Original subtitles

Thank you.

Oh, by the way, thank you so much for that report you put on my desk.

Oh, Diana.

Dave, what's this?

It's a requisition for a castral convertible bed to be installed in your

spacious little cubicle so you don't have to sleep at your desk at night.

It's the FM syntax proposal. I need your signature. I have to show that to Ted

first. Well, what for? They're all your ideas.

I still have to have his approval. You know that.

You'll have it first thing in the morning.

Okay, boss.

Oh, damn.

Sandy? I need something from you right away.

I'm just closing up shop. It's only a few pages. Will you put it on my desk

you're finished?

Who's Ted talking to? Oh, his wife. He can go in.

Look, Caroline, lay off. I said I'd try to make the 620. I wasn't under oath.

I know it's Allison's birthday, but she's just got to understand that her

got a very important presentation to work on so he can get the promotion, so

can pay for that expensive college you want to send her to.

I promise I'll be home by nine.

Bye.

Ted, I need you to look at this.

Television was down a half a percentage point.

Agency and TV production remained the same, but television... Don't scare me

like that.

For a second there, I thought you were going to tell me that our cassette

department hadn't tripled.

Tripled? Oh, damn.

Let's go out and celebrate.

Ted. Well, at least let me buy you a drink.

I want to thank you.

You know, you're really very smart.

Very smart?

Don't forget, I found you.

Oh, Ted, congratulations.

The four of these are fabulous.

Believe it?

They tripled, thanks to Diana.

Really, Ted, I'd hold on to some of the credit.

Congratulations, Steve. You've made a super new team.

Do you want to come down to Keith's night and celebrate? Eric Porter's going

be holding court.

Has it been a year already?

Oh, yes.

Time for our president to mingle with his common folk.

Pretend he's a working stiff, hang out and find out who's happy and who's not,

and best of all, pick up the tab.

Come on, Ted. It's good politics.

I can't.

But why don't you two check it out? How about it, Diana?

No, thanks, Ted. I have some more work to do. Maybe later.

Bye.

You really should be nice to her.

Diana's good.

Very good.

Making her my assistant was one of the best moves I've ever made.

Things are going to start happening around here.

And I want Diana beside me.

Every step of the way.

As long as she's not behind you.

That girl's got ambition written all over her face.

What's wrong with ambition?

It's not the vice of little people.

Hand.

Hair.

Hi, Megan. Hi. Thank God you're home.

Megan, stop, Diana. My bun's totally frozen. Well, that's the price of being

friends with an obsessed artist. Quiet!

You're making a move.

How are you?

Hey, that looks pretty good.

What's for dinner?

We have to have dinner late tonight, Brian. I have to dash out.

What?

Where are you going? I have to go to a meeting. I'll be back soon.

Well, what's more important?

My show or some stupid meeting?

Dee Dee, you promised to help me pick some slides.

You've got to help me pick the paintings, Dee Dee. Brian, I know you

to the gallery tonight. I didn't forget.

I would stay up with you all night if I have to, but right now I have to go to a

meeting.

Will you relax?

I will be back before you know it.

With a couple of steaks, a bottle of champagne.

Do we got a deal?

You're taking this job too seriously. Ouch.

Better remember, gentlemen,

there aren't many real hunters out there, but everybody wants the meat.

Look at those guys. I'm surprised they're not writing down his every word.

How many 37 -year -old presidents of multi -million dollar corporations do

know?

I'll bring my pencil pad next time.

Too bad you didn't have time to go home and change, but I guess you just had too

much work to do. Well, as they say, a girl can always change her mind.

What have you got against her?

Her technique.

You all know who said if you want uniform growth, never diversify.

John Markham. Oh, bingo.

Bartender, another round for everyone, and I'll have another vodka with a

Me too, please.

Oh, I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt.

That's all right.

Make that two vodkas.

Thank you very much, reporter.

You work for Ted Haskell, right?

Yes, I'm glad you remembered.

Excuse me, will you, fellas?

Give me another second, and I'll show you what a genius I am and remember your

name.

Diana?

Yeah.

Ostrom.

Right. It was right on the tip of my tongue.

She certainly knows how to move in on the right people.

Why do you think we came down here?

Bitch, bitch, I think Diana's great.

Wish I could move as smoothly as she does.

Of course I've seen the quarterlies. I'm impressed, aren't you? Well, I think

we've accomplished quite a lot.

How is it working for Ted? Oh, I think he's fine.

I love the idea that the VHS market wasn't going anywhere, and now... Well,

like to see things grow. No, the marketing strategy was first rate. Ted's

directives were exceptional.

Damn near strokes of genius. Thank you.

On behalf of Ted.

Well, I'm sorry he wasn't here to thank you himself. You like him, don't you?

Yeah. He's very generous, supportive.

And he lets you help work on the directives with him.

Well, we were both very much involved.

Lately, he's come up with some great ideas.

Aria's strategy can be so much more than simple, straightforward ideas.

Well, Ted's a very straightforward man.

Yes, he is.

Look, I'd like to continue this, but not now.

How about tomorrow?

Well, of course, but...

I don't know much more of what I can tell you. Go think of something.

You free for lunch?

Yes.

Great. Let's join the group.

Oh, thank God you're home.

How's it going?

I can't decide which ones to show.

Oh, don't worry about it. They're all good.

Good enough for a show at the La Mana Gallery?

Yeah. Oh, I love your optimism.

And I love the back of your neck.

