All language subtitles for Thats.The.Way.Of.The.World.1975.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

- Where the hell is
he Buckmaster?

- I'll run him down and
get him up here.

- Yeah yeah why don't
you do that?

Oh Warren you didn't meet
Mike Lemongello did you?

- Hey Mike how are you?

Good to see.

- Hello Warren, pleasure.

- Oh yeah man that's bad.

- Okay hold on just a minute.

Hey Buck it's for you baby.

- We're working.

- Hello we're busy right now,
can it wait?

Okay okay right now.

It's the man baby.

He wants you upstairs
like yesterday.

- James?
- Right.

- Oh man you ain't got
time for no meeting.

We got work to do.

- I know what I got to do.

You guys get on the next cut
and I'll get back to you.

- Oh man we ready.
- We ready to get it on.

- Well you can get it
together and get it later then

you got it so well together now.

- Come on Johnny.

- Hey Buckmaster come on in.

I want you to meet the manager

of The Pages, Mike Lemongello.

- How do you do?

- A real pleasure.

- Sit down Johnny.

- I heard a lot about you.

I can't wait to see what
you'll do with The Pages.

Everybody tells me what a
real heavyweight you are.

- What are The Pages?

- What are The Pages?

Come on The Pages gonna
make this company

a ton of money, that's
what The Pages are.

- Oh well that's cool.

You want me to set up
an audition?

- No no no no, it
isn't necessary.

- Are they playing in town?

I'll try to run down and
catch the show.

- We're way ahead of you
on this way Buck.

We got a demo of them cut live.

You're gonna love them,
put it on.

Sit down, sit down.

Wait till you hear this,
you'll love it.

They're gonna be a monster,
a monster.

Orlando to New
York now boarding, gate 12.

- Good morning.

We're The Pages I believe
you have some tickets for us.

- Pages, Pages, Pages yes.

Are all five of you
Pages here now?

- Wait a minute there
are only three of us.

That's odd, A Chord
Records prepaid five

first class tickets
for you folks.

- Well, two are for the
musical instruments.

When your stars man, even
the guitars go first class.

- Isn't he something?

- Okay okay, Buck why
don't you kick us off?

- Well the vocal is thin
but it is linear.

There's certainly no
musical pretensions.

Can you dig that Johnny?

- I might say the arrangements
don't get in the way.

- Ellen what do you think?

- I think it's dynamite.

That girl has really
got a sound.

- It's a sound, but it's
not our sound.

- Player?
- Very exciting.

Look Buck I'm down on
those streets every day.

People on the street are
tired of junkies

pushing revolution, all
that's over with man.

- No question about it.

The minute I heard them I
knew they were the 70's.

We're all going back
folks to apple pie,

and coffee, and home cooking.

And I'm gonna tell you
every act like this

has been a chart buster and
everybody's pushing one.

Capital's got a family act.

Columbia's what, got
three of them.

All making money hand over fist.

- Now wait a minute this is

the first time I ever
heard these people.

You're not telling me
we've signed?

- Signed them for peanuts.

I picked them up from a
little label down in Florida.

And I got them at their
original terms.

- The deal of the century.

- You're telling me.

And I'm telling you when
The Pages make money

we all make money so
it's a good time folks.

Start calling those markers in.

Let the people know we
really believe in this one.

- I believe.

- That a boy player.

You with us Johnny?

- Yeah I'll be into it.

- Ellen, get the bios right out.

I want all the trades to know

we're going out gold
on this single.

Now I know you all got
a lot of work to do.

Nobody else knows how
to do it anybody better.

Need anything special,
let Warren know okay.

You got it, doing a
good job Warren.

Let's move it, good job.

Anything you
want boss, you got it.

- Appreciate it.

- Who's in that cart?

- That's your nephew Mr.
Lemongello.

- Right on time.

Excuse me.

I'm sorry to interrupt
your game like this.

- Tell me about The Pages.

- The Pages well they're
going to arrive what

in just a couple of
hours really.

And I've got the company
all psyched up.

They're gonna make
their quota at all cost.

- I'm not so sure Buckmaster is

as psyched up as he should be.

- What?

- And he's a key guy here.

- I can handle Buckmaster
believe me Mr. Ferrara.

They
said he was very

important to the
record reviewers.

- What was was, what
will be we'll see.

- You won't be disappointed
Mr. Ferrara believe me.

- I hate to be
disappointed once.

And I'm never
disappointed twice.

- I understand sir.

- What about the
jukebox situation?

- That's my business.

And I want you to let James
take care of the record company.

That's his business.

- Buckmaster I tell you
what, tonight The Pages

are having a little cocktail
party up at their hotel suite.

Kind of like to have
you run by there,

develop a little
rapport with them.

So you don't go in the studio
cold with them tomorrow.

- Tomorrow I'm all booked
with The Group.

- So be unbooked.

Let me tell you something
while I got you in here.

I'm getting fed up with all
this artistic bull stuff

you been pulling off
around here.

It's about time you
started earning

that fancy salary of yours.

Now you'll be in the studio
tomorrow recording The Pages.

And I'll make that record
number one with a bullet.

- It was always my understanding

that the only charts
you understood

were cash flow
projections and computers.

I didn't know you had
any creative expertise.

- Look I became president
of this company

because I have expertise in
every phase of its operation.

- There's one thing I learned
from the last president

of this company, Norman Shulman,

who incidentally owned
the company himself.

And that is that you can't make

chicken salad out of
chickens music.

- Don't pull it Norman
Shulman stuff on me will you?

He's gone, I'm running
this label now.

- Well don't pull your
artistic bull with me.

- Listen will you please.

You don't understand you're
in the big leagues now.

Come on this isn't some lots
and cheesecake operation.

You're working with a
corporate division.

When we get behind
something, things happen.

- That act's not
worth the vinyl.

- What is it, maybe I'm
talking a foreign language.

I gotta answer the
Board of Directors.

And you, you answer to me.

Now I'm gonna give you the ball.

You're gonna run with
it and you're

gonna put points on
the scoreboard.

- This isn't a damn football
game, this is music.

- Alright music, it's still
competition win or lose.

You don't believe me
look out there.

There's a million people
out there right now

all across America, and
they're waiting for what?

