Cock Robins.
You're bad for business.
Bad all 'round.
- Too bad for you.
- (CRACKING KNUCKLES)
(GRUNTING)
Aah!
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
Go home.
Am home.
Home to mommy.
He ain't got one.
None of us do.
Or we run off from something
even worse than this.
This is our family now.
Making something here.
Taking something back
from Gotham.
Make something else.
Something better.
We got no choice.
He'll just chase us down,
find us again.
- (CRACKS)
- (SCREAMS)
He won't be chasing anyone
for a long time.
Go to St. Caduales,
ask for Sister Leslie.
She'll help you.
(WOMAN SCREAMS)
Get off the street, now!
(WOMAN CONTINUES SCREAMING)
(GASPING)
(EXHALES SLOWLY)
MAN: Blood, sweat and tears.
That's what turned this dream into
a magnificent reality, gentlemen.
That and Bruce Wayne's money.
(ALL LAUGHING)
(CHUCKLES)
Spoken like a true,
county prosecutor, Mr. Dent.
Money always helps.
But it is the ingenuity of the
city's captains of industry
that provided these marvels.
MAN: And may you select few truly
enjoy this special preview
of the Gotham World's Fair.
(SWEEPING MUSIC PLAYING)
(ENGINE ROARING)
The stairway to heaven.
MAYOR: A fully electronical lantern,
bright enough to illuminate
the very celestial
firmament above.
Higher even than
the police department's
new lighter-than-air
patrol craft.
Let's see it.
The light tends to show off a bit
better in the night time, Ambrose.
But here's a sight you needn't
wait to marvel at.
Gotham's own answer
to the Eiffel Tower.
The fox wheel will elevate you
two hundred and fifty feet
into the sky,
at the astonishing rate
of 15 miles an hour.
Heavens! Can the human body even
survive that kind of motion?
Most certainly, ma'am.
I refer you to medical expert
and Gotham's premier alienist,
Dr. Hugo Strange.
The human organs can withstand
velocities up to 35 miles per hour.
Ride the wheel,
and I give you my guarantee
as a physician and surgeon,
you will live.
SELINA: It's a shame
you won't provide this
same assurance
to the ladies of Gotham,
Mr. Mayor.
Women are being gutted
in the streets
like wild game,
and the Gotham police stand
twiddling their thumbs.
I'm sure Ms. Kyle's
lovely voice
is better suited to the stage of the Monarch
Theater than a city council meeting.
(SIGHS) Mr. Dent...
Sure, and no ladies
have been killed, Ms. Kyle.
Some gin-soaked women
of the street
have met their fate.
As is common to their kind.
Belay that, Chief.
Ms. Kyle, I assure you visitors to
this fair, men and women alike,
- will be safe from...
- SISTER LESLIE: Jack.
Jack the Ripper.
That's what he calls himself in the letter
he sent the Gotham Gazette, isn't it?
Now, Sister Leslie, that letter's
likely just another hoax.
Really, Bulldog?
Strange it would arrive with a
human kidney in the envelope.
There's a butcher in this town
preying on poor women.
And if you don't stop him, so
help me, I'll raise holy hell.
Sister, your selfless dedication
to Gotham's poor is...
Poor is the word.
If these murdered ladies were from
Crest Hill instead of Skinner's End,
you'd have the killer by now.
My men are working
triple shifts
combing every inch
of this city for this mad man.
You know I've pledged to clean
up Gotham and I mean all of it.
It's that bat creature
we've been reading about.
That's who it is.
That could very well be.
He's a devil, that one.
My men just can't seem to...
To do anything, Chief Bullock, but
sit on their fat arses and...
Just a damn minute.
Your charity house is what draws
these pests in in the first...
- (HORSE WHINNIES)
- (ALL MURMUR)
Whoa!
Well, as I live and breathe.
If it isn't himself.
Welcome! A hearty welcome to
Gotham's favorite native son.
- (CROWD CLAPPING)
- Bruce Wayne.
Thank you, thank you,
Mayor Tolliver.
Please don't stop
on my account.
You know I like to keep
a low profile.
(CROWD LAUGHING)
I heard about this
little city council meeting,
and thought it was
a good opportunity
to see how my money
was being spent,
and all I see is sour faces.
Think nothing of that, my boy.
They're just a few disruptive
females in attendance.
Don't worry, sir. I was just about
to have them escorted away.
Leslie!
You were saying, Chief?
BRUCE: There were newspapers
in Europe, James.
Is it as bad as I read?
Worse. Despite your best efforts
with this World's Fair,
the city seems to be getting
more deplorable every day.
First, this masked
Batman vigilante,
then this
Jack the Ripper lunatic.
They're not the same man?
(LAUGHS) Rubbish.
The parish home is full
of unfortunates
who swear the Batman
saved them from the gangs.
SISTER LESLIE: He's on
the side of the angels.
This Ripper, however, is not.
I've seen the bodies, Bruce. Cut
to pieces, like an autopsy.
GORDON:
Just absolutely appalling.
Strange the top man at Arkham
tells us he's never seen
this kind of controlled
savagery before.
Bruce, the latest victim was
one of our orphanage girls.
It was Pamela.
What? No. You wrote me.
You said she was working.
Dancing, then the opium.
And now...
We can't save them all.
I'm sorry, Bruce. I know those
orphans are close to your heart.
If I didn't have Sister Leslie
when my parents...
Funding the orphanage
is the least I could do.
And now you're back
in the manor.
Too remote. I've a town house
on Bell Avenue.
I look forward
to showing it to you.
Unfortunately, tonight
I have to...
Don't say another word.
I'll not hear you lie.
And a rich bachelor is always
up to no good.
(CHUCKLES) I'm afraid
it's unavoidable.
Isn't that right, Alfred?
Your evening attire has
already been laid out, sir.
Well, duty calls, I'm afraid.
Do you suppose
his pressing business
is blonde, brunette,
or a redhead?
James Gordon, you've got
a dirty mind, you do.
My money's on blonde.
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(CAT MEOWS)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(HEAVY FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(GASPS)
(SQUEALS)
(CHAIN RATTLES)
(KNIFE CLANGS)
(GRUNTS)
(CHOKING)
(GRUNTING)
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
(CHOKING)
(GROANS)
(THUNDER CRASHES)
(SIGHS)
- I hope you're unharmed, miss.
- Damn you.
You're a fool. I'll never
have a better chance
of stopping that butcher
and you squandered it,
playing the knight
in shining armor.
I can take care of myself.
Don't be so sure.
He's more skilled than
I would have thought.
I don't need
or want your help.
And before you gallantly offer
to escort me home,
let me assure you,
I am quite capable of...
Hmm. Well,
thank you for that at least.
(PANTING)
(GASPING)
(WOMAN SOBS)
(SCREAMS)
Barbara!
Barbara.
Hush! The children don't have
to be up for hours.
What is it, James?
What's wrong?
Dream. Just a dream.
GORDON: And then,
you were gone.
I'm all right, dear.
James, these hours,
you're working too hard.
And that's not
likely to change.
I can't very well sit at home while
Gotham goes straight to hell.
No, you couldn't, could you?
I'll make your eggs.
(EXCLAIMS) Damnation!
Don't be alarmed.
So says the man dressed up
like a bat.
I'm on your side,
Commissioner.
I mean to rid Gotham
of the Ripper.
Really?
And who'll help me
rid Gotham of you?
Your men don't search
too hard for me.
I'm betting that comes
from the top down.
Back in the union camp
at Culpepper,
soldiers would sometimes
ignore a feral cat
just to keep
the rat population in check.
Other times, we'd eat them.
I know a vigilante
from a maniac.
This Ripper is far worse than the
lunatic you're searching for.
He's a skilled hunter,
and he's just getting started.
You ought to have breakfast with
Hugo Strange up at Arkham Asylum.
You can compare
useless theories.
I prefer facts.
I ran into your Ripper
earlier this evening.
Approximately 6'3",
250 pounds, left handed.
Good fighter.
Trained, not just a brawler.
Hmm, you didn't happen
to see his face, did you?
I need your files
on the Ripper.
Detailed descriptions
of the crime scene,
photo plates, even profiles
from your alienist.
Would you prefer them alphabetized
or in chronological order?
BARBARA: James?
Stay inside, Barbara.
I'll be in directly.
Every woman in Gotham
is in danger, Commissioner.
A letter from Jack
to the Gotham Gazette.
We've convinced them
to refrain from publishing it.
Makes poor bedtime reading,
I assure you.
Perhaps you'll find
something of use in there.
Thank you.
I'll leave a copy
of the Ripper file
on the roof
of the police station.
I know you fancy rooftops.
But understand that this uninvited
visit to my home will not be repeated.
This house is my refuge,
set apart from all
the corruption of Got...
BARBARA:
James, your eggs are ready.
Are you sure you
won't come inside?
Yes, yes. I'm coming.