And I love your shoulders.

And I thought you were starving.

I am. I meant dinner, Brian. I bought food.

And be careful. This is on a food roll. Oh, oh, oh.

Don Perignon.

Do you think my show will really do that well?

If it does, I'm going to take you on a long trip.

We'll spend a year in Europe.

London, Venice.

Don't we wish.

And anyway, I can't take a leave of absence from AMI just like that.

Don't deserve your leave.

I don't care what they deserve.

I'm somebody there.

Well, I'm not about to lose you to some uptown executives who think the sun

rises and sets on electronic toys and stupid goddamn gizmos. You obviously

know much about AMI.

Oh, and you are obviously brainwashed.

They're turning you into a company drone.

Hey.

I thought we were going to celebrate tonight.

Right. Right.

So that's it.

What do you think?

I love it.

You're going to do so well, Brian.

But I do think you ought to go with...

That one first. That's your strongest piece.

And my favorite.

I...

Brian, if we're not careful, we're going to have little artists running all over

the place. So, let's have a baby. Oh, no.

It's not the right time.

Well, it's never going to be the right time.

I told you, I cannot afford to leave A .M. Rye right now.

A .M. I.

A .M. bloody I. I mean, that's all I hear around here.

What's going to happen to our plans?

Our dreams? Hey, your plans, your dreams.

I told you I am not the kind of woman who stands by her man while he busts his

ass just trying to stay alive.

And then one day, finally, he makes it.

And he turns around and he sees this tired, withered -out woman and leaves.

And she is left with nothing.

Well, you certainly don't have to worry about that with me.

Anyway, so far, you're the one making all the money.

I love my job.

And I love you.

Thank you, that's all.

This is how the upper echelon lives, eh?

I'm afraid the food's only slightly better than the restaurant downstairs.

It's all right that we're here, isn't it? I mean, people... Oh, I wouldn't

about it.

They're going to think what they want to anyway.

How's the wine?

Mmm.

It's wonderful.

Diana, there's something I have to know.

What?

Did you write the marketing directives under Ted's name?

I never told you that.

Ted is the area manager, Mr. Porter.

We worked on those reports together.

All in a day's work. I can appreciate that. But who actually devised them?

Ted's a very methodical man, Mr. Porter.

One of the reasons we get along so well together is that on some things I have

an instinct, a shorthand, if that makes any sense.

You know that we're considering him for a vice presidency.

I think that's wonderful.

Ted is such a hard worker.

He's practically given his life to AMI, and God knows it hasn't been easy for

him.

I mean, he's had his problems.

But I don't think you have to worry about that anymore.

He used to drink. I heard that.

Well, office pressures can be tremendous. You know that.

But Ted is just fine now.

Have you met his wife?

Oh, I've heard her.

I shouldn't have said that. I am sorry. It has nothing to do with his work.

Nothing at all.

It's just that I feel so sorry for him when she calls. I mean, she seems to

resent AMI. And I can see it on Ted's face when she calls. I mean, he just...

This rage builds up inside of him and has no place to go.

But Ted's a very strong man.

I think he's put up a good battle, and I don't think you have to worry about his

drinking again.

He's quite a solid man.

What'd I say?

You're good.

You're very good.

What do you mean?

Well, you just cut Ted Haskell up into little pieces and laid them out for me

see, and your hands are still as clean as the driven snow.

Please, I think you're taking... I'm impressed.

I'm very impressed.

And so will John Markham be.

Have you met Mr. Low Profile yet?

The chairman?

No.

But I still don't know what you're getting at.

Are you giving me a compliment?

Definitely.

I'll bet you could handle Haskell's job right now, couldn't you?

Is that an offer?

Or a setup?

I knew you were good last night.

Today I checked with personnel to see what you've been doing at AMI.

And what did you find out?

That you make Ted Haskell look real good.

That's my job.

To make you look good.

Just keep in mind that great sex is just that.

Great sex.

We both know it can't get involved.

You've got your career and I've got mine.

And John Markham is what we used to call in college very straight arrow.

Office affairs are suicide.

Or as he so politely puts it, counterproductive.

And to be very honest, I agree.

Well... I'm very sorry I forced you into this.

But I do know what you're talking about.

And you don't have to worry about a thing.

Well, it would hurt you if people found out.

And how would it look after I take over from Markham and people wouldn't take

your success seriously?

But you're going to be the next chairman of AMI. And you would know.

Eventually.

Yes.

In a couple of years, yes.

You have it all worked out.

I know what I want and what it's going to take to get it.

You're going to have to make some decisions, too.

How far are you willing to go, Diana?

Living down in Soho is not what you're all about.

I thought you knew.

The good life does not come cheap and it doesn't come easy.

I am not cheap.

And I am not easy.

Come on, Billy, lay a little muscle on there, will you?

I know what you're saying, John, but until a year ago, what was Ted Haskell

doing for you?

Boozing, Eric.

Boozing.

Here.

You trying to tell me he quit the bottle because of her?

No, he stopped long before that, but his department was collapsing. You were

going to close it down cold.

Come on, Billy, let's go, huh?

When the hell did she join his division?

What do you want, the exact date? Look at when the sales started climbing.

I did, so they tripled.

I think Ted had a little bit to do with that. She did it all, John.

She's a real find.

And you are a pushover.

What time is Ted's presentation going to be tomorrow? Tomorrow morning at nine.

Damn. I got the Japanese group at nine.

