Chinatown (1974) Edit

A check?

A complete surprise?

A men's room at a Richfield gas station, and The Pig'n Whistle.

A private investigator?

A sort of birthmark.

A wife can tell.

Actually, he's not, Mrs. Mulwray,

Actually, I came to see your husband, Mrs. Mulwray.

Actually, I knew about the affair.

Actually, it was over the Van der Lip Dam.

Actually, this hasn't happened to me for a long time.

All day, sometimes.

All get respectable if they last long enough.

All of it quicker than the wind from a duck's ass.

All of it!

All right, come on. Clear the area! On the sidewalk!

All right, Curly, enough's enough.

All right, mister, who you with,

All right, quit it. Quit, now!

All right, there.

All right.

All right.

Along with Mr. Mulwray.

An hour.

An obituary column. Can you see all right in this light?

And a 12,000 acre water surface.

And at some point, they're going to have to assist me.

And believe me, Mrs. Mulwray, whoever set your husband up,

And either he's the kind who chases after women or he isn't.

And he goes out and he smokes a cigarette.

And he made me a fortune.

And he put up with more from me than you'll ever know.

And he says Gittes knows this,

And he says Gittes knows this,

And he's been going around making irresponsible accusations all last week.

And he's been going around making irresponsible accusations all last week.

And I don't think my father felt that way.

And I like it.

And I still think that you're hiding something.

And I want to know before Escobar gets here,

And it's good advertising.

And Jasper Lamar Crabb, 25,000 acres.

And lawsuit or no lawsuit, I intend to find out.

And let it percolate down to the bedrock, it would stay there

And maybe we can go outside and discuss it.

And money is no object.

And Mulwray isn't?

And never lost a drop.

And not on top of them.

And now you propose yet another dirt banked terminus dam

And remember, I don't have to let you go.

And she's been paying you off like a slot machine ever since.

And since you agree with me that we've never met before,

And that he was afraid what you might do.

And then picking it up for peanuts.

And then they go out and they contemplate the moon

And there is...

And there's always a little run off after they do that.

And there's always a little run off after they do that.

And they don't pay you the same for skipjack as they do albacore or tuna.

And to me.

And too respectable to want your name in the newspapers.

And we're supposed to be in the middle of a drought.

And without water, the dust will rise up and cover us

And you can stay the head of the department

And you can't irrigate an orange grove with it.

And you had one hell of an argument.

And you weren't the least bit upset?

And you're gonna stay there until she does show up.

And you're right.

Anyway, I...

Anyway, this guy who got tired of screwing his wife

Are you frightened for the girl or what Evelyn might do to her?

Are you trying to tell me that he might be behind all this?

As far as it goes.

As little as possible.

As you found out, Evelyn was lost to me a long time ago.

At my age, you tend to forget.

At the Abbacore Club.

At your daughter's house. How soon can you get here?

Back to Mexico.

Bad for the glass.

Because I don't want to lose my license.

Because if she ain't there, you're going downtown,

Because somebody didn't want his body found in the ocean.

Because you don't have a sister.

Beneath this building, beneath our streets, is a desert.

Better call the captain. Get an ambulance.

But aren't you going... Coming back with me?

But believe me, you don't.

But give me a day or two and I'll get back to you.

But he wasn't killed.

But his girl is a witness. So you had to shut her up.

But I'm surprised you're still working for her,

But if this is how you go about your work,

But in case you're interested, your husband was murdered.

But in your business, it's admirable.

But never that.

But the water's not gonna go to L.A., it's coming right here.

But then you'd have to be able to read.

But we also live on the edge of a desert.

But we lost it.

But we've been trying to help some of them out,

But what can we do? The rest of the city needs drinking water.

But what?

But you got the money to keep her mouth shut.

But, Mrs. Mulwray,

But... Now look, what's the matter? What's wrong?

By incorporating the Valley into the city. Simple as that.

Call me Jake. How you doing, Curly?

Call me. I can help.

Call me. I can help.

Can I check one of these volumes out?

Can I help you? Russ Yelburton, Deputy Chief of the department.

Can we leave the lady out of this?

Careful driving home, Curl, huh?

Certainly not spy on my husband.

Certainly.

Charlie! You ought to know better than that!

Chief Engineer?

