Boardwalk Empire s04e03 Episode Script
Acres of Diamonds
Mr.
Phillips, what brings you to our little town? We're expanding into the north east, and I'm here to set it up.
Who is he? Guy who works for us.
You stay.
I've got to go over something with him.
Mr.
Narcisse.
Dr.
Narcisse, Mr.
Thompson.
Your friend is facing a difficulty.
Your employee slashed the throat of my employee.
Just say how much.
It is for you to decide what your friendship is worth.
That's my judgment.
And the other problem goes away.
Here.
Thanks.
- What's your name? - Roger.
- What is this? - It's heroin, that's all.
Do you have any family? Wife.
Two girls.
I can't.
How did Dickie know what hotel to find you in? I was raped.
This is a tale I've heard one time too many.
No! Stop! No! Regarding Florida I have packed your bags.
And that, my boy, is how it's done.
Welcome to Tampa, land of money, cunny, and where it's always sunny.
First two sound good, but the third I could do without.
Eight months in stir, you'd sing a different tune.
There's either a three-mile limit or there ain't.
- Am I right? - Tell it to the judge.
I did and I still got fucked.
All right, 15-love.
Three ships full of scotch gone.
Like that.
Tell me there ain't some admiral with his feet up sipping my booze every night.
Onward and upward, that's what I always say.
Speaking of which - I read the prospectus.
- It's a sweet deal, Nuck.
Right on the Gulf, couple days' sail from the Bahamas.
We off-load on the beach, truck it anywhere you like.
Sounds the same as Jersey to me.
But with better cigars.
bet you'd like to unwind.
Wouldn't say no to a shower.
Go rest.
Take a nap.
And if you want something sweet to go with that stogie, I'll send a friendly little cubanita up to your room.
Hot shower will do for now.
- What time later? - 6:00 P.
M.
Speak called Sally's off the inlet.
Nuck.
Tucker's very excited to meet you.
Most people are until they do.
Like all races, the Libyan race will be saved by its exceptional men.
Education and work are the levers to uplift our people.
But work must be guided by intelligence.
And education must teach life.
The new Negro must be tutored in thought and culture.
We shall continue our discussion next week.
Remember, my brothers, no man who continues to add to the material, intellectual, and moral well-being of the place in which he lives is left long without proper reward.
Mr.
Madden.
Say hello to Arnold Rothstein.
An honor to have finally made your acquaintance.
Please.
Mr.
Madden tells me you're interested in heroin.
As a commodity, yes.
This is a business with which you are familiar? One of many.
Biggest fish in Harlem.
However, I do intend to expand to other Libyan markets.
Libyan? What he calls the coloreds.
You are a dependable and amply stocked supplier? One who requires the utmost discretion.
He's got my vouch like I told you.
I will weigh it myself to ensure good measure.
Large bills only.
Why would you expect otherwise? My understanding you control the local numbers racket.
Therefore, I transact my business like a schoolboy dealing in pennies, nickels, and dimes.
It's not my intention to offend you.
Nonetheless, you succeeded despite yourself.
To whom do I dispatch payment? My associate Mr.
Diamond will be in touch.
I have other business with Mr.
Madden.
Gentlemen.
Daughter Maitland, she's been performing at your Cotton Club.
Nice piece of tail.
I will require her services elsewhere.
Fine with me.
Just have Dickie drop by with a replacement.
God will bring every deed to judgment, with every secret thing, either good or evil.
Mr.
Pastor will not be returning.
He's got it all worked out.
The world's expert.
Two miles of road to pave and cash on the barrelhead.
So you know what I told him, Rick? I said, "What you want is the Piedmont gravel.
" He wasn't having any of it.
Four tons of creek rock, and now the whole order needs to be redone.
How frustrating.
No skin off me, but a man's got to know his business.
Don't he, Rick? He sure do, Hube.
Say, how's Saturday? Okay.
I'll drive up after we close.
Get started on clearing out that barn.
Richard said he'll do it, so there's no need.
Heck, I don't mind, Emmy.
Truth to tell, I enjoy the company.
Why don't you call first? These are for the drive back to town.
Keep feeding me and I'll come back.
Stray dogs and bachelors, eh, Rick? Mmm.
Well, see you in the funnies.
I would have picked the pea gravel.
Could have gone with the river run.
That's a nice bit of rock, Emmy.
He's not so bad, is he? As a brother-in-law? He lost someone too, you know.
And his folks, they're good people.
They wanted me to move into town with them after Gerry died.
You can have our old room.
I'll set up in Mother and Father's.
Needs painting.
Well, add it to your chores.
Some curtains, maybe.
And a hobbyhorse.
Make it a proper nursery.
The crib's stored out in the barn.
I'd fetch it myself, but I haven't asked you for any Just take it.
Take it and pay the taxes.
The what? The back taxes.
I saw the letter.
That's enough to cover it.
I paid the taxes.
I sold the Hudson and I paid them.
The assessor rang.
He said Is this Mr.
Case? He didn't give a name.
Well, I'm not paying them twice.
Put that money away and let's not talk about it.
All right? This land is opportunity and you can double your investment in a month, especially with the rail road expanding.
Just last week there was a shipping clerk from Syracuse never left the train station.
Sold his deed in the washroom, headed back north on the next train 15,000 to the good.
I'll tell you, Mr.
Logan, you will not be sorry.
Thanks, buddy.
Quite a racket.
It's a Bancroft.
I was talking about the real estate game.
Say, can any Joe buy in? Well, sure, if he's got the dough.
Just so happens I'm selling lots in Pineapple Grove.
Hottest new development in Tampa.
Is that so? Say, that shipping clerk who sold his deed in the washroom, did he wipe the shit off his hands before he signed it? A wise guy, huh? - Call me Nucky.