Change it to eight, huh?

I'll wander in and see how he handles it.

But don't tell him.

Oh, Eric.

It's Diana Alstrom.

Is she going to be there?

Oh, you can count on it.

Good morning, Dad.

Dad, for God's sake.

You want a belt?

Every so often, I just take it out and stare.

I don't remember what it was like.

I get a little sick to my stomach.

I remember you and a few of the others who kept me going, kept me working.

I remember it all, and then I put it away.

I owe you, my friend.

How much do you owe Diana Alstrom?

A lot.

I would not say that too loud.

What are you talking about?

Diana's the best thing that's happened to me since I came to AMI. No offense.

She's looking for a fast track head and she doesn't care who stands in her way.

Are you concerned about me or are you maybe a little jealous?

Now, what do I got to be jealous about? Except maybe her cute little ass, which

you keep gawking at like you want to screw her brains out.

I look at Diana like that?

Nobody's perfect.

So what do you want, Anita?

See you make, Vice President.

Without sucking up to Eric Porter down at Casey's like Diana was doing the

night. Remember?

I bet he was down there.

A second later, she left your office saying she had work to do. Well, she

all right.

They had lunch together today in his office.

So what do you want me to say?

For Christ's sake, Anita, what's the matter with ambition?

You were ambitious.

It's one of the things that made you a vice president so early.

And tomorrow morning, I'll have my vice presidency in the bag.

This presentation is dynamite. I hope so.

Diana's checking it right now.

What? It is your presentation.

Damn right it is.

Every nut and bolt has got my name on it.

What Diana's got is this knack for the unexpected little zinger.

An idea that gives the whole thing a real shine.

You trust her too much and you give her too much credit.

Ted, your time is now. Grab it.

But Caroline keeps telling me.

How is it at home these days?

Better.

Shaky, but better.

And then when this thing comes through...

I'll settle down some more, and that'll make everything a lot easier for

everybody.

Well, I'll say a little prayer.

No need to.

But thanks.

Alstrom. Eric Porter.

Eric. Are you free?

Well, actually, I'm going over Ted's notes for tomorrow's presentation.

what I wanted to talk to you about.

I'm on my way.

Bye.

Hello, Anita.

Sandy, I need these files from you, can you? I hear from Ted it's going to be a

terrific presentation.

It is. I hope you'll be there to hear it. Not my division, my dear.

Well, then we'll tell you all about it. Sandy, I'm going to the ladies' room. I

will be right there.

Sit down, Diane.

John Markham will be at Ted's presentation tomorrow morning,

Thank you for letting me know.

This could be the moment we talked about.

John's aware of you, but with him it takes a lot more than words.

Even from me.

What am I supposed to do?

Well, at least I'll be able to meet him.

John wants to see Ted in action before making up his mind about the promotion.

And he also wants to get a real look at you.

Well, other than wearing a very pretty little dress, there's not much more I

do.

John has something at nine.

The presentation has been rescheduled for eight o 'clock.

Ted Haskell is now the only person who does not know this.

Oh, Eric, I couldn't... Oh, knock it off, Diana.

What you decide is your business.

Haskell's a dead man.

What this is about is you and the betterment of AMI.

All I'm doing is giving you the slight edge which someone once gave me.

Really? Who?

That's none of your business. The point is not that I'm giving you the edge. The

point is that I'm giving you the chance to use it.

Look, Diana, it's fish or cut bait.

Dave, listen.

Would you bring me all the slides for tomorrow's presentation?

But Mr. Haskell's already approved all the slides. I know, and I have to look

over them one more time.

Fine, I'll set them up in the conference room. Great, thank you.

So how are they? Oh, Ted.

Well, I think it's going to be a terrific presentation.

That's it?

No comments, no criticisms, no flashy ideas?

It all looks wonderful to me. I couldn't think of a thing.

I'll be damned.

You know what you should do? You should go home, get some sleep, and get ready

for tomorrow morning.

Not a single change.

All right, I'll tell you what.

I'll take it home with me, I'll look it over, and if I find something wild, I'll

give you a call at home, okay?

Perfect.

You know, you should go home early, too.

I think I will, after I check a few other things. I wouldn't mind doing a

shopping myself.

One last favor, if you would.

Would you go through the figures one last time just to make sure?

Is something wrong, Ted?

I mean, I'm going to look over it all. Trust me.

I do.

I'll see you in the morning. Nine sharp. Okay.

Sandy, I'm going home. If anything important comes up, pass it on to Diana.

Sandy, I need some things picked up in Duplicate.

I appreciate it. And would you put them on my desk if I'm not there?

Ted! Ted!

Just went down the elevator.

Anything wrong?

Nothing. Nothing.

Whoa! That's four in a row.

How about another one?

Remember what Tarzan said when he came swinging home and docked off three

martinis? I didn't know Tarzan drank martinis. Well, he doesn't like them, so

listen.

Jane watches him drink them all down and says, Darling, aren't you drinking too

much? And Tarzan says, But you don't understand.

It's a jungle out there.

I thought we needed a little party tonight.

I was turned down by the La Manna Gallery today.

They didn't think I was commercial.

Brian, I am sorry, but why didn't you call me and tell me you had people here?

have to work tonight.

Work, work, work. I'll work and they'll play me Dee Dee, a dull girl.

Forget about that damn place tonight.

I'll make you a drink. Not tonight, Brian.

I have a very important presentation tomorrow.

