You may think you know what you're dealing with, but believe me, you don't.
- Why is that funny? - The DA used to say that in Chinatown.
Was he right?
Exactly what do you know about me? Sit down.
You're rich, and too respectable to want your name in the newspapers.
Of course I'm respectable. I'm old.
Politicians, ugly buildings and whores get respectable if they last a long time.
I'll double your fee and pay you $10,000 if you find Hollis's girlfriend.
- Girlfriend? - Disappeared, hasn't she?
- Wouldn't it be useful to talk to her? - Maybe.
If he was murdered, she may be the last to see him alive.
When was the last time you saw him?
Sheriff's gold posse. Damn fools.
They paid $5,000 apiece toward the sheriff's re-election.
I let them practice up here.
- Do you know when you last saw him? - At my age you tend to forget.
Five days ago, at the Pig & Whistle. You had one hell of an argument.
I got the pictures in my office, if that'll help you remember.
- What did you argue about? - My daughter.
- What about her? - Just find the girl, Mr Gittes.
I know Hollis was fond of her. I'd like to help her if I can.
I had no idea you and Hollis were that fond of one another.
Hollis Mulwray made this city, and he made me a fortune.
We were a lot closer than Evelyn realised.
If you want to hire me, I still have to know what the argument was about.
My daughter's very jealous. I didn't want her to find out about the girl.
- How did you find out? - I've still got a few friends in town.
Okay...
I'll have my secretary draw up the papers.
Are you frightened for the girl or what Evelyn might do to her?
Just find the girl.
I'll look into it, as soon as I've checked out some orange groves.
- Orange groves? - We'll be in touch, Mr Cross.
Could you tell me where the plat books for the Northwest Valley are?
Part of it's in Ventura County. We don't have them in our Hall of Records.
Then I'll settle for L.A. County.
Row 23, section C.
Weasel.
Sonny, why do they have all those names pasted in the plat books?
Land sales out of escrow are recorded within the week.
- Then these are all new owners? - That's right.
That means that most of the Valley's sold in the last few months.
Can I check one of these volumes out?
This is not a lending library, it's the Hall of Records.
- How about a ruler? - A ruler?
The print's fine, and I left my glasses at home. I'd like to be able to read across.
I thank you.
Hold it right there!
All right, quit it now! Search the man, see if he's armed.
I didn't tell you to empty his pockets.
- Search him! - He ain't armed.
Who are you with, the Water Department or the real estate office?
Get away from me! Come near me with that again, you'll need a pair of them!
- Pick on somebody your own size. - Give him a chance to say something.
The name's Gittes, private investigator. I'm not with either one of them.
What are you doing out here?
A client hired me to see if the Water Department was irrigating your land.
The Water Dept.'s been sending people out here to blow up my water tanks.
They put poison in my wells. That's a funny way to irrigate.
Who'd hire you for a thing like that?
- Mrs Evelyn Mulwray. - That's the one who's done it to us.
Mulwray's dead. You don't know what you're talking about, you dumb Okie.
Well, that's that.
What's going on?
You didn't look good. We thought we better call your employer.
Thanks for coming.
That dam your husband opposed is a con job.
They're conning L.A. Into building it, but the water's coming here, not to L.A.
Everything you can see. All around us. I was at the Hall of Records today.
In the last three months, Robert Knox has bought 7,000 acres.
Emma Dill: 12,000. C. Speer: 5,000. Jasper Lamar Crabb: 25,000 acres.
Jasper Lamar Crabb? I think I would have remembered that name.
They're blowing the farmers out and then buying their land for peanuts.
You know what this land would be worth with a steady water supply?
About 30 million more than they paid for it.
- Hollis knew about this? - That's why he was killed.
Jasper Lamar Crabb...
- We got it. - What is it?
"A memorial was held at the Mar Vista Inn for Jasper Lamar Crabb."
- He passed away two weeks ago. - Is that unusual?
He passed away two weeks ago. One week ago he bought the land.
That's unusual.
Hello, I'm Mr Palmer. Can I help you folks?