- Skeeter Walsh.
Skeeter? Well, Pop said I was always buzzing around, so Not that you're a bloodsucker? No offense, but I've mm.
Well, what we've got sells itself.
Swampland at 100 bucks an acre.
We're only giving people what they want.
I know a little about that myself.
Again.
And for my friend here as well.
Lighter on the blood, heavier on the Mary.
So how's this all work? I'm buying the drinks here, so give it to me square.
Well, me and the other fellas, we're Binder Boys, see? We take the deposits, the binders.
- It's 10% usually.
- Of the purchase price? Which is enough to hold the property.
It's booming down here since Temple Terrace opened.
- And that's just the beginning.
- You don't say.
There's three more developments coming.
Country clubs, golf courses, Not to mention quarter-million-dollar Roman pools.
And the buyers are lining up? Put it this way last year there were nine Binder Boys.
This year, 74.
I say that you ought to get rich, it is your duty to get rich.
The men who get rich may be the most honest men you find in the community.
That is why they are rich.
That is why they are trusted with money.
- Stop.
Shh.
Shh.
- That is why they carry on great enterprises and find plenty of people to work with them.
A man is not really a true man until he owns his own home.
And they that own their own homes are made more honorable and honest and pure.
- Bucket.
- Hey, Henry.
What's this woofy? A speech by old man Conwell.
Sap sells his farm to go look for diamonds when all along his own place is lousy with them.
Well, ain't that ironical? Say, who's gonna butt me? Got a Lucky? Sure, Bucket.
Only my pals call me Bucket.
Say, nobody told me Colleen Moore enrolled in school.
Brother, can you lay it on thick.
You sit behind me in English lit.
So, tonight after lights out, we've got some Paul Whiteman records and we are gonna dust off that Victrola.
Doris and I already have plans.
With some juniors from Penn Sigma Chi.
- Those bums are all wet.
- Wet is why we're going.
Well, we have plenty of giggle juice.
Actually, we don't.
Well, that settles that, then, doesn't it? Maybe next time.
I can get some.
Some what? Some booze.
Like fun you can.
No, really.
I I know someone.
So, tonight, then? The basement? Well, then, it's a date.
He will be great anywhere.
I sympathize with the poor, but let us remember there is not a poor person in America, the United States, who was not made poor by his own shortcomings.
It's clean, relatively.
Certainly spacious enough to fit a bachelor's needs.
Half expect to see Sherlock Holmes come through the door.
You're not convinced.
The windows face west.
It'll be like the Sahara come 4:00 P.
M.
Then again, I would be at the office.
Are you always so indecisive? Not in business, but personally, yeah.
It's endearing.
Clara found it maddening.
Well, Clara was wrong.
You know, I wonder, uh - Yes? - Well Another moment of indecision? This evening a man named Hewson, big Ike in the A&P chain, rather old-fashioned from what I hear, he's in town with his wife.
I'm supposed to meet them for dinner.
Oh? You're not making this easy.
Are you asking me to join you? Well, yes.
But, you see, it's very important it go well.
He he thinks I'm still married.
You've never met? No, I've spoken to him on the phone.
If he finds out that I'm divorcing You want me to pretend to be your wife? That's not something a gentleman would ask of a lady.
Well, you didn't even have to.
So, what do we think? Uh I'm sorry.
These rooms won't do.
Check the champagne order and get me 10 extra four-tops.
Got that car convention in town.
Got busboys for that.
Shit float downhill, buck.
Don't matter to me none where it stop.
Mr.
White.
Mr.
Purnsley.
Them tables ain't gonna set theyself.
Doctor.
May I present Miss Daughter Maitland.
Say hello, dear.
Mr.
White.
Pleased to meet you.
Miss Maitland is a very gifted singer.
Equally accomplished in jazz improvisation and blues.
Sang on a record.
"Warsaw Blues" with King Oliver.
You know your business, sir.
I know what Dickie Pastor held back.
Behind the stage past the kitchen, you'll find a dressing room where you can put your things.
- She's a pretty girl.
- She is indeed.
So what's she doing here? Performing for the week.
I do hope you asking and not telling.
We are partners, Mr.
White, and that girl is a star.
If you will have her.
All right, then.
Keep that walkway clear now.
It was my understanding that Mr.
Purnsley managed the staff.
He do as I tell him.
When men make themselves into brutes, it is just to treat them as brutes.
Stop fidgeting.
That man has a shotgun.
Wait here.
No, I'm not staying out here alone.
This is supposed to be a food truck, Larry.
The way them springs sag, it's pretty obvious it ain't hauling bananas.
You boys lose your Scout troop? Willie Thompson.
Eli's son.
You're Mickey, right? I I'm Eli's son.
We've met before, a few years ago.
Well, I'm away at college now.
Boola-boola.
That's Yale.
We go to Temple.
Funny.
You don't look Jewish.
So we were hoping to get some booze.
Oh, you were, huh? How about we call your pop? See what he thinks about that? - No, no, I just - Take a hike, kid.
- I need it for a party.
- Are you deaf? Or just stupid? All right.
Okay.
Sorry.
Don't let the door hit you in the brains.
What are you doing? That's what they say, yeah.
Hey! Where are you going? Nowhere.
Mr.
Doyle just Hey, Mick, you okay this? What the fuck I say, huh? - Fucking thief! - I'm sorry.
- What, was this your idea? - No, sir.
I'm calling your father right now.
No, no, Mr.
Doyle, please.
My dad said he'd kill me if I got in trouble like this.
- I mean, my mother would have - All right.
Don't get so dramatic.
Can't go around robbing people.
It's a good thing your dad's my pal.
Now scat.
And we'll keep this between us, okay? Man-to-man.