I'll go in the bedroom.

I'm leaving, Brian. I have to go to the office and get some work done. I have a

presentation tomorrow.

And my important thing is now.

Here with you and our friends.

Do you realize what happened to me today?

Do you know what it's like to be rejected every time?

Please, stay home.

Brian, I am sorry.

But you have to try and understand that this is crucial to me.

To both of us.

Tomorrow could change our lives. No, wait, wait a minute. You mean your life.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

No domestic battles allowed.

Come on, Diana. We have to boost up your old man's ego.

For me, living with you would be enough of a boost. But he needs more.

I cannot stay with you. I have to leave home tomorrow.

Where's she going?

She's going back to the office.

Another big day tomorrow.

She's going after the big bucks.

You're running around with a real uptown killer. Yeah, love is blind.

This is the opposition's third quarter sales with a single crossover video game

adapter.

This is their adapter.

It lets them put their competition's games into their machines only.

And this is what you sell when you have your own games and can use your

competition.

But AMI's new convertible adapter, gentlemen, is more than just a way to

game show.

Compatibility.

American Media Internationals is a universal adapter, gentlemen.

Everybody's games on everybody's game system.

And you never have to worry about the system hardware end of it because

everybody is going to be buying our games, our adapters. You can use

else's games, but you will still be buying our adapter.

Now this is my sales projection for the current market trends.

Oh, hi, Bruce.

Would you ask Mr. Haskell to call me the minute he's out of that presentation?

Ask Mr. Haskell to what?

Ted, you're not in the meeting.

Oh, it's not 9 o 'clock yet, is it?

It was changed to 8, didn't you know?

No.

Oh, God, Ted, everybody's in there except you.

What the hell? Ted, no.

Video game potential with... Oh, yeah, now what the hell's going on?

Why are you giving my presentation?

Somebody had to, Mr. Haskell.

Where are we?

Thank you. You're interrupting us, Ted. Sorry, but... No, wait outside, would

you? I'll be out as soon as we're through.

You may continue, Mr. Alstrom.

As I was saying, this is what you'll get when you combine all video game

potential with all common usage potential.

Dave. Dave, what's going on?

I don't know a thing today.

When was the time of the meeting changed?

Last night, after you left.

Diana says you put a note on Fanny's desk to call you at home.

Nobody called me.

I wish I could tell you something, Ted. I was just the guy showing the slides.

Like the look of it, Eric?

Thanks, Walter.

Thank you very much, Mr. Markham. Beautiful presentation, John.

And a beautiful presenter.

Oh, Diana, this is Walter Price.

He's the Price of Price Finley & Company.

Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've always had the highest regard for your

firm. Thank you.

You better watch it, John. I just might snatch her away from here.

Walter, you won't have a chance when I get through talking to her.

Excuse me, John, can I drag you away for a second? I'm sorry. No problem.

Excuse me. Diana, shall we stay in my office in ten minutes?

Well, you've got to give me longer than that, John.

I will be there, Mr. Markham.

How much do you know about investment banking, Miss Austin?

I have an MBA from Princeton, Mr. Price.

But I'm afraid that right now isn't the time to talk to me. I'm quite happy

right here at AMI.

Ever used to change your mind?

Ted's finished.

I want him out of the building by tonight.

But make a generous settlement.

I mean, it is rather short notice.

Can I get you something? A scotch?

Yes, thank you.

I was just looking around, Mr. Markham. I am very impressed.

You're not the only one.

Really?

I'm impressed.

With you.

Everyone at the meeting was impressed with you.

You're very nice to say that.

I'm not being nice.

You stepped in and assumed a responsibility for something that was

important, A .M .I.

Rock? Yes, please.

And what's more, you gave a presentation that was clear, convincing, and

something I happen to admire very much.

You wasted no one's time.

I have to be quite honest with you.

I prepared most of it myself, so I was quite familiar with the material.

I'm aware of that, Diana.

I'm also aware of the fact that you've carried Ted's division long enough.

What do you mean, Mr. Markham?

Call me John. It's a privilege all my vice presidents have.

Vice president?

Only a junior one, Diana, but you've earned it.

Now you're really going to have to show us your... your stuff.

I am very grateful, Miss...

John, thank you.

But what's going to happen to Ted?

Ted's finished here.

You fired him?

Diana, if I found a male boy with the right stuff, I'd haul him up as fast as

could.

And if I found myself getting in the way, doing nothing, holding up

I'd quit.

Diana, come here.

I'm going to have this whole division under you now.

You're going to have power and money.

You don't like money. I don't need money.

Power's different.

Power gets things done.

It's a wonderful thing in the right hands.

It's exciting, electric.

Almost an aphrodisiac.

I know.

I sensed you might.

I feel terrible, Ted. I just heard.

Anita warned me about you.

I warned you.

Ted, we waited as long as we could for you this morning, and then Mr. Mark...

What the hell are you talking about?

It took Sandy and me practically five minutes to find that note that you wrote

and then stashed away so far a bloodhound couldn't have found it in

tried to catch you. Sandy knows that... Don't lay this off on Sandy!

You did it!

You did it all.

Anita saw you getting cozy with Eric down at Casey's, and I told her she was

dead wrong about you.

I said, you were the best thing that ever happened to me.

Brilliant.

Talented.

Loyal.

I just finished telling Eric that...

Mr. Porter, I'm sure she was just helping me.

She cut me off cold.

She suckered me.

She suckered me.

