Bye, honey.
See you at six o'clock at the station.
To speak properly it is necessary to enunciate every syllable.
Example: 20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
Example: 20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
- This is like a lavender. - Yes, it goes well with white.
Exquisite combination, Mr. Siegel. Just as tasteful as always.
- Mr. Siegel. Floor please, madam? - Penthouse.
If we make love, it'll be the only time.
- What if you like it? - I know I'll like it.
- I got off on the wrong floor. - You'd better get back on.
- Don't stop... - Is that hurting?
Meyer, I've got half an hour. I've got ten minutes of sunlamp...
All right, I'll do the sunlamp on the train.
Of course I'm alone. She was an hour ago.
I've got to do it.
Call Charlie. He likes to take a nap when there's going to be trouble.
Ben, it really affects my opinion of your ability to administrate -
- when you get yourself involved in this type of detaiI. Right, Charlie?
- Of course. - See what I'm talking about?
- You just shook his head. - What else was I gonna to do?
Count to 53.
- Good evening, Mr. Siegel. - Hi, give that a brush for me.
- Weren't you going to California? - I came to give you a present.
- Present? - Yeah, open it.
- I don't get it. - We hired you to do a job.
We pay you a nice salary, we throw in a piece of the action -
- and you pay us back by stealing from us.
Do you want the shirt off my back? I'd be happy to give it you.
Here, from Sulka's. They're the ones I wear.
If I'd taken longer, I'd have bought some pants and some suits.
But I can give you some tips. Let me see your shoes.
I don't want to be rude to you, but they don't go with anything.
$3,900 we paid three guys to take care of this. Why are we here?
You know his thinking process. Ben has only one problem.
The same problem he had when we were kids together on the street.
He doesn't respect money.
But that's for summer... and you don't have to worry about summer.
If it was just business, I'd sell insurance or import dresses.
The key to taking over Jack Dragna's Southern California rackets -
- is to come in smooth. Approach him like we want to be a partner.
The guy's been running the rackets for 20 years with no competition.
- Except for Mickey Cohen. - So we move in amiably.
- What about the bars and clubs? - Fifty-fifty.
We move in, but we don't ruin anything.
- Joey A. Knows Jack Dragna. - Jack's a cold-blooded killer.
You've got to be careful. Don't say nothing he'd take offence at.
- What are you smiling at? - Nothing.
- Why can't we go to California? - Maybe next time.
When you get to Los Angeles, don't call George.
He's a movie star now, and attracts more attention than Roosevelt.
- This has to be quick and quiet. - And amiable.
Very funny. 12 days.
Four days out. Four days of diplomacy. Four days back.
- Ben, could I talk to you a minute? - After I say goodbye to the family.
I'll miss you.
When I get you on the phone, tell me what presents you want.
- I already know what I want. - Don't tell me now. Think about it.
- I need money, Ben. $50,000. - For what?
The cops, the D.A., the FBI. They're threatening to lock me up.
They're no good, these people, except assistant D.A. Allen Stein.
Jewish kid. His family's from Bedford Street.
What happened to the 50,000 for the armoured truck heist?
It's gone. You know me with money, I blew it at the track.
Are you saying that if you don't get it you're going to rat on me?
You? Never. I love you, Ben. I would never rat on you.
You ain't gonna kill me, are you?
I'm going to try very hard to forget that this ever happened.
- I owe you my life, Ben. - I'd say that's a fair assessment.
Bend your knees, Harry.
When you jump from the train, bend your knees to soften the impact.
Okay, Ben. Sure thing.
This has been four of the most wonderful days I've ever spent.
A lot of it was in the motion of the train.
He knows you. Are you somebody, too? I love you, George.
- You look like a million bucks. - You're looking good yourself.
Well, that's what they pay me for. Okay, we're moving on here.
You're at the Beverly Hills Hotel, bungalow five.
I know you said four days, but I reserved six.
- Jack Dragna's the kingpin here. - He runs a nice little operation.
You've got a city with 3 million people and his operation is little?
Less to worry about. I'll drop you, then run back to the studio.
- Why don't I go with you? - If you like.
Hank's my friend. A dame like you will give him a lot of headaches.
- I'm on to you. - The blueprints are all drawn.
- New cigarette. - She's eaten a whole cigarette.
Forget that you've ever seen him. Here, get what I mean?
Take that money and buy yourself some manners.
To waste on you?
Two bucks for one beer and some phoney champagne?
Here's half a buck. Split it between you.
Two bucks for one beer and some phoney champagne?
- Here's half a buck. - You're so cheap you're wholesale.
Don't forget, mister, I asked you nice.
Rolling, quiet please.
Benny, you want to hit somebody with a chair?
With this I can hit home runs all night.
- Take this in case I come back. - Can't I have a line?
Honey, he's the star.
- That was impressive, Georgie boy. - I'm a pro.
May I?
If you want an answer, finish the question.
- Light your cigarette? - Sure.
I thought you were going to ask me something a little more exciting.
- Like what? - Use your imagination.
- I'm using it. - Let me know when you're finished.
Is she a bit player?
Flamingo? Not for Joey Adonis. That's Virginia Hill.
Joey's crazy. No woman is worth a bullet between the eyes.
It depends on whose eyes and which woman.
Why is Ben Siegel so interested in a gal who's going with his friend?
Joey A? He's just an associate. Are you still going with him?
If it were New Year's Eve, he'd be my date. Who would your date be?
Wife. Esta. E-S-T-A.
I'll bet Esta lives her life faithful to her one and only Ben, -
- who plays around like a jackrabbit and lies through his teeth.
- I don't lie to Esta. - Do you confess your sins to her?
What exactly does Mr. Esta want from Miss Virginia?
Mr. Esta can't imagine anything he doesn't want from Miss Virginia.
- Are you ready for a divorce? - Never.
You're pretty ferocious where Mom is concerned.
The rest of the time you're just a sweet-talking, fuck-happy fellow -
- with some good dialogue. Dialogue's cheap in Hollywood.
Why don't you run outside and jerk yourself a soda?
How would someone go about getting a screen test done?
- Do you know someone who wants one? - No, I'm just interested.
What about Virginia Hill? Does she have a future in movies?
I'm not sure of my own future. Lana Turner lives there.