And not a word about any of this, capisce? Take the booze, kid.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
Here's something you actually accomplished.
Remember me? Carl Billings? We met on a train last summer.
Do you or don't you? I remember.
You agreed to take on a certain job.
Something you knew how to do.
As I recall, you said it was the one thing on Earth you were good at.
And I said half now, half when you finish.
But you didn't finish.
You left a man alive, which makes me concerned about a conversation we had on the train last summer.
Just a wallet.
What's this? You haven't touched it.
This makes you honest? You don't have any kind of a code.
You kill for hire.
And this just makes you stupid.
And how do you trust a stupid man? Well? Jesus.
I'm doing you a favor.
Next time you might want to consider a life preserver.
So much for always sunny.
Into each life some rain must fall.
And in Tampa, that's at least once a day.
- August Tucker.
- They call you Gus? Not if they want to stay friends.
Sit.
Nucky Thompson.
Well, hell, I know that.
Bill here told me all about you.
- Is that right? - We met back in '20 when I was doing those rum runs up from the Caribbean.
In the good old, bad old days before the feds got wise.
Who you telling? To new friends and old.
Well, hang on, now.
I want to be friends, too.
Leave that bottle and scat.
- So.
- So.
Ready to get rich? I'm already rich, Mr.
Tucker.
But I'm talking millions.
What good would millions do me in jail? Come again? You agree, I assume, that our business requires a certain degree of secrecy? Naturally, sure.
Then this land is worthless.
- What? - But, Nuck The entire surrounding area is being developed.
Houses, country clubs, schools.
But it's 14,000 acres.
We'd still control enough land that we'd off-load in total privacy.
And when the convoy of trucks leaves the property every morning and rumbles down Main Street past the church, - then what? - Well there's a risk in everything, Nuck.
Not when I can avoid it.
- You told me he was in.
- He was.
I mean, I thought he I said that I'd consider it.
And I did.
Then you were told wrong, Mr.
Tucker.
Nucky, please.
We got the seller right where we want him.
Sorry, boys.
You'll have to find yourselves a new partner.
I don't like having my time wasted.
You're not the one who came all the way down here.
Thanks for your hospitality.
Somebody loves me I wonder who I wonder who he can be I'm crying somebody loves me I wish I knew Who can he be worries me For every boy who passes me I shout, hey, maybe You were meant to be my loving baby Some, somebody loves me I wonder who Maybe it's you.
Well, what do you think? Quite the chanteuse.
We have nothing like that back home.
And where is home, Helen? Evansville, Indiana.
Ever heard of it? I can't say I have.
We'll have to visit for our anniversary.
Roy tells me that you're thinking of merging with Piggly Wiggly.
Oh, he does, does he? Was I not supposed to say that? No, no, that's fine.
It's not exactly a national secret.
Let's just wait till the deal closes, shall we? Come on, have some coffee.
It'll settle your nerves.
That coffee will get us all thrown in jail.
Oh, what's the harm? Your wife always so eager to break the law? Oh, she's incorrigible.
Me? You're the one who tried to marry me when I was still underage.
Can't blame him for that.
I, for one, need some coffee.
What the heck? Pardon me.
I'm going to powder my nose.
I'll join you.
Down Alabamy way I just can picture Black Joe With his old banjo I can hear him strumming a tune That old quartet, I can hear them yet Singing by the silvery moon Don't got a thing to burn Well, was I lying? The white folks seem to like her.
Yes.
That would be very important.
To you.
Some ferocious guard dogs and a few fellas with shotguns.
- But nothing to concern yourself - Thanks a lot.
I am just bored out of my mind, then suddenly Great party, Thompson.
So where'd you get all this stuff? - I bet he nicked it.
- Don't be stupid.
Not a wise head like Thompson.
- Hey, ho.
Hey.
Hey.
- Watch my shoe.
So, you pick the ladies tonight or what? Once they start drinking, we all do.
Thompson to the rescue.
Where'd you get this stuff? - A friend.
- Oh, you got some friends? You're my hero, Thompson.
You know that? This kid's been laughing at himself.
- Having his first drink.
- Hey.
Look at him.
Think he's a hotshot now.
- Thompson saved the day, so - That's right.
- Congratulations.
- Come on, Henry.
- Cut it out.
Henry.
- Anyway, a toast to Thompson.
- To Thompson.
- To Thompson.
- Our boy.
- You're my hero.
Henry, quit it! Easy, Henry.
Mind your business, Thompson.
That's for Doris to decide.
I'd like to leave now.
Walk me? Sure.
Let's beat it, then, shall we? Sure, Doris, go slumming.
Wait.
I want to show you something.
In the library.
I owe this man.
- Owe him what? - Money.
A lot of it.
When I was arrested, had my ships confiscated It was his scotch on board.
How much? Almost 200 grand.
He was there waiting the day I got out of jail.
He was the first thing I saw when my eyes adjusted to the sunlight.
If you needed money, why didn't you just ask me? Because I wanted to earn it.
I'm not some goddamn charity case.
Earn it? He said if I made the intro, got you involved as his partner, he'd forgive the debt.
I'm supposed to partner with some two-bit fucking hillbilly? He's a big man around these parts.
I've already met the world's tallest midget on the midway back home.
He's got the locals in his pocket.
All the things you're worried about.
- He could pave the road - The deal is shit.
And you know it.
The fuck am I gonna do? You made your bed, Bill.
I thought you were my friend.
If you had come to me like one, it'd be different.
Train tickets.
Stupid coconut drinks.
All your syrupy fucking sales talk.
I was desperate, Nuck.
I'm sorry.
I made a mistake.
Well, look at you now.
Where were you married? When were you married? - Talk about an inquest.
- You got off easy.
I was about to invent a brood of six and have you name them all.
