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The Secret Six (1931)
What's the matter with
that whistle tonight anyway? Let's go. Good night. - So long, Fred. - So long. So long, slaughterhouse. So long, Oscar. Let's go over and get a hunk of steak, huh? Naw, I'm goin' home. - So long. - So long. If you can get away from the old lady, come on over. Hey, barber dick-- where's the ball? Johnny's in the back room. The back room? Hello, Johnny. Hello, slaughterhouse. Push the lard over, will you? Hey, smelts! Give me a gob of spaghetti. Hey, and a bottle of cow with it, will you? Where you been for a week? We got a swell job for you. Swell job? I got a swell job. You know how much money I made last week, not counting overtime? No. 35 bucks. - Yeah? - Yeah. And if I go back to that pig-sticking thing, I'll be knocking over 40 slugs every Saturday night. Yeah? You're in a piker's game. Yeah? All right. I'd rather have a belly full of guts anytime than a belly full of lead. Oh, Johnny? Goin' out tonight? Sure. What of it? Nothin', but... Don't stay out too long, honey, will you? Go on. Go on, cut the applesauce. Hey, Johnny, who's the missing link? Gee, she's swell. Is she hard to get acquainted with, Johnny? Nah. But blondes come high. Yeah. How much we make last week, gouger? 150 bucks. $150? Apiece? Yeah. Got a rod? Sure. Got it on you? Sure. If you're interested, come on along. Sure I will. Good night, Johnny. What's the matter with that guy? He's a dummy. Oh, that's smart. Delano. Hello, Johnny. You been sellin' Alky to Colimo's gang, ain't you? Aw, Johnny, you don't think I would sell out on you now? So, you're gonna start lying about it, eh? I wouldn't think of of tryin' it again if I was you. Go on, get busy. Cops! Come on! See anything? No, sir. Didn't get out in the alley? No, sir. They're around here somewhere, though. Let's take a look. Hey, Newton. Mr. Newton! We're in a jam. You got to tell us what to do. Turn on those lights. Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you? The cops knocked over our still. They got Delano. They'll give him the works. We think we better quit. You think? What if Delano rats on us? Who is that? That's an old pal of mine, the guy I told you about. He was with us, and he thinks like-- oh...He thinks, too, huh? Sure, I do. Delano won't squeal. He wouldn't dare to. I'll have him out in the morning. Give me my hat. Here it is. Where's my stick? Give me my stick. I wouldn't go without my stick if I had to see you all hang first. What if they have raided the still? What's one still? They think they can stop me? And as for the rest of you, keep your mouths shut. Run back to the holes you came from... You spineless rats. Run! Run away from money! Hey, wait a minute. Where do you get off, eating a hog's share? I bring more dough into this joint than all of you eggs put together. I'm running this show, ain't I? - Yeah? - Yeah. Well, it's a good thing you're a pal of mine, Johnny Franks, that's all. Enough of that. What do we got on for tonight, Mr. Newton? Tonight you start muscling in on Colimo's territory. Into the city, chief? Yes, and someday we'll run smiling Joe Colimo right out of the city. Tonight we're leaving a business card at one of his speakeasies. But that's a tough gang. You heard what I said. Aw, don't get sore, Newton. That's all right. We'll shove off. Can we take dummy Metz along, chief? No. I have work for the dummy here. I don't like it. Aw, stop your squawkin'. What do you want to do, be an old woman all your life? I don't like going into the city and messin' around some other guy's joint. Listen, you guys-- and you, slaughterhouse-- easy on the rods. Anything else, Newton? That's very good Brandy you borrowed out of that government warehouse. Hello, baby. Hello, Johnny. Mr. Franks. Hello, sweetbreads. You keep your big hands off me, or I'll have Johnny kick you out of the gang. Who, me? Yeah, you. Aw, listen, you-- you'll be crawling on your hands and knees to me someday. - Yeah? - Yes, me. Not while I'm sober. No? You big side of beef! What's the matter, peaches? Slaughterhouse needling you? You lay off of that, do you hear? Aw, I was only fooling, Johnny. Yeah? Maybe you're traveling a little bit too fast for this gang. Come on, gouger, let's go. - Evening, gents. What'll you have? - Beer. Make mine milk. And not skim. Yes, sir. 3 beers... A bottle of milk. Comin' up. Hey, boss? Franks and 3 of his mob just came in. Say anything? Didn't say a word. I know why he's here. Hello? Hello? Colimo? No, this isn't Joe. It's his brother. What's that? Ok. All right. Hey, Joe. That was Finkel. Johnny Franks just walked in with 3 of his gang. Is that so? Well, tell Eddie to go down there and take 6 men with him. Let me go with him, will you, Joe? Uh-uh. No. Not a chance. They're tough babies. I, uh, mean by that you stay