Original subtitles

You may remember Corinne Burns.

She was the teenage fry chef who was fired on the air

in our segment on Charlestown, Pennsylvania

the town that will not die.

You know, you think this town wouldn't die.

That's how dumb you are!

Hey, you're fired.

This town died years ago!

We've received more mail on Corinne Burns

than on any sequence we have shown in the past two years.

Over 8000 letters in ten days.

Typical was the letter we received from Sam Latourette,

age 15, of Chicago, Illinois.

He wrote

I think that girl is great.

She said what I think all day long.

Over 7000, impassioned letters from teenagers,

and all saying the same thing.

We could not ignore that kind of response.

We went back to Charlestown, Pennsylvania

and Corinne Burns.

MAN: Who is that? My mom.

Beautiful.

How old was your mom?

When she died? Yes.

Thirty-eight.

And she died of lung cancer?

Ah, that's what they call it.

What do you call it?

Breathing.

When did she die?

Ah, six months ago.

Your mother died of lung cancer

and you smoke?

Each cigarette cuts a day away from your life.

Your father was never around?

Your father is dead. Beep.

He was in the army. Beep.

It means you get more money. Beep.

Have a good day.

What goals did your mother have in life?

I don't know. I wouldn't call her and ask.

MAN: Here you are.

You're just sitting around at home wasting time.

I wouldn't call it a waste of time.

What about love?

I'm too far gone for love.

As long as you're alive--

We can sit here and waste time philosophizing about love,

and make it sound terrific.

But what it boils down to is we're just

a bunch of horny dogs.

Do you think your views

may change as you grow older?

Grow older?

What happened to the furniture?

I sold it.

You didn't pay your rent?

No, I paid the rent.

The lease is up, my mother's lease.

I like you and your sister.

I think you're nice kids.

But I say to myself--

You better watch out. If they catch you

talking to yourself like that, they'll fire you for sure.

MAN: Come on now, be serious,

you're in desperate straits.

What is going to happen to you?

Here you are, you're still in your teens.

You're beautiful, smart, street smart.

You're unemployed, broke, and cynical.

You don't even have a high school diploma.

Now Corinne Burns, what are you going to do?

My name isn't Corinne Burns.

MAN: What is it?

Ah, Third Degree Burns.

I'm the lead singer and manager of The Stains.

On lead guitar Dee Pleated.

On bass, Dizzy Heights.

Ta-da!

( door opens )

CORINNE: Tracy, will you come on?

If I don't make this phone call someone else will get the job.

TRACY: So, what else is new, lucky?

( dog barking )

My name is Corinne Burns.

I'm replying to your Mother's Helper's ad.

Nobody is gonna hire you.

Um, my name is Corinne Burns.

In case you haven't heard,

you're the laughing stock of this town.

( car horn honks )

( man speaking indistinctly on radio)

TRACY: Can I get a lift to town?

I'll see you at rehearsal.

HELEN: He was in the class

ahead of you and Carolyn, remember.

She used to go out with him.

BRENDA: Did she? HELEN: Yeah.

She thought he was a real doll.

But guess what? BRENDA: What?

HELEN: He still is.

( Helen chuckles )

Here is my phone. BRENDA: Oh.

HELEN: Oh, but you know, it was really weird

because when I saw him, he didn't know anything

about Marilyn dying or anything.

BRENDA: Shh. HELEN: What?

Oh, it's the TV star!

Helen, can I use your phone?

Doesn't the TV star have her own phone?

No, they turned it off. Well, what about your secretary?

( both laugh )

Shh. Shh. Shh.

( The Shirelles "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" playing )

BOTH: * Tonight you're mine

* Completely

* You give your love....

Hello, I can't hear.

HELEN: Maybe if you got a job

it would improve your hearing.

* Tonight

CORINNE: Hi, this is Corinne Burns.

I'm applying to your ad in the paper for your Mother's Helper.

Sarah, get off the phone. I'm expecting a call.

* But will you love me

* Tomorrow?

( Jason babbles )

Jessica, don't you have something to do?

You know, maybe your homework for once.

Or you maybe could take Jason for a walk.

Or how about cleaning your room, huh?

What do you think? So it's multiple choice?

Jessica.

I told you I'm changing my name to Peg.

What? I'm sorry, sweetheart, speak up. I can't hear you.

( music stops )

I hate the name Jessica.

It's a lovely name. It makes me gag!

Peg is not your name. JESSICA: It is now.

I gave you your name. That's why it's so lousy.

And that's the name you're gonna have. You understand, huh?

Don't slam-- ( door bangs )

Thanks anyway.

Overtime, half time, time and a half.

( door bangs )

Oh, boy!

You know, ever since my sister died,

that one has been totally.

Like this, you know? Hmm.

We weren't like that, were we, Brenda?

No, we weren't.

No.

We're the number one rock 'n' roll group in the world.

And we are gonna see everything is gonna be different.

It's all gotta change.

The first thing we're gonna do

is build a radio station tomorrow.

We're not gonna play any commercials and no news.

Just rock 'n' roll and the truth.

One, two, three, four.

( rock music playing on speakers )

* Here I am sitting All alone *

* About a million miles From my home *

Who's playing tonight?

I get morning sickness all the time, you know.

It's like, I threw up this morning.

And I keep eating.

I've never eaten like this before.

I have such a sweet tooth now.

I get these cravings for sweets,

( door thuds ) and candy, and ice cream.

It's like, I threw up this morning.

( toilet flushes )

But I get morning sickness now.

I eat and eat.

