Black Line
A Mitsugu Okura production
Written by Teruo Ishii Ichiro Miyakawa
Starring Shigeru Amachi
Utako Mitsuya Yoko Mihara
Toshio Hosokawa
Directed by Teruo Ishii
Hey, mister!
What's your hurry?
Maybe I know.
Would a fortune-teller know that?
Well, let's have a look and see if I do.
I'm in a hurry...
you're looking for a woman, aren't you.
Not just any woman.
In her twenties, someone who knows her way around...
maybe a performer of some kind?
That's pretty close.
See?
It all comes to me.
What does?
A woman's face...
I'll introduce you.
I may not look like much, but I don't need that.
Wait...
I'm not finished yet.
She's wearing a white coat, with black slacks on...
how do you know that?
Let me show you the way.
Thank you, sir.
She's sure taking her time.
Is she really coming?
She won't be much longer, sir.
She likes to look good.
Perhaps you'd like to look at these while you wait...
I sell feature stories to magazines. They call me 'scoop'.
The new laws have driven prostitution underground...
where gangs control women with dope and violent coercion.
The girl in the white coat works for the 'black line'.
But how is she connected to this pimp and that fortune teller?
Come in.
Oh, it's you...
sorry, sir.
Sorry. It's just me.
She's late. Pour the gentleman a drink.
Well, I doubt it's me he wants to do that...
you're certainly thirsty!
She'll be here soon.
Another drink?
No, thanks.
No?
Hey!
What's wrong?!
The girl in the white coat, strangled with my tie...
What's going on here?!
I didn't do it.
The water that maid brought must've had something in it...
that knocked me out.
The room's been cleaned up...
Damn! The whisky glass is gone... with my prints on it!
It'll look like I did it!
I've got to get out of here... and think!
That's the mark of whatever she was strangled with.
Looking at the room, I doubt it was someone she knew.
1.6 meters.
That maid was in on it. She'll put the finger on me.
I've got to find that pimp.
No sign of him. That's no surprise.
No fortune-teller, either.
If they've disappeared, they must know something.
They're waiting for the right time to turn me in.
I've been set up.
Everyone'll think I did it.
Naked pariza dancer found murdered!
She was a dancer at the pariza...
the only thing to do is get that hotel maid to talk.
But the hotel's dangerous.
I've got to get her outside.
It's helping the competition, but I'll give you a lift.
Uh, ok...
aren't you going to that hotel? Come on, get in.
This way, please.
I guess this is keeping you pretty busy.
He left her naked, you know.
She was laying right here, just like this.
They found a button from the guy's coat, Machida.
Oh...
not that a button's much help.
Everyone has them.
Yeah...
Whatever was going on, he didn't have to kill her!
A nice piece like that... what a waste!
Show some respect!
I've got another lead.
Tokiko's come back from the police station.
Can we talk to her?
Call her, will you?
Great! We can interview her.
You told the police the suspect looked like a reporter?
Yes.
Did it seem like he'd brought her here by force?
No, I didn't sense anything strange about them.
They had quite a bit to drink?
Yes. I was surprised how much they were drinking.
Why is she keeping quiet?
Why doesn't she just shout out, 'it's him! '?
You!
Why didn't you talk?
Why didn't you tell them I was in that room with her?!
I've never seen you before!
Liar!
You brought that water in!
You're crazy! Keep away from me!
I want the truth!
Who put her in that room? Where's that pimp?!
Tell me!
Don't hurt me! I kept quiet!
I won't tell anyone!
Just, please, keep away from me!
I'm innocent!
But someone's set me up!
I've got to find him!
Talk, damn it!
Or I'll tell the police that you're a dope fiend!
That's not dope!
You don't hide cold medicine like that.
I know the black line had that dead girl hooked on drugs.
I was tailing her.
They rubbed her out so she wouldn't talk to me.
And now someone's trying to get me out of the way, too.
And you're one of them!
No! I don't know anything.
I'm just... just...
just what?
Hey! Wait!
Hey! Hey!
That man... the man that night...
Sabu...
Hey!
Hello?
A woman's been hit by a car in koto ward, kameido, block 4.
She's dead.
The car was obviously aiming for her. It was dark...
so I didn't see the license or the color.
There was a couple in it.
I'm an eyewitness.
Now the woman.
A gray car, driver in his mid-20s, medium build.
