Original subtitles

(dramatic music playing)

Arliss: For most of us,

the dream of becoming a champion,

remains a fantasy.

(shouting)

But for a special few,

it is very much a reality.

We cheer them,

we live through them.

Athletes are our last warriors.

My job is to make their dreams come true.

My name is Arliss Michaels,

I represent athletes,

These are my stories.

♪ Don't know what it is that makes me love you so ♪

♪ I only know I never wanna let you go ♪

♪ 'Cause you started something oh, can't you see ♪

♪ That ever since we met you had a hold on me ♪

♪ It happens to be true ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

♪ I just wanna be beside you everywhere ♪

♪ As long as we're together, honey, I don't care ♪

♪ 'Cause you started something oh, can't you see ♪

♪ That ever since we met you had a hold on me ♪

♪ No matter what you do ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

Arliss: The seeds of the past

bear the fruits of the present.

A man is not who he says he is,

a man is what he does.

Character determines who wants to be associated with you...

or not.

Hello, Mr. Kent?

It's Charlie, c'mon in.

This is a great honor.

I'm Arliss...

Michaels, I know.

What kind of tomatoes do you like, Mr. Michaels?

Good ones?

Okay. Why don't you pick out a good one?

Umm...

How about that one right over there?

Right there, right there.

Kinda jumps out at you, doesn't it?

Now sometimes you have to look out over the whole field,

you check off the obvious, and you look to the second read.

For instance, this little puppy right here.

One of life's lessons.

You reap what you sow.

Mr. Kent...

Charlie.

Charlie, when I got your call

I thought it was a prank.

For the last 23 years every January the third,

I've received the same letter.

"Dear Mr. Kent...

"At the beginning of this new year,

"I would like to tell you

"that you've always been an inspiration to me.

"Your dignity and strength of character

"have made you one of my heroes.

"If I can ever help you in any business endeavor,

"it would be my greatest pleasure.

Sincerely, Arliss Milhouse Michaels."

You're not a stalker, are you?

Hardly.

Arliss, since the day I returned from the service,

I've pretty much kept to myself.

A lot of us were hoping you'd come back and play.

Well,

I just wanted to stay at home,

and spend time with my wife and kids.

War'll do that to you.

But in the years since Emily's passed away,

I've realized I can't just garden

for the rest of my life.

Maybe I should take advantage of what might be out there.

You think there's a market?

Are you kidding me?

Book deals, card shows, speaking engagements,

the fact that you were reclusive

makes you even more appealing,

If that's possible.

Look, Charlie,

Charlie, I'm having a, um, party at the office tonight,

why don't you stop by?

See how Arliss Michaels' Management

takes care of its clients.

I'm not much for parties anymore.

But, I'm interested in finding the right guy

to represent me.

Someone who reflects who I am.

You think you're that guy?

I know I am.

In fact, I'll do it gratis.

No, that's not necessary.

Charlie, when asked "Who is the one client

that you'd most like to represent?"

My answer's always been the same.

Since the day I started in this business,

I've dreamed of sitting at the side

of the great Charlie K.

That's payment enough.

"Ronan Donegal

vs. Mario Capelli.

A race by Kirby Carlisle."

You see, it's a one-on-one match race

through the streets of Beverly Hills.

I mean, this is gonna knock out the TV ratings

like a Pretty Boy Floyd combination.

Think I can drive the pace car?

Not till you get your driver's license.

Right, I've been meaning to do that.

- Yeah. - (phone rings)

Y'ello?

Kirby, make sure you're pourin' the top shelf stuff

at the party tonight, understand?

And put Rita on.

Uh, she's not here,

she's buying a present for Ronan.

Oh, shit, I was supposed to give her $40.

Oh, no problem, she's got the company card.

The company credit card?

(siren wails)

$60 max for Ronan's present.

Try and find a decent present

for a Formula One race car driver

that's under 60 bucks.

Easy, try the fire-retardant underwear aisle!

Whoa, how 'bout this?

Oh, sure, that's exactly what Ronan needs.

Rita, Charlie k's actually thinking of

having me represent him.

Charlie K.!

All those letters paid off.

I'll spring for 65.

Miss?

Excuse me, I'd like to pay for this.

This makes a nice gift for a client, right?

It's practical, shiny...

Inexpensive.

(chuckles) You don't remember me, do you?

Of course, of course, you're, uh...

Oh, my god, Martha!

Rita, look at you.

You've gained an ounce.

You look great.

Arliss, doesn't she look great?

Oh, yeah, you look great!

Martha Sturgess,

formally Martha Donegal?

As in Ronan Donegal.

Well, oh, yeah, sure, Martha, how have you been?

