Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Able 2017 (SCRATCHING) No, son. Never. The blood stays on the blade. One day you'll understand. 'Some of it I half-remember.' 'And the rest... ..the rest I took from dreams.' Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protector against the snares and the wickedness of the devil. Now, son, who's that? Saint Michael. Who is it? Saint Michael! And what did he do? He cast Satan out of Paradise. Good boy. # "Shimmy She Wobble" - Othar Turner & the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band The Lord place the steel of the Holy Spirit in your spine and the love of the Blessed Virgin in your heart. (AFRICAN DRUMS PLAY) Hey, boyo! Johnny! What's the battle? The Natives against the Dead Rabbits. Which are you? What do you think? Dead rabbits! (NERVOUS CHATTER) (SQUEALS) Help me! Well, well, monk! Are you with us or not? For the last time, Vallon, I'm with you if the money is right. I'll give you ten per notch. Ten? You have my word. Ten per notch? Per new notch! Then I'm your man. (MUSIC STOPS) (CRUNCHING) Is this it, Priest? The Pope's new army? A few crusty bitches and a handful of rag-tags? No, Bill, we swore this was a battle between warriors, not a bunch of Miss Nancies. So, warriors is what I brought. The O'Connell Guard! The Plug Uglies! The Shirt Tails! The Chichesters! The Forty Thieves! Bene. On my challenge, by the ancient laws of combat we have met at this chosen ground to settle for good and all who holds sway over the Five Points! Us Natives, born right-wise to this fine land... ..or the foreign hordes defiling it! (ALL) Yeah! (CLANGING) Under the ancient laws of combat I accept the challenge of the so-called Natives. You plague our people at every turn! But from this day out, you shall plague us no more! The hand that tries to strike us from this land shall be swiftly cut down! (ALL) Yeah! Then may the Christian Lord guide my hand against your Roman popery! Prepare to receive the true Lord! (ALL) Yeah! # "Signal To Noise" - Peter Gabriel Come on! (CRASHING) (GROWLS) Yeah! Priest! (HORN SOUNDS) (ROARS) Look at me! Who is this under my knife? Father, get up! Get up! Where are you? Where are you? Oh, my son. Don't never look away! Soon be over, Priest. Finish it. (SQUELCHING) Argh! (SOBS) You may need this to cross the river. Ears and noses will be the trophies of the day. But no hand shall touch him! No hand shall touch him! He'll cross over whole! In honour. Not before I get what's owed! No! It's fair. A touch indelicate, but fair. My sympathies. What will we do with the boy? Look at me. Give him to the law. See he gets a good education. OK, boy. Say goodbye to your father. Hey. Take it easy! Hey! Come back! Get him! Get him! Don't let him get away! Hurry! Come in here! Aaargh! Come here, boy. You're going to Hellgate, son! There he is! Get him! 'Priest Vallon died a noble death.' Let go of me! But his Dead Rabbits is done and outlawed! Let no-one even speak their name from this time on. In this place you have grown from a boy into a man. Put to death the earthly things in you. Immorality. Impurity. Passion. Vengeance. The Lord has forgiven you. You also must forgive. You go forth to a country torn apart by civil strife. Thank you, Reverend. Lend your hand to the work that yet remains, that this war may end and the plague of slavery that brought this configuration down upon us vanish forever from the earth. (GATE SLAMS) # "Dark Moon, High Tide" - Afro Celt Sound System (CHEERING) 'In the second year of the Great Civil War when the Irish Brigade marched through the streets, New York was a city full of tribes.' 'War chiefs.' 'Rich and poor.' Lincoln will make all White men slaves! 'It wasn't a city really.' 'It was more a furnace, where a city someday might be forged.' That's the spirit boys. Go off and die for your Blackie friends. (CHEERING) We should've run a better man against Lincoln when we had the chance. They're trying to say we're no different than niggers. You ain't. God praise the Union! > Praise the Union! The Union forever! > Go back to Africa, niggers! (ANGRY SHOUTING) 'The angriest talk was of the new Conscription Act, the first draft in Union history.' (ALL CHEER) New York Tribune! Buy your Tribune here! Join the army lads. Three square meals a day and good pay! 'When the Irish came the city was in a fever.' 'Since the time of the Great Famine they'd come streaming off the boats.' 'They got a right warm welcome(!)' Go back to Ireland, you dumb Mick! You'll remember that! Get back on the boat, Paddy! 'I only came two hours downriver from Hellgate, but they all took me for an immigrant. Why not? There were 1,000 different accents in New York and to the Natives you see, it was all the same.' (SHOUTS ANGRILY) Come here to take the chill off your soul and the weight off your heart. Welcome to America son, your long, arduous journey is over. Go back to your own country! Vote Tammany! America for Americans! 'New York loved William Tweed and hated him.' 'Those of us trying to be thieves, we couldn't help but admire him.' Mr Cutting. Gentlemen. Thank you for coming. It's an honour. Mr Tweed. Sir! Please! Excuse me? I think you're frightening them. So? Don't mind him, he used to be an Irishman. (LAUGHING) 'Ah, the Five Points!' 'Murderer's Alley. Brickbat Mansion.' 'The Gates of Hell!' In this wild place... ..look upon the face of this poor child. She lives in squalor, in this godforsaken den of vice and misery behind me. 'Every year the Reformers came.' 'Every year the Points got worse.' 'As if it liked being dirty.' ..degrading man and woman! Where am I going to go? Move! The Reverend wants you out of here. You can't do this! Come on! Move! ..from filthy depths to which we miserable creatures have fallen! In God they will find their true home. You may or not know, Bill, everyday I go to the waterfront with hot soup for the Irish as they come ashore as part of building a political base. I've noticed you there. You may have noticed me? I have! Withering abuse on every person who steps off those boats. If only I had the guns, Mr Tweed, I'd shoot each and everyone of them before they set foot on American soil. 'Mulberry street and Worth.' 'Cross, and Orange and Littlewater.' 'Each of the Five Points is a finger.' When I close my hand it becomes a fist. And any time that I wish, I can turn it against you. I understand. But we're talking about different things. I mean civic duty. Responsibilities we owe to the people. Schools, hospitals. Sewers, utilities. Street construction, repairs and sweeping. Business and saloon licences. 'Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.' 'Be our protector against the snares and the wickedness of the devil.' 'Cars, ferries, rubbish disposal.' There's a power of money to be made in this city. With your help, the people must be made to understand that all these things are best kept, in what I like to call the Tammany family. I'm talking about an alliance between our two organisations. You mean muscle work. That too. Muscle to match our spirit. You own the crushers, get them to do it. The police? Oh, no! Jesus, no! The appearance of the law must be upheld. Especially while it's been broken. Give me the strength for what I must do. Who are you? Hey! Ah, no! I said, who are you? What are you doing here? I just like it down here is all. See what's in his pockets, Jimmy. Boys, I don't want to fight. You don't want to fight? Don't worry, son. Ain't gonna be much of one. (GRUNTS) Don't kill me. Where did you get that? I told you I didn't want to fight! Why not? Look how good you done. (CHUCKLES) 1 You're the priest's son, aren't you? You! Get away from me. You understand? You don't remember me, do you? I was the one tried to help you. What? I was the one tried to help you. When the Natives took you. Oh, that was you? Yeah. I thought you was killed. (CHUCKLES) They just locked me up. You know that. This long? But I kept trying to escape, you know. They add on time for that. So, what are you doing back here? I guess I missed the place. (LAUGHS) The Bowery