He wasn't an office worker...
maybe a reporter.
Who are you?
Me? I'm someone...
who doesn't like the police, but who wants to help.
Know what I mean?
'Bye.
Which one's on the level?
I don't trust the woman.
If it was dark, how could she see who was in the car?
But the victim worked where that dancer was killed.
Let's say she was killed because she saw the killer.
The man she described...
fits the description this woman gave us on the phone.
Let's keep checking on reporters connected with performers.
Ok.
Inoue, Nagai, you hit the theaters.
Suzuki, stay on what was left in the room.
Emi! There's a guy here.
Who?
He's handsome.
Oh, sure!
It's nice to be pretty!
Pretty? Who, me?
Aren't they cold?
Women don't feel the cold. They have an extra layer of fat.
Thank you very much.
Here she is.
Thanks.
Who wants to see me?
You're emi? I just love the way you dance.
Thank you! And I just love fans like you.
Flowers! Wow!
You were friends with reiko, that dancer who was killed?
Where did she live?
Her uncle has a laundry called 'Hakusensha'.
Is that why you're here?
That's right.
I'm busy. Who do you write for, anyway?
No one in particular. They call me 'scoop'.
Like in 'one scoop or two'? Don't you wear a uniform...
when you sell ice-cream?
Not when I'm looking for a cow to buy milk from.
I don't like you very much.
Moo!
All the girls call me 'uncle' when they want something.
I'm told you specialize in laundering panties and bras.
This isn't a laundry.
I do costume design.
But I wash clothes, too.
So Reiko wasn't a relative?
No!
These were hers. She was gorgeous!
They won't be dancing any more.
Still at it? This won't be as easy as that last one.
This is a hard case.
Got anything new?
All kinds of stuff.
This is good... what do you think?
It'll put you in the mood.
I'm already in the mood.
Huh? Oh, I get it!
Hello.
Sit down.
He'll take care of you.
Coffee.
Two?
Just one.
And some water.
What do you think? I've got some amateurs, too.
Or widows? Or maybe you like students?
Sabu's are printed on better paper than this.
Oh, so you're a customer of sabu's, are you?
Have you seen him?
Not for two or three days. Our sources are different.
I want to see him.
He fixes me up real good.
Leave it to me, boss. I can do just as good as sabu.
Ok, boss... have fun.
Get undressed.
Or are you just going to stare at me all night?
Come on!
Oh, a name card!
Hey!
Oh no you don't!
You've got a dirty mind!
These are awful!
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Just a minute.
Wow! Fashion-model legs!
Sit up!
All the men like you...
that guy yesterday just went on and on!
He could kiss, though.
I couldn't tell my mouth from his!
I'm glad you had fun.
You're hitting there?
That's the only place she's got left.
You should be careful, too.
Student id sumire dressmaking school
sorry.
Why do you do this work?
Pocket money.
Don't look like that. Everybody sells something.
An actress with a nice bum sells a wiggle.
One with pretty eyes sells a wink.
A woman with beautiful lips...
sells a kiss.
Those with nothing sell their blood.
And that's horrible.
You're strange, you know.
I know.
Now, now! Mama spank!
You shoot a lot of dope. Even in your legs.
Let's make a deal.
Tell me where sabu is.
Who are you? You're crazy!
It's ok. I won't talk.
This'll buy some nice clothes.
'Give and take. ' how about it?
Sabu!
Who are you?!
What's wrong with you? Are you hurt?
What, do you think I'm just pretending?
Somehow I think you'll be all right.
Just when I was winning! You cost me a lot of money!
Sorry about that.
I wasn't expecting gambling.
I'm so depressed! I feel like I've lost my purse.
Can I buy you a drink to apologize?
Really! Now I feel better!
Just what my red corpuscles need!
Great!
Then let's go.
You really don't know sabu? I'm sure he ran in there.
Is that all you can say?
Don't you have better things to talk about in a girl's room?
Please!
Tell me!
At least give me a hint!
Have a drink.
Come on!
Hmm...
let's go in here.
Wow! That's quite the outfit.
You're quite a guy.
Nice gams, huh? They're insured for a million yen!
If I were an insurance agent, i'd suggest five.
Yeah!
Stop looking around my room like some weirdo! Come on!
Maybe I should be going.
No.
I won't let you.
Hey!
If you want it, come and get it.