For somebody to tell them
what's right for them.

I mean wait a minute
listen to me.

I made that decision, I
get paid for that.

I know what's right for them,
The Pages.

Why, 'cause they're clean,
they're decent,

they got joy in their heart.

They got hope in their
voice for all America.

Listen to what I'm saying.

- Stop kidding yourself.

I know what sells,
that's what I'm paid for.

People aren't as dumb as
you want to think they are.

They want something that's
real, something of value.

And you have it downstairs,
The Group.

We can be proud of that product

and still make 20
million dollars.

- Listen The Group is a
walking pig stye, look at them.

They're a bunch of freaks,
don't you understand?

And while you're recording them

some sharpshooter in
the industry,

he's out trying to pick me off.

I'm gonna tell you something,
he's not gonna do it pal.

No way, you understand?

I'll tell you what we need now.

We need profits and
that's all this quarter.

We don't get the profits,
no recordings, no releases.

Your friends in The
Group they're out.

We'll cut the staff down.

You know Johnny?

Johnny's gone.

I'm not asking you for advice.

I'm telling you you
take The Group

you put them on the back burner.

You leave him there till
I tell you otherwise.

- Well it's obvious you
are going into dumb music.

But what makes you think
I'm gonna help you?

- That's simple, you got
no options that's why.

You got no options you see.

You'll be in the studio
tomorrow, you'll record The
Pages

with enthusiasm or else
you're not going

into a record company again
with The Group, with anyone.

Don't cut your own throat.

- You couldn't run this
company without me.

You think you can take
The Pages into a studio,

make a commercial record
out of that go ahead.

No I know I can't do that.

You walked out on me
I'm in trouble.

I don't know what I do.

I know what you'll do,
you'll do nothing, natta.

You'll be out there saving the
rocks that's what you'll do.

I'll pull that no competition
clause in your contract

so fast it'd make
your head spin.

For four years you
won't be doing

anything in any
recording company.

You'll be able to push a broom
around a damn record store.

You're uptight alright, so am I.

Maybe that's good, it's
a sensitivity session.

Think it helps clear the air.

You understand, come on
come on let's go, come on.

- So long.

Grossman's
office called again.

- Tell them I'm out of town.

Thank God.

- Call Early down to studio.

Tell him I want to see
him right away.

- What's the matter,
got problems?

- Nothing I can't handle.

He may be the man with
the golden ear,

but I got a ring in it with
a chain four years long.

- Let's go down and
make some records.

- We're gonna have to
cool it for a bit.

I have to record a new group.

Now I'm gonna try and
finish them as fast as I can

and get back with you in a
couple of days.

- Got to record a new group?

Man we've been waiting
seven months.

Those cat's are waiting
on me downstairs.

- Yeah I know man it blows my
mind too but that's the way

it's gonna have to be
just for a little while.

I'll get back to you as
soon as I can.

- Ah bull.

- Now come on man who
you talking to?

- And seven months we
been rehearsing,

getting it together,
now here we are.

- I mean ever since I
met you and The Group man

I been helping you
with your act,

with your sound, with your
style, with everything.

- Man I got cats
downstairs waiting

who believe in me,
believe in you.

- Well just get your
head into that

Mel Cooper gig for a
couple of days man.

It was hard enough to get
you and the guys on TV.

I'll take care of
everything else.

- I just don't know one
thing, one thing Bucky.

Are we gonna finish the
album or not?

- Man we're gonna
finish that album.

That album's as important
to me as it is to you.

- Wow, look man I'm
gonna trust you.

We friends right?

- Right.
- Man to man right?

Okay solid.

- Alright.

- Me and you.

You take care, later.

- Mr. Buckmaster I'm Lee
Gallagher, I called you.

- I told you I don't listen
to unsolicited material.

- Yeah but I hitchhiked all
the way from Carbondale.

- I didn't ask you to come.

- But I'm here, can't you
give me just five minutes?

- Get yourself a manager.

- What's five minutes?

If you don't like it I'll
never bother you again.

- Please?

- Listen it's my life.

I'm not gonna leave you
alone until you listen to me.

- Now you listen to me.

You've got two chances in
this business, slim and none.

And that's only if
somebody gets behind you

and pushes, and pulls, and
turns you every way but loose.

There's 100 burnt out
cases for every one

that gets to be a third
rate road band.

Now you go home to Carbondale

and get yourself a
job and a woman.

'Cause if I ever see you
around here again

I'm gonna have you
busted for vagrancy.

- What did you do to
the gent Mr. Buckmaster?

He staggered out of here
like a zombie.

- You ever see him
around here again buddy,

you make sure he gets
up to my office alright?

Okay have a good day.

- Here he is everybody,

the man I've been talking
about, Buckmaster.

- Well hi there.

I'm Franklyn Page.

- Dow do you do?

- Mighty pleased to meet
you Buckmaster.

You know I reckon
this is gonna be

a real opportunity
working with you.

- I reckon it will.

To The Pages.

And the sound of the 70's.

- Oh that's good.

- It's just like a dream
come true being here.

- Hi I'm Gary.

Is your name Buckmaster or?

- Call me Buckmaster.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- His father was the famous
jazz pianist Harry Buckmaster.

- Far out.

- Waiter, get my friend a
drink will you.

- Why sure sure that was a
real famous name in music.

You know I'd be mighty proud
to see the name Page up there.

- Can you sit down?

- You know we almost
missed our flight?

We just felt he couldn't leave
without visiting our mom.

- Should have brought her along,
on us.

- She's gone, just five
years ago today.

- Velour.

- See Daddy here doesn't
like for me to talk about her

because I guess he's afraid
people we'll think we're corny.

You don't think there's
anything wrong

with honest feelings
do you Mr. Buckmaster?

- Not when they sell
records honey.

- Hey does anybody have
anything to smoke?

- Oh I got some--

- Cool it for now
sweetheart please.

Here.

- Hey that's some bad torch.

- Like it Gary, here
be my guest.

Use it in good health.

- Hey far out.

Thanks Mike.

Next time why don't you take
it right out of my mouth.

- I'm so excited, I
can't believe we're

actually going into a
studio with you tomorrow.

- That's the schedule.