Cesar Romero lives there.
Gary Cooper is there on the right. He paid 45 grand.
- Houses bring that kind of money? - Sure, and more.
- Who's is that? - Lawrence... The opera singer.
- Not Melchoir, the other guy. - Lawrence Tibbett? Stop.
- What are you doing? - Paying my respects.
I'm looking for Lawrence Tibbett. My name's Ben Siegel.
- Is he expecting you? - Not unless he's psychic.
Would you excuse me a moment?
- How far is your house from here? - Half a mile. What are you doing?
Mr. Siegel.
You have no idea what an honour it is to meet you.
I took my family to hear you sing "Rigoletto" at the Met last year.
- It was a great evening. - You overwhelm me, Mr. Siegel.
- That's beautiful. - Are you related to Bugsy Siegel?
- "Bugsy"? What do you mean? - I beg your pardon.
A bug is nothing. The word has no meaning.
A bug is a colloquialism. It has no basis in reality.
Insects include a wide variety of living creatures.
None of them can be called a bug!
I certainly didn't mean any offence, Mr. Siegel.
Mind if I look around, Larry?
- Do you mind if I call you Larry? - All my friends call me Larry.
- What brings you to L.A., Ben? - Curiosity.
A wonderful house. What do you think of the Beverly Hills Hotel?
- It's the best hotel in town. - A bungalow or a suite?
- A bungalow. Which do you have? - I don't. You do. Bungalow 5.
- I don't understand... - I'm buying this house.
- This house isn't for sale. - Sure it is. Everything's for sale.
- How much do you want? - Mr. Siegel...
- Ben. - Ben...
Why are you looking at me like that? Are you going to hurt me?
I would protect you from anyone who tried to hurt you.
Your voice makes life justifiable. I'm just trying to give you money.
- What did you buy it for? - $35,000.
But that was a few years ago. I could probably get $40,000.
It's not really a financial issue, Mr. Siegel. Ben...
One, two, three, four...
That's $50,000. Is that enough?
This should be a pleasurable day for the both of us. Here's $60,000.
It makes me sick inside when I don't bring pleasure to someone I admire.
Doesn't this bring you pleasure? Why don't I see you smiling?
- You spend money like crazy. - So? It's only dirty paper.
- You'll only be here for four days. - Maybe I'll stay a little longer.
- I've got to get to Jack Dragna's. - I'll drive you.
No, this is business.
- Nice car. - Thank you.
- Louie. - What the hell is this?
I'm looking for Jack Dragna. I'm Ben Siegel.
I'm Lou, Jack's brother. I'll tell Jack you're here.
He'll just be a few seconds. Jack's finishing eating.
We run a smooth little operation. With all due respect to Lansky, -
- Luciano, Joey A., and whoever the fuck else you represent, -
- I suggest you spend your time here looking for broads.
We've got the finest in the world. I understand that's what you like.
I can help you out with phone numbers.
But if you want to do business, I'm completely disinterested.
"Uninterested". Disinterested means impartial.
You've got two alternatives: You and your guys can work for us.
Your little operation will then be a big operation.
20 betting parlours, not three. Owning your own wire service.
It means taking risks. Meyer, Charlie and I, we take 75%.
You keep 25%, but that's got to be three times more than you make now.
- What's the second alternative? - The second alternative...
The second alternative is here.
- Squeeze the trigger and kill me. - Kill you, that's an alternative?
- You've an unusual sense of humour. - What they say about you is true.
You're out of your fucking mind.
Take another five seconds to make your selection.
I guess that means you're working for us. May I have my gun back?
Let's get started. Time is vicious when taken for granted.
Bugsy, if we break off this thing with Transcontinental...
I'll assume you didn't know that no one calls me that.
- Very nice meeting you, Jack. - The fucking guy's crazy.
- Should I shoot him in the back? - Lansky and Luciano would flip.
Play along. Sooner or later he'll blow his lid.
When we get him, nobody will give a fuck.
- Hello? - Virginia, it's Ben...
Meyer, I know we said 12 days. Things got a little complicated.
Was that good? You're from "The Herald", right?
See that they run that, and not one of those sinister mugshots.
- I'll try my best. - I'd really appreciate it.
- May I have the next dance? - Charmed. Have you met Mr. Siegel?
- I've been admiring his movements. - My husband. Count Di Frasso.
I'm surrounded by titles. How can I pick one up?
Darling, get him a title. Make him a duke.
Why not?
- Are you ready to come to Italy? - Italy! I'll get my parachute.
That's wonderful.
You know who one of the count's best friends is?
Mussolini.
No... That clown knows Mussolini?
Do they play golf together? Tell jokes about the gas chambers?
- I stay out of politics. - Politics? This is war.
He's Hitler's partner, and this effete count pals around with him?
Don't get worked up over something you can't do anything about.
This is Hollywood.
Telephone call from Mr. Dragna. I've placed a phone at your table.
Have you met our number-one crime fighter James McWilde?
- He's up for re-election as D.A. - I wish I could contribute.
You can contact Donald Mitchell. He handles all the money.
Have him call me in the morning.
If you'll excuse me, I see about six women that need to talk to me.
Mr. McWilde, as a man of the world, what do you make -
- of all these friends of Mussolini flitting around America?
Are you talking about spies?
Come Jim, the senator would like a word with you.
- Keep me posted on that. - I will, we've got to do something.
See the redhead?
Put it in her hand.
What is it?
This cocksucker Mickey Cohen robbed our gambling joint of $56,000.
I tell you, this time I'm going to get him.
I'll see you.
- How do you know it was Cohen? - He had a mask on, but the voice.
He robbed five guys of $56,000 and got away scot-free?
- He took us by surprise. - It certainly seems like it.
- He'll be dead within 24 hours. - No, I want to talk to him.
- You say 56,000? - The exact figure was 56,143.
Mussolini and Hitler must be stopped.
Hello... Hi, honey.
Maybe you should stop thinking about when I'm coming back to Scarsdale.
Start thinking about when you and the girls will come out here.
As soon as possible.
But is this is the right time to take the kids out of school?
Maybe we should play it by ear and see what happens.
We don't have to settle everything now.
All right, we'll see each other before you know it.
Right? I love you too, Esta. Goodnight.