BRUCE: "Dear Boss, Gotham has
become a den of filth and scum.
"I'm down on whores
and I shan't quit ripping them
"till I do get buckled.
"Grand work, the last job was.
"I hardly gave the lady
no time to squeal.
"How can they catch me now?
"I love my work,
cutting whores
"and then degenerates
what with defend them."
A little light reading,
Master Bruce?
"Them cusses' of coppers nor
the false God you hide behind
"won't spoil the game for me.
I will be on a job soon
"and will send you
a bit of innards."
(INHALES SHARPLY)
Goes on like that in some detail
about his dissection plans.
Mrs. Cooper has sent up
a portage.
Bon appetit.
And what do you deduce
from this magnum opus?
Very little.
Cheap paper with no watermark.
The hand is that of a man
with some education
disguised to look like
a man with none.
I'm certain your displays
of graphology
would duly impress any
young ladies you encounter.
Women are a distraction
from the mission, Alfred.
(ALFRED CHUCKLES)
So you've said.
Your evening attire, sir.
I believe you know that was not
the suit I was referring to
when I said I'd be
going out tonight, Alfred.
I've taken the liberty
of placing your other suit
in the seat compartment
of the carriage, sir.
Before the Batman can prowl,
I'm afraid, Bruce Wayne
must needs make an appearance.
Tongues will wag.
What engagement
have I accepted?
You are carousing
with the lively man-about-town
and rake, your oldest school
chum, Master Harvey Dent.
Gotham's solicitor.
Hmm.
I'm certain you shall have a pleasant and
elegant evening's entertainment, sir.
(LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING)
When the circus came to town
Jay Augustus
henpecked round
Bought himself a ticket
for the show
Passed by all the acrobats
All the clowns in funny hats
Went to see
the animals below
Saw a tamer put his hand
into a lion's mouth
Waited till the tamer man
was through
Shook his hand and said, At
taming wild ones, you're a bird
But just one thing
I'd like to ask of you
Can you tame wild women?
Can you tame wild women?
You made a tiger stand
And eat out of your hand
You made the hippo
do the flippo
On a stick, was grand
But can you tame wild women?
So they'll always lead
a sweet and simple life
Bruce, I'm in love.
Well, that's
great news, Harvey.
I'm sure your wife
will be glad to hear it.
Oh, please, Bruce.
This is the 19th century.
Don't be such a dinosaur.
Marriage is more like
a business arrangement.
Besides, what Gilda
doesn't know, won't hurt her.
Selina is the most amazing gal, Bruce.
You'll see.
I think I already do.
SELINA: Just make yourselves
at home, gentlemen.
I'll make myself decent.
(CHUCKLING) I certainly
hope not.
SELINA: Did you enjoy
my performance, Mr. Wayne?
Bruce.
And I'm told you
also gave quite
an impassioned performance
at the World's Fair preview.
I'm passionate
in everything I do, Bruce.
And boss Tolliver needed
to get the message.
Come on, my pet.
Let's see if we can't make our way
to a more comfortable establishment
before Gordon's killjoy curfew
takes effect.
Listen carefully, kitten,
I'm many things
but I'm nobody's pet.
(DOOR OPENS)
SELINA: And you can't doubt
for one minute
that if men were
being slaughtered,
Tolliver would hire an army
of policemen
to find this Ripper.
BRUCE: But I don't agree.
If it were affluent women, society
ladies, the outcry might be deafening.
Jack targets destitute women.
When the voiceless cry out,
no one hears.
I think you're ignoring
the real tragedy here.
Every establishment in town
is closing down.
What a shame.
I was starting to suspect that
there was more to your friend
than a good family name
and prep school manners.
Well, there's
the Wayne fortune.
But I'm sure you didn't
forget that, did you, Selina?
Steady, old man.
You'll have to excuse Harvey.
Oh, I know.
When he drinks, he's
an entirely different person.
A regular Jekyll and Hyde.
This is my club.
We can catch a hansom here.
I'd invite you in
for a drink but,
unfortunately, men only.
At least we still
have something.
I didn't take you
for an anti-suffragist.
(STRING MUSIC PLAYING)
(SELINA LAUGHS)
I don't think the doorman
was quite convinced
that I'm a man.
If he was, I'd have
to have him dismissed.
The Dionysus Club cannot
tolerate a doorman who is blind.
You'd never do that.
Have someone fired.
You're too kind. I've heard.
You don't know me.
I know most other men would have
abandoned Harvey hours ago.
Well, we've all had a few.
You haven't.
You've been pouring your drinks
in potted plants all night.
A mutual friend told me you like to solve
mysteries, ever since you were a boy.
You're studying me.
You're a fascinating subject.
And what have you learned?
Only that you were raised
in a small, regional circus,
probably in a family
of performers.
That some traumatic event
possibly connected
to the scar on your left arm
that you're trying to conceal,
led you to the continent
where you reinvented yourself
as a night club performer.
Nothing else?
That you take it upon yourself
to act as champion
of the voiceless.
Which you, no doubt, learned
from our mutual friend,
Sister Leslie Thompkins.
One of the few people
who knew me as a boy.
Yes. She was the one
who told me you were kind.
And she should know.
She took me in too.
She takes in all
of the helpless,
the hopeless,
feeds them, protects them.
I've been a fool.
Bruce, what?
Fetch me a hansom, quickly.
(KEYS JANGLING
AND DOOR LOCKING)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXCLAIMS)
Oh, Sister.
You gave me a fright.
Marlene, what are
you doing here?
A warm cot is waiting for you and
you're out here, in the cold.
(SCOFFS)
You've been at the bottle.
I'm sorry, Sister.
I was having trouble sleeping.
I needed my medicine.
Well, I don't know
where you're hiding it,
but your sort of medicine
will kill you for sure.
Back to bed with ya.
(HORSE CARRIAGE APPROACHING)
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Keep it, don't wait.
(CHAIN RATTLES)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
So, this is it then.
Well, I won't beg
and I won't go hysterical.
I won't give you
the satisfaction.
Know this,
I forgive you.
(SISTER LESLIE SCREAMING)
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING)
Master Bruce, I took
the liberty of...
(CLOCK TICKING)
Bruce, I know how
much Sister Leslie...
What, Alfred?
What did you say?
Nothing at all, sir.
I presumed
and I presumed incorrectly.
What have you there?
It's a membership pin
from the Dionysus Club.
It was at the scene.
BRUCE: The Batman will return
it to Gordon after my analysis.
Yours? You were there,
you might've dropped it.
No.
There's blood splattered
on the pin.
It was there
when the murder happened.
Mine wasn't.
This does, however,
narrow the field considerably.
Including the Mayor, Harvey,
even Hugo Strange.
Virtually every
wealthy man in Gotham.
Testing your fingerprints
theory again?
You know, they'll never admit
that sort of thing as evidence.
BRUCE: There are no prints,
just a few fibers
in the fastener.
If I could match these...
It will have to wait.
I've laid out
your mourning clothes.
I have my own
manner of mourning.
Revenge.
Her blood cries out for it.
Does it, sir?
"Beloved,
avenge not yourselves,
"vengeance is mine.
"I will repay,"
sayeth the Lord.
She wouldn't want you
to be alone right now.
It's how I work best, Alfred.
But I can pay my respects.
PRIEST: For as much as it
hath pleased almighty God,
of his great mercy
to take unto himself the soul of
our dear sister here departed.
We therefore commit
her body to the ground.
Earth to earth.
Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust...
In sure and certain hope of the
resurrection to eternal life
through our
Lord Jesus Christ...
(YAWNS)
...who shall change
the body of our low estate,
that it may be like unto
his glorious body.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
STRANGE: Mr. Wayne?
Dr. Hugo Strange, isn't it?
Ah, you know me.
I read your monograph on the habits of
the clinically degenerate lunatics.
You believe their cure
lies in surgery.
Ablation of the
frontal cortex.
The scalpel solves everything.
You knew Sister Leslie?
No, I came for
professional reasons.
He is here.
I am certain of it.
Jack.
His sick mind burns with the hatred of
all that he sees as evil and wicked.
Hatred of women.
A hunger that never dies.
It is strong.
Overpowering.
You know who he is?
Pardon me, Mr. Wayne.
The Commissioner was wondering if
you'll be coming to the memorial.
Yes, Chief.
I'll be right there.
Well?
I should very much like to tell this
Batman I've heard so much about
all that I know.
- Then why come to...
- You know everyone in town, Mr. Wayne.
I'm sure you could find a way
to tell the Batman
to come to my office.
Tonight. Midnight.
Strange, I don't know who...
- (GRUNTS)
- Gotcha.
Let me go, geezer.
I'm afraid you lack
the subtlety
to be an effective cat purse,
young fellow, my lad.
And so near a bevy
of policeman, too.
(CLICKING TONGUE)
He didn't mean
nothing, mister.
