High and Low

What brings you here?

National Shoes is in business

to make money.

Take a look at this shoe.

Will it increase our sales?

Wait.

We're not losing money.

lt's a good shoe,

but it costs too much.

Old-fashioned too.

And another thing.

lt's too durable.

Shoes must wear out.

Shoes are accessories,

like hats and handbags.

Women want new styles

at moderate prices.

Right.

Our shoes are practical...

but hats don't wear long.

Shoes shouldn't either.

l don't agree with you.

Hats are decoration.

Shoes carry all your body weight.

You win.

You may be satisfied

with this kind of shoe...

but sales have been flat

for a whole year.

That's why we're here.

What do you want me to do?

Let me be frank.

We are the directors

of our firm.

l'm in charge of sales;

you, the factory;

lshimaru, design;

Kamiya, publicity.

Kawanishi's your top aide...

and a future executive.

We're all agreed

on what our problem is.

What is it?

Our president.

The Old Man's backward.

Army boots are more his style.

But he owns enough stock

to tell all of us what to do.

By the way...

Take a look at this design.

lt's a sure winner.

Good work.

And it can be made

at half the cost.

Well?

What would the Old Man say?

Who cares?

He owns a lot of stock,

but we can join together.

He has 25% .

You have only 21% .

You can't vote him out.

Gondo, you own stock too,

and we're counting on you.

How about joining us?

With your 13% ,

we'd have 34% .

We could out-vote the old mule.

And who'd be the new president?

Well, you'd be in the running.

But as the new policy

is Baba's idea...

he'll be the next president.

You, executive director.

Fair enough?

The Old Man may be old-fashioned...

but he makes real shoes.

Yours are trash.

Listen.

l came to work at National Shoes

when l was 16.

l've been in that factory

for 30 years.

l know every sound and smell there.

l remember every shoe ever made--

all good, durable shoes.

l can't put our name on junk.

This wouldn't last a month.

There's no shank in it.

A cardboard base.

No sewing.

lt's just glued together.

You want money for this?

The costs!

The profits!

- Business is business!

- l know.

But this business

is my life and love.

l can't do this.

So you'll make

the Old Man's army boots?

No. The Old Man is wrong.

He's wrong. We're wrong.

Who's right?

l'll make my ideal shoes--

durable, yet stylish.

Expensive to make, maybe...

but profitable in the long run.

How romantic.

Only we won't let you.

lf we vote with the boss,

we can force you out.

Go ahead. The shareholders'

meeting is next month.

The gentlemen are leaving.

See them out.

You're leaving already?

Mrs. Gondo.

lsn't my husband

seeing you out?

What happened

between you and them?

Nothing.

Didn't look that way.

Don't worry.

You wouldn't understand.

lt's business.

Business. That's

what you always say.

What's his game?

You're his right-hand man.

You must know.

He's confident enough

to throw us out.

What is he up to?

Why didn't you ask him?

Don't be sarcastic.

lf you help us stop him...

we'll make you a director.

Don't tempt me.

You want to be his flunky forever?

Think it over.

Stop it, Jun!

They're furious.

Are we safe?

Wait and see.

Trouble again?

Looks like it.

They want to kick me out,

but l've taken steps.

They'll have to be

big steps. How?

Wait till it's all set.

Then l'll kick them out.

He takes after you.

He likes violent games.

Jun!

Oh, it's you, Shinichi.

l'm the sheriff now.

Jun, is it your turn

to be the outlaw?

Then don't run.

Hide and ambush the sheriff.

A man's got to attack

or be attacked.

Go on, and win.

lt's getting worse.

Your attitude.

Success isn't worth

losing your humanity.

What do you know about it?

l just want to make good shoes.

Yes, it is.

Osaka Hotel?

You called Osaka?

One moment.

Room 310, please.

Gondo calling.

Hello, it's me.

How did it go? All settled?

How much? Within my limit?

Good work!

Yes, settle it.

Right away.

Say l'll send

the deposit tonight.

Call me back.

l'm counting on you.

l want you to go to Osaka.

Book a flight.

Use the other phone.

l'm waiting for a call.

ls everything all right?

l'm frightened.

Hello. lt's me.

So it's all set?

Just a moment.

Kawanishi's off at 10:00

with a check for 50 million.

Now a toast!

l kept it a secret,

but now l can tell you.

My share isn't 13% .

l've bought 15% more

over the last three years...

and l just arranged

for 19% more.

Even with the Old Man,

they're 46% to my 47% .

lt's a gamble,

but National Shoes is mine.

How did you raise the money?

l borrowed on everything,

even this house.

Raising 50 million was rough.

One yen less,

and Osaka would have refused.

l've bet my whole fortune on this.

Wait. This is just

the deposit, isn't it?

lt's only a third.

What about the other 100 million?

lf l have control of the firm,

l'll get the rest.

Too big a surprise?

Have a drink.

Excuse me.

ls my boy, Shinichi, here?

He's outside with Jun. Why?

l brought him this.

l'll call Jun.

Aoki, drive Kawanishi

to the airport.

Yes, this is Gondo.

What? You--

You have kidnapped my son?

Stop joking!

l'm not joking.

Listen.

l have your son.

Do as l say,

and he'll be safe.

Get 30 million yen.

What?

No consecutive numbers.

Wait.

One thousand--

three thousand 5,000-yen notes...

and five thousand 1,000-yen notes.

Total:
30 million yen.

Have it ready by tomorrow.

Then we'll talk again.

lf you love your son,

don't call the police.

No, of course not.

Good-bye, Mr. Gondo.

Please get Jun back. Hurry!

Keep calm.

l'll get him back,

no matter what it costs.

l'll raise more money later.

l'll call the police.

No! You want Jun to be killed?

Don't worry.

lt'll be all right.

Did you call me, Mom?

What's the matter?

What is this?

A practical joke?

Jun, where's Shinichi?

l hid like you said,

but he never came. Some sheriff!

Shinichi was wearing

Jun's outfit.

Even l got them mixed up.

Shinichi!

Call the police.

No! The kidnapper

might hurt him.

A chauffeur can't pay ransom.

He'll let him go.

But l won't let him

get away with this.

The police?

No, a department store delivery.

Odd at this hour.

What's keeping the police?

Don't worry.

Your son's safe.

He has to be.

lt's the police.

Would you please

close all the drapes?

l'm Chief lnspector Tokura.

From down there,

if he's got a telescope...

the kidnapper can see

this entire room.

- Any more phones?

- One upstairs.

- Listed?

- Just this one.

Here's the phone.

We'll get ready

to tap his calls.

Only he may not call again.

Not if he finds out.

He may still think

he has your son.

Broadcast the mistake

on radio and TV.

Then he'll know

you've notified us.

So?

He warned you

he'd kill the boy.

He thought he had my son.

He has to return him.

You think so,

but the kidnapper may not.

Kidnapping cases are hard.

His protection is the hostage.

On our way here

the Chief told us...

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