I swear, Ted, I never meant for this to happen.

How else are you going to make your move?

Wait for me to die. Ted, please don't.

What else is there?

Helen's going to love it when I tell her.

I wish... I wish I didn't have to.

I could lie.

Couldn't you just take the job?

Did you have to make sure I got fired?

I didn't want you fired, Ted, but leave me!

I wish I could lie like that.

I wish I could play the game the way you do.

Oh, Ted, you're so wrong about me.

Oh, what do you care?

The ex -drunk wanted you, that's all you knew.

And he wasn't important, so let him screw himself.

You're done.

I owe it.

You're a help. You're a sweet help.

I am sorry, Ted.

Whether you want to believe it or not.

You're sorry.

Diana Ostrom, who's about to move into this office, is sorry.

Well, let's drink to that.

to Diana, who's very sorry.

To you!

Offer them $45 a share, Walter.

Do it quietly, in small blocks.

Okay. Call me and let me know. Thanks, Walter.

Come in.

I have just been made vice president.

Congratulations.

I knew you could do it.

And I just wanted to thank you.

So, how do you like your new spot?

Fine, I love it. I did wonders for you. Who knows, this could be a very lucky

move for me. When are you planning to hire someone for my old job? As soon as

find out that you can handle the new one.

Oh, great.

I'll put an ad in tomorrow's paper.

Stanley, would you call the designers? I have to change the decor of that

office.

Oh, hello, Diana.

The flowers are not for me.

How nice of you not to send them.

From Eric Porter? From John Markham?

Maybe they both chipped in.

What are you doing here, Anita?

I came to congratulate you on your brilliant coup.

Oh, and I want to check out your shoes. I want to see what you wear when you

step on people.

Good. Now that you've seen them, would you please get out of my office?

Don't press your luck, Diana.

It's much tougher from here on. I don't need you to tell me how to run my

affairs, Anita.

Now we're coming to the point.

Did you sleep with Eric to get here, or did you just go down on him?

If you don't get out of my office right now, I will have you thrown out.

That is a pleasure you will never have.

I don't enjoy your company any more than you do mine.

But since we both work for AMI, we're just going to have to put up with each

other, won't we?

Just be careful.

Ted Haskell was a very close friend of mine.

Oh, shit, now you listen to me.

Ted Haskell was not a friend of yours.

The only reason you wanted him promoted is so that he wouldn't be a threat to

you. He would do everything you told him. And you know it's going to be

different with me because I've got my own ideas.

But as long as we both get along and do our work together, things will work out

fine, won't they?

You do want to see AMI succeed, don't you?

You know I do.

Just keep your ambitious little fingers away from my division.

I'm going to be watching you, bitch.

How nice to be a falcon.

Appreciate it.

Well, Brian couldn't make it. Unfortunately, something came up.

Oh, that's too bad. I was dying to see what the man that Diana Alston lives

with. Why? How do you picture him?

Strong, tall, dark, and handsome. Probably a lot like me.

Well,

you'll meet him one of these days.

Must have been really important to miss your party.

You should try these hors d 'oeuvres.

Not for me, Rose. Thank you.

Why don't you show me where the rest of these are?

Excuse us.

I hope you don't mind me coming to your party,

Diana. Eric inflicted. Not at all.

I think Eric is a very smart man.

He has to use, isn't he?

Well, who do we have here?

Brian!

Riley, you came after all.

Let's have a drink.

Brian, this is Anita Dwyer.

Hello. It's very nice to meet you.

I've been hearing what a great painter you are. You have.

I mean, it's nice to be talked about, I guess.

I know what you mean.

Where do you exhibit?

I don't have a gallery at the moment. I'm looking for one.

Anita, there you are.

You owe me a dance.

You must be Brian.

Glad you could make it. They will call and ask the system.

I've heard an awful lot about you.

That is a description down pat, isn't it? Okay, come on.

We should talk.

I know some people who know some people who know some people. Thanks.

I'd really like that.

Brian, what made you come? You said you didn't want to.

Well, I changed my mind.

I just had to see all these fascinating people in person. Maybe I can pick up a

few pointers. I mean, they must be doing something right. If they can keep you

here day and night.

Brian, I do not want to see you here tonight.

Diana? Diana!

Sylvia, I want you to meet the lady of the hour, Diana Ahlstrom. Do you do?

I've heard so many wonderful things about you.

Sylvia. Markham.

I'm John Markham's wife.

Oh, how... nice to meet you. It's a pleasure.

We're expecting big things from Diana. I know you are.

John's told me all about you.

Much love with your promotion.

Thank you so much. It's so nice of you to say that.

Ryan, I'm sorry. I just didn't... Sure.

I never thought Brian would come. He was so stubborn when I first asked him. Oh,

he's welcome.

It's your party.

I was afraid to introduce you.

Why? Is it written all over my face? Diana and Eric had sex, everybody.

What's wrong?

You're allowed to talk to me. You're allowed to be seen with me.

What we share is nobody's business.

What matters is your promotion and the fact that everyone is giving me credit

for discovering you.

Period.

Sweet and simple.

Well, it's not so simple.

Power. And power can be sweet.

Eric, would you take Sylvia down to the car, please? She's having one of her

migraines. Oh, I'm sorry, Sylvia. Oh, I'm sorry.

It is such a fabulous party.

Good night, Eve.

Good night, Mrs. Marble.

Your young man seems rather depressed.