here. All right, Joe. Why don't you let Ivan go with them? Toughen him up. No, I wish I'd had sense enough to keep that kid out of this racket. Good day, Mr. Franks. I'm glad to see you here. Yeah. I'll bet you're glad to see us here. That ain't bad beer. But you got some good beer at your back door right now. Only cost you one grand. I can't afford it, Franks. Honest, I can't. I just bought a truckload from Colimo. You'll be buying it from us from now on. But I'll tell you boys, I ain't got the Jack. Get it. I don't know. I'll see what I've got in the...Cash register. You better make it snappy. After that phone call, why, there's liable to be a little mess around here. Yes, sir. We're takin' too much territory. Hello, Eddie. Hello, Johnny. What do you want? Muscling in, huh? Yeah, what of it? Well, I think you guys better be moving along. Yeah? Now, ain't that too bad? We had to use the rods. They opened up on us. I got Colimo's kid brother Ivan. Smiling Joe Colimo's going to have a lot more respect for you boys after this. What do you think we ought to do? Keep quiet, keep quiet. Forced to shoot in self-defense. It's that simple. You better beat it down to pier 14 and stop the Gettle brothers from bringing in that load. What do you think I am, a messenger boy? Beat it. Colimo-- he's downstairs. He's comin' up! Get back on those choppers, quick! Remember one thing-- don't give in an inch. Our gang is nearly as strong as his, and he knows it. Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening, Newton. There's a couple of choppers lookin' at you, Colimo, so you better watch your step. I got plenty of my own lookin' at this whole town of Centro. You know what I'm here for, Franks. Who got my brother? Turn him over to me. I wouldn't turn his dog over to you. So you'd rather have us pick you off? Ivan was a nice kid. I'm sorry about that. This is the last time I'm asking you, Franks-- who got my brother? And if I turn him over to you? That's all I want. I'll take care of him myself. The guy you're lookin' for just left here. You'll find him on pier 14 right now. He's wearing a camel's hair coat and a derby hat. If you double-cross me, Franks... I didn't want to rat on my pal, Newton, but I thought it'd be better if we didn't have any trouble with Joe. He's gonna come around our way of thinkin'. My pal Johnny Franks... Put me on the spot, huh? Well, they-- they winged me. I'm glad they didn't get you, kid. Thanks, Johnny. Have a little drink, and I'll get you a sawbones. Naw, where's my bottle of milk? Didn't you expect me back? Don't be crazy, slaughterhouse. Have a little drink of Brandy. It'll do you good. Thanks, Johnny, ol' pal. Go ahead and shoot, if you've got the nerve. I'll never turn my back to you. You listen to me, slaughterhouse. You won't shoot me because I'm going to save your neck... For reasons of my own. Yes? Not a chance! Give me your gun. What for? Never mind! Give me your gun. Hello, slaughterhouse. Hello, captain. Hello, Newton. Captain! Look at this. What's goin' on here? What happened? Call the coroner's office. We heard shots up here. Stop pushing. Where'd you get those wounds, slaughterhouse? A bee stung me. Yeah? Yeah. You're gonna have a whole hive after you before I get through with you. Yeah? Yeah. You're gonna have a hard time explaining this, Mr. Newton. You think so, captain? There's the man. Come on out. I didn't do it! Shut up! Hello, slaughterhouse. Hello, hi. There's the gun. The barrel is still warm. He almost got slaughterhouse, too. Naw, he wouldn't kill Johnny Franks. He hasn't got the guts. No? See if you can get him to admit he didn't do it. Yeah, I know he won't squeal. He's afraid of what the gang will do to him. I know this bird. Who did this? Delano. What's his first name? Jimmy. He killed my dearest pal Johnny Franks. - Oh, yeah? - Yeah. Well, buck up, slaughterhouse. That's a tough break. Johnny was a great little kid. I know just how much he meant to you. Say, he was the best pal I ever had. - Yeah? - Yeah. Get one of slaughterhouse here, too, will you? I'm gonna make a big story out of this. - Yeah? - Yeah. Hey, look out, will you, captain, please? Johnny! Johnny! Where is he? Where is he? Let me by! Let me by! He's gone! They got him! He's dead! Who did it? You did it, you devil, you! Slaughterhouse killed him! He always had it in for Johnny! He killed him, oh... I'll get you! Come on, slaughterhouse, Newton. Let's go. Get back there. Now clear the way! Don't worry, slaughterhouse. I'll have you out in the morning. Come on, get back there. Get back! I'll get you for this, slaughterhouse! I'll get you! Shut up, will you? If Newton Springs him, he's liable to come back here the big shot. Yeah? Sure. Come on, move it. Say, did you know Johnny Franks? Sure, I work here. You seem all broken up over his death. Couple of years ago, he gave me a job. A nice, respectable one. Yeah, it's a tough break. But I know these rats as well as you do. He got what was coming to him, all right. Say, who are you, anyway? A reporter from the tribune. Can I use your phone? Sure. Make yourself at home. - Hi, baby. - Hello. How's business? Come on, get out of here. This is a private phone. Oh, yeah? Hello, tribune? Give me the city desk. Hello, examiner? I'm gonna have breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, baby. Who you kiddin'? Hello? I'm at Johnny Franks' headquarters... Johnny Franks bumped off tonight... Johnny Franks was found dead tonight... 