Original subtitles

(upbeat music)

(birds chirping)

[Narrator] His high showing in the polls can be attributed

at least in part to his recent marriage

to glamorous Helen Mecker.

With the election just one week away,

Bruce Harrington is showing a clear lead.

It will take politics in this state years to recover

from the shock of the success of this political amateur.

Three months ago,

no one gave Bruce Harrington any chance at all.

It is the political upset of the year.

(engine revving)

(engine revving)

(upbeat music)

Hi.

I was expecting that lunch is...

I find instead, hell.

(Helen laughing)

Let's visit lunch.

You're the answer to a politician's dream.

You're pretty happy.

Happy, I'm ecstatic.

He's a winner. A real winner.

Because he listens to me, that's why.

Do you want some coffee, Michael?

Where is he?

Have you know.

Between you and his exercises,

I can make this guy president.

You should join him.

I mean, for real, just once, Helen.

We'll get some photographers up here and shoot it.

The Harrington morning exercise.

It's very impressive.

Hey, you look drawn lately, Mrs. Harrington.

That's no good.

There's gonna be a lot of photographers at the dinner.

We need full value.

The ideal candidate.

Oh.

We better get dressed.

That's right, Spegly can't be kept waiting.

You're the last one that should knock Spegly.

I'm not knocking you,

you've done a beautiful job with upstate.

He has, but we're not using.

- Oh? - We're not going.

I hate to bother your equanimity, Bruce,

but you're winning, you're in.

That was the idea, wasn't it?

That was my idea.

That's why we're not going upstate.

Never top yourself.

That's one of the prime rules.

Strictly bread and butter stuff from now until their dead.

Speech, photos, a lot of television,

coverage, press.

We're gonna build and that's it.

I have an instinct about these things.

Never switch when you were ahead.

Does Spegly think that?

Huh, Spegly wants every word he wrote spoken,

so naturally he's disappointed.

There's lovely audiences up there.

How can you do this to me, Mike?

(birds chirping)

You heard the polls?

You're gonna win, Bruce. That's why we have to be careful.

Oh.

I hear they have traces on you.

How many times we have to go through this, Michael?

I'm preparing for contingencies, that's all.

Let's face it, Bruce.

Anyone who doesn't get married

till they're over 40 isn't past.

Darkness.

Just level with me, that's all.

If I know what to be prepared for, I can handle it.

I'm a married man.

Clean as a whistle.

Stop worrying.

What about Helen?

What about her?

Anything that could be-

She couldn't slow.

Uses a marriage as a cover.

Bruce, you joke about the wrong things.

There's someone watching this place right now.

No.

I saw a car around the road as I came up.

Michael, I'd hate to see what you're like

when you're losing.

(sighs) I'll be blunt.

What about Helen's mental condition?

That's not very delicate of you, Michael.

Look, they'd use it.

Don't think they wouldn't.

The girlish breakdown three years ago.

Come on, Michael.

Bruce.

I just wanna let you know what we're up against.

That's all.

Helen?

Helen, remember what I said.

Do me a favor.

Get some sleep.

Everyone's gonna be looking at the TV's,

merciless, merciless.

Wait till you see what Spegly's done

with the Dennis speech, Bruce, it's great.

It's great, Bruce.

That's one of the reasons I canceled upstate.

It's that good.

(birds chirping)

And we're gonna tape it. We wanna see it

before you deliver it.

It's a honey, Bruce.

(car starting)

(engine revving)

(ominous music)

(ominous music)

Good morning, Mrs. Harrington.

I was looking for you earlier, Moreno.

I wanted you to take those dresses in.

I thought I said that I would-

Well, yeah, well I'm sorry, Mrs. Harrington.

I did say four o'clock.

I mean, I was just gonna ask you where they were

as a matter of fact.

You went down by the hollow, I'll bet.

Yeah, I know.

What in heaven's name you do down there, Moreno?

It's very quiet down there, see?

I mean, I go down there to be alone.

You know, I mean, it's very peaceful.

I've never been there.

Oh no, it's just me there.

(doorbell rings)

Well you take the dresses.

The rest of them are upstairs.

