In every man there's an imperfection,
a fatal weakness,
a seed of destruction.
You discovered that, Foster,
when you traded principles for personal glory,
when you sacrificed integrity for power.
You discovered that
in eight short months,
climbing to a governor's mansion
from a district attorney's office.
District Attorney.
Hello, Jack. He's in conference.
May I take a message?
- Hello, Mary.
- Hello.
- I've got the Beckhurst file for the boss.
- He's in conference.
- Well, can I trust you with it?
- I'll take them in.
- May I?
- I guess so.
What if it is personal?
You're not an old maid, are you?
- The Beckhurst file, Mr. Foster.
- Thanks, Wolfe.
I don't suppose there's any secret about it.
I'll be 48 next month.
Forty-eight.
That's just about right.
That'll be all, Wolfe.
Right for what?
There's gossip around,
Governor Lambert's gonna retire.
He's old. Pushing 70.
The race will be wide open this fall.
Very interesting.
I thought it might be.
I got some more gossip for you too.
A fellow of 48 could win.
With the right sponsors.
- Provided the sponsors are out of jail.
- They will be.
That's not the way the jury's going
to feel about your man, Hanson.
I think it is after what I heard today.
Seems you had a subpoena issued
for some books of his.
- Books with figures in them.
- Go on.
Hanson was gonna bring them down
like you wanted,
only something funny happened
this morning.
- They caught fire.
- I don't believe you.
Oh yes.
I'd have brought them myself
to show you, only...
I didn't think you'd want your office
cluttered up with ashes.
- You're licked, Foster.
- No.
And you don't think so either,
or you wouldn't be talking
about governorships.
Let me tell you about that.
My people up here
have been complaining about you.
Breaking their slot machines,
closing the bookies,
ranking off the numbers game.
It's cost them and me a lot of money.
Then Hanson.
You missed, but I have an idea
you'll try again.
Of course, there's another way
to stop you, but that's messy.
Blood, a lot of bad publicity.
I don't think either of us care for that.
What then?
I gather you're offering me a choice.
A governorship or a shroud.
- I wouldn't want to put it...
- I don't want to put it any way.
Suppose you get out.
- So you don't want to dance, eh?
- That's right.
Maybe you will anyway.
- The Reverend, Dr. Garfield.
- Come in, Tom.
- Trouble with Faulkner?
- Yes, bad trouble.
He and his man, Hanson,
have outsmarted me.
- Sit down, Tom.
- Ah, Joseph.
- Burned Hanson's records.
- But you must have expected that.
No, not the way I had the thing set up.
Of course, I wanted the records,
but I knew if I went after them
before the trial, he'd destroy them.
So I built my case to look as though
I wasn't going to use them at all,
figuring on a raid later on
when he was off-guard.
One of my assistants secured
the subpoena this morning.
But it got through to Hanson too.
Oh, I wouldn't worry.
You've made a fine record.
No district attorney in the country
has done better.
No, it's not me.
It's the little people,
the corner grocer,
the basement tailor,
the one truck cleaner.
All paying from five to ten dollars
a week for protection.
From what? Hanson.
- Someday he'll overreach himself.
- Someday's not soon enough.
I'm going to get him and I'm going
to get him now if I have...
I'm sorry.
Why should I be bothering you
with my troubles?
Did you bring the boy?
Wolfe has him outside.
Has him?
He's a bit wild.
Well, that's why we have the club.
Keep up the guard, keep up the guard.
That's it.
- Hello, Reverend.
- Hi, Matt. Hello.
Well, athletes.
What're ya gonna do,
make me a Boy Scout?
- I know what I'd do with you.
- You ain't big enough.
Come with me, Larry.
' Say Joseph Yes?
Wouldn't the burning of the books
be evidence of Hanson's guilt?
It would if I could prove he did it,
which I can't.
Seems a pity,
after all the work you've done.
Well, let's go in the office, Larry.
- What for?
- I just want to talk with you.
- If that kid was mine...
- He wouldn't be here, Wolfe.
Sit down.
I'd sooner stand.
What've they got you for, Larry?
Auto rap.
- Want to tell me about it?
- Why should I?
No reason except that I was once
in the same spot.
Don't give me that soap.
When you were a kid,
you wore lace pants.
Listen, when I was your age,
I could lick every kid on the waterfront
and most of the sailors too.
Lace pants.
But I'll tell you something, Larry.
I found out it doesn't pay.
Not in the long run,
not any more than what you're doing.
Do you know, if it weren't for Dr. Garfield,
you'd be in a reform school?
What's the matter with reform school?
You want to go there?
Sure. This is sissy stuff.
The guys on the block
would laugh at me.
Do you think anybody laughs at me?
- No.
- Well, there.
Why don't you give it a try?
Say for a month.
No. I don't think I'd...
- About ready to come home, darling?
- I'm always ready to come home.
Martha, this is Larry Price.
He's thinking of joining us.
Oh, you like it here, Larry?
Maybe.
You look tired, dear. Bad day?
- Not good.
- Hanson?
I'm afraid he's outmaneuvered me.
Oh, what a shame.
Joseph would rather convict Hanson
than be president, I think.
- He's the last of our evil forces.
- He's the last and the biggest.
He's like an octopus.
Sucking the blood
of every little business in the city.
You know, I'd give my soul to nail him.
- Mr. Foster?
- Yes. What is it, son?
A man told me to give this to you.
Thanks.
Listen to this.
"If you want to nail Hanson,
drop around to the China Coast at 8 tonight."
It's almost as if he heard you.
- Son?
- He beat it.
- Joseph, you're not thinking of going?
- I would if I knew where he was.
It's a joint on Front Street,
next to the M & R wharf.
Thanks. Now, Martha,
I'm perfectly capable
of taking care of myself.
I'll run you home and then I'll drop in
on my anonymous friend.
It's probably just a joke.
- Bye, Tom.
- Bye, Joseph.
Well, Larry, will you give us a try?
Yeah, I guess so.
- You must've had a tough trip, Joe.
- Yeah.
And two days out
until the motor conked out,
and the radio.
For a week we drift south.
Good evening, gentlemen.
- Where'd you come from?
- Out there.
- There's nothing but bay out there.
- That's right.
I'd like two drinks.
Separate drinks brought to this table,
some ginger ale
and a small glass of Barbados.
Barbados?
Rum, my friend, a dark, pungent rum.
- We ain't got none.
- I think you have.
A square bottle. You'll find it.
"You'll find it," he says.
As though I didn't know
every drink in the joint.
- Karl.
- What?
- Ain't even a dory out there.
- Oh?
Well, maybe he swum.
Barbados. Barbados.
Where does he think he's at?
He'll drink what we...
Bridgetown Barbados.
Five years I been here and...
Mr. Foster.
You're the man that sent me the note?
Sit down.
Drink?
- Well, a little ginger ale.
- Here it is.
- That'll be...
- Exactly one dollar.
Look, mister.
Never mind.
