Original subtitles

- Hey!

- Another interview, huh?

- I'm gonna be on "The Hal Kenton TV Program."

- Really? - Oh, don't wish me luck.

I won't.

Say, where did you get that superstition, anyway?

- Oh, everybody in Hollywood knows about it.

- Hal Kenton, huh? Ooh!

I'm working a split shift. I'll be able to watch from here.

Now come on and eat.

- What's that?

- Methinks it's a hick.

- Yeah, a hick!

- I just wanted something light to feed the butterflies.

I'm not really hungry.

- I'm good.

- Hit me.

Hit me!

- Sure.

- What'll it be?

- Do you have a menu? - Sure.

Well?

What'll it be?

- Uh...

Donut and coffee, please.

- You forgot the tax.

- Huh? - A penny for the governor.

- Well, I didn't know about the tax.

Go on, keep it.

Who needs freeways?

- She's a little confused.

I think it's the gasoline tax that goes to the freeways.

I think.

- Oh?

- Uh, could you do me a favor?

I can't eat this and, well, Marge,

she raises a fuss if I don't.

She hates to see anything go to waste.

And especially since it's already paid for.

Honest, I just can't.

- Well...

- Thanks.

Say! Are you a musician?

- Well, now I wouldn't go as far as to say that.

- Oh, you just keep your laundry in there, huh?

- Oh no, that's a guitar, all right.

- I read somewhere how many thousands of kids

come to Hollywood each year, but I forgot the exact number.

- Well, I don't expect it to be a breeze right off the bat.

- That's good. What's your edge?

- Hmm?

- Well, to get anywhere in show business,

you have to have a gimmick or you have to know somebody.

- I've got a letter from the manager

of the radio station at Spearfish.

That's where I used to play and sing.

- Spearfish?

- Spearfish?

- Spearfish?

- Spearfish?

- Spearfish? - Spearfish?

- Where's that?

- Well, South Dakota.

- Oh, who's the letter to?

- Nobody in particular. Do you wanna see it?

- "To whom it may concern"?

Forget it. That isn't gonna help.

- You can listen to her. She knows what she's talkin' about.

- Hey, are you in show business?

- She sure is.

- Oh, really? Maybe I've heard of you.

- Hardly.

I'm still trying to get my foot in the door,

and I was born here.

- Gee, if a pretty girl like you...

Uh, well, I mean, if you can't...

- Oh, thank you, but this is the year for boy singers.

Especially with a guitar, that's the gimmick for it.

- Do you really think so? - Sure.

Say, how would you like to get started

on your career right now?

- You mean to sing right in here?

- Hardly! I'm on my way to "The Hal Kenton TV Program."

How'd you like to come along?

- That's swell! I can show Mr. Kenton my letter!

He'd be tickled to death.

Come on, let's go.

Say, you can't take that with you.

That'll put the tourist tag on you for sure.

Say, Marge, could he, uh...

- Sure.

- Thanks! I'll pick it up later.

- Come to think of it, I don't even know your name.

I'm Bud. Bud Eagle, spelled just like the bird.

- An Indian name, huh?

- It was, a way back.

- I'm Vickie Wills.

- The cops!

- I just love kids.

- And now, ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Vickie Wills!

- You're on next.

- I feel sick.

- You don't have time to get sick, boy.

You're on after this next commercial.

- I'm sorry, I...

I feel sick. I...

I feel...

I feel terrible!

- But Lou, wait!

- You were terrific!

- Oh, I was a little nervous.

- Hal? Hal!

Hal! We're in trouble.

- Now what?

- Well, our next spot just ran out on us.

- What?

- He was scared to death. I couldn't stop him, Hal.

- Well, think of something!

I'm not gonna stand here with egg on my face.

Do something, quick! Get somebody.

- Who?

- Mr. Kenton?

- Not now, kid, not now.

- I've got a singer for you. - What?

- Well, he's right here, and he's very good.

- Now wait a minute, honey.

- Oh, he's come hundreds of miles to be here.

Hey, Bud, come here.

- Well...

Okay, put him on. What the devil do we care?

We can always go back to unemployment.

Well, you all got the message,

now go out and buy a closet full.

As you all know, this show of ours

is a sort of catch-as-catch-can affair,

with everything up for grabs.

Our kids don't even rehearse.

They just audition and then go on.

Now, tonight we're gonna bring you somebody

that didn't even audition.

As a matter of fact, I don't even know his name.

So let's bring him on with a big hand.

- Come on, kid, you're on! - Bud, your guitar!

- Hurry up! Get out there!

Did you have a nice trip?

What's your name, son?

- My name's Bud Eagle.

- Well, I see you brought along your own band. Let's fly!

- What are you doing to me?

♪ I'm gonna love you, baby, yes I will ♪

♪ 'Cause you opened my eyes and gave me such a thrill ♪

♪ Well, everybody said I was the rovin' kind ♪

♪ But I guess you made me change my mind ♪

♪ I'm gonna love you, baby, yes I will ♪

♪ I've found it's true ♪

♪ I don't want no one unless that one is you ♪

♪ I wanna tell you 'bout all the things you do ♪

♪ About those chills you give me through and through ♪

♪ Oh, you're so sweet and you're so kind ♪

♪ You put heaven right here in my mind ♪

♪ I want to tell you about all the things you do ♪

- Sharp kid.

♪ I've found it's true ♪

♪ I don't want no one unless that one is you ♪

♪ I'm gonna love you, baby, yes I will ♪

♪ 'Cause you opened my eyes and gave me such a thrill ♪

♪ Everybody said I was the rovin' kind ♪

♪ But I guess you made me change my mind ♪

♪ And I'm gonna love you, baby, yes I will ♪

Hey, wow!