Yeah. Thank you, ma'am.

(ominous music)

I didn't expect you to answer the door, Mrs. Harrington.

So you do remember me.

You haven't got any right to be here.

I advise you to ask me in.

I told you over the phone

that you're not to come here.

I waited.

I waited for the senator to leave.

I'm considerate.

Now I advise you to ask me in.

We have to have a little talk.

You weren't very considerate to me, Mrs. Harrington.

About the way you treated me on the phone.

I don't even know your name.

(chuckles) Ralph.

I wasn't even sure it was you.

That's the funny thing.

Then I kept looking at the newspapers and I remembered,

well sure, she had class.

It could be.

To tell you the truth, I wasn't really sure.

Until just now when you opened the door.

I think you're disgusting.

I want money, Mrs. Harrington.

What for?

Hmm, call it old time's sake.

That is a stupid thing to say, Ralph.

(door closes)

I want money!

I don't think it's too much to ask.

To keep my mouth shut.

Who would be interested in your cheap talk?

Talk? Maybe nobody.

But I got more than talk.

I've had these for years. I almost forgot about 'em.

Polaroids.

You know, my only real regret is that I never

had you that night

Yeah, it just goes to show you,

you can never tell- - You cheap, filthy...

Where did you get those?

Where's your memory, doll?

Or did they take that away from you in the nuthouse?

Don't you remember me?

I'm the flying man.

The flying man.

Oh, yes.

(Helen whimpering)

I'm glad.

The election's still a week away.

I've clone no harm.

Nobody's done any harm.

Don't do this to me, Ralph, please.

Don't do this to me.

But no one's done anything to you, doll.

I just wanna sell you some pictures, that's all.

Old bloody pictures?

Don't you see, you're not threatening me.

You're threatening another man.

You have no right to- - Just the right to collect,

that's all.

I want $10,000.

Don't tell me that's difficult.

Now if you give me that, I promise you,

they'll no headlines.

Except those you and senator make, of course.

I think that's fair.

One more thing.

I told you I had one regret.

Well, I can't be helped, I suppose,

but we'll make a part of the bargain.

Let me see those breasts.

Well, come on. We're making a bargain.

(dog barking)

(dress unzipping)

I regret that night even more than you do, beautiful.

I'll call you, beautiful.

To complete the transaction.

(birds chirping)

(plane buzzing)

(plane buzzing)

Here, try this.

- What is it? - It'll warm you up.

(birds chirping)

It's good.

It should be. It cost $14 a bottle.

One of these days you'll be caught filching.

Then what'll you do? - Ah, what do they know?

She buys six bottles of this at a time.

Come here. - Moreno!

What do you want? What?

What's the matter?

Moreno, do you think he'll take us with them?

Who?

Mr. Harrington, silly.

Take us where?

Washington, where do you think?

I wouldn't know.

Huh, it would be fun.

It would be quite the life.

Maybe he'll keep this house instead

of an entirely different one in Washington.

And then again, maybe he'll-

Then again, enough of that crap.

Come on here to Moreno. - Oh!

Come on, come on.

Please!

- What's a matter? - Can't we look at the view?

The view? The hell with the view.

Come here. - Moreno!

I came down here for one reason.

Well so did I.

I don't mean that.

What did you mean, Elizabet? Huh?

I don't care what you mean. - I mean the...

Hey, you wanna fight, huh?

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

What was it you wanted to tell me, Elizabet, huh?

(birds chirping)

So don't pull any more of that cute stuff with me, huh?

I got what you want.

(birds chirping)

(rain pattering)

(plane whirring)

(rain pattering) (plane whirring)

I heard your speech, Mr. Harrington.

Oh?

Yes, it was a wonderful speech.

It was all right, but Spegly

saves his good work for television.

He wants me the day after tomorrow, if you please.

Yes, Mr. Harrington.

Are you going to be around this afternoon?

Mr. Harrington?

Yes?

Well it's about Moreno.

You know, he and I used to be,

well, I don't know how to explain,

but I just can't seem to make him know

that things are different now.

And I just can't tell him the reason for-

Of course not, Elizabet.

But he just won't take no for an answer.