Boys. (SPEAK ASIAN LANGUAGE) (CRASHING) (ALL LAUGH) Get back here! The Five Points. Paradise Square! The streets here are always livelier in the evening. Who are the gangs around now? The Daybreak Boys and the Swamp Angels work the River Luton ships. The Frog Haulers shanghai sailors down by the Bloody Angle. Shirt Tails was rough. They became dandies, lolling around looking like Chinamen. Maggie tried to open up a grog shop. She drunk up all her liquor and got thrown out on the street. She's on the lay. The Plug Uglies from the old country, they got their own language. No-one understands them. They fight cops. Nightwalkers and Ratpickers work on their backs, kill with their hands. Only the Plug Uglies talk to 'em! Who knows what they're saying. The Slaughter Housers and Broadway Twisters are fine bingo-boys! The Little Forty Thieves. I ran with them till they got took over by Benja and his red-eyed buggers. Benja carries a germ. If you try to leave, he hacks up blood on you. They are nothing but a bunch of rapacious grab-ups! The True Blue Americans call themselves a gang, but all they do is stand around damning England. Do you believe a word the British say? Any of them got the sand of the Dead Rabbits? You don't say that name! That name died with your... It's been outlawed. When I was in the blockhouse, the Chinks told me that the Natives celebrate their victory every year. Is that true? Aye, that they do. It's quite the affair. The Butcher's got to invite you or you don't go. Oh! Ah! Look where you're going, Johnny! You look stunned and poorly, sir! Quite a pair of conversationists, aren't you? (GIGGLES) Maybe not. We're deep thinkers. (LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY) Well, gentlemen, I leave you in the grace and favour of the Lord! (GIGGLES) Jenny, the finest bludget in all the Points. She is a prim-looking star-gazer! Hunh. I'd check my pockets if I was you. Because I do believe she lifted your timepiece. Well, I let her take it. I let her take things all the time. Is that right? Yeah. (UPBEAT MUSIC) 'We always liked a good fire in the Points.' 'You could generally pick up a little swag and if the cops came along then you really got a show!' 'The municipal police fought the metropolitan police.' 'The metropolitan police fought the street gangs.' Hurry before the Black Joke comes! 'There were 37 amateur fire brigades. They fought each other.' The Black Joke are on their way! I don't think they'll stray here! (ALL CHEER) OK, boys, get the hoses! (ALL) Ohhh! It's the Black Joke! Go get them, boys! (ALL SHOUT) Give those Bowery Boys hell! Quick before there's nothing left! Go back to the Bowery, ya bum! They're taking everything! In your next time of trouble, ma'am, call on Tammany! It's not too late. You can still save my house! Let's go! I thought you said you was hungry! Grab what you can, Johnny! Let's get out of here! May I point out that this building is burning to ashes? May I point out this area is the province of my own fire brigade. You lot belong in the Bowery. May I point out that you are outmanned, outmanoeuvred and in a moment outfought! Am I? (ALL SHOUT) (BELL SOUNDS) There's the Black Joke! Let's take 'em on the cobbles! (SHOUTS) (BELL SOUNDS) Go on, sonny! Clear the way for Bill the Butcher! OK, boys, to work! What's the point? The fire's near burnt anything of value inside. Boys, forget that one. Next building over. Mustn't let it spread! Grab what you want! What? There's nothing wrong with this one! This is my house! Arh! Johnny! Help! Johnny! Help! Help! Help! Help! Come on! Come on, Johnny, get up! Leave that! You two, on your way! His name's Amsterdam. How's the beak? Ain't so bad. You. You got anything give it up or you can get out. Is that it? That's it. Right. Here's the rake. Everything comes here, we fence it. Johnny takes our tribute to the Natives. We chop up the winnings. Each to his equal portion. Does that meet with your approval, Hellgate? My approval? What's the matter, Jack Sprat, can't you think for yourself? (CHUCKLES) I'll slit your fucking throat! Hey! (BANGING) You boys settle with me before settling with each other. I've come for my due and proper. # "Shimmy She Wobble" - Othar Turner & the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band (MUSIC STOPS) Well! Well, this ain't a bad haul. You know, when folks say the country is going to hell, I always tell 'em, look at all the hard work our fine young lads is doing down in the Five Points. Yeah. This is just the thing for Mrs Mulraney. Alright, Happy Jack. Leave us with something to give Bill the Butcher, hey? Would ya? (MUSIC PLAYS) Not my favourite tune. (MUSIC STOPS) Thank you, boys. You keep out of trouble now. 'Every year the Natives celebrated the killing of my father again.' 'At Sparrow's Chinese Pagoda in Mott street the Chinks hated the Natives worse than we did.' 'The drum rolls and the Butcher drinks a glass of fire.' 'When you kill a king, you don't stab him in the dark.' 'You kill him where the whole court can watch him die.' Hey, you got any timber? # "New York Girls" - Finbar Furey # As I walked down # through Chatham Street a fair maid I did meet # She asked me to see her home # She lived in Bleeker Street # To me away, you Santy # My dear Annie # Oh, you New York girls # Can't you dance the polka? # To me away, you Santy # My dear Annie # Oh, you New York girls # Can't you dance the polka? # When we got to Bleeker Street # We stopped at 44 # Her mother and her sister there # to meet us at the door # To me away, you Santy # My dear Annie # Oh, you New York girls # Can't you dance the polka? # To me away, you Santy... # Hey, Maggie. Right ear or left ear? Ah, give us a drink, ya eejit! Help yourself. To health(!) # ..so awfully strong... # Two minutes. Place your bets. Gentlemen, the match is due to commence. The count to beat is 25 rodents in 3 minutes. Howser against the vermin. You satisfied? 50! Yes! # To me away, you Santy # My dear Annie... # (ALL CHEER) # Oh, you New York girls # Can't you dance the polka? # To me away, you Santy # My dear Annie # Oh, you New York girls... # Where are you going, boy? I'm here to pay tribute to Bill. Are you? Give it to me. I'll give it to him. No thanks. I'll give it to him myself. Oh! What do you want to keep, the money or your teeth, boyo? John. Welcome. From me and me lads, sir. Mate of yours? Where's he from? Oh, he's not from here, sir. You! # My dear Annie # Oh, you New York girls # Can't you dance the polka? # To me away, you Santy # My dear Annie # Oh, you New York girls # Can't you dance the polka? # That's close enough. Your friend can't look me in the eye. That's not admirable. No-one can look you in the eye, Bill. Not when you're playing cards. # "Shimmy She Wobble" - Othar Turner & the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band This is whist, it's a gentleman's game. Make a gentleman's bet. I'm betting large, Bill! That ain't large. Aaaaaargh! Shh. Shh-shh. Please, don't make that noise again, Harvey. I like a man who's willing to burn for his swag. Argh! How do you fare on water? Come closer. I ain't gonna bite. Close. There's a Portuguese ship lying low in the harbour. Quarantined three weeks. Get there before the Daybreak Boys strip her. Maybe we'll talk some more. Consider it done, sir. Good boy. And you, whatever your name is. What is your name? Amsterdam, sir. Amsterdam? I'm New York. Don't you come in here empty-handed again. You gotta pay for the pleasure of my company. Take him for a boat ride, John. Who knows, he might save your life again. PEOPLE CHATTER, DANCE MUSIC PULSATES They've been on the sauce. They've been on the sauce. Your party! They've been on the sauce. Your party! That's Mary's boy, isn't it? Yeah. Maybe you should say something. Maybe you should say something. Nah. I'm crap at that kind of thing, Barry. Yeah, but they're just kids. If we don't say something... (GROANS) Hey, boys? Boys? Why don't you get a lift home tonight? Oh, whatever, mate. I've only had a couple. No, no, no, no. It's too late now. I've spoken to you and I know your mum, so that means our fates are aligned. You get into that car and you get yourself killed or you kill someone else, I become part of it too. How? How? Well, it's like, um, my balls are in your hands. BOYS LAUGH, SNORT BOY: Oh, you want the balls! BOY: Oh, you want the balls! Nobody wants that. Hey, how about I drive you? What? Oh. What? Oh. BOYS LAUGH, DANCE MUSIC PLAYS ON RADIO (SWITCHES RADIO STATION) (SWITCHES RADIO STATION) YODELLING MUSIC PLAYS I like it. 1 If the Daybreak boys catch us here, they'll slit our throats! (I'll do it myself if you don't keep quiet!) 