3 bullets in the back... I think you're swell, girl. Don't pay any attention to old sour Hank. He likes to give advice. Give advice? What? Oh, no, I wasn't talking to you. They say a man by the name of Delano pulled the job. They arrested a guy by the name of Delano. And that slaughterhouse gorilla. What are you gonna do when they close up the joint? Get another job. Hello? I wasn't talking to you. I'll call you back later. Yeah, ok. I'll phone you later. I really mean it. Anything I can do to help you-- listen, if you're gonna fall for anybody, make it me. I'm the dependable guy. But lay off of Hank. Yeah? Baby, you got a pair of the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen. I'd sure like to take you around and introduce you to my aunt Emma. What a break for aunt Emma. Just a pal. Say, listen, Newton-- get that Hank guy, that reporter, to lay off of me, will you? He must hate my guts or something. If you'd keep your mouth shut, - he couldn't show you up. - Yeah? He's kinda crazy about you, ain't he, Anne? I'll say he is. Well, why don't you have him stop running off at the mouth, then? How can I? You mean what's in it for you. Well, Hank's a nice kid. Wet his beer, mama. Don't worry, Anne. We'll make it worth your while. I'm going over to the district attorney's office. I'll have you out of here by noon. - Ok. - See you later. So long, Newton. Here's Newton. Oh. Good morning, gentlemen. Hello, Newton. Morning. Come on, Hank. Let's chow. Much obliged, Carl, but I've got to go down and see my grandmother. - Oh? Does she live in Centro? - Yup. I'll go with you. Maybe she's got a girlfriend. I'm not kidding. Well, neither am I. So does my aunt Emma. Well, so long, Hank. Give my love to grandma. Ok. Hello, Hank. Hello, Anne. I knew you were here. I've been waiting for you. Is that so? What's the matter? Oh, nothing. Is is anything that I've done? Well, slaughterhouse has been a swell friend to me. He's not such a bad egg when you know him. And you...Well, you're tryin' to help send an innocent man up, that's all. I never knew you felt that way about him. He's been the only friend I've had for two years-- except you, Hank. Ooh, what big eyes you've got, grandma. Say, who are you kidding? Ask Hank. Where do you think you're going? With you. - Yeah? - Yeah. Believe me, big boy, this is one scoop you're not gonna get without a little competition. Come on, baby. How are you, slaughterhouse? How you been? Now, listen, listen, folks. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my pals for standing by me. If it hadn't been for my pals, I'd be down there eating those Navy pearls yet. Come on, let's put on a party, huh? Ok! Where's Anne? She's in the cloakroom. Ok, thanks. Ahem. Why, I beg your pardon. I didn't expect to find you here, Hank. What do you think I'm doing down here in Centro? Visiting my grandmother? Well, if I did, I don't now. This is one scoop you beat me to. Come on. We better shove off. Hey, Hank! Ain't you gonna stay for the big blowout? Sorry, slaughterhouse, but if you don't mind, we'll be running along. Aw, sure. Go on. You got a nice gal, Hank. I think so, too. Anne, come here. Uh, I'll be seeing you in the morning, huh? Thanks, Scorpio. You're a smart guy, slaughterhouse. You know how to get the old newspapers made, don't you? She's a good worker. Say, I'll see you all in a minute. I want to tell Carl a story here. You'll find it worthwhile. - Yeah? - Yeah. Well, Carl... You were pretty nice during this trial, and I want to show that I appreciate it. Here's a little present for you. Oh, yeah? Yeah. Look inside. What's this? Oh, just a little present, you know? We've got an election coming up here very shortly. Yeah, you're gonna run for chief of police, aren't you? No, no, no. I'm putting an honest man in. He's gonna be the coming mayor-- the gouger. Oh, yes. I can't accept that. Aw, don't be silly. Of course you can. We need a lot of help around here. In other words, you're going to run this burg. Well, that's kind of the idea. Go ahead, keep it. It's all right. Gee whiz, we give these to all of our pals. Oh, yeah? Sure. I see. I'm one of the pals? You're one, and you're gonna help us a lot. That's great, pal. You thought I'd