Six? Someone's got a wicked streak.
Me? You're the one planning our anniversary trip.
To Mudville, sure.
Wherever they're from.
Mmm.
A nickel for your thoughts.
I pay better than most people.
I was thinking we make a pretty swell team.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Yes? I beg your pardon, but we I don't mean to intrude.
We've met before.
I'm sorry, I don't My friend Roger, about a year ago, outside the restaurant Abe Klein's on the boardwalk.
Say, what's this all about? I really couldn't say.
You introduced yourself, gave him a smoke.
- I'm sure you're mistaken.
- I beg your pardon? I'm sure it was you.
He said something about going to your house for Easter.
- And then he did a - This person is making me very uncomfortable.
- All right, that's enough.
- Sorry, mister.
Hey, take it on the arches, son.
The heck was that all about? I have no idea.
Excuse me.
I need the ladies'.
Just a moment.
You okay? I'm fine, yes.
I just It melted.
Oh, your lip.
By the light of the silvery moon I want to spoon To my honey I'll croon Love's tune.
Well, go on, Romeo.
Don't let us interrupt.
- You think this is funny? - Come on, sport.
Touch me again, I'll break your nose.
Well, it looks like your anger's not the only thing that's arisen.
It's Thompson's Willie.
A cold shower will work wonders, Romeo.
Is he alive? Well, he's breathing.
Alive is a matter of opinion.
Does it ever stop raining? It always has.
So how about you? Are you alive? I recall that I was once.
What happened? Prohibition.
Till then, I was a simple, run-of-the-mill crook a corrupt city official.
And I was happy.
Plenty of money, plenty of friends, plenty of everything.
Then suddenly, plenty wasn't enough.
Well, I ain't buying it.
How do you mean? Anybody who says money doesn't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop.
So I hear.
My son's birthday tomorrow.
Name's Teddy.
How old? - 10? - You don't know? He's no longer with me.
I'm sorry.
Oh, he's not dead.
He's in Brooklyn.
There's that matter of opinion again.
Rain's over.
I've been meaning to send him something.
- Who? - My son.
Hmm.
Maybe the better gift is to let him forget me.
Well, that's convenient.
Beg pardon? That the best choice requires the least amount of effort on your part.
I thought bartenders were supposed to be sympathetic.
Welcome to Sally's.
That you? - Sally Wheet.
- Nucky Thompson.
I know all about it.
You're all Tucker's talked about for weeks.
Big man in these parts, so I hear.
He thinks so.
Give me one of those and I'll dish.
Gee, you're easy.
August Tucker, Georgia native, son of moonshiners.
Made his way to Tampa after the war.
How long before he discovered you? We're friends.
We do a little business on occasion.
Is he dangerous? He's kind of like this fella.
He'd kill you if he got a chance, but he's not very smart, either.
So how does a not-so-smart semi-dangerous man run the rackets down in Tampa? Enough money and the right connections, you can do pretty much anything down here.
Oh, God.
What you want, friend? You want some of this? - A switchblade.
- I'll use it, too.
Of that I have no doubt.
But what good would another dead Negro do either of us? Make me feel a mite better.
We have no quarrel, Mr.
Purnsley.
How about you getting even for Dickie Pastor? That account has been settled.
And in any event, it was merely financial in nature.
I'm here on new business.
- Mr.
White - He ain't here right now.
Why should he be when he has you to do the slave labor? He offered to give you up in exchange for Dickie Pastor.
His Libyan brother for a Nordic devil.
Chalky White ain't never been my friend.
Well, that much is obvious.
Do you know what this is? Heroin.
It is freedom.
Power.
Control over men who are lesser than you.
Chalky White is one of those men.
Where you going, friend? As far as you'd like me to take you.
But we shall go there together.
McCoy, you in there? McCoy! Let's settle this! Augie.
I didn't hear you.
The hell you chopping coconuts at 3:00 in the morning for? Doc says drink a quart a day.
You know, good for the ticker.
Augie, okay.
That business this evening, I know what you're thinking.
I'll bet you don't.
But you're gonna know about it now.
How'd it happen, Rick? Clearing out the barn.
There's a lot of junk in there.
That pile's practically coming down on its own.
I keep telling her, but, you know.
Tell her what? You're her brother.
I don't It's like she's under ice.
She can't move.
Gerry's gone.
She's gonna have a child to raise.
This isn't any kind of place to live alone.
I mean, she thinks the world of you, but you're only visiting.
- All squared away.
- Wish you'd let me help, Emmy.
You wouldn't know where to put things.
When's the train? We'll get him there in plenty of time.
Don't be a loon, Rick.
I'll carry it.
You Harrows.
You act like there's no one else on Earth.
In France when I couldn't sleep when I was full of fear, I'd think about the day I'd come home.
I'd be in my dress uniform.
I'd have medals.
I wouldn't wear them, but I'd have them.
I'd see the yard, the cornflowers along the fence.
The porch, the old flag.
Mother, Father, Sampson, you.
Send me an address, if you want me to know where you are.
Come here.
Richard.
You need to call yourself to account.
Mr.
Thompson, we're here for your bags.
And this came for you.
Thank you, sir.
Best thing since sliced bread, I think.
- Well, I think we've got a deal.
- Yeah.
Shall we shake on it? - You bet.
- Put her there.
You're gonna love this.
See right here? Outside line.
Bill McCoy, please.
Thank you.
Paging Mark Frasin.
Hello? It's me.
Who? - Nucky.
- Hey, Nuck.
Jesus.
I'm in.
What? The deal, I've reconsidered.
Tell your hillbilly friend Tucker I'm in.
But he answers to me, understand? Sure, Nuck.
Right.
Of course.
I'll be sending someone down in a few days with the money.
- Hello? - Yes.