And in his own way, he still loves me.

There's nothing wrong with him loving you.

But he expects me to-

No to you loving him.

(gentle music)

Did you hear me last night?

No, I wasn't feeling well.

I went to bed early.

Michael mentioned it.

I mean about you.

I'm fine.

You know, Hammit's changed the plans.

He doesn't wanna dissipate the interest

in too many appearances.

He's building up to the dinner.

Hammit's usually right.

Then we'll be finished with this thing, darling.

I know it's been tough on you.

Hammit even wants me to pay more attention

to you if we're going to...

He wants you in top form.

(rain pattering)

(gentle music)

(rain pattering)

(gentle music)

(rain pattering)

(phone ringing)

(ominous music)

Yes?

Yes.

Here?

Look, you can't possibly come here.

Wait a minute.

(sighs)

(ominous music)

(rain pattering)

(birds chirping)

I got good news for you tomorrow night, Liz.

You put your hands off me!

What are you talking about? Tomorrow night,

I'm taking you into town,

gonna pay a little visit to Cooper's.

Remember that little place upstairs?

Oh, shut up! I told you we're through!

What do you mean, through?

She gave you tomorrow night off.

Didn't she? - So what?

What do you mean, so what? What's the matter?

I told you to let me go!

I already told Mr. Harrington!

Now stay away from me!

Oh, you told Harrington, huh?

(Elizabet gasping)

I wouldn't put it past ya.

(crickets chirping)

(paper slicing)

(ominous music)

Don't you remember me, doll?

I'm the flying man.

The flying man. (chuckles)

Yeah, trust the flying man, doll.

I'm gonna make you fly. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music)

Come on, they're all flying up there.

Come on, doll. Come on, let's go.

What's going on? Come on.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

(indistinct chattering)

That's it, baby. Take it in deep, deep.

Take it all down.

That'll make you feel good. (chuckles)

I can make anybody fly.

(indistinct chattering) (upbeat rock music)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

I told you I know the right people.

Hmm, this is nice, huh?

I'm gonna get your head straight, baby.

I'm gonna get your head real straight.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

I'm gonna really get your head straight.

(chuckles)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

[Man] I'm tripping. I can't stand.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

- Come here, woman. - Hello.

(indistinct chattering)

[Woman] We have 15 minutes.

We have to get going.

[Man 2] I'm giving it a shot tomorrow.

- Nice. - Going to Hollywood, huh?

Hey, what you got in the bag there?

Let me have a drink. Mm.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

What'd you do with them works?

Oh, God.

Have on on me.

Go on, try this.

Come on, drink it.

Go on, it's just a little drink.

Yeah.

There you go. One round, yeah.

Drink it down, that'll straighten you out, huh?

Yeah, that's lovely, isn't it?

Mm-hmm. (laughing)

Oh, wow. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

Yeah, go baby, go. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

[Man] Wow.

Oh groovy, man, groovy. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

Oh, this is a ball. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

(laughing) Oh, swing. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

(laughing) Zow. (laughing)

(upbeat rock music) - Get all of you

in the frame.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

You're the next one, baby.

Yeah, sure, man.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

That's right. Yeah.

Now we got in going, mm-hmm.

[Man] Come here, woman.

I'll be right back. Mm-hmm, yes.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

- Hi. - Going to Hollywood, huh?

Hey, Churchie.

[Churchie] Who's you number, man?

Oh, you like her, huh?

I'd like to focus on her.

Oh, she's all uptight,

but got more pills.

Hey, Churchie?

That'll be the day.

All right, go on, Churchie.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

[Man] Come here, woman.

Hello.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

ls there someplace I can lie down?

I don't feel good.

Yes, yes. I think so.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

(indistinct chattering)

(upbeat rock music)

Wait your turn, man.

Hey now, wait. That's my girl.

I said, wait your turn.

(painting banging)

(indistinct chattering)

(upbeat rock music)

(indistinct chattering) (upbeat rock music)

(wood clattering)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

Hello.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

[Man] Good joint.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

[Man] I'm trippin‘.

Come here, woman.

- Hello. - Hi.