And I just have to eat all the time.

Ice cream and everything.

I have never had such a sweet tooth.

Cake and ice cream and candy.

Corinne. Barnett's out there. He wants you to take this.

Thank you. Anyway.

Now, you're really gonna have a freak!

MAN ( over speakers ): Headlining at 9:30.

From England, tonight at the Gold Key, The Looters!

( crowd cheering and applauding )

Hello!

ALL: Hi!

Uh, it's lovely to be in your wonderful country.

( crowd cheers and applauds )

Where the fuck are we? MAN: Charlestown!

Do you want to be a professional?

( playing rock music )

* Yeah, I wanna see The world for free *

* But I don't like The things you see *

* Hup, two, three, four, Really ain't my style *

* Call up, calling us again

* The Commies are coming, Did I hear you say? *

* Who knows, who cares? Maybe I will one day *

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Who knows when your Turn will be? *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals Tonight *

* A kick in the head Every day for a year *

* Wouldn't even get me Go in there *

* A shot in the heart Secretly for me *

* Do they really have a say

* Of what goes on With you each day? *

* Does your country Mean that much to you? *

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Who knows When your turn will be? *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals today *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* You're gonna be one anyway

( cheering and applauding )

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* You're gonna be one anyway

( cheering and applauding )

MAN: All right. Let's boogie!

Whoo.

MAN: Anybody out there got a roadmap?

Yeah.

MAN: You know what's coming, don't you?

I haven't done this song for a couple of years because, uh,

I didn't want to rest on my laurels.

About five million of them!

This song was number one for seven weeks in a row.

Whoo. Whoo.

MAN: You keep asking for it.

And we're up here to make you happy.

So, what are we gonna do? "Roadmap Of My Tears!"

MAN: Roadmap Of My Tears!

You bunch of old farts!

( playing rock music )

You ain't worth two bob!

* I'm driving around

* This mean old town

You're a bunch of old men.

* I follow you everywhere That you go *

* I watched you When you couldn't see me *

* There's nothing that you know That I don't know *

* But the knowledge you impart Doesn't free me *

BILLY: Hello.

MAN: Robell, phone!

Robell here. Robell.

Dave Robell.

Yeah? Hello? Hello? Robell?

Who is this? Billy?

Where the fuck are we?

DAVE ( over phone ): Great to hear your voice.

Where are you now?

That's what I asked you, you prick!

DAVE: Whoa, hey, man, heh!

Listen. You said this tour was gonna be great, right?

I took your word for it.

We come all this way and what do I find?

We're a back-up group to a bunch of old farts!

* One more detour And I'll start crying *

* It's a roadmap of my tears

* It's a roadmap of my tears

* It's a roadmap of my tears

* It's a roadmap of my tears

Thank you very much! Thank you.

MAN 1: You two, come with me. Show you something.

MAN 2: Springfield Jill,

long blond hair, uh,

Duke's tour '69.

Hey, fox! Hi.

How you doing, Jill? JILL: I'm okay.

Listen, Lawnboy! Either you get rid of them

and get us a new support act,

or we get rid of you. You got it?

Can I talk to you for a minute?

My sister and I have this group,

and we were wondering if we could audition for you.

How did you get your first break?

The reason I'm asking is because--

Um, let's get out of this gaff.

Hey, I've got it! The Stains, right?

What's happening with your group?

CORINNE: He saw us on TV and thought we were great.

Ah, he's a famous English rock 'n' roll promoter.

Mick Jagger?

Prince Charles wants to meet me.

He's been looking for an opening act.

He's listened to 100's of groups.

Wait. My hand.

I don't know why we're taking these old clothes

with us anyway. So where do we go?

It's a tour of the whole country.

We're going to California.

We get a percentage of the profits.

That's good.

He's got a slot for us.

TRACY: In case you haven't heard,

we've only had rehearsals.

CORINNE: Yeah, but they were long ones.

( horn honks )

( whistling )

Okay, sister, let's move it along.

I don't have all day.

You gotta be kidding me. No fucking way!

What's the difference? It's a way out of this dump.

Oh yeah, this guy is a famous promoter.

Sure, on this universe.

( car horn honking )

BILLY: See you later, darling.

( rock music playing on radio )

BILLY: What's she doing here?

MAN: Turn that blasted radio off!

We've been sleeping on this bus all night.

You okay, Jerry?

Morning, Corpses. Morning, ladies.

Springfield was really happening, man.

Boy, she was good. She was real good.

Every bit as good as she ever was.

It was nectar, man, nectar. Boy!

That kid though, man. That kid was driving me crazy.

All night, man.

His nose never stopped running, man.

But Jill was worth it, man.

Complimentary costumes, ladies.

Hey, man, what are these chicks doing on the bus, man?

Overnight, I get the peaceful solution.

Now, we have one of each.

( scoffs )

Let's just get the fuck out of here, Lawnboy.

Lawnboy? He's a gardener!

( engine starts )

Are you okay, man? You need a little pick-me-up?

Hey, man?

Looking good, man.

( cheerful theme playing )

( thunder rumbling )

* I'm searching, searching, Searching *

* I'm moving, moving, moving

* I'm searching, searching, Searching *

* Don't know if I'll find What I'm looking for *

* But tomorrow has got to be Better for sure *

* I've been searching so long Trying to find *

* A better way of living

* And I know It's got to come some time *

* That's why I'm moving, Moving, moving *

* Heading out On the open road *

How neat! I wonder if we get to keep these when we're finished.

