Lights of New York (film)

by Bryan Foy

For works with similar titles, see Lights of New York.

a
WARNER BROTHERS

W-B

PRODUCTION

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.
and
The Vitaphone Corporations
present
"Lights of New York"
by
Murray Roth & Hugh Herbert
Directed by
Bryan Foy
Photography by
E. B. Du Par
Edited by
Jack Killifer

The Players

Helene Costello
Cullen Landis
Mary Carr
Wheeler Oakman
Gladys Brockwell
Robert Elliott
Eugene Pallette
Tom Dugan
Tom McGuire
Walter Percival
Guy Dennery
Jere Delaney

This is a story of Main Street and Broadway——a story that might have been torn out of last night's newspaper.

Main Street——forty-five minutes from Broadway——but a thousand miles away.

Morgan Hotel

Song: "Where Do We Go From Here?" ()

Radio

"[...] from here, boys?
Oh, where do we go from here?
Anyplace from Harlem to a Jersey city pier;"
When Pat would spy a pretty girl, he'd whisper in her ear,
"Oh, joy! [...]"

Dan
Hey, you. Shut off that music back, will you? That thing makes me homesick for Broadway. Here we've been stuck in this pint-sized town for nearly a month. It's enough to drive a guy goofy.

Jack
Say, where've you been all day? I've been waiting for you. Look—there's a kiss from Cinderella.

Dan
From who?

Jack
It's from Scanlan. And we're okay—the bootleg rap against us has been dropped, and we can go back to the Big Town tomorrow.

Dan
Great. But what are we gonna use for money when we get there? Our bootleg joint is empty and we need dough!

Jack
I've been taking care of that. You know that barber downstairs? He looks like a cinch to me. And after the talks I've had with him, he thinks that joint of ours is a regular barber shop and not a speakeasy.

Dan
But has he got any money?

Jack
Eh, not much. But that kid Eddie whose mother runs this hotel has got some dough. I've got a hunch we can do some business with him. You know, he's crazy to go to New York. I think I've got him billed up.

Dan
Now, listen, don't rush him and don't go to strong.

Jack
All I can say is somebody has got to pay our way.

Dan
And all I can say is somebody always did.

The New Yorker

Eddie
Closed up for the night, Gene?

Gene
Yep. And for all the business I did I might as well have been closed up all day.

Gene
You know, Eddie, we're wasting our time in a burg like this. Now, you take Kitty Lewis, for instance. She took a chance—went to New York City—and she's doing fine.

What, since they built that big hotel over there across the street, why, your hotel is not even making expenses. Why don't you have a customer in there for hours at a time? Most of the hicks in this town would like to cut their own hair.

Eddie
Well, I'm sick of this burg, too. Now, listen, I've been to New York enough to know that I belong someplace where I can do something.

Gene
Hmph, me too. Do you know that I am the best barber in this town?

Eddie
Yes.

Gene
Now, you take those two fellows in Room 21, that have been talking to us about going in business with them. They've got one of the best barber shops in New York City. What are we gonna do about that? Are we going in partners with them?

Eddie
I don't know. I've told Mother about the proposition. We've talked about it three nights already.

Gene
Why don't you talk to her again? I've got some money saved up. Why, they'll take us in for five-thousand dollars.

Eddie
All right, I'll do it. You stick around here. I'll go up and have another talk with Mother. This nine o'clock town is getting on my nerves.

Gene
Okay, now, listen—I'll tend to the office, and you hurry back just as soon as you can get here, will you?

Eddie
All right, Gene.

Gene
Okay, now.

Dan
How are you, Mr.—

Gene
Now, never mind that "Mr." stuff. Just call me Gene.

Dan
All right, Gene. Let me have a blank check, will you?

Gene
Why, sure!

Jack
Never mind that check, Dan. Give it to me tomorrow.

Dan
This fellow's pretty lucky—beat me for four hundred at rummy again.

Gene
Four hundred dollars for rummy?

Dan
He took me for six hundred yesterday.

Gene
Gee whiz!

Jack
Many's the time he took me for plenty.

Dan
Well, Gene, we just came down to say goodbye. We're leaving for New York in the morning.