'I never liked the harbour after dark.' 'And now each night they brung ashore the bodies of the soldiers.' Many mothers don't have the solace of knowing where their sons fell. I lost my own eldest at Antietam. His mother and I were unable to recover his remains. 'It was a mournful sight.' The war can't last forever. 'We had business of our own.' Ow! (They've already been here. There's nothing left. Let's go back, heh?) What the hell...? (CREAKING) Jimmy, get down! (GUNSHOT / CRASHING) Jesus! That'll bring the harbour cops for sure! Fuck off! (Let's take a look.) Jesus! They killed everybody! There's nothing here but a bunch of dead sea crabs! Come on! Let's go. Shove off! No! Wait for Amsterdam! Where's Amsterdam? (SCREAMS) No, you damn fool, take him! What in the hell for? Look, I said no less than 15! Is this fresh? Four hours most. Much obliged, gents. What's that word? Well, er, it means body snatchers. I didn't ask the meaning. I asked the word. Ghoul? Ghoul? That's a good word. "Ghoul gang slaughters." "A fresh out... outrage in the Five Points." That's a notice you can be proud of. Thank you. Low thing, to do that to a body. Low. Why? They could've left that ship with nothing. Instead they made the Police Gazette. A periodical of note. A body's supposed to stay below earth wearing the wooden coat until the resurrection. They're bug-eating sons of Irish bitches, like you. Don't seem to bother them none. Maybe they don't share your religious scruples. Maybe they're just fiddling bairns. (LAUGHS) I've been called a lot of things, mister, but I've never been called... Fiddling bairns. Fiddling bairns. Right. Well, if I knew what in the hell that meant I might be inclined to take offence. A fiddling bairn is a fellow who steals anything, dead or alive. He's too low to work up a decent lay for himself. Count that careful. I'm telling you that's all there is. That's all they gave us. Chiseller! If you had said chiseller, now that's a word I understand. Is that what you're calling us? I can think of a number of things to call you, boyo! Right. But I asked if you was calling us chisellers? Supposing I am? Well, then, we got business. That we do! Fight! Fight! Two dollars on McGloin! Four pieces on the kid! Five pieces on the kid! Come on, McGloin, he's just a kid! Four pieces to back Amsterdam! McGloin! Watch his left, McGloin! Watch his left! (GRUNTS) Aargh! Aaargh! Alright, that'll do. Let him go. What do you say now, huh? That'll do, for Christ's sake! Drag him off. That's enough, kid. You got him! Come on. Good work, boy! You're getting too old for it, McGloin! (COUGHS) (LAUGHS) Hah. McGloin, how would that head look without the ears and nose on it? (ALL LAUGH) You'd better leave that head alone, Bill. I think I'm gonna trim the ears and the beak off of that head. Make a nice pot of soup with it. You could find a tastier head! I ain't got the stomach for no Irish stew! (ALL LAUGH) The mighty McGloin. Almost fish-hooked by a sprat. (ALL LAUGH) On the seventh day the Lord rested. But before that He did, He squatted over the side of England and what came out of him... ..was Ireland! No offence, son. Oh, none taken, sir. I grew up here. All I ever knew of Ireland was in the talk of others at the orphan asylum. Which part of that excrementitious island were your forbearers spawn? I've been told Kerry, but I lost proof of it in my language at the asylum. I was raised in a similar establishment myself. Everything you see belongs to me, to one degree or another. But beggars, quick thieves, here in Paradise cellar dives, gin mills, blind tigers on the waterfront, anglers, amusers, the she-he's and Chinks. Everybody owes, everybody pays. Because... that's how you stand up against the rising of the tide. Is that right, boys? Yeah, Bill, that's right. Enlist. Join up! Serve your country. Come on in out of the draft, boys! Volunteer and get your 50 dollar bonus! We need 30,000 volunteers and we're prepared to pay 677 dollars per volunteer. Please read this. Thank you. Would you like one to fill out? Three square meals a day. Three square meals a day. Young man? Enlist and serve your country. Three square meals a day, gentlemen! If you're interested I suggest you read this and consider... 'Everywhere you went people talked about the draft.' 'Now, you could buy your way out for 300 dollars.' 'But who had 300 dollars? For us it had might as well been 3 millions.' 'The recruiters, they was too scared of the gangs to come after us.' 'Besides, we never dreamt the war would ever touch New York.' Good morning, sir. You! Don't you run into me. Fair enough! Oh! I said don't run into me! Well! Well, sorry! Everything in place? It seems so. Well, then,... (BOTH) I leave you in the grace and favour of the Lord. Thanks. Right. Oh, that dirty mare! Oh, no! Ah! I'm sorry. Allow me! Hmm. Thank you kindly, sir. Oh, it's my pleasure! I hope you don't mind my speaking. I don't want to appear forward. Well, sir, that depends on what you say! (CHUCKLES) Ah. Would you call me reckless if I said you're the prettiest girl in New York? Only in New York? (CHUCKLES) (GIGGLES) This is my stop. Oh! May I walk with you a little then? That, sir, would be too bold. Whoa! Morning. 'For every lay we had a different name. An Angler put a hook on the end of a stick to drop behind store windows and doors.' 'An Autumn Diver picked your pocket in church.' 'A Badger gets a fellow into bed with a girl then robs his pockets while they're on the go.' 'Jenny was a Bludger - a girl pickpocket.' 'And a Turtle Dove.' 'A Turtle Dove goes uptown dressed like a housemaid, picks a fine house, and goes right through the back door. Robs you blind.' 'It takes a lot of sand to be a Turtle Dove.' I'll have my medal back. Oh, Jesus! Don't do that again. Aarh! I said, don't do that! Go back to the Points and let me do my business or I will open your throat, so help me God! Alright. Go on then. I would. Go on then. (GASPS) Now, give me back my medal. Make it quick! (JINGLING) I don't know which one's yours. Suppose I help myself to everything. Huh? Suppose you do. (GASPS) Could I walk with you a little, then? What do you suppose a fellow can earn up here in a day? Maybe we can pile in together? You're a bit rough for this game. Besides, I work alone. Alone? What do you core to the Butcher? Me? Nothing. Nothing?! We have a special arrangement. I don't want to see you again! I don't blame you. Pennies in their pockets and hope in their eyes. They peer to the west, searching the horizon for a glimpse of land and salvation. Ahh, a glimpse of America. Seeing all this poverty must be most unsettling, Mrs Schermerhorn? 'Some days the uptown gangs come down to us.' 'The Schermerhorns was one of the oldest families in New York.' 