To me, a dollar was a dollar in any language.
On my first night in Argentina, I didn't know about the locals.
But I knew about American sailors. I knew I'd better get out of there.
Put your hands up. Up!
Get going.
- A cane like that is handy. - It is a faithful friend.
Mostly silent, but talks when I need it to.
That's your idea of a friend? You must lead a gay life.
- I lead the life I like to lead. - You're a lucky man.
- What are you doing here? - Saving your life.
- He only wanted the money. - But you'd not have parted with it.
- I don't think I would. - How did you get the money?
- Gambling. - I'll leave you here.
I'll do the same for you some time ... give you a cigarette.
Why not try some real gambling?
- Isn't it illegal in Buenos Aires? - Yes.
There's a casino on the other side of town. Here's the key.
But don't go. They won't let you use your own dice.
- I didn't think it showed. - I make my own luck, as you do.
In any event, they won't let you in without a tie.
The spot is not on your nose, yet.
- Who is he? - A loafer.
Would you like a fine perfume, suitable for nobility?
We have a talcum powder as soft as raw silk.
- Towel? - Thank you.
- Hey, who's she? - A harpy.
- How would you classify me? - Peasant.
Place your bets.
Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
- Number 2. 1 ,000 pesos. - No more bets.
Number two, black.
Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
- Two chips. - 1 ,000 pesos, sir.
Cut ... The player's allowed to cut at any time.
Of course.
1 ,000 pesos.
Cut.
As usual, I made my own luck, and I knew when to stop letting it ride.
The director wants to see you.
Is Brooklyn across the river here, too?
Let's go.
- Hey. - Thanks, peasant.
- Where is he? - Don't worry. He'll be here.
- How about 1 ,000 pesos a piece? - You can't buy your way out of it.
Wait a minute.
All right, Casey, Huerta.
- The man with the sharp friend. - I said not to bring your own dice.
You really had me fooled last night.
I thought you were someone, not just the manager of a gambling joint.
- My name is Ballin Mundson. - Johnny Farrel.
And I'm not the manager, I own the "joint".
- And I don't like to be cheated. - There isn't a dice table ...
Nobody wins that much at 21 honestly. You cut the cards well.
It took me years to learn.
You ought to be in jail, but I'm obligated, since I saved your life.
- You should be more careful. - Get out of here. Don't come back.
You're being very stupid.
- Probably. - It's better I gamble on your side.
- I don't like my people cheating. - I cheat with my own money, sure.
But with your money, I wouldn't have to cheat. Think it over.
I think I will. How much time do you give me?
No hurry, take a minute or two. Excuse me while you decide.
Not you.
You shouldn't hit a man who has his hands behind his back.
You can have two friends. I can be very faithful ... for a nice salary.
I must be sure there's no woman anywhere.
- Gambling and women don't mix. - The very words I use myself.
- Shall we quit talking about it? - There was one?
Get this, I was born last night, when we met in the alley.
No past and all future. I like it that way.
He let me ease myself to the top. At first, I just watched the play.
By the way, about that time, the war ended.
Great news. I thought we ought to celebrate, too.
Yes, of course.
Well ...
I have to take a trip. I may be gone for a while. You're in charge.
- You've been promoted. - Do I get a raise?
No. Fair enough? But you do get 5% of the profits.
- I'll take 7½ . - You're sharp.
Almost as sharp as my other friend. But not quite so obedient.
- My other friend would kill for me. - That's what friends are for.
To us, Johnny.
To the three of us.
It makes me laugh now, me being so sure it was the three of us.
I soon found out. I remember I was preparing for the Saturday crowd.
Funny I'd remember what day it was, isn't it?
- Isn't it enough? - For a peasant?
Mr. Farrel, Mr. Mundson is back. He'd like you to come to his house.
After all, I run the place. He calls me Mr. Farrel.
Isn't that better?
You'd think a bell would've rung, some instinct of warning.
But I didn't. I just walked right into it.
Ballin?
- Ballin? - He'll be down in a moment.
- Isn't it great having him back? - I hope it will be the same.
Johnny, is that you?
- Hello, Ballin. - Come up here.
What are you crying about? You look foolish.
- Where's the canary? - How did you know? Come ...
This is where the canary is.
Quite a surprise to hear a woman sing in my house, eh?
It's quite ... a surprise.
- Gilda, are you decent? - Me?
Sure, I'm decent.
Gilda, this is Johnny Farrel. Johnny, this is Gilda.