I'm really sorry, John. You shouldn't have come. I'll talk to him.

The party's almost over, you know, and we haven't danced yet.

I am really sorry I haven't been able to spend much more

time with you this evening, but there is no reason to stand there looking like

you want to kill everybody in the room.

I don't want to kill anybody.

Have a drink with me.

Brian, there are people I have to meet and talk to.

You know how I feel standing here like a tree while you float around the room?

Dee Dee, I need you.

Bad.

Please, let's leave.

Brian, I have to dance with John Markham. I promised him and I can't just

disappear. Dee Dee?

Brian, they are throwing this party for me.

It's not going to last much longer.

And would you please do me a favor?

Don't call me Dee Dee.

No, you don't work on the clock, sir. Well, I mean, I know I've seen your

papers. Excuse me, please.

What do you say to a nightcap, Anna Casey? You are old enough to drink,

you? Old enough to drink, drive, and vote. All at the same time.

That's cute.

I'd like to buy you a drink.

Naturally. Have you seen Brian?

Well, I did earlier, but he just left all alone.

He looked very upset.

I hope there's nothing wrong with you two.

See you later, Diana.

Seems like we have been abandoned.

Let's do a rain check on that drink, lover boy. I want to talk to that man

while. And who am I to stand in the way of such an interesting, potentially

fruitful encounter?

Can I at least sit back and watch?

Well, you're going to go far.

Hello again.

Looks like you didn't enjoy Diana's party.

I need a... Why?

I know some people who know some people who know some people. What are you

drinking?

Scotch.

Excuse me.

Two scotch on the roll.

You know, you could have left with your young friend.

Or followed him.

But you didn't.

Why not?

It would have been impolite.

We would have understood.

I know.

And I could have left with Sylvia, but I didn't.

Do you understand?

Yes, I do.

I've always tried to be honest about what I want and about what I can have.

What I can have, I go after with no restraint.

I'm attracted to you, which you may have noticed.

And I think you might be attracted to me, too, which is what I've noticed.

Don't worry about your friend or your new job.

Just... Think about the moment and what you want, and I'll think about what I

want.

I like them.

I really like them.

Have you done any of Diana?

There's one hanging here in the bedroom.

Nice.

Very nice.

You think so?

Diana's not too crazy about it.

As a matter of fact, I don't believe she has any love for art, period.

She'd rather look at financial statements.

If you ever want to sell this one, you've got yourself a buyer.

You want a painting of Diana?

I didn't really think you liked her all that much.

Yes, well, I admire the composition.

Well, it's not for sale.

I'll never sell that one. But you're welcome to all the others.

Let me think it over.

Okay.

You know, I wonder what makes her run. She's quite a determined young woman.

She was the victim of a broken family.

A childhood that left her obsessed.

Just like I am with my art. But there's a difference.

She gets paid for her obsession.

She gets paid really well.

I guess Diana's promotion really changed things around here. You can say that

again. I sleep alone practically every night.

There's nothing wrong with doing business with people you don't trust,

as long as you don't trust them.

No, I'm serious. I really do think we can swing this deal. We just have to be

very careful.

Okay. Goodbye, Walter.

Sandy?

Call First National Bank again.

They said they'd call right back. They've been saying that for the past

days. Call them.

Yes. Mr. Martin for you. Line two.

Hello.

Hi, John. How are you?

I'm fine.

Oh.

I see.

No, no, no. I understand. That's all right. We'll make it another night.

Sure.

See you soon.

You've got your call to First National.

Cancel it. And cancel the rest of my calls for the afternoon. I'm going to go

home early.

Look, I'm sorry. She's just gone for the afternoon.

Can we make it tomorrow?

Thank you.

Right?

Don't just stand there, Diana. Come on in.

I, uh... I guess I'll see you guys later.

I'm... I'm sorry if you're embarrassed.

I didn't... I didn't expect you.

Megan, she's a friend.

And I'm lonely.

Is that what you said?

Megan, I'm lonely. Let's screw in the bath.

We didn't have to get that fancy.

We just wanted each other.

You know what this means, don't you? What?

You and me?

Finished.

It's not funny, Brian.

I know it isn't, Diana.

I think that suits you better than Dee.

What are you talking about?

Well... After I left your party the other night...

I went to this bar just around the corner.

Casey's.

And I met one of your buddies there.

A real fan of yours.

She told me the Diana Alstrom story.

I scrambled to the top of the corporate heap to make your head spin.

You talked to Anita?

Yes.

I don't care what she had to say.

I'm moving.

Good.

Diana, I'm no saint, but what do you take me for?

How many bosses did you sleep with to get where you are?

Four, five, ten?

And you come in here and pretend to be the victim.

You want to know something?

Megan is worth 20.

Please don't be here when I get back

Just set them down here.

And thanks.

Oh, John, this is too wonderful. I don't need all this room.

During the transition, you are going to be under a lot of stress, and I want you

to be comfortable.

Well, I won't need it for long, just until I find another apartment.

You can stay here as long as you like.

Discreetly, of course.

Not you, Dick.

And take your hand off my leg.

Why? Nobody mind?

That is not the point, Sonny. You put your hand on my knee and there's nothing

we can do about it here.

Oh, hi.

Hi. I got the report on my death. It was first rate.

I think I'll change what I'm drinking. Why don't you go get me a tonic with

lime and take five minutes?

Yes, ma 'am.

Eric, can I buy you a drink?

Ah, my pleasure.