'They didn't run the city, but they was listened to quite carefully by them that did.' Commissioner Brunt said you wished to view the Points in all its splendour and squalor. Spare nothing said he! Nothing except our safety. I'm sure we can be in no danger while we're in the constable's company! Quite so, madam. Witness! Shall we continue on? You dare to leave it there? Safe as a bank, Mr Greely. Since they all know it's mine. Is that man drunk? Gosh! Dead as Good Friday, miss. Good day to you, Mulraney. Boys. Jack. Slum sociable? Fact-finding. Reform studying. May I present - The Schermerhorns of Fifth Avenue don't need an introduction from you. Mrs Schermerhorn and her daughter. This gentleman- Mr Greely. The famous publisher. It's an honour, sir. Of the Tribune. I'm William Cutting. How do you do, Mr Cutting? As of this moment, extremely well, thank you. How do you do? Hmm, orange blossom. Delicious! Mr Cutting is... What a peach! You can have a fine career on the stage. ..a local... Pleased to meet you. ..leader. Mr Greely! Pleased to meet you. The Five Points welcomes you to these streets and will pass in safety. Oh, I'll see to their safety. Thank you, Bill. Here we are. Good day, lads. Criminals brag a dote show. He knows who I am! Oh, indeed, sir! You are well-known in these parts. I find that strangely flattering. Never did like crushers. Well, draw it mild, son. Happy Jack don't fill his lungs without I tell him he may do so. # "Unconstant Lover" - Maura O'Connell # At the officer's store # he was kept, he'll pretend # And so he was too # drinking rum with a friend... # Do you think my watch would be safe in that lamp post, Bill? Why don't you hang it up there and see? Some day. Some day is right. Is this the new lad? Just another bastard son of Aaron I folded in the warmth of my embrace. # And the best of all blessings... # Hey! Just want to see your face, son. No harm intended. # And the best of all blessings # We can meet in this life # Is a kind, loving husband # And a good-tempered wife # # "Shimmy She Wobble" - Othar Turner & the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band You get to know a lot butchering meat. We're made up of the same things. Flesh and blood. Tissue. Organs. I love to work with pigs. The nearest thing in nature to the flesh of a man is the flesh a pig. A pig, huh? That's right. This is for you, Mother. Here you go. God bless you. God bless you. She ain't really my mother. I knew that, Bill. This is the liver. The kidneys. The heart. This is a wound. The stomach will bleed and bleed. This is a kill. This is a kill. Main artery. This is a kill. You try it. Go ahead. Lung. Good. Don't follow the blade on the rib. Very good! Main artery. Bleed 'em slow. Let them think about it for a while. Slow death. Good! 1 You'll bill the city $5,000 a month for supplies and services, for which you'll receive 10%. Bill! Mr Glour will work out the details. That's how we do things around Tammany, gentlemen. Who's this? Thank you, boys. Good day, sir. You got something on your mind? Bill's taken quite a liking to you. If you're up to something... ..bene, only I don't want no part in it. I was in Hellgate for 16 years. I'm just trying to make my way is all, just like you. Less of course you got a better notion? No. I can't get a day's work done for the good citizens coming to harass me about crime in the Points. Some even go so far to accuse Tammany of connivance, in this so-called rampant criminality. What am I to do? I can't have this. Something has to be done. What do you have in mind? I don't know. Maybe we should hang someone. Who? No-one important necessarily. Average men will do. Back-alley amusers with no affiliations. How many? Three or four. Which? Four. You stand here convicted varyingly of lewdness, jack-rolling, sneak-thievery, chloral hydrating, sodomy, strangulation and enthusiastic corruption of the public good. (APPLAUSE) Chin up. Handsome bunch of gallows food. There's my old friend. How are you, Arthur? I'm OK. Say hello to Amsterdam. He nearly fish-hooked McGloin. Aye, nearly! You dressed for the occasion. You know me. Always like to look me best. That's the spirit! Nice locket. I'll give you a dollar for it. It's me mother's. A dollar and a half? Done. I'll miss you, Arthur. See you in the hot country, Shamus. Is my son here? Where's my little fellow? Look at your dad. Farewell, dear boy! I never struck a foul blow nor turned a card! May God greet me as a friend! (ALL CHEER) (APPLAUSE) (ALL SING JOYFUL HYMN) 'That night the Reformers held a dance.' 'That was the Five Points alright.' 'Hangings of a morning, dancings of an evening.' It's not a matter of words, I can tell by the way she smiles at me. She smiles at a lot of people. Sure. You don't don't know her. Sir! A penny for gratitude for fighting Irishmen, young sir? Are you from Kerry? I am, sir. I am. It ain't much. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted to see so many young faces at our first annual mission dance. This will be a real circus! The mission welcomes Christians of every stamp and we are happy to greet our Roman Catholic friends who join us here tonight. Ladies, come with me. Come with me! We're going to start the dancing in just a moment. Good evening, Reverend! Good evening, Your Holiness. (ALL GIGGLE) Good evening, Reverend! Sister, you should have shaved closer! Oh, good evening,... Reverend. I do beg your pardon. Miss...? Um,.... ..Everdeane. Miss Everdeane. (ALL GIGGLE) Now, gentlemen, over here, if you don't mind. Thank you. Open it. Hold it up! Into the mirror. Hmmm. That one! Our queen has chosen! (PLAY IRISH MUSIC) (APPLAUSE) Sir, your lady! Right. Regular services are held at the church at six and eight. Go to hell. What do you think you're doing? I'm dancing! Why'd you pick me? That's none of your business. Would you mind telling me? Oh! I'm sorry! Goddammit! I'm sorry. I'm not much of a dancer. Just try to keep calm. I've never been to a stepping ken before! It's best not to look down. You can hold me tighter if you like. Alright. OK. So, why didn't you dance with Johnny? Because... ..I didn't want him. Oh! I'm not wanting this. Wait! What? Wait. How does this open? It takes too long to lace back up. We'll be here all night! Sure, alright. I'll take it off. There was a baby. They cut it out. I'm sorry. No, it's fine. Have you got any scars? One or two. What's that, then? That? It's a gift from Mr Cutting. A gift? A gift! Was it your birthday? No. What did you give him then? The answer to that has nothing to do with you. Don't tell me you're angry with me? No. I'm through with you. Oh! Well, you're quicker than most fellows. Generally they wait till afterwards! I ain't interested in his leavings. (FESTIVE MUSIC PLAYS) (ALL CHEER) Hey, keep clear of the pikers. 15 to 1. Bug Eye Ward! Amsterdam! 'Everyone was working for the Butcher.' 'We ran his errands, made his money, took a piece and said thank you.' Gentlemen, in the ring! 'Even Tweed.' The fight's over! 'Even me.' 'My father's son.' What the hell is this? Sorry, Bill. The city ordinance against boxing is a blight! I'm losing revenue while you speak. Go and collect those bets! How do I collect if no-one won? This counts as a no decision, right? Didn't anyone pay off the police? We paid the municipal police. This is the metropolitan police. You'll repay me every cent. Wait! Who asked for your opinion? Let him speak! We don't answer to you. The law says there's no boxing IN the city? That's right, in the city. Where does the city end? . Damp homes are harder to heat, so air it out by opening windows and doors regularly to let fresh air circulate, use externally vented fans and dry clothes outside when you can. Check out the three essentials for a healthy home on our website. 1 The winner... in the 75th round... Allow me to acknowledge the man whose vision and enterprise made possible the staging of this noble combat in these awe-inspiring and entirely legal surroundings, Mr William Cutting! (ALL CHEER) And... And his young associate. (ALL CHEER) You done pretty good. We done good. We done alright. It was a good show. May I remind you of the further wonders of my museum located on Broadway, PT Barnum's gallery of wonders! 'It's a funny feeling being took under the wing of a dragon.' 