Gene
Yeah? You are?

Dan
Yes.

Jack
Got to get back to the Big Town on some business.

Gene
Tomorrow, huh?

Dan
Mhm.

Gene
Well, what about that proposition we were talking over? Don't we get in on that?

Jack
I'm afraid it's too much for you, Gene. I think you'd better let it go.

Gene
Oh, no. I think we can arrange it. I think we can arrange it. You see, Eddie's upstairs talking it over with his mother right now.

Jack
Yeah?

Eddie
Mother, dear, I know it's a good proposition, and if you'll give me the money, I'm positive that I won't fail.

Mrs. Morgan
Eddie, dear, I'm willing to give you anything—anything in the world—but I cannot afford to risk it. You know this hotel hasn't been doing so well lately.

Eddie
That's just the reason I want to go, Mom. I'm positive I'll make a success of it. You'll see. Oh, please.

Mrs. Morgan
When children leave home...they forget. Now, take Kitty Lewis, for instance. She hasn't written to you, has she? Are you sure that you're not over-anxious to be where she is? Are you?

Eddie
Naturally, I want to be near her, Mother. You don't blame me, do you?

Mrs. Morgan
No. I don't blame you. She's a dear, sweet girl. And I know you love her.

Eddie
Now, listen, Mom, give me the money, please. I just worked my head off to make a success of everything. And I'll fix it so you can take things easy for the rest of your life.

Eddie
Hello, who is it?

Eddie
Oh, wait a minute, Gene.

Eddie
Those two men are going to leave in the morning. You see, they didn't say a word about it. Now, I've got to see them before they leave.

Mrs. Morgan
Where are they?

Eddie
Well, they're down in the lobby. Oh, Mother, let me take the money, won't you? I'm sure everything will be okay.

Mrs. Morgan
Well, why not have the gentlemen come up here?

Eddie
All right.

Eddie
Hello, Gene. Have the gentleman come up to our rooms, will you? And listen, you come up, too.

Eddie
Right.

Mrs. Morgan
Thank you, dear. I know you're anxious to do something big. But... I'd loan you the money is in a moment, but I cannot afford to lose it, and you cannot afford to fail.

Eddie
Oh, don't you worry about me failing, Mother. I'm just sure everything's gonna come out great.

Eddie
Come in, gentlemen.

Gene
Hey, there, Mrs. Morgan.

Eddie
Mother, do you know these two gentlemen? Mr. Dickson, and Mr. Jackson.

Jack
How do you do?

Dan
How do you do?

Mrs. Morgan
How do you do? I think I've had the pleasure of meeting you. You're the gentlemen in Room 21, aren't you?

Dan
Yes, we are.

Jack
21.

Mrs. Morgan
My son's been telling me of the wonderful proposition.

Jack
Yes?

Dan
It's a wonderful proposition, Mrs. Morgan. And I think a young fellow like Eddie will do great.

Jack
Absolutely.

Gene
You see he means two fellows, like me and Eddie, Mrs. Morgan.

Mrs. Morgan
I see. Well, I think you're both very nice boys.

Jack
Thank you.

Mrs. Morgan
And I trust you implicitly.

Gene
Oh, they're lovely fellows, Mrs. Morgan. I've talked to them a great deal since they've been here.

Broadway——forty-five minutes from Main Street——but a million miles away.

Chinatown
and the
Bowery
$1.^{00 Round}

Vendor
Right this way, folks! Chinatown and the Bowery! One dollar! Round trip! Come on, folks! Everybody ride! See the lower east side of the Chinese den! One dollar, folks!

Antiques

Man by antique shop
Well, where'll we go?

Woman by antique shop
I tell you, let's go upstairs to the Royal Buffet. Charles White lives up there.

Man by antique shop
Okay, baby.

Theater announcer
Tonight for all the big show hits in town! Theater tickets—this is where we sell them inside! Step right in! Theater tickets—this is where we sell them!

Inquirer
Pardon me, Officer, but could you tell me where the other side of the street is?

Officer
Why, it's right over there.

Inquirer
That's strange. The fellow over there told me it was over here.

Officer
Go on! Run along now, before I...