- You just can't
believe how much

I'm really looking forward
to working with you.

- Should be an experience.

- Hey Franklyn.

- How are you?

- Alright, listen I
have somebody here

I want you to meet especially.

His name is Al Rapp,
Editor of Chart Magazine.

- Mr. Rapp, we just love
your magazine.

We get it in Orlando and
it just makes us

feel a part of the
whole industry.

- No no no it Al sweety.

And make sure you get
next week's issue

because we're running a
full page ad on you folks.

Where did James ever find her?

- Well we were playing
Disney World in Orlando.

- What were you doing honey?

- That's really cute
you saying that.

Because I just loved
your records

when I was in Junior
High School.

- Thank you.

Cheers.

- Hey hold it, that's
just how I got it.

- You need to get Johnny to
write something special for me.

- But Johnny's under
contract to A Chord.

You know he can't do that.

Are you coming to A Chord?

- Don't look so thrilled.

Warren says if I'm nice to Rapp
he'll talk to James for me.

And who knows maybe I'll end up

in a studio with you one day.

I could surprise you you know.

- A studio?

- Come on Al.

Did I ever tell you I just
love your way with numbers?

- It is not so easy to
get a pick of the week

these days Bucky but I think
we just got one with The Pages.

- You make promises Warren
and I'm supposed to keep them.

Don't count on it.

- We're all in the
same boat Bucky.

- Mom played the piano.

She taught Gary and me to
believe in God's music.

- Velour I don't think that
Ellen is rely interested in--

- Oh I am, it's fascinating,
it's dynamite copy.

- Well it's gonna be a big page

in your memory book hey Buck?

- Don't you get to
feeling too good yet.

I'll catch you later.

Excuse me, I'm gonna
have to leave now.

You folks might want to get
to sleep early for tomorrow

Hey
that's a good idea.

Goodnight.

Good night
Buck I'll see you.

- Sleep's like
practicing for death

when there's so much to do.

- Good night, nice
meeting you both.

- Goodnight.

- Easy Buck.

- Don't get too burned up kid.

- It's five degrees,
the weather man

says it's gonna be that
way again tonight.

You know what we're gonna
do, we're gonna hang out.

It's Frankie Crocker
in New York.

We've got good music for you.

Of course speaking of
good music last night

I had the opportunity to
see a brand new group.

It's like they call
themselves The Group.

And they have a dynamite sound.

Make your knees freeze and
your liver quiver baby.

And I tell you what I got
a little surprise for you.

They gave me a tape last night.

Took it home, listened to it

and I thought it was good
enough for you.

In fact I dig him and one
other note too on that.

Tomorrow night they're
gonna be opening live

the first time in New
York at the Rolling Dome.

Check out bad sounds
of The Group.

- Come in.

- Here.

- Thanks.

Does James know about this?

- James knows about everything.

Look Buck, everybody
around here appreciates

what you're doing
for this place.

But James is the boss and
we gotta do it

his way or the ball game's over.

You know it's not
that bad at all.

I mean it's a two billion
dollar a year industry

because of button down
types like James.

Yeah but first you have
to have the music to sell.

- They don't believe that.

They believe that money and
muscle can sell anything.

- Hey listen man don't
blow your gig, I mean.

- That's what I'm trying
to tell you Buck.

- How are you Buck?

- What's the matter?

Hi Dad, I've got
some stuff to drop off.

- Hey, how are you champ?

I can't come
to the house tonight.

- Okay.

Oh pay dirt.

Hey, a good boy taking
care of his old mans nose.

- Dad can I talk to you
privately for a second?

- Come in to my office.

- Listen dad you're gonna have

to make that blow
stretch a little.

I don't know when I can
do it for you again.

- What you got trouble
with the law?

- No no it's just,

it seems like everyone's
into my business downtown.

I just have to clean
things up a little.

James is trying to play Mr.
Music

and that could get to
be a nightmare.

- He's the boss, he's
running the company ain't he?

- The only notes he ever
heard of are promissory.

Now he's trying to
tell me what kind

of music the people
want to hear.

- All I know is you're making
some pretty heavy dough.

- Oh come on man you know I'm
in here just for the money.

You know that if I can't
make my kind of music

I might as well be
selling shingles.

- Look all that hard stuff,

it doesn't always put
the food on the table.

- It was never more
important than your freedom.

If I lose my freedom I lose

my reputation and I
lose everything.

- All I'm saying is just
don't do anything stupid.

Why don't you talk to Shulman?

- Yeah maybe I will do that.

Alright dad I got a split
I'll catch you later.

- Hey champ.

Don't do anything stupid.

- Okay let's take it
from the top

again one more time please.

- The arrangements
ain't making it.

We're gonna try to salvage
it, let's try a new approach.

Let's overdub a new piano track.

Okay cut.

Okay let's run it down.

No no, no no that's not working.

Let's change the rule Johnny.

Hold it, hold it.

Instead of repeating
the G minor seven

let's change it to a B
flat major seven.

Alright that's good.

Okay let's run
it again from the top.

- Gary, Franklin would you
step closer to your mics?

We need a fatter
sound on a voice.

Okay that's fine.

Velour, when you hold
those long notes

would you start your
vibrato a little sooner?

And listen honey if you
stood closer to the mics

we get a nice breathy sexy
sound alright, thank you.

Ready when you are.

- Okay let's take five.

We're gonna listen to
some playback.

Pages if you like, you can
come into the control room.

Okay Joe let's hear it
again would you please?

- Okay Joe that's cool.

- Well should we go back
out and try it again?

- Yes let's do that.

- Let's go.

- Let's check out the
piano changes.

- Okay right, hey that
was super bad

what you did it man
bringing the voice up

like that to match the other
guys, super bad really.

- I think she can sell the act.

- Hey right on.

Did you ever
try to learn Japanese?

After I have a couple

of drinks of sake I can
speak Japanese.

You think I could
learn Japanese too by drinking?

Keep drinking
the sake you'll find out.

- I don't understand why if
The Group is so much better

than The Pages they want
to promote The Pages.

- Family acts are
big this month.

The radio stations, the
record shops,

the casinos are all a
bunch of sheep.

Thank you.

If an act breaks in with
a new image of big sales

they all scramble around
to get one just like it.