Are you sure these are the same guys

that were in the band last night?

I don't recognize a soul.

Yes.

Uh, you guys, I'm gonna go to the bathroom.

I'll be right back.

( Jessica sighs )

So our famous promoter wants this on his tour, eh?

Shut up!

We're going to California to see your fucking palm trees.

Shit. Corinne, there's no toilet paper in here!

MAN: No what?

Use your hand, darling!

Do you charge for beer, or what?

Yeah, help yourself.

( speaks indistinctly )

Opener.

BILLY: What is it?

Red Stripe beer, man, Jamaican beer.

I thought it was black.

You won't know till you drink it.

( chuckles )

LOU: None of that shit is new, man.

I wore leathers back in 1964, man,

before anybody was doing it.

I started the whole thing.

I had my little rockabilly period,

you know, glitter...

But finally, all it ever comes down to...

I mean, the thing that separates

the men from the boys is that

if you're not yourself, you're nobody.

You know what I'm saying?

I mean, you take this rookie asshole,

jumps on the stage and shouts at the audience.

I mean, where's that at, man?

Do you want to be a professional?

I mean, honey, there's nothing new.

LOU: Hey, man!

MAN: Oh, my God! LOU: Wow, man.

( both grunting )

Listen, you ugly old man!

I hate you, I hate your poxy music,

I hate everything about you!

( tires screech )

( all grunt )

So brothers and sisters,

is everybody ready to resume?

( chuckles )

MAN: Shit, Jerry. Thanks for jumping in, man.

( cheerful theme playing )

* I'm moving, moving, Moving *

* I'm searching, searching, Searching *

* I'm moving, moving, Moving *

* I'm searching, searching, Searching *

( thunder rumbling )

Uh, so where are we?

Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania?

Great, I thought we were going to California.

Yeah, we're gonna go to California

but we got to start somewhere.

( drum beats )

I knew this tour was gonna be useless.

Fucking useless. You said it was gonna be great.

I said it would be an American tour, right.

This is an American tour. I could still be at home.

Yeah, we all have seen your fucking home, won't we?

What about yours? Why don't you shut up!

( drum beats )

Oi, oi. MAN: Oh, fuck off.

Is it all gonna be this bad or what?

Yeah, man, we're doing real good.

The single, Princess, is out. It's doing real good.

The tour is going real good, man. Real good.

It's all real good.

I'm real positive about the whole thing.

At least we're gonna go to California.

Shut up about California. We'll get there, right?

I've had enough of all of it and I hate fucking Americans.

( sniffs )

God.

( coughs )

Is there any coke in this shit, man?

( groans )

How much is it? Two fifty.

Two fifty, are you kidding? That's ridiculous.

You knew our prices are high.

You want to, uh, split a quarter?

Let's go. Ready? Ready.

Okay, this way first. This way.

JESSICA: Oh! Heh.

LAWNBOY: Hey.

Do we get to keep these when we're finished?

LAWNBOY: Sure.

I'm not gonna wear this.

Everybody wants to go to heaven,

but nobody wants to die.

You know our new single, Princess.

It's about that moment you get to in a relationship

when you have to resort to a physical means of expression.

Because you've done it with words

and there's no further you can get.

Sometimes I get so filled up with emotion

that I just end up hitting my old lady.

You know, some women are into that. You know that.

All right, all right!

You saw her on your national TV.

Independent young lady. Where the hell have you been?

What are you wearing?

Here are the fantastic Stains!

( crowd applauding )

( blows air )

( crowd murmuring )

Ready?

( microphone feedback )

( crowd laughs )

This is called Waste of Time.

One, two, three, four.

* You ask me questions

* And I say nothing

They can't play.

Girls can't be rock 'n' rollers. It's the facts of life.

* I'm a waste of time

* I'm a waste of time

* Look at your paycheck

* You've worked so hard Where's it all going *

* To jerks like me Who spend it on nothing *

* I'm a waste of time I'm a waste of time *

* I'm a waste of time Don't call me *

* I'm a waste of time Don't ask me *

* I'm a waste of time Don't touch me *

* I'm a waste of

( microphone feedback )

( crowd chattering )

I told you.

( crowd laughing )

Cute!

( crowd chattering )

I'll tell you what, John. I like her hair.

You! Hello!

You don't fool me for a minute. I know all about you.

You came here tonight thinking you'd see some cute

and wonderful rock star. And you hoped

maybe he'd take one look at you from up on that stage

and he'd fall in love with you just like that.

( whispers )

Then your savior could take you out of this

dump of a town you live in.

You could be different from all the other girls.

I bet she's on drugs. Suckers!

Suckers!

Suckers! Suckers! Be yourselves!

These guys laugh at you.

They've got big plans for the world,

but they don't include us.

So what does that make you?

Just another girl lining up to die.

( audience cheering and applauding )

Shit!

WOMAN: All right.

Now who's the sucker?

( man whistles )

( clamoring )

I'm perfect!

But nobody in this shit hole gets me

'cause I don't put out.

TRACY: Shit, she's done it again!

( chattering )

I was looking for him, man.

I knew it was time, you know. I just had a feeling.

I knew it was coming, man.

I could have told you.

Fire send nothing to heaven though art not to be.

Maybe he had a heart attack.

He's got kids!

TRACY: Pulling shit like that on stage,

you're supposed to make people like us.

CORINNE: I told the truth.

What's the matter?

Is that guy dead?

I don't want any part of this. I wanna go home, Corinne.

I wanna go home. You don't have a home.

Don't have a home. Let's go.

