20,000 Years in Sing Sing (Warner Bros.) (1932)

YEARS IN Warner Bros.’ TWENTY THOUSAND SING SING By LEWIS E. LAWES Warden Sing Sing Prison Sereen Version Fictionized by Hamilton Thompson from Sensational Picture of the Same Name CHAPTER VI T his desk in Sing Sing, for his secretary. Trusty Connors now! Warden Long fingered a telegram, his face was set in thoughtful lines. ‘‘Send Connors to my office.’’ A much different fellow than the He pushed the buzzer cocky, arrogant gangster of the first day of his arrival at Sing Sing. The warden silently handed Connors the telegram. ‘Dying! My God! They’re crazy!’’ belief were the emotions depicted on his face. Excitement and dis‘*Somebody’s “If I let you go to her, on your honor, would you come back tonight,” said the Warden. (Spencer Tracy and Arthur Byron in a big scene from the picture.) oP] kidding, Warden...I... ‘¢Tt’s true, Connors... We’ve investigated . . . An automobile accident.’’ _ Connors sank down = a oo = YEARS IN ng | his head in k i FENTY THOUS telegram, crushed, broken, muttering CRAY <a y hay. Coming to his senses, he turned to ward the ~erden appealingly. ‘‘If I envi. 8" her 2 = 3 ashes ona a De ae thearden. Gyite 3. ‘ath-spirited, © thas! SING SING By LEWIS E. LAWES Warden Sing Sing Prison Sereen Version Fictionized by Hamilton Thompson from Warner Bros.’ Sensational Picture of the Same Name CHAPTER VII AY raised herself on one elbow. She sereamed to Connors. “Beat iit, om away.’ heat it ss out th’ window .. . get As Connors saw the door giving inward, he grabbed up the gun from Fay’s hand, and stood at bay. With her new strength, Fay pushed the wad of money Finn had brought into his hand. ‘‘Quick, Tom, the fire escape... > Connors rushed to the window, threw it up, and with a last look at Fay, sitting straight up in bed, disappeared “Tell the Warden the truth,” she begged, clinging to him. that you’re only trying to shield me!’’ to safety. “Tell him (Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis and Arthur Byron in one of the most dramatic scenes from the At that same instant, Daniels erashed through the broken door. He stooped over the dying Finn. ‘‘Who did it, Finn? Who shot you?’’ he questioned. Finn gasped, his eyes grew glassy, as he uttered one word ... ‘‘Con Page Twelve picture.) nors,’’? and fell back dead. Daniels arose slowly from _ his stooping position, and looked at Fay, who was dimly conscious of the significance of Finn’s statement. ‘“No, no! ... Don’t believe him .-. 1 killed him...Ishot him...’’ Warden Long watched him, a look of compassion on his face. Connors, more in control of himself, looked up.‘Being here was never really tough until now.’’ ‘<T know, Connors ... you’re hit pretty hard ... 7’? The Warden studied Connors. After a moment of silence he spoke again. ‘¢Connors, suppose I told you there was a train leaving the railroad sta tion in twenty minutes... and that 1d let. you{20" s,s tos her—...-...0n your honor ... would you come back . tonight?’’ | “| Never Broke My Word” | Connors stared at the warden, unbelieving. Finally he nodded quietly, rising slowly. ‘‘I get you, Warden ... I never broke my word .. . even to a rat ...and I won’t break it to a square guy.’? — He put out his hand. ‘‘ Thanks, Warden ... after what you’ve done for me, I’d come back... even if it was to go to the chair.’’ His gaze unconsciously met the calendar on the wall, with a start. The day was SATURDAY. Connors undoubtedly would have kept his word if Fate had not stepped in and stacked the cards. Connors caught his train to the city, and as he passed through Grand Central Station, the gaze of a man watching the moving throng, fell upon the paroled honor prisoner. ‘6Maybe I’m goin’ daffy,’’ he murmured, ‘‘but if that aint Tom Connors, who should b doing a five-tothirty in Sing Sing, I’m coo-coo.’’ It was Daniels, the sheriff who had taken Connors to Sing Sing. The sheriff followed Connors as he made all speed to the 22nd Street apartment, where Fay, swathed in band: ages lay ix bed. She was alone, her eyes closed. Connors -tip-toed in. There was no movement from Fay— not even when Tom knelt by the side of the bed, and took her hand in his. Pay it’s me it’s IEOM=s ss Very slowly, Fay opened her eyes. She turned her head and saw him. She closed her eyes again, unbelieving. She put out her hand, to touch him—fearing that it was but another delirium. ‘¢Tom, Joma, it’s really you, this time??? : ‘«Sure, it’s rhe spare ‘And you are free.. 9) a asd : free??? || she shrieked hysterically. ‘Oh, you did, huh! You wouldn’t fool me, would you? Then changing to a harsh rasp, he snarled, ‘‘ Your sweetheart, Tom Connors, will take the rap for this... Laugh that off!’ * * * Later Warden Long at Sing Sing had a long distance telephone call— from the District Attorney in New York. ‘<Hello, Warden, how are you? Say, you’ve got a prisoner up there named Tom Connors? Still up there, isn’t he??? There was a long pause, as the District Attorney closely listened. ‘“‘Sorry, Warden . .. Another of those eases of letting a man out on his honor, eh??? Another pause! ‘‘Yes, Warden, I’m sorry, because Connors bumped off a man named Finn here, in New York, tonight. No, we’re still looking for him, but we’ll get him. Yes . Well, good night, Warden .. .’’ Warden Long arose from his desk, with a tired look in his eyes. He slowly paced his office. He sat down and thought long and deeply. Finally he murmured, ‘‘TI still believe in Connors; I think he will be back...’’ Connors, however, did not come back ... that night. And the next morning the metropol itan newspapers played up the event. It was a Roman holiday for the re porters. The headlines told the story. This one was typical: MURDERER OF FINN LET OUT OF PRISON TO VISIT SWEETHEART ——— Honor Killer Still at Large Another Wrong Theory of Warden The day wore on. The Principal Keeper made his daily report, and then touched on the Connors happen ing, ‘‘Tough break, Warden. We all want you to know that we are with you.’? ‘¢Thanks, all. Then the Warden’s secretary came in. ‘‘The Governor is on the phone, Sir,’’ he said. Warden Long slowly took off the receiver. ‘‘Yes, Governor .. .’’ Before he could say more, there P. K., I appreciate it ~ er eey eee, “I Had to Jump” | Thinking to humor her, Connors replied, ‘‘Sure, I’m free. Made a clean getaway. But what happened to you? Who’s to blame?’’ ‘¢Finn, I had to jump out of his car,’? she answered. Daniel, ear pressed to the other side of the door, nodded his comprehension, and hitched up his belt. Reaching for the door-knob, he paused as Connors’ next words reached him. ‘“*He ... he told me he would fix things...I1...’’ she continued. Connors flared up in anger. ‘‘Why didn’t you squawk? You could’ve sent that rat right up to Sing Sing . . » and I might’ve took care of him ... up there.’’ <T-did <put-upa.holler-..=.and . and he’s giving me five grand toxclear him: 3.2 ‘¢Clear him! You lie there, almost dying, and you’re goin’ to let that rat get away with it?’’ “Ol thought«;.-..7 1. thought—... Finn’s givin’ me the five grand might help you...’’ Connors became calmer. gently. ‘‘That was swell of you, darling mighty swell.’?’ He arose, and then Fay saw the hardness in his face. He _ continueé, ‘¢But nothin’ will square me for you gettin’ this deal.’’ Connors crossed the room in a quick, stride. He started looking through the bureau drawers. Fay turned her head to watch. ‘‘What’re you lookin for, Tom?’’ ‘“Nothin,’’ said Connors shortly. But he had found what he sought— an automatic. He thrust it in his side coat pocket, and started for the door. He spoke 62 Tom: 3 fom... Come here ome Connors tried to reassure her. “<T’ll be back in a little while.’’ Fay knew then what was raging in his mind. She raised herself in her excitement. ‘‘Don’t do it, Tom... Don’t do it . . . Look what we’ve suffered already . . . Look what it’s done to both of us... ’’? Her voice faltered. Connors hesitated. ‘<Tom, you promised you wouldn’t leave me... you. promised . You’ve got to stay ...’’ Connors was weakening. ‘‘That rat! With me safe in jail... He can’t get away with it ...’? Fay gasped and became faint. was a eCTITn OtTOR at the door of the warden’s office. The warden looked up. Framed in the doorway stood Connors, with the Principal Keeper and a guard beside him. Warden Long with his eyes fastened on Connors, took a deep breath, and spoke briskly into the telephone. “Yes, Governor, . . back again in my custody . Connors advanced slowly into the Connors is here ” Foom, 7 "l> se fad wou, 4 0 come back ... even if it meant the chairs. e* Xe ee HH HH HK The newspapers were just as generous with their plaudits as with their criticisms. On the first pages of New York’s morning newspapers ran the headlines, HONOR SLAYER GAVE HIMSELF UP WARDEN LONG AGAIN VINDICATED A week after, in the newspaper, appeared this heading— CONNORS ON TRIAL FOR FINN MURDER And then again — only two days later—this— CONNORS CONVICTED; SENTENCED TO CHAIR No need of a repetition of the harrowing