Claude, take those glasses from him, will you?

Come again?

Come here. I want to show you something.

Come on in, Lou.

Come on out in the kitchen with me for a second, huh?

Come on, Jake.

Come on, Mrs. Mulwray.

Come on. I want you to meet someone, Gittes.

Come, come, Mr. Gitts.

Congratulations.

Conspiracy, and extortion, minimum.

Core samples have shown that beneath this bedrock

Curly, you know how long I've been in this business?

Cut it off and feed it to my goldfish.

Cut myself shaving.

Dead?

Did you get married before or after Mulwray and your father

Did you have affairs?

Did you know you were a very wealthy woman?

Did you talk to him this morning?

Did you wear a uniform?

Didn't they?

Didn't you call me?

Do you happen to know the name of the young lady in question?

Do you have any peroxide, or anything like that?

Do you know me?

Do you know the expression, "Let sleeping dogs lie"?

Do you know where Mulwray's having lunch?

Do you remember the figures we discussed?

Do you remember the last time you saw Mulwray?

Do you speak English?

Do? To whom?

Does my talking about your father upset you?

Does this often happen to you?

Doing what?

Don't be sorry. Neither does Dad.

Don't do anything until I get there.

Don't know her. Take a number.

Don't tell me you're still working for Mrs. Mulwray.

Don't want Mulvihill.

Don't worry, I can recommend a couple.

Don't worry. I'm not going to tell anybody about this.

Down the hatch.

Duffy. Hey, Walsh!

Duffy's on the phone.

Easy. It's an innocent question.

Either you tell me or I guess. I don't know the answer.

Emma Dill, 12,000, Clarence Speer, 5,000,

End up smack in the Pacific Ocean.

Evelyn, put that gun away! Let the police handle this!

Evelyn, you're a disturbed woman. You cannot hope to provide.

Evelyn!

Evelyn. Please, please, be reasonable.

Even the death of your husband?

Everything you can see. Everything around us.

Exactly what do you know about me? Sit down.

Financially speaking, of course.

Find anything interesting, Gittes?

Fine. Long as you don't serve chicken that way.

Fools' names and fools' faces.

For God's sake, keep her upstairs. Go back!

For spitting in the laundry?

For the next 20 years.

For very long?

Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown.

Forget it, will you, Curly?

Forget it. How would you like to pay me off

Frankly, tonight, you saved my...

Frequently, at lunch, Hollis takes walks around them.

From the city's reservoirs,

Gee, Lou, I'm doing the best I can.

Gee, Mr. Gittes, we're going out tomorrow.

Gee, thanks, Lou.

Gentlemen, today you can walk out that door,

Get away from her.

Get away from her. Get away!

Get in the car.

Get off the street!

Gittes?

Give me a break, will you?

Give me the keys.

Go on!

Go on.

Going someplace?

Good news.

Good night.

Good.

Good. What's her name?

Goodbye, ladies.

Had a bureau dresser down there and everything.

Had a falling out finally.

Halt!

Hard working? Wife? Kids?

Have we ever met?

Have you got your checkbook handy, Mr. Cross? I've got the girl.

Have you had lunch? Kahn can fix you something.

Have your client in my office in two hours.

He ain't armed.

He comes back in the room, he starts screwing again,

He didn't wear bifocals.

He figured if you dumped water into desert sand

He found out about it, and he was killed.

He found out they were dumping water there.

He gets up to start to leave again to go look at the moon,

He goes out of the room and reads LIFE magazine.

He just made lieutenant. Wants to hang on to his little gold bar.

He lives at 1712 Alameda. Do you know where that is?

He never even kids about it.

He ought to be able to hold on to your water for you.

He owned it.

He owned the Water Department?

He owns it... You know?

He owns the police!

He passed away two weeks ago, and one week ago he bought the land.

He passed away two weeks ago.

He ****d you?

He says, "The Chinese they screw a little and they get tired..."

He says, "What do the Chinese do?"

He thinks he can get away with anything!

He told you?

He wanted to know where she was.

He was the most gentle, decent man imaginable.

He wouldn't tell me her name.

He wouldn't tell me her name.

He...

He's found himself some cute little twist, the old buzzard...

He's liable to be tied up indefinitely.

He's tired of screwing his wife.