- Thank you.
- All right, then.
Phillips, what brings you to our little town? We're expanding into the north east, and I'm here to set it up.
Who is he? Guy who works for us.
You stay.
I've got to go over something with him.
Mr.
Narcisse.
Dr.
Narcisse, Mr.
Thompson.
Your friend is facing a difficulty.
Your employee slashed the throat of my employee.
Just say how much.
It is for you to decide what your friendship is worth.
That's my judgment.
And the other problem goes away.
Here.
Thanks.
- What's your name? - Roger.
- What is this? - It's heroin, that's all.
Do you have any family? Wife.
Two girls.
I can't.
How did Dickie know what hotel to find you in? I was raped.
This is a tale I've heard one time too many.
No! Stop! No! Regarding Florida I have packed your bags.
And that, my boy, is how it's done.
Welcome to Tampa, land of money, cunny, and where it's always sunny.
First two sound good, but the third I could do without.
Eight months in stir, you'd sing a different tune.
There's either a three-mile limit or there ain't.
- Am I right? - Tell it to the judge.
I did and I still got fucked.
All right, 15-love.
Three ships full of scotch gone.
Like that.
Tell me there ain't some admiral with his feet up sipping my booze every night.
Onward and upward, that's what I always say.
Speaking of which - I read the prospectus.
- It's a sweet deal, Nuck.
Right on the Gulf, couple days' sail from the Bahamas.
We off-load on the beach, truck it anywhere you like.
Sounds the same as Jersey to me.
But with better cigars.
bet you'd like to unwind.
Wouldn't say no to a shower.
Go rest.
Take a nap.
And if you want something sweet to go with that stogie, I'll send a friendly little cubanita up to your room.
Hot shower will do for now.
- What time later? - 6:00 P.
M.
Speak called Sally's off the inlet.
Nuck.
Tucker's very excited to meet you.
Most people are until they do.
Like all races, the Libyan race will be saved by its exceptional men.
Education and work are the levers to uplift our people.
But work must be guided by intelligence.
And education must teach life.
The new Negro must be tutored in thought and culture.
We shall continue our discussion next week.
Remember, my brothers, no man who continues to add to the material, intellectual, and moral well-being of the place in which he lives is left long without proper reward.
Mr.
Madden.
Say hello to Arnold Rothstein.
An honor to have finally made your acquaintance.
Please.
Mr.
Madden tells me you're interested in heroin.
As a commodity, yes.
This is a business with which you are familiar? One of many.
Biggest fish in Harlem.
However, I do intend to expand to other Libyan markets.
Libyan? What he calls the coloreds.
You are a dependable and amply stocked supplier? One who requires the utmost discretion.
He's got my vouch like I told you.
I will weigh it myself to ensure good measure.
Large bills only.
Why would you expect otherwise? My understanding you control the local numbers racket.
Therefore, I transact my business like a schoolboy dealing in pennies, nickels, and dimes.
It's not my intention to offend you.
Nonetheless, you succeeded despite yourself.
To whom do I dispatch payment? My associate Mr.
Diamond will be in touch.
I have other business with Mr.
Madden.
Gentlemen.
Daughter Maitland, she's been performing at your Cotton Club.
Nice piece of tail.
I will require her services elsewhere.
Fine with me.
Just have Dickie drop by with a replacement.
God will bring every deed to judgment, with every secret thing, either good or evil.
Mr.
Pastor will not be returning.
He's got it all worked out.
The world's expert.
Two miles of road to pave and cash on the barrelhead.
So you know what I told him, Rick? I said, "What you want is the Piedmont gravel.
" He wasn't having any of it.
Four tons of creek rock, and now the whole order needs to be redone.
How frustrating.
No skin off me, but a man's got to know his business.
Don't he, Rick? He sure do, Hube.
Say, how's Saturday? Okay.
I'll drive up after we close.
Get started on clearing out that barn.
Richard said he'll do it, so there's no need.
Heck, I don't mind, Emmy.
Truth to tell, I enjoy the company.
Why don't you call first? These are for the drive back to town.
Keep feeding me and I'll come back.
Stray dogs and bachelors, eh, Rick? Mmm.
Well, see you in the funnies.
I would have picked the pea gravel.
Could have gone with the river run.
That's a nice bit of rock, Emmy.
He's not so bad, is he? As a brother-in-law? He lost someone too, you know.
And his folks, they're good people.
They wanted me to move into town with them after Gerry died.
You can have our old room.
I'll set up in Mother and Father's.
Needs painting.
Well, add it to your chores.
Some curtains, maybe.
And a hobbyhorse.
Make it a proper nursery.
The crib's stored out in the barn.
I'd fetch it myself, but I haven't asked you for any Just take it.
Take it and pay the taxes.
The what? The back taxes.
I saw the letter.
That's enough to cover it.
I paid the taxes.
I sold the Hudson and I paid them.
The assessor rang.
He said Is this Mr.
Case? He didn't give a name.
Well, I'm not paying them twice.
Put that money away and let's not talk about it.
All right? This land is opportunity and you can double your investment in a month, especially with the rail road expanding.
Just last week there was a shipping clerk from Syracuse never left the train station.
Sold his deed in the washroom, headed back north on the next train 15,000 to the good.
I'll tell you, Mr.
Logan, you will not be sorry.
Thanks, buddy.
Quite a racket.
It's a Bancroft.
I was talking about the real estate game.
Say, can any Joe buy in? Well, sure, if he's got the dough.
Just so happens I'm selling lots in Pineapple Grove.
Hottest new development in Tampa.
Is that so? Say, that shipping clerk who sold his deed in the washroom, did he wipe the shit off his hands before he signed it? A wise guy, huh? - Call me Nucky.
- Skeeter Walsh.