- Yes, I saw him. Yeah, uh-huh.

Yeah.

Oh, yes. Yes, I'll handle him.

Uh-huh.

Yeah.

Eric, just a minute.

Get that phone.

Uh, never mind.

McCauley speaking. Yeah.

Ah, just a minute, Lou.

That's our boy. Get him.

Yes, Lou?

Mm.

I'm all heart, Lou. You know that.

- Bud, you were wonderful! You really got a sound.

- Thanks.

- Mr. McCauley wants to see you in his office.

- Who? - Mr. McCauley!

He's the biggest manager in Hollywood!

He's discovered a lot of unknowns!

- Well, what do I do, tell him you don't wanna go?

- No!

Wait for me, will ya?

- Sure. Sure, Bud.

- Look. I have other commitments.

You promised you'd let me look at the books tonight.

- Why, Proctor,

you know I wouldn't cheat you out of a penny.

The books are right here.

Come back sometime when I'm not so busy.

Yeah, Lou? Mm.

Why, certainly.

Just a minute. Yeah. - Oh, I'm sorry.

That was Don Proctor, wasn't it?

That was Don Proctor.

- This is Mr. McCauley.

- You can call me Mike. Bud Eagle, isn't it?

- Yeah!

- I enjoyed your singing. Maybe you can get someplace.

Thank you.

- Course, that doesn't mean that you will.

Takes a lotta hard work in this business.

- Oh, I know that.

- And, um...

I, uh, might be interested in handling you.

- Gee, really, Mr. McCauley?

- Of course, I want to point this out to you.

It takes a lot of money

to put a personality before the public,

and I don't want to handle anyone

who thinks they know more about this business than I do.

- You don't have to worry about me, Mr. McCauley.

- Hmm, I'm already having trouble with you.

You don't call me Mike. - Oh!

- Come in.

- Hey, Mike, we need the kid for the sign-off.

- Oh, all right.

All right, Bud, now you go and take your bow,

and after it's all over, come back and we'll have a talk.

- Yes, sir!

Oh, I mean Mike!

- Well, don't just stand there, go follow him.

See that nobody gets to him!

- Well? What did he say?

- You know, he's a real nice guy.

- Well, is he gonna take you?

- I don't know, but he wants to talk to me afterwards.

- Sounds good! - Shh!

I was hoping you and I could do something,

but I don't have any money.

- Well, you know, you get paid for the show.

- You do?

- Yes.

- I don't know how long it's gonna take with Mr. McCauley,

but- - All right, the finale.

Now, both of you together, one at a time,

heads up, and smile.

Ready?

- I'll tell you what.

I have to go home first, and that'll give us both time.

I'll meet you at the Koffe Kup Cafe, okay?

- Well, where's that?

- Where you left your suitcase, silly.

- All right, now go. Go, go!

That's it!

- You mean I'm gonna live up here?

- Well, I can't have you wandering around town

all alone, can I?

- But it's so big!

Holy smokes!

A swimming pool!

A swimming pool up here?

- If you don't like it, we'll get another one.

- I don't know what to say, Mr. McCauley.

I mean Mike.

I don't need a place like this.

- I thought we decided on the way out here

that I was supposed to tell you what you needed

and what you didn't.

- Well, I'll try to pay you back.

- Oh, sure you will.

Now, you've got a lot of things to do tomorrow,

so you'd better hit the sack.

Your bedroom's right through there to the right,

the second door, Steak's got the first.

- Is this your apartment, Steak?

- No. No, it's yours, kid.

I don't understand.

- You see, Bud, you're not my only client.

I've got others. I can't be around all the time.

I understand that, but-

- Well, that's what Steak does.

He takes care of things for me

and he takes care of things for you.

Anything you want, he'll get it for you.

- I see.

- You know, being a star is serious business.

It's going to take a lot of your time.

- A star?

- That's right. And you get used to the idea.

Now, you hit the sack now, huh?

- Uh, it's early yet, Mike,

and I left my suitcase at that restaurant.

- Well, that's all right. Steak will get it for you.

- Well, there's somebody there waitin' for me.

- Now look, kid, let's get something straight right now.

When I told you that I do the thinking,

that's exactly what I meant.

- Well, sure, Mike- - Don't give me that!

You're the one that wants to be a star, not me.

When do you want to start working at it?

Tomorrow, next week, next month, or right now?

- Well, it'll only take me an hour.

- Okay, kid. Do what you wanna do.

- Thanks, Mike. I'll be right back.

- Not to me, you won't. You can take your guitar with you.

Looks like we'll get ourselves another boy.

- I don't understand, Mike.

- Well, now that we're quits, let me explain it to you.

You think I made a big thing

out of picking up that suitcase, don't you?

- Well, yeah.

- That's right, I did.

An hour more or less isn't important.

- That's what I said.

- But it told me something.

It told me that you weren't ready to take orders.

If I had an interview or an appointment

or a recording session,

I couldn't be sure that you'd be there.

- Oh, but I would, Mr. McCauley. Honest.

If you thought it was important.

- No!

- Who's to say what's important in this business?

Now, I like you, Bud, or you wouldn't be here,

but I can't afford to take less than 100% cooperation.

Now...

Good luck to you, and I hope you make it.

- Mr. McCauley?

Would you please give me one more chance?

- Do you really want it?

- Yes, sir.

No more arguments?

- No nothin', only what you tell me.

- You've got yourself a deal.

And you tell that girl of yours I bet she'll be happy

when she sees all those new suits

we're gonna get for you tomorrow.

- Oh, well, she's not my girl.

Not exactly.

- Not yet, huh?

- I just met her, but I sure like her.

- Where is that suitcase?

- The Koffe Kup Cafe on La Brea.

