- What happened? - I'm not sure yet.
But I had it with me when I left, that I know.
You sure you took the right purse?
Well, of course I'm sure.
You saw me put it in.
Look, I must have had my purse picked.
I'm sure of it.
Well, what'll I do, Joey? Should I go up and see him anyway?
No. Come back right away.
- She's scared. - She should be.
- Did you get a good look at him? - Yeah.
Don't lose her.
- Have a seat, Mr. Zara. - Thank you.
We don't often get a chance to cooperate with you people...
but if there's anything we can do, just name it.
- I'm looking for a pickpocket. - What's his name?
- Don't know. - We're in trouble.
He stole a wallet out of a woman's purse on the subway this morning.
- You know what he looks like? - Mm-hmm.
We're in business.
- So the Commies are mixed up in this. - Uh-huh.
She's been passing military information to the agents.
- You know the man she was to pass the stuff to? - Nope.
Got a line on everybody else in the picture, except him.
He's Mr. Big. Carts the stuff out of the country.
All we know is, as soon as he gets his hands on that film, he'll cross the ocean with it.
So that's the way it happened.
It's just one of those tough breaks, Joey.
- Well, I'm sorry. - We've got to find him.
In New York? You're crazy.
We've got to find that film.
Film?
Yeah. That's right.
That's what you were carrying in your wallet.
You know what was on that film?
- A new patent for a chemical formula. - So?
Candy, it's the most important patent we've ever had.
- What are you getting so excited about? - Because we can't get another copy of it!
Joey, you're talking like it was hot.
How many times do I have to tell you, we're not criminals.
This is big business.
Cut-throat business.
- And I'm in a spot. - Well...
I told ya, I'm sorry it happened...
but there's nothin' I can do about it.
So you just tell your boss I had my bag picked.
Wait a minute. You're not walking out on me now.
Look, we made a deal. You promised me.
- No more deliveries after we broke up. - That's right.
And you promised to make this last one for me.
Well, sure, I did. But I can't help it if some guy...
Look, look. Wait a minute.
Candy, you're a smart girl. You can figure out a way to find him.
But I don't know anything about pickpockets.
Well, you've knocked around a lot.
- You know people who know people. - You gonna throw that in my face again?
Look, Candy, you've got to help me.
You know what he looks like.
If I had your contacts, I wouldn't be begging like this.
Well, maybe I can get ya a lead.
Candy, if you can find that pickpocket for me, I'll never bother ya again. Never.
I promise ya.
All right, Joey.
We have a thousand photos to go through...
and from here on in, it's anybody's guess.
How long do you think it'll take?
Maybe the rest of the day. Maybe all night.
- Who knows? - Is there a faster method?
Well, there is one character who can help us out.
Maybe. Not exactly kosher.
- We're fighting time. - Well, no harm trying.
Maybe Moe can speed this up a little.
Who's Moe?
Hello, Moe.
Who's the creep? What's he in for?
He looks like a second-story cat thief.
I got a polka-dot job that was just made for your personality, Tiger.
- We gotta get quick action. - Everything around here is an emergency.
Hey. This got something to do with homicide?
- No. - I got no killers on my table.
I'm gonna stay in business long enough to feed this kitty.
- How's she doing? - Gettin' fat.
I got almost enough to buy the stone and the plot.
If you lost that kitty, it's potter's field.
This I do not think is a very funny joke, Captain Tiger.
I just meant you ought to be careful how you carry your bankroll.
Look, Tiger, if... if I was to be buried in potter's field...
it'd just about kill me.
I got a hole picked out on Long Island. It's private.
You gotta be screened before they'll let them put you in there.
That's how exclusive it is.
- What's the score? - Don't know yet.
We're looking for a cannon who binged a girl on the subway for a wallet.
Well, ain't he pigeonholed with the moll-buzzers?
No. And we haven't got time to go through all those files.
I thought maybe you knew of some first-rate grifters...
who've been working the subway for the last 24 hours.
I happen to know a couple of live cannons playing the subway the last week.
Business has been droppin'.
- You the victim's old man? - No, he's the big thumb.
A stripe job would give you more personality, mister.
- Did you get a good look at the grifter? - Yes.
- Uh, medium height... - Ah, medium.
Short, tall, light, dark, fat, skinny.
Thousands of cannons look like that.
It's the technique.
Every one of them's got his own trademark.
Ah, look what that does for him, Tiger.