They all try to cash
in on the fad.

Yeah I remember
all those lousy

British bands trying to
sound like the Beatles.

- That's right.

Most of the people who
run record companies,

they aren't about to
provide any kind of

musical leadership
for the public.

They just want to put their
hands into their pockets.

You know give me, give me.

- What happens after The Pages?

- Never mind that, what
happens tonight?

They're just gonna keep cranking

out the same kind of garbage.

Right now the idea is to have me

produce fast Buck bubble gum.

Then when they think the drug
supplies are loosening up

they're gonna tell me to produce

some music for kids to
freak out by.

- You mean like instant
social remedies

from the same wonderful
people who gave us decadence?

- I kinda like that,
that's right.

- Why don't you do
something else in your life?

Just get away from those people.

the music business is a jungle.

- Well music is my life,
it's important to me.

It's important to people
and then if it's good

it can give people some
hope and it can make them

feel good even if it is only
for a couple of minutes.

And that's what I want to do.

And I'm going to do it.

- How long before
you're finished?

I got the presses
waiting on overtime.

- As long as it takes.

Do you want it good or do
you want it now?

- Mike see if the need
anything in there will you?

Planning any breaks?

I need them for wardrobe.

- We're on a break, take
them to wardrobe.

Pages it really sounds
great in there.

I'd like to have you a few
minutes for a wardrobe fitting

in the conference if
I can please.

Maybe you ought to
come along too

and kinda get sense of what
they're gonna look like.

- I've got enough problems just

worrying about what they're
going to sound like.

- Franklyn.

Yeah I want to show you
what we got for you.

Wait till you see this wardrobe.

- It's really fantastic
the way that you keep,

you build and improve
on our sound.

- Are we working you too hard?

- No no it's really
been too exciting.

You are something to
watch in a studio.

- You seem to catch on pretty
quick, like an old pro.

- Do you really think so?

- I think we made a lot of
progress today.

- Yeah the song it's building,

and now it's really
fresh and clean.

I can't believe that you
make me sound so good.

- Wait till you hear
the finish track.

This is just the beginning.

- You really know where all the
magic buttons are don't you?

Are we gonna be able to get

the same sound on the
television show?

- Which television show?

- The one we're being
dressed for.

In eight days we're gonna
be on the Mel Cooper show.

We really better go because

Mr. James is gonna
think we ran off.

- Yeah.

Joe wrap it now would you?

- You like that?

I thinks it's dynamite.

- This is our conference room.

We use it for
wardrobe right now.

Sorry to bust up the
session but I got

some clothes I want
you to try on.

Franklyn I got a white
outfit that you'll love.

And you Gary, I want you to

try on this little
flowered shirt.

It might be a little too
much, take a look at it.

Let's see the artwork.

This is nice, this is
sweet yeah I like this.

- The main thing is really,
is it me, is it really me?

- No this no, cover up
a little bit more here.

I don't want too much to show.

What do we got a little joy
lace or something going on?

Come on, give me that.

Rebecca of Sunnybrooke Farm.

Don't cut off the head so much.

I'll give you a little
more head room.

Here she is, Velour.

Hey honey what sound
down there, beautiful.

I'm sorry to break up
your session.

- No that's okay.

- I want you to try on
this costume.

Put the gingham on her alright.

You'll love it.

Okay let's finish up here
and get it out.

This is beautiful.

Hey Buck look at the
artwork on this, beautiful.

We took it at the
airport when The Pages arrived.

- That picture in a little
tinted tone, maybe a sepia.

Kind of give you a
subliminal hint of a clean,

less complicated period of time.

Yes and with
that jet in the background

you've got impact, sex,
The Pages are here.

- I wish I'd seen this earlier.

I could lead in of jet noise,

just bury the whole
damn arrangement.

- Oh come on.

- You know how to tell
the difference between

boy chromosomes and
girl chromosomes?

You pull down their genes.

- Alright alright we had
our laugh let's get good.

- What about this TV show?

How did you get The Pages on?

I know Cooper wouldn't
break two of our acts.

- No he wouldn't.

- You got him to bump The
Group for them?

- Yeah that's right.

- It took me months to
get them on that show.

- Yeah and it took me
minutes to get them off.

You know maybe it's
time you took

some lessons in exploitation.

Hey Velour, that's
great, oh it's wonderful.

Buck what do you think?

- You look very nice.

- Thank you.
- It's super.

We'll get it pinned up.

I want you to wear that
on the Mel Cooper show.

Hey Riley pin her up will you?

Believe me baby it's in
character, Miss America.

- Good good okay.

See you back in the studio.

- You tell Early yet?

- Yeah yeah I told him.

- What did he say?

- What difference does it make?

He's of age, about time
he knew the facts of life.

- We're going to lose The Group.

- Maybe you're gonna lose them.

A Chord's got them
signed in a contract

for five years, they're
not going anyplace.

And neither is A Chord, not
if you don't open your eyes.

- Hey listen Buck come on now.

You're really a slow
learner you know that?

You been in the business
now what, eight to 10 years?

You still think music
is some kind of a little

pretty toy balloon you blow up
and you just toss in the air.

Let me tell you pal
it's product.

You gotta sell it like
any other product.

When the market is
prime you strike.

And if it's not prime you
create a market for it.

You make people believe
if they don't buy it

they're not gonna be with
it, they're not gonna be hip,

they're not gonna get
laid, not gonna get a job,

they're gonna end up at
the back of the pack.

Maybe that's good.

That's the way of the
world my friend.

- I don't believe that.

- Yeah I know.

Just tell me what
you're gonna do.

Are you gonna bite the bullet,

you gonna stay here on your job?

You gonna make the
grand stand exit

and regret it the rest
of your life?

- Don't worry, I won't do
anything stupid.

- Okay.

Norman, it's Buck.

I'm in here.

- What does that mean?

- It's Russian, it
means don't sell

the bear skin until
first you kill the bear.

Spassky is a Russian.

He doesn't understand
that I'm a Russian too.

I understand all of his
devious schemes.

- Norman this is quite
a setup you've got here.

And you're looking very good.

- You noticed?

What's on your mind?

Well it's
good to see you.

- It's always good to
see you too.