Ronald, turn off the projector!
Ronald? Where are you?
- Am I coming at a bad time? - Not at all. Come on in.
I don't want to interrupt your pantomime.
What are you watching?
A newsreel, but it's over. Why don't you come on in?
- Too fast with the ring? - Nothing's too fast that fits.
Do you always carry around a spare ring?
I figured I'd run into you. Would you ever have called me?
I was planning to wait a while.
About ten years.
Why?
If all we're going to do is bring each other misery and torment...
Why would we bring each other misery and torment?
We both want what we want whenever we want it, and we want everything.
- That doesn't sound too promising. - That's what I'm saying.
- Then why did you come? - Well, it wasn't caution.
- What about Joey A.? - Does he bother you?
Is it your conscience or are you worried about your business?
I haven't thought it through that clearly.
If he knew I were here, he'd only be thinking about who to kill first.
Do you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you?
How do you know I want to kiss you at all?
I really don't think we should go through with this, do you?
Is that yes or no?
Both.
- You pack quite a punch. - That was a slap.
If I'd punched you, you'd be stretched out across the floor.
You're right about everything. Right about the misery and torment.
I'm sure you're right about what you want.
Do you always talk this much before you do it?
I only talk this much before I'm gonna kill someone.
Hey, Georgie boy. Did you find Mickey Cohen yet?
Biltmore Health Club at one o'clock. We meet him there.
Pick me up at noon. Good.
You still think we'll only bring each other misery and torment?
With a few distractions in between.
You call what we've been doing distractions?
- Thank you, the feeling's mutual. - Good, that's the way I like it.
20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
- What time is it? - One thirty.
The little schmuck is half an hour late.
Who's a little schmuck? Who are you referring to?
- You'd better show me some respect. - You've got it backwards.
Unless your idea of showing a man respect is to rob him.
Who said I robbed? Everything I've got is mine.
- Yes, you stole it from me. - What's mine is mine.
I understand from Jack Dragna you stole 56,000 and change.
The lying fat fuck! It was 42, not 56.
- I thought you didn't steal it. - If I had, it would have been 42.
If I were you, I'd give that money back by seven o'clock tonight.
Fuck you! Look at me, fuck you!
If I was you, I'd shut my fucking mouth and watch my step.
- I could blow you away. - Aren't we in a public place?
We'd both be better off if you'd tone down your rhetoric.
We'd both be better off if I never saw your fucking face again.
- Don't laugh, this guy's deranged. - Go get him back. Hurry up.
Jack... it's Ben.
The Cohen thing is under control. Be at my house at 7:30 tonight.
How do you remember all the fucking lines from a movie?
Make it quick, will you? I've got a hot date waiting for me.
I bet you do have a hot date waiting for you.
- Are you making fun of me? - You must have women lined up.
When I go out with a broad, you can bet she'll be a star.
Betty Grable or Ava Gardner. I don't go for them tarty broads.
- What tarty broads? - That Shirley, Luciano's piece.
That nutty broad Joey A. Goes out with, Victoria Hill. That blonde...
Virginia Hill. Why would you call her a tart?
That's what she is. Joe Epstein, the drummer Gene Krupa, -
- the bullfighter from Mexico... This conversation is beneath me.
I'm expanding, and if I'm going to expand, -
- should I expand with guys who got taken, or the one who took them?
- What's in it for me? - Money. $5,000 a week.
- Does that include a blow job? - Watch your mouth, he'll plug you.
He can't. He needs me. Ain't you been listening?
You're too busy learning lines from those fairy acting jobs you do. Ten.
Okay, but I want the $42,000 you stole back by seven o'clock tonight.
I put up my life and my liberty on that fucking score.
20. I wouldn't kick back the whole 42 for my mother.
A penny less, we've got no deal.
- Krupa and a bullfighter? - It ain't exactly confidential.
Krupa I know about... and a couple of bullfighters.
- A couple of bullfighters? - That's what I've heard.
She is who she is. What man ever changed a woman?
I don't go by what other men have done. I believe in fresh starts.
Without them you and me would have been history before we were 19.
I hope you like scampi served on a bed of soft brown rice.
Rimmed by carrots and peas.
- What's the matter? - Nothing.
Come on, eat. It'll make you big and strong.
What do you think of bullfighting?
- It's a while since I tried it. - What are your memories?
- Dangerous... and fun. - What about drums?
- What about drums? I'm a singer. - You ever sing with a drummer?
I've sung with all kinds of musicians. Your dinner's going cold.
Did you think I was a virgin?
I just thought maybe there was somebody you hadn't fucked.
That's not pleasant.
Listen, we've both fucked around. You want to trade stories, fine.
We can also put the past behind us, but don't play sulky little games.
If what we share isn't good enough, then we should call it quits now.
- What'll it be? - How about iodine?
You need soap and water. And wash out your mouth, too. I'm going home.
Wait. Come here.
Let go of me. I'm not staying here.
Get your hands off me, damn it!
Get off me. I'm never coming back.
Benny.
- You okay? - I'm fine.
- 42,000 on the nose. - Thank you very much.
This is Virginia Hill. Mickey Cohen.
Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I've heard a lot about you.
- Can I come in? - Could I take a rain check?
Not under the circumstances. What happened to your head?
A vicious insect. I'll see you in the morning.
Hey, gumba, kiss my tukus!
Fucking Jew prick.
- Did you ever meet Jack Dragna? - No.
I've got to speak to him alone. Wait for me, please.
In there.
- The cocksucker dished it back. - Every cent.
I'll be a son of a bitch. How did you get him to go along?
He brought me the money and I gave him a job.
He'll be running my operation.
- That's my job. - No, you work for him now.
- I'm missing something. - Yeah, about $ 14,000 and change.
The 14,000 you stole from us, after the 42 that Mickey took.
- Wait a minute... - Do you want to fuck me?
- Of course not. - You're sure? Do you wanna rape me?
- This is crazy. - Answer me. Do not lie to me.
You stole from me. Stealing is a form of rape.
Did you think you could get away with stealing from me?
From Meyer Lansky, Charlie Luciano and me?
That you could rape us and humiliate us?
Did you think you could get away with that? Don't lie!
Do not lie to me!
So you raped us even though you thought we would catch you?
