"POLITICAL CONSTITUTION" "OF THE UNITED STATES OF MEXICO" "HEROD'S LAW" "My God, they lynched a Mayor just when the President... is talking about modernity and social peace." "Don't fuck this up, López." "Don't worry, Mr. Governor." "We've taken the necessary steps to deal with it." "I'm talking about the Presidency of Mexico, no less." "If I'm not careful, that asshole Ruiz Cortinez will beat me to it." "I want to get through this clean." "If I don't get at least a ministry, I'm out of the game." "Don't worry, General." "I assure you that you are valuable to the party." "Look, López." "If you want to be governor, everything must be resolved." "If people mention our state, they must speak well of it." "You know better than anyone who elects who around here." "If you want my job, don't give me any problems like this San Pedro business." "Lynching a mayor when President Alemán speaks of modernity and justice." "Don't fuck this up, Ramírez." "Don't worry, Licenciado." "We'll find someone soon." "This has to be resolved today." "I need to arrange things with the governor." "He said I've been chosen, so get looking." "Find me someone not too bright." "He will hold the post for three or four months." "What do you think of him?" " Who's he?" " The least bad, but he's straight." " He threatened to quit the party." " No, no." "And this?" "That's "Sticky Fingers"." "I doubt he'd accept a shitty job like Mayor of San Pedro." "And this one who looks like Tintán." "Vargas?" "He's been in the party for years." "He joined when I did." "He's a good man." "He'll probably accept." "What do you mean "a good man"?" "I mean he's stupid." "Fine." "Go and get him." ""Institutional Revolutionary Party" "Juan Vargas"" ""Cleaning Department Supervisor"" "Good morning." "Ramírez?" "Ramírez!" "Fucking Vargas, you have to call me Licenciado now." "Okay?" "It's been a long time." "Is that car yours?" "Yes." "Licenciado López sent me." "He wants a word with you." "The governor's secretary?" "What about?" "You're in a fine mess." "Hurry up." "He's waiting for us." "Go in." "Wait for me here." "And behave, asshole." "Yes, tell him I'll call him." "Afternoon, Vargas." "It's an honor, Licenciado." "Sit down." "I'll be straight with you, Vargas." "As you know, modernity has at last come to our country." "We must embody the ideals of the revolution... make President Alemán's words reality... help the country advance... stamp out corruption, especially the mess caused by those who don't agree." "Certain government workers don't understand this." "They have taken advantage of their posts to engage in private business.." "and grow rich at the nation's cost." "This country needs true patriots, people like you." "Thanks, Licenciado." "I'm going to need your help." "Just tell me who I have to kill." "No, no, Vargas." "Times have changed." "You heard what happened in San Pedro de los Saguaros?" "The people rioted." "There was some kind of problem there... and now there is nobody in charge." "We have to appoint a temporary mayor who will keep order until the elections." "Right." "And how can I help, Licenciado?" "You came up short, Ramírez." "Don't be a fool, Vargas." "The party has taken note of you and I'm informing you... that you are to be temporary Mayor of San Pedro de los Saguaros." "M-Mayor?" "Me?" "So you see how the revolution is just with people like you." "I trust you totally, Vargas." "Totally." "This is a real opportunity." "Maybe even the start of a great political career." "That's right, isn't it?" "Go to San Pedro and fulfill President Alemán and Governor Sanchez's promises:" ""Modernity and social justice."" "But listen I don't want any problems." "If they mention San Pedro de los Saguaros in the capital... they'd better say nice things." "No messing things up." "Understood?" "Don't worry, Licenciado." "How can I thank you?" "Thank the party." "Remember:" ""We owe everything to the party"." "There's more." "Here, take this." "Governor Sanchez himself gave it to me... so it's sure to bring you luck." "There." "Thank you, Licenciado." "Now all you have to do is go to work." "Yes, sir." "Ramírez, brother, thank you, thank you." "Licenciado!" "Thank you, Licenciado." "Excuse me, Licenciado." "Here you go, Ramírez." "President Alemán gave me this as a gift." "Now it's yours for finding me that fool." "Nothing more and nothing less than mayor, honey." "Finally, after so many years in that party... something good happens to us." "Are you happy, sweetheart?" "And this is just the start." "You'll see." "If I do well, next stop is State Deputy... then Congressman, my golden dream." "Just imagine, your name on a plaque in the National Congress." "Better still, imagine:" "Senator and Mrs. Vargas." "That doesn't sound bad." "Not bad at all, Mrs. Senator." "Not bad at all." "Excuse me." "How far is it to San Pedro de los Saguaros?" "Good afternoon." "Excuse me." "Do you speak Spanish?" "I think we're lost." "How far is it to San Pedro de los Saguaros?" "It's right here." "You must be the new mayor." "I've been waiting for you since yesterday." "I'm Carlos Pek, your secretary." "Juan Vargas, at your service." "President Alemán and Governor Sanchez... have sent me to bring modernity and social justice." "We've arrived." "Welcome, Madam." "Here?" ""TOWN HALL"" "You should go and see your office,Juan." "What for?" "This is enough for me." "A fucking little backwater." "We're better off in the garbage dump." "Don't say that." "You were nobody at the dump." "Here you are the chief." "The mayor." "Didn't you hear how they even called you Licenciado?" " He did call me Licenciado, didn't he?" " Yes." "Do you honestly think we are better off here?" "Of course." "Don't you see?" "Here we're important people." "It's just the start, but we have to be very, very... smart." "Good morning." "Pek?" "Pek?" "Word is out that there's a new mayor." "Everyone wants their affairs dealt with." "Please tell them I'll see them later." "Alright, let's get to work." " What's this, Pek?" " Unresolved matters, Licenciado." "There are many more, but these are the most urgent." "These are agrarian problems." "This is" "Do you know what, Pek?" "I think we should talk a stroll so that I can get to know the place." "Don't you think so?" "The village is very small-- less than 1 00 inhabitants." "Most of us Indians who've lived here all our lives." "Good morning." "Don't be offended, Licenciado." "They are good people... but most of them don't even speak Spanish." "Really?" "Don't they learn it at school?" "Licenciado." "Look." " That was the school." " What happened?" "They built it in the days