Skeeter? Well, Pop said I was always buzzing around, so Not that you're a bloodsucker? No offense, but I've mm.
Well, what we've got sells itself.
Swampland at 100 bucks an acre.
We're only giving people what they want.
I know a little about that myself.
Again.
And for my friend here as well.
Lighter on the blood, heavier on the Mary.
So how's this all work? I'm buying the drinks here, so give it to me square.
Well, me and the other fellas, we're Binder Boys, see? We take the deposits, the binders.
- It's 10% usually.
- Of the purchase price? Which is enough to hold the property.
It's booming down here since Temple Terrace opened.
- And that's just the beginning.
- You don't say.
There's three more developments coming.
Country clubs, golf courses, Not to mention quarter-million-dollar Roman pools.
And the buyers are lining up? Put it this way last year there were nine Binder Boys.
This year, 74.
I say that you ought to get rich, it is your duty to get rich.
The men who get rich may be the most honest men you find in the community.
That is why they are rich.
That is why they are trusted with money.
- Stop.
Shh.
Shh.
- That is why they carry on great enterprises and find plenty of people to work with them.
A man is not really a true man until he owns his own home.
And they that own their own homes are made more honorable and honest and pure.
- Bucket.
- Hey, Henry.
What's this woofy? A speech by old man Conwell.
Sap sells his farm to go look for diamonds when all along his own place is lousy with them.
Well, ain't that ironical? Say, who's gonna butt me? Got a Lucky? Sure, Bucket.
Only my pals call me Bucket.
Say, nobody told me Colleen Moore enrolled in school.
Brother, can you lay it on thick.
You sit behind me in English lit.
So, tonight after lights out, we've got some Paul Whiteman records and we are gonna dust off that Victrola.
Doris and I already have plans.
With some juniors from Penn Sigma Chi.
- Those bums are all wet.
- Wet is why we're going.
Well, we have plenty of giggle juice.
Actually, we don't.
Well, that settles that, then, doesn't it? Maybe next time.
I can get some.
Some what? Some booze.
Like fun you can.
No, really.
I I know someone.
So, tonight, then? The basement? Well, then, it's a date.
He will be great anywhere.
I sympathize with the poor, but let us remember there is not a poor person in America, the United States, who was not made poor by his own shortcomings.
It's clean, relatively.
Certainly spacious enough to fit a bachelor's needs.
Half expect to see Sherlock Holmes come through the door.
You're not convinced.
The windows face west.
It'll be like the Sahara come 4:00 P.
M.
Then again, I would be at the office.
Are you always so indecisive? Not in business, but personally, yeah.
It's endearing.
Clara found it maddening.
Well, Clara was wrong.
You know, I wonder, uh - Yes? - Well Another moment of indecision? This evening a man named Hewson, big Ike in the A&P chain, rather old-fashioned from what I hear, he's in town with his wife.
I'm supposed to meet them for dinner.
Oh? You're not making this easy.
Are you asking me to join you? Well, yes.
But, you see, it's very important it go well.
He he thinks I'm still married.
You've never met? No, I've spoken to him on the phone.
If he finds out that I'm divorcing You want me to pretend to be your wife? That's not something a gentleman would ask of a lady.
Well, you didn't even have to.
So, what do we think? Uh I'm sorry.
These rooms won't do.
Check the champagne order and get me 10 extra four-tops.
Got that car convention in town.
Got busboys for that.
Shit float downhill, buck.
Don't matter to me none where it stop.
Mr.
White.
Mr.
Purnsley.
Them tables ain't gonna set theyself.
Doctor.
May I present Miss Daughter Maitland.
Say hello, dear.
Mr.
White.
Pleased to meet you.
Miss Maitland is a very gifted singer.
Equally accomplished in jazz improvisation and blues.
Sang on a record.
"Warsaw Blues" with King Oliver.
You know your business, sir.
I know what Dickie Pastor held back.
Behind the stage past the kitchen, you'll find a dressing room where you can put your things.
- She's a pretty girl.
- She is indeed.
So what's she doing here? Performing for the week.
I do hope you asking and not telling.
We are partners, Mr.
White, and that girl is a star.
If you will have her.
All right, then.
Keep that walkway clear now.
It was my understanding that Mr.
Purnsley managed the staff.
He do as I tell him.
When men make themselves into brutes, it is just to treat them as brutes.
Stop fidgeting.
That man has a shotgun.
Wait here.
No, I'm not staying out here alone.
This is supposed to be a food truck, Larry.
The way them springs sag, it's pretty obvious it ain't hauling bananas.
You boys lose your Scout troop? Willie Thompson.
Eli's son.
You're Mickey, right? I I'm Eli's son.
We've met before, a few years ago.
Well, I'm away at college now.
Boola-boola.
That's Yale.
We go to Temple.
Funny.
You don't look Jewish.
So we were hoping to get some booze.
Oh, you were, huh? How about we call your pop? See what he thinks about that? - No, no, I just - Take a hike, kid.
- I need it for a party.
- Are you deaf? Or just stupid? All right.
Okay.
Sorry.
Don't let the door hit you in the brains.
What are you doing? That's what they say, yeah.
Hey! Where are you going? Nowhere.
Mr.
Doyle just Hey, Mick, you okay this? What the fuck I say, huh? - Fucking thief! - I'm sorry.
- What, was this your idea? - No, sir.
I'm calling your father right now.
No, no, Mr.
Doyle, please.
My dad said he'd kill me if I got in trouble like this.
- I mean, my mother would have - All right.
Don't get so dramatic.
Can't go around robbing people.
It's a good thing your dad's my pal.
Now scat.
And we'll keep this between us, okay? Man-to-man.
And not a word about any of this, capisce? Take the booze, kid.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
Here's something you actually accomplished.