You idiot. You think that's how Sister Leslie
would want you to act at her own funeral?
But I'm hungry.
Mister, Jason here
is not worth the trouble.
Cut him loose, huh?
Orphans.
Sister Leslie
did what she could for us.
Fed us, tried to
teach us right.
Look, knock Jason around
a little if you want
but please don't get the cops.
I occasionally have
odd jobs that need doing.
Call upon me here.
You'll not go away hungry.
Shoo.
Not so hasty, if you please.
- What?
- I know I'm too old now
to catch the eye
of a gent like you.
But my eyes
are still good, yeah?
They see everything.
I don't quite follow.
Of course, my memory
ain't so great.
I forget things all the time
for the right price.
Follow me, Mr. Bruce Wayne?
I recognized you sneaking
around the church yard.
I'm afraid you've
made a mistake.
Afraid?
Oh, you'll be afraid
all right,
Mr. High and Mighty
Bruce Wayne.
When I tell the coppers
what I know.
Now, let's just settle down.
Get your hands off me.
If you think you can do me
like you did Sister Leslie,
you're dead wrong, fella.
Now, what's all
the commotion, granny?
Why don't we just
quiet down a bit?
Arrest me, will ya?
I'm not the one you should
be talking to.
Am I, Mr. Bruce Wayne?
Find me at Skinner's End,
everybody knows me!
You'll pay up if you know
what's good for you.
Or mark me...
You'll hang!
(THUNDER BREAKING)
(SCREAMING)
(ALL SCREAMING)
(THUNDER BREAKING)
Ah, here you are.
How punctual.
Even a bit early, Batman.
You should feel at home here
with my collection.
Usually, it's on our own face,
that is the mask.
These masks,
the ones you choose to wear,
they show the true self.
Of course, you understand
why I couldn't say more.
Now, we both know you cannot
do your work on me.
I'm not a street walker.
It's antithetical
to your neurosis.
I'd stake my
professional reputation on it.
(WHIMPERING) You can't!
(HUGO SCREAMING)
HUGO: Help me!
HUGO: Stop.
Please, no, my God, no!
(SCREAMING)
(MEN LAUGHING)
(HUGO GROANING)
(MEN CHEERING)
(HUGO GROANING)
(RIPPING)
(ALARM BLARING)
(CHAIN RATTLING)
(THUDS)
(GRUNTS)
(BLIMP WHIRRING)
(SCREAMING)
(AIR HISSES)
(CLICKS)
- (EXPLODING)
- (ALL COUGHING)
(GROANS)
Arkham to police headquarters.
The Batman has murdered
Dr. Strange
and escaped in the
police airship.
He's heading right for you.
(GLASS SHATTERS)
(GROANS)
(BATMAN GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
POLICEMAN: This way, fellas.
(WHISTLE BLOWING)
(HORSE WHINNYING)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(CREAKING)
(GROANS)
(RUMBLING)
(GRUNTS)
(HORSES WHINNYING)
Fire!
(GUNS FIRING)
(EXPLODING)
(BATMAN GROANS)
No.
BULLOCK: There he is!
(GUNS FIRING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Keep firing, boys.
Shoot to kill.
Belay that order!
Nice of you
to join us, Commissioner.
Do you mind telling me exactly why we
shouldn't shoot the murdering lunatic
who's gutting whores
all over town?
Watch your tone, Chief.
We have witnesses who saw the Batman
at the time of the Isley murder.
And what about the two men
he just killed at Arkham?
We don't know what happened
for certain, Bulldog.
There'll be no lynch mob
on my watch,
do you understand?
We catch him and if
he's guilty, he hangs.
But I want him alive.
Now fan out.
Find him!
(GROANING AND PANTING)
Pick up everyone.
He could be anyone
on the street.
Get in.
(HOOVES CLOMPING)
As you surmised,
I get tired of Crest Hill.
I amuse myself by
slumming with the unwashed.
Do your downtown escapades usually
end with excessive bleeding?
The belt and gloves
must go immediately.
Any of the bat accoutrement.
They'll have the entire area
cordoned off.
Homes, carriages searched.
It wouldn't do to have them
find your stage wear.
POLICEMAN: Hold! Hold, I say!
Open up, open up in the
name of the law.
Is there a problem, Officer?
Um, no, Mr. Wayne.
We've just been, uh...
You should head home.
Dangerous characters
on the streets tonight.
Duly noted.
Anything else, gentlemen?
Uh, no.
Excuse me, sir.
And madam.
Have a wonderful night.
(HOOVES CLOMPING)
Lucky bugger.
BRUCE: You were
very convincing.
I'm an actress, darling.
Didn't you know?
I'm the toast of Gotham.
You, on the other hand,
would never make it out
of the chorus.
You must commit
completely to the role.
And how exactly
do I do that, Ms. Kyle?
Repetition.
You must practice.
Practice, practice.
I want another squad
moving into Cape Carmine.
- And then...
- BULLOCK: Commissioner!
We found something, sir.
The boys just found her.
Show me.
Mmm.
Well, I guess it's true
what they say.
Practice makes perf...
I had these brought up.
I have a rather
large wardrobe.
The entire production
is mine, you know?
I'm not just another
pretty face.
I feel a perfect fool for not
realizing your secret earlier.
When you first kissed
my hand backstage,
I felt the callous
on your palm and thought,
"This man's got the hands
of a trapeze artist."
I saw the circus in the acrobatic
dismount you used in your show.
And then of course, your
fighting style and the whip.
Expert lion tamer.
I grew up with those cats.
Looked after them, loved them.
Papa hated them.
He wasn't a kind man
to them or to me.
He was always threatening
to shoot them.
And I believed him.
One day he tried to
but someone had taken
the bullets out of his gun.
And now, you look after all
those strays in Skinner's End.
Someone has to.
They don't have anyone else
to protect them.
Until now.
Until the Batman.
Does he have a story?
Selina...
Oh, your parents.
Are you making them pay?
The criminals?
I was but...
It'd never be enough.
They couldn't ever pay enough.
Could they?
They're here.
Police! Put your
hands in the air.
What's the meaning of this?
Oh, a thousand pardons,
Ms. Kyle.
For disturbing the sanctity
of a lady's bedchamber.
What do you want, Bullock?
Bruce Wayne,
you're under arrest
for the murder of one
Marlene Mahoney.
- Who?
- Oh, is that how it is now?
You've killed so many,
you don't even
know their names.
Think hard, Wayne.
Maybe you'll remember.
You'll have a long time
to think about it.
Bruce, it'll be all right.
I'll contact Harvey.
He'll clear this all up.
I wouldn't be countin' on Mr.
Dent being too helpful, lassie.
He's the one who suggested we look for Mr.
Wayne in your hotel.
Commissioner, James,
this is absurd.
You can't imagine
I'm actually the ripper.
Get him out of my sight.
DENT: The county of Gotham
has abundant evidence
linking the accused to at least
three of these vicious murders.
Physical evidence, a lapel
pin of the Dionysus Club
to which Mr. Wayne
is a member,
was discovered at the site
of Sister Leslie's murder.
Also, an eye witness
who was overheard
placing Mr. Wayne
at the scene of the crime.
That witness, Marlene Mahony,
was subsequently discovered
mutilated in the same barbaric
manner as the other victims
after reportedly attempting to
extort cash from the accused.
Furthermore, the prisoner
was also acquainted
with reaper victim,
Ms. Pamela Isley.
One wonders how many other
lovely young women wards...
Enough! Enough!
You've made your point,
Mr. Prosecutor.
The accused will be remanded to the
custody of Blackgate Penitentiary
until such time as a trial by jury
can be arranged by the county.
If it please the court,
as the nature of these crimes
is so detestable,
and Mr. Wayne has ample financial
resources to escape justice,
I request the court
to not set bail.
Granted.
Bailiff will remove the
prisoner to Blackgate Prison.
Court adjourned.
PRISONER 1: Hey, Jack, you're
not the only one who can cut.
PRISONER 2: Let's see if Wayne
blood really is blue. (LAUGHS)
PRISONER 3: (LAUGHS) Tell him.
(PRISONERS SHOUTING
INDISTINCTLY)
(PRISONERS GRUNTING)
Blackgate's real progressive.
Warden likes to encourage
physical exercise.
You'll see.
The deluxe suite.
Please, enjoy your stay
at the Hotel Blackgate.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, we're looking
forward to seeing you checkout.
(PRISONERS CHATTERING)
I love what you've done
with the place.
Selina, what
are you doing here?
This is no place for a lady.
You should see some of the
houses I've played to.
They make this seem
like a command performance.
You need to get out of here.
No, you need
to get out of here.
When my friend has gone
to all the trouble
of building this well-constructed
gilded frame for me?
Your friend?
You think one of your friends
is framing you?
One of my mentors says that when
you eliminate the impossible,
whatever remains, however
improbable, must be the truth.