courtroom scene, when Fay—weak and pallid—rose in her seat, inside the rail, and, trembling in her terror, shrieked out with the agony of a tortured soul, causing judge and jury, court officers and spectators alike, to squirm uneasily. “He didn’t do it. Oh, God... he isn’t guilty. “The gun was mine—I held it—I pulled the trigger.” She moaned and held out her arms supplicatingly. “Forget it, dear,” softly said Tom Connors. “I shot Joe Finn. I must take the rap.” He fixed his gaze upon Warden Long, who nodded sorrowfully. The bailiff approached. A long drawn-out ery—as from the bottomless depths of despair— filled the courtroom. A _ shudder passed through the crowd. Tom Connors hesitated for the barest part of a second as he saw Fay slip from her chair to the floor— around bewildered. For, the first tir me the gun... ’’ Her voice trailed off. Her eyes closed. “«Don’t, Tom... Please . .. Give : ' ; Connors sprang to the bed in a | i panic. ‘‘Fay, Darling . .. I won’t do it ... Here, you can take the gun...’ He placed it in her hand. Outside the door, Daniels hearing someone coming up the stairs, ducked back into an alcove. His eyes widened as he recognized the newcomer. Fay thrust the gun beneath her pillow and fell back exhausted. Connors looked around for water. He saw the empty pitcher on the table by the bed. Grabbing it up he hastened into the kitchen. While he was gone, the door opened and in walked Finn. Fay did not hear his entrance. Steathily turning the key in the lock, Finn approached the bed. ‘Babe, I’ve brought you _ the money ... You ean have anythin’ I pot, Kad... s: Vul know... Fay roused up and shrieked in terror, as her eyes fixed on the kitchenette. Connors stood in the doorway. Finn’s eyes followed Fay’s. He uttered one word, ‘‘Connors!’’ ‘CYeah ... it’s me.’’ There was venom in his voice. ‘‘Just in time to: rub“out’ a rat... ~?>Connors slowly advanced toward Finn. ‘¢Tt was at this juncture that Daniels, his ear again pressed out side the door, decided that it was time to interfere. He tried the door; it would not open. Fay struggled to get up. = l'om-.. . dont” Daniels, outside, heard Connors say, ‘“‘I’m gonna kill the rat.’’ Daniels threw himself against the barred door. = Then the struggle between the two men--a_ struggle that shook the house! Connors’ first blow, for an instant stunned Finn. 0 ‘fe Tom Recovering, Finn managed to ge a good grasp on a chair and swung viciously. Connors went down under the blow. Finn now had Connors on the floot, his heavier weight a decided advanZ tage. Finn had a death grip a Connors’ throat, now coming in short gasps. Suddenly the gun spitted flam Finn sagged to the floor. Z Connors arose dazed; he whose breath + looker. he was cognizant of someone —— door. .Flcaiald “SL Uae antec. attendants the her . Then, with body erect, face sets i, Tom Connors, walked away . “te his doom. She visited Tom just before he went for that last walk through the little black door which leads to the chair. She pleaded with him, as the Warden stood by. “Tell the Warden the truth, Tom!” she begged, clinging to him. “Tell him that you’re only trying to shield me—that I fired the shot! Oh, why f wouldn’t they believe me!” While Fay had her face buried | against his chest, Connors, unable to stand her agony any longer, motioned to the Warden to take her away. “You’ve got to go now, Honey. Just let’s remember tne swell times we had, Fay, and remember, kid, I loved you more than anything .. .” “T know, Tom,” she interrupted, looking at him with tears in her eyes, “more than life.” Quickly, she kissed him, and unable to utter another word, she left the cell with the Warden. She had seen Tom for the time. gathering : uber . last * * * * A minute or two before the guards came in to conduct Connors to the execution chamber, the Warden returned. “One last favor, Connors huskily. ette for me.” As the Warden, without a word, extended the lighted match to the cigarette in Connors’ mouth, the Warden’s hand trembled so that the prisoner had to reach for the hand to steady it long enough to get the light. The guards, accompanied by the prison chaplain, entered. Connors was ready. With a quick handshake to the Warden, he stepped between the guards. . * % * * Warden, asked “Light my cigar There was a hush over the prison . a hum of the dynamo! Another momentary silence ... another drone of the motor! Another period of deadly silence ...and then the voice of the prison physician: “Warden, I pronounce this man dead!” THE END.