I'll show you a trick. It might come in useful.
Thanks.
That's a good trick. In return, shall I tell you where sabu goes?
How far will you go?
'How far'?
Singapore.
Singapore?
Miss singapore! Please come to the boat deck.
Singapore reporting!
Welcome to the navy. What'll it be?
Beer, I guess.
Kamikaze! Over here!
Reporting!
One torpedo.
Coming right up!
Let's dance.
Yuck! The types we get in here!
Come and sit by me!
You certainly get all kinds...
would you know where sabu is these days?
Sabu? Who's he?
And who are you?
A friend of his.
I need a favor from him.
Oh, I see.
He just left.
But he said he might not be back for a while.
Where did he go?
I don't know. Anyway, forget him.
I could make it worth your while.
That pretentious little creep!
If anyone knows, you do.
Why do you say that?
Oh, I've heard things...
Old things.
He's too crazy for me.
I wonder...
he's the last person i'd lie about.
Excuse me...
Fancy meeting you here! Something must be going on.
Look who's talking! I just wandered in here.
I know a nice girl here. I'll introduce you.
No, thanks.
She's all yours, lover-boy.
Yokohama...
the dead girl used to dance at a place here called 'blue moon'.
Right now that's about the only lead I've got left.
Hey, you!
There's easier ways to kill yourself than that.
Who are you?
A high-school girl. Come on, let's go.
What's your name?
You give your name when you ask a lady's.
I'm Machida.
I'm Misako.
Why did you do that?
Why else would you stop? You're the third car.
You could get hit!
I saw right away you knew how to drive.
Did you ever drive a truck?
First you inconvenience a gentleman, now you insult him!
It was a compliment. I don't care who's a gentleman.
Oh, right here!
Be right back.
Hey!
Kurokl school of doll-making
Hello!
Hi!
That's a very cute little doll that just came in...
that particular model is not yet ready for sale.
What's all this noise, girls! Be a little more quiet!
Misako, could I see you?
The girl with her hand on her cheek has said yes.
Is the kimono long enough?
In the plaid?
All right.
Chiaki, bring your doll in.
Hi, Chiaki!
Hi.
I'll see you later.
I can't come tonight.
That sweater suits you, Misako.
Thank you.
Be careful delivering these. They're important.
Hello, mother? It's Misako.
The teacher's invited me to go to a movie with her tonight.
Ok? Oh, mother!
I'll put her on.
Hello? Kurokl speaking. There's a film...
I thought Misako might like to see.
No, no, please don't worry.
Yes... all right, goodbye.
All right? He's good-iooking, and he's very rich.
But that moustache!
Just think 'money'!
Let's go.
So I'm a truck driver?
I respect that.
My pleasure.
Where are we going?
A doll shop in Isezakicho.
Is this a part-time job?
Sometimes I make deliveries.
I'll sell you one cheap.
How much is that?
And you have to take me out.
No, thanks. I'll pay retail.
Oh, no! I'm not going to let a handsome man get away!
Let's go dancing! I know a club called 'blue moon'.
'Blue moon'?
Maybe I'll take you up on that.
Great!
It's that woman!
Why would she come all this way to buy a doll?
Ok, I'm done!
I saw you watching her. Never trust a gentleman!
I'll buy you some gum.
A pack of gum, please.
Hey!
The blue moon at 6!
Jerk!
Hello.
Thank you.
Hey...
Why, hello there!
Let's go somewhere.
Are you buying?
Sure.
Nice doll, huh?
It's cute.
You seem to like dolls...
I have more expensive tastes.
Don't give me that! I know the story.
Well, well, well! You seem to like playing detective.
Still going to play innocent? You can't run now.
Me? Run?
Who was it ran away last time?
Don't play innocent with me.
Today I'll get the truth out of you.
Oh, my!
Officer! Help!
The Toyo Times
You know what I want, Machida.
I'm not a cop, and I won't turn you in.
I just want to interview the man who killed that dancer.
Then you can go where you like.
Why have you decided I did it?
You're on the run.
When I woke up, she was laying beside me.
I was set up!
Believe me!
I want to... but you left hard evidence behind.
Give me some time. I'll find you some proof.
When we went to the hotel...
I saw you had a button missing from your coat.
The prints on your glass at the navy cabaret matched...
the ones at the hotel.
Sure it looks bad, but...