You look great, Rita, doesn't she look great?

How long have you been working here?

Just over two years.

This wouldn't be for Ronan, would it?

What? Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. It's, um...

it's a housewarming gift,

for someone who's getting married,

For the first time.

Look, uh, Martha, it's great seeing you.

I gotta go.

Uh, Rita, if you need me, I'll be in accessories.

Two years, god, has it really been that long

since we've seen each other?

Longer, actually.

Ronan and I were divorced in '97.

It's amazing, time flies.

For some.

Listen, Martha,

department stores give Arliss a rash.

So, I gotta go.

I'll call you, let's catch up.

You know where to find me.

Bye.

Cavorting with Ronan's ex-wife, are you nuts?

Why not? We're still friends.

You're the one who hosed her.

What are you talking about?

Stanley told me you gave her

the AMM ex-wife financial enema.

No, no. I didn't screw her, Ronan screwed her.

Excuse me, you moved his primary residence

to a non-community property state.

You had a giant endorsement payment

deferred till after the divorce.

You even tried to get their marriage annulled.

It was business.

You think she takes that personally?

(chattering)

As Carlisle goes across Wilshire,

he passes Donegal on Rodeo Drive!

But, Donegal passes him again

at Santa Monica Boulevard!

Carlisle goes into the corner hard, he floors it!

Oh, horrendous crash!

"Spago destroyed.

Joan and Melissa unhurt, film at 11."

Ronan, you remember Tony T.?

V.P. of sports programming at the "must see" network.

And the man responsible for Sunday's race.

Tony T., a man with vision,

from tele-vision.

Actually, this is Kirby's vision.

I just gave it a green light.

Now we can counter-program football

with something besides lumberjack contests.

And that's not the last.

What do you think of this...

Fugitive Jocks?

Each week we track down an athlete

who's on the lam, it'll run forever.

Yeah, well, let's just take it

one at a time, huh, Kirby?

Oh, speaking of one at a time,

it's time for another one.

Oh, let me get that.

Hey, Tony, take over here.

Yeah, sure. Who am I?

Uh, you're a... you're a loser.

Here you go.

Yo, coach, pour 'em heavy.

I want everybody having a good time,

and keep 'em coming for Ronan.

Oh, great!

You're promoting a race at 100 miles an hour

through city streets.

You're not only plugging alcohol,

you're pushing it.

That's unconscionable.

Unconscionable? This is motor racing.

Hooch and cigarettes are our main sponsors.

Would it be better if everybody lit up?

Amazing.

It sure is.

A match race with Formula One superstars.

It's gonna be a ratings bonanza.

Oh, this is just the beginning, I got big plans. Yeah!

So do I. Mm!

Are you goin' for the first read again?

Hi, Arliss.

Charlie.

Charlie, it-it's great to see you.

Can I get you something to eat, something to drink?

No, no thanks.

So, this is Arliss Michaels' Management, huh?

Charlie, I just wanna reiterate

what an honor it would be to work for you.

Forgive me, I'm a little taken back.

I honestly didn't think you were coming.

Well, I wasn't planning to,

but I mentioned it to my fiancé and she wanted to come.

Your fiancé? Where is she? I wanna meet her.

You already have.

Charlie: Honey...

Arliss... long time, no see.

She said you were old friends.

Oh, yeah, yeah, sure, sure.

We're old friends, aren't we?

Ooh, the place has changed.

Well, you know, things change.

Don't they, though?

Martha! Oh! What are you doing here?

Martha is Charlie's fiancé.

Fiancé, that is wonderful!

Arliss, isn't that wonderful?

Charlie K., meet Rita Wu,

my assistant extraodinaire.

Rita, how do you do?

Charlie K.?

What an honor.

So, you're marrying Charlie.

Labor Day weekend.

She pretty much calls the shots these days.

Hey, Arliss, man!

Hey, you sprang for the good stuff.

Hey, you know how to throw me a party.

Hello, Ronan.

Martha.

Honey, this is Ronan Donegal.

I've heard a lot about you.

So, this party is for you?

Oh, Arliss always did know

how to take good care of you.

Hey, she looks great, doesn't she?

I see that elbow's still bent.

Yeah, well, you know me, dove,

gotta keep it nice and limber.

Well, if you'll excuse me.

If we're gonna make that movie, we should go.

So soon?

Well, you're gonna have to come back.

We'll see.

Bye, Martha, I'll call you.

- Bye, Rita. - Bye.

"That is so wonderful.

Arliss, isn't that wonderful?"

Yeah, it's fucking wonderful, it's just fucking great!

Stanley: These are traditional weapons of war

used by the Muslims

to penetrate the British defenses,

thrust into them again and again.