Old Century

Newspaper man
Extra! Paper! Big police murder! Extra! Paper! All about the big police murder! Extra! Paper! Policeman killed by bootleggers! All about the big police murder!

Gene
Oh, Eddie? Eddie!

Eddie
What's the matter?

Gene
A whole 'nother bootleg murder. "Officer Thomas Kerwin Killed in the Bootleg War."

Eddie
That's just another reason that I wanna get out of this place and this racket. If I'd have known six months ago what I know now, I wouldn't be here.

Gene
Yeah. We're a couple of smart fellas.

Eddie
Well, we thought we were buying a respectable barber shop, and get hooked into a speakeasy and a warehouse for bottled goods.

Gene
Yeah. About the only thing I ever shave around this joint is labels off of bottles. They quit paying for us—they didn't try to sell us Central Park or Coney Island. Yeah. We're a couple of smart fellas.

Eddie
Now, listen, Gene, if I didn't have my mother's money tied up in this thing, I'd quit right now. And believe me, as soon as I get even, I am through.

Gene
Well, you and me both. But, you see, we got tricked into this thing, Eddie. And we've got to go through with it. See, we were tricked by a couple of...fine gentlemen.

Eddie
Yeah, and we went into it too quickly.

Gene
There come those two fine gentlemen now.

Eddie
Look out they don't steal your watch.

Jack
And how are the little tonsorial brothers today?

Gene
Great! And all I ask is to get one of you birds in that chair for about a minute.

Dan
Ah, there's no use getting sore about it.

Eddie
What do you expect him to do, kiss you, with the deal you handed out?

Dan
Well, you've got no kick coming. We split with you.

Eddie
I don't want that kind of money.

Gene
No, and what we bought was a regular barber shop, not a speakeasy.

Dan
Well, here's your chance to have a regular shop. Did you see tonight's paper?

Eddie
Yes, I did.

Jack
You know, that's enough for Dan and me. You know, this town is going to be so hot from now on, you won't be able to live in it.

Dan
So this joint is yours! It's in your name anyway. Well, so long, Eddie. See you in church.

Dan
Come on, Jake.

Jack
No, wait a minute, Dan. Aren't you going to say goodbye to the best little barber in the country? Haha!

Gene
I hope you two guys spend your old age in jail!

Gene
Imagine those eggs.

Eddie
Hello?

Eddie
Oh, hello, Kitty.

Eddie
All right, honey. Well, I'll drive over and get you in the car. I'll meet you in front of the apartment. Now, you'll have plenty of time for the show. All right.

Eddie
That was Kitty. I'm going over to see her. I don't know what time I'll be back.

Gene
Well, at least you've got somebody decent you're going to talk to.

Eddie
I'll see you later.

Gene
All right, watch yourself, Eddie.

Central Park

Kitty
Oh, another bootleg murder. You see that's why I want you to quit that business. Sooner or later, the cops are going to find out it's only...that your barber shop's only a speakeasy. There're so many other things you can do, Eddie.

Eddie
Oh, I know it, darling, and I am gonna quit. And when I do, you quit that night club, too.

Kitty
Oh, you're right. I don't wanna work there any longer than I have to. Oh, you know, Hawk Miller is always hanging around me.

Eddie
Hawk Miller? Hawk Miller likes me. He's my friend. And, besides, he knows that you're my girl.

Kitty
You don't know Hawk like I do. It's me he likes.

Eddie
Aw, don't you be silly. He has a girl of his own, Molly. She's been his girl for years.

Kitty
All right. But just remember that I told you.

Eddie
Now, he's all right, honey. Besides, I don't want to have any trouble with him. I expect to sell him all my stuff.

Kitty
Well, I want to get out of there as soon as possible. You know, it gets pretty rough. Fights...oh, and everything. I get almost afraid sometimes.

Eddie
Well, don't you be afraid of anybody, honey.

Here. Look. I've had that for years. My father gave it to me to practice with when I was a kid. And if anybody annoys you, why, you just fire it in the air a couple of times, and that'll scare them away.

Kitty
Cute, isn't it?

Eddie
You come along, honey. It's getting late. You've got to get over to the cafe and do your stuff.