( sighs )

I'm shocked.

That's all I can come up with. I'm shocked.

Listen, man, you gotta get me something.

I can't spend the night alone, man.

MAN ( over speaker ): Ladies and gentlemen,

due to some technical difficulties

The Metal Corpses will be unable to perform tonight.

LOU: Oh, Jerry, why?

You were so great, man. You were so great.

You had the magic, man. You had the magic.

Why is it such a waste? Such a waste of talent.

Why didn't you listen to me? I told him.

I told him. I told him over and over.

Excuse me.

( police siren wailing )

I just wanted to tell you

that I'm really sorry about your friend.

Does this mean you're finished?

Damn son of a bitch, cock sucking faggot, junkie.

Shit!

( man speaking indistinctly over dispatcher )

Best I've ever seen him.

When I go I want to be known as Billy Fay,

the greatest rock 'n' roller ever, heh.

I don't want to look like a big bust.

Awful.

No.

It's gonna be okay. He's dead.

He probably wanted to die.

I don't have any luck.

We'll think of something.

That's what you always say but things always get worse.

You told me mama wasn't gonna die.

You promised me she was gonna get better.

( woman speaking indistinctly over dispatcher )

We're fucked!

( chattering )

I like your hair.

Yeah, what else do you like?

That's it.

I mean at the moment, you're just there, ain't you?

If you work hard, maybe in a couple of years time

you might be something different.

At the moment, you're just two white stripes, ain't you?

BILLY: Robell?

We're headlining this tour. DAVE ( over phone ): What?

We're headlining this tour.

DAVE: Listen, I knew it, man!

Remember what your Uncle Dave said?

Was I right? You bet your ass I was right.

We need a good support band, a good rock 'n' roll band.

All right, listen, Billy,

I'm not gonna stand here chatting to you,

I'll go to work for you right now, okay?

Keep yourself together. Ciao, catch you later.

Tonight on People and Places,

Alicia Meeker has a sad story of a local death.

Alicia.

You rock 'n' roll fans will doubtless remember

bass guitarist, Jerry Jervey.

One of the pioneers of acid rock,

Jerry Jervey died alone last night at the age of 37

in a filthy ladies room

backstage at the Penthouse Disco

minutes before he was to go .. on stage with his current band,

The Metal Corpses.

Jerry Jervey was nothing if not a survivor.

He had survived seven drug arrests,

two convictions, five paternity suits,

and involvement in over 15 bands

in his meteoric 20-year career.

Until the coroner's office announced

that Jervey had died of cocaine intoxication,

the prime suspect was this young woman.

Were you Jerry Jervey's girlfriend?

Is this for TV?

We have the largest audience in the tri-state area.

I get a lot of my stuff on network.

Okay, I admit he was in love with me.

ALICIA: Tell me about it.

He sent her flowers and turquoise jewelry.

It was nice.

Yeah, but I had to face facts.

The guy could never be enough.

How did you put it to him?

I said, "I don't put out."

In that outfit?

It doesn't make sense to wear a see-through blouse

and no bra and say, "I don't put out."

CORINNE: That's not what it means.

It means don't get screwed.

Don't be a jerk. Don't get had.

ALICIA: So even though Jerry Jervey was a drug addict,

I guess he was still very sensitive.

He was an old man in a young girl's world.

What did Jerry Jervey die of?

Actually he died of a broken heart.

So I guess some people still die of love, huh?

Did you think they'd stop?

( chuckles )

What I mean is

here this guy could probably have had his pick

of any number of these camp followers

and instead, he falls for this really weird-looking girl.

I think she looks very elegant.

Oh? Well, it takes all kinds.

If you want to see this

extraordinary person for yourself,

she and her band are performing tonight

at the Bamboo Room at the Fairgate.

CORINNE: * I'm a waste of time

* I'm a waste of time Don't ask me *

* I'm a waste of time Don't call me *

* I'm a waste of time Don't touch me *

* I'm a waste of time

* Overtime, half time Time and a half *

* Time is money Time is flying *

* That's what's important To you *

* I'm a waste of time

* I'm a waste of time

( cheering and applauding )

You look fabulous.

I'll see you after the show outside, okay?

( cheering and applauding continues)

We're The Stains and we don't put out.

Perfect! This is a big deal!

We have to get rid of them fucking stupid birds.

I don't want to know about it.

Don't tell me nothing about it.

Who do we tell about it?

Don't fucking tell me. Tell our agent!

( women speaks indistinctly )

MAN: What's he gonna do?

BILLY: A lot more than I'll do.

I don't want to know about it.

I've had it up to here.

MAN: You've had it up to here? Thank you.

You're the ones who are always giving me the mirror.

MAN: You're the one who bring us over.

BILLY: I didn't bring no one nowhere!

I ain't gonna sleep in that bus with you lot.

Where are you going?

I'm going fucking far away from you!

Out of my ear holes!

Go on then. Piss off! Bullocks!

Bullocks to you. Tosser!

Watch it, star! Don't kick this bus here, sir.

This bus is my thing, you know.

You don't know how come I sweat to get this bus here.

Only Jah Rastafari know.

And I just come here to play reggae music, you know.

You people don't know.

You want to hear this reggae music?

This is reggae music hard, you know. Tough! Lion!

A long time we're planning this thing. A long time!

Bob MacDonald and the Islanders

gonna mash up this place with the sun.

He's sitting in jail now. Never done no wrong and all.

Just smoke up a little herbs, you know.

All of the sudden the police just come in and take him.