You know where that is, Steak?

And tell Vickie--Vickie Wills, that's her name--that...

Well, that I'm tied up and I can't get away.

Get her phone number, will ya, so I can call her?

- Yeah, sure.

- Now don't you worry. Steak will take care of everything.

You go hit the sack, huh?

- Yes, sir.

- Mike.

- Mike. Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

Lose that guitar. It's probably got termites.

- You really think this kid's gonna sell, huh?

- You saw that crowd. They'll eat him up.

Had a half a dozen offers before the show went off the air.

- He's gonna be...

He's gonna be tough to handle. He's such a punk.

- Well, now, that's your job. I'm going home.

- Well, anyways, I guess we got ourselves

a real orphan this time, huh?

- Ah, not quite. He's got a kid brother named Ted someplace.

He wants to make some dough to keep him in college.

Told me about it riding out from town.

- Well, what his brother don't know won't hurt him.

- You took the words right out of my mouth.

And cut the girl off. I don't want nobody gettin' to him.

- Vickie.

Are you still here?

Honey, I should've been closed 10 minutes ago.

- Uh, I'm sorry, Marge.

- And you gotta get home.

- I wonder what could've happened to him?

- Nothing's happened to him.

We're closed.

- Where's Bud? - You got a suitcase here?

You work for Mike McCauley, don't you?

- So?

- Well, I'm Vickie Wills.

I was on the "Hal Kenton TV Program" tonight.

- So what?

- Bud Eagle left the theater with you and Mr. McCauley.

He was supposed to meet me here afterwards.

- I don't know anything about that.

Now how about that suitcase? I'm supposed to pick it up.

- It's here, but I don't know whether to give it to you.

- Suit yourself.

- Wait. Um...

It's all right, you can give it to him.

Uh, did Bud say anything else about me?

- No.

- Nothing?

Was there supposed to be something?

- No, I guess not.

- Here it is. - Does he owe you anything?

- Not me.

- He said you fed him.

- She did.

- Here. - What's this for?

Kid doesn't want any loose ends.

- Well, how about that?

- And he didn't even mention me.

- I ordered you a steak

when I heard you moving around in there.

- A steak! For breakfast?

What else is there?

- Hey, what's this for?

- I use that when I go fishing.

- I fell asleep before you got in last night, Steak.

- Well, you didn't say to come right back,

so I put the suitcase in your room this morning.

- What did Vickie say?

Did she understand why I didn't make it?

She didn't show up herself.

- She wasn't there?

Wasn't anybody there, just some hash slinger.

I gave her the 10 bucks.

- What $10?

- Well, she said hawked your suitcase with her for that.

- I did not!

Why would she say something like that?

- I don't know.

It's best to stay away from people like that.

Her kind will do anything for a fast buck.

- I guess you're right.

I can't understand about Vickie though,

not even to leave a word or anything.

- You say, uh...

She was on the program too last night?

- Yeah, she was on just before I was.

- Well, that's simple.

Mike signed you and not her.

- You mean she was jealous?

- Could be. That's the best thing some of them chicks do.

- Set 'em up in there, Pete.

- Good morning, Bud. You sleep okay?

- Yeah, fine.

- You read the trades?

- The what?

- Well, I'll save you the trouble.

"Last night on Hal Kenton's TV Show, a star was really born.

After a somewhat less than graceful entrance..."

I want to talk to you about that, Bud.

- Oh.

Well, I'm sorry. There was a wire.

I caught my foot in a wire.

- Well, we might keep it in. It might be a good gimmick.

"After a somewhat less than graceful appearance,

Bud Eagle came on like gangbusters.

His singing brought the audience to its feet

and swamped the switchboard with calls.

Four record companies are waving contracts."

- Four record companies want me?

- Well, I put that in for publicity.

This is something I want you to get straight.

You don't believe what you read, only what I tell you.

- Oh.

Now, we've got an awful lot of work to do, Bud.

Are you ready?

- Yeah.

- Let's go.

You remember Pete Bailey and the boys, don't you?

- From last night.

- Hey, what's going on? - Hi!

- We've gotta work up some numbers.

- But if no record company wants me, Mike-

- No, I've set a deal today, eight sides with Fairway.

- Golly! No kiddin'? - Mm-hmm.

Try that on for size.

- For me?

Holy cow!

- Just a little flash.

- Aw, gee. Thanks, Mike.

- Well, you're pay for it. All comes out of the profits.

- Yeah, gonna be, definitely. - Yeah, it sure is.

- Now, we gotta get to work.

By the way, I've got an appointment at 11 o'clock

to get some suits fitted for you.

- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.

Here's some new songs. See how you like 'em.

- Well, I've got plenty of songs I wrote myself.

They're in my suitcase.

Is he for real?

- Go get 'em. Scram.

- Oh! I'm gonna make some records!

- Great.

- And no cracks. And you get rid of those attitudes.

This kid's no jerk!

- Yeah, but a songwriter? Him?

- Now, you're gettin' paid,

and while we're all here, it won't hurt to run 'em over.

Maybe we can use one or two of 'em. So much the better.

- Here they are, Pete.

- How many have you got here?

- About 20 or 30.

- That hardly seems enough.

- Oh, I can write more. It don't take long.

- No, no, it's all right. Let's look through these 20.

- Well, while you're doing that...

Mike? - Yes, Bud?

- I wrote a letter to my brother Ted last night.

Can I mail it someplace around here?

- Here, I'll take care of it. - Oh, thanks, Steak.

Promised him I'd let him know right off where I was stayin'.

- Yeah, did you tell him everything that happened to you?

sure did.

- Yeah, he ought to be happy about that.

- Let's try this one.