- It wasn't like that. - What was it like? Answer me!
Did you think you could get away with it or not?
- Did you? - I won't ever do it again.
You won't do it again. How do you know I won't kill you?
I'm begging you, Ben. Don't.
Do you want to kill me? You want another chance?
I'll tell you something: You can't. No one can. I can't kill me.
See. Now, try it. Come on, give it to me.
What is it? Are you afraid to die? Crawl.
Now, bark like the dog that you wish you were decent enough to be.
Bark! Crawl and bark.
More, let me hear that bark.
Yes, that's good. More!
Oink like the treacherous, devious pig that you are.
Come on, get around there.
Oink now!
Get up!
Now look me in the eye.
Go home, get the money you stole and bring it to me.
- This goes back in the safe. - Thanks, you can count on me.
We'll see. Everybody needs a fresh start once in a while.
Get out.
Are we going to eat?
Who was the Countess Di Frasso?
Who is she? She's the wife of Count Di Frasso.
- I danced with her at Ciro's. - I know you danced with her.
The countess's husband, the count, is a very good friend of Mussolini.
- He's Mussolini's friend. - I got it. So what?
Hitler and Mussolini are destroying the world. I can stop Mussolini.
What do you mean? Kill Mussolini?
You are going to kill Mussolini in the middle of a war?
That is the most ludicrous excuse I've ever heard.
If you want to fuck some countess, at least have the guts to say it.
- I'm hatching a secret plan. - You're full of secrets.
- Nothing's out in the open. - Like what?
Me. You're afraid of being seen with me.
You told me you don't keep any secrets from Esta.
- That's different. - I don't want to be a secret.
- Give me a chance. - You've had your chance.
- We never go anywhere. - All right, we'll go everywhere.
Give me a chance. Everybody deserves a fresh start once in a while.
- Come on, sugar. - I can't. You don't understand.
I can't... I'm really much too nervous.
- Come on. - I thought I could, but I can't.
- You can't what? - Now I've seen the plane, I can't.
I never have... been on a plane.
- You haven't? One second... - I can't control what you do.
I can't be with you every second. Go without me.
- We're gonna run out of gas. - The rules of aerodynamics...
It makes no difference. I'm not going on the plane.
Ben, let's go.
Time is money.
- This is boring. I have to pee. - If we'd flown, we'd be there now.
- I don't even know why I came. - Why did I come?
You can't run an operation in Nevada and never go there.
We drove five and a half hours for this canker sore?
There's a steady profit coming out of this joint.
Customers have nowhere else to go.
This is a dump. You should get rid of it.
- The upkeep is almost zero. - Who'd have thought it?
- Looks don't matter, money does. - Looks matter. It should be burnt.
- I wouldn't go that far, Victoria. - What? Call her Virginia.
- I called her Virginia. - You called me Victoria.
- I called you Victoria? - It's Virginia. Who do I talk to?
I have no need to hear what you have to say.
- Who took whose advice? - Don't embarrass me like that.
- I was right. - The place should have stayed open.
- Why did you close it? - Because it was a canker sore.
- But I'm not your fucking puppet. - You need to be told what to do.
Or maybe you want to continue dodging your way through two lives.
Checking at home in Scarsdale whenever you get too lonely.
Or maybe you're getting old.
That's it. I've taken enough shit from you, and it's gonna stop now.
- Hot air in a hot desert. - It's gonna stop right now.
Don't talk to me about Scarsdale, it's none of your business.
Talking to me about Scarsdale... Who the fuck do you think you are?
- What is he doing? - Looking for a place to pee.
I got it! I had this vision. Like a religious epiphany.
- Are you talking about God? - It's the best idea I ever had.
Yeah, well I just had the greatest idea I ever had.
- Isn't she magnificent? - Just what I've been looking for.
A broad to leave me in the desert, to die and be eaten by vultures.
You'll remember this day.
Benjy, what would we do in Italy with all the bullets flying around?
What we would do? We would meet Mussolini.
You are outrageous. That's what I love about you.
- Why do you want to meet the Duce? - My friends could use his help.
Could your husband arrange that, or is his reputation exaggerated?
My husband could get you this close to Mussolini any time he wishes.
And he will wish to do whatever I say.
You know what my intuition tells me about you?
That you always get whatever you want.
Don't deny it. I find your confidence irresistible.
I'm sucked in by it. Helpless, if you must know the truth.
We have a few wrinkles to iron out, but my secret plan is going through.
I'm going to New York tomorrow, so this is hello and goodbye.
I've got some problems in New York.
Charlie's been arrested. Harry Greenberg, my old friend...
- I think he testified against him. - Am I supposed to be interested?
What does your friend do, sticks knives into animals?
He's the guitarist. Flamenco-Flamingo.
You're not actually going to spend the night with this creep?
What I do with my time and my body is my business.
I demand satisfaction.
Go back to your countess. I hope she gives you syphilis.
- I'm asking Esta for a divorce. - You'd better get to a phone.
- Good luck. - Virginia...
I was wearing a blue silk shirt? I don't even own one.
"Brandishing a. 45 menacingly".
What an outrageous fabrication. It wasn't a. 45, it was a. 38.
I was not brandishing it. I was concealing it subtly.
What kind of people write this?
I agree with you 100%. They've got no morals, those people.
What we heard is true. Charlie's in jaiI because of this stool-pigeon.
You know this Harry Greenberg? You don't?
I know him.
Mickey, I'm getting a divorce. That's why I'm making this trip.
- Definitely? - Definitely.
- I'm sorry to hear that. - Why?
To see a family break up like that. What's got to be has got to be.
- I know what you're doing. - Don't come one step closer.
You're writing "Happy Birthday, Millicent" on my cake.
Get out of here... Set the table.
- Where are the presents? - With the potatoes.
Honey, move the thing in the middle.
- I hope we're not disturbing you? - It's Millicent's birthday party.
- There's a matter we must discuss. - Good, come on in.
Make yourselves at home. I'll be right with you.
Guess who that is. Meyer, Joey A., Frank, Gus, Vito and Moe.
- This night was for ourselves. - I planned a meet tomorrow, but...
- It's Millicent's birthday. - They've got a business problem.
Finish the cake, put the candles on, I'll be right back.
