Original subtitles

Good times. Good times. Good

times. Good times.

Good times. Good

times.

You better stuff them pamphlets faster. Look at the big pile we got left here.

Why do we have to stuff for Fred Davis?

Because me and your mother always vote for him. Daddy, why do you and Mama

always have to vote for him? Because he's the best man for the job. Now shut

and keep stuffing.

All right, but I'm stuffing under protest.

What did you say, young man?

I said I wish I was old enough to vote for Fred Davis.

That's what I thought you said.

You stuffing under protest too, young lady?

Daddy, I don't know about Fred Davis.

Yesterday I heard him talk for a half hour and he didn't say nothing.

I thought he was a politician.

He ain't supposed to say nothing.

What I mean is he ain't a talker. He's a doer.

But he's been the alderman in this world for over 20 years.

Don't you think it's time for somebody with some new ideas?

You know somebody better for the job?

Yeah. Jimmy Pearson. Jimmy Pearson. That kid.

Daddy, Jimmy Pearson's not a kid. He's 26.

And that's old.

Well, I ain't voting for nobody that's still wearing pampers.

That's what's wrong with this country. Too many decisions being made by people

still in their play pens.

That's because all the old politicians are in state pens.

Just shut up and keep stuffing, mister.

Hello, dear brother.

Hello, dear father.

Hello, whatever that is in the dress.

Well, at least I fill out a dress.

Paint some numbers on your body and you look like a thermometer.

You got some nerve, you old fever face. I want to knock it off.

Junior, you get them Davis posters up like I asked you to? I sure did, Dad.

Fred Davis is painted all over the ghetto.

I put one on the back of a passing bus, one on the back of a police car, and you

know that chicken place where the Kentucky colonel smiled at you? Yeah.

now Fred is smiling right back at him from the back.

I even put one on Ned DeWineau's chest.

What'd you do that for, Junior?

Great exposure, Dad. When people step over him in the gutter, they've got to

his face.

I tell you, I use my head. Only to separate your ears.

Be quiet, dumb. Otherwise, I'll put a Fred Davis poster on your face.

It'll be a definite improvement.

Who's talking about faces?

If you ever ran for dog catcher, you'd lose to the dog.

You, uh, thinking about running against me?

off, you're going to be absentee ballots.

By the way, Dad, how much are we getting paid for this?

Nothing. Junior, this is volunteer work. Why don't you ever do anything besides

think about money?

Yeah, think about girls, which brings me back to money.

Hi, kids.

Hi, Mom.

Hey, baby.

James, you're home.

I thought you went bowling tonight.

Yeah, I was gone. but I promised Fred I'd get these pamphlets out for him.

you been?

Oh, out.

Out where?

Oh, the usual places.

The market, the bakery, the five and dime, Jimmy Pearson's rally, the

Hold it, hold it, hold it. Back up there a minute.

Where'd you say you were?

The drugstore?

No, go back a little bit more.

The five and dime? Back a little bit more.

The market.

No, baby, now come forward just a wee taste.

The bakery?

Uh -uh, not the bakery.

Jimmy Pearson's rally.

Bingo.

Now, Barney, have you lost your mind?

I mean, that's just like Reverend Justin Jackson cheering for Lester Maddox.

That kid is opposition.

Oh, James, I have watched Jimmy Pearson grow up since he was a little boy, and

he has really come along.

You know, he's young, he's bright.

Honey, he is the future.

Yeah, but baby, where's your gratitude?

Don't be for Fred Davis. We'd have never got into the project.

Well, it's about time somebody got us out of the project.

But Fred always helped us when we needed it. Hadn't been for him, Junior

wouldn't have been born.

What?

You remember when we first got married, we said we couldn't afford to have no

children until I got a job? It was Fred that got me that temporary job at the

stockyard.

Then we had you.

One more reason to vote against Brad Davis.

There'll be enough out of you, young lady.

I think I feel another hair in my beard growing.

It must be a full moon tonight, werewolf.

I'm going to a Jimmy Pearson rally.

Jimmy Pearson wants us to have dignity.

He wants us to be able to walk with our heads high.

And he is for equal rights for women.