Ooh, you make war sound so...

exciting.

Hm. After battle,

the men would return to the women

to perform the traditional dance

of fertility.

(rambling)

(chanting)

Wow!

Whoo!

(laughter, chatter)

Hey, great event, Kirby, you went all out, man.

Thank you. You know, listen, I have a lot of ideas.

I'm not gonna bug you about them right now...

Gimme a call tomorrow, huh?

How about this?

Um... Career Enders,

it's a show about massive sports injuries.

You sure you wanna go home alone?

No.

But, uh, we just met.

You call me.

Ronan, (chuckles)

heading home?

Homing head.

You better let me have that bottle.

You find your own date, mate.

This one's coming home with me.

Oh, Ronan, Ronan,

- you're in no condition to drive. - (elevator dings)

I'm in no condition to listen to your bullshit, sonny,

so piss off.

Just let me get my stuff, let me get my stuff,

and I'll take you home.

Sorry... but we just met.

Toodle-loo!

Shit!

Announcement: It is 10 a.m.

Dixon Sterling is now open.

I love the stuff in this store. (exhales)

You want all of this?

And more!

Early Christmas shopping, beat the crowds, right?

Uh-huh.

Martha, I can't tell you how good it was

to see you last night at the party.

So, tell me.

How long have you and Charlie been dating?

Almost a year.

Do you want these gift wrapped?

Oh, no, no, just throw 'em in a bag.

Oh, and, could I see some china?

Some jacked-up hockey player broke the office set,

so, I just...

Threw it away?

Which pattern?

Uh... Hey, how about this one?

No, no, no.

This is the pattern Charlie and I registered for.

I don't think this would work at AMM.

In fact, I'm certain it won't.

Martha, I want you to know

that what happened between us wasn't personal.

Not personal.

I left that marriage with a dog,

an entertainment center, and a six-year-old Chevy Blazer.

You and those lawyers hung me out to dry.

Seems pretty personal to me.

Martha, can't we put the past behind us?

You said yourself the office has changed.

That'll be 23 hundred and 77 dollars.

Any shot of an employee discount?

So, what did he blow?

Point one-six.

How long till we're out of here?

Well, as soon as he's arraigned and bail is set,

then he can go.

Great.

Arraign me then.

Need the judge to do that.

Today's Saturday, judge won't be back until Monday.

Monday?

No, he's racing tomorrow!

Well then, he'll need a judge today.

This is bullshit, constable!

All right, man... man, come here.

You knew he was one of ours.

Why didn't you just steer him home?

The desk sergeant got a tip.

A tip?

Yeah, he said some guy called,

he said Ronan was drunk,

he said letting him drive would be...

Un... un, uh...

"Unconscionable"?

Oh, you were heartless last night, my dear,

leaving me alone,

your sweet taste on my lips.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to put a hole in your wall.

I meant to put it in your head.

(screams)

Holy...!

Ahh! Ah!

Yes!

You called the cops on Ronan.

You told the bartender to pour heavy.

The man was totally hammered!

The man's the best driver in the world!

He would've made it down Santa Monica Boulevard!

Or he would've killed somebody!

Who are you, fucking Kreskin?

How do you know what would happen?

I know, I know that he was drunk,

and I know that under host laws

we would've been totally responsible!

Responsible, like I am for a race on Sunday!

Gahh!

(both screaming)

He was drunk!

(gasps) And operating heavy machinery.

Faced with the same situation, I'd call the cops again!

You won't get the chance!

Ahh!

- Ah! - (choking)

If Ronan's stuck in jail

because we can't find a judge to set bail

it'll be pretty fucking boring!

Why?

Because it's a one-on-one race.

Wait, I know a judge.

Plays in my poker game.

Big Lakers fan.

Oh.

(knocking)

Rita.

You're just so Martha.

Martha Stewart.

Well, that's how I met Charlie.

We were both trying to buy the same Big Boy tomato plant.

He let me have it.

I think it's 'cause I had better legs.

Oh, remember your pumpkin carving party?

And that crazy drunk that carved that pumpkin helmet

and wore it all night?

That was Ronan.

Well, I am so happy for you and Charlie.

And I'm thrilled you might be back at AMM.

Did your boss send you here?

No, I came on my own.

Martha, I know there might be some bad blood between you and Arliss.

But, he really would be the perfect agent for Charlie.

Ha! Like he was for Ronan?

I understand how you could feel a little bitter,

but Arliss worships Charlie K.,

and I thought maybe because of our relationship.

"Relationship."

A relationship where we don't speak for four years.

Tell me something, Rita,

why did you stop coming to my pumpkin carving parties?

Me?

Yeah, you.

I kept inviting you.