- I've got some trouble
down at the company

and I need your help.

It concerns The Group.

- They got a lot of potential.

I think they're gonna give you
a monster one of these days.

- Norman I've got them to
where they're ready to pop.

- What the hell can
your problem be?

- James, he's giving me a
lot of service.

He wants me to shelve The Group.

He's brought in some family
act without ever consulting me.

And he wants me to
produce their single.

- Do it fast and get
it over with.

And then get back to The Group.

My reputation is on the line.

- Bucky you've got a big
reputation in the music
business.

Who the hell is gonna
remember one bad record?

- That's not a question of
one bad record.

This is their new policy.

- Okay cut to the chase.

What do you want me to do?

- Whatever you can.

It was your company Norman,
you know those people.

You can go to the Board
of Directors.

I'm no longer in a position
to do anything like that.

- Oh come on Norman.

- The organization
runs the company.

The organization runs ATC.

- What, what organization,
what are you telling me?

- Oh you can't be that naive.

You grew up in Brooklyn,
you gotta

know something about
the organization.

I don't know what the
hell they called it then

but that's who runs the company.

- What, what are you telling me?

When did this all happen?

- You know Bucky you
isolated yourself

in the creative end of
our business,

and that's good, that's cool.

The only way you can hype
a record is with payola,

layola, flyola, now they
even go for drugola.

Where do you get the cash?

You can't Mickey the books,

the government won't
let you do it.

You make a deal with
the organization.

They own lots of
jukeboxes and they need

thousands and
thousands of records,

and they got a lot of
cash to circulate.

- That's what you did Norman.

We we had a successful
company, a respected label.

- They wanted to buy
the company.

They gave me enough, I'm happy.

I can play chess with Spassky.

I don't have to worry
anymore about

breaking backs and
selling wacks.

That's the way of the world.

- That's the way of the world?

So you mean the organization

is responsible for
putting James there?

- That's right Bucky.

Yeah why don't you smarten up?

Don't live in an ivory tower.

I told you many times
to succeed creatively

you must first
succeed financially.

So long Buck.

- So long Norman.

- Mike thank you very much.

You know I really enjoyed
that Chili's restaurant.

- You would.

- Thank you Frank, I'm
glad you did.

I'm sorry you didn't
enjoy it Velour.

- Mr. Lemongello
you're 100% chump.

- Vel, will you cut it out?

- I'm so sorry Mr. Lemongello,
you're a 10% chump.

You are the 100% chump.

Here.

I was looking for the
lost chord, you got it?

- I don't work nights.

- Who is talking about work?

Don't be mad.

You know I just got off
the gray line tour

of every dull site
in every town.

Come on, why don't
you take us out?

We got James's car.

And James and Lemongello
will pay for everything.

- Well thank you for the offer

but I intended to spend
the evening home.

- Oh well I'll just
keep you company.

- That's not exactly what
I had in mind.

Alright I'll tell you what?

I'll take you up on that offer.

- Okay you get in the jump seat

so Buck can sit back
here next to me.

You know where
the Rock and Roll Dome is?

- Sure.

Have a good time,
goodnight.

Thanks Frank.

Hey baby you're
looking fantastic.

- Hey thanks a lot.

You know that group is dynamite.

They are turning this place
out, they're fantastic.

- I talked to Frankie Crocker,
her really dug your tapes.

- Oh are they gonna
put anybody now?

- Didn't say, I'm taking a
lunch with him next week.

Maybe you can read live.

- Oh that's fantastic,
hey thanks a lot.

- It's alright.

- Who are your friends?

- A new act we're
bringing this week.

- There goes your act.

- Don't grab me like that again.

- Are yu out of your mind?

We didn't bring you all
this way for you

to get in trouble in a
dump like this.

- No we came all this
way to be stars right?

Stars do whatever we
damn please.

- Now get those off.

- If you want them off why
don't you get them off?

- If it'll keep you
off the floor, why not?

- I wanted to be the
roller princess

remember three years in a row.

I loved to skate
just float along

and the wind goes through
your hair and your eyelids.

And you feel so free.

Why don't
we get out of here?

- Oh why don't you
get out of here?

Take him with you.

I'm staying with Buck,
he knows his way around.

Don't start that
stuff here Velour.

- Listen it's alright, I'll
see that she gets home.

You can take the car
and I'll get us a taxi.

- Wait a minute, hold it,
hold it just a minute.

I'm responsible for all, all
the Pages do you hear me?

- Well here's your
manager Velour.

- Watch you hands.

- You watch my hands.

Now listen to meet you James.

The Pages are our property.

Anybody fucks with our property
we don't go to lawyers.

You fuck with out
property and I'll stick

an ice pick in that
golden ear of yours.

- Hey watch your hands.

- My hands I told you now.

I'll put your head up
on the ceiling.

- Just watch your
hands that's all.

- I'll get you.

- Hey baby you okay?

- Yeah man I'm cool.

- Well listen you know I'll
put that guy in a sack for you.

- No it's okay brother.

Still
alive with a one two count.

Nobody on, nobody out.

- The City Squire Hotel please.

- I'm not going back there.

- Where do you want to go?

- To your place.

Driver make that
Western Avenue an 89th Street.

- Alright.

- Janice baby, wherever you are.

- Did you know Janice?

- I saw her once, God wat
an ugly bitch.

On the outside, you know on
the inside she was beautiful.

She's me turned inside out.

- Sometimes pretty
pays the price.

- I paid my dues.

You want to call for
some dues too?

- Whatever I want out
of you Velour

I'll get in the studio,
standing up.

- Well you're a first,
you really are.

I guess if I'd met you
five years ago

things might have been a
little different.

Ooh, look at that.

- How would they be different?

Was your father a
single act before--

That pig's
not my father.

My Daddy ran off when
I was three years old.

How long have you
known Franklyn?

- Since I was in
junior high school.

See my Mama was a waitress
in town where he played

and he used to stay with us
whenever he came through.

He used to lay around
all day waiting

for me to come home from shool.

If he ever touches me
again I'm gonna kill him.

- Did your mother know?

- She must have begun to
suspect something after a while.

What the hell did she think
he was waiting around for?

You know she caught us
one night in her own bed.

- What happened?