Oh, now, Carter, what you talking about? You didn't always have equal rights as

far as I'm concerned.

Every time we have a problem, don't I always discuss it with you first before

tell you what we're going to do about it?

do a better job for him. Tell me you're just saying that because he's young and

good -looking. Oh, Thelma, if it weren't for you, we'd vote for Billy Dee

Williams for president.

What good would it do? They'd still call it the White House.

Look, I don't want to hear no more talk about Jimmy Pearson, and that's final.

Hell, hell, the gang's all here. I think I'd better change that song to help me

make it through the night.

but there's a couple of pennies about to knock over right now.

Ilona, what you doing in here with that poster? What poster?

Oh, you mean this poster. Well, uh, James, the reason Ilona brought the

in is because I invited Jimmy Pearson over tonight.

Yeah, we helped him with his campaign.

Oh, James, come on. What is wrong with supporting youth?

Half the population of this country is under 40. Right. Not your half, sweetie.

Okay, James, I owe you one.

James, you know, I've been voting for Fred Davis for a long time, but I'm

beginning to realize he is nothing but a political act.

Yeah, he thinks just because he gives out free turkeys on Thanksgiving,

everybody's got to vote for him.

Oh, Michael, that's the way the game is played.

I mean, he does small favors, he gets small favors done back.

The case of one hand washing others.

Yeah, but they don't get clean if they're washed in dirty water.

Y 'all calling Fred Davis a crook? Well, all I figure is if any man that can

afford a new Cadillac every year, spend a month's vacation in Bermuda every

winter, buys white fancy mink coats, all on an alderman's salary, is either a

crook or makes a whole lot on Let's Make a Deal.

I don't want to hear no more bad mopping about my friend Fred Davis, and I don't

want that Jimmy Pearson in my house.

You keep saying my house. The last I remember, it was our house, and I did

invite Jimmy Pearson over there.

Yeah, well, if that's him, I'm going to uninvite him. Now, James.

James! Baby,

take it easy. I'm going to be polite, and I'm going to treat him real

gentlemanly.

I know the feeling.

Then at the time, the wolf was at my door. Yeah. He probably skinned it to

another fur coat for his wife.

What did you say, Wilona? I said... She said she hoped you didn't skin your

knuckles when I slammed the door.

Ain't y 'all gonna say hello to Fred?

It's good to see the Evans family again. You know, you're my favorite family in

this whole project.

I had to work like mad to get you in here, but it was worth it. You're good

people. The Evans family always votes the straight ticket.

And you too, Walona.

And that's why I never forget you.

My goodness, J .J., you get bigger every time I see you.

Of course. I can still remember the christening when I held you in my arms.

That was me.

When Michael was christened, you were in Bermuda.

Oh, jeez. One of my rare vacations.

A man needs a little rest from the hard work of helping run the city.

A man needs a lot of rest if he can't tell a boy from a girl.

R .J .J., aren't you?

Am I a J .J.? Are there black people in Harlem?

I'm talking about growing. You're really springing up there.

And, hey, do I detect a little beard coming out there?

Yeah, I must have missed one of the hairs.

Well, two out of three ain't bad.

And, Mr. Davis, speaking of shaving cream, you know, shaving cream costs

And I've been doing all this volunteer work here, and I was wondering...

happy to do it without a doubt.

That's why I love this family and you too, Wilona.

Everybody pulling together for the cause.

You know, I've been in politics a long time. A long time. A long, long time.

Let me tell you what wins elections.

It's good, loyal precinct workers like you, James.

Well, I do what I can to help for you. And I appreciate it.

You know, any time you got a problem, you feel free to call on me. I want to

more to you than just a turkey at Thanksgiving.

To me, he's a turkey all year long.

Each of you is the cornerstone that built my career.

James, Florida, and you too, Wilona.

I can always count on your votes.

I'm going to be voting, too, this year, Mr. Davis.

It's my first time.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Welcome to the American dream, son.

Yeah, I'm going to be in that voting group pulling them levers.

I'll be double -clutching so fast, I'll punch out the name Davis three times

before I slap it back up in Tupac.