It was you who phoned in to report that maid's death.
The truth is the truth!
The truth needs facts. Courts work on evidence.
It's the court you'll have to convince.
I won't die like a dog!
Don't shout. I'm not a cop.
Do I hang for multiple murder, or do I get a scoop...
I'm a reporter!
They're going to catch you. It's just a matter of time.
You've got to believe me! You're a reporter, too!
Or are you...
Don't strangle me, ok?
Are you a reporter or not?!
All right.
I'll give you 48 hours.
If you don't get the criminal, you let me turn you in...
and I get the scoop.
48 hours?
Two days...
Damn!
Come on.
Hey, miss!
Give me an interview. What's your connection with Machida?
Let's say, 'sweetheart. '
And if he's the criminal?
No comment at this time, thank you.
Mr Machida?
Police
We'd like to talk to you.
It won't take long. We've been asked to bring in...
anyone showing up here around 6 p. m. In a volkswagen.
Halt!
Stop! Hey! Halt!
Call headquarters!
That girl Misako didn't know she was carrying dope!
That's why she gave me a doll!
How far are we driving?
Help me or you go down, too.
I'll help if you kiss me.
I will if I get away.
Then I'll help.
There's a police-box ahead. Go left up ahead.
Here. Go left.
They must have got Misako, found out I had the doll...
and told the police.
Now they might kill her, too!
Stop up here.
Is it far?
Yes. I took you the opposite direction.
Why?
Your car is like a sign saying, 'I'm hiding here. '
But can we get through?
Only the gods know.
We'll take the main street.
Walk slowly. Just like newlyweds.
They'll see us!
Don't be so nervous! This is how you walk in Yokohama.
Don't look around like that. Walk closer to me.
Let's buy some groceries, honey.
- Do you have any pineapple? - This way.
This report just in...
Yokohama police today staked out the 'blue moon'...
a Yamashitacho night-club, following a tip...
that a suspect in the pariza murder case was expected there.
Just after 6 p. m., police stopped a man driving a volkswagen.
Anything else?
The car sped off as detectives attempted to question him.
Police say he was with an attractive woman...
round-faced, in her early 20s, and wearing a black suit...
with a white fur collar.
Police request the cooperation of the public.
And that's the news.
Dear me!
Black suit, white fur collar... that must be you!
You're just awful! But at least you admit I'm attractive.
Anything you say, dear.
Hmph!
Is there anything else?
Hmm...
that's all.
How much?
Thank you.
¡Í85...
¡Í240...
That's ¡Í830.
Thank you.
Wait!
Are you ok?!
Get out of here!
Forget it. Where are you hurt?
Don't hang around! Do you want to hang?
As long as you're with me...
She tried to jump on.
I wish people wouldn't do that! It wasn't my fault.
She's a passenger!
Yeah, but...
You've got to watch!
Here's the police.
Do you need a doctor?
No, I'm fine. It was careless of me.
Are you together?
No.
Thanks for your help.
Name and address?
Hiroko uchikawa, honmokucho 23.
23? There's a cigarette store on the corner, isn't there?
Yes.
Or was it a stationer's?
No. A cigarette store.
Thank you.
On you get.
Thank you.
Next stop, Horaicho!
Please take all your belongings with you!
All clear!
Kamimachl hospital!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Akebonocho!
Thank you. Thank you.
Hey! Hold it!
All clear!
Wait!
This is yours, isn't it?
Thank you.
Looks like Maya's still getting herself in trouble.
I don't know what you are to each other...
but I'd watch myself.
No, I'm not...
Just keep this on her head.
You'll stay with her?
Yes. Thank you.
How are you?
Were you here all night?
Don't mention it.
But you've only got till tomorrow evening.
I'll fight in court if I have to.
And if the court finds you guilty?
I'll escape.
Big talk!
Then again, knowing you...
I'm betting that I can bring these guys in myself.
I'll tell your fortune.
You're lucky. I'll bet you find proof that you're innocent.
But what happens to you then?
I've done a lot of things, ever since I was a girl.
Maybe this is the time for me to go back to who I am.
The old man told me all about you.
How your father died and you took on the world...
for a sick mother and your brothers and sisters.
Forget about that.
They say that when that dancer died, Killer Joe was in Tokyo.
'Killer Joe'?
He was seeing a girl called Kayoko, from Nogemachi.
But that's all I know.