Well, I... I, um...

And what about your parties, Rita?

Were my invitations just lost in the mail?

When I went from wife to ex-wife,

I got pulled from every Rolodex in town,

including yours.

I expected what I got from Arliss.

But I never expected it from you.

Martha, I am so sorry.

I am, too.

Arliss?

I need to talk to you.

"Dear Mr. Kent...

"You've always been an inspiration to me.

"Your dignity and strength of character

have made you one of my heroes."

Charlie isn't taking my calls.

Yeah, you reap what you sow.

I'm an agent.

My job is to do the best possible job I can for my client.

She wasn't my client,

Ronan's my client, he's still my client.

I did what I do.

Yes, you did.

Rita, uh...

what about if you went over and talked to Martha?

I'm just thinking maybe because of your relationship,

something might come...

(phone rings)

Arliss Michaels' office.

Yes, uh, one moment please.

(presses button)

It's Charlie.

Bernie, he's got a race tomorrow,

No jail time.

Jail time?

Don't worry, I got the D.A. to drop the open container

and resisting arrest charges.

We pay the bail and we get out of here.

(door opens)

Oh, shit!

What the fuck is going on?

Uh, just a routine misunderstanding.

We'll be out of here in a minute.

It better be. I got 20 million in advertising

pre-sold on a one-on-one car race,

not Judge Judy.

Mr. Donegal,

you are being charged with one count of driving under the influence.

Uh, Your Honor, the defendant is not a flight risk.

So, we ask that bail be set and he be released.

Any objections?

No.

See? No problem.

And I hope he learned his lesson.

Very well then, bail will be set at...

What was your bail last time, Mr. Donegal?

Heh?

The last time you were arrested on a D.U.I.?

Oy.

It seems Mr. Donegal has been through this routine before.

He has a prior.

A prior what?

A prior D.U.I.

That means mandatory license suspension

Pending resolution of the case.

I will allow bail.

Oh, thank God.

But I will not allow him to race.

What?

According to Statute 1.8-6-B,

no one may operate a vehicle on a public street

without a valid license.

You sir, no longer have one.

Any act of driving will be considered criminal.

Your honor, the defendant has a right

to earn his livelihood.

The defendant earned over $16 million last year.

He won't starve.

Thanks for the ticket, Stanley.

Marty, the race is off Sunday.

Tell programming we're going with the lumberjack-off.

Tony, we can salvage this.

I can get the other driver to go around twice

and beat his own time.

Yeah, maybe you can go fuck yourself.

"Beat his own time."

(Kirby shouts)

My last year I won league MVP, Super Bowl MVP,

Sports Illustrated "Man of the Year,"

and I earned a whopping 67,000 bucks.

What do you think I'd be worth today?

You would walk into the owner's office and say,

"Hello, partner."

(chuckles)

Amazing.

All these accomplishments, amazing.

You know which prize I treasure the most?

This one.

She taught me character.

She taught me to make sure I gave 100% every game

because someone would be seeing me for the first time.

And someone would be seeing me for the last.

I wonder which someone you're gonna be.

I'm sorry?

I told you, whoever represents me

must reflect who I am.

Charlie, with all my heart,

I want to be the guy by your side.

You know, I see a lot of Emily in Martha.

They both valued character.

That's why it feels so right with her.

I'm sure Martha has told you that she and I have an...

unfortunate past?

She did.

I was protecting my client to the best of my ability.

I don't apologize for it.

Let me ask you a question, please be honest with me.

Of course.

If the same situation were to happen again, what would you do?

Charlie, you and Martha are in love...

That's not the point, this is about you.

If a client came to you and said he was divorcing his wife

would you do the same thing to her that you did to Martha?

Arliss: Character

determines who wants to be associated with you...

or not.

Announcer: Here's your all-around lumberjack-off champion!

I don't want to watch that shit.

Hey, hey!

I thought big game James Worthy knew how to party. Let's go!

Hey, hey, man, I'm ready.

What's the game plan?

Well, we're gonna go to Barney's for beer

and then Luc's for martinis

and then the House of Blues for a whiskey.

That sounds like a great afternoon.

I'm just glad we have a designated driver.

(chuckles)

Kirby: Me too.

So, Barney's for beer?

(car engine starts)

(vomiting)

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time,

please welcome, my client,

Charlie Kent!

(cheers and applause)

Hey, how ya doin'?

(Martha chuckles)

(Charlie chuckles)

Charlie: You are quite the fan, aren't you?

Okay. There you go, thanks.

Thanks.

Ready?

Yeah.

Hey, good picture.

Let's go.

My name is Arliss Michaels.

I represent athletes.

These are my stories.

♪ ♪