- It's yours for a buck. - All right.
Uh, tell me, mister, when'd this happen?
A couple of hours ago.
Was he standing to the left of her, the right of her or behind her?
Behind her. Then he moved around and faced her.
- Carrying a newspaper? - Yes.
- Rolled up or folded? - Folded, I think.
What do you mean, you think?
What kind of a big thumb have we got here, Tiger?
Listen, mister, you gotta be sure.
I tell ya, all these cannons have their own way of doing things.
All right, all right. It was folded.
The top side, was it the front page or the classified ads?
- Classified. - Was he a southpaw?
No, he used his right hand. He held the paper in his left.
- Did he hold it an angle, like this? - Yes.
- Did you see him close the purse? - Yes.
Did he put the paper over it like this when he closed it?
Yes.
♪ And the violins were soft and sweet
♪ And so was I ♪
- I know. - Mr. Zara, wait outside.
- Well, but... - It'll take me just a minute.
Moe, we gotta work fast.
Look, let's not go into that again.
Look, what do you want from me, Tiger?
Do I personally raise the price on hamburgers and pork and beans and frankfurters?
Is it my fault that the cost of living is going up?
These are the prices as of this morning.
When the cost of living goes up, my prices go up.
When the cost of living goes down, my prices go down.
In my book, the price on the board for a cannon is, uh...
$50.
$50? I told you before. We got no kitty.
And you're such a millionaire's salary that you can afford to pay me for all my tips?
$35.
Tell you what I'll do, Tiger. I'll give you the names of eight cannons that fit the job.
And I'll bet you $38.50 that one of them buzzed this moll's wallet.
I'll bet you 38.50 you're wrong.
- Mr. Zara. - Yes?
Skip McCoy.
For a three-time loser who's been out only a week...
he's begging for a fourth conviction.
Well, he's gotta live, too.
There's one cannon I'd like to see get the chair.
- That's the man. - We haven't even got a lead on him.
So you don't know, Tiger. Thought you knew everything about everybody.
Ah, he hasn't been out long enough to settle.
I know how he operates.
He's holed up somewhere.
A smart cannon lives quietly...
don't advertise when he's just scored on a job.
Especially an ex-con like Skip.
He always had a knack for living in out-of-way places...
places hard to find.
It's gonna be pretty hard to run him down, the places he picks.
Might take you almost a week to run him down.
What are you angling for, a side bet?
Well, every extra buck has a meaning all its own.
It just so happens I haven't got a red cent left.
Just so happens I know where he's shacked up.
- That's part of the bet. - Listen, Tiger...
do you realise that the cost of living has gone up 50%?
- Moe, I got no more time. - Then what are you stalling for?
- Why don't you make me a pitch? - Next time I'll give you odds... 2-to-1.
- It's a promise? - Yeah.
Well, all right, what are we standing here for gibbling and gabbling?
Thanks, pal.
Well, hello, Winoki, Mac.
- This a visit or a pickup? - Both. Tiger wants to see ya.
- You go with Mac. I'll stick around. - Sure.
- Still hoarding all your loot, Skip? - Take a look around. You're getting paid for it.
- You want a beer? - Sure, I'll have a beer.
- How's the whip? - You know the whip... always in the pink.
Yeah. I got no electricity here, but the beer's always cold.
- You want one, Mac? - Tiger's waitin'.
Okay. Here's the opener.
Come on. Let's go.
Oh, uh, Winoki, just two things.
After you give my place the broom, leave it the way you found it, huh?
And when you got enough beer, lower my icebox back in the drink.
Come on, Mac.
He's here.
That's fast work. I hope he didn't throw that microfilm away.
- How do you want to handle this? - He got me suspended twice for smacking him.
Cost me six months' pay. Do you mind waiting outside?
I want to handle this my way.
Sure.
I was picked up. No resistance.
- You better make this stick. - You only been out a week...
and right away those fingers gotta play the subway circuit.
What did you do with the wallet you lifted from the girl?
Back up the pinch with a charge or drive me back to my shack.
I'll drive you back in a hearse if you don't get that kink out of your mouth.
Now, look, buster...
you've been whip of this squad long enough to know...
that a guy with my rating wouldn't grift a dame on the train...
not with three strikes on me.
Ah, you'll always be a two-bit cannon.
And when they pick you up in the gutter dead, your hand'll be in a drunk's pocket.
- You were spotted lifting that wallet. - Only amateurs are spotted.
