Captions by Darise Bennington, Alison Munro, Anne Langford and Christine Ody. Edited by Glen Moffatt. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2017 ROTHSTEIN: When you love someone, you trust them. There's no other way. You've got to give them the key to everything that's yours. Otherwise, what's the point? For a while I believed that's the kind of love I had. BOOM! OPERATIC MUSIC PLAYS ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Before I ever ran a casino or got myself blown up,... Ace Rothstein was a hell of a handicapper. I was so good that whenever I bet I could change the odds for every bookmaker in the country. I had it down so cold that I was given paradise on Earth, one of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas to run, The Tangiers,... by the only guys that can actually get you that kind of money - $62,700,000. I don't know all the details. SANTORO: Nobody knew all the details. But it should have been perfect. He had me, Nicky Santoro, his best friend, watching his ass. And he had Ginger, the woman he loved, on his arm. But in the end we fucked it all up. It turned out to be the last time that street guys like us... were ever given anything that valuable again. ROTHSTEIN: Vegas was a place where suckers flew in every year and left behind about a billion dollars. At night, you couldn't see the desert that surrounds Las Vegas. It's in the desert where lots of the town's problems are solved. SANTORO: A lotta holes in the desert, and a lot of problems are buried there. Except you gotta have the hole dug before you show up with a package in the trunk. Otherwise you'll take about 45 minutes to dig it. Who knows who's gonna come along in that time? Before you know it, you gotta dig a few more holes. You could be there all night. MUSIC PLAYS, HORNS BLARE ROTHSTEIN: Who could resist? Anywhere else I was a bookie,... a gambler, hassled by cops day and night. But here I'm Mr Rothstein. I'm not only legitimate, but running a casino. That's like selling people dreams for cash. I hired an old casino pal, Billy Sherbert, as my manager. For guys like me, Las Vegas washes away your sins. It's like a morality car wash. It does for us what Lourdes does for humpbacks and cripples. JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS And along with making us legit comes cash - tons of it. What do you think we're doing out here in the middle of the desert? It's all this money. This is the end result of all the comp trips,... of all the champagne and free hotel suites, all the broads and all the booze. It's all been arranged just for us to get your money. That's the truth about Las Vegas. We're the only winners. The players don't stand a chance. Their cash flows from the tables to our boxes,... through the cage and into the most sacred room in the casino - the place where they add up all the money; the holy of holies, the count room. This place was off-limits. Even I couldn't get inside. It was my job to keep it filled with cash. SANTORO: They had so much cash you could build a house of $100 bills. The best part was that the board of directors didn't know what the fuck was goin' on. To them, everything looked on the up-and-up. Wrong. The guys inside the counting room were all slipped in there to skim the joint dry. They'd do short counts, lose fill slips, even take cash out of the drop boxes. It was up to this guy here to skim the cash off the top without anybody gettin' wise. Notice how in the count room nobody seems to see anything. They're always looking the other way. These guys look busy, right? They're counting money. God forbid they should make a mistake and forget to steal. Meanwhile, you're in and you're out. Past the guard who gets an extra C-note a week just to watch the door. It's routine. Business as usual. In, out. Hello, goodbye. That's all there is to it. Just another asshole walking out of the casino with a suitcase. That suitcase was goin' straight to one place: Kansas City,... which was as close to Las Vegas as the bosses could go without getting arrested. That suitcase was all the bosses ever wanted. And they wanted it every month. This guy here had to fly in with suitcases once a month. The bosses would come from all over the Midwest - Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee. They would meet in the back of this produce market in Kansas City. One of the guys made his mother do all the cooking. These old grease-balls might not look it but, believe me, they're the guys who secretly control Las Vegas. Because they control the Teamsters Union. That's where you had to go if you wanted to borrow money to buy a casino. Nobody got a Teamsters loan unless the guys in this room knew they were gonna get their suitcases. Guys like this antique over here outta Detroit. Or especially guys like Remo Gaggi, the outfit's top boss. Definitely the most important guy in this room. I know it's a little early for Las Vegas,... guy in this room. I know it's a little early for Las Vegas,... LAUGHTER ..but I wanna welcome the ladies and gentlemen of the gaming industry... ROTHSTEIN: As far as the world knew, Andy Stone, head of the Teamsters Pension Fund, was a legitimate guy. He even played golf with the president. But Andy also took orders. When he was told to give a Pension Fund loan to Philip Green,... $62,700,000 for the new Tangiers. ...he did what he was told. SANTORO: Here was the perfect frontman. He didn't know too much. He didn't wanna know that the bosses made the Teamsters lend him the money. He wanted to believe he got the money cos he was smart. I say that knowing just how much competition we have in this great city. And where they got Green from, who the fuck knows? All I know is that he was a real estate hustler... who barely had enough gas money to pick up his own cheque. Of course, it was the bosses' man, Andy Stone, who gave all the orders, not Philip Green. I understand. Now they needed somebody they could trust to run the casino. Who better than Ace? He had Vegas clocked. But, typical Ace, give him a shot at running a casino and he tries to talk you out of it. I don't know if I could do this. I'd never get a licence. I have two dozen gambling pinches on me. I don't know if I could do this. I'd never get a licence. I have two dozen gambling pinches on me. You don't have to have a licence. All you gotta do is apply for one. The State law says you can work in a casino while they're processing your application. The State law says you can work in a What happens when they do find out? application. The State law says you can work in a What happens when they do find out? Why would they wanna find out? We're putting 100 million into this desert. Why would they wanna lock us out? You just keep changing your job title. Like from Casino Executive to Food and Beverage Chairman. I know guys been working here for 30 years don't have a licence. It's a tough proposition, Andy. If I did it I'd have to run it my way. It's a tough proposition, Andy. If I did it I'd have to run it my way. You got it. I'm serious. No interference. run it my way. You got it. I'm serious. No interference. Nobody's gonna interfere with you running the casino. SANTORO: That's how they got Ace to take over. They wanted him because Ace ate, slept and breathed gambling. They worked out a real cute job title, too - Tangiers Public Relations Director. The only thing he ever directed was the casino. He made his first bet when he was 15 and he always made money. But he didn't bet like you or me, you know, having some fun with it. He bet like a brain surgeon. Place the chips properly. That's the way you do it. He had to know everything. He'd find out the kind of inside stuff nobody else knew, and that's what he'd put his money on. Even back home, years ago, when we hung out together,... he'd know if the quarterback was on coke,... if his girlfriend was knocked up. He'd get wind velocity so he could judge field goals. He even figured out the different bounce you got... off the different kinds of wood on basketball courts. There was nothing about a game he was gonna bet that he didn't know. The prick was the only guaranteed winner I ever knew. But he was so serious about it, I don't think he ever enjoyed himself. Back then the bosses didn't give a fuck whether he enjoyed himself. To them, he was a cash register. All they had to do was ring the bell and take the money. Especially Remo, a degenerate gambler who always lost. I mean, unless Ace made his bets. Ace made more money for them on a weekend than I could do heisting joints for a month. Whatever Ace picked up on the street he told Remo. Fixed fights, doped horses, crooked zebras, locked-in points spreads. He told Remo everything. I don't blame him. Keeping Remo happy with money was the greatest insurance policy in the world. How the hell did you get Oklahoma-Michigan? Nobody ever had Oklahoma-Michigan. get Oklahoma-Michigan? Nobody ever had Oklahoma-Michigan. That's why they paid so well. You see? Never tells me nothin'. Ace, what have we got on for next week? It's a little too early. I'll know by Thursday. OK. You come by the house? 7 o'clock. Good job. Keep it up. Hey, Nick. I'll be right out. Nicky, see that guy? Keep a good eye on him. He's making a lot of money for us, and he's gonna keep doing it. So keep a good eye on him. All right. So keep a good eye on him. All right. (SPEAKS ITALIAN) So now, on top of everything else, I gotta make sure nobody fucks around with the golden Jew. ROTHSTEIN: Yeah, we made a great pair. I made book, and Nicky made sure we always collected. The old men loved us, and why not? They all made money with us. How did Nicky collect? Don't ask. Heidi. How did Nicky collect? Don't ask. Heidi. Hi, Sam. Who's this guy? It was eight. Ace, tell him what the line was. Eight. If he don't know, nobody knows. Told you it was eight. If he don't know, nobody knows. Told you it was eight. How come I laid nine? Excuse me. What? Excuse me. What? This yours? Your pen? Yeah, that's my pen. Why? It's a nice pen. I didn't know whose it was. I didn't want it to get lost. It's a nice pen. I didn't know whose it was. I didn't want it to get lost. Thank you (!) Why don't you take that pen and shove it up your ass? I was just offering... Asshole. WOMAN SCREAMS (WHIMPERS) WOMAN SCREAMS (WHIMPERS) What's that? You hear a little girl, Frankie? Is that a little girl, Ace? Where's the tough guy that told my friend to stick it up his ass?! Is that a little girl, Ace? Where's the tough guy that told my friend to stick it up his ass?! (CRIES OUT IN AGONY) Nicky, Nicky. (WHIMPERS) ROTHSTEIN: I was wondering why the guy was talking that way, Nicky hit him. No matter how big a guy might be, Nicky would take him on. Beat Nicky with fists, he comes back with a bat. Beat him with a knife, he comes back with a gun. And if you beat him with a gun you better kill him, because he'll keep coming back until one of you is dead SANTORO: With me protecting Ace, he made a fortune for the bosses. I mean, that's what got him to Vegas He was a money machine,... a tremendous earner for these guys. As soon as he took over he doubled the drop. With Ace, the casino never saw so much money. And the bosses couldn't be happier. MUDDY WATERS' 'HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN' PLAYS ROTHSTEIN: In Vegas I had to keep a few juiced-in cowboys working. They were close to the, you know, good ol' boys. Without us, these guys would still be shovelling mule shit. You gotta keep a cleaner station. It won't happen again, Sam. You gotta keep a cleaner station. It won't happen again, Sam. Mr Rothstein. Mr Rothstein. It won't happen again, Mr Rothstein. Is this guy just another dumb white man or what? happen again, Mr Rothstein. Is this guy just another dumb white man or what? We need this guy here. I can't get rid of him? dumb white man or what? We need this guy here. I can't get rid of him? He's juiced in. He's the county commissioner's cousin. I had no choice; I had to take care of them. These yokels ran the state. They passed the laws, owned the courts. I need a room. I had dozens of politicians and state officials coming through every week. Why not make 'em happy? Maybe the Presidential Suite. For politicians like our State senator up there,... everything was on the house. These guys won their comp life when they got elected. Still, the politicians came cheap. We could handle them. It's a whale like KK Ichikawa who plays $30,000 a hand in baccarat,... that's the one you really gotta watch. He plays fast and big, and has the cash and credit to turn out your lights. A year ago he cleaned out two casinos in the Cayman Islands. Downstairs he takes us for 2 million; upstairs he takes free soap, shampoo and towels. Another billionaire cheapskate who loved his free rooms, free private jets, and 2 million of our money. We got him back. I had our pilot tell him the plane was on the fritz. I can't understand it. These mechanical things... Hey, but better here than up there. Then he missed the commercial flights connecting with Japan. We got him back with a whole floor of rooms to himself. I'm sorry you missed the plane. floor of rooms to himself. I'm sorry you missed the plane. Ready to get my money, are you? Oh, no. No gambling. And once he was back, he played small. He bet 1000 a hand instead of his usual 30,000 a hand. But I knew that with whales like Ichikawa they can't bet small for long. He didn't think of it as winning 10,000, he thought of it as losing 90,000. So he upped his bets... until he dropped his winnings back and gave up a million of his own cash. The cardinal rule is to keep them playing, and keep them coming back. The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all. In Vegas, everybody's gotta watch everybody else. Since the players are looking to beat the casino,... the dealers are watching the players The box men are watching the dealers. The floor men are watching the box men. The pit bosses are watching the floor men. The shift bosses are watching the pit bosses. The casino manager is watching the shift bosses. I'm watching the casino manager. And the eye in the sky is watching us all. Plus we had a dozen guys up there, mostly ex-cheats, who knew every trick in the house. Yes! I told you I was hot tonight. SILENCE Let's go. This is for Ginger. > PEOPLE CHATTER Sorry. I'm sorry. Thank you very much. Thanks. Take care, Steve. Drive fast. Ginger, this is for you, love. Thanks for your time. Come on. What's the matter? I made a lot of money for you. I want my cut. What money? I've seen you stealing from me. I want my cut. What money? I've seen you stealing from me. Look at this stack of chips. Ginger, I've been watching you all night. Look at this stack of chips. Ginger, I've been watching you all night. Don't give me that shit. Ginger, I've been You've got a bag full of chips. Don't give me that shit. Ginger, I've been You've got a bag full of chips. I didn't steal anything from you. Ginger, I've been Get lost, Ginger. Get lost! I didn't steal anything from you. Ginger, I've been Get lost, Ginger. Get lost! Get lost? Get lost? How 'bout that? Come on! LITTLE RICHARD'S 'SLIPPIN' AND SLIDIN'' PLAYS MICKEY AND SYLVIA'S 'LOVE IS STRANGE' PLAYS # Baby,... # oh, baby. # My sweet baby,... # you're the one. # What a move. I fell in love right there. But in Vegas, for a girl like Ginger, love costs money. THE ROLLING STONES' 'HEART OF STONE' PLAYS I'm gonna go powder my nose. Ginger's mission in life was money. I'll be right back. She was a queen around the casino. She brought in high rollers and helped them spread their money around. She brought in high rollers and Hey, Ginger. How you doin'? around. She brought in high rollers and Hey, Ginger. How you doin'? Great. I have something for you. You got me covered? Thank you very much. Great. I have something for you. You got me covered? Thank you very much. Take care of yourself. Got some lucky pills for you, honey. Who didn't want Ginger? She was one of the best-known, best-liked and most respected hustlers in town. She could keep a guy awake for two or three days... before sending him home broke to the little woman and his bank examiners. Any change? Oh! I had a few games on the way back. That was all bullshit. She pocketed the cash. How you doin' tonight? She pocketed the cash. How you doin' tonight? Good. How are you? > ROTHSTEIN: Ginger had the hustlers' code. < Take one for you. the hustlers' code. < Take one for you. Thank you. She knew how to take care of people, and that's what Vegas is all about. 