ofTata Cardenas." "When the government changed, they stopped paying the teacher... and one day he left." "The same old story Licenciado." "What about the doors, windows and everything?" "That was one of your colleagues." "What did he do?" "One day, the bastard sold them... along with the blackboard benches and anything of value." "I don't believe it." "He didn't sell the walls because nobody wanted to buy them." "He'd have sold the whole village given the chance." "This has happened with every mayor we've had Licenciado." "Listen Pek." "What happened to my predecessor?" "Why did he quit?" "Licenciado..." "Didn't they tell you?" "They cut off his head with a machete!" "What?" "They cut it off, and that's not the end of the story of the Mayors of San Pedro." "Another one was hanged, another almost burned alive." "Three mayors killed in 5 years." "Why would they send me?" "I don't know... but they must have done something, no?" "Who knows?" "But...just in case." "Good morning." "What's this, Pek?" "Manslaughter." "Licenciado Vargas, This is Doctor Morales." "Pleased to meet you, Doctor." "Six bullets." "This, like all the evils in San Pedro... is due to that brothel." "I suppose you know it." "No, no." "With him, that's eight dead men... not counting the diseases half the village is infected with." "Something must be done about that place!" "Don't worry, Doctor." "I'll take the necessary steps to close..." "It's your duty!" "I've only arrived." "I promise..." "It's very easy." "Do your job and everything will be fine." "If not I promise you'll regret ever coming to San Pedro." "Who's this man, Pek?" "Doctor Morales is someone to watch out for, Licenciado." "He's been the PAN candidate for mayor four times... and always complains about fraud." "Can you believe it?" "From now on, he's going to be your worst nightmare." "So it seems." "You can't imagine it." " What shall we do, Pek?" " He had no relatives." "I suppose it's up to us." "We don't open until eight." "I want to speak with your boss." "She's sleeping." "Tell her it's the new mayor." "Wait here." "She says come in." "Miss, ah, how much are you charging?" "What can I do for you?" "Good morning." "Sorry to wake you up at this hour, Doña..." "Lupe." "Juan Vargas, at your service." "Sit down, Licenciado." "Get lost, you." " A drink?" " Not in working hours." "Well, a little shot never did any harm." "So you're the new mayor." "At your service, Madam." "And the thing is..." "How can I say?" "...that certain people are not happy about your business." "Ah, Licenciado, you're just like all the others..." "No, madam, nothing of the kind." "It's just that people" "People or Dr. Morales?" "That old son of a bitch won't leave me alone." "He turns the Indians and everyone against me." "It's not just the Doctor." "There's a corpse outside-- someone who was shot here yesterday." "A corpse?" "No, Licenciado." "Someone's pulling your leg." " Nothing like happened here." " The thing is..." "No, Licenciado, everything is in order." "Don Alfredo Garcia who was mayor before you, gave me all the permits." "Are you going to take this or not?" "No, madam." "There are things which one can't do." "Why the hell not?" "You're all the same, Licenciado." "You're not getting on your high horse and telling me you're different." "No, Doña Lupe, how can you say that?" "I must shut this place down for the good of the village." "Look, you fucking idiot." "Let's stop this right now." "If you have anything else to say, tell it to the Priest." "He calls the shots here." "The Priest?" "Yes, the Priest, you heard me." "Get out!" "Excuse me for bothering you." "Scram." "Excuse me." "Shit." "Good-bye." "And you, idiots." "Get inside." "What are you doing there?" "Excuse me, madam." "Doña Lupe, what about the corpse?" "Stick it up your ass!" "Let's see, pal." "You said it yourself, Padre." "The flesh is weak and there is much temptation." "Yes, but you get carried away." "Oh, but Padre, you know." "What does your husband say?" "Nothing." "He doesn't pay me any attention." "Ego te absolvum." "For penitence say three Our Fathers and three Hail Marys." "Oh, and give me a peso for every one of your sins." "Oh, good morning." "Good morning." "Chencha." "May I help you?" "Good morning, Padre." "I'm Juan Vargas, at your service." "The new mayor." "I know all that." "I was going to come and see you, but I've had a lot of work." "What can I do for you?" "Well, I've got a lot of problems, Padre." "Spiritual ones?" "I wish they were." "I've got a corpse outside." "I just saw Doña Lupe, and she said I should talk to you." "Not in here." "Outside, better." "Hey, my son, how much does a Packard like this go for?" "I really, don't know, Padre." "What shall we do about the corpse?" "He's starting to stink." "That's the authorities' problem." "I just do the blessing." "What about the brothel, Padre?" "I spoke to Doña Lupe and she said you'd given her permission." "Ah, Doña Lupe." "Did you two work something out?" "What?" "Did you come to an agreement?" "Padre, I'm not like that." "Ah, come on." "I swear it, Padre." "Don't swear!" "Do you think this shepherd doesn't know his flock?" "Well, she did make me an offer... but that's not why I came to San Pedro de los Saguaros." "You should've taken the money." "San Pedro lacks many things... and Doña Lupe performs an important social function." "That's five pesos for the blessings." "Thanks Padre." "Being mayor is exhausting, Pek." "I never imagined it would be so difficult." "It's been a bad day, Licenciado..." "But don't give up." "It's a matter of solving the problems bit by bit." "You know what?" "Just before I came here..." "I heard a speech by the President that gave me some ideas." "I think they'll work for us, what do you think?" "First, we'd have to fix the school." "Then pave the streets, install drainage." "People just shit" "If you'll allow me a few words, Licenciado..." "Wait." "Don't make me lose my train of thought when the ideas are flowing." "Something grand so that people will remember us... a dam or a highway linking San Pedro de los Saguaros to the capital." "What do you think?" "They're great ideas, but there's a problem." "What?" "Seven pesos." "It's all that's left of the budget." "The last mayor, he spent it." "And since then, they haven't given us anything." "I thought maybe they'd sent something with you." "I'm not hungry." "You're not go to solve anything like this,Juan." "We have to think of something." "You can't go back to the garbage dump." "Without money, I can't do anything." "Go and see Licenciado López first thing tomorrow." "Tell him what your problems