Kitty
All right. Let's go. I'll be glad to get it over with. Gee, I hate that place.

The Night Hawk——a night club where anything can happen and usually does.

The
Night Hawk

"Hawk" Miller——owner of the Night Hawk Cafe.

Hawk
Say, Bob, I want you to be very careful who you let in here tonight. Make sure that everybody has a card.

Bob
Don't worry, Hawk. Leave it to me.

Molly Thompson——the Hawk's girl for more years than she cared to admit.

Master of ceremonies
And now, folks, now, folks, we're going to have the dancing pirates. And, believe me, boys, take it from me, they'll take it from you.

Kitty
Come in.

Eddie
Hello.

Kitty
Hello, Eddie.

Eddie
Wouldn't be nobody else.

Kitty
Now what do you want?

Eddie
Well, I want a lot of things, but most of all I want you.

Kitty
Don't you ever get bored looking at me, Eddie?

Eddie
Well, I get bored at looking at anyone else but you. In fact, I don't like anyone looking at you.

Kitty
You know, I believe you're jealous.

Eddie
You believe I'm jealous? And why shouldn't I be, of the prettiest girl in the world? You know, someday, I'm going to have a nightclub all my own, with no one in it to watch you but me.

Kitty
Oh, no. You promised that we were all finished with nightclubs, didn't you, Eddie?

Eddie
That's right, I did.

Kitty
Well, that's settled. Now, run along, dear, because I have to dress.

Eddie
How about a little kiss? Now, I'll run out and get my ringside seat.

Kitty
I'll be seeing you.

Master of ceremonies
Now, folks! Now... Hey, folks! Now comes that horrible moment in every night club, when the master of ceremony feels a song coming on, and this is that horrible moment—you know, that terrible time—and a girl, she leans over to her escort and she says, "Daddy, give that boy two dollars!" Well... Well, here it is.

Song: "At Dawnin'" ()

Master of ceremonies

Now, that's somethin'.
I long see the gold colors takin',
 In the golden West.
Now, that's the time I really get to thinkin',
 That I'm heaven-blessed!
Home sees shadows risin',
 That means I've had my rest.
And when I wake up in the early dawnin'
 That's the time I love her best.

Of mornin' glories
Tellin' stories
 At dawnin'.
And every daisy
Wakes up lazy
 At dawnin'.

Now, in the evenin',
Shadows creepin',
That's time you feel like sleepin'.
 Mr. Rooster wakes you up at dawnin'.

Hey, love is sweeter,
Life's completer,
 At daw-daw-dawnin'.
Our time's truer
Love is newer
 At daw-daw-dawnin'.

Whi' a mammy's arms caress you,
 Whi' yaw-yawnin'?
And all your little troubles
Turn into bubbles,
 At dawnin'.

Hey, lo-lo-lo-dio, lo-lo-do-dio,
 Daw-daw-dawnin'.
Lo-lo-do-dio, do-do-do-dio,
 Daw-daw-dawnin'.

Weather even shadows the reapers.
That's the time you feel like sleepers.
 Mr. Rooster wakes you up at do-do-dio-do.

Hey, lo-do-do-dio, lo-lo-lo-dio,
 Daw-daw-dawnin'.
Our time's truer
And love is newer
 At daw-daw-dawnin'.

Whi' a mammy's arms press you,
 Whi' yaw-yawnin'?
And all your little troubles
Turn into bubbles,
 At dawnin'.

The Hawk's office in the Night Club.

Sam
Hey. Here comes a hawk. Better sit down.

Sam
Hey, listen, Hawk, I don't think we'd better take any chance with this stuff. You know it's Old Century, don't you?

Hawk
You don't think! You know we're not going to take any chances when a cop has been bumped off.

Sam
Well, I didn't bump him off. Don't blame it on me.

Hawk
Shut up! Who asked you? He was killed, wasn't he?

Sam
Sure, he was killed.

Hawk
Well, somebody's gotta take the rap.

Hawk
The only evidence they have is those twelve cases of Old Century. And it's right here in this joint.

Tommy
We were a bunch of saps to bring it here. We've gotta get rid of it.