Now he's stuck inside that jail

and I don't have enough money to get him out of jail.

All I want is to finish this tour.

Jah! Jah gonna guide I, truly! See? Rastafari.

( rock music playing on radio )

I think this is my room.

I'm not finished yet.

I'll be done in a minute.

Hey, you got a quarter?

I might.

You've got the biggest radio I've ever seen, heh.

Heh, how many did you want?

Just one.

Oh, man, this is a dime.

I know where I can find some quarters.

Hurry back!

Do you think you can get your friend out of jail?

I'm trying to raise the money with this tour.

But I guess you're not doing so well.

Jah will take care of us because we have one common goal. See?

What is it?

Look at it this way.

My path is steep and the road rocky.

But you think of the rich man, up on the hill, in a big house,

with all the money him steal. Saying to himself,

money in my pocket and I still can't find love.

I know a lot of poor people who feel the same way.

And I survive, see?

What does that mean?

It means there's no difference between me and the next man.

I is he and he is I.

Like I is you and you is me.

See? Yeah.

Heh. That's nice.

I wish that was the way things were.

By the way, I have something for you to sign.

What?

Just a standard contract form. Oh.

REPORTER ( on TV ): This is the latest chapter of Corinne Burns,

an extraordinary young, female singer

who continues to attracts hordes of devoted followers.

Why did you drive all the way up here to see this group?

GIRL 1: Because I saw her on TV.

Obviously, then, all of you saw her on my show.

GIRL 2: I saw her live.

BILLY: Exploitation. That's all it is.

It's exploitation. Where?

GIRL 2: At The Penthouse, in person.

REPORTER: What effect did she have on you?

She said things that I've always wanted to say

and I haven't been able to.

What kind of things?

She gave her honest opinion of how she felt about people.

That's why I'm like her now. REPORTER: And what are you?

I'm a skunk.

I just don't know,

you begin to wonder about your profession, don't you?

I mean, you give a little air time

to some nut on the big night news

and 24 hours later you've got a bunch of other nuts,

who are just making her into a hero.

Then they see something on the media,

and they've got to do the same thing.

Well, you're on the box every night for an hour

and I don't see anyone trying to be like you.

( both laugh )

Well, I'm talking about the power

that television has to create--

Those girls created themselves.

Well, as far as I see it, what it really amounts to

is, uh, some girl drop-outs who are using the media.

I'm not reporting about a band

as much as I am a very personal appeal

for young women to resist. Resist what? Heh

Life as we know it. Uh-huh.

Well, as I see it, all it really amounts to--

If it amounts to more than that for you,

you might wanna catch The Stains tomorrow night

at Westland Plaza's cultural celebration at 9:00.

This is Alicia Meeker and Stu McGrath. Good night.

( reggae music playing )

* Stay

* Ooh, yeah, yeah

* I wanna step outside

* But you know That I can't today *

* They've got us locked away

You want a sweet?

You want a sweet?

A sweet? I'll need more than a sweet.

I've been sleeping on this fucking bus all night.

Hello.

I'd like to talk to you.

Do you mind if I look out the window while I talk to you?

I mean, I might see somebody I know,

and I wouldn't wanna miss them.

Last night I stayed in a hotel, all right?

And I pulled this bird.

Oh, look, the bathroom's empty.

Why don't you finish your story in there?

Anyway, I was laying next to her,

looking up at the ceiling.

From out of the blue from nowhere,

I had this vision,

that you were gonna be a great success.

You're different.

You are gonna be really good.

Heh, I can't explain it. I just know.

LAWNBOY: All right, everybody, the sound check is at 3:00.

How about some breakfast?

MAN 1: What's the matter with bus?

( man 2 speaking indistinctly )

Oh, no. Now they got us playing in fucking Safeways!

We gotta get the money to get home, haven't we?

Oi, you don't look too well.

You gotta start eating something, darling.

Why don't we go over there and get some room service, eh?

Why should I care? You're gonna be paying for it.

Listen, I ain't trying to pull you, all right.

If I was trying to pull you, I'd come straight out with it.

I've been on the road for years, darling.

I've been around.

I can have any bird I want.

Name one.

Are you coming or what?

( sighs )

You know something, Corinne?

Some people think girls can't be rock 'n' rollers.

Heh, I've never said that in my life.

I mean, they just don't go about it in the right way.

I always thought it was genetic myself.

It doesn't matter how you look.

You just gotta practice. You gotta learn to play properly.

If I wanted your advice,

I'd ask for it.

( grunts )

You just can't be a gimmick. I'm not a gimmick!

( sighs )

Because if people think you're a gimmick,

they're gonna see right through you.

Unh, and they ain't gonna stick around for very long, are they?

So you've really got to have something to say.

( grunts )

( rock music playing on radio )

What are the words to that one?

Professionals? It's about the draft.

( sighs )

I wanna see the world for free,

but I don't like the things you see.

Hup, two, three, four really ain't my style.

Do they really have a say

of what goes on with you each day?

Does your country mean that much to you?

Could you write it out for me?

Sure.

Do you know, I believe in what I write.

I believe in every word.

There's something there,

( door closes ) something really-- Special...

( sighs )

( music stops )

( water splashes )

Corinne?

Listen, I wanna tell you something.

I've never told anybody this before.

I don't want any more advice.

I can't read.

What? I can't read.

You never learned?

Yeah.

My dad used to make me do homework

just to get better but I never did.

He used to call me thick. What do you mean, thick?

Dumb.

What are you telling me for?

I just wanted you to have something on me.