are and ask him for a larger budget." "But he told me he didn't want any problems." "But he didn't tell you where he was sending us either." "Go see him." "Play the martyr." "Take him a present." "That always works." "I know just what to give him." "In conclusion, President Miguel Alemán declared before the workers and peasant's sectors that this devaluation was painful but necessary, and insisted that by facing our problems decisively... we can guarantee a bright future for everyone." "No doubt there are people who know how to do things well." "How can I tell Licenciado López I can't do the job?" "I'm putting my head on the line." "I'd rather be in your shoes." "Eat and sleep, sleep and eat." "That's life." "Fuck it!" "What?" "What happened to your car?" "The piece of shit broke down." "Let's see if I can help you." "Get in." "Start it up." "Stop." "I think the engine's fucked." "Don't tell me." "It can be fixed, but it won't be cheap." "Go ahead." "I'll pay whatever." "Again, carefully." "Hey, he who knows, knows." "What do you say?" "How much do I owe you?" "Hey, for a Mexican friend, just 1 00 dollars." "1 00 dollars?" "Shit!" "But I don't have that much money." "Look, this is all I have." "And the pig?" "No, it belongs to my boss." "Well give me that." "But you'll leave me broke." "Look, this is what we'll do." "Go to San Juan de los Camotes and wait for me there..." "I'm the mayor, see?" "Emilio Gabriel Fernandez Figueroa at your service." "I'll pay you there, okay?" "What?" "I said it's okay, my friend." "Don't worry." "We Mexicans are people of our word." "I'll pay you on time." " Thanks a lot." " Have a good trip." "Fucking Gringo, same as the rest." "They want to take us for a ride." "But they don't know that we Mexicans are better fuckers." "What's this, Vargas?" "A present from San Pedro de los Saguaros." "Get that swine out of here!" "So, what's new?" "Well, Licenciado..." "I don't know where to begin." "I'd like to see if it's possible for you to give me a bigger budget." "No, Varguitas, no, no." "The elections are coming up and all our funds must go to the party so that there are no surprises." "Ask me for anything, anything at all." "But not that." "Not now." "Well, since you're giving me the chance." "How about moving me to another town?" "Fucking hell, you really turned out to be a wise guy." "No way." "It's Herod's Law here." "Either you fuck them or you get fucked." "But there's no money left." "This makes it very difficult." "We need so many things." "Imagine if everyone asked me for money like you." "When it runs out, it runs out." "But Licenciado, I planned to do as you told me that modernity and social justice stuff, but" "But, the truth is, it's difficult." "I'll give you some advice." "Sit down." "Here you are." "Federal and State Laws." "Do I have to read it all?" "No, no, Vargas." "This will earn you your money." "If you know how to use it, you can get money out of anyone." "You've got fines, taxes, license fees." "Use the law to your benefit and you're made." "Remember, in this country, honesty gets you nowhere." "But you get me into deeper trouble." "They don't respect authority in San Pedro." "Authority?" "Come here." "I'll show you authority." "Stand here." "Hit me here." "No, no, Licenciado." "Go on, man, don't be afraid." "Hit me here." "Come here, Vargas." "Do you understand?" "I'm your boss." "Your superior." "Get it?" "Anyone who breaks the law is messing with authority." "They'll be punished." "I'm the authority." "Got it?" "But-- but the people in San Pedro are wild." "Did you know they cut the last mayor's head off?" "They cut his head off?" "That's easily solved." "Take it." "Go on." "Take it." "If they threaten you with a machete, show them the pistol and see if they still give you a hard time." "Keep it, man, keep it." "Put it away." "You'll kill someone like that." "And remember when you read it in this book:" "Executive power, legislative power, judicial power." "That's you." "The maximum authority of San Pedro of the what?" " De los Saguaros." " San Pedro de los Aguados, you got it." "Go on, and keep the gun." "Thank you, Licenciado." "Take this little book and this gun and enforce authority." "Thank you very much." "Excuse me." "Go ahead." "Gloria!" "Sweetheart, I'm back." "How did it go, my love?" "Very well." "Are we going to move to another village?" "No." "Then they raised your budget?" "No, sweetheart." "But look." "What's that for?" "Licenciado López gave it to me." "You're going to bring us problems." "No, my love." "On the contrary." "This is the solution to our problems." "I know how." "I must study and learn to use the gun." "Fine, but put it down." "It's making me nervous." "My pistol makes you nervous?" "There are crimes against public order, moral offenses prostitution, endocinity and white slavery." "Sweetheart, do you know what en-do-ci-ni-ty means?" "No, I don't." "Let me sleep." "Where the hell are you going?" "Always trying to sneak away!" "If I hadn't seen you what were you thinking of?" "I take my eyes off you and you fuck up!" "Who were you sneaking off to see?" "Get inside, asshole!" "Ungrateful little tarts!" "Nobody else would feed the pigs." " Take it or I'll give it to them." " Good morning, Doña Lupe." "What do you want, you bastard?" "With all due respect, I have an order to close this house." "According to the penal code, you're in violation of several laws." "Selling alcohol without a license, involvement in manslaughter... plagiarism, kidnapping, procurement, rape... corruption of minors, threats, white slavery... plus beating your employees like that." "Look, this is my property, alright Licenciadito?" "In my house I'll beat up anyone I fucking like." "Got a problem with that?" "Look, Doña Lupe." "Here you can read the laws where it's..." "I don't give a shit about your fucking laws!" "Please, Doña Lupe." "Have some respect." "I represent the Nation's Authority." "You don't get it, asshole." "Doña Lupe." "Please, Doña Lupe." "I want us to communicate like decent people." "Who do you think you're going to scare?" "You need balls to use that gun, asshole!" "Coward!" "Come back, you son of a fucking bitch!" "Come back!" "Son of a bitch!" "What's up, Licenciado?" "If they ask for me, tell them I've gone." "No, that I don't work here anymore." "Are you sure it was in the leg?" "I think so, sweetheart." "Let's go." "Well, so what?" "That's what your boss told you to do, right?" "Yes." "Something like that." "You're the authority, honey." "They have to respect you." "It's just that this lady..." "Get back to work." "Is your idiot boss in?" "Doña