I've heard a lot about you, Johnny Farrel.
Really? I haven't heard a word about you.
- Why, Ballin! - I wanted to keep it as a surprise.
- You should have seen his face. - Did you tell him why I'm here?
No, I wanted to save that as a surprise too. Gilda is my wife.
Mrs. Ballin Mundson. Is that all right?
- Congratulations. - You congratulate the husband.
- What do you say to the bride? - You wish her good luck.
- Good luck. - Ballin says you believe in luck.
- We make our own luck. - I'll have to try that, right now.
- Have him come to dinner tonight. - It's an order.
We'll let you get dressed. It'll be the casino's first glimpse of you.
I'll look my very best. I want all the hired help to approve of me.
Goodbye, Mr. Farrel.
Johnny is such a hard name to remember, and so easy to forget.
Johnny ... there. See you later, Mr. Farrel.
That's right, Mrs. Mundson.
- I'll see Johnny downstairs. - I'll see him at the casino.
For some reason she doesn't like you.
- What makes you think that? - I know my wife.
- Why would she form such a feeling? - Maybe it's chemical.
She'll get over it.
- When did you meet her? - The day I left for the interior.
- When did you get married? - The day after.
- When I want something ... - You buy it quick.
- Do you know anything about her? - It's an odd coincidence.
She said she was born the night we met.
All three of us with no pasts, just futures. Isn't that interesting?
- What's the matter with you? - "Women and gambling don't mix."
My wife isn't just a "woman".
- I could've made a mistake. - You did. Don't make it again.
It starts already.
- What's this? - Tact.
- Ballin, will you help me? - See you at the casino.
It was all I could do to walk away. I wanted to hit her, -
- and him, too.
I wanted to go back and watch them secretly. I wanted to know.
I can never get a zipper to close. Does that stand for something?
- You were rude to him. - To whom?
- Johnny. - Was l?
You'll have to teach me good manners.
- I want you to like him. - Are you sure about that?
He's an attractive man, if you like the type.
- He's a boy. - Boys can grow up quickly.
- Almost when you're not looking. - But I'll be looking.
- Your shoes. - It's about time.
- Shall I put them on your feet? - For how much?
The charge is slight, as I always find this a revealing vantage point.
A worm's-eye view is so often the true one.
- You're quite a philosopher. - One hears rumours.
To my department comes all the gossip.
One hears she is very beautiful.
And young, and American. You are also young and American.
- It will be interesting to watch. - Maybe you should be fired.
Johnny, Mr. Mundson says to tell you that they're here.
- Have you seen her? - Cut that!
- What did I do? - You whistled. I heard you.
After all, she is Mrs. Mundson. So mind your manners.
Yes, it will be interesting to watch.
- Number two. - No more bets.
Number two, black.
Place your bets.
- Take over. - Going into business for yourself?
- Orders, Mr. Farrel. - Not my orders ...
- Johnny, I've been looking for you. - Gambling is illegal in Argentina.
Is that the reason for the pay-off?
- Naturally. - Why doesn't it show on the books?
- You may ask any question you wish. - I just asked one.
Let's have dinner. Gilda is much too beautiful to be left alone.
- You've changed the subject. - Yes.
I found him. Very elusive chap.
- You're looking very beautiful. - Can't you return the compliment?
You're looking very beautiful.
If there's anything I love, it's a spontaneous compliment.
You're so nice that I'll show you my husband's coming-home present.
- Isn't it cute? - 50,000 pesos, and it's cute.
Wait, let's drink to us. To the three of us.
- What's the matter, Johnny? - I get confused.
Just a few weeks ago we drank to the three of us.
Well, should I be jealous?
- It was just a friend of mine. - A him or a her?
That's an interesting question. Johnny?
- A her. - Why that conclusion?
Because it looks like one thing, then it suddenly becomes another.
You haven't much faith in the stability of women.
One wonders what woman brought Johnny to this pretty pass.
One does. Let's hate her, shall we, Ballin?
- Let's. Shall we, Johnny? - Let's. That I'll drink to.
Pardon me.
- Anything I can do? - No, I'll be right back.
Isn't this something. It's a small world in Argentina.
- Why did you marry him? - He's an attractive man.
- You don't love him. - What was that word again?
You married him for his money. That's a great way to make a living.
- The pot calling the kettle black? - I was down and out. He saved me.
What a coincidence! That's the story of my life ... Hello.