I knew this kid in school once who couldn't read.

He'd just sit there and he wouldn't say anything.

And when it came his turn...

( spits )

it was very embarrassing sometimes,

because the teacher would call on him,

and nothing would happen.

( Billy moaning )

( band playing )

* The floor was slimy And the air was thick and hot *

* I hid in a booth And I tried to set up a cot *

* I wore fine clothes And drank mixed drinks *

* I watched The Pope fight Leon Spinks *

( in female voice ) Hello.

MAN ( singing ): * Joes old nip mam Was my maid *

* Flat face poured Amy Like lemonade *

* I slept in an arcade I slept in an arcade *

* I slept in an arcade I slept in an arcade *

* There was a dog in 24-B

Hey, Billy!

Right! Great!

Hey, Billy, don't you remember me, man?

Dave Robell, your agent.

Yeah, this is Corinne. This is my agent, David Robell.

Great. I've been tracking you guys for days. Look!

Black Randy and The Metro Squad.

It's such a coup my getting him.

This guy is so new. He's perfect to open for you.

Hold it!

You motherfucker!

What's going on, Billy?

Get rid of them! What? Why?

The Stains play for us.

What am I gonna tell them?

I'll take care of them.

What am I doing here?

* I took his paw He winked at me *

* He said "I'm mans best friend-- *

Oi, oi, cut it.

* I slept in an arcade

* I slept in an arcade Cut it!

* I slept in an arcade I slept in an arcade *

DAVE: Hey, Billy? Billy, Billy?

Billy! Billy!

Billy, be cool! Billy! You listen, listen to me!

You get your fucking bags packed,

and you get out of this gaff! All right?

All right? Okay. All right.

All right, Billy, will you please be cool?

Remember, you called me?

You asked for a support band. You remember?

You told me to get a rock 'n' roll band.

That's what I did. I got this act.

Leave, the lot of you, leave.

I want you out of here, right?

The lot of you, fuck off!

Was it something I said?

It's gonna be all right. I just spoke to the guy.

I told him last week that we needed a new support band.

I thought you were terrible.

That was last week,

but now you're fucking great.

Don't bother me.

Pig, you liar!

( sighs )

I know I'm a liar, but I'm telling you the truth.

It's gonna be all right. Don't touch me.

( crowd cheering, applauding and whistling )

Good afternoon, we're The Stains.

You got it! Heh.

What's the problem about getting old?

CROWD ( in unison ): Nothing!

CORINNE: What's so wonderful about getting married?

( in unison ) Nothing.

What don't we do? CROWD: We don't put out!

Do you want to be a professional?

( band playing )

I've been betrayed!

* Yeah, I wanna see The world for free *

* But I don't like The things you see *

* Hup, two, three, four Really ain't my style *

* Call up, calling us again *

* The Commies are coming, Did I hear you say *

* Who cares? Who knows? Maybe I will one day *

* Who knows What you're gonna see *

* Not me, not me

* Who knows When your turn will be *

* Not me, not me

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals Today *

She's imitating me now!

She's doing a fucking better job than what you do.

You get out there and do it then.

I don't believe it.

You wanker! You must have taught her that.

* Who knows What you're gonna see *

* Who knows When your turn will be *

* Join the professionals We are professionals *

ALICIA ( on TV ): It seems that here in nowhere land

it has become clear to several thousand very young women,

inspired by an unrecorded rock 'n' roll band

with see-through blouses and white stripes in their hair

that life is to be lived right now, not tomorrow.

( Corinne singing indistinctly on TV )

God, look at this! What is it?

DAVE: Is that you? It's us.

DAVE: Is that you on stage? ALL: Heh.

GIRL: Oh, my God, we look great!

Jesus Christ, you look fantastic!

You look even better on a screen then you do on stage.

These young women who call themselves Skunks,

are not content to let old age

bring in the specious wisdom of despair.

And in their rebellion they have clearly decided

that female existence

should not be a rush to the grave or worse,

to the supermarket.

And that none of their beauty

should be wasted

or pass unnoticed.

There is one last person to hear from...

ALICIA ( over TV ): You're the mother of the bass player.

Oh, my God, it's my mom!

ALICIA: Peg, right? Her name is Jessica McNeil.

ALICIA: You're the aunt of the other two sisters,

Corinne and Tracy Burns.

Well, my sister Marilyn was their mother.

ALICIA: How old are you? LINDA: I'm 30.

Thirty-four. ALICIA: How long has it been

since you've seen your daughter?

LINDA: Um, it's been over a month now.

ALICIA: Has she called you? No.

ALICIA: She hasn't shared her success with you at all,

but we've shown you tapes of your daughter's band.

Yeah, I've seen those tapes of this band,

you know, if you can call it that.

ALICIA: You've seen the see-through blouses and the make up.

And you've heard the message, "Don't put out".

I have, yes.

ALICIA: Has your daughter always been this much trouble?

Heh, yeah.

No, I mean...

I think that I should tell the truth here, uh...

See, I never really had any confidence in her at all.

LINDA: I'd also like this to add, right here,

if I may that...

My mother and father never really thought

I'd be anything either.

My dad would always say to me, "Linda, you're nothing!"

You know, so I would think, yeah.

I'm kind of ashamed to say that

I did to my daughter what my parents did to me, so...

So when I see her up on stage,

you know, and I see that she's having fun

and I see all these other kids

who, you know, really think that she's great,

I just think how proud I am of her

for getting around what I did to her, you know.

ALICIA: Thank you.