That's a lot of eyewash.
You must liberate
yourself immediately.
Unfortunately, my nocturnal
habits preclude me
from providing an adequate
account of my whereabouts.
Well, you'll just have to explain
to Gordon that you are the Batman.
What? I think not.
You must.
Batman has an ironclad alibi
for the first murder.
You'll be released.
Gotham needs the Batman to help
rid the streets of this killer.
I'm sorry, Selina. I can't.
The Batmen's effectiveness
depends upon...
Every moment you're in here
puts women in danger.
If you won't tell Gordon,
then I will. Immediately.
He'll never believe you.
He'll believe this.
I'll be damned if I'll let
another girl be murdered
so you can keep
your precious secret.
I'm sorry, Bruce,
but I think ultimately
you'll find this was
all for the best.
Chow time, your highness.
Listen to me, bring this to
my townhouse on Bell Avenue
and my man there
will give you $100.
If you think
I can be bought...
Get it there within 30
minutes, he'll give you $200.
(GRUNTING)
Yes! Yes!
PRISONER 1: Give it to him!
PRISONER 2: Come on!
(GRUNTING)
PRISONER 1: Lay him out!
Ah, come on, put up a
fight for Christ's sake!
(GROANING)
Who is next?
Who will face Cyrus Gold?
BRUCE: I'll give it a whirl.
(PRISONERS EXCLAIMING)
No weaklings.
Can't get good enough
odds against you.
I'll beat you
in private, later.
No time like the present.
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTING)
(ALL CLAMORING)
(GUARD WHISTLING)
(CLAMORING CONTINUES)
While you're sittin'
on your ass,
there's a damn
donnybrook in there!
Shore up the west gate!
Fetch the riot gear
from the arsenal!
(HORSE NEIGHING)
May I help you, miss?
Yes, I need to see Commissioner
Gordon immediately.
I'm afraid, that's impossible.
I must insist,
it's quite urgent.
You never slow down, do you?
As soon as one lover boy
is unavailable,
you're on to the next chump.
I can imagine what I ever saw
in a whore like you.
Better sheath
those claws, kitten.
Someone is liable to get hurt.
And sooner or later, you will.
James isn't here.
He's down at the fairgrounds,
making sure
everything's shipshape.
Tomorrow is the big day.
You'll have to scratch up
some business elsewhere.
The fairground, hurry.
This is it.
You're off your nut.
We're in the middle
of nothin'.
This is where that geezer
told us to go.
I can read, can't I?
So you keep tellin' us.
Come on, he said
to unload it here.
JASON: I still say
we take the wagon, the horse,
and whatever this is
and skedaddle.
Serve him right
for being so trusting.
But he fed us.
We're gonna do the job, Jason.
Now shut your
boom box and push.
(STRAINING)
Good job. Now, go.
- Yah!
- (HORSE WHINNIES)
(BARKS AND GROWLS)
- GORDON: What are you doing here?
- (GASPS)
You're Ms. Kyle,
the actress, aren't you?
Yes, Commissioner, we met
before, at the preview.
I thought I was all alone.
Embarrassing as it sounds,
you gave me quite a start.
Commissioner? Selina?
- (GASPS)
- Mrs. Gordon, don't be alarmed.
What do you want?
I need to
talk to your husband.
Is he home?
You mustn't harm him.
He's a good man.
The best man
in this horrible city.
Did a woman come here
looking for him?
A woman?
Walking here off the streets?
I should hope not.
No! You're not
allowed in there!
(GRUNTS)
(SIZZLES)
(GRUNTS)
Where is he?
(SIGHS)
Doing what he needs to do.
His holy work.
Cleaning the scum from Gotham.
He ends to be severe.
But not with us.
No.
No, he's gentle
as a lamb with us.
He simply
burns the sin out of us.
We need him to.
Good Lord.
It's the woman's sins
that are the worst.
Because they're hidden inside.
James brings them out
into the light.
Where is he?
I suspected, of course.
Who else, but Bruce Wayne
has either the time
or resources to create
the Batman.
We'll see to this immediately.
Let me fetch my things.
I suppose it's a dreadful
betrayal of confidence.
But I simply see no other way.
No, no, Ms. Kyle,
I understand completely.
It's in your very nature
to play false
with your illicit lover.
An action ideal to expose
your absolute internal
corruption.
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
- (GROANS SOFTLY)
- A 7% solution of laudanum,
three percent heroin
and alcohol.
Barbara's physician prescribes
it for acute insomnia.
- (GROANING)
- Effective, is it not?
But it's hardly a cure
for harlotry.
Only, I. Only Jack has the
remedy for that vile ill.
- (GRUNTS)
- Aah!
Damnation!
You'll pay for that, slut!
(ENGINE REVVING)
(TIRES SCREECHING)
You can't get far.
The oversweet fragrance
you used
to cover your putrefying
stench nearly burns my eyes.
Come to Jack, you little...
(GROANS)
Nice try.
Wayne promised
this World's Fair
would be a paradise
of cleanliness and light.
But what does a light
in the darkness do?
It draws flies.
Vile, unclean, like you.
(GRUNTS)
But for every one of you
I eradicate, two more arrive.
I promised the people of Gotham
to clean scum of the streets,
thieves, murderers,
confidence men,
immigrants, illiterates,
anarchists.
This city seems to spawn them.
But it's whores...
You painted whores
that are the worst.
All rosy-cheeked,
soft and round on the outside,
but on the inside...
(GROGGILY)
My death prove... innocent.
Yes. Sadly, your death
will exonerate Wayne.
But it will be worth it.
Your blood shall
christen this fair, woman.
Your corruption and decay
will spill down
over this carnival as a
warning to all your kind.
Shall we begin?
This may take quite some time.
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
Left handed.
Oh, the nuns beat that
wickedness out of me.
Always use my right.
Except for Jack's work.
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
- Can you speak?
- (GROANING WEAKLY)
- Have you any other injuries?
- No.
I'm... Bruce!
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
You were right.
I'm a trained fighter.
Bare knuckle champion
at Culpepper.
London Prize Ring rules.
There were no rules at Antietam,
though, were there, James?
There are no rules in hell.
(GRUNTING)
GORDON: The things I saw
during the war,
the entirety of humanity's
evil was there for all to see
on the inside of every man.
But nothing compared to the corruption
of every painted camp follower.
(GRUNTS)
The vile diseases they spread,
destroy good men...
Destroyed them
in both body and mind.
(GROANS)
(COUGHING)
(GROANS)
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(STRAINING)
(GRUNTS)
(STRAINS)
(GRUNTS)
I saw your work on your wife.
Wives? They are the worst
prostitutes of all.
Sell themselves too cheap.
Wives, brothers,
that slut nun of yours.
(GROANS)
(METAL RUMBLING)
- (EXPLOSION)
- (GRUNTS)
Look, Bruce, the world
of tomorrow is burning.
Exposing the ashes
of degradation hiding beneath.
This is where we belong!
No.
(GRUNTS)
I paid Houdini
$300 for that trick.
(GRUNTS)
Fight's over. Time to go.
Gordon!
(SCREAMING)
(LAUGHING MANIACALLY)
(GRUNTS)
(CREAKING AND RUMBLING)
(SELINA PANTING)
- (GASPS)
- (CREAKING)
(GRUNTS)
You should have run
when you had that chance.
Well, I was badly doped up.
My actions
were quite questionable.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Help them in, lads.
Lively now.
Where there's smoke,
there's fire.
And there
you'll always be, sir.
Yah!
Do these belong
to you, Alfred?
Ha! Good Lord. No, sir.
They belong to you.
(EXPLOSION)
(RUMBLING)
Gone. All gone.
And the hope
of Gotham with it.
It was all phony anyway.
We'll make something new.
Something better.
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(TRAIN CHUGGING)
(CHATTER)
PRESENTER: A woman?
Of course.
But, is she human?
Well, that's another story.
The Gotham Gaiety Girls
presents...
Ivy, the Plant Lady.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
But, be warned, fellas.
This ivy is poison.
Dare you taste
her forbidden fruit?
(CHUCKLES)
MAN: Ah.
MAN 2: Ooh.
Disarm them all already.
Let's see those leaves fall.
- (MEN WHISTLING AND CHEERING)
- (SCOFFS)
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING
FROM CLUB)
(DOG BARKING IN THE DISTANCE)
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING )
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(GASPS)
You gave me a start.
I thought for a minute...
Well, you're clearly
a real gentleman.
You lonely?
I hate to see a man lonely.
I got a generous nature.
And I'm sure
you're generous too.
Ain't ya, mister?
My room's not far.
Or maybe you
don't want to wait.
No. No!
No!
BOY: You took the shortcut
through outsider's territory.
You gotta pay the tariff.
Ain't that right, Dickie?
Name's Jason. 'Member?
DICKIE: We don't
say our names.