6800. Thanks. It's kickback city. She took care of the dealers, pit bosses, floor managers. But mostly she took care of the valet parkers. She took care of the parkers cos they took care of the security guards,... who took care of the Metro cops who let her operate. I need that stuff tonight. who let her operate. I need that stuff tonight. No problem. The valet parker job was such a moneymaker they had to pay off the hotel manager to get the concession. She'd have everything under control except for her old pimp boyfriend, Lester Diamond. Gin, I got other people in this; I got partners. I want you to understand that I am looking out for you in this thing. You're gonna get yours back. All right. Where you goin'? Where are you? You're in that place. All right. Where you goin'? Where are you? You're in that place. I'm here. No, you're not. Where are you? Where are ya? I'm always here for you. You are? I am. The Ginger I knew wouldn't even look at this creep. Good luck. Yeah. He was a moocher, a card cheat, a country club golf hustler. A scumbag. Careful. The guy was always broke. Somehow she could never turn him down. I guess the way Ginger saw it was Lester was just an unlucky guy. Somebody had to take care of him. But nobody had to take care of Nicky He took care of himself only too well. That's why every badge back home wanted to nail him. I packed these beautifully. I would appreciate some respect. back home wanted to nail him. I packed these beautifully. I would appreciate some respect. Hey, pal, I gotta live with her. Even after a vacation they hassled him. Frank Marino was there to meet him, but so were the cops. They wanted to pinch him for some diamond burglary in Antwerp. They were ready to blame him for anything. They were usually right. Because Nicky enjoyed being a gangster, and he didn't give a damn who knew. That's what worried me. Because it turns out Nicky was about to be sent to Vegas. There's more. There's a couple stuck in there. There's more. There's a couple stuck in there. I'm telling you, they're out. Don't get so defensive. It could be stuck in your hair. There aren't- Oh, there are. It could be stuck in your hair. There aren't- Oh, there are. What's that, huh? What's that? Thanks, hon. SANTORO: I couldn't wait to get my hands on Vegas. But not for a good time. I was there to make sure nobody fucked with Ace,... and nobody interfered with the bosses' scamming. Hey! How you doin'? Hey, Sammy. Boy, look at this place. Incredible. Welcome to Vegas. Hey, Sammy. Welcome to Vegas. Hey, Sammy. Somethin', huh? Ginger. Holy shit. What have you been doin' out here? < Honey, come here. This is Jennifer, Nick. Dear friends of mine. This is Jennifer, Nick. Dear friends of mine. Hi, Jennifer. Pleasure. Hi. How are ya? OK, Sammy. ROTHSTEIN: After we ate, we left Jennifer and Ginger alone, and took a ride. And then he hit me with it. What do you think about me movin' out here? What's the matter? You got a problem with that? me movin' out here? What's the matter? You got a problem with that? No, of course not. You mean I have your permission? You got a problem with that? No, of course not. You mean I have your permission? Sure, you have my permission. But I gotta tell ya it's no joke out here. It's not like back home. They don't like guys like us. Even the cops aren't afraid to bury people out in the desert. I don't care. I wanna get away from back home. I'm tired of that shit back there. This place is made of money. You know what the best part is? Nobody's gonna know what we're doin' Nick, I got pinched twice for no reason. You've gotta be careful. I'm running a licensed place. Don't worry. I'm not gonna do anything. I'd especially not involve you in anything. SANTORO: He saw Vegas one way,... and I saw it another. I saw it as untouched. They had bookies, pimps, drug dealers I could shake down. Who were they gonna run to? So I started getting everybody in line. Best of all, I figured out a way not to lose. ROTHSTEIN: He had a foolproof scheme; not scientific, but it worked. When he won he collected. When he lost he told the bookies to go fuck themselves. Hi. Hey. How you doin'? Good. You got that thing for me? Good. You got that thing for me? What thing? Oh, Nicky, I though you was layin'. What thing? Oh, Nicky, I though you was layin'. I'm layin'? No, I was takin'. You sure? I'm positive. I'm a little confused here. I'm positive. I'm a little confused here. You're confused? Maybe if I stick your face through this window you'll get unconfused. I didn't mean anything by it. I know. That's why you had it ready. You thought I was layin' it? I didn't mean anything by it. I know. That's why you had it ready. You thought I was layin' it? Watch my head. Now Nicholas Santoro will tell us about our first president. George Washington was born... Still, it was nice and quiet for a while. Ginger and I presented Nicky and Jennifer all over town like regular Ozzie and Harriets. SANTORO: Ace got Little Nicky involved with Little League. Turned out one of the coaches was a cop. But it didn't matter. It was all about the kids. He's gotta realise everything can't be a home run. It was all about the kids. He's gotta realise everything can't be a home run. That's what I keep tellin' him. But that's the kind of kid he is. ROTHSTEIN: Nicky, being Nicky, made his presence known. Especially at the casino, people got the message. SANTORO: That's why the bosses sent me there - to make sure no other crews robbed the joint. Like these two balloon heads. They were gonna try to bang us out of 200 grand? Right (!) I'm over here now. us out of 200 grand? Right (!) I'm over here now. BOTH: You're over here? Yeah, I'm over here with him. Oh. We're waitin' on Carmine. Yeah, we're looking for Carmine. We're waitin' on Carmine. Yeah, we're looking for Carmine. He was here before. He had a suitcase and everything. He left. Yeah, we're looking for Carmine. Carmine left? suitcase and everything. He left. Yeah, we're looking for Carmine. Carmine left? Carmine left? He's gone? He's not here? Carmine's out. I think maybe you wanna cross the street to somewhere else. Well, listen, uh,... good luck with the joint, huh? Well, listen, uh,... good luck with the joint, huh? Thanks. Yeah. Lotsa luck. Thanks. Yeah. Lotsa luck. Good luck to you, too. They forgot to sign their papers. Good luck to you, too. They forgot to sign their papers. What? They forgot to sign their papers. What? They forgot to sign their papers. They don't need those any more. ROTHSTEIN: Out of respect, guys from other crews got away with a warning. Everybody else - watch out. Like these yokels, who never heard of Nicky or the bosses back home. Cos they're the morons who give you the most trouble. Even after we'd catch them they'd try sneaking back. You can spot these assholes by watching the way they bet. This guy's betting lavender chips at 500 each with only one problem: he's always guessed right. If he wasn't so greedy he'd have been tougher to spot. But in the end they're all greedy. JEFF BECK AND ROD STEWART'S 'I AIN'T SUPERSTITIOUS' PLAYS I saw that the dealer was weak, but he wasn't in on it. He just wasn't protecting his hand. He was lifting his hold card way too high. Here's this guy, reading the dealer's hold card,... and signalling his buddy at this table. ELECTRONIC BEEPING These hustlers cruise from casino to casino looking for weak dealers the way lions look for weak antelope. Operator, get me Armstrong and Friday over at pit two right away. 'I AIN'T SUPERSTITIOUS' CONTINUES BJ 19, second base, the beard. Operator, I need Mr Happy, now. WAITRESSES: # Happy birthday to you. # Happy birthday to you. # Happy birthday, dear Jack,... # happy birthday to you. # PEOPLE CLAP ELECTRONIC BEEP! Man down! > Get Medical. We got a cardiac arrest here. He's fine, folks. Just give us some room. ROTHSTEIN: They never know what hit them. If they find out they got zapped by a cattle prod,... they wish they really did have a heart attack. Turns out this guy and his pals were knocking this place dead for years. He's got a wire on him. knocking this place dead for years. He's got a wire on him. Hey, what are you doin'?! There it is. < Cheaters' justice! ELECTRIC SAW WHINES No. No! I wanted everybody to know things had changed around here. We had to show these pricks that the party was over. I saw you shuffling your chips with your right hand. Can you do that with both hands? with your right hand. Can you do that with both hands? No. Can't do it with both hands? No. Can't do it with both hands? No, sir. Can you do it with your left hand? No, sir. Can you do it with your left hand? I-I never tried. So you're a righty? Y-Yeah. (CRIES OUT IN PAIN) Now you're gonna have to learn with your left hand. It's 100, 110, I think. learn with your left hand. It's 100, 110, I think. Yes, it is. OK. Hiya. That's a lot of money to be counting up in public. Hiya. That's a lot of money to be counting up in public. Yeah. Why don't I take him over to the office and verify it? A little privacy. And send over a nice bottle of champagne on ice. the office and verify it? A little privacy. And send over a nice bottle of champagne on ice. < Sure will. By the way, I'm Bill Sherbert, the casino manager. < Sure will. By the way, I'm Bill Sherbert, the casino manager. Hi. By the way, I'm Bill Sherbert, Having a good time? Hi. By the way, I'm Bill Sherbert, Having a good time? Yes. You'll wanna count the money in privacy. I have a plane to catch to Cleveland. Look what they did to my hand, man. I'm gonna give you a choice. You can either have the money and the hammer, or you can walk away. I'm gonna give you a choice. You can either have the money and the hammer, or you can walk away. I just wanna get out. Tell your friends what happens if they fuck around here. I'm sorry. I made a bad mistake. if they fuck around here. I'm sorry. I made a bad mistake. Yeah, you did. Cos if you come back here we'll break both your heads. We'll use that fucking saw. Got it? Cos if you come back here we'll break Get outta here. fucking saw. Got it? Cos if you come back here we'll break Get outta here. Thank you. the gods were as happy as they could ever be. And I decided to complicate my life. I was about to bet the rest of my life on a real long shot. Don't you think it's time? Aren't you getting tired of all this shit? Hustling around. tired of all this shit? Hustling around. Are you trying to handicap me? I'm gonna do you one better. I'm trying to marry you. You wanna marry me? I'm serious. I wanna settle down, I want a family. I'm serious. I wanna settle down, I want a family. You got the wrong girl, Sam. I'd be a good father, you'd be a good mother. You got the wrong girl, Sam. I'd be a good father, you'd be a good mother. You don't know me. You've known me two, three months. I'm 43 years old. I don't wanna wait. I know you well enough to know that I love you very much,... and I can't think of anybody better to be with. And I don't feel like waiting any more. You know a lot of happily married people, Sam? Cos I don't. I know all that. I care about you. But I just don't have those kind of feelings for you. I'm sorry, I'm not in love with you. I-I- Understand? I'm sorry. No, I-I... I mean, that can grow. As long as there's a mutual respect, that kind of thing can grow. I'm realistic. I can accept that. What is love, anyway? It's a mutual respect,... it's a devotion, it's a caring from one person to another. If we could set up some kind of foundation based on that mutual respect,... I feel that eventually you would care enough about me that I could live with that. If it doesn't work out,... if it doesn't play out, what happens to me? I'm doin' well now, and I'm gonna do better. So if it doesn't work out between us,... I'll make sure you're OK for the rest of your life. If there are kids, I'll take care of you better than you ever imagined. for the rest of your life. If there are kids, I'll take care of you better than you ever imagined. What are you pitchin' me? Just what I said. You'll be set up for the rest of your life. That I can promise you. Wanna take a chance? APPLAUSE When I married Ginger I knew all the stories, but I didn't give a fuck. 'I'm Sam Rothstein,' I said, 'I can change her.' SANTORO: Ace invited the biggest people in town and he knew they'd show. Because he knew they all wanted something from him. With Ace, nobody got a free ride. Even with Ginger he covered his bets They had to have the baby before they got married. He even made Jenny and me watch Amy when they went on their honeymoon. But I didn't mind. We loved the kid. DIAMOND: Can you feel my eyes on you? Can you feel me look into your heart? Can you feel me in the pit of your stomach? Can you feel me in you? In your heart? Don't make me come there. Answer me. (GINGER) WEEPS: I love you. Answer me. (GINGER) WEEPS: I love you. Baby, do you know that I love you too? I know, Lester. Do you know that? I know, Lester. Do you know that? Yes. This is the best thing I can do for my life right now. Yes. This is the best thing I can do for my life right now. That's right. This is the best thing I can So it's gonna be OK. That's right. This is the best thing I can So it's gonna be OK. Promise? I wish you all the luck in the world. You do? Yeah, I do. I mean, it's the best thing you can do right now. I mean this. You have your security. Sweetheart, you're gonna be situated just right in Vegas. This is great for us. I'll always be here for you. I ain't going noplace. I'm looking at you right now. I'm seeing you for the first time right this minute. I'm seeing I can feel my heart click. I see you 15 years old. I see you the first second I ever saw you. I see you long-legged, a little colt. Stupid braces on your teeth. OK, then. Stupid braces on your teeth. OK, then. Every time I ever see you, that's what I see. Um, talk to you later. Bye. You all right? Yeah. Why are you crying? I'm not crying. (SNIFFS) Maybe you shouldn't drink so much. I'm not crying. (SNIFFS) Maybe you shouldn't drink so much. I'm OK. I just... (SNIFFS) You just have to understand,... I've been with Lester since I was a kid. I just wanted to say goodbye. I just... I don't... I think I have a right to do that. OK? That's all right. That part of your life is over with. Right? Yeah. You're with me now. Yeah. All right? Yeah. All right? A-ha. Are you sure? Yeah. Yeah. Wanna go? Let's go back in. Wanna go? Let's go back in. OK. DINAH WASHINGTON'S 'WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES' PLAYS It's great. It's just great. Ah! It's all my stuff! Oh my God. You brought all my stuff. I can- Try it on. It's yours. You're kidding. My God. What is it? It's chinchilla. It's so soft. It's nice, isn't it. No one's ever been so nice to me. (GASPS) Oh my God! Do you think it's too much if I wear these all in the same day? Oh my God! Do you think it's too much if I wear these all in the same day? You do whatever you want. Do I keep my promises or what? So wonderful. Jewellery's not so bad either. So wonderful. Jewellery's not so bad either. But we shouldn't keep this in the house. We gotta put it in the bank. Jewellery's not so bad either. Can I keep this one in the house? house. We gotta put it in the bank. Jewellery's not so bad either. Can I keep this one in the house? Pay attention. What I'm gonna tell you is very important. Pay attention. What I'm gonna tell you is very important. OK. All this stuff doesn't mean anything without trust. I have to be able to trust you with my life. ROTHSTEIN: With over a million in cash and jewels in a Vegas bank for Ginger, she was secure and happy. But a guy in my line of work has to have a lot of pay-off cash around. Crooked cops and kidnappers don't take cheques. Need help with that, Mr Collins? So I put 2 million in a Los Angeles bank under the name of Mr and Mrs Tom Collins. This was strictly my shakedown and kidnapping money. (GRUNTS) And since I'd either be in jail or locked in a closet when I needed the money the most,... I gave Ginger the only key to the cash that could get me back alive. THE STAPLE SINGERS' 'I'LL TAKE YOU THERE' PLAYS This is just a signature card. Once she signs those she'll be the only one with total access to the box? Once she signs those she'll be the No one else, including myself? box? Once she signs those she'll be the No one else, including myself? That's the way you wanted it, right? Sam, let me ask you a question. You must really trust your wife? Yeah. Sure I do. Why? Oh, that's good. It's just unusual. Tell you the truth, so many of my clients don't. # Never will I know happiness... # ROTHSTEIN: With the money in place, I felt covered. I switched titles to Food and Beverage Director... so nobody would bother me about a licence. Vegas was like a dream for me. Trouble was, Nicky was dreaming his own kind of Vegas. SANTORO: To begin, I put money on the street, charging three points a week. Don't make us come looking for you. the street, charging three points a week. Don't make us come looking for you. You won't have to look for me. I appreciate it. Thanks, Nicky. They were gamblers, coke freaks. Soon I had half the dealers in The Tangiers in my pocket. Then I started busting out high-stakes poker players. ROTHSTEIN: It was so obvious - Nicky's half-assed mechanics. They were real signal-happy. Signalling back and forth. Nicky thought nobody was watching. He was wrong. And