forgotten about you, huh? Oh, no, not a chance. Me forget my buddies? Hello, Fritz! Why, you old pig-sticker! Come up here! This is Fritz, an old pal of mine. He worked here and has been working here for years. He's one of the best pig-stickers in Centro today, and that's something to be proud of, ain't it? Fritz! Underneath this coat of mine beats an honest heart, the honest heart of a working man, the same as you all have. And I'm going to take great pleasure in introducing to you one real honest man, one man for the working men-- the honest Nick Mizoski! You've got just exactly two hours to get down there and vote for honest Nick Mizoski-- just a minute, folks-- now the votes from precinct number 18. The South side has just come in. I'm sorry to inform the citizens of Centro that your future mayor is a gunman and a bootlegger-- Nick Mizoski. There's something I want to warn you about, big fella. You're way out in front now, but you don't want to let this go to your head. You want to watch your step from here in. Aw, we got this town by the seat of the pants. What's a town? Our next move will be into the city. The city? Oh, gee... What's to stop us? You, if you don't stop talking so much. You want to get rid of that woman, too. She sure is a Gabby old dame. She even talks in her sleep. Why don't she keep her mouth shut like I do all the time? I wonder what she's going to say when you tell her that, uh... I've given her the air. Oh, boy... Colimo's comin' up. Wait a minute. What are you going to do with that gun? You heard what he said. Colimo's coming up. What you've got to do is learn to use your head and not a gun. If Colimo's up here, it's because he's worried. Let him wait. Let him wait. 20 Colimos don't mean a thing to us now. Put that gun away. Straighten your clothing. Go in there and talk to him. Act like a gentleman. Ok? Yeah. Well, hello, Mr. Scorpio. I just thought I'd drop in and extend my congratulations. That's swell of you, Joe. You know, I been thinking, it might not be a bad idea if, uh, we got together. Sure. Why not? Well, the next time you drop over to the city, call in at my place and make yourself at home. We'll talk it over. And any time you're driving through Centro, why, you come right here and make yourself right to home. Well, thanks, thanks. That goes for you, too, Mr. mayor. Oh, sure-- I mean, much obliged to you. So long. So long. So long. You want to be a nice little boy. You might be working for me someday. Joe and me's gonna be good friends now. Who sent for me? Me... The honorable Nick Mizoski... Your new mayor. I just wanted to have a little word with... The ex-chief of police. What do you mean? You know what I mean. I'm in, and you're out. Now you shut up, all of you. I've got something to say, and you're going to listen to me. The night my kid was... Bumped off, I swore I'd drive every one of you out of this country, and I'm going to do it! And you newspaper guys-- making heroes out of hoodlums. You're gonna stop that now. I mean it! Now don't forget, you birds, I've just begun to fight. Now, ain't that too bad? He's just begun to fight! What Donlin just said certainly got under my skin. Chum, I'm sorry I ever laid off this gang. Sure. You were looking at them through a pair of beautiful blue eyes. What do you mean? Come on over here, Hank. I want to talk to you. Hello, buttermilk. Say, I'm going to have to have a little more appreciation from those newspapers, you get me? Sure I get you. You're no crossword puzzle. Listen, Scorpio, I'm sorry I ever started in to double-cross Hank. He's a swell kid and the first guy I ever knew that was on the level. You ain't falling for that guy, are you? I'm crazy about him. And we're gonna get married, too. Now, ain't that too bad? Gee, I wish I could find a gal like you that would fall for me that way. Hello there, Carl. Hi, slaughterhouse. Hi, Anne. - Hello, Hank. - Hello, Scorpio. We were just talking about you. We sure were. Say, Hank, uh... Look into that. Is that swell? You're shooting up the wrong alley, slaughterhouse. Yeah? Listen, Anne, I just heard that you've been paid to hook me so I'd lay off this gang in the newspapers. Is that true? Aw, what dirty scum told you anything like that? Is it true, Anne? Yes, it's true. Oh, but please realize that I've changed. And I really do care for you now, Hank. That's a great line of chatter, Anne. You better pin it to somebody else. Well, that's a break for you. I'm here, you know. Kinda hard to get, too. I know just how you feel, Hank. I'm sick of this newspaper racket. So am I. Let's get out of it. Yeah, it's lost all of its kick... Colimo's just been bumped off. Yeah? Where? Down on maple street. Hot news! - Come on! - Let's go, Hank! Well... Now that Colimo's shoved off, we can move into the city and I can be a real gentleman. A man is born a