Lupe." "Come in, come in." "Good morning, Doña Lupe." "Come in." "How have you been?" " Pek please leave us." " You too, get out." "Please madam." "You're looking very well." "I wanted to apologize." "Cut the crap, Vargas." "Let's get to the point." "How much do you want to leave me alone?" "No, Doña Lupe, the law must be obeyed." "Then just look the other way." "What does it matter?" "Your business is very crooked, Doña Lupe." "But you only know that because are reading that huge book." "Here's more money." "You promise nobody will know, Doña Lupe?" "You promise?" "Nobody will find out." "So now we understand each other." "You're a tougher cookie than I expected." "Let me help you, Doña Lupe." "Get off, I can manage." "And to show you I don't bear a grudge, come to the brothel." "I'll invite you to one of my girls." "Thank you, Doña Lupe." "See you there." "Nosy little tarts!" "Look at you!" "Hello." ""Entry forbidden to Women, Minors, Soldiers in Uniform Animals and Indians"." "Fifty?" "No way." "But how?" "I don't make that much." "Well, how much can you manage?" "Well..." "Maybe twenty, once in a while." "Good." "We'll discuss your taxes later, eh?" "Thank you." "Oh, that sign by the door." "It's hard to understand, confusing." "Take it down." "Just look at that." "Pek, fine this asshole." "What for, Licenciado?" "Let me think." "Lock him up and we'll decide later." "Don't let him out until he pays a fine of five pesos." "No, six." "Juan, come to bed." "What's that?" "Where did you get all this money?" "Oh, it's not mine." "You won't believe this." "It's money from contributions, taxes, fines." "They're calling it something else in town." "Especially Dr. Morales." "He's going around saying you're the worst one yet." "You be careful, dear." "That old bastard could ruin everything." "I have to convince him that I'm doing this for the good of the community." "I know." "Why don't we organize a dinner and invite all the important people of San Pedro?" "We've the money now." "That's what all politicians do, right?" "Okay." "I love you, my dear." "Good evening, friend." "I looked for you everywhere." "Where's my money?" "How are you doing, Sam, buddy?" "My name isn't Sam." "It's Robert." "Robert Smith." "Nice to meet you." "What's this,Juan?" "Gloria, this my friend, Robert." "He almost saved my life." "Hey, I want my money." "You owe me, remember?" "I want you to pay me now." "It's late and I don't want to be on the road." "No, no way." "You stay with us here." "Gloria make us something to eat... or they'll say that we Mexicans are bad hosts." "Alright, I'll stay." "And the money?" "Look friend." "The country is experiencing economic problems." "We'll talk about money tomorrow." "Go and get your things." "Okay." "Where's he going to sleep?" "Look, I've got a good proposal for you." "Help me and I swear I'll pay you everything." "Plus interest." "What is it?" "You play engineer and help me modernize this village." "These people have all got money stashed under their mattress." "Sure, but I want my money up front." "Look, I'm not talking about $1 00." "You could be making a grand or more." "Maybe." "But I want 50% of what you get." "Fucked." "I'll give you 20%." "Fifty or nothing." "Okay." "As you know, we Mexicans are men of our word." "Here, distrustful paleface." "Here's your paper." "Did you write down all about the interest?" "Yes." "It's all there." "Okay, friend." "To our partnership." "What?" "Partners." "Cheers." "Cheers, partner." "Tell me, Mr. Gringo." "Yes?" "Is it true that your countrymen are still very angry... about the expropriation of the oil business?" "Well, a bit." "But they know that in time we'll get it all back." "And more." "Much more." "What did he say?" "He says that in the US they think we're a dictatorship." "And I agree with him." "The perfect dictatorship!" "No, no." "Forgive me, but that's why we had a revolution." "In Mexico the vote is respected." "It's not our fault that people always vote for my party." "If there was real democracy in Mexico, the President would be a priest." "Don't exaggerate, Doctor or Padre Pérez would end up as governor." "Good idea, my son." "And you, you were involved." "What do you think, Pek?" "Well, the revolution brought many changes." "But we didn't fight it to suit a few politicians." "The worst thing is that the poorest are still just as poor." "Yes, Pek." "You're quite right." "Fortunately, we made the revolution the basis for our institutions... and the country's future has never been brighter." "Please, Licenciado, what future are you talking about?" "The government is in the hands of a bunch of crooks." "Your boss is the worst of all, that puppy of the revolution!" "You, yourself are a fine example of the class of scalawags that govern us." "What have you done besides extorting anyone you can?" "Tell us, what have you done for the good of San Pedro?" "Doctor, let me serve you another drink." "No, honey." "Sit down." "Ladies, gentlemen, this is why I have invited you here." "As you know, I went to the capital a few days ago to discuss the serious problems of the village with the Secretary of the Governor." "I want to inform you that... that modernity will at last come to San Pedro de los Saguaros." "We'll make the promises of our President Don Miguel Alemán come true." "And how are you going to do this?" "I have specific instructions to start immediately... by bringing electricity to San Pedro." "And here, straight from the US, is the engineer Robert Smith." "And that's nothing." "Once these works are done..." "President Alemán himself will inaugurate them." "Cheers!" "How thrilling!" "Why didn't you tell me before?" "Sit down, honey." "Cheers!" "Cheers." "Cheers." "Hey, dear." "What?" "Didn't you get a bit carried away?" "About what?" "What you said about electricity and the president." "No, honey." "It's all true." "I spoke to the governor's secretary." "Tell them to pull harder, Mr. Pek." "As you see, Doctor." "My party always delivers." "You should have closed the brothel first." "All in good time." "First things first." "And the first thing my friend is progress, the future of our nation!" "There's your great work." "Fucking Gringo idiot!" "Sorry, Mr. Mayor." "It was these Indians." "This never happens with American workers." "Go on!" "Help them!" "Pull!" "Again!" "Pull!" "Good morning, Doña Lupe." "Know what day it is today?" "And where is Esmeralda?" "That fucking shameless dwarf." "How does he manage to be so brazen?" "So, you don't have enough money to pay taxes." "But what about this?" "Pay me." "To you too, idiot!" "Let's go." "What?" "Listen who the