- So? - So it's my word against one of your whiz cops.
That girl was carrying TNT, and it's gonna blow up right in your face.
- What girl? - I'm gonna jam that grin right down your teeth.
Go ahead, slug me. Go ahead. I'll make a bigger stink than last time.
I'll see you hit the backyard without pay for one year.
Go on, knothead. Slug me. Come on, hit me!
Come on, hit me, will ya? What's the matter? You nervous?
- Come on. - Zara.
All we want is the wallet. If you got rid of it, tell us.
- If you tossed the film away, tell us where. - Who's he?
None of your business. Just answer the man.
Now, wait a minute. I've been clean ever since I got out last week.
Wouldn't touch a nickel if it was laying in the street. Word of honour.
Why don't you haul that girl down here to identify me? It's my word against hers.
No. It's your word against mine. I saw you close her purse.
All right. So it's your word.
But you gotta nail the goods on me, mister, and I'm clean.
Go ahead. Fan me. Give me the works.
That film you stole had government information on it... classified.
We've been following this girl for months.
And just as we were about to grab a top Red agent...
receiving the film from her, you broke up the ball game.
Can't you see how important this is?
We just want your cooperation, and the charges will be dropped.
- Isn't that right, Captain? - I'd like to make this rap stick...
but what he's got to do is more important.
You boys are talking in the wrong corner. I'm just keeping my hands in my own pockets.
If you refuse to cooperate,
you'll be as guilty as the traitors that gave Stalin the A-bomb.
- Are you waving the flag at me? - I know something inside you should give.
And I know you pinched me three times, got me convicted three times...
and made me a three-time loser.
And I know you took an oath to put me away for life.
Well, you're trying awful hard with all this patriotic eyewash, but get this:
I didn't grift that film, and you can't prove I did.
And if I said I did, you'd slap that fourth rap...
across my teeth no matter what promises you made.
- Do you know what treason means? - Who cares?
- Answer the man! - Is there a law now I gotta listen to lectures?
MacGregor, get him out of here.
Get him out of this building.
Hello.
If that's Winoki, ask him if he put my beer back on ice, huh?
Hey, Willie, what've you been feeding the Tiger lately?
Watch it, bud.
Going up, please.
- May I help you? - I'd like to see a copy of the New York Times.
January 5, 1947.
- Fill this out, please. - Sure.
- So, who told you to ask me? - The pinboy in the bowling alley.
So who told you to ask him?
The fella that works at the Houston Street Auction Shop.
So why didn't you go to the cops?
Look, 20 bucks if you tell me where I can find Lightning Louie.
- Put it on the table. - Not till you tell me.
- I'm Lightning Louie. - So why'd you say your name was Godkin?
Look, blubbermouth, you give me back my dough or there's gonna be trouble.
Lum.
- What's my name? - Uptown or downtown?
- My downtown name. - Lightning Louie.
For another 20 I'll give you the name of the stoolie who knows everything about cannons.
I hope you bust.
174 Bowery.
Over a tattoo shop. One flight up, head of the stairs.
Her name is Moe.
A woman?
Tell her I sent ya.
Lum, bring me another order of chow fun.
Cha siu bow.
Who is it?
Lightning Louie sent me.
- Who? - Lightning Louie.
- Are you Moe? - Who are you?
You've been recommended as the best pickpocket stoolie in the business.
What kind of talk is that, calling me a stoolie?
I was brought up to report any injustice to the police authorities.
I call that being a solid citizen.
But you get paid for it.
You're gonna knock it?
I'm looking for the pickpocket who lifted my wallet in the subway this morning.
Oh.
- So you're the muffin. - What do you mean?
Oh, one cannon talks to another, word gets around.
What was in the wallet? That's pretty.
- Something personal. - How personal?
What difference does it make? He didn't know what was in it when he took it.
How do you know?
You got a boyfriend?
- Why? - Like to buy him a tie?
I happen to carry a complete line of personality neckwear.
- Bargain prices. - I'll tell you all the facts, nothing else.
- Now, you want to do business? - You got any happy money on you?
"Happy money"?
Yeah. Money that's gonna make me feel happy. What else?
How happy?
$50.
Hey.
Take your time looking.
Want a beer?
I want my wallet.
- What wallet? - The one you lifted from my bag today.
Oh, now, do I look like a pickpocket?
You sure do.
Wipe your face off.
How much did Moe get out of ya?