Hear, hear!

Hello, Claude. Where'd you get the midget?

Hello, Jake.

Hello, there. I'm Mr. Palmer. Can I help you folks?

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Her maid's house. I think she knows something's up.

Here. Let me...

Here's something for you, Mr. Gittes.

Hey, listen, pal, I make an honest living.

Hmm.

Hmm.

Hold it right there!

Hold it there, kitty cat! Hold it!

Hollis came and took care of me.

Hollis felt that the water should belong to the public,

Hollis Mulwray made this city,

Hollis Mulwray.

Hollis Mulwray. You seen him?

Hollis Mulwray. You seen him?

Hollis seems to think you're an innocent man.

Hollis.

Hollis's death.

Honest?

How about a glass of wine?

How are you gonna do that?

How are you? I've been calling you.

How come you happen to know her?

How did they get it away from him?

How did you find out?

How do they do that?

How do you do?

How do you like them apples?

How many years have I got?

How much better can you eat?

How much do you owe me?

How much do you want?

How much would you like?

How they plan to make it out of emptying reservoirs,

How'd she get that idea?

How'd you get past the guard?

I am sorry.

I believe, is seeing another woman.

I better talk to your husband about this.

I borrowed your husband's car. I'll bring it back in the morning.

I call that a funny way to irrigate.

I can't do everything myself.

I can't seem to handle him anymore.

I can't tell you.

I can't.

I couldn't see her.

I couldn't.

I didn't come in to see you on my own.

I didn't want her to find out about the girl.

I didn't want her to know until I could make plans for us to leave.

I didn't want to go into any of this, then or now.

I dislike the word "cheat".

I don't blame myself.

I don't care what you've done. I don't want to hurt you.

I don't get tough with anyone, Mr. Gittes.

I don't know how that thing got in the newspaper.

I don't know what you are talking about. This is the craziest, most insane thing...

I don't know what you're talking about.

I don't know you.

I don't know. The traffic was pretty loud.

I don't see anyone for very long, Mr. Gittes.

I don't think about it that much,

I don't think I need a day or two.

I don't want her taken advantage of.

I don't want to nail you.

I don't.

I ended up making sure that she was hurt.

I forget. I don't call myself that often.

I get by.

I got something I'd like to show you, Mr. Cross.

I got the pictures in my office, if that'll help you remember.

I got your check in the mail.

I guess I can manage.

I guess not.

I guess you're right.

I had no idea you and Hollis were that fond of one another.

I had no idea...

I had to go back three times to pick up the watches.

I happen to know Hollis was fond of her.

I have to go.

I have to know.

I haven't the faintest idea.

I heard only one thing, though.

I help them out. I don't kick families out of their houses

I hope you don't mind. I believe they should be served with the head.

I just didn't want to explain anything.

I just want a minute alone with her. It would mean a lot to her.

I know where it is. Just do it.

I know you been real good about it, but my cousin Auggie's sick.

I let them practice up out here.

I like breathing through it.

I mean, you'll love this.

I might be able to squeeze 75 bucks out of it for you.

I need you here.

I never expected anything to happen like what happened to Mr. Mulwray.

I never expected anything to happen like what happened to Mr. Mulwray.

I only brought it up to illustrate a point. I don't want your last dime.

I ran away.

I said cut that out! Give the man a chance to say something!

I said I want the truth!

I said I want the truth!

I said see if he's armed, not empty his pockets!

I saw him.

I see you like publicity, Mr. Gittes.

I still got a few teeth left in my head, and a few friends in town.

I suppose we'd better take Water and Power first.

I suppose we'll be hearing from your attorney.

I take a long lunch hour.

I tell you what, pal.

I think I gave it to her.

I think I would have remembered.

I think there's been some misunderstanding here.

I think you better come with me.

I thought you hired a private investigator.

I thought you said Cross owned it.

I tried to keep it from her.

I understand.

I understand.

I want somebody to know that I didn't know what would happen.

I want the big boys that are making the payoffs.

I want the only daughter I've got left.

I want the rest of the pictures, Gittes.

I want to find out who put you up to it.

I want to know more about you.

I want to see her.

I want to take care of her.

I want to tell you a story.

I want you to listen to me.

I wanted him to be happy.