I have to tell you I got rid of that seedy canker sore in Vegas.
You had no right to give that casino up.
- Casino? It was an outhouse. - You should have consulted us.
- That's the arrangement we've got. - I have no arrangement with you.
But don't worry, I'll tell you what I'm to build in its place.
You'll understand for the first time what the word transcendent means.
Meyer... I have found the answer to the dreams of America.
You want to be a little more specific?
The Flamingo.
- People dream about sex and money. - Are you building a whorehouse?
A hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. A place where gambling is allowed.
The whole territory is wide open. A palace, an oasis, a city.
When the Hoover Dam is finished, electrical power will be available.
The Hoover Dam and fucking are connected how?
Air-conditioning. The wave of the future.
Every room will be 72 degrees at all times.
We'll put Monte Carlo to shame.
Wall-to-wall carpeting, Italian marble, stables.
A train from L.A. to Vegas.
Planes back and forth. We'll have our own airport!
It's a good place to trap people in to take their money.
- Is that what you're getting at? - Much more.
I've got to get that.
I got it!
Mickey, have you got someone across the street?
Call Warner Brothers, call Ciro's. Call me if anybody's seen her.
No, not five minutes. One minute.
Sit tight, honey. Let me just see how they're doing.
Oh, that looks great. Your mother's a real artist.
I've got these guys going on this thing.
The children don't have the patience that some adults do.
You finish the candles in here and I'll finish up out there.
Don't move, birthday girl.
I don't understand this desert idea. Let's concentrate on Cuba.
There's legalized gambling next to Florida. It's like another state.
It's not another state. A foreign country can always throw you out.
Nevada is another state and it's open.
If we follow the hotel with schools, and churches and synagogues, -
- we'll be in charge before you know it... of the whole state!
- We'll have a stake in the country. - You planning to run for president?
We can help to choose the president if we control a state.
Where do you think the money for this is going to come from?
I'll be working for the partners, so the money should come from them.
- Them meaning you. - How much are we talking about?
- One million dollars. - What about the publicity?
Ben's famous in California.
Famous is good for Clark Gable, but for you it's not good.
Our gambling will be legitimate.
Meyer, we've known each other since we were too young to fuck.
When did I ever ask you to leap ahead with something on faith?
Never, but I'm asking you now. Do this.
You've got 65 guys on the payroll and nobody can find Virginia?
I cannot function effectively when I'm in a state of ignorance.
Find her.
Hold the fort. I'm nearly finished. What's the matter?
I thought you came home for my birthday.
We'll celebrate your birthday. I'll just finish this meeting...
I don't want to hear you!
We'll just be a minute... Come on, honey.
Millicent, open the door. I just want to say one thing.
Barbara, are you in there, too?
Come on down. I'm lighting the candles.
Come on down, I'm lighting the candles.
The party got a little out of control, but I fixed it.
With Charlie in jaiI, I'll have to confer with him on money decisions.
But pending his approval, I'm happy to say you've got yourself a deal.
- Good. Great. - When will you get started?
When I get back from Italy, however long that takes.
- However long what takes? - The assassination of Mussolini.
Who's gonna assassinate Mussolini?
Come here. Look, don't fuck this up by trying to be funny.
Mussolini and Hitler are trying to knock off every Jew on earth.
- I can stop Mussolini. - Leave it to the Allied Forces.
The Allied Forces don't have the access I have.
One of Mussolini's best friends. His wife has the hots for me.
If she gets me close to Mussolini, I'll blow him halfway to Siberia.
Listen to me very carefully. Don't ever repeat what you've said.
- Right, it's a secret. - There's a different reason.
At best, any normal person that you say it to -
- will never take anything you say seriously again.
Sure, but Mussolini is a dead man. I'll be with you in a minute.
I'm going to light the candles. I'm lighting the candles.
- Let's see what Meyer wants. - What do you want to eat?
Eat? We came here to do business.
Millicent? I lit the candles.
- Have we finished our business? - Sure, we shouldn't have barged in.
Enjoy the party for Millicent. It sounds good.
- Take care, Ben. - Thanks for coming by.
Joey... Listen, I'm sorry about Virginia.
If you want to take a punch at me, take a punch at me.
We're even now. I'm sorry, I know you were in love with her.
Are you kidding me? I'd never let myself fall for a slut like her.
Your mouth is bleeding.
I tripped and hit the table. It's nothing.
I don't think we can go on like this, Ben.
- Like what? - Should we get a divorce?
Some friends just dropped by at the wrong time. Everything's fine now.
Sit down.
I'm going to say goodnight to the girls.
- Miss me? - Depends.
You're looking very smug. Did you ask her for a divorce?
We've got to drink a toast. I've got the whole thing worked out.
I've sold them on the idea. We'll drink a toast to our destiny.
- Did you ask her for a divorce? - Not in so many words.
Do me a favour, would you? Finish your drink and get out of here.
You don't understand. I'm laying the groundwork.
Are you having a good time? Do you like that robe?
You fucking lunatic! Look what you've done.
- Baby, are you hurt? - You're lucky you're alive.
I'll give you three minutes to get the hell out of here.
- He's my brother, you asshole! - Do you expect me to fall for that?
I don't care. Just don't ever come around here bothering us anymore!
- Us? - Leave him alone! He's my brother.
Would you show me some form of identification?
- Do you have any? - In my pants, in the guests' room.
He does very unexpected things.
Are you hurt? Are you cut? Any glass wedged anywhere?
You're right. You're Chick. You're her brother.
Why didn't you tell me it was Chick?
- I'm gonna buy you a Cadillac. - A Cadillac?
Yes, a red one. How about a convertible?
- Don't sell out so cheap. - I've always wanted a Cadillac.
We're gonna take a trip in Chick's red Cadillac.
- You're gonna take a trip. - To our destiny. Las Vegas!
You couldn't drag me to that sand-hole, rat-trap with a fish net.
We're going to build a Garden of Eden.
A hotel, but not a hotel. An oasis with a casino.
It's legal. It's Nevada.
Palm trees and pools. Rose gardens more beautiful than Versailles.
We're going to design them. We'll have famous entertainers.
Jolson, Cantor, Durante, Cooper, Cary, Victor Mature.
All of them, honey. We'll have Dana Andrews.