Huh?
I figure you shelled out about 50 bucks to find me...
if I know Moe.
Huh?
Moe's all right. She's gotta eat.
Crummy tie.
- Look, did you throw it away? - Hmm?
Mr. McCoy, I gotta find that wallet.
- Why? - It's no good to you or to anybody else.
No?
What's the matter, I bust somethin'?
- I think I'm sick. - Sit down. Let's see.
Find out the trouble.
Oh!
That's where it hurts.
Let's fix it up. You just relax.
All right now, muffin.
Let's have a small dose of straight talk.
There was some film in it.
You mean you ransacked my joint just to find some film?
You got me in an awful mess when you took it.
What kind of a mess? You workin' for some blackmailer?
Oh, no. Nothing like that, Mr. McCoy.
They're pictures of my brother Mickey.
He's a war hero in Korea, and my mother's waiting to see them.
Uh-huh. Why didn't you go to the cops, honey?
Well, I got in a little trouble with them...
and... it'd kill my mother if she...
- You know what I mean? - Yeah, sure.
Feel better?
Does, uh, beer always do this to you?
What kind of trouble did you get into with the cops, muffin?
- Oh, a girl makes mistakes. - Mm-hmm.
- I was only asking 'cause, uh... - 'Cause what?
Yeah.
You look for oil, sometimes you hit a gusher.
Am I talking too much?
Why talk?
How much is your brother worth?
What do you want? Blood?
I just want to make your old lady happy. That's all.
Then you do have it.
We'll just see, muffin.
There might be another little old lady looking for pictures of her boy.
I gotta make sure it's your brother Mickey.
- I'll tell my mother. - You do that.
That's the girl.
I'll check with you later.
Hello, Tiger. You're waking up half the waterfront with those clodhoppers.
- You're not losing any time. - Neither are you.
- Did you make a deal? - Go on, drum up a charge.
Throw me in. You've done it before.
Locking you up isn't gonna help.
You're sittin' on a hot rock, ain't ya?
I'd like to see you jump.
I promised to drop the pickpocket charge if you played ball.
All right, so it's bush league to you.
Now I'm gonna give you big-league stuff.
I'd rather chop my leg off than say what I came to say,
but I gotta push personal feelings aside.
I'm going to the commissioner himself, and I'm gonna ask him to whitewash you.
Me. Personally.
I'm gonna beg him to give you a clean slate. No more three-time loser for you, Skip.
A nice, fat bill of health for that strip of film.
That's what I'm gonna ask him to do.
You're gonna ask him? Who you kidding?
You guys sat yourselves down at a long table, tried to figure out an angle.
Your idea, huh?
You mean the commissioner's idea and all the big wheels in the department.
All right, Skip. I won't push it.
But just remember, if it's the last thing I do...
no matter what happens about this Commie setup, I'm gonna see that ya get it.
Hey, Tiger, save the taxpayers some money.
Don't plant a wire in here, 'cause I'll tear it out.
Good-bye.
- Did you find him? Has he got it? - Yeah, but he knows what's on it.
Oh, what I had to go through to run that guy down.
Professional stool pigeon clipped me for 50 bucks.
She calls herself Moe, operates at 174 Bowery.
Sells ties as a front.
What do you mean he knows what's on it?
The way he hung onto it. He's been around.
Did he say what's on the film?
He's shaking you down. That tells the story.
- Did you... did you mention my name? - No.
- Does he know where I live? - What are you getting excited about?
You should be celebrating. I found him for you, didn't I?
And he's got what you want.
So I'll give you his address, and you go over and make a deal.
No.
No, I... I can't take a chance.
Well, I like that. You can't take a chance, but you send me over there.
- It's different with you, Candy. - In what way?
Well, he... he might have been hired for the job.
- You think he knew what he was stealing? - Could be.
Well, then, why didn't he contact you? It makes no sense to me.
He might be playing both ends against the middle. Don't you see?
No, I don't see.
But then, maybe there's something about that film that you haven't told me.
- What do you mean by that? - You tell me.
There's nothing very complicated about it, Candy. It's...
It's just that if he knew I was after the film, he'd increase the price. That's all.
I told you I was in a cutthroat business.
These manufacturers would do anything to eliminate each other.
That's the reason I've gotta keep out of it.
And that's the reason you've gotta go back to him.
Well, I'm not going back to that guy.
- He clipped me on the jaw. - Look, this is all part of your last delivery.