hell is going to pay me?" "Show some respect, Doña Lupe." "One thing is one thing but this is something else." "I'm here for your taxes." "How can I pay you, asshole?" "Since you came to this village I've lost all my clients." "Do what you want." "I have nothing to pay you with." "Well, look, Doña Lupe." "Maybe we can work something out." "I'm feeling very romantic." "Alright, let's go." "No, Doña Lupe." "What a son of a fucking bitch!" "You've got no idea how everyone has changed." "The only thing anyone talks about is the President's visit." "What are they saying?" "They're very excited about the electricity." "Everyone speaks well of you, honey." "They say you're the first mayor who is going to make good his promises." "I'm excited too." "Juan, I'm preparing you a surprise so that you make a good impression on the President." "What is it?" "No, it's a surprise." "I'll show you when it's finished." "Oh,Juan if you keep on like this, you won't just be a Congressman." "You'll be much more." "And I've also got a present for you." "Couldn't you give it to me tomorrow, honey?" "I've had a very tiring day." "Hold on, hold on." "Look, Padre, not only is he corrupt." "He's lazy too." "I'm sure the whole thing is a farce." "Pardon, Doctor?" "What are you talking about?" "I heard you're in business with Doña Lupe." "You should know we're prepared to take the necessary steps to sack you." "Excuse me, Doctor, but the law authorizes me..." "The law?" "The law you apply is a farce... an excuse to steal money from the people." "Tell him." "Tell him what we found out." "I don't want to get involved in your business... but the Indians have complained to Doctor Morales about you." "Excuse me Padre, but I simply apply what it says here." "Do you think I go around making up laws?" "Well, I've warned you." "Either things change or you'll hear from me." "Nothing satisfies this guy." "That is the way of the opposition's-- critical of everything." "I'm going to give you some advice." "Be careful and don't go waving that pistol around." "Put it away!" "I swear that he is taking it the wrong way." "Don't swear in vain." "I can help you with Dr. Morales, but you're going to have to help me." "Whatever you say, Padre." "I'd be very grateful." "I want to buy myself a car, you know?" "A car?" "Don't worry." "I have savings." "I just want something modest... an old Ford or a Packard like yours." "It's a good car, right?" "Here, Padre." "But son, this won't even buy me a tire." "Well, here." "Those who repent go to Heaven." "Help me buy my car and you won't have any problems." "God bless you, my son." "Good luck, Padre." "Fucking priest!" "Good morning, Doña Lupe." "What's good about it?" "Get my money ready while I have a quickie with Perla." "This bullshit is over you son of a bitch!" "What's up, Doña Lupe?" "You just won't understand, asshole." "Pancho!" "Pancho!" "Oh, shit." "This is the asshole I told you about." "Hi, buddy." "Show him who's in charge now." "Throw him to the pigs!" "Doña Lupe, Doña Lupe!" "To the pigs with him!" "What's happening, Doña Lupe?" "Squeal like a pig!" "I'm the representative of the law." "My ass!" "Squeal like a pig!" "Give him a good kicking!" "My love!" "What happened to you?" "I fell down back there." "What?" "You smell like a pig." "Fuck you!" "What's that?" "Isn't it beautiful?" "Bobby brought it." "Hey, wait." "Today's Thursday and you said I'd get an advance." "Don't bother me now, Gringo." "Leave him alone, Bobby." "Can't you see how he is?" "PoorJuan." "Well, to cheer you up..." "I'll show you the surprise I'm making for the President." "Surprise!" "Do you like it?" "It is very nice." "Bobby helped me." "I'm so pleased you like it, dear." "Now I'll show you how we dance in America." "I'm telling you these bitches are fucking with me." "Don't go soft on them or they'll do whatever they want." "Stay in control is all I'm asking you to do." "You've seen" "Vargas, you're not planning to kill me too, are you?" "No, no." "Please." "Look, I'll give you everything I've got." "Look." "I've got more money in the house." "Put the gun down." "You're too much of an asshole with that gun." "Don't kill me!" "Shhh." "I've got news for you, Doña Lupe." "Good news and bad news." "The good news is that those who repent go to Heaven." "And the bad news?" "It's your turn to face Herod's Law." "There, you old witch!" "That's for disrespecting me and that's for not respecting the nation's institutions and that's for your foul mouth." "Juan,Juan, wake up!" "What?" "What's the matter, honey?" "I've been trying to awake you all day, but I couldn't." "Where were you last night?" "Well, I couldn't sleep and I had some business to take care of." "Don't play dumb,Juan." "I know everything." "What do you know?" "That you spend all day at the brothel with Doña Lupe's whores and one day, you'll catch a disease off them." "Oh, my love!" "No way!" "Honorable Congress of the Union... fellow Congressmen, citizens and patriots." "Thank you for this distinction from my party." "My party?" "My party!" "Gloria, Gloria." "Have you seen my "PRI" badge?" "Maybe one of your girlfriends has it." "Is a son of a bitch." "No, no." "Is an..." "My party, my party." "My badge!" "What's this, Pek?" "Some locals brought them." "I was looking for you to tell you." "But, but they're dead, Pek!" "Where did they find them?" "In the deep creek." "And what else?" "Tell me!" "They were found this morning by some peasants who were taking their animals out." "I think it was robbery Licenciado." "They had nothing of value on them." "That's very strange, Pek." "Yes." "Go and take a statement from the peasants." "See if they know anything else." "Yes, Licenciado." "Fucking Doña Lupe!" "Even in death you won't leave me alone." "Rest in peace." "Thank you for coming, Padre." "Is this all the salvation of a soul is worth to you?" "But Doña Lupe left us nothing." "Even her shoes got stolen." "Good-bye, Licenciado." "Don't worry, Padre." "I'll take care of it." "Good-bye, daughters." "God bless you." "Girls, you know how sorry I am." "Doña Lupe was like..." "like... a sister to me." "Always so happy, so kind." "But death comes when we least expect it." "Thanks for coming, Licenciado." "And you know you can count on me for anything." "Hey, listen." "When do we reopen the business, girls?" "See, Doña Lupe?" "Nobody knows who they're working for." "Afternoon." "What's up, Licenciado?" "Heard anything about the murder of Doña Lupe?" "We're on the case." "There are several suspects." "Everything points to a crime of passion." "Passion?" "What about the robbery?" "That was a red