- Well Gary found her
the next morning.

She was kneeling in
front of the oven

like she was praying you know.

It's a lot to carry.

- She wasn't any bargain either.

She brought that pig
into our house.

Buck, let's get down, come on.

- No, somebody's gotta
stay straight.

- No no, somebody's gotta
stay straight.

- Somebody's gotta push
those magic buttons right?

- Right.

Right, right, right.

You're strange you know.

You are.

You've got a chip on
your shoulder

and you strut around
like King George.

But you're okay.

You're okay.

There you go man.

- I don't have any
change at all man.

- Keep it man, I got my
money's worth.

- You don't have to pay anymore
dues Velour, not with me.

- This one's for me,
I'm free, wired, and 21.

You can take any liberty
you want with me.

- Okay, I'll be with
you in a minute alright.

- Okay.

- Was the front door open?

- Cleaning lady let us
in, is that alright?

- Yeah everything is
a big hassle.

- Hey listen man I'm sorry
I haven't called you.

- Yeah you haven't called.

- I tell you wat man listen,
I have a lot of work to do

here this morning suppose I
come by the wharf at night.

- No be cool, dig this man,
dig this.

We've been knocked out of
the studio man,

knocked off the TV show.

- Don't worry about
what I'm doing.

I told you I'll get back to
you, I'll get back to you.

- We believed in you man.

I got mouths to feed.

- Hold it many, hey.

We signed man this
record company.

- That's right man you
signed with the company

and you're under contract.

And you're professionals man.

You aught to start acting
like professionals.

- Why don't you act
like a professional man?

- Are you with us, my friend?

- I told you man, and I told
you man this cat was no good.

We been hanging out too long,
later man.

- I've nothing else to say,
wish you cats would split.

- Oh really?

- Hey man you gonna let this
guy talk to you like this man?

- Since when did you
become the leader?

- Hey man look man, he done
told what you happened man.

You can't build this
on dreams man.

This is real man, we got
to be real man.

Let's go y'all.

- Later on Buck.

- Thanks Buck.

- You see what you've done
to me, to me, my friend.

Man you a jive turkey.

- You gonna make me a big star?

- Yeah as big as they come.

- Hi I just called your office.

I thought were tired so I
got you some Chinese food.

- Hey listen Amanda.

- I didn't know you were busy.

- Well I am.

- Sorry, I've only got
enough for two.

- Thanks honey, hope you
remembered the soy sauce.

- Right on, right on, right on,
okay.

And to continue with
my winning streak folks

I've got the pick hit
of the week.

Here's a whack that is
so new it's warm

and you can rub it all
over your body.

The group is the Page family,

and they're on the A
Chord label,

a record company that
really pays their dues.

Hang around because Big
John's gonna interview

Velour Page right after
you hear her talent.

- Oh pick of the week,
just like you promised.

This is just the beginning.

- I think I'm scared.

Big John's okay--

- No, the whole thing.

- It's what you always wanted.

That's what scares me.

What if I can't do it?

- You've already done it,
that signal is on it's way.

You'll be number one in
every city you visit.

- Why don't you come with me?

It's only five days, we'll go
to California and Hollywood.

- Oh I've got work to do here.

- The Group?

- That's right, that's right.

- Oh please I need you.

- We'll talk about it
later alright.

Okay, okay.

- Step into my little home.

Hey I gotta tell you
folks this Velour Page

looks like your basic
homecoming queen.

And you can get on my
float any time.

And I'd like to do the
same for you.

Hey Velour even before
we start the conversation

we have a question of
the day here

that we play I'm gonna ask you.

How can you tell those
girl chromosomes

from the boy chromosomes?

- I don't know.

- You pull down their genes.

Isn't that nice and nasty.

Alright now it is
crystal ball time.

I am your super swami,
you say to Big John Little

hey Big John what's happening
I mean what is happening?

I can tell you one thing, the
Page family are happening.

I mean sweet as apple pie
and right here with Big John.

Tell me Velour how did
you get the name?

I mean that's such a nice
warm and furry name, Velour.

- Thank you my mom made it up.

She took Valor which is an
old family name

and velour because she wanted
more than anything else

when she was a little girl
a dress made of velveteen.

That was her biggest dream.

- That's really nice, well
I'll tell you one thing.

Mama Page is gonna have
lots of Velveteen right now.

- Well see that's my
only regret.

Mom's gone and we'll never
get to put her in velveteen.

But listen I want to ask
you something.

At a time when
companies are really

just not turning out
any new releases,

and virtually refusing to
let unknowns get a break

the Page family's coming
along with this

great big buildup, how come?

- Well I like to
think it's because

we've got something to say
that people want to hear.

Mom always said when
you sing from the heart.

- Oh yes.

- The whole world will hear you.

I would have liked your mom
and welcome to New York.

Folks you are definitely
gonna be hearing from

The Pages for weeks, for months,
forever.

- Big John.

- You got a Page there pal.

- You know you ain't
gonna last long

in this business if you
can't take it.

- Hey listen before I forget
the promotion department

wanted me to tell you
that we're running

a big gig here at the
station, big contest.

We need about 1000 albums,
but no garbage Bucky.

You dig it?

- They love me.

- You're going to be a star.

- You know what, I want
to see Philadelphia.

I want to see the Liberty Bell.

- We haven't got time.

And it's not on the way
to the airport.

- I'm a star.

I want to see the Liberty Bell.

Come on who the hell are
you, my father or something?

If I can't see the damn
Liberty Bell whenever I want to

then what the hell is
all this about right?

- Look the Liberty Bell is old,

and it's small and it's cracked.

You're gonna look at it
and fell cheated

and we're gonna miss our plane.

- Really know everything
don't you Mr. Buckmaster?

- Look Velour, I came
along to hold your hand

because you were gut scared.

Now anytime you know
just let me know.

I've got lots to do
back in New York.

- Like The Group?

- Like The Group.

Hi.

- You know she is a natural.

She just turns it off
and on like a faucet.

- Do you know what the most

exciting part about
being a star is?

You see all the places
that you ever read about.

- Did you speak to the
office today?

Is the record moving?

- Oh they are so excited.

They're talking about it
even bigger promotional tour.

- And values, the
history of America

is just coming alive for me.