You started this job. Now finish it.
Here.
Here's 500.
Offer him 50.
If he holds out for more, give him another 50.
Whatever's left is yours.
You can buy a lot of dresses with $400.
You've gotta come back with it, Candy.
I'll wait for you in the office.
Hey. I'm down here.
The stairs are behind the hammock.
- Where's your old lady? - She couldn't come.
Oh, that's too bad. You got the cabbage?
Uh-huh.
I just can't figure you out.
Don't try. Let your old lady do all the figurin'. How much she give you?
How come a nice guy like you goes around picking handbags on the subway?
Muffin, the last time I worked the subway, I was in short pants.
The last time was this morning...
unless you got a couple of extra licks in between.
Oh, don't be that way.
How many times you been caught with your hand where it doesn't belong?
Well, I tell ya, baby...
whenever I'm caught, it's always an accident.
Like, uh, maybe I don't feel so good, you know.
Or maybe I'm not concentratin'.
I've been tapped a couple, three times.
- Three times? - Yeah, that's part of the business.
Red side of the ledger. Want a smoke?
Sure. I once knew a...
I mean, I once heard of a fella who was in...
who was in jail three times.
The next time they arrested him, they locked him up for good.
That's the way it goes. There's a law about three-time losers.
- Fourth conviction means life. - You mean...
if they'd caught you this morning, picking my purse...
you could be sent up for life?
Nothin' happens when I'm concentratin'.
You're a dope, taking chances like that.
How much money do you think people carry around?
- How's the chin? - Fine.
Good.
- You got fingers like an artist. - Mm-hmm.
- Soft and smooth. - In my business, I gotta keep 'em that way.
And when they stay empty, they get nervous. Come on, come on.
How'd you get to be a pickpocket?
How did I get to be a pickpocket?
How'd you get to be what you are?
Things happen. That's how.
- Oh, look, don't get sore. - Well, don't ask stupid questions.
I only ask 'cause...
I'm interested.
Interested, huh?
How much is it worth to ya?
What are you pushing me for?
You came here to buy, didn't you?
You're not gonna raise the ante by smearing my lipstick.
Then why the pitch?
- 'Cause I really like you. - Yeah? Why?
Everybody likes everybody when they're kissing.
- And everybody's always different. - So tomorrow you'll like somebody else.
I've kissed a lot of guys.
But, honest, Skip, I never felt like this.
You're talking like you got a fever.
I know what you mean now.
Look for oil and you hit a gusher.
How much did you bring?
I don't want to talk about it.
How much?
500.
You tell that Commie I want a big score for that film, and I want it in cash.
- Tonight. - What are you talkin' about?
You tell me. You people are supposed to have all the answers.
- Tell you what? I don't... - Come on. Drop the act.
So you're a Red. Who cares? Your money's as good as anybody else's.
Now get your stern up those stairs and tell your old lady what I want.
- A Red? - Take off!
- You think I'm a Red? Me? - I don't think anything. I know.
I know what you're after. I know what it's worth.
- I don't know what you're talking about. - You know, all right.
But what you don't know is that when I grifted your wallet...
I was pulled in by the cops.
You know how hard it is to spot my fingers in action? Can't be done.
But a guy did it. You know how he did it? He was watchin' you.
And that guy you were supposed to pass the film to...
you don't know about him either, huh?
- He's still waitin'. He's itchin' for it. - Look, Skip...
the way I feel about you, I wouldn't lie to you.
- You gotta believe me. - I gotta believe nobody.
I'll do business with a Red, but I don't have to believe one.
I'm sorry, Skip. I...
Get out of here!
Now tell your old lady I'm shaking down you Reds for 25 grand.
Get goin'!
He slapped me all over the place.
What a line he gave me.
And me falling for it.
Took the 500 right out of my bag.
You know what's crazy about the whole thing?
You know what he wants?
$25,000.
25,000 for that film.
Did you ever hear of such a crazy thing?
You know why? You know what he said?
He's crazy.
He said I was a Commie.
Did you ever hear of such a thing?
What makes people like that?
Where do they get such ideas?
All right, he wants to shake us down.
- But to start calling us Commies. - Sit down.
- And you know what else he told me? - Sit down.
- You should have taken care of him yourself. - You know I couldn't take a chance.
I know you're getting paid to take them.
Security isn't interested in all this confusion.
Delivery must be made tomorrow night.
Get that film.