Yes, I hope so.
- It's Dad. I can't handle him anymore. - My goodness.
- It's nothing with Dad, it's me. - Dad's an angel with everyone else.
- But when he and my h... - I don't know.
Of course, I'm anxious for him to have the best. Money is no object.
- Perhaps if we met with your father. - There is one question...
Do you accept people of the Jewish persuasion?
- I'm sorry, but we don't. - Neither does Dad. We had to be sure.
Would it be possible to see a list of your patients, just to be certain?
We never reveal the names of our guests. It's policy.
- You'd agree if your father lived here. - Exactly what I wanted to hear you say.
- Is it too late for us to look around? - No, allow me to show you.
- Could we stroll on our own? - Yes, if you stay in the main building.
- It's almost bedtime. - We understand.
Come, my sweet.
Charley, you ought to know better than that.
They're all there. Every goddam name.
You're looking at the owners of a 50,000 acre empire.
They may not know it, but they are.
Hello, girls.
Are any of you Emma Dill?
Are you Emma?
- I've wanted to meet you a long time. - Why?
- Did you know you were very wealthy? - I'm not.
- You own a lot of land. - No more.
Some time ago, my late husband owned a lot of beach property, -
- but we lost it.
That's very beautiful. Where did you get this piece of material?
At the Albacore Club.
Albacore. It's a fish.
My grandson is a member. They take very nice care of us.
- How do they do that? - Give us things. Not just a flag, but...
- But what? - We're an unofficial charity to them.
Would you come with me? Someone wants to talk with you.
Goodbye, ladies.
I want you to meet someone, Gittes.
- Can we leave the lady out of this? - Yeah, why not.
- I'd like to see her to the car. - She knows where it's at.
- I'll stay. - Get in the car.
Maid's night off?
- Why? - Because nobody's here, that's why.
I gave everyone the night off.
- Easy, it's an innocent question. - No question from you is innocent.
I guess you're right.
To you, Mrs Mulwray.
Frankly, tonight you saved my a... you saved my neck.
Tell me, Mr Gittes, does this often happen to you?
What's that?
I'm judging only on part of today, but if this is how you go about your work, -
- I'd say you'd be lucky to get through a whole day.
- This hasn't happened for a long time. - When was the last time?
- Why? - It's an innocent question.
- In Chinatown. - What were you doing there?
- Working for the District Attorney. - Doing what?
- As little as possible. - The DA gives you advice like that?
They do in Chinatown.
Why did you leave the police force?
Do you have any peroxide, or anything like that?
Surely. Come this way.
God!
That's a nasty cut.
I had no idea.
Sorry!
Is it painful?
It must be painful.
- What's wrong? - Your eye.
What about it?
There's something black in the green part of your eye.
Oh, that. It's a flaw in the iris.
- A flaw? - Yes, it's a sort of birthmark.
- Did you wear a uniform? - Sometimes.
You must have looked cute in blue.
Give me a break, will you?
I want to know more about you.
Not now.
You really don't like to talk about the past, do you?
I'm tired.
- Why does it bother you to talk of it? - It bothers everybody who works there.
- Where? - Chinatown. Everybody.
- To me it was just bad luck. - Why?
You can't always tell what's going on.
Like with you.
Why was... Why was it bad luck?
I was trying to keep someone from being hurt.
I ended up making sure that she was hurt.
Cherchez la femme.
Was there a woman involved?
Of course.
Dead?
Yes, hello?
Oh, my God! Don't do anything.
Don't do anything until I get there.
I have to go.
- Where? - It's just that I have to.
- I want to know where you're going. - Don't be angry.
It has nothing to do with you or any of this.
- Where are you going? - Please...
Trust me this much.
I'll be back.
There is something that I should tell you -
- about the fishing club that old lady mentioned.
- The Albacore Club. - It has to do with my father.
- I know. - He owns it... You know?
I saw him.
You saw... my father?
- When? - This morning.
- You didn't tell me. - Well, there hasn't been much time.
What did he say?