LINDA: Can I just say one more thing?

I do have one regret, and that is that I wish

that my sister Marilyn were still alive

so that she could see Corinne and Tracy having fun.

Because when she was sick one day,

and I tell you something, she was a real hell raiser.

You know, she was always the first one out there.

But, anyway, when she was sick one day, she says to me...

She says,

"I'm not a failure for dying, am I?"

And I says, heh, "no."

So...

You know, I just wish

that she had lived to see the kids on TV

because I think she'd be really proud.

Hey, Marilyn,

now you're on the tube too. You're not a flop.

Ta-dah, heh!

Thank you and good night.

Sweetheart, you are moving so fast.

You're happening so fast now,

you can't afford to be loyal to this guy.

That wouldn't be fair to yourself,

that wouldn't be fair to your fans.

You can't even hesitate now

because if you do, you'll kill yourself.

All those little girls back there,

they're gonna be out here in the stores

tomorrow morning, looking for your records.

What records? There are no records, are there?

There should be.

In a week, five days, your next gig.

I'm gonna show you the meaning of promotion.

I'm gonna make people aware of you.

And we gotta start by getting you

a good support band. The Looters are killing you.

And that's just the beginning.

I don't wanna hear about it. Just do it.

First, you gotta get rid of, what's his name? The lawn guy.

Lawnboy? Yeah.

WOMAN ( on radio ): Hello, there.

I'm Zippo the Clown. Wanna play with me?

Just push all my buttons down.

I'll sing and dance and jump all around.

I wanna headline now.

I want a new support band.

I want that agent to handle us from now on.

And I want you to give back that contract.

I'll give you back your contract,

but I want you to remember something whole life.

Come see me and come live with me

is two different things, sister.

All the very best of luck to you, sister.

( explosion on TV )

* Here I am Sitting all alone *

* About a million miles From my home *

* Because I met a thin man Who said, trust in me *

* And I'll take you away From your poverty *

* Yay, yay, yay

* So me and my friend Who had a song to sing *

ALL ( chanting ): We want The Stains!

We want The Stains!

( all speaking indistinctly )

MAN: Nine dollars!

You paid me already? Okay.

Get your posters and Corinne photographs! Three dollars.

You want a poster of Corinne? Three dollars!

Three dollars, who's got it?

Okay, you got it.

Can I have a poster?

GIRL: I want a skunk! Okay. I'll be right back.

( indistinct dialogue )

The blouses are 9.95, the hair dye...

MAN 1: There's your press kit, complete with a poster.

MAN 2: Hold it! Where are you going? Sorry!

TRACY: You're not supposed to be in here.

This is our dressing room.

Uh, your dressing room is down the hall,

the one marked "support band".

Where's your sister, midget?

It says a lot for the security around here!

Where is she?

I don't think she wants to be disturbed.

She's doing P.R.

Where?

Over there, in her dressing room.

Have you seen what's going on out there?

How did you get in here?

You've got a lot to learn, you little bitch!

You don't know which way is up.

Why are you still hanging around here?

Just go back to wherever it was you came from!

I wish I could.

You are so jealous of me.

I'm everything you ever wanted to be.

A cunt.

Exactly.

( door opens )

I want you to meet the support band.

Wait till you see them. They are so cute.

And David Robell is so proud to present

Mexican Randy!

* Some of the movies

* They didn't even make Any sense *

* But you sure can have fun For 25 cents *

* I slept in an ice

All right. All right.

Let The Looters start.

They're all here to see The Stains anyway.

But you better speak up because I don't think

anyone in this country can understand a word you say.

CROWD ( chanting ): We want The Stains.

CROWD ( continues chanting ): We want The Stains.

( band playing rock music )

* Can't you see my Smiling face *

* And the way it disappears Without a trace *

* When it's got all That it needs from losing you *

* And don't you see When you earn your dough *

* And realize That it don't go to show *

* There ain't anyone Who wants to know *

* Oh, no You fell for it once again *

* Looks like It's happening again *

* You thought Last time it was the end *

* That's what you get For having too many things *

* Don't you wish you could See right through it *

* Not again

* You've been conned again

* Oh, not again

* Not again

* You've been conned again

* Oh, not again

* When you go out Around the town *

* And have a look At what's going around *

* Does it make you Want to laugh or cry *

* The bright light shines That show good times *

* When you try What do you find? *

* It takes another Fix eventually *

* Oh, no You fell for it once again *

* Looks like It's happening again *

* You thought Last time was the end *

* That's what you get For having too many things *

* Don't you wish you could See right through it *

* Not again

* You've been conned again

* Oh, not again

* Not again

* You've been conned again

* Oh, not again

( crowd cheering )

What's your name?

Just call me a skunk.

Skunk?

Okay, skunk.

You say you don't put out, right?

WOMAN: We don't put out!

But that's all you ever do is put out.

( crowd groans )

MAN: You've been ripped off.

( crowd yelling )

MAN: You've all been ripped off.

Fuck off!

MAN: Tell me something, skunk.

How much did you pay for that get-up, that outfit you got?

( crowd screaming indistinctly )

How much did you pay?

She don't wanna say.

I'll tell you why she don't wanna say.

Because you've all been conned.

You've all been taken on.

You're buying hair dye, you're buying clothes.

What's it take to dye your hair?

You've been had!

You've been screwed by your hero!

Where did you think all the money goes?

Well, I'll tell you where it goes.

It goes in her pocket.

You haven't got a clue.

And I need my own bass. Is that right?

I need it by our next gig.