♪ I'm gettin' to be a big boy now ♪

♪ I'm growin' taller every day ♪

♪ You don't love me anymore ♪

♪ You don't love me anymore ♪

♪ Oh, well there's somebody else talkin' about ♪

♪ Hearin' sweet talk and a-gettin' sweet lips ♪

♪ I'm growin' taller every day ♪

♪ But my time is gettin' shorter with you ♪

♪ Oh, my time is gettin' shorter with you ♪

♪ Nothin' like it was before ♪

♪ Nothin' like it was before ♪

♪ Oh, well, somebody else wants to be your daddy ♪

♪ Handwriting's on the wall already ♪

♪ I'm growin' taller every day ♪

♪ But my time is gettin' shorter with you ♪

♪ Oh, my time is gettin' shorter with you ♪

♪ Right, baby. ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Uh-Huh ♪

♪ That's how I know that you don't love me anymore ♪

♪ You don't love me anymore ♪

♪ Oh, well, somebody else is doin' the bop ♪

♪ Ain't no big deal, give him a shot ♪

♪ I'm growing taller every day ♪

♪ But my time is gettin' shorter with you ♪

♪ Oh, my time is gettin' shorter with you ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ I'm getting smart to it ♪

- What'd you tell him?

Just what you told me to tell him.

- Yeah?

- Gonna make some records, do some shows,

but it's gonna be a long time before any money comes.

And then I told him to write in care of your office here.

- Yeah, that oughta hold him for a while.

But one thing I want you to remember.

When you're playing Ted,

don't write the same letters on the same typewriter.

- Aw, what does he have to have a brother for anyway?

Now, I want you to get a hold of Rick.

We want to get these pressings all over the country,

yesterday.

- Oh, by the way, New York called three times.

- Oh, that'd be Ed on that TV deal.

Long distance, please, Circle 2-3000, New York.

Yeah. This is McCauley speaking.

Ed?

Yeah.

Bud Eagle?

For $500!

Ah! You're talking...

Oh, you're crazy! $5,000's more like it.

He's the hottest thing in the country.

- I was wondering when you'd be coming in.

- Oh?

- Give a listen. - What is it?

- What say we have a diversion?

- Yeah, good idea.

- Uh, hey, Weasel? What's a diversion?

- You know, like in the army, stupid.

1st Infantry Diversion, 2nd Infantry Diversion, you know.

♪ And gave me such a thrill ♪

♪ But everybody said I was a rovin' kind ♪

- Not bad, huh?

- Marge, I think he's the most.

- And he hasn't been around town long enough

to get a haircut.

♪ Baby, yes I will. ♪

♪ I've found it's true ♪

♪ I don't want no one ♪

I asked the guy and he said they were putting them in

all over town.

- That's wonderful.

You really fell for that guy, didn't you?

- Just like a ton of bricks.

I didn't know myself until-

Have you heard from him lately?

- No.

- I just wondered if you hadn't said...

♪ You're so sweet and you're so kind ♪

Here.

Take this dime here and go play the other song.

♪ I wanna tell you 'bout all the things you do ♪

No.

I think I'll go out and buy the record.

- This is the shot that goes on the record sleeve.

Now, this is the one that I want everybody to plug.

- So this is what he looks like?

Good thing this is no beauty contest.

- Yeah, you just do your job. What do you think, Karen?

- I think he's cute.

- Sure he is. He's got appeal.

Hello, Bud. Come on in.

Bud, these are the presidents of your fan clubs.

Every major high school in Los Angeles is represented here.

You can meet them individually later,

but right now we've got a little business to transact.

Do you mind?

- I should say not. - Sit down someplace.

As I was saying, this kid's got appeal.

I think we can go the whole route, swooners and everything.

- What about tearing off his clothes?

- That's for squares.

- I think it's effective.

- I agree with Karen.

But you check with me first, because suits cost money.

- Speaking of money, Mike...

- Usual rates will apply.

I've never cheated any of you, have I?

- Cost of living's going up, up, up.

- Yes, but I'm giving you bigger territories.

No, the same rates will apply,

$25 a week for every week

the sales go over normal in your area,

plus the membership fee.

- What about Fairway Products? Gonna have anything new?

- Well, more about that later.

How about a fad?

- Hmm? What'd you say?

- What kind of a fad do you want us to start?

- Oh, this one is a natural.

Eagle feathers. Bud Eagle, you get it?

You wear 'em behind your ear, you stick 'em in your hair,

you put 'em around your wrist,

you can wear 'em on your coat-

- Where are you gonna get eagle feathers, Mike?

- Oh, turkeys, chickens, magpies.

What difference does it make?

I want you to get those county schools into the lineup.

I want action. We've got to work fast.

This kid's first record's got to be a million-seller.

That'll get the attention nationally that I want.

Without payola?

- Payola, buzzola, or just call it 'ola. That's my business.

- Do you know what I heard, Mike?

- Nevermind.

- I heard that DJs all over the country

are stockholders in Fairway Products.

That was really smart, Mike.

- Yeah! What about us, Mike?

Stockholders!

- Now let me tell you punks something.

A stockholder is generally a guy that never makes a nickel.

Now, you're all on the payroll.

That's top banana in my book.

Hi, kid. You going someplace?

- Home, maybe.

I haven't liked the last couple letters

I've been getting from Ted.

They don't sound like him at all.

- Well, now, if that's all that's bugging you,

why, we'll invite him and have him come out for a visit.

That's not all.

Well, everything was all right yesterday.

Something must have happened. What's up?

- Does everything have to be so phony?

- Oh, Bud. Sit down.

Steak, bring him a Coke.

- I don't want a Coke.

- It'll only take 10 minutes of your time.

You owe that to me, don't you?

- Yeah, I guess I do.