I didn't want any of those agents near my place. I wished Nicky and his crew would just get lost. What would I do? Go home and start a war? Nicky's a made guy and I'm not. Gaming agents are all over the place Nicky's a made guy and I'm not. Gaming agents are all over the place I'm not allowed to get lucky here? You been lucky all week. They're lookin' to nail ya. SANTORO: Ace was so worried about his casino he forgot why we were here. A million times I wanted to yell in his ear, 'This is Las Vegas. We're supposed to be out her robbing.' I don't give a shit who he's connected to. Tell him to take his feet off the table. Sir, would you mind taking your feet off the table, please? Yeah, I would mind. I'm having a bad night. The asshole won't budge. I'm having a bad night. The asshole won't budge. Call security. How are you? Call security. How are you? Good. How are you? Good. Could you take your feet off the table and put your shoes on? Good. How are you? Good. Could you take your feet off the table and put your shoes on? Fuck you. I want you to exit this guy off the premises and use his head to open up the door. Sir, you're going to have to leave. Mind accompanying us outside? Bullshit. I ain't going anywhere with you. Mind accompanying us outside? Bullshit. I ain't going anywhere with you. Bullshit. You're out of here. Fuck you! You fucking faggot! Leave me alone! Sure enough, an hour later I get the call. Ace, what happened? That guy you threw out was with me. I didn't know that, but he insulted Billy. Then he tells me to go fuck myself. I didn't know that, but he insulted Then he called me a faggot. myself. I didn't know that, but he insulted Then he called me a faggot. What? Hold on. Hey, come here. You called my friend a faggot? Tell him to go fuck himself? Come here. You apologise right now.... or I'll smash your head so hard... you won't be able to get that cowboy hat on. Sammy, this guy obviously doesn't know who he was talking to. He doesn't know that we're friends. He's sorry, but if you could do me a favour, let him back in, I swear he'll never get out of line again. If he does it again he's out for good. I'll never let him in the place again. I'm sorry about this. Really. All right, Ace? Thanks, pal. You took your boots off, you put your feet on the table? You shit-kicking, stinky horse manure smelling motherfucker, you. You fuck me up over there, I'll stick you in a hole. You understand? Apologise. SANTORO: Ace could be very touchy, especially when he got bigger in town. He hired those guys and their tigers away from The Palace by building them a new stage and a Rolls Royce. I tell ya, he knew how to bring in the crowds. He brought over the Femme Fatale show from Paris, but forgot how lazy European broads get. He weighed 'em every week to make sure they didn't blow up like balloons. You're still 8lb over. What's the reason for this? balloons. You're still 8lb over. What's the reason for this? Mr Rothstein, sir- Never mind the sir. Why is she 8lb over? Mr Rothstein, sir- Never mind the sir. Why is she 8lb over? I was offering you respect. Mr Rothstein is good enough for you. Why is she 8lb over? I was offering you respect. Mr Rothstein is good enough for you. Sometimes when you put that pressure point on them, it just- All you need to do is give me answers. She's frightened if she doesn't lose the weight she'll get fired. That's right. In fact, send her back to Paris. lose the weight she'll get fired. That's right. In fact, send her back to Paris. It's our policy- Just stop everything. send her back to Paris. It's our policy- Just stop everything. This woman's an institution. It's our policy- Just stop everything. This woman's an institution. That's the problem. She's lazy. SANTORO: Give him credit, he does the most obvious thing. This is the only town in the country where a bookie joint is legit. So he took bookie joints off the street and opened them up inside the casino. Within a few years, he had every casino trying to copy him. ROTHSTEIN: Between my innovations... and Nicky's dedication to HIS job... I soon had the best operation on the strip. You've got to watch yourself. There's a lot of heat on you. operation on the strip. You've got to watch yourself. There's a lot of heat on you. Why? Somebody's complaining? Security is all ex-cops. The sheriff's looking to put you in the black book. That black book is bullshit. They've got two names in there. One of them's still Al Capone. Bullshit or not, if they put you in that book you're going to be in a lot of trouble. I'm trying to make a living, that's all. I'm just telling you. All right. < Mrs Rothstein, straight ahead. Very nice. Hard work and dedication. Sam has established himself as an indispensable member... of the gaming community. The Tangiers Gaming Corporation is pleased to welcome Sam Rothstein to the Vegas Valley Country Club. APPLAUSE ROTHSTEIN: Back home they would have put me in jail, but here they give me awards. It is with great pleasure that I accept this certificate of appreciation. Congratulations, sweetheart. accept this certificate of appreciation. Congratulations, sweetheart. Sam raised more than we ever raised before. But my greatest pleasure was watching my wife, Ginger, work the room. They all loved her. How could you not? She could be the most charming woman you ever saw. People love to be around her. She could be the most charming woman We'll see you 3 o'clock Saturday. > around her. She could be the most charming woman We'll see you 3 o'clock Saturday. > Yes, all right. She made everybody feel good. Congratulations, Sam. She made everybody feel good. Congratulations, Sam. Oh, thanks. Hello, Mrs Rothstein. How are you? You're one of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen. You're a lucky man, Mr Rothstein. Thank you. Thanks for that compliment. He was a young kid from the casino. Nice kid, bright boy. The next day I fired him. Ginger had that effect on people. I think she encouraged them. You want to see this one? Daddy gave me all this jewellery because he loves me so much. But as much as they loved her, they didn't know what really moved her. Look at this. And with Ginger happy, I was able to concentrate on what I knew best. Loose machines are right back over there. What are they doing back there? Bring them up here where they belong. OK. What about the high jackpots? Where are they? They're hidden. These are our best machines. The action is in the front, not in the back. Bring them up front. our best machines. The action is in the front, not in the back. Bring them up front. All right, I will. There are three ways of doing things here: the right way, the wrong way and the way that I do it. I understand that. I'll get right on it. And thank you. Don't thank me, just do it. You're the slots manager. I shouldn't have to tell you this. Dang, you are right, Mr Rothstein. I am so sorry. I worked 18-hour days. Ginger was the one who wound up enjoying the best of Vegas. Come with me, please. I have a better table for you. What did you say to that jerk? a better table for you. What did you say to that jerk? I told him I was Mrs Sam Rothstein. You might as well get something out of it. ROTHSTEIN: It wasn't long before what I was afraid would happen happened. Nicky managed to get himself banned from every casino in Las Vegas. From then on I couldn't be seen talking to him anywhere. READS: '...and he will be ejected from any casino in Las Vegas,... 'and the casinos can be fined as much as $100,000 every time he shows up.' You believe this shit? Yeah, I believe it. You got banned. 'He has a notorious and unsavoury reputation.' Fuck. Is there any way round this? unsavoury reputation.' Fuck. Is there any way round this? Nope, there's no way. Let's say, for instance,... I want to go into a restaurant which happens to be in a casino to get a sandwich? Forget it. You can't even set foot in the parking lot. That's how serious it is. Forget it. You can't even set In other words, I'm fucked. That's how serious it is. Forget it. You can't even set In other words, I'm fucked. In so many words, yes. ROTHSTEIN: It just didn't sink in about the black book and what it meant. Being in this book etched your name into the brains of every cop and FBI agent in the state. You're listed in there with Al Capone. But Nicky didn't care. I gotta do somethin'. They ain't getting rid of me. I'm stayin' here. SANTORO: So, once they pulled that shit, I started doing my own things in Vegas. To keep an eye on things I brought I my kid brother Dominick and some desperadoes... and started knockin' over high rollers, casino bosses, bookmakers. I had a good crew going for me. I'll tell you that. I had Sal Fusco, a great second-storey guy;... Jack Hardy - he worked for a safe company before he did a six-year bit. And then there was Bernie Blue. This guy could bypass any alarm for me. It was like old times. And I opened up my own jewellery store too: the Gold Rush. Sometimes I used to go along on a heist just for the fun of it. But I didn't like the people I was ripping off looking at me so I turned their pictures around. What's takin' so long over there? ripping off looking at me so I turned their pictures around. What's takin' so long over there? This safe is a mother- turned their pictures around. What's takin' so long over there? This safe is a mother- It's workin'. You gotta learn how to open these things. > Some of these stones got a lot of niggers in 'em. If he's switching stones on us he better take a camel back- a lot of niggers in 'em. If he's switching stones on us he better take a camel back- PHONE RINGS Yeah? They're in penthouse K. Yeah? They're in penthouse K. Check in alone? Yeah? They're in penthouse K. Check in alone? They checked in alone. Are they out now? Check in alone? They checked in alone. Are they out now? Yes, don't worry. They checked in alone. Are they out now? Yes, don't worry. All right. Thanks. ROTHSTEIN: He had tipsters all over town: This one looks good, but you got to hurry. tipsters all over town: This one looks good, but you got to hurry. Yeah, yeah. OK. This one looks good, ...valet parkers... Yeah, yeah. OK. This one looks good, ...valet parkers... They're just checking in now. ...pit bosses,... Yeah, room 1230 at the Sirocco. ...pit bosses,... Yeah, room 1230 at the Sirocco. 1230. Right. ...secretaries... Mint condition coins. ...secretaries... Mint condition coins. Mint condition? And they all got a piece of the score. QUIETLY: Car's coming. They were very careful. They always bypassed the alarms, or else, if not... they'd drill enough holes to knock through the walls with a sledgehammer. Nicky was grabbin' everything he could. Nobody out there was expecting a guy like him. For Nicky, Las Vegas was the Wild West. I just got a shipload of diamonds from Israel. SANTORO: What did they expect? I had to earn, didn't I? You know, this diamond has flaws in it. I had to earn, didn't I? You know, this diamond has flaws in it. There's no flaws in it. Don't tell me. I'm doing this for 25 years. There's no flaws in it. Don't tell me. I'm doing this for 25 years. There's no flaws in those diamonds. Whenever we got local merch, we'd send it to Palm Springs or Arizona, LA. I got a couple of sand diggers out there - you know, Arabs. So, you gonna buy some diamonds? I know his language. I'll talk to him. So, you gonna buy some diamonds? I know his language. I'll talk to him. $40,000, you buy the whole package. I know his language. $20,000, that's my final offer. $40,000, you buy the whole package. I know his language. $20,000, that's my final offer. All of a sudden he talks English now Let's talk turkey here. How about $25,000? I actually turned my bedroom into a bank vault where I kept the choice stuff. I couldn't leave it at the Gold Rush in case we got raided by the cops. I had the only key. Jennifer didn't give a fuck. She used to fall asleep on the couch every night. I didn't send any of this home. Actually, I couldn't, because I wasn't supposed to be doing it. The bosses were making so much money with the casinos they didn't want anybody makin' waves. You give all the guys in your crew a piece of that? anybody makin' waves. You give all the guys in your crew a piece of that? I took care of everybody. Yeah? That's why there was no real organised street stuff in Vegas before I came here. But how much cash could I bury in my closet, right? In a venture of this kind you have to be prepared to take some kind of loss. So I put some of the money into legitimate deals with Charlie Clark - Ace's banker. You will try to push it through, won't you, Mr Clark. - Ace's banker. You will try to push it through, won't you, Mr Clark. Yes. I'm giving you $50,000 cash. Then I put some more of the money in some legitimate places - like my restaurant. I had my kid brother, Dominick, run it for me. Here you go, guys. Dominick, run it for me. Here you go, guys. Thanks, thanks a lot. ASIDE: Choke on it. ROTHSTEIN: Nicky loved restaurants. He was a real restaurant buff. Over the years he always made money with them. In Vegas he had the Leaning Tower. He had politicians, showgirls and movie stars hanging out all over the place. By the way, Sammy said whenever you have a minute, call him. all over the place. By the way, Sammy said whenever you have a minute, call him. Made a messenger out of you too, huh By the way, Sammy said whenever I'll do anything for a buck. Made a messenger out of you too, huh By the way, Sammy said whenever I'll do anything for a buck. He does it to everybody. By the way, Sammy said whenever Enjoy your dinner. He does it to everybody. By the way, Sammy said whenever Enjoy your dinner. < Thanks. But the thing Nicky liked most was the showgirls - naturally. To them, Nicky was the movie star. You walked past me? To them, Nicky was the movie star. You walked past me? Hey, this is Shelley. To them, Nicky was the movie star. You walked past me? Hey, this is Shelley. Hey, Shelley. And this is Stacey. Hey, this is Shelley. Hey, Shelley. And this is Stacey. Stacey. Hey, Shelley. And this is Stacey. Stacey. This is Nick. You want to have dinner? Come on. All right. Let's check the kitchen first. Excuse us. I fly stuff in fresh every day. I get bread from back home, fish from California. You can always tell a great kitchen because of the milk-fed veal. Milk-fed veal is pure white. Out here they've got that pink veal. Slide over, honey. Pink veal you can pound and hit for two days. It'll never, ever get tender. I left there with the money, gave most of it on the street. These guys, I owe them, so I gave them money. Yeah. You call yourself a man? You're a lying lowlife motherfucking prick. That's what you are. Two small kids at home. I give you money to pay the rent, buy groceries, put the heat on. You know your wife rang Frankie to say the heat's off. And you didn't gamble that? You gonna stand here and tell me that? Don't fuck with me, Al. You wanna embarrass me? Did you gamble? You gamble the fucking money? I'l get you the fucking money. Did you gamble? You fucking degenerate. Fucking kids at home. Here, get the fuck outta here. If I find out you fucked up, I'll leave you where I find you. Here, get the fuck outta here. If I How many of these you gonna eat? you where I find you. Here, get the fuck outta here. If I How many of these you gonna eat? Two. ROTHSTEIN: Around 6.30am when he finished his day, he always went home to make breakfast for his son. Little butter, right, not a lot. You know why, right? Little butter, right, not a lot. You know why, right? Yeah. Cos it clogs up your heart. Yeah. Not a big piece, but they were 1500 miles away. Their drop was a truck stop garage where the guys used to hang out. The cops knew, but they didn't give a puff. We worked it out together. But I knew how to keep the bosses happy. Whenever they gave me little jobs to do... I would carry things out to a T. Like the time Tony Dogs - who's supposed to be a tough guy - shot up one of Remo's bars. Here's a fuckin' guy kills two of Remo's guys and a waitress working on her night off. This guy is just begging to be made an example of. Frankie, I want the names of all the other people he had with him. You understand? the other people he had with him. You understand? I'll take care of it, Remo. To be truthful, I had to admire this guy. He was one of the toughest Irishmen I ever met. This son of a bitch was tough. For two days and nights we beat the shit out of this guy. We even stuck ice picks in his balls. You better hope he gives me a name soon, Frank, or I'll give him yours. But he never talked. I know you would have ratted by now. In the end I had to put his head in a vice. Dogs, Dogs, can you hear me? Listen to me, I got your head in a fuckin' vice. I'll squash your fuckin' head like a grapefruit if you don't give me a name. Please, come on. Don't make me be a bad guy, come on. Fuck you. This motherfuck. Two fucking days and nights. Fuck me?! Fuck me, you motherfucker?! Fuck