Original subtitles

I'll get it.

It's Linda.

How did we miss this?

Good morning, Linda. She's 16, she's local. This should have been our story.

They've got an interview, a profile.

Morning, Linda. A report on the game.

Hey, good morning, Linda. Good morning.

Oh, hi, Linda. Hi.

Have you got time for that?

Yeah, we haven't got far till ten.

So what's the letter?

What letter?

The one with the Mac and postmark you just stuck in your pocket?

Give me that.

That'll be from Jenny. They write to each other every week. Yeah? Shut up,

I can't imagine you writing love letters.

Yeah? I can't imagine you getting any. Give me it.

I'll bet you type them. About three drafts with corrections in tippets.

That's exactly right.

Give me the letter. And I bet you've got all her files and data and you keep

duplicates of the ones you send.

Photocopies.

You take photocopies of your love letters? Of course I don't take

Have you been reading my photocopies?

So what's in this one, then?

Don't you dare, Linda.

I'm just showing an interest.

I'm warning you, Linda.

I bet she's got a cute name for you. Linda. Linda, Dan Black looking for you.

All right, thanks.

I would have opened it. I know you would.

Yeah, why?

Because you're late and because your pin -up's in trouble. My what?

Spike just redecorated the six -year common room.

Redecorated it? With what?

A guy in the six years.

I'll kill him.

It's very word.

And talk of the devil.

That better not be Linda. Spike. Hi.

Linda, look, just stay out of this, will you?

Stay out of it?

Spike, you're the fourth Gazette kid in trouble this month. Some of them will

blow his bald head off.

Speaking.

Oh. You're late, Linda.

Mr Sullivan, I want to protest about the continuing victimisation of the Junior

Gazette staff.

I'll see you in my office as soon as you get in.

Bald and blowing.

Oh, I need to.

He's not really bald, you know, just parts his hair with most of his head.

It's amazing how he's still a jerk under pressure.

Stay as sweet as you are, Sam.

Sam? Yeah?

What do you mean, pin -up?

Well, that took you long enough.

Move it, Kenny. We've got a crisis.

Kenny?

Kenny?

Queen.

Bishop.

Horse.

Knight. Knight.

Okay, again.

Is this the best you can do? Is this honestly the best you can do?

Well, I'm sorry, but you did ask... I asked for some serious books on chess.

Well, these are serious. Serious? What are you trying to say to me? Could you

please keep your voice down? Do you know nothing about chess? Do you know who

this is?

Well... Don't mention his name.

But I... Stay calm, chab.

I'm getting this sorted. I can assure you these are serious chess books.

Are you kidding? It's full of crosswords. Those are chess boards.

I know that.

Easy, champ. Remember Moscow.

Mr Matthews, I've got a lot of... Why don't you go over there, play a game in

your head, and I'll deal with this.

Now, you're sure you have nothing else?

The only other book we've got is with the young lady over there.

If you can wait until she's finished, you can have a look at that.

Susie Norton?

Yes. The chess girl?

Yes. I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

For what?

For what, she says.

For not pestering him for a game.

You know how it is. Word gets out he's in town and every young punk with a

chessboard is challenging him in the street.

How's it going, champ?

I'm winning.

Remember those bishops.

Let me do you a favour.

CM Enterprises.

CM, that's chess management.

Not Colin Matthews.

What? Your name. It's here.

All right, CM, Colin Matthews. What a coincidence.

Hey, champ, guess what else CM can stand for?

Well, didn't you say this morning might be chess management?

All right, don't talk yourself off your game, champ.

Listen, Susie, if you ever think of going into chess seriously, I want you

give me a call because we can discuss some career concepts, OK?

By the way... I caught one of your matches the other day and I was

Just a little word of advice about your game plan, though.

Show your legs more.

My legs?

Yeah. You're a good kid, Susie.

What?

Nothing. Oh, sorry. I thought you just called me back and asked me to manage

your chess career.

My mistake.

Come on in, champ. That's enough of a workout for today.

Yeah, you go. I just think I'll get a few more in.

What? I think I'll do a couple more.

Now, watch it, Jan. We don't need to peak too soon, do we?

I think I'll be all right. No, look, I have to insist. I don't want you to blow

all your best moves before the big match.

Colin, I don't want this to be the end of our professional relationship.

Do you?

Look at us. We're fighting.

We're like brothers, him and me. We fight all the time, but it's love. You

what I'm saying? I love this guy.

To me, he's still that kid from the wrong side of town. Just another kid

out on the street corners playing chess with the guys.

Hell, I can remember when he could only afford to play with pawns.

Remember how excited you were, champ, when you got your first rook?

You want to stay and work on your game, champ? That's fine. Hey, do it.

We're on the same team, right?

And Susie, if you're interested, give me a call.

Have you ever thought about playing chess in a leotard?

Stupid, your friend.

Yeah, well, you know how it is.

Are you stupid?

Uh, no.

No, don't think so.

I'm a genius.

That's nice.

It's okay.

You've got a cute nose.

Pardon? I like your nose. It's nice.

It's cute.