(upbeat rock music) (indistinct chattering)

- Nice. - Hollywood, huh?

[Man] I'm trippin‘.

- Oh my God. - I'm horny.

[Man] Come here, woman.

Hello.

(upbeat rock music)

(Helen screaming)

(upbeat rock music)

(Helen screaming)

(ice clinking)

(soft music)

Hey, I thought you were using

the upstairs tonight, Moreno?

No, she ain't coming.

And I already saved the room for ya.

Thanks.

You're a real pal.

Look, I might be able to arrange

something else for ya.

Huh?

(soft music)

Phew, that slut?

Well, I'll tell her you're a friend of mine.

(sighs) Keep it.

Ooh, I never thought I'd see the day.

That bitch really got you hung up.

What are you worried about?

You got it made.

I hear your man's making a big deal on TV tomorrow.

Well, good for him.

Now there.

They tell me good things about Washington DC.

You got it made.

(soft music)

Yeah. - Yeah.

(ominous music)

(doorbell ringing)

(scissors clack)

(crickets chirping)

[Helen] And a check for the rest.

I couldn't get the cash.

Well, right down to business, aren't we?

Some business.

Are you alone?

Did you tell Harrington about this?

Of course not.

(crickets chirping)

You're gonna have to tell him.

Tell him what?

Doesn't he know anything?

Even that you were in a nut-house?

He knows that after leaving college, I was very sick

and very lonely and very tired.

And I went away for six months.

(chuckles) You could have knocked me over with a feather

when it dawned on me that Helen Harrington

was the same girl I picked up one night.

Oh, that really doesn't matter, Ralph.

It was a long time ago.

Now I gave you the money

and I'm asking you in common decency,

not for myself, but for my husband

and all the other men that you're going to damage,

to take that money and-

(Ralph applauds)

Oh, what a pretty speech you made up.

But I told you, doll,

you should have told the senator.

I will some time, but it's not necessary now.

Yes it is.

He's gonna have to spring for big money.

But you said that-

I said the 10G's would keep me

from using these. (paper crinkles)

Well I haven't used em'

but there's still four more days until the election.

Now that's a lot of time.

But I wanted to see you once again like this.

He'll pay.

But right now, we're together.

I wanted to make up for the old days, Helen.

(thunder rumbling)

You're crazy.

I'll call the police.

Sure, call 'em.

I'll tell them who I am,

and I'll tell him who you are.

It's not asking that much, is it?

Stay away from me.

Come on, beautiful.

(ominous music)

(hand whacks)

(intense music)

(hand whacks)

Come on, baby.

Do like you did that night.

(intense music)

(sweat tears)

(Ralph screaming)

(Ralph gasping)

(Helen whimpering)

(Helen screaming)

It's a good time when I get drunk.

I told you, it's a good compliment.

You see Spegly's eyes? He knows it too.

- What does he know? - He knows that dinner's

gonna be the greatest show in this state's history.

He didn't let me down, Bruce. I knew it.

(dog barks)

(ominous music)

Helen, where are you?

Honey?

(ominous music)

Honey?

Honey?

Beautiful.

Beautiful.

You see those tapes?

You do it exactly that way tomorrow night,

it's gonna work.

I've waited 20 years for this.

You know, I know more about politics

than everyone in this state put together,

and I never had a winner.

I never had a candidate.

It was no whim calling off upstate.

I felt it.

It's all built up perfectly.

Timed like a drama.

A certain amount of suspense.

Certain amount of anticipation.

It's fabulous.

I knew he could do it.

And he has, he has, you saw it.

You saw the tapes.

And there's your wife,

sitting there pretty as picture.

Every voter in the state will be

at that dinner tomorrow night.

It'll be a masterpiece.

Two days later they go to the polls.

Michael thinks it's all over but the shouting.

Helen, would you get a good night's sleep?

Would you do that for me, please?

Michael's spending the night.

We'll all go into the city together tomorrow.

Just got a great idea.

Why don't we get the police up here to pick up that car?

Oh, forget it.

What car?

If it is detective, we could turn it around.

Big revelation.

The opposition using dirty tactics.

What car?

He's seen some car hanging around.