- What did he say? - That you were jealous.
- That he was afraid what you might do. - To whom?
Mulwray's girlfriend, for one.
He wanted to know where she was.
I want you to listen to me. My father is a very dangerous man.
You don't know how dangerous. You don't know how crazy.
Are you trying to tell me that he might be behind all of this?
It's possible.
- Even the death of your husband? - It's possible.
Now please, don't ask me any more questions. Just wait for me here.
I need you here.
- Give me the keys. - You...!
It's either that or you drive yourself to the police.
Come on, Mrs Mulwray. You have your husband's girlfriend tied up in there.
- She's not tied up. - You're holding her against her will.
I am not.
- Okay, then let's go talk to her. - No!
She's too upset.
- What about? - Hollis's death.
I tried to keep it from her until I could make plans for us to leave.
She just found out about it?
- That's not what it looks like. - What does it look like?
Like she knows more than you want her to tell.
- You're insane. - Tell me the truth. I'm not the police.
I don't care what you've done. I don't want to hurt you.
- You won't go to the police if I tell you? - I will if you don't.
She's my sister.
Take it easy.
If she's your sister, she's your sister.
- Why all the secrecy? - I can't...
Is it because she was seeing your husband? Is that it?
I'd never have harmed Hollis.
He was the most gentle, decent man imaginable.
And he put up with more from me than you'll ever know.
I wanted him to be happy.
I borrowed you husband's car. I'll bring it back in the morning.
- Aren't you coming back with me? - Don't worry, I won't tell anybody.
That's not what I meant.
Yeah, well...
I'm tired, Mrs Mulwray. Good night.
Gittes? Gittes?
- Yeah? - Ida Sessions wants to see you.
- Who? - Ida Sessions. You remember Ida.
- Yeah, I do...? - Sure you do.
I'll tell you what, pal...
If Ida wants to see me, she can call me at my office.
848½ East Kensington, Echo Park.
She begged me to call. She's waiting for you.
Find anything interesting, Gittes?
- What are you doing around here? - Didn't you call me?
- How come you happen to know her? - I don't.
I want to show you something.
- Isn't that your phone number? - I forget, I don't call myself that often.
Just to make sure, we had Loach give you a call.
What happened to your nose? Get a bedroom window slammed on it?
Nope. Your wife got excited, she crossed her legs a little too quick.
- They look familiar? - Yeah, I took them. So what?
- How did she happen to have them? - Either you tell me or I guess.
- Do you really think I'm stupid? - Let me think on it. I'll get back to you.
- Now I'd like to go home. - I want the other pictures.
This broad hired you, not Evelyn Mulwray.
Somebody wanted to shake Mulwray down.
She hired you. That's how you found out he was murdered.
- I heard it was an accident. - You think we're a bunch of assholes?
Mulwray had salt water in his lungs.
You tailed him day and night. You saw who killed him. You even took pictures.
It was Evelyn Mulwray. She's been paying you off ever since.
You accuse me of extortion? You're dumber than you think I think you are.
I wouldn't extort a nickel from my worst enemy.
I want the pictures. Accessory after the fact, conspiracy and extortion.
You think Evelyn killed her husband in the ocean, -
- then dragged him up to a reservoir to make it look more like an accident?
He was moved because somebody didn't want his body found in the ocean.
He found out they were dumping water and trying to cover it up.
- What the hell are you talking about? - Come on, I'll show you.
Come on, Lou, you're in charge. Make a decision.
It's too late. They only dump the water at night.
- Reach anybody? - Yelburton. He's the new chief.
- I know. Go on. - He says...
- I know what he says. - Shut up! Go on.
He says there's irrigation in the Valley, and there's always a little run-off.
He says Gittes knows this, and that he's made irresponsible accusations.
Let's get a warrant for her arrest. What are we waiting for?
He just made lieutenant. He wants to hang on to his little gold bar.
Have her in my office in two hours. Remember, I don't have to let you go.
I've got you right now for withholding evidence.
Where's Mrs Mulwray? Are these her bags?