'It's warmer than you think.' That's the building of our country right there, Mr Cutting. Americans aborning. I don't see no Americans. I see trespassers. Irish harps, who do jobs for a nickel, what a nigger does for a dime and a White man used to get a quarter for. What have they done? Name one thing they've contributed! Votes! Votes? They vote who the Archbishop tells them to. Who tells him? Their king in the pointy hat, who sits on his throne in Rome. Bill's got mixed feelings as regards to the Irish. Bill, deliver these good and fervent folk to the polls regularly. There will be a handsome price for each vote that goes Tammany's way. My father gave his life making this country what it is. Murdered by the British, with all of his men, on the 25th July, AD 1814. You think I'm going to help you befoul his legacy? By giving this country over to those who had no hand in fighting for it? Because they come crawling with lice, begging for soup? (TUTS) You're a great one for the fighting, Bill, I know. You can't fight forever. I can go down doing it. You will! What did you say? I said, you're turning you back on the future. Not our future. That document makes you a citizen. This one makes you a private in the Union Army. Go fight for your country. Next! Sign here, son. Or make your mark. # "Paddy's Lamentation" - Mary Black # Our fortunes to be made we were thinkin' # When we got to Yankee land # they shoved a gun into our hands # Saying "Paddy, you must go and fight for Lincoln"... # There's your musket. Make sure you keep it dry on the boat. Where are we going? I heard Tennessee. Where's that? # There is nothing here but war # Where the murdering cannons roar # And I wish I was at home # in dear old Dublin # Do they feed us now, do you think? (FIDDLE PLAYS) 'My children, my children!' We must heal the divisions between us! This war must cease. North and South must stand united. (ALL BOO) Drop it! What happens at the finish, then? Then we have ourselves a rowdy-dow! Ain't you never been to the theatre before? No. Mr Legree, lay down your whip! Miss Elisa, join hands with Mr Shelby. And Topsy, dear little Topsy, cradle Uncle Tom's head. Ah, leave the nigger dead! (ALL BOO) Dammit! Down with the Union! Yeah! Down with the Union! Down with the Union! For the blood of the Irish! Bill, get down! (GUNSHOT) (SCREAMS) Watch out! Somebody's popped the Butcher! Go-o-o-o-o-o-od! (GUNSHOT) (ALL GASP) Get that bastard! QUIETLY: God forgive me. (SPEAKS IRISH) (MUMBLES) Aaaargh! Aargh! (GROANS) Whose man are you? Speak smart and speak up! (SPEAKS IRISH) What's he saying, boy? I think he's making his peace with God. To hell with that! Argh! He makes his peace with me. I'm hearing confession tonight, you murder-whoring Irish nigger! Whose man are you? We speak English. Whose man are you? See this knife? I'll teach you to speak English with this knife! Whose man are you? Whose man are you? Argh! (GROANS) Well, that didn't tell us very much. (ALL LAUGH) Fine waist coat. Shame it can't be mended! Will I keep it as a souvenir? (ALL) Yeah! (ALL CHEER) Where's Legree? Where's Mopsy? Jesus, let's continue. Intermission is over. (ALL CHEER RAUCOUSLY) (SNIFFS) Now that was bloody Shakespearian. What?! Do you know who Shakespeare was, sonny? He was the fellow who wrote the King James' Bible. I don't know what you're- Because you're an ignorant, barbarous Irish whelp! Just like your father. That's it. That's it! Tear my head off and destruct the world. Just like the rest of the stupid Irish in this country! That's why I never ran with your dad. Get off me, you crazy bastard! (SPEAKS IRISH) It means if you're not strong, you'd better be smart. Now, I don't know if you're being too clever or too dumb. But whatever it is remember this much. For all his faults, your father was a man who loved his people. 'Amsterdam!' 'Amsterdam!' New York is calling you. (IRISH FOLK MUSIC) Look at that. What in Christ's name is that? Rhythms of the Dark Continent thrown into the kettle with an Irish shindig. Stir it around a few times. Pour it out as a fine American mess. A jig doing a jig! A little keepsake. Good on ya, sir. Come upstairs with me, Bill. Have I ever had you before? So you don't call me by my Christian name. Bill! You're alright! I heard the news and came over as quick as I could. As timely as the Angel of Death. You're not suggesting I'd stoop to that? Stop slabbering. If I thought it was you you'd be in a wooden coat. Hah. I've got a hole in my shoulder and it hurts. Get a drink and shut up or shut up and get out. I believe I'll have a drink. Careful, Tweedy, the mort's Frenchified! (ALL LAUGH) No! No, I'm clean! Come on, let's go to the back! Jenny. Bill. Let's wrap you up. (GROANS) Mmmm. It's gotta be tight. Loves to make me cry. Well,... ..you can take it! There's my boy. Hmmmm! It's alright. To the Butcher! We're all much obliged. Forever. To the Butcher! To the Butcher! To the Butcher! Why don't you get outta here, Johnny? Go on, go. (DOOR BANGS OPEN / SLAMS SHUT) Is there anyone in the Five Points you haven't fucked?! Yes! YOU! (SCREAMS) Belt down! (SCREAMS) (BOTH PANT) Try it and I'll bite ya! If you were gonna bite me,... I don't think you'd warn me, huh? Find out! (GASPS / PANTS) Oh, Jenny! (BOTH GROAN) 1 I can't sleep. I, er... I hope you don't mind us, er,... layin' out tonight here, sir. Whatever takes your fancy, my young friend. Is it your, er,... ..shoulder that's keepin' ya up? Oh, I don't never sleep too much. I have to sleep with one eye open. I only got one eye, right? How old are you, Amsterdam? Er,... ..I'm not too sure. Never did figure it. I'm 47. 47 years old. You know how I stayed alive this long, all these years? Fear. The spectacle of fearsome acts. Somebody steals from me, I cut off his hands. He offends me,... I cut out his tongue. He rises against me,... ..I cut off his head, stick it on a pike,... ..raise it high up so all in the streets can see. That's what preserves the order of things,... ..fear. That one tonight,... who was he? A nobody. A coward. What an ignominious end that would've been. I killed the last honourable man 15 years ago, since then... You've seen his portrait downstairs? Ah-hm. Is your mouth all glued up with cunny juice? I asked you a question. I said I'd seen it, sir. (CHUCKLES) Oh, you got a murderous rage in you, I like it. Oh, it's life... boilin' up inside of you. It's good. The priest and me, we lived... by the same principles. It was only faith divided us. He gave me this, you know. That was the finest beating I ever took. My face was pulp, my guts was pierced, my ribs was all mashed up. (SIGHS) And when he came to finish me,... ..I couldn't look him in the eye. He spared me because... ..he wanted me to live in shame. This was a great man. A great man. So I cut out the eye that looked away. Sent it to him wrapped in blue paper. I would've cut 'em both out if I could have fought him blind. Then I rose back up again with a full heart... ..and buried him in his own blood. Well done. He was the only man I ever killed worth remembering. (INHALES DEEPLY) (EXHALES) I never had a son. Civilisation is crumbling. God bless you. If you've got anything to say,... ..then, now is the time to say it. Who is he to you, Jenny? I was 12 years old. My mother was dead and I was livin' in a doorway. He took me in. He took care of me,... ..in his own way. After they cut out the baby... He doesn't fancy girls that scarred up. You should know... ..in your own mind... ..that he never laid a hand on me until I asked him to. Who are you? Who are you? '(KNIFE THUDS INTO WOOD)' (CHINESE OPERA-STYLE MUSIC) Gentlemen! Fine gentlemen, you are most welcome to this palace of wonder and enchantment, with visions to rival the finest imaginings of the Scheherazade, and the tales from the perfumed Nights of Arabia will greet your eyes! One of my flaxen-haired Teutonic beauties! Feast your eyes on the magnificent plumage of these exotic creatures! Gentlemen, you've seen our caged birds, well,... how'd you like to make 'em sing?! Let me see the colour of your money and they could be singing for YOU! (SCREAMS) Let me go! 'May God put the steel of the Holy Spirit in my spine...' '..and the love of the Blessed Virgin in my heart.' 