Mutual prosperity, Mr. Foster.
Before I drink to that,
you might tell me who you are.
If you like.
"Nicholas Beal, agent."
Agent for what, Mr. Beal?
That depends.
Possibly for you.
"Foster promises clean city
with Hanson conviction."
That's right.
Only I hear you've run
into a little snag.
Some missing books.
Where did you hear about that?
What would you say
if I'd dig them up for you?
And why would you be so obliging?
I'm just a humble follower of your work.
Wayward boys set right,
criminals successfully prosecuted,
and I...
admire you.
Incorruptible enemy
of the legions of evil.
That's a rather flamboyant way
of putting it.
Perhaps.
But of course,
I'm not altogether altruistic.
I thought so.
- But you're interested.
- Naturally.
How much will this cost?
Whatever you decide is fair.
That's a proposition I can hardly refuse.
Should we be going?
Well?
Cannery records
don't intrigue you, Mr. Foster?
Hardly.
You may be wrong.
You'll find Hanson's signature
at the bottom of each page.
And how did you happen to...
- Mr. Beal?
- Yeah?
How did you happen
to know about these?
I hear things.
Of course, I can't take them.
- Why not?
- ill*gal, without a warrant.
Didn't you say you'd give...
I believe it was your soul
to nail Hanson?
Yes, I guess I did, but...
Mr. Beal?
Where are you?
Beal?
Beal?
What's this, Martha?
I thought we might celebrate
Hanson's conviction.
Oh. Sure.
You know...
I feel a little odd.
You're not sorry for him?
No. It's something else.
Remember my telling you
about Hanson's account books?
Of course.
Well, there's something else
I didn't tell you.
What?
I stole them.
I didn't have a warrant to search
the cannery until afterwards.
Do you mind drinking with a criminal?
I don't know.
It's not that serious, Martha.
But you've never done anything
like that before.
I never convicted Hanson before either.
Yes, I know.
But Joseph, next time,
even if it's more important than Hanson,
you won't let it happen again?
Not while I have a conscience.
And a wife.
We ought to go somewhere this evening.
- How long since we've been dancing?
- The New York trip.
- That's five years ago.
- Yes, I know.
- I'm a pretty dull sort of husband.
- Well, I wouldn't say that.
Mr. Foster?
Dr. Garfield and some other gentlemen.
We'll have the champagne after they go.
- Coming, Martha?
- In just a minute, dear.
Aileen, did you fill the ice bucket?
No, ma'am.
Well, the reform element
seems to be out in force.
Naturally now that Hanson's gone.
Judge Hobson here tells me
you did a splendid job.
Yeah, pulling those account books
out of your sleeve at the last minute
was a great piece of work.
Thank you, Ben.
But sit down, sit down, gentlemen.
The furniture's reliable.
I'll fetch you a drink.
This isn't exactly a social call.
You know, there's a party caucus
next week,
and we're wondering
if you have any ideas.
- Especially for the governorship.
- Well...
What about you, Norton?
You know municipal finance.
You've been on the board of commissioners
for the last 2O years.
I'd like to run, as lieutenant governor.
- Why not for governor?
- That's you.
Me? Oh, a dozen better men.
No.
At the risk of turning
your head, I'll explain.
Hanson's conviction
has made you a national figure.
And your boy's club work
is known all over the state.
We have nobody quite like you.
We sort of figured on
hanging onto your coattails.
Would you object, Joseph?
I don't know. It's a bit sudden.
I sound like a girl receiving
her first proposal tonight.
I'll make you a drink
and sort out my thoughts.
All right.
He'd make a good governor.
There isn't any ice, my friend.
How did you get in here?
Oh, I've been here
ever since you started dinner.
- That isn't what I meant.
- Don't worry about me.
I'm doing fine even without ice.
- So I see.
- Darling?
Oh. Sorry.
I didn't know anybody was here.
- Martha, this is Mr. Beal.
- A pleasure, Mrs. Foster.
Aren't you the man
who found Hanson's papers?
He tell you about that?
Joseph and I have very few secrets.
Then you must be feeling
pretty proud tonight.
He didn't tell you he's to be
our next governor?
Joseph.
Martha, will you take this inside?
Tell them I have
some business to transact.
Well, I suppose you came here to collect.
How much?
Tell your friends
how you got the books?
No, I didn't.
Well...
We said whatever we thought was fair
under the circumstances.
That's right.
Only it seems like circumstances
have changed.
I got a feeling your political career
sort of depends on my keeping quiet.
It wouldn't look good if the people learned
you didn't have a search warrant.
- How much?
- Make it out for $4,586.11
That's absurd.
We haven't got that much money.
Ask the governor
to take a peek at his balance.
- You're a hundred dollars off.
- I can't be.
There's that check you gave me
at the office this morning.
Yes, that was for a hundred.
- You must have friends at the bank.
- Maybe.
Not backing out, are you?
No.
I gave my word.
But Joseph, you can't.
I think Hanson's conviction is worth it.
Especially with a governorship thrown in.
Thanks.
Now, if you'll wait...
you'll hear me tell my friends
exactly how I got the books.
Well, well.
I guess the reports
weren't exaggerated.
Real integrity.
Would be a shame
to take advantage of it.
The first completely honest person
I've met in a long time.
I'm not surprised.
I'd kind of like to participate
in your campaign.
I think we can do without your help.
- You don't like me, do you, Mrs. Foster?
- No, I don't.
Would you change your mind
if I made a small contribution?
Say, 25,000?
But I haven't decided to run yet.
- You will.
- Don't take it.
- No strings attached.
- How do we know?
How do we know that you're
not some sort of racketeer?
My racket concerns
good government, Mrs. Foster.
- I don't believe you.
- No?
We don't want your money.
- You letting her run things?
- I think she's right.
Okay.
But I think she's wrong.
Joseph, his money.
Mr. Beal?
Excuse me.
Where'd he go?
- Who?
- The man who just came out of there.
- I didn't see anyone.
- Neither did I.
- Well, Joseph...
- Have you come to a decision?
Well, I'll have to talk it over
with Martha first.
She makes the decisions.
That's fair enough.
Yes, behind the decision of every man,
I've found there's generally a woman.
Light?
Give me another bourbon.
Hey, sister, that's not your drink.
Isn't it? I'm so sorry.
- What happened to mine?
- I wouldn't know.
- Hijacking drinks.
- That ain't all she's trying to hijack.
How did you get in here anyway?
Look, piano legs...
Piano legs?
How do you like that?
Come on, break it up, girls!
Break it up!
Break it up. Come on.
- Let me go!
- Take it easy, baby.
You need some air.
Now scram and stay scrammed.
How about giving a lady a hand?
Sure.
Are you alone, honey?
I'm looking for Donna Allen.
That's me.
I know.
What do you want?
A woman,
quite beautiful,
wearing sapphires,
and silk,
and sable.
What are you talking about?
Come on, get with the gag.
Are you a cop?
Why don't you come along and find out?