Oh, let's go back
to the flop, fellas.
It's getting awful late.
Don't go yellow on me, boy,
or you know what you'll get.
Don't you worry, Bill.
We're on the job.
What are you scared
of the dark, Little Tim?
Nah, it's just...
After what happened
to Johnny Gobbs, I...
That ain't real, Timmy.
He's like Santa Claus.
DICKIE: Just a story they tell
to keep young turfs like us
from making an honest living.
Oh, he's real, all right.
That's why you gotta pay us.
JASON: For protecting you
from monsters.
Now pay up.
(STAMMERING)
(IMITATES STAMMER)
I think we might have
broke 'em, boys.
- B-bat!
- (GASPING)
Holy shit!
Stick 'im, boys.
(GRUNTS)
(YELLING)
You're the galumph who's been
making a nuisance of yourself
all over Gotham, ain't ya?
Well, now you're
in Big Bill Dust's territory,
interfering with my amiable
Cock Robins.
You're bad for business.
Bad all 'round.
- Too bad for you.
- (CRACKING KNUCKLES)
(GRUNTING)
Aah!
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
Go home.
Am home.
Home to mommy.
He ain't got one.
None of us do.
Or we run off from something
even worse than this.
This is our family now.
Making something here.
Taking something back
from Gotham.
Make something else.
Something better.
We got no choice.
He'll just chase us down,
find us again.
- (CRACKS)
- (SCREAMS)
He won't be chasing anyone
for a long time.
Go to St. Caduales,
ask for Sister Leslie.
She'll help you.
(WOMAN SCREAMS)
Get off the street, now!
(WOMAN CONTINUES SCREAMING)
(GASPING)
(EXHALES SLOWLY)
MAN: Blood, sweat and tears.
That's what turned this dream into
a magnificent reality, gentlemen.
That and Bruce Wayne's money.
(ALL LAUGHING)
(CHUCKLES)
Spoken like a true,
county prosecutor, Mr. Dent.
Money always helps.
But it is the ingenuity of the
city's captains of industry
that provided these marvels.
MAN: And may you select few truly
enjoy this special preview
of the Gotham World's Fair.
(SWEEPING MUSIC PLAYING)
(ENGINE ROARING)
The stairway to heaven.
MAYOR: A fully electronical lantern,
bright enough to illuminate
the very celestial
firmament above.
Higher even than
the police department's
new lighter-than-air
patrol craft.
Let's see it.
The light tends to show off a bit
better in the night time, Ambrose.
But here's a sight you needn't
wait to marvel at.
Gotham's own answer
to the Eiffel Tower.
The fox wheel will elevate you
two hundred and fifty feet
into the sky,
at the astonishing rate
of 15 miles an hour.
Heavens! Can the human body even
survive that kind of motion?
Most certainly, ma'am.
I refer you to medical expert
and Gotham's premier alienist,
Dr. Hugo Strange.
The human organs can withstand
velocities up to 35 miles per hour.
Ride the wheel,
and I give you my guarantee
as a physician and surgeon,
you will live.
SELINA: It's a shame
you won't provide this
same assurance
to the ladies of Gotham,
Mr. Mayor.
Women are being gutted
in the streets
like wild game,
and the Gotham police stand
twiddling their thumbs.
I'm sure Ms. Kyle's
lovely voice
is better suited to the stage of the Monarch
Theater than a city council meeting.
(SIGHS) Mr. Dent...
Sure, and no ladies
have been killed, Ms. Kyle.
Some gin-soaked women
of the street
have met their fate.
As is common to their kind.
Belay that, Chief.
Ms. Kyle, I assure you visitors to
this fair, men and women alike,
- will be safe from...
- SISTER LESLIE: Jack.
Jack the Ripper.
That's what he calls himself in the letter
he sent the Gotham Gazette, isn't it?
Now, Sister Leslie, that letter's
likely just another hoax.
Really, Bulldog?
Strange it would arrive with a
human kidney in the envelope.
There's a butcher in this town
preying on poor women.
And if you don't stop him, so
help me, I'll raise holy hell.
Sister, your selfless dedication
to Gotham's poor is...
Poor is the word.
If these murdered ladies were from
Crest Hill instead of Skinner's End,
you'd have the killer by now.
My men are working
triple shifts
combing every inch
of this city for this mad man.
You know I've pledged to clean
up Gotham and I mean all of it.
It's that bat creature
we've been reading about.
That's who it is.
That could very well be.
He's a devil, that one.
My men just can't seem to...
To do anything, Chief Bullock, but
sit on their fat arses and...
Just a damn minute.
Your charity house is what draws
these pests in in the first...
- (HORSE WHINNIES)
- (ALL MURMUR)
Whoa!
Well, as I live and breathe.
If it isn't himself.
Welcome! A hearty welcome to
Gotham's favorite native son.
- (CROWD CLAPPING)
- Bruce Wayne.
Thank you, thank you,
Mayor Tolliver.
Please don't stop
on my account.
You know I like to keep
a low profile.
(CROWD LAUGHING)
I heard about this
little city council meeting,
and thought it was
a good opportunity
to see how my money
was being spent,
and all I see is sour faces.
Think nothing of that, my boy.
They're just a few disruptive
females in attendance.
Don't worry, sir. I was just about
to have them escorted away.
Leslie!
You were saying, Chief?
BRUCE: There were newspapers
in Europe, James.
Is it as bad as I read?
Worse. Despite your best efforts
with this World's Fair,
the city seems to be getting
more deplorable every day.
First, this masked
Batman vigilante,
then this
Jack the Ripper lunatic.
They're not the same man?
(LAUGHS) Rubbish.
The parish home is full
of unfortunates
who swear the Batman
saved them from the gangs.
SISTER LESLIE: He's on
the side of the angels.
This Ripper, however, is not.
I've seen the bodies, Bruce. Cut
to pieces, like an autopsy.
GORDON:
Just absolutely appalling.
Strange the top man at Arkham
tells us he's never seen
this kind of controlled
savagery before.
Bruce, the latest victim was
one of our orphanage girls.
It was Pamela.
What? No. You wrote me.
You said she was working.
Dancing, then the opium.
And now...
We can't save them all.
I'm sorry, Bruce. I know those
orphans are close to your heart.
If I didn't have Sister Leslie
when my parents...
Funding the orphanage
is the least I could do.
And now you're back
in the manor.
Too remote. I've a town house
on Bell Avenue.
I look forward
to showing it to you.
Unfortunately, tonight
I have to...
Don't say another word.
I'll not hear you lie.
And a rich bachelor is always
up to no good.
(CHUCKLES) I'm afraid
it's unavoidable.
Isn't that right, Alfred?
Your evening attire has
already been laid out, sir.
Well, duty calls, I'm afraid.
Do you suppose
his pressing business
is blonde, brunette,
or a redhead?
James Gordon, you've got
a dirty mind, you do.
My money's on blonde.
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(CAT MEOWS)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(HEAVY FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(BREATHING RAPIDLY)
(GASPS)
(SQUEALS)
(CHAIN RATTLES)
(KNIFE CLANGS)
(GRUNTS)
(CHOKING)
(GRUNTING)
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
(CHOKING)
(GROANS)
(THUNDER CRASHES)
(SIGHS)
- I hope you're unharmed, miss.
- Damn you.
You're a fool. I'll never
have a better chance
of stopping that butcher
and you squandered it,
playing the knight
in shining armor.
I can take care of myself.
Don't be so sure.
He's more skilled than
I would have thought.
I don't need
or want your help.
And before you gallantly offer
to escort me home,
let me assure you,
I am quite capable of...
Hmm. Well,
thank you for that at least.
(PANTING)
(GASPING)
(WOMAN SOBS)
(SCREAMS)
Barbara!
Barbara.
Hush! The children don't have
to be up for hours.
What is it, James?
What's wrong?
Dream. Just a dream.
GORDON: And then,
you were gone.
I'm all right, dear.
James, these hours,
you're working too hard.
And that's not
likely to change.
I can't very well sit at home while
Gotham goes straight to hell.
No, you couldn't, could you?
I'll make your eggs.
(EXCLAIMS) Damnation!
Don't be alarmed.
So says the man dressed up
like a bat.
I'm on your side,
Commissioner.
I mean to rid Gotham
of the Ripper.
Really?
And who'll help me
rid Gotham of you?
Your men don't search
too hard for me.
I'm betting that comes
from the top down.
Back in the union camp
at Culpepper,
soldiers would sometimes
ignore a feral cat
just to keep
the rat population in check.
Other times, we'd eat them.
I know a vigilante
from a maniac.
This Ripper is far worse than the
lunatic you're searching for.
He's a skilled hunter,
and he's just getting started.
You ought to have breakfast with
Hugo Strange up at Arkham Asylum.
You can compare
useless theories.
I prefer facts.
I ran into your Ripper
earlier this evening.