Is she going on a trip?
What going on here? Is she going on a vacation?
- Mrs Mulwray no home. - Well, I'll just have a look around.
- Yeah, bad for the glass. - Yes, bad for glass.
Salt water very bad for glass.
Salt water?
Very, very bad. See?
What's that?
Right there.
There.
- You wait. - You wait.
How are you? I've been calling you.
- Have you slept? - Sure.
Have you had lunch?
- Where's the girl? - Upstairs. Why?
- I want to see her. - She's having a bath right now.
- Why do you want to see her? - Going someplace?
Yes, we have a 5:30 train to catch.
Jake...
J.J. Gittes for Lt. Escobar.
- What's wrong? I said we have a 5:30... - You're gonna miss your train.
Lou, meet me at 1972 Canyon Drive.
Yeah, as soon as you can.
- Why did you do that? - You know any criminal lawyers?
- No. - No worry, I can recommend a couple.
They're expensive, but you can afford it.
Will you please tell me what this is all about?
I found these in your backyard, in the pond.
They belonged to your husband, didn't they?
- I don't know. Yes, probably. - Positively. He was drowned there.
- What? - There's no time to be shocked.
The coroner proved he had salt water in his lungs when he was killed.
I want to know how it happened, and why, -
- before Escobar gets here. I don't want to lose my license.
I don't know what you are talking about. This is the craziest...
Stop it! I want to make it easy for you. You were jealous, you had a fight.
He hit his head. It was an accident. But his girl is a witness.
So you had to shut her up, and you had the money to do it.
- Yes or no? - No!
Who is she? She's not your sister, you don't have one.
I'll tell you the truth.
Good. What's her name?
- Katherine. - Katherine who?
She's my daughter.
- I said I want the truth! - She's my sister.
She's my daughter. My sister, my daughter.
I said I want the truth!
She's my sister and my daughter!
Khan, please, go back. For God's sake, keep her upstairs.
My father and I...
Understand? Or is it too tough for you?
He raped you?
- Then what happened? - I ran away.
To Mexico?
Hollis came and took care of me.
I couldn't see her. I was 15.
I wanted to but I... I couldn't.
Then...
Now I want to be with her. I want to take care of her.
- Where are you gonna take her now? - Back to Mexico.
You can't take the train. Escobar will be looking for you everywhere.
- How about a plane? - That's worse.
You better just go. Leave all this stuff here. Where does Khan live?
- Get the exact address. - All right.
Those didn't belong to Hollis.
- How do you know? - He didn't wear bifocals.
- Katherine, say hello to Mr Gittes. - Hello.
Hello.
He lives at 1712 Alameda. Do you know where that is?
Sure.
Sophie, get me Walsh.
Listen pal, Escobar's gonna try and book me in about five minutes.
- What's the matter? - Relax and I'll tell you.
If you don't hear from me in two hours, you and Duffy come to 1712 Alameda.
- Jesus, that's in Chinatown, aint it? - I know where it is. Just do it.
Come on in, Lou.
Looks like we're both too late. She flew the coop.
And you've no idea where she went?
As a matter of fact I do. Her maid's house. She knows something's up.
What's the maid's address?
- She lives in Pedro. I'll write it down... - No, Gittes, you're gonna show us.
What for?
Because if she ain't there, you're gonna stay downtown until she does show up.
Gee Lou, I'm doing the best I can.
Tell us about it on the way to San Pedro.
- Let's get the little lady. - Can I ask you a favour?
I'd like to bring her out myself.
She's not armed, she won't be a problem.
I just want a minute alone with her. It would mean a lot to her, and to me.
You never learn, do you, Jake?
I guess not.
Okay...
I'll give you three minutes. Just three minutes.
Gee, thanks, Lou.
Hello.
Mr Gittes, come in! This is some surprise.
- Call me Jake. How you doing, Curly? - Care to join us?
- No, thanks. - A glass of wine? This is the fella...
- I know. - No, thank you.
But I'd like a glass of water. Come out in the kitchen with me.