'Amen.' Easy, now. What did you say? He's not who he says he is. He's not who he says he is? What am I bid?! What am I bid?! WHAT AM I BID?! Count your blessings he considers you a friend. The only thing he considers, Bill, every day and every night, is how best to kill you. (GASPS) What's in that head o'yours! Want me to take it out for you?! I'll bury it right up your fundament where it belongs! I can read right through you! You're empty! His name is Vallon! Don't do it, Bill. His name's Vallon. (CHINESE OPERA-STYLE MUSIC) (SINGS IN CHINESE) They're curious people these Celestials. You know why he wears short sleeves? No. Why? Cos everyone can see he's got nothin' stashed. Jesus, let's hope that never becomes the fashion! (BOTH LAUGH) Johnny! Get up. > Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your kind attention! As some of you have surely noticed, our friend and benefactor, Mr William Cutting, is tonight wearing a weskit of CERTAIN DISTINCTION! (CROWD APPLAUDS / CHEERS) Might we...? Might we tonight appeal to him to favour us with another exciting exhibition of skill,... courage,... ..daring and drama-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a?! (CROWD CHEERS) What's gonna happen? (CROWD GASPS) (CROWD GASPS) (CROWD GASPS) (TEARING) The Spider's Kiss! The Theatre of Blood! The Morning Glory! The Wheel of Death! William Tell! The Butterfly! The Spider's Kiss! The Butcher's Apprentice! Ah, the Butcher's Apprentice. Command performance! (CROWD) Command performance! Where have you been? A command performance indeed! (I want you to get outta here.) And for this... ..I must beg the indulgence of my former assistant in matters of impalement,... ..the Butcher's original apprentice... What do you say, Jen? One more time for the sweet souvenir. Come on. (CROWD APPLAUDS) (Don't do it.) < Good girl, Jenny! < Yeah. Don't be afraid. What a woman. Get up there, Jenny. She'll be alright. Remember this? Of course. (CROWD GASPS / SHRIEKS) You may feel more comfortable without that garment, Miss Everdeane. You'll have to filch me a new one, Bill. (CROWD LAUGHS) (CROWD APPLAUDS / CHEERS) Anything in your pockets tonight? Oh, I ain't started working yet. (CROWD LAUGHS / APPLAUDS) What about that locket that I gave you? (CROWD GASPS / SHRIEKS) Apologies, my dear. Pick it up. (CROWD GASPS / SHRIEKS) Whoopsy-daisy! (CROWD LAUGHS / APPLAUDS) Now it's good and broke. I can't seem to get anything right tonight. (CROWD GASPS / SHRIEKS) You got the sand to give them a grand finale?! (CROWD APPLAUDS / CHEERS) Maybe when you're aiming a little straighter. (CROWD LAUGHS) (GASPS) (CROWD GASPS) (CROWD CHEERS) Still lots of blood in you, Jen. Enough of this heathen music! Get rid of these goddamn monkeys! Strike up, boys! (DRUMS BANG) Ready? This is a night for AMERICANS! (CROWD CHEERS) (DRUMS BANG / FLUTE WHISTLES) Jenny! Get your hands off me! Get away! < Get your hands off me! (DRUM ROLL) (DRUM ROLL STOPS) Hats off! We hold in our hearts the memory of our fallen brothers,... ..whose blood stains the very streets we walk today. Also on this night... ..we pay tribute to the leader of our enemies. An honourable man,... who crossed over bravely,... ..fighting for what he believed in. To defeat my enemy,... ..I extinguish his life... ..and consume him, as I consume these flames. In honour of Priest Vallon. In honour of Priest Vallon! (SCREAMING) (GUNSHOT) That's a wound. (SCREAMS / GROANS) I want yous all to meet the son... ..of Priest Vallon. (GROANS) I took him under my wing,... ..and see how I'm repaid? You bastard! Saves my life one day, so he can kill me the next, like a SNEAK THIEF,... instead of fightin' like a man. (SCREAMS) A base defiler,... ..unworthy of a noble name. Argh! Oh, Jesus! (CROWD GASPS) Hey! (GROANS) Alright, that'll do, McGloin. Splay him out! Agh! Ugh! This show ain't for Blackies! Ye, ye get to watch! Out o'here, nigger! (GROANS) This is fresh meat. (CROWD GASPS) Well, I mean,... ..we need to tenderise this meat a little bit. Let's kiss good night to that pretty young face of yours. (SPITS) (ROARS) (THUDDING) (CROWD GASPS) (REPEATED THUDDING) No! NO! What'll it be, then? Rib or chop? Loin or shank?! < The liver! The spleen! The kidneys! (CROWD CHEERS) < The lungs! > The liver! The tongue! The kidneys! The stomach! The heart! The heart! The heart?! This boy has no heart! Then, kill him! (CROWD) Kill him! (SCREAMS) He ain't earned the death! He ain't earned the death at my hands! No,... he'll walk amongst you marked with shame! A freak, worthy of Barnum's Museum of Wonders! God's only man,... spared by the Butcher. No! (HISSING) (CROWD CHEERS) NO! NO! NO! (SHOUTS) RADIO ANNOUNCER: ..isolated showers this afternoon. (CONTINUES IN BACKGROUND) (WISTFUL MUSIC) (SIGHS) (MUSIC LIFTS) (DOOR CHIMES) Hey. What you doing? Nothing much. You want to enter the trolley derby? Sure! (CHEERFUL MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) Oh! That's cool as! (CHEERING) VOICEOVER: Everyone's different. Their insurance should be too. That's why at Youi Insurance, we make it all about you. 1 > (CLICKING) (GASPS) (Here. Here!) (This way. Come on. Come on!) (SCREAMS) I wanna show you somethin'. My mother's bones share this grave. 'I've saved ten cents out of every dollar I've ever earned since I was 13. That's $215.' That's $215... ..for bludgeonin'... and the rest. 'This is what I wanted to show you.' 'This is where we're gonna go as soon as you get well.' San Francisco,... ..California. You can have anything you want out there. These men are pulling gold right out of the river... ..with their own hands. We're here... ..and we need to get there. You start here,... ..go down... round here... ..to San Francisco. The shortest way to go. Would you go with me? No need to fire that, miss,... or even aim it. An audience with your mangled friend is all I want. I've got 44 notches on my club. You know what they're for? To remind me of what I owe God when I die. My father was killed in battle, too. In Ireland, in the streets. Fightin' those who would take as their privilege... ..what could only be got and held by the decimation of a race. That war is 1,000 years old and more. We never expected it to follow us here. It didn't,... ..it was waitin' for us when we landed. Your father tried to carve out a corner in this country for his tribe. I was him, that was his Dead Rabbits. I often wondered, if he'd lived a bit longer,... ..would he have wanted a bit more? (GROANS) Why did you rifle through his pockets, then? For safekeeping. I thought maybe you could do with it. Blood stays on the blade. That's a sorry-looking pelt. And it's been so nice and quiet for the last three months. Tell me, this charge, does it sit uneasy with you? No, it's... ..not uneasy, Bill. No, I wouldn't say that. But... ..my allegiance is to the law. I'm paid to uphold the law. What in heaven's name are you talking about? You may have misgivings, but don't go believing that, Jack. That way lies damnation. I'm in no danger o'damnation, Bill. Here's the thing. I don't give a tuppenny fuck about your moral conundrum, you meat-headed shitsack. That's more or less the thing. And I want you to go out there, YOU, nobody else,... ..none of your little minions... I want YOU to go out there... ..and I want you... ..to punish... (SNIFFS) (QUIVERING VOICE) ..the person... who's responsible... (SOBS) ..for murdering this... poor little rabbit. (NORMAL VOICE) Is that understood? Right. Help yourself to some decent meat on the way out. (WIND HOWLS) (DOOR CLICKS OPEN) (GUNSHOT) Dammit! Is that you, boy?! I didn't mean nothin' by that shot, you know. You scared me, is all. Sure you know I'd never do you harm. Come out now, lad. Remember your father and me? Are you too young to remember your old Uncle Jack? Oh, the times we had. You know I won't hurt you. (GROANS / SCREAMS) Is he dead? This is bad for everybody. What's next? Dead politicians? I could spare half a dozen of YOU easier than I can spare him. Still,... I think it shows dash. Give the boy some time, we'll settle with a good dust-up. # "Dark Moon, High Tide" - Afro Celt Sound System The lads are here. You know, there's more of us comin' off these ships every day. I heard 15,000 Irish a week. And we're afraid of the Natives. Get all of us together, we ain't got a gang,... we got an army. And all you need's a spark, right? Just one spark. Somethin' to wake us all up. < It was me who played you false. I'd take it back if I could. Take it back?! Johnny, I ought to kill ya. Get outta the Points