Thanks.

Do you want to go somewhere and play?

You're a bit forward, aren't you? Am I?

Yeah. Well, I mean, it's OK, it's fine.

You know, I mean, let's just cut out all this opening stuff, right? I like you,

you like me. Let's get to it, let's go play.

Great, I'm just going to get my chess set.

Chess set.

Ah, hang on a minute.

I can't actually play chess.

What?

Right, now.

Can't play now, I'm late for something.

Oh. Well, listen, why don't we get together some other time? I'd like that.

And play chess?

No, no. I was thinking maybe we could get together and not play chess.

Not play chess?

Yeah, you know, just to get away from all this chess.

I think I'd rather have a game.

Yeah, yeah, so would I. I don't even know why I brought it up, really.

So when?

Um, I've got to go now, but I'll tell you what, we will have that game, I

promise you, just as soon as I've learned to play.

Just as soon as I've got the time.

See you.

A banana action force and lolly. Thank you.

Strawberry soup cream. Thank you.

A fizzy lemonade special.

Franz, what's happening?

Yeah, later on, Colleen. I'm going to learn too.

Did you see who kicked this can?

It's put a dent in my car.

Go away, Linda.

How did you know it was me?

Why didn't you go away?

Mind if I come in?

I tried to be clear on that point.

Now, I've been doing some thinking about this Spike thing. Linda, we've had this

discussion three times today already. There is absolutely no point in waiting

until after school so that we can have it again.

And don't sit in my chair.

Sorry, sir.

Habits.

How did you know I was sleeping in it?

Habit.

Spike was on his last chance when he joined the Junior Gazette.

Lots of Gazette kids are in trouble, Linda.

Why are you so passionate about Spike in particular?

Passionate? What do you mean, passionate?

Linda, Spike's behaviour today was quite unacceptable.

Unless he is able properly to explain himself, then I'm afraid it could be the

end of his career at the Junior Gazette.

It's the thing that happened at the newsroom, isn't it?

What? Kenny told you he found Spike and me in the corridor nearly kissing,

didn't he?

No. Well, he's just making it up and it didn't happen.

Pathetic, isn't it?

You're going to throw Spike off the paper?

That's a possibility, yes.

Listen, what I'd better do, you know, just impartially, just as editor, is put

together some sort of defence of Spike's behaviour.

If you say so.

Well, he is one of my staff.

But I'm not being passionate or anything.

I'm being aloof.

Very aloof.

Coldly aloof.

So you really think you might throw him off the paper? If he can't explain his

behaviour, yes.

Damn!

That was just me stubbing my toe. I see.

But I'm still aloof about the other thing, though.

I went to fight with him, tell him I want to see him and tell him he's dead.

Right.

You won't take it lying down.

Are you OK, Kenny?

I told you, you know, it's Jenny.

She dumped me.

Yeah, but that was this morning, wasn't it?

Yeah, I know, but... Kenny, everybody gets dumped.

Even I've been dumped.

Once.

I think.

Actually, what did happen to him? I think I might have just forgotten I had

It's terrible when you just lose track of one, isn't it?

Yeah, thanks, Sam.

Spike!

You wanted to see me. Hey, I can understand that. Come with me.

What now? Should I go home? Back first? To the meeting room.

Ah, the meeting room. Okay, you guys.

No peeking now.

I've had a word with Mr. Sullivan.

Tall, idiot, jerk, knucklehead.

And what did he say to you?

Have I got this right? Barry Crowther wrote something about you on the common

room wall.

So you grab him and start bouncing him off the floor till there's half the

school trying to drag him from his throat. Is that about right?

You wouldn't have done that over a bit of graffiti.

Why did you really do it?

His jacket didn't match his shirt. You have to come down hard in those types.

Look, you're facing a suspension. I want something I can go to Sullivan with.

What are you, my defense counsel now? For the sake of the paper, yes.

You're really latching on to me, aren't you? Really sinking the claws in.

I mean, I can't do anything now without you coming to me with a score sheet and

a rundown on my performance.

I mean, what is this?

You're working me over until I'm good enough for you?

I don't think you realise the trouble you're in. You're right.

But I'm beginning to.

Yes, there is more to it than I told Sullivan. And no, I'm not going to tell

what it is.

So stick that in your brief.

Counsel.

I don't care what you say. I'm still defending you.

Stick up for me if you like. See if I care.

Woman, eh?

You don't know how lucky you are with that Jenny.

You want to hang on to her one in a million.

Yeah, she just dumped me.

Yeah, well, don't let her get you.

She wasn't worth it.

What's your book?

Oh, nothing, nothing. A load of rubbish. Don't even know why I bought it. In

fact, I'll just throw it out.

There, that's better.

So, how did you find me here?

Oh, I know all about you now.

Do you?

Your name is Fraser Davies, but your friends call you Frazz.

And you go to Norbridge High. And you work on the Junior Gazette. And you do

horror film.

That's pretty stupid.

So, who's been telling you all this?

I've got a surprise for you.

Oh, yeah? Yeah, but first, we'll play.