Now, don't tell me vodka's straight up.

With a twist. How'd you know? I saw you last time you were down here drinking

with Diana Alstrom.

How's she doing, anyway?

She's an impressive little lady.

I suppose so.

John Markham must know what he's doing.

John? Oh, God knows where some of the gossip down here comes from. Wait, wait,

wait. John Markham and Diana Alstrom?

I thought you knew.

Well, what's important is that Sylvia doesn't find out and that you don't get

hurt.

How can I get hurt?

That's exactly what Ted Haskell said to me.

Well, what do you think?

Do you think I'm having an affair with her?

I know your feelings about certain things being inappropriate in a place of

business.

Do you think I have a double set of standards? One for myself and one for

rest of you?

It can be extremely...

And you know damn well what I mean.

We're dealing with the top investment banking firm in the country, and they're

scrutinizing every damn detail about us, including our private lives.

Well, let them scrutinize.

I can handle myself, and I can handle Walter Pryce, so that takes care of the

financial group.

As for the rumors, Eric, there is no truth in them.

No truth whatsoever.

Well...

I'm glad you're not involved with her.

She's too ambitious.

You know, I found out that after Haskell left, she wasn't doing all his work.

It was also Haskell and that young kid, Dave O 'Connell.

She's good, but she's not that good.

What the hell are you trying to tell me?

Look, I didn't want to have to say this, but when I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and I'm

sorry, John.

She duped me over the whole Haskell case.

She was an easy lay.

Yes, I slept with him once.

I am capable of being more than a secretary, John, and there was no other

getting ahead.

Is that why you slept with me?

Yes.

The first time.

All right, I'll go.

Diana.

You don't have to do that. You can stay.

But only if you want to.

And I won't ask you again.

Maybe later on, after all the rumors die down.

Are people at AMI really starting to talk about us, or is it just Eric? What

else did he say?

I told you everything.

What would happen if Eric knew the truth about us?

About us?

I don't know.

He's ambitious.

Yes.

Aren't we all?

Look.

He knows that he'll eventually take your place and become chairman. But if

anything leaks out about up to the press or Walter Price... All right, Diana.

What would you do?

Get rid of him before it's too late.

Fire him, huh?

With me number two, there is no reason in the world we cannot spend as much

together as we want.

What a cunning little mind you have.

Don't you think I can handle it?

I know you can.

Then do it.

There are complications.

Get rid of them.

You can make it work, John.

For us.

We give them a two -tier, $50 to $55 a share offering price.

That reflects a $10 or more premium over the going market price, which would

automatically swing the institutional investors into the deal.

Thank you.

Discuss it with the others, but please make sure there isn't a leak.

Come in.

Well, as it passes rising young executive, I hear she's climbing her way

top.

So you've heard those rumors, have you?

Anita couldn't help but mention it. Who else?

Oh, now, now, now.

She speaks well of you.

Or is it she speaks well about you?

Relax, I'm not shocked.

John used to be quite a ladies' man.

I'm glad he's found someone that he enjoys spending time with.

You mean it doesn't bother you at all?

So it is true.

Why would it bother me?

You know, I suspect that you're an old romantic at heart. I told you what we

was sex.

Good, good sex.

So good that I want some more.

That's why I'm here.

Is that an executive order?

Why don't you tell Sandy to hold your calls?

Your intercom is open, Miss Alstrom. Do you want something?

Sandy, I don't want to be disturbed.

Mr. Porter has a little emergency.

I have to see Mr. Markham. Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Alstrom, but Mr. Markham is

Mrs. Markham.

Oh, I see.

It'll only be a minute. Why don't you wait?

She is what's best for the company. John, this is absurd.

Good Lord.

My head is starting to... Eric has done nothing wrong or incompetent. You said

yourself that he was doing very well for this company.

Oh, he is doing very well. I mean, he's good and he's fine and he is competent.

But he is not special.

And you're telling me that Diana Holmstrom is special.

Oh, I must be able to pick the people I work with.

She's also quite beautiful.

Although I suppose you haven't noticed that.

Her beauty has nothing to... nothing to do with this. I'm not jealous.

I'm sure she has a charming private life somewhere.

If I'm upset, it's because you are using the flimsiest of excuses to fire my own

nephew.

It is strictly business. It was business when I hired him, and it's business

now.

John, you can't do that to him.

You simply can't. Sylvia, please.

My head.

You're killing me, John.

You don't care about...

What I feel or what I want.

That is not true. Don't.

Don't touch me.

You don't care about what I feel.

You don't.

All right, Sylvia.

I'll try. I'll... I'll think of something.

Yeah, yes, Mr. Rossi. Next week for sure. Consider it done.

Okay, bye -bye.

Sandy, get Dave in here right away, will you?

She wants me.

I simply don't think you have anything to worry about, Eric.

Eric, you're much too upset.

Eric, listen to me.

No one knows you're Sylvia Markham's nephew.

How I found out is not the point. There are no rumors circulating.

All right, I will.

And let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Eric, someone's just come in. I have to go.

No, no, nothing.

All right, we'll talk soon.

Oh, by the way, the program looks good.

Yeah, bye.

How long have you been there?

I just came in. Someone worried about a new program?

Oh, no, nothing. It's the same old thing. You have to calm everybody down.

David, have a seat.

I'd like to go over next week's schedules.

It's over, John, and you haven't lost faith.

In fact, I think people admire and respect what you've done.