He thinks they're trying to pick up something.

Yeah, that's a good idea.

We turn it around.

Turn it around.

Get me a phone. - Ah yes, come on.

You can do that later in the morning.

No wait, I might be employing

a good piece of strategy here.

You go to bed, honey.

I'll be up later.

(ominous music)

(ominous music)

(keys jangle)

(suspenseful music)

(body thudding)

You're a naughty boy, Mr. Harrington.

You're a very naughty boy, Mr. Harrington.

You know what we do to naughty boys, Mr. Harrington?

Oh, not tonight, Elizabet.

You understand, Elizabet.

Tomorrow's a very important clay for me.

I understand, Mr. Harrington.

I understand that life makes great demands on you.

And that sometimes...

(crickets chirping)

(ominous music)

(Whip cracks)

(Whip cracks)

(whip cracking)

(whip cracking)

(whip cracking) (intense music)

Did I help?

I'll help you always, Mr. Harrington.

In Washington too.

We'll see.

You'll take me?

I haven't been elected yet, Elizabet.

Oh, you'll be elected.

I think so.

But Mr. Harrington, we didn't talk to Moreno.

He threatened to-

Why don't you see Moreno?

He's a nice man.

But I love you, Mr. Harrington.

That may be so but that's no reason

why you can't- - No!

If you wish, I'll talk to him.

You understand, of course, Elizabet,

that absolutely no one must know

that you and I-

I know, Mr. Harrington.

But I'm so embarrassed when I talk

to Mrs. Harrington.

I feel- - There's no reasons for that.

Mrs. Harrington's a lovely woman.

She's my wife.

I love her.

Mr. Harrington, I think of you all the time, I-

No need to go into that.

It's late. Time to go to bed.

(door closes)

(ominous music)

"Darling, had to go into town

to get some things for tonight.

You know Michael is so worried.

I'll be back in the afternoon,

and we'll go in the dinner together.

Love, Helen."

(ominous music)

(engine starts)

(ominous music)

(intense music)

(ominous music)

(car approaches)

(Moreno sighs)

Good afternoon, Mrs. Harrington.

Oh, you know, Mr. Harrington

didn't tell me you were gonna be back

until later today.

Are they ready to go into the dinner?

No, you see, Hammit's not here yet, Mrs. Harrington.

And, you know, I had to bring him in this morning.

Right.

Oh, Moreno. Tell Elizabet to come help me get ready.

I've been looking for her, Mrs. Harrington,

and I can't seem to find her.

- Well find her. - Yes, ma'am.

[Elizabet] You've been a very bad boy, Mr. Harrington.

You know what I can do to bad boys.

Mr. Harrington, you've been a naughty boy, Mr. Harrington.

(Whip cracks)

Oh.

Helen, I

suppose anything that I'd say

would make me insulting.

Look at me as I really am.

A miserable tool, a freak,

then go away disgusted.

This is the real Bruce Harrington right here.

I fooled you.

I fooled Hammit.

I thought I could get away with it.

You fell in love with the ideal candidate, Helen.

I'm not him.

I never was.

I tried to be because I loved you so much.

First time in my life, I had something real.

I didn't wanna destroy it.

I was gonna win this election.

And I knew Hammit could do it for me

if only I could overcome my selfishness

and my cowardice and my weakness.

I couldn't do it, Helen.

I couldn't do it.

So I made a division.

I felt that was progress.

You and Hammit and the candidate on one side,

Bruce Harrington on the other.

You think my life has been like?

Sick, lonely,

a lie from beginning to end.

Marrying you, I thought I'd end that lie.

I was despicable in my own eyes.

I didn't wanna be that way anymore.

But, you should of...

You could have told.

I love you, Helen.

Too much to show you what I really am.

Just as in this campaign,

you adjust your requirements to attain your ends.

What has the truth got to do with it?

Hammit's right.

You don't win an election by revealing truth.

I know he's right.

So I let him direct this thing as he saw fit,

according to his rules.

I know they're right because I am going to win.

I thought I could do the same with love.

I didn't dare do anything else.

I love you so much, I didn't dare.

Bruce.

Love is not hiding and pretending.