Now, now, just your one vote will be enough. The one thing that we're proud

in our Chicago elections is their honesty.

It just warms my heart to see this whole family.

And you, too, will own it.

Yes, and you, too, will own it.

You know, just between you and me, the opposition blew it this time. Yeah.

Putting up that young egghead against me.

And what is wrong with that young egghead? Yeah. What's wrong with him?

thing that's wrong with all young eggheads. He's soft -boiled.

You get the yolk?

need a man like me in this area who understands the problem.

He should understand them. He created them.

I want to ask you something.

Jimmy Person has been trying to debate the problems with you. Why do you keep

avoiding him?

Oh, I haven't been avoiding him. Oh, yes, you have.

In fact, if the poor kid was here right now, I'd tear him apart. All right.

Meet Jimmy Pearson.

I think the grips done hit the pan.

How are you, Pearson? Fine, thank you, sir. My goodness, you look younger than

your pictures.

Oh, really? How old are you, son?

Twenty -six, sir.

Twenty -six.

I remember when I was 26 just getting started.

Yeah, you in the mills, brother.

No, I didn't have nothing to do with him coming over here. Fred Florida invited

him. I don't know what's gotten into that woman lately.

What's gotten into me is some sense.

When Fred Davis asked me to vote for him after 20 years of doing nothing, I say

nothing doing.

I've been trying to get in touch with you for quite some time now to discuss

issues, but it seems like every time I call your office, your secretary says

that you're out.

Well, I can't understand that. I mean, when a man's messing with his secretary,

he don't like to be interrupted.

You know, the law says he's old enough to vote, but they ain't heard him talk

yet.

Nevertheless, Mr. Davis, I... I am glad that we had this opportunity to meet

because I would like to discuss some questions and issues with you. No more

me, son.

But right now I have to rush off. I left my car in a no parking zone.

That shouldn't bother you. You'll fix everybody else's ticket.

That's cold, Florida.

But I understand you want to vote for a loser this time.

It's okay with me.

Goodbye. No, no, David. Please don't rush off. Let's talk issues.

Damn up, Fred.

All right.

I'll give you time for just one question. Shoot.

All right, Davis. How come you never tell what your position is on a

review board to handle complaints against the police?

Well, um, you see, um... Cute

kid

you got here, James.

Yeah. Real cute.

Gonna be even cuter when he got asleep standing up tonight.

Yes, well, I happen to think it's a very good question, Mr. Davis.

You're darn right it is. And I've given it a lot of thought. A lot of thought.

Well, what do you think about it?

I have very definite opinions about it.

Very definite opinions.

And I appreciate an opponent who's thinking on these matters. Yes, well,

you don't have to patronize me.

Okay, now I have one more question.

I'm curious to know exactly how you stand on something that is very

this community.

Night here, Senator.

Night care centers?

Well, yes, night care centers are merely extensions of day care centers. He

knows that.

You see, there are a lot of black women in this community who work at night and

they need a place to leave their small children. Now, I think that is a very

good idea. That's wonderful. Oh,

yes, night care centers. I have very definite opinions.

One thing about Davis, he has very...

Why don't you just admit it? You are totally out of touch with the problems

this community.

You are a relic of the past.

A relic? Exactly, sir. All right, man. That cuts it. You want to get down? Then

let's get down. All right.

You are a real smart dude with a lot of fancy words you like to strut. But

when it comes to politics, you don't know your head from your butt.

interested in getting involved in street games. Well, if you're not interested

in getting involved with this one, I am.

So you want to play the dozens, huh, Davis?

All right.

You stand there and say you're a man of the people, but I say you'd steal

everything, including the church steeple.

Now, wait a minute, friend. Let me come to your aid here, brother.

Now, your eyes... may shine and your teeth may grit, but that alderman's job,

you ain't gonna get.

Hold on. Hold on. It's my turn. My turn.

Go ahead.

Now, those speeches you gave against crime were real hot tuggers. Only things

gotten so bad in those streets, the muggers are mugging the muggers.

Well, well, well.

Let me say something here.

I'll get all my chicks to vote for you. Because they don't picket and they don't

fight. One taste of these lips and they'll follow the lead of Kid Dynamite!