I wanted to, but I...

I was 15.

I was at the Hall of Records today.

I was grateful.

I was just out of grade school when they did that.

I was riding bareback.

I was the one who pretended to be Mrs. Mulwray. Remember?

I was trying to keep someone from being hurt.

I went riding rather early.

I will if you don't.

I will.

I won't build it. It's that simple.

I wonder if you'd care to wait in my office.

I wonder, is it too late for us to have a look around?

I would never have harmed Hollis.

I'd like to be able to read across.

I'd like to bring her out myself.

I'd like to help her if I can.

I'd like to talk to him.

I'd say you'd be lucky to get through a whole day.

I'll be back.

I'll double whatever your fee is and pay you $10,000

I'll get to him this afternoon if I can.

I'll have my secretary draw up the papers.

I'll look into it,

I'll pay you the rest next week.

I'll put one of my men on the job.

I'll see he's careful with the matches and doesn't burn himself.

I'll see her to the car, Lou. I'll be right back.

I'll send you a check.

I'll stop by.

I'll tell you the truth.

I'll tell you...

I'll...

I'm afraid not, Mrs. Mulwray. These are my operatives,

I'm doing you a favor.

I'm gonna make it easy for you.

I'm just trying to make a living. I don't want to become a local joke.

I'm not going to make the same mistake twice.

I'm not going to make the same mistake twice.

I'm not with either one of them.

I'm sorry, but we don't.

I'm sorry. Miss Sessions insists.

I'm sure that he loves you, too, Mrs. Mulwray.

I'm tired.

I've got you right now for withholding evidence.

Ida Sessions wants to see you.

If I can see him, I can help him.

If Ida wants to see me, she can call me at my office.

If Mulwray was murdered,

If that's what you mean.

If we need any more information, we'll be in touch.

If you don't hear from me, you and Duffy meet me at 1712 Alameda.

If you find Hollis' girlfriend.

If you find out what happened to Hollis, and who is involved.

If you want an answer to that question, Mr. Cross,

If you want to hire me, I still have to know what the argument was about.

If you were a bank president, that would be one thing,

If your husband was killed, it was.

In a cheap sort of a way, of course.

In case I have to get in touch with you again.

In case you've forgotten, gentlemen,

In that pond.

In the last three months, Robert Knox has bought 7,000 acres,

In the middle of a drought, that's news.

Instead of evaporate the way it does in most reservoirs.

Involuntary manslaughter, if anybody wants to take the trouble,

Involved with someone?

Irrigating my land?

Is a fair price to pay to keep the desert from our streets

Is he still in the building?

Is it because of Hollis? Because she was seeing your husband? Is that it?

Is it painful?

Is it painful?

Is Mr. Yelburton there?

Is shale similar to the permeable shale in the Van der Lip disaster.

Is she going on a trip?

Is that all?

Is there anything else you want to know about me?

Is this business or an obsession with you?

It comes in different parts of the river.

It couldn't be more personal.

It couldn't withstand that kind of pressure.

It didn't make him happy.

It disturbs me. Makes me think you're taking my daughter for a ride.

It doesn't hurt.

It has nothing to do with you or with any of all of this. It's just...

It must be painful.

It runs contrary to my experience.

It seems like half the city is trying to cover it all up,

It was an accident!

It was Evelyn Mulwray,

It was five days ago outside The Pig'n Whistle,

It was so quick, I didn't even know it myself.

It was sometime after.

It's a fish.

It's a flaw in the iris.

It's a nasty cut.

It's almost bedtime.

It's an innocent question.

It's Dad.

It's either that or you drive yourself to the police.

It's not a departmental matter, Mr. Yelburton.

It's not completely dry.

It's not worth it, Mr. Gitts.

It's possible.

It's really not worth it.

It's what I am doing.

It's what the District Attorney used to tell me in Chinatown.

It's where he was drowned.

It's why you attracted a client like my daughter.

J.J. Gittes and Associates.

J.J. Gittes and Associates.

J.J. Gittes for Lieutenant Escobar.

J.J. Gittes to see Mr. Mulwray.

J.J. Gittes to see Mr. Yelburton.

J.J. Gittes.

Jake, let me tell you about the guy who got tired...

Jake, what are you doing here?

Jake?