I did bad.

I did bad.

Oh.

(Bruce cries)

Bruce, something terrible has happened.

- Well, I'm sorry. - No, no.

I don't mean that.

I was so frightened because of what

could have happened to you because of me.

I know how much you wanted to win this election.

I ki...

(car approaching)

It's guests.

Let me get dressed.

Bruce, let's go!

John, make sure you bring the carpets in with you.

- Uh-huh. - I love you, darling.

Remember, only six people at the head table.

Take a note, call Spegly,

make sure he's got the press releases.

Now, give me a figure on this.

Matchbooks, 6,500.

Bumper stickers, 10,000.

Posters, 60,000.

Salaries, 14,000.

I demand that the job is totaled.

And there will be three cameras.

If there are more than three, throw them out.

Make a note. Call Tom...

You look beautiful.

Don't change a thing.

I want you to sit by his side at the dinner.

There'll be three cameras. Ignore them.

Just keep looking at Bruce.

Look at the audience.

Forget everything else. Just look just the way you do now.

Bruce!

You look great.

Oh, Mr. Harrington, I...

I know the dinner's gonna probably go on all night.

You know, so I, I was just wondering, you know,

if it's all right with you,

if I don't have to hang around till it breaks up.

You know what I mean?

Sure, Moreno, take the night off.

Oh, thank you, thank you, sir.

Now remember, a half hour for bread.

That's it. No more, no less.

Helen, make sure you just keep looking at Bruce

and looking at the audience.

(plane buzzing)

Now you know what you're doing, right?

- Right. - Okay.

(upbeat music)

(engine starts)

(register clattering)

Moreno?

Hey, you missed your boy's speech.

You're going to Washington.

Huh?

You're going to Washington.

Where's Elizabet?

I'm closing.

She didn't show, huh?

Moreno, it's almost morning.

That little slut didn't show.

That's all she is, a little slut.

Moreno, don't get yourself so upset.

Your room's still upstairs, ain't it?

Huh?

Hey.

Hey.

One as good as another.

(light switch clicks)

(upbeat music)

(bill crinkling)

Come on, honey.

Come on.

Come on, honey.

Come on.

Do it.

Come on, do it.

Kiss me.

Come on.

Come on.

(upbeat music)

(Moreno sighs)

What's the matter, honey?

I got what you want.

How the hell do you know what I want?

What's the matter?

Can't do it?

I can do it.

I can do whatever I wanna do.

I just don't feel like doing it, that's all.

Off you go.

(intense music)

Where are you going?

To get what I want.

Where I don't have to pay for it.

(door slams)

(engine revving)

(tires screech)

Elizabet?

(intense music)

Elizabet?

Elizabet?

(intense music continues)

(lock clattering)

Elizabet?

Elizabet?

(door thumping)

Elizabet, open the door.

I know you're in there! Open the door!

I got what you want! Open the door!

- Get me the police. - Come on, you lousy bitch!

I'll break it down!

(body thudding)

Yes, the Harrington House.

There's a man threatening me.

Open this damn door!

(phone clacks)

(body banging)

(door slams)

So you're running out on me, huh?

I'll fix your little ass.

You little slut. - You leave me alone!

- I'll break your ass! - Stay away from me!

That's what I'll do.

(Elizabet gasping)

(lamp bangs)

I get my hands on you, I'll break your ass!

Come back here, you little slut!

(intense music)

(upbeat music)

(indistinct chattering)

Do you have any in the car?

No, I don't have any in the car.

Nobody told him, though.

(all laughing)

Come on.

(all laughing)

Come on. - You're not joking?

(intense music)

(birds chirping)

(intense music)

(birds chirping)

(glasses clink)

To Bruce Harrington, the finest man I know,

and the next senator of the United States

It's been an honor to work with him,

and you know what?

This man's gonna be a great senator.

Just because I'm a political animal,

doesn't mean that I lose sight of the purpose of things.

To put a man like Bruce into office

is the reason for my profession.

That which ennobles it.

I mean that, Bruce.

Senator Bruce Harrington.

(glasses clink)

(intense music)

(intense music)

(upbeat music)