The Face Behind the Mask Page #4

as someone grand and noble...

But you are, Janos.

You're unselfish and thoughtful.

That's noble. And you're kind.

You've no idea how happy your radio's made me.

It's such a beautiful present.

It's like having company all the time.

Yes, but your company keeps talking and talking

and talking... and never listens to you.

I don't mind that.

Sometimes I go for days without

saying a word to anyone.

I know. I've been lonely too, before you came.

I had no one to talk to

the way I can talk to you.

Your radio's brought me lots of friends.

Even the gentleman with the nice voice

who talks about the best soap,

or the best dog food.

They sound so friendly,

just as if they were in my room

talking to me personally.

Always you see things the way you want to.

Janos, there's something on your mind.

Your voice is so careful.

It doesn't sound in tune

with the words you say.

What is it you want to tell me?

Helen, I...

I saw the eye doctor again this morning and...

He...

I know. He said the same things

the other doctors have said.

Yes, but... We'll go to someone else.

No, Janos, it doesn't matter.

You're so young, your face is so beautiful.

If you could see, you would

have the whole world.

But I have the whole world.

My blindness has given me the freedom

of a kingdom you can never imagine.

I see as I wish to see.

To me, the appearance of everything

is measured by the sound it makes.

The streetcars like an enormous

rolling bell, clanging down the street.

And a man with a loud voice is always a giant.

And the same thing happens with textures.

A little shabby alley cat can be

a beautiful white ball of fur.

And with scents,

One flower can transform

my room into this park.

And you, Janos, from the way you speak,

from the way I hear you walk,

from the gentleness of your touch

I know what kind of a man you are.

What's the matter? Have I talked too much?

No. I know what it is.

I forget sometimes that people...

only feel sorry for me.

That's why you're nice.

I thought that you really

enjoyed being with me.

Sorry for you?

It's nothing to do with you, it's me.

Me, my face.

If you could see my face,

you would feel sorry for me.

People who look at me, they see a mask.

Artificial.

But the face behind the mask,

it's mutilated, hideous.

A horrible nightmare.

But from which I can never awake.

I don't believe it. You're lying to me.

I wish I were.

Tell me about it, Janos.

Tell me how it happened.

I want you to, so there can be

no more fear between us.

I think we ought to be getting back.

Please, Janos.

Please don't let's darken

our friendship with a shadow.

You must tell me everything.

I'll listen as I listen to the radio.

When you talk you are a friend.

When you're silent, you're...

I'll tell you while we are

walking home... everything.

On the first day I came to this country...

There was not one who would

have anything to do with me.

I could not find work.

It was impossible to go on.

I was an outcast.

So I did things I should not have done.

I had only one goal, to get money

and to get it fast

to get my face fixed.

And then I found I could not buy a face.

That was the day I met you.

You spoke to me.

You did not turn away from me.

Because you couldn't see my face.

Even if I could see it,

it wouldn't make any difference.

The moments I spend with you...

I'm Janos Szabo again.

I forget what I've become.

But you haven't changed.

To me your face is kind and gentle

because that's the way you are.

Nothing you have said or done has changed you.

Try to get some music. I'll make some tea.

"Police still have no clue

as to the identity of the men.

It was the most daring hold-up

in recent crime history.

The robbers, disguised as

employees of the gas company,

escaped with thousands of dollars in cash-"

I can't understand people like that.

With eyes that can see, but who are so blind

and ugly inside. I pity them.

If they're caught they'll be shut in prison.

If not, they'll still be in a prison,

a prison of fear.

They're so blind...

Yes, they are blind.

What's been keeping you, boss?

You said 5:
00. You're late.

Come on, boy genius. Make with the brains.

we've got this Charpenters job all cased.

It really looks juicy.

It's a cinch.

The watchman makes his rounds every half-hour.

Yes, and the burglar alarm?

Intermittent. It's attached here.

This is the air conditioning system.

When do you think we ought to pull it?

I don't know.

- Huh?

Not going through with this job.

What's the matter, boss?

You feeling sick?

Me?

You're so blind.

I'm quitting, that's all.

I'm getting out.

But why? Are you out of your mind?

Jeff, I always thought you'd

feel better without me.

From now on, the boys are yours.

Just like it used to be.

If you think we can't pull this job without you...

What do you want us to do?

Raise your ante?

Look, I've got my reasons for getting out,

and they don't concern you boys.

Forget all about me.

I'll try to forget you.

None of you ever got a bad deal from me.

So you simply got to believe me

when I say I... I can't keep it up.

Are you holding out on us, Johnny?

Or are you just plain yellow?

Come on, break it up.

Where to, Johnny?

Back where I came from,

a long time ago.

You keep in the clear, Dinky.

But if anything happens and you need me,

you can reach me at this address.

Keep it to yourself.

Orangeville? I never heard of it.

A place somewhere in the country...

A hideout?

Maybe, and if Helen likes it,

it'll be a honeymoon.

Oh Johnny, that's swell!

Yes, and I'm going to work too.

Work?

We've gone a long road together, Dinky.

You and I, a crooked road.

But this is where I take the turn-off.

I'm gonna miss you, Johnny.

When are you leaving?

Early in the morning.

Good luck, Johnny.

I'm gonna look you up sometime.

So long, Johnny.

Goodbye, Dinky.

I can hardly wait until tomorrow.

I've always wanted a house with green shutters.

Even though I can't see them,

they must be friendly and inviting.

I'm glad you can't see the second-hand car I bought.

But it has got a radio.

I'll be ready long before you get here.

Goodnight, Helen.

Goodnight, Janos.

The dirty skunk, that dirty double-crossing rat...

What did you find?

No wonder he let us take his place over.

He's been dealing with the cops.

Here, look at this.

"Detective O'Hara on trail of killers

on attempted diamond robbery. "

Why, that's the same name.

Lieutenant James O'Hara.

Look at this card.

I found it in the desk.

That yellow fink. I'll get him for this

if it's the last thing I do.

Forget him, it'll only get us into trouble...

and we don't know where he is.

Yeah. We gotta get out of here.

We're going to get out of here

all right, and out of the country.

I'll fix it so we're on our way within 24 hours.

But first I'm going to settle with Janos.

And the way to find Janos

is to find Dinky.

Try Al's joint, try Tony's. Get Harry

and try every joint in town,

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