Joey! You can't do it.
- Where does he live? - I know what kind of a guy he is. He'll kill you.
- Where does he live? - If you kill him, you'll get the chair.
Joey, I know we're all washed up, but...
I still owe you somethin' for the break you gave me.
I don't want to see you end up... on a slab.
All right. I'll find him myself.
- I'll find him the way you did. - Okay, Joey.
I'll tell ya.
He lives at...
704 West 47th Street...
near 10th Avenue... in a basement.
I'm going crazy. I...
I didn't know where to go. I didn't know who to talk to.
Why didn't you go to the cops?
Who'd believe I didn't know what I was passing? Who'd believe me?
Who'd believe me?
Would you believe me?
Do you know what they do to people who hand out government secrets?
Moe. You got to promise me, Moe.
When Joey asks you, you don't know where Skip lives.
- He won't find me. - He knows where you live.
- Well, why ain't he here? - I gave him a phony address for Skip.
He's lookin' for him now.
So why don't you tell Skip?
He won't believe a word I tell him.
Oh. So he crawled under your skin, too, huh?
He's as shifty as smoke, but I love him.
You sold him out for 50 bucks.
Oh, look. Some people peddle apples, lamb chops, lumber.
I peddle information.
Skip ain't sore. He understands.
We live in a different kind of a world.
Oh, once in a while, he gets hot under the collar if I sell him short.
But you wouldn't sell him to a Commie.
What do you think I am, an informer?
Coffee.
Stay away from your shack, Skip. There's... there's a guy gunnin' for ya.
He won't have any trouble finding me.
Everybody in town knows where I live.
I didn't pinpoint you, honest.
I give Tiger the name of eight cannons, but that creep that was with him...
he fingered your picture like a shot.
Mm-hmm.
Confidentially, it sounded like your kind of an act.
You think so, huh?
How much did you raise on me for your stone and plot?
Oh, don't be sore. They'd have caught up with you in a couple of hours anyways.
I... just chopped down on the time a little.
That was mighty nice of ya.
Who's gunning for me?
What's the matter with you, playin' footsies with the Commies?
You wavin' the flag, too?
Listen. I know you since you was a little kid.
You was always a regular kind of crook. I...
- I never figured you for a louse. - Stop. You're breakin' my heart.
Even in our crummy kind of business, you gotta draw the line somewheres.
That muffin you grifted, she's okay.
Stuck her chin way out for you.
She's...
Hey, you look tired, Moe. You better go home.
Go on.
Stop using your hands, Skip, and...
start using your head.
The kid loves you.
- Bye, Skip. - See ya, Moe.
Tie, mister?
Wanna buy a tie, mister?
Latest 5th Avenue creations.
Buy a tie?
♪ A small café, mam'selle
♪ Our rendezvous, mam'selle
♪ The violins
♪ Were warm and sweet
♪ And so were you, mam'selle
♪ And as the night danced by
♪ A kiss became a sigh
♪ Your lovely eyes
♪ Seemed to sparkle just like wine does ♪
♪ No heart ever yearned
♪ The way that mine does
♪ For you
♪ And yet I know too well
♪ Someday you'll say good-bye ♪
What are you buyin', mister?
The name and address of the pickpocket you sold to a girl tonight.
Maybe I forgot.
There's a hundred to remember.
You pant like a dog.
500.
What's this guy made out of, diamonds?
Just give me the answer.
Maybe it'll come to me in a couple of days.
Maybe you won't be around here in a couple of days.
You threatenin' to blow my head off?
Ask a silly question, you get a dopey look.
Why are you holding back on me? You'd sell anybody for buttons.
Yeah, but not to you, mister.
Look, I haven't got a lot of time.
You haven't got a lot of time?
Listen, mister...
when I come in here tonight...
you seen an old clock runnin' down.
I'm tired.
I'm through.
Happens to everybody sometime.
It'll happen to you, too, someday.
With me it's...
it's a little bit of everything. I...
Backaches and headaches.
I can't sleep nights.
It's so hard to get up in the morning and...
and get dressed and...
walk the streets...
climb the stairs.
I go right on doing it.
Well, what am I gonna do, knock it?
- I have to go on makin' a living so I can die. - ♪ The violins were sweet
♪ And so were you ♪
But even a fancy funeral ain't worth waitin' for if I've gotta do business...
with crumbs like you.
And I know what you're after.
What do you know?