and don't come back. Where are you goin', boyo? Come along. Come on. Tell us, John, what's the trouble? No trouble, Bill. You still hiding out with your friends? No, I'm... I'm not with them,... Bill. I'm with you, I'm... with the Natives. (ALL CHUCKLE) You always was a Native, as far as I'm interested, John,... ..till you became a stag. You tell me you're a Native. Do you wanna know what a Native is? A Native is a man... ..who is willing to give his life... for his country. Like my father done. Are you willing to do that, my young friend? John?! Johnny?! Johnny? I'll get you off. Argh! (SIGHS) It hurts too much. Just kill me. Just kill me. Please! Please. Please. I'm sorry, Johnny. (SCREAMS DESPAIRINGLY) (GUNSHOT) (STOPS SHARPENING KNIFE) Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Rest in peace, Ma. (SCRAPING OF BOOT) What are you doin' here, boyo? What's a nigger doin' in this church?! Argh! Argh! (GROANS) What's a Dead Rabbit doin' with the Natives, huh?! There's no niggers among the Natives! Natives and robbers is one thing, but a nigger in the church?! You run with the Natives, you go pray with them! You're gonna wind up on a stake like your man did! Blaah! McGloin...! Father. Jesus, did you know there's a nigger in your church?! (ALL CHATTER) (Jesus.) 'The earth turns... ..but we don't feel it move.' 'And one night you look up...' 'One spark... ..and the sky's on fire.' It's a touching spectacle. We'll come back when you're ready for us. 'The past is the torch that lights our way.' 'Where our fathers have shown us the path,... we shall follow.' (SPITS) 'Our faith is the weapon most feared by our enemies,... ..for thereby shall we lift our people up against those who will destroy us. Our name is called the Dead Rabbits to remind all of our suffering... and as a call to those who suffer still to join our ranks, however so far they may have strayed from our common home across the sea.' 'For with great numbers... must come great strength and the salvation of our people.' We don't want your business. How many? You have to register. You can't force me to join no army! Have you got $300?! Of course not! Who the hell's got $300?! If you are drafted, release can only be secured for $300, according to the Conscription Act, otherwise you have to serve! Who the hell's got $300, eh?! You tell me! Boys! (SHOUTS) I was born in this country, sir, you emigrated here, you will fight for this country, sir! Sweet Jesus, war does terrible things to men! > Get back where you belong! $300?! It's another rich-man's war! Sir, I request an audience with this man. (SPEAKS GAELIC) Does no-one speak English in New York any more? I don't understand. So you do speak English? 1 I wonder if Miss Everdeane could angle her rifle in some other direction. I wonder, Mr Vallon, if you understand the true value of this sort of publicity. The archbishop himself, shoulder to shoulder with half the Irish in the Five Points. I'm offering to form an alliance with you against Bill Cutting and his Native candidates. I'll negotiate a handsome fee for every Irish vote you send Tammany's way in the coming elections. I need a new friend in the Five Points, son. I'd like that friend to be you. Now, just a moment, Mr Tweed. Suppose we do get you those votes. Would you back an Irish candidate of my choosin'? I don't think so. What if we get you all the Irish votes? Mr Vallon, that will only happen in the reign of Queen Dick. (BOTH CHUCKLE) I beg your pardon? It will never happen. I might back an Irish candidate for, say, alderman. Alderman? We've already got an Irish alderman. So we have, that's why we - Well, what's bigger than an alderman? Sheriff. Sheriff. Alright, Mr Tweed, you back an Irishman for sheriff of the city and county o'New York... and we'll get him elected. I love the Irish, son, but higher than alderman you shall never climb. Why not? For one thing, no man living can consolidate the Irish vote,... I can. ..and for another, I mean no effrontery, ..no-one's found an Irish candidate for sheriff worth voting for. '(WHISTLES) Monk!' Here. (CHUCKLES) (GASPS) Got me lookin' as sober as me own grandfather. Another great man, I'm sure. No, a thorough drunken bastard. Could I say what I want? Well, that's why I wanted you. 'Our elected representatives are a gang of thieves, who swear to better our lot while dipping their hands deep into our pockets. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Bill Cutting, against ANY and ALL inroads into our fine democracy! No-one will take away what you have earned. ..to invading hordes of Hibernians! You go to the polls and you put your mark next to WALTER MCGINN! ..against the potato-eaters, like them over there! Why should so many Irish die down south when the first war to win is not down in Dixie BUT RIGHT HERE IN THESE STREETS?! (SUPPORTERS CHEER) Who is the finest street fighter in the Five Points?! (SUPPORTERS) Monk! That's right! Now let the whole damn city hear it! (SUPPORTERS CHEER) That man was right born for this. He's killed 44 men, laid low a couple o'hundred more. Is that right? That's right. I should have run him for mayor. (DOORS CLATTER) Alright, line 'em up! It's election day! Come on, you bastard, we need your vote! I fought for you, nigger! I lost an arm for you! Well, that's a start. Now, come on. Rise and shine, rise and shine. Even the hop fiends get the vote. (CLATTERING) Less art and more haste. Where are you goin'? I already voted today. Cast for Monk and Tammany, by God. Twice. Twice? Only twice? You call that doin' your civic duty? Come with me. Oh, no, you don't! Sit down. Here's another one! Clean him up good. Shave their beards off, boys, and send them back to vote again! Alright, boys, vote Monk, Tammany, Monk, Tammany... > So, gentlemen, what our great city needs is a new courthouse. I propose it should be a modest, economical structure. Excuse me. Monk's already won by 3,000 more votes than there are voters. Make it 20, 30. We don't need a victory, we need a Roman triumph. (We have no more ballots.) Remember the first rule of politics,... ..the ballots don't make the results, the counters do. Count! It's from Bill. Monk... Citizens of the Five Points,... ..Mr Bill Cutting is attempting to draw me into an argument that would, no doubt, end in bloodshed and the compromising of my office! What do you think? Should I engage and silence this relic of the ancient law,... ..or... shall I be your chosen voice in a NEW TESTAMENT... ..in the NEW WORLD?! There you are, Bill. The people have spoken. The very notion of violent reprisal benumbs them. Come on up. Let's see if we can resolve our grievances the democratic way. (WHOOSHING / THUDDING) Argh! (CROWD GASPS) That, my friends,... ..is the minority vote. Now you've tasted my mutton, how'd you like it, huh? Look,... I want you to see this. This is you, right here. Notch 45, you Irish bug bastard. (CRACKING) (CROWD GASPS / SCREAMS) (PANTS) Why don't you burn him? See if his ashes turn green? '(APPLAUSE)' 'Fortuna juvat audaces!' Fortune favours the bold! (CROWD CHEERS) (BRASS-BAND MUSIC) You killed an elected official? Who elected him? You don't know what you've done to yourself. I know your works. You're neither cold nor hot,... ..so because you are lukewarm, I will SPEW YOU out of my mouth. You can build your filthy world without me. I took the father, now I'll take the son. You tell young Vallon... I'm gonna paint Paradise Square with his blood. Two coats. I'll festoon my bedchamber with his guts! As for you, Mr Tammany-Fucking-Hall, you come down to the Points again and you'll be dispatched by my own hand. Now, get back to your celebration and let me eat in peace. I paid you fair. (DRUMS BANG RHYTHMICALLY) (CHURCH BELLS TOLL) < (WAILING) Hats on. Raise. (BANGING OF DRUMS FADES) You sonofabitch. Challenge. Challenge accepted. (DRUM BANGING STARTS UP AGAIN) 'And then it came,... the first day of the draft.' Thomas O'Neill! Andrew Lewis! Joseph Flynn! 'They read out the draftees names like they was dead already.' JB Gleeson! O'Connell Guard. Plug Uglies. 