Remember me? Carl Billings? We met on a train last summer.
Do you or don't you? I remember.
You agreed to take on a certain job.
Something you knew how to do.
As I recall, you said it was the one thing on Earth you were good at.
And I said half now, half when you finish.
But you didn't finish.
You left a man alive, which makes me concerned about a conversation we had on the train last summer.
Just a wallet.
What's this? You haven't touched it.
This makes you honest? You don't have any kind of a code.
You kill for hire.
And this just makes you stupid.
And how do you trust a stupid man? Well? Jesus.
I'm doing you a favor.
Next time you might want to consider a life preserver.
So much for always sunny.
Into each life some rain must fall.
And in Tampa, that's at least once a day.
- August Tucker.
- They call you Gus? Not if they want to stay friends.
Sit.
Nucky Thompson.
Well, hell, I know that.
Bill here told me all about you.
- Is that right? - We met back in '20 when I was doing those rum runs up from the Caribbean.
In the good old, bad old days before the feds got wise.
Who you telling? To new friends and old.
Well, hang on, now.
I want to be friends, too.
Leave that bottle and scat.
- So.
- So.
Ready to get rich? I'm already rich, Mr.
Tucker.
But I'm talking millions.
What good would millions do me in jail? Come again? You agree, I assume, that our business requires a certain degree of secrecy? Naturally, sure.
Then this land is worthless.
- What? - But, Nuck The entire surrounding area is being developed.
Houses, country clubs, schools.
But it's 14,000 acres.
We'd still control enough land that we'd off-load in total privacy.
And when the convoy of trucks leaves the property every morning and rumbles down Main Street past the church, - then what? - Well there's a risk in everything, Nuck.
Not when I can avoid it.
- You told me he was in.
- He was.
I mean, I thought he I said that I'd consider it.
And I did.
Then you were told wrong, Mr.
Tucker.
Nucky, please.
We got the seller right where we want him.
Sorry, boys.
You'll have to find yourselves a new partner.
I don't like having my time wasted.
You're not the one who came all the way down here.
Thanks for your hospitality.
Somebody loves me I wonder who I wonder who he can be I'm crying somebody loves me I wish I knew Who can he be worries me For every boy who passes me I shout, hey, maybe You were meant to be my loving baby Some, somebody loves me I wonder who Maybe it's you.
Well, what do you think? Quite the chanteuse.
We have nothing like that back home.
And where is home, Helen? Evansville, Indiana.
Ever heard of it? I can't say I have.
We'll have to visit for our anniversary.
Roy tells me that you're thinking of merging with Piggly Wiggly.
Oh, he does, does he? Was I not supposed to say that? No, no, that's fine.
It's not exactly a national secret.
Let's just wait till the deal closes, shall we? Come on, have some coffee.
It'll settle your nerves.
That coffee will get us all thrown in jail.
Oh, what's the harm? Your wife always so eager to break the law? Oh, she's incorrigible.
Me? You're the one who tried to marry me when I was still underage.
Can't blame him for that.
I, for one, need some coffee.
What the heck? Pardon me.
I'm going to powder my nose.
I'll join you.
Down Alabamy way I just can picture Black Joe With his old banjo I can hear him strumming a tune That old quartet, I can hear them yet Singing by the silvery moon Don't got a thing to burn Well, was I lying? The white folks seem to like her.
Yes.
That would be very important.
To you.
Some ferocious guard dogs and a few fellas with shotguns.
- But nothing to concern yourself - Thanks a lot.
I am just bored out of my mind, then suddenly Great party, Thompson.
So where'd you get all this stuff? - I bet he nicked it.
- Don't be stupid.
Not a wise head like Thompson.
- Hey, ho.
Hey.
Hey.
- Watch my shoe.
So, you pick the ladies tonight or what? Once they start drinking, we all do.
Thompson to the rescue.
Where'd you get this stuff? - A friend.
- Oh, you got some friends? You're my hero, Thompson.
You know that? This kid's been laughing at himself.
- Having his first drink.
- Hey.
Look at him.
Think he's a hotshot now.
- Thompson saved the day, so - That's right.
- Congratulations.
- Come on, Henry.
- Cut it out.
Henry.
- Anyway, a toast to Thompson.
- To Thompson.
- To Thompson.
- Our boy.
- You're my hero.
Henry, quit it! Easy, Henry.
Mind your business, Thompson.
That's for Doris to decide.
I'd like to leave now.
Walk me? Sure.
Let's beat it, then, shall we? Sure, Doris, go slumming.
Wait.
I want to show you something.
In the library.
I owe this man.
- Owe him what? - Money.
A lot of it.
When I was arrested, had my ships confiscated It was his scotch on board.
How much? Almost 200 grand.
He was there waiting the day I got out of jail.
He was the first thing I saw when my eyes adjusted to the sunlight.
If you needed money, why didn't you just ask me? Because I wanted to earn it.
I'm not some goddamn charity case.
Earn it? He said if I made the intro, got you involved as his partner, he'd forgive the debt.
I'm supposed to partner with some two-bit fucking hillbilly? He's a big man around these parts.
I've already met the world's tallest midget on the midway back home.
He's got the locals in his pocket.
All the things you're worried about.
- He could pave the road - The deal is shit.
And you know it.
The fuck am I gonna do? You made your bed, Bill.
I thought you were my friend.
If you had come to me like one, it'd be different.
Train tickets.
Stupid coconut drinks.
All your syrupy fucking sales talk.
I was desperate, Nuck.
I'm sorry.
I made a mistake.
Well, look at you now.
Where were you married? When were you married? - Talk about an inquest.
- You got off easy.
I was about to invent a brood of six and have you name them all.
Six? Someone's got a wicked streak.