I know you Commies are looking for some film that don't belong to you.
♪ Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle Just like wine does ♪
You just talked yourself into an early grave.
What else do you know?
What do I know about Commies? Nothin'.
I know one thing.
- I just don't like them. - ♪ And yet I know too well
♪ Someday you'll say good-bye
♪ Then violins will cry ♪
So I don't get to have the fancy funeral after all.
♪ ...will I ♪
- Anyway, I tried. - ♪ Mam'selle ♪
Look, mister...
I'm so tired...
you'd be doin' me a big favour if you'd blow my head off.
- All right, on your feet. Come on. - What is this, a stickup?
- Put your hands up against that wall. - Oh, cops. Sure.
For a minute there I thought it was a stickup.
- No weapon. - Course not. I never used a gun in my life.
- Turn around. - Sure.
- Hey, wait a minute. What is this? - A homicide rap. Come on. Let's go.
Homicide? You got the wrong guy. Take it easy, will ya?
You can't pull me in like this. What's the charge?
We're pullin' in every pickpocket in Moe's book.
When did you see her last?
You mean Moe got it?
- Somebody shot her head off. - What?
Lieutenant.
Hey, Eddie.
Yeah?
Hang on to him.
Yeah?
- Lieutenant Campion? - Yes?
- My name is Enyart. - Yes, sir.
Your driver just told me what time it happened. McCoy's not your man.
I'm sorry, Mr. Enyart, but my orders are to bring him in.
I've been here the whole time, Lieutenant, watching him.
Have the captain of your homicide squad check with Mr. Zara.
All right. Come on.
I know, but I thought they were supposed to hold on to her till somebody claims her.
Nobody'll claim her. She'll complete the morning load to potter's field.
Oh.
All right, Captain. Yeah.
Yeah, I understand. Okay.
- Hey, Eddie. - Yeah.
- Take 'em off. - Huh?
Take 'em off. Let's go.
Well.
Somethin' wrong?
I got a clearance to pick up number 11.
The name's Moe. Moe Williams.
Steve, 11 goes back.
Give him a lift.
- Relative? - Nope.
What are you gonna do with him?
I'm gonna bury her.
Moe's dead, Skip.
She was shot in the head last night.
It's in the papers.
What are you doing here without the dough?
I went to her last night.
I begged her not to tell Joey where you lived.
She wouldn't sell ya, Skip.
- She really loved you. - Who's Joey? Your old lady?
- You're not listening. - Is Joey your old lady?
Yes.
But I told her all about him.
I knew he'd find her.
- You think he did it? - I'm sure of it.
He was ordered to find you. I was there. I saw him take the gun.
But, honest, Skip, I didn't think he'd kill her.
Shut up.
- It's my fault. I didn't know. - I didn't mean it. I was thinking about Moe.
She just didn't figure to go that way.
- It's all right. It's okay. - It's my fault.
I've been up all night walking the streets.
I didn't know where to go.
When I read about it in the papers, I had to see ya, Skip.
I had to tell ya how it happened.
You've been so wrong about me, Skip.
- I had nothing to do with it. - It's all right.
I see the whole picture now.
Where does he live?
He's got a gun.
I'll let the cops handle him. Where does he live?
340 West 96th Street.
He better have that 25 grand ready.
- That's it. - Skip!
Skip!
I'll be seein' ya.
Skip? Skip.
Oh.
OK, lady.
- You the head of the pickpocket squad? - Yep.
There's the film you've been looking for... the film the Commies want.
Skip told me to bring it right to you.
- Skip told ya? - Yeah.
Hey, I was followed here, and not by friends.
I followed you. This film is marked, all right.
Would you sit down over here, please?
Now, just relax and answer a few questions.
How did you contact Skip McCoy?
A lady called Moe.
Your friends have anything to do with her murder?
- Yes. - Will you say that under oath?
I'll tell you everything I know under oath.
Do you know what was on that film when Skip lifted it from your purse?
Look, mister...
I didn't say anything about anybody lifting anything from my purse.
I came here to help you out. That's the way Skip wanted it.
He's been fightin' something inside him.
Something decent trying to crawl out.
Well, what's the difference why he sent me?
I'm here with the film. That's enough.
How long have you known that Joey was a Communist agent?
I didn't know till Skip told me.
Honest.
You want to help us fight Communism, don't you?
That's why Skip sent me: to help you.
What I'm gonna ask you to do might be dangerous.