Hawk
That's just what I'm going to do. And I want you to handle it for me, Tommy.

Tommy
What? Me? You must think I've got marshmallows for brains, Hawk.

Hawk
Why, you poor crumb. You're scared. You're afraid to take a chance.

Tommy
Why don't you take it?

Hawk
You take it, Sam. This guy's got a streak of yellow a yard wide.

Sam
Me? No, not me! Why don't you take it? Take it yourself. You know, when it comes right down with it, you...you killed the cop, you know. We didn't have anything to do with it. Did we?

Hawk
Shut up, will you? Would you pin those lips together and quit making those cracks about who bumped him off?

Sam
Well...

Hawk
Get you guys a couple of megaphones.

Private Office

Hawk
Hey, it's Eddie Morgan outside. Does that give you beggars any ideas?

Sam
No, but it might give you an idea.

Hawk
Yeah, why?

Sam
Well, you know, Eddie runs that joint over on 46th Street. You know that.

Tommy
And he's got a chicken that ain't so bad either. Maybe you could kill two birds with one stone.

Hawk
Why, what do you mean, Tommy? Now, you don't think for a minute that I would frame Eddie, do you?

Sam
No, no, no, you wouldn't frame anybody, Hawk. No, not you. It's a mistake.

Tommy
Well, there's an idea there. If they find the goods here, it'll go pretty hard with you, Hawk.

Hawk
Well, it won't go so easy for you two guys, either. Now, listen, if they grab Eddie, we can help them if we're going outside, can't we?

Sam
Sure, we could do that, yeah.

Tommy
You're always a great guy for fixing things, Hawk, supposing you do it.

Hawk
Yeah, you'd better leave it to me.

Sam
Yeah. We'll leave it to you. We'll leave it right to you.

Hawk
You guys make us neat. I think I've got an idea.

Hawk
But don't leave town!

Sam
Don't leave town? Why not?

Hawk
Well, it might look bad.

Sam
Well, all right. We'll just hang around the joint, huh?

Hawk
If you see Eddie Morgan out there, tell him I wanna see him.

Sam
All right.

Sam
Hey, Eddie, the Hawk wants you in the office.

Eddie
I'll see him a little bit later.

Sam
Look, Eddie, you'd better go in now. He wants to see you right away.

Eddie
All right.

Eddie
Hello, Hawk, did you want to see me?

Hawk
Ah, hi, Eddie. Come on inside.

Eddie
What's on your mind?

Hawk
Oh, nothing in particular. How is everything over at the shop? All right?

Eddie
Just fair. You know how it is.

Hawk
I'll tell you what I want to see about, Eddie. I just got a tip from headquarters that I might be raided, by Federal men.

Eddie
Oh.

Hawk
And I was wondering if you wouldn't mind a few cases for me for a few hours, till it blows over.

Eddie
Why, certainly! Why not? Where is it?

Hawk
Right here. There're only a few cases. Where's your car?

Eddie
Right outside.

Hawk
Good.

Old Century

 

Old Century

 

Old Century

Eddie
Oh, I see. I'll take it over right now.

Hawk
That's a good idea. Take it out the back way. Here's the key. I certainly appreciate this, Eddie.

Eddie
Anytime at all, Hawk.

Hawk
Thanks.

Dancer 1
Oh, hello, Mr. Miller.

Dancer 2
Hello, Mr. Miller.

Hawk
Wait a minute, Kitty. I want to see you for a minute.

Kitty
Look, please, Mr. Miller. I have to hurry.

Hawk
Why the "Mr." stuff, Kitty? Why, you're the coldest propositioner I ever met. Why the icicles? You ought to know that high-hat stuff will never get you any place with me.

Kitty
Well, I'm not trying to high-hat you, Mr. Morris. I have to make another number.

Hawk
Wait a minute, Kitty. I want to tip you off to something. Are you running around with that sappity Morgan and wasting your time? What can he do for you—a piking bootlegger?

Who was it that took you out of the chorus, huh? Me, wasn't it? Who was it that gave you a chance to leave numbers? Me! Why, I could set you in a big show—get you anything. And you run around with a bologna like that simp. Come on inside and sit down, huh?