gentleman. Sure, newt. Yeah, yeah... Yeah! I'm up. Phillip. Phillip! Yes, sir? What's the big idea? 30 grand under last week? Yes, sir. They raided 12 stills and closed 75 speakeasies. - Last week? - Yes, sir. Get Newton on that telephone. He's on his way up here now, sir. Those guys... Didn't I donate 10 grand last week to the policemen's charity ball? Yes, sir. Yeah. Well, it's just like feeding a hungry dog and have him turn around and bite you on the leg. Quite true, sir. If I can't conduct an honest business with those guys chiseling and muscling in every 5 minutes of the day, I'm going out and start a milk route. I've got expenses of my own to keep up. I ought to go out on a desert island where there ain't no coppers, and then I won't be bothered with 'em. Good morning, Mr. Scorpio. Did you rest well, Mr. Scorpio? It sure is a fine day. I wish everybody was as dumb as Metz. Ain't I dumb enough for ya? Shut up. Ok. You said something about a letter to the consolidated grape growers. Oh, yeah. Take a letter. "Dear gents--" uh, "gentlemen." - Gentlemen? - Right. "You better lay off shipping grapes "into our state if you don't cut me in on it." Read that. "Gentlemen, I understand you are shipping "concentrated grape juice into our state without consulting our organization." That's right. Thank you, sir. "I ain't gonna stand for no rotten--" please, please. Not rotten, sir. Something more, uh... More conservative. Well... Stinkin'. Say stinkin'. "Stinkin' deal." You know, I don't want to be talking like no sissy, Phillip. "Yours truly... Me." Yes, gentlemen, I know this gang. I've seen them crawling out of their holes for years. And today, while Scorpio is living in luxury, every decent citizen is put on the spot! Business is being gutted, and even homes threatened! Gentlemen, the district attorney and operator 36 are here. All right. Good morning, gentlemen. Morning, Mr. Keeler. - Hello, Carl. - Hello, Donlin. Gentlemen, Mr. Carl Luckner has brought the district attorney more valuable information than any other man on our force. Carl...This tribunal, known only as the secret six, represents the greatest force for law and order in the United States. These men have gathered together to fight and destroy the vicious power of the gangsters. How much has Scorpio's gang given you in bribes? I'm not quite sure. I've turned it all over to Mr. Donlin. It's over $40,000, not including valuable gifts. Gentlemen, we are facing another crisis. I've just had word from headquarters about the massacre last night. 6 officers were killed, 2 fatally wounded. Captain Fuller regained consciousness this morning, but before he could identify any of the suspects, a bomb was dropped into his room. Have they arrested Scorpio? No. Newton provided too clever an alibi. How about the gang? They disappeared after the raid. Newton must have sent them out of the city. Then try and find out where he sent them. Yes. I'm going to Scorpio's home tonight. I may have some information, gentlemen, by morning. Thank you, Carl. Thank you. You see, gentlemen, it's useless to try to make any arrests until all of the gang are back in town. Hello, Hank. How are you? Say, what's going on in there? Oh, I was just having a little talk with a couple of guys. - Yeah? - Yeah. Why all the secrecy? You go ask your grandma. Nah, come on. Let a pal in on it. You know I'd tell you anything. Yes, you would. What are you going in here for? Hey, listen-- if a gangster carried a gun for a couple of years, he'd probably carry it the rest of his life, wouldn't he? Why, sure. A lot of guys are superstitious about their rods. Why? What's on your mind? Come on, now. Let a pal in on it. I tell you-- go ask your aunt Emma. Why you... Hello, Mr. Simms. Hello, Hank. How are you? Fine, thank you. What can I do for you? Have you the bullets that killed Johnny Franks and Colimo? Sure. You mind if a take a squint at them through there? Certainly not. Mr. Howard, bring me tray number 12, please. Here they are. What do you make of it? The same gun killed both men. You got a lead? Yup. I think I have. I may be cockeyed, but I'm certainly going to follow it through. Thank you very much, Mr. Simms. You're quite welcome, Hank. How they coming, Eddie? Just made a grand slam. This game's a cinch. Any sap can play it. Sure. Telegram for Mr. Scorpio. Will there be an answer? Just a moment. What's Metz trying to tell you? Someone's in the house. Watch that front door and don't let anybody go out, will you? Stupid dummy. There's no one here. Stupid? Ha ha. Just like a fox. Hank! What are you doing here? I don't have to ask you that. Oh, please don't be unkind. We haven't seen each other for such a long time, and... I've missed you. That's quite evident. Oh, please! If Scorpio finds you here... Oh, please go, Hank. Well... If it ain't my old pal Hank. This is a