I'm here.
All right.
Go back to Joey with this film.
Carry through with the original plan.
Whether you make delivery orJoey, it doesn't matter.
We'll jump when this film passes to the man we want.
Are you ready?
Sure.
Phone Joey. Tell him you've got the film.
I told you there was a big difference between a traitor and a pickpocket.
Hello. Joey?
This is Candy.
Candy? Candy!
Joey?
- Where are ya? - I'm in the tub.
That's why I left the door unlocked.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee.
Come on out here.
Did you hear me? I said come on out here. Come on. Quit stalling.
Did you hear me? I said come out!
Candy.
Why did you give me a phony address?
- I had to. - Why?
I didn't want you to kill him. I didn't want you to go to the chair.
- Where you been all night? - With him.
I'm gonna beat the truth out of you. What are you up to?
Go ahead! Beat up on me if you don't believe me.
But I got the film.
How'd you get it?
He wanted 25,000. How did you do it?
How do you think?
I wasn't lyin' to ya, Joey.
I just didn't want to see you get the chair.
You know how I feel about you. I'd do anything for you, Joey.
- I'd give you anything I... - There's a frame missing.
You'd do anything for me, huh?
Where does he live?
He's moved.
- Where does he live? - He's gone!
- Joey! - Where does he live?
I don't...
- Where does he live? - I... oh!
- No! - Where does he live?
Where does he live?
She's still alive. Get an ambulance, quick.
Give me headquarters, police headquarters.
He's in the building somewhere. Try every floor, every stairway.
Send an ambulance. A woman's been shot at 607 West 74th Street, apartment 302.
And notify Homicide.
- He's not on the roof. - Throw some more men at the entrance.
Check the janitor closets on all floors.
Gibbs. Gibbs.
Gibbs.
He's not down here.
Well, he's in the building somewhere. Check everything.
Check the dumb waiter.
No, Gibbs didn't make it. He died a few minutes ago.
No. She's got a fifty-fifty chance.
Yes. General alarm is in effect right now.
Every man in the police department's cooperating with us.
Yes, sir. Hundreds of prints of his face have been distributed.
I want you men to keep reminding the officers...
that just as soon as Joey's recognised, he's to be followed, no matter what happens.
I want an arrest when he passes that film.
Why are they taking so long?
Are you sure they went to get him?
Why are they taking so long?
You'd better calm down if you wanna get better.
Look, phone the cops.
Go look outside. See if he's coming.
Why are they taking so...
There's the door. Go answer it. Answer it!
You all right?
Joey found a frame missing.
I had to tell you before he got to you.
I play everything smart.
But you...
Clubbin' me and taking that film.
Look. Get rid of it, Skip. Get rid of it.
You're clean now.
I'm sorry I spoiled your big score.
I know it sounds corny to you, but...
I'd rather have a live pickpocket than a dead traitor.
And I'd rather have you talk without a twist.
I told you before, Skip...
I wouldn't lie to you.
Does Joey know where I live?
Your address was in my purse.
That's why I wanted the cops to get to you before he did.
Now, don't go back to the shack, Skip.
Did Joey kick your face in?
Yeah.
Why?
'Cause I wouldn't tell him where you live.
Not down here.
That's funny. The light's on.
He'll probably be back in a minute.
Why didn't you get in touch with me earlier?
I couldn't take a chance until they were off my back.
- You're sure this is the right place? - Yes. This is it.
Sixty... sixty-six South Street.
- How much time do we got? - Thirty minutes.
You better deliver what you've got.
Maybe it might be better if you turned it over.
I'll wait here for McCoy.
You haven't got much time.
- Joey. - Yes?
Tell him I'll meet him at the airport with the other frame, but not to wait.
There's a frame missin', buster.
Hello, Tiger. How's the whip?
Still crackin', huh?
You know, I didn't need an escort from the clink back to this rat-trap.
It's too bad you couldn't make that charge stick, huh?
Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk.
Let's have my release papers.
Thanks a lot.
Honey, you look as good as new.
Did you miss me, muffin?
Come on. Let's get out of here.
Well, ain't ya even gonna say good-bye, Tiger?
Wait a minute.
I had you right where I wanted ya.
A gun in your pocket... a cinch for a three-time loser.
That's right. What are you gonna do about it?
You'll always be a two-bit purse snatcher.
I give you 30 days before I pick you up with your hand in somebody else's pocket.
You wanna bet?