Everything Mom and Dad
taught me about

and made me proud of is
all becoming real.

- You know if Miss
America over there

could only sing large
she'd be a superstar.

Doesn't she know that her
voice comes out of your head?

- And now I guess I'm a
full fledged star.

- And that's what they
call the all American hype.

- I hear the strip is a
wild funky place.

You've got to take me
out one night.

I bet you know where all the

interesting places
are don't you?

- You bet I do.

- Miss Page comes on
like a walking talking

Kewpie Doll carved out
of maple sugar candy.

Whether the pleasing
musical qualities

of her single are a
tribute to her talent

or Coleman Buckmasters
is a question of time.

The true Geiger counter
of ultimate talent.

I'm gonna Geiger
counter that critic.

I don't think it's funny.

What if he's right?

Buck?

I want you.

Look I need you.

You know with you
behind me I can have

everything I ever wanted.

I want you exclusively.

- It's a one way street.

- Come on.

Just make my records mine,
nobody else's.

- Look Velour things don't
really work that way.

I think we're going to
have to trust each other.

- Trust?

Buck The Group trusted you.

I feel the same way about
Early I feel about you.

- I think the only way
that I'd ever trust you,

I mean really trust you is
if you were married to me.

- Look.

This is really all too
complicated, let's drop it.

You're going to have
to trust me.

- An exclusive contract.

You'll have me.

You'll manage my career.

You'll make my records
and nobody else's.

- Marriage, and your career,
that's two contracts.

- Yes.

- Hold it a second will you?

Geiger, Willie Geiger?

Tonight for the opening
monologue Willie

will you hold the cue
cards up close

to the lens so I
don't have to play

the funny stuff to
the damn floor?

- You read this stuff?

- Yes I do.

- Let me just say we're a
little nervous

because we've never
worked on the, thank you.

We've never worked on
the boob tube before.

- Boob tube, say boob
tube because

we really like that here,
it's funny.

- Another thing about us you see

we don't dance, we don't act.

- I've heard.

You move us in
a position we just sort of--

- Stay there, lie there and--

- I'll be glad to work
either standing up

or sitting whichever you prefer.

- I don't care,

do you want to work standing
or you want to work sitting?

Gee this is exciting.

- Well I tell you I'd
like to work standing

because I think is hard to hit.

- Did you hear, that's funny
I haven't heard that before.

Alright they're gonna
work standing.

- The Pages are getting
the biggest push

in the history of this company.

You can't afford not to
get on this bandwagon.

And I'm telling you as a friend.

- Maybe.

They sure that this
thing's gonna be that big?

- Oh come on, would
I lie to you?

- You only live once right?

I never know when you're
lying and when you're not.

I'll take 10,000 pieces.

- 10,000 pieces, you'll
run out in a day.

They'll tear your store apart.

Your customers will go somewhere
else and never come back.

Buckmaster produced this
and you know his friends.

It's gonna be a a monster
Teddy, Teddy a monster.

- You only live once right.

Let me have 15,000
pieces but don't boot me.

- 15,000 pieces, make it 20,000

and I'll give you an
extra 4000 on the house.

But I want a window display.

- Okay hot sell.

- Did you get ahold of them?

- Yep, everything's set.

- I don't like the way
they're standing together.

Something's up.

- You bet something's up,

I straighten his head
up about five days ago.

- Can I trust you till then?

- Can you trust me?

Are you serious?

- Velour, can you light
her from the right?

- What?

- Velour, my daughter.

- You named her Velour,
terrific name.

Hey guys when we're
lighting Velour we're not

lighting the curtain, we're
lighting his daughter.

Good name.

- Yeah he looks good
on the tube.

- Color you know.

- Just tied up a very
heavy order.

- You sold the Greek?

- Keep up the good work.
- Beautiful.

- All it takes is genius,
and a little of your money.

- Looks like you've earned
some of it in a bonus.

- That's really music.

- Listen, you pump this
record up to number five

on the Billboard you got
your wife a new mink coat.

I mean full skins, no paws.

- I gotta go.

- Hey, look at this.

- Love it.

- Mr.
Cooper they want

you up in the control booth.

- They need me right?
- Yes.

- I got to do everything
but clean the toilets.

Alright people, 10 minute
break everybody.

- Is it alright if we go up
to our dressing rooms now?

- Oh and the artists
may go to their

dressing rooms if they desire.

- Mr.
Cooper, Mr. Mel Cooper

please phone extension 831.

What the
hell are you doing in there?

Are you nuts, how's he gonna
work at that condition?

- Keep the door closed.

If he doesn't get off then he's
just gonna mess up my sound.

- Alright James what are
you gonna do about this?

- Look if she says he
needs it, he needs it.

You get him anything he
wants as long as

he goes on the air
you understand?

That's what you're here for.

- Now wait a minute--

- Look that's your job.

- This is a little more formal

than I thought it was gonna be.

- Strictly by the book.

- Are these vows you are taking

in front of these witnesses
of your own free will?

- They are.

- Do you Velour Page take
this man Coleman Buckmaster

to be your lawfully
wedded husband,

to love and to cherish
in sickness and in health

for better or for worse
until death do you part?

- I do.

- And do you Coleman
Buckmaster take this woman

Velour to be your
lawfully wedded wife,

to love and to cherish
in sickness and in health

for better or for worse
until death do you part?

- I do.

- Then please place
the ring on her finger.

I now pronounce you
man and wife.

Good luck brother.

- Oh I never thought I'd get
you to go through with it.

- I thought I wouldn't myself.

But I decided to
bite the bullet.

- Hold on a minute.

Mr. James, Mr. Barfield
would like to speak to you.

He says it's urgent.

- You're kidding?

What can we do about it?

Yeah okay I think you're right.

Yeah I'll get The Pages up
here right away, tonight.

Yeah okay.

Get The Pages on the phone.

Tell them I want them up here
right away, now immediately.

- Right away.

- Okay fine.

Hey Gare turn that
thing off will you?

You gotta get your bird
in motion kid.

We're due down at A
Chord right away.

- Mr. James will be right in.

- Thank you.

- Hello.

Yeah she's here, just a minute.

- Hello?

- Have you seen the charts,
Ellen.