You sure got a different line, mister.
No key?
Never use one.
Come on in.
Brother, what a place.
Yours?
No.
Looks like a dame's apartment.
- That's right.
- Who?
- You.
- Me?
Excuse me while I die laughing.
Answer it.
Hello.
Wait a minute.
He wants to know if we want
some packages sent up.
We do.
Send them up.
Look, what's the deal
and who's this girl?
- A girl that's had some bad luck.
- That sure must have changed.
I'll tell you about her.
Good family, two years of college,
and tried the New York stage,
only she got fouled up.
Actor named Boyden.
Boysie, she called him.
on|y it turned out he forgot
to tell her he was married.
One night they had a fight
and he fell down some stairs.
Accident, they called it.
- Where you going?
- Getting out of here.
- Where do you want me to put them, miss?
- On the couch.
- Want me to unpack them, sir?
- No, we'll attend to that.
Thanks.
Look, where did you hear about Boysie?
- New York.
- Are you a friend?
I met him once.
October 13th, 1944.
That's the night he was k*lled.
That's right.
What's that?
Cigarette case and lighter to match.
Look at them.
Sapphires!
That's what I said.
Sapphires,
Silk...
...sable.
Put it on.
- That wouldn't be right.
- Read what it says.
Donna Allen.
- Oh, look...
- Put it on.
Now look at yourself.
What do I gotta do?
- m*rder?
- Just the opposite.
Reform work.
In a boy's club.
Two hundred and fifty dollars.
I'm sorry it isn't larger.
We ought to be paying you
for all the work you're doing around here.
You know, this place is in order
for the first time in five years.
You and poor Dr. Garfield are so busy.
I do hope you let me stay on.
We'd be crazy if we didn't.
You know, it's almost like a miracle
the way you just dropped out of the sky.
I did social work at home.
I missed it. It isn't a miracle.
Garfield and I have our own opinion.
The boys too.
Do you mind if I do something
rather personal?
Something no woman can resist.
I'm afraid it's not very presentable.
Well, it doesn't quite match your personality.
You ought to wear something g*y and vigorous.
You think so?
Next time you go shopping for ties,
why don't you take me along?
I'll do that.
I hear you've been looking for me.
Yes, I was.
I called the China Coast.
Miss Allen, this is Mr. Beal.
How do you do, Mr. Beal?
Glad to know you.
I've got something for you.
Sure you don't want it
now you know it isn't hot?
Hot?
I hear you had
the serial numbers checked.
Well, Mrs. Foster thought...
She would.
But the deal still goes.
You'll be needing money
for your campaign.
I haven't even been
nominated yet, Mr. Beal.
But they're meeting tonight,
aren't they?
Yes, but there's no telling
what might happen.
- Oh, Joseph, it's six o'clock.
- ls it?
I'll get my hat
and I'll be right with you.
- Hello, Miss Allen.
- Hello, Doctor.
- Something interest you, Reverend?
- I don't know.
You remind me of something.
- Someone I...
- It's not impossible.
Would you mind telling me your name?
Around here it's Beal. Nick Beal.
I thought you two had met.
- This is Dr. Garfield.
- I know.
But we've got to get along.
Come on, Miss Allen.
I'm sorry if l seemed rude,
but I had a strange feeling
I'd seen you before.
Well, I don't do much business
with preachers.
All right, fellows.
Form over here.
Come on, come on, let's go.
Hello, Larry.
- How are you doing?
- Okay I guess, Mr. Foster.
That's the ticket.
We have an old-fashioned
custom here, Mr. Beal.
Every afternoon at the end of the day,
someone reads the boys
a passage from the Bible.
And whenever it's possible,
we try to have someone different read.
It makes them realize
that the Bible belongs to us all.
Would you like to read?
Me?
What do I know about things like that?
That doesn't matter.
I've marked a passage.
It's one of the psalms of David.
No.
It's your book, read it yourself.
All right.
"The earth is the Lord's,
and the fullness thereof;
The world and they that dwell therein.
For He hath founded it upon the seas,
and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend
into the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in His holy place?
He that hath clean hands
and a pure heart;
Who hath not lifted up
his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive
the blessings from the Lord,
and righteousness
from the God of his salvation.
This is the generation
of them that seek Him,
"that seek thy face."
- Amen.
- Amen.
About ready, darling?
- What in the world are you doing?
- I haven't got a tie that's fit to wear out.
- What's the matter with those?
- No color, they're drab.
They make me feel like
a retired undertaker.
I'm sure the Whites know
you're not a retired undertaker.
I'm aware of that, Martha.
But if a man feels g*y,
he wants a g*y tie.
Even if it is only to a bridge party.
All right, darling, I'll buy you some
first thing in the morning.
No, you won't.
You have a picture of me
as if I were a doddering old fossil.
I'll buy them myself.
Does somebody else have
a different picture, Joseph?
Why do you say that?
Maybe intuition.
Mr. Foster.
Come in, Aileen.
There's a man downstairs
says he has to see you.
He's acting sort of q*eer.
q*eer? Excuse me.
- Help me with these, will you, Aileen?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Mr. Foster?
- Yes?
My name is Finch.
Henry T. Finch.
You got someplace we can talk?
In the library,
but I haven't much time.
I haven't either.
I gotta get out of town.
I've been hiding,
but they're onto me.
You see, they think I did it.
Did what, Mr. Finch?
I guess I'm not making much sense.
I'm nervous.
I was bookkeeper
at the Highwater Cannery.
I kept Hanson's books on the side.
Let's go in here.
You're the man we were trying
to find during the trial.
So were they.
The funny thing is I burned those books
the day Hanson told me.
Then you came up with them.
Same figures, same signatures.
I seen the photographs in the papers.
Are you trying to claim
the books were faked?
I'm not blaming you, Mr. Foster.
You had to do it to get him.
But you sure put me on the spot.
That's why I gotta clear out.
A couple of thousand could carry me.
This is a very feeble attempt at blackmail.
No. You got it wrong.
I'm helping you.
Otherwise I'd have to get
police protection,
tell about the books.
Who put you up to this?
- Nobody.
- You didn't burn any books.
Yes, sir. I burned them all.
Watched them go up in smoke,
close as I am to you.
Maybe you didn't know they were faked.
China Coast?
I want to speak to Mr. Beal.
Nick Beal.
Oh, he's not?
Will you ask him to phone Mr. Foster
if he comes in?
Yes, that's right.
Thanks.
I wish I knew what kind of a game
you were up to.
Darling, the Whites are here.
There's too many people here.
I gotta go.
I'll see you at your office at ten.
I burned them, Mr. Foster.
Joseph, we're waiting for you.
Yes, I'm coming.
Well, what's the matter?
I'll have to leave in an hour or so.
Wolfe promised to show me
some papers around ten.
- There was a message for you.
- I got it.
How'd it go?
All right.
Is he gonna meet you?
Ten at his office.
Good.
Oh, I got the pipe.
I don't know why you want it.