Me? You're the one planning our anniversary trip.
To Mudville, sure.
Wherever they're from.
Mmm.
A nickel for your thoughts.
I pay better than most people.
I was thinking we make a pretty swell team.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Yes? I beg your pardon, but we I don't mean to intrude.
We've met before.
I'm sorry, I don't My friend Roger, about a year ago, outside the restaurant Abe Klein's on the boardwalk.
Say, what's this all about? I really couldn't say.
You introduced yourself, gave him a smoke.
- I'm sure you're mistaken.
- I beg your pardon? I'm sure it was you.
He said something about going to your house for Easter.
- And then he did a - This person is making me very uncomfortable.
- All right, that's enough.
- Sorry, mister.
Hey, take it on the arches, son.
The heck was that all about? I have no idea.
Excuse me.
I need the ladies'.
Just a moment.
You okay? I'm fine, yes.
I just It melted.
Oh, your lip.
By the light of the silvery moon I want to spoon To my honey I'll croon Love's tune.
Well, go on, Romeo.
Don't let us interrupt.
- You think this is funny? - Come on, sport.
Touch me again, I'll break your nose.
Well, it looks like your anger's not the only thing that's arisen.
It's Thompson's Willie.
A cold shower will work wonders, Romeo.
Is he alive? Well, he's breathing.
Alive is a matter of opinion.
Does it ever stop raining? It always has.
So how about you? Are you alive? I recall that I was once.
What happened? Prohibition.
Till then, I was a simple, run-of-the-mill crook a corrupt city official.
And I was happy.
Plenty of money, plenty of friends, plenty of everything.
Then suddenly, plenty wasn't enough.
Well, I ain't buying it.
How do you mean? Anybody who says money doesn't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop.
So I hear.
My son's birthday tomorrow.
Name's Teddy.
How old? - 10? - You don't know? He's no longer with me.
I'm sorry.
Oh, he's not dead.
He's in Brooklyn.
There's that matter of opinion again.
Rain's over.
I've been meaning to send him something.
- Who? - My son.
Hmm.
Maybe the better gift is to let him forget me.
Well, that's convenient.
Beg pardon? That the best choice requires the least amount of effort on your part.
I thought bartenders were supposed to be sympathetic.
Welcome to Sally's.
That you? - Sally Wheet.
- Nucky Thompson.
I know all about it.
You're all Tucker's talked about for weeks.
Big man in these parts, so I hear.
He thinks so.
Give me one of those and I'll dish.
Gee, you're easy.
August Tucker, Georgia native, son of moonshiners.
Made his way to Tampa after the war.
How long before he discovered you? We're friends.
We do a little business on occasion.
Is he dangerous? He's kind of like this fella.
He'd kill you if he got a chance, but he's not very smart, either.
So how does a not-so-smart semi-dangerous man run the rackets down in Tampa? Enough money and the right connections, you can do pretty much anything down here.
Oh, God.
What you want, friend? You want some of this? - A switchblade.
- I'll use it, too.
Of that I have no doubt.
But what good would another dead Negro do either of us? Make me feel a mite better.
We have no quarrel, Mr.
Purnsley.
How about you getting even for Dickie Pastor? That account has been settled.
And in any event, it was merely financial in nature.
I'm here on new business.
- Mr.
White - He ain't here right now.
Why should he be when he has you to do the slave labor? He offered to give you up in exchange for Dickie Pastor.
His Libyan brother for a Nordic devil.
Chalky White ain't never been my friend.
Well, that much is obvious.
Do you know what this is? Heroin.
It is freedom.
Power.
Control over men who are lesser than you.
Chalky White is one of those men.
Where you going, friend? As far as you'd like me to take you.
But we shall go there together.
McCoy, you in there? McCoy! Let's settle this! Augie.
I didn't hear you.
The hell you chopping coconuts at 3:00 in the morning for? Doc says drink a quart a day.
You know, good for the ticker.
Augie, okay.
That business this evening, I know what you're thinking.
I'll bet you don't.
But you're gonna know about it now.
How'd it happen, Rick? Clearing out the barn.
There's a lot of junk in there.
That pile's practically coming down on its own.
I keep telling her, but, you know.
Tell her what? You're her brother.
I don't It's like she's under ice.
She can't move.
Gerry's gone.
She's gonna have a child to raise.
This isn't any kind of place to live alone.
I mean, she thinks the world of you, but you're only visiting.
- All squared away.
- Wish you'd let me help, Emmy.
You wouldn't know where to put things.
When's the train? We'll get him there in plenty of time.
Don't be a loon, Rick.
I'll carry it.
You Harrows.
You act like there's no one else on Earth.
In France when I couldn't sleep when I was full of fear, I'd think about the day I'd come home.
I'd be in my dress uniform.
I'd have medals.
I wouldn't wear them, but I'd have them.
I'd see the yard, the cornflowers along the fence.
The porch, the old flag.
Mother, Father, Sampson, you.
Send me an address, if you want me to know where you are.
Come here.
Richard.
You need to call yourself to account.
Mr.
Thompson, we're here for your bags.
And this came for you.
Thank you, sir.
Best thing since sliced bread, I think.
- Well, I think we've got a deal.
- Yeah.
Shall we shake on it? - You bet.
- Put her there.
You're gonna love this.
See right here? Outside line.
Bill McCoy, please.
Thank you.
Paging Mark Frasin.
Hello? It's me.
Who? - Nucky.
- Hey, Nuck.
Jesus.
I'm in.
What? The deal, I've reconsidered.
Tell your hillbilly friend Tucker I'm in.
But he answers to me, understand? Sure, Nuck.
Right.
Of course.
I'll be sending someone down in a few days with the money.
- Hello? - Yes.
- Thank you.
- All right, then.