my mother?! (GURGLES) You motherfucker! Oh God. Give me the fucking name! You motherfucker! Oh God. Give me the fucking name! Charlie M. You motherfucker! Oh God. Give me the fucking name! Charlie M. Charlie M? Charlie M. Charlie M. Charlie M? Charlie M. Charlie M? You make me pop your eye out of your head to protect him? Charlie M?! You dumb motherfucker! Kill me, you fuck. Kill you, you motherfucker, you. Frankie, do him a fucking favour. ROTHSTEIN: The word got around that there was a real gangster in town. Nicky was the new boss of Las Vegas. Four reels, sevens across, three $15,000 jackpots. You know what the odds are? It's gotta be in the millions. Three fucking jackpots in 20 minutes? Why didn't you pull the machines? Why didn't you call me? in 20 minutes? Why didn't you pull the machines? Why didn't you call me? It happened so quick. Three guys won I didn't have a chance to call you. Why didn't you call me? It happened so quick. Three guys won I didn't have a chance to call you. You didn't see the scam, what was going on? There's no way to determine that. You didn't see the scam, what was going on? There's no way to determine that. Yes there is. An infallible way - they won. It's a casino - people gotta win sometimes. You're pissing me off. You're insulting my intelligence. You think I'm a fucking idiot? You know goddam well somebody had to set those reels. On three machines in a row the odds are in the billions. You fucking momo. What's the matter with you? Didn't you see you were being set up on the second win? momo. What's the matter with you? Didn't you see you were being set up on the second win? I really think you're overreacting. You didn't see it? I'm had it with you. I'm sick of carrying your ass. Get out. You're firing me? you. I'm sick of carrying your ass. Get out. You're firing me? I'm firing you. No, I'm not firing you. You might regret this, Mr Rothstein. I'm firing you. No, I'm not firing you. You might regret this, Mr Rothstein. I'll regret it if I keep you on. No, I'm not firing you. You might regret this, Mr Rothstein. I'll regret it if I keep you on. This is not the way to treat people. If you didn't know you're being scammed, you're too dumb to keep this job - or you're in on it. Out! The guy's history as far as I'm concerned. You can't just fire him. His brother-in-law runs the county commission. So what? Everybody out there with cowboy boots is a fucking county commissioner or related to a county commissioner. I'm fucking sick of it. This is his state. His uncle's chief judge, brother-in-law runs the county commission. You are not on the floor. You don't see what's going on. I've got thousands of players, 500 dealers looking to rob me blind. I have to let them know I'm watching all the details all the time - that there is not one thing I will miss. Look at yours. Look at that. Look at this - there's nothing. Look how many blueberries your muffin has and how many mine has. Look at this - there's nothing. Look how many blueberries your muffin has and how many mine has. What are you talking about? It's like everything else in this place: you don't do it yourself it never gets done. From now on I want an equal amount of blueberries in each muffin. An equal amount of blueberries in each muffin. You know how long that's going to take? in each muffin. You know how long that's going to take? I don't care. Put an equal amount in each muffin. OK, just a little. Attagirl. Want to go to Mommy? OK, just a little. Attagirl. Want to go to Mommy? Want to come to Mommy? I need to talk to you. I need some money. Want to come to Mommy? I need to talk to you. I need some money. What do you need? I need a lot, more than usual. Why don't you take it out of your account? There's a lot there. I need a lot, more than usual. Why don't you take it out of your account? There's a lot there. I would, you know, Sam,... it's just that... I need more than that. I need $25,000. it's just that... I need more than that. I need $25,000. $25,000? For yourself? Why do you need that much? What's the difference? I just need it. I gotta ask you. That's a lot of money. I just need it. I gotta ask you. That's a lot of money. I'm aware of that. We don't have to turn this into a big deal. We don't have to have a fight. It was important to me. Forget it. Who's fighting? Tell me what it's for. Why can't you tell me what it's for? Huh? You know what? Now I want you to tell me. My wife asks me for $25,000. What do you want? You want a coat? to tell me. My wife asks me for $25,000. What do you want? You want a coat? No. $25,000. What do you want? You want a coat? No. If you want a coat, you got it. It's just why do you want it, that's all I'm asking. I've always been independent. I never had to ask anybody for anything. Now I have to beg. I've always been independent. What you talking about? anything. Now I have to beg. I've always been independent. What you talking about? You're embarrassing me. Why do you want to make me feel so bad? You're embarrassing me. Why do you want to make me feel so bad? You're asking me for $25,000. I'm not out to make you feel bad, I just wanna be able to trust you. It's about trust. I have to be able to trust you with my life, you understand? Can I trust you? Can I trust you? Can I TRUST you? Answer me, can I trust you? > Can I TRUST you? Answer me, can I trust you? > You can trust me. Can I TRUST you? Answer me, can I trust you? > You can trust me. Good, so what's the money for? # You've got to... # give a little... # take a little... # and let your poor heart... # break a little. # Yeah, she's leaving the bank now. All right. I'm gonna follow her. I know that look. What does that look mean? All right. I'm gonna follow her. I know that look. What does that look mean? It means I got the money. # You got to... # How you doin' Les? It's Lester, right? Sam. From my recollection, aren't you the card shark,... the golf hustler, the pimp from Beverly Hills? If I'm wrong, please correct me. I never knew you to be a heist man. But if you are, you know what? Here, take mine too. Take it, cos you already have hers. She's my wife. Look at me. You did know that, didn't you? Huh, look at me. know that, didn't you? Huh, look at me. Yeah, yeah. I know that. If you ever come back again, ever, to take her money, next time bring a pistol. Be a man. Don't be a fucking pimp. You want to do me a favour? Get outta here. I want to be alone with my wife. Get the fuck up. < Fucking piece of shit. Get the fuck up. < Fucking piece of shit. (MUTTERS) Remember when you called him that night and said goodbye to him? He didn't say, 'I'll be right down, we'll get married', did he? night and said goodbye to him? He didn't say, 'I'll be right down, we'll get married', did he? No, he didn't. What did he say? 'Take him for everything he's got.' Come here, I want to show you something. HORN HONKS show you something. HORN HONKS SCREAMS: No! No! Make them stop it! Nooo! It's not his fault! It's my fault! SCREAMS: No! (WAILS) < DIAMOND: Couldn't do it yourself, you chicken-shit cock sucker? He didn't want to do it himself. Oh, no, he wouldn't get his own hands dirty. So why did he have to do that, huh? Tell me. I know it wasn't a nice thing to do. Tell me. I know it wasn't a nice thing to do. Yeah, no shit. You gotta understand he doesn't know if this guy's shaking you down. Yeah, no shit. You gotta understand he doesn't know if this guy's shaking you down. No. No. I told him about this guy before we got married. This is no surprise. No. No. I told him about this guy before we got married. This is no surprise. You did? I didn't know that. Yeah. He's just a friend I was trying to help, so what? You know, the first time I ever saw you guys together, I never saw him so happy. I know he's a crazy Jew and everything but, you know, I never seen him like that with anybody else I think he's crazy about you. I mean, he really loves you. He does. seen him like that with anybody else I think he's crazy about you. I mean, he really loves you. He does. Oh, come on. I went into this with my eyes open. I knew the bottom could drop out. I'm a working girl. I wouldn't go into a situation like this without cover. Sure, I can see that. Sure. So he put aside some jewellery for me - a lot. Like, expensive jewellery? About how much? What, you wanna go steal it? About how much? What, you wanna go steal it? No. I-I'm curious, you know. How much would he put into a thing like that? I'm told it's worth about a million dollars. There you go. What does that tell you? A million dollars. Does that tell you the guy's crazy about you, or what? tell you? A million dollars. Does that tell you the guy's crazy about you, or what? I should have never married him. He's a Gemini. A triple Gemini. Duality. Gemini is the snake, you know. You can't trust a snake. I mean it. I know what you mean. Listen,... I don't have the answers, and this is probably not what you wanna hear now... I do. is probably not what you wanna hear now... I do. ...because you're upset with Ace. I understand that,... but try to make the best of it now. Go slow, you know, see what happens. I understand that,... but try to make the best of it now. Go slow, you know, see what happens. He could have killed him. He didn't have to hit him. I'm not sleeping with the guy. He makes me sneak around to see my friends. The fuck is all that about? That's just cos he loves you so much. He's jealous and worries. The fuck is all that about? That's just cos he loves you so much. He's jealous and worries. Who gives a fuck what I do? I'll find out what the hell's goin' on. When I see him I'll talk to him. Who gives a fuck what I do? I'll find out what the hell's goin' on. When I see him I'll talk to him. OK. I'll find out what the hell's goin' All right? OK. I'll find out what the hell's goin' All right? Yeah. Thanks for putting up with me. All right. Take it easy with this shit. It'll only make matters worse. Thanks for putting up with me. All right. Take it easy with this shit. It'll only make matters worse. Oh, come on. You're a beautiful girl. I've seen girls get shot to hell from this stuff. You're so nice. Come on, now. I don't want to see you unhappy. Thanks. (SNIFFS) Thank you. Thanks. (SNIFFS) Thank you. All right. PHONE RINGS Mr Rothstein, County Commissioner Pat Webb is here to see you. PHONE RINGS Mr Rothstein, County Commissioner Pat Webb is here to see you. Give me a minute. OK. Be just a minute. Mr Webb, can I get you anything? OK. Be just a minute. Mr Webb, can I get you anything? Oh, no thank you, little lady. Send him in and call me four minutes after. Mr Rothstein, I'm Pat Webb. How do you do? Mr Rothstein, I'm Pat Webb. How do you do? Hey, it is a pleasure. Mr Rothstein, I'm Pat Webb. How do you do? Hey, it is a pleasure. I heard a lot about YOU. Oh, thank you, sir. House is doin' well. He-hey, all that money is rollin' in. I appreciate you takin' the time to see a poor old civil servant. all that money is rollin' in. I appreciate you takin' the time to see a poor old civil servant. Quite all right. Have a seat. Thank you, sir. I've come here personally to smooth over any fracas about a certain matter. Maybe you didn't know, but Don Ward is well-liked. He's got lots of friends, nice family - their money goes back many years. Friends vote; family and money votes are important to me. And you. If you think about our little problem along them lines then you'll forgive me for sayin' it: maybe he did not deserve to be fired. He knew about our getting hit on three big machines and did nothing. He was either in on it or too dumb to see what was goin' on. I can't have him working here. Before we point the stick at Don. We'd better be sure we can prove them charges. Believe me, if I could prove it, he would be under arrest. Are, uh- Are we certain that you want the Gaming Control Board eyeballin' your record ... and gangster pals like Nicky Santoro? You're way out of line. What you're saying is libellous. You can't challenge my expertise. I went out of my way to be helpful to that kid. He's weak. He's incompetent. There's not much more I can do for him. that kid. He's weak. He's incompetent. There's not much more I can do for him. You have got me there. Old Don is as useless as tits on a boar,... (COUGHS) but he is my brother-in-law. I'd look on it as a personal favour if you'd think more on hiring him back. I can't do that. I know he's your brother-in-law. I want to help and I like to do favours, but I cannot do that. Well, could there be any position farther down the trough? Sorry, he's too incompetent. The bottom line is he cannot be trusted. farther down the trough? Sorry, he's too incompetent. The bottom line is he cannot be trusted. PHONE RINGS OK, thanks. That's it. I'm sorry. Mr Rothstein, your people never will understand the way it works out here. You're all just our guests,... but you act like you're at home. Let me tell you, partner, you ain't home,... but that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the Governor. Thank you for your time. you if it harelips the Governor. Thank you for your time. No problem. Sorry. You bet. What happened to my pills? You bet. What happened to my pills? Huh? > Isn't it bad enough you drink too much, you take my pills too? Huh? > Isn't it bad enough you drink too much, you take my pills too? I didn't take your pills. For my ulcer I take a half one of these. That's when I have extreme pain. I had a three-month supply. What did you do with them? pain. I had a three-month supply. What did you do with them? (SOBS) Why did you beat him up? What? I was just trying to help him. It's not like I'm sleeping with the guy. I was just trying to help him. It's not like I'm sleeping with the guy. Yeah. How do I know? It's not like I'm sleeping You can't make me stop caring- Yeah. How do I know? It's not like I'm sleeping You can't make me stop caring- What? What? I said, 'You can't make me stop caring for people.' > (MOANS) (CRIES) > Listen,... Ginger,... I'm trying to make the best of it here. You're my wife, for Christ's sakes. People look up to you. I don't know what to do. here. You're my wife, for Christ's sakes. People look up to you. I don't know what to do. You know what, Ace? I don't give a shit. Get out of here. You gotta get hold of yourself. If not for me, at least for Amy. give a shit. Get out of here. You gotta get hold of yourself. If not for me, at least for Amy. OK. OK. Your drinking's getting out of hand. I'm gonna get you into a programme. OK. OK. Your drinking's getting out of hand. I'm gonna get you into a programme. I don't need one. You do. It's very discreet - no names in the papers. Don't worry. I don't need one. You do. It's very discreet - no names in the papers. Don't worry. It's all you care about. You do. It's very discreet - no You don't care about me. It's all you care about. You do. It's very discreet - no You don't care about me. Yes I do. You do. It's very discreet - no No, you don't. Yes I do. You do. It's very discreet - no No, you don't. How could you say that? You're a beautiful woman destroying herself. You don't need that stuff or that leech living off you. I know you. You're a tiger. You're stronger than me. When you set your mind on doing something you do it better than anybody. (SOBS) Oh God. Oh God. OK. OK. I'll try. I'll try. I'll try. I will. Don't be mad at me, OK? I will. SANTORO: No matter what problems were outside the count room, it was worth it. The cash kept rollin' in... and the suitcases kept comin' and goin'. And let me tell you, the bottom line here is cash. The only problem was that the bosses noticed the suitcases were gettin' a little light. You mean to tell me that the money we're robbing is being robbed? Somebody's robbing us? We go to all this fucking trouble, and somebody's robbing us? Uh? We go to all this fucking trouble, and somebody's robbing us? Uh? It's part of the business. It's considered leakage. Leakage, my balls. I want the robber. John Nance, the guy who ran the scam, knew there wasn't much he could do. A guy who helps you steal, even if you take care of him well, will steal extra for himself. Makes sense. YOU try and make these hard-headed old grease-balls understand that. Why skim if we're being skimmed? Defeats the purpose. Uh. Why skim if we're being skimmed? Defeats the purpose. Uh. They take this money because they're MY guys. Give some leeway. The bosses never believed in leeway. Here's what they'd do: put Artie Piscano, underboss of KC, in charge of making sure nobody skimmed the skim. What you been doin' out there? in charge of making sure nobody skimmed the skim. What you been doin' out there? Was out there with Michael Mott. skimmed the skim. What you been doin' out there? Was out there with Michael Mott. You and Mott?! The only trouble was Piscano was a disaster; his gang could fuck up a cup of coffee. Knowing where this would all lead they'd have been better off making novenas. Go back and talk