herring." "But I didn't come to discuss that." "I want you to do me a favor." "But I've already paid you for the month." "No, no." "Nothing to do with that." "I'm here to make a business proposal." "I've got to find a place for Doña Lupe's girls and I thought we could get together on this." "No, Licenciado." "My business isn't prostitution." "I guarantee you, we'll get loaded." "What do you say?" "No, Licenciado." "Fine." "Cheers." "Look!" "There's my boss." "He'll make it as governor, no?" "Well, it won't be easy for him." "Terrazas is related to President Alemán." "He's got the party base behind him-- even the unions." "My chief won't allow it." "He's a good bastard." "If he wins, I'll be in the big league." "Cheers!" "Pek, Lady Luck is smiling on us." "Someone did us a big favor getting rid of Doña Lupe." "And our boss is set to be governor now." "Nothing can stop us." "Good afternoon, Doctor." "You must be pleased." "You were the only person who wanted Doña Lupe gone and now it's going to be real hard for her to come back." "Are you insinuating I had something to do with this crime?" "You were the only one who had anything against her, right?" "That's a lie!" "You are a shameless opportunist!" "Don't get excited, Doctor." "I'm sure you killed her." "But you'll be sorry, Licenciado." "That's it!" "Listen, Licenciado." "This isn't a good idea." "Hardly anyone here can read." "It doesn't matter, Pek." "It's got to work for something." "Doña Lupe." "Fifty pesos." "What?" "He's asking what it says." "Didn't I tell you?" "Come." "Only you could suggest that the Doctor was guilty!" "The old bastard." "They're going to fire me thanks to him just when López is about to be made governor." "Juan, we must do something." "Let him calm down." "Then early tomorrow, go and apologize." "Humiliate yourself if you must but calm him down." "Who knows what the bastard's capable of?" "Make something up." "Tell him you've found a suspect." "Hey, girl, is your boss in?" "Hello, Rosita." "Hello." "I'm sorry to be here so early without warning... but I must speak with your husband." "Chencha!" "Go and fetch some firewood!" "Stop hanging around!" "Come in, Licenciado." "Come in, this is your house." "Thank you." "Please excuse my appearance, Licenciado." "Rosita, is your husband here?" "No." "He isn't." "Do you know where he went?" "He was very angry." "He couldn't sleep all night." "He woke up very early and went to the capital." "He went to complain about you to your bosses." "Rosita, this was all a mistake." "I came to tell him we've found a suspect and..." " No!" "Really?" " I have to go Rosita." "No, no, Licenciado." "Stay here." "I'll take your mind off it." "That's fine." "You can go." "Now, what's up?" "You must help me, Padre." "I'm about to find myself out of a job and you carless!" "Why?" "Fucking Dr. Morales." "We had a chat." "Now he's gone to see my bosses to tell them who knows what." "We must stop him or we're fucked!" "Forgive him, Lord." "Help me, Padre." "What are we going to do?" "J..." "K..." "L..." "M, M, M, M." "M. Martinez..." "Morales..." "Doctor." "All the stuff about his wife, but everyone knows that." "Ah, here it is." "This will fix him, but it's going to cost you." "What is it, Padre?" "You remember the girl who works for them, right?" ""Not once, but many times, at nightfall Dr. Morales... violently entered my room to abuse me sexually."" "Write down her details and sign it." "The Gringo too." "As witnesses." "Listen, Licenciado." "Isn't this a bit exaggerated?" "It wasn't exactly what the girl said." "Isn't it true, Chencha?" "We cannot allow a degenerate like him to go free." "We must act decisively." "Now I'm sure this Doctor is also involved in the murder of Doña Lupe." "My husband's right, Pek." "We can't leave this poor child with that old swine." "I think Chencha should stay with us,Juan." "She can help me at home." "No, no." "I know who'll take care of her better than anyone." "I'm very sorry, Doctor, Licenciado López won't be able to see you today." "But I've been waiting all day." "I must speak to him." "I have something very important to tell him." "I'll tell him." "But if you like come back tomorrow and maybe he'll have time." "Fucking PAN members!" "What does that asshole want?" "The same as usual." "He says Vargas of San Pedro is embezzling... and he's made a fortune in that fucking village we sent him to." "Why don't you go home?" "I'll stay on guard here, Licenciado." "No, no." "I'm not moving from here." "I don't know why, Ramírez, but I think today's the day." "But, Licenciado, you haven't eaten or slept for three days." "I think" "Yes?" "At your orders, General." "Are you sure?" "But, General..." "Yes, yes." "No, don't worry." "I'm a party man." "I know the rules." "Thank you for calling." "Fucking shitty party!" "What's the matter, Licenciado?" "Terrazas got the nomination in the capital!" "We're fucked!" "Do you think Dr. Morales would live in a shitty place like this... if he wasn't in trouble?" "No." "Do you really believe that stuff about the girls?" "Six girls have denounced him." "But he seemed so decent and educated." "I never thought" "That's the sort of hypocrites these PAN members are!" "Forgive the intrusion, Licenciado but we've caught a suspect." "Confess, Filemón!" "I swear on my mother, I didn't do anything, boss!" "Somebody put those shoes on me." "I swear!" "Don't write that, Pek." "I think you need something to help you remember." "Go inside and see if you can find a bottle, Pek." "Confess and I'll pay you well, Filemón." "Confess, you bastard!" "Yes, yes, yes!" "I did it!" "What happened, Licenciado?" "Nothing, nothing." "What's going on,Juan?" "Nothing, honey." "Go back to bed." "Take this down: he confessed." "On Thursday morning, around seven o'clock Dr. Morales sent for him and offered him twenty pesos and a bottle to do a little job." "Bastards!" "They want to send me as Ambassador to Bolivia." "Me!" "The party's founder!" "That's how those little Licenciados pay me back!" "They want to cut me out, cut themselves in and not share the pie!" "But what do we do?" "We're not just going to fold our arms." "Of course not!" "We'll form a new party, López." "The Party of the Real Revolution." "You'll see how those assholes react." "I swear, in six years' time I'll have their ass!" "I'll be President!" "Good, but that's a long time to wait." "What do we do now?" "Give them a scare, López." "Deal with it the way we used to in my day." "Stop looking so sad, Filemón." "I know what's bothering you." "Look what I brought." "Oh, I didn't realize." "Here." "Boss, I swear by Holy God, I didn't