- All right, gang, let's see you blast off

with some smash success.

Action means dollars.

- You can depend on us, Mike, but can you depend on him?

Times aren't that tough.

What do you mean, baby?

- Those clothes. Is that the new tearing-off type?

Really.

- Aw, you should have the rags that Bud's got.

All right now, let's go, everybody.

Bud, you're in a serious business. A big business.

You know that, don't you? - Yeah.

- I knew you would. Now let's analyze this business.

We've got a product to sell: you.

Right?

- Mm-hmm.

- Now, to sell our product,

we advertise, we publicize,

we promote every angle to increase sales.

Okay?

Yeah.

- Now, in the course of this business, we use fan clubs.

We supply them with pictures and information.

- I understand all that, but it's just that-

- Fan clubs are very important in this business.

You know, if people don't like a kind of candy bar,

they won't buy it.

- But you can't make people, force people, to like me.

You just can't take a group of people and say,

"You like Bud Eagle, and you go buy his records."

You just can't do that, Mike.

- That's exactly what you do.

Life is a big game of follow the leader.

Now, those kids that were here this afternoon,

these high school kids.

Think back. You're just out of school.

Wasn't there someone in school that everybody admired?

- Yeah. - Who?

- My brother Ted. He's the captain of the football team.

- And if he drank his malts down at the local malt shop,

pretty soon everybody was drinking 'em there, right?

- Well, yeah, but-

- Well now, what makes you think that he wasn't getting paid

to drink his malts there?

- Not my brother Ted.

- That's the way of the world, kid. Get with it.

- I don't think you're right, Mr. McCauley.

And I don't think I have to be a part of it.

- I admire you for that.

If more people thought like you,

we wouldn't have so many crooked politicians

and payola and brainwashing.

- Goodbye, Mr. McCauley. Thanks for everything.

By "everything," you mean all the money I've spent on you,

don't you?

- Well, you got it back, didn't you?

I made those records and I did those appearances,

and I never saw any of it.

- Why, it didn't even dent the expenses.

Come on down to the office sometime.

Take a look at the books.

And that guitar that you're taking with you, for instance-

- Oh, I didn't mean to take that.

Just I'm so used to carrying one that...

Well, maybe you can sell it.

- Maybe, but how about all those suits

that are hanging in the closet?

How much do you suppose I could get on them?

- I guess I forgot.

- I'm on the hook for plenty, but that's okay.

I mean it.

I'd rather lose $50,000 than to see you lose your ideals.

- $50,000?

I told you this is serious business.

Steak, get on the phone, call the airline.

See if there's not a flight out right away to, uh...

Spearfish, wasn't it?

- Yeah.

- Well, we'll have to stop by there sometime,

pay you a call.

- Mike?

Steak, get on that phone right now.

Maybe there's a plane out right away.

- Mike?

- Yes?

- How long would it take for you to get

the money back you spent on me?

- I told you, kid, don't worry about it.

- No, how long?

- Hmm...

Six months, maybe.

- Oh.

- Less if we really worked.

Okay, let's!

- What do you mean? - Well...

Let's really work and get your money back.

- You'd do that for me?

- I can't leave you in the hole.

I'll pull you out, and then I'll take off.

- I just don't know what to say.

- You don't say anything.

Just start lining up those jobs like mad.

We're gonna hit this town like a bomb.

♪ Vickie ♪

♪ Vickie ♪

♪ I love you, Vickie ♪

♪ You know I do ♪

♪ My whole life has changed ♪

♪ Though the first day we met ♪

♪ Was my last day with you ♪

♪ Vickie ♪

♪ Oh, Vickie ♪

♪ What have I done ♪

♪ Why can't we make up ♪

♪ We can have so much fun ♪

♪ If you don't love me ♪

♪ I was a fool. ♪

♪ Oh, Vickie ♪

♪ You are my love ♪

♪ Vickie ♪

♪ Oh, Vickie ♪

♪ I'm so alone ♪

♪ If you could just talk to me ♪

♪ If I could just call you on the phone ♪

♪ Would you give one more chance ♪

♪ To a fool ♪

♪ Oh, Vickie ♪

♪ You are my love ♪

♪ Vickie, Vickie, Vickie ♪

♪ You are my love ♪

♪ Vickie, you are my love ♪

Vickie!

- I heard the song.

Did ya? Oh, I'm glad.

- You did...

You did mean it for me, didn't you?

- Of course!

Well, who do you think?

I've been wondering what happened to you.

- But Steak said-

- Steak said what?

- Well, I was talking to him, and he said, like,

you didn't even want to see me that night or something.

- But I told Steak to tell ya.

- He gave me a dollar and said

that you didn't want any loose ends.

Why would he say something like that?

- I don't know, but I know you didn't mean it.

- What do you say we go someplace?

- Oh, all right. What would you like to do?

- Anything. Let's just get outta here.

- Well, maybe bowling. Or how about skating?

- Skating?

- Sure, my uncle runs a rink.

- I meant someplace where we could be alone.

- Well, we can be alone there.

And besides, the rink is closed and I can get in any time.

I have the key.

- Well...

- You know how to skate, don't you?

- Oh, sure, I used to go skating all the time.

- So you used to go skating all the time, huh?

- Well, I thought you meant roller skating, not these.

- Silly! Why didn't you tell me you couldn't skate?

Watch this.

- Well, hello, Bud.

I just confirmed the last booking

for a nationwide tour that you're gonna make.

Your fan clubs are demanding it.

- Oh? How much did that cost?

- Oh, it didn't cost anything.

You'll get it back.

Look what I brought you.

A midget tape recorder.

Isn't that something?

Now here's a little microphone we put on your lapel.

You know, now you can write songs while you're on the move.