It'll be the most spectacular place they've ever been invited to.
You'll own five and three quarter per cent of it all... gross.
We'll be the greatest hosts in the West, and we'll name it after you.
We're gonna call it The Flamingo.
I've brought trouble to every man who ever went on the line for me.
Good. That's what they get for trying to steal my girl.
If you don't make it different and new, then don't make it at all.
Look at this structure.
There's a curved effect within traditional linear principles.
- Sensational, David. - Thank you.
Where did you find this guy? He's terrific.
It looks gorgeous to me. Very European. Very French.
You could sell these objects in a museum.
- This stuff is very hard to draw. - The pool bothers me.
- What's wrong with it? - There isn't enough sun.
Your assistant should pay attention.
If we slid the pool down here, we'd get the sun all day.
- Am I right? - David?
That would change the relation of the pool to the casino.
If we move the pool, will the sun hit the pool all day?
- Yes, it will. - Move the pool.
Ben, we've inflated the budget to two million now.
- No problem. - I'll give Meyer a call.
Mussolini Murdered Italians Butcher Brutal Dictator
- That's a lot of extra money. - I cannot believe he's dead.
You keep saying that. He was dead the first time you read the paper.
I was moments away from carrying out my plan.
Look how they got him, you couldn't have done a better job yourself.
I couldn't have? Come here.
What do you really think of this David, the architect?
There's something about him I don't like. What's with this red tie?
Hey, he's an architect.
Keep an eye on him. What's his history? How did we get him?
- Don't do this to yourself. - I've got to know the truth.
Who ever knows what's going on in the mind of any broad?
What are you looking at? You're looking at Virginia.
- She was talking. - What were you thinking?
Should you trust a dame with your chequebook?
I've never known a broad I could trust.
I'm not trusting a broad, I'm trusting Virginia.
Meyer would like to talk to you.
Where are you, Miami? A deportation party for Charlie, that's horrible.
First they lock him up, now they kick him out of the country.
I tell you, never trust the prosecutors.
Bugsy Siegel lives here.
- Don't ever call him that. - Everyone calls him that.
Not to his face. You can bet your life on that.
I do feel responsible for Harry. I know I brought him in.
Harry's not a full deck.
But we both thought he was okay for the jobs we gave him.
When you find him, you'll have to do what you have to do.
What overages?
Did they put a price on Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, -
- or Shakespeare's "Macbeth"? If it costs more, it costs more.
No problem. I'll see you in New York.
- Bloodless bureaucrats! - Harry Greenberg is here.
- Where? - In the hallway.
- Hi, Harry. - Ben, you're a sight for sore eyes.
I hope you don't mind, I had no place else to go.
- You did the right thing. Tired? - Yeah, I'm tired.
We have an extra bedroom. Why don't you take a nap?
We'll talk when you wake up. It's the first one on the left.
- I thought I was dreaming. - I always think I'm dreaming.
Am I dreaming or am I really out here in Hollywood with you?
- You're here, Harry. - Anywhere else and I'd be dead.
I screwed up, Ben. I'm so stupid.
I never wanted to hurt anyone, except those you told me to hurt.
- You talked. - I talked.
What do you want me to do for you?
I thought I could work for you out here incognito.
It's tough to be incognito in Hollywood.
That's true. It was an idea. A bad idea.
What should I do?
- You'd better take a drive with me. - I like driving at night.
Especially if someone else drives.
I always loved that, ever since I was a little kid.
I wish you hadn't done what you did, Harry.
Virginia, this is Harry Greenberg. He's a very old friend of mine.
Joey A.'s girl. We met a couple of years ago at the Copa.
- We're taking a drive together. - I'll come with you.
- Stay here. I won't be long. - I'd rather come along.
I'd rather you didn't.
I thought you said you wanted to spend all your time with me.
- Let us take a drive alone. - Take your whole life alone.
Fine, come along.
I've got to get my coat and bag.
You seen much of Joey recently?
Not for quite a while.
I haven't seen any of the guys since I messed up.
Joey was a real sharp dresser. Nice head of wavy hair.
- Virginia's going to be my wife. - Congratulations.
- What happened to Esta? - Nothing.
That's a relief. I thought she died.
- What happened to her? - We're getting a divorce.
- Esta doesn't know it yet. - Always the same little digs.
Esta is a friend of mine.
She's a good person. She's the mother of my daughters.
She's not a threat to you, and I'm going to divorce her.
I'm sorry. I was out of line.
You two seem like a happy couple. It's nice to see that.
I want you to wait here. Don't argue with me about it.
What the hell's going on out there? Ben!
What are you doing? I told you to wait.
- Where's Harry? - Back in the car.
What's the matter? What happened?
20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
20 dwarves, 20 dwarves...
This building's budget was one million dollars.
It's climbing through the roof. A hotel!
In the middle of the Mojave desert. 500 miles from the nearest toilet.
This movie star, Hollywood shit of yours is no good.
We're a private group. We don't want anybody looking at us.
It's bad enough already. This Flamingo thing is out of control.
Are you finished?
The Flamingo is legitimate. There won't be anything to hide.
The money that you and Meyer put up was not a gift.
This was a favour that I let you in on.
Fine. Then let us out now. At cost, no profits.
Stop all this nonsense. This is a farewell party for old friends.
You don't tell old friends a deal's going to cost one million dollars -
- and then come back and say that it's two, or three, or four.
Not to Charlie Luciano.
We're talking different languages, that's the problem.
Tell me one thing. What is the most that this hotel could possibly cost?
- Three million. - I only approved one, not three.
- I don't want in, but I am in. - It doesn't matter. We're stuck.
We do what we have to do, to make it work... within reason.
You call any of this reason? It's disgusting.
If this costs over three million, God won't be able to baiI you out.
- No problem. - One more thing, Ben.
The broad... Why would you have some broad handle our money?
Speak about Virginia with respect, she's going to be my wife.
Congratulations. I'm sure she'll make a terrific Mrs. Siegel.
I hope you know what you're doing.
Don't let Virginia out of your sight.
If you have to take a nap, have one of the other guys watch her.
One of the older guys.
Joey...
- Can I speak to you alone? - What do you want? I'm busy.
It won't take a second.
Don't move, darling. I'll get rid of this guy before you can blink.