Approximately 6'3",
250 pounds, left handed.
Good fighter.
Trained, not just a brawler.
Hmm, you didn't happen
to see his face, did you?
I need your files
on the Ripper.
Detailed descriptions
of the crime scene,
photo plates, even profiles
from your alienist.
Would you prefer them alphabetized
or in chronological order?
BARBARA: James?
Stay inside, Barbara.
I'll be in directly.
Every woman in Gotham
is in danger, Commissioner.
A letter from Jack
to the Gotham Gazette.
We've convinced them
to refrain from publishing it.
Makes poor bedtime reading,
I assure you.
Perhaps you'll find
something of use in there.
Thank you.
I'll leave a copy
of the Ripper file
on the roof
of the police station.
I know you fancy rooftops.
But understand that this uninvited
visit to my home will not be repeated.
This house is my refuge,
set apart from all
the corruption of Got...
BARBARA:
James, your eggs are ready.
Are you sure you
won't come inside?
Yes, yes. I'm coming.
BRUCE: "Dear Boss, Gotham has
become a den of filth and scum.
"I'm down on whores
and I shan't quit ripping them
"till I do get buckled.
"Grand work, the last job was.
"I hardly gave the lady
no time to squeal.
"How can they catch me now?
"I love my work,
cutting whores
"and then degenerates
what with defend them."
A little light reading,
Master Bruce?
"Them cusses' of coppers nor
the false God you hide behind
"won't spoil the game for me.
I will be on a job soon
"and will send you
a bit of innards."
(INHALES SHARPLY)
Goes on like that in some detail
about his dissection plans.
Mrs. Cooper has sent up
a portage.
Bon appetit.
And what do you deduce
from this magnum opus?
Very little.
Cheap paper with no watermark.
The hand is that of a man
with some education
disguised to look like
a man with none.
I'm certain your displays
of graphology
would duly impress any
young ladies you encounter.
Women are a distraction
from the mission, Alfred.
(ALFRED CHUCKLES)
So you've said.
Your evening attire, sir.
I believe you know that was not
the suit I was referring to
when I said I'd be
going out tonight, Alfred.
I've taken the liberty
of placing your other suit
in the seat compartment
of the carriage, sir.
Before the Batman can prowl,
I'm afraid, Bruce Wayne
must needs make an appearance.
Tongues will wag.
What engagement
have I accepted?
You are carousing
with the lively man-about-town
and rake, your oldest school
chum, Master Harvey Dent.
Gotham's solicitor.
Hmm.
I'm certain you shall have a pleasant and
elegant evening's entertainment, sir.
(LIVELY MUSIC PLAYING)
When the circus came to town
Jay Augustus
henpecked round
Bought himself a ticket
for the show
Passed by all the acrobats
All the clowns in funny hats
Went to see
the animals below
Saw a tamer put his hand
into a lion's mouth
Waited till the tamer man
was through
Shook his hand and said, At
taming wild ones, you're a bird
But just one thing
I'd like to ask of you
Can you tame wild women?
Can you tame wild women?
You made a tiger stand
And eat out of your hand
You made the hippo
do the flippo
On a stick, was grand
But can you tame wild women?
So they'll always lead
a sweet and simple life
Bruce, I'm in love.
Well, that's
great news, Harvey.
I'm sure your wife
will be glad to hear it.
Oh, please, Bruce.
This is the 19th century.
Don't be such a dinosaur.
Marriage is more like
a business arrangement.
Besides, what Gilda
doesn't know, won't hurt her.
Selina is the most amazing gal, Bruce.
You'll see.
I think I already do.
SELINA: Just make yourselves
at home, gentlemen.
I'll make myself decent.
(CHUCKLING) I certainly
hope not.
SELINA: Did you enjoy
my performance, Mr. Wayne?
Bruce.
And I'm told you
also gave quite
an impassioned performance
at the World's Fair preview.
I'm passionate
in everything I do, Bruce.
And boss Tolliver needed
to get the message.
Come on, my pet.
Let's see if we can't make our way
to a more comfortable establishment
before Gordon's killjoy curfew
takes effect.
Listen carefully, kitten,
I'm many things
but I'm nobody's pet.
(DOOR OPENS)
SELINA: And you can't doubt
for one minute
that if men were
being slaughtered,
Tolliver would hire an army
of policemen
to find this Ripper.
BRUCE: But I don't agree.
If it were affluent women, society
ladies, the outcry might be deafening.
Jack targets destitute women.
When the voiceless cry out,
no one hears.
I think you're ignoring
the real tragedy here.
Every establishment in town
is closing down.
What a shame.
I was starting to suspect that
there was more to your friend
than a good family name
and prep school manners.
Well, there's
the Wayne fortune.
But I'm sure you didn't
forget that, did you, Selina?
Steady, old man.
You'll have to excuse Harvey.
Oh, I know.
When he drinks, he's
an entirely different person.
A regular Jekyll and Hyde.
This is my club.
We can catch a hansom here.
I'd invite you in
for a drink but,
unfortunately, men only.
At least we still
have something.
I didn't take you
for an anti-suffragist.
(STRING MUSIC PLAYING)
(SELINA LAUGHS)
I don't think the doorman
was quite convinced
that I'm a man.
If he was, I'd have
to have him dismissed.
The Dionysus Club cannot
tolerate a doorman who is blind.
You'd never do that.
Have someone fired.
You're too kind. I've heard.
You don't know me.
I know most other men would have
abandoned Harvey hours ago.
Well, we've all had a few.
You haven't.
You've been pouring your drinks
in potted plants all night.
A mutual friend told me you like to solve
mysteries, ever since you were a boy.
You're studying me.
You're a fascinating subject.
And what have you learned?
Only that you were raised
in a small, regional circus,
probably in a family
of performers.
That some traumatic event
possibly connected
to the scar on your left arm
that you're trying to conceal,
led you to the continent
where you reinvented yourself
as a night club performer.
Nothing else?
That you take it upon yourself
to act as champion
of the voiceless.
Which you, no doubt, learned
from our mutual friend,
Sister Leslie Thompkins.
One of the few people
who knew me as a boy.
Yes. She was the one
who told me you were kind.
And she should know.
She took me in too.
She takes in all
of the helpless,
the hopeless,
feeds them, protects them.
I've been a fool.
Bruce, what?
Fetch me a hansom, quickly.
(KEYS JANGLING
AND DOOR LOCKING)
(SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXCLAIMS)
Oh, Sister.
You gave me a fright.
Marlene, what are
you doing here?
A warm cot is waiting for you and
you're out here, in the cold.
(SCOFFS)
You've been at the bottle.
I'm sorry, Sister.
I was having trouble sleeping.
I needed my medicine.
Well, I don't know
where you're hiding it,
but your sort of medicine
will kill you for sure.
Back to bed with ya.
(HORSE CARRIAGE APPROACHING)
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Keep it, don't wait.
(CHAIN RATTLES)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
So, this is it then.
Well, I won't beg
and I won't go hysterical.
I won't give you
the satisfaction.
Know this,
I forgive you.
(SISTER LESLIE SCREAMING)
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING)
Master Bruce, I took
the liberty of...
(CLOCK TICKING)
Bruce, I know how
much Sister Leslie...
What, Alfred?
What did you say?
Nothing at all, sir.
I presumed
and I presumed incorrectly.
What have you there?
It's a membership pin
from the Dionysus Club.
It was at the scene.
BRUCE: The Batman will return
it to Gordon after my analysis.
Yours? You were there,
you might've dropped it.
No.
There's blood splattered
on the pin.
It was there
when the murder happened.
Mine wasn't.
This does, however,
narrow the field considerably.
Including the Mayor, Harvey,
even Hugo Strange.
Virtually every
wealthy man in Gotham.
Testing your fingerprints
theory again?
You know, they'll never admit
that sort of thing as evidence.
BRUCE: There are no prints,
just a few fibers
in the fastener.
If I could match these...
It will have to wait.
I've laid out
your mourning clothes.
I have my own
manner of mourning.
Revenge.
Her blood cries out for it.
Does it, sir?
"Beloved,
avenge not yourselves,
"vengeance is mine.
"I will repay,"
sayeth the Lord.
She wouldn't want you
to be alone right now.
It's how I work best, Alfred.
But I can pay my respects.
PRIEST: For as much as it
hath pleased almighty God,
of his great mercy
to take unto himself the soul of
our dear sister here departed.
We therefore commit
her body to the ground.
Earth to earth.
Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust...
In sure and certain hope of the
resurrection to eternal life
through our
Lord Jesus Christ...
(YAWNS)
...who shall change
the body of our low estate,
that it may be like unto
his glorious body.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
STRANGE: Mr. Wayne?
Dr. Hugo Strange, isn't it?
Ah, you know me.
I read your monograph on the habits of
the clinically degenerate lunatics.
You believe their cure
lies in surgery.