Kitty
Well, I can't, I have to hurry.

Hawk
Will you be back?

Kitty
I'll try.

Molly
Wait a minute, Hawk. You're a hound for chickens, ain't you?

Hawk
Well, what do you want?

Molly
Nothing much. Only this—that kid don't want any part of you.

Hawk
Hey, you mind your own business, will you? I'll take care of that kid.

Molly
So I see. But I'm warning you to stay off.

Hawk
Yeah? Why?

Molly
Oh, I'm just warning you, that's all. You might get indigestion from too much chicken.

Hawk
Well, if I get indigestion, it won't be from an old hen.

Molly
Wait a minute! You didn't say that when you wanted the money to run this joint. You didn't say that when you wanted me to stick by you through all the tough times.

Hawk
Oh, save that gab, will you? Why don't you get yourself a tambourine and go out on the corner and peddle your blues?

Hawk
You'll be careful, but you're not singing the blues, Hawk. You think you can pick any chicken you want, and throw me back in the deck? Well, you can't do it. It ain't lucky.

Hawk
Who said so?

Molly
I said so.

Hawk
Yeah? Well, you've said too much. Now, you understand? We're through. I'm sick and tired of you sitting around this joint day in and day out, staring and watching every move I make. Now, you beat it. I have important business to attend to.

Molly
So have I!

Sam
Hey! Here comes two cops. You'd better duck!

Hawk
Hello, boys. How are you? Sit down.

Hawk
Have a cigar.

Hawk
Well, what's on your mind, boys?

Detective Crosby
Plenty. You've heard about Tom Kerwin being bumped off, of course.

Hawk
I certainly did. There's an extra out about it. Did you land the guy that did it?

Detective Collins
No, but we're well, Hawk.

Hawk
Well, I hope so. It's pretty tough when a cop is bumped off. They're my best friends.

Detective Crosby
Yes, and it's going to be tough on the guy who did it.

Hawk
Well, I hope you get the dirty rat! Got any ideas?

Detective Crosby
No. Have you?

Hawk
Me? Why, what ideas would I have about a job like that?

Detective Crosby
I was thinking you might know something, and if you do know, it would be a good idea to talk.

Hawk
Why, I've got nothing to say.

Detective Crosby
Well, I have. This killing was a bootleg job, and it concerns liquor. Until we know who killed that cop, we're going to close every joint. Yes, this one's first!

Hawk
Gee, that's pretty tough, boys. I'd like to help you. Have you got any clues?

Detective Crosby
Nothing much. The stuff they was after was all censured. I haven't seen any before this job in two years.

Hawk
All censured...

Detective Crosby
Yeah. There was a few cases missing. The ones that did the job took some of the stuff. See any around?

Hawk
Why, boys, what's the matter? Surely you don't think that I would have any stuff like that lying around, do you? That or any other stuff.

Detective Crosby
We're not thinking anything, Hawk, but it's about time you began thinking. You probably could tell us plenty, so open your trap and say something!

Hawk
Boys, you know I'm not a squealer, don't you? You know I've always been on the up-and-up, don't you? Why, I wouldn't hurt a pal for the world. But when it comes to killing a cop, I'm against him.

Detective Crosby
Well, well, come on!

Hawk
You say the guy that did the job got away with some cases of Old Century?

Detective Crosby
Yes!

Detective Collins
Yes!

Hawk
Well, I might be able to help you. I think I've got a clue.

Detective Crosby
Where?

Detective Collins
Who?

Hawk
I can't say just now, but... You know where the White Way Barber Shop is, don't you?

Detective Crosby
Over on 46th Street?

Hawk
Right. Well, you be there at ten o'clock, and I might show you something interesting. Get me?

Detective Crosby
White Way Barber Shop at ten o'clock, huh?

Hawk
Right.

Hawk
Hey, the cops were just here.

Sam
Yeah, I know they were. We saw them. What do they want?

Hawk
Crosby knows something.

Sam
He does?

Hawk
Yes. Sit down. Now we've gotta cover ourselves up. I've planted the stuff in Eddie's shop.

Sam
Yeah?