to that guy. Come on. Go back? I never got paid my expenses for the last trip. Go back and talk to that guy. Come on. Go back? I never got paid my expenses for the last trip. What expenses? I lay money out of my own pocket and I never get anything back. What the hell's going on? and I never get anything back. What the hell's going on? You got to go back out there. Then from now on I'm going to start keeping records. You got to go back out there. Then from now on I'm going to start keeping records. Artie, no records, Artie. What are you gonna do - pay taxes? I can't keep pulling out my own fucking dough. What are we doing over here? You're going to Las Vegas, you're having a good time at my expense. ROTHSTEIN: But nothing would stop what came up next at the casino. I can't believe you're doing this. ROTHSTEIN: But nothing would stop what came up next at the casino. I can't believe you're doing this. We made a deal. You came to me, remember? It turned out Phil Green had a partner nobody knew about. She showed up demanding money from the Tangiers. Why are you doing this to me?! She showed up demanding money from the Tangiers. Why are you doing this to me?! Because you're wrong. money from the Tangiers. Why are you doing this to me?! Because you're wrong. < I'm not wrong. Why are you doing this to me?! Yes. You are. < I'm not wrong. Why are you doing this to me?! Yes. You are. No, I am not wrong. Green tried to stonewall her. I will see to it that you do not get away with it. So, she sued him in court. The court will now hear the matter of the plaintiff, Anna Scott, against Tangiers Corporation... and its president, Philip Green. GAVEL BANGS He was absolutely fair and I'm delighted with the decision. We got a problem. It didn't go too well. Green has to open up the books. Has to show how he got the financing That's not good. SANTORO: She was doing well with her lawsuit. The boys back home decided to settle out of court... so they sent me. Do you have a comment on the murder of Anna Scott? so they sent me. Do you have a comment on the murder of Anna Scott? What are you talking about? She was found last night. Shot in the head. JOURNALISTS YELL QUESTIONS We were involved in minor real estate deals many years ago. It was never a partnership. estate deals many years ago. It was never a partnership. JOURNALISTS CLAMOUR Have you heard of the .22 calibre killer? ROTHSTEIN: Instead of looking at Nicky, the cops were looking at Green. And he was supposed to be our squeaky-clean frontman. I gave interviews to ensure everybody knew the casino was on the up. So, actually, how often do you really fill in for him? Green's here about three times a month. He's busy with other real estate deals and things, you know. So, in Green's absence, you're the boss? I serve at the pleasure of the chairman of the board,... and my responsibilities are to run the day-to-day operations. the chairman of the board,... and my responsibilities are to run the day-to-day operations. So, day-to-day, you're the boss. In a sense you could say that... I am the boss... when Mr Green is away. You could say that. < Hmm. < Have you read this? About Mr Rothstein? READS: The bookmaker with Mob ties says that he's the real boss of the $100 million Tangiers Casino empire. READS: The bookmaker with Mob ties You believe that? $100 million Tangiers Casino empire. READS: The bookmaker with Mob ties You believe that? Did he really say that? Of course he really said that. It's right here. Has that man even filed for his licence yet? I don't know. We'll have to check the files. Well, without getting your shorts in a knot, would you do that? Check closely, cos we may have to kick a kike's ass out of town. Thank you. A gaming control board investigation of Sam Rothstein's application for a gaming licence is underway. Rothstein, head of Tangiers Casino and a friend of Las Vegas Mob boss Nicky Santoro,... could lose his ability to work in the casino. (MUTES TV) to work in the casino. (MUTES TV) PHONE RINGS Hello. I got to meet Cleanface right away. What about the Chez Paris? You can't. You gotta make a reservation. It's booked up. You gotta make a reservation. It's very difficult to get in. I'll use the service entrance. I'll see you at 9. All right. The battle between State gaming officials and Sam 'Ace' Rothstein is heating up. Tonight, a look at Ace Rothstein's attempt to get State licensing... despite Rothstein's alleged criminal connections. Will Rothstein's friendship with Santoro keep him from running the Tangiers' casino? Can the law be jeopardised by a boyhood friendship? Why don't you take it easy on that stuff? Come on. Let me help you. Come on. We're talking about some stuff. TV: Will a boyhood friendship unseat Rothstein as the Tangiers Casino boss? Go downstairs. Just... go downstairs. You can't let this concern you, Ace. < Don't worry about that stuff. It's just a political witch-hunt. Hey, Ace. Want something to drink? Charlie, you want a refill? Yeah, a refill will be great. Charlie, you want a refill? Yeah, a refill will be great. I don't want one. Mr Clark, how you doing? Yeah, a refill will be great. Good. Mr Clark, how you doing? Yeah, a refill will be great. Good. I been trying to reach you. I've been busy. Least you could do is return my phone calls. I've been busy. Least you could do is return my phone calls. Listen, Nicky,... we talked about this. I explained that there was the possibility you might have to take some kind of loss. Yeah. I think I want my money back. Yeah. I think I want my money back. (CHUCKLES) What are you going to do - strong-arm me? You know, I think you've gotten the wrong impression about me. I think in all fairness, I should explain to you exactly what it is that I do. For instance, tomorrow morning I'll get up nice and early, take a walk down over to the bank,... if you don't have my money for me, I'll crack your fuckin' head wide open. Just about the time that I'm coming out of jail, hopefully, you'll be coming out of your coma. And guess what, I'll split your fuckin' head open again. Cos I'm stupid. I don't give a fuck about jail. That's my business. That's what I do. And we know what you do, don't we, Charlie? You fuck people out of money and get away with it. what you do, don't we, Charlie? You fuck people out of money and get away with it. You can't talk to me... You fat Irish prick,... you go get my money or I'll put your brain to sleep! Sam... put your brain to sleep! Sam... Never mind Sam. This is personal. I'll be there in the morning. You can try me, fatso. You try me. Think he got the point? You can try me, fatso. You try me. Think he got the point? What are you doing? He's square, for Chrissakes. He's going to run to the FBI. What are you doing? He's square, for Chrissakes. He's going to run to the FBI. Fuck the FBI. That prick's been dodging me for three weeks. Why are you trying to tell me what to do? I'm not telling you what to do. You were out of line. Where's your head? tell me what to do? I'm not telling you what to do. You were out of line. Where's your head? Where's my head? Where's your balls? You know I'm trying to put something really big together out here. If you're like this now, how can I depend on you? A lot's going to change out here. If you want in, Sammy, you have to go my way. Nick, understand my situation. I got 100 million a year going through the place. It's all over if I don't get that licence. If it goes bad for me, it's going to go bad for a lot of people. if I don't get that licence. If it goes bad for me, it's going to go bad for a lot of people. Yeah, forget about your licence. I plant my own flag out here. You ain't going to need a licence. I don't know what it is, Sammy,... but I feel like you just don't want to go along with me. Is that it? No, I don't want- to go along with me. Is that it? No, I don't want- Say so. I don't want to come along with you. I'll be honest. Say so. I don't want to come along with you. I'll be honest. Just say so. OK, fine. I don't want to be involved with you. I want a square joint. I want my licence. I want everything nice and quiet. To be quiet like this: 'I'm the boss.' That's quiet? and quiet. To be quiet like this: 'I'm the boss.' That's quiet? That's all out of context. I have no control over that. Well, back home they don't know about fucking control. That looks bad. I'll tell you what looks bad. Every time you're on TV, I get mentioned. That looks bad. What the fuck happened to you? What happened to me? What happened to you? You lost your control. What the fuck happened to you? What happened to me? What happened to you? You lost your control. I lost control? You're walking around like John Barrymore. A fucking pink robe and cigarette holder. I lost control? You've been treating a lot of people with a lot of disrespect. Even your wife. My wife? Now, what does she have to do with all this? disrespect. Even your wife. My wife? Now, what does she have to do with all this? She came to see me. She was upset... about that Lester Diamond incident. So, you're the shoulder to cry on? Did you at least tell her about your role in that whole situation? That's not the point. The point is that she's upset. You got a fucking problem. Stay out of my personal life. You wouldn't like it if I did it to you. She came to talk to me. What was I supposed to do - throw her out? wouldn't like it if I did it to you. She came to talk to me. What was I supposed to do - throw her out? Just stay away from her. It's none of your business, OK? There are certain things- Just stay away from her. It's none of your business, OK? There are certain things- None of my business? A week ago it was my business, now it's not. You need me when you need something taken care of. The way you need me to get you out of one of your jams. I'll have to straighten out what you just did. He'll go to the FBI. Your head's getting bigger than your casino, pal. > ROTHSTEIN: I didn't want any of what he wanted. Nicky wanted to take over. He wanted to go after everything and everybody. Plus, he had stopped asking permission from back home. The bulls questioned Nicky. A dealer from the Sirocco - they questioned Nicky. Stool pigeons wound up in car trunks - they questioned Nicky. A lawyer. They questioned Nicky. When some guys began disappearing, Nicky's name was in every newspaper. Nicky was questioned in 24 murders, but they always let him go - no witnesses. SANTORO: The coppers blamed me for every little thing that went wrong out here. If a guy tripped over a banana peel they'd bring me in for it. The bosses were no better. They complained because things don't run smooth. Things don't run so smooth. I'm sorry (!) I'm dealing with degenerate animals out here, but the bosses,... they're sitting on their asses. I'm the guy in the trenches. Bosses - they think it's a free lunch out here. Frankie,... they found a guy's head in the desert. Do you know about that? Frankie,... they found a guy's head in the desert. Do you know about that? Yeah, I heard. Yeah. They've making a big deal out of it. It's in all the papers. Yeah, I heard. Yeah. They've making a big deal out of it. It's in all the papers. What are you going to do? And I mean, that's no good. You're gonna tell him to take care of things a little better. I'll tell him, Remo. Bosses, I mean, they smoke their fine cigars and eat fried pigs' guts,... while to talk private, I gotta go to a bus stop. What do they care? As long as I keep sending money. Yeah, but they're complaining. What do they care? As long as I keep sending money. Yeah, but they're complaining. Let 'em. I'm the one who's here. I do all the work. Yeah, but they're complaining. Somebody don't like it, fuck 'em. I do all the work. Yeah, but they're complaining. Somebody don't like it, fuck 'em. It's up to you. They want a war? I'm ready. If I take care of a few of those guys. The rest will fall into place. Peekaboo, you fuckshoe. I see you, motherfucker. ROTHSTEIN: Nicky was bringing heat on himself AND me. The FBI watched his every move. He just didn't care. SANTORO: He watches me, I'll watch him. I spent a few bucks. Who gives a shit? I got equipment from the same places that sell to the CIA - police frequency radios, FBI descramblers, cameras that see in the dark. So the sons of bitches never caught me doin' anything I couldn't handle. ROTHSTEIN: My job's on the line while he has the time of his life. Every cop watches him, he plays golf And at the worst possible time for me. I had my licence hearing coming up. I didn't want to leave anything to chance. If not in Vegas, where can I work? Your books and papers will mean something when you go before the commissioner. Your books and papers will mean That's all I ask is a fair hearing. commissioner. Your books and papers will mean That's all I ask is a fair hearing. This kind of honesty guarantees that Good. That's all I ask is a fair hearing. This kind of honesty guarantees that Good. PLANE ENGINE ROARS This kind of honesty guarantees that Good. PLANE ENGINE ROARS All right, well, we'll move on to- What the fuck is this? Where's this fucking guy gonna land it? The fairway? They're fucking agents, Frankie. Look at this. The Feds were watching Nicky play golf for so long, they ran out of gas. Just what I needed. Right in front of the control board. $100 whoever hits the plant. In comes Piscano, the Kansas City underboss with the grocery store they brought the suitcases to. They're fighting over the suitcases. So off to Vegas again. Costs me another couple of grand. Mostly he just complained about his trips to Vegas to his brother-in-law and mother. Lay down the law or they'll make a fool of you. I write it all in this. Every fucking echo goes down. Hey, oh. What's the matter with you? Every fucking echo goes down. Hey, oh. What's the matter with you? Sorry. Receipts, bills, everything. Since when do you talk like that? Hey, oh. What's the matter with you? Sorry. Receipts, bills, everything. Since when do you talk like that? Sorry. Nance gives trouble, I'll say: screw with the suitcases, I'll take the eyes out of his freaking head. Nance gives trouble, I'll say: screw with the suitcases, I'll take the eyes out of his freaking head. Again. I didn't curse. I said 'freaking'. the eyes out of his freaking head. Again. I didn't curse. I said 'freaking'. That's enough. Again. I didn't curse. I said 'freaking'. That's enough. I'm sorry. What next? You wouldn't believe the FBI had a wire there for information about some old homicide... about some guy who was whacked out God knows when. What prevents him taking what he wants? Nancy brings two suitcases from the Tangiers. What about three? Nobody's there to watch. We can't watch the countin'. What bullshit. HIS people are there. The fucks could be in on it together. I'll find out. If it's Green, I'd bury that bastard. They trust that scumbag, I don't. Right now, I'd hit them both in the head with a shovel. < Take it easy now. Right now, I'd hit them both in the head with a shovel. < Take it easy now. Ma, I'm sorry. They're- head with a shovel. < Take it easy now. Ma, I'm sorry. They're- VOICE DROWNED OUT BY FALLING CANS Ma, sorry. I'm upset. > I know, but that's enough. Ma, sorry. I'm upset. > I know, but that's enough. You know what they're doin'. I can't take it. Take it easy. You know what they're doin'. I can't take it. Take it easy. All right. But- > I can't take it. Take it easy. All right. But- > You'll get a heart attack. You know, I'm too upset. And- The damn thing is, they hear about Las Vegas, the casinos, and suitcases, and that's it. PISCANO'S RANTING COMES THROUGH SPEAKER Would you believe that such a thing could happen? Every FBI man across the country had their ears open now. I mean, Piscano, this guy, basically sunk the whole world. Members of the Commission, Mr Rothstein is pleased to be here. ROTHSTEIN: When the day came, I was ready. I felt so confident that all I had to do was present my case. We have a report by retired FBI agents which absolves Mr Rothstein from any wrongdoing. I'd like this marked- agents which absolves Mr Rothstein from any wrongdoing. I'd like this marked- Counsellor, before you continue... from any wrongdoing. I'd like this marked- Counsellor, before you continue... I want this- ...we are prepared to act on a motion denying the application. Denying?! > motion denying the application. Denying?! > Do I hear a motion to second it? Mr Chairman. > Denying?! > Do I hear a motion to second it? Mr Chairman. > Mr Chairman, I'll second the motion. Do I hear a motion to second it? Mr Chairman. > Mr Chairman, I'll second the motion. Do I have a vote on the motion? Mr Chairman! > Mr Chairman, I'll second the motion. Do I have a vote on the motion? Mr Chairman! > Aye. Do I have a vote on the motion? Mr Chairman! > Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. The ayes have it. Hearing adjourned. Aye. Aye. The ayes have it. Hearing adjourned. You're kidding. What do you mean adjourned? Mr