I collect them.
Don't tell him.
Tell me something.
You know I did burn Hanson's books.
- You don't believe me.
- Sure, I believe you.
Then how?
Probably copied them
before the trial began.
Yeah.
That's all.
That would be smart.
I better go. It's nearly ten.
Won't be necessary.
- The money.
- I've got it.
You have?
Gee, that's swell.
I was kinda nervous.
Only not here.
- Mr. Beal?
- Yeah.
- You forgot your pipe.
- Did I?
You sure you got the money?
You've been trying to find me?
Yes, I have.
What for?
I was talking to Hanson's bookkeeper.
Oh?
- I thought he'd skipped town.
- No, he's here.
At least he's supposed to be at ten.
He has a very odd story, Beal.
Says he personally burned
Hanson's books,
claims the ones we used
are counterfeit.
- Well, they worked all right, didn't they?
- lf they're faked, I want to know it.
- What'd the guy want?
- $2,000.
- Shakedown.
- I'm not sure.
Why else would he pick the night
they're deciding who's gonna run for governor?
- I don't know.
- I wouldn't worry.
It's quarter past ten.
I'm willing to lay even money
the fellow doesn't even come.
That's beside the point.
I want to know if those books were faked.
- What do you think?
- I'm asking you.
Yes or no?
Oh, take it easy.
How could they be faked
if they were burned?
By putting ashes
through a printing press?
- I want a direct answer, Beal.
- Don't touch me.
I don't like to be touched.
Besides, what's the difference
if they were faked?
I'd have to admit a mistrial
and set Hanson free.
And blow the governorship sky high?
That doesn't matter.
I happen to have a conscience
about these things.
Hello.
Oh. Hello, Ben.
Yes, I knew the committee was meeting.
Oh, they have?
Well, tell the committee...
that I'd be very pleased
to accept the nomination.
If we can get all the churches
in the state...
Starting a series of sermons
on good government...
We want to blast Kennedy.
Yes on that tax relief.
What about progressive education?
You know he's always...
That'll be fine.
Mimeograph and send copies
to our list of women's clubs.
- Yes, Miss Allen.
- May I see it please?
No, no. Change this.
Joseph Foster means good government.
"Joseph Foster" on top
and "Good Government" below.
- Print 5,000 copies to begin with.
- Yes, Miss Allen.
- He hasn't come in yet?
- No, Mr. Norton, I'm sorry, he hasn't.
But it's nearly three o'clock.
Well, the auxiliary luncheon
lasted longer than we expected.
Miss Allen speaking.
You'll have to ask him
at the regular press conference.
Hold it, Mr. Foster.
How are you?
Hello. ls the committee still in there?
- Been waiting for over an hour.
- Let them wait. You should've been with us.
A thousand women
and ten thousand questions.
- The governor wowed them.
- I knew he would.
I wish everybody had as much faith
in me as you have.
Well, everybody doesn't know you
as well as I do.
Right.
Don't overplay it, sugar.
Sorry I'm a bit late, gentlemen.
It was an interesting gathering.
Joseph, I'm afraid we have
some bad news for you.
- The Stafford report.
- What about it?
It indicates you run more than
a hundred thousand short of Kennedy.
- Could it be wrong?
- It's accurate to more than one percent.
Well, what should we do?
We keep working and hope
something will happen.
Kennedy's too smart for that.
You've got just one chance.
And what's that, Mr. Beal?
Make a deal with Faulkner
and his downstate machine.
You're not serious?
- You want to win, don't you?
- Not that much!
- We couldn't!
- Biggest crook in the state.
Just the kind of people
we're out to beat.
What do you say, Joseph?
Well, I agree with these gentlemen, of course.
It would negate everything we stand for.
Oh, no, it's out of the question.
I'm surprised you'd suggest
such a proposition.
Gentlemen, shall we consider
next week's agenda?
Feeling low?
I'm disappointed.
You don't like the Faulkner idea, huh?
No, I don't.
Well, it's too bad
because the deal's already made.
I set it up the day before yesterday.
You set it up?
No charge, Governor.
Beal, I'm gonna toss you
through that window.
- I don't like anyone to touch me.
- All right, but get out.
Sure.
I'll get out after I speak my peace.
Whose team do you think I'm playing on?
- I don't know and I don't care.
- Well, I'm playing on yours.
I'm trying to help you.
I want you to be governor.
If I've done wrong,
you can repudiate it.
- And me too.
- All right, I intend to.
And sell the state down the river
at the same time?
You know, it's funny about reformers.
They're all colorblind.
They see everything
either in black or white.
No in-betweens, no grays.
They don't realize that politics
is full of grays, all different shades.
Like in this case.
In order to do good as governor,
you've got to be elected first.
And to be elected, you've got to make
a deal with Faulkner.
Sure, that's kind of gray,
but it's white beside Kennedy's color.
You know that, don't you?
Are you through?
And it's funny about you being sore.
You didn't set the deal.
Your conscience is clear.
After you're governor,
all you've got to do
is throw Faulkner
a couple of scraps from the table.
Get out.
Get out.
I'd think it over.
Would you like to check these,
Miss Allen?
- Have they been signed?
- Yes.
- Send them right away.
- I'll get a special messenger.
You've got a date tonight, baby.
Who with?
The next governor of the state.
Better get prettied up.
And don't forget the case.
It cost me three thousand.
- Good evening, Donna.
- Good evening, Doctor.
Oh, Mr. Beal.
I've been trying to place your face
for over a month now.
Maybe you better give up.
Did anyone ever paint your portrait?
Yes.
Yes, Rembrandt in 1655.
No thanks, Aileen.
- Darling...
- I'm not hungry.
Something's bothering you, isn't it?
No.
Joseph, what's the matter with us?
We used to be able to talk things over
when we had problems.
It's not that girl?
What would she want
with an old duffer like me?
I'd want you.
Can't you tell me?
Well, it's that Faulkner machine downstate.
Beal made an arrangement with it
in my name.
Well, that's no problem.
Issue a statement to the newspapers.
I don't know,
it means giving up the governorship.
Is that important?
Yes. Yes, it is.
It amounts to electing Kennedy.
Selling the state down the river.
I'd rather have you sell the state
than yourself.
But that's not the point.
There's so many good, important things
I could do if elected.
Isn't that what Hitler said once,
and Mussolini?
That's a lot of nonsense.
There's no comparison.
But they made deals
with downstate machines too.
Martha, you just asked me why it is
I never talk things over with you anymore.
Well, I'll tell you. I'm fed up with cant,
righteousness, and sanctimony.
I'm fed up with preaching.
You're not a wife.
You're a missionary.
Good evening, Opal.
Good evening, Mr. Beal.
Tell Miss Allen I'm here.
Yes, sir.
Looks as though
you were wrong about tonight.
He'll show.
- Put those down.
- Why?
I had Opal fix them special.
That isn't all that was fixed special.
- What's wrong with this?
- Same as with this, too obvious.