- Curly, where's your car? - In the garage off the alley.
Can you give me a ride somewhere...? Right now. It can't wait.
- I'll tell my wife. - Tell her later, Curl.
Just drive slow for a block or two.
- What's this all about? - I'll tell you in a block or two.
- How much do you owe me? - Gee, we're going out tomorrow.
You've been good about it, but my cousin's sick.
How would you like to pay me off by taking two passengers to Encenada?
- You'd have to leave tonight. - I don't know.
I might be able to squeeze 75 bucks out of it for you.
Maybe even 100.
- Plus what I owe? - I'll throw that in too.
1712 Alameda. Wait for me until 8:30. If I don't show, take them to your boat.
You're sure this is okay?
Do you know how long I've been in this business?
Have you got your checkbook handy, Mr Cross? I've got the girl.
- You've got her? Where? - Remember the figures we discussed?
- Yes. Where are you? - Your daughter's house.
- How soon can you get here? - An hour.
There you are! Well, you don't look too much the worse for wear.
- Where's the girl? Is she all right? - She's fine.
- Well, where is she? - With her mother.
- I've got something I'd like to show you. - What is it?
An obituary column. Can you see all right in this light?
I guess I can manage.
- What does it mean? - That you killed Hollis Mulwray.
Right here. In that pond.
You drowned him, and you left these.
The coroner's report shows Mulwray had salt water in his lungs.
Hollis was always fascinated by tide pools.
- You know what he used to say? - I haven't the faintest idea.
"That's where life begins, tide pools!"
He figured that if you dumped water into the desert sand -
- and let it percolate down to the bedrock, -
- it wouldn't evaporate the way it does in reservoirs. You lose 20%, not 80%.
- He made this city! - You were gonna do that in the Valley?
I am doing it. When the bond issue passes Tuesday -
- there will be eight million dollars to build a reservoir.
People will be mad when they find out they're paying for water they won't get.
That's all taken care of. You see, -
- either you bring the water to L.A. Or you bring L.A. To the water.
- How are you gonna do that? - I'll incorporate the Valley into the city.
- How much are you worth? - How much do you want?
- Are you worth over ten million? - Oh, yes.
Why are you doing it? What can you buy that you can't already afford?
The future, Mr Gittes. The future.
Now where's the girl? I want the only daughter I've got left.
As you now, Evelyn was lost to me a long time ago.
- Who do you blame for that? Her? - I don't blame myself.
Most people never have to face the fact -
- that at the right time and the right place, they're capable of anything.
Claude, take those glasses from him.
Not worth it, Mr Gittes.
It's really not worth it.
Take us to the girl.
You remember Night Train Claude Mulvihill? These are my associates...
- You're under arrest, Jake. - Good news.
Withholding evidence, extortion, accessory after the fact.
I didn't extort nothing from nobody. This is Noah Cross. Evelyn's father.
He's the bird you're after. I can explain everything in five minutes. He's rich!
- He thinks he can get away with it. - You shut up, or I'll lock you up.
I am rich, I am Noah Cross. Evelyn Mulwray is my daughter.
He's crazy, Lou! He killed Mulwray because of the water thing. Just listen!
- Lock him to the wheel of the car. - You don't know what's going on here.
Katherine!
I am your grandfather, my dear. I am your grandfather.
No, go on. I'll follow you.
- Get away from her. Get away! - Evelyn, please... be reasonable.
- Come to my... - Get away from her!
How many years have I got? She's mine, too.
She's never going to know that.
You're a disturbed woman. You cannot provide...
- Evelyn, let the police handle this. - He owns the police!
- Get away from her. - You'll have to kill me first.
Close the door.
Halt!
Get the captain. Get an ambulance. Turn them all loose.
Lord... Oh, Lord!
- As little as possible. - What's that?
What's that?
You wanna do your partner a big favour?
Take him home.
Just get him the hell out of here!
Go home, Jake. I'm doing you a favour.
Come on, Jake.
Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown.
All right, clear the area! On the sidewalk.
On the sidewalk!
Get off the street!