Hawk
And the dicks will be there at ten o'clock.

Sam
Uh-huh.

Hawk
But they must not find Eddie!

Sam
What do you want us to do?

Hawk
I want you guys to make him disappear.

Sam
Disappear?

Hawk
Why, certainly. If they don't find him, it will cinch everything for us. Don't you understand?

Sam
But you mean...

Hawk
Take him for a ride.

Sam
Oh!

Kitty
424 Bryant. No, operator, four-two-four. Yes.

Kitty
Hello? Hello, is Eddie there? Bring him to the phone quick. This is Kitty. Yes.

Kitty
Hello, Eddie? Listen. The Hawk framed you. Oh, I'm telling you he did, I heard him.

Kitty
Yes. Crosby and Collins are coming down to the barber shop at ten o'clock.

Kitty
Yes. Oh, listen to me, Eddie, please!

Eight minutes to ten—

The White Way
Barber Shop

Hawk
Hello, Gene.

Gene
Hello, Hawk.

Hawk
Where's Eddie?

Gene
Why, he was here a while ago. He went out with a couple of guys.

Hawk
A couple of guys, eh?

Gene
Yeah, two of them.

Hawk
Well, I think I'll stick around a while.

Gene
All right, Hawk. Make yourself at home. Have you lamped that new Police Gazette yet? Get a load of that third page!

Gene
Not bad, eh?

Hawk
Hello, Eddie.

Eddie
Hello, Hawk.

Hawk
Did you get the stuff done, all right?

Eddie
Certainly. Everything's jake? Why?

Hawk
Oh, nothing. Just wanted to make sure that you had it, that's all.

Eddie
That ain't all, Hawk. You thought you'd put something over on me, didn't you?

Hawk
Why, what do you mean? Why, you're all excited about nothing. You ought to know me better than that, old pal. Haven't I always been on the up-and-up with you? Why, I can't understand what you mean.

Eddie
I mean just this—you tried to frame me. You knew the cops were looking for Old Century. That's the reason you wanted me to plant it in this joint.

Hawk
Now, don't get excited! Don't get excited! Why, somebody must be kidding you.

Eddie
Yeah?

Eddie
Well, that may be so. It may not be so. But I've protected myself.

Hawk
You what? You got the stuff, didn't you?

Eddie
I told you, yes.

Eddie
But, when the cops get here...

Hawk
Cops? Now, who said anything about cops?

Eddie
Say, don't try to pull that on me. You know the dicks will be here at ten o'clock!

Hawk
Ah, you're crazy.

Eddie
Yeah, well maybe I am, and maybe I'm not. That doesn't make any difference. I am just crazy enough to know that you're the guy that bumped off that cop!

Hawk
Why, you poor chump! You're hooked! Yes, and you're hooked good! Because when the dicks get here and find the stuff, they'll grab you! And I'll grab Kitty!

Eddie
Heh, don't make me laugh. They'll take nobody but you! Because Kitty quit your joint tonight! And I dumped the stuff in the river! What do you think of that?

Hawk
Why, you can't get away with that stuff. Why, you haven't got a chance!

Gene
What's happened, Eddie?

Eddie
Somebody shot the Hawk!

Gene
Who did it?

Eddie
I don't know! It came from back there! Listen, we've gotta get him out of here! I'll tell you! I'll put him in my car, and dump him along the road someplace!

Gene
All right.

Eddie
Pick him up!

Gene
All right.

Gene
Give me a hand, Eddie.

Eddie
It's too late.

Gene
Well, what'll we do?

Eddie
I don't know. Here, put him in that chair.

Eddie
Got him?

Gene
Slip him up.

Eddie
Listen.

Gene
Yeah?

Eddie
Stall as long as you can. I've got to make a getaway.

Gene
Okay.

Detective Crosby
Am I next?

Gene
Why, yes, sir. But, you'll have to wait. I just started on this gentleman.

Detective Crosby
All right, I'll wait.

Gene
You see, he wants a massage, too.

Detective Crosby
I'll wait!

Gene
All right.

Gene
Yes, sir. That was certainly a great game. Made two runs in the ninth inning. Made the score two to one. Great game tomorrow, too. That's all right, old man. Go ahead and sleep. I'll wake you up when I'm through with you.