- Well, now wait a minute.
- Look, I know the deal.
Couple of drinks, lights turned low,
half a pint of perfume,
and some sultry conversation.
- It's worked before.
- Yeah, and it might've worked tonight,
but it won't stick, not with him,
and I want it to stick.
Well, what do you recommend, Mr. Beal?
I'll tell you.
He's coming up here worried and tired.
He just had a fight with his wife
and he wants somebody nice to talk to.
That's you.
I said, "Nice."
For instance, if he wants a drink,
you don't have anything like that
in the apartment.
And he'll ask your advice
about a deal I cooked up
with a politician named Faulkner.
I approve?
Only first you wanna know
what his wife thinks.
She doesn't like the idea.
You get sore,
'cause you want Kennedy to win,
as you try to wreck his career.
- You remember that?
- I'm a quick study.
You better be,
because here comes the tough part.
You'll mention something about
wishing his Martha felt that way,
and that's your cue.
- For what?
- Your big speech.
"Joseph.
I have a confession to make.
Sometimes I wish you weren't married,
so that we could...
I've shocked you, haven't I?"
- Me?
- Don't be stupid, that's you, say it.
"Joseph, I have a confession.
Sometimes I wish that you weren't married
so that we could...
I've shocked you, haven't I?"
"No, no, you haven't,
because I have a confession of my own.
Each day when I go down
to campaign headquarters,
I'm afraid you won't be there anymore.
Then, when I see you,
I know everything is all right again."
And the times we've had lunch together.
- Do you remember how many?
- Uh, six.
"Six,
and each one a red letter day
in my memory.
Now, you.
"Joseph, don't say anymore."
Joseph, don't say anymore.
"But, I have to, it's all bubbling out."
"No, Joseph, no."
No, Joseph, no.
"But, what's the matter?
- I'm frightened."
- "I'm frightened."
"But, there's nothing to be frightened of."
"Please, Joseph, go now.
I'll see you in the morning, darling."
And he'll say,
"I'll be counting the minutes."
Brother, how corny can we get?
Nevermind that, just remember those lines.
Yeah, but will he remember his?
You must be out of your head,
'cause he's not gonna say any of those things
or even a part.
Hello.
This is Donna Allen speaking.
"Tell him to come up."
Tell him to come up.
You better hurry up and change.
The black suit.
- Put it on.
- With you in here?
Okay.
- Miss Allen at home?
- Who's calling?
- Mr. Foster.
- Oh, Mr. Foster, come in.
I'll tell Ms. Allen you're here.
- Hello, Joseph.
- I'm not interrupting, am I?
No, no, of course not.
I happened to be in the neighborhood,
and I thought...
Oh, I'm glad you dropped in.
I was lonely.
- May I sit down.
- Yes.
Thank you.
You look tired.
I am.
Could I get you some coffee?
I'll need something stronger than coffee
to pick me up.
Well, I'm, um... I'm afraid
I haven't got anything like that.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, you needn't be.
It's unusual and a pleasure to find
a non-drinking female these days.
That makes me sound
awfully old fashioned, doesn't it?
No, sensible.
- You look worried.
- That's one reason why I dropped in.
Is it Faulkner?
- How'd you know?
- Oh, well Nick Beal
said something about it
on the way out tonight.
He... he seemed very upset.
I don't understand Nick.
Well, I'm sure Nick's trying to help you
in his own clumsy way.
I suppose so.
- What do you think about Faulkner?
- Me?
Oh, I shouldn't advise you, Joseph.
What does your wife think?
She's very much opposed to Faulkner.
Well, I can understand.
She doesn't realize what...
What one has to put up with in politics.
She thinks I'm turning into
some sort of a Hitler.
No, she doesn't.
She must know that
it'll be far worse to let Kennedy win.
And then, there's your career.
Doesn't she realize that
this is only the beginning?
You're on the road
to something really important.
I wish Martha felt that way.
Joseph,
I have a confession to make.
Sometimes I wish that
you weren't... married,
so that we could...
- I've shocked you, haven't I?
- No.
No, you haven't.
I have a confession of my own.
Each morning when I go
down to campaign headquarters,
I'm afraid you won't be there anymore,
and then when I see you,
everything is all right again.
And the times we had lunch together,
do you remember how many?
- Six.
- Six.
Each one a red letter day in my memory.
- Don't say anything more.
- Oh, but I have to.
No.
What's the matter?
- I'm frightened.
- There's nothing to be frightened of.
Joseph, you... you better go now.
- I'll see you in the morning.
- Well, really, l...
I'll see you in the morning.
- I'll be counting the minutes.
- Thank you.
Nick.
Nick?
Nick!
Nick.
- You call, Ms. Donna?
- Where did Mr. Beal go?
I didn't see him.
He's not out here.
It's eight floors to ground,
how'd he get out?
He could 've swung across
to that fire escape on the next building,
but it's sure a long swing.
Going out, Ms. Donna?
Yeah.
- What's the time?
- You just asked me that.
I didn't ask you what ljust asked you,
I asked you, "What's the time?"
It's 10:48.
Thanks.
Wait a minute, come here.
I wanna tell you something.
- I'm a ewe.
- Oh, now, Miss, I wouldn't say that.
Don't argue with me.
I'm a ewe, admit it.
He's a bigger one.
Pushing little people around.
Making up speeches for 'em.
Sneaking up and down fire escapes.
What do you think of a guy like that?
- Well, I wouldn't...
- Don't interrupt me.
What was I talking about?
Fire escapes.
Fire escapes.
You know something?
Got one of my own.
I got a railroad ticket to nowhere.
Train leaves in exactly...
- What's the time?
- 10:50.
I'm gonna disappear in 2O minutes.
Think I'm scared, don't ya?
- Well, it sounds like it.
- Well, I'm not, you're wrong.
I'm not scared.
See this?
- Nice.
- It's not nice.
It's probably rabbit fur.
But, I'm gonna take it with me anyway.
Services rendered.
Boys' clubs, campaigns,
love scenes.
- What's the time?
- 10:51.
You know,
you're a great little conversationalist.
You sound just like a talking clock.
- Now, look, Miss...
- Give me a cigarette.
- Cigarette?
- Least you can do is offer a lady a cigarette.
Just in time for...
How are they coming in the 11th?
Can't you give us some partial returns?
- Time 381.
- Time 381.
Hello, Bret, how's things with you?
- 8,794.
- 7,670.
- 825.
- 7,325.
Kennedy's leading by 2,901.
- How are we doing?
- Still quite close.
Huh?
- We're neck and neck, that's not bad.
- I'm afraid it is, Joseph.
- Why?
- Qnly five districts left
and the 21st and 22nd
belong to Faulkner team.
- Kennedy's stronghold.
- You'll pick up some votes in the 5th and 9th,
but not nearly enough.
- Something's coming through now.
- Oh, perfect.
- Martin, 1,658.
- 1,658.
Kennedy, 35,608.
- 35,608.
- Foster, 97,493.