surprise. Yeah... To both of us. It must be something important that would bring you up here. It was. Hello, Hank. Say, I'm certainly glad you got my message to meet me here. Afraid you'd miss it. I see. It was you that sent for him. Oh, sure. I've been trying to get ahold of him all evening. Well, come on, let's go in and have a drink. No, thank you. I'm on the water wagon. Maybe you'd better, Hank. I got some pretty tough news to break to you. Not grandma? Yes, Hank. Gee, that's tough. Well...I'm glad it was you that broke the news to me. Say, I'll meet you there in half an hour. Ok. Yeah. And listen, Hank, bring aunt Emma, too. - Yeah, all right. - I'm awfully sorry to bring you up here like this. Let him out, will you? I'll be seeing you. I'll see you later. Bye. Have a good night. Good night, sir. I had a grand time. Hey, lady! Listen, Hank, I know they're after you. You've got to go away. You must protect yourself. I'm not afraid of them, Anne. Besides, he's too much of a coward. Hank, I know you won't believe it... But I'll always care for you, and that's why I want you to go. Hank! Hank! No, no, come on. Come on. They just arrested Scorpio. Yes, I know it. You'd better not testify against him. I've already told the district attorney that I'd tell everything. Yeah? You're putting yourself on the spot. Oh, I know it, but... What's the difference, Carl? Haggerty. - Take miss Courtland home, get me? - Yes, sir. Take good care of yourself, kid. - Hello, Jim. - Hello, Mr. Scorpio. You don't have to give me your record. I know it. - No bail. - What do you mean, no bail? You can't hold him without bail. Nevertheless, we're going to. Who's behind this gag, huh? There's a lot of you guys who'd like to know that. Don't worry, Scorpio. I'll have you out in the morning. Frisk him. - Go along with him, Eddie. - Ok. See you later. Wallet, $3,600. Wallet...3,600. Can I keep the chewing tobacco? All right. That's all, sergeant. Take him out and lock him up in that special room out there. Thank you. There's your receipt, Scorpio. Thank you. All right, boys. What do they got me in here for? You'll find out soon enough. Yeah? I suppose you've been wondering what's become of your dummy friend. We've had him here for 3 days... Sweating him. Well, now, ain't that too bad? Take a look over there. Look across the corridor and see your old friend slaughterhouse. Better talk before he does. You might help us to stretch his neck and save your own. There's nothing to be afraid of, Metz. We know you're not a deaf-mute. And we're in no hurry. We can wait just as long as you can. You remember Delano, don't you, Metz? He died in the prison hospital last week of T.B. Swearing he never killed Johnny Franks. That he was framed by slaughterhouse and Newton. That he was railroaded to the pen because he couldn't talk as fast as Scorpio, that he was afraid to talk. Ah, your hand goes to your neck. Well, that's natural. You want to save your neck, don't you, Metz? And you can save it if you're willing to talk. I'll talk. I'll talk! Let me get out of here! I can't stand it any longer! I'll talk! I'll talk! Silence in the court! If there is any further disturbance, I will have the courtroom cleared. Proceed, Mr. district attorney. Now, then... Don't be intimidated by anyone's threats. Just continue with your story, Mr. Metz. You say that on the night of November 2, 1927, Scorpio handed you a revolver? Yes, sir. Have you ever seen this gun before? Yes, sir, that's it. Are you sure? Yes, sir. He always carries it. He was very superstitious about that gun. Was Joe Colimo still in the building when Scorpio gave you this gun? I object, your honor, to the district attorney asking this witness leading questions. This is an unfriendly, an unwilling witness, and if your honor please, I shall ask him leading questions. - Objection is overruled. - You may proceed. After the murder of Colimo, did you return this gun to Scorpio? Yes, sir. That's all, Metz. Your honor, I'd like to ask this witness a few questions. Were you ever employed by the late Mr. Joe Colimo? Yes. Why did you leave his employ? He fired me. What for? Nothing. And you threatened, in the presence of witnesses, to get even. I tell you, he didn't have any reason to fire me. How long have you known Mr. Scorpio? About, uh...4 years. How did Mr. Scorpio happen to discover that you were not a deaf-mute? Well, I...I lost my temper with him one day and called him a-- oh...That was the first time he'd ever heard you speak? What did he say? He says, "what's your racket?" Meaning by that that no man would pretend to be a deaf-mute - unless he was hiding out. - I don't know. I object to that question, your honor, and ask that the answer be stricken out. - Objection sustained. - Let the answer go out. Then what excuse did you give him for pretending to be a deaf-mute? Well...I