Ablation of the
frontal cortex.
The scalpel solves everything.
You knew Sister Leslie?
No, I came for
professional reasons.
He is here.
I am certain of it.
Jack.
His sick mind burns with the hatred of
all that he sees as evil and wicked.
Hatred of women.
A hunger that never dies.
It is strong.
Overpowering.
You know who he is?
Pardon me, Mr. Wayne.
The Commissioner was wondering if
you'll be coming to the memorial.
Yes, Chief.
I'll be right there.
Well?
I should very much like to tell this
Batman I've heard so much about
all that I know.
- Then why come to...
- You know everyone in town, Mr. Wayne.
I'm sure you could find a way
to tell the Batman
to come to my office.
Tonight. Midnight.
Strange, I don't know who...
- (GRUNTS)
- Gotcha.
Let me go, geezer.
I'm afraid you lack
the subtlety
to be an effective cat purse,
young fellow, my lad.
And so near a bevy
of policeman, too.
(CLICKING TONGUE)
He didn't mean
nothing, mister.
You idiot. You think that's how Sister Leslie
would want you to act at her own funeral?
But I'm hungry.
Mister, Jason here
is not worth the trouble.
Cut him loose, huh?
Orphans.
Sister Leslie
did what she could for us.
Fed us, tried to
teach us right.
Look, knock Jason around
a little if you want
but please don't get the cops.
I occasionally have
odd jobs that need doing.
Call upon me here.
You'll not go away hungry.
Shoo.
Not so hasty, if you please.
- What?
- I know I'm too old now
to catch the eye
of a gent like you.
But my eyes
are still good, yeah?
They see everything.
I don't quite follow.
Of course, my memory
ain't so great.
I forget things all the time
for the right price.
Follow me, Mr. Bruce Wayne?
I recognized you sneaking
around the church yard.
I'm afraid you've
made a mistake.
Afraid?
Oh, you'll be afraid
all right,
Mr. High and Mighty
Bruce Wayne.
When I tell the coppers
what I know.
Now, let's just settle down.
Get your hands off me.
If you think you can do me
like you did Sister Leslie,
you're dead wrong, fella.
Now, what's all
the commotion, granny?
Why don't we just
quiet down a bit?
Arrest me, will ya?
I'm not the one you should
be talking to.
Am I, Mr. Bruce Wayne?
Find me at Skinner's End,
everybody knows me!
You'll pay up if you know
what's good for you.
Or mark me...
You'll hang!
(THUNDER BREAKING)
(SCREAMING)
(ALL SCREAMING)
(THUNDER BREAKING)
Ah, here you are.
How punctual.
Even a bit early, Batman.
You should feel at home here
with my collection.
Usually, it's on our own face,
that is the mask.
These masks,
the ones you choose to wear,
they show the true self.
Of course, you understand
why I couldn't say more.
Now, we both know you cannot
do your work on me.
I'm not a street walker.
It's antithetical
to your neurosis.
I'd stake my
professional reputation on it.
(WHIMPERING) You can't!
(HUGO SCREAMING)
HUGO: Help me!
HUGO: Stop.
Please, no, my God, no!
(SCREAMING)
(MEN LAUGHING)
(HUGO GROANING)
(MEN CHEERING)
(HUGO GROANING)
(RIPPING)
(ALARM BLARING)
(CHAIN RATTLING)
(THUDS)
(GRUNTS)
(BLIMP WHIRRING)
(SCREAMING)
(AIR HISSES)
(CLICKS)
- (EXPLODING)
- (ALL COUGHING)
(GROANS)
Arkham to police headquarters.
The Batman has murdered
Dr. Strange
and escaped in the
police airship.
He's heading right for you.
(GLASS SHATTERS)
(GROANS)
(BATMAN GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
POLICEMAN: This way, fellas.
(WHISTLE BLOWING)
(HORSE WHINNYING)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(CREAKING)
(GROANS)
(RUMBLING)
(GRUNTS)
(HORSES WHINNYING)
Fire!
(GUNS FIRING)
(EXPLODING)
(BATMAN GROANS)
No.
BULLOCK: There he is!
(GUNS FIRING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Keep firing, boys.
Shoot to kill.
Belay that order!
Nice of you
to join us, Commissioner.
Do you mind telling me exactly why we
shouldn't shoot the murdering lunatic
who's gutting whores
all over town?
Watch your tone, Chief.
We have witnesses who saw the Batman
at the time of the Isley murder.
And what about the two men
he just killed at Arkham?
We don't know what happened
for certain, Bulldog.
There'll be no lynch mob
on my watch,
do you understand?
We catch him and if
he's guilty, he hangs.
But I want him alive.
Now fan out.
Find him!
(GROANING AND PANTING)
Pick up everyone.
He could be anyone
on the street.
Get in.
(HOOVES CLOMPING)
As you surmised,
I get tired of Crest Hill.
I amuse myself by
slumming with the unwashed.
Do your downtown escapades usually
end with excessive bleeding?
The belt and gloves
must go immediately.
Any of the bat accoutrement.
They'll have the entire area
cordoned off.
Homes, carriages searched.
It wouldn't do to have them
find your stage wear.
POLICEMAN: Hold! Hold, I say!
Open up, open up in the
name of the law.
Is there a problem, Officer?
Um, no, Mr. Wayne.
We've just been, uh...
You should head home.
Dangerous characters
on the streets tonight.
Duly noted.
Anything else, gentlemen?
Uh, no.
Excuse me, sir.
And madam.
Have a wonderful night.
(HOOVES CLOMPING)
Lucky bugger.
BRUCE: You were
very convincing.
I'm an actress, darling.
Didn't you know?
I'm the toast of Gotham.
You, on the other hand,
would never make it out
of the chorus.
You must commit
completely to the role.
And how exactly
do I do that, Ms. Kyle?
Repetition.
You must practice.
Practice, practice.
I want another squad
moving into Cape Carmine.
- And then...
- BULLOCK: Commissioner!
We found something, sir.
The boys just found her.
Show me.
Mmm.
Well, I guess it's true
what they say.
Practice makes perf...
I had these brought up.
I have a rather
large wardrobe.
The entire production
is mine, you know?
I'm not just another
pretty face.
I feel a perfect fool for not
realizing your secret earlier.
When you first kissed
my hand backstage,
I felt the callous
on your palm and thought,
"This man's got the hands
of a trapeze artist."
I saw the circus in the acrobatic
dismount you used in your show.
And then of course, your
fighting style and the whip.
Expert lion tamer.
I grew up with those cats.
Looked after them, loved them.
Papa hated them.
He wasn't a kind man
to them or to me.
He was always threatening
to shoot them.
And I believed him.
One day he tried to
but someone had taken
the bullets out of his gun.
And now, you look after all
those strays in Skinner's End.
Someone has to.
They don't have anyone else
to protect them.
Until now.
Until the Batman.
Does he have a story?
Selina...
Oh, your parents.
Are you making them pay?
The criminals?
I was but...
It'd never be enough.
They couldn't ever pay enough.
Could they?
They're here.
Police! Put your
hands in the air.
What's the meaning of this?
Oh, a thousand pardons,
Ms. Kyle.
For disturbing the sanctity
of a lady's bedchamber.
What do you want, Bullock?
Bruce Wayne,
you're under arrest
for the murder of one
Marlene Mahoney.
- Who?
- Oh, is that how it is now?
You've killed so many,
you don't even
know their names.
Think hard, Wayne.
Maybe you'll remember.
You'll have a long time
to think about it.
Bruce, it'll be all right.
I'll contact Harvey.
He'll clear this all up.
I wouldn't be countin' on Mr.
Dent being too helpful, lassie.
He's the one who suggested we look for Mr.
Wayne in your hotel.
Commissioner, James,
this is absurd.
You can't imagine
I'm actually the ripper.
Get him out of my sight.
DENT: The county of Gotham
has abundant evidence
linking the accused to at least
three of these vicious murders.
Physical evidence, a lapel
pin of the Dionysus Club
to which Mr. Wayne
is a member,
was discovered at the site
of Sister Leslie's murder.
Also, an eye witness
who was overheard
placing Mr. Wayne
at the scene of the crime.
That witness, Marlene Mahony,
was subsequently discovered
mutilated in the same barbaric
manner as the other victims
after reportedly attempting to
extort cash from the accused.
Furthermore, the prisoner
was also acquainted
with reaper victim,
Ms. Pamela Isley.
One wonders how many other
lovely young women wards...
Enough! Enough!
You've made your point,
Mr. Prosecutor.
The accused will be remanded to the
custody of Blackgate Penitentiary
until such time as a trial by jury
can be arranged by the county.
If it please the court,
as the nature of these crimes
is so detestable,
and Mr. Wayne has ample financial
resources to escape justice,
I request the court
to not set bail.
Granted.
Bailiff will remove the
prisoner to Blackgate Prison.
Court adjourned.