That's really pulling 'em in, Mr. Foster.
- Uh, Joseph.
- Huh?
You didn't make any arrangement
with Faulkner, did you?
- Uh, no, Ben, I didn't.
- Then, he must be
double crossing Kennedy in some way.
Kennedy, 788,282.
Foster, 847,266.
Hooray for Foster!
Congratulations, over 50,000 ahead,
that's wonderful.
Hello, Beal.
Mr. Faulkner.
Well, Governor,
- looks like we're in business.
- What's that?
Let's go over here, Faulkner.
Nothing from the 21st yet, eh?
Faulkner.
I'd like you to explain your remark
about being in business.
Just what I said.
I wouldn't worry about the 21st.
You'll get a hatful there, too.
That 50 grand you gave me to spread around
will pay off about three votes to the dollar.
You gave him $50,000.
- Where did you get it?
- From me.
- Joseph.
- It was only a loan.
- I'll pay it back when I can.
- Quiet!
Quiet, everybody!
- We have some important news.
- We just got a flash.
Kennedy concedes the election.
Hooray, hooray!
I'm so happy
- Wow, marvelous.
- Hello, Governor.
Speech, Governor, speech.
I only wanna say, you've worked harder
than any group I've ever known.
You've been swell,
and I won't forget it, and I...
- Pardon me.
- Congratulations, Governor.
A wonderful night, Governor,
a wonderful night!
- God's grace.
- Hey, not bad.
- Let me explain.
- Goodnight, Joseph.
Don't worry, he'll come around.
- I wonder.
- Of course they will, they don't understand.
You're elected, darling,
you're Governor.
Now, you can do
all the wonderful things you want to
- and prove how wrong they were.
- How about a celebration?
- This doesn't happen every day.
- Of course we'll celebrate.
That's the ticket.
Listen everybody,
we're having a party at The Gold Room.
Music, floor show, all the trimmings.
It's on me. Coming, Foster?
- I've never danced with a governor.
- Yes, I'm coming.
- With bells on.
- That's the spirit!
Hello, yes, just a moment.
- Who is it?
- Mrs. Foster's on the phone.
Tell her the Governor is in conference.
Pardon me.
The waistline.
And, uh...
Oh, no, no.
- Wha-t?
- You heard me, 33.
- Uh, let's get on with it, men.
- Yes, Governor.
- Mr. Beal is here.
Send him in.
Get this right.
It has to last two years.
- Maybe four.
- Hello, Nick.
- You see the early edition of The Globe?
- Uh, no, I haven't.
- Something in there might interest you.
- Read it.
Independent Party disowns Foster."
In a move unparalleled in political history,
the Independent Party today
renounced its connection
with Governor-elect Joseph Foster.
Superior Judge Ben Hobson
disclosed that Foster's misuse
"of unauthorized campaign contributions..."
Let me see that!
"A hypocritical, old goat."
I'll ram that committee of his
down his throat!
- Hello, Joseph.
- Well, I'm glad someone will talk to me.
- I've been wanting to.
- What happened to Ben and the committee?
- Not one of them will see me.
- I think you know,
though I believe they would have overlooked
the Faulkner arrangement
- if you hadn't lied about it.
- I didn't lie, I said I didn't make the deal,
- and I didn't.
- But, you agreed to it.
Tom, you and Ben and the others
have known me for more than 20 years,
and you know that there's nothing
to worry about when I'm Governor.
I'll have to throw a few scraps to Faulkner,
but that's all, nothing has changed.
- You've changed, Joseph.
- How?
- Well, your clothes for one.
- Oh, well, what are clothes?
And there are... there are rumors
about you and Ms. Allen.
I know I shouldn't mention them.
Or the story that
you and Martha are estranged.
- Is it true?
- Well, in a way.
What's my personal trouble
got to do with it?
They're all indications of change.
Then, there's the influence that
this Nick Beal seems to have over you.
Influence, nothing... he loaned me
some money and I'll pay it back,
- and that's all.
- I wonder.
Have you signed anything with him?
- Any sort of contract?
- Of course not.
- What are you driving at?
- I don't know exactly.
But, there's something strange about him,
- something eerie.
- It's a pose to impress people.
How did he get out of your house
the night you were there?
Why was he afraid to read the bible?
- Are you serious?
- I know I can't be, but I am.
And there's another thing.
Somewhere I've seen a portrait of him.
A medieval drawing or woodcut.
I'm trying to remember where.
- Drawing as what?
- Lucifer.
We are in the 20th century, Tom.
Nobody believes in such things
since the Salem witch burnings.
Besides, aren't there a few items missing?
Where's the tail and the horns?
Where's the smell
of sulfur and brimstone?
And where's the contract you're talking about,
signed in blood
and promising the delivery
of one slightly used soul?
Maybe the Devil knows
it's the 20th century, too, Joseph.
I'm sorry about Martha,
and that people are talking about us,
well I'm sorry about that, too.
Well, I'm not,
you're the one thing I'm not sorry about.
But, Ben and the others,
that hurts.
- I know, Joseph.
- Trouble is I can't give up.
I must justify the position I've taken.
I suppose there are other reasons, too.
Like the idea of being Governor,
the flattery of having people know you.
Your policy and the power.
I sound egotistical, don't I?
- Selfish, too.
- No, because I know
you'll do the best job you can.
I wonder, there's Faulkner.
- Oh, he's nothing.
- And Nick Beal.
Yes, there is Nick.
How do you feel about him?
Oh, I don't know, Joseph.
He gives me the creeps.
Someone else said that
in other words.
Oh, Joseph, I wish I...
You better go now.
- Will I see you tomorrow?
- Of course.
And don't you worry.
You don't let other people
make your decisions.
You make them yourself.
Promise me?
I promise.
Going soft?
- Where did you come from?
- Down the chimney.
- What's the idea?
- Oh, he's in trouble.
You bet he is.
- Nick, what's he ever done to you?
- Nothing.
Well, then why do you
wanna destroy him?
He's good and he's decent.
Why don't we forget him?
Why don't we go off together,
just you and me?
Let him make his own decisions.
You and I could have a lot of fun together.
Don't touch me.
Don't ever touch me.
Why, are you afraid of me?
You stupid tr*mp.
I ought to toss you
back in the gutter where you belong.
Keep in line.
- I'll talk to him tomorrow.
- You won't need to.
I'm taking care of him myself.
Tonight.
- Joseph.
- Uh-huh?
The inauguration Thursday,
I won't be there.
- Why not?
- I think you know.
- Well, but, Martha...
- There needn't be any talk, you can say I'm ill.
I don't wanna say anything,
I want you there.
No, you don't,
we're strangers, almost enemies.
For the last two months
you haven't even known I was alive.
Well, I guess that's so, I'm sorry.
So am I.
I've been thinking tonight,
trying to figure out
what's changed everything.
I can tell you, Mr. Beal.
No, that's what everybody says,
but it's not Beal, it's me.
