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Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
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(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) |
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