Chairman, please. > What do you mean adjourned? Mr Chairman, please. > Mr Chairman, you promised a hearing. You didn't even see the FBI reports. As my guest, Senator, at the Tangiers Hotel, did you not promise me a fair-? I was never your guest there. Tangiers Hotel, did you not promise me a fair-? I was never your guest there. I don't comp you at least two or three items a month at the Tangiers? I'd like to answer that at this time. Mr Rothstein is lying. I went there ONCE, to have dinner with Barney Greenstein. Was I at that dinner? Just tell me, was I at the dinner? with Barney Greenstein. Was I at that dinner? Just tell me, was I at the dinner? < You were wandering round. Was I at that dinner?! Just tell me, was I at the dinner? < You were wandering round. Was I at that dinner?! < You were wandering round. < You were wandering round. Was I at that dinner?! < You were wandering round. Was I at that dinner? You were in the building. Sir, you know damn well I was there. You swore that I would have a fair hearing AT THAT DINNER, did you not? Tell me I was at least at the dinner. Allow me that much, at least. Yes, you were. dinner. Allow me that much, at least. Yes, you were. Thanks for not calling me a liar, son of a bitch. You son of a bitch. TV: Good evening, everyone. A routine licensing hearing turned into bedlam. Flamboyant casino executive Sam 'Ace' Rothstein accused gaming officials.. of corruption and hypocrisy. ...you were comped, and asked for receipts for your expense account. In an outburst following his gaming licence denial, he followed commissioners to the hallway... continuing his harangue until friends urged him to leave. You have a past, I have a past, and my past is no worse than yours, but you think you can pass judgement- Long-suspected of operating without a licence,... the hearing was to decide if, with his chequered history,... he was qualified to officially hold the top gaming post. What the hell's he gonna do now? he was qualified to officially hold the top gaming post. What the hell's he gonna do now? I don't know. hold the top gaming post. What the hell's he gonna do now? I don't know. What's he doin'? He knows those guys are our friends. What's the matter with him? He could run things with another job title. Not ideal, but what can we do? Let him hide upstairs in the office, say he's a janitor. I don't give a shit. But please, whatever job he takes, make sure it's something quiet. PA: Ladies and gentlemen, Tangiers Hotel proudly presents the all new Sam Rothstein show, Aces High. POP MUSIC PLAYS Tonight, live, we present the premiere showing of Aces High with the Sasha Semenoff Orchestra... and the Sam Rothstein Dancers. A professional gambler and the best football handicapper in America,... Mr Rothstein will show you the real Las Vegas as no one has done before. Ladies and gentlemen, Tangiers Hotel Casino's new Entertainment Director, Mr Sam Rothstein! Welcome to the Sam Rothstein Show, we're happy to have you here. To my left is Trudy, a lead dancer in our fabulous show from Paris. we're happy to have you here. To my left is Trudy, a lead dancer in our fabulous show from Paris. APPLAUSE Our first guest this evening is Frankie Avalon. APPLAUSE Keep an eye on him. I've got a large family. How many kids do you have? > I've got a large family. How many kids do you have? > Uh, I'm proud to say that we have eight children. How many kids do you have? > APPLAUSE we have eight children. How many kids do you have? > APPLAUSE Eight children. Amazing. APPLAUSE Eight children. Amazing. Nothing to it. Was my pleasure. Eight children. Amazing. Nothing to it. Was my pleasure. ALL LAUGH < Ace, don't do it. Oh, no no. No no. Aw, Jesus. < He's juggling. Don't take County Commissioner Pat Webb seriously. I challenged him to a debate here. He declined. What are you worried about, Pat? You don't have to send me questions. Ask me anything. What the hell is he doin' on TV, anyway? All night he's screaming about taking this damn law suit to the Supreme Court. He's crazy. He's gonna go to Washington with this? He's out of his fucking mind. It's a pity we have such hypocrisy. Some do whatever they want. Others pay through the nose. Such is life. Andy, go see him. ROTHSTEIN: It was unconstitutional. We're on the list to be heard in the Supreme Court. They don't care about the Supreme Court. They want you to walk away. Walk away? Andy, you can't be serious. I can't walk away. Don't you see what's at stake? The old man said, maybe your friends should give in. 'Maybe' is like a papal bull. Not only should you quit, you should run. Every time they mention me in the papers, the cock suckers mention Nicky. How the fuck does that help? The police were cooperative. He's pissed them off so much, nobody can make a move any more. What do you do about that?! What do you propose? What do you do about that?! What do you propose? Maybe he should get lost for a while, take a vacation. Would that be so bad? They ain't sending Nicky nowhere. Would that be so bad? They ain't sending Nicky nowhere. It would give everybody time to manoeuvre. I would forget about the manoeuvre. I would just get out. I can't do that. ROTHSTEIN: As soon as Andy got home, Nicky heard about our talk. Next morning I get the call. Right. I'll do some shopping afterwards. Wanna come? Even the codes didn't work any more, so we figured out another act. You see, the Feds can only listen in if it involves crime. So on routine calls they have to click off after a few minutes. Yeah. click off after a few minutes. Yeah. Meet me at 3. Caesar's? Meet me at 3. Caesar's? 100 yards further down the road. Why? 100 yards further down the road. Why? Don't ask questions, just be there. Suzie Crinchy's has the exact same outfit. I saw something, something VERY cute. MAN: OK, he's out. It's the end brown unit and he's with, I think it's Frankie. ROTHSTEIN: Nicky started before me. It wasn't easy for him to get around. OK, pulled out pretty fast... Nicky had to change cars at least six times to shake all his tails. And because of all the planes, he had to use underground garages. TYRES SQUEAL BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! TYRES SQUEAL Meeting in the the desert always made me nervous. It's a scary place. I knew about the holes in the desert, and everywhere I looked there could have been a hole. Normally my prospects of coming back alive from a meeting with Nicky were 99 out of 100. But this time, when I heard him say 'a couple of hundred yards down the road,' I gave myself 50-50. Where do you get off talking to people about me behind my back? road,' I gave myself 50-50. Where do you get off talking to people about me behind my back? What people? What, did you think I wasn't going to find out? I don't even know what you're talking about. I wasn't going to find out? I don't even know what you're talking about. You said I'm bringing heat on you? I got on the list cause of your fucking shit? You're ordering me out? You better get your own fucking army, pal. I only told Andy Stone you had a lot of heat on you and that was a problem. You want me out of my own fuckin' town? Yeah. Let the bullshit blow over for a while so I can run the casino. If anything goes wrong, it's my ass. It's not yours, it's my ass. You only have your fuckin' casino because I made that possible! Not your fucking country clubs or your fucking TV shows! What the fuck are you doing on TV anyhow?! I get calls from back home every fucking day. They think you went batshit. I'm only on TV because I gotta be able to hang around a casino. You understand that. Your fucking ass! You could have had the food and beverage job without going on television! You wanted to go on TV. Yeah, I did want to go on TV. That way I can fight back. People see me. They know they can't fuck around with me like they could if I was unknown. That's right. Making a big fucking spectacle of yourself. I wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for you. You brought down so much fuckin' heat on me. Every time I meet someone, the big question is do I know you? Now you want to blame your fuckin' licence on me? Nicky, when you asked me if you could come out here, what did I tell you? Nicky, when you asked me if you Do you remember what I told you? tell you? Nicky, when you asked me if you Do you remember what I told you? Back up. One minute. I asked you? When the fuck did I ask you? One minute. I asked you? Get this through your head- One minute. I asked you? Get this through your head- You never-? Get this through your head you Jew motherfucker, you only exist out here because of ME! That's the only reason. Without me, you, personally, every fucking wise guy still around will take a piece of your fucking Jew ass. That where you gonna go? You're warned. Don't ever go over my fuckin' head again, you motherfucker, you. TYRES SCREECH DEVO'S 'WHIP IT' PLAYS # Crack that whip. # Give the past the slip. # We've got company. # Step on a crack. # Break your momma's back. # When a problem comes along... # you must whip it. # Before the cream sits out too long... # You see that? Dumb Jew motherfucker. Acting like he don't know me. There's ways to do things and there's ways not to. Fuck him. There's ways to do things To Abraham Lincoln. Fuck him. There's ways to do things To Abraham Lincoln. ALL: Good health. Forget about it. Don't let it bother you. Does it look like it's bothering me? I don't give a fuck. Look at that prick. What's his fucking problem? Fucking Jews stick together. I don't give a fuck. Look at that prick. What's his fucking problem? Fucking Jews stick together. They're having a good time, too. prick. What's his fucking problem? Fucking Jews stick together. They're having a good time, too. So are we. # Whip it good. # PHONE RINGS Yeah. PHONE RINGS Yeah. Sam, we've got a problem. What is it? The little guy. He's half in the bag. Nobody told him he was 86'd. We all pretended we didn't know who he was. He's over at the 21 table. He took the money out of his own kick. He's in it to us for about $10,000. He's over at the 21 table. He took Now he's really pissed. in it to us for about $10,000. He's over at the 21 table. He took Now he's really pissed. Ohhh no. He's over at the 21 table. He took He wants a $50,000 marker. Ohhh no. He's over at the 21 table. He took He wants a $50,000 marker. No. Give him 10. That's it. 10. I'll be right down. He's going to come up with $10,000. That's it. 10. I'll be right down. He's going to come up with $10,000. No, no, no. Yeah, $10,000. No, no, no. Yeah, $10,000. $50,000! I said $50,000. $50,000. Go get it! I don't give a fuck where you get it. They take it but they don't want to give it back. How the fuck can you grin? Do you know how much I'm stung? > Do ya?! Yeah, give yourself a hand right across your fuckin' mouth. > Look at what they've put in now. > Have they sent you in here to rob me now? Knocking everybody's dick all night? You been beating all the customers tonight, motherfucker? Jagoff. Hit me. Take this and pound it up your fucking ass. Hit me again! Take this one and stick it up your sister's ass. Hit me again. Stop looking at him, you fucking dummy. You should be out stealing for a living. Hit me again. What the fuck you keep looking at him for? Hit me again. You pay as fast as you collect. You've got to get out to here. Tell this Jew motherfucker to pay that marker. What's the matter with you? You're going to bury us both. to pay that marker. What's the matter with you? You're going to bury us both. Just give me the money. Give me the fucking money, Sammy. I'll OK you 10 and that's it. Then you've got to go before the cops and newspapers arrive. 10. That's it. What are you staring at, you bald-headed Jew? Come on. What are you staring at, you bald-headed Jew? Come on. Sue me, ya Jew! you bald-headed Jew? Let's get out of here. I've got a marker coming. Deal. Everything's changed. You now want a divorce, alimony payments and custody! I just want what any divorced woman would get. She's only sober about two hours a day. It's usually from 11am to 1pm. If I gave her her money and her jewels, she'll piss it all away. And where would you be then? Coming right back to me. Or finding some other excuse to come. Coming right back to me. Or finding some other excuse to come. We had a deal. Remember that? He said that if it didn't work out between us, I could get my things and leave. Look in my eyes. Look in my eyes. You know me. Do you see anything in these eyes that would let someone in your condition take my child away? Do you? You know that won't happen. ROTHSTEIN: After all this time and as hard as I tried, and as much as I wanted, I could never reach her. I could never make her love me. I always felt she should have gone for it. All that money. Being somebody for the first time in her life. A home. A kid. That's not what happened. Everything all right? What could we do? After a while we just took little separations from each other. Ginger took Amy and went to Beverly Hills for a week of shopping. Yes, Mr Rothstein. Operator, the Beverly Hotel, please. Hello, the Beverly Hotel. please. Hello, the Beverly Hotel. Mrs Sam Rothstein, please. I'm sorry. Mr and Mrs Rothstein have checked out already. Mr and Mrs Rothstein? Yes, they both checked out. Mr and Mrs Rothstein? Yes, they both checked out. Thank you. PHONE RINGS Hello. Yeah. My wife's with an old friend of hers; some lowlife, a guy named Lester Diamond. I think they're going to kidnap my daughter. Is there anybody you can send? We'll take care of it. DOORBELL RINGS I've got a number and an address. Hello? Hello? Is this Lester? Who's calling? Is this Lester? Who's calling? This is Sam Rothstein. I want to talk to Ginger. Put her on the phone. This is Sam Rothstein. I want to talk to Ginger. Put her on the phone. She's not here, Sam. Lester, listen to me very carefully. I want to talk to Ginger. I want my kid back. Put her on a plane immediately. I know she's there. Don't fuck around. Sam, I wouldn't do it. (CLICKS FINGERS) No, I... I... (CLICKS FINGERS) (CLICKS FINGERS) No, I... I... (CLICKS FINGERS) Do you understand? Put her on the phone. Do you understand? Put her on the phone. Sam, I don't know where she is. Can I call you back in a few minutes? Sam, I don't know where she is. Can I call you back in a few minutes? (702) 472 1862 Can I call you back Mm-mm. 1862. OK. Good. (702) 472 1862 Can I call you back Mm-mm. 1862. OK. Good. Right away! Can I call you back Right back. Right away! Can I call you back Right back. You've got it. Schmuck. All right. I've just bought us a few minutes. Do you want to get back at this prick? OK. You've got $2 million in that box? Hey! You got a minute! Hey! You've got $2 million in the box? Let him keep your jewels. We take the cash and Her Majesty. We got to Europe. You, dye your hair. We'll get- the cash and Her Majesty. We got to Europe. You, dye your hair. We'll get- I don't want to go to Europe. I want to go and see the Elephant Man. I don't want to go to Europe. I want to go and see the Elephant Man. We're not seeing any elephants. We're going to Europe. Let the adults talk. Dye your hair. Get plastic surgery. What do you think he's going to pay-? Dye your hair. Get plastic surgery. What do you think he's going to pay-? You shut up. < I don't wanna go to Europe. Shut your mouth. You know where she gets this from? You shut up. No. You want me to come over there? I'll smack your face. Don't give me any of your SHIT! OK, this has always been a dream but now we're going. Don't give me any of your SHIT! OK, this has always been a dream but now we're going. Lester, he called you here? He was just on the phone. dream but now we're going. Lester, he called you here? He was just on the phone. He called here? Lester, he called you here? He was just on the phone. He called here? I just talked to him. He knows where you are. He'll be sending some guys over here now. It means he's sitting by the phone waiting for me to call him back. He's by the phone waiting for you to call him back (?) SHOUTS: He's probably got guys outside the fuckin' house! you to call him back (?) SHOUTS: He's probably got guys outside the fuckin' house! This fuckin' bullshit of yours- SHOUTS: He's probably got guys Get your bags! Get your bags! This fuckin' bullshit of yours- SHOUTS: He's probably got guys Get your bags! Get your bags! This bullshit, right here- What bullshit?! Do you want to talk it over now? Have you done yakking? want to talk it over now? Have you done yakking? Go! Go! Get in the car. Go! Just relax. Nobody's killing anybody. I really think he's going to kill me. Call me back in exactly an hour on this phone. I'll see what I can do. So I'll call you back in an hour at this number and you'll be there? Listen, don't do anything else crazy, OK? Are you all right? OK. else crazy, OK? Are you all right? OK. Bye. Knock it off! Get into the car. She started the whole thing. I'm just standing here. You're not going