I've noticed you haven't been writing many songs lately.

- I've been a little busy.

- What's the matter with that kid?

- He saw that girl again.

- What girl?

The one he used to tell us about.

- We can't have that.

Well, he wants a girl, get one for him.

- How about Daisy?

- Why not?

- Pardon the intrusion, but I just had to see

if Mike was too cheap to even change the lock.

- You're Don Proctor, aren't ya?

- That I am, and since I know who you are,

we have the basis of a lasting friendship.

Can I have a drink?

- Go ahead. - Thanks.

Will you join me?

- Mm, no thanks.

- Not yet, huh? You will.

- I don't remember you being up here before.

- I used to live here.

You didn't know that?

- No, I know you're a singer.

I got some of your records back home.

Correction: I used to be a singer.

In fact, I used to be one of Mike McCauley's trained seals,

and therein lies a tale.

You care to hear it? - Go ahead.

- It's not a long story, but a very tiring one.

A few years ago, the fashion

was handsome young men with wavy hair.

Now it's kids.

You don't even have to understand the words.

I'm not knocking you, Bud.

- That's all right.

- So anyway, I hooked up with Mike McCauley.

Ah, he treated me royally.

He moved me in here and he gave me that funny monkey Steak

as a bodyguard and majordomo.

I presume that psycho is still with us?

- Yeah, he is.

- Naturally.

I didn't have to pay for a thing.

Did you ever have to pay for anything?

No.

- Do you know why?

Because you can't. You haven't got any money, have you?

- No, I don't!

- That's part of the golden leash.

Give him everything, but keep him broke

so he can't get away.

Am I boring you?

- No. Go ahead, please.

- The fashion came to an end.

People no longer bought records

by handsome young men with wavy hair.

Take warning.

- I guess nothing lasts forever, Don.

- So Mike and I decided to go our separate ways.

That was the day I got the fast pencil.

- The what?

- You never heard of a fast pencil? Oh lord, you will.

And when your turn comes, Mike'll show you a set of books

that turns over and plays dead.

Every nickel that comes in goes out for expenses.

And somewhere along the line, you...

You've signed away all your royalties.

- How do I know you're not just saying all this

because, well-

- Because I'm a drunk?

Or a has-been?

Or both?

You don't, kid.

- Hi.

- Kid, this is Daisy.

She's gonna teach you how to swing.

- Hi.

So this is Buddy Boy?

Hey, tiger! Is this a new tune?

- Hey, a party!

- What are you doing here?

- Just dropped in for a little nap.

- What did you tell Bud?

- Nothin'.

- Come on, you're going home.

- Don't wanna go home.

- I said you're going home!

Does this make you change your mind?

- Yep.

Same ol' Steak.

- All right. Let's go.

- Here we go again.

- Let's go.

- Lay off!

- Get outta here or I'm gonna kill you.

Let go of that gun!

- What's going on out here?

- Some drunk.

He fell down the steps.

- I'm gonna call the police!

Stella! Get back in here!

- I'm coming, Stanley, I'm coming.

- Vickie! Vickie, wait!

Vickie, wait!

I don't wanna talk to you!

Psst!

Hey!

Kid! Come here!

Come here!

- What do you want?

- Got a deal.

- Deal?

- Yeah. Show him, Weasel.

- Up with the mitts, kid!

- Yeah! We mean business, kid! - Big business!

- What's with you guys? You a bunch of kooks or something?

- Shut up and stick your mitts up in the sky!

We're goin' for a ride. - A ride?

- Yeah, we's kidnappin' ya, see?

- You know, that's delightful,

but I have conclusioned that we ain't got no transportation.

- Yeah, I ain't got no money for taxis.

Well, we better think of something fast.

- Don't look at me. I don't even have a dime!

- I got it! What say...

We walk!

- Gee, that's smart thinkin', Brains.

- Okay, okay, let's move it!

To the shack.

- To the shack.

- To the shack!

- Where's the kid?

- He went out for a break.

- Well, what'd you let him get away for?

- Oh, he wouldn't have been any fun anyway.

How about you and me?

- Aren't you gonna take off your mask?

- What do you mean? It is off.

- We done it, Weasel, we done it!

We're in the big time!

- Not yet we ain't. Not till we get the dough.

- Yeah, but just think,

if we get caught, we get life at least.

Maybe even the chair.

Gee, my old man would be proud of me.

- Oh, shut up, stupid!

- Now, let me get this straight now.

You guys have kidnapped me

and you're gonna hold me for a ransom, right?

- Now, we have evaluated your worthiness,

and we have conclusioned that you are worth five G's.

- $5,000, huh?

- Gee, I'm gonna buy me one of them motor boats,

one of them kind that cuts through the water like...

- You're gonna buy yourself a lump on the head

if you don't shut up.

Hey, Brains, you got it figured out yet?

- I know what it takes.

A missal to announce our intentions,

written by the very hand of the unfortunate victim.

- All right, guys, the fun's over.

I don't know who hired this circus, but I've had enough.

- Hold it, you.

One more step and I'll fill you full of holes.

- Gee, just like in the movin' pictures.

- Hey, did you ever see it done better?

- All right, just sit down now. Sit down!

- Aw, what'd ya go and do that for?

- Oh, poor Weasel. - Aw!

- Alas, foiled again.

You know, that was a pretty cowardly trick,

enroaching on our insipidy like that.

- What'd he say?

- Are you guys really supposed to be crooks and kidnappers?

- Hey, what kinda crack is that?

- We shan't dignify that question with a resort.

- Yeah!

Why not?

Hey, this could be perfect!

- He's gonna mow us down like dogs!

- Look, you guys kidnapped me, so okay, I'm kidnapped.