'As for us,...' The Forty Thieves. '..the tribes were gathered...' The Chichesters. '..and the drums was beatin'.' The Dead Rabbits. The American Guard. The Atlantic Guard. The Slaughter Housers. The Bowery Boys. The Federation of American Natives. James Mooney! 'But all we could see was the hand in front of us.' Shaun O'Connell! CW Morris! John Doyle! When? Whenever you like. Daybreak tomorrow. Ground? Paradise Square. Weapons? That I leave up to you. Bricks, bats, axes, knives... Pistols? No pistols. Good boy. The terms are resolved. Counsel is concluded. Thomas McAvoy! WH Myers! To hell with your damned draft! Rip them apart! (ALL SHOUT) Kill the rich bastards! (SMASHING) Hotel! They're not gettin' my son! 'Uptown at the draft office... ..the cops broke a few skulls... ..and everybody run away.' 'But the word was spreading... in the dark.' 'Up on 5th Avenue the Schermerhorns and their mob breathed a little easy.' Just a brief burst of anger over Mr Lincoln's draft. Entirely justifiable, in my view. Well, there are two sides to that question. Several, in fact, but only one right side, as with any question that involves the abuse of executive power. In any case, Mr Greely, we can all be thankful that it wasn't any worse. It may be worse yet. I saw them, I don't know what to think. What are you so fond of saying, Mr Tweed? Mr Greely, you won't like this, but what is it? I don't know. "You can always hire one half of the poor to kill the other half"? (ADVANCING FOOTSTEPS) I've come to say goodbye. I've booked passage for California. Jenny, gimme one more day and I'll go with you. You'll be dead by then. Well, what would you have me do? I don't know. This'll all be finished tomorrow. No, it won't. This whole place is gonna burn anyway. I've heard that the poor are going from door to door in the Five Points, asking those supporters who wish to see further riots... ..to place a lighted candle in the window. Irish, Poles, Germans... Ah, Mr Greely,... the city is not mad. I prophesy a very dark night. Nobody goes to work today! We're shuttin' the factories down! 'When the sun rose next, the city had split in half.' 'From all over New York they came.' 'Ironworkers, factory boys, street cleaners, Irish, Polish, German, anyone who never cared about slavery or the Union, anyone who couldn't buy his way out.' '"Let the sons of the rich go and die!" they cried, "Let the sons of the poor stay home." The earth was shaking now,... ..but I was about my father's business.' (ALL SHOUT) (SHOUTS) Oh, Mighty Lord,... ..you are the dagger in my hand. Guide my hand on this day of vengeance. We give thanks to the Lord,... for He is good. With you, the swift cannot flee or the strong escape. 'Let my sword devour until its thirst is quenched with blood and my enemies sleep forever.' For you are the Lord God of retribution. 'For the Lord crushes the wicked.' For the Lord is merciful... ..and his love... ..endures forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. (SMASHING) (ALL SCREAM) Come on out! (ALL SHOUT) Upstairs! Father! Get the women upstairs! Father! (ALL SHOUT) '"The mob is sacking houses. We have no force to send."' '"From 16th Precinct, all the stores are closing on 8th Avenue."' > Show us what you got, you dirty bastards! '"From 4th, the rioters are attacking coloured boarding houses and setting them on fire."' '"From 21st, they have broken open a gun store and are arming!"' # "Shimmy She Wobble" - Othar Turner & The Rising Star Fife And Drum Band Get the nigger! Kill him! Get him! (SHOUTS) '"The marshal's office on 3rd Avenue is burning down."' '"Two coloured men brought in almost dead."' 50 Negroes need help! The Blacks are being attacked! Hey, there's a $300 man! Get him! Did your daddy buy you out of the army?! Can he buy me out, too?! '"There is danger of them attacking Armoury, corner o'21st Street, 2nd Avenue!"' The line is dead! They're tryin' to cut all the wires! (BANGING) (ELECTRICITY CRACKLES) '"From 1st, riot at Pier 4, North River."' '"A crowd is here and are going to destroy this station."' Oof! Agh! Get her bag! Get her bag! '"From 18th Precinct, the mob have attacked the Armoury. There is danger of fire."' '"All 300 police wounded or unaccounted for."' '"From 20th, send 100 men to disperse mob."' '"Building corner 33rd Street, 2nd Avenue, set on fire by the mob."' '"Barnum's American Museum on fire."' '"Animals are escaping."' Let go! LET GO! (HISSES) Ugh! '"Gunboat Liberty, an ironclad now lying off the foot of Wall Street."' '"Large mob going down 5th Avenue."' '"From 16th, mob is coming down. We have no men."' '"The Seventh Regiment has arrived on the foot of Canal Street."' Take your hands off me! '"The mob is about 4500 strong."' '"They're going to burn down Harlem Bridge."' The rats have taken over the city! Kill the nigger bastard! '"There is an attack on the coloured people."' '"They are headed for the coloured-orphans' asylum."' '"The rioters are now on 7th Avenue, 28th Street."' Nigger! Get him! Sir, the major general wants to know what to do with any prisoners captured! The mob isn't taking prisoners! Don't take a prisoner in until you've put the mob down! (ALL SHOUT) '"Soldiers now on 38th Street."' '"They will not disperse. What are your orders?"' '"What are your orders?!"' (ELEPHANT TRUMPETS) (ROARS) 1 Troop, halt! Present arms! On your order, Vallon. I order you to disperse! Fire! (SCREAMING) (SOBBING) Fire! (WHOOSHING) (ALL GASP / SCREAM) < Fire! Fire over their heads! Drive them into the square! Bill?! Bill?! (DISTANT EXPLOSIONS / SCREAMING) (CLANGING OF METAL) Argh! Aye-yah! Yah! (SCREAMS INSANELY) (SHOUTS) Oof! Argh! Yaah! (COUGHS) (CANON BALL SCREECHES) Fire! FIRE! Argh! (PANTS) (GUNSHOT) BASTARDS! Shang! Shang, hold up! (SCREAMS) Agh! (SCREAMS) (GROANS) (PANTS) Thank God. I die a true American. Yah! (SCREAMS) (SQUELCHING) (GASPS) (PANTS) Tomorrow morning get our people down to the docks. I want every man and woman coming off the boats given hot soup and bread. We're burying a lot of votes down here tonight. Oh! (DISTANT SOUND OF WOMAN PRAYING) 'In the end they put candles on the bodies, so their friends,... if they had any,... ..could know them in the dark.' 'The city did this free of charge.' 'Shang,... Jimmy Spoils, Hell-Cat, McGloin... and more...' (SOBS) 'Friend or foe,... it didn't make no difference now.' 'It was four days and nights before the worst of the mob was finally put down.' 'We never knew how many New Yorkers died that week before the city was finally delivered.' 'My father told me we was all born of blood and tribulation,... ..and so, then, too,... was our great city.' 'But for those of us what lived and died in them furious days,... ..it was like everything we knew was mightily swept away.' 'And no matter what they did to build this city up again,... ..for the rest of time... ..it would be like no-one even knew we was ever here.' # "The Hands That Built America" - U2 # Ahh, ahh-ahh # Ahh, ahh-ahh, ahh-ahh # Ame-e-e-e-e-e-e-erica # Ahh, ahh-ahh # Ahh, ahh-ahh, ahh-ahh # America! # Oh, my love # It's a long way # we've come # From the freckled hills # To the steel and glass # canyons # From the stony fields # To hangin' steel # from skies # From diggin' in our pockets # For a reason # not to say goodbye # These are the hands # That built America # Ahh, ahh-ahh # America # Last saw your face # In a water...colour sky # As sea birds # argue # A long goodbye # I took your kiss # On the spra-a-a-ay # of the new-land star # You gotta live with your dreams # Don't make them so hard # Ahh, ahh # And these are the hands # That built America # Ahhh, ahh-ahhhhhhhh # America # Of all of the promises # Is this one # we could keep? # Of all of the dreams # Is this one still out # of reach? # Halle, holy! # It's early fall # There's a cloud on the New York skyline # Innocence # dragged across # a yellow line # These are the hands # That built America # These are the hands # That built America # Ahh, ahh-ahh # Ahh, ahh # Ame-e-e-e-e-e-e-erica # Ahh, ahh-ahh # Ahh, ahh-ahh, ahh # America! # IMS Subtitles www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Able 2017