Jasper Lamar Crabb.

Jasper Lamar Crabb.

Jesus!

Jesus. That's in Chinatown, ain't it?

Just before the story broke in the papers, Lou.

Just drive slow for a block or two, will you, Curly?

Just find the girl, Mr. Gitts.

Just find the girl.

Just get him the hell out of here!

Just if you'll confine yourself to the main building.

Just look in the obituary column of today's L.A. Post Record.

Just sitting down for supper. You care to join us?

Just tell me the truth. I'm not the police.

Just three minutes.

Kahn, please, go back.

Katherine, close the door.

Katherine, get in the car.

Katherine, say hello to Mr. Gittes.

Katherine!

Keep them from going under.

L.A.'s a small town. People talk.

Land sales out of escrow are always recorded within the week.

Lately he'd been living in one of the downtown storm drains.

Let me explain something to you, Walsh.

Let us through, guys! Give us a little room!

Let's face it, Jake, you're practically a movie star.

Let's look at it this way.

Lieutenant Escobar.

Lieutenant, I am rich, I am Noah Cross.

Like she knows more than you want her to tell.

Like with you.

Listen, pal, Escobar's going to try and book me in about five minutes.

Loach, lock him to the wheel of that car.

Loach?

Look, I do matrimonial work. It's my mÈtier.

Look, somebody's gone to a lot of trouble here,

Look, you sue me, your husband dies, you drop the lawsuit like a hot potato,

Look, you tell me to take pictures, I take pictures.

Looks like he was washed down the entire length of the run off channel.

Looks like you went quite a distance.

Lord.

Lord.

Lord.

Los Angeles is a desert community.

Lou, let's swear out a warrant for her arrest.

Lou, you don't know what's going on here. I'm telling you.

Lousy cold I can't seem to shake, but otherwise, I'm okay.

Ma'am.

Maid's night off?

Mainly that you're rich,

Maybe even 100.

Maybe we can put the whole thing off on a few big shots,

Maybe you have.

Maybe you'd like to step down out of the barber chair

Maybe.

Mayor Bagby, let's hear from all the departments again.

Meet me at 1972 Canyon Drive.

Meet me at 1972 Canyon Drive.

Middle of a drought, and the Water Commissioner drowns.

Money.

Morose, or unhappy?

Mortgage department, First National Bank.

Mr. Cross, these are my associates, Mr. Walsh and Mr...

Mr. Gittes,

Mr. Gittes, don't tell me how I feel.

Mr. Gittes, please, do you think we could discuss this alone?

Mr. Gittes, that's an outrageous accusation.

Mr. Gittes, you're not making a bit of sense.

Mr. Gittes, you've talked me into it. I'll drop the lawsuit.

Mr. Gittes! Come in! Well, this is some surprise, Mr. Gittes.

Mr. Gittes.

Mr. Gittes.

Mr. Gittes...

Mr. Mulwray felt the public should own the water.

Mr. Mulwray?

Mr. Mulwray?

Mr. Yelburton will be busy for some time.

Mr. Yelburton will see you now.

Mrs. Evelyn Mulwray.

Mrs. Mulwray,

Mrs. Mulwray,

Mrs. Mulwray, do you love your husband?

Mrs. Mulwray, I think you're hiding something.

Mrs. Mulwray, I'm afraid that's not good enough.

Mrs. Mulwray, may I present Mr. Gittes?

Mrs. Mulwray, this...

Mrs. Mulwray, you'll have to explain that.

Mrs. Mulwray's waiting for you with Mr. Walsh and Mr. Duffy.

Mulvihill! What are you doing here?

Mulwray didn't want to build a dam.

Mulwray had salt water in his lungs.

Mulwray was murdered and moved

Mulwray? That's the son of a bitch who's done it to us.

Must have looked cute in blue.

My father

My father and I...

My father?

My God, Walsh, is that what you spent your day doing?

My God!

My goodness, what happened to your nose?

My grandson is a member, and they take very nice care of us.

My husband,

My husband's at the office.

My late husband owned a good deal of beach property at Long Beach,

My lawyer does.

My sister, my daughter!

My usual fee, plus a bonus if I get results.

Naturally, when you divert water, there's a little run off.

Neither do I, actually.

Neither do I.