As usual, my brother the licorice stick just said something

that proves his head don't tick.

Come on, Jimmy. I want you to talk to this man.

Come on. Jimmy, put the tacky turkey in the oven and cook.

I am only interested in the issues.

Jimmy is right.

The issues are the only thing that counts. Nothing else. Okay, Jimmy, you

there. Well, I've done enough yakking about the issues.

I got things to do.

Florida, Thelma. And you two alone.

you too, Belona.

I'm disappointed.

After what I've done for you all, I thought I could count on your support.

Oh, wait, Fred. I'll go with you.

Florida got some people coming over here to the house tonight, and I don't want

to hear nothing they got to say. Yeah, Dad.

I think I'll go along with you, too. No, stay here, Junior. Good idea, Dad.

I'll be the only one here who can speak up for Fred Davis.

On second thought, you better come with me.

Last thing.

Excuse me.

Marlona, we just got some more returns. Oh, hey, gang. We're returning them in.

For the 21st precinct. Oh, it looks good.

Fred Davis, only 74 votes.

And hold it. Jimmy Pearson, three.

Marlona, that's our precinct, and only three votes for Pearson?

I know. You and I voted for him, but who was the other one?

Well, I helped Ned the wino into the voting booth.

Hey, Florida, we thought we'd stop by and invite you over to Fred Davis'

headquarters for the victory celebration.

Yeah, it's going to be a real wild party.

At midnight, they're going to drop the balloons into the cheese dip.

Come on, baby, cheer up. We just want to let you know what it's like to

celebrate with a winner.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Don't crow too loud, Rooster. You still got a lot of years in the same coop with

this hand.

home, J .J.

Okay, Ma.

Come on, Michael. I'll share a jelly apple with you on the way home.

J .J., if I know you all, all I'll get is the stick.

If you're going home with J .J., you already got the stick.

Don't feel bad, Ma. You voted for the right man.

I know I did.

Belona, Thelma, Florida, I would like to thank all of you for all the help that

you've given me.

I just can't believe less than 40 % of the people even bothered to vote.

Well, Fred Davis made sure all his people got to the polls. He even had a

with the Eternal Life Funeral Service to make sure limos carried his people to

the voting booth.

He probably used the hearses, too, and got a vote from every stiff in the

mortuary.

What's the difference Davis is in, Flo?

We just struck out. Come on, Thelma. Okay.

I'm sorry, Jimmy. Jimmy, I'm sorry. Maybe next time. Okay. Bye, Daddy.

Bye. You too, Walona.

You know something, James? You may have voted for a winner, but that don't mean

the rest of us were wrong.

Well, maybe you weren't wrong, Florida, but Pearson here was. What?

Pearson, you're a good man.

You got some good ideas and you're better educated than Davis. When it came

to talk to the people, man, you just didn't reach them.

Like before when we were playing the dozen. You was too high and mighty to

down. James, please. No, no, no.

It's okay, Florida.

You know, I've been thinking about exactly where I went wrong.

And James makes sense.

He makes a lot of sense. I just wasn't getting through.

You got through to me?

Yes, Lord, I got through to you and maybe a couple of others.

But it was not the people's fault. It was mine.

I was talking at them when I should have been talking to them. Right.

Well, you let me tell you something, James. Yeah? Now I'm going to be back

for the next election.

And if I have to stand in the middle of State Street in my underwear and do the

dust, well, man, that's exactly what I'm going to do. Well, go on.

So you tell your man to watch out, Jack, because there is no doubt that I'm

going to be back.

I'm going to leave you now without a tear or a thought.

The next time I see you, man, I'm going to have that cat's a job.

You know something, baby? I think he's starting to get the idea.

Who knows? A couple of years from now, I might even vote for him myself.

Does this mean we're friends again?

Oh, we're more than friends.

All right.

Now, that's the kind of election return I like.

Just looking out of the window, watching the asphalt road,

thinking how it all looks and it dies.

Take time, take time, keeping your head above water,

making a wave when you can.

Temporary layoffs.

Good times is recorded on tape before a live audience