Ah, um, actually, I'm a little bit tired. I'm not really in the mood.

fine. Do you want to be black or white?

Is there anything you want to do first?

Coke? Coffee?

Maybe we could go for a walk?

You can be white.

In fact, why don't we play one of these instead?

No, I'll play chess.

Well, this one's just like chess. Um, Fab Electro Galaxian.

Are you happy to play that, Pete?

You ready?

Just about.

Tell me.

Is this a joke?

Yes, it's an old chess -playing joke.

Do you understand that?

Look.

Put the pieces in the right places and get started, OK?

Yeah. No.

What? My surprise. I want it now. It's putting me off my game. I can't wait any

longer. No, but you can.

Not just yet.

I insist. I can't wait.

You're spoiling everything. We're supposed to be playing when he comes in.

When who comes in?

I suppose I might as well get him if you want me to play.

How's it going, champ?

God.

Who's winning, then? We haven't started.

Oh, right.

Well, are you going to tell him?

A little surprise for you, champ.

I phoned Susie that night we met her and set it all up.

Set what up?

We've booked the hall and everything. We're sending tickets from tomorrow.

Tickets?

Will I show him the poster? Yeah.

Exciting, isn't it?

There was absolutely no reason to throw me in the canal. Oh, well, can I just

remind you of one little detail about this chess match? Just one tiny little

detail. I can't play chess.

Come on, Fred, you've got a week.

Spike, I've given you three days to explain your behaviour.

Now I'm going to give you one last opportunity.

Well?

Well, he broke something on the wall, sir.

Which you made him clean off.

Yes, sir.

That's why his tongue was black.

And what was it he wrote on the wall?

Two weeks suspension, starting now.

I shall be talking to your father shortly.

And I will also be reviewing your position with the Junior Gazette.

I'm disappointed, Spike.

Very disappointed.

I'm

sorry,

sir. Squeaky hinge.

Counsel for the defense?

Get off my case.

Sit. Sit the boat.

Peter, there's been an absolutely amazing development in the chest door.

just not going to believe it.

Is that all you ever think about, Sarah?

Newspapers?

Sorry.

Henry, look at this.

Have you seen it?

She just wrote me a letter. She didn't even phone me. Can you believe that?

Never mind.

Yeah, easy for you to say.

CM Enterprises.

What's going on?

Time to practice it.

Please, he has got a game tomorrow night.

I don't believe this.

I can't do this, Collins.

This is what I was thinking to start the show.

The lights go down. I come out to the front with just a single spot on me.

And I say, ladies and gentlemen, there'll be some serious chess going

tonight. Because we have got two of the best, the very best chess players alive

today. In the white corner, sensational Susie...

And in the black corner, fearless, Frazz Davis.

Okay, I'm not going to delay the action any longer, except to say that there

will be signed chess sets available in the foyer after the match.

We will, of course, be charging double for the winner's autograph.

Right then, Susie, Frazz, pick up the piece.

I can't actually play chess.

It's all lies.

In fact, the only reason I went through with it is because I like it. And I

thought if I owned up, then I wouldn't have a chance.

Well, there's no point in pretending now, though, is there?

Because I really can't play chess.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Stupid!

Look, on the whole, I'd rather go to a party.

And there's a good one on tonight.

But what do you reckon?

No.

Listen, everyone, we've decided to go to a party instead, you understand?

If I want to go... Hey, Colin, deal with this.

Fats, I don't know if I want to do this. Why should I want to go to a party with

you? Because you like my name.

Oh, I must be pretty duped. Very pretty.

Welcome back, jerk.

Oh, well, it's nice to know you're rooting for me. Not to be appreciated, I

imagine.

Spike.

Just so as you know, while you were away, she submitted a total of three

documents to me detailing your conduct at the Junior Gazette.

I think she placed you somewhere between Santa Claus and Mother Teresa.

And it seemed to me that she was protecting rather more than her

None of my business, of course, but is there something going on between you

Uh, I think there might be, yeah. Then why do you keep letting her down?

I mean, why do you go berserk just because Barry Crowther wrote something

obscene about you on a wall?

He never wrote anything obscene about me, sir.

It was about Linda.

Fraz, are you serious?

Sure I'm serious.

You and Susie Norton?

Will you wise up?

What's wrong with me and Susie?

Well, nothing. I'm sure both of you kids are capable of having a wonderful

relationship. Yeah, right.

Just not with each other. Why not?

Fraz, tell me one thing that you two have got in common.

We both play chess.

Well, except me.

And how's she gonna fit in with the guys when we're all doing some serious

hanging out?

Fraz, you can't just think of yourself in this relationship.

You gotta think of all of us, too.

Oh, I have. You're dumped.

Okay, look at it this way.

You've got your image to think of. You and me, we're both kind of role models

around here. We are?

Well, except you.

So?

So, no way am I going to go nuts if I'm half the amount of girl who's all brain

and no fun and so wrapped up in what she's doing, she wouldn't even notice if

stopped breathing.

Spike, hurry it up with that record review. I've given you a quarter of an

already. Well, except Linda.