- You mean you wanna be kidnapped?

That's just what I want.

- Hey, we got a nut on our hands.

- Beware the tides of March.

Methinks there's a scheme in his motifs!

- Okay, wise guy, how come, huh? How come?

- There's no scheme, no trick.

I just wanna be your guest for a while,

and if you guys make some money outta this, good for you.

- Hey, you ain't foolin' me, wise guy.

You know when you're up against some pretty tough boys,

and you're scared, right?

- Let's get down to work. Where's the paper and pencil?

- You gonna write letters now?

- The ransom note, dodo.

You were gonna write a ransom note, weren't you?

- Brains?

- To be sure, to be sure. A ransom note, the very thing.

- Let me see. How can we put this?

- How about, "Fork over five G's or your boy'll get killed."

- Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute.

We can't ask for 5,000.

- Too much, huh?

- Two, maybe?

- If we're gonna do this, let's do it big.

- Well, how big?

- I should be worth at least 15,000.

- Dollars?

- Why not? Let's go all the way.

- Gee, you're big-time, all right.

- Are you sure they're gonna pay?

- If they'll pay five, they'll pay fifteen.

- You know, there's an elephant of truth there.

- Say, can I have your...

Your autograph?

- Hey, what are ya, some kinda nut?

- Okay, so it's 15,000. So what do you put in the letter?

- How about...

"Put the money in a paper sack

and put it a garbage can behind Marge's cafe."

- Yeah.

- Huh?

- Are they out of their cotton-pickin' mind?

- Ah, I guess they found out you're all heart, Mike.

- Well, what's so funny about it?

- I don't know, I guess it's the fact

you're gonna have to shell out for a change.

- Oh, big joke.

- I found the money!

- Why don't you go on the radio to the whole world?

Dope!

- Let's go back to the shack. Back to the shack.

- We got it!

We got it! We got the dough!

- We're rich! We're rich!

Oh, boy!

Wait till you see me skimming over the water!

- You mean he paid you?

- Not only did he pay, but he paid unequivocabally.

Well, I'll be.

- Okay, gang, now for the payoff. A four-way split, right?

- Four?

- Sure, kid. We ain't misers.

After all, it was your idea to ask for 15. Right, gang?

- You're right! - Fair is fair.

- Thanks, guys, but I don't want any.

- Oh.

But we don't know how to split 15,000 three ways!

- Steak!

- Ouch!

- Hey! Don't shoot me!

Stop! Please don't shoot me!

Don't shoot me, please!

- Come on, stupid! - Let's get outta here!

Get out from under the table!

Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

- Extra, extra, read all about it! Bud Eagle missing!

Paper, sir? Thank you.

- Hello, Marge.

- You been sick or somethin'? I haven't seen you around.

- I haven't felt like getting out lately.

Have you heard any news about Bud?

- No.

I wonder what could've happened to him?

- That was a publicity stunt.

I heard a couple of guys talkin'.

- A publicity stunt, huh?

Just the sort of thing that a stinker would pull.

- Stinker? - You heard me.

- See this cup?

- It's a cup.

No, look. See how clean it is?

- Yeah.

- I got me a new dishwasher.

- Is it a man?

- Mm-hmm. He came in the other day.

He was hungry, needed a place to sleep. He's a good worker.

- Marge, you should be careful.

You don't know anything about him.

He might steal everything in the place.

- As a matter of fact, he does act suspicious.

I'll get rid of him right now.

Hey, you in there!

Come on out!

- You want me, Marge? - Bud!

- Vickie!

- Are you all right?

- Sure I'm all right!

- Wasn't very nice of you to involve Marge

in your publicity stunt.

- Oh, this isn't a publicity stunt.

- No? I'd like to know what you call it then.

- Would ya? All right, I came here because...

Well, I had to have a place to think.

- Oh, I imagine it would be very difficult to concentrate

with that girl hugging and kissing you.

- Well, if you'd have let me explain it.

- Why should I? You seemed to be enjoying it.

- If that's the way you feel about it.

- Did you?

- No.

- I'm glad.

Come on, let's get outta here before somebody comes.

- What's that? Sure, sure.

Why, of course it's a publicity stunt. Mm.

I'm surprised, Ed, that an old hand like you fell for that.

Yeah. Why, it'll hit every newspaper in the country.

Mm!

Record sales will go to the top.

Hey, how's the weather in Philadelphia?

Yeah. So long, Ed.

That's five calls today.

I don't know what they're worried about.

If that kid don't show up,

I'm the one that's going down the drain,

paying the penalties and forfeits for all those theaters.

I oughta take it outta your hide.

- Don't worry about it.

I got kids looking for him all over town.

- Well, they better.

Paying all those penalties to those theaters?

And it cost me $5,000 to square it with Don Proctor.

- I told you, he fell down the steps! Fell!

- Yeah, yeah, yeah!

How did you get in here?

- Oh, the door was open.

- Well, just close it on your way out.

- I'm looking for Mr. Mike McCauley.

- I'm McCauley. What do you want?

- Well, Mr. McCauley, you don't know me, but I need $20.

- Get lost.

- All right, you heard him. Let's go.

- All right, I guess I'll just have to go to the newspapers.

- Go to the newspapers about what?

- Bud Eagle.

I hate to spoil anybody's pitch, but I really need that $20.

- What about Bud?

- Well, I know he's just pretending to hide out

for a publicity stunt.

I even heard you say so on the phone.

- Yeah, yeah. Do you know where he is?

- Sure. - Well, where is he?

- That's my pitch, Mr. McCauley.

For $20, I won't tell the newspapers.

- All right, give it to him.

- Thanks.

- I just wanted to see whether you had something to sell.

Now, where's Bud?