said I was married to a dame that was on the hunt for me, and if she found me, she'd send me up for a rap. And what did Mr. Scorpio say to that? He says...He was sorry for all married men and wouldn't spill the beans. And he continued to befriend you, expecting, of course, that you would repay his loyalty and kindness with service. Well... I don't remember. Your honor, if I may suggest, I think it would be a very wise move on the part of the police department if they would investigate the criminal record of this man fink, alias Hagen, alias Metz, alias the dummy... And they'll find out that right now he's wanted in San Quentin for jailbreak. Don't believe him! I object! Silence! Silence in the court! That's that, gentlemen of the jury. Mr. district attorney, call your next witness. Miss Courtland. Miss Courtland, please. This way, miss Courtland. Raise your right hand. Do you swear the evidence you're about to give in this case before the court is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? I do. Now, we want you to tell your story frankly and without fear. Did you ever hear Mr. Scorpio discuss Mr. Rogers? - Yes. - When? It was the night of Mr. Rogers' death. What did he say? He said he was going to kill Mr. Rogers. Did you know to whom he was speaking? No. The man never answered. Did you warn Mr. Rogers? Yes, I followed him to tell him. I object, your honor, on the grounds that calls for hearsay. Objection sustained. Strike it out. Miss Courtland, do you believe that Mr. Scorpio killed Mr. Rogers? I have every reason to believe it. I object! I request both the answer and question be stricken out. Objection sustained. Strike them out. That will be all for the present. Miss Courtland, if you please... I'd like to cross-examine the witness, your honor. You may proceed. I have known miss Courtland for a good many years... Casually, of course, but long enough to know that she's at all times truthful. So I expect a Frank and honest reply to a few very simple questions. I think I heard you say that you resided at 118 park drive. Yes, the clarendon arms. Oh, yes, yes. Uh, what yearly rental do you pay on that apartment? 20,000. Rather an exclusive neighborhood. Uh, you were in Mr. Scorpio's rooms the night you say you overheard this threat? Yes. You drove there in your limousine, didn't you? Yes. - A gift from Mr. Scorpio? - Yes, sir. But not the first gift he'd given you. No. Uh, pardon me, may I ask... That 8-carat square-cut diamond you're wearing... That is an engagement ring from Mr. Scorpio? No, we were never engaged. Well, did you ever-- that is, in the presence of witnesses-- ever protest any real affection for Mr. Scorpio? No, I loathed and despised him! I'm very sorry if I've said anything to upset you. Of course, to be compelled to accept gifts aggregating $100,000 from a gentleman one loathes and despises, that naturally puts one in a very unhappy frame of mind. But you were engaged to Mr. Rogers? Yes. Well, did you ever-- that is, in front of witnesses-- profess any real affection for him? Yes, I loved him, and I wasn't ashamed to say I loved him! That's why I warned him! Oh, if he...If I... Ah, yes. Thank you. Don't let that dame get away from you, and get right back here. We might have to use the rods to get out of this joint. Scram. Your honor and gentlemen of the jury, in spite of the rather unconvincing testimony of the last witness, she has unconsciously revealed to you one of Mr. Scorpio's finest traits-- an unselfish generosity. It has been endeavored to prove to you that Mr. Scorpio is a blackguard, a hoodlum, a gangster, and a public enemy... And yet I can prove to you, gentlemen, that Mr. Scorpio is an established businessman. As American citizens, we represent law and order, as opposed to the destructive forces of gangland. Therefore, I ask you to go into that jury room and, after due deliberation, to return a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree... And to fix the penalty... At death. I thank you, gentlemen. So you're sticking up for these bootleggers, are you? The public is as guilty as the bootleggers! Who buys the liquor? Do you? No, I make my own. Oh, that's got nothing to do with it! Oh, Mr. Jones... please, would you come here a minute? Gentlemen of the jury, have you arrived at a verdict? We have, your honor. Mr. clerk, will you receive the verdict? Please read the verdict, Mr. clerk. "We, the jury in the above entitled action, "find the defendant not guilty of murder as charged in the indictment." Quiet! Gentlemen of the jury, is that your verdict? Yes, it is. Gentlemen... You are discharged from further service as jurors. In all my experience on the bench, I have never seen a more outrageous miscarriage of justice! Your verdict must remain as a blot upon the courts of this state. The defendant is discharged. Court's adjourned! Don't