In the opening sequence of Miller’s Crossing, Johnny argues that he has every right to kill Bernie Bernbaum, a fellow bookie who Johnny claims is “selling information” about fixed fights to outside sources. Johnny discusses his reasoning behind his wish to kill Bernie with Leo, another crime leader who somehow holds a power over Johnny. Johnny begins by stating that he is going to talk about friendship, character, and ethics. He goes on to …showed first 75 words of 370 total…

…showed last 75 words of 370 total…is in turn frustrated at Leo. Evidently, Leo and Johnny are leaders of separate crime rings, and Leo’s ring is currently on top. Leo’s blasé demeanor only eggs Johnny on more, as he bellows that he doesn’t need to listen to Leo, and storms out of the room, because he determinedly wishes to kill Bernie Bernbaum and quit being cheated out of his own fixed money thanks to Bernie’s “shakey ethics.”