- Oh, he's at the Koffe Kup Cafe on La Brea.

He's working as a dishwasher.

- Now why didn't you think of that?

Of course that's where he is, where the girl stays.

- You guys didn't know where he was?

On your way, buster, on your way!

- If I'd have known that, I coulda got more than 20.

- Hmm, you still can.

You can wait a half hour and go to the newspapers.

- Yeah, that's a good idea.

All except the part about waiting a half hour.

- Yeah.

Smart kid.

Go ahead, give it to him.

- You sure are a nice guy, Mr. McCauley. You sure are.

- We're back in business again, and bigger than ever.

I can just see it now.

Boy goes to cafe to see girl. Young love.

The public will eat it up.

Well, we'll probably have to get that little girl

in the act now.

- Suppose the kid doesn't wanna cooperate?

- Well, he'll cooperate.

- I don't know about that.

- That girl's got a pretty face, hasn't she?

- Yeah.

- Well, he'll cooperate if he wants to keep it pretty.

- Yeah.

- Go on inside, Vickie.

- Hello, Bud.

- Hello, Mike.

- I'm a little disappointed.

I didn't think you'd run out on me.

- Well, I didn't like what I heard.

Oh, Don Proctor?

Oh, he's a drunk. You can't believe a word he says.

- Then why did Steak jump out of his skin when he saw him?

- Oh, I don't know about that, but I thought we agreed

that you wouldn't leave me in a hole, huh?

- Well, I've added it up, Mike,

and we've sold four million records,

we've done seven TV shows,

and I don't know how many personal appearances.

Now, every kid in this country

is buying stuff with my picture on it,

and I haven't got anything out of it

except six suits and one new guitar,

and I left all those back at the apartment.

- Are you saying I cheated you?

- Didn't ya?

- You want to come down to the office and look at the books?

- No, Mike, not those books.

But I'll tell you what I will do.

- What? Tell me.

- You can have everything you've got up until now,

then we're gonna start a new set of books

with that tour you got lined up for me.

- Oh, well, that's all right,

but awfully confusing to a bookkeeper.

- Ah, another thing. New bookkeeper.

- Oh yeah?

- And I'm gonna live by myself

and I'm gonna handle my own money.

- Aw, you smart punk. Who do you think you are?

- I am just what you made me, Mr. McCauley.

Big enough not to need you anymore.

I can get another manager.

- Yeah, you got pretty smart in a hurry, didn't ya?

- Another thing. No payola and no of those phony fan clubs.

- You want to be liked just for yourself alone.

- That's right.

How 'bout it, Mike? Is it a deal?

- You little punk!

You sing for me or you sing for nobody,

and get this straight: I can fix it!

- How are you gonna do that, Mike?

- Yeah, what would all of those nice kids

back in your hometown think

if they knew what you were really like?

Daisy, for instance?

- I never had anything to do with her.

- Yeah, but she'll say anything I tell her to say.

And the stories that I can spread

will make mighty good reading back in your hometown.

- Yeah, your brother can paste them in his scrapbook.

- Yeah. And the tour starts on Saturday.

And you better be there,

and you better not have any sore throats or anything,

'cause there's 12 grand in it for me.

- If somethin' happens to your voice,

somethin' happens to your girlfriend.

- Let me get this straight now, Mike.

If I get a new manager,

you're gonna spread a lotta lies about me,

and if I don't sing at all,

you're gonna try to hurt Vickie.

Is that right?

- Kid, don't you hear good? That's exactly right.

- Hey, Bud, we're outta tape.

- It's okay. We've got everything.

- Tape? Get him!

Mike, help me! Mike!

Mike!

Mike!

- Okay, everybody! Come on out!

- Bud, are you all right?

- Sure.

I guess you met my brother Ted.

- Your brother?

Well, what does he want?

- He told you, but in case you forgot, it's all on the tape.

An honest cut from now on.

Me, I wouldn't keep you around,

but Bud thinks he can use you.

He says you're smart.

- It was nice of you to say that, Bud.

- So stay smart.

Get outta line once,

we put this tape recording on the Hit Parade.

- Well, if that's the way you want it,

where do we go from here?

- You gave me a chance.

Now it's my turn to give you one.

What say we get some real teamwork goin' from now on?

Don't you think Vickie's great, Mike?

Don't you think she's gonna be terrific?

- I got an idea.

Scene one, take one.

♪ Well, my baby's sick and I don't know what to do ♪

♪ Yes, my baby's sick and I don't know what to do ♪

♪ She's got twist fever and a double case of guitar blues ♪

♪ Well, she twists on the highway ♪

♪ Twistin' in the swimming pool ♪

♪ Well, she twists on the highway ♪

♪ Twistin' in the swimming pool ♪

♪ She twists her breakfast ♪

♪ Twists right off to school ♪

♪ Well, twist on, baby ♪

♪ Twist me one time more ♪

♪ Yes, twist on, baby ♪

♪ Twist me one time more. ♪

♪ Well, she can twist in the air ♪

♪ And twist right down to the floor ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ Oh, fever ♪

♪ Yeah, she's got twist fever ♪

♪ And I just can't leave her alone ♪

♪ Well, I took her to a doctor ♪

♪ Gonna find out what to do ♪

♪ Yes, to a doctor ♪

♪ Gonna find out what to do ♪

♪ Well, the doctor couldn't fix her ♪

♪ 'Cause the doctor is a twister too ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ Oh, fever ♪

♪ Well, she's got twist fever ♪

♪ And I just can't leave her alone ♪

♪ Whoa ♪

♪ Whoa, fever ♪

♪ Whoa, fever ♪

♪ Fever, fever ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪

♪ Whoa, twist fever ♪

♪ She's got twist fever ♪