let that fellow get away! They ought to lynch him! Frank's steak house, Centro. Step on it! Where's the dame? She's waiting for you in Centro. Yeah? Well, ain't that too bad. What about this Carl Luckner guy, chief? Very clever young man. Perhaps a little bit too clever. I gotcha. That gets that done, all right. Hello, honey. Where did you come from? The stork brought me. Oh, yeah? Wish he'd bring me one. Hello. Get me station 23. Yeah. Hello. Carl speaking. Yeah. Hey, listen, I'm down at Scorpio's steak house. Yeah. We're all drifting in here to congratulate our old pal slaughterhouse. Oh, good. Luckner's at Scorpio's. Whole gang is in Centro. Are we ready for them, gentlemen? I'm ready. Here are warrants from the department of justice for all of them. What are they charged with? Fraudulent income tax returns. I've got them on arson. And here are deportation warrants for half of them. As a representative of the bar association of America, I can assure you that Newton will be disbarred. That means no more fixed juries. Donlin, are you ready? You bet I'm ready, and this time there'll be no escape. Close ranks around the town of Centro. Close in on main street from the stockyard to the drawbridge. Close in on the square block around Scorpio's headquarters. Give orders to have all the... Squad car 35, close right in around the town of Centro. Squad car 56, close right in around the town of Centro. Close in on main street from the stockyard to the drawbridge. Squad car 91... All right, Joe, let's go! What does slaughterhouse want with me? Don't ask me, Carl. All I know is he said something about you giving him a boost in your newspaper. - Oh, yeah? - Yeah. Hello, slaughterhouse. How are you? Hello, Carl. We've been waiting for you. Well...I guess I go for a ride, eh? Yes, I guess you do, but you're going to do a little talking first. Carl, who are the secret 6? I don't know. Well, you'd better know. There's more where that came from. What are you going to do with her? We've got her for company for you on the ride. Carl, you better come through. Who are the secret 6? I said I didn't know! Will you tell us if we let her go? It's the truth, Newton. I haven't the slightest idea who they are. Well, you better get an idea. Well, should we get started? He'll talk before we get down to the river. You know, that water's a little bit cold, Carl. Well, you might at least give me a chance to say good-bye to my good old aunt Emma. You're full of funny jokes, aren't you? Hold him here. Put out those lights. There's the chief. Come on, you two boys, let's go in and get 'em. The rest of you, stay here. What do you want, Donlin? We've got federal, county, and city warrants for you, Newton, and all your gang! You better come down here now and give up quietly. Otherwise, we'll come in and get you! All right, Donlin, we'll be right down. You hold Donlin on that spot. Don't you let him enter this building. Get over against the wall there, you guys. Get over there! Get over against the wall. Get over there! Give me part of that dough. We haven't got time for that now. We've got to get out of the country. Give me part of that dough. You can cut through the stockyard. I'll meet you at pier 14. Give me half of that dough! I'll see you at pier 14. You'll see me now! Well, that serves me right. That's the first time I ever turned my back to you, you rat. Gee, newt, I didn't want to get you, but you asked for it. Peaches. Peaches! Peaches! Peaches! Hurry! Send 'em over the roof! Tell 'em I'm not here, peaches! Come on, come on. Get in here, baby! Get in here, my old pal! Come on in, you bozos. I got him! Come on up! Come on! Come on in! Where is he? He's in the closet. Get him! Get him! Come on out, slaughterhouse! - Pete! - Yeah? - How much time do we got? - About 10 minutes. Slaughterhouse? Yeah? What you doin', sweatin'? No. If we hadn't croaked Newton, he'd be able to get us out of here. Hmm. Well, he can't fix the jury where we're going. Silence! Slaughterhouse passed out of jail. Yeah. Now let me slip you the real dope. The secret 6 is on the job. Yeah. We're gonna clean up the country. And listen, Sam, don't call me up again. I'm all in. I'm gonna lay off for a month and sleep. No, at my aunt Emma's. - I want to thank you for your help, Carl. - That's ok. The secret 6 wants to do something for you. Yeah? Well, all I want is a lot of sleep. If they feel that way, why don't they do something for Anne? Send her away on a trip, give her a chance to start all over again. Poor kid, she's had a tough break. All right, Carl, I think that can be arranged. Hello, hello. Sam? What do you want? No! What? Boy, that's hot news! Shot through the bedroom keyhole? Say, have the cops hold the guy in pajamas. Sure, I'll step on it! Scorpio dead! Extra, extra! |
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