Make it quick.
Considering the insulting word you used to describe Virginia, -
- I think that you owe both of us an apology.
Why don't you suck your apology out of my dick?
Joey, what a thing to say!
Pull it out.
Are you embarrassed? You want me to pull mine out first?
Take a look at this.
Can you hear me, Joey? You're lucky I didn't drink a lot today.
Your apology's accepted.
- Are you chewing? - I'm chewing.
Don't swallow anything untiI you chew it well.
I was thinking that... Could I have some more water?
I was thinking that...
- Anybody want anything else? - You just said that.
Right... What was I saying?
You've been trying to say it all night. Our plans for moving.
What I was thinking was that...
I was trying to figure out what would be best for...
I'm going to be in Las Vegas. It's nothing but a sand dune.
I'll be there with the workmen. I don't know...
You could live in the house in Los Angeles.
But I'm not going to be there.
Maybe it would be best for you to stay here where you feel at home.
And see you for a day or two every couple of years?
Excuse me.
- I'm sorry. - You've found someone, haven't you?
You want to be with her. I want a divorce.
Is that what you want?
I want to take care of you and the children.
You want a divorce, don't you?
Say it. Answer me.
You want a divorce, don't you?
You want a divorce. Say it.
I do.
Don't come out of this room for a minute.
This is a spectacular sight. It's breathtaking.
It's vast, it's intimate, it's original.
- Where's the pool? - Right through here.
Can't I see the pool from the casino?
- You wanted the pool in the sun. - I thought you'd be able to see it.
When you stand in the casino, you must be able to see the pool.
The problem is that this is a bearing wall.
- Get rid of it. - It supports the whole structure.
- You understand? - I've got the point.
I don't need you to parrot everything this guy says.
Just get rid of the wall.
We can make it glass, but it'll cost. I can put a header beam up.
A header beam! You saved the day.
The overages have pushed the budget up. Virginia, what is it?
- 4 million. - No problem.
- Do you understand our position? - I'm going to do this right.
Who the hell are they?
- Bugsy Siegel, you're under arrest. - I don't know anybody of that name.
Benjamin Siegel, you're under arrest.
I have a court order directing me to transport you across state lines.
- What's the charge? - Homicide.
Is it true that Harry Greenberg was your best friend?
- Are you guilty? - Are you getting divorced?
Is it true Harry Greenberg was going to testify against all your friends?
Bugsy, give us a statement.
Firstly, my name is Benjamin, as in the Bible.
And second, I'll see you all when the Flamingo opens on Christmas Day.
I'm Assistant D.A. Hartman. I'm in charge of this case.
You can leave the prisoner with me. This way, sir.
Don't let anybody else inside.
Tell me, was $30,000 towards your campaign fund not enough?
- The walls are thin here. - You've got no witnesses.
The taxi driver who dropped Harry Greenberg off at your house.
You got a name?
I want it to accidentally fall into the hands of Mickey Cohen.
- Fine, but nothing nasty. - You don't have to warn me.
Considering the gravity of the charges against you, -
- I order you held without bail.
Mickey, are you in Vegas?
Did you fix the cab driver problem?
My picture was in the "Examiner". It makes me look like I've got no tan.
I look like a fucking marshmallow.
You're trying to make me feel good. Tanned or not tanned?
- Tanned. - Really?
Stay on top of Virginia. I feel very isolated here.
All right, good.
- Things are starting to shape up. - He wants to open at Christmas.
- He's absolutely determined. - Ben is absolutely determined.
Meyer, it'll open on time.
You've changed a lot since I first met you.
- You didn't say Meyer was there. - I wanted to tell you in person.
- So he saw the Flamingo? - He's worried about the cost.
- What else did he say? - Nothing. He talked to Del Webb.
- Did he ask any specific questions? - He saw the demolished wall.
- What about the header beam? - He ducked under it.
It's low... too low, unless you're under five foot six.
But it hasn't been fixed yet.
- What was his general attitude? - Concern.
But he was very nice, like he's always been.
- Always? - As in the past.
- Did you know him in the past? - Yes, through Joey.
- Did you fuck him? - Sure.
- Did you fuck Meyer? - Don't be disgusting. I meant Joey.
Is fucking Meyer any more disgusting than fucking Joey?
Fucking Joey wasn't disgusting? What is it with you and Joey?
You don't want to fuck Meyer, you want to fuck Joey?
If they can't get it right, tell them to start again from scratch.
I won't have a casino that doesn't let me see the pool.
- Tear down the fucking casino. - The cost is going haywire.
- Are you on their side now? - Don't say that.
The hell with Meyer Lansky, Las Vegas and the Flamingo!
I talked to Meyer in the middle of a sand blizzard.
I tried to say things that I thought you would say.
He even said I sounded like you.
I wish we were back at Coney Island eating hot dogs at Nathan's.
You're gonna love Kansas. I've got you a job as a cab driver.
That's where Dorothy's from, in the "Wizard of Oz".
Don't send any postcards.
Extra! Bugsy Siegel gets off scot-free.
Cary Grant, Gary Cooper and Clark Gable.
This is the biggest gala opening in history.
You are a prince of princes.
- See you back at the house. - Any more bags, you carry yourself.
The Flamingo's gonna come in at six million.
I'm on your side. Stop trying to fool me and fool yourself.
You need three million.
If you can come up with two, I can come up with one.
This is just between you and me. Can you get it?
- No problem. - Would you stop that and think?
The house in Scarsdale, the cars, the stocks, the bonds...
That all belongs to Esta now, correct?
- Absolutely. - How can you get the money?
I'll sell my house and everything in it.
Sounds like about $200,000. Where's the other 1.8 million?
You always protected me when we were kids.
But I can't protect you.
My shares. I own a third of the hotel. I'll sell it.
But that's all you've got. You'll end up with nothing.
The Flamingo will be there. That's not nothing.
Add your two to this.
I miss you, Benny.
Ladies and gentlemen, we begin with item number one.
- Sold to the lady in the white hat. - $2,750. Yes or no?
This oriental rug.
I'll sell you both 10% of the Flamingo. $60,000 each.
- Aren't the shares already sold? - Not if I'm still selling them.
- Look who's here. - How you doing, Ben?
- So... did you miss the desert? - That's not why I came.