do anything." "You know better than I do where those shoes came from." "I found your PRI badge there, between the bodies." "See?" "Let me go and I won't tell a soul." "I swear, boss." "Look, I've got a pal in jail." "I'll tell him you're my friend and he'll make sure you're well looked after." "What do you say?" "Go ahead." "Fucking Filemón, you're really a good sort." "I need a piss." "How about you?" "Okay, Filemón." "I'm not going to help you with that." "There." "You're a good guy." "Fucking Filemón." "Look what you made me do." "I'm telling you again, Sharkey." "Don't let me down." "When Terrazas gets out of the car, you go up to him, Negro, and blast him!" "If they catch you, say it was an accident." "When I become governor you'll be out of jail and stinking rich." "Sharkey... do you understand?" "My future is in your hands." "Let's get to work." "Have you given it some thought, Licenciado?" "With all due respect, it's very risky... killing a candidate in broad daylight." "There's no other way, Ramírez." "The dice are rolling!" "Not that one, fucker." "Play the same one." "Fucking Filemón!" "Look, Perlita." "It's like when you have an asshole client and he asks you for a screwball." "Would you do it?" "Do you know what a screwball is?" "Sometimes you have to do things you don't like." "That's Herod's fucking Law." "And the girls?" "Girls?" "Girls!" "How is Chenchita doing?" "Did you think about it, girls?" "Five percent of what you earn is yours to keep!" "Great business!" "We're not sure, Licenciado." "Looks, my dears, you can't run this business by yourselves." "I'll be your man, once my boss is governor." "Fucking Filemón!" "I already miss you, you bastard." "Play it again, Negro!" "Negro!" "Girls!" "Girls!" "Girls!" "Licenciado, you're a day early." "How did it go?" "Fine, Pek." "What about the Doctor?" "He hasn't come back yet, but there are more accusations against him." "Do you want to read them?" "Another day." "I'm not in the mood right now." "Motherfuckers!" "No, no, my love." "This isn't what it seems." "Don't speak English to me, you bastard!" "This is the end of the external debt, Gringo!" "Go, Bobby!" "Run before he comes round." "I want to explain to you, my love." "It's not what you think." "The Gringo forced me because of what you owed him." "It was horrible, my love." "He insisted that I pay him." "I said we had no money and he got really violent with me." "He tore my dress off." "It was horrible, my love." "Poor little thing." "I understand, baby." "These fucking Gringos are sons of bitches... but you... you are... you are a fucking bitch!" "Slut!" "Whore!" "Stop it!" "Come here, you bitch!" "Now you'll see!" "Juan." "Juan!" "I'm checking to see if that fucking Gringo robbed me." "Please forgive me,Juan." "You went with the hookers in the brothel... and I never said a word." "You can't keep me tied up here like a dog." "Don't mention those treacherous sluts, and don't mention dogs." "They're faithful." "Licenciado, Licenciado." "Things are getting out of hand." "Calm down, Pek." "What's up?" "Dr. Morales is back and the locals want to lynch him." "Licenciado." "Yes, my old friend." "Juan!" "Juan!" "Juan!" "Speak to them, Pek." "Tell them to go home." "I'll take care of it." "Open the door, Doctor!" " Licenciado Vargas, have they gone?" " Yes, they've gone." "Step aside." "Doctor, for your own sake, I advise you to leave town." "But why?" "It's been discovered that you were the intellectual assassin of Doña Lupe." "We have proof and a signed confession." "But it's a lie!" "Who would dare to accuse me?" "You're also accused of corrupting minors and of rape." "Your servant told us everything." "But, my little girl." "It can't be." "Chencha?" "Doctor, you'd get at least 40 years for this." "But to show you how generous I am..." "I'll give you till dawn to leave town, or I'll wash my hands." "Let's continue." "In every trial the criminal order will-- That's useless too." "Write this down, Pek:" "Article number whatever." "Given that recent events have severely affected the revenue of the municipality... it is decreed that as of today, the 9th of October 1 949, without exception... all the inhabitants of San Pedro de los Saguaros... must pay an extra tax on their lands cows, pigs, donkeys, hens, turkeys and all other animals known or yet to be discovered." "My God, Licenciado, everyone's already very poor." "It isn't right to be so hard on them." "Don't exaggerate, Pek." "It's for the community's good." "Once I'm governor and you mayor of a village, do whatever you want." "Don't distract me or I'll lose my inspiration." "Let's continue." "As of today, the term of office for local mayors shall be extended from six to twelve no, to twenty years with four possibilities of reelection." "You never know." "Two hens." "What did he say?" "What?" "He has nothing left." "He can pay you after the harvest." "No." "Tell him I'm sorry, Pek... but we won't detain the progress of the majority for a minority." "Lock him up." "Next." "Look, Licenciado Vargas, fire me if you want but I can't be an accomplice to all this bullshit." "You're the worst mayor we've ever had." "What was that, Pek?" "Don't show me disrespect in front of people." " Sorry, Licenciado." " Fuck you and your apologies!" "We're going to have this out inside!" "And you wait here." "Fucking fucked up village!" "And to think I was going to make you mayor, asshole." "Open up." "In you go, you subversive old bastard!" "Fucking moaning Indians!" "You're just holding back social progress, idiots!" "It's your own fault." "I just wasn't making enough, Licenciado." "I offered you a deal and you turned it down." "Get the money and you can reopen." "See what happens when you only think about politics?" "You didn't take care of your business." "Looks like the bullets are flying again." "Fuck it!" "Why didn't you tell me my boss didn't get nominated?" "He might still manage it if the candidate dies." "I bet it was López who ordered him killed." "You're mad, you bastard!" "Those things don't happen in my party." "Who knows?" "Anything's possible in politics, Licenciado." "Be careful." "See you." "Good luck, brother." ""At the scene of the murder attempt, the police assist Terrazas... who is taken to the emergency clinic."" "My boss?" "No way!" "Remember the words of our Lord." "You should forgive your wife." "Forgiveness is the only thing that brings the soul peace." "Shut up!" "What do you know about women?" "They're all the same bitches!" "Leave her chained up if you want, but forgive her." "Have you heard three more families left town?" "Yes, yes." "Don't worry