Thanks.
I promise I'll get out of this.
Kayoko?
Have a drink?
How's Joe, by the way?
Is he coming?
It's for you.
Just tell me where Joe is, will you?
Don't play innocent... I know Joe's your boyfriend.
Hey...
hey!
No!
A mute!
'How long has it been...
'... that I've burned for you this way...
'... and my heart has ached...
'... so much I want to cry?
'And still...
'... you, oh, you...
'... are so cold...
'... always so cold.
' "Goodbye...
' "... see you tomorrow."
'That's all you ever say. '
I'm Kayoko. How nice of you to ask me over.
You look familiar...
An old flame, perhaps?
You can't sweet-talk me!
What would you like?
I'd love a brandy...
all right?
Bartender! Brandy.
Eiko!
How's Joe?
Don't worry. He told me to come here if I needed him.
He was just here.
But he said he'd be gone for a while.
Gone? Do you know where he went?
No.
Tell me! Please!
I really don't know!
Anyway, I like you... you make me tremble all over!
Good evening.
The dear! He looks so serious!
What's wrong?
He keeps asking about Joe!
Shut up!
Don't you ever want to change?
Change to what?
Back to being men.
It's hard enough being a woman...
without having to be a man, too!
Some men just don't know how to treat a lady!
We're happy, and we don't need you interfering!
We're here to please men, you know.
You're terrible!
I hate you!
No fortunes today, kanako?
Come on!
What?
What do you want?
This is nothing compared to what I've gone through.
Who's your boss?
I don't know anything.
I was just told to take you to someone named Sabu.
Who said to do that?
I wouldn't know.
You're smuggling drugs. You used a high-school girl...
to take them to the doll shop.
From there women like that dead dancer...
take them to dealers like that laundry...
hidden in their underwear.
What's wrong with you?!
She's a junky, Mr Machida.
Tell me where that high-school girl Misako is!
Where's your boss? Where's Misako?
Give me that!
I never knew there was anything in those dolls!
Now it's time you tried some and went to work for us.
Never!
Do it yourself, or we'll help you.
I feel sick!
I need a fix!
Who's your boss?
Who killed that dancer?
Where is he?
Blue Moon...
Blue Moon?
In Yamashitacho?
I need a fix!
Maya, I'll go to the Blue Moon. You call the police.
It's too dangerous!
There's an innocent girl named Misako there. I can't leave her.
I'll call the police, then. Just a minute...
All right, you're lucky. Away you go.
Take care of her.
Will Misako be all right?
Drugs, violence, prostitution, framing me for murder...
Someone's behind all this. No matter what happens...
I'm going to get him!
Mr Machida!
Who are you?
The man you tried to take care of.
And you're alone?
No one else wanted to come.
My, my! Aren't we brave!
Yeah, I'm plenty brave.
I want the girl.
I can't let her go. Nor you, either.
No? That's too bad...
What are you doing?!
I abhor violence, Mr Machida. Let's talk as gentlemen.
I'm no gentleman!
You had Joe kill that dancer who carried your dope...
and leave her in bed beside me!
Quiet!
Talk!
You hook innocent girls on drugs and force them into prostitution!
You run the black line!
You put them out of their minds on drugs, then sell their bodies!
You suck the blood out of them and get fat as a pig!
You've got lips like a leech!
Talk! Who killed that dancer?!
Let go!
You have such nice hands!
I'll make it up to you!
It's ok. Were you scared?
Not me! I'm glad you're not a gentleman, though.
That's the spirit!
Come on!
Sabu!
Where were you, Joe?
Making sure the boat was ready, like you said.
Anyway, let's get ready.
Don't frown. You'll get wrinkles.
Looks like the Japanese drug market's going to change.
Sabu...
it's time to get on the boat. When you come back...
Tokyo Joe will be in charge.
Get down!
Call the police!
Quick!
Hey! Are you all right?
Well done, scoop! I've got to admit it: You win.
No, you were a lot of help.
You don't have to say that. I'll get you next time.
Hey...
What happens to you now?
What's wrong? You don't have to look like that.
I bet on you, and you won.
You'll be first to read my article.
You're not all that handsome...
but I'd like to stay with you...
once I get out of jail.
I'll walk with you.
It's all right. I'm used to walking alone.
Wait...
It's a good card.
The future looks bright.
Good luck.
The end