You're adverts.

You're a commercial.

I feel very, very sorry for you people.

Good luck to you.

( microphone feedback )

MAN ( on PA ): Ladies and gentlemen,

we thank you all for coming here tonight.

And now David Robell productions is proud to present

Jessica, Tracy, Corinne.

Ladies and gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains!

I'm so glad you could come down here tonight and support us.

I didn't realize how big we were until I saw us on TV.

And I, heh...

WOMAN 1: You hypocrite!

You're nothing but a big fat rip off!

WOMAN 2: Take shit!

It's all shit. It's all bullshit!

CROWD ( chanting ): Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!

( crowd yelling )

One, two, three, four.

( band playing rock music )

* Yeah, I wanna see The world for free *

* But I don't like The things you see *

* Hup, two, three, four Really ain't my style *

* Who knows What you're gonna see *

* Who knows When your turn will be *

WOMAN: You phony!

WOMAN: You phony! Let go of me!

You're the skunk! You skanky bitch!

( crowd yelling and screaming )

Ah, hi.

Charlie, I'm sorry, I had to take care of some business here.

The tail end of the concert.

You're not gonna believe them.

Two little girls, cousins.

A duet. They're called The Smears.

They're darling! Where's my money?

Until they get on stage, and then watch out!

They are killers.

I want my money.

Lethal musicians. Hang on, Charlie.

Honey, I mean, that was a fiasco out there.

I want my cut!

Who's talking cut when we ain't got any pie?

I want the money from the pamphlets,

the blouses, and all that crap.

I don't wanna be cruel,

but you were just a concept,

and you've blown the concept.

Charlie, I'm telling you they're gonna be so big.

I can take them on the road right now,

but I want to hold off until the single hits.

That's why they're gonna be

such a bargain for you right now.

Give me my money!

Lawnboy.

This is for your friend.

MAN: Alicia Meeker will not moderate

this interview today as was originally scheduled.

Alicia is now assigned

to our network's national bureau in Washington.

We all wish her the best of luck.

Our topic tonight is manipulation.

Fads from the inside out.

Well, Corinne, I guess you've caught

the winking eye of the media.

There was this great crescendo and then boom, heh.

In effect, one might say you're a has-been.

We're going to show our audience

what happened at your concert last night.

I came a long way. No way.

I'm going in there now!

( all speaking indistinctly )

You're the skunk! You stink!

If we had made any money, which we didn't--

Well, whatever it was you were selling,

lies, truth, I don't know,

but your fans certainly seemed to resent it.

( man chuckles )

Well, let's get back to our point.

"Don't put out".

Now, you've just proved it yourself

it never really meant anything to you.

( on PA ): But it made young girls...

Watch it, old man! You, old fart!

MAN ( on PA ): leave their homes, their jobs,

put them out on the streets in risqué outfits

at the mercy of rapists.

Old farts like you!

MAN: Yes, I've been expecting that too.

Come on, what else? Let's hear it.

Every citizen should be given

an electric guitar on her 16th birthday.

Well, I would love to chat more,

but unfortunately our time is up.

BILLY: Corinne.

Corinne.

( whimpering )

I'm sorry.

I was wrong, I've been a right bastard, a liar.

Why don't you come with me?

You're finished here. There's nothing left.

Is that what I'm supposed to do now?

Go be your groupie?

Tune your guitar for you? Be your old lady?

I don't play guitar.

( bus horn honks )

Hold it.

Why don't you come with me?

No way.

MAN: Come on, wanker!

Come on!

I still like your hair.

MAN: You tosser, come on!

The fucking time you take!

Perfect.

( "A Waste of Time" by The Fabulous Stains playing )

MAN ( on radio ): Hey, Denny Dragon here at the AM PM Mini Market.

That was "A Waste of Time," the biggest hit in the area.

And now the song you've been asking for,

ladies and gentleman, The Fabulous Stains doing

"The Professionals".

So, girls, hang on to your guys...

CORRINE: I was once like you, a nothing,

but I didn't give up.

And you shouldn't either. You made me what I am.

MAN: Upcoming on Music & Video Network,

The Fabulous Stains doing "The Professionals".

MAN 2: Ladies and gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains!

* Call up, Calling us again *

* The Commies are coming Did I hear you say *

* Who cares, who knows Maybe I will one day *

* Who knows What you're gonna see *

* Not me, not me, not me

* Who knows When your turn will be *

* Not me

* Not me

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals today *

* A kick in the head Every day for a year *

* Wouldn't even make me Go in there *

* A shot in the heart Secretly for me *

* Do they really Have a say *

* Of what goes on with You each day *

* Does your country Mean that much to you? *

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Not me * Not me

* Not me

* Who knows When your turn will be? *

* Not me * Not me

CORRINE: * .Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals Today *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* You're gonna Be one anyway *

ALL: * Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Who knows What you're gonna see? *

* Not me * Not me

* Not me

* Who knows When your turn will be? *

* Who knows When your turn will be? *

* Who knows When your turn will be? *

* Who knows When your turn will be? *

* Not me * Not me

* Not me

* Join the professionals

* Be a professionals

* Join the professionals today *

* .Join the professionals

* .Be a professional

* .You're gonna Be one anyway *

* .Join the professionals

* .Be a professional

* .Join the professionals today *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* .You're gonna Be one anyway *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals Today *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* You're gonna Be one anyway *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals Today *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* .You're gonna Be one anyway *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* Join the professionals Today *

* Join the professionals

* Be a professional

* You're gonna Be one anyway *