Why did you come?
- What did she do? - She fucked you.
There's a Swiss bank account with almost $2 million in it.
- So? - It's hers.
There's a lot of Swiss bank accounts with $2 million in them.
Only one opened by Joe Epstein for Virginia Hill.
I've seen copies of the deposit records.
It's a lie.
Epstein has worked for me. He has no reason to lie to me.
It's a lie. You repeat it, I'll break your fucking jaw.
Can I get a glass of water?
Get those cases out of my sight.
I've told you, when we're here, we don't want to see the boxes.
I haven't seen a single case where I told you to put it.
- Excuse me... All right? - I'm Natalie St. Clair.
Mr. Webb said I might be able to work at the Flamingo.
- As what? - Well, anything you might need.
- What kind of job would you like? - Bartender or hatcheck girl.
Did you come in from Hollywood? Did you fly in?
I love to fly, but I couldn't afford to.
Looking for a girl who likes to fly?
Virginia, I want to talk to you.
Virginia... Sugar.
We don't have time for this.
Shit! You almost got me in the head again.
You were chasing some bimbo.
She's an employee. She's going to be a hatcheck girl.
- You shattered Baccarat crystal. - You just shattered us!
I'm not going to defend myself. She wanted a job.
- What are you doing? - Leaving. Don't try to stop me.
I should have gone the day you killed Harry.
Where are you going? To a numbered bank account?
What fantasy have you concocted in your sick mind?
- Just ask what you want to ask. - How much money is in the account?
Why? You want to sell me a few shares?
You gave me 53I 4%. You want to sell me another 10%?
That's about 400% sold by now.
Answer the question. How much money have you stolen from the hotel?
With all the work I've done, -
- I'd be justified in taking anything I can get my hands on.
I haven't. I could have taken a lot. You'd never have known.
You irresponsible, unrealistic, unreliable, philandering fuck!
I should have taken something, but it isn't in me -
- to violate the trust of a person I've been stupid enough to love.
How much money do you have in the account?
- How much did you steal? - Bye-bye, Ben. You're on your own.
Thanks for taking the time to fly down here -
- to a lonely Italian exile with a swollen prostate gland.
This tragic mess with the Flamingo -
- is being perpetrated by one of my oldest friends. Benny Siegel.
Here's where we stand. The Flamingo will open on Christmas Day.
My hotel friends tell me that's the stupidest time to open a new joint.
The total cost is now $6 million. That's $5 million more than agreed.
To get the last few million he needed, -
- Benny has had to sell 400% of the hotel.
He's sold to famous movie stars and wealthy businessmen.
They ain't just going to roll over when it's time to collect.
If there is a time to collect in this whole fucking fiasco.
Now all of this is nothing compared to the most serious matter.
The question of stealing.
My banking friends in Switzerland tell me that Virginia Hill...
This broad that Joey A. Used to fuck and Benny's in love with...
She's pulled off a couple of million from this here deal.
There's a simple basic question we have to ask:
Did this broad steal this money without Benny knowing about it, -
- or is she just fronting for Benny?
Anybody who thinks Bugsy Siegel didn't know is crazy.
His name's Ben. There's no need for disrespect.
- What about his disrespect to us? - Benny's got to take the rap.
I agree with Joey and Frank. What about the rest of you? Meyer?
I don't believe he knew anything. He was blinded by love.
Benny always put women first.
This time it's one woman that's got him, and not the whole female race.
Benny accepted what she told him. There's no chance he stole from us.
He didn't know.
Benny's basic problem is he doesn't respect money.
He's not even interested in this money. He's interested in the idea.
- What idea? - Building something.
He's a dreamer. I'm not excusing it. I'm a businessman.
Anything that broad took, Benny's got to make good on.
What do you want to do about it... as a businessman?
Wait and see if the hotel works. If it does, we'll all be happy.
- Let him pay off her debt. - What if the Flamingo goes bust?
Then I'll handle it myself.
20 dwarves took turns doing handstands on the carpet.
- What about Gable and Cooper? - Not a word.
Worst luck I've ever seen.
You can do all kinds of things, but you can't control the weather.
You can't lose heart.
Go back and check the fuse box.
- What the hell is going on? - Can we get some flashlights?
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight, -
- to try and make the opening of the Flamingo a success.
Due to the implementation of further refinements, -
- which will make the Flamingo an even greater place, -
- I am announcing a temporary closure effective from Friday night.
I hope to see you all at the reopening of the hotel, -
- the date of which will be announced soon. Thank you...
Meyer Lansky's on the phone. He wants to talk to you.
Meyer... No, we're shutting down temporarily...
Why would I fly to L.A. tonight to see Gus and Moe?
Meyer, I want you to do something for me.
Promise me, no matter what happens, you'll protect Virginia.
Give me your word on that, and I'll go to L.A. tonight.
Good. Meyer, you want a tip?
Keep your shares in the Flamingo. You'll live to thank me.
I'm sorry, Ben. I should have been with you.
You're here now. You're the only one.
- They told me you're going to L.A. - I'm meeting Gus and Moe.
If you're going to L.A. for money, you may not need it.
What do you mean?
$2 million.
I always said you were a better businessman than I was.
I don't get it.
I don't know...
Maybe I took it for us. Maybe I took it for me.
You get a little confused and you get afraid...
I don't know.
Maybe I thought it'd buy us a couple of hot dogs at Coney Island.
I'll tell you what, why don't we just leave it in the bank?
Save it for a rainy day.
- I've got to go. - You want me to go with you?
Fly? In this weather?
I see.
Get out of here. I'll be back in a couple of hours.
I love you, Ben.
You've got Virginia all wrong.
- She was willing to fly for me. - Let's not talk about Virginia.
All right, goodnight.
- I'm on to your racket. - The blueprints are all drawn.
You've got a line, sister, but it don't make a wife for a right guy.
I'm telling you straight. Forget that you've ever seen him.
Yeah, you've got a line, but it don't make a wife for a right guy.
I'm telling you straight, forget that you've ever seen him.
If you don't get what I mean... this might give you an idea.
Meyer Lansky sent us. We're taking over control of the hotel.
Ben Siegel controls The Flamingo.
Bugsy Siegel is dead. The Flamingo belongs to us.