about it." "How can I not worry?" "You're acting like a monster." "Not really, Padre." "Don't be a fool..." "You've never had it so good." "But keep worrying, because if anything happens to me... you're in deep trouble." "Anyway, I repented so I can go to Heaven." "See you, Padre." "Juan you can't keep me like this forever." "You're right, honey." "Fix me some dinner." "Look, look." "All this could have been yours." "Now what's the matter?" "You want to poison me, don't you?" "No, no." "You're going insane, you bastard!" "Shut up!" "Show me some respect, bitch!" "Be very careful not to do anything stupid!" "Oh, fuck it!" "Stop!" "Stop, I tell you!" "I didn't do anything." "What's the matter with you Vargas, eh?" "Oh, Sharkey, my friend." "Licenciado López wants a word." "Hurry up." "Come on, move it!" " Move it!" " The animals." "Yes, Licenciado López." "I think Mr. Vargas is sick in the head." "He treats all the locals very badly." "Here he is, boss." "He tried to run as soon as he saw me." "Licenciado!" "To what do I owe this honor?" "What a pleasure!" "What the hell happened here, Vargas?" "This man has been telling me about all the crap you've been up to." "What have you told him, Pek?" "About the Doctor?" "Doña Lupe?" "Don't play dumb, Vargas!" "Look how you got this place." "This Doctor came to see me in the capital... and said you were up to all sorts of business... in the name of the mayor's office." "Tell me the truth, asshole!" "Licenciado, it's time to go." "Easy, Sharkey." "Calm down." "We have time." "I want to hear what little Vargas has to say." "Well?" "In fact, Licenciado..." "where do I begin?" "I came to San Pedro determined to fulfill the pledges and orders of our President... modernity and social justice." "But I felt really bad, I was completely fucked up." "Nobody speaks Spanish, so Mr. Pek here had to translate for me." "There was this priest and a woman involved in various businesses which didn't pay taxes." "So I realized the laws didn't do the job... and I changed them." "I can't believe it, Vargas." "You really changed the Constitution?" "You're such a smart one." ""If the will of the people demands it... the term of office may last up to twenty years... with up to four possibilities of reelection."" "Fuck." "Not even Porfirio Diaz could have pulled this one off." "And I thought you couldn't make any money out of this fucking village." "So, how much is there left?" "All of it!" "That's almost all, Licenciado." "From what you said you made a hundred times more than this." "Don't fuck with me, idiot!" "Where is it?" "It's not here, Licenciado." "Oh, the money's in the bank of San Pedro, right, asshole?" "Where the hell is it?" "It's inside... in the house." "Go and get it." "Sharkey." "Keep an eye on him." "Gloria!" "Gloria!" "Gloria!" ""I went to the States with Bobby." "We'll meet in... in Hell."" "That fucking whore!" "What's the matter, Vargas?" "Don't you think she's a whore?" "Well, Pek." "Found anything?" "No, Licenciado." "Keep looking, asshole!" "I just don't know where he hid it." "Well, Vargas?" "What have you got for me?" "They took it all." "What?" "Do you take me for an asshole?" "It's true, Licenciado." "They took it all, left me without a cent." "Look." "What's the matter?" "I had a fortune... and a fucking Gringo and my hooker wife left me without a cent." "Look you" "Careful, Vargas, careful!" "We're being followed and they'll be here soon." "Sharkey!" "There isn't any Sharkey now." "Careful, Vargas, better put that away." "Fucking Vargas, you fucking clown." "Sorry, Licenciado." "but it is you or me." "I was doing fine till you started harassing me... saying you were the law, the only authority, Herod's Law." "By your holy wife." "Go ahead and make fun of me, bastard." "Laugh." "Herod's Law." "It's all bullshit." "Women all whores." "Cows all mad." "Gringos all sons of bitches who want everything." "You and your good advice, look at your advice now." "This country has no solution." "No solution, Licenciado." "Or does it?" "Does it?" "Answer me, idiot!" "Answer!" "Fucking moaning Indians, you'll see now!" "Out of the way!" "What's going on?" "Fucking Indians!" "Delinquents!" "This village is mine!" "Transgressors of the law and institutions!" "Everything I do is for your sake." "You're poor because you want to be poor, assholes!" "Friends!" "Juan Vargas." "Fellow citizens... it wasn't me." "Juan Vargas." "It wasn't me." "I'm sorry!" "Forgive me, friends!" "I did it all for your own good!" "No!" "I didn't do anything." "I didn't do anything." "You down there, help!" "Where's López?" "I didn't kill him!" "Help!" "Help!" "Excuse me, how far is it to San Pedro de los Saguaros?" "Good afternoon." "Do you speak Spanish?" "Yes." "I think we're lost." "Do you know how far it is to San Pedro de los Saguaros?" "This is it." "You must be the new mayor." "I've been waiting for you since yesterday." "I'm Carlos Pek, your secretary." "Pleased to meet you..." "Jesus Canales." "President Alemán and Governor Terrazas have sent me... to bring modernity and social justice." "We're here." "Welcome, Madam." "Here?" "Hey, Pek, a question." "What happened to the last mayor?" "I mean, you know, they say so many things." "Oh, Licenciado, I wouldn't know where to begin." "And so ends the fourth report of President Miguel Alemán reaffirming that the unity and solidarity of the people of Mexico... will triumph over any challenge... that peace and social justice are guaranteed, that the" "Hey, we've got problems with Chino's truck again." "Call me Licenciado, asshole." "I'll finish and I'll be right there." "Honorable Congress of the Union:" "It is an honor for me to be here at this seat of democracy representing my home state." "Today, more than ever, we Congressmen must fulfill the expectations of our nation." "We must be alert and fight without quarter against the revolution's enemies." "Yes!" "Just as I did, when I thwarted the conspiracy... of Licenciado López, the ambitious Secretary of the Governor... along with a handful of evil people to murder that great man the recently elected Governor Terrazas." "Friends I am not ashamed to admit that I have come to this Congress... with bloodstained hands." "I don't deny it." "To ask for pardon would be hypocritical." "But this is not the blood of a stranger or of a brother." "It is the blood of an enemy... an enemy of those who defend the ideals of the revolution!" "We have overcome another obstacle... but many more remain because our party's challenge... for the good of the Nation... is to remain in power forever and ever!" "Thank you my fellow countrymen."