I doubt Eric will ever speak to me again.

I don't understand how it all happened.

Nobody knew he was Sylvia's nephew. Nobody.

It doesn't matter, John.

We have what we want.

I'd like to invite some clients to come down here, if you don't mind.

We'll turn the loft into a gallery. Make some things are getting it cheaper.

Anytime.

It's strong work, Brian.

Very impressive.

Listen, I can't promise you they'll buy, but you certainly deserve a chance.

Bye, love.

Bye.

Thanks for keeping those wide eyes open. He is good, isn't he?

I don't think so, I know.

Listen, we'll stay in touch. I'll arrange to get the pictures framed.

Well, double the price, the more they pay, the more they think it's worth.

Ta -ta.

That's my work.

Oh, Anita.

Thank you, thank you. He's the best, Brian. I know, I know.

He knows all the right people. You'll sell out, I know.

Anita, why are you doing all this for me?

Because I like you, and I think you're very talented. That's it. Nothing more.

Come on.

If you think I'm doing this to get back at Diana, you are absolutely, absolutely

right.

It may be sweet revenge, but at least it's not at your expense.

And besides, I really do like you.

Thanks. I'm not complaining.

How is Diana?

She's doing just fine. Moved up to number two spot, the presidency.

Car, driver, money. She must be sleeping with the chairman by now.

She is.

God, you really do know her, don't you?

What's it like working with her? Oh, working for her. She's very clear about

pecking order.

What do the other employees think? Her sleeping with the boss?

Not too many people know, and I'm not about to get nasty.

Yet.

She only knows that I'm friendly with John Markham's wife, Sylvia.

Oh, yes, I remember her from the big party.

She's sweet and very much in love with her husband.

God knows what would happen if she ever found out.

What if you told her?

It would kill her.

You see, Diana doesn't know what I will or will not do, and that is my ace in

the hole.

You must have cared a great deal for her.

Do you still love her?

Yeah.

But after everything that's happened, I could never trust her.

Look at this.

What is it?

Brian's finally having his gallery showing at our old loft of all places.

Are you going to see it?

No.

If you burn bridges, you don't go back.

Diana, do you... Do you miss him in any way at all?

We were too far apart.

I think couples should be opposite.

It makes for better harmony.

I guess our chemistry was wrong with Rachel.

I wonder what our chemistry would be like if... if I wasn't chairman of

the board.

Well, that is something you will never have to find out about.

You know, Diana...

I'm going to have to give up you or that damn bike.

Why don't you give up the bike?

know what I would have done without you.

I really appreciate it all.

Very much.

The cover story is very solid.

John Markham had a recurring heart condition. He'd been under treatment.

He was expected.

You did a great job.

Thank you.

What I want, once I'm appointed chairman, is for us to start off on a

and clean footing.

AMI has to keep going.

And personal feud are the last things we need.

Well, day to day.

A whole new beginning.

Clean, like you say.

We really do understand each other, don't we? We've worked very hard to get

here.

Well, we mustn't keep the board waiting.

You know, the only thing I ever felt badly about was poor Ted Haskell.

I'm going to make it up to him, though.

I'm going to rehire him.

What a nice thought.

I'm not a monster, Anita.

How do I look? As always, top notch.

Go ahead, killer.

Come in, please, Diana.

Where is everybody? Where's the board?

They met yesterday.

And how is it that I wasn't told about it?

Doesn't make sense.

Sit down, Diana.

And you too, Anita.

Secrets are ugly and distasteful, but necessary sometimes.

Perhaps I should handle this. Thank you, Eric. No.

My husband was a brilliant executive, my dear.

I'm proud of him for that, even as I look at you.

But you see, even with his corporate talus, he never earned his position here

AMI.

I put him there.

And Sylvia owns a large interest in AMI.

That has never been enough.

It takes friends and confidants.

It was only after his death that I learned something I should have known a

time ago.

Better now than ever.

You see, for me, my dear, it would be impossible for me to imagine this

corporation in the hands of someone quite like you.

Please, let me explain. No one's listening, Diana.

As of 5 p .m. yesterday afternoon,

Eric Porter is chairman of AMI International.

Now, wait just... Anita has your job. We'll be working side by side.

Hasn't it sunk in?

You're fired, dear.

Out.

You have ten minutes to be clear of your office and these premises.

I am afraid that it's not quite that simple.

Eric, you remember Walter Price, don't you?

For the benefit of everyone else here, Walter Price is the president of Price

Finley, the top investment banking firm in the country.

Mr. Price and myself orchestrated the purchase of four million shares of AMI

Media Force Communications yesterday, giving them majority interest in AMI.

What?

We brought in Price to buy those shares for us.

International sold those shares.

They were supposed to call me.

That's right.

But we pay them a considerably higher price than you offered. Much more than

they're worth.

But they will be worth it with me running the company.

All right. No, thank you, Harry.

It's true.

I checked with First National.

They sold it.

I've got a migraine.

Now, shall we start this meeting from the top again?

Anita, you're not needed here.

Pick up a month's salary from the cashier's office.

Eric, you will be president of AMI.

And I will be the chairman.

That is, if you still want the job.

You're good.

You're really good.

Today's business report was brought to you by Murray DuBois, New York's oldest

institutional lender.

Darling, you're home.

You just missed the grand announcement on the news.

It's now official.

Thank you.

It's not every day I get to control a major corporation and have the pleasure

working with the most beautiful chairman in the country.