[reading newspaper]
"Underworld pays respects to Diamond Pete Montana."
Joe Massara Ah, what's that gotta do with the price of eggs?
Plenty. Diamond Pete Montana. He doesn't have to waste his time on cheap gas stations. He's somebody. He's in the big town, doing things in a big way. And look at us, just a couple of nobodies, nothin'.
Joe Massara Is that what you want, Rico? A party like that for you? "Caesar Enrico Bandello. Honored by his friends."
I could do all the things that fella does, and more, only I never got my chance. Why, what's there to be afraid of? And when I get in a tight spot, I shoot my way out of it. Why sure. Shoot first and argue afterwards. You know, this game ain't for guys that's soft!
Joe Massara Yeah, there's money in the big town, all right. And the women. Good times, something doing all the time. Exciting things, you know. The clothes I could wear. And then I'd quit, Rico. I'd go back to dancing, like I used to before I met you. I don't know. I ain't made for this sort of thing. Dancing. That's what I wanna do.
Dancing? Women? And where do they get you? I don't want no dancing. I'm figuring on making other people dance. Oh, I ain't forgetting about the money. Money's okay, but it ain't everything. Be somebody. Look hard at guys and know they'll do anything you tell them. Have your own way or nothing. Be somebody.
Joe Massara You'll get there, Rico.
Joe Massara You'll show them.
You know, this was our last stand in this burg. We're pulling out.
Joe Massara Where are we going?
East. [gestures to the newspaper] Where things break big.
Joe Massara [after Olga sees his gun]
Once in the gang, you know the rest.
Olga Stassoff I don't want to know. Only maybe, maybe it could be different this time, if we try.
Joe Massara I've never seen a guy that could get away with it yet.
Joe Massara Say, what's the big idea of the rush anyway?
It's a little job we need you for. A little job at the Bronze Peacock.
Joe Massara What do you mean? Are you trying to kid me or something? How can I take the chance? They're all my friends, they all know me.
That's why, they'll never suspect you. Now, don't stall, Joe.
Joe Massara I ain't stalling. You gotta get me out of this, Rico. You gotta. I don't want to...Well, don't you see, I'm working steady now, and...Can't a guy ever say he's through?
You're gonna be in on this, and you'll like it.
Olga Stassoff Why, Joe...Joey.
Joe Massara What is it? What's the matter?
Olga Stassoff Nothing. It's all right. The joint's been held up, that's all.
Joe Massara Held up?
Olga Stassoff They...They shot McClure. Joe.
Joe Massara Now you know.
Olga Stassoff It was you.
Joe Massara No. No, it's a lie! I...
Olga Stassoff You shot McClure.
Joe Massara No, I didn't, I swear. It wasn't me that shot him. It was...I don't know who. But it's our hips for this job, all right.
Olga Stassoff Maybe... Maybe everything will be all right, Joey. Maybe he wasn't hurt badly. But you're through with that bunch. You don't belong, Joe. You're not that kind. You'll never go near them again.
Joe Massara Olga...you can't go back on the gang.
Yeah, dancing's all right for a sideline. It gives you a swell front. But it ain't my idea of a man's game.
Joe Massara What's the difference Rico, as long as I ain't kickin', why should you kick?
Who's kicking? Why should a young guy like you be wasting his time? And I kinda took pride in ya, Joe. Brought you into the gang, pushed you ahead, but now you're gettin' to be a sissy.
We started off together, didn't we? Well, we gotta keep going along together. Who else have I got to give a hang about? I need ya, Joe. I got the biggest chance of my life. The Big Boy just handed me the whole North Side, but it's too much for one man to handle alone. I need somebody, somebody to work in with me, a guy like you. Somebody I can trust.
Joe Massara It can't be me, Rico. I've quit.
You didn't quit. Nobody ever quit me. You're still in my gang. Do you get that? (grabbing his lapel) I don't care how many fancy skirts you got hangin' on to you. That Jane of yours can go hang. It's her that's made a softie out of you.
Joe Massara You lay off Olga...
I ain't layin' off of her. I'm after her. One of us is gonna lose and it ain't gonna be me. There's ways of stoppin' that dame.
Joe Massara You're crazy! Leave her out of this.
Aw, she's through. She's out of the way, that's what she is.
Joe Massara You're lying. You wouldn't dare.
[brandishing his hand]
I wouldn't, wouldn't I? I'll show ya.
Joe Massara I love her. We're in love with one another. Doesn't that mean nothin' to ya?
Nothin'. Less than nothin'. Love! Soft stuff! When she's got you, you ain't no good for anything. We ain't out of this yet. Now we don't want no softies spilling things.
Joe Massara I ain't gonna spill anything if that's what you're scared of.
You go back to that dame and it's suicide. Suicide for both of ya.