I don't seem to want
the things I used to want.
Well, it isn't too late to change back.
I'm going to be Governor, Martha,
no matter what happens.
I want you to be Governor,
to be a good governor
- with no shoddy alliances.
- Oh, you sound like that reform committee.
Well, I don't feel like it.
I feel sad that all the wonderful things
that we've had are gone.
Do you remember the good times
we used to have on $20 a week
when you were going to law school,
and all the problems we used to share.
Oh, I know this isn't fair.
I'm just saying these things to prove to you
that I want only the best for you.
- I know you do.
- Then, you must believe me
when I tell you that Beal is dangerous.
All right, I'll get rid of him.
You owe him $50,000.
I know.
Martha.
Would you be very angry
if I sold the house?
No, I'd be pleased,
and if that isn't enough,
then I've got the bonds mother left me.
I don't deserve you.
Promise me one thing.
- Don't see him again.
- Well, I don't know that I can exactly...
This is the first really important thing
I've ever asked of you.
All right.
I promise.
Thank you.
- Mr. Foster.
- Oh, it's you, Beal.
Just gonna write you a note,
but now that you're here...
Save it for later.
You're in quite a bit of trouble.
I don't quite understand you.
Do you remember Hanson's bookkeeper
and they called his verdict on his death?
Yes, accidental.
Well, they put a new tag on him
a couple of weeks ago,
- and it reads, "m*rder."
- m*rder?
- Why didn't I hear about this?
- You'd be the last one they'd tell.
Seems like whoever tipped him off
mentioned your name.
Well, I only saw the man once in my life,
here in this house.
They know.
They also know from your maid
that you had an argument with him,
and from some
bridge-playing friends of yours
that you left the house
shortly before 10:00,
which is when he got it.
Where did you hear this?
Friend in the bureau.
Well, I'll tell you,
it's a very flimsy case.
Sure, only they don't think so.
They're due here any minute now
to pick you up.
On circumstantial evidence like that?
Oh, I forgot, uh,
they found something on the body.
A pipe with a silver band around the stem
and three silver dots on the bowl,
and traced back to a set you got
two or three years ago.
That's impossible.
- How many pipes in the set?
- Seven.
Count 'em.
There's one missing.
Have it with ya that night?
- You don't think that I...
- I wouldn't know.
But, I got a feeling it's gonna kind of interfere
with you becoming Governor.
For weeks something inside of me
has been saying I wouldn't make it.
I guess it's been telling me the truth.
Not necessarily,
- because I can pull you clear.
- How?
You know, I've been
sticking my neck out for you.
Hanson's evidence, Faulkner,
angles in your campaign.
Cost me a lot of money, too,
and now this.
I'd like some protection,
and I'd like it in writing.
Dessert.
- What's Mr. Beal doing here?
- We're discussing business.
- But, you said...
- What did he say, Mrs. Foster?
- Martha, can't you see you're interrupting.
- But, you promised you'd never
- have anything more to do with him.
- Well, maybe I didn't put it clearly.
I wish you'd leave.
You'd better read it over.
It includes a small reward
for services rendered.
"Keeper of the State Seal,"
that doesn't mean anything,
- it doesn't even pay a salary.
- Maybe I like state seals.
Oh, and there's a sort of default clause
you want to read, too.
"In case I fail to make
the above appointment,
I do hereby agree to accompany
the aforementioned Nicholas Beal
to the Island of Almas Perdidas."
- What island is that?
- Owned by some friends of mine.
- They need new personnel.
- of what kind of work?
Why worry?
Clause will never take effect anyway,
you can give me the state job
the minute you become Governor.
Yes, that's right,
but I don't like this anyway.
It's too ambiguous,
it might mean anything.
Then, you want to face the music?
Mr. Foster.
Mr. Foster,
there's a detective at the door.
He says he has to see you.
Have him come in, Aileen.
Mr. Foster will see you in the library.
- May I take your hats?
- No, thank you.
Come in.
- Mr. Foster.
- Hello, Lieutenant.
This is Mr. Beal.
Lieutenant Dodds and Sergeant...
- Sergeant Hill.
- What brings you out here?
We're working on the death
of a man named Henry Finch.
Finch?
That isn't the man who was
Hanson's bookkeeper, is it?
Yes, that's him,
it's a kinda odd story.
- Uh, don't mind Beal.
- It seems a harbor detail
made a mistake a few months ago.
They figured this Finch
fell from the pier down at the bay
and hit his head on some rocks.
No water in his lungs.
Then, we began to hear rumors,
so we took a look at
the tide tables for that night.
- High water at 10:00.
- The closest rocks were eight feet under.
So, he got knocked in the head
before he fell.
Ooh.
- m*rder?
- Well, that's what the rumors said.
Oh, they found this pipe by his body.
- Ever see it before?
- I don't know.
Looks familiar, looks like one of the pipes
that was given to me in a set.
This set.
Seven.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.
They're all there.
Almost a perfect match, though.
You weren't thinking of hanging it
on Mr. Foster, were you, Lieutenant?
Oh, no, Mr. Beal,
we never really thought...
Don't apologize, Dodds.
It's your job to run down clues
wherever they lead.
Yeah, I guess we're both glad
this was a dud.
Well, we must be running along,
we have a lineup at 10:00.
Goodnight, Mr. Beal, Mr. Foster.
- Goodnight, Lieutenant.
- Aileen.
- Yes, sir?
- Will you see these gentlemen out?
Your handwriting
is very legible, Governor.
Good, clear signature.
There's all but the last page,
take it down to the hotel stenographer.
Yes, sir.
And rush it,
I'll need it in a half hour.
Good morning, Governor.
Not much of a day
for your inauguration.
No.
You didn't eat much.
- I wasn't hungry.
- Nerves.
Oh, I've been talking to the boys,
they'd like a couple of things more.
Two members on the Power Commission,
two more on the Marshlands Committee,
and Chairman of the Liquor Control Board.
That's practically every key post.
Oh, I wouldn't say that, you still have
the Fish and Game Commission,
and me as Keeper of the State Seal.
You didn't forget that, did you?
- No.
- I'm sure you wouldn't want
that forfeit clause to go into effect,
or when the fellows think you were
to drop that 200,000 for boys' clubs,
the budget's oversized now.
- All right.
- Cars will be downstairs in 20 minutes.
- Well, I better get out the inaugural address.
- Address?
Didn't I tell you?
You wrote that last night.
Really first-rate job.
Good morning, Governor.
How about a picture for The Globe?
A new home, Governor,
think you'll like it?
Joseph.
Donna.
- I had to say goodbye.
- Goodbye?
- But, why?
- Just a moment, Miss.
- It's all right, officer.
- Yes, sir.
What are you doing in those clothes?
Everything else belongs to Nick.
- To Nick?
- Oh, I'm so frightened of him.
Something terrible's happening,
something he's planned.
Oh, Joseph, watch out,
he's a... a devil.
He doesn't care about
anything or anybody.
Better come inside, Governor.