Detective Crosby
It's Hawk Miller! He's dead!

Detective Collins
What is it?

Detective Crosby
What is this?

Gene
I don't know.

Detective Crosby
That's what they all say. You'd better speak up and save yourself a lot of grief. How did it happen?

Gene
Well, all I know, Eddie and me was in here talking, and the Hawk comes in. There was a lot of conversation about Old Century. And then the Hawk makes a crack about Eddie's dame, Kitty. And Hawk goes for his rod, and then he got shot.

Detective Crosby
By Eddie?

Gene
Oh, I don't know who done it, but it wasn't Eddie.

Detective Crosby
Eddie Morgan did it and you know he did it! Where is he?

Gene
I don't know.

Detective Crosby
Where is he?

Gene
Oh, he went out that door.

Detective Crosby
Collins, take charge. I'll grab this guy, Eddie, before he knows where he stands!

Gene
Now, listen, Chief, honest to God, I don't know who took...

Detective Collins
Oh, listen, listen, listen.

Gene
I wasn't in on the play. I don't know nothing.

Detective Collins
Oh, what are you squawking about? Everything will be all right.

Gene
I know.

Detective Collins
Calm yourself.

Not far from the barber shop, Kitty waited anxiously in her apartment.

Eddie
Kitty! We've gotta get out of here now, quickly! Pack up the things and let's go!

Kitty
I know! Hawk Miller!

Eddie
How do you know?

Detective Crosby
What's your hurry? You're not going anywhere. Now, Eddie, looks like I caught up with you, don't it?

Eddie
Now, what do you want with me, Mr. Crosby? I haven't done nothing.

Detective Crosby
Of course you haven't. You must take me for an awful boob. I just left your barber shop. Hawk Miller is dead! He was killed with this. Come on. Let's go.

Kitty
Oh, no! Don't take him! He didn't do it! Honest, he didn't do it!

Detective Crosby
No? Then who did?

Kitty
Why, why...

Eddie
Keep quiet, Kitty!

Detective Crosby
She doesn't have to say anything. Neither do you. I've got proof enough to send you to the chair. Come on—both of you.

Molly
Wait a minute, Crosby. You've got the wrong people.

Detective Crosby
What do you mean?

Molly
I mean, they've got nothing to do with the killing of Hawk Miller.

Detective Crosby
How do you know?

Molly
I guess I'm the one person who ought to know, because...I did it.

Detective Crosby
You? I don't believe it. He was your man, wasn't he?

Molly
Yes. He was my man. I loved him. But I couldn't stand his loving somebody else! When he told me he was through with me, I...I made up my mind he was through with...all women. So, when Kitty here was doing her number, I went to her dressing room and took her gun and followed him to the barber shop. Then...Then, I heard him tell Eddie he was going to kill him and take his girl. Oh, I...I must have gone mad! I was jealous! I was crazy! I...I killed him! He was no good. But I loved him. Well, he's gone now. So I can tell you about double-crossing. He was the one who killed the policeman, Tom.

Detective Crosby
He did?

Molly
He did. Well, that's all. Come on, let's get it over with. I'm not afraid. I've lived, and I've loved, and I've lost!

Detective Crosby
Molly, you're all right. You certainly saved these kids.

Detective Crosby
If you both will take my tip, you'll get out of this city. Don't you see how close you've been to tragedy? Get out. Take a train to the country where there's trees and flowers and mountains. Leave the Roaring Forties to roar without you.

Eddie
You're right, Mr. Crosby. We're gonna leave the first chance we get. We've made our minds up. We want to do right for each other, and everyone else. There's no luck in anything else.

Detective Crosby
Right. Come on, Molly. I don't think it's gonna be so tough for you. There was a reward for the killer, dead or alive. Besides, you've saved the state a lot of expense—the cost of an electrocution. I'm gonna see that you get a break, and don't think you've got much to worry about.

Detective Crosby
Don't forget the train to the country.

Eddie
Phew! Train? Honey, we'll fly to the country!

The End
A
Warner Bros. Vitaphone Production