PRISONER 1: Hey, Jack, you're
not the only one who can cut.
PRISONER 2: Let's see if Wayne
blood really is blue. (LAUGHS)
PRISONER 3: (LAUGHS) Tell him.
(PRISONERS SHOUTING
INDISTINCTLY)
(PRISONERS GRUNTING)
Blackgate's real progressive.
Warden likes to encourage
physical exercise.
You'll see.
The deluxe suite.
Please, enjoy your stay
at the Hotel Blackgate.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, we're looking
forward to seeing you checkout.
(PRISONERS CHATTERING)
I love what you've done
with the place.
Selina, what
are you doing here?
This is no place for a lady.
You should see some of the
houses I've played to.
They make this seem
like a command performance.
You need to get out of here.
No, you need
to get out of here.
When my friend has gone
to all the trouble
of building this well-constructed
gilded frame for me?
Your friend?
You think one of your friends
is framing you?
One of my mentors says that when
you eliminate the impossible,
whatever remains, however
improbable, must be the truth.
That's a lot of eyewash.
You must liberate
yourself immediately.
Unfortunately, my nocturnal
habits preclude me
from providing an adequate
account of my whereabouts.
Well, you'll just have to explain
to Gordon that you are the Batman.
What? I think not.
You must.
Batman has an ironclad alibi
for the first murder.
You'll be released.
Gotham needs the Batman to help
rid the streets of this killer.
I'm sorry, Selina. I can't.
The Batmen's effectiveness
depends upon...
Every moment you're in here
puts women in danger.
If you won't tell Gordon,
then I will. Immediately.
He'll never believe you.
He'll believe this.
I'll be damned if I'll let
another girl be murdered
so you can keep
your precious secret.
I'm sorry, Bruce,
but I think ultimately
you'll find this was
all for the best.
Chow time, your highness.
Listen to me, bring this to
my townhouse on Bell Avenue
and my man there
will give you $100.
If you think
I can be bought...
Get it there within 30
minutes, he'll give you $200.
(GRUNTING)
Yes! Yes!
PRISONER 1: Give it to him!
PRISONER 2: Come on!
(GRUNTING)
PRISONER 1: Lay him out!
Ah, come on, put up a
fight for Christ's sake!
(GROANING)
Who is next?
Who will face Cyrus Gold?
BRUCE: I'll give it a whirl.
(PRISONERS EXCLAIMING)
No weaklings.
Can't get good enough
odds against you.
I'll beat you
in private, later.
No time like the present.
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTING)
(ALL CLAMORING)
(GUARD WHISTLING)
(CLAMORING CONTINUES)
While you're sittin'
on your ass,
there's a damn
donnybrook in there!
Shore up the west gate!
Fetch the riot gear
from the arsenal!
(HORSE NEIGHING)
May I help you, miss?
Yes, I need to see Commissioner
Gordon immediately.
I'm afraid, that's impossible.
I must insist,
it's quite urgent.
You never slow down, do you?
As soon as one lover boy
is unavailable,
you're on to the next chump.
I can imagine what I ever saw
in a whore like you.
Better sheath
those claws, kitten.
Someone is liable to get hurt.
And sooner or later, you will.
James isn't here.
He's down at the fairgrounds,
making sure
everything's shipshape.
Tomorrow is the big day.
You'll have to scratch up
some business elsewhere.
The fairground, hurry.
This is it.
You're off your nut.
We're in the middle
of nothin'.
This is where that geezer
told us to go.
I can read, can't I?
So you keep tellin' us.
Come on, he said
to unload it here.
JASON: I still say
we take the wagon, the horse,
and whatever this is
and skedaddle.
Serve him right
for being so trusting.
But he fed us.
We're gonna do the job, Jason.
Now shut your
boom box and push.
(STRAINING)
Good job. Now, go.
- Yah!
- (HORSE WHINNIES)
(BARKS AND GROWLS)
- GORDON: What are you doing here?
- (GASPS)
You're Ms. Kyle,
the actress, aren't you?
Yes, Commissioner, we met
before, at the preview.
I thought I was all alone.
Embarrassing as it sounds,
you gave me quite a start.
Commissioner? Selina?
- (GASPS)
- Mrs. Gordon, don't be alarmed.
What do you want?
I need to
talk to your husband.
Is he home?
You mustn't harm him.
He's a good man.
The best man
in this horrible city.
Did a woman come here
looking for him?
A woman?
Walking here off the streets?
I should hope not.
No! You're not
allowed in there!
(GRUNTS)
(SIZZLES)
(GRUNTS)
Where is he?
(SIGHS)
Doing what he needs to do.
His holy work.
Cleaning the scum from Gotham.
He ends to be severe.
But not with us.
No.
No, he's gentle
as a lamb with us.
He simply
burns the sin out of us.
We need him to.
Good Lord.
It's the woman's sins
that are the worst.
Because they're hidden inside.
James brings them out
into the light.
Where is he?
I suspected, of course.
Who else, but Bruce Wayne
has either the time
or resources to create
the Batman.
We'll see to this immediately.
Let me fetch my things.
I suppose it's a dreadful
betrayal of confidence.
But I simply see no other way.
No, no, Ms. Kyle,
I understand completely.
It's in your very nature
to play false
with your illicit lover.
An action ideal to expose
your absolute internal
corruption.
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
- (GROANS SOFTLY)
- A 7% solution of laudanum,
three percent heroin
and alcohol.
Barbara's physician prescribes
it for acute insomnia.
- (GROANING)
- Effective, is it not?
But it's hardly a cure
for harlotry.
Only, I. Only Jack has the
remedy for that vile ill.
- (GRUNTS)
- Aah!
Damnation!
You'll pay for that, slut!
(ENGINE REVVING)
(TIRES SCREECHING)
You can't get far.
The oversweet fragrance
you used
to cover your putrefying
stench nearly burns my eyes.
Come to Jack, you little...
(GROANS)
Nice try.
Wayne promised
this World's Fair
would be a paradise
of cleanliness and light.
But what does a light
in the darkness do?
It draws flies.
Vile, unclean, like you.
(GRUNTS)
But for every one of you
I eradicate, two more arrive.
I promised the people of Gotham
to clean scum of the streets,
thieves, murderers,
confidence men,
immigrants, illiterates,
anarchists.
This city seems to spawn them.
But it's whores...
You painted whores
that are the worst.
All rosy-cheeked,
soft and round on the outside,
but on the inside...
(GROGGILY)
My death prove... innocent.
Yes. Sadly, your death
will exonerate Wayne.
But it will be worth it.
Your blood shall
christen this fair, woman.
Your corruption and decay
will spill down
over this carnival as a
warning to all your kind.
Shall we begin?
This may take quite some time.
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
Left handed.
Oh, the nuns beat that
wickedness out of me.
Always use my right.
Except for Jack's work.
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
(GRUNTS)
- Can you speak?
- (GROANING WEAKLY)
- Have you any other injuries?
- No.
I'm... Bruce!
(GRUNTS)
(GROANS)
You were right.
I'm a trained fighter.
Bare knuckle champion
at Culpepper.
London Prize Ring rules.
There were no rules at Antietam,
though, were there, James?
There are no rules in hell.
(GRUNTING)
GORDON: The things I saw
during the war,
the entirety of humanity's
evil was there for all to see
on the inside of every man.
But nothing compared to the corruption
of every painted camp follower.
(GRUNTS)
The vile diseases they spread,
destroy good men...
Destroyed them
in both body and mind.
(GROANS)
(COUGHING)
(GROANS)
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(STRAINING)
(GRUNTS)
(STRAINS)
(GRUNTS)
I saw your work on your wife.
Wives? They are the worst
prostitutes of all.
Sell themselves too cheap.
Wives, brothers,
that slut nun of yours.
(GROANS)
(METAL RUMBLING)
- (EXPLOSION)
- (GRUNTS)
Look, Bruce, the world
of tomorrow is burning.
Exposing the ashes
of degradation hiding beneath.
This is where we belong!
No.
(GRUNTS)
I paid Houdini
$300 for that trick.
(GRUNTS)
Fight's over. Time to go.
Gordon!
(SCREAMING)
(LAUGHING MANIACALLY)
(GRUNTS)
(CREAKING AND RUMBLING)
(SELINA PANTING)
- (GASPS)
- (CREAKING)
(GRUNTS)
You should have run
when you had that chance.
Well, I was badly doped up.
My actions
were quite questionable.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Help them in, lads.
Lively now.
Where there's smoke,
there's fire.
And there
you'll always be, sir.
Yah!
Do these belong
to you, Alfred?
Ha! Good Lord. No, sir.
They belong to you.
(EXPLOSION)
(RUMBLING)
Gone. All gone.
And the hope
of Gotham with it.
It was all phony anyway.
We'll make something new.
Something better.
(UPLIFTING MUSIC)
(MUSIC PLAYING)