Can't have you getting your feet wet.
Might catch cold.
Gotta park here, Governor,
until the ceremony starts.
I think you ought to look at these.
Might interest you to see how far
you've come in the past eight months.
"Foster Inaugural Today."
"Foster Elected Governor."
And this one goes back to the time
when you were District Attorney.
"Foster Promises Clean City
With Hanson Conviction."
I think you can read the rest yourself.
I'll let you know
when they're ready for you.
Uh, Mr. Foster?
Mr. Foster, we are ready for you, sir.
And I will faithfully discharge the duties
of the office of Governor.
"According to the best of my ability."
According to the best of my ability.
Justice Fisk.
Distinguished guests,
and ladies and gentlemen.
A few weeks ago,
the Independent Party,
whose candidate for Governor I was,
issued a statement, renouncing me
for certain political commitments
I am supposed to have made
prior to election.
I never answered that statement,
because it is absolutely true.
Through greed, avarice,
vanity, ambition,
I made certain alliances
with various groups of corrupt figures.
Alliances, which I realize now,
will prevent me
from serving my state properly.
Needless to say,
I am ashamed of myself.
So ashamed that I am taking
the only action possible.
I resign the governorship
in favor of an honest man.
A man who was once my friend.
Lieutenant Governor Paul Norton.
Congratulations, Foster.
Impressive speech, fine gesture.
Virtue triumphant.
Surprised to find you think so, Beal.
Why shouldn't I?
Your plans didn't quite work out.
Just the opposite.
They worked out exactly as scheduled.
Except that you lost a governor.
- Ah, they're a dime a dozen.
- Hm, maybe.
- But, you won't get Norton.
- No, I won't get Norton,
or the State Seal either.
- We'll talk about that later.
- Yes, we will.
Soon.
Martha.
Martha?
Hello.
Remember the forfeit clause
in our contract, Foster?
Well, tonight's collection night.
China Coast at 11:00.
Got it?
I advise you to be there, my friend,
and don't let the fog throw you.
It won 't bother us,
not where we're going.
Almas Perdidas.
The Island of Almas Perdidas.
There's no such place listed in the atlas,
or on this globe.
Well, that's the way the contract reads.
But, if the island doesn't exist,
I'm sure the contract isn't valid.
Tom, the thing is I signed in good faith.
I gave my word in effect.
The last six months,
I've been acting selfishly in bad faith.
Well, I'm through doing that.
I'm through going against my conscience.
Your conscience
tells you to go with Beal?
- Why don't you talk to Martha?
- She's gone away somewhere.
Besides, if this is what you're hinting at,
if there's something strange about it,
I don't want to involve her.
- Then, you admit the possibility?
- I don't know.
Do you know Spanish?
- No, why?
- I wondered if you knew
what the translation of
"the Island of Almas Perdidas" was.
"The Island of Lost Souls."
Strange, isn't it?
- But, that can't be.
- I know.
As you once said,
it's the wrong century for superstition,
for werewolves, vampires, and devils,
for evil enchantments and black magic.
But, Joseph, I do know this,
spiritual problems exist today,
just as they did in earlier centuries.
The battle between good and evil
still goes on.
We all fight it every day of our lives.
When you found the courage
to renounce the governorship,
you expiated your sins,
you confessed,
you washed yourself clean.
That was your battle,
and it was with yourself,
not with Beal.
He can't make you go anywhere
or do anything
if you're no longer willing.
Don't you realize, Joseph,
you've already won?
Forget Beal.
Go to Martha who remembers you
as you were, as you still are.
She still loves you.
The two of you can make
a fresh start together.
She's at my house.
Thanks, Tom.
- Taxi.
- Hello, Mr. Foster.
Hello, Larry.
Doctor Garfield's house?
- Yes.
- Sure that's where you wanna go, Governor?
- Hello, Larry.
- Apprentice said to tell you
- he's sorry he was late with these.
- Oh, that's all right.
Say, uh, Doctor Garfield,
that Mr. Beal.
- What about him?
- I never knew he was a taxi driver.
- He isn't.
- I've just seen him in a cab
driving off with Mr. Foster.
- Leaving, Foster?
- Yes, I'm leaving,
- I'll see you tomorrow, Beal, at home.
- Think you'll get there?
Of course.
Bring him into the light.
- Is he badly hurt?
- Get him to a hospital.
- I'll call an ambulance.
- That won't be necessary.
I'll take care of him,
he's gotta catch a boat.
What's the matter with him?
- We've got to find him.
- How?
That place that he first met Beal.
Joseph said it was his headquarters.
Do you remember the name?
- No.
Perhaps Larry would remember,
if he's still outside.
Here we are, my friend.
Yes, brethren, every word is true.
I've walked in the darkness, glory be.
I've wrestled the Devil and thrown him.
I've pinned his shoulders to the mat.
Yes, I've pinned his shoulders to the mat.
I wonder if he knows
he's two falls out of three.
Not quite time yet.
Have a drink.
A glass for my friend.
Can't get through.
- We've got to.
- A man's life may depend on it.
I got my orders, Mister,
everyone takes the detour,
just follow the signs.
As for your job,
you will never miss it.
We have important plans for you,
wonderful work.
Travel everywhere.
- Good evening, Mr. Beal.
- Good evening, Kafka.
Good evening, Mr. Beal.
Hello, Foster.
Yes, you'll be a valuable addition.
Good front, inspire confidence,
and people will trust you.
Shall we move along?
The last time I was here
was quite exciting.
City was on fire.
Picked up quite a lot
of recruits that night.
Made quite a transportation problem.
Joseph!
- What are you doing, darling?
- Fulfilling an agreement, Mrs. Foster.
- No, he's coming home.
- I'm afraid you're wrong.
He's given his word on paper.
- Right, Foster?
- That's right.
- Joseph.
- I doubt that he put his name
to anything, Mr. Beal.
Oh?
Take a look.
Good, clear signature.
You'll find everything else in order, too.
It should be, my company's negotiated
quite a number of these.
- Your company?
- A trading company, Reverend,
with representatives
in all parts of the world.
Now, if you'll just return it,
we'll be on our way.
Seems to be all right.
Sorry.
Pick it up.
Wait a minute, Tom.
Suppose you pick it up, Mr. Beal?
It's right at your feet.
You've jockeyed me
into a sort of morality play, haven't you?
Only we've a pier
instead of the nave of a cathedral,
but the props are the same.
It's always been bell and candle,
or that worn-out book of yours.
And it always will be.
I'm ready, Beal, if you are.
No.
You saved yourself just in time,
didn't you?
But, there'll be others who won't,
a lot of others,
and I'll tell you why.
In everyone there's a seed of destruction.
A fatal weakness.
You know that now, Foster.
You're lucky.
You're luckier than I was when I fell.
But, that was a long time ago.
He's gone, but where?
I wouldn't ask.
You've won,
that's the important thing.
Forget him, go home.
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Alias Nick Beal (1949)
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