I am Captain Delgado. I would like permission to dance with your lady.
- The answer is no. - The answer is yes. I'd love it.
- But the young man ... - He'd love to, but can't afford it.
Women can be extremely annoying. Maurice Obregon, at your service.
So that's your name. I've been watching you for weeks.
You don't gamble or drink. Why do hang around here?
The atmosphere has always interested me. Now it fascinates me.
- You can be a professional dancer. - I am. I mean, I was.
- That's against our union rules. - I always observe the rules.
- How is it that I haven't seen you? - I danced in America.
- This is not America? - I mean New York.
- Is your young man also ..? - He's not my young man.
The expression on his face says he wishes he were.
- Remember the rules. - The rules are changeable.
Everything all right? Who are the two krauts?
- Messenger boys. - Whose?
- I thought you may be in trouble. - I am. My wife seems to be missing.
- She's dancing. - You shouldn't have allowed it.
What could I do? She's not my ... She's your wife.
- Go get her. - Wait a minute ...
A husband looks ridiculous dragging his wife from another man's arms.
I'll get her.
- Your husband is showing. - Thank you. Perhaps again.
- Until then, I shall be miserable. - There's something about Latin men.
For one thing, they can dance. For another thing ...
What's your number? Never mind, I'll give you mine. Cuyo 301 7.
- What did you say to him? - If a man answers, hang up.
You can't talk to men here the way you would at home.
- They think you mean it. - Mean what?
Doesn't it bother you that you're married?
Does it bother you?
I may have misjudged your Johnny. He can be sweet. So protective.
He takes care of everything that belongs to me.
You're to take care of me because I belong to the boss.
- I do all kinds of odd jobs. - I bet this is the oddest.
I believe we were about to drink a toast.
Disaster to the wench who did wrong by our Johnny.
- You won't drink to that? - Why not? Disaster to the wench.
She managed to say it, but I knew it would haunt her.
Anyone as superstitious as Gilda, out loud, asking for disaster.
- Hi. - You're still dressed.
- Anything wrong? - I told you, zippers throw me.
- You'll have a maid in the morning. - Will she be old and ugly?
It's smart to surround yourself with ugly women and beautiful men.
- You knew him before. - Who?
- Johnny. - Johnny Farrel?
- You knew him before. - No.
- Don't ever lie to me. - I'm telling the truth.
I don't think I ever knew him.
I see. You're a child, Gilda. A beautiful, greedy child.
I like to feed you beautiful things. You have such a good appetite.
- But I shouldn't make any mistakes? - No, you shouldn't.
If you're worried about Johnny Farrel, don't be. I hate him.
And he hates you. That's apparent.
But hate can be an exciting emotion.
Haven't you noticed that? There is a heat in it one can feel.
Didn't you feel it tonight? I did.
It warmed me. Hate is the only thing that has ever warmed me.
Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
No more bets.
- 1 3 black. - That's me!
This has been going on for years, and I didn't know about it?
- One is not always lucky. - I am.
- Careful, there's an old saying ... - "Lucky at cards, unlucky at love."
It's a good thing I'm not superstitious.
Keep it for me.
Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
- Number two. - No more bets.
Place your bets.
- Got a light? - Yes, Mrs. Mundson.
- It is so crowded, yet so lonely. - How did you know?
You smoke too much. Only frustrated people smoke too much, -
- and only the lonely are frustrated.
- Well, aren't you cute! - Cute? Me?
Awfully cute. I think I'm going to like you.
I'm sorry. I was just tossing away my frustration.
- And it landed right on me. - And that means something?
- It means we'll have a drink. - No ...
On the other hand, I'd love to.
- Now we'll see. - See what?
Whether you are a gentleman, or a peasant.
The beautiful one is at the bar. She will probably have trouble.
- Really? What kind of trouble? - A very good-looking man.
Your source of income is in his office. He will likely have trouble.
- What kind of trouble? - Also a man. Not so good-looking.
Now we know. You are what I said.
Your business losses were reimbursed at the casino table, generously.
Yet you continue to sell tungsten wire to Bendolin.
But Mr. Bendolin can't manufacture electric light globes without it.
- He can't continue in business ... - We don't wish him to continue.
But he's the only outlet for my product.
If I don't sell to him, I can't continue. Do you understand?
- Perfectly. - It doesn't matter to you, does it?
I sympathise with you, deeply. Life is difficult for defenceless people.
Yes, as you say. Thank you, Mr. Mundson.