Never better, except for this darn cough.

Never?

Never.

Next time you lose the whole thing.

No matter how soused he is.

No question from you is innocent, Mr. Gittes.

No, I just want to know what you're worth. Over $10 million?

No, I'm sorry, I don't.

No, Mr. Gittes.

No, no, no, Gittes. You're going to show us.

No, no. Here.

No, thank you, Curly, very much, but I would like a glass of water, though.

No, that's worse.

No, you have your press agent do it.

No! No!

No? Want to guess? No?

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No. Allow me to show you.

No. I have my own car. The Packard.

No. I was just checking a detail or two with my two associates.

No. I'm just a snoop.

No. She happens to think the last one was murdered.

No. Why does it bother you to talk about it?

Noah Cross is your father, isn't he?

Nope. Your wife got excited. She crossed her legs a little too quick.

Not now.

Not only that, but I wouldn't extort a nickel from my worst enemy, Escobar.

Not over me. Why should it be over me?

Not that Mulwray?

Nothing, Morty. It's my lunch hour.

Now I want to be with her.

Now remember, we live next door to the ocean,

Now,

Now, I think you know all you need know about me.

Now, I want to know how it happened, and I want to know why,

Now, my father is a very dangerous man.

Now, please, don't ask me anymore questions now,

Now, then they go back and they screw a little bit more,

Now, this phony broad, excuse the language,

Now, wait a minute, Mrs. Mulwray.

Now, what seems to be the problem?

Now, where's the girl?

Now, you can swim in it and you can fish in it, but you can't drink it,

Obviously, the fall must have knocked him unconscious.

Of course I do. Where are you?

Of course I'm sure.

Of course not.

Of course not.

Of course you have my deepest sympathy.

Of course, but you've no reason to think he's bungled the case?

Of course, he has to swim in the same water we all do.

Of course, I'm anxious for him to have the best,

Of course.

Oh, I'm not.

Oh, my God. No, look, don't do anything.

Oh, no, no, Dad is an absolute angel with everyone else.

Oh, no, no, Mrs. Mulwray, I don't think so.

Oh, no!

Oh, no! Oh, no.

Oh, stop it, The money's fine. It's generous.

Oh, that.

Oh, that's all right, Officer.

Oh, that's all taken care of.

Oh, there you are.

Oh, yes, we have.

Oh, yes. Bad for glass.

Oh? And what do you do to make ends meet?

Oh.

Okay, go home.

Okay, pal, let's have us a big smile.

Okay.

Okay. Slow down. Where are you?

On the sidewalk!

Only when I breathe.

Only when you breathe.

Or is it too tough for you?

Or something like that. Makes it more exciting.

Or you bring L.A. to the water.

Or you hired that chippy to hire me.

Orange groves?

Orange groves?

Otherwise, he'll be home by 6:30.

Over you or over the Water Department?

Part of it's in Ventura County.

People only come to me when they're in a desperate situation.

Perhaps if we met with your father.

Please call first.

Please.

Plus $5,000

Plus a bonus if I show results.

Politicians, ugly buildings, and whores

Probably.

Quiet! Quiet!

Quiet! Quiet!

Quite a character.

Relax and I'll tell you.

Relax, Mulvihill. Glad to see you. You know Claude Mulvihill here?

Right now, Curly. It can't wait.

Right there.

Right this way.

Row 23, section C.

Russ Yelburton, Deputy Chief of the department.

Salt water very bad for grass.

Salt water?

Say, sonny,

Say, sonny,

Search him. Search him!

Search the man. See if he's armed.

See, Mr. Gitts, either you bring the water to L.A.,

Set me up.

She begged me to call. She's waiting for you.

She hired you.

She lives in Pedro. I'll write it down.

She looks at him and says, "Hey, what's the matter with you?

She says you know her.

She tells me she's you. She hires me.

She was cheating on him.

She...

She...

She...

She'd be one of the last to have seen him alive.

She's having a bath right now. Why do you want to see her?

She's mine, too.

She's my daughter.

She's my daughter.

She's my sister and my daughter!

She's my sister.

She's my sister.

She's never going to know that!

She's not armed or nothing. She won't be a problem.

She's too upset.

She's...

Sheriff's gold posse. Bunch of damn fools