- Very nice.

- I suppose I don't
have to tell you

we're already setting records
with the jukebox industry.

- I know.

- I wish you would have
been here a minute ago,

Hollywood was on the phone.

They called, they want
The Pages for a movie.

Those people I tell
you, when they get wind

that something's getting
hot they want it.

- And I can tell when
something is wrong.

- It's nothing really,
nothing at all.

We'll take care of it.

Come on in sit down for a
minute,
make yourself comfortable.

- Yeah you just better
be sitting down

because the next time I see.

What, yeah hold on a second.

James wants us in his
office right away.

- He wants me too?

- Does he went Buck too?

- He wants The Pages.

But I'm not gonna go
unless you go too.

- Relax.

- Hello.

Thank you, yeah send them in.

Buckmaster's here too.

You may go in
to Mr. James' office now.

- Thank you.

Hey you were gonna
tell me something

really important on the
telephone, what was it?

- Yeah what was it?

- Come on let's go, I'll
tell you later.

- Come in, come in.

The Pages, good come on in.

Mr. Ferrara, Franklin Page,
Gary Page.

And this is our lovely
little Velour.

Mr. Ferrara is one of
our major stockholders.

Oh yeah this is
Coleman Buckmaster,

the man with the golden ear.

Buck sit over there will you?

Franklyn come in here, sit here.

Gary, right here pal.

Velour this is perfect for you.

Thanks for coming everybody.

Well, we're all together.

First of all let me say this.

The most important aspect
of any relationship

between a record company
and its interests

is mutual respect and
integrity, a mutual trust.

You entrust to us your finances.

We in turn entrust
you our image.

Now sometimes
unfortunately major artists

when they become
successful have a tendency

to forget that it was
a team effort

that helped get them over
the goal line.

I'm sure that in your success

you won't forget the team.

- Absolutely, I want to
tell you something James.

We are all mighty grateful

about the way you've been
treating all of us here.

- Thank you Frank and
I know you're sincere.

- And you know I wouldn't
say it otherwise.

- May I on behalf of A
Chord Records say

that we were very proud to
consider The Page family

now among our galaxy of stars.

You know we have a reputation
and have had for a long time

dealing very fairly
with our artists.

It's a reputation that
was established

many years ago by
Norman Shulman,

our founder 27 years ago
as a matter fact.

To show our
appreciation today I have

a little something
special for you.

- What do you have in mind?

Velour.

- I've asked the attorneys

to draw up a brand new
contract for you.

It will give the Page
family all of

the maximum royalties
that befit major stars.

We kind of like to have
you sign this new contract

and do away with the old
one you signed

so long ago down in Florida.

I'd like to do it now while
we're all together in a huddle.

- Mr. James I want to
tell you something.

I think that is very
very kind of you.

I'd like to see my manager,
Mike.

Say Mike, are you sure you
looked this over carefully?

- Oh they're dynamite Frank,
they're great contracts.

I been over them with a
fine tooth comb.

What about the expenses?

Two or
three times more.

It's all down there in
the contract.

- Let me get Gary in here.

Gary see you, come over, Gary.

It looks okay to me is there
anything you want to ask Mike?

- Do we get the money up front?

- Up front, all written
down right in the contract.

Trust me.

- Sounds okay to me.

- Let's do it.
- Let's go back.

Well Mr. James if it's okay with

our manager, it's okay with us.

- That's great Frank.

Listen I took the liberty of
getting three brand new pens,

one for each of you
for a souvenir.

- Keep it.

- On the last page.

- On the lats page.

- There you are Gary for you.

Velour, rouge.

- Thank you, and Gary
right under Franklyn.

Very good thank you.

And now Velour
sweetheart please.

- It's okay Velour, you
can sign them.

- She can't sign
these contracts.

- Hey Buckmaster take a walk.

- Coach,

I'm just trying to put some
points up on the scoreboard.

- I think it's about time you--

- Sit down.

Talk fast.

- By now your attorneys
have examined the contract

that Page has signed with the
recording company in Florida.

I presume they have notified you

that there are certain
legal deficiencies.

Velour Page was 16 years old
when she signed that contract.

And she's chosen to disavow what

she signed before she
became of age.

- Wait a minute you're
an A&R man here.

We've got an attorney with--

- James.

Go on.

- You see Franklyn's not
her real father.

- But just a minute,
I'm her legal guardian.

- You were never her
legal guardian.

And any minor has the
right to disavow

any agreements entered into
before becoming of age.

And any contract A Chord
has with Velour

is invalid because
in legal terms

she was an infant when
she signed it.

You must
have something in mind.

- I do.

- The prettiest two words in
the English language, I do.

- Now wait a minute look you're
under contract here too pal.

You're in no position to start
pulling this kind of stuff

about what you think is
right, what you think--

You act
like a businessman too.

- As Mr. James says I'm
under contract to A Chord.

- Your right he is.

- And The Group is under
contract to A Chord.

But Velour Page is under
contract to me.

And I might add a valid
and binding agreement.

- That's very
enterprising of you.

Even a little opportunistic.

- That's right.

And now let me take this moment
to propose a simple trade.

I'll assign to you Velour
Page's contract.

And in return you'll give me

my contract and The
Group's contract.

An even exchange and
we'll be free and clear.

And you'll have all The
Pages, the whole book.

- Wait I don't think I
follow what's going on.

- You know Buckmaster.
- It's cool.

- You are what's wrong
with America today.

You're supposed to be an artist.

You're supposed to have soul.

But you're just a
schemer like them.

When the artists of a
nation act like politicians

and businessmen we can expect
a decline of greatness.

Buckmaster you have talent.

The Group has talent.

I hope one day we can do
business again.

- You have a deal.

We can exchange
contracts tomorrow?

You mean that's it?

- That's it.

- That's like a
double cross to me.

- You'll be alright.

- No it's not so easy.

You can't get rid of
me that easy.

Remember we're married, married.

I can sign your name to
every damn check I want to,

every charge account I want to.

There isn't a damn judge
in the country

who won't give me nine cents

out of every 10 cents
that you get.

- Oh excuse me I didn't
know there was anyone here.

- Hey not now man.

- Why did you do it?

- That's the way of the world.