to drive? She started the whole thing. I'm You're driving me nuts! to drive? She started the whole thing. I'm You're driving me nuts! Get on the passenger side! CAR ENGINE STARTS RADIO: # You can go your own way. # Go your own way. # Tell me why... # Ginger called me. Yeah. I just told you she called me. Yeah. I just told you she called me. What did she want? > She's afraid to call you. She's with that cock sucker again. They've got Amy. She wants to come back but she's afraid you're going to whack her. Yeah, they're going to kidnap my kid. What do you want? Why didn't you come to me? This is family, it ain't business. When you make calls back home, it makes us look bad out here. Back and forth, this one and that one. In the meantime, she's gone anyway. What am I going to do with this woman? She's driving me crazy. I think if you assure her that she's going to be all right, she'll come back. Crazy. Once you get her here, think about it. Get the kid back here. She wants to come back. That's the main thing. < You want your kid, don't you? < Huh? PHONE RINGS Hello. PHONE RINGS Hello. Hi, it's me. (LAUGHS) This is who you wanted to talk to? I'm not going to ask you where you are. Just please, put Amy on a plane. Get her here right away. I don't think she should go by herself. What do you mean? What I mean is, you think if, ah... do you think if I came back... do you think you could forgive me? (SOBS) I don't know. I understand that. I know I fucked up. What about the money? Where's the box? I've got to tell ya, I made some mistakes and I spent some money. What's it under? Pretty serious. What's it under? Pretty serious. How serious? It's ah... under 25. It's under $25,000? It's ah... under 25. It's under $25,000? Yeah. And the rest of the $2 million is still there? Yeah. And the rest of the $2 million is still there? Yeah. I've got the rest. OK, no big deal. That's OK. You got us 25. That I'll live with, any more I couldn't. OK? All right. Where are you? I'll send a plane for you right away. Hi, Sam. Mmmm. DOOR SHUTS So, what did you do with it? DOOR SHUTS So, what did you do with it? With what? DOOR SHUTS So, what did you do with it? With what? You... With the money? He needed some clothes. $25,000 for clothes? He wanted a watch, too. $25,000 for clothes and a watch? He wanted a watch, too. $25,000 for clothes and a watch? Mm-hm. GINO: Good evening, senora. and a watch? Mm-hm. GINO: Good evening, senora. Gino. Mm-hm. GINO: Good evening, senora. Gino. < This way. ROTHSTEIN: The good part was I had Amy back. So we went home, had the housekeeper stay over, put the kid to bed, I calmed down, and we went to dinner. I tried to keep things nice and civil. But, hey, $25,000 for three suits (!) That doesn't make much sense. First of all, he's not going to wear $1000 suits. Let's say he did, which he won't, how are you going to get fitted for 25 suits in three days? How can you get fitted that fast? I can't and I pay twice as much. I bought him a watch, too. Yeah, but even if you bought him a watch, a really nice watch, he doesn't know what a good watch is. So you go 5, 10, 12 grand. At the most, which is impossible, for him. Plus, at the most, three suits at $1000 a piece. That still leaves what? Around $10,000? Would you knock it off, Sam? Around $10,000? Would you knock it off, Sam? I'm just trying to figure it out. There's nothing to figure out. I'm home. We're working it out. Yeah, but I've been told before we're working it out. You think you're home after what you just put me through with Amy is a favour to me? So, counting the watch, let's say another $4000 for expenses over the weekend,... of which you must have had a good time. I know he did. That's for sure. I know that fucking piece of shit had a good time. On my money. You might as well have fucked him ` which you probably did anyway. You're looking at me a certain way. You're teary-eyed, huh? You're upset? You're a good actress. Good fucking actress. You get pity out of people. I'm not a John. Understand? You always thought I was, but I'm not. I'm no sucker. Fucking pimp cocksucker. He's lucky I didn't kill him last time. If he had ran away, he would have been dead. Both of you, dead! GINGER (WHISPERS): No, it isn't fair. What is the big deal? I can't take it! Why should I take it? He acts like I'm the only one around here with a past. He'll never let me live it down. Yes, I have tried. Of course I've tried. Why do you think I came back here? No, I'm not. I want him killed. Yes, I want him killed. I've had it. So, are you with me on this? You want to get rid of me? Here I am. Go ahead. Get rid of me. (GASPS) Go ahead. Get rid of me. (GASPS) Hello? (SCREAMS) LET ME GO! I can't take it any more! Yes, I want to kill you. I hate your guts! You hate my guts?! I want you to come with me now. Come with me now. Come with me now. (SCREAMS) I want you out of here. (SCREAMS) I want you out of here! I want you out of here. Take your things and get out of here! I'll go but I want my money right now! You'll get your money. I'll go but I want my money right now! You'll get your money. The arrangement is over. money right now! You'll get your money. The arrangement is over. No kidding. NO KIDDING! And I'll still get my money. I need some. You can't just put me in the street! You haven't been straight with me ever since I met you. You never loved me. YOU FUCKING BITCH! ever since I met you. You never loved me. YOU FUCKING BITCH! How could I love you! You treat me like I was your dog! You're lower than a dog! Fuck you! Here. Here. Is this enough money? Will that last you two days? Take it. Greedy bitch. Take the fucking money! I'm going to the bank, and I'm getting my jewellery. Take the fucking money! I'm going to the bank, and I'm getting my jewellery. Good. It opens at 9am. Be there. And don't you send your guys down there to stop me. I guarantee you I'll not stop you. You can't get rid of my with the one suitcase. I guarantee you I'll not stop you. You can't get rid of my with the one suitcase. Come back tomorrow. You can't get rid of my Just get outta here. Come back tomorrow. You can't get rid of my Just get outta here. Fine. You can't get rid of my I'm taking Amy. Fine. You can't get rid of my I'm taking Amy. You're not taking Amy. I am. I'm waking her up right now. I'm taking Amy. You're not taking Amy. I am. I'm waking her up right now. You're stoned. You're a junkie. Get out! I am. I'm waking her up right now. She's my daughter, too! Get out! I am. I'm waking her up right now. She's my daughter, too! Get out, god-fucking-damn-you. You're not getting away with this. ENGINE STARTS TYRES SCREECH ROTHSTEIN: The funny thing was after all that, I didn't want her to go. She was the mother of my kid. I loved her. Later, I realised, I didn't want to give her the money because if I did, I knew I would never see her again. Oh. Have a good day at school. give her the money because if I did, I knew I would never see her again. Oh. Have a good day at school. OK. I knew I would never see her again. Oh. Have a good day at school. OK. OK, angel. Ahem. From now on, I have to know where you and Amy are at all times. Here's a beeper. I want you to keep it on you. It's very light. So that I can call you whenever I have to. OK? Do you want to stay like this? You can't do that. Two people don't get along, at some point you've to call it- I think that's what you've got to do. What? you've got to do. What? I just.... What? Nothing. What? Nothing. What were you going to say? Tell me what you were going to say. What were you going to say? Tell me what you were going to say. Yeah? I was thinking maybe... you'd know somebody at the bank to help me get my jewellery out. There's a lot of money in there. And I'd be willing to take care of anybody who helped me out. Let me think about that. of anybody who helped me out. Let me think about that. OK. See who I've got in there. Somebody I could trust. Yeah, because he's never going to give me my jewellery. He holds that key so tight he's probably got it stuck up his ass. going to give me my jewellery. He holds that key so tight he's probably got it stuck up his ass. (CHUCKLES) Right. That's Sammy. And he's probably got it there, too. He's so fucking lucky. I could have buried him. I could have gone to Europe and taken the baby. And then he would have tracked me down and killed me. No, he wouldn't. I would have. me down and killed me. No, he wouldn't. I would have. (LAUGHS) He would have been right, too. That's one thing you don't do. You don't take a guy's kid and take off. He would have been right, too. That's one thing you don't do. You don't take a guy's kid and take off. I didn't. I mean, I did, but I did exactly what you told me. I didn't. I mean, I did, but I did exactly what you told me. You did. You're right. I like that. That's what I like about you. You did the right thing. That's what I like about you. You did the right thing. I did what you told me to. Cos you always tell me the right thing to do. He really fucked himself up out here, didn't he? the right thing to do. He really fucked himself up out here, didn't he? Sure did. Everything went to his head. BOTH: Changed. He did. He ain't the same person. BOTH: Changed. He did. He ain't the same person. He's not. He really thinks who the fuck he is. He's not. He really thinks who the fuck he is. Exactly. He hates me. He hates my fuckin' guts. Come on. You're a toughie. You can take this. I'm not as tough as you think. You can take this. I'm not as tough as you think. Yes, you are. He scares the shit out of me. I never know what he's going to do. Yes, you are. He scares the shit out of me. I never know what he's going to do. Come on. Don't be scared. I need some help. I need some help. You've got to help. I need a new sponsor, Nicky. Is that what you want? need a new sponsor, Nicky. Is that what you want? Yeah. A sponsor? Yeah. OK. I'll take care of you. It's what you want, isn't it? I'll take care of you. It's what you want, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah. Mmm. Oh. Mmmmm. THE VELVETONES' 'GLORY OF LOVE' PLAYS CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS Do you see that? That's Ace's wife. Fantastic. This is great for the boss. SHUTTER CLICKS CAR PULLS UP DOOR SHUTS Hi. Hi. You didn't answer your beeper. Hi. You didn't answer your beeper. I threw it away. You threw it away? I tried to do what you wanted, but I'm driving on the freeway and the thing's beeping. I'm in a restaurant. It's embarrassing. I don't want to do it any more. I'm in a restaurant. It's Where's Amy? any more. I'm in a restaurant. It's Where's Amy? I put her to bed. Oh. I bought your cigarettes. Oscar wants you to call him. So, who did you go to lunch with? Oscar wants you to call him. So, who did you go to lunch with? With Jennifer. Where did you go? With Jennifer. Where did you go? To the Riviera. What did you have? To the Riviera. What did you have? I had a salad. What did Jennifer have? She had the same. OK. I want you to call Jennifer and I want you to tell her to tell you what she had for lunch. I'm going to listen in on the other line. Why do you want to do it? on the other line. Why do you want to do it? You know why I want to do it. Just do it. Fine. I just need to get the... ball for my... thing. The line's busy. There's nobody there. Hello. There's nobody there. Hello. Hello, Jennifer. It's Sam. All right. I didn't have lunch with Jennifer. OK. Who were you with? I was with someone. I know you were with somebody, who was it? I just hope it's not someone who I think it might be. I just hope it's not them. ROTHSTEIN: I knew she fucked around. She did what she did and I did what I had to do. But, Jesus, Nicky was the worst thing she could have done. What if he won't stop? It could get us both killed. I can back him off. She was very convincing when she wanted to be. And this. This is how she backed him off. BOTH BREATHE RAPIDLY Hey, Ginger. If you're challenged, if he asks anything, deny everything. Understand? I don't want him bringing beefs back home. Cos that could really cause a serious problem. You've got to be careful. He's not dumb, you know. I know. You don't have to tell me that. Do you think I'm stupid? Do I think you're stupid? No. I think you're beautiful. But I've got to go. Nicky had things so fucked up on the streets that every time Marino went home, the pack got smaller. It got to the point that when he arrived he didn't know whether he was going to be kissed or killed. Frankie, I want to ask you something. It's private. But I want you to tell me the truth. It's private. But I want you to tell me the truth. Of course. I want you to tell me the truth. I always tell you the truth. Frankie, the little guy, he wouldn't be fucking the Jew's wife, would he? Because if he is, it's a problem. MARINO: What could I say? I knew if I gave the wrong answer, Nicky, Ginger, Ace could all be killed. There's one thing about these old-timers. They don't like any fucking around with the other guys' wives. So I lied. Even though I knew that by lying, I could wind up getting killed, too. No, I ain't seen anything like that. Are you sure? I'm positive. Things are very fucked up down there, you know. My main concern is Nicky. I want to know if he's doing all right. If he's doing OK. My main concern is Nicky. I want to know if he's doing all right. If he's doing OK. He's good. He's fine. I'm asking you to keep an eye on Nicky. Do it for me. He's good. He's fine. I'm asking you to keep an eye on Nicky. Do it for me. No problem. I wouldn't want to jeopardise anything for people who are our friends. Understand? I wouldn't want to jeopardise I understand. friends. Understand? I wouldn't want to jeopardise I understand. OK. I wouldn't want to jeopardise Frankie, you're a good boy. OK. I wouldn't want to jeopardise Frankie, you're a good boy. Thanks, Remo. ROTHSTEIN: By now, Nicky and his crew had already hit rock-bottom. Vegas really got to them; the booze, the coke, the broads. I mean, he got sloppy. He just wasn't the same Nicky any more. Go fuck yourself. One night he had to belt a guy three times before the guy finally went down. Old days, he would have decked him in one shot. You add this into the mix. Maybe just Vegas got to all of us. And his crew followed him right over the edge. They were all tuned up half the time on coke. They started doing stupid things. The worst was Blue. They started doing stupid things. The worst was Blue. Hey, what do you guys want? Police! He never knew when to keep his mouth shut. Drop the gun! keep his mouth shut. Drop the gun! Fuck you! The cops shot Blue because they thought his hero sandwich was a gun. They could have been right, but who knows. Jesus Christ. What gun? He's got a hero sandwich! It's pitch black out here. He's got a hero sandwich! It's pitch black out here. Pitch black? It looked like a gun! Moron. I'll be filling out paperwork for the next month because of you. To make matters worse, to get even, Nicky got stoned one night and they started shooting up the cop's house. They couldn't talk in the Gold Rush any more because the Feds put a wire in the wall. Even when they talked outside, they had to cover their mouths because the Feds brought in lip-readers. He asked me again about you and the Jew's wife. Walk. Walk. Walk. What did you say? They asked me again about you and the Jew's wife. Yeah, what did you tell 'em? I told 'em I knew nothing. They said if you did anything, you're fucked up. Do you think he's going home making a beef behind my back? anything, you're fucked up. Do you think he's going home making a beef behind my back? Nah. You would've heard something. Do you think he's going home Yeah, what's to stop him? Nah. You would've heard something. Do you think he's going home Yeah, what's to stop him? I know. I know. I don't trust him any more, but they'd never OK anything, you know? They keep asking about him. Sure they're asking. They earn with the prick. I've got a funny feeling he's going to start a war or something. I'm not sure, but you know what I want you to do? Who's this guy? It ain't nobody. Do you know what I want you to do? Get a couple of guys to dig a whole in the desert then let them show you where it's at. Get a couple of guys to dig a whole Angelo and Buster. where it's at. Get a couple of guys to dig a whole Angelo and Buster. Yeah, but I'm not sure yet. When I'm ready, I'll say the words, 'Go see the Jew.' Make it disappear, you know what I mean? Just let me know, but you've got to be ready. Did I say to do anything yet? I said I'm not sure. I want to think about it. Where are these pricks at? Are they in the motel? it. PHONE RINGS PHONE CONTINUES RINGINGING I'll be right back. I'll be right back. Rudy, any calls just give them to Mr Sherbert. I'll be right back. I'll be right back. He's on his way home. OK. Hello? Hello? Ginger. AMY: Help, Daddy. Amy! Amy, open the door. AMY: Help, Daddy. Amy! Amy, open the door. I can't. I'm