We're in the gambling business. What game uses light globes?
Let's join Gilda for a drink.
Better let me case the joint first, see if the coast is clear.
I didn't like the look on the defenceless one's face.
All right. Gilda was right, you are protective.
Sure, that's me all over. Give me five minutes.
- Didn't you notice I'm dancing? - You were.
- What's the idea? - I've never finished a dance here.
When Ballin comes down, I want you to be alone.
- Is it Ballin who would object? - Who is this guy?
Johnny Farrel, he runs the joint. This is Gabe Evans. Isn't he cute?
- Just darling. Get him out of here. - But I like him.
- If he leaves, I go with him. - That's all right with me.
- What's keeping you? - Let's go where we can have fun.
- Like I said? - Exactly. Didn't you hear about me?
If I'd been a ranch, they would've named me "The Bar Nothing".
- The coast is clear? - Very clear.
I'm a big boy. You can tell me things.
Gilda warned me that you'd grow up. By the way, where is she?
She was bored. She went to see an American picture.
- Alone? - She doesn't know anybody here.
You'd know more about that than I would.
He's dead.
It's bad form to make a scene in public.
Only fools ruin themselves gambling.
- Come on home. - What happened to him?
- Did he kill himself? - Yes.
If a man is weak enough to accept a bribe, he is already a dying man.
- It didn't bother you? - That he killed himself? No.
- It bothered me you were afraid. - I was amazed.
I realised something could happen to me, so I want to tell you something.
Over here, Johnny.
Remember this.
Remember this, too.
- Could you do it now by yourself? - Yes.
8 left, 24 right, 2 left, 1 7 right.
You're the only one who knows. If anything should happen to me, -
- there are signatures and instructions on how to carry on.
Thanks for not letting me down. You don't just own a gambling joint?
- You know what a cartel is? - A monopoly of some kind, isn't it?
- An international monopoly. - In what?
Tungsten. That doesn't impress you.
Is it worth getting shot at for the pleasure of monopolising it?
A man who controls a strategic material can control the world.
- The world's a pretty big place. - Made up of stupid little people.
- If it can be done, I'd bet on you. - And you'd win. Let's have a drink.
With you and Gilda on my side ... You are on my side?
- I told you that. - And Gilda?
- What do you mean? - Women are funny creatures.
- I don't know much about them. - Odd things are important to them.
- I bought her, as I bought you. - She knows that, doesn't she?
That's just it. Money doesn't mean much to Gilda.
If she should become restless ... I'm mad about her, Johnny.
Mad ...
- What do you think of that? - It's great. She's on your side.
I'd lay 8-5 on that, and I'd win.
I'd better get back.
I have the funniest feeling we're not alone.
Maybe we're haunted. Maybe if we go inside, it will go away.
Besides being pretty, you're positively intelligent.
No.
I have the funniest feeling somebody said something.
Maybe the lady forgot to tell you her husband lives here.
For a long time, I've taken husbands in small doses.
- I've developed immunity to them. - You're through for tonight. Scram.
- So he runs this joint, too? - I said, scram.
- Hitting a man when he's drunk ... - He shouldn't get drunk on my time.
I take care of everything that belongs to the boss.
- What's his is yours? - You went to a picture show. Alone.
Really ... Would you like to know whether I enjoyed it?
- That's what I told Ballin. - Making me deceive my husband ...
I got news for you. He didn't just buy something, he loves you.
Is that so hard to understand? I've got news for you.
I'm going to do what I please, when I please.
I was true to one man once, and look what happened.
- This is about him, not us. - Really? You don't say so.
Whatever you do, I'm going to make sure it looks all right to him.
Go anywhere, with anyone, but I'll take you there and bring you home.
Exactly the way I take and pick up his laundry.
Shame on you.
Any psychiatrist would say your thought associations are revealing.
- What are you saying? - They'd say it means something.
- Did you hear what I said? - You'll take me and pick me up.
All to protect Ballin.
Who do you think you're kidding?
I hated her so, I couldn't get her out of my mind.
She was in the air I breathed.
I thought I was dreaming. I'd heard her voice in my sleep anyway.
Then I realised ...
Good morning. How pretty you look in your night-gown.
- What are you doing here? - Singing to my friend.
- How long have you been here? - How long?
Five verses. I was just listening.
- Did you hear that the poor cow ... - Get out of here.
- Get back to your washroom. - Put a beggar on horseback, huh?