tied. (SCREAMS) Dad! (SCREAMS) Dad! What happened? Who did this to you? What happened? Who did this to you? Mommy. I'm going to get a knife to cut you loose, honey. Mommy. I'm going to get a knife to cut you loose, honey. No. Please, please. OK. I'll be right back. When did this happen, honey? No. Please, please. OK. I'll be right back. When did this happen, honey? I don't know. What time did your mother do this? When did she leave? I don't know. PHONE RINGS Hello. PHONE RINGS Hello. SANTORO: Sammy. Yeah, who's this? Hello. SANTORO: Sammy. Yeah, who's this? Me. SANTORO: Sammy. Yeah, who's this? Me. Nick? Yeah, who's this? Yeah, what are you doing? You OK? Nick? Yeah, who's this? Yeah, what are you doing? You OK? No, I'm not OK. How did you know I was here? I just wanted to talk to you for a minute. Ginger's missing and she tied Amy up and locked her in her room. I've got to find her. Ginger's over here at the Leaning Tower with me. She's there with you? Ginger's over here at the Leaning Tower with me. She's there with you? Yeah, she's here. Leaning Tower with me. She's there with you? Yeah, she's here. I'll be right over. All right. He's comin' over. All right. He's comin' over. Good. TYRES SCREECH Ace, don't make a scene, all right? I wanna just talk. Ace, don't make a scene, all right? I wanna just talk. She didn't know who to turn to. Ace, don't make a scene, all right? I wanna just talk. She didn't know who to turn to. I want to talk to that Irish bitch. She didn't know where to turn. She's trying to save your marriage. I want to talk to that Irish bitch. She didn't know where to turn. She's trying to save your marriage. Nicky, I want to talk to that bitch. Hey, be fucking nice. Calm. Be nice. Don't fuck up in here. TONY BENNETT'S WHO CAN I TURN TO? (WHEN NOBODY NEEDS ME)' PLAYS Hi, Sam. How could you tie up our kid and lock the door? Are you out of your mind? That's our child. It was just for a little while, Sam. The babysitter wasn't there. I ought to have you fucking committed. I just gonna go out for a while. She was asleep and be back before she woke up. Listen, you fucking cunt. Let me tell you something. Listen to me carefully. You ever fucking touch her again, I'll fucking kill you. You hear me? I'll sign anything you want me to sign. I just want the kid and my jewellery, and let me go. And let you disgrace me? You fucking pig. Let you disgrace me? Get up! Get up and be a mother. Get into the car and go to the house right now! Get... Get up! Get up. SLURS: I wouldn't do that if I was you. Get... Get up! Get up. SLURS: I wouldn't do that if I was you. Get up. Get up. Go! GET UP! Get the fuck up. Threatening me? I'll fuckin' kill you in this place. Go! GET UP! Get the fuck up. Threatening me? I'll fuckin' kill you in this place. I'm going! Now you need approval from him to go home? So what? Who blew you in the parking lot? Huh? You make me sick, you hooker. in the parking lot? Huh? You make me sick, you hooker. Fuck you! Fuck you, Sam Rothstein! Fuck you! Billy Sherbert, please. Put him on. Fuck you! Billy Sherbert, please. Put him on. Who's this? I'll explain to you later. Have you got a gun at home? Who's this? I'll explain to you later. Have you got a gun at home? Yeah. Bring it over here. Right away. Take it easy, Sam. I'll do it. Bring it over here. Right away. Take it easy, Sam. I'll do it. OK. TYRES SCREECH Leave it where it is! Where is he? Goddam it! I want that Jew bastard killed! Leave it where it is! Where is he? Goddam it! I want that Jew bastard killed! Hide her car. There's no reason to hide my car. He already knows. What did I tell you? Suppose he goes back home and makes a fuckin' beef. Tell me what you said. Nothing. I said no. I kept saying no to everything he said. I told you this was fuckin' dangerous. I said, 'Ginger, this is a dangerous situation. Be very careful.' Then why don't you kill him? Kill him. What are you talkin' about? Well, then, have him killed. Get it over with. you talkin' about? Well, then, have him killed. Get it over with. Don't be such a fuckin' smart ass! I knew the guy 35 years. I'm gonna fucking whack him for you?! Motherfucker. I knew it. I knew this. What about my money? How the fuck am I gonna get your money now? You think he's gonna give you fucking money? Are you out of your mind?! If you would have just kept your mouth shut. Ah! What's the use?! Are you out of your mind?! If you would have just kept your mouth shut. Ah! What's the use?! Ohhhhhh! What the fuck are you...? (CRIES) Get out! Get the fuck out. Calm down. Take it easy. Get up. Get up! Take it easy. (CRIES) Get her out of here. (CRIES) I don't need you! I'll get my own fucking money. I don't need you! I'll get my own fucking money. All right. All right. I'm going to the FBI. I'm not scared any more. All right. All right. I'm going to the FBI. I'm not scared any more. All right. Be careful. You fucked me with me for the last time. OK. Yeah. TYRES SCREECH Careful. Come on. Inside. Look at this motherfucker. (SIGHS) I fucked up, Frankie. Should never have started with this fucking broad. She threw herself at you, right? I'm in a bad fucking spot here. Bad fucking spot. ROTHSTEIN: I left the kid with neighbours and I gave a million to Sherbert to lock up in the hotel. TYRES SCREECH GLASS SHATTERS CRASH! She's alone. Take the gun and go into Amy's. Wait there for me. GINGER RANTS AND RAVES I mean it! Get down here, goddam it! Goddam you. Come out here! I'll drive through the living room. You coward. You motherfucker. You fucker! Will you stop it. You're drunk. You're on drugs. fucker! Will you stop it. You're drunk. You're on drugs. < I am not! You're going to be sorry if you don't stop that. < I am not! You're going to be sorry if you don't stop that. DON'T YOU THREATEN ME! You are not threatening me any more! You... you... you. I'm sick of you! I AM fucking Nicky. I AM! He's my new sponsor. How about that?! SIREN WAILS I AM fucking Nicky. I AM! He's my What are you looking at?! Fuck off! SIREN WAILS I AM fucking Nicky. I AM! He's my What are you looking at?! Fuck off! Hey. Hey. Go back inside. This is none of your business. > I don't have to take your shit any more. I'm going to the FBI. I'm not protecting you any more. Mr Rothstein, we've been getting some complaints about the noise. I'm just trying to get into my house. some complaints about the noise. I'm just trying to get into my house. I understand. He won't let me go into my house. I'm sorry, Randy. I'm not letting her in, not the way she's behaving. He won't let me go into my house. I'm sorry, Randy. I'm not letting her in, not the way she's behaving. Not letting me? Who knows what you'll do in there. I've been in the same clothes for two days. I want to get a few of my things! Can we let her into the house to get a few of her things? I'm afraid to let her into the house. You are?! Fucking LET ME IN THE HOUSE! Hey, hey, hey, hey. < You ought to be afraid the way you treat me. Mr Rothstein, it will make it a lot easier if we let her get her things. If she calms down, I'll let her into the house... easier if we let her get her things. If she calms down, I'll let her into the house... < I am calm! ... I will let her in the house for five minutes if you'll escort her out if she won't leave. Can I go in?! Will you go in with her? That's fine! Fine. Fuck you! That's fine! Fine. Fuck you! SHUTTER CLICKS You won't believe how mean he's been to me. He's locked up all my papers. Don't let him up here. They're in here in the desk. Just pay attention. He could come up here at any time! Are you watching for him? Got 'em. I don't want her in there more than two more minutes. Got 'em. I don't want her in there more than two more minutes. It'll just be a couple. We got other things to do, too. I'll hurry her up. How's everything else besides this? We got other things to do, too. I'll hurry her up. How's everything else besides this? Fine, fine. How's your family? Not bad. In fact, my wife's pregnant again. Oh, good. Congratulations. my wife's pregnant again. Oh, good. Congratulations. Thanks, yeah. I just have to get this one more thing and then we can go. Shit! God! He pisses me off! Don't worry about it. And it would be great if you guys could follow me out of here, because he's been threatening me. BRAKES SCREECH I just need to pick up a little cash inside. Could you come with me? BRAKES SCREECH I just need to pick up a little cash inside. Could you come with me? SHUTTER CLICKS RAPIDLY You've got to stop her. You've got to stop her. She's a fucking junkie. She has the key and it's still in both your names. I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do. still in both your names. I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do. Legally, she can't take that stuff. Half of everything is mine. Half- I'm comin' down. METAL SCRAPES ON DRIVEWAY Shit! Um, I'm gonna need a bag. Could you ask the guy for a big bag, OK? And here, here. you ask the guy for a big bag, OK? And here, here. Lady, I can't. Just hold the top open, OK? Lady, I can't. Just hold the top open, OK? SHUTTER CLICKS Oh God. It's him. You have to stop him. He said he was gonna kill me. Just stop him! > You have to stop her. Just stop him! > You have to stop her. Mr Rothstein. Hold on a second. ENGINE REVS, TYRES SQUEAL There's nothing we can do. ENGINE REVS, TYRES SQUEAL There's nothing we can do. Look, you can't stop her for speeding? We're talking to you right now. Look, you can't stop her for speeding? We're talking to you right now. There's nothing we can do. She had the key. Let's pull her over at that station. There's nothing we can do. She had the key. Let's pull her over at that station. OK. Let's do it. She had the key. Let's pull her over at that station. OK. Let's do it. SIREN WAILS Let's pull her over at that station. We're placing you under arrest for- SIREN WAILS Let's pull her over at that station. We're placing you under arrest for- For what? We're placing you under arrest for aiding and abetting- For what? We're placing you under arrest for aiding and abetting- What? We're placing you under arrest for- What? We're placing you under arrest for- I'm just trying to leave. ROTHSTEIN: After all the threats and all the bullshit, turns out Ginger didn't tell 'em anything. By then, the Feds didn't need her anyway - they had all the pieces they needed. Everybody began to tumble, one after the other. Between Piscano complaining on a wire, between Nicky, Ginger, me and my licence, paradise,... we managed to really fuck it all up. FBI. We have a Federal search warrant. SANTORO: Right away I got wind of the pinches coming down, so I took off. My name's Marc Casper, special agent, FBI. off. My name's Marc Casper, special agent, FBI. Yeah, can I make a phone call? You can make a phone call, but you're gonna have to talk to us. But they got almost everybody else. This area's seized. I want all those papers seized, regardless of what they are. TRUMPET MUSIC PLAYS Oooh, yes, here we are. Little craps figures. ROTHSTEIN: Green? Don't even ask. No, he didn't. And that's why it wasn't valid. I was being extorted. I've got nothing to hide here. SANTORO: Now for the best. Piscano's expense reports took the cake. This is good. Bingo. He might as well have given them a blueprint. Everybody's names, addresses, dates. Everything. Look at this. Thank you so much, Mr Piscano. Those are my mother's books. What a bonehead. Wait a minute! He's sick! What a bonehead. Wait a minute! He's sick! Move back! Come on. ROTHSTEIN: Poor Artie. He was so upset he had a heart attack and dropped dead right there. And at the end of the day they finally came to see me with the pictures. Why protect a friend who betrayed you like that? But I didn't want to look at them - or the guys who brought 'em. 'HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN' PLAYS Your Honour, as you can see, my clients are elderly and infirm. Any incarceration could pose a serious health risk. SANTORO: The bosses were so old they needed doctors in court. Pre-trial services recommends bail remains as presently set. they needed doctors in court. Pre-trial services recommends bail remains as presently set. We'll take a 10-minute recess. When it looked like they could get 25 years to life in prison, sick or no sick,... you knew people were going to get clipped. So the day of the arraignment they had this meeting. When something like this happens, you know how things are going to work out. It's always better with no witnesses So what about Andy? He won't talk. He's a good kid. Stand up guy just like his old man. That's the way I see it. Stand up guy just like his old man. That's the way I see it. I agree. He's solid. He's a marine. He's OK. He always was. Remo, what do you think? Look,... why take a chance? Least, that's the way I feel about it. Call Artie and tell him I don't care what, he's gotta be in my office Thursday morning before 11. I've gotta have a conversation with the guy. Thursday morning before 11. I've gotta have a conversation with the guy. SILENCED GUNSHOTS SIX SILENCED GUNSHOTS SANTORO: As much as they liked him he wasn't one of us - as far as they knew he could have talked. Otherwise, Stony might still be alive. The first one to skip was John Nance. He found a nice, warm, secluded place in Costa Rica. He thought nobody would find him there. secluded place in Costa Rica. He thought nobody would find him there. GUNSHOTS GLASS SHATTERS GUNSHOTS But then his kid got nabbed by the Feds for drugs. So naturally the bosses were afraid he'd come out of hiding just to save his kid, and give 'em all up. So... Where you going, jack off? But, anyway, they all had to follow. Everybody went down. GUNSHOTS Before you knew it, anybody who knew anything ended up getting whacked. SILENCED GUNSHOT WOMAN: Oh no, no! ROTHSTEIN: After Ginger took off she wasn't much help to anybody. She found some pimps, lowlifes, druggies and bikers in LA. In a few months they went through all the money and all the jewels. 'HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN' CONTINUES After they found her body, I had a private doctor do another autopsy. He said they gave her a hot dose. In the end, all she had left was 3600 mint-condition coins. No matter what the Feds or the papers might have said about my car bombing... it was amateur night, you could tell. Whoever it was, they put the dynamite under the passenger's side. What they didn't know was that that model car was made with a metal plate under the driver's seat. That's the only thing that saved my life. The bombing was never authorised, but I suspect I know who lit the fuse. And so do the powers that be. SANTORO: It took months for everything to calm down. But finally my guys got out on bail and the bosses wanted me to send my brother, Dominick, to Vegas. Always the dollars. It was still way too hot for me to go near Vegas, so I set up a meeting with the guys in the sticks. I didn't want my brother to get fucked around. What's right is right. They don't give a fuck about it. ALL TALK AT ONCE They don't give a fuck about it. ALL TALK AT ONCE Tough guy, you and your brother. No more! Frankie! You see? Frankie! Fuck you, you motherfucker. WEAKLY: Oh God. No. Are you going to kill him? He's still breathing. < He's still breathing, leave him alone. Frankie. SQUISHY THUMPS > All right. Strip him. NICKY SANTORO MOANS AND WHIMPERS Come on. Come on. ROTHSTEIN: The word was out. The bosses had enough of Nicky. How much were they gonna take? So they made an example of him and his brother. They buried them while they were still breathing. You all right? They buried them while they were still breathing. You all right? Yeah. they were still breathing. You all right? Yeah. Watch out, the- You all right? ROTHSTEIN: They had other ideas for me. You sure are lucky, mister. CHORAL SINGING ROTHSTEIN: The town will never be the same. After the Tangiers, the big corporations took it all over. Today it looks like Disneyland. CHORAL SINGING And while the kids play cardboard pirates, Mommy and Daddy drop the house payments... and Junior's college money on the poker slots. In the old days dealers knew your name, what you drank, what you played. Today, if you order room service you're lucky if you get it by Thursday. Today it's all gone. You got a whale show up with $4 million in a suitcase, and some schoolkid... is gonna want a social security number. After the teamsters got knocked out of the box, the corporations tore down every one of the old casinos. Where did the money come from to rebuild the pyramids? Junk bonds. Probable. Maybe questionable. All right, let me know as soon as you can find out. ROTHSTEIN: But in the end, I wound up right back where I started. I could still pick winners, and I could still make money for all kinds of people back home. And that's that. Captions by Darise Bennington, Alison Munro, Anne Langford and Christine Ody. Edited by Glen Moffatt. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2017